Mount Justice || November 5, 19:47 EDT ||
Arthur is looking at Aaliyah closely and she blinks her eyes at the sudden closeness. "Yes, Arthur-kun?" Staring at his warm hazel eyes.
"You look much more calmer than before." Knight commented with his usual smile. "We like the new you than... old broody you."
"Knight-san..." She sighs heavily and smiles sheepishly. "I'm sorry for giving you guys an attitude." Aaliyah apologizes and wasn't intended to act like a brooding type. For the past few months, she rarely smiles and forgetting the fact these people have done nothing but showing kindness to her, Zara and Ruby.
"It's fine." Knight smiles and patted her head. "We completely understand why you're like that."
"Is it just me or is Knight likes Aaliyah?" Robin whispered at Kaldur and Zara curiously. They are watching them distance. "Dude, he's 10 years older than her."
"Age is just a number, Robin." Zara commented and looking at Aaliyah and Knight closely. "Now that I think about it... it seems like you're right." She noticed Knight's action whenever he talks to Aaliyah or accompanies her.
Kaldur frowned and feels like someone clenches his heart tight. "Do you think Arthur knows his brother's feeling for Aaliyah?" The Atlantean asks Zara curiously and she hums in deep thought.
"Whether Arthur knows it or not, he knows Aaliyah has no feelings towards Knight." Zara answered and looking at the boys. "Aaliyah thinks of Knight as her own older bro-"
"Dad!"
"Knight!"
"Uncle!"
Everyone looked shocked to see the grownups disappears right when they're about to put the groceries inside of the kitchen. Aaliyah looked shocked and wondering how they disappeared right in front of them.
Happy Harbor || November 5, 20:19 EDT ||
Aaliyah is rocking the baby girl back and forth to lure her to sleep. Robin, Arthur and Zatanna are in the Cave to find a piece of information regarding the grown-ups' disappearance. Kaldur goes back to Atlantis and checks if there are any grownups under the ocean as well. She smiles gently and placing the baby girl on the crib then silently leave the silent room.
"I trust that you look after the babies, Cynthia." Aaliyah spoke up towards her schoolmate back in College. "I didn't expect this would happen... all the grownups disappeared."
"Me too." Cynthia agreed with her. She explained everything to Aaliyah about her holiday trip with her family in here. "Most of us are scared and we divided each other's task to look after children."
She nodded her head with a grim look. "True, we'll find our way." Aaliyah assured her and noticing Artemis gives tilted her head to join Wally, Conner, Ruby, Zara and M'gann. "If you'll excuse me." She excuses herself to join her friends.
"Aaliyah, I can't summon my spirits." Ruby told the blonde girl with a terrified look on her face. She feels scared of their well-being, especially they're usually on her side. "I tried to call them but they won't show up." She whimpered and hugging her spirit keys tightly.
"It must've because all your spirits are immortal and grownups as well." Aaliyah pointed out with a thoughtful look on her face.
"If I change into an adult form..." Zara trailed off her thoughts. "I could disappear as well and who knows where."
"We can't risk that, Zara." Artemis spoke up and denied the idea of her changing form into an adult form. "It would be best to stay in your cat or child form."
"Exceed, Artemis." Zara corrected Artemis and looking at Ruby. "Does it consume your magic when you called them?"
"Yeah." Ruby nodded her head. "I called Xi Men and Sora to help us out... my keys glowed but they didn't turn up."
"We should think about that later, Ru-chan." Aaliyah patter her head. "Right now, we need to voice out to everyone our situation here."
"How?" M'gann questioned Aaliyah.
"Ru-chan, Zara-chan, Wally-kun, Kaldur-kun and Robin-kun... are the first young heroes who disobeyed their orders before Conner-kun came right?" They nodded their heads. "You five are going to broadcast the entire world of all children and teenagers."
"Are you joking, Aaliyah!?" Wally exclaimed and thinking Aaliyah's idea is crazy.
"No, Wally-kun." She shakes her head. "Everyone are scared because grownups disappear and they need young heroes to be their voices. Telling teenagers to look after young children because they need someone to take care of them." Aaliyah could see fear from their eyes. All of them are scared and panic because all adults disappeared like they don't exist in this world.
"We should tell Kaldur about it." Artemis agrees with Aaliyah's point. "I agree with her. We can't leave children alone without being supervised by themselves."
"I even ask my schoolmate back in college to look after babies or toddlers." Aaliyah pointed out. "Or ask anyone who has experience looking after babies before to help you out."
"She's right." Conner nodded his head. "We should head back to the Cave and tell them."
Saber compliments Kitsune for thinking broadcasting the entire nation to calm them down. He knows they didn't give her "Empress of the Oceans and Seas" for a reason.
"Why you didn't join us in the first place, Kitsune?" Robin asks her curiously. "I mean- you're the one who thinks this plan in the first place."
"I need you guys to experience it." Kitsune answered. "I've done this a lot before and I trust you guys."
"You already put a lot of faith in them." Saber gaped in surprise. "Rob, Kitsune didn't want to join us in the first place."
"You're not? Why?" Miss Martian asks Kitsune curiously and Celestial laughs nervously. "You knew, Celestial?"
"Angel and I did." Celestial smiles nervously while twiddling her thumbs. "She's more of a soloist hero before Kitsune starting to warm up with us."
"Wha-" Kitsune blinks her eyes to see Knight is pacing back and forth behind Superboy. "Ho-how?" She stuttered and shaking her head.
"What's wrong?" Artemis asks her curiously.
"I..." Kitsune removes her masks and rubbing her eyes gently. "I don't-" She's seeing League members are here with them.
"Are you okay, Kitsune?" Celestial asks her worriedly.
Kitsune smiles and nodded her head. "Ye-yeah, I'm just a bit tired. That's all." She lied and not wanting to make them more worried.
Zatara, Aqualad, Saber and Kid Flash come back to join them. "I'm ready to cast the locator spell." Zatara declared and gulps nervously.
"Calm down, Tara." Saber spoke up in a soft tone and holding her shoulders gently. "Just imagine you're alone with a hologram globe."
Zatara nodded her head and raising both of her hands with a wand. "Etacol retnecipe fo yrecros!" She casts a spell and managed to lock in their coordinates.
"Coordinates locked. Roanoke Island!" Robin informed them as he types the hologram keyboard.
"Good job, Zatara." Saber compliments Zatara and she didn't turn around to face them but with a solemn look on her face.
Happy Harbor || November 6, 00:01 EDT||
Xi Men is pacing back and forth as he feels worried for Ruby and the others. Both he and Sora got summoned but they didn't see Ruby anywhere or even the younger people. All under the age of 18 disappeared as everyone are worried about their well-being.
"Xi Men, stop pacing." Sora is starting to get annoyed by the Chinese Dragon spirit. "Ruby is going to be fine."
"She's still a child, Sora. Lady Ruby needs us." Xi Men reminded the eagle-armored spirit. "Where could they be?"
"Ahh!" They looked up to see a young lady appeared out of nowhere from the sky. "HELP ME!"
Sora and Xi Men soared into the sky as they were about to save her, a familiar silhouette caught her. "Got you!" They saw a familiar big lightning symbol on his chest to reveal Captain Marvel.
"Captain Marvel?" Xi Men looks surprised to see him.
"Ah, Xi Men and... giant armored eagle?" Captain Marvel didn't know who's Xi Men companion is.
"Sora." Sora introduces himself as the three of them flies down on the ground safely.
"You're safe now, Miss." Captain Marvel placed the young woman down gently.
"Thank you." The woman thanked her. "But wait- the boy! He was with me on the helicopter and told him my birthday is at midnight!"
Xi Men and Sora shared each other's look while Captain Marvel smiles nervously. "I'm sure he's safe, ma'am."
"I hope so." She bites her lower lips nervously. "Thank you for saving my life." The woman thanked them before she leaves.
"What is she talking about Captain?" Xi Men questioned Captain Marvel with a skeptical look on his face.
"Nothing!" He exclaimed and none of them didn't believe him. "How come you guys didn't go to The Cave?"
"If you haven't noticed, we're not registered to be part of your team." Sora answered bluntly. "We've been summoned by Celestial but she's gone so as the other minor people."
Xi Men hums in deep thought while holding his chin. "We must've been separated in two worlds." He suggested as Sora nodded his head.
"It makes sense, actually." Sora spoke up and noticed Captain Marvel looks confused. "You act like a kid but behind your persona, you're actually a child."
"What!? No!" He scoffs and shaking his head. "Since when did I become a-"
"Don't make an excuse, brat." Xi Men cuts him off coldly. "Your heartbeat is racing rapidly and palms are sweating. You knew the woman who's going to fall off the sky."
"We can smell your emotions." Sora pointed out and narrowed his golden eyes at him. "Since we have you, take us to The Cave because Xi Men and I already figured out this mess."
Captain Marvel gulps nervously and taking them with him to the Mount Justice. He didn't expect Celestial's spirits could be so scary behind their caring attitude towards her.
Knight looks shocked to see Xi Men and Sora are with Captain Marvel. How did they manage to get summoned without Celestial?
"It's great to see you guys!" Captain Marvel exclaimed happily and hugging Knight, Zatanna and Batman tight.
"Captain Marvel?" Knight blinks his eyes and he released them. "Where have you- never mind, Sora and Xi Men?"
"We've been summoned Lady Celestial but she disappeared including minors." Xi Men explained with a serious look on his face and sense something. "Impossible..." He muttered and trying to find the sources coming from.
"You can feel it too, Xi Men." Sora stated the fact as they sense very familiar magic coming from their Mistress. "It appears our suspicions are right."
"Right?" Knight blinks his eyes and shared a look between him, Zatanna and Batman. "Guys, you're not making any sense."
"Someone cast a spell to have two worlds, one for adults and one for children." Xi Men explained it to the remaining League members. "When Lady Celestial summoned us, we couldn't see or feel her presence."
"Instead we're in the world of adults." Sora glances at Captain Marvel. "As he changes his form to Captain Marvel adult form just like Angel, he can travel between child or adult."
"You reveal his secrets to them, huh?" Knight is raising his right eyebrow at Captain Marvel and he smiles sheepishly.
"I didn't know they could be smart!" Captain Marvel defended himself and puffs angrily.
"If Lady Angel wishes to change into an adult, she could be with us as well." Xi Men voiced out his thoughts and looking at Captain Marvel. "You can go back to the younger world by reverting your original age."
"That would be a good idea." Zatanna agrees and staring at Celestial's spirit. "Are you two able to communicate Celestial?" He asks them curiously.
Sora and Xi Men shared each other's look then at the warlock. "We can try." Xi Men spoke up and closing his eyes to communicate his Mistress.
"Lady Ruby..." Hearing a familiar voice through Celestial's mind.
She frowned knowing Miss Martian would never invade her mind unless it's a mission. Robin noticed her discomfort and holding his hands. "Ah, Robin?" Celestial stared at Robin with a questioning look on his face.
"Don't worry, young maiden. We're all going to get them back." He assured her and rubbing her smooth hands. "You're not going to use crystals are you?" Robin asks her worriedly after finding out the tragic truth of her lost magic crystals.
"I made a promise to you and I intend to keep it." Celestial places her head on his shoulder. "I'm not going to use it."
"I don't want to lose you." He murmured softly and stroking her silky scarlet hair. "You're more than important."
"Shazam!" They turned around to see a boy close to Celestial's age showed in front of them. "Yes! Xi Men's plan works!"
Celestial gapes in surprised to hear her spirit name. "You know Xi Men?" She whispered in shock while holding Robin's hand tightly.
"Yes!" The boy nodded his head happily. "M'gann! Quick, read my mind."
Miss Martian reads his mind to see him and Captain Marvel are one. She also sees Knight and Saber know Captain Marvel's secret identity. It makes sense to her why Saber discreetly looking after him often when he stops by to see them. "He's Captain Marvel!" She told everyone.
Kid Flash scoffs and wouldn't believe this kid is Captain Marvel. "Yeah, and I'm Speedy Gonzales." He commented sarcastically while pointing himself. "Look, just because he believes he's Cap..."
"Gee, Wally, do I really have to bring you nachos and pineapples juice to get on your good side?" He asks with a smug look on his face while Saber chuckles in amused.
"Your secret is out of the bag, Billy." Saber spoke up while smiling gently. "How's everyone?" He asks him with a worried look on his face.
"Everyone are fine, I can't believe your spirits are genius, Celestial!" Billy spoke up and gushed of Celestial's spirits happily. "They found me and realize we're in both different dimensions between-"
"Adults and minor people." Celestial spoke up and feels her spirits are trying to communicate with her. "I can feel them." She places her hands where her heart is while Robin patted her shoulder.
"The bonds between you and your spirit are unbreakable, Celestial." Aqualad spoke up and stares at Angel. "You can also travel between both dimension, Angel."
"True." Angel nodded her head. "We should know what their grownups-"
"I can see them." Kitsune blurted out while closing her eyes. "My artificial eyes allow me to see them and I'm immune to this... kind of spell."
"That would mean-" Celestial gasps in shocked knowing Kitsune could get confused about her environment. "You can see them but didn't feel them."
"Yeah, but still... it would give me confused." She frowned while crossing her arms. "In the meantime, I will close my eyes until the spell is lifted. I was blind before and not that much helpless."
Aqualad is worried about Kitsune closing her eyes temporary to avoid confusion and relying on her sense at the moment. "Captain Marvel and Angel, rely on us a message to the League members." He gives them an order.
Celestial's body feels like Xi Men is trying to control his Mistress's body as she gives him permission to do it. "Lady Kitsune, there's no need for them to pass in between dimensions to communicate with us." She spoke in a different tone mixing between Celestial and Xi Men's voice.
"You manage to control her body, Xi Men?" Kitsune asks and moving her face towards Celestial's direction while closing her eyes. "How did you do it?"
"My bond between Lady Celestial and I are stronger as we trust one another." xI Men answered as green eyes mixed with scarlet. "It won't be long to control her it's only temporary. We're going to explain everything from what we gather information." Clearing his throat and face everyone. "There will be threats in both dimensions, and we may not be familiar with our opponents."
"But the key to this mission is a coordinated simultaneous attack." Aqualad pointed out.
"Agreed. Our best chance against sorcery is to strike fast, disrupt their efforts." Xi Men spoke up.
"And hope two dimensions merge naturally back into one." Aqualad clenches his hand into fists.
"Agreed." He closes her eyes. "I won't control her body now, it would drain my magic. May the Gods and Goddesses watch over us." Xi Men leaves Celestial's body.
Celestial's body swayed and Robin immediately caught her before she could fall. Groaning and blinking her eyes to see her natural color eyes are normal. She could feel Xi Men is no longer controlling her body but only herself. "Hey, you okay?" Robin asks her worriedly.
"Ye-yeah, it feels weird for having two souls in one body." Celestial shivered and shaking her head. "I'm not going to do it ever again."
Everyone are in a position to see Klarion is casting a spell underneath the giant magic circle with the golden crystal laying in the middle. Klarion heard an incoming attack and deflects them easily with a smirk on his face. "That's the best you can do?" He taunted the young heroes, Artemis and Robin. Casting electric spells to attack them.
Superboy, Kid Flash, Angel, Celestial and Aqualad are going to attack together to remove Klarion from the magic circle but he creates a huge shield to defend himself while staying in the circle. It sends the young five heroes away by the shield and Zatanna casts a spell to destroy the shield but it's useless.
Klarion clicks his tongue and wasn't impressed by her magic skills. "It's but baby magic... " He throws Zatanna away and Superboy caught her before she falls.
Kitsune showed up of nowhere as she jumps into the sky while raising her right fist. "U~ōtādoragon: Tekken! (Water Dragon: Iron fist!)" She punched the shield strong enough for Klarion to bend down his knees lightly and his shield cracked slowly.
Klarion is gritting his teeth angrily and he could sense she's more powerful sorcerer compared to Doctor Fate or any sorcerers. He wanted to control her or marking her his. He preferred the scarlet-haired girl because she obtained all 12 Chinese Zodiac keys and control them. The witch heard if someone gained 12 Zodiacs or Chinese Zodiac, they're going to be the most powerful mage. He decided to take Celestial rather than Kitsune. Failing to notice a certain Exceed observes his body language perfectly clear as she scowls angrily the way he stares Celestial.
"Grr... you're so annoying you pesky vixen!" Klarion growled angrily and was about to cast a spell.
"Ha!" Saber and Miss Martian showed up to continue breaking the shield.
Kitsune uses the shield as the bouncer and jumps far away from Klarion to land safely between Kid Flash and Artemis. The yellow speedster has an idea to defeat the witch. "Listen, when Nabu possessed my body, he defeated Klarion by attacking the cat!" He whispered at them and they glanced at the orange black stripe cat.
Teekl noticed their gazes and hissed at them angrily. Kitsune narrowed her eyes behind her half-mask knowing it won't be easy for them to take the Familiar down.
"Good." Artemis whispered and getting her bow and arrow ready. "Not a big cat fan, anyway! Except for Angel." Releasing her arrows to kill Teekl.
Klarion noticed their plan and he changes the arrow to green yarn. Rubbing his hands together with an evil smirk on his face. "Show'em what a familiar to a Lord of Chaos can do, Teekl. Bring me that scarlet celestial mage, she obtains 12 Chinese Zodiac spirits."
Kitsune clenches her hand into fists to control anger. She would never let anyone lay hands towards Celestial as Kitsune or Angel is around her. Kitsune is not the only one who heard it but also Angel and Superboy as well.
"I had enough of this." Kitsune decided to use lightning-water dragon mode. "Inazumanodoragon: Maebure no arashi! (Lightning-water Dragon: Harbinger Storm!)" Blue magic circle showed up as water mixed with lightning merge together as one to attack Teekl.
Teekl yowled in pain by the surprised attacked and Klarion is glaring at the blonde fox. "I despise you! Take this!" He casts a spell towards Kitsune and she cried out in pain.
"That is so cool! I mean... it's the gem! At the center of the pentagram! Destroy it and we win!" Captain Marvel explained through their telepathic communication and Kitsune breathes heavily by the pain as her whole body shaking.
"Ne, Kitsune. You have any strong magic spells to destroy the gem?" Angel asks Kitsune and absorbing the lightning by her sword. "We badly need some opinions here."
Kitsune shakes her head. "Klarion is zapping all my magic. I need to drink more water to-"
"Zatanna! No!" Saber yelled and trying to stop Zatanna from wearing Doctor Fate's helmet.
Zatanna ignored them and she wears the helmet to allow Nabu to control her. Celestial gasps in fear knowing Nabu won't give anyone a chance to set him or her free because they need Doctor Fate. "What has she done? He won't let her go until someone is willing to exchange with her." Celestial whispered and Robin frowned worriedly.
Saber is clenching his fists badly for Zatanna's stupidity. He's about to tell them his plan until Zatanna wears Nabu's helmet and becomes his host.
"Klarion!" Zatanna's voice is mixed with Doctor Fate's voice. "This ends now!"
Saber snapped out his thoughts and looking at Captain Marvel. "Billy, tell Zatara and my brother from our situation now!" He ordered them.
"Right." Captain Marvel snapped out his thoughts. "Shazam!" He goes back to the adult dimension.
Saber throws a huge amount of water towards Kitsune and she takes it to devoured everything. "Kitsune and Celestial, do a unison raid together. Kid Flash, once they break the shield, grab the yellow crystal immediately and throw it towards Doctor Fate. Aqualad, Miss Martian and I are going to handle the giant furball. Doctor Fate, I want you to cast a spell to bring back the Earth with grownups." The brunette explained his plan.
"Together?" Kitsune asks Celestial while gesturing her hand. She managed to recover her magic but her physical didn't. Kitsune wanted to end this quickly and Celestial clasps her hands with Kitsune's warm hand.
"Yeah!" Celestial didn't hesitate to combine her magic.
"Higire no arashi no sen no hahen! (Thousand shards of ice flake storm!)" Ice flakes scattered everywhere to break Klarion's shield as the witch boy is struggling to hold on his defense any longer.
The shield shattered once it destroyed by Kitsune and Celestial's magic as Kid Flash uses his speed to snatch the yellow crystal. "Doc!" He cried out and throws the yellow crystal towards Doctor Fate and he catches it.
Saber noticed Klarion is trying to sabotage Doctor Fate's spell and he sealed Klarion's magic by tying him up from his golden chain spell. "I won't allow you to stop him." He hissed angrily and fuelling his magic more to pressure Klarion down slightly.
Doctor Fate and Zatara destroyed the crystals as it reverts back to normal. Klarion scoffs to see his sorcerer companions got defeated by The League whereas he's on the same boat as well. "They sure don't make evil immortal sorcerers like they used to..." Snapping his fingers to remove the chains around him then dusting off any dirt on his black suit. "Fun as it lasted. Teekl!" Calling his familiar.
Teekl growled and goes back to his original form where his master to jump into his arms. "See you later, armadillos! Unless I see you first and take your precious Celestial away from you!" He laughs and jumps off the portal to abandoned his companions behind.
Celestial's eye widened in shocked and fear for Klarion might kidnap her away from them. She jumps in surprise to see Robin is holding her hand. "Robin?"
"I won't allow anyone or that witch to take you away from us- me." He whispered and didn't want the witch to take her away from someone he cares for deeply.
"Aren't you gonna stop him?" Kid Flash asks Doctor Fate.
"To what end? Klarion is Chaos personified." Doctor Fate answered. "He cannot be contained."
Saber looked down on the ground sadly knowing Zatara would do anything to get his daughter back. He or the others didn't know a certain someone would give up his life to become Nabu's host.
Knight is completely speechless. He doesn't know what to think anymore. All he ever wanted that helmet won't use anyone to be their host. Most people wouldn't think the consequences especially the Nelson family are responsible to protect and guard Nabu's helmet. His faith is coming to an end to become Nabu's latest host. Knight knows from the very beginning and he didn't allow Saber to accept his responsibility as he has to discover new things.
"We win for a cost." Saber muttered with a grim look on his face. It's either him or Knight to become Nabu's hosts considering their family is responsible to become Nabu's hosts someday aside from protection. "Does she have no faith in us? I was about to tell you guys about my plan."
"Maybe she feels hopeless for not helping us out." Celestial spoke up softly while looking at Doctor Fate sadly.
"Wearing a helmet could solve the problem." He commented bitterly with a scowling look on his face.
"Nabu!" Knight spoke up and looking at him. "Release Zatara's daughter at once."
"No." Doctor Fate answered and Knight knows why he doesn't want to release Zatara's daughter. "Witnesses have been these last past hours... the world needs Doctor-"
"Zatara needs his daughter! He only has her, Nabu." Knight cuts him off with a stern look on his face. "The only legacy he has left. She's too young for this to accept this."
Doctor Fate thinks carefully and his golden eyes landed on Kitsune. She knows his look for he prefers her to become a perfect host more than Zatanna. Kitsune makes a promise to Natsu is to live and not sacrifice for any kind of situation. The Water Dragon Slayer intends to fulfill his promise.
"The world needs Doctor Fate." Kitsune spoke up and staring at his golden eyes. "You also have sorcerers or warlocks to protect Earth as well. In the first place, we didn't mean to call your help as we have a plan to put everything back to normal. Zatanna is still new to our lives as she seeks your help without our consent."
"Tell me, child of dragon." He landed safely and stands in front of Kitsune. "They failed to protect Earth from Klarion's grasps. He's more powerful enough to defeat without me if you're out of this existence."
"Train and work hard." Angel spoke up and standing right next to Kitsune. "They have Knight and Zatara to train their magic. We're going-"
"As you know, there's only-"
"Enough, Nabu." Kitsune cuts him off. "All of us know you're the only one who can withstand Klarion's skills. You can't- Knight?" She blinks her eyes and looking at Knight.
He smiles and shaking his head. Knight already knew Nabu released their great-grandfather as he tried to persuade him to release Zatanna. "Persuading him won't change his mind, Kitsune. There's only one left to do it."
Saber gaped in shocked and knows Knight's plan. "Brother, you can't do this! There has to be a way to set Zatanna free."
"Are you offering yourself to save my daughter, Knight?" Zatara asks Knight and never knew he would go this far to save his only daughter. He looks surprised by his willingness to save his daughter without any hesitation. "I can-"
"Nelson family always worships Nabu in every generation." He exhales softly and looking at Saber with a contented look on his face. "Before our parents died Saber, they already knew I'm destined to become Nabu's host."
"Screw that destiny, Knight!" Angel snapped Knight angrily while clenching her hands in anger. "You can't leave Saber alone! You're the only brother he has left!"
"He's not alone." Shaking his head and looking at her, Kitsune and Celestial. "He has you, girls. I know you girls are going to look after one another."
"Why do you need to carry a heavy burden, Knight?" Saber asks his brother sadly while holding up his tears. "You swore not to leave me behind." He looks down as his blond fringe covers his green eyes.
"Saber..." Knight hugs his brother tightly. "There are times I break a promise for a reason. I can't run away from my fate to become his host someday."
"Brother..." Holding back his tears and didn't return his hug.
Knight unwraps his hands around Saber and faces Doctor Fate. "I'm willing to surrender myself and take her place, great Nabu. My skills are already at their peak. My body is physically stronger compared to Zatanna. I'll be your qualified host to withstand the strength of your power."
"All true." Doctor Fate agreed with him. "But if I remove the helmet, what guarantee have I that you will down it?" He asks him.
Knight exhales softly. "My word and my family. I'll be the last Nelson to be your host, Nabu." He answered and wanted his brother to be free from their roles to become Nabu's host. "Once I reach the age of retirement, I'll find someone who's suitable enough to be your host. Until then... I won't allow you to let Knight or them surrender themselves from you."
Doctor Fate silently agrees and removing his helmet as they have Zatanna back. Zatanna opens her eyes and landed on Zatara. "Dad!" She cried out her only family.
"Zatanna!" Zatara hugged his daughter tight.
Celestial holds Saber's left arm and he grips her hand gently. His whole body shaking in anger and sadness for Knight's sacrifice to be Doctor Fate's host. Knight approached the father and daughter duo with a serene look on his face. "Cherish her, Zatara." He spoke up softly and grabbing the helmet from Zatanna's grasps.
"Knight." Zatara stared at him sadly while Zatanna looks confused.
Knight exhales softly while holding the helmet. He stared at Kitsune with a caring look on his face. "Kitsune, if we could turn back the time... are you going to look at me differently?"
Kitsune understands Knight's sword and she smiles sadly. "I would always think of you as my brother, Knight." Holding back her tears and trying to be strong for them.
He sighs softly and it breaks his heart to get rejected. Knight is not a fool the way Aqualad is staring at Kitsune as if she's a goddess. At least he managed to confess her without regrets even if it means it's time for him to bid farewell in this world. Glancing at the scarlet-haired girl and Exceed with a contented smile. "Celestial and Angel, don't give them a headache, okay?"
"Shut it, happy-go-lucky." Angel sniffs and wiping her tears furiously. "Don't leave us, Knight."
Celestial whimpered while sniffing. "Knight... don't go." She pleads while crying.
Saber is biting his lower lips until it bleeds lightly. "Why does our family have to be a curse!?" He asks angrily and glaring at the helmet with hatred. "Is it too much ask for us to be selfish and sealed Nabu away from us!?"
Knight smiles sadly and shaking his head. "He's right. The world needs Doctor Fate and no matter how strong you are, they need him for he's one of the most powerful sorcerers- or should I say mages. Take care of Saber, Kitsune, Angel and Celestial for me, please."
"You have my word." Batman vowed and Zatara nodded his head silently.
"Thank you." Knight smiles one more time before merging Doctor Fate.
"Knight! No!" Zatanna exclaimed and trying to escape from Zatara's grasps. "Please! This is all my fault! KNIGHT!" She yells out his name.
Knight ignores Zatanna and he finally merges with Doctor Fate. "Leave these to Fate." He told everyone and gathered the evil sorcerers they defeated then left.
Celestial kneels down and cried out in grief for losing someone she cares for. Her spirits, Xi Men and Sora, are hugging their Mistress gently to comfort her. Kitsune is hugging Angel in her arms to comfort her. Zatanna stared at Saber filled with regrets for wearing the helmet and allowing Knight to exchange his life for her.
"Saber, I-"
"Spare me your pity, Zatanna." Saber cuts her off coldly and Zatanna flinches in fear to see him unusual cold look behind his blue eyes. "You got what you wanted, congratulations."
"Saber." Zatara gives Saber a warning look and he ignores him.
"Saber, I never mean to..." Zatanna stops herself from talking by his glare. "Please-"
Saber turned around and disappeared from their sights. He lost his brother forever and it would take a couple of years to get him back as Knight would become an old man.
Tokyo, Japan || November 07, 14:30 EDT ||
Aaliyah is hugging her knees while watching the ocean waves with deep thoughts about Caleb. He sacrificed his life for their sakes and Arthur distancing himself away from them to have some space. Caleb even confessed his unrequited love for her as she couldn't return his feelings. No matter how she tries, Aaliyah would always think of Caleb as a brother.
That situation reminds her of her brother, Jellal Fernandez. After they finish the mission, the Rune Knight and Lahar, Captain of Rune Knight, captured Jellal in treason and nearly killed Magic Council members. Jellal lost his memories from his evil pasts and accepting his faith. Erza and Aaliyah stop their friends and allies to fend them and allowing to capture Jellal without resistance. Natsu is completely furious from their actions and finally, understands why Aaliyah would allow it to put Jellal in jail. It pains her for doing this before they have taken Jellal away from them, she remembered his words. "I love you, my Pearl." It echoed her mind and she had a breakdown somewhere to a place where no one could see Aaliyah cries.
Hearing footsteps to approach her and stops. "How did you cope with it, Aaliyah?"
"I have to remember some people care about me, Arthur. They always remind me... I'm not alone because our loved ones are always special in our hearts." She answered and staring at his hazel eyes. "We're here for you, Arthur. No one is blaming you for walking away from us."
Arthur sighs heavily and sitting down the boulder right next to her. "Zatara forced against my own will to live with them because he's my Godfather and responsible to look after me."
Aaliyah is still staring at the ocean and didn't bother to look Arthur's annoyed face. "They're worried about you and feel like they need to make it up of your brother's sacrifice."
Arthur just glared at the ocean with hatred while clenching his hands to control his anger. Arthur hates pity whenever he loses someone he cares for. The brunette appreciates Aaliyah for not pitying him because they're on the same boat for losing their loved ones.
"I want to get away from them, Aaliyah." Aaliyah nodded her head in understanding. "I'll be off the radar for a while and I'm not coming to Wally's birthday." Arthur explained his ideas to her.
Wally's going to turn 16 soon in a couple of days. Arthur wouldn't able to make it as he's going off to radar to everyone excluding Aaliyah, Ruby and Zara because he trusts them enough not to reveal his location. Their whole friends are going to miss Arthur and completely understand why he's going to leave the team temporary. They won't blame him for he needs space from being a young hero.
"I'll look after Zara and Ruby." Aaliyah assured him to put his mind at ease. "Call us often, Arthur."
"I will." He vowed as they enjoyed the breeze of the ocean.
Arthur is going to miss them and he needs more time to learn and forgive Zatanna.