A/N: "When I began writing, Young Justice Inferno I did not intend for it to really inspire such a love for the series Young Justice. I was a fan who thanks to this story and others became a fanatic. And now, the show is…over. Alas as fate would have it, this is also the finale for YJI. I have loved every second of writing this story. All the frustration is worth it because I got to write something I am proud of. I love all of my reviewers, my readers, and my friends. I dedicate this chapter to all of you but three people stand out in my mind. Taiski, your ideas, and your aid have been so valuable. I hope if I should ever make a sequel you will be there. Chalant, I love your stories, and I owe you so much for helping me to quote my favorite wrestler's theme song, Break the walls down, as far as writer blocks go. And finally to Fioleechan, you helped me get this crazy journey started in the first place. It was your encouragement that allowed me to come this far. A year ago I never would've imagined writing my own story and thanks to you I've come up with something I am proud of. So thanks to all three of you With all the sincerity possible, Ryujin"

PS: if Anyone spots grammer issues and what not, please PM Me so I can correct them.

Young Justice Inferno Finale: Cycles of a Phoenix.

Alex sat there sighing as he looked across the table at the blonde archer sitting across from him, Alex nervously twitching his fingers across one another. His eyes shifted toward the heavy metal door, the fire manipulator watching one of their friends stalk outside the room occasionally looking inside. "Of all things for that damn Demon girl to suggest, she picks locking us in a room. What does she think this is some anime where the supposedly lost hero gets convinced by his best friend, please."

Artemis watched Alex tap the table with his hand, as both of them were at a loss as far as where to begin. Sure it sounded like the best of intentions, get them to talk out their feelings and move past the roadblock but it was infinitely more difficult than the others would have thought. All the late night chats over the phone, or at a diner in DC where Alex lived with Cassie, or when Alex made the trek to El Paso to her and Wally's college, because she had a fight with Wally and needed a friend; how ironic that it was just the two of them after everything and now the one time they needed to talk it out, they were both at a loss for words.

Things between Alex and Raven had been...tense ever since the recent incident Raven busted him on when he was interrogating the former Light member, Orm of Atlantis, using his fire powers to motivate Orm into talking with a few well placed burns. Alex saw it as Raven letting emotion prevent necessary measures from being taken, while Raven saw it as Alex crossing a line into brutal torture, and about to cross the one line no hero could ever expect to come back from.

~a few days ago~

Several villains in Gotham, Bludhaven, Coastal City and Starling City had been found brutally beaten and burned, the attacks were first believed to be the work of Alex's CADMUS created clone until several weeks ago Kaldur'ahm led a team of Connor, M'gann, Batgirl, the rookie Ice in her first field mission alongside her "mentor" the former Green Flame, later changing it to Fire at least that's what they told everybody to hide their relationship until when they were seen by Nightwing in a loving embrace and despite their initial fears the warm reception they got was beyond anything they expected. Meanwhile an unexpected ally sent by Queen Mera of Atlantis was Garth aka Tempest, to lay siege to a CADMUS cloning facility where they had found clones, considered failures for their inability to be turned evil, despite the advances the Reach's technology gave the already advanced science.

Kaldur and Garth were unprepared as they saw Dragon, standing over a Tula clone, who was wounded trying to fend off the flames with a barrier spell and quickly they moved into action unaware that they had allies they didn't even know also laying siege to this base as elsewhere strapped down by titanium bands laid Basilisk, the guardian of Beast Boy having been captured after an relentless barrage from an unknown enemy and strapped down to a table, CADMUS' scientists under the watchful eyes of Lex Luthor's hired mercenary Electrocutioner in order to give the Light an entire army, after which Basilisk would be disposed of, Grayven, the 3rd son of Uxas, stared as he had come from Apokolips in order to ensure success of this plan, as he had yet to face the League therefore he presented an unknown threat.

Dragon's own fire powers were cruel and immense, and unlike the template he was cloned from, Alex, He possessed no regard or concern for his allies' safety. He couldn't care less about the men he had stationed with him, the guards getting burned whenever they were in the way for an attack, yet as he stood over the 2 wounded Atlanteans he smirked approaching. "This time I'll kill all 3 of you, so you 2 lovebirds can die together." Dragon smirked staring at Kaldur. "And you can join your father." Connor approached going to knock him away only to collapse to his hands and knees as Kryptonite shimmered in the ceiling. "Why do you think this is the execution location. we've tried making a better Superboy with more powers but they are just like you, mindless but not nearly as pathetic to fall for a freak like that Martian girl. "Shut your mouth!...don't...talk about...her like that."

Dragon smirked as he turned back to the Atlanteans. "Shame, 3 species going extinct. the Martian girl when I kill her, the future hope of the Kryptonians when I kill this failure here and then the Light plans to turn our focus downward." Garth's eyes widened. "You are going to attack Atlantis while our King is away." Dragon nodded but stared in shock when the green radioactive gems were ripped away flung far away from the area however Megan was forced to deal with her biggest fear as Dragon surrounded her by a pillar of fire just to torment the poor girl,yet he did not see what the others did as Tula kissed Garth fearing this to be their final moment, until Kaldur pointed to something he never thought he'd see since he had heard about the shields Luthor gave him but Connor said he had run out and he was not the usual out of control self that shifted between broody and angry.

Superboy was rising to his feet and actually beyond, as he found himself flying much to his allies' disbelief, as he used his x-ray vision to check on her, he had never used X-ray vision before but it didn't register, nor had his flying as he didn't care about anything but saving her as he tore through the fire to save M'gann, landing as he held her against him, a tear running into her red hair as he thought he had lost her, Connor's eyes widening as Clark's voice echoed in his mind during an argument as they upon fear as Batman put it "of Lois" Clark and Connor began to bond over the 5 year span. "Trust me when I say this, hatred and anger are worthless, it's when you find something you love you'll be stronger than ever, Connor. now...come on, Lois wants you over for dinner."

Connor glared down at Dragon and in a flash was above his fellow clone, punching the man literally into the ground, finally capturing the clone that had tormented Alex and Cassie for so long, while the clones that were taken in were moved off-world except for Tula and another Kryptonian clone codenamed Divine, who hit it off with Virgil Hawkins aka Static Shock after she joined the Outsiders due to her lack of trust she had for organizations due to her treatment, and joined the unaligned rebel group. the Cloning technology was not destroyed, it was taken and preserved on the Watchtower under the codename "Project Ark" as M'gann had hopes of using the cloning technology to bring back both her uncle's and her people, though she feared them quickly finding out the truth.

~a few weeks later~

Alex smirked sadistically as his hand ignited with a flame the size of a basketball, his eyes trailing over the burned and battered Atlantean. "Orm you have failed this planet. Oh pitiful shadow lost in the darkness, Demeaning and bringing harm to others, A damned soul wallowing in sin...- Alex held the flame as it shifted colors to blue and white the hottest he could muster, Phoenix Fire, the ultimate embodiment of his power though he couldn't understand why the flames damaged his own body as much as they did his enemies. around the area laid countless traitorous soldiers of Atlantis who were loyal to Orm, even after his exile, and the flames extended rising up Orm's body, the heat burning him causing the man to scream in agony. " Stop this! PLEASE!" Alex smirked as he looked at the man. "Goodbye. I can promise you that you won't be lonely." suddenly the flames were smothered by the shadows.

Raven rose from the shadows between Orm and Alex. "What do you think you're doing?" the Dark Maiden asked. "I'm just interrogating him." Alex responded. Raven turned to Orm and soon the former Light member passed out. "That wasn't an interrogation," he told Alex, "that was torture." Alex looked at Raven turning away from the Dark Maiden. "And? They brought this on themselves. They went after my family, the Light have mercilessly tried to stomp the team out time after time, even what they did to my Father's legacy. they don't deserve anything different, Raven." He was stopped by Cyborg who stared at him.

"You were going to kill him. You have no right to decide who lives and dies, you are not God." Alex scoffed dismissively as he turned to Raven. "Really? the "God" argument? A Dark Maiden and a machine freak are actually trying to use that." He clenched his fist staring at Raven. "Cassie is pregnant. I will not wait around and let them attack her like they did before using my clone. I'm going to hunt down the Light and do what the League and apparently the "world's deadliest predator" aren't willing to do."

Raven pushed Alex to the wall. "Would she want you to become a murder?!" she shouted in her demonic voice, her eyes under the hood of his cloak turning shimmering red "your child needs its father. And you can't do that if you're locked in prison." Raven slammed a shadowy tendril next Alex's head, as shadow talons shot out from the other side of Alex's head. "That's how easily I could have killed you," the Dark Maiden said, "but I won't. I've already killed before, and I won't let any one of my friends experience that guilt." Raven turned to the door. "Cyborg, we're leaving."

Alex glared as fire rose up in front of Raven. "You dare think to look down on me Dark Maiden... Your arrogance is insulting. I am doing what I have to do to protect my family. would you do any different if it was you who was carrying a child and you had been harmed by the Light. You think Beast Boy would do any different than me? I am making sure that Cassie and Artemis are able to walk away from this life, I've buried enough loved ones due to this call of "Heroism". I am not just waiting till the inevitable occurs and more of my family are laid to rest. These insects had their chance to change, now they no longer have the choice."

Raven stopped dead in her tracks. Cyborg gulped and stepped back. Raven turned to Alex. If looks could kill, Alex would have died at least twice. "Don't you dare bring the others into this!" she growled, "unlike you, I actually care about what happens to the people I love." Alex was about to respond but Raven kicked him into the wall. "If you truly cared about Cassie, you wouldn't resort to murder to keep her safe." Raven roughly pulled Alex out of the wall and dropped him on the floor. "Your father would be ashamed of you. How do you think your mother would feel seeing you like this?" Cyborg picked Orm's unconscious body and hung it over his shoulder before storming out of the room, quietly following though they stopped hearing Alex speak as his voice sounded unusually somber despite his violent attitude of late. "The dead don't feel anything..."

"If your way worked the families of our friends...as well as good heroes would still be alive. and My father has no place to give shame...if it wasn't for this life, he would've been there to save my mother..." Alex stopped resting a hand on the wall as Raven's words and his own unveiled the reason he was going to such extremes. he was afraid not of harm coming to Cassie or their child...no he was afraid of dying himself, afraid that his child would bear the same pain and sadness he did. Alex lowered his head as he headed off toward the local Zeta Tube. "oh Lord Ares...what am I to do? at what point does war between Good and Evil become tedious and pointless even for you? And why are those who seek to end it evil?"

Meanwhile, Artemis stood at the other end of the docks watching Raven and Cyborg approach. "Was I right...is it as bad as it seems? I was wondering if calling you was the right decision Raven. Cassie, me and M'gann seem to be the only ones able to break through that thick skull. I would've gone in there but... I don't know if I could handle seeing him like that." Cyborg looked from Raven to her. "Artemis, he is in conflict the darkness in him is powerful, fueled by fear and hatred. but...his friends seem to be able to hold it at bay. forgive the brash manner of my words but...you two need to fix your mess and move past it, if you intend to save Alex because next time we might not be here to help him but to stop him."

Raven nodded. she was about to pass Artemis, but then an idea. "Artemis," he asked, "could you come with me?" Cyborg was about to tell Raven he had to put Orm back into a cell, but Raven used her shadow powers to send Orm to the Watchtower's secure medical bay, a special section for villains that were injured in battle before going to jail, Cyborg going along with him. "Cyborg, you put him away," she said, "follow me Artemis." another Shadow portal enveloped the two as they soon arrived at Wayne Manor, where Nightwing had taken shockingly enough another day off, to spend with Zatanna for their anniversary. Richard's hound dog ways were firmly behind him as he was clearly happier than he had been since...his days in the circus, and despite everyone thinking he was on the fast track to be the same brooding miser that his mentor was, Zatanna had helped change that, though the serious expression on Raven and Artemis' face told him it was not the time for fun.

[Flashback End]

Artemis looked at him sighing as she cleared her throat. "Alex, what were you thinking? Do you not realize the amount of trouble you would've been in had anyone else caught you? What is wrong with you, the Alex I know wouldn't do that kind of thing." Alex looked at her fidgeting nervously. "The Alex you know is still hopelessly in love with you despite all reason and logic to go against it. I know how I feel for Cassie; we are starting a family together but... I just...I can't... Artemis blushed though she still persevered. "Nice try to get me to switch subjects, Sparky but, no dice. you've barely even winked at me since you came back. You know as well as I do that you only do it because it makes Wally go nuts and he does something wacky like run to south America to get super fresh chocolate to prove his love." Wally blinked as he saw everyone else nod. "Wait it's all a joke?!" Artemis looked at the wall which was decorated with newspapers detailing villains like Poison Ivy, Captain Cold, Electrocutioner and Firefly covered in burns and brutally attacked. "I was the one who called Raven to stop you. Don't tell me you did this out of love for me or Cassie, I know better...from experience how you are when it's love."

"You wouldn't understand." He felt Artemis' hand rest on his. "Try me, we've been through a lot together." meanwhile Wally stood outside the door with Raven while Bart and Jinx talked, yet another of his attempts at wooing Jinx to get his mind off of Beast Boy, who haunted him in every dream. "I don't like this Raven,even if Alex does not still have a thing for Artemis...is it really smart to throw them into a private room alone? Isn't it kind of like locking you and Megan in a room together?" Raven blushed for a second, pulling on his hood as everyone believed there was a romantic vibe between them but they denied it because they were friends and only friends.

Raven didn't react. She seemed to be focusing on something else. "Raven, Raven…Raven!" She turned glaring as her train of thought was broken by the speedster her brief bit of rage causing the nearby vending machine to rip open. "WHAT...I mean what is it Wally, you seem distraught and quiet which isn't like you." Wally stared for a second, but decided not to ask. "I understand what you're trying to say, Wally," the Dark Maiden said, "but if Alex truly cares anything about Cassie like he says he does, he'll stop this insanity." Wally faced palmed. "And if he doesn't? If he decides he wants to burn down Arkham Asylum for fun? we're supposed to sit here…No, I love Artemis too much to let her be hurt like that by anyone." He went toward the door only to be dragged back by black energy pulling him back.

"Then he'll deal with that guilt." Wally stared at Raven for what felt like hours. Raven was placing this on the slim chance Alex cared about Cassie than Artemis? Was she crazy?! Raven inwardly smiled. A small flame lit itself inside her. A flame that held a dark joy woke inside the Dark Maiden, born of a sinister desire of seeing the people before her slowly slip into madness. Suddenly, Raven returned to her senses. 'What the?' she thought, 'What was I just thinking?' Wally noticed Raven's little flash of panic. "Are you ok?" Raven blinked. "Y-Yeah," she said, "I'll be fine."

Beast Boy looked past Raven and Wally. She saw that Alex wasn't doing any better. "Bart," she asked, "I need your help. Could you follow me?" Bart smiled happily. "Of course I'll follow you anywhere my dear." he blushed taking her hand letting Jinx lead him where she wished. Beast Boy had stolen the speedster's heart entirely and despite her rebuttals for some mystery man he had never met, though still pictured himself beating and thus winning Beast Boy's heart in a manly competition, He still persisted, not realizing the subtle growls or glares he got from the overprotective men in her life. his mind thought back to his time, thinking of his girlfriend, Jinx, there and hoping she was safe, much like this one was.

Alex looked at Artemis. "I'm doing this because it's necessary. It's the only way to protect the people I love." Artemis slapped him in a fit of rage looking at Alex. "You say you love Alex if you really loved her the way you say you do, you'd understand that neither of us would never want you to resort to murder. You are a better man than that." Alex lowered his head. "What makes you so sure of that?" Artemis leaned over staring those beautiful eyes of hers into his hazel ones. "Because you've made that choice for peace before Alex, you didn't kill the man who murdered your mother."

"That was the wrong choice, My mother was innocent, but these normal villains, do these horrific things because of their inferiority, their destructive technology and yet…you simply toss them in jail or Arkham and hope they change. that isn't justice it's insanity, it's doing the same action over and over and expecting a different result. I am following absolute justice, the justice of "Aku Soku Zan". Artemis' vast language skills helped her figure it out as she stared at him. "Slay Evil Immediately...well Alex I was evil for a while, my sister Cheshire is evil are you gonna kill me and Lian too?" Alex shook his head pulling away from Artemis much like a fiend retreating to the darkness before it could be dragged out into the light. "Your father was a symptom of a much greater infection, it's the men like Luthor and Joker and their ilk who are the disease rotting this world."

He pointed at her. "You should know, your family is in ruins because of evil. look at your mo-" Artemis slapped him as she glared furious at him. "Don't...even...finish speaking." Alex stared at her his face stinging, his hand resting upon where she hit him. "Why am I being condemned for trying to bring about peace? I'm trying to put an end to this life that has led to so many of us burying our loved ones, like Nightwing and his family, just to start. It's not my fault that the League won't do what is necessary because Batman and Superman won't be able to function without their arch nemesis. Do you think they feel one iota of guilt for the lives that have been lost because they won't do the right thing?"

Richard stared at a poster of the flying Graysons, before returning his focus to the monitor narrowing his eyes as he listened to Alex's justification. Richard knew that as much as he wanted to deny it, he felt the same way Alex did about revenge, in his darkest moments he pictured himself hunting down the monster responsible for his family's death and beating him savagely making him pay for all of his pain, but he had Bruce to save him. Alex had his new family too but the angel resting her head on his shoulder wondered if their friend had been far too angry for far too long. His eyes shifted to Zatanna, who frowned as she had lost her father in a sense, so she knew some of the pain Dick and Alex felt but, she couldn't imagine choosing to go about killing villains as a means of justice.

Even when the team had missions in Gotham, Alex refrained from returning to Little Moscow, the Russian immigrant area where he and his mother lived. It wasn't much, but it was home, until home turned into hell, and now he couldn't bring himself to go there now that M'gann had helped him to unlock the memories of his mom he had suppressed in order to cope. Artemis couldn't believe what she was hearing. Alex would never say this. He wasn't like this. He was a hero, and her brother, not by blood, but that's how she loved him. and from Alex, the feelings had become mutual, a long time ago, he just liked poking at Wally since whenever he did because the speedster never hesitated to prank one of them so it was fun giving it out rather than taking it. Wally always did some wacky but sweet thing to prove he loved her whenever he felt insecure in his feelings due to Alex's flirting. Why was he acting like this? The archer looked to the window where Raven, Wally, Jinx and Bart, among other allies were watching in from.

Alex suddenly backed away and groaned clutching his head as to most people it seemed like a sudden migraine but to one whose eyes were used to magic, Raven could see the brand of some demigod resting on Alex's forehead as the voice of the being now echoed in her mind. This being was stoking Alex's anger and hate, using the crack in Phoenix's armor to get a foothold in his mind and drive him to his current state. Raven quickly informed the team of what was going on, causing Cassie to demand that she be taken to see Alex. This creature, whose voice immediately became recognizable as Black Adam was trying to convince him that the league was just as responsible for the sins of the villains because they tolerate and put up with them. They needed to be stopped too. Alex heard Raven's famous spell, and the voice was gone and with it went the headache and the constant anger he had been feeling.

Then, the door opened drawing the eyes of the two "captives" as they stared at the people entering. "Go on in.," they heard Jinx say, 'he's right in there." The new persons who was pushed in by Rex Stewart aka Warhawk in a wheelchair was Cassie, having been escorted by Kaldur and Starfire, due to her condition as now everyone, well those that knew, namely the original Young Justice members, Batgirl, Starfire which meant Robin soon found out but Batgirl, Nightwing and Connor had a chat with them about not uttering a word to a single soul to avoid Cassie being embarrassed if a leak got out to someone like G. Gordon Godfrey.

"Cassie...what are you doing here, you should be resting. taking it easy because of the baby." Cassie huffed annoyed with Alex's recent behavior of treating her like a damn china doll because she happened to be pregnant. She was an amazon not some fragile glass figurine for Hera's sake. Wonder Girl looked at Alex half angry half saddened by what she had been told by Jinx. "I came to see if what they said was true. Alex...I know the real reason why you are doing this. You are afraid of dying, that something will happen that will prevent you from being there for our child." Alex looked down a tear running down his face as his mind recalled a talk on Thermyscira where he confided in Diana during his evaluation mission when he helped the Amazons fend off Felix Faust.

Back on paradise island, He told his own personal favorite hero, that he used to stay up nights just in case his Dad came home. Diana's heart broke at the time since she knew how badly Alex wanted to know about his family and the League had to keep the truth from him. Cassie moved her hand so it rested on her stomach, Alex's hand soon joining hers causing a blush to creep upon their face, making her look even more beautiful than Aphrodite to Alex. as this was the first time they had publicly stated it to anyone outside the closest circle of friends. Bart's eyes widened. "Whoa she's pregnant...so Crash, can't wait til I tell everyone" before he could turn and go Cyborg snagged his collar stopping him. "It's not your news to tell. Just stay here and flirt with Jinx."

Cassie looked at her. "I know, I had Aphrodite visit me years ago, it was how I knew to tell you how I felt. That first time we kissed…why else do you think Diana didn't punch you to Reykjavik" Alex smiled kissing her softly as without that fog of hatred flooding his mind he felt true joy again. His heart was the most peaceful it had been in years."It seems I always have to apologize to you about something. And yet you stick by me. I am so grateful to have met you, Cassandra." he turned hugging Artemis. "And you sis...I am sorry it took you having to literally knock sense into me." Artemis chuckled hugging him and then Cassie. "Its alright, I have to do the same thing to Wally more than you think. You know…Artemis is the name of a goddess."

The blonde archer smirked causing Cassie to giggle once she figured out what Artemis was suggesting but shook her head looking up at Alex. "We are naming our daughter after Alex's mom, Helena Mirol but you can still be the over spoiling aunt, deal?" Alex elbowed Artemis who nodded. "Deal." walking with them while Rex pushed Cassie's chair once more the 2 laughing as they had finally resolved the issues, and now things seemed perfect, Alex resting a hand on his chest as it felt warm when he looked at his family.

The group began to approach the door, however a mixed yellow & black bolt of lightning briefly appeared as Black Adam stared turning his head to Raven who was already prepared to attack, her magic swirling as she could feel the power Adam possessed. "You brats you dare think you can rival me in magic. I will end your constant interference with the rise of the Light. Your Justice League is helpless without it's strongest allies and now you coming very close as The Light are close to ending conflict in the world." Adam chuckled darkly as his eyes rested on Cassandra.

"I can no longer simply stand aside and let a gang of pipsqueak wannabe heroes, continue to ruin the Light's plans. You are helpless against me little kids, but I think I'll start with you!" Black Adam turned intending to go right after Cassandra but 2 blurs went by, Bart who picked up Helena, and Wally who decked Adam stunning him long enough to prevent him from attacking Bart, which was followed up when Warhawk moved in driving his mace into Adam's face knocking him into a suddenly appearing shadow portal which dropped him into the training hall on the Watchtower, the single largest and due to the power of the heroes there, most durable room in the building.

Raven inspected the group with her, her face as always stoic, yet they nodded all passing through the portal after him launching into combat with the great enemy of Captain Marvel "Well? has the fact that your death is moments away rendered you speechless?" Raven glance behind her. The group looked back at Adam when he started to laugh. His laugh was cold, with no warmth. It filled the room. Everyone else felt a chill run down their spines. "I do not blame the fear some of you have, the difference between myself and you children is the same between a mortal and a god!"

Raven's own Demon Maiden nature surfaced in response to the threat posed by Black Adam, it was a side of her she never wanted Beast Boy to see. She loved him but, she like M'gann feared his response if he discovered the truth. "A…god, you say?" the Dark Maiden said, "You're actually calling yourself a God?" Raven sneered as her shadow tendrils launched toward Adam, narrowly missing her own friends, "to say you have the right to be a god." Adam scowled. A ball of energy began to form in Adam's hand as he saw the increasing numbers, turning to catch Connor who was in mid air for a strike after being launched with M'gann's help, driving him into the floor, stomping on the half-human boy mercilessly only turning to .

"What…can we do? We have no powers." Robin asked, fear overwhelming him as he saw how easily Black Adam was holding off some of the strongest Young Justice Team members at bay, sometimes simultaneously. "What traits does one have?" Black Adam growled at the lack of respect these kids were showing moving to crush the daughter of Trigon, only to have his hand struck by fire which seemed almost solid, sticking out the length out of a broadsword, Alex working in tandem with Warhawk and Kaldur to try and push Adam back, who only chuckled dismissively at their attempt.

"You think you can beat me? You are not that whelp Marvel or Superman or even that Amazon wench who chose a helpless human. And unlike those insects in the Reach I won't make the mistake of underestimating you." Batgirl glared. "Don't talk about Bruce like that!" Black Adam swung the flat side of the sword toward Barbara only to have her boyfriend Bushido move in front of it being knocked toward the steel wall, which Connor despite his weakened state leapt up letting Bushido hit him as they went through the wall into the hallway landing at Jinx's feet, blood spraying from the broken ribs, the scent of the crimson mist filling the room, .

"Like I said, mortals are oh so fragile. Just like your father Ravil. He thought he could simply bring an end to the Light's ploys in Russia and we would simply take it?" Alex seethed as he glared at him the flames he wielded intensifying. "I know, Luthor killed my father." Adam shook his head smirking as he backhanded the new Guardian. "As I was about to say before I was interrupted, Luthor gave the order. I carried it out. Imagine our surprise when we learned that one of the Batmans had a family. Sure the one in Gotham used his connections to move her to America but we found her."

Phoenix and Nightwing's eyes widened as they stared at him, the others looking in horror as they realized what it was Adam meant. "You are saying—Yes, my dear boy. The Light or rather the League of Shadows burned down that building. And if you want to know the identity of the culprit, well his daughters are right there." He pointed at Artemis growled a mixture of anger and sadness in her eyes as she drew arrow after arrow firing at Adam while Cheshire who was helping up Roy She was no longer hung up on the fact she fell in love with a clone, and the league well the team anyway, made a home for her and Lian, with Roy and she wasn't about to give it up threw the various hidden blades she carried on her at him, Jade muttering idiot as she glanced at Roy, this archer had totally ruined her as far as being the evil sister, yet she didn't care as thoughts of Lian came to mind.

Alex didn't move, trembling as Adam sneered his cold eyes turning to the battered heroes, "Have nothing to s-" Black Adam was cut off by a series of blasts from the fists and eyes of Starfire. "Leave my friends alone you...you..Bosh'tet!" using an insult she heard from one of Robin's games since she was far too angry to think of something to call him her attacks knocking him back a step with each combo, until he returned an attack of his own, electricity striking Starfire causing her to scream in agony, which finally moved Robin and the younger heroes into action, Robin breaking his Bo staff across the head of Adam who barely flinched, but before Adam could pulverize the kid, Beast Boy knocked him back having turned into an woolly mammoth and slamming into him. Raven could not help but smile as she began to revert to her more human side.

Adam punched Beast Boy back only for the boy to be safely captured in black energy talons, while Blue Beetle, led the next wave of attacks, the length of the battle clearly starting to show it's effect on both the heroes and Adam. "And the Light wanted War World. Mongol's grand creation is a mere toy compared to my power. Without your precious Superman you have no hope to stop me."

The rest of the league had been called away as the Light in order to divide and isolate Young Justice used the members and their organizations as well as related villainous associates to wreak havoc on the planet in as many cities as possible. He stomped toward M'gann who had managed to avoid most of the chaos so she was fresh, charging into use her psychic power to try and drive him away from her brother, yet even her abilities which even frightened her uncle for their potential, were considerably restrained to avoid hurting Garfield, leading Adam to snatch up her brother by his hair and launch him into Megan knocking her to the ground.

Connor already having experienced the brutality of Adam's attacks forced himself to rise despite his battered state, and charged through the air, as Connor collided decking Adam with power that proved his Kryptonian heritage, easily as strong as Supergirl, if not more so Adam returned the favor striking Connor in the stomach, dropping the boy to the ground, while the villain stood over M'gann, raising his foot to stomp her, but stopped seeing Connor climb, with what strength he still had to shield her with his own body, getting struck once again.

The so-called training hall looked like a war zone with countless downed heroes, even Raven laid in Beast Boy's arms exhausted from going all out against Adam, guilt washing over her as she watched helplessly as her friends were hurt. "Leave him alone!" Black Adam turned just in time to see blue & white flames, the fire of the mythical bird for which Alex named himself and the heat produced showed in the staggering effect the strike did to Adam's body. unlike before the power didn't hurt

M'gann could thanks to the psychic link the mass hero group shared could sense his pain. The Phoenix flames were putting him on a level capable of fighting Black Adam or Beetle but his endurance was far from equal, Adam's brutal punches and knees were devastating his body, until Adam sidestepped his attack and grabbed his arm slamming him around like a rag doll, Alex crumbled to just to his knees since Adam was still clutching his arm as the flames dispersed. Black Adam smirked gripping Alex's head with his other hand as he rose the "insect" as he saw him, he was ready to finish him.

The final blow was stopped by Cassie who used all she had to strike Black Adam from the side knocking him into the wall, though the clearly tired villain got free he was clearly slower than when the fight began, staring at her, noticing the girth on her belly as she held a arm in front of it protectively, her Amazon pride refusing to let her flee despite cries from Alex and the others to do so. "I do not discriminate between men and women. You brought this death on you and your unborn brat" He stomped toward towards Cassie yet the blade he picked up that belonged to the out of commission Bushido met nothing but the floor thankfully as Alex thanked Ares that she was safe.

Bart stood by the wounded Cheshire, Red Arrow & Artemis' side moving in front of the blonde Amazon, 3 arrows lined up in the bow as her bow was broken by Adam earlier, Roy letting her use his, pulling back on the string while Wally positioned the arrows for her, their defiance blazing even as Bart looked at Adam in disbelief. "What the heck!? Raven, Alex and Cassie hit this guy full force but he's still standing." Alex gripped Adam's ankle burning him as the man grimaced staring down at him. "Any last words bird boy?" Alex shook his head. "No but I know someone who does."

Two powerful arms wrapped around Adam as a furious Captain Marvel yelled loud enough possibly for the returning League heroes to hear, crying out "SHAZAM!" as a gigantic yellow bolt came from the heavens colliding with Adam's body as Marvel beat down the villain into unconsciousness, his concern quickly turning to the kids he had come to see as both great friends, in his secret identity state and students as Captain Marvel. Soon the fighting on earth died down as League hero returned shocked at the state of their young allies.

The Justice League heroes, led by Green Arrow and Black Canary were seething, their eyes staring at Black Adam with a look of anger but now was not the time for hate or more fighting. Black Lightning looked the most troubled as he stared down at the name of the person who brought Adam on board, the only young hero missing; La'gann who appears to have betrayed his former friends and joined the Reach, knowing full well Black Adam had every intention of killing all of them.

Friends, family, of all types, connections and so on, Lois checking in on Connor though she stopped seeing Connor and Megan kissing quite tenderly coughing as she knocked on the door. Connor's eyes widening as he saw her. "Ms. Lane?" Lois waved her hand as she approached the bed. "I told you, it's not Ms. Lane, it's Lois, until your comfortable saying Mom." She smirked as after a stern talking to and an even more so stare Clark and Connor had begun to bond over the 5 years, and now really were like father and son, and Lois had come to adore him as her own child. "You are apart of my family…and who is this beautiful girl."

M'gann was halfway through changing to her Caucasian appearance when she heard Lois talk blushing as she stayed her "natural" green state, at Connor's insistence since he could never be ashamed of M'gann because she was a Martian and he didn't want her to be either. Megan nervously wrung her hands together while her eyes looking at the unofficial "mom" of her boyfriend. "I'm Megan…Connor's girlfriend. I apologize for us meeting like this" Lois waved it off smiling as she could tell by how peaceful and pretty close to happy the usually broody Connor had been was all the prove she needed about how good this girl was for him. "No worries, if I had a dime for every time my dad barged into mine and Clark's place, I'd own Lexcorp." They began talking while Alfred and even Commissioner Gordon, stood in the Bat family room, tending to them while Bushido had the "pleasure" of meeting the most stern interviewer in Gotham who did not wear a cowl, though Gordon took it easy considering how banged up the boy looked.

Alex felt Raven's voice in his head. "That darkness in you is not natural, trust me I can tell. You should let that Dark Maiden friend you guys keep secret look you over. It's much like the infecting darkness he cleared up from Blue Beetle." Alex grimaced even as he and Cassie cuddled, their hands stroking her stomach, Alex stared down at her belly smiling. "What do you think she will be like?" the 2 lovebirds' eyes met Raquel and Kaldur who were having what appeared to be at first a life or death conversation that changed into Icon spinning his former sidekick around, as soon Rocket and Aqualad entered the room of Zatanna and Nightwing, sharing the news about Raquel's pregnancy as it wasn't planned by any means,

Cassie smiled nodding her head softly to a lullaby Alex was humming until a wise and ancient voice echoed, the two looking up to see Hera herself standing there. When Cassie tried to rise she was held off by Hera shaking her head. "no…easy. I know your Amazon nature makes this fragile treatment infuriating but you will find it is worth it with how beautiful a child you should have." Cassie was awestruck but she managed to find the words to speak. "Thank you Hera, I am honored by your kind words." Hera's eyes shifted to the loyal follower of her son Ares.

"Alex. I am glad you saw the truth about the feelings in your heart. The Amazons have done their best to honor me even in these modern times when we on Olympus are all but forgotten, just as you have chosen to honor and follow Ares. I see the joy you have brought her, I am glad for I would hate to have to visit you for breaking one of my children's hearts." the smile on her face hid the chilling intent which caused ice to slide up Alex's spine, while his face turned pale realizing just how terrifying the Goddess the Amazons prayed to could be, no wonder Zeus feared her wrath.

Alex walked with Cassie as they were going for the hardest part of this, telling the adults, Canary and Green Arrow already knew as well as Nightwing that she was expecting, but it was the rest of the League, especially Diana knowing full well they'd get scolded and she'd get put on the sidelines for 9 months. though that part he was in favor of, but not having to come home to her fury or boredom from being stuck at home or the Tower for 3/4s of a year.

"Ow.." she reached over pulling up to his feet frowning. "Sorry..." he laughed stroking a hand through her hair. "It's alright. I love you babe. I am so sorry for all you've had to put up with. Thank you for sticking by me. Now...let's get home. you look exhausted." Soon thanks to Raven they used his shadow portals to get home, Alex scooped her up into his arms bridal style and carried her over to the bed laying her down on it gently. kissing her neck softly before sliding down to kiss her stomach. "I love both of you, my angels." Cassie let out a rather feminine giggle, relaxing as their fingers locked together, gasping softly when she felt Alex's hands wander..." Alex!" He chuckled. "it is my nature the fire rises in more ways than one my love."

~that evening in a dream~

"Wally!" frantic sobbing from Artemis filled the somber air as the team stood on the ice staring at a dispersing Reach doomsday device as her friends encircled her in a hug while Alex looked on shifting his gaze either to the other Speedsters and Arrowette, or the dispersing mass of blue energy. They had won the day but at a tragic cost of a beloved teammate, friend, mentor or fiancée in Artemis' case as she sobbed in Alex's arms heavily.

Alex woke up in a cold sweat, staring at the wall as his mind replayed his dream. He had heard about Godfrey's sudden position shift on the Reach after the incident with Mongol and the War world, and now word was the Lantern corps was headed to Earth, after Oa made a decision on John Stewart's report. Alex turned leaning over to kiss the side of Cassie's head covering her bare body with the bedsheet kissing her stomach gently before heading to take a shower and get ready. He was on edge though that dream felt a little too real to be dismissed and for whatever reason it was haunting his thoughts.

He had to push it away though he was getting a ride with M'gann and Connor who had news of their own to share with the team and the last thing he needed was M'gann to have an emotional breakdown while flying the Bioship. While they'd be at the new warehouse HQ, since Mt. Justice still had not been rebuilt, eventually they would head to the Watchtower where he could consult Dr. Fate. Or So he thought anyway until Nightwing stood there with his arms crossed looking at the team, minus Wondergirl who was on restricted duty.

"Guys before you react just come with me and listen." Soon they headed up to the Watchtower and saw Jaime standing there decked out in full Blue Beetle gear, Captain Atom and a small hero Alex didn't recognize on his shoulder beside him, as he began the presentation of the Reach's Endgame, though a shock to all, Alex's reaction was more profound, psychically anyway as it nearly knocked M'gann over as She looked at her pyrokinetic ally. Nightwing looked at Beetle, "There has to be some kind of fail-safe." Jaime shook his head. "I don't know because Black Beetle didn't know. I don't think there is an off switch."

Before she could ask Alex the reason for his response a call came in supposedly from the United Nations but instead Luthor's face came upon the screen, prompting reactions of rage from various heroes including the usually levelheaded Atom. Soon Luthor's ploy to stop what he called the Reach's magnetic field disruptors came to Light, pardon the pun, and now the big final battle as he turned hearing Cassie's voice as she approached in full gear. "What the heck do you think your doing, Cass? You can't go on this mission?"

Nightwing approached the arguing couple with Zatanna as the female magician spoke up using a spell to pull the two apart so Nightwing could speak. "It's all hands on deck Alex, I don't like sending her out in the field either but we don't really have a choice there are not enough capable heroes around for people to sit on the sidelines. It was quite a sight, seeing so many members of the League, Young Justice and even the overanxious Titans and Luthor's Outsiders, standing together unified, looking up at Luthor who gave out instructions for everyone as far as deactivating the MFDs while Nightwing handed out the pairings.

Alex recalled the horrible nightmare of Wally's death and Artemis' breakdown as he approached wrapping his arms around Arrowette. "You take care of yourself out there sis, I've been to one too many of your funerals already." He forced a chuckle trying to lighten the mood that this was literally the ultimate all or nothing circumstances they could possibly face. "Both of you come home, alright?" He hugged Wally as well hoping his dream was just that, a nightmare brought on by the stress of the wedding and the baby that was on the way

His eyes shifted to Cassie wanting something to happen to prevent her from going as the most horrendous worst-case scenario would be something happening to her and their daughter. If she wasn't going to be there, he did not care much for the fate of the world a chilling sentiment echoed in his mind. He shook his head as he held his hands out and began praying, something he had not done since Thermyscira as he was praying to Athena that she'd guide his friends in battle and help them win the day, meanwhile Cassie herself was praying to Hera her nerves quite apparent even to Zatanna who approached smiling as she held her Dad's top hat.

"Want me to show you a trick to help you relax." The fidgeting Amazon nodded briefly before Zatanna tapped the brim of the hat with her stick speaking a spell however it was a sleep spell, causing Cassie to fall back carefully to a chair M'gann had retrieved. "I know Richard is going to be angry but there's no way I could've sent her out there." Cheshire approached as the villainous members of the Light and otherwise were throwing their hat in the ring since this was their Earth too that the Reach was trying to annihilate, the Red Hood and Bushido staring face to face while Barbara tried to prevent a fight from breaking out.

Deathstroke stood there his arms crossed. "Why are we helping these heroic twerps again?" Luthor spoke up looking at the villains. "Because I am paying you an obscene amount of money and if you don't help the entire world is coming to an end." Deathstroke cracked his knuckles smirking under his mask. "You had me at money." The teams were dispatched, Alex heading out with Impulse as he drew the bug mech fire blasting them to the ground while Impulse dodged the stray purple-colored energy blast dashing toward the egg turning to see Alex hack his way through one of the Reach's giant beetles.

"Good thing I borrowed this from Bushido, forgot how useful these can be for dealing with armor." Soon the calls came in about each team having success destroying their enemy mechs and disabling the Reach's Endgame device. Until 20 teams, 20 MFDs disabled came over the com system prompting a victory celebration until Blue Beetle announced a staggering fact that the Reach hid a 21st MFD in the Arctic sending Flash dashing towards the along with Impulse who had been hijacked for a ride by Alex, all the while the Bioship sped towards the Arctic.

Alex's eyes widened in horror as he saw the out of control MFD. Were they too late, however his reaction wasn't primarily out of fear, it was out of recognition of his surroundings turning he could see a yellow blur tearing across the field as Alex lowered his head, a few tears coming down his feet went ablaze, launching himself into the air as he collided with Wally knocking the red-haired former sidekick of Flash to the snow as Wally sat up wondering what the heck. "Since the world is about to end, Wally I might as well get some things off of my chest." He shoved Wally down when the Speedster tried to get up.

"I'm sick of you, always the jokester always pulling pranks and yet in the end you wound up with Arrowette. You somehow worked a miracle and got Artemis, even though you are a second rate Speedster." He chuckled darkly punching Wally. "I can't accept that. I can't accept you. You aren't as fast or as skilled as the other Flash heroes. You aren't even a real member of the Allen family." Alex saw the Bioship approaching as it was getting ready to descend. "I mean be honest your so second-rate your own parents didn't want you, how pathetic is that?"

Wally growled getting up in a rage only to be caught with a sneaky punch to the solar plexus knocking him out as Alex held him in a hug, tears dripping onto his out cold friend's shoulder even while the team disembarked. "I am sorry, Wally I wish we could part a different way but I did not see any other choice. You are too brave even in the face of death to know when to back down. I hope you can forgive me my friend." Alex turned heading toward the out of control energy sphere.

M'gann yelled as Artemis held onto Wally. "Alex what are you doing?" Alex looked back at them forcing a smile. "Just going to deal with this, I'll be right back Meg." He chuckled softly though the psychic link revealed his true feelings as he headed into that cerulean abyss managing to make it inside the field, as he held his hands up drawing the heat-based energy into his body as Blue Beetle's scarab quickly spoke up. "the Hero Phoenix's mortal shell will not be able contain the Reach's MFD output, There is a chance that planet will be spared, possibly but the one known as Phoenix will not."

The spiraling doomsday device began to shrink, as the combined efforts of the Flash, Impulse and Phoenix were working as Alex hacked up a geyser of blood, as the crimson liquid, began to drip from his nose as well. Alex's attention shifted momentarily to the Reach's remaining mech bug as it appeared to have left the majority of it's fleet at the final Magnetic field disruptor in order to prevent it's deactivation should it be discovered. The League/Team were in battle as Alex finished absorbing what energy he could from the device using his own now supercharged powers, as his entire body erupted in that same blue & white fire, the unique pillar rising into the silhouette of a bird as it's wings wrapped around the spiraling orb holding it in place to stabilize the energy ratio without putting Wally's life at risk.

Soon the Reach's endgame device was stopped as Wally woke up groaning as he held his head. "Where's that jerk at!?" Artemis hugged his head to her smiling, "Your alright, I was afraid one of the Reach's bugs had gotten you" realizing her rather feminine burst of emotion she released Wally holding him. "I mean…I'm glad you are okay, Baywatch." Wally groaned rubbing his jaw. "partially anyway, Alex totally blindsided me. Where did he go?" he stood up with Artemis' help walking to where the remainder of the team was. "Uncle Barry…Impulse? I gotta get down there and help."

Megan held onto Wally's sleeve stopping him. "No don't!" Connor spoke up covering for M'gann "She meant No, we have no idea if there is another of those things hidden as a failsafe to us stopping their plan and you'd be the only fast enough to stop it since Flash and Impulse are tied up." Wally wasn't the brightest bulb to come out of the factory but he knew something was up, but went along since Artemis also asked him to stay.

Alex's clothing was nearly nonexistent as was his body as he was burnt severely collapsing to the ground as he felt the touch of two hands on his shoulders one feminine and one giant paw by the size of it as he opened his eyes looking at the people, it was his mother Lena Mirol and his dad, the former Batman of Moscow smiling with pride as they looked at him when Ravil spoke. "We are proud of you my son… You've come so far alone and with friends and someone you love. Both your mother and I are sorry we could not be there to help you when you needed us."

Alex felt warm liquid running from his eyes as he stared up. "Am...I dead?" Lena smiled sadly stroking his hair. "My darling boy you've really taken after your father, though you didn't obtain his lack of shaving habits…yet." She smiled warmly as tears ran down her face now." I am so sorry you've had such a tough life." Alex shook his head hugging them both. "It was good that I did, I never would have the family that I do now." Lena and Ravil smiled they looked at their son, looking up. "It appears your friends aren't so willing to let you fade away. We love you son, make sure cherish your family." They faded away, Alex was able to hear some faint jumbled together mass of voices in the distance as blinding light flashed and the voices grew louder, unaware of where it was coming from.

~meanwhile~

Alex laid there on the snow as Nightwing was doing CPR, the concerned teammates gathered around with supplies in hand ready to help however they were told, while Connor held a heartbroken M'gann and Wally sat there feeling like a jerk after hearing the story from M'gann. "He had a dream of me dying..." Artemis shook his head. "From what M'gann showed me not it wasn't just a dream, everything here even the device being here is a perfect match…I can't explain it maybe it has something to do with the kids, Maria could've been lending a hand to stop this."

Wally's brain kick-started as he looked down at Alex. "he heals when he absorbs heat, I've seen him do it before in the field as a way to protect himself when he held off that bomb in Starling city to give the civilians time to escape.. Maybe if we used that while Nightwing does the CPR it could help." They did as Bart suggested some of them a little in disbelief at the usual hyperactive knucklehead's suggestion as soon Blue Beetle who was using his scarab tech to check Alex for vital signs began to pick up something as the burns both internal and external began to heal and the team rushed to the Watchtower.

The World had been saved by a bunch of "sidekicks,rebels, delinquents, villains and more" as even G. Gordon Godfrey began to change his tune considering the public backlash of his support of the Reach after their attempt to annihilate Earth. Alex would not be the same though in the months of his recovery eventually his heart was healed and his body was recovered, mostly as he sat there looking at Nightwing as the Team leader spoke looking at the papers requesting retirement from active duty, before him. "Are you sure about this?" Alex nodded. "Yeah…I have more important things to do, Richard. As do you. I hope you don't spoil Lil' Mar too much. Send me a wedding invite. Don't worry I'll still come here to train the rookies."

Nightwing blushed as he pictured marrying Zatanna, even as he set the paper for Alex's leave for helping Cassie with Helena. It would be a few months, the day of Cassandra's due date until the team was reunited again in it's entirety, as Garfield paced partially out of sugar rush and anxiety as Megan used her psychic to pin her brother down in a chair even while Diana and Alex stood there in the room, Alex down on one knee due to the death grip Cassie was currently administering to his hand due to her labor pains and his genius idea to let her hold his hand.

Things had changed as M'gann and Connor were married, wanting to make it official as soon as possible having no doubt that they were meant for one another. though Connor and M'gann were under extremely strict warnings about no grandchildren any time soon from John Jones and even Lois Lane and Black Canary. Kaldur and Raquel with Kaldur introducing Raquel to his family, as Mera and Orin both considered Kaldur just as much as their son as they did the nicknamed "Aquababy" showing her the sights of Atlantis. His heart finally able to move on from Tula, meanwhile Garth rejoined Young Justice, as did Aquagirl as despite her clone status she was Tula, he finally had back the other half of his heart and soul that was stolen from him by the villain Shark.

Richard had been a little less subtle, using Wayne enterprises tech to temporarily light up the moon with "Zatanna will you marry me?" which sounded good until in the middle of their romantic embrace at the manor, Batman arrived scowling that legendary glare at the two of them. Barbara nuzzled close to Bushido who was still awaiting an answer from Batman and her dad, about taking her hand in marriage since Batman still instituted his identity policy even though Richard had broken it in about every way imaginable.

The biggest shock was after the missing 6 League members returned to earth and Batman proposed to Diana in front of the entire League, breaking out of his shell for that one moment, for this one woman as she had shown him he could be more than just The batman, he could save the world and be truly happy too despite the sacrifices the hero life took.

Alex heard the news about it being a girl grinning as he let Diana cut the umbilical cord since he only had feeling in one hand at the moment, after letting Cassie hold his hand while she went through labor and he swore he could feel the bones shift each time he turned his hand, watching Cassie holding their baby girl staring down at her as he smiled. "Welcome, Helena…I can't wait til you meet all your aunts and uncles." Alex let the doctor take Helena to do the necessary exams and kissed Cassie while Diana remained with her heading out to the others hearing their congratulations and cheers, tears of joy leaking from his face as he thought back to where he begun til now. "I love my family. I guess even Phoenixes can find a flock of their own."

He thought celebrating with them. Alex turned to a radio playing a very specific song(chapter title) as he wrapped his arm around Connor and Artemis, the already chosen Best Man, and Maid of Honor for his wedding to Cassie as he stared at the sunset watching as that blazing inferno had faded giving way to the ashes, and the foundation for the beginning of a bountiful and joyful life. Alex headed inside his home helping Connor finish building the baby crib.

~years later~

Alex stood there dodging punches from Adam and Helena, moving to grab the young Atlantean by his shirt throwing him into an charging Rachel, yet he rose his hand up roasting a few arrows coming down at him from the sky. "Nice try, Jayden." the new YJ training instructor, and Canary's replacement moved his head tilting it just slightly to avoid Helena's lasso she inherited from her "Grandmother" a phrase never verbally uttered by anyone who enjoyed walking around Diana. "who knew Amazons were so sensitive about their age?" Alex chuckled thinking he had the day won until familiar spell talk rang through the air causing the lasso to turn and wrap around him launching him into the air, before Kenny, the proud son of Connor and M'gann tore through the air driving Alex into the ground like a volleyball.

all the pain aside, Alex could not be more proud as he groaned sitting up with help from a clapping Aquaman, a outright smile on his face as he glanced down at his friend. "I told you the kids were good." Alex groaned wiggling free of the lasso once Mar undid the spell. "Yeah, they've really grown into their own. soon we'll be the League members sitting in the tower giving briefings, scolding looks and therapy." Kaldur nodded as he and Alex walked to the Zeta tube, after letting the team take a break to celebrate full graduation from Phoenix's training course, approaching a top of the line, fully rebuilt Mt. Justice as Alex stared, at every item as the team celebrated together, before making it official about the New Young Justice, in their rebuilt base, until Wally blabbed about hoping they kept in standing longer than their parents did.

Helena rested in Adam's arms, turning briefly to glance at the shadowed wall, staring as if she half expected someone to be there, or rather had been watching the group celebration. Also at the party were the next generation of the Wayne family, the twin siblings. Jason Thomas Wayne aka the hero Nemea, taken for his heroic heritage, amplified endurance and agility and his choice of a lion emblem rather than a bat, as well as his shimmering Gold colored "armor" which clashed with his black hair causing him to dye it, he specialized in the use of a Spear though the edge was nonexistent instead used for shocking an enemy on contact, or firing as an high velocity grappling gun, using the shaft of the spear to pull himself up. He was attending the party with his girlfriend Lara Kent, the 2nd child of Lois and Superman.

The younger by a few minutes sister, named by her Mom as Harmonia Wayne aka the heroine Nyx because of her superior stealth skills, and covert intelligence gathering. she specialized in creating chaos within enemy ranks with her stealth attacks, hacking talent and her dad-inherited "power" of mentally dissecting a target in order to figure out how to break them down. her outfit mirrored the near solid black of Nightwing's uniform but matched her mentor Renee Montoya, as she stood there with her girlfriend, fidgeting as Renee, her mother and Barbara was the only person who knew aside from her brother who picked up on it immediately.

Her Girlfriend was named Amelia Zergia, who was best friends with the daughter of Barbara and Ryuku, Kari Gordon aka the new heroic sidekick of Katana, taking her Dad's old name of Bushido since he retired after an ambush by mobsters' gunfire cost him a great deal of mobility in his legs due to nerve damage from protecting a pregnant Barbara, though he was better than he would have been had Bruce not gone all out making sure he received the best care. Amelia accidentally found her way into the Hero cause, after she managed to crack League security and even Richard Grayson's toughest firewalls in one night, thus earning her the nickname Hijack due to her cyber lethality.

The Inferno of chaos that haunted Alex and the team had subsided and given way to a new generation. one of hope, kindness and more happiness than one could think possible in the Hero life but now he was a member of the League, walking over to the window staring down at the planet as Auld Lang Syne the Watchtower computer displaying Happy New Year, January 1st, 2031.

-The End.-

Aka: "Ok, good ending."
Tai: "Yeah. Well Ryu, what's next?"

Ryu: "I have no idea. but it may involve Fairy Tail. Stay tuned."