Chapter 57: Ancient History
The hot Egypt sun beat down hard as Carter and Hawkgirl trekked across the sands towards Carter's digsite. Carter wiped sweat from his brow, pulling a canteen off his belt. He took a long swig, then held it out for Hawkgirl.
"Here. You have to be thirsty."
While slightly hesitant, Hawkgirl took the canteen and drank from it. She let out a small sigh of relief as the water passed her lips, wiping her mouth before handing it back.
"Thank you," she said begrudgingly. "How much further?"
"Not too much farther. It should be over that next ridge."
"Good. I was not equipped for an arid world. Karna is a swamp planet, the opposite of this dry, sandy wasteland."
"Karna? Is that where the Zeta Beam pulled you from?"
Hawkgirl nodded.
"Karna is the homeworld of the Gordanians. I was leading a mission to infiltrate one of their science bases to try and discern their plans."
"So you're a soldier?"
"Lieutenant of the Espionage Division of the Thanagarian Armada. I've had so many successful missions under my belt..." her fists clenched and she stopped for a moment. "Until today. I got careless and walked right into a trap. Gordanian soldiers blasted me with some kind of particle weapon. My molecules got shot halfway across the universe before getting picked up by some residual Zeta Beam energy. Next thing I knew, here I was."
"Zeta Beam. Sadly, I'm the wrong person to talk to about that. But I'm sure once we get to the tomb, we can find a way to get you home. And if all else fails, surely your unit will be looking for you."
Hawkgirl stopped, turning away a bit before cringing.
"No… they won't be. As an espionage agent, I would have been disavowed and written off as dead. No one will be looking for me. And even if they were, I'm in a part of the galaxy my people have never even heard of. No, this tomb is my only hope."
"I… I'm sorry," Carter replied before stopping. "We're here."
Hawkgirl looked down and saw the entrance to the tomb. She turned towards Carter, who gave her a reassuring smile before heading down. Hawkgirl followed close behind, hoping that what lay inside could help her find home.
…
Inside the tomb, the League stared down the shadow creature, which was laughing ominously at them. Flash decided to strike first, running right at the creature. The creature just stood still, allowing Flash to run right through it. Flash quickly skidded to a stop before turning around and running at him again. The creature spun around, whipping his arm at him and knocking him back. Green Lantern quickly stepped forward and tried firing at him again. The creature contorted around the blasts before shooting his hand out at him. GL formed a shield to block the creature's attack, allowing J'onn to fly out towards him. He managed to grab hold of the creature, ramming it towards a wall. The creature just smiled before going intangible, allowing him to pass through it as J'onn did the same.
"You forget," J'onn spoke as he came out. "I can become intangible myself."
"So I've noticed. Doesn't mean I can have fun with your friends."
The creature then shot down towards Batman, forcing him to leap out of the way as the shadow flattened on the ground. It then sprung upwards into a massive figure, two more arms sprouting out with razor fingers. They shot out at the Dark Knight, forcing him to fire a grappling hook upwards to avoid their attacks. He tried throwing a batarang at it, but it just passed through him. The batarang however, turned out to be electric, sending electricity coursing through the creature and causing it to cry out in pain. Green Lantern takes this chance to blast at the creature, managing to actually hit him. The creature collided with a wall before falling to the ground.
"Ready to call it, shadow freak?" GL asked.
"Shadow Thief," the creature corrected. "I find it adds a certain mystique."
"Doesn't matter what you call yourself," Flash responded, getting back to his feet. "You're not going to be hurting anyone anymore."
"Is that right?"
Suddenly, the Shadow Thief quickly started spinning his body around, tunneling into the ground itself. The tunneling caused the ground to give out, much to the dismay of the heroes. They tried to move out of the way, but the massive hole caught up with them, causing them to fall into the darkness below.
…
Elsewhere, Carter and Hawkgirl ventured into the shaded darkness of the tomb. They entered into a long, ruined corridor that seemed to sprawl on forever. Hawkgirl looked around and saw a lone bust of some Egyptian queen. Hawkgirl moved towards it, seeing something familiar about it. Carter looked over and went wide eyed.
"Look out!" he called out, rushing forward.
She stopped just as her foot stepped down on a trigger tile. Carter quickly tackled her to the ground just as several darts shot out of the opposite wall. They plowed through the bust until it was nothing but rock. As the dust settled, Hawkgirl looked at the darts in stunned surprised. Carter helped her up, plucking one from the wall.
"These are tipped with Mercury. Deadly to humans, and I'm almost certain to you as well."
"Thank you… I don't believe I got your name."
"Carter. Carter Hall."
He stood up and offered her a hand. She took it, allowing him to pull her to her feet.
"Shayera," she spoke.
"Excuse me?"
"My name is Shayera Hol."
Carter smiled in response.
"Nice to meet you, Shayera."
Together, they ventured deeper.
"Fortunately, we shouldn't have to worry about setting off anymore booby traps," Carter explained. "The trick is looking for glyphs that look raised out of place. Press them in the right order and they'll disarm the defenses down here."
"And if you get them wrong?"
"Well, we're already in a tomb."
…
Later on, the two made it into another chamber.
"This is it," Carter relayed. "This is the room where I found the Absorbacron."
"Where is it?" Shayera asked.
"This way."
Carter led Shayera across the room towards the device. Finally, the two reached the Absorbacron, causing Shayera to go wide eyed.
"This is it…"
She knelt down to it, examining it carefully while making sure not to touch it just yet. It was pristine, the gold shining as if it was brand new, and the blue gem at the center still gleaming. Taking a breath, she reached out for it.
"Please… please work..."
She touched the gem, causing a pulse of energy to shine out from it. Her eyes looked almost glossed over as Carter approached.
"Shayera?" he let out, putting a hand on her shoulder.
As he made contact though, the energy from the Absorbacron fed into him, causing his eyes to glaze over as well. Both of their minds were filled with intense images as they were pulled back in time, to the beginning of recorded history.
…
The story began eight thousand years ago, when two Thanagarian officers found themselves stranded in ancient Egypt, their ship out of fuel from their long journey. Seeing no way to return home, the Thanagarians, Katar and Chay-Ara Hol, decided to use their advanced technology to improve the lives of the inhabitants of the ancient kingdom. The monarch of the city, Prince Khufu, welcomed them with open arms. The people loved them as well, practically worshiping them as gods, despite their protests. For decades, their empire flourished and prospered. However, nothing lasts forever…
…
Katar found himself standing on a balcony looking over the ever growing kingdom. Chay-Ara was by his side, surveying it all with a wistful smile.
"Everyday, the gifts of Thanagar are spread throughout the world," Katar mused. "Hath Set has informed me that Kufu's campaign on Kandaq progresses splendidly. Soon, the entire region will be a true, peaceful utopia.
"That is… wonderful news," Chay-Ara replied.
Katar noted her hesitation and turned, seeing a distant look in her eye. He wrapped an arm around her, his wing doing the same.
"What troubles you, my love?"
"You know."
"Have we not been over this before?"
"And yet, nothing has changed. I love you Katar, and I want a family with you."
"As do I, but we are in no hurry. We are still young, we have plenty of time."
"But it is never enough for you. There will always be more land to explore, more territory to expand." Chay-Ara took his hand in hers, holding it to her face. "All I want is for us to finally have a family."
"And we shall. I give you my word."
Just then, the sounds of horses filled the air, causing the two Thanagarians to look down and see Prince Khufu riding us on a horse drawn chariot. They both smiled, flying down to greet their ruler and friend.
"Hail, Khufu of Egypt," Katar greeted as Khufu rode up.
"No need to stand on ceremony my friend," Khufu insisted, dismounting from the chariot. "It does my heart well to know that my kingdom prospers under your watchful eye."
"As it does ours to know you continue to spread our prosperity across this great land," Katar declared as Chay-Ara flashed a small smile. "Word is that the campaign in Kandaq was a success."
"More than. The land has been freed from Ahk-Ton's rule and placed under our protection. As gratitude, Teth Adam has sent us a hundred of the finest stallions on Earth."
Chay-Ara looked out at the steeds, a confused, but playful smile gracing her face.
"Katar and I possess wings, so we do not require these stallions."
"Perhaps you should not judge these creatures before giving them a chance," Khufu offered.
…
Some time later, Khufu and Chay-Ara rode on horseback throughout the city. Khufu couldn't help but smile at the amount of delight Chay-Ara was taking in the experience.
"I begin to see the value in these beasts!" she informed him.
"I thought you might!" Khufu remarked. "With the right company of course."
"Oh, so you desire my company, do you? Well, you'll have to be faster than that!"
She whipped her horse's reins, causing the horse to take off. Khufu didn't miss a beat, whipping his own horse's reins and chasing after her.
...
The two raced all the way to a shaded nook on the edge of the Nile, where they finally came to a stop.. They dismounted and laid out on the sand, removing their sandals as they let the water rush over their feet. Khufu took out a water skin and took a drink from it. When he finished, he passed it to Chay-Ara, who took it gratefully.
"I cannot remember the last time I had this much fun," she remarked, returning the water skin to Khufu. "Katar has been so concerned with the kingdom that I find myself waiting alone for him."
"Someone as radiant and as lovely as you should never be left waiting," Khufu told her.
He reached out, gently caressing her cheek, She leaned into the touch, but her eyes were reluctant.
"Katar is my husband," she said quietly.
"And my best friend," Khufu added.
"I'd… leave him for you."
"I'd never ask." Khufu withdrew his hand, looking away. "I'm afraid you would. Katar needs you."
"And I need you," Chay-ara insisted, gently running her fingertips across Khufu's cheek.
The prince remained silent, unwilling to say anything. However, words were not needed. Chay-Ara reached up and removed the golden helmet she always wore, the helmet only Katar ever saw beneath. Khufu's eyes went wide as he finally looked upon the beauty of Chay-Ara, long red hair flowing free as her emerald eyes sparkled with love and adoration. Unable to hold back any longer, Khufu gave in to his feelings, kissing Chay-Ara. The two embraced each other happily, falling back into the sand.
Unbeknownst to them, their shaded nook was not as safe as they thought. Standing amidst the palm trees, hidden in the thick papyrus reeds, was Hath-Set, the royal advisor to the Winged Gods. He observed the two lovers, eyes narrowing as he slipped away.
…
Katar sat on his throne, looking down at Hath-Set in stunned disbelief. His eyes flickered over to the empty throne on his left, where his Queen should be. He turned back to his advisor, shaking his head in disbelief.
"It can't be true," he insisted.
"No, of course not," Hath-Set replied. "Prince Khufu would never betray your friendship in such a manner, and your wife's trustworthiness is, of course, beyond reproach."
"Then why pester me with such idle gossip?" Katar demanded, rising to his feet as his wings flared briefly.
"It's just that these ugly rumors undermine your authority, and I must admit-" Hath-Set cut himself off, looking down at the ground before bowing. "No, I speak our of turn."
"You speak when I command it, Hath-Set!" Katar bellowed, his wings now spread open, creating a massive shadow that fell over the advisor.
Hath-Set froze momentarily, but quickly recovered.
"It is just that the prince and the queen spend a great deal of time together, giving the appearance of impropriety."
"I trust Khufu with my life," Katar declared, furling his wings back as he returned to his seat, "and Chay-Ara is my life. I'll hear no more of this nonsense. You are dismissed!"
"As… you wish," Hath-Set replied, bowing low before retreating from the throne room.
Katar watched as the advisor disappeared from his sight. As he did, his eyes drifted once more to the empty throne. The words from that morning returned to him, about how badly Chay-Ara wanted to have a family. He began to wonder if he had pushed her to the actions Hath-Set had hinted at. As much as he didn't want to believe it, something inside him wouldn't let him let it go…
…
Night fell across the kingdom as Khufu escorted Chay-ara across the grand courtyard to the royal palace. Her helmet was back on, but her love-drunk smile was still on her face. They walked arm in arm as Khufu drew a knife from his belt, tossing his playfully in his free arm. He gave it a throw at a nearby tree, deftly slicing through one of the flowers upon it. The blossom fluttered down, where the prince gently caught it, offering it to Chay-Ara.
"Show off," she teased as she took the flower.
"Not all of us can simply fly and pick the blossom," Khufu reminded her before taking her hand in his, "but when I'm with you, I feel like I could."
Not wasting another moment, the two moved in for another kiss, Chay-ara's wings wrapping around the prince in a loving embrace. From a balcony overlooking the garden, Katar watched them in complete shock. Betrayal and heartbreak ripped through him like a sword as he gripped the stone balcony, his fingers turning white as it cracked beneath them.
"How could they..." he let out, his voice barely above a whisper as his wings quivered from overwhelming emotion. "Both of them… they betrayed me... " His eyes hardened as he wrapped his wings around himself, his fists clenched tightly. "I wish they were dead."
He remained frozen on the balcony, too overwhelmed by what he had learned. However, another present party was privy to this breakdown: Hath-Set. He observed Katar, bowing silently before disappearing into the darkness.
…
A scream ripped through the palace, originating from the bedroom of Chay-Ara. Katar, who had been in fitful slumber since witnessing his queen's infidelity, was almost immediately awake. He rushed towards the room, seeing a servant girl rushing out of the room, looking pale. She stumbled out, nearly running into Katar. He caught her, holding her gently, yet firmly.
"What happened?" he questioned.
The servant was too shocked to speak, just shakily pointing to the room. Dread filling his body, Katar released the servant and stepped into the room. He expected to see Chay-ara and Khufu together, but the rest of the scene was something from his worst nightmares. The two were on the bed, half dressed and sprawled over one another. There was a decanter of wine that was now trickling out onto the ground, and two chalices in their still hands. Their eyes were open, but were devoid of color or life.
"No..."
Katar reached out for his beloved, feeling for a pulse. All he felt was the coldness of death settling across her skin, and his heart broke all over. He hugged her close, tears in his eyes as they fell on the fallen decanter. He picked it up, bringing it to his nose. One sniff betrayed the deadly poison lacing the contents. He recoiled from the smell as a new figure entered the room.
"They never felt a thing," Hath-Set said, gaining the attention of Katar. "A merciful end, even to traitors such as them."
Horror washed over Katar as he rose to his feet, gently releasing the body of his beloved.
"You..." he snarled, grabbing Hath-Set by the neck and slamming him into the wall. "You did this! You murdered them!"
Hath-Set gasped, gripping at Katar's arm to try and alleviate the pressure on his throat.
"I- I was only… doing… what you wanted..."
"No! I never wanted this! I never-!" Katar cut himself off, tears in his eyes as he threw his advisor aside. "Get out..."
"My liege… I was only-"
"Guards! Guards!"
Several soldiers stormed into the room, stopping short at the ghastly sight before them.
"Hath-Set has poisoned Prince Khufu and my beloved Chay-Ara. Ensure he never sees the light of day again."
The guards wasted no time grabbing hold of Hath-Set and dragging him off.
"Wait!" Hath-Set yelled out. "I was trying to help the kingdom! Trying to help you! I have been nothing but loyal!"
Katar didn't even look at him as he was pulled from sight. His screams still echoed through the halls, but eventually died away. This left Katar alone with the bodies of his wife and his oldest friend. A cold emptiness filled him as he picked up the decanter once more, raising it to his lips.
"May I hold you in my arms again some day…" he whispered before taking a drink from the poisoned drink.
He felt the effects immediately, his world going dark as he fell onto the bed, arm in arm with Chay-ara.
…
Finally, the memories released Carter and Shayera, allowing them to release the Absorbacron. Both were gasping for air, tears not their own falling from their eyes.
"Was… was that real?" Carter questioned.
"I- I'm not sure," Shayera replied. "The visions… they shouldn't have been so… so vivid."
"Then… what does it mean?"
"I wish I knew..."
Both of them were still reeling, stumbling back as they tried to steady themselves. Shayera placed a hand on a nearby wall, her mace dangling from her belt. Suddenly, part of the wall and the mace started glowing, much to their surprise. Shayera stepped back as the wall opened up, revealing what appeared to be a large antichamber. Slowly, the two walked inside, seeing a small armor display on one of the walls. It possessed a helmet very similar to Shayera's, but clearly built for a man, and a large axe resting on a weapon's stand. There was also a pair of realistic looking wings held together with a shimmering belt and harness with a hawk's head on the front. Carter approached it, running his finger across the buckle.
"Incredible..." he let out.
"Those straps are made of Nth metal," Shayera noted. "With them, someone could use those wings to fly like I do."
"Those that lived here must have made it in tribute to Katar after his death."
"Most likely," Shayera nodded. "They truly were beloved by all."
They moved on, Carter giving the set a strange look before pressing on. Eventually coming to a massive open chamber. In the center of it, to their astonishment, was a Thanagarian spacecraft with Egyptian stylings on the exterior. Shayera walked over to it, shocked by what she found.
"It's their ship…" she let out. "The one that brought Katar and Chay-Ara to Earth."
"But the Absorbacron said that it ran out of fuel."
"The computer systems should still have the coordinates programmed into the navigation system. With those, all I need is to commandeer a space vessel, or a Zeta Beam, and I can return to my people."
"Well then…" Carter let out. "I guess this is it."
"I appreciate your help, Carter. I truly do. But I must flee while I can, before my captors find me."
"I'd be less worried about those fools, and more worried about your true enemy," a voice echoed through the massive chamber.
"No… it's him," Carter realized. "The creature I saw come out of the Absorbacron."
The two looked around for the source of the voice, only for the Shadow Thief to emerge from the wall behind them and phased his hands through their chest. They both cried out in pain before collapsing in a deep, oblivious to the world.
…
Sometime later, a cup of water was splashed into Carter's face, finally causing him to wake up and see the Shadow Thief standing before him.
"Rise and shine, your highness," he greeted, tossing the cup aside. "I wanted you both awake for this."
"Why?" Carter questioned. "I thought you wanted to wreak havoc on the world."
"Oh, I still do. But first, I would have my revenge on those who cursed me to this wretched state."
"What are you talking about? Who are you?"
"Don't you recognize me, 'Katar'? No, I suppose you wouldn't. It has been a few millennia."
"Katar? My name is Carter. Carter Hall."
"Amusing. So similar, and yet, so different," he remarked, inching his razor fingers over him.
"Leave him alone!" Shayera demanded.
"Ah Chay-Ara. Still as radiant as the day you died."
"You… you think we're Katar and Chay-Ara? That's impossible!"
"Nothing is impossible my dear Chay-Ara. You and your beloved Katar did indeed perish that night, and have now been reincarnated. Surely you see that? You arrived on this planet, lost and alone, like your predecessor, and the first man you meet is Katar himself. It's fate, my dear, a story that has waited a milenia to be told."
"If what you're saying is true," Carter spoke. "Then who are you?"
"Only the man who once served as your most loyal advisor."
"You… you're Hath-Set. But how-"
"After the guards carted me off, they followed your orders to the letter. The high priests tore my soul from my body and cast me into that infernal device. I lay dormant for eight thousand years. Until you released me from my prison, giving me the time to adjust to my new form. And when I discovered you were returning to the tomb with your beloved, I found my chance for revenge. A pity Prince Khufu did not make the journey with you, but I will settle nonetheless."
"No..." Shayera let out. "This shouldn't be possible. The Absorbacron is a compendium of knowledge. Thanagarians have naturally shielded minds, but..." her eyes widened. "But humans don't. When you were made to touch the Absorbacron, your mind was overwhelmed, and a copy of your consciousness was added to the archives."
"Silence!" Shadow Thief demanded, shoving his claws into her head as she screamed. "I know who I am! I know what I am! And I know just how I am going to make you both pay for cursing me to this vile fate! Now your new bodies will rest beside your old-"
Just then, a green energy blast shot out, knocking Shadow Thief back. He slammed into a wall as the Leaguers stepped into the light.
"Oh I'm sorry," GL sneered. "Did I interrupt your monologue?"
"Friendly advice," Flash spoke up. "Never throw a hero down a hole unless you make sure he stays here."
Flash then dashed towards Shadow Thief, striking him in the face before he could phase through it. Batman meanwhile threw several batarangs at the chains holding Carter and Shayera, allowing them to drop to the ground.
"You're helping me?" Shayera questioned. "Why?"
"It's what we do," Batman replied, holding out her mace. "Now help us."
Shayera smiled, taking her mace back and charging at Shadow Thief. She swung her mace at him, forcing him to go intangible and formed his hands into blades. He swung them wildly at Shayera, forcing her to block them in rapid succession. Seeing the fight play out, Carter grabbed his discarded torch and ran towards Shadow Thief, swinging it wildly. The shadowy creature recoiled, then lashed out, tearing a portion of his shirt and knocking the torch from his hand. Before Carter could recover, Shadow Thief grabbed him, throwing him across the chamber and into the armor display. Looking up at it, he suddenly had an idea.
Back at the fight, Green Lantern continued firing at the Shadow Thief, forcing him to contort his body to avoid the strikes. He then disappeared into the ground, springing up behind him and knocking him aside. Shadow Thief then summoned numerous arms and shot them out at the heroes. Flash avoided them in rapid succession while Batman leapt up onto the ship to avoid the strikes. He threw another electric batarang at the creature, but this time, he swiftly knocked it aside.
"Not this time. Maybe it's time to change the game."
He then split himself into five separate beings, each one mimicking one of the heroes. They all charged towards the heroes, forcing them to battle their own copies. Flash swiftly dodged around his copy before running around it at high speeds. The resulting lightning caused the creature to fade into the darkness.
GL blocked his shady double's shadow blasts, the dark attacks splattering like ink against his shields. Suddenly, one of the shadow creature's attacks grabbed hold of his arm, allowing him to pull Lantern in close. Thinking fast, GL ignited his ring and plunged it into the shadow. The immense light began shining through the creature until it exploded, it's pieces raining on the ground and slinking away into the dark.
J'onn took to the air to try and deal with his doppleganger. Seeing a nearby pillar up ahead, he quickly flew towards it before phasing through it. Just as he came out the other side, he transformed into a massive, four armed creature of clear alien origin. He then spun around and smashed the pillar just as the shadow creature went through it. The pieces rained down on the ground, and the creature impacted hard, scattering its essence about the room.
Batman managed to keep pace with his own copy, matching it blow for blow throughout the battle. Finally, Batman backflipped out of the way and landed in front of the creature, reaching into his belt. He then pulled out a flare and triggered it, causing the creature to reel back in horror. Batman then chucked it at the creature, the flames touching the shadows and igniting them like a match. It burned away in a matter of seconds.
Meanwhile, Hawkgirl swung her mace ferociously at her double, not letting up for a second. The shadow creature quickly shrunk down under Hawkgirl and sprung up behind her, ready to strike her down. Sensing this, Hawkgirl quickly darted forward before landing on a pillar and springing off it, her mace sparking with electricity as she swung it through the creature. The creature then crumbled into the darkness before joining up with the rest of the creatures. They all pulled together before rising back up into the original Shadow Thief.
"I'll admit, I'm impressed. But it won't be enough to save you."
He then fired his fingers out at Hawkgirl, wrapping them around her limbs and neck. A massive blade appeared out of his chest, ready to finish her off. Before he could pull her in though, an axe flew through the air and sliced through the tendrils. Hawkgirl dropped to the ground and turned to see Carter, now decked out in the wing harness and helmet. He gripped the axe, snarling at Shadow Thief.
"Leave. Her. Alone."
"Katar..."
Not giving Shadow Thief a chance to recover, Carter launched himself forward, charging with the grace and brutality of a true warrior. He swung his weapon at the Shadow Thief, the latter barely dodging the barrage of attacks. With one swing, he knocked Shadow Thief back, causing him to face Hawkgirl as she swung her charged mace at him. He was knocked back again, only to be stabbed in the chest by Carter's axe. Shadow Thief cried out in pain as the energy coursed through his body. The Leaguers watched, stunned by the development.
"I thought he was an archeologist," Flash remarked.
"He is," Batman noted.
"This… this can't be…"
"It's over, Shadow Thief," Carter swore.
"For now…"
He formed his hands into massive blocks and shot them out at the walls of the chamber, tearing through them. The chamber started crumbling around them as the Shadow Thief disappeared into the darkness.
"The tomb is collapsing!" J'onn realized.
"Then we need to get out of here, fast!" Flash declared.
The group began to take off as chunks of rocks rained down onto the floor, causing everything to crumble in on itself. Several chunks of the floor were also beginning to give way, including the area under the massive ship. Seeing it tilt, Shayera went wide-eyed.
"The ship!" she exclaimed, darting back towards it.
Carter turned to see her dive for the ship, missing a piece of the ceiling coming down on top of him. He fell hard, knocked out cold. Shayera heard him fall and stopped, looking back to see the floor about to drop him as well. She glanced at the ship, which was already beginning its descent, then dove towards Carter. She powered up her mace, shattering the stone pinning him down, then gathered him in her arms. She then darted upwards, looking back to see the ship falling into the abyss below.
…
The group managed to make it topside just as the tomb collapsed. Shayera landed next to the heroes, gently depositing Carter onto the sand. She removed his helmet, carefully checking his head injury.
"Come on, Carter, wake up."
Finally, Carter let out a groan of pain as he slowly woke up. Shayera sighed in relief, backing off so he could sit up.
"What… what happened?"
"Shadow Thief caused the entire tomb to collapse," Shayera told him. "I'm sorry Carter… it's all gone."
"Including the ship?"
"... yes."
"But that was your chance to get home."
"Eh, it was a longshot anyway," Shayera said with a shrug. "Besides… I couldn't just leave you to die."
Carter smiled in response.
"Thank you."
"Gotta say, had some pretty sweet moves back there," GL commended. "Thought you were just a bookworm."
"I think when the Absorbacron's feedback hit me, it transferred some of Katar's skills to me. Fighting, flying, it almost felt like second nature to me."
"Considering it was most likely damaged over the millenia, that's incredibly plausible," Shayera noted.
Before the conversation could continue, several DEO vehicles began to close in on the group. Shayera's hand drifted to the collar still on her neck, a moment of panic flooding her. Still, she remained where she was, determined not to run this time. Once the vehicles came to a stop, Hardcastle stepped out and walked forward.
"Nice work, recapturing our prisoner," Hardcastle commended. "We'll take it from here."
"Hold it pal," GL protested. "Hawkgirl's with us."
"Hawkgirl?" Shayera questioned.
"Had to call you something," Flash quickly explained.
"Shayera."
"Right." GL turned back to Hardcastle. "Shayera's with us."
"That's not your call to make, space boy. Now stand down, or-"
"That's enough, Hardcastle," Faraday interrupted. "There's clearly more going on here than we first thought."
"Sir, you can't be serious! She destroyed Cairo, decimated our forces, kidnapped a civilian, and assaulted your precious alien lover and-"
"I said that's enough!" Faraday snapped.
Seeing that he couldn't continue this argument, Hardcastle backed off as Faraday turned to the others.
"Now then, Miss… Shayera was it? Are we going to have any more issues?"
Shayera shook her head, turning her mace so she could hand it to Faraday handle first. He took it, a pair of soldiers gently taking her away. Carter looked shocked at this, rising to his feet.
"Wait, you're just surrendering?"
"I can't go home, Carter," Shayera told him as she was loaded into one of the vehicles. "I have to make amends for what I did if I want a chance of seeing freedom on your world."
The door closed and the vehicles took off. The League made for the Javelin, which was parked not far from the ruined tomb. As they all boarded, Flash turned to Carter curiously.
"You coming, Hawkman?"
"Dude..." GL groaned, "you have got to stop hanging around Cisco so much."
"What?"
Carter said nothing, just following the League towards one of the other vehicles.
…
Back at base camp, Hawkgirl sat across from both Faraday and a heavily bruised and bandaged Kari. She was telling them her entire story, the two listening intently. When she finished, Faraday rose to his feet, walking away and joining the waiting heroes, including Carter. EMTs were bandaging them all, but made themselves scarce at the director's approach.
"It seems that Shayera's story is quite a volatile one. I can't say I wouldn't have reacted as she did in her situation."
"So, she has no way of getting back to her world?" Flash wondered. "GL, can't you-"
"No. Thanagar is deep in Frontier Space. Even flying at max speed, it would take a year and a half to get there. More than that, there's the whole Embargo against them. She's literally trapped."
"So, what's going to happen to her now?" Carter asked.
"I'm afraid that decision's out of my hands."
"What? But-"
"It's in Dr. Miller's hands."
The argument stopped, and all eyes turned to where Shayera and Kari were.
…
Kari met Shayera's eyes, straightening up as best she could before wincing. Her entire body felt like a bruise, and she was certain her face was the same way. From the way Shayera kept avoiding eye contact, her hunch was all but proven.
"I understand that you were under extreme duress upon your arrival here, and I am also aware of our own General escalating the situation with his actions," Kari began, lacing her fingers and resting her chin on them. "For that, I apologize."
"I will admit, I could have reacted to the situation better," Shayera admitted. "So, what do you intend to happen to me now?"
"Well, initially, I was going to lobby for a temporary containment until we could determine whether or not you could be considered an ally." Kari's face softened. "However, in light of the events of this evening, as well as your cooperation following your recapture, I am willing to forgo imprisonment. So, I'll be placing you under the observation of someone who is knowledgeable of your species and your culture."
"That doesn't leave a lot of options, I imagine."
"Only one."
…
Kari rolled out to join the League, giving them all a tired smile.
"Mr. Hall," she spoke up. "A word?"
"Yes?" Carter questioned, walking towards her.
"After careful consideration, I've decided that Shayera will be released into your care. The DEO will be expecting reports… biweekly on her progress. The collar will remain as a safety measure for a while, but," she held out the remote, "you'll be the only one who can utilize its… features."
Hesitantly, Carter took the remote and looked up to see Shayera walking out.
"It would seem I am your responsibility," she noted.
"Looks like," Carter replied. "I'm sorry you can't go home, but I promise I'll do everything I can to make you feel comfortable. And I swear, I will never use this remote."
Shayera cracked a small smile.
"Thank you, Carter. I think… I think with you… maybe this could work."
"You two were pretty impressive out there," Flash commended. "Maybe once you're settled down and used to everything, you could think about putting those wings to good use."
"What would you suggest?" Shayera suggested.
"Well, fighting bad guys, helping people," GL listed off. "Typical hero stuff."
"We're not heroes," Carter insisted.
"Not yet," Batman corrected. "Just think about it. We'll be in touch."
The League then departed, prompting Carter and Shayera to spread their wings and fly off.
"You fly well for a beginner," Shayera commended.
"Thanks, though I may be a few millennia out of practice."
"You don't honestly believe what that creature said about us being reincarnated lovers do you?"
"Of course not. Like you said, he was an imprint of a deranged man, one who probably just learned our names and latched onto the idea."
"Right, of course." Shayera's eyes fell on the wings Carter was still wearing on his back. "Now, if you're going to be keeping an eye on me, it would be best if you knew how to use those."
"I think I have the basic idea on how they work."
"Is that so? Well then, let's see if you can keep up."
Shayera then swooped down before veering up and flying off. Carter couldn't help but smile as he took off after her, the two hawks flying off into the Egyptian sunset.
