Ch.15: Secrets
New York City: October 31, 19:26EDT
At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, police officers and the sheriff were investigating the crime of the theft of the Sword of Beowulf. The officers were taking pictures and searching the entire building with dogs and all. Many police cruisers were parked outside, lights flashing.
"So the perp bypasses your alarm systemand disables every security camera in the place to steal a sword?" Detective Daniels asked.
The curator was not pleased that he called it just a sword. "Not a sword, Detective Daniels, the Sword of Beowulf. It's priceless! Legends say it provides great power to the pure of heart. There's even an old English incantation that's supposed to summon the power! Abannan Afol Beowulf!"
Daniels wrote all of this down.
Sword of Beowulf
Priceless
Great Power
The Detective had second thoughts and crossed out 'Great Power'.
"Great, look the NYPD will do its best, but the thief is obviously long gone." Daniels informed.
"Let's not rush to judgment."
The curator and Daniels attention was drawled to the man ready to fight and out of sight on a pillar. He wore an evil smirk, his long black hair around his shoulders.
"Mediocrity such as this is never far from Harm." The man said.
More officers ran in, just as the man, Harm, jumped off the pillar and landed on the ground gracefully. He held a sword in its sheath. The sheath looked a lot like a hand, clutching the sword in place. Harm held it out in front of him.
"Freeze!
"Drop the sword!"
"Down on the ground!"
The officers yelled, pulling out their guns.
"Still, Harm should be grateful. Harm did need the words. Abannan Afol Beowulf." The man said. The hand on the sheath undid its hand around the priceless sword. The curator backed up, and Harm started slowly taking the sheath out. Golden electricity crackled on the blade. Then, quick as a snake, the sword was out, still crackling with the electricity. A light glowed from his chest, then down his arm to the sword.
Daniels gave a suspicious glance at Harm, who slitted his eyes in glee. He surged the power from the sword forward and it crackled on the officers standing around. All of them fell to the ground, leaving the curator vulnerable.
Harm stalked forward, the sword held nicely in his hands as he smirked. "How monumentally unsatisfying. Harm and the sword will require greater challenges."
A yellow glow was radiating right over Harm's heart. The curator backed away, afraid for his life.
"But the legend, only the pure of heart should be able to summon that power." The curator stated.
The Sword of Beowulf glowed brightly.
"The legend said the heart must be pure. It never said pure good." Harm said and raised his sword to the curator. It let out a loud flash of light, and the curator screamed.
Harm left the building, leaving the dead body of the curator. He easily cut through the caution tape, and looked at the city ahead of him. The area above his heart glowed again, almost in the shape of a skull.
Mount Justice: October 31, 19:32EDT
Wally howled to the moon, dressed as a werewolf. His howling was God-awful. He looked to Wolf expectantly. Wolf remained laying on his side, eyes closed, sleeping. Wally gave him an annoyed look. "Really? You're not going to join in at all? What kind of wolf are you?"
"Wally, stop torturing him." Superboy said, as Megan wrapped bandages around Superboy's head to make his mummy costume. Danny was leaning against a wall, looking annoyed and tired.
"And us for that matter. Your howling sucks Wally. This is how you do it." Danny lifted his head and howled a real howl. Wolf actually woke up, looked at Danny for a second, and then joined him, earning a shocked gaze from Wally, and a winning smile from Danny.
"How did you do that?!" Wally shouted.
Danny gave him a blank look. "Dude, two of my Totems are two wolves. Are you seriously asking me that?"
Wally glared at him, and Wolf actually snickered at Wally's expression before laying back down.
Megan giggled at the boy's antics, before redirecting her attention back to Connor. "Hold still, please." She said smiling as she wrapped some more bandages around his head. Wally walked up.
"Megan, stop torturing him. Awkward for him anyway, being a third wheel on our date." He said, whispering the last part to himself.
Megan looked at him seriously. "Wally, I invited the entire team to the dance. Zatanna, too."
Wally smirked. "Good, keeps us on the down low."
Megan gave him a hopeless smile. Superboy rolled his eyes, seriously annoyed. Danny was confused. "Who's Zatanna again?"
Everyone turned to him.
"Hello Megan! I can't believe we forgot! Danny never met Zatanna when we saved Red Tornado from T.O. Marrow!" Megan said.
Danny remained confused.
"Zatanna is Zatara's daughter, Danny. She's super hot and Robin has a serious crush on her." Wally informed.
Danny smirked. "Ooo, blackmail. Gotta love this."
Wally gave Danny a pleased look (they were kinda in a never-ending-prank-war), before smiling at Megan. "So, going as my favorite Martian?"
Megan smiled at him, before walking away. She turned around and turned her dress into a white, ripped wedding gown with a veil and white skin.
She let out a growl, before smiling and puttering her hands on her hips, looking for approval. Danny smiled, and gave a small clap.
"Wow, babe, eat my brains anytime." Wally said, putting his hand behind his head.
"Great minds think alike."
The four turned to Captain Marvel.
"Captain, you look terrific!" Megan complimented, even though Captain Marvel was wearing what he wore every day, all except his face which had a little bit of makeup to represent being a zombie. The Captain smiled and placed his fists on his hips.
"Are you going to a Halloween celebration too?" Megan asked. Captain Marvel turned confused, and Danny leaned against the table with a smirk. He knew what was to come.
"Well sure, I'm going with- I mean, you did invite the whole team, right?" Megan remained smiling. "Yeah, we'll all be at the dance! Don't worry about us, go. Have a good time at your party." Megan said, making Danny want to burst into laughter.
"Recognized. Artemis; B08. Zatanna Zatara; A03."
Artemis and Zatanna exited the Zeta Tubes, both dressed up. Artemis was dressed up as a vampire, and Zatanna was a witch.
"Oh, hey Zatanna. You look great." Artemis complimented the young magician.
"Oh thanks, you too!" Zatanna replied thoughtfully.
The two stopped in front Captain Marvel. "Oh, look, Zombie Captain Marvel, that's hilarious. Is the Justice League having a party, cause my dad didn't mention it." Zatanna said, and her eyes fell to Danny curiously as he smirked at Captain Marvel, but also was seemed very tense the minute she walked in.
"No, no, no, no, see I… Fine, I'm going trick-or-treating." Captain Marvel flew to the Zeta-Tubes.
"Recognized. Captain Marvel; 15."
Captain Marvel crossed his arms. "And I'm not sharing my candy."
In a flash, Captain Marvel was gone.
Zatanna and Artemis watched his as he left, weirdly. Then the two turned to Megan's laughing, and saw her trying wrap Superboy up.
"So, how long have Connor and Megan been a couple?" Zatanna asked, eyeing Danny again as he leaned against the wall, eyes closed, blocking everything from his mind.
Artemis laughed out loud. "Couple? No, they're not a…"
Her voice died in her throat as she watched the obvious lovers.
"Will you stop fidgeting?" Megan asked.
Superboy smiled at her. "You are so making this up to me later."
Artemis started heading back to the tubes, obviously upset.
Zatanna caught up with her. "I-I'm sorry. It just seems so obvious. I-I didn't realize… Wait, the dance!"
Artemis turned away and crossed her arms. "Not in the mood. Course, sitting at home with my mom doesn't sound anymore appealing."
Zatanna smiled. "Well, there's another option."
Artemis looked at her intrigued.
"Egnahc sehtolc otni ruo smrofinu." Zatanna said. A vortex appeared around the two girls, and changed them into their uniforms.
"Girls night out." Zatanna sang. Artemis smirked.
"So Danny, you coming to the dance?" Megan asked, gaining the other two girl's attention.
The Ghost Boy shook his head. "Nah, last night I kinda put Joker in a body cast because he pulled out his knife and I kinda freaked out because you know, I was… Well, you know…" Danny tried to explain, becoming more nervous as he kept going. His voice died in his throat as he trailed off.
Megan frowned. "Aw, I was hoping you would come. You haven't really been active outside the Cave lately…"
Danny frowned. "I know, but I'm just not ready… I dread school, and patrols are the only way I pent out my frustration, and I don't do that full time either because Batman's watching my bruises with a hawk's eye. He won't let me out."
Megan remained sad. "I wish I could do something. I don't like leaving you here alone. Not that you can't take care of yourself! I just don't like you being alone, that's all! Hey, why aren't you in Gotham with Batman and Robin?"
Zatanna was confused. "He knows Batman and Robin?"
Artemis nodded. "Yeah, Danny's Batman's second protégé, and Robin's Danny's younger adopted brother. Don't you watch the news?"
Zatanna shrugged. "I usually have better things to do than watch the news, and I don't really pay attention to League business anyways."
Danny rubbed his head, and gave Megan a small smile. "Batman and Robin are at a party. Neither wanted to go without me, but they have to keep up an image where we're from." He shrugged.
Megan remained frowning. "Are you sure you don't want to come?"
Danny nodded. "I'm positive."
Zatanna turned to Artemis. "Should we ask him to come along?"
Artemis frowned. "Then why call it a girl's night out?"
Zatanna glared lightly. "Come on, everyone else has plans and Tornado would bore him to death. It could be girl's night out and Danny." Artemis thought for a moment. "Fine, but only if he accepts."
Danny was awesome in Artemis's opinion. He was funny, caring, shy, kind, gentle, and thoughtful of others, but in a flash he could be the ultimate killer. She knew he would never turn on his friend's willingly though, that much was obvious.
The two girls walked up to Danny. His eyes were closed again.
"Hello Artemis, Artemis's friend. How may I help you?" Danny asked and turned to them, flashing a cool smile, even though his eye's showed his tension of the newcomer.
"Hi Danny, I'm Zatanna. I worked with the Team when you were… missing." The magician informed.
Danny nodded. "So, I've heard. What do you guys want? And why are you in your uniforms?"
Artemis put her hands on her hip with a smirk. "We're going for a girl's night out and wanted to see if you would come."
Danny gave a dead panned look. "So it would be girl's night out and Danny."
The two nodded. For a minute, he just stared at them. Then shrugged. "Ok, whatever. Batman will probably kill me later but that's to be expected."
The two girls chuckled.
Manhattan: October 31, 19:57EDT
A graffiti-ed wall opened up to reveal a bikes whisked out. A green one, a black and white one, and a red one.
Happy Harbor: October 31, 20:15EDT
Megan, Connor, and Wally walked among the many people at Happy Harbor High.
"Too bad the rest of the Team couldn't make it." Megan commented.
Connor scowled. "You've gotta be kidding."
Most of the teens here were dressed as someone in the league, or some other hero. To him, it was quite stupid. They even had some of the sidekicks, even Danny!
They met up with their friends Mal, Wendy, Karen, and Marvin. The girls were dressed up as Black Canary and Bumblebee. The boys were a weird version of Superman and Batman.
The two girls waved at the three and dragged the boys over to them.
"You look amazing!" Wendy complimented, taking Megan's hands.
"Who did your makeup girl?" Karen asked. Megan blushed at their compliments.
Mal walked up to Connor. "Burn victim?"
Connor wasn't as amused as Mal. "Mummy. You?"
Mal put his sunglasses down some, showing his eyes. "Superman, done right."
Superman Done Right was a t-shirt with his emblem, cargo pants, a leather jacket, combat boots, and a belt, with the sunglasses of course.
Connor scoffed. "Yeah, good luck with that. I think he's too much of a Boy Scout to go out in public like that like that."
Megan turned to her friend in the werewolf costume, ignoring her boyfriend's last comment. "Wally, this is Wendy, Karen, Mal, and…" She was about to point to the boy in the Batman costume, but he was too busy doing something on his phone to notice.
"Ignore Marvin. He thinks we're being invaded by Martians." Wendy said, totally annoyed.
Marvin glared at her. "I never said that. It's just, reports are all over the inter-webs, and I'm not the only one getting them."
Mal, Wendy, and Karen's phones started beeping. They picked them up and checked to see what was on them. Soon, everyone else was doing the same.
"I mean, Martians aren't invading. It's just a prank gone viral. Right?" Marvin said.
A guy nearby, a teacher, wasn't very pleased. "Of course it's a prank. Ever hear of Martian Manhunter? Martians aren't hostile."
Megan smiled at him, agreeing. "Of course not."
"Computer, secure the room." Batman said, locking him, Robin, Red Tornado, Red Arrow, and Aqualad in the room.
"Secured."
Batman went straight to business with their top secret meeting. "I'll cut to it. Do we believe there's a mole within the Team?" He asked.
Aqualad stepped forward with his answer. "I am convinced there is none. When Sportsmaster claimed he had an inside source, he was merely sewing descent."
"His Intel could easily have come by comparing notes with the other villains working for the Injustice League." Robin said, and then he leaned back. "And think about it. If anyone on the Team was working with those creep-oids-"
"He or she would've betrayed us during our fight against them." Aqualad finished.
"I'm not convinced. Sure, you two and Kid Flash are above suspicion, but I know Artemis isn't shooting straight. For starters, she's not Green Arrow's niece." Red Arrow said.
Aqualad was in shock. "What?"
"Well yeah, in fact, she's related with-" Batman placed his hand on Robin's shoulder.
"Enough. Artemis's relations may indeed make her a suspect, but she's still entitled to a secret identity. I'm more concerned about Superboy. We still know very little about what Cadmus programmed into their 'weapon.' Connor could be the mole, and not know it." Batman informed.
"And what about Miss Martian?" Red Arrow asked, and went on to declare his suspicions. "She is Manhunter's niece, but he told Black Canary that he has a few hundred nieces and the first time he met M'gann was five months ago, when she stowed away from his last trip to Mars to earth."
Aqualad stood firm. "This changes nothing. I have fought side-by-side with these people. None are traitors."
Surprisingly, Red Tornado stepped forward next. "I also have suspicions of Danny."
Batman narrowed his eyes. "Why?"
Red Arrow thought the same thing as Red Tornado apparently. "His case could be like Superboy's, be a mole and not know it."
Robin leaned forward confused. "But that doesn't make sense. Danny was captured after we fought the Injustice League, and the people involved had nothing to do with it, or at least, that's what I'm aware of."
Red Arrow narrowed his eyes at the Boy Wonder.
"Exactly. The only people who really know where Danny disappeared to are Batman and Canary. No one else knows who took Danny. And he didn't have to be taken afterwards, because he was captured a first time, remember? He could've been the mole since Batman found him." Red Arrow hissed.
The room fell into silence, Batman glaring at Red Arrow.
The three teens driving motorcycles stopped in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
"Whatever happened here is over. I want some action." Artemis said.
Danny rolled his eyes but said nothing.
"Maybe you need to talk about Connor and Megan, or whatever." Zatanna said, turning her head towards Artemis.
Her reply was Artemis zooming away. "What I need is something to beat up."
Danny sighed. "That's one thing she and I have in common. We talk to nobody about our feelings. Well, actually, I talk to Canary and Batman but they're really the only people. Come on, Artemis is way ahead of us." Danny said and zoomed after his teammate, Zatanna behind him.
The three didn't see the man with four scars over his eye watching them with a sword in his hand.
A man held up a gun at a couple, ready to take their money.
"Teah taht s'nopaew letam!"
The gun in the man's hand heated up, turned orange, and burned the man's hand. He threw it away, and a dozen arrows pinned him to a telephone pole, hood up.
Artemis, Zatanna, and Danny drove by. The Ghost Boy stuck out his hand and just for extra measure put some sticky, ectoplasm around the man's body, just to make sure he would stay in his place.
As a robbery took place and the thieves exited, an arrow blasted the gun out of a man's hand. Another arrow hit the other guy's weapon, and as they drove by, Danny kicked one of the men out, and froze the other up to his neck.
Four men surrounded one girl, looking her up and down in her short-sleeve shirt and shorts.
"Etativel reh!"
The girl lifted up and out of the circle, to the guy's astonishment. The boys looked to the side and saw the two girls and the Ghost Boy. Artemis ran forward, and knocked each guy unconscious. (It was really funny.) As all the guys were knocked out, Danny floated off the ground, and grabbed the girl's hand and brought her back down to earth. She blushed at the teen, who smiled reassuringly.
They never noticed the one man with the scars watching them at all of their adventures.
"There were easier ways to take them." Zatanna said.
Artemis shrugged. "They had it coming. No harm done."
Just as they were about to get on their bikes, they exploded, Danny saving them from most of the blast with a shield. Danny made a quick grab for them, and dragged them out of the fire.
The teens quickly redirected their attention back to where they were a minute ago. A man with four scars over his eye walked out. "No indeed. Harm is not done. Much Harm left to do."
A little girl with white hair, pale skin, and grey eyes watched. She had a cloak like dress with the hood up, and wore a grey hair band. She also had shin high boots over pale blue stockings. Her silver pendent glistened in the moonlight.
From her view on the statue that hung over the city, she saw Harm and the three friends, a frown on her face.
Harm continued to walk forward. "The its cannot escape Harm."
Artemis got out her bow. Danny crouched low to the ground, hands alive with green ecto-energy.
"Escaping isn't on the menu." Artemis said, and shot a dozen arrows. Harm merely cut them in half. "Your arrows do not impress."
Zatanna got up. "Fine. Etativel drows ot em."
The Sword of Beowulf started to become orange, but Harm remained unimpressed. "Neither does its magic. Both must do better. Or suffer Harm."
Artemis growled. "We get it. Your name is Harm."
Zatanna shook her head. "Yeah, and when did we become 'its'?"
Danny glared. "Alright, let's see how you do with my powers."
Danny shot forth a bunch of ecto-blasts, all deflected by Harm's sword. Harm looked amused, and impressed by Danny's display of power. When Danny saw Harm uninjured, hr froze the flames behind Harm. He put his arms in the air, and the ice followed, splitting into two different sections. Danny thrust his hands downward into each other, and the ice attacked Harm.
It looked like Danny had won, but Harm broke out of his icy prison, unscathed. Danny growled, his eyes becoming silver to Harm's amusement. In a burst of light, Danny became Natick, Wisdom the Wolf appearing behind him. Natick let out an inhuman growl, and Wisdom lunged forward.
Harm had to keep up with the wolf's speed. He was very impressed by this point. He got a lucky opening, and cut Wisdom's side. She let out a howl of pain.
Natick grabbed his side, but he was more worried about Wisdom.
"Come, Wisdom!"
The wolf ran towards him, and stopped in front of him. Danny placed his hand on the wolf's side, and immediately the wound healed. Wisdom disappeared, but Natick stayed, giving a very heated glare to the sword wielder.
"The ridiculous garb and route and entry skills indicate instruction from Green Arrow, Batman, and Zatara. Harm will study these three to learn methods for killing their mentors." Harm said and raised his sword, just as Natick growled.
"You threaten my family, you pay the price!" Natick screeched, his voice more than doubled. He let out a golden blast with intensifying power behind it. Harm put up his sword to block, but was being pushed back.
Zatanna shared his fury. "Etativel drows ot em!"
The sword squirmed in Harm's grasp. He smirked, but remained concentrated on Natick.
"It wants Harm's sword. Very well." Harm shot out of Natick's blasting range, and threw his sword at Zatanna's head. Natick grabbed her and sent her out of the way and near Artemis.
"Big mistake, Harmster!" Artemis shouted, and started shooting arrows. Harm grabbed the arrows, and threw them back at the two. They saw a girl with white hair and a silver pendent, gesturing for the them to follow.
"On second thought, running." Zatanna stated.
Artemis nodded. "Yeah, to regroup."
The archer nodded and got up. "Where's Danny?"
The Ghost Boy, back to his original self, flew out of the fire. "I'm on it, Arty!" He grabbed the girl's arms and flew into the ally.
"Erif nrub, nordlauc elbbub!" Zatanna shouted.
The fire around Harm flew up and around him, creating a circle and keeping him inside.
"Nice!" Artemis complimented, as she held onto Danny's arm for dear life. She screamed as he threw her on his back, to get a better grip on Zatanna.
The magician smiled at Artemis. "Thanks, something I've been practicing since Red To-"
Artemis saw something up ahead.
"Wait, who's that!?" Artemis asked, seeing the little pale girl.
Danny looked at her. "Do you honestly care right now?"
Artemis shook her head as Danny rounded a corner. "No!"
Danny nodded. "Good, cause we're going after her anyways!"
Danny stopped seeing the dead end.
"Dead end! Where'd she go?" Artemis asked.
The heard something and looked up. The girl was on top of the building, waving at them to follow.
"I like her already." Zatanna commented, before Danny took them up.
The Ghost Boy flew them up and let the two girls off.
"Thanks for the assist, but who are you?" Zatanna asked the girl.
"Secret." The girl said.
Artemis wasn't too pleased. "That won't cut it. We need answers. Do you know Harm? Does he have any weaknesses?"
Danny placed a hand on the archer's shoulder. "She can't say anything else."
The girl, who they all dubbed Secret at the moment, pointed to something. "Secret."
They turned around and gasped as Harm jumped up onto the building with a smirk.
"At least they make the hunt interesting." Harm commented as he walked forward, slashing his sword.
"He's fast, I'll give him that." Artemis admitted.
Danny made a dead panned look. "No. Dib. Sherlock."
Artemis rolled her eyes and turned around. She shot an arrow and water started streaming from the new hole in the water tank.
"Dloc dniw wolb! Dloc dniw wolb! Dloc dniw wolb!" Zatanna shouted, and Danny made an ice slide to help her out a little. The water hit Harm square in the chest, and Danny froze the water.
The area around Harm's heart glowed, and the sword answered its call. It glowed and broke through the ice.
Danny, Artemis, and Zatanna started running.
"Where'd little Miss Secret go?" Artemis asked.
Danny saw her up ahead. "There!"
Zatanna was stumped. "Ok, these boots are adorable but for a chase scene, Lacitcarp raewtoof won!" The boots around Zatanna's feet changed as they jumped to the next building.
Harm was right behind them.
The kids of Happy Harbor High were dancing and having fun when the power went out.
"Hey!"
"What the heck?"
"Come on!"
"Everybody calm down! Probably just a blown fuse!" A teacher shouted. The emergency lights came on. Everybody started looking at their phones.
"Says here that Martians are taking New Haven and Providence." Mal said.
"Spotted in Happy Harbor too." Wendy commented.
The teacher from earlier walked up. "Guys, guys, it's a Halloween cliché!"
Karen tilted her head. "Meaning it happens a lot?"
They were cut off by the PA.
"Attention. Homeland Security advises everyone to stay inside the gymnasium. This is not a confirmation of any alien invasion."
Apparently 'not a confirmation' is a confirmation, because everyone in the gym went into hysterics saying 'I knew it', 'we're all going to die', and 'the aliens are going to eat us'.
"We should call the Cave." Megan said, looking to her friends.
Connor held up his hand. "Wait."
The teen walked forward. He switched his vision to x-ray and saw that there was one person not inside the gym, talking on the PA.
"For your own safety, remain inside." The person chuckled at their oh-so-hilarious prank. "Best Halloween prank ever!"
Connor turned to Megan and Wally with an evil smile. The Martian and the speedster shared a look.
The three teens slid back as they dodged another blast from Harm's sword. Harm threw a dagger, and cut Artemis's bow string.
"Hold him off while I restring!" Artemis stated.
Danny and Zatanna nodded and started battling.
Zatanna ran forward, but Harm merely kicked her out of the way. He had a harder time with Danny, as he was trained by Batman. After a few minutes of fighting, Harm got one good kick and sent Danny across the roof.
Artemis ran forward, still not re-stringed, and started fighting. In the end, Harm had cut Artemis's bow in half, and pointed his sword at her and she took out a crossbow, aiming it right at him. "You wanna play without the toys?"
Harm took his sheath from his back. "It tries to bait Harm. Leave Harm weak." Harm put his sword in its creepy sheath and stabbed it into the ground with a smirk. "But Harm has no weakness."
Harm took off his trench coat, leaving him in nothing but his pants. He got into a defense position.
Artemis smirked and put her crossbow away, as her friends got up. She got ready to fight, just as Harm did. Artemis ran forward and started kicking and punching, but Harm easily moved out of the way of each attack.
Zatanna walked up to the sword, and tried to take it out of its sheath. "Zatanna, that sword is mythical. It will not be moved unless Harm wants it too." Danny whispered harshly, but Zatanna kept trying.
"So unfocused." Harm said as he continued to dodge every one of Artemis's attacks. "It struggles with inner demons and cannot fight Harm while fighting itself. Harm doesn't battle his demons. Harm embraces them."
Artemis didn't really enjoy his speech as Harm did. "Will Harm please shut up?!"
Zatanna tried another pull, and Danny was about to rip her away, but the sword shocked her. Danny caught her as she fell.
"Zatanna!" Artemis shouted. Her momentary weakness let Harm back hand her near Danny and Zatanna. "And it cares about others. Another weakness."
Danny growled as Harm picked up his trench coat and put it back on.
"The sword rejected its impure heart. It has not made the sacrifices Harm has to become pure." Harm said.
Zatanna looked to the side, and spotted something. "Look."
The other two looked to the side. Secret was waving for them, begging them to come.
"It's Secret. She hasn't led us wrong so far." Zatanna whispered.
Artemis grabbed an arrow, and threw it at Harm. Danny grabbed both girls' arms and gave them a boost. Smoke appeared around Harm, creating a barrier. He stepped through it and saw the three teens running/flying. He scowled in their direction. "The its think to escape Harm. But drawn near to home, such considerate its." Harm grabbed his sword before following after the teens.
Zatanna, Danny, and Artemis landed on a house across the street from Abel's House of Secrets.
"Uh, she's gone again! Now what?" Zatanna complained.
Danny sighed. "She's a spirit. Of course she can disappear into thin air. And this is the end of the line, I can totally pick you guys up and fly us out of here before Harm decides to catch up. Of course, you guys can totally go back the other way."
The girl's didn't have time to answer, as a blast made them separate. Harm jumped over the side of the building and landed in front of the teens, angry.
"This can be no coincidence. They alight on Harm's very roof. How did they know? Tell Harm, now!" Harm shouted.
The two girls were confused, and Danny stiffened.
"Wait, this is your place!" Artemis shouted.
Harm was not happy with the answer. "No more games!" Harm stabbed his sword into the ground and shocked the three teens into unconsciousness.
Before Danny could pass out, he looked up and felt Artemis do the same. They saw Secret standing next to Harm, the man not noticing the small girl's presence, before they passed out.
A few teens tried to escape the gym.
"I have orders to keep everyone inside."
The teens turned to Marvin, dressed as Batman. He was dead serious as he continued. "Or do you freshmen's want to become Martian Chow?" The kid's headed back inside, not noticing Marvin starting to laugh.
"The Martians are coming! The Martians are coming!" Wally yelled, running up to Marvin. "Look out!"
Marvin jumped when Connor appeared right beside him. "They have disintegration rays!"
There was a blast, and Wally screamed before disappearing. Out of the smoke came a giant Martian, who looked strangely like Marvin the Martian from Looney Tunes. It walked forward with glowing green eyes. Marvin gasped and possibly wet his pants. The Martian let out a shriek sounding a lot like Godzilla.
Connor pushed Marvin to the school. "Run Marvin, I'll hold him off!"
Connor ran forward but was lifted into the air. The Martian slammed Connor into the ground, a wall, then the ground again right next to Marvin's feet, dead.
Marvin screamed and ran inside the building. Connor got up and laughed as he watched him go. The Martian came up behind him, and turned back into Megan. Wally walked up next to Connor. The Kryptonian looked at the two. "Come on, we do not want to miss this."
Marvin burst the doors open, and ran inside, screaming the whole time, and earning strange looks from the others. "Martians are invading! Martians-"
"Marvin, chill. We got the memo." Wendy cut off.
"No! Before it was all a prank I pulled, now it's defiantly real!" Marvin screamed. Megan walked up beside him, Marvin didn't notice.
"The Martian's just killed two guys!" He screamed.
"Which two guys?" Megan asked innocently. Marvin pointed to something behind Megan. "Those two guys!"
Wally and Connor walked up behind Megan, totally confused. The three shared a look.
"Wait! I, uh, oh…" The teen muttered and looked at his angry peers.
"Marvin," Wendy said, everyone crossing their arms.
"Trick or treat?"
Artemis groaned as she got up. She gasped at all the freaky statues around her. She struggled in her bonds.
"It has awakened."
Artemis looked around, looking for Harm. A television turned on in front of her. Zatanna was on the screen struggling to get out of her bonds, and Danny was tied right to her back, out cold.
"It will tell Harm its secrets, or its partners will pay the price." The man threatened.
Artemis backed away as Harm's face got close to hers.
"How did it know of Harm's home?" It was a whisper, barely audible. Harm walked around her and in front of the archer.
"Ask your partner! She lured us here!" Artemis yelled.
Confusion took over the man's face. "Harm has no partner. Harm is pure and works alone."
Secret walked past Zatanna and to Danny. His head hung limply, but Secret saw something different, and stood in front of him patiently. Danny's eyes opened for a split second, before closing once again. "Do it. I'll lend you my strength." He whispered in Esperanto.
Secret nodded and with her hood still up she rounded to Zatanna. The magician tried to get herself away from the spirit, but that was kinda hard with the bonds. Secret reached out, and took away the duck-tap gag.
"Ow!" Zatanna muttered. Secret backed away into the shadows, giving Danny a thankful look.
"Sepor, emoc esool." The ropes whizzed off of Zatanna, and Danny stood up after phasing off the bonds. Zatanna looked at him weirdly.
"I thought you were unconscious." Zatanna said.
Danny crossed his arms. "I've been up for twenty minutes, longer than you. I just like to keep appearances."
Zatanna shook her head and rounded on Secret. She didn't hear his mumble "I blame Alfred's School of Acting..."
"First, you lure us into a trap. Now you free me! What's your game?" Zatanna whispered harshly. Danny grabbed her shoulder, glaring harshly.
"Secret." The girl said.
"Look around." Danny said.
Zatanna did as she was told and ventured further into the room. It was of a girl's with a canopy bed, a few toys, a dollhouse, a snow globe, and a picture.
Harm was in the picture, but he was… happy. The man still had long hair, except it was brown, and he was missing his scars. He wore a shirt, jacket, necklace, pants, and held up his hands in a peace sign. A little girl was hanging onto his hip, his arm around her. The girl had blonde hair with a hair band, green eyes, and the silver pendent. She wore a pink shirt, and pink sweat pants. The picture was adorable.
"Is this your room? You live with this nut-job?" Zatanna questioned showing the picture.
"Secret."
"Secret, right, naturally!" Zatanna cut off, and threw the picture on the bed. Danny continued to glare at her, and took the picture. He placed it carefully back with the other things.
Harm paced in front of Artemis. "It honestly thinks Harm had help. Perhaps the other its-"
Harm froze after he had taken a quick peek at the screen. He saw them!
Harm growled and ran to the other room. He entered and slashed his sword right through Zatanna, but she just disappeared, as did the other boy. Harm looked around. They were gone.
Artemis, Zatanna, and Danny ran down the hall after rescuing Artemis. They started down the stairs and saw Secret. Artemis immediately had her bow out. Danny pushed it out of the way.
"Wait Danny! She's his partner!" Artemis muttered.
Danny gave a soft glare.
"Then why did she free Zatanna?" Danny questioned.
Artemis glared full force at him. "I don't know, secret!"
Some light entered the stairs and the sound of crackling met their ears. They looked behind them. "Look out!"
They didn't have time to react as Harm blasted the stairwell angrily. The teens were sent over. Harm followed and looked around. When the storm cleared, Secret stood at the end of the hallway. He scowled as the ghost girl ran off.
He followed her into the kitchen, and grabbed an arrow out of thin air. Artemis ran through the door, and Danny stuck his hand in. He shot an ecto-blast into the open oven. It started glowing and Harm's scowl deepened.
"Oh that little-"
BOOM!
Artemis, Danny, and Zatanna exited the safe house under the house, and they walked into the backyard. The three instantly saw the grave. Danny looked at it sadly and walked up. He bent down next to it, and the girls walked up beside and kneeled down with him.
"Greta Hayes. Beloved sister."
Secret ascended from the ground, scaring Artemis and Zatanna, but not Danny, who looked at her sadly. Her hood was down now, showing her face and hair. The two girls backed up, but looked at the grave.
"This is your grave. This is your secret. This is you." Zatanna said, finally understanding.
Danny got up and continued staring at Greta the ghost girl. "You died so young... I wish you'd let Death help you but I don't regret your help."Danny whispered.
Greta looked down sadly.
"A ghost, an actual ghost." Artemis said, astonished.
Danny shook his head. "Greta's a spirit. Death is a very confusing thing, so don't ask."
Zatanna got up and backed away. "How did you die?"
Danny quickly turned to Greta. "It's not an order. We have no right to know. They know nothing of death and meant no offense" Danny quickly said.
Greta gave a quick smile to Danny, who sighed in relief, and made an image of a knife.
"Harm's dagger." Artemis said in realization.
The wall behind them blew up, and Harm walked out angrily. The three teens got their weapons and powers ready.
"They defile Harm's holy place!" Harm shouted.
Artemis was in hysterics. "We defiled it?! You did this, to your own sister!"
Harm smiled, and Danny looked ready to blast him to High Heaven.
"You're proud of it? And you have the gall to write beloved!" Artemis shouted.
Danny growled. "Sick monster who doesn't deserve to be on this plane of existence. I can think of only one place for him." Danny muttered.
"Not gall, truth." Harm said. "She was the only thing Harm ever loved. That's why she had to go. Harm's heart had to be pure. Greta had to be cut out, excised like an infection."
Danny shook his head in disappointment. "There are other ways of obtaining power from the sword. You never had to be pure evil." Danny ground out.
Greta's spirit rose from her grave again, behind the teens. Harm gasped but then let out an annoyed sigh.
"It casts another illusion spell." Harm said with a smirk.
"Except I didn't speak. Harm knows it can't cast a spell without speaking." Zatanna said, and Greta walked forward and stopped by Danny, as Harm gasped.
Artemis glared at the man. "You asked how we found this place. Face it Harm, your secrets out."
Harm growled and placed his sword in front of him. "No! Harm's heart is pure!"
Greta looked at Danny, and almost as if she had spoken he knew what she wanted to do.
"Go ahead. Knock yourself out. I just wish you would have done it sooner." Danny said. Greta nodded (secretly smirking) and walked forward.
"Harm's not sorry! I'm not!" Harm shouted.
Greta went through Harm's sword with an angry look. She reached out and her hand went into his chest. She pulled it out, holding a yellow light. Harm gasped and fell forward. He got up again to see Greta walking towards Danny. Harm gasped again as the light Greta held turned golden.
"I have too much power as it is." Danny said.
Greta held it out, obviously expecting him to take it, a certain look in her eye. Danny seemed to know exactly what she meant.
"Will this let you move on?" Danny asked. The girl nodded. Danny sighed, reached out and touched the golden light. It surrounded him for a split second before he was back to normal. The golden light surrounded his heart for a split second before disappearing.
Danny let his hand stretch out, and the sword come to him. He put it in its sheath and then around his back. Harm growled.
"I don't need the sword!" He yelled and grabbed his dagger. He dashed forward, trying to slash Greta still. Artemis kicked his dagger away. Harm growled at her.
"So unfocused! Can't fight us while fighting itself!" Artemis taunted.
Harm tried to launch himself at her, but Artemis sent very strong and very aggressive punches and kicks, before knocking him onto his side, out like a light.
Zatanna walked up. "Egnahc sehtolc otni sgnidnib."
Harm's trench coat wrapped around him, tying him down.
Greta walked over and stood on her grave. Zatanna smiled at her sadly. "We'll make sure you receive a proper burial. We won't forget you, Greta."
The spirit smiled at them, and Danny placed a hand on her shoulder (To Artemis's and Zatanna's surprise) and bent down close to her ear.
"Have fun up there."
Greta nodded, and started sinking into the ground. "Secret."
With that, she disappeared into the ground, never to be seen on the plane of the living again.
"I still can't believe someone could do that to his own sister. I mean, if my-" Artemis trailed stepped forward.
"Your what?"
The archer said nothing as she looked to Zatanna. The magician put her hand over her heart. "Artemis, talk to me. Secrets don't stay buried, obviously. It's better to bring them into the light."
Artemis looked down. "I don't have any secrets."
Danny shook his head. "We all have secrets, every last one of us."
Artemis remained deep in thought, and then they heard sirens. "Cops are coming." Artemis groaned.
"No!" Danny said, totally in shock (just kidding).
Zatanna put her hand on her hips. "We did blow up the kitchen."
Danny scoffed. "That's putting it lightly. We blew up the whole frikkin house, except Greta's room. I preserved that with a shield."
Artemis rolled her eyes, and walked over to the fence when something caught her eye. "Hey guys, come look."
The other two teens walked up behind her and looked out the fence. Some of Abel's House of Secrets lights were out and now it was just Secret.
"Must've been the last thing Greta ever saw." Artemis stated sadly. They continued to stare at the one word.
Secret…
I like the ending.
Kadzait: Oooofffff course you do...
*evil smile* What can I say? Secrets are fun to unravel.
Thanks to these people for favoriting and/or following: Jbots and Peyton LeVay.
Reviews:
KuriMaster13: Hahahaha! What was so sweet about that last chapter? And I thought you'd like that little fact! XD
Breyannia: For your question: Vlad will show up soon. Your second question, no. And for your third, I'll let that be a surprise. XD And just to let you know, I was seriously ticked off at my math when I read your review and you made me smile! Thank you! :D
BringbackDannyPhantom: Hahahahaha! I know, right? FINALLY! THEY'RE NEVER LEAVING THE ICU! XD
Bibbledoo: Oh, they are. The GIW deserve it too so... Yeah... Danny's kinda messed up...
Azorawing: I'm so glad you enjoyed so much! XD Makes me feel happy!
IWasNeverReal: WOO-HOO! SHRINK-IGE! YEAH! The angst is awesome. I love the angst.
Supaherolena02: I hope this chapter takes care of your feelers. XD If you have a coo-coo grandmother (or friend), you have everything. XDDD
GreenDrkness: I'm sorry, dude! I just didn't know where to put the Daddy-Bats moment! So sorry... *cries*
Hitomi-tama: Awwww, you noticed. And no, I don't like calling Danny a 'little shit'. It's more like... I can't come up with a better insult that flows. I'm trying not to go outside my boundary for cussing but, uh, all the things that flow are outside so... Crap... -.-'
Bibbledoo: Nothing like misplaced aggression! XD
Inviso-Al: Wow... A lot of people are dropping off the face of the earth because of school... Frikkin school... Glad to have you back though! And those questions will be answered in due time. *evil smile*
Lee: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I love being unpredictable! Hehehehehehe! It's so much fun~!