Supergirl descended towards the sea smoothly, her red cape swirling behind her as she hit the water. Re-entry from space had heated her body so much that the water boiled a moment, eventually subsiding as she plunged into the depths. A simple breathing unit was slipped over the redhead's mouth, other than that she needed no special gear beneath the waves. The deep blue shifted as A-ko descended, going to deep blue then finally a nearly lightless darkness. Here far below the surface, concealed by both science and enchantment was the continent of Atlantis, lost beneath the waves. The city that she was searching for soon appeared, artificial and organic sources of light providing illumination for the numerous residents. The black haired man waiting outside with the guards carried his age well, the uniform he wore swirling in red and black. "Welcome," the former Titan called Tempest gave her a cautious smile, "the king is waiting to see you." "Thank you," A-ko nodded, red hair swirling around her face. They moved through the glowing streets, residents peeking out nervously as they swam by. Tempest smiled slightly, "So how are the Titans doing?" "A fourth incarnation has started," Supergirl answered him, "with several younger heroes being mentored by members of the older generation." "I'm glad," Tempest answered her simply. The palace itself stood largely unguarded, though A-ko wasn't surprised. The reputation the king of Atlantis had was such that few would dare to directly oppose him, even now that he had officially retired from being a superhero. The halls glittered, not with treasure but instead by coral and native rock, creating a serene yet lovely atmosphere. Arthur Curry sat on the throne, his blonde hair and beared now streaked with grey. A simple circlet rested on his brow, the formal garb of an Atlantian king resting uncomfortably on his muscular body. His expression was grave but lightened as he smiled and said, "A-ko, it's been a long time." "That it has, sir," A-ko agreed, thinking back fondly to when the man before standing before her had brought his children to meet the other descendants of the JLA. "It's nice to see you," Dolphin agreed, the white haired but youthful queen slipping back into her seat beside Arthur's smoothly. She looked much less formal, her clothes loose and clearly chosen for comfort. "So," Arthur looked at her shrewdly, "is this visit business or pleasure?" "A bit of both," Supergirl admitted. "This has been the first time I could visit since I took over the family business," she tugged at the 'S' shield shirt she wore, "and there is the question of where an Atlantian mech that attacked the surface came from...." "The mech," a scowling Tempest spoke up, "was stolen by the criminal Black Manta then sold off to the highest bidder." "We recently extended him an amnesty in the hopes that he had truly reformed," Dolphin explained to her apologetically, "but despite his regaining his sanity the Manta continues to be a dangerous criminal." "Has the Fortress break-out been a problem here?" A-ko asked curiously. "Not really," Arthur smiled grimly, "there are few villains native to the sea, and even less willing to risk my wrath." "I'm glad," Supergirl answered. She took a slightly nervous breath, "During the Fortress breakout the Justice League was spread very thin, something that has led us to consider holding a membership drive...." Tempest shook his head, "Personally, I'd be interested in joining the League but I'm tied up with duties here in Atlantis." "And I'm a bit too old to be playing this game," Arthur looked thoughtful as he continued, "but there is someone who might be interested." A messenger was sent and a few minutes later a young mann arrives, dressed in a simple uniform of white and blue. His red hair fell into his blue eyes, and his face was almost unearthly handsome. "My lord," he bowed to Arthur, eyes widening slightly as he saw Supergirl. "I'd like you to meet Orin," Arthur nodded towards him, "a member of our Atlantian guards who recently petitioned to go to the surface world." Orin nodded to Supergirl, "Ma'am." Looking to Arthur he asked eagerly, "Does this mean my petition has been granted?" "Easy," Dolphin smiled at the young man and he flushed. "Like most Atlantians he will possess enhanced strength on the surface, and he's been treated so that he can safwely function on the surface for extended periods. He also," Arthur smiled, "has gained certain abilities in the manipulation of water." Supergirl studied Orin a moment, then nodded firmly. "If Aquaman recomends you I'd have to be a fool to turn you down," she said, "if you'd be interested in joining the Justice League?" Orin grinned as he took her offered hand, "I'd be honored." Across the globe in Gotham City a blaze of green lit the sky, then flashed on towards a silvery tower rising towards the heavens. Kyla Scott, Earth's current Green Lantern, descended to the ground on the emerald energies of her power ring and gazed up at the building thoughtfully. The headquarters and museum of the Justice Society of America had been almost a second home for her, back when she had been growing up. The second and third generation members had watched over her, even as she had eagerly consumed the history of those great heroes. A red and gold dressed streak appeared at her side, blurring slightly as she rapidly moved back and forth, "WherehaveyoubeenIthoughtI'dbewaitingouthereforever...." "Slow down," Kyla chuckled softly. Flash did so a bit sheepishly, obviously unaware that she had still been operating a super speed. "Sorry," she said, "but what took you so long?" Kyla just ignored that, opening up the front door as she led her friend inside. "Iris, chill," she scolded as they moved through the displays of golden and silver aged heroes. Iris West just grinned impishly beneath her red cowl. "So do you think she'll be here?" she asked as Kyla used her keycard to open up the private section of the building. "That's what the message said," Kyla said, leading the way into the conference room. At first glance the woman standing there by the table looked quite young, her short white hair framing her beautiful face. But on a closer examination it was an odd sort of youth, really an kind of agelessness coupled with great power. She wore a simple, ankh inscribed gold circlet on her brow, and beads of gold were braided with longer strands of her hair. The blue and cold uniform was distinctive, the cape and amulet glowing in the dim light. "Wow," Iris murmured. Dr. Fate turned to them as they entered, her eyes piercing as she studied them. Finally she murmured, "Having Alan Scott find me was very clever." Kyla hid a smile at that. Her grandfather had been the golden age Green Lantern, possessed of a mystical power ring wielding the flames of the Starheart. Those flames had slowly become part of the hero, eventually replacing flesh and blood and making him nearly immortal. He had ultimately become one of the mystical guardians of the world, though he still kept an eye on his family. Flash was the first to break the moment of silence, "As you probably know we're members of the Justice League, and we were sent to....." "The League lacks a mystical member," Fate cut her off crisply, "and you were hoping that I would consent to join." "Dr. Fate, by the tone of your voice you don't sound very interested," Kyla noted, "or would you prefer if I called you Lyta Hall?" Fate relented just a bit, a slight smile on her face, "No, I'm merely annoyed that I have little choice but to join." "Huh?" Flash blinked. Fate walked over to them, golden cape flowing as she remarked, "Long story." "So you're willing to join?' Kyla wanted confirmation. "Yes," Fate nodded, her circlet glowing in the light, "and I have a little puzzle to pass on to the League, one I hope you'll have better luck understanding than I did." To be continued.... Author's Note: The mecha comment in the Atlantis section ties in to Outsiders 2045 by Chris Davies. Dr. Fate previously appeared in a chapter of DC Universe 2045: Showcase Part 3: The Books of Magic, and I went into her background in those Authors Notes.
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