Chapter 31

A/N: I want to wish Emerald's owner, and my co-writer Sil Vaturha 98 a very happy birthday!

I just own this story! Emerald belongs to my friend! Ok, so I'm apologizing now, I know I've been doing a lot of the YJ episodes in a row, and you're probably expecting a TFP one at this point, but no. The next one should be…that's what I'm planning on anyways.

/comm/

Telepathy

Synthesized voices

November 5, Roanoke Island

"How 'bout here?" Klarion asked and Tiekel meowed in agreement. "Finally!" Pulling out a jewel from his pocket, he set if down on the ground and a glowing pentagram spread out. Going to his spot he grinned. "Time to get the old gang back together. Wotan. Black Briarthorn. Felix Faust. Wizard. Now, let's put on a show."

They began chanting.

-.-

Cave

"Did you get everything?" Batman asked as the teens came back holding supplies.

"Everything, plus groceries," M'gann replied.

"Cookies!" Wally said rushing up to a box.

"Snickerdoodles."

"Babe, you rock my world," he said.

"Glad you're back Zatanna, this mean you're officially joining the team?" Artemis asked.

They looked at Zatara who cast a spell and levitated the boxes to another spot. "I don't know, Zatara is so overprotective, just getting him to let me to visit gets a whole day's worth of persauading," she grumbled.

"I know the feeling," 'Bee said making her jump. "Sorry, I have a habit of doing that. I'm Bumblebee, I take it you're the infamous Zatanna?"

He held out a hand which she accepted. "Infamous huh?" she said. "So you heard about that?"

He laughed. "I was there when Emerald was doing the interrogation!"

She laughed, Artemis had told her about that nightmare. "Well it's nice to finally meet the ever elusive Autobot who always seems to be absent when I'm here."

"Sorry, I'm usually on missions, doing school stuff, doing my patrol, or grounded," he replied.

"Your dad overprotective too?" she asked.

"Like you would not believe."

"I know right, I wish he'd just give me a little space!"

At that moment all the adults in the room vanished. "Guess that saying's true. Careful what you wish for."

-.-

Fawcett City

Billy Baston came away from the window, leaning over the couch as his uncle rubbed his proudly as they listened to his accomplishments on the news.

Then his uncle vanished.

"Uncle Dudley!" he said hopping to his feet. "Don't know which of my enemies is behind this, but this looks like a job for Captain Marvel!" Just as he was about to say the word, he stopped to see the news lady was gone. "Guess it's not just Uncle Dudley who's gone missing."

"LOOK OUT!"

Hearing a crash he ran to the window and saw a car crashed in the street. "You ok?" one boy asked.

"Forget about me, where's Mommy!" the girl pointed revealing an empty spot where the woman was a moment ago.

"All the grown-ups are gone, and Cap's a grown up, so that means if I change, I'll disappear too."

-.-

Autobot Base

/We've set up a refugee center at the High School gym/ Wally informed. /Any luck with…?/

"Unfortunately no, we can't reach the Batcave, Hall of Justice, no one is here at Base, and I can't seem to reach or locate any adult hero," 'Bee informed. "I'm sending a bridge your way to transfer you to the next location."

/Guess we're on our own/

"Indeed, get to the bridge," he said.

"Traditional media is inactive, but kids worldwide are reporting the same thing," Robin informed. "Every adult, eighteen and older has just vanished."

"And the sorcery needed to pull this off, scary big," Zatanna said as she bridged in.

"Which is why we're removing you from search and rescue squad. We need you to find out the source," 'Bee said pulling up the footage of Zatara using a spell to locate the Injustice League.

"B-But the words is only part of it, the rest is training and…guys, I'm just no on their level," she stuttered.

"I know it's hard, but try to stay whelmed. We'll find Zatara, Batman, the Autobots, all of them," Robin said. "It's what we do."

"Robin, man the fort, I trust you know how to operate the systems?"

"Ratchet taught me the ropes," Robin nodded.

"Good, I'll be back as soon as I make sure everything's alright in Jasper," 'Bee said driving out of base.

Arriving at the city, 'Bee pulled to a stop as he spotted several crashed cars. Lifting them off of each other he found a few kids, mildy injured, but alive. Picking them up, he put them in his car, and drove through the city almost hitting Jack as he held several other kids.

"Bumblebee?!" the boy gasped seeing the legendary hero outside his high school.

The young hero reached into the backseat, pulling out the kids he rescued. "The refugee center inside?"

Jack nodded and fallowed the Autobot. Pushing the door open most stopped seeing the hero. "Bumblebee!" Vince sqealed before coughing. "Remember me?"

The hero set the kids down and pulled out a small first aid kid. "How could I forget the street racer who blew my cover?" he stated as he finished bandaging the kid's arm. "Who's in charge?"

"I-I am," Jack stuttered.

"How many do you have searching for kids?"

"Most the high schoolers," he said, "the rest are either watching them or getting supplies."

"We all agreed to bring them here," Sierra said as several more guys came in with kids.

"Though we've had to break into a few places to get them," Vince stated.

"I don't care as long as they're safe," he replied. "And I'm sure their parents, wherever they are will appreciate it."

"So…are all the other adult heroes gone too?" Raf asked.

"Unfortunately. How is everyone communicating?"

"Mass text, and then they send another text to more people, and so on and so forth," Jack stated.

"Rudimentiary, but effective. Send out one to tell everyone to check everywhere they can, no matter if it means breaking the law. However, that is the only law that can be broken. And gather a group willing to go stay in the hospitals and keep an eye on thr kids there. There is a possibility that they can't be moved."

"Yes sir!"

"Good, I'm going out to continue the search."

-.-

Central City

"I found some more," Emerald said running into the children's hospital as she brought kids from all over the city.

"Any of them hurt?" a guy from their school, Justin, asked walking away from his little sister to help the rest of the teens take the kids.

"Scrapes and bruises, nothing major," she replied setting the kids on the construct down.

"Is that all of them?" another asked.

"I think so, but I'm going to double check, at the speed I was going I might've missed one," she replied. Throughout the day she'd been usung her Halloween speed to find and get kids, bringing them to the children's hospital she volunteered at. Picking up a lot of surprised high schoolers on the way to help out.

They nodded and she flew out. Going towards the water she checked a few of the boats she missed, catching a little boy as he fell off, making another construct she grabbed the stranded kids, and yanking out a few that had already fallen into the water. Going into the city, she made her way through the apartments grabbing a few kids that were hiding on her first eight rounds.

Going back she saw that the other high schoolers that volunteered to search were returning with kids as well.

"Find more?" one called.

"Yea, after this I'm going to check again," she replied landing.

"We're heading out again too," another said as they went inside.

"Can you take them?" Erica asked moving the construct towards them.

"Can do," they said.

"Thanks, I'm going to get statered on that next round," she replied flying off.

-.-

Happy Harbor

Superboy ripped the door off another car, he just bridged in from Hong Kong, and before that Metropilis where 'Bee had sent him to rescue the kids. Last he heard M'gann was in New York, Kid Flash was somewhere in Russia, Aqualad was in Japan, and Emerald had just finished up her hometown and was being sent somewhere else.

Pulling the crying child out of the car he went over to three other cars, finding kids inside, only happily sucking on his sippy-cup as the other three climbed all over him. Heading to the high school he saw Artemis singing to a group of kids to keep them entertained.

"Got four more," he said.

"The others?"

"Still have their hands full, 'Bee certainly is not taking it easy on us."

"What can you expect from the guy with the teleporter that can send you anywere in the world without a Zetatube," Artemis shrugged.

Setting them down, the one with the sippy cup handed it to him. "For me? Thanks," he said taking the odd, but welcome gift.

/Everyone return to Cave for plan assessment and world broadcast. Bumblebee out/

-.-

Fawcett City

Billy ran down the street and looked around before ducking under a fence. Going down the alley, he went into the photo booth. "Captain Marvel—15." Nothing happened. "Captain Marvel—15," he repeated. "Override—HOJ/Watchtower, priotity red! Captain Marvel—15!"

The computer scanned him. "Not recognized. Access denied."

"C'mon!"

Getting out he walked through the city, stopping as the televisions turned on, showing Aqualad, Kid Flash, Emerald Lantern, Robin, and Bumblebee. "Greetings children of Earth, I am Aqualad, these are my friends Robin, Kid Flash, Emerald Lantern, and Bumblebee."

"We are using Justice League systems to cast and stream to every tv, radio, computer, and smartphone on the planet," Robin informed.

"We know you must be scared and angry, and that the temptation to run wild is strong. But please remain calm," Wally said.

"We are going to find a way to fix this and bring your parents back," Emerald reassured.

"But until then the oldest among you must step up and take charge. Take care of your younger siblings, take care of kids who have no one. Work in groups to gather kids and bring them to a safe location such as a school or a hospital."

"Protect them," Aqualad said. "It is up to you. Help in any way you can."

"It's up to Billy Batson," he resolved and ran towards the airfield. "I'm getting to the cave no matter the risk." Climbing the fence he ran towards the building where a girl sat watching the broadcast.

"Which is how exactly?" she muttered.

"Depends. You have a piolet's liecense?" Billy asked.

-.-

Cave

"I finally got through to Atlantis, no adults there either," Aqualad said as he joined KF in the trophy room.

"Just how desperate are we?" he asked motioning to the Helmet of Fate. "It could defininately come in handy."

"Yes, but we both know that anyone who puts it on may never remove it."

"So not that desperate?"

"Not yet," he nodded.

"Guys, I'm ready to try my father's spell," Zatanna said.

Going to the main room, a map of the globe appeared and the young sorceress stepped forwards. "Etacol eht ecruos fo eht ecnabrutsid."

"Coordinates locked, Roanoke Island," Robin confirmed.

"She did it," Emerald said going to 'Bee who was in the living room.

"Where?"

"Roanoke Island," she answered. "Any luck?"

Bumblebee shook his head, he'd been attempting to reach his father through their bond, but…no luck. "It's still there, but it feels like it's been blocked."

"So much for trying to reach the adults," she sighed.

"Yea."

-.-

"I cannot believe you talked me into this!" the girl said as she flew the plane to Happy Harbor.

"You did the right thing Amber, I know I don't look like much, but I really need to get to Happy Harbor," Billy said.

"We're almost there. Should arrive just afer midnight, on my birthday," she said.

"Wait, you turn eighteen at midnight?!" he asked as she disappeared. "That'll be a yes."

-.-

Cave

"I'm glad you brought Zatanna, old friend," Batman said as they watched Zatara's daughter talk with Artemis and Bumblebee. "Does this mean you'll allow her to join the team?"

"I do not know, Zatanna's so…my only child," he sighed. "I wish I could get used to the idea that she's growing up."

"You and me both," Optimus said putting a hand on his shoulder. "I remember how terrified I was when 'Bee first told me he wanted to be a warrior. But you can't hold them back forever."

At that moment, all the kids vanished. "Zatanna!"

-.-

Fawcett City

Dudley sat on the couch worried out of his mind. One moment his nephew was safely next to him, not off fighting some villain, when he just disappeared.

"Reports are the same worldwide, every child under the age of eighteen has disappeared. Parents are desperate for answers; from secular and religious leaders to the heroes of the Justice League and the scientists at facilities like Starr Labs," Cat Grant reported.

-.-

Gotham

"THOSE EGG-HEADS KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR KIDS! FOR ALL WE KNOW THEY'RE RESPONSIBLE! MAKE THEM TELL US THE TRUTH!" a blonde man yelled and the rioters agreed charging at the police line as the ring-leader backed away.

"STAND DOWN GORDON!"

"CITIZENS OF GOTHAM, PLEASE RETURN TO YOUR HOMES. REST ASSURED THE BEST MINDS HERE AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD ARE WORKING ON THIS AND ONLY THIS! EVERYTHING POSSIBLE IS BEING DONE TO RECOVER OUR CHILDREN! VIOLENCE WILL NOT SOLVE ANYTHING!"

A man in a white lab coated exited a building with a case, walking to a red sports car that drove around the side with a briefcase in hand.

-.-

Cave

"How desperate are we?" Zatara asked as Batman and Optimus walked up.

"I've informed the Watchtower that you've found the focal point at Roanoke, but the rest of the League is averting the chaos," Batman stated. "Optimus, any luck?"

"No, the bond is blocked, I can't reach him," he said shaking his head.

"Tornado, you, and I are on our own then," Batman said.

"I'd do anything to have my daughter back," Zatara said.

"But there's many ways to lose her as well," Optimus stated.

"So, not that desperate. Not yet…so the entire League is unavailable? What about the Autobots?"

"Diverting crisis in numerous locations," Optimus replied.

"The only one might be Captain Marvel, but he's missing," Batman said.

-.-

Happy Harbor

"I can't! If I say it I'll be an adult and maybe disappear forever! Captain Marvel may have the courage of Achilles, but Billy Baston…has the courage of Billy Batson. Shazam!" Lightning struck the plane and he caught himself as the plane vanished from under him. "Whoa! Hey! I didn't disappear!"

"AHH!"

"Amber!" he exclaimed flying down and catching the falling girl. "Gotcha!"

Dropping her off he flew to the cave. "Recognized Captain Marvel—15."

"Alright guys I'm here to…you're back!" he exclaimed hugging the three adult heroes. "Is it over? Where's the team?!"

"Haven't you heard! Every child has gone missing!" Zatara snapped.

"Captain, where have you been?" Batman asked as his eyes went wide in realization.

"On a world without grown-ups. Holy cow there are two worlds!" he exclaimed.

"Two dimensions one for adults, another for kids," Optimus stated.

"And you can travel between them?" Zatara asked.

"I think I can—I know I can! Shazam!" he said. "It works!"

"Where did you come from?" Aqualad asked.

"Quick, read my mind!"

M'gann did as asked and gasped. "He's…Captain Marvel."

"And I'm Speedy Gonzoles," Kid scoffed.

"Really Wally? Do I have to get you nachoes and pinapple juice to get on your good side?"

The teens just stared in shock. "Alright, I believe it," Emerald said.

"There'll be threats in both dimensions, and we not be familiar with our opponents," Batman said and Cap relayed that to the team.

"But the key to this mission is a coordinated, simultainious attacks from both sides," Aqualad said.

"Agreed, the best way to fight sorcery is to strike fast and disrupt their efforts."

"And hope the two dimensions merge naturally back into one."

-.-

Roanoke Island

Hearing something Klarion turned around, stopping the incoming weapons with a shield. "That's the best you can do?" Tossing his hand out he blasted Artemis and Robin back.

Aqualad, Superboy, and KF chared from three different directions and slammed into a barrier.

"Kaerb sih reirrab!" Zatanna shouted and only a small ripple appeared across it.

"Baby magic," Klarion scoffed before speaking a spell of his own sending her flying up into the air where Emerald caught her.

In the shadows of the trees, Bumblebee sat with his sniper rifle. "Now?"

"Not yet!" Emerald snapped as She slammed her hammer down on the barrier and M'gann tossed rocks into it.

Klarion blasted the Lantern back and she just flew back up, slamming her hammer down harder, making cracks in the dome. "Huh, so she did get it," the Lord of Chaos huffed.

In the adult dimension, Captain Marvel landed behind several of the sorcerers tossing a rock in their direction.

Nearby Batman landed, tossing a Bat-a-rang at Blackbriar Thorn. The dark magician used a vine to stop the attack, wrapping more vines around the Dark Knight as a tree grew. Using his swords, Optimus cut through the tree freeing his ally. As Tornado landed, he made a twister head for Felix Faust, who shot fore from his hand to block the raging winds.

"Nair gninthgil nopu meht!" Zatara said. The clouds rolled with thunder and lightning came down, striking all four within the pentagram. Inside the crystal glowed sending the energy to the other dimension.

"So you teamed up with the grown ups?" Klarion growled as he saw the glowing gem. "Teamwork is so overrated."

Lightning came out of the jewel, hitting the team, knocking Robin and Artemis unconscious. Emerald roared at the surge of energy, and used it to swing her hammer through the barrier, shattering it.

"Oops, probably should've avoided you," Klarion said. Using his powers, he lifted Aqualad and KF and sent them slamming into her.

"Take the shot!"

"About time." Grinning behind his battlemask, 'Bee took aim right at the cat. Taking a breath, he pulled the trigger, and the cat shrieked as the bullet ripped through it. Reaiming his gun, he aimed right for the yellow jewel. Firing again, he knocked it out of its spot, sending it skidding along the ground.

The pentagram flickered as the jewel's other half was knocked from its spot. "Captain, that yellow gem. Without it the worlds will merge back into one."

"I'll tell the team. Shazam!" Lightning struck and he saw Klarion flickering the planes of reality, an injured cat at his feet, and the yellow gem by where Aqualad was getting electrocuted. "It's the—!"

"Don't shout, I've psychically linked you with the rest of the team," Miss Martian said covering his mouth.

"Cool—I mean…it's the gem! That one next to Aqualad."

"The one I shot?" 'Bee asked.

"You shot it?! That is so epic—err..well, destroy it and we win!"

"That's all I had to know," Zatanna said grabbing the Helmet of Fate.

"Zatanna!"

"Stop!"

Putting it on, Dr. Fate flew up. "Klarion. This ends now!"

"Go warn Zatara!" Emerald said and she made a sword and shield construct.

As Klarion and Fate began fighting, Fate's form wavered revealing Zatanna before Fate reappeared. "You're not all here Nabu! When the world's divided the helmet split too! And you're losing hold of that poor, soon-to-be-dead girl! She gave herself up for nothing!"

"Not on my watch," 'Bee growled taking aim at the wounded cat again before firing making Klarion flicker again as his familiar was attacked. Making a shield around the cat he glared around for the culprit.

"You're not all here either Klarion, not with your anchor to this reality as damaged as that," Fate replied.

Emerald swung down, almost stabbing the Lord of Chaos as she grabbed the gem. As the Witch Boy tried to attack her Fate used a spell to bind him. "Catch!" Emerald called as she tossed the gem up to Fate.

"Shazam!"

"She did what?!" Zatara exclaimed after hearing what he said. "Go back right now and—!"

"No, the sooner we end this, the sooner you can help your daughter," he replied. "Keep them distracted, I have an idea! Speed of Mercury, Power of Zeus!" Flying up he swung back down and began spinning, tunneling into the ground. Coming up inside the pentagram he grabbed the gem and tossed it to Zatara.

Speaking the same spell, the worlds became one again. "Well, they sure don't make evil immortal sorcerers like they used to," Klarion growled dissolving the bonds, grabbing his cat, and hopping through a portal.

"Aren't you ganna stop him?" Kid asked looking up at Fate.

"To what end? Klarion is Chaos incarnate, he cannot be contained."

"Did we win?" Robin asked as he and Artemis got up.

"At a cost," Aqualad replied.

"Fate!" Zatara called getting the Lord of Order's attention. "Great Nabu, release my daughter."

"No," Fate replied. "Witnessing the havor wrought in these hours, the world needs Dr. Fate, and the girl's natural affinity for the mystic arts makes her the perfect canadate."

"You can't do that!"

"She has her own life to live!"

"Kent would never allow you!"

"Kent Nelson, objected strenuously, so I released his spirit into the afterlife. He is gone," Fate stated.

"Take me instead," Zatara offered. "My skills are already at their peak; my body is physically stronger. Better able to withstand the strain of your power."

"All true, but if I remove the helmet, what garuntee have I that you won't dawn it?"

"My word. I teg ym dorw."

Fate landed and Zatanna removed the helmet. "Dad!" she exclaimed hugging him.

"Zatanna," he smiled hugging her and kissing her forehead. "Remember, I love you." Taking the helmet he looked to the others. "Take care of my girl."

"You have our word," Batman nodded.

"Dad no! Please! This was my fault!" Zatanna exclaimed trying to rush to him as he put on the helmet. "Dad!"

"Yield this to Fate," he said going over to the tied-up sorcerers and flying them up into the air before they vanished in a flash of light.

Zatanna fell to her knees, weeping burying her face in the nearest source of comfort as the others looked on sadly.

-.-

Central City

Emerald and Wally raced back home barging through the door. "Mom! Dad!/Aunt! Uncle!"

The two adults came from the kitchen, taking both into a bonecrushing hug.

-.-

Fawcett City

Dudley sat on the couch staring sadly at the picture of him and his nephew. "Shazam!" Blinking from the flash of light he saw Billy who raced over and hugged him.

-.-

Gotham

"Mom!?" Artemis called as she walked in.

"Artemis!" her mother exclaimed rolling over hugging her.

-.-

Autobot Base

"Kid!" Bulkhead exclaimed as Bumblebee and Optimus bridged back.

"Guys! Need air!" he choaked out as his team was slowly hugging the life out of him.

"Alright Bulkhead, let him go before you crush him to death," Arcee chuckled before grabbing Bumblebee's ear. "Don't. Ever. Scare. Us. Like. That. Again."

"I missed y'all too."

-.-

Happy Harbor, November 7

Down in the trophy room, Wally and Conner stood adding the sippy cup to the souvenir collection, upstairs, the others were getting all moved in.

"My room is right next to yours if you need anything," Megan said as they set the last of Zatanna's things down.

"Thanks…I, uh…could use a little alone time," Zatanna replied.

"Sure," Erica said putting a hand on her shoulder.

"If you need anything, feel free to come to any one of us. We understand what it's like," 'Bee said as they left, leaving her to grieve.

-.-

"Happy?" Klarion laughed.

"Yes, your distraction—though a bit extreme—amid your trademarked chaos, no one will notice the absence of our prize," the Brain said as Sportsmaster, Knockout, and the Riddler walked in with a briefcase. "And in time, we will bring it into the light."