(Gale POV) (July 17th, 2010 - Zatara Residence)
[+100 CP Milestone]
[+100 CP Achievement: Gain The Demon's Head's Attention]
[600 CP Banked]
Well, that is reassuring. Thank you very much, grimoire… of course, the first thing I needed to hear in the morning is the fact that I now have an immortal stalker…
The grimoire, thankfully, does not respond as it simply floats away and disappears… doing my morning stretches, I get into the shower and proceed to do my normal morning routine…
It's actually quite monotonous, to be honest, but the normality of it helps to keep me grounded… but I've also added some more supernatural elements, such as making sure I can rotate my magical energy through my various magical circuits, along with using some basic household magic from Harry Potter.
Do you know how convenient it is to never actually worry about having something out of reach? For example, you run out of soap in the shower and forget to put a new one in—not a problem. You can just use the accio spell to pull one to you… need a source of water when your shower isn't working? Just use the aquamenti spell… but now I'm just going on a tangent.
As I summon my robes to my side, I take a look at the mask before putting it on, along with checking to make sure that the robes have no tracking charms or bugs on them… kind of a sad thing I have to do to make sure no one is spying on me.
I could already tell someone's watching or at least trying to watch me through the open window, but all it takes is creating an illusion using various runes along the window, and to anyone looking outside, it's as if I'm leaving the room at some point and coming back in to study. If the illusions ever break, I have a homunculus programmed to take the illusion's place.
Honestly, it's kind of fun trying to maintain a secret identity, but it also helps that my family knows who I am, so I don't have to worry about lying to them and causing some kind of sitcom or teenage drama… as I do the last of my stretches after getting my robes on, I enter the portal into my tower and do my daily check on Roy Harper and the Superman clone.
And after checking the clone's mental development, I feel proud that I've essentially fostered a young mind. It's still relatively young, and right now it's currently dreaming. I've been sending images into his head, trying to develop his personality, separate from both Superman and the clone currently out there in the wild.
It's not exactly living a life, as I wouldn't want to take that from him as I wouldn't want to pull a Black Rose type situation. It's more of a learning experience—like very lucid dreaming. Subconsciously, the clone can understand that it's dreaming, but all of the choices it's making are helping to develop his personality.
I'm genuinely curious what will come out of the other end. The process itself should only take a couple more months, as I have to be incredibly careful not to damage his fragile psyche.
Deciding to take a chance today, I summoned the grimoire to my side, and as the pages begin to flutter open, I mentally ask it to roll for a new perk, and as it does so, it begins to shine in that same golden light…
[Rolling… Good Morning… hm… hm]
… good morning to you too.
Magic The Gathering - Iconics/Shining Example (-100 CP): Civilization, morality, and rules help guide one to better serve the group. You know this all too well, and it comes to you to spread the word. With your being infused with White Mana, your appearance has become more refined and beautiful. Not only that, but your charisma has become magnified such that it feels like you speak with the intensity of more than merely yourself. With such force of personality, it would not be difficult to gather followers and start uniting people in pursuit of a goal.
[500 CP Banked… Roll?]
Immediately deciding to end it there, I just accept the glowing energy beginning to circulate from my form, and as I summon a small mirror to my side, I take the mask off and look at my face, and while physically nothing very much has changed, it seems that my presence has become simply more.
However, I am slightly disappointed that I haven't actually gained access to Magic: The Gathering's magic system… I so do want a planeswalker spark. But to be honest, I'm just gonna add that to the mental list of appearance boosters… I do genuinely think someone is trolling me at this point.
Ending the mental session, I begin reading a book on Mystic Code creation. The process itself is both simple in its description but complex in its action… to create a Mystic Code is to essentially encode an object with some type of purpose. The stronger the code, the stronger the ability, but also the more specific and rare materials that it would require.
In addition to the fact that some Mystic Codes act differently when being made from different cultural sources… but thankfully, I have most of the resources within the tower. But I'm definitely going to need more time before I can re-create some of the stronger Mystic Codes.
Definitely not going to be creating something like a Rule Breaker anytime soon… but eventually, I'll make it there. The very thought of creating my own version of my favorite weapons does bring me a slight bit of excitement, though. Magic itself is amazing just through the freedom of experimentation. The various combinations of magic to create something impossible.
I'm already researching a way to create my own version of the Room of Requirement, but that is going to take at least months of research. But I have the time…
Checking my watch, I see that I've already taken way too much time, as I am going to be needed at the base in Happy Harbor.
Taking a breath, I summon a portal to the town, and as I appear above the city, I simply enjoy the sight of the rising sun… my hand reaches out towards it. It seems so close that I could just take it in my hands.
"Maybe one day… maybe one day…" I whisper to myself as I look towards where the supposedly hidden base is… and as I fly over towards the entrance, I make sure to cover myself in various illusion charms and notice-me-not spells.
And as I reach the entrance, a small camera pokes out of the rocky exterior and scans me…
[Solomon 069 Confirmed]
The doorway opens, and the ground slightly shakes as the ramp leading into the cave is opened… and as I walk inside, my footsteps echo throughout the empty cavern… a small part of me is excited like a childhood dream coming true. When I was younger, I would dream of what I would do in such situations.
I had created scenarios where I had various superpowers like a Superman package or I had been enhanced by the Speed Force or a magician… to be honest, I'm happy that I could essentially become all three eventually.
[+100 CP Milestone]
[600 CP Banked]
As I enter the main area, I look upwards and see the roof where Red Tornado would make his quarters… I see the large circle where training would take place as well as mission briefings… it's entirely silent, but I could already tell that Superboy was already here.
And as I made my way to the center of the room, I looked towards the young clone, standing a few meters away from me…
Deciding to break the silence, I simply ask, "It's been a while, Superboy. How have you been?"
The young clone doesn't say anything other than stare me up and down. "Wally let me stay with his parents… it was loud… but I can't say I hated it."
"I can imagine so. I'm just happy that Kid Flash didn't talk your head off, which I assume would actually be possible given your super hearing…" I slightly chuckle as a ghost of a smirk appears on the clone's face.
As I walk towards him, I reach my hand out towards him and he does me as we slap them together. A large echo appears throughout the cave, as well as a slight bit of dust blowing out from in between us due to the strength of our introduction.
"It's good to see you in good health… but my question is where is everyone else?" Superboy then shows me to the kitchen, and as we both sit down next to each other, we simply enjoy the silence for a few moments before Superboy answers.
"They said they'd be here within a few hours. They're trying to track down their friend Speedy I think…" I almost start laughing at the irony of the situation, but I keep it to myself.
"And how could they make you wait, my friend? I can already tell that you're better company than that Speedy guy. I met him once—not exactly the most friendly fellow… it looked like he wanted to take my head off just after seeing me once." Superboy's eyes slightly widen at my answer, but he simply shrugs.
"By the way, have you come up with a name? I can't keep calling you Superboy in my head after all." The young clone looks down, with his eyes slightly darkening.
"I… haven't thought one yet… I thought maybe… he would give me one… or maybe he would inspire me to make one. But I haven't seen him since we escaped." I slightly sigh in disappointment. As much as I love Superman, this version of him is a bit more restrained and detached. But it doesn't help that the situation itself lends to such a reaction.
I put my hand on his right shoulder. "Well then, I guess we're going to have to spend some time coming up with one." He looks genuinely confused at my answer.
"Why are you trying to help me? I get it, you saved me from Cadmus, but… why?" Looking him dead in the eyes, I give him my answer.
"Because no one deserves to go through life for even longer than a day without a name… names help to define us, they give us weight, and they give us power… trust me, as a sorcerer, our names have power. And you, my friend, deserve one… so how do you feel about Ronnie?" Right as I say the last part, he facepalms as I keep trying to name various other names.
"What about Nicholas or Michael or Elijah?…" I could see him beginning to chuckle at the absurdity.
I stop as he begins to gain a thoughtful expression. "I've had one on my mind, I've just… I didn't think he would appreciate it…"
"That's the problem, Superboy. You're thinking about him, not yourself. This is your life, not his… just because you're made out of his DNA doesn't make you him… what was the name you were thinking of? Tell me." He hesitates for a few moments, but eventually, he gives the name.
"I was thinking, Connor. It just felt right… what do you think?"
"I think that sounds perfect, Connor. And again, you don't need to ask me. It's your name. I can give you ideas, but you have to put them in action… no one decides your life, but you
unless you get mind controlled or possessed or body swapped. This business can get weird." He gives me a very strange look.
"Have you had experience with any of that?" I shake my head in denial, as thankfully I haven't had to deal with that just yet.
As I mentally use the summoning charm to grab both of us a glass of water, his eyes slightly widen at my usage of magic.
"You just used magic to summon in a glass of water?" I gave him the most no-nonsense nod I could.
He scoffs with a slight amount of laughter… as he takes a drink, I make sure to check for any bugs in the water. When dealing with Batman, you have to be just as paranoid as he is, but then you have to remind yourself that barely anyone can be as paranoid as Batman.
"So, Connor, while we're here, feel like sparring? I've been getting this urge to stretch my legs, and I feel like you want to as well. And I could tell from how you fought that you haven't dealt with many experienced opponents before." Connor thinks about it for a moment, but then agrees.
As he follows me back into the main area, I take a step toward a specific block, and as a holographic surface summons itself, we enter the proverbial ring.
I could see the young clone beginning to smirk. "This ain't gonna be like last time, Solomon. I know what to expect now." Oh, you sweet summer child…
Placing a fist forward, as well as one across my chest, we stand across from each other, and as the holographic pistol goes off, in split seconds, he's already in front of me, lining up a fist to my face.
(Batman POV)
I've dealt with a lot in my years as Batman, but I've yet to be so stumped by such an enigma… going over the various battle data I've managed to gather on Solomon. His abilities are varied and powerful.
Few weaknesses. Each movement is perfectly coordinated with the amount of control that would take years to develop… maybe he learned simply from watching his family in action? No, that's impossible…
A teacher? A mentor? No… after years of study, Zatara's son has shown no signs of magic until this year.
Before I can research further, I get a ping from the cave, and as I pull up the cameras in the main area, I see Solomon and the Superman clone sparring with one another…
"Come on, Superboy. Is that all you got? I've felt pillows with more force behind them." Banter, but also trying to get Superboy off his game, and with a slight growl, the clone tries to grapple Solomon. But he simply jumps into the air and springboards off of Superboy before pushing him nearly out of the ring.
"I wouldn't say it's a good thing to get angry, Superboy, but you can use that rage. Focus it. It can make you stronger." The next second, Superboy is trying to punch him in the stomach; however, Solomon manages to sweep his leg, causing the clone to nearly fall over, but he manages to catch himself on his hand and tries to kick Solomon in the chest.
He doesn't succeed, as Solomon simply catches the kick with his own leg, and for a few moments, the two struggle, trying to push their legs off of one another. Eventually, Superboy gives up and jumps into the air before slamming downwards.
With a yell of anger, Superboy attempts again to grab Solomon, who, in the next moment, grabs Superboy and flips him over. The cave is registering that force at enough to destroy an entire street. Somehow Solomon is managing to not only control his strength but also limit the collateral damage…
I must admit Solomon is physically trained. Well, it's basic, but it's good enough… his instincts are strong, as in the next moment, when Superboy tries to get up, Solomon is already on top of him. And as he grabs him by the back of his shirt and throws him into the air, Superboy tries to realign himself before looking upwards and seeing Solomon already above him with a fist preparing to slam him into the ground.
But Superboy, with a rather intelligent move, uses the force from his punches to move out of the way, and as Solomon lands on the ground, Superboy falls on his back.
In the next second, Solomon is already on top of him with a fist ready to hit Superboy's face, but he stops a couple of centimeters away.
"Rage is quick to give power, Superboy, but it can also unbalance you. You have to learn to focus the rage. Don't let it control you. But overall, I'd give you a B+." As Solomon gets up and offers Superboy a hand, for a few moments, they just stand there. However, with a grimace, Superboy takes Solomon's hand.
I can barely tear my eyes away from the screen as I watch the fight over and over again. How is Solomon able to reach such speed? Is it some kind of genetic alteration, a benefit of his magic? Zatara is being rather tightlipped about his son's abilities.
While I can understand the need for secrecy, given his sorcerer nature, having such a being that's this strong so quickly is alarming to say the least. Especially given the fact that the League of Shadows has now turned their attention towards Solomon instead of himself.
However, as I go over the logs before the fight and hear him encouraging Superboy, I feel a slight sense of pride, as even if he's only 14 years old, he speaks with the maturity of a young adult. I would ask him to join the team, but I do believe he'll refuse.
Zatara will also want to follow his son's lead. However, his daughter may be different… something to think about.
However, as the alarm goes off that shows that the Bat-Signal has been activated, I turn off the recordings for now…
(Gale POV)
As Connor grips my hand, a smile makes its way to my face. "You know I should be pissed that you keep beating me, but thanks. I needed that. Do you wanna keep going?"
"That's up to you, Connor. I'm all for kicking your ass again and again, but for now I do believe that's enough. Let's go grab some lunch. Trust me, you're gonna love my food." As Connor makes his way to the kitchen, I begin working my magic.
And after around 20 minutes, Connor looks at the food weirdly, as it's somehow glowing again.
As he takes his fork and takes a bite, his eyes widen like that food reviewer from Ratatouille… I see a small tear that makes its way down his face.
For a few moments, I just let him enjoy the food until he stops, realizing that he's already eaten everything on his plate.
"Thank you… that was… that was something." I simply pat him on the back, and we simply enjoy the moment and the good food.
"By the way, Connor, just letting you know ahead of time, I do believe that there is going to be a Martian added to the team. And just letting you know now, Martians live their entire lives being able to speak to each other psychically, so if she tries to talk in your head, try not to go ballistic." While Connor looks a bit perturbed at the thought, he gives me a nod.
"Just try to keep her out of my head for a bit if you're around, okay?" I give him a nod, and we continue eating. However, as I receive a call on my communicator, I hear Robin, surprisingly enough.
"Hey Solomon, we finally located Speedy. Was wondering if you want to meet him?"
"Sure, Robin. What's the location?"
"Great. Very whelmed… meet us at the Star City docks." And with that, the little gremlin hangs up on me, and as I look over at Superboy, he shakes his head.
As I walk over towards the Zeta Tube, I input the coordinates that Robin sent me, and as I enter, I wonder what this encounter is going to be like.
However, before doing so, I decide to roll the book one more time…
[Rolling…]
Rapturous Rhapsody/Apex Bloodline (-200 CP): "Sinister dreamed of creating the ultimate life form using mutants. To do this he would carefully cultivate numerous bloodlines producing ever stronger individuals. You are a prime example having had a number of modifications done. First, you are capable of breeding with anything and producing a healthy child. After all there's no point in this if you can't further the bloodline. Second, any child will inherit the combined potential of both parents practically guaranteeing that they reach greater heights. Though you can suppress this if you wish to for some reason. Third, is that you can be considered the ideal stud or baby-momma everyone wants. You are the ideal parent that anyone could possibly desire. This effect is particularly prominent on those who have already had children, desire children, or are otherwise in need of an heir."
[400 CP Remaining…Ha]
And with that, I immediately question if this is a grimoire or something else entirely.