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The Road to Earth War

“You better be prepared to back that comment up,” said Cosmic Boy to King Faraday, and Faraday now looked him square in the eye and sized him up. Cos thought he was looking at him with anger, but in truth, Faraday was relieved he found the real leader of this group.

“I can, and I will. Checkmate is an American organization though, answerable to the President. Once I’m found out, and I assuredly will be, I’ll be in serious trouble.”

“You’ll be fired,” said Leviathan.

Faraday laughed. “Hardly. I have enough dirt on Waller and Luthor to bring down this entire government.” Half of the Legionnaires were appalled, the other half smiled. “And I will, if it means saving my own ass. But that’s beside the point. Fantomas here is recently back from a mission in Khundia that went FUBAR. But he was able to get some serious intel for us, and I’ve convinced him to jump ship from the Suicide Squad to Checkmate.”

“They have my sister…” Jacques began to say, when he at last saw Ferro. “Doug?” he said out loud, then shook his head. “No, nevermind.”

“Wait. What did you just say?” asked Ferro.

“I thought you were someone else…” replied Jacques.

“Did you say Doug? As in Doug Nolan?” By the look in Jacque’s eyes, Andy knew it to be true. “Where is my brother?”

Now both Faraday and Focquart were silent and they looked at each other, their eyes saddened. King Faraday raised his hand to his mouth and spoke into his cufflink. “Better bring in the Nolan boy,” he said, then looking at Metternich, “If you’ll open up security to us.”

“Hardly,” replied Metternich, “I’m not letting anymore Checkmate into this building. “Tell us where he is and I’ll have some of our staff retrieve him.”

“Fine,” said Faraday, “but you better have a staff doctor with them. Sorry son,” said King Faraday matter-of-factly, and moved on past the subject.

Ferro looked very shook up. Sensor put a hand on his shoulder as if to lend him some strength to this uncertainly.

“Well, your timing is impeccable Faraday,” said Marla Latham suddenly. “We were just discussing Khundia, and more importantly, Khundia’s backer.”

“Backer?” asked Faraday. “I’d heard rumors, but until now, we only thought of them as such.”

“Well, you’ve obviously been out of the loop,” said Metternich sarcastically. “Khundia’s backer is the most dire threat to humanity though most are ignorant of his existence.” Tela smiled at Nura as Metternich said this. “His name is Mordru.”

They were all quiet now.

“You better give us the intel you learned,” said Cosmic Boy at last. “Knowing who are enemies are is good, but how are they planning to attack?”

Dreamer turned to Sensor now. “Looks like things are starting to move now…”

-----------------------

The Silver Slasher walked through the busy streets of the Financial District, letting her instinct guide her to her next victim.

Two blocks away, Invisible Kid and Catalyst weaved in and out of the crowd, trying to find anything out of the ordinary in this maze of a city.

------------------------

“So the main strikes then are through Khundia, into Europe via France and Sicily, and then another attack on the United States?” said RJ Brande.

“Yes,” said Faraday, “and as crazy as it sounds, the attack on the US will not be a normal army. It’ll be some sort of army of vampires. And monsters. This we’re sure of.”

“Through Mexico?” asked Dox. “And Asia looks to be a hotbed of activity during this conflict—we’ll need Legionnaires there too.”

“Yes.”

“Unbelievable,” said Metternich, “to think an African country…and a Muslim one at that…attacking Europe. It could lead to all-out war! The entire world.”

“Yes,” said Sensor now and they turned to her. “That is what Mordru is hoping for. An all-out Earth War. And at the end, he’ll claim his place as the victor and emerge as the leader of the entire Earth.”

“Then we need to make our move against them,” said Blizzard suddenly. Rebound looked at him in agreement and Bilzzard continued. “If Mordru is really that ready to unleash his forces, we need to get there now!”

“Not so fast junior,” said Faraday. “You need to clear that with the U.N. And for the United States portion of the war, you’ll have to be sure Luthor is on board. What needs to happen now is everyone needs to muster our forces. And this group…this crazy teenage group of international super-heroes, can be the rallying point.”

------------------------

Element Lad walked with Ferro as they joined Dr. Llewelyn and the other staff members outside to retrieve Doug Nolan from the Checkmate forces. Up ahead, they saw a simple black van and instantly Element Lad knew that was it.

Ferro began to run towards it and Element Lad’s heart broke for him. Obviously the brothers had a strong bond, and now Ferro suspected the worst.

Ferro ran at top speed, getting there ahead of all the others. He was yelling Doug’s name at the top of his lungs, and passer-bys were now anxiously looking on, thinking something dramatic was about to occur. The Checkmate operatives opened the door, and Ferro saw it was like the back of a highly sophisticated hospital ambulance. Evidently, Faraday and Focquart got here very quick.

“Doug?” said Ferro, coming in, as the Checkmate operatives backed away. Unknown to Ferro, Jacques Focquart insisted Andy be allowed to be with his brother now. Because his brother was at his end.

Doug Nolan looked up, and doing so caused him tremendous pain. He had held on now for some time, all the while dreaming that he could see Andy one more time, never really thinking he could. He smiled. “Scr-screwed…up…should have never…left…suicide slum…” he said.

Andy looked around at the Checkmate operatives, wanting some sort of clarification on how bad Doug really was. “Don’t talk Doug,” he said. “I’m here now. Its okay.”

“…Kon…never made…it…”

Ferro swallowed a big lump in his throat. Their other best friend, Kon-El, now appeared to be dead. A tear rolled down one cheek and soon many tears rolled down both. “I’m here…” he whispered, as Element Lad hopped in the van with them, and closed the doors to the public.

-------------------------

When the Silver Slasher made her move, it was obvious they would never have caught her if not for being in the right place at the right time. It was Shrinking Violet who noticed the woman suddenly cross the street in a hurry, running down a side street with construction high on both sides, so that it formed a bit of an underpass. Vi followed, just to do a quick extra look, thinking she would just move on, when she looked down to see the woman following a man, some rich broker or some similar type. Up ahead, it looked like a deserted back alley.

For some reason, Vi suddenly remembered Nardo and how terrified he made her. As if a sixth sense, she understood something was terribly wrong.

She followed, calling Valor, Invisible Kid and Catalyst to alert them.

When she began to catch up, as quietly as possible, she shrunk down, and once more she was lucky as the Slasher turned behind her to double check no one was following her, but missed Vi’s tiny form completely. It was then Vi saw the young woman pull out a very large hunting knife from her thick pea coat, and begin to pick up her pace.

The Silver Slasher was mad with bloodlust and thoughts of carving the man up more violently and more gruesomely than any of her others. She was getting sloppy. All she could think about was pleasing her lord Mordru.

Vi was faster. She knew she had to be, so she grew back to normal size and ran at a full sprint, knowing full well that if the Slasher turned and used that knife on her, even if she did it accidentally, it could cut Vi to pieces and that would be the end of her.

“Stop!” she screamed, and as the Slasher turned, Vi leapt into the air strait at her, shrinking as she did so, so that her tiny fist landed square in the woman’s face, hurting and confusing her at the same time.

Again, she grew back to normal size, as the Silver Slasher regained her composure. If Vi kept shrinking and growing like that, she’d give herself a heart attack. She had to fight her hand to hand.

The Slasher swung the knife at her, and Vi stepped back, desperately looking for something to pick up and use against her. The Silver Slasher descended into a bezerker rage, set on killing Vi as her next victim instead.

Vi stepped back once more, and began to stumble, and suddenly the Slasher was upon her. Vi used the backwards fall to her advantage, narrowly dodging the knife, and fell backwards, pulling the Slasher forward in flip, so she landed on her back.

It worked. The knife slid down the alley and both Vi and the Slasher huffed to catch their breaths.

“That’s enough,” said a voice. “We’re here, Vi.” Valor had arrived.

-----------------------

“Its coming together now,” said Marla to RJ in a near whisper, but Polarity, Nemesis and Gear could overhear him.

“I plan to go with them,” said RJ equally as quiet.

“Mr. Metternich,” said another staff member, suddenly busting in.

“What now?” asked Metternich, more annoyed than ever.

“We’ve got the Legionnaires on the line.”

“Which Legionnaires? I have most of them with me in here.”

“Invisible Kid, sir. He says its really urgent.”

“Oh he does, does he?” replied Metternich, as Jacques mouthed “Invisible Kid?” to himself.

“Put me on speaker sir,” said Lyle to Metternich in the most respectful voice possible. “Its important.”

Metternich hesitated. Given the recent hour and a half, he thought why not? “You’re on.”

“Legionnaires,” said Lyle, “we’ve just caught the Silver Slasher, New York’s latest seriel killer who has been terrorizing the city.”

The Legion all broke out into applause.

“Lyle, that’s great!” said Cos.

“She says she is serving the will of her Lord Mordru,” he suddenly added as the noise died down.

Suddenly it got very quiet.

Metternich spoke now. “Perhaps its time I had General-Secretary Chu on the phone.”

The Road to Earth War
Roster Trouble

Previously:

Twenty minutes from now:

"Metternich." Cosmic Boy kept his voice dry and level as he spoke the official's name.

"Yes?"

"The active roster has Trinity on it. Why?"

"As you and Brande have been so keen to impress, this is a very serious matter, and every Legionnaire is needed."

"She's not ready." A statement, not a question.

Until this point, Metternich had seemed distracted. Now, he turned and fixed Cos directly in his sights, "This is why you shouldn't sleep with your subordinates, Mr. Kline. I asked her directly. She was willing to take part - you'll notice the active roster now also includes Eileen Raines and your brother for the same reason."

"Ella and Paul have their heads screwed on. Lorna's not--" As Cos' voice began to raise, intending to protest that Trinity had barely started therapy after her traumas, Metternich cut him off.

"You see? Are you making decisions based on provable fact, or just infantalising your girlfriend to 'keep her safe'? In addition, despite your... clear influence... over this team as individuals, may I remind you that you have no formal position to object to any changes to the active roster." He turned back to the document he'd been examining, indicating that the discussion was at an end.

Seething, Cos suddenly realised something, and looked down at his hand:

He'd picked off one of the loose scales for "throwing" from the base of his armoured shirt, and it was hovering at his hand ready to go. Quickly, he reattached it, hoping no-one had noticed.

Was it true? Was he trying to keep Lorna safe beyond reason? No, he told himself, he'd seen her mental state clearly. If he was "infantalising" her, he'd be doing the same with Paul, surely.

Yes, that was it.

He shook his head and aimed to find her in the crowd. If he couldn't keep her out of it, he had to at least keep her with him...

The Road to Earth War

“There’s nothing we can do for him,” said Dr. Llewellyn with a frown. “I’m surprised he’s lasted as long as he has, to be honest. I hope you’ve given him the best care—“ he began to say but was cut off as Jacques Focquart held his hand up.

“We did everything we could, Doctor. Thank you for trying,” he added with some finality. He knew it was not his place to explain how this young man wound up with enough wounds to kill him. He died for his country; and suddenly, Jacques wondered if anyone would ever know.

Dr. Llewellyn huffed for a minute and walked away angry. He did not like losing patients, especially young ones. Having this young man brought here instead of a hospital was criminal, in his mind, but he knew when it came to things Legion-related it would always be a little off. Something else else about the way this Jacques character—and boss, King Faraday—carried themselves scared him. These were not Legionnaires or heroes. These were spies. He hoped they’d be leaving soon.

As Dr. Llewellyn walked out for a minute, the others hardly noticed. Andy Nolan sat by his brother’s side, tears streaming down his face. He’d removed the helmet made for him only days before so his brother could see his face. On the hospital bed, coming in and out of consciousness was his brother Doug. Both knew now that their time together was coming to an end.

In addition to Jacques, the Legionnaire Element Lad also remained in the room. He’d stayed with Andy throughout the chaos of getting Doug inside and now tried to lend him some strength. In Jan’s mind, death was not solely a sad thing. A celebration of life was also warranted. But he kept those thoughts to himself now, just putting his hand on Andy’s shoulder.

“A-Andy…” said Doug, regaining conscious once more. “…S-so sorry bro…should have never left you…tr-trying to protect you…”

“It’s okay, Doug,” said Andy, “try to rest.”

But in these last moments, Doug knew deep in his heart he’d better say goodbye. “Andy,” he said with some renewed strength, “I can’t protect you anymore…neither can Kon…we’re leaving you all alone…”

“Not alone, Doug,” said Andy. His tone of voice was strong. “I’ve got friends. They’ll take care of me. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

This seemed to make Doug relieved. “I’m glad…you were always…the best of us…I love you, Andy…”

“I love you too, Doug…” he said.

A tear ran down Element Lad’s cheek as he watched the two brothers.

Jacques Focquart couldn’t take anymore of this and had to leave the room. This is my fault, he thought.

*******************************************

Legion headquarters was buzzing with energy. Support staff moved in every direction, getting in each other’s way and losing their patience. In the top levels, all of the Legionnaires were now assembling, growing more and more aware that something truly staggering was happening. There was a genuine sense of alarm.

“Any word from our good liaison, friend?” said RJ Brande to Polarity and he just shook her head. “Hopefully he finally reached the Secretary-General…”

By RJ’s side was Marla Latham and beyond them was a room full of Legionnaires. Maps were sprawled out on the boardroom table while several of them were on the phone. But too many of them were standing around, letting their nervousness build up. Cosmic Boy realized it immediately. “We’ll need to train them better to spring into action,” he thought. He turned to Leviathan, Dox, Tela, Livewire and Sensor. They were huddled up front with him, as was King Faraday the mysterious Checkmate spy who found his way right in the midst of Legion Headquarters. “I can’t see anyway around splitting the team up.”

“Nor I,” said Dox. “It will have to be three squads. One in Europe, one in Asia and one in the United States. If this data King Faraday has supplied us with is correct,” he added.

“It is. The world’s military powers will be mobilizing soon enough but with the kind of firepower we’re facing, we need to make sure you Legionnaires are ready to go first,” replied the master-spy.

“That’s a big presumption, isn’t it?” said Leviathan. “How do we know the Legion will be mobilized for this?” There was an angry tone in his voice. He clearly believed he was losing any control of leadership and needed to assert himself. As always, it was at the worst time possible.

“We don’t,” said Invisible Kid before the others could reply. “That’s why we’re going to assert ourselves on our own.” RJ Brande smiled at the comment.

“Guys, you better come quick,” said Flash suddenly, as she ran up from the back of the room.

“Hold on, Jenni,” said Livewire, turning back to them. “How do we know Asia is going to be involved?” he asked.

“Guys…” said Jenni.

“It’s in the plans, isn’t it?” said King Faraday.

“Guys!” yelled Jenni.

“Asia is a pretty big place, Faraday,” said Lyle.

“GUYS!” she screamed.

They all turned. “What?!” yelled Leviathan back at her.

But by now she just stared beyond them. Slowly, they realized the entire room had gone silent. They turned slowly to see.

They recognized him immediately. All at once their jaws opened up in shock to see him standing there before them.

It was the President of the United States, Lex Luthor.

********************************************

Even RJ Brande was slightly flabbergasted for a moment, before he regained his footing. Before any of the Legionnaires could say anything, he spoke up first. “Mr. President,” he began, “it’s an honor. You are most welcome here!”

The others took the cue. Cosmic Boy followed. “Mr. Luthor, it’s an honor, sir.”

Lex Luthor didn’t smile or frown but just took them all in. By his side was Metternich, who did not seem too happy to have the President of the United States there. After all, Metternich reported to the UN, not the USA. There was also an overweight black woman who looked incredibly angry. And then over a dozen secret service who were almost indistinguishable from the rest.

“Let’s assume I’ve been briefed on everything that’s transpired so far,” he began. “Tell me clearly. Is the United States in danger?”

There was silence for a moment and then Leviathan spoke up loudly. “Yes sir!”

Luthor turned to him. “And the Legion of Super-Heroes is here to defend our boarders, correct?”

Cosmic Boy cut Gene off before he could reply again. He could see what was coming. “Yes, sir,” he said. “Here and the rest of the world.”

Luthor raised an eyebrow. “Really? And how do you plan to do so?”

“That’s what we’re figuring out right now,” said RJ Brande. “We’ve got some information on the oncoming assault. Not a lot of information but some.”

“And where did you get this information?” said Luthor.

“I gave it to them,” said King Faraday, stepping forward. “Hello, sir,” he said calmly. “Hello Amanda.”

“King, give me one reason why you shouldn’t be charged with treason,” said Amanda Waller. She was furious. “This information should have come to me first,” she almost screamed.

“It’s on its way,” he said, “but I had to make a stop. You were going to let your Squad die in Khundia. By all rights, you’d given them up for dead and lost this data. I decided maybe they all didn’t need to die nameless in a shallow grave where no one would ever find them. And so, I got a little something extra for Checkmate.”

“Checkmate still answers to the President of the United States,” said Luthor. He had a calmness in his voice as well but there was something very terrifying about it.

“Indeed, sir,” he said. “What Checkmate is doing is saving the United States. And the whole world,” he added, just like Cosmic Boy had done earlier.

Basil Metternich spoke up now. “Mr. President, we’re thrilled you are visiting Legion headquarters. Despite not having any clue that you were coming. Naturally, we’ve extended every courtesy to let you in and see our operations. Would you like to take a seat? I’ve got the United Nations Secretary-General calling in within the next five minutes and the call should involve you as well.”

“I’d be glad to,” he said. “Amanda, where is your agent?”

Waller was looking around the room. “Where’s Focquart?” she said. Her voice was not pleasant.

“He’s a member of Checkmate now,” said Faraday. He looked directly at Luthor as he said it. His tone was very measured. “I trust you endorse that decision, sir,” he said. “Focquart is an asset I must have on my team.”

The Legionnaires knew in that moment, Jacques fate was being decided—literally. Luthor seemed to be considering his decision. If he denied Faraday’s request, who knew what Waller would do to him.

“I see no problem with it,” he said at last. “Clearly Mr. Faraday, you’ll have to remember this later on.”

“Clearly” said King.

“We suspect the majority of the fighting will take place around the Mediterranean,” said Cosmic Boy. None of the others felt like speaking up to the President. “So at least some of the team will be allocated there. Legion Leader Leviathan will coordinate our efforts here though, so the US will be in good hands—“

“Leviathan will lead the European mission,” said Luthor. “A former marine will be good to have out in front to the national community, don’t you agree?” he added, turning to Leviathan. Leviathan suddenly seemed to be bursting with pride.

“Yes sir!” he said loudly. Invisible Kid let out a light groan.

“Now see here, Luthor,” said RJ Brande, “you have no authority.”

“President Luthor, RJ,” he said. “You’re still a US citizen, aren’t you? Consider this the price for Jacques Focquart.”

“We hardly know him,” said Flash suddenly, but she put her hands over her mouth before continuing. She realized she might have misspoke and suddenly panic set in.

Jenni just gave Jacques a death sentence… thought Catalyst. But it was true. They just met him an hour earlier. All they knew was he tried to bring Doug Nolan back to his brother before he died. But they hardly even knew Doug or his brother either.

“That will be fine, sir” said Basil Metternich suddenly. They all looked at him shock. “Leviathan can oversee the European operations. This is all semantics anyway. Will you be staying?”

“I will,” he said.

*********************************

“What the hell was that?” said Cosmic Boy to Metternich outside in the hallway thirty minutes later. They both finally had a chance to slip out.

“Listen to me,” said Metternich to him. Clearly he was feeling as much anxiety as Cosmic Boy. “Know when to pick your battles. Let Luthor get that ‘win’ for himself. Its basically meaningless. More importantly, he’s raising no objections to try to force the Legion to stay within the US and defend it.”

“But he couldn’t. He doesn’t have the authority,” said Cos.

“He doesn’t need it,” said Metternich. “He’s the President of the United States of America. He can be the worst enemy we’ve ever dreamt of if we allow it. He can impede us in anyway he wants—and more, he’s got not only the political clout but the physical strength to do it too. Trust me, he’s an enemy we can’t afford to have.”

“So, what? We humor him? Let him sit in on this meeting?”

“Cosmic Boy,” said Metternich. “Things are happening now on levels we can only imagine. Political players you and I have never even heard of are weighing in. But here’s what’s important: the Legion of Super-Heroes is in the game. You all will have your chance to be involved and by having this window of opportunity available to you to make your own plans, you’ll have at least a small say in how it goes down.”

Cos understood. “They’d have called us in eventually,” he nodded. “But at least now with this small amount of time, we can at least present our own game plan to them.”

“Exactly,” said Metternich. “They’d be more willing to approve something than come up with it on their own.”

“So what does it mean? Are we going to be in this war?” said Invisible Kid, suddenly turning un-invisible. Cos shook his head with a smile but Metternich was annoyed.

“The telepath is probably listening in too,” he said under his breath. “It means, you all have your chance to be involved in this war. Don’t be too excited though. War brings only death and worse. You have my apologies if I don’t rush off to join you.”

**********************************

Valor, Shrinking Violet, Invisible Kid and Catalyst had arrived back in time to see more people in the lobby than they’d ever seen before. It took a minute to figure out what was happening but one word made it clear: “Luthor”. The other seems bothered by it and rushed to get upstairs (which they had to do the sneaky way). But while the other three ran off to the Boardroom, Valor went elsewhere.

He’d been alerted to what was happening throughout their dalliance with the Silver Slasher. They’d kept them updated on their phones and he was surprised most of all about Andy’s brother. He’d just met Andy a few weeks ago, but already he felt a connection with him. He knew his friend was in a lot of pain and hoped he’d make it before his brother passed.

He rushed over to the sickbay and saw the person who must be Jacques Focquart out in the hallway. Everything was silent. “Is he…?” asked Valor.

“He’s gone,” said Jacques.

Valor opened the door to the room to see Andy Nolan still sitting there, holding his brother’s hand. His brother was silent now; lifeless. Andy was quiet, though tears ran down his cheeks. Element Lad looked up from where he was standing, his hand on Andy’s shoulder. Valor, who feared no battle, suddenly felt fear. The fear of not being able to say the right thing. Of not being able to provide any level of comfort.

“Andy?” he said at last. “Are you…” but before he could say anything further, Andy looked up. For the briefest moment, a look of relief was on his face.

Andy walked over to him. “V-Val…” he began but he just stopped. He put his arms around his friend and pushed his head into his chest. And he began to cry, harder and harder until he was sobbing.

His brother was dead, and likely his other best friend. In a way, he thought now he was all alone in the world.

Except maybe…maybe he had the Legion.

Val just hugged him tightly and gave him comfort, as Andy sobbed.

The Road to Earth War

Vienna, Austria
Castle Wazzo

Ten Zil Kem held an acoustic guitar in his arms, sitting down as if to position it perfectly. He put his left hand up at the neck and strummed the strings with his right hand.

“You know how to play, Tenz?” said Tatiana quizzically. She sat across from them in one of the luxurious rooms in Castle Wazzo. This one had all manner of musical instruments, including a beautiful piano.

“Me? No, not at all. I used to see them on television but where I grew up, you didn’t have any of these types of guitars. I always wanted to learn how to play, though. Probably never get the chance before the world ends…” he said glumly.

His words hung out there but no one said anything. The immense weight of what lied ahead of them was now bearing down hard. Everyone was visibly stressed.

Dirk got up, walked over and took it out of Tenz’s hands. “Okay, enough. After we win this thing, I’ll teach you. Now c’mon,” he said, walking out the door.

Tatiana looked at Dirk leave with an eyebrow raised.

“Of course he knows how to play guitar,” said Tenz sarcastically.

Both followed.

*****************************

Castle Wazzo was abuzz with more than just the Legionnaires: United Nations administrative personnel were everywhere, as the continued presence of some of its highest ranking members, including the Secretary-General, kept them busy. The staff at Castle Wazzo were more than happy to accommodate so many, feeling a sense of excitement they hadn’t felt since the birth of Tina.

Throughout it all, Countess Winema Wazzo oversaw the daily upkeep of the Castle during this hectic time with grace and good humor. The vigor she showed was as if she’d grown ten years younger. “She was born for this,” said Ultra Boy to Spirit as they watched her give orders to her cooking staff on what the lunch menu would look like this afternoon.

“She was,” said Spirit with a half-smile. Of all the craziness she’d seen in the last year, finally bonding with her mother was the last thing she’d expect with the world on the verge of Armageddon. But for it happened, and now she was feeling a strange sense of pride.

“Mother, can we help?” said Tina.

The Countess looked up. “I expect not, dear,” she replied, though with a sense of delight for the offer. “I know you Legionnaires have your own worries right now. Madame General Secretary was up all last night with President Lex Luthor negotiating the next steps.”

“And?” said Joe, very anxious to hear the outcome.

“And the United States is putting their full support behind what the UN intends to do. She had to agree to give them full authority to do what they feel necessary in North America, but this is still a huge boon. She’s working on China now but given what might happen if China does not agree, I think we’re going to be okay to get a real resolution passed.” There was real pride in Winema’s voice.

Ultra Boy smiled. And they say the United Nations can’t get anything done, he thought.

Spirit, however, was focused on something else she said. “You said you know we Legionnaires have our own worries,” she said. Her voice had gotten a littler quieter, which made both Jo and the Countess turn to look at her. “You are… all right with it then? With my being a Legionnaire?”

The Countress was visibly exhausted and so her defenses were down, Joe surmised. She sighed a little and smiled and then sat down in a chair. Tina walked closer to her as the Countress looked up. “Of course not, Tina. The last think I want is my daughter out there were she might be hurt or worse. I am terrified of what might happen to you. But Tina,” she said, looking at her eye to eye, “I am so proud of you right now.”

Joe smiled widely as Tina hugged her mother tightly, both of them with tears running down their cheeks.

**************************

“Let’s go, Centurion!” yelled Tatiana to Mon-El as they walked into the courtyard.

Mon, who was in the middle of a conversation with Dawnstar about flying, turned around with an eyebrow raised. “What makes you think I was a centurion?” he said confused.

“Dude, no one even know what that means,” said Tenz with a laugh.

Tatiana laughed too. “Dirk is calling a meeting I think,” she said.

The others followed. Up ahead, they saw Ultra Boy and Spirit joining them.

“What’s this about?” asked Joe.

“Dirk has called a meeting,” said Dawnstar with a shrug.

Flare was at the head of the column and up ahead he saw Blok and Maziah. As he approached, he slowed down. He stopped and they all stopped too. Neither Blok nor Maziah seemed to notice them.

“What’s the noise?” said Tenz in a whisper.

“It’s Maziah,” said Dawnstar. “She’s singing. For Blok.”

********************

Blok stood in the gardens as the White Witch stood in front of him, only half his size. Garbed in her usual all-white, she looked small and petite. But her voice, which was soft and sweet, had a strength to it. A raw power that hinted at multiple layers within its texture. It was silky and smooth, and it draw you in.

She sang a song from her home in Xerox, something she’d heard once when she was a child and loved. She did so with her eyes closed, having no idea who may be listening.

And Blok watched her in his stoney, massive form. Though his eyes could produce no tears, he felt true emotion. His had been a journey for longer than any might imagine. It had been hard and it often it had been cruel. Anyone he’d ever come to care about was long dead. But he’d never cared about anyone as much as Maziah.

She finished. She opened her eyes and looked at Blok and though an outsider would never knew, she knew he was smiling. “I owed you a song, Blok. Consider the debt paid,” she smiled. Her smile was sweet and genuine.

“I’ve waited long to hear it,” he said in his gravel voice. “But it was worth the wait. I’m sure your friends agree.”

Maziah turned suddenly, embarrassed. All the rest of them were standing there smiling. Some were even in awe at the beauty of her voice.

“That was beautiful, Maziah,” said Mon-El. The endorsement of Monius Elysius was a strong one as he did not give out his praise easily.

She smiled and nodded with a bow to say thanks.

“Does something trouble you, my friends?” asked Blok. He had always been able to know what they were feeling.

They all turned to Dirk, who spoke without hesitation. “Blok,” he said, “we’ve all come a long way together. Some of us more recently than the rest but still a well traveled road. I’ve come to love all of you, like you’re I never had. I would do anything for you. And I trust you all.”

They all nodded, waiting to see where this was going.

“Blok, I know you’ll be honest with us. You have been from the start. The scope of what we have overcome is almost too incredible to comprehend but you’ve never once lied to us about it. I thank you for that.”

Blok nodded. “This most difficult of choices to fight Mordru must always be made with clarity.”

“This is supposed to make us feel better?” said Tenz to Tatiana, though he suddenly felt bad, realizing it was too loud.

Dirk turned to him with a half-grin. “Blok, you’ve said this to us before, but tell us again. You’ve fought Mordru a thousand times, in a thousand different eras. You’ve fought him with the odds stacked against you, but also with the odds stacked in your favor. You’ve done it openly and in secret. And you’ve always failed.”

Blok nodded.

”What makes this time so different?” said Dirk.

Blok was silent for a moment and every one of them stared at him with full attention. But once again, Maziah could see him smiling.

“This time,” he began, “Mordru faces a new concept.”

“His daughter,” said Dawnstar. She was among the newest of their group and was still comprehending the complexity of what they faced. “Maziah.”

“That is true,” said Blok. “Mordru has never had offspring. He’s never faced someone with the potential that he has. There is no doubt Maziah and her sister will be deciding factors in the war against him. That I am betting everything on.”

Tenz looked at Dirk to say that’s it?.

Dirk smiled as Blok continued. “But there is more than that. There is all of you. Winged warrior maidens and magical princesses. Those who were born to fight, and those from the humblest beginnings who learned how to do it on their own. Whatever you call yourselves—Sentinels or Super-Heroes—it is all of you that is different.”

Maziah spoke up, as she had an understanding that none of them did. “When the spell broke and mankind began to evolve again, this new generation developed with an arsenal of powers to combat him. But its more than just powers. It’s people.”

Mon-El nodded and he smiled too. “There is something unique about this world,” he said in agreement. “So many of you, unwilling to bend to authority. Questioning every order and every decision. It’s frustrating beyond belief and it’s chaos. But it shows a hunger…a hunger for freedom.”

“Yes,” said Blok. “This time we will succeed because of all of you. You in front of me. Those in New York City. The rest spread out all over the world. Mordru wages war like he always has done to crush politicians and warriors and men who crave what he has. But never against you. And you are Legion.”

**********************

TO BE CONTINUED IN EARTH WAR

Vienna, Austria

When it happened, it still came as a total shock to them. Tina Wazzo, the Legionnaire known as Spirit, awoke from her bedroom and felt an instant twinge of guilt as she saw all of her friends were already awake and had gone downstairs for breakfast. She was usually an early riser, but last night had stayed awake extra late to sit in with her mother and the other United Nations delegates. When did I actually start finding the UN interesting? she thought, smiling to herself. Most of her life she avoided the topic of her mother’s occupation like the plague.

She looked to see if Joe was still sleeping but no luck. Joe, like the rest of the boys in their group, slept in the attached room adjacent to her bedroom, while the girls stayed with her. He had remained with her late into the night, also silently observing. Joe had a funny way about him; at first glance you’d think he was just a good-looking jock. But eventually you came to see this was an act—he was in fact quite intelligent and he seemed to enjoy observing people. It’s nice spending time with him… she started to think but pushed the thought out of her head. Now is not the time for that, Tina.

Once she went downstairs, however, she felt more guilty than ever. The news was in every room, and everyone in Castle Wazzo was glued to the televisions, even the staff. She found the others huddled around a television set in a room dedicated to lounging.

Most of them were still in the clothes they slept in, as if they hadn’t stopped looking at te television for an instant. No one looked up at her at first, but then Mon-El noticed she’d entered. “Khundia has invaded Italy,” he said firmly.

“What?” she replied shocked.

Tatiana looked up, her eyes in a bit of a daze. “It’s begun, Tina,” she said. “The War. Khundia has invaded Sicily and already has captured Palermo. People are dying even now.”

Blok spoke up from behind them and Tina realized she hadn’t noticed he was in the room. Oftentimes, he would not enter in doors. “Mordru has began. He is aware a final confrontation looms and so he has pushed up his timetable. He is hoping to destroy us before we have a chance to gather anymore strength. I’m afraid children,” he said as they noticed his grainy voice had a small inkling of sadness, “that are time for preperations is over.”

************************************

Tina rushed off to find her mother, the Countess Winema Wazzo. Her mother was not only an United Nations Ambassador, but she was probably with the UN General-Secretary, Jeannie Chu and Ambassador Anton Relnic who were visiting them right now. Joe and Tatiana got up and followed her out.

“Tina, wait up,” said Joe. His codename among them was Ultra Boy, though he hardly used it.

Tina ignored Joe and ran faster. “Tina, are you okay?” said Tatiana, concerned.

Tina turned around surprised. “Am I okay? Of course not Tati,” she said, as two tears ran down her cheeks. “The world is going to be at war. W-we…we need to do something.”

Tatiana walked over to her and hugged her. They had started with some small animosity between them yet after all these weeks, the two of them had grown into great friends. “We will. We need to act, and soon. But first, we need to figure out how.”

***********************

By the time they could see the Countess, their patience had worn thin. Instead of minutes it had been hours. In the meantime, they did everything they could to prepare: they ate, they rested, they packed up any supplies they might need.

Dirk suggested that it was time to put on their costumes—something he couldn’t believe he was saying.

“So we get to be super-heroes,” said Tenz with a big smile.

“I guess so,” said Dirk. “Maybe it will actually inspire some people…” he said, a little unsure. In one of those rare instances, he was embarrassed.

“I think it will,” said Mon-El, which surprised them. “The news is only reporting on the Khundish army right now. But we know Mordru has agents in his employ who will crush the morale of regular people. Dragons. Monsters. Dev Em.” Saying the name of his arch enemy gave Mon-El a harshness to his voice. “They’ll need everything they can to inspire them.”

Tina was glad to put her Legion costume back on; once more she felt like Spirit, a founder of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Now looked at the others, and saw some of them were still a little uncomfortable. Assembled they were Flare, Dawnstar, Ultra Boy, Matter-Eater Lad (reveling in his chosen moniker), Umbra and maintaining their own nicknames, Blok & Mon-El.

Last among them was the White Witch, who remained silent so far. How she must be feeling… thought Tina. She looked so petite in her white robes. She’ll be facing her own father. She’s stronger than perhaps anyone I ever met before, but I know she must be so scared.. None of them wanted to bother her right now, though Blok stayed by her side throughout, quietly lending her strength.

**************************

“I’ve alerted the Legion of Super-Heroes, and even now they are on their way here,” said Secretary-General Chu.

“All of them?” asked Spirit, unable to help herself.

“No,” replied Chu. “Unfortunately, the news here is focusing on Sicily, but the fighting has begun elsewhere too. An army has invaded Iran out of Saudia Arabia. And something seems to be happening on the US-Mexican border. If the intel we have is accurate, and we think it is, then this ‘Mordru’s’ attacks are going exactly as planned.”

“The reason Madame Secretary-General is speaking with you,” said Ambassador Relnic, “is because she is aware you are going to enter this chaos anyway.” He decided to get right to the point. “We would love to tell you not to do it, but frankly, at this point we feel like we need you.”

“Before you go, children,” said Countess Wazzo, “you need to know what you’re up against.” Countess Wazzo looked visibly shaken. Her skin was more pale than usual and she was very tense. Tina knew it was because her daughter was heading off into a war zone.

Secretary-General Chu used a digital remote to change the screen. “Here are videos taken in Sicily in the last (24) hours by phones and other recording devices. They have not appeared on the internet yet but they will shortly. The images are horrifying.”

The Sentinels looked at the videos and indeed, they were horrifying, but it did not surprise them. They were steadfast in watching every second, and Relnic raised an eyebrow—these children had stronger stomachs than he thought. Beyond the Khundish army, there were other, more supernatural elements to the assault. Some of the attackers looked like decayed corpses that could walk. “Zombies,” said Matter-Eater Lad out loud, as if taking a mental note of what they face.

“Yes, and other undead type creatures,” said the White Witch, taking a cue from Tenz. Talking about it out loud seemed to help.

“And the Khundish Legionnaires are there,” said Matter-Eater Lad. “There’s Firefist. Man, I hoped I’d never see that kid again.”

“What about Veilmist?” asked Dirk, taking a closer look.

“Jeez Dirk, keep it in your—“ began Tenz but Dirk turned quickly towards him and shot him a look that plainly said not now.

“Slow it down for a moment,” said Mon-El. At first Secretary-General Chu looked at him in surprise, not used to being addressed so by someone who was barely an adult, but she took it in stride and did what he asked.

“That’s Dev Em,” he said at last. On the video they could see a purple blur rip apart two police officers. They recognized the costume at once.

“And look, there’s another,” said Dawnstar. They could see another figure moving with a blur but couldn’t make out who it was. “Mon, can your eyes pick anything up?”

“It’s hard with this video machine,” he said. Tatiana was too tense to smile at his lack of knowledge of 21st century technology. “But its another young man like Dev Em. Different though. There is some sort of mark on his chest. An ‘S’ perhaps.”

“Who knows how many monsters Mordru has held in stock that we don’t know about,” said Flare, pointing out the obvious. “Is the dragon there?”

Relnic looked at Dirk as if he had two heads. “Dragon?”

Dirk, unlike Tatiana, could force a smile. “Oh, you don’t know about that yet?” he said. “All these zombies and things? That’s nothing. It’s going to get a lot worse. So the sooner we get out there, the better.”

All the Legionnaires were in agreement, though the three adults were still not thrilled with the concept of sending these children into battle.

“Wait,” said Umbra, suddenly sitting up straight. “Look who else is there. Dear God, I had hoped she wouldn’t have anything to do with this…”

“You know her?” said Secretary-General Chu, turning at the screen. On screen was a young girl, the age of the Sentinels, with flowing green hair and a green/white costume. Floating around her was a large orb that upon closer inspection was a glowing lidless eye. “Who is she?” said Chu.

“That’s Sara,” said Tatiana, her voice almost a whisper.

“The Emerald Empress,” said Matter-Eater Lad. “We’re not exactly pals with her…”

********************

Not long after, they began preparing to leave Austria. As the day lengthened, their attitudes began to change; a somber mood began to overtake him. It’s the waiting… thought Tina. It’s awful.

“The Khunds just invaded South France,” said Dawnstar re-entering the room. “They’re wasting no time.”

The news hit them like a punch in the face. “This is going much faster than I thought,” said Flare.

“We’ve got to get out there,” said Mon-El, his words echoing all their thoughts.

“Tina,” said a voice from the door entrance and they turned to see the Countess there. “Can I see you a moment?”

Spirit walked over to her mother without hesitation as the others turned away, trying to give them some privacy. Just recently they had started to connect after a lifetime of being at odds. The Countess had told Tina how proud of her she was.

This time, Winema Wazzo didn’t have the words. She grabbed her daughter and held her tight. As tight as she could, as tears ran down her cheeks. “I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you too, Mom,” said Tina.

********************

Maziah bint Mordru bin Ahmad Al-Nayal stood outside in the courtyard where the Sentinels had gathered so many times before. It felt much colder out there now; colder than it had throughout their many months together. To others, he 16 years on the Earth might seem short but to her it felt very long; these last months, though, had been the greatest of her life. She considered that and smiled, but thoughts of the coming battle encroached upon her mind again and she once more felt fear.

“Maziah,” said Blok, appearing from the Earth before her.

“When I was a child, Blok,” she said, speaking as if he’d been there the whole time. “They used to call me the White Witch. They said one day my power might surpass even my father’s. I used to think about the name and becoming a brave sorceress. I’d wear it the moniker proudly and be full of courage. It’s a name I wear proudly now. But all I feel is fear.”

Blok extended his giant arm and rested his dirty palm upon her white clothed shoulder. The dirt did not stain or even blemish the fabric. “It is good that you feel fear, child,” he said. “To overcome it, you will find that great courage you always dreamed about.”

“When I announced myself to Glaurung, the Dragon, I did something of great importance in the magical world. I proclaimed my stance against my father. Is this Earth War a reaction to that? Did I cause this war?”

Blok could see that though Maziah had come so far in her growth, now in the eleventh hour, she felt great doubt. He knew that after so many centuries, this moment was critical to his purpose on Earth. “No, Maziah,” he said firmly. “Mordru has made war on humanity for thousands of years. He would have done so again. What you’ve done is something none could do for a long time. You’ve made him feel fear.”

Maziah turned now to look at him, considering his words.

“He now feels as you do, and he cannot remember the last time he did so. You’ve caused him to show his hand too early. And in that mistake, we will catch him with his guard down.”

************************************

In the end, the Sentinels left Austria in secret. Tina had already said her goodbyes with her mother. They were afraid they’d be held back by Chu and the others, or forced to work within some game plan that did not understand the nature of Mordru.

Awaiting them in the harbor was the Black Pirate and his ghost ship. He smiled as he saw them but said nothing. He knows, thought Tina. His connection to magic is telling him what Mordru is doing.

“Where do we sail to, my beauty?” he asked Spirit with a devilish grin.

She was too tense to respond with any scorn as she usually did. “Sicily,” she said.

He smiled again and looked out into the water as the sun set. “To war then.”

Manhattan, New York City,
The United States

In the lobby of 247 Weisenger Plaza in midtown Manhattan the usual hustle and bustle of New York City life had come to abrupt halt that morning. Businessmen were not having meetings and the coffee shop was not selling coffees. Building security just stared at the flat screen televisions mounted on the walls and watched the news unfold as the world grew ever closer to war.

Up on the top floor of the skyscraper a room full of exhausted teenagers and their support staff felt the return of a familiar feeling: anxiety. Having worked through the bureaucratic necessities and the strategic planning sessions, the Legion of Super-Heroes was now fully assembled and ready to embark on its biggest mission yet.

At the head of the room was R.J. Brande, Marla Latham and Basil Metternich. Metternich turned to his administrative assistant, Cindy, and spoke: “Cindy, that will be all. Please have the staff all leave the room now. They are dismissed for the morning to catch up on some sleep. We’ll need everyone back here by this afternoon.”

“Yes, Mr. Metternich,” she said, turning to walk out but not before smiling at Cosmic Boy. Cos didn’t notice but some of the others did, causing a few giggles and some scowls. Cosmic Boy realized that with the support staff being dismissed the time for talking was coming to an end.

Metternich turned to face the Legionnaires and addressed them directly. “Right. Well, I believe this brings us to the War. I believe I should wish you good luck…”

“Basil, please,” said RJ Brande cutting him off. “Sentimentality is not your strong suit,” he said to a few laughs among the Legionnaires. “We all know what we have to face today,” he said to them. “It will be dangerous and the stakes will be high. But let me tell you something kids: this is what you were made for. I know its scary but you’ve trained for this and you’ve worked hard for this. You joined the Legion of Super-Heroes to make a difference and today, that’s what you’ll do!”

An eruption of cheers and applause broke out. Marla Latham, next to RJ smiled. RJ had insisted that he would be going along to Europe with that segment of the team, leaving Marla behind in charge of Brande Industries and Metternich to manage the Legion bureaucracy. They suspected it was so RJ could lend them some moral support.

As the applause died down, the Legionnaires turned towards each other, expecting one of their own to now take the floor. A few of the newer members like Hygeia and Ferro turned to Leviathan, who for the first time in awhile seemed dumbstruck, unsure of what to say. But soon it became clear that the others were looking towards Cosmic Boy. Even Leviathan for a moment looked relieved.

Cosmic Boy watched as all their heads faced him and without thinking, he knew what to do and what to say. “When we’re out there I want you all to remember something,” he started. “You’re not alone.” Some of them nodded, some others were confused. “Look around you,” he said. “There are 29 of us, if you can believe that. 29 Legionnaires. When we’re out there and everything is overwhelming or scary, and at times might seem hopeless, keep in mind how many of us there are. We are Legion,” he said with a clear emphasis. “As long as we’ve got each other, we can overcome anything.”

Some of them cheered and others smiled. When Cos said it, they believed it.

“It’s time to call the roll,” he said now. “It’s clear on the Asian front that Mordru will be taking a multi-pronged approach. Rebound and Shifter will lead a group supplemented by SHIELD agents and that includes Element Lad, Quislet, Amihan, Amazon, Wildfire and Hygeia.”

The eight Legionnaires nodded and began to move together to one side of the room.

“I’ll take another squadron to the west coast of the US and coming with me will be Dox, Spark, Trinity, Kid Quantum, Polarity, Star Boy, Gear, Kinetix, Flash and Blizzard.”

Those Legionnaires also nodded and then began separating themselves. For the briefest of moments, Cosmic Boy considered his conversation with Metternich before and his motives in purposely keeping Trinity and his brother by his side.

“And Leviathan will lead another team to Europe to hopefully join Spirit and the others. King Faraday and Fantomas will accompany them as well. This will include Tela, Livewire, Dreamer, Shrinking Violet, Catalyst, Invisible Kid, Sensor, Valor, Nemesis and Ferro.”

In the background, King Faraday and Fantomas nodded at one another. They were outsiders here and so said nothing. King Farday’s thoughts were elsewhere but Jacques could not help but be impressed by these teenagers. He could feel something; what was happening now meant something.

Leviathan said nothing but felt some pride in being the face of the Legion on the European front. President Luthor had insisted and they acquiesced; he knew it would make the other Legionnaires angry but in his heart he knew he could prove to them it was the right call.

“Everyone stay safe and do exactly as you were trained. The world needs us right now and we’re going to show them exactly why the Legion of Super-Heroes exists! Are you with me?”

“YES!!!”

“LONG LIVE THE LEGION!” they all shouted.

*****************

Palermo, Sicily

Throughout its history, the island of Sicily has been an epicenter of warfare and invasion. Situated among the great empires of the world for centuries, Sicily has been a battleground that has seen innumerable horrors and chaos.

Once again, Sicily descended into chaos.

The Khundish army marched across the island, taking it over with lightning speed and already making preparations to invade the European mainland shortly thereafter, in a two-pronged strike into France and Italy’s mainland. Though Sicily put up some defense, the Khundish army easily overpowered it and soon the Khundish soldiers set about razing the cities and plundering the countryside.

The Khunds were outfitted with the best technology available and the most highly trained soldiers in the world. They also had something else on their side: whenever the Khunds began to approach, the target would lose all of its technology beforehand. Power would shut down; phone lines went dead; the internet was lost. Unknown to the United Nations and SHIELD, the Dark Lord’s forces had kidnapped the teenage girl known as ‘Oracle’ during the recent Suicide Squad assault on Khundia; Danielle Focquart’s power was now used in full force to cause confusion and cut off the targets from having any potential communication with help.

The Khundish army had a special division that was firmly placed at the front of the assault: Khundia’s very own Legion of Super-Heroes. Bloodclaw, Firefist, Veilmist and Flederweb led the charge into the towns and countryside, destroying all in their path and killing any who stood in their way.

Supplementing their forces were the agents of Mordru who now revealed themselves in the light of day: the Emerald Empress and Dev Em. Both of their power unleashed was terrifying to behold and they moved through the sacking of Palermo with unnerving ease.

In addition to the great agents of the Dark Lord, there was one more: a young boy of seventeen from the obscure neighborhood of Suicide Slum. Conal Kent, codenamed Tutsuo while a part o the Suicide Squad, was also taken by the Dark Lord’s forces and now was being unleashed as weapon as well. He flew next to Dev Em and the two used their incalculable strength and speed to destroy all in their paths.

Even without showing himself yet, the Dark Lord’s forces seemed unstoppable.

***********************************

Sara Romanescu, the Emerald Empress, floated regally in the air overseeing the destruction. The Emerald Eye urged her onwards to take part of the continued pillage and plunder but she held herself in check. Yes, Sara felt the continued anger and fury that consumed her constantly, and yes, she felt an urge to re-engage. But seeing all this wanton destruction and defilement had given her pause. It was almost too much.

She was wanted revenge upon the world for the crimes perpetrated against her and her family. She knew the Dark Lord could help her get it. But this…was she such a monster as to do this?

“We should have known you would be here,” said a voice. It was sharp and full of its own anger, and she knew it immediately. Turning, she saw two of her oldest friends—and now deadliest enemies: Tatiana Mallor, who styled herself “Umbra” and Maziah, the White Witch.

The fury began to return to Sara immediately. “Looking a little blue in the face, Tatiana?” she said cruelly, referencing the fact that Tatiana’s appearance was now a deep blue color, something she must surely hate. “You both have a lot of courage to show yourselves here. And stupidity. I only wish Jacquie was with you…but her time will come soon enough…”

“You have fallen very far, Sara,” said Maziah. Her voice was firm but soft and it carried a great sadness. “You were born for more noble things and I wish I did not have to see you so corrupted.”

“Please, Maziah,” said Sara in biting anger, “save me your pity! You pretend to be so soft and delicate, but its clear you want to supplant your father! Well, I’m afraid you both are in for a surprise!” she screamed. And suddenly, the Emerald Eye unleashed its power upon them, firing a concentrated beam of hard-light in their direction.

Umbra dived to her side, tumbling out of the way as Valor taught her, and then at once fired her darkness at the Emerald Eye. Ever since their first battle, Tatiana, Jacquie and Maziah had come up with several strategies to beat Sara if they battled her again. Covering the Emerald Eye with darkness was something they knew would succeed.

Maziah also moved but barely was able to escape the beam; instead, she magically created a shield to parry the blow but instantly regretted wasting a spell. Patience, Maziah, she thought, this war won’t be fought in one day. She looked up and matched the Emerald Empress’ gaze and the two locked on one another, preparing to assault each other magically with all their might.

But Umbra’s darkness was doing the trick. The Eye was blinded temporarily and panicked—its emotions sent a shockwave through Sara and she felt herself losing control. She screeched as loud as she could and sent forth a belligerent blast in all directions in an attempt to push away her attackers.

Umbra and the White Witch fell back and regrouped before they renewed the attack. “Nothing about this is going to be easy, is it?” said Umbra to Maziah.

**************************

Ultra Boy and Mon-El flew at top speed into the chaos and then through it. Down below they could see the travesties being perpetrated by the Khundish soldiers and it was gruesome to behold. Joe, despite his traditional ability to hide his emotions, was overwhelmed with outrage and despair; Mon-El, who had seen true war throughout his whole life, had expected to see exactly this type of plunder. But they knew they had to move past it and get to the real threat at hand, which lay up ahead.

While all of the Dark Lord’s agents caused tremendous harm, the worst offenders were those with the most powerful abilities. Mon-El could see them: Dev Em and a black-haired boy the same age as the Sentinels; they moved with speed only Joe and Mon could match, and their blows destroyed buildings—or in Dev’s case, people—at their whim.

“Take the other one,” said Mon-El to Ultra Boy. “Dev Em is mine.”

Joe didn’t argue. He had heard all about Dev Em since he’d joined up with the Sentinels. Like the others, he fared the ancient warrior, but he was ready to help Mon-El when the time came. But with this new mysterious player, that was not going to be now. Who is this super boy? he thought. Another ‘Daxamite’, whatever the hell that is? Or someone like me?

At speeds beyond the human eye, the two Sentinels descended upon them. Dev Em’s super-hearing picked up on their approach and reacted immediately but the other ‘super boy’ did not. Ultra Boy rammed into him at top speed, tackling him into the ground below. Dev Em ducked out of the way of Mon-El’s blow and the two flew into the air, battling one another throughout the skies.

Their battle soon took them beyond Sicily and into the Mediterranean, beyond sight. Yet every so often a tremendous boom could be heard, as the two landed blows on each other.

On Sicily, Ultra Boy battled the ‘super boy’, who now regained his composure and fought back in full force. “What’s your deal, kid?” he said in anger, unable to read his opponent, who was just as strong as him, if not stronger, and just as ferocious. “Not much of a talker, are you?”

The boy said nothing and battled back. Ultra Boy momentarily tried to switch to his flash vision power but the boy was too quick—for an instant, he left himself exposed and almost paid the ultimate price. He’s too fast to get cute with the powers, Joe thought. He doesn’t seem to have my problem, though. His powers are similar to Mon’s and mine, though a little different. Perhaps they’re telekinetic in nature? He doesn’t seem to have any vision powers. Maybe that bastard McCauley had something to do with it? The thought of McCauley made him fight much harder.

The super boy lunged forward but Joe had purposely exposed himself as bait to lure him. He jumped backwards and pulled the boy to the ground, so he could then try to kick his ribs as a different tactic. The boy took it in pain but said nothing. No one would take that with no reaction. This kid must be mind-controlled!

*************************

While the personal battles were waged on the fringes, the Khundish army continued its assault upon Sicily with the Khundish Legionnaires in tow. Veilmist and Flederweb stayed back, horrified of the sacking of Palermo but concerned for their own safety as well. Bloodclaw and Firefist reveled in the chaos, believing they were achieving a glory that would go down in history.

Of the two of them, Firefist was clearly the leader. He unleashed his flames upon a series of houses, and then charged forward, looking for his next victim.

Bloodclaw followed, screaming and yelling. “All those who die by our hands,” he said to his friend, “will be our slaves in the afterlife. I know this old custom to be true!” he laughed. The two entered a ruined villa.

“Throughout my many years among you,” said a voice behind them, as they turned to see a massive frame. “It never fails to dishearten me to find those who embrace such violence.” Blok spoke with his usual stoic demeanor but now moved with a purpose. He reached forward, smashing his fist into Bloodclaw and sending him backwards. The young Khund was very big, but Blok’s massive rock form was bigger.

“You’ll pay for that, monster,” said Firefirst, who turned to fire at him.

“It is outlandish that you have the right to call anyone ‘monster’ other than yourself!” said another voice that could not hide its anger, as Dawnstar descended from the sky and lifted Firefirst up high, using the propulsion of her wings to lend her some momentum needed to pick up the teenager. She flew several feet into the air and dropped him to the ground before he could fire his flames at her.

“You will pay for that witch,” said Firefist. “Over and over,” he growled, getting to his feet at Bloodclaw also regrouped to battle Blok once more.

“Maybe,” said Spirit, suddenly rising from a nearby pile of rubble, “maybe not,” she added, running by them in an effort to draw their attention. The ploy worked and Firefist followed her, hoping to blast her with his flames and leaving Bloodclaw alone to battle Blok.

Outside the fallen villa in the fields were dozens of Khundish soldiers and the other two Khundish Legionnaires, Veilmist and Flederweb. “We should join our fellow Legionnaires,” said Flederweb. His voice was fearful, as he knew there would be punishment if he did not conduct himself in a way the Khunds saw fit.

“Yes,” said Veilmist sadly, “otherwise we’ll be next.”

“I’d hoped that by now you’d be long gone,” said Flare, as the two turned to see the Legionnaire emerging from another pile of rubble near the fallen villa. “You know in your heart that this is wrong Alimah,” he finished. Had it been only a few weeks ago, he thought, since we shared that intimate evening and she told me her real name? It feels like a lifetime ago.

“Veilmist, attack at once!” shouted Flederweb as he leapt to the side of them to crawl up the leaning villa wall and try to flank Flare. He turned expecting his partner to be joining him in the assault but saw she did not move and just looked at Flare.

“I have no choice…” she said to Dirk in almost a whisper.

He stared back and her and said nothing.

Flederweb continued to move closer to Flare when suddenly the Villa wall crashed backwards into the Villa itself and Flederweb leapt off of it to the ground, rolling with the momentum. He looked up to see another Sentinel there, holding a piece of wood and eating it. It was Matter-Eater Lad.

“There is always a choice,” said Dirk to Veilmist. “And you’ve made yours.”

And all at once, as the Khundish soldiers began to descend on them, the battle resumed.

Earth War: Preparing for War

Sunset

The helicopter's blades beat heavily overhead, and Spark rubbed her right arm pensively. She'd read the mission briefing, but that still left her and her teammates virtually blind as to what they were heading into.

They knew that, in the middle of a worldwide crisis, Coast City was special. It had 'gone dark' just as everywhere was screaming for help - phone lines had been severed, wireless signals weren't being responded to, and - perhaps most worryingly - the few sorties, including a group from SHIELD, which had been allocated to investigate the situation had themselves 'gone dark'. Yet satellite photos showed no hostile activity - there were a few unattended fires, but mostly there was just... emptiness.

So, while over half the Legion - including Livewire, her brother - had been sent to Europe and Asia on other missions; Spark's group, led by Cosmic Boy, were being sent to investigate whether the enemy was building a new threat in the remote Coast City, while his "conventional" (if that was the word...) armies distracted the main US forces along the Mexican border.

She looked around the helicopter, one of a pair which had been requisitioned to carry them on the last leg of the trip, and saw a series of grim faces. With Garth on the European team and Q on the other 'copter, the only one she knew well was Polarity, Cos' brother, and they'd drifted apart since the Workforce and the traumas therein. He was on her right, while Starboy, a big Australian in a green and yellow costume, was on her left. Across, Cos' face was especially grim, and she wondered if he knew something she didn't, or if he was just worried by the presence of his brother and his girlfriend.

On that girlfriend, Trinity's presence was a complete mystery to Ella - by all reports, she was completely shot to bits mentally by what McCauley had done to her, and she'd taken a month off to 'recuperate' afterward - only to blunder into some sort of trap minutes after she got back and became even worse.

Since Ella knew from bitter experience how hard it was to get a medical "good-to-go" for those subject to McCauley's brainwashing - Spark's OWN medical clearance to join the active roster was still technically wending through the system, and she hadn't ultimately been that bad according to Dr. Ryker - what the hell was Trinity doing on this mission?

The only other Legionnaire on her 'copter was their tech guy, Gear, whose job was to get a communications relay between their team and base set up one way or another, not to fight or investigate directly. The others - Kinetix, Blizzard, Flash, Dox, and 'Kid Quantum' (she had to smirk at the last name. What had the "Kid" been thinking?!) - were on the other chopper.

She was broken out of her reverie when one of the pilots called Cosmic Boy to the front to point something out. Expecting news, she wasn't 'disappointed'.

"We'll be landing in two - T-W-O - minutes. Check your pouches, and make sure you have everything you're meant to. As soon as we're out, the 'copters take off and they won't come back just because you've left a radio behind!"

As Spark dutifully checked her belt pouches - she already knew she had everything (It was mostly field rations, including some water; but also included a radio, GPS tracker and spare batteries) - something she wasn't meant to have rubbed against a finger beneath her right glove. She'd almost refused to take the flight ring, especially since she couldn't use it and zap at the same time, but Q had been insistent that she would probably need it, and she'd given in - if she didn't need it, it would make no difference. If she did, it could save her life.

She felt a thump, and the pitch of the helicopter blades changed - they were down. Her heart began to race as Cosmic Boy pushed open the doors and, arm sparking reflexively, she rushed out into the setting sun, sky blazing red above them.

Ella could only hope that it wasn't the last sunset she'd ever see.


____________________

[i]Collared

Nori looked in the mirror. Her eyes were red, her breathing shallow, and she was focused intently on one thing.

Visible sparks were showing on her collar.

She'd known from the start that it was temporary - Igor had said it'd last "two-three months" at the outset - but with the three month mark having come & gone two weeks earlier, she'd been beginning to hope that he'd just been pessimistic. Gods knew her power control wasn't perfect even with it, but without it... she remembered how she'd been homeless, trapped in an electrified stupor, for so long. She didn't even know how she'd survived it.

And now she was going to have to hope she could survive without it again. Preferably without the stupor.

She thought about just tearing it off and hoping for the best, but realised it would be stupid - it might last another week, and if she could hone her control just that bit more over that week... maybe... just maybe she could get by without it.

She threw some water in her face, rubbed it with a towel; then covered her collar with the screened "gown" she'd been given and walked out of the room.

Within minutes, the tannoy sounded, telling all teachers & pupils to go to the assembly hall at once.

Marseille, France

It comes in waves, thought Sensor, as she took a deep breath in an attempt to steady her nerves. The nervousness comes and the anxiety is unbearable and then it goes away. Yet just when you think you’ve mastered yourself, it all comes rushing back.

“Okay everyone!” said Leviathan, his voice booming over the rest. “T minus two minutes! Our deployment is close! The waiting will be over and we can let instinct and our training kick in!” It did not take long for Sensor to get the drift that many of the Legionnaires did not like Leviathan; some of them did not like him personally and some of them just resented the manner in which he was named their official leader. Much of it was justified—he was clearly over promoted and out of his depth in terms of being a leader and administrator of the Legion. But right now, with the terror that was approaching, he was nothing but a wall of courage and strength. Maybe he’s not so bad after all. He was obviously born for this. This moment; this scenario. It was where he excelled—as a field leader, not the top commander.

The City of Marseille felt empty though Sensor knew that was surely not the case. The United Nations and French Government ordered an evacuation of the City when it became clear the Khunds were launching their next assault on its shores. The naval vessels would be landing at Marseille shortly to launch the assault. All around the world, the war was spreading in all directions. Even now there were air battles all across the Mediterranean; the famous Blackhawks private security force even been called in to assist. But none of that mattered to this contingent of Legionnaires because it was in Marseille that they would officially enter the battleground.

Princess Jacqueline Proiectra thought back on how they had gotten to this point but it all felt like a blur. Following Cosmic Boy’s speech, the Legion broke up into three teams with Leviathan leading their contingent across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe. There were eleven of them: Leviathan, Tela, Livewire, Invisible Kid, Catalyst, Shrinking Violet, Dreamer, Valor, Ferro, Nemesis and herself. Also accompanying them were the two spies, King Faraday and Fantomas, the latter of whom was almost as young as they were. And oddly enough, RJ Brande had also joined them in what she thought must surely be a show of moral support. When they arrived at Paris, they were met by a contingent of United Nations representatives including Secretary-General Chu and Ambassador Anton Relnic, both of whom she knew from her time in Austria. But there wasn’t much time to reflect on those days as it was not long before Chu requested their deployment here, in Marseille.

“One more minute!” yelled Leviathan at the top of his lungs and Sensor could not help but jump. Why am I so nervous?

Valor was next to her and he extended his hand to grab hers. She let him and it gave her some comfort. She felt safe by his side, there was no doubt about that. It felt so good to have her childhood friends with her, Dreamer and Tela; it also felt good to have her new friends Ferro and Nemesis; but best of all, she was glad Val was here.

She saw Nemesis look back and notice the two of them holding hands. He turned away immediately, not hiding his anger. Oh Hasim…maybe when this is all over I can make you understand. I can try to bridge this divide between you and Val…

When they arrived in Marseille, after King Faraday and Fantomas mysteriously departed, they were swarmed with NATO military personal, Interpol officers and SHIELD commanders. Everyone had their own agenda for what they would do. Leviathan had trouble managing them all so Sensor prepared to step in, but both Tela and Invisible Kid proved to be more than capable for getting them to back off. Still, they weren’t too pleased to find they were now answering to someone directly during this engagement—and to top it off, it was another teenager. His name was Atmos, he was French and he was clearly being set up to join the Legion down the road. Paul-Henri Durand was clearly powerful and in his own mind not only deserved to be a Legionnaire, but deserved to be its leader.

Immediately, fireworks exploded between Leviathan and Atmos, and soon enough, Livewire and Catalyst were joining in. As amusing as it was to see Leviathan and Livewire on the same side, time was of the essence. The decided to follow Atmos cue and find out where they needed to be deployed.

And so here they were, as the Khunds approached Marseille and the Legion of Super-Heroes, flanked by NATO and SHIELD awaited.

“Okay Legionnaires,” said Leviathan, this time his voice not quite as loud. “Here we go!” and suddenly, he rushed off, growing in size and heading off into the firefight.

“I-I’m scared Val…” said Ferro to Valor suddenly, not caring who heard.

“We all are, Andy,” said Val calmly. “I’ll be right by your side.”

Sensor saw Invisible Kid and Catalyst share a look between each other that said everything: they were not only terrified for themselves, but they were terrified for each other.

Up ahead, Livewire and Tela followed, the two Legion Founders feeling as if they must help set the example. Irma, you truly are magnificent, she thought. Nemesis followed and soon after, so did Dreamer.

“Be safe,” she said to Val suddenly, unsure of why she did.

He smiled at her, and then they were off.

"Tell me again why there are only eight of us?" Wildfire demanded as the jet carrying them streaked across the Pacific.

"I agree. Asia is geographically larger than Europe." Amihan pointed out, firmly but politely.

Rebound sighed. "Look, I empathize, I really do - I grew up in the Philippines and my ancestors came from China - but it was a tactical decision."

"How so?" Hygeia asked, also firmly. "I hope you do not mean to imply that Asia is less important than Europe or America. Would you care to explain?"

"Our intelligence indicates that one of Mordru's main fronts is the USA," Shifter explained helpfully. "And Europe is geographically nearer his home base. We know that Mordru plans to attack multiple fronts in Asia, but without more intelligence..."

"We just sit and wait? Is that it?" Amazon's voice was heavy with concern. "What about all those people in Asia? What if their intelligence is wrong?"

"She's right! Don't those doofs realize that we have no way to cover all of Asia even with these jets?" Wildfire flared at that thought.

"I don't like it any more than you do," Shifter maintained composure, but his feelings on the matter were clear. "However, the danger is more imminent elsewhere. I'm sorry..."

"I believe we 8 are more than powerful enough to handle this, with the support of our military," Element Lad's voice was gentle; it was clear that if he fought, it was only to defend his fellow man. "But if we do not know where Mordru will strike exactly, how can we be sure to intercept his forces?"

"That," Rebound said with a grin, "is why we have Quislet along. Hey, Quis! Want to demonstrate what we've been working on?"

"What fun!" Quislet quickly merged with their jet. "Hold on tight, we're going for a ride!"

"You'd better strap yourselves in." Chuck was clearly enjoying himself as he radioed the pilot. The other six had just settled in when the plane suddenly surged forward, as if propelled by a giant.

The young Legionnaires gasped, screamed and (in Wildfire's case) whooped as their plane lurched forward, then stopped.

"Looks like all that training paid off, huh, Quis?" Chuck's grin was wider than ever.

Quislet emerged from the jet with an even wider grin, if that was possible. "Quislet learned to make machines perform more efficiently!"

"That is awesome!" Wildfire yelled. "We could zip to any spot on the globe in no time!"

"So that's why you weren't worried! You dear, dear boy you!" Amazon squeezed Rebound tight, and would have hugged Shifter too, if he hadn't suddenly morphed into a bird and zipped for a map.

"Don't celebrate too much. Quislet can only keep that up for a short time, else our jets will burn out. Even with the added speed, we can only shave a few hours off our flight time - like our little jump took us over Pakistan into China." Shifter was no-nonsense now, and all his teammates listened with rapt attention.

"Intel shows that Mordru is most likely after sites of ancient mysticism in Asia," he explained. "He's targeting Asia because it's nearer Khundia than, say, Latin America; plus, it is home to some of the oldest civilizations in the world. Now, with his magic, he could send his armies out anywhere, but he would most likely want to conserve his strength.

Rebound stepped forward. "One reason all of you were chosen for this team is your knowledge of Asian culture and history. Even though we have Quislet, based on the limitations that Reed outlined, it would help a lot if we could predict which sites to cover."

"I spoke with Cos; he believes that soon he'll be able to spare a few of his team members to join us in defending Asia. Our role is to establish a beachhead, predict the most likely problem spots, and develop a deployment plan that will allow us to cover as much ground as we can," Shifter added.

"Tibet, then." Element Lad's eyes shone. "It is a spiritual haven."

"My hometown in the Mountain Provinces of the Philippines would be good," Amihan piped up. "Sagada, for example, is known for our hanging coffins and mysterious caves."

"The Angkor Temples, as well." Hygeia looked homesick for a bit. "I would hate very much if Mordru destroyed the heritage of my people."

"Can we go to India, too?" Amazon asked? "The Taj Mahal is there... and it's just so romantic! Just the place that an old grump like Mordru would wan to spoil."

"Nepal's Kathmandu Valley is also a good target," Drake mused. "It used to lie at the crossroads of several ancient civilizations, and is thought to have been inhabited as early as 300 BCE."

The cockpit fell silent. Drake shrugged. "Hey, just because I'm a hothead doesn't mean I'm not smart."

The suggestions flew in, as the eight young Legionnaires made their plans. Their front may be small, but they would die before they gave it up.

Marseille, France

It was dirty, it was loud, it was chaos. Catalyst had expected monsters or trolls or goblins, he realized, thinking that the Dark Lord Mordru would surely attack like that. But instead it was the Khundish military and the attack was guns and bullets and people falling as they shouted at the top of their lungs. The Legion wasn’t made for this, he thought. It was not made to be deployed in war. Why are we here?

He turned to see if Lyle was still by his side by Lyle was gone. Of course. He’s invisible and doing this his own way.. Catalyst looked around and saw Dreamer up ahead, and decided he would stick by her. He liked Dreamer quite a lot; she was really Lyle’s friend, one of his best friends in fact and “partner in crime”, but they still got along just fine.

“Damn!” said Dreamer loudly and Catalyst’s heart sunk.

“What is it? Are you shot? Are you hurt?!” he yelled.

“Broke a nail,” she said with a wicked smile and suddenly his face went red and anger flared. But then it subsided and he started laughing at the top of his lungs as bullets fired all around them.

He looked up and suddenly he saw the giant form of Leviathan walked nearby. He had to be over 25 feet, Condo thought. “Idiot,” said Condo, “all he’s doing is making himself a bigger target!”

“I don’ think so,” said a voice, as Shrinking Violet leapt onto his shoulder from what felt like out of nowhere. “Look out there, in the sky! Something else else big is coming! Bigger than even Gene!”

They looked out and could make out a figure approaching. It was winged and it was huge. Maybe the biggest thing any of them had ever seen.

“Oh my God…” said Shrinking Violet, her stomach suddenly tightening up so hard she felt like she might throw up.

The creature had a long neck and was scary all over. It’s mouth was wide and covered with large, razor sharp fangs. It was massive and it was clear what it was to all of them: it was a dragon.

Glaurung, Father of Dragons, had entered the fray. While Mordru’s greatest agents were deployed elsewhere, his most fearsome belligerent had been reserved for exactly this. To announce itself fully to the world and reek havoc upon all it saw.

As it grew closer, the Legionnaires and their soldier allies scrambled. Ferro looked up from where he was fighting—in metallic form—and he was suddenly too overcome with fear to move. Valor sprang forward from Sensor’s side and yanked him back out of the open, knowing an attack was forthcoming.

Nemesis backed up slowly into the shadows to watch how things played out. I can beat any one opponent in single combat, he thought. But can I beat that? I’d rather not find out…

It was Livewire whose voice brought them to their senses. “Legionnaires!” he yelled. “It’s scary as hell, but its up to us to battle that thing! It’s why we’re here! No come on, just like Cos taught us! Get yourself into position! We can all hit this thing together!”

At those words, the French hero known as Atmos rose into the air and flew strait at the dragon. “Watch and learn, mes amis” he shouted in English with his French accent.

“No!” yelled out Leviathan and Tela at the same time. “Idiot!” yelled Livewire.

Atmos flew at the Dragon and the Dragon picked up its pace so fast that Atmos was suddenly taken aback. The dragon was on him instantly and he breathed forth a huge spray of blue-yellow flames, blasting Atmos hard enough to knock him out of the sky and into the ground. Still above the shore, Atmos fell from the sky into the water.

“Is he…?” said Livewire.

“No,” said Tela. “I’m picking him up telepathically. But he’s in pain. A lot of pain.”

“Good,” said Livewire. “Now let’s see what we can do about a freaking dragon.”

As the Legionnaires all emerged and got themselves into position, the dragon now flew directly above where they were. It’s massive girth caused it to block out the sun and cover them in shadow. However, it did not attack; instead, it slowly began to land.

“Something else else is wrong,” said Dreamer. “Why isn’t it attacking?” But as she said the words, in her heart she knew what the answer was.

As Glaurung landed along the beach, they could see there was something on its back. It cast a bright white light that made it impossible to make out at first—so bright, they all had to turn and avert their gaze. Slowly the light began to fade and they could make out a figure.

And there, he was revealed.

His long flowing white hair was magnificent; his muscled frame was perfection; his white beard was flowing and indicative of his many years. But it was his eyes. His eyes were stunning and terrifying. Even from a distance, you could see them and you knew he could see you—piercing you with them.

Mordru the Merciless had left his Secret City. For the first time many millennia, Mordru took up arms himself to lead his armies into war. He was declaring himself for all the world to see.

”CITIZNES OF EARTH”, his voice boomed. It was incredibly loud but there was magic to it. Everywhere, all around the world, the voice could be heard. Mordru’s spells ensured it. FOR MANY CENTURIES MANKIND HAS HUNG ON IN DESPAIR, AT THE BRINK OF ITS ANNHILATION. IT HAS KEPT ITS DEFEAT AT BAY. NO LONGER.”

“YOU THINK YOU DO NOT KNOW ME, BUT IN YOUR HEARTS YOU KNOW WHO I AM. YOU HAVE DREADED MY EXIST FROM THE EARLIEST DAYS OF YOUR YOUTH. TODAY I CAST ASIDE ALL SHADOWS AND BARE EVERYTHING FOR ALL TO SEE. I, MORDRU, WILL RESUME MY ROLE AS THE SUPREME RULER OF THIS EARTH.”

“AND YOU WILL ALL BOW BEFORE ME.”

And with those words, Mordru proclaimed himself to the citizens of the Earth. His words were magic and had meaning; with them, he officially declared war upon the Earth and unleashed all of his magic.

******************************************

The Legionnaires fell to their knees and felt nothing but despair. Every moment of self-doubt flooded back to their minds. Each one felt alone and in that loneliness knew that in their hearts they were worthless.

Of them all, though, it was he who had felt these feelings his whole life that was able to overcome this spell. Ferro lifted his head and once he met Mordru’s gaze again, the spell broke. For Andy had never not felt this way, even now. Yet he survived and he pressed on throughout his life—and he did those things now.

Mordru locked his gaze upon Ferro and his face widened into a large smile. It was full of joy yet it was the scariest thing Andy had ever seen. “I look forward to this contest,” said Mordru.

And suddenly he was gone in the blink of an eye.

Ferro turned himself into his metallic form and walked across the debris to where the other Legionnaires were still recovering. He saw Dreamer, Catalyst and Shrinking Violet all together. Mordru was gone, Ferro knew, but he might come back. Somehow he had not realized his own daughter was here, or surely they would all be dead.

“Nura,” said Ferro, still in a daze, “you must hide. Your father. He can come back.”

Nura looked up, not understanding at first but it soon began to dawn on her. She look at him, seeing him for perhaps the first time. And then she looked beyond him and her eyes widened. At last she found her voice. “Andy!” she yelled. “Behind you! The dragon!”

Ferro turned and Glaurung unleashed his tail, knocking the Legionnaire backward. Mordru was gone but the dragon remained. As did the Khunds.

The battle resumed.

END PART 1

Paris, France

RJ Brande looked at the newscasts on the various screens in front of him which showed the theaters of war throughout the planet. It was becoming too numerous to keep track of. Yet, even in this century of technology and instant access to even the most remote areas, he knew there was so much not being covered by either the media or the various Governments of Earth. “Dammit!” he yelled suddenly. “We need to know what’s happening!”

The others turned to him surprised. Ambassador Anton Relnic was still questioning why RJ Brande was even here, and how he had been allowed to stay. He knew that little outbreak did not help his cause.

But it was Secretary-General Chu that spoke. “RJ,” she said, “perhaps you should take a break and get some air. This is…stressful on all of us.”

RJ nodded. “You’re right Jeannie. My apologies, everyone. All of this war is hard for this old main to take.” With those words, he got up and walked out of the room.

He continued on for some time, soon even leaving the building and entering the streets of Paris. As he walked, he thought of so many things. So much that had happened that led them to this point.

**********************************

Marseille, France

The dragon known as Glaurung, Father of Dragons, continued to unleash chaos upon the Legionnaires. His tail smashed into them, his claws knocked them back and his fire breath sent them scattering. But still, they would come.

“Let’s go, ugly,” said Leviathan, rising to his feet. “Round three.” Leviathan ran forward to try to punch the beast again and below Livewire knew what they had to do—blasting electricity at the creature’s legs. It staggered backwards and used its tail to balance itself and soon was on the offense once again.

«Lyle» said Tela using her telepathy. «You are very close now; you should start to see him.»

«I’ve got him,» replied Invisible Kid. «I’m bringing him in now.»

Badly burnt but still alive thanks to his powerset, the French hero known as Atmos was carried back to shore by Invisible Kid, who made sure he used his invisible to hide them from the massive dragon.

Meanwhile, all the other Legionnaires regrouped to think about the best way to stop a dragon. “It’s not like Val and Hasim can just start punching it!” said Catalyst. “And the rest of us are almost useless! We need some firepower!”

“It may be up to you, Jacquie,” said Val to the girl he was coming to feel so strongly about.

She understood. Perhaps her powers could confuse it somehow. “Dragons are supposed to be pretty resistant to magic…” she said hesitantly, “…but we have to try…”

*************************************

Palermo, Sicily

“Tell me again,” said Matter-Eater Lad as he crouched down behind a fallen piece of debris. “Why was this a good plan?”

Next to him was Flare, as the two hid from bullets being fired. They knew the soldiers were approaching, however and they didn’t have much time.

“Don’t look at me,” said Flare. “I’m giving up on tactical decisions! Where in the world is Blok?”

“Right here, my friends,” said Spirit rising out of the ground in front of them, so the Legionnaire faced the oncoming soldiers. “I will deal with them so you can get to safety. Dawnstar is fast approaching so be ready.”

Dirk looked up and saw Dawny circling up above them, waiting for the right moment. “So we know where Dawny is…but where is everyone else?”

***************************************

Paris, France

RJ Brande continued to walk around Paris to cool off and put his thoughts in order. He entered the world famous Luxemburg Gardens and instantly the fauna and change of setting helped ease his mind.

He had worked so hard to get to this point. To get the Legion of Super-Heroes up and going. But Mordru has somehow sensed something was wrong and sped up the time table. How could he have known? It was no matter—somehow the Dark Lord did know. They both realized that the Legion was something new; a new entrant to a game played for thousands of years, and ultimately, it was a turning point. Either Mordru would win this time once and for all, or he would lose.

When the Legionnaires first started to emerge, he was ready for them. He’d built up everything he possible could to make sure they had what they needed at their disposal. Money. Technology. Political capital. Allies. He was waiting for them so when they finally did arrive, he could give them any possible leverage. Because the war was coming.

And now the war was here. Mordru was unleashed and RJ Brande realized that after such a long life time, everything he ever worked for was coming to a head right now. It was an incredible feeling, and very alarming. But he checked over in his head and realized he had done all he could. He’d failed so many times before that he knew what steps needed to be corrected. He knew how he would beat Mordru this time.

He walked farther into a remote section of the gardens and soon found himself to be alone. He looked around the plant life and breathed heavily. It was time. Time to reconvene with his oldest and most capable ally.

“Blok,” he said out loud.

“Blok. I need you now. We are on the brink, old friend. All the pieces are in play. It’s time for secrecy to be cast aside and for you and I to stand united.”

After a moment, as the words faded into silence, everything grew quiet. A stillness overtook the air.

And suddenly RJ noticed the plants beginning to shuffle, and something growing out from the Earth. “I am here, old friend,” said Blok, emerging.

“It is good to see you again…Ro Jath.”

Earth War: Legionnaires
A Good Day to Die?, part 1 of 7

• Prologue: "Sunset"

Ella stared out of the window into the twilight, where only a faint glimmer of daylight now remained down at the seaborne horizon. Things had moved quickly since they left the helicopters - Cosmic Boy had divided most of the team into pairs to search for signs of life, making careful note that they should stay together at all times, but had sent herself, Starboy and Polarity to act as bodyguards for Gear as he tried to establish communications with the outside world from the top floor of Coast Tower.

"Spark, c'm'over here..."

Gear's voice jolted her back from her reverie, and she span around to face him. "What is it?"

"I need some help with this radio equipment - before I hook up to it, I need to know how much of it is working, and how much I need to replace--"

"--and you can't get the emergency generators working, let me guess?"

"Bee Eye Enn Gee Oh. I sent Tom & Kid Cos up to check on the physical condition, but even if they're intact, they might not be fine. S'can you do it without frying all this stuff?"

"I can run battery voltage without frying stuff. Mains is easy."

"Well, if they--"

"They're back," Polarity's voice rang in from the staircase, and both his and Starboy's faces were dark as they entered. "Roof's covered in scrap. No wonder the elevators didn't work - they even junked those, just to be sure."

"Everything?"

"Yeah, it's all bent, bucked and broken." Tom verified. "Someone must not have wanted anything getting out, in person or in voice."

"How's it looking down here?" Polarity added. "It doesn't seem as bad as upstairs. If I jury-rigged an aerial--"

"Give me a chance," Gear cut in as his arm exploded into various cables, tendrils and devices, before plugging in and indicating that Ella should start powering the equipment, "I've bar--"

"Barely what?" Polarity asked. An answer was not forthcoming.

Spark pulled her hand away from the radio, and in front of Gear's face. "Hello? Anyone there?" He didn't react.

"Did he just... crash?" Starboy's voice echoed around the room.

Ella shrugged and reached into one of her belt pouches. "Dox from Spark, Dox from Spark."

"What is it?"

Spark winced at the tone. Q, in the same "non-combatant" category as Gear, had been sent to scout under protest to start with, and she suspected Kinetix was driving him nuts on top of that. "Something else else's just happened to Gear - he'd barely plugged in and he's now completely frozen up. Could you come over to Coast Tower and see if you can help?"

"Fine. I'll be th--" An unearthly sound began to fill the air, which seemed to echo through Spark's bones. Seeing nothing over the sea, she looked to the other bank of windows for the source, and saw that one building - the City Hall, she thought - had lit up with the setting of the sun, and she almost thought she could see the giant shape of a ghostly, naked woman floating over it.

"A siren?" she muttered. Obviously, she rationalised. The Big Bad was supposed to have loads of mythological creatures working for him, what was one more - especially if it could take enemies down without a fight. She toggled her radio again. "Q, are you still there?"

The radio was silent, but the room wasn't - there was a loud SMASH and she turned to see Polarity on the floor, covered in broken glass, as Starboy floated out of the window. Instinctively, she raised her hand, but Paul pulled her down before he could zap him. "Not a good idea. He'd end up falling to his death."

"Better that than getting lured onto the rocks by that siren! How come you didn't follow him out the window?"

"How come you didn't?"

"Well, seeing as I'm a girl, I-" He cut her off

"Wait, are you trying to say that-" This time, it was the commlink which interrupted, but it wasn't Dox at the other end.

"MAN DOWN, MAN DOWN. IS ANYONE RECEIVING ME?" Trinity's voice sounded at top volume through both of their earpieces, distracting them.

They took a moment to recover, and glare at each other for a moment before Polarity clicked to answer. "Trinity, this is Polarity. Did you say that R- That Cos is down?"

"Can you hear that sound? As soon as it started, Cos stood up and made to walk out, like he'd been hypnotised. I had to belt him."

Ella pushed her 'talk' button. "Spark here, we hear it. Gear was already down, and Starboy flew out after it, but me and Polarity seem to be immune. I thought I saw something at City Hall - can you see anything from where you are?"

[i]"N- wait. One of me just saw Quantum take off and start flying toward it. And now Kinetix too. And I think I just saw Dox."

Polarity answered, "Are they attacking something, or--"

"Doesn't look like it. They're all going slow, Dox is walking, KQ & K are flying slow and vertical."

Polarity glared at Spark, who ignored it and switched her radio to open-comms. "This is Spark. Any Legionnaires who receive this message please respond."

They waited ten seconds, then twenty, then thirty with no new responses. After a full minute, Trinity's voice came over the radio. "We're all there is, aren't we?"

"Looks like it." Polarity answered, then added, "Trinity, don't try and engage unless you can take them out in one go. I tried to stop Star heading out the window and got a window smashed over me for my trouble."

For a minute, there was only the unearthly song. Then Trinity spoke up. "Where are you, again?"

"Coast Tower," Paul replied. "Can you make it here to regroup?"

"No way. I can't leave Cos here, especially with that still going on, and he's too heavy for us to carry."

Spark and Polarity looked at each other, then at Gear, still tied into the equipment. Neither felt comfortable trying to remove him in case they caused permanent damage, nor leaving the Legionnaire they were least sure of alone with an unconscious Cos in hostile territory. It was Ella who broke the impasse, "Think he'd be safe if we left him?"

"Definitely a lot safer than Rex & Lorna out in the open. Who knows what that singing's a prelude to."

"I'll cover him up, then. You find out where she is so we can meet up."
___________

Fifteen minutes later, the sky was completely black, the siren still sung, and Spark & Polarity reached the alley where Trinity was hiding with an unconscious Cos.

"How is he?" Paul asked about his brother, shining a flashlight to look him over.

"He started to stir about five minutes ago, and I had to belt him again. Nothing since."

"Well, I don't think we can wait for that noise to stop if it ever does. I'll take him an--" Paul's voice died as the siren suddenly, finally stopped. All three conscious Legionnaires felt a crushing silence envelop the seemingly deserted city, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

CRACK went the ground.

"What wa--"

CRACK! Louder, this time.

All attempts at speech died as the cracking sounds not only continued, but grew louder and more forceful, sounding as if the city was being torn to bits.

Polarity risked a glance from the alley, fearful the buildings around them would join in and collapse over them, but there were no sign of falling masonry. Instead, in the rising moonlight, huge shapes appeared from great gashes in the ground.

Easily twelve feet tall if they were an inch, dozens of monsters, huge and hunchbacked, climbed into the open air.

Earth War: Academy L
Beast War!, part 1

• Prologue: "Collared"

"Sir, greatest respect, but... well, if you'd consider..."

John Jones, headmaster of the Legion Academy, was unhappy. In the distant past, he'd been to war, and he'd hunted men. But he still remembered the charnel and flame of those wars, and it was not the place for what he thought of as children. As such, the suggestion that the man on the other end of the phone was making that he make the students of the Legion Academy available "to play a part" in what the media were apparently dubbing "the Earth War" - as if any of the other wars they covered took place off-planet... - was not one he took lightly. Or responded well to.

The phone went back on the hook. He'd gained a stay on the decision, no more. He'd have to see them in person to ensure they saw things his way.

His lined brow furrowed deeply, he reached for the microphone on the side of his desk, pressed a button, and summoned all the staff and pupils of the Academy to the Assembly Hall before leaving and closing the door behind him.

Ten minutes later, he returned to his office, with his three Powers Dept. members - Danielle Moonstar, Shikari Lonestar and Tikhik Miraz - in tow. The announcement he'd made had been brief, essentially just telling everyone to remain there, and asking for the other teachers to perform a complete headcount to ensure no students were elsewhere. The real decision was yet to be made, and he laid out what had been asked of them baldly.

"No way." Dani was emphatic. "This isn't a barracks, and we're not drill sergeants."

"I fully agree. If I thought that was the case, I would not have come here." Tikhik said, before adding, "And if it IS the case, you will have my resignation within the hour."

"'Kari?" John asked for the third teacher's opinion.

Shikari was more conflicted in the matter than the other three. Coming from a culture that prized conflict avoidance over confrontation, she'd always felt her people to be too passive, verging on cowardly. And now she was in the minority again, only this time in an inner council. She knew each of the others well enough to know they wouldn't be swayed on the idea that they SHOULD go to war, however. "Is there to be an attack here?" she finally asked.

"Don't know." John answered in his careful drawl. "They say nothing doing, but they're saying a lot of things. Doubt they know themselves. Definitely not sending anyone here to help.`"

"If there is, and we run, will they not follow?"

"Ptui," Tik spat. "I hardly leave footprints for someone to trace. I can have the whole school evacuated to you-know-where in less than fifteen minutes."

Shikari shook her head, "I could track you, whatever path you took, even if you were gone in fifteen seconds. This is a powerful army with varied and magic power - should we assume they cannot do the same?" She looked hard at John Jones, and their eyes met for a long moment.

"You've got a point 'Kari," he admitted. He thought for a moment, then continued, "No kids should get sent to war, but if war comes to us, we could ask for volunteers to stay here and keep the young kids safe."

"Isn't that the Legion's role?" Dani retorted. "I'm not happy asking my students to put themselves in danger to cover someone else not doing their job."

John shook his head, "Been told they're all a long way from here, stretched out across three continents. I already said we're not getting help from the outside, Legion or else, and we might still be asked to send pupils elsewhere to help - if we're agreed there, I'll have to go talk to someone about that after we're done here."

"We're agreed there," Tikhik interjected. "If anyone comes to collect any students, I'll send them to Siberia."

"In which case," Shikari resumed, "can you swear that you can send Mordru's armies to Siberia as well if they come?"

"Do you think I can't?"

"I wou--"

"Please." John broke in. "Going round in circles won't help. Dani, say we DO ask some students to stay, at least at first. How many could we ask."

"I'm not happy abou--"

"Just say."

Dani ground her teeth for a moment before replying. "There's only six who are over 16 *and* I'd give an 'A' grade to right now. That's the only set that's Legion-eligible. At a push, we could ask them."

"That is not enough," Shikari said bluntly. "If there was an attack, they would be overwhelmed. There are another sixteen who are over 16, 'B' grade, and virtually ready. We can ask those as well."

"I didn't know we were asking anyone just yet." Dani's voice was icy in her disagreement.

Tikhik added, in a similar tone, "Why are you so keen to send children into battle?"

Because I've seen 'children' save worlds. Shikari thought in her own tongue. What she said, however, was "If armies attack our school, it is likely that they will find us wherever we run. If so, our students will be forced to go into battle. If we do not ask for volunteers, all of our students would be forced to fight. If we do, I would want there to be number enough to have a chance of success. I do not think six or fewer would be that number." Again, she turned to look at John.

"She has a point." John Jones conceded. "Dani, I want a straight answer. In your professional opinion, if the worst happens and we have to choose between risking everyone and risking a few, EXACTLY how good are the 'B'-grade students? Would we be throwing warm bodies into a fire, or could they hold their own?"

Dani pursed her lips tightly. She was beginning to feel as if she'd been backed into a corner. "A 'B' means that, under controlled testing conditions, I think they aren't as good as they could be, but they know how to use their powers well. Still, that says nothing about their temperament or control in a life or death fight. There are students who are under control enough in a calm, quiet room, but not in a war scenario. Maybe half of Shikari's sixteen could hold up under those sorts of circumstances."

"Which ones?" Shikari put her on the spot. "For instance, would you include Sofia? You were saying that she was 'only a hair' away from an 'A' yesterday, and the only reason you weren't giving her one was that you were being careful about bias."

"That's not fair, Shikari," Tikhik said. "Asking someone if they'll risk their daughter, adopted or otherwise, in a situation where they might be killed - how, exactly, do you expect her to be objective?"

"That is my point. This needs to be looked at objectively, and objectively, I feel the risk is less by asking the wider group."

"Look, people," John was beginning to feel things had become too heated to make a decision, but it couldn't wait. He had to get over to Metternich's office before choices were made there that would render their whole debate moot. "We--"

He was cut off when the phone buzzed to signify an internal call. The others remained silent while he took it.

"That was Jim - he said there's been a register taken, and one pupil is missing. Young kid called Doreen Green. 'Kari, would you track her down and make sure nothing's happened?"

Shikari shot a glance at Dani and Tik, and John took her aside for a moment. "I promise nothing will be decided here while you're gone."

"But J'onn..."

"I need to calm matters down here anyway. Just hurry back."

She glanced back for a moment at the other two, then at John Jones for a moment longer, before armouring up and exiting through the window.

"'Till 'Kari gets back, can we take a minute to calm down here?" And even as he said it, despite the situation, both Dani and Tikhik felt some of their tension lift.

After a minute, he continued, "I agree with you - kids shouldn't go to war. But self-defence is 'nother story, and if something happens, we DO have to be ready - it's just which unpleasant choice we make, not if we make one."

"Something else else HAS happened." The voice came from the window, as Shikari struggled to manoeuvre through while carrying something. John rushed to help, and took the object from her, to a gasp as Dani realised what it was.

The mauled, bloody body of the squirrel-like student called Doreen Green.

Throughout the world of the 21st Century, there is one name that stands for entrepreneur more than any other: Raymond John Brande. The quintessential businessman, RJ Brande evokes accomplishment, commerce and innovation from thriving metropolises like Manhattan to the remote towns in Omaha; throughout Asia and Europe, Africa and the Americas. RJ Brande is as well-known as any one or thing.

Yet, the story of RJ Brande is larger than any know at all. Save one; save his ally for thousands and thousands of years, the brotherless one known as Blok. Though perhaps if Blok did have a brother, it would be RJ, the one who Mordru always feared.

Far back before the annals of history hundreds of thousands of years ago in the Ancient Empire of Ekron there were three among the Ekronians who had the greatest understanding of the structure of the world. While the brightest star was Mordru, the one with the most insight was Ro Jath. For Ro Jath understood that for things to flourish and creation to abound, all things must be free. Only in chaos can there truly be freedom.

When Mordru’s obsession with order and understanding created a new ideology, it was Ro Jath who stood against him, as their third, Thymius, had sworn not to interfere. And so while the Civil War that destroyed Ekron—and almost the Earth—brought an end to the story of Ekron, it did not bring an end to the debate. For while Mordru survived, so did Ro Jath.

Mordru’s intentions over the thousands of years became increasingly clear as he wished to subjugate the Earth’s people. At every step, Ro Jath was there. Sometimes he was barely victorious; sometimes he failed completely and then had to work to free humanity. Yet always was he there to battle the Dark Lord.

He was there for Ancient Atlantis; he led Nommo, King of Tor to the waters of the Garden of Eden, so that he would start the ancient line of shadow-wielders. He used force to battle Mordru and the Emerald Empresses in Egypt and he used knowledge to battle close-mindedness in Akkad.

He took many names. In Antiquity he was Rajeef J’arra, the Vizier to the Parthian Shahansha, who battled alongside Monius Elysius of the Romans and Rostam, shadow welder of the Persians. He was defeated then by Mordru’s deceits but while Mordru later corrupted the Julio-Claudian line of Augustus, Rajeef was two steps ahead of him, already having convinced Augustus to halt Rome’s expansion.

He taught magic to Merlin, though perhaps they were one and the same? He taught the magic of illusions to the House of Proiectra to combat the House of Romanescu and destroy the Middle Age kingdom of Venegar. As the Balkins became increasingly a base of operations for Mordru’s agents, he expanded his teachings to Austria and passed on knowledge to the Wazzo family.

He pushed for the Age of Reason, and encouraged the expansion of science and logic. He cheered on capitalism and the free market; yet he also encouraged the ideas of socialism. While Mordru oversaw the Congress of Vienna, Ro Jath coordinated the revolutions of 1848.

When Mordru cast his most powerful spell of all—the one that stunted the evolution that would not allow mankind to grow its super-powers following Mordru’s experience with the House of Proiectra, Ro Jath set about fixing that as well. And by using his agent Marla Latham to infiltrate the Dark Circle, he helped succeed 25 years ago.

When Mordru realized his daughter Nura was in New York City, it was Ro Jath’s spells protecting the metropolis that prevented Mordru from entering it.

And it was Ro Jath who encouraged Nura’s mother to meet Mordru for the first time, so that one day, the children would be born to shatter the spells Mordru had put in place.

RJ Brande had worked for thousands of years to battle Mordru and now the battle was coming to a conclusion once and for all. Once the spell was broken he knew the super-powered children would begin to arrive and he set about preparing everything they needed. When the Legion was born, he was there for it. Could this work? Could this be the key to beating Mordru at long last?

******************************

RJ Brande and Blok stood together in Luxemburg Gardens and RJ could not help but smile. “You look well, old friend,” he said. “Considering your look never changes.”

“Indeed,” said Blok. “At long last, all our plans come to fruition. I know you believe in the children—this Legion. I believe in Maziah and I think she can deliver us all.”

Throughout those long centuries, Ro Jath’s chief ally was the child of the Earth, whom the Sentinels called Blok. They worked together for so long that they could anticipate one another’s thoughts. Some centuries they would be side by side while others they would be apart, planting seeds on their own.

“The children are our only hope,” said Blok, “but they have not seen war before. I fear they will be undone by the travesties committed. Perhaps we have rushed them off too soon?”

RJ considered the comment and saw that perhaps Blok was right. “Maybe it’s time to pull them back and regroup,” he said. “They’ve gotten a taste of the enemy and that is enough. While the rest of the world battles Khundia and such, I think its time to for all of them to get some focus.”

“Agreed,” said Blok. “Let them have a moment’s respite and then we shall have our confrontation.”

“I think my friend,” said RJ, “it’s damn well past time my Legionnaires officially met your Sentinels!’

Paris, France

Dreamer could not remember ever feeling this tired in her entire life. Her body ached and was sore all over. Her mind was also extremely tired from all the stress of the War. She could hardly remember the sequence of events that had just transpired. Mordru announced himself and then disappeared but just when they thought they had a moment’s respite, the dragon launched its attack. They battled it for what felt like forever and eventually it began to back-off. By then the SHIELD agents were telling the Legionnaires they were being requested to get back to France. Perhaps it was the hum of the helicopter or perhaps she would have fallen asleep just about anywhere, but she soon caught herself starting to doze.

The dream was unnerving, but that was not uncommon for her. She dreamt of the war and felt tremendous anxiety as explosions occurred in the background and bullet fired past her. All around her were screams and people sobbing. But up ahead, she saw a bright white light. She approached it and as she grew closer she couldn’t help but feel an incredible happiness come over her. Maziah, she realized. Oh, how I’ve missed you! But as she approached, she could see Maziah was crouched down no her knees; she was the one who was sobbing. In her arms lay a body and Nura instantly knew that person was deceased. Somehow, he means something to her…

Dreamer woke up immediately in an instant. Her head felt heavy and was pounding, and she knew that was not just a dream but a prophecy, which was her natural gift. Already it was fading but she could remember that final detail, with her sister and the dead man. She realized the helicopter had stopped moving.

“Good timing,” said Invisible Kid to her. He sat by her side and was covered in dirt and scars. Resting on his shoulder was Catalyst, who looked exhausted and upset. It was how they all felt.

“We’ve arrived then?” asked Dreamer.

“I think so,” he said, looking out the window as the soldiers got out of the helicopter and other soldiers ran up to open up the doors and let them out. “Is that Mr. Brande?” asked Lyle.

As Invisible Kid woke Catalyst, Dreamer jumped out of the helicopter with Livewire and Tela. Hoping Tela might have some answers, she asked “What’s going on? Any idea why we’re here, or why Mr. Brande looks so intense?”

“No,” said Tela, who Nura suspected might be trying to read RJ’s mind. Evidently it was not working and she wasn’t pleased. “But I think we better go with him instead of the UN soldiers.”

“Agreed…” said Dreamer. They all felt much safer around RJ Brande.

********************************

The tired Legionnaires—11 in total, plus Atmos who was already healing from the burns—were ushered into a large room with sofas, chairs and food & drink laid out. RJ followed them in and then turned to the soldiers. “If you’ll please give us a few moments,” he said to them. They listened without a word which made Invisible Kid and Dreamer look at one another with an eyebrow raised. Usually those requests didn’t go so smoothly.

“What’s this about Mr. Brande?” asked Leviathan. “We should really be out there on the front lines.”

“I know, Gene,” he said, immediately walking to the other side of the room. “And you will be. But I think this is more important. “You’ve had a taste of the horrors Mordru is unleashing on the world. But while defending France or any country is a valiant effort, we need to be smarter about where we deploy you. That goes for your other allies as well.”

“Other allies?” asked Tela, curious as to what that meant. Could it be? she thought.

“Yes,” said RJ. “And I think its long past time that you met.” With those words he opened a door in the far back corner of the room which most of them did not even realize was there before. It opened into yet another room, this one larger than before but with the same accommodations.

They could see King Faraday, the Checkmate spy, in the doorway talking with some people. Right by his side was Jacques Focquart, the spy known as Fantomas. They heard many more voices though as they watched RJ walk through.

Livewire looked at Tela to see what she thought but she was already walking over to the room and through the door. He followed, as did Leviathan, who wanted to be front and center. Sensor, Valor and Nemesis followed.

Dreamer turned to Invisible Kid, who shrugged. With Catalyst and Shrinking Violet, they began to walk forward when they heard a high-pitched scream on the other side. A scream of happiness? thought Nura. It was a girl’s voice and she was greeting the Legionnaires.

It began to dawn on Nura just what was on the other side, and she began to walk faster. At that, Catalyst and Shrinking Violet knew who was there as well.

Dreamer crossed the threshold into the other room and was shocked at what she saw. Out in front was Spirit, hugging Irma and Garth tightly. To the side was Sensor hugging a blue girl who Nura immediately knew was Tatiana her childhood friend who she never met in person. There was a large rock monster, a winged girl and two rugged looking boys—one with a cape and one without—to the side. Valor was extending his hand to shake another boy’s hand who happened to be the best looking boy she’d ever seen and she immediately knew that was Dirk Morgna. Nura anxiously looked around and as she did, she realized everyone else was turning to look at her.

And then she saw her. Tears began streaming down her face and she did not bother to hold them back. “Hello Nura,” said the soft voice with a smile.

She ran over to her and hugged her as tight as possible. Both girls cried and neither broke the embrace. “Maziah…” she said in a whisper and suddenly everything felt alright.

********************************

Nura and Maziah’s reunion had left a lot of them blurry eyed but soon the two teams of teenagers were checking one another out. King Faraday and Jacques Focquart enjoyed the spectacle. “I know you’re close to them in age, Jacques,” said King Faraday, “but thank God you’re not a teenager.”

Jacques laughed. He could immediately see that while some of the girls were hugging, and even some of the guys as Valor lifted up Matter-Eater Lad in a tight hug, some others were standing back, taking each other’s measure as if this was a competition.

The winged girl known as Dawnstar remained very aloof. The Legionnaire known as Nemesis, who Jacques knew once was part of this “Sentinels team” was not even bothering to shake their hands or hug his old friends. The new one, Atmos, also stood to the side saying nothing; he was obviously in pain and seemed to resent the Legionnaires for it. Jacques could see it was the one known as Leviathan, the leader of the Legion, that was really taking in his new allies. He seemed to have an eye on Mon-El and Ultra Boy, who were clearly two very rugged young men.

“After all these years…” said Tela as she hugged Umbra tightly.

“Bet you didn’t think I was blue, yeah?” said Tatiana with a laugh. “And you! C’mere Princess!” she said to Sensor, pulling her into the hug. “Guess you really did go and muster the Legion of Super-Heroes!”

Sensor laughed and hugged her friends tightly. She turned to see Dreamer and the White Witch walking over to them and the five girls all hugged “Reunited…at long last…” said Dreamer and all five girls were on the verge of tears.

“I wish I knew what was happening,” said Livewire to Spirit.

Spirit just smiled. “It’s a looooooong story,” she said. “Oh, I wish Cos and Trin were here,” she added. She was smiling so widely that her face looked like it would start to hurt soon.

“Hey you,” said Flare walking over and not caring to break up the reunion of the girls. He was talking to Sensor, and she turned and gave him a tight hug. The two had become great friends before and of all of them, he was perhaps the hardest to leave. “Please tell me you and Val are together,” he added. He didn’t add the other part of what he wanted to say, which was and please tell me you’re not with Hasim.

“Oh, of course that’s the first thing you ask,” she said with a laugh as she hugged him.

As Valor walked over to shake Mon-El’s hand, the reunion was cut short as RJ Brande spoke. They all turned to see RJ and Blok at the front of the room. “It does my heart good to have all of you in the same room at long last,” said RJ. “And soon enough, our little Eurasian contingent will meet the rest of the Legionnaires too, I hope. But I’m afraid we need to focus on the matter at hand: the Dark Lord.” He turned to Blok. “Legionnaires, this is Blok. You can trust him explicitly—no greater ally exists in the struggle against Mordrdu.”

Ultra Boy leaned forward and whispered into Spirit’s ear. “Is that RJ Brande? He makes it seem like this was all part of some grand plan.”

“It is odd,” she said, considering that for a moment. He was making it seem like he knew all along what the ‘Sentinels’ had been up to. And he’s treating Blok like an old friend. “He does have incredible connections…” she said to Joe, though she clearly was trying to convince herself so she could move on and continue basking in the moment of the reunion.

“Between all of you,” said Blok, “we believe we have something in our arsenal to battle Mordru which we have never had. And I believe that now is the time to bring this battle to a close.”

Most of them were nodding in agreement. “This is long overdue,” said Flare out loud, as the thought of battling Mordru at long last was like a light at the end of the tunnel.

They’re all almost drunk on the good feeling this meeting has given them, thought King Faraday. The boost in confidence is good…but hopefully they’re not over-confident.

“We think a direct assault on Khundia itself is where we will find Mordru,” said RJ Brande. “And if we can cut off the head, I believe the body will die, or at least become a manageable threat.”

Suddenly Leviathan spoke up as if he couldn’t stand it any longer. “Mr. Brande, that’s all well and good. But there’s a war raging outside. Yes, I want to get to Mordru but don’t you think we should be taking back the occupied European cities and countryside first?” Clearly, Leviathan was trying to assert himself and Faraday wondered if he even cared about what he was saying as being right.

“You’re not listening,” said a crisp voice which suddenly cut Leviathan in his tracks. It was Mon-El, and when he spoke, his words carried a great weight. “Cut off the head and the body dies. What use is liberating any city or country if Mordru lives and can simply retake it at his convenience? We have one chance and that is to beat Mordru. He is through playing games and he’s prepared to bring this to a conclusion. We have to be the same.”

“Who are you?” said Leviathan rudely. He did not like being talked to like that, clearly.

“A fellow soldier, like yourself,” said Mon-El. He stared directly at Leviathan now as if he was the only one in the room. Rather than his usual growing superpowers, it almost looked like Leviathan was shrinking. “And I know a good strategy when I hear one. Tell me, did you not just have a confrontation with Mordru?”

“Yes,” said Leviathan meekly.

“We’ve had our own as well. They do not usually go very well, correct? We cannot afford too many more—it’s time for one final confrontation to end this all.”

Leviathan simply nodded and did not say anything further. Invisible Kid whispered to Dreamer, “that was incredible.”

“I think I’m in love,” said Catalyst jokingly and Invisible Kid elbowed him in the side.

As they were talking, Flare looked back at Shrinking Violet and their eyes met. He winked at her. She turned away, embarrassed but was even more so when she saw Lyle, Condo and Nura all saw. All three smiled.

“Mon-El is right children,” said Blok to them all now. “We have all come a long way for this final battle and now we shall have it. It will be a privilege to fight by your side.”

RJ nodded and that brought an end to the meeting. He turned to Blok with a smile. “It’s happening, at long last,” he said.

“It feels different this time,” Blok agreed. “The outcome will not be the same as so many other times.”

RJ clapped his hand on Blok’s back. “This time we can beat him.”

Khundia,
Northeast Africa

The being known only as Blok transferred his consciousness to the soil, rocks and fauna, forming his traditional ‘rock monster’ body and rising from the Earth. The Legionnaires were en route but he felt he should be the first to arrive. If a trap was waiting, he must be the one to suffer. It was a responsibility he’d had for thousands of years.

Blok was not a sentient that felt nostalgia. Things happened and he must move on—all that mattered was his purpose. After the Ekronian Civil War, the Earth was shattered; it almost did not survive. Fearing for its safety because Mordru remained free, the Earth birthed its own only child to defend it and if need be, die for it. That child was Blok and he had served this purpose ever since for hundreds of thousands of years.

Blok moved into the shadows and watched, seeing the capital city of Khundia was bustling with chaos. This was the hub of the Khundish military dictatorship. Blok also knew that while Mordru’s home was the Secret City in Yemen, Khundia was where all the wartime strategy was taking place.

Minutes earlier it was pitch black though now the sky farthest to the East was letting in sunlight. Dawn was coming.

It was a soldier’s scream that caused the chaos of noise to coalesce into one big gasp. The soldier was screaming and pointing at the sky. Blok knew why: in the distance, figures began to emerge from the air, approaching Khundia’s capital.

Dawnstar’s magnificent wings were easy to make out. Mon-El’s cape flapped behind him in the wind. Atmos pulsated energy with his every movement. Ultra Boy’s posture clearly showed he was a threat to be taken seriously.

The soldiers scrambled knowing full well who was approaching. This was beyond their training and would be a problem for Mordru’s elite.

The Legion of Super-Heroes was arriving.

**********************************

The SHIELD helicopters dropped off the rest of them securely at a predetermined point while the flyers delivered a healthy dose of chaos throughout the Khundish military headquarters. They rushed forward into the chaos, hoping the shock & awe tactics would send the soldiers running. Stray bullets were a risk they would have to take, though the armor & shock absorption woven into their costumes might provide some protection.

The plan was to stay together instead of split up; being separated was likely to happen anyway. But the Legion was not sent here to battle soldiers—they were sent here to battle Mordru.

“He’s here,” said the White Witch with a dread certainty.

“I’ll be right by your side, Maziah,” said Dreamer. “We’ll face father together.”

They moved out, each one using their powers to good effect. Livewire, Catalyst, Umbra and Flare blasted forth their powers, while Nemesis, Valor, Ferro, Blok, and a giant-sized Leviathan engaged them in combat directly. Shrinking Violet, Spirit, Matter-Eater Lad, Tela and Sensor used their powers for stealth.

“Khundish Legionnaires!” bellowed a loud voice, “ATTACK!!!” Ah, thought Matter-Eater Lad, I was wondering when they’d show up.

Firefist, Bloodclaw, Flederweb and Veilmist teleported right in the middle of the group and at once they leapt at the various Legionnaires. Bloodclaw and Ultra Boy hammered at one antoher, as Flederweb lept at Umbra and Tela. Veilmist found herself attacked by Shrinking Violet, and Firefist moved to strike Leviathan where he stood so tall.

It was Atmos who came in for the save, blasting back Firefist. “Thanks!” yelled Leviathan down to him.

“No problem,” said the French superhero, “I’m starting to have a problem with fire-casters,” he added, still feeling embarrassment and anger over being taken out by the dragon in the first engagement. He was not one of them yet, but he felt a growing camaraderie respect for the Legionnaires.

In an instant, however, he felt pain once more as in a blur he was punched and sent flying—his invulnerability the only reason he was not killed. The blur stopped and the Sentinels recognized the enemy: Dev Em.

“Where is my old friend…?” said Dev Em with a wicked grin and in a red and blue blur, Mon-El came flying down to meet him as the two reignited their battle from two days earlier.

Another blur, all in black, came flying through them, and everyone moved out of their way to be careful. “Hasim!” yelled Joe suddenly. “Can you handle this guy?” he asked referring to Bloodclaw.

“Hah!” said Nemesis, “of course I can. Getting too rough for you?”

“Just have other things on my mind…” said Ultra Boy, flying off after the black blur, which he knew was the ‘super boy’. «Tela, can you hear me?» he asked.

Before the battle, he knew had to take a moment to introduce himself to Tela for exactly this. «I can» she replied. «Is this the one?»

«Yes» replied Ultra Boy. «I’m almost positive he’s being mind-controlled. Maybe you can help him…» With that, Ultra Boy raced after the teenager in an attempt to slow him down before he truly hurt someone.

“Everyone! Look out!” yelled Catalyst suddenly as a flash of green light sent he, Invisible Kid, Valor and Dawnstar flying backwards. As they rolled on the ground to get out of harm’s way, their attacker let herself be known: the Emerald Empress.

The Empress looked up and found the one she wanted the most. “Jacquie,” she said. “You were stupid to come here.”

“Sara,” said Sensor in a calm, collected voice. “The time for talk is over between us. You were once like a sister to me, but no more. You killed all the people on that flight. And now you’ve sided with the devil himself to destroy the world.”

The words stung the Emerald Empress as if they were a slap. Sensor was surprised by the effect—for a moment, it looked like the Empress may even cry. Could it be? Is there still hope for her? But after she killed those people…

“I hate you,” was all the Emerald Empress said and she unleashed her magic at Sensor.

“We’re with you, Jacquie!” said Umbra, joining her friend. By her side was Dreamer and the White Witch. “Sara, at long last we’re all together…but you’ve ruined it. By becoming what you are.”

“We’re your friends, Sara!” said Maziah. “Do not do this!”

“I have no friends…” said the Empress as she renewed her attack.

*******************************

The black blur began to slow down as he approached Ferro up ahead. Ultra Boy saw an opening and suddenly picked up his speed even more, gaining on the boy and then overtaking him. He tackled him at full speed and they went flying to the dirt, landing just a few feet from where Ferro stood.

Neither was a blur anymore as they rose to their feet. Ultra Boy could see for the first time this was a teenager like he was, with jet black here. He had an empty look in his eyes.

“Conal?!” yelled Ferro suddenly, recognizing his friend. “Conal! Oh my God…I thought you were dead!”

“You know this guy?” said Ultra Boy, getting ready for the attack he knew must be coming.

“I do! I hoped we might find him here…but never truly believed…”

“Well Ferro, I hope you have a plan on how to help him. Because he’s mind-controlled and he’s about to—“ before Joe could finish, Conal Kent attacked them both at super-speed, grabbing them each with one hand to smash them against one another.

Ultra Boy went invulnerable as Ferro remained in his metallic form, so neither was hurt, though they fell to the ground. Conal Kent stood over them, preparing for to kill them.

Suddenly, his hands grabbed at his head in pain as he screamed.

“Conal?!” yelled Ferro again jumping up to help his childhood friend.

“No Ferro!” said Ultra Boy grabbing him. “It’s alright. It’s Tela. We planned this. She’s going to help him.”

Tela emerged from the brush. “He won’t attack again,” she said, “and I’m going to see if I can set him right. I need you two to stay by me right now. We’re a distance from the others and you need to make sure nothing comes. Let’s see if we can restore Conal Kent to his old self…”

***************************

The battle raged on, as Sensor was joined by Nemesis and Valor against the Emerald Empress. Mon-El and Dev Em continued their struggle both in the skies and on the ground, smashing through everyone else whenever they got too close. The Khundish Legionnaires remained locked in battle with the real Legionnaires.

Blok appeared beside the White Witch. “He is here, Maziah, and he is watching.”

“I’m ready Blok. We can do this—we can beat him.”

“I know,” said Blok, truly meaning it. “I’m so proud of you, child. Both the Earth and humanity are in your hands now. You can do this.”

And as Blok uttered those words, a sudden silence began to overtake the melee. The sun, which was still in the process of rising, reversed its course and began to set. A great darkness was descending on all of them in mind, body and soul.

“Vile creature,” said a soft voice that was almost too beautiful to bear. “You’ve have committed numerous transgressions against me over the centuries. But none are so vile as this: to turn my own daughters against me.”

The Legionnaires turned, and at once felt a familiar feeling of despair. All except the White Witch and Blok, who stood in his path.

“Father,” said the White Witch. “This must end now.”

“On that daughter,” said Mordru, “we agree.”

Mordru stood among them and though he at first appeared no taller than a normal person, his form continued to grow until it looked as if he was a giant. He was magnificent to behold: regal and powerful. But above all else, by just looking at him, you knew he was cruel.

“You have always ruled through fear,” said Blok to him now, very clearly. “But no longer. We will overcome this fear.”

“You will overcome nothing!” said Mordru in anger, as he raised his hands preparing to strike Blok down.

“No father!” yelled the White Witch, also raising her hands to cast her own spell. “If you must attack, direct it at me!” She began to float into the air to meet his gaze eye to eye. “It is I who feels the most animosity towards you now! It is I that feels let down and betrayed, knowing what you truly are, and what you would have me become! It is I that loved you like a daughter should for so long, only to know deep in my heart that you feared me and would one day have cast me aside!”

Throughout his long lifetime, Mordru could hold his anger in check easily and create a façade of calm. With his own daughter, however, he could do this no longer. “You are wrong daughter! I do not fear you because I fear nothing. You’re actions have shamed you and shamed me. You’ve sided with these weaker beings, who only wish to fornicate and murder one another. They are a lesser race and unworthy our respect or kindness. Yet clearly you have chosen. So be it! For thousands of years I lived without a daughter! I can do so again!”

And with those words, in a lighting quick motion, Mordru unleashed a backhanded slap with all of his might, striking Maziah directly in the face and knocking her to the ground. She fell hard, letting out a loud scream. Landing on the ground, blood ran from her mouth and tears from her eyes as he pale skin on her cheek began to turn into a large red bruise.

Maziah looked up and in a moment of weakness she felt fear and shame. All she wanted was to crouch down and cry into the ground, begging her father for forgiveness. But no. She had come too far; she was much stronger than that. She put her hands on the ground and pushed herself up, struggling to regain her balance.

Blok extended his hand and lifted her up. “I am right by your side, Maziah,” he said, adding, “we all are.”

Maziah looked back and saw them now, all assembled. All of her friends and allies. The Legion. They looked grim and tired but they were determined. Their unity gave her the courage she needed.

“Your reaction is as predictable as ever, father,” she said. “When something displeases you, strike it. Well you have struck, but her I stand. Here we all stand.”

Mordru was silent, considering her words for a moment. His anger remained but now it began to change from uncontrollable to something worse: a sinister bloodlust. “So be it,” he said, as he unleashed his attack.

Mordru clapped his hands together and a sonic boom erupted outwards to the gathered heroes, knocking them off their feet. Many of them instinctually reached for their ears to hide from the noise. Maziah fell to one knee while Blok remained standing.

Once more, the White Witch rose. She began casting the spell she had been saving for this moment. White lights began to dance all around her and then they quickly reached out and grabbed at Mordru, pulling him closer. “Father,” she began, “you are too powerful to beat in single combat. But though you are Ekronian, you are still a man.”

There was a confidence in her voice, and Blok felt his admiration for her grow even more.

“You have caused untold suffering for so many over the centuries. Though their names have fallen out of your accessible memory, somewhere inside of you they remain. See now, the chaos you have done, as my spell forces you to remember all the harm you’ve done to others and the world!” With those words, Maziah unleashed her spell upon Mordru and at once, images began to flood his mind.

They came fast and furious and he realized he had no control over what he was seeing. Memories of his long lifetime and the atrocities he’d committed: murder and torture; genocide en masse; rapine and plunder; bringing down civilizations and ending family bloodlines. Delighting in pain and suffering.

All of these things he relived once more though not as the villain, but as the victim.

Maziah concentrated hard as the Legionnaires gathered around her. Mordru’s soldiers and agents watched in disbelief, not understanding what they were seeing. She focused her will solely against her father’s knowing theirs was a combat of wills.

Mordru relived the memories as he stared at the ground. But soon, he looked up, directly at Maziah. “Foolish girl,” he said. “You make a grand assumption—that I would feel any guilt at all over the harm done to these animals over the centuries.” As he spoke, his eyes went blood red and face grew harder and meaner, as his true self began to come to the forefront. “You think to beat me with this…?” he asked, his voice full of phlegm and spit. “You think to test my will against yours?!”

And in that instant, Maziah felt a moment of fear and that was her undoing. Mordru sensed it and pounced on it—attacking back and imposing his own dominating will on hers. At once he overtook her and totally dominated her mind. She felt helpless and could only watch on as this act was done to her—the ultimate violation. “See how your own spell works, child!” he yelled. “I can watch the atrocities with great pleasure, but can you? Can you bear witness to the terrors I’ve unleashed on the world?” Maziah cried out in pain as the imagery in Mordru’s mind was now seen in hers, and she witnessed horrific acts being perpetrated on men and women throughout the ages. She fell to her knees, crying out.

“ENOUGH!” yelled Blok, moving forward. In his heart, he began to realize the battle was lost, but more than anything, he only was concerned about the safety of Maziah. “Let her go, vile one!” he yelled, as he ran forward and hammered on Mordru with his fists.

Mordru fell backwards and his hold over Maziah was broken as the spell was done. Blok continued his assault, punching Mordru with all of his might, hoping to subdue him physical while he had the upperhand because of the distraction.

“Let’s help him!” yelled Livewire and the Legionnaires rushed forward.

“N-no…” said Maziah from the ground in pain, “…it’s…n-no use…”

The Legionnaires moved forward without hearing her but once again they were blasted back by a burst of magic. Once more, only Blok stood up to Mordru as the Dark Lord rose.

“You took quite a gamble, brotherless one,” said Mordru to Blok, “but unfortunately, you bet wrong. For the first time, I have you clearly in my sights and that is a mistake I intend to make you pay for.”

And suddenly Mordru moved with lightning speed, grabbing hold of Blok by both shoulders and firing a blast of magical energy into him. Mordru’s face became distorted and hideous, as his eyes grew wide and his smile grew too big for his face. He let out a disgusting cackle as the magical energy came pouring forth.

Blok quickly tried to react by letting this form die and transferring his essence into the ground so he could reform elsewhere but it was too late; Mordru had him and lifted him into the sky, severing his connection to the Earth. “Now, my old enemy, YOU DIE!!!”

And suddenly all the light was sucked back to Mordru as he let loose the ancient spell of <font face="impact">Death</font f>. To the plain eye, it felt as if the world blinked and when it flashed back to reality, Blok’s body was a lifeless husk, which Mordru cast downwards.

“See, daughter!” he yelled. “See what happens to those who dare stand against Mordru! When next we meet, it better be for you to pay me homage!” And suddenly, Mordru was once more gone.

The Legionnaires arose in shock. Those who knew Blok as part of the “Sentinels” were too stunned to say anything.

Maziah crawled on her knees to Blok’s lifeless body and she immediately knew it was over. Blok was dead. She had failed him; she had failed to beat Mordru and Blok died because of it. She tried to speak but couldn’t breathe. She tried to look up but could not look away from Blok. At last she found her breath and all she could do was cry and scream. “NOOOOoooooooooo!” she started but her voice began to grow hoarse.

“We need to get out of here…” said Invisible Kid to Leviathan and immediately Gene knew he was right.

Dreamer began to walk to her sister and in stat instant she knew he last prophetic dream had come true. “Oh Maziah…” was all she could say, as she leaned down and held her sister, who sobbed next to the body of Blok.

“He might still be…” said Flare to the others, hoping against all things that Blok still lived.

“No,” said Sensor, whose powers let her see the truth in this situation. “He’s truly gone.”

“We need to leave,” said Ultra Boy, who had arrived with Tela, Ferro and Conal Kent at some point. Joe was looking around and saw the soldiers regrouping, and with them were the Khundish Legionnaires. Dev Em and the Emerald Empress were nowhere in sight. “Like right now,” he added.

Mon-El walked over and picked up Maziah in his arms. “I’ve got her,” he said, as she sobbed into his chest. He looked at Blok’s carcass, which was already dissolving into the world. “Good bye, old friend,” he said.

“It’s over,” Matter-Eater Lad to Spirit and Flare. “W-we had our moment…and we lost…

END PART 2

The Legion Outpost,
San Francisco, California, USA

“Mein Gott!” cried Nightcrawler, looking at the television. “It is becoming difficult to watch!” Kurt Wagner a blue demon-looking creature. He was a super-powered being with the abilities to hide in the shadows and teleport. He was many things. But first and foremost he was a devout Roman Catholic and the imagery on television made him question everything he ever believed in. To him, it was the apocalypse.”

“Easy, Kurt,” said Bucky to him. Bucky was standing as Nightcrawler sat on the very tip of the couch. The children Ivy, Kid Psycho and Renkil Kem were sitting on the couch in front of him. Bucky realized the oldest among them, Kid Psycho, was only 12.

“How can I go easy, my friend, when zombies are walking through the streets of San Francisco? We should go do something!”

“Kids, go find Renkil’s mom,” said Bucky. They didn’t move, so he added. “NOW.” All three got up and ran. When he wanted to, Bucky could make his voice sound like his old partner’s. Once they were out of hearing distance, he spoke to Nightcrawler. “Kurt, you’re scaring the kids. You can’t do that. They can barely understand what’s happening.”

“Do you understand?” said Nightcrawler. “Look outside my friend. The end of days is here. Yet we sit here and watch television as if it was some movie. Should we not be doing something?”

***************

Bucky walked through the Outpost to the kitchen. Should we? he thought, considering Kurt’s words. Every inch of me tells me we should. And yet…the thought of going out there. Without Steve. Without any of the guys. In this crazy era…

“Lot on your mind?” said a voice. Before he turned he knew who it was from the smell of musty old clothes and freshly smoked marijuana.

“Don’t we all, Doc?” replied Bucky. Marla Latham had been gone for awhile now and Dr. Mayavale had basically stepped in as spiritual head of the Outpost, even though Sun Kem was running things. Bucky found Dr. Mayavale amusing but far less than the others. He could only tolerate so much of his nonsense. Thank God I missed the 1960’s and 1970’s.

“Old friend,” said Dr. Mayavale, “you were stuck for a long, long time. And now you’re free, but you’re still stuck. What good is walking if you’re still walking in the same place?”

Bucky finished a glass of water he poured himself and left his glass in the sink. I can’t hear this right now. “Sorry Doc,” he said. “I’m not the introspective type.”

“Eventually James,” replied Mayavale, “you better start living. Because what you’re doing right now ain’t it.”

**************

Annoyed, Bucky walked outside from the confines of the mansion into the vast grounds that made up the Outpost. Tennis courts, pools and fields covered his line of sight, even in the evening darkness. A brisk winter breeze flew through him.

He stared out across the grounds to the water beyond. “Was this truly the end of days? Did I wake up just for this?” he said out loud. “You’d know what to do, Steve,” he finished.

The wind began to die down and he could hear something nearby. It was coming from the woods. Sniffling he realized. Someone is crying.

It was a little girl’s cry. He ran over, concerned and saw her. It was Ivy, the ten year old girl from Nigeria. She was an odd one, occasionally saying some heady and mature things that always seemed to be on target, but Bucky liked her a lot. There was something very kind about her.

“What is it, Ivy? Are you okay?” He could see she had been crying.

“No,” she said quietly.

He leaned in closer. “What’s happened?”

“He’s dead,” she said as fresh tears ran down her cheeks. “He’s gone. They killed him.”

“Who?” said Bucky, concerned. “Whose died?”

“Blok,” she said now crying completely again. “Blok is dead. He always would visit with me and talk to me. But now he’s gone. I can’t feel him anymore.”

Bucky leaned forward and gave her a tight hug. He had no clue what she was talking about. “It’s going to be okay,” he said. It was all he could think of saying.

“No, it’s not,” she said to him firmly. “Blok told me it would be okay but he’s dead. He was wrong. And you don’t know. All you do is mope around here. How would you know if everything is going to be okay?”

Bucky had no answer for that so he just hugged her.

Maybe it will be. Maybe it won’t. How would I know?

**************

As the hours went on, Nightcrawler felt no relief. In fact, his anxieties only increased. In his heart, he was trying to gather the courage to head out into the night alone to try to help in anyway he could.

“Still want to make a difference?” said Bucky, entering the room.

Nigthcrawler looked and his eyes went wide. Bucky was wearing his old costume. From World War II; the one he had hidden away and never talked about. They all knew who he was at the Outpost but no one ever talked to him about it. “Yes,” replied Kurt, feeling some courage by seeing that uniform.

“Then let’s go,” said Bucky.

“Does this mean you’re back, my friend?” replied Nightcrawler.

“I don’t know,” he replied. “But I’m hoping to find out.”

Paris, France

“Is this the end of days?” asked Jack Ryder on Fox News. He was deadly serious. “I’m beginning to think it is. And certainly one of the contributing factors is the idea of magic, which is against everything any good, God-fearing person would believe in—“

The television channel changed to another news station. “…Khundian troops continue to march through the South of France and Italy, as well as the probably assault on Spain which we fear is coming shortly. Elsewhere, the aggressions continues throughout the entire rest of the world, as—“

Now the television was turned off completely. “This is very bad,” said Ambassador Relnic. “RJ, when you told us this secret assault on Khundia by the Legionnaires was going to fix this war, I knew it was too good to be true. But still, a part of me hoped. And I started to believe. But that didn’t happen and here we are. The whole world is at war, and some of the combatants aren’t even human. Maybe this is the end of days…?” Relnic was doing his best to help bring the war to a close but by now he was beginning to despair. Imagery of dragons and zombies and vampires had caused that.

RJ Brande sat in his chair and rubbed his eyes. He looked up and for the first time in his life, he truly looked the part of an old man. “Anton,” he said. “I need some time to think. Would you mind…?”

Relnic took the hint. “Of course. We’ll talk later,” he added and left.

RJ stared at the blank television set and replayed in his mind how the events in Khundia could have gone down. How they gambled everything and lost. The Legion was defeated. Blok was dead. And Maziah…was a mess.

*******************************

Alone in a guest bedroom, Maziah once more felt herself beginning to sob. She curled up in a ball and lay on the bed, trying her best to go to sleep but unable to. Every so often the memories of what her father made her live through would flash but she could somehow push those away. Because the grief was the hardest part of all.

She had come to love Blok. He was there for her in a way that no one else had ever been.

And now he was gone. And once more she was all alone in the world, with no one who truly understood what it was like to be the White Witch.

“Maziah,” said a voice from the door that Maziah knew was her sister once again. “It’s Nura. You need to eat,” she said. Maziah said nothing. “I’m coming in then,” said Nura, and she entered. She had a tray of food which she left by the food of the bed.

Nura sat next to her sister and held her hand, leaning forward to kiss her on the forehead. And then she just sat there, and held her.

*******************************

“It’s been two days,” said Mon-El to Umbra. They were in a common room at the United Nations building in Paris and not far away were various Legionnaires and Sentinels. Nearby was Sensor, Valor, Nemesis, Dawnstar and Atmos. “It’s time we got back out there,” he said. Even Mon-El had an edge in his voice; a hint of despair. He was beginning to feel the war was being lost.

“I know Mon,” said Umbra. But we’re not ready yet. Some of us are hurt, others are…damaged…in other ways.”

“Maybe I should just go,” he said. “Joe will go with me. Dev Em is out there…”

“There’s been no sign of Dev Em or the Emerald Empress since our battle in Khundia,” said Sensor who had overheard. “I’ve been checking continually. It’s almost like they’re waiting.”

“But for what?” said Valor, as he too walked over to join them. He put his arm around Jacquie, which mirrored how Mon-El was holding Tatiana on the couch. Though they were far too distracted to pay much attention to it, having someone you loved and cared for brought a subtle comfort during such terrible times.

“Whatever the reason, we’ll find out soon enough,” said Nemesis. He stood in the doorway as he spoke and then walked out. As soon as Valor put his arm around Sensor, Hasim had started to walk out of the room.

He’s not even hiding it anymore, thought Jacquie. I should have dealt with this a long time ago. I had hoped he would move on…but I guess not.

“Is he going to be a problem eventually?” asked Mon-El. Mon-El never said it aloud before but he never liked Hasim. The time apart and reunion had not changed him.

“No,” said Sensor, feeling that old obligation to stick up for him. “He’ll be fine.”

*****************************

Conal Kent was being checked out by two different doctors as the Legionnaires Tela & Livewire stood by. Sitting next to Conal was one of his oldest friends, the Legionnaire known as Ferro.

“So I was mind-controlled?” Conal asked again for the 8th time.

“Yes,” said Tela, hoping this would be the last time she explained it. “But I’ve checked and rechecked and rechecked again. You should be free of it. I’m sure it must have been quite an ordeal.”

“The things I did…” he said, “I can remember them. The killing. It’s a little blurry…but if I try hard enough…I can remember.” He seemed very stoic about the entire thing and Tela knew he was having some post-traumatic shock.

“Best try not to think about it then,” said Livewire. He looked at Tela and shrugged. It was all he could think to say.

“Con,” said Ferro, anxious to talk and now believing the others were done. “I can’t believe its you, man.”

Conal tried to force a smile but it wasn’t genuine. “I should have never agreed to leave Suicide Slum, Andy. Everything that happened after that was awful. The girl, Kono…not sure what happened to her. Danielle is captured. And Doug…oh man, Andy, I’m so sorry about Doug…”

Ferro hugged his friend. “It’s okay. I got to see him in the end. At least you’re okay.”

“Yeah,” said Conal, “Good think I’m okay.” Okay was the last thing that he felt, as he remembered all those innocents he was made to slaughter.

*****************************


RJ Brande walked downstairs towards the kitchen. He realized he hadn’t eaten in awhile either and thought he could use the distraction. As he walked in to look through the cabinets and see what was around, he turned to see Ultra Boy entering.

“Mr. Brande,” said Ultra Boy. “I’m Joe. I don’t think we’ve met.”

RJ looked up, smiled and went back to looking for food. “I know who you are, son,” he said matter-of-factly. Joe had always been the type of person that could read people very well; it was a skill he picked up in order to survive. He knew immediately that Brande knew he was the same person from the Workforce, which meant probably was not a fan.

I had better make this to the point, he thought. “I know who you are too, sir,” said Joe.

“Oh?” said RJ with a smile. “There have been many who thought that.”

“I know you and Blok have been battling Mordru for thousands of years,” he replied. Slowly, he put down what he was holding, closed the cabinet, and turned to look at him. Joe had considered how he would say those words for some time. In the end, he decided he’d pretend he knew this to be fact and hoped it was indeed true.

Brande looked at him now, regarding him as if for the first time. Joe noticed a shift in Brande’s demeanor. The façade of the jolly old man was gone and in its place was a sharp, calculating individual. “Do you, now?” he said at last. “And pray tell, what makes you think that?”

“Blok took me into his confidence,” he said, lying. “Well, not really,” he added, deciding that lying was not the correct way to go.

“It’s quite a story,” said RJ and suddenly he sighed. He was so tired and felt so defeated after the catastrophe in Khundia. “But then again, there are many amazing stories to hear these days.” He looked up at Joe as if to say he was not ready for a match of wits but would do so if called upon.

Joe took the hint. “Mr. Brande, I’m here because we still have a chance to win this. And well, if you’re really what I think you are, well, we’re going to need you to lead the charge. To rally the troops. Because we’re pretty low right now.”

RJ considered his words quietly for a moment. He walked over and motioned to a seat. “Sit down, Joe,” he said.

Joe sat down tentatively knowing what was to come was vitally important.

RJ smiled at him. “We have met in a way, young man”. Joe looked at him, unsure what he meant. “WAKE UP JOE” As Joe sat there stunned, RJ continued. “Let me tell you my story and the story of Mordru, and perhaps we can figure out the next best step…”

“Alright Legionnaires, let’s get started.” RJ Brande sat at the head of a conference room table, leading up an impromptu meeting. For the first time in two days, he looked like he had some life back in him.

Around the table was Leviathan, the Legion leader, with Tela, Livewire and Spirit, the founders. Atmos, the French superhero the UN had insisted join them had now insisted he be at this meeting too. And Flare, the Sentinel Dirk Morgna, had also been asked to sit in on this, since Spirit said he was basically ‘their leader after Jacquie left and now that Blok is gone’.

“I assume this is to plan the next phase of attack?” said Atmos. “I suggest we get started back in Southern France where it all began. If we can push them out of Europe, we can have a few minor victories and rally the public by building up moral.”

“You’re just saying that because you’re French!” said Livewire, annoyed.

“So?” said Atmos. “It’s still a good plan.”

“What about trying to hit Mordru again?” said Spirit. “Are we abandoning that?”

“You guys are stuck on the idea that we can win this war right away and be done with it,” said Leviathan. “Be realistic. This thing is going to last for years—“

“You would say that!” Spirit shouted back, getting ready to yell more.

“Enough!” said RJ Brande. “Listen to me. The war is being fought all the world over. Beyond your Legionnaires in Asia and in the United States there are reports everywhere where people are fighting the forces of Mordru and Khundia. Hell, we just learned that the Dark Circle has taken up arms and is assisting in the fight against Mordru in the Caucasus area.”

“The Dark Circle?” said Dirk surprised. “They told me they were pulling out completely and going into hiding.”

“Likely they’ve figured out that there is no hiding from Mordru. No one can afford to sit this one,” said RJ. “But the point is, everywhere around the world there is fighting going on. It is being handled. I know you all want to get out there and start battling the armies but the Legion was created for more important work than that.”

“More important work…?” said Leviathan, offended. “But—“

“What I mean, Gene,” said RJ raising his voice, “is the Legion needs to be surgical. Precise. Whatever the next course of action is, it can’t just be to supplement something else. It needs to be a game-changer. We need to do something about Mordru!”

“No offense,” said Flare, “but we tried that. It didn’t work.”

“Well, lad,” said RJ. “We try again. And in the meantime, you all better start getting everyone back on board. Try to lift their spirits, try to get their advice and make them feel included, and try to get everyone back on track. This isn’t over, by damn! Not by a long shot!”.

**********************************

Spirit ran from the meeting with RJ Brande across the United Nations building to her next “meeting”. She told Invisible Kid she’d meet him there and hoped her being a few minutes late would be okay. She was running so fast phasing in and out of walls, that she almost ran right through the meeting room.

“Tina!” yelled Lyle and she stopped.

She looked around and saw there were others there too: Shrinking Violet and Matter-Eater Lad, and beyond them, the Checkmate spy King Faraday and Fantomas. It took her a moment before she realized this was all of the ‘sneaky’ Legionnaires. “What sort of meeting is this…?” she asked.

“Reed and I have been talking for awhile about creating some kind of Espionage Squad,” said Lyle, referring to Shifter who wasn’t there with them. “I think now is the perfect time for such a thing. And who better to teach us the basics than a master spy himself?”

Invisible Kid turned to King Faraday who smiled. “You’ll need to make sure they know you’re going on this one,” he said to Lyle, but my first bit of advice is from now on, keep most of these missions off the books.” Jacques shook his head with a smile. King Faraday made no apologies for his ways.

“An espionage squad?” said Tenzil. “And I’m invited? Cool.”

“From what Vi tells me,” said Lyle, “you share our mutual trait of being tricky and clever. And we’re down a few potential members right now. But there’s a reason to gather,” he said.

King Faraday spoke up again. “Listen,” he said, his voice suddenly sounding very frank. “This is something SHIELD can handle, or Checkmate, or whoever, but the truth is, they might not have the firepower to get it done and the red tape might delay things. But we have a real problem here. As you’ve seen, when the Khundish army or Mordru’s forces attack an area, there is an occurrence several hours before that essentially takes out the target’s communications and technology.”

“Yes,” said Lyle, “I’ve been wondering about that. Like an EMP blast before a bomb that takes out all the surrounding tech.”

“Similar but not quite,” said Jacques. “It’s my sister, Danielle. She was on the Suicide Squad mission to Khundia and was taken captive. I’m positive that this technological attack is the result of the Khunds using her powers, much like they mind-controlled Tetsuo—Conal Kent—to battle you all.”

“The assault on tech and communications is a deadly part of Mordru’s game. It’s one of the major factors why we have been unable to mount an effective counter-assault. Unless something is done about it, I think the chances of ending this way anytime soon are very dim.”

“So we need to go get her,” said Tenz. “Back in Khundia.” He did not seem thrilled with the idea.

“Yes,” said Faraday. “We have to extract Oracle. That should be our top priority. While everyone sits around waiting to go on the defensive, it could be a real game-changer that turns things in our tide.”

They were all quiet for a moment so King Faraday continued. “Look. None of you have to go. I can understand wanting to go back to Khundia. But Jacques and I are going. We’d enjoy having some of you come along with your fancy abilities.”

Invisible Kid smiled at the way he referred to their powers. “We’re in,” he said.

Shrinking Violet immediately realized this was going to be an issue, “Lyle, Gene will never let you…”

“We’re in,” he repeated. They turned to him surprised. “C’mon guys,” he said, adding “you know none of us are any use against Dragons and Emerald Empresses. All I did in the last few battles was get my ass kicked. This is a mission for our kind of Legionnaire. Let’s show them why we’re on this team.”

“She’s not good, Mr. Brande,” said Dreamer. Now that she was away from Maziah, she couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. She could be strong for her sister, but just like the rest of them she was at her breaking point. She put her hands up to her face to wipe them away but it was no use.

“It’s alright dear,” said Brande pulling her close to his chest and letting her cry against it for a moment. “Let it out.” Dreamer had become known as “Mr. Brande’s favorite” among the Legionnaires and it had always perplexed many of them, specifically Leviathan. As Mordru’s daughter, RJ had made sure to get to know her better, and during that time, he had come to care for her like a daughter as he did about so many of the Legionnaires. “It’s time for you to get some rest,” he said. “I’ll talk to Maziah now. Let’s see what I can do.”

“Okay,” she said. She was so tired and exhausted that she knew he was right. And while men had let her down her entire life, there was something different about Mr. Brande.

She’s strong, that one, thought Mr. Brande. Even now she looks beautiful. And she has a strength about her too that is easy to miss at first..

As Dreamer walked away, RJ opened the door to Maziah’s room and saw her lying on the bed still. Her food had once again gone untouched. “Maziah? Would you mind if I came in?” he asked.

She did not look up and said nothing for a moment and at last spoke. “I do not mind,” she said softly. All she could think about was losing Blok yet once she heard RJ’s voice she remembered that she had intended to ask Blok about him. She was curious about what relationship Blok had with RJ since there was obviously some connection.

“Maziah,” he said, “I know you’re hurting. We’re all hurting. But you need to hear something.” He spoke these last words firmly. “You cannot give up hope. You simply cannot.”

She turned to face him now, showing her exhausted, worn out face covered in dry tears and mussed up hair. “Can’t I?” she replied. “I fought my father…and I lost. And because of me, Blok is dead.” Her final words came with fresh tears, which ran down her cheeks.

“Blok died doing what he was put on this Earth to do,” said RJ firmly. “He died defending you because he knew in his heart that just because you failed on your first attempt, eventually you would succeed. He believed in you. He loved you. And he knew it would not be easy, but eventually you would prove him right.”

He sat next to Maziah on the bed and she looked at him with fresh eyes. “Who are you, Mr. Brande?” she said. “How did you know Blok? How do you know these things?”

Mr. Brande smiled, and it was warm and genuine. “I am Blok’s oldest friend, though perhaps you were his best. When we communicated, it was always about you. He believed in you, and I can see why.”

She was silent for a moment but responded. “I cannot.”

“Maziah, these great feats we hope to accomplish…we do these things because they are difficult. We do them because they have meaning. Blok’s purpose was of extraordinary difficulty. He was unable to see it to the end but now you can. You can give true meaning to all of his life’s work, and your own struggles. You have to press on, my dear. For him, for yourself, and for all of us.”

Maziah said nothing in response and RJ thought perhaps that was a good thing. Perhaps his words were taking effect. He spoke one final time before leaving: “He was a gentle soul and only cared about bettering this Earth. You were lucky to have known him, and he was lucky to have known you. But you can’t spend your days with regret and sadness. You can only remember and smile about the good times, and honor as best you can during the bad. He counted on you, Maziah. We’re all counting on you now.”

*******************************

The “Small Council”, as Atmos put it, was meeting together again. This time it was Leviathan, Tela, Livewire, Flare, Sensor, Ultra Boy and Catalyst.

“I can’t believe this,” said Tela. “They just took off on some secret mission? Without telling us?”

“This is the second time Tina has done this,” said Livewire, equally annoyed.

“Well, technically,” said Catalyst, “they did tell us. Some of us, anyway.”

Livewire and Tela were annoyed. Having learned that Invisible Kid, Spirit, Shrinking Violet and Matter-Eater Lad had left on a secret espionage mission only added to the stress. They had called in Catalyst to talk about what Lyle said to him before leaving and to his surprise, also called in Ultra Boy to see if Spirit had talked to him.

“Why am I here, again?” said Ultra Boy with a smile.

“We know Tina and you have some kind of thing going” said Garth, perhaps too crudely. He was pretty annoyed after all.

“Ha,” said Ultra Boy out loud, mocking Garth. “Do you now?” Joe had seen Tina before she left and it didn’t take him long to figure out what she was doing. He could tell she had something she wanted to say to him, but it never came out. Surprisingly, he couldn’t quite get the words right either. I guess I really am developing feelings for her… he thought.

“Look guys,” said Leviathan, also exhausted. “Lyle approached Mr. Brande and he cleared the mission. He’s not a Legionnaire or even a UN official but let’s face it. He cleared the mission and its fine. They’re gone. With their powers it was probably the smart call.”

They were all surprised. “Uh, Gene? Irma, scan his mind and make sure he’s not being controlled.”

“Haha,” said Gene not laughing. “We’re not doing too good these days, Garth,” he said matter-of-factly. “If Mr. Brande thought it was a good idea, then it probably was. We have to start trusting someone. We might as well start with each other.”

“Will wonders never cease?” said Catalyst to himself. He thought his own farewell with Lyle. He pulled him in tight and kissed him as hard as he can. If anyone could take care of himself it was Lyle. But going all the way into Khundia? If anything should happen to him…. No, he had to push those thoughts away.

“Guys,” said Flare, who like Sensor had been holding his tongue. “They’re gone. So its all besides the point. But here we are, with a war raging outside. We need some kind of strategy on how the Legion is going to be important in this war. I think we all know it has to do with Mordru.”

“We know,” said Leviathan, distrustful of the new kids as always.

“Soooooo,” said Flare, always ready to fire back his own annoyance, “maybe we’re going about this all wrong. Maybe all of us rushing in to battle Mordru is the wrong idea. If perhaps we could draw his attention elsewhere with a big distraction, and then a smaller squad could confront him…”

“It’s actually a good idea,” said Sensor, speaking up. “In fact,” she said thinking, “better than you know.”

She didn’t say anything else and the room got silent. “And?” said Atmos, leaning forward so Sensor could finish.

“Garth, let her think a minute,” said Tela, suspecting what Sensor was considering.

“Since I’m here,” said Ultra Boy, changing the subject, “there’s something I think we should do. We should have people guarding RJ Brande,” he said.

They all looked at him with eyebrows raised. “Why?” said Atmos.

“Because he’s a target,” said Ultra Boy clearly. “He could use some protection.” Clearly, Joe would say no more.

Tela knew Ultra Boy had spent some time with Mr. Brande recently. For a moment, she considered reading his mind, but ultimately did not. “Okay,” she said, “it’s probably a good idea.”

“I’ll have Valor and Nemesis do it,” said Leviathan. “Make them spend some quality time together.”

************************************

On the roof of the United Planets building, Mon-El and Umbra looked out as the sun began to set. Soon it would be dark again and another day will have gone by without any action by the Legion.

“You would think an old warrior like me would have learned some patience,” said Mon-El as he gazed at the sky. He held Umbra tightly against him.

“Especially one who took a 2,000 year nap,” she said with a smile. She knew the anxiety of inaction was killing him and so tried to lift his spirits.

“Soon enough, we’ll be wishing we had moments like these though,” said Mon-El introspectively. “That’s the way of war. I’d forgotten.”

“Sounds awful,” she said. Though she had never seen war, however, Umbra was a true warrior. With her ancestors advising her in the darkness, she was ready for what was to come.

“It is,” said Mon-El. Soon the silence overtook them again and they held one another. Both took a moment to be thankful for finding the other in this crazy times.

It was Mon-El who broke the silence. “Shady,” he said, using the nickname Dirk and Tenz gave her. “There’s something coming. Towards the city.” Mon-El used his vision powers to look out far beyond where others vision could see.

He could see them coming: thousands of them. Tanks. Soldiers. Other vile, magical things. And in front of them, Dev Em.

“Bloody hell, what is it?” she said.

“The Khunds. And Mordru’s army. They’re coming towards Paris. They’re coming to siege the city!”

Earth War: Legionnaires
A Good Day to Die?, part 2 of 7

• Prologue: "Sunset"
• Part 1

Polarity stood there in shock for a minute as the monsters kept coming. Then he shook himself and pulled back.

"We need to move," he told Spark and Trinity, carrying his unconscious brother with him as he flew upward. "I'll come back for you, but the ground isn't safe."

"Pau--" Spark started to object, but thought better of it, and decided that if she was ever to use the flight ring, now was the time. As she took off, though, she heard something to her left, and saw Trinity also taking flight, a golden ring having suddenly appeared on her bare hand.

As they touched down on the roof moments later, Ella told her "I won't ask if you don't."

A nearby cough from Polarity made them turn. "Don't I get to ask why you two can suddenly fly?"

"You can ask," smirked Spark.

"It's called a flight ring." Trinity sighed as she held up her hand. "Technically banned. I got mine ages ago and never gave it back." She didn't feel like adding that she'd extorted hers from Invisible Kid shortly before the Workforce exploded. She did add, to change the subject, "Where are we going now? We can't just stand around here." The rising moon was bright, and all three could see now see the huge, rock-like monsters streaming from great gashes in Coast City's streets.

"Only thing we can do is head for City Hall," Polarity said, taking charge. "Slow and careful, mind, but that seems to be where our teammates were summoned. Which means that, at the least, they're probably being held there and it might be the bad guys' HQ on top."

"What will we do about Cos?" Trinity looked down at her unconscious boyfriend. Spark almost thought her purple eye had flashed orange for a moment as she said it - but that didn't happen, did it?

"I'll carry him," Paul answered. "If you two can both fly, however it happened, it'll make things a lot easier. Just keep out of the reach of these things and we should be fine."
_________

"There are more out there. Moving. Using Ninth Metal."
"Ninth... I haven't seen that for three thousand years - I thought it had all been denatured. Still, easily dealt with, then you can retrieve them."
_________

They were flying over a residential street when, with no warning, Spark and Trinity suddenly began to fall.

"Ella!"

Spark began crackling with electricity. She'd floated at least once before, in a fit of temper. Now she desperately tried to do it again to save her life. It wasn't smooth, but she stopped falling. "I'M FINE," she shouted over the noise of her own power. "GET TRINITY!"

Lorna, indeed, had no such backup. She'd already hit the pitched roof of a building, and while she rolled with the impact, doing so had only sped her descent toward the ground. Just as she rolled over the gutter, however, Polarity finally got a hold of her iron wristlets. It nearly wrenched her arms from their sockets, but she forgave as he guided her relatively safely to the ground.

"Did I catch you in time?" he asked, as he lowered himself and Cos downward, sweat pouring down his face as the toll of his workout began to show.

"...just... winded." Trinity gasped. "Hang on." She split into three, none of whom were gasping for breath. "We'll let our merged self recover later," T-Neutral said.

"Uh, guys!" Spark shouted over the cracking of her aura as she tumbled down in slow motion. "Problem!"

A dozen or more of the monsters, rocky skins loudly cracking and reforming as they moved and apparently attracted by the commotion, were closing in on them.

Paul acted quickly, using his power to open the lock of the nearest door and throwing it open. "Inside, come on!"

Moments later, they were all within, and Paul quickly moved to weld everything he could to reinforce the door. There were tense moments, but apparently the rock monsters were simple enough that out of sight meant out of mind. They breathed a collective sigh of relief.

"What now?" T-Orange asked, nervously.

"Now," Polarity slumped to the ground, strain beginning to tell, "check this place out. Make sure there's no evil pixies hiding under a bed or anything. I need a rest for a few minutes..."
______

Ten minutes later, they were gathered in the combined living/kitchen room, with Cos still unconscious, laid on the couch, and the others gathered around the dining table. With no electricity, the house lights were out, but Spark had found some candles to save their flashlights and her own strength. Neither Spark nor the Trinities had spotted any trace of anything living in the house - whether human, magic or other.

With time to think in the darkened house, their minds had turned back to the siren, and how they'd avoided the fate of the other Legionnaires. "Why weren't we affected?" Trinity-Orange asked aloud, eventually. "Surely..."

She was cut off as Spark, Polarity and her other two selves answered in a chorus, "McCauley." Spark added, "We all went through his mind-melter, the others didn't. It must have done some permanent damage..."

"That, or Irma sealed us off better than she thought," T-Purple countered. "Either way, it doesn't really matter. We have to free the others now, along with everything else here."

"How?" Polarity asked. "Right now, can we even get past these rock things? Magnetics and electrics aren't exactly the best things to use, and I was beginning to struggle just carrying me and Rex over them. I can't carry all four of us."

"Cos has to wake up at some point, right?" Spark countered. "If you carry me, and he carries Trinity..."

Unnoticed by Spark or Polarity, T-Neutral had been distracted for a minute or two, playing her torch around the room. Suddenly she spoke, "Every closet door in the house is shut, right?"

The others glanced around quickly. "Yeah," Polarity noted. "What's your point"

"Did anyone check the fridge?"

All eyes spun toward the kitchenette. Indeed, the door of the large fridge was slightly ajar. Rattled by what was happening, Polarity beckoned everyone over to one side, then quickly yanked the door wide with his powers.

Everyone gasped.

There was a woman in the refrigerator.

«We’re going to need everyone!» said Tela into the minds of all the Legionnaires, perhaps too loudly. «We don’t have much time!»

Outside, the Siege of Paris had begun. As Mon-El rushed out to battle them, Umbra warned the others. Soon she, Dawnstar and Atmos were out among the NATO soldiers helping to fight off the oncoming attack.

Umbra took comfort in that this time Mon didn’t rush off to battle Dev Em again, but rather try to do some good elsewhere. She wondered if Dev existed solely as part of Mordru’s strategy to occupy Mon?

Soon Ultra Boy, Flare, Catalyst, Sensor, Livewire and Tela joined them. “Guess all this time spent deciding where to bring the fight ended up causing the fight to come to us?” joked Flare though no one laughed.

Sara isn’t a part of this, thought Sensor. It appeared Dev Em was the only super-powered agent of Mordru present in this engagement; the rest were Khundish soldiers.

As each Legionnaire flexed their muscles, Dawnstar flew through the air and was able to get a bigger picture of the battle in total. They outnumber us four to one she thought. But with the Legionnaires and ourselves, we’re able to turn the tide to our favor. This ‘Siege’ seems doomed to fail. She looked and saw Atmos laughing as he flew down and blasted several soldiers. Elsewhere, even Flare was smiling as the thrill of winning the battle was overtaking them. But why? What would be the point?

************************

Inside, Valor looked out the window and again felt a wave of anxiety and guilt for not being out there.

RJ Brande could see it on his face and felt bad himself. “Son, I think you should be out there too,” he said. “Having you two in here watching over me is flattering but I think it’s a waste. Go ahead. I think in this case, abandoning me for a little while is justified.”

Valor looked back and considered it. He relented at last. “No, we were ordered to protect you. We should not disobey the order.”

Nemesis laughed a crude ‘heh’ but said nothing. Instead he watched the two of them for a moment. RJ Brande was distracted, almost not paying attention to the battle outside. Silly, stupid old man thought Nemesis. He considered RJ Brande a fool for being so over-involved in the Legion’s affairs.

His attention turned to Valor then, who continued to pace around the room and who was putting on a very rare show of anxiety. Usually, he was the epitome of self-control. It’s Jacquie he thought. He’s worried about Jacquie. The thought made him cringe and anger flared up in his nostrils. He hated Val with every fiber of his being. The perfect little warrior, so noble and so comforting to the weaker ones.

Val had stolen Jacquie from him but he could see now that he was lucky. Jacquie was making Val weak, as evidenced right now. His concern for her was causing him to totally miss what was about to happen. It was good that Hasim no longer had any chance with Jacquie. Otherwise, he might have tried to save her or bring her with him, and then he too would grow weak. Better she dies along with Val and the rest.

******************************

Nemesis leaned against the back wall but suddenly stood up strait. He walked forward, past RJ Brande who didn’t even bother to look up. Soon he was approaching Valor. “There isn’t much to see here,” said Valor, who had his back to Hasim.

Nemesis said nothing but got ever closer. As Hasim was only a foot away, something in Valor’s highly trained senses began to scream at the Legionnaire. Something else else was wrong. Micro-seconds stretched out into an eternity as it all happened immediately.

Valor knew he was about to be attacked; his mind reacted slower as the realization set in that the attack was coming from Hasim. He turned and was able to dodge a killing blow, but he was still hit brutally hard as several ribs cracked.

Nemesis launched forward at Valor, punching him with his super-powered fist, intending to kill the Legionnaire where he stood. The blow missed but still landed on Val’s side and did incredible damage. Valor fell backwards from the blow and Hasim was on him in a second.

Valor rose and moved back. The realization was now formed in his mind. Nemesis had hated him from the second they met one another. But Valor trusted him; they all did. This group did not all get along totally but it was clear they could overcome those differences and work together. Never in Val’s wildest dreams did he think one of their own would betray them.

Hasim could see the confusion on Val’s face and he smiled. He could see Val breathing heavy and then a trail of blood coming from his mouth. “You’re wondering when,” said Hasim, stating a fact. “When did he really betray us? Since Khundia, you idiot. The first time. That’s how long. And every day since then, I’ve been waiting to do this.”

Valor felt as if a bucket of cold water was thrown into his face. Every emotion possible hit him: betrayal, hurt, shock, anger. Regaining control of himself and remembering his training he pushed those thoughts away. He knew the attack was coming and so he knew it was time to go on the offense. He lunged at Nemesis.

Nemesis was waiting. Valor launched a chop and then a kick, but Nemesis countered every move. Valor was the greatest fighter in the Legion but Nemesis had hurt him and slowed him by a half-second. It was small but it was enough. Nemesis had the power to overcome any single opponent in battle. His powerset was perfect to combat Valor.

They had stupidly never asked how his powers worked. Magic, of course. And who better to enhance them and make him stronger than the master of magic himself, Mordru?

The two battled one against the other for what seemed like hours but it was only minutes. Each one delivered blows, but Valor’s were unable to overcome Nemesis’ powers. Meanwhile Nemesis landed blow after blow and soon Valor fell to his knees. Nemesis stood over him to land the killing blow.

“That’s enough by damn,” said RJ Brande, who held a gun at Hasim’s back. “Stop.”

*****************************

When the betrayal occurred, it took RJ a moment to realize what was happening. Soon, Valor was down and while he was getting back up, he knew a great deal of damage had set in.

No, thought RJ. NO! He knew what had happened: somehow, undetected by the Legionnaires, undetected by Blok, undetected by even RJ himself, Mordru had found a way to place a traitor on the team. And now in their darkest moments, the traitor stood revealed.

RJ knew he should run. Obviously this was occurring so Nemesis could get to him. He was Mordru’s primary target. He wondered if perhaps that was the sole intention of Nemesis joining the Legion? Perhaps once Mordru learned he could not enter New York?

But no, he could not run. If he did, the boy Valor was dead. Nemesis hated him, they all knew that. More so than any of them could ever suspect. And he obviously meant to kill him. No matter what, he could not allow that.

He fumbled through the desk, finding a revolver he secretly placed there earlier for protection and pulled it out. He pointed it at Nemesis’ back and spoke. “That’s enough by damn. Stop.”

Nemesis stopped but breathed heavy.

“Legionnaires! Nura! Maziah!” he called out. “Know that I’m contacting Tela telepathically,” he added to Nemesis. “They’ll all be on their way here. You have mere moments to run. Make your decision wisely,” he said to Nemesis.

Hasim turned slowly and RJ could see his face was one that had true menace. He looked mean and cruel. His true nature had been revealed. “Stupid fool,” said Nemesis and suddenly he lunged forward.

RJ fired the gun but Nemesis’ powers kicked in again and the shot went awry. Nemesis grabbed the gun out of his hands and threw it and launched his attack on RJ Brande.

************************

Moments later, RJ Brande fell to the floor with blood running out of his mouth and his breath coming in fast, awful fits. Nemesis ran out the door, forgetting Valor and knowing if he was going to get away it would have to be fast.

RJ looked up at the ceiling and tried to rollover but could only get to his side. His insides were shattered and his lungs were filling with blood. He was done for.

He looked at Val and saw the boy was hurt but okay. Val looked at him and extended his hand but could not get up either. Tears ran down Val’s face.

“RJ!” screamed a voice. “RJ!!! Where are you?!!!” It was Nura’s voice, RJ realized as she got ever closer. Soon she came to the doorway and entered, gasping deeply and running over to her knees. “Oh no,” she said, “no, no, no, no, no…” she repeated, unable to find the right words.

“Legacy…” said RJ Brande to her, barely able speak.

“What, Mr. Brande? What did you say?”

“L-legacy…” he repeated, “you all…are…my legacy…and I’m…so proud…”

And with that, after two hundred thousand years on the Earth, the great philanthropist, the greatest of the Ekronians, and the father of the Legion of Super-Heroes passed away.