The Secret Life of Billy Captain Marvel Batson

Battle Plans

Barry was in charge of refreshments for the Watch Tower planning session that Superman had called for.

In a flash, Barry distributed the drinks he'd picked for each hero in the conference room.

Expresso for most of those present since that was the hot favourite for long sessions like these, and Central City had the best Expresso around, though Hal clearly disagreed.

Latte for Superman.

Matcha for Wonder Woman.

Pink lemonade for Star Girl.

A huge milk shake for Captain Marvel.

Marvel took a gulp of his milk shake, grimaced and stared at his drink suspiciously.

"I knew you'd love it. I got yours from Restaurant Gastronomique Pour Chats . They use fresh milk from the cows in their farm and catnip from their garden," he beamed. "It's gained rave reviews from cat lovers."

Cap almost choked. Ok, he's completely invulnerable. That includes his stomach. This nausea is all in the mind. His secret identity is safe as long as they believe that....

Hal looked Cap's pained expression. "No chocolate in your milk because chocolate can be lethal to cats, no matter how ancient they are," Hal ruffled the big man's hair. "Lions are big cats."

Courtney stared ahead trying very hard not to giggle.

Standing up with his sad attempt at a poker face, Superman called the meeting to order.
"As you all know, Batman, the entire Bat clan, their Gotham connections and a number of former Leaguers have cut all ties with the Justice League."

"Wait a minute, by Gotham connections, do you mean Gotham Billionaire Bruce Wayne who has been funding the Justice League?" Green Lantern spilled his Expresso over the polished oak conference table

Flash's face turned white. "Who's paying for the food in the Watchtower? Who said what to Mr Money Bags?"

"Maybe we can convince him Batman is batty and get his support?" Hal piped up.

Captain Marvel buried his face in his hands. These are the sleuths who are going to help him crack the case. Maybe Clark was just pulling his leg.

"It's fine," Green Arrow leaned into the back of his chair and rested his feet on the table. "Queen Conglomerate's CEO, Oliver Queen, has just agreed to sponsor the League with his personal fortune," he smirked.

"That settles the finances then," said Superman.

"As for our information network and sleuths, we would normally ask J'onn to link us telepathically on the field and to use his detective skills to crack the case.

However, he vanished while investigating suspicious activity in the slums.

Fortunately, Barry is a top forensics scientist, Hal is an intergalactic space cop. Their experience would be.... useful."

Captain Marvel suppressed a barely audible groan.

Stargirl nudged him, her cute braces peeked through her grin.

"Where's Arthur, by the way?" Black Canary, nestled under Green Arrow's arm, quizzed Superman.

"In Atlantis. He's dealing with an uprising there and can't join us," he replied.

-------

Guy Gardner stormed into the room with a black eye and fresh bruises on his cheeks. "What are you guys doing hiding in here? It's insane out there!" He fumed.

He'd stepped out for a sandwich and got stoned by a mob in his own city, the city he protects.

"You too? Same thing happened to Gangbuster in Metropolis. He's recovering in intensive care. His rib punctured his lung after a mob got him."

Lois Lane dug through her handbag and pulled out a test tube. I scraped this from the site where he was attacked," she frowned.

"His attackers had no memory of what they did."

"Let me see that." Mr Miracle examined the tube.

The liquid began to glow. Mr Miracle gripped his head, screaming in agony. His eyes glowed red.

Flash grabbed the test tube from his hand, was off and back in a flash without it.

Looking at all the questioning eyes, he explained, "I locked it in the containment chamber so that we can study it safely."

Scott collapsed in Barda's arms as she held her beeping mother box against his head to heal him.

Captain Marvel's eyes narrowed. "Cyborg, run through the feeds and show us the recent mob attacks."

"Wait a minute Captain White Bread, who died and put you in charge here," Guy Gardener was pissed.

"It's Marvel. Captain Marvel," the Captain replied, massive arms crossed over his heavily muscled chest as he glared down at Guy.

"Stand down. With Batman and Martian Manhunter gone, we could use the wisdom of Solomon to get us through this," Superman clapped Guy's shoulder.

No one in their right minds would want to stand up against the two power houses, no matter how "boy scout" they may be.

Smirking, Guy leaned into the back of his chair, kicking up his heels to rest his feet on the conference table.

Cyborg streamed videos of mob attacks on heroes around the world. Close ups on the mob's faces showed glowing red eyes.

"We're out of time," said The Captain.

"Barry and Scott. Work on an antidote for the sample Lois brought in."
Flash and Mr Miracle headed to the lab.

"Hal, take Guy and Barda with you to the slums J'onn was investigating. Look for signs of our lost team mates. Don't engage," The Captain continued. "Don't kill each other," he muttered.

Wonder Woman's phone went off. "Trouble in Themyscira," she mumbled. "Bill, I've got to go. It may be related to what's going on here so I'll let you know."

Cap nodded as Wonder Woman left.

"Lois, I need you and Stargirl to pay Ma Hunkel a visit," Cap added.

That left Superman, Green Lantern Kyle Rayner, Green Arrow and Black Canary to work with Marvel on the necessary preparations.

-------

It was a hectic three days.

Captain Marvel worked tirelessly around the clock while the others slept. Finally everything's in place. He had a few hours to himself which he fully intended to spend with Courtney.

Flowing golden locks glistened in the sun near the park's fountain. The pretty blonde perched on a bench as she watched the dancing waters.

Thunder roared as lightning split the cloudless sky.

A raven haired boy in a bright red sweater tip toed behind the slender girl and covered her eyes.

"Billy," she grinned.

"How'd you guess?" He returned a lopsided dimpled smile.

"Duh. Lightning?"

Billy wrapped his arm around her waist as she leaned into his warmth.
"I missed you Billy," she smiled, her braces glinting in the soft light.

"We were working together all the time," he grinned.

"I missed you, my skinny boyfriend, not that old geezer" she laughed as she ruffled the boys black curls.

Her soft blue eyes met his brilliant blues.

Sitting beside her, he rested his head on her lap.

"I'm so tired Court."

As Cap, he didn't need any rest. He could go without food, water, air or sleep indefinitely, but once he changed back to Billy, the bone deep exhaustion set in.

"I don't know if I can do this," his voice sounded so tired, way too old and jaded for the teen he really was.

"It's ok," Courtney gently stroked his hair. "I know you can. We'll pull through."

She sat there holding her sweetheart as he drifted off into sweet, much needed sleep.