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*******Alberta, Canada*******

The soldiers in pitch black armor very carefully set up their forward operations base. (FOB) The Rift was only so big so they brought everything through in pieces. For every ten people one of them would have a different armor on. This would designate the squad leader, each leader was inhumanly stronger than the rest of the unit. They also worked the hardest, and longest. Price of rank with in their army.

The Rift to the alternate reality continued to bubble and fluctuate around the edges. Changing from a variety of colors, blue, black, gray, and red. The anchor pins around the Rift vibrated and gave off a constant hum. Next to the Rift stood a giant man at least seven feet tall, and wide as a door. The Rift commander. Though he stood by the Rift, he had several operation windows in front of him as he continued to monitor the situation around them.

Several spikes in energy came off the Rift, then four streaks of lightning ran from the Rift. Dark purple, blue, red, and green. Four speedsters came from their world, each one in pitch black armor with a lightning bolt icon on their shoulders. The armor covered the speedsters from head to toe, but the commander could see that two of the speedsters were women purely based off the design and physique of the soldiers.

“Welcome to Earth-004, our third conquest. We've already determined the presence of Meta-Humans in this reality, as well as multiple speedsters presence. All the same, recon, information gathering, and no contact. Any chance of being seen eliminate those that have spotted you and return to the FOB, understood?” The Rift Commander said, the four speedsters saluted then left with out a word.

The Rift commander watched his screens and saw that the speedsters had already left the limited sight line of their observation. They had take this slow, and careful. They made that mistake the first world they conquered. They won't make that mistake this time. The commander looked up and saw storm clouds begin to roll in. Where ever they were on this world they seem to be close to the northern pole based off their instruments. Good, it would hide their approach, but the snow, and water made building a base a pain.

“One step at a time, praise the Emperor...” The Rift commander said softly to himself. His eyes twitched and for a brief moment the commander snarled in silent rage. An electrical spark from his helmet 'corrected' this inconsistent nature. The commander returned to his obedient, and programmed personality.

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Lash sat in a chair made from Fabrication, and Alteration inside of Mari Jiwe McCabe aka Vixen's home. He remained in his Wraith disguise though his hood was down so Mari could see him. His skull crest had grown a little more. Allowing for cranial ridges, and horns along the edges. The tribal magic marks glowed softly as he watched her, she also was watching him. Kory, Kara, and Megan sat in the living room. Kory naive, or simply didn't care was sitting in her seat with a bucket of double mint chocolate chip ice cream from Mari's freezer. Comfort food that Mari would save for a bad day.

“So.... You are the one that changed the Sahara back into a jungle?” Mari asked? She sat in a large single person chair in the living room. Her legs tucked up and under her, still in her tiger stripped leather outfit.

“Yes, five specific locations turned into groves to help stimulate growth, and renewal in the desert.” Lash said, his animalistic voice harsh on Mari's ears. Lash's three companions had grown use to his voice while disguised as Wraith.

“Thanks for that. I'm part of a charity foundation that helps families in Africa with food, water, and medicine. The jungles are a god send to them, many of the tribes there speak of you in reverence. So, what kind of job did you want to offer?” Mari asked, though she was extremely confident in herself she didn't know how to act around Wraith.

“Have you heard of the Justice League?” Lash asked, as he created a holographic image. Several news articles, videos, and in person dialogues about the League itself. Mari nodded her head as she looked it over, then her eyes went wide in realization.

“You want me to join the league?! I thought you worked for the UN?” Mari said in astonishment.

“I do work for the UN. If you would like a job with World Security we can also do that. But the Justice League has a bit more freedom. A loose organization, pros and cons to it. But for now its working well.” Lash replied, his massive scaled tail coiled around his chair, the serrated edge of his tail tip made Mari flinch. The Lion spirit still attuned to Mari was afraid of it.

“What about you three? What are your stories?” Mari asked, as she looked at Kara, Kory, and Megan.

“Alien, home world is destroyed. Wraith is showing me around Earth so I have a better understanding of my new home. Superman is my cousin.” Kara said, her voice indifferent as she ate a spoonful of ice cream.

“Alien, I'm from Mars. I'm working with my Uncle, Martian Manhunter to create a dialogue and peaceful co-existence between Earth, and Mars. Wraith is showing me around Earth so I can have a better understanding of the cultures here.” Megan chimed in as she sat up right, and attempted to be a model citizen. Though her cheeks flushed a bit when Lash smiled at her.

“Alien, exiled Princess from another world. Earth is my new home, and Wraith is my friend. He is showing me around the world. I have to say, Earth has a lot of delicious food!” Kory replied, and continued to eat the double mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Mari just stared wide eyed at the three women on her couch eating her ice cream. She looked back at the giant lizard that was Wraith who shrugged at her. Lash continued to watch her, and understood this was a lot to swallow. Normally he wouldn't have done it this way, but to be honest he was tired. He desperately needed to rest but he had so much to do he knew it would be days before he could get any form of sleep.

Should we tell her about the invasion? -Megan asked telepathically to Lash.

No, that would be even harder to swallow then what she already has. -Lash replied, Megan nodded and went back to sitting up straight. Mari had watched her look at Wraith, then look back at her. Woman intuition told Mari that Megan had just asked Wraith something.

“Am I being forced to join?” Mari asked, and Lash shook his head.

“Not at all, Miss McCabe. It is an offer, we believed that since you clearly plan to continue your crime fighting persona that it might help if you had resources to assist in your mission.” Lash replied, as he pulled down the holographic windows.

“Mission? I don't even know how I am doing the things I am doing! I don't understand why I am compelled to go out every night and help people!” Mari all but shouted, her cheeks flushed as she realized she was shouting and leaned into her seat.

“I believe its the totem around your neck compelling you to help, is it not?” Lash inquired, Mari sat up straight in her seat. Megan looked confused, she didn't see any necklace.

“You can see the necklace!? Your the first person I've met to have seen it!” Mari said, excitement clear in her voice.

“May I?” Lash reached out for the necklace, Mari knowing the result slipped the necklace off and put it in Lash's claws. The spiritual lion faded from Mari as Lash looked it over.

Lash studied the totem as several prompts of information popped up. Windows only he could see as Re:Implant activated. He was surprised to find out the golden fox head was made from Orichalcum, but it made sense since was made from a god. Anansi the African trickster God, also well known to be attached to 'The Red'. Lash looked up and cast Insight on Mari.

Mari Jiwe McCabe/ Vixen.

Title: God-Kin, (Anansi) Shaman, High Priestess of Africa.

Origin: Mundane. Sub-Origin: Magical.

Rank: D+

Skills: Athletics, Boxing, Business Management, Hand to Hand combat, (See tool tip)

Powers: Personification of The Red (Dormant)

Domains: Spirit Invocation.

Racial Trait: Animal Intuition.

Flaw: Animal Behavior.

Disposition: Neutral.

Comment: Mari is new to the world of magic, gods, and the supernatural. Part of her wishes to return to the simple life of being a successful model, business owner, and being an everyday heroine. But, even if she won't admit it out loud she loves the way it feels to rescue someone.

Lash blinked at the new bullet point of 'Flaw', maybe a new version went through. First time he saw that one. Animal Behavior meant that the longer she attuned to a specific animal she would channel their behavior. Lash understood that concept. Channel the lion long enough and she would start to crave red meat, have a desire to chase zebra's, and tear people apart that enter her territory.

Lash continued to play his claws along the totem and saw that Mari was surprised by something. Lash looked through its design and saw that it had a 'Return to user' setting. So it would teleport back to her after a moment, but it remained in his hands. Interesting. The Loki God-Spark in his forearm vibrated softly, and the totem did the same. Aha! Two trickster god sparks in the same area. They must be talking.

“The totem is spiritually bound to you. So it always returns to you no matter the distance. It's chosen you as its wielder and will not leave until it decides on another. However, its damaged.” Lash commented, Mari had jumped across the room and was standing next to him the moment he said it was damaged. She was clearly agitated by the news.

“Damaged!? How, I never did anything to it! Wait, was it damaged before it came to me?” Mari asked, then jumped back in fright at being so close to Lash. His shroud had wrapped around her when she stepped close to it.

“I can fix it, give me a moment.” Lash replied, and took out an Orichalcum ingot, and began to repair the crack he found in the necklace.

The crack was minuscule, but even a tiny amount can have long last effects on magical items. What seemed like only a few minutes to Lash had turned into nearly an hour for everyone else. Lash barely noticed the difference but when he came back to his senses the totem glowed a brilliant golden glow and the entire room was washed away. Lash was in a completely black room with a bone fire in front of him. An old black man sat by the fire. He had gray hair, wrinkled skin, and an amiable smile on his face as he gestured for Lash to take a seat by the fire. He wore a tribal african full body shawl with a variety of browns, golds, and red colors. Lash came to the fire and took a knee, and performed a perfect Warden etiquette custom.

“Ehehe! Come, come take a seat! Warden. I am old, and don't have the same energy to return such customs. But thank you none the less...” Anansi said to Lash. Anansi's voice was like rich honey on the ears.

“How may this Warden be of service?” Lash asked, Anansi smiled at him. His teeth gleaming white, though his canines were a little long.

“You already have! Its been centuries since the totem has seen a smith capable of repairing it. I can sense that you mean me chosen no harm, and only want her safe. This is good! All that I ask is that you look in on her from time to time. She is head strong, prideful, and tends to run into things she can't handle. Bit of a trouble maker!” Anansi said with a brilliant smile, despite his words he was proud of Mari.

“Of course! Though I feel I have frightened her.” Lash replied as he bowed his head in reverence.

“You are under a lot of stress. I do not envy you! You have some of the worst luck I have ever seen in a mortal. You seem to attract disaster! But as long as you push through it, and survive! Things always seem to work out!” Anansi replied with another smile. The fire in front of them both flickered and the God frowned.

“Our time is up! The totem will return to my chosen. Mari has a long life ahead of her, full of challenges, and conflicts. I can only guide her, not show her the path she takes. Goodbye Warden, take care of my daughter for me.” Anansi said, as the fire slowly died and Lash found himself back in Mari's room.

Lash opened his eyes to find that Kory sat cross legged in front of him floating off the ground by several inches. Her eyes closed in concentration, a soft green glow surrounding her body. Mari, Kara, and Megan are talking in another room about fashion. Lash may be able to make any set of clothing but he will admit that his fashion sense is not well practiced, as it seems Mari is attempting to fix a few things on them. Lash reached out and ran a claw along Kory's cheek. She leaned into the attention, and hummed.

“Welcome back... Everything alright?” Kory asked, as she opened her eyes to look at him with full attention.

“Yes, was speaking to a God.” Lash replied, Kory's eyes go a little wide. She smiled back at him and shook her head in dismay.

“Makes me wonder if you could speak to X'Hal.” Kory asked, Lash shrugged in response.

“I'm sure X'Hal speaks to who ever she want's to speak to.” Lash replied. Kory grinned, leaned in and kissed his reptilian lips lightly.

“I never told you X'Hal was a woman.” Kory said, all four of Lash's eyes went a little wide. Crap, that was right!

“I am starting to love you, Wraith. Full of surprises! I'm never bored around you!” Kory said as she kissed his lips one last time before Mari let out a yelp in the other room.

“Wraith!? What is going on!?” Mari shouted as a golden light spilled from her bedroom.

When they arrived in her bedroom, the Totem had returned to Mari and had created full shamanistic warrior set from Africa. Fine leathers, colors, claws, and a half mask for Mari to wear. She could channel the totem and return to civilian attire, but call on the uniform again. The animal hide, and leathers revealed a lot of skin and allowed freedom of movement. Lash frowned at the fan service gear and he swore he heard Anansi laughing in his ear over it. But culturally it made sense! Africa was a hot place!

“What is this!? Why is it like this now!?” Mari asked, pointing an accusing finger at Lash.

“You'll have to talk to your God about it.” Lash said with a shrug.

“My God!? Wha.....” Mari looked at Lash in shock, then her eyes glazed over. She stood perfectly still but stopped moving all together. Megan walked over to ask if she was alright.

“Give her a moment...She's like me, she has an extra dimensional patron that speaks to her. But its a new experience.” Lash assured Megan who stepped back but stayed near to assist if needed.

Another golden flash lite up the whole room and there standing was Mari in a similar outfit she had on before the change. A skin tight leather outfit. Covered from neck to toe. With orange tiger stripes down her arms, sides, and legs. With a high collar, and V-neck to expose a bit of cleavage. No mask, but any Mundane that looked at her would see a bit of a blur to conceal her face. Mari let out a sigh of relief as she returned to the style she liked. Lash noticed that she had flipped to 'Friendly' with Insight.

“He says I can trust you...So, do I sign a contract or?” Mari said, as she crossed her arms. Lash noticed that she did it under her breasts which prompt them up. Charming Presence gained a bit of experience. Lash's shoulders drooped, and Mari stepped closer eyes full of concern.

“He's ok! He's just tired, been awake for several days straight trying to get everything in order.” Kara said to Mari, as she came to Lash's side.

Lash leaned his reptilian head into Kara, who took the weight and smiled at him. After that it was a simple affair to make a Justice League holographic phone, sign Vixen into the instant message board. With Vici's new security module she was twice as fast with security checks. It was nearly one o'clock in the morning by the time they finished with Mari. Lash ordered a lift from the hotel to pick them up. Lash shook Mari's hand before they left, and promised this would not be the last time they saw one another.

'Hello everyone, I guess my code name is...Vixen. Just recruited by Wraith. Based in Detroit.' -Vixen.

'Hello! Welcome to the League! -Over Watch

'Greetings, Vixen. I am also based in Detroit if you are ever in need of training, assistance, or just need to talk please contact me.' -Martian Manhunter.

'Wraith got another one? When is the big lizard going to come by and recruit in the ocean?' -Aquaman.

'You are more then capable of recruiting for the League, Highness.' -Wraith.

'Are you kidding me! With all the crap I have to do!?' -Aquaman.

'I'll have to agree with my fiancee. Wraith your presence has been requested at the sorcerer academy in Xebel. They've found a crystal structure in the water that appears to be alien in nature.' -Aquawoman

'Oh, that is Supergirls sanctuary of solitude. We'll come by to open it up in a few days as long as everything goes according to plan.' -Wraith.

'Wait!? What!?' -Supergirl...

Lash and company had returned to the hotel by that point and Lash was in the process of inscribing the second fertility charm in between replies. Kara came zipping out of her room in her hotel provided silk pj's. They were bright pink, and matched her healthy tanned skin nicely, especially since she had only done one button in the middle. Letting Lash spy a lot of cleavage, and navel. She still had her diamond stud in, it was...eye catching.

“One moment please...” Lash said as he put his tools away, and the necklace away in a safe compartment in the tool kit. Kara waited, but her foot continued to tap the floor.

“Shouldn't you be asleep, Kara? We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.” Lash said with a tired smile. Kara rolled her eyes at him.

“Look who's talking! What do you mean I have a sanctuary of solitude in the Atlantic?” Kara whispered loudly. She didn't want to wake Kory, and Megan but clearly had a hard time controlling her voice.

“When Kal-El arrived on Earth a piece of his ship sent a Kryptonian shard to the North Pole to construct a Fortress of Solitude. The crystal was a computer matrix that contained the history, culture, and knowledge of Krypton. When your ship arrived on Earth, before Kal was able to retrieve it. A Krypton shard broke off and landed in the Atlantic ocean. Same construction theme, same idea. Just the location is different. It is on our travel list, I was hoping to make it a surprise. But as you can see my exhaustion got the better of me and I blurted it out.” Lash replied, and his response was clear. He was exhausted. He didn't have a single illusion or glamour up.

Lash was 6'4” with pale skin, snake scales along his jaw, spine, any place where his bones shown through on the human body. His magical markings from several different domains continued to glow as he fed magic into the fertility charm despite it not being worked on. He was well muscled, broad shouldered, with a rectangular body. Just wide as a door. He still had the jagged scar across his neck from when Erik Lash was killed by muggers. Despite all his magic, Lash had no intention of ever removing that mark. His reptilian eyes focused on Kara who stared back at him with concern.

“Why are you not asleep, Lash? The sun will be up in a few hours.” Kara said, she wanted to talk about her sanctuary but was filled with concern about Lash.

“Sounds like a good idea...” Lash admitted, he slowly stood up with the help of Kara.

Though once he stood up he dwarfed her. He swallowed her up in his arms with a hug, that ended with Kara laughing out loud and shoving him as he tickled her! She gave him a mock glare and stomped off to her room. Obviously faking it, because she could easily destroy the whole building if she wanted to. Lash looked toward the rooms and knew that Kory was in his room. She had fully taken over the master bedroom. He knew that she wouldn't mind if he joined her but he was to exhausted to fully enjoy sleeping in a bed with a naked Kory. He chose to step out onto the balcony and use Meditation.

What felt like a few minutes later Lash felt the strong arms of Kory wrap around him from behind. He was sitting on the balcony in a half lotus position, as naked Kory pressed her body into him. She kissed his neck and breathed in his scent. He reached up with one hand and ran his fingers through her hair. She smiled into his neck and kissed him again. They stayed like that for a few minutes before Kory excused herself and went to take a shower. Lash stayed on the balcony welcoming the first rays of sunlight on his skin. He felt better, but still drained. He wasn't sure why? Normally he could take a few hours and bounce back.

Lash cast Immaculate on himself, along with Sooth, and Nature's Supplement. He felt better, but still not 100%. Maybe he just needed to sleep? He'd put it on his to do list. Lash walked in and started breakfast for everyone. Breakfast wasn't as extravagant as normal but no one complained. Lash knew the girls were worried about him. But they kept it to themselves, though their eyes said another story. He created several holographic windows about their next recruit.

“Cynthia Reynolds aka Gypsy. The illusion casting Meta-Human. Her current area of operation is 'Cameron Street' here in Detroit. Bad neighborhood, good people. She has stepped up to protect the area with her own brand of justice. But she never crosses the killing line, though has come close to it several times.” Lash said after he let out a soft yawn. He finished off his glass of chai, and poured himself another one.

“What this about police involvement?” Kory asked, her interest was piqued. Though she continued to devour her waffles.

“Though she is helping keep the streets of Detroit safe. She technically is not an officer of the law. Dispensing her own brand of Justice is in part against the law. Though since she has never crossed the killing line. She has tormented, and twisted the minds of criminals, rapist, etc with her fear inducing illusions. Though you will get no complaint from me. In many ways her tactics are worse then death. She has a warrant for her arrest.” Lash replied to Kory who's eyes grew cold at the words 'rapist'.

“We are not arresting her right? We are recruiting?” Kara asked, as she squeezed Kory's hand who softened her expression.

“Correct... Having JL connections and resources she'll find supporting and protecting her area easier. J'onn being a cop on the force will also be able to help her. Along with Vixen, Cyborg when he returns, and Melanie.” Lash said as he flipped through a few more holographic windows.

“Law keeping on Earth is peculiar to say the least.” Megan said between mouthfuls of egg, sausage, and pancakes.

“If I remember correctly, Mars law and order is vastly different. Since your people are capable of full diving telepathy you can obtain the truth of a crime easily?” Lash inquired, and Megan nodded. The supernatural world was much the same. Thanks to truth-spells, runes, etc. It took a talented caster, or item to fool the system.

“What if she decides not to join?” Kory asked, after she finished her plate.

“That is her choice. We'll leave a way to contact us if she changes her mind. But I won't arrest her. I have no issues with her destroying the mind of a rapist.” Lash replied...

They finished breakfast and got dressed. Lash returned to his goth soldier look while the girls went with a simple look. They didn't want to tax Lash more then he needed to. All three wore blue jeans, tennis shoes, and a combination of t-shirts, jackets, and tied their hair up. Though they continued to wear the illusion charms for skin, eye, and hair color. Lash was a little disappointed, he enjoyed dressing them up and said as much. They all laughed, and Kory made a joke about undressing them later if he wanted? Kara, and Megan both blushed but didn't disagree.

Cameron street runs through one of the more impoverished area's of Detroit. Very rarely does a police cruiser roll through the area. Dirty streets filled with litter, stains, broken glass. The smell of sweat, sick, and death fill the air. Dozens of broken down buildings ranging from old ware houses, to apartments. Shanty towns made from cardboard, tarps, and old ply wood fit between buildings for the homeless. Gangs walk the side walks, strutting, and doing there best to flaunt what little wealth they have. Contained with in several basements of the broken buildings are drug labs, underground fighting, and gambling dens.

“Are there many places like this on Earth?” Kory asked, sick to her stomach as she looked around.

“Yes, nearly every major city has places like this. Even Metropolis, especially in Gotham my home. Remind me to take you to Croc's Town in Gotham. Its a giant under ground city full of people like this. But at least I can help them there.” Lash replied as the lead the way through the area.

Lash wasn't worried about his companions. Each of the women with him could easily destroy the whole area and everyone in it if they wanted to. Lash kept a careful eye around the place and noticed many of the phagus types (Emotion eaters) were out of balance. Fear, anger, especially those ones were bloated masses either crawling across the ground or flying low in the air. Eating to much was just as bad for them as not enough.

“Tsk! Tsk! Whatcha a bunch of tourist walkin around here. Yo! You lookin for somethin?” A gangster with low riding pants, big jacket, and a side ways cap called out. He eyed the ladies, running his tongue along his teeth. Kory with out missing a beat walks over.

“Yes! Hello! We are looking for the one called Gypsy! Have you seen her?” Kory asked, oblivious to the situation which only makes Lash laugh loudly. He covers his mouth, and grins at Kory who looks at him in confusion.

“Aaaaaayaaaa! That bitch! If you are looking for a good time I've got all you need! Horse, crack, or if you want something personal we can always go back to my crib and have some one on one action?” The thug says with a perverted grin. Kory tapped a finger to her lips and tilted her head to one side.

“Whats a horse? Why would you carry a crack in your pocket? Why would you sleep in a babies crib?” Kory asked, and Lash along with Megan laughed out loud while Kara tried to not engage but was also snickering.

“What the fuck is wrong with you! You stupid whore...Geh!” The thug shouted at Kory before she slugged him in the stomach for calling her a whore. Green energy danced up Kory's hands and the thug started to swear up a storm. He took out a gun and Kara crushed the pistol along with the mans hand.

“Gaaaaaaah! You fucking bitches! Do you know who you are messing with!” The thug screamed at them. Lash walked over touched the man's cloths and grinned at him. Decomposition. The mans clothes, jacket, underwear, and all the cash, and drugs on him turn to ash. The guy was ranting about all this not being real. Before he passed out from the pain of his hand being crushed.

Lash created several holographic windows for Kory. What horses were, examples on what a metaphor are. Kory smiled wide and started to read. Just because she can learn a language doesn't mean she fully grasps all the culture, slang, and word play. There group moved through the street for another few hours as they encountered street thugs, dealers, and pimps. The pimps didn't fare to well after they met them. Lash was able to pull the drugs out of a lot peoples systems and replenish them. Automatic detox with no withdrawals!

“Maybe Gypsy heard of our arrival and like a tree decided to split?” Kory said, Lash stopped and stared at her with a smirk. She smiled back innocently, twirling her fingers in her hair.

“No, she's hear. We've come across several of her illusions. Several walls we've walked by were actually entrances to shanty towns.” Lash said to her.

“Really!? I didn't see anything?” Megan said as she looked around at the different entrances. Kara was squinting her eyes as if she was trying to focus. She had been practicing her full spectrum sight, but she almost destroyed the breakfast table when her solar sight burned a hole in the table.

The sound of tires screeching swallowed Megan's question. A red Cadillac whipped around the corner and several people hung out the windows with small arm guns. They pointed them at their little group and started to fire. Lash snapped his fingers and used his Technomancy Domain passive to magnetically lock the guns.

“Megan, please make a telekinetic barrier for them to run into.” Lash said, Megan replied quickly and the car slammed straight into an invisible wall. Lash smiled at the quick cast, and efficiency of Megan's telekinesis. He needed to practice more before he got to that point.

Of course the thugs didn't have seat belts on. The driver, along with his passenger flew out the front window. Megan was quick to pull down the wall so they flew several feet be-->>

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