Justice League of Amazons: Fire & Blood
…
Chapter 3
Aegon was introduced to the rapture that was pizza. "Seven Hells! This is some kind of sorcery here!" he exclaimed as he took another slice of pepperoni pizza and ate it, pizza sauce smearing his mouth and chin.
"Wait until you try New York pizza," Mari said to him as she ate her own pizza. "Best in the world!" she boasted before taking a bite of her own slice.
"If the pizza in this New York is as good as this, then I'd certainly like to try it," Aegon replied as he finished off his pizza slice and reached for another.
"Hey, leave some for the rest of us!" Kara complained. "And wipe your mouth!" she chided. Aegon winced and he took a napkin to wipe his mouth and chin and made a quiet apology.
Aegon also tried a soda and his eyes went wide as the first taste of sugar and caffeine hit his tastebuds. Aegon was almost bouncing in his chair and his body shook as the rush of the sugary caffeinated drink hit him.
"You okay there?" Helena asked him cautiously.
"Of course, I am! Why wouldn't I be?" Aegon replied his voice almost babbling. "Am I talking too loud?!" he yelled.
"Okay, no more soda for you!" Shayera said sternly.
"It should wear off in about an hour," Barbara surmised as Aegon had his first sugar and caffeine high. Aegon's head was darting to and fro, the pupils of his eyes wide that they were almost manic.
"Should we hit Aegon with a sedative?" Dinah asked conspiratorially.
"What goes up, must come down," Zatanna said sagely.
And sure enough, once an hour had passed (and Aegon was kept away from anymore soda drinks), Aegon crashed and he fell almost instantly asleep in his chair. It was almost amusing to see how Aegon had crashed from his first sugar high.
"Y'know, he almost looks adorable asleep like this," Zatanna remarked, an amused grin on her lips as they all looked at the sleeping Aegon.
"Yeah, well, let's not get any ideas," Shayera replied as she hefted Aegon into her arms. "A little help?" she asked the rest of the League.
"Wait! Where's Aegon gonna sleep? And where are the rest of us gonna sleep?" Karen asked. Everyone paused at that; they hadn't made sleeping arrangements for Aegon, or themselves for that matter. Shayera and Diana had their own quarters, but given their numbers, there mightn't be enough rooms for them sleep in.
"Huh, guess I hadn't thought of that," Shayera muttered. "Well, I suppose some of us will have to share," she said.
"And Aegon?" Diana asked cautiously. Everyone had forced casual expressions on their faces, but some of them were having ideas of possibly sharing a room with Aegon.
"I think Aegon can sleep in his own room for tonight," Shayera said calmly. "He can take Batman's room," she added.
"And what about the rest of us?" Mari asked.
"I suppose one of us will have to share with Aegon," Shayera admitted in defeat.
"I'd be happy to share with Aegon," Kara said casually. Everyone shot the young Kryptonian a look that said they knew she wanted to do more than share a room with Aegon.
"You can share with Batgirl or Power Girl," Shayera said to Kara who then pouted in annoyance. "And I don't think I trust any of you to share a room with Aegon and not do anything," she added.
"So, Aegon gets a room to himself then?" Helena asked slightly annoyed as she wanted to share a room with Aegon.
"It's for the best," Shayera said sternly. "Besides, I don't think Aegon would appreciate it if one of us were to share a room, much less a bed with him without him knowing while he's out like this," she added.
Everyone reluctantly agreed to the Thanagarian's statement and headed off to the dormitories. Aegon was deposited in Batman's room on the bed with a sheet over him. Aegon's weapons were placed within easy for him, should the need arise. Shayera smiled softly down at the sleeping Valyrian and for a moment, she was half tempted to climb into bed beside the young man and sleep next to him. Quelling the urge to, Shayera headed to her room and undressed so that she was in her underwear and deposited her helmet on the bedside table and turned off the lights and fell asleep.
…
The next morning.
Aegon woke up groggily and with a thumping headache. "Gods… what hit me?" he asked blearily and he looked around and realised he was in a bedroom. "How did I get here?" he said as he climbed out of the bed and stumbled his way to the door where he found Shayera waiting for him.
"Morning, Aegon," the Thanagarian greeted him briskly. "You okay?" she asked him.
"A bit of a headache, but otherwise I'm fine," Aegon answered. "What happened last night?" he enquired.
"Well, you had your first ever sugar and caffeine high and you subsequently crashed after it wore off," Shayera said. "We put you to bed and went to bed ourselves," she added.
"Right," Aegon mumbled. "Is there anywhere where I can wash up?" he asked.
"Yeah, follow me," Shayera said and she led Aegon down the hallway to the bathroom. Giving Aegon some instructions how to operate the showers, Shayera then left him alone to give him some privacy.
Aegon stripped off his clothes and armour and turned on the hot water. Steam filled the room as Aegon began to wash himself, washing away the sleepiness in his body. The blue dye in his hair began to wash out, revealing the pale silver-blonde follicles beneath. After fifteen minutes of bathing under the cascading hot water, Aegon turned off the shower and found a dry towel to dry himself off with. With the towel wrapped around his waist, Aegon stepped out of the bathroom and found Karen waiting for her turn.
Both of them stared at each other for a moment, before Aegon managed to say, "Ah, good morning," he greeted the blonde politely as he could.
"Morning, Aegon," Karen replied brightly, and she looked at the pale silver locks of hair on Aegon's head, some of still streaked with blue dye. "Hmm… so that's your natural hair colour, huh?" she asked.
"Er, yes, it is," replied Aegon fidgeting a little under Karen's gaze. "Bathroom's all yours if you want it," he said as he excused himself awkwardly before Karen made any more comments.
"By the by," Karen called after him making him look. "You look pretty good without a shirt on," she said with a wink. Aegon's cheeks were dusted as he forced himself not to reply and walked away. Karen smirked after him before entering the bathroom herself to use the shower.
Aegon was given some clothes to wear by Shayera. He was now wearing a pair of denim jeans, sneakers, a button-up shirt and a leather bomber jacket. It was a little strange to be wearing such clothing; Aegon was more used to wearing leather and mail than such clothing he was wearing now.
Heading to the cafeteria, Aegon broke his fast as the rest of the Justice League filtered in to break their fast as well.
"So, what's the plan today?" Zatanna asked Shayera who was sipping on a cup of coffee.
"We need to do a press conference with the UN and the media," replied Shayera. "If only so the world doesn't get the idea that we're not hiding Aegon away from them and be declared enemies of humanity for it," she said.
"A press conference? What does that mean?" Aegon asked as he took a bite of an apple enjoying the tartness of the fruit.
"Well, a press conference basically means you'll be doing interviews and answering questions people may have," Shayera explained. "I don't enjoy them myself, but this is something that has to be done," she said.
"Well, if it must be done, it must be done," Aegon said resignedly before he asked, "What sort of questions will I be asked?"
"Some of them will be the usual such as who you are and where you come from," Shayera said. "Others might be a little more intrusive," she added.
"Such as?"
"Well, if you're married for example."
"Why would anyone want to know that?" Aegon asked perplexed.
"Tabloid journalism," Shayera said. "The gossips columns will want to know everything about you, like who you're seeing or what you're doing," she added.
"Why would they want to know that?" Aegon asked feeling even more confused.
"I never understood it myself but it's more for the people who have nothing better to do than stick their noses in your business," Shayera replied. "And given that you're the only surviving male on the planet, they'll be crawling out of the woodwork to follow your movements," she said.
"What a revolting thought," Aegon muttered. "Haven't they anything better to do other than hound me?" he said out loud.
"Oh, it gets worse," Mari said. "There's a little thing called social media where people can post picture and comments on things, and they'll be saying all sorts of things about you," she added.
"Like what?" Aegon asked apprehensively, unsure if he wanted to know.
"Well, given that you're the only surviving male person so far and a decent looking guy at that, they'll be saying all kinds of things," Mari replied.
"So, aside from all that, is there anything else that needs to be done?" Helena asked Shayera.
"We'll need to run some more tests on Aegon to find out how he's immune to the virus," Shayera said. "Plus, we may need to get some… samples from Aegon," she added looking at Aegon who realised what she meant by that.
"Oh, joy…"
After eating breakfast and washing up and readying themselves, everyone boarded the Javelins and headed planet-side to the UN where a large procession was waiting for them. The Justice League huddled around Aegon protectively. It annoyed Aegon slightly that they thought he needed protection; on some level he did need protection, but he wasn't a fragile glass statue either.
But as soon as everyone saw Diana, many began hurling abuse and obscenities towards her. For her part, Diana simply held her head high and continued walking, although there was a slight look of sadness in her eyes as she endured the abuse. One of the female guards made to spit at Diana when Aegon stepped in front of her, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword and a stern glare directed towards the guard. The guard backed down and they continued. Aegon looked at Diana and asked, "Are you alright, milady?"
Diana nodded slowly and replied, "I am, but why did you-?" she tried to ask when Aegon cut her off.
"Why did I protect you?" he finished for her. Diana nodded and looked at Aegon who said to her, "Because you're not Aresia." And kept walking on. Diana stared after Aegon, surprised at this show of kindness before hurrying to catch up. The assembly was gathered and the news and media crews were all taking photos of Aegon and the Justice League on the stage. The lights blinded and stung Aegon's eyes and he tried not to show his discomfort lest he be seen as weak in front of everyone.
"Who among you will speak?" a question came out from the UN delegates.
Kara stepped out hesitantly. While she wasn't used to such a role, this sort of field was more her cousin's role when he was alive but she knew she had to step up to fill in Clark's shoes and being a spokesperson for the Justice League was just one of the roles Superman did on the job.
"Esteemed members of the United Nations," Kara began in a loud and clear voice. Her voice shook only slightly as the UN's attentions was now focussed on her. "Just a day ago, we suffered a horrible loss when the rogue Amazon Aresia unleashed a virus with the intent of wiping out all men on earth, and she sadly succeeded in her plans, despite Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl and the Amazon Queen Hippolyta's best efforts," she said.
A few dark looks crossed the delegates' faces and some glared at Diana who could only look down at her feet in shame at her failure and for being related to the perpetrator of the crime.
"But, as my cousin Kal-El once said and I quote, 'the light is darkest before the dawn.' And although things seem grim right now, hope is not lost," Kara said.
"Here with us today is a man who, although not of this world, has appeared in our darkest time to give us aid," the young Kryptonian declared. "Esteemed member of the UN, I present to you, Aegon Targaryen," she announced and Aegon stepped forth. Cameras flashed and Aegon had to restrain himself from shielding his eyes as took to the podium.
"Greetings to you all, esteemed members of the UN," Aegon said, speaking in a firm clear voice. "My name is Prince Aegon Targaryen, sixth of his name and as you can no doubt tell, I am not of your world," he declared.
"Where I come from is a world that you would consider backwards, and possibly even barbaric as we have no such wonders like cars or airplanes," he then said. "We may even simple in your eyes considering the advancements I've seen of this world so far," he added.
"I don't rightly know how I came to this world, but when told of your plight, I was asked to give assistance," Aegon said uncertainly. "Although I am hesitant to offer help since this world is not my own, I was trained as a knight and one of the key aspects of knighthood was the concept of chivalry which included helping and protecting those who needed it," he added.
"So, I am here to offer what assistance I can to you and your people," Aegon announced. "Are there any questions?" he asked the assembly.
The UN asked questions as to who he was and who his family was. Other questions were what his world was like and what it could offer. Aegon answered the questions as best as he could. One question that was prominent was how he was immune to the virus.
To that, Aegon said, "I don't know how I'm immune to the virus when it still lingers in the air, but it is something I endeavour to find out and understand the cause of."
Then Lois Lane spoke up, "What is your opinion of the Amazons and how one of their own caused this tragedy?" was her question.
"I cannot say for certain that all the Amazons would condone what Aresia did. By Wonder Woman's account, Aresia left the Amazon Nation against their rules and acted as a rogue agent," Aegon replied. "And it was Hawkgirl's testimony that led me to believe that Wonder Woman and her queen Hippolyta did their best to stop Aresia from carrying out her plan," he said.
"So, on that account, I shall give Wonder Woman and her people the benefit of the doubt," he declared. Some dark mutterings among the UN were heard which Aegon elected to ignore.
"And what would you do if Aresia came looking for you?" Lois then asked.
"I hope to bring Aresia to justice for her crimes," Aegon replied evenly. "In the North of my homeland, the Starks of Winterfell were noted for a saying, 'He who passes the sentence must swing the sword,'" he said. "The saying means that only the one who passes the sentence must execute those charged with their crimes so that the blood is solely on their hands and their hands alone," he added.
"I intend to do the same for Aresia!" Aegon declared resolutely.
After some more questions, the assembly was dismissed and Aegon and the Justice League were then led to another room where some foreign dignitaries wished to speak with Aegon privately.
Some light refreshments were served and Aegon was speaking with some of the dignitaries who asked him if he would visit their countries. Aegon was polite to them and said he wished to learn as much about this world as he could for the time he was here.
Then flanked by two female bodyguard was a pretty young woman with pale flaxen blonde hair and wearing a nice dress-suit approached Aegon. The young woman's poise showed that she was nobility, perhaps even royalty with the way she held herself. Aegon stood straighter in this young woman's presence.
"Greetings to you, my lady," Aegon said to her. "May I know who I am speaking to?" he asked respectfully.
"Greetings to you, Prince Aegon. I am Princess, now Queen, Audrey of Kasnia," replied the young woman with a bright almost mischievous smile. "I came here today to speak with you on the opportunity of visiting my homeland," she said in a formal manner.
Aegon nodded and said, "I intend to visit every country in this world I can, your Grace. But perhaps you might tell me a little of your homeland?" he asked.
Queen Audrey then gave Aegon a brief overview of Kasnia and its history. "There is a reason I wished to speak with you, Prince Aegon," Audrey then said seriously.
"Very well, name it," Aegon replied.
"As you now know, I am the reigning Queen of Kasnia, but therein lies a problem; I am unwed and without children," Audrey said.
Aegon blinked for a moment a little surprised by this frank statement. "I see," he said slowly. "And given that I am a prince, you wish to court me and have children by me," he surmised.
Audrey nodded and replied, "I do. Forgive me if I am being too forward, but I simply wish to ask you if I could court you," she said. "You needn't give an answer right now. Take some time to think on it," she offered.
Aegon nodded and replied, "I shall, and if possible I could court you and give you children, although it may be easier if you asked STAR Labs for my seed," he pointed out.
Audrey nodded before saying, "It would be an easier and quicker solution, but when my father died to the virus, I promised that I would one day find a suitable match to honour my father's memory and have children within wedlock so that I would not raise any bastards," she said. "It is why I am asking if I could ask for the chance to court you," she explained.
"I understand, your Grace," Aegon said understanding Audrey's position. "Truth be told, I too would be expected to find a suitable match when the time comes that I return to claim my birthright," he added.
"Thank you for understanding," Audrey replied bowing her head in acknowledgement. "Perhaps you could give me an answer in a month's time?" she asked.
"I shall," Aegon said nodding his head respectfully. Audrey smiled that mischievous smile of hers before leaving with her guards in tow.
Shayera walked to stand beside Aegon. "That was fast!" she said in surprise. "Already making moves to marry into royalty," she added.
"I haven't made any decisions," Aegon protested. "I simply said that I would allow Queen Audrey the chance to court me and see if we are compatible," he said.
"Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night," Shayera said with a smirk on her lips.
Aegon then got an idea to turn the tables, "Perhaps you wished to court me yourself, Lady Hawkgirl?" he asked teasingly.
Shayera's cheeks were dusted red and she spluttered, "You'd like that, wouldn't you?!" Shayera's cheeks were now crimson and some of the Justice League had amused grins on their faces at seeing how Aegon turned the tables on the brash outspoken Thanagarian.
"Your rosy red cheeks say as much," Aegon said with a slight upturn of his mouth and Shayera tightened her grip on her mace.
"Smart-ass!"
"Well, if Shayera and Queen Audrey want to court you, would you object if I had the chance?" Helena asked her voice almost a low seductive purr.
"I shall think about it," Aegon replied primly which made Helena grin slightly as Aegon hadn't entirely said no.
"So, before this all explodes into a catfight over who gets to court Aegon first, should we head back to the Watchtower?" Dinah suggested. "I think I've had my fill of politics for one day," she said with sudden tiredness.
Everyone agreed to the blonde siren's suggestion and headed back to the Watchtower to take a break from the politics of today's events.
TO BE CONTINUED…
A/N: there, third chapter of this done and dusted. Not much other than a filler chapter, but it'll show that I'm still working on this story and that I'm committed to it, at least for now. I know some of you are asking that I get back to work on my Blood & Fire fic and my Dragonborn Justice fic and I am working on them, or at least I'm working on my Dragonborn Justice fic. My Blood & Fire fic is taking a little time as I want to do the Summer Isles arc of Aegon and Dany and maybe develop their relationship more, as well as introduce some more GoT characters into the story such as Oberyn Martell and the Sand Snakes. I'm also trying to think of a way that it can be revealed that Aegon is a Blackfyre, possibly involving a sorcerer or magic of some kind, so if any of you have suggestions feel free to send them in a review or via PM. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I was contacted by the user who is doing some research on fanfiction and fanfiction writers, and he/she approached me and asked some questions, a few of which got me thinking. One of those questions was to do with monetization of fanfics and if I would do it myself.
Now, I'm not starving by any means anytime soon, but money in my bank account would be appreciated and money is also a great motivator. But, on the other hand, monetization is potentially risky as fanfiction is in a legal sense copyright infringement and original owners of material such as Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, etc. can be anal about these sort of things. I know some users on this site do monetize their fanfiction, even though there is an element of risk, I'm not sure if I would do it myself, mostly because I don't want to get caught and get done for copyright infringement. But, if I were to monetize my fanfiction, would any of you support me? Or should I just stick to what I'm doing right now and give it to you all for free? Let me know in your review or in a PM.
Anyways, not much more to say, so I'll just leave this here.
Be kind to one another everyone,
Angry lil' elf.