"ARRGGGH!" he shouted, jolting himself awake.

He sat up in bed. J'Onn looked around. He was in his own darkened apartment. Everything was as it had been for the past fifteen or so years.

He leaned over and picked up his Avengers League membership card. He pressed a button, which put him in direct communication with Captain America.

"What is it?" the groggy voice said on the other end.

"Steve, it's J'Onn. Meet me at the Watchtower at nine o'clock tomorrow."

"Do I bring the League?"

"Sure. As many as possible, but not everyone is necessary. It's kind of an emergency."

"I know. I'll see you tomorrow. Cap out."

"So, why exactly are we here?" Flash inquired.

"You all know about the headaches I've been getting the past few months," J'Onn said. "I believe I have finally ascertained the cause."

"Forget to allow enough room for your brain when you shapeshifted?" Flash asked.

Quasar stifled a laugh. J'Onn glared at Flash. "I'm afraid it wasn't anything as simple as that," J'Onn said, reaching for an Oreo. "And the headaches were not the only thing bothering me. I have also had many dreams in the past couple of weeks, which I now believe to be visions. They all have to do with an ancient Martian belief. One that I subscribed to for many years before I was suddenly drawn to Earth."

"And it's still haunting you?" Quasar wondered.

J'Onn nodded. "Last night, I had a dream about a certain Martian Emerald. It was the center of a Martian holiday, known as the Festival of the Emerald. My people believed that it would bring good fortune to us, as long as the Emerald was on the planet. Safe."

"And if it wasn't?" Iron Man asked.

"Terrible things would happen. I never saw first hand what could happen, because every year, the Emerald was always safe."

"So, why are you getting the headaches?" Captain America asked.

"I believe the Emerald is trying to send me a message. I think that the entire ordeal was to get me to remember the Festival."

"And now that you have?"

"The Emerald wants me to come home. It's contacting me."

"Where is the Emerald?"

"I don't know."

"How can you get back home?"

"I can't. I came via a vortex, created by a Doctor Erdel. Unfortunately, he's dead, and the technology was confiscated by the government."

"Wait a minute," Iron Man interjected. "There have been several expeditions to Mars in recent years, and none of them have discovered any positive, one hundred percent proof that intellegent life exists. So, how are we to account for you?"

"I don't know," J'Onn replied. "The only explaination I can give is that the vortex pulled me through time and space. The only reason I think that is because of something that Z'Onn Z'Orr said to me."

"Z'Onn Z'Orr?" Flash asked.

"He was the criminal that I chased through the vortex, and the one who murdered Dr. Erdel. He mentioned something about having the power to move through time and space. That is why I think I may actually be from the past, or the future."

"Wow. Does that make you feel . . . I dunno, weird?" Quasar inquired.

"I usually don't dwell on it, and live in the here-and-now. Everything that happened to me before I came to Earth was a lifetime ago."

"How do we get to Z'Onn Z'Orr?" Captain America asked. "He's might be able to help."

"He's trapped in a vortex, never able to be freed. Besides, I doubt that he would have any knowledge himself."

"What are you going to do?"

"For now, I'll think about what is going on. I mean, I could be close to finding a way home. The Emerald could take me there. But, to find it would probably take a while, and a lot of energy."

"The League can help, and we can always call for more help."

"Thanks, but I'll think about it first."

" . . . Earlier today, the Metropolitan Museum of Art unveiled their newest exhibit on religious artifacts. Of note is one interesting emerald, that no one seems to be able to identify."

The screen flashed with a picture of an emerald. J'Onn stared in disbelief.

The anchor continued. "This emerald was found about ten years ago in the Sahara Desert. Over the past decade, it has passed from various merchants, tribesmen, and finally to the curator of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The unidentified emerald will remain on display for ninety days."

J'Onn flipped off the news broadcast. He activated his card, calling all available Avengers.

Ten minutes later, Captain America, Wasp, and Flash had joined him in the conference room.

"What's this about?" Wasp asked.

"As I told the others this morning, I have recently learned of the location of a Martian Emerald. It might provide me with a way to return to my home," J'Onn explained. "Just a few moments ago, I saw on the news where the Emerald is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art."

"And what does that have to do with us?"

"We are going to 'borrow' it."

"By borrow, you mean steal, right?" Flash asked.

"Let's not get into specifics here," J'Onn countered. He turned to Cap. "Is it all right if these two accompany me to the Musuem?"

Cap nodded. "It's probably the best choice for stealth that we have. Just make sure you don't get caught."

"Why can't we just use the government support to help us here?" Flash wondered.

"No one in the government would be willing to help," Cap replied. "That's one of the things I've noticed recently. For some reason, the government is trying to keep us on a leash."

"Interesting," Wasp noted. "So, we sneak in, grab the Emerald, and then bring it back here?"

"That's the plan," J'Onn replied.

J'Onn J'Onzz, Flash, and Wasp arrived at the museum.

"This is definitely a weird feeling," the Wasp said. "Coming here to commit a robbery!"

"Don't think of it that way," J'Onn said. "Think of it as a non-traditional method of helping out a friend in need."

"I wish I'd said that," Flash said.

"Besides, it is only temporary," J'Onn added.

"I know, I know," Wasp said. "Let's just get this over with before someone sees us. I don't fancy being in the paper tomorrow as an accused thief."

"Yes, let's begin," J'Onn said.

J'Onn made himself intangible and flew through the wall of the museum. Once inside, he turned himself invisible so that he could search unseen. He searched through the building until he found the object he was looking for . . .

"The Emerald!" he whispered. He flew over to get a closer look at it. As he neared it, he got a sudden pain in his temples. He saw brief visions of Red Sands and deep, dark canyons. He saw home.

He focused himself and took a good look at the beautiful red jewel. He used his telepathy to contact the Wasp.

"Right!" she responded. "I'm all set!"

Wasp shrunk to her smallest size and snuck into a museum via a crack in the doorway. Once inside, she sought out the wires connecting to the door alarm. She burnt out the wires. Now that the door was no longer alarmed, she opened it from the inside.

"J'Onn," the Wasp said to the Martian via their telepathic bond. "The door is open. Hurry up, before the guards realize it and come to check."

"Very good," Martian Manhunter said. "Flash, follow my telepathic guidance. It'll lead you here."

Flash shot forward. He past the guards moving faster than the human eye could follow. They had no idea he was there. Flash appeared next to the case containing the Emerald.

"Give me a minute to get outside, Flash," the Manhunter said. "And then, do it!"

The Manhunter turned invisible and exited the building. Then, he gave Flash the mental 'All clear.' Flash vibrated and shattered the glass. It took a half second for the alarm to begin sounding. In less time than that, the Flash grabbed the Emerald and fled the building. He was outside already when the bells started sounding.

The guards started running to the room where the Emerald had been. The Wasp locked the door from the inside and slipped out through the crack in the door. Eventually someone would notice the burnt wires and fix them. It wouldn't cost the museum much. Still, she made a mental note to donate some money to the museum.

Flash was miles away, waiting at a pre-arranged rendezvous by the time the bells started sounding. Wasp was at her smallest size and J'Onn was invisible, so they were able to get away completely unseen. The had committed the perfect robbery and escaped without witnesses. The headed back to the mansion.

"Sir," he said, addressing J'Onn, "Mr. Pym arrived while you were away, and was escorted to the Watchtower by Captain America. You are to meet them there."

"Thanks, Jarvis," J'Onn said.

Moments later, they materialized on the Watchtower, and walked to one of the many labs. J'Onn gently put the Emerald down on a table, and allowed Pym to examine it.

Henry put on a special magnifying device he had created. He looked around the Emerald.

"It's broken," he said after minutes of study.

"What do you mean, 'broken'?" J'Onn asked.

"It looks like it is missing pieces," Pym explained, pointing to three holes. "See these holes? It looks like there are three shards of the Emerald that are not here."

"Damn!" J'Onn shouted. "I have no way of finding those pieces either."

"J'Onn, there is possibly one way," Captain America suggested.

"No, please don't be what I think it is," J'Onn replied.

Cap sighed. "We have to contact Z'Orr."

"Even if I wanted to, we can't. He's stuck between dimensions. It's impossible."

Everyone was silent for a moment.

"J'Onn," Flash began, "just since the League was reformed, we've faced Manhunters and gods, been shunted into a weird mirror-image universe, gone up against a bunch of wackos who took control of all of Earth's satellites, and shrunk an entire city, just to name a few things. And you're saying that getting someone unstuck is impossible? Highly unlikely maybe, but we can get almost anything accomplished. We just need to call the right people."

J'Onn was silent. He thought deeply.

"Okay," he finally said. "Even though I don't think it can be done, we'll try to open the vortex. Call in whoever you need. But first, I need an Oreo . . . "

Henry Pym was one of the world's foremost scientific minds. His past successes put those of men twice his age to shame. He also lived out the dream of many scientists and those of their ilk, he worked shoulder to shoulder with heroes like the Avengers League.

Recently a good friend of Pym's, J'Onn J'Onzz, had approached him with a problem. J'Onn remembered a Martian holiday, 'The Festival of the Emerald', which his people believed brought them good luck for the next year. However, the festival wouldn't be happening this year. For one thing, there was no intelligent life on Mars. Another, the Emerald was missing several pieces and the only way to even have a chance to find them was to contact the Martian criminal Z'Onn Z'Orr, who was locked in a vortex he could never escape from.

The problem J'Onn put forth to Pym was simple: Find a way to open the vortex so that J'Onn would be able to contact him, interrogate him, and, hopefully, find out the information he needed in order to locate the missing fragments of the crystal.

So far everything Pym had done boiled down to nothing. He presently sat in his personal lab with his feet up on his desk and his head cradled in his hands behind him. He closed his eyes and tried to think, fighting to keep sleep from claiming him.

There has to be some way to do this! Pym thought. Nothing is impossible. That much I'm sure of, but opening Martian portals, especially ones opened by lunatic old profs, isn't exactly rocket science.

With his eyes still closed and one hand holding his exhausted head Pym reached over to his radio and flipped the switch. That probably wasn't a good move, he thought, I'll definitely pass out now. After a few moments of listening intently, hoping to blank out his thoughts, Dr. Pym heard a song he hadn't heard in a long time, which, in turn, led him to think of an old friend.

Ah . . . The Spirit in the Sky . . . Hank sighed as he leaped from his lounging and made for the phone.

Finally, Forge got up and walked to the phone.

"Yes? Yes, this is Forge."

" . . . "

"Henry Pym! It's good to here from you too!"

" . . . "

"What's that? No, no, I'm not that busy."

" . . . "

"What am I doing?"' a moment's hesitation. "Oh . . . uh . . . 'Final Fantasy XII'."

" . . . "

"J'Onn J'Onzz. Yes, yes, I see. Can I ask you one question, Henry? What made you think of me for this problem?"

" . . . "

"'Spirit in the Sky', huh? Odd . . . "

" . . . "

"Yes, I will be there soon."

" . . . "

"No, no, I can build a transporter and be there in about thirty minutes."

Forge put the receiver back on the hook. He went back to his game and pressed 'Save'. Much to his chagrin it didn't save, but Forge wouldn't know about that until later and what he doesn't know can't hurt him. It might hurt the TV though.

"This is Foster," Ben Foster replied, thinking that he knew the other man's voice.

"Henry Pym. How are ya?"

"Hank Pym! I'm good, little under worked recently but who am I to complain?"

Hank smiled.

"Well, I may have just the thing you need."

"Yeah? What's that?"

Hank explained the problem. After a few moments of listening intently Ben Foster snapped to more life than he had since he left SHIELD.

"How do I get there?"

"I can arrange for Forge to pick you up if you like."

"Forge? The Forge?! Well, hell, it's like a class reunion, huh?"

"You could say that," Henry Pym thought back to his class reunion, he really was in need of sleep.

"When can I expect you, Ben?"

"When are you expecting Forge?"

"What's Forge got to do with anything?"

"Hank, quit fooling around, he's picking me up. I'll be there when he gets there."

"Oh, yeah, yeah . . . " Hank laughed. "See you then, old buddy."

Ben hung up the phone, a little flustered, and awaited Forge's arrival.

He began to close the medicine cabinet then saw another bottle there and reached for it, unaware that he had no real need.

Forge and Ben Foster arrived a little later. Hank greeted them warmly and after catching up on what the others had been doing the three men set up a makeshift 'think tank' and set to working on J'Onn J'Onzz's emerald dilemma.

"So catch me up with this Dr. Erdel, Henry," Forge said when they began.

"Well, not that much is known really. Professor Erdel was a genius in his heyday but he went a little off the rocker in his older years and started trying to contact life on Mars."

"Doesn't sound like too much of a crackpot. J'Onn came through right?" Ben said, sipping his coffee and grinning at Hank.

"Touché," Hank replied. "Nonetheless, when he brought J'Onn to Earth, a Martian criminal, Z'Onn Z'Orr, materialized too. He killed Erdel, and with him the method he used to open the vortex. So then J'Onn captured Z'Orr, and, being unable to place him in a Martian prison, J'Onn trapped him in the vortex that delivered them both to Earth."*

* (All of this happened in Detective Comics #5-6)

"Sort of a 'Phantom Zone', huh?" Forge asked earnestly.

"Yeah, I guess you could put it that way."

"How very humane," Ben commented.

"So you're caught up friends and comrades. What J'Onn needs us to do is find a way to reopen this vortex - "

"Phantom Zone," Forge asserted.

"Fine, 'Phantom Zone', so that he can contact Z'Orr."

"How does J'Onn know that, if by opening this 'Zone', that Z'Orr won't break loose?"

"Because, if I'm right - which I hope I am otherwise my name for this place loses relevancy - much like the spirits Z'Orr's time on our plain has run its course. He is, for all intents and purposes, dead."

"I'm curious as to how J'Onn and Z'Orr came from Mars when there is no known life there," Ben said.

"That's not important right now, Ben," Hank said. "We have to do this, J'Onn has earned our help time and again. Now, we know the history. We know what's required of us, let's get this done!"

"But, of course," Forge responded as he doodled on a piece of paper.

"Let's hope that's not a picture of Spider Man," Ben said.

"No . . . This is Mars," Forge said as he tapped a shaded circle with his pencil. "And this is Earth." He moved the pencil down to another circle. "Now this," he said as he drew a shaded line, "this is the boundary which no law of physics has any knowledge of, even this line is hypothetical. But, my theory is that it exists just as the 'Rainbow Bridge of Heimdall' exists."

"You're saying that Mars is in another dimension Forge?" Hank asked, puzzled as to where this was going.

"Well, no, not Mars at least not our Mars. Just J'Onn and Z'Orr's. If they are, in fact, true Martians, then they must be from either the past or the future. I'm sure that's been suggested, no?"

"Just the other day actually," Hank said.

"So I'm not completely alone in that theory, good to know."

"All you've proposed is hypothetical theory Forge, is there a point?" Ben asked, a little perturbed.

"Yes. I propose we build a 'vortex generating device', for lack of a better name, much like Erdel's to open the portal. Now, that's sounds like I'm rehashing what we all know we need. But, this is more of a time machine . . . I'm sorry I lost track of my idea. The problem lies not in what we need to do but in what Erdel did."

"Building on that," Ben began. "We haven't been thinking about this for years nor do we live in the same world that Erdel did. Thus, we need to know what time era we're shooting for. Your idea of a 'vortex generating device' is a sound one but so is mine, I think."

"So now we reach the wall," Hank said. "Our only real way of getting a 'target' to 'aim' for, if we're all agreed on the gun analogies, is by guessing and hoping we're right."

"Oh ho! Mr. Pym you are a true rebel! No other scientist I know would ever even use the word 'guess'!" Ben laughed as he poured down another cup of coffee.

"We can't do that, Henry. Like you said J'Onn deserves better than that." Forge said.

Hank leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes. "Then what are we supposed to do?!"

Forge began a slow boil.

Forge slammed his hands down on the workbench in excitement. Hank jumped in his chair and Ben spilled his coffee all over himself. After a few mumbled not so nice adjectives Ben rushed to the table.

"What's up, Forge?" Ben and Hank asked in unison.

Forge rose from his seat and began to orate to them as he paced back and forth.

"As you well know I am a spiritualist. Though you may not believe it, I have contacted the spirits of many wise men over the years. Some would even go as far as to say that I am a stronger shaman than I am a scientist even."

Ben and Hank looked at him curiously as he smiled and proudly said three words, "Process of elimination."

Again, in unison, "Huh?"

"Everyone dies boys, except for immortals, gods, and Golden Age mystery men. I have contacted the dead and years ago learned how to hone in on a specified spirit."

"Are you saying that you can contact a dead Martian, Forge?" Hank asked.

"Why, yes. Yes I am."

Then, his Avengers League membership card sounded off. J'Onn surprised himself when he jumped up to answer it.

"J'Onn! We have it! By God WE HAVE IT!" Hank Pym's face screamed into the card. In the background J'Onn could hear shouts of delight.

J'Onn smiled. "By the moons of Mars they have it," he whispered. He shoved his card into his belt and sped to the moon.

"Whenever you're ready, Dr. Pym," J'Onn J'Onzz said, his voice filled with a strange mix of warmth and dread for what was ahead of him.

"All right . . .

"The problem, as we learned, lay not in what we did but when we did it. As it would happen, the face on Mars, according to Dr. Ben Foster, isn't what we have recently believed it to be. It is, in fact - "

"Remains," J'Onn cut in.

"Uh, yeah . . . remains. So, that in itself points to an ancient civilization."

"That simple, huh? Find the face on Mars and base your entire theory and in turn invention on it? Why ain't I a scientist?" Hawkeye asked. Cap nudged him, silently telling him to shut up.

"No, Hawkeye, it's a little more involved in that. The face theory comes from our lead theory. That being, when Dr. Erdel opened his infamous vortex that brought Mr. J'Onzz to Earth, he transcended time and space. In doing so he plucked two beings from the past of another world and brought them to the present of our own.

"Now, Forge, Dr. Foster, and I were assigned to find a way to contact Z'Onn Z'Orr, who J'Onn trapped in the vortex or as Forge calls it, 'The Phantom Zone'. After much hypothesizing and talking things over we committed a scientific mortal sin. We used magic to reach our goals.

"As some of you may know Forge is a shaman of high caliber. His idea was that he could isolate his 'soul searching' to just Martians and by doing so discover when they existed."

"How so, Hank?" Cap asked.

"Very simple . . . He asked them nicely." Hank said smiling.

"Anyway, this Martian told us what we need to know. That, in turn led to the face theory but that's not important now. Once we had this down we devised a machine that could open this portal."

"Just curious, if you open this portal so that J'Onn can talk to Z'Onn isn't there a chance that ol' Z'Onny will break lose and kill us all?" Flash asked.

"I'll cover that, Henry," Forge said, standing up from his chair. "You see, Flash, I call the vortex Z'Onn is trapped in 'The Phantom Zone' because simply by being there he is the equivalent of an Earth born spirit. His time here is run and he can gain no more. Put simply he is the living dead and no threat of any sort to us."

"Oh," Flash said, slightly embarrassed.

"Anyway," Hank continued. "We have solved the problem and devised an invention that we will now use so that J'Onn can contact Z'Orr." Forge started up the machine as the others left J'Onn to his own.

"Good luck," Forge whispered to J'Onn as he exited the room.

"Indeed," J'Onn replied although Forge never heard him say it. "Indeed."

J'Onn was home.

He had dreamed of Mars for the longest time, now he was there.

Or at least he was in a reasonable facsimile.

"Very beautiful Z'Onn," J'Onn 'said' to his old foe. Even though he was nowhere in sight, J'Onn knew Z'Orr was there and that he had heard him. Telepaths could hear each other no matter where they were unless they just didn't want to and J'Onn was sure Z'Orr, for all his air of insufferable evil, would be glad to hear anyone's 'voice', even that of the reviled J'Onn J'Onzz.

Z'Orr materialized out of nowhere, apparently he still had his Martian born abilities even in what amounted to death.

"Hr. Even you are more beautiful than this white, void of a hell you condemned me to."

J'Onn said nothing in reply.

"What is your business here?" Z'Orr growled. "Be warned, I will suffer nothing from you."

"Z'Onn, you are much too weak for combat. You will deal with whatever I feel is fit."

The Martian landscape that had held J'Onn enthralled was suddenly replaced with nothingness. Z'Onn smiled a razor tooth grin as J'Onn turned to face him. The immensity of the white momentarily blinded J'Onn who too soon realized that now Z'Onn could kill him.

"Do not be so sure," the Martian hissed.

"Z'Onn . . . " J'Onn said pleadingly, "I need your help Z'Onn."

"You need my help."

J'Onn nodded, his hand still covering his temporarily useless eyes.

"And why should I help you? You who placed me here."

"It . . . It's a chance for redemption." J'Onn said, hoping that would work yet knowing it would fall flat.

Z'Orr backhanded J'Onn and J'Onn flew for a distance that didn't exist.

"Redemption!" Z'Orr screamed. "Do you think I seek your redemption?!"

J'Onn staggered to his feet.

"Please . . . "

"Why? Why did you come here? Why do you think I would help you? More importantly, what made you think I want your damned redemption?" Z'Onn hissed as he glared at the felled Martian policeman.

"There was a holiday . . . On Mars . . . The Festival of the Emerald. Do you remember it?" J'Onn asked him.

"Yes, I was a staunch believer."

"You?" J'Onn asked, unable to believe this.

"You think purely because I am, according to your laws, a criminal that I have no belief?" Z'Onn said, apparently hurt by this.

"No . . . I . . . " J'Onn began but was silenced as Z'Orr unleashed unimaginable pain upon J'Onn's mind.

"Silence!"

J'Onn shuddered to his feet.

"I am a believer. That I will harbor no questioning of, and because of that I will listen. Tell me what you seek from me."

"The Emerald . . . I remembered it only recently . . ."

"Unbeliever!" Z'Orr hissed as he prepared to unleash another psychic attack. This time J'Onn was able to get his mental shields up. One more attack like the previous two could have killed him.

"No . . . No, it's not that."

"Then what?"

"I just . . . forgot."

Z'Orr glared at him.

"I thought the Emerald was on Earth. I captured it but one of the Earth men scientists discovered that this was only a fragment. I need to find the other pieces." J'Onn explained. "For one with religion you don't seem very worried."

"Why did you seek me out?"

"I thought you might know where I could find the other three pieces of the Emerald."

"Yes, and do you know why you thought that?"

J'Onn honestly didn't know.

"Because I wanted you to."

"Wh- What?"

"From this hell I can not break free but I can only observe. However, I am a telepath and in certain situations like the one with your 'Captain America' I am able to make subtle suggestions. It is because of me that you are here."

"Then why did we go through all of this? Time is of the essence!"

Z'Orr smiled. "I wanted to see you beg."

J'Onn rushed into the meeting room. He was exhilarated. Upon his entrance they all rose to their feet.

"What did you find out?" Cap asked.

"How'd it go?" Flash asked as he rushed to him.

"Are you okay?"

"We were afraid you got lost!"

"I am fine and my ordeal proved to be a worthwhile one after all. I have the knowledge we need."

"Then let's get to work," Captain America said.

Everyone was gone. It had been a long morning and a new day faced them. The Watchtower was empty and silent. Then, out of nowhere a low buzzing began. Something was on somewhere in the lab.

Had anyone been there they would have seen Forge's machine flip on. Had anyone been there they would have seen the planet Mars in all it's crimson glory. Had anyone been there they would have seen a, to quote Stephen King, "Walkin' Dude" approach on the horizon, just beyond the hills, and they would have watched in terror as he grew in size as he approached. Had anyone been there the might have seen a Martian hand reach out, then a Martian body. Had anyone been there they might have saved the machine from being destroyed. But no one was there.

He was sitting along with Wasp, Hawkeye, and Iron Man in the Watchtower. All were thinking of how to go about finding the last shard of the Emerald. Flash, Wonder Woman, and Martain Manhunter had already left to search for the other two fragments.

Finally, Quasar entered the room. "I think I have something," he said. He pressed a button, and the large screen filled up with images that he had been working with on a computer in the other room.

"I think I have an idea about where the Emerald came from," he said. "But, you'll have to keep an open mind. By my estimates, I believe that the Emerald could have come to Earth as much as four and a half thousand years ago."

"You're saying it's been here for a while?" Wasp asked.

Quasar nodded. "Remember, J'Onn came through a portal, and - I'm not sure of the specifics - most likely plucked from another time, explaining why he cannot return.

"Anyway, as I was saying, I believe the Emerald came to Earth around 2500 B.C. I have ascertained this date by studying the movement of the planets. At this time, there was an inside flyby of Mars."

"Inside flyby?" Hawkeye asked. "Enlighten those scientifically challenged members here."

"Certainly," Quasar replied. "At one point in time, Mars had a different orbit than it does now. It was more elliptical, and would occasionally enter Earth's orbit. Much like what Neptune and Pluto do now."

"Now, if it has been here for so long," Iron Man interrupted, "why is J'Onn in a hurry to find it? Certainly, it can wait."

"Henry Pym was examining the equipment that was used to allow J'Onn to contact his nemesis," Quasar explained. "He found it had been used after we all left the room. It appears Z'Onn Z'Orr is on the loose. More than likely, he wants to get back himself."

"So, let's say this crazy plan succeeds," Hawkeye said, "and either one goes back home, they would exist thousands of years before we were born."

"Yes," Quasar replied. "As I was saying, I believe the Emerald to have come to Earth during a flyby around 2500 B.C. That would be around the time of Noah's Flood."

A stunned silence came over the Avengers seated. Quasar pressed a button, and the image changed to a computer graphic showing Mars and Earth in orbit.

"Like I said," Quasar continued, "keep an open mind. Fortunately, I have spent some time over the past few months talking with J'Onn about his home. I have learned about where his civilization lived, which would give us the location of the Emerald. A quick calculation would give us a location where it could have fallen to Earth." He pressed another button, and the image moved the planets around so all that could be seen was Earth. It zoomed in on an area. "I figure it landed somewhere in the Sinai peninsula, which would be near the Biblical Tower of Babel."

Again, the Avengers were awed.

Finally, Wasp spoke up. "It's strange that you mention that," she said. "A few years ago, I decided to conduct some research on bio-engineering, to better understand the process that gave me my abilities. And you know when you're researching, you always find something that stands out. Something that you think may not be connected too much, but could be. One story that caught my attention and struck me as weird was the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego."

"The fiery furnace," Captain America commented. "From the book of Daniel."

"Yes," Wasp said. "The strange thing about them was that they lived off of just fruits and vegetables. Then, they were subjected to the torture of the furnace because they refused to bow down to a statue of King Nebuchadnezzar."

"And your point is what?" Hawkeye asked.

"Extra Biblical text tell of the crown on the statue having a green stone with unnatural brilliance. It could very likely be the Emerald."

Quasar punched a few buttons, and the map of the Sinai peninsula was drawn on to show the boundaries of the Babylon empire. "It's very possible, considering where it was," he said.

"So, you're saying we're dealing with something that appeared in the Bible," Iron Man said.

"It's possible," Quasar said.

"So we've gotten the Emerald to Babylon," Captain America said. "Are we dealing with the whole Emerald or just one fragment here?"

"I'm going to assume that if the Emerald was used in the statue, then we're dealing with a fragment," Quasar hypothesized. "My guess is that when the statue was made, the fragment was removed from the Emerald, and then used in the crown. The rest of the Emerald was discarded. It is not hard for it to have made its way into the Sahara Desert. But what about the fragment."

"I might have an answer," Cap replied. "Back in World War Two, I was told by a Polish scientist about an unusual rock in a Babylonian palace that glowed with a greenish light. I'll spare you the details, but somehow the Germans ended up with this entire Palace. One of my missions was to retrieve some information and a sample of 'Heavy Water' from a Berlin lab. I also took a glowing green rock."

"So, you've dealt with it before!" Iron Man exclaimed.

"If it was the fragment."

"It's very possible," Quasar said. "So now the question is, where is it now?"

"That's probably not to hard to figure out," Cap replied. "Can you get me the President on the videophone? He should know."

A few minutes later, Alan Scott's head was shown on the monitor.

"Steve!" he greeted. "So nice to hear from you."

"Mr. President," Cap said. "I need a favor. J'Onn has found a Martian Emerald that is very important to his civilization. However, it is missing some fragments that we are currently looking for."

"Yes, I follow you. How may I help?"

"Remember back during the war, when I was sent on that one mission into Germany to retrieve the glowing rock?"

"Vaguely."

"Can you find it for me? I believe that to be the fragment we are looking for."

"Okay," Scott replied. "How soon do you need it?"

"Yesterday. We fear that there is another group trying to find the fragments first."

"I'll get my people right on it."

"Steve, we've found it."

"That was quick."

"Executive privilege."

"What was your cover story?"

"I told them it was an article the Nazis used for experiments with laser technology. I'll be loaning it to Stark Enterprises for testing on a new guidance system."

"How can we get it?" Cap asked.

"I've already called Tony Stark. We've set up a publicity stunt for this afternoon."

"Already?"

"Tony wants this fast."

"Where is the fragment?"

"There is an old Federal Reserve Building in a relatively small town only about a hundred miles south of DC that shut down a few years ago. Some government property was left there for storage."

"What's the name of the town?"

"Culpeper, Virginia. Ever heard of it?"

"I think so. Isn't there a National Cemetery down there?"

"Yes, sir."

"I've probably been to a funeral there. You need me there?"

"As a public icon, that would be nice."

"I'll bring Wasp and Hawkeye. Wasp can be hidden, and Hawkeye can be out of costume as a bodyguard."

"Sounds good. I'll see you then."

He clapped twice. Instantly, a group of white Martians who he had found in the portal came to attention in front of him. He gave orders. He wanted no one who came to witness the event to survive.

Captain America and Tony Stark flanked the president. Down below the makeshift stage, a group of secret service men stood in line. Clint Barton stood in the very center.

A crew had already been sent in to retrieve the fragment, which Alan Scott was now holding. He begin giving a small introduction speech.

After he was done, he stepped back, and Tony Stark took his place at the podium. Alan handed Tony the Emerald fragment.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began. "Today marks the beginning of a new project for Stark Enterprises. The government has graciously allowed us to take this former Federal Reserve Building and turn it into a new Technology Center. Not only will it be used as a research lab for Stark Enterprises, but part of it will be open to the public to experiment with new technology, and to use as a computer center.

"I chose the small town setting, because I feel it is important to reach out to these smaller communities, where there is little to offer the younger generation . . . "

Elsewhere, Wasp was doing a sweep of the area, checking for any sort of device that might cause harm. Suddenly, her sensor beeped.

Uh oh, she thought. "Hawkeye," she spoke into her communication device atop her wrist. "We've got trouble. There's something behind the stage."

Hawkeye leaned over to the secret service agent on his left. "Check behind the stage. My partner says something's back there."

The agent broke form and motioned to the agent standing on the other side of Hawkeye. They walked around to the rear of the stage, picking up metal detectors.

In the back of the crowd, the LexCorp employees saw this and started sweating. They squeezed the control mechanism tighter. But then, they were hit in the back of the head, and fell down.

" . . . and so, I thank the government for allowing us to take over the complex here, and for this token of change," Tony Stark finished as he held up the fragment.

People started applauding. The news reporters began talking at the cameras again.

And then, the stage blew up. Alan Scott, Tony Stark, and Captain America ducked.

Guns starting firing from the back.

"Martians!" Hawkeye exclaimed, seeing the gunmen. He hopped on the stage, and began helping Stark and the president to safety.

Captain America stood up, and flung his shield out, hoping to knock out the Martians. His shield made contact with one, but another was able to use quick reflexes and grab it, flinging it back at Captain America.

Already, civilians and news crews began fleeing the scene. Naturally, the cameramen tried to keep filming, and the anchors kept talking, stating the obvious, assuming that the audience was incapable of interpreting a picture.

Captain America jumped down to fight the Martians. Wasp joined him. However, one managed to slip past.

Clint Barton, Tony Stark, and Alan Scott were just coming off of the stage when the Martian began rushing towards them. "Hawkeye, look out!" Cap shouted.

The Martian aimed a gun at Tony Stark. Just as he fired, Hawkeye jumped out in front of Stark, leaping for the Martian. The bullet went through his chest, and he landed on top of the Martian.

Just then, the Iron Man armor swooped down, and picked up the president in its arms. Tony Stark grabbed the neck. He would land in a better concealed area to step into the armor.

With no other course of action, the Martians disappeared.

"I guess Z'Onn called them back," Cap commented as Iron Man landed.

"How's Hawkeye?" Iron Man asked.

"Oh my! Hawkeye!" Cap exclaimed. The trio rushed over. A couple of secret service agents were beside him. One looked up at the three Avengers League members.

"Is he okay?" Wasp asked.

"His breathing is shallow. We've already called an ambulance."

"Is there anything we can do?" Captain America asked.

"Don't worry. We'll take care of it."

The being who called himself Silverfall was the only Silver Martian alive. His people existed when the Green and White Martians when still developing. He was an Immortal, a Martian God, eons old. Silverfall had "The Sight" and could see almost the entire Galaxy. Back in World War Two, Thor had met him on Mars. Silverfall subsequently left Mars to travel the Galaxy. But after the God War, when the original guardian of the Rainbow Bridge, Heimdall, fell in battle, Thor met Silverfall again and asked him to take Heimdall's place upon the bridge. Silverfall had seen much in his long existence and possibly knew about the Emerald.

At the very least, his "sight" should have been able to locate it.

J'Onn was a bit apprehensive. The idea of meeting a Silver Martian was both exciting and frightening. The Silver Martians were legends. They were the basis for the Martian myths and legends. They were reputed to have powers beyond anything that the current Martian races, including a telepathic "Sight" that extends across the stars. They vanished from Mars long ago, but the legend of Silverfall was something that Martian children grew up with. To think that he was real was an incredible thought.

Thor led J'Onn to the end of the rainbow bridge where the guardian, Silverfall, stood ready to defend the realm and warn the Asgardians of imminent danger.

"Well met, good Silverfall," Thor said.

"Well met, Prince Thor," Silverfall responded. The Silver Martian God seemed very uninterested in the Green Martian who accompanied Thor.

J'Onn stared at Silverfall. He could feel the massive telepathic power coming from the Silver God. So it's true! he thought. It's a Silver Martian. It's the great Silverfall! He actually exists!

"I need thy aid," Thor said.

"I am at your service, Lord Thor," Silverfall replied.

"I and my fellow warriors of the Avengers League doth seek an object known . . . "

" . . . as the Emerald," Silverfall finished. "I know."

"Thy sight serves thee well," Thor said. "Canst thou be of any assistance to us?"

Silverfall closed his eyes for a moment and concentrated. J'Onn watched, fascinated. Silverfall's telepathic power was unbelievable. J'Onn had to shield his mind to keep from being overwhelmed.

"The Emerald is on Earth," Silverfall said. "Under the sea, in the place known as Atlantis."

"There be two such places," Thor said. "Which Atlantis doth house the Emerald?"

"I cannot see clearly," Silverfall said. "The Emerald is a powerful Martian object and it obscures my senses to some degree. All I can tell you is that it is hidden in Atlantis."

"That shall suffice," Thor said. "I thank thee, good Silverfall. And now, I must take my leave."

Silverfall bowed slightly, in respect. "My Prince."

Thor headed away. J'Onn hesitated. He stared at Silverfall. "I never thought you were real. This is a great honor."

"I don't see why," Silverfall answered. "Go. You have an important duty to perform."

"Great Silverfall, I . . . "

"No more talk," Silverfall said. "You have things to do. Go. If you have something important to say to me, you may return at a later date. I am sure Thor will allow you."

J'Onn was very disappointed. But he realized that Silverfall was right. "Very well. I'll go. But I will return."

J'Onn started to walk away. Silverfall called to him. "J'Onn J'Onzz."

J'Onn turned, not at all surprised that the powerful telepath knew his name.

"I am not what you think," Silverfall said.

J'Onn puzzled over that one as he returned to Earth with Thor.

His name was Fluxus, and he was a white Martian. He was a warrior and he served his warlord. His warlord was Z'Onn Z'Orr. Fluxus had been sent to get the Emerald. His telepathy had picked up Thor and J'Onn. And although he could not read the mind of a God very well, and J'Onn was doing his best to block any telepathic scan, Fluxus knew where they were going. They were searching for the Emerald.

They had split up. Obviously, they did not know exactly where the Emerald was, but they would eventually find it. Fluxus had a plan. He would delay them both. And he would use his shape shifting powers to do it!

King Neptune, God of the Sea.

"Great Neptune!" Namor said, "This is indeed a great honor!"

"We have no time for amenities!" Neptune said. "I have come to give you a warning!"

"Stay back!" Namor ordered. "I have been warned of your perfidy! I bear you no malice. I know that you are under the thrall of Loki, but I will not let you bring your unwitting evil into my realm! Withdraw, or I shall be forced to battle you!"

Thor couldn't believe what he was hearing. Who had misinformed Namor that Thor was under some spell? Or perhaps it wasn't misinformation. Perhaps it is an intentional plot to keep Thor away from Atlantis. Thor could not allow that. He needed to get to the Emerald.

Thor moved forward, trying to be non-threatening. He held up a hand in a salute of respect. The salute and the forward movement were both misinterpreted.

"Very well!" Namor shouted, "I gave you the chance. I am sorry for what I must now due, but Atlantis is my first priority. Imperius Rex!"

Namor shot forward like a torpedo. He rammed Thor in the stomach. Thor doubled over in pain. Namor proceeded to pummel the Thunder God. Thor tried to strike back, but so deep under the sea his movements were slowed. His every swing missed. He couldn't land a blow on Namor. Thor knew he was in trouble.

King Arthur, the Aquaman, ruler of New Atlantis, was sitting in his chambers. He was lost in thought. There were many problems and challenges facing the realm. Aquaman had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Sometimes he longed for the simple days when his adopted father Vulko ruled the realm and Aquaman was free to explore the ocean. He had especially fond memories of his days of adventure with the Avengers League. He had enjoyed those days. He missed them.

Aquaman suddenly sensed a presence in his chambers. He looked around, then jumped up to a defensive position. "Who's there? Speak up!"

J'Onn J'Onzz materialized in front of him. {Hello Arthur,} J'Onn communicated telepathically.

Aquaman relaxed and smiled. "J'Onn. This is a surprise. It's good to see you."

{And you, Arthur. I am sorry for arriving unannounced, but time is pressing on me. I have a . . . situation!}

Aquaman couldn't help grinning. This brought back memories. "Are the Avengers League struggling to save the universe again?"

{The usual,} J'Onn replied with his telepathy.

"Tell me all about it," Aquaman said.

But Namor was in his own element. He swam against the current and dissipated the whirlpool. There was still at least a mile to go before the surface. Namor attacked again, and Thor needed to find another means to get them to the air. But the Sub-Mariner gave him very little chance to act. He was relentless.

Thor had one more tactic to try. He dropped below Namor and pointed his hammer. He concentrated and unleashed the Asgardian energy force from his magic hammer Mjolnir. The powerful ray hit Namor and sent him hurtling upwards.

Namor breached the surface and was sent a hundred yards into the air. Thor popped up from the waves, relieved to be back in his element.

Namor was falling back to the sea, stunned by the power of the energy ray. The tiny wings on his heels started to flutter and he seemed to be regaining his balance. Thor couldn't allow that. If Namor got back under the waves, while he was still conscious, Thor would be right back where he started from. Thor swung his indestructible Hammer with all his strength. He slammed the Hammer into the still-weak Namor. Namor let out a yelp of pain. The impact rattled him and sent him sailing through the sky, unconscious. Thor flew after him, catching him before he fell below the ocean surface again. Thor spotted and island in the distance. He carried the unconscious Namor there.

{Thank you, Arthur,}

The two heroes suddenly heard a crash outside. Aquaman jumped to his feet.

"Trouble!" he cried.

{I am at your side, Arthur!} J'Onn communicated.

Aquaman and the Martian Manhunter left the royal chambers and headed to the scene of the commotion. They spotted a group of imperial guards being manhandled by a large man.

"I know that creature!" Aquaman said. "He was once a warlord from Lemuria. He seems to have grown."

{Who is he?}

"His name is Tyrak! Tyrak the treacherous!"

Tyrak battered the guard, scattering them. They seemed powerless against him. Aquaman and the Martian Manhunter reached the battle.

"Tyrak!" Aquaman said, "How dare you invade my realm!"

"King Arthur!" Tyrak bellowed. "The Aquaman. I am here for you. For your blood! For your head! For your life!"

"Sent by your Lemurian masters, eh?"

"No!" Tyrak said. "I represent another power who has a motive for seeing both Atlantis' fall. I am their first and best weapon. There will be no need for plans ‘B' and ‘C' after I am through! Aquaman will die by my hand, and soon after, Namor will die as well!"

"Your ambitions are blinding you!" Aquaman said. "My only equal under the sea is my brother, Namor. You cannot best me!"

Tyrak laughed mockingly. Aquaman slammed into Tyrak, but bounced off like a rubber ball. Shocked, Aquaman tried again. This time, Tyrak hit him with power that Aquaman was not prepared for. Aquaman crashed into the side of an Atlantean temple. "His power!" Aquaman muttered, hurt by the impact. "It's incredible!"

"I have been . . . enhanced!" Tyrak said. "You cannot stand against me! You are doomed!"

J'Onn moved between Tyrak and Aquaman. "Stop!" The Martian ordered.

"Who, or what, are you?" Tyrak asked.

{I am an ally of Aquaman. And to get to him, you must pass through me!}

"Move aside, creature, or I will . . . "

{Enough!} J'Onn mentally commanded. {How many times have I faced someone like you? Beings so full of their own superiority that they listen to neither reason nor conscience. Civilian casualties are unimportant to you as long as you can impose your selfish will and whim! Well hear this, Tyrak the Treacherous . . . I will not move aside. And you will not harm any more Atlanteans!}

J'Onn unleashed his Martian Vision. Tyrak was stunned by the power of the ray, but being underwater, the heat of the ray was diminished, and Tyrak was at his most powerful. Tyrak moved forward, resisting the force of the beam. He swung his powerful fist at the Martian, but J'Onn turned intangible and the fist passed through harmlessly. Tyrak was surprised.

"Interesting!" Tyrak said. "Well then, it seems I cannot hurt you. But you cannot stop me, either!"

{Really?} J'Onn responded. J'Onn returned to his solid form. He hit Tyrak with all his alien strength.

Tyrak was rattled by the blow but stood his ground. He laughed. "A blow well struck, creature! You are a worthy challenge! Come! Do battle with Tyrak!"

"Attempt not to rise, noble Sub-Mariner," Thor said. "Thou art still injured."

"Villain!" Namor said weakly. "I will not let you destroy Atlantis!"

"I have no intention of doing so, good Prince," Thor said. "I have no wish to see thy kingdom come to harm. I am not thy enemy."

"Liar!" Namor hissed.

"Why would I not slay thee once I had defeated thee?" Thor asked. "Thou were at my mercy."

Namor hesitated. "I do not know. I know only that great Neptune warned me of you coming attack."

"I see," Thor said. "I doth perceive the reason for thy erroneous attack! I am under no thrall, and I believe that the being thou did see - this being who didst appear to be Neptune - is a base impostor. A Martian who doth seek to prevent the God of Thunder from attaining the Emerald I seek."

Namor felt embarrassed. If "Neptune" was an impostor - and it was beginning to look like he was - Namor had been played for a total fool.

"Tell me of this Emerald," Namor said.

"You are worthy," Tyrak said. "I have enjoyed our duel. But now, I must finish this."

Tyrak tried to land the killing blow, but J'Onn turned intangible. The blow passed through him.

"Coward!" Tyrak shouted. "You fight unfairly!"

While Tyrak as distracted by J'Onn, Aquaman had recovered his full strength. He charged Tyrak and pierced his thick skin with his harpoon hand. Tyrak roared in pain. He slapped Aquaman away.

"That was a cowardly blow, Atlantean!" Tyrak said. "Come at me now, face-to-face, rather than from behind!"

Aquaman and the Martian Manhunter double-teamed the wounded Tyrak. His strength was still incredible. He fought his opponents to a draw.

"J'Onn, I have an idea, but I need your help," Aquaman said.

Aquaman telepathically communicated his idea to J'Onn. J'Onn nodded.

"Let us combine our telepathic power," J'Onn said.

J'Onn and Aquaman united their telepathic abilities. They located Tyrak's Basil Ganglia, a part of the brain that marine creatures inherently possess. They overloaded it with telepathic messages, causing seizures in Tyrak. Tyrak convulsed. He panicked. He fled.

Aquaman and J'Onn sighed with relief as they watched him go.

Fluxus held the Emerald in his hand, triumphantly. He had served his master well. Z'Onn Z'Orr now had the Emerald. His grand plan could proceed!

"Find anything?" Diana asked.

"Not yet," Flash replied, obviously frustrated. "We need to find a way to be more specific."

"Perhaps if we knew the shape of the shards," Diana suggested.

"That would be helpful," Wally agreed. "How do we find the shape?"

Diana only shook her head and shrugged.

"Wait a second," said Wally, dropping the computer printouts and running into the next room. He returned in a fraction of a second holding the Emerald. "How did J'Onn know the shards were missing?"

Diana looked at Wally but didn't respond.

"This stone was flawless," Wally continued. "If we map the Emerald's surface we should know the size and shape of all of the shards."

Wally stepped over to the computer and placed the gem within the three dimensional scanner.

"Computer!" he commanded. "Map the Emerald. Then, assume it is flawless. Show me the maps of the missing pieces."

A three-dimensional image appeared in front of the Flash. The Emerald's image was nearly the size of his head allowing him to get a better view. Once the Emerald had been mapped completely white lines began to appear showing the holes in the gem. Flash watched as maps were made of each missing shard. One by one the shards were mapped and each one was simulated and set to the side of the Emerald. Though the process was only taking minutes, it seemed agonizingly slow to Wally.

Diana stood just beyond the Flash and watched the progression with fascination. Once the second shard was displayed she gazed at it in surprise. Something about the stone seemed familiar but she couldn't place it. In a few minutes the simulations of all three shards were floating in the three-dimensional space.

"Computer!" Wally commanded. "Spin the shards. I'd like to see them at every angle."

The shards started spinning in unison at a rapid pace.

"Could you slow them down?" Diana asked.

Wally nodded. "Computer! Slow the spin."

The computer slowed down the rotation and she watched the second shard. She knew she had seen it before. Then it dawned on her.

"Hera!" she breathed.

"What is it?" Wally asked.

"I recognize the second shard," she stated. "I've seen it before."

"Really? Where?"

"In Greece."

What the locals didn't realize was that if they passed through the gate they would enter a hidden city. The occupants of the city were Greeks who chose to follow the ancient ways. Within the city the Greek gods were still revered and worshiped and the sacrifices were still made. It was a city of lost souls and forgotten lore.

The city contained a temple to every major god of Greek Mythology and a few of the minor ones. The temple of Aphrodite was the most popular. Within the gardens that filled the temple was a statue in her likeness. The marble used for the statue was flawless and it had been skillfully crafted. The image was nearly identical to the goddess. Hanging from the goddess's neck was a gold chain and dangling from it between the statue's perfect breasts was the Emerald shard.

"I am Spartacus!" he joked placing his hands on his hips.

Diana looked at him un-amused. "As soon as the sun crosses the horizon you need to find the gate."

"No prob!" Flash responded confidently.

"Yes, but after you find it you have to get me and get through the gate in the fraction of a second that it exists in this reality."

Flash started to respond but the first beam of light crossed the hills. Flash ran with everything he had around the base of Olympus. He located the gate about two miles from Diana's location. He rushed back to her. Not taking time to explain he loaded her in a fireman's carry and poured on the juice. He managed to pass through the gate just as it disappeared from view.

"Did we just travel through time?" Wally asked surveying the surrounding structures.

"No, this is the present," Diana answered. "These people choose to live in this manner."

"You mean like the Amish?"

"Similar," Diana agreed. "Only more fanatical."

"Great!"

Diana looked around the city trying to get her bearings. She had only been to the city once before and she had been a child then.

"Aphrodite's temple should be that way," she recalled, pointing.

Wonder Woman and Flash entered the temple. A large cluster of grapes hung from the archway. Flash reached up to pluck a grape and Diana smacked his hand aside.

"Those are Aphrodite's! If anyone sees you eating those you'll be sacrificed to her," Diana explained.

"Sacrificed to Aphrodite?" Doesn't that mean. . . " Flash began.

"No!" Diana cut him off. "It means a knife through your heart."

"Oh!"

Diana made her way to the statue and stared at the shard.

"So do we just take it or what?" Flash asked.

"I wouldn't advise it," said a voice from within the statue. The voice was soft and feminine and commanding at the same time.

"Aphrodite," Wonder Woman acknowledged.

The statue came to life and nodded to Diana. "Your mother was a much more reverent Wonder Woman."

"She'll be pleased that you said that," Diana replied dryly.

Aphrodite smiled. "So Theymiscira's princess has returned to take my necklace."

"We're doing a favor for a friend."

"Well, you still can't have it," Aphrodite stated. "It was a gift from a very special man and it has great sentimental value to me."

"I thought she was one of the good guys," Flash said confused.

"Good and bad are not words to be used to describe the motives of gods," Aphrodite responded. "What is your interest in my necklace?"

"You should know, goddess."

Aphrodite laughed. "Very well you may have it on one condition. You must best a champion of my choosing and you may not use your lasso."

"Agreed," Diana said.

Aphrodite smiled again. "What kind of champion should I choose? What kind of champion would truly challenge Wonder Woman?" Her voice was icy as she spoke Diana's title. "What do you think speedster?"

Flash only shrugged surprised he was even being noticed in the exchange.

"He should have Solomon's wisdom . . ." she began.

"Why is she mentioning a Hebrew icon?" Flash whispered to Diana.

"Hercules strength, Atlas' stamina, Zeus' power . . ."

As she continued to list off attributes something seemed vaguely familiar about them.

"Achilles' courage, Mercury's speed."

"Isn't she mixing Greek and Roman names?" Flash whispered again.

Diana paused for a moment to think.

Solomon's wisdom . . . S

Hercules strength . . . H

Atlas' stamina. . . A

Zeus' power. . . Z

Achilles' courage. . . A

Mercury's speed. . . M

SHAZAM!

"Hello, Captain Marvel," Diana said turning to face her opponent.

"Wonder Woman," Captain Marvel acknowledged.

Diana leapt at her opposition and found herself stopped in mid-flight.

"Not in my temple!" Aphrodite warned. "Ares has a nice arena for such matters."

Diana appeared at one end of the arena and saw the combatants. She tossed her lasso and pulled both spears from the warriors' hands. She pulled back and the spears flew over her head and embedded in the wall. The lasso released and returned to Diana's side. She looked across the arena and saw Captain Marvel waving. She waved back and notice she now wore her armor rather than the dress she had worn earlier.

"Who dares interrupt my contest?" Ares roared from his throne.

"I do, brother," Aphrodite replied appearing beside him.

"What is the meaning of this, sister?" Ares growled.

"I have a minor dispute that needs to be settled."

"My arena is not your playground," he roared. "Find some where else for your lovers to quarrel."

"I see you haven't noticed the combatants," Aphrodite stated. "I assure you that you will be most entertained."

Ares looked at Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel circling each other. "Is this a fight to the death?" he asked.

"No."

Ares lowered his head, obviously disappointed, then returned his attention to the fight.

The two warriors had evacuated the arena as soon as they realized the two heroes were about to attack each other. They were now circling at the center of the arena because neither of them wanted to strike first. Captain Marvel was only here because the wizard Shazam had sent him to protect the necklace. Wonder Woman was only here to collect the shard for J'Onn.

Finally, Diana decided to make a move. She moved forward forcing her elbow into Captain Marvel's nose. Marvel stepped back and rolled with the blow avoiding his nose being broken. He wrapped his arms around her putting her in a bear hug. She brought both hands down at he base of the neck and he released her.

Diana flew from Marvel's hold and gave him a swift kick as she flew by. Marvel took to the air as well and put his shoulder in her mid section. Diana fell to the ground.

Wally watched from behind Aphrodite. "Is that it?" he asked as Diana fell.

Captain Marvel stepped over to where Diana lay on the arena floor. He positioned himself over her to claim victory. Then she opened her eyes. She flew up at full speed striking Marvel under the jaw. Marvel flew backwards into the arena.

Marvel rose and flew forward at full speed. Diana matched his speed and the two collided shaking the foundation of the arena. Their strength was evenly matched but Diana had the skill of an Amazon born warrior. The Wisdom of Solomon was useless in combat. She prevailed.

Aphrodite tossed the Emerald toward Diana as she stood over Marvel triumphantly. She caught it effortlessly.

"Let's go, Flash. We need to get back to the Watchtower."

Captain Marvel lifted himself from the ground. "May I go with you?" he asked. "I'm still required to protect that necklace."

"Of course," Diana smiled.

"Thank you, goddess," Shazam responded.

"I have to admit. It was a clever idea," Aphrodite said. "Hiding the shard among my gifts was brilliant."

"Now we have to trust that these heroes will act responsibly with it."

"Have faith, wizard. We are dealing with the best this world has to offer and the Emerald does have a purpose. A purpose it could not have served in my temple."

"How odd! That a goddess should tell me to have faith in mortals," Shazam mused.

Aphrodite smiled as the wizard disappeared.

The team looked a little worse for wear.

"Did you find it?" he asked.

Iron Man held out his right hand.

"Where's Hawkeye?"

"He's on his way to a hospital," Captain America said.

"What happened?" J'Onn asked, suddenly startled.

"He was shot by a white Martian, while protecting Tony Stark and Alan Scott."

"No . . . " J'Onn was shocked, a rare occurrence for a telepath. But, he was tired, and upset, and respected his teammates enough to not scan their minds.

"And you?" Cap asked.

J'Onn sighed. "It seems that we have some competition," he said.

"Aye," Thor agreed, coming from a back room. "'Tis good to see you again, Captain."

"Good to see you too, Thor," Cap replied. He turned back to J'Onn. "Z'Onn Z'Orr?"

J'Onn nodded. "That's what Aquaman and I concluded after some investigation. We were attacked. I was unable to secure the fragment." He walked over to Iron Man and took the fragment. "Let's go put this with the Emerald."

They all walked into another room, where Hank Pym had been analyzing the Emerald for hours. Batman and Quasar had joined him. Flash, Wonder Woman, and Captain Marvel had already returned with their fragment, which was now in its proper position.

J'Onn handed the fragment to Pym. Pym carefully studied it and the two remaining holes in the Emerald. Finally, he concluded which hole it filled, and placed it there.

The Emerald glowed for a second, and then died down. The fracture was no longer visible.

"Amazing," Iron Man said. "The Emerald seems to be able to repair itself."

"Yes," J'Onn said. "That surprised me as well."

"I guess all that is left is for us to get the last piece from Z'Onn," Wasp said.

"Can you locate him, J'Onn?" Cap asked.

"I shall try. Knowing him, he is hiding in space somewhere, more than likely."

"That's okay," Pym replied. "I have refurbished one of the QuinJets to allow for space travel."

"Let's go," J'Onn said.

It's was child's play for Z'Onn to channel his own abilities through the Emerald fragment to create this orbiting base of operations. It would not be long before the Avengers League would find him.

And that's exactly what Z'Onn wanted. He wanted them to come. He wanted to beat them. But more importantly, he wanted to get revenge on the one who had sent him to nowhere. The one who had been a thorn in his side since before they were transported through space and time - J'Onn J'Onzz.

Z'Onn heard a commotion coming nearer. He smiled. It could only be the Avengers League. Finally, the doors swung open, and the Avengers stood in front of Z'Onn.

"We want the fragment," Martian Manhunter demanded.

"I know you do," Z'Onn replied. "But you're going to have to fight for it." He turned to the Martians standing on either side of him. "Attack."

The two rushed out, which was more a cue to the others than anything else. Soon, the Avengers League was swamped by Martians. Z'Onn took the momentary confusion to flee the throneroom.

J'Onn flew up. "Avengers, you stay and fight! I'll get Z'Onn!"

"A little obvious don't you think, Z'Onn?" J'Onn stated.

"Perhaps," Z'Onn replied, "but we both know this isn't a fight we could handle telepathically. Even if we weren't evenly matched neither of us would be satisfied with that."

J'Onn watched as Z'Onn flipped the shard through his fingers like a coin. He was taunting him.

"Plus I'm reasonably certain I'm more prepared for this struggle than you are," Z'Onn continued. "You've been corrupted by these Earthlings. You've lost the Martian traditions and yet you're still too honorable to break the rules in here."

"The Martian traditions are much closer to my heart than you realize, Z'Onn."

Z'Onn placed the fragment in a pouch on his chest. Then he bowed to J'Onn and J'Onn returned his bow perfectly. Z'Onn was shocked at how well he performed the maneuver. Nevertheless, Z'Onn moved in confidently to attack. The next few minutes looked similar to a dance as Z'Onn attacked and J'Onn parried every blow. Z'Onn's confidence was quickly waning as J'Onn not only parried but also began a successful set of counter attacks.

"How?" Z'Onn asked as J'Onn continued his onslaught.

J'Onn grabbed the pouch from Z'Onn's chest and knocked him to the floor. He ripped the fragment from the pouch. He then began shifting his body opening a hole in his chest. The Emerald fell into his palm. Z'Onn looked shocked.

"I told you I was carrying the traditions close to my heart," J'Onn said dryly.

He positioned the final shard on the Emerald's surface and it was once more whole. Z'Onn reacted trying to regain his footing. J'Onn gave him a swift kick to the face and Z'Onn fell unconscious.

The Martians seemed to move like a hive mind. The entire force seemed to work in unison. Cap studied their movements and began to notice four different patterns in the army's attack. He looked closely at the group directly in front of him and stared each member in the eyes. One by one he checked and stared into blank glossy gazes. Finally he saw recognition in one set. He had found the leader. Cap tossed his shield at him and struck him between the eyes. The Martian fell and started a telepathic backlash that dropped one fourth of the army instantly.

"Find the leaders and take them down," Cap called.

"Why just leaders?" Thor asked as he spread his huge arms and slammed an entire group into the wall. Another telepathic backlash dropped another portion of the army.

It was then that the Martians changed tactics. Each one started acting alone fearing more of the backlashes. The sudden change from order to chaos caught the Avengers off guard and they started losing ground. Then J'Onn entered the throne room. Using the emerald to focus his attack he telepathically blasted the Martians and the remainder fell.

Finally, he thought. Finally I get to go home. Finally Z'Onn will pay fully for his crimes.

J'Onn tried to step through the portal and found that he couldn't.

No J'Onn, the Emerald hummed. I already exist beyond that portal. To take me through would destroy everything you wish to return to and everything that exists here.

J'Onn watched sadly as the portal closed. Telepathically he saw Z'Onn banging against the edges of the portal trying to find an opening. J'Onn set down the Emerald and Z'Onn's cries were lost to him.

As usual, Captain America was standing up, leading the meeting. "All of you fought bravely and worked hard. I would like to congratulate you." He turned to face the three guests. "The three of you helped us tremendously. Hank, you've been a great help recently as our resident scientist Would you consider becoming Giant Man again, and being placed on active duty?"

Hank thought for a moment. "Well . . . Sure. I have nothing better to do." He smiled. "Besides, I've kinda missed it."

Cap turned to the other two. "Captain Marvel and Thor, on behalf of the Avengers League, I offer you the chance to be an active member. Will you do so?"

"Aye!" Thor said, raising his hammer. "'Tis an honor to work with such a fine group of heroes. I will gladly protect the Earth with you."

"Captain Marvel?"

"As you know, I originally turned the offer down when you were reforming. But, after seeing what you have done, I must say that it does look appealing. Count me in."

"Excellent," Captain America said. "Now, I know many of you have other duties, and often have to drop them for an Avengers League meeting. Well, from now on, you don't have to. As you can see, we have three new members, giving us a roster of twelve. We can all now rotate, as any combination of us should be enough to overcome any threat."

"Here, here!" Flash shouted.

"And now, for what you all have been waiting for," Cap continued. "It seems that J'Onn know has the full story behind the Emerald."

J'Onn stood up, holding the Emerald. "First, I must thank all of you for helping me find this. While it may not have led to the ending I was hoping for, it has put to rest several things bothering me. Z'Onn Z'Orr will no longer trouble us, for one. And while I will not be able to return home, I now know why not.

"As much as I have enjoyed my time on Earth, I always wanted to return to Mars. Even if it could only have been for a few moments, enough to tell my family goodbye. I was pulled away so abruptly.

"But we all learned the true reason why I could never return, thanks to our search for the Emerald. It has become clear that I was transported through time, and thus, cannot go back."

"I'm sorry," Wonder Woman said. "That's so sad."

"I'm not," J'Onn said. "Because, since our battle against Z'Onn, I have realized that I do like it here. In this place, and in this time. Sure, I'll always miss Mars, but you all have done a lot to make this feel like home."

The room was silent for a moment. To break the silence, Flash wiped a fake tear from his eye. "Aw, shucks! A Kodak moment!"

Needless to say, that got a laugh from the League.

"Hey," Clint said, weakly.

"It's good to see you awake," Steve replied. "How are you feeling?"

"Like crap. Look, I'm glad you came. There's something I wanted to tell you."

"What's that?"

"When I get out of the hospital, I'm not coming back."

"What?"

"To the League. I have too much other stuff to work out. Besides, I was never cut out for that anyway."

"Don't say that, you were a fine member."

Clint smiled. "Sure. It was nice working with you. I'm sorry we got off to such a bad start."

Wendell Vaughn was sleeping peacefully. That is, until he hear someone whispering.

"Protect the Emerald . . . "

Wendell woke up suddenly. As he lay in bed, he realized what the dream was trying to tell him.

There was more to the Emerald than even J'Onn knew. He would have to take it into space for safekeeping.

He didn't know why. He just knew that it was necessary. And it felt like the right thing to do.