Bernard is a regular 22-year-old young adult. Well, that's what he likes to tell himself when things are ruff. He is DrFate one of the most powerful beings in the universe. Born with magical powers, he was adopted by an old man, that on his deathbed entrust him the Helmet of Fate, a tool that allowed him to increase his abilities and learn almost every spell in existence, it also was soul-bounded meaning that only Bernard could use everyone else that tries to put on the Helmet will not be capable of doing it. To make his life even more normal Bernard also co-runs, with two of his "Grandfather" friends Red Tornado and Richard Swift, aka The Shade, an orphanage for kids that were abandon by there parents. The kids in the orphanage are from ages between 6 and 15 years old and all are aware of the secret identities of their caretakers, but they don't mind and they love them for that. The orphanage was set in the mansion that Bernard also got from his grandad. Besides working sometimes with the Justice League, Bernardo main heroic missions were with his good friends in the Justice League Dark. Zatanna was the one that taught him most of the spells and he viewed her as a sister, he loved Deadman goofy attitudes, Swamp-Thing advice and care for all living things and John Constantine well you can say they were best friends. But, thankfully for him, there was a tinge of normalcy in his life, he had landed a job as a training accountant in a medium firm. For Bernard the moments he spent in the office were the most regular stuff that he would see through the day.
But that faithful morning was going to be different. Bernard got up as usual at 6:30. After his morning routine he went downstairs in the orphanage to find Red Tornado preparing breakfast as usual.
-Good morning. -greeted Red Tornado with his robotic voice being surprisingly calming. - I take it you slept well?
- Good morning Red. Yeah was a night like I didn't had in a long time. - Bernard responded serving himself a cup of coffee. This The Shade arrives eager to tease Bernard a bit.
- Hello my friends. - he said, lowering a bit the tip of his top hat.- Bernard I say, do you remember what day it is today?
- It's the 24th of May.
-Yes, and makes today 2 years since you joined the Justice League am I right Red?
- Yes, your facts seem to be in order. Bernard today is a very special day for you.
Bernard clearly getting nervous grabbed a toast, looked at the clock and exclaimed.- Look at the time! I have to go, Red make sure every kid goes to school as always. I would entrust Rick here with that, but last time he influenced one of the older ones to pretend he was sick.
-Hey, that was a very enrichment experience for the young lad. He also was to make mistakes, you know? And don't call me Rick.
- Go Bernard. The children should wake around 7 and I'll make sure they are well cared for.
-Thanks Red. Well, I'm off to work. Catch you later. - Bernard left for work, biking his way through the streets.
As he went, he started reminiscing about his first mission in the League, 2 years ago. He was in his college dorm, studying for an important exam, when his brand-new inter-communicator started buzzing. Martian Manhunter contacted him and spoke. -DrFate, there's a situation in Central Metropolis, Klarion the Witch Boy is trying to cause some chaos. You'll have Superman, Green-Lantern and Star-Girl giving you support.
Bernardo was eager to participate. His first heroic act, the moment he had trained all his life for. He already knew Superman and Green Lantern were both present at his grandfather funeral, but Star-Girl it would be the first time meeting her. He went and saw Klarion and his familiar Teekl recking havoc. As he approached Superman called him. - DrFate good seeing you here. We managed to take the civilians out of here, but we need to stop his dark magic.
Bernard nodded, feeling the entire power of the Helmet. But his sight was drifted by another thing happening in the battlefield. Courtney Whitmore, aka Star-Girl, armed with her Cosmic Staff, she was battling Klarion dark magic constructions to the best of her abilities. But Klarion sent one against her that she wasn't gonna be able to stop. That's when Bernard created a barrier that stopped it. She turned to him and said.- Thanks Dr. Now let's finish this.
Klarion also noticed him. - Oh look, the new DrFate has arrived. Let's see what you are made off.
He started sending bolt after bolt of dark magic towards Bernard but the power of the Helmet was giving him strength. Klarion sensing Green Lantern approaching tried attacking him, and Bernard seized the opportunity to send one of his most powerful spells to knock him out. But Klarion was able to make a barrier, but Star-Girl passed her staff through it and finished him. Klarion was down and Green Lantern had built a cage for Teekl joking.- Well, looks like you are not such a terrifying cat after all.
Bernard went with the others to the Watchtower for a debrief. They were greeted by Martian.- I take everything went as expected.
-Klarion is on his way to Belle Reve with one of those magic inhibitors you and Batman created.- Superman responded.- The compliments go to DrFate here. If it wasn't for him we could be facing something even worse.
Bernard was nervous. He didn't expected someone like Superman to notice him, much less praise him, but he was proud. He took off the Helmet revealing his light and well shaved face, his dark-brown eyes and his soft and small brown hair. -I only was able to do it, thanks to this team.
-You don't need to be so humble Fate. -said Star-Girl smiling. -I mean you practically rescued me.
He got nervous, fumbling his words, the sheer sight of Star-Girl knocking him off his feet. - Well… hum.. you see…- he started sweating and blinking clearly nervous of the amazing girl he had in front of him. Her light and blonde hair, her soft smile and her amazing body were all that was needed for him to fall immediately for her. The rest realized something was wrong and Hal Jordan, the Green Lantern, ever the clown laughed.- Oh seems like someone is getting hot.
Bernard shoot him a sharp glare and Courtney laughed a bit saying.- It's normal you are like that. In my first mission I couldn't believe Batman almost made me a compliment. You'll get used to it.
-Yeah. I think I will.- he said his words more confident.
-Well see you around Dr.- she said as she left leaving Bernard looking amazed at her.
Back in the present he had finally arrived at his office, nobody knew about anything from his life outside of work and he wanted to keep it that way, greeted by the coworkers he had better relations Terry and Harriet.
-Hey Bernard. The weekly reports for the Frigtun Gas have arrived today.- explained Harriet.
-Ok. I'll take care of them right now.- he answered sitting behind his computer.
-So, do tell me what's the occasion?- asked Terry with a mischievous smirk on his face.
-What occasion?
-I don't know. But it's not like you to arrive at the office smiling.
-Oh, I was just remembering something that happened to me in the past.
-What was it?
-Maybe someday I'll tell you, but now I must work, so if you don't mind…
-Fine, fine. But you are a weird one.
Bernard ignored it, focusing on the spreadsheets. Sometime has passed and he kept focused on his job, not even a though about his heroic deeds. But a portal opened in the middle of the office and John Constantine and Deadman exited it. John with his usual beige trench coat his poorly combed hair and small bear, and Deadman a ghost that, if he wanted anyone could see, rocked on his usual red outfit of his living days.
-Sorry for the intrusion folks. We are just looking for our mate, Bernard. Anyone knows him? - asked John rhetorically.
-Yeah, we have very important business with him. - continued Deadman, floating upside down.
Bernard coworkers were amazed, looking at the 2 beings that exited the portal. They all got out of the way to let Bernard go through clearly not happy about it.
-Ah Bernie boy. Come we have a situation.- said John with a smile.
-JOHN, DEAMAN. I TOLD YOU TO NOT BOTHER ME DURING MY WORK HOURS.
-Bernard are this friends of yours?- asked Harriet, clearly curious at his relation with the pair.
-Not now Harriet.- he proceeded looking angry at John and Deadman.- I wanted to keep my identity a secret for my colleagues you know.
-What identity?- Terry asked ignored by the rest.
-Come on Bernardo. We really need you.- Deadman asked pleading.
-Whatever it is, you can sort it yourselves. You probably caused it.- he responded turning to leave.
-Your special friend Courtney. She's passed out in the House of Mystery.
Bernard froze in the place, the mention of Courtney was all that was needed for him to forget about his annoyance and fully turn into care mode.- What happened? Is she ok?
-Felix Faust happened. She fell into one of his traps. We got her but Zatanna says only your magic can break the curse. - Deadman answered continuing to float around the office.- If you don't come quick, we don't know what may happen to Star-Girl.
The mention of a heroine like Star-Girl peaked the curiosity of Bernard's coworkers. He started moving his hands saying.- Fati galea ante me apparebit.- Then the Helmet of Fate materialized before him. He grabbed it putting it as he stepped into the portal.- Let's go.
-See I told you when he knew it was about her, he would come running.- John mocked clearly enjoying Bernard's predicament.
-If any of you say something more about it. I will banish you.
-Calm down mate. Just joking.
-Yeah Fate. You have to chill a bit. Be more like me.
They went to the House of Mystery. Courtney was laid on a couch in the main room, Zatanna was pacing nervously around it and as she saw them coming thru she says. - Took you long enough. I told you two to tell him what was happening.
-Where's the fun in that. - John responded as Zatanna glared at him.
DrFate kneel besides Courtney and exclaimed.- I can help her, but I will need you also Zee. This job requires order and dark magic.
-Then, what are we waiting for?
They both started performing their spell. Bernardo hands glowing with a yellow and golden energy, while Zatanna's wand was a dark-purple energy.
As they finish, Courtney regained conscience. She blinked and asked. - Where...Where am I?
Bernard answered. - You're in the House of Mystery. Felix Faust hit you with a nasty curse, but we took care of that.
-And now you have to rest. - said Zatanna authorially.- And you have a job to return to.
-Yeah, right. Sorry I have to go.
Bernard returned to his office, through the portal with John and Deadman tailing along as well.
When they arrived, his coworkers got surprised again and Bernard took off his helmet and dematerialized it. He sits on his chair and John asks smirking mockful. - So, Bernie, when are you think to ask the lively girl out?
-Yeah man. We want some action happening.
-Why do I put up with this?
-There's no deny it mate. We all see how you rushed to her aid.
Deadman realising all the eyes were on them decided to say. - Everyone your friend here is a great hero. Treat him with respect.
-Right. This man here is the great DrFate.
Bernard blushed feeling everyone looking at him. - John remarked before leaving.- Don't waste your life kid.- And he and Deadman left through the same portal they went.
Harriet bursting with questions starts. - Wait, you're DrFate? You know the Justice League? You have a hidden lair?
Terry also added. - Who were this guys? And what exactly is the deal with you and Star-Girl?
Bernard was not in the mood to answer but still did. - Those were two of my friends, both members of the JLD, John Constantine and Deadman. And yes I'm DrFate. I know the Justice League and no I don't have a lair.
-What about Star-Girl? - Harriet asked clearly excited.
-She is a value colleague I had the pleasure to work besides in many missions in the past.
- Do you know Batman? Is he as cool as it seems? - Terry barged in.
-Yes I know him and yes he is cool and also sometimes a bit scary. - he answered laughing softly.- Now enough with the questions. We have bills to attend to.
Everyone returned to work and Bernard felt really proud of himself. Not only on how he helped Courtney but also being able to deal with all of his coworkers questions.
It was almost time to leave, only Bernard and a few others were in the office trying to catch up on somethings he couldn't do, thanks to all that had happened. But another portal starts opening up and Bernard exclaims. - Oh please! Not again.
John and Deadman came laughing and joking.- Hey Bernie. Enjoying your spreadsheets?- asks Deadman.
-Yeah mate. I don't know how you don't die of boredness.
-Why did you two idiots returned?
-To mock you, maybe.- Deadman answered but a voice came behind them.
-Can you two stop giving him a hard time?- Zatanna asked rhetorically accompanied by Star-Girl.- This one wanted to give you a proper thanks.
Bernard eyes light up as he saw her, his heart pounding rapidly. John and Deadman had a kind of jock smirk in their faces.
-Hey Bernard. I just wanted to say thanks for rescuing me today.
Bernard put a hand behind his neck he was clearly nervous about it.- Uh... You're welcome...uhmm... I did what anyone would do.
Courtney hugs him as he blushes redder then a tomato.- Thank you really.
She releases and goes with Zatanna through the portal again as John and Deadman burst into laughter.
Bernard turns to them still a bit nervous and says. - Not a word.
-Oh, sorry mate. Couldn't help it. - John says regaining his composure.
-You should've seen your face. You looked liked you were gonna explode.
-Out now.
-Ok mate. We'll be going. But seriously you really have to tell her your feelings.
-I'll think about it.
-Sure you will. - Deadman says with a hint of sarcasm, and he and John step through the portal leaving the office.
Bernard returned home to the orphanage where he was greeted by Red Tornado and Shade, both had been informed by John of the events of the day.
-Bernard, welcome back. I take everything was resolved? -Red Tornado asked in his robotic voice.
-Everything in order Red.
-And with a very special thanks am I right? -Shade asked clearly wanting to get Bernard on the tip of his toes. -Ms. Courtney went on to personally thank you for your troubles.
-How do you?
-Constantine informed us of everything. Really Bernard you have to tell her how you feel, the worst it can happen is rejection.
-The human emotions can be hard to understand, but you clearly have feelings for Star-Girl, I don't know if it's good for your health to hide them.
-I'm not having this talk with you two.- he says barging out of there and into the kids study room. One of the older kids comes by him and asks.- can you help me with my math homework?
-Sure thing. Let me see. -And he starts explaining the problem under the watchful eye of Tornado and Shade that respectfully said whispering. -Each day that passes he's reminding me more of his grandfather, always caring, always ready to help.
-But he has something that he didn't had.
-What is it?
-Attraction for another human being.- Tornado answered nodding respectfully.
-To our young DrFate. May his feelings guide him to a good future. -Shade responded lifting an imaginary glass.