Chapter 25

Till Then…

Metropolis

It seemed like everyday a new threat popped up forcing the League on almost constant alert. Adding members had helped, but it was only a stopgap measure. The latest crisis was Metallo, Grundy and several other villains causing mayhem in Metropolis. As they always did, the League responded. Wonder Woman gathered a few members and lead them down to confront the villains. The fighting was vicious and fierce, with neither side holding anything back.

Although outnumbered, the League's team fought well. As was usually the case lately, Diana took on the heaviest hitters.

She'd barely recovered from the beating she'd taken from Doomsday and now Grundy and Metallo were giving her their best shots.

She was a step slow and her reflexes were off.

The two villains landed more than their share of powerful shots. Her defenses should have stopped some of them, but they didn't. The tide finally turned with the addition of Power Girl to the fray. With her help, Wonder Woman was able to defeat them.

Battered and bloody, she eased herself down on one knee, trying to stem the pain and catch her breath. Artemis had joined Diana's team for this confrontation. She walked slowly over and stood looking at her.

"This is no good, princess," Artemis said to her.

"Fighting super villains rarely is, sister."

"No, I'm speaking of you, princess."

"I'm fine," Diana replied. Artemis reached down to assist her. Diana waved her off and slowly rose to her feet. She stumbled a bit, unsteady, but quickly recovered.

"Princess," Artemis said. When she didn't turn to face her, Artemis softened her voice. "Diana, you're taking too much punishment. I watched you tonight, and you were laboring against them. Your body hasn't recovered from the beating it took from the monster, Doomsday. Each new battle just makes it worse. You're pushing yourself too hard, taking on too much."

Diana turned and looked at her Amazon sister. She wiped the blood from her cheek with the back of her hand.

"I'll be fine," she said. Diana saw the concern on Artemis' face and tried to reassure her. "Even warriors have an off day, don't read too much into it sister."

"No, I wish that was the case, but it's not. You have nothing to prove, Diana, to me or anyone else. We all have our limits."

"And who will stop them if I don't, sister," Diana asked. "Our numbers are down and the threats grow with each day. Grundy and Metallo needed to be stopped."

"Sister, I know your heart is in the right place, but you can't make up for him alone."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Diana said defensively.

"Don't you? For all your gifts from the Gods, you're not Superman, Diana. Even he didn't try and do it all alone."

Diana looked at Artemis for a moment.

"He's not here right now, Artemis. The league needs someone to fill that void until he returns."

"What if he doesn't, Diana," Artemis asked. Diana started to speak, but the words wouldn't come. She had never even considered the possibility that Kal wouldn't return. Hearing the words out loud stunned her.

"He-He'll be back," was all she could finally managed to say. Before Artemis could stop her, Diana turned and moved away.

"You're a hero to the cause, Diana, don't become a martyr."

Crossroads Station

The sprawling complex sat at the nexus of several star systems, yet was fortunate enough to by outside the jurisdictions of all of them. With little in the way of law enforcement, the station soon gained a reputation as a haven for all sorts of illegal activities. Business was good.

The occupants of the station came from countless worlds, each looking for something different. Clark and Lashina needed supplies. They moved through the throngs of aliens, yet they were in their own world. Things had been touch and go between them since Krypton. Like all married couples, they were working out and dealing with the issues between them. In their case, that meant fighting.

"I can't believe you took that merchant's side over mine!" Lashina shouted. "I'm your wife!"

"It was a negotiation, Lashina, not a blood sport. How many times were you going to whip him," Clark replied.

"Just until he met my price."

"I believe that's called extortion most places."

"I call it hard bargaining."

This continued for several more streets. The crowd around them slowed to a stop and they had no choice but to halt as well.

"Great! Another delay, what is it this time," Lashina grumbled.

"The condemned are being moved out," a man said. A rumbled went through the street. It was coming from a huge military style vehicle that slowly rolled into view. There was a buzz in the crowd. Armed guards pushed the crowds back, their weapons at the ready. As Clark and Lashina stood watching, a long procession of chained beings walked behind the vehicle. They were a sorry looking group. Most wore clothes that were in tatters and there was a defeated look in their eyes. Men, women and even children were in the procession.

"Children? What possibly could they have done to be condemned," Clark wondered.

"They lost," another spectator, shouted. The crowd roared with laughter.

"They're slaves, Kal-El," Lashina said.

"What? That's barbaric," Clark said in shock. "I thought that was outlawed in every quadrant?"

"I guess when you were in Armagetto, you were too busy having sex with Grace to notice, but the Hungry Dogs there are virtual slaves." The sarcasm practically dripped from Lashina's words.

"You're not going to let that go, are you?"

"You'd like that, wouldn't you, another convenient memory loss?"

"Can we discuss this another time, please? Those people are being forced into slavery, it isn't right. Someone needs to do something."

"Nobody's stupid enough to take on the slavers, pal," another person in the crowd laughed.

"Ain't any heroes around here,"

The crowd around Lashina and Clark found this very amusing

"The universe is a cruel place, Kal-El," Lashina said. "If their fate is to be slaves, it's up to them to change it."

"Unarmed women and children against military thugs, they don't stand a chance," Clark replied. His every instinct told him to do something. Lashina instantly noticed the tension in his body.

"We're keeping a low profile, remember? You can't save everybody. Let's get what we need and go."

"And those people?"

"They should have done the same. Forget about them," Lashina said dismissively. Before he could protest further, the procession ended and the crowd began to move. Lashina took him by the arm and pulled him away.

Gotham

Bruce sat on the back terrace having breakfast. He wasn't usually up this early, but with all that had been going on recently, he needed to put in an appearance as Bruce Wayne at the board meeting scheduled for today. His laptop was on and the morning papers were spread out in front of him as he scanned each for any bits of information that might be useful later. He found himself distracted though, by the usual suspect, Memo.

The young girl had discovered the joy of running. Thankfully, she hadn't displayed her father's speed yet, but that didn't seem to matter to her. Currently she was running back and forth between the guesthouse and the terrace. Bruce glanced out of the corner of his eye as she touched the stonewall of the terrace and happily shouted, "One!"

It was back towards the guesthouse to repeat the whole thing again. It seemed completely pointless to Bruce but then most of the things the little girl did were a mystery to him. Trying to focus on the morning news, Bruce poured himself a cup of coffee and turned away from the yard. Starting an article from the business section, he wasn't quite able to tune out the sound of those little feet drawing nearer.

"One!" she shouted with joy and then it was back off again.

"That's two," Bruce said under his breath, but knew it was hopeless. Again he turned back to the paper only to hear her coming back his way again.

"One!"

"That's three," he couldn't help saying.

"Three what, sir," Alfred asked as he brought Bruce's breakfast out.

"Nothing, nothing Alfred, thank you."

"Will there be anything else?"

"No, this looks delicious."

"Just call if you need anything else."

Alfred turned and walked back into the house. It was only a few moments later; the sound of those little feet reached his ears again.

"One!"

"It's four," Bruce said in exasperation. Glancing out towards her, he saw the guesthouse door open and Zatanna step out. She was dressed casually, but looked like she was going out. Bruce couldn't help noticing she looked amazing. Zee patted her still running daughter on the head and walked up to the terrace.

"You're up earlier," she said.

"One!"

"Five. Um, yes, I have a board meeting I have to show up at. What's your excuse?"

"I'm going to New York to help Nimue and Morgaine."

Zee sat down and glanced at the coffee.

"Do you mind,' she asked.

"One!"

"Help yourself. Six," Bruce replied. Zatanna gave him a look but didn't say anything as she poured the coffee. Bruce folded the paper he was holding and turned towards Zee.

"You know I think it's a mistake helping Morgaine le Fey. There's no telling what's really behind this."

"Well, than it's a good thing I didn't ask your permission, isn't it," Zee replied.

"Still."

"One!"

"Seven. Are you taking her with you," Bruce asked.

"Yes, Nimue wants to see her and I thought it would be a fun trip," Zee said.

"Do you really think exposing her to Morgaine is a good idea?"

"Nimue will be there and I doubt Morgaine is interested in a little girl."

"It's still a risk."

'One!"

"Eight!"

"What is that? Have you developed some sort of numerical Touretts," Zee asked.

"Very funny."

"Well, you are saying numbers out loud, you know," Zee pointed out.

"Yes, I'm aware of it. It's your daughter's fault," Bruce countered.

"Memo's fault? Why?"

"One!

"Nine. It's just she keeps saying one, never going any higher."

"So? She's just playing, Bruce."

"She could do it correctly."

"Correctly? You really know how to suck all the joy out of playing, don't you?"

"One!"

"Ten! Please, just do something about it, will you," Bruce asked.

"All right," Zee replied. "Memo, honey, go get your coat, we're leaving in a few minutes."

The little girl kept running and went right into the guesthouse.

"Satisfied?"

"Yes, thank you. She does know how to count, doesn't she?"

"Yes, of course she does!"

"Okay, just asking."

Zee looked at him for a moment, but then decided to just let it go. She had another topic she wanted to discuss.

"There is something I wanted to talk about before we leave, Bruce."

"Okay."

"Diana. You need to speak with her,' Zee said.

"Why? About what," Bruce asked.

"Everyone's noticed it, she's pushing herself too hard. Dinah tried to talk to her, but she just dismissed it. The others are starting to worry she's going to get seriously hurt. The kind of hurt you don't bounce back from, even her."

"Diana's a grown woman, Zee, she knows the risks. Besides, I don't think I'm the best one for that. That's more Cla-someone else's territory."

"You can say the name Clark, Bruce, I'm not going to break into tears,' Zee replied. "Clark's not here, so someone else has to do it."

"Why me?"

"You three are the trinity, Bruce, the leaders. Whether you like it or not, Diana respects you more than anyone. She'll listen to you. She's your friend, Bruce, she needs you."

Bruce considers this for a moment.

"All right, I'll give it a try."

"Thank you."

They both took a sip of their coffee. Bruce felt he had to ask something.

"So does your comment early mean you're over Clark?"

Zee set her cup down and seemed to think about it for a moment.

"I guess maybe I am. It still hurts, but I have to face the facts. He's gone and we don't know if he's ever coming back. I've got a daughter to look after now. Yes, I think the answer is that I am over Clark."

Zee's cell phone rang at that moment, cutting off any further conversation. It was Madame Xanadu. Zatanna stood up to take it. Bruce watched her smile as she talked to her friend and was struck once again by how beautiful she was.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Memo come running out of the guesthouse. As before she ran straight for the terrace. With a groan, Bruce prepared himself. The little girl slowed as she neared the terrace. Her mother was just finishing up her phone call. Memo reached out and touched the stone and then whispered to Bruce, "Eleven."

A huge smile lit up her face as she turned and ran to join her mother. Despite himself, Bruce felt the corners of his mouth turn up in a smile.

The Watchtower

Wally sat glumly in the cafeteria, a half eaten plate of food still in front of him. He found he wasn't really that hungry. Since seeing John and Shayera together, he'd been doing a lot of thinking. The ideas going through his head ran the gambit, from challenging John to a duel to just crying. Sitting here by himself for the past half hour, he'd gone back and forth. Wally finally decided to pick something in the middle.

He cared for Shayera, much more than he really wanted to admit. She was unlike any woman he'd ever dated. She had the whole package, smart, beautiful, confident, sexy, a hero, really sexy the way she did that thing with her wings. No, Wally told himself, don't go down that road. If you care for her, you want her to be happy, even if that isn't with you.

There would be a lot of heartache, especially for him, but Wally told himself it was the right thing to do. John and Shayera were meant to be together. They had clicked right away. If it hadn't been for that whole invasion thing, they'd still be together.

Neither had ever lied to him about their feelings for each other. Sure John was dating Mari, but no one really thought that would last. Wally felt a twinge of sadness for Mari. She hadn't asked to walk into this. She was a fantastic person in her own right. She just had the same bad luck Wally did to fall for someone still in love with another.

It had been a fluke, really, that he had started dating Shayera in the first place. As much as he wanted it to continue, he would be the bigger man and step aside. It was actually the noble thing to do, Wally told himself. He had to handle it just right or there would be guilt and remorse on all sides. Wally decided to slowly pull away, leaving room for John and Shayera to find each other again.

Shayera walked into the cafeteria looking for Wally. They had been so busy lately; she hadn't really had a moment alone with him. Seeing him sitting alone in the back of the cafeteria, she smiled and headed over.

"Hey, Wally, long time, no see," she brightly said to him.

"Oh, hey, Shayera, how's it going?'

"Hectic," she said. Sitting down next to him, Shayera reached over to take his hand. Wally didn't pull away, but didn't really respond either. Pressing ahead, Shayera said, "so I was wondering if you might like to do something this weekend? Just the two of us."
"This weekend?"
"Yeah, I thought we could get away for a little while."

"I'm afraid I can't, Shayera. Monitoring duty, sorry."

"Oh, well, that's okay, I guess," she said. There was a note of disappointment in her voice. "Maybe we could just take a night before then together?"

"I'd like to, really, but I don't think I'm going to be able to," Wally replied. "I've got a lot of things going on this week. Can I take a rain check?"

"Sure, I guess."

"Thanks, I should be going. I'll see you around Shayera."

With that, Wally got up and quickly left the cafeteria. Shayera sat there wondering what was going on. Something felt different about the way Wally was acting, but she couldn't put her finger on what. He hadn't even kissed her goodbye. As disappointed as she was about not getting to spend time with him, she understood he had his duties. He was a hero, after all.

"You mind if I sit down," Dinah said.

"What? Oh, hi, Dinah, no, no take a seat."

"Thanks,' Dinah said in relief. She dropped into a chair and let out a slow breath. "I don't know why I ever thought I wanted this job."

"It can't be that bad," Shayera said. Dinah gave her a look.

"Oh, really," Dinah replied. "I've got several members in the infirmary, attacks happening all the time, an Amazon that seems to have a death wish, a Martian looking at brochures about aluminum siding, never mind half the members can't follow the simplest directions in an interview on top of everything else. Oh, and don't even get me started on Plasticman!"

Shayera smiled and laughed a little.

"Sorry, but come on, there must be some bright spot in all that gloom?"
"Well, maybe one," Dinah admitted. "I was pleasantly surprised when Wally volunteered earlier to take extra monitoring duty shifts. You could have knocked me over with a feather."

"He-He volunteered," Shayera asked.

"Yeah."

Shayera glanced towards the door, but Wally was nowhere to be found. Now she was sure something was going on.

Cross Roads Station

The station had been around long enough for an indigenous population to arise. They tended to be the offspring of the more unsavory elements on the station. Most carried on the family tradition. The little authority there was, made sure they kept their trade away from the central business corridors. What happened on the secondary ones was left up to the individual.

The corridors in sector 42 were the property of a group of cutthroats, whose leader was called Radon. They were young, violent and completely uncaring. The tourists or crewmen that wandered into their sector were usually lucky to get out alive. Most were robbed, followed by other cruelties before they were sold to the slavers.

As Radon and his group fanned out through the shadows, it appeared tonight was going to get off to a bang. Standing in one of the back corridors arguing was what looked like a rich couple. They were obviously married, as they went at each other tooth and nail. Through silent hand signals, Radon sent his group in for the kill.

"We're lost!" Lashina said.

"We're not lost, this is just a short cut," Clark replied.

"If you hadn't been so busy flirting with that female clerk, maybe you could have asked for directions!"

"Oh, God, for the tenth time, I wasn't flirting with her, Lashina!"

Clark was known for staying in control, but the longer this argument went on, the shorter his fuse was getting. Willing himself to stay calm, he took a deep breath.

"I was just being polite."

"I don't think that little tramp saw it that way. The two of you were smiling at each other like you both won the lottery!"

"Stay calm, Clark, stay calm," he said to himself. "Lashina, I was being friendly, that's all."

"You were 'friendly' with Amazing Grace too."

Clark was boiling now. They'd been arguing for several days and he'd had it. He did something he rarely, if ever did, he swore.

"I've had enough of this, Lashina. Tell me what I did, please! I thought we were over this and put it behind us, but you've been a bitch to me for the last three days and I can't take it anymore! Just tell me what I did?"

"I shouldn't have to tell you," she fired back.

"You are driving me crazy!" Clark gasped in frustration, wanting to pull his hair out by the roots. It was unfortunately the very moment when Radon and his band decided to attack.

"Oh, great, what is this,' Clark lamented.

"Evening, tourists, you got lost in the wrong corridor," Radon sneered.

"See, I told you we were lost," Lashina snapped at Clark.

"You're not helping, Lashina!"

"Give us all your money and maybe we'll let you leave here alive,' Radon whispered.

"Go away, you little worm, can't you see we're busy,' Lashina fired back.

"Kill them!'

"Nice, you're really a people person, aren't you, honey," Clark sarcastically said. One of the criminals lunged at Lashina. She easily backhanded him away, never taking her eyes off Clark.

"Well, if you'd have asked for directions, dear, we wouldn't have to deal with these imbeciles!"

Two others jumped at Clark, thrusting their knives at his chest. Both blades snapped off.

"Do you mind? I'm trying to talk to my wife," Clark said. He backhanded another member of the group, sending him flying across the corridor.

"Oh, hurrah! He remembers who his wife is," Lashina mocked.

"The constant nagging makes it hard to forget," he shot back.

"Oh, you're are asking for it, Kal-El! If these gnats would get out of the way, I'd slap your face!"

More members of Radon's group attacked, but were easily brushed aside. Radon couldn't believe what was happening. They were practically ignoring him; too busy fighting with each other. No one disrespects Radon on his own turf. He would show them. He moved up behind Lashina and loudly said, "If he's not man enough for you, honey, why don't you give us a try!"

That was a mistake. Radon then made an even bigger one. He touched Lashina. Time stood still for a moment. Clark groaned as he saw the look on her face.

"Oh, great, here come the whips."

The now familiar sound of electricity cutting through the air was followed by the inevitable screams and whimpers. Sighing, Clark waded in, more to save them for being killed by Lashina than anything else. The fight didn't last very long. Clark and Lashina stood facing each other, surrounded by unconscious bodies. There was a smile on Lashina's face.

"Feeling better," Clark asked.

"Yes, actually, I do," admitted Lashina.

"So would you please tell me what's wrong?"

Lashina looked at him, absently flicking her whips. She seemed nervous at that moment.

"Lashina, please?"

"I-I'm mad at you because of Grace." She finally relented and told him.

"I thought you forgave me for that?"

"I did, but I can't stop thinking about it. The more I think about it the angrier I get. I thought our time together was special, but if you could so easily be influenced into sleeping with her than it wasn't, was it?"

"Yes, it was," replied Clark. "I can't change what happened, Lashina. It was a mistake."

"So does that mean we're a mistake too?"

"No."

"You say that and I want to believe you, but." Lashina trailed off with a shake of her head.

"Lashina, please."

"No, Kal-El, just give me some time. I need a drink and to think about this. I'll meet you back at the ship."

"All right," he reluctantly said. "Be careful."

"I can take care of myself."

"I know. I'm just worried about those that cross your path."

He gestured to the bodies strewn all around them. A smile came to Lashina's face. She gave him a look and then turned and walked away.

New York

The bell on the door of Madame Xanadu's shop rang as Zatanna and Memo entered.

"Nimue?"

"Zatanna, is that you," a voice called out.

"Yes."

"Wonderful!"

Madame Xanadu stepped out from the back and smiled at the two of them. The cloth that usually covered her eyes was gone and she seemed younger than normal.

"Well, who is this little one?"

"Memo, I want you to meet, well, let's say your aunt," Zee said to her daughter. "This is your aunt Nimue."

"Hi."

"Well, hello to you too, young lady," Nimue smiled. "It's so lucky you came today, Memo. This little doll has been sad with no one to play with. Would you be nice enough to help?"

A smile lit up the little girl's face a she nodded enthusiastically. She glanced up at her mother, who nodded. Racing over she took the doll from Madame Xanadu.

"Thank you, Aunt Nimue."

"You're most welcome,' Xanadu smiled.

"If you two are finished with the toys," another voice said. Zatanna looked up to see Morgaine le Fey standing by the table. It was still a little disconcerting to see her without her customary golden armor.

"Hello Morgaine."

"Zatanna, thank you for living up to our deal."

"Of course." Zee turned to her daughter, "Memo, mommy's going to be busy for awhile, can you play quietly by yourself?"

The little girl nodded, but her attention was already focused on the doll.

"She'll be fine, Zatanna," Madame Xanadu said, ushering them to her table.

"We should begin," Morgaine said. The three women took their places around the table. A large crystal ball sat in the middle. Linking hands, they began a chant, focusing on the one they sought.

Sitting on the floor playing with the doll, Memo still watched everything the three women did. She stared at each in turn. As their chant continued, her little mouth began to mimic their words. Her pale blue eyes settled on the crystal ball.

"It's not working," Morgaine said in frustration. Madame Xanadu tried to comfort her sister.

"You have to give it time, Morgaine, the universe is a big place. He could be anywhere."

'We can try again," Zee offered.

No one noticed as Memo slowly put the doll down and walked over to the table. She stopped next to her mother, her eyes still on the crystal ball.

"He's in the snow," Memo said.

"What's that, honey," Zee asked. The other two women looked over at the little girl.

"The man is in the snow," Memo said again. She stretched out her little arm and pointed at the crystal ball. It suddenly began to swirl on the inside, almost like a snow globe that had been shaken. Zatanna and Madame Xanadu looked at Memo in surprise.

"There's something there," Morgaine gasped. It was feint at first, but as the swirling slowed down, an image began to appear. It was a world of ice and snow, stretching out in all directions. As the image became clearer, a figure could be made out, standing on one of the peaks. Morgaine's breath caught in her throat, as she knew whom it was.

"See, the man is in the snow," Memo happily said. She turned and went back to the doll, leaving the three women to just stare in shock and wonder.

"An interesting daughter you have there, Zatanna," Madame Xanadu said with a smile.