Chapter 73: Navigator(2/3)
Dynamic Event Complete!
Objective: Stop the fight! Complete [+]
Bonus Objective: Prevent Civilian Casualties! [67%]
Bonus Objective: Capture, or kill both gangs! [100%]
Reward: City of Detroit reputation increase.
Comment: Looks like there is a new sheriff in town!
Since they joined the entire fight had taken less then ten minutes to conclude. Lash set up an emergency triage unit for all the injured civilians while Kory watched the prisoners. Kara insisted on doing something, she wanted to do something else. Lash was both worried for her, and confused. Kara had killed people before why was this any different? He'd have to ask later. VICI was till sleepy, so Lash linked up with emergency response, along with the local Wardens. Another twenty minutes and Lash in his Wraith disguise was talking to the officer in charge on the scene as Wraith re attached a severed limb.
“So you were here to speak to the green guy right? The Martian? Then you came across the fight and jumped in to help?” The officer in charge was angry, but also thankful. Wraith was technically certified to work in any country that the United Nations had a hand in.
“That is correct, sir! I do apologize for stepping in with out permission. I did not mean to step on any ones toes. But we were capable of helping, and as you know, no one with a badge is ever truly off duty.” Lash said as he finished with the limb and talked to the medic about what needed to be done.
“You saved lives, and put down some freaks that needed putting down. No offense to you and your company Agent Wraith. I heard that you install meta-human inhibitor cells in police stations are we getting that too?” The officer asked, Lash stopped mid step and looked at him in surprise.
“Wait? You don't have them installed yet? Hold on I'll make a call, major cities were suppose to be done by now.” Lash replied and pulled up a holographic window to call ARGUS.
=============================================================
Steven Reynolds had joined ARGUS this past year. He had been recruited from the army rangers, and was considered a shoe in for officer training. But he had dropped the army at a chance to work in ARGUS. Strange things were happening and he had been told ARGUS was where it would happen. So far he had to agree!
Reynolds was sitting in a briefing room listening to the head of the department. Reynolds was taking notes, and writing questions down to ask at the end of the briefing. The room was filled with over a dozen men and women. Several of them who had recently been recruited for their extra talents. They had drank the dark matter Kool-Aid and obtained abilities. Reynolds looked at their handler, Agent Dutch, then at Agent Nickel, Agent Murmur, along with a few others. Then he looked back at the front to ask questions. But before anyone could speak the door burst open and officer ran in to talk to the lead. Everyone went quiet and waited for a response. Lead nodded his head a few times, frowned, and rubbed his face.
“Alright everyone! Scrub what you just heard! Pack up your gear for urban undercover work, and response. We are heading to Detroit.” Lead said, everyone knew better than to say anything. We all gave a yes sir! Got up and went to the door. Well almost everyone.
“So! Whats in Detroit?” Agent Nickels voice sounded out. His enthusiasm was infectious and it made people smile.
“You are escorting Director Waller to see Agent Wraith.” Lead said, every froze mid step. Oh God! They were escorting the Wall!?
=============================================================
ARGUS had assured Wraith that a technical team would be out in less than a day to install the meta-human inhibitors in the Detroit MCU's. They also requested that Wraith not leave the city, Director Waller wanted to talk to him. Lash agreed to wait, since he planned on being here anyways. After several hours on the scene Lash and company made it at last to the hotel.
Like most super-natural business, homes, and places of gathering they blended in to the mundane world around them. They went to a commercial economics building where several big companies in Detroit had their firms. They drove into the underground parking garage and came up to a solid wall. After a moment the wall rippled like it was a pool of water and they drove through it, entering another underground garage that was guarded by Fae.
Kory, and Kara were beside themselves in awe as the men and women that came to help them to their rooms were exceptionally good looking! Like above and beyond! Lash realized that many of them had the glamorous perception. Which meant they were all high born sylvan, or sidhe. They were showed to a giant room that could fit a house in it. Inside the room were three people, two male sidhe in bodyguard black suits, each long swords attached to their backs, and sub-machine guns under their coat. The last was a woman, who was encircled by the guards.
The woman was 5'8” with long rich brown hair that was expertly curled, she had deep jasmine eyes, full red lips, bouncing breasts, a tiny waist, and an ass that made the eyes draw up and down her backside. She wore a silver glimmering dress that cut off at her ankles, with naked toe heels, the top was a heart shape neckline with no shoulders. Allowing plenty of cleavage but also support. Along her forearms were several silver, gold, and gem encrusted arm bands that screamed magically enchanted. Lash recognized a few of the enchants from his time in Nost'rok's shop. Despite her appearance Lash was 100% sure this woman was trained as a warrior. Lash walked until he was thirteen feet from her took a knee and preformed the standard Warden greeting, as well as the custom sidhe greetings of hello. Which brought a smile to the woman.
“Warden Lash, and Partner Saurian greets the Princess of the Summer Seelie Court. How may we be of service?” Lash said with a bowed head.
Kara, and Kory stood stock still behind Lash looking at him, then at the woman. Even they could tell she was royalty in some regard. They looked at each other, then at Lash wondering what to do. The Princess laughed, and both of their knees went weak at the sound of her voice. The Princess batted her eye lashes at the women but before Kory, or Kara could fall over and lick this woman's feet. An audible growl resonated through the room. With an audible pop! Kara, and Kory came back to themselves, the woman before them was very beautiful. But they no longer felt the urge to worship her.
“I see! So the rumors about you are true, Warden Lash! Wonderful I've come to the right person.” The Princess said with a smile.
Kara, and Kory excused themselves to get cleaned up. While Lash went to the balcony of the hotel. No pool this time, Kory was upset. But the master bedroom had a very large jacuzzi! Kory elected to stay in that room and share it with Kara. Since Lash didn't seem to sleep anyways! The balcony had a wonderful view of the night life of the city as the sun had started to set. The bodyguards never left the princess side. Who's name was simply 'L'. The elected Queens of the Seelie, and UnSeelie courts never gave their names away to prevent miss understandings.
Lash wanted to remain kneeling in respect to the princess station but she declined his generous offer so they sat down at the outside table under an awning. L was the picture of refine culture, custom, and etiquette of a lady of the court. She sat down with a straight back that never touched the back rest, she leaned slightly forward with her shoulders pushed back. She crossed her legs, and placed her palms her lap. While her jasmine eyes watched Lash like a cat would look at a mouse. Lash was under no illusions about the situation. He was the mouse, no questions asked.
“I have a request. I assure you that its a request and nothing more. I want you to make another fertility charm, preferably two! Give it directly to the Seelie, and UnSeelie Courts.” L said, her voice was clear as a bell but also promised sweet sensual pleasures.
Lash just looked at her with an indifferent look. Aside from Torloth he had never eluded to the fact that he had made the charm himself. He wouldn't believe that Torloth had said anything unless it played to an advantage. Which could be clearly possible in this situation. The Princess clearly said she wanted two charms for both courts. Not just the Seelie. This was incredibly dangerous waters. Lash could lie, but lying to the elected queen would have grave consequences. Detroit technically was not Lash's Queen of interaction. At the Summer Ball he would attend the East Coast Sumer Court realm. He wouldn't see her there. But all the same, she was a selected version of Queen Titania.
“I'll need a full enchanters work room.” Lash said at last. L stayed perfectly still but her two bodyguards both flinched. Lash kept his eyes on her though.
“To make it clear these charms will be gifted to the entire Seelie, and UnSeelie courts? Not just the sections?” Lash inquired.
“Of course! We will also due you the favor of not telling where we got them from. Only the Queens will now. Never mind these two, they will swear an oath of silence. How long will you need?” L asked, a smile tugged on her lips.
“A few days..” Lash said, and almost regretted it. He should have asked for more. The clear shock in L's face was evident enough! A fertility charm of 20% increase with no side effects only needs a few days to craft!?
L's eyes danced up and down Lash like he was a piece of prime meat waiting to be cooked and devoured. L's breaths grew into pants, as she uncrossed her legs and leaned forward. Her entire body flushed in clear delight. Lash could smell that she was aroused, and her glamour was oozing off of her. Her bodyguards dropped to their knees and started to moan in pleasure. But that was when she realized that Lash was perfectly fine.
“That doesn't work on me, Princess.” Lash said softly, as his old friend Nullification had activated when L had activated her seduction charm.
L looked perplexed, and surprised. She settled down in her chair and smoothed out her skirt. She pulled back her hair that had fallen forward to reveal her long neck line, and smiled in satisfaction when Lash admired her. She snapped her fingers and the charm stopped working on her guards. They jumped to their feet and bowed in apology. She dismissed their words with a glance. L returned her gaze to Lash and continued to watch him.
“I'll have all the tools you need sent to your room. This hotel belongs to the Summer Court and only the inner court is aware of this request. The Dragon made it very clear that threatening you would be a bad idea. I have to say, I agree. Now, we should discuss payment should we not?” L said, she snapped her fingers and one of her guards pulled out a note book.
“I wont bore you with money, The Dragon was very clear that you are a rich man. So what do you want?” L said, she held a golden pen poised to write what ever Lash desired.
“Nothing...” Lash replied. L's eyes narrowed, she looked angry.
“I assure you, the Seelie Court is no push over we...” L began, sparks of arcane energy danced around her. She stopped as Lash held up a hand.
“The first charm I crafted. I should have given to the Wardens. I didn't, I gave to Juliana. I don't regret that decision. I ask for nothing but the courts forgiveness. I will make two charms, one for each court. All I ask is that they forgive me for not keeping my oath of neutrality.” Lash finished, L looked at him with a bemused expression. The anger evaporated into thin air.
“We can do that!” L took a few minutes to write into her golden note book. Lash was reminded of the massive books he had seen both his Envoys, and Skaleg write in before. L nodded after a few minutes and closed the note book. She handed them both back to her guard.
“The deal is made, two charms of no less quality than the one give to the dragon. For the full forgiveness of the Courts. Your oath will be full filled Warden Lash. On a personal note, I have to say I'm impressed! For one so young you aim to please!” L concluded with a smile, and stood from her seat. Lash was quick to jump to his feet and bow from his waist.
Lash saw the princess to the door and was struck dumb when she kissed his cheek goodbye. He didn't move for a good ten minutes. He may have been immune to her glamour but that didn't mean he couldn't appreciate a beautiful sidhe. So that added another thing to the list of things to do. Looked like he would be in Detroit for a bit longer then expected. Lash found a comfy chair and collapsed into it. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, trying to center himself. The sound of giggling and water splashing were heard from the master bedroom. The scent of body wash, shampoo, and conditioner entered the main room.
Lash opened his eyes to see Kory standing in front of him wearing nothing but a towel, her fiery red hair wet and falling over her shoulders. She was leaning forward making no move to cover her exposed cleavage. She simply smiled at him, she came over to him and crawled into his lap like a cat. She folded her arm across her chest, tucked her feet up, and put her head on Lash's shoulder.
“Thank you for rescuing us from her charm. I don't like being mind controlled.” Kory whispered. Lash reached out and stroked her wet hair, she snuggled closer into his embrace.
“I know...Sorry about that. That is another part of my job. Are you hungry?” Lash asked, and Kory perked right up! If she had ears they would have stood strait up. Of course her towel fell down and her bouncing breasts where inches from Lash's face.
Lash looked at Kory, who looked down at him. She was waiting for him to do something. His hand snaked up the natural curve of her back, and it brought a shiver from Kory as she arched her back. Lash slowly reached Kory's head and gently grabbed her hair and pulled back. Kory's entire body went rigid, her breath quickened. She was on the edge of both anger, and pleasure. Lash pulled her head to him and gently kissed her lips. She moaned softly and returned the kiss before she squeaked in surprise and jumped out of his lap. He had tickled her sides. She yowled angrily at him, but a smile never left her lips.
“Lash whats for dinner?” Kara's voice called from the bathroom.
“Sea food!” Lash walked over to Kory who stood up and was just a bit taller than him. He handed her towel back which she took to wrap her hair up. She drew her fingers along his jaw line and felt the snake scales there.
“Are all the men on Earth as frustrating as you, Lash?” Kory whispered, as she pressed her body against him.
“No... I'm a special kind of stupid.” Lash replied, Kory blinked at him.
“What does your intelligence have to do with sex?” Kory asked.
“Depends who you talk too.” Lash replied, he leaned in and kissed her cheek and walked towards the kitchen. Kory took the chance to slap his ass as he walked away. Lash laughed and started to shake his ass mockingly at her.
Lash made Shrimp Creole, Conch Fritters, Brodetto, Fried Clams, Fried Oysters, Croquetas de bacalao, Catfish, his favorite sushi vegas roll, Maryland Crab Cakes, Clam Bake. He essentially went to the one hundred famous seafood recipes found on the internet and made it for them. His Advanced Cooking received a lot of experience if made the ingredients and then cooked them. Instead of just creating the food itself.
While he cooked he found out from Kara as she tried to help in the kitchen that the man she had killed at looked like one of her friends from Krypton. For a brief moment in the fight she had thought he was her friend. She was horrified when she had killed him. It brought up her home all over again. Lash could understand that. To help take her mind off of it he made some chocolate pudding for her and Kory to eat while he cooked.
Kory eventually put on some cloths at the insistence of Kara. Lash had caught Kara more than once checking Kory out. Whether it was a physical attraction or just envious stare due to Kory's perfect body, who knew! Kory put on a pair of silk pj's that the hotel had provided, as did Kara. Kory suggested that they take another bath with Lash after dinner since he hadn't cleaned up yet. Kara didn't say no, but didn't say yes either. She just looked down and blushed from her ears to her cheeks.
Dinner was eventually served at the table, Kory as always could eat a lot of food. They talked about the different places they wanted to see in the city. As well as the possible recruits for the League. Lash pulled up Cynthia Reynolds, Mari Jiwe McCabe, and Victor Stone. The holographic windows danced above the table.
“Victor Stone is a college student who plays foot ball. He has a genius level IQ, great athlete, and has a scientific brilliant father, Silas Stone. However, there relationship is rocky at best. Silas committed to his work and often forgets to spend time with his son. He loves Victor but Silas often looses track of time, as he works in STAR labs.” Lash pulled up a simple report on Stone.
“Is he a meta-human?” Kara asked between bites of lobster.
“Nope, he is an ordinary human. Or was at the most recent reports. Victor has been missing for the past two weeks. His father claims he was in an accident, and is being treated in STAR labs. But no one outside of the lab has seen Victor.” Lash replied, this was all the information he had found thanks to VICI and his own Technomancy.
Victor Stone or Cyborg's story was a sad one. A young man at the height of his life! A football star at his college and almost shoe in for the NFL. He had near perfect grades. He was amazing! But it was a pity that his father never took the time to see him. Ever since Elinor Stone, Victors mother had died. The distance between father and son had grown. Until at last Victor had enough, he got into an argument with his father at STAR labs and through an accident became Cyborg. That is how it happened in the comics. Lash wanted to see if he could help Victor regain some of his old life.
“Who is this?” Kory asked, as she pointed to the picture of a young woman.
“Cynthia Reynolds, also known has Gypsy due to the way she dresses.... Gypsy is a culture of people here on Earth we can go over it later if you like.” Lash said to both Kory, and Kara.
“Reports say she is capable of crafting illusions? Like you, Lash?” Kara said, as she read the report.
“Yes, and no. Gypsy's is a meta-human. She can bend, and manipulate reality. To create realistic illusions that can trick the five senses. So, she can creature illusions. But my illusions actually have substance to some degree.” Lash replied.
“Last but not least, is Mari Jiwe McCabe. I would like to recruit her for the League. She is a normal human who has obtained a powerful talisman that allows her to mimic the abilities of the animal kingdom. Example; she can channel an eagle and fly through the sky, or a cheetah to run faster.” Lash showed images of each animal to both of them.
“Amazing! She is completely human? The power is from the talisman?” Kory asked, clearly fascinated.
“She is also very talented with athletics, boxing, hand to hand combat. I would say she is advanced but compared to you Kory most advanced students in hand to hand combat are mere children to you.” Lash replied with a smile. Kory sat up straighter and squared her shoulders enjoying the compliment.
“So who is already part of the League in Detroit?” Kara asked, trying to steer the conversation back on topic.
“J'onn J'onzz, and M'gann M'orzz. They are natives to the planet known has Mars in this solar system. J'onn is the uncle to M'gann. Their code names are Martian Manhunter, and Miss Martian. Martians are talented shape shifters. So while on Earth they take on a human disguise. I'll emphasize this, do not give their mundane identities away. Aliens are still illegal on this world.” Lash said with grimace as he looked at his two companions who both nodded.
“We are suppose to meet the Martians tomorrow at... Bryson's Family Treat Restaurant, its a local established food center. Average to good food, its run by a retired hero. Well before the Justice Leagues time. Some of the locals are aware of the owners past. But again, private identities are important.” Lash stressed the last issue again.
“So all in all we won't be leaving Detroit till we have at the very least spoken to all of these people. I also have an assignment from my other job to preform. It shouldn't take up much time. Yes, you can watch me work if you want to.” Lash said, and finished with a smirk at the last part. Kory was curious what kind of work he was doing.
“Alright! Lets have dessert and go to bed! We have a long day tomorrow!” Lash clapped his hands and went to retrieve the cake!
Kory ended eating half of the cherry angel food cake Lash had made. Despite Kory's insistence on taking another bath with Lash Kara dragged her along to their own bedrooms. Lash simply cast Immaculate on himself, and cleaned up the kitchen. Once everything was cleaned up he turned down the lights and went to the balcony to practice his new Domain through Meditation. He found a comfortable position and started to delve into his Domains.
Each Spell Domain effects the others. Lash discovered aside from his Spell Domain of Rebirth. Every other Spell Domain received a boost for having Space added to the mix. Lash touched on the Trickery Domain and felt the spark of Loki in his arm twitch. Lash expected Loki to become frustrated with his lack of progress, but instead Lash felt like the spark enjoyed the show that was his life. Maybe Gypsy would like to become the God-Kin of Loki?
“Can't sleep?” Lash said from his place. Kara jumped in surprise by the door way.
“How do you do that?” Kara said with a frown, she sheepishly walked over and sat cross legged in front of Lash. She had the hotel silk pj's on. They were deep red, and looked really nice on Kara. Her long blond hair half covered her face as she looked at him.
“I...I just wanted to say thank you. For taking me along on this trip. Part of me looks forward to going back to the farm. The simple life! But I'm also looking forward to picking my own city and fighting the good fight. So.... Thank you!” Kara finished, she leaned forward and kissed Lash gently on the lips.
Lash had kept his eyes closed the whole time, but he did freeze when Kara gave him a chaste kiss. Kory was rubbing off on her. Kara didn't move away, but she stopped breathing as she waited for a reaction. Lash opened his eyes to look at her, his yellow green reptilian eyes looked deep into her. Saurian brushed across her inner self and nuzzled. Kara blushed deep crimson but had a small smile on her face, she got up and went back to bed. A tempting sway to her hips as she moved.
Advanced Charming Presence had gained experience. Fuck.... Lash needed to finish this tour before Clark crushed his skull. Lash was reasonably sure that Clark wouldn't kill him if he dated Kara. But Clark would never accept the polyamorous relationship way of life that Lash had adopted. It was all or nothing for the Kryptonian. Lash cleared his mind which was far easier then it was before and returned to his practice.
Congratulations User! You've learned a new Spell/Skill from your Space Domain.
Infinite Supply:The user is able to possess an unlimited supply of any mundane essential. For example, the user could cause a canteen to never run out of the water, a notebook to never run out of paper, a quiver to never run out of arrows or a gun to never run out of bullets.
Effect: A percentage of magical and skill energy will be taken for each use. (Grows with time)
Lash opened his eyes wide in absolute horror and fascination! Holy Shit that was incredibly over powered! Even if it was only mundane items. This opened a whole new level of enchantments, as well as gear, and tech he could make. His shredder turrets at New Orleans had to fabricate the bullets with the use of the ambient energy in the air. But even that could eventually dry up. With this, he could make as many bullets he wanted as long as he had energy. So essentially this spell allowed him to skip a step, which meant less energy consumption. Nice.
Lash wanted to continue but he was struck dumb when he looked around. The sun was starting to rise. He had been delving into his Spell Domain for nearly ten hours straight. Time flies when you are working on something fun. Lash stood up and did a set of stretches. He applied Sooth, and Nature's Supplement to help recover. His whole body tingled with joy at the renewal of energy. He walked inside to start breakfast.
Turns out he couldn't make infinite omelets, though he could make as many eggs as he wanted! This was Fabrication on steroids! Though Fabrication could make other things that Infinite Supply couldn't. So still a reason to use the spell. Kara, and Kory soon jumped into the shower to prepare for the day. A knock on the front door to the hotel room and Lash found a man with a large suit case. He handed the suit case off along with a note. Lash thanked him and stepped back inside.
The suit case was a mobile Enchanting tool shop. It was keyed to Lash, and only Lash so he wouldn't have to worry about anyone stealing his work. He took the kit to the master bed room and sealed it away in the safe that was located there. He came back out to set the table just in time to see Kara, and Kory walk out wearing fluffy cotton bath robes. They each kissed Lash on the cheek and sat down at the table to eat. After the meal they pulled up their holographic phones and started to look through fashion choices for Detroit for Lash to make.
Kara chose black boots, with skinny jeans, with a gray tank top that said Detroit vs everyone. Along with a half cut leather jacket. She pulled her blond hair back into a pony tail, and pulled her charm out to change her skin color, while her eyes and hair changed based on her mood. Green was the current color! She had chosen a pair of black lace bra, and under wear.
Kory chose red tennis shoes, with ripped jeans that stopped at her calf's, she wore an over sized red shirt that let her pull it down to one side to reveal her naked shoulder, and the excess amount of shirt tied up in a knot to reveal her belly button. She had chosen red lace bra, and under wear. She put on the charm as well to change her skin color, and her eyes and hair changed to light blue.
Lash went with his standard black military boots, black pants, black t-shirt, with black leather jacket that went to his thighs. He created the image of a man with shoulder length blond hair that was tied back into a pony tail. He had yellow green human eyes, with a soft three clawed jagged scar down his face. Kara traced the scar and found she could actually feel the scar tissue. Trickery Domain, Bending. Bend the rules just a bit! Gives all of his spells a bit of a push.
Lash gave them both wallets with ID's, money, and credit cards in them. They went to his account so he wasn't worried. Lash was practically drowning in money right now, at least human money! They left their car in the parking garage and decided to walk towards their destination. Which was of course completely insane! The restaurant they were expected at was at the other side of the city! But they enjoyed a nice walk through Detroit foot traffic on a work day.....Right.
Detroit surprisingly had spacious side walks, and lots of path ways for tourists! Which was exactly what they were. Lash expected a lot of foot traffic, swearing, and near death experiences. Maybe Gotham had spoiled him? Lash knew that there were bad parts of Detroit, but the area they walked through now was pretty nice. Kara, and Kory turned several heads where ever they walked, and Lash did draw a few glances from some people. His illusion didn't make him bad looking, just average. Course it may have been the jagged scar across his face. Or the fact that two gorgeous women were on either arm.
They eventually conceded and got a lift to the restaurant it was almost lunch time. They asked the driver where do tourist normally go and he laughed as he pulled up a tourist pamphlet. Then spoke about a few places they could go, along with several night clubs. The driver was a young man who was in school and used the lift business to make a bit of money on the side. Kory asked him several questions, her accent was very clear and he really enjoyed having a beautiful woman hang on him. After the ride was over Lash made sure to tip a good hundred dollars plus the fare. The man thanked him, then got a stupid grin on his face with Kory kissed his cheek.
Bryson's family restaurant was a two story building at the corner of a intersection. The secon-->>