On the 16th day of the hero's 16th year

For one single precious held most dear

By the shade of evil with time in his hands

Choices will be made to determine who stands

The hidden hero will be proclaimed

After a fall leaves him heavily maimed

The day's weather will be fought

By winter, summer, and storms a lot

The land of choice is the original spot

Where she died and now lives reborn

In the world of the original's form

The Road to Happiness, The Long One

A/N: Please review!

Characters: Cal (Your "average" mysterious male), Mason (Cal's best and most trustworthy buddy), Kara Danvers (Kara Zor-El, AKA Supergirl), Jason (Kara's Ex), Barbara Gordon (Batgirl), Dick Grayson (Nightwing), Clark Kent (Superman), Lois Lane (Superman's wife), Batman, Bartholomew, Karen (Power-Girl) and more that aren't quite ready to be presented yet. (Lots of characters are Out of Character (OOC).)

Chapter 20: Day 7/16, Sunday

Bartholomew knelt over Cal's body, checking for a pulse, a faint flutter, anything to signify Cal was still alive. After a few minutes of checking, watching, Bartholomew sighed and turned to Mason.

"He's gone… I don't know how, but he is… The Current isn't supposed to be able to die so easily… Or die at all if my suspicions are correct…" Bartholomew said. Mason choked up and turned away.

"I didn't think… I didn't think he'd be able to die at all… Lucky bastard always came back, against all odds… but a super powered beat down kills him?" Mason said. He shook his head. "I guess it was just his time to die…" Mason sat down, awestruck.

"Why does something seem off about his death?" Bartholomew asked himself aloud. "What part of this is so wrong for my mind to believe?" Mason shook his head sadly.

"Denial is the first stage of grief…" Mason pointed out. "As much as I'd like to deny it, it won't bring him back… now or ever…" He sighed sadly. "I heard Kara's already past the stage of anger…" Bartholomew nodded.

"Nearly took out Batman in the process… Lucky Wonder Woman is an Amazon that understands pain and loss… By lucky I mean convenient, but saddening," Bartholomew explained. Mason nodded thoughtfully.

"Well, you're not supposed to do this sort of thing while grieving, but I could REALLY use a drink…" Mason said. Bartholomew laughed weakly.

"I suppose we can work something like that out," Bartholomew said. Mason's eyes lit up. Bartholomew sighed, smiling, and snapped. When he snapped, a doorway appeared and he ushered Mason through. "Let's see, what should we start with?" Bartholomew asked, the doorway closing behind him. A few moments later, a specially designated civilian nurse came in, wheeling Cal's cold, pale body away. She took him to a spare room, with a plain black coffin. She and another nurse lifted Cal's body and placed it in the coffin. They closed the coffin and left the room, eerie silence accompanying Cal's lonely body once more.

-Break-

Mason and Bartholomew were in his mansion. Mason sat on a comfortable chair at the bar, and Bartholomew walked over to Mason with a bottle of whiskey in one hand and a glass in the other. He poured a small amount in the glass and offered it to Mason.

"I started with this, but I have no clue what kids nowadays start with. Here, try it," Bartholomew said. Mason smiled and grabbed the bottle, taking a big swig.

"You never realized that Cal and I would swipe some liquor after an especially rough day of training?" Mason asked. Bartholomew frowned.

"No, and I feel stupid not noticing, but I suppose deep down I don't really care. You couldn't have done anything too terrible that I couldn't have fixed…" Bartholomew said, taking a sip from the glass. "So, what was Cal like drunk?" Mason's eyes revealed a twinkle of sadness along with his smile.

"For a while, when he was drunk, he was extra intelligent and fun… He made a simple game of basketball twice as interesting… Not to mention chess…" His eyes and smile turned sad, depressed. "But after a while, his fun kinda… disappeared. He was still extra intelligent, but he had an air of sadism… He was sadistic in a 'I find it fun' way rather than a 'I need it' way…" Bartholomew frowned.

"That's unusual… Usually people don't change drunk personalities mid-drunk…" Bartholomew said. He shrugged. "Although Cal wasn't exactly usual…" He took another sip. Mason took another big swig.

"No he wasn't… Especially not in this day and age…" Mason said. "He actually gave a crap about what other people were feeling… He respected other people's personal space, their feelings, their privacy… their opinions… He never raised a hand against someone unless he felt he HAD too…" Mason sighed sadly.

"He questioned what he needed to… Was stubborn to an extent… Cared for everyone, no matter who… He was… loyal and protective of anyone and everyone of all things… Rare qualities in today's society…" Bartholomew continued. Mason nodded.

"He seemed to understand what others meant, why others did what, what others accidentally did, what others wanted… All without knowing them…" Mason said. Bartholomew nodded.

"There's nothing he couldn't do if he put his mind to it…" Bartholomew said. Mason nodded in agreement and took a long drink of whiskey.

"Cal was someone that there should have been more of…" Mason said. Bartholomew nodded. Suddenly, a figure wrapped in thick, rough robes appeared in the room. Mason and Bartholomew leapt to their feet, surprised and ready to fight. The figure raised its hands in surrender.

"I just came to talk, clarify some things," the figure said in an Australian accent. "I'm just going to take off some of these robes…" The figure slowly unwrapped some robes on its face, revealing a face identical to Callum's. Mason and Bartholomew's eyes widened in shock. Before they could speak, the figure spoke. "No, I'm not Callum... Well, I am, but not exactly. I'm Cal's doppelganger from the dimension I call home, but it's official name is 'Oscar Kilo 17757'. My dimension has recently created the technology to find information about doppelgangers in other dimensions and even more recently the technology to travel through them. Each doppelganger can only view the information of their own. This prevents a LOT of bad things as you might imagine. For this Callum's dimension, which is officially called 'Home'… I took a liking to this dimension Cal and his unique-ness. He seemed to be the best being a being can possibly be… Well, I watched his progress and I noticed several similarities between my doppelgangers. They all seem to be matched with a Kara doppelganger. I myself am currently happily married to my Kara, but uh… How do I say this? Well, each dimension has a name that each individual person sees that describes their doppelganger's life... I saw the name 'Suffering' on this dimension and my Kara saw 'Anguish'… I found out that Cal died and… I came to lend any help that would be needed. Although I will admit I will need to check in with my dimension occasionally. I may not have the powers of your Callum, but my dimension is currently in an intergalactic war and my physical prowess and ability to make anything work for my better should come in handy… I could even pass for this world's Callum…" Cal coughed and spoke again, his accent disappearing. "As you can see I willing to help out in any way I can…" Bartholomew and Mason stood in shock before speaking.

"Um… Well… I don't really know what to say…" Mason said.

"Well, I don't think a dead Callum suddenly being alive is going to go well…" Bartholomew said. Cal shrugged and nodded in understanding. "But I wouldn't mind any info about Callum's future situation if you have it…" Bartholomew raised his eyebrows hopefully. Cal shook his head slowly and sadly.

"Unfortunately we only get the past and occasional present situations and information. I'm sorry, but some information is still unavailable," Cal said. Bartholomew sighed. "So what can I do to help?" Mason shrugged.

"I don't even know…" Bartholomew said. "I don't there's anything a Callum doppelganger could do when our Callum's dead…" Cal nodded in understanding.

"Well, if there's ever anything I can do, pop on by and let me know!" Cal said. He rewrapped his robes and opened a portal, sand lightly flying into the room. Bartholomew and Mason nodded and waved goodbye. Cal nodded back and waved, stepping through the portal. The portal closed behind him and they looked at each other, confused.

"That was… the weirdest thing… EVER…" Mason said. Bartholomew nodded. "Kinda cool to have a friendly doppelganger though…" Bartholomew nodded.

"Maybe we should have had him pose as Walter…?" Bartholomew said. Mason shook his head.

"I think maybe I should pose as Walter, considering I'm the most knowledgeable about Walter and have the closet ability to be Walter," Mason suggested. Bartholomew thought about it for a sec and nodded.

"That would work I suppose… but you don't have any of his powers though and that might be a problem… Although I suppose I could find a way to allow you to fly and have super strength at least…" Bartholomew said. Mason nodded. "But why are we continuing The Protector?"

"It's what Cal would have wanted," Mason said. Bartholomew thought about it and nodded.

"Still though, that doppelganger was a pretty cool thing," Bartholomew said. Mason nodded eagerly.

"I think maybe one of us should keep an eye on Kara for the time being… She's not going to be too… stable for a while…" Mason suggested. Bartholomew nodded.

"I'll keep some tabs on her…" Bartholomew replied. Mason nodded sadly.

"Whelp, I should go start planning Cal's funeral…" Mason said. "Going to be pretty big funeral…" Bartholomew nodded somberly and Mason got up to leave. "Goodbye, thanks for the whiskey!"

"Goodbye," Bartholomew said, waving. Mason waved back and left.

-Break-

Kara laid on her bed in her pajamas. She laid on top of her blankets, curled up with her pillow. Her eyes were red and puffy; her crying was on pause due to her having no more tears. She blinked her eyes and struggled to keep calm. 'Cal's dead… He's actually dead…' she thought. 'Now what? What's the point anymore?' She rolled over and closed her eyes. 'He's dead because of me… If I had stopped Karen earlier…' She shook her head. 'If I had stopped Karen from doing anything at all… He would still be alive… to hold me… to kiss me… For me to kiss him…' Her eyes began tearing up again. 'I'll never be able to get past this will I?' She rolled back over. 'I didn't deserve him anyway…' She hugged her pillow tighter. "I WANT HIM BACK!" she called out, crying again. "I want him back…" Kara whispered, her tears flowing onto the pillow she was holding. She curled into a ball and cried softly for a bit. Suddenly, a soft knock came from her door.

"Kara? How are you doing? Can I come in?" Barbara called softly. Kara sniffled.

"Come on in Barbara," Kara called. Barbara slowly and carefully opened the door. She glanced around the room, closing the door behind her. She walked over and laid down next to Kara.

"How are you doing?" Barbara asked. Kara shrugged. Barbara sighed. "I know this isn't much, but I brought a bunch of ice cream and thought maybe some Netflix would be a small comfort." Barbara suggested. Kara sniffled again and nodded. Barbara smiled lightly and produced 2 small containers of ice cream and spoons from her bag. "I got you mint chocolate chip, your favorite…" Kara smiled.

"Mint chocolate chip was Cal's favorite too…" Kara pointed out. She sniffled again and sat up. She took her container of ice cream and sat against her headboard. She dug in hungrily. Barbara grinned at her friend's normal reaction. She took her ice cream and spoon and snuggled up next to Kara. Barbara grabbed the remote and flicked on the TV. She turned on Netflix.

"What do you want to watch?" Barbara asked. Kara sighed and shrugged. "Supernatural?" Kara pondered it for a sec, but shook her head. "Psych?" Kara shook her head again. "The Office?" Kara thought about it and nodded. Barbara smiled and clicked 'The Office'. She picked a random episode and they dug into their ice cream. They watched in silence, occasionally laughing. After a while, Jim and Pam had a moment, and Kara sniffled again. She turned to Barbara.

"Do you think Cal and I would have turned out like Jim and Pam?" Kara asked. Barbara looked away and sighed sadly.

"Kara, Jim and Pam would have been lucky to turn out like you and Cal would've…" Barbara comforted. Kara grinned and sighed.

"I miss him Barbara… I miss him and I don't even have a photo to remember him…" Kara admitted. Barbara hugged her.

"Tomorrow I'll go find a picture for you, school ID, accidental photobomb, something, ANYthing," Barbara said. Kara grinned and nodded.

"That'll work," Kara said, sniffling. They continued watching in silence. When it was over, Kara's ice cream was gone and she turned to Barbara, who wasn't even halfway. Before Kara could say anything, Barbara produced another container of mint chocolate chip ice cream and handed it to Kara, who giggled excitedly.

"Another episode?" Barbara asked. Kara nodded eagerly. She pressed play and the next episode began playing. Kara sighed and turned to Barbara again.

"Do you think that Zatanna or someone would be able to bring Cal back?" Kara asked hopefully. Barbara sighed. "I know it's against the laws of nature… but maybe just this once?" Barbara shook her head.

"Kara… It's not right! That's not okay and Zatanna would never do that!" Barbara said. "I know you want to bring him back, but we don't know what kind of effects that would have on Cal. He might come back evil or something!" Barbara looked at Kara's desperate look. "I don't even know if Zatanna CAN bring someone back…" Kara sighed.

"You're right, that's a stupid idea…" Kara said. Barbara rubbed her back reassuringly.

"Hey, you want Cal back and you're willing to do anything, which is admirable. Don't feel stupid or bad, you lost a loved one," Barbara said. "If I lost someone I loved there is nothing I wouldn't do or suggest either…" Kara sighed.

"I already lost an entire planet, which was bad enough, but now I lost Cal..." Kara said. "I know this is going to sound all 'Romeo and Juliet', but I kinda wish I died with him… It would be easier on me for sure…" Barbara sighed.

"Kara, I know it hurts, but, Kara, without you I'D want to die with you, and that would just turn into a REALLY bad chain reaction," Barbara pointed out. "You know, if this helps, Cal would rather have YOU die and have to go through the pain of loss than have you go through this because of him…" Kara's began to tear up.

"It's s-sad how t-true that is," Kara said through tears. "H-he was always th-thinking of o-others…" Kara burst into tears and Barbara hugged her. They hugged for a while, still watching the TV.

"I may not miss him as must as you, but I'm sure I won't get over him anytime soon either," Barbara said. Kara sniffled and nodded.

-Break-

"Um, Batman?" Cyborg asked, walking into the meeting room. Batman glanced at him. "Well, um, I just wanted you to know that… Well, yesterday, Saturday, there was absolutely no crime committed anywhere in the world… They found a dud bomb in the mall where Cal and Kara where, wired perfectly and no reason for the bomb NOT to have gone off. There was a police standoff nearby as well, but no guns went off… The assailants attempted to shoot, but their guns jammed and so did the polices'… There wasn't a murder anywhere in the world yesterday, not a mugging, not a bank robbery, not even a drunken car crash… Those 2 things were local, and a few similar things happened around the globe, but overall, yesterday was literally a day of peace…" Cyborg explained. Batman stood up.

"Was there any apparent cause for this international peace?" Batman asked. Cyborg shook his head.

"The probability of this day of peace happening is smaller than astronomical. It would be more likely for the entire universe to explode AND recreate itself from scratch than a day of world peace…" Cyborg informed. Batman stroked his chin in thought.

"So you're saying it was completely luck?" Batman asked.

"Well, I don't really believe in luck, but I mean, other than an omnipotent being… There's really no other explanation than coincidence…" Cyborg said. Batman sighed.

"Why yesterday of all days though?" Batman asked. "Assuming an all-powerful being caused it… Why yesterday…?" Cyborg shrugged.

"Maybe yesterday was a special occasion…" Cyborg suggested. Batman nodded lightly.

"Check birthdates and special occasions… Maybe something will line up…" Batman ordered. Cyborg nodded and left the room, leaving Batman alone in silence. "Callum… Were you really 'The Protector'? Were you even human?"

-Break-

Mason wore Callum's armor as he viewed the surrounding area. The police scanners were quiet and nothing was happening. Mason was glad that Bartholomew managed to, without explaining, get him at least super strength and flying. Mason heard a 911 call about a drunk driver. Mason sighed and flew into the air, speeding towards the drunk driver. He saw the car driving below him, swerving like a maniac. He growled angrily and flew lower, trying to get in front of the car. He noticed a couple of kids down the street, crossing. Mason focused and tried to get in front of the car, but he wasn't fast enough. With the kids rapidly approaching, Mason needed to get fast or think fast. Thinking fast, Mason flew up quickly and dived down, reaching enough speed to pick up the kids before they were hit. He managed to grab all 3 of them and slowed down, putting them down.

"Stay out of the street," The Protector warned, flying off. The kids stared in amazement, taking pictures as their hero flew off. Mason flew up into the air. He scanned the area for the drunk driver, determined to stop him. He heard the faint screeching of tires and his eyes widened, taking off as fast as he could in the noise's direction. He came to a main street, cars struggling to avoid the drunken driver. He sped towards the car, trying to catch up. He managed to get above the car, and which was heading the wrong way on a one-way street, heading straight on towards a semi. Mason grunted as he forced himself to go faster, getting on the car and sliding in through the open passenger window.

"What're you doing here?" the man slurred.

"Saving your life," The Protector whispered, wrenching the steering wheel to the right, sending the car flying to the right, out of range of the semi. It crashed into a brick wall, destroying the hood and leaving the wall barely scratched. The driver was slumped, unconscious, on the steering wheel, the air bag deflated and The Protector climbed out, blood leaking from the base of his helmet. He shook his head a bit, trying to regain his senses, when he noticed a small crowd had gathered, applauding. An ambulance appeared around the corner and slowed to a stop next to the car. 2 EMTs got out and went to check the driver. The car's right side began catching on fire, the gas tank had been punctured and a stray spark caught the trail of gasoline. The EMTs attempted to wrench open the door, but it was stuck solid. The Protector noticed the fire and the EMTs' trouble and swiftly made his way to the driver's door. He grabbed the sides of the door and, using all his available strength, ripped it off its hinges. He pulled the driver out and carried him to the safety of the ambulance's stretcher. He set the man down and the gathered crowd applauded again, louder. But The Protector's job wasn't done yet, he needed to keep the car from exploding and destroying anything. He pushed the car out of the way, buying some time, but the fire was still making its way to the car. Mason looked around frantically. He noticed a nearby fire hydrant and ran over to it. He grunted as he pulled open the side, a pressurized flow of water flying out. He used his hands to direct the spray to the fire, diluting the gas and putting out the fire. With everything now safe, he put his hands on his knees and gasped for air. 'How did Cal do it?' Mason asked himself. 'How did he manage all of this so easily?' He took a deep breath and looked around, noticing the now large crowd and recording phones. He winced underneath the helmet. 'I get now why Cal hated attention… There's only 2 kinds and both have the ability to blow up in your face…' he thought. He flew off into the night sky before anyone could ask for his autograph.

-Break, Somewhere-

A voice boomed over the dark landscape.

"WHAT HAVE YOU 2 DONE?!"

2 beings cowered in fear in the darkness. The voice boomed again.

"WHY DID YOU 2 KILL CALLUM?!"