An object flew through the air at an incredible speed on a rocky planet bolts of lightning were flying out behind it. It shook everything up behind it. A small rabbit like creature was lucky to avoid collision with the object. The object was in fact a person, flying through the air. Using his flight ring Lightning Lad of the legion of Superheroes was seeing just how fast he could fly. He hadn't changed much since the battle against Braniac, his robotic arm had been replaced with a very similar one after the destruction of the original replacement. The town of new metropolis was just ahead and approaching quickly but he didn't notice... He was having to much fun! He span round to look at the sky, he could see a spaceship fly by on it's way to some distant planet in the night sky. He looked up suddenly. "Oh..." He was heading straight for a skyscraper. He had just enough time to move aside. He was forced to dodge more and more of the high buildings. He weaved in and out of the flying cars, there was a constant chorus of "Oups. Sorry! Look out! Can't stop!" as he flew along with several near misses. Just as it looked like he was safe a flying lorry appeared in front of him. The man was able to avoid the driver but went straight through the back of the lorry. He landed painfully on the floor, stunned by the impact. The red haired man opened his eyes as a group of science police ran over to him.
-I'm Ok... He said getting up holding his head.
-Don't care buddy you're under arrest. Said an officer pointing his gun at him.
-Not again! Lightning Lad let himself fall backwards against the pavement.
A few hours later, a disgraced Lightning Lad was sitting in a prison cell. Since Brany's betrayal, eight years ago, things at the legion had been quiet... To quiet for his liking so he decided to have some fun... He looked round as a policeman removed the forcefield from his cell. Timber wolf and Phantom Girl came into his cell. They hadn't changed much either taller but nothing else... He could see on their faces that they were not amused.
-Get up! Said Timber Wolf. We're leaving.
-Really Lightning Lad, this is like the second time in three months! Yelled Phantom Girl.
-I'm sorry... He said appologeticly.
-Sorry doesn't quite cut it! You're a Legionnaire! Not an adrenaline junky! She continued.
-Yeah.. If we don't set an example how can we hope that the rest of the galaxy will? Asked Timber Wolf.
-Sorry guys I'm just bored! Moaned the legionnaire.
-You won't be bored for long, Saturn Girl and Cosmic Boy are back from their mission. Said Phantom Girl. I just know they'll be thrilled when they hear what you've done.
Lightning Lad gulped and followed his friends out of the prison to a ship waiting near by. He knew for a fact that they didn't like his little escapades. The last time after a little accident with a space cruser he had been on washing up duty for a month... After boarding the ship, Lightning Lad decided to stay quiet. It wasn't long until they reached the headquarters. He followed the other legionnaires sheepishly. Other Legionnaires gave him glares as he walked past, he tried to avoid looking at them. Eventually they arrived at Cosmic Boy's office. Lightning Lad turned to Timber Wolf.
-Good Luck. Said the wolf creature, "I'll need it" Though the red haired man as he knocked.
-Come in Garth. Yelled Cosmic Boy from the other side of the door.
Hang on, had Cosmic Boy just called him by his real name... That either meant that he was in a good mood or that Lightning Lad only had a few more moments to live... Gathering all his courage Lightning Lad hit the button that opened the door. Saturn Girl was sitting on the desk smiling at Cosmic Boy who was sitting in his chair. No drastic changes in them either, only that Cosmic Boy was slightly less of a control freak... As the door closed behind him, Lightning Lad was preparing himself for what was to come. He closed his eyes as Cosmic Boy started to speak :
-Well... Apparently Garth you've done your regular trick of causing quite a mess... He said strangely happy.
-I know I shouldn't have... But I was bored! Go ahead tell me to do the washing up for the next year! I don't care! He grumbled.
Cosmic Boy and Saturn Girl exchanged puzzled looks before looking back at him smiling. For a moment Lightning Lad wondered if his telepathic friend was using her powers to communicate with Cosmic Boy without him knowing...
-What do you think Irma? Asked Cosmic Boy.
-No one was hurt, were they? She said to Cosmic Boy who nodded back.
-Well then there you go, just be a bit more careful next time Garth. He said.
-Is there something I've missed? Lightning Lad asked confused. Why haven't you ordered me to clean the toilets or something?
-Why do you keep using our Superhero names Garth? Asked the telepath. It's Irma and Rokk when we're not on duty.
This really was confusing... Why were they being so nice all of a sudden? Normally using their real names was pretty rare families aside... Even if sometimes the founding members of the legion switched on to a more familiar form when nobody else was around. Something was seriously strange here... Could they be clones or something? Only one way to find out, he prepared to give them both a quick blast.
-Don't you even dare! Said Saturn Girl who had apparently read his thoughts. We're perfectly fine...
-If you say so... A shame, I'd like to see who'd win. He said.
-Really Garth you need to grown up. Said Cosmic Boy rolling his eyes.
-Sure Rokk and you need to have more fun! He said smiling. Anyway I better go... The others will be dying to know what horrific punishment you gave me...
-Mater-eater-man, Shrinking Violet, Phantom Girl and Timber Wolf are waiting outside... Said Saturn Girl.
-Gives me an idea... Lightning Lad said mischievously.
-Garth... Started Cosmic Boy.
It was to late, Lightning Lad through himself out of the room onto the floor in front of his fellow legionnaires. They stared at him with shock.
-Oh no! Please! I'll do anything! Just keep me away from them! He screamed pointing at Cosmic Boy.
He then flew off, the other legionnaires believed that Cosmic Boy had just beaten up his own friend and looked at him in shock. Cosmic Boy standing in the doorway, shook his head, "That fool will never learn..." He thought.
-And don't do that again! He yelled shaking his fist at his friend who had flow off. You guys get back to your duties.
The shocked legionnaires started to walk off, one by one. Cosmic Boy went back into his office to Saturn Girl who was smiling. Their Red Haired friend sure had a gift for getting himself into trouble... He had been sent to prison a grand total of seven times in the past seven years... This made twice this year... What was wrong with his friend? Saturn Girl had obliviously been reading his thoughts.
-Don't worry Rokk, he's just going through a difficult period... The blond haired woman said.
-Yeah, the same difficult period that he's been going through for over seven years! Cos moaned. I thought he stop when he was about twenty but look, he's twenty five next week and still acts like he's fourteen!
-He needs something to distract him... A mission of some kind... She said.
Cosmic Boy thought for a moment, what could he do? Or get Lightning Lad to do more precisely... He didn't particularity want to put his friend in danger but the hot headed and excitable man was likely to mess up anything diplomatic. And sending him on a scouting mission would just get him even more bored! What if...
-That's risky, Rokk. Said Irma. I thought you were going to send Timber Wolf or Phantom Girl?
-Well, I can't see what harm he could do... Anyhow we were going to tell them weren't we? So might as well strike while the iron is hot.
-And just hope we don't strike it so hard that it breaks... Saturn Girl said doubtingly.
Later the same day, Lightning Lad looked around the legion hall, the whole legion was here! Over the past seven years their numbers had slowly increased but there weren't any missions to send the legionnaires busy! It was all very-well for the newbies on their scouting missions but the older members who had known the days of the Fatal Five and the war against Imperiex it was pretty darn boring! Though none of the others seemed to get themselves into so much trouble... Phantom Girl and Timber Wolf were dating and so were Cos and Saturn Girl. Was it just him? Maybe he needed to change...
-Got arrested again huh Garth? Said a voice behind him, that he instantly recognised as Nemesis Kid. Maybe you'll stay there one day...
-I got out Kid! And it's better that sitting around all day and enjoying the perks of being a Legionnaire! Growled Lightning Lad turning to face the younger legionnaire. And it's Lightning Lad to you or better yet sir!
-You only got out cause of that soppy Rokk! He used to be such a good leader then look he turned soft!
-Mind your tongue! Lightning Lad made himself look more menacing. He's our leader!
-Maybe he won't be for long... Said Nemesis.
-What was that! Roared the red haired founder.
-I'm just saying he's getting older maybe one day he'll be a bit to slow.
-You! I'm gonna knock your nose in buddy!
Nemesis Kid had got a taller since the mission with Grimbor but he was still pretty skinny. His attitude changed as well instead of improving he'd gotten way worse. He regarded many of the older legionnaires as having old views... He tried to make himself taller but was still far smaller that Lightning Lad and a lot less imposing. Ready to hit the nuisance Lightning Lad then saw a group of other Legionnaires come up behind Nemesis. His little gang... There was about four of them now, it was impossible for him not to make a scene now... He relaxed himself but apparently now he was the one in for a pounding.
-What? Realised that you don't stand a chance against me? Asked the little nuisance.
-I think, he doesn't want to start a fight here Nemesis Kid and if you were wise you wouldn't either... Said a voice behind them.
It was Karate Kid far more taller, muscular and fearsome looking than he had been before he now was almost as tall as Lightning Lad and just about as imposing as Superman. Nemesis seemed to be not so eager to fight any more perhaps because his powers didn't work on Karate Kid... Instead he just turned round with his gang and walked off. "I don't think we've heard the last of this..." thought Lightning Lad.
-Thanks Karate Kid... I think that I may have one but... I'm not to sure that Saturn Girl and Cosmic Boy would be happy with me blowing up the base... Again...
-No probs, Lightning Lad. That nuisance gets on my nerves... The Legion is doing fine as it is! He said.
-Yep, anyhow it'll be guys like you who'll get the torch after we've gone not him. Lightning glanced back at Nemesis who was storming off. Any idea why Cos and Saturn Girl called us?
-Nope, none... Won't have to wait long. Look there they are!
Said Karate Kid pointing at the purple costumed Legionnaire and the blond haired woman. Cosmic Boy and Saturn Girl stood in the middle of the hall, they looked strangely happy. What was happening? What did he not know?
-I've got an important announcement guys! Yelled Cosmic Boy to get everyone's attention.
-We've run out of food again? Asked Lightning Lad jokingly.
-Nothing quite so dramatic Lightning Lad... He said smiling. Saturn Girl and I are getting married!
There was an applause and cheering. Lightning Lad felt like the whole world was collapsing in on him... What had Cosmic Boy just said? Had he been dreaming? No didn't look like it... An incredible jealousy took hold of the legionnaire, one that he knew he had to fight... For his and everyone else's sake... "You shouldn't be angry... Be happy for them... Your two best friends, together." It took a while but he calmed down, Saturn Girl was distracted so hadn't read his thoughts apparently. He flew over to his two friends :
-Congratulations... He said trying to sound happy.
-Thanks. Said Cosmic Boy looking at his friend. Hey, Lightning Lad we...
He didn't have time to finish his sentence, too many people were swarming round the duo trying to congratulate them. Lightning Lad smiled before flying off. Later that night, the red haired legionnaire was sitting in a bar. He'd had quite a few drinks perhaps a few to many and was only too aware of it. He'd been thinking about his past with his two friends. Despite the occasional arguments, he had always gotten on with Cosmic Boy. He'd always liked Saturn Girl more than liked... But he'd always been to timid to as her out. Unlike Cos who had asked, he didn't know that they were even considering marriage... Someone tapped him on the shoulder, he looked around to see a muscular man who looked like he could make a boxer...
-Hey, you hear about those two Legionnaire love birds? He asked.
-I'm a Legionnaire what do you think? Lightning Lad was already angry.
-Oh right... I always thought that she was your girl... What happened you not good enough for her? He asked, did he want a fight or what? Well I guess that other guy is far more reliable, not getting into trouble with the law all the time...
He wasn't sure if it was his anger or the drinks but without warning Garth turned around and hit the man in the face. Shocked the man hit him back and worse two of his friends joined in. Within seconds a reasonably violent bar fight had broken out... And as per usual the space police arrived within minutes. It took a while to separate the brawlers but eventually they pulled the two apart. The rest of that night was blank... The Legionnaire woke up in a cell in the prison, the same one he'd been in the day before. He had a cut lip, a black eye and one hell of a hang over.
He waited for some one to get him out... It seemed to take longer this time... Where were they? He started to pace something he rarely did. He looked out of his cell he could see several prisoners who had been arrested by the legion before but no Legionnaires. Then something even weirder... A prison guard came in with a plate of slop.
-What's this for? Asked the legionnaire.
-Your food genius, it's tea time! Chef's speciality, leftovers! He said before laughing cruelly.
-Hang on? How long have I been in here?
-We got you at half one yesterday, it's now 9°clock so almost a day. Said the guard. Longest you've even been in aye? Doesn't look like your friends are coming... It's about time that you stayed with us, prisoner 43...
Prisoner 43... Was that his new name? For the next few days, Lightning Lad refused to eat the food manly out of pride. He would eat that garbage soon enough he'd be eating out of the legion cantine... But nobody came... By day four, he was in a pathetic state, thin, weak, filthy... He finally swallowed his pride and ate the slop. He noticed the smirk on the guards face...
-You lasted longer than we thought... He said. But you gave in... You'll like it here and you better get used to the food.
Lightning Lad just nodded before letting himself collapse on the floor. He was so tired... But all he could do was sleep to pass the time, so why was he still tired? The day after, the fifth day, he just sat in a corner, his head buried in his hands. Thinking about what had been and what could of been. He didn't notice the cell's door opening or the newcomer step in the cell.
-Sorry for taking so long... You hit the police commissioner and he had a grudge. It took us almost a week to get them to agree to release you. Said Cosmic Boy.
-Thanks... But I think I'll stay here... Said a broken Garth. That way I can't give the Legion a bad name...
Cosmic Boy sighed before walking over and sitting next to his friend in the corner. Apparently the week spent in jail hadn't done wonders for his mental state... Or physical... He would have looked pretty similar if the fatal five had captured him... The two had been friends since they met. Ok they fell out occasionally but always made up in the end.
-Listen Lightning Lad, Garth. He said firmly. You're a Legionnaire and a damn good one at that. Think about all you've done... The Fatal Five, the Sun eater, Imperiex, Braniac 1... Now are you gonna let a bunch of want a be policemen finally beat you? Or are you going to come with me, do this mission and possibly save the galaxy a few more times?
Lightning Lad looked up, his ice blue eyes were filled with a new ferocious determination. Cosmic Boy smiled, yeah, his friend was back and it looked like with a vengeance. The black haired Legionnaires followed his friend outside. A prison guard looked pretty sheepish as the red haired Legionnaire stared down at him severely. Despite his battered state Lightning Lad still remained pretty imposing. A few hours later, they were back in headquarters. After eating half the food in the cantine, a shower, a shave and a change of clothes, Lightning Lad now stood next to the time travel machine. Next to Triplicate Girl and Bouncing Boy, neither of them had changed save the fact that they were now married.
-Now Lightning Lad, please be careful. Ok? Said Shrinking Violet (older and taller). You know what Brany would say... Travelling backwards in time is dangerous all you need to do is change one little thing and... Boom! No more Legion!
-Ok... Say this thing doesn't have any side effects does it? He asked.
-Other that a little confusion? Said Saturn Girl. No... Just please for the love of creation don't change anything! Just sick to the mission...
-I don't get why I'm getting lectured and not them! He said complaining.
-Could it be because we know you? Asked Cosmic Boy mockingly.
-Grr... I'll be back soon... I think but you know...
Shrinking Violet cut him off by sending through the time portal, to the 21st century. Cosmic Boy was slightly worried but had faith in his friend. He watched as Shrinking Violet reconfigured the machine. It would have taken Brany only a few moments but was slightly longer as Violet's intelligence was only level 9. He watched as the door suddenly opened and not one not two but four children rushed in. They were all round, triple coloured and there were two boys and two girls.
-Mummy! Daddy! They yelled throughing themselves into their parents arms.
-Hey kids. Said Bouncing Boy.
-Where are you going dad? Asked one of the boys who's hair was red, yellow and green, his name was Duo.
-To the future... Answered the proud father.
-Why? Asked a little girl with pink, blue and orange hair, her name was Una.
-Cosmic Boy and Saturn Girl have a mission for us. Answered Triplicate Girl;
-When? This time it was the other boy with Brown, turquoise and orange hair, this one was Cuatro.
-Just now. Said Bouncing Boy.
-How? Asked the final child a girl with peach, white and red hair, this last one was Tres.
-With the time machine so we'll be back shortly. Said Triplicate Girl. So be good for Cosmic Boy and Saturn Girl, Ok?
-Ok, mum! They yelled rushing over to the three people watching.
With that the parents of the group were teleported, they were heading for the 41st century. The leader of the Legionnaires looked down at the children ans sighed. Baby sitting wasn't really Cosmic Boy's thing... Though Saturn Girl thought that the four kids were adorable... They'd be 5 soon. Lightning Lad didn't really like kids, he didn't hate them but he thought that they got in the way a lot...
-Hey, Mr. Cosmic Boy sir? Asked one of the children, Duos. Do want to play Legion VS Fatal Five with us?
-Well, Ok then... Said Cosmic Boy glancing at his future wife before smiling at looking back at the kids. How do you play?
-Well, it's kinda simple really... Said Tres. You're the Fatal Five and we've gotta get ya!
-Ok... Hey... Wait! He said realising what was about to happen. No!
To late, the children all triplicated and turned into bouncing balls before bouncing on Cosmic Boy who fell over backwards with a Thump. He heard Saturn Girl and Shrinking Violet laughing and smiled the kids were to... Meanwhile, Triplicate Girl and her husband were staring at New Metropolis city from 1000 years in their future. It had been rebuilt and now stood tall in all it's glory. Now they knew how Clark Kent had felt when he came with them the first time... It wasn't hard to find Superman X, all they needed to do was call with their Legion rings. He came rushing towards them, older, he hadn't changed that much since the last time they'd seen him.
-Hey guys, been a while. He said. Why are you here?
-Well. Said Triplicate Girl. It's actually a happy occasion...
-Really? What?
-Saturn Girl and Cosmic boy are getting married... Started Bouncing Boy.
-And you're invited. Finished his wife.
-Well... I guess things have been kinda quiet around here without Imperiex and I think it's about time I had a break... So yeah count me in!
-Cool, hopefully Lightning Lad's got the other one. Said Bouncing Boy.
-Not good! Yelled Lightning Lad.
He only just managed to dodge a green energy beam fired by a Green Lantern. He retaliated by firing back a good blast of Lightning witch to his surprise made contact knocking the man backwards. "They mustn't be as strong as they are in my time..." he thought. The next thing that came at him was a flying woman with wings and a mace, it wasn't his day... She seemed to be quite angry, it was like being attacked by a flying Persuader... That gave him an idea... He waited for her to swing her mace at him again before grabbing it and hinting it with his lightning. The mace made out of metal conducted the lightning shocking the flying nuisance. That made four people who he'd knocked out just flying around : A really fast zippy person, an annoying woman who kept on trying to hit him and now these two... They were superheroes but who were they? The next thing he knew something was in his mind, trying to knock him out. He groaned at tried to spot the person responsible, he knew that he wouldn't last long.
After a few moments, he spotted a green person floating in the air. He started to fly towards him but already he was falling into a comatose state. It was like falling asleep only not wanting to, a little further and he could blast him... Lightning Lad stopped he wasn't going to make it everything was going black... Then darkness... Suddenly his eyes jerked open but he wasn't in control of himself a powerful lightning bolt flew out and hit the green man knocking him flying. That bolt was more powerful than his usual ones it was strange... He was in control again... Suddenly without warning something hit him hard in the face, he fell towards the ground. The landing hurt... "I thought this was a peaceful mission Cos..." He thought to himself. Then a familiar figure landed next to him.
-Super... Man? He said finding it hard to breathe.
-Yes! Said the imposing figure. And you are?
-Come on, it's me Lightning Lad!
-Lightning Lad? He said helping him up. It really is you, you haven't changed a bit...
-I think you've got stronger... He winced.
-I'm sorry if we're disturbing you... Said a deep voice.
Lightning Lad turned round to see a tall, threatening figure. He was wearing a cape and a mask... The people who he had previously fought were behind him. With Superman on his side he should be able to defeat them though... He began to charge up, his lightning. To his surprise, Superman gestured at him to stop.
-Hey Bats, this is my old friend, Lightning Lad. Said the kryptonian.
-I see... The cloaked figure continued. And do your friends often blast your other friends?
-Um... Sorry... Said Lightning Lad looking sheepish. By the way, Superman, Cos and Saturn Girl are getting married and...
-There what? Yelled Superman overjoyed. That's great!
-Yeah... Great... Lightning Lad was still a tad bitter. You're invited.
-You're not going! Yelled the green lantern. We need you here!
That was the start of a long argument. Most of the Justice League were dead against Superman leaving and to make things worse they also wanted to arrest Lightning Lad... Which wouldn't be great seeing as Cosmic Boy wouldn't be able to get him out... From what he could gather Clark was pretty excited about going.
-Listen, I'm a time traveller! Said Lightning Lad losing his patience again. We can send him back two seconds after he left! You won't even notice!
-Guys, I'll be back in a second! Superman said flying closer to Lightning Lad.
-Don't get killed! Yelled Batman as he flew off.
The duo flew off before suddenly disappearing. The Justice League stood there watching the sky. They had never even heard of the Legion and let alone the impulsive Lightning Lad... And so far they weren't that impressed...
-Time travellers! Said Batman, distastefully.
SupermanX watched as the other group made it through the worm hole. Superman stepped through he was huge, that was the real man of steal there... Not him... Lightning Las came through next he looked a little worse for wear, had somebody hit him? Sure looked like it. He went over and shook the other Superman's hand.
-Long time no see... Said Kell-el.
-Yeah, where's the happy couple then? Asked the original.
-Cosmic Boy just fell over and knocked himself out... Said a telepathic voice in their heads.
-What? Asked Lightning Lad.
-He was playing with Uno, Duos, Tres and Cuatros they tripped him up, he fell backwards and hit his head on the wall...
-That's ridiculous... Laughed Garth.
-I'll tell him you said that... Saturn Girl continued telepathically. Hey, Clark, Kell-el nice to see you again... Well you know... I'm afraid I'm Taking Cosmic Boy to the infirmary so I can't be there in person.
-Who are Uno, Duos, Tres and Cuatro? Asked SupermanX.
-They're four five years old, Bouncing Boy and Triplicte Girl's kids...
-And they beat up Cos? Superman said.
After a fair amount of laughing, they went and visited to an embarrassed Cosmic Boy. The most amount of damage was to his pride... A great hero had just been defeated by a bunch of kids. The next few days were rather calm everyone was looking forwards to the wedding... Wasn't every day that two founding members tied the knot. Then finally the big day arrived, the entire Legion was there... Everyone of them from the rawest of recruits to the founding members themselves. Many others were there to... Lightning Lad found himself wearing a soot for the second time in his life... The first was at the last marriage, Bouncing Boy and Triplicate Girl's. The priest was reaching the end of his speech :
-Do you Rokk Krin take Irma Ardeen to be your lawful wedded wife?
-I do... He said as the tradition demanded.
-And do you Irma Ardeen take Rokk Krin to be your lawful wedded husband?
-I do.. Said the telepath.
-Then unless anyone here has a reason why these people should not be married may they speak now or forever hold their peace...
-I do! Roared a familiar voice.
Everyone looked around puzzled and astounded. Everyone except Lightning Lad, it was in his guts... He already knew who it was... He didn't know how or why but all he knew who it was... It was like a little voice in his head had just told him... Strangely he felt similar to when he had blasted the Martian...
-Emerald Empress... He muttered under his breath.
Surely enough a few moments later, the Fatal Five crashed through a wall, Emerald Empress had her usual smirk on her face. Lightning Lad growled and prepared to fight...