Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Our story starts long ago, on the island Themyscira, the home of the Amazons, protected by the Gods of Olympus. A brunette in bright armor was running through the forest, several of them trailing alone behind her.

"You better run, or fight, Diana!" A dark skinned Amazon called, the brightly colored woman, Diana turned and punched an Amazon in the gut.

"Fight!" Diana declared, immediately leaning back and narrowly dodging an arrow fired by a different Amazon. "You have to do better than that!" She quipped before getting locked in a chokehold, arms flailing back with a sound of struggle.

As she continued to struggle, two more Amazons charged up, one going for a punch to the face while the other kneed her in the stomach.

"Protect your front!" The punching one called.

"This is... an... ambush!" Diana said as more Amazons crowded her, landing hits on her armor. She brought her bracelets together and released a large amount of power, the Amazons catching air as they flew back before landing on the ground.

An Amazon came rushing in, waving her hands over her head. "Stop! Stop, Diana!"

As Diana ceased any actions to continue, an Amazon checked on one fallen against a tree. "Calliope! Sister! She exclaimed, checking on the groaning woman. Determining that she was fine enough, she turned around to yell at Diana, "This was supposed to be a training exercise! Not an act of brutality!"

Diana, looking shocked, managed to stammer out, "Philippus, is Calliope alright?"

"No, Diana!" A blonde Amazon stopped Diana from advancing towards the injured woman by putting her hands on the brunettes shoulders then pushing her up against a different tree. "What were you thinking!?"

Diana pushed out of her mouth, "I-I'm sorry, but they attacked me all at once-"

The blonde Amazon cuts her off. "Amazons stay levelheaded and clear during an attack. The acts you just displayed were callous and unfair." She takes a breath so she can actually continue her lecture a bit more. "You used your godly powers on beings you know cannot take their force."

Diana clapped back. "Antiope, I was being attacked! You said the purpose of this exercise was to prepare us. How was it not my right to defend myself?"

At this point the blonde, now known at Antiope, had pulled her hands back and placed them on her own sides. "You used your powers against those who cannot match you!" She exclaimed, beyond hysterical. "You could have killed Calliope!" She shouts.

Diana points out, "I didn't mean to hurt her, but if this were truly a time of war, I would be an asset!" She argued.

Antiope lectures again, "You and your powers certainly would be an asset, but your morals would not be. I can teach you all the skill in the world, but teaching your head and your heart to care for the right reasons is something that's not learned. That comes from inside."

"How can you say such things?" Diana practically gasps out. "You are my aunt, my blood, and you think I am capable of such coldness?" She asks, then continues without an answer, "I believe the Amazons have the sacred duty to protect the world and fight for what is good and just-"

"Tell that to Calliope." Antiope cuts Diana off again.

"Go, Diana." Philippus said softly, and Diana complies. She turns, and walks off into the forest.

~~~~~~~~~~

That night, Diana was walking on the coast of Themyscira before she had stumbled upon a seemingly impossible sight. A man on Themyscira.

The rule was that no Man were to ever set foot on Themyscira. So seeing one... that was big news.

Diana hurried to him, then paused just short of reaching him. "You... You are a man..." She trails off, the blonde staring up at her.

"Help... me... please..." He gasped out.

Diana grabbed him as he went to fall forward and rolled him over to cradle him, and that was where she stayed before she heard, "Diana, back away from him." She knew the voice, so she didn't even have to look up. "Do as I say. Now." Phillipus ordered.

~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, the man was on his knees around many Amazons, the Lasso of Truth being his bind as he stood trial.

"Please, Mother. Find mercy. He is weak." Diana pleaded.

"No." Her mom said simply, then explained, "You know our history, Diana. I have found mercy for men before and it did not do us any good."

Diana turned to her aunt Antiope, then asked, "Antiope, where is your empathy now?"

"Step aside, Diana." Antiope instructed. "Phillipus."

The man seemed to be grasping what was going on. He didn't seem as dazed or out of it as he was the night prior, and he seemed to grasp that being a man was a crime here.

Antiope explained, "This is the Lasso of Hestia, given to us by the Gods to reveal the truth from those in its coil. Do not resist, for it will ignite your insides in unimaginable pain."

"Yeah, I'm getting that." He replied simply.

"Who are you? Why have you come?" The blonde questioned.

"My name is Steve Trevor and I am a s-soldier." The man, Steve Trevor, responded. "My fighter plane crashed on my way to-to deliver information on the war. I've been adrift for days."

"War?" Diana asked. "What war?"

Steve responded, "A war of millions across the world, fighting for what they believe is right and wrong and killing anyone in their way to prove it."

The assumed queen instructed, "Tighter, Phillipus."

The dark skinned Amazon complies, and the lasso burns him as it gets tighter around his body.

"And on which side do you fight, Steve Trevor?" The queen questioned.

"The-the right side, ma'am. I'm an American soldier for the Allies- this thing is very hot." Steve answered.

"You are too slim for a warrior." Antiope noted.

"P-Pilot. I fly planes, ma'am." The blonde man explained to the other blonde. "Listen, I-I just want to go home. I need to go home and help end this war. That's all I want."

Diana speaks up, "I will go with him and help him end this terrible war."

"Do not offer yourself, Diana! He is a man."

"Not all men are bad, number!" The assumed princess retorts. "And this one is good. He speaks the truth! The Lasso confirms it." She points out.

Antiope rebuts, "Our queen is right, Diana. Nothing good can come of your aid to this man. Men have been known to be corrupted by evil when faced with the choice."

Diana speaks again, "Antiope, as general of our army you have seen what I can do as a warrior. In fact, today you condemned the use of my powers against the others, but he speaks of a war where my powers can be made of use! It is our sacred duty as Amazons to protect the world and he says that the world is crumbling. People are dying! We must do something." Diana rants.

"No." The queen says. "We will release him without harm. That is the most I am willing to do." She decrees.

"I wasn't asking permission to leave." Diana reveals. "I must do this."

The queen retorts, "There is nothing I can do to stop you, but I will say this: loyalty to one's family and tribe supersedes all else, Diana."

"And what about loyalty to the mission of the Amazons? The reason we all stand here today?" Diana pauses to add weight to what she says next. "It is the same coin, Mother. You just refuse to see my side of it."

~~~~~~~~~~

Awhile later, Steve and Diana are on a boat, sailing away from Themyscira to a land of war.

"I'm sorry, Diana." Steve apologizes.

"For what?" The woman in question asks.

"That you had to leave your home to follow your heart." He explains.

"Steve, you misunderstand."

Steve smirks and leads against the mast. "Tell me." He said.

So, she does. "Themyscira is my home, but not where I am supposed to be. I've always believed I have a greater purpose as a warrior. Sometimes the Amazons forget that our purpose is to protect and defend even those outside of our shores." She explains.

Steve moves next to her, then leans against the rail, looking down into her eyes before he levels with her, "Where we're going, Diana, is much different than you think. It's not a war that can be won by fists. It will be won by intel, subterfuge and strategy. I want you to be prepared for the war you'll see. It is underhanded and gruesome."

Diana retorts, "Ares is the God of War. When he's behind any quarrel, it is always gruesome. I have heard and read many stories of men in war. The temptation of Ares is real, but I believe when faced with the choice to do good or to do harm, men will choose good. We Amazons must defend that choice." Steve smiles, and she notices it. "Why do you smile at me in this way?"

"Uh-" He stutters. "Well, it's very noble of you to think that."

"However?" She questions.

"Not all men choose good." He responds. "There is plenty of evil. Especially in this world war. Diana. I want you to be prepared."

"Well, pilot, at least we will fight for the right side." She quips.

~~~~~~~~~~

News articles were printed about Diana throughout the war. The titles of these articles?

'A NEW HERO FOR THE YANKS ABROAD!' 

'LAUDED FOR THE AGES!' 

'HEADWAY IN THE ATLANTIC'

Some of her exploits included: Diana saving a girl from a fire, rushing a trench with just her shield, flying above American soldiers with an Axis flag in her grasp, commanding soldiers, saluting the general and getting one back, waving a flag on a stage, posing for a painting, having her likeness on the side of bombs, and most importantly...

...becoming romantically involved with Steve Trevor.

~~~~~~~~~~

Months after leaving Themyscira, Diana can be seen reading a newspaper while Steve Trevor gets dressed.

"'Where Napoleon failed, I will succeed. I shall land on the shores of Britain.'" Diana reads from the newspaper she was holding. Diana then crumpled it up before looking to Steve. "Do you think he's going to do it, Steve? Attack London?"

"I'm sure about it." Steve says, pulling his jacket on before buttoning it. "Got a coded telegram from the colonel, we have a German spy in the bunker. Get your shoes on. Let's go." Steve said, a distant whirring being heard in the distance.

They both ran out, and were on their way to the bunker when a bomb landed next to them and sent them flying sideways onto the ground.

When Diana recovered, she stated, "We have to help the survivors!"

"We have to get to the bunker!" Steve argued. Then Diana charged into the debris dust, Steve reaching out for her and calling out, "Leave them! Let's go!"

When Steve managed to stand up and start moving, he got to Diana, who was holding the corpse of a child.

"He's dead! This child is dead!" She screamed loudly, tears pouring out of her eyes. Steve got to her and cupped both sides of her face, listening as she questioned, "What monster kills children!? Are there any good men in this world!?"

Steve comforted her with, "I told you... this war is different. We are willing to sacrifice anything to win."

"It needs to end, Steve. This war has to end now." Diana stated. Steve just nodded.

~~~~~~~~~~

A fist slams into a face, and blood pours out of an already open wound. When we pan out, we see two higher ups standing in a corner, with a man tied to a chair, likely the one getting punched, Steve in front of him with a bandage around his fists which means he's doing the punching, and Diana off to the side.

"What information were you trying to get to the Germans!?" Steve questioned. "Huh!?" Steve wound his right hand back and swung again, Diana covering her mouth and squeezing her eyes shut. "Got nothing to say!?"

"...heil..." the man muttered.

Steve gripped the mans hair and pulled his head up. "I didn't catch that. What do you want to say?"

"HEIL HITLER!" The man yelled, blood coming out and splashing Steve's face.

Steve lost it. He pulled his hands back and brought them down, over and over on the man's face, giving him a thorough beat down.

"Steve, no!" Diana said, rushing to him.

"You're losing it, man!" A guy in a suit said.

Diana pulled him off and pushed him back, her superior strength keeping him at bay.

"If you killed him, there goes any hope of getting that information! The first guy, the same as last time said.

"I think he's still breathing..." The second guy said.

"Get out of here, Trevor!" The first guy ordered, and he complied.

"Damn it!" Steve swore outside, punching the wall with his left hand.

Diana moved to him and covered his bloody hand with her left, the other going to his shoulder. "You mustn't lose your head, Steve. Errors are made when we are not levelheaded."

Steve pulled his arm away and started walking to the wall of the hallway. "Why isn't this working!? Why aren't we making further headway!? With any of this!?" He asked out of frustration.

Diana responded with, "But we just had success with the bombing of the U-boats!"

"It's not enough! That was months of planning for a minute of glory!" He said, then leaned against the wall, forearm against the cement. He takes a breath. "I just wish... this were easier." Diana walks to him and cuddles up to him, laying her head on his back. "I wish there were a cut-and-dried way to get the truth from these monsters. Figure out what they're up to without beating their faces into a pulp."

Diana took a second. A very, very, very long second.

Then she said, "The Lasso of Hestia."

~~~~~~~~~~

Later, Diana sails back to Themyscira. When she got to shore, the Amazons are already waiting for her, led by the queen. When Diana steps out off the boat and walks up to her mother, the queen speaks.

"After so many moons, we were sure you would never return." She states.

Diana bows her head. "Queen Hippolyta, Mother, I beg you for an audience. I would not ask if it weren't a matter of life and death."

The newly acknowledged Queen Hippolyta retorted with, "And what about the man?"

Diana responds with, "He is still off fighting in the war. I returned so I could be of further help to the effort."

"You may speak, but you will hold court with your entire family. Follow me." The queen instructs, then turns to walk away, which has Diana following.

~~~~~~~~~~

Diana stands in front of every Amazon on the island, standing on some elevated steps, she begins to speak to them, "Sisters, the war outside the protective barriers of our home is greater than you could ever imagine." Diana takes a breath to continue her long speech. "People, women and children, are being slaughtered. I have seen much suffering, loss, terror and death. And these are the innocent people caught between sides of a terrible battle between right and wrong. Ares has polluted the hearts of the Germans and their Axis of evildoing. But the Allies, the good men, are fighting back with every breath they have. They want this war to end, but they are losing ground. Though they have captured enemy fighters and pressed them for information, their loyalty to Ares emboldens their silence. I beg you, please, let me take from the island the Lasso of Hestia so that we may end this war and protect those who desperately need our help."

The room takes a small amount of time to think, they it feels like a lot longer. Finally, Queen Hippolyta speaks, "This is why you've come? To ask support for something we've already condemned?"

Antiope butts in with, "Hippolyta, Diana has seen the terror of this war firsthand. We must do something. Perhaps this is the way we can help without putting a single Amazon at risk." She suggests.

The queen keeps thinking on it. "I do not know... the Lasso in the hands of Man will cause unfathomable damage. I do not trust the goodness in their hearts."

Diana's face turns pleading. "But, Mother... I do."

A bang then rings out across the island, and every Amazon starts rushing to where they heard it.

~~~~~~~~~~

They get down to the beach, and that is where they find Steve Trevor with the Lasso of Hestia in his hand.

"We heard a bang!" A random Amazon said.

"He's stealing the Lasso!" Queen Hippolyta observed.

Antiope goes to charge, shouting, "Thief!"

But Diana holds her back with a, "No, wait!" Diana then steps between Steve and the group as an Amazing rushes past into where the Lasso was kept. "Please, listen-"

Diana was cut off by Antiope. "-and did you plan this?"

Phillipus screams then makes her way through the crowd, yelling hysterically, "He killed Calliope! He killed my sister! There is a hole in her heart! Make one in his!"

Steve kneeled on the ground and set the Lasso on the ground next to him.

Hearing about the death made Diana stop in her tracks, however. "...Calliope...?" she muttered in disbelief.

"Kill him!" Phillipus shouted.

Diana turned and pushed him to the ground. "Is this true?" She asked angrily.

"It was an accident!" He defended.

"No one was supposed to get hurt! That was your promise to me!" Diana said with anger.

Queen Hippolyta questioned her daughter, "You distract us with a desperate plea so that your dog may steal from us?"

Steve not-so-helpfully added, "I couldn't take the risk! I knew you weren't ever going to agree!"

Diana picked up the Lasso with rage in her eyes. "You had this planned. You had this planned from the very beginning." Diana wrapped the Lasso around his body then pulled, the Lasso glowing. "Tell me the truth!"

Queen Hippolyta remarked, "You won't get the truth! He was able to subvert its power last time with his lies-"

Steve cuts her off. "I never lied!" he takes a shaky breath. "I answered the questions I was asked. I just wasn't asked the right questions.

Diana wraps part of the Lasso around her throat and pulls, trying to force more of the truth out of him. "Where else did you skirt the truth? Tell me! You said you are an American soldier fighting for the Allies. Is this the whole truth!?" She asked, very angrily.

"No." Steve answered.

Diana takes a moment. "...because you are also German."

"Yes." he answers positively this time.

"You said you loved me. Was this true?" The princess asked, pulling the Lasso tighter.

"Yes-" he gasped as she tightened it, then continued, "But the love I have for my homeland... is far greater than the love... for any woman."

Diana tightened it garrote style. "You used me." She noted.

"You became the perfect cover, an Allied celebrity." His hands went to his throat, trying to move it to breathe to no avail. "No one- no one questioned it. And I knew you would try... to get the Lasso for me... if I seemed desperate..."

Diana tightened it enough to prevent talking. Then she spoke, "That is enough." She tightens a bit more, his eyes now bulging. "I love you, Steve Trevor. But you killed one of our own. And you fight for a side that has committed unspeakable acts of violence against innocent people, unable to defend themselves. These things I cannot forgive. It is our sacred duty as Amazons to defend the world." Diana tightened the rope to the point where it cuts through Steve's neck, decapitating him.

"And I will protect it from you."

Chapter Text

"Can I help?" He heard behind him, dodging a punch while kicking a knee, making one enemy fall on their face because the messed and the other fall on their face because they were thrown off balance.

"We have it handled." Ghost said simply, dodging a hit and doing a spin to the right, ducking down and using his right leg to sweep their legs out from under them.

"No." Batman said, throwing a batarang into a thugs shoulder.

"Sure." Nightwing said, a hand on a guys head before pushing off, and then there was Robin in the background, silent.

Superman floated to the ground to talk to Nightwing who was free after the push with his hand sent the thug to Ghost. Ghost had pushed the section of hand connecting his pointer and thumb together against their throat, before he grabbed his arm, swept their leg back to front, took them to the ground, then knocked them out with a punch.

Ghost noted Huntress having some trouble, and decided to pull out a throwing knife then hurl it into one's leg, which got her enough room to take them out.

He heard Nightwing tell Superman, "Black Mask's goons ran when we showed up, but..."

"But they're all still conspicuously wearing masks?" Superman asked.

"Yup." Ghost noted simply.

Superman nodded, gave a quick, "I'll round them up." Before flying off after all of them.

~~~~~~~~~~

A bit later, all of the goons were rounded up and tied to each other. "We didn't need your help." Robin said.

"I know." Superman replied. "But I was happy to lend a hand."

"Thank you." Said the Huntress.

"Thanks, Superman." Nightwing added.

"I know why you're here." Batman noted, arms crossed.

"Of course you do." Superman agreed.

"You're here to make sure I attend." Batman deduced.

"And Ghost. I was concerned you'd both find a reason why you couldn't leave Gotham." Superman confirmed.

"Why do you need to make sure I attend?" Ghost asked at the same time as Batman questioned,

"Like Black Mask goons terrorizing my city?" The Dark Knight questioned.

"Because Wildcat, Wonder Woman and Black Canary one all want you there. And yes, exactly something like that. So, I'm glad that's over now." Superman answered both questions with a smile on his face.

"I haven't even been clean for that long but okay..." Ghost practically pouted, kicking the ground with a boot while Batman stepped away to walk down the street.

"It's not over." Batman tried to deny.

Nightwing turned to look at Superman before relaying to the Boy Scout, "It's totally over. Batman, Ghost, we've got it. Go get to your party."

Batman and Ghost both looked at each other, then sighed simultaneously. Superman grinned and pressed a finger to his earpiece. "Beam me, Batman, and Ghost to the Watchtower." Superman said, and just got a 'give me a minute'. From the other side. "Ghost?" Supes called.

Ghost looked up at him. "Hm?" He pondered.

"You've been clean for a year. It's enough. Everyone is proud." The Big Blue Boy Scout told him.

"...that would have been touching if you hadn't added the last part. The last part made it weird."

Superman just rolled his eyes. "Of course you would deflect."

Then they felt the familiar tingling of the Watchtowers teleportation tech, and away from Gotham they went.

~~~~~~~~~~

On the Watchtower, it looked like party threw up everywhere. And evidently, they were the last ones to arrive, so the spotlight was on them when they stepped inside. Ghost rolled his eyes before moving to the three that wanted him there.

He understood that these heroes paved the way for them to come in. After all, the Justice League wouldn't be around if it wasn't for the the Justice Society of America, so they deserved to be celebrated.

But, boy, did he hate parties with a passion.

After some socializing, which was mostly him and the first Black Canary sassing each other friendily back and forth, it was time for a picture. From left to right, row by row, these were the members of the Justice Society.

The back row were the flyers. They were Hawkgirl and Hawkman, The Spectre, and Inzo Cramer wearing the helmet that bestowed her the power of Doctor Fate.

The second row were Sandman, Liberty Belle, Jay Garrick as the Flash, Wonder Woman, Will Everett as Amazing-Man, Black Canary one, Wildcat, and the first Mr. Terrific.

The front row were sitting down, but they were some of the oldest members. They were Hourman, Starman, and Alan Scott as their Green Lantern.

After the picture was taken, they gathered around Superman so that he could give a speech. Ghost chose to stand next to Wonder Woman, who, like everyone but him, was holding a glass of champagne. "Ugh-hm." Superman cleared his throat, getting ready to talk. "We are here today to honor those who came first. Those who paved the way. And we are here to say thank you. Without your example, your heroism, and your sacrifice, none of us would be standing here today. Also, without you saving the world seventeen times before most of us were born, literally none of us would be standing here today." Superman raised his glass. "To the Justice Society."

""To the Justice Society."" Everyone who wasn't the JSA parroted, raising their glasses into the air. Not Ghost, he didn't have one, but he raised a closed fist to symbolize fighting because they did fight. Way before he ever put this suit on, actually.

Everyone split off into groups, Ghost getting isolated with Batman, Wonder Woman, and Wildcat.

"Ghost. I'm glad you could make it, it really means a lot that you're here." Wonder Woman told him.

The one in white just shrugged. "I'm not going to miss my girlfriends celebration party. Especially when she set the example for what my job is." He said, which got a smile from the woman in question.

"Good job on staying clean a year, G-head." Wildcat told him, which got a nod, then Wildcat turned to Batman. "Not toasting at all?"

Batman, as stoic as ever, simply responded with, "It's a work night. And my hydration levels are at their optimum."

Wildcat and Ghost both rolled their eyes, but Wildcat was the one who ended up saying, "Oh, loosen up. How is it I've been alive since the 1920s, but you're the grumpy old man?" Wildcat then stepped closer to him. "If you don't wanna drink, do you wanna fight?"

"Yes." Ghost said without hesitation, but Wonder Woman brought her left arm up and lightly hit his chest as a warning. He had been trying to work on only having fights when absolutely necessary. Accepting challenges wasn't absolutely necessary. "Nevermind..." He muttered.

They ignored him, however, Batman immediately responding to Wildcats question. "I'm not going to fight you."

Wildcat clapped back with, "I get it. You're scared I'll make you look bad in front of your work friends."

~~~~~~~~~~

They floor had been cleared to make a sparring room. Everyone was standing in a circle around it, Batman and Wildcat both lining up to spar. "That could be me right now..." Ghost muttered, but Wonder Woman looked at him so he just muttered, "Nevermind..." in response.

"Now, before we start," Wildcat began. "this is just some friendly sparring just hand-to-hand. I don't want to see any smoke bombs or trained attack bats."

"Trained attack bats?" Batman questioned.

"I don't keep up with what you're into." Wildcat elaborated.

"Fair." Ghost muttered. "Kick his ass, B." Ghost said loud enough for everyone to hear. A few people laughed, then Wildcat swung for the first blow.

Batman dodged to the right, using his right arm to deflect the blow before swinging up at Wildcat with his left.

The older man ducked and scooted back, but he wasn't fast enough to dodge the right jab that went into his shoulder. Ghost winced, seeing exactly what the hit was and what exactly it did.

"Really?" questioned Wildcat. "A nerve strike?"

Batman retorted, "They were your rules. I only used my hands. I simply used them to incapacitate you." Batman brought his right fist back. "Feeling will return to your arm in-"

Wildcat cut him off by swinging his left arm, the back of his fist connecting with B's jaw and sending him flying.

Ghost noted Flash, the current one zip off, probably to get Jay Garrick, then when he blinked, they were both in front of him, chowing down on popcorn, all before Batman even moved more than the initial lift.

Ghost was only able to see it because his perception of time was way better than the average persons. Batman and Wildcat wouldn't have seen it.

"This is amazing." Jay said as Batman finally hit the ground face first and slid into a dead stop, face on the cold floor. "Just damn fine entertainment." Jay finished.

"Is he okay?" Wonder Woman asked.

"You know the answer to that, Diana." Ghost said matter-of-factly.

She just sighed. "Yeah, I know."

Wildcat walked towards Batman while reminding, "Been telling you to keep your right elbow up for twenty years." He held his hand out. "You okay, son?" He asked.

Batman took a second to reply with, "Yeah." Then he grabbed the other man's forearm, allowing himself to be pulled up. "I'll use my trained  attack bats next time."

Right behind him, the hairs on his neck stood up. He didn't know why, but it happened every time the Spectre flew around him. "I must leave now, Alan Scott." The Spectre stated.

Ghost, Alan, and Wonder Woman all turned around to look at him. "Spooky, you showed up. That was all that was asked of you." Ghost reminded. "Plus, you're an adult. You can choose when to go home." The white clad one shrugged.

Alan nodded along with Ghosts words. "Exactly. We didn't even think you would show up for the picture. We appreciate the effort."

"I...I wasn't sure I'd be welcome." Spectre said, stuttering slightly.

Alan pointed to Ghost. "We welcomed him here. Why wouldn't we welcome you?" Alan questioned, then turned his head towards him. "No offense."

"None taken. Look, Jim, the world may not know what you did. But I think it's safe to say that we owe you. Nobody is forgetting that." Ghost spoke simply.

"How do you know that?" The Spectre questioned.

"Diana tells me everything." Ghost supplied. Then he added, "Most of the people here don't even know my name or what I look like, and I've been around them for fifteen years. I can keep a secret. You can go home. You're welcome here anytime."

"Thank you. For your words and your silence." Spectre expressed, then flew away.

Right after, Ghost excused himself before moving over to intercept Batman. "Damn, B, you got your ass handed to you in less than a minute." Ghost teased.

Batman was walking towards the Flashes, and Ghost was walking with him, so by extension, so was he. Batman replied, "You would have probably fared better."

Ghost nods. "Yeah. But I would have ended up hurting him."

"You don't give yourself enough credit."

"Neither do you, B. Don't be a hypocrite."

"Fair." Batman stopped next to the Flashes before relaying, "I smelled the popcorn."

Before he went to walk out. Flash, the current one, just got shocked. "How could he possibly...?"

"The man's a freak." Jay answered.

Ghost added, "He also has eyes." Then went to follow Batman, Superman getting the same idea and using his speed to get over faster.

"Where are you going?" Superman asked, then explained, "We don't get enough nights like these. Stay. Enjoy yourself."

"I was just punched in the face." Batman reminded.

Ghost scoffs playfully. "Bitch, please. You were punched in the face by Wildcat." Ghost crosses his arms. "You trying to say you didn't enjoy that, not even a little bit?"

"Maybe a little." Batman responded.

"Stay, Bruce. Gotham can go on without you for a few hours." Superman said.

Batman just grunted. "Fine."

~~~~~~~~~~

All three of the World's Finest (Ghost, Superman, Batman) had broken away from the main party, and were at a window looking out at the Earth, Ghost on the left side, Superman in the middle, Batman on the right. Ghost had always found this to be relaxing, the emptiness of space. It was therapeutic, to know that on a large scale, your mess ups didn't matter as much.

"The world looks smaller from here." Batman said. Ghost nodded.

"It shouldn't be seen this way. Distant, I mean." Ghost notes aloud.

"Agreed." Batman replies.

Superman gives his opinion. "I couldn't disagree more. From here, you can't see any division. There are no borders and beliefs keeping people apart. No, 'us and them'. I wish everyone could see it as one planet. A world we have to protect. Now, and in the future." Superman takes a breath. "I've been thinking about what comes next. About legacy. You two have a legacy already. Ghost, you did a good job with Spirit. Bruce, you mentored Barbara and Cass, and you raised Dick and Tim, and Damian-"

""The jury's still out on Damian."" Ghost and Batman cut him off at the same time.

"No, it isn't." Superman disagreed with both of them. "He's a good kid. He's just angry."

"So was Jason." Batman retorts, then seems to regret it based on the scowl that crosses his face.

"Damian isn't Jason." Superman reminded.

Ghost nods. "Yeah. Nobody can fill Jason's shoes the way he did."

Batman speaks again, "I started this-" Batman recollects his thoughts. "I became Batman for my parents. But at some stage, that evolved. I started fighting for my children. So they have something better. So they can be better." Ghost just nodded with every word. His was the same, except instead of it starting for his parents, it was for the victims of Gotham.

Superman interrupted, "That's what I want, too."

"You have a legacy, Clark." Ghost supplied, which got a grunt of agreement from Batman.

The Dark Knight piped in, "I don't think that's what you're really talking about, though. Have you and Lois started talking?"

"About kids?" Superman questioned. "I-" He cut himself off before trying again. "It's difficult. I think we both want the same thing, but there's a fear there."

Batman placed his left hand on Superman's right shoulder, while Ghost set his right fist on Superman's left shoulder. They were placed there as senses of comfort.

Batman spoke, "Of course. But there are people you can talk to, Clark."

Ghost removed his fist when he heard two people coming. He didn't know who it was. It was just leftover paranoia from his mercenary days. He couldn't quite shake it.

Batman also removed his hand when Alan Scott spoke. "The Worlds Finest." He said, arms outstretched.

"What are you boys talking about?" Amazing Man asked, both of the older men stepping towards the Worlds Finest.

"We're talking about legacies, Will." Superman answered Amazing Man's question.

"Clark believes Superman doesn't have one." Ghost adds on.

"Really?" Amazing Man asked. "X-ray vision, telescopic vision, and he still can't see it?"

"Apparently not." Batman answered.

"Nope." Ghost threw out.

"See what?" Supes inquired.

Alan stood next to Batman on his right, while Amazing Man stood next to Superman, on his left between Supes and Ghost.

"You may not have noticed, but you're Superman. You've inspired your entire generation and the next." Alan told the Boy Scout.

Amazing Man put his right hand on Superman's left shoulder. "Your legacy is alive in every hero on the planet, son, but I understand wanting to know a piece of you will go on after you're gone."

~~~~~~~~~~

Ghost was talking with Wonder Woman and both Black Canaries at once, which definitely didn't cause any confusion, nope.

It wasn't like the past and current version looked exactly the same. Genetics were wild.

"Okay, I just know you and Diana can go awhile." Dinah Drake, the second one and the second Black Canary, said simply.

He zoned out, and had no idea how this topic came up. He doesn't even know what she meant.

"What?" He questioned, turning his head to look the woman in the eyes from where he had been staring at the wall.

"I know you and Diana can spar for a long time, but my mother doesn't believe it." BC2 supplied.

"Oh." He lets out.

BC1 huffs in amusement. "Zone out again, Ghost?" She asked.

"Yeah. Definitely. Just had something on my mind is all. But, yeah, me and Diana can go awhile. I believe our record is three hours and twenty seven minutes?" He turned to her to ask.

Wonder Woman nodded. "Indeed it is. But that was only because we set a no weapons or ground pummels rule." She reminded.

Ghost just nods. "Yeah. A no weapons rule is why that took so long. With weapons, its over much, much faster. The record for weapons is forty-two minutes." Wonder Woman nods.

"And twenty seconds." The wonderous woman added.

"And twenty seconds." Ghost agreed.

"I never thought that Ghost could go toe-to-toe with Wonder Woman of all people. She was fierce back when we first started working together." BC1 stated.

The white figure nodded, knowing what she was referring to. World War Two. He knew exactly what happened during that period of history from his girlfriend. Both what they know, and what they don't.

He was the worlds best secret keeper for a reason. And yes, he had a mug that said the same thing.

"Would you mind demonstrating?" The elder Drake asked.

Ghost glanced at Wonder Woman, who looked back for a minute before she looked at the eldest blonde. "Of course." Wonder Woman answered, and Ghost grinned under his mask. Finally. Its been awhile since they've sparred.

They both move into the center of the room, and Ghost starts stretching. Technically, he didn't need to, his bones and ligaments are biologically always stretched. But not everyone knew that, so...

"What are the rules, Ghost?" Wonder Woman questioned.

"We can use weapons, but no godly powers. A purely physical fight. You win by drawing blood or forcing a yield." Ghost throws out.

"It works." Wonder Woman added, then drew her sword, cape not fluttering which ruined the dramatic aspect of it. Ghost reached his right arm over his shoulder and grasped his sword handle before pulling it out. He and she got ready.

"Can I say it?" BC1 asked.

"Yes, mom." BC2 answered.

"Go." ordered BC1.

Their swords clashed, and Ghost went to deliver a headbutt. She tilted her head out of the way, then pushed him away using her sword.

Ghost put a foot behind him to regain his footing, then side-stepped a swing down while deflecting her sword with his own.

He should probably specify the fact that she was using a Greek sword, and he was using a custom katana blade. The material he was using was durable enough to match her magic infused Greek one.

She came at him again, and he deflected her blade. Then he deflected a slash upwards while moving back. When she went for an overhead strike, he quickly pulled his sword down and slashed up, knocking it away. Not even a fraction of a second after, he turned his body and pushed his left leg out into her stomach.

It connected and sent her rolling backwards, giving him just enough time to swing the grip on his sword into a reverse one.

Black Canary two winced, knowing exactly how screwed Wonder Woman was. When he does that, it's usually when he's facing a tougher than expected opponent and is really trying now.

Wonder Woman came back for him with an overhead slash, but all he did was flick his wrist and he knocked the blade away. She tried to bring it immediately back, but he stopped it immediately with his blade. Then he pushed forward, pushing off of her knee and flipping backwards, connecting the end of his boot to the bottom of her chin and following through.

Ghosts body soared backwards and he landed on his feet, while Wonder Woman landed on her ass. "Yield?" Asked the Ghost.

"No." Wonder Woman replied, then charged at him.

For half an hour, they went like that. Ghost landing most of the hits, but usually with something blunted so he didn't draw blood, and Wonder Woman instantly getting back up, ready for more.

The record, while helped by the fact that Wonder Woman did manage to land hits on her boyfriend from time to time, was mostly held because Ghost was an amazing martial artist and Wonder Woman could not just stay down.

This time, Ghost was the one on his ass. They had added shields to the equation, and she managed to use her sword to wedge his shield away before bashing him in the torso with her own.

He took a minute to get his breath back. "Do you yield?" Questioned the princess.

"Hell no." He responded, look at the clock on the wall. At this rate, they would set a new record. He didn't want to set a new record at the moment. Plus, he didn't want the record to be a public spar where there was no... special celebration after. "Time to draw blood..." He muttered low enough to prevent her hearing.

When she came at him, he upped the ante. He hit the blade back up, then blocked with his shield when she went for his other side. He flipped his katana into a forward grip quickly, going for a stabbing move. She deflected it. He was counting on that.

When she went to bring her sword up to slice his side, he dodged out of the way, watching as she fully extended her arm. Seeing the opening, he pushed the shield in his left hand forward.

The edge of the shield hit the outside of her wrist, her hand opening with the sword falling out of her hand. A pressure point, for both humans and as he discovered in a previous spar, for the demi-goddess too.

Ghost pushed through, the shield pushing her arm out of the way. He let his body turn, his back to her. He brought his right elbow back and hit her in the nose. Not even a second after, he pulled back and went for a slash with his katana.

The very tip of his katana caught the back of the left side of her cheek, then moved to the front, her head turning from the velocity. He stepped back, still in stance and ready to fight.

Then the first drop hit the floor. "It seems to be over." Wonder Woman noted.

"It seems to be, yeah." Ghost raised his katana up and sheathed it on his back, folding  his shield up as he did. He pulled the device it folded into on his left hand, then moved it back to his right. Then he unfolded, then folded it back in to make sure it still worked.

"I definitely believe you now." The elder Drake said to her daughter.

"I told you, mom. Ghost can go toe-to-toe with anybody. And win." She reminded.

Ghost mostly ignored their conversation and walked to Wonder Woman, placing his right hand on her left cheek, letting his glove absorb the blood. "Are you alright?"

Diana smiled at him. The smile that he knew was just his. He was the only one that got it. The smile he's talking about is the one where just the tips of her teeth show, and the skin stretches enough to show her dimples. Where it reached her eyes, and he could see the love they shared in them. That smile.

Other than Dani's, that was his favorite smile to see.

"Yes. It's just blood. It was a condition, and once again, you won. I will live." The brunette told him, the smile not fading.

Ghost took a second to respond before he finally got out, "I want to kiss you so bad right now."

Diana went to respond, but someone else spoke first. "Ghost."

Ghost grit his teeth and growled lowly, an action that got the other fan favorite Diana smile. That one meant some fun later.

The man in white turned his head to look at the person who called him, and he noted the Bat-clad figure standing at the entrance to the room. "Yes, B?" The hooded man questioned.

"Blackgate was broken into and several guards were killed. We're meeting the Commissioner there." The demon bat told him. "We have to go."

Ghost sighed, rolled his eyes, then spoke. "I'll meet you in the teleporter room. Just give me a minute."

"Make it fast." Batman grunted, then walked away.

Ghost grunted then looked back at Diana. "Duty calls. Wish I could stay." Ghost tells her simply.

"I know. I will visit you tomorrow. We can celebrate then. Should I meet you at yours?" She asks.

"Yeah. Sounds like a plan." Ghost pulls his hand back and spots the blood line on his hand. He internally winces, then looks at the wound. "Already clotted. I have to go now... I'm sorry, Diana. Again, I wish I could stay."

Diana brings him into a hug, and he reciprocates. Then she presses a kiss to his cheek, or she would have if the mask wasn't covering it. She just kissed the mask. "Go see what this Blackgate incident is. Tomorrow." She then let go.

Ghost nodded. "Tomorrow."

Then, he ran after Batman to go do his job.

Chapter Text

They were currently flying in the Batplane, on their way to Blackgate Penitentiary.

Alfred spoke over the comms, "I know this is hard for your often-disturbing sense of responsibility to understand, Master Bruce, but you're allowed a night off, and you can't be everywhere." He was also on the screen in the plane, so they could see the way his face shifted as he talked.

"I wasn't even on the planet, Alfred." Batman reminded.

"B? Neither was I, and you don't see me holding that on my shoulders. We needed a break, even if it was small." Ghost relayed.

Batman grunted his response. Ghost knew it was his, 'I am not continuing this' grunt.

"Get ready to eject." Batman said.

"Ready."

Once there was confirmation, they both hit eject at the same time and bombed towards the ground. Batman unfurled his cape to glide the rest of the way. Ghost, however, zoomed right past him towards the ground.

Ghost pulled an arrow out of his quiver and aimed up before pressing the button on the head. A parachute came out and expanded, catching him.

His feet touched the ground around the same time that Batman landed next to him. Ghost disconnected the end of the arrow and tossed it with the rest of the chute, then put the remaining part in his quiver.

"What happened, Commissioner?" Batman questioned, both of them walking up to Gordon.

"Joker blew a hole in the wall and opened fire." Gordon explained. "He and his crew walked straight through the prison and killed anyone who got in their way." Gordon shined his flashlight into the hole. "And anyone who ran from there."

"I should have been here." Batman told himself more than anyone else.

"Nightwing and Huntress were here. That was all that could have been done. We were off planet celebrating others. We deserved the rest." Ghost told him.

They had been walking as Ghost talked, and turned to the cell that Nightwing and Huntress were in.

"Exactly." Nightwing agreed.

Huntress added, "Nightwing and I were here three minutes and forty-five seconds after the alarm sounded. By then, Joker was gone."

Ghost looks around. "He only broke this one out?" He questioned.

Huntress nodded, then opened up. "Yeah. Its weird. This place is full of Joker associates but only one prisoner was broken out."

"Andre Chavard. Eighty-six." Ghost answered the question.

Gordon nodded. "Yeah. How do you know that?"

Ghost looked at him out of the corner of his eye. "I have every cell number and the name of the prisoner in that cell memorized, and every time we arrest someone, I keep an eye on it. I keep track of what happens while they're here too. Was his compassionate parole granted or denied?" Ghost had.

Gordon had an expression of surprise for half a second before it was wiped off of his features. "I shouldn't even be surprised anymore... it was denied."

"Why compassionate grounds?" Batman pondered.

This time, Huntress spoke up, "He's dying, Batman."

Ghost and Batman looked at each other. After holding eye contact for a minute, they turned back to Huntress.

~~~~~~~~~~

In Metropolis, a figure was seen leaning against the window. He was shirtless and wearing sweatpants. 

"Clark?" A voice behind him asked. His head turned slightly to acknowledge her presence. where he could see out of the corner of her eye that she was wearing just some boxers and a matching crop top.

She seemed to prefer sleeping comfortably rather than looking pretty. 

"You okay?" She asked.

"I'm fine, Lois." He answered.

"You sure...?" She double checked. Then continued, "Because you're hovering." He looks down, and sure enough, he is. Lois continues, "You tend to forget about gravity when you're thinking too hard. It's a little disconcerting." Lois told her husband, Superman.

Clark floats back to the ground, raising his hand to rub the back of his head. "Sorry." He  apologized. "You should go back to sleep."

Lois gave him a look. "You and I both know that's not going to happen." His wife moves over to the superhero, then she grasps his hand between both of hers. "Come back down to Earth, Clark." She then pulls her left hand up, stick her middle finger forward and pushes it against his head playfully. "Tell me what's going on in that gorgeous head of yours.

He nods, then moves to the edge of the bed, Lois letting go of him before they both sit down on it. "I was with the Justice Society tonight." He begins, needing to take  a second to recollect his thoughts. Then he continues, "I saw generations of heroes together. I saw the past and I saw their future all in one room. Batman and Ghost both had some things to say about my legacy."

"Oh god." She said, barely containing an eye roll. "Did they get in your head? I think it's time the Ghost, Bruce Wayne and I have a little chat, where they say nothing while I eviscerate their individual complexes of theirs." She tried to comfort, pulling out her phone and pulling up his contact details.

"It's not that. They were actually quite kind." Clark informs her.

"They were...?" The brunette asks, confused. "Are we talking about the same Batman? The same Ghost? Pointy ears, broody, hides all his problems in body armor and violence? Sword, walking armory, hides his insecurities with jokes and, this is how they met, violence to an insane degree?"

Clark chuckles and nods. Then says, "We were talking about Dick and Tim and Babs and Damian and Spirit." He takes a breath. "Bruce and the others, they said I already had a legacy. "

"Of course you do." Lois comforts, reaching her right hand up and setting it on his left shoulder.

Clark continued like she didn't say anything. "But I realized I wasn't thinking about a hero to follow in my footsteps." He drops.

"You were thinking about a family." Lois fills in.

"I didn't say-" Clark tries to reply, but gets cut off.

"You didn't have to." Lois informs. "I'm pretty insightful. You have super-sight- you haven't noticed the shiny trophies I've been given for putting two and two together in print?" As she said this, she motioned towards trophies sitting on a desk across the room. Lois then reaches down and grasps his hand. "We've talked about this. There is nothing that would make me happier. But we don't know if it's safe."

"Then maybe we should ask?" Clark suggests.

"Ask who?" Lois inquires.

"A doctor." Clark answers.

"Which one?"

"Midnight."

~~~~~~~~~~

"A doctor's office with no light is a little... strange."

"McNider is the greatest doctor in the world, but Dr. Mid-Nite can only see in the dark." Superman responded, holding his wife's hand as they stepped further into the office.

Then a hoot from an owl aired out across the room.

"Also, he has an owl." The ravenette adds. "I admit... that's a little strange." he concedes. They keep walking, and Supes informs his Lois, "He's in an office just up ahead.

When the opened the door, the doctor greeted, "Superman. Lois." He held his arm out, and let his owl land on his arm. "I'm glad you came to see me."

"I can't really see you, but thank you for doing this." Lois thanked.

"It's my pleasure." He told them. "I hope I can help you find what you're searching for."

~~~~~~~~~~

Alan Scott was sitting in his house, at his desk thinking on his own. He occasionally glanced at the picture of him and his husband occasionally. Then, out of nowhere, his ring started glowing.

"Hm?" He questioned, staring at the ring. He then immediately got up and moved to the bedroom, peeking in. "Jimmy?"

"What is it, love?" Jimmy asked.

He holds his ring up. "An old fail-safe. Hopefully it's a false alarm. But if not, it could spell trouble." Jimmy rolls over.

"Come back to bed. It's the middle of the night, Alan." Jimmy requested.

"I know. The forces of evil really should be more considerate." Alan retorted jokingly.

"Fine. Can you get milk on the way home?" He asks.

"Sure." Alan replied, then leaned down and pressed a kissed to his temple. "I'll be back home soon." He said, then stepped outside. He quickly formed his suit then took to the skies.

~~~~~~~~~~

About an hour after flying, he had to take to the water then he flew as fast as possible. Seeing a submarine in the distance, he sped up, then he saw a person get ejected out. He went past the body and flew down in front of the hole, making sure his bubble was still holding strong around him.

Upon looking inside, he realized that this wasn't a false alarm. He spotted the most recognizable criminal everywhere.

The Joker. And he had the amulet.

Then, he screamed, and his vision went black.

~~~~~~~~~~

Two cops were talking in the road, crime scene tape around them. "I'm just saying, if Batman and Ghost went all out, Batman would definitely win. I mean, he's prepared for everything else, why not Ghost? Batman takes it." The darker skinned cop said.

The light skinned cop scoffed. "Please. Ghost has already proven when he goes all out, there is no chance of anyone, hero or villain, winning. Don't you remember how 'Ghost v Sinestro' went?" Sinestro lost his ring finger on his left hand, all because Ghost stopped pulling back. Plus a lot of other injuries, including a broken nose, shattered ribs, and a very dislocated arm. And leg.

The dark skinned cop grimaced. "That was different. Against Batman-"

The light one took his hat off to prove a point. "The Ghost all out cannot-" Someone cleared their throat from on top of a cop car, and both of them looked over.

"...how long have they been standing there?" The dark skinned cop asked.

"Where the hell did they come from?" The lighter cop asked, looking around. "I didn't even know they came out during the day." He said again.

"Boys." Ghost interrupts, and they look at him. "To answer the first question, long enough to hear the end of your 'Ghost versus Batman' debate. And two, we came from the alley to our left." Ghost motions with his head. "To clarify, we only come out during the day when we absolutely have to. Well, he does, I do it just because I can a lot. You got any orders from up high?" He questions.

"Yeah. We've been told to give you two full access to the crime scene." The darker one stated.

Ghost just nods, and they would both go to walk away. Ghost stops for a second while Batman continues. When Batman gets another foot or two away, Ghost turns and whispers, "Between the two of us, you're right. I'd win." Ghost tells the darker cop, then he steps forward to join Batman.

"I told you Ghost would win." They both then follow them to the body. The dark skinned one looks down at the body. "There were two victims." He started. "But the other-" Batman cuts him off.

"We know what happened to the other one" The Dark Knight cut in .

The light skinned cop asked, "What's so special about this guy? Did you know him?"

Ghost just sighs, looking down at the body. "We did." Ghost started, looking the body over to observe again. They were dressed in an old green bodysuit and a purple cape. Their legs were broken, and their chest was covered in blood along with the ground under them. "His name was Wesley Dodds."

~~~~~~~~~~

Four Hours Earlier

A purple eyed Alan Scott was floating above New York City. He was fine physically. There wasn't even a scratch on him. The only problem? He wasn't in control of his own body.

Out of nowhere, Alan seemingly speaks to himself, "I told you, Harley, this is a fact-finding mission. I have plans. Plans that require subtlety and secrecy. And then I will squish people with a giant green hand." He says, and it would be easy to come to the conclusion that he's being mind controlled. By who, exactly?

The Joker.

Joker had his hands on an amulet that gives him the power of a god. One of these powers is physically controlling people, and another is if he gives someone an order, they do it without question. No matter what it is. Even if it leads to death.

A man in World War Two used that ability to kill thousands. The JSA stopped him eventually, but not before he did a lot of damage.

'Alan' flies into the headquarters for the Justice Society, then stands in front of computer. The controlled Lantern stands in front of the scanner, then allows himself to get scanned. 

"Welcome, Green Lantern." The automated voice said, then the door opened.

"I'm operating a whole other person, Harley. I need to concentrate." 'Alan' said randomly, then continued after a second of silence, "Fine. They have a very polite security system, and trouble letting go of the past." 'Alan' breathes out then takes another breath to keep talking, "Talk about full of themselves. They have a whole room full of trophies." A second of silence. "I don't." 'Alan' says.

'Alan' moves across the room. Looking around at all of the trophies, then moving to a picture of the wall. He then leans in to look at it even better.

"They weren't trophies." 'Alan' spoke randomly. "I genuinely liked his shoes." He said with no context. "The feet were just in-" Then he suddenly stops talking. He hums, staring at a picture containing the Justice League and the Justice Society. Prominent members including Superman up front, Batman on the very right side, and Ghost underneath Liberty Belle.

'Alan' continues to stare at the picture for way too long.

"Look at the Justice League with their heroes." 'Alan' spoke. "I was right. This is going to hurt them so much." 

He hums, then points to Wildcat, who has his left arm perched on his right shoulder. Batman's head is turned towards him, and he has a smirk on his face.

"Who is this man draped over you, Batsy?" 'Alan' questions. "And what is that expression on your face? It looks like... respect." 'Alan' pushes his finger closer to the picture and poked it. "I'll definitely torture you first."

~~~~~~~~~~

'Alan' had moved to another room. He moved up to a computer, talking as he did. "Now to see if I can get into their system." The controlled Lantern leaned down, letting his eye get scanned when prompted by the screen. "Well, that was a freebie. Get me a pen, Harley." 'Alan' said. After a second of silence, he shouted, "I need to write things down!" The image on screen was a list of members, their real names, and where they lived.

And Joker needed to write down all of the information.

"Green Lantern?" Sandman asked from behind him.

'Alan' leaned back into the chair, throwing his arm over the back of it. "Hello, fellow hero." He said strangely. Then his tongue darted across his mouth while it was closed, like they were talking but not opening their mouth.

"What are you doing here?" Sandman questioned. "I thought Hourman was scheduled on for this morning?"

"Um..." 'Alan' stuttered.

"Are you okay?" Sandman wondered.

"Can we talk?" 'Alan' finally asked.

"Sure." Sandman answered.

"Not here." 'Alan' replied. "It's not safe."

~~~~~~~~~~

On the roof of the building, 'Alan' led Sandman to the center of it.

"What's going on? Why weren't the headquarters safe?" Sandman questioned.

"I think someone's infiltrated the Justice Society." 'Alan' informs, the blonde man stopping.

The gas mask wearing superhero stuttered a, "What?" before turning around and facing him. "How?"

"Like this." 'Alan' said, then quickly jammed a green knife construct into Sandmans gut. 'Alan' grabs his head and forces it down, extracting the construct knife while doing so. Then he reached for the mask. "Let's see who you really are under that mask, shall we?" He removes it, and comes face to face with Wesley Dodds. "Right, well, that's cleared nothing up.

"Al...an...?" Wesley questions, bleeding out, then he takes his last breath as 'Alan' pulls him up.

"Who's Alan?" The blonde questions. "Are you Alan or am I? Hello?" He questions. After a second of silence, he starts pulling the body up to fly. "Now?" He questions, then flies up. "Now I have to dump a body."

~~~~~~~~~~

After a bit of flying, 'Alan' finally says, "I think I'm getting the hang of this." Another second of silence. "Oh, yes. This is going to be a lot of fun." Green swirls wrap around the controlled Lantern. "Huh? What the fuck is this?" Then out of nowhere, the mask disappears and both of them, the body and 'Alan', start falling from the sky.

Then he hits the ground, and the control stops, because everything goes black.

~~~~~~~~~~

Present

"Excuse me." A caped figure walks into the room, getting Jimmy's attention, who was holding another man's hand.

Jimmy's head raises, then he blows a breath out. "Oh, it's you."

"Please. Don't get up." Superman said, walking over to him. Jimmy turned the chair to face him, the chair being one designed with seat turning in mind.

"I've already answered Batman's questions." Jimmy retorts.

"I'm sure Ghost brought up his concerns then?" Superman asks.

"Yes." Jimmy replies.

"Anyways, I'm not here to ask you questions. I just wanted to check in and see if you're okay." Superman said.

"I-" Jimmy stutters, then gains his footing. "Thank you, Superman." Jimmy regains his bearings enough to say, "Batman said there was evidence Alan stabbed Wesley. He wouldn't-"

Superman cuts the older man off. "I know. And I'm really not here to question you."

Jimmy turns back to Alan, and takes a second before he speaks again. "I had black coffee this morning."

"Sorry?"

Jimmy elaborates; "Alan was supposed to get milk. He was heading out to save the world and he was supposed to get milk on the way back." Jimmy takes a deep breath. "I should have raised an alarm when he didn't come home, but when you're with someone who can do what he can do, you know that means sharing him with the world. And it means he might not always come home when he wants to." Jimmy takes a few moments, in which Superman sits down next to him. "Do you have someone you bring milk home for?"

"I do." Superman responds. "And I don't always come home when I want to."

Jimmy turns to him before asking, "Do they keep you grounded?"

"She does." Superman answered.

"That's good. I couldn't imagine what would happen to you without a good, honest mere mortal pulling you back down to Earth." Superman and Jimmy stand up, Jimmy to look over the bed and Superman for support. "I'm Jim." Jimmy introduces.

"I know." Superman says. "Alan has told me about you. A lot."

"That sounds ominous."

"All good things."

"I thought you didn't lie?"

"Mostly good things."

"I get it." Jim says. "People need to vent. Even flying people." Jimmy grabs Alan's hand. "I want to thank you."

"For what?" Superman questioned.

"The moment you showed up, you lessened the burden on him. He didn't feel he had to do it all anymore. You gave us more time, Superman." Jimmy thanks earnestly.

Superman holds his hand out. "It's Clark. Clark Kent."

Jimmy removes his hand from Alan's and shakes Superman's. "You didn't have to tell me..." Jimmy trails off.

"I think Alan would like us to know each other." Superman puts his other hand over Jimmy's. "He will wake up, Jim." Jimmy then pulls Superman into a hug. "You'll have more time together." Superman comforts, and Jimmy starts to cry.

Chapter Text

Ghost, Batman, Robin, and Dr. Mid-Nite were waiting in the security room of the JSA headquarters, Ghost looking at Batman with as disapproving a look as he can muster.

"You didn't need to interrogate the man. His husband is handcuffed to a bed and is this," he raises his hand and pinches his fingers close together to emphasize the word then continued, "close to fucking dying. You could have cut him some slack."

"He could have known something." Batman defends himself.

"Realistically, he wouldn't know anything, B. What hero actually tells their partners anything about their job? Have you told Selina all of the details of yours?" Ghost asked.

"You tell Wonder Woman everything." Robin butts in.

"No. I don't." Batman answers.

"Okay, R, that's different. We literally have the exact same job. But I do spare the more... violent details. And B, now you see my point?" Ghosts modulated voice let out.

"Hm." Batman grunts, then looks up at Superman as he walks down to them. "What did you learn?" Batman asked.

"I didn't go in there to interrogate him, Batman." Superman stated.

"What?" Robin complains. "That's not how good cop, bad cop works." He complains.

"In this case, Damian, it was bad cop, no cop." Superman explains.

"You could hear Jim's heartbeat. See his eyes. Was he nervous? Was he lying?" Batman questioned.

"Jesus-" Ghost starts, throwing his head back, but Superman answered before he could get another word out.

"No." The Boy Scout answered.

"We're missing something." The doctor stated, Superman stepping back the Bat, the Bird, and the dead man to step to the doctor. "Security footage shows Green Lantern and Sandman talking here. Alan was accessing classified information."

Ghost continued, "They left after. Almost all evidence points towards Alan stabbing Wesley in the chest."

Dr. Mid-Nite further explains, "From the cleanliness of the wound, I'd say Alan constructed the blade from ring energy."

"What information did Alan access?" Superman questioned.

Ghost took a breath before answering, "Names and addresses of every JSA member."

~~~~~~~~~~

Will Everett was reading a book, completely absorbed in it. He was enjoying relaxing at home for awhile before his duties took over. He was enjoying his book, as he always did, when his doorbell rang.

He bookmarked his page and set it down on the couch, then walked to the door. He opened it, and came face to face with a delivery man.

"Package for Will Everett?" The man asked.

"Yes, that's me." Will clarified, looking at him with a kind smile.

The other man extended a clipboard. "If you could just sign here."

Will took the clipboard, saying, "Sure."

The man pulled the box back and reached into it. "Thanks... Amazing-Man." The man grinned, voice turning sinister.

"What did you call-?" Will questioned, going on guard as the man pulled a gun from the box.

Then the man just dropped the box, raised the gun, and fired.

~~~~~~~~~~

The bullet harmlessly fell to the floor. Will had turned his skin into copper, and the bullet couldn't penetrate his forehead.

"Huh?" The man questioned. "I thought you could only turn into something you've touched..." He trailed off, then followed Will's right arm down. He was clutching the doorknob. "Ah."

Amazing-Man charged forward, grasping his by his collar as he proceeded to interrogate, "Who are you!? Who sent you!?"

The man grinned before replying, "Oh, I'm not going to make it that easy." The man turned the gun to his own head...

...then pulled the trigger.

~~~~~~~~~~

His phone rang. Not the normal phone. His Harley phone.

It's exactly what it sounds like. He has a phone entirely dedicated to Harley Quinn. He had it on him at all times, and it was wired to have his voice modulated anytime he answered. Hell, he once picked up without his suit, next to Diana, and was perfectly fine because it kept his voice hidden.

"I have to take this." He told everyone, then stepped into a very private place before answering. "Harley, I swear this better not be to gloat." 

He knows morally, giving her the number for his second phone was wrong. He knows that not only would Batman be pissed, but he would demand he lure her into a trap to arrest her. He knows not revealing this was wrong. But... it was important to both him and Harley. He understood her in a way Batman didn't. In a way Ivy didn't. In a way Joker didn't. 

Plus, she trusted him enough to come to him with a problem nobody else would have helped her with.

When she was pregnant, with Joker's baby, she came to him. And he hid her for the entire duration of it. He even broke into her sisters house to deliver the baby to her sister, because she felt that she couldn't do it. Scared the hell out of her sister too, which was a bonus.

He gave her the number to a burner phone he would keep on him. It was actually done a week before the baby was delivered to the sister. And in the week, while he was staying with her during his free time, she decorated the phone. If anyone looked, it is so obviously a phone for Harley Quinn, so he had to make sure it was completely hidden when he had it on him.

"Okay, Ghostie, don't be mad... but I might'a broke Ivy outta Arkham." She said simply.

"Harley, that's a normal Tuesday, Arkham is a revolving door of criminals. It's why I branch out from Gotham occasionally." Ghost responded.

"I'm takin' her ta see Lucy." The clown stated. Her daughter.

"Are you sure?" He questioned, tensing up.

"Yeah. I'm sure. Please don't arrest her before I'm done?" She requests.

"As long as she doesn't attack Gotham, she won't be on my radar. Keep her out of trouble, and she'll be out as long as you need or want her." The white figure stated.

"Thank ya, Ghostie. I'll update ya as we go. Promise."

"Is that a G-H-ost promise?" He jokes.

"Definitely. Talk lata, Ghostie. Bye!"

"Bye, Harley." He hangs up, hides the phone, then steps out into Superman. "Holy hell, Kent." He breathes out, only a tenth of the way startled. "You can't do that."

"Harley Quinn?" Superman questioned.

"Let it blow up in my face naturally. I can still hurt you. Immensely. Remember?" Ghost reminded.

"If you're sure."

"Always am."

~~~~~~~~~~

A day later, it rang again. This time, he was already alone, breathing slowly, and deeply. He was calming himself.

He was also in his own apartment, trying to cool down from that day's events. Him and Batman dealt with the Arkham breakout Harley had yesterday. He pretended that he learned about it with Batman, and he was a convincing liar. 

He answered. "Yes, Harls?"

"We went ta Vegas!" She cheered.

"You did what now?" Ghost asked, to make sure that he was hearing it right.

"Me and Ivy went ta Vegas and got hitched!"

What the hell?

"You and Ivy are married?"

"Yeah! Great, right!?"

"If you want it to be, sure. Just... careful. Do not under any circumstance let Joker know."

"Well, duh! Gotta go. My wife wants me back in bed. Ha!" She laughed a little bit at the end before he hung up.

Those two... Married. That's an interesting development.

~~~~~~~~~~

Outside of the JSA headquarters, Jay Garrick was sitting on the front steps. looking down at the ground. He had been there for days, standing guard, especially went recent news.

"Jay?" Someone asked. "Jay." Someone calls, and he looks up to see the Flash. The current one.

"Barry?" Jay questions, looking up at him.

"Hey, you've been out here for almost two days. I think it's time you went home and had a proper rest."

Jay stands up and stretches his body out. "You heard about the attack on Amazing-Man?"

"Yes." Flash answers Jay.

"Someone's gunning for us. And they know too much. We can't leave Alan alone." Jay defended, not hiding his worry.

Flash nods. "And we won't." Flash points his thumb at himself. "I'll stay. I'll cover for you." When Jay went to argue, Flash spoke in a serious tone. "Jay. Joan called. I think she's worried."

Jay goes to stand next to Flash, nodding. "Right. Thanks. I'd better get home. But I'll be back soon." Jay informs.

Flash responds, "Take your time. Get a proper rest."

Jay starts stretching to take off. "Don't worry, I will." Jay then cheekily says, "I've been the Flash a lot longer than you, son. You couldn't imagine the power-nap secrets I've mastered."

~~~~~~~~~~

Jay sped into the house, stopping in front of his wife. "Joan. I'm home."

"I can see that, How's Alan?" She questioned.

"It's too early to tell." Jay said, walking over to his wife. 

She cradles his face, looking up at him. "Did you give my love to Jimmy?"

"Of course." Jay replied.

"That poor man. And you gave him the pie?" She further inquired.

"I gave him the pie. I gave him the love." Jay responds.

Jay and Joan start walking to the bedroom, where their clothes are.

"Joan, it's possible whoever did this knows who we are. I'm sorry, but I think we need to leave." Jay laid out simply.

"Well, of course. I assumed as much after I heard about the attack on Will." They step into the room and Jay stops as Joan walks in more and turns around. "Suitcases are packed. Basement's secured. Exterior defenses are activated and I've booked a room in Central City under our old aliases." Joan supplied. "It's been awhile since we had to disappear, but it's like riding a bicycle, you never forget how.

Jay smiles at her. "You're ama-" is what he gets out before a boom nearby shuts him down. "Joan, I-"

"Go." Joan cuts him off.

Jay runs off, shooting into a burning building. He goes floor by floor, room by room, checking for people to save, and rushing those he does find out before moving back into the building.

Jay zoomed into a burning room, spotting a family huddled in the corner. "It's alright. I'm going to get you out of here." The eldest Flash reassures. 

Jay then grabs someone and rushes them out, going back and forth until all members of the family are saved.

"You'll be okay. All of you." Jay comforts when they are all out. "Look around. Is anyone from your building missing?"

"HELP!" Someone shouts. "SOMEBODY! PLEASE!" Jay instantly zooms to their screams, coming across another burning room.

"Hello!? Is anyone in here!?" Jay yells, asking to know where they were specifically.

"IT BURNS!" They scream, and Jay can find them now. They were kneeling down in the flames. "OH GOD! HELP ME!!!" They scream more.

"I'm coming!" Jay yells, then sprints over to them with his superspeed. Then he stops, because he's looking at an overweight man trying to fit into a tight, gymnast, clown outfit while putting the fire out. Harley Quinn's outfit. "What's going on...?" He questioned hesitantly.

"You came!" A voice said from a closet door. "Thank you..." The voice says, then Jay can't move. He's locked stiff. "You're my hero." The Joker grins, revealing himself. The Joker put his hands behind his back, then stepped up to the frozen superhero. "Can you still hear me? Do you still know what you're doing?"

"Ye...es..." Jay answers.

"Perfect!" Joker says happily.

"He-" Jay gets cut off by the Joker.

"Uh-uh. Shh..." Joker places his finger on Jay's lips.

"Uh, boss?" The henchman asks.

"I'm in the middle of something here, Gary!" Joker snaps at the man.

"Yeah, but he's on fire a bit, boss." Gary retorts.

"Whoops! That's awkward." Joker remarks. "This fire wasn't supposed to get quite so out of hand, but Gary here shot our arsonist." Joker blames. Joker then rubs his finger on Jay's chin creepily. "I'm in your head. I could make you stand here and burn. Watch you, helpless, feeling your skin melt. But I have something even more fun planned." 

This makes Jay nervous, and it causes him to swallow.

~~~~~~~~~~

In New Jersey, Ted was training someone in the art of boxing. "This isn't supposed to be fun. Stop holding back. Come on. You've got more in you, Nick. Show it!" Nick swings harder, and Ted lets it hit his hand. "There it is!"

Suddenly, a blur breezes through the crowd. "Mind if I cut in?" They ask, and Ted turns to see Jay.

"Flash? Can I help you?"  Ted questions, and the man in question gets in the ring.

"What's so special about you, old man?" Jay asks.

"Huh?" Ted lets out dumbly.

Jay suddenly grabs Ted by the throat and pushes him to the corner of the ring, holding him there.

"What does he see in you, Wildcat? What are you to Batman?" Ted just grunts.

"Hey, man. Let him go." Nick says sternly, drawing a gun and aiming at Jay.

Jay just laughs while Ted tries to defuse, "Nick, put it down. Walk out of here. That goes for everyone else. Out. Flash and I need to have a private chat."

Nick shakes his head. "Nah. We're not leaving you, Ted."

"Stupid child." Jay says. "I'm the Flash." Jay then turns and rushes Nick, saying, "I'm faster than a speeding bullet."

The gun goes off.

And Jay runs into the kid so fast he explodes into a pile of parts.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Where am I needed, Flash?" Superman questions over comms.

"I'm not sure yet. All I've gleaned is it's a metahuman and someone has died."

"Possible address for code six-one-six. Reports of metahuman violence at 600 Commonpaw." A dispatcher said.

"600 Commonpaw?" Flash stops, questioning the call.

The dispatcher pipes up on the radio again, "Unconfirmed reports the Flash just murdered someone."

"What?" Flash questions once more, then he starts running, starting to call someone.

"No. Not the Justice League guy. The one in the hat." The dispatcher answers.

"Joan!" Flash calls once she answers.

"Barry? What is it?" Joan questions.

"Is Jay with you?" Barry asked, panicked.

"No. There was an explosion. He went to help. He isn't home yet." Joan replied, and Barry felt his blood freeze.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ted looked at Jay coldly, watching the blood drip off of the man. "Oh, man, I have bits of this kid in my teeth. HA!" Jay laughed, looking at the pile.

Ted turned to all of the bystanders. "All of you, get out of here, now!" He ordered, and everyone started rushing out.

"Yes. Listen to Wildcat. Run. It will be fun to chase you." Jay taunts, grinning ear to ear.

"You won't be chasing them." Ted defies, getting ready to box.

"Oh, right. You're a boxer. Let's box." At this, ted starts charging, Jay raising his fists lamely. "Go on. Put up your dukes-"

Ted drew his arm back and pushed it into Jay's face, not pulling the punch at all. The blow knocks Jay backwards, landing on his back and sliding.

Jay, however, laughed. "Nice one." Then he pushed himself to his hands and knees, continuing, "I can't feel it, but I think you just broke this face, teddy. Way to permanently damage your friend." 'Jay' noted.

Ted marches towards the speedster, relaying, "Jay, whatever's gotten into you, I'm gonna get it out."

'Jay' grabbed his hat and put it on, then cradled his own face. "Nah. You're not." 'Jay' looks up at Ted. "See, I wanted you to have that one."

'Jay' stood up, and Ted swung, saying, "Jay, if you can hear me, fight this!" 'Jay' dodged, the blow, then he ducked under another. "I know you can."

Jay said, "I...Ted...You have to..." Jay groans. "Get away." He states, ducking under more attacks, Ted still trying to hit him intently.

Suddenly, 'Jay' superspeed ducks under a punch and delivers a devastating uppercut. "Whatever it is Batsy and Ghostly see in you..." 'Jay' pins Ted in the corner, then starts using his superspeed to rapidly hit him in the torso. "They're not going to be able to look at you after this." Ted falls down, and 'Jay' stands above him menacingly. "Can't look at someone with respect if they don't have a face. See ya, Wildcat." 'Jay' grins, then winds up his punch.

A blur comes out of nowhere and grabs 'Jay''s arm.

"Huh?" 'Jay' questions. "Where did you come from."

Flash asks, "Jay, what are you doing?"

"So, familiar, Flash." 'Jay' states, then grins wider. "Ah, I'm your hero, aren't I? That's sweet."

"Who are you?" Flash questions. "What are you?" He adds on.

"Nope." 'Jay' denies. "Not gonna be that easy." 'Jay', before Flash can process it, brings a knife out and stabs Flash in the leg' "Tag," 'Jay' says, then hops over the ropes before starting to run. "You're it!"

While Flash is cradling his leg, he looks down at Ted. "Wildcat?"

Ted grumbles before saying, "Mmmokay. Can... can you run?"

"I can run." The blonde answers.

"Go get him." Ted says weakly, and Flash takes off running.

On the road, he presses a finger to his ear and calls for, "Superman!"

"I'm here." Superman picks up.

"So am I." Ghost adds. "In Jersey now. Did Jay actually kill someone?"

"Yeah. We're in Jersey. Jay just left Wildcats gym. But... it's not Jay. It's something else. Wildcat is down." Flash stated.

"I knew mind control was the only possibility. Probably what happened to Alan, too. Listen, I got Wildcat. You two get Jay." Ghost commanded, and Barry nodded. Understood.

"I've got him. I can see him. First and Sampere. Now Fifth and Beredo." Superman notified Flash.

"Get him, Barry." Ghost instructed.

"On it. I'm coming." Barry tapped the ear piece, then started making his way to where 'Jay' was last spotted.

"My god." Superman stated, the wind stopping.

"What do you see, Boy Scout?" Ghost questioned, still moving.

"Jay is killing civilians. And laughing about it."

It takes a minute before Ghost finally responds. "Stop him. I know who's controlling him. I just don't know how. I'll share later." Superman nodded, then flew down above 'Jay'.

"Jay! Stop!" Superman commanded. 

When he didn't stop, Superman charged his laser vision up and fired in front of 'Jay's feet, making him stop with a, "Woah!"

Flash caught up shortly and stopped, holding his leg. "Jay!" Flash called.

"Pierced-artery speed-hobbling? That's an Olympic sport I could actually enjoy." Then he took off running again, blade in hand, still laughing.

"Stop! Please!" Barry begged finally, needing his mentor to stop running.

"You know what? That 'please' really cut through." 'Jay' grins. "You want me to stop? Fine." 'Jay' said, then barreled for a brick wall. "I'll stop."

'Jay' went face first into the wall at superspeeds, and he was dead on impact. Jay Garrick, the first Flash, mentor to Barry Allen, was officially deceased.

"Jay!?" Barry called, moving into the debris. "Jay?" He stepped forward more, and saw Jay's hat. "I wasn't..." Barry muttered, then knelt down. "I wasn't fast enough." Barry Allen said sadly.

"What happened?" Ghost questioned over comms.

"Jay ran into a wall at superspeed, Ghost. He's gone."

Ghost is suspiciously silent before he releases an, "Okay. We're going to fix this."

Chapter Text

"I packed for both of us." Joan said, sitting on the couch.

Barry Allen stood in the doorway, mask clutched in his hand. "I'm so sorry, Joan." Barry apologized.

"You're...?" Joan starts, then gives him a smile. "Barry." She enunciates. "Listen carefully. This is not on you. Jay had the same problem. The same idea that he was to blame every time he wasn't fast enough." Barry stepped closer to the woman as she continued, "If he were here, he'd remind you that you can't save everyone."

"Are you trying to look after me?" He questioned. "That was not the idea."

"I can do as I like, Barry Allen." Joan grinned slyly as Barry sat down net to her. She then cradled his face, looking him in the eye, face turning serious. "He thought of you like a son. He thought the world of you. I appreciate you being here to offer comfort. But what I truly need from you is to find whoever took Jay from me."

"I will." Barry nods. "And Ghost already has a lead. I have to get to the Batcave."

"Then go, Barry. Chase it." Joan instructed.

Barry stood up and put his mask back on, nodding. "Yes, ma'am." Then he took off.

~~~~~~~~~~

"And that's how Joker is doing it?" Batman questioned the man hitting the training dummy.

"Positive. Just go over what we know so far and it's obvious." Ghost retorted, throwing an elbow at the left side of the dummy's face.

Batman sighs, and pinches his nose. "It's only obvious to you because you had more information."

"Yeah, well, the information wouldn't be known by you if it didn't pertain to the case. Diana is already going to be pissed enough I told you, but to learn what's happening to them now directly ties to their past? It won't end well." Ghost kicked the leg of the dummy (it was hanging up and tied to stay still), then turned to throw a back elbow at the right side of is face before turning and delivering a punch to the face so hard it comes off the stand and falls.

Then a whoosh from behind them, and the Flash was there. "Batman. Ghost." He greets.

"You better get cleaning. If Alfred sees, he's going to be very upset." Ghost notes, then someone clears their throat.

"Master Allen." Alfred calls, and Ghost hisses. Too late. "Could you please come to a stop with a bit more consideration? You've left burnt rubber on the floor." He says disapprovingly.

"Sorry, Alfred." Barry apologizes, and Alfred holds out a rag.

"That's quite alright."

Barry starts cleaning as Batman talks, "We know why you're here. Ghost figured it out. Jay was murdered."

"You think he was killed?" Flash questioned.

Ghost spoke up, hanging the dummy back up as he does, "We know he was. And we know who did it. You want to tell the story, B?"

Batman grunted before talking, facing away from them both, "Three days ago, a man named Andre Chavard was broken out of Blackgate prison by the Joker. An inmate says Chavard promised power in exchange for his escape. The power he promised, Joker has that now. Through careful questioning of his associates, I was able to track his movements. He recently hired Black Manta."

"Diana interrogated him with the Lasso of Truth then we tossed him in prison." Ghost said, walking next to Flash. "Anyways, the trail led to a hole in the bottom of the sea. Something had been there, but it had been uncovered. But, when going over the information and strange behavior exhibited, it can only be one thing. The Amulet of Apophis. It makes the user virtually a god. Mind control and influence is the main power. It explains Alan, it explains Jay, and it explains the delivery man attacker. And Joker has it." Harley was able to get away though. He probably made her harm herself somehow. He had to call her.

"What does this mean?" Flash asked, standing up.

Ghost answered, "It means we're rounding up the JSA for a chat."

Ghost and Batman start stepping away, and Flash turns to leave to start, but a voice tells him to stop. When Flash looks back, Ghost is staring at him.

"Finish the floor first. You don't half-ass an Alfred chore."

~~~~~~~~~~

"Harley?" Ghost breathes out, in a private area of the Batcave.

"Ghostie! Hi! Why are ya callin'?"

"The Amulet that Joker has. Did he make you do something with it?"

She goes silent, and he hears her stop practically bouncing around. "H-How did ya know about that?" She questions.

"He killed the first Flash with it. Tried to kill Amazing-Man, did kill Sandman, and put the first Green Lantern in the hospital with it. The Justice League and the Justice Society is looking for him. I knew you only would have left if he did something." He takes a breath. "Harley, do me a favor?"

"Yes, Ghostie...?" She says meekly.

"Don't go back to him right now. He'll hurt you again, and you'll be put in the crossfire between two teams of angry heroes along with a superpowered Joker. I don't want to see you get hurt."

It takes a long moment, but eventually Harley releases, "Okay. I won't go back ta Mista J right now. G-H-ost Promise."

"Okay. Thank you, Harls."

"No problem. Bye!"

"Bye."

Then he hung up. He had a JSA meeting to get to.

~~~~~~~~~~

"-and that leads me to believe you can help us understand this object of power." Batman finishes his long explanation.

"We don't know of any-" Hourman goes to state, but gets cut off.

"We know its the Amulet of Apophis." Ghost states, shocking the JSA.

"How do- Impossible. We destroyed it after the War." Liberty Belle said.

"No, Libby, we didn't." Dr. Mid-Nite states.

"What!?" She exclaims.

Dr. Mid-Nite continues, "Even together, Green Lantern and the Spectre couldn't break it."

Wonder Woman looked furious. "Why would you lie to us, Charles?" Wonder Woman questioned intently.

The doctor responds, "We needed people to believe it didn't exist to guarantee no one would look for it."

"Well, someone found the Amulet."

"The Joker did, Diana. The Joker has it." Ghosts fists clenched, hands still on the table. "And because he found it, Jay and Wesley are dead. Alan is in a coma. And Will has to move to keep himself safe." Ghost unclenches his hands, then stands up, putting both hands in pyramids on the table. "This Amulet allows for mind control. We have to protect our minds at all costs. Second guess every situation. And be on the lookout for the clown. He's targeting the Society specifically." Ghost finished.

"Why?" Amazing-Man questioned, looking across the table at Ghost, who was between a standing Batman and sitting Dr. Mid-Nite.

Flash let Jay's helmet drop on the table, his fist joining shortly after. "Because he wants to hurt us. And he knows you're our heroes." Flash says honestly.

"We need to get all of the Justice Society to safety." Superman states.

Hourman cuts in, "We don't need you to protect us. We can fight our own fight."

Wonder Woman turned to Hourman. "No. We've lost too many of you."

"You're one of us too, Wonder Woman." Hourman deflected. "And he's just one man."

Batman spoke up, "He's not a man. He's something else. And you should never underestimate him."

Amazing-Man looked at Batman and tilted his body a bit. "And neither should you, son. I know you want to protect us. But if he can't find us, he'll move onto you. Madmen don't play by rules. If he gets control of Superman, or Wonder Woman-"

"He could break the world. We know that. Which is why we want them to hide, too." Ghost stated, and Wonder Woman instantly objected.

"Absolutely not."

"Batman, Ghost, we can fight him together. We'll plan once we have all of the Justice Society and the League in a safe place." Superman states.

"There's nowhere on Earth he can't reach." Batman supplied.

"On Earth..." Ghost muttered, then spoke up, "The Watchtower. Bring everyone in. But, no one moves on their own. Everyone gets an escort."

~~~~~~~~~~

"Hello, Oliver." The first Black Canary greeted, leaning against the doorframe.

"Hello, Miss Drake." Green Arrow reciprocated, standing next to his wife.

"Are you here to make sure I do what I'm told?" The elder widow asked.

"No." Green Arrow denied. "Ghost insisted we travel in pairs. I promise I didn't want to be anywhere near you two for this bit."

"He's getting more sensible." Miss Drake threw out.

"Ghost said that the other day." Green Arrow.

"He is." Dinah, the younger one, agreed. "Now, mom-"

"I'm not running away." The elder Canary denied.

"We're not suggesting that." The current Canary stated, giving her mom a pleading look. "We're just getting out of immediate danger. All of us. We're heading to the Watchtower."

"Everyone?" Her mom questioned.

"Everyone. The Justice League too." Black canary added.

"Including Ghost? I like Ghost."

"I know. And yes, mom, including Ghost."

The elder woman sighs then turns around, starting to walk away. "Fine. I'll just get the cat."

Green Arrow sputtered. "You're bringing your cat.... to space?" Green Arrow asked incredulously.

"Do you know when we'll be back?" She questioned, pausing.

"No?" Green Arrow replied.

"Then yes. I'm bringing my cat to space." She said, then opened a door to look at her cat. "Mister Mittens?" They heard, then the woman stepped inside. After a minute or two, she stepped out and joined the other two members.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Welcome to the Watchtower, Dinah." Hawkgirl said, Ghost nodding along.

"And Mister Mittens?" Ghost observes suspicious.

"We had no idea you were joining us." Hawkgirl finished.

"You only dress as a bird." Dinah starts, and Ghosts eye squint. Something was wrong with her. Her mannerisms weren't right. "You don't have to overcommit and be legitimately scared of cats."

"Make yourselves at home." Hawkgirl allows.

"Dinah Drake...?" Inza questioned.

"Yes?" The elder Drake questioned.

The first Doctor Fate flew over to Dinah then flew around her. "No... there's someone else in there." The doctor observed.

No. Not her. He couldn't get his hands on her. "I guess we're moving the schedule forward, Mister Mittens." The woman stated.

Doctor Fate flew around and floated behind Green Arrow along with Black Canary. "What?" Black Canary asked.

"Detain her!" Ghost shouted, but it was too late. Dinah used her Canary cry to send them all back, Ghost managed to regain his footing, then he tried to reach for a collar. However, she paused for just a second and screamed again.

This scream shattered the windows of the Watchtower.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Lois." Superman greeted, pushing the balcony door to the side. He walked to his wife, and they held both hands in each others palms. "I saw Dr. Mid-Nite, he gave me our news. I'm sorry I wasn't with you." He apologizes.

"Don't be. I heard what happened to Jay... are you alright?" Lois questioned.

"Joan was packed for both of them." Clark admits sadly. "She and Jay were ready to leave." Clark moves to the couch, letting a hand go but still holding her left with his right. He sat down, and Lois looked at him as he continued, "It's... going to be harder... if we have a child." He takes a breath, and Lois gives him an empathetic look. "It's hard enough knowing I'd be leaving you if something goes wrong, but..." Clark lets go of her hand and puts his hand over his chin, holdin git as he thinks. Then the responsibilities of Superman take over. "I don't know if I can look after a child and the world at the same time."

"You don't have to, Clark." Lois comforts. "We have a good life already. I'm content. You're enough. More than enough." Lois sits down and wraps her arms around his neck.

Clark sighs. "That's not what I'm saying at all. I'm saying-" he takes a breath, though he doesn't need it. "I might take some time off."

"Really?" She gave him a doubtful look. "You'd take parental leave from being a superhero?"

He smiles. "I'm sure Ghost could cover for me." He jokes, then his earpiece dings.

"Justice League!" The voice of Batman rings through. "We've been attacked! The Watchtower! Fate managed to protect some of us, but there are people in space!" Two hissing sounds escapes the comms. "We're going after them!"

Superman immediately apologizes to his wife, "I have to go. Attack on the Watchtower."

"Go, Clark. I'll be here when you get back."

He moves to the balcony and launches into space.

"We won't be able to reach them all in time!" Batman shouts, and Clark knows he's likely referring to Ghost. They both were usually the ones doing the most.

"It's alright, Bruce. I'm here." Superman said,grabbing Green Arrow, Starman, and Dinah. Batman and Ghost each bring in one person, but Hawkgirl seems to object to the first Black Canary.

"NO!" She shouts, stepping up to the barrier. Hawkgirl points a finger at her. "You can't let Dinah Drake in here!"

The second Canary, still kneeling, held out an arm to Hawkgirl. "Please be careful with my mom. She's not herself."

Inza stood next to an angry Hawkgirl and gripped her forearm. "Yes. She is herself now. He's gone. The Joker has left her mind."

As Hawkgirl is tensed with anger, DInah starts to cry. "He could see in my head." She cries. "He knows so much of what I know."

~~~~~~~~~~

After triple checking that they have everyone that was in the Watchtower back, Clark passes the cat back over to Dinah. "Miss Drake. I believe Mister Mittens belongs to you."

"Thank you." She says, grabbing the cat.

"I can't keep everyone protected with my magic indefinitely." Doctor Fare (Inza) states.

"No." Batman agrees. "We need to leave." Batman remarks.

"Everyone to the teleporters!" Ghost calls, and everyone starts making their way over to the teleporters.

"Where are we going to go?" Green Arrow questions, ducking under some rubble with Amazing-Man.

"The Hall." Ghost replies.

~~~~~~~~~~

Walking into the Hall of Justice, Green Arrow can't help but say, "The Hall of Justice has a lot of perks over the Watchtower. My favorite being that you can open a window without being sucked into the cold vacuum of space."

Ghost rolled his eyes. "We get it, Oliver. You don't like space."

Starman interrupts, "We can't just wait around for the Joker's next attack. That's asking for trouble." He turns to Clark. "When it comes to corrupt madmen full of power, action is required. It's something we used to be very good at." He says spitefully.

"I know, Starman." Clark states. "We're heading out. We'll keep our distance, but we're going to search the whole country." Superman says, then him, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, and Flash all move away, doing as Superman said they were.

~~~~~~~~~~

While the flying heroes, and the Flash was searching the country, the grounded ones were working. Ghost and Batman were working on a device while Fate stood behind them, either watching with rapt attention or putting her focus elsewhere.

Suddenly, Fate goes rigid. "Something is coming!" They exclaim.

"What is it?" Ghost questions.

"Chaos." They reply cryptically.

Then, a large explosion erupts that knocks people off of their feet.

~~~~~~~~~~

Once Ghost cracks his eyes open again, he groans. "Two bases in less than twenty-four hours. This shit sucks." He swears.

"Priority one!" Batman calls into his comm. "Hall of Justice under attack!" He shouts. "He's here! I repeat, Joker is here!"

Ghost looked up and growled. He was wearing a helmet, one he wasn't familiar with. This was a second artifact. He had to end this. No more death.

"Why didn't I get ancient chaotic powers ages ago? This is a hoot." Joker said, sounding like he was grinning. Joker turns to look down from where he was flying. Did he forget to mention that? Joker was floating. "Hmmm. Gawking onlookers."

After a second where Ghost stood up and searched for people, finding more than a few members stuck. He attempted to get some out before Joker flew back up, after a second, Superman joining him.

"Joker!" Superman shouts.

"Superman?" Joker questioned. "Are you really going to waste time on me? I'm pretty sure your friends are dying down there." He chuckled, finding humor in it.

Superman flew down into the rubble, seeing someone with green boots laid back and Amazing-Man holding a piece of rubble up.

"You okay, Amazing-Man?" The Boy Scout questioned.

"I've... got this, Superman. Get them out!" Will stated, holding the rubble up.

Superman quickly got Starman, Liberty Belle, and Doctor fate on their feet. "Is...everyone...okay?" He got a word out as he bounced from person to person.

"No. I'm angry." Starman snarled. "Liberty Belle?"

"Yes. I'm the same." Belle agreed. "Let's go kick his ass."

"Superman! Ollie and Dinah are still in the wreckage somewhere!" Dinah shouts.

"I see them, Miss Drake. I'll-" Superman starts, but Ghost put a hand on his shoulder.

"I'll get them, Dinah. Supes, get Joker. I'll join you when I have them." The vigilante states, then moves to start looking for the two.

Everyone already free lines up to face him, and Starman growls, "Joker!"

Joker floats down to the ground, remarking, "Ooh. Final standoff time. How exciting."

Starman starts charging. "Let's see how exciting you find my fist in your- agh!" He gets electrocuted by Joker, then crumbles to the ground.

"Ted!" Inza shouts.

Everyone charges him, shouting indistinctinctly, then almost everyone except Batman and Superman disappear. Two-thirds of the Worlds Finest stop in their tracks.

"What did you... Where did they go!?" He shouts.

Joker shrugs. "I... have no idea. Chaos and all." Then he laughs, shortly before a,

"YOU!" Is shouted, and a fist connects with his chest, sending him flying back and crashing through rubble.

Wonder Woman then flies to him, landing a punch to his face. She goes for another one, but Joker catches it in his pam, shocking the woman. Joker throws her into a wall, then a boxing glove arrow hits his face.

"Ouch." Joker remarked.

Ghost, Green Arrow and Black Canary all lined up, Ghost pulling his collapsed bo-staff out, letting it extend to a full one before he separated the two pieces into separate sticks. Makeshift escrima sticks that can disconnect from the staff. Green Arrow simply knocked another arrow while Canary got her throat ready.

"What the hell?" Joker questioned. "A boxing glove arrow?" Joker picked the arrow up and grinned with a chuckle. "Oh, I get it. For when you want to punch someone who's a really long way away. That's... actually very practical."

"So is this!" Ghost shouts, hurling a stick at his head, which marks everyone to charge.

"Superman! The helmet! Take it!" Batman shouts. The stick gets knocked away by the Joker, and Ghost used the magnet connected to his glove to call it back to his hand. Very practical indeed.

Batman and Ghost individually kicked him in the chin, and hit him in the face with a stick respectively.

Black Canary and Ghost both hit him in the stomach as Superman went for the helmet, trying to pull it off of his head while Green Arrow pelted him in the chest with two arrows. Batman and Black Canary grabbed his arms to restrain him while Ghost kept going for body shots. He used the stick to hit him in the leg, putting him on a knee while they kept restraining him.

"No! My head! You're pulling off my head! I need that for thinking! AAAAGH!" Joker shouts.

Superman instantly releases him. "I-I didn't mean to-"

"Superman! NO!" Batman shouted.

Joker immediately turned around and used his powers to shock Superman, laughing as he did.

"Oh, you people. So caring. So trusting. So stupid." Joker chastises, then he grabs onto Black Canary and Batman, then uses another power to make Ghost freeze in place. His sticks drop, and he's stuck like a mannequin. "You have no idea how much power I'm connected to. It's so tingly." Joker grabs Batman's head. "I could crush you like a bug right now, batsy. But I have something far more fun in mind. You see... I was saving the best for last." Joker threw them down, and used the same power to hurl Ghost into a wall.

He pushed himself up, then looked up at Joker. Realizing what he was doing, reached behind his back to grab his sword. He pulled it out and got to his feet, getting into a battle stance.

"Oh, fuck." Green Arrow swore, realizing what was happening next.

"Yes. I have his mind." Joker begins. "And... ew. He's just as earnest on the inside. I'm going to make sure he feels all of this. Superman. Kill everyone here, slowly. Turn them to mush. Leave Batman and Ghost for last. I want them to watch." Joker orders, and they watch as Superman's eyes glow red.

Oh, fuck. Oh, fuck, indeed.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Stop!" Amazing-Man yelled, and Ghost only gripped his sword tighter. He knew it wouldn't do anything. Will allowed his powers to turn him into concrete.

"Amazing-Man? Did you... Did you just turn yourself to concrete? HA!" He laughs. "That's so poorly thought out." Joker sent an energy blast at him, and it tore through his arm, shattering it. Will was now down to just one arm. "Superman, turn this guy to dust."

"STOP!" A voice shouts, and Ghost looks up, watching as Alan Scott floats down and encases Superman in a bubble.

"You?" Joker questions. "Didn't I accidentally drop you out of the sky?" Questions the clown.

"Superman, listen to me. You're better than this pathetic maniac." Alan attempts

"Rude." Joker comments.

"Green Lantern's right, Superman." Batman says, pushing himself to a knee. "I've seen you move a moon. I've seen you fly into the heart of a star. These old gods and their psychotic weidler are nothing." Batman remarks.

Ghost pipes in. "You're the best of us, Supes. Fight it. For the love of your god, fight it." 

Joker just laughs, cackling for a bit before he calms down. "Oh, that's... well, it's a little saccharine if I'm, being honest. Time for some extreme violence."

"Hnnnng..." Superman mutters, seeming to snap out of it.

"What's 'hnnng'? I don't think you understand." Joker begins, looking at Superman with vigor. "I'm in your head. You're mine. Now do as I say! Fuck them up!"

Superman uses his strength and breaks out of the bubble.

"YES!" Joker cheers.

Superman turns to Joker. "No." He denies.

"What's happening? What's this?" Joker questions, seemingly scared.  Knowing that Superman wasn't going to be a problem, he put his sword back in his sheathe.

"We've never seen this before. He's fighting us. He's... incorruptible." The Amulet said.

"Impossible." Joker said.

"It's not impossible." Batman stated, and Ghost used magnets to call the escrimas back to him. Once they're comfortable again in hi shands, he gets ready to go toe-to-toe with Joker immediately. Batman continues, "He's just better than you can possibly comprehend."

Ghost charges forward, throwing an escrima stick at his spine. When Joker bend backwards, Ghost uses the back of Jokers knees to push himself over, grabbing the amulet as he flips over Jokers head. He lands, then tosses the amulet to Superman.

"He's Superman." Batman finishes off, then Superman crushes the amulet with one hand.

The second it happens, the destructive energy send Joker flying back into a concrete wall. Both Wonder Woman and Ghost started walking towards him.

"Ow." Joker remarked.

"I will end him." Diana said, but Batman stepped in the way.

"No." Batman disagreed.

As they argued, Ghost dropped his escrima, moving past them swiftly, he pulled the gun in the holster on the back of his waist out.

Diana continued, "Stand aside, Batman. Stop protecting your monster."

"I'm not. I'm protecting you. I'm protecting the Justice League. The world is watching. We. Don't. Kill." Batman said.

"You don't." Ghost cocked the gun. "I do." He pointed the gun at Jokers head, but Black Canary grabbed the top of the gun, and her other went to his arm. "Let go."

"You haven't killed anyone in a year. You've been clean. Don't let him ruin that." Canary stated, trying to convince him.

"Jay. Wesley. Alan. Will. Ted. He did all of that. Why shouldn't I?" Ghost questioned.

"Because if you do it, he wins." Batman stated.

"We don't kill, Ghost. We have to be stronger than that. We have to be better than that. Don't let him ruin what you worked so hard to build. You have done so much good, built so much over the last year. Don't let him win." Superman told the man, and he grit his teeth, finger tightening on the trigger...

...then he pulled his finger off.

"We don't have to be that much better. Have at him, Canary." Ghost said, putting the gun back in its holster.

Canary pushed her boot into Jokers face harshly. "Where is my mother?"

He just laughed, but Ghost stomped on his arm, shoving it into the dirt and shattering it. "Tell her, clown. Where is Dinah Drake?"

All he did was laugh as some more pain was inflicted on him.

~~~~~~~~~~

Helping try to find where they are with the limited amount of Joker information, he was taking a small break, sitting down and blowing a breath out.

Suddenly, his Harley phone rang, and he had a feeling he knew what it was about. He answered the phone, putting it to his ear. "Harley." He greeted, exhausted.

"I'm goin' back ta Mista J today. Ivy ain't happy." Harley said immediately.

"Harley..." He sighed, blowing breath out. "I agree with Ivy. You shouldn't. He keeps hurting you and you know it's not right. But you're an adult that can make her own decisions."

"Thank ya, Ghostie. I... I saw ya. Ya were gonna kill 'im." She said, and she sounded scared.

He runs a hand over his face. "Harley, he killed two of my friends. The heroes before. He attempted to murder another, accidentally put one into a coma, ran through a kid using mind control, controlled another friend into almost killing all of us in space. He also assaulted another. I was pissed. Yeah, I almost killed him. Luckily, Superman pulled me back. Along with Canary. They're both good. I'm glad I have them as friends."

She seems to think for a moment. "I-I don't like it. But I get it." She takes a moment. "Ya should see Lucy again. She's growin' up so fast already, and only you can get away with checkin' on her so much. I know you'd be proud."

He just takes a deep breath. "I already am. And she hasn't even done anything yet." He was attached to the kid. He spent eight and a half months watching her develop. Then he delivered her, and was the one to give her away. He would always be checking in on her. "Harley, you know all you need to do is say the word and I can put you back into society as an innocent woman, right? The only drawback for you is that you would never be able to go back to Joker, and if you broke the law of your own free will, I'll have to put you in Blackgate for life."

Silence from the other end. Then the voice speaks, "I can't. Just keep updating me. I'll pop in when I can. I'm sorry."

He takes a heavy breath. "It's okay, Harley. Don't apologize. Just... be safe." Ghost says.

"I... will. Bye, Ghostie." 

"Bye, Harley." The clown then hung up.

He really wished Harley thought things like this through. She was a psychologist. She should know the dangers.

But he meant what he said. She was an adult. Eventually, she would learn.

~~~~~~~~~~

"-and does he hover when he's distracted, too?" Jimmy asked.

"Yes! It's so annoying." Lois complains.

Jimmy just laughs. "Alan complains about me biting my nails, but as far as bad habits go-"

Lois cuts him off. "At least you have the common decency to obey the laws of gravity!" Lois relates.

"Jim. Lois. It's time." Alan says, Superman standing next to him. "The Spectre is ready." They all walk into a different room in the Fortress of Solitude, Batman, Spectre, Black Canary ,Green Arrow, Wildcat, Ghost, and Dr. Mid-Nite all there.

"Are you ready, Alan Scott?" Spectre questioned.

Alan grabs Jim's hand. "We are. Let's go explore infinite multiverses and find where Joker sent our friends. Thank you for helping us, Spectre."

"They... are my friends, too." Spectre said.

As Spectre started opening the portal, Batman looked at Jim. "You can stay here, Jim. You'd be well looked after."

"Thank you, Batman, but I just got Alan back. I'm not letting him run off through other dimensions without me." Alan and Jim grab hands, and step a part of the way through the portal.

"Superman. Batman. Ghost. No pressure, but look after the world for us while we're gone." Alan told them.

"We will." Superman stated, then they all watched as the filtered through the portal and it closed.

Then Ghost remembered.

"Me and Diana are overdue a long conversation, aren't we?"

"Yes."

Chapter Text

He knocked on the door, breathing out simply as he waited. The woman next to him bounced on her feet. "Dad, what are we doing here?" She questioned. 

Before he could respond, the door opened, and he came face to face with Delia Quinzel. "Ma'am." He greeted, looking at her.

"Kyler. How are you?" She asks, looking around him. You never know what someone like him might bring to the door. Then she noted his guest. "I don't think we've met."

Kyler just huffed. "Could be better. You-know-who is still broody as shit." He relays with a slight grin. "And this is-"

"Dani. His daughter." She shakes hands with the woman, and Dani can see shock spread across her face.

Delia huffs in amusement. "You brought your daughter here to see her?" The woman asks.

"Yeah. I did. She started asking questions about where I disappeared to. May we see her?" The blonde male asks.

The woman just smiles. "Of course. Does she know-"

"She wears a suit exactly like mine." Kyler informs, and the information turns in his head.

"People figure you two are siblings. But I guess the enhancements mean you look younger than you are." Delia notes.

"I'm adopted. He is older than he looks, but he's not, like, sixty or something like that." Dani states, and Delia laughs.

Delia looks between the two and makes room. "She's playing. She'll be glad to see you."

~~~~~~~~~~

Kyler and Dani made their way into a room he seemed familiar with. When the door opened, a small redhead girl looked up from her mat, grinning at him.

"Ah!" She squealed, not quite able to form a sentence yet. She then stood up. He kneeled down and opened his arms, waiting for her.

"Is that my sister?" Dani asked bluntly, and Delia snorted from behind them. Kyler buffered for a minute.

"No, she's not. That, is Harleen Quinzels daughter." He reveals, and her eyes go wide.

Then they fall and she gives him a deadpan look that she knows he feels. "Those almost ten months I wasn't allowed in the secret living safehouse. You were hiding her there."

Lucy gets to him and he wraps her in a hug that he returns, then he stands up with her in his arms. He turns to his daughter and nods. "I visit her as much as possible. I watched her develop, then I delivered her. I brought her here because Harley wanted to go back to Joker, but knew the baby wouldn't be safe. And I was in no position to care for an infant." He explains.

Dani just makes a gimme motion, and he hands the child over. She coos as she looks up at the new person, and breaks into a grin before starting to tug on her hair. Dani didn't pay it any mind.

"You got attached to her. I get it, dad. I see why. I just wish you told me." She reveals, looking down at her and smiling, the kid smiling back before hiding her face in her shoulder. All three adults (Dani was twenty-two so wasn't a kid anymore) chuckled at her action, and she brought her head up, face turning confused.

"Yeah... I also have a phone specific to talk to her because she needs someone who can talk to her about her daughter. She still cares. She just can't see her as often." He relays, pulling the phone out and showing her. "Plus if she ever needs advice, she can call someone who is completely unbiased."

Dani nods. "That's good." Lucy motions towards her toys. "You wanna play? C'mon, beautiful, let's play." Dani says, then kneels to let her down. When Lucy rushes for her toys, Dani follows.

"So, hon, when are you heading off to join the Titans in Metropolis?" Kyler asked.

"Tomorrow."

~~~~~~~~~~

Clark Kent was sleeping in his bed, then his eyes shot open. He sat up quickly, turning to look over to his wife. She looked up at him, and all she could see was the large smile sporting his face.

"Clark?" Lois questioned. "What is it?" After silence, with him just staring at her, she followed with, "Smallville...?"

Clark could hear two heartbeats coming from Lois.

Clark pushes himself up out of bed, talking as he steps to the middle of the room, "We need to get everything checked thoroughly. I'll contact STAR Labs. There are people there I trust to be discreet." Clark starts.

Lois sits up out of bed, blanket flowing off of her. "Clark." She calls.

Clark stops in the middle, continuing like she didn't say anything, "There shouldn't be any danger in the first trimester but I'm not leaving it to chance. We'll need a bigger place, obviously."

"Clark!" Lois calls, crossing her arms and looking at him with a frown.

"Maybe we should consider moving away from Metropolis. Smallville would be a much safer and more private place to raise a child with powers. Although I'd prefer Metropolis High to-"

A book comes out of nowhere and hits him in the back of the head before falling harmlessly to the ground. Clark turns to pick it up then looks at his wife.

"Did you just throw a book at me?" Clark asked.

Lois stood there with her arms crossed, giving him a dirty look. "You're invulnerable, I should be able to throw satisfyingly hard objects at you sometimes." Lois stepped up to him, talking as she poked his forehead with her right index finger, "I'm glad our fetus has a high school already, but I need you to slow down that super-speed brain." She wraps her arms around his neck. "Let's just enjoy this moment." She smiles, and he sends one right back.

Then the phone rings, capturing both of their attentions. Considering that it was Lois' phone, she moves over to check in.

"It's the Planet." Lois states. "An anonymous tip. Councilman Ives is taking a payoff at the docks tonight."

"I should come with you." Clark states, watching his wife throw her crop top off then start putting pants on.

"Oh, should you?" She questions, getting them on. "I don't remember you being so protective before you found out I was pregnant. Maybe you only care about the baby." She teases, getting her shirt and suit jacket on. "Ah-ha! Your plan is finally apparent, alien!" She mocks playfully. "You have come to this planet only to breed!" She laughs. "And you have chosen Earth's most beautiful woman for your nefarious alien schemes!" She finally settles down, then moves to her bag in order to grab it. "Clark, I'm not spending nine months sitting on the couch getting fat while you go out and fight death rays with or without your super friends." She stands up with her bag over her shoulder. "That's not how I operate."

"I'll worry." Clark responds.

"I know." Then she grins. "If only there was some way you could keep an eye on me at all times. If only you had some sort of incredible x-ray vision combined with telescopic vision and... wait a minute." She says, spotting Clark turn his head to the street. "What is it? Trouble?"

Clark takes a moment. "I'm not sure. Maybe."

Lois just tilts her head at him. "Then we both have somewhere to be. Don't worry. Jimmy will be with me. I need a photo of the handover."

They both lock lips, sharing a passionate kiss. They sit there for a few moments, enjoying it before Lois pulls away. "Go save the world."

~~~~~~~~~~

Batman punches a goon while Ghost locks someone's arm around their neck, pulling it back so that they are strangling themselves. He throws his foot back into a charging goons gut, sending them flying back.

"What are you two doing in Metropolis?" Superman asked the two.

Batman throws a cape to block bullets, the gun flying out. "We are on our way to STAR Labs." Batman starts.

Ghost finishes, "Something very sensitive was taken." Ghost takes a minute. "Plus I wanted to see how Spirit was adjusting." Batman uppercuts the goon he took the gun from, while Ghost pulls tighter on the arm, the goon knocking themselves unconscious without wanting to.

"Either of you could have called." Superman states, then the two men just turn to stare at him. Ghost throws a throwing knife at the approaching goons forehead, the handle hitting them. They go down immediately. Superman just sighs, then starts floating. "Meet me up top when you both are done." Then he disappears.

Ghost and Batman just look each other in the eyes.

""Lois."" They say simultaneously.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ghost and Batman had grappled up top to a gargoyle. Batman was perched on the end while Ghost was leaned against the building the gargoyle was attached to.

"I have news." Superman said, flying up to the two.

""Lois is pregnant."" Batman and Ghost said at the same time.

"How did you-"

"You're sweating, your pupils are dilated and your left hand is shaking." Batman starts.

Ghost continues, "You typically never show any signs of fear or distress. The last time anyone saw you this afraid, you were fighting Doomsday."

Back to Batman. "And I doubt it's Doomsday-"

Ghost finishes, "because you're grinning like a damn idiot."

Superman just grins wider, crossing his arms. "Bruce, we want you to be the godfather."

Ghost pouts under his mask. "Not me?"

Clark gives him a look. "Lois doesn't know your name. She said if she did, she would consider it." Ghost just nods.

"Valid. B here is actually surprised, by the way." Ghost remarks. Batman just turns his head enough to glare at him out of the corner of his eye.

Superman just huffs a laugh, the grin unyielding now. "I heard it's heartbeat, guys." He says proudly.

Ghost smiles under his mask, happy for his friend. "I'm glad. Having children is a blessing. Me and B would know." They both look to Batman, and he just nods.

"They are."

~~~~~~~~~~

They were investigating STAR Labs, analyzing the scene. Ghost was questioning the scientists.

"Other than the obvious, anything else stolen?" Ghost questioned.

"A small amount of equipment but nothing as significant." The scientist said, and it took everything for Ghost not to roll his eyes. "I guess you can see why we didn't contact Superman." This time, Ghost did roll his eyes.

"You were experimenting with Kryptonite." Batman satted, and Ghost nodded. The man in white took a step back, putting his fingers on his temples.

"I have a headache. I hate scientists..." He mutters.

The scientist explained, "Not to hurt Superman. We wanted to know if it had any benefits. Whether it could be used as a power source. Whether it could cure diseases." He takes a second of breath. "We're scientists, not monsters."

"Ghost hates that reasoning." Batman says blankly, and the man nods. "It's in the hands of monsters now. I want a list of every person who had knowledge of the Kryptonite's existence. No one leaves this facility until-" A red blur swoops in and stops, revealing themselves to be Superman.

"I can't see her." Superman says breathlessly.

"See who-"

"I can't see Lois!" He enunciates.

"We're not alone, Superman. Maybe you should-" Batman gets cut off when a card gets pulled out. Ghost instantly trains his eyes on it.

He can feel the anger boiling inside of him. The white hot rage at seeing the bloodied 'Joker' card is palpable. What he did last year bubbled throughout his body. Never forget. And Harley had gone back to him.

"He has her." Superman says, clearly scared. Everyone knew what the clown could do. Superman put his hands on Batmans shoulders. "Please. Help me." He begged. "Find her." Then he rushed back out to find her from the skies.

Ghost immediately reached for the card, his lenses likely reading the blood and what else could be on the card.

Meanwhile, Batman spoke into the comm, "This is a priority call to all Justice League members and reserve members. I need as many eyes, ears and minds as we can spare in Metropolis. A woman is missing."

"You want the whole Justice League on a missing persons case?" Green Arrow asked.

"We believe she was taken by the Joker." Batman said.

"She was definitely taken by the Joker." Ghost spoke up through comms despite being in the same room.

"Who is this woman, Batman?" Cyborg questioned.

"She's one of us. That's all you need know for now. Her name is Lois Lane."

"Lois..." Wonder Woman mutters.

"Wonder Woman," Batman starts. "Miss Lane was last seen at the Metropolis Docks. Head there and find out if anyone saw her or the Joker."

"I know whose blood is on the card. And it's a quarter of the reason he's spooked." Ghost said in person, no comms.

Batman turned to him, switching the comm off for now. "Whose is it?"

Ghost swallows. "James Olsen. Works for the Daily Planet. His best friend."

Batman slowly put his hand back on his comm. "Flash-"

"I'm-" A whoosh. "in Metropolis. What do you need?"

Flash stops next to Ghost in the lab, and looks around before spotting Ghost, tilting his head in concern. Batman instructs, "Search every inch of Metropolis. Superman is scanning the city from above, so start with everywhere he can't see," Flash takes off and starts searching. "underground facilities, sewers, basements- anything lined with lead."

"On it." Flash replies. "What's wrong with Ghost?"

"Troubling news." Batman starts walking to the Batmobile, Ghost behind him while he continued talking, "Everyone else, report in as soon as you reach Metropolis. Share anything you-" Flash stops in front of them.

"You have to see something." Flash states, then grabs Batman. After a moment, Flash comes back and transports Ghost too.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ghost sees Batman above a person, and Bats is in front of a familiar downed figure. "I figured this could be related, especially since I'm pretty sure he's one of yours." Flash stated, and Ghost walked forward.

"Crane." Ghost stated, and Batman nodded.

"Your lenses can pick up his heartbeat. Is he breathing?" Batman asks, and Ghost steps forward to scan him.

He rakes his eyes over the corpse, the vitals coming back to it. "He's alive. Just comatose. I'll call paramedics."

Ghost steps away as Wonder Woman talks in the comm, "I'm at the docks. We got lucky." A pause. "As soon as I showed up, someone ran."

"And?" Batman questioned.

"Tell him." Wonder Woman orders, and a man grunts in slight pain.

"Joker's not in Metropolis. Him and that clown lady hijacked my submarine." The man spoke, then he heard Ghost stiffen behind him.

"Clown lady...?" Ghost muttered.

A whoosh went by, and Superman spoke up after a minute, "I see it."

Ghost looked to Flash. "Find out where he's placing the sub, then take us there. We have to deal with the Joker."

"On it." Flash stated, then zoomed out.

~~~~~~~~~~

Superman ripped the sub ope, then moved in, spotting both Joker and Harley Quinn with surgical equipment on. "LOIS!" He screamed, both clowns backing away as he moved to her and pried her restraints away with ease. "What did they do to...?" He trailed off.

He started feeling woozy. He didn't feel right. The air smelled different, and it didn't feel like it was going down as healthily, not that it would matter in the long run.

"What's... I..." He collapses, hands pressing the floor as he struggles.

"Something wrong, Supes?" He can hear the grin in Joker's voice as he says it, and he just wants to smack him to the moon.

"Yeah, for a man 'a steel, ya look kinda wobbly." Harley Quinn tacks on, sounding genuinely worried for his health. No wonder Ghost allowed her to slip through the cracks. She still seemed to care. But that doesn't earn his forgiveness. Not right now."

"Suuuuu-pah-man..." A gruff voice states, and his eyes go wide. No. Not him.

"No..." Superman says in disbelief.

Superman stood up, seeing Doomsday towering over him. "Suuu-per-man!" Doomsday yells, and Clark grits his teeth. "Doomsday!" He shouted, heaving breath, tensing his muscles for a fight. "Lois... the baby..." He grit out.

"...baby...?" Harley questioned, and why did he hear remorse in her voice?

"Here we go..." Joker said, grinning under his medical mask.

"STAY AWAY FROM THEM!" Superman shouted, then charged, grabbing Doomsday and flying through the already open hole in the sub then going up.

"Time to go." Joker says, grin still apparent as both him and Harley remove their masks.

"We're just going to leave? But this is the first submarine I've ever owned." Harley complains, both of them also hopping through the hole.

"We'll get you another one!" Joker shouts, stripping off his surgery garb and tossing it in the sand.

Harley sounds not as hysteric as she's trying to make herself out to be when she says, "I can't just get another one! I've named this one. You can't abandon something once is has a na-" She cuts herself off, and after a second, Joker whirls around.

He grabs her wrist and angrily rants, "Harley, any minute now, angry do-gooders are going to realize what we're  up to. If we're still here when they arrive, they will hit us over and over again. Say goodbye to your submarine!" He lectures, then lets go to walk away. Harley doesn't say anything to her submarine, then follows suit...

...at least until a giant green hand clamps down on them.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ghost was there first, and he spotted what Harley was wearing. What did she do. Green Lantern held the two until Batman arrived, then he released them.

"Batsy! Ghostly!" Joker grins while both Ghost and Batman walk to the hole. "Wait a minute. Did Flash carry you both here?" He cackles a bit. "Putting fear in the hearts of criminals... while their bright red friend carries them throughout the night.

Ghost steps in immediately while Batman dealt with everyone else. His mask naturally filtered out the fear toxin, so there wasn't much damage he could do. He noticed a monitor pointing to the part of the table where someone's heart would be.

He also noticed wires. He quickly dashed to the missile bay, to try to find it. He couldn't have. Upon spotting one was missing, the growled. He ran out, then hopped out of the hole.

"Come on, Batsy." Joker started, not noticing a very pissed off Ghost.

But based on the look on Harley's face, she did. She was the only one. And she knew it was bad news. "Use that pointy-eared head of yours. You can see the truth. You just don't-" He gets cut off my Ghosts fist slamming into his cheek.

Ghost quickly climbs on top of him, grabbing the front and swinging. He connects, then swings again. He connect, but before he can get another hit in, Wonder Woman yanks him off, then uses a hand to physically hold him back. 

"You some of a bitch! Why would you fucking do that!?" He shouts, then takes a step back.

Joker, meanwhile, just laughs, blood from his now split lip pouring out of his mouth. Batman asks angrily, "What did you do?"

Ghost put his finger to his comm. "Superman!" No answer. "Superman- Clark!" He said with extreme importance. "Stop! That's Lois!" He says, but no answer.

"Did you know she was pregnant?" Joker asks, and Ghost, faster than the eye could process it, grabbed a throwing knife and hurled it at him. All it did was go into his cheek and stick there. He immediately fell to the ground, clutching his face.

Then, a large light came from the middle of the city. And Ghost felt his eyes well up with tears.

His daughter was in there.

Chapter Text

Dani, also known as Spirit, was waiting on a nearby building. Her friends were on their way to meet her there so Bart, also known as Kid Flash, could take her to the Titans base.

A bright light caught her attention and she looked over. Recognizing the cloud, her heart dropped. She caught sight of a submarine, and after squinting, realized her dad was on the beach, hands on his head.

He was probably crying. Because she knew as well as he did that their suits didn't protect them from this. She saw a green bubble go over them, and she smiled under the mask at the fact that her dad would be safe. But it was also somber because he would be destroyed without her.

And because she had met Lucy. She was looking forward to seeing her again.

"I love you, dad." She said, eyes welling up in her eyes, knowing her final words would be recorded and sent to a backup server stored in her father's safehouse. "I love you, Tim." She said, referring to Red Robin. Then the blast overtook her body, wiping her tears, and her skin, and her muscle, and her bones away in one smooth action.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ghost had his hands on his head, tears welling up in his eyes as well as some pouring out and sticking to the inside of his eye mask.

His daughter was in the city. She was there one moment then gone the next. It was quite impossible for her to survive that. Which meant that in one quick swoop they lost a city and he lost his daughter. Eleven million people taken out in an instant.

He hit his knees, looking through the green tinted bubble at the cloud that had overtaken the city. "Sheesh, what's wrong with him? Quite the mood killer." Joker remarks, grinning slightly.

Batman grits out, "His daughter was in there." And Joker somehow turns paler while Harley's eyes widened.

"Spirit was-" She cut herself off. Ghost had told her that he was taking his daughter to meet Lucy and she okayed it. To learn that the girl was now... gone... it hurt her immensely.

"His daughter was the Spirit? Ha!" He lets out. "And I always thought that they were cousins!" He giggles.

"B." Ghost speaks lowly. "Get him away from me. Now." He commands, and for once, Batman doesn't argue. He grabs the back of Jokers collar and starts marching away, telling flash to get them to the Batmobile.

The Ghost was spiralling. He couldn't focus. The gun on his side itched and itched, even as Joker was sped away.

"Diana." He spoke, and his girlfriend knelt down next to him. "Take me home."

"Your safehouse?" Wonder Woman questions.

"Yes. I have to hear her last words."

~~~~~~~~~~

"You took Superman's wife. His unborn child. And his city from him. And Ghost... you are lucky you're not dead. You took Ghost's young adult daughter, one who was considering settling down to have a family. You took Ghost's opportunity to be a grandfather. You took that man's one chance to have a reason to leave this all behind, which he wanted to do. You robbed them both of better lives. Why?" Batman questioned Joker, both men in an interrogation room at GCPD.

"Why?" Joker questioned. "You need a reason? It's probably the same reason I beat that puppy to death with a kitten last week. When the howling and meowing stops, and all you're left with is a mess of fur and blood and brains, well, you can't beat that warm glowing feeling inside. And Ghost? That was purely accidental, but I'm glad it worked out that way." He laughed.

Batman grabbed him by his jacket and pulled him up, sneering, "This has always been about us. Why did you do this to them? To him, specifically?"

Joker sighs. "Every time you and I play, I lose. I was getting a bit bored of always losing. I thought I'd try this on easy mode for a bit." Joker's face splits into a wide and devilish grin. "And it was easy. It was as easy as beating a puppy to death with a kitten."

The door slammed open and Ghost walked into the room. He looked up at the camera and threw a knife into it, shutting it down. "'I love you, dad.'" He quoted.

"What?" Joker questioned. "I am pretty sure you're older than me but thanks for the compliment." He giggles.

"Those, and 'I love you, Tim' were my daughters last words. Telling me and the man she was in love with that she loved us. Sad part is, you did this, and I wasn't even the target." Ghost steps forward and pulls the mask off of his eyes.

Batman goes to move in front of him as Ghost steps closer, but Ghost gives him a look and he steps out of the way. Ghost replaces Batman at the spot across the table. He pulls the mask covering his face down, then looks up, Jokers eyes widening in shock.

"You took my daughter from me. Not the mask. The man under it. You took her from him. And he wasn't even the target. So I will ask only once. And if you don't answer, this will get ugly. Why Superman? Specifically."

He just grins, looking the blonde, Kyler now, in the eyes. He recognized him. "Well, Mister Alaster, someone took it all away from you and Batman once. And look at what you both became, all-punching, all-kicking little balls of angst. What do you think Superman will become? He's a god who deluded himself into believing he's a man. What will he turn into? Last year the helmet said that he was incorruptible. My goal... was to prove the helmet wrong." He says with a very humorous and condescending tone.

Batman steps next to him. "There are some things even you can't corrupt, Joker."

"HA!" He laughs. "Oh, Batsy, you're so cute. You honestly think your friend will still be fun to play with?" He questions with extreme humor.

"He will grieve. But he will stay one of the best men I know." Batman retorts, and Kyler shakes his head.

"No." He starts. "He won't. He's on his way here right now. And I don't think Joker's going to survive." RIght as he says it, the wall is broken and everyone flies back. Kyler gets up and stands in his way.

"Get away from him!" Superman orders, angry.

"Supes. You can't." Kyler says, himself in the direct path.

"You should be helping me, Kai. Not stopping me." Clark grits out.

"We're handling this." Batman said, but Clark didn't seem to care.

The grief filled man just put a hand on his shoulder then shoved him away, body hitting the wall then falling with a thump.

Superman continued forward, grabbing the table and throwing it to the side, narrowly avoiding Ghost. He grabbed Joker and pinned him up against the wall.

"You drugged me!" Superman grit out angrily and Kyler stood up. "Made me.... Lois.... my child..."

"Sweet, sweet Danielle?" Joker added on with a grin. Kyler Alaster was popular in Gotham, and everyone knew he had adopted Danielle Rogers. She was so on board she took his last name, becoming Danielle Alaster. It was quite the big scene because Kyler was good friends with one Bruce Wayne, so by extension, he got the same coverage.

That was how Joker knew her name.

"First Krypton, now Metropolis... people you love tend to blow up, don't they?" Joker jokes, and Kyler glares. He knew what he was doing.

Clark pulled his fist back, and Batman slid next to them. "Superman, don't!" He yelled, and Clark put his fist in the glass.

Joker put a hand on Superman's arm. "That's why I like you, Superman, you're so much more gullible than Bats and Gats over there."

Superman turned and threw Joker into the opposite wall, the same wall he threw Kyler into before he slid down and broke the table. Superman then slowly marched over to the Clown Prince of Crime.

The Clown spit out after standing up, "You think you can have a family. That locking me up will magically reform me. And they'll be safe. So big, so dumb." Joker said, and Kyler glared harder.

"For your sake, Joker, shut the fuck up."

Joker just righted his previous chair and sat in it. "Now run along so I can break outta here. I've got lots of planning to do to top this!" He spreads his arms out to emphasize what he did.

Superman grabbed Joker by the throat and held him up, and now is when Batman and Kyler move in. "That's enough." Batman said, grabbing his arm, but Superman flung him off.

Kyler went for a different approach. "Lois wouldn't want this." He said, fist on his shoulder, but Clark simply backhanded him across the room, and he slid to a stop right next to Batman as Superman turned to Joker.

"I know it's soon, but, think you'll ever love again? Maybe you won't kill your next family."

From the reflection on the walls, he knows Clark's eyes are glowing as he pulls his free arm back.

"Clark, don't!" Kyler calls, but it's too late. He pushes his free arm forward, through Joker's chest. The clown laughs, until the arm is pulled out, and he goes silent. Superman, simply turns, and flies out the opening, going away now that it was done.

Kyler slides his mask up, then throws the one over his eyes back on before pulling the door open.

"I need a coroner in here right now!"

~~~~~~~~~~

Harley strangled a cop, grabbed his gun, then shot a second.After he was down, she shot the first one and kicked them out of the cop car. She escaped her cuffs and took the cop car, driving to a base of operations she and Mista J had.

She was spiralling out of control. Her Mista J had been killed by Superman. The cops on the radio were talking about it, and about how they weren't supposed to take her to Arkham Asylum because they were worried that Superman might kill her too.

She was also spiralling on someone else's behalf. Ghost lost his daughter. His little girl. Sure, she might be an adult but he still raised her. If someone had taken Lucy from her, she would be angry, angry enough to kill.

But he didn't kill Mista J. Or her, to ad don, because she played a large part! He actually told Bats to get Mista J away from him. He didn't say why but everyone, even her, knew why. He had plenty of reason to want to kill her.

But he didn't. She shot the radio talking about her move, then moved to the base, crashing her car into a pole. She got out and went in, getting changed out of the uniform they had her in before she got her Ghost phone out of its hiding place. She clicked it on, and considered calling, then shut it off. She couldn't do that to him right now, he probably doesn't want to hear from her ever again.

"Harley Quinn." A voice called out, and she turned around to see a man in green aiming a bow at her.

"Wha- How did ya find me?" She questions, putting the phone away in one of her pockets.

"You crashed a police car outside. You're not exactly keeping a low profile." Green Arrow replied as she grabbed a ball out of the case it was in. She turned around and threw it, and he released his arrow into it, which caused it to explode.

As the dust clears and he is on all fours on the ground, she walks up to him with a mallet. "Are you ready to have a permanent low profile?" She pulls it back. "I'm kinda sorry it has ta end this way. I like your ridiculous little beard." She swung it, and when it connected with his face, it made a little squeak. "Squeak?" She questioned. "I didn't know this was the squeaky mallet. I thought it was the one that smooshed your head all ova tha floor." She then just pulls out a gun and aims it at his head, "Ah, well. This thing ain't loaded with squeaky bullets."

Suddenly, Green Arrow knocks an arrow and quickly fires it into the gun barrel, preventing any bullets from coming out if she pulled the trigger.

Harley could only point the gun to the sky. "No. Way." She states, then pulls the arrow out. "Do it again!" She asks.

"What?" Green Arrow questions.

"Shoot another arrow into ma gun barrel. That was nuts!" She said with a grin.

Green Arrow shrugs then knocks another arrow. He aims and fires at the barrel, and she cheers before it spreads out into a net and surrounds her. As she's there, he grabs the net and starts dragging her to his car.

"You suck." She remarks, being dragged on the floor.

~~~~~~~~~~

In his car, Harley was handcuffed, but still had the freedom to pull her legs up into the seat with her. "Are ya taking me ta Superman?" The clown asked.

"No." Green arrow replied.

"Ghost...?" She asked hesitantly, slightly hopeful.

"No?" He replies.

"Ya don't think I deserve ta die?" Harley questions.

Green Arrow blows a breath out. "I understand there are times when there's no choice, when it's kill or be killed, but I don't believe in executions. And I certainly won't stand by while some all-powerful creature squashes someone like a bug." Green Arrow explains, then continues, "Also, it's not just about saving your life. I'm trying to save my friend from what I'm afraid he might do."

"Ghost?" She asks.

"Superman." He replies.

Harley nods, then bounces back with, "Well, that's nice. Hey! Is that a boxing glove arrow?"

"Yes." The blonde man answers.

She leans in slightly. "Why do ya need a boxing glove arrow?"

The green colored vigilante answers blankly, "Because sometimes I want to punch someone who's a really long way away."

"Agh! Tell me 'bout it." Harley Quinn agrees. "So... where are you taking me?"

"A secret location."

"It won't be a secret location once we drive there. I-"

"Hold this." Green Arrow cuts her off, holding an arrow out to her.

"Ooh, what does this one do?" She asks very curiously. She was having a lot of fun interacting with the hero. Then, it opened and sprayed a gas into her face, and she started feeling sleepy. "You suuuuc-" She passed out.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Wha...?" Harley questioned, waking up. Her eyes cracked open and a bright light shined into her face. "Where are we?" The blonde woman asks, noting the fact that her hands were handcuffed around a bar.

"You're in the Arrow Cave. It's deep underground and lead-lined. Superman won't think to look for you here, and even if he did, he can't see in." Green Arrow replied from where she was standing.

Harley smiled sadly. "It's nice to be drugged and wake up handcuffed in a lair. Ma puddin' and I used ta do this every Thursday." She takes a second. "'Arrow Cave' is a pretty stupid name, though."

"Hey!" Arrow cries out in offense.

Harley just continues, "I know Batman has a Batcave but that makes sense, bats live in caves. Arrows don't live in caves. They're inanimate objects, they don't live at all." She looks him in the eye as he kneels down to be on her level. "Why don't you call it, like, 'The Quiver'?"

He points a finger at her. "That... is actually better." He takes a minute. "What does Ghost call his home base? I've been curious."

She raises an eyebrow. "Why should I know?" She questions.

He has a knowing look. "Because you're from Gotham and he lives in Gotham."

"Oh. I guess that's fair."

"And he called you on this phone." He holds the phone up, and she loses her breath. She got him in trouble. "We talked. He explained your whole setup except for the reason that you went to him for help. He refused to divulge that. Said that it was up to you. Now, I'm not going to ask, that's your business, but I do want to know what he calls his home base."

She gains a nervous expression as he spoke, but breathed easier as he explained. "Well, he calls his worldwide safehouses 'Tombstones' because they're only one in a larger network. Howeva the home base they are all connected to, is called the 'Graveyard' because the 'Tombstones' connect to it and because it's where most of his things are." Harley explains.

He raises his eyebrows. "'Tombstones' and 'The Graveyard' sound unbelievably badass."

"I know, right!? I want ta be that good at naming things one day." Harley reponds.

Green Arrow then stands up, leaving the phone on the floor in front of her. "When he calls again, you should pick up. He's concerned, not mad." He turns, then starts walking away. "I have to go out. Don't try to escape. If you have a fake hand to slip out of those cuffs or something, just leave it. Believe me, there is nowhere safer than here."

"A fake hand?" She questions. "Why would I have a fake hand? I have a fake mustache."

Green Arrow stops and turns around. "Why?"

She turns her head up at him. "No one should ever have to justify a fake mustache." She then looks back down at the floor. "The fake hand was always Mista J's  gag." She takes a breath and looks at him. "Have you eva loved someone you knew was bad for you? Someone who hurt ya over and over again and hurt those around you but you could forgive them because losing them would hurt even more?"

"I..." He pauses. "actually you've just described three of the last four women I've been with." Green Arrow turns around to adjust his quiver.

"I know he was a bad guy-"

"Genocidal psychopath."

"-but he was mine." She looks up at him. "Before ya leave, could ya do somethin' for me?"

"What?" He questions.

"Could ya give us a little maniacal laugh?"

"No."

"Please, just a giggle?"

"No!" Green Arrow declined vehemently.

"Okay." She said slowly, then reached into her pocket before putting something on her face. Green Arrow turned around, expecting to see a weapon of some kind.

What he saw instead was the harlequin wearing a fake mustache, and it looked hilarious.

"Ha." he started, then spiraled into, "Hahahahahahahahaha!" And it carried as she simply grinned and gave a quick,

"Thank ya."

Chapter Text

The Titans were sitting in the tower, actively grieving the loss of Bart, Dani and Gar. They had learned her name when she told them, but she refused to divulge who the Ghost was.

Red Robin was pacing, calling, trying to get an answer from anyone. He had tried Ghost, he had tried Batman, other members of the Justice League, they just weren't picking up.

"Dammit, answer." Red Robin muttered. When it went dead again, he looked at Starfire. "I can't get a hold of Batman, Ghost, or anyone in the Justice League."

"Ghost always answers..." Connor mutters.

"So we sit here and do nothing?" Starfire questioned RR.

"I don't know." The newbie answered.

As the news cast kept going, Connor eventually lost it. "Turn it off. Turn if off!"

RR did in fact turn it off, then looked down at Superboy. "Connor, I'm the new guy. Tell me... what do we do?"

Cassie shook her head, sitting on the couch next to her boyfriend. "We don't even know where to start. We have no idea who did this."

"I do." A voice spoke, and they turned to see Nightwing standing in the doorway.

"Dick!" Kori exclaimed.

"It was the Joker." Connor stood up as Dick continued, "He tricked Clark into killing Lois... which set off the nuclear bomb."

Connor, shocked, questioned, "The Joker murdered Lois... and Bart... and Gar?"

Dick swallowed. "And Spirit."

The Titans all gasped, and Kori could feel a tear crossing her face. Tim took a step back.

The girl he liked was dead? Just like that?

"And, um, that's not all." Dick pressed on, putting a hand on Connor's shoulder. "Superman... he, um..."

Connor shook his head, feeling tears well up in his own eyes. "No, don't say it-"

"He just murdered the Joker." Dick stated, and Connor took off through a window.

"Connor!" Cassie shouted.

"Let him go." Dick instructed, and Kori looked at him.

"Dick, can I talk to you... alone?"

He nods and they move to an isolated hallway. Dick crosses his arms idly while Kori gets ready to to talk.

"You should come back. Tim isn't ready to lead the team. Not under these conditions. We need our leader back." She grabs his hands. "I need you back."

Dick lets a breath escape him. "We both agreed that my leaving was the best for both of us."

"That was before." Kori rationalized.

"Right now the best thing the Titans can do is take the time to grieve. Connor's gonna need help getting through this." Dick gave back.

"That's why you should stay." Starfire retorted.

Nightwing shakes his head. "I can't. Batman and Ghost need me now more than ever. The latter is going to be a wreck. I'll keep you in the loop, but promise me the Titans will stay out of it until you hear from me."

"Stay out of what?" She questioned.

Then, Dick dropped the bomb. "Anything to do with Superman."

~~~~~~~~~~

Connor was in the Fortress of Solitude, looking down at his brother... father? Cousin? He didn't know. Clark was sitting on a slab, arm covered in blood, and a five o'clock shadow starting to appear on his face.

"Clark, I heard about Lois." Connor began. "I'm so sorry. I was there when it happened. Me and Beast Boy and Kid Flash and Spirit... they didn't make it." A pause. "Nothing I could do about Bart, he ran right into the blast. Or Spirit, I couldn't even see her yet. Tried to get Gar out of there but I wasn't fast enough." He pauses again. "He died in my arms."

Connor waits for a reaction but doesn't get one. He swallows before kneeling down and looking at him again.

"I'm not trying to compare what happened to me to losing your wife and child... I'm just saying that, on some level, I do understand what you are going through. It's the worst kind of hurt there is. It makes me want to break things... I get it." He takes a deep breath in preparation. "What I don't get... is why did you have to kill him?"

Clark once again doesn't respond. He doesn't even move his head to acknowledge that he heard him. He just... sits there.

"How could you do that? You were everything to me, Clark. All I wanted was to one day live up to you... to really feel like I earned the right to wear your symbol." Connor stood up, and put a hand on his chest, right where the family crest was. "Now how am I supposed to wear this 'S' on my chest?"

Connor then flies off, leaving Superman to think.

~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~

Ghost was staring at the corpse in the morgue. There was a hole in the chest, and all he was doing was looking at the bastards face.

There was a bright smile painted across it still. He knew he had won. He had corrupted the only truly incorruptible person in the world. He managed to do what no other villain had been able to do.

He broke Superman. He dismantled him in only a few hours.

Eleven million people, plus Dani, and if what he found, several other heroes.

Dick was owed a call. He knew Titans were going to pick her up, and he needed to know who all was there.

He stepped out of the morgue and into the hallways before walking out of the building. He was heading to his car, passing by a window with TVs as he pulled his phone out.

They crackled and the news was broadcasted to it. It was a national broadcast. He saw Clark in his Superman suit, and he noticed that they were outside of the UN building.

He also noticed Diana and the president of Bialya there too.

"I'm so sorry." Clark started. "We failed you."

Ghost noticed more people crowding around the screen, though nobody was asking him what this was about. Which was what he usually got when he was in uniform like he was now.

"My name, my Earth name, is Clark Kent." He stated, and Ghosts eyes widened. He didn't. What was he doing? Clark continues, "I am... I was a reporter for the Daily Planet. As a journalist, I spent too much time writing about the evil in the world. As a hero, I have spent too much time reacting to evils already perpetrated." He takes a deep breath. "No more. What happened yesterday can never be allowed to happen again. Monsters can no longer roam free among us." Clark motioned to the Bialyan president. "This man turned his weapons against his own people. He is a criminal and he will be tried as one. To those who would do the same, those who would hurt others, know that I will come for you."

Ghost looked at the screen, and let a frown overtake his features. He was about to call for the world to stop fighting. You can't stop crime before it happened. And based on her face, Diana knew this was what he was doing, and she went along with it.

Jesus, Diana, what are you thinking?

Clark continues oblivious to Ghosts thoughts, "I don't care about your lands or your beliefs. I don't care about your petty squabbles. I don't care if you're a madman or a terrorist, a king or a president. You do not have the right to take innocent lives." Clark turns to the camera directly, only turning his head but continuously facing the camera as he speaks, "I am calling for an immediate world-wide ceasefire. All hostiles will stop immediately, or I will still them." Clark looks dead into the camera lense. "It's over."

~~~~~~~~~~

Connor had missed the funerals for Gar and Bart. Danis funeral was going to be held in a few days in Gotham, where she would be buried where Ghost decided to put her.

Because Ghost was her father. Her legal guardian, Tim had relayed. And it didn't take a genius to figure out who Ghost was after that. He would be there for that one, because Dani was the reason he and Cassie were together.

Anyways, he missed the funeral to follow Clark. And he was there for the press conference. And he was disappointed. Slightly mad, but mostly disappointed. So, he went to the Kent farm to talk to Ma and Pa.

He sat down at the table, Connor clapping back to Pa's comment about Superman with, "That's just it. Everything he stood for, everything he was to me, it means nothing now. It's all ruined."

Pa shook his head. "Only if you believe it is, Connor."

Connor retorts, "No. Not because I say so, because it is so."

Ma replies, "Honey, Clark was never perfect, no matter how much you want to believe that."

Connor's temper flared. "So you're okay with this!?"

Ma calmly responded, "We didn't say that."

"It's not our place to lay judgement. I can't honestly say that I would've reacted differently if I was Superman and this happened to you or Clark... or Martha. Who's to say?" Pa piped in.

"Me." Connor answered. "He's supposed to be better than all of us."

"That's not fair. He's only one man." Ma defended her eldest boy.

"No. He's Superman." Connor retorted.

Ma sighed, looking at the table before looking back up at him. "Connor, dear. All I can say is that if you want some measure of peace in your heart, you're going to have to find some way to forgive him."

Connor stands up and roughly places his hands on the table. "I can't."

He started walking away, and Ma followed him. When they got to the porch, Ma asked, "Where are you going to go, son?"

Connor replied, "I'm not gonna let him get away with it. Someone has to stop him."

She sighs. "You don't think Ghost or Batman aren't already looking for a way to stop him?"

"Kyler Alaster and Bruce Wayne don't have the things necessary to take him down. I do." Connor replied, outing who he was to the Kents before flying off.

Ma looked towards the shed. "Would you please be a dear and make sure he doesn't get into too much trouble?"

Based on her blase reaction, she knew who the Ghost was. Who wouldn't trust Ma and Pa Kent?

Cassie nodded. "I will." Then she flew off after him, updating the rest of the Titans as she followed.

~~~~~~~~~~

When Cassie got inside the Fortress of Solitude, Connor was ripping the place apart. What he was looking for, she had no idea.

"Seriously, Connor?" She questioned. "You're not going to find any Kryptonite. The Justice League purged this planet of the stuff years ago."

Connor seemed irritated. "You think I don't know that!?" He asked, still looking.

"Then what are you looking for?" Questioned Wonder Girl.

"The only thing that can truly stop Clark." Connor retorted.

Cassie froze for a slight second before she asked, "How?"

Connor was still a bit ticked, probably from being followed. "By sending him someplace he can never escape from. Now do me a favor and get out of here! You can't be here when he shows up."

"Too late." Superman spoke. When they looked, he was floating in the air, holding the Phantom Zone Projector. "I assume you're looking for this."

"Um... what is that?" Cassie asked.

"A Phantom Zone Projector." Clark answered. "He wants to punish me by sending me to the Phantom Zone." Clark looked at Connor. "Very Kryptonian of you, Kon-El." Superman took a deep breath. "Believe me, the last thing I want to do is hurt you. But no one is going to stop me from making sure that there is never another Joker. Not even you."

Connor steadied his feet and charged, Cassie releasing a, "Connor, no!"

He hit Clark and forced him to a wall, Phantom Zone Projector falling to the floor harmlessly. Clark just hit him with the back of his fist and sent him sprawling.

Wonder Girl charged, but Superman just used his freeze breath to push her away. As Cassie recovered, Clark floated down to them. "I appreciate your passion, but this is not a fight you can win."

Connor grit his teeth, and angrily exclaimed, "Then you're going to have to murder me like you did Joker. Because I'm never going to stop coming after you!"

Suddenly, Superman was blasted in the back by fire and he was blasted forwards.

Starfire had her hand held out before remarking, "We're with you, Connor. No matter what."

"But how about giving the Titans a heads up next time?" Tim quipped.

Superman turned and fired with his laser vision, hitting Starfire and sending her back. 'There won't be a next time!" Clark yelled, then the three remaining Titans charge dhim. "Playtime is over!" He yelled, getting ready to fight all three of them at the same time.

Superman punched Superboy, while Wonder Girl landed a cross on Superman. Then, the couple grabbed his arms while the Tamaranean princess landed a kick to the elder Kryptonians gut, making him double over.

Red Robin rushed over to the Projector. "You guys keep him busy, I'll get the Phantom Zone Projector!" He tries to pick it up, muscles tensing and his arms using every fiber of strength he has. But it doesn't even wiggle. "I can't pick it up."

Clark, who had been getting the snot kicked out of him from where he was held, headbutts the princess and knocks her down before remarking, "That's because the safety cap weighs a hundred tons." He manages to escape their grasps, then grabs their heads before slamming them together, temporarily incapacitating them.

Clark steps to Tim, or is still trying to move the Projector from it's spot on the cracked ice, but his efforts has become much more lazy due to seeing how pointless it was.

"Bruce tell sme you're a really bright kid, Tim. So, I imagine you recognize just how pointless this is." Superman states.

Tim retorts, "Pointless or not, that wouldn't stop Bruce or Ghost from coming after you."

Superman nods. "True. But the difference is that those two always have a plan." Connor tries to ambush Superman, jumping high and trying to bring his fists down on him. But Superman turns around and punches him in the ribs with immense strength, remarking, 'Is this yours?" As he does so before Connor goes flying backwards like a ragdoll.

"CONNOR!" Cassie shouts.

Kon rolls onto his hands and knees before spitting up blood. "I'm so sorry, Kon."

The rest of the Titans rush over to him, Starfire trying to help while Red Robin analyzes him. Wonder Girl just yells at Superman, "What did you do to him!?"

Red Robin, shocked, relays, "He's... bleeding internally..."

Superman seems to use his x-ray vision. "His sternum is broken and one of his ribs has punctured his heart. He's bleeding out."

Tim stands up as Cassie begs, "Please, you've gotta help us get him to a hospital."

"He won't make it." Clark says blankly.

"So that's it? You're going to let him die." Tim notes.

Clark shakes his head. "No. There's only one way to save his life, by sending him to the Phantom Zone which exists outside of space and time. He will become a psychic phantasm and his fate will not be tied to his physical form." The man explains.

"So, he'll live?" Tim questions.

Clark hums. "Yes. But I will only do this under one condition. I can't have you working against what I must do, so you all have to go with him. That said, I promise to bring you back when my work is done. Do you agree to my terms?"

Tim looked back to Cassie, who nodded despite being in shock. "Do it."

Clark grabs the Projector and makes an entrance. "I am sorry." He apologizes as they all walk into the Phantom Zone. When it closes, he puts it down and walks away. "But I have a world to save. For Lois."

~~~~~~~~~~

Spirit was getting two funerals. One for the public, which everyone was allowed to attend, and a private one, the one where Danielle Alaster's headstone was going to be.

Ghost was in his suit, and he looked out across and saw many Gotham citizens crowding this area. There were cameras recording the speeches, because unlike the Ghost, Spirit was beloved by many. She didn't have the troubled history the Ghost did.

She has only killed a handful of times, but that was away from the public eye and only out of sheer desperation. She had the kill or be killed mentality that the Green Arrow had.

She was worthy to be a Titan. She was one, or, going to be one. Then... she died.

"-and to speak a few words, the Ghost." The preacher stepped off fo the podium, and he stepped up. He put his hands on either side and took a minute. Finally, he spoke.

"The Spirit was one of the best of us. She was bright. Hopeful. Ready to take on the world in a way I couldn't. She was the best thing I ever did. My greatest accomplishment. I trained her to be like me, but she turned out better. She didn't need to fight to win a competition. Everyone just knew. Sure, she wasn't the best fighter. She couldn't beat me, but she could beat others. Batman, for example." He stopped to swallow. "A lot of people don't know this, but me and Spirit are related. I know many assume we're cousins, or siblings, or even husband and wife, but none of those are true." He takes a deep breath before looking straight up at the crowd. "Spirit was my daughter. My little girl. Sure, biologically, she wasn't mine, but I loved her like she was. And she loved me like I created her. She adopted my best traits, and she became what I wish the Ghost could have been. But as people, we are remarkably different, and by the time I put the suit on for the first time it was too late. But... by the time she put hers on... she was perfect. She was going to lead the next generation of costumed individuals to greatness." He took a glance around him, and noted heroes flying in the air. Most of the batclan on the rooftop adjacent to him.

What he was noticing though, that everyone she ever came into contact with was here, but her team wasn't. Neither was Superman. And he was thinking that it wasn't a coincidence.

"Spirit was my greatest inspiration. My reason to keep going. And if things had gone her way, she would have lost that spot." Some gasp and start muttering. "She would have lost that spot to the children she wanted to have. She wanted to retire and start a family. But now... now she won't be able to get that." He closes his eyes, feeling the tears well up behind his mask. "I won't be able to become a grandfather, and that will forever be my greatest failure. But I know that right now, she's with everyone she has lost, and she is enjoying every moment of it. And I hope that what I do after will make her proud. Will do her memory justice." He takes one last final deep breath. "The Spirit was the best of us. And it's a shame that she was taken away before she could become even better." He steps away from the microphone and steps off stage, needing some air.

When he rounds the corner, he runs into Diana and Bruce. Wonder Woman and Batman. The second he's away from the crowd he breaks, and with some coaching, both of them pull him into a hug.

A parent lost their child. And that's not the order it's supposed to go in.

Chapter Text

They were in the Watchtower, business needing to be conducted. There were a lot of members here, Ghost being one of them. He was quiet, not snarking people like he normally would.

Diana had called the meeting, and he wasn't happy, because he hadn't seen her since Dani's funeral. It was a lovely service. The people who knew her name all showed up (suspiciously, not the Titans, and no Superman) and the closest gave a speech. Dick gave a small speech, Bruce spoke a small bit, even Damian said a few words.

Kyler gave a eulogy for his daughter, and this time he actually cried. Because as Kyler Alaster he could open up more about Dani, her experiences, what she did. She volunteered at three separate places around Gotham regularly. She worked at the ferret café that Kyler owned when he was short-staffed. She worked primarily at the library, tutoring kids that needed it or allowing women who needed help to stay.

Dani was a beloved member of Gotham's community. Kyler had a big impact, he brought the problem of the people to Bruce Wayne's attention. Kyler Alaster was a minor politician, but he was still mostly a contractor. He did what he was paid to do, and sure, he was wealthy. Not Bruce Wayne wealthy, but he was a step or two down.

He invested in businesses, he paid to increase security around Gotham, orphanages, banks. Kyler was a new staple in Gotham, a celebrity, especially when he called Bruce Wayne out on not doing enough. When they partnered, they became legendary. When Kyler became the uncle to Bruce's children, to close family friends also.

Kyler, no doubt, was important to Gotham. He forced reforms due to pointing out the constant things Gotham does wrong. Kyler, was important to the infrastructure of Gotham but other than that, he was just another celebrity. But Dani?

Dani made a name for herself as someone who stood up for everybody. She went to several protests, and was responsible for her own changes in Gotham. Not official changes, bit social changes. She stood up for the Pride movement, to get more LGBTQ+ members into higher jobs, to be allowed into more places, to give them their own spaces.

She didn't take it too far, of course. When people took it too far, she made it known, and used the fact of she was one of those stripes on the flag as a reason for why she knew it was too far.

Man, that one girlfriend of hers pissed him off. And... she showed up. And he cried in this woman's arms, because despite their differences, despite the fact that they had been broken up for two years, she still cared. And she was a comfort.

Anyways, Dani became a big figure in Gotham purely because she was one of the best. She made a definitive mark, and a lot of people showed up that definitely weren't invited but he didn't turn them away, because they all knew Dani. They wanted to be there. She knew people that he didn't.

Kyler had talked for fifteen minutes with minimal pause for breath about how amazing his daughter was, and he had started crying halfway through. When he was done, he collapsed in his brother's arms, and everyone crowded around him for a massive group hug.

Because the best person in Gotham was gone, and all that was left was a father who was torn apart.

And for anyone wondering, the official cause of death for Danielle Alaster? She was in Metropolis working on something secret that would have benefitted the minorities of Gotham in a major way when Joker had struck, and the bomb went off. The best way to lie was to keep it as close to the truth as possible. So, all of Gotham were rallying around Kyler.

He had barely managed to sneak away to be in the Watchtower for this meeting, and after the hell week he has had, seeing Diana, being here, it was the last place he wanted to be with the last person he wanted to be around. Especially since Diana seemed to be heading in a direction he couldn't agree with.

He hadn't heard from Harley at all. He knew she had the phone, he had talked to Oliver about it, and he agreed to leave it with her, but she hadn't called. Maybe she felt guilty.

"Thank you all for coming." Diana says as everyone gathers around. From what he could see, the only Leaguers present were Diana, Ghost, Flash, Shazam, Nightwing, Cyborg, Raven, Hal Jordan, and Hawkgirl. "No one standing here today was untouched by the tragedy that took place last week. I'm sorry for your losses... Especially you, beloved." She says, looking at Ghost.

He brushes it off. "Get to the point, Diana. I want to go home." He tells her, and she frowns before nodding.

"Every one of us lost friends and loved ones in Metropolis." Raven and Nightwing glance at each other when Diana says it, then look back. "There are heroes who should be standing with us here today who we will never see again." Ghost looks down at the floor, squeezing his eyes together roughly before looking back up, opening them.

Wonder Woman takes a quick glance around the room, seeing the different responses. She knows this was going to split the League, but it had to be said. She just hoped her boyfriend would join her.

"Superman has not been mourning. He has been fighting. He took a tragedy and began to act to make sure it could never happen again. Last night, in response to Superman's recent actions... his parents were taken from their home." Ghost glares. Superman needed to be halted, but not with innocent people. "They will apparently be killed if Superman continues to get in the way of governments. Whoever did this wants us to know our place. I am Princess Diana of Themyscira and I know my place."

The room looks around warily, not liking the thought of it. Who would do that to Superman of all people?

Wonder Woman continues, "I believe in what has been started. I believe we can make a real difference. I believe we can not just save the world but change it for the better. I believe in Superman. And I will not stand by while he is attacked in this way. I know some of you may be feeling uneasy about Superman's actions. If any of you feel you can't help-" Cyborg cuts her off.

"No." He says. "He's Superman. This world would have been destroyed ten times over without him. We owe him this and far more. Let's go fight for him."

"The United States government." Ghost says, and they all look at him.

"What?" Flash asks.

"The last thing Superman interfered in before his parents were taken was an air strike by the United States government. Not to mention the fact that Mirror Master was involved, and last I checked, he was in prison. Check the 'World's End' bar in Keystone. Most Flash rogues tend to go there the most." Ghost relayed, showing off his knowledge.

Diana asked, "How do you know that?"

"I have an AI in my mask and I had to... borrow Captain Cold once." He uncrosses his arms as he heads for a teleporter. "This is the last time I help Superman. The path he's on is one I refuse to follow." He gets there. "Good luck. I hope Martha and Jonathan make it out okay." He nods at Cyborg who sends him back to Gotham, leaving everyone behind.

~~~~~~~~~~

Wonder Woman and Flash walk into the bar, while the rest of the heroes wait outside.

"You have to be kidding." Cheetah hisses.

Diana replies, "We're just here for Mirror Master. We don't want any trouble."

"And what if we want some trouble?" Cheetah asked.

"I'd advise against it." Flash told her. Flash then moves to where Mirror Master was sitting and reaches for him, only for his hand to pass them through. "Time to talk." He hisses.

'Ha!" A voice laughs, and it's because the villain was in the mirror. "Flash, fer such a fast one, ye sure do look slow sometimes."

"Well, looks can be deceiving."  Flash states.

Raven sneaks up behind him, looking like a proper demon. "You of all people should know this." She hisses, then throws of him. "There's no dimension where you can hide from me."

Diana wraps the Lasso of Truth around his neck, and pulls it taut. "You can't escape this lasso, not even into a reflection. What happens if I smash this mirror with half of you still in it?"

"You wouldn't." Mirror Master says.

"Don't test me this week." Diana throws back.

Mirror Master caves. "Bolivia. They're in Bolivia! Salar de Uyuni!"

Flash puts a finger to his ear. "Superman, we've located the. Salar de Uyuni. I'll meet you there."

"Take off your clothes." Diana orders.

~~~~~~~~~~

Flash rushes onto the largest natural mirror in the world, stopping dead center. Superman floats down to join him, and Barry holds the belt out. "Here. From Mirror Master's suit. You can wear it to enter the reflection."

"Thank you, Barry." Superman says.

Flash shrugs. "Thank Ghost. He told us where to find Mirror Master to begin with. He also said the U.S. government took them."

Superman's eye twitches. He would deal with that later. "Where are they?" Clark asked.

Flash shakes his head. "I don't know. It's the perfect hiding place. It's ten square kilometers of endless, reflective sky. But it's okay, you'll find them. You're Superman."

Clark nods then flies into the reflection, searching for his parents.

~~~~~~~~~~

The president walked into a room, only to hear, "That was incredibly stupid."

"What?" He asked in confusion.

When he walks in and the door closes, a hand clamps over his mouth. "You don't touch a man's parents, that's a good way to die."

"Don't call out." Batman orders.

"They said it couldn't be tracked back to me." The president said.

"Normally, it couldn't. We were playing a hunch. You just confirmed it." Ghost remarks.

The president looks at his body language, and adopts a sorry expression. "I'm sorry about your daughter, Ghost. She was a good one. How are you holding up?"

"Next person that asks me that is getting shot. I'm doing fine enough to do my fucking job, stop asking. I'm not crippled." He says 

The president hummed before asking, "Will you tell them of my involvement?"

"They already know. I told them before I left our home base." Ghost replied.

The president swallowed. "They wouldn't dare touch me. The public perception-"

Batman cuts him off by slamming his hands on his desk, "Are you really that naive? Think about who you're dealing with! No one would know they've touched you. There'd be no evidence. You'd just go missing. The police wouldn't think to look for your body on Saturn!"

Ghost calmly adds, "Your plan failed, spectacularly. And if failed in such a way that it not only strengthened Superman's resolve, but it united most of them behind him."

"'Them?'" He asked.

"What?" Ghost asks.

"Uniting 'them; behind him. Not 'us?'" The president asked. "You know, don't you? Know what one man with that much power could do to the world?" 

"He is trying to bring about peace." Batman said, but he didn't sound confident.

"Yes, but then how will he keep the peace?" The man asked.

"Absolute power corrupts absolutely." Ghost said, and the president nodded.

"Yes. Power corrupts. Trust me. I know."

~~~~~~~~~~

Ghost was sitting in his apartment, piggybacking off of the Watchtower servers to listen to comms. He needed to monitor everyone. Eventually, he found his way to Wonder Woman's.

He knew based on previous talks that Diana was fighting a military. "Superman." She starts. "I had to make an example of a few, but the rest of the fighters are retreating back over the border into Qurac."

"Understood. I'll protect the city until I'm sure the shelling has stopped, and then I'll join you." Clark says, then a large, feminine grunt. "DIANA!"

"It's alright. It's nothing." Diana says. "Just a few tanks." A gust of wind and explosions.

"Did you just headbutt a tank?" A voice he recognizes says, and he knows it's Ares.

"Ares!" She yells. Now he was glad he had the earpieces pick up conversational audio.

"You left Themyscira as an ambassador for peace and now you headbutt tanks?"

Explosions happen, while Diana replies, "Sometimes peace needs to be fought for."

"Of course." Ares says.

"What do you want here, God of War?" She asked.

He replies, "For now, I just want to watch you work. I have seen every war that has taken place on this planet but watching superhumans war with human armies... well, that's something truly special."

Wonder Woman retorts, "I am not at war with Qurac. Qurac has ignored the request for a ceasefire. It continues to bombard neighboring jusdal despite the country being largely defenseless. We are simply stopping the bombardment." Movement. A lot of movement throughout the conversation that he doesn't keep up with. "Once the shelling has stopped, the conflict will end as all conflicts do- with a conversation."

"You fight beside Superman. You believe in his cause?" Ares asks.

"I do." Diana replies as gunfire starts.

"But the Ghost does not?"

She takes a second. "No. He does not." A second and  the gunfire stopping. "Drop your weapons. Turn. And run away."

Ares remarks, "You are too merciful." He steps up beside her. "Will you take her place? Will you lie in his bed? Even despite your... association with the warrior Ghost?"

Ghost waits where he's sitting for an answer. He waits way too long as she stays silent. He needs an answer.

"Lois was an incredible woman." Wonder Woman answered, and Ghost slams his fist on his glass coffee table, cracking it. That's not an answer.

"That does not answer my question." Ares says, and for once, Ghost is glad that Ares exists.

"I will let him grieve." She replies.

"And then?" Ares inquires.

"He is the greatest man I have ever known, even more so than Ghost. I will be whatever he needs me to be." She replies, and he slams his fist on the coffee table, shattering the glass.

He was that easily discarded to her. He always had a feeling she wasn't always focused on him. But to have it confirmed, to have the fact that she settled for him when she aimed for higher. He turned and flipped his couch as Diana apparently took a minute.

He turned and put his fist through the wall, getting it stuck. He was absolutely livid, and he was not handling well. That was when she asked, "You fear this union, don't you? Why else would you be taking such an interest?"

Ares hums. "Maybe I take an interest because I have a... soft spot for the warrior Ghost. He is a mortal man with enough skill to rival a god. He is a mortal who was able to feed me on his own for ten whole years. His conflict fed me for a long time. It was a show to watch him work." He takes a second. "I wonder how angry he will be when he finds out you have been pining for Superman the whole time you were with him? Maybe angry enough to kill again? With you as his target."

Diana swallows. "He would not."

"You never know. He has already lost his child; losing you to the man who is technically responsible for his child's death might push him over the edge."

She seems scared, and he can hear it when she says, "That is why he shall never know."

Ares breathes out. "You would do well to hope not. If you two come to conflict, I am confident you would not be the one getting up."

A whoosh that sounds like a teleport disappear, and someone lands next to her. "Diana?"

Right when he speaks, Ghost tells Caity to, "Cut the fucking feed." Then he pulls his hand back, and puts another hole in the wall.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ghost was watching Nightwing and Robin spar in the batcave in their suits. He had known what Superman had been doing. He came here to distract himself.

Robin hit the ground due to being hit by Nightwing. Nightwing looks down at him. "What did you do wrong?" Dick asks Damian.

"Legs." The kid states.

"Yes. Legs." Nightwing says.

Ghost pipes in, "D, you keep aiming for the killer blow. You are actively trying to hurt Dick, which isn't a good thing in a spar. It's not about the body and head. Your opponent has outer bits that are way easier to reach. Take advantage of those."

Nightwing turns around and steps away, continuing, "Not only does your opponent have outer bits, they also may have had some bad circumstances that led them to a point where you're fighting them. Some criminals deserve a second chance. Ghost needed multiple but he got there, so take him for example. Second chances are harder with a severe brain injury. Get ready. We'll go again." Damian throws an escrima at his head, and Dick effortlessly catches it, though Ghost raised an eyebrow.

"Damian." Ghost chastised.

Superman just states from off to the side, "That's not very sporting, Damian."

Nightwing shrugs. "It's alright. He tries it all the time."

"He catches it, everytime." Ghost says. Then just asks, "Why are you here, Clark?"

Superman gives him a look, and judges based on his stance that he doesn't want to talk. Which kept jarring him. Clark hasn't changed behaviors, mostly because he wasn't grieving. But Ghost wasn't grieving either, but he has changed. He was... quiet. He wasn't joking, insulting, anything. And he seemed... angry. No emotion other than annoyance or a casual ease was ever rolling off of him. The only time he was ever 'angry', was when he was interrogating someone.

"Is he in?" Clark asked, looking at the man in white blankly.

Ghost takes a second. "He's at the computer. Brooding. I'll walk you. Dick, take Damian and give us some privacy."

Dick nods, planning on listening to his uncle who he just watched shut down right in front of him.

Before they walk off, Damian calls out, "Superman. I wanted to say thanks. Now that the Joker's gone, everything just feels safer, you know?"

Superman just nods as Ghost leads him to Batman.

When they get there, Ghost steps aside as Superman walks forward. "Where were you?" Superman asked. "My  parents were taken. Where. Were. You?"

Batman replied, "I was doing what needed to be done."

Superman puts his hand on Bruce's shoulder. 'My parents. You of all people-"

Bruce cuts him off. "You have to stop what you're doing."

"I have to stop what? Stop saving lives? Stop bringing dictators to justice?" Clark asks aggressively.

"You're scaring them." Bruce states, and Clark rips his cowl off of the other man's head, Ghost stepping forward with the action.

"GOOD!" Clark shouts. He drops the cowl as he continues, "They should be scared. They should be too scared to press the button. They should be too scared to pull the trigger. They should be too scared to hurt each other. You both taught me that, Ghost especially. You and Ghost would do exactly what I'm doing if you were me, if you could do what I can."

Ghost speaks up, "No, I wouldn't." Clark turns around. "Yeah, you should put the fear of God into them. But putting a gun to everyone's head then calling it protection? No, I wouldn't. That's the first step to becoming a dictator yourself. I'm not going to say I wouldn't have killed him in your position. Honestly, if Bruce hadn't been there, and Joker gave the wrong answer, I would've put a goddamn bullet in his head. The problem, is that you're using it as an excuse for every criminal to be treated like the Joker. Even governments. You need to stop, because if you keep on this path, you will become worse than the Joker ever was."

Superman glares. "I will never become him. Everytime Bruce let that madman live, everytime you let Bruce let that madman live, how many more were condemned? Did either of you even feel guilty?"

""Everytime."" They both said.

Batman continued, "We don't get to choose who dies. Not anymore, in some of our cases."

Superman held up a finger. "One death. To save millions. One. Death."

Ghost sighs, then replies, "Take it from someone who has gone down that rabbit hole numerous times. It always starts with one. It never ends with just one. Because that's how justification works. Once you justify something even one time, it becomes easier and easier. Right and wrong blur until they become the same in your mind. And when that happens... dropping bodies becomes such a daily chore that it doesn't even weigh on your mind anymore, so stopping becomes a next to impossible task."

Superman looks him in the eye for a few seconds. "You stopped."

"I had people around who could beat my ass if I did it again. You don't."

Superman looked between the two as Bruce put his cowl back on. "Bruce loved him." he turned. "You loved him, didn't you? You're not sitting in the dark mourning Metropolis, neither of you are. You're mourning him. You're angry at me for taking the Joker away from you. You loved having him around. Your constant nemesis. The two of you played your stupid game and people died."

"That's not true." Batman said.

"Then why didn't you stop him?" Clark asked. Then turned around with red eyes, "Why did you let him do this to me, Bruce!?"

Ghost growled. "He didn't do it to just you, dumbass!" Ghost yelled, and Clark looked at him. The man in white stepped forward, looking him in the eye. "He did this to eleven million people. You know how many people were in there? Steel didn't make it out. Beast Boy, Kid Flash, my fucking daughter!" He grit his teeth, then pulled his eye mask off. He pulled his face mask down. "I fucking get that you're angry. Guess what, you big blue fucking boy scout, so am I! You don't see me taking down governments! You don't see me going berserk over the slightest fucking thing! I had the opportunity and the motive to fucking kill him! I had the history of murder so nobody would blink twice! But I didn't, and I fucking wish I had, because then you wouldn't be doing this shit!" 

He shoves Superman, and he allows it. He gives into the move, taking a step back to allow the man his moment. His eyes are glowing a low red, and when that happens to Ghost, it signifies extreme anger.

Superman looked back. "You can't possibly understand what he took. He stole the life Lois and I would have had together. Our child. And more. There was going to be someone else like me in the world. Another Kryptonian. Someone who would have made me feel less alone. And I would have loved that child more than anything I already did." he tries to explain.

Kyler grits his teeth, and just swings. He's beyond angry. His fist comes into contact with his face, and the hand just breaks. It bends the wrong way, he feels the bones crush, and he doesn't even release a grunt of pain. "I... I can't possibly understand? Have you not been keeping up? Dani was going to retire because she wanted kids. At the end of the year she was going to be done, hanging the suit up was going to be her New Year's resolution. And right after, she was going to be artificially inseminated." he says, voice quieting as tears build up in hi seyes. Then he explodes,  "I was going to be a goddamn grandfather, Clark!" he yells, getting back in his face. "I would have died for that child. I would have given the Ghost up for that child if it, or Dani asked me to. But now I'll never get that!" He grit his teeth, grabbing a bone in his hand, shifting, then putting pressure on it quickly, the loud snap of it realigning echoing out. "If you want someone to understand, here I am! I understand all of it! But I'm not using it as an excuse to take the world hostage just because I'm a little sad."

Superman glares and is about to say something, but an alarm goes off. Clark asks, "What is that?"

Batman moves to the chair and sits down. "You're not wearing your communicator?" Batman asks.

"No." Clark answers. "I didn't want us to be interrupted."

Bruce hums before saying, "Trouble in the Pacific Ocean. It's Atlantis. Several Justice League members are on the scene."

Clark starts walking away. "I should go."

"Wait." Bruce says, turning around and removing his cowl. Superman turns around. "You can't put yourself above us, Clark. You're right. I'm not saying I'd act differently if I had your abilities. I'm not saying I wouldn't try to impose peace. But you..."

"What?" Clark asks.

"You're a better man than I am." Bruce tell shim.

Clark holds a hand out. "Bruce, come with me."

Bruce hangs his head down. "I can't, Clark. I'm sorry."

Clark looks at Kyler. "And you?"

"We both know which side I'm on."

Clark swallows. "What should I tell Diana?"

Kyler takes a deep breath. "That I can't follow the path she's on either. And that I'm sorry what's coming next is going to happen."

Clark nods, and goes to walk up the stairs, passing by Alfred. "Not staying for tea, Master Kent?" he asks.

Clark responds, "I'm afraid not, Alred. And you don't have to call me 'Master.'"

"Good. Let's remember that." Alfred hisses stepping downstairs.

Kyler watched him go, then he looked up. "We told you to leave us alone, boys. Harsher training later." He doesn't hear anything but a small shuffle before the sound faded away.

"How did you know they were up there?" Bruce asked.

"I have better hearing than you do." Kyler answers, looking his hand over.

"What would you guess?"

Kyler clicks his teeth. "Well, I shattered it. It'll take the rest of the day, easily." He looks up, face deadly cold. "Get Arthur on the line. Now."

Chapter Text

Kyler pulled his face mask up, because not everyone in the League knew his name. It was just Clark, Bruce, Diana, and Barry. Dick, too, if you counted him. He put his eye mask on, though it was very, very painful to do so. God, he could feel the bones in his hands shifting with every move. It felt like it was ground into paste from the single hit.

Bruce told the computer, "Open all Justice League communications. I want ears on everyone. And activate the ATlantean Communication Channel, codename Poseidon."

"Poseidon, really? A bit on the nose." Ghost notes.

"I had been up for the better part of four days." Bruce retorts.

"Fair." Ghost replies.

"Arthur." Batman says.

Aquaman speaks through the channel, "Batman? How did you-?"

"Listen to me." Batman relayed. "He's coming. he's angry. He's in pain. You're hurting his friends. You need to stop. Or there's no telling what he may do."

"ARTHUR!" A man yells, then a whoosh before the voice is closer. "Call it off."

"They attacked us." Arthur defends.

"Call it off now, Arthur." Clark demands. Then a second. "I don't want to hurt the creature further but I will."

"Do as he says." Ghost tells him, still holding his hand in mostly one piece.

"Very well." Arthur concedes.

A few minutes later, they hear Clark say, "I called for a worldwide ceasefire."

Arthur replies, "Even your voice does not reach down into the deep, Superman. If you wish to rule the surface world-"

Clark cuts him off. "I do not seek to rule, only to protect."

Arthur claps back, "I understand, with the destruction of Metropolis, you lost your kingdom. But you can't have mine."

"Don't provoke him!" Batman said.

"I do not want-" Superman starts, but Aquaman cuts him off.

"Superman, whether you can see it or not, your reign is beginning. But the sea is mine alone to command."

"Arthur... what are you doing?" Ghost asked, leaning onto the desk with one hand.

Diana suddenly shouted, "Superman! Turn your communicator on!"

Superman's comms came on, then he asked, "What's happening?"

Wonder Woman relayed, "Atlantean armies are rising in countries across the world."

"What are you doing, Arthur...?" Ghost muttered.

Ghost lightly pushed Bruce out of the way so he could quickly type commands, looking at different locations across the world. San Francisco, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai, just to name a few.

Arthur starts, "Every port. Every ship. Everything that flies over the oceans does so with my blessing. Your world would grind to a halt if I willed it. Every landmass borders the sea. Your entire world is inside mine. Consider this a show of strength. Now get the hell out of my ocean." The sea splashes as he finishes his little speech.

"You dumb bastard..." Ghost mutters. "Not helping the blonde stereotype..." He adds.

Batman speaks to Arthur, "He's not going to respond to an ultimatum!"

"Where are you going? You can't back down!" Wonder Woman tells him, and he grits his teeth. He was still upset with her.

He could only assume Superman was flying off. "I'm not backing down." He says, then orders, "Hawkgirl, stay and help the sailors. Green Lantern, Shazam, with us."

They seem to fly off, and they lose audio. Aquaman doesn't say another word to them.

~~~~~~~~~~

Awhile later, they were waiting for an update when Caity gave him an alert. It was while he was feeling as more and more of his bones mended together, slowly. "B, check the news. Now."

Batman turned it on, right in the middle of a reporter's sentence. "-as a city from the darkest depths of the ocean, a city that has never been touched by sunlight, has been placed in the middle of the hottest desert in the world." They said, and they could see Atlantis in the Sahara.

"Holy hell, Clark." Ghost stated, using a hand to lean against it.

"Superman." Batman stated, getting into his comm. "You can't threaten an entire city and expect the world to just-"

"No." Clark cuts him off. "You don't get to speak. You think I didn't hear you whispering your poison in Arthur's ear?  Cyborg, remove Batman's communicator access. He's not with us. That's enough words from you, Bruce. Push Ghost's through, I have to speak to him."

"Clark, don't-!" It was too late, it got removed.

Ghost then took a step back, hearing his get forcefully accessed. "Clark." He says.

"Ghost. How's your hand?" He questions.

"Have you ever felt as your bones seared themselves back together? Or watched over time as someone healed a snapped bone? It hurts like hell." The white figure retorted, looking at his hand.

Clark hums. "You should talk to Diana."

"She knows where I am. If she wants to talk, she can come find me. Until then, I'm not going near her unless I have to. Feel free to relay that to her. I'm not going to."  He says, then rips his communicator out, turning it back off before tossing it on the table where the Batcomputer's keyboard was.

"Will you be fine?" Batman asks.

"Remember what I told the president?"

"Got it."

~~~~~~~~~~

Superman sighed as Ghost basically hung up, then heard Wonder Woman behind him.

"Arthur is ready to speak to you." Diana stated.

Superman shook his head. "I don't want to see him and I've achieved nothing by talking today. You're the diplomat. You speak to him." He takes another breath. "And speak to Ghost when you can. He's angry. He says when you're ready to talk, to find him."

Wonder Woman adopted a sad expression. "How do you know he's angry?"

"He shattered his hand by punching me in my face."

She releases an, "Oh." And she takes a minute. "I will have to find the time. I will go to speak to Arthur."

Superman nods. "Alright."

~~~~~~~~~~

On the shore of Algeria, Diana and Arthur were negotiating. "You will pull your forces back, and any grievance you have with the surface world you will bring to us before acting." Diana stated.

"Would you let Superman tell Themyscira that it could not defend its borders?" Aquaman questioned.

"There is a ceasefire. He would never need to." Wonder Woman answered.

Arthur started, "I didn't think he was capable of something like this. You have his ear, Diana. Steer him away from this course of action."

She shakes her head. "I will not. I believe this course of action is what's best for the world."

The blonde man takes a minute before responding, "You will have scared a lot of people today. Ordinary people who will not want gods and aliens telling them what they can and can't do."

"Perhaps." She agrees.

Arthur turns around and goes to step away, but pauses. "Can you pass a message on to Superman?"

"Of course."

"I have ruled peacefully for many years. If he has decided to command, when he is ready, I would ask that he seek my counsel. And please, tell Clark... tell him I'm sorry about Lois."

He went to step again before pausing. "What is it, Arthur?" She questioned.

"I do hope Ghost knows this is the path you go on. And I hope it is a path he is okay with. Because if he is not... it would be a very unwise move to have him as an enemy." He says, then walks fully into the ocean, leaving her with her thoughts.

~~~~~~~~~~

She flies back to Superman, him asking, "Well?" As she approaches.

"He will pull his armies back into the ocean."

Superman hums. "Good. I'll let Shazam and Hal know that we can return Atlantis to the sea. This action didn't sit well with either of them."

Wonder Woman comforts, "Don't worry about what they think. You did the right thing. You did what needed to be done."

"So you've said." Superman replies.

"I won't let you doubt yourself."

Superman and Wonder Woman float down to the ground.

"What else?" He asks.

"What?" She asks back.

"Surely Arthur had more to say?" He tells her.

Diana pauses then turns around. "No. Nothing." She made her choice. She was sticking with it.

~~~~~~~~~~

A day later, Flash, Wonder Woman and Superman were in Melbourne, Australia to disperse a riot. There was a burning crest on the ground, and it was obvious who they were mad at.

"I repeat, please return to your homes and places of business or we will be forced to return you." Wonder Woman ordered.

Flash watched as someone, practically a child stepped up to them. "Yeah, that's not going to happen. You think you can come here and hover above us all, with a scowl and some special powers, and tell us what to do?" He pushed his robe back, revealing battle armor. Flash notes how powerful he looks. "I'm sorry but we have the right to protest in our own country! I'm going to have to ask you to return to your homes!"

He fires a blast at the two floaters, but they dodge and he blasts a pillar in half.

Flash notes how he looked strong. But he saw how he wasn't. They someone did some tweaking, pumped him full of steroids and said he was strong. He had seen it before. He all noticed this in the split he saw a scared kid who just realized he wasn't Superman. The same split second it took for them to shove him into the ground.

Flash, for the first time, stood still. He didn't move an inch as the kid was driven into the ground with extreme force. He heard the vertebrae popping, his spine being destroyed. He could have reacted ten times, gotten him out of there. But he didn't. 

Barry Allen knew this could was crippled before the kid's pain receptors even knew what had happened.

"I SAID DISPERSE!" Wonder Woman shouted, Superman looking down at the kid.

Flash sped to him to check, to make sure he was still breathing.

Diana asked, "Flash, where are you going?"

"To get an ambulance. Don't move him." He said, then sped off.

"Breaking up civilian protests? How heroic." Batman sasses in his ear.

"Batman? I thought your communicator access was revoked."

He hums. "It was. But me and Ghost designed them. We unrevoked it."

"Hi, Barry." Ghost greets. "Don't worry about the ambulance. We called one, it's already almost on scene. Head to the Advanced Sciences and Genetic testing laboratory in Canberra."

"Why?" Barry asked.

"Well, we could tell you, but by the time we were done convincing you, and we will, you could already be there. It just saves time." Ghost replies.

~~~~~~~~~~

He speeds there and walks in, saying, "Okay. I'm here. Why am I here?"

Batman replies, "Because you're on the wrong side of this and we haven't given up on you."

A doctor holds out her hand. "I heard you were coming. I didn't really believe it. It's awesome to meet you. I'm Doctor Norris." He shakes her hand before it's dropped. "They said you wanted to know about the kid?"

"The kid..." Flash trailed off, then she pointed to a poster, Flash looking and instantly, his heart dropped.

"Mitchell Davies. Galaxor." Doc Norris says.

"Galaxor?" Barry asks confused. "What does Galaxor mean?"

"I don't know. He made it up. He probably just thought it sounded cool. We didn't exactly choose hi, for his creative spark." Norris says, starting to walk and he followed.

Barry asks, "Why did you choose him?" He says, behind her.

Doc Norris replies, "He was fit, he was able, he didn't ask too many questions, and above all, he was willing to do anything to become a superhero." Thet get to a door and she puts a hand on it. "Sorry, he's not here at the moment, but here's the room he stays in. Brace yourself, he's a bit of a fanboy."

They walk in, and Barry feels so much more guilty. He loved the Justice League. Barry had taken a picture with him. He had given the kid an autograph. And the kid watched Barry observe two other Leaguers paralyze him, as his hero stood there.

"I don't remember this picture." He says, looking at it.

"Why would you? You're the Flash. I bet you meet heaps of people." Doc Norris says.

Suddenly, Ghost talks in his ear, "Think about it, Barry. How would you have felt in that moment? How do you think he felt when his idols broke him?"

He took out his communicator and dropped it before taking off, heading somewhere specific.

~~~~~~~~~~

He ran across the Nullarbor. A road that stretches a thousand miles. He passed a road train before stopping at a sign, telling him that it was a ninety mile straight road. Barely any traffic, just a kangaroo or occasional truck.

This was a speedster;s paradise. He often came here to run, and to think. But he didn't want to think right now. He lined up, and took off. On the way, he came across a kangaroo. He looked down at it, noted how the truck that had hit it probably didn't give it another thought.

Then it flashed and he saw the kid. Galaxor. He knelt down next to the anima's corpse, then proceeded to weep. What the hell were they doing was the main thought that sped through his head.

Then he stood up, cleared his head, and took off.