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TEN
Jurgen had never liked people very much, and that remains true in the baffling world of heroes & villains he found himself in. He very much wished to be back home right now, seeing as the Imperial Guard was much easier to understand. They told you what to do, and you got on and did it. Being a commissar's aide, which forced him in the uncomfortable position of navigating the social niceties of the Imperial nobility. In any event, thus was his new life serving under Ciaphas Cain (and, by proxy, Inquisitor Amberley Vail), and it has yet to break his stride.
'Where are the Commissar and The Inquisitor?' Red Tornado asked, noticing their absence (like the bloody obvious automaton it is).
'The Inquisitor and the Commissar had been asked to attend a briefing with the Arbites.' Jurgen rattled off, reaching into his pocket and rummaging around it. After a moment, he produced a grubby sheet of paper, embellished with a seal from the Winter Flats Police Department, and leaned the sheet into its hand. Unfortunately, like the soulless machine it is, it read aloud:
'Commissar Ciaphas Cain and Inquisitor Amberley Vail had been requested to attend a briefing with the Winter Flats Police Department to discuss a major police operation alongside the FBI and State Troopers. We, at the WFPD, find it necessary to request for Justice League support in the form of our resident heroes for the smooth facilitation of the upcoming police operation.
With regards,
Commissioner Daryn Sharpe, Winter Flats Police Department
Deputy Assistant Director Harvey Lee, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Colonel James Mortimer, Colorado State Trooper'
Red Tornado returned the note. 'The rest of the Team are in the training hall.' It said dispassionate as ever. 'You will find them Superboy and Aqualad sparring as of this moment.'
Jurgen largely ignored it, and wandered off to the training facility to do his duty, babysitting the replacements. He never really imagined becoming responsible for a team, let alone a commissar's aide, but it is as the Emperor wills. Apparently, it was all part of the Commissar's (cough cough Amberley's cough cough) plan to gain allies at all levels of the League, so that was his mission. Though, he could do without the commentary from the Juves.
'Kaldur's, uh, nice, don't you think?' Artemis remarked, smiling politely at M'gann. 'Handsome, commanding. You should totally ask him out.'
He's like a big brother to me.' The Martian replied, giggling a bit. 'That, and I think he and Ciaphas might be a thing.' That almost got Jurgen to choke on his spit. 'But you know who would make the cutest couple? You and Wally!' Jurgen would have to disagree with that sentiment. It wouldn't make much sense. 'You're so full of passion, and he's so full of…'
'Of…it?' Artemis ended M'gann's sentence, before the two devolved into laughter. It ended just as quickly when the two girls noticed a familiar odour.
'Oh, hey Jurgen.' Artemis awkwardly said, waving nervously. 'How are you?'
'Fine.' He replied, finding no need to elaborate. The two girls shuffled uncomfortably.
'Right.' The Gothamite archer murmured, rubbing the back of her neck. 'Well, okay. Good to know.'
He sighed, lamenting his undesirable position. Still, there was an opportunity here and he took it. Jurgen retrieved two sandwiches wrapped in plastic and handed them to the girls. Hesitant, they accepted and took a bite. The reactions were instantaneous.
'Woah.' Artemis said, sharing a look at M'gann, whom was close to moaning. 'This is great!'
'Yeah!' M'gann cheered, 'how did you make it?'
Jurgen shrugged, and revealed more sandwiches. 'I have more if you want.' He said, remembering what Ciaphas instructed him to do. 'And…well…how are you two?' The Valhallan fought back a shiver through his spine. Making friends with a greenskin? His ancestors are rolling in their graves! Then again, she isn't an Ork, but a filthy xenos is a filthy xenos either way.
'Oh, I'm great!' M'gann said, palms down and on her toes, as if to hover. Yet, nothing happened, and the Martian blushed. 'Oh, right, I remember. I can't use my powers around you.'
'Wait, why not?' Artemis wondered, looking between them. 'C'mon, I'm sure it'll be alright.' She turned to Jurgen, eyes narrowing. 'Right?'
'It isn't actually Jurgen's fault Artemis.' M'gann explained. 'His powers don't really turn off.'
'Wait, what?" Artemis blinked, surprised. 'He has powers?'
'Yeah, Jurgen's powers kinda prevent my powers from working.' M'gann admitted, rubbing the back of her head. 'Like, Hello Megan, I can't even read his mind.' Jurgen has no idea what Hello Megan was. He supposed it's some stupid xenos thing.
'Wait, is that why Cain and Amberley stick close to you?' Artemis asked, rather rhetorically, as she addressed Jurgen, whom found the spar much more interesting.
'Okay, and he's gone off to lala land.' Artemis sighed, shaking her head. 'You sure Cain has a thing for Kaldur? I think he might have a thing for Jurgen. Cain's always next to him, and always nice to him anyways.'
'Yeah, he usually is.' The Martian sighed, leaning into Artemis more. 'And from glimpses of Ciaphas' mind, I can tell how much he values Jurgen. Ciaphas really trusts Jurgen above all else. I think he believes Jurgen to be his only friend.'
'How'd that happen?' The Gothamite archer wondered.
'It was during a battle. A war.' M'gann answered, face strained. 'I didn't get to see a lot, it was all pretty foggy for some reason but…that's when their relationship really bloomed. Loyalty, comradeship, trust, friendship. Those two saw through everything together.'
'Talk about a perfect boyfriend.' Artemis remarked, humming thoughtfully. 'If only the other boys are like that.'
M'gann shook her head, but couldn't help but look piteously at Jurgen. 'I do feel sorry for him.' She admitted, whispering into Artemis' ear. 'Jurgen, I mean. I think the reason why he sticks to Ciaphas so much is because he is so nice to him. I don't think he has many friends, and I guess Ciaphas and Amberley are his only friends.'
'I mean, maybe if he showers and cleans up a bit, I think he could get some more friends.' Artemis remarked, trying to picture a clean-shaven, cleanly dressed Gunner (first class) Jurgen.
'I don't think that'll work.' M'gann said, shaking her head. 'Even when I shape shift my nose away, I still feel something is off about him. It's like, how you would feel something off about a person just because they look off. It's almost as if Jurgen shouldn't even exist, but he does and I want to do anything I can to get away from him…or kill him. Like, do you know what I mean?'
'I'm a Gothamite.' Artemis replied simply. 'But yeah, I get it. I'm just glad I'm not the only one. Still, any idea as to why you feel that way?'
'I don't know. I can ask Uncle J'onn about it.' The Martian sighed deeply. 'It's just isn't his fault he was born like this.'
'Well, I don't think he cares so much about it.' The Gothamite archer remarked, looking at Jurgen. 'Goes to show just how used to it he is.'
The spar between Kaldur and Conner ended with the super boy flipping Kaldur over his shoulder.
'Black Canary taught me that.' He boasted, turning to the Gunner. 'Hey Jurgen, want to have a go?'
'No.' He said dismissively, just as Kid Flash zipped by to Red Tornado. He annoyed the Automaton hero, as was his normal. 'Do you have a mission for us?'
'Mission assignments are the Batman's responsibility.' It replied, making Jurgen almost scoffed in amusement.
'Yeah, well,' Kid Flash retorted, 'the Batman's with Robin doing the dynamic-duo thing in Gotham. Starfire is with Wonder Woman doing Wonder Woman-y stuff.' He then pointed out. 'But you're headed somewhere, right? Hot date? Or a mission?'
'If we can be of help.' Aqualad added the social polities that Wally clearly lacks. To Jurgen's surprise, the Artificial man acquiesced and began the briefing, and he was instantly disappointed.
'This is Kent Nelson, a friend.' It began, showing off an old man with a cane. 'He is 106 years old.'
'Guy doesn't look a day over 90.' Kid Flash replied, making Jurgen raise an eyebrow at him. To the guardsman, it was an accurate statement. Unfortunately, the yellow-and-red speedster caught his eyes. 'What? It's true.' Jurgen shook his head and returned to the briefing.
'Kent was a charter member of the Justice Society.' It continued. 'The precursor to your mentors' Justice League.'
'Of course. Nelson was Earth's sorcerer supreme.' Kaldur acknowledged. 'He was Dr. Fate.'
'Pfft.' Kid Flash derided. "More like Doctor Fake. Guy knows advanced science and "Dumbledore's" it up to scare bad guys and impress babes. Ain't that right Gunner?'
Jurgen sighed, nodding his head. It killed him to agree with the mutant. It killed him too, but for once, Wally West had a point Jurgen wholeheartedly agreed with. Though, it was a mistake on his part to show any signs of agreement, as it brought a smile on Kid Flash's face.
'Nonetheless.' Red Tornado said, bringing the conversation back to him. 'He is the caretaker to the Helmet of Fate, the source of the Doctor's mystic might. And it is unwise to leave such power unguarded.'
'He's like the great sorcerer priests and priestesses of Mars!' M'gann gushed cheerfully. 'I would be honoured to help find him!'
'Me too.' Wally exclaimed, hand shooting up. 'So honoured I can barely stand it. Magic rocks!' Wally mocked beneath his breath. 'What a joke. Glad someone here agrees with me.' Looking pointedly, and smiling, at Jurgen, whom fought off a sigh. 'I didn't think you wouldn't believe in magic.'
'Magic is a humbug.' He replied easily. 'The Commissar and Inquisitor says so.'
'At least you got good friends.' Wally sighed, patting Jurgen's back, leading him to the bioship, leading the team out.
'Y'know, I never got to apologize to you.' The speedster said, getting a cursory glance from him. 'Looking back on it, I was a real jerk to you and I want to make it up to you.'
'You don't have too.' Jurgen said, shrugging. It surprised him, to be sure. Nobody in their right minds would actually apologize to him. Then again, in this strange new world, he supposed anything could happen.
'Still, I want to make it up to you.' Wally insisted. 'Just, hear me out.' Jurgen wondered if he actually had a choice in that matter. 'I had a talk with Flash and I understand why you smell. It's nothing you can really control and it's just the way it is. That, and apparently the smell was worse when they washed you that one time.' Jurgen didn't really notice. It is, what it is. 'And it was really awful of me to say the things I did. There really isn't an excuse for it, but I want to try to make it up to you. Can we start over?'
'Sure.' He shrugged, wishing Commissar Cain was here to get Wally's attention away from him.
'Great!' Wally said. 'That's good! Thank you.'
'Okay.'
'Anyways, how do you think our resident "sorcerer supreme" does his magic tricks?' Wally wondered, making Jurgen regret his choice of words. 'I'm thinking a holographic device. What about you?'
'Dunno. Have to see what he's doing.' Jurgen replied offhandedly, thinking that'll get Wally to shut up. Unfortunately, it was a fatal error as it got Wally into a tirade about the scientific method, experimenting, and all that nonsense Tech priest Felicia Tayber would get into. Gunner Ferik Jurgen sighed, letting Wally enter the bioship first and standing guard outside to let the others enter before him. Kaldur patted his shoulder, expressing his compassion for his predicament. Superboy did the same, mouthing "good luck". Miss Martian gave him a pitiful smile, no longer hovering. Finally Artemis stopped to address him.
'You think you can handle Baywatch?' She wondered. "Want me to take him off your hands?' Jurgen shrugged, surprised that anyone would go out of their way for him.
'I'll be fine miss.' He said politely. 'I had to attend to worse.' Artemis smirked and patted his shoulder.
'C'mon.' She beckoned. 'Let's go see our sorcerer.'
To Jurgen's utter relief, the Bioship landed in Salem, Massachusetts, thus liberating him of his air-sickness the bumpy ride had given him. Kaldur patted the guardsman's back, gesturing for the others to walk on ahead. The Atlantean still had his issues with the smell, it really wasn't something that he thought would naturally go away. There's even a feeling of committing savagery against Jurgen as well, but he was glad his discipline held him steady. Yet, the one thing that still perturbs him was how he cannot freely wall his water-bearers whenever he is in close proximity to him. Amberley's answers were lacking, and he knows she's hiding something.
'How are you feeling now?' The Atlantean queried, helping Jurgen up.
'I'm okay.' He answered smoothly, finishing throwing up the last of his breakfast. He turned to the empty street on one side, and an empty field on the other.
'Sorry about the ride guys.' M'gann said apologetically.
'Don't sweat it babe.' Wally said, not realizing Jurgen was cursing the speedster for his xenos-philia. He also cursed his luck, finding none of his pornoslates on hand to keep him busy.
'So, Wally, when did you first realize your honest affinity for sorcery.' The Gothamite asked, her vitriol oh-so-apparent.
'Well, I don't like to brag,' Wally began, clearly boasting. 'But before I became Kid Flash, I seriously considered becoming a wizard myself.'
'Heretic.' Jurgen muttered, though it was unfortunately within earshot of the Team. Wally glared at him, eyes demanding he stay silent. Jurgen gave him a pointed look at him as well.
'Do you not like magic Jurgen?' M'gann asked, a little hurt but curious still.
Jurgen ignored her question, opting to adjust his shoulder strap on his assault rifle. 'Are you sure we're in the right place?' Wally sped around the area, zipping by Jurgen. The speedster returned, baffled.
'Nothing.' He admitted failure. 'This isn't simple camouflage.'
'So, what do you think?' Artemis asked dryly. 'Adaptive micro-optoelectronics combined with phase-shifting?' And Jurgen got lost in translation, but it was enough for him to snort, earning the attention of the Team.
'This isn't any cloaking technology, I would know.' Jurgen boasted, confidant in his answer. 'Could be some warp related illusion.'
'Warp-what now?' Kid Flash asked, baffled, and shutting up for once. Jurgen didn't respond, instead doing what he does best. He stepped forward, onto the large grassy plane, and the effects were instantaneous. Whatever warpcraft that was performed, the illusion vanished and the Tower of Fate was revealed.
'How did- what just happened?' Wally asked aloud, which the Gunner ignored. He raised a hand to Kaldur.
'The keys?' He rhetorically asked, which the Atlantean obliged. With no further nonsense in the way, Jurgen opened the door and the Team stepped inside. The door closed behind them, leaving them in a poorly lit common area. Suddenly, a yellow holographic image of an old man appeared before them.
'Greetings.' It spoke, though it seemed to be struggling to maintain its form and voice. 'You have entered with a key, but the tower does not recognize you. Please state your purpose and intent.'
'Gunner First Class Jurgen, Justice League.' He introduced himself without missing a beat. 'We're here to see Doctor Fate and check in on him.'
The Hologram raised an eyebrow, almost glitching out as it was taken aback by Jurgen's presence. It then vanished unceremoniously, and a door appeared, swung wide open to reveal a snowy landscape. Seeing nothing else, he made to enter, but a hand stopped him.
'Wait!' Kaldur pleaded, holding Jurgen back. 'Jurgen, before we go on, I must ask how did you do all of this?'
'Do all what?' He wondered. 'I'm carrying on the mission.'
'No. I'm asking what your power is.' Kaldur refocused the conversation, not that he needed too. 'You have powers. M'gann cannot telepathically link you. My water-bearers are deactivated whenever I am near you. Now, you are unphased by magic, even disrupting it as you go closer to it. How are you doing it?'
'Magic doesn't exist.' Jurgen stated clearly, earning a hurt look from M'gann. Yet, Kaldur wasn't phased, instead he seemed to be curious.
'Then please listen what I have to say.' The Atlantean began. 'You must understand that for me to use my water-bearers, I had to study for a year at the Conservatory of Sorcery in Atlantis to understand the base concepts and how to use the mystic arts. What you are, Jurgen, defies everything I know of my craft. Please, if there is anything you want to share that can see to the greater success of our mission, do so now.'
Jurgen huffed, resting a hand on his rifle sling. Kaldur mimicked his motion, lightly handling the pommel of his water-bearers. 'Dunno what you're talking about.' The Guardsman stated resolutely.
'Please, Amberley and Ciaphas are not here.' Aqualad insisted. 'You won't get in trouble and we will keep your secret. Anything that helps us would be beneficial to the mission's success.' Jurgen shrugged.
'Something about genes.' He replied, using his head to gesture to the door. 'Anything else? No? Then, can we get going?'
Kaldur sighed, giving up the little faint hope he had, because it only led him to disappointment. 'Very well.' He reluctantly agreed. 'Take point.' With that, Ferik Jurgen stepped past the door, and the first thing he felt was relief. The icy temperature and the sound of snow crunching beneath him felt wonderful on his skin. It was just like back in Valhalla, though the others may not agree with him.
Superboy watched on, standing beside Aqualad as rearguard while the others went ahead. 'I wasn't like that when we first met, right?' Connor wondered, not without a little concern. 'Like, I wasn't that gruff, was I?'
'No, this just happens to be Jurgen's "social" niceties at play.' Kaldur lamented. 'Don't take it personal Connor. He isn't trying to be bad.'
'I kinda figured.' The clone admitted. 'It's just that he seems to think himself more like a weapon. Kinda like-'
'Like you.' Kaldur agreed, finishing Connor's sentence. 'I do not see Cain as someone that would treat Jurgen like a weapon, but Amberley? We'll need to keep an eye on her.'
'Wait, why not Cain?' Connor wondered. 'All of that smile and "please-and-thank you" thing could be a routine.'
'His actions tell me otherwise.' Kaldur replied. 'And my gut tells me that he is honourable. He will not let me down. Not now, not in the future.'
'Heh, you can say that again.' Super Boy agreed, chuckling to himself. 'Still don't get why he's so scared of me.' Kaldur fought off a chuckle as he continued to follow behind the group. Connor can be a little clueless at times. As for the others, M'gann, Wally, and Artemis were trailing behind Jurgen up the stairs, the latter two comforting the former.
'I still don't get why he doesn't believe in magic.' M'gann pondered. 'Even with the evidence all around him.'
'Well, considering the fact he supposedly comes from an alien civilization across the galaxy or whatever, I doubt he would believe in something as fake as magic.' Wally remarked offhandedly.
'Yeah, but-wait.' The Martian started, before stopping to consider his statement. 'Wally, you don't believe in magic?'
'Busted~' Artemis sing-sang quietly, watching the fireworks.
'Okay, fine! I don't believe in magic! I lied about believing in magic' Wally admitted, angered he slipped up. 'But magic is the real lie. A major load! It's all just a bunch of tricks!'
'But you are friends with Kaldur, and he uses magic to power his water-bearers.' M'gann pointed out, not impressed.
'Ever heard of bio-electricity?' He shot back. 'Hey, in primitive cultures, fire was once considered magical too. Jurgen's right, all of it is a humbug!'
'Wow, and look how to mask crumbles.' Artemis derides. 'You're a pretty close-minded guy who can break the sound barrier in his sneakers.'
'That's science.' Wally protested. 'I recreated Flash's laboratory experiment and here I am. Everything can be explained by science.'
'Then how can you explain Jurgen?' Artemis demanded, as if already having an idea what the answer was. 'He can dispel all the "science" in the tower.'
'Maybe he has a portable EMP field generator.' Wally hypothesized, smug as he always is.
'Oh, really?' Artemis scoffed. 'Then how come I can still use my phone? Or still access any of my electronics?' Kid Flash shuts up, trying to think of a reasonable explanation for Jurgen's abilities.
'Over there!' Jurgen called out, finding a cane hovering above the ground. Artemis caught up with him, taking hold of the cane, as he did also. 'Ooh, maybe it's Nelson's magic wand.' Wally mocked, rushing up and taking hold of it as well. Suddenly, a flash of golden light encompassed their bodies, and they were gone in a flash.
The trio landed on the floor, disorientated by their impromptu travel. Jurgen grumbled quietly, feeling more and more incensed by the surprise. Fortunately for him, the Guardsman discovered their "Doctor Fate". He was lying on the floor of a sideways escalating staircase, tortured by a pale blue faced, lanky teenager with a stupid cat and a pompous old codger trying to look young again by dressing up in tight clothes and waving around a stick. In all fairness, Jurgen thought he was succeeding.
Unfortunately, said assailants spotted them, though Kent Nelson looked amused and relieved. 'Well, would you look at that.' He remarked, right before speeding past both of his captors, flying through the air, and reaching for his cane. The bindings that the Guardsman just noticed on his wrist disappeared.
'In here!' Dr. Fate beckoned, pointing the cane at the lift doors (were they always there?). Without any more prompting, Jurgen, Wally, and Artemis entered, narrowly avoiding the blast of crimson energy as the doors closed, then came the dreaded elevator music. Fortunately (or, unfortunately), Dr. Fate groaned, clutching his head and gritting his teeth.
'Woah, you okay?' Wally asked, getting into position to wrap his arm behind the man's back. Artemis did the same to the other side.
'I'm fine, just-' He began, then looked at Jurgen. 'It's him! He's the one doing this!'
'What do you mean?' Wally pressed. "I mean, sure he smells, but-'
'No, no.' The sorcerer supreme corrected, shaking his head. 'The smell is just an afterthought, but him? He shouldn't exist, yet, he does!'
'What does that mean?!' Wally asked, hefting him up.
'He doesn't have a soul.' He revealed, trying to get the two to push back to the wall with him. 'You, young man, do not have a soul, but you are still here! Still living! How is that possible?!' Jurgen shrugged, as simple as ever.
'Dunno what you're talking about.' He replied, checking his armament. 'Doesn't matter in this case anyways. Who are those two?'
'Hah, I suppose you're one of those types.' The man said, now feeling his age. 'I'm Kent Nelson, by the way.'
'Gunner First Class Jurgen.' The Guardsman replied in the same tone as Nelson, before gesturing to his Team. 'Artemis and Wally.'
'Well, Jurgen, we are up against an opponent with tremendous mystic power here.' He warned, taking in deep breaths through his mouth, as if that'll negate the nature of Jurgen's power.
'Abra Kadabra?' Wally scoffed. 'Flash proved he uses futuristic technology to simulate magic. Guy's all show and no biz.'
'Right you are!' Kent approved, earning Artemis' surprise.
'He is?'
'Abra is a charlatan.' Kent explained. 'But Klarion the witch-boy—the kid with the cat—he's an actual Lord of Chaos. The ultimate enemy of a Lord of Order like Dr. Fate.' Before Wally could make a snide remark, they heard a sound coming from Jurgen's direction.
'So you know of them.' Kent inquisitively asked the odoriferous Gunner. 'Then, I suppose you know what they can do?'
'Yes sir.' Jurgen nodded, switching out his nonlethal magazine for FMJ in a C-mag and fixed bayonets.
'That's good.' Kent approved, a smile etching on his face now. 'With you here, I'm confidant that we can beat them back.'
'You approve of him using guns?!' Wally exclaimed. 'Some hero you are!'
'In the case of Klarion, and any that follow them.' Kent said, a hint of rage inside. 'Then even this old coot that Fate uses will put the helmet back on. We, my friends, are the only bulwark against terror. We are all that stands, and we MUST hold the line.'
'As the Emperor wills.' Ferik Jurgen said, a newfound determination overtaking him. He knows enough from his time with Commissar Cain and Inquisitor Amberley Vail on what exactly to do when faced with those of the Ruinous Powers. There is no sacrifice too small, after all.
The elevator stopped, and they filled out, Jurgen taking the lead and scanning his surroundings. He whipped the barrel of the rifle around, as Kaldur, Connor, and M'gann fell from the ceiling.
'Friends of yours?' Kent asked humorously, before ducking to avoid the blue stream of energy. Jurgen, obviously, returned fire. Abra screamed (yelped? pathetically moan?), bullets perforating his body until a blue shield popped open. To Jurgen's disappointment, Abra was still somehow alive and standing. How?!
Jurgen ignored him, adjusting to aim for the stunned "Lord of Chaos," as it were. Suddenly, he heard a bell toll and echo throughout the queer interior. 'C'mon kid!' Kent called out. 'Inside the bell!'
The mystic travel landed him, Wally, and Kent Nelson on the roof. With little warning, Jurgen opened up, bullets zipping towards Klarion the Witchboy. In the meantime, Kent conjured up a golden bubble to shield himself, the helmet, and Wally. Thus, it left Jurgen to face off against Klarion alone.
'Hey, you gotta get Jurgen in here!' Wally demanded, getting held back by Kent. 'It's too dangerous!'
'Watch and learn kid.' Kent replied in good humour. 'Besides, it's time for this Doctor Fake to show you why I called him soulless.'
Klarion screamed. 'NO! You ruined everything!' He whipped red blasts of energy at Jurgen. 'DIE ALREADY!' He avoided the blasts, returning the favour, the rounds effectively meeting its target.
'Ow! You wretch!' It shouts, an energy ball narrowly missing the guardsman, yet it seemed to make Klarion's eyes widen. 'What in the ever living WARP are you?! You shouldn't even exist! That blast should have killed you right then and there! Exploded into gibs! You cheater! You abomination to all life!'
Jurgen, taking advantage of the momentary ceasefire, blasted Klarion with the remaining ammunition, before charging right into its gut. The bayonet rammed into the Lord of Chaos deep, making it gag and eyes widen in shock. Wally's jaw dropped, as he witnessed Jurgen continuing to stab at Klarion.
'Oh my god.' Wally gasped, unable to stop watching. 'Since when did Jurgen-'
'I'm sure he has the experience.' Kent Nelson chuckled. 'After all, with what he must have been forced to face in his intergalactic empire of his, well…let's just say old habits die hard.'
'We got to help him!' Wally pleaded. 'We have to do something!'
'On that, we can agree.' Kent replied, clicking his tongue. He took hold of the gold helmet. 'Once more into the breach, eh Nabu?' He put on the helmet, and a bright gold light overtook him, blinding Wally.
'THIS BATTLE IS POINTLESS!' Nabu, the Lord of Order, declared. He turned the floor under Jurgen to ice, creating a trail towards Wally. Before Jurgen could react, Nabu transfigured the stone parapet, extending its size to give the Guardsman enough a boost to slide him to his Team mate. 'YOU SOUGHT TO TAKE THE HELMET BEFORE IT GAINED A HOST. BUT YOU ARE TOO LATE.'
'Shut it you old fart!' Klarion roared, breathing fire at the Lord of Order. 'You're out of practice! Your pathetic host body is all shrivelled up and old! I bet he knew that already! That host will die before he can even have a chance against me!'
'MAYBE SO, BUT I AM NOT WITHOUT ALLIES!' Nabu roared, a hand shot towards the sky. The weather began to change. A bright purple, ethereal light coming forth and parting the very atmosphere itself! It scared Klarion, and it showed on its face. It became warped, just as Jurgen would expect it too. It became more daemonic, rage filling it's jaw as it used every warp-sorcery it could to no avail. Fiery daemonic burns, fireballs, black lightning. Everything was useless for Doctor Fate had arrived, and a golden shield stood at its bulwark.
'What's happening?!' Wally screamed, holding onto Jurgen tightly, the air gusting into a whirlwind around them.
'Warp storm!' Jurgen called back, but for what purpose was the question. 'Be ready for anything!' It didn't take long for the answer to come. The warp storm ended just as quickly as it was summoned. A golden streak of light shot across the sky like a shooting star, beelining towards the rooftop of the Tower of Fate. It hit the roof, through up a dust of smoke all around them, yet it did little to affect the upright posture of Nabu.
When the dust settled, it was only Wallace West that stood. 'Who's that?' He wondered, but getting no answer, for the answer was obvious to Jurgen and Nabu. The answer came in the form of a massive glowing figure, clad in golden ceramite armour, and wearing a civic crown. The answer unsheathed a sword—a sword burning with such intensity that baffled Wally. The answer, from the moment HE spoke, it forced him to bow before HIS radiance. FOR. HE. DEMANDS. RESPECT.
'YOU WILL CEASE YOUR ATTEMPTS, SPAWN OF THE WARP!' HE ordered, aiming the blade towards Klarion, whom trembled. 'THIS WORLD IS NOT YOURS TO TOY WITH! THIS WORLD IS NOT THEIRS TO TAKE! THIS WORLD IS PROTECTED MY ME!'
HE points to Jurgen, whom was praying before HIM, to Nabu, to Wallace West himself. 'THOSE HEROES SHALL BE MANKIND'S FINEST WARRIORS, THOSE WHO GIVE OF THEMSELVES TO ORDER! LIKE CLAY, THIER WILLS SHALL MOULD THEM, AND IN THE FURNACE OF CONFLICT FORGE THEM.'
He then charged Klarion, swinging the sword down hard, fires spitting out and grazing the Witchboy, making it scream in wild pain. 'THEY WERE, ARE, AND WILL BE OF AWESOME INGENUITY AND STEELY MUSCLE. IN GREAT GARBS, SHALL THEY BE CLAD AND WITH THE MIGHTIEST WEAPONS SHALL THEY BE ARMED.'
Klarion tried to fight back, only for his attacks to next-to-nothing against HIM. 'THEY WILL BE UNTOUCHED BY PLAGUE OR DISEASE, NO SICKNESS SHALL BLIGHT THEM. THEY WILL HAVE TACTICS, STRATEGIES, AND MACHINES SO THAT NO FOE CAN BEST THEM IN BATTLE.' HE rammed the sword down once again, nearly bisecting the cat, causing Klarion to panic and run across the roof top.
'THEY ARE MY BULWARK AGAINST THE TERROR. THEY ARE THE DEFENDERS OF HUMANITY!' HE shouted, slamming the blade into both Klarion and the cat, encompassing their bodies in fiery flames. 'THEY ARE THE HEROES OF THIS UNIVERSE, AND THEY SHALL KNOW NO FEAR!'
The MAN turned to Wally, whom was still looking on in shock. 'Wh-What are you?' He stuttered, finally breaking the quiet.
'I AM KNOWN BY MANY NAMES.' HE said. 'I AM NEOTH. I AM REVELATIONS. I AM THE MASTER OF MANKIND. I AM THE OMNISSIAH. I AM THE ANATHEMA. I AM THE GOD-EMPEROR OF MANKIND!'
'Praise be to the God-Emperor!' Jurgen called out, worshipping HIS very feet. 'Praise be to the Master of Mankind!'
'REST, YOUNG ONE.' HE ordered, and Jurgen slumped over, doing as told. He returned to Wallace West. 'AND YOU, YOUNG Wallace West, WILL FORGET EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED HERE. IT IS NOT YOUR TIME!' Wally slumped over, collapsing onto the hard ground, unconscious. Soon enough, he will forget all that happened. Lastly, there was Nabu, whom collapsed.
HE caught him, holding onto him tightly. 'My Lord Revelations, shard of whom that was once true.' Nabu coughed with Kent Nelson's mouth. 'I have held the bulwark of this reality, of this world, through each of my hosts, but each one demands that I release them from YOUR services. I can no longer maintain them for YOUR services, nor do they seem keen to task a protege to this important task. They are all weak like the rest of humanity in this pitiful universe. They know not the true dangers of what we face. They are drunk on this pitiful peace of what once was. I have failed you.'
'NO, NABU.' Revelations declared. 'HE IS ONLY A MORTAL. YOU CANNOT EXPECT THEM TO LIVE UP TO OUR STANDARDS. I HAVE SEEN YOUR SELECTION THROUGH TIME, NABU, AND I APPROVE OF EACH OF YOUR HOSTS. YOU HAVE DONE WELL.'
'You give me too much honour my Lor-'
'IT IS TIME TO PASS THE TORCH, AND FIND A NEW HOST.' HE proclaimed. 'WHOEVER IT IS, I AM SURE THEY WILL LIVE UP TO THE CHALLENGE. FAREWELL FOR NOW, DEAR NABU.' Slowly, but surely, the ethereal golden glow of Nabu flighted from existence, leaving only the smiling face of the human, Kent Nelson, and the helmet hovering above him.
'REST, FOR ONLY IN DEATH DOES DUTY END.' REVELATIONS whispered to the deceased. 'YOU HAD PERFORMED REMARKABLY TO THE END, EVEN IN YOUR LAST MOMENTS. MORTALS STILL SURPRISE ME TO THIS DAY, THIS UNIVERSE, IT SEEMS.' The door to the roof opened, and HE vanished, leaving only the bodies of Jurgen, Wally, Kent Nelson, and the burnt out husk of what used to be Klarion.
Dinah Lance liked to think of herself as a simple member of the Justice League, and now combat instructor for the team. Lately, it seems that she's increasingly becoming the "defacto" leader of the Justice League, secretary, AND an alcoholic (come to think of it, Batman seemed to also be getting interested more interested in his wine collection). At first, she had been frustrated and angry about the whole situation. A lot of the responsibility from the top is falling onto her lap, and it really isn't fair. But now, seeing Kent Nelson get covered up; Ciaphas Cain and Amberley Vail in the hospital, taking care of the wounded WFPD officers; and now Jurgen recovering after the latest mission…it made her think a bit.
'Bruce.' Dinah began, standing beside her fellow hero. 'How are you feeling?'
'About the same as you.' Bruce replied. 'Frustrated and beyond tired.'
'Somewhat.' She said, chuckling. 'But I guess another is worry. A lot of my worry for our three guest.'
'Don't get too attached.' He warned. 'When we figure out how to get them back, they'll be going back.'
'Doesn't mean they don't deserve a few friendly faces here.' Dinah shot back. 'Besides, they kinda remind me of you. Dutiful, dedicated to the job, obsessive. Yup, all there.'
'…Don't remind me.'
AN: Hey Everyone. I hope everyone is doing okay. Happy Fourth of July to the US Americans out there! Now, as I had implied last chapter, this chapter is in third person. This is a little intermission from our dear HERO OF THE IMPERIUM, Ciaphas Cain. I may put in another sometime in the future. Nonetheless, the story will resume to a first-person perspective until the intermission.
Now, I want to clarify how I see blanks. I think blanks are like a kitchen sink. It drains the warp. It can be overwhelmed with enough psychic energy, but temporarily. As such, with a strong enough psychic presence like the Emperor, they can be overwhelmed, while temporarily. That goes the same to a Greater Daemon. As such, I would like to think that beings like the Lord of Order (and by proxy Doctor Fate) could overwhelm Jurgen for the time being.
