25

Zatanna was startled to be facing the beauteous Angelica Blaze. Her cherubic expression and features belief allegiance with an evil entity like Wotan. Who had regenerated as a female once again. Despite the supposed randomness of the regeneration cycles, Wotan had manifested as a male far more frequently in the historical context.

Blaze just caused Zatanna to wonder what type of being was she dealing with. Angelica's necrotic energy blast just further muddied the contemplative waters. And she seemed to enjoy the paradox that she presented.

"What? Don't I meet your assumption of evil?" Angelica gave a throaty laugh, "Maybe this will help."

And she transformed into the Nephilim co-ruler of Purgatory with a demonic appearance to match. Zatanna pondered these new revelations. Nekron didn't bestow his power on demons. Yet Lady Blaze easily wielded hellfire as it danced and arced around her. So she was at least partially demon. Human-demon pairings had been forbidden since the Great Cataclysm that decimated most of humanity and the race began again.

"Aw, you look confused. How about I just end your conundrum?" Blaze delighted in her own humor.

Zatanna began weaving reverse spell magic under her breath.


Madame Xanadu stood watch over Jay Young's body while his astral seizure soul projected itself. She took the duty to be a sacred trust. Unfortunately, the immortal seer known as Madame Xanadu had a poor history with fulfilling trusts.


Shade the Changing Man used his Techno-Vest to alter local reality to try and capture Ian Karkull. Shade's vest could alter reality at local levels, open doors to alternate realities and alter doorways between to prevent future crossovers.

But Shade couldn't detect the wider Multiverse. Separate dimensions of what was loosely defined as reality were in place but the easiest transition was from one Earth to another. And Shade couldn't find any others. Including the universe he was originally from.

Once there had been an infinite multiverse. And suddenly there only fifty-two universes out of infinity. The danger had loomed but it seemed stayed. So no one had looked any further into it. The Lords of Order had stood and silently witnessed the death of another fifty-one universes it seemed. Through no reasonable explanation of what had befallen the infinite Multiverse and why it would crash down upon the lone remaining universe.

And still, no one was doing anything.

Shade opened a portal to the Shadow Realms and thrust Karkull through it. But Karkull lashed out and the Techno-Vest was destroyed, sealing Karkull in his hated prison once again. And the exploding vest killed Shade by warping his internal organs as it backlashed from the damage it had endured.


Mindwarp found himself frustrated by Damian Darhk. Darhk had agreed to Wotan's plan in exchange for mystical support for Darhk's resurrection of HIVE. He intended to gather up the vestigial remnants of Leviathan, head hunt from Basilisk, and recruit every disgruntled minion of nefarious organizations who would rather see themselves make considerable contributions. And then he would crush the League of Shadows and wrest away control of the League of Assassins.

Before parting company with the League of Shadows, Darhk stole the Spear of Destiny from its vaults. He used the same spear to summon the Valkyrie as Adolf Hitler had while fighting the future Justice Society. Brunhilda herself led the force of shield maidens.

The Valkyrie battled Mindwarp while Darhk targeted Jay Young's body. Darhk expected Madame Xanadu to be forewarned since she had the True Sight delivered through her deck of cards. But instead she was so distraught over her readings; she shuffled and dealt the cards again and again as she tried to force a different outcome. She was oblivious to Darhk plunging the spear point into Jay and killed him. Mindwarp vanished in an explosion of psychic energy.

Darhk spared Xanadu, preferring to use her talents in the future.


Deadman came upon the mismatched pair of Chain Lightning and Wendigo. He tried possessing the bestial Wendigo but the mythic spirit within the transformed human resisted him. So Deadman seized control of Chain Lightning's body.

He sensed her electrical powers and nearly fried Wendigo. Wendigo gored Chain Lightning in retaliation. As she began to die, Deadman used the last ergs of Chain Lightning's power to kill Wendigo. And he vacated her body as her soul detached itself. And the spirit of the Wendigo left its human host and sought out a new one in the frozen north.


Nightmare Nurse used her voodoo healing powers to repair the rupture within Ghost of the Deep's psyche that prevented him from moving beyond. But before he faded from his misspent existence, he used a blast of psychic energy to permanently erase Nightmare Nurse's mind to the point her body forgot to keep itself alive. The sad truth being her voodoo worked on others but not herself.


Ragman's costume was literally alive. Each rag cloth patch was composed of the soul of a condemned man or woman. They received a hundred year sentence to contemplate their lives and a chance for redemption or damnation. It seemed cruel to most but it evaded the instant determination of Heaven or Hell. It still amazed Ragman that most still chose damnation over repentance.

Ragman was battling Wizard and Shade. Wizard threw dark magic death darts at Ragman. But Ragman could draw on the life energies of his captive souls. And Ragman's cape and cowl were alive as well.

Ragman sensed the injuries being inflicted on his captives and their desire to avenge themselves. And he was more than happy to give them the opportunity. So Ragman marched on Wizard and his cape snared the sorcerer. And then he screamed as he was converted into a patch and added to Ragman's collection.

Ragman turned on Shade. The terrified Shade blanketed the area with darkness. But Ragman could still see his soul. But he chose to let Shade escape.


John Rook, the man called Nightmaster, faced Icicle and Tigress. His chainmail protected him from Icicle's freezing power and his sword shattered Icicle's ice made weaponry. But neither shielded him from Tigress.

Her first crossbow quarrel penetrated the chainmail to deprive Nightmaster of his strong arm. The second bolt punctured his leg. And the final quarrel went through Nightmaster's eye into his brain. After he collapsed, she slit his throat.

"Honey, you cook a damn fine roast," Icicle congratulated his wife.


Through occultic means the man that became Blue Devil didn't understand, his soul had been fused to a robotic body that became flesh. And Blue Devil's pitchfork could spew hellfire. None of which mattered against Solomon Grundy.

Deeply annoyed by Blue Devil's efforts, Grundy tore Blue Devil's limbs off and then finally ripped his head from his body. Since Blue Devil was still speaking, Grundy stomped on his head to finally silence him. Then Grundy tackled something hard for him to do. He pondered what to do next.


Thus far, Khalid Ben-Hussein's tenure as Nabu's host to form the gestalt of Dr. Fate, Khalid had never allowed Nabu to fully manifest himself and supersede Khalid's consciousness. As such, when Khalid removed the Helmet of Nabu, he went insane for increasingly long durations. But now, in an act of desperation and survivalist instinct, the bleeding and battered Khalid surrendered to Nabu during Dr. Fate's struggle against Wotan.

Dr. Fate opened his amulet and trapped Wotan within it beside Mordru. Khalid succumbed to his injuries and joined them as well. Thus The Helmet of Nabu lay dormant, seeking a new host to wear it.


Misfit threw magical hexes at Shadow Thief and Ragdoll to no avail. The hyper flexible Ragdoll just dodged them while Shadow Thief's Daemonite produced suit phase shifted her partially into the Shadow Realms. Finally, Ragdoll reached Misfit and used a backspin kick to the temple to knock her out.

Ragdoll lifted the unconscious Misfit's head by her chin from behind her. He prepared to deliver one final blow to break her neck. But Shadow Thief stopped him.

"No killing children," she demanded.

"She'll just annoy us later," Ragdoll spat.

"Her choice as an adult. But right now she's just obeying what she's been taught about us, true or not," Shadow Thief replied.

"Some badass assassin-super spy you turn out to be," Ragdoll bitterly complained.

"Would you like a demonstration of my skills?" Shadow Thief's voice held a dangerous edge to it.

"Nope. I'm good," Ragdoll wisely chose.

"Then let's regroup our comrades and reexamine our options," Shadow Thief suggested, "I know somehow that the Wizard is no longer with us and neither is our employer."

"Hell, we're screwed," Ragdoll was alarmed.

"Maybe not. If you'd been paying attention to more than this little girl you'd know this so-called 'Justice League' has taken heavy losses. They'll be distracted and their distraction is our opportunity."

"Damn lady, you're devious as hell. I like it," Ragdoll grinned.

"But we have to hurry," Shadow Thief warned.

"Can do," Ragdoll promised.


Goldilocks' hair had Killer Wasp and Geo-Mancer in strongholds. Every time one of them attempted to liberate themselves, she tightened her grip. But she surprised them when she released them once they'd quit struggling.

"I have a proposition for you boys," Goldilocks announced, "Take me to your leader and let's expand your horizons."

"How?" Geo-Mancer wanted to know.

"That's for your whole team to hear not just you exclusively," Goldilocks countered.

"Follow us but no tricks or else," Killer Wasp advised.

"You're funny," Goldilocks smirked.


The Morrigan were three sorceresses. Anan, Bellana, and Enyo fought as one against the prodigy known as Klarion Bleak the Witch Boy. The battle was swift and decisive. Overwhelmed the badly injured Klarion retreated back to his home dimension. But the Morrigan were also wounded and withdrew from the House of Mystery's current location in Chicago.


Kid Eternity fought through proxies against Rival and Gentleman Ghost. Rival battled solo against Swamp Fox and his men and Jonah Hex, Scalphunter, Batlash, Cinnamon, and Madame .44. The Revolutionary War-era Swamp Fox and his men posed no real threat against Rival.

But Jonah Hex managed to wound Rival with a well placed shot while he battled the heroes from the Old West. But Rival still managed to bowl Hex over. Meanwhile Gentleman Ghost snuck up on Kid Eternity and knocked him out. The heroes he'd summoned faded back into their respective pasts.

"We should kill him," Rival limped over to Gentleman's Ghost position.

"He's already dead," Gentleman Ghost shot down the idea.

"How do you know?" Rival asked.

"The dead can recognize the same," Gentleman Ghost shared, "Just like I know Wizard is no longer among us."

"Did he bugger off?" Rival was angered.

"No, this feels arcane," Gentleman Ghost warned Rival.

"Well, that just breeds opportunity. I'm sick of these magical bastards. First Johnny Sorrow then Wizard. They just blow us off when they feel like it," Rival bitterly complained.

"Shadow Thief is gathering the others," Gentleman Ghost pointed out.

"Hmm, let's see what she has to say," Rival scowled.


Anna Fortune came better prepared against Satanus than Zatanna had against his sister. Dr. Fate and Shazam had prepared her to always have a mystical shield against necrotic energy prepared. Unlike Zee, Anna recognized Satanus' dual nature at a glance. So she recognized Satanus' abilities to shift between dimensions.

But mystical portals between dimensions were basically punched through the null space between place-worlds. They were accomplished because of the relative proximities between dimensions. But the loss of the Multiverse had created an infinite null space that filled everything. And Anna had a spell casing designed to hurl a target to the far reaches of infinity.

Satanus was so overconfident he lazily let Anna select and load her spell casing. And his arrogance, he let her hit him with it. Transported beyond reckoning between dimensional folds, Satanus found himself far beyond the universe, Heaven, Hell, Apokolips, and New Genesis. Lost and directionless, Satanus could easily spend the rest of his immortal life wandering desperately looking for a familiar dimension.


Shiv proved to be an ideal opponent for Gypsy. Stargirl's arch nemesis didn't have a mystical clue. Her surgically implanted blades and robotic serpent staff were purely physical weapons. So they were easily understood by Gypsy.

Shiv watched Gypsy fade from sight. She was near the shadow of the House of Mystery, so Shiv backed away. As Gypsy followed, she began to cast a shadow. Shiv wore a cruel smile as she prepared to kill Gypsy.


ARGUS was collecting the wounded members of the Fourth Reich and detaining Baron and Baroness Blitzkrieg. Clean up crews were harking diligently to scrub away the messes left by Dr. Demon and Reichsmark. A search was underway to locate Baron Gestapo's missing head. When it was located in Goldilocks' quarters, Steve Trevor, Shayera, and Hula Hula tabled the discussion until the JLU had returned. But as troubled as they were, it paled in comparison to the haunted expression etched into Sir Justin's face.

Wonder Woman led the search for Goldilocks but Artemis determined she'd simply vanished in thin air. Trevor was skeptical, "That just doesn't happen."

"Yet you believe in a teleportation device," Artemis pointed out, "My lasso glowed upon entering Goldilocks' chambers."

"And that means something?" Trevor asked.

"Hestia forged the lasso to compel others to tell the truth. It also detects the presence of magic. Or the lingering aftereffects of the same," Wonder Woman explained.

"Who's magic?" Trevor wanted to know.

"Unfortunately, the lasso can't reveal that," Artemis advised him, "To determine that, you must search the records of your enemies with such capabilities."

"Shayera would know," Trevor decided.

"Then I shall work beside her," Wonder Woman volunteered.

Trevor thought the matter was in capable hands when a new alert was issued. Stargirl had returned with Power Girl and Black Mary alongside her. Considering Power Girl's status as a person of interest in a murder case, Trevor wasn't certain it was wise for Galatea to be at the Hall of Justice. But Black Mary was still considered a viable recruiting opportunity.

"The prodigals return," Trevor greeted them in the large foyer beyond the entrance.

"Stargirl got your alert," Power Girl told him, "We wondered if we could assist you but we saw the containment vans pulling out."

"We have other ongoing situations despite the Justice Society's departure," Trevor admitted, "The Justice League is on Baker Island. Penny and Zinda both flew there but we can't raise them. There's some kind of jamming field in place and Hula is going batshit crazy trying to raise them."

"So you're asking us to go there and investigate?" Black Mary asked.

"Official UN policy is that only the Justice Society can aid the JLU. But if you two were to accompany Courtney on her way to Baker Island I guess the jamming field would prevent me from ordering you off the island," Trevor suggested.

"Why is the League on some crummy island I've never heard of?" Stargirl asked.

"General Sam Lane based his operation there," Trevor revealed.

"Which means Superwoman is involved," Power Girl groaned.

"Actually, Maj. Lane approached Superman in an effort to prevent her father from resurrecting Lois Lane as a Bizarro clone," Trevor shared.

"Ick," Stargirl recoiled.

"Which seems to be everyone's opinion except the general," Trevor guessed.

"So you're afraid Superwoman led them into a trap," Black Mary deduced.

"It wouldn't be the first time Maj. Lane has done so," Trevor voiced, "You three have the raw power to bust loose any trap Lane can throw at the JLU."

"Consider the trap loosened," Power Girl promised.

The trio flew off westward to cross the United States to arrive at Baker Island in the mid-Pacific Ocean. Trevor and Shayera watched them go. Trevor was apprehensive while Shayera was wistful.

"Guilty conscience?" She asked him.

"I'm mentally writing my own epitaph once Waller learns I let Power Girl and Black Mary simply fly away," Trevor admitted.

"Consider this; Courtney went to Fawcett City to see Billy Batson. Hours later she returned with Galatea and Mary. We should check the dorms and see if Billy is here inside the Hall of Justice," Shayera suggested.

"You think Galatea and Mary Batson are living in New York City," Trevor stated.

"More to the point, I think Tea and Mary live near the Hall of Justice," Shayera told him.

"What makes you say so?" Trevor asked.

"Hula Hula noted a cab dropping off passengers near the outer fence line. They knew the camera placements because they subsequently disappeared. The garden entrance was opened by Stargirl and motion trackers recorded she had three people with her. Then only three people including Courtney exited into the garden and suddenly, seconds later, our fateful trio strolled through the main entrance," Shayera explained

"I'll send a pair of security agents to find Billy," Trevor decided.

"Steve…" Shayera scolded him.

"I think we should know where Galatea and Mary are or at least derive some contact info. Regardless of Waller's ire, they've shown they're willing to help when needed. And I don't truest they'll get word in time through the media," Trevor did his own explaining.

"I agree," Shayera shared, "But I don't think the JLU as a whole needs to know," Shayera advised him.

"Hula and I will represent ARGUS and the Ops Center. You can represent the JLers," Trevor offered.

"Agreed," Shayera conceded.

And when Billy was brought to them, they learned about Karen Starr and Starrware.


Superman came to Barda's aid. Barda was nearly as strong as Superman himself. But Bizarro was as strong as Superman and he fought with a brutal savagery. Barda finally kicked him in the balls to quiet him down. He sank to his knees and clutched his groin as he moaned. So it seemed her savagery was more profitable than Bizarro.

"Harsh but it worked," Kal-El mentioned to Barda

Barda pulled her mega-wand from her belt, "He hasn't seen anything yet."

But Barda's life force powered the wand so she could deplete her own energy using it.


"Supergirl is barely holding her own and Superwoman is getting her stuff together," Owlwoman observed.

"Then we run interference," Dr. Mist decided.

"We don't stand a chance," Belphegor complained.

"Not individually. But that's why we're a team," Mist replied.


The Ultramarine Corps leapt into action as Bizarro Lois put Supergirl through volcanic rock into a separate cave. She seemed more annoyed than anything to be swarmed by the corpsmen and women. Then she bolted as Supergirl and Superwoman began to rally. She pushed Superman and Barda to the ground just before she snatched up Bizarro and smashed her way through the elevator and up the shaft.

"Damn it!" Barda snarled, "She took us like we were rank amateurs."

"I'll call Zinda and get what direction they left in," Superman tried radioing to the flight support crew of Zinda and Penny. But neither pilot was answering.

"That's odd. I can't raise either Zinda or Penny. We need to talk with General Lane," Superman suggested.

"He'll just lie to you," Barda groused.

"How do you know he will?" Superman asked.

"Because that's all he does," Barda replied irritably.


As the fighting ended and Atom Smasher arrived, he had only one question, "Where's Anna?"

"And Gypsy," Vibe worried.


Reactron escaped from the Squire in time to see the Bizarro power couple burst out of the caretaker's house's roof. Reactron headed for the transport plane occupying the airstrip. Zinda triggered the charge she'd planted on a wing and crippled the aircraft.

Reactron debated trying to seize control of the Invisible Jet. But Penny guarded the boarding ramp with an ARGUS issue plasma rifle. Desperately taking flight under his armor's power, he hoped his energy reserve would last long to reach another inhabited island.


"Dammit, Mist. You and your Ultramarine Corps are finished. Get off my base before I have you arrested for treason and all locked away in Belle Reeve," Lane thundered.

"We were just leaving," Dr. Mist cast a spell and the entire unit vanished.

"Why the hell didn't anyone ever tell me he could do that?" Lane roared and subordinates scurried away, "As for the Justice League, you're all under arrest for treason."

Power Girl and Black smashed their way in through the Bizarros' exit and Stargirl followed. Lane exploded, "Everyone standing around in dereliction of duty seizes Power Girl. She's wanted by ARGUS for treason as well."

"And what about me, you dick general?" Black Mary demanded to know.

The JLers stared in shock at Mary's language. Lane reiterated his demand punctuated by a concluding, "Well?"

"Sir, they're United Nations. This could be easily spun into a jurisdictional nightmare in court," Agent Liberty advised Lane.

"Son, they'll never see the light of day again much less a courtroom," Lance did his own advising.

"Doesn't that violate the Constitution?" Guardian had recuperated from his fight with Bizarro Lois.

"Boy, your ass hanging by thread as it is. You turned on one of your own," Lane said disdainfully.

"And what about me, General?" Superwoman asked scornfully.

"Major Lane, you're under arrest for treason, dereliction of duty, aiding and abetting the enemy, insubordination, and just generally pissing of a superior officer. Will you willingly surrender or do I have to commit every resource to dragging you back here naked and in chains?" Lane asked his now-estranged daughter.

"Of course I'll comply. Don't be an idiot," Lucy Lane told him.

Lane fingered his holstered sidearm, "Get her out of my sight."

Lucy saw Superman start to move, "It's okay. Maybe this will force some transparency out of our unit."

"Never happen, idiot child," Lane snarled.

"Even if you managed to capture us on a second attempt, the rest of the Justice League will coming looking for us," Superman warned Lane.

"And they have extra help this time," Power Girl added.

"Galatea Hamilton, you are wanted for betraying your entire world to the Kryptonians. Will you come quietly?" Lane issued one last threat.

"Why do you even bother asking?" Power Girl wondered, "And a war crimes warrant and trial would be conducted by the World Court and enforced by the Justice League. They're free to arrest me if I'm facing any international charges," Power Girl rebutted him.

"Which she isn't," John Stewart spoke up, "And the Green Lantern Corps has intelligence that Power Girl infiltrated the Kryptonian colony of New Krypton and into their base of operations in Kandor. Despite being captured and subsequently tortured, she managed to escape in order to fulfill her mission and open a hole in the defensive grid to Almeracian forces could invade and neutralize the threat. Thirteen scouts being the only remaining Kryptonian soldiers. And they met their demise here on Earth."

"And did little miss perfect Galatea tell you what the Almeracians did to the Kryptonians in that colony?" Lane sneered.

"Almerac believes in enslaving their captives," Power Girl readily admitted.

"Slaves?" Superman wavered.

"By direct decree of Maxima herself. Lord Ultraa would have preferred to execute the entire population. Kalea pled the case to Maxima. Ultraa isn't pleased," Power Girl shared regarding Superman's former lover and his estranged daughter.

"You people are beneath pond scum and a waste of our valuable time. Just get the hell off our island," Lane demanded.


Up top, Power Girl and Black Mary said cursory goodbyes before streaking across the distance. Stargirl stayed with her teammates. Once aboard the Invisible Jet, Penny lifted off and flew for Brooklyn. Zinda did the same in her fighter.

"Courtney, what can you tell me about Mary's change of outfit and demeanor?" John asked.

"Mary doesn't receive power from her original benefactors anymore. Now she draws her power from the same source Black Adam and Isis did," Stargirl shared, "And I kinda guessed that some of Black Adam's bad attitude came from those benefactors and now they're influencing Mary."

"So do we still refer to her as Mary Marvel?" John wanted to know.

Stargirl saddened, "She prefers to go by 'Black Mary' now."

Further up the cabin Superman scowled. Barda immediately noted it, "Trouble?"

"Not yet. But probably any day now," Superman wearily told her.


Lane contacted the Wall, "Amanda, I need additional assets."

"I understand you arrested your own daughter," Waller replied.

"That spoiled brat is no daughter of mine. Lois is my only remaining daughter," Lane told her.

"May I remind you, Lois Lane is dead? That creature you created isn't even alive in the conventional sense of the word. And I understand you already lost her," Waller spoke softly but every word was a threat, "Fortunately for you, the government wants to retain its investment. So I will be sending you additional meta-human support."

"Can I ask who?" Lane wondered.

"Whoever I damn well please and you'll be grateful for the having," Waller's voice took a dangerous edge, "But, as a kindness, I've sent you their files over the secure link."

"Thank you, Director," Lane grated.

"Don't presume familiarity. You're still a fugitive," Waller signed off.

Lane accessed the files over his computer. Waller had reactivated the Civil Defense Corps and the Crusaders. Not to be confused with the Mighty Crusaders. The THUNDER Agents as well as the Fighting American had also been transferred to his command. Next time, the Justice League would fall. And Lane would piss on their graves.


"You deal with the swordswoman," Hangman ordered Web; "The other three are mine."

Web tried not to argue. There would be time enough for recriminations later. Gilotina certainly looked like she was adept with her blades. And felt free to attack a seemingly unarmed man with them.

But Web surprised her when he ripped a sword from her ironclad grip. But when he attempted to reach for it, her hand chop nearly broke his arm. Which Web had to wonder if it was fractured anyway because it certainly felt broken. Gilotina retrieved her own blade and slowly backed away from Web as he continued to fight her.

Web thought he was gaining the upper hand. And then truth dawned on him. And there was nothing he could do to stop her.

Hangman still battled Lashina, Stompa, and Mad Harriet. Lashina viciously broke through all of his defenses. Then she wrapped a lash around his throat and energized it.

Stompa kicked him over while Lashina kept her makeshift garrote in place. Stompa planted her antimatter soled foot on Hangman's chest and began eating his flesh away. Mad Harriet danced about like an insane bird.

But Hangman managed to twist Stompa's ankle and dislodge her. Then he snapped Lashina's lash. She rose and unwrapped another from her waist. Then Hangman's flesh and garments restored themselves.

"The Mother Box is already lost," Lashina declared to her troops, "These mortals are no longer worth our effort."

Mad Harriet opened a boom tube. Lashina turned to Stompa, "Open the floor beneath him."

She stomped and the floor buckled beneath Hangman. Gilotina led Web to her comrades and suddenly he was outnumbered four to one. And then the numbers grew worse.


Fly Girl's buzz guns kept Artemiz at bay. But just barely. Fly Girl had to rely on her wings to mover in erratic patterns to avoid becoming a pin cushion. Which also made it a helluva lot harder to aim at Artemiz.

Darkling had extended her cloak and wrapped it around Bloody Mary. Her dark energy drained Bloody Mary of her stolen life essence. Darla Lang's plan was to create a ravenous beast that would feed on her friends since Darkling could feel energy emanating from the Fourth World beings.

Malice stood by, stroking her familiar's energy essence. Artemiz had had enough, "Malice! Have Chessure retrieve Bloody Mary. Lashina has a boom tube open and is signaling an exit."

"Go Chessy, you know what to do," Malice ordered.

The shadow demon severed Darkling's cape and picked up the fallen Bloody Mary in its jaws. And then he retreated to return to his child mistress. Artemiz backed towards the other Female Furies, firing off arrows that came far too close to hitting Fly Girl for the other woman's peace of mind.


As the Female Furies departed, Hangman rose from the level below astride a shadowy owl. Darkling marveled as her cloak regrew itself. She wondered if she could get her normal clothing to do the same now. She had so many questions regarding what she could now do. Dora Keane's abilities and been entirely different.

The sun began to rise and Hangman knew his time drew to a close, "I must be away."

He flew out the shattered windows and dove for the streets below. When Web and Fly Girl looked below, they couldn't spot him unwittingly fooled by his transformation back to Dr. Robert Dickering. Web was infuriated.

"Now is a fine time for him to just disappear," he fumed.

"He'll be back," Darkling said from several feet behind him.

"Who the hell are you anyway?" Web demanded to know.

"And how do you do the cool things you do?" Fly Girl happily asked.

"Dora gave me her powers and I'm not sure why," Darkling admitted, "I'm really unsure of what all I can do."

"That covers the doing but not who you are," Web pointed out.

"My name is actually Darla Lang. But I know I'm supposed to become Darkling," she revealed.

"We'll see," Web activated his holographic screens and began surfing the Internet.

"Do a little gender swapping and Web here is our resident rich bitch," Fly Girl warned Darkling, "We need to do something about Dora."

"Let me," Darkling cloak settled on Dora's body and it vanished.

"How did you do that?" Fly Girl was amazed.

"I can teleport and my cape can teleport objects or people to where I send them. I think," Darkling wasn't entirely certain, "I'm just kinda winging it here."

"So...where did you send her?" Fly Girl was slightly anxious now.

"Something called the Simon & Kirby building," Darkling revealed, "It just felt natural. Why? Do you know it?"

"It's where we're staging from here in Los Angeles," Fly Girl shared.

"Shut it, Fly Girl," Web snapped, "I'll say this, Darla. You have a long list of priors. Especially as a juvenile."

"Those records are sealed," Darkling defensively snapped back.

"Not to me," Web warned her, "Why were you here? I'll find out anyway. "

"I was a courier working for the Auctioneer. I did deliveries across the US. That's it," Darkling admitted.

"What did you deliver?" Web asked.

"Puh-lease, first rule is to never ask or find out," Darkling told him disdainfully, "And another rule was to forget delivery addresses if you even made a direct delivery."

'The authorities will still need to ask you questions. Are you coming quietly or not?" Web sternly inquired.

"Of course I'll come with you," Darkling sounded exasperated.

"Damn," Web was disappointed.

"Forgive his ego," Fly Girl's eye roll was hidden by her fly eye goggles but the body language was unmistakable, "I'll be right there beside you."

"You should go below and alert Shield," Web countered.

"So you can take a swing and try and start a fight?" Fly Girl scoffed, "And since when did you give a damn about Shield?"

Web wore a sour expression as he signaled the elevator, "You two can take the next one."

As the elevator doors closed on him, Fly Girl shrugged, "He's a dick but he's one of our dicks."

"There's more?" Darkling sounded uncertain now.

"Black Hood and Hangman have their own dick-like moments as well," Fly Girl honestly shared.

"Thanks for the warning," Darkling grimaced.

"Ugh. Damn elevator is so slow," Fly Girl hit the button rapid fire.

"Allow me," Darkling swept her cloak over Fly Girl and she vanished. Then the darkness washed over her as well and when it evaporated, Darkling was gone.


Shield was still literally sitting on Maxx-13 and Mann-X when Web reached him, "Where's Fly Girl?"

"Making out with a crook," Web spat.

"Somehow I don't think so," Shield replied.

Fly Girl appeared out of a dark wave. Web was incensed, "You let that bitch go?"

"Don't let your panties crawl up your ass," Fly Girl hotly retorted.

A ripple of dark energy wavered and Darkling appeared, "Miss me?"

"Why you sonuvabitch!" Web lunged at her.

Her cape snared him and he vanished within its fold, "Ah, ah. Wrong gender pronouns," Darkling tsked.

"Would you care to explain where he just went?" Shield asked.

"The Simon & Kirby Building if I'm not mistaken," Fly Girl guessed.

"She knows me all too well already," Darkling smirked, "He can jerk off there or do whatever it is he does to get his rocks off besides verbally abusing me."

"And you are?" Shield asked.

"Darkling," she answered.

"Care to explain that?" Shield requested.

So Darkling told Dora Keane's story and how it became Darla Lang's. Shield easily digested the tale, "For what it's worth I hope you join the team. But that ultimately is Gen. Latham's decision."

Shield saw Mann-X and Maxx-13 stirring so he jolted them again. Darkling whispered to Fly Girl, "Now him, I like."

"We all do, with noted exceptions like Web," Fly Girl replied.

"And how does he react?" Darkling wondered.

"Shield doesn't let it threaten his dick," Fly Girl shared.

"There's a rarity," Darkling mused.


Black Hood and Jaguar rejoined their teammates in a commandeered Ford Mustang. Shield looked skeptical, "You stole a sports car?"

"Always buy American," Black Hood replied.

"You do realize most of that car was manufactured overseas, right?" Darkling interposed.

"Who's the kid?" Black Hood inquired.

"Hey! I'm right here," Darkling was getting irked.

"Let the adults talk," Black Hood dismissed her.

And then Darkling teleported him to join the Web with her cape. Shield hung his head, "You just can't go around doing that."

"When something works I tend to stick with it," Darkling told him, "Like jobs, music, books… boyfriends."

"Hello there, I'm Jaguar," she promptly introduced herself.

"Darkling," she replied, "And that confuses you. So for the third time, Dora Keane died and she passed her powers on to me. I don't know why and I don't really know what I can do but here I am."

"And I'm already glad you're here," Jaguar smiled.


Inferno rolled up riding a Harley, "I take it we're done here?"

"Special Agent Strander has a National Guard unit approaching to pick these two up," Shield informed him, "We're just staying on station to insure they actually do get apprehended."

"Saw War Eagle bringin' in Steel Sterling's body," Inferno told the group, "No sign of the Fox. Fly and Lancelot Strong's bodies were brought in by the feds."

"Fly?" Jaguar was stricken, "He's dead?"

"I forgot about you two. I thought Strander would have told you by now," Inferno felt miserable.

National Guard trucks arrived and Shield called it, "I think we need to get back to our staging area."

"Lemme handle that," Darkling teleported everyone just outside the main entrance. But she looked pained.

"You okay?" Fly Girl fretted.

"Seems I have a limit after all," Darkling admitted.


Upon returning, Carol informed them that Fireball's body had just been located, "But there's still no sign of the Fox."

"We have to find him," Fly Girl insisted.

Jaguar recognized that desperation, "I'll help her."

"So will I," Shield volunteered.

"I can have eyes on," War Eagle stated.

"And I can search faster than anyone else here," Comet reminded everyone.

"Comet, you take the greater metro area," Carol decided, "We don't know how far out he could have gotten by now. Start in Orange County and Malibu County."

"You do realize they're in opposite directions?" Comet wondered.

"You said you're fast. Prove it," Carol bit down on him, "War Eagle can take the downtown areas and circle out from there."

"I know where I last saw Fox," Fly Girl told Carol, "The rest of us can search from there."

"You all know what to do. Get it done," Carol offered, "Darkling, is it? Web contacted Gen. Latham. He'd like to speak with you."

"Of course," Darkling sighed.

On the rooftop where Fox and Fly Girl separated, Jaguar followed his scent, "He was joined by someone. Female by the pheromones. They went this way."


Fly Girl was miffed by that info but she refused to admit it. Painstakingly going rooftop to street, they followed Fox and She-Fox's trail. Usually greeting law enforcement details mopping up the broken gang members left in their wake.

They found Fox finishing his breakfast at a street corner diner that had managed to open as dawn broke. All of the windows and several tables were broken. Unconscious gang bangers were strewn about. Fly Girl was further miffed to find a second plate of half finished food setting beside Fox's.

"Hungry?" Fly Girl asked in an icy voice.

"You already know that plate isn't mine. She-Fox had some breakfast too. I guess she was hungry after beating up gangs all night," Fox told her.

"She-Fox?" Shield hadn't heard of her.

"My ex. I didn't know she'd started putting on a costume and mask," Fox admitted.

"And you left my ass to hang out to be with your ex?" Fly Girl was irate now.

"Kim, technically you left my ass behind to the point I had no idea where you'd gone. Then Delilah showed up on a madcap mission to get killed. A path I didn't even realize I'd set her on. If I hadn't had the utmost confidence in you, I would've insulted you by tracking you down. I didn't have that confidence in Delilah. I still don't. But that's an issue for tomorrow," Fox told her.

"You abandoned me for someone named 'Delilah' and it's my fault?" Fly Girl was insulted, "There's a colossal mistake of biblical proportions."

"Fly Girl, he's telling the truth," Jaguar promised her.

"You need to report everything you know about this 'She-Fox' to the MLJ," Shield insisted.

"Gladly if they can get her from suiting up again," Fox readily agreed.

"Why are you trying to protect her?" Fly Girl tried to stifle her burning anger.

"She became She-Fox for thrills not a sense of obligation or wanting to protect people. Simply for the adrenalin rush of kicking someone's ass. She's like a junkie and she'll kill herself to get a fix. Or kill someone else for the same reason," Fox told her.

"Okay Paul, I believe you. I'm still kinda pissed off but I can work through it," Fly Girl finally realized.

"Let's get back to the MLJ," Shield suggested.

"And now is when we could use Darkling's help," Fly Girl lamented.

"How could Darkling help?" Fox wondered as he reaffixed his mask.

"Not the old Darkling. The new Darkling can teleport people and herself," Shield shared.

"Care to explain that?" Fox asked.

"You boys go ahead," Fly Girl hung back with the utterly miserable Jaguar, "Maria needs to start processing her grief."


Big Daddy commanded the Web Hosts meeting Buster, Rad, and Rowdy in Louisiana. The former federal prisoners were being released from a federal courthouse in New Orleans rather than give up Belle Reeve's location. Upon picking up the wayward trio, Big Daddy handed over tactical control to Karen Thomas.

"What are our leads?" Buster asked the group after informed of their mission to locate Brain Emperor.

"Not much," Kevin Wells admitted.

"I'll make a call," Buster left the building. And she called Oracle, "If Waller wants me to owe her favor, you'll conduct the following search."


Jade and Jonni Thunder deconstructed their barrier wall as relief agencies and the National Guard arrived to secure their four square block "safety zone". Satellite radios were starting to report similar disasters across the globe which Jade to worry. Even Todd Rice and Alan Scott were ultimately vulnerable. After all, Obsidian and Sentinel were only mortal after all. Just like her.


Flagg's team was barely slowing Shaggy Man down much less surviving against it. And then suddenly, the creature broke to rejoin his master as Prof. Ivo made his escape per Phantasm's deal. She rejoined Flagg to inform him not to pursue Ivo.

"I have news regarding Deathstroke," Phantasm warned Flagg.


Saturn Queen halted Virtuoso's attack against the Titans. She'd contracted Deathstroke and therefore his Titans as well. Horus and Ultraman were barely mollified by assurances that someday they would once again meet as enemies and thereby be free to kill each other at that future time.

Ultraman mourned Shara's death the way all victimizers lamented the loss of their tormented targets. His wailing was ended by Flagg and the Suicide Squad's "Alpha" team bursting into the general assembly. Saturn Queen immediately hypnotized the diplomats into attacking the squad.

Saturn Queen chose to release her secret weapon. Becky Sharpe was the Gambler's daughter. As Hazard, she threw two dice and depending on the outcome, reality was altered to favor her and fail everyone around her. So Hazard threw her dice and then glowed as they left her hand.

Throwing two ones, a perfect Snake Eyes, the dice flashed energy that the Dome absorbed. And it began to fracture and the structure failed. Ultraman got the Secret Society of Super Villains to safety starting with Saturn Queen.

Deathstroke led the Titans to relative safety so they could return to their apartments nearby. Which left Flagg and Task Force X with evacuating the hostile diplomats.

"Enchantress, do something about the building," Flagg ordered.

"Unh…be…glad…my…magic…doesn't…affect…mortal…flesh," Enchantress strained.

The diplomats fought hard but they were dragged out of the building usually after being knocked out. Flagg went back for the sole occupant. He found her standing dead center in the Dome with a wild look in her eye.

"You wanted me, Colonel? Now you have me," Enchantress was drunk on the power she was drawing to keep the building intact. Which released the witch.

Flagg cracked her in the temple with his rifle butt. Then he slung the unconscious Enchantress over his shoulder and ran for the light of day as the building collapsed around him. Psi waited at the entrance to pull the pair of them through the doors before the entire structure had collapsed.

"Thank you," Flagg gently laid Enchantress down.

"It was self preservation. Don't get sentimental," Psi advised.

"Thanks anyway," Flagg reported.

"Pathetic," Psi stalked off.

"Your remote detonator is broken," Silver Swan whispered from Flagg's side.

"But no one else knows," Flagg told her, "You and Phantasm just be ready if anyone figures it out."

"I'll tell her," Silver Swan promised.

"Are you the reason I have a god awful headache?" June Moone moaned and she unsteadily tried to sit up.

"Easy, June. Where's Enchantress?" he asked as he steadied her.

"She must be tired to let me come back so easily. Not that she was unwilling to share the concussion," June struggled to see straight.

"The hair thing gives you all away, just like you said it would. Blonde for June, red for your shared ego, and raven for pure Enchantress," Flagg observed.

"At least until Enchantress discovers bleach and hair dye," June tried to ruefully amuse.

"Could she magically alter her hair color?" Flagg wondered, "To appear like the shared ego?"

"I don't think it would ever occur to her. She's vain that way. Besides I don't think her magic can affect herself. That whole mortal flesh thing. And as long as my body hosts her, she's flesh," June reassured him.

"Or so we continue to hope," Flagg still worried.

"So Colonel, you look like a man that wants to kiss someone. I'm guessing that's me. Are you going to?" June looked mischievous.

"Not here," he warned her.

"Trust me, these monsters already know. If not, the last five minutes gave it away," June rationalized.

So Flagg indulged.


"We have an asset flying Flagg's team back to Belle Reeve once they break out of the Parisian penal system and make it to the sub waiting in the Seine. Afterwards they'll be taken to a secure location on a Danish island and flown here," Gwen recounted for Katana, Nightshade, Firehawk, Phantom Lady, Doll Man, Firebrand, Hack, and Oracle, "Waller is currently pissed by the fact both Flagg and Unknown Soldier allowed the team to be captured in the first place much less Flagg being broadcast making out with June Moone. There will be repercussions."

"Not mention four hundred injured diplomats and Saturn Queen getting away," Nightshade added.

"That isn't fair," Phantom Lady protested, "Saturn Queen could be living in the White House and no one would ever realize it."

"Thanks for the opinion, Stormy. But Eve's right. Waller will only see this outing as a failure," Gwen admitted.


Luthor arrived at Fort Siegel to find it manned by Ultra-Humanite and the former Legion of Doom, "Is everything prepared?"

"El-Faddil and the others are prepared to travel. A helicopter awaits further orders," Humanite answered.

"I hear you successfully pushed Saturn Queen into precipitously attacking major organs of the United Nations," Luthor chuckled.

"Your plan and motivators went as expected. Saturn Queen is limping back here as we speak," Ultra-Humanite confirmed.

"Then let her return to an empty house," Luthor decided.


Ryder Industries began the opening bells by attacking Carnes Development. Within minutes shares had traded to threaten Charise Carnes' investments and lease agreements had been terminated at an early date to be renegotiated with the new landlord. And Carnes' properties were vandalized by Duela Dent's Jokerz gang. Joker's Daughter's Jokerz opted for pure destruction instead of thievery and intimation.

No one being aware Knightfall and her Disgraced would respond not in kind but in an escalated fashion.