Chance
Washington
The Justice League transported down to see the National History Museum under attack. The police had cordoned off the area, but there was nothing they could do against he attackers.
"Magic,' Superman said with chagrin, feeling it the moment they materialized. "Why does it always have to be magic?"
"Everybody, stay sharp,' Batman shouted, as they fanned out and moved towards the museum. He glanced at Hippolyta, but didn't say anything to her. If she noticed, she gave no sign. Her sword and shield were raised, ready for whatever came.
Hippolyta could feel the adrenaline rushing through her veins and had to will herself to remain calm. It had been a long time, but the energy of battle was in the air. Her blood was pumping as she moved forward, ready for the attack. Out of the mist surrounding the museum came unearthly moans and then shuffling figures began to appear.
"What are they? 'She asked, when she finally found her voice again. She heard a collect groan from the other members.
"Zombies,' Wally replied. "The walking undead, great and I just washed this suit!"
"I hate zombies,' Zee groaned. "They always stink and it's one of those smells that lingers, you know?"
"I know,' Wally replied. "Why couldn't be something cool, like robots or showgirls?"
"Showgirls?' Dinah asked. "Why would showgirls be robbing the national gallery?"
"Well, you know, evil sexy showgirls,' Wally offered. "Like the Rockettes, except they are sexy, high ass kicking thieves!"
"God, you are such a pervert,' Zee commented.
"Could we focus, please?' Batman grumbled.
"So are they dead?' Hippolyta asked.
"Well, sort of,' Dinah answered.
"So they're alive?' Hippolyta asked.
"Not really."
"Not really? Well, what are they then?"
"The undead,' Dinah explained. "They are dead, but they walk and crave human flesh."
"Why human flesh?' Hippolyta asked, more confused by the moment.
"I don't really know to be honest,' Dinah replied. "That's just their thing, I guess."
"You know, I've always wondered about that too,' Wally spoke up. "I mean what do they get out of eating people? It's not like they are starving or anything, they're dead. Besides, if they were starving, wouldn't they shuffle off to a grocery store? That's what I'd do, head right for the snack isle and grab like fifty boxes of Ho-Ho's or Ring-Dings."
"I'd go for the New York strip," Zee offered. "I mean if I was a zombie and hungry that is."
The whole time the zombies were getting closer.
"Could we stop with the what we'd do if we were zombies chit-chat and concentrate, please?' Batman growled.
"Just tell me, are they dead?' Hippolyta demanded.
"Yes!"
"Then we don't have to worry about killing them,' she replied, hacking the closest zombie in half with her sword. It seemed to be the signal for everyone to go into action. As more and more zombies poured forth, the heroes wasted little time in eliminating them. Superman rose up and was just about to take out a large group with his heat vision, when a bolt came from out of the mist. He grunted in pain and dropped to the ground. The others watched him fall and then turned back as a figure emerged from the mist.
Jagged bolts of mystic energy suddenly flashed out through the mist. Before Zatanna could counter it, a straight jacket and gag were wrapped around her. Wally started to run, but with each step it seemed as if he were running in deeper and deeper quicksand. Dinah and Batman were knocked off their feet and went tumbling across the parking lot. Hippolyta and Jonn were the only ones standing, as the figure emerged and they knew instantly how he was.
"Felix Faust,' Hippolyta shouted, vividly remembering what he'd almost done to Themyscira.
"Well, if it isn't the new Wonder Woman, how nice,' he said with a laugh. Jonn launched himself into the air, the bolts of energy passing harmlessly through him. Faust watched him for a moment and then whispered some arcane words. With a wave of his hand, fire erupted all around Jonn.
"I did my homework, Martian, you don't like the fire, now do you?"
Wally was still moving at three times the speed of the fastest normal human, but he felt like he was frozen in ice. He wanted to get the gag off Zee, but the zombies kept coming. Hippolyta was slashing and hacking her way through them, while Faust watched and laughed.
"Your daughter was no match for me and needed help, so you have no chance, Hippolyta,' he taunted her.
Hippolyta grunted, but didn't reply, too busy fighting zombies. Her sword flashed through them and her shield clubbed those that got too close. Faust's laugh rang over the entire area.
"Give up, all of you,' he shouted. "Let my minions make it a quick and painful death for you!"
Out of the smoke and mist something black came whizzing towards him. He raised his hands to defend himself, but the object exploded filling the air with gas. Faust coughed and gasped, as the gas seemed to attack his lungs. It took a few moments, but managed to say an incantation eliminating it.
"You will not subdue me so easily,' he shouted.
"Wasn't trying to,' Batman replied. "Just distract you long enough."
Red beams shot down from the sky wiping out scores of zombies. Faust looked up to see Superman hovering overhead.
"You can't hope to win."
"Elohssa!' A voice shouted and then Faust felt himself being hurdled back hard against the granite wall. Zatanna came stomping forward, the anger plain in her eyes.
"No one puts a gag on me unless I agree,' she fumed.
"Oh really?' Wally spoke up with a huge grin.
"In my act you pervert!"
"A lucky shot, child,' Faust shouted as he got back to his feet. He raised his hands above his head, ready to cast another spell but he never got the chance. Hippolyta had made her way through the zombies and as Faust brought his hands together above his head, she fired her sword impaling his hands to the granite. Black Canary cut off his scream with a flying kick to the jaw. He slumped down unconscious, hanging by his hands. Superman finished off the rest of the zombies as the spells were broken and the team assembled in front of Faust. Hippolyta reached up and pulled her sword out, allowing him to crumble to the ground. She wiped it off and put back in the scabbard.
"Looks like another win for the good guys,' Wally said.
Hippolyta glanced over at Batman. He briefly looked at her before signaling the Tower.
"Not bad, for your first time,' he said and then moved away.
"Yeah, team,' Zee said mockingly and received a glare from Batman.
Themyscira
Artemis slowly came back up the beach and picked up a towel to dry herself off. She had never been bothered by nudity before, but something about this moment made her feel a little shy. She wrapped it around her and then tentatively glanced over at Diana. Diana was looking back at her.
"We should talk."
"Yes, we should."
Diana had been going over and over what she wanted to say, but when the time came, she said something she hadn't expected to say.
"Are you in love with me?"
"Wh-What,' Artemis gasped in shock. "NO!"
"Well, you didn't have to say it like that,' Diana replied, a little hurt by how quickly and vehemently Artemis had denied it.
"What kind of question is that to start a conversation with?' Artemis asked.
"It just came out, " Diana admitted.
"Well, someone has a pretty high opinion of themselves, don't they?"
"I didn't mean it like that,' Diana grumbled. "It's just that when people do, what we did, it sometimes leads to that is all I'm saying."
"I thought you said it was your first time,' Artemis asked.
"I've talked to people,' Diana fired back. "I've read stuff okay?"
"So are you in love with me?"
Artemis sat down on the sand next to Diana.
"No, although I do like you more than I used to,' Diana said with a smile. Artemis laughed and some of the tension eased.
"I feel the same way, my Queen."
"Now don't start that,' Diana complained.
"All right, just teasing."
"Don't.'
They were quiet for a few moments.
"So are you sorry about what happened?' Artemis asked.
"No," Diana admitted. "Surprised, shocked, yes. Are you?"
"No, can't say I am,' Artemis stated. "Right now, I can't say I'm sure I want it to happen again, but I'm not sorry about it."
"I'm not sure I want to again either, but can I ask a favor?"
"I thought I already did you one last night,' Artemis joked.
"Now who is thinking highly of themselves?"
"Sorry, what's the favor?"
"Could we keep this just between the two of us," Diana asked. "The thought of Donna finding out is too horrible to bare. Plus, I don't know about you, but I'm really not looking to answer any questions about it."
Artemis seemed to consider this for a moment. The thought of everyone asking her about it made her cringe a bit. She liked being something of a private person, but if this got out, that would end. What would the other Bana say if they knew?
"Yes, I agree, this is just between us,' she finally said. "We tell no one!"
"Thank you,' Diana said in relief. They smiled at each other and then stood and started back towards the palace.
"You know, you really are quite a good kisser,' Artemis offered.
"I thought we weren't going to talk about it,' Diana gasped.
"I was just saying."
"Well, don't." Diana paused and then added, "You're very good too."
"Thank you, my Queen."
"Oh, shut up,' Diana grumbled and put her arm around Artemis.
"Don't paw me!"
Metropolis
It was late when the knock came at Clark's door. He got up and slipped into a pair of jeans and a flannel shirt before going to open the door. When he did, he found Hippolyta standing there. She was dressed unlike he'd ever seen her before, in just a plain blue dress and low heels. She looked lovely.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you," she offered.
"No, please, come in."
She stepped into his apartment and he closed the door.
"So what's up?' He asked.
"I was hoping we could talk, if that's all right?"
"Sure, have a seat."
They moved over and sat down on the sofa. Clark wasn't really sure what to make of this, but could tell something was on her mind. Hippolyta looked at him and a smile flashed across her lips.
"I find there's no one at the Embassy I could talk to,' she began.
"I'm willing to listen,' he said.
"The battle earlier,' she continued. "I wouldn't admit this around Batman but I was nervous at the start. It has been a long time since I've been in a battle."
"I thought you handled yourself very well."
"Thank you, Clark,' she replied. "It felt strange being there at first, dressed in that outfit. I wondered if I'd made the right choice and if I could do it. Then once the battle started, I felt a surge of energy. I'd almost forgotten what that was like. When we won, I felt exhilarated. Even after I returned to the Embassy, I felt amazing. I was so keyed up I found myself walking the halls. I could tell this worried the staff, but I couldn't explain to them why. I wanted to talk to someone but I found there was no one to talk to. So I came here."
She looked at Clark and he realized how alone she must be out here in the world. He knew this wasn't about what happened between them; just that Hippolyta needed a friend. He gave her a smile.
"How about I make some coffee and we can talk?"
"I'd like that."
Gotham
A cold hard rain had started.
Masami clutched her overcoat tight to her breast as she stumbled along the brick wall. Her breathing was ragged.
Crane's drugs were still in her system.
The damage to her body inflicted by him sent agonizing waves of pain through her slender frame. Blood dripped from her fingertips and her muscles and bones screamed for her to stop; yet she pressed on.
Another surge of nausea hit her causing her to lean heavily against the wall. Her knees buckled and she had to will herself not to fall to the ground. Clawing at the rough bricks, she managed to pull herself up and lean her back against it. The world shifted, bending and pulsing before her eyes.
Weakness.
Just the hint of it in these parts of Gotham brought the human cockroaches out of the woodwork.
It's been said the meek will inherit the Earth, which raises two questions, when and how? Most are a little hazy on these questions, preferring to skip right to the Rapture, where the juicy stuff gets going full bore. Another word for meek is fearful. Who's more fearful than the weak? Perhaps the answer is in looking at human as animals, which they are.
Weaker animals band together to attack the stronger animals. Individually a dog has no shot against a deer, but get a hungry, desperate pack of them together and the odds shift. The weak have numbers on their side. Perhaps we are witnessing them inherit the Earth right before our eyes. With each passing day we see, the rich and powerful retreat behind gates and fences. They have basically giving up on being part of society as a whole. They remain in their little island sanctuaries, while the weak begin to band together and make demands unheard of before now.
Gotham is no different. The police and government officials have surrendered whole sections of the city. Every decent citizen knows which areas not to go into. Bands of roving gangs move through these parts looking for someone or something they can attack and profit from. Individually they may be weak, but they still have the same desires, weaknesses and anger as everyone else. When they band together, these dark desires come out in acts of violence and rage. The worst abuser is someone who has been abused. They know the scent of weakness because they have lived with it their whole lives.
Masami could see the shadows moving, but wasn't sure if it's real or more of the nightmare illusions induced by the drugs.
"Warriors, come out to play,' a haunting high pitched voice shouted. Hard angry laughter followed and she got her answer, it was all too real.
One by one they stepped from the shadows. A ragtag band of mismatched clothes hung from their feral bodies. A symbol, one they probably didn't even know it's meaning, appears on all of them, identifying them as part of the pack. Her vision momentarily cleared and she could see the excitement in their eyes. They saw her as a victim, alone and weak, while they were many and strong in numbers.
She straightened her back against the rough brick wall, waiting. They taunted her but she said nothing in reply. They took her silence as fear. This was fine with Masami, for she knew it only adds to their overconfidence.
"Walk away,' she finally said, her voice shaking as she fought against the drugs. Many of them laughed thinking this was false bravado on her part. A few though, the smarter ones didn't laugh and took a second, longer look at her. Eventually, if this gang survived, they would be the leaders, but right now they moved to the back and let others make the first attack.
They were clumsy, so sure of their numbers that they didn't consider tactics or strategy. She waited, not trusting her vision. She let them get close enough to touch her before she reacted. The first hand that pawed at her shoulder broke with a sickening snap. Using him as a shield, she willed her body into action. Bones broke and blood spilled, as she stayed in close not allowing them to use their weapons. Masami absorbed several of their blows, which added to the pain, but it didn't stop her.
Screams filled the alley as she gave no quarter, breaking these young men, reminding them they were weak and she was strong. Some turned and ran, the fear overtaking them. The smartest one stayed on the edge of the battle. Somehow he knew this was his moment. If he could take her down, she had already killed enough of them for him to take command.
If he succeeded, this gang would grow and prosper, becoming a force in Gotham's future. This moment would decide all of their fates. He slowly pulled his gun and took careful aim. A strange calm came over him as he squeezed the trigger. As the bullet hurdled towards Masami countless possibilities opened for just an instant. The bullet's aim wasn't true and hit her in the shoulder. She stumbled back but didn't fall. The possibilities close.
He fired again and again, each succeeding shot wilder than the previous one. Somewhere deep inside his mind he knew he's missed his chance. His possible bright future suddenly went dark. He stood pulling the trigger but had long run out of bullets. Masami's coat fell to the ground and the dragon began to move. The young man's eyes went wide as the air around him shimmered and then the dragon engulfed him. He didn't even have time to scream.
Fate decided.
Masami could feel the blood oozing from the wound as she grabbed her coat and stumbled away. She paid no attention to the bodies all around her. As she reached the edge of the river, the last of her strength gave out and she tumbled into the water. The current swept her away.
The Watchtower
Having defeated Felix Faust, several of the members had returned to finish out their shift. No new threats arose, so the next group of heroes relieved them. Some linger, not quite ready to get back to their regular lives. They are friends, having shared so many adventures together. Like most friends, they teased, joked and laughed with and at each other. For someone on the outside it may seem juvenile or silly, but every group of friends were like this.
Wally, Shayera, Mari, Dinah, Zatanna and Jonn are sitting together in the cafeteria.
"God, I'm bored,' Wally offered.
"We just fought a battle with Felix Faust and won, can't you just enjoy that?' Dinah asked.
"That was like hours ago,' Wally replied.
"Would you rather be saving the world constantly, Wally?' Jonn asked.
"Well, no, but how about a little excitement?'
"You should be thankful we don't get more excitement,' Jonn said as he stood up. "I for one, am glad things am a little slow tonight."
"Do you ever have any fun, Jonn?' Wally asked.
"Yes, Wally, I do."
"So tell me, what did the Martians do for fun?' Wally asked. "I mean say you were just sitting around with some of your green friends what would you all do to pass the night away? I'm curious."
Jonn seemed to think about this for a moment.
"We would tell stories,' he finally replied.
"Dirty stories,' Wally said, wagging his eyebrows. This earned him a smack from Shayera.
"Actually some were, but most weren't,' Jonn said with a smile.
"So tell us a story, Jonn,' Mari asked. "I'd like to hear one of your stories."
The others nodded, but Jonn dismissed this.
"I'm due in command, plus I'm not sure they would translate well in your language. Dinah, take your time, I should be able to handle things for awhile."
He nodded to them and walked off. Dinah watched him go, thankful for the few extra minutes before she pulled her shift in commanded. After he left, Wally turned to the others.
"So who's going to tell us a story?"
"Seriously?' Shayera asked.
"Sure, why not? How about you Dinah?'
"Why me?' she asked.
"You're the oldest, um, ah, I mean the most experienced,' Wally said, quickly correcting himself. He still received a glare from Dinah.
"How about the guy who is about to become a eunuch,' she grumbled.
Wally went pale and shifted away from her.
"That doesn't sound like a happy story."
"I'd like to hear it,' Zee teased. Wally slapped her and she slapped him back.
"Well, someone should tell a story,' Wally said, giving Zee a look. "Shayera's out of the question, so that leaves…"
"Why am I out of the question? 'She asked, cutting him off.
"All your stories are about fighting,' he explained.
"Yeah, they tend to be heavy on the warrior thing, Shayera,' Mari agreed.
"I know other stories,' Shayera protested.
"Really? Like what?"
"Well, um, ah, I can't think of any right off the top of my head, but I know them!"
"Okay, sure you do,' Wally said. "So that leaves Zee and Mari. Zee's in show business so it looks like it's up to you."
"I'm in show business too,' Mari said.
"Yeah, but you're a model,' Wally countered. "Your job is to look fantastic, which you do, by the way. Zee's job is to look fantastic and be entertaining."
"Thank you, Wally,' Zee said with a smile.
"Why don't you tell a story, Wally?' Dinah asked. "Wait, scratch that, I already know the answer to that question.'
"So what do you say, Zee, tell us a story,' Wally asked.
"And not a battle story,' Mari said, glancing at Shayera.
"I'd like a battle story, but I guess I'm outvoted,' Shayera snidely replied. "At least make it something we understand, not one of those freaky magic stories, please."
They all looked at Zatanna now. She was caught off guard by this and fumbled to think of anything.
"I don't know any stories,' she finally offered.
"Oh, come on, you've been in show business your whole life,' Wally replied. "Your dad must have told you a million old-timey stories, just tell us one."
This seemed to spark something in Zee's memory.
"Okay, I know one,' she said. "I'm not even sure why it suddenly came to me, but I'll give it a shot."
"Excellent! Now wait just a second and I'll get the refreshments,' Wally shouted with joy. In the next moment he was gone and then back. Drinks were in front of everyone and a bowl of popcorn sat in the middle of the table. Wally took a big handful and stuffed it in his mouth, motioning Zee to start. She took a deep breath and then looked at everyone.
"Okay, he told me this when I was about fifteen I think,' she said. "We'd moved again and I had to start another high school. I'd just made friends at the last one and now I had to do it all over again. I was miserable and didn't think I could do it. My dad sat me down after I came home that first day and asked what was a matter? I told him I didn't want to go back it was too much. He gave me a hug and then told me this story."
Mari and Shayera reached out and took a handful of popcorn. Dinah ran her hand down Zee's arm as if to offer support.
"He said when he was younger, a friend of his got in trouble with the law,' she continued. "It wasn't anything real serious, but the guy had to do thirty days. Now thirty days doesn't sound like a lot, but I guess it is when you're the one doing it. So the guy was given the option of thirty days in the country jail or thirty days in the workhouse. He picked the workhouse. It was like jail, but during the day they went out and worked around town, kind of like community service back then."
"Thirty days in the hole,' Wally mused.
"Shhh!" The others said to him.
"Well, the guy told my father the first day they sent him out to the humane society. There were all kinds of dogs, strays and the like. He had to go into this one pen where there were thirty dogs, all wild and vicious. He did that for half a day and then they made him walk these dogs. It was all fenced in, so the people running it thought they'd have some fun with the guy and gave him a female dog, one in heat."
"Ewww,' Mari groaned.
"Exactly,' Zee said in agreement. "The guy's out in the big fenced in field with a female dog in heat and all the male dogs start running towards him. Apparently it was like dog orgy time for two hours."
"Wow, he was literally walking fucking dogs,' Wally offered. He received several smacks for that. Zee gave him a look, but continued with the story.
"So the day finally ends and the guy is back in bunk that night. He's thinking to himself I can't do this. Twenty-nine more days of this, I just can't do it. Now he's locked in at night so he can't go anywhere, but he's already thinking of running away, just taking off the next morning. It seems crazy, he only has thirty days, but he can't imagine making it through. He has all these wild thoughts, about being on the lamb, changing his name and just starting a new life."
Zee took a drink of her coffee, while the others waited for her to continue.
"So the next day comes, 'she said, finally continuing. 'He doesn't have any chance to really get away and besides they have him doing something else, planting flowers or something. Anyway, the first week ends and he's working with another inmate at a church washing dishes after their fish fry. They finish up a little early and are sitting outside smoking a cigarette waiting for their ride back to the workhouse. It's one of those great early spring days, when there is a warm breeze and the trees are just starting to bud. The two guys start to talk and the other inmate tells him that he's been in there all winter. The guy is amazed that anyone could last that long. The other inmate says well, on the bright side it was the first winter he hadn't gotten head lice. So as my dad's friend slowly moved away from the other guy, it suddenly occurred to him, that as bad as he thought it was, it would pass. It was something he would make it through."
Zee finished and sat back. The others sat in silence for a moment.
"What kind of weirdo friends did your dad have?" Wally finally asked. Zee smacked him.