Bruce
Watchtower

"I don't like it," Bruce said, pacing next to the table.

"What do you think he's doing?" Victor asked. "I mean, he hasn't been within 300 light years of Earth since Kal ran him off."

"I don't like it," Bruce repeated.

"Maybe he knows he can't handle us with another Superman," Ollie said, having rejoined the crew.

Shazam shook his head. "Even if that's what he should think, you're talking about the most arrogant SOB known to man. He's just waiting."

"On what?"

"Maybe he's hoping I'll go back to my own dimension," Kal said. "That would at least up his chances."

"Are you going back?" Clark asked.

"Eventually, I hope, but I was sent here to help and I intend to do that before I go home."

"We appreciate that, but if you get a chance to return, you should take it. Our Earth isn't your responsibility," Zatanna said.

"I'm staying and helping," Kal said, not looking at her.

"Maybe we should go after him," Diana said.

"At half strength? No," Bruce said, sitting back down.

"Are you just saying that because you want a piece of him?"

He slammed his hands on the desk. "Of course I want a piece of him, he tried killed my wife!" Zatanna gently placed her hand on his shoulder while Thomas hopped out of J'onn's lap and climbed into his. He took a breath to calm himself. "Twice. It's also a very bad idea."

"I'd hardly say two Kal-Els is half strength, but I do agree it's a bad idea to go after him," Victor said.

Bruce kissed Thomas's head. "Not mad, son. Just frustrated," he muttered. Maybe I should stay quiet.

"Zatanna, could you make it possible for us to all go?"

"And still have energy to fight? I doubt it. Maybe me and a couple of others."

Staying quiet.

"Who all would want to make the trip?"

"We all want to, obviously," Dinah said.

"Maybe we should consider who is best equipped to handle him."

Don't talk, Bruce. Just don't.

"I can channel a lot of power," Zatanna said.

"No." Dammit, I talked.

"I just mean..."

"No."

"Are you going to..."

"No."

She finally laughed. "Thomas, your father is being unreasonable."

"No!" Thomas said.

"Now look what you've taught him."

Clark chuckled. "I don't think this is something we're all ever going to agree on. I have an idea. Kal, would you be willing to come with me to do some recon?"

Kal nodded.

"I'll come, too," J'onn said.

"Good. We'll see if we can track him and find out what he's doing. Let's meet in two days and we'll take a vote on going out part-strength or waiting to see his next move."

Bruce nodded and turned Thomas to face him. "Sorry I yelled."

"Okay, Dada."

"Di, I'm sorry."

"I know. You've all been through a lot the last few days."

"Don't let him off the hook like that," Zatanna said. "Make him feel bad."

"I'm hurt, Bruce. You've hurt me and I'm hurt," Diana deadpanned.

"You suck at that. Come on, grump. Let's go home so I can torture you properly."

I like the sound of that. She did know best how to make him less grumpy. He stood and put Thomas on his shoulders.

"Do you think I'm grumpy?"

"Gumpy Dada!"

"I guess it's unanimous."

"I'll stay here and plan with Clark," Kal said.

Fuck. He glanced over at Zatanna, who had the worried look he was afraid of seeing.

"Don't."

"I think it's safer," she said.

"No, it isn't. Not for any of us. Let's just go home."

"What code are you two speaking in?" Diana asked.

"They don't want me to leave because Zatanna's afraid Adam will come after her and put the others at risk. She's going to go to Shadowcrest and be alone, because she'd rather die than lose Bruce or Thomas," Kal said. They all stared at him. "I can hear everything."

"It's the weekend. I'll stay over," Diana said, heading toward the Zeta tube.

"Di, that's not necessary," Bruce said.

"Yes, it is. And I didn't ask. Besides, I haven't had Alfred's cooking in ages. Does he still make those cucumber sandwiches at lunch? I love those things."

"Tell him, he'll be delighted to hear it."

"Guys, stop. It's safer if I go and stay alone. You all know it," Zatanna said.

"Clearly, we don't. Come on. Diana's hungry and I was promised some torture."

He dragged her to the Zeta tube and took them home. Alfred quickly started prepping a special dinner for their extra guest, who was sitting in the kitchen and chatting about cucumber sandwiches.

"I'm sure he'll learn to love them."

"I hope so. His father was not fond of them growing up, but they grew on him."

"That, they did," Bruce said, handing Thomas over to Diana. "We're going to change. Be down shortly."

He kept leading Zee until they made it to the bedroom, where he pulled her over to sit on the bed.

"Am I about to get a talking to?"

"Yes. Don't think I don't know what this is really about. You didn't want Kal to leave because you've fallen in love with him."

Her head snapped over to him, but he just smiled.

"Ass," she said, rolling her eyes and laying her head on his shoulder.

He laughed and kissed the top of her head. "I understand that you want to keep us safe. I appreciate it. We have friends willing to help, so we're both going to have to get used to accepting it when they volunteer."

"More like voluntold. She didn't even ask."

"She's pushy that way."

"Does that mean I have to thank her?"

"Yes," he said. "But not necessarily tonight."

She stood and pulled him to his feet. "Let's go eat. I'll glare at her for half an hour and then thank her."

"Sounds like a very mature and reasonable plan."

Selina
Wherever

It's a good thing I like who I am...most of the time, anyway.

Crane had a way with words. He'd picked away at every insecurity she had for hours on end, and she played the part of the terrified victim under the influence of his toxin. Bruce's antidote was working and Crane was falling for her act. Thanks to Mike, she knew how to play it.

"That's all for today. You're doing well, Catwoman. I can see it in your eyes."

The feed cut off and she was left alone again. She closed her eyes and sighed. Things were going as well as could be expected, all things considered. Unless Mike was wrong, she should be considered "cured" before long. She had almost dozed off when one of the flunkies came in with food and a scalpel. She was only glad to see half of that.

"What is that for?" She asked, continuing her act.

He set the food down and removed her arm restraints. It took all of her willpower not to take him down and escape.

Don't break the act, Selina.

"Give me your arm." She held out her right arm. He gritted his teeth and glared at her. "The other one."

"Why?"

He reached forward and grabbed her left wrist, yanking her arm toward him and squinting down at it.

"Who's tracking you?"

Shit.

"No one."

Kneeling down, he braced her arm under his and cut into her with the scalpel, hacking the tracker out with little precision. She screamed and thrashed, half-acting, half-hurting.

"No one, huh?" He put the tracker on the table and threw a towel at her.

She continued to whimper and cower. "It's old. I swear."

"And still sending out a signal? Bullshit. But don't worry. We'll find out who it is and we'll make sure you aren't found." He slapped a crude bandage on her arm and pointed to the food. She kept her eyes down and ate.

Should have let the witch hex me. Fuck.

"I'm sorry. I should have told you about the tracker. It's just a precaution, in case I disappear."

He leaned down close to ear. "Who is tracking you?"

"I told you...no one. It's old."

Standing, he put her restraints back on. "Well, no one is going to be in for quite the surprise when they come after you."

He took the tracker and walked out of the room.

Goddammit.

Zatanna
Doctor's Office

She sat bouncing her leg so hard that the exam table was squeaking. Thomas laughed at the sound and rode her knee like a cowboy.

"...expecting to see you again this soon, Mrs. Wayne. Everything okay?" Dr. Lewis asked, already halfway through her sentence when she opened the door.

"That's what I'm here to find out," Zatanna said, moving Thomas over to a chair.

"Tell me what's wrong."

"Nothing. I know it sounds stupid, but nothing's wrong with me, as far as I know. I'm just worried."

"About?"

"My husband and I want to have another baby."

"Doesn't sound like something to worry about."

"I'm worried that I can't."

"Why is that?"

"Intuition?"

The doctor raised her eyebrow. "You're very young and you have nothing in your medical history that should cause concern."

"I know."

She sighed. "Tell you what. I'll run some tests and do an exam."

"Thank you, Dr. Lewis," Zatanna said, relieved that she didn't dig any deeper.

"I've learned to trust instincts...even if they aren't my own." She pulled her chair over and glanced at Thomas. "Want my nurse to watch him?"

He was laying on his back, feet in the air, and playing with the Velcro on his shoes.

"That might be a good idea. I'm not sure how long feet can keep him entertained."

The doctor smiled and walked to the door. Her nurse came in and claimed him. As always, he was glad to make a new friend. Dr. Lewis went ahead with the exam, not finding anything wrong, before drawing blood and scheduling her for several scans.

"Are you sure there's nothing else you want to tell me?" She asked when she was finished.

"I'm sure. I appreciate you humoring me on this."

"You know, there are other reasons for failed attempts at pregnancy. Have you talked to your husband about visiting a doctor?"

"No, I...he doesn't even know I'm here. And our attempts haven't failed. We're not really even trying yet, I just..."

"Intuition?"

"Right."

"Okay, I won't harass you about it anymore, but I'd advise not worrying so much. Sometimes paranoia is just that...paranoia. I'll let you know what comes back on all of your tests. Call me if you need anything."

Zee nodded and looked down at her hands while the doctor exited. She couldn't talk to Bruce about it. Not yet. There was too much she didn't understand for her to try to explain it to him, too. If the doctor asked a dozen questions, he would ask a hundred.

"Mama! I got ice keem!" Thomas said, coming in holding a half-eaten cone and a stuffed puppy. The nurse smiled and mussed his hair.

"Thanks for babysitting," Zatanna said, picking up a sticky kid.

"Happy to. He's a doll," the nurse said, waving goodbye.

"You know, someday you're just going to be an ornery kid and women won't think you're so charming."

"Ice keem?" He offered.

"No, thanks. You earned that."

He smiled and finished eating while she carried him to the car. Alfred was nice enough to not ask questions about their trip, using the time to run errands. He respected her need to keep the occasional secret from Bruce. Bruce wouldn't, but she could deal with that later.

"Anywhere else, ma'am?"

"Just home. Thanks, Alfred. Did you have enough time to get some shopping done?"

"Of course. Everything alright?"

"Yeah, fine. I'm just tired."

He nodded and drove silently the rest of the way. When they got home, she led Thomas by the hand into the den, where she found Kal. He was slouched in the blue striped chair, with the cat curled up on his stomach, purring contentedly.

"Hey," he said, scratching the cat's ear.

"You have got to be kidding me."

"What?"

"You've been here less than a week and he already likes you more than he likes me!"

"I'm sure that's not true," he said. The cat grumbled in disagreement.

"I hate you both," Zatanna said, plopping down on the couch. Thomas went over to join the "in" crowd on the blue-striped chair. "How did last night go?"

"Well enough. We're going to head out later today when Diana gets back here." She huffed and closed her eyes. It was unnecessary for everyone to alter their lives for her, but they wouldn't listen. "We all care about you, Zee," Kal said gently.

"I know." They sat and watched Thomas play with the cat. "Do you know Lois Lane?"

"The actress? No, I've never met her."

"She's an actress there?"

"Yeah, you're a big fan," he said, smiling.

She laughed. "I'm a big fan of her here, too."

"Why did you ask? What does she do here?"

"She's a reporter. I was just curious."

He furrowed his brow. "Is that who Clark is with? He said he was a reporter, too."

Zatanna nodded, mind still working its way through everything that was different between the two worlds and what that could mean for them all. Thomas came over and crawled into her lap, quickly falling asleep.

"Thanks for everything, Kal."

"You're welcome. I'm going to go out and get some sun before we do our thing."

Kal
Watchtower

"Do you think you interacted with him enough to help us track?"

"Well, I didn't really commit the smell of his cologne to memory, but he blasted a lightning bolt into my chest for about 12 seconds. That should help."

Clark nodded. He was wearing...big shocker...a costume. It was skin tight and had a cape. I guess it would be cool to have a cape.

"I'll lead the way to start," J'onn said, also wearing a costume with a cape.

"Capes are really big here, huh?"

The both looked at him and shrugged.

"Let's head out. I told Lois I wouldn't be too late."

"I still can't believe you're dating Lois Lane."

"Married to, actually."

"Nice."

They stepped outside of the escape hatch and looked in the direction Adam had retreated. J'onn put his hands to his head and closed his eyes.

"Nowhere close. Let's head off and I'll keep trying to sense him."

Kal and Clark paced J'onn, zipping through space and trying to detect anything out of the ordinary. It had been a while since he'd been this far away from any Earth. He hadn't felt the need to escape in recent months.

"Anything?" Clark asked.

"Nothing here," Kal said. J'onn shook his head. "Maybe we should split up."

"We're not too big into splitting up."

"Oh, right. Teamwork." He closed his eyes and tried to pick up on any kind of energy that felt familiar...or out of place. "Left. Feel that?"

"No. What is it?"

"I'm not sure, but it's powerful."

"Alright, let's check it out."

They flew off toward the strange energy, Kal leading the way. The closer they got, the less sure he was that it was something they should be approaching.

"This feels...wrong," Kal said, feeling a strange sensation deep in his gut.

"Stop!" Clark yelled, causing them all to halt their movements. "Red sun."

"What?"

"Red sun. You've never encountered it?"

"No, but it's making me dizzy."

"Me, too," Clark said, grabbing his arm. "We need to move away."

Backing a few light years off, they stopped and looked back at the strange solar system.

"Kal, is that the energy you were feeling the whole time?" J'onn asked.

"No. Whatever I was feeling faded the closer we got to that sun."

J'onn cast a glance to Clark. "He's using it to hide."

"Why did it make me feel weaker?"

"Red sun is toxic to Kryptonians."

Clark nodded. "And Adam knows that. I guess I just assumed you had been exposed before."

"Never had the pleasure. So, as long as he's hiding there..."

"You and I can't touch him."

"Damn. Guess that vote will be a little more unanimous than we thought."

J'onn turned to them. "I'm going closer."

"No, you're not. We don't split up," Clark said.

"I won't get close enough for him to detect me."

"If something goes wrong, we won't be able to help you. No."

"I agree, splitting up isn't wise...especially here," Kal said.

"I'm going. I'll be back shortly."

Without letting them speak again, the Martian took off toward the red sun.

"Team, huh?"

Clark sighed and shook his head. "Most of the time, but we can be pretty willful, too."

"Any other random hazards out here I should know about? I guess I've been a bit sheltered back on my Earth."

"Heard of kryptonite?"

"Yeah, that one I've encountered. You're looking at the sole proprietor of 100% of all samples that have been found in my dimension."

"Good. Otherwise, I know you're aware of magic being a weakness."

He nodded. "That's why I keep a close eye on the most powerful magician I know." Clark glanced over at him and raise an eyebrow. Kal smiled. "She's also pretty incredible."

"She's been a good friend to me here. And if you do happen to have a run in with red sun, she's got a knack for removing it."

"Good to know." He glanced over at his double. "Bruce and the whole bat thing..."

"He hasn't told you?"

"No, but I've been a little hesitant to ask. He's intense."

Clark chuckled. "Very intense."

"And Zatanna is..."

"Very not intense. At least, not unless she needs to be."

"They work, though."

"Yeah, they do. I don't think any of us expected it to work the way it has, but they balance each other out."

Kal nodded. "She doesn't talk about her family..."

"We're her family."

"And Bruce's?"

"Yes."

"How long until we start to worry?"

"Not much longer."

"I can't see him."

"Neither can I. We shouldn't have let him go off alone," Clark said, crossing his arms. "There's not much either of us can do if he doesn't come back. We'd have to go get Diana."

"Should I head back and get her now?"

"No, let's give it a while longer. I don't want us splitting up, too." He glanced over at him. "About family...your last name?"

"I didn't have a family. I was found and taken into foster homes. Bounced around quite a bit, but that was more my fault than theirs. I'm not a good rule-follower."

Clark smirked. "I can understand that." He squinted into the distance and relaxed. "He's coming back."

J'onn approached, no worse for wear. "He's not here, but I think I found where he's staying."

"What do we do now?" Kal asked.

"We go back," Clark said, not sounding like he was willing to take a vote this time. "We'll meet tomorrow night and update everyone. Kal, tell Bruce and Zatanna what we found...or didn't find."

Oh, good. The bearer of bad news.

Batman
Batcave

He finished strapping his boots on and headed toward the car. It was a clear, brisk evening and he was looking forward to getting some exercise. Gordon was due to meet him on top of the GCPD at midnight for an update on Scarecrow. They were working together comfortably, for the most part. So long as he doesn't find out about Mike...or Selina. He probably wouldn't respond well to knowing there was a stray Superman hanging out in Gotham, either. He'd asked more than enough questions about the highly-localized lightning storm at Wayne Manor, but Batman kept quiet about the house guest.

"Bruce, wait!" Barb came running into the cave and headed straight to the computer. "We have a problem."

He jogged over to her. "What?"

"Selina. I was tracking her and her movements got erratic. I took the drone up and...well, this is who I was tracking."

She pulled the feed up onto the screen and zoomed in...on a black cat. A regular one.

"Fuck! Find her."

"How? How the hell am I supposed to find her without a tracker?"

Very good point. "Right. You're not. Get someone out on patrol. I have to go upstairs."

He ran to the elevator and rode up to the house. Zatanna and Diana were in the den, painting their nails while Thomas played.

"Oh, hey. We were just talking about you," Zatanna said. She looked up, her face going serious. "What's wrong?"

"They have Selina and they found the tracker."

She let her head fall back against the couch. "Gee, if only someone could have seen this coming and advised her on a safer and more effective means of tracking. Alright, I'll be right down." She stood and quickly headed to the stairs.

"What's this all about?" Diana asked.

"Undercover infiltration gone wrong. Selina was trying to get us to Scarecrow."

She nodded. "Am I helping or am I protecting?"

"If you could keep Thomas and Alfred safe..."

"Of course. I'll stay until Kal gets back."

"Thank you, Di."

Zatanna returned, dressed in her armor. "Okay, let's go retrieve her," she said, putting her mask on.

"Sorry to drag you out again so soon."

"Well, this whole Wiley Coyote plan was my idea, so I feel a bit obligated." She blew Thomas a kiss. "See you soon, kiddo. Bruce, get ready for a head spin."

Mumbling a few words, she flung her arms forward and engulfed them in light.

Selina
Untracked, somewhere

Well, things could have been worse. Probably. Dent was worse in the physical torture department. Arm sure as hell aches, though. Scarecrow clearly wasn't training his men in surgical precision. Another day, another nasty scar. Now, how to get out of here. She looked around for weaknesses. Preferably, she wouldn't have to wait until one of her captors came back. Just get out and slip away.

Keeping her eyes closed, she started to work at the bindings on her wrists. They were tight, but not so much that they were cutting off circulation. With a little patience…

A bright flash through her eyelids got her attention. "Well, lovely for you to rescue me," she said, keeping her eyes closed.

"Becoming a bad habit," Zatanna mumbled. "The camera they have on you is broadcasting a loop and Batman is watching the door. Let's go."

Selina opened her eyes and shook her head. "No, I'm staying. Let's see this through."

"No way will he agree to that," she said, snapping her fingers and releasing the restraints.

"Yes, he will. Look, I'm completely fine." Zatanna pointed at her bandaged arm. "Okay. I'm eighty-seven percent fine."

"Right. Come on."

"Put the restraints back on! Hurry, before someone comes back. I've put too much into this to bail now. Track me your way and let me stay."

Sighing, Zatanna put her hand to her ear. "Batman? Yeah, she...you know what..." She pulled the communicator out and stuck it in Selina's ear.

"I'm staying. Witchy woman here is going to do her spell and I'm going to get in."

"No, this is too dangerous."

"No, this is the exact same thing with a spell instead of a tracker." He didn't respond. "I appreciate that you're worried. Let me finish this."

He grumbled something and huffed. "Don't get yourself killed."

"Promise," she said, handing the communicator back to Zatanna. "Okay, do whatever you're going to do."

The gibberish came out of her mouth, as usual, before her hands were re-bound and a strange sensation crawled through Selina's body.

"The feeling will fade. When they take you to Crane, say my name twice. You can whisper it, I'll still hear."

"So, whisper Zatanna Zatara twice and you'll pop up like Beetlejuice?"

"No, my married name." She smirked slightly.

"You know, I'd like to be pissed, but that's actually pretty funny. Now, get the hell out of here so I can do all of the hard work while you sit around at home."

"With pleasure. Let me know when you're there and I'll send a few bats your way." She waved her hand, taking the pain in Selina's arm without healing the wound. With a few more gibberish words, she vanished again.