Black and White

Disclaimer: All familiar characters belong to DC or Marvel. I own Farrah/Persiana.

Chapter 2: The New Enemy

Four hours before Tony's phone call…

Ben Grimm, the Thing, was a man who had a rocky orange hide. He was the pilot on board the shuttle that Reed, Sue, and Johnny were on to gain their powers. Ben loved a brawl, and he was going to get one that day, even if he did not know it.

Ben was walking back to the Baxter Building with Alicia Masters, his wife. Alicia was a blind sculptress who had a unique insight into Ben that few others saw. Even though she could not see Ben, she could feel his rocky hide. That mattered very little to her; Alicia loved Ben, and that was what mattered.

The Thing was carrying Alicia's new sculpture, one depicting Captain America. It was not dynamic as many other pictures and images portrayed him as. Alicia wanted to show that Cap was as much a man as any other human being. She, like everyone else, was devastated at his loss. She was also concerned about Farrah. The two had met once, a while back. Alicia could see past the lioness' funny exterior. There was a sweet, courageous young woman who believed in what she was doing was right. Alicia respected Farrah's convictions to keep fighting registration, but was surprised and saddened when she heard the news about her suicide.

Ben opened the door, carrying in the statue, which was in a wooden crate. He asked,

"You Ok, 'licia?"

Alicia nodded,

"Yes, Ben. I'm fine. It's just; I'm a little concerned about Reed. He's taking orders from Tony and-."
She stopped,

"Something's wrong, Ben. I can smell blood."

Ben looked at the door,

" 'licia, get outta 'ere."

"But you haven't tried those pigs in a blanket. They're really good."

Flash sped up to them, grinning,

"So, you're the Thing. I'd be called that too if I were as butt-ugly as you."

Grimm glared,

"Who're you?"
The speedster admired his nails,

"The Flash, the Fastest Man Alive. Oh, you're probably wondering where everyone else is. Well, they're all in the infirmary."

He winced,

"I've never seen Donna so angry in my life. Ouch, too bad for Johnny."

Ben cracked his knuckles,

" 'Licia, get help."

The Thing shouted his trademark phrase,

"IT'S CLOBBERIN' TIME!!!!!!!"
He charged at Flash, but the speedster dodged out of the way, grinning,

"Seriously, do you think a guy like you can hit a guy like me?"
He sped up to the blind sculptress and flashed a smile,

"Hey, gorgeous."

Ben roared,

"GET AWAY FROM MY WIFE!"
Miss Martian phased in front of him, grinning evilly,

"Hello, Benjamin."

She lashed out with a psychic attack, incapacitating both Ben and Alicia.

Later…

The Fantastic Four and Alicia were captured and restrained. Alicia was being held in a separate room from the others. Reed was recovering and looked to the others.

Johnny's wound was dressed, but he was not up for a fight just yet. Sue was conscious, and Ben was just waking up. The stretching scientist asked,

"What's going on?"
Superman addressed them,

"We apologize for the attack, but we're desperate and need help. Persiana, our friend, escaped this world years ago and has been living with us ever since. She's been happy, and told us everything about you, including your strengths and weaknesses. However, something happened to her and we couldn't figure out what it was. Farrah told us about Reed Richards, and we figured, we'd come back here so he can help us."

Susan shook her head,

"You said you're Titans Tomorrow. Who are you exactly?"

Wonder Woman explained,

"In a future from our world, it's darker, and more depraved. Ever since that day, we vowed we would protect the planet no matter what. Our mentors, many of them in the Justice League, fought Darkseid. They won, but many were killed. The Teen Titans from both coasts vowed never to let what happened on that day to ever happen again. We trained, harder, darker, and more depraved. We started killing criminals and villains. We weren't liked, but we did it anyway. For years, we were in control of it all. Superman led the team, and we did what we had to.

She looked to Farrah, who was on a bed,

"Farrah fell into a coma about a month ago, and I want to bring her back. It was my idea to bring us here."

She looked back to Reed,

"We want you to find out what's happening to her."

Mr. Fantastic looked at Farrah's body. She was still in her original costume, but she was older. Much of her hair had gotten brighter and the hair was cut shorter. He looked and said,

"No."

The others were surprised. Susan asked,

"Reed, what are you saying?"

The scientist explained,

"She's a wanted terrorist. I refuse to aid a wanted fugitive."

Ben shook his head,

"Stretch, I may not have liked her, but even I wouldn't be dis heartless."

Donna was surprised. She glared at the scientist,

"You will do as we tell you, man, or we will kill your family. Starting with your wife."

Ravager had a sword drawn and held near Sue's throat. The Invisible Woman looked at the blade through her peripherals and was tense. She looked at Reed,

"Do it, Reed. Help Farrah."

Reed clenched his fists. He knew what he was doing would be regarded as treason. At the same time, his wife and the others were a family, and he did not know how he could live with himself if he sacrificed them for his own political agenda. He said,

"Very well. But, it will take time."

Superman looked at him,

"Don't take too long."

Donna said,

"Superman, Miss Martian; stay with Reed and Farrah. Batman, secure the others. The rest of you; explore the Baxter Building, but remain unnoticed."

She began walking out of the room when Flash asked,

"And what is her Amazon highness going to do?"

Donna looked back,

"Think."

She left.

Donna walked a little ways and entered what she thought was a vacant room. She leaned against the wall and sank down on the floor. She began to reflect on her life after that day…

Flashback DC Earth 100.6, two weeks after Darkseid's defeat…

Donna and Farrah were alone in Diana's apartment in Boston. The Amazon princess rolled around and noticed the bed was empty. Since that day, both women were trying to comfort each other, holding on to whatever strength they could. But, something happened. Farrah and Donna had quickly become more than just friends. The need to feel each other was stronger and warmer than both of them realized. The Amazon princess sat up, but hissed in pain. She felt scratch marks on her back and a bite mark on her shoulder. She sat up and, putting on a silk robe, went to find her friend.

Farrah was in an oversized shirt, stirring some hot chocolate. She was curled up on the seat, but her feline green eyes glowed in the dark. The lioness shook her head,

What have I done?

Farrah then heard Donna's footsteps approaching. She looked up and her raven-haired friend was pulling a chair next to her. Donna asked,

"Sister, are you all right?"

There was an uneasy silence from Farrah as she tried to put into words what she was feeling,

"Donna, are you…OK?"

The younger Amazon princess was perplexed,

"What do you mean?"

Farrah clutched her cup of hot chocolate and sipped before explaining,

"I mean…well…what we just did…are you hurt?"

Donna smiled,

"I have had worse, but it was rough. I did not mind at all."

She tilted her head slightly,

"I will just have to be on my guard more next time."

Farrah chuckled at that, but, it was only a slight chuckle. She shook her head,

"I'm glad."

Wonder Girl narrowed her eyes,

"This is your first time with another woman, is it not?"

Farrah nodded,

"I was hurting so badly and I needed someone to be with, and, well, it just seemed…"

Her voice trailed off. Donna smiled warmly,

"The first time with someone is important, and sometimes awkward. I remember my first time. It was…new, but it was what the Amazons represented. I was experiencing pleasure and love of my fellow Amazon sisters. It is all right to have feelings for other women. Gods, I flirted with you all the time."

That was true; it was not a big secret that Donna had a thing for Farrah. The white-haired feline was always able to stay away, or let Donna down easily. However, after the recent events with Darkseid's attack, things had changed, and so had the dynamics of their friendship.

Farrah said,

"Donna, you're one my closest friends. I mean, I like you, as a friend, but, well, as a lover…I don't just want to use you to make me feel better. I want a solid relationship."

Donna interlocked her hand with Farrah's,

"Beloved sister, you and I are warriors who watch each other's back. We trust each other, and watch over each other, as any of my Amazon sisters would watch over me."

She sighed,

"However, I will respect any decision you make. But, know this; I love you, sister. I always will."

She got up to go back to bed.

As Donna dropped the robe on the floor and brought the sheets over her nude body, a small tear trickled down her cheek. She missed Diana, and was hoping a relationship with Farrah would soften the grief. It would give Donna a reason to fight, a reason to live.

End Flashback…

The Amazon began sobbing,

"Dear sister, please be all right."

"Who are you talking about?"

Donna shot her head up and noticed Alicia, sitting at a table. She was sipping tea, and would have shown a concerned look if she could see the troubled Wonder Woman. However, her voice was laced with it,

"Miss, something is bothering you."

Donna stood up, denying strongly,

"I don't need to talk to you about my problem. I'm fine."

She started to walk out when Alicia said,

"Farrah is a very important friend to you all. However, she's more important to you than the others, isn't she?"

Wonder Woman stopped in her tracks. She turned and looked at Alicia,

"Believe me when I tell you, I have no desire to hurt anyone. I just want Farrah awakened from whatever happened to her. Once that happens, we'll leave, never to return."
Her mood darkened,

"However, I am not above using violence to get what I want, and I will kill anyone that tries to stop us."

The sculptress nodded,

"I believe you. I also believe you're a very frightened and angry woman who is in a lot of pain. You should talk about it. I'll listen."

Donna sighed out loud. She knew the Fantastic Four would not try anything when Alicia was being held hostage. Also, they had no idea how long it would take for Reed to diagnose and reverse the problem. Wonder Woman did not see the harm. She sat down and said,

"Farrah told me you were very observant, even when you are blind. And, you're right, Farrah is important to me. She and I are…together."

Next Chapter:

Titans Tomorrow causes insanity in the Baxter Building. Plus, the problem with Farrah.