As always all characters are fictional. Wyvern, Deus, & Reaver are my characters. All other characters/locations are copyright of DC Comics & their respective creators.

His Misguided Protection: The Wyvern Arrives Part V

Though initially against the idea at first, Deus warmed to Wyvern returning to his quarters on the Moon Dragon. "All the necessary work's done CJ. The selected property has been purchased & modified & all the amenities have been taken care of."

"Excellent Deus, now, has my itinerary been updated?"

"Yeah, but, isn't Metropolis a bit risky? Why not do the running closer to home?"

"Because, Batman & Wonder Woman will be searching for me, I doubt they will want to bring the rest of the League in to look for me."

"You're their son CJ, they've probably called the friggin' FBI."

"Upload all pertinent data to the HUD, then please complete the testing on the systems in the Lair."

"You got it CJ. So when will you show you're parents your new swinging bachelor pad?"

'Teleportation matrix activated.' The digitized female voice announced.

"I swear I'm gonna sever that damn circuit next time he does that." Deus knew why he was having such a hard time, he'd thought his parents had died once before, but, when the manor was razed there had been a change in him. His family was gone, Batman, Wonder Woman, Robin, & Nightwing were all dead. Once he'd found who was responsible it was like CJ Wayne had died & The Wyvern was all that was left. Two years of chasing him while he destroyed planets & solar systems had been bad, but, at least there were three of them. Once his last friend had died protecting him Wyvern seemed to lose all his humanity.

"Man I hope this helps you get back to normal CJ." Deus, though nothing more than an advanced computer made from Lansarian technology & CJ's own brilliance, had developed a persona all his own. He loved how Superman had borrowed some of the personality software to improve his own robots at the fortress.

Walking down the streets of Metropolis on the cold autumn day was mildly nostalgic for Wyvern, as he remembered coming here often for WayneTech , or, Daily Planet business. As he neared his destination he was glad for his large black duster jacket, as it kept a great deal of attention from his face. His eyes, hidden behind his Oakley sunglasses, took in all his surroundings. As he entered the large dealership he cursed his luck as the female manager locked onto him as soon as he took of his duster.

"Welcome to Metropolis Motorsports, we're one of the premier dealers of motorcycles & recreational vehicles in the northern United States." She flashed a friendly & helpful smile that showed she was a seasoned saleswoman. "How can I help you today." Wyvern saw that she spoke truly, he'd thought his looks had made the manager choose him, but, every other sales rep was busy. His eyes locked onto the sales pamphlets of the bike he wanted & he plucked one from the stand.

"Do you have this in black with the silver highlights?"

"Of course, we've just gotten the latest models in. Now have you already?"

"Oh, I apologize." He pulled out the paperwork showing proof of insurance, his drivers license, & a certificate showing completion of the motorcycle drivers safety course. "Been riding since I got my permit." His tone of voice, he made sure, was one that wouldn't frighten everyone he met, though his throat felt odd as he'd not been used to using a normal voice for so long.

"Oh, wonderful. Now, these bikes are the fastest production model in the world, they actually have a chain drive. This is a bit more expensive, but, it helps with maintenance."

"I hate to sound rude, but, I have an appointment & I came here to buy, not finance." He hoped this would help to quicken his exiting the dealership with transportation. From the smile that spread on the manager's face, he knew he'd guessed right.

"Why don't we go have a look." Once in the showroom he saw the bike he was looking for, he'd owned an earlier model before the death of Earth.

"Do you mind if I?"

"Oh no, please go ahead." The bike he'd picked was larger than most of the other 'crotch rockets', but, his height made the bike a perfect fit.

"Wow, looks like you were made for this bike. Now, we also have an apparel shop for helmets & gloves, you already have a jacket." One of her office staff hurried up to the manager & whispered in her ear.

"Well Mr. Prince, it looks like everything checked out fine, we'll have you out of here on your new bike in no time." Wyvern turned quickly & spoke up.

"Would it be alright if, while the paperwork is being drawn up, I visit the apparel shop?"

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I forgot to mention, the paperwork is already drawn up. I just need you to do some signing before you run next door."

"Of course, I apologize."

"Not at all, this is my husband Robert, he heads our finance & payment office, if you'll just follow him for a few minutes." Twenty minutes later he'd written the check for his new bike & was told it would be topped off while he got a helmet & anything else he needed. He was also told to return whenever he needed another bike. As he was picking out gloves he heard a voice he least expected.

"CJ, is that you?"

"Kara, what are you doing here?"

"I have a bike, Diana got me interested in riding." She smiled as she spoke to him. "But, I need a new helmet, so I came to price some."

"Did someone say they needed help with helmets?" The teenager behind the sales counter spoke up.

"Damn, I like that one." Kara saw the airbrushed skull motif on the dark helmet.

"My friend requires a helmet as well."

"Sure, how does she."

"Whatever she decides, this will all be on one bill."

"CJ, I can't let you do that."

"How about something red." He seemed to be ignoring her, then snapped his fingers. "I have it, a phoenix design." The salesman snapped his fingers as a look of pride spread across his face,

"Got just the thing, hang on a sec." In short order he came back with a helmet for Kara to try on.

"Fits great." When she looked at the price tag her eyes bulged. "Uh CJ, this is a little."

"Here's your receipt, thanks for shopping with us, hope you come back soon." Kara sheepishly followed CJ out to where his bike was.

"Um, thanks."

"Think nothing of it. It is a present for a dear friend." Kara liked what she saw as he smiled, because it was an honest & warm smile that showed he was actually a normal guy.

"Oh, I think I'm in love." Wyvern saw the reflection of his bike in Kara's helmet visor.

"Well, as much as I enjoyed this chance meeting, I do have an appointment that I must keep."

"Well," Kara scribbled on a spare piece of paper, then handed it to him. "this is my cell number. Don't be a stranger." Wyvern took the number, but noticed that Kara hadn't moved. "This is where you give me your number CJ."

"That is actually the next appointment that I have." Was it just Kara, or, did he seem a little embarrassed?

"I thought your patents would have taken care of all that."

"No, I do not wish to burden them with such trivialities."

"I don't think they'd mind, you're their son." She was surprised when he quickly donned his jacket & helmet. "CJ, did something happen?"

"I apologize Kara but, I really do have to leave."

"Oh… okay, well… when you get your new phone give me a ring okay?" His only response was a nod of the head, but, she didn't know if that was a yes, or, if he was just dropping his visor into place. As he left Kara rode back to her place, then decided to fly straight to Wayne Manor to see if her hunch was right.

As Wyvern left the Wayne Electronics cell phone store with a new smart phone he still felt an odd nagging in the back of his mind. Why was his not answering Kara & leaving Wayne Manor feeling like a betrayal? He pushed the thoughts aside as he rode back to where he could rendezvous with the Moon Dragon to return home. As soon as he hit the abandoned stretch of road Deus had picked for the landing he felt the familiar sensations.

"CJ, is everything alright? I'm reading some odd dimensional vibrations, nothing on a Threshold Event level, but" Deus voice cut out & Wyvern found himself in a lush garden surrounded by marble pillars.

"Damn!" He cursed under his breath. Lifting his left arm to his mouth he whispered the second of the summoning spells Hephaestus had taught him when he took his armor. Instantly he was garbed as The Wyvern, though he would no be able to use the spell again for a week as the toll was too great. He quickly moved to the shadows provided by the setting sun & attempted to figure out where he was, though he already had a fair idea. He scouted in the shadows until the sun had fallen below the horizon. He knew he was on an island with ancient architecture, he could see the coast half a kilometer out past the lush plants. He also knew it was a tropical environment as the chill of Metropolis was gone, but, he knew there were few places like this in the world. One of three possibilities entered into his mind, but, he dismissed one due to the size of the island. He was certain of his location, but, he had to test to be sure. He moved to the open are of the garden & knelt down, placing his hand into the soil, then a corpse rose in front of him he threw his weight backwards & fired out his feet in a sharp motion, throwing his body into a back handspring. As the head of the walking corpse flew into the distance several more rose out of the ground & shambled towards him. Tiring of this test already he reached to his utility belt.

About the same time of his disappearance Kara had arrived at Wayne Manor to find Alfred in a state of near panic & Bruce trying to comfort Diana.

"Why are you crying." Kara asked as she hurried to the people that were, to her, member of her family. "What's wrong?"

"CJ's gone." Diana's words hit Kara like a physical blow, he'd not mentioned any of this when they spoke. Anger welled up inside her as she remembered his being in a rush to leave,

"I just saw him in Metropolis, he's fine. Or, he will be until I find him again."

"No," Diana sobbed. "something's happened to him. I can feel it."

As Kara pondered Diana's ominous words Wyvern was watching the last of the ashes from the once walking corpses scatter to the winds. He'd just received the last piece of the puzzle, so it was little surprise when he heard her voice.

"So, the Princess has a brat now. This'll be so much fun." A vicious smile spread across her pretty face. Wyvern settled into a fighting stance as he spoke.

"I doubt you will enjoy this meeting as much as you believe Circe."