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! There will be one, final chapter after this. The end is almost upon us…
Chapter 39: Day 15/16, Monday
Barbara rushed into Cal's room.
"Hey! I'm baa… ck…" Barbara said, realizing no one was there. She frowned as she saw a note on the table.
'Dear reader, Cal and I have gone for practice. If it's an emergency, please press the TV's volume up button without turning it on. Signed, Mason," the note read. Barbara sighed and walked over to the TV, pressing the volume up button. A few moments later, Cal, Mason, and Amber appeared. She frowned at seeing Amber, and Amber did the same.
"I'm back. Kara's kidnapped. Who's the new girl?" Barbara said quickly. Mason sighed.
"This is Amber, my sister," Cal explained. "Long story, I was kidnapped. They wanted my blood for my powers. Amber was kidnapped when we were young and her blood managed to successfully mix with mine, giving her super powers. She was also mind controlled by Miss Charlemagne's evil younger sister. Where were you?" Barbara frowned and shook her head.
"Batman sent me to find someone. I can't really talk about it… Anyway, I think you've been called out by Chronos to fight him… Tonight…" Barbara said. "At the forest next to Batman's house…" Cal nodded.
"We heard, and I'm going to get Kara back," Cal promised. "I promise to kill as little as possible… But I don't want to take any chances with Kara's safety."
"He's been like this all day," Mason said, sighing. "He's willing to kill because it involves Kara in serious danger. I can't seem to talk him out of it."
"And I can't either," Amber admitted.
"Cal! You have to do your ABSOLUTE best to not kill anyone. For Kara, okay?" Barbara tried.
"Chronos killed someone close to me before, and I won't show him any mercy this time!" Cal explained. Barbara sighed and shook her head.
"Kara wouldn't want that…" Barbara said. "And you were the one who told me that one reason, one small reason for good, was good enough to go off of. Don't back down from your own advice…" Cal sighed and sat down.
"You're right," Cal said, defeated. "But I don't want Kara to get hurt…" Barbara sat down next to him and hugged him.
"We'll all come with… and help you…" Barbara said. Cal shook his head.
"He said alone," Cal said. "I don't want Kara getting hurt because I wanted to defeat them all…" Barbara sighed.
"If us not going ensures that Kara lives and you don't die… Then we'll stay back," Barbara decided. Amber and Mason both nodded.
"Good," Cal said. He stood up slowly. "Now I'm going to take a nap. I need to be rested for tonight…" Everyone nodded. Amber hugged him, and Mason patted his shoulder. Barbara hugged him to.
"You rest up. Get ready to kick some Chronos ass!" Amber said. Everyone managed at least a chuckle. They shut the door behind them as they left. Cal laid his head on his pillow.
'There's something they haven't noticed,' Cal thought to himself. 'Tonight is still only the 15th day… Not the 16th like the prophecy says… So what's going on that this is so early? Maybe it'll just last till tomorrow… but still…' Cal sighed and closed his eyes.
-Break-
Cal put on his armor slowly, watching himself in the mirror. Without looking, he put each piece of armor on, tightening the straps. Finally, only his helmet was left, and Cal stared into his own eyes as he slid it over his head. He felt as the helmet recognized his biometric facial pattern and closed itself around Cal's head. Cal press the button and the mouth plates slid closed. He lightly went over the fixed scratched areas that Cheetah had managed to break through. Cal sighed softly and stepped out of the bathroom, seeing Amber, Barbara, and Mason waiting.
"You look SO ready to kick some ass!" Barbara said. Cal smiled under the helmet.
"Thanks," he said in reply. Mason nodded in approval.
"They're going to shit themselves right before you kick their ass!" Mason agreed. Amber and Barbara laughed. Cal grinned.
"You do know I wear this like every night right?" Cal asked. They all laughed.
"And the same goes for every night," Mason said.
"Well, as much as this is all hyping and whatnot, Cal really should get to his fight…" Amber piped in. They all nodded. They all wished Cal luck, and he disappeared. Suddenly, Barbara's phone went off.
"Um, I have to go," Barbara said. "I think the Justice League is going to step in and help him… They're calling everyone for an emergency meeting. And I mean EVERYONE…" Mason and Amber nodded.
"Go ahead," Amber encouraged. "We'll be fine." Mason nodded. Barbara thanked them and left quickly. Cal took off his helmet after Barbara was gone.
"We need to talk…" Cal said, a look in his eyes.
-Break-
Cal waited on the hill above the entrance to the Batcave. Beside the entrance was a large clearing, enough for an entire Batmobile to fit through and more. Thunder boomed and lightning crashed in the background, but no rain fell. Cal deeply breathed the damp, evening air. The sun was setting, creating a beautiful, soft orange glow, which lit up the sky. The large pine trees littered the area around the clearing, creating a forest. Cal took a deep breath.
Cal rolled to the side as a blast of red heat vision brushed by him. Cal hid behind a tree, confused.
'What the hell?' Cal thought, his heart ready for action. 'Is that Kara?' Another blast brushed by Cal, clearly red. 'No, it can't be. Kara's heat vision is a blue, much hotter than red…" Cal's eyes widened as he realized what was happening. "Oh, damn it… This isn't Chronos…' An arrow whizzed by Cal's head, but he ducked. 'The Justice League is attacking me…' Cal turned and ran through the trees to the clearing. In the clearing, Cal saw several silhouettes aiming various weapons at him. He dodged the first few arrows and blasts of heat vision, but one lucky arrow nailed him in the chink of the armor, between the shoulder and collar bone. Cal winced under the helmet, but ripped the arrow out, quick and painful, and continued the dangerous version of dodgeball. He rolled, ducked, and dodged at every arrow and blast his way, acting as if his armor wasn't even on. Finally, the archers ran out of arrows and rushed into the clearing. Green Arrow led them, with Artemis and Red Arrow following close behind. Green Arrow swung at Cal with his bow, and Cal ducked Green Arrow passed him and Artemis did a flip in the air and kicked at him. Cal pushed her feet away, knocking her off balance, and ducked Red Arrow's bow, punching him in the abdomen. Red Arrow flew back a bit, and Cal spun around to block another swing from Green Arrow's bow. He spun around, swinging his foot, and Cal flew into a tree. Cal recovered as Artemis flung herself, feet first, at Cal's head. Cal ducked away, rolled, and slammed his fist into Red Arrow's gut. He groaned and flew back into the tree, and Green Arrow smacked Cal in the back with his bow, HARD. Cal winced and fell to the ground, but swept his leg out and Green Arrow fell beside him. Cal and Green Arrow raced to get up, and Cal got up faster. Cal knocked the bow out of his hands and feinted a punch. Green Arrow went to block the feint, and Cal elbowed him in the head. Green Arrow went down temporarily, and Artemis bow-smacked Cal in the back of the head. Cal grunted and kicked his foot back, but Artemis jumped on Cal's back and began choking him. Cal gasped for air and tried to throw her off, but she wouldn't budge. Red Arrow appeared in front of him and began punching his chest, which didn't do much, but was enough. Cal's vision began to go black and, as a last ditch effort, whipped his head back into Artemis', jumped up, kicked Red Arrow hard, and fell on Artemis with gravity. Artemis let go, unconscious, and Cal gasped for air as he got to his feet. Red Arrow was also out cold, leaving Green Arrow alone against Cal. Green Arrow flicked his wrist and a sharp metal object dug itself into Cal's leg. Cal grunted and winced, hobbling over. Green Arrow took his chance to knee Cal in the head. Cal fell over, and Green Arrow slammed his fist into Cal's helmet. Cal was dazed, but he still swept his leg out and Green Arrow fell beside him. Cal rolled on top of him and one quick and nearly painless punch later, Green Arrow was also unconscious. A loud rustle in the woods obtained Cal's attention. He got up and went over to it, and when he glanced back he saw that the archers had disappeared.
Cal frowned in confusion and began to chase after the noise in the brush, but a sonic scream blew both him and his eardrums away. Cal hit the ground hard and after shaking his head, got up. Black Canary jumped out of the woodwork and kicked Cal back on his butt. Cal got back up, bracing himself for another ear-bleeding scream. The scream came, as Cal predicted, and Cal ran forward and tackled her to the ground. She stopped her screaming and kicked him off, pushing herself off the ground in the process. Cal landed on his feet, slightly dazed, but managed to focus enough to block a black-heeled kick headed towards his head. Cal pushed her foot away and threw a punch her way. Cal didn't want to hurt any of the heroes, so his punches, kicks, and attacks were held back as much as he could without being obvious and entirely on the defensive. His armored fist made contact with her abdomen, and she flew back into a tree.
Suddenly, Cal almost yelled in pain at the crossbow bolt that had embedded itself in the back of his knee. Cal winced as he ripped the bolt out and turned to see Huntress reloading her crossbow. Cal tossed the bolt to the side and ignored the pain as he ran towards her, desperate not to get shot again. She saw him coming and began reloading even faster, panic in her eyes. Cal was almost upon her as a winged woman slammed her mace into Cal's side, sending him flying into a tree that collapsed upon impact. Hawkgirl flew after him. Cal struggled to get to his feet as another swing from her mace slammed him back into the clearing. Cal lightly groaned and got to his feet as her mace made heavy contact with his helmet. Cal flew through the air, the adrenaline making everything seems impossibly slow. He saw Huntress lining up her shot and Hawkgirl going around him. As Huntress fired, Cal tried to position himself to avoid the bolt, but Cal saw he was still in its path. Just before the bolt pierced him, Cal caught it. He hit the ground hard, tossing the bolt to the side. Cal quickly got to his feet, briefly opening his mouth plate to spit out blood. Hawkgirl made another pass at Cal, but this time Cal was ready. Cal jumped up and grabbed the handle over her hand and threw her hard into the forest. Hawkgirl tumbled through several trees.
Cal took a sigh of relief as he saw that Huntress was gone. But they weren't done. Black Canary screamed and another bolt flew towards Cal. The bolt slammed Cal in the chest plate, not breaking through, but knocking the wind out of him. The scream didn't help matters as Cal fell in a heap. He tried desperately to cover his ears, but it didn't help. Cal grabbed the nearest bolt and threw it at her. It didn't stab her, but it bothered her enough that she stopped screaming to avoid it. Cal gasped for air, his ears ringing like church bells on a Sunday. He got to his feet as Black Canary went in for another kick. Cal blocked the kick and swept her leg, and she fell to the ground. Cal spun around to catch Huntress' fist in his hand, and punched her in turn. She stumbled back, but didn't give up as she swung her leg high. Cal ducked to avoid her kick, but was swept off his feet by Black Canary behind him. Cal hit the ground with the air knocked out of him. Canary slammed her foot down, but Cal rolled to the side to see her foot hit the spot where his head had been. Cal pushed himself back on his feet and did a majestic flip over Huntress' head. They spun around, but Cal kicked Huntress into Canary. They both went down, and Cal spun around and caught Hawkgirl's mace before it could hit him. He ripped the mace from her hand and kicked her back into the forest. Cal spun back around to face the other two, but they had disappeared. Worried, Cal studied the forest, anticipating something else was coming.
Cal ducked as a green blast of energy shot out of the forest and blew up a tree behind him. Cal watched as five heroes emerged from the woodwork. Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy. Cal braced himself as another blast of green energy flew past him, and Robin charged. Robin spun his metal staff and slammed it over Cal's head, but Cal's armor absorbed the blow. Cal swung at Robin, who danced away, as a large green rhino slammed into him. Cal grunted as the rhino tossed him towards Starfire, who blasted him into the ground. Cal began to get to his feet, but Robin pounced on him. Cal fell back, but used the momentum to flip himself over Robin. He raised his fist to swiftly knock him out, but a dark whip made of energy caught his hand, and a green donkey raised its hind legs and kicked Cal off Robin. Cal flew through a few trees, but the whip caught his leg and threw him towards Cyborg, who punched the air out of him. Cal landed on the ground, gasping for air. Robin put his foot on his chest.
"Give up, you're done," Robin said, his metal staff aimed at his head. Cal didn't, grabbing Robin's leg and pushing him off him. Robin fell to the ground and Cal jumped onto the green bull that charged him. He rode the bull, till it changed into a horse and threw him of itself. Cal hit the ground, rolled, and landed on his feet to see two separate blasts of energy coming his way. Cal dodged both of them and saw two large, black hands go to grab him. He saw Raven controlling them, focused, and snapped his fingers. His eyes flashed, and Raven immediately fell to the ground, unconscious. The rest of the team fell back to her, worried. They looked back up at Cal, who was walking towards them. Beast Boy turned into a bull and charged. Cal caught the bull by the horns and pushed back, sliding back a few more feet before they both came to a standstill. Cal began pushing back, as did the bull, but Cal went forward a few feet before suddenly flipping the bull's horns to the side, causing the large, angry beast to flip over. Cal rushed over towards the rest of the team, and Robin stepped up. After a few fancy and well executed jabs and punches, all of which Cal barely managed to block, Robin took a millisecond to breath, which was all Cal needed. Trying not to do any permanent damage, Cal became almost a blur as he rattled of a series of punches and kicks that sent Robin flying into the trees. Starfire yelled and charged Cal, swinging with balls of green energy enveloping her fists. A few blows hit Cal's armor, which dented at each hit. Cal tried to block as many punches as possible, but she grabbed his shoulders and flew him high into the air. Cal took a deep breath and slammed his arms down into Starfire's arms. She gasped and let go, and Cal fell. Cal hit the ground hard, even though he rolled as he landed. Cal got up and saw Cyborg aim his cannon at him. Cal ducked as Cyborg shot his cannon and the blast hit Beast Boy, who was charging Cal from behind. Cyborg's eyes widened and he rushed toward Cal, not wanting to risk another mishap. He punched Cal dead center in the chest, and Cal stumbled a bit, but recovered quickly, punching and kicking till Cyborg fell to the ground. Starfire angrily tackled Cal from behind, slamming him into tree after tree till Cal ripped himself from her grasp and fell to the ground, the momentum rolling him forward painfully. Starfire turned around in midair and flew towards Cal. As she reached him, Cal grabbed her by the shoulders, and in one swift act, head-butted her. Starfire crumpled to the ground, unconscious. Cal gasped for air, his injuries starting to hurt, but not yet heal. But Cal knew that this wasn't over as he noticed the Teen Titans had disappeared.
But Cal didn't have much time to relax before he saw flash of steel and something slammed into his chest. Cal jumped back, but not in time as the sword embedded itself in his chest plate and stuck. Wonder Woman drew another sword. Cal pulled the sword out of his chest, but it was knocked out of his hand by Wonder Girl. Cal didn't have time to make his swords appear as Wonder Woman slashed and jabbed at him. Cal backed away from each precise attack, barely managing to avoid them, let alone attack himself. Cal winced as one lucky strike from Wonder Woman grazed his neck. Wonder Woman narrowed her eyes and spun around, swinging. Cal ducked and swept at her legs, but the Amazon was too quickly. Wonder Woman jumped back, and Wonder Girl took over. Wonder Girl continued the slashing and stabbing, expertly managing to give both severe and minor cuts in the process. Cal winced at each cut, doing his best to avoid them, but the hole in the back of his knee wasn't helping matters. Wonder Girl stabbed at Cal's chest, and Cal saw an opening. Cal side stepped as Wonder Girl flew beside him and grabbed her sword arm. He pulled her arm back and stopped when the sword was against her throat. There was the tiniest moment when Wonder Girl and Wonder Woman both thought that Wonder Girl was dead, but Cal stopped before the sword cut her skin. After both the girls didn't move, Cal pulled the sword from her hand fully, careful not to cut her, and tossed the sword to the side and pushed Wonder Girl into Wonder Woman, who both looked at each other.
"You don't kill?" Wonder Woman asked, studying him. Cal breathed deeply, not answering, and was trying to figure out why the Justice League was attacking. Cal still didn't answer, which made Wonder Woman pull out her lasso. "Tell me why you took Supergirl!" She tossed the lasso over Cal, who let it happen. Cal felt the lasso's magic compelling him to both talk and tell the truth.
"I… didn't… take… her," Cal said, not wanting to talk at all.
'This must be why they're attacking me,' Cal thought. 'They think I had something to do with Kara being gone.'
"Why are you helping Chronos?" Wonder Woman demanded. Cal shook his head.
"I'm… not…" Cal said. Wonder Woman frowned, confused, and looked away. Cal took the distraction to get out of the lasso. Wonder Woman and Girl looked at each other.
"We must be wrong…" Wonder Woman said. They disappeared as she tried to tell him something. Cal frowned, but again didn't have much time to think as three Green Lanterns hovered around him.
Cal growled lightly as all three Lanterns raised their arms. One held a green machine gun, one was in a green mechanical suit, and the last just fired off a volley of green blasts. Cal ducked and rolled to avoid the blasts, but the one large mechanical suit grabbed him and threw him against the cliff wall. Cal grunted, but shook it off as the machine gun went off, and one lucky bullet found its way into Cal's arm. Cal fell to the ground in pain, and a green box appeared around him. Cal got up, glancing at the blood dripping from his bullet wound, and examined the box. He watched as more and more layers were added to the box and smiled as he simply walked through the box without any effort, and the boxes broke behind him. The Lanterns looked at each other confused, and they disappeared. Cal blew hot air and sighed, but his sigh was cut short as Superman tackled him, his eyes glowing red. Cal tried to push him off, but Superman didn't budge. Cal angrily ripped himself away and kicked him in the chest. Superman grabbed his boot and ripped it off Cal's body, the straps tearing off some skin in the process. Cal winced, and Superman swiftly kicked Cal in the helmet. Cal, dazed beyond belief, hit the side of the cliff. Superman appeared in front of him, kicked him again, and lifted him up. He flew high and began ripping off his armor, painful for Cal, until only the helmet was left. Cal blinked and, after a flash of gold in his eyes, phased through Superman's fingers. As Cal fell to the ground, Superman simply watched. Cal hit the ground hard, creating a small crater. Superman hovered over Cal, eyes still red. Cal coughed blood. Superman stopped hovering and jumped on Cal. Cal wrenched himself away, rolling to the side. Superman missed Cal and growled angrily. Cal got to his feet and, using almost all of the strength he had left, punched Superman. Superman grunted and flew through the forest, out of Cal's sight. Cal sighed and collapsed, exhausted. Suddenly, Power-Girl appeared. Cal groaned and got back up, but was taken aback by how much Karen looked like Kara. Power-Girl studied Cal's rugged look and flew towards him, not waiting at all to attack him. Cal dodged each swipe and kick, struggling to find the energy to continue. Power-Girl continued attacking, landing one blow out of every six. Cal winced at every blow that landed and refused to fight back.
-Meanwhile-
Batman watched from the cameras as Power-Girl attacked Cal, who refused to fight back. Batman studied the cameras, noticing that fact.
"You ready?" Batman asked. Deadshot nodded. "Good, fire at will."
"But she's in the way," Deadshot said, talking about Power-Girl. Batman glared at him.
"You don't miss," Batman growled. "So don't miss… Now shoot!" Deadshot sighed and lined up his shot. He fired once, but Cal avoided them.
"Keep going till he's either not able to do any damage or dead!" Batman ordered. Deadshot smirked and shook his head.
"Funny, you letting me kill someone," Deadshot said, firing away and unhappily missing Cal. "You've stopped me how many times now?"
"Not the point," Batman growled. "He's dangerous and has Supergirl in danger. He needs to be stopped!" Deadshot scoffed. Batman pressed his comm link.
"J'onn? How's our medic bay doing?" Batman asked. After no reply, Batman tried again. "Zatanna?"
"They're both busy," Flash's reply came in. "The Protector seems to be doing his best to do the least amount of pain and fatality, focusing on blows that just render them unconscious for a while. J'onn has been going in their minds to try to wake them up faster, and Zatanna's been doing her best and fastest to heal them anyway."
"Okay, get them ready. I may need them out here again," Batman said.
"I still don't agree with this," Flash said. "But yeah, I'll get them ready."
Cal continued to dodge each bullet, a few of them managing to graze him. As the bullets fired and Cal dodged them, he was more focused on the bullets as Power-Girl managed to land several painful blows. Cal winced and gasped for air as the punches landed. After several magazines later, Deadshot pulled the rifle back.
"I'm nearly out of ammo," Deadshot said. "And I can't seem to hit him…" Batman studied The Protector for a moment.
"Use your Kryptonite ammo," Batman ordered. Deadshot frowned.
"What? I don't have any—"
"If the ones in your bag's back compartment aren't enough, I have more," Batman growled. "We don't have time for this." Deadshot pulled the ammo and loaded his rifle, the chamber clicking as a sign of ready. "Aim for Power-Girl." Deadshot looked at Batman, bewildered.
"You want me to kill Power-Girl? One of your own?!" Deadshot exclaimed. Batman gave him the glare of a century. "Whatever, your money." Deadshot lined up his shot, aiming directly at Power-Girl. On exhale, he pulled the trigger.
Cal's eyes widened as he felt the glowing green bullet fly directly towards the girl who looked almost exactly like Kara. Ignoring the pain, Cal shoved Power-Girl, who flew up and kicked his head, and his helmet flew off. Cal's body was midair, tilted, as the glowing green bullet ripped its way into and through Cal's heart. Both Cal and Karen's eyes widened. Karen looked in shock as her clone/sister's boyfriend hit the ground and laid before her, a hole ripped through his chest. Cal's body was paralyzed in pain, but he shrugged it off and got to his feet.
"Cal?" Power-Girl asked, shocked and surprised. She stepped back. "But that… but…" Another glowing green bullet ripped through Cal's abdomen, back to front into the dirt. Cal gasped for air, struggling to breath.
-Meanwhile-
Batman stared in awe at his rival's identity. A face he had seen several times before, a face he suspected, and a face he knew, deep down, was The Protector. Batman sat down in shock.
"Callum… Callum Orson…" Batman whispered. "I knew it…" Deadshot looked at Batman, waiting for a 'kill' or 'hold' order.
"Hey, Bats," Deadshot said. "Do you want me to kill him?" Batman took a moment to breath. He grinned and turned to Deadshot, his eyes wide, like something was driving him insane.
"Kill him," Batman said. Deadshot frowned.
"Are you okay?" Deadshot asked, noting the look in his eyes. "Are you sure?"
"KILL HIM!" Batman yelled, eyes completely silver. Deadshot frowned, but shrugged.
"More money for me," Deadshot muttered.
-Meanwhile-
Power-Girl met Cal's eyes. His eyes were filled with sadness, yet care. Blood trickled like a leaky faucet down the corner of his mouth. His breaths were labored, as his lungs began filling with blood. The rain finally fell to the ground, and the lightning and thunder were no longer alone. For what seemed like hours, they held eyes. Power-Girl's breathing began becoming shaky. She watched, like it was slow motion, as a third bullet flew towards Cal's head.
"NO!" she screamed, flying forward and grabbing Cal, whisking him far away from the threat of death. Cal wheezed in her arms as she carried him. Cal managed to press two buttons on his belt. One teleported his armor to a safe location, Bartholomew's home. The other alerted Mason and Amber to his location. As Power-Girl reached a separate forest, far away from Gotham, she set him down.
"You…?" Karen asked finally. "You're The Protector?" Cal nodded through the pain. "So… You let me kill you?" Cal shrugged.
"I figured fighting back wasn't the best…" Cal coughed. "…wasn't the best to get you to trust me with Kara…" Karen's eyes teared up in sadness.
"So you died just to prove a point to me?" Karen asked, her eyes sad. Cal shrugged again.
"Actions speak louder than words right?" Cal asked. He coughed into his sleeve, and blood splattered it. "Probably could have done without the dying, but yeah…" Karen laughed lightly.
"Batman told us you, The Protector, took Kara… I suppose that's not possible now, but it's what he said. The only reason most of us agreed to do anything was because of Superman's... well, let's just say, ferocity, and, uh, well… that's why we did what we did. But, now that we know it's you, we know there's no way you would have ever taken Kara…" Karen explained. Cal laughed.
"He probably also mentioned that I was in league with Chronos?" Cal guessed. Karen chuckled and shook her head.
"Yeah, he did… I'm sorry for beating the crap out of you," Karen said. Cal laughed.
"It's alright," Cal said. "You thought I was a threat. Not your fault."
"It's Batman's," Karen said. Cal shook his head.
"No," Cal said. "Chronos was at play here. I could sense it. He really wants me dead." Finally, Mason and Amber appeared.
"What the hell?" Mason asked, noticing Karen. He rushed over to Cal, and Amber quickly followed.
"Chronos made Batman think I was in league with him and he got the Justice League to attack me… They know who I am…" Cal quickly explained. He gestured to the bullet wounds.
"Bullet wounds first," Cal said. Mason nodded and motioned for Amber to hand him the bag she brought.
"Shells still in?" Mason asked, pulling out surgeon gloves and putting them on. Cal shook his head.
"Through and through," Cal said. "Not sure the damage though." Mason nodded and glanced at Karen.
"I'm going to need you to x-ray him for what's broken, what's bleeding internally, and what's fractured," Mason said, cutting away at the black suit Cal wore under the armor. He exposed Cal's chest, which revealed the bullet wounds and old scars. Amber and Karen gasped in shock.
"When did he…?" Amber asked. Mason shook his head.
"What feels like an eternity ago," Mason paraphrased. "We'll explain later, for now, use that to pump oxygen." She pulled out the pump and put it over Cal's mouth.
"Too many broken and fractured bones, but luckily somehow no internal bleeding," Karen said. Mason nodded and pulled out stitching equipment.
"Cal? You with me?" Mason asked. Cal nodded. "Okay, you already healed the internal bleeding, the small cuts, the bruises, and is beginning the bones. It's much faster than we've ever seen before…" Cal nodded. "Karen, just make sure he's alive. Listen to his heart beat and breathing for us." Karen nodded.
"Get to work," Cal said, his voice muffled by the pump. Mason nodded and quickly stitched up the front two bullet holes, ignoring the groans and wincing Cal made.
"Roll over," Mason ordered.
"Woof," Cal muttered jokingly as he rolled over, revealing more scars. They all laughed weakly. Mason quickly stitched up the other two wounds.
"Finished," Mason said, standing up. Amber put the pump back and stood up, brushing her hands off. Karen helped Cal up, and Mason tossed him some fresh clothes. Cal got behind a large tree and began changing.
"So…" Amber said, rubbing her arm. "That wasn't Chronos, what now?" Cal sighed from behind the tree.
"Well, tomorrow I have to kick Chronos ass for real," Cal said.
"You mean we?" Mason asked.
"NO!" Cal protested defiantly. "I mean me alone."
"Uh, you're not going alone after today!" Amber said. "Not with your wounds, no matter how well and fast you heal!" Cal scoffed.
"This isn't a game. This is my fight, and mine alone," Cal said, emerging from the tree. Karen laughed.
"Um, excuse me?" Karen said. "My sister is involved in this fight. The outcome of this fight involves THE WORLD. So yeah, this is more than just your fight." Cal shook his head.
"I mean, I'm fighting this alone," Cal decided. "No protesting, no nothing." There was a moment of silence as they all knew he was right. "Funny story, Batman brought on Deadshot…" Mason's eyes widened.
"Wow, he wasn't kidding around!" Mason exclaimed.
"I'm sorry, who's Deadshot?" Amber asked.
"Well, he's a hired mercenary… who never misses…" Cal explained. Amber hugged Cal.
"Well, I'm glad you're alright," she said, hugging him tight. Cal smiled and hugged her back.
"I should probably mention…" Karen inputted. "Batman brought both Deadshot and Deathstroke…" Cal frowned.
"I didn't see him…" Cal said. Karen shrugged.
"He must not have gotten the message or something," Karen said.
"Wait, how did you know?" Mason asked.
"Super hearing," Karen said. Cal smirked.
"How's Deathstroke?" Amber asked. Cal glanced at Mason.
"My turn," Mason said. "He's also a mercenary. Not as accurate with a gun as Deadshot, but basically the evil version of Batman…" Amber gasped.
"That's not good," Amber said.
"Yeah, glad he didn't show up…" Cal admitted. Suddenly, Cal clutched his chest and fell to the ground, grunting.
"Cal?" Amber asked, rushing to him. Mason did the same, sliding and catching him. Karen examined him. Cal frowned as his breathing became very labored. He raised his shirt and looked down to see a gold color spreading out from inside his heart. He looked at Mason, worried.
"What the hell?" Cal asked. Mason frowned.
"It's like my black veins disease thing," Amber noted. Mason nodded, his face twisted in worry.
"But… gold…" Mason said. He looked at Cal. "What?" Cal shook his head.
"Call Bartholomew," Cal suggested. Mason nodded and less than a minute later, Bartholomew stepped through a portal. He rushed over to Cal, examining the gold color.
"Well, it's not Amber's disease," Bartholomew said. "And that name's a work in process." He studied it some more.
"Do you know what it is?" Mason asked.
"Or what to do about it?" Cal asked. Finally, Bartholomew sighed, defeated, and got up.
"I've never seen gold before, and it's not the blood…" Bartholomew said. "Whatever that is, it's effecting the soul, and therefore the body… But as to what… I haven't the faintest idea…" Cal got up, confused. Bartholomew thought for a while.
"Cal, entertain my curiosity for a moment, but… when have you felt the most powerful?" Bartholomew asked. Cal shrugged.
"I suppose after when… the torture…" Cal admitted. Bartholomew frowned and thought for a while. Karen frowned, but didn't speak.
"What about after she died?" Bartholomew asked. Cal sighed and frowned. Karen's frown deepened.
"That was a seriously close second," Cal admitted. "I felt like… like the world was at my fingertips…" Bartholomew nodded and pondered some more.
"Cal… I think your powers stem from pain you feel…" Bartholomew said. "Mental gives significantly more fuel to your fire, but physical is still strong enough for you to be… oh, I don't know… so fast even the Flash seems to stand still… You just took on an army… That pain has to be enough to put whatever power you DID use back and then some… Cal… I don't know how you died, but I think your powers, your pain, keeps you alive… The more pain you have… the faster, the better, your healing works…" Everyone stood in awed silence. "I THINK that fatal blows don't give enough pain to heal them, and when you took on Chronos the first time, well… I think you used up most of whatever you had, if not all, then… And now, through the hell you've been through… You have so much power that's unused, that your soul isn't able to completely control it…" There was plenty of silence that followed.
"So I'm going to explode?" Cal asked. "Unless I go berserk?" Bartholomew shrugged unhappily.
"That seems to be the jist of it," Bartholomew said. Cal sighed and sat down.
"Well, I know where and when to use it… kinda…" Cal said. "Chronos, tomorrow…" Everyone nodded.
"You're a ticking time bomb…" Mason said. Cal nodded.
"Well, I'd better get back. I'll make some excuse if I need to, but don't worry. You won't be found," Karen said. Everyone said their goodbyes, and Karen flew off. Suddenly, Mason's phone beeped and he pulled it out. They all listened as Mason played the news interruption.
"My dead, excuse me, dear Protector," Chronos' voice played through the phone. "I don't know what that message from yesterday was all about, but I think you should meet me for REAL this time. Meet me, completely alone, in full armor, at Metropolis' Park. Anyone, civilian, mortal, or otherwise, will be killed on sight if they decide to take even one step inside the park. At the center of the park is an amphitheater. I'll be waiting. Make ANY sneaky move against me or come with friends, and Supergirl is either severely hurt… or dies… Depends on my mood. Also, if you recall, I broke plenty of well-equipped friends out of that fancy prison… Well, they're still indebted to me for a bit, and they'd LOVE to help me rip anyone and everyone to shreds… See you tomorrow, Protector…" With that, the transmission ended. Everyone sighed, and Mason put his phone away.
"He even showed his ugly face," Mason said. "So we know this isn't a trap. At least not one the Justice League put into place…" Cal sighed.
"One last drink?" Cal asked hopefully. "I mean, hopefully not, but let's be safe than sorry?" Amber frowned, confused. Bartholomew let out a hearty laugh, which melted the tension.
"Funny how only one of you is actually drinking age," Bartholomew said.
"But you don't care about that," Mason pointed out. Bartholomew laughed again, a laugh that melted their hearts in joy.
"You got me there, let's go. Your armor is there and should be fixed. Bang up job you did by the way…" Bartholomew said. Cal laughed.
They left for Bartholomew's and everyone got a drink of their choice. Finally, Cal sobered up.
"So… about what we talked about before?" Cal asked. "I gave you two time to think… and?" Mason and Amber glanced at each other. Bartholomew frowned.
"We agree," Amber said. Mason fiddled with his drink.
"We don't like it, but… you're right…" Mason added. Bartholomew still frowned.
"Someone want to fill me in?" Bartholomew asked. Cal sighed. He went into great detail explaining to Bartholomew what he mentioned to Mason and Amber earlier that day. Bartholomew twiddled his thumbs and took a swing of his drink. Finally, Bartholomew looked up.
"I understand," Bartholomew said, shaking his head. "But…"
"But what?" Cal asked. Bartholomew sighed sadly.
"But it sucks for everyone…" Bartholomew said.
"I know, but do you agree?" Cal asked. Bartholomew sighed. After what seemed like eternity, Bartholomew answered.
"I think it's the right thing to do, all things considered…" Bartholomew said. Cal nodded.
"Then it's official," Cal said. "Can you get it all ready?" Mason nodded.
"With Bartholomew's help we can do it by the end of tomorrow…" Mason said. Cal nodded.
"Let's get some sleep and get to work…" Cal said. Everyone agreed. They all left for bed and Cal looked out the window, watching the stars. He put his hand over his heart and felt the warm feeling of the gold.
"Chronos, if you can hear me," Cal said. "Tomorrow, I'm going to kick your ass…"