Three.
“Your telling me we must punch a man in shadows...nope” 

― LOOKING AROUND THE ROOM, I REMEMBER CHRISTMAS EVE. It was about eleven years ago, as I was sitting in Pat’s workshop as he was working on his car once again, to make the star rocket racer work again. As I looked around I could see the Christmas decorations, and the multiple posters of the Justice Society of America, and Starman. 

Sitting behind him I was watching Pat working back on the engine of his car, until I heard his voice that made me jump from the bench beside the car. 

“Hey Johnny, what are you doing down here?” Pat asked Johnny Thunder, the JSA member who welded the thunderbolt, a pink pen with a genie within it. As he explained to Pat his problems with this whole takedown and how everyone on the team except my mother who was off who knows where. Were out battling the ISA. 

He was benched with Pat, and to prepare the Rocket-Racer, as he explained trusting Sylvester. I looked up as Johnny and him were too busy in conversation, as I was holding a small keychain in my hands. As Pat was trying to cheer up Johnny. 

Pat was about to grab Johnny some eggnog as I saw the black attire of Wildcat coming in, as I looked up running as fast as my small legs were going as he looked at me with a serious face, as I knew something was wrong. 

“They got Soloman Grundy.” Wildcat spoke as I looked at him as he patted my head, as he was one of my father’s closest friends on the team. As he needed Johnny’s help as I walked back to where I was sitting listening to Pat arguing a point to Wildcat. 

“Hey you got a kid to look out for. And this little one. There’s nothing more important.” Wildcat spoke as he told Johnny they had to go, as the two went back in the elevator to get out of the headquarters.

Sitting back on the bench I looked up at the picture of all the Justice Society members, looking at my parent’s face getting closer to it as the closer I looked, I saw a shadow, a reflection of a boy, a shadow of one as I could hear yelling. Yelling my name as I reached out towards the photo. Touching it, I yelled as...the surroundings changed. 

The sun was in my eyes as I woke up out of breath. Out of everything I had in me as I took heavier breaths to fill my lungs again. Looking around everything was ok, but these nightmares every night are the same thing for the past few months. A boy yelled for me, but I don’t know this boy. I don’t remember him at least. 

But it isn’t Mike since Mike doesn’t know my first name, heck even my father doesn’t at this time. He doesn’t know what they called me. But for a boy to be in my dreams isn’t normal, I don’t have attraction to them first of all. And second, Mike is my only brother, so who is this person? Why are they after me? 

Walking downstairs Courtney came up to me about this file on a man...the last JSA member called the Shade, as my father was finished making breakfast, of Bacon. But I shook my head at Courtney and Victory. As Courtney was explaining to Barbara why we couldn’t take S.T.R.I.P.E with us because of the whole “Stealth” effect. 

But we can bring a girl...me...with large wings that can be seen from a far distance, and has to squeeze in tight spaces by hitting into some objects. But I can be more quiet than a tank...hmmm. Interesting. Looking back I saw Mike, as he was approaching the room. Wait he has a damaged vest...no not those damn kids again. 

About to open my mouth Mike approaches us, ready to be a part of the JSA action, as he was interested in the Shade, looking at the photo of the very fancy man. As we all knew we had to approach a shadow man carefully or we all would be dead by the end of the day. 

As Mike walked away, I knew I should follow him and make sure that he was going to be alright. Walking back I excused myself for a minute following Mike up the stairs behind him. Seeing as he was on a call I stood at the end of the stairs. As Mike had to go on the paper route once again, as he explained Jakeem would give it better hands. 

Knowing it wasn’t my case to disturb him now, I walked back downstairs to get breakfast since I could ask Mike later about what happened on the paper route. Sitting at the table I quickly eat a few bites of toast and jam, as I saw Mike start to walk out on the paper route.

Finishing up, I quickly told everyone that I was going to meet up with Skylar and we would head to the Pit Shop later. As I walked down the street I knew Skylar wouldn’t be too far from where I was. Running down I trailed where Mike would have been this morning seeing no sign of him. 

Bumping into someone, I looked to see it was Skylar who was on the ground as she shook her head at me. “Sorry Skylar.” I told her as she laughed. 

“I know, you owe me new leg skin.” She said as she had a scrape on her knee as I shook my head. 

“Where were you, you came faster than last time.” I told her as she shook her head. 

“I was just running today, I’m not doing anything illegal if that’s what you're thinking Hawky.” She said, “You would be the first to know.”  She continued as I shook my head. 

“On that contrary, would I be bailing you out of jail?” I wondered as she hit my arm hard. “Ow…” 

“Never talk about it, since...one time I spent a night in jail. With some stupid action my brother did and I was defending him.” She spoke up, “He still owes me for that night.” 

“You two were trouble.” I spoke up seeing her shake her head. 

“Not all the time, again we also grew up with an abusive-uncle who didn’t care about us that much.” She told me as I nodded. “I still can’t believe who I have become now. I always thought speaking multiple languages was an escape...but being a part of the JSA makes me be me.” She explained as we finally arrived at the pit shop. This was going to be fun, sitting through another meeting. 

After the meeting Skylar, and I were walking with Courtney and Yolanda as I smiled until we saw Stop signs falling in front of us. MIKE...what the hell Mike is doing this. 

“Mike. What the heck man?” I asked him as I grabbed Skylar’s arm as we ran to Mike avoiding the stop signs. When getting closer I saw Mike who had a pink pen, laughing. Oh not this pen. Not this pen again. 

“Guess who’s the new member of the Justice Society of America?” He rhetorically asked us as I was in shock that that darn Pink pen picked my brother, ugh! That PEN!!!!!!!! “Me.” He spoke as that darn genie came out. 

“You mean us! Ta-da!” The genie spoke as he said it was a pleasure meeting us. As he was apologizing the sign wish. 

“Oh my god!” He spoke as I know he knows who I am. “IT’S BIRDY. GAL BIRDY.” He spoke up as I shook my head. 

“UGH!!!!” I yelled. 

“GAL BIRDY WHAT DID I DO?” He asked me as I shook my head. 

“First it’s Hawkgirl.” I explained, “Second of all, I hate that nickname.” I explained as we headed back to the Pit shop where I knew Pat was going to lecture Courtney and I. 

When we arrived, I looked at Pat who glared at me. “I know what she did. I’m sorry, I’m paying the price dad. He’s calling me GAL BIRDY once again.” I explained as he looked at me. “I hate the nickname and if you Court, say the name I will seriously disown myself from this family. Or any family.” I explained knowing it got the point across. 

― ARRIVING AT THE PIT SHOP LATE, EVERYONE WAS THERE AS I LOOKED AT RICK. Getting closer to him I whispered, “We shouldn’t have stayed the extra twenty minutes to you know...make out.” I spoke up seeing him flustered as I smiled, still holding his hands as everyone looked at us, as they were of course waiting for us. Like the last meeting, but they didn’t know what that was about. 

Skylar looked at us both, shaking her head sitting back down, turning back to Kyra talking to her again. I shook my head knowing that she knew what we did. Not only did we go to feed Grundy we might have sat there in his car...you know making out for twenty minutes. 

“Rick, Maya you’re late.” Pat explained as I looked down and then at Rick. 

“Sorry, I just had to feed the dog.” Rick explained, as they looked at me. 

“And Maya was with you?” Kyra asked knowing what was happening as I glared at her. 

“We don’t have a dog?” Skylar explained, “Oh.” She explained. 

“I was just there.” I explained sitting down on the ground between his legs. 

Pat started explaining more about how Courtney ‘the girl who cried wolf’ actually was right about a ‘wolf’ being in town. Looking at the board I could see a man in, knowing that Courtney was proud to be right. But this man looks familiar in some ways, as I looked at him. 

“He’s called the Shade, the last member of the Injustice Society.” Courtney explained as I turned my head to face her. Looking back at Pat he explained more about this figure and how he later on disbanded most likely from the ISA. As Pat didn’t know what he was up to, and how his name was Richard Swift, an antiques dealer. 

The man from last night was who he was, an immortal man who controls shadows. Not being able to listen I grabbed my head with my free hand as I squeezed Rick’s with the other. The flashing starts to happen as I see the man in shadows being surrounded by shadows as they surround me, as I can see, I don't hear anyone who yells. 

“Stripsey, Get out!.” The voice yells as I think back to hearing that voice...it sounds like Chuck...Dr.Mid-Nite. Looking back my eyes were wide, I’m good...I’m good. I think. That poor man was dragged from the shadows, but it’s like I can still feel him, like he can still speak and move. 

“The Shade killed Dr.Mid-Nite?” Beth asked as I looked at her sadly knowing she wanted Justice like everyone else got for their mentors. “So that means...Dr.Mid-Nite is the only one of the JSA that we haven’t gotten justice.” She continued as I nodded knowing we had to do it. 

Courtney explained her plan at how we needed to find where he is hiding. I could feel Rick move as he started to speak as he moved his hand from mine, as I pulled my hand back down to my chest. “All for that, but then what?” He asked. “You can’t punch a shadow, Court.” Rick stated, as we all know you can’t punch a shadow, but you can read the shadow’s thoughts and you can gain leverage on the shadow. 

“Pat?” She asked for guidance as I looked at the two of them as even Pat was questioning how to punch a shadow for a moment. As he explained, the Cosmic Staff stopped the Shade once, making Yolanda and Kyra question what to do afterwards. 

“I don’t know yet.” He stared twice as I looked at him knowing I could possibly do something about it. 

Getting up I stared at Rick as I knew he would go back and check on Grundy later, as I had lunch with Morgan around noon, as I looked at the time knowing that the next meeting, the one where we plan our action will come soon. 

“I will see you later, Mr.Tyler.” I spoke whispering in his ear as he grabbed my wrist. I quickly kissed his cheek as he let go and I smiled knowing he was watching me leave the Pit shop. Heading down the street I continue my way down to the American Dream building. 

The building that it all happened months ago, knowing that Morgan Mahkent now owns it fully and she is still grieving too in her own way. But she never explained where she went for a few days before her trip with Cameron. Sometimes I wonder if she found some part of herself, or something that led her to leaving for a while. 

But I think she is doing better...on her own terms. Not letting her brother or parents manipulate her anymore. Even though she cared for Jordan, I feel like she has her own mind and opinion on things now, and for one. She doesn’t do much with the JSA right now, but she protects the secret. She protects all of us, in her own way...I think she cares. 

Getting in the building I nodded at Mr.Chapel, before heading down the hallway downstairs to the Mahkent’s office. Formerly Jordan’s office, but now she can check in the tunnels to make sure nobody comes down, but also she can watch everything of the American Dream. Making sure that the Dream a good dream comes true. The dream that first started the business, but not with murdering ⅓ of the population. 

Walking in her office she looks up. “I’m happy you could still make it to lunch today Maya.” She spoke up as I smiled. 

“It’s been awhile Morgan.” I told her, “I see you on the streets, and through I-Message. But it’s different than getting to see you back in town after…” 

“Everything.” She stated as we both knew that it changed us both. 

“Are you doing well Morgan?” I asked her as she nodded. 

“Better. I’m doing better Maya. I have been able to figure out some things from my past, but there is still that gap.” She explained, “I wish that I could figure out the things that disappeared, but very small details come after me.” She continued as I  looked at her. 

“But how are you...Maya, and don’t lie.” She explained as I know she has known me since I was younger. 

“I don’t know Morgan. When I think I’m good...I’m happy. I love my boyfriend, I love my friends. But deep down I still have this pit, this mind sucking darkness within me.” I explained, “And it won’t go away. I hear my brother’s screams, my mother’s and my father’s echoes every night when I try to have a peaceful sleep.” I continued as I could feel the tears in my mind. 

“And this haunts me, it puts me in this place, every moment my mind goes out of focus. And I try to focus on the good things.” I paused. “And sometimes it isn’t enough Morgan….It isn’t enough.” I explained as she looked at me coming over, getting up from her chair to give me a hug as I cried for that moment of vulnerability in her arms. 

“I don’t know what to tell you on how to get better.” She explained as I knew she couldn’t help me fully. “But what I can tell you, is that if you are ever in such a dark place. You have me.” She spoke up. 

“I won’t give up on you Maya Ross King.” She spoke up as I smiled. “Because I understand the darkness. I understand feeling that way, and having someone who understands something. I think it might be the best help or guidance anyone can give.” She continued as I smiled, hugging on to her for a moment. 

“I wish he was here.” I spoke up, finally giving myself a chance to feel free. “I wish he was here.” I continued as I felt Morgan’s hand soothing my back. 

“I think he would be proud of you. I think they both would be.” She explained as I smiled. “Now about that lunch.” She changed the topic as I wiped the tears and smiled. 

“Yeah Richie's Diner seems to have a good special today.” I spoke up as she smiled, before we heard knocking on the door. Looking back I could see the figure of Barbara Whitmore who seemed spooked, looking at her it’s like she saw a ghost.

Richard Swift most likely. 

“Barbara are you ok?” Morgan asked as we both saw her nod. 

“Richard Swift, he was in the storage room, he took a box from William Zarick’s belongings.” She explained as we looked at her. 

“What box?” She asked, as Barbara shrugged. 

“I would have to look at the inventory. But it must have held something important.” She claimed as I looked at Morgan as her expression changed. 

“Can we reschedule lunch Maya. I’m sorry I must cancel, but I need to help Barbara.” She explained as I understood why Morgan would have to stay here and help Barbara. 

“I understand Morgan. Find whatever you need, text me. I’m pretty free right now.” I explained as she smiled before I walked out leaving the two blonde women to talk about what was missing. 

Heading back to the Pit Shop, I saw Rick was still there as I entered the Pit Shop as he looked at me as I wrapped my arms around him. 

“I thought you were having lunch with Mahkent.” He explained as I nodded. 

“Something came up that she had to deal with, so I’m stuck with you right now. Unless you want me to go talk to the ghosts in my house.” I explained remembering hearing the voices in Henry’s room the last time I entered it. Seeing the jacket’s that he once wore, to the gel that he sometimes puts in his hair. 

Sometimes it’s like he’s there. Maybe he is, and I just don’t see it, but probably not because he would have been at peace. 

― ANOTHER DAY IN THE CLASSROOM, THAT IS FULL OF SUMMER SCHOOL. Woo! Sitting down I was listening to the lecture about civilization and extinction as I could see the dark hair girl groaning about a pain in her head. As the Courtney girl was asking her about it. Seeing that someone else than me and Briar could hear her. 

The teacher called on both Courtney and Yolanda, as Courtney was able to understand it as I could hear her muttering something about a book and suddenly understanding it. I nodded knowing that was true. 

But knowing that Madelyn must have been stressed, or stable at her job...better than how I’m feeling about this class. There is no connection here...I kinda do wish I was doing the thing I wanted to. Talking to Joan, and how she is doing in New York at this time of year. Writing something for the newspaper most likely. 

But there was always this connection, that was something she always called it, as she grew older and couldn’t do the thing she loved the most either. But now I question if that connection is involved, and who these people in front of me are involved with. What organization? 

And why are they talking about it in a public school?  

― AFTER MIKE CASTED THE WISH, WE FINALLY FOUND WHERE THE SHADE WAS. Staying behind I decided to stay with Mike, as the others left. For once I could feel how it felt, to stay on the sidelines. It wasn’t terrible, but I could feel the intense drift to loneliness that Mike and the room was giving. As I could truly understand from past experience to now seeing how he looks at me, how he looks at the other’s leaving. Getting to be superheroes, while staying here. 

“Hey Mike. I get it, being alone and a superhero. At first I was benched too.” I explained as he looked at me. “Someday you will be out there like the rest of them. Powers or no powers, you can do amazing things.” I told him knowing he needs it more than I ever did. 

“How do you get over the loss of the ring?” He asked me as I shook my head. 

“I don’t know.” I explained. “I think part of me found something inside of me that I didn’t see after losing it.” I continued. 

“Don’t do anything stupid when I leave the room Dugan.” I explained, “We can talk all you want when I return.” Knowing that this would go bad if I didn’t return quickly so I hurried. 

When I was in the bathroom, I could hear something like a wish happening as I groaned. What the heck are you doing Mike Dugan. Quickly finishing, I ran out after washing my hands, seeing the board had something scrolled on it, a small wish as I knew he was up to no good. 

Running down the streets I tried to chase Mike when I finally arrived at the Zarick’s old house, I could hear yelling as I ran in to see everyone being held by shadows. “Don’t do this.” I yell as he looks at me. 

“Ms.Tyler I presume.” He speaks as I look at him and nod. 

“You’re not here to hurt us. Please keep to that promise, and I promise that we won’t attempt to get in your way if you help us.” I explained as he looked at me and quickly left as everyone could breathe again as I went over to help Rick up as he got up and hugged me. 

“I love you.” He spoke as I hugged him. 

“Don’t be so stupid next time at punching shadows big bro.” I spoke up as he punched my shoulder as I punched him seeing him flinch. “Sorry Big Bro, but I won’t let you pick on me. Now go find Maya to make sure she’s alright.” I told him. 

“I’ll see you at home.” I continued walking away to find Yolanda, Kyra, and Mike. Walking out I could see Yolanda coming in as I heard Kyra speaking to Mike. 

“Mike we all make mistakes, but I wish you would have told me what was going on.” She explained looking at him. “You’re my brother, and I want to make sure you’re alright.” She explained to him as I could feel the pain but the care that they both have for each other. 

“I didn’t know how to tell you.” He spoke up as I saw her grip his arm. 

“Don’t be afraid to tell me things Mike.” She explained, “I might tease you, but at the end of the day. I’m your older sister...it’s my job to help you.” She continued. 

“Always?” He asked as I heard her small laugh. 

“Always. Now let's face the wrath of dad, and Barbara. I got your back by the way.” She explained as the two headed back as I knew I could feel the tears streaming down my eyes. 

“Tyler, were  you listening to our whole conversation?” She asked as Mike looked at me and I nodded. 

“I was, and I thought it was so sweet.” I continued as the tears continued to fall. 

“Are you crying?” She asked as I shook my head wiping the tears. 

“No, my eyes are dry.” I started as she shook her head following her brother passing me. 

Walking out I grabbed my phone dialing a number that I didn’t believe I would dial. 

“Yeah, it’s me.” I explained, “I want in.” 

― SITTING BESIDE RICK, I STARTED TO FALLING ASLEEP ONCE AGAIN. Staying in the dream I could see something, sickly laughing at me. It smiled with purple and black surrounding it as I could hear the screams and voices around it. The young children, to the older adults, talking like they were warning me of something. 

“Eclispo...Eclipso...Eclipso.” The voices were yelling as I looked at the figure, he was purely evil, like he was possessing someone. The closer I got to these figures I could truly feel all the darkness, all the power surrounding me, all the potential for a moment. Everything that I am, all the chaos that I’m made of that surrounds me. 

Looking forward I could see the words, “I’m coming for you.” 

The words were written like a text as I screamed, “Who are you?” I spoke up knowing that this was purly torture and most likely something inside me warning me. 

“ECLISPO.” One last voice of a young girl warned me before I screamed. 

“ECLISPO.” I yelled seeing that the power was between my fingers the chaos, the magic, the power of the voices between my fingers for just a moment. The feeling of true chaos and power within me. Looking beside me I could see Beth, Skylar, and Rick were looking at me. 

“ECLIPSO.” They muttered. 

“He’s coming for me…” I muttered crying, “The darkness is coming for me.” I muttered.