Disclaimer: I own nothing but this story. The challenge for this fic is Conner-centric…and a couple other pairings. Sooooooo-read on and tell me how I'm doing. I do love hearing from you all.
And, just so you know, after this chapter, I'm raising the rating to Mature just to be safe.
Anyway, here we go.
Chapter 3-
The Marking…
A spikey brunette, blue eyed older teen leaned over a railing. The nineteen year old Valon, former Doma duel soldier of the man Dartz, was a passenger on a ferry. He was visiting someone. An old friend. He reached up and adjusted his signature goggles, a frown marring his handsome features. Valon yawned and ran his other hand over his face. He hasn't been sleeping well. Strange dreams and nightmares plagued the southern accented young man.
If he had been any other person, he would have dismissed them as nothing more than dreams maybe even due to stress. But he wasn't. He use to duel in the name of a man who used magic and ancient monsters. He was no stranger to powers that went beyond normal human understanding. Whatever was happening to him was very real and growing.
His dreams were always about something crawling out from the dark. At first he had considered it something to do with the Nameless Pharaoh and the Millennium Items but Valon wasn't so sure. Every time that thing came for him, his power armor cards formed a barrier around him. Sometimes, they'd attach to him and propel his dark surroundings away. Valon wasn't above admitting he was starting to freak out.
"Figures somethin' had ta' show its ugly mug." He sighs, "And I was starting ta' really enjoy myself, too. I sure hope the guys 're having a better time than I am."
When the ferry docks, a familiar blue eyed, blonde is waiting for him.
It has been several weeks since Pegasus last saw Conner Kent. The former wielder of the Millennium Eye and current billionaire was drinking a rather expensive bit of wine with a plate of gourmet food in front of him. He was sitting in an ornate dining room within Industrial Illusions American headquarters. Pegasus had been surprisingly busy since his return to the country. Other CEOs from other corporations, LexCorp and Wayne Enterprises, in particular sought to build alliances with him. If he was some other normal business man he would have been flattered and just a touch suspicious. As it was, Pegasus was well aware. Perhaps more so than even the notorious Justice League.
Pegasus was well aware that there were mystical forces in the world. Forces that not even Superman or the entire Green Lantern Corps could take on and hope to win. The Shadow Realm was one such force. Wonder Woman or some other individual with a relationship with magic would be slaughtered in moments. Magic or any other form of energy was like a beacon in that realm. They attract the monsters and without an Item or an established spirit bond, whatever dares to trespass, meets an unfortunate end. This is particularly true for metas. The silver haired man remembers a day when his security had brought him a rather troublesome meta trying to break into his company's files.
By the time Yugi had beat him in a duel, the meta's soul had been too degraded to even resemble one. Mercifully, he ended its suffering. Consequently, he discovered the meta's body was especially resilient and had to have it disposed of. The experience taught him how particularly vulnerable non-humans were to the shadows. Pegasus only had a theory as to why that was. And there was no real way to test it without serious repercussions.
The Shadow Realm was a dimension of death. In ancient times it was a means to cause extreme suffering as a form of punishment. It gave a whole new meaning to the phrase, "slow and painful death." The very essence of the soul is rendered weak but is not killed. Death is merciful, neutral. The Shadow Realm drained the victim of the will to live, to love, to hate, to feel anything at all. Pegasus theorized that as metas, whatever ability they had was another form of energy, energy that attracted the shadows to the point of accelerating the painful experience. While their physical forms were sturdier, it did nothing to protect the mind, leaving the victim trapped with an agonizing experience; drained of energy twice as fast while trapped in a body that could take double the punishment of a normal human.
Humans, Pegasus hypothesizes, were in some way more resilient. And that wasn't just an educated guess. There are documented cases of humans doing incredible feats, enduring and surviving, when they should have succumbed to defeat, to death. Starvation, torture, animal attacks, winters' bitter wrath are all examples of hardship that humans have managed to overcome. Human born destruction like that of the holocaust during World War II is another profound illustration of humanity's ability to bear with unbearable torment.
Pegasus believed that whatever allowed humans to survive such cruelty, allows them to persevere in a harsh place as the Shadow Realm.
But again, this was all just a theory. Pegasus wasn't going to test it to find out.
Regardless of the difference, his time left him with a profound understanding that only a handful on the entire planet-or the entire galaxy, if one wanted to be specific-know of. Shadows were neither light nor dark. They were passive until provoked and then they were as ferocious as a rabid wild beast. Trespassing into shadow territory was one such way to enrage those who call the dark dimension home.
Knowledge of this power seemed to have fallen onto curious ears.
Pegasus wasn't surprised. The League of Shadows-and what an insult that was to actual Shadows- did have operatives all over the world. They would be the ones to pick up such information or witness one of the notorious shadow games.
This lead to an increase in rumors spreading about the Shadow realm and it's magic. The ability to consume gods and demons alike is of special interest. Pegasus has had several unwelcomed guests. But none stayed for long. Even though he doesn't have the Eye any longer, he still has considerable power. Why? He doesn't know. The Shadows still bent to his will, answered to his commands. It was as if he had never lost the golden artifact.
He wasn't complaining of course. Without the magic, he'd have a harder time getting rid his admirers. Unfortunately, while that slowed the number of assailants that came to visit him, that seemed to confirm some unspoken question as to existence of shadow magic. That was when the numerous and generous offers started to find their way onto his desk. To say the billionaire was annoyed was an understatement.
Lex Luthor wanted power. That was no question. Whether that was to kill the superheroes or to gain a political advantage, didn't matter. They were one and the same. For someone like Luthor, the shadow monsters would have a great time devouring his soul. The taint that man carried around with him marked his soul. The shadow monsters will not obey him, no matter how many souls he offers in sacrifice. Of that, the silver haired man was sure.
Bruce Wayne was another matter entirely.
His connections to the Justice League were an unspoken secret. So acquiring information or even a user of shadow magic was more or less his angle. The down side was that wherever Wayne's interest was invested in so too was the Leagues'. So the attention from the more openly magic inclined and those not was to be expected. The talks with Zatara, Wonder Woman and even Captain Marvel (as strange as that was…and he liked that hero, what with the Captain having a preference to his toon monsters) were…difficult. Telling them to go away and leave the shadows alone without actually outright saying so required a certain frame of mind that Pegasus could feel slowly escaping him. For now, it seemed he was getting a reprieve from all the attention. (Of course, he made sure to be extra polite to the Captain. After all, anyone who could appreciate his toons deserved some courtesy).
But he knew it wouldn't last. Wayne and Luthor were both stubborn. Fortunately, Pegasus had ties to Seto Kaiba, CEO of Kaiba Corp and Duke Devlin, creator of Dungeon Dice Monsters. Both had substantial backing in Japan and had established branches internationally. America was the final major frontier. It wouldn't take them long to gain roots and then Pegasus would be in a better position, financially, to rebuff the others more effectively.
As it was, the billionaire's dining room had several monitors along the walls in front of him. Each screen was playing a particular event or duel. One specifically large screen has his complete attention. "Kiba", the pen name adopted by one Conner Kent was a growing American favorite. Pegasus had the security around Kiba's identity upgraded and constantly monitored. If Conner didn't want his real name released to the public than the silver haired man would do what he could to ensure that to the best of his ability.
He was glad he had decided to take such measures.
They've had several attempts and with each blatant endeavor, Pegasus became more affronted. Nevertheless, Conner's identity was safe and the billionaire had to praise the teen for his change in wardrobe. The mask was a nice touch. The stylish lace covered the upper half of his face and left his mouth free from the soft binding. To his further amusement, it drove some of his fans into frenzy. Pegasus chuckled at Conner's misfortune. Fans could be vicious hellions.
That same group of fans has grown with each victorious match. Pegasus was pleased to see the teen progressing and showcasing just how formidable his beasts were. There was no sign of the elusive Rainbow Dragon but Pegasus wasn't worried. There was plenty of time…
Time...Pegasus frowned. That word sent an echo of-trepidation/fear/impatience/exhilaration-from the dark corners of the room. The Shadows were agitated. That meant one of two things: someone was dabbling in powers beyond their understanding or…or the shadows were reacting to something stirring, awakening-something old.
It seemed Dartz was not to be the last. The mess that man had made was catastrophic. Beside the horde of souls he collected over the centuries, the wide spread pandemic that he caused nearly ruined Duel Monsters. However, with Dartz and the Leviathan subdued, the memory of that time was erased. The world was given a clean slate. Unfortunately, those who were closely involved did not share in the world's ignorance.
Pegasus was one of those few. His tie to the Shadow Realm and the time his soul was used as a puppet in Dartz's duel insured that his memory remained unhampered with.
The silver haired man stared at Conner's visage and the ease with which he utilized the crystal beasts. There was no question he was the one they had been waiting for. There could be no question that finding the boy around the same time that things were starting up again was beyond mere coincidence.
"You feel that too?"
The voice comes from behind the billionaire. Pegasus isn't surprised. He is very familiar with this person. He glances over his shoulder to meet grey eyes and short red hair. The twenty year old was Alister, one of Dartz former swordsmen. He's wearing dark jeans, biker boots, and a navy blue shirt underneath a leather jacket. After having his soul freed, the red head had gone in search of any survivors, family or otherwise. He found that task increasingly difficult but Pegasus and Alister had reached an accord and the billionaire provided whatever the former swordsman needed.
The results were relatives residing in America but Pegasus didn't push for why the young man kept his distance. If memory served him right, the man had a cousin-or was it a half-brother?-who was both deaf and had a rather uncanny resemblance to his brother. With this information in hand, Alister chose instead to stay on as a swordsman of Pegasus. Something the silver haired billionaire did not see coming and that wasn't the only surprise either.
His exposure to the bottomless power of the Orichalcos had created a rather prominent pathway. With that power gone, another took its place. Shadow magic.
It shouldn't have surprised him. From what he was able to gather, at the very end, when Dartz's magic almost overwhelmed him, the Pharaoh's shadow magic protected him and then repelled the corrupted power of the Orichalcos. This one instance, cemented the power of the shadows. Never would another power overcome it or stop it and neither did that mean that it would bow to just anyone. But Pegasus had to admit that Alister and the other two young men were formidable opponents. They did prove themselves. The blonde duelist even managed to hand the Pharaoh a defeat and if that wasn't worthy of acceptance than Pegasus didn't know what was.
The power of shadow magic also came naturally to the three but didn't taint their soul. Pegasus attributed this ease with the time they spent in Dartz presence or to the resolve they displayed after the truth of their circumstances that landed them in Dartz services. So hearing Alister mentioning the same disturbance as he had not a few moments ago was not a surprise.
"Hmm."
"It's got something to do with this new kid, doesn't it?" That's not an actual question.
"Perhaps."
"Perhaps my foot! Something is happening. Something big." Alister glares at the screens all around them. He's unnerved.
"Of course something is happening. The forces of the universe care little for our desire for a peaceful lunch. But why do I have the feeling you know something I don't?"
"You know Rafael and Valon can feel it, the shadow magic. Only thing is, they've been having dreams too." The red head shifted his weight between his feet. "I'm not. That means something is calling out to them, like how the dragons chose which duelist would use them."
That was a terrifying thought. If duelist were being picked, then that meant that whatever was happening was already in motion. Pegasus wasn't sure if Conner was ready for whatever was coming his way. But with Valon and Rafael, Conner and whoever else was chosen had powerful buffers and even better allies.
"Then all we can do is prepare and hope we're ready. I doubt just because you weren't chosen you'll leave your friends to fend for themselves, after all, you've seen how effective teamwork can be." He chuckled, "And I doubt Kaiba-boy will be pleased."
"When is he ever?" Alister scoffs, "What about that League and their rivals?"
"They're helpless in such matters." He replies with certainty, "and what's more. Most of them, if not all, believe this to be nothing more than a simple card game. When the time comes, they will suffer the most. I almost fell sorry for them."
"Well, "when the time comes," isn't happening right now. Right now, you've got a pack of hyenas sniffing around where they don't belong. I doubt you'll be able to hold them off much longer."
"Then it's time to lay out some bait. It will keep them busy and even give Conner-boy an actual challenge."
"You're going to set him up? Won't that expose him?"
"Not quite." Pegasus takes another sip of his wine, "A rumor here, a whisper there and then we have both teams wondering 'what if?' and all Conner has to do is duel without giving himself away. It's really that simple."
"That simple, huh?" Alister gives Pegasus a disbelieving look. "And what makes you think they'll fall for that?"
"I'll be there of course. If I want to sell the idea, I just have to show up…with you at my side."
"Me?" the red head frowns.
"As my knight, Alister-boy," the billionaire chuckles, "you're as infamous as I am popular. They'll pay double attention with you there. In fact, they'll take your appearance very seriously."
Alister knew he wasn't lying. Ever since he started working for Pegasus, Alister's noticed the effect his position has had on him. Security, for one, was not only easier to get through but the other officers tended to shy away from him. When he was on the clock, he would switch his jacket for his biker coat, the one he wore when he was a pawn for Dartz, and then all he had to do was stand near the billionaire. Apparently, his presence was intimidating enough to cause several businessmen to scurry out of Pegasus' office.
There was also the fact that Alister wasn't a normal human, either. His new connection to the shadow magic that Dartz had vilified so passionately made him a very valid threat and if Alister were still his hateful, vengeful, self, he would have surrendered to the darker nature of shadow magic. As it was, Alister is fortunate he had something to ground him. He had his employment with Pegasus and he had his family, even if he hasn't formally met them. He will…eventually.
"Rafael's on his way. He should be leaving France any day now. Valon says he's going to head over to Japan to see if they know something…" Pegasus frowns at the uncharacteristic pause.
"Go on."
"They said they felt like they were being pulled in those directions. It's not…urgent but it was a persistent feeling. Rafael says Eatos was fidgety, restless."
"Then we can assume that whatever is going on will start here in America, or in Japan. Interesting."
"Guess I'll be scaring off more of your company then."
"Indeed." Pegasus grins as the various screens illuminated his dark eyes as they followed Conner's latest duel.
Black Canary made her way through the Watchtower corridors looking for a specific dark clad hero. She found him just as he was exiting the science wing, most likely having had a chat with Captain Atom.
"We have a problem."
Batman gave the blond heroine a frown before moving on toward the Monitor Room. He doesn't give her any indication that his listening but she follows him and starts to talk anyway. She knows he's paying attention.
"Robin came to me." There is a subtle shift in Batman's shoulders. "He was concerned that Megan's attention for Conner was detrimental to his health. I took what he said under consideration. But given his situation, I thought it better an excess of attention compared to none at all."
"I take it your opinion on the matter has changed." The pair makes it to their destination and Batman pulls up several holo-screens.
"Superboy has started to exhibit rapid behavioral changes. But you already knew that part. He's withdrawing from the team, his food intake changes day to day, and his mood swings have grown to the point that I'm inclined to have him tested."
Black Canary heaves a frustrated sigh. She runs a hand through her hair then moves to stand next to the Dark Knight. She isn't surprised to see him pulling up logs in the mountain and shifting through the surveillance.
"I also got a phone call from his school. He hasn't attended in weeks. No one noticed because he's had some of the other students cover for him."
"You think he's avoiding the school to get away from Miss Martin."
"Avoidance has been his new coping mechanism. He avoids training alone with me. He avoids the topic of Superman, doesn't even ask if he's aware of his progress. He avoids the team when they start to ask questions." She sighs.
"So they've taken to doing their absolute best not to upset him. But this cannot keep going. It's not healthy and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about if this was allowed to escalate."
"Superboy's proven he has issues with telepaths. Preventing the situation from spiraling out of control is preferable to dealing with it when it becomes detrimental to their ability to properly function. Recommendations?"
"You know what would be most effective." She gives him a hard stare. "Or should I say who?"
"We've tried that route." He stops to turn to the blonde martial artist. "We agreed he was no longer a viable solution."
"Then a find a way to make him a part of it." She gives him a fierce look. She wasn't budging from this. "Do whatever you need to but get him on board. Play dirty if you have to."
With that Black Canary turns on her heel and marches away. She pays no mind to whatever look Batman may be giving her. The only thing that matters to her is that Conner gets the help he needs and she's certain he needs Superman. This time the red caped man was going to be useful and if she had to have him dragged in by whatever was necessary then she'd do that. Conner's well being was all that mattered at this point.
He woke up burning.
Conner lurched out of bed and crashed to the floor. His face is pressed to the floor and when he takes a breath, every nerve shocks, fires and screams. His limbs stiffen and lock, trapping him on the floor. His hands twitched but did not clench. His spine lurches to the side, arching with a pressure that Conner was aware should hurt but could only vaguely feel. His tongue sat heavy and thick in his mouth. The corner of the room, where the wall and the floor meet is his only focus point and even that sight was waning.
His chest was being squeezed, something broke-the noise resounding throughout the room. Conner could hear it, could hear bone breaking, fracturing but cannot move. He opens his mouth, tries to at least, to call out but his muscles spasm. They do not move as he wants them to. Nothing moves as he wants it to.
There is a pressure on his chest, his legs, paralyzing. The more he fights, the worse it feels. He inhales air only to fall short. Everything constricts, tightens. He can't breathe…
Mercifully, Conner blacks out.
Unaware, he loses control of his body and starts to flail sporadically. Wolf whined from his place on the floor. He could do nothing as his alpha started seizing uncontrollably. The rest of the pack closes in but are likewise helpless. Lobo lies down beside Wolf, inches away from Conner's form. The other crystal beasts crowd around their vulnerable teen. They shift anxiously when blood foams from his lips, a harsh gagging cough clamors its way to meet their sensitive ears.
They don't move and Wolf starts to tremble. He didn't understand what was happening but he knew he couldn't call for the other two legged members. Lobo gives the smaller canine a soothing lick on the cheek.
"It's almost done." He reassures.
The seizure stops and Conner lays on the ground listless. Wolf and Lobo move in to clean his face, wiping away the blood and sweat gathering on his face.
Conner stirs slowly. His eyes flutter open and then close. He flexes his fingers, willing his body to respond. His legs twitch. Conner struggles to gain his bearings. He is unsure and careful. Ruby gently checks his back for any damage, making sure not to put any pressure on his spine. The teen gives a pathetic whine that ends in a dry coughing fit.
When he is able to feel his muscles contract sporadically, he dares to move. Placing his arms on the ground, he uses his arms to lift himself off the floor. His vision starts to swim and he falls down onto one knee. Mammoth steadied Conner around his upper arms with his trunk. The teen leans back slightly before forcing himself to his feet. Wolf and Lobo stay close to his sides as he staggers to the bathroom.
Conner drops himself into the bathtub as Lobo takes the shower knobs gently between his jaws and fiddles with the water until it's lukewarm. The dark haired teen sighs in relief before jumping slightly. His chest still hurt. With a care he would normally reserve for his cards, he slips his arms through his shirt, stops to heave a sigh, and then pulls the shirt over his head and off.
"Wh-what?" His voice is hoarse and it's painful to talk.
Covering the entirely of his upper chest was the Duel Monster symbol for Light. The kanji lines were neat…and fresh. The flesh on his chest was torn open and right away Conner could see why he was in so much pain.
"You're healing slows the marking." Lobo rumbles. "Try to relax. The less tension there is the easier it will be."
Conner could see what he meant. Parts of the wound were already scabbing over. He could see the skin knitting itself back together. Other parts of the Japanese word spill precious red life. Even those were already starting to close, to heal, only for the scabs to open and start the cycle over. It was a grotesque rhythm and the teen couldn't tear his eyes away.
"W-wh-," his voices cracks.
"Don't talk," Lobo quickly cuts in, "you're exhausted. The mark is supposed to move beyond the surface and onto the soul. It should have been done when you regained consciousness. I apologize, I had not considered the effect your abilities would have on this when I saw it starting."
Wolf carefully curled himself into the clone's side. Lobo followed his example and took the place on Conner's other side. Ruby, Cat, Tiger, and Eagle found spots within the tiny bathroom while Mammoth, Tortoise, and Pegasus hovered from the doorway.
"You have been burdened with glorious purpose." (1) Lobos sadly sighs and continues on, voice low, ears pressed back. "To defend, to protect…to die for the sake of others…that is your purpose. That is what this symbol has chosen you for."
Conner gives a small sound from the back of his throat and lolls his head to the side but even the flowing water does nothing to hide the teen's new tears or the discontent from the other crystal beasts. The teen knows the beast monster is referring to more than just his hero work. He knows Lobo isn't talking about possibilities but certainty. He will die saving the life of another. He comes to understand that he will never retire. He will never grow old nor have children. He was destined to die. The teen's chest tightens just as his muscles tense and pain blanks across his thoughts. Wolf licks his alpha in an attempt to comfort him. Lobo's ears lay flat on top his head and gives a pitiful whine.
Conner goes to wipe his face but stops at the sight of his hand. On the back of his hand, is a brand, a tattoo, glowing with a shimmering gold light. Right away, Conner recognizes the Celtic design but doesn't have the energy to remember what it means. He shows his diamond monster, a silent question in the air.
"Hmm?" Lobo cocks his head to the side in confusion. "It's familiar…it looks like…"
Lobo's eyes narrow completely focused on the new mark. He sniffs it carefully before giving the hand a tender, cursory lick. The white creature's ears immediately perk up in attention.
"It is." He presses his body into the teen's side almost as if he was trying to plaster himself to the teen. "Hope…"
He licks Conner's tears from his face.
"It is a mark for those who can, in their own way, turn on a small light in a dark room." (2)
Conner opens his mouth to try to say something but winces. It was unnecessary as Lobo continues on.
"It's different then this mark," he gestures to the wound on the teen's chest, "Alone, it stands for someone who is capable of bringing change to the world. Good change. It is separate from the question of life and death. What these two mean together, however, I cannot say."
The helpless look that Conner gives the diamond wolf makes Lobo hate himself for not knowing more. But the truth was that the sight of these marks at the same time on the same person was not something that was heard of before.
"I do not know." Lobo whispers. Conner doesn't say anything, couldn't even if he wanted to. He just buries his head in his monster's fur.
Nothing is said after that. The crystal beasts crowd as close as possible. Ruby joins the pile in the tub, curling herself on the clone's lap, uncaring if her fur got wet. Cat reaches over to make the water warmer before placing herself back on the floor. The night turns into one long night of healing and bleeding. Conner passes out, exhausted, before the sign on his chest is done and it is only as the sun starts to rise that the symbol disappears leaving behind not even a blemish.
In a lavish suburban home, a certain blonde duelist jolts awake, a similar burning experience spreading along her chest before it passes just as quickly as it started. The symbol of light disappears within moments and on her hand is a glowing Celtic tattoo. The meaning whispers to her from the back of her mind: Friendship. She stares in awe.
Erika watches, legs tangled in her sheets as elaborate lines glisten across her skin. The answer dances along her vision: Trust.
A brunette falls out of bed, shaking her hand as it, too, illuminates her bedroom. Branded on her skin is a Celtic knot. Suddenly aware, it symbolizes Happiness.
Valon clutches his chest with one hand. His other he holds at length, watching the glowing knot forming on the back of his hand: Love.
A tanned and blonde man, covered in sweat, watches his hand as that mark gleams in the dark room. He looks to the side where his monster, a woman garbed in a Native American dress with an eagle head worn as a crown, and a pair of clear eagle wings.
"Eatos." She gives her human a small smile and flexes her wings as she places a hand over his new mark.
"Peace, Master." Her smile grows, "Peace."
Right...so all the symbols are celtic symbols. I had links here for those of you who prefer visuals and for some reason the links arent showing up. If anyone is really curious PM me for the links until I figure out why they arent sticking onto the document.
But the lines I pointed out toward the end belong to these guys:
1. Loki's line in the Avenger's movie
2. Miep Gies words in the film, Freedom Writers
And now, my favorite part, Review! I do love hearing from you guys.