Hey Everyone! Chapter 2 of the Fang Chronicles is ready for your viewing pleasure! Just like Chapter 1 it wont be very long but I can guarantee that it will have you just waiting for Chapter 3 and beyond. With that being said let's get on with today's reading shall we.
As always see you guys at the end!_
Chapter 2: Sparrow Part 1
-New Metropolis-
New Metropolis. The center capital of the new earth that had emerged from destruction. Five years ago during the Apokolips War Darkseid's forces laid waste to much of the earth. Central City, Bludhaven, Gotham, & Star City were the first targets to fall against the outside invaders.
Metropolis became the last city that Darkseid intended to destroy, all while taking the members of the Justice League & Society with him. It was during this time where Darkseid almost won, he almost succeded in having no opposition in taking the Anti-Life Equation. Metropolis's savior came in the form of Highfather and the New Genisis refugees. After Darkseid destroyed their home, Highfather lead his troops to try and contain his brother before he could bring everlasting torment to the universe.
With a newly modified MotherBox & Boom Tube controller, Highfather managed to trap Darkseid and his followers in a negative energy galaxy that was lightyears away from earth. Even though this trick wouldn't keep him at bay forever, it would at least give the survivors a chance to fight back when they fully recovered.
Since Darkseid's banishment the people of earth reconstructed most of the cities, with New Metropolis being the capital. New Metropolis resembled the bubbling calm oasis of the old metropolis, the only changes were new buildings that were incorporated for space travel and defense. The tallest and most center point building was Highfathers Tower, the base of operations for Highfather and new HQ for the new Justice League.
-Hall of Justice-
From within the conference room at a round table, the surviving Justice League members awaited Highfather for one of his so-called daily meetings. In the old days the Hall of Justice used to be a place of social interaction and happiness, in these days it was nothing more then a war room for these individuals who had been through hell. Darkseid had scarred all of them; each of them had memories that would be forever printed on their records as heroes. Their minds would also be littered with survivors' guilt as well as the fear of knowing that they would have to fight Darkseid again, possibly very soon.
Sitting at this table was fourteen Individuals that made up the New Justice League, while the faces varied between friend and old foe, they each had made it their lives mission to take down Darkseid and restore what peace they could to the universe.
Clark Kent AKA Superman was the first member of the new Justice League who sat down at the table awaiting Highfather. As the leader of the old Justice the so-called 'blue boyscout' had been through much, his cheerful demeanor had been lost and replaced with a depressive shell of a man. Thanks to his kryptonian DNA and unyielding willpower Clark managed to survive Darkseid's rampage, however he wasn't left without battle scars. During the war he lost both his cousin Kara and beloved wife Lois. To add insult to injury, Darkseid stabbed Clark with a Kryptonite dipped spear which added the element to his blood stream permanetly. This change depowered Superman greatly, he could no longer fly uses his heat vision or withstand powerful attacks. To be alive and dethroned as the 'Man of Steel' would forever shame Clark, a fate that Darkseid reveled in.
Tora Olafsdotter AKA Ice was the second member of the new Justice League. During the war Granny Goodness sliced open Ice's throat and implemented a small device. While she was lucky to be alive, it was determined by New Genesis scientists that she had a heat reactor inside of her. This meant if she even spoke a single world the device would detonate burning her alive from the inside. As Fire's best friend Ice was one of the people who grieved the hardest, not being able to talk about her friend saddened her quite often to the point where she contemplated suicide multiple times.
Harley Quinn & Deadshot were the third and fourth members. This unlikey duo were the only two surviving members of the Secret Society of Super Villains. Having been given full pardons from Highfather they faithfully stood by the League in order to get revenge on Darkseid. Deadshot now was blind in both eyes his vision be aided by a special set of glasses and Harley now had one robotic arm as well as a leg after Mad Hariett severed them both. The two were the only ones around the table who were slightly optimistic about being apart of the Justice League these days. Perhaps it was there for chance for causing mayhem wherever they go, or perhaps it was the fact that they were a happily married couple. Whatever the case the League was lucky to have them on their side.
Other members included, Mister Miracle, Big Barda, The Atom, DR Fate, Catwoman, Vixen, Mento, ElastiGirl, Negativeman and lastly Robotman. Around the table each of the remaining members held onto the slimming hope that they would beat Darkseid one day. Until a plan could be formed, however, they would attend one of Highfathers usual meetings.
As the members of the Justice League were finally assembled at last, the conference doors slid open revealing Highfather and a few of his bodyguards. The heroes except for Deadshot reluctantly saltuted their ruler as he stood before them at the table.
"Morning Old Man!" Deadshot sucked his teeth as he knew Highfather would shoot him a look for not giving him the respect he deserved. Deadshot was never one to give respect for people he felt didn't deserve it. Even back when he was working for the Society he always made sure to constantly betray them to further get under Lex or Grodd's skin.
"Show some respect Lawton!" Big Barda scowled. "Highfather is before us?"
"Don't let Lawton upset you Barda!" MR Miracle urged. "After all he's just some mercenary!"
"And Mercenary's are the hounds of duty!" DR Fate added
"What the hell does that mean?"
"Your expendable!" Vixen hissed. "Trash like him should have died when the Society crumbled."
"Shut it Vixen or I'll mount y-."
Deadshots threats were cut off by Ice who shot a small ball of snow at the man's face. On contact the snow slightly encased his face in Ice. Not enough to kill him but enough to shut him up and keep him from saying more.
"Hey stop messin with my hubby, he don't know no betta!" Harley stated as she clung to Deadshots arm and gave him a kiss his now frozen cheek. Catwoman and the other heroes couldn't help but roll their eyes at the loonatics affection for her husband. They thought Harley couldn't get more deranged with her choice of lovers, but once again she proved them wrong.
"Can we get on with this meeting please?" Mento growled. "Some of us have more important things to do."
"What's your rush Steve?" The Atom questioned. "Got a date with alcoholism again!"
This insult angered the Doom Patrol leader who curled his fists and attempted to strike The Atom "You son of a Bitch!"
"Steve don't!" Rita cried
But the punch never came. Soon Superman was in front of the Atom, protecting him from the assault. Mento cut his eyes at the hero who stopped his punch and forced him to sit back down in his seat. "Enough, all of you!"
Even though Superman had stopped the argument, it didn't stop the others from continuing to go at one other. Soon the entire room was bountiful in hatred and squabbling.
Highfather couldn't help but shake his head in disbelief at how immature these 'Heroes' were acting. He knew they had suffered alot at Darkseid's hands but sadly they had grew apart instead of coming together. Every meeting they had now a day always ended up being an explosive argument due to indifferences our just sheer pettiness. Even Highfather had his limits with dealing with all of them; he was supposed to be their leader in this war yet he felt his faith in everything constantly wavering.
In-between the League members fighting and Highfathers thoughts, a member of the New Genesis scientists suddenly rushed into the room. Surprisingly the appearance of the random person caused the group to suddenly cease their bickering. What was questionable to them was to what this person whispered into Highfathers ear, causing him to stare wide eye.
"Highfather what's going on?" Big Barda inquired to her mentor. "You seem startled."
Highfather didn't bother answering Barda, he gestured to the scientist beside him who started to type on a near by keypad. Upon entering a few certain commands, the video screen in the center of the room whizzed to life.
"One of the space towers picked up sight of a small asteroid heading toward earth!"
"An asteroid is nothing unusual Highfather, things like that happen all the time."
"I normally would agree Barda but this asteroid is illuminating energy from Apokolips." He blurted. "The scientits have also discovered some kind of device on the asteroid, which seems to be carrying a frequency."
"What kind of frequency could be coming from Apokolips?" Rita questioned.
"I'm not sure but were about to find out!" Highfather gave one last command to the scientist who started to type furiously on the keyboard for a few more minutes.
The members of the Justice League waited for a few moments while the video screen started to process the information that was found in the frequency. The League members were not sure what to expect with this sudden shift in the atmosphere but each one became shocked as the video showed a pixelated image of someone that they new in the Apokolips war. Someone that was presumed to not have survived at the hands of Darkseid and his army.
"This is Batman!" The Image of the Dark Knight was now clearly displayed for all to see. The hero was running for his life among the firey pitwells of Apokolips as Parademons were hot on his trail. "This message is critical for our war against Darkseid, should anyone receive this message urgently get it to Clark Kent of the Daily Planet!"
"Oh my God Bruce!" Superman cried out
"It's Bats!" Harley shouted
"Well I'll be damned!" Catwoman exclaimed while being captivated by her ex's survival against all odds once again.
"Darkseid has unleashed the Paragons upon earth!" He began. "Since his confinement he's manufactured these warriors for combat and to find the Anti Life Equation. They're stronger, faster, ruthless and more indestructible then anything we've ever faced before!"
Deadshot couldn't help but roll his eyes at the video he couldn't see. "So far this message is nothing more then bad news!"
"But the fight isn't over yet!" Batman unleashed several exploding batarangs at the Parademons before sending a flurry of kicks and punches to clear his way. "I've stolen the technology that Darkseid was planning to use for his next Paragon, it's currently on its way to earth via Apokolyptian asteriod. This technology is useless without the host, with that being said Garfield Logan must be protected!"
"Garfield?" The members of the Doom Patrol gave each other surprised looks at hearing there teammates names.
"Garfield like the other captured Titans and Leaguers are the key to unlocking the Paragon powers!" He stated. "Darkseid is aware of this and has already sent his most powerful Paragon Sparrow to retrieve the stolen tech and Garfield. If both of these should fall into Darkseid's hands then nothing will be safe, he will be unstoppable!"
"Naughty Naughty Bruce!" As Batman continued to fight on through Parademons, his path soon became blocked as Granny Goodness came before him. "You should know you can't escape Granny!"
"Unite Garfield with the power of the Paragon, before it's too late!"
With that last statement said Batman tossed the device down into one the fire wells. The Justice League was greeted to the final site of Batman fighting Granny Goodness before the entire transmission abruptly cut off.
"We've got to get to Garfield!" Was the only thing Rita could blurt out before anyone else could get a word in edgewise.
But where was Garfield? That was the question.
Flashback-
-Watchtower-
-Mens LockerRoom-
"Ok Gar get it together, get it together!" He had uttered that sentence to himself for the millionth time, but he still couldn't get himself together. Beads of preparation had formed on his head while his eyes had become glazed over from looking at himself in the mirror for so long.
My how fate could be so cruel to him.
Looking down at the miniature black box Beastboy found himself retrieving it from the corner of the sink before opening it up to admire it in all it's beauty. Inside was a 24kt Gold Locket. On the front of it was the symbol of a heart lined with amethyst gemstones. This piece of treasure set him back five favors, four loans and 72 hours worth of household duty. In the end it was worth it however, just to see the look on Raven's face when he asked for her hand in marriage would be enough.
He still remembered the day he had planned out for her. It would have started with a lunch at Raven's favorite goth cafe, followed by some carnival fun and finally a moonlit stroll along the beach where he would finally confess to his girlfriend what he really wanted. Such a perfect day it could have been, if it had not been for his duties as a superhero.
First the Titans received word that the Flash's enemy GodSpeed was in Jump City, after a high speed dizzy chase and arrest they were forced to come back to the watchtower. Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman didn't explain what was happening but put out an all points alert for every superhero to meet at the watchtower.
The lobby was currently overwhelmed with every hero known to man, each of them waiting for whatever this news was. While his friends and associates were off getting the information, Beastboy retired to the men's lockerroom. Even though his cheesy eighties romance day was ruined by work, he would still salvage this day the best that he could. Once whatever this meeting was over with, he would get back on his conquest to make Raven say yes to that one little question.
He had been in that restroom for over twenty minutes now practicing the same phrase to get it into perfection, or at least at a state where he wouldn't throw up from the nervousness. Imagine how embarrassing that would be if he lost his lunch before proposing to Raven, she would surely kill him this time if that was to happen.
"Alright Gar you got this, just go out there and say it!" He breathed in mightly allowing his small muscles to pop out of his uniforms. "Raven will you marry uh wait no...Hey Rae how about... no no no that's wrong... ok so Rachel oh God no wrong, wrong, wrong!"
His confidence quickly subsided as he once again became the spineless jellyfish he could transform into. He knew Raven loved him even if she didn't say it enough. If that was the case then why was it so hard to say those words that he wanted to say soo much? Why was it so hard for him to admit that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her?
"Friend Beastboy!" Starfire's voice suddenly cut into the locker room alongside a few gentle knocks. "Are you in there?"
"Yeah coming Star!"
Perfection would have to wait. He had been gone too long and now had to get back to the important matters at hand. After hiding the jewelry box and fixing his face to appear calm and collected, Beastboy proudly marched out of the locker room ready to face everything.
As he exited the locker room however his smile quickly faded as Robin, Cyborg, Raven and Starfire stood in a corner with serious looks plastered across there faces. Looking around the Watchtower corridors, he also noticed that many hero groups were standing in silence while others were in deep heated conversations. His mind was boggled about the emotion in the room. How could the happy scene have changed so quickly in under twenty minutes?
"What's up guys?" He questioned. "Why's everyone so quiet, did Batman crack a joke again?"
"BB, this is serious." Cyborg sternly murmured. Beastboy was taken back by the lack of levity of the situation. He had never seen his best friend so devoid of joy, it was almost as if someone died.
"Beastboy while you were in the locker room, the League made an announcement!" Robin began. "Starting this evening, the Titans, Secret Society, and the Suicide Squad are fully deputized League members, we'll be moving into the tower until further notice!"
"Wait what why?" He asked bewildered. He could understand the Titans being there, but why in the world would the League invite the Suicide Squad and the Secret Society of Supervillains?
"The Green Lantern Corps." Starfire replied sadly.
"They spotted Apokolips forces hurdling there way through space toward earth." Cyborg said. "Darkseid and his army are reading themselves for war!"
"War?" The only word that could escape Gar's lips.
"Robin!" Suddenly Batwoman's voice cut through the crowd as she walked toward the group to address Batman's former protegee. "Batman wants to see you and the other titans in the war room in ten minutes."
"Of course, we'll be there." He answered. "Everybody take a breather and meet up in the war room like she said."
As Robin, Batwoman, Starfire and Cyborg departed to separate parts of the watchtower, Beastboy and Raven were left alone to process everything that had just been said.
"Rae I-." Beastboy started to say.
Now Raven was not known for being predictable or spontaneous, but this time she surprised her boyfriend in ways he could never think off. Without warning she wrapped her hands around his neck and brought him into a warm sensational kiss. At first Beastboy was caught off by this display of emotion but soon found himself supporting her hips as he returned the passion. The kiss would last for what seemed like forever and then the duo would finally come up for air while gazing deep in each others eyes.
"Not that I mind but what was that for?" He wondered.
"Things are going to get really dark around here." She answered. "It might be a while before you and I can share another moment like this."
Before Beastboy could even get another word in, Raven brought him in for another kiss this one lasting longer then the last. Behind that sweet embrace of Raven's Beastboy could sense that this wasn't just a loving kiss, it was almost a kiss meaning goodbye. While Raven did her best to hide her emotion, even Beastboy could see that she was troubled. The empath had her mind on the upcoming war with Darkseid, a war that could drastically change their lives forever.
Darkseid was known for bringing bloodshed to his enemies while leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. Just the very uttering of his name sent chills down the heroes back and set the tone for the entire room leading up to battle. Beastboy didn't;t know what this war would lead too but he couldn't help but pray that they make it out alive. For now in that corner space of the watchtower all he could do was embrace his girlfriend and think about the day that could have been. The day before the news of doomsday arrived.
-End of Flashback-
"Garfield, Garfield!" Ryan's voice was soothing but firm as she called out to her friend several times. The darkness of Garfield's dream suddenly was eclipsed by the light of reality as he awoke from his seemingly eternal slumber. He was now sitting at a cafe table overlooking the beach while Ryan sat across from him. A plate of cold tofu waffles and soy bacon lay before him while his soda pop fizzled with flatness. He sighed in frustration while realizing he had fell asleep again, the one side effect from PTSD nightmares he had been having.
"Garfield, how do you feel?" Ryan questioned.
"How long was I out?"
"About seven minutes, you took one bite of your food and was knocked out!"
"Damn, I can't catch a break."
"It's not your fault, though." She said. "The PTSD it's taken its toll on you, you haven't been getting enough sleep lately and its starting to mess with you."
"The memories, they just won't stop fucking with my head Ryan!"
"Gar I know we talked about this before but maybe it's time we considered medi-."
"No!" He suddenly screamed out as he pounded his fist into his breakfast plate almost breaking it in half. "I don't want to hear about no meds, I told Mento to stop suggesting that too you."
"Gar he and your mom are just concerned."
"If he was more concerned he'd put down that damn bottle and actually save his marriage first !"
Ryan sighed loudly as she placed a single hand on her friends arm, trying to confront him. Garfield was getting worse by the minute, she thought these outdoors trips would help speed up his recovery but it only made it worse. If he wasn't having a nightmare about the war then he was daydreaming about seeing Raven before she was stolen from him. Her heart ached for her friend; she knew what it was like to lose everyone she cared about. With Kate in a coma and Bruce being captured that left her without much. With that being said Garfield wasn't just a patient to her, with every that had happened he was now her only family she had left. She felt it was her responsibility to un-plauge him of all these nightmares. If she could manage that then hopefully she would be able to restore him to his old goofy self.
"Ok I get it no medication, if thats the case however I think we should move onto some alternate therapy."
"Alternate Therapy?" He inquired.
"I had Wayne Enterprises work on a project for me." She stated. "This project Is my Alternate Therapy, I feel like if you were to try it I might be able to cure you of your nightmares and maybe restore your powers."
"You really mean that?" Garfield's entire disposition changed upon hearing this news. Ryan had a way for him to become normal again. He must admit he didn't remember what any of that was like. There wasn't a day that went by that he didn't fear Darkseid killing him or even worse losing the few remaining people he cared for so much. If this therapy did work maybe, just maybe he could be the hero he once was again. Maybe if he could be brave again, he could save Raven & the others, if it wasn't too late already.
"Hey anything for you Gar!" She smiled. "If you want, we can head down there now?"
"Sounds awesome!"
"Alright give me a few minutes then we can get out of here!" With that Ryan found herself getting up from the table with the intention of paying the bill, as she got up, however, the girl found herself looking out toward the beach with a look of fear plastered on her face.
"Ryan what's the matt-."
"Look out!" Without warning Ryan suddenly tackled Garfield out of his chair and hit the floor. The ex-titan wasn't sure what had gotten into her but soon got his answer as a gigantic orange like energy orb was suddenly flown at the side of the cafe, causing it to instantly combust.
Beachgoers and cafe patrons went running for their lives while others died instantly from the blast. The cafe had been blasted into nothingness, leaving no trace that there had been a business their in the first place. Garfield and Ryan were the only ones left in the immediate area among a few dancing flames that were also nearby.
"Good reflexes!" He sweat dropped. Once again Ryan had saved his life when it counted most. He flet slightly embarrassed however about not being able to save her, if he was still the hero known as Beastboy then maybe he could have did more instead of being the damsel in distress. "What the hell was that anyway?"
"I don't know but I don't wanna find out, lets get the hell outta here!"
"Yeah that's not going to happen!" A voice suddenly addressed the duo. Garfield and Ryan thought they were left alone after the attack but were surprised to see a lone individual standing a few feet away from them. The same individual that was stalking Garfield outside of Highfathers Tower.
"Who are you?" Ryan wondered.
"I'm a Paragon to the great Darkseid, you can call me Sparrow!" He answered. "Now if the dumb questions are out of the way, MR Logan here has an appointment with the master!"
"D-D-Darkseid?" Garfield swallowed hard upon hearing that name.
"Were not going anywhere with you!" Ryan barked
"I was hoping you say that!"
As Ryan and Gar looked for any means of escape, Sparrow was upon them. After yanking Ryan away from Garfield the girl was subjected to a powerful sleeper hold via Sparrows muscles, she tried to fight back with all her strength but was no match for the Paragon and ultimately fell unconscious.
"What the hell do you want from me?" Gar cried out. Seeing Ryan taken out put him into a state of fearfulness that caused him to scurry away like a small child. "Stay away!"
"I'm must say I'm disappointed Gar, I'd expected you too put up more of a fight then this!" With that statement being uttered, the individual known as Sparrow did something that Gar didn't expect. He started to remove his helmet. In one quick motion Sparrow revealed his identity to Garfield while dropping the item on the ground next to Ryan's body. "But then again you were always the weakest of us!"
"Oh my God!"
Garfield fell silent as Sparrow's true identity was now before him. In the last five years he had often worried about the fate of his friends when they were captured by Darkseid. He didn't have to worry about that anymore. Standing before him now was one of his old best friends, husband to the deceased Starfire, leader of the Teen Titans and most importantly Batman's first partner. His mind became shattered as Robin AKA Dick Graysons now stood proudly over him.
End of Chapter 2
Alright I think this is a good place to end things. So that's Chapter 2 , I really hoped you enjoyed it! So Chapter 3 will be up in probably a month as I'm working on updating several more of my other fanfictions. Speaking of which if you haven't taken a look at them, feel free to check them out under my profile.
As always don't forget to Follow, Favorite and most importantly leave a Review. I know Fanfiction Writers aren't owed a review but It would be most appreciative and it keeps me motivated to produce more work.
Ok I've said enough! Until Next Time Guys!
Arigato
Z