Chapter 35: Justice Dads go to War Part 2

To say the Watchtower was busy, was an understatement. All around members of the Justice League were Zeta Beaming in to hear the plan for saving the planet. They all gathered in the main hall where a giant holo screen was on display and Batman stood on a tall platform. At the same time every screen was filled with minute to minute coverage of the situation from earth from every news outlet in the world. Everyone was on high alert and high strung, as each had their own family and loved ones to defend and protect.

Once everyone was present and accounted for all screens were turned off and the meeting began. Everyone turned their attention to Batman, all anxious to know how they were going to defeat the evil on their doorstep.

"Before we begin, I would like to thank everyone for their quick response and sacrifice they have made. I know you all have your own families you wish you could be with right now, but instead you chose to join in. No amount of gratitude could encompass the pride I feel for our organization. But we are in a time crunch and further pleasantries will have to be exchanged later."

Batman turned to the holo screen and then displayed a large world map on it, with little icons on the screen representing Darkseid's forces.

"As of an hour ago, Darkseid's ships stopped in the following locations. At the moment they are simply hovering above them, but I'm sure that is just the calm before the storm. In order to combat Darkseid's forces before they have time to touch the ground, we will be splitting off into teams of 25. These teams were determined by the original members of the League after an analysis of each member. We will now display them and have you disperse into the groups assigned to you. After that we will give more details on what you will do once you are inside the ships."

Almost immediately after Batman finished speaking the teams were displayed on the screen. Everyone quickly studied them and then made their way to their group's designated spot. Once sure the entire league was divided Batman resumed his presentation.

"Your first task is to get inside the ship, this can be done in a variety of ways, but we will leave you to discuss with your teams the best way to achieve that. However keep in mind that you must enter through the back entrance of the ship close to the bottom of the vessel or else we can not guarantee mission success. Because once inside you will all need to follow this schematic in order to make it to the ship's core and destroy it before it starts up. As you make your way to the core you will face all manor of deadly technology, soldiers, parademons, and other dangers so be careful. Remember your racing against time, so be quick and thorough in your destruction of Darkseid's ships. With all that I thank you once again for your dedication to the safety of our world and pray when this is all over we can all return to our families and our mission of making the is world a better place!"

"Hoorah! Hoorah!" The entirety of the league yelled in unison signaling they were ready to complete this mission at all costs.

As the cries of war continued Superman flew up to the platform and stood next to Batman.

"So the battle to save our families and earth itself begins. Do you really think we can win?" Superman asked worried that even with almost the entire Justice League they might not be enough.

"We don't have a choice, we have to win. Our boys need their fathers and I have no intention of leaving mine to have to grieve for another one." Batman said stoically, but his hands shaking with fear and determination as they clenched to the point of almost bursting through his gloves.

"You're right, and I won't let mine become someone else's experiment and lose out on his childhood again." Superman said as he placed a now confident hand on his friend's shoulder, inspired with the same determination to protect his baby.

"A fathers job is to make the world a place for his children to grow up safely and to ensure that their future is secure and free for them to meet their full potential. Let us fulfill that duty today and banish Darkseid back to the hell from which he came. For Kaldur!" Aquaman said with pride as he walked onto the platform from the bridge, putting the head of his trident out in the middle of them.

"For Dick!" Batman said confidently as he placed his hand on the trident.

"For Conner!" Superman said, following suit.

"For M'Gann!" Martian Manhunter declared in unison as he flew into the group.

"For Wally!" Flash added as he appeared to join the huddle.

"For Roy!" Green Arrow declared with a confident smile.

"For Zatanna!" Zatara joined with his wand.

"And for all future generations of heroes!" Wonder Woman declared.

With that all parents, loved ones, and fierce protectors of the junior justice league had made a solemn vow. To protect the future of not only their precious children but of all children who would one day take their places as protectors of the universe. They knew they were in for a hard fight, but absolutely nothing was going to deter them from preserving the right that all children had to a destiny and life of their choosing.

Mount Justice

Despite the endless supply of maternal love available and even adding Mira, Lois Lane, and Iris Allen to the mix of motherly figures present to watch and protect the children. The deep veil of sadness and grief in the atmosphere of Mount Justice could not be burst. Almost every child was either crying and drowning in their tears or trying to numb themselves from the pain they felt at the potential of losing their fathers/father figures. It was heartbreaking to watch for everyone present and they were all desperate to alleviate the children's suffering.

"What if we made a giant batch of cookies and warm milk? That always helps Wally when he's feeling down." Iris suggested, knowing her idea was simple, but usually effective.

"It's certainly a good start, but I'm sure it won't be enough." Black Canary added knowing that even the power of cookies and milk wasn't going to cut it this time.

"Perhaps a game with the Children will ease them, I know they're fond of hide and seek from what Kaldur has told me." Mira suggested.

"All due respect your majesty I don't think they're in the mood for games right now. But I think the cookies and milk will work, it always helps Conner when he has nightmares or misses Clark." Lois added.

"What about adding a Disney movie to the mix! Something really happy and wholesome, like what you did a while back for the comfort party. Dick talked about it for weeks and he didn't have a single nightmare during those weeks either." Catwoman chimed in as she held Dick, who was fast asleep, in her arms.

"Those two ideas combined could possibly help. It probably won't completely do the job, but at least alleviate their pain for a moment. Ok then, Iris and Lois, get started on the milk and cookies! Catwoman and Mira, you gather the children into the TV room, have Red Tornado come watch them, and then help Iris in the Kitchen. I will go gather all the children's pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals then join you in the kitchen. We can discuss movie options while we bake!" Black Canary declared, ready to start the mission of helping the children be happy again.

With a plan made the women quickly went into action as they each went to their individual tasks. While Catwoman and Mira gathered the kids, keeping a supply of tissues on them for tears and nose blows, Black Canary was moving quickly to get all the blankets, stuffed animals, and pillows to the TV room. She also arranged them so everyone was comfortable and could watch the movie. Soon enough Catwoman and Mira returned with all the kids following them like mother hens, all of them looking like they were feeling a mix of fear and sadness. They also had Red Tornado walking next to them so he could watch the children while they helped bake.

Immediately all four of the heros helped the kids get settled and comfortable, even Dick who was very reluctant to separate from Selina. The poor boy was on the verge of tears, but after many reassurances that she wasn't going anywhere and that she was going to be nearby if he needed anything, the little boy agreed to stay in his spot. Luckily he also had Roy next to him as well to help comfort and provide brotherly support as Selina helped the other ladies in the kitchen. As soon as the ladies knew everyone was comfortable Mira, Dinah, and Selina ran off to the kitchen while Red Tornado kept them occupied. Once in the kitchen the two heroes found Iris and Lois already halfway through the cookie recipe as they added the vanilla and salt.

"Oh you already have the kids down, I'm impressed! Catwoman and Mira, would you gather the baking and cookie sheets as well as the cookie scoops and cooling racks? Then Black Canary could you put a movie on for the kids, I was thinking Beauty and the Beast." Iris asked as she then started on the chocolate chips.

"That's a great idea, the kids will love that movie!" Black Canary responded excitedly as she left the kitchen.

For a few minutes it was just Selina, Mira, Lois, and Iris in the kitchen and the three had a very nice conversation about their lives. Lois had so many questions for Selina and was often shocked by many of her answers. Neither her, Iris, or Mira knew she had such a tragic and sad past, nor that she was basically driven into crime. Selina tried to explain she was still responsible for her actions and needed to atone still. But Lois, Iris, and Mira nonetheless just gave her a big hug and let her know that they were always there if she needed someone to talk to. Selina was almost on the verge of tears having never really had a friend group to turn to before.

Soon enough Dinah returned and helped finish up the cookies as well as poured seven cups of milk along with Lois. All the women then made their way with a huge tray of cookies and milk to the tv room where all the kids watched Beauty and the Beast. They had just gotten to the part where Belle was singing "I want adventure in the great wide somewhereâ." and the kids seemed sufficiently distracted by the movie, even Red Tornado. After giving each child a glass of milk and free reign over the cookies the ladies sat down and were each instantly surrounded by cuddle hungry children. Dinah had Roy by her right side snuggling like he used to when he was eight, Iris had Wally on her lap with his flaming hair resting on her chest, Conner and M'gann both laid at Lois's side as she drew them close to her as well, Mira shockingly had Kaldur cradled in her arms acting more babyish then he ever had which brought a great smile to her face, and Selina had of course had Dick cradled in her arms as well knowing this was precisely how he like to be held.

Together they all just relaxed and enjoyed this moment of peace, despite all that was going on. But that was the exact reason why this moment was needed. The kids were tough and they could handle more than most children. However, this was the one time where they would not be allowed to handle it. For this scary time they would get to be just innocent little children, not involved and fighting for the fate of the world, but cared for, protected, and even the tiniest bit babied. Today they would not have kicks, punches, and plans, but cuddles, blankies, and cookies.

As the movie came to a close everyone was smiling happily as all the realities of that day escaped their minds. Even Dick had finally smiled again, finally allowing himself to be comforted and free from the burden of worry. This in turn made Selina smile, happy to see her precious little bird smile again.

"Well I believe another batch of cookies is in order, after all we'll need some snacks for our next movie." Iris declared, so relieved that Black Canary's plan truly helped the children.

"Well then we better get started on the next one, I'll go preheat the oven again." Black Canary said as she got up from her spot to head to the kitchen.

As the finale for Beauty and the Beast played in the background Black Canary set the oven for 350 once more. It didn't take her very long of course, busy as it beeped to say it started preheating, she swore she suddenly heard a whooshing sound. Going to investigate Black Canary walked from the kitchen main entrance of Mount Justice only to have her blood run cold. There in the middle of the room was none other than Granny Goodness and all of her Female Furies. Each Female Furie looked more dangerous than the other and Black Canary knew each one of them.

There was Lashina from earlier, with her electrified whips and deadly hand to hand combat skills. Their leader Big Barda in her yellow and blue armor with her inhuman strength, speed, durability, and electrified mega rod that packed quite the punch. Odd looking Bernadeth in her green robes and her burning bone blades. Psychotic green Mad Harriet with her feral features and energy emitting razor sharp claws. Then lastly oafy Stompa who was as tall and thick as a tree and strong as one two. She was a thing of nature, especially with her disaster causing boots that could bring about earthquakes and tremors.

"So this is where they are keeping the little Justice Brats. It's almost laughable how naively they thought we would never find them here. They severely underestimate the power of a motherbox, an underestimate I'm sure they will regret." Granny Goodness chuckled with an evil grin.

"Well Motherbox or not I'm afraid you will be leaving! However, it's your choice as to what condition." Dinah said as she poised herself to attack.

"I believe our choice is with the children coming with us." Granny Goodness said with an arrogant smirk.

"Wrong choice."

Black Canary then let out a powerful Canary Cry that sent the Furies flying into the wall behind them. They all groaned painfully but then all had sadistic smirks grow on their faces as they picked themselves back up.

"Actually I believe we made the right one because me and my Furies like working for our prey. Furies take down this songbird and get the little brats!" Granny commanded loudly.

Immediately the Female Furies went into action as Mad Harriet pounced onto Black Canary. The sonic heroin was using all her strength to hold back the psychotic killer from literally biting into her, but still managed to warn the others.

"Darkseid's Furies are here, protect the kids!"

Canary's voice rang through the mountain, alerting the other women and Red Tornado. With maybe a minute to spare they immediately had Iris and Lois take all the children and barricade themselves in the training room. Meanwhile Catwoman, Queen Mira, and Red Tornado prepared themselves to take on the Furies. Almost immediately after taking position they were met with the warriors of Apokolips and attacked viciously.

Queen Mira was faced with Bernadeth, a thin dark haired woman dressed in green, who wielded a blade that looked almost like it was burning.

"Halt off worlder, you will not approach the children any further!" Mira commanded as her invisible tattoos glowed blue and water from a nearby sink surrounded her.

"Ah you must be the wife of the Aquaman, Queen of Earths Seas if I'm not mistaken. Well let us see if your seas are any match for my hellish blade!" Bernadeth said as she pounced at Mira.

Meanwhile Red Tornado battled with Big Barda and Stompa.

"I must warn you, although I am programmed to protect and respect women, if you should continue your course towards the children. I will have no choice but to defend them and subsequently attack you." Red Tornado said monotonously as he started to trouble the wind around them.

"Try your best machine, we are not so easily stopped." Big Bard said as she and Stompa immediately charged at the robot.

However they were immediately thrown back as two gian tornadoes swirled right into them, sending them flying into a wall. As this went on Catwoman was busy fighting Lashina , creating a sort of battle of the whips as the two simultaneously tried to lash each other. Eventually the two had their whips intertwined causing them to engage in a tug of war.

"Give up human, you will not stop us from completing our mission." Lashina grunted as she pulled with all her might.

"Over my dead body, you will not take my boy!" Catwoman growled through gritted teeth.

"Very well then, see you in hell!" Lashina yelled as she then increased the electrical output of her whip causing it to travel through Catwoman's leather whip and electrocute her.

Catwoman yelled in pain but soon threw herself back up and sprinted at Lashina. With a great jump in the air and a powerful kick the ex cat burglar knocked the whip out of the Furies hands and engaged in hand to hand combat with her. This immediately put the two on even ground as both were watched in skill and physical strength.

A similar battle went on between the other groups, Mira would get a hit in every few attacks, but so many times Bernadeth's blade would evaporate her water constructs. All the while Red Tornado had his hands full with Big Barda whose strength rivaled Superman and Stompa whose boots created disasters similar to the robot himself. The fights went on for a while till Granny Goodness walked into the room, Mad Harriet at her side. She quickly assessed the situation and immediately saw a way to win.

"Stompa, 6.5 now! Everyone else in the air!" Goodness barked as she braced herself to jump.

With a stupid but malicious smile Stompa lifted up one of her massive feet and slammed it down. Immediately a great tremendous rumbled the ground causing it to crack and become unstable. However while our heros started to fall and list their balance the other Female Furies were high in the air far from the shock waves. After about ten seconds of destruction the violent tremors finally stopped and all the jades were on the ground. Meanwhile all the heros were still dealing from the attack all having a great sense of vertigo, except Red Tornado. The android, hoping to take advantage of this, tried to sit up only to have Big Barda stab her mega rod into him and fry his circuits.

"Red Tornado!" Both Mira and Catwoman cried out as the hero clanked to the ground, his eye sockets totally dark.

The two women then tried to fight their pain and get up to fight the Female Furies again. However then before they could get back on their feet both felt a hard knock to their heads and everything went black for a while. In that time everything was silent till a loud ringing reached Selina's ears. Her head hurt like crazy and everything was so fuzzy, she could barely get a hold of her surroundings.

But soon enough everything started to settle and Selina started to gather her bearings. She saw Mira still out cold next to her and Red Tornado still totally out of commission and laying in a weird position. Then she saw both Lois and Iris knocked out and worse for wear, Iris hanging over a nearby couch and Lois half outside the gym doorway comatose on the floor. However before she could go check on her new friends Selina soon heard a tiny voice that called out for her.

"Kitty!"

Selina immediately recognized the voices Dick's, making her practically fly onto her feet. She tried to run to where she heard her baby's call from but only managed a painful hovel. Luckily she still managed to get back to the entrance where the Female Furies all stood with squirming children in their arms. All the young protégés were desperately trying to get away, all wanting to go make sure their mother figures were ok and to escape the frightening women trying to kidnap them. However despite their desperate pleas Selina became distracted as she saw Dinah bloody and brutalized on the floor.

"Dinah!" Selina cried out to her new friend, afraid she was dead.

She immediately fell to the floor and checked her pulse, finding it was barely there.

"Kitty help us!" Dick called out noticing Selina there.

Selina immediately turned her head and saw sweet little Dickie in tears struggling to escape Big Bardas grasp.

"I'm coming Dickie!" Selina assured but still unable to pull herself from Dinah.

"Oh I'm sorry little one but it's too late for your little kitty to rescue you." Granny Goodness chidded the youngest protege as she then used the mother box to open a portal.

"My daddy's gonna find you and kick your but if you take us!" Dick threatened desperately.

"If he can find you first child, now ladies it's time to return to Lord Darkseid." Granny said as she began the walk through the portal.

The other ladies followed causing Dick to cry out even more desperately.

"Kitty, please help us! Kitty please! Mommy!" Dick screamed tears running down his face.

The word mommy seemed to echo through the air till it reached Selina's ears. Immediately her heart skipped and an instant rush of adrenaline filled her body, that word ignited the maternal spark inside her into a raging flame of motherly fury.

"Give him back!" Selina screamed as she sprinted to the female furies, her adrenaline blocking all pain, in hopes of taking her son back as well as the other children.

"Mommy please save us! Mommy!" Dick screamed once more before he then disappeared into the portal that forever.

Selina immediately froze in place her heart shattering to pieces as she felt the loss of his baby boy and just when he called her mommy. Tears filled her eyes and a deep sadness consumed her soul in that moment.

"Noooo!" Selina yelled as she then collapsed to her knees in despair at the fact she lost the children despite the trust the League put into her.

But even with all this in her head nothing filled her with more dread and heartbreak than thinking of what she was going to tell Bruce.