I own Nothing.
Last chapter for the White Rage Arc.
Thank you all to those who took the time to participated in the poll and voted. Without further ado, the winning team is...(insert Drum roll here)
Brauner and Klaron vs Alucard and Wonder Woman
Ra's Al Ghul and Shaft vs Alucard and Batman
A tie...huh, wasn't expecting that. I post this story on multiple fanfic sites, and both these teams got the same amount of votes. Guess we know who everyone's favourites are. Though this does present a problem as there are two winning teams instead of one...hmm...Oh well, I guess the only solution here is to write 2 arcs with the winning pairs instead of one. Welp looks like I am going to have to re-watch certain Young Justice episodes.
Please Review
Superman sat in his cell. He and Wonder Woman hadn't moved much since Hawk Girl came to visit. She had tried to convince them that no one had died but Superman and Wonder Woman refused to listen. They knew Hawk Girl was just trying to get them out or make them feel better. But it didn't work. The soldiers who had been left to guard them had offered some small comforts. One brought in a box of tissues for the heroes to use to wipe their eyes, another brought them some hot tea. Out of respect, there were no guards in the cell block. They were just outside.
Suddenly, the room got very cold. Superman and Wonder Woman didn't react to the sudden change in temperature due to the cold not bothering them. They both felt something being dropped around their neck and looked down. The protective charms that Alucard had made for them rested against their chests. This was odd because Superman kept his charm in his room on the Watchtower and Wonder Woman's was taken from her with her Lasso when she surrendered.
They both turned to look at each other and saw floating between their cells was the grim reaper.
"Greetings, Kal El of Krypton and Diana of Themyscira. I am Death," Death introduced himself
Both heroes stared at the reaper in shock and didn't respond.
"Oh, can you not hear or see me?" Death asked "Are the charms not working?"
"Charms?" Superman asked and he looked down at the charm around his neck.
"So, you can hear me, excellent," Death claimed "This will speed things along,"
"Uh…Sorry," Superman started nervously. "You surprised us…um… Why are you here?"
"I have been instructed by my Lord to retrieve you and Diana of Themyscira," Death explained "Now if you will please follow me I will take you to him,"
"No…I…we can't… We have to stay here,"
"You can, these walls and bars cannot truly confine you," Death pointed out.
"He means we are choosing to stay," Wonder Woman clarified.
"Why?" Death asked.
"Because we did something terrible and we need to pay for it,"
"Did Lady Hol not inform you both that no souls had been slain at Safe Haven?" Death asked.
"She did but Hawk Girl wasn't there," Wonder Woman shot back. "She didn't see what happened,"
"No, but with my Lord's aid she has figured it out," Death claimed.
"Well, she's wrong," Superman snapped. "People died and we killed them. We have to pay for our crimes,"
"We have already surrendered; this place will be our Tartarus. These people… will be our Cerberus. To make sure we never do something like this again,"
"Then is it safe to assume you will not be coming with me to see my Lord?"
"No," Superman said "Not as long as this base has people here to ensure we are punished for our crimes,"
Death stared at Superman and Wonder Woman for a moment. He could not go back to Castlevania without the two since Alucard had entrusted him with this task. Well, that was wrong, he could go back. But it would mean he would have failed in his task and that was not an option, he was Death. Death never fails. Besides, if he did go back empty-handed, he was sure the Librarian would hold it over him and it was bad enough that Lord Adrien held the old man in such high esteem.
Death pondered how to resolve this; he could drag them both to the castle but he quickly dismissed the idea in case Lord Adrien frowned upon his use of force on his friends. He looked at his Scythe, he really shouldn't do this…but it would be the easiest and simplest way to get Superman and Wonder Woman to come with him.
"I see…very well I accept these conditions," Death said and he disappeared.
Superman let out a sigh and leaned back against the wall. He looked down at the protective charm that Death had placed on him. It was pretty obvious who had sent him but…Superman could not face Alucard or Hawk Girl right now. Not after what they had done, he looked over at Wonder Woman and could tell she felt the same. He let out a small chuckle.
"What is funny?" Wonder Woman asked.
"Nothing, just the irony of that we have a vampire on the team but you and me…we're the monsters," Superman said.
Wonder Woman nodded.
Death floated up through the floors and walls in the base, until he came to a barracks where there were a good number of soldiers and personnel sleeping. None of them sensed his presence of course and he looked over them. He lifted his scythe above his head and the curved blade and the wooden frame extended and grew. Once Death was satisfied with the length, he gave it a swing.
Two swipes was all it took. One for those on the bottom bunks and one for those on the top. The room remained silent, but small glowing lights floated up from out of everyone's chest and hovered above them. Death did a quick count and nodded in satisfaction. All of the staff that had been sleeping had died.
"What do you think you are doing?" a voice hissed.
Death turned his head to see an imposing figure standing behind him. The figure had ghostly pale white skin, he wore no clothes other than green underwear to cover up down below and a hooded green cape that was as long as the figure was tall and crumpled up on the ground; with matching thick gloves and boots. The hood obscured any facial features above the nose, casting a perpetual shadow; the only thing was a green glow from his eyes.
"Greetings Corrigan, you surprised me," Death greeted.
"I surprised you? I did not think that would be possible," the figure claimed.
"I was referring to you arriving on time for once," Death commented as his scythe went back to its normal shape and size. "You don't normally show up till long after my presence has been announced,"
"Jim Corrigan is not here. I am the Spectre," the Spectre announced.
If Death had eyebrows, he would have raised one, but he settled for observing the Specter "I suppose you are correct in a way," Death agreed. "I must say your punctuality is refreshing. But your services are not required,"
The Spectre looked past the reaper over the now-dead bodies of the Base's personnel. His eyes lingered on the small round lights floating above the bodies. Souls once tethered to their mortal hosts, now severed forever. The green light glowed angrily from under the hood.
"This is not the way these people are supposed to die," the Spectre hissed angrily.
"No, it is not…but I have my orders, it would be wise not to interfere," Death stated.
"Your Lord is long dead,"
"I am aware, but that has never stopped him before,"
"Dracula is dead…for good this time," the Spectre clarified.
"I was not referring to the late Lord Dracula," Death clarified "I have a new master…well that is not true, it is the same one I have had for the last five hundred and twenty five years."
The Spectre's eyes narrowed under his hood. "The crimson stone must not be left in the hands of mortal men…not again,"
"I agree and it is not," Death confirmed.
"You test my patience Reaper, who bears the power to control you?" the Spectre demanded.
"Have you not been paying attention to the mortal world of late?" Death asked "What is the point of giving you a human host if you don't pay attention to the human world,"
"The host is the jury…I am the executioner," the Spectre claimed "I do not care for the ongoings affairs of humans,"
"Ah, now that explains why it took Corrigan so long to get your instructions right…what was it this time around… fifty years or so?" Death asked "And they were so simple too. Then again it took one of Corrigans predecessors close to a hundred and fifty years before they figured it out. Shame that… Amy Beitermann though? I liked her,"
"Tread lightly reaper," the Spectre growled, it appeared Death had touched a nerve with his last comment "Even you are bound by rules…rules you are very close to breaking," the Spectre warned.
"Ah but they are not broken yet," Death claimed "Now do you want to hang around and collect these souls or should I just take them back with me to Castlevania and give you any that may remain later?"
The Spectre glared at Death; he didn't like the reaper. the Spectre knew of Castlevania's awakening and return to the world, he felt it. The Spectre of course had been tempted to go down to it and investigate, but he was not stupid. While the Spectre was the wrath of God and equal in power to the Presence itself, Castlevania was home to the one who had sworn to be God's most hated enemy, it was a place that he could not risk going to lightly. Since he was the embodiment of God's Wrath, going to Castlevania, a stronghold against God, was near suicidal.
Death of course had access as the previous ruler, a mortal who had forsaken the gifts and realm of the Presence, and had managed to create the crimson stone and gain a permanent alliance with Death… and if Death is to be believed, this was before that mortal had shredded his humanity forever.
"I will collect the souls," the Spectre finally responded.
"Wonderful," Death said and clapped his hands together "Then follow me I will need to clear this entire complex of personnel before I can complete my task,"
Death and the Spectre continued through the base; Death reaped every soldier's soul. Starting with those who were asleep in the barracks or private rooms, then he moved to the infirmaries, doctors, patients…it didn't matter. Death took them all. Finally, he took those that were awake, either on patrol or watching security monitors. The Spectre in turn gathered all the souls before sending them on their way. Finally, Death stopped and announced he was finished. He and the Spectre hovered above the base looking down at it from the air.
"Two souls are remaining," the Spectre commented. He thought it odd that the reaper would spare Superman and Wonder Woman.
"Indeed, the Kryptonian and Amazon are not to be reaped," Death stated.
The Spectre could have asked for the reason but he knew it would be pointless. Death had a habit of evading questions by giving correct yet cryptic answers. Something the Spectre did not like nor appreciate.
"Very well, I will ensure the collected souls get judged appropriately," The Spectre said.
"Oh Jim, I think Keith Du'lucks should go to the ninth circle of hell," Death suddenly said.
The Spectre turned to look at Death confused. The ninth circle of hell was reserved for the worst of the worst that humanity had to offer. It was where Azmodus ruled and any who went there had no chance of redemption.
"Explain your reasoning," the Spectre demanded. He would not send a soul to the ninth circle without good reason.
"I do not trust anyone named Keith," Death stated "they are always too quiet for my liking and you and I both know it's the quiet ones that are the worst,"
The Spectre didn't bother to respond, he dissolved into a green mist and faded away.
"Always good to see you, Jim Corrigan," Death said and he vanished.
Back down in the cells, Superman was frozen in fear, his head staring up at the ceiling. Using his X-ray vision to see past the solid concrete walls. He had a horrified expression on his face at what he saw.
"Superman, what is it?" Wonder Woman asked.
"The…The soldiers…they're dead," he whispered.
"What? How many?"
Superman turned to look at her with horror on his face "All of them," he whispered.
"Hera…" Wonder Woman started but stopped as the reaper reappeared.
"It is done," he announced.
"What did you do?" Superman demanded. He had already been responsible for over five hundred deaths today and he did not want to be responsible for any more.
"I met your conditions," Death responded, "You said that you would not come with me while there were mortals at this location to ensure you paid for a crime you did not commit. So, I have met this condition…As of now, you two are the only living souls in this entire complex,"
Wonder Woman and Superman could not believe what they had just heard. But Superman knew it to be true. He could no longer hear the heartbeats of anyone other than Wonder Woman and his X-ray vision had already confirmed what Death was saying to be true.
Death had killed everyone on this base just to get them to cooperate.
"No, that can't be…" Wonder Woman started "if we get everyone to a hospital then they have a chance,"
"With respect that would be a waste of time. Every soul in this complex apart from you two has already been collected," Death claimed "Now then…" Death raised his scythe and opened a dark portal "Shall we?"
"We're still not going with you," Superman said.
"Oh, why not? Did I not already meet your condition?"
"Even if everyone on this base is dead, we will not leave. I already told you that we need to pay for what we did…so as long as these walls still stand, I will be Wonder Woman's warden and she will be mine," Superman declared.
"I see…one moment," Death said and he moved over to the wall next to Superman's cell and placed his hand upon it. The moment he touched it, the wall began to rot and this rot quickly spread up to the ceiling, through bars and over the floor. Superman and Wonder Woman could not help but watch and follow it with their eyes as it consumed the building and then…it turned to dust.
Leaving Superman and Wonder Woman standing in a now-empty area, they looked around, there was no sign of the bodies of any of the soldiers who Death had claimed to have killed.
"By Hera… what did you do?" Wonder Woman asked.
"I aged the complex and everything in it other than yourselves rapidly to the point of it no longer existing," Death answered.
"But the bodies of the soldiers…" Superman started.
"They are gone too, nothing that was in this complex remains other than yourselves. Now then...My Lord is waiting," Death said and gestured to the still-open portal "Unless there are any other conditions you would like me to meet," he added with a darker tone.
Superman and Wonder Woman glanced at each other with unease. They did not want to go with the reaper but their options were limited. After Death had just wiped out an entire military complex, killing all its inhabitants and removing the base itself. If they continued to refuse, there was no telling how far Death would take it. Knowing that they had no choice they both stepped through the portal with Death behind them. Emerging on the other side just a few feet away from the front steps of Castlevania. Seeing that they were in front of Castlevania, Death floated past the two heroes up to the door.
Superman and Wonder Woman reluctantly followed. The large doors opened as they approached and the three entered. In the foyer J'onn was sitting on Hawk Girl next to him with a hand on his shoulder; as if she was comforting the Martian. Alucard, Batman and the spirit of Dracula were chatting nearby and the Librarian stood ready to assist and receive Alucard's commands.
As the three entered Alucard, Batman and Hawk Girl looked up at Superman and Wonder Woman. Superman glanced at the spiritual version of Dracula; but he didn't comment on his presence.
"My Lord, I have brought Kal-El of Krypton and Princess Diana of Themyscira as requested," Death announced "Alive as commanded," he then reached into his robe and pulled out the Lasso of Truth, having picked it up while he was going through the base and handed held it out for Alucard to take.
"Thank you, Death," Alucard said, accepting the Lasso and waving the reaper off. Death bowed and moved away from Alucard to hover next to the Librarian.
"I have returned," Death said.
"Really? I hadn't noticed," the Librarian scoffed.
"Master Librarian, I wish to offer my sincerest apologies to you. I now see that what you said is true," Death continued.
"Oh?"
"Indeed, it must be a trying task standing aside and collecting dust while I am given more important duties," Death mocked. The Liberian eye twitched "Truly, our Lord holds you in the highest esteem,"
"I hate you," The Librarian stated flatly.
"The feeling is mutual," Death agreed.
Alucard and Batman approached Superman and Wonder Woman. Batman gave Superman a cold look and Superman found he could not look Batman in the eyes. Superman didn't understand how Batman could be indifferent about the situation, the Dark Knight always preached he was better than the criminals he fought.
Without a word, Batman reached into his utility belt and pulled out the chunk of Kryptonite he always carried and held it close to Superman. The effect was instantaneous. Superman immediately fell to his knees as he became weakened. He looked up at Batman's cold and expressionless face as the Dark Knight held the glowing rock in front of him.
Wonder Woman was about to lash out at Batman and knock the Kryptonite away. However, she was suddenly pulled back as a familiar golden rope was wrapped around her midsection, binding her arms. She turned with a shocked expression to see Alucard holding the end of the Lasso of Truth with a very serious expression on his face.
Alucard kept his eyes on Wonder Woman while Batman injected the cure into Superman's neck. "Done, do it," Batman instructed.
Alucard nodded and focused on Wonder Woman.
"The Lasso compels you to speak only the truth…Tell me, are you or any member of the Justice League responsible for the deaths of those at Safe Haven?"
The lasso glowed and Wonder Woman stared at Alucard as the power of the divine rope took effect.
"Y…Yes, we kill…AGH!" Wonder Woman screamed as the Lasso burnt her for her response.
"Tell the truth," Alucard demanded "See past the lie, give me the truth,"
"I am…we…we…." Wonder Woman tired however the Lasso only grew hotter on her skin and caused her more pain. Wonder Woman fell to her knees as even she was not immune to the compulsion of the Lasso.
"We…We…" Suddenly images of the event flashed in her mind, showing the attack only…it was different, everything was different.
"We didn't do it…" Wonder Woman whispered. The pain she felt from the lasso faded. "We didn't kill anyone,"
Alucard smiled in relief.
"No, you didn't," Batman stated and "Safe Haven's air conditioner was filtering in Scarecrow's fear gas, which made us believe we were responsible. In reality, we were set up,"
"What happened then?" Hawk Girl asked.
Batman reached out and gripped the Lasso of truth tightly.
"The police, they fired on a little girl and we moved everyone to a classroom," Batman stated "That much is true,"
"Flash and I tried to contain the shooting, but it didn't stop," Superman continued "They refused to listen. We told the kids and Mr. Shepard to stay in the classroom,"
"And the helicopters?" Alucard asked.
"The helicopters were blown away by a bazooka fired by the Police. Officer Jackson ordered there to be no witnesses," Wonder Woman claimed "I got the pilots out before the helicopters crashed into some gas tanks,"
"This triggered a chain reaction from the building," J'onn added.
"A chain reaction? How? Were there bombs in the building?" Hawk Girl gasped "How were they not detected by Superman or J'onn?"
"No, but gas is flammable. Since the whole building's air system was filled with Scarecrows Fear Gas it all lit up. It's no wonder there was nothing left behind," Batman answered "This was an attack against the League, a very well planned and executed attack,"
Alucard spoke up "Something called tanks… were mentioned. What happened to those?"
J'onn shook his head "They were never there, just added in by the gas,"
"That explains why we didn't find any tracks when Alucard and I were flying over the area. But what about Green Lantern? What happened to him?" Hawk Girl urged.
"He…he was supposed to help Mr. and Mrs. Shepard get the children to an underground bunker beneath the complex," Superman answered "I don't know if he made it,"
"He did…otherwise the departed souls would have answered my call," Alucard interrupted. He moved to stand next to Wonder Woman and untied the Lasso from her, since she now realised the truth, she no longer needed to be bound by it.
"Then why did Death say that he and the children would die in three hours?" Hawk Girl asked.
"Green Lantern saw the same thing we did. His ring is most likely reacting to what he believed happened. Since he hasn't had the antidote, he must still be reacting to the explosion. He may be doing far more harm than good," Batman theorised.
"Then we should hurry back to Safe Haven and find Lantern," J'onn advised as he stood up.
"Follow me," Alucard said. He turned and walked up the stairs, leading the group to the transportation room. Once there he activated the room's magic and the Justice League disappeared in the black flames.
Once they were back at Safe Haven, Superman took off into the air and scanned the area with his X-ray vision. It didn't take long for him to find the underground bunker as it was deep beneath the earth and the only part of the area he couldn't see through due to led lining.
"Found it," Superman claimed and he floated down to the ground, standing over the bunker "It's right beneath us," he claimed.
"How far?" Batman asked.
"Far, you'll need a ride down," Superman said. He then started to spin around on the spot at superspeed and drilled his way down through the earth until he hit the outer metal walls of the bunker, but even those walls were not enough to stop him and he drilled through them as well. The rest of the League followed behind him, Wonder Woman helping Batman, while Hawk Girl refused assistance from Alucard. There was no room for her wings to spread in the hole that Superman had created so she let herself free fall and opened her wings to catch herself once inside the bunker.
Once inside the League looked around, the interior of the bunker was pretty plain. There were several shelves filled with tinned food, like baked beans, spaghetti and Spam. There was an insulated box that held several cases of bottled water. In the center of the bunker was a man who was facing a large green dome.
The man was medium height with a somewhat slender build, with glasses that had the time of three o'clock printed on the lens. He wore a fitted dark brown blazer with a matching bowler hat, over a plain pale shirt and black tie with several yellow clock designs on it. His pants were light brown with black shoes. In his left hand was a long golden cane in the shape of a clock's hand that he was leaning on while he casually spun a pocket watch on a chain in his right hand.
He turned and looked at the Justice League, catching his spinning pocket watch and looked at the time. "You're here early," the figure commented.
The Justice League ignored the man and stared at the large green dome behind him. Green Lantern hovered in the center, the green energy emitting from his ring. The League looked up and it was clear that Green Lantern looked exhausted, his eyes were closed and his face tensed up as if he was fighting something that wasn't there. All the children and Mr. and Mrs. Shepard were inside the dome, as was the social worker, Officer Jackson, the pilots from the DEO and several squads of police.
However, they did not look so good, almost all of them were on the ground, unconscious and not moving. Mr. Shepard was gasping for air and looked at the league with pleading eyes.
"Lantern," Hawk Girl called out.
"You're wasting your breath, he can't hear you," the figure said "In fact, he doesn't even know what is going on anymore,"
"Who are you?" Superman demanded "What did you do to those kids?"
"Me? I haven't done anything. It is your friend who has made the children all take a nap," the man claimed "As for who I am…you can call me the Clock King," The Clock King then turned his attention to Batman "It is good to see you again Batman, I have missed our nightly rendezvous,"
"You died three years ago," Batman growled, "How did you survive?"
"Now, now, Batman, you should know by now that even if you find a body, death is not always permanent." The Clock King smiled "As for the how…Well, I could tell you, but it would take too long and I am sure you would much rather focus your energy on them," he said and gestured to the large green dome behind him.
Hawk Girl, Superman, J'onn and Wonder Woman raced past the Clock King, the villain did nothing to stop them only turn to watch as the powerhouses of the Justice League all assaulted the green dome with all their might. However, it didn't break.
"If that worked then the brute who calls himself these kids' guardian would have broken out already," the Clock King said, walking up to the dome and tapping it with his metal cane. "Truly the will of a Green Lantern was not exaggerated."
"Move aside," Alucard called out, the League moved back and once they were clear Alucard raised his hand and conjured a ball of flame. "Hell Fire,"
Alucard unleashed three balls of mystic fire at the dome that didn't destroy the dome, he drew his sword igniting it with blue flames and leapt into the air and stuck the dome. There was a crackle of energy when the sword and the dome connected, but it did not break. Alucard moved his hand over his sword, flicking a small ember onto the dome "Risipi," he commended. The dome was engulfed in a swirling tornado of blue fire. It lasted only for a few seconds, the swirling flames disappeared leaving the Green Dome and all its inhabitants unharmed.
"That did not work either?" Alucard gasped in surprise.
"Everyone, stop wasting your energy, we're not going to get through by force" Batman shouted, the dark knight pulled out the last needle of antidote and held it out "J'onn take this and try to phase through it,"
J'onn nodded, in one quick move he swooped down, taking the antidote and tried to phase through the barrier however he found he couldn't. Instead, he disappeared though the floor and after a moment, reemerged shaking his head.
"I cannot get through, even from underneath," J'onn stated. His eyes glowed yellow for a moment and then went back to normal "I cannot contact him with telepathy either,"
"Damn it," Batman hissed. He looked over at the Clock King, the villain hadn't done anything to hinder the league yet. He just stood there and watched with a smile on his face.
"Tick tock Batman, their time is running out," the Clock King said in a sing-song voice.
Superman balled his fists, trying to figure out what they could do. It was possible to overpower a Green Lanterns' constructs with brute force,but it was only possible if they became distracted or lost focus. However, since John had his eyes closed and they couldn't contact him telepathically. There was no way to get him to lose focus on the barrier.
Suddenly Death floated past the League and into the barrier. The League's eyes widened in shock as he hovered above the children. The Clock King looked confused, as far as he could tell nothing had changed.
"Oh, don't mind me, I am just getting ready," The reaper said
"Two minutes," the Clock King said.
"Alucard make him stop," Batman demanded.
The Clock King looked up at Batman and Alucard, of course, suspected that the League would try something, he would fight them of course; if only to pass the time.
"I…I cannot," Alucard whispered.
This caught the Clock King off guard. Why could he not stop him? Did he figure out it was a waste of time to fight him? After all, the Clock King was not the one killing the children and their guardians.
"It is true, not even my former Lord could prevent me from carrying out my duty when it was required," Death stated.
"One minute fifty seconds," The Clock King counted down.
Superman sped down to face Batman and put both hands on his shoulders "Batman you have contingencies against everyone in the Justice League, what is the contingency against Green Lantern, what plan did you make to take him down,"
"Those are meant for last resort only, Green Lantern hasn't gone rogue," Batman argued.
"We don't have time, tell me what you need and I will get it," Superman pleaded.
"We've seen these kids die once today, we can't see it again," Wonder Woman added.
Batman bit his lip, his plan for Green Lantern was to set him up with his modified formula of the scarecrow gas to make him believe he was blind. The Ring would make it happen and he would panic and be unable to focus on anything else until the gas's effects wore off. However, there was no time to set it up.
"My plan for Green Lantern won't work here," Batman admitted.
"One minute twenty seconds," the Clock King said.
"Then what? Surely you have a backup plan…anything," Superman tired.
"There might be a way…it's untested but…"
"What is it?"
"I need yellow paint, lots of yellow paint," Batman said. The moment the words left his lips Superman was gone. Rushing top speed out of the room.
"One minute ten seconds,"
Superman returned a split second later carrying at least a dozen twenty gallon buckets of bright yellow paint. He looked at Batman for instructions.
"We need to cover every inch of the dome in yellow," Batman instructed.
Superman, Alucard, Hawk Girl, Wonder Woman and J'onn immediately grabbed the buckets and splashed the paint over the dome. Using their combined speed, it took twelve seconds for the dome to be completely covered in bright yellow paint.
"Fifty-eight seconds," the Clock King teased.
"SHUT UP!" the entire Justice League shouted at him. The Clock King shrunk back in response.
"Now what?" Hawk Girl asked.
"J'onn turn your skin yellow, you should be able to phase through the barrier now," Batman said "Inject Green Lantern with the cure while the rest of us smash the dome,"
"But that did not work the first time," Alucard pointed out.
"If we time the moment J'onn jabs Green Lantern, it might come down," Batman claimed "Hurry! we've got less than thirty seconds left!"
Superman, Wonder Woman, Hawk Girl and Alucard took up positions around the dome. Batman got ready to throw some Batarangs and J'onn once again approached the barrier. The Martian altered his skin to match the colour of the paint and stepped through. This time he was not blocked.
Once inside he saw that everyone other than himself and Green Lantern was unconscious. There was no air left in the dome, while it wasn't the same as the void of space it was very similar. He saw Death raise his scythe behind him, the blade and handle once again extending, this time to cover the interior of the dome.
J'onn flew up and hovered next to Green Lantern and readied the needle. "NOW!" he shouted for everyone to hear and stabbed Green Lantern with the needle, injecting him with the antidote. The sudden pain in his neck caused Green Lantern's eyes to snap open and cry out in pain.
At that moment, Superman, Wonder Woman, Hawk Girl and Alucard punched the dome with all their might…although Hawk Girl used her mace and Batman threw every exploding Batarang he had. The combined force shattered the dome and yellow shards went flying until the energy disappeared. Yellow paint rained down on the interior of the bunker. Air flowed into the area where the dome had once stood. Death, who was in mid-swing of his scythe, stopped just before it hit the first child. Batman stared at the reaper as he changed his scythe back to normal and put it away.
"My Lord," Death gave a low bow to Alucard and then vanished.
Taking this as a sign the Reaper would no longer be needed. Batman whipped around to find the Clock King trying to sneak away. He shot his grapnel at him, wrapping it around the villain and walked over with a very dark look on his face. The Clock King gulped as he looked up at the Dark Knight.
"How much time did we make it by?" Batman asked.
The Clock King blinked and looked at his pocket watch "Uh…th-three seconds," the villain answered.
"Good," he said in approval and then punched the Clock King in the face, knocking him out, before turning back to the rest of the League.
"Ugh…what happened…" Green Lantern moaned as he came back to himself as Batman's antidote worked through his system. Suddenly Hawk Girl rushed forward and tackled him, hugging Green Lantern.
"What the…" Green Lantern asked in confusion.
"Don't ever worry me like that again," Hawk Girl said through her tears.
"Um… what's going on?" Green Lantern asked. He looked up at the rest of the League while returning Hawk Girl's hug.
"You do not remember?" Alucard asked. That was odd. The rest of the League remembered what they did under the influence of Scarecrow's gas.
"Remember what…AH, THE EXPLOSION!" Green Lantern suddenly shouted.
"Calm yourself Lantern, the threat is gone," J'onn advised. They did not need or want that dome back up.
Green Lantern looked around and saw the children and the Shepard's lying there. Unmoving. Blood drained from his face as he looked at the rest of the League.
"What happened to them?" he asked in horror "And why is everything yellow?"
"We'll explain, but first you need to create cots with oxygen tanks and ventilation masks for everyone here," Batman instructed.
Green Lantern nodded and lifted his ring. Picturing hospital beds with ventilators on each. The ring responded and the constructs formed underneath everyone other than the Justice League, they hovered in the air so as not to touch the yellow paint that was now covering the floor and a good portion of the Justice League.
Batman nodded in approval and then looked at Alucard.
"I think these kids need a doctor," he said.
"Of course…Superman, please assist me," Alucard responded and floated upwards. Superman followed.
"So, can someone explain to me what's going on?" Green Lantern asked.
While Alucard and Superman took care of the children and the Shepherds, Batman and Hawk Girl explained everything that had happened. Thankfully, no one had any injuries other than the one girl who had been shot. but the wound had already been treated. Alucard had Superman keep an eye on the kid's lungs to make sure they were getting enough oxygen using his X-ray vision.
"So, it was all a set-up," Green Lantern summarised.
"Yes, by who and for what purpose I can't say. But I intend to find out," Batman said seriously.
"But to use kids like that…just to get to us…" Green Lantern said "It's horrible!"
"It is, and worst of all we nearly let it happen too," Wonder Woman said angrily "We were lucky Hawk Girl hadn't been with us at Safe Haven initially,"
Green Lantern looked down in shame. "All I remember seeing was the explosion, I wanted to protect the kids so badly but…it never stopped," He said "I could feel the heat surrounding us, the force constantly pushing against my barriers…I just kept telling myself a little more, a little longer, don't let anything through,"
"Lantern, we were all affected by Scarecrow's fear gas. You cannot blame yourself for this mess," J'onn tried.
"He's right. If it wasn't for you, we would have needed over five hundred coffins instead of cots," Batman agreed "These kids would have died hours ago,"
"It nearly came to that anyway," Green Lantern cried "I stopped EVERYTHING from coming through my barrier, even air. I nearly killed all these kids,"
"Our inaction and grief over something that did not happen are also to blame. You are not alone in feeling this way," Wonder Woman comforted "We are all responsible for the near-death of these children,"
Alucard and Superman landed next to the rest of the League and Batman Green Lantern looked at them.
"Will they be alright?" he asked.
"The children are rapidly improving as are their caretakers," Alucard assured with a smile "They simply need more oxygen and in a few hours they will be up and about again,"
Green Lantern breathed a sigh of relief.
"What about their home?" Hawk Girl asked, "Safe Haven is gone, where will all the kids go?"
"We'll find them something," Batman assured.
A moaning sound coming from the other side of the Bunker drew the Leagues attention. They saw the Clock King coming around.
"I think it's time we got some answers," Wonder Woman said and marched over to the villain. She pulled out the Lasso of Truth and wrapped it around the Clock King, before dragging him over to the rest of the Justice League.
"Now then, what are you doing here?" Wonder Woman demanded.
"I…I was hired to organise a mass kidnapping of children of Safe Haven," The Clock King blurted out "I organised everything, the police blockade, the social worker visit, the DEO helicopters…I arranged and timed everything perfectly,"
"By who?"
"I don't know, someone called Cadmus," the Clock King answered.
"That's an alias," Batman stated.
"It's the only name I was given," The Clock King claimed.
"What were you planning to do with the kids?" Green Lantern asked.
"I was supposed to hand them off to someone in the military, but I don't know who. They were supposed to pick them up,"
"For what purpose?" Alucard asked.
"Child superpowered soldiers most likely," Superman hissed "the governments been trying to capitalise on Metahumans as weapons for years,"
"But there are laws against that," Green Lantern pointed out "Not to mention using Metas as weapons or against their will is akin to slavery,"
"Doesn't stop people from trying," Batman stated "We know there are other countries in the world who participate in Metahuman trafficking or use them as weapons."
"But it's illegal here in the US," Superman pointed out.
"That's what this was all about, over five hundred orphaned Meta children in a single place. No one to miss them, no one to report them missing…no one wanted them. They're perfect for the taking, the only thing standing in their way is the Shepards who are their legal guardians," Batman pointed out.
"So, Cadmus kills them…or makes it look like they all died in a horrible accident. With the Justice League present to back up the claim. No one would ever think to look for them since they'd already be dead," Hawk Girl realised.
"And the Justice takes the blame," Alucard finished, "Giving this Cadmus the child army they desire. But that fear gas you were affected by… its effects were only temporary. What would have happened when it had worn off?" Alucard asked.
"My guess? Since the League had already surrendered and confessed no one would believe us when our stories suddenly changed," Superman stated "Even if we just up and left our confinement we would be labelled fugitives and by then it would've been too late to find any evidence that the kids weren't killed at all,"
"One thing doesn't add up though," Wonder Woman stated "Why didn't whoever was supposed to collect the children pick them up? I realise they couldn't have, due to the barrier, but they're not here."
"Ah, that would be me," the Clock King answered "See, I'm not that big of a fan of anyone having an army of Metahuman soldiers, children or otherwise…so I just didn't tell them,"
"Why not?" Batman asked.
"I was supposed to contact them once the League had surrendered…but then I saw the barrier and I thought…what the hell. You already believed that you were responsible for the murder of everyone in Safe Haven, so why not make it a reality," The Clock King finished "it would do wonders for my credibility in the underground commuitiy,"
"You know, it's on days like this that it's really hard to stick to the 'Do not Kill' rule," Superman said, glaring at Clock King.
"My feelings exactly," J'onn agreed.
"The rule is we don't kill…nothing about not beating him to the brink of death," Batman pointed out, cracking his knuckles.
"I can work with that," Hawk Girl agreed and activated her mace.
"As cathartic as it may be to take your anger out on this man…I feel we should make preparations to move the children to more appropriate accommodations," Alucard interrupted.
"Fine, we'll pulverise him later," Wonder Woman agreed, throwing one last glare.
The League got to work, Hawk Girl, Superman and Wonder Woman headed over to where the military was camped and borrowed some tents and food. The scientists were more than happy to lend them what they could when they heard that the kids were alive and even offered some of their doctors to give medical treatment. The League declined the latter. Once they finished setting up a makeshift shelter, Green Lantern moved the kids out of the bunker and into the tents, keeping the oxygen flowing. About an hour later the kids and their guardians started to wake up.
Superman had alerted the authorities, and it wasn't long before General Lane, Lucy Lane and Amanda Waller showed up with DEO operatives and army personnel. The League handed over to the Clock King and the police who had been part of the blockade. With the Lasso of Truth, they were able to confirm the whole plot and Justice Leagues' names were cleared. Amanda wanted the kids moved to a proper DEO facility for treatment, that was equipped to deal with Meta-humans, however, the League refused to allow that or any Army medical personnel. Mrs. Shepard was the children's doctor and with Green Lantern's ring they had all the equipment they needed, plus Alucard who had some medical training, was assisting her.
General Lane also wanted the League to come with him to get statements and get their names cleared, but once again the League refused. They were not letting the kids out of their sight until they knew they would be safe. It took a while, but the army, DEO, and Waller eventually left.
Once they were gone the League calmed down and they could finally start making plans. Alucard however was a little on edge.
"You alright?" Superman asked.
"Yes…I just cannot help but feel I have forgotten something," Alucard claimed.
"My Pa always said if you forget something then it's not that important," Superman advised "At any rate, we've still got work to do,"
"Yes…you are correct. It is as you say…nothing important," Alucard agreed.
Batman headed back to Gotham he later returned and informed the league that Bruce Wayne agreed to take the kids into the Wayne Foundation for their protection and the billionaire was already in the process of buying a large block of land with an old hotel on it and organising builders and construction crews to renovate the building into a children's home. Mr. and Mrs. Shepard protested at this, fearing they would lose their children.
Superman flew them both out to Gotham to talk to Bruce Wayne and after a day of intense negotiation, Mr. and Mrs. Shepard were hired as permanent caretakers and put in charge of the newly dubbed Safe Haven's Children's Home for Gifted Youth. It did mean they would have to give up their parental rights as the kids would become wards of the state. However, they would still be able to care for the kids in the new complex.
They would be their parents in every way except on paper. The only condition of this was that they had to work with other like-minded individuals within the Wayne foundation to care for the kids and would need to send a bi-annual report every six months on the children's health and welfare to Wayne industries to comply with state child protection laws.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Shepard agreed to this wholeheartedly and once everything was settled, they thanked the League for all their help.
Watchtower - several days later
Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern, J'onn, Hawk Girl and Alucard sat in the meeting room. Flash was not with them so Alucard had taken his seat. They were discussing the updates on Safe Haven.
"So, the kids are all set up?" Green Lantern asked.
"Yes, they will take up residence in a new facility on the outskirts of the Metropolis. Mr. and Mrs. Shepard are now the new overseers and caretakers of the Safe Haven's Children Home for Gifted Youth, under the Wayne Foundation," Batman said "The renovations are nearly complete. The Shepards' and the kids can move in by the end of the week,"
"Is that a good thing?" Alucard asked
"The Wayne foundation oversees a lot of children's homes, hospitals and schooling for kids who are in bad situations. Having those kids placed within the foundation means they will get access to a safe home, schooling and all medical treatment that they need," Superman explained "Also, the health and welfare checkups are done by the staff of children's homes, not CPS. Meaning both Mr. and Mrs. Shepard have final say over pretty much everything and no longer need to abide by CPS."
"Additionally, having it set up this way means that it will be next to impossible for anyone to try to hide the children's disappearance. Since Saven Haven is now recognised and overseen by the Wayne Foundation, we won't be seeing another incident like one again. Whoever Cadmus is, they will not be getting their hands on these kids…ever," Batman assured.
"That is…good," Alucard agreed.
"It is, I'm glad this worked out," Green Lantern nodded.
"Given the situation, it could have very easily gone the other way," Hawk Girl said.
"Yeah, we have you and Alucard to thank for that," Wonder Woman said.
"No, you only need to thank Hawk Girl," Alucard corrected. "Had she not alerted me I would have slept through this whole event…she is the real hero this time,"
"Thanks, but I really can't take all the credit. Alucard was the one who found out that the kids and Green Lanturn were still alive. Batman was the one with the antidote and came up with the plan to get through Green Lantern's barrier," Hawk Girl pointed out.
"Yes, but that wouldn't have happened had you been with us," Batman stated, "Alucard is right, the League and those children are only here because of you,"
"By the way, Alucard. Why didn't anyone other than us see Death?" Hawk Girl asked "I mean he was at the DEO and in the bunker, yet no one reacted to him,"
"Death normally cannot be seen by the living," Alucard responded, "It would cause widespread panic if he could,"
"So then why are we able to see him while wearing the charms?" J'onn asked.
"Death does not reveal himself all the time…only if he wishes to be seen...in this case because I asked him to help the Leauge he revealed himself to you. However, he can always be seen inside the walls of my castle," Alucard claimed "if he is ever visiting,"
Green Lantern turned and looked at Alucard "So you really do have the Grim Reaper at your beck and call?"
"Yes, why?" Alucard asked.
"No reason, just checking that, that part was not made up," Green Lantern said, "By the way, whatever happened to Flash after the explosion?"
"He ran off," Superman shrugged "Who knows where,"
"I'm sure he'll turn up eventually, I was just surprised he didn't show up to help us," Green Lantern said.
Batman and Hawk Girl turned their heads and stared at Alucard. The vampire blinked a few times in confusion when it suddenly dawned on him.
"Oh…I knew I had forgotten something," Alucard remembered.
Castlevania dungeons
Flash hung in the dungeons of Castlevania, his wrist tied together above his head by dark tendrils as he dangled above a void of darkness. He could not see the ceiling or the floor. He was not alone as other creatures hung with him. Flash recognised them as the same creatures that had invaded the Watchtower when the League was dealing with Morgana Le Fey.
Like Flash, they too were bound by dark tendrils, but unlike Flash, they also had some thin red tentacles that came out of their veins. Every now and then Flash heard a piercing scream of pain coming from somewhere in the darkness that sent a shiver down his spine. He could never pinpoint where it came from.
"Al…you there…? Anybody…? helloooo…" Flash called out into the dark void. His stomach rumbled "I'm hungry."
Flash didn't know how long he had been hanging there, but he hoped Alucard came to fetch him soon.
(1) Risipi - Dispel