AN: Thank you to everyone who read this story. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I have writing it. Also, my new site is up with the link in my profile and goes along with my stories here and on fictionpress. It's still in it's early phase, but will be updated more and more as I go along. Feel free to leave me notes on what you may want to see on my site with a comment section there in the ABOUT ME section.

14.

It had been several days since the ordeal with Ma'alefa'ak and the chaos he created for the planet Mars. Those under his and Cy'an's influence were isolated on orders from M'gann and Conner and looked over meticulously for any sign of H'ronmeer's Curse within their minds. It had taken some time with the technology Mars had to offer being heavily used, but all checked out to be clean. It was a relief to M'gann no one else would be a victim of that infernal curse or its perfector.

That was the first order of business and easiest.

When it came time for J'onn J'onn's funeral, a great deal of the Martian population showed up to pay their respects with the rest watching on devises similar to the televisions of Earth in public gatherings and was transmitted to Watchtower for his friends in the Justice League, black ops team, and Titans to see. It was a large procession with his family, friends, and the Manhunter corps honoring him as his glass casket was carried by four pallbearers. Martian etchings in the glass told the story of a heroic Manhunter seeking justice not only on the red planet, but other worlds as well.

As with Martian tradition when one of them is honored as a hero, J'onn's body was carried to a shrine dedicated for those like him. Lined with columns stretching to the sky, the mountain built resting place for the greatest of Martians was elaborately decorated with detailed carvings of the great deeds those resting inside have done with their names forever carved under their image. It was seen as a holy place and hardly any noise was made, save for those grieving over the fallen Martian.

Barely lit, the corridor they were in held other Martian heroes and heroines with some of the most beautiful flowers the planet had to offer. J'onn's was no different. With only a few allowed in, his closest family members were the last ones to see him off. His brothers and sisters bid him farewell one by one and mentally offered M'gann words of comfort before departing with mementoes left behind.

As the last ones left before J'onn's assigned grave was closed, M'gann, Conner, and Carter looked at the face of the fallen Justice League member one last time. He was dressed in his League uniform, different from the others as they were buried in more of a white ceremonial garb to signify their elite status given upon death.

With her hands on her son's shoulder's, M'gann tried to be strong for him as he wept. Going up to the glass case his uncle was in, Carter placed a picture of when he was born and J'onn holding him. Turning back around, he grabbed his mother's leg tight and openly cried.

Trying not to break down herself, M'gann lifted her son up and hugged him as he let it out. She then placed her hand on her uncle's casket, feeling the cold of the glass under her palm. She had placed a picture of when she was about to meet the team for the first time in the first uniform she had created for herself beside her son's. Both hugged each other as she took the selfie, bringing back memories of that day and the excitement she felt when he agreed to train her in the use of her abilities. Although she had heard it time and time again, she still hoped she made him proud of what she had done with her life.

With her now visibly crying, she turned and was met by her husband. Both mother and son fell into his arms as he stared at his fallen uncle-in-law. He too left him something. It was a picture of the two moments before he married M'gann when he was told he was like a son to the Martian. While he was not one to engage in physical displays of emotion, even he had a few tears falling down his face.

With their moment to mourn over, the three watched as the presider of the funeral finished sliding the casket into its housing then shut the metal door with his crest etched on it. The last object to be seen was a picture of J'onn with the small family and the members of the teams in Watchtower.

Another day passed as the three stayed with M'gann's family. Memories were shared, deeds were discussed, nothing but fond times were what anyone would talk about. But eventually it was time for the small family to journey home in the repaired Bioship.

(-)

Keeping the ship at a leisure pace, the three were in no hurry to arrive back on the green and blue planet. Batman wanted a report on what happened as soon as they could deliver one to him, irking he couple as the Dark Knight was always down to business as usual. The others of the League wanted to hold a remembrance for J'onn as well as add him to their memorial garden in the form of a holograph. It was just too much for the two heroes to bear again and needed some time away.

After touching down in the hanger of Titan Tower, they took a moment before opening the rear hatch and meeting those who were there. Turning in his seat, Conner looked over at his wife in the pilot's chair as she wiped her face. Carter was no different as he was still whimpering in his seat.

"I'll go first," Conner told M'gann. "I'll explain what happened and tell them to give you time."

"Thank you." Leaning her head back in her chair as her husband left his seat, M'gann sniffled then took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Conner?"

Stopping before he left the cockpit for the cargo area, Conner turned to face her.

"Before, before Uncle J'onn passed, he said he left you something in his seat." She looked over at him. "He wanted me to let you know."

Letting out a breath, Conner nodded. He left the doorway and headed to the chair J'onn occupied and searched the sides where he found a small packet. Holding it for a moment, he slipped it into his pocket and left his family to tell the others to give them time.

(-)

Later that night after everyone left for home and Carter had turned in, sleeping in the living room with Garfield, Raven, and Terra who attempted to lift his spirits some, Conner sat on the bed alone in his and M'gann's room with the lights turned down to a soft dim.

Looking the packet over, he saw his name written on the front and felt something inside. Opening it, two rings fell into the palm of his hand, J'onn and his wife's. He then saw something written in the paper and unfolded it carefully.

Conner, in the event I do not make it back, as I feel I will not, I want you to promise to always be there for your family. Protect them as I tried to protect mine. As I have told M'gann on several occasions, I do not see her as my niece but as my daughter, the same is true for you, you are my son and you both have made me so incredibly proud. Please take these rings, they were my wife and I's. I want them kept in the family and it is only proper for you both to have them. I love her, you, and Carter so much. Do not mourn for me as should I give my life for you all, I would have done so gladly. Remember, my love will be with you all always.

J'onn

Feeling emotion take him over again, Conner ducked his head and ran a hand through his hair as he let out a long breath. His eyes were threatening to flood over, forcing him to find a way to hold them back when M'gann entered the room from the hallway.

"I checked on Carter," M'gann said. "He cried himself to sleep. I told him if he wants to he could sleep with us tonight."

Watching her husband remain quiet with a faraway look, she joined him at the bed and stood before him. "Conner? Did you hear me?"

"He knew," Conner whispered.

'What?"

"J'onn knew. He knew he may not make it back." Looking up at M'gann, Conner saw she was on the verge of crying again. He instantly stood and wrapped his arms around her as she began to cry.

"I want you to know, I will always protect you and Carter. I will always be here for you two. I should have acted faster. Should have known the Kryptonite was fake. It's my fault-"

"Shut up." M'gann whispered. "Just shut up, Conner. No one's to blame. If I could have, I would have done the same to save you and our son."

The two stood in silence for several moments taking comfort in each other. Opening his hand, Conner looked at the rings J'onn had given him and M'gann. They were a similar design as the ones he and his wife currently wore. He would tell and give her one later after they had a moment to let things pass.

"Mom? Dad?"

Slightly separating, the couple saw their son standing in the doorway with his blanket in his arms.

"Come on," M'gann said with an outstretched arm. As the boy went to them, both parents lifted him up and shared a hug.

It was not long until they were all in bed, Carter in the middle of the two. Tomorrow would be a new day, one where the three could find some time to recuperate after having a memorial in Watchtower for the Martian Manhunter of Mars, J'onn J'onzz and to inform everyone on his last heroic deed.

As the family slept, the moonlight shined upon them and reflected off not only their near invisible rings, but the one's J'onn gave them, casting an image of Conner, M'gann, Carter, and J'onn together in a large embrace. Though they did not see the image that night, they would eventually. They just needed time to become stronger together, to remember what the proud Martian did for them and how he saved their lives.

Only time could tell what was in store for the three but with whatever it might be, whatever life may throw at them, they were one and would only get stronger thanks to the hero, J'onn J'onzz.