The winds whipped around her as Shayera soared through the sky, her wings slicing through the air with practiced precision. The Earth below stretched out in front of her, a tangled mass of skyscrapers and buildings. But her mind wasn't on the landscape. It was locked onto a singular target; the murderer who was hunting innocent human.
Her eyes narrowed as she streaked through the atmosphere, the familiar pull of gravity barely a hindrance to her focus. She wasn't waiting any longer. The League could follow their protocols, gathering data and intel while she sat in the conference room, a cog in a machine that moved too slowly for her liking. She was done with the waiting game.
Shayera cut across the sky, heading towards the coast. She trusted her instincts; they had never failed her before and they wouldn't now. The murderer wasn't just leaving behind bodies; they were leaving behind patterns. Patterns she'd learned to read after years of tracking prey through the chaos of war. Whoever this was, they weren't done yet, and Shayera had no intention of letting them finish their work unchallenged.
Her commlink beeped just as she approached the coast, the familiar voice of J'onn sounding through her earpiece.
"Shayera," his voice was calm but there was an edge of concern. "I know you're heading for San Diego. It's a risk. We don't have enough information yet."
"We don't have the luxury of waiting, J'onn," she responded sharply, her wings beating harder as she increased speed. "People are dying. I can't sit around while we play catch-up."
There was a long pause before J'onn replied, "I understand but remember, if you need backup, we can-"
"I'm not asking for backup," she cut him off, her voice resolute. "I'll handle this. Just stay up there and keep digging on your end. I'll let you know if I find something."
"Before you disconnect us," J'onn began, and by his tone, Shayera could tell it was anything but good news. "There was a warehouse crew just found. The police responded not long ago. A worker came in for his shift and found them all. It's the same M.O. as the other murders."
"How many?" The Thanagarian quietly asked. When J'onn didn't answer, she scowled and forcefully questioned again, "I said, how many?"
"Seventeen," J'onn couldn't say anymore as she severed the connection, her jaw tight with determination. There was no more time for discussions, no more plans. Just action.
She pushed herself faster, her heart pounding with a mixture of anger and frustration. She wasn't just going to let this murderer keep getting away with it. They had no right to play with human lives, and Shayera wasn't about to let them escape justice—no matter how elusive or dangerous they were.
Her instincts screamed at her to be careful, to move in slowly and not alone but that was not her style.
Finding the warehouse was not difficult given the amount of police at the scene. That and the unmistakable sight of three body bags that sat just outside of the warehouse doors.
Shayera descended into the parking lot, her wings folding tightly to her back as she approached the perimeter of the warehouse. The flashing lights of the police cars bathed the area in a chaotic dance of red and blue, casting eerie shadows across the ground. Officers milled about, talking in hushed tones, some pointing toward the door, others making futile attempts to control the crowd of reporters that had gathered outside.
She landed with the precision of a seasoned warrior, barely making a sound. Her wings flicked once as she came to a stop. Her eyes immediately scanned the scene, noting every detail. The warehouse itself was an old structure, clearly built in the industrial days of the city. Rust clung to the edges of the metal doors and windows, and the years of neglect stained the concrete foundation. It was the perfect setting for something like this to happen.
Her hand tightened around the mace that hung at her side she made her way toward the entrance, her senses alert to every movement around her. She could feel the stairs of the police officers, their anxious energy feeding into her own growing tension.
Before she could reach the door, however, a voice stopped her in her tracks.
"You're not supposed to go in there," a gruff officer said, his hand resting on the holstered sidearm at his waist.
"Move aside," she said in a low, controlled voice, her tone carrying a weight that made it clear she wasn't asking.
The officer hesitated, a flicker of doubt crossing his expression, but he was still trying to process what was happening. Shayera's impatience was palpable, her wings twitching behind her in response to the urgency of the situation. Every second that passed meant another life was in danger. She didn't have the luxury to be polite.
"I said, move," she said through gritted teeth.
She wasn't trying to intimidate. She wasn't even trying to be threatening. She just needed him to understand that there was no room for negotiation. His eyes flicked to the other officers, who had already stepped back, instinctively sensing that this was not a confrontation they wanted to be a part of. With a reluctant grunt, the officer stepped aside, allowing her access to the warehouse.
Tarra Karn stepped into the convenience store, the faint hum of the fluorescent lights the only sound accompanying her heavy boots on the linoleum floor. The door's bell tinkled as it swung closed behind her, signaling her arrival to the few customers scattered throughout the small, cramped aisles. The store was quiet, almost unnervingly so, as though the people inside instinctively knew to keep their distance from the Thanagarian bounty hunter.
Her hawk-like eyes scanned the room, settling on the nervous-looking man behind the counter, who was pretending not to notice her. The moment she stepped closer, his eyes flicked up to meet hers, and for a brief moment, his face paled. He was well aware of her species. The Thanagarians had invaded Earth years ago, and though they had departed, their presence still haunted humanity. Tarra Karn was the kind of reminder of that invasion they would rather not face.
The man swallowed hard, looking around at the other customers who were subtly edging toward the exit. There were a few murmurs of disgust and fear in the air, but no one dared speak up. The Thanagarians were not easily forgotten, especially by those who had seen the destruction they left in their wake.
The tension in the convenience store was thick enough to slice with a knife. Tarra Karn could feel the fear radiating off the customers, the way their eyes darted nervously between her and the door, as if they were calculating their chances of escaping without drawing attention. She didn't need to say a word. Her presence alone spoke volumes.
Tarra leaned casually against the counter with a small smirk, her posture relaxed but every muscle coiled in readiness. She let the silence hang between them, her eyes boring into the man behind the counter. She could practically feel his pulse racing, the tightness in his throat as he tried to hold his composure.
"I'm looking for someone and was hoping you could help," she purred, her voice smooth like velvet. She let the words hang in the air for a moment, savoring the tension. "Another Thanagarian, Shayera Hol or Hawkgirl as you humans call her. You might have heard of her. Or maybe where she lives. Ever hear of Midway City?"
The man's eyes flickered nervously, and for a second, he froze as if caught between the urge to answer her and the terror of the consequences. The silence stretched, and Tarra's smirk grew sharper, colder.
"You've heard of it, haven't you? How do I get there?" she asked again, this time her voice laced with a slow, deliberate menace. She didn't wait for an answer. Her fingers drummed lightly on the counter, the sound sharp and unnerving. "I know you know where it is and where I can find her. You humans always know something."
The man swallowed visibly, his lips trembling as he tried to keep his composure. The few remaining customers in the store had long since exited, afraid of being caught in whatever this was going to be. The air felt electric, tense with anticipation.
"I...I don't know where she is," the man stammered, his eyes darting to the door. "I swear. I've never seen her or the Justice League up close before. Only in newspapers or on TV, that's all."
Tarra's expression remained cool and unblinking. She leaned in closer, her breath warm against his face, and her eyes locked onto his, unyielding. "You're lying," she said softly. Her voice never rose but the threat in it was undeniable. "And I really don't like being lied to."
Without warning, she reached out and grabbed his throat, her grip iron-tight. The man gasped in pain but she didn't let go. Instead, she pulled him closer, bringing his face within inches of hers. Her eyes were like the depths of space—cold, dark, and endless.
"I know you're lying and I know you do know something. So we can either do this the easy way...or we can do it the fun way." She then lightly chuckled, "And please let us do this the fun way."
He swallowed again, his voice barely a whisper, "I...I don't-"
Tarra cut him off with a low chuckle, as if enjoying his discomfort, "I'm going to have so much fun with you."
She released his throat and took a step back, allowing him a moment to collect himself. The tension was unbearable now and Tarra relished in it. Her eyes never left him as she took a casual step around the counter, surveying the small space as if she were considering her options.
"Do you know what happens to people who lie to me?" she asked, her voice almost light, as if discussing the weather. "I let them live, just for a little while so I can make them regret it."
The man's face drained of color as Tarra's words sank in. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he could barely summon the courage to speak. His mind raced, desperately seeking any escape from the predator before him.
Tarra took a slow, deliberate step toward him, her eyes narrowed in calculation. She could just imagine the pounding of his heart, feel his pulse quickening in fear. It was like music to her. She had always enjoyed the thrill of breaking her prey, mentally and physically. And this man, this terrified little speck, was no exception.
"You don't want to disappoint me," she continued, her voice low and dangerous. "It's not pretty when I'm disappointed."
She reached for her mace, her fingers brushing against the cool Nth metal as her eyes never left him. "But you know what makes it all worthwhile?" She tilted her head, feigning curiosity. "The moment when they beg for mercy."
The man's eyes widened and a desperate sob escaped his throat. "I don't know anything! Please, just leave me alone!" His voice cracked, panic overtaking his features.
Tarra paused, her lips curling into a faint smile, enjoying the fear that rolled off him like waves crashing against a cliff. She knew she had him now. She could smell the desperation in the air. She leaned in close, so close that the man could feel her breath on his skin. Her grip on her mace tightened as she whispered, "I'll make you an offer. You tell me what I want to know and I'll consider letting you live."
His eyes flicked toward the door, the longing for escape palpable in his every movement. But Tarra was faster. In an instant, she grabbed him by the collar and slammed him against the wall, her strength overwhelming as the wall cracked at the impact.
"You're running out of time," she murmured darkly as a chuckle escaped her, pressing him against the cold concrete. "I suggest you make the right choice."
"I suggest," a female voice suddenly broke through. "You put him down."
Tarra smirked as she looked over to see a rather young Green Lantern at the door. She threw the man to the floor, as though he were a mere toy she had grown bored of. She continued to smirk as she turned to face the Green Lantern, "Alright I did and you have my full attention now."
Jessica swallowed as she took a step back but then frowned and clenched her hands into fists. Jessica's pulse quickened but she forced herself to stand tall. She wasn't about to back down. She couldn't lose her nerve, not now. Jessica stood firm in the doorway, her glowing ring casting an emerald light across the store. She hadn't expected to confront an unknown Thanagarian in the middle of a convenience store. Yet here she was, staring down a formidable enemy who seemed to thrive on fear.
Tarra took a step forward, her eyes narrowing as she surveyed Jessica, the corners of her mouth tugging upward in a predatory grin. The air between them crackled with tension, both women sizing each other up. Tarra's smirk deepened, her sharp eyes locking onto Jessica with the focus of an animal about to strike. The Green Lantern appeared to be quite young, less experienced—that much was clear from her stance and the slight hesitation in her movements. But there was resolve in her eyes and that intrigued Tarra.
Tarra rolled her shoulders, the tension in the air thickening with each passing second. "A Green Lantern," she mused, her tone almost playful. "I've been wondering when one of you would show up. I hope you're more fun than those other usual lapdogs of theirs." Her eyes then gleamed as though she were a child opening a Christmas gift. She then licked her lips as she then murmured, "Never killed one of you before. What a treat."
Part of her was regretting leaving the Watchtower to look for Shayera. Especially if it got her into a bigger mess than she anticipated. Slowly, she raised her hand towards her commlink before pausing and lowering it back down. Jessica shook her head and tightened her stance, raising her glowing hand and letting the light of her power ring shine brighter. No. She could do this on her own. She wasn't going to back down now. This was the exact scenario Shayera had trained her for. "I'm not here to impress you," she said, her voice steady despite the tremor of doubt threatening to creep in. "I don't know who you are but you need to step away. Now."
Tarra tilted her head, feigning curiosity. "You think that little green light is going to stop me?" She took another step forward, testing Jessica's resolve. The glowing barrier flickered but held firm, a testament to the Lantern's determination. "Oh how cute. Let's see how long it lasts." Her tone dripped with mockery. Then, with lightning speed, she reached for her mace and launched herself forward, closing the gap between them in an instant.
The Thanagarian moved faster than Jessica had anticipated. She had become accustomed to sparring with Shayera but this Thanagarian was different. Very different. The Green Lantern barely had time to brace herself as Tarra's mace struck the barrier with a deafening crash, sending shockwaves rippling through the room. The clerk was thrown to the floor but quickly scrambled to his feet before racing to the back of the store, leaving the two women alone. Jessica gritted her teeth, pouring every ounce of her willpower into maintaining the construct but the force of the blow sent her staggering back.
"You've got fight in you," Tarra admitted with a smirk, spinning her mace effortlessly in one hand. "I like that but it won't be enough." She swung again, this time shattering the barrier like glass. Jessica barely managed to leap back, the shards of green energy dissipating around her as she formed a new construct—a massive gauntlet—that encased her fist.
Jessica charged forward, her emerald fist aimed squarely at Tarra's chest. The Thanagarian sidestepped the blow with practiced ease, her wings unfurling as she brought her mace around in a brutal arc. Jessica ducked just in time, the mace whistling past her head and embedding itself in the wall behind her.
The rookie Lantern spun on her heels, using the momentum to create a shield that deflected Tarra's next strike. The force of the impact sent vibrations up her arm, but she held her ground, her breath coming in short, controlled bursts. "You're not as invincible as you think," she said, more to herself than to Tarra.
Tarra chuckled, pulling her mace free from the wall with a single powerful tug. "Oh, I'm plenty invincible. You, on the other hand, are just stalling." She lunged again, this time feinting left before striking from the right. Jessica barely had time to block, her construct shattering under the weight of the blow.
"You're not going to win this," Jessica said through gritted teeth, her ring glowing brighter as she summoned a chain of emerald light that coiled around Tarra's arm. "Now I've got you."
Tarra arched an eyebrow, her expression shifting to one of mild amusement. "Got me?" She flexed her arm, the chain tightening around her as it crept up her arm. "I only see this little string you wrapped around me." In a blur of motion, she yanked the chain forward and simultaneously propelled herself at the Green Lantern, her mace raised high.
Jessica raised her shield instinctively but the blow never came. Instead, Tarra's free hand shot out, grabbing her tightly by the throat and lifting her off the ground. The Green Lantern struggled against the iron grip, her hands desperately clawing at Tarra's as she tried to break free.
"Let me teach you something about survival," Tarra said, her voice low and dangerous as her hand tightened her further on Jessica's neck, causing her to let out a choked gasp. "It's not about who's stronger. It's about who's willing to go farther." With a single, powerful motion, she hurled Jessica across the store, the Green Lantern crashing into a display of canned goods with a resounding crash.
Jessica groaned, pushing herself up from the wreckage as her ring flickered weakly. She lightly panted as she narrowed her eyes and looked up at the Thanagarian. She wasn't done yet—not by a long shot. She clenched her fist, summoning a glowing green spear as she rose to her feet, her eyes blazing with determination.
"Good," Tarra said, her wings spreading wide. "Let's see what you're really made of."
And with that, the predator pounced.