Chapter 17 -[Bellicus and Serena]
"Good morning" Turning off the stove I finished serving breakfast as I looked at Nyssa with a smile as she walked into the living room wearing only one of my shirts "It smells fantastic."
Walking towards me she hugged me while kissing me.
The last six months after Brainiac's destruction and Luthor's imprisonment had been some of the calmest in Jump City, especially thanks to the Titans who were working much better as a team.
Thanks to them I had been able to focus on Nyssa, our dates had increased over the months until we thought it was a good idea to move to the next level.
Sunny had made it clear that she didn't mind me being happy, it was in her nature, Pamela was focused on our daughters and Harley so I knew she would be fine, as for Thundra, well she was focused on one thing which she wouldn't get for a long time.
Nyssa was very different from them, being with her I felt like any other person, not a hero, just a man being with a woman so I knew that our thing was special so getting to where we were was the best thing that could happen.
"I hope you like it, I know you'll need the energy we spent last night" Smiling, she caressed my face before sitting down to eat breakfast.
An hour later, while we were kissing each other again, I left her at her clinic with one last smile, wishing her a great day.
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Watchtower, hours later…
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"How is it possible that the League was not informed about Luthor's transport?" Looking at Diana, I waited for someone to answer me.
"They didn't think they'd have any trouble doing it," looking slightly at Superman, waiting for him to continue, "It seems they still haven't learned from every time he escapes."
"There's nothing left to do but wait, at some point, he'll have to appear" Rubbing my eyes I could only let out a slight sigh of tiredness.
"Max, I have a mission for you to forget the Luthor situation for a bit, there is a mission on an island, Flash, Fire, and Hawkgirl will be your companions" I looked at Diana in disbelief.
[T/N: Fire isn't a mistake.]
"Are you kidding me? You want me to go on a mission with her, please, just because you forgave her doesn't mean I'll follow that path, send Lantern, I'm sure he'll love it" Turning around I was about to leave before she stopped me by the shoulder.
"Max, please, it's better to be safe than sorry, we don't know what they'll face" Without looking at her, I took a few seconds before answering.
"...Okay, I'll do it" Walking to a chair I decided to wait "But I won't be traveling with her, teleport me to her location as soon as she arrives" Nodding with a smile I returned to the computer.
Twenty minutes later I was standing at the teleporter waiting, a second later I was in a small forest.
" Omnaz here, calling in" Waiting for them to answer me I transformed into Four Arms as I walked into the forest.
" This is Hawkgirl, we have enemies on Max Island, Luthor is one of them" Well that made my presence worth it.
" Keep your trackers active, I'll find you" Without further ado I ended the call while giving a few turns to the Omnitrix symbol causing a small sound to be created.
The more I walked the sound increased, as did the sounds of fighting so I increased my speed knocking down some trees, however as soon as I got to a metal door I found someone waiting for me.
"Well, hello big guy" Giganta smiled at me before starting to grow before my eyes "Or should I say little one" Returning the smile I transformed, blinding her for a second.
" Hello, Giantess, I haven't introduced myself yet, you can call me Way Big" Opening her eyes in astonishment I noticed that she had to raise her head to look at me, because although she was twenty meters tall, I was about fifteen meters taller than her.
"-You are the second to be bigger than me, although much taller than the first-" hesitating for a second after coming out of her astonishment, she threw a punch at my chest, which I didn't try to stop.
To her amazement, the blow didn't move me an inch. Annoyed, she attacked me again. With each blow, her annoyance and tiredness increased, so there was no need for me to counterattack. After several minutes, I looked at her as she leaned lightly against the mountain.
" You're done" Looking at me angrily she tried to hit me again so I stopped her, knowing she was resistant I hit her hard in the jaw causing her to lose consciousness as she returned to her normal size "It was less difficult than I thought. "
Returning to my Four Arms form I carried her as I walked through the door in front of me, after a few seconds I found the other three members of the League and an old man "Where's Luthor?"
"He escaped, he used a hostage while he started the destruction of the island" Without blinking I looked directly at her face hoping to find something, which she seemed to notice "What?! Don't you believe me!" Ignoring her anger I looked at Flash and Fire who looked uncomfortable.
" It never hurts to be safe" Looking slightly at the old man I spoke "I will leave first to deliver Giganta, I look forward to reading your full reports" Calling the Watchtower I asked for teleportation without looking at a furious Shayera.
Hours later I found myself in one of the Watchtower rooms carefully reading the Flash and Fire reports, at least until someone decided to interrupt me.
"Are you serious!? You read the reports even though I made everything clear to you?" Turning off the computer in front of me, I turned around, calmly meeting Shayera's angry gaze.
"I told you, it never hurts to be safe" Getting up I started walking towards the exit "I'm done so I'm leaving" Her arm rose seconds before I left so I looked at her "...What are you doing?"
"I'm fed up! I'm tired of you belittling my loyalty, I-" I interrupted her angrily.
"Loyalty?! You have no loyalty, you betrayed those who gave you their friendship, you betrayed the planet that welcomed you, your race tried to conquer the planet" Looking her directly in the face I continued "Tell me, do you know how many died for your people?" Her silence answered me.
"-I had a mission-" his words meant nothing to me.
"Yes, and many paid for it, humans and Thanagarians, many decided to forgive you, but not me, I never will, keep that in mind Shayera, for me you will never be trustworthy, nothing will change that" looking me in the eyes she took a few seconds before lowering her gaze and allowing me to leave without further ado.
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Days later…
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"... and those were Diana's words, I understand what she means, but it's difficult for me, our talks helped me realize it" Looking at J'onn from my house under Titan Tower I smile slightly at him.
"I understand you, your culture and society was very different but at the same time very similar to the human one, it is understandable that you do not want to relate much with humanity, but I also think it would be good if you tried, there are many ways you can choose the one you like the most" without saying anything J'onn stayed thinking about my words.
In a way I could understand him, over time I had managed to notice that being in my different forms for a long time affected my thoughts and feelings about humanity, unfortunately for him he could not become human like me, so he only had one way to understand humans.
" I appreciate our chat, Max...I have a lot to think about as well as work, I'll call you if the League needs you, see you later" Ending the call we said goodbye so I knew it was time to train.
Hours later as I was finishing my training and an emergency call rang on my communicator.
" Omnaz, this is Mister Terrific, there's a situation, Wonder Woman needs reinforcements, J'onn and Green Arrow have already been sent!" putting on my armor I answered.
"Teleport me directly" I knew he would object so I continued "I know the risks, just do it!" a second later I felt my body being transported.
The cold of the place was the first thing I noticed before the explosions, looking around I noticed a man shooting Killer Frost so I transformed, calling the attention of the woman who did not hesitate to shoot ice stakes at me.
Which melted when they hit my body made of lava.
" Too bad for you" I simply shot a column of fire at her which she dodged with a shout to counterattack without any result.
While I was holding her off I noticed Diana fighting Black Manta and J'onn fighting what appeared to be a very strange Superman.
After several seconds an earthquake forced me to forget about Frost while a submarine appeared to shoot out of the ice, removing a piece and causing us all to have to leave the area.
" That place is empty" Looking at the building on the mountain I hoped it was.
"No" Looking at the white haired agent I knew we only had seconds.
" I'll take care of it" Transforming, I flew out of the area arriving at the building quickly while my hands glowed "Time to lose weight" Pointing with one of my hands I raised the entire building while my hands glowed even more brightly.
Moving quickly I put the whole place on a more stable part of the mountain, returning with the others I found Green Arrow and Diana missing.
"They went for the ship, Bizarro escaped but he was useful" Looking at J'onn I returned to my human form while I lightly saw Frost unconscious next to him "She stopped the avalanche but then tried to escape."
"It's good that they were there as support" waiting for Diana, looking at the sea, waiting for her to return with Green Arrow.
As soon as night came I found myself with the others looking at the Viking ship still wrapped in ice.
While we were speculating about who was in charge of the villains, J'onn seemed to have made up his mind.
"I've been thinking, about what I've been told as well as Prince John's desperate life, I'm a Martian, I'm much further from home than he is, and unless I find a way to connect with humans I'll live forever completely alone and I won't be able to learn what I need to in the Watchtower" without saying anything else the three of us understood what he meant.
While Diana helped with the boat both J'onn and I stepped aside slightly to talk to each other as well as say goodbye.
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Several days later…
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Taking a short break from my patrol around the city, I allowed myself to briefly appreciate the calm of the city, a calm that was unfortunately interrupted by the person I least expected.
"The crime rates in this city are among the lowest, you certainly do a great job" Turning my face slightly I met the serious gaze of Amanda Waller.
"I don't know if I should thank you for your words, Mrs. Waller," she continued, walking until she was beside me.
"You shouldn't, especially for the reason that brought me here, a few days ago Giganta was released from her prison, as well as other villains, we know that the League suspects something big" Slightly frowning my eyes I began to think about how little the League knew "However, there is something else."
Before I could continue, a wave near the city forest caught my attention, putting me on alert.
"Our radars found an old acquaintance, Ace, her powers have evolved in such a way that they are now capable of warping reality, there are several points on the globe that have been affected, but there is another problem" looking at her with distrust I spoke.
"What could be worse than a person who was tortured and can change reality?" I didn't buy the story that the girl's powers had evolved just like that.
"Ace is about to die from an aneurysm, the psychic wave will kill everyone within the range of her power, which so far covers half the country" Surprised I looked at the wave that grew and began to affect the city "Of everyone in the League, there are only two that I trust that can do what is necessary, Batman and you."
Looking at her I noticed how she offered me a small device, I understood what she wanted, and I knew that something had to be done, so without further ado, I took it to store it in my armor and transform.
Knowing I needed speed but without looking like a threat I only had one option, my new form rose a little above Waller before I opened my new arms allowing my yellow wings to be seen before taking a high leap to fly away at great speeds.
Ignoring the psychic waves I managed to pass over a large garden, meeting the cause of everything in the middle of the forest, sitting calmly, landing a few meters away I returned to my human form.
Without moving Ace looked at me with her emotionless black eyes seconds before I created a seat next to her, pressing the button of my mask I left my face in view as I approached.
"Omnaz" taking a seat next to her, I looked at her calmly.
"Hello Ace" Without looking at me the young woman told me with growing anger what had happened in her life because of Cadmus, so I just listened to her calmly "They stole my childhood."
"I can't say I understand you, Ace, I woke up a few years ago on that island" pointing to the Titan Tower I continued "I don't know who I was before, or who my parents were."
"Yes, it's not the same but in some ways, we are similar" Smiling she continued "I also know that you won't use Mrs. Waller's device, you have an idea of how to fix everything, of saving my life, of giving me what was stolen from me" smiling I offered her my hand before getting up and she did.
"Don't be scared, they're good" Smiling I transformed, coming across a familiar sight "Bellicus, Serena, nice to see you again."
The male face that represented the voice of anger and aggression, Bellicus looked at me with the same annoyed expression he almost always wore.
The female face that represented the voice of love and compassion, Serena looked at me with the same calm and loving expression as always.
"Max, what a surprise, if I'm not mistaken our next meeting was in a month" smiling at Serena I was about to answer before Bellicus stepped forward.
"Something probably came up that needs our judgment" Agreeing with Bellicus I felt a slight presence in my mind.
"That's right, but I would like to allow a guest, who will be directly affected by our decision, motion passed?" both seemed interested by the idea as they approved the motion without hesitation, a second later Ace's mental projection appeared beside me.
"-I felt two more consciences when you changed... but I didn't imagine this-" The shock on her face was a good thing, it meant there was still something to save in her.
"Ace, meet Bellicus, the voice of anger and aggression," pointing to his face, I continued, "Serena, the voice of love and compassion, Bellicus, Serena, this is Ace, someone who needs our help, she needs both anger, love and reason."
"Oh poor creature, your life has been horrible!" Serena looked like she was about to cry while Bellicus looked angrier than ever about that.
"I request the approval of the motion to destroy humanity!" Ace was surprised by Bellicus' shout, however I only let out a sigh.
"Motion denied" Serena was barely recovering but still denied the request to Bellicus' annoyance "I request approval to save Ace, motion approved?" Without hesitation and calmer, Serena accepted so she looked at Bellicus.
"Will they suffer from our wrath?" Nodding firmly I obliged him so he agreed.
"Motion to have full control for half an hour approved?" It was strange that I asked for such a thing but they knew what I would do so they accepted. "Thank you" Looking at Ace who just looked at all the stars around us I got her attention. "Come on, it's time to go out." Seconds later I found myself looking at the same forest transformed.
"They are unique" Looking down I met Ace's eyes.
" That's right, we are unique" Ace seemed surprised by my voice and my way of speaking, although it was no surprise, being the form called Alien X the voice and consciousness of Bellicus, Max, and Serena merged in a unique way "Now, we will heal you" placing my hand lightly on her head I created a small white circle in the air before I covered her head "Ready."
"I-I d-don't hear a-anything" Ace looked at me surprised "-Did you take my powers away!?"
" That's right, your powers are a huge burden on your brain, there was no other way... are you upset?" To my surprise, Ace hugged me while crying.
"-No, I'm happy, I'm finally free!" returning the hug I looked around before continuing.
" It's time to fix everything that happened" Creating an even larger circle I projected it on us causing it to shoot into the sky as it grew encompassing the entire world in seconds, seconds later everything began to return to normal "Everything is as it should be, now there is something else before ending" with a thought we both teleported several kilometers in front of a surprised Waller and her men who did not hesitate to point their weapons at me.
"Omnaz?" looking at my chest for a second her gaze went straight to Ace "We know everything is fixed, but how is Ace still alive?"
" It's simple when the universe is putty in your hands" Raising my hand I created a small galaxy in front of her surprising her, before I destroyed it as if nothing "Ace Tennyson stays with me, her powers have been eliminated, from this moment on in all databases she is my sister, any attempt to take her will end in the destruction of Cadmus and everyone ever involved with the project."
Without waiting for an answer we teleported again but now to the entrance of the titan tower, seconds before I returned to my human form.
"-Were you serious?" Hearing the hope in Ace's voice, I smiled at her.
"Yes, now you will have someone who will take care of you and protect you, as well as the opportunity to have a childhood, you will have friends and above all a family" Without being able to avoid it Ace cried, all her emotions overflowed so I had to carry her in my arms while she entered her new home.
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Sometime later…
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Ace had been accepted into the tower with great excitement by the Titans, they knew she had no powers but that didn't stop them from spending time with her, even Raven who enjoyed her company when she read.
Cadmus had completely disappeared from Jump City, the League had agreed with my decision, of course, some weren't happy but it didn't matter.
" Omnaz, emergency, several villains attacked the gorilla city, you will be teleported directly to the fight" Transforming into Four Arms I prepared for the change of place appearing in front of several gorillas on the ground and a great battle.
"Glad you came!" Listening to Superman, I joined the fight, finishing off the men in black suits, ignoring their shots.
Making my way through all the villains I felt a weight on my back seconds before claws tried to gouge out my eyes, stopping the hairy arms I found myself holding Cheetah before slamming her into the ground.
" I want to believe that you are not the one trying to kill me Cheetah" the woman just roared at me as she tried to attack me again.
"It's Grodd, controlling her mind!" Hearing Diana's scream, I transformed, losing my physical strength, letting her attack me, however, her claws only pierced me seconds before I possessed her.
Cheetah let out a loud scream a second before falling unconscious as I left her body.
" You just need a break "Switching from GhostFreak to Feedback, I return to the fight absorbing the weapons' attacks to counterattack.
Feeling a great amount of energy, I ran towards a building, ignoring everything, reaching a room seconds before a wall of energy passed through me without causing any damage.
"Impossible, you should be an ape!" Listening to Grodd, I looked at him standing next to Luthor and a woman who gave off an energy very similar to Sunny.
"He has nothing similar to humans, it's clear that it wouldn't affect him" angrily Grodd looked at the woman who kept looking at me with her eyes open.
"Tala, get us out of here!" Hearing the order, I shot a beam of energy at them, unfortunately, the woman was faster, creating an energy shield before they disappeared.
" I won't miss next time, ape" Walking to the machine they were handling I raised my antennas absorbing the rays that appeared throughout the room "Okay, this is creating a lot of energy, and it needs an outlet" connecting my hands and tail I began to absorb the energy quickly causing a laugh to come out of my mouth at the sensation.
" OK, HERE WE GO!" Ignoring the screams of Superman, Batman, and Diana I pointed my antennas at myself shooting energy into the sky, which lasted for several minutes.
When I finished I was completely exhausted from the large amount of energy I had assimilated so I couldn't help but lose consciousness. When I regained consciousness I was in the Watchtower infirmary in my human form accompanied by Superman who seemed just as tired as I had been.
"We won, but there were things that happened" explaining what happened after I lost consciousness I could only hear what the Boston ghost had caused using Batman's body knowing that it would affect him in some way.
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With Luthor…
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"Well Tala, tell me what's so important that you're distracting me from the new organization of our little group" The woman just smiled as she projected an image that caused anger on Luthor's face "Is that why you brought me here?!"
"Honey, you can't see it but, he's full of energy, it's not magic but it's very similar, I know you're not used to it but, it's a very effective source of energy, I'm sure you can find some use for it, plus it would serve as revenge."
Listening to the sorceress's explanation, Luthor looked more calmly at the moving image of Feedback who was firing some energy rays.
"That may be true, I'll think of something to use, you better be ready to act" Without further ado, Luthor left the room leaving the woman with the image.
"-Yes, I'll be ready, that energy will be a very powerful source for my spells" Smiling with excitement Tala could only wait to have the hero in her hands.
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One month later…
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"I probably can't come pick you up today, but Raven offered, is that okay?" In plain clothes, I looked at Ace as we stood outside the school I had enrolled her in at her request.
"It's okay, I like being with her" Smiling slightly she said goodbye with a light hug before entering the school, moving away from the school as far as possible so as not to attract attention I transformed to begin my patrol.
Since the League's heavyweights were off-world it was the duty of the others to take care of the earth, and being the only free founding member the earth would be in my care.
Transforming into my Aerophibian form I shot out of the city towards Metropolis, for some reason it was the place I had the most problems with.
Hours later, as well as some sightseeing around the land, I found myself taking a break in a small coffee shop in Arizona.
At least that was the case before a call from the Watchtower rang out.
" Omnaz, sorry to interrupt your rest, but a large amount of energy was detected very close to your location, could you check?" Transforming into XLR8, I answered Mister Terrific.
" I'll take care of it, if I need support I'll call" I walked away from the building and ran to the coordinates he had sent me.
Arriving in the area I knew something strange was happening when I found Tala in the middle of the desert.
" You're not here to surrender, are you?" Her smile only triggered my sense of danger so I managed to avoid Bizarro's attack by moving at full speed "Okay, let's get started" Transforming into Vilgax, I stopped the Superman clone's attack by burying his face against the ground with a blow "I hope you have more" The only response was a few shots that caused me slight pain.
"You missed me kid" Turning around in annoyance I looked at Deathstroke allowing Bizarro to counterattack with a punch lifting me off the ground.
"Bizarro kill your friend!" recovering I stopped his arms as we fell to the ground, attacking his face I began to overwhelm him before Deathstroke again joined the fight giving him an advantage to escape.
" I thought you were still hiding from the League, Deathstroke" Lifting a rock I threw it at him to gain time against Bizarro.
"What can I say, money is a good motivator" stopping Bizarro I used him as a shield against his shots before running at him managing to hit him with the clone's body.
" You should have stayed hidden" Without looking at him I was about to attack Bizarro seconds before some very familiar violet tentacles wrapped around me to my surprise "What the hell?!"
I didn't manage to fight them off before my body returned to my human form.
"Incredible sources of energy are capable of nullifying your forms" Listening to the female voice I found myself looking at Tala who smiled at me with joy before touching the energy tentacle.
To my surprise the energy seemed to accept her, wrapping itself around her arm.
"How do you do that? Only an Anodite can handle mana like that" Leaving the power source she looked at me with a smile.
"Mana, it is a good name, and as for how I do it, you don't need to know, you just need to know that this has just begun" Moving her hand she placed it on my face causing her smile to be the last thing I saw before falling unconscious.
[T/N: F*CK First an ALEIN-X moment, then we see Jetray, and now some witch has found out about mana. Today has been pretty great for us. I wonder how the last chapter will be. If you like this chapter then leave a comment, write a review, and drop some stones. Check out the Patreon for the last chapter, it's only $5.]
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