Legion World Forums LEGION OUTPOST Mission Monitor Board The Security Office: An Invisible yet Radiant Presence

The town only had one bank, and it was shocked to find itself under attacked by a group of five men. They demanded all the money, and the clerks complied as best as they could. Two of the men took one of the clerks to the safe, while a third grabbed the arm of the other clerk and handed her a note.

Call the LMB and tell them this is a hostage situation.

"The what--Legionopolis is hundreds of miles away--" The clerk attempted to reason. The two other men returned from the vault with the other clerk. The first clerk knew that they were outnumbered and had to play along until the police arrive.

Blaze and Kairos were returning to Legionopolis when they received the distress call. Blaze contacted headquarters about the call, and the the two of them were permitted to precede to help the small town. The bank was easy to find because it was located on the main street.

Kairos asked, "I wonder why there are not any police present."

Blaze answered, "I should contact them and see what is going on."

"You will contact nobody. You will follow my voice," An unknown voice said. The two heroes turned to look into the eyes of The Tyrian, and at the moment they became puppets of the dread lord.

"This is bad," one clerk whispered. He was shivering in his shoes.

"I know. While their attention is occupied, let's try to sneak away. We have to warn the LMB..."


"You'll do no such thing," The Tyrian, using Blaze, replied. It was chilling to hear the normally friendly LMBer speak in such cold tones. "Now, how quickly would you like to die?"

"NO!" Invisible Brainiac yelled as he slammed into Blaze. "Get your damned dirty mind out of his, Tyrian!"

"We know why you are here, and what you can do," Red Arrow said calmly as she nocked an arrow and aimed it right at the Tyrian. Question Lad stood behind her, his arms aglow - he had borrowed some of IB's power. Danger Damsel drew her sword, while Marvin drew his blaster. Kinetix whisked the two clerks off to safety.

The Tyrian laughed. "Oh, and you can stop me? I've read your mind. You rushed here right away because you didn't want to waste any time. And you don't believe I can control more than two of you at a time. And because of that, you lose."

"You did the right thing," Kinetix smiled as she set down the two clerks gently. "Thanks for trying to warn us."

She watched as they scampered off. Satisfied they were out of harm's way, she flew back towards the battle...

.. when she felt something slam into her mind.

Marvin held out his pistol. "I don't want to hurt you, Kairos."

"She can't hear you," Kairos replied with an evil smile. Marvin felt chilled. It spoke with Kairos' voice, but it wasn't her.

"Fight it, Kairos. You can..."

Then, the world seemed to stand still.

It was chaos all around. Danger Damsel took stock of the situation. Invisible Brainiac was tackling Blaze. Kinetix had taken care of the clerks. Question Lad and Red Arrow were confronting The Tyrian directly.

And Marvin was caught in Kairos' quantum bubble.

Her course was clear.

She quickly snapped a cartridge out of her belt buckle and activated it. A quantum mirror.

Then she dove right into the bubble.

Marvin blinked. One moment it felt like everything had stopped. Then the next, Danger Damsel was in front of him and coating him with something.

"A quantum mirror," she explained quickly. "Can immunize us for a bit. I need you to act fast. I'm immune but she could still - look out!"

She pushed him forward as debris fell where they had been standing.

"Ughh... Kairos was always a fast learner."

"From what I understand, it is still her doing the fighting. The Tyrian doesn't micromanage his puppets. He just "suggests" his objective and leaves it up to them to carry it out. So, can you distract her while I sneak up?"

"Okay," Marvin nodded. "How much time do you need?"

"Five seconds," Danger Damsel replied as she vanished behind the rubble.

Kinetix flew on back towards the battle site.

Something else else was nagging at her. But she didn't understand why. She had to stop Invisible Brainiac, Question Lad and the other LMBers, she knew that. They may be her friends, but they had been taken over. Only Blaze and Kairos were her allies now.

Right?

"Come and get me!" Marvin taunted.

Kairos kept her distance, but continued to send quantum bubbles flying near him, trying to take him out with rubble and debris. Marvin smiled. He was proud of her tactical ability.

But she lacked experience. She was walking into their trap.

He suddenly launched himself into the air and pulled some grenades from his pocket. He had time to see Kairos' surprised face before he detonated.

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

Danger Damsel watched Marvin blow himself up. Even though she wore the best inertron transuits and eyeshields available, she still had to cover her eyes upon detonation.

Above and in front of her, Kairos reflexively surrounded herself with a quantum bubble for protection.

Danger Damsel smiled. She had her opening. Leaping up, she grabbed the back of Kairos' neck and pinched. Kairos gasped in surprise, then hung limp.

"Good job!" Marvin applauded. "Whew. I'm just glad we're all fine."

"Even you, in a few seconds, anyway."

"Thanks goodness for my weird version of indestructibility. Now, do you have anything to keep yourself from getting mind-controlled?"

Danger Damsel tapped her head. "Experimental telepathic plugs. Our standard-issue ones can screen out telepathic intrusion, but these are stronger. Being tested, though."

Marvin nodded. "And my indestructibility allows me some immunity. Now come on, let's go collect Kinetix and help the others."

"I... don't think we need to do any collecting."

"Stop it, Blaze!" Invisible Brainiac yelled as he wrestled with his lover. "Fight it!"

"You shouldn't have left me alone!" Blaze hissed back. "Look what happened to me!"

IB closed his eyes. This wasn't Blaze. They'd already talked about this, and Blaze had accepted the risks of being an LMBer. No, this was The Tyrian manipulating Blaze.

But even though he knew that, he still couldn't bring himself to hurt the most important person in the world to him.

Kinetix watched as her two friends, Danger Damsel and Petty Officer Marvin, lay struggling in her telekinetically-controlled bonds. She'd picked smooth metal so she could immobilize them without hurting them.

Now if they would just see sense...

They were screaming at her, threatening her. This was not right. But wait, why would they be. They were her friends...

"No, they are not," a voice whispered to her.

"Who are you?" Kinetix asked.

"Forget I said anything. Just remember my message."

Kinetix blanked out for a second, like the world had gone white. When it faded back into view, she just remembered that she had to stop her friends. For their own good.

She began wrapping her bonds around their arms and feet.

"You don't understand what you're doing, Zoe!" Marvin cried as the bonds tightened.

"Right, because that worked so well with Kairos..." Danger Damsel muttered.

"Sorry. I'm an eternal optimist. Any thoughts?"

"She'll be trying to fight back, but no good. Same tactic as a while ago. Any way to get out of these bonds?"

"I can blow myself up, which might take her out - but it'd take you out too."

"I think my transuit can protect me from the worst of it. Hate doing a kamikaze though. But at least IB, Ques Lad and Emily will only have The Tyrian and Blaze to deal with. Still, it takes both of us out of the fight too."

"It might not. Then again, it might too, but Kinetix is arguably more valuable to The Tyrian than the two of us are to the LMB side. Zoe konks us out, she can surprise IB and co."

"It does look like she'll choke us..." Danger Damsel said as she gingerly squeezed their bonds. "They are definitely tightening. All right then."

Marvin nodded. "Ready? Good. If I can just... reach... down... and... ah!"

A blinding explosion engulfed the three LMBers.

Invisible Brainiac's mind raced. The Tyrian would undoubtedly be trying to control him as well, given his power levels. He had probably already taken Kinetix too, and possibly be hammering at Emily, Marvin and Danger Damsel despite their various resistance-inducing gadgets and abilities. Only Sebastian would be truly immune.

IB himself wasn't immune, but he'd honed his mental defenses. And shifting into light form had further shielded him.

Right now though, all the Tyrian had to do was stall.

He sighed. Blaze would likely not let him hear the end of it for months.

Shifting his form fully into light energy so he could withstand Blaze's flaming corona, he zipped around behind Blaze.

"Where did you go?" Blaze growled. "I can't believe you're abandoning me again!"

"I'm not," IB hissed as he materialized behind Blaze. "I'm saving you."

He gently pinched a nerve on Blaze's neck, and caught his lover as he slumped forward.

"Sleep tight, my little baby," he whispered as he caressed Blaze. "I'm going to kick the nass out of the sprocker who made me do this to you."

Question Lad sighed, "We have to take the fight to him."

"Funny, he usually comes to us..." Red Arrow said before being interrupted by a mysterious shadow. The three heroes looked around, not seeing anyone present. That only confused them further, because The Tyrian usually avoided the stereotypes of super-villains. She always knew him as a boy who wanted to become a gangster, and was only allowed to become one because of his terrifying powers.

Invisible Brainiac commented, "Maybe it is not him. He is a gangster after all, he probably has some back-up."

"In this small town?" Question Lad asked.

"It is all too small," Red Arrows suddenly said. "You know you don't deserve me! We can't even kiss. I would be better off with Kristoff!"

She shot her emergency arrow, the Suspendium Arrow directly at Question Lad, who was able to dodge it. It was at that moment that Red Arrow realized that Invisible Brainiac was nowhere to be seen. This action caused The Tyrian to pause, and that moment allowed Question Lad to absorb her abilities and remove her from the battle.
~~~~
The Tyrian stood on the side of the road making sure his puppets were taking away the money to someplace safe. The police officers from this town did not have anti-telepathy technology like those in the Legionopolis area, and therefore The Tyrian shielded himself from their minds.His original plan was to kill as many LMBers as possible as an example for the organization to leave the Violetta alone. Those who couldn't be killed easily, like Red Arrow or Marvin would be sold to the highest bidder.

"I wonder how much Kristoff would owe me if I gave him Emily...give me a time machine or something..." He mused aloud. His mind felt clearer as he could no longer see the thoughts of Kinetix. The Tyrian staggered as it seemed that one by one the puppet strings were knocked out of his hands.

If they want a villain, I will give them a villain, He thought. The Tyrian walked through the doors of the bank and shouted, "You are trapped. I could summon a legion of puppets to surround the outside of the building."

"I didn't know you were a member of the Legion of Villains," The voice of Invisible Brainiac said.

Question Lad quipped. "They must have lowered their standards."


"I got this far, didn't I? Are you a coward?" The Tyrian smiled. He reached out his thoughts to Invisible Brainiac and was surprised to be met with little resistance. The impact of watching his lover try to hurt him must have traumatized him. The LMBer suddenly appeared in front of him.

"Bring Question Lad to me," The Tyrian said.

Invisible Brainiac used his powers to reveal Question Lad, and the two proceeded to fight. Question Lad dodged a blast of light and then put Invisible Brainiac in a head-lock and absorbed a good deal of energy. Invisible Brainiac reacted by creating a force-field of light and blasting Question Lad back towards Red Arrow.

The Tyrian walked towards him, "It is time for the concert to end. Do you wish to take a bow before I stab you in front of your girlfriend?"

Question Lad laughed, "Have you ever heard of an encore?" He quickly grabbed the bow and the Suspendium arrow lying on the floor and shot it at The Tyrian. The villain froze in time. Invisible Brainiac and Question Lad stared at the villain for ten seconds before turning to each other.

"That act was worthy of the tournaments, Invisible Brainiac" Question Lad complimented.

"Thank you," Invisible Brainiac replied.

The eight heroes sat around a conference table in the Office of Security eating pizza and shakes that Invisible Brainiac had ordered. Thankfully, smart fighting and state-of-the-art technology had greatly minimized injuries taken.

"I never want to have my mind taken over again," Kairos shuddered. "Although, Spellbinder's Academy class was useful. I tried my best to get my attacks to miss you."

"We know," Marvin said reassuringly. "I don't even regret using my bombs. They hurt for just a bit, but after I heal I'm good as new. And I heal fast!"

"I'm just glad Ang wasn't there to see me!" Kinetix shivered as she sipped her strawberry shake. "I wouldn't want him to think I'm a pushover."

"To be fair," Danger Damsel replied, "all of you resisted well enough."

"Yes, and because of you all we have more than enough to link The Tyrian - circumstantially, at least - to the other crimes," Red Arrow added as she took another slice of pizza.

"I call that some good teamwork and some good investigating," Invisible Brainiac smiled. "This calls for a toast."

"And maybe a big fat bonus for all of us?" Blaze teased.

"Or at the very least some satisfaction in a job well done," Question Lad said. He was generally serious, but this he smiled. "After all, we outsmarted an extremely dangerous opponent, closed four linked cases, and kept Legion World safe."

"I think almost nothing could top that," IB laughed. "Cheers, all!"

Eight voices laughed and shouted in unison.



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

As they walked back to their apartment, Blaze leaned on IB's chest. "Did I really resist well enough? I tried not to hurt you..."

"You were wonderful, little baby. I hope I didn't hurt you either..."

"No, no you didn't. But I was scared at first. I didn't know what to do. I'm still new at this whole hero thing, and without you there to guide me it just felt overwhelming."

"Hey, you did fine especially since it was your first mission as a Security Officer. You did great. I remember my first time. Man, now THAT was a disaster."

"Mmmmm, tell me more about it while I draw the bath. I've missed you so much. And don't even think about checking your messages. You deserve a break," Blaze said as he pulled IB into their quarters.

Invisible Brainiac woke up with a start. Checking the time, he held his head. 4am. Way too early.

But lately, he hadn't been able to sleep well.

So many things going on. Plus the wedding. He liked Hrun, and Hrun liked him, but he was always wary when the Barbarian was on-planet. And there was something about Sam Pureheart...

He needed to step up Security at the Academy. Not because it was vulnerable to attack, but the large influx of students (including some he'd invited over from Earth after he and Blaze had returned) spurred him to keep a closer eye on the enthusiastic yet untrained crowd.

The Alt IDs had been lying low as well recently.

Plus, many active LMBers had gone on leave, and many reservists and retirees had been lying low too. Coupled with the crises with Despero and Braal and The Tyrian almost simultaneously breaking out, it seemed too much like someone was pulling some strings and keeping them all busy.

Someone...

They were set to meet any moment now. He had to prepare.

He looked at Blaze, who would not be happy to be left here alone. IB quickly split into seven identical beings. This wouldn't take long, but best to be sure.

One of him stayed with Blaze. Four more went to do various hobbies - one hit the gym, another began making a new recipe for breakfast, a third began working on an article for "Sights of the U.P." (the sixth in a series he'd been doing for the tourist spots of Earth), and a fourth began practicing some moves Karate Kid had taught.

IB Green and an invisible IB Orange quickly zipped over to meet a trusted friend, then over to the Security Office for some equipment. On the surface their contact seemed alright, but he didn't become Chief of Security without learning some healthy skepticism.

Old Chinatown

Subtly altering his appearance, IB wove his way through the crowded market streets of Old Chinatown. Some things still hadn't changed in a thousand years. Hawkers still spoke loudly enough to start an argument anywhere else, people still spit on the sidewalks, and the wares ranged in quality from able-to-survive-an-earthquake-beast to fall-apart-at-an-elvabird-feather's-touch.

IB couldn't help but snort a little. As he'd told Blaze while on Earth, he had never really embraced his Earth-Chinese heritage. Only his Earth-Filipino one. He'd always found his Chinese side to be too conservative, too concerned with pleasing society.

Sprock those Confucian values. Always too confusing to those free spirits.

He also hated how the majority of Earth-Chinese had pointedly set themselves aside from the rest of Earth's peoples. The Chinese diaspora had been widespread, but unlike the Filipinos they didn't embrace integration with their new homes much.

Often an air of superiority. Like his contact.

He made his way through the market, until he found the building. It was a nondescript teashop, just like almost any other. Just a small simple sign, a couple of small windows, and a very normal clientele.

Hah. Normal.

He walked in and looked around. There.

Speaking in Mandarin, he smiled at the woman. "How are you, big sister?"

She smiled at him, but of course the smile barely touched her eyes. "Little brother. Good to see you again. How goes your work?"

"Well enough. I am keeping my colleagues busy, of course."

"Good, good. After all, they do not see the big picture like you do. But where are my manners? Please, have some tea and dumplings. This one is rainbowbird, but this other is pork-and-shrimp. Just like from back home."

"I am sure you miss it terribly. You lived there a long time."

"But I can endure my long absence, if it means a bright future for home."

IB thoughtfully pretended to sip from his cup. He would let her make the first move.

She sipped from hers with a smile that seemed knowing. Well, she did have many more years of experience than he. Watching her chew on a dumpling, he relaxed and bit into one too. It was delicious.

Just like from back home.

"I read the horoscopes. It looks like an auspicious next few months for those born under the sign of the Rabbit."

"Like you. And your lover than?"

"The Ox is also lucky. And Rabbit-Ox romances will blossom a lot, though they warn of being too free with information."

"You would do well to remember that. There are some things your Ox lover - or any lover, for that matter - may not be able to understand right away."

"As you asked, I have not told him. I would not wish for him to get involved just yet. I do not quite understand how you wish to do what you do, although I do understand your motivations."

"The Middle Kingdom is in danger, and only we can keep it safe." She pointedly used the ancient name of China. IB could only shake his hand at the arrogance. Middle Kingdom, indeed. Many empires had thought themselves the center of the world, but the Chinese had never had a reach quite like the British or the Spanish.

"I do understand the importance of our homeland," IB said with a straight face. He didn't like it, but he acknowledged that China had been a major world power many times over. The Chinese Empire had conquered large swaths of land and had influenced other Empires like the Mongols, Japan and Korea - and nearly every other Earth nation had its own Chinatown. And beginning in the 20th century, China had emerged as a power rivaling the United states of America and the Western European giants. That much, he grudgingly acknowledged.

IB shook himself out of his reverie. "What I do not understand is why the Middle Kingdom only? Yes, our land is rich in many resources, but surely it would be easier to begin with smaller nations like Bhutan or Benin. And would they be satisfied with just that? Who is to say they will not strike at France or India first?"

The woman shook her head and smiled indulgently. "Perhaps they will, but our people are the most spread out and the most populous on Earth. They feel they can use that as leverage. It is only our involvement that will keep our people safe. If we can protect them first, it will make it easier to protect the rest."

She reached out a hand. "We must protect our own first. Then we can save the others."

"If you have the power to save China, could you not also save the Philippines? It's a small territory in comparison."

"I am already utilizing precious resources for China, including all its lands. Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan must take next priority. But I give you my word that the Philippines will follow. That land does have a sizable number of our people."

IB relaxed a bit at that. The Philippines had still been his true home.

"Very well. I shall continue to support you, but only while I am satisfied of your intentions. I am still wary that you have not chosen to reveal the entirety of this supposed threat to me."

"I cannot. You know the rules of mysticism. They would know if I overtly moved against them."

"I know enough about it to believe you. And I thank you for involving me. For your trust in me." IB shuddered to emphasize that last word, but it would be good for he to see him as a partner rather than as a lackey.

"And I thank you as well."

The two continued sipping their tea. It did little to thaw the chill in IB's bones.

The Latin Quarter

"... and then when he turned around, we said in unison, "Oh my god that's my last ex!"

Blaze laughed as Matt and Zach both let out looks of consternation. "So you both actually dated that go within months of each other?"

"Yeah, I was off the dating scene for a couple of months while working on a project," Zach laughed. "At the same time, Matt was on hiatus after finishing a big one, so he was on the scene."

"That bastard," Matt said, though with a grin. "Of course, when he saw both of us together he tried to initiate a threesome. You know we're always up for that, but no way either of us was gonna get in bed with that guy again!"

"I can imagine," Blaze laughed. "Bet you had a lot of fun showing him that you two were now a loving couple, and both much happier without!"

"Yeah, just like that time you and IB said you totally made out in front of your two ex-boyfriends? That was kinda mean but oh so poetic!" Zach joked as he took a swig of his Soco Shake Slammer. "Man, this drink is great!"

"Told ya. Always our favorite. Helps loosen our friends up too," Blaze winked. "And yes, those two exes of mine were so clingy. I wanted to show them how happy I was now that I was being treated right."

"Gimme five," Matt laughed. "Didn't you and IB say you did that to his exes too?"

"Well, he didn't really have any here on LW besides Danger Damsel. Just a bunch of guys who wanted to get in his pants. There was this one loser who had a boyfriend but didn't tell IB - and the boyfriend broke up with that loser after IB walked out of his condo," Blaze said. "What can I say, he's just so exotic."

"Tell me about it," Zach purred. "I'm glad you don't mind sharing him with us."

"You two are our best gay friends," Blaze said sincerely. "How could we not? As long as we all stick to the limits we proposed. And it's great hanging out with other couples our age. Especially now that IB's a bit busy with all the Security stuff." Blaze sighed a bit. "But he makes plenty of time for me. I just miss him a lot."

"He'll get here soon anyway, right?" Zach replied. "I'm sure once we all finish our Academy courses we'll have more time to hang out."

Blaze tilted his head. Matt had sonic powers, while Zach could generate lasers. Neither was particularly inclined to heroing though; they both attended the Academy on a part-time basis. Their main interest was in the arts; photography, theater, the odd holovision show. IB and Blaze had even guested on some of their projects. They'd also been helping them out with their training. They had become very good friends.

Sometimes Blaze got jealous seeing them hang out. Other couples too, like Magnetic Kid and Catalyst King. But IB gave him so much love during the time they did have together, he couldn't really demand for more.

"Well, he said he's about to finish. He should be here in..."

"Hey guys!" IB waved as he walked in. "Guess who I brought?" The aforementioned Pol and Condo walked beside IB, waving at Blaze. Introductions were quickly made all around. Blaze and IB kissed rather passionately while the four watched in amusement.

"Oh come on now, how much more of a perfect couple could you get?" Condo teased. "You're both wearing green, and that's not even either of your "colors"!"

Pol laughed as he shook Matt's hand. "The whole community's still buzzing about your passionate and tender proposal during the Dark Oval victory banquet, you know."

IB laughed as he sat down. "When we were first dating, we had this one-week streak where we wore the same color every day by coincidence. So we continued it."

He turned to the others. "Condo and Pol were just sharing some tips on heroing as boyfriends. Hardest part is watching each others' backs in battle."

"Especially when your boyfriend has a luscious backside," Pol joked.

"I think that's a shared problem we all have. And we would know. The Academy locker room allows for few secrets," IB said as they all laughed.

"Anyway, sorry I'm late baby. Had a bunch of new cases to sort out," IB said as the other couples looked at the menu. "I know you're used to having a boyfriend who's there all the time..."

"It's okay, hon. You make me perfectly happy and I couldn't ask for more," Blaze smiled. "Now come on. We just started on the Soco Shake Slammer!"

"And we're all off-duty tomorrow, so let's drink the night away!" Condo added. "We want a Space Surferboy too."

"And a Raltveech Riot to finish our trio of cocktail pitchers," Matt smiled. "This is gonna be an epic night!"

The six raised their glasses in unison. "To good friends and the loves of our lives," Blaze said.

The six downed their glasses, nobody noticing the sad look IB was giving Blaze.

"I hope Blaze won't break up with me after I do what I have to do..." IB thought as he grabbed a nacho.

Angdar Fel was training in the woods. He took it very seriously, as he always had.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

"Hi, IB. Almost surprised me, but I heard you breathing."

IB chuckled. "I didn't try too hard to be quiet. We're friends, after all."

"And you'd rather save your tech for enemies, I know. What's up? I started looking into those things we talked about."

"Good. Been poring through old texts as well. Remember this - wood splits earth, earth absorbs water, water quenches fire, fire melts metal, metal chops wood."

"Great, I will. Looks like we have a lot of work to do."

"You don't know the half of it. After this is all over, I'll buy you a drink."

"Pitchers of drinks, if Blaze and Kinetix stop talking to us."

"Heh. They'll understand. Zoe forgave you for messing around with the two of us, and Blaze forgave me for... well, a lot already."

Angdar gave a quick chuckle. He hadn't stopped training the whole time they'd been talking. "I just hope this is all over soon. The longer this drags out the less likely they'll forgive us."

IB gave a small sigh. "Would that I could speed things up... Thanks Ang. Double date soon. Blaze misses your baby blues."

"That all he misses? I miss watching both of you go all googly-eyed at each other. Makes me tingle all over."

"Heh. Better not let Zoe hear that. She's one heck of a girl..."

"... and I wouldn't want to lose her. Yeah. I'm putting a lot of trust in you, IB." Angdar smashed his mace against a tree stump, as if to emphasize his point.

"I know. Thanks, friend."

Kinetix smiled as she hugged Angdar Fel. "Ohh, you won't believe what happened! The Tyrian took control of my mind. I hated it! I hate losing control."

"Except when we're in bed?" Ang smiled. "Sssh, I read the report. From all accounts you did excellently, mitigating his mind-control enough to give the others a chance to beat him. Well done, I'm proud of you."

"Thanks," Zoe smiled. "So how have your cases been going? You said IB asked you to look into something?"

"Yeah, just some ruckus in New Chinatown. Nothing to worry about. Sadly, nothing to allow me to bust some heads, either."

"Well, do you need help with it? Maybe we could sit down and go over it."

"Nah," Angdar said as he pulled her into the sky. "It's been a while. We shouldn't talk shop."

"Alright then," Zoe smiled. "So, there's this new restaurant specializing in Martian cuisine..."

*bdeep*

Kinetix was now light-years away fighting metal monsters on Braal, so the message at her desk went unnoticed.

Knowing her though, people would know once she had read it.

"Zoe,

I know it's weird to ask you this, considering what the four of us agreed to after the whole mess during the Dark Oval War.

But, have you noticed our men acting weird lately?

Give me a ring, please. Something else else doesn't add up. And I think something that happened to us on Earth is bothering IB.

And I have no idea why, but Angdar sure seems interested in Feng Shui lately...


Blaze"

Invisible Brainiac sat in his darkened office. He didn't want people to disturb him, and he didn't need the light, anyway.

He looked through all his files, notes, pictures, everything he had collected and learned since he and Blaze visited Earth.

Something else else was not quite right. His Chinese forefathers had always been arrogant, and it was not like them to capitulate so.

That woman might be playing at something. And he didn't want to trust her completely, just yet.

Trust was becoming a terrible luxury these days.

Kinetix thoughtfully looked out the window. She didn't expect Blaze to approach her for their relationship troubles, considering how she'd reacted when she'd found out about their night with Angdar.

Brrr. Thinking about it still made her... what? Jealous? Angry? She and Angdar hadn't really been dating then.

Maybe she was just mad because she'd assumed too much. Assumed that she and Angdar had fallen in love at once. Or she was mad because at first, she'd been using him to make IB jealous, only to end up getting carried away.

Whatever.

She flew high up into the sky. She needed to find someone to talk to all this about.

Invisible Brainiac floated alone in space, staring into the vast darkness.

A lot of people thought that space was a kaleidoscope of twinkling stars. They had no idea how far apart these stars really were.

In space, you often felt so alone.

Like how he felt right now.

He missed just laughing with Blaze while holding hands and planning their next adventure.

"Death is lighter than a feather, duty heavier than a mountain..."

It had been so long since he'd cried, he didn't think he could anymore.

"So, did you get to talk to Peebz?" Blaze asked as IB flew into through their window.

IB hesitated a moment. He'd never lied to Blaze before. Not even when Blaze asked him how many other sentients he'd slept with, or what IB thought of Blaze's underwear choices.

"No, I didn't. He was already asleep." Not a lie, just not the whole truth. "Oh, and he sleeps naked. But your naked body is still hotter, so I didn't bother looking."

"Oh come on! Don't lie to me, baby." IB's heart started pounding, though he hid it well.

"You know you can't resist checking out naked New Gods," Blaze teased. "And you know our rules - you can look as long as you don't touch!"

IB relaxed a bit as he moved closer to Blaze. "But why would I want to look at anyone else when I have you?"

"Good answer," Blaze said as they kissed.

IB tried to put his thoughts out of his mind as he led Blaze to their bed. He hoped it would all be over soon. He could feel the weight on his soul.

"Giselle, have you seen Space Ranger?" Kinetix practically stomped into the office of the receptionist at the Office of Security.

"He's at a meeting, Kinetix. And how may I help you?"

"If you could help convince him to allot more funding to the Office of Development, I'll be your seamstress for a year! We've been overloaded this past week - new disasters keep cropping up everywhere! It's like climate control has failed throughout the UP! IB's still out there and I can;t find Power Boy, either!"

Giselle stood up and put a steady hand on Kinetix's shoulder. "A lot has been happening lately, honey. Space Ranger's still sorting things out on Braal. What I can do is call in some of the older Officers to help you out. Then maybe you can take a short break and refresh yourself. Would you like that?"

Kinetix plopped down on the closest seat and smiled wanly. "Yeah, you're right. I just need to step back a bit. Thanks, Giselle."