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***HR. Alpha Centauri System***

On the tail edge of the system a small tear opened up between dimensions. The tear let out an eerie blue light as ghostly specters seem flee from the tear only to reform into cosmic energy and fade into the darkness that is space. From the tear was a giant ruined ship! The ship was massive in size, and it was only matched in its size by its warped, and twisted parts of the machine. Four giant engines on the back of the ship sputtered, and spit, then completely shut down. Bulk heads were torn asunder as it pulled free of the dimensional tear. Luckily no portion of the ship that was torn asunder was populated.

The ship itself was nearly a mile long, with 1,500 feet as a radius. The ship itself was in fact several hundred smaller ships linked together around a specific engine drive core. That specific drive core was a phantom zone engine. This ship was Kryptonian in origin, using the drive core they skimmed the edge of the true phantom zone and used it to travel vast distances.

The giant ship made up of civilians pleasure yachts, transport ships, and military vessels. The designs looked similar to crystals designed with a mechanics hand. To metal ships that looked aerodynamic as possible. To giant behemoths warships with a variety of cannons, and broken wing frames. Long, angular designs, like spear points jutting into the night sky. One by one tiny sub-light engines turned on and the ship lurched forward.

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Contained within one of the massive military vessels stood the command deck to this whole mess of a scrap heap. There was a man floating in the empty space of operations. He turned, and gently pushed against the deck towards a station off to his right. The man floated over to he station and the soldier their saluted him. He nodded in return and looked at the display. He signed in annoyance, then the door to operations opened up and a engineer floated in.

“General Zod! Our sensors tell us that the next system is our destination.” A man with the uniform of a military engineer informed Dru-Zod with a bit of good news.

“Good, but how long will it take for the phantom drive to spin up again?” Dru-Zod asked the man. Who looked like he had bitten into something sour.

“It will be several months until the drive is ready for the next jump. However, a bit of news there is an asteroid belt with metals similar to our ship structures. We can use this time to make repairs to our ships.” The engineer replied with a tight smile that was mirrored by Dru.

“Very well! Make best speeds to the belt.” Dru ordered and the soldiers on the deck saluted and went back to their task. The engineer left the operations room, and Dru floated back to the main command console.

General Dru-Zod stood at approximately 6'3” with midnight black eyes, black hair, and chocolate colored skin. He was built with an inverted triangle physique. He was a rare specimen even among Kryptonians. A sharp body, mind, and many would suspect even a soul. For he was one of the few to not lose his mind with in the inner regions of the phantom zone. Unlike others that had been lost to the zone. He wore a typical black polymer thread suit with the house of Zod across his chest.

“Hmmmm...” A hum sounded out behind Dru, he turned and a ghost of a smile was seen on his face before it was replaced with a indifferent expression.

“Non, what is your report?” Dru asked one of the few people he would consider a friend.

“Engines.... Running out....” Non said, struggling with the words. Then he passed a data pad to Dru who took it and read over it.

Non was a giant of a Kryptonian even compared to Dru. Non stood at approximately 6'6” with a rectangular physique. He was wide as a door and had often used that to his advantage when ordered to hold a specific chock point. He also had a brilliant mind... had, had a brilliant mind. The Science Council has lobotomized him as a punishment when Non refused to give up Dru, and Ursa's location during the rebellion. Now the Kryptonian was slow, and had a hard time comprehending orders. But was still just as determined to do his job as any other time. Maybe even more so.

“How are the treatments going, Non?” Dru asked, after he finished reading the data. They were running out of fuel.

“Hmmmm...” Non replied in the same enthusiastic response he always gave. He kept his military bearing but Dru could see that his friend was fighting against despair.

“As much as we all hate Fort Rozz their medical facilities are superior to anything we have here. You along with so many of our brothers, and sisters will find relief when we catch up.” Dru said to his old friend. A glimmer of hope was alight in Non's eyes.

“Thank you for the report, Non. You are dismissed.” Dru said to his friend, then turned back to his command console. None left with out a word, and did not make a sound. Something that many people found a little eerie for someone so large.

Dru continued to work at the console for several hours before he left the operations room to another soldier. He drifted through the ruined, and patched work hall ways. Then came to his private cabin, more than a closet with a harness to keep him from floating around and a computer. He ensured the room was locked, and checked for any listening devices. Old habits! Then he keyed up his computer and watched an old video.

The video was of him, and Ursa sitting in a hospital room. Ursa had been feeling sick lately, it was effecting her duties. Dru had been worried for one of his best soldiers, and...His lover. When the doctor had come in to inform them that Ursa was pregnant it had shocked them both. Dru ordered a stasis drug be placed around the child until they could figure out what to do. Ursa obeyed with out question. It wasn't until they had all been sent to the phantom zone that Dru had time to think about that day.

When Krypton was destroyed it had shook the entire foundations of their society. Krypton had several minor colonies across the different star systems that had not grown enough to be self sufficient. They died out, it wasn't until the largest colony made a desperate plea and opened up the phantom zone seeking help. Dru, along with so many others escaped the zone. But so many were left behind on the prison ship Fort Rozz. Like Ursa....Like their unborn son. Lor-Zod.

“I'm coming Ursa.... Keep our son safe, that's an order.” Dru said softly, more to himself than any other. But Ursa had always followed his orders no matter the distance. Dru was sure she would now.

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***HR. Wayne Manor, Bat Cave***

With an audible pop! A spell ribbon spring jumped into existence across the lone platform. Only select personal in the JLI had access to the Bat Cave. Bruce only wanted confirmed, and cleared by security head Hex to have access to his home. Supergirl aka Kara Kent stepped off the platform wearing pink running shoes, blue jeans, and gray sweater top. She had tied her blond hair back into a loose ponytail and looked around the cave with interest. She had never been here before.

“Hello...?” Kara called out, a few chattering calls answered her from above. Bats, lots, and lots of bats. But then a shinning orange light burst into being from the darkness and it flew straight towards her. Kara braced and took the giant hug from her friend Kory with a smile.

“Kara! I thought that was you!” Kory squealed in delight as she picked Kara up and spun her around in a hug. Kara laughed in reply and hugged her back. Then a soft flash of a light distracted them. Kara turned her head to see Richard Grayson taking a photo of them on his holographic.

“Straight onto my private collection for that one.” Richard said then winked at Kara who rolled her eyes at him.

“How is he?” Kara asked the question that was on her mind. Also the main reason she had teleported into the Bat Cave. Kory's easy going expression wilted just a bit.

“He's not 100%. But he's stubborn, he'll pull through.” Richard replied for her, and gestured for them to follow him.

Kory flew across the cave and landed next to Richard taking his arm into her own. Something Dick was more than happy to allow. Kara flew over next to them and walked side by side with them. Dick explained a few nick nacks that Bruce kept as trophies such as a giant penny, along with what looked like a baby version of a Saurian? Oh no that was a T-Rex. They came around to the main area of the cave and Kara smiled a bit at the sight.

Elizabeth Shaw was in a training ring with Jason Todd. They were both wearing gym outfits and Lizzy was pinning Jason every few seconds. Something that was clearly frustrating Jason to no end. Isabella Kuldr was talking to Selina Kyle about something as they watched the two fight inside the ring. Barbara Gordon was standing over near Bruce Wayne, and Kathrine Kane. As Lash worked on the machine shop work bench. Despite the work that Lash was doing that Kara was sure was filled with intense detail he stopped working for a brief moment to turn to look at her. He smiled, and winked at her. Kara smiled back, and felt her ears turn red.

“Kara, everything alright?” Bruce's hard, but oddly soothing voice slowly called out to her. Bruce walked across the cave with practice grace of a predator.

“Clark wanted to know when you were available to meet his parents. He's...Well he's excited to show them off to everyone.” Kara said with a brilliant smile. She was so happy to see her uncle Jor-El, and her Aunt Lara Lor-Von. But it made her miss her own parents.

“I'm sure. Once we finish up here.” Bruce said, and made a point to look at Lash. Kara nodded in agreement. “Then I'll be more than happy to meet his parents.” Bruce added, and guided Kara over to the machine shop tool bench.

“Make sure you add that auto clean function. I love that about my suit.” Barbara said to Lash who smiled, but kept his eyes on the task. Barbara turned to give Kara a small wave then went back to watching Lash work.

“Kathrine Kane, please call me Kathrine.” Kathrine introduced herself to Kara who did the same in return. Kathrine's eyed Kara up and down with a appreciative gaze. Kara had seen that gaze before from Kory.

“Where is Vyllith?” Kara asked, looking around for the hell knight.

“With Alfred, they are both upstairs learning from each other. Alfred is a master of wrangling Bruce around so he is teaching her how to do so with Lash.” Barbara said with a smirk and Lash grumbled just a bit.

Kara came around the work bench and saw a black on black bat suit that was clearly designed for a woman. It had a bright red bat symbol on its chest. A light exoskeleton mechanical structure with polymer suit, and flexible armored plates. Kara realized that Lash was making a suit for Kathrine. Oh oh! There were a lot of people in the JLI that wanted Lash to make their suit for them. Watching Lash make a suit was an art form in it self. He would pull energy from the very air and thread it through the suit. Strings or starlight sewn into the blackest night.

'We are happy to see you again...' -Lash/Saurian said across a telepathic message. Kara grinned at them, and felt the knot that had grown taunt in her chest loosen up a bit.

“Done. Barbara can you help Kathrine put it on I need to see if there is any issue with it.” Lash said softly. Barbara jumped to it grabbing the uniform, and Kathrine who smiled in anticipation.

Lash stood up and walked over and swallowed Kara in a hug. She squeaked softly in surprise then buried herself into his chest. She tucked her arms up and just inhaled his scent. Warm, safe, and happy. That what Lash was to Kara. For a brief moment she felt a towering monster coil around her and Kara smiled almost hearing the scales rattle in contentment. But as good as she felt Kara focused on Lash. She floated up off the ground and kisses his cheek.

“How are you?” Kara whispered, Lash shook his head softly.

“Ask me again later...” Lash replied, then licked her nose. Kara flailed a bit and wiggled her nose.

“So mean!” Kara said, and stuck her tongue out at him. Lash replied by sticking out a long forked tongue at her that gave her the shivers in all the right places. She remembered what Lash was capable of doing with that tongue. Oh great! Now Kara's mind was in the gutter.... Sigh.

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Lash had spun the latest Orichalcum, Nth metal, Mithril, and Oan metal into Batwoman's suit. Along with a host of spell effects, inscriptions, and gizmo's. It may be a light weight exoskeleton, but it could complete with with medium gear sets when it came to equipment. It only took a few minutes for Kathrine to come out in uniform. The suit acted like a second skin for her and showed off the contours of her body. Every line, every curve, were accentuated. Then the flexible armor plates went over the polymer body suit. She had a top half mask just Batman did with fiery red hair for her disguise. Her cloak moved about just a little like it was a living thing.

A wolf whistle sounded out across the cave as Lizzy called out. She had stepped out of the fighting ring with out breaking a sweat. While Jason was gasping for air, and was struggling to stand. Everyone came over to give Batwoman a look over, she spun around and acted the part. Normally Kathrine was a little more conservative but she felt like showing off this time.

“Go run the obstacle course. Tell me if you feel anything off.” Lash suggested to her and she agreed.

The Bat Cave had a very long, functional obstacle course that was ultimately parkour to the 5th power. Went from cave walls, to concrete slabs, to suburban rooftops. All the way to jungles, and back to cave walls. Batwoman went through the whole course in record time. More than once she simply stuck to a wall thanks to animal spirit invocation. When she came back around Lash asked her to do the course again with only certain tools. Namely only technology, and no magic. She was noticeably slower, but still did it in record time.

“Want to spar?” Batwoman asked Lash, and the room went quiet. Kathrine looked around confused, was she not suppose to ask that?

“OK...” Lash said with a smile and walked towards the fighting ring. He pulled off his Glamour and revealed his Warden/Daemonic armor. With a soft hiss his helmet grew out of his collar and wrapped around his face.

Lash chose the medium gear set for adaptability, and versatility. The mechanical exoskeleton expanded and covered his body. Long, sleek, reptilian design. His face mask looked like a reptilian skeleton face. His armor plates were design after scales you would find on a crocodile, or maybe a dragon? He decided to stay in human form and jumped over the fighting ring ropes. He landed softly in the center and turned towards Batwoman who swallowed audibly. She squared her shoulders, thrust her chest out, and lifted her chin. She walked across the cave then jumped into the air thanks to the boost to her stats. She landed in the fighting ring with out a sound.

“Ummm....Begin?” Jason said softly from the side of the ring. Then Isabella chimed a little bell. Then a resounding BAM! Echoed through the whole cave. Batwoman was face down with her arm pulled back in a lock.

“Gaaaah!” Batwoman screamed out in pain, and in shock. Less than a second had passed! Lash let her go and stepped back to the other side of the ring.

“Wait! Wait! I think we should set some rules!” Selina said as she came over with a smile.

“Lash only use mundane abilities please. Its not fair otherwise. Remember its just a spar.” Selina said, and Lash nodded in agreement.

Lash had used Personal Time and simply planted Batwoman into the floor. Batwoman slowly stood up and Lash watched as the suit sent pulses of energy into her 'injured' areas. She would soon be up and about with no issue. She took a more controlled stance and said she was ready. Lash did the same and the bell was rung again. They both stood there, well Batwoman was bouncing on the balls of her feet waiting for something. Lash stood perfectly still watching her with a careful eye.

Then Batwoman made a feint to her right and Lash sprinted across the arena moving in on her left. He whipped his leg out in a spin and brought it down hard across the floor mat. A resounding CRASH! Rang out across the cave as Lash brought his boot heel into the ground. Batwoman sprang jumped away and threw a batarang at him. Lash snatched the batarang out of the air. The device exploded into smoke!

The smoke was harmless but it would confuse and disorient the untrained. Lash sprinted through the smoke with ease and found his target. She jumped to the side using her suits user interface to predict his movement. Then she landed and did a one-two punch maneuver quick and easy. Then jumped away. Lash snagged her left ankle and swung her down into the floor mat. She bit back a groan and tried a spin kick into his face. But Lash had a firm grip on her ankle, she would have to break her tendons to spin.

“Bruce, how would you get out of this?” Lash asked, after about a minute of struggle from Batwoman.

“Do I know who I am fighting? Or are you a stranger?” Bruce asked objectively.

“Stranger.” Lash replied, still holding onto Batwoman's ankle. She was holding back a scream of frustration but was listening all the same.

“Batarang, flash bang. With the abilities you've shown so far I would assume you are a strong meta that could take a direct flash. So I would throw it directly at you.” Bruce said as he came around to look at Batwoman who quickly reached into her utility belt and threw that very thing. Everyone covered their ears as the BANG! Went off.

Lash let go of her. Though he didn't flinch at the BANG! Something Bruce noticed. Batwoman began to attack as quickly as she could. Almost with reckless abandonment, as if she had something to prove. Lash would bob and weave, roll to the side, and duck under kicks. He would catch a few unplanned attacks and throw her across the ring. But he wasn't attacking anymore. Batwoman was lagging behind now. She was tired, despite the exoskeleton doing a lot of the work. She was angry, and spending to much energy.

Bruce jumped into the ring and caught her from behind. Batwoman spun around with a mechanically boosted fist that would break bones! Bruce easily caught her hand and flipped her with a twist of his hip. She landed on the mat with a scream of frustration and jumped up in fury. Then felt an absolute calm fall over. Lash cast Calm Emotions onto her. Her breathing slowed down. She took stock of the situation and realized her mistake.

“Last time I saw Lash spar was in Themyscira. He fought against Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and about 50 elite Amazon guards. That was over a year ago. So don't feel bad.” Lizzy said to Batwoman who was slowly feeling her emotions come back to her.

“Did he win that one too?” Jason asked, and Lash barked out a laugh.

“Goodness no! We only stopped because I cut Superman. It was such a shock that we stopped.” Lash replied to Jason, and Kara looked at him in shock.

“Wait, you actually cut Clark? I didn't think that was possible.” Kara asked, and a few people looked at Lash with a new found respect, and a bit of fear.

“Kryptonian's have a weakness to magic. Even Selina in her divine aspect form could cut Clark.” Lash said, supplying an alternative to the subject. A few people turned to look at Selina who had a smug smile on her face.

“You all must also understand that my Lord Count is a demigod of monsters. It makes perfect sense that he can hurt even the mightiest of beings.” Vyllith called out from the stairs being followed by Alfred. They had heard the conflict and came to see who was fighting. That made everyone in the room turn to look at him.

“Its new, it was a reward from the Rift.” Lash said, shrugging his shoulders with a boy next door vibe that no one was believing.

“A reward from who?” Batwoman asked.

“The pantheon of Krypton. You could say they sponsored me.” Lash replied, and Kara's eyes went wide.

“Wait!? The pantheon of Krypton are real!?” Kara shouted in shock.

That started a whole new discussion. Lash healed Batwoman, and repaired her suit. He noticed a few things that were wrong with the suit and updated it. The suit needed an intuitive UI program to help her make decisions based on limited knowledge. Something that would help train her on the suit itself. It was something that Lash noticed was not in any ones suit. He sent an update data packet to Watch Tower to do that for all of the JLI. It would cut down on training time immensely. Then they discussed the pantheon on Krypton. Along with Gozith's kin. Then the pantheon on Earth. Jason was struck dumb when he found out that Lash held the divine spark of Loki in his arm.

“Can I have it?” Jason asked, and Lash looked at him in interest. Jason was definitely an interesting character in the comics, as Erik the gamer said. But this Jason was different. Bruce was far more of a father to this Jason thanks to Selina's influence.

A wisp of divine energy flowed out of Lash's arm. The spark of Loki snaked around Jason. Then flew back into Lash's arm. Lash shook his head in a clear no. Loki for the most part had enjoyed his time with Lash. He could look through the spark and watch all of Lash's adventures. Lash wouldn't be surprised if Loki was sitting on a couch with his Cosmic Patron laughing at the crap he got into.

“Do you have any one in mind to give it to?” Isabella asked, as she poked the mark with interest.

“Harley Quinn.” Lash said, and Dick choked on his own saliva and started to cough. Barbara looked at Lash like he had lost his mind. But Selina seem to step back and think about it.

“That...Actually makes a bit of sense. She's really turned over a new leaf. She opened that women's shelter. She's been helping a lot of people. But despite all that she is still a bit crazy.” Selina said thinking over the reasoning.

“What is a, 'women's shelter?'” Kory asked, confused on the subject.

By the time they finished telling Kory what the shelter was she seemed both intrigued and horrified that such a place even needed to exist. Why would men ever treat women in such a way? Of course Tamara had far more advance social programs, and every one was super strong. So conflicts were settled differently. Kory wanted to visit this women's shelter. So they decided to visit the shelter tomorrow morning.

Speaking of which! It was late so Lash packed up his crew which had expanded by one. Vyllith, Isabella, Lizzy, Kory, and Kara packed into the spell enchanted SUV. While Lash was in the driver seat, they said goodbye to the Bat-family and drove home through Gotham late at night. Lash was on the look out, this would be a perfect time for a dynamic event. But nothing happened!? It was almost like his Cosmic Patron didn't want to do the expected.

Unlike the night before, not everyone piled into Lash's bed. They all went to into their own guest bedrooms. More to say that Isabella, and Lizzy had a room. Another guest bedroom shared together by Kara, and Kory. While Lash had his own. But Lash didn't sleep this time. He sat out on his garden balcony in Meditation looking through his Domains.

A pair of soft, but strong arms wrapped around Lash from behind. He smelled a member of his Pack and leaned back against Li'ana. She had used the fae envoy portal hub on his balcony to visit him in the early morning. Days away from the Summer Solstice Li'ana must have been bouncing off the walls with energy. Li'ana was approximately 5'9” with jade white skin, golden blond hair, light blue eyes, with sylvan features. She wore a pair of tennis shoes, a pair of black running pants with a pink strip up both legs. With a black sports bra, and a lose leather jacket.

Lash could smell the sweat on her body. She had just finished her morning work out. An attempt to burn off the excess energy. Her body was warm, and vibrated with energy. He reached out and held her hands in his own and breathed her in. He established the Pack Bond with her. Both their stats jumped by 30%, and she could feel his anger, and boiling rage. But also his guilt, and regret. She hugged him tighter, and he could feel her reliable energy pressing against his own. She was happy to see him, sorry to for his pain, and was wondering if she could have morning dew tea?

“Yes of course! Please come in!” Lash said with a laugh and stood up in a fluid motion. He took a brief moment to hug Li'ana and she returned the gesture. Then Lash kissed her lips gently, and she reciprocated with a soft moan.

Lash broke the kiss after a bit a minute. Clearly wanting to continue but Lash saw that Li'ana had her bag with her. Which meant work was to be had. Li'ana leaned her head against Lash's chest and breathed him in. Then they stepped inside his home. Lash went to the kitchen and started to brew some tea while Li'ana took out a big golden leather bound book. Along with a golden pen. She began to flip through the pages until she found what she was looking for.

“Edwardo contacted the Seelie Courts and told us you would be interested in a solo hunting games. Is this true?” Li'ana's voice was clear, and sweet on Lash's ears. Lash glanced back at Li'ana and found her sitting up right in her chair, with perfect posture. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her pointed ears then looked at Lash.

“Yes, I didn't realize that was even a possibility. May I ask why you didn't suggest it?” Lash asked, as he came over to the table and poured her morning dew tea. Then he came around to the back of her chair and started to massage her neck, and shoulders.

“I...gaaa....I....OK! Stop! I can't think when you do that!” Li'ana wiggled out from under his hands and pulled him to sit down beside her.

“I didn't suggest it. Because it would be you alone against over a thousand different Fae hunters. Including the current selected Summer Queen. Now, since Edwardo suggested it the Summer Queen want's to know if you are really willing to participate in a solo hunt?” Li'ana asked, and pegged him with a glare. Lash shrugged, but had a smile on his face.

“Yes, I would love to do a solo hunt at the Summer Solstice Ball.” Lash replied, and Li'ana groaned. She wrote a simple letter into her book. The words were absorbed, then a reply was sent back in a timely manner.

“Despite the fact that the Ball is in less than two days they are sure that hundreds of Fae houses will participate in a chase to hunt down Warden Lash. You have also been included in an exclusive protection spell ward to avoid any form of cheating. They don't want anyone influencing your decisions.” Li'ana said with a grimace.

“Anything different about the hunt?” Lash asked, as he began to play his nails up and down Li'ana's neck. She leaned into his hand but didn't shake him off.

“You can't wear enchanted gear. You can't wear magically enhanced gear like leather imbued with Orichalcum. Just standard a started leather kit. Like you did during the Winter Ball your first year. To compensate for your Space, and Time Domains they will extend the hunting area by a large margin. You also only have a single minute head start instead of five.” Li'ana went through the little details. But pulled open her golden book as it filled out the intimate details.

Half way through the contract the words disappeared and were replaced by a question. Was Lash interested in joining the original hunt. But tailored to his unique abilities? So they would 2,000 hunted countered with 1,000 hunters. Along with a longer hunting field. Apparently the hunted had heard about his private match and wanted to just join his. Lash grinned at the unexpected event. Ooooo, that was going to be fun! Li'ana's shoulders sagged and replied with a favorable response. However, she wanted everyone to sign a geas to prevent cheating. So the same thing wouldn't happen like it did during the Winter Hunting games.

A were-hyena pack during the Winter Hunt had people in the hunted, and hunters. They tried to draw the hunted in, and get tagged by the hunters. Lash had figured it out during the match and got them banned. Attempting to rig the game was heresy to the Court games. In the end Lash got all of the hunted across the finish line. He only took out about 1/3 of the hunters chasing them. Lash was curious how many he could take out this time? Unfortunately he couldn't take them all out. It would be disrespectful. But he could take out a lot!

The giant golden book, or rather who ever was on the other side agreed. A geas spell contract would be signed to ensure no cheating. Thanks to Lash's efforts, or rather house Kuldr betting was now allowed during the hunting games. After five minutes Lash's Warden information page was blowing up with people wishing him luck in the hunting games. Ten minutes later a dozen new gargoyles began to roost around his building. Apparently the odds were in his favor, but it some of the best hunters -->>

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