Chapter 7

Disclaimer - I don't own DC comics or any of its characters nor do I own anything to do with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This story is purely a work of fanfiction and does not seek to claim ownership or seek any financial gain.

Last Time

Xander ducked under a roundhouse kick and tried to sweep Amanda's leg while he simultaneously avoided one of Miri's balls.

Robin grinned and continued down the track. Batman had drilled that lesson into him…although he had to admit Miri was far easier on the eyes than Batman.

He had been against the trio living in Mount Justice, hell he had been against just Xander and Amanda but maybe he'd been wrong about them.

A wry smile tugged at his lips as he reached the uphill part of the course. Bruce had taught him to be observant, and it was a fine skill to emulate, but he needed to be careful not to cross the line into paranoia.

He'd keep his eyes open either way.

oOoOo

Happy Harbour – Waves Café

Amanda sat in the café and considered just what she wanted to do on her day off. Xander had disappeared with Miri, which she took to mean that they were having some 'us' time. Which was cool and all. It was just that, well she really didn't know what to do with herself.

Her mentor, Faith would be finding the whole situation rather amusing. 'Go find some action girl!' was probably spot on, given Faith's own personality and habits. The problem was that she had never even as much as hit on a girl. Hell, she'd flirted her ass off with boys, but beautiful girls left her tongue-tied and stammering.

How did a teenage lesbian, well proto-lesbian find a date? Was there a secret sign, code words, and a handshake?

"Something more for you?" asked the waitress.

Amanda sighed, "Yeah, um another chocolate milkshake please and another two of the Blueberry muffins."

The waitress raised an eyebrow but dutifully wrote down the order before wandering off complaining about teenagers being bottomless pits.

"Amanda?"

Amanda turned to see Miss Martian in her human guise and Superboy standing in the door of the café. M'gann looked pleased to see her while Superboy looked slightly awkward. Oh, boy they are on a date.

"Hi, M'gann…um sorry, Megan and you too Conner," Amanda remembered the whole secret identity thing just in time. "Did you need me for something?"

"No, we're going shopping, Conner needs some new things, and I wanted to help," explained M'gann.

Amanda couldn't help but note that Conner looked slightly worried as M'gann took a seat at Amanda's table.

"You are welcome to join us if you wish. I'm sure you would like to meet some people who don't live with you," said M'gann with a smile. "It could be fun."

Amanda smiled at the enthusiasm; it was like talking to Willow, "Nah, I'm good I'm going to go for a wander. See the town and all until Xander and Miri get back."

M'gann looked at her looked a bit crestfallen, "If you are sure?"

Amanda hesitated, after all, what did she have to do?

"Ah, okay why not. You don't mind Conner?" asked Amanda.

Conner shrugged, "I don't mind."

As they walked through the small mall, Amanda found herself being engaged by M'gann in a stream of upbeat small talk. Conner occasionally contributed but seemed happy to simply walk alongside them.

Amanda was sitting next to M'gann as Conner disappeared into the change rooms with an armload of clothes to try on.

"So, where did Xander and Miri head off to?" asked M'gann.

"Ah, I think they are looking at furniture for the apartment Miri is setting up. Apparently, the owner of the building is another Star Sapphire, who is off-world at the moment. She gave Miri an apartment there while she is on Earth."

M'gann sighed, "It must be a bit awkward." Seeing Amanda's confusion, M'gann continued. "The link between Xander and Miri I mean."

Amanda shrugged, "They seem okay with it and as long as they are happy it's all good."

"Such an intimate bond must be difficult to maintain as partners. My people are, as you know telepathic, so we tend to share more. It's still something I find difficult now that I realise some people find it offensive."

"Yeah must be hard for you going from all share to nothing," said Amanda before grinning. "I'm sure X-man and Miri will work it out. After all, they're knocking boots and everything."

Conner emerged from the change room in a tight white T-shirt, and very tight jeans and their conversation ended. Miri had been about to ask what knocking boots meant but let it go. She'd ask Artemis or Robin later.

"You look great Conner, but it needs something, hmmm," M'gann trailed off before taking a look around the clothes shop. "Hello, Megan! I know a jacket." The Martian ran back to a rack of light cotton jackets.

Conner sighed and sat down.

"Shopping not your thing hey?" asked Amanda with a smile.

"Megan is a student of human culture. Shopping was something she mastered early," replied Conner.

Amanda grinned at him, "Better you than me. I like to shop as much as the next girl, but it can be a chore when you're the clothes rack."

A half-hour later Amanda was sitting next to Conner as M'gann disappeared into the change room with armloads of swimsuits.

Amanda looked over at a glum-looking Conner, "So if she is a shapeshifter was is she trying on clothes. I mean doesn't she create them?"

"She can yes, and I think she just likes to do what other people do. Shopping is one of those things," replied Conner.

"So if she normally creates her clothes does that mean she's actually naked all the time?" asked Amanda.

It was funny to see Superboy actually wince.

"I didn't need that image," replied Conner. "Thanks."

"My pleasure Mister….wowsers."

Amanda found herself staring at M'gann as she walked out in a very tight white bikini. It was very obvious that the shapeshifter was anatomically correct given what the material was showing.

"So what do you think?" asked M'gann as she twirled around.

Conner shrugged, "It's nice…different."

Amanda's eyes were locked on the Martian's butt…her tight perfect…god, she was blushing, Hell she knew she was probably bright red. All she could think was that M'gann was a telepath. Her inappropriate thoughts were probably being broadcast in surround sound right now.

Standing up she tried to think of an excuse to leave. Any excuse really…"Um, I thing…I think…there's this thing, gotta go!"

Amanda was definitely leaving at Slayer speed as she hit the pavement and took off in a random direction.

oOoOo

Amanda ducked into an ice-cream parlour and slid into a booth as she silently berated herself, 'what was she doing? M'gann was a Telepath, who probably knew, down to the millimetre.' Hiding was pretty stupid. That didn't mean that she was going anywhere, anytime soon.

"Can I help you?" asked a female voice with a strong Australian accent.

Amanda turned to see a grinning waitress.

"You look like you are hiding out, boyfriend problems?"

Amanda winced, "No…um, embarrassment problems."

The waitress nodded grin still firmly in place. "So you want a coffee or some ice-cream? It's good for embarrassment related conditions."

"Sure, um," Amanda ran her eye down the menu. "An ice cream sundae please."

"You a sprinkle or a chopped nuts girl?" asked the waitress.

Amanda shrugged, "I don't mind, either."

"Rainbow sprinkles for you then," replied the waitress as she turned to walk off.

Resolutely keeping her back to the windows Amanda couldn't help herself from watching the waitress walk back to the counter. As she stood on her toes and stretched to put the order in over the counter a lot of tanned skin was exposed…god, she had low rider jeans on…arggghhh.

"What the hell am I doing?" whispered Amanda. She was turning into some sort of uber-lesbian! "Look away damn it."

The waitress turned and look back to see Amanda, very obviously checking her out. Rather than look outraged the teenager wiggled her butt at her with a smirk on her face before disappearing behind a swinging door.

Amanda sat mortified; she wanted to leave, but M'gann was out there, and now she was checking out girls here. She resisted the urge to bang her head on the table.

A moment later the waitress emerged carrying a tray. She paused and slipped her apron off, "I'm on break Mary."

Walking over to Amanda she placed a double Ice cream sundae on the table and held up two spoons, "Want some company…?"

"Amanda and sure, yeah," as the waitress sat Amanda summoned up her courage to apologise. "I'm sorry for staring but I a..ah…well."

"Sara Matthews and no worries," replied Sara as she sat and gestured to Amanda with her spoon. "So you just come out or are you still working through it?"

Amanda gaped at her, mouth open and closing as she tried to say something under the friendly gaze of the grinning Sara, who was helping herself to ice cream.

Sara swallowed her mouthful, "I know that look gorgeous. It wasn't too long ago that I was checking out my friend's butts and wondering what the hell was wrong with me."

Amanda was about to protest before nodding, "That obvious hey?"

Sara winked, "If you know what to look for, sure. Now have some of your Sundae. I get off in an hour or so if you want to chat some more. I've got plenty of time after work."

"Sure, that would be great Sara."

oOoOo

All in all, Amanda had a great afternoon. They walked along the beach until they came to a small park. Where they sat and talked.

Sara was an Australian born to an American Father and Australian Mother, who had lived most of her life by the beach in Sydney. She had actually come to the states to reconnect with her father after her mother passed away from breast cancer.

"I like it here, schools good and my dad's cool with my lifestyle and all. Back home, well my Grandmother was raising me she wasn't quite as cool with the whole 'I like girls' thing," explained Sara.

Amanda hesitated to share too much, after all, what could she say that wouldn't sound insane?

"I um live with a group of people while I'm here," began Amanda. "My friend Xander lives with me, he's like a big brother and all but…well, I haven't really told him yet. I think my parents will be okay with it when I get home. I hope so anyway."

"You going to school here?" asked Sara.

"Not yet," replied Amanda with a headshake. "I'm getting homeschooled right now."

"Really, I've never met anyone getting homeschooled. Must be great," said Sara with a smile.

"Miri, that's Xander and my teacher. She's pretty cool, bit of a…ah fitness and sports nut, lots of training."

"You look good girl," replied Sara with a wink that had Amanda blushing. "Must be all that clean living. Come on we better walk back."

They reached the town and had just crossed the road when a van swerved to miss a careless pedestrian and careered past them to smash into a shop window.

"Oh my god," whispered Sara. "There was a couple standing there with a pram!"

Amanda winced unsure what to do when she heard someone calling for help, "Sara you need to call this in, and I'll see if I can help."

Amanda jumped through the remains of the window to see a man pinned to the wall. As she rushed forward, she almost missed a leg sticking out from under the van.

"My baby…please is someone there?" called a weak sounding, panicky voice from under the van. Amanda ducked down to see a woman pinned by her abdomen under the car with a pram beside her. Under the car, there was a strong smell of petrol, and the baby was crying, almost wailing.

"Hold on, I'm coming," called out Amanda.

Bracing herself, she grabbed the back of the van and tried to pull it back so that she could get to the trapped mother and baby. Even with Slayer strength, she could barely get the van to move.

"Fuck," she cursed as she let the bumper go. If she pulled any harder, she would pull the damn thing off.

"Amanda…the emergency services are coming," warned a pale-faced Sara. "Are…are they dead?"

"No trapped, and I can't move the damn van…not like this," she added her voice dropping to a whisper. She looked down to where her power ring glittered on her finger. "I'm going to get them out…stand back."

"Amanda what do you…oh my god!"

Sara was open mouthed as Amanda's clothes morphed into her Star Sapphire uniform. Gesturing, she used her ring to lift the van and float it back a few body lengths.

Rushing to the pram, she found that it was the pram, rather than the baby that had been pinned. The woman, however, looked to be in a bad way. Slayers were taught first aid and her training was telling her that the woman needed to get to the hospital soon.

"Hold still, your babies fine but you are hurt," raising her voice she called out to Sara. "Sara come and take the baby…Sara?"

"She's a bit overwhelmed right now let me help," said M'gann as she floated the baby to Superboy. "The Paramedics just got here…good job Amanda."

In the aftermath of the accident, Amanda found herself getting debriefed by two uniformed police alongside a stunned-looking Sara.

"Good job…ahh, I don't know your name, sorry," apologised the police officer.

"Um…Amanda?" replied Amanda.

The Policeman raised an eyebrow, "Amanda? Usually, your crowd have more…colourful names."

Amanda had no idea what to say to that and luckily, she was rescued by the arrival of Robin. As the Leader of Young Justice spoke to the senior officer, Amanda was wondering what Xander was doing.

oOoOo

Xander laid back, eyes closed and moaned as Miri warm, soft hands stroked him.

"How's that?" asked Miri.

"Umm great," moaned out Xander.

Miri grinned, "Will I keep going?"

"God yes."

Miri resumed massaging his back as Xander made satisfied noises.

Half an hour later she lay down next to her snoring partner with a wide smile. They had trained hard this last week, she had pushed them and then pushed harder as they began to falter.

Today was a down day. A day to rest, recover before starting again. It was most certainly a day to work on her connection to Xander. So, for now, she'd snuggle up and enjoy while he napped. A smile touched her lips as she closed her eyes. No doubt Xander would wake well rested and relaxed…just in time for the rest of the activity she had planned.

They had all day.

oOoOo

Amanda snuck out of sight and was about to change out of her Star Sapphire uniform when a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Amanda?"

Amanda turned to see a wide-eyed Sara standing at the entrance to the alley she was in.

"I can explain," began Amanda before Sara waved away the explanation.

"You are a superhero?" asked Sara.

Amanda hesitated, "No, well maybe…kind of."

"Well that explained things very clearly," said Sara.

Amanda took a breath, "Do you trust me?"

Sara's eyes narrowed slightly, "Should I?"

Amanda nodded and held out a hand, "Grab hold, and we can find somewhere to talk."

Sara barely hesitated, reaching out to take Amanda's hand.

"Let's fly," said Amanda with a grin as she took off using her ring to bring Sara with her.

The Australian managed a startled eeping noise as she felt herself lift off, but she didn't let go.

Robin's voice trailed off as he watched Amanda and a blond girl soar overhead and turn to fly along the beach. Behind him, just to make his day came the distinctive sound of cameras.

"Great, just great," muttered Robin.

oOoOo

"So you are a supernatural powerhouse come martial artist and now a Star Sapphire in training from another dimension," summarised Sara in an unnaturally calm voice. Considering what Amanda had just laid on her.

Amanda nodded glumly waiting for the inevitable rejection, "Pretty much yeah."

Sara's face broke into a broad grin, "That is so cool!"

Amanda found herself smiling through her confusion and worry; Sara's grin was infectious.

"I got to fly…wow," Sara jumped forward and kissed Amanda before leaning back, "Thank you."

"No worries," replied Amanda in an exaggerated Australian accent.

Sara winced, "Never do that again, yech." She finished with an exaggerated gag.

"What fly you places?" asked Amanda.

"No, the accent, it was terrible."

Seeing that Amanda was unsure Sara reached out and took her hand. "Come on get changed, and we'll go to the Internet café. It'll be empty this time of day, and they sell pretty decent coffee."

Coffee in hand they sat. It was quiet for a few moments as Sara sipped her coffee and Amanda tried to work out how to bring up the elephant in the room.

"So tell me about Xander," said Sara.

And Amanda did.

oOoOo

Xander and Miri flew back to Happy Harbour landing among the sand dunes and scrub that marked the boundary of the parklands.

"Now let's grab that coffee you wanted, and we'll head back," said Xander as Miri pulled the hood on her jacket over her face. The sea breeze was cool enough that nobody would question her hood and gloves, and it was dark enough that she should go unnoticed.

As they approached the row of beachfront shops, there was still a clean-up underway. "Did a car go through the shopfront?" asked Xander.

The workman looked up, "Yeah, nearly killed some young couple with a baby. Some young superhero floated the car and pulled them out. My sister Nancy was here; she said she was just like a green lantern only she was dressed in purple."

"Sound like they were lucky she was here," replied Xander.

"See a lot of that stuff around here," said the workman. "Anyhow, I had better get back to work. You two have a good night."

"We will," replied Miri before taking Xander's hand. "I think we had better skip that coffee."

oOoOo

"I hear that you had an eventful day," said Xander as he and Miri found Amanda in the kitchen of Mount Justice.

Amanda smiled, somewhat tentatively until she saw their smiles, "Yeah, it did sort of get busy."

"From what we heard you did well," said Miri.

"Thanks, Miri your training sure helped," replied Amanda. "We were right outside when it happened. It was just luck that no one was killed."

"We?" asked Xander. "Would this be the teenager you flew off with?"

Amanda looked a bit worried, "You heard about that hey."

"Yep" replied Xander, making sure to 'pop' the P.

Amanda looked uncomfortable for a minute before taking a deep breath. "I met someone, and I think I like her." The emphasis on her was hard to miss.

Xander shrugged, "Cool, what's she like?"

Amanda looked over to Miri, who simply smiled back at her.

Xander laughed, "What you thought I'd freak? The name Willow mean anything to you?"

Amanda blushed, "It's not that easy Xan."

Xander pulled Amanda into a hug, "I know it's not, but you don't have to do it alone." He released her and stepped back. "So really what is she like?"

oOoOo

The Phantom Stranger knew all too well the parameters of his power. Knowledge came with a price. He was not allowed to deal with a crisis directly; he used others as his tools. His punishment was to have the power but not be able to use it. Omniscience and power were his to command, and yet he was constrained from acting. Even in the direst of circumstances, such as now, his only choice was which tools to use.

The presence of the entity on Earth was a concern, but it was its master that he truly feared. While he could defend himself even at his best, he would be struggling to simply survive if the nameless was ever released. He tried again to detect where it was hiding but unfortunately it's nature defied being caught in such a way. Especially when it had possessed a host. He could sense it but not pinpoint its location.

Dismissing his frustration he focused his attention on two of his unwitting tools. The 'outsiders' were part of the potential solution but time was short. He had to build their strength because all too soon it would be tested.

"They will need more if they are to succeed," said the figure that appeared beside him.

The Phantom Stranger nodded without turning, "I have done all that I can."

"It is not enough."

"I know," he replied as he turned to see entity beside him. "You may have to lend a hand yourself."

Aphrodite nodded, "I fear that we may have no choice if the Nameless is released from its prison. We shall all be needed to strive against it. Better that its agent is stopped, here and now. Regardless of what my fellow Olympians think."

"That won't stop events occurring. The prophesied arrival of Amanda and Alexander set events in motion. We are but playing for time."

Aphrodite frowned, "No games, what do you know?"

The Phantom Stranger shrugged, "The prophecy is correct they are both the key and the sword, they enable the prison to be unlocked, and they are the key to destroying the nameless."

"But how?" asked Aphrodite as she looked down. "It is hidden from us."

She turned to find that the Phantom Stranger was gone.

"Typical," muttered Aphrodite. "Perhaps we should visit their Queen. After all, they are the protectors of love." She shifted uncomfortably. "Alright, I suppose you can come out now." She raised her arm and her silky cloak rippled, and another figure stepped out.

"Zeus will be less than pleased that we interfered," complained Artemis. "And just so you know I hate travelling like that."

Aphrodite shrugged, "You've mentioned it before. I don't know why you avoid him so. He would not act against us."

Artemis didn't look convinced, "Self-interest drives him. He seeks to be free of his curse."

"Which makes him predictable. Now come we have work to do," said Aphrodite.

Artemis studied Earth with her divine senses. To both Goddesses, the presence of the outsiders was detectable as was the taint that the agent of the nameless.

"I can sense them with the Heroes in the mountain," Artemis sounded approving, she liked these modern day Heroes. "Along with the presumptuous girl."

Aphrodite giggled, "Don't be catty Artemis. Maybe we can drop in and see Diana."

"If we get caught…"

"We won't, besides we are not being frivolous. The sake of the world, no the universe is at stake. Zeus will have to deal," replied Aphrodite. "Besides, he's already tied up dealing with Ares and his antics."

"Hmmm," mused Artemis. "I like the girl Amanda. She's one of mine, a Slayer of dark creatures. She might as well be a priestess!"

"And yet she serves my aspect," replied Aphrodite with false sweetness. "Come on Artemis we had best be off."

Artemis turned to see Aphrodite form a pink tinted doorway in the air. "All aboard the Goddess express."

Artemis walked through the portal even as she wondered about Aphrodite. The Goddess of the Hunt was convinced the growing eccentricities of the Love Goddess were based on the inordinate amount of time she spent watching and perhaps even walking among mortals.

"Next stop Zamaron."

oOoOo

Happy Harbor

Cheshire wasn't too sure about the Light and their agenda. However, she was a professional. She had been paid for a job, and she would do it. Right now that meant spying on the troublesome teens in the mountain.

"Hey baby girl," said a sadly familiar voice behind her.

Sportsmaster AKA Lawrence "Crusher" Crock still looked intimidating even without his normal Hockey mask. Not that Cheshire feared him. Quite frankly she didn't really trust him either, despite or maybe because of their relationship.

"They and the new ones are all back in the Mountain now," reported Cheshire.

"Good, keep them here. Hell, blow up the school if you have to but keep them out of my hair," ordered Sportsmaster. "We need to get in and out of the facility before any of the damn Kryptonians turn up."

"You'll get the time you need," Cheshire assured him. "Although it would be amusing to see their expressions when they find out the military had Kryptonite weapons research happening a few miles from the secret base."

"If everything goes to plan, we'll have it in a few hours," replied Sportsmaster. "What about their new recruits?"

Cheshire grinned, "I had a bit of luck. It seems that their new girl likes the ladies. So I picked up a distraction that will keep her and the rest busy."

"Good work, be careful of your new friend baby girl. He's unprofessional once his blood is up."

"Is that concern Dad?" snarked Cheshire.

"Just be careful."

"I can handle Mammoth," replied Cheshire. "And two squads are more than enough to keep them busy."

oOoOo

Sportsmaster turned as a figure entered the room in his temporary safe house.

"You took your time Wizard."

"I was delayed, they have been chastised," replied Wizard, his deep voice sinister as he studied the head of his cane. "Klarion was unspecific regarding your requirements. Perhaps you could expand on his instructions."

"I need the junior justice league tied up so that they don't interfere with another operation we are undertaking. I don't need them dead, just delayed."

Wizard frowned, "And if one were to die?"

Sportsmaster hands balled into fists although his voice remained the same, "I won't shed any tears although the archer Artemis is mine. Kill her, and I will be displeased, clear?"

"Crystal, well time is fleeting. Klarion mentioned that this beachside hamlet is named Happy Harbor, how deliciously ironic." Wizard tipped his top hat and disappeared.

"I fucking hate magic users," muttered Sportsmaster as he slipped his mask on. He had a rendezvous to make.

Wizard appeared on the street and calmly took a seat in a café. He might as well be comfortable while he waited. He unconsciously rubbed at his temple, perhaps a chamomile tea as he seemed to be developing a headache.

Unbeknownst to the villainous magician, he was now hosting a psychic parasite. Therefore, as he watched the street, the Deceiver watched as well, even as it tightened its control over its host. Soon enough it would displace the consciousness and then it could track down its targets.

oOoOo

"She's really nice, and I love her accent," explained Amanda as Miri and Xander sat listening to her wax lyrical about Sara as they sat around a table in the kitchen. A plate, empty save for crumbs was all that remained of the meal.

"She sounds great, when do we get to meet her?" asked Xander with a wide grin as he batted his eyelashes.

Miri smacked him lightly on the arm, "Stop it you."

"I'd say…"

An alarm sounded, and then Wally, still in his jeans and t-shirt appeared in the doorway. "Hey, guys something is going down in town. Robin wants to know if you want to join us. Apparently, the League is tied up with something big, and so we've been called up."

The speedster disappeared again as Xander was standing, "We've been called up? When did that become a thing?"

Miss Martian appeared, followed by Superboy, Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash.

Aqualad nodded to the three of them before beginning, "We've just received word from the Watchtower that there has been a sighting of Vandal Savage in Starling City. Green Arrow has called in the league, and while they've been dealing with him, we've just had reports of a meta on a rampage in town."

"Damn," muttered Xander before turning to Miri and Amanda. "What do you think, we in?"

Amanda nodded, and Miri simply used her ring to change into her uniform.

"Thank you," said Aqualad. "We need to end this fast. There are far too many innocent people at risk to allow this to continue."

oOoOo

Miri led Xander and Amanda into a steep dive toward Happy Harbour. All three Star Sapphires could see Superboy exchanging blows with a massively oversized human. Given how strong Superboy was that made his opponent someone to be treated with caution.

"Civilians trapped behind a car, beachside. I'll take them," said Xander as he peeled off followed by Amanda. Even as they descended a car was sent hurtling toward the cowering family. Xander raised a shield and Amanda formed a giant hand that grabbed the car as it was deflected and set it down on the sand.

Miri sent a construct of a giant ape-like creature that grappled the meta as Superboy sent a crashing right hook into his opponent's forehead knocking the huge meta unconscious.

Kid Flash zipped past dropping off two rifles, "We've got armed men all around town. I've taken down these two, but I spotted others."

"We need to find them before someone gets killed," said Robin as he and Miss Martian dropped two bound men next to the others."

"And we need to secure Mammoth," replied Aqualad. "Robin you and Artemis guard the prisoners. "Star Sapphires and M'gann you find them, and we'll take them down."

"Actually, I'd rather you all stayed put," said a figure on the roof.

They all turned to see a figure in green on the roof.

"Cheshire," hissed Artemis.

"Well, well its kiddies night out is it?" asked Cheshire.

"You are behind this," said Artemis.

"Maybe…ah before you move mini-flash you should check this out," she threw a device to Aqualad.

Aqualad looked down at the device and then frowned up at Cheshire, "You have a hostage?"

Cheshire nodded, "Hidden away in town. Safe for now but well when that timer runs down…boom. I'd start looking if I was you," Cheshire gestured, and smoke bombs exploded around the shop fronts. When they looked again, she was gone.

"After her," ordered Aqualad as he waved the smoke away from his face. "We also need to find the hostage."

"What's her play?" asked Robin. "What do they want?"

Miri landed followed by Xander and Amanda, "We lost her, she's damn slippery."

"She has a hostage," explained Aqualad as he held up the tablet.

Amanda paled dramatically, "Sara."

"What, shit…your Sara?" asked Xander.

"You know the hostage?" asked Robin.

"I meet her today," explained Amanda. "Miri, Xander we have to do something!"

Xander took a deep breath, "Don't panic, we'll get her back." Turning he looked at Miri. "Any suggestions?"

Miri frowned, "Perhaps, Amanda come over her with me for a moment."

Miri and Amanda walked away from where Aqualad was organising the hunt for Cheshire, the gunmen, and their hostage.

"Amanda there may be a way to find Sara quickly. But you need to be sure because there may be consequences," explained Miri.

"Like you and Xander type consequences or normal-ish consequences?" asked Amanda.

Miri nodded, "Both, maybe. Not that I think that will happen but with things like this you need to think about consequences both for you and Sara."

Amanda was quiet for a few moments before nodding, "Whatever the risk, I won't leave her to die."

"Then I need you to concentrate on Sara. Think about her appearance, her eyes, and her hair. Picture her in your mind…can you see her?"

Amanda nodded.

"Good, now use your ring. Imagine a golden chain running between your heart and hers. That's your tether once it is in place you will be able to follow it to her. Can you see the gold chain?"

Amanda nodded again; she could sense Sara, not too far away.

"Good Amanda, we will follow you. Xander follow us," ordered Miri.

Miri turned to Aqualad, "We can retrieve the hostage."

Aqualad nodded, "And we will deal with the gunmen."

Amanda took to the air with Xander and Miri following.

Less than two minutes later they reached what looked like an empty shop being renovated at the far end of the run of shops.

"She's inside," said Amanda.

"Then let's go and pay," said Xander.

All three of them burst through the roof and landed in a disused and dirty room where Sara lay on the ground secured with ropes and handcuffed to what looked like a metal case with a digital timer.

Amanda moved forward but stopped when a laughing Cheshire emerged from the back of the store.

"Ah, I wouldn't there is a motion sensor. Get too close, and the party ends early," explained Cheshire. "That's why poor…ah, Sara is it? Well, poor Sara has been injected with a paralytic. Can't have her moving and blowing herself up can we?"

"What do you want?" demanded Xander as Miri placed a hand on Amanda's shoulder when she looked like she was going to rush in.

"Just passing the time, what is your name by the way? Calling you Star Sapphire could get confusing," said Cheshire as she casually leant against the wall.

"Xander Harris, and you must be Cheshire AKA Jade Nguyen. I'd say it's a pleasure but," he gestured toward Sara. "Actually, why do you go by Nguyen instead of Crock?"

Cheshire had stiffened before she seemed to collect herself, "Well you just became much more interesting," she drew her Sais and slowly stalked forward. "I don't suppose you would like to share how you found that out?"

"I like to read," replied Xander. "Besides I think you are more the antihero than the villain. I mean why the smoke bombs, why not claymores?"

"I like toying with my prey," replied Cheshire.

Xander grinned, "Really, so no…ah, say, archers, had anything to do with it?"

Cheshire stopped and seemed to study Xander, "So, you are a telepath?"

"Nope, I'm the muscle," replied Xander.

"How intriguing, I'm almost going to regret this," she began to move forward again when another figure appeared in the room behind Cheshire.

It was a man dressed in an out-dated suit and top hat. Without a greeting, he gestured with his cane sending a stream of fire toward the three Star Sapphires and Cheshire.

Cheshire managed to dive out of the way while the three Star Sapphires shielded themselves.

The magic user gestured and again fire splashed against the shields of the Star Sapphires. Cheshire seemed just as surprised to see the newcomer as they did and it was clear that she was unhappy with nearly being roasted. Sais in hand she stalked toward Wizard as he maintained his attack.

"What the hell do you…erk," Cheshire was flung backwards where she struck the wall heavily and slid to the floor.

The timer, on the case attached to Sara, began to flash red.

Flames were now spreading to the roof and walls as Wizard stepped closer and raised his cane. For a brief moment, the flames abated, and Xander struck. A construct of a hammer smashed into the magic user driving him backwards into the rear concrete wall. He simultaneously encased the briefcase in a protective bubble that also cut the handcuff links.

"Amanda get Sara out of here. Miri get Cheshire out, and I'll deal with the pyro," said Xander.

Amanda hesitated for a fraction of a second before grabbing Sara and launching herself into the sky. Miri grabbed Cheshire just as the briefcase exploded. The explosion was contained by Xander's shield but the flash of bright light partially blinded Xander.

With a slashing gesture, Wizard sent a swarm of metal fragments at Xander who managed to shield himself and the two women despite his watering eyes.

"Go," called out Xander as his shield morphed into a club that again smashed the Wizard back into the wall.

Xander frowned as the apparently injured Wizard simply ignored his injuries and climbed to his feet again, 'Something's not right here." He muttered as Miri launched into the air carrying Cheshire.

Wizard gestured, and Xander was forced to avoid another swarm of metal fragments by diving to the floor. As he rolled, he formed the construct of a cage around the Wizard.

As he clambered to his feet, the Wizard began slashing his cane at the cage sending attack after attack at his glowing prison.

"What the heck is happening?" inquired Robin as he took in the scene.

"No idea," replied Xander. "Except for Captain magic being out to kill people, namely my people."

"That's Wizard," added the newly arrived Kid Flash. Seeing Robin's look, he shrugged. "What? After the whole Doctor Fate thing, I looked up magic users."

Wizard let out a guttural sounding hiss and smashed at the bars of the construct.

"Ah, guys he's usually pretty well spoken, what's with the hissing and grunting?" asked Kid Flash.

Xander's eyes narrowed as he studied Wizard. He had sensed something as well, "Ring, Scan Wizard."

"Subject is human, but his brainwaves are registering as non-human," replied his ring.

"Would Homo Magi show up like that?" asked Xander.

"Negative," replied the ring.

"Okay, so who is he?" asked Xander.

Robin glared at the trapped being, "We need to find a way to neutralise him."

"That will not be necessary," said Zatara as he walked through the door of the nearly wrecked shop. "I will make sure he doesn't cause any problems."

"There's something wrong with him Giovanni," warned Xander.

Giovanni Zatara frowned and cast a long spell. As he ended his slight frown had morphed to a worried expression. "Indeed there is, well spotted. He appears to be possessed by some sort of incorporeal being. But, worry not I have something that will hold him."

Zatara began chanting again.

"What is happening?" asked Amanda as she and Miri landed beside Xander.

"Our resident mage is dealing with Mister 'I'm possessed' over there," explained Xander as he concentrated on keeping his cage around Wizard.

Zatara's voice began rising to a crescendo when Wizard let out a pained scream and burst apart, each piece of his remains then burst into flame.

"What the hell!" exclaimed Xander as greasy foul-smelling smoke began to fill the room.

Zatara looked shocked while several others gagged at the sight of Wizards remains and the smell of the burning flesh.

The Deceiver hovered unseen above the burning remains of his former host. The Magic User Zatara had been an unwelcome surprise. The human had been powerful enough to drive him from his host and stop him from killing his targets. Not that they were the easy targets hoped for. Both wore power rings…still not everyone in the room was so well protected.

There were several humans present that lacked any protection from his attacks.

Descending he circled another target, it was an 'unpowered' being but one that could approach his targets and strike.

The Deceiver looked over at Zatara, who was studying his former host. Another possession, with the Magic User in the room, would not be a good idea. For a moment his desire to strike warred with his desire to avoid the mage. Eventually, the Deceiver turned away and rocketed skyward.