The "World of Heroes" DC RPG Season III

[SuperFerret]

The Parasite stopped firing heatvision to think. Something was wrong.

"I-I-I can't think... Unity? Are you in my head?"

Then it dawned on Rudy Jones- The Unity was always in his mind. Ever since the Parasite was first recruited into the rogue faction of the Suicide Squad, the Unity was there. Pushing him. Pulling just the right strings so that Rudy wouldn't notice. The Unity lied to him. It told him that his choices were his own. But then the Parasite remembered something else that the Unity had once told him; the power of the Speed Force could free his mind. As the Parasite remembered the information, he also prayed that it wasn't just another lie. Rudy Jones clutched his head in pain as the Unity caught on to what he was trying to do and punished him.

"Get out."

"GET OUT!"

It was working.

But I could still see that the Unity's hold on Rudy was strong. How could I help him?

Of course.

"Rudy, hang on! I'm going for some help!"

I zoom down to the Fortress, and search the entire place until I find who I'm looking for; Jay Garrick, who was awake, but still groggy. He's in the infirmary, along with Bruce, Wally, the Question and Livewire, but I have no time for them. Jay's the one I need. I land next to him and help him to his feet.

"Jay, I need your help." I whisper, hoping to not let anyone else in the room hear what I'm proposing.

"What is it Clark?" his voice was weak. I don't know if I can ask him this..

"I need you to do something terribly selfless." I paused, looking into his eyes I could see why this man has been an inspiration for many heroes, "I need you to give the rest of your power to the Parasite."

"Clark? Why..?"

"There's no time to explain, but he's our only hope of defeating the Unity and he needs the Speed Force to break the hold Unity has on him. You've given enough to him for him to fight it, but he needs more."

He stares at me, his expression almost cold.

"I know this is alot to ask..."

"No, it's not. I'll do it. I can't measure my life against the fate of the world. Just Clark, promise me something." He sounded stronger suddenly, as if willing himself better so he can accomplish the task I'm asking of him.

"Anything."

"If this goes wrong, if something happens and I don't make it, tell my wife I love her."

"I will."

At that, I grab the aging Flash and rocket out of the room, leaving the others behind, and heading back to the Parasite.

 

[Red]

Alone and far from the battle, X looked out over to the nearby mountains as the sun began to set behind them. The temperature fell and his breath began to become visible. As a single tear fell from behind the mask he quietly whispered “I’m sorry… I failed you both.”

 

[rex26]

Alone and far from the battle, X looked out over to the nearby mountains as the sun began to set behind them. The temperature fell and his breath began to become visible. As a single tear fell from behind the mask he quietly whispered “I’m sorry… I failed you both.”

Deathstroke smiled, perched on a glacier above. This punk had sold the Unity out, and taking him out could put Slade back in good graces with the Unity, maybe even help keep Rose alive after all this.

The kid looked distraught, wondering aimlessly through the Arctic. Perfect.

Deathstroke quietly unsheathed his sword and dropped off the glacier yards behind X. Red X didn't even flinch. Slade thought to himself, "Kid needs some training."

He grabbed a gernade off his belt and without making a decibal of sound pulled the pin. He clasped it in his hand laughing to himself, then gently rolled it in between X's legs.

"Just something to remember me by," he yelled out as the gernade became visible to X.

 

[wiegeabo]

"Fine."

I walk over to Batman.

"And you. You want to do something? What? What do you suggest we do. Jones could reduce us to dust with a touch. He could peel the flesh from our bones in a second. He could collaps our skulls in with a flick of his finfer. The two of us, we're anti social crackpost who can fight well. So tell me. What exactly do you expect us to do?"

"What about the speedster?"

I can tell my presence in the doorway startles them slightly. Well, likely not the Batman, but the others were surprised. Almost as surprised as I was. What is wrong with me? I'm not acting...well...not acting like myself. I should be with the Lanterns and fighting Parasite. But, once again, I notice how I am changing. And I am starting to embrace it. This is the path I've chosen, and I have to see it to the end if I am to reach my final goal. Besides Jordan has somekind of plan in action, and apparently, cold is not having the effect on Parasite it should. But I knew there was one more option.

"Where is the speedster that Gardner and I tracked to New York? That Superman brought here? He must have some significant importance to this fight for the Kryptonian to go to all of that trouble."

 

[Keyser Soze]

"How can a man just... vanish?"

The Joker was back in his Gotham City hideout, slumped in an armchair. He'd thought he was so close to finding Lex Luthor, but then the trail had just gone dead. This was no laughing matter.

"Don't worry, puddin," said Harley Quinn, rubbing his shoulders, "You'll find him soon enough. Ain't nobody can outwit you for long, Mister J!"

"Meh..."

The Joker let out a theatrical sigh, throwing his head back and holding his hand to his face.

"And even if you can't find Luthor just yet," continued Harley, "Think of all the other fun stuff you got from his seret files. Like that photo of the Mayor in woman's underwear..."

"HA HA! Oh, that was a hoot!" replied The Joker, "But what's the point? Me and Scarecrow killed that blabbering idiot ages ago, he's dead and forgotten. And besides, everyone's still zombified by The Unity - who's going to care about a dead mayor's panties!"

Lex Luthor thought for a moment about just why he had such...unusual photos of the dearly departed mayor. It was just one of a series of photos - various powerful figures from all over America, photographed in compromising situations. Luthor obviously had various lackeys gathering these pictures to use for blackmail material. Even for The Joker, it was quite creepy to think about just how many important people Lex Luthor had in his back pocket.

But that was the past. Now, wherever he was, Lex Luthor was a broken man. Thanks to that bloated purple buffoon The Parasite, Lexcorp had been run into the ground. Everything Luthor had worked for had been taken away. And The Joker just couldn't wait to see his face, ask him if he got the joke yet. The cruel joke called life.

"Lex Luthor will surface eventually," added The Joker, "And we'll be waiting to greet him. But for now, let's have a few cheap laughs!"

The Joker hopped to his feet. He'd just had a wonderful idea. He grabbed Harley, and did a quick waltz around the room with her. He leaned forward, as if about to kiss her.

"Oh, Mister J!"

She closed her eyes and puckered her lips, and so The Joker dropped her, turning away to grab his coat and hat.

"Gotcha! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Now, it's time to pay a visit to an old friend!"

 

[Red]

Without hesitation X fired his grapple gun to a nearby ledge and landed away from the grenade as it detonated.

X put his arms out to his sides and the blades on the back of his hands began to spin at high speed.

“You picked the wrong time for round two.”

 

[The Question]

Suddenly, Superman wooshes in, and talks to the now slowly coming to Garrick. After talking to Garrick (As if we weren't even here), the two of them leave.

"That was odd."

Suddenly, Sinestro comes in through the door.

"Where is the speedster that Gardner and I tracked to New York? That Superman brought here? He must have some significant importance to this fight for the Kryptonian to go to all of that trouble."

"I don't know. I think there was some mention of his connection to extra dimensional energies being able to distrupt The Unity's signal. If that's the case, then I assume that he'd be a major player."

 

[Spike_x1]

It was working.

But I could still see that the Unity's hold on Rudy was strong. How could I help him?

Of course.

"Rudy, hang on! I'm going for some help!"

I zoom down to the Fortress, and search the entire place until I find who I'm looking for; Jay Garrick, who was awake, but still groggy. He's in the infirmary, along with Bruce, Wally, the Question and Livewire, but I have no time for them. Jay's the one I need. I land next to him and help him to his feet.

"Jay, I need your help." I whisper, hoping to not let anyone else in the room hear what I'm proposing.

"What is it Clark?" his voice was weak. I don't know if I can ask him this..

"I need you to do something terribly selfless." I paused, looking into his eyes I could see why this man has been an inspiration for many heroes, "I need you to give the rest of your power to the Parasite."

"Clark? Why..?"

"There's no time to explain, but he's our only hope of defeating the Unity and he needs the Speed Force to break the hold Unity has on him. You've given enough to him for him to fight it, but he needs more."

He stares at me, his expression almost cold.

"I know this is alot to ask..."

"No, it's not. I'll do it. I can't measure my life against the fate of the world. Just Clark, promise me something." He sounded stronger suddenly, as if willing himself better so he can accomplish the task I'm asking of him.

"Anything."

"If this goes wrong, if something happens and I don't make it, tell my wife I love her."

"I will."

At that, I grab the aging Flash and rocket out of the room, leaving the others behind, and heading back to the Parasite.

"You lied to me, U! You used me and betrayed me at every turn, and I wondered why I didn't leave you, but now I know why! You’ve been f**king with my head all along! I-I-I..."

The Parasite looked down at his hands in terror. The clawed fingertips dissolved into finely trimmed nails. His wrists warped to form an Armani dress suit's cuffs. Rudy’s screaming voice shifted into the tone of Lex Luthor's vocals.

"No. Not again!"

He was losing control of his shapeshifting abilities again- just as he had after the Injustice Society disbanded more than a year ago.

Rudy Jones' screaming never once came to a halt as he continued to lose control. His body painfully and unwillingly shifted its bones and skin into the forms of Jay Garrick, Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, Black Canary, the Joker, and many nameless victims who had lost their lives to the Parasite over the years. The strain on his body soon began to produce streams of dark purple blood, stinging Rudy's eyes and mouth.

Then Jones saw Superman flying towards him, carrying the real Jay Garrick. He knew what Kent's plan was. It was obvious. Just as the Parasite breathed a sigh of relief, the last person that Rudy wanted to transform into took shape: Lois.

And there, the Parasite floated. Screaming in horrific pain. His body, bleeding and useless. And in the form of the woman whose death had caused all of this. It was then, at that very moment that the Parasite, the monster who had brought so much pain and misery to this world, remembered one single thing from his ill spent years of school; the Trojan War. One woman had produced such a yearning in a man that he would have done absolutely anything to get her back in his arms.

Up until now, Rudy Jones had only regretted his recent actions because of the tremendous pain he was currently feeling, but now - now he finally understood what made Kent go through all of this. It wasn’t simply about getting some chick back from the dead. It was about returning his love back to where she belonged. No matter what the cost.

In that moment of clarity, the Parasite burried the stabbing mental torture that the Unity was putting him through into the back of his mind and stopped screaming, shifted back into his monstrous body, and held out his trembling hand to the first man to call himself the Flash.

"I'm ready."

 

[SuperFerret]

"You lied to me, U! You used me and betrayed me at every turn, and I wondered why I didn't leave you, but now I know why! You’ve been f**king with my head all along! I-I-I..."

The Parasite looked down at his hands in terror. The clawed fingertips dissolved into finely trimmed nails. His wrists warped to form an Armani dress suit's cuffs. Rudy’s screaming voice shifted into the tone of Lex Luthor's vocals.

"No. Not again!"

He was losing control of his shapeshifting abilities again- just as he had after the Injustice Society disbanded more than a year ago.

Rudy Jones' screaming never once came to a halt as he continued to lose control. His body painfully and unwillingly shifted its bones and skin into the forms of Jay Garrick, Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, Black Canary, the Joker, and many nameless victims who had lost their lives to the Parasite over the years. The strain on his body soon began to produce streams of dark purple blood, stinging Rudy's eyes and mouth.

Then Jones saw Superman flying towards him, carrying the real Jay Garrick. He knew what Kent's plan was. It was obvious. Just as the Parasite breathed a sigh of relief, the last person that Rudy wanted to transform into took shape: Lois.

And there, the Parasite floated. Screaming in horrific pain. His body, bleeding and useless. And in the form of the woman whose death had caused all of this. It was then, at that very moment that the Parasite, the monster who had brought so much pain and misery to this world, remembered one single thing from his ill spent years of school; the Trojan War. One woman had produced such a yearning in a man that he would have done absolutely anything to get her back in his arms.

Up until now, Rudy Jones had only regretted his recent actions because of the tremendous pain he was currently feeling, but now - now he finally understood what made Kent go through all of this. It wasn’t simply about getting some chick back from the dead. It was about returning his love back to where she belonged. No matter what the cost.

In that moment of clarity, the Parasite burried the stabbing mental torture that the Unity was putting him through into the back of his mind and stopped screaming, shifted back into his monstrous body, and held out his trembling hand to the first man to call himself the Flash.

"I'm ready."

"As am I." Jay stated, taking off his hat and running his fingers through his hair before he grasped Parasite's hand. Slowly, but surely the transfer is taking place.

As I hold Jay steady against me, I think back to what Rudy had said about us being like gods. And here I am with the ritual sacrifice...

My X-Ray vision scans Jay's vital organs, ensuring that the Parasite doesn't take too much, and I'm ready to intercede if and when I need to.

 

[Keyser Soze]

Gotham City Memorial Hospital was one of the safe havens in Gotham City. Gotham was one of the few strongholds yet to be fully overrun by The Unity, and the hospital was one of the most protected places. Jim Gordon, the former Commissioner of Gotham, was one of the patients currently recovering here. But right now, he felt anything but safe. And that was because of the person who was currently sitting at his bedside.

The Joker.

"How's the face, Jimbo? After the makeover I gave it with a sledgehammer, they must have you juiced up real good. HA HA!"

They did. Gordon was pumped full of sedatives to ease the constant pain. They'd done some reconstructive work on his face - fortunately the damage hadn't been as bad as they'd thought - but he was still suffering from some internal injuries. However, while he wasn't in pain, it also meant he could barely move or speak. But he knew exactly how much trouble he was in.

"You won't believe what's happened since we last met," continued The Joker, as if he was chatting to a sickly relative, "Some alien being called The Unity has almost taken over the world! Can you believe that? Luckily for us, the do-gooders are busy taking care of it."

The Joker looked up at the door. Harley Quinn was still there, standing guard. They'd sneaked in rather than going about their usual mass-murder approach. The Joker had already grabbed enough attention with his stunt at the restaurant - he realy needed to think about keeping a low profile if he wanted to keep on Luthor's trail. But if a guard showed up, then he guessed a massacre would be unavoidable. And, of course, great fun...

"I could kill you rigt now, you know that?" hissed The Joker, turning back to Gordon. He pulled a gun out of his jacket, and pressed it against Gordon's head.

"I remember you shooting me in the leg, Jimbo. You know, sometimes when it's realy cold, that wound in my leg still acts up. It's a real pain in the ass. Just like you. Batman is my great nemesis. There's nothing more entertaining than my eternal dance of death with the Dark Knight. But you...you've been after me just as long as Batsy has. But you're just an annoyance, a thorn in my side. A fly that just needs to be swatted once and for all...BANG!"

The Joker jeked the gun. For the briefest of moments, Gordon thought he was dead. But then he heard The Joker's laughter, and realised he'd been tricked.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, I'm not going to kill you, Jimbo. Not today, anyway. Tormenting you is just too much fun! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

But then the laughter suddenly stopped, and The Joker again drew in close to Gordon.

"But remember how easy it was for me to get here," he whispered, "I could kill you at any time, whenever I get the notion. On a whim, I could murder you in your sleep. No, I'll wake you up, and then I'll kill you slowly. Or maybe I'll pay your pretty daughter a visit instead. Just something to think about before you go to sleep at night."

The Joker took out one of his trademark playing cards. He licked it, then stuck it wet-side-down on Gordon's forehead.

"Just something to remember me by, so you'll know this wasn't a bad dream. Adios, Jimbo. I'll be seeing you soon. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

The Joker put his hat back on his head, and left the private ward where Gordon was being kept. Linking arms with Harley, they walked past the dead nurses behind the reception desk in the ward (well, he had to have SOME fun) and straight out of the hospital.

"Harley, things may be looking bleak in the world," chuckled The Joker, "But always remember to look at the funny side of things! HA HA!"

 

[Spike_x1]

"As am I." Jay stated, taking off his hat and running his fingers through his hair before he grasped Parasite's hand. Slowly, but surely the transfer is taking place.

As I hold Jay steady against me, I think back to what Rudy had said about us being like gods. And here I am with the ritual sacrifice...

My X-Ray vision scans Jay's vital organs, ensuring that the Parasite doesn't take too much, and I'm ready to intercede if and when I need to.

As the energy from Jason Garrick flooded into the Parasite, Rudy could feel an enormous burden being lifted from his mind. His body stopped quivering in pain and its strain-related injuries mended in superspeed. The Unity was gone. At least until Jay's power wore off. Rudy let go of Garrick and wiped the amethyst-colored blood from his face. His left eye twitched slightly. "Unity's gone. But not for long. The second that Garrick's power starts to slip from me, Unity'll creep back into my head so stealthily that I won't notice until it's too late." The Parasite looked down at the world that he had thought was beneath him. It actually was a pretty damn beautiful sight to see from this height.

Rudy sighed and looked back at Superman. "We gotta get back to yer pad so I can finish installing the treadmill. I've got the knowledge of both kryptonian technology and Garrick's specs on the treadmill, so I should be able to hook them both together perfectly within a few seconds worth of work."

The Parasite looked out at the stars, at the black void of space. The Unity was out there somewhere and its days were numbered.

"Let's roll, Kent."

Together, they flew back down to the Fortress of Solitude.

 

[Hyper Venom]

Brainiac 5 continued to work on various machines of his design whilst Saturn Girl lay unconscious on a nearby table. She was engaged in a mental battle with the Unity, leaving her physical form comatose. Brainiac 5 watched over her, not particularly out of concern, but because the other Legionnaires had untrested him with the responsiblity. He had to make sure no harm came to her.

Just then, there was a strange rumbling outside of the building they were housed in. Brainiac 5 rose to his feet and walked to the door.

"What's going on out here?" he asked aloud.

Suddenly, the door burst open, knocking Brainiac 5 to the floor. He looked up to see what had caused the disturbance. His jaw dropped as he slowly backed away on the ground. There was a psychopath standing over him.

"Pardon the intrusion. I just need to pick something up and I'll be out of your hair."

Zoom looked around the room and his eyes fixed upon a table at the other side of the room. Laying on the table was the unconscious Saturn Girl.

"Ah, there it is," said Zoom as he approached the table.

"I cannot permit you to do that." Brainiac 5 arose and stood between Zoom and Saturn Girl. "You will stand down."

Zoom stopped for a second and looked his opponent over. Then he slapped him in the face and continued walking.

"I searched all over the country until I found this 'Happy Harbor'. But it was worth it."

Zoom stood over the table and stared down at Saturn Girl.

"This won't do...I want her to feel this..."

With that, Zoom viciously slapped Saturn Girl in the face.

"WAKE UP!"

Suddenly, Zoom found himself being tackled to the floor. Brainiac 5 proceeded to punch Zoom repeatedly in the head. After three punches, Zoom caught his fist and glared back at him with seething rage. Retaliating, he proceeded to punch Brainiac 5 ten times in the face within two seconds. He followed the punches with a kick to the stomach, which sent Brainiac 5 sprawling across the ground. He arose again and turned back to Saturn Girl. Once again, he slapped her. Then again. And again.

"Isaidwakeupwakeupgetuprightnowyou****ewakeup!"

Brainiac 5 rose to his feet and attacked Zoom with another punch to the face.

"Why attack an unconscious opponent? Face me if you want a real fight."

Zoom turned back to Brainiac 5 and smiled.

"If you're that suicidal..."

Zoom threw a punch, but was astonished to see that it had no effect on Brainiac 5. He was covered in a force field. Zoom continued to throw punches at Brainiac 5, but the force field held strong. None of his punches were getting through. Brainiac attempted to throw a punch to Zoom's face but hit nothing but air. Zoom was suddenly behind him.

"Looks like we've reached a stalemate. I can't get through your force field, and you're too slow to hit me. But her..."

Zoom pounced upon Saturn Girl and cocked his fist back.

"There'snotmuchshecandotodefendherselfnowisthere?"

Brainiac 5 instinctively threw a force field over Imra. Zoom's punch had no effect on her. Zoom looked over his shoulder at Brainiac 5 and smiled. Suddenly, he was behind Brainiac 5. Before his opponent could react, Zoom repeatedly punched him in the kidneys, causing him to spew blood and fall to the floor. Zoom knew he would be back up and would be able to throw up another force field if he didn't act quickly. He walked back to Imra and lifted her from the table.

"Looks like this one is a draw. But that's fine. I got what I came for."

With that, Zoom exited the building with Imra. Brainiac 5 ran to the door, but it was too late. Both Zoom and Saturn Girl were long gone. Brainiac 5ran after them as best he could, but it was to no avail.

Brainiac 5 activated his flight ring immediately. "Garth, get to Happy Harbor ASAP. We have a problem."

********

Zoom sat in a chair and stared at the far wall. They were in an abandoned building in Bludhaven. The city had become a massive ghost town. Zoom sat with his chin cupped in his hands, waiting patiently for Saturn Girl to wake up. He normally wasn't this patient, but torturing Saturn Girl was something he was looking forward to.

On the opposite end of the room, Saturn Girl lay on the floor. Her hands were tied behind her back, and her legs were tied. But Zoom had employed a bit of psychological torture. The city of Bludhaven had been filled with thousands of corpses with frozen smiles stretched permenantly across their faces. Rigamortis had set in quite some time ago. The stench was unbearable. Unbeknownst to the unconcsious Saturn Girl, her body had been buried under twenty of these bodies. When she awoke, she would be greeted by twenty dead, stinking, frozen smiles.

Zoom sat and waited patiently. This would be well worth the wait.

 

[twylight]

* This portion takes place before Zoom enters the room*

Imra’s body lay still on top of the table. Brainy’s quiet mutterings in the background as his fingers flew over equipment and his brain over calculations.
A slight sound escaped from her lips causing him to pause and study her, whipping out the omnicom he scanned her head. The Omnicom hovering over her blonde hair, which lay around her like a halo.
He let out a soft grunt before turning and continuing his work.

******


“Imra! Imra!”

She stirred.
***Garth…?***

***Imra…thank….are you okay?***

She fluttered her eyes open.
*** Garth…what happened?***

She could feel he was ashamed…about…she closed her eyes again. Flashes of pain shot through her mind as she remembered.
***I betrayed you Imra, I am so sorry. I…***

She smiled and opened her eyes again, looking up at him as he hung over her. She placed her hand on his cheek.
***I know why, too.*** She said, reminding him that she could feel his thoughts.
She reached her other arm out and felt his right arm, she gave a relieved sigh when she felt the metal.
Again coldness shot through her, she closed her eyes as tears brimmed them.

“I almost lost him...again...” She could feel his pain too, it mingled with her own in her mind. She tired to separate the two but she’d learned that she couldn’t. In situations like this, she liked it when his feelings were hers. Pushing herself up from the table she put her arms around his neck, burrowing her face into his shoulder as he reciprocated the hug. His arms enveloped her and he held her close, leaning his cheek against her blonde hair.

“Imra…”

She pulled away enough to look him in the eyes.
***shhh***

Their noses touched and she smiled knowing what was coming next.
Garth leaned forward and enveloped her lips in his. Happiness shot through her. She knew it was only physical, but it went so deep. He’d never know that she got more pleasure from the love that seemed to radiate from his emotions to her mind, than the actual kiss itself. She however, knew how much he enjoyed the physical aspect of the kiss. She felt his grip around her waist tighten as he got into the kiss, she replied by reacting exactly as he wanted, another plus to being able to read minds.

The familiar feel of another mind caused her to pull quickly away from Garth.
***Brainy is coming***
She could feel Garths shock at her break from him and she did all she could to alleviate it.
Her hands slip from around his neck to his chest and she gently pushed him away as Brainiac walked in and cast a disdainful look at the two of them.
Purposefully ignoring their embrace he turned his back and started tinkering with some mechanical parts.

“Doing better I see, Imra.”

“Yes, I am.” She slide off the table as Garth released her from his arms.

“Good…You seemed to have gotten the best deal out of it.” He said intent on his work. Imra sensed the deep prod towards Garth.
She looked at Garth and he averted his gaze.
She refrained from deep scanning him, however she could sense pain, memories of physical pain. She also realized for the first time that the constant hum of unified minds was gone. She stretched her mental powers out and felt the normal flow of human minds. She smiled happily and immersed herself in the…normality of it.
She looked back at Brainy’s back and directed her question to both of them.

“What about the others?”

“ Superman got off unscathed, Question and Batman both have a few bruises and most likely will have some scars…the Green Lanterns got off okay…” His voice trailed off as Imra felt his mind wander off into calculations.
She stood for a minute before walking towards the door. She paused for a second in front of Garth and touched her hand to his arm before continuing out the door.
She stopped outside of it waiting for Garth.
He came out and she grabbed his arm, kissing him on the cheek. Linking her arm around his she looked up at him and smiled.

“Last time we were here we needed money.”

“Money…like paper and metal?”

She smiled at the awed look on his face.
“They’re antiques!”

She laughed, stopping to speak.
“We need to get …jobs..”

“Who would hire us? We don’t even know how people do things here.”

“I think we can get some help.” She held up the Teen Titan Communicator.

Garth smiled and leaned closer to her.
“You sly little gemhog...” He leaned over and kissed her.

She smiled, she could feel it now. It had been painful when his arm had reverted back to its original form. She wanted to alleviate it, but she knew better. Instead she just laid her head on his chest and allowed him to hold her.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



“Well, what do you think?”
Imra didn’t need to ask. Garth’s brain was on overload, he let out a low whistle.

“You should wear that back home.” He stood up from his seat on one of the old army chairs in the main part of the cave.

Imra was glad they cleaned the place up last time.

She smiled.
“Really?” She spun around, allowing Garth to view the whole ensamble.

Both her and Garth had stayed away from Brainy, he’d worked tirelessly on the machine, eating only when necessary, and complaining ceaselessly about the need for materials and supplies. Imra had contacted the Teen Titans a few days ago and asked about some money and a few outfits. Wonder Girls dress size had been close to Imra’s own. Garth’s size had been a little harder. They’d finally figured Beast Boy as the best bet. They’d sent the clothes along with a few dollars via the Outsiders. Causing Garth to comment on the networking the Super-Heroes had. Now Imra was trying on a cute little suit outfit for the duo’s first day of job interviews.
It was a cute pale pink number, the skirt ended just above the knee and had a little pleated ruffle along the edge. The jacket was cut short, and with enough youthful edge to keep it from being too old. She wore it over a white blouse with ruffles, her hair tied up haphazardly in a bun.

“Really.” He stood up and walked to her, placing his hands on her arms.

“You look great.” He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss.
Both of them had been enjoying the freedom away from the others, maybe a little too much.

“Now your turn” She said walking over to the table and grabbing the bundle of clothes. She tossed them to him and took a seat, straightening her dress.

“Alright already..” he said mocking exasperation.
He left the room.

She sighed, and looked back down at her dress. Cassie had sent a lovely note about the clothes being in style. However they didn’t realize that her and Garth wearing these was like them wearing clothes from B.C. Still it was rather novel.

“Well, what do you think?”

She looked up, Garth was wearing jeans and a long sleeve shirt, a glove was on his right hand. He stood there his arms out at his side.

She smiled.

“You look great..”

“ I feel…what do they say? ‘Retro.’”

“I think Beast Boy rubbed off on you.” She said as she turned.
***We should tell Brainy we’re leaving***
She said walking into his lab.
“Hay Brainy! Look at the new threads!”

Imra rolled her eyes at the slang.

Brainy glanced up for a second before continuing with his work.
“Grife you look like you stepped out of historical halovids. What do you want?”

“We came to tell you we’re going out for a little while. We had job interviews.”

Brainy waved his hand absently and grunted.
Imra turned, smiled at Garth and walked out. He followed a disappointed look on his face.

“We’re living in the age of Heroes we’ve only read about. Wearing clothes we’ve only seen in museums! And he’s in there, his head in a machine!”

“You forget, we’ve been here before.” she said evenly, walking back to the main room. She could feel Garths instant remorse at bringing up the last time. She turned and smiled.
“Are you coming?”

 

[Spider-Man9X17]

So much for Hal Jordon's plan.

Kyle floated back down to the ground. Superman and the Parasite had disappeared, the X guy was gone, and Batman was talking to the Question. Sinestro joined the heroes as Kyle walked up to them.

"What up guys?" Kyle asked, joining the little conversation

 

[The Question]

"We're trying to not get killed. You?"

 

[Spider-Man9X17]

"Just lookin' for the nearest MickeyD's."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"Just lookin' for the nearest MickeyD's."

"What's a Mick-e D?" said a puzzled Garth.

 

[twylight]

Imra sighed, three days at this job. Three days.
She looked around the clothing store, she’d interviewed and had to use her mental powers a little bit. Garth had brought it up. Who would hire someone with no identification card, no social security and no resume? She’d been lucky to get a job in retail, Garth on the other hand, had gotten one flipping burgers. She smiled thinking back on the information she’d gleaned from him the first night back from their jobs. His employers had been amazed by his tolerance of heat and she’d again warned him to be careful. She wasn’t about to go around fixing any mishap.

“Ma’am?”

Imra looked at the female customer in front of her.
“Yes ma’am. How many I help you?”

“I just don’t know…what color do you think? The red or brown?”

Imra smiled, well, maybe she was using her power slightly more than she usually did.
“The brown, it matches your skin tone perfectly.”

The lady looked at her and then back to the dress before smiling and nodding.
“Yes. Thank you!” She started back to put the red one away.

“Allow me.”

“Why thank you…”

Imra walked back and hung the red dress up with its sisters on the rack.
“I’m not scanning, just taking whatever thoughts I hear and using them. She did like the brown one better, just needed a little confirmation.”
Last time she’d been here she’d taken as job at the UN as a translator, this time however she wanted something, closer to Garth. One not involving 20th century politics.

“Irma!”

Imra turned at the sound of her ‘cover’ name, she’d given her name as Irma Arden. Garth hadn’t had to change is first name at all however his last name they’d decided on “Rhan” instead of “Ranzz.”

“Hello Sarah!” she replied to the brown haired girl coming towards her, a fellow worker. The sight of whom marked the end of Imra’s shift.

The girl smiled and bobbed her head.

“How are you today?” She asked.

“I’m good..” Imra said stepping away from the cloth rack and making her way towards the employee room.

“See ya!” She called.
“Grife, that girl has nothing in her head.” Imra knew what she’d have to deal with here in the past, however it never ceased to amaze her how carefree the young adults were.
“Just because you’ve fought for your and your friends lives..” she thought ruefully, Leviathian was the first to come to mind.
“I wonder how many deaths these teens have seen”

Imra grabbed a small bag from the employee room and darted into the restroom. Slipping out of her ‘work’ clothes she slipped into her more comfortable Legion outfit. Folding the clothes she paced them in the bag tidily and glanced out the restroom door. Seeing no one she slide out the back door and lifted into the air. She flew over Metropolis, her mind taking in the bits and pieces of people’s thoughts. She smiled as she flew faster the wind caused her blonde hair to stream behind her.

A feeling of distress caused her to fly lower. Seeing a small child in the middle of a road with an oncoming car she swooped down and picked the child up. Setting the child down on the sidewalk before smiling and shooting off, ignoring the calls and questions behind her.

Both Garth and her had been active in a number of small things. Nothing cosmic, but small little differences around the town. The local protector did wear a big S on his chest. A local legend as well as a historic one.

Within a short period of time she landed at Happy Harbor and made her way into the cave. She strarted to place her bag on the table before stopping. The bag hovering in her hand inches above the table’s surface. She slowly turned and looked around the room. Something didn’t feel right. There was a sinister intent somewhere….

Just then Garth flew in, Imra blinked her eyes as if she’d been in a daze.
“I don’t remember ‘losing touch’..”
Tossing the bag of his own work clothes aside carelessly Garth plopped a paper bag of fast food down on the table.
Imra sighed, forgetting the feeling, picked up his duffle bag and placed it neatly next to her own.

“I brought you your favorite! A burger with bacon!” He said riffling through the bag and emerging with a slightly disarrayed bundle of paper.

Taking it from him she turned it over studying it.
“Too bad you couldn’t have gotten a job at one of those..” she thought for a second. “…health food stores. These saturated fats aren’t good for us. Our metabolisms are….”

“Hmm…lighten up Imra. We only live once! Well..almost all of us.” He winked taking a seat on a couch. Imra joined him.

“Garth, I want to go home.” She looked at her hands and then at him as he took a big bite from his hamburger.

He finished chewing it and set it aside, taking Imra’s from her hand and placing it next to his. Taking her hands in his own he looked into her eyes.

“Imra, I know being here brings back bad memories. Don’t dwell on it. You needed structure in your life, that’s why you did what you did with Rokk. But this time I’m here.”
He put his arm around her and she smiled.

“I know” she whispered.

*** I love you***

He smiled back at her and leaned in for a kiss.
***Don’t I know it.***

***GARTH! IMRA! I GOT IT!***

Imra raised her eyebrow as she heard Garth utter a curse mentally and pull away from his trajectory towards her lips.

“Sprock these plugs” He muttered as he stood up giving her a hand.

“No..Garth..I think he really does have it! We can go home!” She said standing and giving him a broad smile which lit up her face.
The two of them rushed to Brainy’s lab. He stood there his hands on his hips surveying the fixed machinery.

“There.” he said.

“Will it work?” Garth asked studying it.

“Of course it will work.” Brainy snapped.
“Or do I need to remind you who has the 12th level intelligence?”

Garth rolled his eyes.
“Why would I need to be reminded? Since you take the time too….everyday!”

*** Boys….*** she said.

Not taking her eyes from it she asked,
***When can we leave Brainy?***

“Tomorrow or the next day.” he said not missing a beat.

Imra nodded. “The sooner the better.”

Garth stretched and nodded.
“My food’s getting cold.” He said turning and leaving the lab.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Imra stood in the shower and allowed the water to stream down her body, its warmth spread through her hair down her back.
It was a crude system, and even after she took a shower she still felt dirty. It wasn’t nearly efficient as the sonic showers she was used to. She told Brainy to pack a sonic shower next time they time traveled.
Liquied showers were her least favorite part about the past.
“Oh, how humans have progressed, to say nothing of Titans.” She brought her hair over her shoulder and wrung it out before flicking the shower off. Wringing her hair again she wrapped a towel around it before wrapping one around the rest of her body. She blushed at the sudden thought of Garth. Quickly shoving that aside she focused her mind on the newly fixed Time Platform.

“This time tomorrow we’ll be home” She grinned at herself in the foggy mirror and picked up her toothbrush.
Stopping her hand the brush stopped half way to her mouth. Spinning around quickly she took a defensive posture that Val, Karate Kid, had taught her. She glanced around the room, nothing appeared on the visible spectrum, Imra reached her mind out for mental activity and had almost thought there wasn’t any when she felt something. It was like seeing a shadow in the corner of your eye, except it was mentally.
“Strange, it doesn’t seem to be human and it feels like...” Her eyes opened wide.

Running she flung open her bathroom door and ran out of her room. Mentally calling for Garth.
*** Garth! It’s back!*** She received no answer and reaching his door she found it locked.
Stepping back and clasping her towel around her, pink energy flickering across her forehead she blasted the door open. The only fear she felt was for Garth.
“Did it come back for him?”

Running into the room she was greeted by Garth standing in the middle of the room, facing the door. His arm up in defense, flickering with electricity. He lowered it when he saw who it was.

“Imra! What are you doing?” His eyes took in her present state, and she was proud of his effort to stay focused on her emotional needs and not his own physical feelings of distraction caused by her less than modest outfit.

“The Unity…it’s back!”

He raised his eyebrow and looked at her questioningly before stepping forward and placing his hands on her bare arms.

“Imra…it’s gone.”

“No! I felt it! It’s not! It was a small little shred but enough to… NO! It’s not because of lack of closure.” She said interrupting herself to address his thought.

“Let’s face it. You’re a little controlling. It’s perfectly normal for you to need closure. We both know that.”

She shook her head as he continued.

“Imra listen. Jonz said that there would be some fall out that sensitive telepaths would be able to feel. Everything is okay.”

Imra looked at Garth.
“He said that? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Garth nodded his normally relaxed features serious.
“We didn’t tell you because Brainy thought that the pounding your mind had taken would dampen some of your powers and it was nothing to worry about.”

She yanked herself away from him.
“You didn’t tell me!” She said yelling it into his mind as well as speaking it.

“Brainy...”

“NO! You should know me better than that Garth.” She turned away from him and walked out of the room.
“How could he not tell me something so important to me! These aren’t just ‘powers.’ It’s me...he kept something from me.”

“Imra!” He called walking after her.

“I’m sorry. Brainy told me and at the moment I was hardly thinking about the Unity!”

She entered her room and turned to shut the door. Garth pushed it back.
“Why are you so worried about this? It doesn’t even matter! You know now so just let go of it!”

She looked away.
“It’s just like what he did with the Unity, he kept it from me.” She gripped the towel in a knot across her chest.

“Or are you just mad at yourself for not sensing it from either of us?”

She turned her head and glared at him, his steady blue eyes met her own.
“That’s what it is isn’t it? You didn’t sense the Unity in me, and you didn’t sense something as small as that.”

Imra took a breath.
“You still kept it from me.” She said sinking onto her bed.

“If I’d known it would have upset you so much...” He sat down next to her on the bed and took her hand in his.

“You should have known.” She said.
“Rokk would have known…” The surprise and hurt from Garth made her realize that in her pain she’d spoken it telepathically.

He dropped her hand and stood up.
“Can you feel the Unity now?” He asked evenly.

She focused her mind, going past Garth’s pain and Brainy’s calculations. She reached as far as she could go, searching for any phantom mental activity on a varied scale, before shaking her head and avoiding his gaze.

***I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that.*** She said looking down.
“How could I be so foolish? Garth’s the only one who’s every really loved me. Even Rokk who cares for me will never love me as much as Garth does.”

She looked up at him standing in the doorway, his back to her, she could feel him looking down and flexing his prosthetic hand.

“I’m not Cos. You two are both alike. Driven, professional, great leaders. Somehow you both manage to know what the others talking about…Maybe I…”

She stood up and walked to him, the towel she’d wrapped around her hair was gone, lying in a heap on the floor in his room. Allowing her wet hair to hang down her back. She clenched the towel around her tighter and reaching her hand out she touched his arm.

***It’s not your arm Garth. It’s not even you. It’s me. Being here, reminds me of things I’d rather forget. I can’t make excuses for the way I act or what I just said.

I was upset, I just want you to tell me the truth, I want you to tell me anything that effect’s you or me. I don’t want to get it from your mind.
I want you to tell me. I want you to treat me like a girl who has no telepathy when it comes to things like that.***

He turned slightly and she could feel him relaxing.
***I should have told you Imra. But…*** He turned and faced her, his strawberry blonde hair falling haphazardly across his forehead.
***It was the last thing on my mind. Brainy told me you were all right and that was all I could think about.
I almost lost you once Imra. I didn’t want to lose you again, especially because of me. If you’d died…***

*** It wouldn’t have been your fault. It was my choice.*** She closed her eyes, she felt it now.
“He didn’t keep it from me on purpose. He was too worried about losing me.”

*** I’m sorry Garth. I…***

She felt him move towards her enveloping her in a hug and a kiss. His love towards her flowed over her mind. She reached her free arm around his neck as he gently took her other hand away from the grip on her towel allowing it to fall to the ground. Keeping his lips on hers he stepped her into her room and pushed shut the door behind them with his foot. Leaving her damp towel balled up against the outside of the door.

Brainy walked by and shook his head.


~~~~~~~~~~~~`

“Wake up beautiful!”

Imra moaned and turned over.

“OUCH!” She sat up as slight sensation of electricity went through her.

“Garth!” She brought the covers over her to cover herself.

“Sorry, didn’t want this to go to waste.” He commented setting a tray full of food on her lap.

“I might not be Tenzil, but I do know how to cook….a little”

Imra smiled.
***Clothes?***

“OH!” Garth looked so shocked that she gentle mentally guided him to a draw that held an over size shirt in it.

“Where’d you get this?”

“Hmmm?” Imra said slipping it over her head, pulling her hair out of the collar she looked down at the large S symbol on the front.

“Cassie sent it. Something about all girls having to have an over-sized shirt.”

“Odd custom. I never read about that in the history book’s.”

Imra tilted her head, her face serious.
“I think it’s an ‘unspoken’ rule based on cultural fads.”

“Now you sound like your mother.”

“She also said that they normally come from a Boyfriend...” Imra teased.

“Eat before it gets cold. I already called us in sick to work. This is our last day here. I figured we should go sight seeing.” Imra raised her eyebrow.

 

[SuperFerret]

As the energy from Jason Garrick flooded into the Parasite, Rudy could feel an enormous burden being lifted from his mind. His body stopped quivering in pain and its strain-related injuries mended in superspeed. The Unity was gone. At least until Jay's power wore off. Rudy let go of Garrick and wiped the amethyst-colored blood from his face. His left eye twitched slightly. "Unity's gone. But not for long. The second that Garrick's power starts to slip from me, Unity'll creep back into my head so stealthily that I won't notice until it's too late." The Parasite looked down at the world that he had thought was beneath him. It actually was a pretty damn beautiful sight to see from this height.

Rudy sighed and looked back at Superman. "We gotta get back to yer pad so I can finish installing the treadmill. I've got the knowledge of both kryptonian technology and Garrick's specs on the treadmill, so I should be able to hook them both together perfectly within a few seconds worth of work."

The Parasite looked out at the stars, at the black void of space. The Unity was out there somewhere and its days were numbered.

"Let's roll, Kent."

Together, they flew back down to the Fortress of Solitude.

When we reached the Fortress, we split up; Rudy heading for the Treadmill, as I went to place Jay, who had lost consciousness, back into the infirmary.

The others who were in there before, were still there, and all eyes (I had to guess in regards to the Question) were on me. I turned to them.

"We are nearing the end of the Unity. As we speak, the Parasite is modifying the Cosmic Treadmill to cover the world with a 'blanket' of Speed Force when he, and Wally, run on it. This should break the Unity's hold, and weaken it considerably."

 

[rex26]

Without hesitation X fired his grapple gun to a nearby ledge and landed away from the grenade as it detonated.

X put his arms out to his sides and the blades on the back of his hands began to spin at high speed.

“You picked the wrong time for round two.”

Deathstroke slammed his blade into the ground in front of him. He stood determined in the arctic wind, looking up at the ledge to Red X.

"Talks cheap kid," and in the blink of an eye he threw his arm back and grabbed a sawed-off shotgun he kept tucked away in the small of his back, "And thats all I've seen you do so far."

He sprayed off multiple shotgun shells at the ledge underneath Red X's feet, smashing the ice into shards and giving way under his feet. Deathstroke continued to spray the glacier wall above, making razor sharp shards of ice rain on X as he fell.

 

[The Question]

When we reached the Fortress, we split up; Rudy heading for the Treadmill, as I went to place Jay, who had lost consciousness, back into the infirmary.

The others who were in there before, were still there, and all eyes (I had to guess in regards to the Question) were on me. I turned to them.

"We are nearing the end of the Unity. As we speak, the Parasite is modifying the Cosmic Treadmill to cover the world with a 'blanket' of Speed Force when he, and Wally, run on it. This should break the Unity's hold, and weaken it considerably."

"That's wonderful."

I stand up and walk over to Superman.

"Are you going to be needed for the rest of this, because I certainly won't and I could use a ride home."

 

[SuperFerret]

"That's wonderful."

I stand up and walk over to Superman.

"Are you going to be needed for the rest of this, because I certainly won't and I could use a ride home."

"Yes, I will be needed for this, but not to worry, I can get you home. When the Justice League had our satellite, I installed a teleporter here, for easier access to the Watchtower. You wouldn't believe how much it stings to exit the atmosphere."

"If you want I can get you home that way."

 

[The Question]

"Alright. Lead the way."

 

[twylight]

Imra licked at her Ice Cream cone and looked in the shop window at the little Santa’s Village.
“I never thought I’d actually see this stuff. Outside of a museum of course.”

“It certaintly is different actually being here.” She said looking at the back of Garths strawberry blonde head as he leaned over to look in the window. She licked her ice cream again.
“I don’t remember this stuff being so good.” she commented looking at her Ice Cream cone.

“Hmm…” Garth stood up and turned to look at her.
“Maybe it’s the company.” He put his arm around her waist and guided her towards the next window.

The two were window shopping at the large Metropolis Mall. Outside the first blanket of snow was falling. Instead of berating them Brainy had more than happy to have them leave. As they’d left the cave Imra picked up Brainy’s thankful thoughts that they were gone, out of the way of the being with 12th level intelligence.
Imra turned at the sound of children’s laughter. A large play area for children was to their right, in It a set of twins ran around with each other, separate from the larger group of children. She stood watching them for awhile.
“Cute, don’t you think?” Garth asked following her gaze.

“They are, aren’t they?” She could sense his interest in them and smiled. He’d been a twin himself and as much as he wouldn’t admit it he missed his sister Ayla.
“He’s always liked children anyway...maybe someday..”

She received no reply from Garth and she could feel his mind wandering to other things. Feeling his arm slip from her waist she turned and looked where he was looking.

A large window full of bathing suits, with large metal words on the wall above.
“Swimsuits Unlimited.”
“Oh no Garth..No.” She said sensing his comment before it came.

“It’s your color, baby.” he said tapping the window.

Imra looked up at the mannequin sporting a bright pink bikini ensemble, the top and the bottom met at the stomach, connected by a large metal ring.

She gasped at the suggestion.
“Never Garth. It’s not practical.”

***Maybe not for crime fighting, I can think of other things though…***

She glared at him.

“I’ve talked you into things before…” Garth put his arms around her waist and leaned in.

“They didn’t have me walking around in a bathing suit. Do I look like Shadow Lass to you?”

“Better.” He said.

Imra pulled away and recovered her Ice Cream cone which was tilted in her hand.
“Regardless, my Ice Cream is melting. This place has no easy way of cleaning anything.”

Garth smiled and the continued walking. Imra finished her Ice Cream cone and watched as Garth oohed and awed over the computers, amazed that he could touch them without setting off any museum security.

She was walking over to stand next to him when she felt it.

“Garth...that man over there... He’d going to rob that store.” Imra mentally pointed to a tall large man near a music store.

Garth looked up and her and stood up straight, looking in the direction Imra was showing him
“Grife, shoulda worn my Legion outfit. Come on.” He said as they walked towards the man.

***I’ll follow him in and take care of him after he makes his move.***

***Garth...*** she stopped as he seemingly cut her off, following the man into the store. She stood outside of it and waited, watching the movements.

***NOW!*** She called to Garth as she felt the man go for his gun. Before it was totally drawn Garth had flicked a small amount of electricity at him causing him to go down in pain. She smiled as she watched Garth in motion. The electricity was contained and he kept it close to prevent ruining any of the stores merchandise. Still it flicked around him like yellow flames.

Minutes later they were both flying through the cold air. Anonymous law enforcers, as they had been the past three weeks.

***I see why everyone leaves Metropolis away. The Big S is hard to compare to.*** Garth said, thinking ruefully about the last several times they’d been slighted by the press and the public.

***We aren’t supposed to be acclaimed. We’re just supposed to help people.***

***Still the Owner didn’t have to beam me with a bat.*** He rubbed the back of his head. Imra reached out an tried to dull the pain a little.

***I tried to warn you.*** She said smugly, following his lead and landing next to him on a pier. The frigid ocean air whipped at their faces and Imra snuggled down into her heavy jacket.

Leaning against the rail the two teenagers looked out over the bay, speaking to each other telepathically because of the cold. There was silence for a while as Garth put his arm around her waist and they leaned against each other. Imra could feel his thoughts. Everyone of them about him and her, or about home.

*** You can’t be serious*** She said shocked

***Huh?*** He asked surprised coming out of his thoughts.

*** You don’t want to go home.***

***I want to go home as much as you. But…everything is so much more simpler here. There is no U.P. to worry about, or politics. People can live without fear of planetary war***

*** There is war here.***

***Nation against nation maybe. But not planet against planet. The technology is a little base, but it’s still peaceful.*** He said staring out over the cold water.

Imra shook her head.
***We have duties in the future. We can’t shirk them. People rely on us Garth. We’re the founding members of the Legion. While that might not seem to be a big deal because there are so many Legionnaires, it is. They look up to us. Brande relies on us to keep it going.***

***I know baby. I know.*** He held her closer before shifting gears.

***What about a quick flight to Gotham? The City of the legendary ‘Batman’*** He looked at her hopefully.

Imra looked at Garth skeptically.
***Brainy…***

***It’s not even close yet. Or he’d be screaming in our head.*** Garth took Imra’s hands and rose into the air. Imra followed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Imra looked around the room she’d been staying in. All the clothes they’d borrowed from the Teen Titans lay in neat folded piles in the main part of the cave ready for pick up. They’d already sent a communication to the Titans telling them they were leaving. Bart had raced over and hugged them all good-bye. Imra felt sorrowful about leaving him. It was almost as if their good-bye’s had been prolonged because of them being stranded.
She touched a chair.
Hopefully this was the last time she’d see this place.
“Hopefully.”

She closed her eyes only to open them a second later. She felt it again. And this time it was no phantom. As quick as she’d felt it was gone. It felt like dying throes. One last push to stay alive.
“But why if it’s already dead?”

“Hurry UP! What the sprock is taking so long? IMRA!”

Even without telepathy Imra could hear Brainy’s call from the other side of the cave

*** I’m coming!*** She ran down the hallways into the lab.
Garth stood staring at the Time platform and Brainy was busy moving around making the last final tweaks.

Garth turned
“There you are, Brainy’s about to blow a gasket.”

“I...” She could feel her face pale as she scanned the room. Brainy looked up sharply.

“Imra? Why are you scanning us?”
Garth stepped towards her and put his hands on her shoulders rubbing them gently.
“What’s the matter?”

She looked up into his blue eyes.
“His beautiful blue eyes”

“Everything” She closed her eyes and allowed pink energy to glow from her before allowing it to push Garth away. She flung him to the other side of the room where he hit the wall with a dull thud and fell to the ground.

“What the sprock..” Brainy raised his shields and ran for Garth.
“Imra! What are you doing?” he asked checking Garths pulse as she walked towards them.

“You aren’t real.”

Garth got up off the ground, electricity flying around him freely.
“Snap out of it baby. Nothing’s happening. Everything’s okay.”

“No, it’s not. You aren’t real. You aren’t Garth and I want you OUT of my HEAD!”

Pink energy burst from her enveloping Brainy and Garth and the room shook. Energy flowed down the walls revealing cracks that opened onto a black eternity. She ignored the sounds of their screams, knowing full well they weren’t real.
“If this is all a dream. Where am I really?”

Suddenly the forms of Garth and Brainy burst into a thousand light pieces before turning into a fine sand and swirling into themselves, turning black.

Suddenly the whole room burst into a million white fragments and she felt herself fall through stars. Herfellow Legionnaires face’s flashing around her. Violet, Kyle, Cos and a few faces she didn’t recognize.
It felt like she was falling for eternity before she reached out and grabbed a wall. The stars disappeared in a flash and she stood in darkness.

I can feel you. She said into the darkness. She stood straight and determined. Her mental voice steely and hard.

Can you now? came the voice of the unity.

I don’t know why you did it. But I don’t like it when people mess with my mind. Especially when they make it personal.

Everything is personal.

Only if you make it...and I’m going to make it. Energy burst from her and she grabbed hold of the darkness, prying it open. She strained.

You’ll never get free. You think I made that up? You did.

If it’s mine then I can destroy it. I can leave. She felt tears come to her eyes. Sensations seemed to flow into her.

You
She let her energy form into pink tendrils and ease at the crack.

can’t
She strained, using all of her will power.

stop
The gap was enlarging, she let the energy spread and pry it open.

me
The Darkness gave way, flying open on both sides allowing light to stream in. The small amount of sensations she’d felt earlier intensified as her energy burst through.

She opened her eyes meeting darkness. Not mental darkness. No this time it was real. A heavy weight was on her and she stirred slightly before her eyes focused.
Allowing her to see a face over her, a face contorted in an unnatural smile. The feeling of death was all around her. She opened her mouth in a wordless scream, energy lighting her surroundings. The pink energy revealed faces covered in smiling death faces surrounded her.
“They’re all dead...Bludhaven…”
Her mind registered she was covered in dead bodies.
“Why?” Her last rational thought before her survival mechanism kicked in.
Her energy burst from her like a flood. Pain, sorrow and fear flooded from her in ways she’d never felt before, causing the bodies to explode away from her. Her clothes torn and dirty with dried blood, her face bruised and sore, energy flickering around her.
She was on her feet in an instant already feeling the presence of malice in her vicinity.

“Zoom.”

 

[SuperFerret]

"Alright. Lead the way."

I lead the Question to my teleporter room.

"Hub City, correct?" I ask him as I adjust the machine.