Chapter Thirteen
A Well Earned Reward...
No one could fully understand why the ruler of Apocalypse, Darkseid, had called off his attack of the planet Earth. But one thing that was clear was the resulting damage. Almost all of the cities were reporting repair cost to be in the millions. The only one that wasn't was Jump City. It had taken the least amount of damage and had hardly any casualties, thanks largely to Emma and the others.
But because of the attack, most of the league's Thanksgiving plans had to be put on hold while everyone helped in rescue efforts in different cities. Yet for some, those plans were the furthest things from their mind. "Where are you, Lance?" Zatanna said as she put her phone away. She had been trying to get a hold of the lantern ever sense the invasion ended and was starting to get worried. "Recognized: Howler, A Three Two," the computer announced as he appeared at the Watchtower hold a box. "There you are. I've been trying to get a hold of you sense the fight ended. Where have you been?" she said walking over and giving him a hug. "It's a long story," he said returning the hug, "I take it I missed something."
"You know how Raven and Kara went with Emma to defend Jump City?" She asked looking at him, "Well, with the help of some friends, they took down one of Darkseid's general's." "Is she ok?" he asked worried. "She has a minor concussion and her right leg is broken," Zatanna said as they started walking towards the med bay, "From what Raven said Emma did have four broken ribs that about punctured her heart and lungs, but healed them after the general went down." "Remind me to thank Raven later," he said quietly.
She nodded and said, "Most of the League and team are off helping search and rescue efforts. Wally, Artemis, and I volunteered to stay with Emma." He stopped a few feet away from where his sister was and said, "Zee, there's something I want to talk to you about." "Don't you dare tell me we should stop seeing each other," the magician said turning to face him, "I love you and Emma too much to let either of you go." He took a step back and said, "Good, because I love you too much to let you go either. Plus Emma would kill me if I did that." She blinked a few times then asked, "That's not what you wanted to talk about, is it?"
He shook his head slightly and said, "No. I was going to ask if you wanted to join me, Emma, and Raven for Thanksgiving tomorrow. I know it's kind of late to ask." "But that is the way we are apparently," she said before walking up and kissing him, "And I would love too. Now, what's in the box?" "You'll see," he said before heading into his sister room. "Hey Lance," Emma said with a slight wave. He smiled a little as he looked at her cast then asked, "Hey pup. You ok?" "Considering," she said with a sigh, "So how much trouble am I in?"
"Why do think you're trouble?" he asked. "Apparently she grabbed the mayor and threw him at city hall when he tried to get in her face," Zatanna said pulling a chair up to the bed and sitting down. "Wall or window," he asked trying not to smile. "Window," Emma replied turning a little pink. "Nice shot," he said putting the box on the bed. "Thank you. Um, what's in the box?" she asked.
"Well, I was saving this for your birthday," he said before sliding it over to his sister, "But considering all that's happened; I think this might cheer you up." She slowly lifted the lid and gasped as the something knocked the lid out of her hands. "You didn't?" she asked looking at her brother. "She's your responsibility," he replied. "You didn't?" Zatanna asked.
Emma open we the box and squeal as she lifted out a puppy. "Thanks, Lance," she said as the puppy licked her face. "You're Welcome, sis," he said with a gentle smile. "I can't wait to show Raven and the others," Emma said giving the puppy a hug. "Speaking of which, where are the other Titan's?" he asked looking at Zatanna.
"They went with Artemis and Wally to the cafeteria," she replied reaching over and scratching the puppies chin, "So does this one have a name?" "No. She doesn't," Howler replied looking back at his sister, "So, what are you going to name her?" "Clara," the young girl said as she gently pet the pup. "Good choice. Hope she's house broken," Zatanna said. "She is," Howler said as Wally entered the room.
"What kind is she?" Zatanna asked. "She's a Golden Retriever Sheppard mix," the speedster said walking cover to the bed. "How do you know that, Wally?" Emma asked looking at him. "Because this little girl is from the liter my neighbor's dog had," he answered smiling. "The perfect companion plus the perfect guard dog," Emma said looking at her dog, "Thanks Lance. Thanks Wally." "You're welcome, princess," Wally said.