Fics I Read 2.0

Part 11.

The Tower of Fate.

Since John Constantine had brought us directly to this location from Mount Justice via a portal of his own creation I had no idea where in this world I currently was or if I was still in the world.

When it came to the magic used by Doctor Fate it was best not to assume too much. This tower could be hidden by magic or be in a different realm or in a pocket dimension.

Not that the distances involved had stopped Phosphor from following me. I had named the bird after the animal sidekick of Fenyx, a hero from a video game that I had greatly enjoyed, and like Dumbledore's Fawkes my familiar had some ability to teleport that involved a lot of fire.

"Even for me, a phoenix is a rare sight" commented Kent Nelson "I know very little about them".

As did I. There was quite a lot of information about them to be found online, but only as mythical creatures, no one knew what they were like as real creatures.

So it was good that Phosphor took care of himself. I didn't need to do more than provide him with a perch to rest on and some space in my bedroom for when he felt like resting.

"The bird is part of why we are here," said John.

My mentor, who was now starting to act in the role, had brought me here for a few reasons. He wanted me to meet some of the other magic users in this world in case I ever needed to work with them or if I needed help with something mystical.

Then there was the fact that I needed some help learning to control magic outside of what the Celestial Grimoire taught me.

"I'm a little concerned about the source of Gothic's power," John told the older man.

In this universe, Doctor Fate wasn't just what Kent Nelson called himself when he put on his costume and went out to play the role of hero. When someone put on the golden helmet they became possessed by a higher power called Nabu.

Nabu was a Lord of Order, one of the most powerful beings around who could easily defeat a mage of my level, it wouldn't even be a contest.

That was why the Helmet of Fate was kept secure in this tower. Nabu was not someone you wanted to unleash upon the world unless you had to and if you donned the helmet you might never get your life back.

"I was hoping that you would take a look at his magic book," requested John.

Hopefully, this was just an inspection and they weren't going to try to take it from me. Not that this worried me much because if they tried I had a feeling that the book would find its way back to me.

"I've inspected it myself" John was now saying "I didn't find anything suspicious at the time and I'm only worried now because the book has started doing more than handing out a few trinkets".

There was a reason to be concerned as Phosphor was not some magical item or a bit of knowledge about the mystical arts, he might be sapient to some degree and had been created by the book or transported to this world by the book before being bound to me.

Either way that took a lot of power, and it was worrying that the book might be able to bind people to me.

"What exactly does the book do?" Kent asked me.

That was hard to explain.

"I don't know what triggers it, but once in a while I feel compelled to open the book," I told Mr Nelson "When I do it awards me something called cp which acts as points I guess".

"I am invited to either bank, to save the points, or spend them in a roll" I went on to explain "When I roll I am gifted something worth a certain amount of points. I've failed a few rolls and if that happens the cp gets banked. I don't what triggers a fail, I'm guessing that I didn't have enough points".

While Kent Nelson was too old to put the Helmet of Fate back on and survive, he still had some magical power left, and I watched as he made the Celestial Grimoire float before him. He then bathed it in golden energy and that made lines appear. One of which went right into me.

"The book is feeding power into you, Gothic" Nelson let me know "But I don't see any sign of it taking from you. There isn't one source of power either, there are many and they don't seem to lead to anything in this universe".

Nabu's former host ran a hand up and down the golden strings.

"I sense nothing good or bad in this magic," he told us "I can only tell that the power comes from many places".

That made some sense to me.

"The magical items I've gotten come from a few different universes" I explained "Places that are fictional as far as I know".

Nelson tapped his cane on the floor. Since nothing happened I assumed that he was just something he did when in thought.

"If the power for this book came from a single source I might think it was the work of Dream of the Endless" stated Kent "Things from human imagination brought to life. It would be well within his power, but the multiple strings suggest otherwise".

As one of the seven Endless, Dream is one of the most inconceivably powerful beings in the universe as he is both the lord and personification of all dreams. He exerts absolute control over sleep, dreams, nightmares, and even insomnia.

The Endless also has the ability to bring things that are dreamed up, that which comes from the imagination of all people, not just humans, into existence, and he is known to be a master of magic, so the idea of him bringing fictional magical items into existence isn't crazy.

As one of the Endless, he would be able to place a part of his power to create real things from dreams into an object that a human could use. However, humans who use these items often suffer because such power isn't meant for mortals, and if anything I was prospering.

"Why would Lord Morphus do that?" John wondered "He's fine with inspiring people, but he likes to keep his realm separate from ours and he's not one to leave his toys lying around. Not that after the last time".

Nelson spent some more time in thought.

"The Endless have their own reasons for doing things" said the old man "If things were more peaceful I'd suggest we summon Death and ask her".

Death of the Endless is both the lord and personification of all death and life, Death meets with the recently deceased and guides them into their new existence.

Unlike most personifications of death, she also visits people as they are born and she's a hot Goth girl rather than a skeleton with a scythe. I imagine that puts people more at ease when they are at the end of their lives than the bloke in the black robes.

As to why she was so busy, that was because Lucifer had left hell, and souls that should be in hell had managed to get out. Since the world hadn't been overrun by dammed souls and demons, someone must be handling the situation.

"And why would he bring me to this universe?" I wondered as I thought about the possibility that Dream of the Endless was using me for some purpose "If he wanted someone to have this book there are plenty of people in your world who could use it".

The two men didn't have any other theories.

"I don't want to risk drawing attention to your special book by asking around about it too much," said John "And since it's not harming you or anyone else I think all we can do is keep an eye on the situation. Unless we get more information".

Kent seemed to agree with that.

"Until I can see the book in action there's nothing else to learn" he said.

With that, the subject was changed.

"Until then let's discuss your education young sorcerer" Nelson was now saying "I'm told you have an affinity for elemental magic".

Sorcerers were mages who used enchanted artefacts to enhance their abilities and serve as protection from riskier aspects of spell-casting. Channeling magic directly is rather dangerous and it requires more power to get the results you want.

By using magical items I placed less strain on myself when casting spells and my magic became more focused. I could use some magic without my items, but it was just easier and safer to direct my magic with my staff.

"The book has been giving me a lot of artefacts," I said.

As for Elemental magic, as the name suggested it is a form of magic that deals with manipulating the natural elements of earth, wind, fire, and water. The perk called Cosmic Arts boosted all my spellcasting, but it seemed to favour elemental magic most of all.

"First of all, we should see what element you are most attuned with," said Kent Nelson "John if you wouldn't mind".

Constantine did something that involved making strange symbols appear in the air around me.

"Fire, water and air" Kent muttered, "How odd".

John seemed to agree.

"Plenty of mages can call upon one or two of the elements more easily than the others, but water and fire much like air and earth don't mix well together" he explained.

I figured that it had something to do with the spells that the Cosmic Arts had given me. All the Final Fantasy elemental spells work fine together.

"Having a phoenix as a familiar should mean you have some sort of connection to air and fire" Kent was now saying "That should mean both water and earth would be harder for you to channel".

I suspected that this had to do with my magical powers having so many different sources. This was something I shared with Nelson and John.

"The fact that these different kinds of magic can work together is strange" Kent mused "For example, I use Order magic, which doesn't mesh well with dark or chaos magic, but you don't seem to have a problem with mixing types of magic. The book seems to allow it".

Something happened to get my attention. The grimoire wanted my attention.

"The grimoire is active," I informed.

Both of the mages watched as the writing appeared. Before now, people had ignored this happening. Perhaps that was because I'd told them about it.

850cp

+200

1000 limit.

"That's new," I said "I didn't that point had a limit".

"Any insights, old man?" John asked of Kent.

Nelson rubbed his bare chin.

"Assuming that cp stands celestial points then it seems that some higher power or powers are rewarding you for something, but we don't know what since the point seemed to be awarded randomly said Nelson.

It wasn't all arbitrary.

"The points have always been two or three hundred," I said, "But the deducted points seem more random. They might be tied to the value of the object but I don't know who decided on the values so it might be meaningless".

Not knowing was rather frustrating.

"Try a roll" advised John "We might be able to see the value of these gifts if we can compare them to your new pet".

I wrote to Roll.

-200cp

800cp

The Gauldur Amulet

A powerful amulet crafted by Archmage Gauldur and stolen by his three sons, the Gauldur amulet is a useful asset to anyone. It greatly enhances the health, magicka, and stamina of the wearer.

"I've never heard of that one" said Kent as the amulet appeared on the open book" What about you John?"

He shook his head.

"Doesn't ring any bells" he replied "But it reads as if this amulet is merely something that boosts power rather than providing it and it doesn't equal having a phoenix familiar".

I did know the source of the amulet.

"This is from a video game I used to play," I told the two magic users "It just does what the books say it does. It boosts your health, stamina and the amount of magical energy you can call upon. Outside of a video game, I'm guessing that it will make me tougher, allow me to keep active for longer and boost the power of my spells or let me keep casting for longer".

After another examination, the two magicians agreed that the amulet was neither good nor bad and it was returned to me.

"I need to make some discreet inquiries, but I don't want the book mentioned directly by anyone, understand Gothic?" said John.

Since I'd not mentioned it to anyone other than my mentor that wasn't going to be an issue.

"Until I can free up some time, you'll have to do with some books on elemental magic. I'll drop them off later" he promised before he turned to Nelson "Unless you have some free time, Kent?".

As it turned out he did and I was invited back for lessons in the future.

Celestial Grimoire.

Part 12.

Mount Justice. Happy Harbour.

Batman had called us all into the main room of the mountain for another group meeting. The only member of the team who wasn't here soon joined us in the main chamber.

"Recognized Kid Flash, B04".

Wally came out of the zeta-tube, and for some reason, he was carrying what looked like everything we would need for a party in some boxes. Which was strange as we weren't having a party, at least not as far as I knew.

Although perhaps we were I might not have been paying enough attention due to my studies in magic. Mr Nelson couldn't perform much magic as his elderly body couldn't take much strain, but his many years of experience meant that he had a lot to teach me.

Since he knew that he nearing the end of his life and he knew that for certain, I was spending quite a lot of time with the man and much less here in our team's base. As such I might have missed the news that it was someone's birthday.

"The Wall-man is here let's get this party start..." Wally began to say.

He tripped over something I didn't see, and while we all knew what would happen next none of us were able to prevent Kid Flash from humiliating himself in front of our latest member, or if they could have none of them bothered to try.

"Wall-man huh?" the new girl said "What's your power?"

The newbie wore a green costume with knee-high boots, elbow-high gloves, a utility belt, and a mask that covered part of her face. She had something covering her body I just didn't know what to call it, but I did like it as it showed her impressive figure.

Even if I shouldn't as she was clearly too young for me. Then again I had taken Power Girl on dates despite the fact that in terms of age, she was a baby even if she looked and acted like a young adult.

One of these days I should discuss Megan's attraction to Superboy and how she handled the age difference. Given that she was an alien she might be as young as she appeared.

"Who are you?" Kid Flash asked while getting up.

None of us had yet been given a name so we all wanted to hear her answer the question. Given that she was an archer and standing next to Green Arrow it was clear who she was here to replace.

"I'm Artemis," she said "Your new teammate".

Since I didn't know this Artemis I had nothing against her, but I did resent the Justice League adding a new member to the team without even consulting us as it might mean they thought we couldn't handle things.

Also, I found it odd that they would add someone to the roster as it was hard to be a covert team when you had a lot of people in the group.

More so given that this team was only just starting to work together effectively. We were more likely to get in each other's way if another person was added to the group.

Perhaps the plan was to break out our team into two smaller groups when we went on missions. If so then that was up to Kaldur to decide.

"Kid Flash" Wally replied, "Never heard of you".

None of us had which suggested she was new to the superhero gig.

"She's my new protégé" Green Arrow explained.

Suddenly the computer spoke up.

"Recognized, Speedy B09"

Speedy walked into the central chamber and I knew right away that he was on his period again.

"First off," he said, "It's not Speedy anymore. Call me Red Arrow".

Green Arrow then walked forward.

"Roy.. You look..." he tried to say.

He trailed off as Red Arrow got right up in his face.

"The word you're looking for is: replaceable" he supplied "It didn't take you long to pick up a new partner I see".

In my view Speedy looked dreadful, the guy was either on drugs or he'd not slept for a few days. Perhaps both.

"Please, Roy" Green Arrow then said, "Listen to me, Artemis is not your replacement".

Robin spoke next.

"We've always wanted you on the team" the Boy Wonder stated.

I interrupted him before he could speak further.

"Speak for yourself," I said "With this bratty attitude he has no place on any team, never mind one as important as this".

Red Arrow glared at me, but I just stared him down. He didn't intimate me, and he backed down before I had to show him why I didn't fear him.

"I found out where a woman called Dr Serling Roquette was taken after she mysteriously disappeared several weeks ago," Red Arrow told us as he decided to change the subject "She was kidnapped by the League of Shadows".

If he'd been tangling with those assassins it would certainly explain why he looked so worn down.

"Her expertise is Nano-technology, and she was working on something called the 'Fog'; which is a bunch of Nanorobots that can eat through anything, and steal information from any computer" Speedy informed us "With them, the League of Shadows could get information on anything or anyone they want".

I shouldn't have spoken up again, but I did.

"Isn't the League of Shadows normally something Batman deals with?" I wished to know.

Red Arrow snorted before speaking up.

"Yeah like you know anything about the Shadows" he said.

He was wrong about that.

"The League of Shadows is a criminal and terrorist organization led by Ra's al Ghul also known as the Demon's Head" I stated "The group focuses on extortion, manipulation, and power-broking. Oh and Ra's has a daughter called Talia, and she's know to have a thing for...".

Robin, who clearly knew what I'd been about to say, coughed loudly enough that I knew he was signalling for me to shut up. I did as there were certain things that should remain secret even from the team.

"Carry on," I invited Speedy.

Which he did.

"Dr. Serling Roquette is creating a virus to kill the Fog as we speak" Red Arrow then added.

From that point on I knew that our mission would be to keep the doctor alive long enough for her to finish her work.

"And where is she?" Green Arrow asked,

Before long an image of a high school came up on one of the holographic screens.

"She's safe" Red Arrow then said.

His former mentor was not so convinced.

"In a school?" he asked "A place with big windows in almost every room, plenty of entrances, and no real security system".

To be fair any assassin looking for her wouldn't think to look in a school. They'd think the Justice League had her somewhere safer, like here.

"She's safe" the whiny brat stated "I did my job."

Red Arrow then left through the tunnel.

"Recognized, Speedy.."

Red Arrow stopped the computer and spoke up.

"That's Red Arrow," he told the machine "Update your information"

Batman appeared on the screen as soon as Speedy was gone, which led to the conclusion that he'd been listening the entire time.

"I want his access restricted" the Dark Knight ordered "He can come here if one of you brings him, but I don't want..."

He stopped as Wally sped over to him.

"What, why?" Kid Flash protested "Roy's our friend!"

It was Green Arrow who replied.

"He's not a part of this team either," the archer said "or a member of the Justice League, so we can't have him using our equipment".

Wally didn't verbalise his unhappiness, but it was plain to see on his face.

"Like I said" Batman went on to say "I have no problem with him visiting the mountain if one of you bring him there, but I don't want him in the Watchtower or in any secure place where there's a Zeta-beam without supervision".

I understood why. Speedy was not our ally he had his own plans.

"Miss Martian, Artemis, Power Girl and Superboy" the Dark Knight was now saying "I want you four to stay outside to guard the school while Aqualad, Gothic, and Kid Flash guard the Doctor inside the school while she works".

It seemed smarter to move her, but I assumed the Caped Crusader had his reasons.

"Robin will be helping me track the Fog, as we both have experience with the League of Shadows" he then said.

I took out my crystal ball, the one that let me spy on people I was familiar with and I made it show me Speedy as I was suspicious about what he was up to. For some reason, it showed me a guy in some sort of tank who missing an arm.

While the others went to grab their gear or went right to the bioship I spoke to Batman.

"I need to sit out this mission," I said.

Batman didn't betray any surprise he might be feeling.

"Why?" he wished to know.

I had to handle this carefully. For some reason, the item was not showing me the person I expected it to.

"Because I don't think the Speedy who just left here was actually Speedy" I stated.

This time I did notice a reaction. It was only just detectable as Batman was not easily shocked.

"What do you mean?" asked Green Arrow.

He'd been talking to his substitute for Speedy because she was a replacement no matter what he said, and when he heard what I had Green Arrow came right over as Artemis left the main room.

"This crystal ball shows me a person who I am familiar with no matter where they are or how far away," I explained to the older heroes as I held out the magical object that I had gotten some time ago "I just used it to try to find out where Speedy just went but it didn't show me the person who just left the mountain".

Which made no sense because if Red Arrow wasn't Speedy then it shouldn't have shown me anyone at all because I wasn't familiar with the person in the tank.

The only thing that made sense to me was if they were somehow the same person. So much so that interacting with Red Arrow made me familiar with both him and the person I saw in the crystal ball.

"Does Red Arrow have a twin brother?" I asked.

That didn't really make any sense as twins are not copies of each other, even a clone of you wasn't the same person as far as magic was concerned.

The only other explanation I could come up with was that Speedy had somehow been split into two people and they were both Speedy in some sense.

Not impossible with magic. I'd seen it done to Xander

Harris in season five of BTVS and I was sure that there were other ways to split people or make duplicates with magic.

"No, he's only child" said Arrow "Now tell me what is going on".

Batman was much calmer about all of this.

"If you have a lead into why Speedy has been acting so strangely then you should follow it," said the Dark Knight "I'll send Robin to back up the team and request help from the Justice League in tracking the Shadows".

While the League of Shadows was normally something only Batman dealt with I was sure that other heroes had their run-ins with that group.

"You should work with Green Arrow to find out if there is something wrong with Speedy," said Gotham's guardian.

When the screen went off I expected Green Arrow to have a lot of questions. As it turned out he only wanted to know one thing.

"What do you need from me?" he asked.

I had some ideas.

"Maps" I answered "Old paper ones, both of countries and the world, we'll need to narrow down the location of this other Speedy, and I'll need a personal possession of his, the older and more personal the better. Oh, and a few photos, real ones not computer images".

The archer had no problem with this.

"You're going to use magic to find the location of this other Speedy," he said as he made his way over the zeta tube "I've seen this trick before".

Aside from my artifacts and that mind trick, my powers came in three board categories, spell casting, potion making and scrying.

As I had not gotten much experience using the last one, it might be a good idea for me to contact my mentor. If he actually answered the call he'd be a big help with the scrying.

"Meet me back here" I requested "I have the other stuff I need in my room".

Green Arrow went off to grab what I needed and I headed to my room to grab my things. I had my own maps and the crystal I would need.

When I entered my room I found that Phosphor seemed agitated by something as if he knew that something was bothering me and my book wanted my attention.

800cp

+200cp

1000cp

Roll?

Since I couldn't go over a thousand points there was no point in banking and this time the book didn't even offer me the option. I wrote to Roll.

-200cp

800cp

The Horn of Kygor

A magical, gold-banded warhorn which emits a terrifying, deep bass note that causes non-sapient beasts to go into a murderous frenzy. The magic of the horn is such that when sounded the affected beasts gravitate towards your enemies.

Not something I thought would come in handy often and certainly not right now, but it might one day so I hooked the warhorn to my belt as it was much smaller than such a powerful object should be.

Then I started to gather the stuff I would need to find the Speedy I'd seen in my crystal ball.

XXX

The real Horn of Kygor is huge, but the Grimoire scaled it down to the size of a small drinking horn for the MC's convince.