Author's Note: Hi everyone. This might be the last one for a week or so (maybe shorter than that, but just in case) so I hope you enjoy. This one too is an actual episode, so I'll try and make more original ones soon. Anyway, I hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: These things are NOT mine.
Chapter Twenty
Vanished
The next few days went by uneventfully. Desmond had filled out a mission report for Batman on the Calendar Man fiasco, and after that the team had some time off. When asked on how they spent their Halloweens, both Robin and Kaldur made a few vague statements, and the others decided not to pry. On this day the team had gone to pick up a few deliveries Batman needed. Mostly new equipment for the cave, but M'gann had insisted on stopping for groceries as well. The Bio-ship opened, and Conner and Desmond began unloading the heavy boxes. Wally greedily began rifling through the grocery bags that M'gann had levitated into the cave. Zatara had joined in the process of setting up the new equipment, and had brought Zatana along. She was chatting with Artemis.
"Glad you're back, Zatana," the archer said. "Does this mean you're officially joining the team?" Zatara levitated some boxes out of the room, followed by Red Tornado. Zatana crossed her arms.
"I don't know," she said, sounding exasperated. "Zatara's so overprotective. I mean, just getting him to let me visit takes a full day's wheedling. I wish he'd just give me a little space!" As if on cue, there was a blinding light, and when it died down Zatara, Tornado and Batman had vanished. A box crashed to the floor as the team gave a collective gasp.
"Dad?" shouted Zatana.
"Batman?" Robin called out. There was no response. The boy wonder quickly tried calling his mentor, but the look of distress on his face showed there was no one on the receiving end. Desmond ran to the holo-computer.
"Cave to Watchtower," Desmond said, trying to get a signal through. "Come in Watchtower. Come in anyone!" There was no response, not even a flicker. He turned to face the others. M'gann had a look of concentration on her face.
"I can't reach my uncle J'onn either," she said at last. "It's like they… don't even exist…" That sentence hung in the air for a moment, as the team silently exchanged glances. "Who would've been able to take out the whole League?" Robin held up a hand.
"Not just the League," he said. "Reports are flooding in from kids all over the world. It seems like all the adults just… vanished." They exchanged more looks, their eyes wide. They needed a plan.
XxXxX
Desmond opened the doors of his gymnasium, carrying a small girl in his arms. She wouldn't stop crying, and he needed to get her to someone more suited for this kind of thing. The team had set up a refuge in Happy Harbor High, and Desmond, Megan, Wally, and Conner were out on the streets, collecting kids from zero to seventeen, and making sure they got safely to the high school. He carried the wailing girl to Artemis, who was surrounded by small children already. She was trying to sing a nursery rhyme, and failing horribly. The kids didn't mind, however, and actually found it kind of funny. Desmond set the screaming girl down, and moved next to Artemis.
"Nice job with those nursery rhymes, Mother Goose," he teased her. She slugged him gently in the arm.
"Sorry I don't know them, okay?" she said. "Sportsmaster wasn't really a 'goodnight sleep tight' kind of guy." Desmond nodded.
"Like Ra's was tucking me in at night," he joked. Just then, Wally and Megan walked in, each carrying a child as well. Des and Artemis stopped talking, realizing that these two didn't know the truth about their pasts. The boy Wally was carrying offered him his Sippy cup, and Wally daintily accepted it.
"Did you call home?" Artemis said. Wally looked down, signifying there was no answer. "You could always Zeta there."
"I've been collecting kids all day," he said somberly. "I don't need to see another empty house." Just then, Wendy ran over. Since the team weren't in their costumes for this job, it was fine that she approached them as civilians.
"Megan, Desmond," she said, sounding exhausted. Wendy had offered to take charge of the youngest kids when Young Justice had proposed a refuge at the high school. "We just got four more kids under the age of two, and we're running low on diapers." Megan and Desmond instantly looked to Wally, who sighed.
"I'm on it," he said, and left the gym once again. Desmond knew that once he was away from people who could see, he would zip away to the nearest store. Wendy looked back to her classmates.
"It's a good thing you guys decided to do here," she said honestly. "Do… do you think the adults will come back?" They exchanged some looks.
"I think so," said Artemis. "Someone will save them."
"Oh yeah?" asked Wendy. "The League's gone too, remember?" Desmond, M'gann and Artemis exchanged looks, not wanting to show any connection to the only team remaining, Young Justice. Just then, Conner barged in the gym, with three children hanging from his upper body.
"Got three more," he said.
XxXxX
As Aqualad, Robin and Kid Flash finished their PSA to the kids of the world, they moved away from the cameras. This situation gave Desmond a serious sense of déjà vu, and he had a brief flash of the exercise from weeks ago. He took a quick glance towards Artemis, just to make sure she was safe. Then he followed Aqualad into the trophy room. The two of them found Kid Flash, adding the young boy's Sippy cup to his collection of souvenirs.
"I finally got word to Atlantis," Aqualad told his two teammates. "No adults there, either." Desmond looked at the ground, and Kid Flash adopted a stern expression.
"So," he said after a moment. "How desperate are we?" The three teens looked towards the souvenir shelves, and their eyes all rested on the Helmet of Fate. Desmond knew that Nabu had already used Wally as a conduit before he'd joined the team, and witnessed Nabu use Kaldur when they fought the Injustice League. He was mad powerful, but was most likely getting annoyed being called on for services, and not being able to keep his human hosts.
"We both know that anyone who dons the helmet," Kaldur reminded Kid Flash. "And allows Nabu to posses them, may never be released from being Doctor Fate." Desmond shook his head.
"It's way too risky," he reasoned, siding with Aqualad. "Nabu's probably getting fed up with us. Whoever is the next person to put on that helmet…" He let it hang in the air.
"So, not that desperate," Wally confirmed.
"No," agreed Aqualad. "Not yet." They spent another moment, all three gazing at the golden helmet. Then Zatana walked in.
"Guys?" she called. The three boys turned to face her. She had a nervous expression, but behind it one of determination. "I'm ready to try my father's locator spell." The boys nodded, and followed Zatana out into the mission room. The others were already gathered, and the large holographic Earth was displayed in the center of the room. Zatana held up her hands, a magic wand in one, and said a few words which Desmond could not comprehend (like he could ever understand Zatana's spells.) A small, flickering red dot appeared on an area of the globe, on the east coast of the United States.
"Coordinates locked," said Robin. "Roanoke Island. You did it." Desmond had assumed this would make Zatana excited, but instead her face fell slightly, and she looked away. Just as the team began making preparations for their trip to Roanoke, there was a sudden flash of lightning. The team turned to see a small boy, looking at his own hands.
"It worked!" he exclaimed. The team's eyes widened, and they quickly moved towards the mysterious child.
"Who are you," asked Aqualad, sounding apprehensive at the appearance of the boy. "Where did you come from." The child turned to Miss Martian, ignoring the Atlantian's questions.
"Quick, read my mind!" he insisted. Miss Martian complied. Suddenly she gasped, a look of surprise covering her face.
"He's…" she said, sounding like she didn't believe herself. "Captain Marvel." Wally wasn't buying it.
"Yeah, and I'm Speedy Gonzales," he said. "Look, just because he believes he's Captain Marvel—"
"Gee, Wally," the boy interrupted. "Do I really need to bring you nachos and pineapple juice to get on your good side?" The team's eyes widened collectively, and they exchanged some looks. That was Captain Marvel alright.
"What is going on?" asked Desmond. "Why are you a kid? And how'd you get in here?" The boy sighed heavily, and began the tale of how this all came to be. Captain Marvel's secret identity, as it turned out, was ten year old Billy Bastion. Much like how Cap's nemesis, Black Adam, draws his power from saying 'Shazam' so too does Billy. When he says it, it turns him into Captain Marvel, a beacon for good. This is how he came to be in the cave. He explained there were two different dimensions; one for kids, and one for adults. He was the only one that could travel between the two, using his magic power. He explained Batman, Zatara and Red Tornado were in the cave in the other dimension. Captain Marvel/Billy was their only way to communicate between the two worlds. He then left (with a loud 'SHAZAM!') and returned to Batman, and then came back to the team. The conversation went a little like this.
Batman: "There will be threats in both dimensions, and we may not be familiar with our opponents."
Aqualad: "The key to this mission is a coordinated, simultaneous attack."
Batman: "Agreed. Our best chance against sorcery is to strike fast, disrupt their efforts."
Aqualad: "And hope the two dimensions merge naturally back into one." With that out of the way, Captain Marvel returned to the side of the adults, and the team boarded the Bio-ship for Roanoke Island.
XxXxX
The island was dark and dreary. The place was covered in barren trees, giving a very spooky atmosphere to the whole situation. The only light coming from anywhere on the island was a gigantic glowing star, and that's where the team was headed. They found a secluded space for the Bio-ship, and exited quietly. The plan was simple. Robin and Artemis would go in first, and then Superboy, Shifter, Aqualad and Kid Flash would bring in the heavy hits. They still weren't sure who they were going up against, but as they drew closer they realized it was Klarion the Witch Boy. The little freak always gave Desmond the creeps. Aqualad signaled, and Robin and Artemis silently moved towards their target. They simultaneously launched things at him, Artemis shooting arrows and Robin tossing batarangs. Klarion turned towards them, and with a flick of his wrist summoned a force field that blocked the attack.
"That's the best you can do?" he asked, his shrill annoying voice sounding excited. He sent a bolt of red electricity out of his hand, which knocked over Robin and Artemis. The others moved in from all different directions. Superboy and Shifter aimed to attack with fists, Aqualad used his magic weapons in the form of blue hammers, and Kid Flash tried to speed into the magic boy. Just before they made impact, a giant red force field appeared, knocking all four boys back. Zatana stepped up, attempting a spell, but Klarion countered it, and sent her flying through the air. Before she landed, Superboy managed to catch her, and set her down gently. Desmond tried again, this time aiming to phase through the force field. When he came in contact with it, he felt like he was getting electrocuted, and stepped quickly out. But not before Klarion sent him flying as well. He hardened himself midair, and landed with a thud, creating a small crater. He got up, and found he was next to Artemis. KF zipped over to the two of them.
"Guys, listen," he said urgently. "When Fate possessed my body, he defeated Klarion by attacking the cat." The two other heroes looked to the small orange and black cat that sat on the edge of Klarion's glowing orange star. Des and Artemis nodded. Artemis shot an arrow, which Klarion promptly turned into a ball of yarn.
"Show them what a familiar to a Lord of Chaos can do, Teekl," he said to the cat. He splayed his fingers, and the cat suddenly began transforming into a hideous version of itself. Shifter sprinted to the beast before it could go anywhere, and entered into a grudge match with the tiger-like monster. It lunged at him, but he grabbed it by the throat and slammed it to the ground. The cat quickly flipped itself over, effectively pinning Shifter. Thinking on his feet, (or back, as the case may be) he sunk through the ground, and came back up behind the monstrous feline. He delivered a swift kick to its hind quarters, and it went flying. Suddenly he noticed Klarion fall to the ground slightly, but he regained his composure. He sent out bolts of lighting, much like Wotan had when the team fought the Injustice League, and it knocked Shifter, Artemis and Robin to the ground, dazed. Aqualad and Kid Flash soon succumbed to the magic as well. Superboy had his hands full with Teekl after Desmond had been knocked down. M'gann continued mentally hurling rocks at Klarion to no effect, then stopped suddenly.
Billy, she thought, though everyone can hear. Billy must've shown up in their dimension. Don't speak. I've mentally linked you to the rest of the team.
Really? Cool! he thought. Uh, I mean, it's the gem. At the center of the pentagram. Destroy it and we win! Desmond saw from the corner of his eye Zatana holding something large and golden in her hands. Suddenly he realized it was the Helmet of Fate.
"Zatana!" shouted Kaldur, Wally and Desmond simultaneously. "Stop!" But it was no use. The young magician donned the Helmet of Fate, and Zatana was soon gone. In her place floated Doctor Fate, only in a female form this time. "No…" whispered Desmond.
"Klarion," called Fate, speaking with both his and Zatana's voices. "This ends now." Klarion was visibly enraged.
Billy, tell Zatara, Miss Martian said. Billy nodded, and with a 'Shazam' he was gone again. Klarion and Fate blasted magical energy at each other, and the two beams collided in the center, pushing against each other to see whose magic was dominant. Both their beams suddenly gave out, and Klarion began hurling balls of red energy at Fate, who easily dodged them all. The rest of the team watched, helplessly from the ground. Aqualad and Miss Martian began pounding on the red force field once again, trying to aid Fate in his attack. Fate gave one more fantastic beam of energy, and Desmond joined in the pounding with Miss Martian and Aqualad. Suddenly it seemed as if it was too much for the Lord of Chaos to bear, and he began shrinking back.
"No!" he shouted. "No no no no no no!" The force field dissolved, and Fate created a large glowing ankh around Klarion's upper body, effectively detaining him.
"Kid, now!" shouted Aqualad. Kid Flash zipped, sliding on the ground to grab the crystal, and through it to Doctor Fate. The magical hero grabbed it, said a sort of complicated incantation, and there was a flash of light. When it died down, Klarion was joined in the pentagram by Wotan, Black Briar Thorn, Felix Faust, and Wizard. They all slumped on the ground, defeated by Batman, Red Tornado, Zatara and Captain Marvel, who were also present. Klarion looked at his fallen comrades and shrugged.
"They sure don't make evil immortal sorcerers like they used to," he said. He snapped his fingers, and the ankh disovled. "Come on Teekl." The giant cat, which was still roughing up Superboy, suddenly returned to his normal form, leapt into Klarion's arms, and the two disappeared through a portal Klarion had conjured up. Robin limped over to the rest of the team.
"Did we win?" he asked, as he had been out of commission most of the battle. The others looked to Zatana, still inhabited by Doctor Fate.
"At a cost," said Aqualad. Zatara slowly walked over to where the team was, and looked up at his daughter's floating body.
"Fate!" he called up to him/her. "Great Nabu, release my daughter." There was a pause, as if Fate was considering it.
"No," he said at last. The team's eyes widened extremely. They had all known the risk, but had never really come to terms with the reality of the consequences. "The world needs Doctor Fate. And the girl's affinity for the mystic arts makes her a perfect candidate." The team exchanged looks, when Zatara spoke up again.
"Take me instead," he offered solemnly. "MY skills are already at their peak. My body is physically stronger, better able to withstand the strain of your power. You have my word." Fate waited a moment, and slowly floated down. He landed, walked up to the magician, and removed the helmet. Zatana stood in his place. The two embraced, and Zatara held his daughter out to get a better look at her.
"Remember," he said quietly. "I love you." He planted a kiss on her forehead, and slowly put on the Helmet of Fate. Zatana screamed in protest, but it was too late. Zatara, her father, was gone for good. Now only Fate remained.
So that was fun, huh? Zatana, as you all know, will be staying at Mount Justice from now on. Thank you so much to those who have reviewed and added to their favorites. And thanks to anyone who's been with Desmond since the beginning (I know that sounds like the story's over, but it's not. Far from!) Anyway, please continue reading and all that jazz!