She arrived on Earth in a mysterious Symbio-Ship with false
memories and awesome powers and abilities beyond that of mortal men and women....

Annual #1

To Infinity And Beyond Part 2

Written By Paul Daimler

The dark halls of Arkham Asylum were covered with dust and cobwebs. If not for her super-vision, Power Girl would have been lost in these corridors. She moved behind Wildcat—no, Yolanda Montez (who no longer called herself Wildcat in this Pocket Universe reality created by the Time Trapper). Power Girl’s mind whirled with the unreality of this, remembering her trip to the Earth-2 Dreamworld* after being tossed through the First Light at the Dawn of Time. This world was darker reflection of Earth 2, one where Monarch had imposed his reign.

*See Power Girl 5-6 for the story.

Thank God we stopped him in my Universe. Power Girl thought, although she had to wonder if they really did if he was still vexing the Time Trapper after all this time.

“We’re almost there.” Yolanda said, her skin-tight leather body-suit darker than her Wildcat uniform had ever been.

“Good. This place is creepy.” Power Girl replied.

“Yeah. Who would have thought the lack of crazy people here would have made it creepier.” Yolanda said quietly.

In a room in the sub-basement, shielded and protected from Monarch and his meta-scans, a group was assembled, standing around, impatient and nervous.

“What if it’s a trick by Monarch?” Robin asked. “Another Wonder Girl?”

“We’ll find out with this.” Donna Trevor said; her mother’s golden lasso glowed brightly in her fist, the light pulsing brightly in the dimly lit sub-basement. “Not even Power Girl can lie when the golden lasso is wrapped around her.”

“And if she’s another Wonder Girl?” Robin asked.

“We’re prepared to fight.” Helena said quietly. Her expression was grim. “We’ve brought the big guns.”

Robin looked around the room, his blue eyes peering out from behind wrinkles hidden by his domino mask. The past few years had been difficult for Dick Grayson. First the death of Batman, then the arrival of Monarch, and then all the death…. Compacted by the arrival of the Wonder Girl—who he’d made the mistake of falling in love with. Followed by that had been another Monarch plant, a girl calling herself Terra who had nearly destroyed them all, and had killed Speedy.

Helena looked so frail in her chair, flanked by Dr. Midnight and Skyman. Tora and Vivian had both worn their costumes—Ice and Crimson Fox, for this. Beyond them Silver Scarab, Hourman, Northwind, Jade, Obsidian, and Commander Steel. Not really much for the big guns. Not anymore.

The biggest guns in this room was Donna Trevor—Wonder Woman’s youngest daughter and Jade, the daughter of Green Lantern and Rose Canton. She had barely mastered bullets and bracelets and still hadn’t reached her full strength potential. She was only fifteen—far too young for all of this. Robin tried to remind himself that he’d been ten when he’d started fighting alongside Batman. Of course, that had been a different world.

“If it’s a possessed Power Girl none of us are big guns enough to take her.” Robin replied.

“Power Girl was weak to magic, right?” Donna Trevor asked. Her red jumpsuit was covered with shining gold stars and her mother’s golden eagle emblem was emblazoned on the chest.

“Yeah. She comes from the homo-magi, but never fully understood her magical nature. She preferred to rely on her super-strength and flight and other super-human powers. Her heritage—of Ancient Atlantis, was something she never fully explored.” Helena said quietly.

“What if this Power Girl understands her heritage? And knows how to use the magic in her nature?” Robin asked.

“No one can break the magic lasso.” Donna Trevor said quietly, “And with it, I can compel her to tell the truth as well as do as I command. And I will command her to surrender.”

Robin’s expression said he didn’t believe Donna was capable.

“Yolanda just checked in. They’re on the other side of that door.” Helena said quietly.

The door to the room opened, and Yolanda stepped through, the dull light making the black leather of her jumpsuit gleam faintly.

When the voluptuous woman in a white spandex uniform stepped through the door, her gold and platinum blonde hair shimmering in the pale light, and her bright blue eyes like a beacon, everyone gasped.

“Karen.” Helena said.

The woman smiled, “Helena.”

“You know my name?” Helena turned to Tora and Vivian sharply, asked quietly, “I thought there was no Helena Wayne in your Universe.”

“There wasn’t. Our Huntress was a different person.” Tora said.

“I had a friend a lot like you. In a different reality.” Power Girl smiled. “You look just like her.”

“You look just like my friend Power Girl.” Helena said, “Monarch killed her.”

“I understand you doubt my authenticity due to Monarch’s previous spies.” Power Girl turned to Donna Trevor, “I understand your lasso works like my Wonder Woman’s lasso… it will force me to tell the truth.”

“How do you know that?”

“Super-hearing.” Helena Wayne answered, “She probably heard everything we said from the moment she entered the building.”

“Not quite everything. But, enough.” Power Girl said. “I take it that my doppelganger here was Atlantean?”

“Yeah. She was from ancient Atlantis. Sent through time by her grandfather Arion to help Superman defeat Arion’s evil brother Garn Danuuth. It was a one-way trip. No way to go back. Superman took her under his wing and helped guide her and helped her set up a life here.” Helena said.

“Sounds vaguely similar.” Power Girl commented as Donna Trevor looped the golden links of the lasso around her.

The heat of the lasso was brilliant but brief. It flashed and glowed as Donna tightened the loop, drawing the knot closed until it came to a stop on Power Girl’s abdomen.

“I command you to not fight me.” Donna said softly, her blue eyes meeting Power Girl’s. “Now… you will answer some questions.”

“Go for it.” Power Girl said, a thin sheen of perspiration blossoming on her forehead and cheeks.

“Why are you here?” Donna asked, her voice not betraying any of her nervousness.

“The Time Trapper asked me to come here and defeat Monarch.” Power Girl said, sweat beginning to cover her face. Sweating was a sensation she was unaccustomed to brought on only by the magic lasso. The beads of sweat forming made it feel like her skin was crawling.

“Why?” Helena asked from across the room.

“Monarch and the Time Trapper are enemies. The Time Trapper has trapped him here in this Universe, but as he ravages this world—killing heroes and subjugating the population, he grows more and more powerful. Soon he’ll destroy this entire planet and escape into the other Universe—where he’ll destroy the Time Trapper and take over that Universe.” Power Girl said, reciting what the Time Trapper had told her. “Monarch is a third of the soul of the Anti-Monitor reborn in my Universe’s new reality after the Crisis. If he is not destroyed, eventually, he will attempt to rejoin his shell in Neron’s underworld and the Lord Xenon, who is imprisoned in a reality of the Time Trapper’s making.”

“Sounds convoluted.” Helena remarked quietly.

“Why you?” Donna asked, tightening the coils of the lasso. She had a bad feeling about this Power Girl—what she meant for them and their world. And, she didn’t like it at all.

“The Time Trapper said that I was the hero best suited to enter this particular Pocket Universe. Due to my history with Infinity Inc. He didn’t quite explain why, but since there seems to be a lot of the original Earth Two reflected in this Universe, I assume he sent me—since I have a few memories of what came before.” Power Girl said quietly.

“Release her Donna.” Helena said. “She has answered honestly. And, we can trust her.”

Donna hesitated for many moments, her blue eyes studying Power Girl’s sweat beaded face. She didn’t want to trust her.

“If you insist.” Donna said finally, releasing the lasso’s grip on Power Girl. She turned toward Helena, “But, for the record, I think she’s dangerous, whether she means to be or not.”

“Duly noted.” Helena said quietly.

Power Girl wiped her face and looked around the room, her eyes settling on Crimson Fox and Ice.

“Tora? Vivian?” She said quietly, moving over to them. “It’s been too long.”

The three women hugged.

“Everyone back home thinks you’re dead.” Power Girl said pulling away.

“The Time Trapper told us we were supposed to die.” Tora said quietly, folding her arms across her chest. “But he substituted us at the last minute with doppelgangers from this Universe. Here I never left my hidden city.”

“And, zee Vivian here never become zee Crimson Fox. Only my seester.” Vivian said in her heavy French accent. “My seester killed by zee Monarch.”

Power Girl smiled at them. “When all of this is done, maybe you two can come home with me. I know that Guy and Fire miss you terribly. And, your sister—“ Power Girl turned to Vivian. “Your sister just came back from the dead herself.”

“Only if Monarch is defeated once and for all.” Tora said, “I swore to the people of this world that I wouldn’t leave until he was done.”

Power Girl nodded, “I can respect that.”

“As have I.” Vivian said.

“Not to interrupt the reunion, but we should get somewhere a little safer. Monarch’s sensors will be through here in the next hour,” Dr. Midnight said, “And, we don’t have enough shielding here to block all of the metas here.”

“It looks like the Gotham City I remember from Earth Two. Based on what I can remember. My memories of Earth 2 are hazy. Like dreams.” Power Girl said, leaning against the railings. She had changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, leaving her costume inside. A bracelet of cool metal rested on her wrist, lights in it’s surface blinking brightly like twinkling jewels. It was a device that Skyman had developed to mask metas from Monarch’s sweeps.

“It’s too quiet for my tastes.” Helena said from beside her. “I always hoped that some day I would be able to liberate Gotham from the forces of evil that waged daily battle against it, but I never wanted it to be like this. Free of crime because all the villains have been murdered or are too afraid to leave their homes or brainwashed by chemicals.”

“Well, hopefully, everything goes as planned.” Power Girl said, her mind turning to the war plan she and Helena had mapped out just moments ago in the privacy of Helena’s office. “Otherwise, things will get worse.”

“We’re losing here anyway Karen.” Helena said. “We’re about all that’s left. We have a few agents in other parts of the country, but no one strong enough to actually defeat Monarch. One last big attack… we can hope it works.”

“But isn’t better to be alive than dead?” Karen asked. “At least you and your people are still alive. If this fails… and Monarch does what he’s done in the past… there will be no one left to struggle against him.”

“Better to die in battle trying to liberate this world, than to die of old age after many small pointless battles.” Helena said quietly.

“Do you think every one will come on board?” Karen asked.

“I’ve called in the few operatives in other parts of the country. They should be here by tomorrow at the latest.” Helena said. “Donna has gone to Paradise Island to plead our case to the Amazons. Tomorrow night… we’ll know. Otherwise we go into battle just us.”

Taking a deep breath of cool air, Karen turned to Helena. “What do you really know about Monarch? The Time Trapper says his identity changes each time he reforms in this Pocket Universe. Always… he’s a fallen hero. He was Hank Hall, a hero called Hawk in our world. When Supergirl met him he was Don Hall, the original Dove and the brother of Hawk. Any idea who he might be here? It would help to know who is under that helmet.”

“I have narrowed it down to five people.” Helena said quietly. “Through simple deduction. I’ve seen corpses for many heroes and villains for that matter. I’ve been able to eliminate all of them. I’ve eliminated everyone from my current teams thanks to the magic lasso.”

“Who did you narrow it down to?” Karen asked.

“Well, Monarch claimed to have once been one of us.” Helena said as she used the controls on her chair to go back into the main meeting room just inside the balcony.

Karen followed her.

Going over to a massive computer, Helena typed in a series of commands and passcodes, pulling up a directory of files on the main screen.

“There are many unaccounted for. Heroes that Monarch could have killed before he crashed the Justice Society-Infinity Inc meeting.” Helena said, “Most of them we’ve found bodies for. A few we don’t. But, for instance Black Canary’s house was completely burned out. And, there was nothing in Dinah Lance’s nature that would suggest her to become Monarch. Her daughter also said that her mother made her leave just before Monarch attacked. But, these five… we have not heard from or heard of. And each of them have either the powers or the tendencies that could make them Monarch.”

Power Girl looked at the five files on the screen.

DR. FATE NUKLON MISS AMERICA JOHNNY THUNDER ZATANNA

“Why would any of them turn bad?” She asked Helena.

“Well, what you have to realize—and what it took me awhile to grasp, is that Monarch doesn’t think he’s evil. Or she… depending. Monarch thinks that he’s cleaning up all the crime and injustice. He’s eliminating danger and keeping the world safe. He’s doing a good thing. He’s just willing to get his hands dirty to do so.” Helena continued, “Dr. Fate is an agent of the Lords of Order. Monarch has inflicted absolute order on our world. Anything, such as super-powers or mutations, is forbidden. Destroyed if necessary to maintain order. Monarch wears a helmet. Dr. Fate wore a helmet. No one has seen Dr. Fate since nearly a year before Monarch first showed up. He disappeared without a trace while battling Wotan in Morrocco. Wotan had murdered his wife Inza Nelson shortly before he disappeared.”

“Death can make a brain do crazy things… especially when you’re as powerful as Dr. Fate.”

“Exactly my thinking. And Monarch does seem to display some abilities that look like magic to me.” Helena said, “Nuklon: Albert Rothstein was a founding member of Infinity Inc. He quit shortly after Lyta Trevor--Fury, Wonder Woman’s daughter, rejected him. He apparently nursed a crush on her for many years. And, she turned him down while revealing that she was in love with Hector Hall, Albert’s best friend. No one has heard from him since.”

“But, I thought you said that Monarch killed Fury.” Karen said.

“He did. We think. We never found Fury’s body. When the dust cleared, her body was gone. Just lots of blood. The theory is that Monarch took her body with him.” Helena replied, “Or he pulverized her into dust. We don’t know exactly what occurred during the battle. Fury chased him through his palace in New York City. The battle was over before the rest of Fury’s team arrived. They said that there was blood everywhere. We declared Fury dead… since nothing short of that would have kept her from returning to her husband Hector and their son Daniel.”

“Maybe Fury isn’t dead. Maybe Monarch has her… which would support him being Nuklon.” Karen said, “But is him being rejected by Fury enough to make him snap?”

“Nuklon was always short-tempered and quick to use his fists.” Helena said, “He became friends with Black Adam from the nation on Kahndaq. Black Adam’s methods were… well, brutal. He subscribed to Old Testament eye-for-an-eye justice. Black Adam was eventually exiled back to Kahndaq after killing a minor league villain of Wonder Woman’s—the Mask for killing her abusive husband. Since he was King of Kahndaq, he couldn’t be put into prison or tried here for fear of an international incident that could have incited war—Kahndaq is closely allied with Bialya, Qurac, Iran, Iraq, and Zandia. All less than desirable countries to anger—they all had nuclear capabilities and wouldn’t have been afraid to incite World War 4 if need be. Nuklon appeared to become enamored with Black Adam’s methods and believes, even converting to the peculiar religion—a weird combination of Ancient Egyptian gods and Grecian deities. Monarch’s methods are quite in-line with what Black Adam was spouting.”

”Any chance it’s Black Adam?”

“No. Black Adam and Kahndaq were obliterated by Monarch. Minutes before he destroyed Bialya, Zandia, Qurac, Iran, and Iraq.” Helena said.

Power Girl asked, “Do you think Nuklon would have turned on his friend?”

“I can’t say either way. But, if Nuklon could become Monarch and turn on all of the heroes of the world, then definitely he could turn on Black Adam.” Helena said, “Which brings us to Miss America.”

“In my world she’s Fury’s adopted mom.” Power Girl said.

“Here Joan Dale was an F.B.I. employee during World War II, getting her abilities through the experiments of a mad scientist.” Helena said, “A member of the All-Star Squadron, she eventually left to form the Freedom Fighters with Uncle Sam. During the 1950’s, she left super-heroing entirely, becoming a government agent. Then in the late 1980’s, she returned, un-aged and began fighting crime again. However, her methods were far more brutal than before. She used her transmutation powers to convert the air in people’s lungs to acid or other toxic materials. She changed the Ultra-Humanite’s blood into tar, killing him instantly. She told us that we were taking it too easy on criminals, that our powers and abilities meant more extreme methods could and should be used—that if we didn’t follow her lead, we didn’t deserve our powers because we weren’t really helping people. While serving the government during the 1960’s she was kidnapped by evil world domination types who tortured her and nearly killed her. We theorize her personality shift was brought on by that experience.”

“Sounds a lot less charming than our Miss America.”

“Eventually she went completely mad, tried to overthrow Queen Hippolyta and assume control of Paradise Island, and kill Wonder Woman.” Helena said, “Wonder Woman defeated her. And, she was imprisoned. But, she escaped several months later when a guard forgot to give her the medication that suppressed her abilities.”

“And let me guess, no one has seen her since.”

“Bingo.” Helena said.

“Johnny Thunder?” Power Girl asked with a raised eyebrow.

“The Thunderbolt gives him unlimited power. He dealt with a serious inferiority complex for years. He also disappeared without a trace in the months before Monarch appeared. He’s a long shot and becoming a power mad dictator with a deep murderous trait doesn’t match any thing we know about him. But, his disappearance is suspicious as far as I’m concerned.”

“And Zatanna?”

“The daughter of Zatara the Magician. After his death at the hands of the Joker, she dabbled in black magic and went a little crazy. She blamed the Justice Society for her father’s death… said they didn’t do enough to protect him. She left the country, returning to her mother’s hidden home in the mountains of Europe. We haven’t seen her since.” Helena said. “She’s also a long shot. I doubt Monarch is a woman. Although he could be a she under that armor, it doesn’t seem very likely.”

Helena brought up a picture of Monarch on the screen.

Power Girl looked at him, studying the gray and blue armor.

“Yeah. It doesn’t seem likely that there is a woman under all of that.” Power Girl said quietly.

Standing in front of a window, sipping coffee, Power Girl was deep in thought. Outside the night was dark and a million stars twinkled in the night sky. Gotham City under Monarch had been cleaned up considerably. There was no pollution, no electric orange glow blotting out the stars.

“It’s odd to see you standing there.”

Power Girl turned toward Skyman, who stood not far away. The corridor was dark and the white light spilling out from the meeting room left him murky and hidden in shadow.

“It’s odd to see you standing there.” Power Girl said quietly. “In my world you were killed by Injustice Unlimited. The second Harlequin manipulated Solomon Grundy into using Mr. Bones’ acid touch to kill you.”

“Tora and Vivian mentioned that.” Skyman replied, “The funny thing is that I’ve had nightmares about that before. I sometimes wonder if our two worlds are as separated as they seem to be.”

“They’re only as separate as the Time Trapper allows them to be.” Power Girl replied. “He has manipulated this Universe into being.”

“It makes me wonder how real any of this is.” Skyman said quietly. “If this world was only created by the Time Trapper…”

“You’re real.” Power Girl said, her voice taking a weird quality. “You’re as real as me.”

Skyman smiled, “I know you aren’t my Power Girl. But…” He hesitated.

“Yes?”

“I loved our Power Girl very much. And I never got to tell her. She and I spent a lot of time arguing and bickering, neither one of us letting our guards down long enough to admit how we felt for each other. And then she was gone.” Skyman said, his voice filling with emotion.

“I never got to tell my Skyman that I cared for him either.” Power Girl said. “He was dead so young. And, I was just so confused. My life was a total mess. It was right after my reality was rewritten by the Crisis…and I hadn’t assimilated to my new life yet. I also wondered… if I’d been less brass and less afraid of being happy back then…”

Skyman smiled sadly, “I wondered that too. I spent all those years lost in time and had spent so much time confused about my new place in the world. I think I was too hard on myself and not willing to meet you… I mean, her halfway.”

“Oh Syl…” Power Girl met his eyes.

“Karen.” He whispered.

Before either of them knew it, they were kissing, passionately, as years of repressed passion and regret melted away.

“uh… we’re about to start the meeting.” Helena Wayne said, clearing her throat.

“Leave zem be.” Vivian said, having donned her Crimson Fox costume. “Zey have zings to resolve.”

“Uh… five minutes, you guys?” Helena said, guiding her chair into the meeting room.

“I’m sorry.” Skyman said, “I shouldn’t have kissed—“

“Stop there.” Power Girl said, putting a blue-gloved finger to his lips. “We are both adults and I was kissing you just as much as you were kissing me. I think we both had some things to say. And, we’re in a very unique situation that gives us the opportunity most people would have never had.”

“If this siege on Monarch goes well, and you have time before going back to your Universe, we’re going on a date. A real one.” Skyman grinned.

Power Girl smiled back at him, “It’s a deal.”

“We should get in there before Helena freaks out.” Skyman said.

“I guess we should.” Power Girl agreed.

They made their way into the meeting room, taking a seat at the conference table where the others were assembled. Helena was at the front of the room, in front of the massive view screen.

“Let’s go ahead and get started.” Helena said, “We’re waiting for Donna to return from her meeting with her grandmother and the Amazons. But, we can fill her in later if needed. Time is growing short.”

Everyone murmured their agreement.

“We will strike at five o’clock this afternoon. That is when the guards have their shift change, so there will be minimum coverage as the guards are crossing each other’s paths in the screening area. Only a skeleton crew remains on watch.” Helena said, “I have enlisted Metamorpho to take care of the guards in the locker room. He’ll take care of the guards by turning into sleeping gas, leaving only the skeleton crews to deal with.”

“That will make it much easier.” Dr. Midnight mumbled to herself.

“Yeah, fewer guards… evens the odds a bit.” Yolanda Montez said, having donned her Wildcat costume. She’d told herself it was just for this one assault, so that when she faced Monarch he would know that she was standing up to him in memory of Ted Grant.

“Next there is the front entrance—“ Helena was cut off as Donna Trevor entered the room, the gold stars on her red jumpsuit gleaming lightly under the glow of her lasso.

“They said no.” Donna said, her eyes red with tears. “My grandmother said that she could not endanger ‘our’ people for some kamikaze attack that would only result in the death of everyone.”

The silence that fell over the meeting room was thick and heavy.

“We don’t need them.” Power Girl said finally, “Let’s get back to planning the assault.”

“We don’t need them?” Northwind scoffed, “How are we going to take on Monarch’s shock troopers and Monarch without an army? We’ll lose. Let’s just abandon this mission and go back to fighting the way we have been—under the radar and behind the scenes.”

“Power Girl is right.” Donna Trevor said, clearing her throat. “If the Amazons and the refugees they have taken in refuse to join us, we don’t need them. We don’t need anyone who’s heart is not in this battle.”

“That extends to anyone in this room.” Helena Wayne said. “If your heart isn’t in this, then leave. We have a shot to defeat him once and for all. Power Girl has the strength of Superman. Between him and Donna, we have two heavy-hitters.”

Again, silence filled the room. But, no one left.

“Let’s get on with the show.” Vivian said from beneath her Crimson Fox cowl.

“Ok.” Power Girl said, returning her attention to Helena.

The view screen on the wall showed a detailed map of the area surrounding Monarch’s palace.

“Our first strike force led by Artemis Crock and the former members of Injustice Unlimited will attack here at the main entrance to the fortress.” Helena said, “She has enlisted Icicle, Shade, Hazard, Harlequin, the Fiddler, and Solomon Grundy. They are a diversion. And Artemis has said that she and her team will evacuate if things get too hot. They plan to let Grundy take the majority of the heat, since he’s basically unstoppable and imperious to harm.”

“I can’t believe we’re working with villains.” Silver Scarab said.

“We don’t have any choice.” Helena Wayne said, “We need all the help we can get. And, they are just as at risk as we are under Monarch’s rule. Artemis Crock’s parents were both killed by Monarch. She wants revenge.”

“Just without sacrificing herself too much.” Silver Scarab scoffed.

“There’s a reason we’re still the good guys.” Skyman commented.

Power Girl smiled across the table at him.

“Our second strike force will be led by Black Lightning and the Outsiders.” Helena continued. “They will go all out, making it look like they are the main strike force. “Obsidian, Hourman, and Commander Steel will be joining them. Halo is going to use her light powers to create an illusion of Jade, Robin, and Yolanda, so that it appears they are helping that battle. It will make Monarch think the Outsiders are leading the main strike-force, since the six of you are well-known members of the resistance. Halo will not be able to keep the light illusions going long, but long enough to get the rest of you in. Also, Black Lightning has every one who has ever been a member of the Outsiders—“

“Those still alive.” Silver Scarab mumbled under his breath.

Helena paused, looking over at Hector Hall, who’s blue eyes looked out from the eye slits in his silver helmet.

“Enough.” Helena said.

“Yeah, can it Hec.” Power Girl said, “If you are against this, then get out of here. We don’t need your attitude.”

“Seems like you would be less critical.” Donna Trevor said, her voice cool and betraying none of the emotion that had laced her voice when she’d first entered the meeting room. “And more concerned with doing something… since Monarch killed Lyta.”

Hector looked at Donna, his eyes going hard and his voice filling with venom. “I would love to kill him for what he did to Lyta. I would love to smash his helmet and crush his skull beneath my grip. But, I am realistic. Monarch is too powerful for us. And, he’s already killed my wife, my parents, your brother, and your mother…” Hector pushing his chair away from the conference table, standing, “I don’t miss them enough to join them.”

He stomped away.

Donna made a move to go after him, but Power Girl stopped her. “Let him go, Donna. None of this can be easy for him.”

“It’s not easy for any of us. I lost my entire family.” Donna said, “And, when I went to petition Hippolyta… she told me not to return to Paradise Island. She’s afraid of opening the mystic barriers at this point. She’s convinced that Monarch will be waiting one of these days and gain access. And once he’s through the mystic barrier, he’ll destroy them all.”

“I’m sorry.” Power Girl said. “But, Hector has his son. Maybe he’s thinking of Daniel. And Daniel’s well-being.”

“I doubt it.” Donna sniffed, “Hector Hall has always only thought of himself first.”

“Let’s get back to the matter at hand,” Helena called.

Nodding, they turned back to her.

“Now, the third strike force will be led by Black Orchid. It will consist of Vixen, Black Condor, Phantom Lady, Red Bee, Mister Miracle, Firebrand, and Shining Knight. Northwind will be joining them.” Helena said, “They will storm the hallway leading to Monarch’s throne room. Between this strike force and the Outsiders, Monarch’s personal guards will be stretched very thin. Leaving him mostly unguarded, mostly, because he is still very powerful—more powerful than most of us.”

“Our final strike force will be Power Girl, Skyman, Donna, Ice, Crimson Fox, Dr. Midnight, Yolanda, and Jade.” Helena said. “You will gain access to his throne disguised in these honor guard uniforms” Robin brought out a stack of white body armor suits. You will take the place of the honor guard shift that would be coming on at that point.”

“Isn’t a typical honor guard platoon made up of ten people?” Northwind asked.

“Hector would have been the ninth. And we figured a nine person guard wouldn’t garner much notice with the attacks going on at the front entrance and the back entrance of the fortress. Let’s hope that eight garners less notice.” Helena said. “Robin and I will be running the communications system from the old Waynetech building located three blocks from Monarch’s fortress.”

“Five o’clock.” Power Girl said, “That gives us four hours.”

“Yes.” Helena said, “I would recommend you guys get some rest and take some time to put your affairs in order… while it’s morbid to say… not all of us will be coming back.”

Again silence filled the conference room. Slowly people began leaving the room, the heavy silence remaining.

Soon, only Robin, Helena, Power Girl, and Skyman remained.

“Are you sure you want to risk your life for us?” Helena asked Power Girl. “You have your own Universe to go back to.”

“Maybe. But, if Monarch defeats the Time Trapper… which is a possibility considering the power he has, then Monarch will move over to my Universe. And, our heroes could fall just easily as your heroes fell. Maybe even more easily, since Monarch will absorb all of the Time Trapper’s powers if he beats him.” Power Girl said, “Besides. You know how I am… I would give my life to defend the freedom of others.”

“You may very well end up doing so.” Helena said, then shook her head. “Same as our Power Girl. If you’ll excuse me, Robin and I have some things to do.”

“No problem.” Power Girl said. Once they left the room, Skyman turned to her, “Do you want to go on that date? We have a little time.”

Power Girl smiled, “Okay.”

Once Power Girl and Skyman had left, Robin closed the door, locking it.

“Are you sure about this Hel?”

“As sure as I’ll ever be Dick.” Helena said, wheeling over to her podium. Removing a box from inside it, she pulled out a silver body-suit, it’s material light and cool to the touch. Several electronic chips were embedded throughout the unique metal woven through the alien fabric.

Taking a deep breath, Helena closed her eyes, pushing back tears.

“I hope this works.” Helena said finally. “For all of our sakes.”

“So, are you serious about this Ian McLean guy?”

“I think so.” Power Girl replied. “I have some really deep feelings developing for him. And there is some definite chemistry. I am just hesitant in some ways.”

“Why?”

“I’m afraid some super-villain will kill him. Or he’ll discover I’m Power Girl and not want to get involved because of the risks involved.” Power Girl sighed, “You know the usual super-hero stuff.”

“I don’t think you can let your fear rule your life like that.” Skyman said. “Despite all of this, I have dated off and on the past few years.”

“Anyone serious?” Power Girl asked. Then her expression paled, “I’m not stealing your last few hours you should be spending with a girlfriend am I?”

Skyman chuckled, “No. Not at all. Currently I’m very single. Vivian and I dated for a bit, but we’ve been just friends for about six months now. It just wasn’t working. And, dating is weird in this world.”

“I can imagine.” Power Girl replied, “Eating dinner here is weird.”

She looked around the restaurant. The people were mostly quiet, eating their food with minimal conversation and interaction. They all wore the gray pants, jacket and shirts that Power Girl and Skyman were wearing.

“Yeah. I don’t leave headquarters much these days unless it’s on official business.” Skyman replied.

“Everyone wears the same clothes, have the same expression..” Power Girl said softly, taking a bite of bland food. “The food is even… uniform. No real flavors even though this is Asian noodles and peanut sauce.”

“One of Monarch’s laws. He says that individuality and difference in dress leads to class-ism. This way we’re all on equal footing.” Skyman elaborated, “Food is cooked in a way that keeps it from inspiring too much excitement. The only beverage most people can afford under Monarch’s rule are the mineral drinks and water. And the mineral drinks and water are filled with drugs he uses to control their minds and suppress the development of the meta-gene.”

“More oppression.” Power Girl replied, eying her lemon mineral water. “Is it safe to drink that?”

“Yeah. You’ll be fine. It takes prolonged exposure.” Skyman replied.

“I can’t even taste lemon.” Power Girl replied, finishing her drink.

Skyman smiled. “It’s good to see you again. One last time before our last big battle.”

“Don’t talk like that.” Power Girl chided him, “We’re going to go in, kick the bad-guy’s ass and take names. We’re gonna liberate this world once and for all.”

“And, then you’ll go back to your Universe…” Skyman replied.

“Yeah. I do have a life back there.” Power Girl said after a long pause. “One I really have finally grown to love and live. After way too long of not living it and feeling sorry for myself for having no ‘roots’.”

“Are you going to come back and visit?”

Power Girl smiled at him, “I don’t know if I can. I’m only here because the Time Trapper wants me here. He keeps the doors to these Pocket Universes locked and hidden.”

“Pocket Universes? More than one?”

“Well, he told me and Supergirl that he just keeps rebooting and restarting the one Pocket Universe.” Power Girl said, “But, I don’t know if that’s true. The Time Trapper says each time he recreates the Pocket Universe that it creates layers and layers of Hypertime around a prison Universe. But, that doesn’t make any sense. I suspect that all these different Pocket Universe remain in existence. I think the Time Trapper isn’t destroying or rebooting the old ones, just creating new ones. Adding layer upon layer of existence, burying the Prison Universe deeper and deeper.”

“Why would he do that? And why would he lie?”

“He’s the Time Trapper. From what I understand, he’s a master manipulator. His schemes are grand orchestras that no one ever fully comprehends. He can control time… that’s more than your average god.” Power Girl replied. “But, let’s not talk about this stuff. We only have a little time left before we have to get back.”

“What should we do?”

“I don’t know.” Power Girl smiled, “A romantic walk?”

“Isn’t that cheating on your Detective back home?”

“I don’t think so.” Power Girl said, as Skyman dropped money on the table for the bill and tip. “Alternate reality versions of potential love interests who are dead in your own reality don’t count as cheating.”

Skyman chuckled as they walked out of the restaurant, taking her hand in his as they cleared the restaurant’s doors.

“You have more of a sense of humor than my Power Girl did. It makes me wish…” Skyman shook his head. “Sorry. I need to just keep my mouth shut and enjoy the moment.”

“You’ll get no argument from me.” Power Girl replied as they strolled toward Gotham City Park.

From the top of the Waynetech Building, Power Girl's cape danced in the wind all around her. Her cool blue eyes studied the fortress beyond, from which Monarch ruled this world oppressively.

"How much longer?" Power Girl asked Helena, who sat in her wheelchair next to them.

Several feet away, Robin was typing a sequence into the key pad of the small communications device they were using.

"Not much." Helena said. "Injustice Unlimited will strike soon. And, then five minutes after their attack begins, Black Lightning and the Outsiders will strike. And, then Black Orchid and Vixen will swoop in with their team. Once I get confirmation from Black Orchid, your team will enter the fortress."

"My team?" Power Girl asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes. Your team." Helena said.

"Helena... I have x-ray vision." Power Girl said. "I can see the suit you're wearing under your track suit. And, based on what I know of electronics... well, I would guess it gives you the ability to walk again."

“Don’t say anything.” Helena said quietly. “Not yet. I don’t want the others to know. They’ll try to talk me out of it. Say it’s foolish… but I know one thing Karen. If this attack doesn’t work, then Monarch will destroy us all. And, I’d rather be down there getting destroyed, then hiding out with all of my friends gone and no one left to fight beside me.”

“I won’t say anything.” Karen replied. “Just promise me that you won’t do anything stupid and get yourself killed.”

“Not if I can help it.” Helena replied. “I’m glad you’re here. I know you aren’t my Power Girl, but you’re enough like her that it reassures me that we will win this.”

Power Girl smiled at her, “Thank you.”

The communicator on Helena’s wrist chimed.

“That was Artemis Crock.” She said to Power Girl. “It begins.”

“Jade,” Helena said, “Can you mask us with your green energy long enough to get us down to the guard’s entrance?”

“I can.” Jade replied. “Monarch may have destroyed the Starheart and most of my powers, but I still have a trick or two left in me.”

“Wait.” Crimson Fox said, her eyes wide as she zipped up the guard’s uniform. “You just said us.”

“Yes. I did.” Helena said, turning her attention to Robin. “Robin and I will be joining you on this mission.”

“Not to be insensitive or rude, Hel, but how is that possible?” Yolanda asked quietly.

Helena stood from the wheelchair, kicking it away. “Because I can walk.”

A gasp carried over the gathered heroes.

“You’re using the spinal stimulator aren’t you?” Dr. Midnight asked, her voice tight and clipped.

“Yes, Beth. I am.” Helena replied, not looking at the woman. She cast her eyes to the ground below.

“Helena… we’ve discussed why you shouldn’t use that… it could destroy your spine completely. When it comes off, you might not have use of any part of your spine… not just from the waist down. You might end up worse off.” Dr. Midnight said quietly.

“It’s a risk I have to take. The freedom of this world is more important than my mobility.” Helena replied quietly.

“We’re losing, Artie!” Icicle called to his wife, as one of Monarch’s soldier’s ray’s cut Hazard in half. “We should cut our loses and get out of here!”

“Not yet!” Artemis called back, firing a bolt from her crossbow—piercing through a soldier’s helmet. “We are about to get help! We’re just the first wave!”

“We’ve lost Harlequin and Hazard!” Icicle fired back at her as he encased several soldiers in a huge block of ice. “I’m not going to be able to keep these walls coming much longer!”

“Huntress is going to let me know when Black Lightning and the Outsiders strike!” Artemis said, firing off bolts as quickly as she could load them. Solomon Grundy was holding his own, the rays being fired by the laser guns slamming into his cold dead flesh without doing much more than singeing his clothes and gray flesh.

The music dancing from the Fiddler’s fiddle had several soldier’s firing upon their own side, helping even things out some. But for every soldier that fell, four more spilled from the front of Monarch’s palace.

“Where are they?” Artemis hissed through clenched teeth as a laser ray grazed her cheek, leaving an angry reds stripe.

Halo floated high above Monarch’s palace, high in the atmosphere above his scanners. Not that it would matter. His sensors and armies would be preoccupied with Injustice Unlimited and the Outsiders below. It was up to her to make the strike force appear to be larger.

Clenching her teeth, she generated the illusion of Jade, Robin, and Wildcat—wait, she went by her name --Yolanda now. She was still learning the ropes of creating illusions with her light powers, but tonight she would have to make a difference. Tonight might make all the difference in the war against Monarch. She couldn’t let her inexperience with this aspect of her power cost them. This was their last big launch against Monarch, and they would assuredly loose many members of their rebellion. If they didn’t succeed tonight, chances were they wouldn’t have enough people able to fight another day.

“We’re in place Halo.” Black Lightning’s voice came over the transmitter in Halo’s ear. “A big part of Monarch’s palace guard are still concentrated on the battle with Injustice Unlimited. But, they don’t have much longer. It looks like only Solomon Grundy, Artemis, Icicle, and the Fiddler are still standing. Every one has fallen in battle.”

Halo closed her eyes, concentrating on creating her light illusions. She couldn’t let sorrow fill her at all. Some might not feel sorry if villains died, but Halo did. Any loss of life was a waste, even those who had dedicated themselves to evil.

“I just got the word from Huntress.” Black Lightning said to Halo. “Outsiders… GO!”

Halo concentrated on manipulating Jade, Robin, and Wildcat, making the images look as though they were participating in the battle, but keeping them removed enough that no one would notice they weren’t actually doing anything.

A thin line of sweat rose on Halo’s brow.

The green energy masking them had enabled them to make their way through to the south side of the building where the soldiers in Monarch’s army entered the palace. With Injustice Unlimited attacking the main entrance at the east side of the palace and the Outsiders just launching their attack on the maintenance entrances located on the north side, there was a rush of activity as off-duty soldiers were called in to help with the attacks.

“This seems too easy so far.” Power Girl mumbled.

“Don’t think like that.” Helena Wayne said. “We have two distractions going on right now, and we’re invisible to the human eye. When we get inside the palace and Jade’s masking no longer works, then we’ll have to hope we can blend in in our stolen guard uniforms.”

“It will work.” Donna Trevor said.

They weaved their ways through the crowds, moving slowly as to not be bumped into by any one else.

“Black Orchid?” Helena Wayne called into her ear transmitter. “Are you ready?”

“Ready.” The cool otherworldly voice of Black Orchid replied. “We’re preparing to attack the staff entrance. Although I feel a little bad about attacking Monarch’s forced cooks and janitors.”

“As long as you don’t kill them, there should be no reason to feel bad.” Helena Wayne replied. “The soldiers will respond pretty quickly once the alert goes up. That should have the soldiers and guards spread thin enough that we won’t have such a difficult time getting to Monarch’s throne rooms.”

“And of course then, all bets are off.” Ice said, her voice softly. “Any one of us could die.”

“Again.” Crimson Fox said, remembering the last moments before she’d been snatched from her home in the real universe, when Metamorpho had made the decision to save her twin sister Constance rather than her from Puanteur. She’d considered that moment many times during her time in this other Universe, in many ways happy that she had been lost here. She didn’t know how she could face Constance or Metamorpho.

They neared the entrance, each of their hearts heavy as Helena gave Black Orchid the go ahead.

“You heard the lady.” Black Orchid said in her soothing voice. “Let’s give them a distraction to remember. Freedom Fighters attack!”

Black Orchid and her group sprung into action.

In the early days of Monarch’s reign, Uncle Sam had been killed, leaving the Freedom Fighters without a leader. Black Orchid had been there on that battlefield, having attempted to infiltrate Monarch’s organization through her normal means. Disguised as one of his honor guards, Black Orchid had broke rank when Uncle Sam had fallen. As the living embodiment of America, his death had sent a psychic backlash that had even caused Monarch to pause for a moment. Moving quickly, Black Orchid had managed to seriously damage Monarch’s power suit—causing him to teleport himself away, enabling her to and the remaining Freedom Fighters defeat the rest of Monarch’s guards and take Uncle Sam’s body away to be properly buried. Being joined by Vixen, the Shining Knight, and Mister Miracle, the new Freedom Fighters had been successful in destroying several of Monarch’s outposts and inspiring some small measure of hope in those crushed beneath the boot of his oppression.

Darkly, Black Orchid thought to herself, “We might not be around to inspire much hope after this.” But assured herself it was worth it. Huntress had outlined the plan, and if anything was going to work against Monarch, Black Orchid was sure this was it.

Red Bee unleashed his army of robotic bees on the staff entering Monarch’s palace, causing them to panic and run toward the door. The soldiers guarding the entrance sounded the alarm.

“The alarm is sounded, it should bring us a nice rush of soldiers and guards.” Black Orchid said, “Those guards have served their purpose.”

“Duly noted.” Northwind said. He felt out of place with these Freedom Fighters, but he would do his best. With a laser gun designed by the scientists in his hidden home city of Featheria, he quickly took out several guards.

“FOR FREEDOM!” Black Orchid said as the first swarm of soldiers burst through the doors and spilled out toward them.

They had made their way into the fortress without being noticed. The interior corridors and rooms were a flurry of activity as alarms and sirens blared, and soldiers and guards rushed about, grabbing weapons preparing for war.

Power Girl listened as they made their way, catching snippets of conversation.

“—the Rebellion is making a suicide attack—“

“—gonna finally crush them—“

“—attack formation G—“

Over the loud speakers, a calm soothing mechanical voice intoned words neither calm nor soothing. “All military and defense personnel report to battle stations. All support staff and maintenance staff are advised to remain secured in the interior Safety Bunkers. The fortress is under attack. This is not a drill. We expect the threat to pass within the hour.”

They don’t even consider us a real threat. Power Girl thought coldly as they made their way to the locker rooms where they would change get gear and then make their way to Monarch’s throne room.

“We just lost Katana!” Black Lightning screamed as a laser bolt from a cannon on top of Monarch’s fortress incinerated his team-mate.

High above, Halo felt a stabbing pain.

“Tatsu?”

For a moment, the images of Yolanda, Robin, and Jade flickered. But Halo quickly regained her composure, remembering Tatsu’s training and that a true warrior saved their tears and mourning for after the war.

Below Geo-Force and Looker intensified their onslaught.

A column of earth exploded from the ground crushing the cannon and soldier who had taken Tatsu’s life.

The earth beneath the fortress began to shake.

“Brion?” Black Lightning called as the earth beneath their feet began to buckle.

“They will all pay for this!”

“What’s going on outside?” Donna Trevor asked quietly as they made their way through hallways strobed by flashing red alarm lights.

“Feels like an earthquake.” Helena said quietly.

“I can’t see.” Power Girl mumbled. “This building is lined with lead making my X-Ray vision useless.”

“Am I the only one who’s noticed we haven’t encountered anyone in these halls?” Robin asked, his voice tight.

“No.” Jade replied, quietly. “It’s been deathly still.”

“Can you use your powers to scan the area?” Helena asked.

“I’ll try.” Jade said, a flash of green light going out. After her father, the Golden Age Green Lantern had been killed and Monarch had destroyed the Starheart he drew his power from, her own powers had been greatly reduced to a mere fraction of what they’d been before. Her once bright green skin had faded to a pale lime hue.

“I can see a couple feet beyond the walls.” Jade said as the green light faded. “But, I don’t see anyone. Not even the normal guards you would expect to see.”

“Do you think it’s a trap?” Power Girl asked Helena.

Helena bit the corner of her lip, frowning. “It might be. We’ve come too far now to turn around. If we’re prepared for a trap, we’re less likely to fall into one.”

“You hope.” Yolanda Montez said, shaking her head. “If this is a trap… then this is all for nothing. And we’ve sent all of friends to their deaths.”

“If it’s all for nothing, we die for nothing. We will go out fighting.” Helena said, her voice like steel. “Today this ends one way or another. Either we all die, or Monarch dies. There is no other option.”

Yolanda opened her mouth to say something and then snapped it shut, thinking better of it.

“Let’s keep going.” Power Girl said, breaking the tension. “We’ve come too far to turn around now. Let’s see this to it’s end.”

The heavy silence fell upon them again and they continued moving forward.

Artemis Crock cradled her husband’s warming corpse. In life, Icicle had been cold, his touch oddly pleasing to her as his ice cold flesh had pressed against his. Now in death, his extreme cold was warming as the last moment he’d been alive retreated further and further away. The rest of her team, save Shade were dead. Shade had disappeared before they could kill him. Artemis didn’t blame him. If she’d been able to teleport herself away, she would have. Solomon Grundy layed all around them in mouldering, rotting pieces.

“You’re the last one.”

Artemis looked up, gasping as Monarch loomed above her. She hadn’t expected him to come out here.

“Not for long.” Artemis smiled brutally, meeting Monarch’s cold blue eyes through his mask.

“Why are you here?” Monarch’s voice was disguised by the electronics in his helmet.

“One last suicide mission.” Artemis replied darkly. “We thought we’d tried to take you out.”

“Injustice Unlimited working together with the Outsiders and the Freedom Fighters.” Monarch said thoughtfully. “I should feel honored that the villains and heroes are so misguided in thinking that I’m a threat that they would unite to take me out.”

“You should feel honored that we’re going to kill you today.” Artemis smiled darkly. “You might have killed my team and you are about to kill me. But, we’re going to get you. And, your dark reign is over.”

Monarch chuckled, “You sound like a hero. Not the villain you truly are.” The gauntlets on Monarch’s suit began to glitter with the wild energy he commanded—the energy that had been strong enough to kill Superman and Wonder Woman with several blasts after a heated battle. Artemis gulped, knowing that a normal human like herself, no matter what her athlete prowess was wouldn’t last five seconds once one of those energy bolts crashed into her. “Is it a consolation to die a hero?”

“I’m no hero.” Artemis growled, the tears drying on her face.

“You’re certainly acting—“ The sentence died in a gurgle as Artemis’s last arrow took out Monarch’s right eye.

“Should have put visors in that helmet.” Artemis chuckled, knowing that her hand had moved so quickly and fired before Monarch had even noticed.

”YOU WILL DIE FOR THAT!”

“At least I’ve left my mark.” Artemis said, closing her eyes and clutching her husband’s dead body tightly. The last thing she heard was Monarch’s scream of rage, before his death bolt burned the flesh from her bones.

“This would be the throne room?” Power Girl asked sarcastically, looking at the massive archway made of gold and leading into a even larger throne room with floors of highly polished steel and marble.

As the group of heroes walked in, they all held their breaths looking around. On either wall were massive computer banks and monitors flowing seamlessly into a one another from one end of the room to the other.

“Where is Monarch?” Jade asked quietly, “And the guards?”

“I don’t know.” Helena said quietly, her voice tight. “I don’t like this.”

“He’s gone to the battlefield.” Yolanda said, making her way over to a control panel beneath the monitor showing the front of the palace.

“Is that…” Helena stopped herself, unable to complete the sentence. Of course it was. It looked like Monarch was smashing Artemis Crock’s body against the ground, swinging her around by her hair, her body sickeningly lifeless and limp.

“Don’t look.” Robin said, coming up beside her, turning her away.

“What are those?” Dr. Midnight asked, pointing toward six cylinders surrounding the massive throne.

Power Girl felt a quiet chill shiver through her. Those were cylinders like the ones Supergirl had described as being in the Time Trapper’s lair—the ones hidden behind the curtains, the ones that had contained Supergirl’s parents and friends.

Moving at super-speed Power Girl left the rest of them behind, reaching the cylinders to get a good look at the people within.

“Remember your suspects?” Power Girl asked Helena once she caught up. “They’re all here. In these cylinders.”

“Lyta?” Donna Trevor gasped, as she stopped in front of the cylinder housing her sister, in her Fury costume.

“There’s Miss America. Nuklon.” Power Girl pointed to each of them.

“Dr. Fate.” Robin said tightly.

“And Johnny Thunder.” Skyman whispered.

“How do we get them out of here?” Helena asked, looking at the complicated series of cords and cables running from the cylinders to the massive throne sitting in the middle of the circle created by the cylinders.

“I don’t know.” Power Girl said, looking at the buttons flashing on the control panel. “I should be able to figure them out. Given enough time.”

“I don’t know if we have much time.” Skyman said, frowning.

“These appear to be life-readings.” Dr. Midnight said, looking at the panel beneath Nuklon.

“We don’t have time to play around and hesitate.” Donna Trevor said, smashing the glass containing her sister.

“Donna!” Power Girl moved to restrain her, but was too late.

Everyone held their breath for the moment it took Lyta Trevor-Hall to quickly draw a breath and then cough on it.

“Lyta?” Donna asked, her eyes wide and fearful.

“You’ve grown.” Lyta said, rubbing her blue eyes. “How long did he have me in that thing?”

“You’ve been missing for nearly seven years.” Helena said quietly.

“Would explain a thing or two.” Lyta grumbled, stepping from the ruins of the cylinder. “I was stuck in a really long really weird completely unbelievable dream. I gave birth to the lord of something called the Dreaming and my mom was some insane woman from the 1940’s.”

“Well, weird… maybe.” Power Girl mumbled under her breath, “But, not completely out of the realm of possibilities.”

“What?” Skyman asked.

“Nothing. Just talking to myself.” Power Girl replied.

“Where is he?” Lyta asked, shaking her head and rubbing sleep from her eyes.

“He’s out on the battlefield.” Donna said quickly.

“We have to get the others out of those vessels.” Lyta said, her legs were weak and flimsy as she tried to stand. Power Girl and Donna moved in to help brace her. “He draws strength into his suit through these. Without our power, he’s weaker and we might be able to defeat him.”

“I wouldn’t count on that my love.”

Everyone in the room spun toward the sound of Monarch’s voice as he materialized upon his throne.

“SCATTER!” Helena shouted as rays of energy shot from Monarch’s gauntlets.

Power Girl gripped Lyta, flying away.

Helena’s shout wasn’t quick enough to save Robin. A ray struck him in the torso, searing through the flesh and exploding out of his back.

“HELENA!” He shouted, his words hot with spittle as he collapsed to the floor.

Without a thought for her own safety, Helena rushed to his side.

“You make yourself an easy target woman!”

“Not so fast.” Donna Trevor said, ensnaring Monarch in the golden lasso tightly, binding his arms tightly to his side.

“I will kill you for this!” Monarch shouted.

“You have to break free of that lasso first.” Donna replied, “Not even the mad god Ares nor King of the Gods Zeus can sever those links.”

“The lasso is only as strong as the person holding it.” Monarch retorted. “Your strength will give out at some point. And, once your grip slacks, I will slip free.”

“Helena…” Blood oozed from Robin’s lips as Helena cradled him, her eyes looking out from the purple Huntress mask. “Take that mask off. I want to look at your real face before I leave.”

“You can’t leave me.” Helena wept, pulling the mask from her face. “You’re the only thing I have left in this world.”

A sad smile lifted Robin’s lips. “I’ve loved you for years now. Please tell me you know that.”

“I knew.” Helena replied, “And I’ve loved you as well.”

“I will see you later…” Robin said as the life slipped from his body.

An anguished shriek tore free of Helena’s lips, piercing Monarch’s throne room. Pulling herself to her feet, Helena spun around, her fists clenched.

“We’re taking you down! Today!” Helena screamed at him. “Your reign of terror ends tonight!”

Monarch laughed, “Big talk for the woman walking thanks to a machine grafted onto her back. When I break you this time, you will not stand again.”

From her hip, Helena pulled the specialized cross-brow she’d designed back when she’d first assumed the mantle of the Huntress.

“I see you’re without one of your eyes.” Helena cooed calmly, her voice going smooth and cool, giving her a dangerous sound. She snapped the trigger effortlessly, her mind perfectly clear and accepting of the fact she was going to take a man’s life.

Just before the arrow could embed it’s self in the one remaining one that peered from his helmet, Monarch erected an energy shield. The arrow smashed into it, crumbling and disintegrating.

“Your friend Artemis Crock got lucky.” Monarch growled, “You won’t.” A bolt of dark purple energy shot from Monarch’s gauntlet, slamming into Helena—knocking her off her feet and causing the technology attacked to her spine and waist to shatter as she slammed into the far wall.

“HELENA!” Power Girl screamed.

“PEEGEE! NO!” Skyman cried as Power Girl leapt toward Monarch with all her fury and speed.

The air whistled passed Power Girl’s ears, as she crossed the scant feet to Monarch in less than a second. Her thoughts were hot and angry, buzzing with a nest of angry hornets. The only thing clear in the red blazing fury was that she was going to kill the man behind that mask.

The blast that Monarch threw at her would have killed anyone else instantly. But, Power Girl took it without grunting. The pain was excruciating, but her anger and hate for this monster was so strong that she barely noticed the skin blistering or the hole in her costume. She did not have time to comprehend how powerful and strong this man and his energy bolts were if they could blister and burn her indestructible skin. All she could think about was smashing him with her fists over and over until he stopped breathing.

“He’s going to kill her!” Jade cried.

Even as Power Girl hammered blow after blow at Monarch, causing fractures and cracks to sizzle across Monarch’s energy shield, he threw bolt after bolt after her—each one slamming into her full force. Power Girl could taste blood in her mouth, but didn’t take the time to acknowledge it. Her mind was focused only on smashing his shield and tearing him apart.

Clutching the golden lasso, Donna Trevor fought the pain tearing into her as bits of Monarch’s energy shield raced along the length of the golden strands, biting into her hands and causing the flesh to begin to char.

“Are you OK?” Yolanda Montez asked Lyta Trevor-Hall. The blonde woman was trembling and stood uneasily.

“I’ve been a lot better.” Lyta smiled weakly, “Donna looks good in Mom’s costume. Better than I ever would have. You have to get me over there to Monarch. I might be able to stop him.”

“How can you stop him? You aren’t even strong enough to walk.” Yolanda asked. “I should be getting you out of here.” Yolanda’s eyes went to where Ice and Crimson Fox worked at trying to free Zatanna from one of the containment cells. They weren’t having the luck with it they’d had with Lyta’s.

“Because he loves me. Somewhere beneath all of his madness and hate and evil, he still loves me. And I might be able to get him to drop his shields… At least long enough for…” Lyta stopped. Her eyes teared up and her bottom lip began to tremble. “To kill him.”

“What are you talking about?” Yolanda asked. “He loves you?”

“Haven’t any of you figured out who Monarch is?” Lyta asked.

“No.” Yolanda said. “All of our suspects are in these containment cells like you were.”

“It’s Hector.” Lyta said quietly.

Yolanda froze in place.

“Hector?”

“Yes. Hector.” Lyta said quietly. “His parents were cursed in their original incarnation by their rival Hath-Set. That curse extended to any children of Katar and Shiera. The Curse of Seketh, the Ancient Egyptian God of Death, said the combination of the Silver Scarab and the Eye of Ra would embed the power of Hath-Set into the body of his mortal enemies. That power took root in Hector, corrupting him and devouring the good in soul--leaving only the power of Seketh in it's place. He renamed himself Monarch. The rest you know."

“But, he’s been by our sides this whole time!” Yolanda’s mind reeled at the implications.

“Which is why the rebellion has met so much tragedy and so much loss.” Lyta replied, her pale blues taking on a cold resolve. “He’s destroyed all we once held dear.”

“You wait here,” Yolanda said, helping Lyta lean against Monarch’s throne. “I’m going to go check on Helena.”

The flames dancing from the magic lasso as energy raced through it from Monarch’s suit burned Donna Trevor’s fingers, causing the skin to blacken and crackle. She grimaced, gritting her teeth against the pain, and dug in her heels, refusing the let go of the lariat.

Power Girl continued to deliver blow after blow. Spider web thin cracks appeared in the suit. She continued hammering away, ignoring the pain as the energy spitting off the lasso send threads of pain shooting through her body.

“You won’t break through!” Monarch roared at Power Girl. “My energy shield is powered by magic. Something not even Power Girl can overcome.”

Power Girl grunted, not allowing a moment of doubt to creep in.

“You’ll fall. Goliath always does.”

Monarch fired energy from both of his gauntlets at once, slamming into Power Girl’s gut.

Power Girl screamed as she flew backwards, landing on her butt and skidding across the floor.

Monarch advanced toward Power Girl, straining against the lasso. Donna Trevor dug in her heels, her muscles straining and popping against the tenstion. It felt like her arms were going to tear loose from their sockets.

“Here little sister.” Lyta said, rushing to Donna’s said. “Let me help.”

Taking her place besider Donna, Lyta gripped the lasso as tightly as she could, despite her weakness from the containment cylinder. The slack it created for Donna allowed her to relax just enough to draw a breath and keep her muscles to stop screaming and merely dully ache.

“Granddaughters! Let us help!” Behind them at the far end of the room a magical gateway opened, and Hippolyta and the Amazon army spilled through in full armor.

“Grandmother?” Donna gasped. “But you said you wouldn’t assist us!”

“Yes. I have suspected for some time that Hector was actually Monarch.” The Queen of the Amazons said, rushing across the room, taking her place next to her granddaughters, wrapping her own fists around the blazing lasso. “The Magic Sphere revealed enough information for me to know. I had to pretend to turn you away earlier so that when you reported back to the others, and Hector was there, he would not expect us to show up to help defeat him.”

“Your pathetic army cannot stop me.” Monarch rumbled as he struggled against the magic lasso. He continued to blast energy at Power Girl. Each bolt slammed into her, pushing her against the wall, pinning her.

Watching this Skyman screamed, “Jade cover Power Girl!”

Jade who was huddled beside Helena, who laid broken on the ground while Dr. Midnite tended to her wounds hesitated.

“Help her.” Helena said. “The lasso is weakening Monarch, if Power Girl can catch her breath she might be able to finish him off.”

“If you’re sure.” Jade pointed the starshaped birthmark on her hand in Power Girl’s direction, creating an emerald shield around Power Girl. Monarch’s energy bounded off the shield, slamming into the far war. Gritting her teeth, Jade groaned, “I’m having a hard time with it. He’s so powerful!”

“Just as long as you can.” Helena whispered, her mouth full of coppery blood.

“Tora! Crimson Fox! Help Power Girl! I’ll be there in a moment!” Dr. Midnite shouted.

The women gave up trying to release Zatanna from the containment cell and rushed over behind the emerald shield to where Power Girl laid slumped.

Monarch continued to fire energy at the emerald shield.

“Leave them alone!” Skyman shouted, firing hard light and star energy at Monarch. It mostly bounced off him, annoying him more than anything, although it did cause him to redirect his energy at Skyman. With the strain of the lasso holding him he was unable to properly target Skyman, enabling Sly to mostly avoid the bolts of energy.

“Go check on Karen.” Helena said to Dr. Midnite. “I’m not going to get any better in the next few minutes even if you’re fawning over me. Kara is our best hope at defeating him. Especially with him so distracted. Yolanda cover her.”

Yolanda Montez nodded, although she did not want to leave Helena’s side.

“You women are nuisances!” Monarch said, turning his attention toward Donna, Lyta, and Hippolyta. “It’s too bad Lyta. You are the love of my life.”

He fired bolts at them.

Faster than the eye could follow, Hippolyta released the golden lasso, her bracelets flying quickly enough to deflect the energy bolts, sending the sizzling off toward the wall where they punched craters in the stone surfaces.

“I taught Diana bullets and bracelets you monster!” Hippolyta said, then taking a deep breath, she shouted, “AMAZONS ATTACK!”

The Amazon army moved from where they’d stood motionless up to this point, surging forward, swords drawn and covered Monarch. Their steel blades stabbing at the energy shield. Monarch tore through them, many dying instantly. For each Amazon that fell one took her place, those that did not die pulled themselves to their feet and continued fighting.

Skyman evaluated the battle below him, his stellar blasts were starting to weaken from constant usage, and the Amazons were keeping Monarch busy. He cast an eye down toward Power Girl and a surge of emotion flooded him. He flew down to where she was, landing beside her.

“You OK?”

“Not really. I feel like I just got roasted by the worst super-villain this side of Doomsday.” Power Girl muttered just as Dr. Midnite arrived at her side.

“You OK?” The woman asked, the flashing light of energy causing reflections off her goggles.

“I don’t think so.” Power Girl moaned. She couldn’t pull herself to her feet. Her entire body ached, feeling like it was burning from the inside out.

“She can’t move without groaning in pain.” Tora said, her hands were generating a thin sheath of ice over Kara’s body. “I’m trying to keep her iced down, to numb her. But I don’t think it’s helping much.”

Jade closed the emerald shield around Power Girl, Tora, Dr. Midnight, Yolanda Montez, and the Crimson Fox, making a globe of emerald energy.

“Let me outta here!” Yolanda said, pounding on the emerald globe.

“Hold on Yolanda!” Jade said, concentrating. “I can’t let you out just yet. I’m putting all of my energy into maintaining it. If I hesitate for even a second, the whole thing might collapse.”

Groaning in frustration, Yolanda turned to look at Dr. Midnight and the others tending to Power Girl.

“You’re going to be fine.” Dr. Midnight said, checking the burn-marks. “Your body is already beginning to heal. Just not as quickly as normal. Monarch’s energy blasts are laced with magic as well as energy.”

“Awesome. There’s that wondrous weakness to magic again.” Power Girl groaned. She struggled to sit up.

“Don’t sit up yet.” Dr. Midnight cautioned, “You need to stay still for the moment. You may have internal injuries. Laying still will help your super-healing work faster.”

“I have to get back out there. The Amazons are getting slaughtered.” Power Girl muttered. The pain was terrific, but she had to get back to the battle.

“Wait, Karen.” Skyman said, keeping a firm grip on her hand.

“Just a few more minutes.” Dr. Midnight said.

“We don’t have a few minutes.” Power Girl replied.

“Vivian, do your pheromones work on females?” Dr. Midnight asked.

“Of course zhey do.” Vivian replied. “Not as strongly as on men, but zhey will work on a woman.”

“Then use them to get Power Girl to relax.”

“Hey!” Power Girl said, trying to sit up.

Vivian released a whiff of the pheromones, “Just relax Power Girl. Just a few minutes ees all you need.”

“I hate that it’s working.” Power Girl sighed, as the pheromones washed over her, leading her to listen to Vivian.

Skyman gripped her hand tightly, “Just hold still Karen. It won’t kill you to just give a few minutes. The Amazons are keeping him busy.”

“I’m glad you’re here Syl.” Karen said, a wave of emotions washing over her. He wasn’t the Sylvester Pemberton from her universe, but he looked just like him. And, Sylvester’s death at the hands of Mr. Bones—because of the Harlequin’s manipulations of Solomon Grundy had been so random and pointless.

“Tora, can you ice her arms and legs more. The burns there are clearing up more slowly.” Dr. Midnight commanded.

“Sure thing, Doc.” Tora complied.

Helena Wayne wiped the blood from her mouth, forcing herself to sit up, no matter how bad the pain was. Reaching into the pocket of her cape, she removed a small blinking device. Her last resort. Amazon after Amazon was falling lifeless and broken.

“You’re all beginning to piss me off!” Monarch screamed. A surge of energy exploded from his body spreading out in a globe all around him—the energy instantly vaporized every one within five feet of him.

Grabbing to golden lasso with both hands and jerked Donna, Lyta, and Hippolyta toward him. Grabbing Lyta by the wrist, he pulled her close, removing his mask and gazing into her eyes.

“I loved you Lyta. I had planned to keep you with me forever…” He whispered.

It was now or never, Helena thought. Looking at the small device in her hand, she depressed the small red button in it’s center. It began blinking. Attaching it to a batarang, Helena gave it a solid toss, before collapsing on her back. Blood began to fill her mouth and everything began to grow light around her.

“I’m coming Dick.” She whispered through blood-stained teeth.

Hector Hall screamed in pain as the batarang embedded it’s self in the back of his neck.

Pulling it out, a spurt of blood splashed out. He tossed Lyta to the floor, glaring at the device attached to the batarang.

His eyes grew wide as he recognized it.

The explosion was deafening, knocking everyone to their feet.

“What the Hell was that?” Dr. Midnight looked over at where only moments before Monarch had been standing.

The explosion had thrown him to his knees, and his face was a smoking bloody mess of flesh and bone.

“LYTA!” Donna Trevor rushed over to her sister, who laid on the ground broken and lifeless. She’d been too close to blast.

Cradling her, tears began pouring from her eyes.

“I can’t lose you too.” Donna whispered, “You’re all I have left.”

“You’ll be joining her soon girl.” Monarch spat, flecks of blood spraying the floor with each word.

Monarch pushed a button on his gauntlet. A horrible smile creased his ruined face.

“I’m dying.” He said, “You stupid heroes get your wish. Your mission has succeeded. But, I’m taking you all with me.”

From inside the emerald bubble, Power Girl, Ice, Crimson Fox, Skyman, Yolanda Montez, and Dr. Midnight watched as the energy from Monarch’s army exploded destroying everything around them.

“NO!” Power Girl screamed, watching as the people and building around them melted in the full force of the energy blast. The emerald energy bubble weakened for a few moments against the assault, and it appeared that it was going to blink out entirely for one maddening second, but a purple sheen raced through it and it held up against the energy, even as Jade was disintegrated by the blast.

Much later after the energy from the explosion had dissipated and Jade’s energy bubble had faded, Power Girl came flying back to the flat surface that had once been Monarch’s fortress, but was now just black blasted stone and dirt turned to glass.

“There’s nothing left.” Power Girl said softly to the other five survivors.

“Everything is gone?” Skyman whispered, his eyes wide with horror.

“Yeah.” Power Girl shook her head, feeling tears welling up in her eyes. “That blast destroyed everything on the planet’s surface. I found Paradise Island… it’s mystic barriers protected it, but there is no one left there. Hippolyta brought everyone to the battle near as I can tell.”

“What do we do?” Dr. Midnight asked, shaking her head in horror.

“You can come home with me.” Power Girl said. She removed a small crystal globe from a pocket in her cape, “The Time Trapper gave me this—telling me it will take me back to him as soon as I defeated Monarch…”

Power Girl couldn’t finish the statement, a wave of emotion came up, threatening to leave her a hysterical mess. There was no way to overlook the vast destruction and loss of life here.

“Hey, Karen.” Skyman took her in his arms, holding her tight. “I know you are probably feeling like you failed us, but there is no way anyone could have guessed that Monarch would take the entire planet with him.”

“We’re going home.” Tora said to Vivian, then she turned to Dr. Midnight and Yolanda Montez. “Come with us Beth… Yolanda.”

“I don’t have any reason to stay here.” Dr. Midnight said quietly.

“The other me is dead in the world you came from…” Yolanda said quietly, “What would that do to my family if I suddenly show up?”

“That’s a bridge we’ll cross when we come to it.” Dr. Midnight told her friend. “For now, let’s just concentrate on being alive.”

Wiping her tears away, and feeling foolish for actually crying, Power Girl took a deep breath and cleared her throat. She took Skyman’s hand.

“Everyone link hands.” Power Girl said. Once this was done, Power Girl crushed the crystal globe just as the Time Trapper had instructed. The six of them disappeared in a brilliant flash of light.

LATER….

From his lair, the Time Trapper gazed into his crystal.

“You nearly botched that one.” The blonde woman told him angrily. “If I hadn’t stepped in and used my magicks to keep Jade’s emerald bubble from bursting when she died…” The woman shook her head.

“But we didn’t.” The Time Trapper smiled darkly beneath his hood. “Monarch has been defeated again--“

“And he’s already been reborn within your Hypertime maze in another identity. This is a pointless cycle we keep going through.” The blonde woman shouted. “When are we going to stop playing games?”

“The chess pieces are nearly all in place.” The Time Trapper replied. “Monarch has two more incarnations before we reach a place where the final battle begins. Dove has returned to the land of the living, thanks to our manipulations of the time stream. Our swap of Ice and Crimson Fox for their doppelgangers from that reality has enabled us to save Dr. Midnight, Yolanda Montez, and Skyman even though the forces working for Monarch killed them in the real universe to try to defeat us by killing them before their time. And thanks to Power Girl’s time on that Pocket Universe reality, she will be in the right mind frame to go to your precious land and save them from the destruction that looms there. And, there is the fact that there she will learn how to finally understand her own magic nature—which will in turn make her a valuable asset in the final battle against Monarch.”

“I hate being here with you.” The blonde woman said. “I hate it.”

“You want to live don’t you? You want your worlds—both of them to survive what is coming don’t you? If we do not stop Monarch, he will merge with Lord Xenon. Together they will retrieve the corpse of the Anti-Monitor from the Underworld and then we’re all dead because Supergirl is in no place to defeat him yet. And if she doesn’t defeat him, he will destroy reality. And there will be no reformation this time—last time when he was the Anti-Monitor we were lucky, this time if Supergirl doesn’t defeat him…”

“You’re right Time Trapper…” The blonde woman shook her head angrily. “Damn you for being right.”

“The time of our alliance draws to a close. If all goes according to plan, you can leave her and return to your rightful home.” The Time Trapper said.

The blonde woman’s purple glinted eyes gazed at Power Girl and her friends, returned to Century City. Despite the horrors they’d just experienced, they were smiling and laughing—overjoyed at still having lives to live. The blonde woman wondered if that would be her fate when this was all said and done. Would her friends, family, and people accept her so happily after a prolonged absence? She just didn’t know.

THE END

NEXT ISSUE: Power Girl #15 finds Karen Starr getting back into the groove of things as the mystery of Power Boy deepens and both Adramelek the Terrible and the Cult of Deedra plot against Power Girl.