Enter the Copycat!-1 by Lynceus Alison Scott may not be a Green Lantern, but she has her own powers. And she's finally figured out a way to use them, but is she in over her head?

A Comics Retcon Universe Story! http://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/book/20577/comics-retcon-universe

Authors Note: the events of this story occur after Green With Envy-5, and during Books of Magik-3

Chapter One: Land of Confusion

I used to hate my brother. Hate is a strong word, but I don't know how to really describe it. It seemed no matter what I did to try and stand out, he'd always top me somehow. The sad part is, I know it was never intentional.

I always felt like I was trailing behind him, even though I was the older twin. Yeah, that didn't help either; we were twins, so everyone always compared the two of us. Like sharing a womb makes us exact copies or something!

I mean, he's a guy, I'm a girl, of course we're not the same! Of course, we do look a lot alike, and until I started developing, it was hard to tell us apart. And of course, there were our names. Alan and Alison? Seriously?

Dad was no help either. No matter what I did, he just had this idea that I should be the sensitive, quiet twin. It was like some cosmic joke; I was a tomboy and my brother...well...let's just say the closest thing he got to sports was a videogame.

So yeah. Maybe I should have been the boy? Sometimes I think Alan would have been happier as a girl. Dad didn't know what to make of him either, like he just didn't understand a guy who was into comics.

God only knows what Mom saw in Dad. I know Gramps didn't care for him much. Coincidentally, Gramps also happened to be a guy who was into comics, but him and Grandma were awesome people. I was really sad when Grandma died, she understood me even better than Mom does.

So when Mom and Dad broke up, I wasn't as upset about it as Alan was. The poor guy, it took him completely off guard. I watched as he got even more into his comics, and that obsession with Jade. I don't have to explain to you who Jade is, of course. The Green Lantern, superhero, total babe, and likely the most popular person on the planet.

It wasn't hard to see what Al saw in her. Hell, I'd do her in a heartbeat. Mm, yeah, about that. I'll be straight up right now. I like girls. Right around the time Mom and Dad were going through hell, I was in my first serious relationship.

Her name was Carrie and she was my friend. We hung out all the time, and I told her stuff I'd never tell anyone else. Realizing that I was in love with her was likely the biggest shock I'd ever had. I mean, up until that point, I thought I was like any other girl. 'Lesbian' is a bad word in the town where I grew up.

And then one day I realized I was thinking about her. I couldn't get her out of my mind, how pretty she was, even how nice she smelled! Well, you've heard this story before. One evening, while I was...tending to certain needs, thinking about her, when it happened.

It's hard to describe, I tried to explain it to Al, but it's...basically, imagine you're melting. You're not, but you feel like you are. A warmth spreads through your body, and your muscles turn to liquid. At first, I couldn't even move while I changed; I've gotten more practice at it since.

I turned into a boy that first time, which was the second shock of my life. I mean, I looked a lot like Al, and I even had a you-know-what between my legs! Very weird. I was scared at first, but then I realized I could change back. And even change to look like other people.

So I made a new person to be, a cute boy, and I tried to date Carrie. Except, I found out she was already in love...with me! So yeah, when I revealed the truth, it was...pretty awesome. I thought I really was in love. So when Mom said we were moving...I got really pissy about it.

But Mom sat me down, and actually listened to me. And then she pointed out the truth; it wasn't love. Pretty much, it was the sex. We'd become very close friends, and the sex...the sex was really good. But there was no deeper relationship than that.

Even though it still hurt, Carrie and I said our goodbyes. I still talk to her online, or on the phone, but living so far apart, our lives are quickly becoming very different. She's got a new girlfriend now too, Melissa. I'm happy for them.

And I wasn't kidding about my life being different. Here I thought I was the only one in the family with superpowers, and my brother...he finds, get this, a magic wishing lamp! I know! And he uses it to become a superhero!

And a girl! Don't get me wrong, it's cool to have a sister, and I swear, we're almost identical now, it's eerie, like looking into a mirror! And his, excuse me, her powers, are so awesome! I mean, she can even fly! I'm so jealous.

The more Alena (what we started calling her) got into this strange new world, the more I wanted to be a part of it. Alena is something else, too. I mean, I can tell she's the same old Alan, but at the same time, she's so much more! I'm actually attracted to her, which I know sounds weird, but..there's just something about her that's so alive! And when she talks about how much she cares about people, I get the chills. Where did this incredibly noble and hot girl come from?

Of course, like an idiot, I tried coming onto Al directly. It really weirded him out, and I felt guilty about it. Of course, that doesn't stop me from flirting with him still. I'm rotten to the core, poor kid.

Actually, when I met Jade, I really saw what Alena had seen in her. Jade just radiates sheer awesome. No wonder Al wanted to be like this girl! I want to be like this girl! I found myself flirting with Jade as well (this is starting to become a trend!), and at first, she seemed interested, but then she let me down. She was really sweet about it. I want to say, like a total gentleman, except that she's a girl. Hm. I guess there is something really boyish about her, but that's kind of hot, too.

Why do I keep falling for the wrong people?

-

To be honest, I'm not sure if I could really be cut out for this hero stuff. The idea of getting into a straight up fight with bad guys doesn't strike me as being all that smart. I'd rather hit them when they're not expecting it. I mean, how hard is it for me to pretend to be some bad guy's lover, and literally catch him with his pants down?

Not hard at all.

I mean, I can do more than just change my appearance; I'm a lot stronger than you'd expect a girl of my size to be, and I can make myself more muscular (and stronger) too. I can even use my powers to heal wounds and such, which is pretty sweet. I can add mass, or lose it, but so far I can only get about 6” of height either way.

Still, I had to admit, when Alena had that idea for me being a superhero double, that was solid gold. I could definitely do that! Either that or hire myself out as a metahuman fashion expert!

Anyways, this is where my thoughts were when Alena got into that fight with the ghost..thing at the Comics convention. Al was pretty tired after that, and fell asleep once I started giving her a massage.

I was so tempted to molest her, but that wouldn't be fair to either of us; Al is still trying to figure out who he is, after all. Poor thing. I knew exactly how she felt.

Instead, I got up and, bored, I rooted through her stack of comics. And about half an hour later, inspiration struck. I was reading this comic about some crazy mercenary guy who talked to himself...or something. And he was seeing his ex-girlfriend, who had blue skin, and white hair. And for a cartoon, she was pretty hot!

And then I found out that she was a shapeshifter, like me! Her name was Copycat. Copycat. I liked the sound of it! With a grin on my face I went to the bathroom. Ok, blue skin, I could do that! It took me awhile to get the right shade. Then I lengthened my hair. I left it blonde, although I did lighten the shade. I gave myself yellow eyes too (I mean, why not?), and grew to my maximum height. Let's see...increase my bust size...as a shapeshifter, I could have some mammoth boobs, but I usually make them smaller; unless I'm trying to impress someone, I'm happy to keep them out of the way.

Still, a C-cup was reasonable. I added some muscle tone too, I wanted to look like I could handle myself, rather than some petite waif! I altered my features, making myself look more mature. Turning this way and that, I nodded. Perfect!

I didn't really feel bad about stealing a comic book character's identity, I mean, what were they going to do, sue me? Good luck with that, I can look like anybody! Well, anybody who isn't taller than 5' 9” at least. I flexed, liking the extra tone. I was tempted to add more, but I wanted to look athletic, not like some bodybuilder!

Now it was time to have some adventures!

-

Chapter Two: A Cat in Sin City

Now, what with the Comics con going on in the hotel, even when it was closed, there were a lot of comic geeks and cosplayers roaming around. So I didn't stand out at all. I was just some hot blonde in blue bodypaint, nothing to see here! I'd chosen a pale yellow halter top and some matching hot pants to show off as much of my bod as I could legally get away with; I mean, hey, if you got it, flaunt it, that's what I always say!

And I sure got my fair share of attention, that's for sure. Mostly from geeky fanboys (a few of whom actually recognized me!), but hey, I don't mind. It's fun to be sexy! And as you may have noticed, I love to flirt. I kept noticing this same girl watching me, though. At first I thought she was a guy, I mean, short hair, button-up shirt slacks, rumpled coat...but then I realized, hey, that guy has boobs!

Small ones, but yummy. Every time I noticed her, she was looking my way, with a cigarette lit. So I finally decided to say hi.

I swayed my hips as I walked; I mean, have you ever worn hot pants? You're practically obligated to! Finally I got close to the girl, who was giving me a very appreciative once-over. She was pretty tall, too, which made me wish I wasn't wearing flats.

“So, tall, dark, and sexy, I couldn't help but notice you were checking me out. Like what you see?”

She spoke, with a British accent that I found really hot. “Actually, yeah. Don't suppose you're available?”

I turned slightly to the side so I could look over one shoulder at the woman (heck, she didn't look much older than me, other than her height!). “Are you always this forward?”

“Are you?” She grinned.

I reached out and placed my hand on her stomach. “Yes.”

“Can I buy you a drink?”

“Can you buy me a drink? You don't look old enough to me.”

The young woman frowned. “I manage.”

“Get me a drink and I'll accept it.”

She put a hand around my waist. “Alright, let's see what I can do.”

-

My new friend did something weird as she showed off her ID, I didn't catch it, but the tender served us anyways. We sat down at a table, and I sipped my daiquiri slowly. Mom would murder me for drinking, but as long as I was careful, my body could handle the alcohol without a problem.

“I'm Johanna, by the way.”

I smiled. “Call me Cat.”

She quirked an eyebrow. “Cat, huh?”

“You don't like it?”

“No, I do. I'm just wondering.”

“Wondering what?” I smiled at her.

“If I pet you, whether you'll claw me, or purr.”

“Try it and find out.”

She reached across the table and ran her fingertips along my forearm. I half-closed my eyes. “Mm...that feels good.” I changed my voice slightly, so I could reward Johanna with a sexy purr. Ooh, I'm good, that actually sent shivers down my own spine!

“So, Cat, I'm curious. This isn't paint.” Johanna looked at me intently.

“Mmm, busted. You going to rat me out?”

“Not necessarily. I'm just wondering what you are. And if you're dangerous.”

“Treat me right, and you have nothing to fear from me, Johanna.” I slipped out of my shoe and stroked her leg with my foot.

“You're coming on a little strong. If you're hunting, you should know, I'm a bad catch.”

“Are you? That's too bad.” I made doe-eyes at the woman, batting my lashes. I knew I shouldn't be playing like this, but it was so much fun!

She lit a cigarette, then made a strange gesture, uttering a word I didn't quite make out.

I blinked at her. “Excuse me?”

She actually looked surprised. “Huh. That should have worked. Must be losing my touch.” And then she pulled a gun on me! “But I bet this will get the point across just fine.”

Holy shit! I put my foot down on the floor, and slowly raised my hands. “Now wait just a minute, there's no need for that!”

“Mhm. Tell me who and what you are, and I'll be the judge of that.”

I looked around. No one seemed to be looking at us.

“Oh yeah, that. Little charm I know. I could shoot you full of holes and nobody would bat an eye.”

“In that case...” I couldn't match her height, but I could imitate everything else about her. So within seconds, she was looking at a shorter version of herself...sans trenchcoat, of course. I don't do clothes.

She whistled. “Shapeshifter? That narrows things down a bit. Nice resemblance, by the way. But you have a mass limitation, so that means you're a....”

“Metahuman.”

She blinked and put the gun away. “Fuck me.”

“I wanted to, until you pulled a gun on me.”

She had the good grace to look bashful. “Sorry Cat. I thought you might be...well, you wouldn't believe me.”

“Try me. Last night I saw some kind of giant ghost in a green cloak attack someone.”

“You were there for that? Yeah, The Spectre. Big nasty, hasn't been seen in years. Well ok. I thought you might be a tempter spirit of some kind. Demon possibly. Not a succubus, maybe a fey...shall I continue?”

“I'm intrigued. You believe in that stuff?”

She laughed. “Sister, you would not believe what's out there. You think it's just mutations like you? No, there's much more. It's just been hidden, that's all.”

“I know someone who uses magic.”

That got her attention. “You do?”

I smiled. “The girl who fought that spectre thing.”

“The Spectre. Not a spectre. There's a difference. Hm. Well if you know her, that helps a lot. I'm gonna have to track her down at some point. I bet she doesn't know what she has.”

“I could arrange a meeting. For a price.”

She grinned. “Oh? And what price is that going to be?”

I slowly removed my top. “You say nobody can see us?”

Her eyes widened. “Uh...no...” Then she smiled. “But at least change into someone else. Despite what people say about my ego, I'm not keen on fucking myself.”

“I take requests.”

She got an unreadable look in her eyes, and described a girl to me. I did the best I can, and from her reaction, I must have done a good job.

We didn't have sex right there, of course. She carried me up to her room. And she really knew how to please a woman; I lost count of how many times I climaxed, until I was reduced to a shuddering wreck in her arms (a very pleased wreck, mind you!).

When it was finally over, I turned to face her. “Thank you. I needed that.”

“I could tell. It's been awhile for you, hasn't it?”

I nodded. “I always fall for the wrong people.”

“Well don't fall for me then, honey. I'm bad news.”

I ran my finger along the surface of her breast. “I know. But I like you.”

She sucked in a breath. “Hey, I'm paying you, remember?”

I leaned in close and licked her nipple before replying. “Mhm. But we're not done yet.”

I may not be the lover Johanna is, but I'm a fast learner, and very motivated. She was actually crying by the end of it. She didn't call out a name, but I knew that whoever's body I was wearing, was someone she cared about dearly.

Someone she had lost. We fell asleep in each other's arms, and it felt good.

-

It was later that morning when Johanna woke me up. “Hey. Um...do you think you could change again? I...I appreciate what you did, but...it's hard to look at her.”

I nodded, and went back to my 'Copycat' persona...although this time, with normal-looking skin. “I hope I didn't go too far.”

She lit a cigarette. “No. You even felt like her. You're good, I have to give you that.”

Just then, the door opened, and a petite blonde poked her head into the room. “Oh, I thought you had someone in here. So sorry.” She smiled.

Johanna threw a pillow at her. “Get out of here, Hunter.”

She laughed and exited the room.

I raised an eyebrow.

“Very long story.”

-

I called Alena, who was less than pleased. “You were out all night! I was worried sick!”

“Sis...come on. You do the same thing all the time.”

“But...that's...”

“Different? I may not be as powerful as you, but I can take care of myself.”

She was quiet for a moment. “Sis? I'm sorry. Can't I be worried about you?”

“Yes, you can be. I love you for it. Just..trust me?”

“I'll try.”

I smiled. I love my Sister. “Thanks. Hey, meet me in the dining room, I got someone I want you to meet.”

I got dressed and went out into the main room of the suite. The blonde from before was playing a video game, and Johanna was mixing a drink. Damn, talk about an early start! But the odd thing was the little blonde girl floating off the ground, watching her...sister (?) play the game.

“Um, hello.”

The girl smiled and waved. “Hi. Sorry, guess you're not used to people levitating?”

“Mmm.. something like that.”

She grinned. “I'm Illyana, this is Hunter.”

“I sort of met Hunter. Is she your sister?”

“Yes. We're kind of like twins.”

“But she's older than you?” I frowned.

The girl looked to Johanna. “She's safe, right?”

Johanna held up her drink and sipped it. “Yeah, I think so.”

Illyana nodded. “I'm older than I look.” She fingered the strange medallion around her neck, it resembled a closed eye. “And that's not what you really look like, is it?”

“No, it's not. How could you tell?”

“This amulet is the Eye of Agamotto. It has powers to reveal things. I haven't quite mastered it yet though.”

Johanna came into the room. “We should go to breakfast. Cat here is going to introduce us to that girl from last night.”

“The Green Lantern, right?” Hunter paused her game, standing up.

“I guess so? I knew about that Jade chick, but I didn't know there were two of them. Anyways, this one is a magic-user.”

“Hm. If we're going to meet her, I better change.” I went back to my normal appearance.

Johanna sputtered. “Balls, you're just a kid!”

I grinned at her evilly. “Yeah, maybe you'd better not mention what we did last night to Alena.”

“Alena...?”

“The Green Lantern? She's my sister.”

“Oh...bloody hell...”

Hunter seemed to find this amusing, and she patted Johanna on the back. “There, there, Jo. It's not the first time you ended up in bed with a minor.”

“I didn't mean to, she tricked me!”

“Now that sounds familiar...” Hunter winked at me.

“Bloody women...the whole lot of you...let's go!” She stomped out the door.

“Hm, maybe I shouldn't have changed, this outfit doesn't really fit me right.”

Hunter looked to her sister. “Illy?”

Illyana got a serene look on her face and gestured to me. “Powers of air and artifice, creo materia!”

A gust of wind surrounded me, and my clothing was replaced by jeans and a Zatanna tee-shirt. “Zatanna, huh? She's pretty hot.”

Hunter fanned herself. “You have no idea. Have you seen her show?”

“No..should I?”

She walked up and put an arm around my shoulders. “Oh yes, I think you'll enjoy it immensely. Illy, no flying, ok?”

Illyana walked up, following us out the door. “I'm not a child, Hunter.”

“I'm sorry, I know. But I do know you'd rather fly than walk.”

“If your legs were this short, you'd fly too!”

I smiled at their banter. They reminded me of Al so much.

-

Alena glared at us. She was wearing that green summer dress I had given her (well, technically, Mom had given it to her. I let her keep it, that's all). “Who are your friends?”

I walked up and gave my sister a hug, sitting next to her. “Please don't be mad, Al. This is Illyana, her sister Hunter, and that's Johanna...”

“Constantine, yeah, we met in passing.” Oh man, Alena looked grumpy. Actually, she looked like me when I haven't had enough sleep. You know, nine hours at a minimum.

“My sister Alena, guys. Al, please, this is important. They know about magic, and they want to talk to you.”

That made Al perk up a bit. “Really? You guys are, um...wizards?”

Johanna chuckled. “Something like that. But you're not. I'm not sure what you are...I can feel your power though.”

I looked to Johanna. “That charm of yours, this should stay secret, between us.”

She nodded and made a few gestures, muttering arcane words under her breath.

Alena was watching her closely. “So that's how you do it...”

“Hm? You get that?”

Al nodded. “Kind of. I could see the pattern of the spell as you worked it.” She held out her hand, her ring glowing, and she made the same gesture. The outside world was still there, but a few feet from our table, everything looked like a black and white photo, all color drained from the world.

“Holy shit, girl, that's a Greater Veiling!”

Illyana nodded. “Very impressive. You have a lot of power, to be able to do that.”

“Well, it's not really my power. Let me start from the beginning...”

I had heard this story before, so I took the time to devour my breakfast; my powers come with a very active metabolism!

-

Johanna lit a cigarette. She does that a lot. “The Green Flame. I'd heard of it, that's a lot of power.”

“Yeah, but there's a lot I don't know about what it can really do.”

Illyana nodded. “I wish I could help, but my Arcana is Swords, my element is Air, not Fire. And I'd rather not talk about the darker spells I know.”

Johanna nodded. “I only know the minor stuff. But you will need to learn the basics, to understand the forces you're playing with. Right now, if something happens to your ring, you're screwed.”

“I know. Oh! One thing I did figure out, the Star Heart can power runes and stuff.” She made her gauntlets appear.

Illyana whistled. “It's a very crude enchantment, but the power flowing through it is amazing. Here, try this.” She took out a small notebook and a pen from her pocket, then drew a funny design on it. “This is a proper magical circuit, it will function more efficiently. Right now, what you're doing is like plugging a small light bulb into a very big socket..is that analogy right, Sis?”

Hunter nodded. “Yep, that's about right.”

Alena looked at the drawing once, and used her ring to change the design of her gauntlets. She's good at stuff like that, being an artist and all. Once she'd done that, the glow from the gauntlets seemed to change in hue somehow, becoming a lighter shade of green. “Oh...wow, I can feel it.”

Illyana grinned. “You have a knack for artifice. That's normally an Air ability, but Fire types are usually very creative.”

“Thanks. So where can I learn more?”

“Good question, kid. We're on a kind of quest right now, to get the kid some training. For a long time now, the magic-users have been keeping a very low profile. But this is the Fifth Age of Magic. The rules changed on us. So the supernatural is coming out of the woodwork. These metahumans are part of it somehow.”

“Are you saying metahumans are magical?” I raised an eyebrow at that.

“No, or at least, not necessarily. But think of the heroes of mythology. People like Hercules, with the strength of a God. Metahumans, right there. It's not a new thing, but it's been a very long time since so many of you appeared at once.”

“So many of...” Alena glared at me. “Sis?!”

“She mistook me for a demon or something, that's how we met.”

“And why would she think that, exactly?”

“Uh..I was cosplaying?”

Alena shook her head. “You know what, I don't want to know.” He looked to Johanna. “You didn't hurt her, did you?”

Johanna Constantine looked a bit pale. “Hurt? Uh, no, I didn't hurt her.”

“Relax, Alena. I'm sure Johanna was a perfect gentleman with your sister.” Hunter broke in, smiling.

That seemed to mollify Alena, but I knew I hadn't heard the last of this!

-

We had to get to the Convention, so we made plans to meet later that night at the Zatanna show; Johanna said it would be her treat. I kind of wished I hadn't had to reveal my true self, I knew it'd be a long time before she'd touch me like that. Alone again. I sighed.

Alena hugged me. She didn't know why I was feeling down, but she knew exactly what to do. I hugged her back. I loved my sister. Which is why I wasn't going to tell her about what I was planning.

There were bad guys out there, I knew that. I'd heard them talk about Lex Luthor, for example. But there was no way heroes could get close enough to someone like that, to find out what he was really up to.

Copycat was no hero, however. She was a woman motivated by greed. And her services were for hire...or at least, they soon would be. I'm doing this for you, Alena. I just hope you'll appreciate that someday.

To be continued...

Enter the Copycat!-2 by Lynceus I'd always thought Alena was the mature, responsible twin. And maybe she was. And yet, after that trip to Las Vegas, I felt older somehow. I'd learned a lot about myself. And there was one thing I was absolutely certain of. Something that scared me more than a little. I was in love with Johanna Constantine.

Authors Note: the events of this story occur after Magical Chaos!: Aftermath

---

I watched Sis and the others receive their rewards for saving the City with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I was so proud of Alena. But I was scared too. Terrified.

I'd always known Sis was the kind of person who could put other people's lives above her own. But...oh God. I felt the tears come and I couldn't stop them. She had almost died!

I couldn't get the image out of my mind; seeing her walk up to Klariann, her body being pierced by quills of magical energy. And that light! Neither blue nor violet, but both. Indigo.

I had never in my life felt such love, such devotion. I understood why Alena didn't attack Clara...

Because she could feel not only our pain, but the pain in that little girl's heart. My sister had tried to save everyone, and I knew in my heart that she was the only reason no one had died.

And I...I...

I was ashamed. So ashamed. Because if I'd been in her place, I would have punted that little brat into the stratosphere. When did I turn into such a selfish bitch? When did I stop caring about other people?

No, that's not right. I know I care, but somewhere along the way, I had taught myself to ignore those feelings. I thought it had been a survival thing, you know? Because sometimes, you have to make choices. Choosing between my Sister and some magic-using brat? Easy.

Except, that was the problem, wasn't it? It was easy. Too easy. I'd always thought I was the stronger twin; now I knew the truth. I was weak. Always taking the easy way. Because caring gets you hurt, right?

Everyone was kind of pissed at Johanna right now. It wasn't that she did anything really wrong; it was just her attitude about it. Cynical. Harsh. Uncaring. So what if the kid had died? Better that than an entire City, right?

And that's when it hit me. I was looking at a damn mirror! That's who I was going to become!

It was second nature for Johanna to push people away from her. To try and push her feelings aside. Never get to close; good for them, good for me. But God, she had to be so lonely!

Just like me. I'm not even sixteen yet. What the hell do I know about love? I'm just a kid! Friendship? Sure, that I understand. Intimacy? I got that too.

I'd thought that's all there was between us. We'd hooked up, shared a few intimate moments, and had some amazingly satisfying sex. But we were just friends, right?

So why did it hurt so much?

-

Alena was feeling better; she'd mentioned having a migraine when that ghost-thing popped up at the Convention. It was part of how she sensed magic; good magic felt ok, bad magic not so good.

Normally, I'd make a joke about her having 'Buffy-sense', but I didn't feel it. I was packed and ready to go when I felt Al behind me, pulling me into a hug. She didn't say anything, but I burst into tears as she held me.

She just lay her head on my shoulder and kept telling me it was going to be ok until the tears stopped.

“Ali, I'm so sorry.”

“For what? It's not your fault!”

“Shh, Sis. I know you think I'm an idiot when it comes to this stuff. But I can tell you're hurting. I'd give anything to make that pain go away.”

“Moron! It's all your fault! You...you could have died!”

“Not just me.”

I froze.

She sighed. “Alison. I love you so much. You're a part of me, I feel that so strongly. I know that anytime I'm weak, you'll be there. Sometimes I don't really understand where I end, and you begin. But you're also your own person. There are parts of you I don't get, and probably never will.”

She kissed my hair. “And I know it's the same for you. I don't expect you to understand why I put myself in danger for others. I barely understand it myself. I just know that, if I didn't do everything I could to save someone, and they died, I'd never be able to live with myself. Do I care if I die? Of coruse I do! It scares me so much, and I know you and Mom would be devastated.”

“Al...stop...” I couldn't listen to this, not now! “I...know it's selfish. But if I lost you, I..I'd die! I might be alive, but I'd be dead inside!”

“Sis, I love you so much, but that's bullshit. You're tough. You're strong, you'd survive.”

I tried to pull away from her. And I couldn't! Without those goofy bracers, I know I'm stronger than she is. I know it!

But it didn't matter. You ever hear that expression about being knocked over by a feather? My Sister's love is so damn strong, she can knock me over with it. It's just like that.

“I wouldn't want to! I wouldn't want to live like that, because I'd push everyone away! I'd be alone!”

“You mean you'd be like Johanna.”

I gasped. “...what the fuck...when did you become a mind reader?”

She guided me to a chair and sat down, holding me in her lap. I felt her gently stroke my hair, and I trembled at her touch.

“Alison..I knew the minute I saw you two together that something had changed inside of you. And I knew that you were trying to deny it. Pretend that you were the same old Ali. You had sex with her, right?”

I choked. “...yes.”

“And it was different. It wasn't like it was with Carrie.”

I just nodded. What was the point of talking, anyways? She knew everything!

“You're in love. It's confused, it's weird, it's frightening. But it's real.”

I frowned. “What do you know about love anyways?”

She laughed. “I know that I love you. And Mom. And Jade and Doris and Lena...all of them. Because you're all my family! I'd rather cut my own arm off than see any of them get hurt.”

“...I don't want to share you with everyone. You're...you're mine!” And that was it. Now I understood why I'd tried seducing Alena. Because I didn't want to see her with anyone else. “Oh fuck...I'm so selfish!”

“Love isn't all about being selfless, Sis. A lot of times, love is about wanting something so badly it hurts. I appreciate you more than you could ever understand. It's okay to be selfish, it really is.”

“That makes no sense. I've been a jealous bitch.”

“No, you've been my Sister. Trying to keep me safe. Because you can't bear to see me hurt.”

“But Al...I could hurt you.”

She kissed my hair again. “I know. But I love you anyways. And here's a news flash. I don't want to share you either.”

I sucked in a breath. “You...don't?”

“No. I especially don't want to share you with a jerk like Constantine!”

I jumped up. “Don't you dare talk about her like that! You think it's easy to be her? You don't know...” I trailed off when I realized Alena was grinning at me like an idiot.

“...oh.” I was speechless! “Oh fuck me. I really am in love with her, aren't I?”

The glow in her eyes brightened. “Damn you're stubborn!”

I laughed. “Yes. Yes I am. And you...you're wonderful!”

She chuckled. “Yes. Yes I am. And also stubborn.”

She was acting so much like me at that moment I got the chills! “But...what do I do now? She's gone, and we have go home now...”

She stood and handed me my cell phone. “You're going to talk to Mom, that's what you're going to do. She's been waiting.”

I gaped at her. “You're not my sister. You're some kind of alien.” I shook my head. “You already called her?!”

She rose up on her tiptoes and kissed my forehead. “Of course. I'll be back, you and her need to talk.”

-

So I called Mom, and I told her everything. I was pretty sure she'd heard it all from Alena, but that didn't matter. By the time I finally stopped talking, I was crying again.

“Alison, shh, baby, don't cry.”

“I'm too young for this!” I knew I was hurting bad if I was admitting that!

“I know honey. And so was I when this happened to me. Ok, granted, I was a little older than you, but it was the same way.”

I frowned. “You mean Dad? But he's a jerkface! A total loser!”

She sighed. “Yes. But that doesn't change the fact I loved him then, and I still love him now.”

The pain in her voice cut me like a knife. She'd been hiding this all along? “Oh Mom...I'm so sorry. I've been an idiot!”

“No honey, you've been a teenager. I remember what it's like, believe me! I'm kind of sad, in a way. You've grown up on me, and I wasn't there to see it.”

“...I'm sorry.”

She laughed. “Don't apologize! I'm so proud of you I could burst! But...why weren't you up on that stage with your sister?”

“...because she's a hero, Mom. And I'm not.”

She made a tsking sound. “Still denying it?”

“I don't want to be a hero! Mom, Alena could have died!”

She drew in a deep breath, and released it slowly. “I know.”

There was silence for a moment. “I know it. I was watching the news, and everyone was so frightened, people were panicking..and I knew that Alena was right at the center of it. But baby, listen to me. We can try to protect her, we can try to keep her close, but that's where she belongs. That's where her heart is! She's always going to be in the worst of it. And every time someone gets hurt, or dies, she's going to tear herself apart, thinking she could have done something, anything, to prevent it!”

Stupid tears. I wish I could stop them. But even my powers won't let me do that.

“Alison. I would give anything to have powers like you girls have.”

I blinked. “Really? But...why?”

“So I could be there with her.”

I felt my eyes widen. “....oh.”

“There's only one way you can protect your sister, Ali. You have to be there, at her side. To fight along side her. To hold her when her heart is breaking.”

“...that doesn't leave much of a life for me, does it?”

She sighed. “No baby, it doesn't. And that's a choice you're going to have to make. I know you want to help her in your own way. Knowing you, you probably have some idea of protecting her from a distance, making her problems just disappear.”

“Guh. What the fuck?! When did you and Sis turn into psychics on me?”

“Language, honey.” I could see her grin, though. “You grew inside of me for nine months, right next to Alan...Alena. That's a strong connection, one that doesn't break easy.”

“I think you do have powers, Mom.”

She chuckled. “Mom powers?”

“Better than that. You're some kind of Super-Mom!”

“Thank you, baby. That's the highest compliment anyone has ever given me.”

“But what do I do? You're saying I have to chain myself to Alena? What about my life? What I need?”

“I had dreams too, baby. In the end, I had to give them up. For your father. For you. And I have never regretted that choice. Not for a minute! No matter how much he hurts me, I have you and Alena, and that makes it all worth it. But that having been said...this person you're in love with...”

“Her name is Johanna. She's...a lot older than me. I mean, she doesn't look it, really, but she is. I have no idea how old she is. She's...a real pain in the ass. Stubborn, does things her way. She's...well...”

“Like you, all grown up?”

“Yes! We're so much alike...and I can feel it, how alone she is. How much she hurts inside. Always pushing people away, trying not to care...I don't know if she can change or not.”

“Maybe she can't. An older woman.” She sighed. “I have some mixed feelings here. Ok, a lot of them. But Alison, I can't put you in a cage or tie you down. Even before you had powers, you were a free spirit, that's what your Dad never got. He thought he could control you.”

“...what. What are you saying? That you breaking up was my fault!?”

“No. It wasn't your fault. He hated how you were always in trouble, that you were letting your grades slip...he hated the way you talked, the way you acted, the way you dressed...and he hated the fact that you were a lesbian.”

“He knew?!”

“I...told him. He didn't take it well. He kept saying he was going to force you into line, that no daughter of his was going to be a...” She stopped.

“A freak. A homosexual. Mom. Does he know about Alena and me? You know, that we're...”

“I got an email last night. He say Alena on TV. Of course, she was in her costume, but...he posted a jpeg. Along with a picture of you. And in all caps. IS THIS MY DAUGHTER????”

“Four question marks?”

She giggled nervously. “Yes.”

“He thinks she's me?”

“Well he doesn't have any idea that Alena is a girl now. I think he'd have an aneurysm!”

“...shit. Wait, he said my daughter? What an ass!”

“Yes, he is. Anyways, I made a choice. Between the man I loved, and my children. You won, it was a landslide. Baby, laying down the law or putting you in chains isn't going to do anything but hurt you. I've done the best I could, being there for you, trying to support you, no matter what.”

“You don't know how much I want to hug you right now, Mom. You...you've done so much, and I've been...I really have been a bitch!”

“Maybe. But that's how my Mom raised me.”

“You were more like Al though, a nice girl.”

She snorted. “Keep on thinking that! I was always driving that poor woman up the wall! God, I miss her so much! Sometimes...I don't know what to do. Especially now, with you and Alena growing up so quickly, and getting in way over your fool heads. But then I ask myself, well, what would Mom do?”

“What would she do?”

“Well, I imagine she'd tell you how much she hated seeing you girls do what you're doing. Then she'd hug you and tell you how proud she was of you both. You should have seen her at my wedding! Your great-aunt Josephine...you never met her, but she pretty much raised your Dad...she kept going on about how I wasn't good enough.”

“Oh jeez, what did Gramma do?”

“She slapped the hell out of that bitch. It took your Dad, your Grandfather, and Uncle Steve to break it up!”

I giggled. “Oh man, tell me there's video of that!”

“Mm...officially? There isn't. Unofficially? When you girls were born, Uncle Steve gave me a VHS tape in a brown paper package, and made me swear not to tell your Dad.”

I laughed. “Oh man, I have to see it!”

“She hated your Father, too. Completely, totally, hated him. She told me more than once that he was going to break my heart. And she was right, but she also told me something important, something I'm going to tell you now. That we can't choose who we fall in love with.”

“Mommy?” I felt like I was eight again. “What do I do?”

“Honey...and it kills me to say this, but...I took the money from your college fund and it's in your checking account now.”

“Buh?!”

She laughed. “Go after her. If you need anything, you call. Your sister and I will move Heaven and Earth for you. She may be the worst person in the world, but you have to find that out for yourself. You have to let her know how you feel. And give her a chance. Or you'll always regret not doing it.”

-

When Al came back, I told her what Mom had said. She was quiet for a few minutes.

“I don't want you to do it.”

I blinked at her through my tears. “Al...”

She held up a hand. “I don't...but. Mom's right. You have to. I love you, but that's not enough. I can't protect you from your own heart.” She drew in a breath, and her eyes began to glow brighter. “But I swear to you...”

I don't think she realized it, because if she had, she'd be pretty disturbed. But she and the Star Heart spoke in unison.

IF SHE HURTS YOU, I'LL FLY THAT BITCH INTO THE SUN!

It was the scariest and simultaneously, the most heartwarming thing I've ever heard Al say. I hugged her tight, and she handed me her Green Lantern Ring. No, not the magic one. The other one. The one Jade had given her.

“Wait..I can't take this..”

“Tell her, Star.”

ALENA HAS MATURED, AND SO HAS HER CONTROL OF OUR POWER. SHE NO LONGER HAS ANY NEED OF THE RING.

I caught that 'our'. Something had changed between them. It was spooky, but I prayed it was a good thing. And I don't pray very often.

“So if they call you...?”

She held her ring closer to her mouth. “Hey Lena, you found her yet?”

The ring glowed, and Lena's voice came out of it. Ah, in case you don't remember, Lena is actually Lex Luthor's daughter. And very much in love with Doris, our very own Giganta.

“Good grief, she moves around a lot! But yeah, I got her on a plane that took off from Reno, she's going to London.”

I blinked. “You can track Jo?”

“Heck yeah I can! It's not easy, but I guess even a magician needs money, huh?” Lena chuckled.

“Lena...next time I see you, I'm going to kiss you so hard you're going to forget your own name!”

“Just as long as she remembers who I am, then.” Doris spoke up. Of course, they were using her ring to talk with us.

“I'd never steal her away from you. You might step on me!”

Doris laughed. “I would, too.” Then, in a more sober tone, “Are you going to be ok, Alison?”

“I don't know. But...I have to do this.”

“I understand, honey. You need to talk, I'm here for you.”

“...you're going to get one of those kisses too.”

A new voice broke in. “Hey, free kisses? I helped, do I get one?”

I laughed. “Hey Ariel, how's the water?”

“The water's fine. And stop calling me Ariel!” Rena was trying to sound grumpy, but it really didn't suit her.

“Thanks for everything, guys. I'll probably be calling Little Mermaid up a lot; I've never been to England before.”

“Given how much of a Doctor Who fan Alena is, that's a little surprising.”

Al coughed. “Believe me, I'd love to go either there or Cardiff. But this is Ali's quest.”

“That's right, I get solo xp's!” I kissed Al's cheek.

-

Alena flew me to Reno, where a private jet was waiting for me. R&L (that is, the Rena/Lena tag team) can do anything! But I was in for another surprise when I got on board and met the pilot!

Jade smiled at me. “Ready to see London?”

I gaped at her. “You can fly?! I mean...a jet?”

“Well...I don't have a license, but I've logged about 30 hours on the simulator.”

“...thirty.”

She laughed. “Relax, we'll be flying under Ring-power. I'd dispense with the plane, but they'd already chartered it when I caught your conversation. Plus, I need to learn how to fly something like this; there's a lot of us now, and flying people around is going to get hard.”

“..us?”

She pointed to the ring Sis had given me. “Like it or not, you're part of the team.”

“I...I shouldn't have this. I'm not a hero like you are.”

She shrugged. “No, you're not. You're a different kind of hero. Eventually I think you'll realize that. But you've been really helpful lately, when you didn't have to be. And it's not just the fashion tips; you're quickly becoming part of the official welcome wagon. It's hard to become someone different, to have your life totally change. But you understand that, and you're really good at helping people to cope with it. To accept that they've changed, and to help them accept who they are now.”

I blushed. I couldn't help it, I mean, this was Jade! It's very easy to understand why Alena chose this woman as her role model! She's totally awesome, and she has this way of seeing right to the heart of things. It's not like Al's empathy, it's more...well it's the kind of thing you want a leader to have. To be able to understand what makes your people tick, and recognize their talents.

“Do I call you boss?”

She shook her head. “Not yet. And you can back out at any time. We're not an army, even though some people seem to think we are.” She frowned.

Yeah, for all our efforts, we were getting some negative press. People scared of our powers, who thought we might decide we should be in charge. And it was going to get worse before it got better.

“For now, you have to follow your heart. So focus on that.”

I looked at her for a moment. “You know what she did. And why.”

She nodded. “Yes. She did what none of us really were willing to do. I don't think we would have won without Johanna Constantine. She knew what she was doing the whole time. Even when it hurt.”

She sighed. “I don't claim to like her. I definitely wouldn't want her on this team...force..”

“Mob.”

Jade laughed. “Yes, a mob. I don't trust her as far as my Ring could toss her...well actually, a lot less than that. But I do respect her.”

I grinned. “It's a start.”

“Hm. Maybe. Ok, buckle up, we're going for a ride!”

-

I'm going to skip ahead a little. I found her finally, in a dirty nightclub in Soho. The kind that I'm too young to get into, but a combination of my shapeshifting and the Ring's powers (plus the nice fake ID R+L made for me) took care of that.

She'd let her hair grow some, it was almost shoulder-length. She was wearing a dress, of all things, which really showed off her height and those long legs of hers. I'd have gone with a slightly different look myself, but...it didn't matter. To my eyes, she was fucking gorgeous.

She was also hitting on everyone in sight, and outrageously drunk. But from what I've learned from chasing Miss Constantine, and talking to the people who know her (including the only person who will admit to being her friend, a fifty-ish cab driver named Chas, who not only found her for me tonight, but drove me to the club), Johanna can function pretty well when drunk, stoned, poisoned, or blasted out of her damn mind.

Chas had helped me with my disguise; I was sort of a hybrid of the various women in Jo's life. A homage, if you will. Including the girl she had me change into, that night in Vegas. Her name had been Emma.

According to Chas, Johanna's life had been nothing but one painful incident after another; many of whom she had engineered herself. Chas told me, his eyes bleak, about how Ritchie Simpson had died. Someone that Jo had called a friend.

Sacrificed so that Jo could get revenge on a demon. Scary stuff. Every instinct I had was telling me to turn around and get the hell away from Constantine. Hell, Chas told me to do the same thing.

But when I looked into his eyes and told him that I couldn't, he nodded. “Me neither. Even now, I'm her friend. Even after everythin'. We're a couple of fools, you an' I, Miss.”

He hadn't wanted to know my name. Given Jo's track record, who could blame him?

-

I sauntered up to Jo; I'd practiced this sexy walk for days, watching videos of some very hot young ladies that Rena had found for me. I tried not to judge her for old habits; I knew what it was like to be alone, and besides, her unique knowledge was really helpful at the moment.

Most of my female friends, you understand, had been born guys. There's not many people I can go to for advice on how to be smexy! And I'd feel weird asking Mom!

I lowered my eyes, looking up at Jo through my long lashes, and she stiffened. I had her.

It was a simple matter to lure her back to my hotel room, where I slipped her a mickey. A quaint American custom she really should have seen coming. When she woke up, she was naked and handcuffed to the bed.

Naked for two reasons; I didn't trust her, and, well, she really looks good naked!

“...great. Who are you, and what did I do to piss you off?”

I grinned. “You ran away from me, Miss Constantine. Without so much as a goodbye.”

“Join the bleedin' club.”

I undressed and got on the bed, straddling her waist. She spit at me, but only got saliva on her chin for the effort. I leaned over and ran my tongue along her abdomen, and up her left breast. Despite herself, she moaned.

“...the fuck?! Are you going to kill me or rape me?”

I took her nipple in my mouth; to my amazement, that shut her up for at least 45 seconds!

When I was done (and she'd stopped swearing as much) I gave her a solid look. “This isn't rape, Miss Constantine, and I don't care for the insinuation.”

“I'm here against my will, and you're having your way with me!”

“Which Chas tells me is one of your favorite sexual fantasies.”

“Chandler? What the fuck would he...wait. You know Chas?”

“Yep. He's the one who helped me find you.”

She frowned. “Oh sure. He picks now to stab me in the back? I been tryin' to get him to hate me for years!”

“He doesn't hate you. In his way...actually in a surprisingly non-sexual way, he loves you.”

“Bah. Love's a fools game.”

“You're probably right. But we can't pick the people we fall in love with.” I started crying again.

“...hey...look, I get that I hurt you. I don't even know who you are, but...I hurt everyone. Just slap me or somethin', you'll feel better.”

“No, I won't. Because I love you.”

She snorted. “Right. I don't even know you.”

“Don't you?” I looked her in the eyes.

“oh fuck me. Ali?”

I shifted to my normal appearance. “Surprise.”

“Ali, this...this ain't right. You're a kid, I'm an old bitch...you can't love me! I'll...I'll hurt you. An'...I don't want that. You don't know...”

“Yes, yes I do. Chas told me everything. About Astra. Emma...Zed...all of them. Even Ritchie. So shut the fuck up. I get it. You're a horrible person and anyone who cares about you gets fucked over. But you know what? That doesn't change how I feel! I wish it did! I wish I could hate you, but I don't!”

“...ye've really thought this through.”

I pinched her nipple. Hard. And gave it a twist.

“Ow! Hey!” She complained, but I felt her nipple harden instantly.

“You like the pain, don't you? Some kind of masochist. I guess you'd have to be, to push people away like you do. Well listen to me, Johanna, and listen good. Nothing you do is going to get rid of me.”

“...heard that before.”

“You can run. You can hurt me. But I won't give up. I'm a foolish, stupid little girl, remember? That's what my kind do. And every time you hurt me, you're going to hurt yourself. And you know what? The day you do manage to push me away, you're going to get drunk as hell and go crawling to Chas. And he's not going to help you.”

She tried to look away, but I grabbed her chin and forced her to look at me. “And even if he does, one day, he won't be there. You need me, Jo. The Devil won't let you die. You're too stubborn to go crazy. And you can't be alone any longer.”

Her eyes softened. “Why me?”

“Fuck if I know. I deserve someone better than a washed-up, has-been, two-bit con artist who's managed to anally rape anyone who ever trusted her. Especially one who's an old biddy with piss-poor magic.”

She blinked. “Hey now, just a minute!”

I kissed her. She tasted like cheap alcohol and cheaper cigarettes. And smelled worse. But to me, she was my ambrosia and my nectar.

She was resistant at first, but then she warmed up, and it was...one hell of a kiss.

I pulled away.

“Ok. You're an idiot. But so am I...you're the one I was runnin' from, Ali.”

“I know.”

She sighed. “This is crazy. But...alright. I can't stop you. So I might as well...stop running.”

I grinned. “Smart.”

“Now, um, you going to un-handcuff me?”

“I don't know, I kind of like you under my power.” I spit out the lockpick I'd found in her mouth. “And without this, you could be here awhile.”

She blanched. “...bugger me. It's like lookin' at myself!”

“Mm, yes, we're a lot alike. But unlike you, I'm not a hardened old hag. So here's the deal. I'll let you go, mostly because you could use a long hot shower before we have sex again. And I'll follow your lead. You tell me to duck, I duck. You tell me to run, I run. I know your life is full of scary ass shit.”

“..ok, run away from me, then.”

I reached behind me and rubbed her crotch with my fingertips. “Are you sure that's what you want?”

She groaned. “...not really.”

“Good girl. Oh and if you try to run from me, I'll find you. You won't know who I'll look like, but I will find you. And I won't be so gentle next time.” I started probing her, and she whimpered. She might have a lifetime of experience, but her body was young and full of yummy hormones. She couldn't help but want me.

It felt kind of nice to have that kind of power over her.

“Ok! Ok! I won't run! Fuck...”

“Shower first. But don't worry. I'll be there with you.”

Her eyes got wide and she smiled. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. Oh and um, just so you know?”

“What's that, love?”

“Al says if you hurt me, she'll pitch you into the Sun. Can the Devil bring you back from that?”

I saw this look of terror form on her face. “She can do that?!”

“Do you really want to find out?”

“...bollocks. Looks like I'm stuck with you, then.”

I pressed my fingers in deeper, and she gasped. “You make it sound like it's a bad thing. Do I have to make you beg?”

-

It turned out that I didn't. The shower was fun; the sex was...educational, in a very satisfying way.

And when I woke up, she was still there, laying next to me, gently stroking my hair.

“'ello, love.”

“Don't toy with my feelings, Jo.”

She shook her head. “...I'm not. Which ain't easy for me. It's...kind of natural for me to fuck and ferget. Been doing it for so long. But...truth is, I love you. I wanted to run from it. Pretend I didn't, but somehow...I thought my heart was black as coal, and my soul even worse. How...how did you make me love you?”

“Could ask you the same question.” I snuggled up closer to her. “I don't know. And I'd love to know why I'm totally addicted to you.”

“Call it my charm. Speakin' of addictions...”

“No, I threw them out.”

She gaped at me. “You threw out my fags!”

I giggled. “No dear, I'm right here.”

She made a face. “You ain't lesbo, I'm a man, remember?”

“Funny, you orgasm like a girl.”

She frowned. “I really need a smoke.”

“You just quit.”

She pouted. I kissed her, but didn't relent. “You quit once before, remember?”

“...only 'cuz I was gonna die. That ain't a problem now.”

“Oh yes it is. Because I like this pretty young body of yours, and who knows what kind of trash you'd come back as if you get killed again?”

“...now that I have someone who cares about me? Buck-toothed and ugly as sin, I bet.”

“Oh well, I'll put a bag over your head.”

She sputtered. “Th' bloody Hell you will!”

“Well it's either that or leave you, and that isn't happening.”

She sighed and settled down. “Do I have to quit drinking too?”

“Nah, I don't mind if you have some vices. But I have to kiss that mouth.”

“Mm....do you mind if one of my vices is underaged girls?”

“As long as the only girl you want is me, yes.”

She chuckled. “But you can be any girl I want, can't you?”

“If you keep me happy? Yes.”

“Ok. You beat me. I surrender. I'm at your mercy.”

I traced little circles on her tummy. God she has some sexy girl-abs! Yum! “I thought you were English, not French.”

She flipped me on my back so fast I didn't have time to blink!

“Oh now you done it. I'm gonna show you we do it in Liverpool!”

“Will I like it?”

She ducked her head down, burying her face in my breasts. “I bet you will.”

-

She was right, I died of pleasure. And came back very satisfied. I don't know what kind of life we're going to have, but for now, I'm in Heaven.

Now all I had to do was keep my girlfriend out of Hell!

---

To be continued...