Disclaimer: YOU'LL NEVER GUESS… I OWN THE RIGHTS TO BATMAN… pop Yeah reality burst my dream bubble…not mine, never mine, so not fair…Totally being used for the entertainment of my muse.

12. Trip

Mankato, Somewhere above the North Pole…

Mere hours after the Overseers left Earth…

Khyrran sat alone in the Great Hall. After the Manhunters had taken the Overseers away, she sent the others home. Devlin had wanted to stay but she needed time to think. The books and other various objects had been put away with the exception of a few of her ancestors' diaries that she wanted to magically copy. Mankato had a weird silence to it, almost as if the place knew that the occupants were gone and one lonely confused teenager sat with in the walls.

The Overseers hadn't been off planet together since…well, never. They had always left at least two of them behind should a problem arise. And even when they were annoying her with one more condition/decree/demand/order that she couldn't handle, they were at least around for advice or clarification. She felt lost. The Guardians bound to her tried to reassure her that they would be coming back. Khyrran quite blatantly told them she knew that. But it wasn't the reason for her current worry. The issue at hand was centered on Idan's final remark before the guys and the Manhunters had butted in. The system wasn't going to be ready in time…but for what? She knew that he wanted to give her more details but with the Oa people on the screen and the Manhunters arrival there wasn't an opportunity. There was more to this.

Kamara hadn't helped any. She had touched Khyrran's mind just before they left, reminding her that the Guardians were the first and last line of defense for both planets while they were gone. As if she needed that reminder at that particular point in time. And she then told her to protect Clark. Confusing as all get out, but if anything all that did was push her in the direction that something was indeed coming. And she was determined that whatever was coming was going to meet the planet Earth… Khyrran style.

Earth, Metropolis…

Four days after the Overseers left Earth…

Clark woke up a few days later feeling like he always did after a battle with Parasite … lousy. This time he got a two for one. Livewire had teamed up with Parasite and they had given him a run for his money. Not to mention when he got home that night Khyrran was in his apartment, confused as she was now mentor-less. It took him about three hours and few root beer floats to get her to go home and even then, he had to plead exhaustion.

The break out of Edward Lytener just days later, was not the irritation he needed. That was two criminals who had walked out of Strikers in less than two weeks, with no one stopping them. Of course, Parasite wasn't exactly alone and the reports from the guards said that Lytener simply disappeared. And took a helicopter with him. That was definitely one for the record books.

Clark began noticing the weakness a couple of days after Lytener's escape. Not that he was worried about. The weather in Metropolis was acting up, not that it had ever affected him before, but Khyrran was describing weakness too. But her power had connections to the Overseers, who were conveniently absent and since they were absent, her power fluxes could be rubbing off on him.

Clark went in to the office expecting it to be quieter since Lois was out of the office supposedly staying out of harms way. Not that she ever did what was expected of her. That would be putting Lois in a box, something she despised. When the phone call she gave him went dead, Clark knew that it was time to play hero again.

Meanwhile…

Two days after the Overseers were taken…

Ajuris 5 was the home of the singularly most powerful force in the universe. Sure the Guardians of the Universe on Oa had power, but the United Federation of Galaxies (UFG) was a force to be reckoned with. The UFG was a loose network of planets that created paths of friendship and knowledge to discourage prejudice and discrimination. At least that is what the letterhead said. It was really a group of judges who punished those who stepped out of line and caused major damage somewhere in the universe.

The judges on Ajuris 5 were much like the Overseers. Immortal, but not always wise, they had seen much. The difference between the two groups was in their territory. While the Overseers only had two planets under their watch, the judges had a couple hundred. The judges therefore usually came to a decision quickly and with finality. There were no appeals and no lawyers. The seven magical beings were hoping this was one of the times that the trial was short and sweet, so they could return home.

They were directed to a holding cell and told to wait until their trial started. "Remind me again whose idea it was to have us all leave the planet?" Mahala asked.

"It was a group decision, Mahala," Kamara said as she rapped her knuckles on the glass cylinder holding them. "Arguing amongst ourselves is not going to get us back to Mann'ahoia and Earth any faster."

The others agreed and they all chose a spot to sit and wait for their turn.

Back on Earth…

Later that day…

The invisible helicopter was blasting away at the support for the tram connecting Truman Island with the main land. "Don't feel bad Lois. It isn't personal this time. I have bigger fish to fry now and frankly, you're just bait."

Clark snorted as he listened to Lois's "Oh, yeah that makes me feel better." 'One of these days, Lois, that mouth of yours is going to get you killed.'

"Speak of the devil, here he comes," Lytener said as he noticed the Man of Steel's approach.

'So much for the element of surprise,' Clark thought as he came in towards the car.

"Someday I'll have to figure out how he's always watching over you."

'Lytener, if Lois hasn't figured it out by now, chances are you never will.'

The beam finished cutting through the supports and fell towards the waiting water below. He caught the tram. Not seconds afterward did he realize that he had another problem on his hands. "Lois, I can't hang on for long. The tram's too heavy."

"Just wait, Superman. This is only the beginning." Clark glanced over his shoulder. Materializing behind him was Lytener, who apparently decided that his name wasn't good enough.

"It's Luminous now. Tell me Superman, feeling a little under the weather?"

Clark ignored him and went back to saving Lois. The nutcase was going to have to wait. "Quick give me your hand."

"Yes," the villain sneered, "tend to Lois. This was just a test. You'll realize what I've done to you in time. See you soon, even if you don't see me." And with those parting words he disappeared. 'Guess the guards knew what they were talking about.'

Lois grabbed his hand and they landed on the bridge. Whatever Luminous was talking about he knew it wouldn't be good. But he had a feeling that he wasn't okay.

Ajuris 5…

Three days after the Overseers left Earth…

It wasn't apparent at first, but after what seemed like hours the Overseers began to notice that not everything was running as it should. All of the other prisoners that had been in the holding cells when they arrived had had their trials and others had taken their place. When one of them asked the guards what was going on, they completely ignored whoever asked. They were witness to one of the most horrific sites they had ever seen. Ajuris 4 was blown up by some sort of explosion on the surface and the occupants of Ajuris 5 were in an uproar thinking that it was a repeat of the Krytargian system. Krypton blew and took the entire system with it. Fearing that they too may next on the chain, the entire planet was in chaos. The guards were moved out of the 'courthouse' and assigned damage control. The Overseers could do nothing but wait.

Just outside Metropolis…

Five days after the Overseers left Earth…

Khyrran met him in a deserted area outside the city. She watched as he tested all of his powers. Strength, heat vision, even trying to beat up a boulder was too much.

"What's happening?"

"Beat's me? Could you be losing your powers?"

She got her answer as the clouds parted and Clark stated the obvious. "It's red."

"Well, duh," came her intelligent response.

"Thanks."

"Sorry, let me see what I can do. But with the Overseers gone, I don't think it will be much."

"The effort is what counts."

She waved and took off, all the while wondering if maybe this was the big event that Idan was warning her about. But then why the comment about the shield? She had only been gone about an hour and a half when Clark contacted her telepathically. She walked into his bathroom to a sight she'd never seen before: Clark…bleeding.

"Lytener?"

"Six of him actually."

"Nice. What he pop you with?"

"Some laser. It tossed me straight in to a building and this is what I walked off with."

"Aww, you got a souvenir."

"Khyrran! This isn't the time for jokes. I'm going to have to find a way to bring him in."

"Clark, you saw the same report I did. You are going to be powerless here, in like hours. He has been exposing you to the red sunlight for sometime. You just became aware of it when the storms moved on. Quit using your alien powers and use the powers you got here on Earth. You beat the fifth dimension imp, you can beat this guy."

Clark looked out the window at the sun. Maybe there was a way. "I have to go. Do me a favor, stay out of trouble."

"Aye, aye Captain." She watched as Clark took off in the direction of Star Labs, grinning as she realized what he was going to do. Knowing Clark had everything under control, she went back to Mann'ahoia to prepare for whatever came next.

Back to Ajuris 5…

Fifteen days after the Overseers were taken…

After two weeks of waiting for a trial, they were finally told that they would have a trial as soon the pandemonium died down. But they were being moved to a different location because of the delay. They promised that as soon as their accuser appeared their trial would start.

"To quote Devlin and Khyrran, 'This blows'," Elvind said.

"I just hope that they keep their cool and are prepared," Idan said.

"You never told us what was so important about getting that defense shield up so quickly," Anthanasuis said.

"And by the rules that we set over a thousand years ago, I can not tell you. You know that, Anthanasuis," Idan said.

"I still want to know what we were charged with," Theodora said.

"And by who," Kamara added.

Earth…

Twenty-One days after the Overseers were taken…

"What do you mean she went to another dimension?" Khyrran asked.

"That's what she said. The machine sent her into another dimension," Clark sighed as he answered Khyrran.

"When was this?"

"About two weeks ago." He sighed again. This phone call was becoming the third degree.

"Right after the red sun incident?"

"A little over a week after that." Silence. "Khyrran?"

"They've been gone for three weeks. I don't think they're coming back anytime soon."

"Devlin said they would be. Don't give up hope."

She snorted. "Where do you get this from?"

"Get what?"

"The endless supply of 'everything will work out ok'?"

"Honestly, I get it from you."

"Did you get hit on the head with something?"

"No."

"Ok, explain, please, because now I'm all confused."

"You don't give up, ever. No matter what you are facing, be it a biology quiz, taking the throne of a planet, or walking into a fight, you walk in with your head high and the ability to do what you have to do. And no matter the outcome, if you have to do it again the next day, you do."

"Gee, I didn't realize that I was such an influence on you."

"You're not. Devlin helped."

"Thanks. So back to this dimension thing. Did she bring anything back with her?"

"Besides a busted ankle, no."

"Oh, I smell story behind that one," she said.

"There is and I'll tell you if you meet me and the folks for lunch on Thursday."

"What's Thursday?"

"Father's day."

"If nothing comes up between now and then, sure."

Ajuris 5…

Seventeen days after the Overseers left…

The trial started normally enough. They were brought out of their exile, as they had taken to calling it, and led up to face the judges.

"We apologize for length of time it had taken to prepare your trial. It seems that our staff has gotten lax over time and miss placed your paperwork. And then Ajuris 4 exploding, well that is self-explanatory."

"Your honors, we just want this mess cleared up so that we may get back home. The Empress of Mann'ahoia has not been on the throne long and we wish to be able to provide her with the guidance she still needs," Kamara replied.

"Yes, well then, these proceedings are to clear up misunderstandings in past records…" the center head began.

"Excuse me?" Anthanasuis interrupted. "We were told that we had been charged with something."

"No, our records indicate that you were to make an appearance to explain why you represent two planets," the left and only female head, responded.

"And this required all seven of us, why?" Idan inquired.

"Because all of you claim to have a hand in the creation of this second world. There were allegations that you had created the second planet because the first had overthrown you and you need a home base to reclaim the first planet."

"That is not the reason Mann'ahoia was created. It was created to separate the life forms that were dominate on Earth at the time. They were close to annihilating themselves and to preserve both races, we created Mann'ahoia to exile the one who were causing the problems," Kamara explained.

"So you have no plans of galactic domination?" the center head asked.

"No offense, your honor, but we have our hands full with just the two planets. We really don't need the added stress," Idan interjected.

"Perhaps if we could confront our accusers, we could alleviate their fears."

"Where are the accusers?" the center head asked one of the guards.

He looked at his companions, who all shrugged. "We do not know."

"Find them. Until then, we will give you accommodations in the UFG headquarters."

Kamara sighed. This small trip was turning into a large pain.

Earth…

Twenty-three days after…..

Khyrran stood atop the building across the street from the 'Minerva'. Clark had told her that this was where he and the folks were having lunch but considering the debris surrounding the place, she doubted that. She closed her eyes and looked for Clark telepathically. She found him flying towards the forest on the outskirts of Metropolis. She invisified herself and rose in the air. Arriving at his location, Khyrran could only watch in horror as the craggy faced demon thing fired lasers from his eyes at Clark.

'I know that has to hurt, but keep him occupied. I'm going to follow,' she told him.

'Over my dead body,' he thought.

'If he keeps doing that, it might just be,' she replied.

'Just be careful.' Even on the ground being attacked, Clark was still in big brother mode.

'That I can do. Tell Devlin would you?'

'Sure. Really, Jinx, be careful. This… thing just vaporized his own kid.'

She reassured him that she would be fine and followed the creature into the liquidy bull's eye and watched as Clark tried to follow. Khyrran was a little nervous. If the Overseers had been home, that would have never happened. But she went with her gut and followed. The creature arrived at a tall viewing platform made of what looked like bricks. The platform looked out over a pit of fire. On the platform was a wormish looking being. If she were at home she would have labeled him "crook."

"Well, Desaad, what do you have to say about your part in Kalibak's little trip?" the craggy creature asked.

"Lord Darkseid, I have no idea how Kalibak managed to get to Earth," Desaad answered. Khyrran sniggered at the worm's attempt to cover his ass. Apparently this 'Lord Darkseid' wasn't as stupid as he looked.

"I am not finished with you, Desaad," he replied. Darkseid turned and looked right at where Khyrran should have been standing, if she were visible. She was still in flight mode, so she floated slightly to her left. Much to her surprise, his gaze followed her movements. Realizing that she was found out, she de-invisified herself.

"Ahhh, a human," Darkseid said, walking around Khyrran.

"Oh look, an idiot," she said. Darkseid's eyes began to glow. "Oh scary. Hey look I can do that too." She turned her eyes purple and looked at Darkseid.

"I see the rumors are true," he sneered. "The archives on Nemoria Aventurine made note of the Guardians of Mann'ahoia."

"What makes you think I am one of these 'Guardians'?" she asked, airily.

"Because most humans can not make their eyes turn colors."

'Damn.' She decided to go on the offensive. "You were on my planet and attacked innocent people. Not to mention caused quite a bit of damage. I want to know why."

"As I told Superman, you will all bow to me," Darkseid announced.

"Yeah and Hell's going freeze overnight. You better be prepared to go through me, the other guardians and the Overseers before hand. I won't give up my planet without one hardcore fight."

"I hate to disappoint you but it was extraordinarily easy to get rid of your so called planetary protectors. One little complaint to the so called protectors of the galaxy and your 'Overseers' are no longer a problem," he said, clasping his hands behind his back, his feet widespread.

"I think I hate you," she hissed. 'DEVLIN!'

'Tone it down, Khy. Where are you?'

'Not sure. Send Nick to Ajuris 5 and have him tell the Overseers that Lord Darkseid is the one behind the accusations.'

'Be careful.'

Khyrran promised she would and continued to watch Darkseid. She had learned quiet a bit about 'Lord Darkseid' in their short time together. "Look, Rock Face, it's been swell, but if I have to stand here and listen to your self righteous crap any longer, well I might just have to take you down a peg."

Just as she had predicted his eyes began to flame. Hoping that he couldn't see when this phenomenon was occurring, she ran towards him, slid between his feet, and grabbed the box thing out of Desaad's hand. She pushed the button the little minion had pushed when they arrived and jumped in to the bull's eye. As soon as she was in, she turned to face Darkseid, who looked slightly shocked at the turn of events.

"Laters, Rock Face," she saluted. He roared and Khyrran wasted no time getting the hell out of there.

Ajuris 4…

Twenty days after the Overseers left…

"This is ridiculous!" Idan yelled at the judges. "You have been holding us here on trumped up charges for nearly three weeks while our 'accuser' attacked our planet!" Idan rarely got angry and by this point, he was glowing a deep, dark purple. The other Overseers hadn't seen him this angry since the fall of Camelot. "Did it ever occur to you, nitwits, that it was a hoax!"

"Now see here…" the center head said.

"NO! Now you see, the planets of Earth and Mann'ahoia withdraw their membership from this organization, effective immediately!" he bellowed. The entire hall fell silent.

"Idan…," Kamara said approaching him, "we may need these allies later on."

"Actually we won't, but we need to get back home now. And Kamara, if they are truly our allies, they will call when needed. If not, then we don't need them," he replied softly. The others just stared at him, then agreed. They filed out of the auditorium, refusing to call it a courtroom after the arbitrary mockery of intergalactic negotiations that they had just witnessed, Nick on their heels. After they were clear of the building, Elvind looked at the others.

"So, how are we getting home?"

"Maybe we can be of assistance," a voice above them replied.

Earth…

Same day…

Khyrran rolled to a stop in a grassy spot and against something that didn't move when she crashed into it. Seriously hoping she was home, she looked up. And was met by Clark's really angry face. 'Oh. Snap.'

"What in the world were you thinking?" he yelled.

"Intelligence gathering?" she replied as he helped her up.

"Intelligence… I am taking you to see the folks, only because Kali-whatever-his-name-was nearly killed Pa. Then I am taking you back home and watching while Devlin yells at you for this."

"You are one sick puppy you know that?"

He continued on as if she hadn't spoken. "Because when he's done, it's my turn. Of all the stupid, idiotic things you've ever done, this takes the cake."

"Like you going after Luminus when you were virtually powerless?"

He sighed, knowing that if started in on her, she was bound to lay into him for a few stupid things he done, as Superman and Clark Kent. "Fine, but I'm still watching Devlin give you the butt kicking you deserve."

"Sadist."

Elysian Fields…

Thirty-one days after the Overseers were taken…

Khyrran walked into her room and flopped on her bed, her ears still ringing from the lecture Devlin had given her last week. And every time she did something that Devlin thought was remotely stupid he repeated the damn thing. Clark had stood there and watched, arms crossed and a small smile playing on his face. She was so going to get him for this. Until then she had some notes to make.

It was the responsibility of every empress to keep dutiful records of every thing that happened during their reign. Her ancestors' diaries were laced with information. She had spent the time during the Overseers absence reading some of them. She found everything from first kisses to last rites in them. Khyrran discovered she wasn't the youngest empress. That honor was taken by the fourth empress of the first age, Ourania, the great-great granddaughter of the first Empress and Guardian of Mann'ahoia. Unfortunately she was murdered when she was eighteen after the birth of her only daughter. Khyrran was eternally grateful that they hadn't mentioned her having children yet. She was still trying to figure out how to walk in heels and balance the freakin' crown on her head.

She had just finished her entry when the wall behind her began to glow and swirl, like the vortex of the eye of Second Sight. Khyrran walked over to it and stared as a person materialized in front of her.

Near Saturn….

Thirty-nine days since they were taken… Earth time.

Idan was getting antsy. He was suddenly very scared for Khyrran. They had a great connection and the closer the Overseers got to Earth, the stronger the connection grew. At least that was how it was supposed to work.

"Is something wrong?"

Idan looked up to the face of Lihau. "I'm not sure."

The being was from New Genesis. He and the other two had arrived just after Nick did. Lihau, Javed, and Suhalya had been sent to warn them of Darkseid's plans. They had been fighting the evil lord for ages and had been trying, unsuccessfully, to stop his universal reign of terror. They were intuitive, helpful and sought an alliance with Earth and Mann'ahoia in the destruction of Apocalypse. The Overseers had debated telepathically with each other and agreed that this alliance would be beneficial to both groups, especially after Idan told them Khyrran had made a little trip while they were away. Kamara was furious to say the least.

"What is giving you this insecurity?" Lihau asked.

"I'm not sure really. The connection I have with Khyrran should have gotten stronger the closer we got to Earth, based upon the fact that as we had gotten closer to Ajuris 5 the connection had gotten weaker."

"Khyrran? She is your charge in the group of protectors?" Lihau inquired, his head rolling with all the information they had been given on the journey.

"Yes. Nixi, Kamara and I are her mentors."

"Three of you for one small being?"

"Lihau, Khyrran in no 'small being', as you put it. She had the power to destroy the universe. She just doesn't know it yet."

"Which is why you are worried," the alien concluded.

"Yes, precisely why. If she hasn't returned from Apocalypse, I fear Darkseid might use her against us and destroy everything."

"I can see how this would have you worried."

Idan smiled, and then turned. "Anthanasuis, do you have contact with Devlin yet?"

"Yes."

"Could you have him on Mankato when we return?"

"Which would be when exactly?" the green clad immortal asked.

Javed answered, since he was piloting the ship. "About forty of your Earth minutes, assuming my calculations are correct."

"That shouldn't be a problem. Any reason why?"

"I can't find Khyrran."

Meanwhile….

"Gagon, huh? If you are an Overseer, how come I haven't heard of you before now?" Khyrran asked.

"Look Karen…"

"Khyrran."

"Excuse me?" the man in brown asked.

"My name is Khyrran. Here do it phonetically. K – I – REN."

He rolled her name around a few times and she nodded. "Ok now that we have that established, I am the Guardian of Dimensional Travel and there is a ripple in the stream. Another dimension needs your help. Now please come with me."

'Here goes nothin',' she thought and stepped into the vortex.

A/N: 4,412 words (without this little blurb)… that's a record….So time moves differently in space then on Earth. It doesn't make any sense and has no rhyme or reason to it, my muse just popped it out that way. I don't ask anymore. I'm just the typist.

If any of you read chapter 11 prior to 01-24-2006, you might want to go back and reread. I forgot that Superman didn't take Bizzaro to the other planet until well after their initial meeting…oops.

Ok so credit again where credit is due: The animated episodes featured here are: Solar Power written by Robert Goodman and directed by Kazuhide Tomonaga; Father's Day written by Mark Evanier and Steve Gerber and directed by Dan Riba and references were made to Brave New Metropolis written by Stan Berkowitz and directed by Curt Geda. So I use episodes as I get the animated series out on DVD. Since the third doesn't have a projected date and I am not really going to be using much material from the third and fourth seasons anyway… I get to update faster… sort of… I had wanted to put out like three chapters from this over break… ummm didn't happen…