***OCL***
Camille let out a shaky breath at the sight of her beloved Martian lover lying lifeless on the ground. Over him, Flash was slumped beside him, holding the deceased alien's hand loosely, almost in disbelief.
No...This was a nightmare...this HAD to be a nightmare...Osborn was messing with her mind, right?...This could NOT happen...SHE WOULDN'T ACCEPT THAT!
"...J-...J'onn…" Camille sunk to her knees and firmly snagged J'onn by the shoulders. "J'ONN! DON'T DO THIS TO ME!"
"Camille-" Flash looked up helplessly, his own heart breaking at the sight of Camille losing J'onn...was actually more hurtful than seeing J'onn 'losing' Camille...then again- he had known about the Saturn gift of nine lives…
"...Camille-...Camille stop-" Flash didn't get anything else out, because Camille SMACKED his hand away and continued to try and 'wake' J'onn.
"J'onn NO! I TOLD you to LEAVE! I TOLD YOU TO RETREAT! WHY DIDN'T YOU LISTEN TO ME?!"
"Camille- Camille!" Behind her, Hawkgirl grabbed her from behind and dragged the grief-stricken Saturn away from the deceased Martian. The Thanagarian had to keep a tight grip on Camille, as the Saturn was much stronger than she looked. "Camille-...STOP! He's gone!"
SLAP!
Hawkgirl recoiled and took a few steps back, holding her cheek and looking towards Camille, who was glaring at her something fierce, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Kitty! It's not Hawkgirl's fault that-" Lantern started to say, before Camille snarled angrily in his direction.
"You're RIGHT! It's NOT Lieutenant Hol's fault!" Camille snarled, waving a paw in the air in frustration. "It's MINE!"
"Lieutenant-?" Lantern looked confused for a moment, before Camille shoved him away from her, turning back towards the Martian and landing on her knees, an angry look in her eyes. Tears kept streaming down her cheeks as she clenched her fists over J'onn's chest, still unable to feel his non-existent heartbeat.
"I should have MADE him leave! I TOLD him to...I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE, YOU IDIOT!"
SLAP!
The entire justice league flinched when they saw the Saturn SMACK the corpse right in the face, to which the body made no further movement than the recoil that it had suffered.
Camille panted at her outburst...and plain broke down, burying her face in the Martian's chest and sobbing. Flash looked at the grieving Saturn, a heartbroken look on his face, before he gently stroked his fingers through the Saturn's fur, in a vain attempt to comfort her. In fact, the motion wasn't exactly comforting to him...but...what else could he do?
He felt so...numb…
None of the others watching, made any other movement or sound. If anything, the rest of the group was grief stricken at the sight they were being forced to watch.
The sight was opening up familiar memories for Spiderman...the sight of one grieving over their lover...only in this case...it wasn't them who caused it. The young superhero looked to the ground, the memory playing in his head. ...Wonder what the Doc would do...if he knew...that-...
"Camille…"
Wonder Woman slowly knelt beside the stressed Saturn and gently rubbed her fingers through the alien's fur. Camille flinched only slightly, but it didn't cease her trembling. Slowly, Camille sat up straight...and allowed Wonder Woman to bring her into a loose embrace.
"...I'm so sorry, sister...I'm so sorry…" she whispered, allowing the deprived heroine to burry her face in the Amazon's shoulder, feeling the wet tears from the Saturn's eyes land on her skin.
Camille said nothing...if anything, she only trembled and sobbed more.
Superman slowly knelt beside Flash, gently placing a hand on J'onn's shoulder in grief. For a moment, the Kryptonian had nothing to say...before he slowly looked towards Flash with sad eyes. "...We need to get Camille out of here before the press arrives...chances are she won't be too forgiving with them."
"Yeah…" Flash let off a forlorn sigh, and glanced towards the leader. "...It's too bad J'onn doesn't have 9 lives like Camille...That way he could talk some sense into her...So much for my 15 nieces and neph-"
"What?...FLASH!"
Flash grimaced sharply when he looked over and saw Camille looking right at him, eyes widened.
"D-Don't take it that way, Camille! I- I just really thought- that you and J'onn would get married and-"
"You are a GENIUS!"
Flash made a flustered face, eyes looking on in disbelief. "I-...am?"
Squirming out of Wonder Woman's grasp, Camille quickly scampered back to J'onn's side and placed her paws on the Martian's chest, narrowing her eyes fiercely.
Wonder Woman paused and reached for Camille in an attempt to stop her, before Batman put a hand on the Amazon's shoulder.
"Hold on." He said seriously. "She seems to know what she is doing."
"...But-..."
Looking back towards the Saturn, the group couldn't help but be confused. What had caused the sudden change in emotion? Why would-
Camille gritted her teeth...and let in a gasp of elation.
"YES! My window's still open! I still have a chance!"
Lantern let his mouth hang agape at the Saturn's sudden change in mood- she had done a complete 180; from hopeless to hopeful. "Camille-...what are you-"
The group gasped when Camille's eyes glowed white, and she slammed her two sai together. The weapons began to glow a bright white...and seemed to merge with each other. As they did so, a lavender symbol of Saturn appeared on Camille's forehead.
The Saturn-clone narrowed her eyes fiercely.
"Marsin! Tule takaisin luokseni! Käsken teitä!"
Without warning, Camille firmly pressed her lips against J'onn's...and in an angry flash, both were engulfed in a ball of white light.
The rest of the Justice League shielded themselves from the blast, trying to sneak peeks, but only continuing to shield their eyes from the fierceness of the white light that engulfed the Saturn and the Martian.
"Camille-" Hawkgirl attempted to reach for the Saturn...but the Entire Justice League got sent back by a harsh wave of energy from the Saturn.
***OW***
J'onn couldn't keep his eyes off the beauty around him. Where he was standing was so peaceful and comforting...he couldn't help but be amazed by all that was around him.
Was this where the Creator resided? Is this where his peaceful Martian brothers and sisters now rested?
...Is this...where…
"J'onn!"
The said Martian felt a warmth in his chest as he whirled around...coming face to face with-
"My'ria'h!"
J'onn quickly ran to the female Martian, and took her into a strong embrace. For a good moment, the two stayed in an embrace, before My'ria'h slowly broke the embrace and smiled fondly towards J'onn. "Darling...what are you doing here?"
"I-..." J'onn paused and tried to recall the past happenings. The last thing he could remember...the Green Goblin had his claws dug in his throat, his insane eyes glowing...and then...nothing… "...Osborn must have killed me...I've failed the Justice League"
"...Then go back down there and make it right, darling." My'ria'h soothed, her smile softening.
J'onn looked towards his once-wife in confusion at the statement, before he took one of her hands in his. "...I don't- What do you-"
"That Saturn will never forgive herself if you leave her like this." My'ria'h reached up and gently cupped J'onn's face in her hands, a sad look in her eyes. "You need to go back to her."
J'onn was silent for a moment, as his own thoughts went from the happiness he felt from seeing My'ria'h, to the sudden horror of the thought of Camille mourning his death.
Camille had been restored her Saturn memories...what would she do? How would she take out her grief? They had both promised each other that they would never follow in the footsteps of the Justice Lords…
But…
"...I can personally assure you that she can get over the loss" A new voice came from the side. "Though it will most likely take her about 50 Earth years to get over it."
J'onn paused and turned to look towards his left; to the side of the Martians...was-
"C-Camille!" J'onn turned, looking stunned. For a moment he could do nothing but stare, before a look of horror came to his face. "No-...What did the Goblin do to you?!"
The Camille look-alike smirked...before she waved a paw in the air in dismissal. "Relax, Martian. I'm not your Camille. My name is Sargent Purin Puhtas."
J'onn let a gasp escaped him. Purin...the Saturn that Osborn had murdered...she-...
"Enough about me; You have a decision to make, and quick." Purin made a motion to the other side of the light that the three were engulfed in. At the darker side, a small glowing Saturn insignia was pulsing...shining...fading...shining...fading…
"Your kissanpentu is offering you one of her lives." Purin watched the symbol for a moment...before she looked towards J'onn and gave him a stern look. "I'd make a decision...and fast."
J'onn couldn't help but be taken aback but the way Purin carried herself. She was so much more sure and stern than Camille...then again; Camille had just BARELY regained Purin inside of her...maybe she would gain a tougher side to her…
The Martian watched Purin for a moment...before he looked back toward the glowing symbol of Saturn...Of all his years of knowing the Saturns...he never knew that the Felidae gift of nine lives...could be transferred.
...but...should he take that gift from her?
"J'onn…"
The said Martian looked back towards My'ria'h, who once again took his face in her hands and looked at her once-husband lovingly.
"J'onn, that Saturn loves you more than her own lives matter to her." The female Martian cooed gently, her thumbs caressing J'onn's cheeks tenderly. "Please don't allow that precious heart to suffer." My'ria'h let off a soft smile towards J'onn. "I'm so happy to know that you have found a dear one who recognizes how precious you are"
J'onn was silent for a small moment, before he himself offered a soft smile towards My'ria'h. The Martian Manhunter brought his former wife into a gentle embrace. "...Thank you, my darling…"
"I love you J'onn...and I know this dear one will protect your heart...after all...she is the heart of my dear friend Purin." My'ria'h cooed.
J'onn gently broke the embrace and slowly separated himself from My'ria'h...before he turned towards Purin, who had her arms crossed and a slight smile on her face.
"...Purin...it is an honor."
"Honor? Pah, I'm just an Omion soldier who couldn't protect Mars." Purin took a few steps up, and then pointed towards the other side. "Now hurry...or your opportunity will be lost."
The Martian was silent for a moment...before he set his hand on the Saturn's shoulder.
"...I will honor you...my ally. Mars will forever honor you."
Purin was silent for a moment...before she smiled very slightly...and put her paw over J'onn's hand, in an unspoken friendship gesture.
"...Now...get out of here and take care of your kissanpentu."
J'onn nodded, before letting go of his ally, and flying off for the light. For a moment, he wanted to look back...but everything inside of him told him to keep looking straight...keep focused…
...Camille…
***WT***
"...mmm….ungh…"
J'onn groaned as he opened his eyes. He was greeted by a BRIGHT white light in his face...had he not made it? Had he been too late to accept Camille's life gift? What was he going to tell Purin? What was he going to tell My'ria'h?...
...huh?
J'onn shifted slightly when he felt something warm against his left side...and was made aware of a small pressure against his chest.
The Martian slowly tried to sit up, and his eyes rested upon Camille, who was sitting by his recovery bed. She was sitting in a chair beside his bedside, paw in his hand and head rested over his chest. One thing was unmistakable; she was fast asleep...but was still in her battle uniform.
J'onn looked down at the Saturn resting on him...and felt a hand place itself on his shoulder. Looking to his right, he saw Green Lantern standing over him, a small smile on his face.
"...'ey buddy...glad to have you back in the land of the living." He greeted softly, so as not to wake Camille. "You gave us all a scare...thought we lost you."
"...You did…" J'onn slowly managed to sit up and adjusted his arms so that Camille was leaning against him. The Saturn-clone mumbled a bit, but continued her snoozing. The Martian watched her carefully for a moment, before looking back towards Lantern. "...The last thing I remember...Osborn had me by the throat...then the next, I was engulfed by a steady white light…"
"Camille said something about her window being open...then shouted something at you in Saturn...There was this huge light...and then the next thing we know, your wounds are gone and BOTH of you were out cold." Lantern pursed his lips for a moment and then looked towards Camille.
"Kitty woke up almost as soon as we got back to the watchtower...and pretty much threatened anyone who had any ideas of separating her from you." Lantern actually smiled at the sight of the sleeping Saturn. "In fact the ONLY one she wasn't threatening to rip their heads off was Batman. I think she knows better."
J'onn held Camille closer to him for a moment...before he looked towards his Ally. "...Osborn?"
"...Gone." Lantern uncrossed his arms and frowned seriously. "It looked like he had the ability to escape from a fire...but one of the building's support beams impaled him when it fell on you guys." Lantern narrowed his eyes lightly. "I'd say good riddance...but I really don't want to sound like Lord Lantern…"
"...Then Saturn has been avenged…" J'onn slowly shifted and stood up, picking up Camille in his arms.
"J'onn, I'm gonna quote you on this one...you really ought to be resting."
"Don't worry...I'll rest once I put Camille to rest."
J'onn walked out of the room, a sleeping Camille cuddled in his arms. She stirred for a moment and groaned, before she buried her face in the Martian's chest.
"...J'onn…" she muttered in her sleep.
The Martian continued to walk, until he got into the Saturn's sleeping quarters. Gently setting her on her bed, he wrapped her in covers...and watched her for a moment.
His beloved had given him one of her very own lives...which technically made him the property of Saturn…
He had to be ready to lay down his own life for her in return...and he was more than ready to accept that...especially for what he wanted in return…
***OM***
"Thanks for the update, Spiderman. I'm sure Flash will be appreciative of the gift you gave him."
"It was nothing…I'm just grateful that you guys are leaving Harry out of this. No doubt the media is going to have a field day trying to figure out why the Green Goblin was back. I don't want him in anymore stress that he may already be in"
"Don't worry Spidey…The Justice League will do everything we can to keep the conflict as minimal as possible."
"Thanks Bird-Lady…"
"Now I know how Flying Fox felt when you kept calling her 'Foxey'"
"Heh…Ok…huh?…I'm getting a call from Allen Corp of all things…I gotta take this…keep in touch, will ya?"
"I can't make any promises…"
Hawkgirl reached for the computer counsel and switched off the communication, the smallest of smiles on her face. Though it seemed to disappear as quickly as it had come on, however, as she reflected on the recent happenings.
The attacks of new enemies…the almost deaths of two of their beloved friends…The report she would have to send…
"…So…What are you doing here?"
Hawkgirl paused at the voice…before turning to look behind her. Coming into the room was none other than Camille; looking well rested and…serious.
The Thanagarian couldn't help but be aware that the Saturn-clone's newfound seriousness was thanks to the recovery of all of her memories. Or rather; the memories of the Saturn that she was created from.
"What do you mean? I just got off with Spiderman." Hawkgirl replied casually. "He says he's relieved to know you and J'onn are alright."
"…That's not what I meant."
Hawkgirl stayed silent as the Saturn slowly approached her and stopped walking when she was a few feet away from her. For a good minute, the Saturn and the Thanagarian just watched each other…before Hawkgirl pursed her lips. "…you mean me being on Earth?"
"…Yes…you know Saturn would form a full strike if they found out that you were in this solar system." Camille placed her paws behind her back and looked thoughtful for a moment, before she looked back up towards Hawkgirl. "Queen Kiyomi is extremely picky about her enemies being close to here…I think the closest you can even get is Pluto…"
"It's just a scouting mission, Camill—uh…Sergeant Purin. I'm just supposed to study this planet and find out if-…well…to see if it's worth protecting." Hawkgirl crossed her arms and glanced out the window towards Earth. "…I say it is…and…I kinda have no way to get back to Thanagar."
Camille was silent for a while, glancing out the window towards Earth, a protective gaze over it…before she looked back towards the Thanagarian. "…Well…as many times as you've protected it…I don't think you're much of a threat to Earth…"
Hawkgirl paused at the comment that the Saturn-clone made, before looking back towards Camille. The Saturn only kept watching the planet below and let out a very small sigh.
"Earth views you with such respect…I don't think you would do anything to harm it…"
"…Earth respects you as well, Cam- …Purin…"
"…I'm not Purin…"
Camille glanced towards Hawkgirl, a look of numbness on her face. "…I am merely a shadow of Purin…nothing about me is as great as she was. In all reality, she'd oppose to being called great…I should know…I have all her memories." The Saturn-clone crossed her arms and let off a forlorn sigh. "…I may not be Purin…but I choose to continue protecting Earth…it means everything to me…as does the Justice League…I'd do anything to protect the Justice League."
The Saturn-clone looked over towards Hawkgirl. "…Even you…I don't want to be your enemy…I want to be your ally- your friend even…I mean…It took such a long time for me to finally get you to laugh…I don't want the fact that I am Purin's clone to get between you and me as friends."
Hawkgirl looked towards Camille in surprise…before she pursed her lips thoughtfully. Could she risk this? Purin knew about her being a Thanagarian soldier…but Purin only saw her once. Only one time…
…Surely Camille…couldn't know about…
Taking a step up to the Saturn, Hawkgirl offered a very slight smile. "Nothing's going to stop that, Camille…you can trust me. We'll always be friends."
Camille smiled…and slowly wrapped her arms around the Thanagarin, making Hawkgirl stiffen.
"…I love you, Hawkgirl…you're always going to be my sister…"
Hawkgirl felt herself melt…before she slowly wrapped her own arms around the Saturn, albeit, a bit loosely. Everything would be right….Everything…would be fine….surely…
The Thanagarian paused when she glanced to the side when she saw J'onn enter the room, and slowly broke away from the Saturn. "Glad to see you in the land of the living, J'onn" she greeted.
Camille paused and looked behind her, seeing the Martian, who had regained his strength and power, slowly walking towards them. For a moment, Camille felt a wave of excitement come to her. J'onn was alive and well! J'onn…was-…
"…J'onn…I'm so glad you're alright—"
"Looks like you two need a moment." Hawkgirl placed a hand on Camille's shoulder, and leaned in towards the Saturn. "Don't let him get away, kitty." She whispered, before turning and making her way out.
Camille flushed at the sight of the Thanagarian retreating. "Wh- Hawk-…" The Saturn winced and looked back towards J'onn, who watched Hawkgirl exit the room, before finally stopping his walk when he was right in front of Camille.
For a moment, neither of them spoke…before J'onn reached out for Camille and placed his hand against her cheek…the very cheek that Lord J'onn had struck while on their misadventure to the Justice Lord's dimension. He couldn't help but get the feeling that there would be some sort of consequence for that happening…at the same time…
"…Camille…I can't tell you how relieved I am to know that you are safe." He said gently, caressing his thumb against her cheek lovingly. Camille leaned into his touch for a moment…before she broke away and took a few steps back.
"…J'onn…" The Saturn paused…and turned away from him, crossing her arms and focusing her sight on Earth. Her sight may have been on the planet…but her thoughts were running rampant around J'onn…
"…I don't deserve you."
J'onn looked stunned for a moment, before he took a step up and gently placed his hands on her shoulders. "Camille—"
"J'onn! I don't want you to love me!" She snapped, narrowing her eyes slightly. "I don't-…I don't deserve you! You're a strong soldier of Mars…a man of noble heart and honor…Don't you know what I am?! I'm a monster…nothing but Purin's shadow."
Camille paused when J'onn's grip on her shoulders changed…to where he was firmly yet gently turning her around to look at him. His face showed disapproval, and it looked like she was in for a lecture.
"You are NO monster, Camille. You have saved the lives of countless people on Earth and even off of Earth. You have proved your loyalty to the Justice League countless times, and you are a valued member of this team!...Camille…you are not the monster. It was Osborn who ruthlessly and heartlessly murdered Purin. You are an innocent in his game."
"Exactly! His game!" Camille took the Martian's arms in her paws and glared at him, hot tears coming to her eyes in pure frustration. "The game that he made so that he could rule the world and gain more power and money! He brainwashed Karehe! He knew that her mind controlling powers would benefit him! And Yuri!...he took an innocent EARTH kitten and made her into a human! The very thing that she feared, and FORCED her to be a spy! Clover…CLOVER! The very one that I was supposed to protect! She became a villain and destroyed countless! Know why?! Because I couldn't protect her! I failed! Sure, she seems to have reformed- but that doesn't stop the fact of what I was designed to do! I'm a villain, J'onn! I'm a monster!"
"…Then why did you sacrifice one of your lives for me?"
"Because I love you! You're precious to me!"
"…Is a monster capable of love?"
Camille stopped abruptly, the question hitting her hard. For a moment, the Saturn-clone couldn't answer the question…allowing J'onn to push further.
"Is a monster capable of knowing how valuable life is? Would a monster protect those that she doesn't know? Can a monster value the morals of life?"
J'onn cupped Camille's face, his face stern…yet…gentle in the same way. "…Do you think an astute Martian would fall in love with a monster?"
"….no…"
J'onn loosened his grip on Camille and softly stroked her cheek. "…You are no monster, my beloved Camille…you are a precious jewel…and the one I love…as well as the one whom I owe my life to."
"…J'onn…"
For a moment, the duo enjoyed each other's comfort…before J'onn slowly got on a knee and held her paws in his hands.
"My love, you've given me great joy…and I want to protect you forever…I want you to be my wife, Camille."
The Saturn paused, a dark blush coming to her face…and she let out a small breath. "…J'onn-…are you…sure that you want a clone?...a shadow?...A—"
"You may have been created into this world…but you have proven that no amount of science can alter you from your true heart. A heart that wants to protect the lives of others…a heart that I want to protect for all time." J'onn squeezed her paw gently, waiting for the Saturn's answer.
For a while, Camille stood there, blushing…a look of warmth on her face. Was this Martian seriously proposing to her? Oh her dearest dream…
"…I want you to do something for me first…please…" Camille pursed her lips…and gently put her free paw to J'onn's cheek. "…Can I…see you?...I mean…your true self?"
J'onn paused at the request…before he slowly stood up. If this Saturn was to be his wife…then they would have to trust each other…with everything. Slowly, the Martian changed…slowly from his Manhunter form, into his true natural Martian form.
Camille stared at him for a moment…taking in every detail of him. Purin had seen this form of Martians before…on Saturn no less…for some reason, the reason seemed to elude her. Slowly, the Saturn reached up with both of her paws, cupping the Martian's face gently.
"...I would be honored to marry you, J'onn." She whispered, continuing to stroke his skin.
The Martian slowly smiled and took Camille into his arms, bringing her closer to himself. "…my beloved."
"…my love…"
Gently, the Saturn and the Martian sealed the proposal in a kiss. Whatever was to come next…they would handle it…together…
By the door, Hawkgirl watched the transaction…and smiled in approval.
"…It's about time." She said more to herself than anyone else, before she gently closed the door, allowing the newly engaged couple some much needed alone time.
***SB***
"What did the last scans report?"
"Nothing…absolutely nothing. Outside of the last known transmission we even got, which was between Venus…and Earth."
"Lieutenant, speaking of Earth, I have been getting some STRANGE signals from that planet."
"He's right! Those signals look like they're from Charonians!"
"Those creeps should know to stay away from Earth…What should we do Lieutenant?"
"…hold that thought."
The Lieutenant turned from the soldiers he was getting reports from and walked over towards the main screen, pressing a button. After a moment, the screen came to life, showing a strong and important looking Omion soldier on the other side of the screen.
"Commander Orkono. This is Lieutenant Marrilion"
"Yes, Brother, what is it?"
"We still haven't been able to locate Sargent Purin. It's almost been a full year since her last report. I know she's one of the more adventurous ones on your squad, so I've been lenient…but even she should know that holding the Clarity is serious business."
Orkono looked serious for a moment, before nodding in consent. "This is true…even she knows better than to delay direct orders when it involves a piece of the Leo armor…"
"Not only that." Marrilion continued, narrowing his eyes. "We've received signals from Earth that look like they are coming from Charonian technology." The Lieutenant narrowed his eyes. "Somehow I think our enemies are ignoring our warnings to stay away from Earth."
"…Duly noted…Set up a force and gather your best soldiers and scouting squads. Alert Queen Kiyomi. We're going to find out what's happening on Earth." Orko narrowed his eyes seriously. "And we're going to find Purin."
***Disclaimer***
YES! MY second full story that actually got FINISHED!...well, kinda :3