DC2 Special #4: "DC2 Holiday Special"

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Issue #4: "DC2 Holiday Special"
Written by: Various
Cover by: Jamie Rimmer
Interior Art by: Various
Edited by: Brian Burchette and Don Walsh

Christmas with the Sivanas
A tale from Earth-S
Written by Don Walsh[/center]

“Father, sensors indicate an intruder approaching at a high rate of speed," announced the artificial intelligence housing Beautia Sivana. “It can only be one person.”

“Blasted! I've gone into hiding, in the remotest place I could reach, and still he bedevils me!” Thaddeus Bodog Sivana exclaimed, fairly jumping in anger. “Activate the defense systems! Stop him! Stop him at all costs, daughter dearest!”

“I am doing my best, Father, but he is quite elusive. The rockets have already been avoided, and now he slips past the laser nets.”

“Grr! I will not be punished by the likes of him again!” Sivana stomped over to an array of remote devices and took personal control of the assault.

“Sonic counter-measures have been thwarted, Father,” Beautia announced as she tracked the intruder. Her sensors alerted her to the fact that Sivana's electro-coils failed next, and the magno-brackets were likewise incapable of slowing him down. “Perhaps accepting defeat and retreating would be the wise course of action at this point, Father?”

“No! This time, I've got one last trap for my deluded and benighted nemesis.” He chuckled as he stomped over to the far wall. “This time, I have him! Nowhere for him to duck, no room to maneuver!” He pulled a large switch and the wall started to give a loud hum. “My Fluevium Chimney Trap will have him!” He clapped and hopped with glee as a mantle slowly began to shift in to existence against the wall.

“No! NO!” Sivana screamed as the fireplace formed and Santa Claus bounded out of the newly-appearing space. He brushed out a couple of flickering flames at his shoulders and shook his great white beard.

“Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!” He pulled out a parchment and rolled it out. “Tsk, tsk, tsk. Thaddeus, you've been naughty, naughty, naughty! Volcano guns, sivanaplasm duplicates, kidnapping time-lost teen-agers...what's this? Building an auroral cannon?”

“What's it to you, you...you...snow-brained has-been?” Sivana spat back.

“And you, Beautia, let me see...my! Now isn't this interesting? You've been a good girl this year. I'm so very proud of you!”

“Thank you, Father Christmas,” the computer bank responded, her monitors turning a soft shade of pink.

He pulled two presents out of his sack and held one out toward the manipulator Beautia extended, and thrust the other into Sivana's hands. “Well, my work here is done. I'll see you both next year.” He laid a finger aside of his nose and in a blur, flew up the chimney as it slowly sank back into the blank brick wall it had formed from.

“I'll get you yet, you...big red and white cheese!” Sivana screamed as he ran to the window and threw up the sash, shaking his box of coal.

“Father, look! He gave me an autographed picture of Captain Marvel,” Beautia said. “Is he not an absolute dream?”

“Gaaahhh!” Sivana hopped again in anger as he watched the snow-covered field, and the sleigh drew out of sight.

“Merry Christmas to all!” The world's wickedest scientist heard. “And to all a good night!”






It was a cold winter night. The clock struck midnight as a streak of red and blue flashed across the Gotham skyline. Superman never really made it around to Gotham all that often; Bruce always preferred to handle ‘his city’ alone. But tonight was different; it was Christmas Eve and Bruce was no longer part of the picture. Not a day passed that he didn’t wish he could’ve been there to help his friend when he needed him most, still, he knew there was nothing he could have done to interfere with Bruce being as hard-headed as he always was. Finally, he saw what-or rather who- he was looking for. He landed softly on the rooftop of the Wayne Industries building.

“I thought you would arrive long before me.” Wonder Woman said taking a step toward him.

“Sorry, Diana, I had to make a quick stop in Kansas on my way over.”

“I’m glad you agreed to meet here tonight.” She said with a smile

“Well, he was our friend. We owe it to him to honor his memory.

Her smile faded.

“Yes….’was’. This will be our first Christmas without him and, while I still don’t fully understand this concept of ‘Christmas’ I know it’s a big deal for people like you and Bruce who grew up with it.”

“You have no idea.” He smiled. “It’s my favorite time of year! Ma always cooks the most delicious pumpkin pie and we sit around on Christmas day and open our presents….. it’s really fun.”

“Is that all Christmas is? An excuse to sit around all day and eat food and receive gifts?”

“Oh, no, you’ve got it all wrong. Let me explain. Sure, the presents and the pie are al well and nice, but that’s not what Christmas is really about, far from it.”

“Then what is it really about?”

“Well, Ma and Pa used to read me the story of the first Christmas every year, you know, from the bible and Pa always took me aside after the story was over and told me that the meaning of that story was Christmas isn’t about receiving, but about giving.”

“I’d like to hear this story, it sounds rather interesting.”

“Tell you what; I’ll drop a copy of the story by Themyscira first thing in the morning.”

“Sounds lovely.”

“Anyways, the point I’m trying to make is that, Christmas isn’t about getting gift and filling up on good home-style cooking. It’s about spending time with the ones you love and giving to those less fortunate than yourself. That’s why every Christmas night, Ma, Pa and I go to the local church for the annual food-drive. We carry food and presents to the local families who don’t have enough money to celebrate the holidays.”

“That’s very noble, Clark. But it seems we’ve strayed from the real reason we’re here. We’re here because this is our first Christmas without Batman.”

Just as she finished speaking an icy-cold wind blew past them.

“You right. We came here to honor Bruce.”

“Really, mind if I join you then?” A voice said from the shadows. “After all, I’m kind of the one who took his place.”

Batman stepped into the light. For a moment Superman and Wonder Woman were both taken aback. Dick had stepped into the role of Batman very well; if they didn’t know any better they could have said they were looking at Bruce.

“Dick.” Superman said, snapping back to his senses. “When did you get here?”

“I’ve been here practically the whole time. Thought I’d eves-drop on you two and see what brought you both to Gotham tonight.”

Snow began to fall from the sky.

“Well, would you look at that?” Diana spoke with a smile. “I never realized how beautiful this city looked in the snow. It’s almost like a completely different place.”

“It’s like that every Christmas.” Dick replied. “Even the low-life thugs in this city have families to think about. Well, most of them anyway, but I’ve made sure anyone who might cause trouble is locked away in Arkham for the night.”

Superman smiled.

“You know, Dick… You’re just like him.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Well first of all there’s the way you snuck up on us, and that’s not easy considering I can hear a twig snap from hundreds of miles away.”

“Then there’s the way you’re always prepared, like having all of the more dangerous criminals locked away in Arkham. There’s also your tendency to push people away, like Clark and I.”

“And don’t forget, Diana, the thing that we both noticed as he stepped out of the shadows… The resemblance is uncanny. I could swear I was staring at Bruce right now.”

Dick hung his head for a moment then, looked up at each of them in turn.

“You know, I still miss him a lot.”

“Dick, we all do.” Superman replied, placing a hand on his shoulder. “And even though he wouldn’t admit it out loud, there’s not a doubt in my mind that he was proud of you. I’m sure he’s looking down from heaven right now, proud as a lion at the man you’ve become.”

Everything became silent. A slight mist entered Dick’s eyes for an instant, but it was so brief that only Superman caught it.

“Well, Diana, you were wrong.”

“What do you mean, Clark?” she asked quizzically.

“You said this was our first Christmas without Batman, but you were wrong.”

She smiled.

“I guess I was, but so were you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Yesterday, you said it would be our first Christmas without Bruce, that’s false too. When I look into Dick’s eyes it’s like I’m looking into Bruce’s, albeit with less bitterness and more warmth.”

“Guess you’re right. Hey, let’s agree to meet here every year at this same spot; not to grieve for the death of Batman, but to celebrate his rebirth.”

“I’d like that.” Wonder Woman said, nodding her head.

“So would I.” Dick agreed. “But we can’t end this night yet.”

“What did you have in mind?” Superman asked.

“I say we spend a few hours telling our favorite stories about Bruce.”

“As long as you include any embarrassing ones you know.” Diana chuckled.

“Those are the best ones.”

And so there they stood, the snow falling around them and freezing air gusting by them, but none of them seemed to notice. They talked until the sun broke the horizon then said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. What started as a holiday of bitter endings turned into a Christmas of new beginnings.







Cyril Saunders plopped his body into his favorite easy chair and gave a long sigh. He stared straight ahead at the television, not yet turned on, his mind not yet made up on what he wanted to watch. His decision would be made easier with a simple request, and he gave a weary smile.

“Hey, Harriet, bring me a beer!” Cyril hollered out without turning his head from the set.

“Coommiinnnggg!” the shrill voice responded, followed quickly by the hurried housewife, clutching a can of beer in one hand and a broad smile on her weathered face. “Here you are, Cyril.” She looked down at him for a moment and frowned. “You haven't changed your shirt, Cyril. Aren't you going to look nice for your daughter? She's going to be here very soon, with the Christmas tree and we get to meet her new boyfriend for the first time!”

“Oh geez! Just what I need.” He leaned his head into his hand and muttered. “What is he this time?”

“I think he's a police officer or something,” Harriet replied with a faraway look and excited smile. “He sounds like a really nice guy, and you be nice to him when he gets here. It's Christmas. I have to go check on dinner.” She turned to scurry back off to the kitchen, and paused at the door. “Oh, and don't forget your cousin Greg is going to be joining us!” She passed through the swinging door, humming to herself.

“Oh! Great! Just what I needed,” he muttered again when he heard a banging on the front door. An insistent bang, and he knew what that meant. He pulled himself out of his comfortable, broken-in chair and headed to the door before his little girl kicked the door down. He opened it up to see her bright, cheery face.

“Merry Christmas, Daddy!” Kendra said as she stepped quickly in through the door, carrying the front end of a long beautiful spruce tree. She gave the older man an affectionate kiss on the cheek and then kept on walking through the living room. “Have we found a great tree! You're going to love it!”

“Why do I doubt that?” he grumbled as the tree passed by him and then he saw the trunk being carried in by a tall, broad-shouldered man with an immaculate haircut and dark eyes. “Oh geez, you're a big one, ain't ya?”

The two young people put the tree down on the floor and the man turned to face Cyril. “Hello, Mr. Saunders. I'm Katar, and I've heard a lot about you.”

“Hey!” he replied sharply as he looked over at his daughter with an irritated face. “No fair talking behind a man's back like that to another man's...front!”

“Daddy, don't be silly. I said only nice things,” Kendra replied as she wrapped her arms tightly around Katar's waist.

“Keennndraaa!” Harriet cried out in glee as she dashed in from the kitchen, and mother and daughter hugged closely, while Katar remained in place, hand still out to shake with Cyril, who pointedly ignored the man at first. “Merry Christmas! Dinner's almost ready, and then afterward, we'll all decorate the tree! And you have to be Katar, it's so great to meet you!” She darted to the young man and gave him a warm hug, and guided him to her chair, which sat next to Cyril's. “Here, you sit down and I'll get you both some egg nog.”

Cyril sat back plopped back down in his chair and opened up his can of beer, taking a long swallow before he spoke again. “So...Katar? Strange name. You one of them foreigners?”

“Yes, sir. I'm from...”

“Does it really matter? At least you're in the right place now, since we don't worry about keeping anyone out anymore. And you're a cop, huh?”

“Yes, Mr. Saunders. I come from a long line of...”

“Great. What's the matter, little girl? Thought the family needed a fascist in the house?” Cyril asked Kendra.

She stretched herself out over Katar's lap, arms around his neck and shook her head in disdain. “Daddy! He upholds the law! Serve and protect, there's nothing wrong with police!”

“Will you two quit it!” he shouted in frustration as Harriet dashed back in with two glasses of egg nog. “Get a room, willya? Geez Louise! Will you look at them, all...canoodled up like that?”

“I think it's adorable!” Harriet said in delight as she clasped her hands.

“AHHHHH!”

Kendra Saunders's eyes flew wide open, as she stared up at the ceiling in the dark of night. The wind howled outside, snow piling high in the storm. Kendra's breathing was ragged, and slowly she sat up, shaking her head and ran a hand through tousled, sweat-slicked hair.

“Wow...what a dream! Where the Hell did that come from? I...I never even liked that show.” She blinked her eyes as she muttered to try and calm herself, and started to glance around for her clock. That's when she saw the shimmering on the side of her bed.

“Heya, Kendra. How's it going?” Kid Eternity asked with a wave of his hand.

“Kit?!” She grabbed the blankets and pulled them up over her chest and stared at him in shock and anger. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“Well, see, it goes kind of like this...” he started to explain.

“Wait. You did that? The dream?” She watched him nod his head. “You can't do that. Can you? When did you get the power to go in people's dreams? And why me? And why that?”

“It's Christmas Eve, Kendra. I'm a ghost. Put two and two together.” She could see him roll his eyes up behind the round sunglasses.

“Why...that?”

“Hey, I liked that show.”

“I mean, what are you trying to say? So I can...you know, get back to sleep and forget the last twenty minutes or so.”

“Oh. Yeah. The lesson.” Kit pursed his lips for a moment, trying to figure out how to say what needed to be said. “Well, let's put it this way. Go see your grandfather already, will you? He invites you to his place every Christmas, and you always refuse. At one point, you at least gave reasons, even if some were ridiculous. Now you don't even try. And why? Because you didn't have the sitcom childhood growing up? Because you didn't have the American Nuclear Family life? So what? Think real hard, Kendra. Do you really want that kind of life?”

Kendra stared at him and frowned. “Granddad doesn't need me horning in on his old reunions.”

“So you say. Do you even realize that his cousin is here for this year's get-together? Do you know what it would mean for him to have whatever family he's got left to be back together? Did it ever enter your head that this could be his last-ever chance to have the last of the Saunders family together for a holiday? Or were you too busy playing spoiled brat to notice?”

Kendra glared at Kit, who swallowed hard. “Um...a bit too far maybe?”

“Maybe a bit, yeah. But you made your point. I'll head up in the morning, I guess.”

“Sorry. I'm new to this Christmas haunting stuff. It's not like I really want to be spending my holidays playing second-rate Marley games anyway. You think you have problems with Christmas...try being me. Alive or dead, the holiday really kind of blows.” Kit tugged at the collar of his turtleneck and then added, “And you really can't wait. We gotta get going right away.”

“We do, do we?” Kendra asked archly.

“He's going to need you there sooner than later. Way sooner than later. And it being Christmas Eve and all, I get to do a couple of other funky things, but...only tonight, and only for a while. So...get winged up, already.”

“Well, pass me a shirt then, will you?”

“Um...yeah, well, tell you what, I'll just wait for you downstairs, how's that?” Kit dropped through the floor out of sight.

“Sorry, Kit,” Kendra murmured to no one anymore as she got dressed and headed down to the living room. “Okay, all geared up and ready to go.”

“Good. Let's head out then. Next stop, Saunders Family Holiday!” Kit and Kendra flew off into the howling winter weather.





Selina Kyle spent her nights hopping rooftops and heisting expensive jewels from old money in Gotham's rich districts. She would use her money to fund her philanthropic pursuits with battered women and abused animals in shelters. It was two things that were close to her heart, but her encounters with the Dark Knight had shown her that she was gilded in her pursuits against the wealthy in Gotham. She was walking down the street when she heard the old Christmas carols that seemed to be the Hallmark cards of the season. She picked up a Gotham Gazette and saw that the police were so called corruption free this time around. “Yeah, good luck with that.” She mused to herself as she saw a young woman with a child in her arms as she was trying to pick up groceries she had bought from the local shop. She dropped an apple but Selina's cat like reflexes reached out and caught the apple. She saw the contents of her sack of groceries and saw it wasn't veal or caviar for sure.

“Thank you.” The woman looked at Selina with a half-smile.

“Can I help?” She offered to hold the woman's groceries as she saw the woman struggling to hold on to her newborn.

“Oh yes. Please.” She relinquished her grocery sack to her. The bus finally came and Selina paid for the woman's fare and her own as well. The bus was full of people that looked destitute, but Selina couldn't seem to take her eyes off the little girl that peered over at her with wide eyes. It stoked some sort of instincts in her that she wasn't fond of admitting. When they reached the old town. Selina helped the young mother to her room at the Battered Woman's Shelter. Selina was surprised that she had come here, but she didn't say much. There was a Christmas party in the hall with the Christmas carol “Silver Bells” playing in the background. Selina left the woman's side and went to see why people were laughing. She saw women milling around and drinking eggnog. A young woman came over and offered her a cup of it and Selina nodded with a smile. It wasn't something she was prepared for... seeing women that had come from horrible circumstances being able to lift each other up for the reason of the season.

She left the shelter a couple hours later and was walking back to the bus stop. She saw the Batsignal shining over the city and chuckled to herself. She knew the times in Gotham had been lately, but there always seemed to be protection of The Batman. She knew not to cross into his cross-hairs because he had a way of foiling her attempts in the past. She had promised in her own way to help people when she could, but she wasn't going completely over to the dark side. That was his bailiwick not hers.



That night Selina was looking over the window pane from her apartment that had a good view of Gotham City at night. She loved this time of night it was when most of the people were asleep. She decided to go out and see what trouble she could get into. She squeezed into her form fitting suit and put on her night vision goggles which allowed her see into the darkness with ease. She crept out from the windows and slung her bullwhip from her side and snagged a flagpole nearby and swung up and landed on the rooftop. She leapt into the night where she felt the cold December winds blowing around her. She felt free in this form than any other in her life.

She saw the coming and goings of people that were trying to get in their last minute shopping for Christmas. It dawned on her that she wanted to get the women at the she wanted to get them some gifts for the women and children in the shelter. She would go tonight to make sure they were in the morning. She landed on a rooftop near the Metro Mall that was one of the world's most unique that spiraled over the city tall in the skyline. She made it to the store that had the toys... when she saw a shadow that looked like a bat. “Good grief what are you doing here?!”

“I thought we talked about this, Cat?”

“We did, but I am not going to steal anything.” She nearly hissed in response at The Batman.

“Right... and my name is Santa Claus.”

“Sarcasm doesn't suit you, Batman.” Catwoman took off her night vision goggles. “I am meeting a friend here, now beat it.”

“I have been duped one too many times by Catwoman.” Batman crossed his arms.

“Fine if you are going to stand there, you might as well help me.” The store manager came out from her office and saw Catwoman and Batman bantering back and forth when she smiled at Catwoman.

“I didn't know you were going to show up this late.”

“I had other engagements.” Catwoman turned around and hugged the woman. “Batman meet one of my friends, Eleanor Davis.”

Batman looked at Catwoman and then Ms. Davis with a surprised look. “You were expecting her?”

“Yes, she helped me last year by getting toys out to needy children in The Narrows when no one else would.” Davis stopped for a moment. “I knew you already did that this year, so I was surprised to hear from you again.”

“Reason, I asked to meet with late is because I came from a woman's shelter... I saw people in need there and I wanted to help.” Catwoman glared at Batman for a moment.

“Oh sure, I know the one you're talking about...” Eleanor Davis took out a box of toys and items that the women indicated they needed on the community board. Catwoman had read the list and with her photographic memory she had sent a message from her Blackberry to Davis.

Catwoman handed the box of toys and women's effects to The Batman. “Here you big lug. Make yourself useful.” The Batman carried the box as Catwoman put back on her night googles and looked at him. “Did you bring your car?”

“Umm, yeah I did, why?”

“Because, you're going to drive me to the shelter.”

“I am?”

“Yes, now come on!” She dragged him by the arm as she and Batman rode to the Battered Woman's Shelter.

“I wish you had told me that you've done this so I wouldn’t...” The Batmobile pulled up to the shelter and Catwoman looked at him.

“You're cute when you're flustered.” She kissed his nose. “I'll leave through the back, so you don't need to wait for me.”

“But...”

“Merry Christmas, Dark Knight.” She grinned and she got out of the Batmobile and put the box of toys and effects at the front door and rang the doorbell. The doorbell bang out the Christmas carol of Silver Bells. One of the women came to the front door and saw an envelope and she opened it....

“Merry Christmas from people who care.” The woman read the note aloud and a tear came to her eye as she looked up and around and saw a shadow in the background of the Catwoman with the Bat-signal in the sky... “And to all a good night.” The woman completed her thoughts and she picked up the box and took the box to the mothers and children who were excited by the delivery...



The End.
Merry Christmas!






“Ya know, cuz, when you talked up these shindigs of yours, I was picturing a larger turnout,” Greg Saunders said as he sat in the high-backed leather chair and sipped at his crystal cup. “Mighty fine hooch though, but then, you always did know your quality firewater.”

“Thanks, Greg, glad to hear my...hooch lives up to expectations,” Cyril 'Speed' Saunders replied as he glanced at the eighteen-year old bottle of Scotch in his hands and shook his head with a chuckle. “And truth to tell, I didn't send out the usual round of invites this year. Decided to take it more laid-back, quieter, more family-oriented. Hope you don't mind?”

“Not me, not at all. I've always kinda preferred smaller gigs. Really, once I start to go above seven, I get to feeling a mite antsy.” He winked and let both men laugh. “Sorry to hear yer girl won't be here though. Was looking forward to meeting her after the way Carter talked up her and the other kid.”

“Well, I didn't expect her to show. We love each other; she and I have been the only family for a long time, but...close wasn't the word for us. Still, would have been nice,” Speed replied with a sigh. Then he glanced up when he heard the doorbell, and spared a look at Greg, who shrugged.

“I'm already here, partner.” The two men headed down the long hallway, lined with the artifacts of more than one lifetime's adventures. When Cyril opened the door, they both stared at the winged woman who stood before them.

“Hey, Granddad,” Kendra said in low voice, unsure of what to do next.

Cyril wasn't as unsure. He reached out and gave her a warm hug and dragged her into the foyer. “Kendra! You came! You're here! You're really here!”

Kendra finally hugged the old man in return and kissed his cheek. “Yeah. I'm here. Kit dragged me out here.”

Kid Eternity floated in through the door and pivoted as he levitated past the trio, waving. “Hey there, name's Kid Eternity. You can call me Kit.”

“Nice to meet you, young man. I'm Cyril and this here is my cousin, Greg,” Speed replied as he put his hand out. “And any friend of Kendra's is welcome here! Especially a member of the League.”

“You two don't need to introduce yourselves,” Kit chuckled. “Your names are embedded in my memory. That says something too. Sorry I can't shake your hands.”

Cyril and Greg gave curious looks, and Kendra said only “ghost” by way of an explanation. “Anyway, here I am, and already for one of my grandfather's famous Christmas Eve stories.”

“Sorry to disappoint, dear, but it's just a small Christmas this year, just the three of us, and no--”

“Um, not really,” Kit interrupted Cyril. “Not a simple Christmas in for the Saunders family. No TV family quiet, sorry about that.”

“It's okay, we went over that disaster already. I'm happy with Granddad the way he is,” Kendra answered with a smile.

“Where's the fire then, Kid?” Greg said as he strolled down the hallway and stopped before one particular framed exhibit. He pulled it off the wall, and slipped the antique gun belt and Colts around his waist. “We gotta go ridin' out, might as well know where to.”

“Already working on that, actually,” Kit smiled. “Just need a few more minutes I guess. Got a special friend who's going to give me a call when she finds the trouble spot.”

“If he's a ghost, Kendra, how's he going to answer the phone?” Speed asked as the trio watched Kit, who hovered in the middle of the foyer and closed his eyes, waiting for his signal.

“Not that kind of call, Granddad. His girlfriend's a shaman, and will summon him,” Kendra explained. “Right? Dawn's who you're talking about?”

Kit nodded, then added, “And she's not my girlfriend.”

“Of course, Kit. Of course.” She grinned and rolled her eyes.

“Got it! Come in close, guys, and we'll take advantage of the time of year to do some quick travel. None of us is eager to be out in that storm, I'm betting.”



Manitou Dawn shivered as she stood around her small fire in the middle of the gusting winds and driving snow. Her long black braid and eyebrows were covered in white flakes, and the preternatural storm made her shiver as she continued to dance around the pinpoint of light in the frozen darkness. Then four figures materialized at the cardinal points around her fire, and she stopped her ritual at last.

“I was beginning to wonder if that was going to work,” Dawn said as she breathed heavy. She stared up at Kit, who shrugged.

“Sorry. Kendra's a deeper sleeper than I expected,” Kit answered, and laughed as a snowball hurled through his chest.

“Enough's enough, kids,” Speed said, his voice barely heard over the roaring wind. He huddled deep into his camel-hair coat and walked up to Manitou Dawn. “Pleasure to meet you, miss. I'm Cyril. This is Greg. Why are we here?”

“This storm isn't natural,” Dawn shouted back as she hugged herself. “If it were, the cold wouldn't bother me so much. It's been brought down by dark magic.”

“I just gotta say one thing here,” Greg said. “I would love to get me a villain again that just relied on fists or guns or somethin' simple like that. I'm gettin' kinda tired of every Joe using magic spells for everything.”

“Who's behind the storm?” Kendra asked as she flew up a few feet off the ground and began to peer into the dark, trying to make out any landmarks in this vast sea of white. “Where are we?”

“Yeah, where are we?” Kit asked as well, also trying to get his bearings up in the air.

Dawn tamped out her fire and cleaned the ritual site up, then looked at her team-mates. She glanced over at Cyril, who was chuckling like someone who knew something that other people didn't. “You know, don't you?”

“Yup. Been here...a couple of times before. Back in...Forty-Nine, and then later in...wow, was in 1971, or '72?” Speed rubbed his snow-flecked jaw as he tried to remember.

“Does it matter? Where are we?”

“The North Pole. Or pretty close to it,” Speed answered, snapped out of his reverie. “C'mon, we want to go...” He took three steps forward, pointed his hand to the right and then pivoted 180º and headed out into the storm. “...this way!”

“The North Pole? Kit, this is getting really nutty now,” Kendra said as she flew next to Kid Eternity, as the pair of fliers kept a close eye on the trio below trudging through the snow. “Isn't it?”

“I think so. But what do I know? I'm just the ghost.” Kit was silent a few more minutes, and then looked back to Kendra. “Wait. North Pole? They don't mean True or Magnetic, do they?”

“So this is one of your get-togethers, is it, cuz?” Greg asked with a wink of the eye. “Remind me to send you a Christmas card next year.”

“You're loving this, who are you kidding, Greg?” Cyril shot back as the pair of old men trudged through the snow, cheeks burning with cold, blood pounding through their bodies. “What's the story, Miss Dawn?”

“I believe, interlopers, that I'm the story!” The answer came from a shape of pure black, humanoid in form with long, lean limbs ending in vicious claws, red embers from eyes staring out from the coal-skinned body. The cruel-looking demon leaped out a the quintet, slashing through the white snow like a taint as the heroes scattered. “Free at long last, and ready for my revenge!”

“Black Peter!” Kit cried out to the group in surprise. “I should have known!” He paused and shook his head in disbelief. “No I shouldn't have! This is crazy!”

“Who's this varmint?” Greg said as he snapped his pistols out and fired at the demon, the shots slamming into its iron hide futilely. “Black Pete? I remember a couple of Black Pete's in the Wild West!”

“A demon bound into the service of Saint Nicholas by his pure goodness,” Dawn answered as she sliced at the figure, the blade of her axe rending a vicious red cut against the black body. “Forced to aid him in his annual visit to the children of the world...Europe at least!”

Hawkgirl swooped down from on high as Speed ducked low into its legs, her mace cracking against the back of its head and sending him crashing through the snows. “Then what's it doing now?”

“I'm free! I was bound by Sinterklaas, to be precise, and now the magic has waned enough to free me!” Peter leaped out of the snow and caught Hawkgirl in the midsection, driving her to the ground in an explosion of powdery white. “And freed, I can at last wreak revenge on his successor!”

“Successor? Sinterklaas?” Greg asked as he fired again at the creature as it leaped for Speed now. The bullets caught the creature in the blazing red eyes, and caused it to flinch and miss.

“Santa Claus. All these guys are kind of the same, but not really. Sinterklaas was the being that bound Black Peter,” Kit explained as he dropped to the ground in front of the demon. “Eternity!” Black Peter found himself face-to-face with a tall snowman with a black top hat and striped scarf. “Oh goodie...that'll take him two second.”

“I see! Sinterklaas barely registers in the collective consciousness, and so the magic chains have weakened, let him break free,” Speed said as he and Greg used the diversion to tackle the demon from behind.

“And he wants to kill the current version, Santa. Which, I gotta say, is just really uncool!” Hawkgirl smashed her mace into Peter's face as the heroes piled onto the demon.

Black Peter was unstoppable though, demonic fury scattering the heroes and tearing through the legendary snowman with the ease Kit expected. “I am not going to be stopped by the likes of you! I'm as unstoppable as anything else in this season! And I'll see red and white tatters on my claws before Christmas Eve passes!”

“The season...” Kendra mumured. “The season.” She flew after the demon as it started to lope away toward his target. The others stared up at her. “Don't you see, we're doing this all wrong. This isn't some Justice League villain! 'Tis the Season!”

“You know what she's saying?” Dawn asked Kit, who smiled smugly.

“What can I say? I'm a great Christmas ghost.” Then the other four chased after her.

“Black Peter! The kids love you!” Kendra shouted and the demon came to a sudden halt.

“What? How dare you?”

“Don't you get it?” Hawkgirl landed in front of him, hands on her hips. “You made Christmas complete for generations of children. When Sinterklaas reigned over the skies of Europe, they looked forward to your visits as much as his. Without you, they'd never understand the true meaning of the season. Without your lessons, Sinterklaas would have just been some gift-giving joker with no common sense. Without you, whole generations of children couldn't have understood the power of love, of charity, of giving. There's places where people still dress up like you, and mimic your behavior...because it's just as important a part of Christmas to them.”

Black Peter stared at Kendra, stock still, fiery red eyes wide with disbelief. “Me? Love? Charity? Giving?”

“Yup.”

“You better believe it, buddy, or you're dead where you stand,” Greg Saunders said in his drawl, making the others chuckle.

Black Peter heard the words, and sensed the meaning and clutched his chest. “I feel...strange...”

“Right. Because you can either go and kill Santa, and be free and let all those generations of good deeds blow you up, or you can get back to work, and keep the season going strong, and avoid that,” Kendra said, folding her arms now.

“I...never saw it like that before,” Black Peter said as struggled with the thoughts. “I...there's kids looking forward to me? Well...then...I guess I better get back to it, shouldn't I? Lots to do. Lots to do!” Black Peter hurtled out over the snowy landscape as the winds slowed down and the snow lightened up.

“How the hell did that work?” Dawn asked as she glanced at Kendra, who now had a cocky grin on her face.

“It's Christmas. It's how the magic of the season is supposed to work, right? That's what we're always told.” Kendra moved over to her grandfather and cousin. “Violence never seems to solve anything in all the Christmas stories. Believe me, I feel just as weird not bashing the bad guy over the head, but...you know what, Kit was right. I've learned my Christmas lesson, and now I want to go back to Granddad's home, get some hot cider, get some sleep, and wake up to see what Santa left. Because there ain't that many Christmas mornings left for the family and I'm not missing another one.”

“Sounds good to me, cuz,” Greg said as he tapped Kendra's chin with his fist. “Let's get on back to the farm.”

“Need any help?” Dawn asked the trio.

“Nah. I know the way. Thanks a lot,” Cyril said as he shook Dawn's hand and then waved to Kit. “And Merry Christmas.”

Dawn and Kit headed off in their own direction after that, and Dawn was whistling.

“What are you saw happy about? I mean, beyond the obvious, saving Christmas, yadda yadda?” Kit asked her.

“Well, besides healing a family's spirit, preserving a time of love and giving that isn't even necessarily one of my beliefs, and doing some pretty nifty magic,” Dawn answered with her own smug look as she reached into a medicine bag on her hip, “I get to experience my first Christmas morning. Never had one before, and I always kind of missed out on that. Not this year though. I even have a present for a special someone.”

As they continued to walk toward the horizon, the Sun peeking up at the first light of Christmas morning, Kid Eternity felt a strange warmth. “What's that?”

“You did good for Christmas, despite your own cynicism. Christmas magic was used to save the day, and it was because you made it possible. That means I get to use a little of the magic on this.” She held up a sprig of mistletoe, with berries that seemed to sparkle in the golden rays of morning. “Merry Christmas, Kit.” She leaned over and kissed him sweetly, tenderly. She then returned to her walking and whistling as Kit floated in place, stunned into silence at the implications.

He touched his lips with his fingers and smiled. “God bless us, everyone!”

And then sped after her.


[/b]
By: Brian Burchette[/center]


I am called The Phantom Stranger. My reasons for what I do are my own. I have circled the globe this Christmas Eve night, as I do each year, observing colleagues during their personal celebrations of what many consider to be the most joyous of all holidays.

This day, more than any other, has always fascinated me. For many, it is the day to celebrate the birth of hope and salvation. For nearly all, it is a time to gather with family and friends; rejoicing in not only the love, but also the strength that they have received from each other through out the year. As a being who delves into the realm of magic on a daily basis, this day amazes me, for there is a type of magic in this occasion that is untouchable to all those who work with the arcane.

There is a difference to my journey this year. I do not take it alone. Always has my own tradition been to join the Martian called J’onn J’onzz, or the Martian Manhunter, after I am done with my travels. Every year he has asked to join me, and I have politely declined; for this is a trip that I choose to take alone. However, for reasons that are my own, I have opted to have J’onn accompany me this year. It is easy enough for who I plan on visiting. I am undetectable to nearly everyone, and J’onn’s invisibility will keep him from being spotted as well.

My first stop is a nice apartment in Metropolis. It is the home of Lois Lane, The Daily Planet’s top reporter. We observe her annual Christmas Eve party, already in full celebration...

“So where’s Kent, Lois? He said he’d make it this year?” Perry White asks as he scoops out some eggnog.

“Who knows, Perry. When it comes to our farm boy, I’ve given up on figuring him out. Knowing him, he probably got lost on his way here.”

Jimmy Olsen laughs. “I doubt that, Ms. Lane. If there’s one place Mr. Kent knows, it’s this place. You’d be surprised how many times he’s...” The red hair photographer stopped, realizing that he had already said way too much.

His silent prayer that Lois would have ignored the comment goes unanswered. “Finish what you were going to say, Jimmy. How many times he’s...?”

Jimmy swallows hard, his face becoming as red as his sweater. “I think I’ve said way too much already.”
“No, Jimmy, you haven’t said enough. I’ll let you know when you’ve said too much. Now, please, finish your statement.”

“Yeah, Olson,” Perry barks. “Spill it!”

Fidgeting, not being able to keep his eyes on either one of them, he takes a deep breath and blurts it out quickly, as if he’s ripping off a band-aid as fast as he can. “He follows you home, sometimes. You know, when you’re working real late at the office. He told me he just wants to make sure that you get home safe.”

This time it is Lois who begins to blush. “R-R-Realy?” She stutters. “I didn’t... I didn’t know that.”

Perry chuckles and I see the twinkle in his eye. I don’t have to be a mind reader like my guest to know what he is thinking. Perry White is a wise man; wise beyond his years. He’s enjoying the fact that Lois has finally realized something that has been right under her nose for a very long time.

I nod to my invisible friend and with but a thought, we are in a different place, far away from the bright, cheerful city, and in a much more subdued setting.

<I know this place.> J’onn’s thought comes to me.

<Yes. This is their first Christmas without him.>

The fireplace is all aglow; the tree is trimmed to perfection, its white lights seeming to twinkle magically. Yet, the large and festive living room is a false appearance, for its occupants sit quietly. Three men of various ages, all lost in their own thoughts of the one man that is no longer with them. Bruce Wayne is no longer with them in body, yet his spirit seems to permeate every minute of their day...

“I wish I could have gotten to know him like the two of you did.” The youngest member of the family says finally, breaking the silence.

“So do I, Tim.” Dick replies with a sigh. He then breaks out in a wry smile. “Although when it comes to this particular night, Bruce wasn’t a particular fan of it.”

“But he did celebrate, didn’t he?” Tim asks; the desire of needing to know all he can about the man he barely got to know, obvious in his voice.

“Yes,” Alfred answers after taking a sip of his tea. “He did celebrate, once we convinced him too. It was part of our yearly ritual. He would try to hide in the cave until we came to collect him. Usually it was Master Dick who would eventually get him to come up and participate.”

Dick chuckles as he remembers. “Yeah, but when it came down to it, it never seemed to take that much to get him to join us. I think he enjoyed it more than he ever let on. He just didn’t want to ruin his reputation. He always surprised me with pretty cool gifts. In fact on my seventeenth Christmas, he gave me my first cycle. It’s still down there in the cave, actually.”

Alfred’s eyebrow shoots up. “Oh dear, I nearly forgot.” He gets up and walks briskly out of the room.

“What’s that all about?” Tim asks.

Dick shrugs, “Sometimes I can’t help but wonder if Bruce didn’t get some of his secrecy from Alfred.”

Almost instantly, their butler and friend returns, two small packages in each hand. He hands one to each of them. “Master Bruce had had these prepared several months ago. I have to admit that I was taken aback since I usually had to gently prod him to do his Christmas shopping. Usually two days before the holiday and with a cattle prod.”

Both young men open the small wrapped box at the same time, and they both gasp in unison. The rings that they stare at are the same in all aspects, except the size. The design on them is instantly recognizable to them both. It’s the Wayne coat of arms. Each one with a small, yet bright diamond in the middle of the crest.

“This... this was all Bruce’s idea?” Dick asks in awe.

“Yes.” Alfred replies simply.

“I don’t know what to say.” Tim says, just as shocked as the young man who has become like a brother to him.

“Yes, well, Master Bruce was never one for garish displays of sentimentality, and I’m not quite sure why he felt this would be the right year for this, but we all know that he never did anything rash. These gifts were well thought out, and obviously something he wanted you both to have. The message is self explanatory.”

Tim places his on his finger. “Perfect fit, too.”

“Would you expect anything less?” Dick chuckles with tears shamelessly falling down his face as he, too, puts his on his finger. “I’ll never stop missing him.”

Alfred nods with a knowing look. “Of course not, nor should we. And yet, we all know that he would not want us to sit around wallowing in self-pity, either. I suggest we do something that will raise our moods.”

“Any suggestions, Al?” Dick asks with a knowing look.
“Of course; I suggest that first we travel down to the soup kitchen to help Dr. Thomkins, and then back here to see what Santa has left us.” He has a genuine smile on his face, and just a bit of a twinkle in his eyes.

“Sounds good to me!” Tim jumps up, already feeling his mood rise.

“Me too.” Dick says as he breaks out into a big grin. “Come on, little brother, I’ll race you to the Bentley. You coming, Al?”

“In a moment, Master Richard.” Alfred watches them run out of the room and glances up at the portrait of Bruce Wayne’s parents. The picture has hung over the fireplace since it was commissioned all those years ago.

He nods to it out of respect. “I know, Sir and Madam, that where ever you are, you are finally with your son and that all of you are looking down proudly at the Wayne legacy. And my Christmas gift to the three of you is my continual loyalty to your name, that it may always be a beacon of hope for the people of Gotham. Merry Christmas old friends. I miss you all... terribly.”

We say nothing as we once again depart, only to find ourselves on the other side of the country; Las Vegas to be exact. The apartment we are in is much smaller than the large sitting room we’ve just left.

The mood is more than solemn, this time. One woman sits alone in the dark. There is no tree, no Christmas lights, and no wrapped presents. She sits on her couch clutching a framed picture of the only light her life ever had.

<Kate Ramsey> The Martian Manhunter says to me. I can feel the sorrow in his thought.

<Yes.>

We do not stay here long. There is not much to see here. A childless mother who suffers alone. A life that swept her up and took her down a road that has left her shattered. A reminder that for every person who is celebrating this evening with joy in their hearts, there is another who can feel nothing but pain and longing.

Quickly we jump several hundred miles where another sad moment is happening on this Christmas Eve. Dinah Lance is holding her mother’s hair as Dinah Drake Lance sits on the bathroom floor, fighting the sickness that comes with battling the cancer that is raging inside of her.

We watch in respectful silence as daughter whispers words of encouragement into her mother’s ear. Vowing not to leave her until she is better; promising her that next Christmas the mother will be better and singing Christmas Carols for all their friends again.
<Do you always visit such sad scenes?> J’onn inquires.

I do not reply, for this year’s journey is nearly over. There is but one more stop for us to make as the mist swirls around us. We find ourselves in a cozy living room, with a real Christmas tree in the corner of the room

The young woman’s name is Zatanna Zatara, and next to her, laughing and exchanging gifts, is her father, Giovanni Zatara. This is their first Christmas together in more years than they care to remember. Zatara having been lost and held captive by his other daughter for many years. He is proud of Zatanna for many things, including her dauntless search and rescue of him.

They reminisce of Christmas’ of yore, when their beloved Sindella was with them. The laughter, the special moments; this is not a sad conversation at all, but a conversation that fills their hearts with love and warmth.

Then, they are once again gone, only to arrive moments later at J’onn’s apartment. The Martian becomes visible, a look of consternation on his face.

“What troubles you?” I ask.

“There seems to be much sadness this year. What was your reason for the people that we visited this year?”

“Does there have to be a reason?”

“I have learned, with you Phantom Stranger, there is always a reason to everything that you do.”

A part of me wants to smile at this comment. He is right, of course, and it actually makes me feel good that he knows me that well. However, my answer sobers me.

“You are correct, there was a reason. For those we visited, there are very dark times a head in the New Year. I was drawn to them, to pay my respects, and give them a special blessing of hope.”

The Martian Manhunter nodded, lost in thought. “Are you up for our annual viewing of ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas?”

“I am not. I would, however, be interested in watching the Christmas Classic – ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’.”

My friend nods in agreement. “Yes, a good choice.”

I watch him go to the cupboard for the Oreos and the milk in the refrigerator. Perhaps it was wrong of me to take him a long this year; perhaps I was being selfish. But even I, The Phantom Stranger, occasionally has the need to be with a friend during troubling times. If for no other reason, then to allow that friend’s natural ability to have hope at even the saddest of times to wash over me.

The End


[/i]
By Aaron Martel

‘Twas the night before Christmas
And I just want to plug
This tale that stars little ‘ol me,
Ambush Bug!

I was sitting at home
And was rather quite blue
I felt so rejected
By the ‘ol DC2

No ongoing title
Was in store for me
Though Charlton did say
His fave was issue three

Of my Elseworlds mini
Which was a classic, a hoot
But when it was over
Bowers gave me the boot

So I sat there, but then I got
An idea sweet and hearty-
“I know! I must crash
The JLA Christmas party!”

So I went to the closet
And the red suit out I dug
I put it on- voila!
I became Santa Bug!

I called on brave Cheeks
Plucked him down from the shelf
I put on his costume
Of Cheeks the Toy Wonder Elf

I went up to the rooftop
And the reindeer all came
I hitched them to the sleigh
As I called them by name:

Now Bowers! Now Charlton!
Now HoM! Burchette!
Now Elbe! Now Hilwig!
Now Fleischer and Walsh!*
(* I know this last verse doesn’t rhyme, but c’mon, this is hardly great literature. What were you expecting- Locked Inside the Façade?)

The reindeer were decked out
In their best Christmas gear
Except Fleischer, who’s Jewish-
But work with me here

“Hall of Justice!” I yelled
And we took to the skies
But we took a wrong turn-
I got snow in my eyes

Finally we made it
I was gonna deck the Hall
But I fell down the chimney-
I was too skinny to crawl

The room was enormous
All the heroes were there
But they all gave me looks
Like I’d pooped in their hair

It took a moment before
I knew why they were aghast
The Yule log was alight
And was cooking my ass

The fire was put out
By bouncing on my butt
“Santa Bug’s here!” I shouted
Black Lightning said, “Say what?”

‘Twas then that I noticed
How everyone seemed down
No music, no dancing
They were milling around

So I had to stop them
From being bumps on a log
“Hey guys!” I called out,
“Try Santa Bug’s Egg Nog!”

About a half hour later
The Hall of Justice got jumpin’
The heroes were looser
The music was pumpin’

They all called me Bug Crosby
And Plastic Man made the scene
We belted “Twelve Days of Christmas”
On a karaoke machine[/center]

Hey kids!
Sing this the next time you go caroling- your neighbors will throw money at you!

[/b]
To be sung to the tune of: “The Twelve days of Christmas”[/center]

For the first day of Christmas, you really should give me:
My own ongoing DC2 title (Well, duh! I’ve only asked for this for OVER TWO YEARS!)

For the second day of Christmas, you really should give me:
Two superbabes (Because two are better than one, know what I mean?)

For the third day of Christmas, you really should give me:
Green M&Ms (You know what they say about the green ones…besides, I’m partial to green)

For the fourth day of Christmas, you really should give me:
Superman’s cape (You don’t step on Superman’s cape…and you don’t mess around with the Bug)

For the fifth day of Christmas, you really should give me:
A Barbie doll for Cheeks (Hey, stuffed sidekicks need loving, too)

For the sixth day of Christmas, you really should give me:
A different, better writer (Because this idiot doesn’t know me at ALL)

For the seventh day of Christmas, you really should give me:
Starfire’s home phone number (For all those late night obscene phone calls… eat your heart out, Dick)

For the eighth day of Christmas, you really should give me:
Green Lantern’s power ring (Oh, the things I’d imagine…)

For the ninth day of Christmas, you really should give me:
Aquaman’s trident (Every badass undersea tyrant has to have one… Aqua-Bug, baby!)

For the tenth day of Christmas, you really should give me:
All of Batman’s money (What, did you think I’d want the batmobile?)

For the eleventh day of Christmas, you really should give me:
Eleven pipers piping (Uh, I’m running out of ideas)

For the twefth day of Christmas, you really should give me:
A date with Wonder Woman (No explanation necessary)

Now back to my night before X-mas--



Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays
--The Bug