Monsters

Chapter 4: Worst Fears

Almost a week after Captain Marvel's leg regenerated the Justice League had a meeting (a real one and not a secret emergency meeting). The meeting had been going on for almost two hours now and everyone was getting bored. Flash and Green Lantern were openly yawning and even Superman had a bored expression on his face. The Wisdom of Solomon was honestly the only reason Captain Marvel had any idea what was going on as it kept him informed.

Batman was getting ready to wrap up the meeting (even he was bored at this point) when Captain Marvel started glowing. Everyone turned to stare at him, their confusion turning to worry when they realized how scared he was.

"Not now," Captain Marvel begged. "Please, not now."

"Captain?" Superman asked hesitantly. "Are you okay?"

"No, no, not now," Cap continued begging as the glow got brighter and he began to fade away. Without even thinking Batman and Superman lunged forward, grabbing hold just as he disappeared, all three of them vanishing.

"What the hell?" Flash jumped to his feet. "Where did they go?"

"I don't know," Green Lantern frowned. "But wherever they are I hope they're all right."

"Where are we?" Superman demanded.

"I don't think we're on Earth anymore," Batman observed. They were in a forest and the trees all seemed to have faces carved into them. The ground beneath their feet was yellow with large patches of red (blood Batman was willing to bet) but the biggest clue was the purple sky, two blue suns and one golden moon.

"We're in a pocket dimension," Captain Marvel was pale. "You guys should not have come. It's far too dangerous for you."

"Why is that?" Superman demanded. "Where are we? Is this where you've been eaten?"

Captain Marvel flinched then reluctantly nodded. "I can regenerate so it's not a big deal for me but you guys can't and that's one reason why I've never asked for help. I need to find you a place to hide and quick."

"No," Batman said firmly. "We'll help you fight 'em off. Between the three of us I'm sure we can cause some major damage."

"What're its weak spots?" Superman wasn't looking forward to battling something that could overpower Captain Marvel but he was willing to give it his best shot. If getting knocked around meant that Cap wouldn't get eaten that was good enough for him.

"You guys don't get it!" Captain Marvel was looking more and more frustrated which was unusual for the easy-going demigod. 'There isn't going to be a battle – there never has been." He closed his eyes and swallowed before continuing. "I don't fight the monsters – I'm the sacrifice that they eat instead of invading Earth. It's one of my duties as the Champion of Magic – one that the Wizard forgot to mention when I got my powers."

Batman fought the Joker on a regular basis. He thought he had seen the worst that humanity had to offer: he was wrong. This, what Captain Marvel had just told them, was beyond horrifying. A quick glance at Superman showed he was thinking the same thing and Captain Marvel…well if the set of his jaw and the slight shake in his hands were anything to go by he was scared and Bruce didn't blame him.

"We can fight," Superman reiterated.

Captain Marvel shook his head, backing up a few steps. "I'm sorry but I just can't risk it." He lifted his hands and muttered a quick incantation then turned and walked away.

Batman tried to follow him only to run into an invisible wall, one that seemed to extend all the way around them, effectively caging them. The wall even extended above them as Superman discovered when he attempted to fly out.

"Captain Marvel," Superman shouted but he gave no sign that the heard them. He was almost out of sight when a fierce roar split the air, the trees bending and breaking from the shockwave.

They felt the creature before they saw him, the very ground shaking as it finally came into view. The creature was massive with giant teeth and glowing red eyes. It was three times bigger than Superman and Captain Marvel together and seemed to be made out of a black, inky darkness. It roared again upon sighting Captain Marvel who spread his arms wide as if inviting it which, they reflected, he technically was and Superman wondered if he could meet Captain Marvel's wizard and break his nose.

It was difficult to keep quiet as the monster tore into their friends and his pained screams didn't make it any easier. In the end they just stood there and growled underneath their breaths. They wanted so badly to do something, to interfere, to help but, as Batman pointed out, Captain Marvel had gone to great lengths to keep them safe and he had healed from every encounter. (Physically at least, Batman had his doubts about Captain Marvel's mental state.)

The instant the monster finally retreated, its belly full their invisible cage disappeared and they rushed forward to the motionless form of their friend. Thankfully he wasn't missing any limbs this time but he was still covered in bite marks, all of which were bleeding. He was shaking and his blue eyes were unfocused.

"Captain?" Superman knelt down. "Can you hear me?"

"He's in shock," Batman frowned. "We really need to get out of here before that thing comes back."

Superman carefully picked up Captain Marvel, a frown crossing his face when lightning didn't nip at his fingers. "Any ideas on how to get back?" he asked.

Batman opened his mouth but before he could say anything a familiar golden light enveloped them. Mere seconds later the two found themselves back in the Watchtower's meeting room. Their hands were still stained with blood but captain Marvel was nowhere to be found.

A/N: Sorry for the delay but we lost our power for several days and just now got the internet back on.