Personals Chapter 5, a justice league fanfic

Well this is going to be the last chapter, but it is a looooooong one! I took what was left of the story, proof read it as best I could, and now I'm just uploading it in one big chapter. Those of you who have waited patiently, I hope this satisfies, and if I did not credit every part to those who wrote it, my apologizes. Here the last of Personals...

LordF

(Gotham - Wayne Manor - Den - Saturday Morning 4:30 am)

An embarrassed Amazon stood looking anywhere but in her sister's eyes. Donna had waited until she was certain that anything Diana and Bruce had done was surely over. Instead she had arrived at the Manor and found Dick with his girlfriend arriving at the same time. Dick quickly entered the code Bruce had given him for the security system and the three of them had walked inside and heard something in the kitchen. They walked toward the and found Princess Diana of the Amazon Nation on top of Bruce Wayne riding him like an unruly stallion on a small kitchen table. The two of them hadn't even noticed that anyone else was in the room. It wasn't until Donna said, "Di... Diana?" That they stopped.

Bruce looked at Donna and then at Dick and Galatea. Dick, much like Donna was finding it hard to look at his adoptive father in the eyes, but Galatea smiling and almost looked smug.

"Donna, was there something you needed?" Diana asked.

"Ummmm... actually... I was just going to come by and talk to you about mother," Donna said.

"What wrong with mother?" Diana asked.

"Besides missing you she has been tempted to ask if there is anyplace they could move Heracles to. He's never escaped yet, but he has come close. If not moving him if perhaps Bruce could design something to help with Hephaestus' chains and cell," Donna said.

"Ummm... Bruce... It was a real quite night... I meant to just send over the video feed, but 'Tea suggested we come by," Dick said.

Artemis looked at the ruined training bots and groaned. Unlike before she was having to help with the clean up, and she wondered exactly what the idiot was doing in here. The sword training with Sir Justin had helped her become more calm, but every time she thought of Lobo she almost became instantly angry. The mere thought of the biker sent a jolt of repulsion and anger through her the likes she had never seen or felt. A moment later she heard the door open and closed. She turned to see Lobo gathering up some of the pieces she had missed.

"So, how's the dweeb?" he asked.

"He's far more skilled and better than you," she said as she narrowed her eyes.

"Yeah, but just remember who you showed your tits to first," Lobo said with a cocky grin.

"You insolent, piggish, MAN!" Artemis roared as she ran toward him and hit him with everything she had.

He slammed against the wall, but stepped out.

"Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. I knew you liked the Main Man," Lobo said as he hit her back knocking her into the wall.

"I will make sure to rip off what you hold dear and roast it over a spit in front of you," Artemis seethed.

"Now we're talking! Come on babe show me what you got!" Lobo shouted.

(Metropolis - Metrotower - generator room)

John Henry Irons leaned against the wall and groaned. Having drinks with Maxima had lead to a situation which wasn't bad in itself, but now she was talking about grooming him for the throne. She had been talking about the responsibilities he would have to oversee once they returned to her empire, and that wasn't all. She was talking about a royal wedding, and stated that she wanted it take place here, because apparently she wanted his family to attend since they would be royalty by proxy. The entire thing was driving him up the wall. Hours of looking at colors, hearing her threaten hotel workers if they didn't have a space big enough for the reception, and then the sex. It wasn't that he didn't like sex. Hell he loved sex. Sex made life worth living most of the time.

Sex with Maxima wasn't just sex... It was an endurance test. A quickie with the woman was well over fifteen minutes. He wanted to unload his situation with someone, but there wasn't anyone to talk too. He was about to give up when Dr. Ray Palmer walked into the room.

Two hours later found Dr. Palmer looking completely dumbfounded. Finally he shook his head.

"Let me get this right Steel. You're fucking Maxima, she seems to actually care for you, wants to let you help rule her empire, and you're concerned? What the hell is wrong with you?! If anything you just hit the jackpot! Think about it. You're a king for God's sake," Ray said.

Kalisto

John Stewart closed his laptop, shocked at what he had just read. No wonder Flash was so eager for him to take a look at the dating site. He'd bet money Shayera put Wally up to it. She wanted him to see her profile there, she basically flat out said in the text that she created it to get his attention.

The fact that she had several hits from interested people hadn't escaped his notice either. He couldn't deny that his jealousy flared at the thought of her with someone else. Her words echoed in his mind, "Definitely moving on with my life…I'm not going to wait around forever…if you want me…come and get me."

John needed time to think. She was forcing him to make a decision, if he did nothing he would lose her forever. No. He was done wasting time. He knew what he wanted. He thought of Rex, their future son. John knew what he had to do, and it was now or never.

He quickly got up from the desk and exited his room on the Watchtower. Turning to the right he headed down the corridor at a swift pace, his thoughts racing faster than his footsteps.

He was certain he loved Mari, but what he felt for her paled in comparison to his feelings for Shayera, the difference between a torch flame and an inferno.

He met Mari shortly after Shayera's departure from the League. She was vivacious, fun, and she pursued him. He was reluctant to enter another relationship, but she was persistent, eventually they began dating. John genuinely enjoyed being with her, and she offered a welcome distraction from the heartache Shayera left behind.

Then one day Shayera returned. The moment he saw her he could have sworn his heart stopped. His feelings for her were strong as ever, and the memories he had tried so hard to repress came flooding back in an instant. John wanted to wrap his arms around her and never let go.

Unfortunately she maintained her distance and barely spoke to him. As time passed things became so complicated between them it seemed as though they were over for good, until this latest revelation he wasn't even sure she wanted to be with him ever again. It was so like her to just drop a bomb on him from out of nowhere.

John stopped at the door to Vixen's room. As he stood there mentally reviewing what he needed to say the door slid open. Mari stood in the doorway, stylishly dressed in a form fitting black wrap dress and leopard-print Louboutin heels.

She looked surprised, then smiled at him. "I didn't know you were coming to see me."

"I should have called first but it was a last minute decision. We need to talk."

She arched a perfect brow and gave him a quizzical look before stepping back into her room. "Very well, we'll have to make it quick though, I only have a few minutes to spare."

"Going somewhere?"

"Modeling for Cavalli and Versace. It's Fashion Week in Milan darling, I'm sure I mentioned it."

John frowned as he entered the room, he didn't recall her mentioning it.

She laughed. "Don't look so sad, I'll be finished by Friday. Then we can celebrate with a weekend trip to Fiji. Just you, me, plenty of sun, sand and champagne."

She sat on the edge of the bed while John remained standing near the door. "Now, what did you want to talk about?"

When he didn't answer she smiled playfully. "Don't be shy darling."

John hesitated. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Mari, but he wasn't being fair to her. She deserved better. "I want to talk about where this relationship is going."

"Does it have to be going somewhere? I want to enjoy every moment as it happens instead of worrying about the future. We're having fun, and that's what matters."

He spoke slowly, carefully choosing his words. "I've been thinking…about us. Mari you are a beautiful, amazing woman. You deserve someone who can be there for you completely, someone who can make you happy. I've come to realize that I can't be…that I'm not that guy for you. I care for you, but I think it's time we end-"

"Don't!" She turned away from him, attempting to compose herself.

After several moments she turned back toward him, and this time her face was expressionless. "Actually I've been thinking too. You know John, I like you, but we just aren't working out. Sure we've had some good times, but I'm ready to pursue other interests. I'm not the type of girl to settle down anyway, between modeling gigs and the Justice League I barely have time to catch my breath much less invest in a relationship."

John said nothing. He understood what she was doing, attempting to save her pride by making it seem like she broke up with him instead of letting him end things between them.

He studied her face, and despite the emotionless facade he saw the hurt in her eyes. His heart ached at the sight, he hated himself for causing her pain. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

Mari stared at the wall in response. An awkward silence stretched between them. Finally she spoke. "If that's all I have to be going."

She stood up and walked over to the dresser where she began to place various items in a red purse.

John watched her reflection in the mirror. Mari looked up and their eyes met in the glass. Expecting an angry glare he was surprised to see her wistful expression gazing back at him. "Shayera's a lucky woman," she said softly.

He opened his mouth to ask how she knew but she cut him off. "You say her name in your sleep."

That was news to him. Why hadn't she mentioned that before?

Before he could comment she moved to where he was standing and kissed him on the cheek. "Goodbye John."

With her head held high Mari walked out the door, leaving John alone in the room.

LordF

(Kent Farm - Hayloft - Saturday - 6:00 am)

The trip to the Fortress of Solitude had been quick, but the moment both Lois and Clark was there it felt wrong. Lois had been on dates with Superman before, and the Fortress had been one of the places he had taken her. This wasn't a place where Clark wanted to be with Lois as himself. At first he had wanted the apartment to be the place, but slowly it occurred to him who he was, what he was existed back on the farm. He convinced Lois to hold on and a few moments later the landed at his family farm. That had been last night, and of course Ma and Pa wanted to meet the woman who had their son's eye for so long. He knew that his father would be getting ready for bed before too long, after all Pa still ran the family farm, but it felt right to have Lois here.

His mother insisted that they stay the night and so they shared his old room. Lois had laughed as she looked at some of the posters hanging on his wall, and then they really talked. Both of them began telling the other about high school, and what it had been like for them. Lois explained that with her dad moving so much she rarely had time to get to know any friends, and Clark explained that he was almost always the odd man out. Had anyone else told her that Superman had insecurities she would have laughed at them, but that had been before she figured out that Superman was Clark Kent. It wasn't the other way around. Superman was what he did. Superman was the icon, but Clark Kent was the man. Clark Kent was the person she had fell in love with, and she had to admit it felt like she was cheating on him when she didn't admit she knew. When they both laid down Clark felt her hands move down his chest.

"Lois I..." he began before she shushed him with a kiss.

The kiss deepened and Clark moaned softly as she bit her way down his neck. He stopped her for a moment and lifted an old floor board. She watched as he did and he pulled out a small box.

"Years ago... Lex tried to find a way to depower me. He came across something that did it when it touched me... I... Lois I love you and I want you to have it," he said as he handed her the box.

She opened it and there inside was a small necklace and on it was a tiny blue crystal which was glowing brightly.

"It doesn't make me human, but makes me close," he said.

She slipped the necklace over his head and as she did she kissed down his chest. He felt her stop at his stomach, and he looked down at her.

"Clark, I know we're both not innocent. I mean I know we've both been with other people, but there is something I've never done... You gave me that gift... I'm giving you this one," she said.

With that she rubbed his arousal through his slacks and unbuttoned them. He felt her hand pull him out before she began to kiss up the length of him. She stopped at the tip barely kissing it. Her tongue gently licked the small slit and then she began to move her mouth down. He felt his tip enter a warm and wonderful place. Slowly it began to engulf his entire member and he let out a passion filled moan. He could feel one of her hands gently massaging his balls and the other gently stroked him as she moved her mouth and tongue over his length.

"Oh God... Lois..." he breathed out.

She began to work faster, feverishly until he felt himself tightening. His hands fisted in her hair and he could feel his hips starting to pump upward.

"Lois... C... Cummminggg..." he said before he exploded into her.

She raised up and he could see a little of pleasure escaping her lips and a little had dribbled on her right breast. She swallowed what she had and ran a finger over the top of her right breast and licked the milky white substance off.

"I love you..." she said her eyes filled with passion and desire.

"I love you too... Let me return the favor," he said she lay back and felt him kiss up her leg.

She felt him reach the black lacy thong she had wore, and didn't remove. It moved down off of her hips, past her knees, and soon off of her completely. He returned to kissing up her and then she felt his tongue tracing up her.

"Clark..." she said as her hands began to clench the sheet she lay on.

Slowly he began to move his tongue into her. She could feel him gently nudging and sucking her clit, but he didn't stop there. Soon his tongue had moved into her honey pot and she let out a deep and blissful moan. She had tried to with-strain herself since they where in his parents house, but she simply couldn't any longer. She wanted him and wanted him know. She felt the pressure building and it exploded. Her thighs clenched down on his head and she out a deep and passionate moan. He raised up and see that he was ready for more.

They began like teenagers, fast, eager, full of desire and need, but it slowed down. It became more about fulfilling each others' desires. When 6:00 had rolled around they had found themselves in the barn, Clark's suggestion, up in the hayloft and Lois had decided she loved the term 'Roll in the Hay'.

Grendle

(Kent Farm - Hayloft - Saturday - 6:00 am)

"Lois I..." he began before she shushed him with a kiss.

The kiss deepened and Clark moaned softly as she bit her way down his neck. He stopped her for a moment and lifted an old floor board. She watched as he did and he pulled out a small box.

"Years ago... Lex tried to find a way to depower me. He came across something that did it when it touched me... I... Lois I love you and I want you to have it," he said as he handed her the box.

She opened it and there inside was a small necklace and on it was a tiny blue crystal which was glowing brightly.

"It doesn't make me human, but makes me close," he said.

She slipped the necklace over his head and as she did she kissed down his chest. He felt her stop at his stomach, and he looked down at her.

"Clark, I know we're both not innocent. I mean I know we've both been with other people, but there is something I've never done... You gave me that gift... I'm giving you this one," she said.

"Oh God... Lois..." he breathed out.

She began to work faster, feverishly until he felt himself tightening. His hands fisted in her hair and he could feel his hips starting to pump upward.

"Lois... C... Cummminggg..." he said before he exploded into her.

"I love you..." she said her eyes filled with passion and desire.

"I love you too... Let me return the favor," he said she lay back and felt him kiss up her leg.

"Clark..." she said as her hands began to clench the sheet she lay on.

I like LF!

Lobo grabbed Artemis in a bear hug and she responded with a head butt.

The Czarnian howled in pain.

"Ya broke my nose!"

Artemis took advantage and broke free. She then grabbed a part of a droid's arm and began to repeatedly beat Lobo.

"Is that all ya got?" Lobo taunted.

Enraged Artemis picked up Lobo intended to throw him across the room. Lobo was too quick thought and he pulled on her long blond hair.

Artemis unintentionally screamed and Lobo then threw her across the room by the hair.

She hit the wall with a thud.

Lobo laughed and got ready for her response.

Except Artemis did not seem to be moving.

"Aw come on! I didn't hit ya that hard!"

There was no response. Lobo's eyes opened up in concern.

He quickly rushed over her. She was unconscious.

He checked to make sure she was still breathing. After the confirmed it, he dropped the look of concern and smiled.

"I win!"

At that moment, Artemis revealed she was playing possum and caught Lobo in a leg sweep.

Lobo collapsed head first hard.

Artemis gave a satisfied grin.

"What I get for ban' considerate…" Lobo moaned.

"You were acting all happy at the thought of me dead!" Artemis cried as she placed her knee hard into Lobo's back.

"No I didn't! I was worried that you died. I made sure ya were breathing' before I started celebrated!"

Artemis spat at him.

"I can't believe you!"

"Don't act like ray better than me little miss-violently-attack-anything'-in-sight!"

"I have more poise than you!" Artemis said getting up. She knew Lobo wasn't going to attack her again. "Sir Justin has shown me there are others ways to fight."

"And yet yar still fightin' with me!" Lobo asked angrily as he got up.

That silenced Artemis.

"Let's just get this over with!" she muttered as she began to pick up the droids again.

Lobo started laughing.

Artemis ignored it.

"Come on, admit babe, ya know ya like it! Ya like this thin' we got goin' on! It gets yar blood boilin'! It's stirrin' up feelins' in yar ya know whats!"

Artemis glared at that.

"The only feelings of desire you create in me is to beat you to death!"

"Hey it's still desire, I'll take that!" Lobo shouted and before Artemis could react he threw her against the wall.

Artemis was expecting him to head butt her, but instead he did something she did not expect. Something that she had no idea he would do.

The Czarnian was kissing her. Or if you could call it kissing. It was much more violent and aggressive. In a way it was just another way for him to fight her.

Artemis was stunned by it for only a second. Her anger over being manhandled was dwarfed by her anger of him winning this battle.

So he wanted to fight like this? Very well.

Artemis responded back and bit Lobo's tongue. Lobo groaned in pain and excitement at the same time.

"I knew you like it rough…" Lobo grinned.

Artemis then started to dominate his mouth causing Lobo to lose his balance. Before she knew it, she was on top of him now.

She dug her nails into Lobo's back. She wanted to inflict as much pain on him as possible.

Lobo broke away from the assault on his motuh and rolled her over. Now he was on top grinning.

"Ya want to keep goin'?" he asked evilly.

Artemis responded by angrily pulling Lobo by the back if the neck back down to her face so she could continually violently kiss him.

00000

Flash shut off the cameras monitoring the training room. His wide open in shock. That was probably one of the weirdest things he had seen.

J'onn entered the room.

"I thought I start my shift early Wally, you can go home," J'onn said politely.

"Yeah sure…" Wally said like he had just saw someone being murdered.

"Wally?" J'onn asked. "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah sure. Nothing happened," Wally said as he slowly walked out of the monitor womb.

J'onn was suspicious. It wasn't like Wally to act so slow and stiff.

Out of curiosity, J'onn peaked into his mind.

What he saw made his eyes glow in alarm.

J'onn went up to the Watchtower monitor that Wally turned off to see if what was true.

All J'onn needed to see was the sight of Lobo and Artemis wrestling each other violently in the training room. Except neither of them had clothes on.

J'onn quickly turned off the monitor.

He had seen some scary and sick stuff reading peoples' minds all the time. But that by far was one of the most disturbing things he had ever seen.

LordF

(Watchtower - Training room - an hour later)

Where most other couples would have a warm afterglow, and a few moments of snuggling there was instead intense arguing. Artemis stood as naked as the day she was born screaming at Lobo. She had been caught in the heat of battle and that battle ended with her giving herself to this lowly man. When she saw him snicker her eyes narrowed and she growled deeply.

"You are a pig headed, arrogant, idiotic, insufferable, MAN!" she shouted.

"Yeah, but you like me. If you didn't I don't think that you would have done what you done sweetcheeks," Lobo said with a lecherous glare.

"I should rip your genitals off and flush them into deep space," she said as she gathered her clothes.

"What's the deal? Why are you getting dressed?" he asked.

"I'm getting dressed because this, all of this was a mistake. I had no intention of ever bedding a man. I had no intention of doing anything other than gaining a friend, and now," she forced the anger down.

"I don't like you. I don't like anything about you," she said.

"Ouch, but I know better. You like parts of me well enough that you fucked back pretty hard," he replied.

That answer got Lobo a swift kick in the balls.

"Owww... Fine... You don't like the Main Man, but if you hate me so much then why was it me you fucked and not the dweeb you've been sparring with?" Lobo asked as Artemis left the area.

She didn't even think about Sir Justin until Lobo said something. She had been building a friendship with the knight, and he wasn't really what she wanted, or at least he wasn't what she thought she wanted. She sighed and walked toward her room. The door opened and she stepped inside. Her entire body hurt, but it was the disappointment with herself that hurt the worst. She had let that Neanderthal goad her into a fight which ended in her betraying herself and giving him access to her body. Had the experience been pleasant? In a way, but then there was nothing else to it. Donna and Diana had preached about love, and Donna had said how there was this warmth that spread over you when you finally allowed a man to have you. Instead there was a ball in the pit of her stomach. What she felt was cold, remorse, and anger.

Weak. I was so weak to let that... that... That MAN do this! How could I have allowed him access to me like that?! she thought.

((I'm going to give my hand at Madame Xanadu))

(From the Watchtower's "Hero Hookup Dating Service" invented by Mr. Terrific)

Profile Name: Madame Xanadu
Age: Wouldn't you like to know?
Height: 5'9"
Sexuality: In my years, I've learned that there are benefits to both sexes, but I prefer men.
Weight: 125 lbs
Hair: black
Eyes: green
Race: Magihomosepian

Well here I am. Zatanna wouldn't leave me alone until I filled out one of these things... Personally I believe it's better to meet someone the fates decide for you to meet, but then again who am I to refuse my little Z? Zatanna also has told me that I need to say a few things about myself. I'm a spiritual adviser, a walking wealth of knowledge when it comes to magic, especially the dark arts, and I like new experiences. I cook, and although I do enjoy going out to eat I find that what I cook is often better. Although there is simply nothing better than a Voodoo Dough nut. If you've never tried one then I suggest that you hope a Javelin, go straight to Portland Oregon and enjoy a so good it has to be bad dough nut.

My likes: Unlike when I was a younger woman I find that looks are deceiving. I would rather get to know the person inside. I do like bald men, or men with white hair. It shows maturity and more than likely they've already learned how to please a woman. I don't have time to teach a boy tricks, when I could go with a man who knows them.

My dislikes: I don't like arrogant jerks. John Constantine is a prime example. The man is arrogant, pig headed, and selfish... I wonder what his wife sees in him... I also don't like controlling men. I've had my share of them.

What I'm looking for: Well I want to have fun yes, but I really want a companion. Someone who can be with me for a long, long time. I'm like any other woman and I like to feel needed, loved, and wanted.

Okay men, not boys men, ready set... Come and get me

Number of Justice League Members interested: 42

Facebook messenger

Xanadu - J'onn... Ummmm... I saw your profile and I was interested... Would you like to meet for coffee and cookies? I'm told that I'm a wonderful baker, or we can check out Voodoo Dough nuts together.

Dick and Donna with their feet in the pool at Wayne Manor. They were waiting for Bruce and Diana to finish up their "business." Galatea had had to return to the Watchtower, so the two old friends were taking some time to catch.

"So you and Galatea, huh," Donna asked.

"Yeah," Dick sighed. "She is just wonderful."

"I bet she is," Donna replied.

Dick raised an eyebrow at the underlying sarcasm in her voice. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Donna gave him an innocent look before looking away and saying, "Nothing."

"Don't give me that shit, Donna," Dick responded with irritation.

"Fine. You jumped into another relationship with a woman you barely know, who at one time tried to destroy the League," Donna yelled.

Dick was shocked. Donna was usually far more compassionate and forgiving. She believed everyone deserved a second chance. "Donna, I can believed you of all people said that."

"Why, because I am always supportive when you think with your dick, Dick," she said harshly. "Maybe I am just tired of waiting for you to be done with all you fucked up, impetuous relationships and look at the girl who has always been there for you."

With that statement she gave him a hard kiss and stood up and grabbed her boots. "Tell Diana I will see her at the embassy." She then rose up into the air a shot away, leaving a completely flabbergasted Dick behind.

Lobo sat in his makeshift bar. He was having the weirdest feeling. He couldn't quite place it. He never felt like this before.

Usually he enjoyed messing with Artemis, flustering her, aggravating her to no end, the usual.

But this time was different. He felt…guilty.

This was the first time he ever felt like this and it was scaring him.

Artemis seemed legitimately hurt. Not in the physical way though. She looked like he had done something worse.

He didn't take advantage of her, they both consented to what they did and he knew they both enjoyed it.

But why did she look like she was so ashamed of herself?

"What the hell's wrong with me?" Lobo said to himself. Since when did he ever feel guilty for someone else.

000000

Donna sighed as she sat inside the embassy. It was impulsive what she just did. She had put her friendship with Dick on ice. The worse part was it had been a day since that incident and she still had not heard from Dick.

She knew she was making a risk what she said to him and now she was starting to regret it. Maybe he never felt what she thought he felt. Maybe they were just friends.

Past tense now…

Dick might never talk to her again.

Suddenly her phone at the embassy rang.

Diana was up at the Watchtower now doing something with Superman. That left Donna to hold down the fort.

She picked up the phone.

"Donna," she said half tired.

"Donna, it's Artemis."

Donna's eyes perked up in interest. Artemis never sounded so soft spoken right now. She sounded like a little girl, not the usually gruff Amazon.

"Is everything alright?" Donna asked.

"No!" Artemis said. "Why are men such pig headed jerks!"

Donna was about to give her sentiments as well but then her curiosity picked up on something.

Artemis wasn't her usual man hating self. She sounded more like Donna was feeling right now. A man had hurt her heart.

"What happened?"

"I…let myself…go…" Artemis said nervously.

"What?" Donna asked. If someone took advantage of Artemis there was going to be hell to pay.

"I let a man get intimate with me. I don't know why I was just so pissed at him the next thing I knew we were naked and I was enjoying it. I have never felt so disgusted with myself. Like I've I've…"

But Artemis couldn't finish.

Donna understood what she meant though.

"Who was it?" Donna demanded. She always thought Sir Justin was a gentleman.

"I don't dare want to speak that foul swine's name! I tried to find Sir Justin to talk to but he's on a mission. You were the only one I could think of!"

Donna sighed. So it wasn't Shining Knight. Someone else. But who? She knew Artemis would be too ashamed to tell her.

"Do you want me to come up?"

"No…I just want to talk to someone…"

Donna bit her lip. At times like these she tried to find ways to cope with doing something to distract her. Well now both her and Artemis needed one.

"How about we go shopping later this afternoon?" Donna suggested.

"I've been ban from that place…" Artemis remarked.

"Not Gotham. New York City. We can find something to do there."

"I don't know…"

"Come on Artemis. It will make you feel better, trust me."

"Fine," Artemis said defeated. "Where do you want to go?"

000000

Lobo sat in his bar listening in onto Donna's and Artemis conversation. Thank God Question and Batman bugged everybody. Made this so much easier.

So Artemis was feeling disgusted by him?

For some reason that bothered him more than it should. Maybe he took it too far.

When he heard their plans to go shopping at some mall in New York City, Lobo's eyes lit up.

He had an idea. Last time he followed Artemis into a store he was looking for a fight. This time he was looking for a peace offering. He didn't mind fighting with her. He loved the passion in her hatred towards him.

Now she seemed to not have the fight in her anymore. Perhaps he took it too far.

Well he had a plan.

Opening up a secret panel where he stored his beers, he pulled out a package. He opened it up to reveal a sword. It was the sword to some king Lobo was paid to steal. Unfortunately his client got killed so Lobo decided to keep the sword.

He had no use for it. He preferred to use more interesting weapons. But maybe she would like it.

The trick was how to give it to her. He got an idea. He would should show up to New York City and follow her and Donna. There he would approach Artemis when she was alone and give it to her.

Hopefully she would be her old self and they could start another brawl in a store.

000000

"See I told you!" the Joker said with delight.

He and Luthor were listening a conversation from the Themyscira Embassy. Using Luthor's technology they had been monitoring conversations for weeks in hopes of finding a way to implement a plan.

"Your idea seems risky…"

"Trust me Lexie! This Amazon broad unlike the Wonder Sisters is still new here. We can easily trick her. First your guys will kidnap her and then your female Legionaries will "rescue her" and win her trust. They'll convince her they are a secret society of women dedicated to ensuring Heracles never gets released again and need her help to find the keys to his prison. They aren't on Themyscira but I bet she knows where they are. She'll be so distrustful of men and especially after being kidnapped she'll believe them! It's going to work!"

Luthor paused. "But what about getting to his actual prison on Themyscira?"

"Lexie! You know me! I don't like to plan too far ahead. It is fun taking it step by step!"

Luthor groaned with disgust. The Joker had no concept of the art of planning.

"I don't know. What if she recognizes Star Sapphire or Volcana?"

"She hasn't been around the block Lex! She has no idea who we even are!"

Luthor sighed. He had doubt but he was pushed to a corner. In business one needed to take risks.

"Very well. I'll have my men kidnap her tomorrow when she shows up in New York. They'll be able to handle both her and Wonder Girl."

Dick was so confused. Yesterday he was completely convinced that Galatea was the love of his life but then Donna had shaken everything up. Yeah, at one time, he thought Starfire was the love of his life and of course he could say the same about Barbara. There had also been Lui and what was that blond chick's name. Oh fuck! Maybe she had a point. Still he had strong feelings for Tea and she was so sweet now that she had reformed. So why couldn't he forget about that kiss Donna gave him yesterday. Oh man he was so fucked.

Why did Donna have to choose now to let him know that her feelings were deeper than friendship. Really he didn't need this shit. He had committed himself to Tea and that was that. He and Donna were solid and very good at ignoring any underlying romantic feelings. He just had to give her a week or two and things would be back to normal. Heck, Roy was in town, it wouldn't be be too long before he and Donna hooked up and...Dick felt a bit sick suddenly at the thought.

Yeah he was fucked.

LordF

(Watchtower - Javelin Hanger #2)

The entire hanger seemed empty and that was just fine with the lone occupant. She looked around herself a few times before she crossed her legs and took a Lotus position on the floor. The coolness of the floor was more than enough to help her block various thoughts from her mind. The only other person always present with her was Kara, but that was because of the psychic link they shared.

What the hell are you doing? Kara said through their psychic bond.

"I'm trying to center myself," 'Tea said out loud.

Looks like it's boring. Why is it that you and Batman do crap like that? Kara asked.

"Batman has disciplined himself to learn that meditating has benefits, and I picked up on this after I left CADMUS. It helps me find the truth," 'Tea answered.

What kind of truth are you looking for? Kara asked.

"It's a reoccurring dream. I won't try hiding it because I know you've seen it too," 'Tea said.

It's the one where a dark haired man is holding you, and you're bleeding bad. It's that one isn't it?

"Yeah, last night I saw the face for the first time. It was Dick, and it was an Island. I don't know what happened, but I was happy. Despite what had happened I was happy,"

So your answer is to stay away from islands,

"We both know that's impossible. I can't stay away from an island if I'm needed,"

Yeah, but as far as I know seeing the future isn't one of our powers,

"I know... Maybe it's just some weird dream, but why is it reoccurring?"

That I don't know... Maybe you should talk to someone. You know someone who kind of understands that sort of thing,

"Sure, Thanks you little snot,"

Back at you,

'Tea closed her eyes and suddenly the dream unfolded itself to her again. This time though it was far, far more vibrant. She was laying on the beach of this Island paradise and behind her was Wonder Woman and Donna. Dick was holding her and in her gut was a wound. She looked to her left and there was long broad sword which had been broken in half. The sword itself had been covered in blood and she knew it was hers. There was someone else who was tied up. He was struggling to get loose. His eyes seemed dark, pitiless, and full of hate. He screamed at the Amazons. Each time he opened his mouth he swore how he would be free again, and how he would personally break each and every one of them. Finally a bright light flashed and the monstrous man fell quiet. She could see the outline of the bat, and covering his hand was a gauntlet. She turned back toward Dick and raised her hand.

"'Tea..." he said

She shook her head and leaned forward kissing him.

"Dick... I'm real... I finally know that I'm real... I l... love you," she said.

A bright light covered her, covered the area and then she opened her eyes. She didn't know what was going on, but there was something about this that didn't feel like a dream. It felt like a message. It felt too strong to be a simple dream.

"My Queen, are you certain she is the one you want to have this message? Wouldn't it make more sense to give it to Hippolyta's daughter?" a figure dressed in robes which had moving figures on it said.

"No, she is the one I want to carry this Morpheus. I have no doubt that Diana and Donna would do what needs to be done, but Zeus would stop them from harming his son. No, it needs to be someone else, someone who isn't blessed by us, but has our powers,"Hera said.

"What of the one called Superman? Wouldn't be a better choice?" Morpheus asked.

"Perhaps, but I do not want men on the island. It is bad enough the mortal Batman and his son will likely be there. No, it must be her. She is stronger than her sister, and if for no other reason it must be her," Hera said.

"As you will my Queen,"

Grendle

Galatea needed to clear her thoughts and thus decided to go for a good flight, and since no big bad had domain over New York she decided to go check it out. Flying over she casually looked around with her enhanced sight and saw some pretty interesting things. One was Madam Xanadu having lunch with a tall black man, who just had to be J'onn. Curious she floated near by and listened.

"You've...lived an interesting life," J'onn says, sounding uncomfortable.
"Yes," Xanadu answers. "You don't date often do you?"
"That would be putting it mildly," he admits.
"Well you aren't doing that bad, just relax," the magical woman advises.
"Alright," he says. "Have you ever seen Full Metal Alchemist?"
"Is that a new villain you've run into?" she asks.

Poor guys, their nerdyness just doesn't mesh, she thinks to herself before flying off. Mid flight she sees a store and decides that some shopping might make her feel better and lessen the funk caused by her oncoming doom. After landing she walks inside and quickly makes her way to a trendy clothing store. There, to her great surprise she sees Donna and Artemis. "Hey!" she says waving and walking to them.
"Um...hey 'Tea," Donna says trying to hide the guilt in her voice.
"You are the Kryptonian clone who lead an assault against the Justice League," the other Amazon says, though her voice seems to have more respect than anger in it.
"Yeah," 'Tea says flatly. "Actually I'm kind of happy to run into you two, maybe you can help me. You see...I been having visions."
The two Amazons share a glance before Donna asks, "What kind of vision."
"A vision of the future, on Themyscira I think, in them I...," Galatea answers. Then she stops, looks over to her left and says, "Lobo?"
"Damn it!" the alien bounty hunter shouts before sheepishly stepping out of his hiding place.
"What do you want?" Artemis groans, more out of frustration than any lingering anger.
"Well you see, I know that I made you mad, and usually...I like making you mad, but this time it seemed to hurt you, not that I didn't think you liked getting hurt, its just that this time you looked..." Lobo tries to explain.
"What. Do. You. Want?" Artemis asks, some real fury touching her words.
Lobo hands her the sheathed sword, saying, "Sorry."
Confused, the Amazon takes the sword, but before she can say anything Lobo runs off. She unsheathes the blade and admires the fine weapon. "What do you think that was?" she asks.
"A peace offering," Donna suggests.
"From Lobo?" 'Tea asks.
Artemis sheaths the sword again. "I think I shall take it as such," she says, putting the sword on her belt.
A moment later a hole is blown in the roof of the building and Atomic Skull, GoldFace, Hergermite, Blockbuster, Copperhead, and Bizarro drop in. Looking behind them the ladies see Deadshot and Silver Banshee coming from the other direction. "Looks like you might need that sword," 'Tea says.
Artemis again unsheathes her weapon, smiling for the first time in days and saying, "Finally some real action!"
Donna then turn on her communicator. "This is Troja, we are going to need a lot of ambulances," she tells the League, before rushing into battle.

MTV

It didn't take him long to get back down to the Cave and start working. Not 5 minutes after Diana went back to the Watchtower, he was typing on the computer and analyzing various bits of information. Oddly enough, he hadn't put on his outfit.

"What did you do this time, Dick?" Bruce asks the troubled young man that was coming down the stone stairs that lead from the Manor to the Cave.

"That obvious, is it?" Dick responds, not particularly surprised, as he approaches the the computer and stands to Bruce's side.

"You never were that good at hiding that you got yourself into trouble... Or keeping yourself out of it, for that matter," Bruce practically scolds his young ward.

"I guess so. Just how much does being the world's greatest detective have to do with that, though?" he responds to the interrogative remark.

"Enough. Girl trouble again, I presume?" Bruce asks, confident his assertion is correct.

"How'd you guess?" Dick responds, more sarcastically than genuinely puzzled.

"It's the kind of trouble you seem to attract most and despite all the practice and experience, you just can't seem to solve it," Bruce answers, feeling like he is all but stating the obvious.

"Hmh... Certainly seems that way. Got any advice for me?" Dick asks, honestly hoping for some kind of guidance. It actually felt a bit like a move of desperation considering his mentor's own troubled and complex romantic history.

"That depends on the details of the conundrum you've yet to provide me with, unless you want the generic 'Do what your heart tells you' speech. If that's the case, perhaps Diana can serve you better than me," Bruce replies.

"Yeah, I'm not sure that'd be such a good idea," the young man replies, somewhat hesitantly, prompting a confused and questioning raised eyebrow look from Bruce. "It turns out Donna has feelings for me. She actually kissed me a little while ago," Dick sheepishly admits.

At this point Bruce stops typing and rests his forehead in his palm for a moment. He turns towards Dick and comments:
"You know, Richard, by this point your love life is becoming more convoluted than some of our worst cases."

"That's not really helping, Bruce," Dick replies.

"Wasn't I helping you fix your relationship with Galatea not too long ago? Did you ruin things again this soon?" Bruce asks.

"No, we're good..." Dick answers.

"But?" Bruce asks, suspicious of Dick's tone.

"...but I'm not sure if we're 'lasting' good," Dick replies, feeling a little guilty.

"And Donna? What do you feel for her?" Bruce continues his light interrogation.

"I love her, there's no question about that. But I'm not sure if I love her as a friend or as more than that," Dick answers.

"You better tread lightly, Dick. I think Alfred would describe your current situation as being up the creek without a paddle," Bruce tells his ward.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence..." Dick replies sarcastically, as the emergency alert sounds off.

Bruce types in a number of commands and the distress call from Donna clues both of them into what going on.

Without saying a word they both head towards the armory, put on their outfits and gear, jump into the Batwing and fly in the direction of New York.

Donna smiled as she punched Deadshot in the face and across the room. He was an idiot for no doing what he does best she thought which was be a sniper. She saw Bizarro land a hard punch in Tea's gut and quickly moved to assist. She felt so bad and guilty looking at the Supergirl clone. Donna was an Amazon and she was taught to love and respect all her sisters above all else. Trying to steal her boyfriend wasn't showing love and respect but it was Dick and with Dick lately her feelings were complicated.

It didn't help that she had the knowledge of all her lives in the multiverse. In quite a few universes, Dick and she were together and very happy. Lately her dreams had been filled with other Donna's' memories and she new it was starting to affect her feelings towards him. Or maybe her feelings toward his were changing and that was causing her to think about those other lives. It was confusing and fucked up and Tea didn't deserve to be in the middle of Donna's crap. After this battle she was going to Themyscira to clear her head.

She quickly landed a swift and hard side kick to Bizzaro's groin. He went down in pain but Donna felt a few bones in her foot crack. She took a deep breath at the pain but kept fighting.

Tea was back in the fight laying the beat down on Atom Skull. She shot an atomic blast at her which she dodged before landing a swift upper cut to his jaw knock him out.

Artemis had already dispatched with Gold Face and Hergermite and was now facing Blockbuster. Her blood sang with the battle and she was truly enjoying herself but didn't notice Cooperhead sneaking up on her until his fangs where sunk into her shoulder. She bit back the cry of pain but dropper her sword as her arm went numb with the venom. She soon felt sick and dizzy but before she could gather her dwindling strength to boot his off her a large black boot kicked Cooperhead in the side making him crumble into a heap of pain as he clutched his ribs.

"You okay doll," Lobo said as he help the injured Amazon to her feet.

Artemis stiffened with pride and said, "it takes more than a little nip to stop me." She then launched herself back at Blockbuster.

"That's m'girl," Lobo said as he joined in the fray.

By the time Batman had arrived in New York, which was not far from Gotham, Dick had saw police sirens. For a second his hear lurched. They were already defeated?

Dick's heart lurch. It was Donna who gave the distress call. She had to be alright. She couldn't have been beaten.

To Dick's relief, Donna was standing outside triumphantly waiting for them.

"About time you showed up!" she teased.

Dick smiled a little before they both realized who they were talking to. Quickly they looked at different directions..

"Dick!"

Dick turned to see Tea running up to him. Before Dick could react she pulled him in a tight embrace.

"That's so sweet of you to come for our help, but we girls were able to take care of ourselves!"

And with that, Tea began to kiss Dick.

However Dick was not paying attention to Tea. His eyes were on Donna who was doing her best to look the other way.

Dick broke the kiss.

Tea looked a little unsure.

"What is it?"

"Not in public," Dick said, thinking of an excuse off the top of his head. "We don't want any PDA. We got to look professional."

Tea smiled flirtatiously.

"Understand. I guess I'll have to wait tonight."

She made her way back to the police to help them lead Deadshot and Copperhead to transport.

Dick turned back to Donna.

"Hey, you okay?"

Dick asked.

"I'm fine," Donna said a little coldly.

Before Dick could try again, Batman had appeared.

"I hope I'm not interrupting, but what happened here?"

Batman was giving his usual glare with a special subtle message of "don't even think about bringing up your problems here Dick" on his face.

Donna seemed glad to have something to talk about.

"Artemis and I were ambushed. We had met up with Galatea here. "

"How many were attacking you?"

"About ten to twelve. Off the top of my head I can remember Blockbuster, Bizarro, Banshee, Deadshot, Copperhead, and Atomic Skull. The usual lightweights for Luthor's Legion."

"How many escaped?"

"All except Deadshot and Copperhead. They aren't talking."

"Not if I can help it."

Batman made to leave to have a word with the two villains but Donna grabbed him.

"I would also like to add that thanks are in order to Lobo."

Dick and Batman's eyes showed mild surprise at that.

"Lobo?" Dick asking as if it was a joke.

Donna sighed.

"Yes. He helped us out a lot. And this time he didn't go over the top in his fighting."

Batman was looking around.

"Where is he now?"

"He was teleported up to the Watchtower with Artemis. Copperhead managed to bite her so she's getting that checked out in the med bay."

Dick was pausing at that. Lobo was actually helping someone else?

Batman paused.

Lobo and Artemis? No it couldn't be. They hated each other.

He shook his head. He had more important things to worry about. He had two thugs to interrogate.

00000

Luthor glared at the Joker as they watched the news report of the botched mission.

"Hey don't look at me baldie!" Joker cracked. "How was I supposed to know that Biker Boy and Supergirl 2 were supposed to be there?"

"Get out of her," Luthor said pointing to the door.

"Wait Lexie, this is just a temporary setback. We'll have another plan."

"Copperhead and Deadshot were captured. The rest are injured. I'm done with you."

"But those two idiots knew nothing about the whole plan! They just thought they were supposed to kidnap Artemis! Trust me we'll think of something else. Besides, if anything we did get a small consolation prize!"

"What?" Luthor asked angrily.

"This…"

With that, the Joker rewound the feed to show in the background Nightwing kissing a certain female superhero with short blond hair.

"Looks like Batman's not the only one in love!"

000000

J'onn was putting bandages around a reluctant Artemis.

"I can do it myself!" she said angrily.

"I must insist…"

"Let her do it geek! Yar heard the lady!" Lobo remarked.

J'onn sighed. The memory of those two in the training room was still haunting his head.

"I have to go check the results of your blood work but as far as I can tell, there is no lasting damage."

And with that, J'onn left, looking for any excuse to get out before the sexual tension in that room exploded.

Lobo and Artemis looked awkwardly in different directions.

"So I guess this isn't easy for me to say this…" Artemis said.

"Yar welcome," Lobo grinned arrogantly.

Artemis glared.

"You are such an ass!"

"Thank ya."

Artemis narrowed her glare and made to get up but wince a little in pain.

"Yar okay babe?" Lobo asked showing sudden concern in contrast to the smug look on his face.

"I'm fine and don't call me babe."

Artemis got up to leave but paused. She sighed.

"Thank you…"

"Ya wanna drink?" Lobo asked.

Artemis's eyes gleamed in delight.

"Oh hell yes…"

000000000

Mike was pacing nervously in the training room. Where was Lobo? They were supposed to practice dancing.

All of a sudden Lobo appeared. He was wincing in slightly. His leather jacket had more tears in it and he reeked of sweat. However it contrasted the creepy dreamy look on his face.

"Lobo are you alright?" Mike asked with concern.

Lobo just grinned.

"I love women," he thought to himself before speaking. "Come on, let's go over the body slam…"

Donna sighed as she gathered a few items from her quarters to take with her to Themyscira. Strangely, Batman had been very reasonable about giving her some time off and changing the monitor duty schedule. Maybe her sister sleeping with him was good. She let out a little chuckle that turned into a groan. Her head was so messed up. She had always loved Dick, ever since they were kids, he was just someone she loved. And she knew he felt the same and he was always there for her and vice versa. He was someone she could talk to when she could talk to no one else. He was the shoulder she cried on when Roy broke her heart the first time and she knew that she was the first he came too with a problem. She had felt totally secure and fine with their relationship. But then she started noticing how beautiful he was and her heart had started racing when they were together. The the stupid memories of other universes started to confuse her way of thinking. And then he started his fling with Galatea a suddenly Donna couldn't take it anymore.

Galatea bother her for more reasons than she was sleeping with Dick. Galatea was a multiversal anomaly. She didn't exist any where but this universe. She had an analog in a few other universes called Karen Starr, who was a superhero called Powergirl. But none of them where genetically modified and created clones. Since Donna could see and tune into the multiverse she knew how rare it was for something to only exist in one universe. It made Donna wonder why she existed at all. And she wondered if she should tell anyone what she knew.

As she was finishing up, her door buzzed.

"Come in," she yelled as she zipped up her bag. She turned to see Galatea standing just inside the door. She looked nervous and confused and Donna swallowed all her messed up feelings and acted with compassion.

"Tea, is there something wrong?"

"I don't know how to begin exactly. Dick told me that you sometimes have visions or dreams of things that may happen. It that true?" she asked.

"Well for me it is a bit more complicated. The Gods gifted with a special ability to perceive and remember other worlds and universes. Sometimes they tap into that ability and send me precognitive dreams. It happens but it is rare," Donna explained.

"I think that I am experience dreams like that," Galatea said.

Donna felt the hairs rise on the back of her neck. The fact that she had been wondering why Galatea only existed in this universe coupled with this information just set off alarm bells inside her head. Could all this be a manipulation by the Gods?

"If I may ask, what are your dreams about?" Donna inquired.

"I dream that I am dying and Dick is holding me and I am on an island. I think, from what I can tell from Kara's memories, that the island is your home, Themyscira," she said.

Oh Hera, Donna thought the pieces started to fit together in her head.

LordF

(Mount Olympus - Zeus' Throne Room)

Time and time again Zeus looked into the pool at his son. Heracles had not been intentional, but it didn't mean that he loved the boy any less than he did Dionysus, Ares, or Apollo. The boy had suffered the indignity of being trapped below the nation of Amazons his wife, Hera, his daughter, Athena, and Aphrodite claimed dominance over. While he could make Hera force the Amazons to release Heracles it would end with an unending argument. It was simply easier to allow his son to suffer this humility than it was to bring about the wrath of the three goddesses. He waved his hand and the pool's reflection disappeared. He looked up to see Eris moving toward him.

"Daughter, what brings you to me?" Zeus asked.

"I grow bored. Olympus is for stagnate, boring people. I want to see the world, to feel the wonderful discord of life, and of course to cause a little mischief," she said.

"I cannot allow you to leave Eris. Hera, Athena, and even Artemis has demanded that you be with-strained from stepping foot on the Earth again. Apparently your hand in human affairs is tiresome to them," Zeus said.

"Father, perhaps I can help you. That is if you are willing to help me," she said.

An evil smile crossed her face and Zeus leaned forward.

"I know that it wounds your well earned pride to have your half mortal son kept prisoner. After all he is a spitting image of his father, and so by trapping him it is as though they are trapping you," she said.

"What do you have in mind?" he asked.

"Let me set events into motion which will lead to his release. It will keep the others from knowing that you where involved directly, and so nothing can be said to you," Eris said.

"How long would these events take?" he asked.

"No more than a few hours father, but I would like to be in the world for three days," she said.

"Very well, ensure that my son is release and I will give you the three days you asked for," Zeus said.

"Thank you father," Eris said as she disappeared.

(Watchtower - Chapel)

Donna felt confused. A little over two hours ago she was ready to leave and go to Themyscira. The time off would give her the space she needed to clear her head and figure out what was going on, but the entire encounter with Galatea only added to the problems. The Kryptonian was an anomaly for certain, but at the same time it confused her why the gods would have played a hand in her creation. Why would they want her to exist her and not anywhere else? She sighed and stood. Her prayers to Queen Hera had been unanswered, or at least unanswered as she would have wished for them to be. Donna and 'Tea had considered asking someone about it and finally the decision came to ask one of the League members. The only person who they could ask, and maybe get some kind of answer was Madame Xanadu. They found the raven haired spiritual adviser sitting in the cafeteria with J'onn. It seemed the two of them where attempting to try another date, but they looked a little more relaxed.

"Madame Xanadu... Is this a bad time?" Donna asked.

"No, it is all right. Do you mind J'onn?" she asked.

"No, I shall be here and I promise to leave you at least one of these cookies," he said as he lifted a home made chocolate chip cookie to his lips.

"What may I help you with?" she asked.

"madame Xanadu... I've been having strange dreams. Actually one dream and I've been having it for most of my life. The dream had always been the same until recently when I saw more of it," Galatea said.

She began to describe the dream in detail, leaving out Dick's name of course, until she reached the end. Madame Xanadu nodded and pulled a small pouch from her purse. She then emptied the pouch on the table they could see several small bones.

"Allow me to consult the spirits for a moment," she said.

They watched as she spoke a few words in a language neither of them understood, and then the spiritual adviser's eyes widened.

"What I know is limited, and it is so because even the spirits are not privy to this information. It is something that is being kept from them, so it means that it must be dealing with either the fates or some god. What I do know is that the dream is not a dream. It is a vision. What you see is what will come to pass if things which are currently in motion do not change," she said.

"What can we change?" 'Tea asked.

"The spirits don't know. They can only see a small piece of it, but the piece grows larger each day according to them. That means the event is nearing. It is the reason you saw so much more in your last vision," Madame Xanadu said.

"Do... Do you know who the man in my dream besides the one holding me? The one that was bound?" she asked Donna.

Donna looked at the floor. It pained her to even think about it. Both her and Diana had been born after Heracles terrorized and raped so many of the Amazons, including their mother, so she had no real knowledge of him other than what her mother and Philippus had told her.

"I... I think so. I think that it's Heracles, but it would be impossible for him to escape. He is sealed away in a cage near the door to the underworld. The cage was created by Hephaestus himself. Not even Heracles can escape from it," Donna said.

(Metropolis - Hobs Bay - Luthor Corp Warehouse)

Luthor looked over the video and failed to see how knowing that Nightwing was in a relationship with a Kryptonian would be of any help to them. He had plans on how to take down Superman, but the rest of the league, especially Batman, would find a way of getting past his defenses and save the blue boyscout. It was obvious that anyone tied to Batman himself would be able to do the same, or at least have the help of the Dark Knight in doing it. He pushed the Ipad he was watching in on away from him and turned when he heard something. He looked up to see two women standing before him. One had golden hair, a white chiton, and the most vicious smile he had ever seen, and the other had purple hair, a green and golden dress, and stunning green eyes.

"Luthor, I understand you have a rodent problem," the blond said.

"Who are you?" he asked as he moved his hand under the table, but the purple haired girl placed a high heel threateningly on his crotch and smirked at him.

"Naughty, naughty... We're trying to help and you don't trust us," she said.

"I've learned not to trust anyone with magic," he said.

"A truly wise lesson indeed, but how do you know we're magic?" The purple haired woman asked.

He lifted his Ipad and pressed a few places on it before turning it toward her showing several rooms and no place where they came through.

"I've got a teleport scrambler inside of this building would keep anyone, including myself, from teleporting in or out. That means something else was used, and you never showed up on the cameras, not even as heat signatures. That means magic," he said.

"Ooooo... He's smart. I like that. Very well I am Circe, and after Eris, the goddess of Discord, informed me of what you where doing I decided to help. I can do nothing to Diana, Hippolyta, or any other Amazon. Hera has commanded it, but she didn't say a word about helping someone else do something, so I thought that it might be interesting if I told you about a map. It was found by Hitler in World War II, but the man had no idea of what it was. So naturally he placed it into a vault where he kept any other occult objects. That same map was liberated by the Black Hawks in the last days of the war and took to a secret Island. I believe you've already been there. It should still be present on the Island, and it contains the locations of the key to release the tormentor of the amazons. Release him and let him have all of the fun he wants. I long to hear the high and mighty Hippolyta scream in terror," Circe said.

"Does anyone else know about this?" he asked.

"There is an American Spy, or he was a spy during that war, who is in a nursing home. He knows of the island, and of the map. He is friends with the Princess, and it is likely he will receive a warning to give to the Princess. I suggest you silence him," Eris said.

With that they both disappeared. Luthor looked at the wall and thought for a moment. Going after the map would be far easier, and silencing an old man would be no trouble. Not only would he get the map, but they get anything else the Black Hawks had hidden on that island.

"Everyone, report for a meeting," He said over the intercom.

(Blüdhaven - Dick's apartment)

After she left the watchtower 'Tea flew around for a bit before finally deciding to see Dick. She arrived home and found him sitting at the computer. She walked up behind him and hugged him briefly.

"Hey pretty lady. I didn't mean anything earlier, but I just didn't want to give any of those sickos we deal with an opportunity to see that we're in a relationship. I wouldn't want them to use that against you or me," he said.

"It's all right," she said before she kissed him.

They shared the kiss for several seconds before she backed up. He could see something in her eyes that was bothering her. Something that was hurting her inside. She smiled a wry smile and kissed him again. He felt her clothes shift and he knew what she was doing. Slowly they made their way to the bedroom and he felt her pull him toward the bed. It wasn't harsh, or demanding, but it tender, and almost pleading. They fell into the bed and into each other. It started with urgency, but slowly it turned into a slow coupling. It was almost as if she was mapping the feel of him, and that she was letting him do the same. They made love for well over thirty minutes before they both finally collapsed and he felt her breathing harder beside him.

"You know... I wasn't supposed to ever feel this. I wasn't supposed to fall in love, enjoy doing the simple things that people do, or even see people as anything other than allies or objects. Being with you has opened my eyes Dick. I see so much more, and I... I don't know how to thank you,"

He looked at her and instead of answering he kissed her. She snuggled beside him and felt her fall asleep. Instead of joining her like he would have before he looked at the ceiling. Everything was so different now. Did he love 'Tea? Yeah he loved her. He loved her deeply and he could see them being together for a long, long time, but the thing with Donna was having him question what he felt for her. Did he love Donna more than a friend? The truth was he had. Long before he ever met Galatea he had loved Donna. He let out a small groan and wondered what he was going to do.

(Wayne Manor - Entertainment room)

Diana lay against Bruce's chest as she watched the movie on the screen. It had been her idea to invite Kal and Lois. When she learned the Lois had spilled the beans about knowing who Kal really was it relived a lot of tension. She snuck a peek across the room to see Kal tickling Lois' stomach. She watched the reporter attempt to keep from giggling like a little girl while Kal softly tickled and teased her. She felt a hand move and her own ticklish spot which was on her side was brushed. She bit her lip to keep from letting a small laugh escape. The brush happened again and she looked up at Bruce's face to see that he was completely stoic and seemed to be focused on the film.

She felt the brush again and this time she caught his eyes looking at her. A light smile crossed his lips and she moved up to kiss him. Across the room it appeared that Lois had forgone the kiss and was instead tickling Kal causing him to erupt into fits of laughter.

(Watchtower - Artemis' Chambers)

Artemis looked at the sword which was leaning against the wall. The man who had given her it seemed to be truly sorry for harming her. She hated to admit that such concern had seemed enduring. Still it left her questioning a few things. She liked Sir Justin. She enjoyed his humor, his manners, and his grace. He was a refreshing reminder that not all men were evil. She could see herself becoming close friends with him, but Lobo... That man got on her last nerve. Granted he presented a piece offering, and it helped her forgive him, to a degree, but she couldn't understand why she enjoyed their time together. He was everything, everything she hated about men. He was piggish, arrogant, and seemed to have one thing on his mind.

Why can't the answers be easy? she thought.

(Metropolis - John Henry Iron's apartment)

John looked at what was the first of almost two hundred boxes of invitations. Maxima had already sat a date, picked the invites, and now... He groaned and took a seat. He almost prayed for something huge to happen. Something, anything to take his and Maxima's mind off of this, whatever it was, and give them both a break.

(Themyscira - The palace - Hippolyta's throne room)

Hippolyta smiled as she saw Donna. She neared her daughter and hugged her tightly.

"I am glad to see you again daughter, but why are you back so soon?" she asked.

"I needed a little time to clear my head. Mother... Heracles, he can't escape right?" Donna asked.

Hippolyta's face stiffened for a moment.

"We do not mention that beast's name here. You know that my moon and stars, but yes he can't escape. It would take the act of one of the gods to release him," she said.

Luthor looked at the assemblage of villains in the inner circle.

Mirror Master, Sinestro, Doctor Destiny, Bane, Star Sapphire, and Tala all sat in expectation.

These villains were only allowed here either because they were smarter than the average legion members or they possessed better power. Of course none of them shared the vision of Lex Luthor but they still had their uses.

"Let us begin..."

"Hold it!" whined a high pitch voice.

Luthor closed his eyes.

"I thought I told you to leave."

"Really? I thought you told me to stay. Silly me."

"Bane get him out of here."

"On contrary Mr. Luthor, the Joker did initially come up with your plan. I feel like he has much right for input as we all do," Bane threatened flexing his muscles.

All of the other villains were sharing similar looks.

Luthor sighed.

"Fine."

Luthor hit a slide.

"Right now we may have reached a development in the plan with Heracles. However there is a slight problem..."
As Luthor spoke, a picture of an old man was showed.

"There is an island that has a map of the keys to release Heracles. This will be much easier to go the subtle approach than the loud and obnoxious way..."

Luthor was giving Joker a patronizing look at that remark.

"There is a problem though. There is one man who also knows of this."

A picture showed up of an old WWII veteran.

"This is Steve Trevor. He has close ties with Wonder Woman and is aware of the island's location. It is likely he will be aware of our plan somehow and must be silenced..."

"I'll do it!" The Joker said gleefully. "Although I can't promise him begin quiet. I do like it when people laugh..."

"Once again, this requires the subtle approach," Luthor glared.

"Magic" Tala asked a little gleefully she would have a chance to use her dark magic again.

Sinestro rolled his eyes.

"Zatanna and Xanadu can detect you easily."

"Precisely," Luthor said with a grin. "That leads to our kindly old Doctor..."

Destiny looked at Luthor with interest.

"Is there any way you can use your powers to put the old man in such a nightmare he will have a heart attack?"

Destiny paused.

"I would have to be at close range. I can put him in a nightmare right now, but the League will probably catch on before I could increase his heart rate."

Luthor stood up.

"Very well. Doctor Destiny, you will go to the retirement home tomorrow. Make sure no one sees you there and make it look like natural causes."

Destiny grinned with sadism in his eyes. "You got it."

And with that the meeting adjourned. Everyone walked out except the Joker. He was fuming. He wasn't getting the respect he deserved from Luthor.

Well he had an ace up his sleeve. That blond bimbo would be the key to getting them the keys. IT was so simple. Kidnap her, and the Boy Blunder, will do anything to save her, even finding the keys for them. He was just as good as Batman.

Never do something when you can let someone else do it for you.

Then Heracles would be unleash, chaos would ensue, and The Amazon Princess will fall and the Dark Knight truly will lose everything and finally see the cruel joke the world was.

That would leave Luthor and the rest to pick up the pieces of what was left in the League.

"Your plan sounds fun Lex, but my way is better..." the Joker said to himself.

0000

(The Next Day)

Booster Gold sat on the Watchtower teleport pad. Doctor Light was grabbing him by the arm. The two had hit it off the pass few dates.

She liked him because he really was sweet and respected her intelligence.

"Why are we doing this again?" Booster groaned.

"It's for WWII veterans!"

The two were going to a nursing home as part of a charity visit on the League's behalf. Mike and Zatanna were going as well and would be going dancing later.

"And," Doctor Light continued. "From what I heard, one of the veterans actually has worked with the Justice League when they traveled back in time. I thought being the time traveler you would like it."

"You mean Steve? He's like probably the only man the Amazons have actually been nice to."

"Alright, lock it up lovebirds," Mister Terrific said as he teleported them.

He then sighed when he had the Monitor Womb to himself now.

He already had to teleport B'wanna Beast and Zatanna to the same place five minutes ago.

What was up with all these couples forming now?

Batman and Wonder Woman. Steel and Maxima. J'onn and Madame Xanadu.

Next thing he knew Lobo and Artemis would start hooking up.

Mister Terrific let out a snort of laughter at that remark. That would be like saying John and Shayera were going to get back together...

LordF

(Black Hawk Island - Outer Perimeter)

Sinestro looked at the fallen Robot. Unlike last time this Robot was far more advanced. Granted the mechanical monsters he heard about when Luthor visited the island before sounded advanced, but aged at the same time. These seemed almost stream-lined. Still a blast of power from his power ring had all but beheaded the robotic sentry, and left them looking at the trail before them.

"I believe now would be the time to see if there are any other traps, Luthor," Sinestro said.

Lex pushed a pair of goggles down over his eyes and looked at the area in front of them.

"There is at least three infra-red lights ahead. I would assume that they are some kind of light pattern traps. Could your ring protect us and get us to the main building?" Lex asked.

"Of course it could, but not without getting the attention of the league. I'm not entirely certain that they haven't already been contacted by that mechanical nuisance from a moment ago," Sinestro said.

Lex nodded and turned to the Mirror Master.

"There is several mirrors in the building itself. Can you use them?" Lex asked.

"Not a problem. I can get us through the 'looking glass' just fine, but what about the traps inside?" he asked.

"We'll deal with them once we're inside of the building.

(Steve Trevor's nursing home - Steve's room)

Steve groaned as the dream started. He could see Etta, his Etta running from enemy fire. They had met during World War II, right after he had met his angel. She was a spit fire who didn't take anything from the Jerries. She was supposed to be a nurse, but she had proved her ability with a rifle and Sergeant Franklin Rock had saw fit to make her a sniper. She had saved him from enemy fire, of course, but he soon returned the favor by gunning down a Jerry who had almost snuck up behind her. Even though the war was still going on the two of them worked together, and the bond of friendship they shared began to turn into admiration, then into love. Shortly after the war they married, but unfortunately a wound she suffered from the war prevented them from having any children, so when she died twenty years ago he as left alone.

He knew all of this. He knew that she had died peacefully in their bed, but instead he was seeing her being fired upon by a dark headed man with white stripes toward the end of his hair and a partial goatee on his chin. The man was working with the Germans as a information specialist, but he knew so little about the man himself. He watched as the man began to fire and he returned fire knowing that in his real memory his gun shot first knocking the man back and causing him to fall off of the roof top they where on, but instead he missed.

"ETTA NO!" Steve screamed as the bullet tore through her.

You know there are worse ways for her to have died... Perhaps like this, a dark and sinister voice said.

The dream changed and he saw Etta stripped naked, tied to a stake, and surrounded by the Jerries. Although he knew they where speaking German he could understand them as easily as if they where speaking English.

"This is proof the Allies are weak! They allow women to fight for their men! If this woman wishes to place herself as a man then she will be executed as the dogs. Burn her," the Iron Major other wise known as Major Niklas Müller of the Third Reich.

Steve started to run toward her only to watch as the flames surrounded her. Suddenly the entire German Army turned toward him and Niklas Müller walked toward Steve as the grunts held him. He lifted the solid iron hand he had and brought it down toward Steve's head.

LordF

(Sunny Side Nursing Center/Retirement Village)

J'onn stood near Madame Xanadu who had been invited by Zatanna to come and spend a little time with some of the World War II soldiers. It was most certainly being done for publicity for the League, but it was for a good cause. Besides Xanadu seemed to know several of the soldiers personally and was chatting away with them. She had J'onn come over and meet Joseph Shapiro other wise known as Wildman from Easy Company. The aging history professor looked at J'onn and extended his hand.

"Any friend of Xanadu's is a friend of mine," Joseph said.

"It is my pleasure," J'onn said somewhat formally.

"So has she told you about how she helped end the war?" Joseph asked.

"No, no she hasn't," J'onn said as he sat down near the professor.

"Everyone knew how big of a nut for the Occult Hitler was. If it was mystical and had some kind of strange powers he sent his men to get it. There was tales of them chasing down the Holy Grail, the Ark of the Covenant, and even dozens of ancient manuscripts from ancient Greece. Another thing he did was have fortune tellers come to him and tell him the future. Most of them was nothing more than cock and bull, but there was a few who was the real deal. Xanadu was one of those. The problem was that she was on our side. The Sergeant had already met up with her and informed her of what Hitler was doing. We knew that Xanadu could really see the future, or talk to the spirits that could, so Frank he tells her that if the Führer came knocking to give him a few minor places where he could win a few victories. He came, she did what Frank asked, and boom he comes again. This time however she tells him how it would be better to send his soldiers out leaving Germany exposed. The reasoning was that the countries next to Germany was so tamed by now he could extend his reach. Following her advice he spread his armies too thin and that's when we launched our counter offensive. What could have taken years, if ever, to do was done in a few short months all because of her," Joseph said.

J'onn smiled as he listened, but something gained his attention. He could see vivid images of the war, of a woman being burned at the stake and of a man being held down for execution. Without a second thought J'onn stood and excused himself before following the visions and moving into the room of Steve Trevor. He felt the darkness that surrounded him and backed up.

"What is it?" Joseph asked. The old man looked in on Steve and could see him sweating bullets.

"There is a dangerous telepath who is attempting to kill this man. He's placed him back in Nazi Germany and he's facing a man named Niklas Müller," J'onn said.

"That's the Iron Major! Hell that's the one man who nearly killed Sergeant Frank Rock! If it hadn't of been for an enemy land-mine then Old Müller would have done Frank in!" Joseph said.

"I must go in and help him," J'onn said as he entered the room.

"Wait, if you're going in to help Etta's old man then Easy Company is helping you," Joesph said.

J'onn looked to several other elderly men step up and stand near the old soldier. They all looked determined and he nodded.

"It could be exceptionally dangerous," he warned.

"For another shot at that Jerry it's well worth it," a large man nicknamed Bulldozer said.

J'onn informed them to join hands and close their eyes. The moment they did each and everyone of them was young again and armed to the teeth.

"Easy Company Fall In!" Corporal Canfield shouted.

"Ice Cream Soldier here Sir, Canary here sir, Wildman here sir, Little Sure Shot here sir, Hot-Head here sir, Private First Class Jackie Johnson here sir!" Easy Company called off.

"Men, we do not have the privilege to serve under Sergeant Frank Rock anymore. God saw fit to take Frank home on that damn hill toward the end of the war, but God is merciful in the fact that he's given us a chance at a little payback toward our old friend the Iron Major. Little Sure Shot I want you up in that bell tower and I want you to give us the cover fire we need to take out those sons of bitches. Hot-Head I want their weapon cache to be blazing like the sun. Ice Cream Soldier I want you ready to do one of your famous in and outs once the Jerries are distracted. Get Steve and get the hell out of there. Jackie, Wildman, and myself will make sure that you are well covered as well," corporal Canfield said.

"Corporal that's a fine plan, but I'm wondering what I should do," a familiar voice said.

They turned to see Sergeant Rock standing in front of them.

"Serg, is that you?" Joseph asked.

"It sure is Wildman. I think I have Madame Xanadu to thank for being here. Come on, we've got an American Soldier to save!" Sergeant Frank Rock shouted.

Moments later Little Sure Shot let out several shots causing the Nazi soldiers surrounding Steve to separate and run for cover. The moment they did Ice Cream Soldier moved in and grabbed Steve's arms.

"Come on soldier move your ass!" he shouted.

"Not without Etta!" Steve cried out.

They turned to see a woman on the stake screaming as the fires got closer to her.

"Sir, they've got Etta, they've got Eagle Eye!" Ice Cream Soldier shouted.

A shot echoed from the bell tower and the rope tying Etta to the stake split and opened. Steve ran forward and caught her as she fell saving her from the fire.

"All you two move your asses! We ain't getting paid by the hour!" Corporal Canfield shouted.

"No! I shall not lose to you American dogs!" the Iron Major shouted.

A shot ran out, but the Iron Major raised his hand blocking it.

"Have you forgotten... I can deflect your bullets little Apache," he said.

"And you have more to worry about now," Dr. Destiny said as he formed alongside of the Major.

"Hello Dee," J'onn said as he formed behind the Major and put his hands on his head.

"NO!" Dr. Destiny screamed as he felt the psychic backlash hit him.

"Etta, don't leave me," Steve said as he looked at woman he was standing with.

"Oh Steve, I never left you to begin with. I was always with you, and I am always with you," she said.

"Mr. and Mrs. Trevor huh?" Sergeant Frank Rock asked.

"Yeah, sorry that we couldn't invite you to the wedding," Steve said.

"It's understandable. Steve you take care, and Etta take care of him. He's a good man. A prick at times, but a good man all the same," Sergeant Rock said.

(Steve Trevor's room)

Everyone opened their eyes and looked around for a moment. Although they couldn't see him all of them could smell the Sergeants cheap cigar he loved to smoke. J'onn turned around to see Xanadu standing there smiling.

"I thought that you could use a little extra help," she said.

(Outside)

Dr. Destiny fell over and returned to his human form. Drool began to gather at the side of his mouth as his mind began the long process of pulling itself back together.

(Back inside of Steve's room)

"Mr. Trevor, do you have any idea of why Dr. Destiny was attempting to kill you?" J'onn asked.

"Well... I didn't until right before I close my eyes holding Etta. I saw a map. It was one that Hitler had collected from Ancient Greece, and it was rumored to have the location of the pieces of the keys for the cell that holds Heracles. If that's the case then the map is on the Black Hawk's secret island," Steve said.

Grendle

Hippolyta stands at the lowest point of her island kingdom, next to the door of doom and in front of a great metal box. When her prisoner was first put away here should would come down often just to hear the bastard rage against his confines, but with time that thrill had died so she simply had decided to leave him to his dark hole. Now she stands before the cage again, to make sure that its occupant is still there. She steps forward and looks through one of the few small barred holes of the prison, and inside she sees the form of a large man with over grown hair and a beard that reaches his hips. The figure inside turns to her and says, "Hello Hippolyta, its been a long time."
The Amazon queen is taken back. The last time she spoke with the demigod his voice was filled with fire and hatred, now he just sounded...empty. "Just making sure that you are still where you belong, Heracles," she tells him.
He gives her an amused grunt before looking away again. "What caused the doubt?" he asks.
"Apparently there is a villainous plot to see you freed, the gods have sent visions of it," she answers truthfully, interested in his reaction.
She didn't know what kind of reaction she was expecting, but indifference was not one she was prepared for. "So the gods feel the need to dust off an old pawn for their entertainment?" he asks bemusedly.
"It was the gods who sentenced you to an eternity in there," she tells him coldly.
"Eternity?" he asks. "Tell me Hippolyta, before I unleashed my pain and rage at Hera onto you and your sisters, what was I?"
The Amazon queen looks away, remembering the ancient past. "Some thought you were a hero, others as uncouth barbarian unable or unwilling to control the great power he had been gifted with," she answers.
"Gifted," he says with a bittersweet laugh. "I made a great many mistakes, but I always tried to pay for them, tried to balance the deck and repay old hurts as best as I could. You know that I've been in this cage now for longer than the remaining mortal lives of all of the sisters killed by me and my men combined? Have I not paid enough?" he asks.
"You expect me to release you?" Hippolyta asks, amused by the notion.
"According to you I will be released shortly by hands other than your anyway, and given that you are here it sounds like the fates have something dreadful planned for my time of freedom. The Fates however, have never been friends of mine," Heracles says, standing up. "If you decide that the score is settled and let me go free, now, and by your own accord than I give you my word that I will leave you, your sisters, and your home forever and trouble you no more."
The queen actually laughs at this. "What worth is your word to me?" she asks.
"It is all I have left in this world," he answers plainly.
Hippolyta glares at the once hero, but he doesn't budge or flinch from her gaze. Finally the Amazon turns on her heels and begins to walk away. "I would rather face whatever hell is to come that release you onto this world again son of Zeus," she tells him as she departs.
Heracles watches her until she vanishes from sight, then he calmly sits himself back down and waits.

Luthor, Sinestro, and Mirror Master grinned at the map he held. They were one step closer.

"Luthor! This is Star Sapphire!" a British accent said on the commlink.

Luthor closed his eyes in annoyance. Why must they not let him bask in his glorious moments.

"What?"

"We managed to grab Doctor Destiny. The Martian stopped his attack on the old man's mind."

"What?" Luthor asked angrily. Mirror Master and Sinestro were looking at him curiously.

"Did any of them see you?"

"Doctor Light, Booster Gold, Zatanna, and that freak in the loincloth chased after us when they saw Tala and I carrying his body. Bane was able to provide enough distraction for Tala to shield us from them. Bottom line is they know is the League know we tried to kill him!"

Luther clenched his fists in anger. No. Not now. It was the perfect plan.

"I wouldn't worry, we are still ahead of them," Mirror Master said, trying to comfort Luthor. "They might not connect the dots for awhile..."

"They have Batman. He'll connect everything within a manner of seconds!"

Another buzzing on the commlink was heard.

"May I chime in?" the Joker asked rudely.

Luthor closed his eyes.

"What?!"

"Well Lexie, since they are going to be on to us, they will probably be on the lookout for use or even take the keys to somewhere else. Might I suggest we get someone else to do our job?"

"Who?"

"Let's just say a certain former Robin, if properly coerced would probably easily be able to find the keys for us whether the League decides to go collect them or not. All he needs is some persuasion..."

"We are not capturing a Kryptonian clone!" Luthor cried. "We got beaten trying to capture two Amazons."

Joker cackled.

"You forgot, Kryptonians are vulnerable to magic which Mistress Tala here is quite fond of. Also once the good old Doctor pulls himself back together I'm sure he can be able to trick the blond bimbo into falling into a trap for us. It's gonna be fun!"

LordF

(Black Hawk Island)

Bruce looked at the inside of the large warehouse the Legion of Doom had broken into. Following the directions Shayera's contact had given him he found a large display case with several maps, documents, and verses written in ancient Greek. According to Shayera's contact the map containing the information about the key for Heracles was missing.

"Seems like the Legion made in here without much trouble. I can only guess the lintel about then wanting to release Heracles is true," he said into his recorder.

He looked to see if anything else was missing, but it looked like all they had been concerned with was the map itself. He left the building and walked back to the Batwing. There was no doubt that they would be after the keys soon enough. He was going to have to talk with Diana and see who knew of the key's location.

(Metropolis - Hobbs Bay - Luthor Corp warehouse # 10)

Tala look at John Dee other wise known as Dr. Destiny. The man was no longer just drooling, but his speedy recovery wasn't because of his own skills. She had weaved a healing spell on his mind knowing that it would increase his own abilities.

"How long until he's recovered?" Luthor asked.

"It shouldn't take long. Lex, do you want me to prepare the spell which we'll use to trap the clone?" She asked.

"Yes, but ensure Dee is able to finish healing on his own," Luthor said.

(Dick and Galatea's apartment)

Galatea looked at the cake before her. She loved doing this Suzie Homemaker thing, but when she was nervous she baked. So far the kitchen looked like a bakery with at least six different cakes, a dozen loaves of bread ranging from normal to banana nut bread, and at least a dozen cup cakes. She sighed and stopped for a minute. Her time at CADMUS helped make her not afraid of death, but she didn't have then what she had now. She was loved, she got to act like a normal woman, she was able to do things that other people took for granted without being watched.

God, I don't know if you would listen to me or not, but please, please let me have this life a little longer, she thought.

(Gotham - Wayne Enterprises - Bruce Wayne's Office)

Bruce looked across his desk at the reporter who had shown up. It was the first time he had ever seen Lois, and it wasn't the last time he expected to see her either. She had taken a seat across from him and waited until 'Roxi', or 'Barbie as Lois would prefer to call the bleached blond, to leave them. She put the pen and paper down on the desk and looked straight at Bruce.

"Okay, what was the idea of dropping a rampaging motorcycle that belongs to member of the Hell's Angels from Space in Clark's apartment?" she asked.

"I needed to get control of a situation and the only way possible was to take away Lobo's toy. Besides I had assumed that Clark would check his apartment before bringing in company," he replied.

"Bruce, not everyone is as paranoid as you are," Lois shot back.

"Perhaps, but I'm still alive, beating out Lex Corp, put Daggett Industries out of business, and at the same time tripled Wayne Enterprises holdings. I would say that being paranoid has done more for me then simply going with the flow," Bruce said.

"No, that's good business sense. Bruce, next time call Clark or use that comm link thing, but whatever you do just make sure it doesn't come close to screwing up my evening again," Lois said as she stood up.

"That's all you wanted to say?!" Bruce asked.

"Don't sound too surprised. I've already written my story on your hostile takeover of Daggett industries. Everyone knows what kind of bastard Roland Daggett was, and since Wayne Enterprises is the leading company in green technology it would only make sense to take the genetic coding, enhancing, and performance research Daggett Industries has come up with and apply it toward making eatable crops that could grow anywhere. If you'll excuse me I have a date with Clark, and it is here in Gotham," Lois said as she stood up.

Bruce narrowed his eyes as she left. Even though he and Clark was friends he didn't like having metas in his city. Diana was an exception, but she respected his territory. He knew that Clark respected it, but the big blue boyscout would help anyone that got into trouble, and that could only lead into more trouble.

"Mr. Wayne, your three o'clock is here," Roxi said over the intercom.

"Send her in please," Bruce said as he leaned back and smiled an actual smile.

The door opened and Bruce looked into the eyes of Diana as she walked through. The trick of the situation was that if they where going to date then either Bruce was going to have to either meet with Diana through some kind of charitable event, or Diana would have to adopt a secret identity. There was too much of a chance to connecting the dots if she remained Diana of Themyscira, although Bruce would have still went along with it, so Diana opted for a secret identity. He looked at the hiding in plain sight idea she had taken from Clark.

The woman she pretended to be was being well played, and she had Alfred to thank for that. She wore stylish looking glasses, her hair pulled back into a tight pony tail, a smart looking business suit, and a pair of high heels which completed the outfit. Diana walked toward the chair across from his and took a seat.

"Mr. Wayne," she said until she heard the door close behind her.

"How was your first day as Diana Prince?" Bruce asked.

"Hera, it is eye opening to see the world like this, and I really must thank Alfred for all of his help," Diana said. "So have you thought of the story of how we're going to enter into a relationship?"

"Since you're working for the Themysciran Embassy, and because of your employers work with charitable organizations I thought that you could be the lesion for them. Your job is to work with me directly in helping to organize a set of balls and galas for Help in Crisis, Toys for Tots, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and a number of other charitable organizations. Since we'll be working so close together we actually learn quite a bit about each other, and we begin to develop a romantic attraction," Bruce said.

"I like that," she replied.

"I thought that you would, besides it gives Wayne Enterprises the excuse to donate more toward those organizations anyway," Bruce said.

(Gotham - Rollan's Coffee house)

Lois moaned as she bit into fresh spinach salad. She was a little surprised about Clark suggesting Rollan's. It wasn't that she didn't like coffee houses, but she was expecting something a little different. Still the place went above and beyond her expectations. It wasn't a coffee house as much as it was a fine dining experience. Granted there was a section of the place just for coffee and dough-nuts, but the section she and Clark was sitting at was all about fine dining. She looked across at Clark as he ate at the Chicken Alfredo plate he had ordered.

"This was a nice surprised," she said.

"Thanks, I wouldn't have even known about the place if it hadn't been for Bruce," Clark admitted.

That took Lois by surprise.

"Bruce brought you here?" she asked.

"No, he mentioned it once. We were talking about places we had ate and Bruce said that the food here was as close to Alfred's as he had ever come," Clark admitted.

"Yeah, I don't think that anyone can cook as good as Alfred," Lois said.

Clark lifted an eyebrow.

"It was a long time ago Smallville, but it doesn't change the fact that Alfred can cook," Lois said.

(Themyscira - Beach - Training area)

Donna felt the rap of the wooden training sword as it struck her right leg. She had told her mother how she wanted to clear her head, and of course her mother suggested training. It sounded good so she agreed, and she was wishing she hadn't. Phillipus wasn't pulling any punches as she trained her. It was taking some serious focus to keep from getting hit every time they sparred, and now it was only every other time. She was still unable to beat the head guard, but she was able to get to a draw. Finally Phillipus nodded and they both lowered their swords.

"Your sword play is getting far better your highness. Have you been practicing with Artemis?" Phillipus asked.

Donna shook her head. Artemis was amazing with a blade and everyone knew that. There was no denying how graceful the red headed Amazon moved. Still, it didn't change the fact that Artemis was unbalanced. In a way she felt bad leaving her back at the Watchtower. Granted Lobo had attempted to make a peace offering, but Artemis was obviously not ready for a physical relationship. In many respects she was more like a teenager than a grown woman. What happened between her and Lobo, it hadn't been hard to figure out, was consented by the both of them. She was sure that it was, but it more than likely happened in the heat of the moment. Still Artemis was going to have to figure things out for herself eventually. As Donna helped gather up some of the broken training swords her thoughts shifted to Dick. Was she still upset about him sleeping with Galatea? Yes, but it was more than just because of simple jealously. She loved Dick. She knew that she loved him and she knew that the two of them had been happy in other universes, so it only seemed natural that they should be happy together here. It wasn't the only thing bothering her though. If the gods was planning for Galatea to die than her death was going to weigh heavy on Dick. It was going to kill him a little inside, and she knew it. Even if Galatea wasn't the love of his life she wasn't blind, or blinded enough by love, to see that they did love each other. She knew how strong Dick was, but then Kyle had been strong, amazingly so, but the death of Alex had cut him pretty deep.

Lady Hera, what should I do? she thought and silently prayed.

(Legion of Doom's temporary headquarters - Hobbs Bay)

John Dee groaned as he finally sat up.

"Dr. Destiny, how are you feeling?" Tala asked.

"The Martian... Where is he?" he asked.

"No where near here," she replied.

"The map?" he asked.

"Lex has it. They are planning on how to obtain the keys," she answered.

"What are we doin' here? It's fraggin' cold!" Lobo complained.

Artemis ignored him and made her way.

"It has to be here somewhere..." Artemis mused. "I heard Diana talking about it the other day."

Lobo rolled his eyes. He much rather be in the training room so they could resume their sparring/love making.

"Ah here it is!" Artemis shouted with delight and revealed a small golden key.

"We came to the north pole for a key?" Lobo asked annoyed.

Artemis just rolled her eyes. She bent down and picked up the key with a little difficulty.

"Not...just...any...key" she said through strained breaths before she forced it into the glacier. Immediately the glacier opened up to reveal an archway.

Lobo's eyes lit up like a child on Christmas morning.

"This is Supes secret place!" Lobo said imaging all the goodies he could fence.

"We are here only for one thing..." Artemis remarked and dragged Lobo away from going off on it's own.

Artemis's eyes suddenly lit up in excitement.

"Here it is!"

Lobo looked and his eyes went big. Standing in the middle of the Fortress of Solitude was his beloved bike.

"My Hog!" Lobo shouted gleefully, pushing Artemis aside violently and running up to it.

"men..." Artemis muttered angrily.

"Did ya miss me girl?" Lobo asked stroking the handlebars.

"Don't worry, daddy's here..."

Artemis cleared her throat.

Lobo turned around.

"Uh...thanks?" he asked confused. IS that what he was supposed to say?

Artemis rolled her eyes. Good enough from him.

"You gave me a peace offering so I thought I give yours. When I learned where this was hidden I decided to take you here as a way to return the favor."

Lobo jumped on his bike turning it on. God he missed that sound.

"Just be aware this doesn't change anything. You are still a foul, disgusted, pile of excrement that I hope to one day hang by your genitals with my..."

"Ya want to go for a spin and then fight later?"

"Yes!" Artemis replied gleefully and got on holding onto the Czarnian who took off out of the Fortress, neglecting to lock the door behind them.

000000

Two days later Hobbs Bay

"You ready?" Tala asked as she had a cauldron in front of her ready to cast the enchantment.

Destiny closed his eyes to detect the Kryptonian. This was weird. Most minds were closed. Hers seemed opened. Like it was connected to something else.

Destiny then saw two blond looking Kryptonians and his eyes lit up.

"What is it?" Tala asked. "Should we abort the spell? Is she protected?"

Destiny's skeletal grinned widened.

"Call Luthor. It seems are target shares a mind with Supergirl. I guess we can take two birds with one stone..." Destiny replied mischievously as his sadistic brain started to think of many ways he could bend Supergirl to his will as wel...

LordF

(CADMUS - Mountain Base - Galatea and Kara's Dream)

"Uhhhh... What happened... Where am I?" Kara groaned as she looked around.

"Shhh, don't say anything," 'Tea said as she looked over the shackles they were both in.

"What is this?" Kara asked as she pulled against the shackle only to have it cut into her wrist.

"Owww! What the hell is this?!" Kara exclaimed.

"It's called Viberaimium. It's a parting gift from the last invasion Darkseid launched. If I'm not badly mistaken you have been in these before Kara," a voice said from the darkness.

"What do you want Waller?" Galatea asked

"The government spent quite a bit of money in your creation, training, and use project Galatea. It only stands to reason that we should see some kind of return on that money spent," Waller said.

Galatea narrowed her eyes and studied Amanda Waller for a moment before she unleashed her heat vision striking the head CADMUS agent. Waller began to scream as the intense heat hit her.

"You're not Waller," Galatea said.

A moment later Waller stopped screaming and instead there was a man in a dark cloak with a skull for a face.

"How could you tell?" Dr. Destiny asked.

"Waller never called me Project Galatea. She referred to me as Hamilton's project," Galatea said.

Suddenly the room changed and the two Kryptonian girls were chained to a set of operating tables.

"I believe it's time to do some experimental surgery," Dr. Destiny said.

"Doctor, I need them alive," the voice of Lex Luthor said.

"Of course, but would you argue to us taking away their identity?" Destiny asked.

"No, it might be fun to re-write them as something else. What did you have in mind?" Luthor asked.

"Hmmm... slaves sound good. Two Kryptonian slaves would be beneficial to us," Destiny said as he moved toward Galatea.

"Kara, get a hold of J'onn the moment you get out," Galatea said. "Access code Alpha, Delta, 99, Omega."

(Real World - Kent Farm)

Kara screamed as she sat up in her bed at the Kent Farm. She breathed heavy for several seconds.

"'Tea!" Kara exclaimed as she ran toward the window wearing a t-shirt and pair of panties and took off into the sky heading for Metropolis.

(Galatea's Nightmare)

A loud slap echoed through the room.

"What did you do?!" Dr. Destiny shouted.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Galatea asked.

He slapped her hard again drawing blood.

"Tell me!" he exclaimed.

"Don't worry Doctor. I wasn't sure if Hamilton had actually implanted a neuron blocker or not. It appears he did, but he didn't activate it, or it could be that she knows the locking and unlocking code. Let's play a new game. Torture her until she gives you the unlocking code. While you're doing that I'm going to send a certain member of the Batclan some information regarding Galatea's whereabouts," Luthor said.

"Well, since you can feel pain here... what do you say we start with the basics?" Destiny asked as he pushed open a curtain revealing several ancient torture devices.

(Real world - Dick and Galatea's Apartment)

Dick walked in to hear Galatea screaming in pain in the bed room. He ran in to see her ripping the bed to pieces as she screamed.

He started to run toward her before he heard something and turned to see Batman standing behind him.

"Superman contacted me. We need to take her to the cave," Bruce said as he held a piece of kryptonite weakening Galatea before the two of them lifted her and moved out toward the Batmobile.

Grendle

J'onn laid in bed next to Madame Xanadu as she snored lightly into the night. Apparently she found his shapeshifting and telepathic abilities very pleasing and as he left her exhausted and satisfied after a few hours of carnal fun. While he had certainly enjoyed his time with her, especially their more recent activity, he still didn't know quite what to think of the woman. She has some kind of darkness in her past, but that isn't really surprising for one so old, he himself has had some dark moments over his own long years. Before he can think on lady in his bed some more he senses...something.
J'onn stands quietly to the side of the bed, trying his best not to disturb the women sleeping within it, and then his eyes glow red as he reaches out with his mind in search of whatever it was that disturbed his psychic senses. First he skims over the many busy people around him in New York, then it quickly moves through Gotham, until finally it reaches Bludhaven and he starts to sense the ripples of whatever event caught his attention. He zeros in on his target, and for a half of a second he sees through four sets of eyes belonging to two different women, before he smacked back with incredible force and pain like a mini fire is felt behind his eyes. "Aaaahhh!" he shouts, dropping to his knees and holding his head.
Xanadu is woken by her lover's shouts and finds him clutching his head in pain. "Whats wrong?" she asks, kneeling by his side.
"There was some kind of disturbance, I was searching for the cause, when suddenly there was...pain," he explains.
She reaches out, takes hold of his head, and begins chanting. He almost instantly feels better. "Who did you do that?" he asks.
"Just a bit of a counter spell," she answers, looking him over, "who ever did this knew what they were doing, that spell was no amateur work."
"Magic?" he asks, standing up.
"Yes, and nasty magic at that," she answers. "You have any idea where the caster might be?"
"I'm pretty sure that their target was in Bludhave," he say, morphing into his hero form. "I plan to find out whats going on."
Madame Xanadu casts a quick spell and is instantly clothed in black dress. "I'm coming along. Whoever's behind this ruined the best evening I've had in centuries," she tells him.
J'onn looks over at Nimue before reaching over, taking her face, and kissing her. Then he pulls away, turns insubstantial, and flies through the wall. Keep up if you can, he tells her telepathically.
"Easy for you to say, your not the one who sore," she says into the empty room with a laugh, before snapping her fingers and teleporting away in a puff of purple smoke.

Batman was speeding the Batmobile in Bludhaven. Dick was holding a squirming Tea in his arms. Even with the kryptonite she was still hard to hold down.

"What's going on?" Dick asked angrily. It pained him to see Tea like this.

Batman made a sharp turn.

"Whatever it is it is probably Doctor Destiny!"

"why can't we contact J'onn?"

"I need to sedate her! I have a kryptonite needle in the cave that will allow me to inject her with a powerful enough sedative to calm her down. Then we will contact J'onn. It will make it easier for him to free her."

As the Batmobile sped away, none of them noticed a figure popping out of the side window of a car the Batmobile zoomed by.

"They're heading to your position Bane!" Mirror Master announced.

"Good. I look forward to this..."

"Remember the priority is getting Nightwing and the Kryptonian clone! I want them alive! Don't risk this mission for your grudge against Batman!" Luthor cut in.

Bane growled and hung up.

"Lex!" Tala cut in on the conversation. "The Martian has detected us. He's on his way to Bludhaven!"

"Don't worry," Luthor said calmly. "Sinestro, Star Sapphire, and Mirror Master will be waiting, won't you?"

Mirror Master grinned as he got a special flamethrower ready.

"We will."

000000
Luthor hang up after Mirror Master gave his assurances. He was fuming mad right now.

"Everybody get on the teleporter pad!" Luthor announced to his inner circle. It was time to teleport to another hideout. Thank God the Legion had multiple of them and the rest of the members were scattered around. They didn't anticipate Supergirl breaking free.

"Where are we going Lexie?" The Joker asked excited. "I always wanted to go to Paris!"

"Shut up!" Luthor looked at Destiny. "How is the clone?"

"She's trapped in her own living hell right now. I will reestablish a connection when she is brought to me closer."

Luthor typed the coordinates on the machine to teleport him, Destiny, Tala, and the Joker to a new hideout.

"If that green freak manages to wake her up it is going to be a lot harder for Bane to try to take both her and bird brat!" Destiny warned as the machine began to turn on.

"Chaos theory! Chaos theory!" the Joker began to sing and dance wildly in the background.

Luthor grinned.

"I already anticipated that. Right now we need to go!"

And before anyone could ask what Luthor meant, the teleporter had activated, sending the four Legion members to their new hideout seconds before Superman crashed in with a barely clothed Supergirl behind him.

000000

Madame Xanadu appeared on the streets of Bludhaven. J'onn soon appeared beside her.

"Where is the source?" she asked.

J'onn closed his eyes and tried to fight through the barrier.

"Here, I can help!" Xanadu said and began to mutter an incantation. The block was free and J'onn was able to see clearly.

"It's Galatea! Destiny's attacking her!"

"I thought you stopped him?"

"I guess he's back. She's with Batman and Nightwing. I'll contact them to bring her here so I can..."

BANG

Xanadu and J'onn were knocked off their feet by an explosion.

Floating above them were Star Sapphire and Sinestro.

Mirror Master appeared as well. Armed with a flamethrower as well.

J'onn got in a defensive stance with Xanadu at his side.

"Ready?" she asked as the three foes charged at them. This was going to be fun.

000000

Batman was speeding the Batmobile

"We are almost out of here Dick!" he encouraged Dick who was comforting a screaming Tea in his arms. She calmed down a little but was still moaning.

"I thought the Legion was after some keys that had to do with the Blackhawks?" Dick asked confused.

"I don't know..." Batman said. This made no sense. Destiny as far intelligence showed was still a member of the inner circle of the League. It did make sense that the Legion tried to capture Artemis and Donna to find the keys to free Heracles.

They then found the map and tried to kill Steve Trevor so no one would be on their tail but luckily they stopped that.

Mister Terrific was already deciphering the map based off of Steve's memory. It turned out, the Amazons didn't even knew where the keys were either due to the Blackhawks interference. The League was hoping they would find the keys and hide them before Luthor's cronies did.

But it made no sense. Why would they be attacking Tea...

BOOM!

The speeding Batmobile had been pushed violently to the side of the road.

Batman had been distracted and thus didn't react in time. The vehicle was spinning out of control.

Finally the Batmobile hit the side of a building before stopping with a violent force. Luckily Dick and Tea were relatively unharmed.

Unfortunately, the Batmobile's computer was off line. And that too, meant the Batmobile's defenses.

"What the hell was that?" Dick asked angrily still clutching Tea.

A dent appear on the canopy of the Batmobile

"Come out and play Batman!" they heard Bane mock on the outside.

LordF

(Outer Gotham - Batmobile)

Bruce looked at the console and attempted to get the on board computer back online, but it proved the be useless. Bane had hit them just right and knocked a few of the major components loose. It could be fixed, but it would take far longer than they had. With that realization the canopy ripped forward and came off. Bruce threw an electrified bat-a-rang toward the large man and watched as Bane caught it, something he expected, and then watched as the large man recoiled back as the huge amount of electricity flowed through him.

"What are you doing Bane?" Bruce asked.

"Working toward a united goal," Bane said as he stood away from Bruce.

It was fairly obvious that unlike Croc Bane wasn't going to just charge in. Bruce waited for a moment and watched as Bane slammed his foot down on a manhole cover causing it to flip up. He hurled it toward Bruce making him jump out of the way. Bane threw something else completely missing Bruce. Knowing the large man was far more intelligent than many of the other men he had fought Bruce turned to see a hole in the wall of a building. A creaking sound erupted from inside of the building and Bruce's eyes widened as he realized that the building was coming down. He began to jump out of the way, but was caught by a lamp post which slapped him back against the building.

Bane laughed until he narrowly dodged something which blurred past him. He turned to see Nightwing standing between him and Galatea.

"Don't worry boy, I have no intention of separating the two of you," Bane said as he walked toward them.

"You aren't taking either of us anywhere," Dick said.

"I have no time for this," Bane said as he pulled something out and threw it toward Dick.

This was the first time Bane had truly caught Dick or Bruce by surprise. It was true that Bane was intelligent, but he often would only use materials at hand and not come fully prepared. Normally he would leave that to those working with him. Instead the object he threw emitted a gas and engulfed Dick. The younger man stumbled as his vision blurred.

"Sleep well boy. I shall take you and your puta to Luthor," Bane said.

(Blüdhaven - Warehouse district)

Nimue jumped out of the way of Star Sapphire's energy blast. While she had access to magic and magic spells her own power was far less than it had been when she tricked Merlin. She did have enough energy to form a shield around J'onn when Mirror Master attempted to use his flame thrower on him. She dropped the shield and continued to elude Star Sapphire; however, Sinestro had used her distraction to get behind her and form a cage with his ring.

"Hardly worth the effort," he said.

"Tell me Sinestro, what do you fear the most?" she asked as her eyes turned white.

She lifted her hands into the air and unearthly moans from all around them began to cry out. Sinestro looked behind him to see a huge collection of energy gathering into various forms. Men, women, and even children from various eras formed. Each with various wounds which had been fatal. They began to move onto the Yellow Lantern making him drop the construct and instead form a shield around himself.

"What is this?" Star Sapphire asked as she watched the spirits converge on them.

Mirror Master backed away as well before a spirit stepped up to him and he screamed out in fright and pain.

"GOD NO PLEASE! PLEASE I SWEAR I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY! PLEASE GOD NO, NO, DON'T KILL ME PLEASE!" he screamed out with a woman's voice.

Nimue heard something and turned to see Star Sapphire using her power to form a barrier around both herself and J'onn, but J'onn's was getting smaller.

"Stop it and release Mirror Master or I'm going to crush the life out of your boyfriend," she said with a smirk.

Grendle

Before Madame Xanadu can respond the Martian lets out a mighty roar of rage before expanding back in size and bursting the hard light construct that had been closing in on him. Then before Star Sapphire can recover he extends his arm in a giant curve and knocks her out with a superhuman blow to her chin. "I am very capable of handling you with out my lady friend's help," he tells her fallen form.
"Lady friend?" Nimue asks.
"Sorry, I've watched the Big Lebowski lately," J'onn admits.
"You know I've thought of you in many ways, but the Martian 'dude' was not one of them," she tells him, smirking.
"Can you handle those two?" he asks, deciding to change the subject.
Nimue turns to her remaining enemies, both of which are shrieking like frightened girls and cowering away from invisible apparitions. "I think I can handle them. Why, where are you going?" she asks.
"After Doctor Destiny," J'onn answers.
"You know that he's with at least a strong magic user, and probably a whole team of bad guys waiting to help him?" she asks.
"I know," he tells her before flying off.
Nimue sighs. "Don't do anything stupid J'onn," she says to him as he flies out of sight.

...

Wonder Woman touches down near the wreckage of the Batmobile just as Batman pulls himself free from the debris. "What happened?" she asks him, hiding her concern.
"Bane wrecked my car and took Nightwing and Galatea," he answers, clearly pissed. "I swear the next time I run into that man, he's going to be the one to end up paralyzed."
"Focus. Save our people first, revenge shortly after," she tells him, brushing off some of the dust on him. "You know for a mortal you've come out of having a building fall on you with little damage."
"I've had plenty of practice," he tells her, a bit irritated.
Over the com link they hear Superman's voice. "Superman to team, we failed. Luthor and his team were gone by the time they got here, they must of teleported."
"I'm sure you did your best Kal," Diana tells him.
Batman however promptly gets right to practical matters. "Did they leave any of there computers or equipment behind?" he asks.
"Everything electronic fried the moment we got here," Superman answers.
There is a brief pause then, "One of you grab all the electronics and take them up to Mr. Terrific, the other needs to stay there and preserve the crime scene, I'm on my way," Batman tells them.
"You kind of sexy when you're barking out orders," Diana observes.
"Don't be cute right now, I need all my blood flowing up," he tells her. "Fly us to Luthor's warehouse."
While they are in the air Wonder Woman tries to contact the Martian Manhunter. Failing that she contacts Madame Xanadu, "Nimue, where's J'onn?" she asks.
"He helped me take care of a trio of villains, than he flew off," she answers. "He said he was going after Doctor Destiny."
"Alright, meet up with Zatanna and try and see if the two of you can figure out a magical way of finding Nightwing and Galatea," Wonder Woman tells her. "I'll explain more later." Then Diana looks down at her passenger. "So J'onn has decided to run off by himself to track down and attack a group of supervillains. I wonder who's been rubbing off on him," she tells Batman accusingly.
"J'onn's no fool, he'll be alright," he tells her.
"He had better be, or else he's in trouble," Diana says, speeding towards the crime scene.

J'onn flew in the air. He was trying to track onto Doctor Destiny's mind. He had a faint trail of it. Just needed to concentrate to locate him...

J'onn's world went black. J'onn realized he was on Mars again.

J'onn sighed.

"Your mind games won't work on me Destiny..." J'onn said. He knew the telepath was trying to trap him.

"Last time I wasn't prepared..." a singsong voice said. "But this time I brought help..."

J'onn felt a searing pain in his head, and he buckled to his knees. But he soon got up again defiant. He wasn't going to bow to Destiny.

"You are strong Martian..." Destiny taunted. "But you are also filled with guilt..."

An image of J'onn's late wife appeared to his side.

"M'yri'ah?" J'onn asked unsure.

"How could you forget about me?" M'yri'ah asked with betrayal in her voice. "How could you love someone else..."

J'onn's anger picked up.

"Stop it!" he shouted.

"Why? As a doctor I think it is healthy for couples to talk..." Destiny mocked.

"You left us! How could your forget us?"

"I never forgot you!" J'onn shouted back in pain, forgetting this wasn't his wife. It seemed so real...

"You love another woman now! Did you never love me?"

"No!" J'onn pleaded. "I do..."

"But you love here don't you?"

"Yes but..."

J'onn felt another pain in his head and the world around him disappeared. He came to as he was falling from the sky. Quickly he regained his bearing and was again floating in the sky. However he lost the trail. Destiny and Tala had used their combine might to distract him with his guilt.

J'onn's commlink buzzed.

"J'onn! This is Batman!" the Dark Knight's voice barked. "Were you able to track them?"

J'onn gave an angry sigh. He was angry at himself right now. He let his guard down.

"Negative Batman, I lost the trail..."

"How did you lose the trail?" Batman asked angrily. J'onn didn't blame him. From what he heard. Dick and Galatea were captured. Batman was probably burning up on the inside.

"Don't worry," Diana said on the other end. "We got Mirror Master, Sapphire, and Sinestro. We'll interrogate them. In the meantime we need you back J'onn."

"I'm on my way..." the Martian muttered coldly. He was going to get Destiny back for that trick. That monster needed to be stopped once and for all. God knows what he was doing to Dick and Tea.

0000000

Outskirts of Tunis (Tunisia)

"God it's hot in here!" the Joker complained.

"Shut up!" Luthor shouted. He was angry. Although Destiny and Tala were able to block the Martian from detecting them, they had lost three members of the inner circle. Three members who knew everything about their plans. It was only a matter of the time before the League found out what they were up to.

"Relax Mr. Clean!" Joker taunted.

"They are going to find out what we are up to!"

"It doesn't matter!" the Joker said. "We still got the map and Birdboy. I don't think it matters if the League is onto us or not. He will still do everything we ask him to save that bimbo. Besides, he actually gives us an advantage over the Justice League.."

"How?"

"He knows how the Bat thinks more than anyone else!" the Joker revealed.
0000000

I thought a good plot element would be Dick has to seek Donna's help to find the keys which will add more drama to the love triangle or even have him seek Lobo and Artemis's help since they really seem to not care what's going on half the time. But if someone has a better idea, go ahead and run with it. I really want to see what other ideas people have.

LordF

(Former Legion of Doom's temporary headquarters - Hobbs Bay)

Bruce looked at the building and realized two things instantly. The first was that this warehouse was exactly that. It was an extensive warehouse, and secondly he realized that like most of Luthor's businesses this one had been connected to one of his secret labs. It explained where the equipment, weapons, and teleporter had come from. He looked through the small rooms of the barracks the Legion had been using and found almost nothing that would be of help. At least he thought it was almost nothing until he found the room that obviously belonged to Tala. He saw a black stone sitting by itself and knew from experience anything left by a 'magical' being was normally left for a reason.

"Diana, is Xanadu and J'onn still here?" he asked.

"Yes, they are," Diana said.

"Get Xanadu in here. I need her to examine something," Bruce said.

A few moments later Madame Xanadu walked into the room with Diana and looked at Bruce. She almost began to ask until her eyes fell on the stone. She moved toward it and held her hand out. She let out a small gasp and stepped back.

"It's filled with powerful magic, but it's not set to perform any spell. All it's set to do is escape when someone picks it up," Xanadu said as she looked at Bruce.

"So it's a bomb," Bruce said.

"Yes, it's actually a very powerful one. The kind of energy it has stored inside of itself could easily level half of Metropolis," Xanadu stated.

"Can you deactivate it?" Bruce asked.

"Yes and no. I can't release the energy, and I can't change the instructions, but I can give it new instructions," Xanadu said.

"What kind of instructions," Bruce asked.

"Oh I can tell it to release the energy in a more constructive way. A love spell that will affect half of the city, raise the dead, change the weather, open a gateway, or any number of things," Xanadu said.

"Opening a gateway... could you make it open a gateway to where Luthor is?" Bruce asked.

"No... But I can make it open a gateway to the creator of the stone. I would assume that would be the one working with Luthor," she said.

"Good enough. Can I assume that the stone's requirement is if it is moved from the piece of the table it is on. Is that right?" Bruce asked.

"Yes, that's correct," Xanadu said.

Bruce quickly brought out a small laser cutter from his belt and quickly cut around the stone and grabbed the piece of table under it. He carried both the stone and the table under it, together, to the other room.

"Watchtower - Transport me directly to the vault," Bruce said.

In seconds he found himself inside of the vault in the Watchtower and walked toward a status field where he placed the rock and the table piece. He then contacted ordered to be transported back to where Superman was. Seconds later he looked at the man of steel.

"We're going to see what Mr. Terrific has found out," Bruce said before the entire group disappeared in a flash.

(Outskirts of Tunis (Tunisia))

Luthor looked at Nightwing as the young hero awoke. He grinned and then looked toward Galatea who was grimacing in her sleep.

"She's fighting," Dr. Destiny said.

"Yes, but eventually she'll succumb to the torment. After all everyone has a breaking point," Luthor said.

"What do you want," Dick asked.

"Direct and to the point. I respect that. What I want is the key to Heracles cell. Find the pieces, bring them back here and I promise she will be released. After she is you can go and try to get her all of the help she'll need to recover," Luthor said.

"If I don't?" he asked.

"That's a rhetorical question and we both know it. You know me, and you know my associates. There is no reason asking something you already know the answer to," Luthor said.

"Exactly bird brain," Joker said from behind them.

"Joker... I should have known that you would be in on this," Dick said.

"Really?! hmmmm... Maybe I should mix up my work more often!" he exclaimed with a laugh.

"Regardless I believe a time limit is in order. You have twenty-four hours to find the pieces as indicated on the map. Although Dr. Destiny is tormenting your girlfriend I have been assured that he is more than capable of peeking in on you from time to time. If you go to the bat for help you can forget the time limit," Luthor said.

"What if I need help to find the pieces," Dick asked.

"I'm sure one of the Amazons would be far more help than Batman. Now I suggest you get a move on," Luthor said before he pushed an old map into Dick's hands and pressed a few buttons on a teleporter console.

Moments later Dick found himself standing on top of Luthor Corp Towers in Metropolis.

(Themyscira - Donna's Room)

Donna sat trying to clear her mind. The training had helped, but she knew she needed to find a better way of trying to center herself. She groaned when her comm went off and picked it up.

"Troja here," Donna said.

"Donna, it's Dick... I need help," Dick said.

Zatanna was staring at th stone. Xanadu had her eyes closed and was humming.

"I still think we should wait for Fate and Etrigan," Zatanna protested. "It doesn't hurt to have more magic experts here."

"Don't have time," Xanadu muttered. She was feeling the stone. It felt odd. A lot more powerful than she anticipated.

Zatanna's commlink buzzed.

"I'll be back..." she explained. "I'm going to debrief Batman on our progress..."

"Or lack of..." Zatanna thought to herself. She didn't think Xanadu would be able to use the stone to open a gateway to Tala. It seemed to complicated. With that much power, it would be hard to control.

Xanadu didn't even notice Zatanna left and was still humming to herself.

She could feel the stone's power. She was trying to shape it so it would work in her own image. The energy needed to be controlled precisely to the parameters of opening a gateway. One false move and she could be dead.

Xanadu then could feel a presence. She had it. She had it ready. She could opening it right now...

But then she paused. She should have waited for Zatanna and the others get in here. But it took her so long to shape th energy in the right way, this might be the only chance. She knew she couldn't keep the energy bent for long.

Taking a deep breath, Xanadu knocked the stone off the table piece.

000000

Zatanna waited outside the interrogation rooms. Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman were interrogating Mirror Master, Sinestro, and star Sapphire respectively.

Diana was having the easiest with Sinestro due to her lasso. She suggested they do it on all three but Superman and Batman were adamant they interrogate their own way.

Zatanna understood. Superman's cousin was attacked and so he wanted payback. It helped him feel better that he could do something

That was the same reason for Batman. His own son was helpless and even if Diana's lasso would make the job ten times easier, he would rather feel like he is contributing something to not make him feel worthless.

Batman had just thrown Mirror Master against the wall when Zatanna got his attention.

"We'll talk later..." Batman hissed angrily and made his way out.

"What is it?" he asked.

Zatanna sighed.

"Xanadu's trying to manipulate the energy to create the gateway. She thinks she can do it..."

"And what do you think?"

Zatanna sighed.

"I think it's too risky..."

"They have Dick!"

"I know but if she's not careful she could cause an explosion in the Watchtower or banish us into another dimension..."

At that moment Zatanna was interrupted by some thing screaming in pain.

Alarmed, Batman and Zatanna ran. Wonder Woman and Superman heard as well and followed them.

00000

The four heroes ran into the room that Zatanna had left Xanadu.

To their horror they saw that she was lying on the floor lifeless. Her body stiffed as a board.

"Hera..." Diana gasped.

"No!" Zatanna shouted but was restrained by Superman.

"Don't touch her! There might be a trap!"

"There isn't any! Not anymore!" Zatanna shrieked. "If you don't let me go, I might not be able to save her!"

Superman relented and Zatanna went down to her side. Immediately she felt Xanadu's body.

She felt cold like stone. She could not feel a pulse. Zatanna's heartbeat skipped. She couldn't be dead...

Something glowing caught her eye. To Xanadu's side was the wretched stone. It glowed brightly before vanishing.

"What was that?" Diana asked.

Understanding hit Zatanna.

"This was a trick..." she said angrily as she got to her feet.

"Is she..." Superman asked worried.

"She's petrified..." Zatanna explained. "Tala did an old Egyptian spell. She left that rock on purpose to try to hamper are magical abilities. She must have known her, me or one of the mages would try to use it to track her. It was a trap, and we fell for it!"

Zatanna was getting up angrily. How did she not see this coming.

"Will she be alright?"

Zatanna sighed.

"I don't know. There is no way to free the person unless you find the one..."

"Who casted the spell..." Batman muttered darkly. This was getting personal now.

"How long does she have?" Superman asked.

Zatanna gave a defeated sigh.

"She can go on forever as long as her body isn't destroyed. But it does no good if we can't free her."

Diana decided to take charge.

"We'll move her to the med bay. We will put the rest of the League on full alert now. The priority is finding Luthor's hideout!"

"What about J'onn?" Superman asked. "Someone needs to tell him."

The four looked at each other sadly. No one wanted to break the news to J'onn he lost someone else now.

000000

Diana sighed to herself in the room. After trying to interrogate their three prisoners they came up with no new leads. The three villains revealed the extent of Luthor's plan involving Nightwing finding the keys for them, but none of them knew where Luthor was hiding. Typical Luthor to have secret bases he doesn't even tell his own men about. The man thought of everything.

Now not only were they missing Nightwing but Xanadu as well. How many more needed to get hurt?

She hoped Mister Terrific and Question were having luck in recreating the map with Steve. They needed a big break.

She thought of Bruce and how stressed he was right now. She wished he would let her try to comfort him but she knew now was not the time. He needed to do something to keep him alert.

Suddenly a call came from Diana's phone. It was a private phone. One that only Amazons knew. Speaking of which, where the hell was Artemis? She and Lobo had been missing for a while.

She answered the phone hoping it was Artemis or even Donna on Themyscira. She needed a fellow sister to talk to.

"Hello?" Diana asked.

"Daughter..." Diana heard her mother say on the other line.

"Mother?" Diana asked worried. Her mother never called her. "What is it?"

"It's Donna..." Hippolyta explained. "She just left without saying anything..."

LordF

(Astral Plane - Watchtower - Medical Bay)

Nimue looked at her body and rolled her eyes. Zatanna had been right, but then the young mage usually was. She let a small bark of laughter escape her lips. Zatanna was growing in her powers and naturally Nimue was proud of her, and there was so few things that she actually looked back on and really felt any kind of pride about. She had tricked Merlin and almost brought the most noble age of man to a halt, or at least the most noble kingdom to a halt. It had nearly cost Merlin his life, and did cost him several centuries he would have lived if not for her trickery. Naturally it wasn't one of her most proud moments, but then being a devout follower of Morgan wasn't the best career decision at the time either. Her mind stopped thinking on the kingdom of Camelot and she once again thought about Zatanna. Zatanna and her had more in common than dark hair and a killer body. In many ways, more than she really felt comfortable thinking about, she was just as much a parent to the young mage as Zatara. She heard the door open and saw J'onn walk into the room and another swell of pride flooded her. She felt so much pride at the fact that she had found the Martian. Granted she would outlive him. Even without the spell on her she would forever be young and beautiful thanks to her winning a card game against Death. She remembered something she had said to Zatanna once. She would be alive long after every cockroach and Keith Richards had died. Still J'onn wasn't just something to pass the time. She knew his long, long life was near immortal, in a sense, and it gave her time to really open up to him. She wanted to. She wanted to open up, to become closer to him, to share her life with him, and do many of things she had denied herself because of her life span.

"So, the Egyptian sleeping death huh?" came a voice from the corner.

"Hello Death," Nimue said.

"Nimue, it's been a long time. I believe the last time was in England when Nergal attempted to drag Constantine, or at least his bride, into hell. I was surprised that you stepped in," Death said.

Nimue looked at Death and smiled. Most people, actually almost everyone, had no idea that Death had several faces, several bodies, but his or her favorite was the one standing before Nimue right at this moment. She took in the teenage girl's appearance and couldn't keep from smirking. Jet black hair, snow white skin, red lipstick the shade of blood, and pale blue eyes all done up to look like a goth chick. It didn't help that Death was also a knock out in this body, but then so was Nimue.

"So, you're fuckin' the Martian huh?" Death asked.

"It's more than that," Nimue countered.

"Oh, I understand. You know his wife is fine with it. She wants him to be happy, and apparently you've done that for him. Although right now I would say he was fairly upset," Death said.

They both watched J'onn. His face still seemed stoic, but the raw emotion was pouring off of him. Nimue wanted to hold him, let him know that she was okay, but she knew if she did her astral projection would just phase through him.

"I suppose asking you to tell him that I'm still here is out of the question right?" Nimue asked.

"Madame Xanadu! I'm surprised at you! What is all of that talk about the spirits, and rules of the other side?" Death said jokingly.

"We both know that part of it is just showmanship, but seriously could you?" Nimue asked.

"Actually I can't. He's so grief stricken that even if I showed myself to him he wouldn't notice me. All he sees is you in that bed. I'm actually a little jealous," Death replied.

"Great... I wish that I could get my hands on the bitch that did this," Nimue said.

"That I might be able to help with. It would be pulling a few strings, but I could ask Destiny to send a clue on to the Batman. I'm sure he wouldn't mind," Death said.

"That would be of some help, but the Batman won't trust anything from a 'meta'. He'd want to test it, examine it, and ensure that there are not faults in it. It would be far easier to give the clue to the Amazon Princess he's in a relationship with. If you could have Destiny strong arm the Fates into letting her know it might even make her move faster," Nimue said.

"I don't want to mess with them. I don't like messing with the Olympians anyway. The last time I had to go to Olympus it was everything I could do to keep Zeus from backing me into a corner and forcing me to put out. Most of them are nothing but pervs," Death said with a grimace.

"I understand, but they're less likely to do something like that to Destiny," Nimue said.

"I'll ask him, but nothing more than that," Death said.

"Thanks," Nimue said as she moved toward the bed with her body and sat down next to J'onn. She placed her hand above his head and gently stroked it down.

(Ceaser's Palace - Las Vegas Nevada)

Donna looked at the fake Roman structure and tried to keep from laughing. The Romans had practically stolen the architecture, religion, and government from the Greeks, but they had managed to keep it close enough that no one really complained. This however was monstrously wrong with a capital W. The 'guards' were dressed more like emperors than guards, the servant girls looked like temple maidens, and the wine was obviously a cheap product and barely an imitation of the wine back home. It surprised her to no end that the Key would be here, but the map indicated this place. She was certain that it had buried here long before the casino had been built, but they had to find their way to the lowest point of the casino and that was the vault.

"So, any plans Short Pants?" she asked Dick who had decided to ditch his Nightwing costume and instead was dressed as Richard Grayson, adopted son of Billionaire Playboy Bruce Wayne.

"Well, the easiest way is to ask to place something into the vault. We can be escorted down to the viewing room, and from there we'll have to improvise," Dick said.

"So what do you have that would be warranted to be put into the vault?" she asked.

"In about six minutes I should have around thirty million," he answered as he walked toward a black jack table.

Dick looked at the cards and then at the dealer. He did exactly what Bruce had taught him long ago and watched. It didn't take long to figure out what percentage or chance there was of what cards would be played. Dick went in with a bet of two hundred thousand. The moment the pit boss approved it he began. Like he said it took around six minutes and he was up to close to twenty million. He then said he was ready to cash out. The pit boss took him toward the cashier, but he stopped and looked at the Pit Boss and then at Donna.

"You know... The girl I'm with really is interested in seeing Roman and Greek Art Displays, and I hate to disappoint her. I don't feel like carrying this much cash, so would it be possible to put it into your safe?" Dick asked.

"Of course sir. We gladly do that for any of our clients," The pit boss said.

"Do you mind If come down and make sure that it's identified as mine? It would really put my mind at ease," Dick said.

"I understand sir, and no we don't mind. Although we can't allow you into the vault itself, we can take you into a viewing room next to it. The viewing room will allow you to see that it's processed correctly, and we'll even give you the identification tab to pick it up down there," the pit boss said.

"Thanks again so much," Dick said.

Donna and him followed the Pit Boss until they reached the viewing room and the Pit Boss then informed the guards of what they needed to do.

"So, when do we do this?" Donna asked.

"In three, two, one... All right, think that you can make a minor Earth Quake?" Dick asked.

She smiled and walked toward the wall. She began rhythmically pushing on it until the tremors began to shake through the building. Like clockwork the vault and the viewing room, both of which where Earth Quake shelters, sealed up. He then pulled out the map and looked at the floor. According to the map the first piece of the key was located where the viewing room and Vault joined. They walked toward the connection and Donna quickly slammed her foot down on the floor breaking the cement, and then she moved the chunks to see a small silver symbol laying on the ground. She picked it up and looked at Dick. They quickly moved the cement back into hole and waited a few moments. The viewing room unsealed itself and the Pit Boss was outside.

"Mr. Grayson I am so sorry for that... Ummm... Unfortunately your winnings are going to be locked up quite a bit longer since the vault won't open for another six hours," the pit boss said.

"Not a problem. As long as it's safe in there then I don't mind," Dick said.

"Very good sir. Oh, here. These are our golden Emperor Club cards. Present them anywhere in the casino and they will comp you the services for free. It's our way of saying how sorry we for this inconvenience," he said.

(Garr's Place - Altrusian Space - Two solar days from Earth)

Artemis smirked as she looked at the latest drunken idiot who had decided to touch her. It hadn't taken long for her to break his arm, shove his genitals back up inside of him with a swift kick, and then proceed to beat a chair over his head. She was ready for another fight when she heard a constant beep. Growling she pressed the comm on her ear and heard that all leaguers had been placed on Alert. She narrowed her eyes and looked for Lobo. The moment she found him she walked to him and pushed him out of his chair.

"What was that?" he asked.

"Earth, now," she said

(Watchtower - Council Room)

Diana looked at the map that Mr. Terrific and Question had managed to put together. Steve had said that the map had the entire planet on it, and there was several places indicated on it. He also said that the glowed... He didn't know why, but he suspected that it was because it was magical. They looked at the first two places and realized that one was in Las Vegas and the next was in Oklahoma. Actually it was Elkhorn Oklahoma which seemed to take Bruce by surprise. He didn't say why exactly, but he mentioned that the town must have some kind of cosmic importance. J'onn had decided to work with Zatanna in finding Tala and thus finding Lex. Zatanna had suggested that they contact Fate, Etrigan, or if need be even Constantine and combine their abilities and use a tracking spell. Tala might be powerful, but Circe's level she wasn't. She couldn't block a spell if it came from a larger power source than her own.

"If you find her contact us and we'll take them down together," Bruce said.

(Elkhorn - Oklahoma - Two hours later)

The small town famous for being one of the places Jonah Hex hung his had had looked better. Dick looked at the town could see developer signs here and there. More than likely the small ghost of a town would be bulldozed down and destroyed. He looked around and saw the old Saloon. Both he and Donna walked toward it and through the swinging doors on the front. One of the old doors swung in, creaked, and then fell to the ground. According to the map the piece of the key was in here, and before either of them could say a word something twinkled and caught their eye. Above the mirror behind the bar was a small piece that resembled the piece they had already acquired. Dick walked toward it and the first piece began to glow. The moment he got with in a foot of it the other piece reacted and a jolt of power shot out knocking Dick back against the wall. Donna ran toward him and stopped when she heard a groaning sound. She turned and looked at the bar itself. From behind it a skeleton dressed in rags stood up with a shotgun. The long dead man fired the first shot which Donna deflected. She could hear more groaning and saw several skeletons from upstairs coming down the steps each carrying make shift clubs, hand guns, or knives with them.

"We're taking that piece," she said.

She rushed forward and slammed her fist into the skull of the first skeleton causing it to crumble and reached up and grabbed the piece above the mirror. She pulled and it felt she was trying to take the world off of the back of Atlas. Finally the piece budged and she pulled it loose only to see the other skeletons had made it down stairs. She began to face off with them before they began to explode. She looked to see Dick standing with a single 'Robin's Wing' in his hand. He folded the small weapon and placed it back in his utility belt and walked toward Donna.

"I'm guessing that from here on out they're booby trapped," he said.

"It seems that way..." she said as she looked away.

The elephant in the room was standing among them and they both knew it. There was so many unresolved things they wanted to say to one another. It was obvious that they both cared deeply about one another, and that they both loved each other, but Donna knew that Dick was with Galatea, even if only for the moment. She didn't want to cause him any undo pain, nor did she want to do that to Galatea. The clone of Supergirl wasn't completely evil. Yes, she could be a pain in the ass, but she had really changed since she had left CADMUS. It made Donna realize that the Government Agency had most likely brainwashed the poor girl since she was 'born' and made her believe that the Justice League, Superman, and every other hero had the potential to be evil.

She sighed and then looked at Dick again.

"Do you think that we should tell the League about what's going on?" Donna asked.

"We can't. They'll kill her if we do. I... It's my fault she's in this mess. I tried to stress to her before how we need to look professional at all times. I know that they must have seen something that made her a target," Dick said.

"Dick, it's not your fault. Don't believe for a second that it is. We'll get Galatea back, and she'll be fine," Donna said.

The problem was she didn't really believe it. It wasn't that she didn't believe they couldn't get her back, but Galatea's own dream, her vision had been of her dying. Without a doubt she knew that Luthor would be waiting for them on or near Themyscira. That being the case the moment he released Heracles everything was going to go straight to Tartarus. They both could hear the roar of jet engines and Dick looked at Donna. They needed to get out of here before Bruce showed up. They began to sneak out the back door, but Donna stopped and walked toward the mirror. She checked around the mirror and found a small can of grease. She dipped her fingers into it and quickly wrote a message for the league, but specifically Bruce and Diana.

Both Bruce and Diana had heard the sound of something from inside of Saloon and ran toward it to find it empty, with the exception of several bone fragments, but Diana looked toward the mirror and nudged Bruce.

"I'm sorry we didn't fill you guys in on what's going on, but Dick is being watched. If he asks Bruce for help or talks to him in anyway they will kill Galatea. Diana... Sister you must warn Mother and tell her what is going on. She needs to be ready to stop the cell from being opened. We cannot risk having Heracles loosed upon the world again," the message read.

Tunis

Destiny sat beside his prisoner's bed his eyes closed. He was toying with her mind. She was a lot stronger than he had anticipated but she was on the verge of breaking. Everyone breaks...

"How's our project coming along?" Luthor said as he walked in.

Destiny grinned.

"Give it an hour or two and she'll have no will left of her own," he grinned.

"And our delivery boy?"

Destiny closed his eyes before opening them again.

"He has stayed true to his word although he enlisting that Wonder Girl for his help. It is funny though..."

"Why?"

"He loves her too, and she does as well."

Immediately a smile spread across Luthor's face.

"What is it?"

"You just gave me an idea..."

Doctor Destiny just groaned for a second.

"What is it?"

"The boy is trying to contact us. Mind if I connect your mind."

"Go ahead..."

"Hello Nightwing," Luthor asked calmly through his mind. "How is our little business deal going?"

"Bite me," Dick snapped angrily. "Let me talk to Tea!"

"Oh I'm sorry but she is a bit preoccupied right now..."

"Let me talk to her!"

"I'm sorry boy, but you are no position to make demands...Why are you calling us?"

Dick swore before he spoke.

"We got the first two keys but we are having a problem on the third one..."

"Why?"

"It's in the middle of the Central American jungle! It's going to take a lot more than the two of us! We need some extra muscle..."

"You are not calling the League or your girlfriend dies!" Luthor threatened.

"I'm not talking about the League! I'm talking about muscle man! He's from the area! What better guide?"

Luthor paused this could be a trick but then again Nightwing ad a point. Bane could be useful to them and the extra muscle wouldn't hurt. Besides, he wouldn't care if Bane died. The man was outliving his usefulness. Luthor sensed he was trying to over throw him. Best to be rid of him.

"Fine. I will send Bane. He will be teleported to your position in a few minutes. Mark my words though birdboy, the key is the priority. If you don't get it, she dies..."

"Understood," Nightwing said with much hatred before Destiny telepathically cut the feed.

0000000

Tala watched from the crystal ball laughing wickedly as the mages couldn't revive Xanadu. IT was a shame she wasn't able to incapacitate all of them but none would be a match for her, especially with Circe on her side.

Not even that wannabe magician Zatanna. She would be no match for her. She hoped they would face off soon so she could prove who really was the greatest sorceress of all.

"Enjoying yourself dear?" a flirtatious voice called.

Tala turned around to see a purple haired woman.

"I am Madame Circe..." Tala said before bowing her head with respect. She was a fan of Circe's work.

"Dear why so formal? Call me C girl!" Circe said patting Tala on the back.

0000000

(Somewhere in Central America)

"This fraggin' sucks!" Lobo complained. "Why are we here?"

He and Artemis were struggling through the thick jungle. Artemis was using her sword like a machete.

"I over heard Diana saying about Donna leaving a message that she and Nightwing would be heading to Central America!"

"But I thought we weren't 'posed to interfere?"

"I don't care! I'm going to help Donna!" she shrieked angrily as sweat glistened on her body. Lobo was finding her more and more attractive.

There was another reason as well. Diana was upset with how Artemis and Lobo had gone joyriding during this whole crisis. She was trying to redeem her name. She dragged Lobo with her knowing he would be the only person who would be willing to do something under the radar.

"Ya know ya cute when yar pmsing!" Lobo flirted which caused Artemis to let go a branch she was holding back too early that it swung and hit Lobo in the face before he was in the clear.

LordF

(South America - Columbia - Amazon Rainforest)

Dick watched as Bane formed before him. Luthor's teleportation device seemed to be almost as accurate as the League's, but at the moment he didn't care about how advanced the teleportation device Luthor had. All he cared about was finding the damned key and getting Galatea away from those monsters. Bane stretched and popped his back.

"Hello boy, chica," Bane said.

"Look here's the location of the next piece," Dick said as he let Bane look it over.

"Hmmmm... That is going further into the Amazon than advisable, but then I'm certain it was placed there for good reason. Come, I shall lead you to it," Bane said as they began to walk deeper into the dense jungle.

The sounds of piercing animal screams surrounded them, and Dick knew that something had been caught and was most likely being eaten.

"The sounds of home," Bane said nonchalantly.

"I thought you grew up in a prison," Donna stated.

"Very good chica. I did grow up in a prison, but like here it was close to the jungle. We could hear the screams of something being killed, and all of us was thankful that it was not us," Bane replied.

They stopped when Bane lifted his hand. Before them was a large gorge. There was an old suspension bridge that crossed it, but nothing else. Bane turned toward Dick and smiled.

"After you boy," Bane said.

"This is foolish I can fly him across," Donna said as she moved forward.

She grabbed Dick under his arms and lifted him up into the air and then across the gorge and landed on the other side. Bane stepped back several feet and then took off running. He slapped his wrist activating the Venom and leaped across the gorge without any problem. He landed and then struck a tree causing it to splinter and fall across the gorge.

"Now there is a better bridge. Perhaps next time you won't have to depend on the chica," Bane said as he walked ahead of him. "Chica, go above us and see if you can tell how far we have to go."

Donna grumbled and lifted into the air. Her eyes widened as she looked into the distance. She looked back down at Bane and Dick unsure of what to say. She knew that she had only seen him for a second, but she was certain she had seen Lobo, and if Bane saw the space bounty hunter then he would contact Luthor and 'Tea would die.

"There's something ahead. I'll run ahead and check it out," she said as she flew toward where she had seen Lobo.

She dropped to the ground and groaned. There ahead of her was Artemis and Lobo. Artemis smiled as she noticed Donna and moved near her.

"I thought that you could use some help," Artemis said.

"Turn around and leave," Donna growled.

"Why?" Artemis asked.

"If Bane sees you here he will report it to Luthor, and if Luthor finds out then Galatea is dead," Donna said simply.

"Frag that, We jump the geek, take him out of the equation," Lobo said.

"He's leading us to the next piece you idiot!" Donna shouted.

"Then we wait until he gets you there," Lobo said with a smirk.

"Hera give me strength," Donna sighed.

"He sees you, he contacts Luthor," Donna said it slowly.

"I see him I put a blaster up his ass," Lobo said back just as slowly as he raised a blaster.

Donna grumbled and looked back where she had just came from.

"Don't let him see you," she said.

She lifted into the air and flew back toward Bane. The large man looked at her and then smirked.

"What did you see Chica?" he asked.

"A dumb animal," she said.

"The jungle is filled with animals, but none of them are dumb," he stated.

They began to walk and Bane changed directions. After another two hours they stopped before a large temple.

"According to your map the piece should be inside," Bane said.

"Good enough for me," Lobo said as he jumped toward Bane and caught him with a haymaker.

The large man slammed into the wall of the temple and groaned for a second before he slapped his wrist and grabbed a large piece of sand stone and threw it at Lobo.

"I'll squash your head like a grape!" Bane shouted.

Lobo shot the sand stone and it blew into a thousand pieces. He ran toward Bane and the two of them locked hands.

"The moment I finish you with Puta I will contact Luthor and have him kill the girl. It is a shame. She is quite beautiful, and the noises she makes are quite musical," Bane said.

Dick launched several Robin Wings at Bane. One of them hit the line he used for his Venom causing it to surge and make him scream in pain. Dick then ran forward and slammed his foot into Bane's face causing the large man to stumble. Before anyone could do anything else Artemis ran with a battle cry and struck Bane hard with a branch from the tree. The big man groaned and fell to the ground.

"Nice work babe," Lobo said.

"Now, tell me what is happening exactly," Artemis said.

Once the entire story was complete Artemis looked unhinged.

"We must go to Themyscira at once," she said.

"Sweet," Lobo said as a smile crossed his face.

"Oh no, you're not going. I can promise you that if you so much as step foot one on Themyscira mother will have you made into an Eunuch," Donna said.

(Galatea's mind - Torture chamber)

'Tea kept her mind on Dick. She focused all of her energy on thinking about how he looked, how he smelled, the way he smiled, and the way it felt when he made love to her. She felt the bite of the whip across her back again and stifled a cry. The bastard wasn't going to get another tear from her. He wouldn't break her. Dick released her, showed her how to strengthen her mind, and by God she had. She felt another crack of the whip and kept from crying.

"You owe me a scream," Destiny said.

"Go fuck yourself," she said.

The whip cracked again.

"Scream," he said simply.

"Fuck you and the horse you rode in on," she said defiantly.

"Perhaps I should change tactics. After all physical pain you seem to handle, but what would happen if I did something else to you?" he asked as he neared her.

She felt all of the cuts and bruises heal on her back and ass. Her clothes was still ripped, but it didn't matter. He hadn't broken her and he wouldn't. She felt him do something she didn't expect. He gently touched her face.

"You are quite lovely aren't you?" he asked as he leaned toward her.

"No," she said as she tried to move her head.

She found it impossible and instead closed her eyes tightly. She felt herself kissing bone for a moment and then it changed. There was lips, the soft scratchy feeling of whiskers, and a tongue which traced her upper lip. She clenched her lips together tightly refusing to budge.

"Oh, you don't have to kiss me. I've came up with another idea, and to be honest Luthor seems supportive... Although he asked you be dressed differently," Destiny said.

Galatea opened her eyes to see that she was no longer in her White body suit, but was instead in a plastic looking version of Kara's old Supergirl outfit. She looked to her side and saw Luthor standing there.

"I believe I shall enjoy having this much power over you," he said as he walked toward her.

No... NO!" she screamed

(Above Themyscira - Batwing)

Bruce looked at Diana as she looked outside. It was obvious she wasn't sure about dropping down and telling her mother what was going on. Still her sisters needed to know, and they needed to be ready for Luthor when he came.

(Tunis - Legion of Doom's new headquarters)

Luthor looked at the inner council and groaned. It was fairly obvious that they were getting low on people. They needed someone intelligent, especially if Bane had fallen, as he hoped. He began to think when Joker pointed out an obvious flaw in everyone's logic.

"So Lexie, what are you going to do with the Amazons when we get there? Do you have some kind plan?" Joker asked with a laugh.

"I'm working on it," Luthor said.

"You know if it was me... I would get someone who could help me, and at the same time wouldn't want much more than to watch his handy work," Joker said.

"Who are you suggesting?"

"Why old Scarecrow! Crainie would just want to make those amazons so scared they couldn't see straight, and at the same time it would let you get to Heracles," Joker said laughing.

"How do we get him out of Arkham?" Luthor asked.

"Oh, I'm already taken care of that," Joker replied.

(Arkham Asylum - courtyard)

Dr. Jonathan Crane looked around and grumbled to himself. The doctors here had taken away his notes, his gas, and his mask. He walked toward the edge of the courtyard when a large purple and green blimp appeared over them. Something fell from it and landed in front of him. He looked at it and realized it was a purple and green present with a tag written in crayon.

"Open Me," it said.

He opened it and inside was as a Gas Mask which looked similar to his Scarecrow mask. There was a tag on it as well.

"Put me on," it read.

He pulled it over his head and as soon as he did a cloud of greenish gas began to fall on the courtyard. Everyone around him began laughing hysterically.

"Come on Doc! Mysta J doesn't like to be kept a waiting!" Harley said over a PA system.

Grendle

J'onn stood looking over the stone body of Nimue, and all he can feel is powerless and defeated. He thinks back on all the talks they had shared, and then...then he'd imagined what she'd think of him in this state, and his eyes go cold. He is the last Martian, and in his long life he has been a hero of two worlds. One...he failed, and that is enough failure for a lifetime, even one as long as his. Resolute he marches back to his room, closes and locks the door, and disables all communication between the inside of the room and outside world. What he is planning to do requires complete concentration. And it is going to hurt.
He stands in the exact center of the sparse room for a second and simply breathes, then he begins to shapeshift. He drops the form of the hero of Earth (a form so simple and familiar for him that he often barely realizes that it isn't his true shape) and relaxes into his real body. He breaths again then orders the computer to change the atmosphere to Mars normal. He can breath Earth's air perfectly fine, but this will help him to concentrate, and he needs all the help he can get. That done he reaches out his mind and begins searching for Galatea.
It doesn't take him long to find it, it is the only one with psychic heat radiating off of it like nuclear fire. He knows that to try and breach the outside and actually interact with the poor girl's mind, he will feel like true fire is consuming him. Memories, both his own and those held by his entire race is ancient genes that reach back millennia cry out in fear and demand that he approach no further. He ignores them and pushes inside.
It is no secret that fire is J'onn's Achilles's Heel, and his enemies often employ it against him, so he has many times felt the flame's embrace. All those moments of burning agony combined together would not match the searing pain J'onn now finds himself in. The fire feels like it engulfs his skin as if it were water and he had just dived into the ocean, it also scars him from his mouth all the way through his digestive tract, and boils his eyes and since it is not real there is no hope of death to free him from it. Every synapse in his brain orders him backwards, but somehow he pushes forward. The Martian has no idea how long he spends in this hell, for him it could be anywhere from years to centuries, but eventually he does push through.
He makes it to 'Tea's mind and discovers a hell of a different type. Here the poor girl kneels in a garish costume in front of a tall image of Luthor as he spits on her and hits her in the face, the whole time calling her demeaning things. The Kryptonian struggles vainly as her arm is forced to move against her will and reach up for the zipper on Luthor's pants. Having enough of such things, J'onn steps forward, grabs "Luthor" by the throat, and lifts him up off his feet.
'Tea looks up at the green alien and asks, "J'onn?"
The Martian Manhunter looks away from Doctor Destiny, who has now dropped the guise of Luthor and is struggling against J'onn's grip, at 'Tea before gently resting his hand on her head. "Awake from this Nightmare Galatea, and forget all you were forced to endure," he says, and then in another moment she's gone, leaving the two psychics behind.
"How...did you get...around the spell?" Destiny struggles to asks.
J'onn looks up at him, then reaches forward and (painfully) rips off the guise of Doctor Destiny, leaving John Dee naked in his grasp. "I didn't. I went though it. Mr. Dee, did you know that life time we met I showed mercy on you? This time will be much different," J'onn tells him.

...

Back at the Legion's hideout, Luthor is working with the newly freed Doctor Crane on a delivery system for his weapon when suddenly he hears screams from the Kryptonian's prison. A man's screams. Luthor runs to the room only for the screams to stop before he gets there. When he finally gets through the door he finds John Dee eyes wide and drooling on the floor. "Tala!" Luthor orders as he kneels down next to the psychic.
The sorceress stumbles forward, rubbing her head in pain. "He...the Martian just sort of, pushed through the spell," she says.
"I though you guaranteed me that if he so much as looked at Doctor Destiny's mind it would feel like his own had burst into flames," Lex accuses.
"I did, and the spell worked," Tala answers. "Looks like pain wasn't enough."
Across the room, weak from the mental torture and the Kryptonite still near her, Galatea laughs. "Probably shouldn't have relied so much on your psychic, huh rich boy?" she asks.
Lex stands. "Fix him the way you did before, then cast a better spell to protect his mind and get him back to work," he orders Tala as he sneers at the blond Kryptonian.
Tala does as she is told and kneels down next to Destiny, but a second later he looks back up at Luthor and says, "Lex...there's nothing to fix."
"What?" Luthor asks, looking back down at her.
"What I mean is, Dee might be breathing, but there's nothing in here," Tala answers, pointing at Destiny's forehead.
Luthor sighs and says, "Make sure she stays restrained," before leaving. We he gets back to Scarecrow, Lex tells him. "We are going to have to alter the plan somewhat..."

...

Nightwing and Troia finally return to the Legion's base. They are at the door and have Lobo and Artemis hiding in wait to assist when everything inevitably goes to hell, when finally the open it and step through to find...nothing. The entire building is empty except for some pieces of furniture and a note on the other side of the door that reads:

Mr. Boy Wonder,

We had to make a small change. Now if you want your girlfriend back you'll have to bring the key to Themyscira, and hand it to me outside of Herakles's cell.

-Luthor

...

Herakles's sits waiting next to the wall of his cell when a very familiar face appears on the other side of the bared hole in the door. "Hello brother," Eris greets him.
"Hello Eris," he answers in a level voice. "Just here to mock the caged beast, or had Hippolyta decided to allow me conjugal visits?"
"We are not married brother, and while having my way with you with you with several hundred years of pent up energy sounds fun, I'm actually organizing your escape," she tells him.
"Only Mortal hands may open that door," the hairy strong man says.
"A trivial matter for me, I already have things in motion to free you from you bounds. In a few hours you will leave you small dark cell, that I promise," she answers.
Herakles's blinks at this. "Thank you," he tells her.
"Thank your father, he was the one who freed me from my (far more pleasant but still boring) confinement," she tells him before disappearing.
The demigod thinks upon this. Then he stands and cracks every joint in his body. "Freedom, even just a taste of it...dare I wish it?" he asks himself. "Guard!" he shouts, calling the attention of a nearby Amazon. As soon as he sees her look into his cell he says, "I request the presence of your queen."
"I can tell you to go to shut up and go to Tartarus as easily as she can," the guard tells him.
"In all of my long years here, have I ever asked for anything?" he asks her.
The guard gives him a look before leaving. A few minutes later Hippolyta stands before his cell. "What?" she asks simply.
"The gods themselves have promised me freedom before this day ends," he tells her.
"The gods often fail to keep their promises," the Queen answers.
"My offer still stands," he tells her. "I have no more rage in my heart, and all thoughts of vengeance have died. Allow me freedom and I shall leave you in peace."
Hippolyta seems to truly consider it for a moment. "No," she answers. "Whatever you might have been earlier in life you are a monster now, and I refuse to willing unleash a monster on to this world."
Herakles's sighs. "Very well," he says, as he watches her walk away.

Luthor and Joker waited with Tala and some other Legion dumb muscle for Scarecrow to get ready to disperse the gas below Themyscira. They were in a blimp owned by Luthcorp with cloaking technology. None of the League could detect it.

"So what's the plan?" Joker asked as he spun in his chair wildly.

Luthor didn't answer.

"You know if you had listened to me earlier, we probably would have already unleashed Heracles. You had to go try to kill Steve Trevor and alert that Martian of our plan..."

"Shut up!"

Joker just let out a cackle.

"Lexie calm down! I just want to know what you are planning on doing with...her," Joker beckoned to Galatea who was unconscious and restrained.

"I have no use for her. We'll probably kill her as soon as they give us the keys..."

"You know that bird brat and Wonder brat will try to do something funny!"

Luthor grinned.

"Destiny may no longer be useful to us because he underestimated the Martian, but he did manage to get us vital intel that will ensure they will not try to stop us..."

"What's that?"

Luthor grinned.

"Nightwing is in love with Wonder Girl as well."

Joker grinned excitedly.

"Yes Lexi! You're learning how to play the game! What are you going to do?"

"Make him have to choose which women he loves more..." Luthor said calmly.

000000000

Zatanna had her eyes closed. She still had not been able to free Madame Xanadu yet.

"Are you alright?" she heard Mike ask.

"I'm fine Mike. Just nothing seemed to work. I've tried everything."

Mike pulled her into an embrace and kissed her on the forehead.

"I believe in you babe."

Not too far away J'onn was meditating. His telepathic attack on Destiny was painful but he succeeded. Destiny was out of the game now. They shouldn't have messed with Xanadu...

The problem was he still could not detect the other members due to Tala's protection. She must have been aided by Circe or some divine power. Not even Doctor Fate could detect her.

00000000

Batman and Diana sat quietly together in the plane above Themyscira. Neither willing to talk. Both of their family members were in danger and they had no confirmation if they were alright.

Suddenly Superman buzzed on the commlink.

"Batman?" Superman asked. "Someone broke into the Fortress!"

"What?"

"Well they somehow managed to open the door and left it open..."

"Anything stolen?"

"Well I'm not sure other than Lobo's bike..."

"Why would anyone want Lobo's bike?"

"I don't know, nothing else seems to be stolen..."

"Because it was probably Lobo you idiot!" Batman responded angrily. He had more important things to worry about.

"Bruce! I was just calling to see if it could be any use! You never know..."

"Don't waste my time! Get your ass over to Themyscira. We are going to need all the muscle we can get!"

With that Bruce hung angrily.

"You didn't have to be so mean to him," Diana said.

"He's been distracted by stupid problems."

"Well at least we know what Artemis and Lobo have been doing..."

"Batman!" Mister Terrific buzzed in. "We sent a team down to the location of the last key based on the map!"

"Did you get the key?"

"Well know but we got Bane..."

"What?"

"We got Bane. He was supposed to help Nightwing and Donna and he says they double crossed him. Says a tall woman and a big white thug beat him up..."

Batman and Diana slowly looked at each other. Lobo and Artemis were actually helping the League?

Suddenly an idea hit Batman.

He hung up on Mister Terrific and began to type something on his personal computer.

"What are you doing?"

"When I took Lobo's bike away I put a tracker on it so we could keep tabs on him when he got it back. If he is with Artemis, then they definitely are with Dick and Donna!"

The screen showed a red beeping light moving along the Mediterranean.

"They're on their way here," Batman remarked a little relieved.

"That means Luthor and his Legion are going to get here soon."

"We'll be ready," Batman said as he called Mister Terrific again. "Make sure everyone is on standby to get teleported to Themyscira!"

000000
Mister Terrific sent out the call.

Maxima and Steel were looking at wedding plans when they received it.

"Oh good! Another chance for my future husband to prove his worth!" Maxima said excitedly.

The message went to Booster Gold and Doctor Light as they were in her house.

Booster Gold was hitting off well with her two children.

Booster Gold looked to his girlfriend when they received the message to get ready to be teleported to Themyscira on a moment's notice.

"I'll call a baby sitter," she said as she got her costume on.

The message reached Shayera while she was working out in the training room.

Good. About time she got in a real fight.

The only people who were ignoring the message were Zatanna and Mike. Zatanna refused to leave Xanadu's die and Mike refused to leave hers.

"Come on babe, they need us!"

"I don't care. They have Etrigan and Fate. I'm useless to them..."

"You aren't," said a calm voice.

Zatanna and Miek turned around to see the Martian had returned from his meditation.

"J'onn..."

"Zatanna you have fought Circe before. You can handle her..."

"She would have beat us if Bruce didn't offer a deal J'onn! Besides she has Tala as well."

J'onn smiled at her.

"You'll have Doctor Fate and Etrigan to help. But only you have the ability to stop it."

Zatanna shook her head.

"I can't J'onn. It's my fault she's like this!" Zatanna said pointing to Nimue.

"She doesn't blame you for that. I don't either. You can help her. You're the only one who can," J'onn said giving her an encouraging look.

The reassurance from J'onn was enough to inspire some confidence into Zatanna.

Zatanna took one look at Nimue before turning around. Tala and Circe were going to pay for that.

"Let's go," she said as she put on her hat.

"You got it babe!" Miek said and followed her out excitedly.

J'onn smiled before following them out. He took one last look at Nimue's body before leaving.

"I'll be here when you wake up," he promised before leaving.
000000

Dick was being carried by Donna who wasn't too please to her side was Lobo riding his bike with Artemis sitting behind him.

"You know your mother is going to kill you for bringing him to the island..." Dick remarked.

"Would you rather have him trying to sneak on himself?" she shot back. "You know he would invite himself like he always does!"

Dick couldn't help but smirk a little. Thank God he had Donna.

"Hey Donna," he whispered. This might be the last time he would have a moment to talk to her.

Donna bent her head down so she could hear him.

"Thanks for everything."

"No problem Short Pants," she replied. "Dick, just so you know, whatever happens, I love you and always will and its cool if you want to be with Galatea We will always be friends and nothing can change that. You know you can't change history and we have a ton of history."

Dick smiled as a warmth spread through his body. He remembered the first he saw Donna as she flew in to help the fledgling group of teenaged superheroes. Her smile sparkled for everyone to see. His mind rushed with all the adventures they had, all the times she was right there by his side helping him no matter what. Always a constant until she wasn't. He closed his eyes as he remembered the gaping hole her death had caused in his heart. He never wanted to feel that again...

"We are almost there. Lobo, slow down and drop me on the beach," Artemis commanded.

"Babe, I got no problem takin' ya all the way," Lobo smirked.

"Absolutely not, I cannot arrive with you and have my sisters see," Artemis screamed. "It is unacceptable."

"Babe, I"m startin' ta think you're ashamed of me," Lobo said with a touch of humor in his voice.

"Of course I am," Artemis stated matter of factually.

"What!" Lobo screeched in shock. "Ya can't be serious."

"You are a filthy beast of a man. A womanizer, a user and a bit of an idiot. You are everything we hate about men. And I want you badly. I am a disgrace," Artemis stated. "So please drop me on the beach."

Lobo was somewhere between insulted and turned on when Dick ordered, "Why don't you two both land on the beach and stay out of sight until I or someone from the League calls you. Luthor isn't expecting you and you can't help with the element of surprise."

Artemis and Lobo agreed and the two pairs split up. As Donna and he headed for Herakles's cage, his gut burned with a sense of foreboding...

Kallisto

John made his way down the corridor, stopping in front of the doors to the Watchtower training room. He could hear sounds of destruction coming from within, Shayera was definitely in there.

He entered the code and the doors slid open to reveal Shayera taking on several of the training bots. She was soaring, diving, and spinning, wielding her mace with expert skill while tearing through metal like it was tissue. Her hair was in a ponytail, and she was wearing black athletic pants and a purple sports bra that showed off the lean, muscular curves of her body.

God she's beautiful, John thought to himself. He never tired of seeing her in action, there were few times she ever seemed so happy and obviously enjoying herself than in the midst of battle.

Shayera finished off the last training bot before landing on the ground in front of him. Her skin glowed from exertion and the smile she gave him was radiant. For a moment John completely forgot what he was going to say.

She slung her mace over her shoulder and put a hand on her hip. "You made it."

"I…yes." He tore his eyes away from her and glanced around the room, surveying the destruction. "Saying Batman will be upset about this is an understatement."

"He'll get over it. Besides, I expect he'll be in a much better mood from now on considering he finally got la-"

"What?"

Damn. She almost let slip what they had seen on Zatanna's crystal ball. No one was supposed to know that they knew. Yeah, good luck keeping that a secret.

"He uh, finally got a la…latte, I saw him get one, have you tried those? That delicious frothy goodness will put anyone in a better mood. Flash has been trying to get Batman to try one for months and he finally gave in." What the hell was she saying? She didn't know, words just kept tumbling out of her mouth.

John stared at her like he didn't believe a word she just said. He knew her too well, there was no way she could get away with lying to him.

She quickly changed the subject. "So, you saw my dating profile."

"I did."

"Thoughts?"

"I signed up for your rugby league."

Shayera smirked.

John took a step toward her. "What I want to know is why you chose not to talk with me privately? You didn't have to splash our personal business across a dating site for the entire League to see."

"Excuse me, but I'll splash my personal business wherever I want."

"You could have just let me know what you wanted."

She frowned. "And you could have just asked me how I felt."

"Must you always be so difficult?"

"I don't try to be. Maybe you just have a talent for bringing out my stubborn side."

"As if anyone needed a talent for that."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

John sighed in frustration, the conversation was deteriorating rapidly. "Forget it. I didn't come here to argue."

Shayera closed the distance between them and looked him straight in the eyes. "Why did you come here then?" she demanded.

John looked into her beautiful emerald eyes and decided to lay it all on the line. "I came here, because I wanted to tell you...that I can't stand to lose you again." His eyes pleaded with her as he spoke. "Don't move on. Stay here…with me."

"What about Vixen?"

"We're not together anymore."

She looked down at the floor for a moment before meeting his gaze once again. "So what do you suggest we do?"

"I was hoping we could go on a date. I'll wear a tux, you can wear a dress, I'll bring flowers, we'll go to a nice restaurant and enjoy a quiet, romantic evening."

The look of horror on Shayera's face made John want to laugh. "It's a traditional date, unless you'd rather go to the movies," he offered.

She studied him for a moment, then smiled mischievously. "I have a better idea."

"Let's hear it."

"Saturday, meet back here at five o'clock. Make sure your ring is charged. We'll be heading off planet."

"May I ask where?"

She walked over to her water bottle and took a long drink before answering him. "Omega Quadrant, third moon of Galtos."

Before John could reply Shayera's comm link buzzed. She listened as Mister Terrific filled her in on the current situation. "Got it. Hawkgirl out."

"What is it?" he asked.

She reached for a tank top and pulled it on over her sports bra. "Something big is going down on Themyscira. We need to be there."

"Wait, what kind of something?"

Shayera grabbed her mace. "I'll fill you in on the way, right now we need to move."

Without another word Shayera and John left the training room and headed for the Watchtower teleporters.

LordF

(Themyscira - Palace steps)

The sounds of screaming caused Donna to pause as she neared the doors of the palace. The voices screaming inside were people she had never heard scream. She could hear her mother, Philippus, Mala, and Magala screaming in terror among others. Both her and Dick opened the doors to see the amazons screaming, clawing, fighting, ripping their own hair out, and in some cases cringing in fear. In the middle of it seeming in a state of bliss was Dr. Jonathan Crane, the Scarecrow, laughing in delight as he stood over Hippolyta.

"Yes, yes so much information! Metas can succumb to my fear toxin! I knew that it could be made powerful enough... What do you see?" he asked as the queen of the Amazons screamed in terror.

Dick quickly threw a bird-a-rang and hit the Doctor in the back of the head causing him to stumble forward. He turned around, but not in time to blast Donna who crossed the distance and threw him into the wall knocking him out. She looked at her mother who was still screaming and ripping at her hair. Dick neared her and removed a sedative from his belt. He quickly gave it to Hippolyta and watched as she calmed down quite a bit.

"Luthor will pay for this," Donna said as she stood.

Her eyes narrowed as she looked toward the stairwell leading down to the gates of Tartarus and the cell which enclosed Heracles. She didn't hear the sound of Diana's footsteps, nor did she hear her sister's gasp at the sight before them. She rushed forward toward the stairwell and rushed down it. Dick ran after her and the moment they arrived downstairs Donna was greeted by Bizarro, who had been brought by Luthor, and was punched into the wall.

"Me am no supposed to take key later," Bizzaro said in his odd way of speaking.

"I suggest that you give him the key, or better yet give it to me," Lex said as he stood with a confident smirk on his face.

Dick neared the bottom of the stairs and looked at Bizzaro holding Donna against the wall and then looked at Luthor. He could see 'Tea laying in pain and growled. Slowly he neared Luthor with the Key.

"Release her," he said.

"Ummmm... No, I have no reason to release her," Luthor said as he pulled a gun.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Dick exclaimed.

"Open the cage," Luthor said.

"What?!" Dick shouted the question.

"The legend says only a mortal can open it. I've never trusted anything magical or mystical and I know that they come with a price. So open the cage, or you can choose which one of your lady friends dies first," Luthor said with a sneer.

Dick looked toward the cage and closed his eyes. He walked toward it and the key began to pull itself together. He looked at the beastly looking man inside and wondered what kind of hell was getting ready to be released.

"Unlock it," Luthor said coldly.

Dick swallowed the lump in his throat and pushed the key into the cell. He watched as it unlocked and then the force of Heracles slamming his fist against it knocked Dick back. It actually knocked him toward Galatea and when he landed he used the distraction caused by the demigod to throw the Kryptonite laying by Galatea away from her. She breathed out a sigh of relief and looked at Dick. She tried to move her arm, but he could see the shackles she was in. He began to reach down and help her when something picked him up and threw him, but he dropped the lock pick he was going to use and Galatea moved on her side and picked the lock pick up with her hands.

Quickly she worked with the pick and after a few minutes the shackles on her wrists and ankles came loose. She then turned her attention to Tala who was using her magic to hold Dick against the wall. Beside her a canister of Scarecrow's fear toxin began to float toward them. Before she could do anything else the chain from the shackle wrapped around Tala's throat holding her in a choke hold.

"Time to sleep," Galatea said as Tala's eyes closed and she fell unconscious.

'Tea turned around to see Batman, Diana, Superman, Kara, Shayera, John, Zatanna, Bewanna Beast, J'onn, Maxima, Steel, Artemis, and Lobo downing fighting the Legion of Doom. She then turned to see Heracles grab a black iron club.

The demigod looked at those around him and spotted Diana first. The once brazen demigod had long since changed, but he recognized the smell of Hippolyta. The thousand yard stare in his eyes told the tell of a man who had been in prison for far too long.

"I'm leaving and anyone who gets in my way will die," Heracles said as he moved toward the steps.

"Wait I didn't set you free just to let you go!" Luthor shouted.

"You didn't set me free. The one responsible is my sister," Heracles said toward Luthor.

"Boss, what do you want us to do?" one of Joker's henchmen asked.

"Hmmmm... Well if he isn't going to help then kill him," Joker said off offhandedly.

Both of the Henchmen ran toward Heracles with their rifles out and a moment later both of them was killed by the demigod as he crushed their heads and moved toward the stairwell.

"You haven't paid for you sins," Diana said as she narrowed her eyes.

Heracles looked toward her and rolled his eyes.

"I have no desire to take vengeance on old scores. Leave me alone and I won't kill any of you, but if even one of you attack me I will slay the entire lot of you and leave anyway," Heracles said.

"By order of Queen Hera, I can not allow you to leave," Diana said as she flew toward him.

Heracles waited, caught her and threw her against the wall. He turned as Superman flew toward him and caught the him with a haymaker. The son of Zeus stood after taking the hit and spat out a little blood. He turned back toward Superman and hit him hard in the stomach. The force of it doubled Clark over in pain. He slammed his knee into Clark's face breaking his nose and knocking him back. He didn't stop either. He moved forward and stomped on Clark's chest and the sickening sound of bones breaking could be heard. Kara flew toward him, but he simply grabbed her and threw her toward his cell. It closed and locked her inside of it.

"I do not envy you taking my place," Heracles said.

"Dick, do you have one of those solar radiation flashes?" Galatea asked.

He looked at her and knew what she was talking about. The flashes was basically contained solar radiation and they had used it before to give her a quick charge. He lifted two and she held them both letting them go off and returning quite a bit of her power back to her. She then flew up behind Heracles and wrapped her arms under his arms and behind his head in an attempt to hold him. He slammed her back into the wall and she groaned, but held on. He did it again and she slacked off just enough for him to grab her arm and toss her toward the gates of Tartarus. He then looked back at Diana. The princess had once again risen and moved toward him ready to stop him from achieving his freedom. The others began to attempt to stop him from leaving. Luthor still fuming at the fact that he wasn't going to follow him looked toward Bizzaro and ordered him to stop Heracles. Bizzaro moved forward and attacked the son of Zeus for a moment before he suffered the same fate as Clark; however, it allowed Lex to escape upstairs.

Bruce threw several explosive bat-a-rangs toward the demigod and watched as he shrugged them off. He tried to backhand the dark knight, but missed as Bruce jumped over him and kicked off of him hoping to knock him off balance. He looked to see Galatea flying back toward the Demigod. She landed a kick on his back and caused him to stumble. Freed from the Legion's grasp Donna joined in the fight as did Maxima, Shayera and Artemis. Along side them Steel, John, Bruce, Dick, Lobo, J'onn, and Bawanna beast helped as Zatanna attempted to find a way of stopping the demigod through magic. Still the combined efforts seemed to only be slowing the son of Zeus down. It was as if Zeus himself was pouring energy into Heracles.

That has to be it, Diana thought as she realized what was going on. Before Zeus hadn't helped because he didn't want to deal with Hera's retaliation, but it was obvious that he was giving Heracles the power to overcome them. She didn't like the idea of it, but she needed someone who could do the same for her.

"Hades, I have no great love for you, but if you ever claimed to be my father then aid me now," Diana said.

Heracles grabbed Artemis and crushed her wrist taking her sword in the process. He drew the sword back in his hand made to strike it forward. His arm stopped as someone held on to it. He turned to see Galatea glowing and the faint outline of Apollo behind her.

"So brother you dare stand against father's will?" Heracles asked.

"Hera has commanded that I aid the sacrifice in your defeat. Your will and father's will are nothing compared to Hera if she is denied her request. Tartarus has no fury like a woman scorned," Apollo said.

"Perhaps, but then I don't care what 'Lady Hera' desires," Heracles said as he pulled his arm from Galatea. He made to swipe the blade at Donna, to thrust it into her breast and kill her, but Galatea moved and redirected the sword. It buried deep in her chest and she groaned as Heracles pulled it back.

"Stupid girl," Heracles said.

"Perhaps, but then it was her fate. A voice said as a form became solid. He reached out toward Diana and a terrible, and amazing amount of power flooded into her.

"You asked for my help daughter, and a way was given. I have fulfilled my obligation as a parent," Hades said.

Diana let a battle cry escape her lips as she moved forward and matched Heracles in strength. Diana felt something grab her and punch her hard in the back. The goddess of Discord laughed evilly from behind her.

"Your death will mean a great amount of discord Diana. The world will loose its beacon of hope," Eris said evilly.

"You know Harley, it's time like these I think we overstayed our welcome..."

And with that the Joker and Harley ran away, hoping to catch the blimp. Luthor was following them screaming them to wait.

Batman glared. He knew the Joker was behind this. This had his name written all over. He hated to leave his friends, but at times like these he had to admit, he was powerless against immortals.

But he wasn't going to let the Joker get away, not this time.

Batman sprinted after the Joker, intent on not allowing that psychopath to escape.

He descended to upper levels just in time to see them taking off in a blimp.

Shooting his grapple, Batman latched on, intending to catch his foe.

0000000

Circe was having so much fun shooting enchantments everywhere. She loved causing trouble with Eris. She had already incapacitated the two mages (Fate and Etrigan) on the island. She had descended into the entrance to Tartarus to join the fray.

She shot a painful spell at the Martian. She enjoyed hearing his screams.

"Hey!" a voice called.

Circe turned around to see Zatanna staring at her.

Circe laughed.

"Pathetic mortal! You are no match for a goddess!"

"You wanna a bet?" Zatanna threatened pulling out her wand.

Circe just smiled.

"Very well..." as she shot a powerful blast at Zatanna.

0000000

Lobo was helping Artemis up.

"You alright..."

BOOM!

Bizarro had crashed into them sending Artemis and Lobo flying.

"Me like you! Me don't want to kill you!"

"Well ya doin' a lousy job!" Lobo complained not understanding Bizarro's background logic. Lobo then noticed Artemis. She looked like she was barely unconscious.

"Artemis!" he shouted and rushed to her side.

Artemis started laughing.

"That's...the...first...time...you...called...me...by...my...name..." she said weakly.

Immediately rage overcame Lobo. He turned around glaring at Artemis.

"Nobody beats my girl but me!"

With full fury Lobo charged at Bizarro and began to wrestle him midair.

It did not take Artemis to regain her bearing. She looked up to see Lobo beating the shit out of Bizarro while yelling at him for killing his girlfriend.

Artemis could not help but grin and looked at some Amazons who had joined the fight and were puzzled by Lobo's twisted display of chivalry.

"That's my man," Artemis said proudly, deciding to not let Lobo she was alright yet. She enjoyed watching him beat the crap out of people for her.

LordF

(The Blimp above Themyscira)

"It's a shame that we didn't get to watch old batsy bite the last burrito, but it was worth it!" Joker squealed.

"You idiot this entire expedition was a complete failure!" Luthor exclaimed.

"Failure nothing, we released someone who simply wanted to leave and the Justice League made him attack them! It was like watching someone push a button marked 'Don't push!'" Joker said with a since delight.

The lights inside of the blimp flickered before they went completely off.

"Mysta J is that you?" Harley asked before a few punches landed.

"Batsy! I know that you're up here with me. After all what's a party without best reason for having one?!" Joker laughed.

"Do you realize what you've done?" Bruce asked from the darkness.

"I've reset our game Batman. It's back to you and me," Joker said as he moved toward the window.

A gun fired and several more punches landed before Luthor's body flew toward Joker and crashed into him. Joker groaned as Bruce neared him.

"You know... for once... I'm caught without a punchline," Joker said.

(Under Themyscira)

Steel groaned as his suit lost power. He had stepped in and tried to help fight Heracles when Diana turned on Eris. The moment the demigod had punched Maxima he jumped into the fray and increased the output of the suit several times. It actually caused him to be on par with Superman when he had absorbed massive amounts of yellow sunlight. The problem was that the suit's power cells (which was designed to last several times longer) was starting to become completely drained. He felt a punch which dented in his armor and felt it cut into him. Two arms caught him and he felt them pull him away. He felt a liquid warmth attempting to pool up and knew that he was bleeding. Before he could say a word his suit was being ripped away from him like tissue paper.

"You will not leave me!" Maxima shouted as she worked to bind his wound.

(Several feet away)

Galatea groaned. She was bleeding and bleeding bad. The blade had missed her heart, but she knew without exposure to the sun she was going to die. There was a chance that she would anyway. Slowly she stood and looked at Diana fighting the goddess and she also saw Donna busying trying to take on Heracles. Unsure of why she flew toward the goddess of discord, but even as she flew she could feel herself dropping. She landed behind the goddess and unleashed the most hellish amount of heat vision she had ever released. The goddess screamed as her skin burned and Diana took the chance to catch Eris with an uppercut knocking the goddess out. She looked at Galatea who was caught by Dick.

Dick lifted her and carried her out of the cavern and up the stairs. Her blood was starting to soak his suit, but he didn't care. He couldn't let her die like this. Even if they didn't stay together, or anything else happened he couldn't let her slip away. He made it to the palace and looked outside to see the sun. He knew she needed the sunlight and walked out with her.

"Hold on, I'm getting you in the sun," he said.

"I love you," she said.

"'Tea..." he began and she shook her head.

"You kept me from breaking. Every memory I have of you kept me from breaking down, and I can't thank you enough," she said.

"You'll be all right. You're tough, hell I bet that you where in worse shape several times," he said. "Besides... you can't die. I love you too, and we've got too much left to do together," he said.

(The fight between Circe and Zatanna)

"Face it little mortal witch you're nothing compared to me!" Circe laughed and taunted.

"Maybe, but there is something that I learned a while back in England that will more than level the playing field. Doowmrow, s'ereh emos cigam rof uoy ot tae," she said.

"What was that?" Circe asked with a laugh before several chains shot out and wrapped around her wrists and ankles.

"It's ancient magic, I haven't dined on ancient magic in a long time. Daughter of Zatara I believe this removes my debt to your father, but do you want her eaten or just her power?" Wormwood asked.

Circe looked at the obese demon and screamed out several curses in ancient Greek.

"Quiet!" Wormwood shouted as he slapped her. "Food doesn't get to complain."

"Just her power. After all what's the use of being a goddess like sorceress without any power?" Zatanna asked.

"Very good," Wormwood said as he opened his mouth an a huge wind began to pull against Circe. She screamed as something that looked exactly like her began to be pulled from her.

She watched as a blue figure made of light screamed as it moved toward the demon and then was sucked into his gullet.

"Mmmmmmm... That will feed me for ages," he said before he and the chains disappeared.

The moment they were gone Circe dropped to the ground. Zatanna walked toward the witch and punched her as hard as she could.

(Outside of the blimp)

"Master Bruce," Alfred said over the comm.

"What is it Alfred,"

"Sir, I considered the fact of what it was you where going against I thought it would be an idea to send the Enhancer," Alfred said.

"Alfred I designed that Battle armor to take on Clark. I'm not sure what it can do," Bruce said.

"Sir, I believe it would be of some use, and besides if I know you like I think that I do you will end up with several new cuts and bruises with it. I would prefer the ones made with it on, as to dealing with the ones if you didn't wear it," Alfred said.

A few moments later the exosuit landed near Bruce. He walked toward it and said the command which caused it to collapse down into it's breast plate. Quickly he put it on and then and said the command which made it cover him again before he flew back down toward the Island.

He landed near where Diana and Heracles was still fighting. The two of them was locked in a stalemate, neither budging, and neither willing to give in. The Amazons was finishing up with the remaining members of the Legion of doom and was moving out to help Diana. Bruce launched several explosive bat-a-rangs toward the Demigod causing him to become distracted. It worked and Diana took the upper hand. She slammed Heracles into the ground and the Amazons moved on him with chains that had been used to subdue him millenia before. He struggled to get free, attempting to escape the grasp of the chains and of the Amazons.

Not far from him, from the Amazons, and from Donna was Dick and Galatea. The Kryptonian groaned as she continued to loose blood. She moved her head toward Donna.

"I wish we would of had the chance to be better friends... I think I would have liked hanging out with you," she said her eyes looking heavy.

"'Tea..." Dick said but she sluggishly shook her head.

"I'm real Dick... I finally know that I'm real... she told me," Galatea said as she pointed ahead of herself. They turned to see a woman who looked surprisingly similar to both Diana and Donna. The woman moved toward Galatea and knelt down beside her.

"Child, you are as real as any other who has lived. It pained me to see you suffer at the hands of those who created you, and it pained me even more to watch you grow knowing what was to come. After all the knowledge which gave birth to you, and the soul which inhabits you are both things I willingly gave," the woman said.

"Lady... Lady Persephone?" Donna asked as she stepped back.

"Yes, Diana my husband did what he did because of your linage, and because I requested it of him. Hera has foresaw Heracles' escape for a long time, and she knows that Zeus will attempt to release him again if he is left here. I can not take him into Tartarus to Hades because he is not dead," Persephone said.

"Then release me," Heracles said as he looked at the goddess.

"I can not for Queen Hera still holds a grudge against you, and well she should. You raped, violated, and maimed many of the Amazons. You did so knowing it would offend Hera and Athena. It is by Hera's decree that you shall not be released; however, we leave your prison and location up to the mortals who captured you," Persephone said before she turned back to Galatea.

'Tea had stopped breathing, and she looked completely peaceful. Persephone looked at Dick and then at Donna.

"She shall be waiting for you," Persephone said as she touched Dick's head and moved to touch Galatea. They watched as a small orb floated up to her.

"Wait... Does... Does she have to die?" Donna asked.

She was surprised at herself. She wasn't sure what she thought of Galatea, but it didn't seem right that she should die.

"Perhaps not, but tell me daughter of Hippolyta do you want her to live?" Persephone asked.

John walked with Shayera out of the cavern and up the stairs. Behind him Bizzaro, Tala, Circe, and Eris floated behind him encased in the Emerald light. He looked at Shayera and felt her hand move into his own.

"So... where are we going exactly?" John asked.

"Somewhere we can get into trouble like this again," Shayera said.

Not far behind them Lobo came up the stairs carrying Artemis. The Amazon attempted to convince her 'boyfriend' that she was fine, but the large chalk white biker refused to listen.

(Down inside of the Cavern)

"You should upgrade your armor, and you can use many of the metals from my home world, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't impressed with how well it and you did," Maxima said as she looked at John.

"Thanks, but where did you learn first aid?" he asked.

"The Martian insisted that I learned it since I was responsible for many of the injuries which happens on missions," she said

Grendle

"What do you mean?" Donna asks.
"I can only return Galatea to life if another life is sacrificed for her," Persephone answers.
"Thats Bullshit!" Dick shouts. "Your a god, you can bring her back to life if you wanted to, you don't need to kill her to do it!"
The goddess of spring does not look insulted by his words, and instead replies in a kind voice, "More powerful gods can, yes, but I am not even as powerful as the Son of Zeus you have captive. It is my power as the Queen of the Underworld that allows me to make this offer, and as I said I need a soul in return."
Dick looks down dejected and simply tries to hold in the tears. Donna looks down at him and asks, "Do you love her Dick?"
"Of course I love her," he says, moving a strand of hair out of her eyes.
"No," J'onn says stepping forward.
"I will not allow you," Diana says.
"It is my choice!" Donna tells them, stepping back to stand next to Persephone. Then she looks down at Galatea's bloody form in Dick's arms and smiles. "And I choose to take her..."
"No," Herakles's says, standing. "There is another way."
"What can you do to bring her back, muscle head?" Batman asks sarcastically.
The demigod smiles ruefully. "I can give up my life in exchange," he answers.
Wonder Woman yanks him back to his knees. "Why would one so loathsome as you make such a request?!" she demands.
"I was a hero once," he answers. "And now I have a chance to be one again. Or at least to settle accounts."
She kneels in front of the demigod and sneers in his face. "You are just looking for a way to escape your punishment," she says.
He gazes easily back at her. "Hera secreted snakes into my crib when I laid as a child, she tormented of step of my life that she could, and she forced me to kill my wife and children with my bare hands," he answers. "Do you not think I've been punished enough."
Much of the hatred and scorn she held falls from her face and Diana stands and looks at her sister, Dick, and Bruce. "What do you think?" she asks.
"Loose a potential threat to return the life of a hero," Bruce tells her. "Fair price."
J'onn's eyes glow for a second before he looks away. "I feel he has been tormented enough," the Martian says.
Donna looks at Diana and says, "The choice is yours."
The Princess of Themyscira looks down at the strongest man ever born and says, "We shall take your offer."
"I have but one price," he tells her. He looks up into her eyes and says, "Release me."
Wonder Woman looks at her allies, all save Dick get into their battle stance as she removes the bonds from Herakles's "Do not think to escape," she tells him.
The large man stands and casually walks down to the nearby beach. There he stands letting the waves crash against his legs and holding out is arms to the heavens, feeling the wind and the sun on his face. After a moment of this he sighs and returns to the group, standing next to Persephone. "Alright cousin, take me home," he tells her.
The Queen of the Dead kneels down and returns Galatea's soul to her, healing her wounds in the process. The Kryptonian woman opens up her eyes and sees Dick and says, "Babe I think I just had that nightmare again." Dick laughs and holds her tight.
Persephone then reaches into Herakles's chest and pulls out his soul, leaving his large body to gently close his eyes and fall to the ground dead. "My business here is concluded. Fair thee well," she tells them, before disappearing before their eyes.

Superman looked before Luthor who was imprisoned. Finally after months of eluding they had caught him and the whole Legion. A part of Superman was tempted to beat Luthor badly. It was Luthor who ordered Destiny to attack Kara.

Luthor just seemed amused.

"I guess you don't get to be the hero today Superman," he taunted. "How does it feel after everything, Heracles sacrificed himself."

Superman just glared at him.

"I'm curious Superman. How many more will you let die? How much blood will be spilt for you?"

Superman walked up to Luthor and grabbed him by the throat.

Luthor gasped in surprise by the sudden force in strength.

"Every day I see the faces of those I failed to say. Every day I see those who died when it should've been me. But I will tell you one thing Luthor, I will carry that burden for my whole life. It is something you will never understand," he whispered threateningly.

And with that Superman dropped Luthor who gasped for air.

"This isn't over Superman!" Luthor shouted as we walked away. "If it takes me two days or two years, I will escape and when I do, the world will know they should have sided with me over an alien invader like you!"

Superman just turned around.

"I'll be waiting..."

0000000

Batman was glaring at the Joker.

"Why?" he asked. Usually he never bothered to ask. But why? Why did the Joker do this? What did he hope to gain?

"Oh Batsy you know me, I love to cause chaos and trouble..."

Batman threw a punch at the clown's face.

"So many could have died because of you!" he growled. He was especially angry that one of those people could have been Dick.

"Hey it wasn't personal between Nightwing and I. He was just a means to an end. My target in all this as always...was you."

Batman showed a little surprise.

"What?"

The Joker grinned.

"You know Bats, this game of ours, it's getting stale, so it's time to up the stakes. I realized you got a thing for Wonder Tits..."

Joker beckoned to Wonder Woman who was standing afar staring out to the sea by herself. Batman looked back at the Joker.

"And I figured, maybe you would start seeing things my way when you realize what an awful joke life is..."

"And you thought releasing Heracles would lead to him attacking her..." Batman finished, trying to suppress his rage.

"You know me too well!" the Joker cackled. "Also the additional bonus that he would cause mayhem. But don't worry Bats, the game is still going on. I'm sure I'll find another way to hurt your girlfriend..."

"If you touch her I swear I will..."

"What? Kill me? You don't have the stones..."

Batman just glared at the Joker. The Joker was grinning at Batman, daring him to kill.

Suddenly Batman picked up a fallen Amazon spear and lunged.

Everyone watching gasped at the sight.

The Joker's closed his eyes and cowered. Trying to avoid his impending death.

"Please!" the Joker begged.

Btu then nothing happened. Batman had stopped is thrusts so the spear was half an inch from the Joker's body.

Everyone let out a sigh of relief.

The Joker upon realizing he was still alive, cautiously turned his head to see that Batman had not only refuse to impale him, but was smiling at him.

"That's two for flinching..." Batman taunted.

Everyone nearby laughed at that. The Joker was not too pleased.

"That's not funny!" he shrieked as he was taken away.

Batman just grinned and turned around. He just proved that even the Joker was afraid of death.

"I'll get you Batman and your girlfriend! Mark my words if its the last thing I do, I'll have you clutching over her dead body!" The Joker yelled before he was transported away to head back to Arkham.

00000000

"Are you okay babe?" Lobo asked as he helped laid Artemis on a bed.

"I'm fine Lobo," she said as she tried to get to her feet.

"I think you should rest..."

"I'm fine..." Artemis said a little louder and with a little more force.

"You aren't getting up until I say so..."

"Oh that's it!" Artemis shouted and punched Lobo in the face as she got up.

"I'm fine! Got it?" she yelled.

Lobo got to his feet as she walked away in the huff.

"That's my girl," he said proudly.

00000000

"You okay Z?" Mike asked Zatanna who was examining a spell book.

"This is Tala's. It should have the spell to release Xanadu..." she revealed.

"That's great!" Mike exclaimed. "Do it!"

"Not yet," she remarked.

"Why?"

"I think J'onn should be there when she wakes up."

0000000

Booster Gold was being treated by some Amazons for his wounds beaming like an idiot.

"I'm sorry to disappoint all you ladies, but I'm already taken," he remarked.

Somehow the Amazons didn't seem to disappointed.

"How's my hero?" Booster heard someone mock.

Booster turned around to see Doctor Light walking up to him. Unlike him, she had virtually no scratches on her.

Booster grinned foolishly.

Doctor Light kissed him on the forehead.

"That was really sweet of you to push me out of the way from Circe's blast..."

"Anything for you dear..."

"Just next time make sure you're not pushing me into the path of Heracles' club. He almost took my head off."

Booster blushed with embarrassment. "I'll work on it."

LordF

(Blüdhaven - Dick and Galatea's apartment - one week after the events with Heracles)

The thoughts of what happened flooded through Dick's mind. He was relieved that Galatea was still alive, relieved that Donna was still alive, and upset at his best friend, and could be more, than he had ever been in his life. She was willing to give her life to save Galatea. It was an amazing, noble, and boneheaded thing to do. He was upset at the prospect of loosing 'Tea. He didn't lie when he said that he loved her. He did love her. He loved her deeply, and he knew how he felt was given back to him as well, but it didn't stop how he felt about Donna. He loved her, but more than love he had a kinship with her. Donna wasn't like a sister, because normal people don't have vivid fantasies of fucking their sister while she screamed their name in a state of total bliss. He had those fantasies before he met 'Tea.

What should I do? he thought as he looked at the computer in front of him.

He quickly logged on and went into a private chat area Barbara had set up. He logged in and waited for a moment before Babs logged in.

"Birdboy, what are you doing on?" Barbara typed.

"Thinking... Babs, I really don't know what to do," he replied.

"Girl trouble huh?" she typed the question.

"Am I that easy to read?" he typed the question.

"Easier than a Dr. Seuss book. So, what's wrong exactly?" she asked.

"It kind of feels weird to ask you... But I really don't have anyone else I can talk to. I know that if I talked to Kory it would get out of hand quick," he said.

"Yeah, she's still a little sore on your break up," Barbara replied.

"I don't know what to do about Donna. I mean... I love her and I love 'Tea, but..." he began

"You are kidding right?" Barbara asked.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Doofus, you have two women, maybe more, who seem to not only love you, but are drop dead gorgeous and you don't know how to choose. Yeah I'm sure this is a problem every man wishes they didn't have," she replied.

"Babs I'm serious," he typed.

"All right, All right. Dick you've just got to look at it with your heart. It's not who do you love more, but it's more about who makes you happier. No matter how it goes you need to let them both know how you feel," Barbara said.

"Thanks Babs," he typed.

"No problem, and hey... Sorry I got you into trouble with 'Tea before," Barbara said before she signed out.

Dick leaned back and looked at the screen. He wasn't sure who would make him happier. 'Tea was a sweetheart, and she loved him dearly. Donna was amazing, they had history together, and he knew that she loved him as well. He stood and walked toward the bed room and looked at the Nightwing suit which was still lying out. The blood hadn't completely came out of it and he felt something else. Seeing Galatea die, actually seeing her die had hurt him. It had pained him deep and he knew it would have killed him to loose Donna. He turned when the door opened and 'Tea walked in.

"'Tea... Can we talk?" he asked.

They sat down and he began to explain everything that was going on. He explained what he went through to save her, how Donna had helped, and how they had so much history together. He finally looked up at her and there was tears threatening to escape her baby blue eyes.

"I... I'll understand... What you gave me was a wonderful gift..." she said as she started to stand.

"I want to stay together," Dick said.

She turned back to look at him.

"I want to stay together, and not because I feel obligated to. I wasn't lying when I said that I loved you and that there was so much left we had to do together, but 'Tea Donna's always going to be part of my life. She's my best friend, my first real crush, and... I would be lying if I said that I didn't love her too," he said.

"So why didn't you ever tell me?" 'Tea asked.

"I... I can't say that I've never known. I've always known that I loved her, but for the longest time I thought that it was nothing more than deep friendship. It's more than that, but I love you too. I love you so much that... 'Tea it almost killed me when you died in my arms," he said.

She smiled and took the three sets she was away from him toward him and sat down in his lap. She leaned forward and caught him in a deep kiss and let her hands move up his back and into his hair before she finally broke the kiss.

"I love you you too, and I would never ask you to not see your friends. Dick, I want us to be together too, but I know that people can change. I know that love can change and if..." she starts.

She looks at him and shakes her head. A soft smile crosses her lips.

"Sweetheart, it happens all of the time. If something happens and we don't stay together I won't fall apart. I'll be devastated, upset, and a little pissed, but I won't fall to pieces," she said.

"Deciding to claim your Independence right here on my lap?" he asked.

"There's no better place to claim it, but I'm not the only one you need to have a talk with," 'Tea said.

Dick looked at her as she smiled and stood. She then looked at her body suit which was stained red with blood.

"I guess that I need a new costume. I was thinking about talking to Kara about that. I still don't want to be associated with the 'Superfamily', but maybe it's time for Powergirl to change a little," she said.

(New Jersey - Donna's Apartment - two days after Dick's talk with Galatea)

Donna groaned as she sat down on the sofa in her apartment. She wasn't sure what she had expected to happen after the 'Heracles Experience' as she called it. She wasn't going to lie to her self. She had wanted Dick to choose her. It was awful and she knew it, but honestly she had wanted him to realize how much she loved him. She had been willing to give up her life in order to bring Galatea back. The look on Dick's face was really the clincher. She could see all of the hurt, the pain, and the sadness which covered him and it pained her. Kyle had the same look after Alexandra died, and the thought of Dick looking like that for the rest of his life... It hurt. Her attention turned toward the window which she was sure she had closed earlier. Instead it was open and a light breeze was blowing against the curtains.

"Hi Dick," she said.

She moved back into a more comfortable position and waited for a moment.

"Donna, I wanted to thank you again," he said.

She waved her hand as if to wave him off. "It's all right Dick. I mean everything is as it should be," she said.

"It's not, but I think that we both know why," Dick said.

"Yeah, we do. Neither of us really wanted to take the step from friends to lovers. I should have, and you should have, but we didn't. It would have been beautiful," she said.

"It would have been, but we've never had good timing. Between Roy, Kyle, Terry, Kory, and Barbara there's just never really been a moment when we could realize what was there," Dick said.

"Why does it sound like remorse in your voice?" Donna asked.

She looked up at him and a knowing ghost of a smile crossed her face.

"She's lucky," Donna said.

"I don't know what the future holds, so the only thing I can do is live for the moment," Dick said.

Donna let out a snort of laughter and looked at him.

"Yeah, I'm sure Garfield would love to know that you're quoting his invaluable wisdom," Donn said.

"I'm honestly sorry," Dick said.

"Don't be. I'm not sure, but I almost guess that this is her gift from the gods. It's a chance for her to be with you. Of course if she screws it up then I'm going to be there in an instant," Donna said.

Her eyes twinkled as she said that. Dick smiled and then moved toward the window.

"I've got to patrol," he said.

"I know. Take care shortpants," she said.

He left the apartment and she sat on the sofa for a few minutes. She wasn't sure what she wanted to do. She wanted to respect what she said and let Dick and Galatea take their natural course. If it was like any other relationship he was in eventually they would self destruct, but then 'Tea wasn't quite the same as Barbara or Kory. She was unique and that bothered her. She heard something at the window and turned back toward it.

"Back again Short pants?" Donna asked.

"Different Short pants," 'Tea said as she floated to the floor.

Donna looked at the girl and noticed that she wasn't wearing her costume, but was instead dressed in a pair of levi low cut jeans and a white tank top.

"What's up?" Donna asked.

"Think that you feel up to a little chance to get to know one another?" 'Tea asked.

Donna looked at her and nodded. It wouldn't do her any good to just try and hate the woman. She got up and went and changed out of her comfortable clothes. The two of them floated down behind her apartment building to find a '09 mustang. 'Tea hit the unlock button and then tossed Donna the keys.

"How does a little shopping on 5th sound?" 'Tea asked.

(New York - 5th Avenue - The Gap)

Donna looked at the casual wear and then looked over at Galatea who was standing next to her. After what happened on the island happened the two of them started to become friends, and to Donna's surprise Galatea was actually a warm and caring person. There was no denying that if she felt she needed to she would put someone in their place, but still there was a sweetness about her Donna hadn't noticed before. She chalked it up to the fact that she was in love with Dick, and most likely always would be. The blond Kryptonian looked a shirt and smiled. She held it up to Donna and instantly Donna began laughing. The shirt was a design that she and Diana had allowed to be made, with the knowledge that part of the proceeds went straight to Help in Crisis, and Donna couldn't stop laughing at it. It was the double Eagle on her old costume, and on Diana's armor. Under the symbol was the phrase, "We're all Wonder Women, and we know it,"

Galatea smiled and decided on the shirt before she moved on to pants.

"How are you doing?" Donna asked.

"I still have some nightmares, but I'm getting over it. I'm just surprised to find out I kind of had a mother. I mean... I never would have expected," 'Tea said.

"None of us did. I was surprised to hear Lady Persephone admit that she personally had not only implanted the knowledge of how to create you, but that she gave you your soul... It kind of means that you're like a step sister," Donna said.

"Just not the evil kind. I never did like that Cinderella story. I would have taken that broom handle and beat those two step sisters and that step mother until they couldn't walk," Galatea said.

"No kidding. The entire thing about waiting for a Prince Charming to come and save you. It's complete bull," Donna said.

"Exactly. Most of the time we're saving them," 'Tea said.

Donna smiled and the two walked further upstairs.

"I wanted to also thank you for what you offered to do," Galatea said.

Donna stopped and looked at her.

"I know how you feel about Dick. I'm not blind, but I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to be your friend. I want us to be friends, and I want you to know that I'm not going to give up. Although, I'm not above trading stories," Galatea said with a smirk.

"Does he still try to say witty things when he's fighting?" Donna asked.

"Tries, sometimes succeeds, most of the time it sounds a little corny. He also gets pretty riled up when people call him Batman lite," 'Tea said.

"Yeah, he used to get really upset about that back in the Titan days," Donna said.

"Speaking of which... Cyborg called him and told him that Raven, Beast boy, Star Fire, and Red Arrow are training a new generation of Titans. I think that they're going to be calling you as well, so I figured that I would let you know," 'Tea said.

"That actually sounds fun, but what about Conner, Cassie, Tim, and Rose? I thought that they were still the titans," Donna asked.

"Several of them have been invited to join the league," 'Tea said.

Donna stopped and looked at the Kryptonian girl for a moment and then let a small breath out.

"'Tea, don't hurt him," she said.

Galatea turned toward her and studied her face.

"I'm serious. Don't hurt Dick. He's not good with relationships, and to be honest I don't think that he ever will be. I suppose being raised by Bruce since he was twelve is part of it, but I've seen him get hurt a lot. Kory really hurt him years ago when she choose what was good for her people. I know the reasons she did, and if I would have been in her shoes I'm not sure I can say I would have done different, but it cut him pretty deep. I've seen Dick with you, and I like to see him happy. I wish things was different, but seeing him happy is nice," Donna said.

"I don't have any intention of ever hurting him. I don't know what kind friends we can be, but I do want to try," 'Tea said.

(Lois' and Clark's Apartment - Three weeks after the events with Heracles)

Clark touched a spot on his chest and winced slightly. Although he had healed from the injuries he suffered from Heracles he was still tender, and Lois helped to take care of him. His entire chest had felt like it was on fire, but Bruce and J'onn had confirmed he only had three cracked ribs and one broken one. He wondered exactly how Bruce stood the pain he put himself through. He looked at the bed he was sharing with Lois and instantly felt thankful that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. He walked toward the bed and knelt down beside her. Gently he placed a kiss on her forehead and she began to wake up.

"Morning," she said sleepily.

"More like afternoon," he replied.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm on vacation so I can sleep in. By the way aren't your parents coming to town today?" she asked.

"They planned on it," he said.

"Good, I think that it's time we had a formal introduction. Besides you passed the introduction to dad fairly easily," Lois joked.

"Easily nothing... I was afraid the general had Kryptonite hidden on him somewhere," Clark said.

"Smallville he doesn't know that you're Superman. If he ever finds out then he'll carry it just in case you ever pull a bonehead stunt," she joked.

He kissed her again, but she surprised him by rolling and catching him off guard. He fell into the bed with her, specifically on top of her and she shimmied into a delicious spot under him.

"I know you healed, and I would love to do a little something before your parents get here," she said.

He leaned in for a kiss and soon found what clothes he had put on was joining hers on the floor.

(Strikers Maximum Security Prison - East Wing - Luthor's Cell)

Lex looked at the four walls and growled. He was denied access to a laptop, denied access to a television, and even denied access the Wall Street Journal. The only thing he had in the form of entertainment was the sound of the Opera coming from Humanite's room.

"Would you shut that infernal catcalling noise off!" Lex shouted.

"You know Lex, for someone who is considered to be the third richest man in the world you lack the refinement one would expect. This isn't catcalling, but rather it's Carmen. A delightful Opera and one I enjoy listening to. I suggest that you calm your nerves, relax, and enjoy the sound of it," Humanite said.

"The first thing I'm going to do when I get out of prison is lobby for Opera to become illegal," Lex said in a huff.

(Wayne Manor - Master bedroom)

Diana lay in the bed gasping for breath. The pillows, sheets, and blankets had been neatly shredded, but neither her or Bruce seemed to care. Instead she felt Bruce move up her and his hand cupped her sex before he kissed her and let a finger slip inside of her.

"Bruce... gods... I'm too... Ooo... You've got to be a meta," she said between slight gasps of pleasure.

"We both know I'm not," he said before he kissed her.

They enjoyed another fantastic round of love making before the both of them curled up beside each other. Diana gently touched his face and smiled. They kissed and she lay her head on his chest.

"Did we do the right thing?" she asked.

"I believe that everything we did was right," Bruce answered.

"Not that... I mean did we do the right thing with Heracles? Was it really right to trade his life for Galatea's?" she asked.

"He had been imprisoned for most of his life Diana. I don't think that he could have fit into the world very easily, and besides it allowed him to find peace," Bruce said.

"I'm surprised that you accepted it so easily," she said.

"It was his choice, but I stand by the decision. It gave us back someone and at the same time I'm certain that it upset some of your gods," Bruce said with a smirk.

"I'm quite certain that Lady Hera is upset in many respects. His actions gained him entrance into the Fields and not into Tartarus," Diana said.

"The power Hades gave you... I noticed that it began disappearing after you defeated Heracles," Bruce said.

"It's completely gone my αγαπώ. It seems that Hades only gave it to me long enough to stop Heracles. I believe it was done more to upset Zeus than for my benefit," Diana said.

Bruce smiled. It would make sense that Hades would give Diana some power to snub Zeus. After all it was fairly obvious that the Brothers didn't get along very well.

(Watchtower - Artemis' room)

Artemis looked at the wall as she sat on the side of her bed. Behind her the sound of snoring could be heard. She turned and looked at the large chalk white biker and was uncertain of what she really thought of this. She wanted him, enjoyed arguing with him, and enjoyed the quality sex with him. The problem was that he represented everything that went against her Amazon training. She began to wonder about it when the snoring stopped and she felt a hand lightly moving up her stomach and stopping at her breast.

"What are you doing up?" Lobo asked.

"Trying to understand my attraction to something that goes against every law I've ever lived by," she said.

"Oh that's easy. It's because I'm the Main Man," he said.

The she responded by hitting him with a pillow... hitting with the pillow hard enough to make it blow up into a shower of foam.

(The next day - Metropolis)

John Henry Irons stood beside Maxima and looked at the large groups of people there. Maxima had her entire court sitting and trying to understand the human custom they where witnessing. John's friends was sitting across from them watching the court, which was there to support Maxima, and trying to understand the alien culture they where witnessing. John and Maxima had a smaller wedding between the two of them earlier, and that wedding the closest family John had, and the close friends of them both. This wedding was more for the media and her planet. The moment the priest pronounced them man and wife they kissed and an applause came from the groom's side and was soon followed by the bride's.

"Maxima... Who are those people?" John asked.

"My court, actually our court now," she said honestly.

"Great, so any of them family?" he asked.

"The young red headed man is my brother. He is the prince of the Almerac Empire, and I believe he has decided to find a mate on this planet as well," she said.

John looked at her and quirked an eyebrow when she said that. He watched the young red head as he looked at the other side. There was no denying the fact that he was searching for a potential mate among the guests.

(Madame Xanadu's Apartment - Metropolis)

J'onn walked in behind Xanadu and wrapped his arms around her. There had been a cost to her being returned, and it was her sight. Neither of them seemed to mind it in the slightest. She leaned back against him and sighed.

"So... What do you want to do today?" she asked.

"I believe you told me that the difference between American Cookies and English Cookies are huge and should be experienced for one's self," J'onn said.

"A trip to England would be nice. Although we might come across someone over there I don't want a lot to do with," she said.

"Who?" J'onn asked.

"He calls himself The Phantom Stranger. He's a prophet, of sorts, and a bit of a self righteous jerk. He often reminds me of my debt to the world since I made it far easier for Morgan LeFay to bring down Camelot," she said.

"That was several lifetimes ago. If we come across him I'll inform him of what you are like now," J'onn said as he hugged her.

"I don't think that it will matter, but thank you lover," she said with a purr.

(Super Hero Dating Service as created by Mr. Terrific)

Name: Cyborg

Age: 26

Height :6'6"

Weight: 385 lbs (hey part of it is my cyborbionic implants!)

Race: Human baby, well mostly human... Alright around 25 to 35 percent human. The rest is mechanical.

Hair color: I've taken to shaving my head. I've been told it looks good.

Eye color: Yeah in this case it is eye singular. I do have an optic receiver which is blue most of the time. My natural eye is brown.

About me:

Ladies, I'm the man. Sorry that sounds a little corny and I'm not a kid anymore. Well I don't think that I am. I have a genius level I.Q., and I work with the robotics, cybornetic, and bioandroids the Justice League uses and comes across. I enjoy gaming, reading, playing contact sports, and to be honest working with kids. No... I'm not saying that I like long walks on the beach! because I don't! Have you ever had to get sand out of your gears?! Yeah it's not fun! Sorry about that... My green friend here is trying to convince me that I need to say how I like long walks on the beach. I don't mind walking through the forest, open fields, or the mountains, but the beach can be a little problematic.

What I'm seeking:
I want to meet someone who isn't too serious and is able to laugh at themselves as well as me. Liking kids is a plus. I would also like someone who has experience with virtual reality matrix. The only reason is because it could give us a chance to interact without some of my more prominent attachments. I really don't mind if your human, synthetic, or whatever. Hey a good person is a good person regardless of their origins.

Well that's all I can really think of. Remember ladies, the name's Cyborg.

(PS. Cy really likes for his girls to take charge. Just ask him about Jinx!)

TBC. Reviews are welcomed and appreciated!