Avenging Justice 3:

To Infinity and Anti-Life

Part XXIX

Earth, Over the Continental United States, S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier

The mood around the meeting table was tense. Members of both the Justice League and Avengers were there, but the main source were two unarmored men. Both Tony Stark and John Henry Irons stared each other down. The deceit sown by the imposter, being reaped in bucketloads. Both looked like they were ready to throw down again, with the others simply caught in the middle of it.

"Have you contacted her?" Fury asked.

Maria Hill anticipated the follow up question, "Captain Marvel is on her way, and Supergirl is off grid. We lost her somewhere near the Arctic Circle."

"She's going to check, that's good," Fury sighed. "We could use her here. If nothing else, a reminder of him would be good for this bunch."

As if on cue Carol Danvers came walking in, her uniform still on, having not had a chance to change. She stared down both men, hoping to make them back down. The result was the opposite of course. Carol was about to remark about them being stupid, but Fury's footsteps coming up behind her gave her pause. She turned and recognized that look, things were bad.

"I'll be frank people, we have bigger issues than a lost man," Fury said. "Even one that is near and dear to all of us. And you Stark, I know Rhodey is your friend. However, I need your mind, we've got people looking for him right now."

Tony Stark turned sharply, "They aren't me, he is my friend. I'm going to find him, even if I have to make this guy talk the hard way."

"Listen, your 'Mr. High and Mighty,' I don't know where your friend is," John Henry responded.

Of the Justice League, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter and Green Lantern John Stewart, had come. None of them had too much experience with Steel, but Martian Manhunter had spent the most time following events on Earth. Manning the Watchtower's control room when most of the rest of the League weren't there, he had taken it upon himself to put in some recordings and other data.

Martian Manhunter stood, "Mr. Stark, I have been keeping tabs on the four supermen. I can tell you that this Man of Steel has been mostly keeping himself around Metropolis, Gotham City and the surrounding regions. It has been rare for him to leave."

"But he could," Tony shot back.

Martian Manhunter had to nod, "His suit is capable, but it is still highly unlikely." As if to accentuate his point, the Martian began to play his recordings. "You'll see most of his activities have been following and removing these weapons called, 'Toastmasters.' With the exception of running into one of the other three supermen, he really hasn't done any battles with other heroes, besides you."

"No matter what, we have bigger issues," Nick Fury interrupted again. "Professor, if you would explain."

On cue a bald man in a yellow hover chair moved forward. Behind him was a group of five, one with a ruby tinted visor, a beautiful woman with a phoenix image across her torso, a pretty young teen girl with a high pony tail and a scruffy looking man that smelled of cigars and booze. Tony's instantly recognized the bald man as Charles Xavier, and he knew of the X-Men. He did have a slight disappointment that Beast wasn't with them. He always did enjoy talking shop with another that knew their stuff.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I fear I come with pressing matters," Professor X explained. "Despite our current situation, we have only a limited time before things get much, much worse."

Wonder Woman stood up, "Please explain."

"Thank you, Princess," Professor X nodded. "Imagine my surprise when I found out that old ancient myths were true, and now I get to meet one. However, that will have to wait. My student here, Shadowcat, has come back from the future."

Fury stepped in, "I've already had her evaluated, there is a slight chrono shift in her, which is unusual and we haven't seen yet."

"No offense to your student, but time travel is highly improbable," Tony Stark said. "Dr. Banner and I have gone over that, thinking to use it to prevent threats. However, we ran into a paradox."

Shadowcat smiled, "Your future becomes a new timeline, instead of the old one you came from. That is it in a very condensed nutshell. However, there are two exceptions. One is using the Speed Force, which will still change the future, but keeps the wielder outside long enough to fix things. The second is phasing out of time and space, in a one in a million shot to reach your destination. Besides, here is something to put your mind at ease. Text Mrs. Potts-Stark, ask her if she has any good news for you."

Tony briefly went quiet, before lights lit up around his glasses. He immediately began to smile and wiped something from his face. He nodded and then the lights faded and he looked back over at Shadowcat with curiosity. His posture relaxed and briefly his mind was focused on figuring out the problem.

"Congratulations are in order, I believe," Shadowcat smiled. "Apologies, but much more and now we'll start really messing things up."

Tony shrugged, "That was a neat trick, but I believe your mentor here could have gleaned that information very easily."

"Okay, Rhodey will be found in California," Shadowcat said. "Or what's left of it."

Fury stood between her and Tony, "Now you've got his attention. However, tell us what you came here for."

An hour later, the meeting was deadly quiet. Shadowcat had finished her story, and she definitely had all their attention. Already Captain America was forming a plan, Iron Man was figuring out logistics and the Justice League looked wearily on. They really could use the Big Guy right now, with an imminent alien invasion. Not just any alien invasion but just one of them was supposed to be powerful enough to destroy the Avengers. The information Shadowcat gave, painted the other as being even more of a threat.

"There is only one way we can win this," Shadowcat commented. "We need both groups to work together, and then our odds really aren't that good."

Wonder Woman stood again, "We will fight."

"There comes a time, no matter the odds, one must make a stand," Captain America agreed.

Iron Man shot in, "Well it's all and good you both are about to give a rousing speech, but we've got work to do."

"We all do," Professor X agreed. "I've already sent other teams out to assist, and are trying to contact our allies as well."

Fury turned and started to head out, "Then we know what we need to do, let's get to it."

"Shouldn't someone remind him, we don't work for him," Iron Man quipped.

Captain America started off, "Later, for the moment he's right."

Earth, Border of Arizona and Colorado, "Rejuvenation Pool"

Xander and Mara met the hobbling Bruce Wayne, leaning heavily on his cane, and the limping Selina Kyle. She was all smiles, and seemed to be in good spirits. Mr. Wayne was scowling and looked like he'd be happier in a dark corner brooding, while yelling into a microphone. With them was Alfred Pennyworth, who was definitely stronger than his lean frame indicated.

"Welcome, follow me, and we'll get you set up," Xander said.

In his pants pocket, he heard his phone buzz. He made it a habit to put his phone on vibrate when he was meeting with people here. Mostly because the people he was helping were already on edge enough, and he didn't want them to feel like they weren't a priority. Most of them were on their last vestiges of hope, with this pool being their very last straw to grasp at.

Mara came up beside Selina, "We've got a changing room ahead, you're welcome to use the swimming suits in there, if you didn't bring any."

"We received your list, and thank you for this," Bruce Wayne answered.

Mara was taken aback, but not by the words. She had expected an entitlement, not this, the best way she could describe it, surly gratitude. Maybe there was something different about this rich guy. Goodness knows Xander thought so, and she had been teasing him about that mercilessly. Now she was beginning to think she might have to apologize for that.

Selina smiled, "Don't worry, he's always this grouchy this early in the day."

"It's near noon," Mara said, to which the other woman just nodded and plotted long.

About twenty minutes later, both Bruce and Selina stood at the beautiful, blue-watered pool. Peace and healing radiated from it, and she could swear Bruce was even relaxing a little. Then the pain shot up his spine again, and he was scowling. They were both in pain, and here was an answer, one she wouldn't have hesitated to dive into. However, despite what he thought, she had listened to Bruce about the dangers of these "Lazarus Pits."

"You're brooding," Selina said teasingly. "You're sexy when you brood."

That made him smile and he quietly said, "I'm worried. I've seen what a dip in these pools can do to a mind. How much did it warp Ra's al Gul, what if it warps me into a monster?"

She pulled him in close, "Listen here, you are stronger than that. I've seen you face your fears, mad men, chaos, and things beyond any understanding. The one thing I know for sure, you are will power incarnate. If there is one person that could stay themselves, it would be you."

"I need you to promise me," he began.

She finished, "If it does, I will stop you. I'll get the League, your family, even Doctor Doom if I have to."

"Selina, I…" he began, but she stopped him.

She said, "I know."

Words weren't needed, and people tended to overuse them, she understood and that was what was important. What they had was beyond words, not that they weren't nice to hear. Just not this time, now she just needed to feel him here. This was unknown territory for her too, as much as it was for him. He was sharing something with her, and she was allowing herself to believe he'd be beside her for as long as possible. For her this was a big step, and she understood he was taking as big of a step.

What she didn't expect was the mischievous grin or him grabbing her up. Together they leapt into the Rejuvenation Pool. Cool, cleansing water flowed around them and for the briefest of moments everything was gone. Their missions, their public and private lives, their worries, their dreams, everything was just gone. Instead, it was just them, floating in blue water, as the years and injuries just seemed to disappear as the years reversed from them. All that mattered was the now, and they were together. Then came a blazing light, and a calm voice, followed by gentle touches. Then all went blessedly quiet, with a peace settling over both Selina and Bruce.