I don't own DC.

Chapter Seven; Defeat

The meeting finally came to an end. I call it meeting but it was just one long speech after another by pretentious people. Honestly I can now understand why the Flash disdains the JSA leaders_ they are too full of themselves to an unhealthy level.

By now most superheroes had left already, and the ballroom became empty. Diana too had left with the JSA members for an inner meeting of sorts in some other part of the mansion, taking Parsifal's corpse with her like a trophy. This Wonder Woman seem to be too blood thirsty! I wonder what that says about this universe. Damaged? Ah, but what do I know?

Anyway, left to my own devices I found myself exploring the JSA mansion. Most doors I came across were close; those I didn't try to open. But any I found ajar, I peer inside with curiosity. The first few doors were big empty rooms that didn't looked lived in despite the clean furniture and all, I didn't spare those a second glance and moved on.

The second kind of rooms I found were facilities; gyms, cafeteria, labs. These intrested me, especially the labs. I went past many other closed doors too before coming across a lab that was actually not empty. Two people were inside. One was a bald black guy in a lab coat standing with his hands folded across his chest, while the other was a Caucasian male in blue and gold costume with shaggy shoulder length brown hair_ like a rock star_ graying at the sides. He was sitting on a chair in front of the first guy.

The first guy, the one in the lab coat, turned to the door immediately I appeared while the other reached for the helmet sitting on the desk beside him but paused mid motion. He hesitated, then retracted his hand and turned to me too, a grave look on his face. This is Kent Nelson eh? AKA Dr Fate's secret identity. He didn't look much though.

I mean he didn't have that otherworldly aura Wonder Woman possesses, the fun carefree vibe Flash has, nor Green Lantern's modest confidence that makes one feel the Lantern is a veteran soldier or something. All those three has a unique aura setting them different from ordinary people. Kent was just a plain if good looking middle aged guy.

"Who the hell are you?" The other guy asked, obviously put off by my appearance.

"James Greek," I smiled. "Sorry did I barge in on something? I saw the door open and didn't much think of it."

"You are Greek?" Kent Nelson's eyes brightened with interest, studying me. "You are the dude Diana's been talking about!"

I nodded then pointed at the golden helmet. "We have met, yeah?" Kent Nelson's face was blank; he didn't seem to recognize me. I chuckled softly. "You know, at Black Tower island?"

The man looked troubled. "Please don't take it to heart man, my memory is not what it used to be."

"It's alright." I shrugged, turning to leave. "Take care,"

"Wait!" Kent called. I turned around. "Come on in, let's talk, I have been locked up in indecision for sometime now; I think I might need another perspective on things." He looked up at the other man. "That's If you don't mind doc."

"I don't," The man shrugged.

Walking into the lab I grabbed a chair, and sat next to the 'doctor' facing Kent."My name is Kent Nelson," Kent said seriously. "Dr Fate, the man behind the helmet of Fate."

"Yeah figured as much." I smiled.

"And this the doctor. Dr Charles Nyder." Kent motioned with his head. Then whistled as he looked back to me. "But man you look trashed."

I stared at the hole on my jacket and grinned. "We had to solve a minor annoyance on the way."

"That's an interesting way of putting it, Diana said it was a near death experience. She didn't look half as bad as you do by a stretch though,"

"I don't think that woman posses the ability of looking bad." I laughed. "It's like the dirt and grit rolls off her like a halo."

"She said you were the one mostly on the receiving end of some lethal stuff."

"She told you that?".

"No," Dr Fate smiled. "She's currently narrating it all to the other members of the JSA."

"How do you know?" I stared at him suspiciously.

"I listen," He touched his temple.

A spark lit up in my brain. "Ease dropping with magic? Hmph, how convenient. But shouldn't you be there, in this all important meeting of the elites?"

"You seem irritated by it." He pointed offhandedly. I shrugged. "But nah," the sorcerer waved dismissively. "I can't stand one of them. Folks staring at me like I am a keg waiting to light up or something..., If they need my opinion they'd come to me. It's the way it has always been. Ah whichever, this tires me, that's not why we are here." He pointed at Dr Nyder. "We are here to talk about how you are going to help me Greek. You see Doc here is responsible for my mental health. And he says the helmet of Fate has taking a toll on me, that I can't wear it anymore, that I should consider retirement."

"I just said to lay it off for sometime." The doc protested.

"Yeah, I know what you said." Kent scoffed. "Doc also said each time I wear the helmet I risk my mental health further deteriorating."

"That sucks," I pointed.

"An understatement," Kent shrugged. "But the problem is, my powers originate from said helmet. Once I wear it I am possessed by the lord of order, Nabu; I gain all these amazing abilities and I am able to compete with the likes of you. Laying it down is equal to stop being Dr Fate. So as it stands the question is, should I lay off the helmet at the exact time the world needs me the most, or should I make sacrifices for the greater good?"

I frowned. What is this about? World War 2 has barely begun and the JSA are already broken? Internal strife, lack of trust, dark secretes. From my brief time on this earth I have already noticed all that so it can't be a small matter. Now even Dr Fate was asking me_ a man he barely knows_ if he should retire. WTF!? I was very disappointed. For the first time since coming to 'this' DC universe I was afraid of what the future might bring. Everything is a mess here, even the blind can see. Is this perhaps a reality where the axis won the war?

That is what I feared the most. If this is like earth X then I am in real trouble. Now I wish I could get my hands on Per Degaton. Damn it!

Kent was waiting for my answer. I took a deep breath and sighed. "The answer is rather simple Fate. It's not what you want, it's what you must; will we win this war without your help? If so then your sacrifice is not needed. But if you must sacrifice, you must sacrifice. Above all you must know yourself."

Kent glared at me. To him it must look like I am avoiding giving him a definite answer. Which is true, to be honest. "Are you telling me to retire or not to?"

"You are the wizard not me," I shrugged. "By the way, can you teach me magic?"

Kent paused for sometime then sighed wearily. He must have noticed I didn't want to continue the discussion and gave up. I was somewhat relieved. I always hated getting emotional and stuff, or asking for advice for that matter. I am the kind of guy that hates the therapist or opening up to someone and would rather figure out things on my own.

Kent lifted his hand, holding it before my forehead and repeated the same action at my chest. After a brief time he shook his head. "You don't have the amplitude for it." I felt a pang of disappointment; noticing my feeling the sorcerer smiled. "I can teach you runes though."

"Oh, what use does that have?..., I am not looking down on it or anything, just a little curious."

Dr Fate chuckled. "I can see why you might be skeptical. Runes are after all not flashy like real magic and are often overlooked, but there are nonetheless as useful. Runes can enchant objects or clothing, and important in rituals. it's as simple as that. As far as one is innovative enough it has no limits. But it is hard work, even among sorcerers, only few embark on that path. Even myself, I am no master of runes but I know a few books. I'll check it out and get back to you."

"How will you find me?"

"I can scry you, but I'll ask Diana instead."

"Don't get her involve, I live in Gotham, scry me anytime you want."

"I'll need a lock of your hair.

I hesitated. "Ask Diana then. Catch you later." With that I left.

I explored the mansion some more finding nothing of interest so I went downstairs exiting the mansion to explore the neighborhood. The JSA building was a large brownstone mansion in a fancy neighborhood. This is suppose to be New York city according to Diana. I looked around at the quiet street. A place of class and riches. Most of these houses are the kind you see in movies, I didn't doubt all had large pools in the backyards.

THUM!

A sharp feeling pulsed from my heart. I stumbled on my feet. Taking a moment to steady my breathing I understood the nature of this strange feeling. It was a pull.

THUM

I looked up towards the direction of the pull in distress to see a flying creature cutting through the air.

???

It was huge! I squinted. What the hell!? Is that a winged white horse flying through the sky? The half moon behind it. A person is riding on it! The horse suddenly started descending, swiftly disappearing behind the high rise buildings in the distance.

THUM!

I felt the pull again.

THUM THUM THUM!

It was like a string was attached to my heart and someone was pulling it from the direction the winged horse disappeared, pulling me to them. Frowning I found it disturbing, yet even though I didn't like it I decided to investigate. That winged horse, I have an inkling as to who was riding it. There was only two people it could be after all, and I doubted it'd be the Shinning Knight! Especially since I have met this other person this same night.

Fu

After I flicked the booster watch I quickly shot towards the direction.

Ssssss

Two block distance away. I flew over a few high rise buildings before spotting the winged horse on a squat office building in the side of the street. Looking down, a woman was standing in the deserted street a few steps away from the office building. In the moonlight she was cloaked in the shadows of the nearby buildings. Yet with my night vision I could clearly see her.

This woman was dressed in a silver cuirass with green breastplates that looked like bra cups, short red skirt and a winged silver helmet of the Norse warriors on her head_ which rich blond hair tumbled down beneath it to her back_ and holding a spear, which completed her Valkyrie look. Her blue eyes looked up at me with disdain, and the tip of her spear shined with a wicked light.

Gundra the Valkyrie.

Not the most famous of villains but one of the most dangerous either way.

Soosh!

I stopped in the air and slowly descended, touching down a few meters away from her. From ground level I found she was taller than Diana, maybe 6ft 2 or so, and has an overbearing aura. She stood aloof as if a goddess descended into the mortal realm. We observed each other from across the street, after some time Gundra spoke softly. "It's good of you to answer my call mortal."

"Your call?" I asked curiously. "You mean this pull? How did you even do that?"

"It's not complicated. Earlier I had branded a mark on your soul when I rejuvenated you."

That sounded freaking terrifying. I narrowed my eyes. "Cool trick, let me guess, this mark can harm me at your will and you are going to use it to threatening me into doing something for you?"

"Nothing like that," Gundra scoffed haughtily. "A soul mark will only let me keep track of your movement and get your attention when I deem it, nothing else."

Oh, I was scared there for a moment. Still I frowned. "Then why did you call me here?"

"I want to recruit you to my side,"

"What?"

"Switch to my side. This Valkyrie assures you your current allies will not win this war!"

"You seem so sure about that,"

"I am sure," Gundra nodded. "En, Adolf Hitler possesses a weapon that could end this war in a single afternoon, or night, depends on his whim."

I felt horror stirring in my heart at her confidence but I pressed it down. "What kind of weapon are we talking about?"

She snorted indifferently. "You cannot expect me to tell you anything as such, I am not that foolhardy."

Of course. I just asked not expecting anything; it was worth the shot either way. "Fine, since you are not gonna talk. Frankly I can lie to you and say your offer was a little tempting. But it's not! So I refuse."

"So decisive," Gundra's expression didn't change. "I reckon I should have foreseen that. Truly a splendid warrior, what is your name mortal?"

I did a mock bow. "James Greek at your service lady. And you?"

Gundra's eyes flashed with annoyance. "Did you not know who I am?"

"I do, but I want to hear it from your mouth."

"You are a strange man. Very well!" She straightened. "I am Gundra the shield maiden, Valkyrie of Woodin the All father, Gundra one of those Wooden named the choosers of the slain. You have turned down my offer abruptly James Greek, perhaps you should think more about it. Before anything, know that If you are worried about the measly rivalry between mortal nations it means nought in the grand scheme of things.

"It does not matter to this Valkyrie; this Valkyrie has seen many mortal kingdoms rise and fall over the years, this is nothing new. So I shall grant you the space of a few days to reconsider, then I shall hear your decision." She turned away and started walking towards her horse.

"Wait!" I called.

Gundra turned in confusion. "What is it mortal?"

"I can't let you leave!" My voice was full of conviction.

Some annoyance appeared on her face. "You wish to use this opportunity to subdue me?"

"Something like that," I shrugged. "Ah, come on, don't sulk, it's not like we are friends anyway. Besides, this for the interest of my country."

"How so? Cutting down the enemy?"

"No, It's simple really, I just thought of it; was this conversation the only reason you marked my soul? Of course not, no, there's no way you'd go to all that trouble for stalking me alone. There's more to this. You know what I think? I think you followed me and Wonder Woman here to see where we went, you saw all the heroes that went in and out of that building. You found one of America's heroes' secret base and once you return to your little Nazi friends you are going to give them this information!"

Gundra stared at me for a moment then a cruel smile rose on her lips. "True," she said provocatively. "So what are you going to do about it? If Gundra want to leave do you think you can stop her?"

I lifted an eyebrow. Feeling like I was some character in a wuxia novel. I loved it. "Do you think you have the ability to escape?"

"You insult me," Gundra pointed her spear at me, her expression fierce. "I'll not kill you mortal. However, I'll take you a prisoner."

"I have the same thought about you."

"Impudence! Very well, this Valkyrie shall entertain you. I know where your confidence is coming from. But know this, although you can absorb attacks from the likes of Wotan, make no mistake, before this Valkyrie's divine spear, flowers and steel are the same! My divine spear will rip you apart with ease!"

"So you knew who I was all along?" I mocked. "Then why did you ask too?"

"I wanted to hear it from your mouth!" I wanted to say Touche, I wanted to say a lot of things; there was a hundred or so retorts dancing on the tip of my tongue, but I didn't get the chance to say them before Gundra kicked the ground and sprang towards me, thrusting her spear at me. "Wotan said you are rather annoying, I just found it true."

I dodged her spear by moving to the side, hastily saying. "Wotan? Are all you villains friends!?"

Gundra thrust her spear twice more, more fiercely. I avoided. "Villain!?" She laughed. "This is war, there's no good or evil James Greek. You are unbearably irritating!" She twirled her spear suddenly in a blur like electric fan blades attacking me from all direction. Somehow I managed to evade them floating back. Then thrust my hands forward sending purple blasts at her. Yet she casually deflected the blasts with her spear, though stepping back.

"You all seem to have a nasty temper," I snickered. "Something to do with the spear of destiny messing with your minds I think?"

"Oh you know nothing!" Gundra tried to close the distance again but I drew back pelting her with purple bolts to keep her back which she casually blocked yet again but I still succeeded in stopping her advance. Strangely she didn't seem bothered though. Gundra stepped forward again then thrust her weapon sending a strike of lightning.

BAAAANG!

I stopped running and grinned. In fact I was relieved. I have been worried throughout the fight because I couldn't take her spear head on. This spear might be one of the few weapons that could permanently harm me after all. But each time I avoided or attacked her I lost a considerable amount of energy in the process with no way of recharging beside my booster watch which I couldn't rely on alone in this kind of heavyweight fight.

Now she decided to offer me sustenance, how could I reject? I spread my hands to the side narcissistically, embracing the attack. The lightning cut through the air sharply and struck me in the chest exactly where the Valkyrie has struck me earlier to 'bring me back to life'. But instead of boosting me like it did the first time, I felt a sharp scorching pain in my chest making me cough and fall off the air.

Boom!

I landed face down on the asphalt. Looking up I saw a silhouette approaching slowly in my blurry vision.

Koosh, Koosh Koosh Koosh!

Footsteps approached. I tried to move but I was literally paralyzed. "You lost mortal," Gundra sneered. "It was foolish of you to think you could absorb my divine lightning, refined by Odin the All father himself and bestowed in my divine spear!"

'I can absorb it,' I thought, 'though slowly and inefficiently.'

Gu!

A strong hand grabbed me by the back of my jacket and towed me along.

Screech!

My feet dragged on the ground making a sharp sound. I noticed I was gaining more control of my body as I continued absorbing the divine lightning but I didn't make any moves at the moment. Gundra looked up at the squat building. "Stormwind!" The winged horse flapped its wings then flew down to the street. "Do not worry mortal, I'll not take you to Valhalla yet. But perhaps some time in Asgard will teach you a lesson." She led me towards the horse.

There's no way I'd let her capture me. Frowning, I flicked my booster watch. Immediately, the Valkyrie bitch yelped and let go of me as the electricity traveling through my body struck her. I quickly drew back. In truth I could have waited till I absorbed all the energy before making my move but there was a possibility she'd hit me with another dose of her divine lightning before that, once she decides to send steady doses from time to time, that'd be game over.

Sure it was unlikely, but I don't take chances.

I might have escaped from her 'grip' and might be able to move now but my prospect wasn't good. The unruly divine lightning was still running amok in my body, absorbing it was slow business. I had only absorb about half of it all this time. Some progress maybe, but considering I usually absorb attacks instantaneously, this was very frustrating.

I hated the numbing feeling it brought, I hated how slowly I refine it, I hated the the feeling of foreign energy in my veins.

Now if Gundra send another lightning attack I'll have no hope of resisting.

Fu..

Gundra grinned at me as I hastly drew back. But suddenly she stopped and looked up. Her eyes distant. "Your luck is enviable!" she scoffed, then raised her spear to the sky. A flash of lightning blinded me as the world went white. When the world came back to normal I heard a grunt, then someone fell down from the sky, to the street. It was Hawkman!

Zzzzz!

The Flash appeared beside me. "You okay Greek?"

"Beside my ego, yeah," I grunted looking up at the sky grimly. At the distance I could see a dot in the sky quickly receding. "You should chase her." I said. Before I finished he'd already vanished.

Soon Wonder Woman and the JSA arrived; Dr Fate, Green Lantern, Wildcat, Sandman, Atom, and the rest. Green Lantern towed half of them on a giant green platform. While the rest flew over on their own. "What happened here?" Hourman asked after he landed.

"It was Gundra," I told him. "She followed us here..."

"You mean you lead her here?" Said Hawkman pulling himself from the ground. His eyes narrowed menacingly. His mace still sparking with electricity.

Wildcat groaned in response. "Come on Cal, we ain't sure that's even true!"

"We weren't sure 5 minutes ago! This is all the evidence we need; it is obvious, he was discussing something with her!"

"Discussing what?" I frowned in confusion and no little irritation. Still I pressed down the impulse to lash out, taking a deep breath before I continued. "Okay, what is all this about?"

Wonder Woman sighed sadly. Her eyes were burning with cold anger and frustration but it was not directed at me. "The JSA suspects you of being a Nazi agent." She said looking a little embarrassed.

"Wai.. wait, what the fuck!?" I laughed in disbelief. "Me, Nazi? What, now you guys gonna say the world is purple and the sun is a giant cheese ball?"

"I thought the sun is a giant cheese ball?" Mister Terrific said.

"No it's not," Atom deadpanned.

"Please," Wonder Woman chided. The two scoffed but reluctantly shut up. She looked me straight in the eye. "The JSA think your actions so far are too convenient. First you appeared in Los Angeles when we were desperate, saved us and befriended us. The next time at Black Tower Island, despite being an unknown person you knew things, people, we didn't know."

I shrugged. "I know many things."

"Exactly!"

"But if I was the bad guy what is my end game?" I question curious. "I helped you always remember?"

"It is also a fact that Wotan, Blitzkrieg and Degaton escaped."

"Fair enough," I sneered. "What other crime did I commit according to you and your friends?"

Wonder Woman smiled coldly. "My friends, not me. I believe you Greek, I was out voted however. Even I have to obey to the rule of democracy!"

"Oh, okay, go on. What is the third flaw that exposed my great act?"

Diana sighed. "Someone sold me out in Gotham. The only people that knew I was going to Gotham at that time are the JSA and you. Tell me, who would most find trustworthy, their trusted teammates or you?"

I fell in silence considering everything. I look suspicious don't I? In truth I wanted to feel angry. I wanted to curse at them. I wanted to hurt them. But I simply didn't have the energy. Nothing I say will change this situation. Before I could make a decision Flash retuned. "You lost her?" I asked.

"She did the lightning thingy to slow me down." He replied embarrassedly.

There goes all my remaining expectation for this team. Sighing I turned to the JSA. "You have flung your baseless accusations at me. I don't think you came here just to showoff you lacking detective skills, what now?"

"We'll have to take you in." Hawkman replied promptly.

I snarled in stride with him. All my anger bursting out. "LIKE HELL!"

CHAPTER ENDS

THANKS FOR READING.

I HAVE A PAGE NOW. LINK IS AT MY PROFILE.

ALSO I MIGHT POST THE FIRST CHAPTER OF MY MARVEL FANFIC BEFORE ANOTHER OF THIS ONE. IT'S ABOUT A MUTANT VAMP IN THE MCU. FEEL FREE TO CHECK IT OUT!

Fu...

UNTIL NEXT TIME. DON'T STRESS YOURSELF IF YOU DONT HAVE TO.