The Future
While Meygan was recovering and Cassidee was fighting her father in the past, Molly was taking care of Areina in their own time. The stab from the fire sword had been a through and through, but she wasn't bleeding out...which scared everyone.
"Damn him." Dick said softly...although all the bats (and wind elementals) in the room could hear him.
"You know that Molly will save her." Serenity said as she cradled the unconscious Rini in her arms.
Molly found the missing blood within her cousin, it was filling up her lungs. She then forced the blood away from vital organs, causing a trickle of blood to come out the entry wound and Areina mouth. The young wizard then focused on healing her fire controlling cousin.
Areina woke up for a second. "She's going to have to do it..." Then she coughed up more blood.
Serenity looked terrified as Dick looked ready to go help his daughter.
"No, I get the feeling something's going to happen to turn the tides." Serenity said when she found her voice.
"Shuuuuuuuush." Molly told Areina as she worked on the wound.
"What about...Rini?" Areina got out, ignoring her doctor's orders.
"She's resting...she looks ok." Serenity told her niece.
"Areina, your body's going into shock...what happened besides this stab wound?" Molly asked as she had to work hard to keep Areina's heartbeat regular.
"I took a full on lightning blast, had to protect mom, Uncle Dick and Rini." Areina managed to get out as she was FINALLY feeling pain. "Then redirected….."
"Hush Areina, rest; this is harder than you know." Molly was focused on repairing all of the damage and lulled Areina to sleep.
That was when Serenity felt it. "Areina...a tier five with fire magic already?"
"Are you serious, Ser?" Dick asked.
"Yes, she couldn't have withstood lightning, let alone redirected it, without her heart giving out if she wasn't."
"Ok, done. There was more to it than just the stab wound….probably whatever she went through after I healed her the first time and before she was saved by Omega…I'm sure there was more torture after Meygan took her back ….." Molly stood up...and swayed into her dad, who picked her up right away.
"Mol!"
Molly panted. "Tired...had a lot of healing to do."
"Areina did need a lot of help." Serenity said.
Andrew landed near them after doing his sweep. He eyed Molly in her father's arms and ran to them in his Green Lantern costume and gently took his wife from her father. "Mol?! How are you feeling?" Andrew asked.
"Want to sleep." Molly said with a soft smile.
"Then sleep." Andrew kissed her forehead and Molly drifted off. "Um... would now be a bad time to say that she's pregnant."
Everyone conscious was shocked.
"We haven't officially checked a count, but I knew she was safe with Meygan so we were going to wait." Andrew finished.
"You're lying." Dick said.
"No I'm not. She's super tired and I want to get her home." Andrew told him in a challenging voice.
Just then little Rini woke up. "Oh no...Aunt Molly…..are the triplets going to be okay?" Rini asked then she saw her cousin Areina wasn't waking up. "And what about Ari's babies?"
"What the hell!? Are ALL of the girls pregnant?!" Dick cried.
"Relax sweetie." Serenity said as she touched Dick's shoulder. "Rini, are you sure about Areina...and when did you learn about Molly having triplets?"
"I've been around Aunt Molly for a few days now. I can feel them."
"What about Areina?" Dick asked his little granddaughter.
"I sensed them when Ari came back in the past."
"THEM?"
"Yea, Ollie and Kirima are going to be joining us soon."
"How do you know the name Kirima?"
"Ari told Bruce and Jason that the girl of the twins was going to be named after their hero grandmother."
"Ahhh..." Dick said, and a smile came to his face…..then he eyed Andrew. "Triplets?"
"Rini are you sure? We haven't checked?" Andrew asked...and he looked ready to faint at the fact that Rini had revealed their secret.
"I'm sure." Rini said, smiling.
Back At The Fight
Her wounds began to close immediately and Meygan got up.
"Meyg?"
" eeht semoceb eci dna, ssenkciht fo llaw a etaerc, retaw fo rewop!"
Just as Zach put distance between him and the twins, a wall of thick ice sprouted up from the ground.
The twins started to turn and saw the young wizard standing there, but she was still physically weak.
The ground opened up and Cassidee crawled out of it, closing it up after she got out.
"Give me the sword." Meygan said, walking to them with sure steps. Mathen stayed close behind her.
Just as Reiena held the sword out to her niece; a presence was seeking Meygan out mentally.
"Meygan, I know you can hear me...please, leave the Ice Fire in the sword...that will be the ace in the hole for this fight to be over with FOREVER."
It was Meygan's fire controlling cousin...but it was crazy, she should still be unconscious, even if Molly DID heal her up.
"What are you talking about?"
"Trust me. You're fifth element will be the key to victory...and trust in Cass."
"Ok, but I still need it." Meygan took the Sword and looked to her cousin. "Are you ready to fight back?"
"I'm scared." Cass admitted.
"Did you feel a boost in your power?"
A punch vibrated the ice wall.
"Yeah. How can we beat him...even WITH our elements at tier 5?" Cassidee asked.
"I know how. It was how Uncle Marik tried to beat him."
The ice wall broke.
Meygan raised Excalibur.
"You two will die painfully, slowly... Neither of you can beat me!" Zacharius threw a crashing fire wave at them.
As the wave moved quickly toward them, Reiena decided to play the hero in this magic fight and drew in the fire, but that left her weak, and she couldn't stay up. Dick caught her as she fell backward.
"Aunt Rei!"
She was still conscious, but wouldn't be that way for long. "You've been burned enough in this war, I knew it was magic fire…now finish him."
"We're just alike." Meygan murmured. "ssenkrad eht tuo ekat ot yruf ruoy ssenrah! Yebo, trevnoc, egnahc! Em ot erif dna eci" she called out, thrusting the Sword at him and the blue fire surged forth at Zach, nailing him.
He screamed as his hands were frostbitten in seconds.
"Cass, go!" Meygan cried, pouring on the magic.
"But...only Excalibur can..."
"Take it. You can get close while I hold him with my ice fire."
"You will be all alone, Cassidee; no parents, no brother. You don't want that, I know you," Zacharius tormented her verbally. "Every day, you will be alone. No one will love you the way I do."
"Don't listen, you have me...and my family, we're still blood, and we'll always love you." Meygan said.
Cassidee hesitated.
"Crap. Listen to me; that's Morgan talking through him. You are loved and will never be alone." Meygan threw the sword as she went closer, then summoned the earth to trap his feet, which it did.
Cassidee caught Excalibur and then looked over her shoulder to Meygan.
"Dad said she never loved me...but he did."
"It was all a lie, he's never loved you, he only wanted revenge for Morgan's death, which we DID cause, but it was meant to be, we were the ones to break the spell...that was all, and she died because she was no longer immortal.
"He's my dad..." she whispered but she took a few steps forward.
"You need to look inside of you and decide what you should do. I can't hold him forever. I was wrong to try and do this for you. I only wanted to spare you this."
"Then tell me when you stopped loving me, Dad. I want to know." Cassidee took a few more steps.
Zacharius threw up a wall of fire while trying to save his body by regeneration, but Meygan was strong and she was using all of her elements in a rotation to keep him from adapting.
"The day you were born. Such a useless thing." He spat out.
"So it was all a lie...my entire life you never trained me...you kept me hidden...Did you KNOW Aunt Serenity was alive?" Cassidee asked as she moved closer.
"Of course. She was a coward to hide all those centuries."
Cassidee rushed him, running through the flames without injury and thrust the Sword forward, nailing him between his lungs. "Wrong answer. My dad never stopped loving me...Morgan. Aunt Serenity hid to stay alive so she could try to stop you; she's NO coward."
There was an explosion and Zacharius screamed; but there was a feminine scream and Morgan's soul lifted itself from Zach as he fell back to the ground, the sword still stuck in him.
"You useless, cowardly male! I gave you everything!" she screeched.
Cassidee then sent a cyclone at the evil spirit and she was blown away.
Meygan ran to Zach…as did Cassidee. "Zach?"
He coughed up blood. "I...am free. Thank you..."
"Dad...I'm sorry..."
"No, I should have seen it all...but..." Zach said as he started to weaken.
"I'm sorry." Meygan told him.
"You are...wise beyond...us old...wizards...dear niece." He took his daughter's hand and pulled it to Meygan, who took it. "Watch...over her...for me...Cassidee...I knew she...was...alive. I...had to protect...her..." he coughed again.
"I'll tell mom; rest now Zach. Your fight is over." Meygan let him know sadly.
"I'm sorry for...what I allowed...Queen Bee….and the …psychic...to do to Reilie and Brie."
"It's ok; I know and Aunt M'gann can help them further."
"She made me...kill them...I couldn't stop...her...Trey and Trin...they were babies..." Tears fell from the corner of his eyes.
"Tell him about his unborn sibling." Came Areina's voice in Meygan's mind. "He needs to know before he meets his family in the spirit world."
"Uncle Zach...did you know that grandma was expecting when you..." Meygan asked; hoping Zach had a few moments more.
"Oh God...no...I...I killed them..." Zach openly cried out as his eyes widened at the news.
"I'm sorry, Dad..." Cassidee kissed his check.
"You...did nothing...wrong..."
"I've spoken to them...they were upset, but I'm sure that when you see them, they will feel differently." Meygan said.
"Thank you. Train...with Meygan. She...is a true...onmi...wizard. She...can...keep...you...in the...light..."
"She was never in danger of going to the dark." Meygan said. "She was born pure."
"Good...Cassidee... I... Love...you..." Zach's eyes slid close, and took his final breath. "Tell Areina….the queen…I'm sorry I hurt her when I….fought her and Mathen…and everything I….did after."
Then, he was gone, and the two omni wizards felt the fire within him die out.
"DAAAAAAAAAAAAADD!" Cassidee cried. She fell into Meygan and her cousin held her close. That cry was enough to rouse Mathen and Marik from the unconscious state and they started to stand up.
"You stupid girls...you ruined everything, just like Merlin!" Morgan's soul came roaring back to them.
A bright light soon flashed and Merlin floated above the young wizards in spirit form. "You have stolen enough of my family, Morgan! BEGONE!"
With a flick of his wrist, a portal appeared, sucking Morgan's soul into it, her screams heard until it closed.
"Thank you, Grandpa Merlin."
"I am only sad that Serenity is my only living grandchild now."
"Not so." Meygan said confidently.
"I wish I could believe you, but I sensed Gallean's spirt, yet I still have not found him."
"Huh?" Cassidee looked up at her cousin.
"I can't say here but back home I can. Uncle Marik did it."
"Did what?" Merlin asked, puzzled.
"I'll tell you…Back home."
She pulled Excalibur from Zach's dead body. "Do you want to cremate him?" she asked Cassidee.
"I think it's only fair, after all...I'm his daughter...and I thought he was JUST a fire wizard until six months ago…."
Cassidee sent fire toward her father's body and soon the heat was enough to turn him to ash. Just then...as if called for, a wind came and scattered the ashes.
"Not bad. You're learning." Meygan looked to her brothers, who held Reiena up.
She thought about it, but then saw why Mathen and Marik were holding their aunt; Dick was on his way to his future daughter and niece.
"Dad...I'm going to have to take away this fight...AND the knowledge of exactly who started this war, and what kills Aunt Rei, but I'm sure the Master Fate will allow you and Aunt Rei as well as Grandpa and Uncle Roy to keep the memories of Delta coming to visit."
"Do it, but make sure Rei keeps her memories of the boys, I know she's loved being around them."
"I will, she's always been meant to know about Areina and her twins."
"Ok." He hugged Cassidee first. "I'm sorry, but I know what it's like to not have your parents around. When you're ready, you can talk to me."
"I know Uncle Dick, and I'm sure I'll need it when I return to my time."
He then hugged his daughter. "You are a real treasure, you know that?"
"Yea, just took some time to figure it out." Meygan said with a smile.
"Tell Aunt Rei this for me. I'm sorry I never got to meet and talk to her, but her daughter really does do her legacy proud." Cassidee said.
"I will." Dick kissed his daughter on the forehead. "Take care of your babies. And wait for number four ok?"
"Do I have to?" Meygan teased.
"Didn't Kal almost kill you..." Dick said with a sigh.
"I know what to expect now..." Meygan grinned. "See you back home, boys." Meygan reached out to Merlin and he teleported himself and the girls away. Soon after Mathen and Marik left via fire to return home after saying goodbye to their family.
Five Minutes Later, The Future
Meygan and Cass arrived after a stop by Merlin's home to discuss what Meygan wouldn't in the past.
"Meygan." Dick said as he hugged his first daughter
"I'm alright dad."
Then everyone saw Cass' hands were wrapped up.
"Honey, do you need Molly?" Serenity asked.
"No, Merlin says the scars are magical and healing magic can't even fix them."
"It's from her holding and using Excalibur." Meygan told everyone and Serenity was about to cry.
"It's because of who your parents were. Not only were they not Arthurian descendants…they were evil wizards. I feel the only reason you aren't dead right now is that since Meygan bonded with the sword, anyone from Merlin's line could hold it but be scarred."
"That's what Grandpa Merlin said." Cass remarked.
"Where's Areina?" Meygan asked.
"Med bay." Mathen answered as he and Marik came into the room.
With her question answered, she walked away without any other words.
One Hours Later
Areina was still asleep as Meygan sat at her side.
"I'm so sorry; I shouldn't have turned my back on him." Meygan said.
Just then Areina groaned as she started to wake up from Molly's sleep magic.
"Hey, are you going to be alright?" Meygan asked as Areina sat up.
"Yea, but….is it possible for a mortal like me to talk to spirits….AND the Master Fate?" Areina asked.
"Who protected your spirit?" Meygan asked; her eyes wide.
"Trinity, Trey and your grandparents…. Uncle Marik was there also." Areina answered.
Meygan had a look of shock on her face.
"It's because of Merlin's mark, could they see it?"
"I'm sure, but….you really talked to them?"
"Yes, and Trey really had an attitude." Areina said.
"That he does, but what did you think about them?"
"I know I'm a descendant of Arthur's, but everyone shouldn't make a fuss over me."
"What all did they say?" Meygan asked, wondering what her family had said to Areina.
"Well, they told me I was on the verge of death, and that my being pregnant was the reason they took my soul….wherever we were. They let me watch some of the fight, and that's when I saw Cass holding Excalibur…then pull FOUR elements out of it."
"I didn't want anyone to know, but I found out about her from them too, yet I didn't see the aura till after I found out."
"So it wasn't just Merlin's prophecy that kept Zach from training her…."
"It was the fact that she's an Omni wizard."
"I saw Arthur too." Areina stated.
Meygan smiled.
"He said I chose well in you three." Areina said with a smile.
She then moved to sit on the edge of the bed, and she wasn't feeling any pain.
"So what did the Master Fate have to say?" Meygan asked.
"He seemed to want to meet me….oh, and when you saved mom to give me those three days with her after I was born…..your 'defeat' at Zach's hand with the sword wounds was your punishment for changing the past. Carlos or Merlin couldn't talk him out of it."
"That's alright, I knew that Cass would be the one to do it, but in the end, I met the TRUE Uncle Zacharius."
"Was he as much of a pain as he seemed to be in the past?"
"He was already corrupted when you met him in the past; but before he died, he did want me to tell you that he was sorry he hurt you when you and he fought while Mathen was training you and for stabbing you in the chest along with all the other things he did to you…."
"I wish we could find out how he was BEFORE the fire that…..I can't believe Elizabeth was expecting."
"How did you….." Meygan stated, realizing that Areina had mentioned it before.
"Her spirit seemed to shine more, like there was another spirit within her own."
Meygan had tears in her eyes. "…..I can't…I didn't even realize that, she just told me that she was."
"You were with them for a different reason, but they saved me when evil Zach stabbed me, so we didn't have the same things to talk to them about."
Meygan smiled. "You really are something else Areina."
"I know." Areina said with a smile.
Just then Mathen came bursting into Med Bay and there was a surprised look on his face.
"You guys have to see this." The oldest Grayson child said.
Meygan made sure Areina was stable before they started running out of Med Bay.
Monitor Room
Dick, Serenity, the older members of Alpha and all the original team members were watching the holo computer screen and they couldn't believe what was happening.
"Is that…."
"Camelot's revival, the original castle is rebuilding itself." Serenity said as she never took her eyes off of this event.
The kids couldn't believe it; they were told that it wouldn't happen in their life time…how could this be happening.
"I am glad to see that I was wrong." A voice boomed.
"Grandpa." Serenity cried out as a wind appeared and the old man exited from it.
"Cassidee, I'm sorry that YOU were the one to have to do it, but for Meygan…"
"With her growing up under the code her whole life, it would have been hard, even if she WAS doing it to save me the pain of having to kill…dad…." Cassidee said, understanding what her great grandfather was saying.
"A descendant of Merlin through and through, the purest soul I've ever seen come from the line."
"HEY." Meygan cried out.
"You know what I mean, Meygan."
Areina giggled.
"I am proud to see that the descendants of Arthur will have their home back." Merlin stated.
"Merlin, before you go, I have a question." Areina stated as she stepped forward.
"And that would be...Your Highness?"
"After Orin and I were freed, I went to get a magic stone back that housed his life force and Atlantean magic. Once I touched it, his magic seemed to fuse with me for a moment. How was that possible?"
"Did you have your shell with you?" he asked softly.
"I was wearing it...well it was an anklet so Mordred didn't find it, and I wore a decoy around my neck."
"That was how...I didn't feel that I should tell you all that the shell could do..." His smile was hiding laughter.
Areina's head cocked to the side out of curiosity.
"Grandfather, what's the secret." Serenity said as she gave a batglare.
"Now...I think Queen Areina knows..."
"It makes me an Omniwizard?" Areina asked, honestly not sure, but it was the only explanation she could think of.
"That is rather far-reaching. No, but your lifespan was expanded; by a century...at least."
Everyone's jaws dropped.
Areina was the most shocked; but then she got over it. "Merlin, it still doesn't explain how I was able to use Orin'ahm's WATER magic."
"It does. He is the magic wielder in your new immediate family. The stone thought you were a magic wielder from your shell and you were able to use the magic contained it."
Areina absorbed all of this then thought of something important that only the great wizard before her could help with. "Merlin, can we speak in private about something else."
"Of course." He followed the young Queen-to-be closely.
They went into the next room and Areina looked at Merlin with a determined look. "I feel that Etrigan and Jason have repaid their debt for betraying Camelot all those centuries ago."
Merlin's face changed from a happy expression to a dark, almost angry expression. He looked ready to send someone into the sun. "Explain this thought process...Your Highness."
"Both have been protecting Arthur's descendants...at least me and Meygan from Zach since 'The Master' first appeared whenever they could. I know that part of it for me was because of YOUR mark, but over the past few years, he's shown me that he's repented for what he did in siding with Morgan."
"This is a tough thing to ask of me, Queen Areina. Releasing him will mean he dies. Etrigan will return to Hell and Jason Blood will die."
"Why don't we go talk to him together, let BOTH Etrigan and Jason decide. I know that Etrigan is your half-brother, but even he deserves to be free of this curse."
"You are wise and observant, my Queen. Very well, we should get this over with; but I must protest vehemently."
"I can understand that, but I do feel that Jason has done MORE than enough for Camelot, I mean he DID take a fire sword meant for me after Zach hurt Meygan badly….well Etrigan took the hit, but Jason still had it after. I can't ask that of him anymore."
"Then we will speak to them both. But there are terms that must be met for Jason to live out a mortal life. A very short list."
"Like?"
"Jason cannot be knighted. He cannot live in Camelot. And he can never call upon Etrigan ever again."
"Wasn't he already a knight in Arthur's day?"
"He was and will be a disgraced Knight. You might be able to convince me to let him live out his life in this time frame instead of dying outright, but he cannot be called a knight."
"Would you really deny the very princess you protected at Marik's funeral a request like that?" Areina asked as she gave the Grayson smile.
"To let him live out his mortal life in this time frame? No. To make him a Knight? YES."
"I will accept that he can never be a true Knight again, but he should be allowed to live a mortal life and I'm sure that he would agree to move out of New Camelot."
"Very well, let us go; for right now, your cousin is about to give my granddaughter what she has always craves."
"And what's that?"
"Oh no. You can pout all you want but it's a surprise."
That's when something hit Areina. "Did Meygan find Alyssa and Kathryn?"
"No," Merlin told the Queen. "Let us go now..."
"Alright, I'm sure I can handle a teleport of yours." Areina said.
Merlin pulled out his wand and waved it before him and a swirly, red portal of light soon formed. "Take my hand, your highness."
Areina did so, and they soon walked through together.
London, England
It wasn't long before a portal opened up outside of the familiar little shop to Areina, and the two travelers walked up to the door. Areina looked to Merlin.
"I know you don't like my request, but are you sure Etrigan will be okay in Hell if he DOES agree?"
"Etrigan is at home there; to ask him to leave here is asking too much though."
Areina's eyes softened. "Maybe...I was wrong to think they would be happy if not bound to roam the world forever."
"You need to give them that choice, Your Highness." Merlin knocked on the door.
"Thank you for letting me come with you."
"You're very welcome."
The door soon opened and Jason Blood was shocked when he saw one of the people standing before him. "Master Merlin?!"
"We need to talk, Blood." Merlin then placed himself between Areina and Jason to allow her entry first.
"Of course, anything for the princess." Jason said as the two visitors entered.
Areina was nervous as she glanced from Jason to Merlin and back again. "Um..."
"It's alright, your highness, you may speak your mind." Merlin said, seeing the unease in Areina's face and stance.
"Jason, we'll need to speak to Etrigan after I tell you why we're here."
"Very well."
Areina took a deep breath. "I know that Camelot's castle has come back, I saw it happening from Watchtower. I also know that Arthur's crown will choice me. As future queen, I feel that you've MORE than made up for your mistake in siding with Morgan during Camelot's fall. I've asked Merlin to release you from the curse that he placed on you."
Jason looked to Merlin, shocked to hear sure a thing.
"I have agreed, but if YOU wish to live out a mortal's life, there are some conditions after you separate from Etrigan."
"Such as?" Jason asked with a hint of dread along with the curiosity that was building.
"I can never restore you to a proper knighthood; you cannot live here in New Camelot, and you can NEVER call on Etrigan again." Areina told her time and again savior.
"I would agree only with two of the conditions. Not living in New Camelot isn't acceptable. What is the alternative?" He looked to Merlin to answer that part.
Areina also looked to Merlin and she wasn't pouting, but he saw the look in her eyes and knew she wanted Jason to be free to live out one last mortal lifetime.
"Death to you," Merlin answered with a sigh. "Etrigan will be freed to return to Hell, but you will die. Queen Areina wants you to live."
"You can't live in New Camelot...but there's nothing to say you can't live right outside of its borders." Areina said, hoping to plead her case. "and I'm sure you would be allowed to work and socialize here."
Merlin glanced in her direction. "Areina…."
"Hey, that wasn't part of it; you just said he couldn't LIVE in New Camelot." Areina protested to the ancient wizard.
"I...could do that..."
"You are learning, my Queen." Merlin's eyes held a twinkle in them.
"I guess my short time in Camelot helped me some, and seeing my ancestors, I saw in them that it was more than just royal blood that made a ruler."
"I have often wished to die since my curse. You wanting me to live out my time here is humbling. I would gladly forfeit my title of knight if it meant I will die in a few short decades. Are you sure you want this, Queen Areina?"
"You deserve it after protecting me and Meygan so much these past few years."
"Then I accept your terms, Master Merlin."
"Before I undo the curse, I must make sure that Etrigan is alright with all of this." Merlin said.
"Always wanting to talk to me, Merlin. You should be roasting within my fires." came Etrigan's voice from Jason's mouth.
"This is a special occasion...brother."
Etrigan came forth in Jason Blood's place. "What do you want?"
"The queen has something to ask of you...a VERY noble request at that."
"Now you are a Queen, Areina? Your mother is proud. Her light and happiness shine upon you as would a night star." Etrigan kissed Areina's hand.
"Well, not officially, but with the castle's revival, it won't be long. Etrigan, what would you say if I told you I've asked Merlin to undo the curse that binds you to Jason and this world?"
"You would grant me my freedom, Your Highness?"
"I can't ask you to protect my family anymore. You may be immortal, but you've risked your safety for me enough, and you helped Meygan JUST as much."
"I have...no need for your concern. I have...grown fond of...you..."
"Please, Etrigan, I want you to be free of this curse. You've been bound to the Earth since Camelot's fall and you deserve to be home where you belong."
"I will accept out of selfishness. I do wish to stay home and not venture out. You however, Queen Areina…need to rest more. Your children will be much like Meygan's son if you don't."
"It's not selfishness to want to be in your home after a millennium away from it." Areina said, accepting Etrigan's answer with a smile. "And I'll be sure to take your advice."
"You sense the infants as well?" Merlin asked as he realized what the demon said.
"You knew Merlin?" Areina asked.
"I did, but no one seemed to know or if they did they were not speaking of it; so I said nothing."
"I do sense them and they will be as wonderful as the little princes. Before I go...please help the short child, Rini. Use the Welsh spell to allow her to be normal…like the other children; Zacharius' evil needs to be erased completely."
Areina turned to Etrigan with shock on her face. "Rini can be normal..."
"That spell is dangerous for her." Merlin weakly protested.
"She is strong. You must guide her, her mother and Cassidee as Omni Wizards, then you visit me." Etrigan smiled.
"...Thank you Etrigan…for all you have done. Merlin, is there any way my fire magic can help with the spell?" Areina asked.
"I'm afraid not. This spell that my brother speaks of is meant for adults, not a child of six winters' old." Merlin nodded at Etrigan.
"You need to rest, Queen Areina. This will be awhile."
"Before you're released, would you like to say goodbye to Aunt Serenity?" Areina asked, knowing that he had also protected the sorceress since Camelot's fall.
"I will speak to her after the separation. I have the power to do so."
"Okay, goodbye Etrigan, and thank you, for everything." Areina said as she sat in a nearby chair.
Etrigan walked over and hugged Areina. "Good bye, my Queen. Do not let this old man boss you so." Then he let go and stood before Merlin.
"I'm sure I can handle this great wizard." Areina said with a smile and soon enough Merlin started the spell.
Three Hours Later
The team was frantic as they couldn't find Areina ANYWHERE for some time.
"What the hell happened?" Dick asked. "I know she's trained to disappear but damn…"
Just then a portal appeared and Merlin was the first one through, followed by Areina.
"Areina!"
"What happened?" Serenity asked.
"Jason and Etrigan are free." Areina said with a big smile.
Serenity sat down where she stood. "What?"
"I asked Merlin to release them from their curse. Jason will live right outside of New Camelot's borders and have a mortal life while Etrigan returns to his home." Areina told her aunt.
"Grandfather...you did this?" Serenity asked Merlin.
"Areina is a powerful young lady, and she saw something in them that even I hadn't in a LONG time. Etrigan and Jason agreed."
"And Areina insisted on this happening." Serenity stated as she looked at her niece.
Areina just smiled innocently. "I couldn't allow either of them to keep getting hurt to protect the Grayson line."
"I see."
"I asked Etrigan if he wanted to tell you goodbye, but he said it could wait till after the separation."
"I have a few things to say to him. Now are you ready to be Queen?"
"But dad's first in line..." Mathen said.
"If he wants it, but I think he'd rather try for child number seven." Merlin teased.
"Merlin...what about Etrigan's request, can you really not do it?" Areina questioned as Dick and Serenity blushed.
"Which request?" Merlin asked, as if he wasn't sure.
Areina didn't know if she should say in front of her family, but Merlin was going to make it hard for her to get an answer. "Making Rini normal."
"I can, but first..." Merlin went to Mathen. "Are you challenging Areina for the throne?"
"Merlin, it's alright, how about we let the throne decide. I remember something from the old legends that New Camelot's rightful ruler will be chosen by the enchanted throne." Areina said with a smirk in Mathen's direction.
"I won't challenge her; I live forever. She won't."
"Well, I have an extra century, remember that; but the throne will decide." Areina remarked, but in her mind, she also knew that that extra century meant Mathen would NEVER be king. "Besides, Uncle Dick wasn't the first born between him and mom; she was born 20 minutes before Uncle Dick."
"Yea right; if you want to cry when it glows for me, then we do it. I just want to hurry this up. I've got a daughter to spoil; she needs a princess dress." Mathen said with a huge grin on his face. "Besides, Aunt Rei wasn't around to be crowned, so it falls to dad's line."
"We'll just see about that. Merlin, if you'd like to go see Etrigan, I think we'll be alright for now." Areina said, as if she was releasing him to roam on his own.
"Good. Now I just need willow bark." he stated if he was now thinking of other things.
"Anything we can help with?" Areina asked.
Merlin then vanished from sight, as if he never heard her.
Serenity burst out laughing. "Forgive him, Areina. He's in his own world now."
"Guess he has to be the one to gather the items since he's casting the spell." Areina stated.
"True. He tends to do that." Serenity got up and guided her niece. "Now off with you. You need to be fitted for a dress."
"But the throne hasn't decided. How about we visit the castle." Areina stated.
"You need your dress, you royal court... " Serenity said as she started to usher her niece away.
"Wait...where's Meygan?" Areina asked.
"Making kid number four." Mathen teased.
Dick hit his son on the head.
"OW!" cried Mathen.
"Maybe right now...she has a personal mission to complete." Areina said, her mind still holding the thought about the missing members of Merlin's family.
"Oh no. Kevin picked her up and flew away." Mathen continued.
"Enough! Let's get going." Dick told his gathered family.
Five Minutes Later
After Boom Tubing to New Camelot; they all stood before the newly restored Camelot Castle, the Entire Greyson family…the ROYAL family.
Serenity had tears in her eyes, the place she grew up in had returned to its former glory.
They went inside eagerly, and Serenity ran her hand along the walls to allow the memories to come flowing back.
"Mommy, why are you crying?" Brie asked as they continued toward the throne room.
Dick held Serenity from behind as she said. "Because my old life has returned."
"But who's going to rule?" Rini asked.
"Your grandpa." Mathen joked.
"Very funny, son."
"The throne will decide when Arthur's descendants sit upon it." Serenity told her granddaughter.
They entered the throne room, and saw the two chairs were fully restored.
"This room is amazing." Little Bruce stated.
As a joke (but she knew otherwise), Areina ran to the throne and sat in it. She kicked up her legs and grinned.
"Areina!" Orin admonished his wife.
"But I wanted to go first." Jason said with a pout.
"The chair is really comfy and my feet hurt, not to mention I'm still recovering from having a fire sword stuck through my chest."
"It's ok, Jason. You can go next." Kevin told him.
The crown suddenly materialized before Areina, in its pure gold and diamond-encrusted glory.
"Oh my." Serenity said.
It landed on her lap. She picked it up and saw the engraved words on the inside which made her laugh then put it on her head.
It shimmered then settled down.
"Guess I'm queen."
No one knew what to do...but Serenity walked forward and bowed before her niece and Meygan, Marik, Mathen, Molly, and Brie, along with Rei-Rei and Cassidee bowed after coming up beside the immortal sorceress.
Jaws dropped.
"No fair." Reilie whined.
"We, the descendants of Merlin's bloodline, pledge our allegiance to you, Queen of New Camelot." Serenity said.
"Ok. Thanks. Now all of you get up." Areina said, feeling weary about being bowed to.
"Yay, we're princes." Jason said as he looked to his brother.
"Yay me." Bruce whispered.
"So, would my king like to come join me up here?" Areina asked as she looked Orin right in the eyes.
Not sure what Orin would do...or how he'd put his response, Mathen elbowed him in the ribs.
Orin grinned as he got to the throne. He saw the empty chair; then pulled Areina up to him, sat down and pulled her onto his lap.
Mathen and Meygan laughed.
"Ew!" The present members of Delta Squad said at the display.
"This kind of thing must be in the Grayson blood." Molly said at the display then thought about getting home to Andrew.
Kevin pulled his wife to him and kissed Meygan soundly on the lips.
Mathen shook his head.
"Today is a good day, my Queen." Orin whispered to Areina.
"It is, my King."
"The Master is gone, the family is safe, and your kingdom has been revived. It's more than a good day." Meygan said as Kevin held her close.
Kevin and Meygan then left the throne room without a word.
Serenity was afraid to follow them.
"I'm sorry that Olivia couldn't be here." Molly said to her brother.
"Seri is a bit fussy right now; but Olivia would have been in awe about this. I told her about the archers of Camelot, and she said she wants to help revive the legacy."
Serenity once again had tears in her eyes; her memories of the archers of Camelot were coming to her mind, and she smiled. "Tristan and the archers of Camelot will be proud to know that a born archer is bringing back their legacy."
"So, your future Majesty, I see my old friend has once again surprised me." A voice boomed.
"Could you all excuse me for a moment?" Areina said, and with that everyone headed out; they figured they would hear about it later.
"So, your family respects your requests….except your husband it seems." The Master Fate said as he appeared before Areina.
"I will remain at my wife's side always."
"I like that about him."
"I guess they know when I need alone time, or to talk to someone alone, and Orin is right. So, I guess Mathen WON'T have his time to reign." Areina said with a smile, but then she remembered her first meeting with the being before her.
"Everything is as it's meant to be. I came to check on you and your new twins."
"It's only been a little while, but we're doing alright; Molly is a wonderful healer." Areina stated. "Was mom allowed to keep ALL her memories of the two times we kids from the future went to her time? I really would like to know that she would remember her grandchildren."
"She did. In fact..." The Master Fate snapped his fingers and Reiena appeared next to the ghostly form of the Master Fate.
"MOM!"
Reiena ran to her daughter and hugged her tight. "Areina!"
"Master Fate, why...you know you just broke your own rule right?" Areina asked after the hug broke.
"I did, but I'm allowed and this is only a visit anyway." Then he snapped his fingers again and Orin's mother Kirima appeared. She went to her shocked son, who stood there as she hugged him. "Orin!"
Orin didn't know what to do. He hugged his mother but the shock on his face said it all.
"I knew you would be shocked, but the Master Fate here insisted Kirima come along as well." Reiena said with a smile.
"Mom, there's so much I want to say." Orin started.
"There's nothing to say. I've watched over you your whole life and you're a king now, just like the man your father and I named you after." Kirima said, smiling
"Yea...but, I'm nervous."
"Orin, I'm nervous too...think about it, I just became queen of a kingdom, it's all scary and new." Areina told her husband with a smile. "Kirima, I'm going to name my baby girl after you; your legacy BELONGS in Delta Squad."
"I'm glad." Kirima smiled. "And this is the final set?"
"If they have a hidden powers that not even the Master Fate know about...then YES." Areina said. "Bruce and Jason's powers coming forth at one week was ENOUGH for me."
"I'm sorry. That was a bit...much on my end. Orin wanted the boys to have powers so badly that I kind of badgered the Master Fate to make it happen early." Kirima blushed.
"Mom!"
"Okay, well with this set, let their powers come out naturally, please." Areina asked her mother in law.
"What powers?" Reiena cryptically asked.
Orin and Areina's faces showed the shock as they saw the smirk Reiena gave. "You mean...but what about dad's archery skills? any ideas?"
"They're going to be normal, like Brie, with Roy's archery skills in Ollie." Reiena told her daughter. "But quiet."
"Like Orin was." Kirima added.
"Yea, the way the stories go; mom, you were the quiet one, while Uncle Dick was hyper. What about being able to visit Atlantis with us?"
"They will have gills." the Master Fate chimed in. "The time grows short, ladies."
"Mom...thank you." Areina said with tears in her eyes.
"After the boys, you needed a quiet set, but I need you to give this to your father." Reiena gave her daughter a letter, as Kirima did the same to Orin.
"Any chance we can get the jist of the letters...or do we have to see dad and Kaldur faint?" Areina asked.
"You have to wait."
"Just remember, ruling is interesting." Kirima told the couple.
"It is time; good luck your majesties." The Master Fate said.
"Thank you for this time." Orin remarked.
"You're welcome."
"Wait…I need to know one thing before you go." Areina said as she thought about something.
"Yes?"
"Before he was released from his curse, Etrigan asked that Rini become normal…..the height she was supposed to be all along. My question is, WILL that happen?"
"It already has. Merlin was right to be concerned about using it, but Etrigan was correct, Zach's evil deeds needed to be erased."
"I'm glad, I hope she's not too shocked when it happens, I remember how Meygan was really shocked when she became her intended height. And Mom…I'm SO not having any more kids after these two." Areina told Reiena.
"Ask your cousin Meygan about it. She and Kevin are currently working on kid number four." Reiena laughed.
"I believe that's what your uncle said after Marik and Rei-Rei, and just look at them." Kirima remarked.
"We're not." Orin added.
"Good bye son." Kirima said. "Take care of your team and your family."
"Don't forget his kingdom as well, Kirima." Reiena remarked
"The kingdom will be fine. It's the balance of family and team that will get rough."
With that, the Master Fate and the two proud mothers disappeared.
Areina was crying, but she knew she had a mission, and so did her husband.
"We better get these to dad and Kaldur."
"Right."
Orin pulled his wife to him for a hard kiss. "Then we go find a quiet place."
"Fine by me, my king." Areina said and she looked at him with lust in her eyes for her husband.
Just then, the Master Fate returned. "Queen Areina, it seems that someone wants to talk to you."
"Yes?"
"Hello….little sister." A young girl stated as she appeared.
Areina and Orin stared at the little girl, and Areina saw the tale tell signs of who it was.
"Lian?"
"Yes. I wanted to let you know that I'm glad I wound up with siblings…even though we never met in my lifetime. The Master Fate told me I was meant to die that night, but now seeing daddy happy with you and Vincent around, I'm happy too."
Areina had tears in her eyes. "Thank you for that Lian; and I DID see you some when I visited the past a few years ago, but I'm sure those memories had been removed; besides you were just a toddler."
"Maybe, but please tell daddy that I'm well taken care of in the spirit world. Merlin's family is nice, and so are your grandparents, I have so many people caring for me. Oh, if you can find her, can you tell mom the same thing."
"I will." Areina said as she bent down to her 'big' sister and Lian walked over to her.
"Goodbye little sister." Lian said as she hugged Areina tight. "And Orin'ahm….you BETTER keep my sister happy."
Orin'ahm just laughed. "I do."
"My nephews and niece are in good hands." Lian stated.
"I know. Goodbye Lian."
With that the Master Fate smiled. "It is time to go, Lian."
"Yes sir."
And the two were gone. This left tears in Areina's eyes, but she felt better knowing her big sister was happy that Roy was happy.
"We should wait a bit before giving these letters to our dads."
"Right, we need to get things done around here…..then there's Ace's funeral."
With that said, they walked over to the thrones and Areina let one tear fall from her eyes.
That Night
Everyone was at home for dinner, and at the Grayson-Kent house; Rini and Reilie were playing together while Kevin was going crazy over Kal and Meygan was fixing dinner.
Kal was trying to roll over.
"Wow Kal, trying the big kid stuff already huh?" Kevin said with a chuckle.
"Ka-al! Slow up..." Reilie tried to keep Kal still but he managed to roll over and he was so excited that he was laughing and kicking his legs.
Just as everyone was cheering on the Kryptonian baby, a flash filled the room and a figure appeared.
"Hi grandpa Merlin." Rini said with a smile.
Merlin smiled right back at his great great granddaughter. "Hello little one."
Kal tried to see who was there, so Merlin stepped over Reilie to gently pick up the baby boy and hold him. "I have missed these moments. Such beauty and innocence in such a tiny morsel of a person..."
Soon Kal was close enough to Merlin's beard so he reached out and gave it a STRONG yank.
"Ooooff!" Merlin gently freed his beard as everyone laughed. "That's some strength, little one."
"He's part Kryptonian, we're very strong." Kevin said with a proud tone in his voice.
"I see...I have a surprise for little Rini. So...take this young man and Rini, we can talk." Merlin handed Kal over to Kevin before sitting down on the sofa, and Rini sat next to him.
"What's the surprise Grandpa Merlin?" Reilie asked, even though it wasn't for her.
"I know. I'm about to be normal again," Rini announced.
Meygan had tears in her eyes, was her first born really going to be normal?
"I saw it in a dream, but isn't the spell dangerous for me?" Rini replied.
"It is. I can cast it for you. It's too advanced of a spell for a child of 6 winters old."
"I want to give it a try." Rini said.
"Rini...little one...this spell is too powerful. You can end up sick for a long time."
"But I'm an Omni wizard, couldn't I at least try. If I get sick, then YOU can do it for me." Rini said, her Grayson pride and stubbornness coming forth.
Merlin sighed. "Alright, little one." From his robes, he pulled out a piece of parchment and a vial of liquid.
"Rini, are you positive that YOU want to do the spell?" Meygan asked as she knew what spell it was and that it was going to be a shock for her afterward.
"Yep!" Rini was excited over trying a 'big girl spell'.
Merlin handed both over to her and Rini looked at the paper to read it.
"Mommy, what do you all mean by Rini being normal, she's always been this way, this IS normal." Reilie remarked as Rini read the spell.
"Rini feeling weak and being tiny was because of Zach and through him, Morgan." Meygan told her.
"Oh, so she's supposed to be as tall as the twins?" Reilie replied.
"Most likely."
"Cool." Reilie said so she then stayed quiet and watched her sister.
"Okay, I'm ready."
"Now little one, the potion is a liquid that'll take away the damage of the dark lightning that you suffered from since birth. Once you drink it, you can cast the spell. But the liquid is bitter."
"Okay." Rini said and she quickly swallowed the liquid and her great great grandfather was right as the liquid was bitter. " Pleser iachau, tynnwch y tywyllwch sy'n cadw'r enaid pur hon o'i gwir ffurf. (Potion of healing, remove the darkness that keeps this pure soul from her true form.)"
Rini then doubled over as she glowed. "Ow, ow, ow..."
The glowing got brighter and brighter until it blinded everyone.
Then it went away, and Rini stood there, looking down at herself before looking at her family. "Hi. Am I tall now?"
"Yea, you're just as tall as Rei-Rei." Reilie said with excitement in her voice after her eyes adjusted back to normal.
"Really! I wanna see!" Rini then ran off to see for herself.
Kevin and Meygan laughed.
"I'm glad that the last of Zach's evil is gone from the world." Merlin said as he smiled after everyone heard Rini's squeal of joy.
"Thanks Grandpa Merlin." Meygan told the old man.
"Now, now your Majesty, Rini is about to explore the world through new eyes...and new heights," he added, chuckling.
"Meygan isn't going to be queen, Areina is." Kevin said with confusion in his voice.
"Areina is Her Highness; Meygan is Her Majesty."
"It's ok, My Knight." Meygan kissed him on the check.
"If you're Majesty, then aren't I your king?"
"Maybe...?" Meygan said but her voice was suggestive, and Kevin grinned like a loon.
"Mommy, I'm normal, look, I'm normal." Rini said as she flew back into the room.
"I'm so happy for you Rini, but at least your return to normalcy wasn't a surprise." Meygan said as she lightly glared at Merlin.
"Ah but surprises are what makes life worth living." And with that, Merlin vanished, going off on a new adventure.
Meanwhile at the West House
Things were quiet now, and at the West house, everyone was enjoying a good dinner. Artemis had just taken a bite of Garlic Mashed Potatoes when she had a funny feeling that someone was close...VERY close.
Iesha was standing there, all quiet with a hopeful feeling in her eyes, holding a plate.
"Babe, what's wrong?"
"Kids, you stay here; Wally...you too, I have to take care of this."
"No." Wally was at his wife's side, watching her eyes.
Suddenly a Kunai broke through the kitchen window and stuck into the wall near the living room. That action told Artemis that her hunch was right.
"Sorry honey, it's a family matter."
Wally nodded and held Iesha to him before Artemis went outside.
"What's going on daddy?" Iesha asked.
"Yea, why didn't mom want us with her?" Vincent asked.
"She has to tell you kids, but let's give your mom some privacy. I swear Brian, if you run out there...!" Wally warned and Brian stood next to Vincent.
"Oh come on, I want to watch mom fight, it's not often that we get to see her in action anymore." Brian whined.
Outside, Artemis stood there and looked around the house.
"Hello, Alice; couldn't send us an invite to your latest fight." A voice asked.
"It wasn't my fight to invite you too." Artemis spoke.
"Now Baby Girl, any fight one of us is in...involves ALL of us." Another voice said
"Hey dad..." Artemis shook her head.
"What, no hug." The first person said.
"Hey sis. No, no hug; I got three kids in house wanting out here to kick whoever ruined my window and two have super speed." Artemis frowned.
"Wow, dad, three grandkids from the youngest, that's interesting." Cheshire remarked as she stepped into the moonlight.
"Lian would have been happy to have siblings." Sportsmaster remarked as he did the same.
"She's already happy to have Areina as a sister and Vincent as a brother, from what I've been told. And since you're here, Jade, she wanted you to know that she's safe with Merlin's family in the spirit world." Artemis said. "So what brings you two here?"
Cheshire nodded. "We heard about the fight you were in, and we wanted to see if you were ok."
Artemis was weary of them as they didn't usually care THIS much about 'family'.
"It's true, we've changed...….I've been different since losing Lian, but your message helps me feel better." Cheshire remarked.
"And what do you mean Lian has another sister?"
"You remember Flamebird right?"
"Yeah? OH. Her and Roy..."
"Yea, they were happy...…...till Reiena died giving birth to their child. She's been a wonderful reminder of Rei though.
Jade frowned at that announcement. Not because she was Roy's kid but because Reiena and Roy had a kid together. Just like her sister and Roy had a kid together.
"Don't even think about it, I did what I did to help Roy live, Vincent was just a happy accident and he does Roy proud."
"Isn't Red Arrow dead?"
"Nope, history says he died in that warehouse, but one of Nightwing's kids saved him by time traveling."
Jade's eyes perked up with that and their dad shook his head. "That's too much to wrap my head around."
"It was for us too, but Roy's alive. Now if you'll excuse me for a moment, I have to tell my family inside that it's alright." Artemis said.
There was a whoosh and Iesha was already at her mom's side. "Mommy? Who are these people? Do I get to punch now?" she asked all innocently.
"It's alright sweetie, this is just my sister and father." Artemis remarked and that when everyone else came out of the house.
Sportsmaster laughed as he kneeled before the young girl. "This kid I like, Baby Girl!" I'm your grandpa."
"And I'm the Queen of Camelot." Iesha retorted.
"No, that's going to be Areina." Artemis said with a laugh. "He's really your grandfather, he's just been busy with the family business to come see you."
Iesha just stared at him, unsure. But she saw Jade and her first words to her aunt were, "You're so beautiful..."
That caused Jade to smile "Why thank you little rabbit." Jade said as she bent down to Iesha's level. "But before I stick you with a nickname, what's your name?"
"Iesha. Iesha Claire West. Are you an Empress? They're more special than queens."
"Hey Aunt Jade..." Vincent stood by Wally his bow lowered but an arrow remained ready to use. Brian was at Artemis' left side as Wally brought up the rear.
"You can't be Vincent, the last time I saw you; you were barely able to hold a bow."
"I am." Vincent saw Brian shift slightly over to protect their sister. "It's sway, Bri. Ease up."
Wally shook his head. "Hey Jade." He then saluted Sportsmaster in respect.
"At least you got some respect for your betters." Sportsmaster remarked with a smirk as he accepted the salute.
"You got me on a good day." Wally joked. "How are you? Still think I can't protect Arty? Is that why you're here?"
"No, we just wanted to come and say that we're retired and want to be around our family." Jade remarked.
"YAY!" Iesha hugged Jade so fast that Jade nearly fell over. "Wanna play tea party?" Iesha asked happily.
Brian shook his head and Vincent didn't believe them.
"Are you just playing us, dad?" Artemis asked.
"Nope, we're done; we haven't been the same since you're little prank and it got worse after Lian died." Sportsmaster remarked.
"And now you decided to retire?" Vincent asked. "Aunt Jade, maybe...You? No way."
"Now, Vincent...wait on that judgement. We should be fair and give them a chance. Don't tell your sister no. She'll cry and hit you."
"I know. Don't remind me."
Jade laughed. "That's true, if she's anything like your mother, she will be violent."
Brian winced at a memory and looked away from Jade. "I already know that."
"Did you hit your brother?" Jade asked Iesha.
"Yeah. He took my dolly away. I hit him in a place that hurts guys." Iesha blushed as she remembered her parents having to talk to her while Brian had to have a bag of ice in that 'spot.'
Jade and Sportsmaster busted out laughing.
"IT'S NOT FUNNY." Brian said as he felt he was reliving the pain all over again.
Sportsmaster covered himself just in case. "That's my granddaughter alright."
"Would you like to come in for dinner?" Wally asked, being polite. "We have plenty."
"Sounds good, but are you sure there's plenty with three speeders in the house?" Jade asked.
"Always," Artemis grinned happily.
"Can Wes come too?" Iesha asked. "He's already here."
"Wes, come out now." Wally remarked with a sigh.
Wes shimmered next to him, spooking Wally. "Sorry. Iesha was worried so...I offered to check on Artemis." He waved to Iesha's mom innocently.
Iesha hugged Wes happily.
"Don't tell me those two are already in love." Jade remarked.
Iesha showed her mean look to Jade and Vincent laughed. "That will be a yes."
"Whose kid is he?" Sportsmaster asked.
"Superboy and Miss Martian's youngest boy."
Sportsmaster nodded, approving already. He didn't even sense the kid.
"It's my ghost mode, and I can levitate, so I'm pretty quiet." Wes said with a smile.
"He's also telepathic." Brian remarked.
Iesha was already pulling Wes toward the house. "I'm hungry."
All the adults laughed and everyone headed inside.
Three Days Later
Everyone was healed up; the threat of the Light, and all those within it, was erased; and Delta squad was stronger from their time in the past. They had two losses, one that started the war, and one during. Today the loss during the war was being put to rest.
Bruce Wayne (and his children), all the Graysons (married into the life of one or born as Graysons), and all of Delta squad was there.
"I'm sorry we couldn't save you, but as a knight to me for the past few years, you were wonderful." Areina said as she stood beside the small box.
"Thank you for protecting me and my family." Bruce said.
Delta Squad was upset, they had other animals, but Ace was there for them their whole lives.
"Thank you for helping me want to shapeshift...and talking to me when Ari babysat me here at the manor." Wes remarked with tears in his eyes.
"Thank you for fighting to save mommy." Little Bruce remarked as he too had tears in his eyes.
Rini sat next to the box, eyes closed, as she said her goodbye quietly.
Iesha and Reilie cried so loudly their wails were loud enough to hear throughout the whole city.
"He was a good dog indeed." Orin said as he held his wife close.
"Meygan, got a question?" Areina asked as she looked at her cousin.
"Ok." Meygan was very quiet.
"Can animals be named as honorary knights posthumously?"
"I can't see why not. It's your kingdom now, cuz."
"Then by my power as upcoming Queen of New Camelot, I name Ace Wayne, an honorary knight of the Round Table for his bravery over the past decade." Areina said as she placed her hand on the box and burned a symbol into it…the same symbol that Meygan had on her arm, the mark of the Knights of the Round Table.
Rini smiled. Meygan nodded.
The original Batman was crying...truly crying. Ace had come into his life on the very anniversary of the day his whole life changed, and now he was being honored for it and all his heroism since coming to the family.
Terry sat next to the box. "Well Batdog...guess someone had to give you props for everything you did."
"You know he saved your butt that time." Areina said with a small smile. "I'm sure you know what I'm talking about."
"What do you mean?" Dana asked.
"Don't tell her!" Terry yelled. "It's a story for later."
"Ok but I want details."
"Alright, but it really does honor Ace's memory." Areina stated.
Terry shook his head; she was going to tell some of it anyway.
"I won't tell ALL of it. Ace had run away and when Terry found him, Ace was up against a huge mutated dog and he fought not only the dog fighter, but the dog as well so Terry could finish it off." Areina told Dana, then she turned back to Terry. "He truly did live up to your nickname for him, Terry."
"Mommy, can I burn a symbol into the box too?" Little Jason asked.
"Sure son, let him know that you will always think about him." Areina said with a smile.
Jason burned a small bird with its wings outstretched. "I'll never forget you, Ace; as Uncle Terry would say, good Batdog." He said with a smile.
Little Reiena hugged her cousin then went back to hold Rodney's hand.
"I'm sorry Ra's was such a meanie, but thanks for saving Ari." Kara remarked.
Areina couldn't hold back her tears, she had cried when he died, but now, this was the final stage. She broke down and Orin held her close.
"Ari, can I lower him into his resting place?" Wes asked.
"Sure..."
"Only fair." Wes remarked and with his telekinesis, he gently lifted the box and lowered it into the hole, then Marik moved the dirt to fill it.
"Thank you boys." Orin said for his wife as she continued to cry hard.
There was an outdoor reception planned so everyone left the grave and began to talk among themselves.
As the others mingled at the outdoor reception, Bruce and Terry were side by side silently, walking the grounds.
"I can't believe he's gone." Terry remarked softly.
"He lived a long time. Longer than most his breed," Bruce said softly. "Ace was a good companion. A good friend."
"A good hero." Terry added with a soft smile.
"Now that you have a team in Max and Damian, I'm going to step back as much as possible."
Terry gave a 'no way' look to Bruce and the older Batman chuckled.
"Okay, that would have pleased Joker...….. but seriously, you're backing off?" Terry asked, still stunned.
"It's time to; you're capable and with Jason and Tim assisting, I don't need to be in your ear every single time. If I'm needed, I'll help. Otherwise, you all can figure it out."
Terry scuffed. "Yea we can, but you left Areina out of the equation...…"
"She's Queen Areina now. I doubt she'll have time to help out. Unless Mathen takes over so she could."
"Oh yea, forgot about that..." Terry said as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"A queen...I never imagined that for her. I know Reiena must be happy for her..." Bruce became lost in the memories of Reiena.
"Areina told me that the Master Fate brought Reiena and Kirima to see the royal family, and Reiena IS happy for her."
"I only wish for one more mission..." Bruce said out loud.
Bruce was ready to comment when Meygan walked up to them. "Meygan."
"So...since you two walked off and pretty much left us behind, I got a favor, grandpa."
"No rides in the Batmobile." Terry joked.
"Don't you have others to talk to?" Bruce said with his glare at full strength.
Terry put up his hands defensively and walked back to the reception, leaving Bruce and Meygan alone.
"Can you do one more mission? Before you age back?" Meygan asked, getting right to the point.
"After that dip, it will take time before I'm back to my normal age. Have you found them?"
"I did…and more. I need your help."
"You could've asked Jason, or Tim; even Damian. Why me?"
"Because you owe my mom an apology; and what a better way to do it than with actions?
Bruce kept a stern look on his face.
"Help me free them, and that can be your apology." Meygan said with a smile.
"When do we leave?" Bruce spoke at last.
"I have a few more things to decipher from Uncle Marik's clues, but I will let you know. It shouldn't take too much longer."
With that said, the two Bats walked over to the grave when they saw Marik was looking at the ground. Soon a beautiful headstone rose from the ground and it had words already etched in it.
Ace Wayne
A good dog
A loyal protector
A true knight
Below the words was a bat symbol.
The Batfamily smiled and Areina walked over to her cousin and picked him up.
"Thank you, this is a wonderful gift. Twenty-seven years ago you saved my life, and now you honor Ace in a beautiful way." Areina said as she hugged her cousin…and he hugged her back.
"Let's add something shall we." Meygan said and she used her earth magic to make beautiful red roses grow on the sides of the headstone. "This isn't the only one I'm fixing up…look behind us."
Everyone turned around and Bruce's tears were flowing even harder. Meygan had added red roses to the sides of his parents' headstone as well.
Two Hours Later
There was one member of Delta that had been emotionally hurting for the past three days because she had hurt her big sister emotionally for the past two years. She wanted to be with her squad to mourn the loss of Ace AKA The Batdog, as Terry called him, so she didn't run away until after the funeral. Little Reilie Kent put some stuff in her backpack and flew out her room window.
Twelve Hours Later
Meygan couldn't find her second born anywhere, and then she thought about something and contacted her Father in law, Conner Kent.
"Meygan, what's wrong?" Conner asked over the comm link.
"Does Reilie have access to the Fortress without Kevin being with her?"
"Yes….but why are you…."
"I can't find her; ever since we got back from the past, she's been so upset about hurting Rini."
"I'll meet you there."
Fortress of Solitude, three minutes later
Two boom tubes opened up and the two heroes walked out and right to the front door to the famous hideout of Superman.
"It's my fault; I should have sensed something was wrong with her thinking." Meygan said as Conner moved the doormat aside and found the small key. "Really….that's the key?"
"Well Clark didn't want someone finding the fortress again like when he had that huge key, so he made a normal sized one out of a super dense dwarf star. Only Kryptonians can lift it."
"Makes sense; let's see if we can find Reilie." Meygan said, and with that Conner unlocked the door and the two entered.
Interplanetary Zoo within the Fortress, Three Minutes Later
The young girl was walking around looking at the animals, when she seemed to connect with a serpent-like one.
"Hello, where are you from?"
"A planet that was destroyed decades ago…I believe you humans call it Krypton." The serpent said.
"I'm not at all human; I'm mostly Kryptonian on my father's side and have some Martian powers from my father as well. My mother was born human but she became a demon when she was seven."
"That explains the telepathy, and I know of who you speak, the ones named Meygan and Kevin."
"That's mommy and daddy."
"What do they call you? Also why are you here all on your own?"
"I'm Reilie, and I'm mad at myself."
"Why is that?"
"I hurt my big sister for two years without realizing I was being controlled…not even mommy or the rest of my family could sense it till my sister found it not only in me but my aunt as well." Reilie said as tears came to her eyes.
"I am sorry to hear that, but does she blame you for it?"
"Rini was always getting mad at me for calling her a wimp and everything…but I don't think she really took it to heart."
"That tells me that she would understand."
"But just a few days ago, I turned on her and knocked her out….and that gave my mean great uncle a chance to almost kill her."
"Are you sorry for doing it?"
"Yes, I can't believe I hurt her like I did." Reilie said as the tears started to stream down her face.
"Then you should return to her and tell her all of this."
"Thank you for talking to me. What species from Krypton are you?"
"I am a Drang. Superman keeps me separate from the others because I am a predator and would hurt them."
"I'll come visit you whenever I can…is that alright?"
"I would like that Reilie." The Drang said, but then he sniffed the air. "There are two people here."
Reilie froze.
"I am sure they are worried about you."
"I hope I'm not in trouble for running away. I should go find them, thank you again, and I'll see you soon."
"I am looking forward to your visits little Reilie."
With the conversation over with, Reilie flew off to try and find the people looking for her.
Five Minutes Later
"Oh Conner, I shouldn't have scolded her like I did….." Meygan said as they started to walk past the trophy room.
"Meygan…" Conner sighed. "Reilie is hard headed….like all us Kryptonians, but she probably came here because she wanted the solitude to deal with her emotions."
Meygan laughed at the pun Conner had made and then Conner realized it and laughed as well.
"MOMMY!" They heard echoing in the Fortress.
"REILIE!?" Meygan cried out, but she waited to see if her Father in Law could locate the four year old.
"She's coming from the zoo and heading our way." Conner said as he closed his eyes to listen and located her.
Meygan took off flying toward the zoo and Conner was right behind her. It didn't take long for Meygan and her second born daughter to reunite and little Reilie was crying as Meygan hugged her hard.
"Mommy…I'm so…sorry….." Reilie said in between sobs.
"Honey, it wasn't your fault, Queen Bee and Psimon are powerful, and you're just a little girl….a powerful girl, but your mind isn't developed enough to fight their kind of power." Meygan said as she released Reilie and looked into her tear filled eyes.
Just then Conner came flying up.
"Grandpa…." Reilie cried out as she flew to him.
"I know sweetie, I know." Conner said as he caught her and hugged her.
"Delta Squad is worried about you, especially your big sister." Meygan said.
Conner released Reilie and the little Kryptonian was ready to cry again.
"How can she be worried about me after the way I treated her."
"You know Rini has a big heart and sees the good in everyone; that's why some of the adults call her an ambassador."
"What's that?" Reilie asked.
"An ambassador is ….. well I'm not sure how to explain it…"
"Let me try, Meygan. An ambassador is someone that goes from their home country to an ally country and is the bridge between their communications."
Reilie thought about it then she thought of an example. "Oh, like when she tells us what Da'shaun needs because he can't talk to us yet….and how she connected to Kal and Seri some right after they were born, since the babies can't talk for themselves, she helps tell us what they want or need."
"Right, Delta Squad is one generation and Rini is the bridge between your squad and those of us that need her help understanding the younger ones of Delta." Meygan stated.
"Mommy, I'm ready to go home, I have something to say to Rini….oh, I should say goodbye to the Drang." Reilie said as she turned to her mother.
"You talked to the Drang?!" Conner excitedly asked.
"Yea, I connected with him while I was walking past his part of the zoo."
"Alright, we'll go say goodbye to him. Conner, can you head on back and make sure that Rini is waiting for us?"
"Sure." Conner said with a smile and with that he used his mother box to head back home.
Grayson Property; Five Minutes Later
Kevin had been worried about Reilie, but when his father returned five minutes ago, he was reassured that the little girl was okay. Just then Kal cried for more food.
"Wow, Meygan wasn't kidding about his appetite."
"At least he's not eating you out of house and home, son." Conner said with a smile.
"Not yet…"
The two Kryptonians laughed and that's when a chill hit them. It was Meygan's portal and she and Reilie came walking out.
It was just as the portal closed that little Reilie was hit by a strong force….her big sister hugging her.
Reilie didn't know what to say.
Rini let go of her younger sister and smiled. "It's OK. You weren't you."
"I...I'm...sorry." Reilie said hesitating.
Rini was shocked. "You're apologizing!?"
"Yeah. So?"
"Typical Reilie." Rini hugged her sister. "It's OK. I won't tell anyone." She whispered to her little sister.
"Better not." Reilie murmured.
Rini then knew she had to say something out loud to make everything seem normal. "I know you weren't yourself, but you snapped out of it, and you're back to normal."
"Daddy, can we go see Kiko and Trinity?" Reilie asked.
"Sure, and after that how about we get all of Delta together and go see Barry the goat?" Kevin replied as he looked to his wife.
"YAY." Reilie and Rini screamed.
Kevin and Meygan looked at their girls and were happy that they were back to normal, so they went into the house to get ready to go see their white tigers.