11 Justice League Night Falls
J'onn's team materialized in Detroit but as soon as they did, J'onn let out an ear piercing scream and became a contorting mass of green flesh. He had no recognizable form, just a miasmic hodgepodge of writhing body mass. Superman tried to contain it but he was repelled.
Diana held him back, "It is this infernal darkness. It's affecting J'onn somehow."
"He's not the only one," John said as he approached. He had Shayera and Hawkman trapped within separate bubbles. Both of them were beating away at the constructs with their Nth metal weapons. John grimaced, "Can't you feel it? There's something alive within the darkness."
"Yes, when the darkness first came over Metropolis, it came alive and clutched at Clark and I," Diana revealed.
All of the JLers shared similar stories at that point. John nodded, "I was airborne so I felt the effect but it took over Shayera and Carter. They actually attacked me so I had to restrain them. Their weapons don't disrupt my constructs the way they do magic but it's still pretty hard to contain them."
"I find it hard to believe that Shayera would actually try to hurt you," Plastic Man opined, "How hard did she actually try?"
"Well, Carter led the attack," John admitted.
"Now that I believe," Plas grinned, "But did Shayera actually attack you?"
"Well, no," John confessed, "I just wrapped her up to keep her from attacking."
"Why don't you release her?" Diana suggested, "Perhaps we can reach her."
"I don't know," John was skeptical.
"It'll be fine, John," Superman said, "We're here now."
The pride behind those words irked John but he decided to relent just to prove his point, "Okay, I'm releasing her…now!"
Shayera came out swinging. She caught Superman across the jaw with her mace and he went down. Diana interposed herself between John and Shayera. Shayera simply smacked her out of the way too. She hefted her mace over her head and came at John.
Only…the blow never fell. Shayera slowly lowered her mace. She shook her head and stepped back. Suddenly the darkness dripped out of her eyes. She threw herself into John's arms.
"I'm so sorry! I knew what was happening but it just seemed so right. It wasn't until I faced you that I found the strength to resist," she gushed.
"I, for one, am glad you did," Superman said ruefully while he rubbed his jaw, "I don't think I'd want to be hit like that again."
Shayera was embarrassed, "You should've known what would happen."
Superman wore a sheepish grin, "I just forgot how hard you can hit."
Diana embraced Shayera, "My sister is a true warrior. Fierce, proud, and formidable."
"I hate to interrupt," Captain Atom approached them, "But what do we do with J'onn and Hawkman?"
Diana took charge, "John, Shayera, will you watch over them? You cannot keep Hawkman contained and fight alongside us as well. And J'onn needs protecting if others are similarly affected as Shayera was and Hawkman is."
Shayera looked reluctant but John immediately said, "Yes."
Shayera shot him an irritated glance, "Can't John handle that on his own?"
Diana rested a hand on the smaller woman's shoulder, "I have no doubts about you. But if an attack should come, John will need defending."
That mollified Shayera, "Okay. You win."
Diana smiled, "It was never a contest, Shayera."
Diana looked to Superman, who rallied the troops; "Our last comm signal from the JSA put them three blocks west of here. Let's proceed together and see if they need help."
"One of us could scout ahead and answer that question," Captain Atom remarked.
"An excellent suggestion under normal circumstances, Captain," Diana responded, "But these circumstances are far from normal. Any civilian in our path may prove to be an enemy. And if the mastermind behind this event truly is Obsidian, then we face a foe that knows us even better than our worst mortal enemy."
"Yes, ma'am," Captain Atom replied crisply.
"Just because you earned it by bringing up that option, you're on point, Captain," Superman decided.
Captain Atom grinned, "You got it.
The nuclear hero flew west while the others kept up. Superman, Diana, and Booster followed Captain Atom in the air. Plastic Man transformed into a three wheeled trike for Vigilante to hop a ride on and the Flash streaked up to Captain Atom's position. They crossed the three block marker just to run into the shadow demon possessed population centered around the JSA as they faced Johnny Sorrow and the horror that was the King of Tears.
"I see your point, ma'am," Captain Atom admitted.
"Whut the heck is that thing?" Vigilante asked.
"I don't know," Superman admitted, "But the older members of the Justice Society seem to know what it is. And I can tell you, they aren't happy to see it."
"Who's the seemingly disembodied fella in the suit and mask?" Booster inquired.
"Sand called him 'Johnny Sorrow' and from the way he said it, there's no love lost between them," Superman reported.
"So, we go in?" Diana asked fiercely.
Superman grinned, "Of course."
And they moved as one towards the King of Tears. As they went over the crowd or pushed their way through, Diana whispered, "Hera help us all."
Zatanna had been in Washington DC to put on a charity benefit show. So when the Shadow Realms expanded into the region she was well aware of it. She checked the local police bands before calling in to the Watchtower and so she learned of the battle waging between Hawk and Dove on the Georgetown campus.
It had been sure stupid irony that brought Fire and Ice to them. And it must have been the day for cosmic jokes because the Silver Sorceress and Blue Jay had been speaking on multiple universes in a seminar hosted by the university.
Hawk, Fire, the Silver Sorceress, and Blue Jay were all possessed by shadow demons. Zatanna easily recognized the signs. However, since Hawk as also an avatar of a Lord of Chaos, the conflict between Chaos and Shadow was reaching a breaking point.
Finally Hawk bellowed in rage. It was the first time that he'd spoken since being possessed. The shadow demon's hold was broken.
"What the hell?" Hawk was stupefied, "How'd I get here? Last thing I remember was being on the memorial library roof."
"And now you'll probably never go near a library again," Dove sighed.
"Watch the lip, lady," Hawk warned, "You're being Dove only proves you can be replaced."
"That brings the number to four against three," Zatanna stated, "Although, intense feelings of affection or love can break the shadow demon's control."
"Are you sayin' I'm in love?" Hawk grated.
"No, you're freedom came because the Lord of Chaos that empowers you didn't want to share his avatar with anyone," Zatanna informed him, "So stop being so infantile."
Zatanna turned to Ice, "You're Fire's best hope. As best as I can tell, the only person Beatriz loves as much as herself is you, Tora."
"But she's been fighting me ever since this darkness fell," Ice protested.
"No, she's been running from you," Zatanna observed, "The demon within her can sense the emotions you stir up and it's afraid of losing its host. If you present yourself as a target, it will drive Fire to attack you in hopes of killing you. Beatriz will resist and she'll free herself."
"You think," Ice pointed out the obvious flaw.
Zatanna shrugged, "It's an unproven theory from the tomes on the Shadow Realms and their inhabitants. Something like this has never happened on this scale before. There really is a risk. Are you willing to take it for Beatriz's sake?"
Ice didn't even hesitate, "Yes."
"Good girl," Zatanna returned her focus to Hawk and Dove, "It's our job to keep the others from interfering. I'll take Silver Sorceress. That leaves you two with the bird of a feather."
"Har, har," Hawk grumbled.
"It's good we've decided," Dove replied, "Because in the next ten seconds they'll finish sizing us up and strike again.
"You're that precise?" Zatanna wondered.
"Yeah, she's even freakier than Don was," Hawk admitted, "He noticed every little thing but she does it to the point where she starts predicting crap."
"Time's up!" Dove announced just as the possessed JLers broke and came at those that were free.
Silver Sorceress was another mage that didn't need to recite spells. Anna didn't because she was an agent of Order and Order magic responded to the forces of will and imagination. Zatanna knew that Silver Sorceress' magic came from a similar well but she hadn't pinned its source down yet. Silver Sorceress herself wasn't talking.
Mystical energy warped reality as it came at Zatanna. She herself had to recite incantations, in reverse, in order to harness her power. She fought Silver Sorceress to a near standstill and then a bright, white flash enveloped the Silver Sorceress and she collapsed.
When she pushed herself up to her knees and sat back on her haunches, Zatanna could see that Silver Sorceress' eyes were free of the demon force. She came closer but she remained on guard, "Are you all right, Laura?"
Silver Sorceress smiled wanly, "I am now, Zee. The Entity freed me."
Zatanna gasped, "Your power stems from the Entity? The embodiment of life energy itself?"
"Yeah," Silver Sorceress said sadly, "It sounds impressive but it didn't save Angor. But hey, maybe I can still make a difference here on Earth."
"Laura, no one in this universe taps into the Entity save a White Lantern," Zatanna warned her, "You were wise to keep it a secret. People will try and harvest power from you should they learn of its source."
Silver Sorceress glumly nodded, "I already had that impression."
She looked around, "How's Blue Jay doing?"
"I think he could use a dose of your power right now," Zatanna advised, "That is, if Hawk leaves him in one piece."
"And why do we put up with him again?" Silver Sorceress asked as Zatanna pulled her to her feet.
"It's a wonder," Zatanna confessed.
"Come back here!" Hawk shouted as he missed Blue Jay again.
"You're going about it all wrong," Dove advised.
"Why don't you piss off?" Hawk grumbled.
"Cup your hands together and get ready to throw me," Dove instructed.
"Are you tellin' me what ta do?" Hawk demanded to know.
"Yes," Dove said firmly, "Now shut up and do what I say."
"You're definitely not my brother," Hawk declared, "So that makes me the senior partner of this little duo `cause I've been doin' it longer."
"Whatever. Just do it. You have twenty seconds until I need to be airborne," Dove waited until Hawk stooped and cupped his together. She placed her foot into his hands and waited.
Hawk found his eyes level with her breasts, "Definitely not my brother."
"Ahem!" Dove reprimanded him, "Eyes up here sailor."
She grew intent, "Ready…steady…go!"
He threw her with all of his might. Blue Jay started to alter course but Dove twisted in midair and tackled him. They came crashing to the ground. Dove had maneuvered herself so she was atop Blue Jay when they struck the ground.
She hopped to one side and pinned his arm and leg with hers. Hawk mirrored her, "Can't I just hit him?"
"He may not feel it," Dove advised.
"Well, it'd be cathartic as hell," Hawk grumbled.
"Take a gander at that," Dove nodded towards the approaching Silver Sorceress and Zatanna.
"Can you spindangle this dude too?" Hawk wondered.
"That's the plan," Silver Sorceress announced, "Just hold him."
Silver Sorceress bombarded Blue Jay with the white light of Life. His eyes cleared and he glanced from Hawk to Dove. Hawk was glowering at him but Dove wore a cheery smile.
"We can let him up now, Hawk," Dove instructed.
"You sure as hell give a lot of orders," Hawk griped as he got back onto his feet.
"You're just upset because I make order out of your chaos," Dove summed up, "Just like with our patrons."
"Look who else got free?" Zatanna smiled as Fire and Ice strode towards them.
"So," Zatanna smirked, "It went as planned."
"That thing inside of me wanted to kill Tora. I just couldn't let it. It let go of me after that," Fire shared.
"So now what?" Blue Jay wondered.
"Now we call in and find out where we're most needed," Zatanna announced, "Unless anyone objects?"
No one did so Zatanna arranged a teleport to the Watchtower.
Sir Justin assisted Rex in subduing Jake and Smiley. Pat almost seemed surprised when Mike broke his demon's hold on him. Mike wrapped his arms around his father and he was trembling slightly.
"What that thing wanted to do to you," Mike said in a rush, "I just couldn't let it. You're all I've got, Dad. Well, you and Barbara and Courtney and Patricia."
Mike suddenly grew alarmed, "Courtney and the others! I just abandoned them!"
"The STRIPE controller is still active," Roxy suddenly intervened, "I'm sure they'd appreciate you're coming back."
"Thanks Rox!" Mike darted off.
"Like he said, thank you, Roxy," Pat said from the heart.
"Now what do we do about her?" Roxy wondered.
Frankly, Commander Steel was getting annoyed. Wonder Girl was fighting flat out to kill him and he kept holding back. Well enough was enough. He'd formulated a plan and it was time to implement it.
Commander Steel drove his fist into her gut and she started to double over. Using the opposite hand, he smashed a fist into her jaw. She came up from that with that same malicious look in her eyes. So he unleashed a right cross upon her.
As she staggered to her right, he plucked her magic lasso off of her left hip. As she recovered from the last strike, he punched her again. While she was off balance, he swept her legs out from underneath her.
Putting his right knee on her spine, he leaned in with his full, considerable weight. He reached out and yanked her left arm behind her and tied a loop around her wrist. She fought harder as he pulled her right arm back. Tying the wrists together he then pivoted around to hogtie her.
Wonder Girl thrashed on the floor while Rex got some handcuffs out of the command center's lockbox and shackled Jake and Smiley. The JLers made their appearance then.
Vixen smirked, "Seems you don't need us after all."
"They aren't the threat," Pat declared, "Johnny Sorrow is."
"Who?" Aztek inquired.
Rex gave them a brief rundown and then concluded with, "So, whatever you do, don't look at his face if he takes his mask off."
"But he's here, somewhere in your compound?" Vibe asked.
"He's looking for a vial full of fluid," Rex shared, "If he has it, he can't be allowed to leave with it. Sorrow can go as long he doesn't have the vial. That vial could literally mean the end of life on Earth."
Cyborg turned to Vibe, "You got my back?"
Vibe grinned, "You know it."
They headed off. Vixen and Aztek departed together. Pat and Rex headed one direction while Commander Steel and the Shining Knight reunited to search another hut.
"So, exactly who are you?" Roxy asked Tessa.
"Well, my name's Tessa…" she began.
"Pffft!" Roxy waved all that aside, "I know your vitals Dr. Theresa Richardson. What I want to know is who are you to bring you here?"
"How do you know all that about me?" Tessa wondered.
"I know everything that's online," Roxy boasted.
"You're not a person, are you?" Tessa suddenly realized.
"No, I'm an AI. This image is merely my holographic avatar," Roxy explained, "But I love mysteries and you, Doctor, present one. So why don't we occupy ourselves while the others search?"
"Why can't you simply track down this 'Johnny Sorrow'?" Tessa wanted to know.
"Because he never registered on my bioscan systems. He was visually recorded but he didn't make a dent as a lifeform," Roxy shared.
"So how will they stop him?" Tessa wanted to know.
"Who knows?" Roxy admitted the gap in her knowledge, "Johnny Sorrow goes waaay beyond anything in the libraries and databases I can access. Even the DEO has nothing on anything like him."
Tessa didn't like the sound of that.
A half hour later, their search was complete. The JLU members returned to the Watchtower. The JSA support team stayed at the headquarters with Tessa while Commander Steel went with the Justice League. News had come in from Detroit that the situation had escalated to new heights and every available member was being called in to action.
Hal used an expanding wall to shove the possessed Ferris Aircraft employees back. He'd fought his way outside where they'd tried to swarm him again. Even now, employees were climbing over the backs of their fellow workers to get at him. Fortunately, none of them could fly.
He shot into the sky and looked for Carol. He used his ring to track hers down. She was a few hundred miles away. He found that odd so he expanded his search to include other rings of different emotional spectrums. He found another ring harnessing Will near her position. He queried his ring and discovered the ring belonged to Guy Gardner.
Hal got a cold feeling in the pit of his stomach. If anyone were to fall prey to this dark force surrounding them it would have to be Guy. He raced off towards Carol's location, praying he wouldn't be too late.
What Guy lacked in imagination he made up for in ferocity. His attacks had been sequential, endless, and savage. Carol was holding him through sheer trickery but even a dullard like Guy would see through her evasions eventually.
Still, Carol had hope. Before abdicating her throne, she'd been Sapphire Queen. Even before that she'd been the sole Star Sapphire. She'd been chosen by the star sapphire itself for a reason. Having faith in herself, she faced the relentless onslaught that Guy threw at her.
What she hadn't realized yet was that Guy had gotten her to spin around. So now her back was to the mountain she'd slammed him into. As Guy began to smile ruthlessly, Carol had the first inkling that she was in trouble. That was when Guy brought the mountain side down on her.
The rock face had been cracked by Guy's initial impact but he'd utilized strikes aimed at Carol that further shattered the rock face when she evaded them. Guy Gardner may have been a simple man in many respects but he was a ruthless, cunning bastard in many others. The demon within him played up to Guy's strengths and Carol was buried under several tons of rock.
Guy and his demon were startled as they were flung aside. The move announced Hal's arrival. He desperately scanned the debris, looking for some sign of Carol being alive. Suddenly his ring pulsed a warning and Hal backed off.
Violet light burst out of the rocks, punching a channel through them that Carol emerged from. She saw Hal's expression and she smiled indulgently as she wrapped her arms around him, "Never count me out."
Carol's ring pulsed and she looked at it, "Damn! He's coming back."
"I have an idea but we need more ring bearers to make it work," Hal said.
"Is Katma on the planet?" Carol wondered.
"Katma and the others moved their base of operations yesterday," Hal revealed, "They're going closer to the center of the sector cluster they're charged with protecting."
"Well, I do suppose that still leaves four Green Lanterns on Earth," Carol sighed theatrically, "However shall we make do?"
"Kyle's in China and John's in Detroit," Hal's ring revealed, "But John has flashed a quarantine around Detroit."
He looked at Carol, "So I guess we head to China."
"Anything to get this lunatic off of my butt," Carol readily agreed.
"I thought you didn't like China," Hal said wryly.
"Any country whose government bans buying my aircraft has a black mark in my book," Carol admitted, "But that's politics. It has nothing to do with the people."
"Good because we have to hurry!" Hal shot off and Carol joined him. Guy raced over that same ground mere heartbeats later.