A/N:
Ladies and Gentleman, gentle readers, and reviewers. To my
knowledge,
this will be the last fic of Journey Of A Hero. I'm
actually sad
to type these words. This story has been my baby for the
last year
or so, it's been one of my most liked and most reviewed fan
fictions.
I hope that I will continue to write these characters. They
have
progressed in this fan fiction to the point I've always wanted
them
to reach. Do to this most likely being the last Journey Of A
Hero
Fic. I'm going to name it properly.
Journey Of A Hero: Journey's End.
After all of this I will finish all the
interlude fics I have
started, and some that I have just been
brainstorming. I failed doing
alot of what I had intended. The
main thing is that I have not showed
the Universe of which I've
played with, and turned into something
totally different from
there real and original creators. The
Interlude fics will show how
the JOH Universe has developed and
changed over the course of the
fics. I hope you all enjoyed these
stories I have tried to put so
much into. And I hope that those of
you who had not read my fics
until this series continue to enjoy and
review all my future
stories. There are many plot threads that I will
have to tie in
this last fic. Superboy's origins being discovered,
everything the
Oracles have planned, why Xander has been put through
so much in
such a short time. Everything will be tied together, also,
expect
Guy Gardners return. And a suprise Green Lanterns' return that
will
lead Xander into another direction. And a so called ending that
is
really anything but. Expect the unexpected, and dare to challenge
my
opinions. I think I've built the fic up more than enough. I hope
you
enjoy. Don't forget, feedback is the coin of the realm.
Title:
Journey Of A Hero: Journey's End.
Author: Cobra
Rating:
R
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or anything else to do
with
Buffy The Vampire Slayer, or the DC comics Universe. All I
own is the
little idea to bring them together this way.
Chapter One.
Higher Planes.
Guy Gardner sat on a ivory step,
his elbow resting on his knee and
his hand on his chin.
"This
is freakin boring." Guy said to himself as he sighed once
again
at being out of action.
"I don't know, It's kind
of peaceful." Hal Jordan said as he walked
seemingly from
nowhere to sit beside the Warrior.
"Says you. Pansy.",
Guy said with a sigh as he raised his head and
rested both hands
on his knees., "I miss the action, the adventure,
the
beautiful babes."
"Okay, I'll give you those. Even I miss those."
"At least your down there once an
awhile. The Spirit Of Vengence. How
did you get that gig?"
Guy asked a slight longing in his voice.
"Well," Hal said with a small smile.," You want the job?"
Outsider's Headquarters.
Xander
Harris, AKA Warrior snored softly as the outside world kept a
rapid
pace. It had been a few months since the Jornigan incident and
it
had been a busy few months. Training with the team had taken
the
forefront in his mind, helping Dragon train everyone was
harder than
he thought it would be. The young man jumped out of
bed quickly
falling into a fighting stance as his door
opened.
"Xander?", Buffy asked quietly, then
noticing him in his boxers
turned her head hiding a blush.,"
Dragon want's to see you. Says it's
important, he's in the
Dojo."
"Thanks Buff." Xander said as he relaxed
and began to search for his
clothes., "I'll be there after I
get dressed."
"K." Buffy said as she shut his
bedroom door. Xander sighed to
himself, a thousand thoughts going
through his head. Xander pushed
them to the back of his mind and
finished dressing, then made his way
quickly toward the Dojo. As
he entered he saw the entire team seated
around Dragon.
"What's
up?" Xander asked stopping just outside the seated
team
members.
"Come here Xander." Dragon said
motioning the young man forward.
Xander did as asked stepping
around his friends and positioning
himself opposite his
sensei.
"I have taught you everything I can, experience
can only be your only
teacher from now on. I wish you well in your
training, and your life.
Please, accept my praise, and my
blessing." Dragon said as he bowed
carefully to the young
man. Xander seemed at a lose of a moment
before doing the
same.
"Thank you Sen... Dragon." Xander said a
slight smile on his face.
His teamates quickly rose to
congratulate him.
JLA Watchtower.
"Hey
Kyle." Wally West AKA The Flash said as he blurred to a
stop
beside the Green Lantern., "What's goin on?"
"Not
much, Superman is saving a town from a volcano, Aquaman is
helping
a beached whale, and Wonder Woman is on another book signing
tour."
Kyle said as he moved from the monitor and sat down. Flash
moved
to his side quickly.
"How's everyone doing around home?"
"Pretty good, Jade's bugging me to invite
Xander, Alan, and John to
dinner. Think I'll do the inviting when
my monitor duties over."
"I'll cover for you. Go on,
I don't want you in the doghouse. It's a
sad place to be."
"No
kidding," Kyle said with a smile., "Thanks Wally. I'll see
ya
later."
"Later." Wally West said as he
took the seat. Kyle brought his ring
to life and flew toward
Earth.
Alan Scott AKA Sentinal walked
through the JSA HQ with an easy gate.
Though he was easily the
oldest Green Lantern alive he seemed to be
no older than thirty.
His look, his power, he was a living legend,
destined to be myth.
If he ever died that is.
"Kyle." Alan said with a
smile as the Green Lantern turned from a
hallway and fell into
step beside him.
"How have you been Alan?" Kyle
asked with a smile as he shook the
heroes hand.
"Good, ya know, getting a little slow going in my old age."
"Yeah,
right." Kyle said with a snort and laugh., "I came by
to
invite you to dinner tonight, Jade has been bugging me for
weeks to
get you, Xander, and John to come over."
"Sure, about what time kid?"
"Seven I guess. That way you
can get to bed at an early hour. Old age
and all." Kyle said
with a smile before saying goodbye and floating
away from one of
his respected mentors. Alan shook his head with a
smile. Barely
being able to wait to catch up with his friends.
John
Stewert was in a bad mood, not for the first time, and probably
not
for the last. But that still couldn't stop the smile on his face
as
Kyle Rayner walked into his home.
"Kyle. How ya been?"
"Pretty good, how things going for you?"
"Won't complain. So what's been going on with
the Superhero
community. I haven't talked to Alan in
awhile."
"Nothing more than the little brawls.
Nothing big has happened since
Xander took care of Luthor."
Kyle said, a smile coming to his face
just picturing Luthor in
handcuffs.
"I haven't met him yet. I'd like to."
John said his voice almost
becoming business.
"Tonight
at Seven. Jade and my apartment. Jade wants a dinner with
you,
Alan and Xander. Just a little friends getting together."
"Good, I can't wait to talk to Xander."
"Um, yeah."
Kyle said in a confused tone., "I have to get everything
ready.
Seven?"
"I'll be there."
"Later John."
"Bye." John said as Kyle let himself
out. He looked out a window and
sighed. Things were not well, and
he had a bad feeling it was going
to get worse before it got
better.
Xander and Nightwing stood together
in the training room of Titans
Tower.
"So what was so
important?", Xander asked with a serious and caring
tone.,
"The Titans need some backup?"
"No I need to
ask you about something.", Nightwing said all business
as he
held up a manilla file. Xander read the tag on the side
and
sighed.
"How much do you trust me Dick?"
Xander asked as he stood solidly
infront of his friend.
"You know my real name. That should already answer your question."
"Let this go, burn the file, forget you ever read it."
"I
would if I could Xander. Honest, but someone has been mass
sending
copies of this file to every media outlet in Metropolis.
Oracle's
been able to intercept them so far, but it won't be long
before one
gets through." Nightwing said with a sigh as he
tossed the file on a
nearby table. He looked at Xander concerned.,
"So it's true than.
Superboy is half Luthor?"
"Yeah.",
Xander said with a low voice., "It's true, but you know as
well
as I do that has no effect on his demenor, he's not evil."
"I
know, I know Xander. And so will everybody else." Nightwing
said
trying to make this easier on his friend., "No one is
going to hold
this against him."
"Yes they will.
You know that. You know as well as I do that no one
will feel the
same about him, trust him. Batman already has a file
ready to take
him down. I don't want Bruce to think he's actually
right about
the kid."
"He has those on everybody for christ
sakes, I guarentee he has one
of me, you, Robin, and Batgirl as
well. It's not that he thinks the
kid is evil. The paranoid
basterd doesn't trust anyone. You should
know that."
"If
this gets out, everyone, especially other heroes will be watching
the
kids every move. They'll crucify him for any mistake."
"Xander,
there's nothing we can do. We can't keep this quiet forever.
I
wish we could. Just, it'll be easier on everyone if he tells
it.
Then, if he comes clean, he'll at least have more trust than
if it
was found out in the media." Dick said trying to get
through to his
friends., "This isn't a moral call Xan, this
is politics. If he comes
clean now, it will be a lot better for
him."
"Just do me a favor."
"Anything I can." Nightwing said genuinly.
"Keep this quiet a
few more days. I'll put Willow on it as well. Just
a few
days."
"I'll try."
"That's all I
ask.", Xander said with a sigh., "Thanks for coming to
me
with this Dick."
"What are friends for. We've all
got SB's back. He's fought beside us
more than once. We'll stand
beside him."
"Thanks again. I gotta go. I have a lot
of crap to figure out. I'll
be in touch."
"You
better be." Dick said with a smile as he patted
Xander's
shoulder and the two began to walk from the room., "This
will work
out. Trust me."
"I do."
Xander was flying through the
air about Metropolis when Kyle found
him.
"I've been
looking all over for you." Kyle said with a smile as he
fell
into pace with Xander.
"Been busy today. How ya been Kyle."
"Good, you?"
"Can't complain
to much. This a social call?" Xander asked hoping it
was, he
didn't need more on his plate at the moment.
"Sort of. Social for you, life and death for me."
"What does
Jade want?" Xander asked with a half smile. Kyle chuckled
and
shook his head.
"Wants you to come over for dinner tonight. Around Seven."
"Your apartment?" Xander asked the smile still on his face.
"Yeah."
"I'll
be there." Xander said as he turned and looked at
Kyle.,
"You're so whipped."
"I am not. I just...
okay I'm whipped." Kyle conceded, failing to
come up with a
better excuse. A loud scream came from just below them.
"That
got you off the hook." Xander said half serious as both he
and
Kyle flew down into the heart of Metropolis.
END CHAPTER ONE.
Title:
Title: Journey Of A Hero: Journey's End.
Author: Cobra
Rating:
R
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or anything else to do
with
Buffy The Vampire Slayer, or the DC comics Universe. All I
own is the
little idea to bring them together this way
Summary:
Xander moved along his path, now he's reached the
Journeys
End.
Chapter Two
Xander and Kyle walked
into the apartment just a little after six
thirty p.m.
"You two are early for once." Jade said smiling as she sat the table.
"Kyle's whipped." Xander said in answer as he
walked to Jade and gave
her a hug.
"I know, I think
it's cute." Jade said with a large smile. Xander
chuckled and
walked past her sitting on the couch.
"I'll just make myself at home till the others get here."
"This is
your home Xander.", Jade said with a smile., "One of
them
anyway."
"Thanks." Xander said not sure
what to say. But for Jade the smile on
his face was enough. There
was a knock on the door and Kyle walked
toward it.
"I'll
get it. Lazy..." He mumbled several choice words before
he
opened the door and let John Stewart into the apartment.,
"John, glad
you could make it."
"I never
miss Jade's take out." John said with a smile as he walked
past
Kyle.
"Actually I think she's trying to cook tonight."
Kyle said with a
frown. John's face went slack.
"Is it to late to run?"
"Yes, it is smart-ass." Jade
said as she walked up behind him and
gave him a quick hug.
"Well, I've lived a good life." John said with a smile.
"Oh,
shut up and come meet Xander.", Jade said with a smile
still
present on her beautiful face. She quickly led John into the
room
where Xander had begun watching the news. Xander looked up
then
quickly stood and held out his hand.
"Xander Harris."
"John Stewart. It's good to finally meet
you kid. I've heard a lot
about you." John said with a
passive face.
"Good things?" Xander asked with a smile on his face.
"Mostly." John said with no smile
present. Xander was taken back, but
his training with The Bat
didn't let him show it.
"I guess that's good."
"Well,"
Kyle said breaking in feeling a warning in the air., "Alan
should
be here any minute. Hey John did I ever tell you about the
time I
took Xander's ring away from him."
"Hold on,"
Xander said with a smile., "You didn't take anything. You
asked
me for it. Get it right."
"You saying I couldn't
have taken it?" Kyle asked in a humor filled
challanging
voice.
"Well, maybe you could have then. But not a chance in hell now."
"Think your that tough huh?" Kyle
asked his voice still filled with
you humor.
"It's not
that. It's just my ring will only listen to me now. I made
a few
improvements before giving up all the power I got in Demension
two.
It won't work for anyone unless I will it to." Xander said
with
a smile.
"Damn, that comes in handy."
"Yeah,
plus, well, let's say somehow I actually lose the damn thing.
I
can just will it to me. Doesn't matter where it is." Xander said
a
smile on his face. Then as if to show off the ring disappeared
from
his finger. He smiled then pulled it from his pocket. "I'm
a closet
magician."
"Pretty handy." Kyle
said with a smile as John nodded his head in
agreement. A knock on
the door told everyone the last guest
had
arrived.
Superboy sat in his room
silently. From what Xander had told the
young man he didn't have
much time till everyone in the world knew
that he was a fraud.
Well, in his own eyes he was nothing more than
that. He sighed and
stood slowly walking from his room at Outsiders
HQ. First he'd
find Xander, then hopefully, he would be able to talk
to Superman.
He walked down the hall slowly, the young man looked
almost
defeated.
"SB?" Supergirl started as she saw him
walking down the hall. She
quickly ran to catch up with the young
hero., "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, don't worry about me S-girl. I'll be fine."
"Bull, tell me
what's wrong." Supergirl almost demanded worry about
her
friend.
"I'll tell you when I can. I promise. There's
just somethings I have
to do first. Just... just trust me."
Superboy said as he looked at
the floor beneath his feet.
Supergirl put a hand on his shoulder and
gave it a gentle
squeeze.
"When you get ready. I'll be here."
"Thanks."
Superboy said with a sigh and continued walking. Leaving a
worried
and confused Linda Danvers in his wake.
Kyle Rayner and Jades apartment.
The group laughed at the silly
little jokes Xander had been telling.
It seemed that falling back
into the old Xander wasn't as hard as he
thought it might be. And
it was invigorating. To be able to put
everything on the
backburner and just have a laugh. It had been to
long since he had
laughed, really laughed. A knock on the door
signaled Kyle to rise
out of his chair and move to answer the door.
"Hey guys,
we got more company." Kyle said as walked in with an arm
over
Superboy's shoulder. Greetings floated around the
room
goodnaturedly.
"Hey SB, what's up?"
"Um,
sorry to bother you Xan, we can talk about it later."
Superboy
said in a much lower voice than usual. Kyle looked at the
young clone
concerned.
"What's wrong Kon?" Kyle
asked with genuine caring. The young
Superhero looked around the
room in thought. Debating internally if
he should tell them. His
eyes settled on Xander who nodded with a
smirk.
"Just
a small problem. I'm sure you don't want to hear it."
Superboy
said as he moved to set down in the chair Kyle had moved
up to the
table for him.
"We've fought side by side
kid. You don't get much closer than that.
We'll help if we can."
Alan Scott said in a serious voice. Superboy
looked down at the
plate Jade had sat in front of him.
"What would you do if
you found out everything you are is a lie?"
Superboy asked as
he finally looked up and locked eyes with the
heroes around the
table.
"That's impossible kid. You are who you are, the
way your act, your
heroic nature, that's you." Xander said
while he quickly put a piece
of steak in his mouth.
"Xander's
right son," Alan Scott said with a small smile., "No
matter
what, you're going to be whoever you want to be. It's all
up to you,
no one else can make the decision for you."
"If
there's one thing I've learned in all my years of this."
John
Stewart said., "It's your actions that define you.
Nothing else can
come close."
"I'd say
something," Kyle said with a smile., "But they've said
all
that I know."
"I hope everyone agree's with
you." Superboy said with a sigh and a
slight smile. Not as
scared as he was a few minutes before., "Now,
since I crashed
the party. Let's eat."
Robin faced
the monitor in the Justice Cave with a riged stance. The
rest of
Young Justice had gone to the mall, supposedly for Cassie.
"If
anyone, I mean anyone, makes a move on him Young Justice will
be
there." Robin said to the video image of Nightwing. The
figure on the
screen nodded.
"So will the Titans, most of us at least."
"Do you think anyone is stupid
enough to mess with the Outsiders?"
Robin asked not noticing
the figure that had entered the cave.
"If anyone does,
they're either crazy, or insanly powerful."
Nightwing said
before adding., "Or both."
"I'm going to stand
beside him, and I know so are some of the most
powerful heroes on
earth." Robin said his voice as sharp and cold as
steel.
"I
know, let's keep this under our hat, I haven't told the Bat yet.
And
I don't plan on it."
"I'll keep it quiet."
Robin said with a nod as the vid screen went
black, he turned and
barely held in his shock as Buffy stared at him
with hard
eyes.
"What's this about my team?"
"Buffy,
you'll know soon enough. It's not my secret to tell." Robin
said
calmly more than slightly unnerved by the hit first ask
questions
later look in the young woman's eyes.
"You'll tell me.
Now." Buffy growled out as she tensed ever so
slightly
letting Robin know she was going into attack mode.
"I can't. He'll tell the team when he's ready."
"Who
will?" Buffy asked as moved her right leg behind her
body
slowly, almost falling into a fighting stance.
"I
can't tell you that." Robin said as he to slid into a stance,
not
wanting to fight, but not willing to get his brains bashed out
by a
Slayer., "Buffy you don't want to do this. I've been
trained by the
best."
"You've been trained by the
best detective. I've been trained by the
best fighter. I'm faster
than you and stronger than you. I've fought
and beat things that
would make you scream. Tell me."
"No." Robin
said taking a deep breath and preparing. He was suprised
when the
attack didn't come right away. Buffy was comfortable in the
stance,
her eyes seeing every little move that Robin's body made. A
hair
moved as his head shook slightly, her eyes saw it. A sweat
beed
rolled into his glove, she saw it. And she knew that he saw
the exact
same thing about her. Robin barely saw the slayer move,
he dodge left
and felt the knuckles of her right hand slid across
the tip of his
nose. He quickly flipped back trying to keep a safe
distance from the
angry, and dangerous young woman. Buffy pressed
Robin hard as he
flipped back the ran forward kicking his arms off
the floor and
causing what was going to be a beauitfully agile
flip to turn into a
roll across the floor of the cave. He landed
on his feet and extended
his metal staff using it to block Buffy's
left cross and slide under
her defenses landing a kick to the back
of her left knee. The slayer
fell forward in a controlled roll
that made the young man nod in
respect. Buffy quickly rolled to
her feet and fell into a loose
fighting stance.
"I
don't want to fight you Buffy." Robin said knowing this would
last
a long time, and he would loose if it lasted to long.
"Then
tell me." Buffy said with a slight smirk, already knowing
the
outcome of the fight. Robin sighed and put away his
staff.
"Fine."
END CHAPTER TWO
Journey Of
A Hero: Journey's End.
Author: Cobra
Rating: R
Disclaimer: I
do not own the characters or anything else to do with
Buffy The
Vampire Slayer, or the DC comics Universe. All I own is the
little
idea to bring them together this way
Chapter Three.
The
dinner had gone without a hitch. That was until Jade stood and
the
room went silent.
"I asked you all here, because I have
great news." The confident
young woman seemed to faulter
slightly.
"What is it honey?" Alan Scott asked with
a smile and a look of
understanding.
"I'm pregnant."
Jade said bluntly while looking at her boyfriend Kyle
Rayner. Kyle
sat stunned for a moment before his face broke into a
smile.
"That's
great! Does this mean you'll marry me now?" He asked in
an
exited voice. Jade laughed at his antics.
"I'll think about it."
"Congrats Jade." Xander said
with a smile as he stood and put an arm
on her shoulder., "You
ever need a babysitter, call someone else."
The small group
laughed together as Xander shook Kyles hand.
"Like we'd trust a degenerate like you to watch our little boy."
"Girl." Jade said quickly correcting Kyles' words.
"You know that for sure."
"No.," The green beauty answered with a smile., "Just a feeling."
"Women's
intuition. Don't fight it Kyle, even if she's wrong she's
right."
Xander said only to recieve a slap on the shoulder from the
tall
green woman., "Now, to get Oracle and Wills to get all your
nude
photos off the net." A hard punch from the green woman
and Xander was
rubbing his jaw., "I was just kidding.
Damn."
"She has a hell of a right." Kyle said
with a smile. Alan laughed
slightly and even the rude John Stewert
had an almost smile on his
lips.
"And that's my que.
Sorry I've got to eat and run but I plan on
taking the Outsiders
out for a night of Bonding."
"That's gonna be fun." Kyle said in a purely sarcastic voice.
"I know. Congrats
you two. If you need anything, I mean anything,
just give me a
ring."
"Will do. Later Xan."
"Bye
Xander." Jade voiced as Alan and John both nodded
there
goodbye's.
"Nice to meet you John."
"You to."
"See all of you at the next apocalypse."
Xander said with a joking
smile as he turned and left the
apartment with Superboy questioning
there
destination.
"Hello?" The green
demon said as he answered the phone. The smile on
his face soon
slipped. "How many? Gotcha."
Dragon
hung the phone up and nodded to Xander who began to speak to
his
crew.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, and dumbass wannabe thugs."
Xander added while
smirking at Risk who flipped him off without a
care., "This is the
Outsiders night out. We're going to a
place that is NON Combative.
There will be demons there Buff. But
no fighting in the club."
"K." Buffy said with a childish smirk.
"Smartass." Xander mumbled under
his breath., "Also this is casual
night. No costumes. So
let's go in style. There are clothes in your
rooms for your use.
And Limo's will pick us up at the college in
three hours." As
the time was said every girl in the room ran out.
"Don't be late!" Xander screamed as the last female exited the room.
"Where we goin War?"
"You'll find out kid. Just trust me."
Lorne sat down quickly with a nervous tick in his voice.
"Um, an old friend of ours is comin by."
"Dragon?"
"Yeah, and um, remember no fighting in my club."
"We shall see."
"Look, I don't know how you freakin mortals
get around the magic in
here but I'd appreciate it if you didn't
advertise it."
"We shall see."
"Fine." Lorne said exasperated with the female across from him.
Unknown Place
Unknown Time.
"What
are you talking about?" Guy Gardner asked his old
sometimes
friend with a confused expression.
"Do you want to be the Spectre?"
"Even if I did, how am I supposed to do that?"
"Recently, I've been told I
could move on, that I had made my mends."
Hal Jordan said
with an almost sad smile.
"Sounds like you got it made."
"Yeah, well, you want the job?"
Caritas.
The plain
clothes Superheroes walked into the kereoke bar with smiles
on
there faces. Dressed to the nines the entire group stuck out like
a
sore thumb in the nice, but not dress code oriented club.
"Richard."
Lorne whispered as the group came in., "She's here." It
was
almost comical to see Dragon slam his own hand onto his forehead
and
sigh.
"What's up with the D-man?" Superboy asked as
he leaned toward
Huntress.
"Don't know."
"What's
up Dragon?" Xander asked as he ignored the stares that
were
being thrown at him from the demons in the bar.
"An
old... friend is here." Dragon said with a sigh as he began
to
look around the club.
"That gonna be a problem?" Xander asked carefully.
"Just for me."
"Kewl.
I'll get us a table." Xander said with a smile and walked
off
causing even Richard Dragon to laugh. The group gathered in a
corner
table. Xander surveyed the room with a carefully hidden
glance.
"Calm down Xan. This is normal night." Buffy
said with a smile before
looking around., "As normal as we
are that is."
"Yeah yeah. Hey SB, go get to kareoking."
"Um, no. Thanks anyway Xan-Man but I don't think so."
Xander watched
carefully as Richard Dragon walked over to who he knew
was Lady
Shiva. One of the deadliest assassins in the world.
"Who
is she Xand?" Buffy asked in a quiet voice even though
she
didn't have to.
"One the the deadliest women in the world Buff."
"Dragon can take care of himself." Buffy said with a smile.
"I'm not worried about Dragon.
Shiva has this thing about being the
best. If she knows were
Dragons students... Well, I'll deal with it."
"Oh your so macho now." Buffy answered with a roll of her eyes.
"The most macho. I'm so damn manly I sometimes
scare myself." Xander
said with a smile and a humorous gleam
in his eyes.
"That's the only thing you scare.",
Buffy said with a large
smile., "And I don't see a manly man
anywhere."
"Trust me Blonde, Xander's all man."
Huntress said with a smile.
Xander hung his head with a
sigh.
"Are you keeping things from the rest of the team
Xand?" Buffy asked
with one raised eyebrow. Xander opened his
mouth about to speak when
a loud scream split there little
chat.
END CHAPTER THREE
Title:
Journey Of A Hero: Journey's End.
Author: Cobra
Rating:
R
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or anything else to do
with
Buffy The Vampire Slayer, or the DC comics Universe. All I
own is the
little idea to bring them together this way
Chapter Four.
Xander was out of his chair and over the table in a
single fluid
motion the rest of his team just a short breath
behind. It didn't
take long to figure out what they already
knew.
"Hey Dragon, ya need some help?" Xander asked
a slight smile on his
face as Richard Dragon flew over a table and
rolled onto his feet
beside Xander.
"I'm trying not to fight in here."
"I don't think she has your idea."
Xander said as he caught a bottle
of liquer that was thrown there
way., "Buff. Feel up to a little
workout?"
"With
pleasure Xand." Buffy answered with a smile as she charged
the
irate Lady Shiva.
"What are you doing Xander? She
can't beat Shiva." Dragon said with a
curious and controlled
voice.
"I know. In a few minutes she will."
"Kind
of a hard lesson to learn." Dragon said as he watched Buffy
fly
into a wall.
"But one she has to. She's getting to arrogant, that's dangerous."
"One of us could have
stepped up. Knocked her down a peg or two."
Superboy said
stepping up slightly worried about the fight going on
in front of
them.
"It'll mean more coming from someone that will kill
her. Trust me. I
know Buffy, she's hard headed as hell. After
this, you'll have the
best student you've ever seen Dragon."
Xander gritted his teeth to
hold himself back as Shiva landed a
devistating backhand to his
slayer.
"Think she's had
enough?" Huntress asked as she prepared to enter
the
fight.
"Yeah, I'll handle it." Xander said as
he took two steps forward and
lept into the air seeming to fly
across the club as he landed a hard
sidekick on the not looking
Shiva. Shiva went down hard but was up in
the blink of an
eye.
"Who are you?"
"Me, I'm nobody. You
okay Buff?" Xander asked without taking his eyes
from the
assassin in front of him.
"Yeah." Buffy said through
gritted teeth as she stood and limped to
Xander's side.
"Stay
back Buff." Xander said as he took a step forward toward one
of
the deadliest women in the world., "You wanna do this
here. Or are we
done for now." Shiva looked at the young man
with a glint in her eyes.
"Any other time I'd be game.
But I have work to do. I will see you
again."
"If
you have work to do in this city. You better believe it."
Xander
shot back with a cold voice. His eyes not betraying any of
his
emotions. Shiva smiled and started walking backwards with a
seductive
quality.
"You will interesting."
"Trust me, you don't want to be on my radar."
"We shall see."
"I look forward to it." Xander said as
Shiva disappeared into the
exit of the club. Xander turned quickly
to see Buffy flexing her
arm., "Wanna call it a
night?"
"Hell no. I'm not letting anyone ruin our
night off." Buffy said with
a serious voice. Xander chuckled
slightly.
"Lorne! Drinks."
Lois
Lane looked at the newspaper in her hand in disdain. And for one
of
the few times in her life she hated being a journalist.
"I
hope Clark hasn't read tomorrows headlines yet." She said with
a
sigh as she walked into the hallway of her and Clark Kents'
apartment.
"Me to." Kon-El said with a sad voice as he appeared beside her.
"Are you okay?" Lois asked as she hugged the young man tightly.
"As okay as I can
be. Just trying to get up the nerve to talk to the
big guy."
"He
won't care Kon. You know that." Lois said with a smile as
they
reached the door of the apartment.
"Yeah, I know. Still."
"You ready?" The reporter asked as she put her key in the lock.
"Nope, but I gotta grow up
sometime." Kon said with a small smile.
Lois couldn't help
but roll her eyes at the young Teen Of Steel as
she turned the
knob and pushed open the door.
"Come on in. Clark should be home soon."
"Yeah..." A loud scream echoed
in Kons ears just as he was about to
step over the threshold.,
"I'll be back Lois."
"Huh..." Lois said
as she turned only to see an empty hallway. She
quickly came to a
decision as she locked her door and ran back from
the hallway.
Something was going on.
(a/n: This is an
excerpt from another story I'm working on. But it
fits well here
and instead of wasting time writing the same thing
again I thought
I'd just work a little cut and paste magic.)
All the sounds of
destruction that echoed over the city was a sure
sign. And even if
Superman wasn't there, whatever was causing the
destruction had to
be stopped, it was that simple. The Teen Of Steel
put on a burst
of speed and in the back of his mind noticed that he
was getting
faster than he was in his old days, in the simpler days.
Who would
have thought that living with parental figures at sixteen
was more
complicated than living on your own at the same age. Going
to
school was the most stressful simply because of who and where he
was.
As he cleared a large sky scraper he saw the monster causing
the
destruction of Metropolis.
"Metallo!"
Superboy bellowed as he hovered just above the head of the
large
metal monstrosity. The monster turned his head toward the
figure
and laughed a hollow ringing laugh that almost made Superboy's
ears
hurt.
"If it isn't the little one. Where is your better?" \
"Not sure at the moment, guess I'll have to do."
Superboy answered
cockily, different from how he would have
answered had the metal
monster not called Superman his better. Had
not put him up to the
mantle of the greatest hero alive.
"Whoa!"
Superboy yelled as he dodged the duel eyebeams of Metallo and
spun
in the air landing solidly on the ground.
'Gotta get this
fight outta Metropolis, to many innocent people
around.' Superboy
thought to himself then took off into the air going
toward the
once again abandoned Cadmus Labs on the outskirts of
Metropolis.
Metallo watched as the boy flew away and for one moment
thought of
not following, then the large villain jumped into the air
with all
it's machined strength and glided after the figure of red
and
black that streaked through the blue sky. Superboy slowed his
speed
and looked back toward where he thought Metallo would be, it
didn't
take a moment for his super hearing to hear the loud whistling
but
not even he could move quick enough to avoid the four ton
metal
weight that fell from a hundred feet above him landing
solidly on his
slowly flying body. Superboy was slammed into the
ground at near
supersonic speeds the weight of Metallo, with the
help of gravity,
forcing the young hero farther into the ground
breaking through and
falling into the first layer of the
underground facility once known
as Cadmus Labs. Once known as his
home.
"What happened here?" Superman
asked as he landed in the center of
the destruction in the city
known as Metropolis.
"Superman!" Lois Lane Kent
yelled as she ran carefully but quickly
around the objects in her
path toward the towering Man of Steel she
was proud to call
husband and friend.
"Lois. Are you alright?"
Superman asked with a caring voice that made
Lois smile
slightly.
"Yeah, but I'm not sure about Superboy, he took
the fight with
Metallo out of the city, we felt a huge shockwave
from the battle
just a minute ago." Lois said a look of worry
etched on her beautiful
face. A similar look appeared on
Superman's' face as another
shockwave was felt though the ground
under there feet. He quickly
caught Lois before she fell.
"I've
got to go." He said quickly and took to the air in a red
and
blue blur.
Superboy stood uneasily as
the dust cleared and he looked toward the
sky. Three level above
him was ground level, infront of him was the
insanely more
powerful than he remembered Metallo.
"I think it's time I
finished you boy." The villain said in his
ringing
voice.
"I've got... a few tricks up my sleeve ya know."
Superboy rasped out
as he felt the tear in his shirt, a large rip
straight through the
center of the S. With a growl Superboy flew
forward as fast his
beaten body could carry him and flew straight
into the metal monster.
As they both flew toward the metal wall in
the distance Superboy
reached into his reserves and using his TTK
tore the metal
monstrosity apart with a large explosion and a
shower of sparks. As
the young hero slowed to a stop just before
slamming into the far
wall he turned and surveyed the area. No
Metallo in sight. Just
pieces of the large metal body. With a sigh
the Teen Of Steel flew
out of the hole the fight had created and
landed on ground level.
"Good Job." Superman said as
he landed beside Superboy causing the
super powered teen to jump
in shock.
"um...Thanks." Superboy said as he tried
to look Superman in the eyes
and failed.
"What's wrong
Conner?" Superman asked with a caring voice as he
placed a
hand on the younger mans shoulder.
"I've been keeping
something from you, from everyone." Superboy said
with a
defeated voice.
"Everyone has secrets Conner, you just
have to decided if and when to
tell them."
"I
don't want to tell anyone, I'm afraid to. But, you deserve to
know,
you trust me to wear the shield. You trust me to live with
your
parents for petes sake." Conner said as he sat down on
the grass his
legs hanging into the hole that was created minutes
earlier, Superman
sat at his side.
"I'm afraid of what
you'll think of me." Conner said as he finally
looked into
Superman's eyes. Superman saw the fear behind the blue
eyes of
Superboy.
"You've proven yourself to me Conner, time and
time again, I'm not
going to think any less of you."
"Okay.."
Superboy said and took a deep breath before beginning to
speak.
"It
all started when I first became a Titan. The first night at the
Tower
Robin and I were talking when he got an email, it was my
Cadmus
file."
"How?" Superman asked but
then shook his head and nodded for the
young man at his right to
continue.
"I don't know yet, Robin said he would look
into it but I think he's
got something more important on his mind,
I just don't know what yet.
Anyway, it said I was half kryptonian,
and half human." Superboy said
and looked at Superman whose
face showed one of pure shock.
"That's about how I
looked. I've been lied to since the beginning."
Conner said
and looked toward the sky.
"There's more isn't there."
Superman stated more than asked. Conner
nodded but didn't look at
the man of Steel.
"Yeah, and your not going to like it. I
don't think you'll ever trust
me after this, hell, I don't know if
I'll ever be able to trust
myself. You were one of my genetic
donors. The other..." Superboy
paused and looked Superman in
the eyes with despair.
"Is Lex Luthor." Superboy
closed his eyes expecting the worst from
the Man Of Steel. After a
long stretch of silence the young teen hero
opened his right eye,
saw the small smile on Superman's face, then
opened his
left.
"Why are you smiling?" Superboy asked with
trepidation. Superman put
a hand on Conner's shoulder and gave a
gentle squeeze.
"I've told you before that genetics don't
make you a hero, they also
don't make you a villain."
Superman had a slight smirk on his face
that calmed Conner down
slightly.
"So you don't hate me?" Superboy asked carefully.
"Of course not Kon. And I don't think any less
of you, you've always
had those genes, and you've always been a
hero. You've made mistakes
along the way, and you'll make more the
longer you help others. We
all do."
"Even you?"
Conner asked slightly in awe of the man sitting next to
him. Even
after all this time, all the talks he's had with the Man Of
Steel,
he was still in awe of the larger than life figure at
times.
"Especially me. I'm not perfect Kon, I know a lot
of people think I
am and believe it or not that's the hardest part
of trying to be a
hero, peoples expectations hit a lot harder than
Doomsday ever did."
Superman said with a serious look in his
eyes. Conner slightly
chuckled at the statement and nodded his
head.
"And Conner, I know you've got it worse than me.
The name Superboy
not only signifies a hero, it signifies you as
my predecessor. That
means people, especially yourself, watch and
judge everything you
do." Superman took a deep breath and
sighed before continuing.
"To tell you the truth I've
been watching you a lot more lately. And
until today I was really
thinking about your training, about you not
being good enough. But
today, you've proven me wrong. In the old days
you wouldn't have
gotten Metallo out of the city. You would have
fought him head on
in downtown Metropolis, but today you made a
responsible and
mature decision to lead him away. And you took him
down by
yourself, I know you've done it before but still. But the
thing
that makes me most feel that you can do this, that you can
be
Superman, even a better Superman than me? It's this talk, you
were
man enough to tell me what you told me today. That took more
courage
than I thought you had. And it really makes me feel like
a, what do
you say? Heel, that I thought you didn't have it."
Superman looked
directly into Superboys' eyes searching for
anything, then he noticed
the small smile that formed on
Superboy's lips. Before he could speak
anything a noise seemed to
vibrate in his ears.
'HELP HELP!'
"Did y.."
Superman started to ask only to be slightly startled as
Superboy
took to the air as fast as the young man could...
"You
COMING!" The young Teen Of Steel asked as his red and
black
form flew quickly toward the horizon, then the red and blue
form of
Superman flew past him in a rush. Superboy poured on the
speed but
still fell steadily further behind the man of steel. But
both men
noticed, not as far behind as a few years ago. A huge
weight had been
lifted from the teen of steel. But in the back of
his mind he
couldn't help but worry about what would happen
tomorrow. When the
rest of the world found out that he's a fraud,
in his own eyes anyway.
END CHAPTER FOUR
Title:
Journey Of A Hero: Journey's End.
Author: Cobra
Rating:
R
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or anything else to do
with
Buffy The Vampire Slayer, or the DC comics Universe. All I
own is the
little idea to bring them together this way
Chapter Five.
Xander watched the footage on the monitor with a careful eye.
"She's good." Buffy said as she sat down and to
watch the action.
Shiva was fighting five men in black and easily
dispatching them.
"She's better than good."
"I should have taken her." Buffy said with a slightly whiny tone.
"Yeah, you should have. Now the question is, do you
know why you
didn't?" Xander was point blank with the
question and it caught Buffy
off guard.
"I... I guess I haven't been training enough."
"That's part of it.
Robin told me what you did." Xander said finally
taking his
eyes from the monitor and looking at Buffy with a careful
eye.
"So? I had a right to know."
"No, you didn't. This is a
team Buffy. Not a family. You have to
trust everyone here with
your life. And I have to say it suprised me
that you were that...
egotistical. Attacking someone that has done
nothing but help you.
That's low Buff. You're getting to dangerous.
To... I can't
believe I'm the one saying this, irresponsible."
Xander's
tone did not change. He held his emotions in tight reins not
trying
to let his disappointment in Buffy turn to rage.
"You
have no right to Judge me Xander. And you do not tell me what
to
do."
"If that's the case you need to leave.
You agreed to join this team,
knowing that I was the leader. And
while I don't judge your life, I
will judge your performance. And
you will listen to what I have to
say. I want you here Buff. In my
opinion you could be one of the best
assets this team has. Above
me, above Superboy. But you don't want
it. I thought having you
here would make you feel more normal. But
you still feel that your
better than everyone else. That attitude
will not only get you
killed, it will get my team killed. And I can't
have that. I'm not
talking to you as a friend right now Buff. This
isn't about you
and me. This isn't personal, so don't let it be. This
is about
life, and right now I'm worried about yours." Xander paused
his
speech to guage his friends reaction. And at this point it
looked
like Buffy was either going to explode in rage, or cry. It
took all
of Xander's willpower not to reach out and tell the
Slayer to forget
everything. But that couldn't happen.
"You
have a few options Buff. One of them is the right one, choosing
it,
well, that's up to you." Xander said with a small smile as
he
turned and began to watch the monitor once again. Buffy stood
slowly
and began to walk away with heavy steps. She stopped and
without
turning back began to speak.
"What options?"
"You're smart Buffy, you'll figure it out.
A wise man once said that
for every door there is a path. The
question you need to answer is if
your ready to walk that path. I
believe in you Buff. And I'll be your
friend no matter what your
decision. I do love you Buffy. More than
you'll ever know."
Xander said as he looked at her back, finally not
able to hold the
emotion from his voice anymore. Buffy looked down
slightly and
walked from the room. A final statement left in the air.
"I think I have an idea Xan."
"She
wants me doesn't she?" Xander asked without turning around
as
Dragon entered the room.
"She wants to fight you.
If that's what you mean." Dragon answered
with a slight
smile, as much as he hated to admit it Xander and
Superboy had
began to rub off on him. Xander turned around and sighed
with a
slight smile.
"What is it with me and women. There all
knockouts, and there all
very very deadly. You think I'd
learn."
"Wouldn't be any fun in that." Dragon
said with a smile as he sat in
a chair across from Xander.
"Think I can take her?"
"With the ring. Yeah."
"Without
it." Xander said in a deadpan voice., "I can't rely on
the
ring all the time. And this could be the ultimate test of
weather or
not I can do this if the ring fails."
"I
don't know.", Dragon said in a serious voice., "It'll be
close,
but honestly, I'd have to give her the win."
"That's
what I thought." Xander said with a sigh as he sat down.,
"We
have to take her down Dragon. I know you two have a past.
But, I
can't let her operate."
"I know.",
Richard Dragon said with a sigh., "And I'm fully prepared
to
do the job. I can win Xander. And I'm not going to let her
go."
"Never thought you would. How did Buffy do this morning?"
"She didn't hold back." Dragon said
letting Xander change the
subject., "How's
Superboy?"
"Depressed. But who can blame him. It's
all over the media. He's the
son of the ex-president. And known
criminal. And the only people that
seem to be on his side are us,
and a few other Superheroes."
"We'll take care of whatever comes."
"Without a doubt. That doesn't
change things. After all the good he's
done in the world this is
making him an outcast. Sometimes you have
to wonder why the hell
we do this."
"Yeah. But deep down you know.
Everytime a child says thank you it
hits you. Everytime you check
up on someone and see how much they
value the life you saved. You
don't do it for the praise, or the
acceptance. You do it for the
people. And if they don't appreciate
it, well, people like us,
we'll still be around for the next time. Or
do our damnest to
be."
"You're smarter than you look old man."
"Go to hell."
Hal Jordan stood in front
of the two imposing figures. A smile on the
face of the man with
no fear.
"We wished."
"To speak with you." The female Oracle finished for the male.
"About
what?" Hal Jordan asked with the smile still on his face. He
was
done.
"We wish for you."
"To return to the Earth Plain."
"Um, I'm done. I was told I earned my redemption."
"You have."
"We ask this as a favor."
"What could be this important?" Hal asked out of curiosity.
"Alexander Harris."
"What's
wrong with the kid?" Hal asked his voice seeming to change
to
worry. He liked the kid, respected him.
"Nothing is wrong."
"He is progressing quickly."
"But he needs tutalage." The male said with a slightly off voice.
"And you ask me? No one is going to trust me down
there." Hal said
with a pained voice.
"You will earn there trust." The female said with an almost smile.
"What is this about? Why are you so focused on Harris?"
"That
is not of your concern. We simply believe he will be a key
in
upcoming events." The male said in a guarded tone. Hal
sighed as he
shook his head in agrivation.
"What events? When?"
"We do not know the specifics."
The female said with a slightly angry
tone.
"Say I agree. How would I get back?"
"Listen closely Hal
Jordan Green Lantern of sector 2814." The male
said.
"This is the path to your destiny." The female finished.
JLA Watchtower.
"J'onzz!"
Superman yelled as he watched helplessly as an alien being
latched
itself to his face. Superman grunted and tried to fight loose
of
his captures to no avail., "Fight it Diana! Fight it." He
screamed
to Wonder Woman who was holding him tightly as the alien
made it's
way to the Man Of Steel. He knew his words were for
nothing as
darkness claimed him.
END CHAPTER FIVE..
JOH: Journey's End
Author: Cobra
Rating:M
Summary: Xander's at this Journey's end.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter Six.
Hal Jordan landed on his feet on the roof of the Daily Planet. His knees bent to absorb the force even though it seemed he fell from thin air. He surveyed his surroundings, a desturbed feeling in his chest. The feeling only grew worse as he saw the figures flying in the air. Missles exploding as they bounced harmlessly off the supernatural enemies above him.
"It's not possible." Hal said to himself as he watched Superman ruthlessly tear through an F-16. "Not fucking possible."
The alarms blared through Outsiders HQ, lights flashing as Willow's voice came over the intercom.
"Everyone to the Monitor Room!"
Supergirl reached the room first, followed just milli-seconds later by Xander and Superboy, soon everyone made there presence known, in silence.
"I don't believe it." Superboy said with a shocked and sad look on his face. Everyone nodded there head in agreement.
"We better get over there." Xander said as he turned to survey his team., "Willow, get the Titans and Young Justice on the phone. We're gonna need all the help we can get. JSA too. Okay boys and girls this is the real deal, Superboy, you gotta slow Supes down long enough for reinforcements. I'll take care of Kyle and J'onzz. Dragon, you got The Batman. Supergirl, I'm gonna need you on Flash, try to slow him down till we get a few Speedsters on our team. Buffy, put on the Medallion, you've got Wonder Woman, we just need to keep them busy till the rest of the Heroes show up. No cowboys on this mission. Risk you're with Buffy." Xander turned and quickly walked toward the exit., "Giles. Get on research, there being controlled by something. I'd like to know what."
"I will do my best." Giles answered quickly as he began to type on the 'Infernal Machine'. A new skill Xander had talked the man into learning early on in his Superhero career.
"Let's do our best team. We need to make the JLA proud." Xander said as they got to the exit and he enveloped everyone in a bubble. The Outsiders shot out of the exit like a missle, going to the last fight any of them thought possible. They were going to save the world, from the worlds saviors. The Justice League of America.
Hal Jordan ran down the stairs like a man possessed, he had to get help. Tell everyone what was going on. He busted through the stairs quickly almost slamming into a woman he knew well.
"Oh my god!" Lois screamed as she fell back a step.
"Lois, I need a phone. Or something, I have to contact the JSA." Hal said not bothering to explain his sudden appearance., "I think I know what's going on."
"You're dead."
"Um, not anymore. So... about that phone?"
Xander and the Outsiders hit the streets of Metropolis hard and fast. Each member going to there respective opponents.
"We don't have a chance in hell War." Superboy said as he looked at Superman off in the distance destroying building after building.
"Have a little faith Kon. The Titans and JSA are on there way. We just have to pray they make it in time."
"Let's get to work War." Superboy said as his face turned to one of stone. Xander's beside him did the same.
"Time to play." In blurs the two young heroes were gone and just seconds later connecting punches echoed in the air causing ripples through the air.
Hal Jordan watched from the ground a worried frown on his face.
"I have to get up there." He said to himself then he noticed the jets taking off from just outside Metropolis. A smile came to the pilots face., "Back in the saddle again." He quickly flagged a taxi.
Superboy flew toward the ground with a yell of pain and rage. Superman just behind his form ready to strike as a foot flew into the man of Steel's face sending him hurtling to the ground.
"Switch." Xander said quickly as Superboy nodded and slammed a right fist into J'onzz face causing the martian to fly further up in the air. And deep in a crater at Smallville, Kansas, the earth began to move.
"Hold it!" A voice yelled causing Hal Jordan to turn around quickly.
"Shit. Hal?" The voice asked in a shocked tone.
"I don't have time right now Sellers, I have to get in the air." Jordan said as he finished climbing up the ladder into the cockpit.
"What the hell do you think your doing?"
"Don't ask, you never saw me."
"I..." Befor Sellers could finish his sentence the jet began to warm up and seconds later Hal Jordan was in the air. Flying again.
Xander hit the ground hard just moving in time to avoid the hard punch thrown his way by Superman.
"What the hell are you doing Superman? This isn't you." Xander tried to reason with the mad man that could crack a mountain with one punch; but it was of no use. The young man quickly flew into the air away from the fight.
"Ring, analyze the Justice League."
'There is another being inside the ones you call heroes. A being of immerserable power."
"Great that helps so much. Entities name?"
'Parralax.'
"Shit."
Buffy hit the ground hard, causing a crater to form around her beautiful form.
"This sucks." A hand came into few and the woman took it without a thought.
"Big time." Risk agreed as he helped the young woman up and both heroes looked across the street to see the woman that had put them on the ground. "Wonder Woman."
"Where the hell are the Titans?" Buffy asked as she took a fighting stance.
"Right here." Nightwing said as he fell to the ground beside her. "Troia, help them out. I have to find Batman. Damage, find the Martian Manhunter. Tempest, as far as we know Aquaman wasn't affected. Think you can help the kid take on Kyle?"
"Yeah." Tempest said as he raised his warrior eyes skyward watching as Superboy fought with two green figures.
"Good, Arsenal, you have to try and help Supergirl slow the Flash down, use the sonic disruptor. Cyborg, help Damage with J'onzz, remember he's afraid of fire."
"What about Xander?" Buffy asked as the group took a moment to see the fight raging between Warrior and The Man of Steel.
"For now, he's on his own. Titans, Together!"
Richard Dragon plucked a Bat-a-rang from the air and through it back at Batman with a quick flick of his wrist. Batman dodged quickly and flew forward like a wraith slamming both feet into Dragons face causing the martial arts master to flip backwards and land on his feet only to recieve a right cross for all his trouble.
"Little tougher than I thought it would be." The man said to himself as he kicked the Batman back and wiped the blood from his split lip.
"He's full of suprises." Nightwings voice agreed as he landed beside Richard Dragon.
"No shit sherlock." Dragon said then growled., "I have to stop hanging around Xander."
Hal Jordan smiled as the jet beeped telling him that he had missle lock on the green figure fighting Superboy.
"Let's see if you can handle this." Jordan said as he thumbed the trigger and watched as the missle leapt from under the wings of the F-16 fighter jet. The smile fell from his face as J'onzz used his powers to become non corperal and the missle flew through his transparant body.
"Shit." The ex-spirit of vengence said in an even tone as he watched the red beams from J'onzz eyes slice into the jet., "K, plan B."
"Xander watched as the missle flew toward the Daily Planet, with an afterthought and a little will he used his ring to change it's direction causing it to explode in the air. He smiled as he watched the figure out Hal Jordan fall from the cockpit of the plan and land on a stunned Kyle Rayner. Warrior took a moment to see that Superman was still trying to gain his barrings after the last attack then he took to the skies toward the figure that was hanging on to the Green Lantern for dear life.
"Having fun Hal?" Xander asked in a humorous voice as he heard the string of curses coming from the man.
"Get me on the ground you..."
"No name calling now." Xander said with a grin as he slammed a right fist into the side of Kyles head and grabbed Hal from thin air.
"It's Parallax." Jordan said as he saw the disaster area around him.
"I know. I think he's taking control through J'onzz. It's only a matter of time before he moves from the JLA to us."
"We have to stop J'onzz, it's the only way." Jordan said with gritted teeth.
"Well I've got my hands pretty busy with big blue if you haven't noticed." Xander said as he motioned to his face, his nose busted and his face bloody and bruised., "But you, well, go get em hero." Xander said as a green ring appeared on Hal Jordan's right hand., "I'll be getting that back when this is over."
"I'll take care of it."
"Get Damage close to J'onzz, maybe the Martians fear of fire will force Parallax out. It's worth a try." Xander said as he flew back down and slammed into Superman who was finally crawling out of the rubble of Lex Towers.
"yeah, he makes it sound so damn easy." Hal said with a sigh as he flew down and grabbed Damage with a large green hand., "Time to go boom kid."
END CHAPTER SIX.
JOH: Journey's End
Author: Cobra
Rating:M
Summary: Xander's at this Journey's end.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter Seven.
Xander held in the cry of pain as he blocked a right cross from the Man of Steel. Only to have his arm break for the trouble. He went with the blow and twisted lashing out with a green beam stronger than any he had used before. Reaching a level he had never dreamed of he completed the twist and slammed his right foot into Supermans face. Blood squirted in torrents from the Superheroes nose as the red and blue clad figure flew backward through the air.
"Damn." Xander gritted out as he held his arm., "I can't keep this up forever." Warrior said to himself as he watched the man of steel fly from the ground toward him at supersonic speeds., "This is gonna hurt."
Superman slammed into Xander at mach speeds forcing them both through three buildings. Xander prepared to close his eyes and let darkness overtake him just as the object he sent his ring after fell into his right hand. He swung his only good arm hard actually dropping his energy field for a moment. The Kryptonite laced right cross hit the man of steel hard sending the hero flying toward the ground. The punch wasn't that strong, a normal strength for a human of his size. And at that moment Xander figured it out. The very fact that had been eluding him yet, had been his crutch since he began to fight. Even a normal human, can take out the most powerful enemy. It's the human condition, to survive. Warrior slowly stopped himself in mid air and watched as Damage powered up and blew, he watched as The Martian Manhunter screamed in pain. Then his jaw dropped as the huge yellow figure of Parallax rose into the air and seemed to focus soly on him.
"Shit."
Xander landed on the ground beside his friends.
"Talk about out of the frying pan and into the fire." Superboy said he saw the rest of the Justice League beginning to stand beside them. The being known as Parallax roared in anger as he surveyed the group that was set to stand against him.
"Your arm okay?" Buffy asked as she stepped up beside Xander.
"I'm good."
"You don't look good." Buffy said as she saw how white his face was under the bloody coating.
"I've got enough left to finish this." Xander shot back his voice cold, emotionless. He motioned for the others to stand back as he stepped forward confidently., "So you're the big bad Parallax. Your nothing but a parasite."
"You humor me puny mortal. But do not test my patients."
"You have no real power. You syphon it off others. Without a host, you nothing." Xander said again as he stepped forward only to fly back when he was hit with a vicious yellow claw. The young man flew over the crowd of heroes who stood rooted to the ground as if by magic. For a moment all was still, then the young man known as Warrior stood unsteadily and walked through the crowd back to the front. The heroes around him moved to the side letting the beaten and bloody young man past.
"You think you scare me? You're right. But you see, that's why you can't hurt me. You took control of Hal, because he was the man with no fear. And when his defenses where down, you took control. But me, I fear, I'm constantly scared, but I'm better than Hal, because I overcome. That's the human condition, that's what you, or any of your kind will never beat. Because the odds can be stacked in your favor a hundred to one. But we, humans, normal everyday people, we survive. And as they say Parallax, what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger. You think you can take me? Bring it on. Cause at this point, I just don't give a damn." The large evil being laughed a hearty laugh. His thoughts seeming to be heard in Xander's mind. A host you shall make. As the yellow being hurtled toward him Xander brought up his ring. A green beam hit yellow and though he poured his will into the beam, Parallax began to inch ever closer. A second later he felt the arm on his shoulder, looking away from his beam quickly he smiled at Superboy and pooled the will of the two together, slowing the beast progression toward him. One by one, then in drones, hands were joined and will for the first time was freely given, destiny be damned, this decision was theres. Xander couldn't help but smile as Parallax was enveloped in the green light of the power and vanished from the planet Earth. The only trace of his presence the wreaking around them. Xander sighed and fell to his knees as his beam dwindled and his ring lost all power. His suit vanishing, leaving Xander Harris cradling a broken arm.
"Where is it?" Buffy asked as she leaned down lifting her friend effortlessly.
"The Central Power Battery. It's trapped. For good."
"You did it War." Superboy said as he threw Xander's arm around his neck and began to lead his friend away from the sight of Ground Zero.
"SB, i'm almost sick of saying this kid. This is a team sport, I didn't do anything by myself. We did it Kon. All of us." Xander groaned as he sat down and let Hal Jordan form a mask on his face and a splint on his arm., "Besides, this fight, it was the easy part." The others looked at him in confusion before fallowing his line of site. The JLA stood in the center of where the battle had just reached it's conclusion. Fear and self-disgust on there features as the saw the destruction they caused. "Help me over there kid."
"K." Superboy said as he helped his friend up and helped him walk over to the other heroes present. The heroes looked at the young Warrior in respect and Xander conveyed it back. Superman looked at the teens arm, a sadness that reached the Man Of Steels very soul shown through.
"The Justice League of America is herby disbanded." Xander said waiting for the irruption he thought would come. When none did he continued talking., "People aren't going to trust you after this. You'll have to earn it all over again. And I know that's not fair to any of you. This wasn't your fault. I know that, and they know that, but they just can't believe it yet. So, I think you should all lie low for a little while. Do your normal thing. We'll pick up the slack. Go home, get some rest. The Titans, Outsiders, and Young Justice will start searching this mess."
"But..." Superman started to say only for Xander to hold up his hand stopping the Kryptonian.
"No buts. Go, before the media gets here. Now's not the time to plead your case."
"He's right." Batman said as he turned and began to walk away.
"Bats." Xander said with a loud voice causing Batman to turn., "You still have my respect. And my trust. This changes nothing." Batman nodded and turned, walking slowly away to be enveloped by the shadows of the remaining alleys.
"I don't like this." Wonder Woman said in a strong tone.
"That doesn't matter. You think I like what's happened. Hell I wish it wouldn't have, but it has. So now we have to face the reprocussions." Xander said trying to stay standing even though he was dizzy.
"I still don't like it, but you are correct." Diana said as she flew into the air. The remaining members of the Justice League began to thin as one after another they fled the scene. Finally it was only Superman that was present.
"I'm sorry." The man of steel said as he once again looked at Xander's broken arm.
"Wasn't your fault. No harm no foul."
"Goodbye." Superman said sadly as he took off into the air toward his fortress of Solitude.
"Now what do we do?" Impulse asked as the young heroes stood watching the distance as there heroes disappeared.
"Take it a day at a time. Let's start looking for survivors." Xander said trying to walk only to have Hal Jordan envelope him in green bubble.
"You need a doctor. The rest of us can handle this Xan. Go get some rest."
"We still need to have a talk." Xander said glaring at the newly alive again Hal Jordan.
"And we will. When you've rested."
"I..." Xander started to argue only to see the caring faces of his friends, his family surrounding him., "Fine. I'll be at the HQ. Hal, give me a lift."
END CHAPTER SEVEN
I know, a short chappy, but I wanted the end the chapter here before the rebuilding starts. And other answers are given. Later
JOH: Journey's End
Author: Cobra
Rating:M
Summary: Xander's at this Journey's end.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter Eight.
Nightwing, Superboy, Giles, Robin, and Xander sat at the main table in the monitor room at Outsider HQ.
"So," Xander began as he moved his arm slightly and almost flinched., "Any ideas?"
"I've talked to Batman. He's agreed, well, kind of agreed, to let Robin and I handle Gotham. Batgirl is going to take Bludhaven."
"That works. But that isn't the main thing. Should there be a new formation of the Justice League?" Xander asked with a heavy tone. The group around the table nodded there answers.
"Okay. Nightwing. You going to start?"
"I've already talked to several of the Titans. The ones I think are ready. They've all agreed. I wasn't going to talk to anyone else till I had your promission."
"Talk to whoever you want Dick. If some of the Outsiders want to move up. There free to go."
"How about you?"
"I'm stayin. I like where I'm at right now." Xander said as he leaned back. Expecting the question to pop up sooner or later.
"Superboy?" Nightwing asked in a curious voice. Though he already knew the answer.
"Not this time. I'm good."
"Supergirl might be interested. Hell, maybe all of them will be." Xander said with a smile., "But I think you're best bet is going to be with the JSA club. And a few freelance guys still running around. The Marvel family would be of good use."
"I'm going to ask them. Just wanted to give you the invites first. Be nice to get on the same team. We all work well together."
"Exactly why we should stay apart Dick." Xander said with a smile., "You're right. We do work well together. We get around eachother and it's just... fluid. And our teams follow our leads so... it sounds impossible, but when we get in a fight, it's like we all form one team, we work together like a unit that's been with eachother for years. I'm not one for ruining that."
"I understand. I better get going. Lot of things to do, people to see."
"Hey Dick. No hard feelings right?" Xander asked as Nightwing stood.
"For turning me down?"
"No, for... earlier."
"I've told you before Xand. This isn't about morality, it's politics. And you made a good, sound, political call. No hard feelings kid." Nightwing said with a smile as he held out his hand and shook with the older hero.
"You have a lot of work to do. Good luck man." Xander said with a smile on his face.
The Outsiders sat at there normal table in the crowded club. The music was bad, but the atmosphere. Plus, a lot of the heroes around the table were underage, not many places they could hang out together. Lorne walked over to there table along with a waitress, each of there drinks of choice.
"We gonna get you to sing tonight Babycakes?" Lorne asked Xander as he sat his drink in front of him.
"Not a chance in hell."
"Ah, come on Xand." Willow said with a smile., "All of us have sang."
"No force on this earth." Xander said with a determined smirk on his face. He then made a fatal mistake, he looked around the table. Every girl present put out there own version of his patent pending puppy eyes look.
"Please Xand?" Buffy asked as she leaned forward and batted her eyes.
"You're all gonna be the death of me." Xander said in a sigh as Superboy laughed. Xander stood slowly and downed his drink before turning to Lorne., "I'm no stranger to the rain. Ya got that one."
"Ah, a country classic. Of course." Xander nodded then turned away and walked from the group like a man defeated.
"I've been trying to get him to sing for weeks. And that's all it took?" Lorne asked in exasperation.
"He can't deny his girls.", Superboy said with a smile., "That's his kryptonite Lorne. He just won't let anything make them sad, not if he can help it."
"Hold on," Huntress said with her hands up., "We. are HIS girls?"
"Yeah." Superboy said with a shrug.
"I didn't think he was that clingy."
"Not that way.", Superboy said as he sat up., "He just watches over who he cares about. His girls, that's just a term he uses to show affection to his friends, that just happen to be girls."
"Um, anyone else confused?" Star Spangled Kid asked in a curious tone. Superboy sighed and leaned on his elbows.
"Look, this is what I've figured out about Xander. He's very... chivalris. Buffy, and Willow here have been "HIS GIRLS" for awhile now. But, the way Xander is, that number has grown from two to... man I don't even know. Basicaly all it means is that he would do anything for any of you. Death, dismemberment, it doesn't matter. He will go down before you do."
"How do you know all of this?" Buffy asked with a smile.
"Me and the Xan-man, we're alot alike. Ya wanna know what's funny though. Everyone looks up to Superman because of the boyscout image. You think I would, but I don't, not anymore. I just hope that one day I can be more like Xander."
"Why the hell would you wanna do that?" Risk asked with a laugh.
"Superman does what's right. Xander, he does what needs to be done. He's taught me a thing or two in the last year, one, what's right for the law, isn't always what's right for the Earth, or the lives in it."
"You act like he's perfect." Buffy said as she watched Xander standing by the stage. An almost nervous look on his face.
"Hell no, he's far from it. Just like everyone else. Superman once told me, the hardest part of being a hero, is having everyone needing, and wanting, you to be perfect. It's impossible. And Xander knows it, that doesn't stop him from trying anyway."
"You're right." Giles said finally speaking as he drank a sip of his beer.
"About what?"
"You and Xander are alot alike, you both give credit where it is due. He has said pretty much the same about you."
"You'd follow him to hell wouldn't you?" Risk said looking around the table at everyone.
"Why not?" Buffy asked with a smile., "He'd do the same for us." Risk thought about that for a moment before nodding.
"It's funny you know." Supergirl said with a smile., "When I first joined the team, I had my doubts about him, Xander I mean. But the kid suprised me, he is good at his job, and I know, that if he says something, it will get done. He's one of the few people, that I trust with not just my life, but all my loved ones as well."
"I like babyface, he knows what he's doing. And to tell the truth, I consider him a friend. In my line of work I don't have many." Lorne said as the Agathe demon finished it's rendition of 'Dead Or Alive' by Bon Jovi.,
"He's up. I better get to work."
Xander walked up to the microphone and sighed, he didn't say a word as the music started. To be truthful, his voice, while not awful, was nothing great, and his body language screamed to everyone that he didn't want to be on the stage.
Xander finished quickly and sighed as he walked off stage. He was quickly met with the green host.
"Never again Lorne. Never." Xander said with a meaningful glare behind his words.
"Sure, whatever baby face." Lorne said with a smile., "Anyway, got a little info for ya, you've got a choice
coming up kid, life or death kinda choice."
"That's it? I sang, for that crap?"
"Hey, your not like other people I get in here kid. Most of the people I read, I can tell you exactly what happens till they die. But you, all I get is up to the choice, then nothing."
"What's that mean?"
"It means you have something most of your friends and allies don't kid. Free Will. Damn near every hero in the world has a destiny. Except you."
"So, my choices really do define me huh?" Xander asked with a slight smile on his face.
"Yeah, and others."
"What?"
"Everyone of your friends I've read, even the ones with destinies, they have these... blank spots in there lives. That's when they follow you Xander. For some reason you don't have a leash, therefore anyone that follows you, well, it's like you take everyone off the PTB radar."
"That's... I don't know what that is."
"It's a miracle kid. Someone up there is pulling some major strings for you. Why? I have no idea."
"Thanks Lorne. For telling me something that is going to take Willow and Giles tons of research time."
"I do my best cup cake. Now get over there to your friends. have fun tonight. And don't worry about tomorrow."
"I'll try."
"I know kid. That's what makes you a hero." Lorne said with a smile as he turned and looked at the demon on stage.
"NO! He cannot sing Manilow. I forbide it!" And on went the lifes out our heroes.
"He has reached this Journey's end."
"More adventures loom ahead." The female Oracle answered.
"And we will be with him." The male added with an almost smile.
"Till the end of this plane."
"Till his life's end."
END JOH: Journey's End.