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Post by Jay Garrick on Aug 5, 2012 23:59:49 GMT -5
Though the sun was now reaching its zenith, bathing the earth in its sheer brilliance, yet the warmth of the radiant light brought no comfort to Keystone City's Scarlet Speedster. No, Jay Garrick was enveloped in darkness, body and soul. For all his speed, he couldn't save her, not when it counted. Listless grey locks passed through his worn fingers, a cool cheek greeted his tentative grasp, a still chest confirmed his suspicions. Joan was gone, he was alone and no super power could undo that. Hot tears bit at his eyes and his body shook, seized in tumultuous waves of grief, losing the composed facade that he had so often adorned in the face of heartbreak. Once the world's fastest man, Jay Garrick was now powerless to the emotions that assailed him and there was no outrunning them. Honestly he knew this moment was coming, Jay wasn't an idiot, though he had lived blissfully in the ignorance that Joan's death was long past due and he was forsaken by his gifts to remain on the earth without her for another lifetime. With the revelation that he was doomed to a life of solitude, Jay found himself rueing the day he became the Flash, cursed to outlive his loved ones, damned to bury his son and now his wife. Gritting his teeth, and wiping the tears from his eyes, Jay caressed his wife's peaceful and lifeless face and placed his lips gently against her's, kissing her one last time, “Goodbye my love, may you fin... find pe... peace,” Fresh warm tears formed as he bid the love of his life farewell. Feeling the hand of another grip his shoulder, the elderly speedster turned to find the Flash family before him, each bore expressions of despair and all gave their sincerest apologies but it was wasted on Garrick, his body was numb and his mind was blank. The only solace he found was that she had slipped away in her sleep and that her death hadn't come at the hand of one of his enemies, that would have been even more unbearable, if that was possible. **** Keystone City Cemetery The priests words were little more then noise, they felt hollow and offered no consolation for the weary hero's broken heart. Jay was surrounded by a crowd of colourfully garbed individuals, their costumes, a stark contrast to the bleak atmosphere, almost blasphemously so. Yet he understood that their identities needed to be protected from their enemies, though he found it hard to hold his tongue when some of the younger heroes were mucking about. It was a normal affair, thankfully no one, namely villains, had interrupted the ceremony, he would have been quite unforgiving for such a trespass. Joan's casket was now beneath the earth and most of the mourners had left, only a few lingered the last to offer their condolences and he waited patiently for them, he had other people to visit here, others he had seen buried. (I know it's short and a bit crap but it is the start of a plot, just a required step.)
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Post by Stargirl on Aug 7, 2012 21:09:39 GMT -5
Death was a very close thing for Courtney. She had experienced both her family and her biological father’s death and she was very much aware of how devastating it was. It was terrifying, solemn experience that she never wanted to go through again – she only wished that she could say the same for everyone else.
When news of the death of Jay Garrick’s wife reached the Justice Society members everyone could feel the Flash’s devastation. Nobody wanted to outlive their love one, especially a hero whose whole life was to save other people and to ensure their safety. Jay had failed at that, surely that is how he felt and the Society stepped back to give him time. There was nothing they could offer him no words, no gifts, absolutely nothing that could make him feel better.
They could only offer their support and the hard bound friendship that had formed over the last few years. They could offer their forevers, but in light of grim times it didn’t seem like they could promise that much.
Courtney Whitmore opted for the black, funeral attire that day. She felt as if her star spangled uniform would be too much of a contrast from the environment. The other members told her it was fine, it was all part of the custom and that everyone knew that heroes were humans too. They had friends and family members and those that were held dearest to them. Courtney didn’t care, she had given up her secret identity since she had started this game. A decision she had come to regret but she was long past righting her wrongs.
The weather was rather bleak, clear grey skies and a mildly cool summer afternoon welcomed the funeral. It fully encompassed the environment, leaving not much for anyone to think outside of the ceremony. No hot weather to mope in, no beating sun to stand under and bring about good feelings. It was all rather bland and cold, how ceremoniously fitting.
Her lips were pursed as she watched Jay Garrick from his seat, the back of his broad shoulders looking back at her. They were slightly hunched, the sign of a defeated man who had seemingly lost everything. She wanted to reach out and place a reassuring hand on the man’s shoulder, but what could she, an 18 year old do or say that no one else had. Courtney began to bite at her lip, a terrible habit but she was growing anxious in this setting, unsure of how to approach the scarlet speedster.
The priest spoke fondly of Joan Garrick and wished her off to the afterlife, everyone nodded in the sentiment as the closing statements were made. Courtney clutched her handkerchief as she watched everyone walk up and slowly pay their respects. She remained in her seat kneading her handkerchief as she tried to think of a way to reach out to Jay. It was always devastating to lose a loved one and Courtney did not want to lose her close friend to despair.
Finally the lined had thinned and Courtney could see his back again, looking down at the Earth as if expecting Joan to rise again. She approached him rather apprehensively. Courtney and Jay were years, if not decades apart. In fact, Jay was old enough to be her father and he did act like that as well. The entire Society did. In this situation however, she wanted Jay to see her more than just the little kid, she hoped to be his support beam in his time of hardship.
Courtney stood behind him for several moments, then finally pressed forward clearing her throat slightly, “Jay, I know you probably heard this enough times already, but I’m so sorry for your loss.” She began, standing beside him now and looking down at the dark soil, “I know… how it feels to lose someone and not be able to do anything about it. It’s absolutely devastating and I can only hope you find the strength to pull through this.” She bit her lip again, choosing her words carefully, “If there is anything you need, I’m here for you – I think we can switch roles for once.” Courtney looked up to Jay, a small smile on her face hoping that he would acknowledge her humor.
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Post by Jay Garrick on Aug 7, 2012 22:39:33 GMT -5
The bloated sky growled, grey clouds grew black as they swelled, soon their tears would fall, a solemn grin almost formed on Jay's face as the wind picked up and uttered an other-worldly cry, the earth wept for the love lost. As expected Jay the condolences came and the would-be mourners left, appearing anxious to be away from the potters field, a place they all to frequently avoid. What had been a river soon thinned to a trickle of those who had either hung back to say a more personal goodbye or had been lost in a reverie similar to his own. Jay was exhausted, tired of the faux smile that he forced himself to wear when he shook the hands of well-wishers, his hand felt as raw as his grief-stricken eyes.
It was a welcome reprieve when one of his younger colleagues attempted to console him and didn't immediately demand the gratification of a half-hearted apology, though he was sure Courtney would be completely sincere. At least the girl had the decency to dress to the occasion, she'd always been one of his favourites, he'd often regarded her as the granddaughter he wished he had, as did Joan. It pained the man to watch her squirm with anxiety, he had never wished to be a source of discomfort to the people he regarded as family, of all the people to understand his circumstances it was Courtney, he only wished that she didn't, “Hey kiddo, good to see you...” His throat croaked, it as ragged as his other faculties.
As he faltered, the young woman overcame the anxiety she had experienced and offered another commiseration, yet unlike the others it was not followed by an abrupt handshake or an awkward hug, Courtney continued with a line not many of her peers had, she volunteered some lighthearted humour. The thought her words inspired gave birth to a wistful smile, “Thank you, really Courtney, thanks.” He reached out to her with a speed that was likely startling and pulled the girl into a hug, “But I'm not your cross to bear, you've suffered enough...” Relinquishing the girl as quickly as he had embraced her, the speedster regarded her with his reddened eyes, “Plus you are far to pretty to be me.” Jay wouldn't allow Courtney to shoulder the burden of his grief, she had lost more then any person her age had any right to.
Precipitation began to fall as the sky's resolve finally corroded, now the pathetic fallacy was complete, Jay felt Keystone City's tears soaking through the black fabric the clung to his muscular frame and sighed, Joan always packed an umbrella. His eyes drifted over to the cavity in which his wife's corporeal form lay, groundskeepers hurried about, fervently attempting to cover the casket with the dampening soil before she became submerged. With a vigour Jay hadn't felt since his wife's light was extinguished, he was determined to see her buried, Joan hated the rain, “Courtney, you didn't happen to bring your cosmic rod? Or maybe an umbrella?” It was an unusual request but he was sure the girl would understand, he couldn't allow Joan to get wet, she hated being cold.
Moving with unparalleled speed, Jay prised a shovel from the hands of a groundskeeper and set about covering his wife. Mud flew, filling the six foot deep trench and marring the speedster's suit, turning what once was black to brown, yet it didn't matter Jay needed to do this. Eager to avoid the brown blur, the men who had previously purposed to cover his wife stepped clear from the apparently crazed old man, not one of them remained to aid in Jay's plight, nor did he care. However when he slipped in the quagmire, Jay fell hard on his back, coming to a rest before an all to familiar headstone, one that reminded him of his curse. Above his head there sat a slab of quartz that read, 'Jason James Garrick', the speedster was now reduced a writhing and muddied mess, Joan would be so proud. The rain stripped his face of the flecks of mud, and motivated him to extricate himself from the mire, with an embarrassed sigh Jay sat up and tried to save some face, looking apologetically to those who surrounded him though he could not find the words to free himself of the overbearing feeling of stupidity. He was a grown man, he was better then this behaviour, he was supposed to be a hero.
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Post by Stargirl on Aug 8, 2012 11:45:09 GMT -5
The hug was rather abrupt, but Courtney welcomed it graciously. She accepted this as a sign that Jay was lightening up just a bit; if only momentarily. Her pristine blue eyes looked up at him as he placed a smile on his face the first genuine one that she had seen all day. He was quick to object to her attempt at acting as a confidant. Courtney could understand why, she was younger than he and she was sure that the last thing he wanted was for such a burden to be placed on her. It was his way of saying , I’ll get over this don’t you worry about it. Courtney could only smile halfheartedly as he turned away and concentrated his gaze on Joan’s buried coffin.
The young star spangled teen could not look into the deep crevice, its darkness threatened to engulf her and she had looked at a casket too many in her life time. The sky had decided to descend upon them in the form of heavy raindrops and if Joan’s hole was not covered soon then she would risk being flooded. She moved to lift a shovel to aid the workers in their labor but Jay spoke to her first. His request for her cosmic rod at first brought about confusion, but Courtney pieced together his statement and was quick to understand.
Eagerly nodding, the young woman took out a small golden tube from her purse. It was an upgraded – more portable version of the star rod; capable of compacting itself into a four inch tall tube and then exerting to its full form when it was called upon. Sliding her hand over the cylindrical tube, she located the button and activated the device. It glowed slightly, emitting a radiant white glow and slowly the tube began to grow. It took a matter of seconds, first the tub lengthened, taking its full form. Then it tip angled out, finally shaping into the cosmic rod’s true form.
Twirling her rod in her hand, Courtney sought a connection with the device and through mere thought she produced a construct over Joan’s grave. The white fluorescent energy spread to the appropriate width and length of the grave and as the rain drops fell upon it, the surface frayed a bit from the disturbance but the construct did not falter. Covering the length of her hole, Courtney looked to Jay who was already covering Joan’s coffin at blinding speeds. Despite her “umbrella” Jay still managed to get rain and mud all over his body as he worked arduously to cover his wife.
What would have taken minutes for the workers took only minutes for Jay. A brilliant scarlet blur whizzed past her, and then it was by her side again in the form of Jay Garrick. Courtney lowered her gaze, looking at the neatly packed mount of dirt which fostered Jay’s wife. A grim look etched upon Courtney’s face as she paid her final respects to the now deceased Joan Garrick. She was in a better place now, or so Courtney was told. A place without the threats of the world ending or lives being threatened. Joan was well past that now and Courtney knew that someday they were all destined for the same faith. Joan was lucky though, she didn’t suffer in death she went away with peace and solace. Courtney could only hope for the same for herself and those dear and near to her. But at the rate of their constant duty to heroics, she was sure that she was going to share the faith like so many others – in a fiery, burning death at the edge of the world.
Her suede black loafers were becoming soaked now and she was beginning to regret her poor choice of attire today. It was very obvious that on occasions like this rain was more than likely due. She scrunched her nose, maintaining the cosmic energy of an umbrella over herself and Jay to allow them shelter from nature’s wrath. Her gaze retuned to Garrick who had a pensive and painful look on his face as he continued to mourn his wife’s passing. Courtney could only reach out and squeeze his wrist lightly as she closed her eyes and tried to find some sort of connection with Jay.
“Let it all out Jay-“ Courtney began as she held onto his wrist, “It’s better this way you can’t mourn her forever, I won’t let you.” She continued lowering her gaze and keeping her eyes closed as she tried to visualize Garrick’s pain. “You have to be strong; somewhere… out there someone is going to need that hero in you.”
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Post by Jay Garrick on Aug 9, 2012 20:21:33 GMT -5
Several hours aboard a Greyhound bus and ride in an ethnic's taxi later, saw the dark hunched silhouette deposited before Keystone City boneyard. Decrepit joints creaked as the withered form lurched forward, supporting the weight of his aching body on a metal frame, the ancient man forced himself through the pain that movement inspired as he moved with ardour through the cemetery. This was to be the final act of Sergeant Henry Miller, this would be his redemption, he only hoped that he had made it in time. Shrugging off the shakes brought on by the midmorning rain, Henry pushed on, weary eyes searching desperately for life amidst the desolation. The countless slabs of granite and quartz a stark reminder that he was not far from being inhumed himself, it did nothing but strengthen his resolve, he didn't fancy being dragged to hell for his sins. Shuffling on through the potter's field, Henry soon found what he had so fervently searched, the man he had done the gravest wrong, the Flash.
Climbing out of the muck, Jay moved to express his deepest apologies and gratitude to Courtney, it was not her duty to linger and it certainly wasn't his right to act like this in front of her. Intent on reprising what little was left of his dignity, Jay opened his mouth to beg the teen for forgiveness but she stilled his tongue, without any form of warning the young woman took his wrist in her hand. Startled by the casual nature in which she began again to console him, perhaps their roles had truly been reversed, Jay knew the girl was a hero but he had not fathomed the true depths of her emotional strength. Saying nothing, not wishing to interrupt the girl's meditation, Jay simply moved to embrace her once more. Wrapping one of his weary arms around her shoulders as the other wiped some of the grime from his dark suit, Jay didn't know what to make of his emotions, he hadn't felt this way since Jason died and that was during the Korean War, almost an entire lifetime ago. It was as though everything he had ever buried inside was being uncovered, every old wound being torn open again, and he knew no matter how many tears he shed there was no quick fix, no set amount of time or grieving that would stop this pain.
Protected from the deluge by an energy construct, the heroes stood in sombre silence, Jay fighting his grief and saying a final goodbye to his broken family and Courtney there as brilliant pillar, a greatly appreciated support. Their reverie was shattered by a wheezing breath and a hacking cough, relinquishing his grip on his young colleague, Jay spun to greet the unknown, subconsciously slipping into the gap between it and Courtney. Despite meeting a geriatric, Jay felt little relief as the wizened old man continued to trudge towards them, his beady eyes trained upon the heroes. Caution gave way to curiosity as the man came to rest before them, “Jay Garrick? Are you the Flash?” Hints of desperation could be heard on the man's strained voice, without any apprehension the speedster replied, “I am he, and you are?” Jay noted the flood of relief that washed over the stranger upon the revelation that he was indeed himself.
Subtly motioning to Courtney, Jay intended to have her protect the senior citizen from the buffeting rain that threatened to drown him. As the speedster waited a for a reply his supercharged synapses were racked by curiosity, his identity as the Flash was common knowledge, so the elderly man attempt to glean Jay's identity must have been inspired by one of two things, Alzhiemer's disease or he had been living under a rock since the sixties. Or it was something else entirely, something far more simple, perhaps the codger didn't recognise Jay's own aged features, regardless of the sporadic thoughts that he was entertaining only the words of the stranger could resolve the mental quandaries that his presence inspired. What felt like minutes to the speedster was only a few seconds and the man responded in good time, “Sergeant Henry Miller, and sir, it's an honour to finally meet you.” Nodding slightly in response, Jay couldn't help but feel this whole situation was wholly inappropriate for a funeral, yet he also found himself intrigued, it wasn't everyday that a decrepit soldier interrupted a funeral.
After returning the sentiment as politely as an individual can whilst stifling a growing impatience that bordered on rage, Jay had still not ruled out Alzhiemer's as the origin of this disturbance so he bit his tongue and allowed the retiree to regale them in his tale. The old man took a moment to resume speaking, perhaps he was expecting Jay to show some more respect or antipathy then the apathy that he displayed, though Jay did note that the man's eyes were looking past them, to what exactly Jay didn't know. Though he did find out, the elderly man was looking to a worn headstone, that of his son, “He isn't dead... I just thought you needed to know. I'm so sorry.” Jay couldn't believe those words, they had to be a lie, there was no way Jason could be alive, he buried his son. If it wasn't for Courtney's presence and the strictures of his own moral code, Jay was sure he could have hurt the man for uttering such a vulgar lie, he was sure that the soldier was younger then him anyway.
Exhaling sharply, Jay managed to control his rage, he felt as though this man was intentionally baiting him, coming to him on the day he buried his wife and telling him he didn't bury his infant son when he quite clearly had. Gritting his teeth as he formulated a sentence that would send the nice sergeant packing, “Courtney could you please escort Mister Miller to whatever nursing home he wandered out of?” Disregarding the look of protest that painted itself upon the elderly man's features Jay turned his back on the retiree, “I think I need some time alone.” Within his mind all Jay could see was red, he wanted to hit something, hard.
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Post by Stargirl on Aug 12, 2012 22:29:12 GMT -5
He was hesitant to accept her consolation, but she could understand why. All this time Courtney existed in a world of grownups; grown up superheroes who had more weight on their shoulders than anyone could ever imagine. She remembered Pat’s initial response to her jump into heroics – he heavily objected. In fact, Courtney hadn’t plan to make this a full time job, she only got into the game to annoy her mother’s new boyfriend – but the experience alone gave her enough to mature from her bratty ways. Still, the princess – brat attitude she maintained for some time stuck and she was notorious for it. If Jay saw her as nothing more than a kid she couldn’t blame him; but sometimes in this crazy world they all lived in your age didn’t really matter when it came to heroics.
Right now however she felt far from it. Watching one of her mentors and best friends in complete angst was heart wrenching. Courntey wondered if maybe it was time for her to back off and leave him be. People needed to mourn, she of all people knew that. It was just so uncharacteristic of him to be so down and out, but who could blame him? He had lost his wife and besides everyone was prone to their breakdowns here and there.
Biting her lip, she was prepared to relinquish her grip when suddenly a shaky voice called out to Jay. There seemed to be some stress in his speech as he hobbled toward the group. He was a frail looking out man, hunched over and walking unsteadily over uneven dirt making his way towards the group. The rain poured relentlessly now and while they were all protected by Courtney’s construct the old man was about close to drowning in his own attire. Everyone took a defensive stance immediately – of course expecting the worse. Jay acted faster, stepping in between him and Courtney as if to protect her. He should know better by now she didn’t need it.
Jay gave his affirmation and the man looked as if some sort of pressure was mitigated from his shoulders. He continued to move forward and Courtney seeing Jay’s notion extended her umbrella like construct to protect the old man. He nodded in earnest thanks as he made a shaky stop and looked up proudly at Jay Garrick. There was a sparkle in his eyes, was it excitement? Perhaps hope? Courtney couldn’t construct his expressions yet, she wasn’t exactly a detective after all. Regardless of that, his presence I the funeral was uncalled for. Based on Jay’s expression she could tell that this man was friend nor family. Whoever he was, he was interrupting and it had better be with good cause.
After formalities were exchanged and the small group stared at the old man in awaiting suspension the down trodden environment quickly went down even faster. The utterance of Jay’s long dead son brought anger in the Flash’s eyes Courtney could see the muscle fibers on his face twitch as he stared at the senior in both anger and disbelief. How dare he come on this day, on the death of his wife to dig up past memories – was all Courtney could think as she stepped forward slightly but stopped herself before she did anything stupid. If this was a joke it was a cruel and unnecessary one, of all the things in the world this man had to bring up it was Jay’s deceased son who had seen its own burial and whose body was laid to rest in a coffin; so she was told.
Whether what the man said was true or not was irrelevant, this was not the proper time to share such ground breaking news – not today. She pursed her lips rather tightly watching the old man as she held his hand up to the despondent Jay Garrick a pleading look in his eyes. Jay would not have this, not right now, not today.
“Alright Mister.” Courntey began acknowledging Jay’s request and acting as quickly as any Flash would maybe just as quickly. “Let’s get you out of here, it’s seriously not the time for your senile jedi mind tricks.” She muttered, her construct dissipating as she held onto her staff and created a construct that protected only herself and enough for the old man. His hands were reaching out to Jay as the scarlet speedster walked away a grim look on his face. The rest of the crowd dispersed just as quickly understanding that Jay’s patience had run out and even their words would go upon deaf ears. Grabbing onto one his outstretched hands, the young star spangled teen gently began to pull him in the opposite direct not loosening her grip as she listened to him try to call out to Jay. His voice was too weak to be overheard as a thunder clap erupted from the skies and he began to wheeze and cough much to Courtney’s disgust.
Wrinkling her nose she continued her pull on the senior as they trudged along the muddy grounds. The rain was falling harder now, she could feel the man on the man’s wrist and the leather like flesh that barely covered it. His body was weak, frail and Courtney felt that if she tugged any hard he would break apart.
“Please, you have to listen to me.” Realizing that Jay would no longer entertain him Henry Miller was going to try talking Courtney to his side, “You have to let him know. His son, they didn’t kill him-“ Suddenly Courtney released her grip and dropped his hand rather violently.
“Look Mister, I don’t know how you know Jay or how you even know anything about his son, but you gotta stop. The man just lost his wife, do you think he wants to hear anything about a son he has been mourning for the last few decades?” She spat, her blue eyes darkening in her fury, “Look I’m gonna take you home alright Mister, just tell me where to go.” Courtney said, looking away and grabbing on his arm again. They were off the fields now and walking towards her navy blue vehicle.
“No, you have to take me back to Jay, he has to know.” The man was holding onto Courntey’s sleeves now, tugging at them almost frantically, “They didn’t kill his son, they took him and they have been housing him in a laboratory. All this time he was with us, he was with the government-“ He was growing more frantic now and his eyes were bulging, “They wanted his DNA, they wanted his power and they knew they could only get it from his son. Please.. you have to tell him, Jason Garrick lives he has been in stasis for the last sixty-o-“ Suddenly his eyes widened and he began to wheeze and cough. Courtney held onto him, watching as he withered in his grip and began to wrench at his chest. Her eyes grew wide as she watched him gasp for air and slowly his knees began to buckle, “Oh my god, oh my god~” Courtney whimpered as she quickly constructed a make shift chair to strap the man in and lifted off into the air. Propelling her body as fast as the man could handle she grit her teeth as she looked fearfully from him and to the hospital that was several miles away. Flying through the air, she felt the rain pour onto her hair and soak her dress but thought nothing of it, she had a dying man in her hands.
In less than five minutes she was rushing in through the hospital doors desperately demanding help. Nurses came quickly as the young teen relinquished her grip on the old man and helped rest him gently on the table as the Doctor’s began to do some preliminary work on him while a room opened up he suddenly gasped and sprang forward to grab Courtney’s hand.
“Tell Jay Garrick his son is not dead, tell him if he doesn’t find him now they’ll kill him, tell him it’s not too late-“ Suddenly his began to shake sporadically again and the doctors set him back down on the bed gently. Looking to Courtney they quickly dismissed her as they turned his medical bed around and wheeled him off to the back.
Dripping wet and bloody confused the young woman felt her knuckles turn white from gripping her staff so tightly. If what this man said was true and Jay Garrick’s son was still alive then the scarlet speedster had every right to go get him back. He couldn’t save his wife this one time, but perhaps this time around he could save his only son.
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Post by Jay Garrick on Aug 17, 2012 23:54:00 GMT -5
In Courtney's absence, Alan Scott, Jay's oldest friend and the original Green Lantern produced a brilliant green construct that shielded the remaining mourners from nature's wrath, all of whom bid the speedster fond farewells and accommodated to his wish of having some time without the presence of others. Not wishing to spurn his friends, Jay made a small effort to return their goodbyes as politely as he could but it was evident that his heart was absent. As always Alan was the last to leave his side, “Jay, you know I'm always here for you, you know where to call.” A grim look clung to his features as he took to the air, “Don't stay out here to long, you'll catch your death of cold.” Unaware of his comment's inappropriate nature, Alan disappeared into the storm leaving Jay with his thoughts.
Sinews tensed, muscles tightened, and a grim expression donned an aged and water soaked countenance, it took all the composure that Jay Garrick possessed to prevent him from giving in to the rage inspired by the soldier's heinous lie. Bracing himself against the headstone of the very child that the man claimed still possessed a heartbeat and breath, it was a concept that would have brought warmth to his chest had he not banished all hope from his mind decades prior. It had taken him years to accept the loss of his son, it would take longer then an instant for Jay to accept that he had allowed the boy to be stolen from him, his heart ached with the vicious notion. Fresh tears found his eyes, as the poison of hope corroded his doubt, after all these years of believing he had failed to save his infant child from death, Jay finally was afforded respite, perhaps he could bring his son to life. Swallowing the agony, he knew he had to find the ancient sergeant and determine the authenticity of the claims the man made, Jay knew Joan would never forgive him if he didn't at least try. He wouldn't forgive himself.
Turning from the monuments to his failure and loss, Jay found a new resolve, he had a purpose again. Hope had expunged any form of doubt he harboured, he had to know for sure and there was only one way to ensure that happened, he had to talk to Henry Miller. Though that task proved to be difficult as all traces of the elderly man and his young escort vanished yards short of Courtney's car, a curious and somewhat unsettling development, he doubted that there was foul play afoot, though he sensed something was wrong. Using his refined deductive skills, Jay figured that the sickly looking man had suffered some of serious malady and Courtney had been forced to whisk the man away to the nearest hospital, it was the logical conclusion considering the man's age and haggard rasping. With the possibility that Jay's only living connection to his son would perish in the near future, the speedster grit his teeth and set out for Keystone Memorial Hospital.
Darting through the midmorning traffic, Jay was the only body out in the rain, though at the speed he was travelling he merely sped past the water molecules, the fluid sluicing off his body to the left and right giving rise to intense jets of water that buffeted the cars he passed. When he came to a stop in the emergency department's receiving bay, all but all the moisture had been driven from his clothing, taking in his surroundings Jay moved with a more human haste towards the receptionist who sat behind a desk cluttered with forms and informative pamphlets. Placing his hands firmly against the counter, Jay stole the woman's attention from the game of solitaire she had been playing on her computer, “Excuse me Miss, has a Henry Miller been admitted here?” Obviously taken by surprise the woman almost shrieked but her shock was assuaged by Jay's friendly appearance. Pouring over a clipboard the woman produced a result, “Actually yes, not five minutes ago, he was in a bad way. Had a young girl with him, you family?” She paid Jay a sceptical look before providing the hero of Keystone with the information he sought, “He was taken straight to the intensive care unit, he didn't look good but go ahead, policy doesn't really apply to you people does it?” Ignoring her snide remark, Jay thanked the woman and made for the ward where Henry was being treated.
Noticing a drenched young woman standing before the double doors that led to the part of the hospital Jay was destined for, he had found Courtney, she looked an absolute wreck. Grabbing her shoulder, Jay presented her with his now dry jacket, “How was he? Did he say anything?” Shaking his head in disgust, Jay recalled his manners, “Are you okay?” While the information that Henry possessed was essential for his search, he had to remember that he had put Courtney in this situation and it was his responsibility to ensure that he wasn't the source of any further trauma.
As he tended to his young colleague, the doors opened and a doctor emerged wearing an expression that spelt disaster for Jay and death for Henry Miller, the woman came to a halt before the two heroes and announced the inevitable, “We're sorry but we were unable to revive Mister Miller, if you know of any next of kin that should be informed could you let one of the receptionists know, thank you.” With that the woman returned to her work, leaving Jay with a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. Desperate for some good news, he turned to Courtney, “Please tell me he told you something, anything that could help?” His concern for her psychological wellbeing overridden by his inherent need to know if his son were alive.
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Post by Stargirl on Aug 19, 2012 13:47:45 GMT -5
Still pale stricken and confused on a proper reaction, Courtney Whitmore was still standing rather dumbfounded at the center of the waiting room staring blankly into space. Soaked from head to toe, Courtney felt cold drops of water roll down her back and onto the floor or embed it deeper into her clothing. Slowly she began to turn around beginning to think that it was time to leave this place and prevent further looks of curiosity and worry when suddenly a scarlet blur sped past her causing her wet clothes and hair to fly back.
Jay Garrick had come back, by whatever forces had compelled him she was grateful. Call her naïve or just a stupid kid but there was a hunch that whatever that old Miller guy had some truth. Even if it sent them on a wild goose chase, Courtney was sure that this information was worth sharing with Jay. If this meant that Jay could receive more closure on the subject then it was well worth the chase. In the world they lived in they couldn’t leave anything up to chance or coincidence. Courtney had learned that in her time, things happened for a reason and anything everyone – ever, all of it had cause.
He seemed scattered, perhaps just as much as she. Jay was a speeding blur as he went from Courtney to the receptionist and then attempted to see Mr. Miller who was unable to return to consciousness. Biting her lip, Courtney looked to Jay as he appeared before her again inquiring about the man’s statement and if he added anything further. Her eyes trembled as he stared down hard at her, the weight of his troubles threatening to bury her.
Breathing heavily she loosened her grip on her cosmic rod and activated its compact form. Stepping closer to Jay and ignoring the rather prying eyes all around, Courtney looked at Jay with slight apprehension on her face. His eye screamed to her tell me already but she found it difficult to pinpoint the exact words to say to him. How could she convince him that the story was not as farfetched as it originally sounded? That perhaps his son was not as far from his grasps as once thought.
“Jay…” Courtney began, leaning in and brushing her rather wet blonde hair out of her face, “The old man, he said your son was with the government. That they took him… hoping to obtain your DNA..” she paused watching his facial muscles tighten and move as he absorbed the information Courtney shared with him. “The government, they had him all this time – for the last sixty years they have kept him in some lab… hiding him from the world… hiding him from you.” Courtney took a step back to let Jay Garrick have the space he needed to adequately react. The man, as she knew him kept calm even in the darkest of storms or the dimmest of hours. Yet now, as she watched him move his body she could not predict how the long-time friend and mentor would conduct himself from this discovery.
“Jay… we have to find him.” Courtney began again, speaking slowly and looking at him with hardened eyes, “If this is real or not, we have to try.” Her lips trembled as she prepared to utter the next few words, “His life is on the line Jay and if we start now… we can save him.”
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Post by Jay Garrick on Aug 22, 2012 6:41:57 GMT -5
As Courtney's words sunk in, the hope inspired from innumerable possibilities abated the overbearing numb sensation that had claimed his mind for the past few days, Jay knew despite the sergeant's unfortunate passing they could still find and save his son. Though his hope was sullied by an inconceivable anger, how could the very people he swore to protect commit such treacherous acts against him, how could they possibly justify the abduction of an infant. Supercharged neurons endured the immense strain the speedster placed on his cerebral faculties as he attempted to force himself to remember that abhorrent day, his internal circuitry screamed as he consciously scoured his mind in a bid to recall any shred of information that may help in his search but the haze of several decades made for an almost impenetrable veil. The only evidence Jay managed to glean from his conscious mind were the recruiters that had begged him to dirty his hands in the Orient, and he remember his refusal to spill Korean blood after he'd slain so many Germans. It was then he realised that his spurning of the government had been the catalyst for their sinister actions, if it hadn't been for his presence in public and the reputation he had to maintain, Jay would have despaired. Keeping the issues that his reverie had stirred up contained, Jay turned his gaze to his young companion, the woman looked a little worse for wear, obviously shaken by their new friend's sudden passing and the revelation that Jay was not the sole member of the Garrick family. It brought a comforting warmth to his heart when Courtney demanded adamantly that they had to save his son, she appeared to be quite sincere and it was written in her facial expression, it mirrored the one he believed he wore, one of purpose. Courtney was right about the dire nature of their task, though she was wrong about one thing, it wasn't only his son's life on the line now, if he failed in this task it would drain him of the remaining zest for life that he possessed. Wearing a solemn grin, Jay gently placed his hand on his young companion's shoulder, “We'll save him alright, they won't take him from me again.” For the first time in the better half of a century Jay considered taking someone's life for their crimes. Guiding the young woman out of the hospital, Jay stood with her under one of the building's many awnings and considered the next step, he knew one thing though, Courtney needed to return to the cemetery for her car and he needed to go home to change his attire. Smirking as he imagined galavanting around the country fighting the sins of a greedy nation in a suit jacket and trousers, Jay didn't really think it would be practical or aesthetically acceptable, how was he supposed to strike fear into the hearts of evil men when they did not recognise him. Facing the young woman, Jay looked upon her in the same way he imagined he would do his son, with love and an infinite gratitude, “Courtney, I think before we plunge ourselves into the heart of darkness we need to ready ourselves. If what Miller said rings true, we may be getting ourselves into a serious situation, we'll need to be prepared.” Releasing a heavy sigh Jay continued, “You may want to reconsider fighting this battle, we may come off second best. The government aren't to be trifled with, they don't play fair and they play for keeps.” Jay glanced at Courtney's features wistfully, hoping that she'd take the bait and rescind her offer of aid, knowing that their campaign could very well destroy the any goodwill that they had accrued with the public. Turning his back on the woman, Jay watched the sheets of water collide with the hard surface that was concrete, with his enhanced perception he could see each droplet impact and rupture, each a failed attempt at overcoming impossible odds. Though despite all of the failures, there would be one raindrop that would succeed and the cement would erode, perhaps they would be the lucky droplet, perhaps they could overcome the impossible hurdle that was the government. Perhaps his metaphors were far to esoteric, yet Jay knew that there was some truth to his madness, they would have an immensely difficult time rescuing his son. With this poetic reflection complete in the space of a nanosecond, Jay continued to rattle off a spiel intended to dissuade the young woman throwing her life away for the sake of an individual, “While I owe a great debt to you for your help so far, I find myself unable to ask you to endanger yourself for something that may be little more then a wild goose chase.” Content now that he had offered an out, Jay's gaze returned to the young crime fighter, “Now what will it be Stargirl? Do you really want to look behind the spangled banner?” Jay folded his arms across his broad chest and waited patiently for his colleague to answer his question, he knew that she would likely follow him through hell let alone the fifty states. *** Careful fingers zipped up the black plastic bag that contained the lifeless body of Henry Miller, moments before rough hands lifted the macabre parcel onto a set of solid shoulders. The sinister form moved through the hospital's restricted hallways, none of the staff took notice or attempted to attract the attention of the large man in uniform, for the man was horribly disfigured and bore an expression of malice. Kicking the door to one of the many exits open the hulking man made for a solid van with blacked out windows, dumping the body bag on the roof he fiddled with the keys before unlocking the vehicle. Tossing the packet of plastic and human flesh heavily into the back the giant couldn't help but make a snide remark to the corpse of the man whom had once been his commanding officer, “You couldn't just keep your mouth shut could you Miller,” Snorting as he slammed the double doors shut, “Just look at what you made me do, you could've died a hero but no, you died a traitor. Pathetic.” Making for the driver's seat the brute was content that his mission was complete for now, though he took heart in the fact that he would soon meet the father of his favourite lab rat. Turning the key in the ignition, stomping the accelerator and wringing the steering wheel as he had the traitor's throat, the hulking mountain of muscles drove out of the car park, speeding past the defeated forms of the heroes whose hope he'd attempted to extinguish. With a twisted smile, Captain Anthony Miller treasured moments like these, this was why he loved working for the government, it almost made him forgive them for the deformities he sustained from the Hermes Project. Soon he would finally be able to close that sad chapter of his existence with the extermination of all those he blamed for his misfortune, he'd already slain one, and Anthony knew he wouldn't have to wait very long before he got the chance to kill the others. The Flash would find them and they would take the Scarlet Speedster to him and their collective dooms.
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Post by Stargirl on Aug 23, 2012 1:01:46 GMT -5
The truth was settling in and Courtney could see the solemn look on Jay’s face as he began to turn the evidence in his head over and over again. The look of consternation seemed to darken and the blonde young woman momentarily looked away to allow Jay privacy with his own thoughts. Her eyes looked down onto the linoleum floor and she thought of the potential tragedies they could face. Jay could not lose his son, not now and certainly not like this. From the corner of her eye she looked at the disheveled man and long time friend and could see the turmoil that was brewing beneath the expression that he tried so hard to remain stoic. Her blue eyes trembled, glinting like stars in the night sky as she saw Jay in a completely different light. Frail, weathered, and teetering on an edge; this was the last she had expected to ever experience from the original Flash – an original hero.
The new image of Jay did not bring Courtney to think any less of him, instead she felt discontent in knowing that through all the years they had unknowingly let him wither away ever so slowly and not once address it. He looked as if a near defeated man whose grasp onto reality was slipping away with each knot. Jason Garrick Junior and the loss of him was sure to break the man down and Courtney did not want to let that happen. Jay was going to need all the help he could get and Courtney was willing to offer whatever she could to ensure that they led Jason Garrick Junior back to safety.
She nodded at Jay’s affirmation; there was spark with his statement a fire in his eyes. He had not lost hope yet and thus Courtney would hold on as well. They exited the hospital together, stepping back out into the pouring rain to gaze at the ceaseless droplets of water that cascaded from the skies. Her eyes followed them, focusing mainly on the falling drops as they crashed against the surface and Courtney felt as though the longer she stared the more in-tune she would become. She could have sworn that at one point she could literally hear the water crash against the concrete.
A shake of her head reverted Courtney back to her senses and she looked up to Jay wondering what his course of action would be. Could the J.S.A walk up to the White House and demand that they relinquish their grip on Jay’s son? Probably not. Would they be able to use a connection to get inside – well he was on the verge of death. As she recalled, the government despite somewhat being on the same side as the heroes were also not their greatest ally.
It wouldn’t be completely new or astounding to find out an entire facility of metahuman offspring in the same lab Jason Garrick was being housed. In fact, it wouldn’t be the first time either. Countless times the heroes had found lab experiments of the government’s attempts at making metahumans. Some were successes, but most were failures and much to the chagrin of the champions of the universe – they were the ones on clean up duty.
It was not nearly as uncommon to feel a deep and festering contention between the heroes and the government. It had been a feeling developed from the start of heroics where – while the world viewed them as a blessing the other side saw them as a threat; disturbances in the social structure; a challenge to the power of the governments; and ultimately a danger to humanity. Heroes were thought to one day turn on the civilians they vowed to protect and while Courtney didn’t think it would happen it certainly didn’t stop the politicians from doing quite possibly the dumbest things possible. Kidnapping Jay’s son and holding him captive for the past 60 years seemed like one of the cake toppers.
Courtney breathed in deeply and exhaled an equally long breath thinking long and hard as Jay spoke. He was absolutely right, the Government weren’t the kind of people you wanted to cross – in fact they were the last ones. Courtney was at most risk due to her carelessness and nonchalance about her secret identity – just about everyone knew it. The government would leap onto her and her family like vultures to a dead carcass and make it impossible for them to live on any continent on this planet. She bit her lip thinking of the consequences but then narrowed her eyes. Why should she have to be punished for doing what was just? She was operating in the name of Justice, right? Reuniting a father and son after decades, what was so wrong about that? Courtney wrinkled her nose, sometimes he wondered just who exactly she was working for and if it was really worth saving them.
They couldn’t even save themselves.
Pursing her lips Courtney decided that no matter the consequences she would stick by Jay’s side, thick or thin. There was a point that had to be made here, if the government was willingly abducting metahuman babies, what were they doing with the rest of the population? What were they planning for the rest of the world? They, the politicians had spent so much time attempting to govern the people, control the heroes, and ensure that they always had power. But who governed the government? Who was there to tell them that they had gone too far? Her fists were clenching and she grit her teeth processing the thoughts in her head, they shouldn’t be allowed to get away with everything especially something like this.
“I’ve already considered it Jay.” Courtney began, releasing her clenched fist, “It doesn’t matter what happens… what the outcome is; I want to help you come to peace about your son.” She looked up at him her blue eyes shining with determination and insistence, “I need to know if they have really held your son captive… I need to know that I’m not donning a symbol that contradicts my actions Jay.” She thought of her trademark star-spangled suit. “I think we all need to know.” She looked at him rather sagely her eyes locked for a several moments before she blinked and decided the next course of action needed to be considered. “Jay, we need to figure out anything and everything about your son’s disappearance.” Wow Courtney, slow down. She was surprising herself with this newfound determination, since when did she play detective?
“I know it’s been a long time… but do you remember anything at all? Anything from the past that could probably help us link another person to your son’s disappearance? It’s hard Jay… but I’m sure there is something in that head of yours.”
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