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Chapter Text

Thunder roared as lightning struck an alley behind the mall on a sunny cloudless day.

"Freak weather," muttered a passerby.

Courtney couldn't help smiling. Her date had just arrived.

"Court!" The cute skinny boy she'd been working with in her other identity made his way through the crowd with a bouquet of fresh flowers.

His brilliant blue eyes twinkled as he gave her a shy dimpled smile. "Sorry I'm late. Had to stop a giant robot on the way here," he grinned sheepishly as he handed her the pink roses.

"What's with the big red cheese and the giant robots?" Courtney's eyes danced as her braces peeked through her grin.

"Why does everyone call me a red cheese," pouted the adorable teen in his bright red sweater.

Taking the bouquet, Courtney pecked his cheek. "It's ok, little red cheese. Movie starts in a few." Leading him by the hand she weaved through the crowd to the popcorn stall. "Snacks are on me."

Jealous brown eyes followed the pair from a distance. He'd seen that boy before, at the Ultra Humanoid fiasco, back when he thought the Thunderbolt turned JSA's heavy hitter, Captain Marvel into a kid.

Billy tensed. His eyes darted around as if he could sense they were being followed.

"What's wrong?" Courtney tilted her head, her sunny eyes filled with concern.

Frowning, "Thought I saw..." Billy shook his head. "Just my imagination," as the pair disappeared into the cinema.

-------

Stars: I hate Algebra

BB: who doesn't?

Stars: Algebra makes me sleep. Test tomorrow

BB: what say we study together?

Stars: ok. I'm in Blue Valley library.

Thunder crashed seconds later.

A warm musky scent mixed with ozone embraced her as brilliant blue eyes lit up her day.

Her heart skipped a beat as the cute boy with an unruly mop of jet black curls sat beside her and held her hand.

"Algebra," she mumbled.

"I got cheat sheets, a quick and easy way to learn the basics," he smiled.

"How?" She tilted her head.

"Beautia," he grimaced.

"Who?" Jealousy surged through her.

"An old lady who has the hots for Captain Marvel, trying to get to him by tutoring me," he rolled his eyes.

"Huh?" She shot him a bewildered look.

"Long story. To get the school to let me work part time for Whiz, Mr Morris hired a private tutor to keep my grades up. Beautia Sivana got that job," he squirmed.

"Beautia Sivana, the supermodel beauty queen voted most desirable woman in America?" Courtney's jaw dropped, metallic braces glinting in the florescent light.

"That Beautia," Billy made a face. "That old lady," shrugged the teen as he wrapped his arm around her tiny waist.

"Let's go through these sheets. You'll ace the test when we're done," he gave her a lopsided, dimpled smile, as he tweaked her adorable nose.

-------

Captain Marvel cruised towards Blue Valley with a bouquet of sunflowers in one hand and a box of candy tucked under another and a big goofy grin on his chiselled face.

His keen eyes scoured the neighborhood. Certain no one could see him, he landed among some trees, laid down his gifts and whispered his word. Lightning answered. A young teen in a red sweater stood in his place.

Picking up the flowers and candy, Billy made his way to Courtney's home, heart thumping harder than when he had to face Darkseid.

To Courtney's family, he's Fawcett's boy reporter who covers the games, she's a cheerleader from Blue Valley. Their schools often play against each other which is how they supposedly met. They have no idea he's her Justice Society teammate Captain Marvel.

The door open. A huge red haired man, her step dad, glared down at him. "Billy Batson?" He grunted.

Swallowing hard, Billy nodded and offered his hand. He could imagine the man cleaning his shotgun.

The big man took the flowers and candy from him on Courtney's behalf.

"Stop scaring the boy, Pat," a tall blonde woman chided the man. That had to be Star's mom.

"Billy!" Courtney squeezed past the adults and dragged him to the dining table. The smell of roast beef and potatoes had his mouth watering.

"So, you're a reporter?" Courtney's mum asked Billy amicably.

"Yes, ma'am," said Billy stabbing his fork into a slice of beef. "For the school paper and Whiz station part time."

"You cover the games between Blue Valley and Fawcett?" Asked Pat

"Yes, sir," came the reply.

"That's how you met?" Pat raised a quizzical eyebrow.

"How else?" Courtney interrupted.

"What are your intentions towards my girl?" Pat's eyes bored through the boy.

"Sir, Courtney is amazing. She's the sunshine that brightens my day. I really like her. I treat her with the respect she deserves," he replied sincerely without missing a beat.

"Pat, will you stop grilling him?" Courtney stabbed at her potatoes with her fork.

"Hurt her and you'll answer to me," smiled Pat.

"I won't, sir," mustering the courage of Billy, the teen looked up at  Pat directly into his eyes.

"I like you," grinned Pat, ruffling the boy's hair.

Conversation was lighthearted from that point on. Billy seemed to have passed Pat's tests.

"We're going to catch the movie," said Courtney as they finished their meal

"Bring her back by 10pm, latest," said Pat as Courtney grabbed Billy's hand and led him through the door.

"They know about Stars," whispered Billy as they slipped out of sight.

"Pat does, mum doesn't," came her reply. "Let's fly there."

"Ok. Shaz.." Billy braced himself for the lightning strike.

Courtney covered his mouth. "Not as the old geezer," she chided.

"What old? You're three whole months  older than me," retorted Billy, pretending to be offended.

"I want my cute skinny boyfriend with me, not the big red cheese," she laughed as she took out her cosmic rod.
"Hop on," she patted on the seat behind her.

He climbed onto the cosmic rod behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Hold tight," she warned as they sped into the clouds.

Chapter Text

Alarms shrieked.

There had to be at least thirty men in ski masks. All carrying machine guns, charging into the Blue Valley bank.

A girl with a golden staff flew in. She rooted herself between the panicking folks and the armed men. Her golden hair gleamed beautifully in the light of her cosmic rod as she projected a force field shielding innocents from the flying bullets.

Through the windows, lightning split the clear blue sky as thunder roared.

A red blur streaked through the door and in the blink of an eye, the armed men were piled in an unconscious heap, now unarmed. Beside them was a neat pile of crushed metal that had seen better days as guns.

"Ma'am, are you ok?" Said a tall, heavily muscled, red suited man as he helped a young woman to her feet.

"My hero," she slung her arms around Captain Marvel's neck and kissed his lips.

The muscular man's face turned as red as his suit, "ma'am, no, please..".

He squirmed out of her embrace. "Please call the police to collect them," he gestured at the unconscious human pile as he backed off.

More women closed in on him like predators. The big blue eyed raven backed off, appearing to hide behind the teenage blonde heroine who by then was glaring daggers at him.

Jealousy?

"Marvel, we're late," Stargirl shot back at him as she flew off with her cosmic rod , Captain Marvel sheepishly tailing her.

-------

"So, are you going?" Courtney tilted her head, golden hair flowing in the breeze.

"I don't know. It's a civilian dress code, formal party.... No costumes... They don't know I'm a kid," Billy rubbed the back of his neck.

"So, just go as Cap, but wear regular clothes instead of that red suit," she nudged him.

"You're going?" He frowned.

"Wouldn't miss it," Courtney smiled, the glint of metal braces peeking between her luscious lips. "C'mon, it'll be fun!"

-------

Everyone looked very different at this no-costume surprise birthday party for Hawkman. The entire restaurant was reserved for the JSA event, using Terrific's civilian credit card.

Marvel showed up in a brown suit, dress shirt and tie and looked extremely bored at the table until a walking ray of sunshine lit up the room.

"Marvel!" Stargirl squealed delightedly as she strode across the room, making a beeline for the handsome hunk.

"Stars!" His entire face lit up as he gazed starry eyed at the teenaged beauty.

The pair, known to be good friends seemed a little too friendly. One might think that the man in his prime and the teenage girl were enamoured with each other.

Jay shuddered as the implications would be unacceptable. Marvel, looked like he was at least twenty-five. Courtney just turned sixteen. He had to be mentoring her, as a father figure, perhaps?

Now seated opposite each other, the pair engaged in animated conversation. They seemed to shut out the rest of the world.

Jakeem had approached him privately to tell him that the pair was dating. Back then, knowing Jakeem's crush on Courtney, he brushed that off, but now...

-------

The mission in Kahndaq took a big toll on all of them. Courtney used to be very close to Al. Now that he decided to stay in Khandaq siding Black Adam's team, the killers, she was devastated.

She rested her head on Captain Marvel's lap as he tenderly stroked her hair, whispering words of comfort to her. Their body language was that of lovers, not friends.

Ethics.

He would risk losing JSA's heaviest hitter if that's what it takes to keep his young charges safe and to protect JSA's reputation.

He'd have a private chat with Captain Marvel.

-------

"Marvel, we have to talk, privately."

Captain Marvel bristled at the tone of Flash's voice. "Sure."

Looking around to ensure no one was within earshot, "Marvel, I hate to pry, but what is your relationship with Stargirl?"

"She is a fine young lady," he replied.

"Jakeem says you two have been dating," Jay continued.

"Jakeem's jealous. He likes her," Marvel answered warily.

"What is she to you?" Flash asked again, trying to broach the subject diplomatically.

"I care about her," Marvel looked him in the eye, "a lot."

"When you are together, your body language says you are more than just friends," Flash pressed on.

Captain Marvel, looked away.

"Captain, she is sixteen. How old are you? Twenty five? Older? It is not acceptable," Flash's agitation showed in his voice.

Captain Marvel looked Flash squarely in the eye. He made his decision.

Chapter Text

"Too many people already know. Sivana. Black Adam. Nothing good comes out of this."

"The JSA are friends. Team mates you can trust."

"One mole. One betrayal is enough to destroy you."

"Courtney is more important than anything in the world... More than anything, period."

"Think with your head, not with your heart. You have responsibilities."

"I love Courtney."

"You are going to outlive her, outlive everyone you love, but your secret must stay intact."

"Once they know you are a kid, they will treat you like one. They will look down on you. This will render you ineffective."

A myriad of thoughts ran through Marvel, no Billy's head.

"Flash," Marvel's intense blue eyes bore into Flash's. "Appearances are deceiving."

Jay's gaze softened.

"You, Wildcat and Green Lantern are in your seventies? Eighties? Yet you don't look a day over thirty," the Captain continued.

"And?" Jay tilted his head.

Billy grimaced as he shut out all thoughts but his love for Courtney. Bracing himself, he continued, "Come, I'll show you."

He flew to an deserted lot with Jay running below him. There he landed, motioning Jay to stand back.

"Shazam," he whispered.

Lightning cracked through the cloudless sky and hit the tall, heavily muscled red-suited man.

Smoke cleared.

In the place of the big man stood a skinny boy no older than sixteen.

The boy stepped forward and offered his hand. "Hi, I'm Billy Batson. I'll be sixteen next month."

Jay's jaw dropped as he took the boy's hand. He closed his mouth and opened it again repeatedly like a goldfish. No words came out.

"I appreciate if you keep this to yourself," the boy gestured at his smaller frame.

"Yes, Courtney and I are dating," he continued.

Jay finally found his voice, "Courtney can date Billy, but not The Captain."

"I am the Captain," Billy spread his legs out and crossed his arms to look threatening, but came across as adorable instead.

Jay massaged his temples trying to clear his head. Their heavy hitter's a skinny fifteen year old kid. This is The Captain they send to take down Superman when he's not in control of his own actions.

Jay ran both his hands up and down his face.

"Green Lantern, Wildcat and Mr Terrific have to know about this, at least. We'll work something out," he added.

"Fine," Billy grinned.

Jay could see The Captain in those brilliant blue eyes, jet black hair, square jaw and dimpled smile.

"Shazam!" Shouted the boy. Thunder roared as lightning split the sky hitting the small form.

The red suited figure corded with muscle towered over Jay once more. With a mischievous salute, he flew off.

-------

"What are you saying?" Green Lantern's brow furrowed. "Marvel's a kid?"

"So's Stargirl and she's proven herself on the field," Wildcat examined his nails, unperturbed.

"S.T.R.I.P.E. keeps an eye on her," said Terrific.

"If he gets there in time. Half the time, she takes care of the threats before he arrives," Ted replied.

"What say you, Jay?" Alan Scott turned to The Flash

"Marvel's proven himself time and again. Nothing's changed in terms of his JSA status. The issue is the potential scandal," replied Jay.

"As long as they aren't seen cozying up in public, that shouldn't be an issue," stated Mr Terrific.

"Shall we tell the rest?" Asked Ted.

"No. I gave him my word," Jay shrugged.

-------

Rap rap rap..

Courtney raised her head. The big red cheese hovered outside her window.

"Billy, what's up?" She unlocked the window to let him in.

The Captain called down lightning as he dropped through the window. Billy Batson landed in Courtney's study.

"Flash knows about us. He told Cap to stop seeing you," blurted Billy.

"What? No. You didn't?" Courtney stuttered.

"Relax Court," he pecked her cheek. "You are more important to me than my secret," he grinned as she visibly let out the breath she had been holding.

"I showed him," he continued.

"And?" Courtney's eyes widened.

"I thought he was going to get a heart attack or something," he grinned.

"Who else knows?" Her eyes filled with concern.

"He'll have to tell Green Lantern, Wildcat and Terrific. I can date you as Billy, but kinda have to stay away from you as Cap," he frowned. "He's worried about the scandal that would break out if Captain Marvel is seen dating a minor."

"Are they gonna treat you like a kid too?" She pondered.

"No idea. But he is kinda freaked out that Cap's a 'helpless' fifteen year old half the time. They're planning intensive training for me as Billy," he frowned.

"Oh, and if Cap and Stars work together at any time, we get a chaperone," he rolled his eyes.

Chapter Text

The doors of Brownstone, JSA's headquarters flew open.
Green Lantern and Flash walked in. Between them shuffled a scrawny boy with jet black curly hair and a dimpled smile, wearing a bright red sweater with yellow trim.

"Hey guys, meet Billy Batson,  Whiz's boy reporter. He will be staying with us while he does a weekly broadcast about the next generation of superheroes," announced Flash.

"Why him?' queried Powergirl.

"Did you watch his segment on superheroes where he interviewed that jerk G. Gordon Godfrey? Kid's good," stated Wildcat.

"Why here? Why not Titans tower," asked Hourman.

"Oh, he'll be doing his research there and at the League's Watch Tower as well. But  to get Whiz's owner Morris to agree to this, Mr Terrific promised to tutor him to keep his grades up," said Green Lantern.

"Stars, bring Billy to the guest room and show him around," Jay's eyes crinkled, smiling at the pair.

-------

"C'mon kid, show me what you've got," Wildcat pranced around the training ring. "Hit me here as hard as you can," he pointed at his chin.

Lungs bursting, sweat dripping, Billy lunged at Wildcat yet again, missed, and fell flat on his face.

Courtney burst into another fit of giggles.

"What are you doing wrong, son?" Wildcat offered his hand, pulling Billy back on his feet.

"Lost my balance. Out of breath," panted Billy as he doubled over, hands on knees to support himself.

"Courtney, you're up next," Wildcat waved Courtney into the ring.

The pretty teen jumped in, golden hair glistening, blue eyes sparkling as she sank into the boxing stance.

"Billy, watch how she positions her feet and shifts her weight between them. Watch how she moves, how she breathes," instructed Wildcat.

"Gladly," whispered Billy. He could barely take his eyes off his adorable girlfriend.

"Hit me here," Wildcat pranced around the ring, pointing at his chin.

Courtney exhaled as her fist flew out, missing as Wildcat dodged her blow.

"Billy, see how she keeps her elbows close to her ribs, watch how..." Wildcat grimaced as his chin met Courtney's foot.

-------

"We gotta put some muscle on that skinny frame of yours," grunted Wildcat as he ushered Billy to the dining room for post-training breakfast.

Courtney was already seated, drizzling maple syrup over her pancakes.

"Want some?" She asked the boy as he took the empty seat beside her.

"Yep!"

She dumped syrup drenched pancakes on his plate. "How did you find the training?"

"Interesting. I love that move you floored Wildcat with," he chuckled as he loaded his plate with bacon and eggs.

"Kick boxing. I'll teach you if you're game," she grinned.

"Eat your veggies," said Jay, pouring a ladle of green mush on Billy's plate.

Billy groaned.

-------

They were finally alone. Courtney rested her head on Billy's shoulder as he wrapped his arm around her waist. They sat on the garden bench in comfortable silence, watching the sun sink over the horizon.

"Really appreciate you going through all that for little old me," Courtney broke the silence.

"You're worth it."

Their lips met.
The world stood still.

Cheeks burning, heart pounding, Courtney finally pulled away. "We better be careful. Pat's probably cleaned his shotgun by now," she joked.

"Think they told him?" Billy rubbed the back of his neck.

"About you staying here, probably. About who you are, nope," she smiled.

Skrreeee!

"Parademons," Billy's head jerked up.

A dark green armored creature swooped down from the clouds and grabbed Courtney.

Chapter Text

Blade-like claws snatched Courtney away.

"Shazam!"
Lightning struck.
In the place of the boy, Captain Marvel shot after the creatures.

Up in the clouds, Courtney elbowed and kicked herself loose, her downward descent accelerating without her cosmic belt or rod.

Instantly, Marvel gently caught the falling girl, slowing her descent.

Safe and secure in Marvel's strong arms, Courtney leaned into his heavily muscled chest for comfort.

It was then when swarms of parademons poured out through a black hole above the clouds, until the sky as far as they could see was filled with these monsters.

Weaving through the swarm parademons, protectively carrying the pretty teen, bridal style, Captain Marvel made his way towards the headquarters.

"What are you doing? You've got to stop them," chided Courtney.

"Not in your condition," came his gentle reply.

"It's just a scratch! Put me down and go get them!"

Reluctantly, Marvel landed and carefully laid her down on the grass.

A red blur swirled around the parademons driving them back into the hole they came from.

Seconds, the sky was clear.

A heavily muscled red suited man hovered facing the black hole, white cape fluttering. His eyes blazed with stormy fury. Lightning danced on his balled fists as he faced the would be invaders.

The black hole blinked out of existence, and with it, the immediate invasion threat.

"Court!" The Captain landed by her side. Flash was already with her, staunching the blood flowing from her shoulder.

"I'll bring her to the med bay." Green Lantern enclosed the unconscious girl and Flash in a green bubble while a grim-faced Captain Marvel flew alongside them.

-------

"Billy," mumbled the Courtney as she tossed feverishly in her sleep.

"Shhh... Court, I'm here," the raven haired boy tenderly stroked her burning cheek.

His brilliant blue eyes watered, "I should protected her. Could have, should have, prevented this." The sight of tubes and wires hooking her up to the medical equipment pained him.

You did what you had to, son." Alan squeezed the grieving boy's shoulder. "You stopped that invasion."

"She's tough. She'll pull through," added Jay.

Billy squeezed a clean wet towel and dabbed Courtney's face, "she's still feverish. Hasn't woken up since..."

The door opened. Dr Mid-Nite walked in, followed by Mister Terrific. "It's the poison in her veins. It's of an unearthly origin."

"Apokolips," muttered Billy. "Scott and Barda may have the antidote."

The boy activated his League communicator. "Scott, I really need your help." Billy explained the situation to his Justice League team mate.

Minutes later, a boom tube opened in Brownstone.

Mister Miracle, Big Barda and Superman stepped out of it.

"I happened to be with Scott," said the Man of Steel as he looked emphatically at Billy. "Besides, if it were Lois, I know you wouldn't hesitate to help."

Mr Miracle examined Courtney.

His eyes met Billy's. "The good news is, there is an antidote."

"The bad news?" Asked Terrific.

"It is only found in the fire pits of Apokolips. She has to take it within 48 hours of exposure to the poison or she will die," Mr Miracle looked away.

Four hours had already passed. The clock was ticking.

"Suit up Bill," said Superman. "We'll get it to her in time. She'll make it," his warm smile comforted Billy.

Chapter Text

The air hung heavy with despair. The stench of brimstone, overpowering.

"Welcome to Apokolips, where Barda and I met and fell in love," Mr Miracle deadpanned as the heroes stepped out of the boom tube.

"What exactly are we looking for here?" Captain Marvel scrutinized his surroundings with wary eyes.

"Hope," said Barda.

"..." Marvel shot Barda a quizzical look.

"Hope, the antidote to despair," she elaborated.

"What my dear wife is saying is, Courtney has been poisoned with despair, a deadly poison developed by Desaad and used by Darkseid's troops. The antidote is a weed that grows in the fire pits of Apokolips," explained Mr Miracle.

"Just look for a blue-green plant with large red heart shaped leaves and small white flowers shaped like stars. Grab it, we boom tube out of here and treat Courtney with it," instructed Barda.

"Surgical strike, stealth operation. We do NOT want to attract Darkseid's attention," Mr Miracle's eyes fell on his three tank-like companions. In particular, the huge muscular man in the bright red suit with a large glowing lightning bolt on his chest.

"On second thought, I'll sneak in to get the medicine. You three cover me," he rolled his eyes.

-------

"How is taking down an entire army of parademons low-key?" Barda faced palmed.

The two boy scouts sheepishly scrutinized the ground beneath them as they shuffled their feet.

"Er..., we were silent, and it was over in under a second?" The big boy scout in red replied.

"They were torturing children," added the big blue boy scout.

"All life is precious. They would have killed innocents if we did nothing," continued the big red.

"Hey guys, I got it!" Mr Miracle emerged from the rocks with a fistful of alien weeds. His triumphant grin stretched from one ear to another.

"Let's scram," said Barda.

As the boom tube opened, omega beams hit her back. She screamed.

Darkseid.

Instantly, Marvel hovered in front of Barda, taking the brunt of the assault, while Superman shoved Big Barda and Mr Miracle through the boom tube just before it snapped shut.

"Captain!" Superman caught the falling man. The gaping hole in his red suit exposed an angry sun burn.

A massive blue gloved fist slammed the back of Superman's head, sending both men flying.

"Kryptonian," came a deep growl as Darkseid towered over them. "You brought your friend."

Darkseid's eyes glowed as omega beams from his eyes locked on each hero.

The beams pursued the boy scouts closely as they wove around the trees and boulders.

Glancing at each other, big blue and big red crossed paths behind Darkseid, causing each Omega beam to hit its master.

Darkseid rose to his feet, unscathed. His eyes burning with fury. "Enough of this foolishness! I will feed your carcasses to my war hounds!"

-------

The beep of the heart monitor in JSA'S medical bay was accompanied by Courtney's feverish cries.

"Billy," she whispered. "No.." tears streamed down her cheeks.

She was in her room, fixing her cosmic rod when she heard tapping on her window.

It was pouring outside. Hovering in the rain was Billy, her boyfriend, in his adult hero form.

She opened the window but he stayed out in the rain. "I'm leaving JSA," he said.

"Why?" She was stunned.

"Flash says our age gap is too big. He's right," came the sad reply.

"No! Change back to Billy. Tell him," she begged.

"I can't," came the reply, as he tenderly stroked her cheek.

"Goodbye Court." He left her.

Shaking in despair, sobs wracked her body.

Despair. Overpowering. The scene replayed again and again, the emotions more overwhelming with each iteration.

The steady beep of the heart monitor went awry. Dr Mid-Nite and Mr Terrific dashed into the room. "She's going into cardiac arrest!"

"Where are they? The forty-eight hours are almost up!"

Chapter Text

Boom!
A portal opened, spitting Barda and Scott Free out before vanishing promptly. They landed directly outside JSA's medical bay

"Are you ok, honey?" Scott examined Barda's back that had been roasted by Darkseid's omega beams.

"It's a mere graze. Nothing mother box can't heal," replied his warrior wife as she held her beeping mother box against her wound. "Go see to the Captain's girl," she nudged her husband.

Mr Miracle stepped into the medical bay. Dr Mid-Nite was holding the defibrillator against Courtney's chest, trying unsuccessfully to shock her heart into beating.

"Let me through. I have the cure," said Scott as he navigated his way through the room of concerned heroes.

"Allow me," he tapped the good doctor's shoulder.

With one hand, he held the girl's mouth open. With the other, he squeezed glowing blue juice from the alien plant into her mouth. Then he held his beeping mother box over her stomach.

The blue glow from the juice encompassed the girl. The heart monitor started beeping steadily once more and she began to cough.

Slowly, her eyelids fluttered open. "Billy?" She asked.

-------

Wham! Captain Marvel's foot struck Darkseid's chin, the impact caused the ground to crumple beneath them.

Darkseid staggered briefly, before he swung his massive hand at the annoying red insect, when Superman dived in slamming his fists against Darkseid's face. The impact levelled the terrain.

The armoured giant roared in anger. Swatting the blue pest away, Darkseid's eyes glowed red.

"Now," whispered The Captain.

Blue and red blurs streaked in opposite directions, flying just below the speed of light, circling Apokolips, gaining momentum.

CRASH!
The heroes slammed their fists on Darkseid's unprotected face, then dodged the Omega beams so that the beams struck Darkseid instead.

Darkseid swayed.

"1..2..3..." Splat! Marvel grinned as Darkseid came tumbling down, and stayed down for the count.

Fist bumping, "Now how do we get home?" He asked his companion.

"Well Bill, earth is thousands of light years away, so flying home would be a problem. But..." Superman's eyes wandered to Darkseid's prone form amid the destruction.

Cap's face broke into a huge grin.

The two boy scouts rummaged through the unconscious giant's armour and weaponry like kids searching for candy.

"Found it!" The Man of Steel whipped out Darkseid's mother box.

Stepping away from the unconscious giant, the pair activated the device.

Boom!

They were back in Brownstone outside the medical bay.

"How did you guys get here?" Scott's eyes widened as the grinning blue clad hero waved Darkseid's mother box.

"Please tell me you didn't....." Barda ran her hand over her face.

"We KO-ed Darkseid, then used his mother box to come home," grinned the big red cheese. "How's Courtney?"

"Recovering. You can see her now," replied Pieter.

"Shazam!" Lightning struck the man. The boy dashed into the medical bay. His brilliant blue eyes met the soft blue of his sweetheart. "Court!" He ran to her side and hugged her.

The tubes and wires were gone. Her cheeks rosy once more.

"Billy!" She tenderly stroked his cheek.

Their lips met as the good doctor shooed away prying eyes.

-------

In the Watch Tower, Superman called for a joint briefing to the Justice League and Justice Society with representatives from both teams in attendance.

"Do you know what this is?" Superman held up Darkseid's mother box so that all present could see it.

"A mother box," stated Cyborg.

"Not just any mother box," replied a grim-faced Superman. "It's Darkseid's. Mr Miracle was able to coax information out of her. The anti life equation is on earth and Darkseid's plans to conquer earth to retrieve it are already in motion."

Shocked whispers filled the room.

"Captain Marvel encountered the first wave," the Man of Steel turned to his comrade. "Captain, please share what you saw."

"An army of around a thousand five hundred parademons attacked Stargirl and myself. I drove them back, but before the boom tube closed, I saw glowing machinery the size of a city," the Captain frowned.

"It spewed screaming black particles that spun together like multiple tornadoes. Around it were parademons, numbering, possibly millions, armed with new weaponery, ready for war," he continued.

"Stargirl was poisoned," pain glimmered deep in his eyes.

Superman's warm gaze fell on Stargirl. "Stars, care to share what you went through?" He asked gently.

"A parademon sank it's claws into my shoulder and arm when it tried to abduct me. I kicked and hit it until it let me go. It hurt for sure, but I thought it was because the wounds were big and bloody. Then the nightmares began," she shuddered.

"I felt like I was on fire, then drifted off into my worst nightmare..." Her eyes watered as they fell briefly on the Captain.

Shrugging, she continued, "I was burning in pain, felt overwhelming despair, out of control fear. I felt like there was no hope, nothing left to live for."

"Stars..." the Captain's eyes held a haunted look. 

Mr Miracle clapped his hand on the big man's shoulder. "It is an ancient poison from Apokolips that causes fever, overwhelming, relentless despair and death if the antidote is not applied within 48 hours. It appears parademons now coat their claws and fangs with it to ensure the death of anyone so much as scratched by it."

"Her heart stopped. I thought she was gone until Mr Miracle dripped juice from these herbs into her mouth, which brought her back" stated Dr Mid-Nite

The room was so silent you could hear a pin drop.

"The antidote is a weed on Apokolips, known as hope. We have cultivated more of the antidote from a sample we collected and will pass some to each team in case of future attacks," Mr Miracle gestured at a large box full of alien plants in front of him.

"Darkseid's attacks are largely invisible. His agents subtly manipulate emotions to destroy his targets," said Captain Marvel.
A few years back, he had been a victim of an elaborate hoax that made Billy too frightened to transform into the Captain.

Mr Miracle's eyes fell on the glowing mother box.

"They are already here."

Chapter Text

Captain Marvel cruised through Fawcett as he finished his daily patrol.

It had been an uneventful morning. He rescued two cats from trees, helped an old lady cross the road, carried groceries to the old lady's home, caught and safely landed a falling plane. Just the usual.

His face lit up as he landed in a picturesque garden in Philadelphia where beautiful Courtney, his Courtney sat on a bench waiting for him.

"Shazam!"

Lightning split the clear sky. In the place of the red-clad Herculean man stood a slender teenage boy with the same brilliant blue eyes and dimpled smile as the Captain. His hair was a mop of raven black curls.

"Court!" The teen's cheeks reddened as his brilliant blue eyes shone brighter.

Courtney's cheeks heated up as Billy sat beside her. She rested her head on his shoulder, enveloped in his warmth as his arm encircled her waist, drawing closer.

"We got to leave for the party," she said as she twirled a golden lock of hair absentmindedly.

"Cap is expected to be there as he suggested this joint gathering in the first place," Billy said absentmindedly rubbing the back of his neck.

The recent events with Darkseid called for stronger ties between the teams.

As a member of both the Justice League and Justice Society, Captain Marvel suggested this gathering so that members of both teams could get to know one another better in a more conducive setting than the usual crisis.

"I know the rules. Cap's an old geezer so it would be scandalous if I cosy up to him," she teased.

"What geezer? You're a few months older than I," Billy pouted, crossing his arms

Courtney laughed as she ruffled his raven black mop of curls. He looked absolutely adorable.

"I'm gonna be all by my lonesome?" She teased, fluttering her lush eyelashes.

"Well... Billy is supposed to cover the party for Whiz network's Next Generation Of Heroes weekly broadcast," he winked. "So I'll see you when Cap's done his rounds," he pecked her cheek.

Hands interlaced, the pair headed off to Brownstone to prepare for the party.

--------

"Marvel, good to see you. It's been awhile since you've hung out with us at the Watchtower," Wally waved at him.

"Huh? Yeah. I've been busy," Marvel looked distracted. His eyes scoured the crowd and landed on a pretty blonde teen in an off shoulder top and jeans that showed off her taut abs.

"You ok man?" Wally noticed that the Captain had stopped breathing. Following his line of sight, his eyes fell on Courtney.

"Stargirl's kind of young," he commented

"Jailbait, Captain White bread," sniggered Guy Gardner as he brushed past the big man with the crimson face and made his way towards Fire and Ice.

Courtney's eyes met Marvel's. Giggling she flushed red and looked away and continued her conversation with Black Canary and Power Girl.

Tearing his eyes away, he struck up a conversation with Wally. "So how are you getting on with your new job?"

"Pretty good actually. Flexible hours, understanding boss," he replied distractedly as his eyes fell on the buffet spread. The covers had just been removed.

"Mister Terrific had food catered from a five Michelin Star restaurant," said Marvel as the pair headed for the food.

"Marvel, I heard you stopped a parademon invasion. So what's the latest on Darkseid's plans?" Hal Jordan, who queued behind them, asked the big man.

"Scott's still investigating. Nothing new yet," said Marvel as he loaded his plate with slices of pizza.

---

"So tell us all about your reporter boyfriend," Black Canary nudged Courtney.

"He's the cutest, sweetest guy ever," she smiled dreamily.

"Better than Al?" Asked Jenny.

"Oh please. Compared to Al, a monkey would be an upgrade," chortled Power Girl.

"Where is he, by the way?" Asked Black Canary as she led the ladies to the table.

Impulse and Jamie butted in. "Hey Courtney, our table's over there."

Courtney cringed. Everyone was assigned a seat at a table.

While Captain Marvel was seated with Alan Scott, Superman, Wonder Woman, Power Girl, Black Canary, Green Arrow and Jay Garrick, Courtney was seated with Impulse, Blue Beetle Jaime, Jakeem, Wildcat Junior and Thunder. Thankfully Billy had a seat at that kids' table too.

Only a handful in JSA and the Justice League knew that the WHIZ boy reporter working to turn around the negative public perception of the superhero community was actually one of them.

Plate piled high with wings, ribs, potatoes and pizza, Courtney, flanked by Impulse and Jaime, headed to the kid's table.

Impulse plopped onto the empty seat beside Courtney that was reserved for Billy, and proceeded to spoon ice cream on her plate, on top of her meatballs. "It's an amazing combination," he assured her.

Jaime took the other seat beside her and topped up her soda with orange juice.

Jakeem sat opposite her, leaning forward, trying to charm her by balancing an egg on his nose.

Thunder was too deeply engrossed in her own conversation with Wildcat Junior to bail Courtney out.

Not wanting to cause a scene, she restrained herself from punching her over eager suitors. Instead, Courtney shot Marvel a distressed look as she heaved an exaggerated sigh.

---

"Isn't that cute? Bart, Jaime and Jakeem are crushing on Courtney," Green Arrow chuckled, gesturing at the kids.

Captain Marvel, seated between Superman and Jay Garrick could only feign indifference, his fists beneath the table squeezed white with fury.

Scott and Barda joined their table and the conversation switched to their latest findings on the Darkseid situation but Cap's attention was on the other table.

Jaime, dressed in a sleeveless top and skinny jeans was flexing his bicep, challenging Courtney to test his strength.

Not to be outdone, Impulse pulled up his shirt, showing Courtney his abs.

Although Cap didn't have Superman's super hearing, his ears were keen enough to pick up every word. He maintained a calm expression though inwardly he was on the verge of exploding.

"So, what do you think, Marvel?" Black Canary asked him.

"Huh? Oh. I gotta go. Duty calls," he mumbled, leaving the table in a hurry.

Seconds later, thunder roared and lightning struck right outside the building. Billy Batson, boy reporter, dressed in his red sweater, jeans and sports shoes tapped on Impulse's shoulder.

"That's my seat," he stated firmly.

"Who are you? Are you even a hero? This is a superhero private party," Impulse retorted.

"I said, this is my seat. That's my girl you're hitting on," Billy calm voice had a menacing undertone.

Courtney intertwined her hand with Billy's as she kicked Impulse off the chair.

All heads turned at the sound of the crashing chair and speedster.

Courtney pulled Billy onto her lap as she gave her audience a dazzling grin, her cute braces glinting in the warm light of the chandeliers.

"Bart, Courtney, Billy. Explain. Now." A stern faced Jay Garrick was at their table in a flash.

Chapter Text

"Thrash them," smirked Wildcat as he led Courtney and Billy to the gym.

The pair had been training with Wildcat for ten months already and he was proud of their progress. Today, they were going to pit their skills against Jakeem and Impulse who were trained by Black Canary.

"No magic pen, no cosmic belt or rod and no speed force," said Ma Hunkel, the referee for the match. "Whoever uses powers forfeits the match."

"Is Batson training to be a Robin?" Impulse gestured at Billy. "Batson, Bat's son. Get it?" Snickered Impulse.

"No, he is an investigative reporter for Whiz network, doing a weekly broadcast on superheroes. This training is part of the contract between Whiz and JSA," said Wildcat.

"Why?" Asked Impulse.

"According to his boss, Billy keeps getting kidnapped by Fawcett's villains while chasing stories. His boss worries that one day, Captain Marvel might not rescue Billy in time, then that'll be the end of their star reporter," Wildcat replied, hoping the others would buy that line.

The truth was JSA's leadership, freaked out that their heavy hitter, Captain Marvel was a defenseless kid, wanted to make him less defenseless, even in his regular form.

As a result, the once painfully scrawny frame had filled out with lean muscle which Courtney couldn't help but notice.

Jakeem bent his knees with his hands in the guard position, his eyes on Courtney.

Impulse spread his feet shoulders apart, bouncing impatiently from foot to foot with his eyes on Billy.

Glancing at each other, Billy and Courtney attacked, feet flying at their opponents.

Impulse ducked, but Jakeem's eyes flew wide. From the corner of his eye, he saw Ma Hunkel's eyes glow red as she left the room.

"Ma.." Courtney's foot landed squarely on Jakeem's jaw, knocking out the boy.

Heavy gas rapidly filled the room, rendering everyone unconscious instantly.

-------

Billy's head throbbed as he slowly opened his eyes. While his eyes adjusted to the light, he heard the faint ticking of... A bomb?

Billy, Courtney, Jakeem, Impulse, Black Canary and Wildcat were trapped within a metal cube. It had no doors or windows.

Wildcat was examining the walls. "Stuff is stronger than steel," he stated.

"Jakeem, ask your Thunderbolt to get us out of here," Wildcat waved at the dazed boy.

The boy felt his pockets. His face turned white. "It's gone," he mumbled. "My magic pen, Thunderbolt, he's gone," the boy panicked.

"Impulse, break us out of here," said Black Canary.

"Ok," the speedster ran circles around the room, striking the walls, ceiling and floor but he couldn't even dent the metal.

"It's got to be Adamantium or Vibranium then," murmured Wildcat.

"Let's find out," said Black Canary. "Everyone get as far as you can behind me," she ordered as she stood facing a metal wall.

She unleashed her Canary cry directly on the wall yet the sonic waves had no effect on it.

"That settles it. Adamantium," she concluded.

Looking around the group, Wildcat explained, "Adamantium and Vibranium are the strongest metals in all the multiverses. Canary's cry would work on Vibranium but not Adamantium."

"Whoever trapped us has access to materials from other multiverses," pondered Courtney recalling Mister Terrific's Multiverse 101 classes. "Who has such power? Such influence?"

"The bomb will go off in five minutes killing all of you. The Master will be pleased," a grating voice piped through the ceiling.

Billy rubbed the back of his neck nervously. Couldn't anyone else stop the bomb or break them out of their prison? He really didn't want to expose his secret, but... he looked at Courtney.

"Four minutes to detonation," came that grating voice.

Courtney squeezed his hand, encouraging him with her support.

"I'll do it," said Billy as he stood to face the group. "Everyone, get back."

"What can you do?" Impulse asked curiously.

"Just get back, everyone," said Wildcat. "He'll get us out."

"Three minutes," came that irritating voice.

"Shazam!"

Lightning crashed through the ceiling hitting Billy.

Captain Marvel stood in place of the boy.

"Impulse, get Jakeem and Canary out," ordered the Captain as he flew out with Courtney and Wildcat. The Adamantium cube that imprisoned them exploded in their wake.

-------

"Cap's a kid?" Impulse clutched his sides laughing as soon as they got to Brownstone JSA. He could hold it in for only just so long. "Can I join the League too?"

Billy and Courtney, hands intertwined, rolled their eyes.

"You're the kid I saw back when we tackled Ultra Humanite ," said Jakeem as the puzzle pieces seemed to fit together in his head.

"Mm hmmm.." Billy nodded. "But you guys gotta keep it to yourselves. Please."

The implications were obvious. Anyone who wanted to take down The World's Mightiest Mortal would only have to shoot Billy. Unlike Cap, Billy's not bullet proof.

"They've got Thunderbolt," tears welled up in Jakeem's eyes. Thunderbolt was more than his source of power. The genie was his best friend.

"We'll get him back," Billy placed a comforting hand on Jakeem's shoulder. "I promise."

"Ma Hunkel," Jakeem mumbled.

"What?" Billy frowned.

"Ma Hunkel's eyes glowed red just before she left the room. I tried to warn you guys but Courtney knocked me out," Jakeem eyed Courtney suspiciously.

"So, Ma Hunkel may lead us to our kidnappers, and to Thunderbolt," grinned Courtney.

"I don't think it's Ma Hunkel," Billy replied. "More likely one of Darkseid's minions posing as her," Billy replied

"What makes you think it's Darkseid? " Asked Wildcat.

"The voice referred to The Master which is what Darkseid's minions often call him. Also, very few beings have access to metals from other multiverses. We were in an Adamantium box, for crying out loud," Billy flung his hands.

"Can we go back a bit?" Black Canary finally found her voice. "You're The World's Mightiest Mortal? You're a core member of both JSA and the Justice League," She pointed in disbelief at Billy, the slender teen who was still waiting for his growth spurt.

"Yes. JSA Charter members know. The Justice League allows members to keep their real identities secret so I'm not breaking any Justice League rules. Superman and Batman already know so all's good," Billy shrugged.

"But you're a kid," Black Canary protested.

"And?" Chorused Billy, Courtney, Impulse, and Jakeem.

Chapter Text

"Flash A05" announced the mechanical voice as The Flash materialized on the Zeta-Beam platform outside the Watchtower's primary meeting room.

"You're late, Barry," glared Batman as the speedster plopped himself into his designated seat.

"Sorry, had to wrap up the thing with the Rogues," mumbled Barry as Hal shot him a sympathetic look.

"Meeting is in session," said Batman. "Any updates?"

"A group of trainers and students were kidnapped during a sparring session at JSA Brownstone and imprisoned in a box made entirely of Adamantium," Captain Marvel began.

"How did that happen?" Diana's perfectly shaped eyebrow shot up.

"They were gassed. Ma Hunkel was supposed to referee the session. Black Canary found her bound and gagged in her quarters after the group escaped," explained The Captain.
"JJ's Thunderbolt was stolen."

Murmurs filled the room.

"How's Jakeem taking it?" Superman's eyes showed his concern for the precocious boy.

"Badly," Marvel frowned.

"Wait one second," Ollie piped up. "You're saying the culprits now have a sixth dimension wish granting genie that can basically do anything?"

"Yep," replied The Captain.

"We're so screwed..." Ollie tugged his beard.

"Anything else?" Batman looked around the room.

"Yesterday, at Palmer Technologies, I spotted a cleaner who looked exactly like one of the catering guys at the JLA JSA party," Ray frowned.

"His eyes glowed red while he was handling a gadget. I returned from the Microverse just in time to stop him. I got the gadget but he escaped," Ray held up a device the size of a pen cover for everyone to see. "Barry and I are still studying it."

"Barry?" Batman turned to the speedster.

"I..." Barry's nose tickled, "CHOOOOO!'
Snot covered Ray whose hand accidentally hit a button just as Darkseid's motherbox began to beep.

Thick gas was expelled in all directions from the gadget while a boom tube opened.

The room stood still for Flash, Superman and Captain Marvel as they ran/flew circles to create twisters that sucked away the gas and directed it out of the Watchtower.

When they were done, the motherbox and the device had vanished.

All eyes were on Ray Palmer.

"It was an accident!" He protested.

Batman's eyes narrowed.

Superman spoke up next. "Public distrust of the Superhero community is fueled by most news and media networks," Superman paused as he looked around the room

"Only The Daily Planet and Whiz Network are defending us. The rest say we are a menace, as dangerous as nuclear warheads and should be regulated by the government," Superman pinched his nose.

"They are correct where heroes with superpowers are concerned. You, Marvel, Wonder Woman, Flash and Green Lantern are weapons of mass destruction. Any of you can potentially destroy the world many times over," Batman slammed his fists on the table.

"What are you saying? That we are menaces that need to be controlled by the government?" Superman stood up, clearly agitated.

"Is that why you have these?" Ollie tossed a stack of photos on the table for the team to examine.

Batman's Brother Eye surveillance system.

Boxes with each hero's emblem, each containing that hero's weakness, that can be used to take down the said hero.

Outraged, the members of the Justice League stormed out of the room.

At the back of the room, red eyes glowed. "The Master will be pleased," it whispered.

-------

"How do I know we can trust you?" Jakeem confronted Courtney.

"What do you mean?" Courtney tilted her head.

"Don't play innocent. You kicked me when I was trying to warn everyone about Ma Hunkel!" Jakeem replied.

"For the last time. We were sparring. You were supposed to duck." Courtney flung her hands in exasperation.

"How do I know you're really Courtney?" Jakeem glared at her, fist raised.

"Cool it," Jay walked up to the pair and gently but firmly separated them.

Jakeem pointed at his own eyes then at Courtney as he stormed out of the room.

Thunder roared. Lightning flashed outside the building.

Head down, shoulders slouched forward, Billy dragged his feet through the door.

"You ok?" Courtney held his shoulders, her light blue eyes gazing into his brilliant blues.

"Honestly? No," Billy's eyes watered. "The League. They're breaking up."

"What?" Courtney couldn't believe her ears.

"Tell me about it," she held his hand as he sat beside her.

Chapter Text

"Clark just called. He wants us over at his apartment for lunch with him and Lois." Billy towelled his messy black curls as he walked towards Courtney.

He had on his faded blue jeans and white tank top that showed off lean muscled arms - the fruit of Wildcat's intensive training and Jay's protein heavy square meals.

Courtney's heart beat a little faster as he stepped into her room.
"Ok."

"Bring your costume, belt and rod," he added thoughtfully. "He'll explain once we're there."

Leaning forward, their lips met for a few delicious seconds.

Reluctantly he let go of her, pulled on a red sweater, his brilliant eyes never leaving her light blues.
"Gotta patrol Fawcett. See you there," he beamed, dimples punctuating his grin.

-------

344 Clinton Street, smack in the middle of Metropolis. Superman flew through the window after his morning patrol, greeted by smoke and shower from the automatic sprinklers.

"Smallville, where are your oven gloves? The chicken is burning!"

"I'll handle that," Clark grabbed the flaming pan out of the oven with his bare hands and blew out the fire.

"Where's your ladder?" Lois rummaged through the cupboard for something she could climb to reach the sprinklers.

Clark floated up to the ceiling and switched off the sprinklers, "there."

"Don't you have oven gloves or a ladder?" Lois glared up at him, looking like a drowned kitten.

"Don't need them," shrugged the equally drenched Clark.

The doorbell rang.

-------

Courtney was nervous. It's the second time she's meeting Superman in person and she's going to have lunch with him, the beacon of hope, the most respected superhero in the world.

What's even more intimidating was that  the world renowned female reporter, Lois Lane, would be joining them.

"Relax Court," Billy gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "We're just having lunch with my god brother and his fiancee," he assured her as he rang the doorbell.

The door flew open.

A pair of drenched cats in human form faced them, grinning from ear to ear to hide their embarrassment. The apartment was flooded and filled with smoke.

"Sorry about the mess. Let's eat out," Clark smiled apologetically.

-------

"What happened in there?" Billy blurted out as he poured gravy on his roast beef.

"Clark cooks breakfast for me every morning, so I thought I'd return the favour," Lois fiddled with the fish on her plate.

"Leave the cooking to me. Ma taught me her failsafe recipes," Clark gently tweaked Lois' nose as the pair made eyes at each other.

Billy and Courtney glanced at each other, barely holding in their laughter.

"So," Billy composed himself. "What's up?"

"You know the fiasco at the Watchtower?" Clark lowered his voice.

"Yeah. The entire Bat clan got kicked out of the league. The League split up as a result," Billy stabbed the innocent chicken on his plate vehemently.

"Not quite. After you left, some of us got back together. All this was orchestrated by Darkseid," Clark looked both teens in the eye.

"We're putting together a team to look into this. We want Marvel and Stargirl on this," he smiled warmly at Courtney.

"Lois has been investigating this from a separate angle. I programmed the zeta beams to accept Lois and Courtney into the Watchtower while keeping the Bats out."

"Batman's the League's detective. Oracle provides our Intel. The Bats are the League's detectives. With them gone..." Billy trailed off.

"Barry's a forensic scientist. Hal's a space cop. Their skills will certainly help the investigations," Superman assured Billy.

"Their detective skills are so brilliant, they deduced that I'm an albino flying lion," Billy rolled his eyes.

"An ancient albino flying lion. After talking to Diana, they concluded that you are seven thousand years old," chuckled Clark.

Courtney choked on her lemonade.

"We're reduced to these two clowns as our detectives now? Somebody shoot me," groaned Billy.

"Calm down Bill. Cap's wisdom of Solomon gives him the keenest mind in the universe," Superman stated.

"And?" Billy frowned.

Clark gently rested his hand on Billy's shoulder.

"Cap takes on Batman's role and leads Lois, Mister Miracle,  Hal and Barry in the investigations.  Stars keeps the chaos contained."

"We're all meeting in the Watchtower in an hour. There's time for dessert," beamed Clark as he waved at the waiter.

Chapter Text

Barry was in charge of refreshments for the Watch Tower planning session that Superman had called for.

In a flash, Barry distributed the drinks he'd picked for each hero in the conference room.

Expresso for most of those present since that was the hot favourite for long sessions like these, and Central City has the best Expresso around, though Hal clearly disagrees.

Latte for Superman.

Matcha for Wonder Woman.

Pink lemonade for Star Girl.

A huge milk shake for Captain Marvel.

Marvel took a gulp of his milk shake, grimaced and stared at his drink suspiciously.

"I knew you'd love it. I got yours from Restaurant Gastronomique Pour Chats . They use fresh milk from the cows in their farm and catnip from their garden," he beamed. "It's gained rave reviews from cat lovers."

Cap almost choked. Ok, he's completely invulnerable. That includes his stomach. This nausea is all in the mind. His secret identity is safe as long as they believe that....

Hal looked Cap's pained expression. "No chocolate in your milk because chocolate can be lethal to cats, no matter how ancient they are," Hal ruffled the big man's hair. "Lions are big cats."

Courtney stared ahead trying very hard not to giggle.

Standing up with his sad attempt at a poker face, Superman called the meeting to order.
"As you all know, Batman, the entire Bat clan, their Gotham connections and a number of former Leaguers have cut all ties with the Justice League."

"Wait a minute, by Gotham connections, do you mean Gotham Billionaire Bruce Wayne who has been funding the Justice League?" Green Lantern spilled his Expresso over the polished oak conference table

Flash's face turned white. "Who's paying for the food in the Watchtower? Who said what to Mr Money Bags?"

"Maybe we can convince him Batman is batty and get his support?" Hal piped up.

Captain Marvel buried his face in his hands. These are the sleuths who are going to help him crack the case. Maybe Clark was just pulling his leg.

"It's fine," Green Arrow leaned into the back of his chair and rested his feet on the table. "Queen Conglomerate's CEO, Oliver Queen, has just agreed to sponsor the League with his personal fortune," he smirked.

"That settles the finances then," said Superman.

"As for our information network and sleuths, we would normally ask J'onn to link us telepathically on the field and to use his detective skills to crack the case.

However, he vanished while investigating suspicious activity in the slums.

Fortunately, Barry is a top forensics scientist, Hal is an intergalactic space cop. Their experience would be.... useful."

Captain Marvel suppressed a barely audible groan.

Stargirl nudged him, her cute braces peeked through her grin.

"Where's Arthur, by the way?" Black Canary, nestled under Green Arrow's arm, quizzed Superman.

"In Atlantis. He's dealing with an uprising there and can't join us," he replied.

Guy Gardner stormed into the room with a black eye and fresh bruises on his cheeks. "What are you guys doing hiding in here? It's insane out there!" He fumed.

He'd stepped out for a sandwich and got stoned by a mob in his own city, the city he protects.

"You too? Same thing happened to Gangbuster in Metropolis. He's recovering in intensive care. His rib punctured his lung after a mob got him."

Lois Lane dug through her handbag and pulled out a test tube. I scraped this from the site where he was attacked," she frowned.

"His attackers had no memory of what they did."

"Let me see that." Mr Miracle examined the tube.

The liquid began to glow. Mr Miracle gripped his head, screaming in agony. His eyes glowed red.

Flash grabbed the test tube from his hand, was off and back in a flash without it.

Looking at all the questioning eyes, he explained, "I locked it in the containment chamber so that we can study it safely."

Scott collapsed in Barda's arms as she held her beeping mother box against his head to heal him.

Captain Marvel's eyes narrowed. "Cyborg, run through the feeds and show us the recent mob attacks."

"Wait a minute Captain White Bread, who died and put you in charge here," challenged green lantern Guy Gardener.

"It's Marvel. Captain Marvel," the Captain replied, massive arms crossed over his heavily muscled chest as he glared down at Guy.

"Stand down. With Batman and Martian Manhunter gone, we could use the wisdom of Solomon to get us through this," Superman clapped Guy's shoulder.

No one in their right minds would want to stand up against the two power houses, no matter how "boy scout" they may be. Guy smirked and leaned into the back of his chair, kicking up his heels to rest his feet on the conference table.

Ignoring Guy, Cyborg streamed videos of mob attacks on heroes around the world. Close ups on the mob's faces showed glowing red eyes.

"We're out of time," The Captain spoke.

"Barry and Scott. Work on an antidote for the sample Lois brought in."
Flash and Mr Miracle headed to the lab.

"Hal, take Guy and Barda with you to the slums J'onn was investigating. Look for signs of our lost team mates. Don't engage," The Captain continued. "Don't kill each other," he muttered.

Wonder Woman's phone went off. "Trouble in Themyscira," she mumbled. "Bill, I've got to go. It may be related to what's going on here so I'll let you know."

Cap nodded as Wonder Woman left.

"Lois, I need you and Stargirl to pay Ma Hunkel a visit," Cap added.

That left Superman, Green Lantern Kyle Rayner, Green Arrow and Black Canary to work with Marvel on the necessary preparations.

-------

It was a hectic three days.

Captain Marvel worked tirelessly around the clock while the others slept. Finally everything's in place. He had a few hours to himself which he fully intended to spend with Courtney.

Flowing golden locks glistened in the sun near the park's fountain. The pretty blonde perched on a bench as she watched the dancing waters.

Thunder roared as lightning split the cloudless sky.

A raven haired boy in a bright red sweater tip toed behind the slender girl and covered her eyes.

"Billy," she grinned.

"How'd you guess?" He returned a lopsided dimpled smile.

"Duh. Lightning?"

Billy wrapped his arm around her waist as she leaned into his warmth.
"I missed you Billy," she smiled, her braces glinting in the soft light.

"We were working together all the time," he grinned.

"I missed you, my skinny boyfriend, not that old geezer" she laughed as she ruffled the boys black curls.

Her soft blue eyes met his brilliant blues.

Sitting beside her, he rested his head on her lap.

"I'm so tired Court."

As Cap, he didn't need any rest. He could go without food, water, air or sleep indefinitely, but once he changed back to Billy, the bone deep exhaustion set in.

"I don't know if I can do this," his voice sounded so tired, way too old and jaded for the teen he really was.

"It's ok," Courtney gently stroked his hair. "I know you can. We'll pull through."

She sat there holding her sweetheart as he drifted off into sweet, much needed sleep.

Chapter Text

"C'mon guys, those bozos are straight ahead. I can smell 'em," Guy waded through the sewers, ahead of Barda and Hal.

It was pitch dark, their rings were the only source of light.

Kicking out the grating, Guy emerged in a giant metallic cube. Hal and Barda followed behind. In the center was a fiery cage suspended in mid air, holding the weakened Martian Manhunter captive. 

While Captain Marvel told them to wear protective filters as a precaution, Guy Gardner tossed his aside. He resented having to follow Captain White Bread's lead.

An oppressive darkness loomed over them. 

Resentment simmering within Guy for having to obey Captain White Bread boiled into rage, overwhelming him.

Everything turned red. Hatred poured forth. He was no longer in control

Turning to his companions, he slammed a giant green mallet at them.

"What the...," hissed Hal as he swung a giant boxing glove at Guy.

"Shut up wimp! I'm the greatest.."

Slam!

Barda's Mega-Rod rod came down hard on his head. 

Birds sang. Stars twinkled. Then blissful darkness.

Sighing, Barda tossed Gardner over her shoulder.

The metallic ceiling slid open and parademons swarmed the cube.

"So much for not engaging," Hal frowned.

Claws reached out as the parademons swooped towards the heroes.

Instinctively, Hal threw up a protective shield over himself and his team mates.

"Go! I'll fend them off," said Barda one arm carrying Guy, the other firing her Mega-Rod to keep the parademons at bay.

With a huge green fire extinguisher, Hal put out the fire that imprisoned J'onn.

Then with giant pliers, he pried open the cage and grabbed J'onn.

"Now!" He shouted.

The Mega-Rod went off. The four heroes vanished.

"Holy Moley!" The stench hit Captain Marvel with a vengeance when Barda, Hal, Guy and J'onn materialized in front of him.

"Guy's idea. Get in through the sewers." Barda rolled her eyes as she headed for the decontamination showers.

J'onn's eyes met Marvel's. "I know where they are."

-------

We're in. Barda announced through J'onzz' mind link.

Her Mega-Rod teleported them in front of a massive machine that held countless cylinders containing human captives. 

Captain Marvel glanced down at Stargirl beside him. She seemed so small and delicate when he was like this. Her golden hair glistened beautifully in the warm golden glow of her cosmic rod. 

The Billy side of him wanted her safe in the Watchtower. Not here. Not in the middle of Darkseid's stronghold.

As if reading his thoughts, she grinned up at him, her cute braces peeking through her dazzling smile. "I'll be fine, big boy."

Cap knew what she could do.

They needed her here. 

Stargirl ended a potentially world ending threat entirety on her own before the League could arrive. Yet Billy's heart screamed for her safety.

Steeling himself, he tapped into Solomon's wisdom. That machine in front of them was extracting minute fragments of the anti life equation from the captives' brains for Darkseid.

Scott, disable the machine. I'll free the captives, his eyes darted at the War Hounds and Parademons closing in on them. 

Stars. Barda. Cover Scott.

Then he was off. The cylinders disappearing in a red blur.

War Hounds and Parademons charged at the trio.

Both feet planted firmly on the ground, her back facing Scott, Barda wielded her mega rod against the charging War hounds, destroying its leg as it tried to stomp her husband. 

Stars hurled shooting stars at the incoming Parademons driving most of them off.

One dodged her stars and struck her down.

"Stars!"

Billy's heart lurched as Cap froze.

Pink lightning threw Cap against the metal wall.

Vibranium. Solomon's wisdom provided.

Canary! Blast through the wall.

Flashes, evacuate the prisoners.

Cap barked out orders through the mind link even as an electrified pink fist struck his jaw.

It was Johnny's Thunderbolt. The anti-life equation fragments Darkseid had pieced together held him in thrall.

"Thunderbolt. Yz. It's me," Cap held out his hands placatingly.

Another pink fist swung at him.

Cap ducked.

"I don't want to fight you. I know the despair, pain and isolation you're feeling."

Another electrified fist aimed for his cheek.

He dodged swiftly holding Thunderbolt in a headlock.

"Foolish one." A deep, dark growl came out from Thunderbolt's mouth. A voice unlike Thunderbolt's usual jovial tone.

"I know you're in there, Yz. Fight it," Cap spoke warmly. Firmly.

Thunderbolt kicked The Captain with his magic lightning.

A raven haired boy plummeted in the place of the World's Mightiest Mortal.

"Billy!"

Stargirl abandoned her opponent.

Soaring on her cosmic rod, she caught him.

"My hero." Billy nuzzled playfully in her arms, breathing in her scent. 

"Now's not the time Romeo," she chided, her pretty blue eyes on fire.

"For Darkseid!" Thunderbolt shot lightning at the pair. 

Stargirl wove her way around the lightning strikes.

Billy leaped off Stargirl's rod.

"Shazam!"

The Captain's fist sent Thunderbolt flying.

"Yz, you got to break out of Darkseid's control," Captain Marvel hovered in front of the Thunderbolt. He really did not want to hurt his old friend.

He had to stall. At least long enough for Superman to return from his mission.

"Archibald," a warm yet electrifying female voice spoke up.

A female pink thunderbolt hovered beside Superman a few feet from Thunderbolt.

"Mildred?" Tears streamed down the Thunderbolt's eyes as he turned around. "Help me."

A female pink thunderbolt, Yz's beloved wife embraced him. 

Together, they sizzled, expelling dark fumes from Yz.

Their love melted the dark influence of the anti life equation away.

Behind them the massive machinery exploded as Jay, Barry, Wally and Bart carried away the last of the captives.

"For Darkseid!" Granny Goodness led her Furies in the charge against Mr Miracle and Big Barda.

Raging mobs with glowing red eyes joined in the fray converging on the pair.

Alan, bring your team to aid Miracle and Barda now, said The Captains through their mind link.

Alan Scott flew over with reinforcements in the form of Wildcat, Black Canary, Jade, the Hawks, Mister Terrific and Dr Midnight.

Antidote! Barked The Captain.

Ollie shot arrows filled with antidote into the mobs. These exploded releasing white gas. Angry men and women looked disoriented before they fell into deep slumber.

Strong arms grabbed Marvel from behind, jerking his head back. Hard.

If not for his complete invulnerability, his neck would have snapped.

It was Kalibak, Darkseid's son.

Marvel twisted and flipped him towards Superman, whose fist pounded Kalibak clear through a massive structure, toppling it.

Grayven slammed his fist into Superman's jaw, sending him careening through the sky.

Superman corrected himself and landed beside Marvel. 

Backs facing each other, the pair fought off Darkseid's sons and elite forces.

The Captain glanced at Stars who fought alongside the JSA. With his speed, time slows to a standstill. 

His heart stopped when he saw Kanto's laser, fire at his sweetheart.

Instinctively, he flew in its path. The laser blast bounced off him, destroying an unfortunate parademon.

Simultaneously, an inter-dimensional rift opened in the spot he vacated, spitting out a floppy eared pink bunny, dressed in a Captain Marvel suit.

Hoppy made it. Cap smiled knowing that the bunny with all of Captain Marvel's powers could watch Supe's back in his absence. Stars needed him.

Steppenwolf swung his axe at the back of Superman's head.

The bunny blocked the blow with his paw, shattering the axe and returned one of his own.

"Thanks Cap," Superman said distractedly while dealing Mantis another blow.

"No problem," squeaked the bunny.

Chapter Text

Kyle has just returned from Oa.

"How'd it go?" Green Arrow asked perched on a building that was still standing. His eyes fixated on the battle below. His hands held a very special arrow steady in his bow.

"Wasn't easy getting through to the Guardians, but they finally agreed," he grinned.

As expected, the World's Mightiest Mortal and the Man of Steel fought in tandem with their backs facing each other.

Then in a blink of an eye, in the place of the Captain, stood a cute little floppy eared bunny, dressed in Captain Marvel's outfit.

Kyle's jaw fell open.

The bunny's fighting style was exactly like Cap's - pure brute strength and blinding speed.

Steppenwolf's famed axe shattered against its paw, proving that was The Captain.

"Did you see that?" Ollie exclaimed as he lowered his bow.

Kyle blinked. Once. Twice.

The little pink bunny fought valiantly, covering Superman's back.

"Captain Marvel is really Superman's pet bunny?"

Waves of darkness, loneliness, isolation and despair emanated from the Colossal dark god of evil, Darkseid.

Marvel snatched the arrow and hurled it.

Bracing himself, he shouted

Chapter Text

Billy Batson sat on the floor outside the Watchtower's conference room, hugging his legs for comfort.

This was it. He had planned to tell the Justice League when he turned eighteen, but his ultimate lightning strike was the only way they could stop Darkseid. It also changes him back to his real sixteen year old body.

For six years, he pretended to be an adult. How would they take it?

How would they react knowing they let a ten year old into the Justice League?

Would they kick him out?

"Are you ok?" Courtney plopped herself beside him. Their hands interlocking instinctively.

"Yes. No. Not really.." he replied, the butterflies in his stomach protesting.

"Being part of the League was my dream come true. I was only ten when they asked me to join them."

"You're not ten any more," she beamed, her cute braces peeking at him.

"I guess not," he rubbed the back of his neck.

"You've proven yourself many times over." She pressed her forehead against his, affectionately.

Her warmth chased the jitters away.

"And you've got me." She pecked his cheek playfully. "And the JSA," she grinned.

The core members of the Justice League were in the conference room, discussing what to do now that they know the truth about Captain Marvel.

"We've been taking orders from a kid?" Piped Barry.

"He's good. The Wisdom of Solomon won the war," replied Martian Manhunter.

"Actually, the Captain's a floppy eared pink bunny disguised as a human child," Green Arrow replied.

"I'd say he's Superman's pet bunny. I saw him change, then continue fighting off the forces of Apokolips as a little pink bunny. Those are definitely Cap's moves," Kyle stated.

"I thought we established he's a seven thousand year old albino lion," frowned Wonder Woman.
"It's one thing for a lion to fight alongside us on the battlefield, but a cute little  rabbit?"

"What's wrong with us rabbits?" Protested a pink floppy eared rabbit wearing dark glasses and a red and black outfit.

"Plas, you know what I mean. A flying albino lion is a powerful ally on the battlefield. A tiny little pink bunny has no place in the battles we fight," Wonder Woman retorted.

"Excuse me lady, I saw that little bunny smash Steppenwolf's indestructible axe into tiny shards with his little paw," replied Green Arrow.

Superman rubbed his face with his hand. "When was that?"

"Just before Darkseid appeared. You two fought together. He watched your back," Kyle replied.

"Look, Captain Marvel has an adult body and an adult brain on the field," stated Superman.

"That doesn't change the fact that he is a cute little bunny in real life," replied Diana.

"I'm sorry, did I miss anything?"

Aquaman was completely confused having been in Atlantis throughout the battle with Apokolips. 

"I thought Flash, Green Lantern and Wonder Woman figured out that Cap's an ancient flying albino lion."

"Well we were wrong. He's really a fluffy little pink rabbit that's only so tall," Green Lantern raised his hand waist high, the approximate height of Hoppy.

"Wait a minute. Kal, you have a lot of explaining to do," Wonder Woman glared at Superman.

"Me? What? Why?" Superman was bewildered.

"How could you recommend a cute little bunny for League membership?"

"I never did!" Superman was beginning to lose his patience.

"Are you denying getting your pet bunny membership in the Justice League?" Wonder Woman demanded.

"For the last time, Captain Marvel is not a bunny," Superman's cheeks flushed red with exasperation.

"That means he's.."

"He's not an ancient flying albino lion either," Superman cut Hal off.

"He is a sixteen year old boy," Superman grabbed his own hair in both his hands in sheer frustration.

Black Canary snorted. "Superman is right."

"How'd you know pretty bird?" Green Arrow frowned.

"You mean that twelve year old boy, Billy Batson, is really the big guy?" Kyle's jaw dropped.

"Yes," said Mister Miracle. "By the way, he's sixteen, not twelve. Some humans are late bloomers."

"What are we here to discuss actually?" Asked Aquaman.

"Captain Marvel's league membership," replied Wonder Woman.

"What's there to discuss? Didn't he just lead us against Darkseid and the forces of Apokolips?" Asked Barry.

"Yes," replied Hal.

"The issue is that he withheld the truth from us," said Wonder Woman.

"Since when do Justice League members have to tell everyone their secret identities?" Asked Superman.

"Enough. We're not getting anywhere. Let's just vote," declared Green Arrow who now funds the Justice League.

"All in favor of Captain Marvel retaining full league membership raise your hands."

All hands were raised except Wonder Woman's.

"Majority vote. Yes, he stays," stated Green Arrow.

"Some changes need to be made though," Black Canary raised her hand.

"He should be allowed a proper education which is currently impossible with Monitor duties, countless administrative meetings and other unnecessary stuff the League calls on him for."

Everyone hummed in agreement as they worked out the details.