Agendas
Justice League Watchtower: 6:52am, November 25th, 2010:
No P.O.V:
The Sun breached over the horizon of the blue planet. From the orbiting base of the Earth's Defenders. The Trinity of the League...Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman watch from the artificial garden as the Sun shines on them. "It's times like these one feels the very weight of the world pressing down upon us." Wonder Woman says to the two men. A set of footsteps are heard as the three heroes turn and see Aquaman gracing them. "They're here." He says as the four of them head into the meeting room of the Watchtower. A 'U' shaped table is front and centre as every member of the League is present. Flash, Red Tornado, Shazam, both Green Lanterns, the Hawks, Green Arrow, Balck Canary, Captain Atom, Martian Manhunter and Doctor Fate.
"Our agenda is clear. What's at stake should not be underestimated." Aquaman starts saying to the group as Superman follows up. "The decisions we make here will reverberate for years to come." Wonder Woman then continues. "And influence whether or not the world continues to put their faith and trust in the Justice League." Finally, Batman finishes. "Please take you seats. We have work to do." The Dark Knight says with his usual tone of seriousness.
All of the heroes take their seats as Batman addresses them. "Who's first?" He asks as Martian Manhunter stands. "Another expansion of the League could generate another escalation of hostilities. No one needs or wants another Injustice League. If we expand, then we invite our enemies into further conflict. Conflict which could prove disastrous." Manhunter says as Superman argues. "Point taken. But the option to vote no for all candidates remains. So, I nominate Icon for League membership." The Man of Steel says as a hologram of a dark skinned man in a red suit with black cross bands and a green cape. "Why? Because you suspect Icon might be Kryptonian like you did with Shazam." Green Arrow scoffs as Shazam turns to Superman. "You thought I was Kryptonian...cool." The heroes stare weirdly at Shazam before Wonder Woman turns to Superman. "Icon interests me also...as does his protege. Rocket." She states as the hologram changes to a dark skinned teenage girl with a full fitting body suit and overall leather jacket. "Athena knows the League could use more female members." Wonder Woman quips. "Agreed." "Hear, hear." Black Canary and Hawkwoman say in agreement, respectively. Shazam raises an eyebrow at Flash, Captain Atom and Green Arrow. All three of them say nothing and remain perfectly still...holding their tongues to save themselves from the two bird themed heroines.
Mount Justice: 10:25, November 25th, 2010
P.O.V Change: Matthew Spectre
"Gobble. Gobble." Wally says as I enter the kitchen and sees him snacking on the munchies. "I love Thanksgiving." He states with glee as he goes to pick up some chocolate. I walk over and slap him upside the head. "Oww." He cries out as he rubs his head. "Those are for lunch later. Keep your grabby mitts out of them." I say as Zatanna chants a spell and all the seasoning is evened out perfectly on the chicken. "There we go. Seasoned to perfection and ready for the oven." She says as M'gann goes to lift the tray but the chicken is suddenly covered in a black and purple aura. The tray is lifted as the oven opens and the tray slides in, the door closing behind it. M'gann and Zatanna stare wide eyed as does we all as we turn and see Rachel standing in the doorway. She blushes embarrassingly as she lowers her hand and pulls her hood over, hiding her embarrassment. "That was pretty good, Rach. You're getting better." I say to her, I smile when I see the faint curl of her lip underneath the dark shadow of her hood. "Thank you." She says quietly and evenly. Little emotion shown or heard but I can sense the gratitude. "Wally, I thought that you were eating with your family." M'gann asks as she stirs the soup as Wally perks up. "Oh, yeah. Dad will kill me if I'm late. See ya!" He says as he takes chocolate from behind me. I reach out and tried to grab him but he was already in the wind. "Wally!" I shout out in fake anger. I hear a sob as we trunk to see Zatanna wiping tears from her eyes. "It's nothing. It's the onions." She says offhandedly as she notices us. "Zatanna..." I say her name with a knowing tone as she hangs her head. "It's just...these are all the things I used to cook for...it's my first Thanksgiving without my dad." She says as M'gann embraces her. Rachel, to my surprise, walks over and joins in on the hug. I hang my head in shame. I could have done something...could have told Zarathos to do something. And because of my inaction, my friend has lost her father. Who knows how long Fate will have him...I just hope that she can see Zatara one more time...before the end. I walk out of the kitchen, Zatanna's sadness has made my mood plummet, this is supposed to be a fun time but it just reminds me that the world is cruel and moments of joy can be tarnished by memories of regret and hurt. I remember one Thanksgiving, I was so excited for the chicken, the ham, the snacks, whatever, but it turned out to be one of my mom's many episodes...we never celebrated Thanksgiving again after that day.
I sit by my charger when my phone gets a ping. It's from Jade. 'My place. ASAP.' So this is one of those messages. I go to enter the Charger but something pops into my mind. Something is going to go down in the next few weeks. Whether it's good or not, something is going to happen. Lilith has made her plans about me and Zarathos loud and clear. While he's not happy about it, Zarathos has agreed for a contingency. I walk into Wally's souvenir room and gaze at the centre piece...Wally's favourite souvenir. The Sword of Azrael. "This is a terrible idea." Zarathos says in head as I nod my head. "Maybe...but you know it must be done. Answer me honestly...is it a bad plan or are you just mad because you agreed to it?" I ask him as he grumbles. "That I agreed to." He replies as I take the sword off the mantle and swing it across my back. I walk out of the room and enter the Charger. "But why Jade? Why trust her with this sword? The blade of my sister?" He questions as I drive out and head towards Jade's hideout. "Because Jade will understand the need to use it. The others will question themselves and refuse to do what's necessary. But Jade...she's not going to like it, but she has what it takes to do what's necessary." I say as I stop at a set of lights. "You know what you're asking her to do? If worse comes to worse, are you prepared for what could happen?" He asks as the light turns green. "I died once...what's another?" I quip as I pull up to the abandoned warehouse.
The Watchtower : No P.O.V
Without the Watchtower, the Justice League continues their meeting. Currently reviewing a size changing hero known as the Atom. "Seriously? The Atom? How useful can he be at that size?" Shazam mockily states but Batman sharply responds. "It's his size that makes him useful." Flash follows up. "Absolutely! Still we can always use more raw power. And Earth has a third Green Lantern. Guy Gardener." He says as she hologram changes to a muscular red haired man with a cocky smile in Lantern garb. "No." "No." Both Hal Jordan and Jon Stewart state aggressively. "But we could really use-." Flash says but Both Jordan and Stewart respond again with 'no'. This time...with authority.
Jade's Hideout: P.O.V: Matthew Spectre
I hop out of the car and put in the digitals for access. The staircase is revealed as I walk down and enter the hidden base. I see Jade pacing back and forth, I sense worry coming from her. "Jade." I call out to her as she turns sharply to me and rushes me. She hugs me tightly as I hold her. "What's wrong?" I ask her but I get a feeling about what it is. "They're going to take you. I don't know when or how but they are." She says as I had her cheeks as I brush her tears away. "I know." I say as she stares wide eyed as I walk past her. "What? How?" She stammers as I place the sword on the table. "The Light has gained a very powerful ally. A demon sorceress, named Lilith. She is very powerful and has a bitter history and rivalry with Zarathos. She has a small force of demons that obey her every command, some of them can match my strength. Lilith wants revenge on Zarathos and me being his host, making me a target." I say to her as she paces. "Demons? You're not shitting me, are you?" She says as I shake my head. "This just gets worse and worse the more deep it runs." She says as she holds her head. "The Light, has reached out to a powerful entity in Lilith. Their arrogance in thinking she can be controlled is folly. Lilith has no superior and she'll never bow to a mortal. Whatever plans she has for them, they'll pay the price for their assumptions." I say as I embrace her. She leans her head on my chest as I hold her close. "Lilith has made it clear to me that she'll take me. Zarathos had detected a foreign magical presence within his spirit. He can't shake it or get rid of it. He says that it's Lilith's influence and that when the presence festers like an infection, my whole body and psychic will be at Lilith's command." I say to her as she looks up at me. "She'll control you? Is there any cure for what she did?" She asked as I shook my head. "According to Zarathos, it's Old Magic...from when the Multiverse was young. There is no cure...only death." I say as I break from her and walk back to the sword before showing her. She stares down at the sheath and the handle of the majestic weapon. "This is serious. Should I become Lilith's slave, I need you to take this blade...and kill me with it." I finally say as she stares up and horror and backs away. "No! I won't do it! There has to be another way!" She screams at me as I shake my head. "If there was, I would jump on it with every fibre of my being...but there isn't. Jade..." I say as I bring the sword up and embrace her, every piece of care and affection I have is translated through my embrace to her. "I'm sorry to do this to you. But Lilith will take me. Everything that we have been through...has led to this moment. Just promise me one thing."
I say as she looks up at me. "What?" She asks quietly as I kiss her forehead. "Please...go and meet with Artemis...not as Cheshire, but as Jade. You both deserve everything that you can give each other...please, for me?" I ask as she nods her head. I break from her and bring the sword up inbetween us and hold it out to her. She takes it gently before pulling it slightly out of the sheath, the sword glows with a soft heavenly light as Jade gasps at the feeling of the blade's purity. She clasps the sword back in, takes it and leans it against the wall. Seeing the pain on her face, the care that she carries for me, the fear of what is going to happen to me...it raises something from within me, something that I have long denied myself but not anymore. I'll will not deny myself anything anymore. "Jade." I call out to her as she glances back at me with a questioning gaze. I breath I deeply before...letting it all out. "I love you." I finally say as she faces me fully, shock etched on her face. She is silent for a few moments and I hit myself mentally for saying what I said, I fear that I may have gone to far and overstepped but my fears wash away as I see tears well up in her eyes. She walks over to me and wraps her arms around my neck and caresses my cheek. "I love you too." She whispers to me, making me smile with pure joy and happiness. I lean down and capture her lips, wrapping my arms tightly around as she pulls me down closer to her and draws my body in tighter. I lower my arms and lift her up, her legs automatically wrap around my hips as I carry her to her room. "Might be our last time together." I regretfully say as I cross her room's threshold. She brushes her hand across my cheek before gripping my face tightly, digging her nails into my cheeks. "It won't. No horned demon bitch is going to take you away from me...for you are mine now." She whispering growls at me, seduction lacing the last sentence as she drops down and pushes me onto the bed before closing the door with a thunderous thud.
The Watchtower : No P.O.V
Back with the Justice League, they are currently reviewing a hero known as Blue Devil. A man with blue skin and horns. His staff harnesses energy and can be concentrated into a powerful beam of energy. "If we're considering Blue Devil. Then I nominate Red Arrow. Roy has more experience, and he's no kid anymore. He's 18, a legal adult, he's ready." Green Arrow says as the hologram changes to a projection of Red Arrow. "Is he?" Aquaman questions. "Red Arrow has been uncooperative and disrespectful. What message does that send if we condone that behaviour? Especially to the rest of the Team." He points out as Green Arrow sits down. His argument from Roy has met a standstill with Aquaman's own. "What about the rest of the Team? Surely some of them could be legitimate for membership?" Black Canary asks but is met with Superman's refusal. "No. Red Arrow may be 18, but the rest of the Team is too young. We're not inducting children into the League." Shazam shifts awkwardly at that statement.
"That seals my offer." Doctor Fate states from the end of the table. "I've been one with Kid Flash and Aqualad. Both are ready." The Lord of Order says as the hologram changes to said heroes. "And what of Zatanna?" Wonder Woman asks as Fate turns to her sharply. "Absolutely not!" He yells but his voice sounds more like Zatara rather than Nabu. "That sounded almost protective, doctor. At least we know that Zatara is still in that helmet somewhere." She quips to the Doctor. Shazam scowls and stands from his seat. "Why is Doctor Fate a member? You coerced Zatara into giving up his life to you. And to save his daughter from your imprisonment. How can you sit there and not feel a shred of sympathy or either Zatara or Zatanna. Not cool." He says with venom as Fate gazes at him. "Should such behaviour be condoned?" Red Tornado questions as Fate addresses the room. "Zatara desires Doctor Fate remaining in the League." Fate says which Green Arrow scoffs. "Oh, please." Fate turns to him. "It is true. Zatara's trust in Nabu is measured. He desires the League to maintain a close watch upon us." Fate says as Shazam sits down, an angry scowl still plastered on his face.
Jade's Hideout: Matthew Spectre P.O.V
I groan as Jade rolls off of me. She collapses next to me as we get our breathing back. 2 hours. 2 hours, non stop. She kept on insisting and I just couldn't say 'no, that's enough'. I'm weak. "That was the most intense that we've ever gone." She says as she snuggles close. I wrap my arm around her shoulders as I look down. "Hmm-hmm." I hmm, she looks up at me with amusement. "Did I wear you out, darling? You have a demonic spirit living inside you, that grants you abilities, such as super strength, control over fire and have been gifted with a high stamina but yet...I can wear you out? What is this inconsistency?" She sarcastically asks as I laugh. "Don't know...I have...no idea. Truly." I reply back as she straddles herself back on top of me. "Then you won't mind for a round 9...will you?" She asks as she gyrates her hips. I groan as I look up at her. "You're playing a dangerous game, little kitten." I say with a light growl. She smiles and leans down to my lips, hovering her own above mine. "I like dangerous...much more fun." She whispers as she kisses me. I grab her arms and roll her over. "Remember...you wanted this." I say as I make my way down her toned stomach. She moans as we start going at it again.
The Watchtower : No P.O.V
The League stares in silence at the hologram. A tall skinny man with glasses. His suit is form-fitted with wires connecting the suit, exposing his chest. The suit reaches down to his mid thighs. "Plastic Man." Batman states which Shazam chuckles. "I don't know. The guy's got a pretty substantial criminal record." Flash states questioningly as Shazam breaks out in laughter. Batman just glares at him with narrowed eyes. "Sorry, sorry. The guy just cracks me up." Shazam says as he wipes a laughing tear away. He gazes out and sees every member of the League looking at him with unamused expressions. "Maybe it's time we talked about the elephant in the room. Should Shazam stay a member, now that we know he's only 10 years old?" Flash questions. "He does possess an adult body and the Wisdom of Solomon." Red Tornado argues. "Wisdom does not equal maturity." Aquaman argues at Red Tornado's point. "Hey, I'm sitting right here." Shazam points out to everyone. Black Canary leans forward towards him. "Then, Billy, maybe you should leave until we've hashed this out." She says but Batman interjects. "No. Shazam is a member and is entitled to participate until or unless he's voted out." He says in a matter of fact. "It's not just his age. It's the fact that he lied about it." Wonder Woman argues back to him. "I didn't lie...exactly. I just left out the part of being a kid." Shazam says to her but she stares back unamused by his deflection. "A lie of omission is still a lie. You kept an important secret from us. No one knew the truth." She says but Batman cuts in. "I did." He says calmly as Shazam stares bewildered at him.
"I shouldn't be surprised, since you indoctrinated Robin into crime fighting at the ripe old age of 9." Wonder Woman cuts into him but the Caped Crusader is unfazed by her criticism. "Robin needed to help bring the men who murdered his family to justice." Batman reasons back but Wonder Woman scowls at him. "So he could turn out like you?" She growls at him but he remains unfazed. "So that he wouldn't." He states as silence befalls the table.
Unknown Location:
"Thank you for meeting with me, your wickedness." Vandal Savage, the Immortal, respectfully said to Lilith who sat across from him. She smiled as she levitated tea and cups. "It's my pleasure, I have to say, it's a surprise to see an immortal amongst the billions of weaklings on this planet. It's been too long since I've had an intelligent conversation. I hope you could provide me with such." She says as Savage nods his head. "I'm here at your pleasure. I'm here for whatever you need." She says as she chuckles. "Please, Mr Savage...I'm old but not stupid. I know when someone doesn't like me, so...please, speak your mind." She says as the Immortal shallows his nerves. "I'm going to be honest...I don't trust you. I've met many demons throughout my long life, they all have the same goal and/or attitude. They wish to control the souls of mortals to serve at their displeasure and joy. My friends and I have plans for this world, that will conflict with what your demons desire. I hope we can come to an agreement when this world becomes ours." He says evenly to the powerful entity. Lilith smiles and slips her tea. "I know what demons are capable of. I should know, I created them. But you don't have to worry. This world is insignificant to me, I simply want my vengeance on the being that imprisoned me. You know who I speak off." She says as Savage nods. "Yes...Zarathos. I was his host one time." He says as Lilith's eyes perk up. "Were you? That's interesting. I'm sure Zarathos got bored of you and abandoned you, did he?" She questions as he nods. "It was when he was young. He was the Spirit for 50 millennia before he came across mankind. I was one of his first hosts. We came across a bear one night. I had suffered terrible injuries and he abandoned me for someone stronger. With little life left in me, I was able to land a killing blow against the bear. The scars on my face remain me of my early life but also of Zarathos's 'mercy'." Savage says as Lilith wipes a fake tear from her eye. "That's very touching. But unfortunately, your pain means very little to me. Zarathos will pay for what he did you me. I'll make sure that he feels my pain...before I finish him. Do not worry, Mr Savage. My demons and I will leave this world and move to better pastures. Your world is insignificant and the multiverse is vast and always accessible to me. Your mission is admirable, I'll help where I can but when finished...I'll leave. I can promise you that." She says as she holds her tea up. Savage smiles and clinks his own cup against hers.
The Watchtower: No P.O.V
"We've seem to have reached consensus that 18 years is a suitable minimum age for joining the League. Yet what of Miss Martian?" Martian Manhunter says as the hologram changes to his niece. "Though she is a biological adolescent by Martian standards, she was born 48 Earth years ago." He says as Red Tornado follows up. "So what is the deciding factor, biology or chronology? Take Superboy." He says as Black Canary perks up. "Exactly. He is less than a year old chronologically but yet has the biology of a 17 year old. Will he have to wait 17 years to join us?" She says as Wonder Woman glances at Superman who looks away. Still denying the fact that Superboy exists and is here to stay. "The Team has experience and the question of when or how they can join can still be up for debate. But there are certain members that meets our criteria. Ghost Rider and Black Bolt." Red Tornado says as the holograms appear.
"But that raises the question. Should a killer be allowed in the League?" Captain Atom states rather aggressively when he gestures to Ghost Rider. "Ghost Rider has proved to be a valuable asset to the team, both professionally and personally. We are forgetting that the Ghost Rider is made of two seperate entities in Matthew Spectre and the Spirit of Vengeance, Zarathos." Martian Manhunter says. "Doesn't change the fact that he has killed. Batman...he killed the Joker. Are you not worried that if he loses control, that he could make a mistake? Kill an innocent or one of us? How can we trust someone to watch out backs when they are susceptible to such violence?" Wonder Woman questions as a deep chuckle echoes across the hall. Everyone turns and stares at Fate who turns to them. "You would be a fool to make an enemy of the Spirit of Vengeance. While Order does not appreciate the efforts of the Rider, they can not deny that he provides aid into balancing Order and Chaos amongst the human race. The Rider is a meticulous being that understands, down to a spiritual level, who is redeemable and who is not. Those that suffer the Spirit's wrath are so vile and distasteful that death is the only cure for them. Matthew Spectre is a very strong willed individual and based on what Nabu has seen, he is able to not only communicate but make the spirit heed his commands. That level of control is something that Order had not seen from any previous host of the Spirit. Having the Ghost Rider as a member is a much better situation than having him as your enemy, he is far stronger than he appears and his power is only matched by his limits...which are none." Fate says as some of the League gulps.
To hear that, coming from one of the most powerful beings to defend the Earth, it shakes a few heroes at their core. "Moving on...what about Black Bolt? He is nearly 18, he has the power to be one of the League's heaviest hitters. He has the potential to be a great defender." Black Canary says as Batman follows up. "Along with that, Black Bolt shows us the potential that the newly discovered meta gene can possess. Having Black Bolt as a League member can do well to change the public's fear of metahumans into one of understanding and integration. The fact that he is a member and 'elected' leader of a small metahuman community helps in the endeavour, the representation he could bring is what really matters. He could be the bridge between the metahumans and humans." Batman argues in favor for Black Bolt. "That may be good and well, be we need to at least take in the consideration of the potential danger that he possesses. We've all seen the power that he can command. Flight and strength is acceptable but beams of pure energy that can destroy a building with minimal effort and a voice so powerful, that a whisper could potentially knock the Watchtower out of orbit?" Flash argues to the group. "I'm just saying. I know that Black Bolt has undergone very serious mental training in order not to utter sound but come on. Are we not worried enough that if something happens and he slips a sound that he could destroy the tower, knock it down to Earth, with the potential to harm millions? What about if he falls under mind control, the level of damage that could be unleashed would be enormous." He says as some Leaguers nod in agreement. The League sits in silence as everyone has reached an impasse when it comes to the two most powerful members of the Team.
Jade's Hideout: Matthew Spectre P.O.V
I buckle my jeans as I make my way out of Jade's room and into the living area. She fixes her civilian clothing as I grab my keys. I approach her as I wrap my arms around her torso. We say nothing as I lean down and kiss her and she returns it with equal passion. I pull back and see a lone tear falling down her cheek. I reach up and swipe it away. "I love you." I say quietly to her but she shakes her head. "Don't say it like that." She growls lightly at me. I nod and think about what to say. "Ok...I'll...I'll see you later, ok?" I say awkwardly as she smiles and kisses me again. "I'll see you later." She says with a sniffle as I turn around and make my way out of the hideout. I hear her cry as the ramp closes behind me, I walk over to the car and hop in. I breath heavily as I feel tears well in my eyes. I soma my hand onto the rim of the wheel as I let my tears fall with a cry. I grit my teeth and sit back against the seat. "I'm terribly sorry, Matthew." Zarathos says with worry and sympathy laced in his voice. "Me too, my friend. Me too." I say as I drive out and head back to the cave. Along the way, all I can think about is the terrible responsibility that I've dropped off on Jade's shoulders. Basically told her that I'm about to be made a slave of a powerful demon sorceress and the only way to protect everyone is to stab me and kill me with a sword made by the Angel of Death. And all of it is for the greater good for the innocents of the Earth. I realise as I drive that I'm an asshole and that I'll never get to properly make amends with Jade for my decision. I pray that in the end...I'll be able to heal that open wound.
The Watchtower: No P.O.V:
"No other ideas?" Superman asks to the League. No one raises their hand not has anything further to talk about. "Then these are our candidates for new or continued membership." He says as over a dozen holograms show. Names included are Shazam, Doctor Fate, Rocket, Icon, Ghost Rider, Red Arrow, Black Bolt, Plastic Man, etc. "We've debated origin, gender, size, experience, age, temperament and background. But what is the fundamental criterion for membership?" Batman asks the group as Wonder Woman steps forward. "When all is said and done. The question must be whom do we trust, trust to have our backs, to fight beside us. And trust who Alcan uphold the high standards and ideals of the Justice League?" She declares as Batman sits in his seat, followed by Superman and Wonder Woman. "Time to vote." He says as each member of the League casts their vote.
Awhile later, Batman stands as all the votes are counted. "All those in favor of ratifying the results?" He says as every member 'Aye's' in agreement. "All opposed?" Batman asks as silence fills the hall. "Then we are adjourned." He says as everyone stands and nods their nods in acceptance.