As always all characters are fictional. Wyvern, Deus, and Reaver are my characters. All other characters/locations are copyright of DC Comics and their respective creators.
The Fight to Erase the Past: The Wyvern Arrives Part XIX
CJ couldn't help but grin at his father's slightly crestfallen look. "Deus?"
"Yes Christian?" the OS sounded hesitant.
"Will you cut the hurt puppy routine out and locate the communication device grams gave me before we left Themyscira?" he huffed.
"Got it out as soon as you told Athena you'd call her. Should I fire it up?" Deus seemed excited.
"No," CJ had surprised Deus with the statement. "I still need to calibrate it, don't want to drop grams in the middle of the conversation."
"Well, I have it on the Moon Dragon, want me to 'port it to the workstation here?" Deus asked helpfully.
"Will that work?" CJ was surprised.
"Yeah, got your tools with it. Should be fine… even with all this prehistoric tech here."
"Wipe the smirk off of your face Deus." CJ shot back.
"Damn it, how do you always do that?" Deus was exasperated.
"It's all in your voice." CJ smirked.
"If it wasn't such an advanced vocorder I'd demand a replacement…"
Alfred made his way down to the cave, a very large pot of freshly brewed coffee with two cups on the tray. As he heard the sounds of work being done he decided to announce his presence.
"Your coffee is prepared Master Bruce, any word on when Master Christian will arrive?" his voice held a note of hope.
"Been here for half an hour Alfred, don't worry, I brought my own cup." Alfred had to bite back a chuckle as he saw the insulated coffee cup, emblazoned with the message: There's no life before coffee!
"I trust that that cup has been properly cleaned?" Alfred asked.
"Yep, but, if you don't believe me I'll just down the whole carafe." As he reached for the before mentioned pot of coffee, Alfred was so surprised that he slapped CJ's hand away.
"I must insist on your following proper etiquette young Master Christian!" With an unabashed grin CJ spoke up.
"Yes grandpa Alfred."
He was finishing his third cup when the mirror came to life. He could hear startled voices on the other end, wondering who could be attempting communications. He kept his voice even as he spoke in the Amazon's tongue.
"I wish an audience with Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons." his voice was strong and respectful.
"Who is this that seeks such an audience?" came the cautious response.
"I am Christian, the treasure of her daughter Princess Diana of Themyscira." A voice he knew to be General Philippus could be heard speaking eagerly.
"Tell our Queen her prayers have been answered!" As CJ waited he decided to hand his coffee cup over to Alfred to be washed, which made the loyal butler happy. He heard someone sit before the mirror, then heard a voice he never realized he'd been longing to hear.
"Christian, are you there?" A warm smile spread across his face as he took the shielding cover off the mirror.
"I'm here grams." He was overjoyed to see his grandmother's face light up with joy.
"How are you my little dragon?" her smile was as warm as he remembered.
"I'm fine grams, really. I haven't gotten into nearly as much trouble as you may have heard." he joked.
"Don't even try that Christian." Hippolyta actually rolled her eyes at him! "I've heard from Diana and Athena about you. You need to come back to the land of your birth. A bit more training should help you to stop making your mother and grandmother worry so." CJ couldn't help but to smile, despite requesting to speak to the Queen of the Amazons, he was talking to his grandmother.
Bruce came back from the changing room shower to hear his son talking animatedly in a Greek dialect he wasn't familiar with. When he heard Hippolyta laugh he knew CJ had kept his word to contact her.
"How long have they been talking?" Bruce asked Alfred.
"Near an hour sir. Queen Hippolyta asks a few questions and Master Christian answers them happily." Bruce picked up the tenderness in CJ's voice when he mentioned Kara's name, then saw the embarrassed look on his face when Hippolyta mentioned Erato.
"I should warn you Master Bruce, brunch will be ready in ten minutes." Deciding to allow his son time to eat and give him a chance to broach the translating job, Bruce decided to speak up.
"CJ, son, I hate to interrupt." He heard them both pause. "Alfred said brunch is almost ready, you know how he gets when his cooking gets cold." Alfred, who had been going back up to the manor, felt the need to speak up.
"Master Bruce, really!" he admonished.
"I'm sorry grams, I have to cut this short." she heard the regret in his voice.
"That's alright. I did not wish to speak on it, but your growling stomach echoes in that cave." Hippolyta joked.
"I promise, we will talk again. I love you grams." he placed his hand on the mirror.
"And I you, my grandson."
As they sat at the table Bruce noticed that CJ seemed much happier than when they last spoke. "Listen Chris, I want to get this out of the way first." he looked up to see Tim stifling a laugh and discovered that CJ had managed to fold an entire waffle onto his fork and into his waiting maw.
"Master Christian, manners please!" CJ seemed hurt as he look at Alfred and wiggled his elbows, showing that they were not on the table. As Alfred sighed Bruce decided to forge ahead.
"I'll be needing a translator for a meeting with our Tokyo branch. There are some new developments that need my attention." he was gauging his son's responses.
"So, I would also be helping with any programming and logistics issues on the sly?" CJ asked.
"Yes, if you also had a security certification that would also handle a bodyguard. Lucius swears that he has that covered." He seemed less than pleased at that thought.
"What's wrong with having a bodyguard that looks like a Bond girl?" Tim joked.
"No little brother," CJ spoke up in all seriousness "I think dad's through with the whole Bond-age scene." Thankfully Alfred was not present to hear CJ rather inappropriate quip.
"No, it's no inconvenience. Yes, I'd be happy to, of course sir. Thank you… Goodbye." Kara seemed confused by the look on Diana's face as she put her cell phone away.
"If that was work, why do you look so happy?" she was equal parts curious and cautious.
"Get a shower and get dressed, we're going to Gotham." It was no surprise to Diana that the water was running even as Kara's afterimage faded. Diana was surprised that her son was so prepared. A background check had been run on him by a major corporation and had gone through cleanly. 'You're definitely your father's son thisavros.'
"Diana, are you sure you're alright?" Diana had almost forgotten the other person in the apartment.
"Yes Cassie, I thought this may happen. I'm glad thisavros found someone that makes him happy."
"Have you noticed you do that a lot?" Cassie asked.
"Do what?" Diana had no idea what the young Amazon was talking about.
"Whenever you talk about, or to CJ, you hardly ever use his name. You always call him 'thisavros', doesn't that seem odd to you?" Cassie noticed a look that she'd seen on her mother's face when she saw her speaking of her daughter.
"I call him what he is, he's my treasure from the gods." Diana glanced at her watch, the water had stopped running several minutes ago.
"Kara, what's keeping you?" she called.
"Hang on!" Diana heard the hangers rattling and groaned.
"Hey CJ, you have a minute to talk?" Tim finally asked.
"Yeah little bro, just a second." Tim could see CJ's boots on the other side of the Batwing, in short order he heard a panel close and CJ ducked under the craft to join his adopted younger brother.
"I wanted to talk to you without the uniforms getting in the way." Tim noticed with a wince that even thought they were in street clothes, they were still in the cave.
"I guess this is the best we can get at the moment." he joked.
"What's on your mind?" CJ seemed concerned.
"I got a text from Cassie about you and Kara, you slept with her?"
"Yes and no," CJ paused, unconsciously cracking his knuckles "I spent the night at Kara's. We shared a few kisses, but didn't progress further than that." he confessed.
"Really? From the way she said Aphrodite was gushing over her, it sounded like you guys went all the way." Tim seemed genuinely shocked.
"Tim, I need to tell you something, there are some things that are more than worth waiting for. I waited long enough before pursuing this relationship with Kara, but, I won't rush things."
"What happens when she'd ready to take it to the next step?"
"You may as well bring the phone out Tim, I can hear Cassie breathing." Tim's face ran quickly from shock to disappointment over being caught. As he brought out the phone he was set to speak when CJ interrupted.
"When Kara wishes to take the next step, I'll be there and we can that that first step together." Tim was so shocked with the response he disconnected the call, then dropped his phone.
"Are you kidding me, CJ Wayne's a VIRGIN?!" Cassie was shocked at the news, but Diana knew (and was quite happy) that her son hadn't followed in his father's footsteps.
"Just because thisavros had some rough times growing up, he did have the strength of will to resist the temptations thrown at him for being a Wayne." Cassie noted the pride in Diana's voice as she spoke.
"Kara, what're your thoughts on this?" Not getting a response, she decided to look at her best friend. Kara's face held a warm smile as she stared out the window in the direction of Wayne Manor.
"Oh by the gods, she's got it bad." Diana chuckled at the conversation, she felt just how much her son cared for Kara, her reaction told Diana all she needed to know.
Three hours later Tim and CJ were sitting in the manor proper, playing video games, when Bruce returned from an impromptu meeting Lucius had called. "Man, I can't wait for the chance to take that bird out for a spin!" Tim almost shouted.
"Well, in dad's defense, the Moon Dragon has tech he's never seen before. Can't have the old man working with an outdated model now can I?" Tim laughed as they heard the front door open.
"Welcome back Master Bruce, I trust the meeting went well?" Alfred took Bruce's coat.
"Yes, the Tokyo trip has been pushed back, OSHA sprang their review earlier than anyone expected."
"I see, well, can I fix a snack for you before dinner?"
"No, thank you Alfred, where are the boys?" Bruce thought they'd be in the Cave.
"I believe they are locked in a cooperative battle in the living room." As Bruce entered the living room, he was surprised to see Tim doubled over with laughter while CJ seemed bored.
"After all that trash talk, that poor guy got totally owned!" he gasped.
"Dear God, I could design a better physics engine in my sleep, what were they thinking?" CJ complained.
"If you two are done terrorizing people online, maybe you could be doing something constructive, like sparring?" their father scolded.
"Didn't CJ already spar with you?" Tim asked.
"He's got meta endurance, he can handle it." Bruce watched as CJ nudged Tim.
"Ten bucks says when we come back up here dad and Alfred will have taken over the game." As Tim fell back over in laughter CJ's phone rang, but, he got a surprise when he answered.
"A call from CJ Prince's princess?"
Hearing the mirth in his voice Kara decided to not let him have an easy victory. She pouted as she spoke.
"I thought it was cute." the pout translated well in her voice.
"It is, I'm just pleasantly surprised that you called so soon." Damn, he seemed to know just what to say to make her forget herself.
"Well, we could discuss it further… maybe over dinner?" When she heard the emotion in his voice she was glad that she had the same effect on him.
"I'd like that, or sooner if possible." he wore a smile as he spoke.
"We could talk about it now." His groan made her giggle.
"I wish I could. Tim and I just got banished to the cave to do some sparring, we got busted playing video games." As the invisible jet set down in the sheltered grounds of Wayne Manor Kara couldn't resist toying with her new boyfriend.
"Sounds like fun, mind if we watch?" She hung up before he could answer and reached for the doorbell.
"Kara?" the call disconnecting was odd, did she plan to fly here? The doorbell ringing surprised them.
"Now, who could be calling at this hour?" Both CJ and Tim paused as Alfred made his way to the door.
"Miss Diana, how wonderful to see you." Alfred practically sang.
"Hello Alfred, is Bruce here?" Diana asked while entering the manor.
"Yes, he's just returned from a meeting in fact." As she entered the living room she smiled at her son.
"Thanks for the reinforcements thisavros."
"Mitera, are you checking up on me?" he couldn't figure out why his mother was here.
"No, I actually have to talk to your father about something." He leaned towards her and whispered.
"Be careful, he's no spring chicken." Diana chuckled as Cassie entered the living room next.
"Hey Tim, what's up cuz!" she beamed.
"Cassie, you came over too?" Tim was mildly shocked.
"Got drug along with is more like it." Tim was quiet as he saw Kara enter, her feet barely brushed the ground as she wrapped her arms around CJ's neck.
"Miss me?" she smiled, she even liked how his stubbly beard clashed with longer grown goatee.
"Immensely love." She smiled just before CJ placed a short, yet tender kiss on her lips.
"Oh, for the love of the gods!" Cassie seemed exasperated, "Would you two just get a room?" CJ grinned wickedly and jerked his head towards his upstairs rooms. Kara seemed more than ready to agree, but, Bruce cleared his throat.
"You and Tim, cave. Sparring. NOW!" he growled.
"Yes daddy dullest." Kara sang, as the young heroes all took off towards the cave.
"You're going to do this powered down, right?" Red Robin had exited the changing room with a reinforced suit.
"That would be the wisest course of action." Wyvern spoke up, he'd borrowed Batman's changing room to switch into his secondary costume.
"Considering I only participate in full contact sparring with mitera, theia, or on Themyscira."
"Speaking of Themyscira, did you ever get a chance to contact Queen Hippolyta?" Tim asked.
"I spoke with grams before brunch." CJ responded almost mechanically.
"You know," Cassie was smirking almost evilly as she spoke "I heard some of the Amazons thought you were Superman's son when they first heard of your abilities." Cassie was surprised as Wyvern broke out in hysterical laughter.
"What is going on down here?!" Bruce, followed by Diana and Alfred, were coming down the last of the steps from the manor.
"Cassie said that some of the Amazons thought CJ was Superman's son." Tim seemed thoroughly confused by the logic. Diana joined her son in a fit of laughter, though not as intense as CJ's.
"I stopped trying to explain it years ago. I love Kal like he was my own brother, but I could never see myself with him. He'll always have Lois." she managed to blurt out.
"But, won't he outlive her?" Cassie asked.
"The way he keeps sticking his nose in everyone's business, I doubt that." Kara griped.
As they stood on the mat Kara nudged Cassie.
"Look at his eyes." she gestured towards her boyfriend.
"Okay I get it, you're into him." Cassie rolled her eyes.
"No, they're glowing." As Cassie looked closer she saw that Kara was right, his eyes were glowing.
"That is a result of my meta gene." Wyvern answered "I am able to see in complete darkness." Red Robin decided to attack, thinking Wyvern was distracted. Just as he dodged and was moving to counter his younger brother's attack, an alarm blared through the cave. "Deus, report!"
"Ah hell, Reaver's battle platform is about half way between the Prime Meridian and the eastern shore of the U.S!" As Batman rushed out of his changing room Red Robin ran off the sparring mat towards the Batwing. Wyvern raised his left arm and spoke a few runes, causing his armor to appear. He quickly donned his armor over his secondary costume, as he placed his helm over his head, his voice rang out again.
"Deus, is the Moon Dragon prepped?" his voice was cold.
"Yeah, shields, weapons, and cloaking are at the ready. We can dust off at any time." Wyvern nodded.
"Batman, keep the Batwing back as a second line of defense. Wonder Woman, please take command and act as a third line of defense along with Supergirl and Wonder Girl. If you should be called into the fight, contact the Justice League." He laid out a strategy.
"Thisavros, you can't seriously be thinking of going out there alone?" Diana protested.
"I refuse to place my family in danger. I will disable that vessel, or die trying." he stated flatly.
"I am NOT staying behind while my son faces a psychopathic killer alone." Batman spoke as the Batwing's engines began to power up. "Diana, would you be our last line of defense?" Batman compromised.
"You know I'd rather be out there with you." She was speaking to Bruce via their Justice League comms. "But, I see thisavros's logic. I'll call the rest of the League if, by some freak accident, you actually need help." Despite her confidence in her son, Diana felt trepidation creeping up into her stomach… and she knew her son felt it from her.
'Be safe thisavros, return with your shield. Let your enemy's heart be cut out by your sword!'