raze_flyn

Disclaimer: The DC universe belongs to DC comics, Warner Brothers and anyone I forgot to mention. I’m just borrowing things for my own and possibly the enjoyment of others fans.

Notes: This is apart of my Ten Worlds AU. This takes place just after To Restore her father.

Temptation

“So how close did I get this time,” Superboy asked from behind her in the altered voice the suit he was wearing produced. She glanced up from the research she was doing and was once again struck by how imposing the Kryptonian stealth suit he was wearing was. The silver and black faceless monstrosity bore no emblems that marked it as Kryptonian for which she was glad. While it prevented sensors and camera’s from taking pictures an eye witness could still expose her and Superboy’s extra curricular activities.

“You got within ten feet before I heard you that’s pretty good,” She had been focusing on her work but that wasn’t unusual. “Your early I thought you were supposed to be having dinner with the family?”

“Clark, Lois and Chris had to ask for a rain check, Luthor tried to escape from prison again.” He pulled off the faceless helmet as he looked over her shoulder. “What exactly are you researching?” He was staring at the list with a curious look on his face.

“It looks like Wilson might have been killing heroes even before he recruited Deathwing to do it.” She hadn’t been happy to notice that some unsolved deaths now seemed to be linked to the Resurrected Ravager.

“I didn’t even know some of these people where dead.” He said looking sad then as he read the list. “I probably should do a better job of looking into how things changed now that I”ve been back for a while.”

“You’ve been busy the last few weeks,” She said calmly. “Burning the candle at both ends helping Superman with Chris and not to mention our activities ever since you captured Ravager for me.” She didn’t bring up the other elephant in the room.

“And burying Joseph when he got killed trying to save Luthor from being murdered by those Tamaranean clones. “ He sounded sad but also conflicted. “And then Luthor comes back resurrected by one of Kelex’s children with all of Superman’s powers and nearly wrecks Metropolis attacking him.” She was reminded again of what Superboy said to her after he pulled Ravager out of a Bialyan fortress in under three minutes about how much he and the rest of the Kryptonians held back to keep folks from panicking. She hadn’t really believed it until Luthor not holding back had shattered every piece of glass in Metropolis by hitting Superman as hard as he could. “And then the other one of Kelex’s kids showed up and stripped him of his powers leaving a wrecked city and him finally in jail like he belongs.” He shook himself, “Do you have the specs of that illegal weapons lab using stolen alien tech for me to take out?”

She nodded and brought up the plans as he memorized them quickly. She knew that unlike Superman or the late Bart Allen his memory wasn’t completely perfect but that he’d be able to remember for the few minutes it would take him to over whelm the base when he didn’t hold back. “Good luck.” She said as he pulled the helmet back on and left. She knew that they would have to stop this soon. There was already chatter in certain circles about the mysterious meta human who they estimated was more powerful than Superman causing trouble and ignoring international laws. She knew that once Bruce was fully back on his feet after Talia’s wonder cure that he would figure things out soon enough and put a stop to it.

“The boy is still holding back you know,” A voice said and she turned to see a man she’d been expecting for weeks standing there. She had known sooner or later he’d show up and try to manipulate her by offering to restore her legs. “He cuts loose more while playing dress up with you but he still holds back all of them do even Luthor after my upgrades wasn’t as strong as Kal El and Kon El fully unleashed since he only had about two weeks of bio-converted solar energy inside him.” He smiled then and it was unnerving. “But I’m not here to talk about how much you and the other humans should fear the Kryptonians, I’m here to talk about how unfair it is that Batman once again gets magical healing and gets saved from being crippled unlike you.”

“Go away I won’t make any deals with you not even to walk again,” She said with all the conviction she could muster. She had faced this temptation many times before there were forces out there that could have allowed her to walk again but she had always sworn not to use any method a normal person couldn’t use to recover. She had also sworn never to make a deal with a devil like the one in front of her.

“Who says I’d ever allow you to walk again, I stopped my dear sister from being able to ever heal you simply because your more useful in that chair,” He said with a sinister smile. “Just like I told Batman your of more use in saving Gotham from destruction in that chair than out of it.” She hadn’t been aware of that part of their conversation since Bruce had never shared it with her. She wasn’t surprised but it still hurt. “But I might reconsider enough to allow you to regain the use of your legs after the crisis has passed.” He produced a syringe then. “This shot will very slowly repair your spine it would take about a year and if you survive that long with all the trouble coming you’d wake up able to feel your legs and began rehabilitation and some day walk again.” His smile got even more sinister as he went on. “You see my dear once I’m gone and can no longer directly help my side I’d like to cost the good guys their Oracle and give them back an inferior Batgirl instead.”

“Just go away,” She said doing her best not to stare at the syringe in his hand. “I will never make any deals with you.” He just smiled and then there was a terrible wrenching sensation and a bright flash of light. “Where?” she asked as she realized she was standing again.

“Let me show you what you are really rejecting my dear not just the ability to walk again but the possibility of a truly happy ending for both your families.” She looked around and saw that they were quiet clearly in Wayne Manor though it was strangely full of people. “Comissioner, I’m glad you could get the night off,” Tim said and she was shocked to see that he was talking to what could only be her. Not only was Tim there instead of dead but her older self was walking.


“Unlike Bruce and Terry I know when to take time off Tim.” She said cheerfully and she noticed a little boy with a face similar to Dick’s running up to her calling for his grandma. “Excuse me Tim little Richard wants something.” She heard a noise then and saw an older Bruce emerging with a young dark haried man and then they were back in her clock tower.


“The boy is an interesting case in a lot of futures he becomes the new Batman, truly owning the identity in a way that no one aside from Bruce ever does,” The man said with a shrug. “Of course his back story changes often in some he’s just a stray who comes along, in others he’s Bruce’s son through the actions of either a shadowy government organization or Damian’s actions but in your current future he might not even be born.” He looked at her then. “You can have a chance at that future you glimpsed all you have to do is research the threats to Gotham I point you to and ignore all the rest and I will even give my sister permission to add a second Gotham vigilante to her batch of upcoming resurrections.”

She felt sick as she realized the temptation he was offering wasn’t just her legs but was Tim alive again and a happy future. It was hard to resist agreeing immediately and then she recalled him saying a chance at a happy future. Her training took over and she took what she knew about him and the sobering answer was instantly clear. “You’ll never allow that happy future to come true even if I take the deal that’s why you said chance.” He just frowned and she knew it. “Just get out of here I won’t take your deal.”

“I would try to stop it but you might would have won but I know when I’m not wanted.” He turned away then. “But just so you know you would have saved this city without Batman ever having to call on my aid again you just cost him a chance to avoid having to consider making a deal with me to save his Gotham.” The man was gone then leaving her alone with a horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach she felt this wasn’t over for some reason.

The End.

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Disclaimer and notes on prologue.

Choice
Part 2 of 2

He sat watching Damian beat up a simple mugger dressed as Robin. He was ready to step in if the boy carried things too far. “I see you took my advice and dusted off the suit,” Mr. K said suddenly beside him. “You will make a fine Batman but I am not too sure about your Robin.” The man then smiled at him.

He ignored it and kept focused on watching Damian. He wished he hadn’t had to put on the suit but there was no one else to do it. “Is there a reason you’re here?” He had expected this Bruce had warned him that Mr. K would probably show up sooner or later.

“Just here to tell you who killed the Titans,” Mr. K said with a shrug. “I told the former Batman after he fell apart that I’d gladly tell someone worth helping and you my boy are worth helping.” He ignored him then noticing that Robin was done and hoping he wouldn’t head up here directly. Bruce had been adamant that Damian was to be kept away from this thing.

“The boy isn’t going to come this way he is determined to prove himself he’ll head to find more trouble like a good little soldier.” Mr. K said with a dark smirk. “Anyway the person who hired your clone to kill the Titans was Grant Wilson.” Mr. K shrugged his shoulder then. “I needed Deathstroke’s help with something and the resurrection of his son was his payment.” So that explained it. “I wouldn’t worry too much Grant lost access to the resources he used to set things in motion when he killed his half sister.” The man then smiled. “You’d love to kill him but you can only kill when your in a rage as the Joker would know.”

“Thanks for the information now go away.” He lept off the roof and began to follow Damian who had taken off in another direction. He wasn’t surprised when Mr. K was beside him again keeping up.

“If you ask nicely I’ll fix Bruce Wayne’s body in a few weeks once he’s mentally in a place to be Batman again.” The man said with a dark smirk. “Of course it won’t be for free and you’ll have to do something in exchange.”

“Go away I won’t make any deals with you,” He saw the man smile and then he was finally alone. He wasn’t surprised by that offer. Bruce was confident that the man would try to bargain to heal the damage done to him and was adamant that no one should make any of those deals. He felt like things were spiraling out of control and he had no choice in anything any more.

The End.



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Disclaimer and notes on part one

After the Tragedy
Part Four of Four

“You asked me to come why,” Dick asked sounding a lot like the old Bruce but at least he was more stable. “Have you found anything out about who destroyed the tower.” He sounded raw and haunted as he said that.

“I found the security footage it wasn’t deleted it was just diverted from the original back up to another and all sound has been removed.” She could tell he knew what that meant someone would have to truly know the Titan’s system to do that. “It doesn’t show much just a bomb suddenly appearing and everyone collapsing probably the noise that Doomsboy described it didn’t show up on the tapes.”

“I want to see it,” Dick said darkly so she punched it up and then frowned it wasn’t the footage she’d tried to play. “What’s going on?” Dick asked and then froze as the camera panned over several familiar bodies. Beastboy, Damage, Tempest and Raven were laying there clearly dead .

“Bet you didn’t even know they were missing yet did you?” Dick’s voice said over the line as as a man wearing armor sat down in front of the camera and pulled the face plate of his mask up showing Dicks’ face. “Hi Dickie and Babs remember me Death wing.”

She remembered the fake Dick used in that fake future as an older Nightwing. “It can’t be you when Star Labs removed the trigon seed you were rendered comatose with permanent nerve damage.” Dick said and she recalled Bruce had quietly paid to have him sent to a long term care facility since they had never found out who he was.

“Yeah and Bruce sent me off never to be heard from again,” Deathwing said with a frown. “He didn’t want you to learn where I came from since his DNA test showed him I was your clone.” She saw Dick start in disbelief but she ignored the statements and began to track where Deathwing was broadcasting from. “Don’t be so surprised I certainly wasn’t when I learned that I was the result of a failed attempt to clone the Titans back when it was just the first team.” Deathwing snorted. “Seems they only managed to clone the two normal humans and then shortly after our training was complete they decided they only needed one infiltrator and had me kill the Roy clone.” He laughed, “But then I got sent into the fake future to be you for those fake titans.”

Dick glanced down at her so she pointed at the five and then the m on her keyboard to let him know how long it would take to find him. “If what your saying is true why kill the Titans?” She could hear the edge in Dick’s voice.

“Why not kill the Titans?” Deathwing said with a laugh. “I was given this suit of armor by one of the Titans enemy to wipe you all out and I will.” He was smiling. “I just wanted you to know that all of the Titans will die before you Dick, you see to prove I’m better than you I’m saving you for last bye bye.” Deathwing stood up. “I’ll leave the line open so Babs can tell you where to collect the bodies and be sure to tell Bruce I enjoyed being dumped as a vegetable in a nursing home.”

“Come back,” Dick said angrily as Deathwing walked out of the shot but as they heard a door closing she knew he wouldn’t. “How much longer we need to get there are see if any of them can be saved?” She could tell just by looking that none of them would be saved but she worked quicker for Dick’s sake. “Do you think it is true that Bruce knew he was a clone and didn’t tell me?”

“I don’t know,” She said quietly. “We will have to ask him when we get a chance?” She hoped for the sake of their relationship that Bruce hadn’t known or that Deathwing was delusional or lying the way things were going she didn’t think their relationship would survive since it was so fractured because of Tim’s death.

“If it is true then Bruce is the one responsible for Tim’s death not me like he said,” Dick said quietly. “He blamed me for helping found the Titans said if I’d stayed in Gotham and done my job then Tim would never have joined a Team.”

“That was his grief talking he doesn’t really believe that,” she said but could tell he didn’t believe that. She hoped that he would soon but she had a terrible feeling that this was only the beginning. “I’m going to send out an alert to all Titans to be on guard from Deathwing.” He nodded looking guilty to have not thought of it himself. She hoped they could stop him before more people died.

The End.

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Disclaimer and notes on part one


After the Tragedy
Part Two of Four

He tried not to be upset that she had done this without telling him. He knew it was her body and her choice but he would have liked to have been told he was going to be a father at some point other than when he was helping her up form the toilet where she’d been vomiting just recently. As he helped her to bed the whole story had tumbled out and now he was torn between being angry and being concerned. Diana and her mother didn’t know and even worse she’d let one of Kelex’s creations screw with her body to accelerate the pregnancy. “I’m going to call Diana and your mother,” He told her and could clearly see her about to object. “They need to know.” He said and she reluctantly laid back down without speaking.

The call to get them to come had been easy enough but once they heard the whole story all hell had broken loose. It was less than fifteen minutes before magical aid was summoned and soon enough Zatanna was weaving protective spells throughout Cassie’s apartment to keep any potential possessor away from the child and once that was done scientific aid was summoned to find out what exactly Angel K had done to her body. The worst part was he’d been shunted to the side and no one seemed to want to even tell him what was going on he could understand her mother and Diana ignoring him but he would have hoped Cassie would ask for him. He was just grateful that he could hear everything going on. “The test are preliminary but it appears the pregnancy isn’t in any danger despite happening at an accelerated rate though how this was possible is beyond me it would almost seem her body was always able to bear a child this fast.”

“Possibly because of her paternity,” her mother said and he heard Diana give a quick accent. “If Cassie chose to could she terminate the pregnancy safely?” He heard Cassie’ object but her mother just added. “I just want to know.”

“I would advise against it as long as the pregnancy is not threatening her life or health,” the doctor said sounding concerned. “We don’t understand how her body’s processes have been accelerated and if we upset the balance of things there could be consequences to her health.” He heard the doctor sigh, “Of course we will know more once we’ve had time to fully analyze these test results which I should get back to the lab to do.” He got the impression the doctor wanted to get out of there and he didn’t blame him.

He saw the Doctor give him a strange look as he left the apartment as if he had no idea who he was which just made him feel worse. He made his way up the stairs and into the room. He ignored the glare Diana shot him, he’d always got the impression she didn’t approve of his relationship with Cassie because of his origins. “Cassie, why didn’t you tell me?” He knew he shouldn’t ask this but he had to know.

“I wasn’t sure I was going to keep the baby, it was such a surprise getting pregnant,” Cassie sounded torn. “So I went to Tim asking him to help me confirm the pregnancy and find out if I could even abort if I decided to.” She looked sad then. “Then Angel K showed up and told me that yes I was pregnant and that Aeries was behind it all.” She looked away. “She gave me three days to make a decision and told me that if I wanted to keep our only chance to have a naturally born child she’d have to accelerate the pregnancy.” Cassie looked away then, “I was waiting for her when the tower was destroyed and our friends were killed she wouldn’t let me leave until I made my decision and I thought there had been enough death.” He glanced at Diana and saw the same understanding on her face. “I know we all need to talk about things.”

“Just rest Cassie there will be plenty of time to talk later,” he said quickly and saw Diana and Cassie’s mom do the same. He left the room then giving Diana a tug with his TK. He felt her following him and once they were far enough away Cassie wouldn’t over hear he turned back to her. “We need to find Angel K and find out why she manipulate Cassie into keeping the baby.”

“Are you sure she manipulated her?” Diana asked though from her tone he got the feeling she was just playing devil’s advocate. “It is possible that Cassie would have always chosen to bear this child.”

“If she’s anything like Kelex then she had to know that attack was coming and she arranged to get Cassie’s answers then.” He was furious over her not warning them of the attack and instead using the deaths of the Titans to get what she wanted. “She also put the idea in Cassie’s head that we could never have children again which has to be bull shit because if it could happen once it could happen again even if we needed help.” Diana nodded clearly thinking the same.

To be continued.

REVIEW HERE

Disclaimer on Prologue.

This Chapter contains: Character death, Teen forced to make a choice on their pregnancy immediately after a tragedy.

Ten Worlds: The Return
Epilogue

He was feeling cautiously optimistic as he flew toward the Tower. He had been surprised to get Tim’s email telling him to come to the tower for this weekend’s meeting of the Teen Titans. He hoped that it mean that Tim was willing to talk about things and that they could get back to normal.

He could just make out the T shape coming into view when it vanished in an explosion of fire. He immediately accelerated passing through the shock wave that managed to knock him backwards. He could hear glass shattering in the city as the force of the bomb reverberated everywhere. He extended his vision as far as it would go looking for a hopefully evacuated bunch of titans on the beach. He recoiled when he saw Doomsboy laying in the burning rubble mostly transformed but with most of his skin burnt off. He landed near him and was relieved to hear his heartbeat still so it looked like he inherited doomsday’s resilience. He pulled him out of the fire and then took a deep breath to blow out the fire. Once it was out he scanned frantically for any other survivors but couldn’t find any. He finally found one skeleton that he thought was Slo-bo and a few of Cyborg’s metal pieces but everyone else was gone. If they were in the tower they were gone.

He heard the sounds of the JlA teleporter and looked to see the JLA and other heroes arriving in force. He looked back at the tower and felt sick this wasn’t right things were supposed to get better when he returned home not have something like this happen so soon after he was back. He saw Batman there with Nightwing and he immediately flew over to him. “Was Tim here?” Dick nodded and he knew that Tim was already there and gone.

____

She sat watching the TV coverage torn between going there to help and waiting for the arrival of Angel K. Her phone rang then and she was incredibly relieved to see it was David. “Cassie, thank goodness your all right I thought for sure when you said you had somewhere to be that you would be in the tower.” She could hear the fear in his voice.

“No, I’m somewhere else just stay there I’ll be back home soon and then we can go help together.” She said and he nodded. She was reluctant to hang up the phone but she needed to go. She was startled when Angel K appeared. “I don’t have time for this I need to go help.”

“You cannot help anyone only Doomsboy has survived the rest are all dead.” Angel K said grimly. “I hate to ask you at this point in time but I must do you want to keep the child you are carrying?” She froze there was no way she could make this call now. “If you do not choose then you will be too close to Aeries time table.”

“I will keep the child accelerate the pregnancy,” She said after a moment she knew it was crazy with all this going on but seeing this tragedy made her want a little joy in her life. Angel K stepped forward and touche dher and she felt weird. “What’s happening?”

“You will feel drained and sick very often over the next few days and within nine weeks you will give birth.” Angel K said serenely. “This is only possible because of your parentage any other woman would die from me doing this.” Angel K was gone then leaving her alone and she was left with the feeling that she might should have waited to make this call.

The End.

REVIEW HERE

Disclaimer on Prologue.

This Chapter contains: Another surprise Pregnancy, angst, more mention of alternate worlds.

Ten Worlds: The Return
Chapter Nine of Ten

“Any luck finding Jason Todd?” She asked Tim as she settled down at the diner she had asked him to meet at. She was glad he’d come considering how strained things had gotten after their brief attempt at a relationship. He shook his head and she guessed he wasn’t going to say anything more on the search for the Red Hood. “Thanks for coming by the way.” She said and then got quiet as the waitress arrived to take their orders.

Once they were alone again in a back corner of the diner she got to the real reason she asked him here. “I need a favor and I need your word that no one else can find out about this.” She still couldn’t believe she was even in this spot since it shouldn’t have been possible. He nodded. “I want you to say it Tim to give me your word as my friend that no one not Batman, not David and especially not Kon will hear a word of until I’m ready for them to know if I ever decide to tell them.”

“I give you my word,” He said and she wondered if he’d keep it but he was the only one she could think of who could help her find the answers she needed other than Diana and she didn’t want to go to the Oracles about this.

“You know how Tana Moon just learned a few days ago she was pregnant with Jeff’s kid,” she said quietly and he nodded. “Well the fact they unexpectedly got pregnant made me worried since David is so much more human than Connor was; so I took a test and the result was positive.” She looked down. “I need you to help me confirm it and find out if I can abort it if I choose to.” She wasn’t ready to make up her mind on this yet not until she knew for sure . “I don’t know if I’m ready for this and it might just be a false positive because I’m freaked out over things.” She was also worried that an embryo formed from a part god and part kryptonian meta human would be impossible to abort some how.

“I can arrange some test to confirm your possible pregnancy with Star Labs in secret,” Tim said after a moment. “If you are pregnant you should be able to abort the embryo normally unless there is something unusual about it which Star Labs can check for if you are pregnant.” She nodded glad that Tim knew what to do. “Is something else bothering you besides the possibility of a pregnancy?”

“Yes, a lot of things,” She said deciding to just admit everything to him before he got worried and bugged her latest therapist office. “I thought I was ready for Connor to come back and secure in my relationship with David but now with everything going on I don’t know.” She then looked away. “And I keep worrying now that Kelex arranged all this and programmed David to be the type of guy I could fall for.” She knew that was why she’d tried so hard to believe it was just a final trick of Black Zero despite everyone else deciding Kelex was the master mind. “I know J’onn checked their minds for programming and hidden instructions and found nothing but Kelex was in my head he could guess what would make me fall for someone.” She could tell that he didn’t have any answer for her. “I just don’t know what to do Tim I hate feeling like my life is out of control and I haven’t felt this bad since the time I was sleeping with Match.” She had never brought up her biggest regret from the months she spent spiraling out of control she wasn’t surprised that he didn’t even blink. “Can I ask you something personal?”

“Go ahead,” Tim said though she suspected he was only doing it to humor her. She knew that she’d have no way of knowing if he lied to her since he was such a good liar. She knew that but she had always held back on asking this but now with everything going on she wanted to know. “Cassie, what is it?”

She realized she’d been holding her breath. “When I realized how I was using Match and ended it he said something to hurt me.” She looked out the window then for just a second to get up her nerve before turning back; she wanted to see his face. “He told me that you were hung up on Kon El too and he should have tried seducing you instead.” His face was emotionless. “I guess I’m asking if it was true or not did he lie to hurt me or are you bi like Connor?” She wasn’t sure what answer she wanted to hear.

“It was true to a certain extent,” Tim said after a moment. “I guess Bi is the closest descriptor that works for me.” She didn’t quiet understand but there was a lot about Tim she didn’t understand. “It doesn’t really mean anything since Connor and I have never been involved and never will be.” There was a cold finality in Tim’s statement that made her curious but not enough to ask.

She really wanted to know why so many of the people she’d dated were bi but decided against bringing it up. It was one of those things she just needed to get over because obsessing over it could drive her crazy. “I think I’m going to head back home now please arrange for those test quickly.” Tim nodded as she stood and left the booth.

____

“So what did you say to piss off Tim?” Ken asked him again as he swirled the small led balls around himself. “And what the hell are you doing with those balls?” He ignored the first question because why Tim was giving him the cold shoulder was none of Ken’s bussiness.

“I’m thinking of starting to carry lead balls with me in case someone pulls out kryptonite,” he said answering the second. “Pick up that dumbbell and pretend its green k.” Ken did as he instructed and he sent the swarm of small lead balls onto the weight and mashed them together with his TK. “See instant lead containment.” He just needed to find out how thick he needed to get it for Kryptonite radiation but he’d have to ask Tim that and he was avoiding him at the moment.

“Neat idea if I still had TK and was vulnerable to kryptonite I’d do the same,” Ken said and then smiled smugly. “Now what did you do to piss off Robin did you finally tell him about how he was head over heels for you in one of those ten worlds?”

“No and I’m not talking about it,” He had found Ken the easiest of the four to talk to but he wasn’t about to go into such personal matters with him. “And unless you want me to start asking about you and Slo-bo I suggest you drop it.”

“Consider it dropped,” Ken said with a smile, “For now.” He was really starting to wonder if things were better when Ken seemed to irrationally hate him. “By the way Joseph says according to the League files you met the fifth one of us.”

He wasn’t even going to ask how Joseph got into the league files again. “I did, he doesn’t think Joseph is stable.” He privately shared that belief the other clone was way too invested in their origins.

“I agree he isn’t,” Ken said which really surprised him. “But the same could be said about all four of us me especially.” He certainly agreed with that in the few days they’d been working out together he still saw flashes of Ken’s troubling temper. “But I know what he meant Joseph is way to obsessed with our origins and you.” Ken said shaking his head. “I worry about him a lot especially now that your back.”

That didn’t make him feel any better. “I should head back to the farm I promised to help Ma with the planting.” Ken nodded and went back to lifting a huge amount of weight. He felt guilty leaving on that note but he just couldn’t think of what to say in response.

To be continued...

REVIEW HERE

Disclaimer on Prologue.

This Chapter contains: Slo-bo/Doomsboy, creepy behavior from a clone, angst and manipulation.

Ten Worlds: The Return
Chapter Seven of Ten

He stared at the screen where some arrogant talking head was ranting about the back from the dead Superboy coming out as bisexual was proof that Family Values were slipping away. “You know those bastiches are making way too big a deal out of this.” Slo-bo said dropping down next to him. “So the original is back huh?”

“A few days now,” He said glancing over at the drop in alien. “I wasn’t expecting you back on Earth so soon.” It was usually several months in between times Slo-bo would drop in at the tower and stick around until folks got annoyed enough at him to kick him out.

“I got in a bit of trouble and need to lay low for a while,” Slo-bo said with a shrug. “Plus it will be good to drop in on Anita a bit.” He ignored the stab of jealousy. “Plus it’ll be nice to have a bed mate here again.” He wondered if he’d ever understand Slo-bo and Anita’s relationship they both seemed to love each other but never slept together so instead Slo-bo slept with him and talked shit about him constantly.

“Not happening this time,” he said watching Slo-bo’s eyes widen. “Thanks to the original Superboy everyone knows I’m bi now so I’ve got lots of celebrities interested in coming out asking me out on dates I don’t need you anymore.” He had no doubt they’d still end up sleeping together while Slo-bo was here but it was nice to have the upper hand for once. Slo-bo didn’t respond just rolled over on top of him and kissed him.

“We both know you can’t get what you really want from a human.” Slo-bo said. “Now lets just go fuck.” He didn’t respond with words just bit the other man hard enough to draw blood as hestood up taking Slo-bro with him and headed toward his room. The truth was Slo-bo was right he enjoyed rough sex and even completely powered down he was too strong to ever have it with a normal human.

____

He was about to drop down onto the tower roof when a spark of energy drew his attention and he found himself face to face with Joseph powered up. “I wouldn’t drop in right now.” The energy being said as he stood there in mid air. “Ken, is busy entertaining his fuck buddy Slo-bo right now.” The energy being began to lift off so he followed after him.

“Ken and Slo-bo?” He was surprised even as he remembered Joseph mentioning a secret affair but he hadn’t pictured that. “I have to admit I’m a bit surprised by that.” He was also surprised that Joseph even knew that.

“Ken, likes a little pain, I think it makes him feel human.” Joseph said with a shrug. “Slo-bo is one of the few that can give him the rough sex he craves without any injuries since they both regenerate insanely fast.” He really didn’t need to know that. “When Slo-bo isn’t around and he needs to blow off steam Ken goes out to underground meta-human fight clubs and stays in his base form where they can actually hurt him a little and gets himself beat up.”

“That doesn’t seem very healthy,” he said honestly kind of creeped out and not just by Ken’s actions. “You aren’t stalking me like you do your brothers are you?” He saw the energy form look away and realized that yes Joseph was stalking him too.

“We all have our issues,” Joseph said with a shrug. “Ken’s is wanting to feel human and not like a monster, David’s is pretending he’s past where we came from, Jeff, is stuck in our happier past and I’m obsessed with our origins and what it means that we started out the same but are all different.” He was even more creeped out now. “Anyway I’ll be seeing you as my shift at work is about to start in Metropolis.” The energy form dived down and hit a power line disappearing into it.

“I’d be careful of that one Kon El, he seems a bit unstable.” A voice identical to his own said from behind him. He turned and saw an exact double of himself appearing behind him. “I think we should talk so let’s land over there on that building.” He said pointing out a clearly abandoned building. Once they had landed on the building the obvious clone turned to him and said, “I’m number five if you haven’t guessed yet.”

He had almost forgotten the fifth clone that had vanished after Kelex made them. “Are you stalking me and the others like Joseph?” He was still creeped out and the idea that there were two of them doing it made it even worse.

“No, I wasn’t even going to speak to you at all but one of Kelex creations dropped in on me in Rio and wanted me to play messenger.” He said with a dark scowl on his face. He automatically compared it to the ones Tim and the rest of the Bat clan produced and noticed it was the closest he’d ever seen on his face to one of them. “He said that neither he nor his siblings could be trusted and that Earth was in danger and the answer was out there.” He watched the fifth clone point up at space. “He also said to tell you that he’d be arranging for the Rave to restart soon so you should keep an eye on your hand.”

He glanced down at the back of his hand remembering the rave symbol that once let him teleport to and from the rave with a simple touch. He could tell the other clone was getting ready to take off so he reached out and grabbed him. “Can you explain why you left as soon as you were made?”

“Cassie’s face made it clear how horrified she was by our existence and I thought a clean break from everyone connected with you would be best.” The fifth clone said as he shrugged his arm free. “Since then I’ve traveled the world and I don’t intend to stop now just because Kelex continues to cause trouble for you and the others.” He was gone then completely invisible. He listened for a while but the other him had obviously had time to practice not making much noise while using that invisibility power the previous Supergirl had before she grew fire wings and started calling herself an angel.

He glanced back at the tower and took off. He didn’t particularly want to crash Doomsboy’s thing with Slo-bo but he needed to let the JLA know about his visit and it was the closest place he could safely call from. He punched in the access code Tim had given him at the party and headed to communications. He had no desire to have a confrontation with Doomsboy and Slo-bo which of course meant he ran into them in the hall way. He was just thankfully they were at least wearing underwear. He took note of the fading bruises that were healing quickly and tried not to think about what Joseph had said.

“What are you doing here?” Ken said his hair starting to turn white and his healing speeding up even more obviously. He did not need to have a fight here in the tower with Doomsboy. He’d already seen Ken’s temper so he had to defuse this quickly.

“I rant into the fifth clone delivering a message rom Kelex’s children and I need to use the communication equipment to call the league.” He said quickly seeing Ken visibly calm down. He wondered if he was going to spend every encounter with Ken trying to keep him calm that would get old very quick.

“And here I was hoping you were here for a threesome,” Slo-bo said smugly from behind Ken. “Maybe next time.” He could tell Ken was embarrassed but he didn’t say anything only turned and headed out of the room. He didn’t know if he was going to get dressed or hide in embarrassment so he ignored Slo-bo and went to make his call.

____

She found herself standing in her love’s cave with a man in a dark suit. “You have a brilliant mind Talia you suffered no disorientation having your astral self brought here.” The man said casually looking at her. “I have brought you here to witness something important you will be returned unharmed when this is done.” She refused to even acknowledge him and glanced over at her love who was pacing clearly agitated. She wondered what could upset him so much. “And here is my sister right on time.” The man said.

The woman who appeared was beautiful and angelic but her love’s reaction was clearly disgust at her presence. “I know my brother has made it even harder for you to ask for my help Batman but you have to ask me to save him.” The woman said as she walked forward. “I have to save him no matter what to prevent the tragedy to come.” She heard the man make a shushing noise and saw the woman glance over at them. She could see them even though her love could not. “Please if you don’t then I’ll never be able to set foot in Gotham again, I’ll never be able to heal Barbara Gordan’s spine or help you save this city from itself.” The woman sounded close to begging. “You will be siding with my brother, giving him what he wants and playing into his hands you will be helping the side of evil.” She then got on her knees surprising her. “Please Batman do not make this mistake let me help.”

“Get out.” Her love said and she saw the man smile and then he was walking forward and began to clap. She saw her love turn toward the sound. “You can get out as well.” He said coldly as he turned and started to walk away.

“Well sister, he has obviously chosen not to seek your help so will you take my deal?” He asked coldly. “Will you never aide Batman, his children, the citizens of Gotham or try to save his enemies in exchange for one of my free actions to try to save Jason Todd?” So that’s what this was about some kind of power struggle over Todd with her love caught in the middle.

“Yes, brother I accept your deal,” the woman said standing up and taking his hand. “I want you to think back on this Batman when my brother has left your life in ruins and know that this is the moment you damned them all.” She then turned and looked right at her. “Those watching should also know that my brother is not to be trusted.” She looked sad then. “Goodbye Bruce Wayne I will never set foot in Gotham again and you will never see me anywhere else either.” She was gone then. She was surprised that this other woman knew his true name and said it so casually.

“Such a drama queen my sister,” the man said laughing. “I will be taking my leave as well Batman and you will never see me again but before that happy moment I have a few things to tell you.” The man pointed toward the screen of the computer where an image of Lex Luthor appeared. “You need to keep a close eye on this one because while he’s not responsible for Gotham’s possible destruction he will encounter those who are in the near future.” She moved closer to be sure she heard everything. “And second you need to exile one of your sons from Gotham this trouble between Tim and Damian will end badly if you don’t.” He smiled then glancing at her. “If you exile Tim he will be pissed but eventually forgive you but if you send away Damian you will lose him forever he will side with his grandfather after that.” She could easily see that outcome and knew that her love could as well.

“Of course Damian is the inferior child and doesn’t offer as much in the fight for the city’s survival so it might be worth it to be rid of him.” She would not let that insult to her son fly the man simply winked at her then. “I mean in a few years he’ll be virtually unstoppable for a human but he’s still got the body of a child and is no match for a well trained adult who means him harm though I could easily fix that for you if you’d only ask.” The man then smiled even more darkly .”Case in point the event that was so horrible that my dear sister would make a metaphorical deal with the devil to prevent well take a look.” He pointed at the screen again. She looked up and saw her son laying there clearly beaten to death and Jason Todd standing there covered in his blood. “That’s the future she is so desperate to prevent she’d consign Barbara Gordan to be in a wheelchair forever, that’s the event she would damn Gotham forever to stop because that would break you Bruce the end of Batman once and for all and the world needs Batman to survive.”

She glanced away from the image of her badly beaten son to stare at her love who was looking at the screen grimly. “I don’t believe you, Jason would never cross that line.” He sounded absolutely convinced and with what she knew of Jason Todd she wanted to believe it but Jason was not as pure as her love.

“Of course not but while drugged by Ra’s Al Ghul with a potent variant of joker venom to keep you busy in the city while he performed a necessary tasks here in Gotham he would.” The man said smiling darkly. “You see in his madness Jason would decide if an adopted son’s death wasn’t enough to make you see the error of your ways perhaps a biological son’s would.” The man was smiling even more darkly. “I will be leaving now this future is averted as no matter the out come of my sister’s attempt to cure him Jason Todd will no longer be obsessed with you.” The man began to walk toward her. “You might want to warn Ra’s that my sister is free to target him and his organization and if she gets her hands on him then there will be no coming back for him.” The man winked at her before turning back to her love. “Since drama queen antics aside she is a powerful alien intelligence with knowledge and abilities far beyond most forces in this galaxy.” The man then took a bow. “I bid you farewell Batman don’t worry I will keep working from the shadows to see to it that Gotham is saved and remains the amoral cesspit we know and love.”

She woke up then back in her office staring down at a note written on her desk. “Don’t worry Talia unlike Batman you will see me again sincerely Mr. K.” She calmly stood up and went to report to her father. There was something going on that they needed to be aware of.

To be continued..

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Disclaimer on Prologue.

This Chapter contains: references to unintentional outing, angst.

Ten Worlds: The Return
Chapter Five of Ten

He opened his eyes to find himself in a room laying naked on a bed. He had no idea how long he’d been there but he saw his costume and equipment on a nearby table and after checking for traps immediately redressed. He wasn’t sure how long he’d been here but his injuries were gone the ones the Meta-human he was fighting gave and the older ones he’d been ignoring. He checked a few time pieces he carried and they all implied he’d been out for twelve hours. He noticed that his movements were smoother than they’d been in a long time as he made his way over to the only door in the room. “Come on out Batman we need to talk.” A female voice said and he left the room cautiously looking around.

The woman sat alone in a window and apparently exit less room. He catalogued her features and began to estimate possible scenarios. “You will not have to fight Batman I am an ally that is why I saved your life and healed your injuries.” She was smiling then. “I even took the liberty of repairing the wear and tear on your body from the years of abuse you have put it through.”

“Who are you?” He asked as he glanced around. He would need to have a full examination by doctors he trusted as soon as he managed to get out of here. He had been around enough meta-humans to know hat she was probably not human.

“I am Angel K one of the children of Kelex left behind on this world.” She stood up then huge wings appearing from within her back. “And before you ask I don’t know how many of us there are on this world I only know about my brothers, Mr. K my opposite and Adam K the third party.” She looked sad then. “We were given knowledge and power to complete our missions and saving your life and healing your injuries are part of mine.”

He filed the names of the other children of Kelex away and decided to push for as much information as possible. “So what exactly are your missions?” He didn’t believe for a moment that she’d tell him but the more she talked the more of a chance she’d let something slip.

“My mission is to help the heroes of this world,” She said as her wings quivered. “That is why I saved and re-empowered Red Devil and took other actions to help heroes.” She then approached him and pulled out a vial before pausing only to drink it. “Mr. K is my opposite as I help the heroes, he helps the villains.” She then shrugged. “Adam K is tasked with helping those caught in the middle, the ordinary people of this world.” She then began to walk toward him and he prepared to defend himself. “Be at peace I am merely returning you to your city and asking who you wish me to save I can cure one person of the madness that makes them your enemy choose wisely.” There was a wrenching sensation as she managed to slip past his guard and grab him and then he was jumping back form her in the cave.

“Welcome home Batman I will return in three days to learn who you wish me to cure of their psychosis.” She was gone then as he turned to see Damian entering the cave clearly on guard and ready for a fight. Their arrival must have tripped the silent alarms.

____

“I’m back,” David said as he entered his apartment where she’d been waiting. “Ken is furious over the original Kon El outing all of us during that interview.” She could understand that anger she was mad about it herself. “I think we calmed him down enough that he won’t go looking for Kon El to pick a fight though next time he sees Kon El we should all be ready to intervene.”

“It would serve Kon right if we let Ken beat him up he never should have outed all of you on television.” She knew that technically he hadn’t outed anyone but himself but folks would remember that David and the others started out life with his memories and personalities so he might as well have. “I know Ken is pissed but how did Joseph and Jeff take it?”

“Jeff doesn’t seem to care one way or the other.” David said with a shrug. “Joseph is secretly glad I think he is enjoying the excitement that the original is causing.” She wasn’t surprised by either reaction.

“What about you how do you feel about it?” She didn’t like being reminded about her boyfriends origins and bringing up the things he inherited from Kon such as going both was something she didn’t like to do.

“I don’t care, I never talk to the press anyway and they already dislike me cause of the hair.” He said with a shrug. “Plus I think you will be the one they want to ask about all this the most, well second most I’m sure they’ll be trying to find Superman to get his opinion first.” She hadn’t even thought of that and worse they knew where she went to school. “But instead of worrying about Kon’s interview we should be worried about this Angel K situation I mean it is great that Eddie isn’t dead and has his powers but anything connected with Kelex is worrying.” She knew all the Connors felt that way despite the fact Kelex was the reason they existed.

She was grateful he had changed the subject. “Do you think there are more than three of them?” She knew from Diana that the League knew the names of at least three of them thanks to Batman. She hoped there weren’t more out there.

“Possibly,” David said with a shrug. “I hope not based on what Wonder woman told you about their mission, I’m worried.” She waited knowing he’d tell her why he was worried soon enough. “This Angel K seems to be as heavy handed as Kelex was saving and repowering people without letting anyone know and I can’t see that ending well.” She couldn’t see it ending well either and that scared her.

___

He was working in the field for the second time since he came back. He had missed this there wasn’t much of a chance of farming on the alternate Krypton when he heard a noise and turned to see Doomsboy barreling toward him. He was amazed at first how fast he was but he had to act he was fully transformed and looked really pissed off. They were too close to the farm they couldn’t fight here. He focused and caught the first blow letting his TK shoot the force of the blow straight up. He really hoped there wasn’t anything flying over them right now.

He took advantage of the surprise he knew Doomsboy was feeling and used his TK To slam him to the ground and hold him in a position where he couldn’t get any leverage. “We are not fighting here.” He said aware that his eyes were burning red. “Power down and if you still want to fight we will go somewhere else but we are not fighting on the Kent farm.”

Doomsboy’s rage seemed to clear and he began to shrink a look of guilt appearing on a face that was suddenly identical to his own. He let the other man up then. “I’m sorry I didn’t plan to come fight, especially not here but the closer I got the madder I got.” Doomsboy, Ken, he reminded himself looked away then as he scrambled to his feet. “I just want to know why you did it why did you out all of us on National TV?” He should have known that was what this was about he hadn’t known at the time that Black Zero had told the world they had his memories up to a point.

“I didn’t intend to out anyone not even myself really,” He said carefully. “I didn’t know what Black Zero told the world about you and the others.” He knew that wasn’t an excuse he should have found out. “I had a lie all ready but when she asked I just didn’t want to lie about him, I have to lie enough as it is.”

“I can understand that I guess,” Ken said looking around. “I should head back to the tower before anyone else turns up and this mess gets more embarrassing.” He was looking around cautiously. “I’m sure I tripped a sensor or two that Batman has to watch the Kent farm.” He was pretty sure of that himself. “Look if you ever want to talk about things I’ll listen.” Ken said surprising him. “Just drop by the tower.” His skin turned grey again and he took off running. He wasn’t as fast as Bart by any means but he could definitely move.

He found himself wondering where Ken found spandex shorts capable of stretching along with his massive size shift. He’d have to ask Tim about them when ever he popped up or called in response to Doomsboy’s visit. He went back to his gardening finding it strange that of all the Connors the only one that had offered to talk to him had been Doomsboy the one with the terrible temper and the most reason to dislike him.

“That was impressive stopping him so quickly.” He looked up to see Clark floating there. He noticed Clark had a hold of Krypto which explained why he hadn’t intervened. “You’ve come along way with your powers.”

“Didn’t have a choice on Krypton there were plenty of technological things that eliminated my strength advantage, I had to learn to be creative.” He wondered how Clark would have faired against that armor that made a soldier their equal and made it difficult to touch them. “I’m just glad I could still pull it off I haven’t really got a feel for my tk limits now that I’m not host to the Nightwing entity.” He missed the weird companionship of it but he didn’t miss the power he had more than enough of his own to deal with. He could tell Clark wanted to bring up the Elephant in the room. “I suppose you think we should talk about my interview?” Clark only nodded. “It is a long story Clark lets head inside where we can at least be comfortable.”

To be continued...

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Disclaimer on Prologue.

This Chapter contains: angst, relationship drama.

Ten Worlds: The Return
Chapter Three of Ten

“That was fast,” His brother said staring at the tv screen where they were advertising the first interview with Superboy since his return to Earth in three days. “He’s only been back for a little more than a day and he’s already gonna be on tv again what an egomaniac we are clones of.” He knew Ken’s comments was motivated by jealousy his fame was all he had left and now it was threatened.

“He’s just doing what I asked,” Joseph said from another area. “I asked him to arrange an interview as early as possible so we wouldn’t have to put up with weeks of the media talking about his return and fighting to get the first interview.” He knew that Joseph was leaving out that he had asked primarily for Ken’s sake so he wouldn’t be completely ignored by the media for weeks.

“So you’ve talked to him?” Ken asked and he had to admit to himself he was just as curious. He’d been dreading the moment when he and Tana had to meet up with the original Kon El. He imagined David and Cassie was just as nervous as he and his wife about meeting up with him. He wished David had come to their impromptu gathering at his house while the Titans welcomed Kon El back with a party at the tower but he’d declined. He tried not to think about Tana being there alone but she’d wanted to talk to the original Kon alone first.

“Yeah he isn’t quiet how I thought he’d be I think the time away changed him.” Joseph said with a shrug. “I kind of expected him to be the guy we all were when we first came out of the tubes but he’s not.” Joseph then looked at the tv. “I tried to get into the League file on his time away but they’ve improved the security after the last time I waltzed in there and read things.”

“I think I’d rather not know.” He said wondering again at his brother’s fascination with their origin as virtually identical individuals would never be something he’d understand. He could also guess that Ken would like to know but never admit it and David wouldn’t care at all. “Do you think we should have gone to the party, Michael, Amanda and David are all there?”
“No, in fact David told me to get lost.” Ken said with a snort. “He thought it was going to be bad enough facing the guy with Cassie without me there being a how did he put it oh yeah being an asshole about things.” He could hear the raw anger still in his brothers voice.

“I have to ask Ken why didn’t you freak out this badly about Tana and Jaeff.” Joseph said and he wished for the first time in a long while that he still had tk powers to smack him for bringing him and Tana into it. “I mean all of us remember being in love with Tana before too.”

“Because Jeff and Tana never hid they were falling for each other,” Ken said glancing over at him. “Plus Tana talked to me about things and was up front with me about why she fell for him Cassie and David didn’t respect me enough to do that.” He could hear the raw anger in Ken’s voice. “I mean she started being friendly to me again and then I learn it was only cause she was getting involved with David and was trying to keep me from blowing my top.”

“I don’t think that’s why she was trying to be friends with you again,” He said quickly before Joseph could say anything and make things worse. “I think she was trying to be your friend cause your important to David.” He could tell instantly that Ken wasn’t going to listen so he changed the subject. “Do you think they’ll want to interview us after his interview to give our reactions?” He knew that talking to the press was one thing Ken loved to do.

_____

She felt sorry for Wondergirl as she saw her and David standing alone at the back of the room. She had been in a similar place when she and Jeff had gotten involved but she knew it had been easier for her since she wasn’t a hero. She shook herself she needed to talk to the kid about things and putting it off wouldn’t help. She had waited long enough that he wasn’t mobbed by people welcoming him back so she started making her way over to him. As she got closer she heard Ultragirl saying loudly. “So what do I call you anyway technically you’re my half brother but my sister calls you cousin and my brother is your identical twin?” She didn’t hear the kids answer because there was a loud crash from the other side of the room. She glanced over and saw that someone had tripped into one of the food tables.

She turned back and found herself face to face with the kid for the first time in since he died. “It is good to see you kid.” She managed to stammer out and he just grinned the same grin she’d fallen for years ago. “Can I talk to you alone somewhere?” It was painful to see that smile on his face because it brought up old memories and the elephant in the room that she was married to a clone of him now. She could tell the difference between them in the way they walked and talked but there was still an eerie similarity. She wasn’t surprised that he led them to the roof of the tower or that he left the door open. “So I wanted to talk to you to explain...” She found herself freezing she had no idea how to broach the subject with him.

“Are you happy?” He asked surprising her so much that she could only nod. “Then I’m happy for you both and wish you a long happy life.” He said with a shrug. “I’ll say the same thing to Cassie, as soon as she works up the nerve to come talk to me so stop listening in David.” He said immediately there after with a smirk. “I do mean it though Tana I am happy for you I had hoped you and Cassie had moved on while I was gone even if I was a bit surprised in how you two moved on.”

She wasn’t exactly happy to be lumped in with Wondergirl but she could see the similarities. “I’m glad kid and I guess that means you moved on while you were gone?” She asked and saw him smile sadly as he nodded. She got the impression that she shouldn’t ask for two many details. “Do you regret coming back to this world?” She wouldn’t ask for details but she hoped he wasn’t home sick for a world he could never go back to.

“No, I’m glad to be back but if things had been different it probably would have been harder to come back.” He seemed to be talking to himself and then he shrugged. “So when do I get to meet your husband, I was hoping he and Doomsboy would be here so I could get meeting them all over with at once, I’ve already met Joseph he paid me a visit last night.”

“Feel free to stop by in Hawaii when you get the chance,” She said and then she heard the roof door opening and a reluctant Wondergirl walked about. “I’ll let you too talk alone but feel free to drop in any time I should probably go check on him and the other two.” He nodded so she took off flying away. A small part of her wanted to stay close enough to eves drop but she ignored it and flew toward home.

_____

He could hear Cassie’s heart thudding away in her chest. “Did you mean what you said to Tana about being okay with the two of us moving on?” He guessed David had told her after all. “Or were you just being nice?” He could hear real fear in her voice.

“I wasn’t being nice I meant it,” He said and her heart beast slowed a little. “We made a real mess of things before I died and I was hoping that you would be happy.” He could hear her heart slowing even more and then it spiked again.

“But I made so many mistakes there at the end and in the first year you were gone I did some really horrible things.” He could hear real fear in her voice. “I slept with Match and then there was that thing with Tim and...” She trailed off as his shock was clear on his face.

“Cassie, we all made mistakes and Kelex really put you through the ringer I am not surprised you made some bad choices in the wake of all that.” He hoped she wasn’t going to share any more of her actions during the time he was believed dead. “Lets just move on and try to be friends again and go on with our lives.”

“Kelex was responsible I thought Black Zero was lying when he said that.” She seemed to be thoughtful. “I mean he told Kara to apologize to me for his part in things but I didn’t believe it.” She looked confused. “Why did Kelex want to hurt me so much?”

“He claimed to have noble reasons but I think it was mainly to get revenge on you for the actions fo his world’s Cassie.” He wasn’t going to tell her that according to Kelex she would have become his world’s Cassie. “I am just glad that we are rid of him and hope he was telling the truth when he said we’d never hear from him again.”

The door opened again and he looked up to see the green buzz cut that marked Ultraboy or David the one Cassie was with. “They are starting to miss you at the party so I thought we should all head back.” He said with a forced cheerfulness. He then seemed to calm down. “But I have to warn you when you meet Ken be careful I love my brother but he’s dangerous.” He glanced at Cassie to see she was also worried. “Don’t take him lightly fully transformed he’s as strong as Doomsday and much smarter, I know that the you of two years ago couldn’t take him.”

“I’ll be careful, I don’t want a fight.” He decided not to bring up that he wasn’t the same guy from two years ago. He was sure he could take any of the four clones in a fight but they didn’t need to know that. He also didn’t need to tell them that he was pretty sure the only way he could put down Doomsboy would be to kill him. He could tell they were unsure what to say so he began heading back to the party. “Let’s go back to the party.”

To be continued...

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Disclaimer on Prologue.

This Chapter contains: Comic style Pseudo-science BS about pheromones.

Ten Worlds: The Return
Chapter One of Ten

She stood out side the room with Tim and Clark as Batman settled down across from Connor. She knew that everyone else was convinced but that Batman wanted to ask a few more questions before Connor was allowed to leave. She was a bit disappointed that Cassie hadn’t come to the watchtower to see him but she supposed it was awkward for her. “So what do you want to know?” Connor asked Batman drawing her attention back to the sight in the interrogation room.

“You mentioned three hundred and twenty worlds you were sent to before the alternate Krypton?” Batman asked and she glanced at Clark and Tim to see they seemed to understand even though she didn’t. “Are you absolutely sure you don’t remember anything from them?”

“Like I already told Clark, I only know about them cause the Nightwing entity said my soul remembered whatever that means.” Connor said with a shrug. “It seemed to know what it was talking about and Kelex didn’t deny it when I confronted him about it.” She remembered the stories about the Nightwing and the Flamebird learning those old Kryptonian myths existed was kind of shocking.

“What exactly did this Nightwing tell you about those worlds?” Batman asked immediately after that. She had to admit she was a bit curious herself if she’d lost memories of visiting three hundred and twenty worlds it would have been driving her crazy.

“It talked about how clones were at a disadvantage despite what I thought once clones are born with souls just they are so microscopic to be almost invisible.” Connor said with a shrug. “It seems the things that make a soul grow things like being born, learning to walk, first words, etc don’t happen for clones so until we do something major it is almost like we don’t have one.” She was finding this entire thing hard to believe Kryptonians didn’t really believe in souls anymore. “It claimed that because I’d lived three hundred and twenty complete life times my soul had matured enough to be strong enough to act as his Avatar even though I wasn’t from the current chosen blood line and only half kryptonian.”

Connor seemed lost in thought as he went on. “It also claimed I wasn’t given the physical memories because my super powered resistence to trauma can handle a lot but not that many complete life times.” She wondered if Batman was going to ask anything else but before he could Connor kept going. “I don’t know many details just that I only ended up with one person more than three times and most of the time it was just once something about on some level remembering the previous relationships.” Connor then glanced at the mirror they were behind. “I have to admit I’m curious but since I’ll never know I just file it away as one of the weird bits of knowledge I have now such as why every Kryptonian on Earth is bisexual and even the straightest of the straight humans are just a little bit attracted to us.” She heard Clark choke and actually saw Batman’s frown get even more severe.

A quick glance at Tim saw he looked amused. “Since I know Tim at least is curious the answer is pheromones,” Connor was smiling then. “Turns out human and kryptonian pheromones are similar enough that both species smell really good to each other but different enough that there’s no gender distinction for the other species so no matter the sexuality humans find any kryptonian attractive and vice versa.” Connor got a huge grin on his face then. “Since Cir El and I produce a mix of both we were both very popular on Krypton.” She could tell Batman looked murderous. “Any more questions or can I go?”

“I think that is enough questions for now,” Clark said and she was a bit surprised she hadn’t seen him move but he was now in the room. “I’m sure Ma, Pa, and Krypto are anxious to see you so we should head to the farm now.” She noticed Batman still looked murderous but Tim had moved over to him and they were doing that silent communication thing they had down to a science. “Kara, Tim, can the two of you take Connor to go get his stuff.” Clark said after a moment and she realized he had some things to say to Batman.

“I have to ask Connor,” Tim said as they walked. “How exactly did you learn all that about pheromones or were just trying to annoy Batman.” She was curious herself since while she had found some human women attractive she had never given it much thought since on Krypton she’d only been interested in men.

“Jor El was fascinated by our hybrid DNA and did a complete breakdown on me and Cir El, he figured out the pheromone thing when I asked him why on Earth I was attracted to men and women but on Krypton it was just men.” Connor said with a shrug. “And I have to ask how did Cassie end up with a clone of me, David right?”

She wasn’t sure how to answer that question but Tim it seemed was as he launched into an explanation. “David was the only clone who didn’t try to hold onto anything he remembered.” He said calmly. “He went out as Ultraboy and started living his own life while the other three all held onto things Ken stayed with the Titans, Jeff went to Hawaii and Joseph went to Metropolis.” She supposed that was true. “As a result Cassie has never been completely comfortable about the others but she eventually got where she and David were friends separate from him being a clone of yours and a few weeks ago they started dating.”

“I’m glad she found someone even if it is a bit weird.” Connor said with a shrug. “I suppose she thinks I’ll react badly which is why she didn’t come with you to the Watchtower.” She didn’t know why Cassie hadn’t come and a glance at Tim gave her no answers. “So I suppose the only question now is how we tell the world I’m back.”

“It won’t be hard Black Zero announced you were alive on another world when he told the world about the clones,” She said figuring he should know. “There are actually web sites that have timers counting down to your scheduled return.”

“I don’t know if that makes things better or worse.” Connor said with a shrug. “Well I guess it does make explaining my return easier.” He said as they arrived in the room where his stuff was sitting after it had been examined. “There is the disk of messages for you,” He said handing over the holographic projection disk that her family had sent.” She ignored him and focused on the grey uniform sitting with his other clothes.

“Connor, why do you have a police uniform?” She saw him look a bit embarrassed as he glanced over at Tim but then he picked up a different hologram disk and hitting the button bringing up holographic images of himself in uniform.

“Even with accelerated learning aides I just didn’t have the natural aptitude to pass myself off as a scientist in training so the explanation for why I came with Cir el to stay with our Uncle Jor El was I wanted to join the police force and Jor El had friends on the local force.” She had trouble picturing Connor as one of the police she’d only ever seen from a distance on Krypton.

____

“All Right Bruce what aren’t you telling us,” He asked his friend once the others were far enough away that Connor or Kara wouldn’t over hear them in the room. “J’onn’s word that he’s really Connor would normally be enough for you.” He knew that even normally Bruce might have some doubts but he’d at least let the boy go instead of insisting on questioning him again.

“Three weeks ago Cir El came to see me for what she said was the final time,” Bruce finally said and he wondered why Bruce had kept this a secret. “She claimed that within a year of the clone’s return to this world Gotham would be nothing but burning ruins.” He started to point out to Bruce that didn’t mean Connor would have anything to do with it but he decided Bruce already knew that. “She didn’t give me specifics or say the boy would have anything to do with it but I have to make sure.”

“Why don’t you just ask him if Cir El told him anything about all of this?” He wasn’t going to bother lecturing Bruce on keeping secrets again it never took. He could tell that Bruce wasn’t going to do it. “I’ll ask him myself then and tell you his answer later.” Bruce nodded and began to leave. “If it has anything to do with what’s happened then it is probably has something to do with those things Kelex left behind on our world.” He knew Bruce was already thinking along those lines by his lack of reaction.

He made his way to where Connor was collecting the things he’d brought back with him. “Where’s Kara and Tim?” He asked noticing that Connor was there alone.

“Tim had Robin things to do and Kara left to go watch the messages I brought back for her.” Connor said and then pointed toward a cylinder full of disks. “I noticed you haven’t watched the ones I brought back for you yet?”

“It is just going to be strange to see them.” He said honestly since this was a different world’s Jor El and Lara. “I noticed that one was addressed to my parents?” He had been surprised to see the their names rendered in Kryptonian on one of the message disks.

“Yeah, they thought they should thank the folks who did such a good job raising you since this world’s Jor El and Lara would never get the chance to do so.” He was touched and relieved. He had always wanted to believe his birth parents would approve of his family but in his weaker moments he’d always had a few fears about that.

He decided to ask Connor now before they got to the farm. “Before we head to the farm I have to ask you did Cir El tell you anything about a disaster that will befall Gotham?” He could tell instantly that Connor had no idea what he was talking about. “Bruce says that Cir El visited him about three weeks ago and warned him that within a year of your return Gotham would be in ruins.”

“She didn’t say anything about visiting this world or give me any kind of warnings.” Connor said. “I know she had been back to see Kelex just after we defeated Braniac and banished Zod and his followers to the Phantom zone.” Connor looked incredibly sad and haunted for a moment. “That was when she told me she was staying on Krypton with Halk and that she’d miss me but that she didn’t fit in here but on Krypton she’d found a home.” He got the impression it wasn’t just Cir El deciding to stay that put that haunted look on Connor’s face but he wouldn’t ask yet he’d give Connor time.


To be continued...

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