Bruce and Diana were in the dining room, enjoying breakfast. They were smiling and nodding their heads, waiting for Alfred to leave. When he did, they glanced at each other again, still in shock over the recent revelations. Bruce tossed down his bacon and fork onto his plate, shifting to a seat closer to Diana so he could speak and still keep his voice down. Something strange was going on, and he didn't want Alfred to overhear.
"What on earth is going on?" asked Diana, her voice resonating with something Bruce rarely heard from her. Fear. She was used to opponents and problems she could deal with on her own, with her own two fists and her lasso. And now she didn't even have those. Neither did he, all his gear was in the cave and it was long gone. Even the few hidden weapons he'd placed throughout the mansion in strategic hiding places were missing. It was as if... Batman had never been.
"I don't know," he replied. "But I intend to find out. After breakfast I'll check my computer, find my records, see what I can't find. There has to be a reasonable explanation for all of this."
"Could it be we... we..." she stammered, a blush coming to her cheeks. "Could it be we actually are married and we've simply... forgotten? Our memories were erased or something?"
"A possibility I considered," he said. "However I can make a number of arguments to prove it negative. For one, the dates match up..." he stated, tapping the nearby calendar hanging on the wall. It was filled with all number of business meetings. Normally a number of cryptic notes that would've been present, that would've made sense to no one except those who knew his secret identity. Things like 'J. loose' or 'TF. working 3 dock.' Alas, none of them, and more mysteries for Batman to unravel. Each date was struck out as time passed. If not by Bruce, by Alfred. The date was the same.
"Beyond even that, if such had happened... do you honestly think either of us would abandon our past lives, seal them up, put them away, and leave both of us defenseless and powerless?"
"No, never," she agreed, stirring her scrambled eggs idly with her fork.
"Before I go and check my records, I want to ask you something Diana," he said. "Do you remember your mother? Your home before you came and joined the League?"
"Queen Hippolyta, Themyscira," she replied unthinkingly. What did that have to do with it?
Bruce nodded. "So our memories are the same. Let's see if the records I find match up. If not, maybe we'll find some answers there."
"What am I supposed to do while you do that?" she asked.
"Keep yourself busy for the moment, I will handle this," he replied. She frowned lightly, not used to be told what to do and even worse to be told to do nothing. She was a woman of action, always had been. But she had to concede he was right. She was decidedly out of her areas of expertise at the moment.
"Alright, wait here, I'll meet you after..." he started to say but stopped as Alfred re-entered the room, holding a cordless phone in his hands.
"Phone for you Master Bruce," he said.
Wondering who on earth could be calling him now of all times, Bruce slipped to his feet and made his way over to Alfred, taking the phone and dismissing the man. Something about Alfred was starting to unsettle him. In fact, everything was starting to unsettle him. Anyone could be on the other end of the phone, and his mind didn't count out a single possibility at that moment. It could be the President of the USA or it could be the Joker.
"Hello?" he asked reluctantly.
"Bruce? Its Clark," came the voice on the other end. He breathed a sigh of relief. Covering the phone, he said "Its Clark," to Diana, noting her puzzled expression.
"Clark? What can I do for you?"
"Listen, something really weird is going on... I woke up this morning..."
"... and your powers were gone, and probably your costume too," finished Bruce, not missing a beat. Also so Diana could hear.
"Yeah, how did... oh no, you too?"
"Me and Diana as well. The batcave has all but vanished, and we can't seem to find J'onn anywhere in the Mansion."
"We should contact the others then. This might be more widespread."
"Definitely contact the others," said Bruce, a plan already forming in his mind. "But be discreet. I spoke with Alfred earlier... he doesn't ever remember their even being a batcave."
"Weird," replied Clark on the other end. "Alright, what do you want me to do then?"
"Head to work, act normal, but do a little work and see if you can't find out any information about Superman. Say it's for a journalism report. Ask your co-workers. If they act surprised, don't press it. Diana and I will meet you there shortly. We'll try and contact John and Wally."
"Alright, but hurry."
"Fast as we can," promised Bruce, turning off the phone and turning to face Diana. She was already standing, her face set in a look of determination he knew all too well. A look that told mere mortals and super villains alike that nothing was getting in her way.
"Let me make a few calls. Go and have Alfred prep the limo, but tell him I'll be driving," said Bruce.
"Understood..." she said, starting to march out as Bruce dialed in a number into the phone. He was mid-way through it when he realized she was still in the room, standing by the doorway. Hesitating. "And... thank you," she added. "For not mentioning... er..." she gestured vaguely. He caught her meaning instantly.
"We'll keep it between us for right now," he said. "Until we figure out what's happened."
Her smile was heartbreakingly beautiful as she turned and departed, and for a moment Bruce forgot all of his fear an anxiety. Until the phone beeped at him, and he belatedly finished the number of Wally West's apartment. Acquired a year before the scarlet speedster had actually bothered to reveal his secret identity. You didn't earn the title of the Worlds Greatest Detective without doing a little snooping around.
The phone ringed... and ringed... and ringed...
Far away in Central City, Wally West had barely managed to escape a horrible tirade from his boss, though his ears still were burning from it. He'd claimed sickness as his excuse, phoning in from a pay phone to explain his absence from work. Thankfully, they'd bought it. Hook line and sinker.
Now the only question was what to do now?
Go patrol? Without his powers what was the point, he couldn't stop criminals in the conventional manner like a cop. Go the orphanage? Seems he'd have to go as himself this time. Idly he wondered how the little tykes would react to Wally West as opposed to the Flash? Might as well, he decided. Nothing better to do.
So it was he hailed down a cab and had it deliver him, paying with what little pocket money he had. Another thing he wasn't terribly used to. Usually whenever the Flash walked into a restaurant or fast food place, food was either on the house or bought by one of his many admirers. For the longest time, since the accident, he'd never even carried a wallet. Thank god he kept up his day job, otherwise his rent would never be paid and he'd have to spend his time up in the dismal watchtower with J'onn. Once it was rebuilt, at least.
Wally tucked his hands inside of his jeans and sauntered into the orphanage, saying only that he was here as a potential parent. A decent explanation, if ever there was one.
Unfortunately, just as he was about to enter the playroom the kids normally congregated...
... there was a massive explosion from across the street.
Shayera's eyes snapped open wide as she heard the explosion, coming from just down the street. Instinct took over, and she rushed forward, running as fast as she could. Not very fast, considering she was used to flying and still struggling to keep her balance. It was a jewelry store, she guessed that much instantly from the diamond in the sign hanging above it, now swinging crazily from a single hinge. She skidded to a stop, however, as she saw who it was making the robbery.
It was a great black gorilla, easily twice her height, maybe even taller, and powerful looking. He was devoid of clothing or markings of any sort, but one look at his face confirmed instantly who he was. No other gorilla in the world could have such an evil smirk on his face.
Grodd.
Behind Shayera spotted more of his infamous henchmen that called themselves the Secret Society. A man with slit-like eyes in a snake-costume. A psychotic blue-haired woman with ice pouring from her hands. A pale, sinister man dressed all in black, top hat and sunglasses and cane. Even a overly tall woman in pink Greek toga.
Shayera reached instinctively to her side but only then recalled... her mace was gone. As were her wings. She was powerless. Besides, she realized, had she half a chance against the Secret Society on her own, even with her powers?
Suddenly she sensed someone rushing at her, and she whirled around. Her instincts had saved her on more than one occasion, and she was grateful for that. Thankfully this time they did not warn her about an approaching villain... but a friend instead.
Wally West jogged up to her, panting for breath. His eyes opened wide as he caught site of her.
"Shayera? What the heck are you doing here?"
"What're you doing here?" she asked. "Where are the others?"
"Dunno, woke up this morning... look out!" he shouted. Shayera didn't even hesitate as she rolled out of the way, avoiding a car that'd just been handily tossed aside by Star Sapphire. Wally did likewise in the opposite direction, right into the road... and right in front of Grodd.
"Filthy human," commented the great ape, not even bothering to use his telepathic prowess. He knocked Wally aside with a casual backhand, sending him crashing into a nearby car with enough force to dent the frame. He slumped to the ground, clutching his ribs. At least one was broken, judging from the pain.
"Wally!" shouted Shayera. Hastily she glanced around, finally managing to find a weapon. A bent pipe, but it was better than nothing.
Roaring her customary war-cry, she charged at the nearest member of the Society, which happened to be Copperhead. He grinned at her, showing his pointed fangs, and turned, lashing out with his tail to knock Shayera over with little effort. Hissing, he dropped down to examine her, running a hand through her reddish hair as she lay there, unconscious.
"Copperhead," came Grodd's dark voice. "We have more important things to do. Come."
"Yeah I'm coming," hissed Copperhead, blowing his forked-tongue at Grodd's back when he turned, then leering at Shayera once more before he took off, hauling a bag full of recently purloined jewelry. She groaned, managing to sit up... just barely. She still hadn't completely recovered from the previous night, and having herself smacked into the wall by Copperhead didn't improve matters in the least.
"Shayera?" said Wally, stumbling over to her, clutching his midsection. His teeth were gritted to keep from groaning in pain. Grodd's attack had hurt, damnit. And he hadn't been able to react in time. Before he could run circles around that stupid monkey. But the Society were quickly leaving, and his first priority was his friend. "You alright?"
"Ugh... I've been better," she grunted, slipping to her feet unsteadily. "What on earth is going on? Why didn't you dodge his attack?"
"Not fast enough... no super speed," he muttered, his voice low. He didn't want anyone nearby to overhear the two of them. "I think we can safely say that today is not going to be a good day."
"Come on, we should get you to a hospital," said Shayera, helping support him, one arm around her shoulder. Then she stopped, feeling woozy, and put a hand to her head. "I need to lay down too, it seems."
Nothing.
No one at the Daily Planet had ever heard of the Justice League, of Superman, of anyone of that caliber. Not even Lois Lane, she barely knew she had a rookie partner named Clark Kent. None of them knew Superman. Not Perry, not Jimmy. No one.
Clark was starting to grow nervously, anxiously hoping that Bruce and Diana would arrive soon. His lack of powers wasn't quite as concerning as this strange feeling that he didn't exist. At least, as Superman. Not in... well... wherever he'd woken up today. Alternate dimension, maybe? He didn't know. Any theories he'd managed to form, none of them stood up to his sense of logic.
Not that he was too worried. He'd had experiences in his past when he'd lost his powers before. Against Luminus and his red sunlight, when Parasite had stolen them, even way back in Smallville when he'd had an accident with Eric and accidentally transferred them to him.
Looking back, he'd almost enjoyed that time. To be normal, to not have the weight of the world (well, just Smallville in those days) on his shoulders. But in the end he'd had to step up against Eric and stop him.
Suddenly there was a loud boom in the air, and Clark nearly toppled out of his seat in surprise. All around cries of surprise rang throughout the Daily Planet.
"Oh my god!"
"What is that?!"
"Wow."
Clark rushed to the windows to see what was going on, lamenting that his x-ray vision was still beyond him. He could've just turned his head before. But as he rushed to the window, his eyes opened wide in shock. It had been a boom, but not an explosion. He should've recognized this sound instantly. His mind almost always associated it with trouble, especially considering the last time he'd been yanked backwards into one of these.
Hovering over Metropolis was the hyperspace-dimensional opening of a boom tube.
Ignorant of the dangers threatening Metropolis and Central City, John Stewart was dealing with slightly more complicated problems of a more personal nature.
That is, trying to keep Kat from chewing his ear while he drove.
Her personality seemed completely intact. Arrogant, playful, smart and downright sexy. All that had changed was her appearance and her lack of a power ring.
So it was that John drove his car into the parking lot of a rather large building, guided by her instructions. He'd almost prefer to let her drive, but she'd insisted she ride shotgun. And he'd spent all morning asking for directions.
The two of them crawled out of their car and headed towards the elevators, heading up the floor towards John's job. Whatever it was. He was extremely confused by now. Not a Green Lantern (and Kat didn't even know what that was, oddly enough) no power ring, married to Kat (of all people) and now working for some big strange company he'd never even heard of before.
Then again, as the elevator doors slid open, maybe he had.
Green Lantern Construction Company.
John gaped openly, glancing at his co-workers as they moved to and from their desks, exchanging words and plans. He could see blueprints everywhere. All marked with the logo of the company, Green Lantern. It was the symbol of the Corp. But... wait a minute...
A large fellow walked by just then, past Kat and John. John almost gasped aloud in shock. His sloping brow, his thick chin, his keen eyes. Human he definitely was, but...
"Kilowog?" he asked in shock.
"Hey, mornin' John, Kat," he said, stopping to give a friendly wave. It -was- Kilowog. But human, like Kat. What was going on?
"Hey Kilowog. Any word on the new designs from Arkhis yet?" asked Kat.
"Not yet. He and Galidus are still working on the place on the eastern end of town. We sent Tomar and Larvox to give 'em a hand."
"Oh good," said Kat. "Well come on John," she said, nudging him in the ribs and bringing him back to reality. "We got work to do. We should go find Kyle."
"Kyle... Kyle Rayner?" asked John, grasping at the feeble amount of knowledge he did know. Kyle? But he was off-world... but so was Kat.
"You know any other Kyle's?" asked Katmatui. Then, smirking, she turned to Kilowog. "Don't mind John. Hasn't had his coffee yet and he hasn't quite woken up."
"Ugh, well I certainly know what that's like. Been ages since I last had a bolovaxian tea," replied Kilowog, shaking his head ruefully.
"Wait... what?" said John, only half-paying attention to the conversation. But his interest had perked up instantly upon hearing that work. Bolovaxian. Bolovax Vik was Kilowog's homeworld. At least... the Kilowog he knew.
"I said its been ages since I last had a decent black coffee," said Kilowog, glancing at John strangely.
"Black coffee?"
"Yeah, whadja think I said?"
"I... I could've sworn," started John. Had he said that? Bolovaxian tea was one of Kilowog's regular drinks. But... god, his head hurt. But confusing as all this was, underneath it all, John felt nothing but fear. He had lived and trained as a Green Lantern long enough to recognize danger when he saw it. Or felt it, in this case.
For now, he needed a page out of Kat's book.
Stealth and guile.
"Well," he said, giving a big show of clapping his hands together and smiling as if the incident had never happened. "Let's get to work!"
"Now then Mr. Jones why don't you tell me about your family?"
"My family?" asked J'onn, confused. He had no idea what to think anymore. This strange doctor... psychiatrist... was asking him so many peculiar questions. And every time he answered them, she'd give him a raised eyebrow and a humoring smile. Always a fake one. She didn't believe a word she said.
"Doctor," he stated firmly. "I wish to leave. I must contact the rest of the League. Something wrong is clearly happening here."
"Now, now," she said, looking alarmed as he started to stand. "You know you can't leave Mr. Jones. Against our policy. Why don't you tell me more about this uhm... what did you call it... Justice League?"
"You've not heard of the Justice League?" asked J'onn in surprise.
"Uhm, 'fraid not," she replied with an exaggerated laugh. "Why don't you tell me all about them. Are you one of them now? I thought you were a martian," she said, flipping back through her notes and confirming.
"I am a martian," he replied. "I am the last martian."
"Oh that must be tragic," she said again, in that little 'I don't believe you' tone.
"Let me out of here!" he shouted angrily, 'causing her to jump and run to the door. Two orderlies came in, subduing J'onn. They quickly overpowered him and forced him to his knees. One of them slid a needle into his arm, and pumped him full of something.
"I think that'll be all for today," said Doctor Quinn, adjusting her glasses. "I really must go see to Mr. J... er... I mean, the Mr. Napier down the hall. Thank you for your time, Mr. Jones. I do hope you feel better in time for my next visit."
The two orderlies released J'onn, tossing him to the ground, and the door slammed shut, locking him inside. Inside, J'onn sighed and fell against the ground, not even bothering to catch himself. He lost consciousness, alone, imprisoned, and helpless.
Author's Notes:
First of all, I would like to point out in the couples area of my profile I support John/Shayera. My reasons for having him married to Kat will become apparent as the story progresses, so all you rabid John/Shayera fans chill! And put down that mace! Yeah, you know who you are! I seem to be focusing rather much on Batman, and I apologize to anyone who feels other members of the League aren't getting much of a chance to shine. But without any original powers of his own, Bruce is the most likely to deal with the situation as it exists. Be patient, all will have their chance to shine. Grodd attacking Central City? Oh dear, our poor superheroes certainly have their hands full if he's stirring up trouble. I am aware that Copperhead was never part of the Secret Society, but his presence was included to provide an excellent foil for Hawkgirl. Hawk, Snake... get it? Of course you do. But I somehow imagine Metropolis is in even more danger from the sudden appearance of a boom tube. Those things are never good news. Clarks past experiences from losing his powers including the Superman episodes 'Feeding Time' and 'Solar Power' and the Smallville episode 'Leech.' Green Lantern construction company? I admit, even I'm skeptical of that one, but I have my reasons believe me. John Steward was, comically, a mason, not a military man. I prefer his cartoon incarnation though. His fellow Green Lanterns his co-workers, also all human? And what was with that slip of tongue? Conspiracy, perhaps? Poor J'onn locked up in an asylum. Bonus points if you can guess which one. Dr. Quinn's next patient should clue you in.
Terry: Only if I get better reviews than 'good job' or 'keep updating.'
Todd fan: I hope I don't end up spoiling too much for you then. I think I already gave away some major spoilers from 'Starcrossed.' Sorry.
Ray1: Hopefully its not proving to be too rushed though. But I noticed a distinct difference between XME and JL when I started writing. The XME kids all go to school and such, the JL's are full time crime fighters. Makes it difficult to start a story gradually. Still, glad you're enjoying. Bruce is human yes, but now has no equipment or vehicles or costume to his name.
ViciousAssassin: A long detailed reviewed, hooray! The point of the argument in the previous chapter was to emphasize the confusion in this one, actually. Especially after they found out that things have changed. The premise of the story is similar, in the loss of their powers, but when I decided that I realize it is difficult to have a believable reason for all the league to lose their powers, since their powers stem from such different sources (alien heritage, training, equipment, freak accidents, power rings). I have, however, come up with an explanation to explain it. It'll just take everyone a while to realize it. Its not that Superman doesn't like red sunlight, but its yellow sunlight that gives him his powers. On Justice League you might've noticed most prisons custom built for the League, the cell holding Supes tends to glow red. That's why. J'onn is, at the moment, not an martian, but human. He's in his own personal human form, which we saw in 'Comfort and Joy' and 'Starcrossed.'
Alhana-Antilles: Not anywhere fun, so don't get your hopes up. But don't worry, as a firm supporter of Bruce/Diana, I'll be making romances after I finish my 'opening' story into the JL universe.
Comet-hime: Ah, so keeping you in the dark about certain plot elements and not being my beta-reader is working for the best. You're enjoying the story more. Glad you liked Mrs. Wayne. Don't worry about the Kat-Shayera-John problem. You know now what is coming for them. Heh. I was going for homeless-drifter for Shayera given her new status after 'Starcrossed.' Harley/Ivy? Well, its mostly battle, but I'll at least have them shown together. Can't promise much more than that.
Brutal2003: So it would seem, and yes they're a cute couple which is why they're married now. The reason for my madness will become apparent, at latest, by the end of the story. But it ain't gonna be a picnic for even them. No sirree.
Cantoris: I like being subtle like that. More inner humor for the readers who understand it, and little clues for those who don't. Yeah, definitely a role reversal for the Martian and his psychiatrist. Glad you're enjoying my incorporation of comic references with that of the show stuff. I prefer the show, but a little thing here and there never hurt.
Deadhead89: I am not a comics fan! I never read the comics in my life! And there is a reason Kat and John are married in my story, just wait for it! Check my profile, I support HG/GL all the way!
Lady Iapetus, Roving Wanderer: Parts of this yes were inspired by that. Elements of the plot were as well, like the feeling of déjà vu Batman was feeling? Just how much you'll have to wait until the end to find out. I can tell you this much. Mad Hatter is not involved. You're certainly crafty at spotting my subtle clues, aren't you?
Robert1413: They're not exactly married. If they were do you honestly think they wouldn't remember it? Glad you liked that though. They do seem like a cute couple to me. I will update very soon, most likely. I'm getting more time to work on this than I originally thought.
Knight's Shadow: Mentally, yes. He remembers all of it, as well as anything else he did as Batman. Physically, his body is slightly out of shape. Athlete level rather than olympic level. But yeah, he still knows all the martial arts and how to throw a batarang and such (pity he doesn't have any).
Angelic Temptress: 'fraid not. Shayera's in Central City with Flash. Don't fret though. If there's one couple I will never support its Wally/Shayera. They're too much like siblings. All will work out in the end, fret you not. Harlequin's real name is Harley Quinn and was originally a psychiatrist assigned to work for the Joker. He is the one who pointed out how much her real name was like what her villain name would be.
Xffan-2000: Glad you enjoyed the reactions to the events of Starcrossed and later with the loss of their powers and their new lives. Hope you'll like where the rest of this story is going as well.