Chapter 7: Denial
My arms crossed against one another as M'gann Artemis, Wally, and I watched Kaldur and Superboy train together. A smile was permanently plastered on my face. Ever since that night with Kaldur, I could not contain my happiness. We were best friends again, and i could literally tell him everything this time. There were no more secrets, no more lies between the two of us, and nothing could have made me happier, other than the team reacting the same way if they were to find out. I continued to watch as the two sparred each other, Superboy throwing in moves both I and the Black Canary taught him, much to my pride. Kaldur was holding his own, but Superboy had clearly excelled in hand to hand combat.
"Kaldur's, uh, nice, don't you think? Handsome. Commanding. You should totally ask him out." Artemis hinted at M'gann My eyes perked up slightly as I felt an unfamiliar feeling filled my stomach. My chest tightened slightly as I turned to them. The thought of M'gann and Kaldur going out together makes me feel a little uneasy. Could it be I feel jealousy? It would not make sense considering Kaldur belongs to no one, and him and M'gann have no romantic relationship with each other, do they?
"He's like a big brother to me, But you know who would make the cutest couple? You and Wally." The three of us looked to the young speedster leaning against the wall. Sloppily, he bit down into his….whatever it is he was eating, leaving a slight mess all over his face. Though I agree with M'gann when she says they should be together, he is unintentionally making it hard to put up an argument for him.
"I do understand what she is saying. You are so full of passion, and he is so full of, uh of…"
"It?" Artemis finished The three of us chuckled between ourselves as we joked about the young teen boy, completely oblivious to the conversation.
"Besides I think Kaldur's already spoken for by a certain winged Thanagarian." M'gann beckoned towards me. My face heated up from embarrassment, as I immediately looked down at my feet. I tried not to think of those types of feelings. I have seen more times then not that sometimes romantic relationships do not work out as they should, and I do not want to risk my friendships for a temporary happiness like a relationship. Especially if it means not having my friendship with Kaldur. Even if I did have those feelings for him, I do not think I would do anything about it.
"Uh, the two of us are just friends actually. Not that I do not find him attractive.I mean, I am not saying that I do but if I did we are just friends! Although we did kiss one time." My hands flew up to my mouth when I realized I had spoken too much. The two females looked to me shocked and excited.
"You did?? I knew it! When? How was it?" M'gann inquired loudly
"It was not a romantic kiss! My rebreather malfunctioned on our first mission so he, um, well you know, to give me more air. We are just friends, really we are!" I dismissed quickly Artemis and M'gann exchanged a few unbelieving glances at each other before laughing, adding to my embarrassment, but I quickly tried to forget about the discussion. I know Kaldur has feelings for his friend Tula in Atlantis so I have dismissed any thought of the two of us being involved with each other romantically. Besides that, I feel as though I would not know what to do in a romantic situation. Everything is so new to me. Making friends, having people who care about me, being a hero. Kaldur deserves someone who knows how to like him and that is not me.
Over on the floor, Kaldur went in to grab Superboy to gain the upper hand. Like I stated earlier though, Superboy has taken up extra lessons from Black Canary and I. With that being said Superboy used a quick move I taught him to end the match. Hooking his arms around the Atlantean, Superboy placed his foot behind Kaldur's then tossed him onto his back. A smirk played onto his lips with satisfaction from his job well done.
"Rose taught me that." A proud smile formed on my lips at Superboy pride. He has excelled well in hand to hand combat. So well that he could likely become a challenge to me with a few more months of heavy training, still unlikely though.
Superboy has grown into a brotherly figure towards me. Him being an cloned experiment, I could relate to him and the struggles he faces, even if he still does not know that I am an experiment too. There are still many things he could not relate in me, however. The fact that he is technically a Kryptonian, while I am of no species.There is also the reality that even though he is considered a living weapon, he was made to help Superman or replace him if need be, while I am only made for the destruction of our world. We are still worlds apart in my opinion.
I could hear a rushing whirlwind coming down from the upper entrance of the cave reminding me of one being in particular. The android, who I believe to have the heart of any real man on the planet, the Red Tornado. Though he may seem to be only a android, I think of him as a human. One who has feelings, hopes and dreams just as any of us do, even if his robotic tendencies do have a funny way of coming back to us. Quite rudely, Kid Flash ran up to the robotic hero stopping him in his tracks.
"Do you have a mission for us?" He asked quickly As I have mentioned earlier, The Red Tornado is as human to me as someone like Wally is to me. But there are aspects of him that will always seem like an android, like his one track mindedness.
"Mission assignments are the Batman's responsibility." The rest of us gathered behind the two, hoping for him to give in to our request.
"Yeah well the Batman is out with the Robin doing the dynamic duo thing. But you're going somewhere a hot date, or a mission." Wally sasses back, A small polite smile danced on my lips as I stepped forward.
"If we could be of some assistance." Red Tornado almost begrudgingly turned around to show us what he intended to do. He pulled up a photograph of an older man, judging on his wrinkles and the way he stood likely over 80. He wore a nice suit and tie that complimented his familiar aqua blue eyes. His worn hand wrapped around the gold piece of his cane like delicately yet I could see the strength behind his grip. He is Kent Nelson also known as Doctor Fate, age 106 and carrier of the helmet of Fate. While I was still under a much more strict supervision, he trained me how to defend myself against certain magic, to which he told me I have a natural affinity for. He offered to train me in the ways of magic, however I had no desire to learn magic for fear that it might make me too powerful, another fear I have thought of. It is to my speculation that my new found power of adaptation is likely to blame for that.
"This is Kent Nelson, a friend. He is 106 years old, and he has been missing for 23 days. Kent was a charter member of the justice society, The precursor to your mentors' justice league."
"Of course. Nelson was earth's sorcerer supreme. He was Doctor Fate." Kaldur realized Kaldur himself also study an art of magic, though not as effective against one who solely studies the mystic arts thoroughly, his water barriers draw strength from magic. So I am not surprised to find that he would be knowledgeable on the reputation of Mr. Nelson.
"Kent may simply be on one of his walkabouts, But he is caretaker to the helmet of fate, The source of the doctor's mystic might, And it is unwise to leave such power unguarded." Red Tornado explained a little worry hit me as I thought of the older man. He was very kind to me when he was explaining the ways of the sorcery to me. He treated me like the rest of the Justice League, not as a monster. He was, in a way, almost like a grandfather to me. Though the time we spent together was short, I hold a high respect for him. There is nothing I would like more than to assist in finding him.
"He's like the great sorcerer priests and priestesses of Mars. I would be honored to help find him." M'gann spoke with stars in her eyes. Even though she has never met him, It was clear that she held the same respect for Mr. Nelson as she did for her priest.
"Agreed! Mr. Nelson was so kind the last time we met! It would be an honor to assist in finding him." I agreed happily.
"Me, too! So honored I can barely stand it. Magic rocks." Wally exclaimed quickly towards the both of us, though I can tell he was not being truthful. I know Wally is someone who needs scientific evidence to prove something. Even when he has faced numerous villains who deal with magic, he uses science as a means to explain that of which he does not understand. Red Tornado pulled out what I assume to be the key to what I assume opens the Tower of Fate, the place of which Doctor Fate resides.
"Take this. It is the key to the tower of fate." Kaldur took the key before giving him a curt nod.
"What are the odds that we all so admire the mystic arts?" M'gann and I gave him a genuine smile, mines simply to be polite. I knew he was just trying to impress us, but what is the harm in allowing him to pretend, it is not like it could put us in danger or anything. We all made our way to the Bioship, after Kaldur and Superboy changed into their civilian clothes. I took my usual place in between Kaldur and Superboy happily while Artemis and Wally sat beside my Atlantean friend. M'gann sat in her pilot's seat in the center, and we all sat in a reasonably comfortable silence. Though this mission was to find a friend, I could not hold my excitement to see him again. It feels as though it has been years, but I know it has only been a few months.
"So, Wally, When did you first realize your honest affinity for sorcery?" Artemis questioned
"Well, I-I don't like to brag, but, uh, Before I became Kid Flash, I seriously considered becoming a wizard myself." Wally lied, I rolled my eyes playfully before returning to looking forward, just like the rest of the team.
"We've reached Tornado's coordinates, but-" M'gann started We all looked to the coordinates to see nothing. There was no tower, no evidence that a building should be there, not even a parking lot. Just a plain field of grass where the Tower of Fate should be.
"Nothing's there." Superboy finished
"Take us down." I ordered lightly M'gann took us down to the empty field, leaving us all confused.
"Wally, circle around to look for any hints of the Tower, please." Without question, Wally speed around the area to find a clue, while the rest of us stood and waited. This was indeed Red Tornado coordinates, but there was not even a piece of the tower there. There was nothing but air. I felt the ground to try to find any evidence of a tower but there was nothing. We should have expected the Tower to be harder to find. This is a Sorcerer Supreme we are talking about. I stifled a small chuckle as I thought of the fact. Mr. Nelson has always been a tricky man. Wally skidded to a halt, his face telling it all.
"Nothing. This isn't simple camouflage."
"So what do you think, Adaptive micro-opto-electronics combined with phase shifting?" Artemis asked expertly
"Absolutely.." M'gann flew down beside us causing Wally to do a complete turnaround.
"Not. Clearly mystic powers are at work here." Artemis and I both let out an annoyed scowl before turning away from the boy. He clearly does not like the art of magic, yet he still puts on this charade, simply to impress a girl. It all seems so out of the way. I let out a small sigh as my fingers ran through my long white side bang. Kaldur walked in front of us confidently, as if he had it all figured out, something I have always admired about the young Atlantean. His confidence, and level headed demeanor always seemed to demand the respect of a leader, even in the most simple of task.
"A test of faith. Stand behind me." We all watched as he smoothly moved the key as if he were unlocking a door. Much to the others surprise, a tall structure showed itself to us.The clay bricks stacked themselves upon one another nearly roughing the stars.It reminded me of the structure of a castle in the Middle Ages, brought here in modern times. a smirk danced on my lips as I thought of the cleverness of it all. Magic has always been fascinating to me, it is the only thing I can not understand and that captivates my imagination with the infinite possibilities of its use. This tower appeared from thin air because of a key, it is miraculous. I placed a hand on Kaldur's shoulder acknowledging his quick thinking before stepping in with the rest of the team.
The inside as I expected was as a castle would be, and I should expect nothing less from the one and only Doctor Fate. Torches lined the walls giving off a mysterious and mystical lighting. A purple rug laid on the ground showing off Doctor Fate's high status and I was captivated by the mystery of it all. Chills ran down my spine into the winged that have been tucked away in my thin, loose fitting, black jacket.
"Uh, where'd the door go?" Superboy asked. Suddenly, a projection of our very own Kent Nelson looking down at us.
"Greetings. You have entered with a key, But the tower does not recognize you. Please state your purpose and intent." Before any of us could answer correctly, Wally stepped up and spoke for us.
"We are true believers, Here to find Doctor Fate." The holographic image frowned at us disapprovingly before dissipating. Without warning the floor beneath of slid open, throwing us into a boiling lava like vegetables in a soup. M'gann grabbed Wally, as Artemis used her grappling hook to catch herself and Kaldur, and I stooped low to grab Superboy, flinging my own Snow White wings outwards. Since Superboy was so much further away from me, I had to speed down to grab him, but I wasn't fast enough. Superboy had clung to the walls of the hole we were stuck in, only for his feet to hit the lava, destroying his boots. I wrapped my arms underneath his armpits and used my strength to fly us up with ease.
"Those were my favorite boots. This Nelson guy better be worth it." Note: the tower does not appreciate trespassers. The heat was high from the lava, making sweat roll down my face. I noticed M'gann was beginning to slowly fall down and it made me realize that both her and Kaldur's weakness is the heat. Their physiology are can not take this extreme heat. I flew over to my Martian friend and she swung her arm over my shoulder, holding onto Wally and letting me hold the 3 of them up, which I did with ease.
"Having trouble Maintaining altitude. I'm so hot." M'gann stated weakly
"You certainly are." Wally flirted.
"Wally!" Artemis yelled before I got the chance to.
"Hey, inches above sizzling death, I'm entitled to speak my mind." He fired back Slowly, I noticed that the four of us getting lower to the ground. My wings, though strong, and light, can only handle so much resisting weight. They are still quite new and have yet to fully grow into their full wingspan, not to mention the fact that I am not use to putting this much weight on my wings. I moved my wings a bit faster trying to hold the four of us up, but they began to feel a bit strained.
"My physiology and M'gann's are susceptible to extreme heat. We must climb out quickly." Kaldur said, He looked weakened and drained from the heat. Being Atlantean, heat on the land must make him dehydrate quicker than normal, unlike M'gann whose body just is not use to the extreme heat.
"Hello, Megan. We never truly answered the question. Red Tornado sent us To see if Mr. Nelson and the helmet were safe!" Almost instantly, a floor covered the blazing lava giving us a platform to stand on. M'gann almost immediately dropped Wally to the ground while I slowly lowered us down. I expected the ground to be burning hot, but once I bent down to check it, I realized that the ground was cool to the touch. A smirk played on my lips as I found myself once again excited by the mystery in all of it.
"This platform, it should be red-hot, But it is cool to the touch." Kaldur pointed out to us
"How peculiar. I love it!" I exclaim happily clapping my hands together. Superboy and Kaldur looked at me incredulously making me blush. We were just inches away from our imminent death, maybe I should hold my enthusiasm for a different time.
"Enough! Your little "impress Megan at all costs" game Nearly got us all barbecued." Artemis yelled to Wally, I turned towards them seeing Artemis finally reaching her ropes end. Wally had taken this a bit far, usually I would just let him go with his antics, but this time it was too childish of him to continue this game despite the dangers.
"When did this become my fault?"
"When you lied to that whatever it was And called yourself a true believer."
"Wally, you don't believe?" M'gann asked The rest of the time looked at the red haired boy with slight shock and disbelief. Honestly, I had no Idea that Wally not believing in magic was so hard to fathom. It always seemed apparent to me that Wally was a boy who valued science and its theories rather than magic and it's endless possibilities. He uses science as a means to understand that which seems incomprehensible, which is hard to do in our line of work. After all of our awaited looks Wally finally cracked.
"Fine! Fine! I lied about believing in magic. But magic is the real lie, a major load." He defended
"Wally, I studied for a year at the conservatory of sorcery in Atlantis. The mystic arts created the skin icons that power my water bearers." Kaldur explained
"Dude, you ever hear of bioelectricity? Hey, in primitive cultures, Fire was once considered magical, too. Today it's all just a bunch of tricks." Wally argued
"You're pretty close-minded For a guy who can break the sound barrier in his sneakers." Artemis insulted
"That's science. I recreated Flash's laboratory experiment, and here I am. Everything can be explained by science."
"Oh! Let us test that theory!" I said excitedly, I looked for a way to open the platform.
"Wait! The back-draft from the lava will roast us alive!" Wally tried to explain, but of course I did not listen. Glancing over to my right I noticed a handle, I pulled the two platforms apart revealing the winter wonderland below us, much to my discomfort. The cold, brisk winds hit my face, stinging me softly. Though Mgann's and Kaldur's physiology call for a cooler environment, my body can not physically stand it for too long. The cold to me feels as if someone were stabbing me all over my body. I can not stay in extremely cold environments too long, an hour at most, if I am lucky.
"It's snow." M'gann said
" Do you ever get tired of being wrong?" Artemis teased. One by one we all began to jump through ground into the winter wonderland, me regrettably being the last. A small groan escaped my lips as I bit my lip. My hand ran through my hair out of slight frustration. Come on Rose, tough it out. You can handle a few minutes in the snow, they will not even need to know about your weakened state.
Throwing up my hood, I jumped through the door landing on my two feet. I pulled my wings close to my body in an effort to stay as warm as possible in the cold mountains. The others, who were once again looking at Wally in disbelief, seem to not notice this, but there was Mr. Nelsons cane floating not even 10 feet away from us. The golden aura around it made it pretty evident that it indeed held magical properties.
"Um friends?" I pointed The rest of the team looked over to the cane. Artemis confidently walked over to it inspecting it cautiously.
"Ooh. Maybe it's Nelson's magic wand." Wally rolled his eyes before speeding over to it, grabbing it at the same time as Artemis had.
"I got it. Ahh. I can't let go."
"I got it. Ahh. I can't let go." The two of the spoke in sync so well that I almost thought it was planned. Suddenly the two flew up into the sky surrounded by the golden aura, then disappeared into thin air. The four of us remaining looked at each other wondering what happened to them. Another harsh wind blew making me whisper violently, and slight pain to surge through my body. A small whimper let through my lips as I pulled my jacket closer. It is not as cold as it could be, so i am not feeling the full symptoms, but I can already feel that use of my electric powers are dropping fast. Almost like the weather, which I am sure is well below 20 degrees. This is not good.
We decided it would be best to move forward as they clearly were not returning anytime soon. The bad news is we have been walking for 15 minutes, and I could feel myself getting a little weaker. Another harsh shiver waved through me followed by the painful effect of the cold.
"I don't understand Wally. It's almost like He needs to believe the impossible can't happen." M'gann finally let out.
"Wally uses his understanding of science to control what he cannot comprehend." Kaldur explained
"Acknowledging the existence of magic would be to relinquish the last vestige of that control." I finished as I shivered madly Kaldur placed a hand on my shoulder and looked at me concerned.
"Are you alright? You look pale." I noticed that both Superboy and M'gann were looking at me concerned. I must look worse than I feel right now.
"Contrary to you and M'gann, my body weakens in the cold. I will be better once we get out of the cold." I said pushing forward.
"How much longer can you take it?" Superboy asked with a small sigh I pulled out my hand and tried to spark as much electricity as I can. A pathetic, little spark came out, nothing compared to the amount I usually put out. In a small amount of time, my electric powers have diminished into nothing. Even though I am certain I can take the cold for another 30 to 45 minutes, my body shuts down my powers in order to keep me as warm as possible.
"Long enough for us to find a way back. Come, we have not a moment to lose." All of our heads turned at the sudden noise. A door was open similar to the one that brought us, much to my happiness. I felt a sudden warmth go across my shoulders as Kaldur smiled down at me. I placed a hand on the black and grey coat he draped over my shoulders with a small smile on my face. My face heated up slightly from his sweet gesture. His coat still had the scent of an ocean breeze, one I have to say I love. I can almost imagine what it would be like for him to wrap his arms around me while I am wearing this. I shook my head before pressing on with my friends. Oh my, I really should not be thinking about that at a time like this. We rushed to the portal opening at the top of the hill, and as soon as I went through I felt myself fell to the ground. Luckily my catlike reflexes were not affected by the cold, allowing me to land in a roll, leaving Kaldur and Superboy to fall to the ground. M'gann floated down beside me with a smile while the two boys groaned. Artemis rushed over to us, much to my relief.
"Rose, how wonderful to see you again." Mr. Nelson said to me. A small smile cracked on my face from the sound of the older man voice. I am happy to see that he is alive and well. He is a very sweet man who does not deserve to get hurt.
"It is great to see you as well Mr. Nelson." I returned politely suddenly electric filled blast the area. Slower than normal, I moved out of the way of the blast, holding onto Kaldur's jacket tightly. A small boy with a child like demeanor holding an orange familiar stood next to a middle aged man whose hand was pointed at us. I instantly recognized them as the false magician Abra Kadabra and Klarion, a god of chaos. Mr. Nelson taught me about them when I was learning the basics of defending magic with him. Mr. Nelson grabbed Wally, pulling him along into a golden bell. Almost immediately, I saw Klarion swoop down towards the bell as well. Without thinking I held out my hand trying to force my lightning out towards him, but only a small weak electric pulse came out.
"Son of Anubis!" I yelled out in frustration Klarion disappeared into the bell. With my abilities still weakened, I am virtually useless, in long range attacks. Then there is the fact that I am not experienced enough to know the quickest way to return my strength. If I could just get close enough to Abra Kadabra, I know I can win in hand to hand combat. I heard a loud yell come from both Kaldur and Superboy snatching me out of my train of thought. They both laid curled up in a ball as Abra Kadabra's electricity surrounded them. Then he shot Artemis causing the same thing to happen to her. My heart raced from the adrenaline of battle and fear for my friends. I have to do something quickly:
"M'gann link up with Wally and tell him we need Dr. Fate. I will try to take care of Abra Kadabra, but I will not be able to hold back Klarion!" I ordered she nodded as I ran pushed my weak legs forward. Like an eel, I zig-zagged my way around the electric shocks Abra Kadabra sent at me, not sure what would happen to me if I do not. I heard M'gann yell out in pain, letting me know she had been hit as well, fueling my anger.
"Hold still, you child!" He sent another electric blast at me, this time bigger and faster than the last. I did a somersault to dodge it narrowly escaping it, but before I hit the ground I was hit with the electricity. I flew back, unexpectedly not feeling anything but power surging in me. Landing on all fours, I looked down at my hands finally feeling my electricity surging through me into the air around me. His blast must have kick started my powers, like jumpstarting a dead car battery. A smirk played on my lips as I stood up straight towards him.
"Well what a pleasant surprise." Truth be told, I am not that experienced using my powers. I have always prefer to rely on my physical strength and abilities in combat because I fear I would not be able to control it. Mr. Nelson, however, taught me that when dealing with magic my power over electricity might be the easiest choice. So in cases like these, I have to disregard my fears. Focusing hard on the little power his last gave me I pulled the electricity in the air and around my friends to me and sent my own powerful lightning towards Abra Kadabra. The false sorcerer flew back into a staircase falling to his knees. I stood tall as my own light blue sparks clapped around me as I glared at the villain, who was beginning to stand up. My friends began to stand up and regain their strength. I can tell they were still really weakened but they were free at least.
"Let us see whose electricity is superior." The look of fear and intimidation appeared on the man's face as I began to charge up enough power to push him back to the ground. My hair rose up slightly from the static in the air around me while I unleashed my lightning at the poor man. A pained yell escaped Abra Kadabra's lips as he fell to the ground unconscious. Everyone looked back at me, surprised I did not merely knock him back. A bright blush of embarrassment washed onto my face as I looked down.
"Umm… I may have...miscalculated."
After bringing Abra Kadabra to the hands of the proper authorities, Wally found us and told us that Mr. Kent Nelson had passed away. Klarion killed him resulting in Wally putting on the helmet of Fate. Normally, those who put on the helmet becomes the new Dr. Fate, but Mr. Nelson saved Wally by offering his spirit to Nabu until the proper host for Dr. Fate appears. Unfortunately that means he will not be able to see the love of his life, his wife Inza, until that happens. Needless to say the ride back to the cave was quiet. It was only fitting considering the death of such an extraordinary man.
Hey guys! Couple of things:
Thank you all so much for the reviews and favorites and follows! I really appreciate the support!
To Emrys Ivy: Rose doesn't go out too much because some of the members of Justice League still don't trust her. The times she does go out, she wears a bigger jacket to hide her wings and wears her hood up to hide her hair and eyes. In the next chapter Hawkgirl will give her a better way to blend into the civilian world.
The next chapter is going to be a character development one, so it shouldn't take me too long to write. Hopefully 3 weeks.