Ghost of a Chance

(NOTE: THIS STORY TAKES PLACE DURING THE LEGION'S STAY IN THE 20th CENTURY, DURING THE FINAL NIGHT SPECIFICALLY)

Apparition is flying alone, feeling helpless to aid the other Legionnaires during earth's Final Night. Snowflakes drift through her to the ground, unnoticed as she explores the city. She stops, shocked from her reverie by the sound of gunfire.

Down the street she sees two teenaged boys running from an alley. One is clutching a purse.

Tinya: Hey! Stop! Grife, I can't do anything to stop them!

Apparition drifts into the alley and sees a pair of legs clad in black fishnet, one foot bare -- its high-heel lost in the snow. The rest of the woman is obstructed from view by a dumpster. The woman can be heard crying in pain.

Tinya (floats into view. The woman is dressed in a mini-skirt and fake fur coat, her blood seeping into the snow): Oh, nas! Try not to move, I'm going to get you help!

Woman: No, wait!

Apparition doesn't hear her as she drifts up, higher than the roof tops.

Tinya: (Think-yelling as "loud" as she can) Imra! Imra, I need you! I found this woman -- she needs help!

After a moment, Saturn Girl makes telepathic contact with her.

Imra: Tinya, what is it?

Tinya: This girl's been shot. I can't do anything and she needs help.

Imra: OK. We're dealing with a subway derailing, and getting those victims to safety. I'll send someone as fast as I can.

Tinya: Just hurry, Imra, she's dying!

Apparition floats back to the woman. The sight greatly unsettles her: the snow stained all red, the open wounds in the woman's belly, blood the same color as the woman's smeared lipstick.

Woman: Are you a ghost?

Tinya: I think so, maybe, I'm not sure. My body died, but I'm still here. I don't know. What happened?

Woman: just some kids takin advantage of all the chaos -- being cruel 'cause they can. I thought they wanted a date...
You're not here to take me away? Please, I don't wanna die...tell whoever's in charge Rosie ain't ready yet...

Tinya: I don't want to let you die, Rosie. I sent for help.

Rosie: More ghosts?

Tinya: No, friends...superheroes. I was, am, a super hero but I can't be solid anymore. One of my friends will be here soon to help you. You won't die, Rosie, I won't let you.

Rosie: Oh, that's nice, honey, but your friend ain't gonna make it in time. Nobody gonna take the time to help...one messed up prostitute...not...not with all the rest that's goin' on...
You really are beautiful, ghost-girl...I wish I can be beautiful like you...I'm ready now...let's go...

Rosie falls silent, a final breath escapes her lips, snow falls unnoticed on her face. Her eyes stare into the sky, staring into nowhere.

Ultraboy (arriving with Saturn Girl): Tinya! What's happened?

Tinya (rushes to Ultraboy, crying): Oh, Jo, she's gone...and I couldn't do anything...

TO BE CONTINUED...

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