Chapter 47: Denying Your Demons Part 7
"The Earth needs Doctor Fate," Nabu said. "I will not allow myself and my duties to be neglected again."
Silence immediately followed.
Ark facepalmed. "Dammit… It was already late into the night, and we have to deal with this."
"He can't do that!" Flash objected. He turned sharply toward Kent. "Can he do that?"
"Can, but shouldn't."
Flash froze in disbelief before anger overtook it. His hands curled into fists. "Wally will never get his life back?"
"Hm… Ask me again in a year," Nabu said without hesitation.
Kent already saw exactly where this was heading. "I advise against this, Nabu. This boy isn't the right candidate. The kid's soul belonged to the world of science, not sorcery."
"True." Nabu admitted.
Kent sagged. "Please reconsider."
Nabu didn't flinch. "In these chaotic times, order requires an anchor."
Ark deadpanned at the helmet. "Really? You're sticking with him? Out of everyone on Earth?"
"Options were limited…," Nabu said. "Nevertheless, he is a hero possessing exceptional energy, adaptability, and the potential to become unstoppable with proper guidance."
Ark stared as the wind whipped past them. "A teenager?" Was Nabu just talking out of his metaphorical ass?
Barry rubbed his temple.
Nabu folded his arms. "Youth is not a flaw. Yes, adolescents are frequently impulsive, overbearing, and overemotional-"
"HEY!" Wally's voice echoed uselessly inside the helm.
Nabu continued without pause. "-but those same qualities exemplify humanity's enduring spirit. They strive endlessly. Adapt endlessly. Resist despair even when logic dictates surrender."
Ark blinked. Some of the tension bled out of his shoulders. At ten years old, he found the Omnitrix. Azmuth, Paradox, Gwen, and Grandpa Max all put their trust in him to handle the responsibility that could affect the universe. He'd been reckless, stubborn, and prone to charging in headfirst. He still was at times. Ark dragged a hand down his face. "Okay, that is… annoyingly fair."
"Still not helping the whole 'give him his body back' issue," Flash said.
"That issue is non-negotiable." Nabu shrugged. "He may not be a homomagi, but he is strong enough to handle magical strain. Besides I didn't appreciate being permanently hidden away, useless, and isolated for decades at a time. Chaos couldn't be allowed to reign."
Ark turned to Kent. "Decades? Really?"
Kent rubbed his neck. "Inza convinced me that there was more to life than being a hero and I stopped putting on the helmet."
"Was that all? I don't recommend making hero work the one and only thing in life, but I feel this all could have been avoided if you just arranged some sort of schedule and vacation time."
"I was younger at the time. I didn't want to burn away my youth in servitude."
"Was it really that bad working with Nabu?"
"It was fine, but I did miss out on a number of things because of obligations such as Fate. In hindsight, you might be right about the whole schedule thing."
Ark returned his attention to Nabu. "Dude, Kid Flash just wanted to save Kent and his friends while I was occupying an immortal Lord of Chaos and you being Chaos' literal opposite."
"I thank the young lad for freeing me, and in return I brought safety to them as he desired."
"Yes, but I think holding onto his body for longer than that should have been an actual conversation. I thought you were super serious about deals."
"I am. However, no deal was made, and I have no obligations to return said body. Technically, I'm not breaking any cosmic rules."
Ark rolled his eyes. 'Great... No surprise that the Lord of Order has a lawyer mentality." It was a good thing he had Chadzmuth on retainer for years and gained experience in this sort of thing. "Okay… Are you willing to make one, then? I'm sure there must be something that you want."
Nabu hummed. "Well…"
Kent stepped in before anyone could start bargaining. "Let's all stop and cool our heads. I'm sure we can work this out somehow." Kent kept his eyes on Nabu but addressed the others. "Flash. Ark. Take some time to get your thoughts in order."
Barry's breathing hitched. "Okay…"
Ark grabbed Barry's shoulder and hauled him several feet back toward the roof's edge.
Barry's knees buckled slightly before he caught himself.
"How do I…" He swallowed hard. "How do I tell his parents? That an old man took advantage and got inside him?!"
Ark held up his hands. "First off, phrasing. Second, they don't need to find out until his curfew… Which is..?"
"About two hours from now."
"Dang. I was hoping for more. Think you can make an excuse till we get all this fixed?"
"Maybe… Oh, they trusted me. I brought him into the hero business." His chest rose and fell too fast. "I got him trapped in there forever."
"Breathe. Panic helps nobody. Least of all him."
"I know, I just-" Barry's words tumbled out, fragmented. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I just-"
"Listen to me," Ark cut in. "I've dealt with possession before." He glanced back at Nabu. "But this will be harder to crack."
Barry wiped his mouth. "Do you have a plan to force it off?"
"Maybe." Already, Ark was thinking of several methods of getting the helmet off of Kid Flash. Granted, some of them were worst case scenarios.
Like against Klarion, Ghostfreak could try and fight Doctor Fate inside his mindscape. Feedback could drain the helmet of all its magic till it could no longer control Kid Flash. He could gamble of Professor Paradox showing up. The absolute worst case is that he would have to ask a favor from Serena and Bellicus.
However, there was a more subtle plan he was willing to try. "I have some ideas in mind for getting him back."
Behind them, Kent stood inches from Nabu.
"Release him. Please. Before this goes further."
Nabu didn't turn. "No."
"Is this because I left you when I retired?"
Nabu finally looked at him. "You are mortal, Kent Nelson. I don't blame you for retiring and wanting more out of life. You were not the first to wear me, and you will not be the last."
"Nabu…"
"I could forgive wanting to spend more time with Inza, but that didn't mean you had to leave me alone without a successor to carry on the duties you couldn't."
Kent's grip tightened on his cane. "You're right. I walked away and neglected you. I should have looked for a successor. I believed that I could still be Doctor Fate with what magical talent I had."
"For what it's worth, if you can find me a willing host, I am willing to relinquish the boy.
"Really?"
"In the meantime, I shall be using this boy to catch up on my neglected duties at the Tower."
Flash overheard and latched onto the offer instantly. "A willing replacement? Is that what you want?"
"Correct," Nabu said.
Inside the Helmet, Wally slumped. Relief nearly broke him.
Kent's grip on his cane loosened. "Then I shall take up the burden of Doctor Fate once more."
Nabu held up a hand. "I would prefer someone else."
"For one, you left me all alone since 1945."
Both Flash and Ark were astonished by the length of time. "Dude! That long?"
Nabu gestured to them. "See?! Even they think it was unreasonable."
"I… gave you a radio to keep up with the times."
Both Flash and Ark gagged. "Listening to public radio 24/7 for over 60 years. That must have been torture."
"It couldn't be that bad…"
"Ah, yes. I could listen to the news of the various atrocities happening around the world. Do you have any idea how many forces of chaos could have taken advantage of those events for their self benefit? You're lucky that other heroes were able to step in at at times.
"That's… understandable."
"Second, I want someone more long-term. Disregarding your various ailments like arthritis and back pain, I estimate you have at most 2 years left to live if you continue the heroics. "
Kent grimaced. It didn't help that his doctor told him to refrain from high stress activities. Today barely crossed the line.
Ark hummed in thought before stepping closer. "All you want is a young willing host, right?"
Nabu turned. "One that is attuned to magic is preferred, but even Kent was uninitiated when he first started."
Flash grumbled. "Zatara is gonna have words for us if we try to drag him into this."
Ark raised a finger and concentrated to form a small blue glow of mana. Both Flash and Kent raised brows in surprise.
Nabu studied him and the glow of energy. "You possess magical aptitude?"
Ark shrugged. "You could consider my alien DNA to be predisposed to it. I'm not a complete noob with magic. My cousin and my grandmother tried drilling basics into my head when I showed embers of magic. Though, according to them, I lack the 'spark' to use my full potential."
Kent's eyes narrowed. The concern was immediate. "Ark… Are you actually-"
Flash caught the implication. "Woah… You can't be serious."
Ark kept going. "It would only be a slight inconvenience to me. At least compared to Kid Flash, both sides would be consenting to being a host."
Nabu ignored the internal noise. "And you would willingly assume the mantle of Doctor Fate?"
Kent's voice sharpened. "That may not be wise."
Ark nodded. "I'm fine with being a temporary host for at most a month until we find a better option. Do I qualify?"
Nabu closed the distance. Golden magic flickered along his gauntlets. "Then allow me to verify the truth of your claims."
"Go ahead," Ark said.
Kent tapped his cane sharp against the concrete. "Don't treat this situation so laxly. Who knows if you'll ever be free again."
Ark threw a hand out. "Trust me. I know what I'm doing."
Flash halted, jaw tight. "Ark, you're putting your free will on the line here."
Ark didn't look away. "If he's serious about releasing the kid, I'm willing to give it a shot."
Nabu raised his hand. Fingers pressed against Ark's forehead. Golden energy washed outward to detect magical energy.
The spell dug in. There indeed was a wellspring of magical potential within Ark. Compared to others, his magic was tied to his very life force. Strange. There was something a little off about Ark, a foreign feeling. Nabu withdrew his hand.
Flash was at Ark's side instantly. "You okay?"
Ark rubbed the back of his neck. "A little tingly."
Kent watched Nabu's hesitation. "What did you see?"
Nabu contemplated on what he learned. "Well, it seems that your claims hold true. A magical vessel such as you would be beneficial to my goals. Yet I still have an unusual feeling."
Ark snorted. "You have no idea." Verdona and Gwen were top tier spellcasters back home.
Flash stepped forward, defensive. "He's part alien."
Nabu nodded. He supposed that might have been it, but doubt lingered.
Ark met the golden visor. "So? Am I qualified enough to replace him?"
"Very well," Nabu said. "The agreement is acceptable. In return for releasing Kid Flash, Ark shall don the Helmet of Fate."
Flash stepped toward Ark. "Again, we can find another way."
Kent planted his cane. "I don't know if we can find a better willing host in time."
Ark waved them off with a smirk. "Relax. I know what I'm doing."
Neither man looked reassured.
Ark reached up and tugged his hood down slightly. Messy brown hair spilled out. The modified ID mask shrank to accommodate the helmet.
Nabu raised both hands to the Helmet. Golden light washed over the metal. The Helmet lifted.
Kid Flash stumbled forward onto the rooftop, gasping. He caught himself, the artifact heavy and trembling in his hands. "I'm… free?"
Flash blurred to his side, gripping his shoulder. Wally grabbed Barry's arm.
"Thank you Ark! Thank you! I thought I was gonna be trapped in there forever."
"A bit of an exaggeration, but you'd definitely be missing school by the time monday rolls around." Ark stepped forward and calmly plucked the Helmet from Wally's grip. "Now, it's my turn."
"Ark, don't!" Wally's voice cracked.
Flash pointed at the hovering golden projection of Nabu. "He can't do anything without a body now! We can literally leave him on a shelf somewhere!"
Kent's mouth tightened. He didn't entirely disagree.
"You're absolutely right that I could do that. However, I'd rather not be on the bad side of a Lord of Order." Ark exhaled through his nose. "Besides, in magic, deals are serious business." He glanced at Nabu. "It's best for everyone that I keep my word." Granted, what Ben had in mind would piss off Nabu in the short term.
Wally stared. "Are you seriously doing this?"
Flash's voice dropped. "Are you sure this is the right call?"
Ark paused, looked around for a British man, and then smirked when there was none.. "A certain somebody hasn't stopped me yet, so that means there's a happy ending somewhere at the end of all this."
Flash frowned. Kent looked lost. Wally just blinked.
Ark raised the Helmet. Gold reflected across his eyes. He lowered it onto his head, and his vision cut to black.
#
Ark then found himself in a black void. It felt familiar to the mindscape Serena and Bellicus, minus the bickering. On one side was a golden viewing portal that seemed to be what his body was seeing.
Nabu's helmet projected a few feet away. "Welcome, Ark."
Ben glanced around. There was barely anything here. Not even a chair. "Yeah. This place could use some redecorating." Considering that Nabu hadn't called him Ben, there was a good chance that Nabu didn't have control over his mind or something.
Nabu studied him. "Humerous. Regardless, I am glad for your cooperation."
"That's one way of putting it, considering that you were basically holding Kid Flash hostage."
"Not a hostage. He was a host for Oder against the forces of Chaos."
"Keep telling yourself that, bud."
"Now, I can feel the magical potential within just waiting to be accessed."
Ark shrugged. "Good luck with that."
Golden runes spiraled outward, sinking into the floor of the mindscape. "I will remove the limitations on your magical pathways."
Ben felt it immediately. A cool, tingling pressure spreads in his very being. "Huh… Cool."
#
Outside, Ark's body donned the blue and gold armor plated over his frame. The Omnitrix remained untouched on his wrist. Blue mana spiraled upward in visible waves.
Flash shielded his eyes. "Oh my god, it actually worked…"
Kent staggered back a step. "That much magical output…?"
Wally's face paled.
#
Inside, Nabu's tone shifted with genuine intrigue. "The power is fascinating. You are unlike any host I had before."
Ben raised his right hand. A sphere of soft blue light ignited above his palm much easier than ever before. He grinned slightly. "Guess this is what Grandma wanted me to have."
Nabu floated beside him, gaze fixed on the viewing field. "I am grateful for a willing host brimming with unrealized potential. Together, we shall save this world from the grasp of Chaos."
Ben shrugged. "Oh, we're definitely doing that." His tone sharpened. "It's just that I'll be the one driving."
Nabu turned sharply. "What do you mean?"
Ben's smirk didn't fade. "Oh, I wouldn't be so sure this arrangement will last much longer."
Nabu turned sharply. "Explain. What have you done?"
#
Kent sagged. "He fulfilled his side. No further coercion is necessary. We'll locate another willing candidate as soon as possible"
Then the Omnitrix lit up. Green light swallowed the Lord whole.
Everyone froze.
The light collapsed inward and vanished.
For one, the Helmet and Doctor Fate were gone.
Standing on the rooftop instead was a three-inch-tall grey amphibian-like being. Large black eyes. Miniature Omnitrix symbol on his back.
Silence.
Flash blinked. "...Ark?"
Wally squinted. "No way."
Grey Matter placed tiny hands on his hips. "It's me."
Wally stared. "You turned into a goblin."
"Galvan, actually" Grey Matter corrected automatically.
Kent's eyes darted around to find the Helm of Fate. "Where is Nabu?"
Grey Matter smirked. "Temporarily detained."
#
Nabu's helmet floated in another world. Emerald structures permeated the landscape. Arcs of green energy crisscrossed the sky. He attempted to move. A hexagonal energy field snapped into place, locking him in stasis.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
Nabu turned. Another being hovered nearby.
Nabu reached for magic but he could do nothing. Without a host, even in this strange world, he was helpless. "You are an ally of Ark?"
The Azmuth AI shrugged. "You could say that."
"If Ark is no longer my host, then he has broken the deal."
"Technically, he has not," the AI replied.
"How so?"
"He agreed to don the Helmet. He donned it. He wore it for a period of time. In the end, I was the one who removed the helm."
Nabu's presence radiated pure irritation. The boy had followed the letter of the pact and gutted the spirit.
"Fret not. No harm shall come to you." The AI extended a manipulator.
Nabu stared at the towering data structures. "...What is this place?"
"None of your concern," the AI said. "You'll be out before morning."
A scanning laser washed over the Helmet's digital projection. "Commencing containment and analysis."
Nabu remained silent for several seconds. Then, grudgingly: "You intend to study my helmet's enchantments."
"Not something that invasive. Just some surface scans to enact… Ark's… next gift."
Nabu raised a non-existent brow. "Pardon?"
#
Grey Matter stood on the rooftop ledge, arms folded confidently over his chest. "Mission one accomplished. No one is an unwilling meat puppet"
Wally pointed immediately. "You could've told us you were gonna do this!"
"Nah, that'd ruin the surprise and have kept Nabu from releasing you."
Flash crossed his arms. "So now what? Are we done here? Just leave Kent with the Helmet again?
"Not just yet. Nabu was right about being neglected for so long. Isn't that right, Mr. Nelson?"
"I know.. I know…"
"So… what do you plan on doing about it?" asked Kid Flash.
"I'll be helping Nabu with a compromise where everyone actually benefits," Grey Matter said.
"Are you sure that's the right thing to do? He might be angry about your trick."
Grey Matter shrugged and waved it off. "Aw, don't worry about it. He might b a little pissed, but he's not evil. Just a bit of a control freak."
Kent nodded. "Yes. Yes, he is. I should know."
Flash rubbed his face. "He's a Lord of Order."
"I mean…" Grey Matter gestured vaguely. "Am I wrong?"
"What's the plan, then."
He dropped the smirk and shifted gears. "First, I need hardware." Grey Matter proceeded to list a variety of mechanical and computer components. When both Flashes asked what Ark was up to, he grinned. That's a surprise that we'll all see very soon.
Flash sighed. "Okay… I'll trust you on this. In any case, I'm sure S.T.A.R. Labs is willing to do another favor for me."
Kid Flash scoffed. "Come on uncle, we save them from either themselves or a villain every other week. We barely ask them for anything. This is basically peanuts."
Red and yellow blurs vanished off the roof.
Kent remained. He studied the three-inch alien carefully. "You planned this entire thing the moment Nabu offered the exchange, didn't you?"
Grey Matter's smirk returned. "I had many many contingencies."
#
Thirty minutes later, twin gusts of wind announced their return. Flash and Wally dropped heavily onto the gravel, arms loaded with reinforced plastic crates. Both looked wrecked.
Wally kicked a container shut. "Do you know how weird it is explaining to S.T.A.R. Labs security that a tiny frog alien thing sent us?"
"Can't be the weirdest thing they ever heard considering what goes on in this town." Grey Matter was already sorting components. "Kent, could you portal us back to the Tower of Fate?"
"Very well." Kent raised his cane. Golden light tore open a doorway into the Tower.
When the group entered, they were back in Kent Nelson's study.
Grey Matter tapped the Omnitrix dial. He paused, running internal diagnostics. "Analysis phase should be complete by now." He raised one small hand. Emerald light flashed.
The Helmet of Fate materialized and settled gently onto the stone floor with a soft metallic clink.
Everyone stepped back.
With the Helmet externalized, Grey Matter went to work. While Jurryrig could create mind boggling machinery on the fly, they were quite unstable for long term use. In contrast, Galvan ingenuity was now at work. It took a little longer, but quality is what mattered.
The group watched as Grey Matter began breaking down the components and started constructing a device around the helmet.
Wally started to realize what Ark was doing and leaned over the table. "You're building Doctor Fate a robot body."
"Body is a strong word. This won't be anything human-like compared to say, Red Tornado."
Flash raised a brow. "It looks like a roomba."
"You're not that far off," Grey Matter said, tightening a micro-bolt. "It'll be his little mobility platform."
Kid Flash snickered. "He'd be like those cats riding roombas around the house."
"Exactly what inspired this little things."
Kent sweatdropped. "I'm not sure if Nabu will appreciate the gesture."
"Oh, please. If he can get up on his own and move around, it's a major step up from before. Besides, this baby has a few extra features."
The final switch clicked. The device hummed. Stabilization thrusters fired silently. It lifted three inches off the floor, hovering steady. Hardline cables feding directly into the Helmet's base.
Three seconds passed.
"Is it working?" asked Flash
"...I can hear again." Nabu's voice rolled out of the speaker array.
Everyone else froze, especially Kent.
Grey Matter stepped back, grinning. "Congratulations, Nabu. You can now interact with the physical world without puppeting someone."
The unit rotated left, then right. Thrusters adjusted smoothly.
Kent stepped closer, cautious. "Nabu?"
"Yes, Kent Nelson," the speaker replied, dry irritation perfectly intact. "It is still me."
Kent smiled despite himself. The only way to talk to Nabu before was if you or someone else were his host.
"So, how is it?" asked Grey Matter.
Nabu tested his new body and floated to eye level of Kent. "This is a new experience for me." He floated down to Grey Matter. "While I am a bit peeved at your deception of our deal, I find this new state intriguing."
"I know the smarted guy in five galaxies. This little problem was easy peasy to fix."
Flash threw his hands up.
Wally cheered immediately, pointing dramatically at the floating Helmet. "See? This is WAY less traumatizing!"
Flash nodded. "Nobody had to become a magical hostage."
Kent knelt beside the hovering unit. "Again, I'm sorry for everything, Nabu. While I still have time left, I'll properly search for a willing and prepared successor. Someday."
Nabu's visor tilted slightly. "That is acceptable. I finally possess mobility within the Tower once more." The Helmet turned toward Kent. "I have heard repeated mention of something called 'television.'"
Flash chuckled. "Maybe now you two can hang out and watch TV together."
Kent smiled. "You are going to love the food network."
Grey Matter crossed his tiny arms, looking extremely satisfied with himself.
For the next half hour, Nabu tested the steering sensitivity.
Flash and Wally collapsed onto a nearby couch, laughing off the adrenaline crash.
Kent watched them, the weight on his shoulders noticeably lighter.
It was about ten minutes later that Kent opened another portal for the heroes to depart.
Wally adjusted his gloves, ready to step through.
Kent leaned on his cane, blocking the archway just long enough to speak. "Some free advice before you go. Find your own little Spitfire. One who won't let you get away with nothin'. For example, that blonde."
Flash's eyebrows shot up. Ark's smirk was immediate beneath his hood. Both turned to Wally in perfect sync.
Wally's ears went red. "We're not… I mean, it's not like that."
Kent chuckled, tapping his cane against the stone. "The best partners challenge your beliefs, kid. Makes you stronger in the end. Remember that."
Flash clapped Wally's shoulder. "Noted. Let's move."
Mount Justice; August 20th, 3:04 EDT
The zeta tube announcement echoed through the cave. Wally stepped onto the Mount Justice platform, pulling his cowl back. The common area was occupied: M'gann at the kitchen island, Artemis stretched across the couch, Robin and Kaldur reviewing mission logs at the table.
Wally cleared his throat. "Hey. Before anything else… I owe you guys an apology. Especially you, M'gann. I lied about the helmet, and I acted like a jerk when you were just trying to help. That wasn't cool."
M'gann turned, surprise softening into a small smile. "Thank you, Wally. I appreciate that."
Robin swiveled his chair. "So what actually happened in there?"
Wally exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Honestly? I don't know. I could say that the energy output spiked my beta waves and temporarily overrode motor control. That it felt like being bio-scripted. But that would just be a guess on my part. I'm not gonna throw around words like 'possession' or 'magic,' but I won't say that it's not until I know for sure and make any real claims."
Artemis snorted from the couch. "Still clinging to the science textbook, I see."
"It's clear that I've been narrow minded in how I relied of science…," Wally shot back, but without heat. He turned back to M'gann, pulling two crisp tickets from his belt pouch. "Anyway. As a proper apology… and because I clearly need to broaden my horizons… I got us seats to that stage magic show in downtown Gotham. Front row. If you're still interested."
M'gann's eyes lit up. "Really? That's so sweet!"
Artemis rolled her eyes so hard it was practically audible. "Smooth, West. Real smooth."
Wally ignored her, already walking backward toward the hall with a grin. "Eight o'clock. Don't be late."