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Chapter Text

It was a typical sunny day when it happened. When Deme Von Wolf got her powers from a Radioactive spider, that's right. A radioactive spider. You see, She went on a field trip with her school to New York, to the Oscorp industry at age 13 Deme covered her eyes from the sun which was shining in her face as she looked up at the sign in front of her “Oscorp Industry” She read out loud before she raised her camera, snapping a photo “Miss Von Wolf, please don't lag behind” Mr Fryer called out. Her science teacher for the year. He was the nerdiest man you would ever meet. You were always wearing science related shirts which everyone believed he did to make himself seem cooler. It didn't. “Can you believe we are about to see some of the world's most advanced technology?” Korra, Deme’s best friend, asked in excitement. Korra was a pretty average teen. Caramel skin, Creamy chocolate wavey skin, amber eyes and had a Petite Figure “I guess? I've never really been into science ""Then why are you taking photos?” Korra teased as they walked into a waiting area, following her classmates “well, I need Photos for my photography class! This lame place will catch someone's attention” The blonde teased lightly, nudging her friend who giggled but was easily distracted by some sort of invention. Deme couldn't help but roll her eyes. A Smile still present on her face but it turned into a look of curiosity “Hello little guy” She whispered knoticing a strange little spider. It was Black and White. Deme held her camera and snapped a photo. After examining the photo, she noticed it had crawled away. “Yeah, I'm not one for crowds either” She mused sadly. She wasn't as confident talking to People, apart from Korra of course. Out of nowhere an alarm rang out, alerting everyone “What did you do?” Deme joked to her friend who shrugged but noticed some gentleman in some protective suits “Is it a reactor Meltdown? Gamma Radiation? A tear in the space time continuum?” Korra asked in excitement, almost jumping in delight. Deme tilted her head at her friend. She may not be all brainy but she knew that a problem with Space time continuum wasn't something to be excited about “Some experimental spiders escaped but you not in danger” The Man assured Korra who slouched “we are collecting them as we speak” “Miss Von Wolf! Miss Vanguard! Can you please stay out of trouble” Mr Fryer begs slightly crossing his arms “Remember we represent Central City High school” Central City High school, they always tried to make it seem like it was a school for ‘gifted’ Students but it was a public school. Not like Gotham Academy! That was a School that only accepted the best.

“Miss Vanguard, please remain with your partner. Miss Martha” Mr Fryer states before looking at Deme who smiled almost sheepishly “And your Partner is Mr. West” Deme turned her head to her lab Partner. Wallace West, He had spiky red hair, freckles, and green eyes. He had a lean yet slightly muscular build. In Deme’s eyes he was gorgeous. He was the star of the track team and Super into Science and…He didn't even know Deme existed. They had been in the same schools since Kindergarten and he still did not acknowledge her. “Mr West, Please keep a tight leash on Miss Von Wolf, We dont want her getting into any trouble” If past science classes were anything to go off of. Wally would be doomed by the end of the day. Deme was what she called a Jinx. She was fine when she was by herself but whenever she was with Wally…it was as if Bad luck itself liked to watch her suffer for its own amusement. “Welcome Everyone, Everyone, to Oscorp Industries” Their tour guide announced “The world's first chemical research facility and electronic manufacturer” Korra beamed as she nudged Deme lightly who rubbed her arm with a wince “I'm sure you're all excited to use such state-of-the-art technology. But don't let the fancy equipment fool you, Because if you were a true scientist you can solve any problem with this” The guide pointed to his head then held up five fingers “Using the five steps of scientific method. Which of course is, Observation, Hypothesis-” “prediction, experimentation and Conclusion!” Deme squeaked in surprise at Wally's sudden outburst of excitement. “Correct young man!” The scientist beamed and began showing them around before they came to a robot “So, who would like to test out the new robot first? Korra, What about you and your partner?” Mr Fryer asked his student who glanced over at Wally and Deme. “How about we let Wally go first. He's kind into this stuff” Korra suggested with a smile as Deme's head snapped up from looking at her camera “Sure. Mr West, Miss Von Wolf” Mr Fryer gestured to the robot. The two walked forward, Deme went to pick up the glove but a spider landed on her hand. It was small but its White and Black colors was clear to see. Deme went to speak but yelped when the spider bit her. She flicked the spider off, already hearing the laughter of her Classmates. The blonde groaned as a wave of nausea washed over her.“Hey, are you okay? You've gone green” Wally asked, his emerald Green eyes filled with worry but that changed to shock as Deme doubled over, puking over his shoes “Oh god!” Deme looked at Wally embarrassed before she took off running, feeling like she was gonna be sick once more. She rushed to the bathroom but grunted as she ran into the door.

The toilets were under construction. The girl slapped her hand against the door causing it too hit the floor. “What the?” Deme whispered surprised but groaned holding her head. It was if she was getting a migraine and fever in one. Deme’s breathing slowly became heavy as her body temperature rose. “Hot, too hot” She winced and took her hoodie off, throwing it on the floor along with her shirt. She hoped no one would come in to see her in a bra and trousers. Deme turned to the mirror, she looked okay. “It was just a spider bite” She reassured herself, turning the tap, splashing her face with water. “I mean, it's just a reaction to the bite” She continued on as she wiped her face with a paper towel. Her other hand rested on the metal towel holder. Deme released the towel but paused. It remained in her hand, stuck like glue “wha-what the-” Deme pulled her other hand but the metal item followed, ripping itself from the wall. The girl managed to throw the objects away, her back against the wall. “Okay, Okay” She soothed herself taking a breath to calm herself “walk it off” She muttered as she began to walk “You've been bitten by things before” She reminded herself as she walked. “I mean, I was bitten by a dog last summer and I'm sure a thousand Mosquitoes have tried to nibble me. So this would be no different, right?” The girls noticed her hair was standing up before she screamed in panic. Her hair was standing by itself. It was hanging down because Deme was standing on the ceiling “ahhhh” The girl screamed in frustration and fear “Deme, you in here?” Korra’s voice rang out “You okay? I have my gym clothes if you get sick of yourself” Deme squeezed her eyes shut as she held onto the ceiling tightly. No, She wasn't okay in any shape or form! She was able to stick to stuff! She was currently hanging from the ceiling, crying out loud. Korra shrugged as she walked out the bathroom, thinking Deme had possibly gone home. “I gotta get out of here” Deme told herself but grunted as she collided with the bathroom floor “Ouch” Deme Grabbed her hoodie and shirt before running out of Oscorps lab. She needed to get home. No. Deme paused in her step, She needed to figure out what was happening to her. Why was it happening to her? Deme continued to walk through New York. Okay, so she seemed to have spider powers, given to her by one of the experiment spiders that had gotten loose.

Deme groaned as something came over her. It was as if she had goosebumps everywhere. It was trying to talk to her and tell her to “Jump!” She called out as she jumped, a speeding car went under her as she flipped landing on the road easily. Deme jumped back onto the side of a building, narrowly missing getting hit by a bus. “Hey Kid, How are you doing that? You spiderman or somethin’” A new yorker asked, making the girl turn away and pull up her hood. The blonde crawled around the building, towards an ally. Okay she also seemed to have spider stickiness and Some sort of spider-sense. Did she have other powers? Deme questioned as she paused “Super strength maybe?” Deme bit her lip as she saw a building. It was under construction. Deme leaped off the building, colliding with the wall but the bricks broke under her allowing her into the building. “I'm like spiderman!” Deme cheered and did a rock symbol with her fingers “Thwip thwip!” She paused when nothing happened. “Okay, no webs but i can fix that” Deme mused still smiling, Spiderman was one of her favorite Superheroes! “Okay, Here we go!” Deme announced,a Day later in her bedroom, a camera was standing on a tripod pointing towards her “If you were asked what animal would you like to get superpowers from, what would it be? A wolf? A Tiger? Well I got a spider!” Deme held up a photo of a random photo of a spider. It wasn't the exact same spider but it would have to do. “After some research on the internet, I found out that spiders are pretty cool! They have these sensors that are all over its body, that alerts it to danger” Deme explained putting the photo down “So i definitely have that, after almost being run over by a car” She mused as she wrote ‘Spider-Sense’ and put a small tick next to it. “I got super strength which is pretty sweet!” ‘Super strength’ another small tick. ‘Web’ Deme paused in her writing and turned to the camera “But i dont seem to have webs…Korra was making a prototype of Spider Man's web shooters. If I can get a hold of them then I could upgrade them!” The camera turned off for a moment. When it turned back on, Deme was sat in a tank top at her desk with two little webshooters infront of her. It was clearly taken apart and rebuild “so the spiders web is made up of Spider protein the more it stretches” Deme explained as she tinkered with the device and put it on her wrist. The blonde grabbed a small tube from her jacket pocket “This is web fluid. This is a self created form of what spiderman uses…possibly” Deme shrugged putting into the shooter. “Alright, test one!” Deme shot her hand out witht he shooter but nothing happened “uh…” She tried again and again and again before the shooter’s nozzle exploded, covering the girl in webs “well, i guess thats on me” Deme mused looking at the camera. “Now, I think I worked out the kinks” Deme spoke as she stepped away from the camera, she was on top of her apartment roof. “All I need is for it to tell time and play music. I would be rich!” The young girl exclaimed before clearing her voice “But can a watch do this?” She pressed the nozzle and twisted her hand, creating a small ball which she hit with a baseball bat. “Homerun!” Deme called in a terrible announcer voice but yelped when she heard a window smash in the distants “Sorry!” Deme paused and rushed to grab the camera as if someone was going to come and get her. Deme gulped as she took a breath staring over the edge. “Alright, my final test” She whimpered as she took a step back. She needed to test if the webs were strong enough to hold her weight. The blonde pulled her hood up and covered her eyes with some goggles. If she was gonna fall, she could at least try to hide her identity. “Alright Centeral City, be prepared for Spider-Women!” Deme jumped off the building, Deme flicked her wrist allowing the webs to shoot out, attaching to a building. Deme cheered as she swung before shooting another web. And then another. And then another. It worked! The web shooters worked! Deme was soring through Central City. The girl flipped landing on a building easily “This is great! I could be spider women!” The girl declared but looked down at her outfit “But not looking like this…I wonder if i could find my old halloween costume” Deme mused to herself, tapping her cheek as she thought to herself. Hours later, Deme swung around Central City in a white and black hoodie, a white mask with goggles. How would she even get started? She needed to find some way to show off her powers. The girl grunted as she landed in an ally way pulling out her phone. Maybe she could find something on her-The girl yelped loudly as a flier hit her face. “Stupid fly-This is it!” The piece of paper had the letters ‘Want to be a wrestler?’ with other westlers on it. “The only way to grab peoples attention is to show it off, on TV!” Deme mused in excitement as she dieled the number into her phone, bringing it to her ear “Hello, Sarash Mcgee? My name is spider-women and id like to apply for your show!” Deme beamed in delight but it fluttered “No, not spider girl its spider-” Deme’s phone beeped showing that the other person had hung up “That was just rude!”

“Welcome everyone, to another episode of ‘so you wanna be a wrestler?’ The show where non-professionals get a chance to compete against actual wrestlers.” The Women reporting the show explained to the Audiance through the Camera, she took in the middle of a ring “This week, our judges have discovered quiet an interesting girl. She calls herself, Spider-girl but does she have the moves to prove it. Its quiet clear she is based of New Yorks number one hero. Spiderman” The announcer smirked with a wink as the scene changed to The back, where Deme stood “Can you show us what you can do?” The women asked the girl who nodded. Deme ran up the wall and flipped off. Landing in a perfect split. The girl used her hand to push her self up and onto her feet “Woah. she really is a spider, but she may be an endangered speices soon, because, shes going up against champion. BoneSaw Mcgee!” Deme eyes widened at the photo she was shown. He was an adult! And he was huge!. Deme had hoped they would pair her with someone easier “I take it, hes quiet good” Deme muttered to the camera man who almost gave her a look of pity. It was definitely clear she lied about her age. She was 13! And you was ment to be age 16 to participate. “And now, its the moment youve all been waiting for, The main event!” The announcer called as Deme walked towards the stage entrance. “Whats going through your mind, right now” the camera man asked, following Deme who blinked behind her mask. “Honestly? Terrified, Are there time outs?” “Hey, spider-Girl. Your on!” Deme turned to the guard who came to fetch her “Its spider-wo-You know what forget it” Deme huffed walking out. “Let us welcome Bonesaw Mcgee!” Bonesaw slammed the doors open, walking out to the cheering fans “where is this kid? Ill turn her 15 minutes of fame into 15 broken bones!” He roared out making a snapping gesture with his hands. Spider-girl backed up as he entered the ring. He towered over her like she was a shrimp on a plate “oh, uh hi” The Spider waved nervously and turned to the camera guy “How long do i have to fight this guy for?” “Until commercial, ABout 15 minutes” The guy shrugged and pushed her back “Ive never looked more forward to a commercial in my whole li-Woah” She gasped as her Spider-sense went off “spider-sens-” The girl grunted, hitting the floor as Bonesaw smacked her with a chair. “Ow, a chair? I dont think thats fair!” She screamed as Bonesaw grabbed her leg, dragging her across the ring before lifting her small frame up and threw her towards the wall. Luckily she managed to land safely on it. The crowd was laughing up a sorm at her failure “Like a small bug, being squashed on a windshield!” “Alright then! If you can use a Chair. I can use my webs!” Deme shot three web balls at Bonesaw, each hitting him in the stomach. He grunted but the girl wrapped her legs around his neck and dropped him to the floor “You dont mind right? I heard you pretty down to earth!” “You just a little girl! Now fight me!” Bonesaw snarled jumping at the girl who landed on the rope, around the ring “Your right! I am a girl. The Spider-girl!” The Spider themed girl kicked Bonesaw in the face and smirked, hands on her hips “I thing Bone-Saw Stars with that one” “Ill show you stars!” Bonesaw used the ropes to launch himself at Spider-girl who rolled out the way “Here, you seem to like bouncing around!” Spider-girl shot two webs on a rope which Bonesaw stumbled into. She groaned as she flicked him into the other ropes, like he was a ricochet Bullet. Deme shot a web on his back and pulled him into the ground. Bonesaw gone standing up but he was swaying side to side like he was on a boat. Spider-girl hung upside down on a web “Boop” she giggled tapping his nose which made his yell as a wave of electricity went through his body, knocking him out. “Woah, that one was new” Deme muttered as she saw little sparks travel through her hands before fading slightly. “We have a knock out!” The announcer cheered loudly as the teenager landed back on the ring, raising her hands in victory. She had won! “It looks like we have a new champion! How do you feel?” The announcer ran over, her brown bobbed hair moving as she did. “Im just glad its over! What do i win?” Deme asked excited about a prize “A year-round tour of being our champion” deme slumped slightly but was handed a trophy “And this Trophy” “Ill take it!”

The night ended as Spider-girl swung towards her house, the trophy tucked under her arm “Cute trophy” A voice spoke making the girl yell in surprise as she missed her web, falling “No, no, no!” She screamed clutching her trophy, awaiting the impact of a roof or the floor but the girl bounced. Deme opened her eyes as she bounced once more. She was saved by a web net? “Sorry for the fight, but i wanted to speak to you” Deme looked to her left to see Spiderman stood infront of her “woah, s-spiderman. Sir it is a honor to meet you! Wait.” Deme gushed out as she climbed out the web and patted her pocket “oh! Can you sign my trophy-Wait why are you in Central City?” “perhaps another time. I wanted to speak to you about your match” Deme paused in her search and tilted her head “You saw…my match?” “I did. I have to admit, ive never met another person quiet like me” Deme blinked at the males words. That was good wasnt it? They was one of a kind “Am i in trouble?” Deme asked slowly but Spiderman let out a loud laugh and shook his head “No, your not” The male assured softly as he landed infront of her. “But i need to discuss your future. Your powers are unique, ive never met another Spider like me-” “I want to be a hero like you! Im a nobody, but i want to help, i need to make him-” Deme paused looking up at Spiderman “My father, is the captain of Centrel City Police force, he works so hard but there is to much crime in this city and someone needs to help” Deme states firmly “Isnt that what the flash is for?” “Please” Deme begged the male who glanced away for a moment “You can start tagging along with Petrols but ill have to get a way for you to come to new york-” “New York!” “New york” Spidey repeated hands on his hips “we will figure it out but you really need a new costume kid” Deme slowly took her hood down and her mask “Halloween costume” Deme laughed nervously making Spiderman ruffle her hair. Deme had a feeling this was a start to a beautiful relationship.

Chapter Text

NEW YORK CITY
July 4th, 17:51 EST

Iceberg smirked as he froze some people only to grunt when he was punched away. "Honestly! You bad guys just can't take one day off - especially today!" Spider-Girl exclaimed with annoyance. The girls suit was mostly black on the lower body with a white upper body and hoodie and cyan soles. The underarms and inside the hoodie were magenta covered in cyan web patterns. The lenses white with magenta accents "You kids, it's always so easy to ruffle your feathers," Iceberg chuckled before shooting ice at her, Spider-Girl dodging as she swung toward him to punch him again."I don't have feathers" She mused and pretended to thing "But i do have this" Iceberg placed as golden electric flew threw her eyes as it traveled to her finger tip. she ran at him touching the puddle of water he was stood in but in the pain her froze the girl to a wall. "Come on Icy, No need to hit girls" Iceberg turned around but grunted as he was knocked out "You really need to learn about not getting to cocky" Spiderman chuckled softly helping the girl "Yeah, yeah i'll learn. Can we go?! Today is the day!" She beamed.

WASHINGTON D.C.
July 4th, 14:00 EDT
The Hall of Justice

Before the Hall of Justice stood Batman and Robin, Green Arrow and Speedy, Spider-Man and Spider-Girl, and Aquaman and Aqualad. Batman turned to his sidekick, resting a hand on his shoulder with a slight smile. “Today’s the day," he stated earning a grin from the younger male. "Welcome to the Hall of Justice," Green Arrow continued. "Headquarters of the Justice League," Aquaman added. "And today you'll be granted the access you all deserve," Spider-man mused and grinned “I say it's about time, don't you?" Spider-Man chuckled to his protege, who nodded as her smile was hidden by the mask. "You got that right." "Oh, man!" Kid Flash's voice cried out making them all turn to see him and Flash skid to a stop. "I knew we'd be the last ones here," Kid griped, crossing his arms as Flash rose an eyebrow behind his cowl. Spider-Girl giggled at them. "You know, for a speedster, you're often very late," she teased Kid Flash. "It wasn't my fault this time!" He groaned as she laughed. So they all walked down the pathway toward the Hall as the crowd went insane. "Is that Batman?" A guy asked. "No way, I see Spider-Girl!" Another guy exclaimed. "Spider-Girl's so hot," his friend grinned. "I see Flash and Flash Jr.," a woman called this time. "His name is Speedy. Duh," a guy objected, clearly having heard her get the name wrong, thought got it wrong himself. "No, Speedy is Green Arrow's sidekick," a younger male corrected. "Well, that makes no sense," a forth spectator quipped making Spider-Girl smirk behind her mask. "Well, he ain't wrong there," she teased Speedy, who glared. "Oh, shut up," he muttered. "Ready to see the inner sanctum?" Green Arrow asked his fellow archer. "Born that way," Roy replied with a smirk on his face. "I'm glad we're all here," Aqualad said to his friends. "Have all five sidekicks ever been at the same place at the same time?" Kid Flash asked, looking toward Robin. "Don't call us sidekicks," Speedy commanded, practically growling. "Not after today." "Calm down, would you?" Spider-Girl muttered. "Sorry," Kid Flash apologized with a sheepish smile. "First time at the Hall. I'm a little overwhelmed." "You're overwhelmed, Freeze was underwhelmed. Why isn't anybody ever just whelmed?" Robin asked frowning before they made it inside and he saw the statues of the initial Justice League members. “Maybe thats why” Robin whispered to himself.

They arrive at a large door with AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY written on it. It slides open, revealing Martian Manhunter and Red Tornado, a human-sized red robot. The two step out of the hallway and into where the Cameras can see them. “Robin, Speedy, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Spider-Girl” he lists them off in order, his voice calm but monotonic and formal. “welcome.'' Then he turns around, leading them inside. The two leading protogés, Robin and Kid Flash, fist bump with each other as they begin to follow him. “You now have unlimited access to the gym, our fully stocked gallery, and of course our library.” The door opens revealing a massive library with a massive computer and extensive amounts of books. Flash turns back to the five teens. “Make yourselves at home.” he says with a grand gesture and a smile. Robin and Kid Flash literally jump into their chairs, while Aqualad calmly takes the one across from them. Spider-girl grabbed Spider-man's arm shaking it "This is it '' She whispered happily making the man chuckle and pat her hood, though it was her hood. Amazona sat on the arm of robin's chair.Speedy, however, remained standing. Looking directly at the mentors. Quick debrief to discuss the coincidence of four Ice Villains attacking on the same day.” Batman then turns to the teens. “We shouldn’t be long.” Then he turns to another door, and a fisheye camera pops out.

"Recognize: Batman: 0-2, Aquaman: 0-6, Flash: 0-4, Green Arrow: 0-8, Spider-Man: 1-7, Martian Manhunter: 0-7, Red Tornado: 1-6." The door behind the camera illuminated before opening and reading out JUSTICE LEAGUE MEMBERS ONLY. “That’s it?” Speedy demanded, his anger and volume catching all of their attention instantly. "Roy..." Spider-Girl tried to stop him, shooting a worried look to her peers “You promised a real look inside not a glorified backstage pass,” he stated while crossing his arms. “It’s a first step,” Aquaman spoke up, though calmly. “You’ve been granted access few others get," “Oh, really?” He questioned, gesturing up to a group of people taking pictures on the other side of soundproof glass. “Who cares which side of the glass we’re on?” "Roy, you just need to be patient,” Green Arrow tried, even using his sidekick's civilian name to attempt to get through to the teenager. “What I need is respect,” Roy growled, before turning around to take a look at the other four proteges. Who were all still sitting down and not intervening in the conversation they were so obviously listening to. “They’re treating us like kids,” he tried to speak directly to them. “Worse- like sidekicks!” His anger was steadily growing, but that one word made it nearly double. “We deserve better than this.” "Yes, you all do, but it's not that simple, kid. It's not just the few of us who have to agree, it's everyone in the League," Spider-Man stated.

All five exchange looks, Kid Flash looking to Robin, then to Aqualad, then to the Spider-girl. Roy’s voice drops. “You’re kidding right?” He snarled. “You’re playing their game?” his anger is growing again. Worse this time. “Why?! Today was supposed to be the day, step one in becoming full-fledged members of the League.” “Well, sure,” Kid Flash speaks up, looking to the other two protogés. “but I thought step one was the tour of the HQ.” he says, sitting up straighter and looking to the older teen. “Except the Hall isn't the League's real HQ.” Green looks mildly surprised, while Aquaman’s eyes bug in shock. Not to mention all the protogés’ mouths drop open, Kid Flash’s in shock, Robin’s paired with surprise and Aqualad has his accompanied with confusion. Spider-girl looked away biting her lip. Sure Peter had told her but she didn't believe it. “I bet they never told you it's just a false front for tourists' ' Green Arrows have gone wide, but he looks less surprised in a shocked kind of way and more so like he can’t believe his protogé is telling this in front of the other boys and Leaguers. However, Aquaman’s shock has faded and as he takes one look at Green Arrow he calms entirely. “and a pit stop for catching Zeta-beam teleporter-tubes to the real thing,” he gestures up with his right hand in indication for his next words. “an orbiting satellite called the Watchtower.” Green Arrows turns, showing off Batman’s glare, which is probably what got him to turn towards the Dark Knight in the first place. “I know, I know, but I thought we could make an exception.” Batman continues to glare. “Or not.” Aquaman steps up slightly. “You're not helping your cause here, son. Stand down or…” “Or what?” he demands. “You'll send me to my room? And I'm not your son!” he snaps then turns to Green Arrow. “I'm not even his.” his anger seems to die out as he speaks again. “I thought I was his partner, but not anymore.” emphasizing his point by taking off the canary-yellow hat and throwing it to the ground.

All four younger proteges could only watch in wide-eyed shock. "Guess they were right about you four,” Roy commented as he walked between the teens, who stand up in an attempt to either say something or physically get in his way. “You’re not ready.” With that they all watched as he left the library. Spider-Girl looked down, her hands in fists before feeling Kid Flash's hand on her shoulder. They couldn’t sit on it for long, an alarm began blaring from the computer. Turning, they find Superman on the screen. “Superman to Justice League,” the Kryptonian prefaces. “There has been an explosion at Project Cadmus. It’s on fire.” The Justice League members all stepped up to the computer. “I’ve had my suspicions about Cadmus. This may present the perfect opportunity to in -” Batman began, but is cut as another alarm came through. “Zatara to Justice League.” This time the Magician showed up in a small screen in the lower right-hand corner. “The sorcerer Wotan is using the Amulet of Attan to blot out the Sun.” Now he had their full attention. “Requesting full League response.” “Superman?” Spider-man questioned. “It’s a small fire,” the big blue boy scout assured. “Local authorities have it under control.” “Then Cadmus can wait,” the Dark Knight stated, then pressed a key on the massive keyboard below. “All Leaguers rendezvous at Zatara’s coordinates. Batman out.” The four proteges stepped up to their mentors. “Stay put,” Batman stated, barely even looking at them before he gave his order. “What? Why?” “This is a League mission,” Aquaman said. “You’re not trained,” Flash continued. “Since when?” Kid Flash demanded mere moments after the last syllable left his mentor’s mouth. Spider-Man sighed. “He meant you’re not trained to work as a part of this team,” he said, gesturing to the other mentors beside him and in extension the computer with Zatara still showing. “There will be other missions, when you’re ready,” Aquaman stated calmly. “But for now, stay put,” Batman glared at the end to accent his point. The screen turned fully black behind him, making his lenses pop even more. Spider-girl narrowed her eyes and stepped forward to Spider-Man. "Seriously? I thought you would be on our side about this," she stated. "And before I joined the League and learned everything, I would have been. But there is more to this than you know. Trust me on this, kid," he told her as he gave her shoulders a small squeeze. Spider-girls eyes widened in disbelief, He was just gonna allow this to happen?

"But you said-" "I promised your mom, id keep you safe. stay here" he assured patting her shoulder. “Glad you didn’t bring you-know-who?” Green Arrow asks Martian Manhunter with a small tease in his tone. “Indeed.” the alien agrees rapidly. They walk in behind Aquaman, Batman, Spiderman and Flash, but Red Tornado looks at them for a moment before following. Then the door closes. Kid Flash scoffs. “When we’re ready?” he questions, looking between the two beside him. “How are we ever supposed to be ready when they treat us like,” he’s very animated, stepping forward and throwing his hands up, before turning around and glaring up at Aqualad. “like sidekicks.” he too growls out the term that they are typically referred with. “My mentor, my King, I thought he trusted me.” Aqualad says sadly.“Trust?” Kid Flash questions sarcastically. “They don’t even trust us with the basics!” he points out the obvious. “They’ve got a secret HQ in space!” “ What else aren't they telling us?” Kaldur muttered but Spider-girl spoke up from behind “I have a better question: Why didn't we leave with Speedy?” Kid Flash crosses his arms and looks down, annoyed, while Aqualad looks down sadly. “What is Project Cadmus?” Aqualad asks slowly after a moment of silence “Don’t know,” Robin admits, then grins/smirks. “but I can find out.” he walks over to the computer, instantly typing out codes and searching for information. The computer buzzes. Access Denied. The automated voice states. Robin laughs. “Wanna bet?” hitting a few more buttons before he starts looking through codes of the files at nearly lightspeed.

Wally stared in awe “How are you doing that?” Robin smiled as he hits two more keys. “Same system as the Batcave.” With that he hit one last key. "Access Granted," The voice stated. Showing a two story complex, and all the data showing up around it. “Alright. Project Cadmus,” he stated simply. “Genetics lab here in DC.” Then he frowned. “That’s all there is, but if Batman's suspicious…” he glanced at Aqualad. “Maybe we should investigate.” Then he turned to Kid Flash and Spider-Girl. "Solve their case before they do," Spider-Girl grinned before Aqualad gave a small smile. "It would be poetic justice," he agreed. "Hey, they're all about justice," Robin managed through a chuckle. Aqualad sighed. "But they said 'stay put'." “For the blotting out the sun mission, not this,” Robin said, smiling and putting his hands on his hips. “Wait,” the speedster started, grabbing the younger’s shoulder and turning him toward him. “Are-are you going to Cadmus?” He uses his finger pointing skills to emphasize. “Because if you're going, I'm going!” Both boys turn to Aqualad smiling, Robin utterly beaming and Kid Flash with a dash hope in his. "Oh, I'm totally in," Spider-Girl smirked, looking to Aqualad. "Just like that? We're a team on a mission?" The Atlantean asked slightly unconvinced but Spider-girl placed her hand on her hip “we didn't come here for a play-date," she stated, firmly. Aqualad joined with a look of pure determination before they got going.

"Help! Get us out!" One of the two scientists trapped on the second story called out. "Stay calm, we will get you out," a fireman assured using a megaphone. An explosion goes off behind them and the force of it pushes the two out the window. Kid Flash zooms onto the scene, running up the wall and getting both to the roof, but he’s not fast enough to get there himself. He falls and manages to catch himself on the second story window ledge that the two scientists just fell from. “It’s what’s-his-name, Flashboy!” the same firefighter yells, both glad to see him and proud at himself for seemingly getting it right. “Kid Flash!” the speedster yells down. “Why is that so hard?” he wonders to himself. Robin, Spider-girl and Aqualad finally arrive. “So smooth.” the Boy Wonder says smugly. “Does he always have to run ahead?” Aqualad murmurs, partially to himself and partially to Robin. “We need a plan. We-” he looks to talk to the younger boy, but finds the space beside him now empty. “Robin?” he looks around everywhere. Robin’s laugh echoes through the area, before he flips onto the back of the fire truck, secures his grappling hook to the Tower Ladder and swinging onto the window ledge. Landing with perfect balance, before helping Kid Flash up and into the building. "Boys" Spider-girl mumbled jumping and used one of her weds to swing into the building.

Aqualad ran over to the truck where they saw two men working the hose. "I need to borrow that," the Atlantean told them before they saw him. Pulling out his Water-bearers, his tattoos glowed and he redirected the flow of water to move throughout the fire to get rid of it just as Amazonia flew up to the top of the buildingt's then Aqualad used the water to form a platform allowing then to jump off before he brought himself up to the window ledge and they entered the building. They jumped in to see Kid Flash going through filing cabinets as Robin was hacking the computer. Spider-Girl had her eyes narrowed at Kid in a disapproving manner and slapped him upside the head. "Ow!" "Appreciate the help," Aqualad said sarcastically. “You handled it,” Robin said, still looking rather smug. “Besides we’re here to investigate.” Aqualad stepped beyond the group, heading further into the building. “Poetic justice, remember?” As Aqualad stepped beyond the desks, there was long hallway, with an elevator door closing. The only thing visible is the blue skin and ivory horn protruding from it’s head. The clang of the doors meeting drew the attention of the other four, bringing them right behind Aqualad. “There was something in the -” he cut himself off, still not entirely sure of what he’d seen. “Elevators should be locked down.” Kid Flash said, standing straight. Robin grabbed his elbow and shoulder before moving past him without a word, then slipping right of Aqualad. Coming to the area of the elevator, looking at with scrutiny. “This is wrong.” He pulled up a holoscreen on his gauntlet, giving him the specs of a Sliver Slip Express Elevator, which was exactly what’s in front of them. “This is a high-speed express elevator. It doesn’t belong in a two-story building.”

“Neither does what I saw.” Aqualad states gravely, before forcing the doors open. As his strength is no longer need at full capacity he looks down the elevator shaft, which seems to go on forever. Spider-girl ducks under his arm, keeling down to try and get a better look. “And that’s why they need an express elevator.” Then she stands, shooting her web into the top of the column. Once it sticks she jumps, letting herself fall. Robin does the same with his grapping hook, Aqualad and Kid Flash follow with almost no hesitance. Robin watches as the level numbers run past him. Eyes widening as he pass SL22, SL23, SL24, and beginning to slow at SL25. Then Spider-girl comes to a stop at SL26 “I’m at the end of my Wed.” she mused. "Atleast i know for next time" Deme mused sofly making the others look at her “i have to change my web cartridges”

"And I'm at the end of my rope," Robin muttered. They stopped sliding down and let Robin jump to the narrow platform with this level’s elevator doors. He made it with ease, then moved left so Aqualad could make it. He did, then remained where he was and offers his hand to Kid Flash, who took it and stood on the large segment of the platform. the Boy Wonder pulled up the system security. “Bypassing security.” He waited as his five little Robin heads go from red to green. “There. Go.” Aqualad pried the door open this time. All four of them walking out “Welcome to Project Cadmus,” Robin announced. Kid Flash smiled before bolting. “Kid, wait!” Aqualad tries, but the speedster didn’t stop. The sounds of heavy footsteps in the hallway that cut across the one he’s running in forced him to skid. However, he can’t stop in time, falling into the hallway as massive creatures that walk on all fours, but stood nearly as tall as the hallway walk down in two rows. He barely dodged the hand of the leader. Breathing a sigh of relief, then standing and running back across where Spider-Girl, Robin, and Aqualad now stood shocked. One growled at them, but there was also a smaller one on top of it’s massive trunked head. The smaller one hissed and it’s horns glow red as the larger one continued to walk away. “No. Nothing odd going on here,” Aqualad said sarcastically. The doors center before them went from red to yellow to green before it fully unlocks. Kid Flash was waiting, while Robin was hacking, and Aqualad covered their six with the girls. As the door opened both Robin and Kid Flash looked surprised. “Okay, I’m officially whelmed,” Robin said catching the others' attention. Within the room were towering rows of bug-like creatures, giving off electrical pulses that seemed to then go through a generator in the wall before them, but nearly twenty feet off the ground. “This is how they hide this massive underground facility from the world,” Kid Flash realized as they walk between the towering rows. “The real Cadmus isn’t on the grid. It generates it’s own power with these… things.” Any excitement had left his tone. “Must be what they’re bred for.”

“Even the name is a clue.” Aqualad agrees. “The Cadmus of myth created a new race by sowing dragon's teeth into the Earth.” “And this Cadmus creates new life too.” Robin agrees stepping up to the computer nearest one of the rows of creatures. “Let’s find out why.” then pulls out a connector from his gauntlet to connect him to the computer. A holoscreen appears and he begins funneling the information. “They call them Genomorphs.” Now he has Everyone's full attentions. As one appears on the entirety of the hologlove his eyes widen. “Whoa! Look at the stats on these things- super-strength, telepathy, razor claws. These are living weapons.” Robin literally reels back in shock.“They’re engineering an army, but for who?" spider girl questions. “Wait. There’s something else.” Deme says, as another batch of information comes through to his gauntlet. Aqualad now steps up behind Robin, looking over his shoulder. “Project Kr.” he tries to start decrypting it. “Ugh! The files triple-encrypted. I-I can’t-” "Don't move!" A male voice called making the teens look over. There stood Gaurdian with a golden shield on his left forearm, a squad of smaller Genomorphs growling around him. These ones were skinnier, tailed, and had four digits on their front paws as well as three on their back, each finished off with razor sharp claws. The Genomorph 077s that Robin pulled stats on. Guardian stopped as he saw exactly who the intruders were. "Wait, Robin, Aqualad, Spider-Girl, Kid Flash?" He asked surprised. “At least he got your name right.” Spider-girl teases, working on the Kr file behind Aqualad so Guardian can’t see him. “I know you.” Aqualad speaks, momentarily catching Robin’s attention. “Guardian, a hero. The hero stands tall. “I do my best.” “Then what are you doing here?” Kid Flash questions, confused. “I’m Chief of Security.” Guardian responds. “You’re trespassing, but we can call the Justice League, figure this out.” No one says anything for a tense moment, but everyone hears the beep from Robin’s gauntlet that indicates his decryption process on Project Kr is complete. "You think the League’s gonna approve of you breeding weapons?” “Weapons?” Guardian questions, confused. “What are you-” Guardian’s eyes go wide just before his G-gnome’s horns begin to glow. “What have I-” he brings his head to his temple as it falls to his chest. “Ugh my head.” Finally he brings his hand away, but he glares hard at the protogés. “Take them down hard!” he tells the Genomorphs. Then points directly at the three teenagers. “No mercy.” With a growl the Genomorphs jump into action.
With a growl the Genomorphs jump into action. Robin does so at the same time, getting in front of Kid Flash and Aqualad and dropping a smoke bomb. He shoots a grappling hook to the bottom of one of the support beams.Kid Flash backs up as a Genomorph slashes at his face. Dodging, but just barely, before he walks on the wall and dives at the two with dual punches, then pushing off the opposite vertical support, executing an inverted flip and pushing off to kick on in the chest and back through the smoke. Aqualad has on his shoulders slicing at his chest and gripping his head. He gets ahold of its arm and throws it off, combating the next one coming at him with a front kick to the chest as well. However, at his open and unguarded shoulder Guardian checks him. Knocking him off his feet and into a crashing barrel roll, then into the plating under the insectoid Genomorphs. Guardian charges at him again. He stands and attempts a triple cross combo, but Guardian backs out of his range and when he’s following through due to the power he put behind the punch, once again leaving his left shoulder open to Guardian. The older hero get a punch in on his face, then turns into an elbow that Aqualad barely manages to duck under. Then catch the attempted downward elbow after the dodged uppercut thanks to the shield on his left forearm. Spider-girl lands behind him as her Venom strike charges before electricity travels through the shield and into the hero, giving spider girl the advantage and making him able to throw Guardian to them. His Geno morph falling off his shoulder.Outside the room, where the alarm was blaring, Robin was hacking into one of the ports. Aqualad and Kid Flash make it down the hallway from the growl Genomorphs, the younger male speeding toward their fellow protégé. Aqualad chanced a glance back, then followed as well with the female hero. Kid Flash skid to a stop and turned accusingly to the younger teen. “Way to be a team player, Rob!” He snapped “Weren’t you right behind me?” He questioned, surprised, but not stalling in his hacking of the elevator. It opened and the two dived in, turning and facing back down the hall as Aqualad and Spider-Girl continued to run from the Genomorphs, diving into the elevator and the door closes right behind them. "Thanks for almost abandoning us!" Spider-Girl hissed, glaring at Robin, who put his hands up in mock surrender. "I really thought you guys were behind me," he said honestly. The numbers were going up, which meant they’re going deeper underground. Aqualad was the first to voice not only his concern, but also his dislike which was obvious in his harsh tone. “We’re headed down?” “Dude, out is up,” Kid Flash stated as he made his point by gesturing in that direction. Both older boys look at the Boy Wonder in tense confusion. “Excuse me?” Robin questions, offended. “Project Kr, it’s down on Sub-level 52." “This is nuts,” Spidey uttered before she moved her hand to rub the back of her neck as she moved to the far side of the expansive elevator. “Perhaps - perhaps we should contact the League,” she suggested. "We are a little in over our heads here, guys," Spider-Girl agreed, not sure she even wanted to learn what Project Kr was anymore. But the elevator slowed and finally came to a stop with a ding at Sub-level 52. All four get in front of the door and tensed for battle, but there was nothing there when the door opened. Only hallways that look almost organic. Robin sprinted out, colorful cape flying behind him, leaving Kid Flash to turn to Aqualad, Spider-Girl,. “We are already here.” With that, he took off after the Boy Wonder.

The eldest sighs in an effort to not get mad at the younger protogés. As he comes to be next to them his voice is tense. “Which way?” Robin chuckles, trying to keep it light. “Yeah, bizarre-looking hallway one, or bizarre-hallway two?”“Halt!” is given out by the Anthropoid from before. His horns glow red and he lifts to cans telekinetically, then launching them at the teens. They dodge and Robin throws an disk at him which he stops. By the time he’s prepared to attack them again they’re running down the other hallway. "Number one it is!" Spider- girl yelled. He stops and waits as Guardian and the other Genomorphs run out of the elevator. “They are headed for Project Kr.” he tells Guardian. The force doesn’t stop and continues down the path. Further down a scientist opened the door from the inside, walking out of the chamber. Kid Flash came around the corner at high speeds and didn’t have a chance to stop before he took out her feet, knocking her to the ground. As he got to his knees he heard the doors behind him closing and looked at the PROJECT Kr label on it, and how much distance the other four teens had to cross before they get to it. He got to his feet and picked up a large triangular prism shaped object, dropping it to the floor and between the two flat segments of the door. He could already hear the door straining. “Hurry!” He, Spider-Girl and Robin both jump through, but Aqualad took a moment before he stepped inside. Watching as Guardian and the Genomorphs came around the corner, then kicked out the prop allowing the door to slam closed. A few steps in Robin had the hologlove up again, and was hacking the door to engage the emergency lock. “I disabled the door. We’re safe,” he told the others. “We’re trapped,” Aqualad said in a dark tone looking at Kid Flash and Spider-Girl who were in front of a large computer system deeper in the dark chamber.

“Uh, guys.” he calls to the other two. “You’ll want to see this.” hitting a single button to turn all the lights on in the chamber and inside the pod in the center of the room.As it does all of them can only stare in utter disbelief. “Whoa!” is all that is managed by the Boy Wonder. Inside the pod is a boy with pitch black hair, pale skin and a white suit that has Superman’s S on it. The letter’s Kr written on the glass that keeps the teen within. Kid Flash steps around the console, looking at the boy closer. “Big “K”, little “r”" "aw man. Knew i should of paid attention in science" Deme whispered to herself. "the atomic symbol for Krypton.” KF turns back towards the other two. “Clone?” “Robin, hack.” Aqualad commands. It takes the caught-off-guard youngest a couple seconds to register what he was told to do. “Oh. Right, right.” he plugs his connector into the console. As it asks for a password he begins the bypass program, which works and lets him in. Kid Flash walks back as he realizes Robin’s got it. “Weapon Designation Superboy, a clone force-grown in… sixteen week?!” his eyes popping in shock. “From DNA acquired from Superman.”

“Stolen from Superman.” Aqualad accuses. “No way the big guy knows about this,” Kid Flash agreed. “Solar Suit allows him to absorb yellow-sun radiation 24/7,” Spidey continued to read off. “And these creatures?” Aqualad questioned indicating to the ones on the projection off Robin’s gauntlet. “Genomorph Gnomes, telepathic, force-feeding him an education,” Robin relayed sourly. “And we can guess what else,” Kid Flash sad, capturing the attention of the others. “They’re making slave out of, well, Superman’s son.” “Now we contact the League,” Spider-Girl said, and there was no objection this time. In fact as Aqualad reached for his emblem at his belt, Kid Flash went to his lightning bolts and Robin attempted it from his hologlove. Spider-Girl pressed her fingers to the Spider insignia on her chest. All of them got nothing. “No signal,” Robin verified. On the other side of the door, Guardian and the Genomorph squad stood ready, while the scientist attempted to manually cross the wires to force the door open. A panting Dr. Desmond and the Anthropoid approached, gaining Guardian’s attention. “They’re still in there with the weapon?” Desmond sounds accusatory in his words to Guardian.“We can’t get the door open.” Guardian explains, not attempting to pin the blame on the female scientist who’s working on the door. "Use your telekinesis!” Desmond commands of the Anthropoid.“I have tried to no avail.” he responds simply.“Useless! This is debacle.” he seems to calm as he approaches Guardian. “Get some G-trolls down and muscle the door open now!”Guardian puts his hands on his hips. “Already on their way.” he says rightfully defensive.“You realize once we get in there, we can't ever let them leave.” Desmond says darkly. “Doc, these aren't your typical meddling kids.” Guardian tries to make the man see sense. “You don't want to get on the wrong side of the Justice League.” “Better than getting on the wrong side of the Cadmus Directors, believe me,” Desmond replied, then transferred the look to the G-gnome on Guardian’s shoulder. “Contact the G-gnomes inside Kr.” It’s horns glowed and it seemed to concentrate strongly to get through to them. With success the horns of all three Genomorphs inside the pod began to hiss lightly and their horns glowed red. “This is wrong,” Kid Flash finally said. Robin needed no convincing. “We can’t leave him like this.” Both were now looking to a concentrating AqualadSpider-Girl stared at Superboy, her hand on the glass. “Set him free,” he decided, then turned to Robin. “Do it.”

The Boy Wonder needs no further prodding and begins work on it immediately. All four watch as the pod falls away from the boy who looks physically 16. Though the pod is gone he remains calm.Then his hand clenches, causing worry to play on Aqualad’s brow.As the G-gnomes begin to hiss again his bright blue eyes snap open. Aqualad raises his eyebrows in a silent question, but no one dares to actually speak. Before anyone can blink Superboy launches himself at Aqualad. Tackling him to the ground and leaving the other to watch the movement in shock. They tumble over each other twice, before Superboy ends up on top of aqualad his fist coming back to hit her square in the face. He gets three full hits in before Kid Flash and Robin manage to grab his arms and hold him back slightly.“Whoa! Hang on, Supey.” Kid Flash tries, holding the Kryptonian’s forearm with all his strength. Spider-Girl used her webs to stick to Aqualad and drag her out of the way. she narrowed her eyes at Superboy. “We’re on your side!” Robin also attempted to talk to the raging maniac. Kid Flash lost his fight against Superboy and gave the clone enough time to land an uppercut under the speedster’s jaw. Knocking him up and back and through a display cylinder. Then on the back of his neck and flopping to the ground, unconscious. "Kid!" Spider-Girl exclaimed before growling under her breath. She jumped over and punched Superboy in the face. "Calm down or I'll make you!" She snapped, shooting her webs around him to restrain him. He grunted and broke free with ease making her grimace. "Shoot... Note to self: make better reinforced webbing," she mused to herself only to jump out of the way of his fist, but missed the other that sent her flying into a wall with a grunt before she fell to the ground, unconscious. Robin now had his arm around Superboy’s neck and the other in his utility belt. “I don’t want to do this,” he told him then places a smoke blaster to the clone’s clavicle, unleashing gas right into his face.

Robin keeps going and pulls out a high-voltage taser. They pin to his chest and send high amounts electricity, but they have no effect. He grabs the wires and yanks on them. Catching the young teen by surprise and pulling him towards him with ease. Catching him on the front of his cape then slamming him to the ground. As a final point he steps onto the smaller raven’s chest. Beginning to force more weight onto his solar plexus.Getting his head back on straight, and realizing the immediate danger the one non-powered member of their group is in. Aqualad pulls out his water-bearers, creating a massive hammer, swinging back and only catching the clone’s attention with his cry of “Enough!” which gave him no warning and let Aqualad hit him solidly and knocking him back through the support of his pod. Aqualad helps Robin up to his, knees, but he’s groaning and clutching his chest in pain. Until he finally falls onto his back, unconscious. Aqualad stood up as he heard Superboy’s heavy footfalls coming back towards them. He stood tall and put his hand out in the universal sign to stop. “We are trying to help you.” The boy did stop moving, but didn’t stop glaring. In an instant, he tried to punch Aqualad, but he sidestepped and tackled the clone into the wall. While over him he tried a righthanded cross, but Superboy caught it, then unleashed a strong push front kick to his stomach. Knocking him away and forcing the Atlantean to roll to reduce the distance. Aqualad dodged the obvious punch, countering with a roundhouse to the stomach, which caused his body to instinctively curl in on itself, then elbowed him between the shoulders. He got an uppercut to Superboy’s chest before the clone tried for a hook punch, which he ducked under and got a solid strike to the kidneys. Then Aqualad got behind his turned back and put his hands under his arms and behind his head, using his Atlantean powers to shock Superboy. It clearly hurt this time, and as he looked like he’s about to go down, the clone used his super strength to throw both him and Aqualad into the ceiling. However, being on his back and the first to hit Aqualad took the brunt of the hit. Yet, he didn’t let go so Superboy did it again. This time the Atlantean’s grip broke and he fell independently to the ground. Unconscious. Superboy walked past his unconscious form and to the door. His hands broke through the metal and he got the door open with a slam, knocking it off it’s rail. Gaining the full attention, albeit shocked, of Guardian, Desmond, and the Anthropoid. Desmond smirked, but said nothing as he walked past the clone, observing the unconscious teen heroes within. “Attaboy.”

Chapter Text

"Time runs short." a male's voice says . "You must awaken….You must awaken NOW!" Kid Flash comes to, gasping for air and his green eyes flying open. The others are just as alert as the speedster. Their attention trained on the glaring Superboy before them. "What? What do you want?" the speedster asks, his annoyance fighting his fear. "Quit staring. You're creeping me out. ""Uh, KF, how about we not tick off the guy who can fry us with a look?" Spider-girl suggests to the seriously freaked out speedster who winces at her words. The door opened behind superboy, revealing Desmond and the scientist that was in Project Kralk down the organic-looking hall. "Prepare the cloning procedure for the new Project Sidekick, now." Desmond instructs. She leaves instantly and Desmond continues to walk until he is side-by-side with Guardian.

"Pass!" Robin spoke up. "The Batcave crowded enough." "And get the Weapon back in its pod," Desmond commanded of Guardian. "Hey, how come he gets to call Supey an "it"?" Kid Flash questioned, seeming partially annoyed and partially saddened by the prospect. Guardian stepped up, placing a hand on Superboy's shoulder. Superboy looked to the four trapped teens. But he looked at the Spider themed hero who seemed frightened. Aqualad realized the depths they had gone to. "Help us," he pleaded with Superboy. The clone shrugged off Guardian's hand, looking to the older hero with an angered look. Desmond walked up behind him. "Don't start thinking now." His Genomorph hopped off his shoulder and landed on Superboy's shoulder. It hissed as it's horns glow red, taking telepathic control over Superboy. Only physically obvious as his eyes lost focus. "See you're not a real boy. You're a weapon, and you belong to me!" He paused for a moment, realizing his mistake. "Well, to Cadmus. Same thing," he defended. "Now get back to your pod!" Superboy didn't even show that he heard Desmond, only beginning by walking back down the way they came. The Genomorph's horns still glowing red. "Superboy!" "Superboy please!"

Once the door closes with a thud behind Superboy, Desmond nods to the scientists at the control station. She hits two more buttons on the control station, causing robotic arms to come out of the base of the four protogés' pods.Kid Flash reels back, attempting to maneuver away from them, but he still restrained completely.The tops of the arms break apart into four fingers, two prongs on the tips of each one. With no hesitation and a slight electrical buzz they plunge the prongs into the boys' and girl chests. All four scream out, which only increases as the fingers begin to pull out a reddish gas which then fills the spheres below their pods. "Where's Dubbilex?" Desmond asks Guardian and the other scientist. Only to see the Anthropoid shadow coming out of the darkness. "Ooh!" he gasps, taken off guard. "Lurking as usual. Get the G-gnomes downloading their memories. When that's done, delete the source material."

"Superboy, you live. That gives you the right to follow your own path. A weapon or a person, the choice is yours, but ask yourself, "What would Superman do"?" Kaldur managed to whisper. The clone stopped short at those words and his eyebrows creased as his eyes filled with determination. There was a boom that echoed through the containment room, catching Desmond's and Guardian's attention and turning it back to the door. Which was being crinkled as Superboy removed it, then held it over his head with ease. As he did the torture devices on the four teens powered down. Then he threw the door away and stalked into the room. Desmond, Guardian, and Dubbilex all make their way toward Superboy. "I told you to get back to you -" Desmond began, but was cut off as Superboy's right-hand swiped him away and his left took out both Guardian and Dubbilex, Guardian getting thrown into the wall, while Dubbilex and Desmond hit the ground with a thud. Superboy stood tall and glared down at Desmond. "Don't give me orders," he nearly growled, then stepped up to be back in front of the teen heroes. "You here to save us or fry us?" Kid Flash questions, seeming actually sincere in the question. Honestly unsure what the clone will do. Superboy glares for a moment, but nothing happens. "Huh. I don't seem to have heat vision, so I suppose helping is my only option" Spider-girl let out a sound of relief “Thank god, me first!” The girl begged, she hated to admit it but she had quite a sudden itch on her nose. Robin manages to get his wrist restraints open, then jumps from his pod. "Ahh. Finally!" he says, annoyance in his tone as he rubs his wrists. "Lucky Batman isn't here. He'd have my head for taking so long.""Seriously, that's what you're worried about?" Spider-girl deadpans. "The whole League will have our heads after tonight." Kid snaps angrily.

Robin ignored him and went to the control station. Hitting one of the buttons, which retracted the arms from Kid Flash, Spider-Girl, and Aqualad and opened their pod doors. He turned to Superboy. "Get Aqualad and Spider-Snark. I'll get Kid Mouth" "Don't you give me orders either," Superboy growled, but did go to release Aqualad anyway, ripping the restraints apart with ease. Weak from the torture, Superboy had to catch his shoulders to keep the Atlantean from falling to the ground below the floor of his pod. "Thank you," Aqualad told him sincerely. Superboy nods but doesn't say anything. While Robin gets Kid Flash and Spider-girl's restraints open, letting both of them drop to the ground. The two raven follows close behind, even as Desmond begins to come to and the scientist tries to wake Guardian."You- you'll never get out of here!" Desmond shouts, but the boys don't listen, they only continue to run. "I'll have you back in the pods before morning!” Robin turns at the doorway and pauses, "That guy is not whelmed." he mutters then launches three disks back into the room. "Not whelmed at all."

The four disks hit all four of their DNA containers and began to beep, then exploded, destroying the material they would've used for cloning and the pods themselves. Desmond stood before the destroyed lab, anger clear in his grimace. A G-gnome jumped onto his shoulder. "Activate every Genomorph in Cadmus." The G-gnome's horns glow red as it makes a telepathic connection to the other Genomorphs. In the hallway, the six were running down the once cream-colored bumps in the wall that began to glow the same red color as the horns on the G-gnome. "We are still 42 levels below ground," Aqualad stated, not even panting as he ran at full tilt. "But if we can make the elevator…" he trailed off as the G-trolls blocked their way, first two further away, then more and steadily getting closer to them. The Five stopped and looked back the way they came. The glowing orbs now have pale white figures moving inside them. . Genomorph Elves come out in a large group. The group are trapped.The lead G-troll strikes from behind and all five jump back to avoid its crushing blow. Aqualad, Spider-girl moves right around it, while Kid Flash and Robin go left. Superboy glares and jumps to cross it in the jaw. Knocking it down, but he is then surrounded by three more and is brought down as one pins him to the ground with its massive paw.

Another dropped low on all fours and swung its head towards Aqualad, attempting to hit him with its large horns. Aqualad jumped into a backflip over the assault, giving Robin the chance to get in front of it and take its attention as he grabbed his horn to follow Aqualad over the G-troll's shoulder. Kid Flash had another tailing him and ran it into the wall, before running along it to end up beside Aqualad, Robin, and Spider-Girl, who shot some webbing at a troll and used it to throw him against a wall.. Their attention landed on Superboy who was fighting off G-trolls and slamming them into the wall and using his full strength. Despite the fact that it was causing the hallway to begin to fall apart. Aqualad spoke up, nearly yelling, but just so he can ensure that he's heard. "Superboy, the goal is to escape. Not to bury ourselves here." Superboy turns to the four with an insane look, but also anger playing across his face. "You want to escape?" he demands, grabbing an unconscious G-troll's arm and throws it into the two that are coming towards him with a battle cry. As he does Aqualad pries the elevator doors open, this time taking no care in the fact that he's bending the doors. Kid Flash, Spider-girl, and Robin join him, looking at the twelve story drop below them, and the seemingly never-ending darkness above them.Kid Flash jumps to the side of the column, while Robin uses his grappling hook, Spidy uses her webs. As a G-troll comes to take out both Superboy and Aqualad with a mighty punch the Boy of Steel grabs Aqualad's waist and jumps into the elevator shaft. Attempting to fly, and getting nearly 30 levels before gravity begins to pull them back down. Shock shows in Superboy's eyes, while confusion shows in Aqualad's." I-I'm falling." he realizes numbly. Spider-girls eyes widen as he realizes what's happening, using her Web to pull them up but ends up struggling. She moves to the side of the shaft with a groan “I knew i should have eaten more Veggies when i was younger” The girl groaned as she struggled to hold the web. Superboy's eyes have sadness and confusion filling them "Superman can fly. Why can't I fly?"

"Don't know," Kid Flash said, drawing the Boy of Steel's attention to him and Robin who were now standing on the level just below them. "But it does look like you can leap tall buildings in a single bound. Still cool." Kid Flash then helped Superboy down to the small ledge. Aqualad followed shortly thereafter as Spider-Girl let out a sigh of relief as she released the web. "Ah, thank you." Superboy murmured. "That's odd. No heat vision and no flight..." Spider-Girl murmured, wondering if maybe the scientists did something else. Maybe used more than just Superman's DNA. A whir from above them catches Robin's attention. "Guys, this will have to be our exit." Above them, the high-speed express elevator was coming down. Aqualad and Superboy took out the doors, now showing that they are on SL-15, all six of them just making it out of the column in time. G-elves were attracted to the sound and make their way toward the six teens in a squad of five, followed closely by a G-troll. 'Turn left, brother,' a voice said in Superboy's mind. His eyes widened, slightly confused, but after a few seconds, his mind was made up. "Go left! Left!" He relayed. They all followed him, as he followed the directions. 'Turn right.' "Right." All four made the tight turn, only to lead them to a dead end. The only thing available was an air vent a few feet below the ceiling. "Great directions, Supey," Kid Flash said sarcastically. "Are you trying to get us repodded?" "No. I-I don't understand," Superboy confessed as Aqualad, Spider-Girl, and Robin finally caught up to the two faster teens. "Don't apologize. This is perfect!" Robin said excitedly. By the time the G-elves and the g-troll got to the dead end the six teens were gone, and the air vent cover was the only indication of where they went. In the vents Robin leads the way, followed by Aqualad, Spider-girl, Kid Flash, then Superboy bringing up the rear "Ugh, at this rate we'll never get out." Kid Flash complains.``Shh." Superboy shushes, coming to a stop and so do the other boys. "Listen." Within the vent system are the G-elves, coming after the four attempting-escapees.``I hacked the motion sensors." Robin says as he continues advanced keystrokes on his holo-glove once they exited the vent "Sweet." Kid Flash says brightly, though probably just happy to be out of the vents and in the hallways again. "Still plenty of them between us and out." Robin grumbles, but they are also right by the emergency staircase.

Kid Flash brought his goggles down over his eyes. "But I've finally got room to move." He then opened the door and started running up levels at super-speeds. Coming down the same staircase from a level above him are droves of G-elves. He didn't stop, in fact, he smirked and increased speed, taking them all out and clearing the way for Aqualad, Spider-Girl, Robin - who was still hacking - and Superboy. "More behind us." Robin called out to Superboy. As Superboy got to the platform he stopped and slammed his foot down on the connecting stair, knocking the whole staircase down and all the G-elves on it. Kid Flash continued up the staircase at super-speed, making out the door that indicates that he is at Sublevel 1. As he did so, an alarm began to blare, and massive doors in front of him closed. His eyes widened as he realized he won't be able to stop in time. "Oh, crud." Hitting the doors hard, and his head hitting first, then falling back to the ground a few feet away from the barrier then tumbling over twice before coming to a stop on his butt.

"We are cut off from the street." Aqualad grumbles annoyed as he, spider girl,Superboy and Robin run to catch up with him.Kid Flash rubs the back of his head with a grimace. "Thanks. My head hadn't noticed."Superboy walks past the fallen speedster, punching the door, but not even getting a dent in it. He begins trying to pry it apart, but can't do it. Aqualad takes half and he takes the other, but even their combined strength cannot get the doors open.Robin is typing at high speeds on his gauntlet, grumbling annoyed. "Can't hack this fast enough."G-trolls growl and two come around the corner. Spider girl notices a door to his right."This way!" She shouts to the other four, completing a 270 rotation before side-kicking the door open. The G-trolls couldn't make it through the door, but the adjoining hallway is full of G-elves, another pair of G-trolls, and Guardian waiting for them. Not to mention a G-gnome on every creature's shoulder. Behind them, a third G-troll and a half dozen G-elves cut them off. Aqualad removed his water-bearers, forming dual swords as the others dropped into fighting stances. One of the G-gnome's horns began to glow, setting off a chain reaction as all the other G-gnomes do the same. Linking everyone against the heroes telepathically. All four teens straightened out of their dropped stances before falling to the ground. Only Superboy fell to his knees. 'Perhaps for the sake of all Genomorphs our brother Superboy should make up his own mind.' Dubbilex said to all the Genomorphs telepathically. Superboy's eyes widened in realization. 'It was you.' 'Yes, brother. I set the fire and lured your new friends into Cadmus, woke them when they were in danger-' Dubbilex listed. 'And guided me,' Superboy finished. 'Why?'

‘Because you are our hope, the Genomorph hero. You will blaze a trail for all our brothers, showing us the way to freedom." Dubbilex tells Superboy. Guardian groans and grips his head, then the G-gnome jumps from his shoulder. "What's going on?" he questions, stirring Aqualad back into consciousness." What is your choice, brother?" Dubbilex asks Superboy as he stands tall."I... choose... freedom." Superboy states with conviction aloud so everyone can hear him."Feels... like fog... lifting." Guardian manages as the other three teen boys get back to their own two feet as well."Guardian?" Aqualad asks since right now his head is clearer than Robin and Kid Flash's and Spider girl "Go." he tells them with conviction. "I'll deal with Desmond." "I think not," Desmond growled, all Genomorphs behind Guardian parted ways to allow Desmond to be visible. "Project Blockbuster will give me the power to restore order to Cadmus," he said, then downed one of the blue vials that he was working on in his lab. Guardian backed up, standing protectively in front of the six teenagers as Desmond began to transform. First, it's just his veins popping under his skin, but as he falls to his knees and his body ripped through his lab coat and shirt Kid Flash and Robin's eyes pop in shock. Spider-Girl clenched her fists. Desmond's head lifted from his arm as he growled, some of his skin tearing off as his sclera turned black and his irises went bright red, Aqualad grimaced in hesitation. Finally, he stood back up and growled, all his old skin ripping off him and now replaced by thicker grey skin instead of his normal skin in most areas. Superboy tensed as he roared, but didn't attack, even as the once-Desmond turned towards the six heroes and growled, some of his hair and old skin still attached to the left side of his head, breathing heavily. Guardian put his hands out to the sides, but the palms turned towards the teens behind him. "Everyone back!" He ordered before he ran at Blockbuster, only to be swept aside like he was nothing and into a wall a good three or feet off the ground.

Superboy glares harder before charging at Blockbuster with a hard cross hitting the mutated scientist in the jaw. However, he's hardly affected and refutes by punching downwards on Superboy's shoulder/back. Superboy plants his feet and turns a tight 180 to hit an uppercut on Blockbuster's underjaw. Then jumping to do a double cross combo while he's still off balance. Blockbuster finds an opening and unleashes his own hard cross to Superboy's face, knocking him back a good ten feet. As Superboy lands on his shoulder he keeps his momentum going and rolls back to his feet. Standing up and charging, but this time jumping into the air with his hands over his head. Blockbuster jumps at Superboy, catching the teen's core and throwing both of them through the ceiling. "Okay." Robin murmurs, amazement in his voice as he, Aqualad, Spider girl and Kid Flash stand under the hole. "That's one way to bust through the ceiling." Spider-girl muttered as Robin released his grappling hook through the same hole. "You think Labcoat planned that?" Kid Flash questions as he grabs onto Robin's utility belt and the two zip up and out."I doubt he is planning anything anymore," Aqualad said darkly, before grabbing Spider-girls hand, who shot a web to bring them up. All five are now standing on the main floor of the building. An expansive room that only had floors on the sides to separate the two stories. All four proteges watched as Blockbuster attempted to confine Superboy by holding his arms to his sides. The Boy of Steel was stronger than the mutant, though, and broke the hold. Ready to strike at Blockbuster, if he hadn't grabbed his shins and thrown the taller raven at the other three heroes. Spider-Girl, Kid Flash, and Robin were just barely missed, but Aqualad got slammed into hard. Kid Flash used his speed to keep a closer step on the two entangled older boys and he positioned himself between their heads as Robin ran to join him. Blockbuster roared as Superboy got back to his feet and Spider-GIrl helped Aqualad. It was tense, but unmoving for a few moments before Blockbuster charged at the group of teens. Kid Flash reacted first, then Aqualad, then Spider-Girl, then Robin, then Superboy.

Kid Flash uses his speed to run right at Blockbuster, before sliding underneath him and dodging a crippling downward punch, he remains crouched and low to the ground. Gaining Blockbuster's attention, before he turns back and finds Superboy and Aqualad both jumping at him with double punches. The two hit him right in the face, and knock him back, Kid Flash helps the process along by straightening his legs slightly and causing Blockbuster to trip backward over him."Learned that in kindergarten." the redhead says smugly, standing up and blocking Robin and Spider-girl from view before he jumps and rotates over Kid Flash before releasing two of his signature disks. Spider-girl shooting webs into his eyes Blockbuster swung his arm and deflected them as he staggered so he's facing away from the two teens. Only to find Superboy waiting for him. Superboy stood ready, but Blockbuster, being as large as he was, caught Superboy around the core with both his hands, before standing up and ramming the Boy of Steel into the nearby pillar. Superboy didn't seem to feel it, as Blockbuster pulled away he unleashed a one-two combo on the large mutant. Blockbuster pulled away so he could muster a devastating cross to Superboy's head. Hitting Superboy right in the face, but also crushing him into the pillar behind him. As Blockbuster went for a second, a water whip wrapped around his upper arm. Turning he found Aqualad on the end of it coming at him and hitting the villain in the face with his knee before planting his feet on the pillar above Superboy's head as his water-bearer turns into a mace. Which, unfortunately Blockbuster caught with one hand and threw the stunned Atlantean to the side while his other hand held Superboy. Aqualad hit with a cry, the floor even cracking under the force, as Blockbuster gripped Superboy tighter and then threw to the second story segment of another pillar. Superboy fell and hit with his own gasp, before a slab of the pillar he fell into falls on top of his left arm and shoulder.

Kid Flash speeds in, as Aqualad manages to get out of the way of Blockbuster attempting to step on his head. Grabbing Blockbuster massive wrist and allowing momentum to turn the villain's back to Aqualad. Blockbuster opens his monstrous hand, causing Kid Flash to lose his grip and catch the speedster's smaller wrist in it. Aqualad stands, his tattoos glowing as his water-bearer turns to a mace once more, prepared to hit Blockbuster's turned back. Though Blockbuster swings Kid Flash like an extension of his arm, throwing the two into each other. Knocking Aqualad into a pillar across the room, and Kid Flash into the front of the building.Kid Flash hits the ground hard, while Aqualad falls but slumps against the pillar just managing to look up before Blockbuster hitswith by an invisible force. The move destroyed the pillar. Spider-girl reappeared in a crouched position, panting. Robin watched from a safe distance. "Of course," the Boy Wonder realized, pulling up the floor plan of this room. "KF, Spider-Girl, get over here!" He called as Spider-Girl helped Kid flash to his feet and they followed the Boy Wonder's call as BlockBuster gripped Aqualad's face, ready to uppercut him again, but barely being stopped by Aqualad's water-bearer turning into a small circular shield. Seeing this as he stumbled to his feet, Superboy charged at Blockbuster, hitting him in the kidneys just as Aqualad's shield broke. Seeing the effect it had, Superboy hook punched the same spot. Angered, Blockbuster threw Aqualad to the side. "Got it?" Robin asked Kid Flash and Spider-Girl as the damage was being shown in real time on his hologlove. "Got it." Kid Flash confirmed. "Easy peasy!" "Go!" Robin commanded as the speedster zipped off toward Superboy and Blockbuster. Zooming around so that he was just off to the right of Blockbuster did Kid Flash come to a stop, before changing direction and hitting Blockbuster with a high speed cross. Nothing happened, but on his knuckles is some of his old skin. "Got your nose," he teased. Blockbuster threw Superboy down and went after Kid Flash, just missing the speedster with two downward strikes from over his head. Giving Superboy enough time to get his grip again and force himself to his feet. "Superboy, Aqualad." Robin calls pulling up the hologlove again. This goes unheard as Spider-girl comes to a stop before one of the pillars, taunting the massive villain. "Come and get me, you incredible bulk!" The spider themed heroine gets out of the way of the punch that destroys the pillar, but some of the debris hits her in the shoulder. Knocking off her web she had created.Just barely managing to dodge the double fist combo and dive across the room to keep Blockbuster following ner as Robin finishes explaining the plan to Aqualad and Superboy."This one and that one."He points to the one he wants, the two stronger boys nod and run to it as Robin pulls out three more disks. Superboy hits an already damaged pillar breaking it with ease, while behind him Aqualad's tattoos glow as his water-bearer forms a mace as he destroys a second one. Kid Flash dropped under a cross by Blockbuster and stayed just to his right, another pillar now weakened. Blockbuster attempts to hit the speedster again, only to miss. Kid Flash chuckled. "Sorry. Try again," he taunted before he then bolted again. "How about trying here?" Spider-Girl asked Blockbuster and went 'nah, nah, nah, nah, nah!'. He tried to punch her only for her to duck and dive as he destroyed another pillar. Robin uses chalk to draw a white X on the floor and Aqualad uses his water-bearers to create a puddle that Kid Flash skidded through covering up to said X . Superboy jumped and hit Blockbuster on his way down with a cross that knocked him straight to the ground. Now right on the X, some water underneath the Spider-Girl suit crackled as little sparks of electricity danced around her, down to her finger tips. "Move!" Robin called as Spider-girl touched the water. On the three remaining pillars were Robin's disks, which were now glowing red and green and beeping before they exploded. As they did the weight of the roof became too much and it broke right over Blockbuster's head dropping the rubble right on his shocked face. All four boys and girl were running to make it out of the debris field, but couldn't make it far enough, Superboy jumped over Kid Flash, Spider-Girl while Aqualad covered Robin. The entire building now has crumbled. Superboy punched a small piece of rubble so he could stick his hand through and pushed the larger piece covering the six of them up with his shoulder. All five now had evidence of their injuries in their torn suits, but they were okay.

Breathing heavily, Aqualad turns to Robin, Spider-girl and Kid Flash. "We… did it.""Was there… ever any doubt?" Robin questions, barely exchanging a look with Kid Flash before they high five, but are forced to drop it as they aggravate their injuries on their sides/stomachs.Superboy steps fully out of the rubble they were covered in and looks to the still pinned Blockbuster. "See?" Spider girl questions, drawing Superboy's attention away from the villain and using her thumb to gesture to the sky, stumbling. Spider-girls mask was fine but the rest of her costume was ripped. "The Moon." Superboy can only stand and take it all in, but then a figure appears in its light, cloaking him in shadows. Superboy squints slightly, trying to see who it is. As he slows and turns perpendicular to the ground it's obviously Superman. "Oh. And Superman," Kid Flash commented, surprised. "Do we keep our promises, or what?" "Not just Superman,” Spidey whispered with a wince. Martian Manhunter, Zatara, Captain Marvel, and Red Tornado flew behind the Big Blue Boyscout. Followed by Captain Atom, Hawkman, Wonder Woman, Hawkwoman, and the first Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, The second Green Lantern, John Stewart, brought a platform for the Leaguers who couldn't fly; Black Canary, Spider-Man, Aquaman, Batman, and Green Arrow. As Batman stepped up to Superman, Flash zoomed in, standing to Batman's left. Superboy stepped up first, gaining scrutiny in Superman's eyes, but not stopping as he lifted the torn front of his suit, revealing the same S that is mirrored on his own costume. Superman's eyes widened in shock, while Superboy's features softened. Only for Superman's gaze to turn hard and cold, bringing on an annoyed look of confusion on Superboy's face. "Is that what I think it is?" Batman questioned. "He doesn't like being called an "it",Spider-Girl says, stepping up and placing a hand on Superboy's shoulder. "I'm Superman's clone!" Superboy speaks up, gaining a shocked look from Kid Flash. While Martian Manhunter looks to Captain Marvel, Flash looks to Green Arrow, and Aquaman and Black Canary can only look on in shock. Batman's eyes zero in on his protogé's. "Start talking." Both Green Lanterns have Blockbuster trapped inside a sphere, while Hawkman, Hawkwoman, and Captain Atom fly alongside them.Superman is having a conversation with Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter. Nothing is said for a moment, then Manhunter places a hand on Superman's shoulder, causing Superman to meet Superboy's gaze. The clone's look is curious, while Superman's is hard. The clone looks away, then glances back, seeing Superman look down and away from him before finally turning and walking towards him. A bit a way Spiderman stood next to his protege who was holding her arm in pain "you ok, kid?" "I mean...I disobeyed you, pretty sure we kidnapped a clone from his home. Late for dinner and curfew and possibly got a broken arm" She trailed off with a sad look but after a moment it changed to a look of happiness “Im great! Best day ever!” she beamed behind her mask.

Spider-Man laughed at that and patted her head as if he would've ruffled her hair if it weren't for the mask. "I know that feeling all too well," he mused, remembering when he first became Spider-Man. "But you do know either way you won't be escaping the wrath of your mother," he pointed out, making her groan as she remembered. "Right..." Superman sighed as he met his cross-armed clone. "We'll, uh, we'll figure something out for you. The League will, I mean," he corrected himself quickly. "For now I better make sure they get the Blockbuster creature squared away." Then he flew away with a swish of his cape. Leaving Superboy following him with shocked, hurt, and confused eyes. "Cadmus will be investigated," Batman said, drawing the teens' attention to him, Flash, Spider-Man, and Aquaman as they walk towards them. "All 52 levels but let's make one thing clear -" "You should have called," Flash piped up, even catching Batman's attention. ""End results aside, we're not happy." the Dark Knight growls. "You hacked Justice League systems, disobeyed direct orders, and endangered lives. You will not be doing this again." "I am sorry, but we will." Aqualad states strongly, even Robin steps up slightly."Aqualad, stand down." Aquaman attempts to command the older teen."Apologies, my king," he even makes reverence as he speaks, then his voice goes firm once more. "but no." this catches an eyebrow raise from the King of Atlantis. "We did good work here tonight, the work you trained us to do. Together on our own we forged something powerful, important." Spider-girl continued "If this is about your treatment at the Hall, the four of you-" Flash tries to understand where they're coming from, but is completely off. Kid Flash doesn't hesitate to correct him. "The five of us, and it's not." "Batman, we're ready to do what you taught us, or why teach us at all?" He speaks the quietest out of the group, but as he steps up to speak to his mentor it's obvious that he feels just as strongly about it as they do. "Why let them tell us what to do?" Superboy questions, his arms uncrossing as he too steps up. "It's simple. Get on board or get out of the way." all four protogés were watching him, but they all turned back towards their mentors. Standing tall, proud, and defiant.

MOUNT JUSTICE
July 8th, 8:04 EDT

Green Lantern and Captain Atom were flying large pieces of equipment around the Mountain, but in the Center stands all five teens, now dressed in civilian clothes, Spider-girl still wearing her mask., Batman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Hawkman, Black Canary, Spider-Man, Red Tornado, and Captain Marvel. "This cave was the original secret sanctuary of the Justice League." Batman tells the group of teens. "We're calling it into service again. Since you five are determined to stay together and fight the good fight you'll do it on League terms." All five watched as Batman walked slightly away from the center of the room. "Red Tornado volunteered to live here and be your supervisor. Black Canary's in charge of training. I will deploy you on missions." A pair of sunglasses covered Robin's eyes, clearly there to protect his identity, speaks up. "Real missions?" He checked. "Yeah, but covert," Spider-Man piped up making Spider-girl gasp in excitement “its still Real missions” "The League will still handle the obvious stuff." Flash speaks up from behind Kid Flash's right shoulder. "There's a reason we have these big targets on our chest.""But Cadmus proves the bad guys are getting smarter. Batman needs a team that can operate on the sly." Aquaman continues, then turns his head towards Batman to continue the flow of conversation."The Six of you will be that team." Batman states."Cool! Wait." Robin does the very simple math and realizes the problem. "Six?"Batman only looks over his protgé's shoulder and all five turn to see Martian Manhunter stepping out of the shadows with a green skinned, red haired teenage girl. "This is the Martian Manhunter's niece. Miss Martian." She raises her left hand, giving them a small wave and smile, then a shy “Hi” Kid Flash looked down to Robin as he put one hand on his hip, Robin in turn looked up at Kid Flash. "Liking this gig more every minute." He stepped up, minorly blocking her view of Robin and Superboy. "Uh, welcome aboard, I'm Kid Flash," he said, using his thumb to point at himself. "That's Robin," The smaller raven stepped to the side and gave the Rock 'n' Roll sign. "Aqualad." The Atlantean gave a small nod, but said nothing more. "Spider-Girl." the Masked girl gave a wave. "Nice to have another girl on the team," she added. "It's cool if you forget their names," Kid Flash added quickly, earning glares from Spider-Girl in annoyance. "I'm honored to be included," Miss Martian said sincerely, clasping her hands in front of her to enunciate her point. Aqualad, Robin,, Spider-Girl, and Kid Flash all walked to talk to her with less of their mentor's listening in. However, Superboy stayed behind, something Robin noticed was paired with a downcast expression. "Hey, Superboy, come meet Miss M!" He called out. Superboy walks over to the rest of the team; Miss Martian uses her shape-shifting ability to change her shirt color from white with a red X to black with the same red X, even going so far as to remove her cape. She looks down before speaking. "I like your t-shirt." She admits Superboy gives her a small smile, which causes Robin to nudge his elbow into his chest with a smirk on his features. While Kid Flash zips to his other side with a bright smile.Robin inclines his head slightly to Aqualad."Today is the day." the Atlantean says proudly placing a hand on Spider-girls shoulder. Today was the Best day!

Chapter Text

STAR CITY
July 17, 23:16 PDT
The four young heroes appeared in Star City, having found out Speedy would be here to stop a gun smuggler. The leader aimed the gun he picked up at Speedy, who was on top an iron construction area. “You again! I'm startin' to get insulted Green Arrow's not messin' up my operations personally,” he growled before shooting at him. Speedy easily dodged, running from the shots before flipping and shooting an arrow that made the gun blow up. The leader growled when his suit was ruined, but not a scratch on him. “Do you know what I pay for a suit in my size?! Scorch the Earth, boys!” Before the lackeys could do anything, there was a flash that took down a couple of them. Robin’s creepy laugh sounded as he got the guns out of two of the others’ hands with his bird-arangs. Aqualad used his water bearers and took down two other lackeys. Spider-Girl swung up and shooting some web around the last one and swung him into one of the ship trailers. The leader picked up a boulder from the ground and threw it at Speedy, who was running after shooting an arrow at him. Speedy quickly dodged and Aqualad sliced the boulder with his water bearer. Speedy then shot a smoke arrow at the leader as he walked up to Aqualad, the others joining them.
“The cave is perfect. It has everything the team will need.” the Atlantean tells the older hero.“For covert missions.” Spider girl adds, dropping down behind Speedy. “You know, spy stuff.”Kid Flash runs up the crates and lands just shy of the edge with an inverted half. “And wait till you see Superboy and Miss Martian.” he says excitedly. “But I saw her first.” as they spoke it seemed like The gas wasn’t enough to take out Brick, which is made clear as he lets loose another war cry and throws another piece of concrete at the four conversing teenagers. Speedy, Spider-girl, and Kid Flash all dive out of the way, but Aqualad remains firm. Taking out the concrete with twin maces. Speedy uses two arrows that stick to Brick’s chest and release three spurts of flame to knock him back. Though the villain just chuckles. “Tell Arrow he shouldn’t send boys to do a man’s job.” Speedy nocks another arrow taking aim. Brick stands tall his arms out wide. “Go ahead.” Speedy grinds his teeth as he shoots this arrow. Which hits and for a moment nothing happens, then foam releases from the capsule stuck to Brick and traps him in it.
Kid Flash ran up and grinned. “High-density polyurethane foam. Nice,” he said to the archer with a thumbs up. Speedy ignored him and walked to where Robin was leaning against a halt, Aqualad standing across from him. “So, Speedy, you in?” Boy Wonder asked. "Pass,” Speedy replied coldly. “I'm done letting Arrow and the League tell me what to do. I don't need a babysitter or a clubhouse to hang out with the other kids. Your Junior Justice League is a joke, something to keep you busy and in your place. I don't want any part of it.” “But we’re a team. All of us, Aren't we?” Spidey called out but Speedy looked down with narrowed eyes and walked off as the others frowned and shared a look.

Mount Justice; July 18 11:16 EDT

The Mount Justice Computer picks up the Zeta Tube usage, routing the users from North Carolina to the Mountain which the map shows in Rhode Island.

Recognize: Robin; B-0-1, Kid Flash; B-0-3

Both boys appear in their civilian clothes. Smiling brightly, then running out of the Zeta Tube to the room they’re connected to. Finding Miss Martian, Aqualad, and Superboy standing before a holoscreen. “Did you ask him?” Robin asks.“What did he say?” Kid Flash follows up.“He is arriving now.” Aqualad tells the two of them as calmly as always. “Then what are we waiting for?” The ginger grinned before running off at a normal pace, Robin going after him. Spider-Girl followed, walking behind them with Aqualad while Superboy and Miss Martian shared a look. The clone followed as the Martian flew by him. At the front of the mountain, a ramp lowered and the teens walked up to see Red Tornado flying over. “Red Tornado!” Kid Flash called waving as the robot landed. Red Tornado looked over the teenagers who greeted him outside the Cave. "Greetings. Is there a reason you intercept me outside the Cave?" He asked the group. "We hoped you had a mission for us," Aqualad explained to the android. "Mission assignments are Batman's responsibility." "But it's been over a week, and nothing -" Spider-Girl tried to argue, but Red Tornado cut her off. "You'll be tested soon enough. For the time being, simply enjoy each other's company," he stated, holding his hand up to make the heroine stop speaking and she scoffed, folding her arms over her chest. "This team is not a social club.” Aqualad objects strongly.“No,” Red Tornado agrees. “but I am told social interaction is an important team-building exercise. Perhaps you can keep busy by familiarizing yourselves with the cave.” Tornado says, walking past the six teens and into the cave.All six can only watch as he does.Kid Flash turns to Robin, punching him in the shoulder again. “＂Keep busy＂.” the speedster nearly growls.“Does he really think we’re falling for this?” Robin questions angrily, catching Superboy’s attention in his anger.“Oh, I’ll find out.” Miss Martian says excitedly, then turns towards Red Tornado and her expression relaxes slightly.

Recognize: Red Tornado; 1-6

Miss Martian sighs after a moment. “I'm sorry, I forgot he's a machine, inorganic. I… cannot read his mind.” “Nice try, though.” Spidey offers a hand on the girl's shoulder . “So, uh, you know what I'm thinking’ right now?” kid flash looks up at with a flirtatious smile.``We all know what you're thinkin’ now.” Robin grumbles and elbows the speedster’s turned back.``Ow.” he complains, but only seeming half-hearted about it.“And now we tour the clubhouse.” Aqualad says sourly. “Well, Superboy and I live here. We can play tour guides.” Miss Martian offers, looking at Superboy. "Don't look at me," Superboy states firmly. "We won't," Kid Flash shrugged before looking at the three girls. "A private tour sounds much more fun," he said with a flirty smile. "Sh-she never said private," Robin stuttered in embarrassment, Aqualad cut in. "Team building. We'll all go," he stated as the group began following Miss Martian. Robin and Spider-Girl hit the back of Kid Flash's head as they walk by. "Hey!" The speedster winced. “So this would be our front door…” Miss M started as they walked in. After going through the whole Cave, they made it to the back. “And this would be the back. The Cave is actually the entire mountain,” she said as they headed back inside. “It was hollowed out and reinforced by Superman and Green Lantern in the early days of the League,” Kid Flash explained. “Then why abandon it for the Hall of Justice?” Superboy asked, confused. “The Cave's secret location was compromised,” Aqualad answered grimly. “So they traded it in for a tourist trap? Yeah. That makes sense,” the clone said sarcastically, stuffing a hand into his jacket pocket. “If villains know of the Cave, we must be on constant alert,” Miss Martian said worriedly. “The Bad Guys know we know they know about the place,” Robin assures, grabbing her hand and turning her towards him, then putting his other hand on top of hers. “so they’d never think to look here.”“Uh,” Kid Flash interrupts and removing Robin’s hand from Miss Martian’s. “he means we’re hiding in plain sight.”“Ah, that’s much clearer.” Miss Martian still scratches her head, clearly still confused.Superboy sniffs twice. “I smell smoke.”Miss Martian gasps. “My cookies.” then flies down the hallway. Making it to the kitchen and removing said cookies, with telekinesis, before the boys can make it into the room. As she sets them down the boys enter the room, looking to the burnt-black cookies on the tray. "I was trying out Grammy Jones recipe from episode seventeen of – Heh. Never mind," she blushed, looking down. Robin smiled with sympathy towards the Martian girl. "I bet they'd have tasted great. He doesn't seem to mind," Robin gestured to Kid Flash, who seemed to be scarfing his face with the burnt cookies. Spider-Girl made a sound of disgust. "Ew," she mumbled, making the speedster blush. “I have a serious metabolism,” he excused. “I’ll make more?” Miss Martian asked with an awkward smile. “It was sweet of you to make any,” Aqualad assured. She looked down. “Thanks, Aqualad.” “We're off duty. Call me Kaldur'ahm. Actually, my friends call me Kaldur,” the Atlantean said with a friendly smile. Kid Flash smiled dreamily at the three girls. “I'm Wally. See? I already trust you with my secret ID, unlike Mr. Dark Glasses over here. Batman's forbidden Boy Wonder from telling anyone his real name,” he said as Robin glared behind his shades, hands on his hips. “Mine's no secret. It's M'gann M'orzz. Like, you can call me Megan. It's an Earth name, and I'm on Earth now,” M’gann smiled. "Do we finally get to learn your name, Spidey?" Wally asked Spider-Girl hopefully with a hopeful look “"uh..." The girl paused and held out her hand "I'm spider girl or call me Spidey" she offered with a smirk under her mask, this caused a groan of annoyance from Wally "you guys don't know each other?"Miss Martian blinked clearly confused “Spider-girl, prefers to keep her identity a secret, its how shes always been” Robin explained not wanting Megan to be confused or upset over it. Superboy remains slouched against the counter, then turns to leave which catches M’gann’s attention. “Don’t worry, Superboy.” she tells him telepathically.Th clone grunts in shock and his posture tenses, looking at the green skinned redhead in shock and possibly a tiny bit of fear.“We’ll find you an Earth name, too.” she continues, smiling kindly and totally unaware of what she’s doing.Superboy’s grips his head for a moment. “Get out of my head!” he shouts, gaining Kaldur, Spidey, Wally, and Robin’s attention in an instant. They all know what he does when he’s angry, they look back to M’gann a curious expression on their features.

'What’s wrong? I don’t understand,' she says, expanding her telepathic range to include Kaldur, Wally, Spidey, and Robin. Spider-Girl winced slightly covering her ears as if to block it out. 'Everyone on Mars communicates telepathically,' M'gann stated in their minds as they were holding their heads in pain. "M'gann, stop," Kaldur suddenly snapped, making her jump and look at him shocked. "Things are different on Earth. Here, your powers are an extreme invasion of privacy," he explained more calmly as everyone relaxed. "Besides, Cadmus' creepy little psychic genomes Left a bad taste in his brain," Wally added, covering the side of his mouth and pointing to Superboy. "I-I didn't mean to -" "Just stay out," Superboy growled at the Martian when she tried to apologize. He then went to the living room and sat down on the couch. M'gann looked down sadly. Spider-GIrl gave her shoulder a small squeeze .“Hello, Megan!” she says it brightly despite the fact that she hits her forehead with the heel of her hand. “I know what we can do.”She takes off flying, leaving the four boys to follow her. Wally turns to Robin who shrugs, but all three do follow her. Though Superboy remains behind, but M’gann stands in the entry to the hallway. “Superboy, please.”“Don’t talk to me.” he says, less angry and more instinctually annoyed. M’gann’s face falls and Superboy looks out of the corner of his eye, seeing it. He looks back down before standing up. M’gann’s face brightens, despite the fact that Superboy seems to only be doing this to not feel guilty about making a girl cry later.Coming down the elevator they stop at the hangar. “It’s my Martian Bioship.” M’gann explains as the doors open. Leading the now curious boy towards a red oblong shape in the hangar.
They stepped off the elevator to see a red and black egg shaped ship. "Cute. Not aerodynamic, but cute," Wally said, not wanting to hurt her feelings, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “It’s at rest, silly,” M’gann smiled brightly, reaching her hand out. “I’ll wake it.” As she did so, the oblong turned into a shape recognizable as a ship. She even spun it 180° with just a motion of her hand. A small staircase came off the back, showing off some of the insides. She walked towards it, but soon realized the boys and girl weren't following. “Well, are you coming?” All five hesitated and bored with nervous expressions.

Once inside, the front opened up to reveal a captain’s chair and five more side chairs. “Strap in for launch.” M’gann tells them. Kid Flash and Robin exchange bright grins before sitting down. As he does Robin goes to lean forward as the chair moves, eliciting a “whoa” from the stunned- and possibly scared- Boy Wonder. The chair reaches out and creates chest restraints that hold the thirteen-year-old in place.Kid Flash sits down next and now knowing what happens, doesn’t panic. “Cool.” he tells M’gann. “Red Tornado,” M’gann says, sitting in the captain’s chair. “Please open the bay doors.”As the bay doors open two control towers formed by M’gann’s hands. “This is Brilliant, Miss M!” Spidey beamed in excitement. Wally sighed dreamily while looking at M'gann. "She sure is," he said, making everyone look at him strangely. "I-I mean the ship, which, like all ships, is a she," he stuttered. "Fast with his feet, not so much with his mouth," Robin smirked, making the girls giggle. "Dude!" Wally scowled. "I may not have psychic powers, But I can guess what you're thinking” “You overreacted, and you don't know how to apologize. Just say sorry," Deme offered quietly to Superboy with a small smile. Superboy looked away then as M'gann looked at him sadly. "He'll come around," Robin assured quietly. "He doesn't seem to like me much," M'gann murmured. “You guys remember he has super hearing, ” Wally interrupts, proving his point by not bothering to whisper. “Right?” sure enough Superboy heard every “Hey, how ‘bout showing us a little bit of Martian Shapeshifting?” Robin asks, changing the topic. M’gann nods subtly, thanking him for the change, before stepping up and gaining Kaldur and Superboy attention as her clothes begin to change. Making her look like a girly version of Robin, costume included. Catching Wally’s smirk she turns into a girly version of Kid Flash.“Is it wrong that I think I'm hot?” Wally questions. "Very" Spider girl mused as she clapped for M’gann.
Robin also applauds M’gann. “Impressive,” she turns back into herself. “but you know you’re not exactly gonna to fool anyone with those.” "Mimicking boys is a lot harder," M'gann admitted as she sat down. Spider-Girl raised an eyebrow. "Really? So girls are no problem?" She asked, but her eyes widened as M'gann turned into her and smiled proudly. "Not a problem at all," she states, turning back to her green self. “And your clothes?” the Atlantean questioned. “They're organic like the ship. They respond to my mental commands,” M’gann explains, pulling on her jacket slightly. “As long as they're the only ones,” Superboy says darkly, not caring that he’s heard by all of them. “Can you do that ghosting through walls that Manhunter does?” Wally asked. “Density shifting?” M’gann questioned, though her smile didn’t return. “No, it's a very advanced technique…” Robin leaned forward. “Flash can vibrate his molecules right through a wall.” Then chuckled before gesturing to Wally. “When he tries it, bloody nose.” “DUDE!” Wally snaps, annoyed that he would tell her that.“Here’s something I can do.” M’gann says brightly, then the entire ship disappears from sight. “Camouflage Mode.” "i can do that too '' Spider girl informed M’gann as she disappeared from her seat and reappeared shortly after. “Red Tornado to Miss Martian. An emergency alert has been triggered at the Happy Harbor Power Plant. I suggest you investigate covertly. I’m sending coordinates.” all four are on high alert as the ship bings.``Received. Adjusting course.” M’gann says. “Tornado’s keeping us busy again.''M'gann replies optimistically. “Well, a simple fire led you to Superboy. We should find out what caused the alert.” as she takes the Bioship down and mere feet above the surface of the parking lot. "I think I know the cause," Superboy said as he saw the tornado coming toward them. M'gann hurried, getting them out of the tornado before landing the ship, all of them jumping out. Workers were yelling as they ran away from the factory where there was a tornado. "Robin, are tornadoes common to New England? Robin?" Kaldur asked, turning to see that Boy Wonder was gone. Robin's laugh was heard making Spidey sighed. "I hate it when he does that," she muttered. Inside the Power Plant is a red and black exo-suit, with blue tubing running from his shoulders, up and to his lower back, and a brown scarf covering his mouth. Tornado-like funnels came from each hand. The funnels hit Robin directly and slammed him into the support pillar nearly eight feet off the ground, then he fell to the ground. Hitting his back both times. The other members of the Team ran in through the loading bay doors, Superboy jumping the stairs to land beside Robin as the Boy Wonder sat up. "Who's your new friend? He seems nice” Deme offered handing upside down from a web. Robin looks to Deme, grimacing slightly. “Didn't catch his name,” the clone jumps at the villain. “but he plays kinda rough.” he finishes, warning the group. The exo-suit wearing villain stands ready, air pulses still coming from his wrists, though the bright blue tubing is now confirmed to be going to the tops of his wrists as well. “My apologies.” he says, revealing his robotic tone. “You may address me as Mr. Twister.” Mr. Twister then throws both his hands up, creating two more tornadoes, which Superboy withstands, but before he can gain anymore ground Twister redirects the tornado, grabbing Superboy before launching him into the wall, a good fifteen feet off the ground. As he hits the wall dents and he falls to the metal floor, unmoving. Now on the main floor with Aqualad, Spider-girl and Kid Flash, M’gann turns to the four more experienced boys and girl. From his pocket, Wally pulls out his goggles sliding them over his eyes, Spider-girl double checked her webs in her shooters. As Robin gets back to his feet in front of him the barefoot Atlantean looks to M’gann then nods. Understanding the Martian nods back. All five taking off as a group around the Boy Wonder. Kid Flash speeds through a front handspring before aiming with both his feet at Mr. Twister’s chest. He doesn’t quite make it as Mr. Twister raises his hands to create vortexes that stop him in his tracks. Then turn 180° and launching Kid Flash out the bay doors, where he skids across the parking lot. Spider-girl ran forward sticking to webs at the man and kicked him in the chest but he grabbed the webs and swung her round. shooting her out the bay door. Unamused, Twister turns back in time to create twisters under a flying M’gann and a charging Aqualad, knocking both of them back and eliciting a yell. Aqualad hits a corner of one of the support beams, while M’gann narrowly misses and crashes into the raised grated walkway another ten feet behind the Boy Wonder “I was prepared to be challenged by a superhero.” Twister goads “I was not, however, expecting children.” "We're not children!” Robin yells launching forward while threwing his discs. One of the discs exploded and the other stuck into Twister's chest, though he merely flicked it away. "Objectively, you are. Have you no adult supervision? I find your presence here quite disturbing," Twister muttered. "Well, we hate to see you disturbed. Let's see if you're more turned once we kick your can," Robin called before M'gann ripped the lid off a steamer above Mister Twister. Superboy jumped up, going to punch him only for Twister to blow him away until a support pillar and into M'gann. Spider-Girl shot webbing around both of his wrists, She pulled with the goal to rip them off but Mr Twister swing his arms together and make the girl crash into his metal back. Both Robin and Aqualad dodged without missing a beat, the Atlantean’s hands charging with electricity. Twister said nothing as his hands began creating vortexes, which then became miniature twisters that picked up Aqualad and Robin before slamming them into each other.

“Indeed.” the villain says, rising off the ground. “That was quite turbing. Thank you.” then leaves as the Team groans back to consciousness. Outside, in the beginnings of the forest with the evidence of his crash surrounding him Kid Flash comes to. Seeing Twister leaving he runs in front of the villain, then rolling to change direction and rolling through two more somersaults to stare down Twister. “What have you done to my team?” he demands. “Embarrassed them, largely.” Twister says, then bringing both his hands together to form a singular twister that snatches Wally up and is heading right for the outside wall of the power plant. As the wind clears Wally is braced for impact, but not slamming into the wall. “I got you, Wally.” M’gann assures as her, Robin, Spider-girl, Superboy, and Aqualad stepping out of the last of the dust. Wally straightens out of his balled position, eyes opening. “Ohh.” he sighs in relief and drops the three feet that M’gann lets him drop with ease. “Thanks.” “I would have thought you had all learned your limitations by now.” Twister speaks to the Team. “What do you want?!” Aqualad yells angrily at the villain, who rises into the air.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm waiting for a real hero," the android answered. Kaldur turned to M'gann. "Read his mind. Find a weakness," he ordered, making her frown. "I thought I wasn't supposed to do that," she said nervously. "It's okay with the bad guys, M'gann," Spider-Girl assured before Miss Martian closed her eyes and began concentrating on Mister Twister. "Nothing. I'm getting nothing," she stated before her eyes widened and she smiled, slapping her palm to her forehead. "Hello, Megan. Mr. Twister is Red Tornado in disguise. He's inorganic, an android. And how many androids do you know that can generate tornados?" She asked the Team. "The Red Tornado sent us here," Aqualad stated. "After saying we'd be tested soon enough, remember?" Spider-Girl asked, crossing her arms. "This is his test, something to keep us busy," Robin agreed. "Speedy called it. We're a joke," Wally said sadly. Aqualad makes a noise of frustration before slamming his fist into his hand and turning back towards the ‘villain’. “This game,” Wally vocalizes, as he and Robin step up to join Aqualad and Spider-Girl. “so over.” the four stand alone before Twister. "We know who you are and what you want.” Robin accuses. “So let’s end this.” Aqualad confirms. “Consider it ended.” Twister says darkly, raising his hands over his head and the two funnels begin creating dark clouds and a massive full sizes twister. As this happens, Robin’s resolve gives slightly. A small amount of worry causes his lip to drop. “An impressive show,” Aqualad calls out, before exchanging glances with Kid and Robin. “but we will not indulge you.” all four face back towards Twister. “We will not engage.” Lightning cracks into the eye of the storm, Mr. Twister. “Uh…since when could Tornado do that?” “You think I'm Tornado?” the lightning gains intensity. “Ironic.” Twister says darkly before the lightning strikes the ground and hits just before the young heroes. The only who remains standing is Superboy, his coat is scorched, and he rips it off to fully show off his Superman t-shirt, before launching himself at Twister. The weather villain barely glances down as he hits Superboy with twin bolts of lightning from his hands. Knocking the clone into the ground with enough force to cause trench behind him. Twister approaches, prepared for the final shot. As he does, the only one who regains consciousness is M’gann. She looks up at Twister’s web of lightning before all six disappear from sight. He backs off. “Fine, then.” M’gann remains crouched as six of them are hidden by the camouflaged Bioship. “I won’t deny that you children have power,” Wally comes to- his goggles now pushed to his forehead by the force of Twister’s previous strike- with hand to his head and groan, but the groan barely begins before Spider-girl covers his mouth. “But playing hide-and-seek with you will not help me achieve my objective.” Wally and M’gann stare right at Twister, but he still cannot see them. “So stay concealed. If you confront me again, I will show no mercy.” emphasizing his point with a clenching of his fist to create lightning sparks does he finally leave. Heading for the town of Happy Harbor.

"I placed the bio-ship between us," the Martian informed before Superboy grunted as he punched the boulder. "And that's supposed to make it right? You tricked us into thinking Twister was Red Tornado," he growled as he stomped up to her. Spider-Girl quickly stood between them, glaring up at him. "She didn't do it on purpose. It was an honest mistake, SB" she said calmly. "I-it was a rookie mistake. We shouldn't have listened," Robin said nervously to the others "You are pretty inexperienced. Hit the showers. We'll take it from here," Wally said to the Martian gesturing for her to go back. “Stay out of our way,” Superboy said darkly as he walked between the Martian and the two younger boys. M’gann’s face fell as she watched Superboy accelerate into a run, then jumped. Just behind him, Kid Flash chooses that same spot to book it to supersonic speeds. Robin uses the dust cloud to disappear from sight. “I was just trying to be part of the team.” M’gann says sadly, her bangs falling in front of her eyes. Kaldur stops a few steps in front of her “To be honest, I'm not sure we have a team.” Then he too takes off. "Come on, Miss M. Let 's head back to the cave" Spider-girl suggested helping the girl stand.

The town of Happy Harbor is under siege, or nearly, twin twisters blow through the small town, triggering car alarms and panic. One rips across the harbor, picking up boats and dropping them in the town square before that same twister runs through a building. Taking it down with ease. The three twisters are destroying what there is of the postage stamp town. Twister stands in the center, controlling the destruction. “Certainly this will get the required attention.” “You’ve got ours!” Kid Flash shouts, gaining Twister’s attention. “Full and undivided!” the goggle-wearing speedster rips down the road, hitting Twister hard enough to knock him back a good three feet.``Immaterial and insufficient!” Twister proclaims. “You are a distraction I can no longer tolerate.” Before he can act on his annoyance, Superboy drops with a battle cry and hits Twister hard enough to knock him back three or four times the distance Kid Flash did. As he comes to a stop, both boys stand ready. Twister unleashes another twister that is going straight for them.

In the Bioship, on the way back to Mount Justice, M’gann and Spider-Girl has Red Tornado on the line. “The Team really needs your help.” “If I intervened, it would not be to help.” Tornado tells the green teen. “Still, it is an odd coincidence that this Twister shares my elemental abilities and my immunity to telepathy.” M’gann looks away for a moment before hitting her head once more. “Hello, Megan.” now there’s a smile on her face.

Meanwhile, Robin and Aqualad vaulted/jumped over a parked car, coming at Twister’s back as he threw a boat at Superboy. However, he turned right to them, creating small twisters. Aqualad dodged with ease and continued for the elemental villain before getting caught in a disc spiral and launched at the Town Hall building and crashing into the railing of the second story deck. Kid Flash speed at him, only for Twister catch him as well. The villain brought him over his head and Wally found his opening. Dropping out of the current and rolling into a crouch, he took off as Twister created another twister, which heads right for Robin, who evaded and in his place, the twister exploded. Right to where Aqualad is just getting himself out of the rubble from his own fall. Twister sends a boat right after him.Aqualad moves out of the way, knowing Superboy is invulnerable. Though the boat’s motor lands mere inches from him. Due to his Atlantean physiology, he has minimal troubles lifting the heavy piece of equipment then throwing it at Twister.Robin hides behind one of the other thrown boats and Kid Flash speeds around to join him. Robin pulls his yellow utility belt out of his jacket sleeve and throws it over his shoulder.“You brought your utility belt?” Kid Flash questions, sounding more annoyed than surprised.“Never leave home without it-” Robin confirms and defends, clipping it together. “First thing Batman taught me.”“Yeah, right after you don't go to the bathroom without it.” Wally grumbles. 'Listen to us,' M'gann suddenly said in their minds, making the two clench their heads. 'All of you,' she added. "What did we tell you?" Superboy demanded out loud when he was getting out of the rubble, Kaldur grunting as he landed on his back. 'I know, and I know I messed up, but now I'm very clear on what we need to do,' she explained before Spidey began explaining the plan. Right outside the town, an officer was evacuating the citizens. "Get back! Everyone clear the area!" He told them. Red Tornado flew in, making Mister Twister look up to see him. "Hit the showers, boys. I was hoping you could handle this. Clearly you cannot," the android stated as he landed in front of the four males. “But we’ve got a plan now,” Robin objected with a frown. “The subject is not up for debate,” Tornado told them. All of them said nothing as they walked away. “I was beginning to believe you’d never show up,” Twister told Tornado. “I’m here now.” Tornado says, his right hand reaching out beyond his cape to create a twister he sends right at Twister. Who counteracts it, but as Tornado attempts an attack on his turned back, Twister sends another at the Leaguer. Tornado disperses the attack before any damage can be done. “We are evenly matched, Twister.” Tornado says, using both hands to create a tornado behind him to throw at Twister. “No, Tornado, we are not.” Twister emphasizes his point with a punch that blocks the rubble with a wall made of air before shooting lightning at the Leaguer. Tornado dodges and takes flight, guiding the lightning to one of the crashed boats which explodes into him knocking him to the ground as he sparks. Twister lands beside him. “Remain still, android.” all his fingertips become computer connectors which fall around the back of Red Tornado’s head and neck. “The reprogramming won’t take long.” Tornado grabs the wires, turning his head towards Twister before turning into M’gann’s head. “Longer than you might think.” her voice hers once more.“No.” Twister gaps, then Spider-girl launches out of Camoflarge and knocks him back with a punch, ripping out the wires from his hand. Into an oncoming twister, which catches the villain and sends him over her head. As it comes to a stop, Kid Flash was the one creating it, by spinning. Superboy hits the off-balance villain with a hard punch to the kidney area, before hitting him hard in the stomach as he grabs the massive arm under his own and hitting him twice more in the chest. Causing smoke to start coming out of the seams in the metal plates. Then he reels back hits him straight in the face, knocking him into the harbor with an impressive splash. As he sinks, he turns to find Aqualad waiting for him, impaling the two points in the metal he’s using into his already damaged chest area. Then his tattoos begin to glow and electricity passes into Twister. The explosion brings him back to the ground. One of his arms is missing. M’gann uses her telepathy to bring him off the ground and rip his other arm off as Robin throws exploding disks which knock Twister to the ground. Even with no arms Twister rises to his knees, only to find the whole Team before him. The chest panel opens, revealing a man, forty , medium length brown hair in a green and white suit. He falls out of the exo-suit and to the ground. “Foul. I-I call foul.” he stutters. Spider-girl stepped forward, electric running around her arms and hands as she pinned the guy down, shocking him down before M’gann steps up, an angry look in her eyes, before telekinetically reaching over to pull up a massive slab of the ground. Realizing what she’s doing Kaldur attempts to stop her by forcing her arms back to her body, but at that point it was already over the man. The rock hits, crushing him before their eyes. "M'gann, no!" Kaldur shouted only for it to be too late. Robin marched up to her. “Don't know how things are done on Mars, but on Earth, we don't execute our captives!” He snapped angrily. "I thought you trusted me” M'gann smirked and lifted the boulder to reveal the man had also been a robot. "That's why I couldn't read his mind," she stated. Wally stepped up and grabbed one of the eyeballs. “Cool. Souvenir," he said while flicking it up so he could catch it in his fist as he looked at M'gann. “We should have had more faith in you,” Kaldur told her sincerely. “Yeah, you rocked this mission,” Wally agrees. When no one said anything he had to ask. “Get it? Rocked.” As the android’s eye turned red, Robin muttered an, “ignore him.” Then continued in a brighter tone, “We’re all just turned you’re on the Team." M’gann chuckled. “Thanks. Me, too.”

Inside Mount Justice, the Team is conversing with Red Tornado. “It was clearly created to sabotage or destroy you.” Kaldur tells the Leaguer. “Agreed.” Red Tornado says, looking over the pieces of the android and the computer readouts. “Is that why you wouldn’t help us?” Deme questions. “No. This was your battle.” Tornado says simply. “I do not believe it is my role to solve your problems for you. Nor should you solve mine for me.” Robin, Wally, and Superboy all pause in their work thinking over what their supervisor said. “But if you’re in danger…” M’gann objects. “Consider this matter closed.” Red Tornado then walks off.“Batman, Aquaman, Flash, Spiderman, they'd all have jumped right in to fix things.” Wally comments as they all stand to watch him go further into the mountain. “Guess if we're going to have a babysitter, a heartless machine is exactly what we need.” Robin says. “Robin! Not needed!” “And inaccurate.” both boys stop dead. “I have a heart , carbon-steel alloy. I also have excellent hearing.”Spider-Girl snorted slightly as Kid Flash’s eyes clenched closed and he frowned, just opening one eye to look at the Boy Wonder. A silent ‘help ME!’ gesture that he didn’t want Tornado to see. Red Tornado said nothing more as he walked away, but M’gann stood at the entrance of the hall as the boys headed to the dorm section of the Cave. “Speedy was so wrong,” Wally said happily. “This Team thing…” “Might just work out.” Kaldur agreed with Robin. Superboy went to follow, but stopped as he caught M’gann looking at him. He looked down with a small amount of concentration coming over his face before he looked back to her. “Sorry.” Then he left as M’gann smiled softly. Spider-girl watched from a distant with a smile, Seems like Superboy was learning more every day.

Chapter Text

Caribbean Sea; July 22nd, 20:08 ECT
The Team is in the Bioship and en-route to their first official mission. “We’re approaching Santa Prisca.” Miss Martian tells them. “Drop Zone A in 30.” Miss Martian announces, startling the thirteen-year-old and getting him to look back at her, and Aqualad. Who stands as the straps remove themselves. Even his chair disappears as he stands up. He hits his symbol and his suit turns from navy blue and red with black accents to black, grey and black accents. “Ready.” he says, looking to Miss Martian. “Putting Bioship in camouflage mode.” she says as they come within eyesight of the island. Over the water a hole in the base of the Bioship forms, Aqualad dropping out and diving into the water below.Under the water, he avoids sunken mines and slices through a rope net with his water-bearer that turns into a sword. He jumps out of the water and onto the raining beach, just out of sight of the cameras. Placing a sliver and red disruptor on top of it. “Heat and motion sensors are patched.” he tells the team through his comm. “Data is now on a continuous loop. Move in.” "Drop zone B," M'gann told them once they'd flown to the spot. Everyone stood up, their chairs disappearing. Wally pressed the lightning symbol on his chest, the bright colors turning black and grey making him grin and look at the girls. "How cool is this?" He asked. "Very impressive," M'gann smiled before using her ability to shift her clothing, creating a black full-body suit with the red X. The cape grew longer and with a hood. Spider-Girl touched her insignia and the white of her costume turned into a deep grey while the pink became a darker shade. Wally blinked before smiling dreamily. "Uh, that works, too," he said to them. "Hey, Supey, not too late to put on the new stealth tech," Wally told the clone, trying to persuade him. Superboy crossed his arms. "No capes, no tights. No offense," he refused.

Miss Martain stared at the clone with a dreamy look “It totally works for you.” Superboy glances over at her, and she stands up straighter and stops leaning her head on her hand. “In that, you can totally do good work in those clothes.” she covers, badly. Superboy looks away, and Miss Martian brings her hood over her head,. Miss M disappears from sight before dropping out of the ship. Her, Spider-girl, Kid Flash, and Robin hit with small thuds. Realizing Superboy’s not beside them, they glance up and yelp before diving to the side. Just narrowly avoid Superboy as he hits the ground hard enough to create a boom and a two-foot-deep crater. “Knew I didn't need a line.” he says confidently. “And yet, creating a seismic event may not have helped us much with the 'covert'.” Robin grumbles. Kid Flash and Spider-girl comes out of the forest from the other direction and Miss Martian comes back down to the ground. “Aqualad, Drop B is a go.” Miss Martian says. "Head for the factory. I'll track your GPS and rendezvous ASAP," Aqualad ordered. "Roger that," Robin replied before they all ran off. Soon, they were walking down a path and Superboy paused. "Did you hear that?" He asked, looking back. "Uh, no. Wait. Is this a super hearing thing?" Wally asked, remembering Superboy's ability to hear things they couldn't. "You do have great ears," M'gann said dreamily to Superboy only to become embarrassed when he looked at her. She looked away, blushing. “Smooth, Miss M” Spider-girl teased "Okay, Rob, now what?" Kid Flash asked, turning to look at Robin... only to see he wasn't there. "Man, I hate it when he does that," he muttered. "Superboy, Kid, Spider-Girl, switch to infrared. See if you're being tracked," Aqualad ordered. Wally pulled his goggles down as he moved and saw a group just as Spider-Girl activated her lens to see as well. "Got a squad of armed bozos incoming," he informed. Superboy blinked his eyes before he was able to see another group. “Two squads.” he corrects. “But they’ll meet each other before they find us.” Spider-girl added but suddenly Gunfire commences. Clearly, they aren’t on the same side, which is good news for the Team. “No super-hearing required now.” Kid comments. “Swing wide, steer clear.” Aqualad commands as Kid steps forward to be next to Superboy. “Yeah-yeah, just as soon as I find Rob.” Kid tells him, then vaults over the tree, running down the trail. "Wally, wait" Spidey hissed. The trail is wet, and he loses his footing, falling down the hill and right into the firefight. As he falls, he looks up to find a surprised Bane to confirm that he’s seeing things right; he even lifts his goggles off his eyes. “So much for the stealthy.” Bane’s surprise only lasts a moment before he starts firing rapidly at Kid Flash, running away doesn’t help him much as it gains the attention of the Kobra soldiers as well.

Superboy charged ahead, taking Bane’s blind spot and tackling him to the ground. Or at least attempting to, Bane got himself over the teen and slammed him into the soft ground. He went for a wrist-lock on his captive right arm, but found Superboy overpowering him, grabbing his shirt and throwing him into a tree. The others arrived, Spider-Girl used her webbing to grab a couple others and threw them onto the ground hard enough to knock them out. Kid Flash dodged the bullets and Robin jumped down, taking down two of the gunmen. “What is wrong with you guys? Remember covert? Why didn't you follow my lead, vanish into the jungle?” The thirteen-year-old demanded. Kid Flash was fighting one of the other gunman before doing a back flip and kicking the man back. “That's what you were doing? Way to fill us in. We're not mind readers, you know,” Kid Flash retorted. Miss Martian then threw a gunman at a tree getting his attention. “Er, I’m not anyway.” “You told me I could only read the bad guys’ minds,” Miss Martian stated. “Which we greatly appreciate!” Spider-girl called as she swung past. Robin’s attention turns, hearing one run away. He pulls out a birdarang to throw at him, but instead, the Kobra soldier is stopped short by Aqualad dropping right in front of him. Not sure what to do as the Atlantean places his hand on his chest, and his tattoos glow before he zaps him right in the chest. Stepping on the communicator that fell out of his hand, which crunches under his barefoot. “I recognize those uniforms.” Robin says, looking at most of the assailants that all now tied to the trees. “They belong to the Cult of The Kobra.” “I am certain Batman would have mentioned it if he knew a dangerous extremist was running Santa Prisca’s Venom operation.” Kaldur tells the Boy Wonder, not letting him leave his sight in fear that he will disappear again. “Agreed.” Robin says, putting no fault on his mentor. “And since there’s no love lost between the cultists and those goons,” he puts his hand on his chin as it all suddenly becomes clear. “I’m betting they came in and tossed them out. That’s why normal supply lines have been cut off.” “We get it. Kobra wanted super cultists.” Kid Flash says confidently. “Radio Bats and we’ll be home in time for-” “These cultists aren’t on venom.” Robin cuts him off. “Kobra’s hoarding the stuff. We don’t leave. Not until I know why.” “Until you know why?” Kid Flash questions, leaning forward to get right in front of the boy’s mask covered eyes. “This team needs a leader.” Robin says strongly, standing up straighter. "Oh boy" Spider-girl sighed as she climbed a tree and sat of it

“And it’s you?!” Kid Flash questioned, annoyance clear as he stepped into Robin’s personal space. “Dude, you’re a thirteen-year-old kid who ducked out on us without a word.” Robin let out a mocking laugh. "And you're a mature fifteen? You blew our cover first chance you got," he countered. "Don't you want to lead?" Miss Martian asked Superboy quietly as the others watched the two younger males argue. Superboy shook his head. "You?" He asked making her raise an eyebrow, lifting her hand up in a 'no way' gesture. "After the mister Twister fiasco?" She muttered. Superboy smiled a bit. "You did all right," he assured making her smile and blush, tucking some hair behind her ear as he heard Bane and his men speaking. He smirked when he knew what they were saying. “I think Aqualad should lead” Spider-girl mused from the tree, the Atlantean tilted his head in surprise “Me?” “ "Well, you're older, and you keep a calm head. So why not?" Spider-Girl asked, shrugging her shoulders. "As long as I don't have to follow their orders," she added, looking at Wally and Robin with annoyance. “Yeah? You don’t even have superpowers!” he sees Kid Flash go to walk away from the conversation, but the Boy Wonder follows close behind. “Neither does Batman!” is the thirteen-year-old's retort. Kid Flash stops “Duh,” he snaps, then rounds the Boy Wonder again. “you’re not Batman.” “Duh, closest thing we’ve got.” Robin retorts, he jabs his thumb at himself to prove his point. As Bane finally gives his consciousness away to the two teens, both boys snap their heads in his direction. Kid Flash still annoyed, but Robin’s eyes go wide. “Such clever niños. But you only know half the story.” Bane baits them. The whole Team now steps in so they can see Bane. “Let me show you the rest get you into the factory via my secret entrance.” Miss Martian steps up. “There is a secret entrance” then she kneels down and places her hand on her temple to further concentrate. “but he’s also hiding something.” her tone goes sour and her eyes glow white. “Ah, ah, ah chica. Bane is not that easy.” he says smugly.Miss Martian’s eyes still glow but she loses her intensity. “Ohh.” she groans, pulling out of his mind. “He’s mentally reciting fútbol scores en Español.” she looks over her shoulder at the boys. “This could take a while.”

Bane spoke up before anyone else did. “It’s not complicated. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Behind Miss M the boys exchanged looks, then eventually nodded. Once free, Bane led them to a cliff and pointed over. Robin took out his binoculars and looked at the area. “Look at all that product. A buy is going down. But if Kobra's not selling to the usual suspects, then –“ “We need to identify that buyer,” Aqualad finished for Robin as Bane walked away from them. “Just what I was thinking,” Kid Flash agreed. “Yeah, you’re the thinker,” Robin said sarcastically with a smirk as he walked over to Bane. “Sarcasm? Dude. A real leader would focus on getting answers,” Kid Flash stated with narrowed eyes. Bane lifted a boulder and threw it to the side before pointing down the tunnel. “Answers are this way.” Bane says simply, gesturing down the mine tunnel. All five teens join him to look down the tunnel. Bane says nothing as he heads towards the tunnel. “So. Now el Luchador is our leader.” Kid Flash comments angrily and slightly sarcastic. Robin stalks past him, using the back of his hand to smack Kid Flash’s cheek. Kid turns to Superboy, Spider-girl, M’gann, and Aqualad with a shrug. The Team and Bane walk down the mine until they come to a metal door, which Bane uses his fingerprint to unlock. Which leads them right to a door on the factory floor. Bane props the door open slightly, giving Robin just enough room to get a full look around the- now confirmed to be- empty floor. “All clear.” he vocalizes before running out of the doorway. The others follow but, once they get to another hidden location Robin is nowhere in sight. “Has that little fool already been captured?” Bane questions, annoyance at the possibility of their infiltration being compromised rising. “he just does that.” Kid Flash slides his goggles over his eyes with ease. “Stay put. I'll get our intel and be back before Boy Wonder.” by the time he finishes the sentence he’s already running. Aqualad reaches out as he sees Kid Flash’s movement, but doesn’t get hold. “Wait, Kid!” Bane watches as the grey and red streak disappears, looking to Aqualad with a smug smile. “Great chain of command.” he continues his jabs at Aqualad with the sarcasm and the continued smugness in those four simple words.

“Spider-girl-” “On it” Spidey nodded as she followed after KF quickly. The three remaining teens shared a look. While over their heads Robin ran across the catwalk and up the stairs to the command center. Inside the command center, a Kobra agent was working on the computers. There’s a small swish before a Batarang hit the computer console beside him, causing it to spark. As he turned to look, a green gas was released from the Batarang. The agent coughed, then passed out. Robin held no qualms as he grabbed the back of his cloak and dropped his upper body to the ground with a thud, then taking the chair and sitting down at the computer. Back with the others, they hid behind crates, seeing the loading process. “It’s a massive shipment,” Aqualad mused. “Yeah, but they're only taking new product off the line. They're not touching this Venom,” Superboy stated. “Maybe freshness counts?” Miss Martian asked. Superboy’s head snapped up. “Helicopter’s coming,” he told them making the three look to the small window. Back with Robin, Kid Flash sped in just as Spider-Girl stepped up. "Whatcha got?" He asked, munching on a protein bar. "Chemical formulas. I'm guessing it involves Venom, but -" Robin paused as he saw the Venom formula come up. "This one's Venom, and that one's - whoa. The blockbuster formula from cadmus," Wally said with shock when he'd seen.

“Mixed correctly, Kobra’s new juice is three times stronger than Venom… and permanent.” Spider-girl realizes horrified. Then turns to Robin, Kid flash . “But how did Kobra get access to Project Blockbuster?” “Our mystery buyer must also be Kobra’s supplier!” Robin realizes. “Using the cult to create the Blockbuster-Venom superformula.” Robin stands up his hand going to his ear. “Robin to Aqualad we got-” Kid Flash turns away from the computer as he hears Robin stop. “... static.” he mutters angrily. From out of the helicopter’s opening doors the shadows clear, revealing a buff white man with blonde hair. In a black on black outfit and his facial features covered by a grey hockey mask. As he walks between two lines of the cult his matching forearm and shoulder/upper arm guards show. “Lord Kobra.” he greets. “Sportsmaster.” Kobra returns, as the girl from before steps up. “The shipment is ready.” she opens the box to reveal the blue vials.Sportsmaster takes one, holding it up to look at it. “The new Kobra-Venom?” he questions.Kobra gestures to Blockbuster. “A complete success. Our friends will not be disappointed.”“This is a game-changer.” Sportsmaster proudly states, flipping the vial to catch it in his fist. “Finally, we can go mano-a-mano with the Justice League.”Above them, Miss Martian uses her camouflage. “Aqualad, sending you a telepathic image of the buyer now.” even though she is basically invisible her eyes begin to glow. In the factory, on a catwalk, Bane and Superboy kept watch while Aqualad has his eyes closed to see Miss M’s telepathic image. “Sportsmaster,” he said, opening his eyes. “He is the buyer?” He questioned, looking at Superboy shocked. He then brought his hand up to his ear. “Aqualad to Red Tornado. Do you read?” He ended up getting the same results as Robin. He huffs in annoyance. “Can’t reach the League, Spider-Girl, Robin, or Kid. Comm’s jammed. We need a plan now.” Bane was all too pleased with his opening. “I have a suggestion.” He then jumped over the rail with a battle cry. Two Kobra agents looked to the source, shocked to see Bane. He landed just before them, shoving one to the side with ease and pushing the other’s arm to ensure his aim was only to the ceiling. “What is he –“ Aqualad was interrupted by Mammoth jumping through the window and breaking the catwalk making Aqualad and Superboy land on the ground. The two got up and ready to fight. “Destroy them,” Lord Kobra ordered. The monster ran forward and Superboy ran to him to fight him. Aqualad used his water bearers to create a shield to block the bullets from him He used one water bearer to shoot water bullets back at the cultists. Bane just smirked as he watched. Sportsmaster was able to catch a glimpse of something flying over him and helping the teens fight. He took out a metal stick and threw it to where Megan was. She just barely manages to dodge, but it blows up right beside her. Knocking her away and hitting her hard enough to turn off her camouflage. Superboy and Blockbuster continue to exchange punches as Robin, Spider-girl runs along the catwalk over their head. Kid Flash runs behind him and both come to a stop to watch over the chaos. Kid Flash runs off, while Robin remains and he gains a mischievous look before he runs back the way he came. Spider-girl sighed jumping of the catwalk. Aqualad is now standing upright but is being backed up despite his shield and projectiles. Ducking behind some piping he can put down his water-bearers, but then finds two more Kobra agents on his other side. Before they can fire Kid Flash runs in and slams his feet into both their chests to knock them out and back. Only for three more to arrive on the catwalk over where the two now lay unconscious. He barely ducks behind a pillar to avoid getting shot.

Aqualad reached for his comm, but then remembered it’s jammed. “Miss Martian, radio is jammed,” he told her, since at this point she’s the only one that didn’t know. “Link us up!” Behind the men shooting Aqualad, she slowly came to. Her eyes widen as she processed what she heard, bringing her hand to her head. 'Everyone online?' She asked. Superboy growls through the punch that hit him in the face. 'Yeah,' he replied, his dislike all-too-obvious. 'Roger that,' Spider-Girl replied as she slid under a guys legs and next to Kid flash who blinked at her. 'You know it, beautiful,' Kid Flash says with a smile, despite the fact that he's still getting shot at. Aqualad ignored that. 'Good. We need to regroup.' 'Busy now,' Robin’s voice cut in. The Boy Wonder landed at the Helicopter pad, Kobra stepping up right behind him, the girl by his side. Robin stood and turned instantly, picking up on the movement. “Batman must be desperate if he sends help to task me.”Robin ignores the insult as Robin decides to banter with the villain instead. “What's wrong, Koby? You look disconcerted.”“This is beneath me. Shimmer, take him.” Kobra commands. Shimmer runs at the Boy Wonder, whose only response is a smirk, Flipping over her as she gets close enough, then lands behind her. He stands back into a fighting stance. “Robin.now.” Aqualad’s voice commands. The youngest grits his teeth, just barely losing concentration in time for Shimmer to come in with a punch. Robin drops a flash grenade, giving him time to get away and leave the two alone.

‘Strategic retreat,’ Aqualad thought to them after taking down some cultists with his water bearers. ‘Kid, clear a path.’ Kid Flash ran ahead, taking down some of the cultists as the others followed him to the door. The monster went after them until Superboy threw him back against the cultists. Superboy closed the door once they were all in, Nightmare using a lightning spell short-circuiting the door before they took off running only for the monster to crash though it. “Superboy, the support beams!” Superboy punched the beams down before the tunnel began caving in. Miss Martian grabbed him and flew away. Once it stopped, Aqualad broke a light stick, giving off enough light for everyone to see. Robin stood with his back to Aqualad, looking to the cave in, while Kid Flash leaned heavily on the wall, Superboy calmly stood beside and Miss Martian was on the other side with Spidey. “How can my first mission as leader go so wrong?” Robin questions. Aqualad sets down the two pieces of the glow stick, before looking to the youngest member. “You do have the most experience. But perhaps that is exactly what has left you unprepared.” Kid Flash stands and the whole group has their focus solely on the Boy Wonder’s body language. “Fighting alongside Batman, your roles are clearly defined. You two do not need to talk. But this team is new. And a leader needs to be clear, explicit. He cannot vanish and expect others to play part in an unknown plan.” Robin turns and physically swipes the idea away. “Oh, so I'm supposed to hold everyone's hands?” then looks down with a pained groan. “Ah, who am I kidding?” he questions, entirely to himself and with a note of pain in his words. “You should lead us, Kaldur. You're the only who can.” “Please!” Kid Flash shouts. “I can run circles-” “Wally, come on.” The spider themed heroine cuts him off, even using his secret ID in the field. “You know he’s the one, we all do.” “Hello, Megan!” Miss M says, placing her hands on her hips. “It’s so obvious.” “Coulda told ya.” Superboy concurs, leaning against a support beam slightly behind Aqualad with his arms crossed and actually smiling. He turns his attention towards Kid Flash with a frown.Wally brings his hands off his hips and over his shoulders as he shrugs, then brings his hands back to his hips and smiles. “Okay.” “Then I accept the burden,” he says as he walks towards Robin, pausing as he places his hand on the smaller boy’s shoulder. “until you are ready to lift it from my shoulders. You were born to lead this team. Maybe not now, but soon.” Robin is smiling the whole way through the speech and confirms the terms with a small nod.

“All right. Our first priority is preventing that shipment from leaving this island.” “Funny. I had the same thought,” Robin replied, crossing his arms. “Sportsmaster the supplier/buyer,” Robin said as all of them ran down the mine tunnel. “But it still doesn’t track. He doesn’t have the juice to acquire the Blockbuster formula or to get Kobra to do his dirty work.” Despite having super speed, Kid Flash remained beside Robin and Spider-Girl, though both are in the lead, with Aqualad and Superboy behind them, Miss Martian the furthest back and in the air. “And neither of them have the chops to bond Blockbuster with Venom,” Kid Flash agreed “That took some major nerdage.” “I believe the expression is ＂tip of the iceberg＂,” Aqualad stated, coming to a stop as they saw Bane standing in front of their exit. And they could see something long and metal dropping from his grip, joining at least half a dozen more just like it on the ground. “Halt, niños.” Bane commands, something bright green sticking out of his left hand. “I’m feeling explosive.” Behind them are explosives on the second to last support beam, judging by the cave in they experienced they wouldn’t make it out in time. “You betrayed us. Why?” Aqualad asks, sounding honestly confused. “I want my factory back.” Bane states simply. ‘Kid, you’ll need a running start.’ Aqualad says through the mind link, the ginger does as he’s told and slowly starts taking steps backward. “So I forced you into a situation where you would either take down my enemies or die trying.” he smirks proudly before continuing. “If the latter, the Justice League would certainly come to avenge their sidekicks. And when the smoke cleared Santa Prisca would be mine once more.” he held out the trigger. “Blowing the tunnel with you inside should have the same effect.” he didn’t notice the blur and went to hit the button to find it missing. “With what?” Kid Flash asked, leaning against a tree with a smug smirk. Bane looked at him to see him holding the detonator. “This trigger thingy?” Bane growled and went to punch him only to be lifted in the air by Miss Martian. Superboy went up and smirked “Finally. Drop him,” he told the Martian, who smiled and dropped her hand making Bane fall. Superboy then punched him, knocking him to the ground unconscious. "Ouch. I'd hate to be in his shoes when he wakes up," Deme muttered, impressed while giving the clone a thumbs up. She then used her webbing to tie Bane up. “The helicopter is operational, Exalted One,” an agent stated the rather obvious. Sportsmaster walked back down toward the chopper with the silver box from before. Only to be stopped as Kid Flash ran in while Spider-Girl swung in as they took out the two furthest agents in the rows on both their sides, then over to one of the agents now shooting at them. Spider-Girl then shot a web at his ankles, yanking it hard enough to make him fall. Take the shipment!” Kobra commands. Two more agents come up behind him, and as Sportmaster goes to leave Superboy drops in, cracking the concrete mere feet away from the helicopter. “Go again?” he asks Blockbuster. The monster roars, Kid Flash takes out one other Kobra agent between the two super strong forces, just as he gets within striking distance a stream of water takes out the monster. “Sorry. Not the plan.” then looks over to ensure that Aqualad isn’t being ambushed as he holds the water stream. Sportsmaster gets behind Superboy, using the cover of the helicopter and hits him with a bright red blast from his gun on the teen’s back. He gets two more shots, then starts rapidly firing as he manages to force the clone backward. In his distraction, Miss Martian goes unseen. Until she tries to swoop in and help, only for Sportsmaster to hit her hard, disabling her camouflage and get her in a choke hold. All while still shooting at Superboy. Spider-girl takes out one of the few remaining cultists’ guns, swiping his mask in the process. “Souvenir.” She throws it at Wally then continues to swing as the agent falls unconscious. Shimmer and Kobra taking a step back. In a second a bola wraps around her body and knocks her to the ground. Looking to the source Kobra glares at Robin. “I know you hate getting your hands dirty.” the Boy Wonder snarks as if he did the cult leader a favor.

“True. But sometimes, even a god must stoop to conquer,” Kobra mused as he removed his cloak. Robin ran at him and went to kick him only for his ankle to be grabbed. Kobra then kicked him away and Robin glared. “What's wrong, boy? You look disconcerted,” he mocked. Kid Flash took down some more cultists with Spider-Girl as Aqualad then summoned lightning from his tattoos, and shot them into the water and electrifying Mammoth, who roared in pain before passing out. Still firing at Superboy and holding Miss Martian, Sportsmaster began to back up into the loading bay of the chopper. “Thanks for the workout, but I gotta fly.” He then paused in his firing long enough to throw Miss Martian into Superboy and knocked both of them to the ground. Both of them don’t even move as the chopper took off. Miss Martian showed the trigger that they took from Bane to Superboy with a smile. Then pressed the button earning an explosion. Robin got knocked to the ground, and Kobra’s massive foot stepping onto his chest. Despite being the Boy Wonder, he couldn’t move the foot keeping him pinned. “I am plagued by mosquitoes!” Kobra proclaims, glaring down at Robin. “Good,” Robin says, smirking as he feels the pressure release slightly. “Because this mosquito is mighty concerted over your pain!” Suddenly Kobra flipped back as Robin got up before he jumped back over to their teammates. The Six stand ready to fight, Kobra glances to the side, then steps back calmly. “Another time then.” then he disappears into the shadows. Robin attempts to follow but is shocked to find only shrubbery and darkness. He walks back to find the other five still waiting, though Miss Martian comes back to the ground. “We picked the right guy to lead.” Robin tells Aqualad sincerely. “Automatically making you the right guy to explain this mess to Batman!” then walks away laughing. Aqualad can only look down in thought.

MOUNT JUSTICE
August 4, 01:06 EDT
“A simple recon mission, observe and report,” Batman said with a glare as he stepped up to Kaldur, who looked down ashamed. Batman walked in front of the teens then before stopping by Superboy. “You'll each receive a written evaluation detailing your many mistakes. Until then, good job.” This made all Six of them look at him surprised. “No battle plan survives first contact with the enemy. How you adjust to the unforeseen is what determines success. And how you choose who leads determines character,” he told them as he walked away. Aqualad and Robin shared a smile. Spider-girl let out a sigh of relief “Thank god! I thought he was gonna kill us” She admitted thought her tone proved she was joking as Kaldur smiled warmly. They seemed to have found their leader!

Chapter Text

Metropolis; August 3rd; 7:38 EDT

A school bus is traveling on a bridge, filled with children on their way to school. When the concrete begins to crumble and two of the support cables fall into their path. Knowing he can’t drive over them the driver slams on the break. Turning the bus so it hits the divider and comes to a full stop. A moving truck behind them couldn’t stop fast enough, and as they jerk away from the bus they don’t fully collide but do nick the back of it to nudge them through the divider and closer to the edge. While they and a small car crash into the opposing divider. A red car continues to speed, unaware, until they crash into the back corner of the bus. Knocking it through the wall on the outside of the bridge and completely destroying their engine compartment. The bus teeters dangerously on their middle, threatening to fall into the river below. From a high room in a Wayne Tech building, Bruce Wayne can see the situation. Moving to his desk he tips back the head on an Alfred-bust. Revealing a red button. Which he presses to reveal a hidden drawer with his Batman costume. Though he doesn’t grab it as he hears a sonic boom go off. Turning he finds Superman flying towards the bridge. He flies past the bus and instead goes under the bridge to support the crumbling portion. Then using his heat vision to mend the cracked horizontal supports. Superboy jumps from tower to tower of the bridge with ease, getting himself closer to the accident. Then landing on the deck without even denting the concrete. Though below him Superman feels the sudden strain on the area he’s keeping up. Superboy, seemingly unaware, runs to get the white car away from the edge where they too crashed through the wall. Picking up the car on it’s back bumper with a cry and turning it a full 180° to place it back in the lanes. All of which Bruce is observing from his Tower with high power binoculars.The bus tips further over the edge, causing the kids inside to scream in fear, but he grabs the rear bumper of the bus, his combat boots trying to find purchase and he holds the bus so it won’t fall over the edge. Even managing to pull it back, though his ground teeth and battle cries prove how hard this is for the clone. The bus is suddenly wrenched from his grip and pulled upward. Raising a confused eyebrow he looks up to find Superman holding the bus from underneath as he flies a good fifteen feet above him.
Drawing his eyebrows together as he glares, Superboy stands and walks towards Superman as he sets down the bus. “I had that.” Superboy defends, gesturing to the bus to prove his point. “I didn’t want to take the chance.” Superman states emotionlessly. “As it is, your landing could’ve destabilized the entire bridge.” he continues to harp. “It didn’t.” Superboy counters. “But it could have.” Superman persists. “We don't yet know the limits of your powers.” Superboy pauses before he continues in a far more hesitant tone. “Well, maybe you could, you know, help me figure that out.” Superman looks away before finally replying. “Batman's got that covered.” “I know, but-” Superboy tries, just as Superman’s communicator beeps. “Superman.” he responds instantly, cutting Superboy off. “Wait, Arrow. Slow down.” he tells who is now noted as Green Arrow to be on the other end the call as he walks away from Superboy. “What's attacking?” he asks, then listens to GA’s reply. “No, I'm definitely available. Coordinates?” he says, not even glancing at Superboy. “Acknowledged; on my way.” only then does he turn back to Superboy. “Sorry, Super... boy.” his hesitance only cementing the way Superboy thinks he feels about him. “Duty calls.” then takes off without another word. Superboy clenches his fists, looking away for a moment before glaring at the fading speck that is Superman.

Mount Justice; August 3rd; 13:06 EDT

Kid Flash and Aqualad are playing virtual air hockey, Kid Flash gets one right past Kaldur, and into his goal. Kaldur looks stunned for a moment, then glares competitively at Kid Flash who is eating a banana.

Recognize: Superboy; B-0-4

“Hi, Superboy.” M’gann tried, as Superboy walked right through their game board. Causing Robin to step out, looking at Superboy in a cross between curiosity and slight glare. “How was Metropolis?” M’gann continued, even as Superboy walked past them all.. "Not that good then?" Spider-Girl asked worried. Black Canary cleared her throat behind Kid Flash, catching their attention as she and Martian Manhunter stepped out of the shadows. “Ready for training everyone?” She questioned. M’gann was the first to react, as peppy as ever. “Black Canary! Uncle J’onn!” She went up and hugged her uncle. Though he didn’t reach out and embrace her back, he did duck his chin to meet the top of her head before she stepped back. “M’gann, I was in the neighborhood so I thought I’d see how you were adjusting,” J’onn said, placing a hand on his niece’s shoulder. “A few bumps, but I’m learning.” she assures, as Superboy watches from the hallway entrance. Going to walk away, but Canary sees him as J’onn replies “that’s all I can ask.” “Stick around.” Canary calls out, getting Superboy to stop in his tracks. “Class is in session.” he turns back, but crosses his arm over his S.Canary walks to the center of the ring, turning the tiles pure white with a blue barrier. “I consider it an honor to be your teacher.” she prefaces, turning towards the larger grouping of teens as she pulls on her jacket slightly. “I’ll throw a lot at you everything I’ve learned from my own mentors.” she continues as she pulls off her jacket, getting it just beyond the tear that was showing off a wrapping around her arm. She grunts through the pain, but finishes taking it off. “And my own bruises.” she confesses, holding the wrapping. "What happened? Fun night?" Spider girl smirked hand in her hip.
"The job," Black Canary answered seriously, though had a slight smirk at the comment as she tossed her jacket aside. "Though I probably would've preferred a fun night than to how I got this," she uttered under her breath. “Now, combat is about controlling conflict, Putting the battle on your terms. You should always be acting, never reacting. I'll need a sparring partner," Black Canary told the teens. “Right here. Yeah!” Kid Flash called out, raising his hand as he still has food in his mouth. Stepping up, Aqualad frowned and Robin had a sly smirk. He met her in the middle, finishing the banana in one bite and swallowing before he continues. “After this…” he started, aiming his banana peel for the garbage. “Swish…” commentating as it made it in. “I'll show you my moves.” Black Canary smiled knowingly as her eyes narrowed. She threw a quick jab, which he blocked, but found his feet being taken out from under him. Before even he could react. He hit with a thud that caused M’gann to look on worriedly, Aqualad to lean back, and Robin to frown with confusion. Spider-Girl grimaced. "Ooh, ouch," she whispered. “Oh. Hurts so good.” he manages to still be his joke making self, even when he’s in pain.“Good block.” Canary admits. “But did anyone see what he did wrong?” she asks as she helps him back to his feet.Robin is all too excited to answer this one. “Ooh, ooh. He hit on teacher and got served?”Kid Flash holds the shoulder that hit first, which just happens to be the one he blocked with as he looks back, annoyed and horrified that Robin said that. “Dude!”“He allowed me to dictate the terms of-” she begins, but is cut off as Superboy scoffs.“Oh please.” Canary arches an eyebrow as turns her head to look over her shoulder at annoyed Superboy. “With my powers, the battle's always on my terms.” he jabs his thumb inadvertently at the S, but clearly means himself not because of the S, but because of how he sees himself. “I'm a living weapon” clenching his hands to prove his point and make it very clear how he sees himself. “ and this is a waste of my time.”

“Prove it,” Black Canary challenged with a smirk. "Oh, this'll be good," Spidey smirked. Kid Flash backed away so he wasn't caught between the two as they assumed the fighting stance. Superboy went to punch Canary, who grabbed his arm and threw him, flipping him onto his back. Robin pointed at him while laughing until Aqualad elbowed him and he covered his mouth to hide his laughter. Superboy growled and stood up. “You're angry. Good, but don't react. Channel that anger into –“ Canary was cut off by him charging at her again. He swung another punch at her only for her to flip over his arm, landing beside him. He went to hit her again and she ducked, sweeping his feet out from under him. This only made Robin laugh more. "That's it. I'm done," he growled, going to walk away. “Training is mandatory.” Canary says as he starts to walk away, placing a hand on his shoulder, which he turns towards her as he shakes it off. His rage flowing under his eyes.Before this can escalate any further the whole room beeps. Opening a holoscreen. “Batman to the Cave.” the Dark Knight calls, all rush to join Superboy and Canary. As they do, Batman continues. “A new menace attack Green Arrow and Black Canary. The attacker was capable of studying, the duplicating the powers and abilities of its opponents.”On a smaller screen the image of the attacker become a video feed, where Superman goes for a massive punch, only for it to get caught and the attacker to then use the Kryptonian to take out Red Tornado, and Flash, before throwing the alien. Then turning to use its newly acquired laser eyes to take out two Batarangs. “Arrow called in reinforcements,” Batman continued as the video paused. “Which nearly proved disastrous as our foe gained more and more power with each new combatant.” “Whoa,” Kid Flash was the first one to vocalize, though Kaldur looked worried and Superboy clenched his jaw. “One guy with the powers of the entire League?” It seemed unbelievable, which even Robin reacted to, looking just as worried at Kaldur, his mouth even dropping open slightly while M’gann looked on nervously and even Spider-Girl held some worry. “In the end, it took eight Leaguers four hours to defeat and dismantle the android,” Batman informed, which caught Robin’s attention. “An android?” Robin asked shocked. “Who made it? T.O Marrow?” “Good guess, Robin. But Red Tornado doesn’t think so,” Batman answered.

“The technology bears the signature of Professor Ivo.” Martian Manhunter tells them. “Ivo?’ Aqualad questions, shocked. “But Ivo’s dead.” Canary looks over her shoulder. “So we all thought or hoped.” clearly it is later “To make certain this threat is permanently neutralized” another small screen pops up on the opposite side of the where the footage from the fight was. “we’re sending two trucks carrying the Android’s parts to two separate STAR Labs facilities” a point between the four noted cities- which are Springfield, Gotham, Boston and NYC- becomes a red triangle. “in Boston and New York” the two paths going in completely separate directions, but beginning at the triangle’s base which is now a glowing red dot. “for immediate evaluation. Every precaution is being taken.” their attention comes back to Batman on the main screen. “We’ll have four additional trucks to create confusion in case Ivo or anyone tries to recover the remains.” This is where they come in. “You will split into undercover teams to safeguard the two real trucks.” “Yes!” Kid Flash says excitedly. “Road trip.” Canary turns to Kid with an angered look while Aqualad and M’gann look to him rather confused. Robin joins and glares behind his mask. “So now we take out your trash?” Superboy questions angrily. “You had something better to do?” Batman counters, Superboy looks away just Aqualad’s transmitter goes off. “Coordinates received. On our way.” Aqualad confirms, everyone but Superboy running off. As walks away Canary grabs his arm. “When you’re ready, I’ll be here.” she tells him honestly. He doesn’t respond, merely looking away before continuing to walk off.

Litchfield County August 3rd; 20:08 EDT
In a field off the main highway, six trucks are sitting ready, while the part of the dismantled Android is being loaded. Overseeing this is Red Tornado, Atom, Green Arrow, Flash, Spiderman and Superman. Turning away and using his enhanced vision he can see the Team waiting on their motorcycles, Aqualad and M’gann on blue, Kid Flash on yellow, Spider-girl on white and Superboy and Robin on red. He zeroes in on Superboy, who returns his gaze. He turns away, Superboy looks down before sliding on his helmet as the engines from the truck rev. Their rev their cycles and come to the edge of the clearing and they put on their helmets. “STAR Boston is a go.” is put over the comms as three trucks close their back-gates. “STAR Manhattan is go.” Green Arrow nods, then looks to Batman who gives the signal. The trucks pull out in two opposite directions. Robin and Superboy following the ones going right, while Kid Flash, Spider-girl, Aqualad, and M’gann follow the three going left. Atom, Red Tornado and Flash all take off.

“If dislike is the opposite of like, is disaster the opposite of aster? See, instead of things going wrong, they go right,” Robin said to his teammate, trying to make conversation. Superboy was silent which made the thirteen-year-olds frown. “Uh, clearly you’re not feeling the aster. What’s wrong?” Robin asked him. “Canary. And what business does she have teaching combat skills to a guy with super strength?” Superboy asked with anger. “Well, taking down stronger guys is part of the gig, Canary learned that the hard way. Same with Batman and, well, me,” Robin said, hesitant to include himself in the list, fearing what that could cause Superboy to do. Though, instead of snapping back or anything, he revved his cycle and got a lot closer to the back of the truck and a good five or six car lengths in front of Robin.

“Do you think Superboy’s okay?” Miss Martian asked, driving on the left of Aqualad. Then quickly realizes how that may sound. “I-I wasn’t reading his mind, I swear but anger flowed off him in waves.” Kid Flash pulls onto her left, a sarcastic chuckle coming through. “Surfed that wave. Just give him space.” that’s actually sound advice, considering the fuse on that guy seems to be a record low, on a good day. “Me?” he continues, getting practically right next to her. “Stick as close as you want.” her facial features relax and even draw up in slight pity as she realizes that he’s flirting with her again. “Superboy just needs time to cool off.” Spider-girl told M'gann states, turning the focus away from Kid Flash’s bad flirting. Spider-girls helmet looked alot like her mask though held a slot for her eyes “A quiet mission will clear his head.” a cornfield they whiz past shakes, then green/grey/black robot things fly out and after them. Completely passing them, latching right onto the truck. Pressing the outside of his helmet, Aqualad opens up a comm channel. “Robin, Superboy, our truck is under attack!” “Kind of figured.” Robin replies, looking to the monkey-robots latched onto their truck too. “I hate monkeys.” Superboy says angrily, his eyes zeroing. The monkeys are not only attacking the portion of the truck with the robot, but also the driver’s cabin. The truck swerves a little but remains to fair a straight enough drive. “Robot monkeys!” Robin exclaimed with a laugh. Robin pressed the screen on his bike, making it a one wheeler as the back flew up and began shooting lasers at the monkeys. “Hey, hey! Switch your ride to battle mode!” Robin told Superboy. “No point,” he replied as he got closer to the truck. He then jumped up onto the trailer. “Or not,” Robin said with wide eyes before jumping off just as Superboy's cycle crashed into his. Robin landed and began punching down the robot monkeys, the lasers from the bike contraption still shooting until some of the monkey's took it down. On the roof of the trailer, Superboy took off his helmet and used it to destroy two monkeys in rapid succession as they try to jump him. A monkey before him jumped, only to get its arms ripped off, but three monkeys jumped on his turned back. Robin kicked another off the door and uses a Batarang to destroy the head of one of the ones that used laser eyes to cut through the armored door. He threw it to the side and onto the road to ensure that it’s totally destroyed. Even taking out one of the ones that were flying after them. Using the open space, the drone filled it immediately and started firing lasers.

Even taking out one of the ones that are flying after them.Using the open space the drone fills it immediately and starts firing lasers. Destroying one right before it would’ve reached Robin. Only to be taken out by two monkeys.On the roof, Superboy knocks the three monkeys off his back, his fist crushing the body of the one he ripped the arms off of. Punching another that jumps at him from the front to his back two more rise to his level. Distracted by the sound the head of the one he’s crushing turns and shoots lasers at his eyes.Due to his enhanced sight, it burns intensely, giving four monkeys the opportunity to pick him up without a fight, then drop him to the ground. His eyes still closed he wavers as he gets back to his feet. Opening his eyes proves useless since he can’t see a thing. Closing them and calming he uses his hearing to listen to where the monkeys are in location to himself. Then jumping right for it. Aqualad pulled out one of his water bearers that had been used as handles for his motorcycle and formed it into a whip to swipe away some of the monkeys. One of the robots rolled toward Miss Martian's cycle as more monkeys appeared and clung to her, Kid Flash, and Spider-Girl's bikes. She used her telekinesis to get one off before flying up. spider-girl grabbed one with webbing only for the monkey to cut it off. "Why you little..." Spider-Girl huffed before getting up on her feet on the bike and leaped onto the back of the truck while Wally jumped off his bike and ran toward the truck. The driver screamed as he saw the monkeys. "S-somebody, help!" He shouted. On the trailer, a couple of the monkeys used their lasers to cut a hole and one pulled the metal back. The guards inside shot up at them, but it didn't effect the robots that began jumping in as M'gann flew up. The Martian teen used her telekinesis to throw them away. Wally sped up to the side of the truck and jumped up, punching and kicking the monkeys off while Kaldur was using his water bearers to whip some off the back. Spider-Girl was on top of the trailer and taking out the monkeys that were there. One monkey dives right for the driver window, hard enough to crack it as the rest continue to obscure his sight. Miss Martian, covered in six or seven monkeys flies in front of the truck, growing an arm from her head, her lower right side to rid herself of the monkeys that cover her. A monkey flies in low on her right side and she grows another arm to destroy it while taking out the final monkey she grows a third arm on her left side to punch it. Flying right at the monkeys who are obscuring the driver’s line of sight, but she- with now four extra arm, one of which is growing out of the right side of her head- scares him more than the monkeys. However, noticing something on the roof back gates she flies up and gets out of his way. On the other side of the truck, there are two monkeys one that Kid Flash steps on to get to the higher of the two, grabbing its tail to get himself on top of the truck. Where a six armed Miss Martian lands. Startled, he falls to his butt and clambers back. Freaked out by his freak out Miss Martian loses her extra arms and falls into a shocked stance. Before any communication can be done a horde of monkeys fly out of the hole separating the two of them. Assaulting them in sheer number. While another group create a massive hole in the back gate, the Android pieces in hand. Too high too quickly that Aqualad can only screech to a stop and watch which direction they fly off in.

Robin quickly made their way to the top, Robin climbed up with a Batarang. Robin pulled out two escrima sticks and began fighting some of the monkeys off the trailer as Superboy jumped onto the trailer behind Robin. The monkeys latched onto Superboy, who grunted as he began trying to throw of them off while two monkeys went to the rear-end tires and shot the tires making them blow out. Robin ran to the front and ducked down to look at the driver. "Get out!" He shouted. The driver quickly opened the door and Robin grabbed him before jumping them into the cornfield. The truck fell to the side, skidding for a second before rolling down the road until it stopped. The back of the trailer blew open and the monkeys flew out with the case, Robin helped the driver out of the cornfield and set him down. “Superboy!” Robin calls in a vain attempt to get him to stop. In his comm Aqualad patches through. “Aqualad to Robin. We’ve lost our cargo. Did you-” Robin cuts him off with a sigh. “It’s gone.” he confirms. “And so’s my partner.” Still crossing massive amounts of distance in bound Superboy gaining on the monkeys. “Aqualad to Superboy. Radio your position. We’ll help you.” “I don’t need any help, don’t want any!” he yells as he pulls his comm from his ear and on his next drop to the ground drops it. “Superboy?” Aqualad asks, but there is no one the other end now. Spider-girl, Miss Martian, Aqualad, and Kid Flash stand behind their own crashed truck. The only one with his motorcycle still intact is Aqualad. “I think he ditched his comm.” Robin states the obvious over the line. “Super.” Wally moans sarcastically. “Now we can’t even track him.” Miss Martian has her hands on her head, but gets nothing. “He’s out of my telepathic range. This Professor Ivo if he is alive, seems to be two steps ahead of us.” then her confidence fades. “M-maybe w-we should contact Red Tornado?” she questions. “Tornado always tells us to handle things ourselves.” Spider-girl counters. “And the mission can still ucceed if we recover the parts before they’re reassembled.” “Well, that’s a great plan,” Wally drawls. “except for the part about us not knowing where to LOOK!” he explodes with anger. “Maybe we do.” Robin chimes in. He crouches over one the destroyed monkeys left where he is, pulling a cable out his hologlove and connecting it to the monkey. “We’d have heard by now if the decoy trucks had been attacked.” he says as he continues to punch out commands on his glove. Decoding the monkey’s software. ““The parts have GPS.” then a map shows up on his screen. “The monkeys can track the signal, which means I can track with the one I captured. Looks like both sets of parts are converging on…” he starts placing the map of the state, trying to determine where they’re heading. “Gotham City.” he realizes, his voice heavy with emotion.

“That far south? M'gann and I won't get there anytime soon. I'm sending Kid and Spider-Girl on ahead to meet you. Aqualad out,” Kaldur told the two younger heroes. Wally smiled his mischievous smile and dropped his goggles over his eyes before scooping Spidey up in his arms, then was gone without another word. Standing up, Robin put the monkey on his shoulder, then used his hologlove to remotely activate his motorcycle. “Definitely a disaster,” Robin sighed, looking up at the darkening sky and rising crescent moon. “Heavy on the 'dis.'” He got on his bike.

GOTHAM CITY
August 3rd; 21:21 EDT

The monkeys with the parts flew toward a moving train, the car’s side doors opened by more monkeys to allow them to fly in, the second group right behind them. Then the doors slid shut. Superboy bound amazing distances, landing on the same car the monkeys went in. Tightening his hand, he jabbed it into the roof, creating a tear that easily ripped wider with his super-strength. Superboy saw no immediate danger and jumped in. Behind him, just outside the shadows, were the now-open boxes of the Amazo parts. He heard the monkeys chatter before him. Looking up, shrouded in the green glow of his monkeys is an aging ginger man with a white button down, black slacks, and a black vest typing away on his computer. Taking his time, and entirely calm the man looks up. “Oh, hello.” he greets “You? You're Ivo?” Superboy scoffs. “I'm whelmed.” “You're one to talk.” Ivo counters, turning away from his computer, resting his elbow on his fist and placing his hand on his chin. “Since when does the big blue boy scout have a brat?” “He doesn't.” Superboy snaps, narrowing his eyes. “Eh, well, if you say so.” Ivo brushes off shrugging. “Have you met my Mobile Optimal Neural Quotient Infiltrators?” he gestures to the dozen-plus monkey MONQIs around him. To which they take off and launch themselves at Superboy. He responds with a cross, taking out one, into a back fist, taking out a second then finding one right where the other just was jabs to destroy it. On his right, he turns with a back first to destroy another, managing an 180 rotation. Finishing the rotation and destroying the final MONQI with another back fist. Knocking the head right back at Ivo. “Ah. And after all the trouble I went through finding an acronym for MONQI.” Ivo grumbles as Superboy continues to destroy the small robots. Turning back to his computer. Grabbing two Superboy smashes them together in front of him, completely obliterating them. Though he’s panting. Something moves in the background. “Access: Captain Atom.” Superboy’s eyes widen just before he’s hit in the chest with a yellow ray. Which knocks him completely off his feet and into the crates behind him. Just after hitting the ground he looks up, to see Ivo standing before him. “Since Professor Ivo’s magnificent MONQIs don’t float your boat” behind a pair red eyes begin to shine from the shadows. “maybe my amazing Amazo will better suit you or better slay you.” Ivo finishes darkly as the massive android stands tall. Just like from the clip Batman showed them during debrief.

The train comes around tight corners to stay close to the mountains. Superboy wipes the back of his hand over his mouth, standing with his hands clenched. “Give me your best shot.” The MONQIs laugh behind Ivo. “Please, my Android has the strength of Superman.” Ivo states simply. Superboy’s eyes widen slightly. “What chance do you have?” Superboy’s response is to charge at Amazo with a battle cry and a punch, which is blocked easily by the android, hit just where his hand with open rather than stay in a fist. Undeterred Superboy continues to unleash a flurry of punches until he finally lands one on the android’s face. The neck follows the movement that would’ve broken it on a human, reverting back in a moment. As Superboy goes for another punch Amazo catches it with his bare hand. “Oh, sorry. Did that strike a nerve?” Ivo questions, calmly. “Amazo, strike a few more.” he commands. Amazo does, nailing an uppercut under Superboy’s to knock him into the inside of the roof, then he falls into one of the boxes they were defending, shattering it on impact. Amazo watches him intently as he stands back up, slowly. Then falling into a relaxed fighting stance. “Access: Black Canary.” Amazo dictates, his jaw dropping before releasing a Canary Cry. The Cry not only causes him immense pain but also physically knocks him into the far wall of the train car, then to the ground. Superboy stumbles back to his feet anyway. “Access: Flash.” Amazo dictates, running at Superboy with speeds even he can’t match, but that doesn’t mean he can’t see them. His eyes widen mere moments before the hook punch hits him in the face. Landing, and giving Amazo the opening to unleash a high-speed flurry of punches that when finished leaves Superboy falling back. Landing with a crash Ivo’s mockery comes through. “Oh. No wonder Daddy keeps you hidden away.” Superboy turns his head to Ivo instantly, though not having the strength to stand- yet. “You’re not really doing justice to the old S shield, are you?” finishing off with a wheezy laugh. That was all Superboy needed, that one more push to get him back on his feet. Coming with a cross to Amazo’s face with a cry. Just before it reaches Amazo dictates. “Martian Manhunter.” turning intangible and letting the punch go right through him. As the force pulls him through, Amazo does a jab to the lower ribs. Superboy turns back, confused. Just in time for Amazo to land a solid cross that knocks him through the back wall of the train, into the mountainside and into the blade of the bulldozer, then to the flatbed car’s surface. Amazo front handsprings right before him. Dictating “Access: Superman.” grabbing Superboy’s shoulders and holding him over the edge of not only the train but the mountain as well. Holding him with one arm he punches him back, over the fields and into the high stories of a building on the edge of the city, a school judging by the number of desks he crashed through. Amazo and Ivo can see the smoke, the android turning to its creator. Ivo shrugs. “Finish him. Priority Alpha.” Taking the command Amazo jumps off the train car and towards where he sees the smoke.

Robin drove down the rode on the cycle before Kid Flash sped up to run beside them, Spider-Girl in his arms, Both having changed into their hero clothes “So you changed, too?” Robin mused. “You kidding?” KF asked before shuddering. “I feel naked in civvies. You still tracking the parts?” “They were heading through Gotham, but they veered. Wait. Dude, they're at my school,” Robin said shocked. "Wait, your school?" Deme asked raising an eyebrow at him. "Uh, no. I said 'my friend's school'," Robin lied quickly. Spider-girl said nothing but gave Wally a look. Superboy grunted when he was punched into the trophy case, smashing the glass. He then slumped to the floor, nearly unconscious as Amazo walked up and picked him up before spinning and throwing him down the hall. The teen cried out as he hit the lockers, one of the lockers opening as he stood. Inside was a picture of Superman with hearts and stars that only ticked off the clone as he punched the locker, then ran at Amazo. His punch was blocked only to be punched back himself, crashing through the science room and into a wall, Amazo flying after him. The android landed in front of the panting teen, who glared up at it. Forcing his hand under his left shoulder Superboy looks to Amazo. “That…” he pants heavily “all you got?” he finishes angrily taunting the robot. “Access: Captain Atom.” Amazo dictates, holding out one hand that begins to glow bright yellow. Putting Superboy through the floor, then high up through the wall of the gymnasium. He crashes just shy of midcourt, bouncing over midcourt and skidding to stop in the lane. Not too far from the hoop. A singular clap catches his attention. On the bleachers Amazo is clapping slowly, backed by two MONQIs. “I don’t usually attend these things in person” one of the MONQIs chuckles and so does he. “but this was too good to miss.” On the court Amazo dictates “Access: Superman.” Superboy sighs stopping on his knees, but gets to his feet. Charging at Amazo with a hook punch that actually lands on the robot’s face. Though Amazo retaliates with a back first to Superboy’s face. Now that he’s off balance the android sticks close, hitting him again in the chest, which causes Superboy to collapse in on himself by pure reflex. Taking the opportunity, Amazo strikes his stomach with his knee, hard enough to force Superboy into a small rotation The superpowered teen can do nothing but barely stay on his feet and be Amazo’s personal punching bag. Amazo catches the bottom of Superboy’s chin with the back of his hand, completing the rotation and causing him to stagger back more. Now that he’s facing the robot again he gets a high front kick that snaps his head back, leaving him open for another back fist to the face. Hitting him hard enough that Superboy to fall to the ground. Standing over Superboy, Amazo brings up both fists, ready for the killing blow. When Kid Flash zooms in grabbing Superboy before the strike can land. Announcing it to Superboy with a “Yoink.” before grabbing him, just in case the fight rattled his brains. The two skid to a stop beside Robin Spider-girl and Amazonia, all five now by the gym doors and just right of the bleachers opposite Ivo. Robin launches a disk at Amazo. “Martian Manhunter.” the android dictates, just before the disk would have hit, now passing through his intangible body. Blowing up behind the android harmlessly. “Access: Red Tornado.” a red tornado forms under its feet, moving towards the three teenaged boys. As they’re hit, Kid Flash is thrown back into the nearby wall, while Robin and Superboy another rush in the opposite direction. Robin and Kid Flash giving out a cry of surprise as they’re snatched by the wind currents. Superboy hits the bleachers, while Robin hits the outside edge of the court then skids to the be in front of the bottom bleacher. Spider-girl Eyes widened in surprise "Hey ugly!" She said shooting two webs at his arm but he grabbed her and pulled her forward and began crushing her. Electrisity came off her as the girl screamed in pain. Wally rammed into the male grabbing the girl “You okay?” "I tried using my Venom strike. but nothing. Electricity doesnt work!" Wally growled and rushed forward. Kid Flash hit the wall with a thud, knocking the air out of him, and then the floor a good four or five feet below him with another painful thud. Struggling to get to one knee, Wally looked up to find Amazo before him. “Access: Captain Atom,” the android dictated, nearly zapping Kid, who was now fully alert once more and ran under the bleachers to avoid being hit. Though the explosion from it hitting the wall did knock him off balance, before using his speed to run to the other side of the bleachers and back around the front. Amazo turned. “Access: Black Canary,” it stated, aiming the pulsating wave of sound to the ground just before Kid Flash, which he couldn’t avoid and ran into, getting thrown back and his ears ringing from the pitch. Rolling twice, then skidding under the backboard of the opposite hoop, his hands falling away from his ears as he skidded on his stomach. “Superman,” Amazo dictated just as Superboy’s punch came within range and it caught it once again with an open hand. It then nailed a hard cross at Superboy’s face to send him back into the bleachers. “Martian Manhunter,” Amazo said, elongating his arm and destroying the two disks Robin just now decided to throw at him, the android dodging with ease. Robin jumped out of the way so only the bleachers were destroyed by the arms. Spider-Girl went to punch Amazo, who phased making her go through him. Kid Flash ran at Amazo only for Amazo to grab him in a crushing hug. "Wally!" Spider-girl cried out but A bowstring snaps, catching Aamzo’s attention, even with Kid Flash’s cry of pain. “Martian Manhunter.” Amazo dictates, turning intangible through the arrow, but dropping Kid in the process. The green-fletched arrow sticking itself clean in the ground just right of Robin’s right foot. His eyes widen as he takes in the color of the arrow. Spider-girl used a web to move Kid Flash,he gets caught again. A red Batarang like shape whizzes past Amazo’s head. The source is Robin. “Superman.” Amazo says, his eyes glowing red. Just before the lasers would’ve hit Kid Flash pulls Robin out of the way. Kid Flash hitting his back first, then again on his side before they come to a stop. Breathing heavily Superboy makes his way out of the rubble. Looking first to Ivo, then Amazo who is looking to a still downed Robin and Kid Flash. Clenching his eyes shut then sighing does he open his eyes. “Access: Black Canary.” he dictates, quiet enough for so one can hear. Ivo yawns dramatically, which is what prevents him from hearing Superboy. “Oh, yawn.” he drawls, feeling the need to enunciate that, then continue still sounding bored. “Normally Amazo would study and mimic your abilities during battle, but what’s the point?” waving his hand before looking to his fingernail beds. “You’re all such poor copies of the originals.” The monkeys laugh, Superboy’s mouth opens for a moment, then closes as he smiles. “So everyone keeps saying.” Superboy states, his anger coming back onto his face and flowing through his words. “It makes me angry!” he yells, jumping over Amazo and aiming his double downward fists for Ivo. The professor manages a squeak before getting out of the way, just before Superboy would’ve hit his face. Though the power of the hit knocks him off balance and with a wimpy yelp falls down a row of bleachers. Superboy’s attention deadset on the villainous creator of Amazo. “Want to see me channel that anger?” he shouts, stirring Robin and Kid Flash. Both now free to move slowly to aggravate anything since Amazo’s back is turned. Spider-girl landed infront of them. Hands on her Mask in shock "great. He’s gone ballistic again.” “Amazo, protect your master. Priority Alpha,” Ivo commanded, diving further down the bleachers to avoid getting crushed by Superboy. “Captain Atom,” Amazo dictated, pointing a hand in Superboy’s direction and hitting Superboy once more, sending him flying back as the monkeys helped Ivo back to his feet. “Anyone want to play keep-away?” Robin questioned, before kicking Ivo in the back and sending him pitching forward since his feet weren’t on the ground. Amazo’s attention turns to Robin. Spider-Girl grinned behind her mask, shooting a ball of webbing making Ivo stumble forward. “Oh oh, me, me!” Kid Flash yells, running on the other side of Amazo and catching its attention. “Access: Superman.” the android says just as Kid Flash gets in front of him. Lifting his left foot and stomping it to catch underneath Kid Flash’s last step towards Ivo. Sending the speedster up and high into the bleachers, upside down. Robin stands from a crouch, throwing a disk at mazo’s head. Reacting Amazo dictates. “Martian Manhunter.” turning intangible, just as he does Amazonia jumps down and aiming a punch at Amazo. “Superman.” the android dictates. Though he turns tangible just as Superboys hand goes through his head. His face begins to spark and zap blue electricity before exploding and knocking the clone back. The headless body falls flat to the ground with a clanging thud. Robin runs up to the body. “Help me disassemble him now!” Though out of the four, he’s in the best shape, Kid being unsteady on his feet and Superboy not even being back on his yet. Holding his left arm Kid is the first to comment. “Dude, the guy has no head.” his lack of high-speed helping is because at this point it seems entirely irrelevant. “Don’t take any chances.” Aqualad decides, as he and Miss Martian enter. Both heading in their direction quickly. M’gann landing beside Superboy to steady him if necessary. “Superboy, are you alright?” she questions, noting the amount of damage done to his skin. Superboy smiles. “Fine.” he assures, then looks to Robin. “Feeling the aster.” Robin smiles right back “Hey, where’s Ivo?” Spider-Girl asked after taking a look at Wally's arm. They all looked around to see he was gone.

MOUNT JUSTICE
August 4th; 1:06 EDT

The Team stood before Black Canary, Martian Manhunter, Red Tornado, Batman, and Green Arrow, recounting the status of the mission. “The Amazo android is in again safely being analyzed at the two separate STAR Labs but Ivo escaped, and since he originated the tech, he’s arguably more dangerous than the Android,” Aqualad informed. “Capturing the professor will be a League priority,” Canary added. “But we understand that your mission encountered other complications,” Martian Manhunter stated, crossing his arms. Aqualad, Robin, and Kid Flash look at Superboy, who had the decency to look away. Batman decided to step up."Complications come with the job. Your ability to handle them has impressed the League.” “The whole League?” Superboy asks, knowing the answer. “Given time, yes.” Batman assures instantly. “Kryptonians, as you know, have very hard heads.” Superboy can’t stop the small smile. “Of course, there's no shame in asking for help. That's why the League exists. Because there's some problems even we can't handle individually.” “Please.” Robin draws. “If we needed help, we'd never get the chance to ask.” Kid Flash closes his eyes, knowing exactly what he means. Robin pulls out the arrow. “Look familiar?” he lets Batman take it from him. “You were following us.” he accuses “Babysitting! YOU STILL DON'T TRUST US!” Ignoring Robin’s accusations, Batman passes the arrow to Green Arrow. “We didn't follow you.” Green Arrow pulls an arrow out of his quiver, holding them side by side. The tip and shaft are noticeably different than the one Robin handed over. Amazonia's eyes widen. “And that's not your arrow…” Looking between the two again and smiling. “But that means-” Spider-girl beamed, brightly, cuts off the Boy Wonder. “Speedy!” “He has our backs.” Aqualad agrees. Kid Flash runs and takes the arrow from Green Arrow. “Souvenir!” Batman and Green Arrow share a look, but don’t comment. Superboy clears his throat and steps up to Black Canary. Catching her slightly off-guard as she turns to him curiously. “I’m ready.” “Good. Because I’m here.” Black Canary assures, placing her hand on her hip as she looks him in the eye.

Chapter Text

INFINITY ISLAND
August 7th; 23:49 ECT

Atop the outer walls of the castle-like structure built into the mountain, island ran a red suited man. Reaching to his back for something, a red arrow latched onto the black Kevlar of a masked, armed guard. Looking down in confusion for a moment, before they could grab it, they’re hit by a flow electricity. Running past the fallen guard, the red hero had an opening. A red arrow was shot up with a rope attached to the shaft. As it hit the floor of the next story, it opened up to form a tripod that spiked into the ground. He climbed up without getting noticed. Now there was finally a clear image of the hero - red and black top, red bow, red quiver all lined in black, ending with black pants, boots, domino mask. The hair is unmistakably orange, though the costume had changed - it was Speedy. Standing behind a corner he strung a red-fletched arrow onto his red bow, looking to the security camera pointed right where he needed to be. Just outside its range, he fired, and the arrow tip circled through, creating a loop that was then overriding what was happening on the security footage. Coming out from behind the corner, he released an arrow, hitting a guard, another electrical arrow that knocked them to the ground quickly. The guard beside them noticed and took aim, but before he could fire, he was shot in the gut by another of his arrows. In a room, that has been turned into a modified computer lab a woman sits before the screen, typing away. Two guards stand by the door, blocking her exit. “We’re losing patience. Complete the project or forfeit your life.” a computerized, though likely being transmitted from another location to her. “I’m completing as fast as I can.” she responds not even looking away from her computer screen. A pounding at the door hinders any further response from the guards. One walks in front of it to open it, but can’t as it’s kicked in with a boom. The other guard turns his gun to Speedy firing quickly. Though he manages to duck underneath the shots, using the heel of his hand to knock the gun out of their’s, hitting them in the gut with his bow, lifting it to catch under their chin. Then continuing the motion over his head to swipe it across their face. Then finally launch a hard cross at their nose. Knocking them to the ground. The woman looks up at him in surprise. “Dr. Roquette?” he questions, walking past her. “Tell me you're the advanced guy.” she pleads, annoyance flooding her words. Speedy pulls an arrow from his quiver. “The only guy.” he admits, nocking it. She looks to the just barely-maybe eighteen-year-old. “You couldn't bring back up?” she demands. “What, were there budget cuts?” A bell tolls from outside the room, they’ve finally realized something’s wrong. Henchmen head down the halls. Speedy shot his arrow and it exploded once it hit the wall, creating an exit for them. The smoke caused Roquette to cough before Speedy looked at her. “Now-or-never time, doc,” he told her. “We can't leave this,” she stated, looking down at the device she was forced to operate for the group. “Look, I take it, or I take you,” the archer said firmly. “Right,” she agreed, taking off her glasses, which made her blue eyes more visible. “Take me.” With that, Speedy shot down a line arrow that stabbed into a tree and he secured the line quickly before clipping on a handle. “Hang on,” he told her as his arm went around her waist to keep her secure and her arms wrapped around his neck. With that, he jumped and they began sliding down, the scientist screaming while bullets were being fired on them. Speedy covered her as they made it to the water line, where something was covered in a camouflage tarp. Speedy ripped it off to reveal a blue speed boat. Roquette climbed in, letting Speedy push the boat into deeper water. Henchmen storm the beach. “So what do you call this, the Arrow-boat?” she questions as Speedy makes the jump into the boat’s rear seats then up to the driver seat. Weapons begin to fire, and Speedy puts his hand behind her headrest. “I call it a rental.” he grumbles. Then pushes on her head. “Now get down.” Once she’s down his hand goes to the throttle, kicking it into high gear, and tapping on the touchscreen. Watching as red dots begin to appear on the beach. Back on the beach triggers are whirring near where the guards are shooting from. The combined sound of the whir catches their attention, just before they all blow. “I think we’re in the clear.” Speedy tells the doctor, who sits up and looks behind them. “Great.” she says sarcastically, which catches Speedy’s attention. “Leaves only one problem.” Back in the room that Speedy just busted Roquette out of is the device. An old man and a guy with a cyclops helmet stand over it. “Well?” the old man questions. The cyclops taps away on a controller. “She finished.” he states then turns to the old man. “We’re good to go.” The old man grins maliciously.

Mount Justice; August 8th; 9:58 EDT
Kaldur, M’gann, Robin, and Superboy all make their way out of the cave and to the beach. Dressed in swimsuits, carrying a picnic lunch, a volleyball, and a bogey board. M’gann stands on the beach, her arms stretched wide. “Hello, Megan.” then turns towards the boys over her shoulder. “We should hit the beach everyday.” Robin smiles, then lowers his head into his free hand. “First, a moment of silence for our… absent comrades.” he says, his voice empty. M’gann drops her head too. “Poor Wally and Spidey” she echoes.

Central City; August 8th; 8:30 CDT
Deme bit her lip as she stood at her locker nervously. This year, she was going to do it. She was going to talk to Wally. Maybe not as Spider-girl this time but as her real self, Deme clutched her books tightly as she closed her locker heading toward his. Deme tucked some hair behind her ear as he closed his lockers “oh” Wally blinked clearly surprised by the girl “Hi” Deme smiled warmly but it fluttered when he gave her a confused look “Im Deme, Deme Von Wolf…we’ve been in the same class since Kindergarten?” Deme offered to the speedster who laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck “we have? To be honest…i dont really remember you” The male admits sheepishly causing the girl to tense, from anger and embarrassment “Well i-” “wait, did you throw up on my shoes a couple of years ago. Puke girl, right?” Deme face flushed red from embarrassment. Korra, her best friend had encourage the girl to express her crush to the speedster but had food poisoning and the nerves made her stomach made her even more upsetting, which caused her to throw up ont he males shoes. Hence the nickname. Puke girl. “I-i-” Deme stuttered in fear as she took a step back, almost shrinking back in herself “i-im sorry, i have to go” She blurted out, turning sharply and walking away. Deme knew the speedster wouldnt follow her, why would he? She wasnt Spider-girls in his eyes. She was Puke girl.
Once Inside the classroom, they took their seats before the bell rang and the teacher came in. "Welcome, class, To the first day of sophomore year," the teacher said as Wally slumped in his chair with a small whine, wishing he was at the beach with the others. Deme glanced at him and put her head on the desk. It was gonna be a stressful day.
Meanwhile Robin splashed M’gann before Superboy did a canon ball. M'gann laughed as they tried to move away. The Martian used her powers to hit the three males with waves of water. Kaldur went to use his aquatic powers on the martain, who stared wide eyed before crying out as she tried to run away.

Wally stands in front of a bubbler, the pressure weak and uneven. As he leans down it sprays him in the face. Clenching his jaw and frowning Wally stands back up straight. Looking down he gasps, seeing that it makes it look like he wet his pants, letting out a shaky, gasping groan as he drops his head back. Deme smiled polietly as she sat in the next class, Sketching new ideas for Spider-girl gadgets. Korra, Her best friend tilted her head "Add more Purple,oooo what about A tazer?" Korra offered but Deme pushed her face away giggling. Korra was the first person to find out about Deme being Spider-girl. The young brunette was surprise at first but quickly became a Number 1 fan.

Hot dogs roast on the grill the Team has set up, Robin picks one up with a fork to eat it. Rather than with a bun like the rest of the Team.

Orange mush is placed on a lunch tray, where there already an apple, and something brown that might be bread. Wally looks down, groaning, though this time more in disgust than anything.

Kaldur serves the volleyball, getting it over the net, where Superboy bumps it to M’gann who spikes it back at the other two.

Wally gets hit in the face with a dodgeball. Groaning he holds his fist up wanting to react, but can’t. Mainly because waves of more dodgeballs come at him, though he wisely uses his arm and leg to keep them from hitting his face or stomach.

M’gann pats the tip of the sand mountain, while Robin pats the other side. The mountain built on a sleeping Superboy. While Kaldur holds a red bucket, pouring more sand onto the side closer to Superboy’s face with a smirk.

The bell rang and the doors burst open as Wally sped out side and came to a stop at the side walk, throwing his arms up and cheering that was he free before speeding off. Deme had watched when she walked out. Deme adjusted her bag as she walked to the Zeta-tube after changing into her Hero costume before entering the Zeta-tube “Recognized; Kid Flash, B03; Spider-Girl, B07,” the computer announced before they all turned to see a beach ready Wally, who ran in. “The Wall-Man is here. Now let’s get this party star –“ He fell to the ground, the things he was carrying scattering. “–ted,” he mumbled after the beach ball had flown between Batman’s and Red Tornado’s heads. Spider-girl stood there, having walked in behind him. “Wall-Man, huh? I love the uniform. What exactly are your powers?” The blonde girl dressed in green asked with a smirk while walked past Wally "Uh, who is this?" Wally asked the others while gesturing to the archer. “Artemis, your new teammate,” she said almost teasingly. “Kid Flash. Never heard of you,” Wally continued in the same insultingly teasing tone as Artemis. Green Arrow steps up. “Um, she's my new protogé.” Wally’s eyes go wide. “Wha-what happened to your old one?” he questions, clearly worried, but can’t ask further as the Zeta-Tubes behind him are put in use.
Recognize: Speedy; B-0-6
“Well for starters, he doesn't go by Speedy anymore.” Roy states, walking out of the Zeta Tube. “Call me Red Arrow.” the four original protogé are both relieved and tensed to see him in the mountain, but it’s Green Arrow who reacts the fastest. “Roy. You look-” Green Arrow begins, but Red Arrow cuts him off as he walks to the center of training circle.“-Replaceable.” he nearly growls, his gaze zeroed in on Artemis. Spider girl blushed behind her mask and cleared her throat "more like, looking good-"“It’s not like that.” Green Arrow tries. “You told me you were going solo.” “So why waste time finding a sub?” Roy rhetorically questions angrily. “Can she even use that bow?” Artemis steps up to defend herself. “Yes, she can.” she says, almost chipper sounding as she gets right in Roy’s face. “Who are you?” Wally finally questions. “I’m his niece.” Artemis says “She’s my niece.” Green Arrow says at the same time. This response gets a smirk to grow on Robin’s face. “Another niece?” he questions, “But she is not your replacement.” Kaldur assures, speaking to Roy. Stepping up as Roy actually turns to look at him. “We have always wanted you on the Team, and we have no quota on archers.” Kaldur added. From his left Wally pipes up, cheery once more. “And if we did, you know who we’d pick.” Artemis steps up once more. “Whatever, Baywatch, I’m here to stay.” “you come here for a reason?" Kaldur asked Red Arrow, "Like someone as hot as him needs a reason," Deme whispered to herself, smirking as she looked Roy up and down with interest. “Yeah, a reason named Dr. Serling Roquette.” Roy admits, looking to Spidey with a hint of amusement, then looked at Robin who tensed immediately at the name. Then smiling, he pulled up the data on his hologlove. “Nanorobotics genius and claytronics expert at Royal University in Star City - vanished two weeks ago,” he stated as screens around the whole circle come up. “Abducted two weeks ago by the League of Shadows,” Roy corrected. Robin’s joy showed through on his face. “Whoa. You want us to rescue her from the Shadows?” He asked as he, Wally, and M’gann all stepped up. “Hard-core,” Wally agreed, offering a fist to Robin, which the Boy Wonder hit on top, then underneath, then on top again. While Roy replies tensely. “I already rescued her.” walking towards the lined up holo-screens. “Only one problem.” pulling out a small grey box which brings up a larger screen in front of the ones Robin put up. “The Shadows had already coerced her into a weapon,” glancing at the screen to make sure the data’s up. “Doc calls it the Fog, comprised of millions of microscopic robots, nanotech infiltrators, capable of disintegrating anything in their path- concrete, steel, flesh, bone.- but it’s true purpose isn’t mere destruction. It’s theft. The infiltrators eat and story raw data from any computer system and deliver the stolen data to the Shadows.”

“Perfect for extortion, manipulation, power broking. Yeah. Sounds like the Shadows,” Artemis mused. “Like you know anything about the Shadows,” Wally said smugly. When the she just smirked, he glared. “Who are you?!” “Roquette's working on a virus to render the Fog inert,” Roy cut in. “But if the Shadows know she can do that, then they'll target her," Spider-girl said frowning. "Exactly. Right now, she's off the grid. I stashed her at the local high school's computer lab,” Red Arrow stated showing a visual of the school. “You left her alone?” Green Arrow asked incredulously. “She’s safe enough for now,” Red Arrow stated. “Then let’s you and I keep her that way,” Green Arrow said walking up to him. Artemis frowned at him. “You and I?” Roy questions, sounding both angry and surprised. “Don’t you want to take your new protogé?”Before Green Arrow can say anything, Batman places a dark hand on his shoulder. Stopping the blonde in his tracks. He glances back at the Dark Knight before turning back to Roy. “You brought this to the Team. It’s their mission, which means it’s her’s now, too.” Green Arrow says calmly. Roy scoffs. “Then my job’s done.” he says walking back towards the Zeta-Tubes.

Recognize: Speedy-

“That’s Red Arrow, B06. Update.” Roy corrects. The Zeta Tube beeps, recognizing the update but Spider-girl ran forward "speed-i mean Red Arrow. If you ever need help, I'll help" she beamed behind her mask but Roy frowned "even reveal who you are for the mission when I need you too" "without hesitation" the girl answered making the guy patted her head and transporting him away. Behind her turned back Wally looks at Spider girl in shock before he turns to Artemis with a glare, M’gann looks over as well, but she’s more confused than confrontational. Artemis looks away from the gingers’ looks.

HAPPY HARBOR
August 8th; 21:59 EDT

Outside Happy Harbor High, M’gann and Superboy were on the roof with the bio-ship camouflaged over their heads. While inside the school, Aqualad checked the window to the hallway by the Computer Lab. 'Miss Martian, link us up. We do not want the Shadows intercepting our comms.' From outside, Miss Martian found the other minds with ease. Connecting them quickly. 'Everyone online?' She asked. 'You know it, Green,' Deme said as she walked the halls. 'Ohh,' Artemis half groaned, sitting down on the desk Dr. Roquette was working at to keep from losing her balance. 'This is weird.' 'And distracting,' Dr. Roquette’s voice cut in as she continued to code quickly. 'Coding a distributive algorithm virus on a kiddie computer with RAM than a wristwatch is hard enough.' She stopped typing and started moving her body as if she were speaking aloud. 'Now I have to hear teen-think in my skull?' She gripped her head with annoyance and perceived pain from a headache she’s bound to get. Wally sat on the window ledge, eating a granola bar, Robin was looking out of the partially opened blind of the same window row, but hidden by the pillar. 'Lady, do you always complain when someone tries to help you?' 'Po, kettle.' Artemis offers. 'Have you met?' Kid Flash is immediately defensive. 'Hey. Hey, I do not need attitude from the newbie who drove Red Arrow off the Team.'Artemis stands instantly and points directly at him. 'That is so not on me.' behind her Roquette stops typing to give into her annoyance ‘'Fate of the world at stake’ 'she Started it.” Kid Flash defends childishly 'How about I just help Superboy and Miss Martian patrol the perimeter?' Artemis offers, already walking away from her spot by the doctor.

‘Good idea,’ Aqualad agreed as she walked out of the room, irritated with the bickering between her and Kid Flash. ‘You might cut her some slack. It was her arrow that saved your butt against Amazo,’ Robin told his best friend. ‘What? No, that was Speedy’s – I mean Red Arrow’s arrow, right?’ Kid Flash asked. ‘Not really’ ‘‘Well, still not giving her the satisfaction,’ Kid Flash said stubbornly. 'You know I can still hear you!’ Artemis said annoyed earning a scream of frustration from Wally, who clutched his head. ‘I couldn’t get the Justice League,’ Roquette thought miserably and Kaldur stepped up behind her. 'The virus won't be of much use if we cannot find the weapon. Can you track it?' He asked her. ‘My utility fog is not a weapon. It's science, brilliant science’ Spider-girl tilted her head from behind Kaldur’s back ‘Can you track your “Brilliant science”’ ‘of course I can track it, but I'd have to go online. Might as well rent a billboard with this address and ‘assassinate me’ written in neon,’ Roquette exaggerated and he rested his hand on her shoulder. Aqualad places his hand on her shoulder. 'We will protect you.' he promises.She glances back as the dark skinned Atlantean then hitting the enter key to begin tracking the Fog. “Tracking the Fog now.” she tells him, though it’s obvious by the way the targeting system is moving across the digital form of the globe on her screen. Coming to a stop on a fully zoomed in image of a plane sitting on a runway.

Superboy walked the perimeter, coming to a guarded stop as he heared bushes rustling. Following the sound, he leaped to the roof of the school and strode across it with precision, grace, and ease. He landed behind a tense M’gann and Artemis, the archer even having her bow strung. Though, seeing both were more relaxed than him, he brushed it off and walked away from the girls. 'Mmm... that boy.' Superboy turned back, but upon seeing her look at him, his eyes widened, realizing she meant him. 'He can hear you. We can all hear you,' Miss Martian pointed out, a tenseness to her tone that was not normal for her. Artemis was either oblivious to it or just doesn’t care. 'Oh, I know.' Miss Martian’s eyes widen in shock. 'Miss Martian,' Aqualad’s voice cuts in, Miss Martian calming, while Artemis forces her gaze out of the corner of her eye to the sidewalk leading to where she and Miss Martian are. 'Dr. Roquette has located the Fog. reconfigure the Bioship so that Robin and Superboy can pursue.' Miss Martian raises her right hand and the Bioship lands in the small field before the fence. 'Ready.' Superboy and Robin run out to it quickly, the open hatch closing right on their heels. The ship takes off quickly and smoothly, whichever one of the boys are flying has clearly been working at it. Turning to walk back Miss Martian gives Artemis a small glare that’s gone before the archer could even blink. Both miss the raven haired woman behind the bushes wearing a jade green tunic with black under layers and a mask with a Cheshire grin splayed for all to see.

‘You embarrassed Superboy,’ Miss Martian said after a bit, glancing at Artemis with a glare as they stood guard. ‘Didn’t hear him say that,’ Artemis replied. ‘Must you challenge everyone?’ Miss Martian demanded. 'Where I came from, that’s how you survive,’ the blonde retorted, none of them seeing the woman flip over the fence and head into the school as M'gann glared at her. Wally was leaning against the wall, foot up and arms crossed. He saw a shadow and ran down the two halls, skidding to a stop to see the doors to the pool open. He sped in only to cry out as he slipped on metal balls, landing on his back with a hard thud, grunting when he was kicked into the water. The woman ran out as Wally floated in the water, facing down. Aqualad watched Roquette worked as the door opened slightly and a throwing star was thrown in. Before it could hit the doctor, Kaldur dove in front of her and it stabbed him in the shoulder as he landed on his side, Roquette standing quickly with shock. Roquette looks to the source of the shuriken, only to see the Cheshire grin. Her eyes widen and two more shurikens fly towards her, which Aqualad takes to the outside of his right arm as he knocks the doctor to the floor.The ravenette- Cheshire- pushes the door fully open, running behind the computer desks. “Hmm.” she muses, twin sais held in a reverse grip as she runs towards the doctor and Atlantean. “That had to hurt.”Aqualad pulls out the last shuriken out of his arm, his right tattoo glowing brightly. “Atlantean skin is quite dense.” he states, as he pulls out his Water-bearers to form dual swords. Just in time to block her sais.“And my shuriken are quite poisoned.” she says, slashing at his stomach, then dodging under his strike at her head, then striking towards his arm which he blocks once more and pushes her away. Kicking her in the chest. She flips through the hit, landing silent and confident in a crouch on a computer table. 'M’gann, Spider-girl Kid, Artemis, we are under attack in the computer lab.' Aqualad calls out. Spider-Girl nodded at the order and began sprinting toward the computer room, but almost slipped on water. "What the -?" Deme asked, walking slowly into the pool area. Her eyes widened as she spotted something or someone floating in the water. "Wally?" She asked in shock before diving into the water. She swam over to the speedster before bringing him on to dry land. "Kid? kid?! Wally?" She called and began giving him CPR, ripping her mask off "Come on, Wally, wake up," she whispered, connecting their lips, but before she could blow air, she felt him kiss back. Deme pulled away as he coughed up water. "You're okay! Oh, Wally, I was so worried!" Deme cried, tackling the speedster into a hug. Wally coughed a little and patted her back to assure her he was fine. The girl sighed in relief but Wally blinked "Spidey. Ur mask" he whispered, noticing it on the floor behind her.. Deme tensed softly but hugged him tighter "I had no choice. Either that or you die" she offered but Wally shook her head and covered his eyes "I won't look" he promised. The girl smiled as she pulled away and the guy did as promised. Spider girl grabbed her mask "for the record, I think you still look beautiful, even if i dont know what you look like” Wally promised but the Spider-themed hero said nothing thinking to their interaction at school “right…” She trailed off putting her mask back on.

Meanwhile Cheshire slashes again at Aqualad, who is keeping the doctor behind his Water-bearers and body. In retaliation, he strikes her head, which she ducks under and she once again slices at his core, which he jumps back from. She fakes a high roundhouse and gets both her legs over Aqualad’s shoulders and yanks him to the ground with an “oof”. Roquette watches the fight like a tennis match. Cheshire throws her shuriken at the bystander, forcing Aqualad to turn his sword into a whip to change the trajectory of the sai. Though it still lands mere inches from her face, finally getting her to move and jump back with a yelp. “Almost.” Cheshire mutters, as both she and Aqualad stand up, his Water-bearer becoming a sword once more as she a knife from her hiding place. “Poison slowing you down?” she asks as he strikes with both swords once more. “Jellyfish toxin, I’m largely immune.” he tells her, getting in her face. She uses it to her advantage and headbutts him. Giving him all the pain and her none, despite the height difference, due to her mask being what makes contact. Knocking him to the ground and both his Water-bearers out of his hands. “Largely.” she agrees, raising her sai. Only for it to be shot out of her hand. Turning to find Artemis already prepared with another arrow. “Don’t. Move.” Artemis states slowly. Cheshire chuckles, hearing Aqualad get back to his feet and bear his swords behind her since she’s been watching Artemis step closer to her. “This gig’s getting interesting.” she brings out a single handed collapsible sword. Standing ready for Artemis.Who releases the arrows in rapid succession, however Cheshire slices through them, nearly in half every time.Miss Martian, Spider girl and Kid Flash enter the door and find Doctor Roquette standing in stunned shock as arrow halves fall at her feet. Artemis pauses upon seeing them. Which is what prompts Cheshire to look as well. Now finding herself outnumbered four to one.“Maybe a little too interesting.” she admits as Artemis knocks another arrow. She deflects it and drops a flash grenade.Kid Flash jumps through the smoke, hitting nothing and stumbling right into Artemis’ arms. Both of them bumping their foreheads. Shocked to find them so close together, and practically sharing breaths, he stumbles back with his eyes wide. Then looks to the now empty space. “Gone.” he grunts. “She’s getting away! You’re letting her get away!” Roquette exclaimed angrily. "Hey! We didn't let her do anything! And you're still alive, aren't you?" Deme asked, annoyed with her attitude. The scientist quickly quieted down. “This is all your fault!” Wally shouted at Artemis. “You were on perimeter! How’d that Shadow get in?!” Artemis just glared at him. “That's not really fair,” Miss Martian said calmly, walking up to them. “I was outside too.” "And I was in the halls. She would of had to pass me on the way in," Deme added. “Being distracted by her,” he retaliated. “Besides I can't be mad at you.” His tone gone flirtatious and almost sweet as he changed who he’s defending. 'You gave me mouth-to-mouth.' Spider-Girl's eyes go wide, realizing something he hasn’t yet. 'We heard that!' Artemis snapped angrily, while even Aqualad seemed annoyed. Kid Flash turned and walked away, dropping his head. “Dang it!” He griped.

M’gann turned to the Archer with a soft smile “I didn’t do half as well in my first battle,” she offers, even placing her hand on Artemis’ shoulder in an attempt to increase her comfort by offering it physically. “and I know you can’t have been Green Arrow’s sidekick for very long.”Before she can respond Aqualad cuts in. “Focus, everyone.” though out of the two Miss Martian seems the most annoyed with the interruption. “The Shadows will be back.”The radio beeps. “Robin to Aqualad.” it catches the Atlantean’s attention immediately.
"We're over Philadelphia. We've located the shadows' next target, S.T.A.R. Labs. We're too late. It's destroyed, totally destroyed. The fog decimated it," Robin stated. "S.T.A.R. Labs' cutting-edge science is in the hands of the enemy now. Aqualad, what's our next move?” Robin asked through the comm as he was looking at the destroyed site with Superboy. “Rescan for that fog. Find it. We’re moving the doctor,” Aqualad ordered. And so, the teens moved the doctor to another building where she now typed on another computer. Spidey leaned against the desk by where Wally was sitting, his elbow resting on his bent knee. Artemis walked up to Roquette and looked up at Kid Flash, both glaring at each other .'Stop it, both of you!' Aqualad’s telepathic voice cuts in and draws their attention away from the glaring contest that was about to begin.'What?' both ask at the same time.From within the bushes outside their location, Aqualad remains calm. 'i can hear you glaring.' he informs them. Then heads off towards the slight treeline. “Miss Martian, stay in camouflage mode and make a wide perimeter sweep.” he instructs, but aloud.The trees rustle behind him as a shadowy head appears. This one covered.Aqualad is snagged by red vines before he could even hope to react and brought up with only a slight cry of shock. There are hits and grunts, leaves that fall to the ground below, but the attacker and now Aqualad are covered by the foliage. Cheshire flipped beside his fallen body. “The Martian could return any second, and I’m not keen on evening their odds,” she told the men. “We end Roquette now.” With that she was gone again. In the single room building, Kid Flash and Spider-Girl were watching Roquette as she typed, still hanging out on top of the computer tower. The doors burst open and from the door frame, Black Spider flipped out. Kid flipped to a similar position, but his left leg out to the side which allowed him to stand and go into a run with ease. Spider-girls stood ready to attack as well. "Hey, the Spider-theme's been taken, pal," she huffed. Wally was going to swipe out Black Spider’s feet, but the man lived up to his chosen name and flipped to the ceiling, clinging there before shooting red webbing at Kid Flash. He rolled out of the way and toward the narrow cylinder trashcan, which he threw at Black Spider to get him to drop back down to the ground. The assassin sprung through his crouch, coming in with a cross that Kid Flash easily dodged and countered with a hit to the ribs. Black Spider dodged the webbing shot at him from Spider-girl, who rolled to cover. Artemis goes to shoot the assassin when the glass window in the ceiling behind her shatters and Hook drops to the ground. She changes her aim and shoots at the white haired man, who dodges the shot, and the next three by diving between the pews.Artemis knocks another arrow, while Roquette stops typing and turns to her. “Don’t stop working.” she instructs the doctor, before releasing the arrow. Roquette says nothing and turns back to the computer.From the double windows, Cheshire lines up an arrow it a crossbow. She releases it, but a desk is telekinetically put in the way of the shot. “Martian’s here. It’s now or never.” She commands Hook and Black Spider, ditching the crossbow.Kid Flash runs at Black Spider, but the acrobatic assassin executes a sudden spin which places him under Kid Flash and is able to kick him in the stomach and away with both feet. Finding his footing with ease he shoots red webbing at the desk blocking Roquette. Spider girl shot another web but Black spider grabbed it and pinned her easily "Nice webs. But mine are better" “Maybe, but I have one thing you don't” Spider-girl smirked as she clutched her fist as she grabbed the webbing she was trapped in. she groaned as she Electrocuted the villain, who stumbled back. Artemis has another arrow ready to be shot at Hook, but when she sees Cheshire drop down before Roquette her distraction is rewarded by a hook to the face. The hook returns to Hook’s hand while Cheshire looms over the fallen Roquette. She twirls her sai, finding her expert hold and ready to stab her in the back. When the doctor’s skin suddenly turns green and her head turns to look right at Cheshire. “We’ve been duped!” she calls out, both angrily and to alert both men working with her. It turned out, Roquette was really at the Sandbar Internet Cafe, Aqualad inside to keep her guarded. She looked at Aqualad. “I’ve almost got it,” she told him. The camouflaged bio-ship flew up to the Wayne Tech building as a van drove up. "The next target's a Waynetech facility. In theory, its systems software could be used to hack the -" Robin cut himself off, his eyes wide. "The what?" Superboy asked. "Doesn't matter. Wh-what matters Is Waynetech operates a 24-hour workforce. We'll never evacuate the building in time," Robin stated. the van parked and the man with the headpiece from before pressed a few buttons on the Fog machine.

Miss Martian returns to her classic form, levitating in the air a good four feet over Cheshire and Hook’s heads. “You’ll never find Doctor Roquette.” she tells Cheshire with conviction.“Never’s such a long time.” Cheshire teases. “Pursuing target. Keep ‘em busy.” she calls out. Running off.Hook launches his hook at Miss Martian to prevent her from following.Artemis is just starting to get her feet when Cheshire runs by. She quickly gets back to her feet. “Pursuing their leader.” she calls out. Kid Flash is still fighting Black Spider, blocking his punches, then managing a cross to the assassin’s face and knocking him down. “Take the rest down.” he watches the blonde run out the double doors. “You are so not the boss of me,” Kid calls after her, annoyed and purposefully dragging out the so. “Just do it!” Spider-GIrl snarled over her shoulder as she ripped the web off her. Behind his turned back, Black Spider got to his feet and threw his arms around Kid Flash so he couldn’t move his arms. His left arm slid closer to the speedsters neck as his right-hand gripped the ginger hair tightly. Cheshire made it outside to see the Atlantean was not on the ground where they had left him. "Oh, I do not like being played," she snarled, the eyes of her mask glowing. She then saw the red footprints that she would use to find where he and the real doctor were. She then took off running, sais in her hands, and Artemis ran up to the van, shooting an arrow at her. Cheshire turned quickly, hitting the arrow away with her sai. "I was hoping it'd be you," she teased, taking off running again with Artemis following. They began running and jumping on the rooftops until Cheshire stopped when an arrow landed next to her on a chimney. It sprayed out purple gas making Cheshire cough before falling back. Artemis landed in a crouch by her and readied an arrow as she stepped up only to cry out when her legs were swiped out from under her by the ninja. "Mask has built-in filters," she informed the blonde smugly. Artemis glared and kicked her leg out only for Cheshire to stop it with her hand and Artemis flipped up only for Cheshire to grab her arm, locking her in place. "Better luck next time, Kid," the woman told her, hitting her hard on the back and knocking her down. Hearing the thud, Aqualad looked up, then at Roquette. “We have company.” he says tensely. “Uploading now.” she says, typing even faster. “And by the way, you said you’d protect me.” she snaps. A singular sphere rattles its way down the dark hallway, coming to a stop just within visible range. Before stopping and immediately releasing a smoke screen. Aqualad whips out his Water-bears quickly, forming solid swords in seconds. Roquette stands up beside him when nothing happens for a few seconds.From behind his ceiling panel is pushed loose. Sensing something he turns, only to get three darts to the chest in rapid succession. Cheshire drops to the ground confidently. “Let’s test the limit of you Jellyfish immunity, shall we?” she taunts. Aqualad shakes his head in order to clear it before charging at the assassin. He strikes high with his right. Which she ducks under, then at where her face is now with his left. Which she tightly flips over. He strikes downwards, but she steps out of the way and lets his momentum throw him off balance. As he turns towards her she unleashes a roundhouse kick to his face. Which knocks him straight to his front on the floor. Both his Water-bearers losing their integrity and the tattoos dimming in unison. “There, limit tested.” Cheshire says simply. Then turns to Roquette. “Now, doctor, time for my appointment.” she enunciates by bringing out a sai, which gets Roquette to cautiously move away from her. All while the upload is being processed.

Elsewhere the bioship still camouflaged Superboy and Robin wait by the opening back hatch.“It’s downloading.” Robin informs, watching the progress on his hologlobe.What catches Superboy’s attention is the sound of a van door opening. He recognizes the Fog’s storage container instantly. “Don’t need it!” he growls.Jumping despite prue's cry of “Superboy!” but the Boy Wonder can only watch as he jumps right at the cyclops.Before he can reach him the man uses the grey control panel hanging from his shoulder to release a red laser beam at Superboy. Strong enough to knock him back and to the parking surface on his back. Unmoving.The cyclops turns back to the container and releases the Fog. “No!” Robin called out, grappling to the nearest light pole then flipping to get to the next and land before the surface level of the WayneTech facility, a hole eaten through the double doors. The security guard could only watch the cloud go by in shock. “What in the -” he cut himself off as he saw Robin run past him. “Hey! You can’t come in here!” He yelled at the not stopping Boy Wonder, moving to grab his walkie talkie. “Unauthorized entry!” The gated doors started coming down ahead of the Boy Wonder. “WayneTech override - RG-4.” Robin called out. The nearly closed gate rose, giving him enough room to roll underneath and keep running.

Miss Martian dodged the hook and used her telekinesis to throw two pews at him which he destroyed easily with his hook that she ended up dodging again. He obliterates the first one but barely manages to get the one that rises to his turned back. Knowing she’s vulnerable he turns and launches his hook at her once more. She spins away and it sticks to the ceiling. “Kid Flash, Spider girl, we need to end this now.” she tells him.As the speedster avoids the red webbing by flipping over the row seating. Coming to a pause with a smirk on his face. “It’s like you read my mind, beautiful.” in his distracted state the red webbing clings to his left shoulder. Looking over it for a mere second until he starts spinning at high speeds.Black Spider is too shocked to be able to counteract it before he’s whisked off his feet.Kid Flash jumps, while still spinning, and lands a dual set of kicks to Black Spider’s chest, breaking the webbing and sending the assassin back into a pew and breaking it with the force Kid Flash hit him with. Hook’s hook retracts and he launches it once more at Miss Martian. She creates a telekinetic wall that sends the hook crashing back into its wielder. Hitting him in the jaw and knocking the man out with a strangled cry of pain. "Woohoo!” she says happily, aloud. “I got mine.” “Great.” Kid Flash says, then tries to work against the webbing finding it not anywhere near budging. “Uh, a little help?” Spider-Girl chuckled, going over and getting from free of the webbing.

Back at WayneTech, the Fog ate through the building and the people in the cafeteria began running, the cashier looking in horror. the Boy Wonder hurrying to the small computer and hooking it up to his hologlove. "What's goin' on? What are you doing?" The cashier asked them, freaking out. "Please be linked to the mainframe. Please be linked to the mainframe," Robin muttered hopefully while typing.

Cheshire continues to back the nervous doctor up, away from the unconscious Aqualad. Grabbing the front of her shirt elicits a gasp from the doctor as she closes her eyes, expecting her end. Before that, she looks to the computer with the download progress showing.Cheshire cocks her head and follows the woman’s gaze. Just as the bar shows full download and the computer beeps in agreement. The assassin turns back to the doctor.” So you've finished the virus,” she states. “eliminating the reason for your elimination,” despite her words her sai is getting closer to the doctor’s neck and face. “though not your entertainment value.” she gets right in front of her and watches as the blonde’s eyes go wide. The sudden release of her grip sends the doctor to the ground. “Lucky for you, my orders are clear. You live to program another day. After all, doctor, Shadows may find another use for you.” she shies away from the assassin, the final statement more terrifying than any proceeding it.

Once it was fully uploaded to his hologlove, the result was instantaneous. The screen of the computer he was logged into went red. Inside the computer, the Fog bots turned red mere seconds before exploding. Robin turned to watch as the Fog Cloud behind him turn red before disappearing. The woman behind the counter breathed out a sigh of relief. “Yes!” He cheered, clutching his unoccupied hand. “The infiltrators have been outfiltrated!” Robin cheered. The cyclops could only watch as the Fog turned red before disappearing. What caught his attention was the fact that Superboy was standing once more and walking toward him. Reacting, he shot another beam at the clone. Superboy grunted as he blocked it with his forearm, but was able to charge ahead as he blocked most of the beam. Some smaller ones still hit him, but not enough to hinder his movements. Gritting his teeth, he faced the source, pushing harder despite the pain. Once he was close enough, he fully faced the man, then reached out with his hand and stopped the beam from even leaving the helmet. The backlash knocked the man into the side of the van and limply to the ground.

Cheshire walks out of the Sandbar Cafe. Only to be stopped as four of Artemis’ arrows land before her and explode quickly.Her mask falling off and out of the smoke.As it clears she’s on her hands and knees, her back to Artemis’ taut bowstring and very sharp arrow tip. She subtly pushes up, but Artemis sees it. “Don’t move a muscle.” the archer snarls.Despite the warning, Cheshire stands. “Wow.” she murmurs, turning to face Artemis over her shoulder. Her eyes open to reveal the same murky, dark, expansive brown as Artemis’ own. “I am completely at your mercy.Artemis’ eyes widen slightly as she gasps. “You.” “Isuppose now you bring me to Justice. Let your new friends interrogate me.” she taunts. “I wonder if your position's secure enough to survive them learning everything I know.” There’s a long pause where neither of them so much as breathe. Then, Artemis silently lowers her bow. “Didn't think so.” she starts backing up, smoke curling around her. “So like the Cheshire Cat, I'll just disappear.” Roquette helped Aqualad out of the cafe before they saw the archer. “Artemis, where’s the assassin?” Aqualad asked. “She, uh – she got away,” Artemis answered, turning away. Kid Flash ran up, setting Spider-Girl down as he had carried her the whole way. “Oh, from you? Oh, big surprise. Notice we got ours,” he bragged as Miss Martian floated down, telekinetically holding the prisoners. He then saw the assassin’s mask. “Cool. Souvenir,” he smiled as he picked it up. "Her mask. Did you see her? Her face?” Spidey asked when she saw it, Aqualad grunting as he ripped the darts out of his chest. “It was dark,” Artemis answered, keeping her gaze away. “It is fine.” Aqualad assures, reading her body language since she won’t say anything. “Robin and Superboy neutralized the Fog, and Dr. Roquette is safe, thanks in no small part to you.”She glances over her shoulder before fully turning to face him as Miss Martian lands beside Kid Flash.“Welcome to the Team.”She gives a small smile in return.Aqualad steps up before her and offers his hand. After a slight hesitation, she takes it.“I always wanted a sister.” Miss Martian says sincerely. “Here on Earth, I mean. I have twelve back on Mars, but trust me, it's not the same.” she clarifies, even Kid Flash is willing to get close to the ‘newbie who kicked Red Arrow off the Team’“I wouldn't know.” Artemis decides to say, though a small chuckle does come through. “But thanks.” Spider-Girl elbowed Kid Flash in the chest. “Ow,” he grumbled, but still, no one said anything. “Yeah. Welcome,” he said begrudgingly. Artemis offered her hand, he only hesitated slightly before taking it.

Gotham City; August 9th; 1:16 EDT
An out of order telephone booth glows gold, as it shuts off Artemis opens the doors. Looking around as she walks into the center of the alleyway. Her eyes narrow as she looks to her right blindspot. Spinning tightly she crouches to her knee, aiming her bow at the shadowy figure whose only noticeable features are their bright-white eyes. “Step into the light.” she demands, her arm shaking slightly from the effort of holding her drawstring back so long and moving into that position so quickly. “Now.” Nonchalantly Red Arrow does. “Nice move.” he says with a slight scoff as he walks towards her. Artemis releases the drawstring, and stands up. “Almost made me believe you are Green Arrow's niece,” he says a resentful tone to his words as he stops before her. “though we both know you're not.” Artemis glares. “Still, I'm sure G.A. and Bats had a reason for lying, so your cover's safe.” he leans down and into her personal space. “But I warn you: do not hurt my friends.” he practically growls. Then walks away. Behind his turned back Artemis’ shoulders sag.

Chapter Text

Mount Justice; August 19th, 19:39 EDT

“Initiate- Combat Training.” the computerized voice says as Kaldur and Superboy slowly work their way from the opposite sides of the circle towards each other. “3.” the two begin to circle each other. “2.” they’re now maintaining about ten feet of distance from each other. “1.”Both charge, Superboy goes in for a right hook punch that Aqualad ducks under, retaliating with a left-right one-two combo. Both of which Superboy blocks, though Kaldur jumps and goes for a hook kick, that Superboy both ducks under and raises his hands for. As Kaldur lands he goes for another right hook that Kaldur dives back into a back handspring, landing in a crouch.Artemis, M’gann, Spider-girl watch on. “Kaldur's uh, nice, don't you think?” Artemis asks, glancing at M’gann to ensure that she’s the only one listening before she continues. “ Handsome. Commanding. You should totally ask him out.” “He's like a big brother to me,” M'gann denies light-heartedly. " But you know who would make the cutest couple? Spidey and Wally,” M’gann teased, looking over her shoulder at the ginger currently noisily enjoying his burrito. “You're so full of passion and he's so full of - uh - of…” “It.” Artemis finishes with conviction, though their combined laughing afterward proved that she was mocking him. Kaldur and Superboy charge each other, with his bigger build Superboy gets his arms on the Atlantean’s shoulder blades, before getting his boot behind Aqualad’s barefoot and throwing him over his shoulder and a good fifteen feet away, on his rear.Aqualad lets out a stunned cry as he feels his feet leave the ground.“Fail > Aqualad.” the computerized voice calls out, as his stats appear near the fallen Atlantean’s shoulder.Superboy stands up straighter, brushing off his hands. “Black Canary taught me that.”Red Tornado drops out of a hole in the ceiling. Gaining everyone’s attention. As Superboy helps Kaldur to his feet.“Do you have a mission for us?” Wally asks, speeding in front of Red Tornado. “Mission assignments are Batman's responsibility,” Red Tornado stated simply. “Yeah. Well, the Batman's with Robin doing the dynamic duo thing in Gotham, but you're headed somewhere, right? Hot date or a-a misión?” Kid Flash asked with a smile. “If we can be of help,” Aqualad offered to the android. Tornado seemed to think about it before turning and showing a visual of Kent Nelson. “This is Kent Nelson, a friend. He is one-hundred-and-six-years-old,” he informed. "Guy doesn’t look a day over ninety,” Wally whispered to Artemis as the girls stood beside him. “And he has been missing for twenty-three days. Kent was a charter member of the Justice Society, the precursor to your mentors' Justice League,” Red Tornado explained, showing a younger Kent dressed as Doctor Fate. “Of course.” Kaldur realizes, sounding annoyed with himself. “Nelson was Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme. He was Doctor Fate.”“Pfft.” Wally snorted. “More like Doctor Fake, guy knows a little advanced science and Dumbledore's it up to scare the bad guys and impress the babes.” he whispers to Artemis.Tornado turns to the Team again. “Kent may justbe on one of his… walkabouts, but he is caretaker to the Helmet of Fate.” Tornado continues, “The source of the Doctor’s mystic might, and it unwise to leave such power unguarded.”“He’s like the great sorcerer-priests and priestesses of Mars, I would be honored to help find him.” M’gann speaks up, everyone pays her attention, knowing that it isn’t often she would bring up her life on their sister planet. Much less her religion. "I love magic! I mastered the coin behind the ear trick!” Spider-girl beamed doing the trick to M’gann who gasped in awe and excitement. Wally’s hand shot up instantly. “Me too.” Everyone was surprised. “So honored, I can barely stand it,” Wally continued, suddenly sounding sheepish as he realized all attention was focused on him. Behind him, Artemis glared. “Magic rocks," he added while throwing in a Rock and Roll hand gesture. The blonde archer rolled her eyes and she crossed her arms. He was trying to impress Miss Martian. “Take this, it is the key to the Tower of Fate,” Tornado said, offering up an old brass key. Aqualad took it from his waiting hand. “What are the chances we both so admire the mystic arts?” Wally questions M’gann. She gave him a small smile, but nothing more.

Inside the Bioship, M’gann at the helm, Artemis directly in front of her, Wally to Artemis’ right, with Kaldur and Superboy (in that order) on her left. “So, Wally,” Artemis begins, an already mocking tone in her words. “When did you realize your honest affinity for sorcery?”“Well, I-I don’t like to brag,” Wally stumbles over his words, but his attention is fully out of the corner of his eye right at M’gann. “but, uh, before I became Kid Flash, I seriously considered becoming a wizard myself.” seeing that he has M’gann’s attention he puts his hands behind his head and visibly relaxes.Artemis rolls her eyes, and Kaldur looks away from KF. Spider girl narrowed her eyes behind her mask.“We’ve reached Tornado’s coordinates, but-” M’gann starts, as she brings the bioship down in the street. “Nothing’s here,” Superboy finished for Miss Martian. “Take us down,” Aqualad commanded. Outside the bio-ship was a mangy orange cat with deep red markings around its body. Though its face had similar black markings and red eyes that seem to observe the hidden bio-ship before it hopped off the box it was on and trotted inside the theater. “Grant us access to the tower, and I promise an end to your suffering,” A man’s voice- the same man who was in New Orleans - bargained. “Continue to refuse and -” He cut himself off as something zapped causing another man, who sounded older, to cry out in pain. The cat jumped onto a teen's lap as he laughed from the front row of the seating. Instantly, he began petting the cat, causing it to purr and meow. His face was pale, his hair is dark and styled in a way that almost seems to give him horns, but his eyes were old and angry. The cat began to babble at him. “Shush, Teekl!” He reprimanded. “I’m watching the show.” Up on the stage, tied in ropes and sitting in a chair, panting from pain was Kent Nelson. The same man that was in New Orleans standing before him holding a magic wand. Up on the stage, tied in ropes and sitting in a chair, panting from pain is Kent Nelson. The same man that was in New Orleans standing before him holding a magic wand. “Enjoy it…” Kent begins, though forced to take a breath due to the assumed torture he’s been receiving since New Orleans. “while you can.” he finishes. Then looks up with determination in his eyes, knowing he has their attention. “Soon enough, my friends will come to help me.” the Hispanic with the long ponytail walks behind his chair, raising his wand as the end sparks blue. Touching it to Kent Nelson’s back to zap him once more. Teekl the cat hisses as the teen stands up. Clapping and shouting. “Encore! Encore!” before laughing in sick joy. The cat meows once more. “What?” he questions, annoyed. The cat hisses then meows once more. Almost as if he understood her his eyes soften. “Oh.”

Wally skids to a stop in the middle of the field they parked the bioship next to. “Nothing.” he says, looking at Artemis. “This isn’t simple camouflage.” The whole team looks to the ginger speedster, but Artemis is smug when she responds. “What do you think, adaptive micro-opto-electronics combined phase shifting?” “Absolutely…” Wally starts, but as M’gann appears in his line of sight the slight smile drops from his face. “Not. Clearly mystic powers are at work here.” though the way he looks at M’gann is too obvious to be missed as well as his reason for changing his answer. The way his voice nearly cracks doesn’t help his case. Artemis glared while Aqualad and Superboy just looked at him with disbelief. Aqualad took out the key. He looked at it, the word ‘insert’ written on it. “A test of faith,” he mused. “Stand behind me,” he told everyone as he stepped forward. He entered the key into the air before turning it and the tower appeared. So then they headed in before the door closed behind them and disappeared. “Uh, where’d the door go?” Superboy asked, not enjoying the fact there was no way out now. Suddenly a visual of Kent Nelson appeared in a light. “Greetings. You have entered with a key, but the tower does not recognize you. Please state your purpose and intent,” he said to the teens. Wally glanced at M'gann before stepping up. “We are true believers, here to find Doctor Fate,” he replied, earning a frown from Kent before the light disappeared. Suddenly the floor under them collapsed and they all screamed as they began falling toward the lava. Superboy used the wall to catch himself while Megan used her flying ability to keep herself up. Deme grabbed Wally, shooting up her webbing and sticking it to the wall. Artemis had taken out her grappling hook crossbow and shot it into a wall that swung her to the side, holding Kaldur. Superboy slid down the wall and cried out in pain when his feet touched the lava. He quickly pulled them out to see his boots were gone. “Those were my favorite boots. This Nelson guy better be worth it,” he growled. Deme and Wally are slowly falling, slowing and speeding up as Deme's Web power slowly begins too melt from the heat and waxes. “Having trouble… maintaining altitude…” she sweats “Ugh, I’m so hot. The mask isnt helping”" “You sure are.” he says not even thinking. “Wally!” Artemis gasps and reprimands him. “Hey, inches above sizzling death, I’m entitled to speak my mind!” he snaps back. Kaldur also wipes the sweat off his brow. “My physiology and M’gann’s are susceptible to heat, we must climb out quickly.” “Hello, Megan.” M’gann said through gasps. “We never… truly answered the question.” She turned her head slightly. “Red Tornado… sent us… to see if… Mr. Nelson and the Helmet… were safe.” A panel slides shut underneath Superboy’s feet, calmly he steps on the panel. Wally falls, landing on his butt while M’gann falls next to him on her knees. Artemis and Kaldur belay down to the panel. Spider girl grunted as she hit the floor in a crouched position “This platform.” Kaldur realizes, touching it with both his hands. “It should be red hot, but it cool to the touch.” “Don’t worry Megalicious, I gotcha.” Wally says, helping the green girl to her feet. Artemis blows a gasket. “Enough!” she shoved Wally into the wall. “Your little "impress M’gann at all cost" game nearly got us all barbecued.” Wally glared at the blonde half Vietnamese before him. “When did this become my fault?” “When you lied to that whatever-it-was and called yourself a true believer.” Deme snaps, Superboy and M’gann looking to the redhead from behind her. Once again all the attention in the room was on Wally. “Wally?” M’gann questions, stunned. “You don’t believe?” Wally glares at Artemis before speaking out in exacerbation. “Fine. Fine! I lied about believing in Magic! But magic’s the real lie, it’s all a major load!" “Wally, I studied for a year at the conservatory of sorcery in Atlantis. The mystic arts created the skin icons that power my water bearers,” Kaldur stated, still feeling the ground before looking at the redhead. “Dude, have you ever heard of bioelectricity? Hey, in primitive cultures, Fire was once considered magical, too. Today it's all just a bunch of tricks,” Wally explained, being stubborn about it. "You’re pretty closed minded for a guy who can break the sound barrier in his sneakers,” Spider-girl spoke up. “That’s science,” Wally speaks simply. “I recreated the Flash’s experiment, and here I am!” He said with a sarcastic hand gesture of grandeur. “Everything can be explained by science.”

Kaldur smirks. “Let us test that theory.” then grabs an unseen handle. “Wait, the back draft from the lava will roast us alive!” Wally protests, but Kaldur opens it anyway. The door opens, however, with a snow flurry. Accompanied by gusting winds and an expansive tundra-space beyond. “It’s snow!” M’gann cried cheerfully.Artemis looks up at Wally’s angry face with a smirk. “Do you ever get tired of being wrong?” his frown deepens. "Still think we will be perfect together?" Spider-girl asked out loud to m’gann and Artemis. The Team jumps through, but what was originally a downward jump spun so the gateway was now floating in mid air from their point of view. Until it disappears in a golden flash. Wally turns away from where he was watching it, to find the whole Team looking at him. “Well?” Artemis asks, a confident look on her face. “Every hear of string theory?” he questions sarcastically. “We’re in a pocket dimension.”

Deme growled under her breath just as Artemis let out a sound of annoyance. “What’s that?” Megan asked, looking front of her at a cane with a golden handle. “Ooh, maybe it’s Nelson’s magic wand,” Wally said sarcastically as Spider-Girl walked up to it. He then ran over and both he and Spider-Girl grabbed it at the same time. “I got it!” They both stated before the cane glowed and they tried to pull away. “I can’t let go!” They exclaimed before screaming when they were pulled up into the sky, disappearing. Superboy, M’gann, Artemis and Kaldur walked through the snow in almost silence. Until M’gann finally spokes up. “I don't understand Wally. It's almost like he needs to believe the impossible can't happen.” Kaldur approached it calmly, having known Wally for a few years meaning he could understand how he thinks. At least a little bit. “Wally uses his understanding of science to control what he cannot comprehend. Acknowledging magic would relinquish the last vestige of that control.” M’gann looked away from Kaldur, thinking about what he said. Until something creaked and thud in the distance. Turning toward the sound the five found a doorway sitting on top of a nearby ridge with a few steps leading up to it. They exchange no words as they head towards it.

On a nearby platform to where the teen is watching Kadabra torture Kent, Deme and Wally come into existence. Neither lets go of the cane as they move from lying on their sides to kneeling on one knee. Kent sees them instantly. Once Wally’s looking in the right direction he recognizes Kadabra. “Abra Kadabra.” he growls.Kent relaxes and gains a slight smile. “Well, would you look at that.”The cane glows in Spidey’s and Wally’s grip, in response, Kent’s whole body glows the same gold. Kadabra and the teen barely glance at the teen-heroes as Kent begins to float and fly past them. Grabbing the cane with both hands immediately lets Wally and Deme let go as Kent’s bonds come undone.“In here.” Kent says, standing up and using his cane to create an elevator in the wall. All three rush in.“No! No! No!” the teen working with Kadabra shouts angrily. “I want that helmet!” he raises his hands, red magic gathering as the door to the elevator begins to shut. “I want it! I want it! I want it!” The red lightning only hits after the doors are fully shut.Elevator music plays in the background as the number shown increases. Both teens look to Nelson, unsure who should say something first. He noticed and smiled. “I’m Kent Nelson, by the way,” he said, being polite. “No duh – ow!” Wally grunted when Spider-girl elbowed him, hard. She then looked at Kent. “I’m Spider-Girl. Miss Manners here is Wally,” she said to him. Kent looked amused at her reply. “Well, Spider-Girl, we're up against an opponent with tremendous mystic power,” he stated. “Abra Kadabra? Flash proved he uses futuristic technology to simulate magic. Guy's all show and no biz,” Wally said, crossing his arms. “Right you are,” Kent smirked. "Of course he is," Deme mumbled, hating the fact Wally was right about that. “Abra is a charlatan.” Kent admits. “but Klarion, the Witch Boy, kid with the cat, he’s an actual Lord of Chaos, the ultimate enemy of a Lord of Order like Doctor Fate.”“Right.” Wally drawls. “You're a Lord of Order.” though he sounds hesitant and confused.``Oh, no. Not me.” Kent says with a smile. “I'm just an old coot Fate used to put on. Until my wife Inza convinced me there was more to life.'' He opens his watch and looks down at her picture. “Ah, she was a real pistol, that Inza.” then snapping it shut and getting back on track. “Anywho, Klarion after the helmet. If he gets his sticky little mitts on it, he'll turn the planet into his own personal playground of pandemonium.”

The elevator dinged and opened. Wally’s eyes widened when he saw the large bell they walked up to. Suddenly a door in the ceiling opened and that’s when Superboy, Kaldur, and Artemis fell to the floor as M’gann floated down. "Friends of yours?" He asked the two as he glanced at the others. Electricity zapped in the background and a blue bolt just missing the two of them. On a perpendicular platform are Klarion and Kadabra. “Friends of yours?!” Wally asked back with equally as much sarcasm as Kent, before grabbing him and getting him out of the way of Kadabra’s next shot. Artemis, Kaldur, Superboy and M’gann were all forced to dodge it as well. Kent, Spidey, and Wally crouch near the bell until Kent stands, raising his cane, and hitting the bell. As the bell rang, it gained both Klarion and Kadabra’s attention. Keeping Teekl in his arms, Klarion took off into the air as the four walked into the bell, Klarion following them in without any hesitation. Wally, Deme, and Kent appeared on the roof of the tower, floating just above their heads was the golden Helmet. As Kent reached for the helmet, he was hit by a bolt of Klarion’s magic. “Mr. Nelson!” Kent stands, despite the fact that he has to groan through the pain, before raising his cane as begins to cast a spell. At the end of the spell, he slams his cane down on the ground, creating a golden shield around the helmet, Wally, Spidey and himself. Just in time to block another one of Klarion’s shots as well.“No!” Klarion shouts in anguish.“No bad for a former "Doctor Fake," eh, Kid?” Kent’s voice has weakened significantly, and as he finishes he loses his balance and falls into Wally’s arms as his cane falls to the side. “The bubble i'll give you just enough time-” he gasps for a breath. “to do what you need to do.” Wally’s eyes go wide. “I have no idea what I need to do.” "Wally, we need Doctor Fate" Spidey spoke softly as she took his hand. Wally looked at her confused. Kent opens his watch, looking up at Wally. “Have faith in what you can't explain. Believe in what you can no longer deny.” .with that Kent falls limp in his arms, his watch falling out of his hand as it hits the floor.Wally can only look upon the scene, stunned.Klarion continues to assault the bubble with as much magic as he can. "B-begin CPR. I-ill hold witch boy off" Deme whispered, before shooting webs at Klarion. Moving away from the bubble to distract the witch boy.

"You think you're little webs can stop me?" Klarion laughed, finding it amusing. "So pathetic!" He shot a bolt of lighting at her and she flipped out of the way to avoid it. "No, I'm really just hoping to annoy you, horn head!" She replied, dodging another strike of lighting. Wally began performing CPR, doing compressions on Kent's chest. "Twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty," Wally countered as Klarion threw fireball after fireball at the shield before he had to stop the webbing from shooting at him. "Come on. Come on," he whispered, trying to bring Kent back. "I want that helmet, and I want it now!" Klarion demanded childishly. Wally then looked at the Helmet of Fate, then back at Kent. 'Wally, Deme, we're in trouble. Tell Kent we need Doctor Fate,' M'gann told them as all three could see Superboy, and Aqualad trapped in electric cages, groaning in pain before Artemis was trapped in one. Kadabra pointed his wand at M'gann, who cried out in pain when she was hit, making the three gasp. Gritting his teeth, Klarion paused, then fords a magic circle around his feet. Gathering power between his hands until they expanded to create two red hands that instantly shot out and managed to get a grip on the shield surrounding the Helmet, Wally, and Kent. The claws sinking in as Kent’s cane began to burn. "Get away from them!" Spider-Girl snapped, shooting her webbing at his wrists and tried to pull him away. When the cane ran out, the shield would break. The claws screeched against the shield. Ignoring it, Wally looked down at Kent. “A test of faith.” he agrees. Standing he takes the helmet in his hands. Though, Klarion grabs his attention before he can put it on. “Hey, dumb kid. You put that on, you may never get it off!” he warns as he rips the shield apart.Wally raises the helmet, as Klarion gathers more magic, shooting it at Wally. However, he puts the helmet on before it can hit him. Though the magic does absorb him.

Wally blinks as he’s suddenly assaulted with a total lack of anything resembling where he just was. “Ok. Ok. No problem.” Wally mumbles to himself, despite the echo that just said that. “I’m not here. I’m just delusional.”“Still don’t believe it?” Kent’s voice asks with a chuckle. “Seriously, Kid, how’d you get so bullheaded in 15 short years.” Wally turns to the source, shocked to see Kent standing before him. “But- but- you’re- you’re-” “Yep,” Kent knows what he’s trying to say. “But don’t feel bad. Soon as this little brouhaha is over, my spirit will ascend, and I’ll be reunited with my beloved Inza.” “O-oh. Ok.” Wally stutters out. “Wait, but does that mean that I’m-!” Kent sighs good-naturedly, cutting him off. “You’re alive,” Kent places a hand on Wally’s shoulder, but seeing him flinch away he removes it. “but your soul no longer controls your body. See, we’re inside the helmet. You put it on, and my soul got sucked in, probably because I spent so many years serving its master.” “Master?” Wally questions, confused. “Nabu, the real Doctor Fate, one of them Lord of Order I told you about.” Kent explains, placing his hand on Wally’s shoulder again. “He’s the guy controlling your body now.” Kent pats his shoulder lightly “Wanna watch?” as he removes his hand and gestures into the black.

Wally’s green eyes show from under the helmet, as his hand is held out. The zapping of Klarion’s spells is heard, but Nabu makes no move to avoid them. “Give it up, Nabu! Order went out of style in the 20th century.” Klarion shouts, still throwing magic, but they all hit a projection of Doctor Fate’s cross that acts as a shield.Nabu holds out both hands. “This battle is pointless.” when Doctor Fate speaks, Nabu and Wally’s voices overlap. Contrasting and grating against each other. “You sought to take the helmet before it gained a host. But you are too late.”“SHUT IT, YOU OLD FART!” Klarion snaps, drawing two large stone columns from the tower, and moving them so they slam against Doctor Fate’s sides. Only for his symbol to show on the outside of the rock before it blows to pieces. Spider girl struggled against the magic rope that held her upside down in the air. “Brat,” Doctor Fate snarled, before launching a golden wave at Klarion, but Teekl ran away from it. Doctor Fate then used a spell that freed Spider-Girl from the magic rope. The next spell from Doctor Fate caused Klarion to dissipate. As he did, Doctor Fate released his hold on the spell and began to descend back to the tower roof. Behind his turned back, Klarion came back from black fragments, shooting Doctor Fate in the back with red lightning. Klarion shot out a red fire dragon at Nabu, who dove out of the way then created a cross to block it only to be hit in the back by it. He looked at Klarion, who smirked and made his magic appear above him like stars. He made his hands look like pistols, the stars shooting out like lasers whenever he moved his hands. The Lord of Order barely has time to get a shield up. Though each shot cracks the shield. Until it shatters, knocking Fate even further back. Though he rolls to his feet to dodge more red fire. Taking off into the air to continue to avoid the red fire Klarion is spewing.Grinning devilishly, Klarion raises a hand, creating red columns that Fate dodges. Until right before Klarion he gets hit by one. Knocking him to the ground where the helmet hits with a clang.“You’re out of practice, Nabu, and that pathetic host body,” his fingernails shink against each other as if they were made of metal. “zero affinity for the mystic arts.” Klarion raises his hands, thunderclaps in the sky, as a full storm brews over the tower. Red lightning raining down.Just in time Fate gets a barrier up, though the energy that comes off is rainbow rather than gold or red. "Ooh, rainbow power," Klarion mused before Teekle meowed at him. "I am paying attention, you stupid cat. in case you hadn't noticed, I'm winning," Klarion stated, Teekle meowing when he was called a 'stupid cat'. "That cat..." Deme whispered before looking at Doctor Fate, who knew exactly what she was thinking and nodded, bursting the barrier outward. It created an explosion that made Klarion cover himself with his arms before looking to see Nabu standing in a circle of golden flames. "It is difficult for a Lord of Order or Chaos To maintain a presence on the physical plane," Nabu stated and Klarion glowed red, as did Teekle, before large balls of fire appeared in his hands. He threw them, Nabu flying up and dodging. "I am bound to the helmet and use a human host," Nabu added as he kept dodging before shooting at him, Klarion forming an earth shield to block it. "But that is not your way," he finished. "You're babbling, Nabu," the witch boy snarled as the shield disappeared. Klarion raises a shield quickly, looking away because he knows it’s not strong enough. However, the beam misses him entirely. Teekl’s hackles rise as she hisses, and yelps at the impact that sends her flying.“Teekl!” Klarion shouts, rising to his feet and turning to Fate. “I can’t believe you assault a defenseless pussycat.”“We both know that creature is no cat, Witch Boy,” Wally’s green eyes narrow in accusation. “And without your familiar,” the yellow flames that surrounded Teekl fade out as she warily stands to her feet. The yellow flame now gathered in Fate’s hands. “you have no anchor in this reality.” proving it, Klarion fades from sight in staggering increments. “Bully! Killjoy! Geezer!” Fate raised his hands, shooting another beam, this time at Klarion. “Holy carp!” The Witch Boy yelped before jumping into a red/black portal. Another forming above Teekl, where he dropped out and picked him up in his arms. Both of them fully dissolving into black and red outlined wisps that took off toward the sky. Leaving Fate and Spidey standing taller on top of the tower. Inside the tower, all the other members of the Team were crying out in pain from Kadabra’s cages. As he raised his wand once more, Fate’s symbol shows up behind him as he was stripped to his underwear and of his wand. “Wha -?” He questioned, gasping as Superboy stood up. “Show's over,” the Kryptonian snarled, punching Abra Kadabra in the face, knocking him down and out

. Back with Deme and Fate, The spider themed hero beamed “Nice work! Take the helmet off and we can head back” The hero waited a moment but the masked man didnt move. "Wally? You... you can take the Helmet off now," Spider-Girl said as she walked over, looking a bit fearful at the idea of Wally not coming back. "no" fate snarled to the girl who gasped in shock “ the Earth needs Doctor Fate.” Nabu speaks up, "you can't do that!" spider girl yelled pounding his chest but it did nothing “He’s a human being. A hero!” Deme states firmly "the world needs Kid flash. They need Wally West." she Argued. Doctor fate stared at her for a moment beforethe helmet finally comes off. Looking around Wally finds himself still on the roof, “Wally” Spider-girl breathed hugging the male who dropped the helmet in surprise “Your okay!” “Im okay, i dont think ive ever heard you so worried” The speedster admits with a shocked expresson on his face. The two turned to Kent who was led down on the ground. His pocket watch still in his hand. “I hope he’s with Her” Spidey admits softly to Wally. She had hoped Kent was with Inza. Wally said nothing bowing his head sadly in respects to Kent.

MOUNT JUSTICE
August 20, 03:48 EDT

In the souvenir room, Wally placed the Helmet of Fate on the shelf next to Cheshire’s mask. He looked at it, thinking about what had happened on the tower. “You never said what happened to you when you put on the helmet,” Spider-girl said, leaning against the door way with her arms crossed. He turned to her as soon as he heard her voice. “Energy from the thing rewrote my brain's beta waves. I was bio-scripted into becoming Doctor Fate for a few minutes. No big,” he replied with a shrug, acting nonchalant making her raise an eyebrow behind her mask. “Wait, you’re still claiming there’s no such thing as magic?” She asked him skeptically. “If that’s how you feel, why keep it at all?” Wally looks to it, then to her, giving a half smile. “Souvenir.” The girl huffed,, storming out of the room. ‘Find your own little spitfire, one who won't let you get away with nothin’.’ Kent’s voice echoes inside Wally’s head. The redhead frowns at the words, but as he notices M’gann "Guess who bought us two tickets to a magic show.” he says following her down the hall.

Chapter Text

GOTHAM CITY
August 27, 06:17 EDT

The team had been sent on a mission to fight a creature called Clayface. It was a rough battle and so far, Robin, Spider-Girl, Kid Flash, Miss Martian, Superboy, and Artemis were knocked out. Kaldur grunted as he slammed into the garage door. Clayface chuckled as he went up to Aqualad. He then roared and transformed his hand into a spiked hammer. He went to hit the Atlantean only for the window above them to break and reveal Batman. Batman threw two batarangs at Clayface, who blocked with his arm only for it to explode. Batman landed on the ground and took out his taser gun before electrocuting Clayface, who roared and melted to the ground. After walking up the others, they went to Mount Justice.

“I need to talk to Aqualad. The rest of you hit the showers and head home.”“"Head home?"” Superboy asks as he raises his arms, gesturing to the Cave, an annoyed look on his features. “I am home.”“Just Aqualad.” he says darkly, looking to his own protogé. The thirteen looks up to Kaldur, who returns the look. Looking into the Cave Robin keeps his eyes away from Batman as he walks past him. Only looking over his shoulder for a second, not even slowing in his steps, his eyes falling to the floor as Batman keeps his focus fully on Aqualad.“I am sorry you had to intervene.” Aqualad speaks first, his own eyes dropping. “I know the team performed poorly.”“The team performed adequately.” Batman interrupts darkly. “The problem was you. You're their leader, and your head wasn't in the game.” "No, you -" Kaldur went to argue before sighing. "...are correct. Of late, I am not even convinced I belong on the surface world. For so many years, it filled my every thought. But now that I am here, my dreams are all Atlantis," he explained, showing he was conflicted. "Atlantis? Or someone you left behind?" The Dark Knight asked making the Atlantean look at him surprised. "You can split your time between the surface And the sea, but not your mind. Either you're here 100%, or you need to walk away. Make a decision, Kaldur, and make it soon," he said firmly before walking off, leaving Kaldur to lull over his words.

Poseidonis; August 27th, 13:00 UTC-2

Aqualad materializes in the ornate Zeta Tube, though standing as he does, the second he is solid he begins to swim through the halls. Finding Aquaman waiting for him. “Greetings, Kaldur’ahm.” (Kyray, Kaldur’ahm) Aquaman greets his arms out at his sides. “King Orin.” (Annex Orin) Kaldur returns, raising his fisted right hand to his forehead. “The Queen and I are hosting an intimate dinner tonight.” (iona sa ke-ay go oligar ithemun deep non pe-ay omen.) Orin says to Aqualad as they continue their journey down the halls. “Will you attend?” (Kay desperan broselphine?) “Your Majesty…” (Annex...) Kaldur begins, trailing as he is unsure how to say what he is thinking. “There is someone… special… I had hoped to see tonight-” (estir ah tomo ah de han ull pizon itin cadis pairon-) Orin chuckles lightly. “You may invite a friend.” (dena se gelesses philon.) Kaldur smiles. “Thank you, My King.” (ef caras tose, Annex.)
As they part ways, Kaldur going right and Orin going left, the King of Atlantis says his goodbyes. “Until tonight.” (ga tespera opsa mena.)Aqualad swims passes a female student making a seahorse in her hand as a boy with a dolphin tail in comparison to the feet his partner shares with Kaldur. As well a young boy who has an anthropoid appearance, but green skin. Reciting “tunto asive tav mati” which makes the water-magic bend and spin to his will. A young woman shouts “chuto ideti!” which cause the brew before her to explode. “Watch this!” she encourages. “Did it work? I can’t tell if it worked.” she murmurs. “Oh.” a small stout man with an octopus head murmurs, stressed. “I’ll never finish in time!” then uses magic to make some of the floating squares before him to line up and finish a segment of the stone. Aqualad comes to a casual stop behind him. “Topo, the workmanship is magnificent.” Kaldur says, his voice true with emotion. “Kaldur!” Topo gasps in surprise, facing the sixteen-year-old. “Wait. Wait.” turning back towards the stone. “Watch. Listen” raising his hand and filling the stone with magic. The images move as Topo’s voice becomes a narration. The image shows Orin losing to an adversary wielding lightning and a trident. “Our beloved king was at the mercy of the vile Ocean Master. But two young students” The picture swims sideways to reveal two recognizable forms creating a large funnel. “Kaldur’ahm and Garth intervened” the image of Aquaman rises up to punch Ocean Master under the jaw. “allowing the Aquaman to triumph.” Aquaman stands tall over the two kneeling students. “Impressed with their valor Aquaman offered both young heroes the opportunity to be his protogé.” Garth is shown on the steps of a building creating another powerful funnel, Topo behind him and off to the left, “Garth chose to continue his studies at the Conservatory of Sorcery,” while Kaldur stands beside Aquaman, sharing his symbol, “but the brave Kaldur accepted his King’s offer and became…” Kaldur’s symbol glows bright blue before pulsing once and moving away from Kaldur’s body taking up all available eye space, then Kaldur’s form flashes white in the bright blue. “Aqualad!” Kaldur smiles sadly. “Kaldur?” Topo asks, worriedly. “I mean, Aqualad?”

Kaldur does not pull his eyes away from the stone. “Oh. It is very good.”“Oh, thank you.” Topo says modestly, then wrings his hands nervously. “Um, do you think it’s alright that I put myself in? I know I was not really there, but I-”Kaldur cuts him off. “It is fine.” he assures calmly, reaching out and touching the stone. “Do you know where I might find Tula now?” finally he faces Topo again. “And Garth?”“The roof, at their studies.” Topo replies instantly.Two figures circle each other, using magic to launch spheres at each other. Both of them unable to hit the other.Zooming in on the purple eyes that match his dark blue hair, half tied up in a wolf-tail, as the teen male jumps back. Showing off his sapphire blue shorts and tank, while an almost berry blue with bright arctic blue edging and designs act as tassets on either side of his hips. The two meet to form a belt and he also wears one that comes tightly around his shoulders and ribs, but not inhibiting movement. Finishing it off with bracers around his low forearms and shins.She’s tanner than her opponent, with auburn hair and sea foam green eyes. Wearing a lemon yellow halter top, that shares the same arctic blue for her edging and low-V design coloring as her opponent’s own clothing. Her ocean blue tie-off skirt covers her matching bottoms. Finishing it off with matching lemon yellow braces that come to a point over the back of her hands and insteps on her feet and shins. Her own tattoos glowing bright down her arms and over her pelvic bones. As the spell dissipates she finishes her circle and two orbs form in her own hands, that she fires rapidly after each other, the first being a single shot her opponent dodges under, while the second requires both her hands that she uses to spiral at her opponent’s crouched form. Yet, he pushes off the ground, into an open back flip. Which he lands smoothly, but into another crouch as he puts up a shield to block her next attack. Behind his turned back a woman observes, she is paler than the other girl but noticeably older than the two teens, she has a crown in her red hair, while all her clothing. Though not too different from the teen’s is all in shades of green. A tied dark green bikini top and collar match her tie-off skirt that is tied to her left hip, she wears a bright green half cape that connects to her collar then flowing over her shoulders. Then under her skirt, the cape splits in two to flow by each knee. Her hands on her narrow hips.“Your technique is excellent but your choices remain predictable.” she tells him as he releases the shield, looking over his shoulder at her before he stands to face her. The white tattoos fading from his arms. “Combat sorcery requires…” she searches for the right word. “improvisation.” she sees Kaldur rise over the roof’s edge. Swimming towards the teacher and her students. “Kaldur’ahm.” she greets, relief coming from her voice. “Oh, so good to see you.”Both her students look the same direction as her, stunned. The girl’s own tattoos fading as well as she breaks into a happy smile and a joyous cry of his name.She smiles as he swims closer, the two make eye contact for a moment, but as the other male and the teacher swim up he stands before her as her two students remain behind him. “Apologies, my queen.” he apologizes, placing his fist onto his forehead and dropping his gaze slightly. “I did not mean to interrupt.” The Queen smiles at him. “It is well.” she assures, causing Kaldur to drop his hand and raise his gaze. “I have another class. Will I see you at dinner?” she asks. “Yes your majesty.” he replies. “We shall talk then.” she decides, before swimming back inside. Kaldur turns to the other two teens. “You look well, Kaldur.” Tula says genuinely as he gives him a quick hug. “Yes, surface life agrees with you.” Garth agrees. “You speak as if I have been gone for years, but it has only been-” Kaldur begins. Both Tula and Garth cut him off. “Two months.” they synchronize. “That long?” Kaldur asks, thinking back on it, surprised. “Then I must make for lost time.” he murmurs to himself, before turning back to his friends, or rather one of them. “Tula, would you accompany me to dinner tonight at the palace?”

His friends exchange a look that doesn’t go unnoticed, however, their frowns seem to. As Kaldur turns to Garth as well. “I wish I could invite you as well.” placing his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I made that choice long ago.” Garth responds, looking to Tula’s turned back. “We have another class” she tells him, backing up slightly and grabbing Garth’s arm lightly. “but I will see you tonight.” she promises as the two take off. Kaldur watches them leave, and a small smile raises the right side of his mouth.“You have to tell him.” Garth tells Tula, both strongly and saddened, once Kaldur is out of earshot. In another part of Poseidonis, the science center, a scientist talks about whatever is frozen inside a block of ice above his and another man’s head. “It is disturbing, to say the least.” as he and a regal looking man with black hair swim into the main chamber. “The creature is frozen. Has been frozen for millennia. Yet, somehow, it still lives.” the beeping and thumping behind them comes to have a new meaning. A heartbeat and brain activity, for the giant starfish frozen in the ice. “We have even detected brainwaves.” He turns to the dark haired male. “Needless to say, Prince Orm, the study of this find has become the science center’s highest priority.” “All security protocols are in place. No unauthorized personnel gets in or out.” a female guard speaks up. “Excellent.” Orm says blandly, looking to the starfish once more.

Mount Justice

Static sounds throughout the room, Superboy sitting on the couch while M’gann stands in the kitchen, reading a cookbook. Smiling as she looks up, she looks a little confused and shows it in her voice. “Would you like me to turn that on?” referring to the fact that Superboy is merely staring at the TV screen that it has no signal and is, therefore, the source of the static.His eyebrows drop slightly. “No.” he says, his voice barely hiding his defensive tone.“Well,” M’gann drawls not entirely sure if she should ask her next question, but decides to anyway. “would you like to help me make dinner?”“No.” he speaks monotonically, but still stands up and turns to walk around the couch to the kitchen before he even finished his response. Walking into the kitchen, a frown on his face, M’gann smiles at him as she lifts her cookbook and heads towards the island in the center of the kitchen. “Uh, Let’s see… We’re going to need some brown sugar,” Superboy instinctively ducks as he hears the cabinet open over his head, looking rather confused as the brown sugar floats down and practically into his hand. “a little butter,” this too flies right into his hand. “some salt, cooking oil,” she continues to list as she walks towards the fridge, ingredients moving telekinetically, her pace picking with each ingredient. “vinegar, a few eggs, couple tomatoes, some milk, a bowl of flour, and two cups of-” she’s cut off by stuff clattering together behind her turned back. Superboy stands still, the bowl on his head, milk in his hand, as his shirt is drenched white and splattered red. Under the bowl he looks slightly angered, but mostly confused. Feeling it drip he drops the milk and looks himself over. “Oops.” M’gann mumbles, rag flying into her hand before she quickly walks up to him. “I’m so sorry.” she apologizes, knocking the bowl off his head with her hand, bringing the rag up to try and get the stains out as Superboy stands stark still. “I should have paid more attention. It was too much at once. Too much at once. Hello, Megan!” she rambles, nervously, moving from his shirt to his face. “That’s so me. I… uh…” she freezes as he looks down at her, making eye contact.Red Tornado’s loud steps announce his presence as he walks down the hall. M’gann standing alone in the kitchen, chopping a red onion. With a small splatter on the edge of the counter and tomatoes in a wood container off to the right of her cutting board, and some already chopped onions in a bowl. Looking over he sees Superboy- still, a mess, not even having it out of his hair- sitting on the couch watching the static on the TV. Pulling off a kicked-puppy look that no one can see. The Justice League Member turns around without saying a word and walking back down the hall.

Outside Poseidonis a black drill pierces the ocean floor. From the hole comes two figures covered in black armor from head to toe. Two Atlantean guards notice them instantly. “Halt, intruders!” they call out. Firing shots from their staffs. The two swim away, forcing the guards to make chase, only to be struck by a third intruder wielding a gun that shoots red lasers. That causes electricity to spark around their forms on contact. The third follows the other two, all three looking over the two crates. One of the guards falls, but grabs a falling staff, but before he could do anything the armored foot lands on his back pinning him to the ocean floor. This one wearing a distinctly larger helmet. “That was careless, Alpha squad.” his tone dark and angered as he looks at the three stunned members of Alpha squad. “Don’t let it happen again.” “No, sir.” the gunslinger replies. “All squads, report.” he commands. “Beta squad, ready.” one reports in, a group of two outside a small building.“Gamma squad, ready.” this is a group of three in the streets.“Delta squad, ready.” two more on a ridge.“Epsilon squad, ready.” they radio in.The Leader lands before the three before him. “Phase-one complete. Initiate Phase-two.”A closed carriage with a large tail on the end takes off through the open water just over the tops of the buildings, guards standing outside and swimming on patrol. On a small pillar, away from the prying eye, a black hand places a small spearhead shaped device, then hits the red button.From the bushes two stand ready, one bringing his hand to his helmet. “All squads report, Manta Stings in place and ready. Phase-two complete.”

Gotham City; August 27th, 20:04 EDT

Outside Wayne Manor owl hoots. While inside, more specifically in the gym, a young Dick Grayson is up on the ring set. Going through two full rotations before releasing at the top, completing a full flip and grabbing the rings again, finally coming to a stop in a perfectly vertical handstand, gritting his teeth and descending slowly until he’s parallel to the floor, then all the way down into a cross. “"Just Aqualad".” he grumbles, sweat falling down his face as he pushes up a little higher, bringing his pointed toes to be parallel to his hips, then moving slowly through to another handstand, his eyes on something on the floor away from the mat rather than on his hands. Pulling through a full rotation, releasing high and flipping through it to land on the punching bag he had been eyeing. Landing on the balls of his right foot, his knee bent and his left leg swinging out to the side of the bag. However, his momentum pulls at him, dropping him off the bag. He pulls through getting his hands below his head and pulling a fast-paced walk over, still due to the left over momentum. The total momentum slams his back into the wall with a bang . He narrowly avoids hitting his head on the wall as well. Opening his eyes as he spins tightly, his right hand coming up as a block, as his left-hand hits the wall in a solid punch. Hard enough to crack it. Placing his hand on the wall he pulls his hand out of the small crater, before walking away from the wall slowly.All of this being watched by Bruce Wayne- in his Batman suit with the cowl down- through the security monitor in the Batcave. Alfred glances at Bruce for a minuscule moment, able to read the cape crusader’s body language.
Dick sits down and grab from his water bottle, holding it against his head as he sits down on the bench in the center of the room. Looking- glaring- down at the floor as he opens the cap. Drinking it with an angry glare that has been moving from every inanimate object he’s seen. The door to the gym opens and Alfred Pennyworth clears his throat loudly. Which catches Dick’s attention and he looks to the Brit. “Master Bruce wishes to see you.”Dick sniffles. before standing and heading to the other side of the gym.A door to the outside of the Manor opens, Dick standing- physically cooled off, but still steaming emotionally- before Alfred. Walking out the door a ball bounces on the hard ground. Startling Dick considering he didn’t see it until it was already in his hands. “What's this?” he asks, defensive but noticeably a little confused.Bruce Wayne stands before him, in his own casual workout clothes. “Training. Hand-eye coordination.” Dick smiles, cocking his head slightly. “One on one?” the tone of his voice changing almost entirely to a teasing one. “If you think you can handle it.” Bruce says confidently. Dick drops his stance, taking off and dribbling almost immediately. Laughing as he makes his way down the court. The ball hits the backboard with a clang, and the thirteen-year-old's happy cry of “Yes!” gives away that it went in. Alfred Pennyworth smiles happily at the scene.

Poseidonis

“A gigantic echinoderm, frozen yet still alive.” Prince Orm relays to the guests at the large table. Yet, despite its size, they all sit close together. “Of course, at this point, our data is quite limited. But Dr. Vulko thinks the creature is very promising.”Kaldur leans to his left and speaks quietly to Tula. “I am considering rejoining you at the conservatory.” Tula doesn’t say anything, only a sad smile crossing her face.Though her eyes snap back into focus as she hears Queen Mera speak up from Kaldur’s right and her husbands left. “You realize you left your studies some time ago.” she prefaces, carefully. “Your sorcery skills have not kept apace.” all conversation has stopped to listen to the Queen, but Kaldur and Tula already have a knowing look on their faces. “You would no longer be in Tula’s class or Garth’s.” Kaldur looks down, then glances at Tula out of the corner of his eye. “Perhaps I will require a tutor.” Tula smiles a little too brightly and takes a forkful of food into her mouth. Once Kaldur looks away her expression drops once again.

Central City; August 27th, 20:05 CDT

Inside the West house the table is full, seating seven. One at each head of the table, with two women and a young couple and Wally and Spider girl, in normal clothes but still had her mask across from them. A HAPPY BIRTHDAY banner hanging over the bar counter between the kitchen and dining room. The blonde beside Wally stands, taking the plate from the young redhead on his right as he speaks. “Here, let me get that.” then disappearing from sight. Reappearing before the greying man at the head of the table by Wally, who has a toothpick in his mouth. Taking the empty plate and the butter. “And that, and this, and those, and these.” clearing the entire table single handily. Before zipping around to the older woman’s side of the table and taking her plate. “How about that?” then zipping into the kitchen. Wally, on the other hand, finishes the food on his plate, even as the blonde comes back around the table. “This, too.” finished, Wally stands, holding his own plate up with a smile. “I got it.” which is instantly taken out of his hands. “Thank, Uncle Barry.” he says smugly. “You’re welcome, Kid.” Barry replies. “You’re a lucky lady, Iris.” a slightly older redhead comments across the table, as Wally walks into the kitchen. “Our Wally certainly isn’t that fast. Not when it comes to clearing the table.” the brown eyed, brown haired, large man at the head of the table closest to her moves so he can put his arm around her waist .“Mom!” Wally groans from the kitchen making Spider-girl giggle “Hes the same at the Cave, atleast when it comes to clearing the kitchen after making a sandwich” “Neither is my Jay, believe me.” the older woman comments, placing her hand on his. Though, Jay looks none too pleased with his wife’s comment. “I know, I know. You’re a retired speedster.” she pats his hand to calm him, though he still looks a bit miffed. “And since it’s your birthday, we won’t argue.”Barry walks back into the dining room. Holding a chocolate cake with a singular candle for Jay. “Wally's fast enough when he wants to be. We're suddenly out of ice cream.” “Wally!” his mother reprimands, scaring Wally enough to startle a small shout out him. At his mother’s glare, despite the spoon of ice cream in his mouth he looks right to Jay. “Umm, Happy Birthday.” Deme giggled behind her mask “Thank you for coming as Well Spider-girl-spidey- girl?” Mary offered to the masked girl who smiled “please, Spidey is fine” She assured as she had her mask lifted to her nose so she could drink “im glad to be invited to this” “Wally was begging all week for one of his friends to come” Wally winced at his uncle from the kitchen causing the older speedster to chuckle “oh i was near by” Deme waved him off before adding “Like New York, near by. Not here near by-why would i be near by here. I dont live in central city” Deme finished her rambled by sipping her drink awkwardly. The west family smiled as Wally sat next to the heroine and nudged her. Going into their own conversation.

Poseidonis
Aquaman and Mera stand, the King with his arm around his queen. “We have an announcement.” he says calmly, but the joy in his voice is unmistakable. “I am with child.” Mera confesses, moving her and her husbands intertwined hands over her stomach. Excitement flows off Tula in waves, before she too stands and swims over to hug the queen. “Oh, that is wonderful!” “Congratulations.” Kaldur approaches the king, offering a hand that his mentor takes in both hands. “An heir to the throne, at last.” however, as Orm stands he realizes the secondary implications of a child of King Orin. “Apologies, Prince Orm. I did not mean-” Orm smiles to the teen. “No fear, Kaldur.” he assures swimming up to the King, taking a grip at his elbows. “No one could be more thrilled at this news than I.” “Thank you, brother.” Orin tells the raven. “Thanks to you all.” before leaning down and kissing his wife. Orm looks away in almost an instant, while Kaldur looks to Tula, who watches with a neutral expression.“Superman to Aquaman.” the communicator in Aquaman’s symbol interrupts. “League emergency at Tokyo Bay. Rendezvous at the Watchtower.” Aquaman hits his symbol so it glows. “Acknowledged.” he replies simply. Then looks to his wife in his arm, but takes her hand in his. “It seems I must take my leave.” she doesn’t even make eye contact as she turns away. Though he looks to Kaldur instead. “Swim with me.”The two make their way down the halls.“Batman has made me aware of your dilemma.” Orin tells Kaldur, who looks shocked, but then looks away. “I know, from personal experience, it can be difficult to live and love here.” Kaldur makes no comment, merely mulling over his King’s words as they make their way to the Zeta Tube. A holoscreen appearing before him.

Recognize: Aquaman; 0-6

the computer calls out as Orin presses on the screen. Dictating his point of travel. He turns and puts a hand on Kaldur’s shoulder. “I am confident you will make the right choice.” Kaldur puts his fist to his forehead as the King of Atlantis swims to the Tube. disappearing in a flash of gold. Watching as he disappears, then heading back the way he came. In the streets of Poseidonis two guards swim past an open circle of pillars with a dome covering. As they have their back to the dome, six drop behind the pillars. One brought his hand to his helmet. “Omega squad is in position. Initiate Phase-three” he relays. Kaldur and Tula swim side by side, through the gardens. Both coming to a stop and turning to each other almost entirely in sync. “There is something I must-” they both laugh realizing they’re overlapping each other. Tula picks up first. “I-”Her stuttering and nervous glances give Kaldur plenty of time to calmly speak first. “Please, Tula. I have made a decision… to stay in Atlantis.” he takes her hand in his. “With you- because of you.” her eyes go wide in shock.Before her whole posture turns sad and she pulls her hand from his. Completely turning away from him. “Kaldur, I'm sorry. We wanted to tell you sooner.” she looks back at him, still nervous, but a very different kind. “But Garth and I… we are together.”Kaldur looks away, clenching his eyes shut as he turns his head to the ground. Before anything can be said, explosions go off behind him. Taking out a large building.Two more go off in the lower levels, bringing their attention there instead.

Two more go off in the lower levels, bringing their attention there instead. Kaldur watches in horror as the city crumbles before his eyes. On the ground guardsmen lift rubble, trying to free pinned civilians. Some of the rubble shifts, easing the load but getting too close to the citizens for the guardsman’s liking. “Careful!” he shouts. Then looks to another. “Get theses people out.” the three make it out, but as they do the guard that lead them gets hit by a memorable ray. Two more shots are fired quickly, taking out an outlying guard and the one holding the rubble. The invasive troops fire rapidly and without consequence. One takes out a missile launcher and aims it at the still-standing building. Kaldur and Tula approach the scene, seeing the intruders. Kaldur takes out his Water Bearers, forming long whips. While Tula conjures up magic that she aims right below Kaldur’s feet as he heads higher. The magic runs true and hits the rubble wall they were hiding behind with perfect accuracy. Through the smoke Kaldur attacks, his Water Bearers now swords. Taking out two with flowing strikes, in the same move, he chops a soldier’s gun in half, then turns into a tight back kick that causes him to fly out of the way. All the way into another soldier who is still firing.Another continues to fire, while the unarmed soldier turns to his radio. “Alpha squad requesting reinforce-” unable to finish the request as Kaldur hits him hard with his kick, then hitting him and his comrade with his swords. Both of them crying out in pain.A flurry of soldiers descends on the Palace. Where Queen Mera and five guards stand ready.The infiltrators fire first, the guards return fire and Mera puts up a small shield to stop the ones that get too close to where she is. Using her other hand to create another magic circle to release magical eels that take down quite a few of the invaders. One of the guards is hit, revealing Mera’s glowing tattoos and her raised arms. Preparing something. Another guard falls and Orm takes his place, firing shots that take out a few of the invaders. He comes beside Mera, who raises her arms up and out, creating a stingray shaped shield. Large enough to block all incoming shots. Tula creates a small burst of magic that she throws at the ground just before the shield, which slips past their turned backs. On contact, it explodes knocking them all out. Much to the shock of Mera and Orm. Looking up they see her dodge an attack and wrap magic around her adversary, yet as she takes this one down another rises behind her. Though another whip-like coil wraps around him and drags him down. Straight into the ground as Kaldur lets momentum take over. “This attack was precision planned.” he tells those around him, still dodging and fighting with a whip and chain mace combination from his Water Bearers. “The initial explosions lured our troops into ambush.” He takes out another attacker with his whip, then turns it into a shield to block attacks. Tula dives past him, five on her tail.

As she stops close to the ground she fires two simultaneous bursts, aiming for the connection of the ridge over their heads. It lands on top of them, and she turns away and swims past her queen.Seeing her out of the way, Mera raises her arms higher, the ray turning more solid until she slams her arms back down to he in front her chest. The ray follows and takes out more invaders and pillars behind them.Aqualad grabs one of the men’s guns, changing the angle with no time to spare, causing the shot to hit another rather than him, before yanking the gun away and hitting him with a hard front kick to the stomach. Moving on, Kaldur keeps his singular Water Bearer in whip form. Wrapping it tightly around a protruding rock, and yanking it down to the ground, taking out more soldiers. A funnel sweeps up the rubble and some soldiers. Moving her body, Tula controls the funnel, sending it towards some of the still remaining soldiers. Who are hit with their comrades and rubble. “Tula!” Garth calls, gaining her attention. Tula’s eyes go wide, though Aqualad is instinctively covering her 6, as she sees one of the black armored soldiers behind Garth’s turned back. “Garth, look out!” she cries. Aqualad hits an advancing soldier with his chain mace, turning to see what caused her cry. Garth doing the same as he realizes she’s looking past him. As the soldier takes aim. The shot rings true, but Tula put herself between Garth and the shot. She cries out in pain as she is paralyzed by the shot. “No!” Garth shouts, but the anger in his voice is mostly at himself. “Tula!” Kaldur shouts, horrified. Advancing on his friends as Garth takes Tula in his arms and gently lowers her to the floor. Kaldur releases the magic from his Water Bearers as his feet touch the floor. Though before them are still dozens of soldiers. They waste no time trying to take an easy shot. Yet, the shots are blocked by magic tentacles rising out of the ground. Being controlled by Mera. Matching tattoos come onto her cheeks, and with enough effort to forge a battle cry they come down her arms. Raising her right hand three tentacles rise up taking out soldiers, with her left hand three more rise up on the other side. The soldiers continue to take shots, but they’re blocked as Mera crosses her arms in an X. The entire spell created a massive octopus. It’s head behind the five defenders, two tentacles in front and three off to the left and right. Orm turns to the three teens, or rather Kaldur. “Surface communications are down. We cannot reach King Orin. Summon more troops to the Palace. “The palace was not the only target.” Garth speaks sadly. “I witnessed in sectors one, two, three, and five.” Kaldur looks down at his friend. “Nothing in sector four?” he asks, before rising once more. Looking over the wreckage. “Explosions all over the city except where the Science Center is located. Where your Giant Sea Star is secured.” “Then it is all a diversion.” Orm states angrily. “But with the King away, I must protect the Queen... and the heir.” “I need no protection.” Mera snarls, still holding the spell. “Go!” “No, Mera. If you suffered any injury, my brother would never forgive me.” Orm says sadly. “The Prince is right, my Queen. This battle is mine!” he snarls his last words, starting to take off when another voice speaks up. “And mine.” Garth interrupts. “Your place is with Tula.” he states darkly, seeing an opening and taking it. Making it through and only having to swipe at one of the soldiers. Those who try to follow him getting caught by the octopus.

Gotham City; August 27th, 22:06 EDT
Police sirens blare, and it rains heavily. Both common occurrences in Gotham, more common together. In a top story apartment is Artemis, sitting with her back to the TV, assembling one of her arrows.
“Next up on the Comedy Classic Network an episode of Hello Me-”
The loss of noise catches Artemis by surprise. Looking over her shoulder worriedly. Then to her right, where a raven haired woman in a wheelchair holds the TV remote. “This came in the mail for you.” she says excitedly, waving two pieces of paper for Artemis to take. The blonde turns away from her arrows. “You opened it?” though she’s not that surprised. “Mom!” she groans, just trying to convey that she doesn’t want her opening her mail. “Oh, just read it.” she says, not the tiniest bit remorseful. “I’ve been awarded a full Wayne Foundation Scholarship to the Gotham Academy?” she questions, repulsed and confused. “But I didn’t apply?” the look she sends her mom with the arched eyebrow is asking if she did. “It’s not that kind of scholarship. You qualify or you don’t.” she tells her, then rolls forward slightly. “Gotham Academy is very prestigious. You should be thrilled.” she says, her own excitement showing as she comes close to Artemis, Who rolls up the papers. “Yeah, I’m not switching schools.” throwing the crumpled paper onto the coffee table. “All my friends are at Gotham North.” Her mother reaches out instantly, uncrumpling the paper and laying it in her lap. Looking up she sees Artemis looking down the shaft of her arrow. She moves closer and snags the arrow from her daughter’s hold. “You’re going, or you give up your extracurriculars.” shoving the paper back in front of Artemis. Who stands, looking down, with her hands on her hips. “Mom, don’t make threats you can’t enforce.” she says smugly, taking the arrow back. She reaches out, grabbing her daughter’s forearm. “Artemis, this is a chance to better your life!” she unintentionally enunciates her point by hitting her hand on the arm of her wheelchair. Artemis’ gaze softens, watching as her mother's tears fall down her face. “A chance I never had.” her voice not wavering, but quiet and nearly defeated. Artemis crouches down, reaching out and taking her hand and looking up at her mother. “Okay, mom, I’ll go.” she smiles despite the fact that her mother still has her eyes closed. “I’ll go for you.” This catches her mom’s attention, and she looks to her daughter with a stunned expression which then brightens into a smile. She leans forward and embraces her daughter, Artemis keeps her smile up until she’s resting her chin on her mom’s shoulder, looking almost worried before she closes her eyes and fully returns the embrace.

Poseidonis
Guards float, unconscious, while explosions overtake the Science Center. Kaldur is undeterred and swims towards the Center. Inside the Center, Dr. Vulko and guards stand before the Sea Star. The guards shooting at the intruders. They concentrate fire on the leader as he breaks through the floor with no weapons. When an explosion goes off behind them, knocking them off balance and giving the flank time to shoot them in the backs. The leader shoots one with the red eyes of his helmet. “Objective secured.” he states, as he observes that all Atlanteans are either unconscious or worse off. “Manta Sub, initiate Phase-four.” Above the glass top of the Science Center a giant sub, properly named for its manta shape, comes to a stop over the building. It’s belly opening to reveal a laser that instantly takes charge and fires at the glass.Kaldur reaches out and taps a key code that opens a hidden entrance. Sensing a presence behind him, he reaches up, grabbing his Water Bearer as he turns. Though stops, when he sees it, is only Garth. “You should be with Tula.” he says annoyed. “The Queen watches over Tula and sent me after you.” Garth conveys. Kaldur nods smally, before heading into the entrance without a word. Inside the chamber, the soldiers tie cables around the Sea Star, once they are finished they signal to their leader and watch as the laser melts through the glass. “Check the perimeter. Once the sub melts through the dome, we take our prize and go.” he commands. Two soldiers behind him head off to follow his orders. Kaldur and Garth move quietly through the halls. Kaldur suddenly drops behind Garth. “You have a plan?” he asks quietly, then turns to realize that Kaldur isn't beside him. Coming to a stop just before an intersection of hallways. “Kaldur?” Two of Manta's men appear, taking aim at Garth. Only for Kaldur to drop on the right one’s head and hit the other with his mace. Garth’s eyes are wide in shock, his mouth gaping . “I too have my studies.” he tells his old friend smugly. Two soldiers enter through a hole in the ground, the second even saluting the leader, while the first heads forward undeterred. Manta looks their way, not over looking the two handles at his hip. The two reach the cables, looking up at the laser that is still working its way through the dome. “Impressive, is it not?” Manta asks. “Aqualad.” he accuses, getting an instantaneous response, where Aqualad shoots the gun at him, just barely missing. Garth starts to shoot as well, as the leader swims around the edge of the dome, then shooting at both of them with the eyes on his helmet. Hitting both teens, knocking them back. Manta aims for a second shot but hits the wall over their heads. Aqualad instantly reaches up to remove the helmet, taking his Water Bearers as well. Turning them into twin swords to block the incoming shots. He blocks two more shots and dodges one from another soldier, while the leader aims straight for his head. Aqualad ducks under the two shots, turning his right sword into a whip that wraps around the soldier’s leg which he uses to pull the soldier in front of Manta’s next shot. “Such a waste. You really have no ambition beyond serving Aquaman? Aren't schools of others willing to die for their king? This fool, for example.” he turns his attention to Garth, who has just managed to get his cracked helmet off his head. Aqualad and Manta move at the same time, Manta firing two shots at Garth, while Kaldur wraps his whips around Garth and pulls him away from the shots. The two taking cover under an archway. Kaldur turns to the ravenette, grabbing the front of his armor and forcing him up near his eye level and against the wall. “Garth.” he speaks tensely, drawing the boy’s attention away from the shots that are still firing at them. “Get your head in the game.”

Kaldur gives him no time to respond, as he grabs one of his Water-bearers and swims out from behind their cover, using the bearer as a shield to block their shots. Gritting his teeth, Garth watches him go, before drawing his hands together. Blue magic already beginning to form in his hands. “I summon the power of the Tempest.” as the magic responds to his call it increases in thickness and brightness before he turns around the corner of the archway. Firing the laser beam-like shot at Manta and his closest henchmen. Manta manages to dodge, but the henchmen get hit and swirl around the funnel. Just as the laser melts through the dome. The laser moves up and to the left inside the belly of the Manta Sub, as a hook and line take its place. Lowering through the hole towards the Sea Star. Manta sees the hook drop, just as he sees Aqualad cut through two henchmen. Yet when the teen tries to hit him, he delivers a strong uppercut to knock him back. As the teen regains his balance Black Manta fires shots from his helmet at him. Kaldur transforms his swords into a shield to block the attacks, while Garth comes in front of his friend on his right and unleashes lightning magic at the enemy. The attacks are narrowly dodged by Black Manta and his singular remaining henchman. From the shoulder of his suit comes a small missile launcher. Two were shot at the teens. It hits Garth’s magic, before shrouding them in blackness. The henchman raises his long gun to take aim at the teens despite the murk. “Forget them.” Manta commands. “Get the job done.” Lowering his gun he takes off towards the Sea Star. From the murk Kaldur emerges, going for a double slash at Black Manta. Who swims up to avoid the attack. Looking down at the teen as the lenses of his mask fire shots. This time Kaldur’s prepared, turning one of his Water-bearers into a rotating shield that lets him swim towards the source with less resistance. Within arm’s reach, Aqualad turns his shield back into a sword and attempting a pair of downward strikes at Manta. Manta drops down and kicks Kaldur in the stomach once he is overhead. Trying to fire a shot at his turned back, which Kaldur retaliates with a slash of left Water-bearer. Manta kicks his side once more, knocking the teen out of striking range before firing at him again. Gritting his teeth Kaldur turns towards Manta, turning his Water-bearers into a rotating shield. While on the floor Garth is avoiding shots from a henchman, by hiding behind the pillar. Then firing small, accurate lightning strikes. The second henchman goes to the top of the Sea Star, connecting the hook to the cables the others had set in place. “Garth the cable.” Kaldur calls out to his friend.

The pale teen is narrowly avoiding getting shot but can see the Sea Star rising from the pedestal. Avoiding a shot that is way too close for comfort, he conjures another spell in his hands. Aiming right for the hook. The spell hits its mark, taking out the henchman as well, and dropping the Sea Star back to the pedestal. Which it crushes under the weight, but ice breaks as well. Releasing an arm of the Star into the water. The sound catches Manta’s attention in an instant. He watches as the arm twitches slightly before going limp again. He swims towards the Star, forgetting that Aqualad is behind him. Kaldur uses this to his advantage and turns his Water-bearers into whips and one catching Manta’s left leg, and the other wrapping around his chest to pin his arms at his sides. Straining against Manta’s struggles, Kaldur sends electricity through the Water-bearers. Manta fights against it, breaking free with enough force to knock Kaldur back into the wall. “If I can't have it, NO ONE CAN!” he screams loud enough that it echoes, before turning to the Star and firing another missile at the pedestal. The explosion erupts quickly and massively, shattering computer screens and forming fire despite being below the surface. Garth gets in front of Kaldur and raises his hand as if to prepare a spell. While the dome of the building blows out. Ice breaks apart from the floor of the Science Center to reveal both Garth and Kaldur, unharmed, but alone. Above their heads, the Manta Sub takes off through a hole in the dome of Poseidonis.

Poseidonis; September 3rd, 21:08 UTC-2
“Our city was heavily damaged,” King Orin tells Garth, Tula, and Kaldur. The teens stand with Orm before the King and Queen. “and many Atlanteans were injured. But it could’ve been far worse.” he places his hand over his wife's stomach, she places her hand over his. Almost fear in her eyes. “I am grateful to you all.” “This contains all that survived.” in a small glass container that fits in the palm of the Prince’s hand is what remains of the Sea Star. “It is already regenerating. The Star requires further research.” that much is obvious. “With the Dome compromised we cannot safely secure, or study it here in Atlantis.” the Prince looks to Kaldur. “Perhaps the Surface World can do better.” “I’m sure they will be eager to try.” Orin tells his brother. “Kaldur?” The teen steps up, raising his fist to his forehead. “Call me Aqualad, my King.” The King’s mouth raises in a small smile. Tula, Garth, and Kaldur are the only three that remain in front of the Zeta Tube. “Kaldur - I - we - that is…” Tula stumbles, not sure how to say what she wants to. Though lets it fall as Kaldur places a hand on her shoulder and Garths. “I wish you both, nothing but the best.” he tells them honestly. Hugging Tula he heads to the Zeta Tube, pausing to look back over his shoulder at Garth. “Have you ever wondered what would have happened if I had stayed behind and you had become Aqualad?” “Never.” Garth tells his old friend with a smile. “No, neither have I.” he agrees.
Recognize: Aqualad; B-0-2 the computer calls out as his form disappears.
Continuing as he walks out of the Zeta Tube in Mount Justice. Batman stands in the center of the room. Typing away on the holo-screens that look like keyboards. “Made your decision?” without even a pause or looking up. “The decision is made. I am here. One hundred percent.” he tells Batman strongly. The Team walks up behind Batman’s turned back. “Just in time for you r next mission.” Kaldur nods, the Team coming to a pause as they listen to Batman. “The Watchtower detected an immense power surge in the Bialyan Desert.”

Chapter Text

BIALYA

September 4th, 00:16 EEST

Miss Martian camouflaged in the pale moonlight of the desert. However, she was alone. She groaned as she pushed herself into a sitting position. 'Kychass lamoth…’ she looks up. ‘Ca zarr M’gann? Madam m’ars?' She looked to the sky. 'Alunz?' Then sifted sand through her fingers. 'Sesess percass? Wa sh’eta!' She bumped her head lightly with her hand. “Hello, Megan. I’m on Earth.” She walked down a slope. 'But how did I get on Earth? Why am I wearing this costume?' She brought a hand to her head. 'And why does my head hurt so much?' Without warning, she tripped and rolled downhill. 'Is this a dream?' A figure landed harshly, creating a flurry of dust and sand. As it cleared, Superboy was the source, though his stance was feral as he looked at Megan without any recognition. M’gann’s eyes went from his face to the red S on his black t-shirt. “Wait, I’ve seen that symbol.” She shifted so she’s sitting on her feet. “Are you Superman?” With a wordless cry, Superboy stood tall, ripping his shirt apart. M’gann only had time to gasp before he charged at her. He landed on all fours mere moments after M’gann managed to move. Seeing that she was only a few feet away, he jumped at her again, this time with a punch. She took to the air, giving herself an advantage over the rampaging maniac. He jumped at her, but instead of dodging, she brought her hands together, creating a telepathic wall. Though with the power behind his jump, it knocked both of them to the ground. He got his bearings faster than she did, but instead of attacking her, he used the time to get away. 'Not a dream,' She thinks to herself, hugging herself tightly. 'A nightmare.'

Robin walks dazedly through the dry heat in the sun, using the rock formation beside him to help him stay orientated. Coming to the edge of the formation, they remains mostly hidden, looking out beyond the formation. Where they can see smoke over the ridge, his eyes widening as his brain processes what it is. A jeep speeds past where he’s hiding, but he’s not there. As the jeep moves past the Boy Wonder can be seen over their heads in a crevice in the rock. “Those are Bialyan Republic Army uniforms.” he starts his holo-glove. “But what are Bialyans doing in-” his thought process breaks as he looks at his location on the map. “Uh, Bialya? okay, better question: what am I doing in Bialya-” his gaze goes straight to the date on the bottom of his holo-screen. Reading 12:02; 04-09. “in September? What happened to March? Better radio Batman.” his finger going to his comm set. Suddenly he got a flash of Batman. "Maintain radio silence at all times," he had ordered. "Or not," he muttered. He looked down before walking to the edge of the rock, executing a quadruple flip. Landing perfectly, but something on top of one of the rocks caught his attention. The black shirt with the red S was clearly ripped off, that much the Boy Wonder can tell, but with nothing else, he scrutinized the shirt.

In a shack in another part of the desert, Kid Flash’s voice can be heard. “Hey. Beautiful. Wake up.” Spider-girl opened her eyes, groaning, but seeing through a hole in the roof, and on the edge of her vision, Kid Flash, decked out in stealth colors. Closing her eyes as she brought her hand to her head while she sat up. She’s taken by surprise when KF was right in front of her. He smiled brightly. "Good, you're alright," he said with relief. "Wally, what happened?" She asked with a groan as she rubbed her head before blinking as she saw his costume. "And what are you wearing?" She asked, raising an eyebrow as he was dressed in dark grey and black. “Uh, little unclear on that myself. What about you?" He asks gesturing to her outfit that was a dark gray instead of it's usual white. "No idea. Ive never worn dark colors before" She mused softly. turning Giving herself and Wally a better veiw.  Kid Flash’s eyes go wide, but both look up as an all-too-recognizable sound starts getting louder from right over their heads. Wally grabs Spider-girls’ hand, pulling her out of the shack, both of them getting knocked down by the force of the explosion at their backs. In the sand, three tanks are approaching. Lead by a jeep armed with a machine-gun. “Makala vusee agravu! (Don’t let them escape!)” one shouts. The soldier fires the machine gun at their retreating forms. Spider-girl looks over her shoulder before dropping into a roll on a diagonal, coming to a kneeling position with her wrist pointing out.  She releases the webs, which impacts the ground below the front of the car, flipping it over both her and Kid Flash’s heads before it lands and bounces two more times. The speedster looks back to Spider-Girl, seeing her hidden behind a small rock formation and firing her Web’s  at more of the Bialyan troops. He slides his goggles over his eyes before taking off. At a distance, the tanks fire two more missiles. Spider-Girl gasps as Kid picks her up and runs off. The missiles landing on his heels. “Sorry.” he apologizes, as Spidey looks to him rather than the army at his back. “They’ve got bigger Weapons.” Once again the tanks take aim. Kid looks over his shoulder before running faster to dodge the impacts, causing Spider-Girl to turn more into his hold to avoid the dust and dirt and to minimize the fact that she’s clenching her eyes shut with each impact. “Thanks.” she says quietly as they finally start to run in a more straight line again.Kid Flash laughs lightly. “no problem beautiful” he says with a small smile, though it drops ever so slightly as she laughed and shook his head “Wally, we go over this all the time, youve never seen my face. I could be horribly disfigured” “ur still be beautiful to me” The speedster winked

'I’m actually on Earth'. M’gann thinks excitedly as she flies around the desert landscape. 'I’ve wanted this for so long… even if it’s not exactly like TV.' She makes a loop around a rock formation that stands tall in the air before coming to a stop between two tree carcasses. ''But why can’t I remember how I got here?' She sits cross-legged, but still floating in the air. 'Concentrate Remember' Her eyes open, glowing white. It’s dark in the Bialyan desert, before M’gann is Superboy, kneeling down on both his knees. Looking around confused for a few moments before he grabs his shirt and rips it apart with a yell. Charging at M’gann. Superboy stands tall in front of a large machine, looking at the control panel. “Good idea. Go.” Aqualad’s voice instructs. “Be careful.” Superboy tells M’gann with a small smile. Then a flash. "Careful, Superboy, they're hot.” M’gann tells Superboy as he reaches for a tray of cookies. Taking one off the tray with no problem. Wally- in his uniform- zips in and takes the cookie from Superboy’s hand. “Not as hot as you Babe.” he says, before throwing it into his mouth, oblivious to the angry look Superboy is giving him. Superboy takes another as he looks at M'gann. “Uh, thanks, Wally. That's uh… sweet.” she says hesitantly. “Not as sweet as you, sugar.” Wally says, barely after swallowing. Artemis hits him in the back of the head, ignoring the small noise of pain in favor of an insult and taking a cookie. “Oh, grow up!” "Thank you!" Spider-Girl said with a grin behind her mask as she took a cookie. Robin smiled along at Artemis’ jab at Wally. “Team, report to the mission room.” Batman’s voice travels over the speaker system, gaining everyone’s attention. M’gann smiles brightly. “I’m on a team. I have friends, and a Superboy who might be…” she trails in thought, before forcing herself to focus again. “I have to him-them.” 'Hello? Um, Team' she tries with her telepathy. 'Maybe they’re just out of my range' M’gann thinks to herself, staying positive before she takes off going faster and disappearing due to her camouflage.

Wally comes to a stop on the far side of a small ravine, using the shade to block them from the afternoon sun. Setting Spier-girl on both her feet before bending over, panting. She looks at him in worry and confusion. “Sorry. Running on empty.” he wipes at his brow as he stands straight again, but still breathing heavily. “Don’t think I’ve eaten in awhile.” opening a small compartment on the inside of his wrist. “Been out here over 24 hours, or my cupboards wouldn’t be bare.” Spider-girl closed her eyes, her body sparking slightly "Maybe 2 days, i'm low on energy meaning my Venom strike wont work" The girl explained before adding “and it seems im low on web fluid” Spidey added as she touched her little web shooter showing two small vials. Before they could react, Superboy drops in between the two. The jump causes a kick up of dust and sand before it fully clears Superboy turns and yells at Kid Flash. Startling the speedster before hitting with a backhand that knocks him into the ravine. Looking over his shoulder he sees Spider-girl. Realizing she's his next target she jumps into a back-handspring  giving herself enough space to shoot a few webs at Superboy’s chest. Though it has no effect, she keeps moving back and firing more webs, this time at his feet. She dives into a roll to avoid Superboy’s attempt to get her around her waist. He looks to the sky and yells into the void. Just a telltale whistle can be heard. Zooming right past Spider-girl and landing right between Superboy’s feet. Their collective cry of pain is enough to reach M’gann. Gripping her head she sees Superboy surrounded by the flames of the missile. “Superboy, where are you?” she asks looking around until she sees black smoke on her left. Taking off for the source as fast as she can. Two Bialyan tanks approach the crater and a fallen Spider-Girl. Hearing them approach both her and Superboy rise, though the clone faster than the archer. Gripping her head before looking at the tanks Spider-Girl is shocked to see Superboy land in front of her, almost protectively. Before he jumps to land on top of the left Bialyan tank, grabbing ahold of the main gun and bending it. As he rips it off the machine gun on top of the tank shoot Superboy in the back. Turning towards the source Superboy grabs the gun, removing the barrel from the gun the soldier is holding. Before grabbing the soldier and throwing him up and away. Finally, with a scream, Superboy grabs onto the top of the tank before ripping it clean off and throwing it away too. The second tank shoots at him in the back, the force throwing him into the rock face away from the tanks. Unhurt the boy of steel stands up in the small crater before jumping back at the tank with a scream. “Whose side is he on?” Spider-Girl asks herself out loud. “You wanna stick around and find out?” Wally asks back, both of them watching as Superboy beats up on the tank. The two run off, away from the chaos. Wally runs quickly over the sandy dunes, unfortunately tripping on a rock on the way down, only giving him and Spider-Girl enough time to gasp before they roll the rest of the way down the hill.

They’re unhurt but are stunned when two fighter jets fly over them. They stand up to watch, thinking they’re not the targets. However, the fighters circle back around, firing at the two. “Get down!” Kid Flash yells over the gunfire, bringing both of them to ground as the fighter blows past them. The two circle back around, Spider-girl took aim to shoot a web but a voice appeared 'Don't worry, I'm almost there.' M’gann’s voice rings out in their heads just as Spider-girl takes her shot, though stunned she misses completely. “Did you just hear a girl talking in your head?” Deme asks, completely freaked out. “Girls are always on my mind,” he says with a smirk, though his eyes change slightly as he looks more directly at Spider-girl out of the corner of his eye. “but they're not usually talking.” M’gann flies behind the two planes, hiding in their blind spot, before she moves both her hands out in front of her, then clapping them together. In mirror the two planes crash into each other. Creating an explosion behind M’gann’s back as she lowers herself to the ground by Spidergirl and Kid Flash.

“Well, J'onn, the costume looks familiar, but I'm not sure the new bod screams ‘manhunter’.” KF says to the Martian with enough sarcasm and impressively creeped out hots to get his point across. “You know my uncle J’onn?” she asks excitedly. “Hello, Megan, of course, you do! You're Kid Flash. Wally! And you're Spider-Girl.” “Wait, wait, wait. Martian Manhunter is your uncle?” Wally asks, taking in the new information happily considering he’s not riddled with bullet holes thanks to her. “Is that how you know my name?” “It’s okay.” M’gann assures. “We’re teammates, friends, I made you cookies.” That last one catches Wally’s attention, but also Spider-Girl's in a very bad way. “You know her?” her jealousy shows as she turns her head towards him and puts one hand on her hip. “No, I swear, Beautiful. Never seen her before in my life.” Wally tries to explain. “At least not that I…” M’gann sighs. “You’ve both lost your memories too.” she hears more Jeeps come in, turning she sees them heading towards a black pillar of smoke. “C’mon, I fill you in as we go. Robin, and Superboy need our help.” “Of course,” Wally drawls before following M’gann and Deme. “Robin and Super-what now?” he asks, only now realizing what she said as he was about to say it. Night falls across the Bialyan desert. The only sound is light footsteps as Robin comes up a dune. robin's hologlove displaying a map. “I wish I could remember why I put a GPS marker here.” he mumbles. Seeing over the top of the next dune briefly, he drops, still seeing the large mechanical/electronic device sitting out in the open. “Guessing that’s why.” Looking up over the dune the Boy Wonder realizes that the entire area is completely deserted. Narrowing his eyes, he jumps, llanding within five feet of the device. Just as they lands six soldiers stand up, knocking the sand they were hiding under from their uniforms. “Vakala di dorala di kiad! (Her Majesty wants him alive!)” one of the soldiers shouts a reminder to the others. All of them charging the Boy wonder. Robin smirked at them, before he drops a smoke bomb as all the soldiers get within range. Many of them start coughing instantly, only to be cut off by sounds of impact.

Two soldiers have found each other amidst the smoke, Robin joins them in the small clearing with a smirk on his face. Throwing two bolas just as they turn around, before jumping into the smoke again. Robin throws three birdarangs, taking out two soldiers’ guns, but the third dodges, despite two more coming around his back, Robin runs for the one he missed. Jumping he grabs tightly onto the soldier’s shoulders, as the other two try to cut him off. Using his momentum to force the soldier into a 180° spin then push two soldiers into each other he hits the third in the face and skids across the desert sand. “Kit fire! Idrenav! (Enough! Open fire!)” the leader commands, all taking up arms. Immediately, A black blur zips past, robbing them of their weapons. “I’ll take that.” Wally’s voice identifies him as the source. Running past two more. “Thanks!” he calls, taking their guns as well, before stopping behind the soldiers. Dropping all the guns before heading back into the fray.  Robin already sizing up one of the soldiers, but as he dodges the hook punch, and retaliates with a kick to the ribs. Spider-girl takes out the other three. Two more advance, armed with their guns. The first manages to fire off two shots before they’re both lifted into the air, M’gann flies behind, but in camouflage mode. That is until she turns visible again. Kid Flash runs at another soldier, who raises his foot to try and kick the teen hero, Wally slows down and grabs the soldier’s foot mid kick. Spinning him around at high speeds before throwing him at two more advancing soldiers. Looking to his left he sees the last soldier running away, but he also sees a web following the attempted escapee. The web wraps around his legs, crashing the soldier to the ground. All three look at Spider-girl on the dune, a smug look on her face, before she smiles softly and makes her way down the dune. “KF!” Robin says as he and the redhead head towards each other, grasping the speedster’s hand in his own. “Man it is good to see a familiar face.” “Hey Rob.” the Boy Wonder seems to have been expecting Kid Flash to continue. “Memory loss?” “Six months!” Robin cries, outraged, or just offended. “Let’s hogtie these creeps and compare notes.” The four are hogtied and groaning before long.

“So we’re a Team?” Spider-girl  asks, kinda-sorta believing what M’gann is telling him. “The four of us and Superboy. We also have a teammate back home named Artemis.” M’gann says, saving the hardest to believe pieces for last. Though not hard to believe as Robin grabs something from his belt and responds with ease and speed. “Then this must be his.” in his hand is black polyester with a red S decal on the front. “Yes.” M’gann gasps, taking it from the Boy Wonder. “Did you see him?” “I think we did!” Spider-Girl realizes while Kid Flash mulls it over. “Feral-boy? Some teammate, he attacked us.” he says annoyed. “He didn’t know who we are.” Spider-Girl defends. “I don’t know who we are!” They were a team and she couldn't remember it! Sure, she's trained with them, hung out with them, but that was when they were simply side-kicks. “I remember Batman ordering Radio silence.” Robin inputs. “Our team must work for him.” In an instant, Wally has a smirk on his face. “How do you know we don’t work for my mentor?” he asks, hitting the Flash logo on his chest for emphasis. Though when his suit suddenly goes back to bright yellow he stops short. “Whoa.” He hits it a couple more times, watching as his color scheme changes. “This is so cool.” Spider-girl tries it and gasped as her outfit chaged to a stealth mode. Robin try it too, with no results. W“Quit touching yourself!” Spider-girl ordered but  Wally does it one more time, causing Spider-girl to make a sound of annoyance. “We need our memories back.” M’gann nervously rubs her hands together nervously. To help Superboy. She thinks to herself, hardening her resolve before bringing her hands to her head and her eyes glowing white. Robin, Spidergirl, and Kid Flash look around stunned as they see small chunks of memories playing around them. “I brought you into my mind to share what I remember so far.” a white form appears before the three, holding M’gann’s voice. “But I need your help,” finally M’gann’s hooded form appears. “together our broken memories can form a whole if you open your minds to mine.” Spider-Girl looks angered and betrayed behind her mask and even sounds it. “You wanna paw through our private thoughts?” M’gann raises her hands in defense before she even responds. “I don’t wish to intrude but-” “You need to hack our minds to figure out what happened to us. Got it, go.” Robin finishes, snapping his fingers as he gives her his okay. "My brain's all yours. Try not to let its brilliance overwhelm you.” Wally flirts. “Or underwhelm you.” Robin pipes up. “Hey, why isn't anyone just whelmed?” he asks. Spider-Girl ignores the fact that he’s spouting nonsense and turns to M’gann. Hearing Wally step up, her eyes fall on him, what catches her attention is his soft smile and the fact that his hand is reaching out for hers. Blushing behind her mask, she took his hand. “Last six months only. And only what you need.” she tells M’gann, glancing back at Wally briefly. M’gann nods, reaching her hands out as astral projections of hands branch off her hands and her head to meet with Spidey, Kid Flash, and Robin’s heads. The memory clips become more uniform before finally becoming a full image. “The Watchtower detected an immense power surge in the Bialyan desert.” Batman’s voice speaks. Forming an image of the Dark Knight in Mount Justice, displaying a map to the Team. “Spectral Analysis revealed elements non-terrestrial in origin.” Spider-Girl, Kid Flash, Miss Martian, and Superboy stand before him. “Find out what happened at that site. What landed there?” Batman hits his remote again, changing the screen to show Queen Bee. “Bialya is a rogue state ruled by Queen Bee and not a member of the League’s UN charter. All communications are subject to interception.” the image changes back to the map. “Maintain radio silence at all time.”

Looking out through binoculars at the Bialyan desert, Batman’s voice continues. “You will land in Quarac, on Bialya’s border,” the binoculars fall and the attention is turned again to Miss M, Superboy, and Spider-girl, who are backed by the bioship, and Superboy is moving the same thing that Robin had a GPS marker on. “two clicks from the hot zone.” “All clear.” the Boy Wonder tells them. “The Bialyans control the site.” “Set up here.” Kaldur’s voice tells Superboy, who drops the device he was carrying on his back. The straps disappearing and only needing one button to fully activate the machine. “We’ll be up and running in no time.” Robin says as he types away at the keyboard on the machine. “Jackpot!” Wally says from behind the Boy Wonder, standing up from his slight crouch. “This site’s lousy with Zeta Beam radiation.” Robin looking to the speedster. “Detecting non-terrestrial trace elements from the tent.” he informs the Team. “I’ll check it out in camouflage mode.” M’gann offers. “Good idea, go.” Kaldur tells her.“Careful.” Superboy says immediately. “And maintain telepathic contact.” Kaldur reminds her. “I will Aqualad.” she promises.

“Aqualad!” all four shout, remembering. “Where is he? What happened next?” Robin asks. “I don't know. That's the last thing I- we remember.” Miss martian admits, worry coating her voice. Kid and Spider-girl looks down to their clasped hands, Spidey pulled her hand away, blushing red. “Ugh-” Wally grumbles, moving his hand to rub the back of his neck, looking up and away as he talks. “I-uh-we landed 24 hours ago. If Kaldur's been wandering the desert that long, well, that's not good for a guy with gills.” Now that I know to look for him…” Robin grumbles, instantly pulling up his hologlove. “He’s close, but he’s not moving.” he informs. Soon enough, they find him. “Du ra, vis ol may,” Aqualad murmurs, his face scrunching up in pain as Robin, KF, Spider-Girl, and Miss M nervously look him over for any physical damage. “Aga pa, olsey.” “I can’t restore his memories in this state.” M’gann tells the others. “He needs immediate rehydration.” Robin says sternly. “Call the Bioship.” “It’s out of range.” Miss M says instantly, then looks to KF. “You can get him there quickly.” “He’s too heavy, and I’m too low on fuel.” Kid says almost breathlessly. “Right now, I couldn’t even carry her.” he gestures to Spider-Girl with his thumb. Spidey pushes it away with a scoff, looking at Miss M. “Why not just levitate him back?” Miss M sets the once-again-unconscious Aqualad back down. “I can’t I have to find Superboy.” she says, standing up, facing down Spider-Girl. “Six months ago he didn’t exist, just animal impulse, I’m the only one who can help him.” Superboy’s indestructible, just ask those tanks.” Kid points out. “It’s Aqualad who needs your help - like - now.”

M’gann clutches her head as an image of Superboy being electrocuted surfaces. “No!” she shouts. “Superboy’s in pain.” she takes off with nothing else on her mind. “M’gann wait! We still don’t know what erased our memories!” Robin calls after her. “It could happen again!” Miss Martian flies off, not even listening.  Kid and Spider drag Aqualad on a Web made stretcher, with Robin leading the way. A map and GPS tracking system showing on his hologlove. The four of them hear the Bialyan Jeeps before they see them. Robin instinctually turns his head towards the source, slowing down and pointing to a rock formation before them. “Quick, over there.” the Boy Wonder gestured. Kid and Spidey take off after the Boy Wonder. All four of them making it to the hiding place just as the Bialyan troops drive past. Aqualad groans, but remains unconscious. “Tula, dena me ta. Etah en Atlantis ih ba ohse.” Kid turns his attention away from Aqualad, as Robin moves closer to the edge of their hiding place, and Spider-Girl presses her hand against his forehead. She shushes him quietly. “Kaldur, quiet now.” she tells him softly. Robin sees a group of five Bialyan soldiers, all of them armed, walking past where they’re hiding. Dropping back down to Kid, Spider-Girl, and Aqualad; the Boy Wonder huffs. “We can’t risk a firefight with Aqualad KO’d like this.” Wally groans, agreeing. “It’s not just him. I’m way out of juice.” he rubs the back of his neck looking at Spider-Girl, hopefully. “And I’m almost out of webbing.” she pulls out her web-cartilage from her wrist band under the suit to prove her point. Only then do the two of them notice that Robin is missing, “Ugh, I forgot how much I hate it when he does the ninja-thing.” Wally groans. “Hey, you never said why you thought, i would think Your disfigured” he rubs the back of his neck to Spider-girl who turned in surprise “I got confused by you know....memory lost besides lover boy, you still havent seen my face” “So, I'm your lover boy, huh?” Kid teases. Spider-girls eyes go wide before she composes herself and turns back to him. “Hey, amnesia, remember?” she glares at him harshly as she nearly snaps at him. “I completely forgot how truly annoying you are.” She smirked at him but blushed. “Yeesh! Get a room!” Robin suddenly speaks, catching both of them off-guard. "where were you?” Spider-girl questions like a older sister. The Boy Wonder smirks. “Breaking radio silence.” Robin’s laugh comes from in front of the Bialyan soldiers and they take off after the sound. As the Bialyans come to the source of the sound they hear devices begin to beep. Before them, slightly hidden by a small rock, are three of Robin’s disks. The blinking and laughing speed up just before. Robin stays kneeling beside Aqualad, while Spider-girl and Kid are in front. As the disks creating smoke bombs Robin turns to the other three. “That’s our cue. Move!” they waste no time doing exactly that.

Quarac; September 5th; 2:32 EEST

Soon enough Aqualad has an IV in as he lays down in the BioShip. Artemis comes over to bring a wet cloth to his head. "Hey everybody, I’ve got Superboy.” M’gann’s voice calls out of the link. Spider-Girl stops what she’s doing and looks around while Wally looks up utterly stunned. M'gann  flies low to the desert, holding Superboy beside her. “He’s back to normal and we’re on our way.” Aqualad jolts up, panting, looking to Spider-Girl with wide eyes. “Who are you?” he questions, though not putting up much of a fight as Amazonia pushes his shoulders back down. “And how did you get inside my head?” “Hello, Megan.” the Martian continues, bumping her head. “Aqualad’s memories. I knew I forgot something.” "Aw man, me too,” Wally grumbles. “I didn’t get a souvenir for the mission.” Completely ignoring how, Spider-Girl, and Kaldur turn to look at him in varying levels of annoyance. 'i think we have that covered' Megan said into everyone's head.

Chapter Text

GOTHAM CITY
September 22, 06:00 EDT
An alarm goes off in an apartment building, reading 6:00 A.M and a hand reached for it, shutting it off. Artemis pulled her hand back, snuggled in the blankets. She opened her eyes to see the Alice in Wonderland poster over an empty bed. She ended up remembering when she was a child, when Jade walked over with a duffel bag that she sat on her bed. Her long black hair was up in a ponytail and she wore a black crop top and a pair of green cargo pants.
"Please, please don't go," little Artemis begged, hugging her teddy bear as she was sitting on her bed. Jade took out some clothes from her drawer, putting them in her bag.

"Sorry, sis. Mom isn't getting out of prison anytime soon. And I refuse to live in this house with just dad," Jade stated.

"Dad, and you and me. We have to keep this family from falling apart," the young blonde told her making Jade pause, glancing away.
"Artemis, get up!" The sound of her mother's voice snapping Artemis out of her thoughts. She looked to the door to see her mother, Paula, in her wheelchair. "I don't want you late for your first day of school," the woman told her firmly before rolling down the hall as Artemis sat up. She groaned, laying back down and covering her head with her blanket. At Gotham Academy, she stood in the courtyard, tugging her skirt as if to make it longer. "Artemis, I'm Bette, your new student liaison. Welcome to Gotham Academy," Bette introduced her self when she approached the girls. Artemis smiled softly. "Thanks. I'm Artemis. But you knew that," Artemis said, feeling awkward as Dick walked over and took a photo with Artemis. "We'll laugh about this some day," he told her, but the blonde blinked from the flash, and when she opened her eyes to see Dick was gone. "Uh, who's that?" "A freshman. Ignore him," Bette assured, neither of the girls noticing Barbara watching. "Dick, what was that about?" She asked. "Nothing, Barbara. Just being friendly to the new girl," Dick assured looking at the photo.

MOUNT JUSTICE
September 22, 18:43 EDT
M'gann and Superboy were in the hangar, kissing until Sphere rolled up to them and beeped, making the two pull away. The Martian giggled. "Someone's jealous," she teased. "Maybe. Or maybe..." Superboy trailed, sharing a look with her as he got the feeling something was going to happen. "Hey, guys," Wally greeted, walking up the steps with Spidey, a sandwich in his hand. "You two sure spend a lot of time working on his bike. Obviously you need the Wall-man's expert help," he said, making Spidey slap her hand to her forehead while Superboy and Miss Martian looked at each other with discrete smiles, then patted Sphere, who was beeping. Deme looked at the two and smirked, causing M'gann to blush a little. "So you have told no one else of this mole?" Red Tornado asked Aqualad, both in the mission room. "I cannot be sure one exists. And if it does, if the Team is being betrayed from within, I must investigate without tipping my hand. But perhaps I should tell Batman," the teen suggested, not sure how to go about it when it came to Batman."Generally the Batman expects the Team to handle its own problems, but the decision is yours," Red Tornado told. "I will return after monitor duty on the Watchtower."

"I thought you were exempt from monitor duty since becoming our den mother," Aqualad said while he tilted his head in confused.
"Recognized: Red Tornado, 1-6."

Red tornado turned to Aqualad."I agreed to cover for Green Arrow. He has an interpersonal event with Black Canary. A hot date," he said before leaving, leaving the Team alone. A few hours later in Gotham City, Aretmis jumped down from a building, moving towards the Zeta-tube. "Artemis?" Robin asked, stepping out the shadows. Artemis looked to them quickly, her eyes wide. "Robin? I, uh..." she trailed off. "Oh, random that you're in Gotham City instead of Star City where your Uncle Green Arrow lives," Robin smirked. "I'm, uh, here to see my cousin. She was in the state spelling bee here in Gotham City," Artemis lied "C-O-O-L. Did she W-I-N?" Robin asked cockily, which only agitated the archer. "N-O," she snapped. "D-R-A-G," he continued, pretending to sound disappointed, "Yeah. Let's just go to the Cave," Artemis said quickly. "Ladies first," Robin gestured for Artemis "Your town. You go," Artemis retorted. He shrugged, stepping up

"Recognized: Robin, B01."

And once he vanished, Artemis stepped into the telephone booth that was really used for their transportation. "Recognized: Artemis. B09." Just as Artemis came in there was an explosion that made her flinch. "Get down!" Robin shouted as she dodged a fireball. Robin jumped over to her, Robin took out a couple discs. "Who are we fighting?" Artemis demanded "I have no idea. We're sitting ducks here by the tubes. Hurry to the exit," she said as the two began to sprint for the exit. "Or not," Robin mumbled as a tidal wave headed to wards them. The two turned and grunted as they were carried away. The water disappeared and the heroes were back on their feet, running towards the gym. "Robin to Team. Come in. Aqualad!" 'M'gann, can you hear me? Are you there?' Artemis asked, shaking her head when she didn't get a answer. They cried out when a fireball made them fall to the ground, but they forced themselves back up, continuing running to get away for the fire tornado behind them. With that, they reached the locker room.

"Robin to Batcave. Override RG4," Robin said, using the override as they made it to the showers where they all began turning the nozzles to turn the water on. "Cave calling Justice League. H-O-J-slash-watch tower. B-0-1. Priority Red. Comm is down. Locked. At least the water's helping," Robin said to the archer as they stood in the middle of the room. The room shook before the nozzles were shot off, water spraying out. Tiles began falling off, as did the shower heads. "Or not," he added.as the water covered them completely. Robin swam over to the wall and placed his disc on it, moving away as it beeped before exploding, causing a hole in the wall. The water ran out, the teens going with it until they were on the ground, the bubbles disappearing. With that, they stood and ran to the kitchen. "We need to get lost," Robin stated as they looked around until Artemis saw a way. "The air vent!" "Good. Go!" He told the woman, who then hurried over to the air vent after jumping over the counter, taking the cover off so they could climb up. The archer noticed Robin was at the console by the door. “What are you -" Artemis was cut off by him. "Downloading Cave blueprints. Could come in -" Robin was cut off by the sounds of footsteps. "Go! Go!" He whispered as he rushed over. They all jumped up and began crawling threw the vents, Robin taking a look at his holocomputer. "Go left," he instructed, the teen taking a left, Robin doing so just in time as fire blasted down. "Uhh. Too close," he shuddered. "Take the first right. There should be a vent cover right in front of you," he told the two while looking back at the screen. Artemis grabbed the vent cover and took it off. She crawled into the vent before sliding down, Robin and artemis close behind. "This way," Robin said. The two froze and turned to see a person covered in fire looking for them before setting the place alight. Robin, Artemis jumped off the stairs and new machines which were beeping loudly. "Uhh! That's not good," Robin mused before they took off running as steam began coming out the machines. The duo then began dodging fire balls hiding as Robin opened his wrist computer up. "I know that other access tunnel is here somewhere" "You mean this one?" Artemis asked jumping in as Robin placed a disk on a machine before he jumped in as well. They dropped down into another vent like area. "Hold on," the male told her as he stopped. He took the cover off a USB plug-in, then hooked up a cord. He then began typing. "Locking out Cave's motion and heat sensors to prevent the enemy from tracking us," he informed."And I ask again, who is the enemy?" Artemis asked impatiently.
"Let's find out. Downloading cave security footage. There," he said with a smirk as he brought up the footage. It showed the rest of the team with Sphere. Wally was lying on his back, fixing Superboy's motorcycle, M'gann and Superboy standing by him and Spidey as Kaldur walked up “Torque wrench.” Deme grabbed the tool and handed it to him. “Thank you, sweet cheeks.” “I have been meaning to ask,” the Atlantean said to all of them. “Any problem juggling school work with your responsibilities here?” “No,” Superboy replied simply. “Juggling's just one of my many talents. Socket wrench,” Kid Flash said to the Spider-themed heroine, who handed it to him. "Things have been going fine for me too," she told Aqualad with a small shrug. “Daily cheerleading practice has presented a challenge,” Miss Martian admitted. “Oh, but my first loyalty is always to the team. This team, not the Bumblebees.” “Artemis start school today. Do you think she will have trouble maintaining their loyalties?” Aqualad asked them curiously making Artemis frown next to Robin. “No way! Artemis is 100% our girl” Spider-girl beamed at Kaldur who went to speak but a wave took out the camera

"What happened?" Artemis asked the Boy Wonder urgently. "Explosion took out the camera. I'll find another angle," he said as he typed, finding another one only for that to be taken out too. "That's it. All five are dead," he stated earning a scared look from Artemis. "The cameras. I meant the cameras." Robin assured "Just give me a sec to find the fastest route to the hangar," Robin said while typing again. "Yeah, they're fine. They've all got superpowers. They can handle anything," Artemis said shakily as she got moving, trying to reassure herself. They soon reached a vent cover that Robin pushed off and the two jumped down onto the second floor of the library. "There's a secret passage behind one of these bookcases," Robin informed as they ran down the stairs to the railing and flipped over it "You're kidding, right? cliche much?” “You should see the Batcave," he scoffed as they walked. They heard the door open making Robin take out his discs, Artemis readying her bow, They then ran to a bookcase and hid behind it, ready to attack "Artemis, Robin" a familiar voice said as they could hear the metallic footsteps. Artemis grinned. "It's Red Tornado," she said with relief. She ran out and gasped as her smile was replaced by panic when she saw a red android that looked nothing like Red Tornado. Red Torpedo went to grab her until the thirteen-year-old boy pushed her out of the way and under the table.

"Yes, on the Red, no, on the Tornado," Robin exclaimed, the table breaking when they rolled out, the android having punched it. They made it to the exit only to stop when they saw a female android. They rushed aside to avoid the fire Red Inferno shot out. "Who -? What are they?" Artemis squeaked before the sprinklers activated. "I don't think we should stick around to ask!" Robin said sarcastically as artemis shot an arrow when Robin jumped down to the floor. Red Torpedo used water to block the two attacks. Red Inferno pushed a bookshelf making the others tumble toward the heroes. Robin bit his lip as he found a book and pulled it revealing a secret passage. The two heroes ran through the passage which closed behind them. "Did you know Tornado had siblings?" Artemis asked Robin, who shook his heads “No” He admits as they turned a corner, but the archer grabbed the teens' wrist. "So now what? Red Tornado is one of the power houses of the League. How are we supposed to take down two of him?" She demanded making Robin think. "They do seem pretty user unfriendly." "Don't joke," Artemis demanded loudly when the speakers turned on. "They -"
"Attention, Robin. Attention, Artemis.. You have exactly 10 minutes or the lives of your teammates will be extinguished."

That announcement from Red Torpedo caused the two teens to look at each other in worry.
Kaldur held the unconscious M'gann as they were trapped in a cage made of fire while Sphere was stuck in the wall below them, Red Inferno flying up to the two. Her eyes glowed red and the flames intensified making Kaldur flinch. Below on the ground, Wally, Spidey, and Conner were trapped in metal, grunting as they tried to get free. Red Torpedo rose from the water and began making the water flood over to them.
"Nine minutes and forty-five seconds," Torpedo announced. Robin, and Artemis were running down the hall as fast as they could. "Eight minutes." "We can access the hangar from here," Robin told her only for Artemis to gasp when water began flooding toward them. "Or not," he added. "Will you please stop saying that?!" Artemis shouted as she pulled, both running with her to get away from the water. They cried out when the water hit them and they held their breath as they were being sent through the current. Robin unclipped his cape and put a breather in his mouth. He swam to the Artemis giving a spare one to Artemis, who used it. Suddenly Red Torpedo swam up and grabbed Artemis' ankle making her gasp. Charm and Robin swam up quickly as Artemis punched the android in the head, Robin pulled Artemis away. Robin shot out a line while holding Artemis, who held onto him, the male leaving behind bombs that began going off once they were pulled away. They surfaced from the water, gasping for air. "Look out!" Wally shouted, making their eyes widen. They quickly swam out of the way to dodge the fireball that had been thrown at them, diving into the water and swimming to the others to be safe from the fire. They made it to the three stuck in metal. "You guys okay?" Robin asked, "Forget us. Help M'gann," Conner told them loudly, looking up to the fire cage. "Aqualad, is she..." Artemis trailed off with fear. "She is unconscious. I fear she - We cannot survive much longer," Aqualad replied weakly, sweat dripped down his face. “Work faster please” Spider-girl begged robin As Red Inferno flew ove,r she began shooting fireballs. Artemis, and Robin quickly got under water and began to swim. They swam until they got to the stairs leading up to Kaldur and M'gann. Red Torpedo swam behind them as they got ready to fight. Red inferno flew in front of them blocking their path.= "I'm almost out of arrows," Artemis stated while having one of her arrows locked in place. "Distract her, now," Robin ordered and she fired the arrow at Red Inferno, the arrow exploding and creating a smoke screen. Robin ran down and threw some of his discs at Red Torpedo, all of them bouncing off. One stabbed into the metal right beside Wally's head making him sigh in relief.

The two dove into the water as the water and fire collided. They quickly swam down, reaching a grate that Robin pulled off and they swam in, going through the tubing until they came up for air, the three gasping before climbing into the dry tube. They sat there, panting heavily. "Six minutes," Torpedo announced. "What do we do now?" Artemis asked. "We save them. That's how it works," Robin answered simply. "Maybe that's how it's supposed to work, but those robots already took out our five super-powered friends!" Artemis snapped. "You seem distraught," Robin smirked at the archer. "Distraught? M'gann is dying. We have no powers aside, and I'm down to my last arrow. Of course I'm distraught!" Artemis snarled. "We'll get traught or get dead," he snapped surprising the archer before he got moving. "How can you be so calm?" Artemis demanded, following behind "Practice. I've been doing this since I was nine," he muttered."What good is that now?" The archer asked annoyed.”And what chance do we have against unrelenting machines?" Artemis asked next, not getting rid of her irritation. That made Robin pause and grin. "Oh. Duh. They're machines. And one electromagnetic pulse will shut down any machine within range," he told the archer "Great. Except you better have an EMP emitter in your utility belt, because I know I don't have one in my quiver," Artemis stated. "I'm fresh out. But I'm betting we can make one," the Boy Wonder smirked before pressing a finger to his comm. "What do you say, K. F. , doable?" He asked the speedster through the disc that had landed beside Wally's head. "Totally doable."
"5 minutes."
"Well, it would be easier if you had more time," Deme added. Wally began guiding the two heroes as they got to the lab. "Med lab, X-ray machine. You'll find a small vacuum tube called a vircator that converts high energy pulses. Reprogram the unit's microwave conversion from X-rays to EMPs with a cascading energy vector directed outward," Wally explained, making the Boy Wonder do as told. "A ripple effect, like dropping a stone in a pond," Robin grinned proudly. "A stone with ten to the twelfth power of wattage, yeah," Wally nodded as Robin turned to the archer "So I'll need to hook it up to the cave main generator." "Which is where?" Artemis asked as Robin grimced. “Four minutes,” the male Red announced. The three had snuck to the hall through a vent and dropped down, making their way over. “Okay, make with the distraction,” Robin said through the comm.

“Hey, Red Tomato!” Wally called up. “Who’s your girlfriend? Red Onion?” “Yeah. And by the way, worst death trap ever!” Conner added with a smirk. “We can escape any time we want." “I can vibrate my molecules out of here before your binary brains can count to two!” Kid Flash jabbed. “Cover me,” Robin whispered to Artemis. He stuck a wire to the wall before swinging over to the main generator. “And don't forget about me! I could just use my Venoms strike to take you down, come into the water and face me” Spidey called out “And you can't drown a Kryptonian, dumb bots. We don't breathe air,” Superboy bluffed. Kid Flash laughed. “And Miss Martian? I can’t believe you’re buy her act!” He called up. Robin placed the tube in the generator. He attacked his cord to it. “Rerouting power now,” he whispered through the comm to them. “Yeah. You know how hot it gets in the caves of Mars?” Spidey called smugly. “It’s not working,” Robin whispered with a frown.

"All that cage is doing is making her homesick," Wally countered “Duh!” Kid Flash said before laughing. “The circuit's incomplete. I need something conductible,” Robin mused before he began looking through his belt. “A piece of metal or –“ Robin grunted when he was washed away by the wave. Artemis went to fire her last arrow only to cry out at the fireball that had missed her, her arrow missing its target. The blonde ducked when another ball of fire was shot at them, and another. The archer went back up into the vent. The two quickly turned the corner dodging the blast of fire. The archer continued to crawl until she was able to see what was happening. Robin was knocked out in some water. Artemis back away and hugged her knees as she shook her head. "No, no, no, no," Artemis mumbled "i surrender, i die with the others," Artemis began "But if i find a way out, out of the Cave, out of the Mountain, we can get help, call in the League," Artemis finished, but yelled Artemis slipped down the vent until they landed in the souvenir room.
"Three minutes," Torbedo announced as she sat up.
"Who am I kidding? Best i can do is hide, hope the League finds me before the Reds," Artemis muttered, rubbing her arm as she went over to the shelf to see her sister's mask. "I know you understand," she whispered before remembering that night again.
"We have to keep this family from falling apart," the young blonde told her making Jade pause, glancing away. She then looked at her sister for a moment."Toothbrush, duh," she suddenly said, bopping her forehead. "Knew I was forgetting something," she added while walking to the bathroom. Artemis looked down sadly, then back at her older sister, who walked over with the toothbrush in hand. "Dad will come after you," she stated. Jade dropped the toothbrush in her bag and zipped it shut. "Let him. I'll disappear like the Cheshire Cat," Jade stated, putting her black cap on as she looked at the blonde, then grabbing her bag. Artemis stood as Jade walked to the door. "You should get out, too," Jade murmured, then looked over her shoulder at her. "I'd let you come with me, but you'd slow me down," she added, pretending not to care. "Someone has to be here when Mom gets out," Artemis stated as Jade narrowed her eyes. "Haven't you learned anything? IN this family, it's every girl for herself." She then closed the door when she walked out and Artemis fell to her knees.

Artemis picked up the mask. "That might have been true about our family, but I found a new family. And here, we're all for one and -"
"One minute," Torbedo announced, cutting off Artemis' whisper. "
Artemis soon walked toward Red Torpedo and Red Inferno “I surrender. Stop the clock" Artemis called out holding out her bow. Wally gasped as his head finally went under water with Conner. Spidey took a breath as she also went under. "Psych." Artemis jumped out and used Red Inferno's face to back flip and shoot her arrow at the conductor creating the magnetic wave. The wave caused both androids to short-circuit and fall to the ground, both the fire cage and rising water to disappear. The three teens gasped for air now that they were free of the water. “Kaldur, how’s M’gann?” Conner called up. “She breathes. I believe she will recover,” Kaldur answered as he checked on the Martian. "And Robin?" Spider-girl called, calming her coughing. Artemis had rushed over to Robin, who started coughing. She sighed in relief."H-he's breathing, too," she assured, carefully sitting the Boy Wonder up. He looked to her and gave a weak grin. "Way to get traught," he praised ther archer. Kaldur, Olivia, Artemis, M'gann, and Robin all moved towards the three heroes trapped. "Figured my only shot was to surrender, pretend to drown before I actually did. Blacked out, though," Robin shrugged as he lifted Spideys hand allowing her to spit some water out. The mask lifted to her nose “Thanks rob” "M'gann," Conner whispered in worry. "I'll be fine," the Martian assured softly to the clone, who took her hand.

"Will you quit playing with that thing and cut us free already?" Wally snapped at Artemis, who was holding machine to free Kid Flash, Spider-girl and Superboy. "It's not working, genius. EMP shuts down all machines, remember?" She snapped back. "All machines present at the time. What has occurred?" Red Tornado asked "Where have you been!?" Spider-girl asked angrily "Monitor duty on the Watchtower. When it became clear cave communications were down, I attempted to investigate, but your Zeta tubes were also nonfunctional. I transported to Providence and proceeded here," Red Tornado answered. “we had a visit from your family” “Your very nasty Family” "I was not aware I had relations," Tornado admitted, walking over to the two androids. He knelt down trying to analyze them as Sphere rolled out of the hole in the wall, rolling toward Superboy."Hey, boy," Conner greeted. But that wasn't entirely a good sign as Wally and Robin's eyes widened, the two looking to each other. "The pulse has worn off!" They exclaimed. Red Tornado stood up and began flying in the air, taking away the oxygen from the heroes. One by one they fell and blacked out.

"Artemis. Artemis, can you hear me?" Superman's voice called as the archer opened her eyes, groaning. "She's all right," Superman told Green Arrow. "What happened here?" Spiderman asked Spider-girl softly, who went to speak, but Artemis cut the teen . "What happened? The Reds happened. Tornado and his - Wait, where are they?" "Gone. All three of them. Gone," Robin informed making the group look at each other in worry.

Chapter Text

Mount Justice; September 23rd, 06:34 EDT
A very different type of birds call goes through Happy Harbor and the tenseness in the darkened Mountain does not disturb them. The second Green Lantern uses his ring to create a crane to lift a large part to the second story, where another hero is waiting to help guide it in. Once it locks into place the lights begin to turn back on. Sphere rolls down the stairs, coming to a pause beside Martian Manhunter and Captain Atom, who are working on a holo-computer and a complex respectively. As Sphere stops the Manhunter smiles and pats it before turning back to his work. “Synchronizing Security Protocols with WatchTower Mainframe.” the mountain’s AI calls out. Green Arrow places a bowl of pretzels on the table. Wally has both his shoulders on the table and is resting his chin on his crossed wrists. Artemis sits on the same side of the table as him, leaning her right elbow on the table as her head rests in her hand. Conner stands opposite GA defensive in his body posture, but the worry is clear on his face. M’gann sits across from Artemis, looking expectantly at the hero clearly mirroring the Boy Wonder who sits beside her. Spider-girl stood at Kaldurs side. “Thanks, but no thanks.” Wally says harshly. Green Arrow backs off instantly. “Yeah, what we want are answers,” Robin points out, looking to Wally as his only other means of support since Kaldur or Spidey are not sitting with them. The redhead sits up straighter, following the Boy Wonder’s trail of thought before they both turn towards the blonde hero. “about Red Tornado and his siblings.” Nothing shows on Green Arrows face, he doesn’t even flinch. “Exactly.” Wally snarks, though it loses some of its heat as he sees GA reach for the bowl and start to walk away with it. He doesn’t even manage to fully turn around before Wally’s hands are around the bowl, taking it back. “Leave the bowl.” he murmurs quietly, taking a handful of pretzels into his hand and eating them. Conner keeps his back mostly to the Team, Green Arrow and Black Canary. He changes his attention to Aqualad and Batman, who stand on the far side of the room. Their conversation only noticeable by the fact that Kaldur’s mouth is moving. Conner, however, can hear all of it now that he’s paying attention. “It was during the Taipei mission with Red Arrow, Sportsmaster revealed the possibility of a mole within the team.” the Team Leader informs The Dark Knight. "We've been keeping an eye out for anything suspicious" "Even using my real idenity to our advantage to help" Spider-girl spoke. Deme had snuck around and followed leads as a 'young reporter' “In light of last night's attack, Red Tornado would appear to be the traitor. But whether he betrayed us willingly or was pre-programmed is still-” “YOU KNEW?” Conner shouts from across the room. Both turn to the source of the sound. Kaldur barely has time to recognize who spoke before Superboy launches himself at him, Spider-girl jumped out the way. Putting his super strength to good use. “That android and his maniac family nearly killed M'Gann!”

M’gann flies over, confused. “Conner, what are you doing?” “Kaldur knew we had a traitor among us and said nothing!” the Kryptonian teen snarls. “You knew?” Robin questions, betrayal clear in his voice. “And didn't tell us?” Kid speaks so closely behind Robin that it’s hard to tell if they’re just that in sync or it was actually meant to be two separate questions. “I sought to protect the Team from-” Kaldur only looks to Conner as he speaks. “Sought to protect us from what?” Artemis finally speaks up and she’s just as mad at Robin and Wally. “Knowledge that might’ve saved our lives?” Conner turns to a mostly silent M’gann. “You almost died.” she doesn’t say anything but looks shaken nonetheless. "Seriously?" Spider-Girl exclaimed at the rest of the team. Why Kaldur did it was understandable. A mole isn't something to take lightly! “Enough.” Batman gets the instantaneous respect he demands. Everyone turns towards him and narrowing his eyes is all it takes for Conner to release his hold on Kaldur’s straps. “With Red Tornado… missing the Team will now be overseen by rotation supervisors. Captain Marvel has volunteered to take the first shift.” “I really look forward to hanging with you guys,” he said in a friendly tone. Conner glared at Kaldur. “After I dismantle Red Tornado, you and I are gonna –“ “Red Tornado is a member of the Justice League,” Batman said cutting him off. “That makes him a League responsibility. You will leave him to us. I have another assignment for this team,” Batman stated before bringing up a news article.

“‘Gotham Mayor attacked by Guerilla Gorilla’?” Kid Flash asked unimpressed. ‘Was this the only thing he could find to distract us?’ Superboy thought to Miss Martian with annoyance. "Batman, please! Tell me you're not sending us on this joke of a wild ape chase," Robin begged his mentor, but the Dark Knight narrowed his eyes at the Boy Wonder. "I never joke about the mission," he states as "I've checked the sources. I've studied the patterns. Mayor hill's encounter is only the latest in a series of incidents. Aqualad, you and your team will depart for India and check this out." The Atlantian nodded firmly as the team walked past. Wally scoffed slightly, glaring at Aqualad.
"Hmph. Your team," Conner, Artemis, and M’gann head into the Bioship, Sphere coming up quickly behind Conner, who is the last one in line. Conner turns towards Sphere, holding out his hand. “Uh-uh. Go.” he points back inside the Mountain. Sphere whirs and beeps before heading back, coming under a flying Captain Marvel. “You're coming with?” Robin asks skeptically as he and Wally head towards the ship. “Sure!” the hero says brightly. “We'll have a blast.” “Translation: he blames us for Red Fiasco.” he mutters, turning to Wally. Kaldur walks by. “He doesn't trust us.” Wally realizes Robin is looking past him and turns to face Aqualad, who was walking up with Spider-Girl. “It's a big club.” he remarks darkly. Both of them heading into the BioShip without so much as a word from Kaldur. The Team Leader looks offended for barely half a second before determination sets in again.

Northern India; September 23rd, 21:36 IST

The Camouflaged BioShip flies over the darkened landscape. Before it even lands the bottom opens to let Robin and Artemis belay out as a unit. Landing almost silently, before releasing the handles and pulling out a pair of Birdarangs and knocking an arrow before they head out to secure the perimeter. The BioShip lands behind them and the door opens. Letting Captain Marvel, Aqualad, Spider-girl and Kid out. Robin and Artemis come back as Superboy lands behind Aqualad and Miss Martian close behind him. “All Clear.” Robin informs. Aqualad’s gear switches with a tap. “Switch to Stealth,” M’gann is the only one that does as he turns to face them. “and we’ll review mission parameters.” “Parameters?” Kid asks, tapping his suit to change color. “We don’t need no stinkin’ parameters.” Robin is quick to agree. “It’s Recon, we know what to do.” with that the two of them turn and head into the jungle. “Kid, Robin,” Spider-girl tries. Robin turns back instantly. “The four of us started this team because the Justice League was keeping secrets from us.” Robin points out harshly to Kaldur, Deme “Or did you forget that like you forgot to tell us about the mole?” Kid asks both sarcastic and rhetorical as he puts his goggles on. The two take off, and Captain Marvel looks both disappointed and angry at Kaldur. Conner grabs M’gann’s arm. “Come on. I'll keep you safe.” ‘You're my boyfriend, Conner. Not my keeper. Stop hanging on me like a character from a 70's sitcom.’ M’gann tells him telepathically, clearly annoyed as she crosses her arms. “I just… wanna protect you.” Conner tries to explain, clearly confused as to what he’s doing wrong. “Like Aqualad protected us?” Artemis steps up beside the only other girl on the Team. “I’m not sure if your protection or patronizing is good for our health.” accenting her point by poking him in the chest with her bow. Eliciting a very dark look from Conner that has M’gann looking at him with more annoyance than before. The two girls walk off without any word from Kaldur. “Why didn’t you stop them? You’re supposed to be in charge.” Conner points out angrily to Kaldur. Again, Captain Marvel is looking at him with a scathing look behind his back. “I am…” he tries, his voice calm and easy, but trails off as Conner holds out a hand. Turning away and preparing to jump before leaping off. "Superboy, come back!" Spider-Girl tried to stop him as well.

“Um, did I miss the part where you actually said what the plan was?” Captain Marvel asks. Finally, Kaldur shows how much the situation is weighing on him, and his lack of a response other than a small sigh is the only one the Justice League hero needs. Though the hero doesn’t say anything more as they head off in their own direction. From the brush, something growls. Red eyes clearly having seen everything. M’gann flies just above Artemis’ head as the two make their way through the jungle under the full moon. Moving alongside a large river, a waterfall to their back. What they don’t notice is the large shape moving in the water. Kid and Robin make their way through a thicker part of the jungle. The towering canopy hiding the large shadows flying in the moonlight above them. Conner crashes through the forest with the strength to snap fallen trees under his feet and speed that nothing should be able to follow him. Except for the flash of shadow and red that does. Aqualad walks through the easiest path, pausing as the Captain and Spider-girl lands beside him. Across the jungle floor are a multitude of footprints and bullet casings. “Guess this is where Mayor Hills’... monkey business went down.” Captain Marvel stands up as he comments to Aqualad. The teen’s eyes, however, are focused on something in the distance. “So at least we’ve confirmed his story, right?” still no response. “Aqualad?” he questions curiously. Finally, the teen turns back. “My apologies, Captain. I am… plagued by doubts.” he looks away from the older man, ashamed of his weakness. Though the man says nothing, merely raising an eyebrow. “Perhaps I was wrong to withhold.” Something rustles in the trees, taking away both their attention. Whatever spooked the birds is large, by the sound of the steps, but they can’t see it in the darkness. They three continue to look around as the steps get louder, but Kaldur moves his gaze to the ground, watching as small, loose rocks shake under the steps. A massive elephant breaks through the tree, looking more like a woolly mammoth with the length of its tusks and size than an actual elephant. The trumpeting sound it makes, however, is neither. Captain Marvel grits his teeth and jumps to stop the behemoth. It works, but only shortly as the mammoth creature grabs the man with his trunk and throws him away with ease. And with enough strength to break a few trees before he slows. Shocked, Kaldur looks to opposite direction the creature is coming from. Seeing a grey behemoth come out of the trees. Not seeing him, just the other creature its size. Kaldur and Deme barely manages to jump out of the way of the massive foot. Capt. Marvel comes to a stop at the sound of a growl. Finding himself face to face with a red-eyed tiger with a Belle Reve collar on. The oversized tiger roars as the man regains consciousness. Off to his left Kaldur, kicks off a tree. Avoiding the tusks of the large elephant, but not its trunk which knocks him to the ground the tiger leaps to vacate. The captain turns to see the elephant standing behind him, snarling at the two of them. Conner makes his way at a normal pace, until a dark wolf jumps out a nearby bush, attacking him with a growl. Another pouncing on him from a higher vantage point since the first on missed him. He shoves it off, standing up just in time to punch another one away with his left hand. Leaving his right arm open to bitten by one of the wolves. Another pouncing lower. From high above a white wolf watches. A caw brings Robin and Kid’s attention behind them. Watching as three vultures screech and dive at them. Both of them barely missing the claws at are nearly as long as the younger boy’s forearm. Wally takes the lead in clearing the way. “I thought vultures only ate dead meat.” Robin shouts, throwing an exploding Birdarang before following. Though the device did nothing to even slow them down. “Yeah, these are some very proactive scavengers.” kid gripes as they duck under the claws. “Proactive and super-sized. You're thinking what I'm thinking?” Robin asks easily. “Kobra-Venom?” he and Robin barely split in time to avoid being caught. “Yeah.” A gaping mouth jumps out of the water at M’gann’s turned back. The gigantic alligator barely stopped by her foot and hands, keeping its mouth open. Artemis grabs an arrow, taking aim and firing. Only for the log she stepped back on to have another come underneath and knock completely out of the water. The snapping teeth barely miss her once, but the second time it catches her quivers and drags her down as gravity catches up. Artemis tries to grab ahold of her quiver, but the alligator starts to spin. M’gann dives in, heading straight for her teammate. Getting a hold on her forearm as the supersized gator stops spinning. Ripping the strap of her quiver so Artemis can swim away. The gator turns towards them, but M’gann creates two more hands and uses her telekinesis to create four spirals of water to stop the creature. Shooting the gator completely out of the water and leaving her and Artemis is a dry circle in the middle of the river. Artemis coughs up the water out of her lungs, as M’gann goes back to having two hands. “Okay, nearly drowning two nights in a row is way less fun than it sounds.”

A vulture screeches as it goes for Robin again. Barely missing him as he vaults over a fallen tree root. Running towards the base of the fallen tree to give himself so height, he backflips, seeing the vulture land swinging away with some of the tangled vines. Kid has to use his superspeed to evade the other three, running up a tree and bouncing between the two of them to turn himself into a pinball to knock one the birds out. It crashes to the ground not far from where Wally manages to catch a vine and swing to safety. Conner moves backward, trying to keep his eyes on as many of the wolves as he can. When jumps, it catches him on the upper arm, while it doesn’t bleed, he has to get it off him. He throws it into a tree, turning to punch the other wolf as it went for his blind spot. All of the darker wolves whimper or are unconscious. Only the white wolf remains, but it stays up and away from Conner’s rage. Until it growls, forcing Conner to tense up as he knows another attack is coming. It growls even louder before running down the face of its high rise.

Captain Marvel hits the brown mammoth, finally managing to take it down. Only for the grey one to come up behind them and swat Captain Marvel out of the air. "Cap!". Kaldur eyes catch something sparking around the beast’s neck. A mammoth sized shock collar. He takes out his Water Bearers, surprising the animal to fight, but dodges the giant foot, and landing behind its shoulder to get a good angle on the collar. Jumping high, slashing at the metal with one whip as he wraps the other around the collar before taking another slash at it and Spider-Girl yanking the collar to the ground with sheer force. There’s an instantaneous change as the beast calms from its rage, then turns to leave. Completely undisturbed by Kaldur’s and Deme's presence. He hears the other continuing to attack Captain Marvel. “Remove the collar!” he shouts to the the league member. “On it.” the man replies with a smile. Easily punching through the collar so that it falls off the beast as its front two feet land back on the ground. Stomping the collar to pieces. Both beasts leave, uncaring of the two they were just fighting. The Captain land beside Kaldur and Spidey. “Pretty sweet the way you figured out the problem was the collars.” “But the collars indicate an intelligence behind this attack.” Kaldur points out, and Captain Marvel’s dark look is back. “The rest of the Team may also be at risk.” he turns to his earpiece. “Team, report status.” it rings back at him. He winces at the high pitch whine.

“Comm is jammed, and Miss Martian failed to establish telepathic link before we split up.” “Actually, you let everyone split up before communications were set.” the captain points out. “They would not listen!” Kaldur argues. “I guess.” he admits, putting his hands on his hips and smirking. “But back at the cave, Batman stopped everyone from fighting with just one word.” “Because Batman is…” there is only one way to describe the man, as redundant as it may be. “Batman.” “Hey, you don’t have to tell me.” Captain Marvel winces out, but it’s a sympathetic wince nonetheless. “When I first joined the League, all he did was boss me around. And it’s hard not to take it personally. But…” he smiles. “I never disobeyed an order and that’s probably what kept me alive.” “Batman takes command.” saying it like that shows the exact and stark contrasts in their leadership. “He has to… for the good of the League.” he gives a small smile back to the hero. “Thank you for helping me understand.” “Hey, Wisdom of Solomon.” the hero points to his head with a smile.

'aqualad, can you hear me?' M’gann calls out. ' Yes, Miss Martian. Report.' 'Artemis and I were attacked by animals wearing Inhibitor Collars like those used on convicts at Belle Reve Prison.' Unable to hear the conversation Marvel lets himself keep an eye out. Something the distance catches his attention. Spider-girl was stretching as she listened.. The soft growling of the tiger from before. It only stays for a little moment before turning to leave. “Cool, a tiger! I'll be right back!” he calls out, but The girls had no time to stop him. “Captain, wait!” but he’s already gone. “Hey. Speed of Mercury.” Kaldur muttered. The tiger runs, roaring as it gets zapped by the collar. The captain’s smile fades it comes to a stop, turning towards him. The tiger growls again. “Hey there, mister.” he flies slowly over to it. “Betcha'll like good ol’ cap’t to take that nasty collar off ya, huh?” he lands easily and the tiger doesn’t attack. The collar zaps again, causing the animal to roar in pain and stumble back a few steps. Captain Marvel takes one closer and that’s all it takes to spring the trap. The hero instantly falls to the ground, unable to move, but still able to see as something wearing a red beret jumps out of the tree. Armed, heavily. The gorilla that attacked the Gotham Mayor roars, banging on its chest when he sees the hero in the trap. Captain Marvel is now stunned on top of his paralysis. By the river, the wildlife is recovering from the fright faster than the girls are. M’gann is mostly alright, mainly looking over Artemis as she empties water of her still arrow-filled quiver.

'Miss Martian, I need a telepathic link up with the entire Team. Now.' she hears the change in Aqualad’s attitude almost instantly. She brings two fingers to her temple, only needing to blink to complete the link. 'Link established.' 'Should he really still be giving us orders, and should you really be following them?' Artemis asks M’gann. 'Listen, please…' Kaldur tries, both Kid Flash and Robin visibly tense hearing his voice in their head again. Clearly disapproving of his presence. 'Oh good, Aqualad's voice in my head.' Kid thinks sarcastically, but his face is defeated. “I've so missed that.' As a stark contrast, Robin is surprisingly upbeat with his news. “Hey, Kaldur! KF and I were attacked by giant vultures. 'Course, since we're moles, you probably think we attacked ourselves.' 'If he did, he wouldn't tell you.' Artemis quips as she buckles her quiver back on, resting on one of the logs. ' Superboy, are you online, or just pouting?' Miss M asks curiously, though the edge is clear. Conner grunts through the link, fighting off the giant white wolf. 'Busy. Call back later.' he barely manages to think as he tries to pry the wolf’s teeth from his shoulder. Though a slight slip in his grip, due to trying to respond, gives the wolf time to sink in further and throw him across the clearing and into a large rock. Kaldur walks through the vines to where a trap like what the tiger and Captain Marvel were captured in has already been sprung. 'What gets me is how nonchalant he is about not telling us.' KF gripes. 'He should be chalant. Way chalant. Extremely chalant!' Robin agrees easily. Kaldur is barely listening to them as he and Spider girl sees two tracks in the ground from the trap. the group share a look 'How are we supposed to be a team if he doesn't trust us with his secrets?' Artemis asks. 'Or if Conner doesn't expect us to take care of ourselves?' M’gann follows Artemis’ train of thought, though a little too far. Kaldur is still barely listening as he moves closer to the tracks, seeing something in between them. A five-fingered print larger than his hand.

“Did he really think you or I could've been the mole?” KF asks Robin, though clearly keeping Kaldur and everyone else in on the question on purpose. “We've known each other for years!” Robin agrees. “Trust is a two-way street!” Artemis pipes up, clearly realizing the dig the boys just made at her and M’gann. “And you'd know they'd hate it if we kept secrets from them!” M’gann snaps. Kaldur is beginning to lose his patience with the constant arguing in his head. "Uh-oh," Spider-Girl whispers as she saw him getting upset. “Not that we'd ever do that. Never.” Artemis gripes.

Finally his restraint snaps. “Enough!” that was all he needed to get their attention, but rips one of the pylons from its base, watching as the electricity crackles in the darkness, but nothing else happens. “Captain Marvel has been captured. And we must act as a team to save him!” “Heh. Under your leadership?” Kid questions, his expression mostly deadpanned, though he and Robin clearly share in the sentiment of betrayal, despite his sarcastic tone. “I don't think s-” “This is not up for debate!” Kaldur snaps, both Robin and KF’s eyes go wide at the sudden switch from the Atlantean’s normal demeanor. On top of the fact that insulting his leadership is the last thing you should do since nothing else seemed to set him off. “You all chose me to lead.” M’gann and Artemis share a look. “When this mission is over,” Kaldur looks over the tech in his hands “if you wish to select a new leader I will happily step down.” Robin and Kid look down, ashamed. “But until that time, I am in command here.” Kaldur throws down the pylon with a grunt before looking to Spider-Girl, the girl having her arms crossed with a smirk on her face, behind her mask. "About time," Spider-Girl muttered, though it sounded like she was smiling. Kaldur smiled a bit.

Robin moves through the tall brush up the sharp hill from the building that the Captain is being held in. Kid Flash slowly comes up behind him, sliding on his goggles and turning on the infrared. Up in the tree behind the boys, Miss Martain’s camouflaged form lands. She looks to her right to see Artemis, Spider-girl and Aqualad slowly making their way down the hill, the blonde knocking an arrow. The only one missing is Superboy. She looks over the open space before the structure, noticeably empty. “I’ll fly over.” she offers. “Negatory.” Kid says sharply. “The shield extends like a dome over the whole compound.” “Pylons are insulated,” Robin remarks, looking at his holoscreen. “but one good shock could cause a momentary gap.” “I see a target.” Artemis has her eyes set on a large red button in the outside wall. “Then be ready to hit it. Be ready, all of you.” Robin and Kid share a small look, with both their eyes covered the true extent of their emotions is hard to see, but they are both frowning. Aqualad and Spider-girl runs up to the nearest pylon, stopping less than two feet away "Have you ever done something like this before?" Kaldur asked Spider girl who shrugged "I once charged my phone with my Venom strike. This is kinda like that " She offered before wincing “just a bigger source…no phone…What could go wrong?” Spidey asked before kaldurs tattoos begin to glow and Electric sparked off the spider themed heroes suit. They push the electricity into the shield. Kid is watching the shield’s integrity through his infrared and when he sees a small gap form over Aqualad and Spider girl's head, he doesn’t waste time. “Now!” Artemis releases her arrow and it flies through the gap and hits her target right on. The panel beeps and Kaldur pulls back the electricity as the shield deactivates. Then waves the rest of them forward. Spider girl panted, hands on her knees but Kaldur held his hand out "Good work" "I told ya, like charging a phone" She groaned almost falling but the atlantiean caught her "Spidey" Of said worried but the girl shook her head "I just need a second." M’gann lands while still camouflaged, but as Robin makes his way out of the brush his eyes go wide. Seeing a howler monkey sitting on the roof, it has been watching them. He gets a sharp look at its enhanced size and the collar around its neck before it lets out a howl. The two older boys jolt in surprise, just before the actual alarms turn on and an entire pack of howlers charges at the team. A howler monkey screeches as it jumps at Kaldur, who has both his WaterBearers shaped like maces. The Atlantean takes a sharp swing at the monkey, knocking it several feet away. When the monkey stops skidding he gets a good look at the familiar collar around its neck.

His eyes narrow as the monkey prepares to jump. Moving first, but to put his weapons away, the monkey jumps at him, but he catches it by the shoulders and slams it to the ground, his tattoos still glowing. When the monkey turns to try and bite him, Kaldur rips the collar off. The monkey looks confused for a few moments before scurrying away. Kaldur stands tall, looking to his team. “Remove their collars!” Robin, while struggling with two that is nearly as big as he is, grumbles. “Sounds easy when he says it.” the collars fall off with a small spark, and Robin stays defensive as the two monkeys look around before running away. This when Mallah makes his appearance, coming out with another machine gun. He growls and sniffs as M’gann tries to sneak back him in camouflage. Just as she makes it through the doorway, he grabs her by the shoulder and throws her into the dirt. Knocking her unconscious.

Mallah goes to grab her again when Kid speeds in. “Get your paws off her, you darn dirty ape.” his voice a far angier growl than he’s ever been before. He goes to shoulder check the gorilla, but the enhanced animal turns so that Kid bounces off his massive chest. “You’re not taking my brain.” Marvel says sharply, as a container full of water comes out from the wall by his head. “Š'il vous plaît, capitaine, do not struggle.” the machine moves through the shadows as the male voice speaks. “Brain extraction is largely painless,” the machinery over Marvel’s paralyzed body moves to a new position. “but the benefits are enormous.” The centerpiece of tech extends closer to Marvel, as the robot finally gets closer. “Just look what it has done for me.” finally in the light, Marvel can see that the male voice is coming from the robot with a brain at the core processor. He gives the Brain a deadpanned look, before looking back up at the still extending laser. “That thing won't work on me.” he comments. “Perhaps. But it works on solid steel so I'll try my luck.” the laser continues to move, tracking out its course before it begins to turn on. “I'm told you have the courage of Achilles, non ? Perhaps you should have asked for his invulnerability instead.” The tiger jumps the table and takes out the Brain, knocking his robotic body to the floor. It continues to growl at him as he moves back upright. “Traitor!” the Brain snaps. “You will suffer for that!” a compartment open on the side of the capsule, turning on the electroshock collar. The tiger snarls as it twitches on the floor in pain, while Marvel shouts at the Brain. “Stop it! Stop!”

The wall behind the Brain suddenly breaks inward, the Brain turns to see Mallah having been thrown through it. As the Brain turns to the dust, as it falls away Miss Martian flies in. As she lands the rest of the Team joins her. “It’s the Brain!” Kid is able to pinpoint who it is in a matter of moments, and suddenly the enhanced animals make sense. “Uh,” Artemis scoffs. “I can see it’s a brain.” Kid grits his teeth as he glares over his shoulder. “Not a brain, The Brain.” "Ugh, he's about as gross as MODOK," Spider-Girl grumbled. “In the flesh, so to speak.” the Brain confirms, then turns. “Mallah.” The gorilla holds something in its hand, and when he presses the button, pylons rise up from the floor. Taking out the Team the same way he did Captain Marvel. “Miss Martian, Superboy, now.” Kaldur commands. M’gann’s eyes glow white as she telekinetically takes the remote from Mallah. Stopping it over her face so she presses the button to turn off the pylons, just as Superboy breaks through the wall on the other side of the hallway. The white wolf is at his side, snarling, as the dust clears. The Kryptonian doesn’t need to say anything to get the wolf to charge at Mallah.

As Mallah gets back to his feet, Spider-girl kicks him back, then dodges the gunfire. Finally M’gann drops in and lifts the gorilla into the ceiling then lets him drop. Though it doesn’t do anything to knock him out, only make him angry. Now he is focusing his firing on M’gann. Superboy jumps at his turned back, attempting to slam his fist into the gorilla, but Mallah’s reflexes are just fast enough that he can dodge. While Superboy lands, Mallah takes aim to shoot Superboy back as he jumps. Though he doesn’t get any marks, the shots move so fast and hit so hard that he lands by the wolf.As the bullets run out, Artemis launches an arrow at the pack on his back, causing it to release smoke. Robin comes up to her side and both pull out detonating weapons which fully knock the machine gun off of Mallah. The Brain fires laser Kaldur’s WaterBearer, which gives him enough time to dodge out of the way of it as the shield cracks under prolonged exposure. Then he narrowly dodges the next shot. Seeing that the Atlantean moves too quickly, the Brain switches to short, fast shots that still miss. He and Mallah end up surrounded by KF, Robin, Artemis, and M’gann.While Kaldur snaps the collar off of Captain Marvel. “Thanks.” he says brightly as all the restraints fall away then moves to the tiger. “Now, one good turn deserves another.”

The tiger rises in front of him, and Mallah turns towards the three of them as Kaldur pulls out his sword WaterBearers. Turning again he sees Superboy and the wolf guarding the hole in the wall. Mallah roars in rage. “Try it. I hate monkeys.” Conner growls alongside the wolf as he cracks his knuckles. “No Mallah, this will not be our Waterloo.” the Brain says as multiple compartments begin to open around his body. “ Au revoir, mes amis .” “Get down!” KF yells as the humming hits a new pitch, almost drowning out his warning as he grabs Spidey and covers her. Conner tenses, Robin and Artemis back up, and then suddenly everything goes dark. When the lights start to turn on again, they’re gone. “Wait, that big weapon thing was… a light switch?” Kid asks, confused as he straightens up. As the sun begins to pinken the sky over the trees the team is back at the BioShip.“What are you grinning about?” Artemis asks.KF, who holds the red beret in his hands. “One word: souvenir.” then put it on.“Two words: gorilla lice.” the spider smirked as she walked by.“Huh?” then he processes what she’s saying. “Oh, man!” he takes it off and holds it away from him as he groans. Kaldur removes the collar from a howler monkey, watching as it leaves.“That’s the last of the collars?” Captain Marvel asks the tiger.It growls lowly.“I can count on you to keep the other animals out of trouble?” he checks. It growls again.

“Good. I’ll be back for a visit. I promise.” he pets the tiger before standing and watching as it heads into the jungle. “I think I’ll call him Mr. Tawny.” Marvel says brightly. The tiger runs past M’gann, Conner, and the wolf on his way out. “The rest of the pack is gone.” Conner tells the wolf as he pets it. “What are you still doing here?” “I think he wants to stay with you.” M’gann tells him. “Can I keep him?” Conner asks her, sounding like an excited child. Wally lets out a laugh in the background. “First the sphere, now this beast. Dude, you sure make a habit of collecting strays.” Spider-Girl giggled at that as she realized it was true. “Maybe because he's such a stray himself.” M'gann says easily with a smile. “Aren’t you?” she asks him telepathically. “M’gann, I’m sorry. I was just worried.” he tells her honestly. She kneels down beside him, placing a hand on his knee. “And that’s sweet, Conner,” she puts her hand on the back of his neck. “but on a mission I’m your teammate, not your girlfriend. Agreed?” Conner smiles at her. “Yeah.” he says with a bit of teasing annoyance in his voice. “Well, he’s gonna need a name.” Wally pulls them out of their personal conversation. “Uh, how's about Krypto?” Spider-Girl scoffed. "As if," she said, lighting slapping his arm. The wolf growls. “Pass.” Conner says instantly in agreement. “Besides, isn't that taken?” M’gann asks.Robin stands on the ramp up to the BioShip, clearly waiting for Kaldur. “Look, I need to know, why did you keep the mole intel secret?” Robin just as Kaldur goes to pass him on his way up. Kaldur stops and everyone else slowly moves towards the BioShip for the conversation. He doesn’t turn away from them as they all wait for the same answer. “The source of the tip was Sportsmaster.” he says simply. “What?! You can't trust him!” Artemis snaps. “I do not. It seemed possible, even likely, that he was attempting to divide the team with false information.” Kaldur informs them simply. “And given how the mission went, he almost succeeded.” Robin realizes that he and KF were betraying someone they had known for years as much as they felt betrayed by him. Not to mention Kaldur had a whole other level to put the tip through as the leader.

“But you had to consider it might be true.” “Yes, as leader, I did. In which case, I did not wish to alert the traitor.” he looks directly at Robin as he speaks, knowing that the Team will one day fall to him and explaining this will help him. “I hate to say it, but it makes sense.” Robin says with a one sided smile. “I am still prepared to step down.” he says simply. Wally raises his hand. “All in favor of keeping Aqualad as leader?” M’gann, Conner, Spider girl and Artemis all raise their hands instantly. As Kaldur turns to Robin, his hand is raised too and he shows a few his teeth with his smile. The Atlantean nods silently. “Guess it's unanimous.” Captain Marvel says easily as he places a hand on Kaldur’s shoulder then removes it and offers a shake. Which the teen takes. “See you tomorrow.” he waves off. “You’re not coming back with us?” Kaldur asks, confused. “Nah, gotta fly.” the JL member says as he takes off. The wolf drops his giant head into Conner’s hands for a moment. “So, what are you gonna call him?” M’gann asks as they head up the ramp. “What’s wrong with Wolf?” Conner asks. “Generic, but acceptable.” Wally says from inside the ship. Kaldur looks down before heading into the BioShip, rattled by the fight they had throughout the mission.

Chapter Text

Mount Justice; October 1st, 18:13 EDT

Kaldur and Robin fight hand-to-hand on the training deck, both of them are in casual wear rather than their costumes, but that doesn’t stop them from working hard. Robin comes in with a kick that was aimed at Kaldur’s shoulder height. The older male dodges, gaining 8pts in comparison to Robin’s 4 attack points. The Boy Wonder is quick to turn as soon as he touches the ground, getting close to Kaldur, and going in for a right punch that Kaldur blocks. Both of them gain 4pts for that, but Kaldur already has his right hand raised and goes for a cross that Robin ducks under, and he follows up with another, but Robin is quick into a backhandspring. Kaldur gains 14 pts for his combo while Robin 10pts for his dodge and it’s x2 the second his hands touch the ground. Kaldur is quick to follow him, while both Zatara and Captain Marvel watch the lightning man eating a bar. Both men watch with smiles. As Kaldur gets in close he attempts a left-handed punch, which Robin blocks, and attempts to palm-heel strike, but Kaldur does his own back handspring to make up the distance. Robin gains 8pts for his block, while Kaldur gains 9 for his combo. Robin finishes his combination with a front kick to get himself 5 more points and move closer to Kaldur. As M’gann, Conner, and Wolf approach the area, the floor light turns off and both relax, agreeing to finish later. The two aliens step off to the side, smiling to each other. “You know they're a couple, right?” Robin asks quietly to Kaldur. Kaldur smiles. “I believe I knew before they did.” Two more sets of footsteps approach from the opposite direction, the two turn to see Wally and Artemis walking in. “Do we tell them?” the Spider themed hero asks as she walked over “It's not our place.” Kaldur says strongly. Both drop the topic when the two in question get closer. “So if Zatara is our babysitter of the week, why's he still here?” Wally questions, clearly annoyed. “And why's he eating my snacks?”

Recognize: Batman; 0-2 the computer calls out.

“Computer, national news.” Batman says as he walks out of the Zeta Tube, not even slowing down as he walked into the center of the room. “The initial attack was short-lived, but Metropolis was only granted a short reprieve.” the TV shows the massive plant once again standing upright and attacking, a scraper already caught, then shattering before them. “And despite the intervention of Superman and the Justice League,” The frame swaps to the top of the building, where two people are trapped, and just before the building shatter Superman picks them up and Hawkgirl flies onto the screen. “there seems to be no end in sight.” the camera follows her as she swings her mace at the plant, a Green Lantern saw cutting it off as she flies to meet him. The two head towards the Spiering plant as Hawkman follows behind them, hacking another vine on his way. “Should we get out there?” Robin asks excitedly. “No. The League will soon have the situation under control.” Batman informs, giving no room to argue. “That's not why I'm here. According to your Intel, Sportsmaster supplied Cadmus' Blockbuster formula to Kobra.” “Who combined it with Bane's Venom to create Kobra-Venom.” Wally says. “And upgrade Wolf.” Conner says with a smile, petting Wolf under his chin. “The Brain also used inhibitor collars like the ones at Belle Reve Penitentiary.” M’gann remembers. Artemis looks to the leader with worry. “Batman, is it possible that plant thingy's on Kobra-Venom, too?” “I had Green Lantern run a spot analysis.” the Dark Knight says as he gets a holographic keyboard in front of him. “Divine cellulose does contain trace amounts of a Kobra-Venom variant.” The cellulose cells take Sportsmaster’s place and two larger cells are colored in purple while three smaller ones are colored in maroon. All five look more like deep sea mines than cells, but as smaller screens show up and point to certain cells show the several tests that were run and how the results compare. “These cannot be coincidences,” Kaldur says. “unrelated criminals are cooperating with one another worldwide.” Robin gestures for his own holographic keyboard, typing away. “Exactly. It's now clear our enemies have formed some kind of secret society of super villains. The attack on Metropolis is only the beginning.” Batman says. “You got that right.” Robin agrees, still typing away, but other pictures join the large one of Metropolis. “Plant creatures have sprouted in Gotham City, Paris, Star City, Taipei-” All the screens cut to static, cutting off the Boy Wonder and causing Batman to turn towards the screens. “Dude.” Wally gripes. "What did you do?" Spider-Girl huffed. “It's not me.” Robin says, typing just as quickly as he’s speaking. “Someone's cutting in the satellite signal. All satellite signals.”

The image suddenly cuts back in to reveal the Joker, he taps on the camera lens, as if to get everyone’s attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt your regularly scheduled mayhem to bring you this important announcement…” the Joker opens a switchblade in one hand then uses the other to turn the camera left. “From the Injustice League.” The Joker laughs off camera. “We are responsible for the attacks on your cities.” Count Vertigo starts as the camera zooms in. “If you wish to save them, a ransom of 10 billion American Dollars is required. Delivery instructions have been sent to the United Nations. There is no time limit. But the longer your governments wait…” The Joker’s gloved hand turns the camera away from the other six. “The more we get to have our… jollies.” he laughs maniacally until it cuts back to static. “Roger that, Aquaman.” Batman says rather suddenly. “The UN will prepare the ransom as a fallback, but it won't come to that.” The keyboard beeps rapidly as Robin continues to type away. The video rewinds and Robin starts listing off the members with facial recognition matching them. “Count Vertigo, The Joker, Poison Ivy, Ultra-Humanite, Atomic Skull, Black Atom, Wotan. Seven heavy hitters.” Probably behind nearly everything and everyone we've faced.”
“There's your secret society.” Wally murmurs. “Not so secret anymore.” Spider-Girl says. “Perhaps after India, they realized we would deduce the truth and saw no point in hiding any longer.” Kaldur offers. “Yeah. That was their mistake.” Artemis says brightly as he clenches his fist. “Right now I say we go kick some plant creature butt.” “The Justice League will handle the plants.” Batman denies almost instantly. “I have a different job for this team.” “Oh, man.” Wally whines, but grunts as Spider-Girl hits him in the arm. “With the plants attacking so many locations simultaneously, there must be a central control system. Your mission is to destroy it.” “You realize what you're really asking them to do?” Zatara says as he walks up to Batman. “They're ready.” “Ready? Ready for what?” Wally asks, only to be hit in the arm again by Spider-Girl. “Ow! Will you cut that -” “Hello, Wally.” Deme purposefully mimics M’gann’s phrase but with more bite. “If the big guns are fighting plants, who do you think we'll be fighting?" “I don't know. I guess we’ll…” he gasps as Spider-Girl's arm jabs in front of his face. “Ohhh.” he mumbles. Well, Batman, I trust you're correct.” Zatara yields to Batman’s determination and how little the Team seems daunted by the task. “I trust you can locate the enemy.” “Indeed. Wotan's involvement suggests sorcery is part of how the plants are controlled.” Zatara turns to the Team rather suddenly. “Robin, if you will provide a holo-map, I'll search for signs of concentrated sorcerous activity.” A holographic globe appears in the center of the training room. Zatara steps up and raises his hands towards the globe. “Etacol retnecipe fo yrecros.” A small red dot appears on the southern part of the US. “There. That is where you will find the Injustice League’s central control system.” Robin looks at the readout in front of him. “Coordinates locked in. The Louisiana Bayou.” “We are on our way.” Kaldur says harshly The Team takes off and Captain Marvel goes to follow. “Captain Marvel.” a call from Batman stops the hero short. “For this plan to succeed, the entire Justice League must be seen fighting the plant creatures. You, Zatara, and I are needed elsewhere.”

Bayou Bartholomew; October 1st, 18:52 CDT

The BioShip flies over the expansive swampland. M’gann is focused on flying. Robin looking over his Birdarangs with an intensity that seems abnormal. While Kid eats a banana, something catches his eye. “What's in the duffel?” he asks Kaldur, confusion in his voice. “Plan "B".” is all Kaldur says about it. “Ugh.” Miss Martian groans as he grips her head. Superboy and Wolf both turn to her instantly. “You all right?” Superboy asks. “Dizzy.” she offers, confused by her own feeling. “Martians get airsick?” Robin wonders aloud. “She does look a bit greener than usual.” Kid muses. “Not me, her.” Miss M corrects. “I feel fine.” Artemis, and Deme say quickly. “Not them, the bioship. She's trying to shield us, but-” Outside the air crackles with power. Suddenly the BioShip loses the camouflage. “There it is, Atom. Go.” Vertigo commands as it flies overhead. Black Atom takes off with enough power to punch the underside of the BioShip and knock it off course. Causing all the teens inside to start screaming, as they crash in the swamp. They groan as it comes to a stop. Yet they get no reprieve as vines come out from under the water and latch on to the ship, trying to drag it under.

Black Atom rips a hole in the top of the BioShip as something screams. Miss Martian clutches her head. “He's hurting her.” Superboy stands up and punches Black Atom off the ship. But now that he’s off, and the vines continue to drag them under, water flows into the ship. “No. No way I'm nearly drowning 3 missions in a row.” Artemis gripes as she puts a rebreather in her mouth. Spider girl lifts her mask just above her nose. and put a rebreather in before giving one to Kid flash. “Wow. Uh, thanks.” he takes it from her with a small smile. “M'gann, we need to get out. Open a hatch.” Conner tells her, trying to keep everyone safe despite the pain she’s feeling from the ship. “Hello, M'gann. Of course.” she says, hitting herself lightly on the head before growing gills on her neck. She swims to a wall and opens a hole in the ship. “Out. Everyone out.” Aqualad commands. They swim through the swamp without being noticed. Kaldur doesn’t even miss a step as he breaks the surface, Conner gasps for air, M’gann loses her gills, and Robin, Spidey, KF, and Artemis take off their rebreathers. They watch from the trees as the vines drag the ship fully under the water. “She's in shock. She'll need time to recover.” Miss Martian informs. Before anyone can say anything the entire Team screams in pain as they fall to the ground clutching their heads. KF pushes himself to his elbows, looking up at the source. “Vertigo.” “Count Vertigo to you, peasant.” the man growls. Superboy stands to go and attack only to knocked back and punched in the face by Black Atom. Unconscious. Aqualad makes it to his feet and pulls out his WaterBearers to pull water from the swamp and throw it at Vertigo. It continues to hop almost like a jumping fountain while pushing Vertigo further away. “Robin, Miss Martian, disappear. We will keep them busy. You two fulfill the mission objective.” he commands. Miss Martian engages her camouflage and disappears from sight. Aqualad has just enough time to gasp before he’s hit by Black Atom’s punch. When he falls Wolf charges at the man, who puts up an arm to block. Rather than slowing him down, he spins and throws Wolf at Artemis, Spider-Girl, and Kid as they approach. He charges at them. Black Atom carries Superboy over his shoulder, setting him beside an unconscious Wolf, Spider girl, Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Artemis. “Two are missing.” Vertigo snarls.

“I blocked contact with Aqualad and the others. Should we-” Miss Martian starts, nervous and unsettled. “Sorry, that's not the gig. This is.” Robin says shortly as he lowers his HoloGlove and moves a branch out of the way to see a glass atrium. “The Injustice League central control system.” He notices the spire-like plant growing through the roof. “Looks like that plant is acting as an antenna to control the other plants worldwide.” Unbeknownst to them, someone snuck up behind them. “Well, hello.” Ivy taunts, her vines sprouting from the ground and holding both of them tight off the ground before they even have a chance to turn around. Ultra-Humanite lands behind her, gun cocked with a low growl. “And good-bye.” Ivy muses as Miss M gets caught in the crosshairs. M’gann’s eyes glow green and the shot goes to the vines rather than to her. Both of them take off in opposite directions. Ivy follows the yellow cape. “Sorry, Boy Wonder. I'm putting an end to your little reconnaissance mission.” she raises her hands and more vines break out through the ground. Robin jumps over one, easily slides down another, before jumping high over another to grab on to a tree branch that he spins twice around. Releasing just before it is hit by the vines, he kicks off a nearby tree before landing on the ground with a grit of his teeth. Narrowly dodging two more vines that create an X behind him before he takes off. Miss Martian flies through the trees, dodging Ultra-Humanite’s shots before turning on her Camouflage and disappearing as Ultra-Humanite starts to fire more rapidly and with less accuracy now that he can’t see her.

Aqualad slowly regains consciousness as he lies face down on the floor of a golden-orange cage. He lets out a small groan, that doesn’t go unnoticed. “They awaken. You're certain this will hold them?” Count Vertigo asks, standing atop Wotan’s cage, while Black Atom holds it over his head. “The cage is impenetrable. Even the Superboy has no chance of escaping.” Wotan says with confidence. “You are not the only one trained in the mystic arts, Wotan.” Kaldur snaps, his tattoos glowing as he pulls on the bars, but as he does so the energy of the cage covers him rather than his Eel electricity, draining him of his power. Wotan chuckles. “Please, Atlantean, do not pretend you're in my League.”

Robin runs across a fallen tree as he makes his way through the area, while still dodging Ivy’s vines. He jumps out of the way of one as it breaks the ground on his right. When one appears right under him, though he gets thrown backwards and to the ground. Pushing himself to his knees as he hears some vines shriek on his right, aimed at him. Until they explode from inside and Miss M’s camouflaged form flies over him. “Robin, she's made contact.” M’gann says with a cheery tone. “Spidey?” he asks, both confused and stunned. M’gann tone is strange as they watch the cage with their teammates in it fly over their heads. “ No.” The BioShip comes up behind Wotan and knocks him out of the air and into the lake. The cage over Black Atom’s head suddenly disappears, and all the teens let out a sharp yell as they are dropped. Black Atom swoops around to grab Count Vertigo, but the Count is quick to berate him for his choice. “Not me. Stop those delinquents.” Superboy, Wolf, Aqualad, Spider-Girl, Artemis, and Wally all drop into the knee-high muddy water with grunts. Superboy looks up as Wolf starts growling, finding the source of Wolf’s growling to be Ultra-Humanite. “I hate monkeys.” he snarls before charging at the albino gorilla with a scream. Ivy casually makes her way to a ridge at the edge of the swamp behind Kaldur and Artemis. The slight crackle of her vines being what gives her away. Artemis and Kladur reach back for their weapons but find them missing. “Ah, I feel naked. And not in a fun way.” Artemis huffs. Ivy raises herself up higher with her vines before sending one at Kaldur, who dodges it narrowly, but with ease. Ivy raises herself up higher with her vines before sending one at Kaldur, who dodges it narrowly, but with ease.Clearly missing the joke Kaldur is easy to say “We will make our own fun, as we have been trained. Maneuver 7.”Artemis turns and takes a running start towards Kaldur as he threads his fingers together and squats down. Her boot lands in his hands and uses his strength to launch her high above the vines. Giving her plenty of air time to aim her boot right at Poison Ivy’s face. Taking her to ground level. Wally can hear the confrontation but turns to Count Vertigo as he lands on the drier ground. He kicks it into high gear and takes off towards Vertigo, only for the pulsating waves to hit him. He groans and slows down, coming to a near stop mere feet in front of the two. Black Atom back-fists him in the head, knocking him completely clear of the ground and feet away.“Where are Robin and the Martian?” Vertigo demands.

Ultra-Humanite growls as Wolf bites down his nape from his back, and Superboy’s hold on his arm keeps him from moving it far. With a harsh tug, he knocks Superboy off balance long enough to throw him away and reach up with both hands to pull Wolf off. Artemis jumps for a high roundhouse kick, that Ivy barely ducks under, but pulls a vine from the ground to knock her away. She looks over her shoulder at the Central Command and gasps. “My baby.” The plant-tenna is covered in small red dots, which upon closer inspection are Robin’s disks. All of them beeping, before they explode in three massive groups. The plant screeches as it catches fire turns brown and collapses over the glass of the atrium. Ivy has to shield her face with her arms, given how close she is, and even then the heat is still too much. At the center of the roof are Robin and Miss M. The Boy Wonder only has one thing to say. “Timber.” Enraged Ivy pulls dozens of vines from the ground and shoots them towards the two with a scream. Miss M takes flight and with a raise of her hands destroys the vines from the inside. A laser hits her in the back and knocks her down, Robin ducks away and turns towards the source. Atomic Skull and the Joker now face them down. “Children? Children foiled our plan?” Joker questions his voice gone hoarse with the smoke, but the clear air is helping. “Inconceivable. Unacceptable. Retributionable!” he raises his hand and lowers his voice. “That last one might not be a word. So sue me.” “Kill them.” Vertigo snarls. “Kill them all.” he directs Black Atom and Poison Ivy towards the teens. Robin helps Miss M back to her feet, just in time for them to both dodge another one of Atomic Skull’s lasers. As he lands in the marshy water he uses a wide sweep to try and take them out. Ultra-Humanite moves slowly towards Superboy and Wolf. All three of them are tense for a moment before Black Atom swoops in and takes Superboy away while Wolf charges at the gorilla. Throwing the Super teen high into a tree. Spider-girl looks around rapidly, trying to orientate herself in the multiple fights that are happening at the same time. Vertigo hits her with his power when her back is turned. She falls to her knees almost instantly. “Leave her alone.” Wally says rather darkly as he stands up. Only to be hit in the back by Wotan. “Enough!” the dark sorcerer commands as he starts to fly again. Robin throws two birdarangs that explode in a plume of dark smoke around Wotan’s protective bubble. The bubble falls as his hands glow blue, creating four lightning bolts that hit Robin and Kaldur in quick succession, though the older boy can at least stay standing through the bombardment. Artemis screams as she hit and knocked out of Vertigo’s range, though the villain doesn’t attempt to follow her. Wally is knocked back by the force of the blow. Black Atom throws Superboy into a tree behind Ultra-Humanite that leaves him open to be hit by the lightning as well. Wolf is knocked off of a now sore Ultra-Humanite by the lightning. M’gann flies around her camouflage, but once she uses her telekinesis to destroy some of Ivy’s vines Wotan knows right where to aim, knocking her out of the sky. As she falls Kaldur blocks the lightning aimed at him with his hand as he moves to the few steps to black M’gann’s as well. The second the pain stop she looks up to Kaldur, who looks back down at her. “Plan "B".” he says. M’gann is silent as her eyes glow green. The BioShip moving to meet her command, coming right over their heads as a hole opens in the hull, a duffle falling to Kaldur’s hand. He unzips the bag and pulls the Helmet out, holding it over his head. Wotan’s attack stops his attack immediately, stunned. “The Helmet of Fate.” Wally turns to see Kaldur, stunned. “No, Aqualad! Don’t!” Only to be punched by Black Atom. Kaldur went to wear the helmet but it was pulled from his grip and into Spider-girls. She wasnt gonna get him do this. She had encountered Fate and almost lost Wally. Superboy punches Black Atom back as Wally hits a tree with a resounding crunch over his thud . Deme puts the Helmet on and Doctor Fate takes her place, bathed in golden light and floating over the marshy ground.

Wally grunts as he stands up, his right arm limp at his side and his left reaching for his elbow to stabilize it when he sees Deme. “Oh, dude.” "Spider-Girl, no," Aqualad breathed. Doctor Fate flies up to come face to face with Wotan. Her cape flowing behind her and her hands coming from being out at her sides to a fighter’s position, clenched in fists. “Wotan, you are mine.” Fate nearly growls. Wotan brings his hands together to shoot an orange beam at Dr. Fate. Fate’s golden beam comes from her chest and where the two should meet, Fate’s burns straight through hitting Wotan in the chest. Pushing the dark sorcerer back until he is pinned against the greenhouse dome. When Fate’s beam stops, it begins to wrap around Wotan and form chains that bind his hands to his sides. Robin hears the splash of someone’s shoes in the mud as he pushes himself back up. Looking up he sees the Joker. “Wonderboy, you are mine.” the maniac quotes Fate and changes his voice as much as he can to mimic Fate’s. Before laughing as he pulls out a switchblade. Robin is quick to get on his feet and avoid the slashes that get too close to his chest too many times for comfort, before finding enough time to properly plant his feet and spring over the maniac. His hands landing first before he springs up again, facing the Joker as he slides a little. “Always wanted to carve this bird.” Joker rasps, pulling out a second knife as he laughs and charges at the teen.

“Solvo quod reverto.” Wotan chants, causing the chains to shatter away from him and then he guides them back towards Fate. Fate watches as the approach, seeming not prepared to do anything before she puts her right-hand out just before the chains reach her and his symbol appears as a shield. Destroying the chains on contact. “Wotan has prepared for your return, Doctor.” the sorcerer says as he floats back up to Fate’s height. “Fulmina venite!” he chants as his hands glow orange and the beam strikes the shield. Fate’s shield holds out for a few moments, but it shatters and Fate is knocked back as electricity crackles over her body before she finds her balance and charges back to face the sorcerer. miss M makes her way through the wooded area, still camouflaged, avoiding Ivy’s vines as she shoots past her. “I can't see you, Martian, but perhaps I'll hear you scream.” the villainess threatens. Vertigo steps up to Ivy’s side, suddenly. “And perhaps I can be of some assistance.” he offers, Ivy stands a little more relaxed as Vertigo releases the pulsing waves. Miss M’s eyes go wide as she hit with the first wave, causing her to turn off her camouflage then grip her head as the waves continue. Finally knocking her out of the air with a scream. Kid bolts past Vertigo, knocking the Count off balance and ripping a bit of his cloak off in the process. Ivy and Vertigo are both stunned by the turn of events. As Vertigo turns to get back at KF he sees Artemis already in the air, and her left leg extending moments before she hits him in the face with a solid roundhouse kick. Ivy doesn’t even have time to dodge Vertigo before he crashes into her and they both get knocked off their feet and into the mud a solid 3 feet away.

Wally skids to a stop and braces his back against a tree, his left hand still bracing his right elbow. Artemis takes cover behind the same tree before taking the piece of Vertigo’s cape from Wally’s grasp. He grunts at the jostling of his arm. “Hey, that's my souvenir.” he whines. Artemis doesn’t care and ignores his complaint. “Hold still.” she tells him as she finishes tying the knot behind his head. The souvenir-now-sling hold his arm close to his body. He looks at her with a bit of stunned look as she takes a small step back. Only to watch her get his by Wolf who was thrown at her. She yelps under the sudden impact of something that probably weighs more than she does. “Artemis!” he yells before seeing Ultra Humanite coming in with a cross aimed for his head. He ducks under it and takes off running. In the sky, Fate and Wotan are dodging each other’s attacks. “Surrender, sorcerer!” Fate commands. “You cannot hope to defeat our Lord of Order.” He strikes out with a beam shaped like Fate's symbol that strikes Wotan in the chest and the sorcerer glows gold before disappearing. He reappears behind Fate with his hands already glowing and takes a shot that hits Fate in the side and knocks her down about 15 feet. “I can defeat you, and I will.” “Ekirts natoW nwod!” a new voice calls out, causing Wotan to look up to the source before he is hit by a beam of yellow light that takes him down. Breaking through the clouds, and armed with his wand is Zatara. “Not tonight, Wotan.” Following him are HawkMan, Martian Manhunter, Captain Marvel, HawkWoman, and Captain Atom. Wotan hits the ground hard in front of the greenhouse with a resounding thud. Ultra Humanite looks at to the sorcerer as he falls, giving Superboy the opening he needs. Before punching the gorilla in the face.

Robin continues to narrowly avoid the Joker’s slashes before he jumps back and throws a Birdarang that knocks one his knives out his hand. He looks up with a psychotic look as Aquaman, Spiderman, Wonder Women, Batman, Green Arrow, and Black Canary all descend onto the scene as well, held up by one of the Green Lantern’s platforms, with Captain Marvel and Superman flying in front of them. Ultra Humanite and Atomic Skull slowly back up to either side of a still fallen Wotan and Black Atom. As the Justice League lands they have now made a circle around the InJustice League. Including Poison Ivy, Vertigo, and Joker. “It's over.” is all Batman says. Vertigo exchanges a small look at Ivy before raising his hands in surrender, the other villains following suit. “There will be another day.” “Another day?” Joker asks, surprising even his teammates by his lack of surrender and his question. “Another day! There won’t be another day! Not for any of us!” he laughs as he raises his still gloved hands and uses his fingers to control the vines to rise up around the swamp. Redbuds rise up to the surface before they pop in rapid succession. Filling the area with green gas. “Joker venom spores. Don't breathe.” Batman commands instantly turning to the still laughing Joker and nailing a punch to his face. Despite him being knocked out the gas still grows. “Fear not.” Dr. Fate rises over the cloud, creating another one of her symbols, but this one sucks up the gas. “Fate has intervened.” Everyone holds their places alive. “What were you thinking?!” Kid demands his anger coming through in droves. “How could you let her put on the Helmet? Nabu will never release her now.” his anger dies out by the end of his realization. "Spidey will be trapped inside Dr. Fate forever.” The iconic hero of the Justice League stands almost like a statue for a long breath, confirming Kid’s worries. Before she suddenly moves and takes the Helmet off and Spider-girl returns. Kid moves quickly in front of the girl. “Nabu let you go?” he asks with a smile. “He almost did not, but Kent was most helpful. He says hello.” Deme returns the smile that he sees gets even wider when he mentions the previous holder of the Helmet. “We're done here.” Batman says, drawing the Team’s attention to him in an instant. “The Super-Villain Secret Society has been neutralized. As for your performance…” the Team waits through the painful silence. “it was satisfactory.” All teens share a happy look at what is basically praise from the Dark Knight. They would take that.

Chapter Text

Mount Justice; October 10th, 16:58 EDT

“Pineapple juice?” Captain Marvel offers a glass with a paper umbrella to a relaxing Wally. His right arm now casted, as he sits in a reclining chair and all his technology right at his elbow. “Ahh! Just what the doctor ordered.” the speedster says appreciatively after a long drink. “How's the arm doing, Wally?” the Captain asks curiously. “Well, nothing wrong that nachos can't cure.'' He isn’t subtle in his motives, leaning back on his chair as the sounds of his teammates practicing can be heard from the center of the room. “Nachos?'' The captain takes a moment to process what Wally is not quite asking for before taking off. “Oh! I’ll go get you some.” "Seriously?!" Spidey exclaimed to Wally only to dodge the punch from Superboy. As he flies by, Robin is hit and lands on his back before rolling with the force of the Throw that gains his opponent 5pts as he groans. Artemis smirks as she jogs towards the Bird, though not making it clear if she’s still fighting or going to help him get up. Behind her Kaldur and M’gann are in far closer combat. She throws a low punch towards Kaldur’s side that he blocks with his forearm for 2pts , stepping forward to throw another at his face that he uses an open hand to knock his wrist out of the way for 2pts more. He spins to try and get a front kick in, though M’gann blocks with a knife-hand to his ankle for 2pts back. “Good work everyone.” Black Canary speaks up, calm even though two of the teens are still fighting over her. “In fact, it’s been a very productive week.” Kaldur and M’gann have made it the center of the training ring and they stop when they see Artemis standing calmly, looking at Wally. “Yeah, for everyone except Kid Malingerer.” the archer taunts. Wally finishes his drink of juice, glaring at the blonde. “Hey, arm broken in combat against the InJustice League here.” he waves off the cast to prove his point. Black Canary chuckles. “I’ve really enjoyed being your, uh,” she tries to find the word to describe it. “den mother this week.”
Recognize: Zatara, 1-1

Everyone in the room turns to the man in the suit and top hat with a cane- that he’s not using- standing in the Zeta Tube as he moves outside it and then uses a HoloScreen without a word to them.

Access Granted. Zatanna Zatara, A-0-3. Authorization: Zatara, 1-1.

The Zeta Tube lights up again and Zatara steps up. “Zatanna, this is the Team. Team, my daughter, Zatanna.” she looks very much like her father with the dark black hair that falls over her shoulder and is parted on the left side, and skin tone. The only difference being her baby blue eyes, and that she’s wearing a school uniform. M’gann flies over to the clearly nervous girl, landing easily. “Hi I’m-” “Robin!” the Boy Wonder cuts her off with a bout of vibrancy and a wave, then clears his throat as he steps up. “I mean, I’m Robin. Ah, she’s Megan, uh and that’s Wally, Spidy, Artemis, Kaldur, and Conner.” even Conner is giving her a smile. “Welcome to the Cave.” Kaldur offers. “Uh, thanks.” Zatanna says quietly, looking over at her dad. “So, uh, you- you are you joining the Team?” Robin stutters. “Eh, now let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” Zatara speaks up his voice shakes a little as steps closer to his daughter again. “This is strictly a visit.” he turns to Canary. “Though I am sorry we missed the Training. It’s something from which Zatanna could benefit.” M’gann looks curiously at the Team. ‘Do the rest of you guys get the impression we’re still on probation with Zatara?’ she asks telepathically. Robin faces her instantly and Zatanna does as well, making it hard to tell if M’gann accidentally included her in the Link. ‘Not just Zatara. I mean, why is Marvel still hangin’ around?’ Conner asks his annoyance coming through in waves. Wally pipes up in the Captain’s defense. ‘Because we like having him around’ Deme turns on the ginger. ‘You like having him around ‘cause he waits on you hand and foot.’ ‘And your point is?’ Wally drags. ‘It almost makes one nostalgic for Red Tornado’s tenure as our supervisor.’ Kaldur says. Robin lets a sarcastic half chuckle through the link. ‘Yeah, at least he trusted us.’ ‘If you ignore the fact we shouldn’t have trusted him.’ Conner snarls, seeming to forget that while he can’t be heard his very obvious hand gestures can be seen, something which annoys Zatanna. ‘He was traitor. That machine nearly got M- all of us killed!’ “Are you guys having a psychic conversation?” Zatanna asks, catching the entire room’s attention. “'Cause I can't decide if that's cool or, uh, really rude.”

Conner can either feel the adult's expectant looks or something else tips him off as since he raises an eyebrow but doesn’t even look at the two of them before speaking. “Alright, fine. We were talking about Tornado. It's been weeks since his attack and the League hasn't told us anything. “The League is searching for Tornado as well as the other Androids that invaded the Cave and their creator, T.O. Morrow.” Canary says strongly. “Batman’s made tracking them down our highest priority.” “But you’ve found none of the above.” Robin objects. “Not yet, but Tornado is Justice League. The Team is not to pursue this.” “Why don’t you all take Zatanna on a, uh…” he trails off not seeing her. “a t-tour of the Cave?” Everyone is now on high alert and turn towards Wolf as he snuffles in his sleep. The reason Zatanna leaning into his side and petting him. Wolf gets up from almost completely asleep as Captain Marvel speaks up. “Huh, you’re giving a tour? Cool!” in his hands is Wally’s nachos. Conner steps up to the hero, who is petting a staring Wolf. “Actually I was hoping you’d take Wolf outside. He needs the exercise. Uh, we’ll join you in a few.” “Sure, sure. I- I can do that. Come on, Wolf.” Marvel says brightly, taking off towards the back door of the Cave. “Wh-wha-wha- My nachos?” Wally whines. Spidey grabs the front of his shirt and drags the speedster along. The Team and Zatanna walk into the living/kitchen area of the Mountain not a word being shared between them. he younger girl jogs up to Robin’s side surprising him “When did you… How did you..?” Robin tries but Zatanna speaks up before he can form a full sentence. “We're not really taking a tour, are we?” The Team stops and Conner turns towards her. “No. We're hunting down that robot.” “Yes, we are.” Kaldur agrees. “Oo, wow. Out loud and everything.” Zatanna muses. “What about New Girl?” Artemis asks the Boy Wonder even though they’re speaking aloud and Zatanna can hear. “I'm sure she won't tell.” Robin defends quickly. Zatanna turns to Robin, coy. “I can't tell. Not if you kidnap me.” Artemis smirks appreciatively. “Oh, she's going to fit in great.”
The camouflaged BioShip flies over the heavily wooded area outside Mount Justice where Captain Marvel stands holding a tree log and Wolf is eating the nachos. With a smile the hero throws the log far. “Fetch.” he tells Wolf, who is still eating. “C’mon! Fetch.” he tries. “Please?” The BioShip continues to get away from the Mountain, when suddenly a beep goes through the Ship and Dinah’s voice comes through the comm set. “M’gann, the BioShip wasn’t authorized for departure.” “We’re kidnapping Zatanna!” M’gann says brightly then realize but Spider-girl cut in “To, uh, show her Happy Harbor. Be back soon!” “Uh, Roger that. Have fun.” Canary says as she watches their trajectory on a HoloScreen. “I did not authorize permission to-” Zatara starts. “They’re good kids, Giovanni.” Dinah assures as she turns off the HoloScreen with the BioShip’s location on it, turning back towards the Cave. “Trustworthy kids. Don’t worry.” Zatara watches her with an unconvinced look and Dinah looks concerned that she could very well be wrong.

“Where are we going?” Robin demands. “Batman is the world's greatest detective. He's searched for Tornado and Morrow in every logical place. If we're gonna do better we need an illogical solution. A-a truly dumb idea.” he had glanced over his shoulder and saw Kid Flash who was the cause for his stutter, but now has a proud smirk on his face. Kid pouts a little at his friend’s blatant quasi-insult, only to find that the entire Team and Zatanna are looking his way. “As a matter of fact…” he says with a confident tone.

Belle Reve; October 10th, 18:35 CDT
“Warden Strange owed us a favor for stopping last month’s prison break.” Miss M informs. “He’s given us five minutes with you.” “Spill Ivo.” Superboy snarls. “How do we find T. O. Morrow and his Reds?” “Now, why in the world would I know how to find Morrow?” Ivo questions lazily as he leans back in his chair. “Because, and a truly dumb idea,” KF is clearly at least a little salty about the Team idea that he’s an idiot. “you’re Morrow’s biggest competitor in the evil android game.” Zatanna watches from the back of the group since she is the only one still in civilian clothes. “Who better to keep track of what he’s up to, and where?” Spider-Girl offers. Ivo doesn’t turn down the idea. “Ah. I see your point. So let me rephrase.” he leans forward and looks Miss M in the eyes. “Why in the world would I tell you how to find Morrow?” “He knows.” Aqualad decides, then turns to Miss M. “Do what you must.” When her eyes snap open they’re glowing green. “Oh, please. As if I’ve never faced a telepath before.” he chuckles. Zatanna is suddenly at his side chanting. “Trulb tuo S’worrom eurt noitacol!” “Morrow’s in a secret underground base beneath Yellowstone National Park 100 meters South of Old Faithful.” he says rapidly. The entire Team is completely stunned, looking at Ivo. Though Robin does need to pop onto his toes to actually see the scientist thanks to Kaldur standing in front of him. “Wait. What-what just happened?” Ivo stutters. Strange watches the whole exchange over the monitors, his eyebrows knitting together as Ivo rats the other man out.

In camouflage mode, the BioShip flies over the empty space. “Block out all external communications.” Kaldur commands. “Soon, Canary and Zatara, Batman too, I imagine will know of our… visit with Professor Ivo. We haven’t much time.” “Look,” Robin chuckles trying to lighten the conversation a little. “I'm trying to be nonchalant here.” “Why?” Zatanna asks. “Be as chalant as you like.” Robin cracks a smile. “I think we’re all just trying to get a handle on your powers.” Artemis informs. “Could you teleport Tornado or Morrow to a cell or force his bots to surrender?” “Or create peace on Earth for all time?” Zatanna returns. “Zatara couldn’t even do all that and I’m nowhere near on my dad’s level.” she turns very serious as she looks directly at Artemis. “I need to know if it's a spell cold, or else have time to prep it. Plus, all magic requires energy which usually has to come from within. I can’t just make the impossible happen at will. “What's our ETA to Yellowstone?” Conner demands angrily. “I'm way past ready to stuff Tornado into a trash compactor.” “Are you so certain he betrayed us?” Kaldur asks calmly. “Aren't you?!” “I am not convinced.” Kaldur admits. “And even so, that makes him a victim of his creator's programming. Certainly, he deserves the chance to prove he's more than the weapon others designed him to be.” Conner closes his eyes as he turns back towards the front of the BioShip when he opens his eyes the rage is gone.

Yellowstone National Park; October 10th, 20:22 MDT

Old Faithful creates a geyser as the camouflaged BioShip flies past it and lands in the trees. Aqualad is already standing when it touches down. “Stealth Mode.” he hits his belt buckle. With a smile, Kid Flash taps his emblem with his cast as Spider-Girl did. Artemis hits the center of her Arrow. The green of her costume darkens to the color of pine trees during the night while her bright green arrow is now a pale grey. Zatanna watches the transformation with intrigue. M’gann’s clothes darken to a fully black bodysuit, only the red X and the blue cape remaining. Zatanna opens the door and Aqualad approaches her. “I recommend you stay behind.” “Is that an order?” Zatanna asks quickly. “No.” Spidey assures her quickly. “You do you” “Good.” the girl begins her chant and guides the bright blue magic smoke up her body. “Emit to yrt eht wen kool!” Now wearing a white button-up with an equally white bowtie, a pale yellow vest under a black twin-tailed suit coat, and white gloves all reminiscent of her father’s costume, only she wearing silver tights, black short shorts and shin high boots that make the look her own. Red Volcano watches the Team make their way through the trees on a monitor. He turns to Tornado. “Prove yourself a loyal Red, brother. Kill them for me.” Tornado looks up at the screen. Robin and Aqualad approach a tall tree closest to the open field area. Robin pulls up his HoloGlove, looking over the map. “Ivo’s right. Something’s down there.” Aqualad leads the charge, the rest of the Team following him, only to be stopped by harsh blowing winds that knock everyone off their feet. Superboy squints through the dust kicked up, his eyes going wide when he sees Red Tornado above them. Tornado uncrosses his arms creating a huge red twister, a second pops up next to it, and it continues until the Team is trapped between an ex-League level Hero and seven gigantic tornadoes. “Why, Tornado?” Miss M shouts over the wind. “Why are you doing this?” His arms are once again crossed over his chest as more tornadoes crop up between him and the Team. 'Message received?' Miss Martian links the Team. Superboy nods before turning back to Tornado. “Who cares why? Nail him!” and he charges forward.

Aqualad hesitates a moment before continuing. The other three Reds watch from the Lab, the feed is good enough quality to hear Aqualad call out “Superboy, maneuver seven!” His boots drag as he spins into a quick stop, his fingers threading together, landing in a solid horsestance and waiting until the Atlantean’s barefoot lands in his hands before he shoots him high to the air with a battle cry from both of them. Tornado looks like he’s not going to move as Aqualad pulls back his fist, and then suddenly he moves just enough for Aqualad’s eyes to go wide before he is hit in the face by Tornado’s punch. Superboy gets taken out as the two of them crash together. Spider-Girl ran in to punch Tornado only to be blown up into the air before sje fell to the ground. Artemis steps up with her bow in hand, grabbing two arrows that she shoots at Tornado. Robin coming to her side to back her up if needed. The arrows nearly make it to Tornado, before he stops them dead, then pulls them into the tornado keeping him in the air. With no warning, they’re shot back at Robin and Artemis. “Look out!” Robin tries to warn but neither of them can get out of the way before they explode upon contact with the Earth. “That does it Red.” Kid stands up from his crouch. “You’re not the only spin doctor around here.” he spins and creates his own twister due to the speed of his whirling. Miss Martian tries to take advantage of Tornado’s distraction, coming at him from high and behind. Just as she goes to throw a punch at Tornado he turns over his shoulder, avoiding her hit and grabbing her wrist. Throwing her into Wally, causing both of them to hit the ground hard. Zatanna is the only one left standing. “Etaerc a… a… dleihs dnuora ym-” her stuttered spell is cut off by Tornado’s hand around her neck. He once again says nothing, before dropping her to the ground. Only then do all the other tornadoes disappear, while he remains high off the ground above them. Volcano comes up behind him. “Quite a performance, brother.” the rock that is raising him continuing to grow. “but we both know that’s all it was.” Off to the side, two words are visible PLAY DEAD . Volcano continues. “I have all your memories, Tornado, plus a next-gen processor. I know your next move before you do.” His arms shootout and the pieces of Earth that Tornado’s instructions were on breaks away as Volcano raises it behind him. The Team slowly sits up, watching. He scoffs. “Blowing a message into the sand?” the message shatters and falls towards the Team with one move. Aqualad forms swords with his WaterBearers, Superboy jumps at the pieces and Miss Martian uses her telekinesis to keep the other members safe. Though some still make it through and they have to scatter. “Zatanna?” Robin asks since he had to dodge and she had yelped from beside him as the bolder crashed. “I’m good,” she assures. “but Red Tornado’s getting away.” “Is he abandoning us?! I don’t believe that.” Spider-girl defends. KF runs up Volcano’s pillar. “You stand no chance against me humans!” Volcano snarls as he hits Kid in the side with a harsh punch. “We're not human!” Superboy and Miss M shout, M’gann using her power to keep Superboy in the air as she flies towards the villain. “Apologies, I suppose the properly inclusive term is-” two huge hands of Earth rise up and clap together over the Alien members of the Team. “meatbags.” He swipes his right hand down and the Earth shatters. Dropping Aqualad and Artemis into a hole, they both scream as they fall. Robin uses the new ridge as a jumping off point before he throws a birdarang at Volcano. He catches it, expecting it, but it still explodes. Yet, as the smoke clears he is unharmed. Spider-Girl shot her webbing at him, wrapping it around him, but he broke free making her growl under her breath. “Tornado’s memory files and my superior processing speed allow me to anticipate your every move.” though steadily getting annoyed. “Ekoms emoceb a dlofdnilb!” Zatanna encants. The deep black smoke around Volcano covers his eyes. Robin touches down and comes up to Zatanna’s side. “Tornado never knew my moves.” she says proudly. “And I bet you've got some good ones.” Robin’s eyes go wide as he realizes what he said, then looks to the slightly annoyed Zatanna. “Whoa. Sorry, that may have come off a little too Wally.” She chuckles. “I don't mind.”

The magma flows down the mountain, encroaching on the Team as they continue to try and fight Red Volcano.He launches two small, partially molten rocks at Kid Flash. He uses one of Volcano’s old spires to jump out of the way and flip to the level below before skidding to a stop. “He’s activating a Stage Two Eruption. It gets to Stage Three, kiss the hemisphere goodbye.”Kaldur hops in beside him before charging at Volcano with two swords. “Hit him from all sides.”Volcano takes out Aqualad with a simple wave of his right hand.Superboy jumps towards Volcano from the front, his fist connects and the pressure wave shows the force behind it, but Volcano blocked it. He grabs Superboy’s wrist and throws him closer to the magma. Camouflaged M’gann lands and pulls at Volcano’s turned back. He merely glances over his shoulder to cause a vent to burst with air, debris, and magma. She screams as her camo falls. “M’gann!” Superboy leaps to get to her. Red Volcano lands in the mere feet between the two teens, startling them. He turns to Superboy, knocking him away. He reaches out and grabs Miss M by the hood as she coughs as grunts. “Ekoms dna srorrim. Etaerc Dik Hsalf snoisulli!” Zatanna enchants, one hand on the crouching Kid’s shoulder. The smoke from the lava turns into copies of KF, all them take off within moments. “I-I use a scaled down version when I want to sneak out of the house.” she says brightly. Red Volcano raises a hand a rock fly to take out some of the KFs, while his back is turned the real KF comes at Volcano from behind, focusing in on M’gann. He snags her away from him and comes to stop beside the rest of the Team. Suddenly water bursts up on Aqualad’s right, morphing in a stream that hits Red Volcano in the chest and knocks him into the lava behind him. “Nice hit!” Spider-girl praised Aqualad, but he isn’t looking at the girl.“The hit was not mine. Look!” Red Torpedo stands resolute, rising up on another pillar of water, sending two smaller streams at a still partially submerged Red Volcano. Covering the area in steam due to the temperature difference.From it rises a stone pillar, Volcano lying on top.Red Tornado flies in and takes out the pillar, dropping Red Volcano back into the magma.The Team can only watch in stunned silence.Fireballs rain down Red Volcano as he surfaces again. Red Inferno continues to use them until she gets close enough to physically hit Red Volcano. She doesn’t hesitate to get into the waist-high magma, Red Volcano has a crushing grip on her hands, yet she pushes against him.

“Sister, brother, stop!” Red Volcano shouts. Like a rocket Red Torpedo hits Red Volcano in the chest, taking all three of them into the magma fully. The two lighter Reds hold him down by the neck and the left arm despite how they’re already melting. Red Tornado flies silently over the lava, using his tornado as a buffer before he stands on Red Volcano’s chest. Now all of them are melting away with the heat. “Father would be so disappointed.” Red Volcano says before his eyes glow brightly one more time and the machinery within him whirs low. Superboy, grabbed Red by the cape and pulling him from the lava. Yet the Volcano in front of the Team continues to rumble and grow. “Tornado, listen, we’re on the verge of a Stage Three SuperVolcano Eruption. There’s no turning back from that. We need to vent pressure, fast.” Red says nothing so Kid keeps talking. “But the ash cloud will bring on a worldwide Nuclear Winter unless you divert it.” Red Tornado nods. “Triangulate around the pressure locus.” he tells the Boy Wonder. “Right.” Robin types on his HoloGlove. “There, there, and there.” he says as he finds the three spots.Without a word, and barely a glance between them Artemis shoots her arrow to the Volcano, it break into three and they explode on contact.Red Tornado’s leg spark a little before he gets his signature tornado under him and he flies off past the ash cloud.His eyes glow red as he snaps his arms out, creating a gigantic tornado that pulls the ash cloud up and through the outer atmosphere.KF watches as the magma cools. “Yes!” Though the sound of whirring grabs his attention instantly.Red Tornado doesn’t land well and the Team rushes over to him, but he can see the hand that was above the surface of the lava crumble away.

The Team is inside Morrow’s lab, everyone but Superboy crowded around Tornado. “There.” Robin sighs in relief. “That should do it.” “Yes. I can speak again.” Tornado confirms, his faceplate coming back down, but his legs are still missing. “You were willing to sacrifice yourself to save the planet.” Kaldur says, stepping up. “The planet would have survived. It was Humanity that was saved.” Tornado turns towards them. “Though not by me.” Kaldur places a hand on the Leaguer’s shoulder. “My sister and brother were the true heroes this day.” “His point is this… you were never the mole, never a traitor.” Spidey says. “No, I left to protect you from further attack and to find my creator, Morrow.” Tornado reveals. KF is looking through stuff. “Cool.” he holds up a large red hand. “Souvenir.” Robin is looking through another container, finding a leg that he shows to KF grinning. “Reddy, we can rebuild you better than you were before.” “I do not believe I should be repaired.” Conner glances over his shoulder, finally facing Tornado. “Why did you volunteer to become our Den Mother in the first place?” it’s one thing that doesn’t make sense. “I was the pragmatic choice.” Tornado says bluntly. “I do not require sleep. I have no secret identity or second life to live.” It clicks for KF first. “But you do have advanced AI Programming designed to learn, adapt, evolve.” he plays with the souvenir as he speaks. M’gann knocks herself in the head. “Hello, Megan! You wanted to become more human.” “And you couldn't do that with the League.” Amazonia realizes. “They're stiffs.” “You're sure not going to learn emotion from Batman. Trust me.” Robin chuckles. “Then the cave was not a proving ground only for us… but for you as well” Spider-girl turns back to Tornado. “I do not know if those statements are accurate,” Tornado admits. “but perhaps they are true. And if I understand the term correctly, I believe I have come to… care about you all. “See? Practically a meatbag already.” Conner says lowly. “Which reminds me.” he says remembering something. The camouflaged BioShip takes off into the night sky, heading back to Mount Justice. Robin leans forward, touching Zatanna’s shoulder. “So, good kidnapping?” he asks. “Actually, yeah.” she smiles as she turns back towards him. “Best ever.” Robin chuckles. “First of many, I hope.” Zatanna turns back to the front, worried. “If my dad doesn't ground me for life.”

Mount Justice
“SHE'S GROUNDED FOR LIFE!” Zatara shouts. “"They're good kids, Giovanni." "Don't worry, Giovanni."” he says Canary’s words right back to her. “She's never joining this team!” His rant is cut off as Captain Marvel walks back into the Mountain, both he and Wolf are soaked. “Um, are they coming out to play or what?”

Chapter Text

Mount Justice; October 16th, 16:01 ETD

Red Tornado watches the screen in the center of the training space, turning to a second screen as another transmission comes through. It’s Zatara. “Tornado, did you-?” he cuts himself off unable to get himself to say it despite his low and worried tone. “Yes, Zatara. We saw.” Tornado says, and the Team stands resolutely behind him, already suited up. “Celestial defenses have failed. Initiate all terrestrial measures.” “Affirmative. See you in the field.” Zatara responds and signs off. Tornado turns to the Team. “I must join the League. We will protect the planet at all costs. But should we fail, the responsibility falls to you.” Kaldur makes a cursory glance at the Team before looking resolutely at Tornado. “We stand ready.” a woman’s voice speaks over the screaming in the background before it lands on her in shaky movements. “This is Iris West-Allen, reporting live. The extra-terrestrials have brought their relentless global attack to Central City.” The ships fire at the curve of the arch, knocking it to the street below, while another fires at a group of civilians running for their lives, destroying them in groups. One heads right for Iris, but just as it gets close enough to fire, the Flash swoops in, grabbing the redhead and the beam explodes in front of the camera. “Tronsnart siht namaremac ot ytefas.” Zatara voice intones, imbued with power. As two ships approach the camera, the world is covered by gold and as the gold fades away Zatara stands on a roof of a building, and Flash slows to a stop before setting Iris down. “You should both be safe here, at least for now.” “Thank you, Flash and Zatara.” Iris says hesitantly. Flash places an arm on her shoulder before running off. “Etativel won!” Zatara chants and a see-through bronze-tinted platform forms under his feet and he rises into the air. “Denny, you okay?” Iris asks calmly, the cameraman raises his hand into the frame and gives a thumbs up. Iris smiles and turns the reporter back on. “As you can see, the Justice League is attempting to hold the line.” Zatara and Flash races up to where a group of people are trapped on top of a burning building, as a ship approaches them. A shot goes off, and the top of the building explodes. The camera quickly pans back down to Iris. “No.” is barely picked up by the mic in her hand. The feed jumps to where cat Grant is sitting at her station, shouting because behind Iris’ back is another ship. “Iris. Iris, get out of there!” the feed is lost and Cat sits back in her chair. “I'm sorry, we're experiencing technical difficulties from our Central City feed. We take you now to a devastated Taipei. Another League contingent is having more luck.” The ships fly around Tapei, one hits Hawkwoman in the back on screen, then fires again at Hawkman as he turns to look for his partner. Taking him quickly. Green Arrow has two arrows with augmented tips already nocked and he fires. At his six Black Canary screeches and takes out a group of five or six ships that were flying through the skyline. One comes through the smoke slowly, and while Green Arrow goes to fire his arrow at the ship, it fires first, taking both of them out.

Cat looks on at the now black screen before turning forward with a calm face and a level voice. “Ladies and gentlemen, we've lost Black Canary, Green Arrow, and the Hawks. Other heroes reported dead or missing include Batman, Icon, Atom, Spider-man and Aquaman" Wonder Woman flies about the city, using her lasso to throw one ship at another and destroy both of them. “Wonder Woman, above you.” Red Tornado calls out, and she gets enough time to partially block the beam with her bracers before she is taken out too. Red Tornado looks up to see the mothership coming down over him, and he has to get out of the way, only able to watch as it lands on Smallville. Tornado uses his hands to release tornados out in front of him, to deter ships, but they circle around him out of his range. “Red Tornado to Cave. I fear I am all that remains of the League.” “RT.” Robin’s voice comes through in the comms as he is hit in the back by the yellow-orange beam. The Team watches the four scenes of defeat from within the Mountain. “We are Earth's heroes now.” Kaldur says strongly. “So, what are we waiting for? A theme song?” Superboy demands. “A strategy.” Kaldur says as he turns to him. “Earth's weapons are ineffective and it has been made tragically clear a direct attack will not succeed.” Kaldur looks at Robin with a slight hope, the Boy Wonder quickly taps on the HoloGlove. “Checking satellite imagery.” the image is pulled up in front of the whole team. “Here's where the aliens are now.” “This one get lost?” Spidey asks, gesturing to one near the North Pole. “It's Superman's Fortress of Solitude.” Robin realizes after a moment. Conner looks both affronted and confused. “Superman has a Fortress of Solitude?” “Its power source must have attracted the aliens' attention, at least enough to send a scout ship to investigate.” Robin justifies. “Must be some fortress.” he grouches lowly as he turns away.

M’gann is quick to try and comfort him. “Conner.” “No, it's okay. I guess there's a lot about Superman I'll never know.” he stops and stutters over that for a moment. “Uh, you know, now.” “We will target this lone ship.” Kaldur decides. “Yeah. Break it down. Build more. Hit those ugly aliens with their own mojo.” Kid says strongly, punching his fist into his open hand to prove his point, but Spider-Girl elbows him in the side. “Ow!” “Martian and Kryptonian in the house.” she reminds him. The two look at Wally expecting him to try and get his foot out of his mouth. “Uh,” he half laughs. “Not that all aliens are automatically ugly.”

Outside of the Fortress of Solitude, promptly labeled with an S on the door, the Arctic Wind howls as the alien ship sits idle. Artemis, in winter gear, moves through the ice formations to an opening that lets her see the side of the ship. Miss Martian is camouflaged as she flies up to the ship. Her eyes glow green for a moment before she uses her Telekinesis to rip the end of one of the wings. “Communications disabled.” she informs before it falls to the icy ground. “Propulsion disabled.”
Artemis comes away from her hiding spot and fires an arrow at the center red spot on the ship’s front, that expands and then immediately hardens. Now the ship is firing around trying to find them. They get the area right and one shot lands rather uncomfortably close. “And ETs are sealed inside.”Aqualad has his vantage point under the ice, as he jumps through the ice with his WaterBearers ready the ship sinks a little. The laser turns to Aqualad immediately and there’s nothing he can do other than brace for impact.Wolf jumps in and knocks the shot off course and continues to hold onto it until Superboy is bracing it from on top of the ship. Keeping it from moving.Wolf growls as he lands on the ice in front of the ship. Kid Flash is a barely noticeable blur, apart from his ginger locks, and Robin jumps off his shoulders to land on the ship. Tapping away on his HoloGlove. “Identifying weapon's structural stress points and links to the ship.” he stands from his crouch and points them out along the connection route. “Here, here and here.”Miss Martian delivers three quick telekinetic blasts right where he was pointing, Aqualad watches from the wing as Superboy yanks at the laser. One of the refiners comes loose and both Wolf and Superboy can hear it whir to life, Superboy glances behind him but continues yanking on it. With a growl, Wolf jumps and pushes him out of the way. Superboy rolls through his lands, looking back at the now empty space. Miss Martian gapes at the space. “Wolf.” is all she manages. Robin is tapping away on his Hologlove, checking every wavelength he can think of. “ There was no indication of feedback.” slowly he turns his head over his shoulder to Superboy. “I'm sorry.” Spider-Girl rested her hand on Superboy's shoulder. Superboy looks down for a moment, before saying. “Can't do anything for him now.” and coming back to continue yanking the laser off. “Let's go.” he grounds out before it comes loose. Miss M watches it come loose with surprise, then calls the camouflaged BioShip to their location. Superboy hears it and jumps onto it. He swings the laser over, and Miss Martian places her hands on the ship, communicating with it, the hull of the ship moves in swirls to meet the new technology. “Rerouting systems to integrate weapon into ship's bio-matrix. We'll need to de-camouflage for a few minutes.” “We may not have a few minutes.” Robin says as they watch two more ships fly over their now noticeable location, then loopback. “Miss Martian, open fire.” Aqualad commands, only sparing a quick look over his shoulder.

“Can't. Weapon systems are off-line to incorporate the new cannon. And that's not fully integrated yet either.” she too keeps looking back at the now approaching ships. “Gotcha covered. Get inside! I'm almost there.” Spider girl says, the only one not on the BioShip, Artemis running past her quickly as she shoots three webs at the ships then turns around and runs towards the ship. Both her webs hit, one explodes in the air while the other crashes to the snow. Despite the crash, the laser turns towards her and whirs to life.Miss M turns away from the now integrated canon. “Spidey. Behind you!” She turns, another shoots another web but she was shoved out the way hitting someone else “Artemis!” Miss M screams. Artemis had sacrificed herself.

Behind Miss Martian’s back Kid and Aqualad drop off the BioShip. “Artemis!” Kid yells while Aqualad looks murderous as he reaches for his WaterBearers. “Get inside. All of you.” he commands, running forward with his WaterBearers out and coming to a stop where the ice has been broken and uses his magic to create a torrent of water that rips apart the ice. Bringing the ship up nearly thirty feet into the air, where it’s instinctive shot has no effect until he brings both his Bearers in front of him and the water turns into giant icicles that go straight through the ship and blow it up before gravity can even start to affect it.

“They're dead. Every single alien. If it's the last thing I do.” Kid growls out. M’gann fights back tears as she pilots the BioShip, but her breaths show just how much she’s holding back from sobbing.Kid loses his temper and takes it out on the console in front of him. Spider girl was sat quietly in her seat. Staring at her hands, Artemis had saved her. She should of sensed her. Kaldur turns towards them as he stands. “There will be time to mourn later. Now we have a job to do. Defend the Earth and ensure Artemis' sacrifice was not in vain.”M’gann has dried her tears. “Back to the Cave?” she asks.“The Hall of Justice.” Kaldur corrects. “The human race must know that there are still heroes defending them. There is still hope.”

An American flag still waves in the wind in front of Capitol Hill, and a commanding officer looks through binoculars. “Now! Open fire.” Tanks and soldiers open fire at the Alien Ships, but they dodge out of the way almost effortlessly. Then use lasers on the ends of one of their wings to destroy the tanks. The soldiers have to scatter as the large weaponry explodes. A camouflaged BioShip drops in behind three of them, laser out, before the bottom opens and Superboy drops into one of the ships. Landing on the weapon first, then the top of the ship. Taking it out of the air with only a few punches. The BioShip opens fire on the other two, taking them out. The ship that Superboy is taking down skids to a halt mere yards in front of the military officer and his forces. He jumps off the ship, hitting the iconic pose for barely a moment before landing in a crouch before the soldiers. As he rises the BioShip comes to a halt and de-camouflages, opening the rear hatch, where the Team waits for the ramp to let them down to the ground. The soldiers cheer. “See? It is Superman. I told you he wouldn't leave us out here alone.” one soldier says as he elbows his buddy.“I don't know. He looks kind of young.” the other remarks. “Where's the cape?”Conner turns quickly. “I'm not Superman.” he says strongly.“I don't know who you are, son.” the general steps up. “And right now, I don't care. You wear the S, and you got the job done.”He looks down. “I'm not Superman.”“Tell that to the enemy.” he turns to Aqualad and salutes. “General Wade Eiling, U.S. Air Force.”“Aqualad, Justice League. We'll help you salvage as many of the aliens' cannons as possible. Then we start taking back what is ours.”

The Army forces wait outside the Hall of Justice. Inside Conner looks up amongst the rubble at the mostly intact statue of Superman. “They're really gone.” Robin mumbles barely turning to Kaldur. Conner watches as M’gann floats by him and eventually stops before the fallen top of her Uncle’s statue. Sobbing. Suddenly her eyes snap open and she backs away from the statue, lifting it. Revealing Martian Manhunter beneath the rubble. “Uncle J'onn!” she cheers, then tosses the top quarter of the statue away. She goes back towards him but Kaldur gets in her way. “M'gann, check his mind. Make sure he is whom he appears to be.” “It's him. He's real. And he's alive.” M’gann assures. “But we saw you get disintegrated.” Conner contradicts and accuses. “You and Superman. And everyone.” M’gann helps her uncle to his feet. “Yes, I remember. But… I cannot remember how I survived… or how I arrived here.” “Maybe you were density-shifting and the beam passed right through you. Scrambling your brains along the way.” Spider-Girl pipes up. “My mind is clouded. I feel certain I had something important to tell you.” Manhunter admits.Wally smiles. “Hello, Wally,” he even hits his head like M’gann does. “come on.”Robin turns toward him, an eyebrow arched.The two plus Spider-girl stand atop a Jeep, while Robin has his HoloGlove turned on as they look at the acquired weapon. “I knew it! Look.” he points out one reading on Robin’s Holo. “It's giving off Zanopenes. The same stuff that powers our Zeta- Tubes.” he lifts his goggles as he smiles brightly. “This thing doesn't disintegrate, it-it teleports.” he tugs on Robin’s arm. “Artemis is alive!” “Maybe, but-” Robin frowns as he continues to look it over. “No maybes. They're all alive.” “That must have been what you wanted to tell us.” M’gann says brightly. Manhunter brings his hand to his face again, Kaldur and Conner look on in worry. More ships come their way, firing at Kid,Spidey, and Robin. “We're on our way.” Aqualad says. “Negative. We can't win this. Miss Martian, camo the Bio Ship and-” The warning comes too late and the BioShip disappears, knocking both Miss Martian and Manhunter off their feet with a grunt of pain. “M'gann.” Conner says worriedly before he goes to her and Aqualad goes to Manhunter. “That didn't feel like-” she starts with silent tears streaming from her eyes, Conner has murder in his eyes. “We're falling back.” Robin says through the link. Eiling leads the way back into the Hall. “We're trapped.” Aqualad opens the doors. “Maybe not.”
“We can all Zeta to the Cave. If you can grant us computer clearance to access the Tubes.” Aqualad says to Manhunter.“I can only authorize one at a time.” Manhunter informs“Send the soldiers first.” Aqualad decides.“Belay that. You six are assets we cannot afford to lose.” Eiling snaps.Manhunter turns to Aqualad who looks back at him and nods.“Override: Martian Manhunter, zero-seven.” he tells the computer.

Recognized: Access granted:

The Zeta Tube starts up

Miss Martian, B-zero-five

Robin, B-zero-one

Spider-Girl, B-zero-seven

Kid Flash, B-zero-three

The door explodes behind them, the debris catches one soldier by the shin. Superboy is the first to move to help him, Kid goes to assist, but Aqualad pushes him through the Tube. Soldiers are being lasered left and right as Superboy makes his way to help the trapped man. He props up the debris trapping him and a laser takes out a perfect circle from the front of it. He has him against his side as Eiling takes out his gun. “He goes next.” Superboy growls. “Fine. Then you.” Aqualad complies.
Private Jason Bard, U.S.M.C. A,-zero-four

Can you make it?” he asks over the computer. The man nods and stands as Superboy lets go. “Sure, Superman.” “I'm not…” he tries, but the Private is already through.

Superboy, B-zero-four

He looks back over his shoulder before jumping through.The shots keep coming and taking out more soldiers.“They need you more than me.” Kaldur says as he helps Manhunter to the Zeta. “Go!” then pushes him in.A ship, now inside the Hall, takes its shot at him. Robin stands beside KF and looks at Spidey,Superboy and Miss M. “Our mission is clear. If we believe the aliens have been teleporting victims-” Kid cuts him off. “We do.”“Then the only reasonable detention facility is here.” he uses his HoloGlove to get the image up in the Mountain. “Their mothership. Atop what used to be Smallville.” he turns to Manhunter. “Ring any bells?” Manhunter stands and shakes his head. “No. I'm sorry.” “Superboy, you'll create a distraction.” Robin says. “No!” Miss Martian nearly screams then turns to Superboy. “He's offering you as a sacrifice. Aqualad would never do that.” “You're right.” Robin says calmly. “Aqualad would sacrifice himself, a mistake that just cost us our leader. Superboy is the most likely to be perceived as a threat, motivating the aliens to deploy.” he says strongly.

“Worst case, he's teleported inside, and we set him free along with Artemis. And, uh, Aqualad and everyone.” Kid states. Conner turns to her. “It's okay, M'gann. It's what Superman would do.” She looks conflicted but says nothing.

Ships fly over a burning Gotham Academy, but underground everyone is protected. Students are all on their phones, and M’gann’s voice comes through the speakers. “And though we know all seems lost…” Conner stands beside her. “the one thing the aliens cannot destroy is hope.” “Hope survives because the battle is not over. Not as long as even one of us is willing to fight.” Wally steps into frame. “It doesn't matter how many fall for new heroes will always rise to carry on bringing all their resources, their skills, their talents to bear, to defeat the enemy.” Proving his point, Red Arrow, Zatanna, and Rocket all prepare as he speaks. Roy looks over as the Zeta Tube turns on, revealing Garth and Tula. Superboy hands Robin a belt full of charges that he clips over the other on his chest. He steps up beside Kid as he starts talking. “The people of Earth will survive this. We will rebuild, and we will thrive. Never doubt and never forget. The Earth will never surrender"Everyone cheers, but the loudest is a blonde girl, beside a familiar ginger girl, and an older man in a suit shouting. “Huzzah! Huzzah!” Deme watched sadly as she looked down at her phone. A old photo of her and her mom and dad was her lock screen. Robin stands on a bare spot a fair bit from the mothership, looking through binoculars as Miss Martian approaches him. “Stay close to J'onn. He's still…” if his hand makes a movement it’s not visible in the dark with a black glove, but the message is clear. And M’gann doesn’t like it, but nods.

“First team, deploy.” he commands, both M’gann and J’ohnn take off, she pulls up her hood and as her uncle flies in front of her, takes his hand. The two camouflage as they approach the ship, then stop just shy of the hull, before J’ohnn passes through and pulls M’gann after him. M’gann groans as she passes through the hull, but stands straight quickly. “Ready and in position.” M’gann tells Robin. “Be careful, Conner. I love you.” Conner gives a small smile before turning to Robin who gives a small nod. He jumps from their spot and lands on the ship, crashing into the walls. He goes for the first gun he can and yanks at it. “Careful. Don't disconnect the power source.” Robin reminds. Conner sticks his hand in and finds the trigger. “All right, you glorified trespassers! You wanna see how a real alien fights?” then starts shooting at the other guns near him. The doors below him open and the ships start to fly out in droves. “Now or never.” he tells them. The ginger kicks up the Speed before they make the jump from the cliff-edge to one of the open doors. Spider girl landing close behind The two roll through their landing, separating with ease and make their way through the emptying hangar. Dodging two ships leaving. “Way is clear. Go!” Robin commands as he pokes his head back out then he, spider and Kid head towards a pillar in the middle of the hangar. Watching a patrol bot lazily go by.They both watch it, Wally lifts his goggles, but another drone comes behind their turned backs. The impact of a solid crate against it catches their attention. Watching as two obscured shapes land.Robin waves the two of them on, and all take off. Conner huffs out a breath as he takes out two more ships. Then the ships start firing back at him. One-shot creates an explosion that knocks him back and springs through a backhandspring only to have a ship hit him in the back. Inside M’gann de-camouflages as she loses her balance, with a groan she leans against her Uncle. “No. He's gone.” She falls to her knees, crying, and Wally approaches her easily as Spider-girl comfort their friend. “It's all right. We'll find him with Artemis. I know it.” “No.” Manhunter interjects. “My mind is clearer now. The disintegration beam is exactly that. There is no detention facility, no prisoners to rescue. Our mission holds no purpose.” Wally grabs Manhunter by the front of his cape. “No! You're wrong. The Zeta Radiation proves she's alive. She's-!” Robin grabs him by the shoulder, turning the ginger to face him, holding him still with his hands on both his shoulders. “Stop it, KF. I've been scanning for League and Team signals since we got inside. They're not here. Artemis is gone.” Wally opens his mouth to try and say something, but he grits his teeth and looks away. Spider-Girl looked down, her shoulders shaking. That meant Kaldur... Conner... they wouldn't be coming back either. “But our mission still holds purpose. To destroy this mothership," Spider-girl sniffed and murmured. M’gann works her way to her feet and J’ohnn helps her up and she watches solemnly as Robin walks away and J’ohnn following. She places a hand on Wally’s shoulder before following them too. Spider-girl hesitated softly. She caused Artemis' death. She was heading to her death. The girl hugged her self and run away. Wally growls a little before breaking into a light jog. They open a door to a room stained with red light, the source a gigantic orange sphere, with a metallic partial shell around it. Two drones are on their side of the sphere. Robin looks at his HoloGlove. “This is the power core. Blow this and the whole mothership blows.” They all take off to one of the platforms at the same time. Robin lands first and closest to the edge, his eyes go wide for a moment, feeling the change in gravity that tugs at his cape and his whole body towards the sphere.

Wally and Spider-Girl drops closer to him, while the Martians stay in the air behind him, rushing to grab his hand as Robin falls to the floor and they all get pulled towards the sphere. He looks around and eyes the metal shell, when they get inside it he fires his grapple and two hang from it. A drone approaches the tether, clicking. M’gann hits it first, then her uncle knocks it completely away. The two of them landing on the surface, and gravity shifts again. M’gann’s eyes glow as she disconnects Robin’s tether and brings him and Wally to the glowing orange surface slowly. When they land Robin starts taking off the extra straps on his chest. “You knew.” Wally realizes. “You knew from the beginning why we were really here.” Robin types away on his Holo before looking down at the charges. “Four minutes. Let's go” Spider-girl used her webs to keep the charges stuck to the orb. The hangar doors slide closed before Wally can even reach them. “Perfect.” he gripes, but hearing a clicking sound he turns around. “Huh?” There are five or six drones approaching them, one fires a laser before the rest join in.The five of them split into pairs to avoid the disintegration beams.Robin looks down at his Glove, but doesn’t engage the Holo. “Sixteen seconds and counting. Manhunter, take Miss Martian and go.”“ No. We won't leave you.” M’gann objects.“That's an order. We'll follow as soon as we blow those doors.” Robin tells her, and Manhunter phases them out of the hangar. Wally took spideys hand. Spider-girl grabbed his suit, lifting her mask enough to uncover her mouth. Pulling the male into a loving kiss “I wanted you to know-” “Me too” the time ticks down from 10 before Robin looks back at Wally and Spidey who nods then pulls down his goggles. Spider-girl pulled down his mask. Robin pulls out several birdarangs and the three leave their spot of cover, charging forward.

The ship explodes in three small explosions, right, left, and center before the whole thing goes up. Manhunter and M’gann phase out of the ground and look at the fiery plume. “Don't… Don't tell me the mission was a success. The price was too high.” she begs, then closes her eyes for a moment. She opens them just as a shadow blocks the light. A second ship descends. M’gann stumbles forward, begging. “No, no, no. We have to get out of here now.” J’ohnn looks at the destruction. “No. We have to end this now.” he says with such force it’s nearly a snarl and slams his hand through M’gann chest.She cries silently, whether it is because of the betrayal, the pain, or the shock is moot.

Mount Justice; October 16th, 16:21 EDT

Her hair is once again pulled back by her headband and the top corner of her collar of her school outfit is just barely visible as her eyes snap open and she gasps for air.She slowly sits up, Captain Marvel slowly helps Wally up behind her, while Red Tornado helps Artemis. She gasps in relief as she sees Conner sitting up, Wolf’s giant head in his lap. While Kaldur slowly pushes himself up by his elbow. “You're all alive!” she is relieved. Robin sweats as he pushes himself to sit “What happened in there?” Batman asks of Manhunter. “The exercise, it all went wrong,” Manhunter says. “Exercise?” Spider-girl voice cracks as she breaths in her breath. “Try to remember.” Batman insists. “What you experienced was a training exercise.” The Team was relaxing on the same beds they were all sitting on now. Wally and Kaldur already laying back, Superboy propped up on one elbow as he petted Wolf. M’gann relaxing her hands under her head, Artemis was on her side, her right arm under her head. Robin was propped up on an elbow, looking to his mentor. Spider girl, on the bed, spiderman holding the girl's hand. while Captain Marvel stood nearby and Red Tornado was working on a HoloScreen.

“Manhunter psychically linked the eight of you within an artificial reality.” Manhunter stood in the middle of the circle, his hands reached out and his eyes closed in concentration, all of them were lying down seemingly asleep. “You all knew this was going in. What you didn't know was that it was a train-for-failure exercise.” The Team stood ready in a space void that seemed to be among the clouds. Their clothes shifted into their costumes and they now stood in Mount Justice. “No matter what the Team accomplished, the scenario was designed to grow worse. Still, you were aware nothing was real, including the deaths of the entire Justice League.” The scene of the Lanterns’ deaths plays out again and then to Spider-Man's making Spider-Girl flinch. Spider-Man wrapped his arm around Deme's shoulders, holding her. “That is why you hardly grieved.” Manhunter picks up. “Even when the Wolf disintegrated before your eyes.” Conner continues scratching at one of Wolf’s ears. “But all that changed when Artemis died.” Wally looks to the still silent Artemis as she looks at her hands in her lap. Artemis is in her tundra gear and the last moments before her “death” play again. “Though consciously Miss Martian knew it was not real her subconscious mind could not make that distinction. She forgot it was only an exercise.” M’gann screams signify exactly when everything went off the rails. “Artemis!” “And her subconscious took control, making all of you forget too.” the whole Team turns to a distraught M’gann. “Uh, I'm… I'm so sorry.” she tried looking between both her teammates and her mentors. “This isn't her fault!" Conner snaps. "Why didn't you stop the exercise?” Connor demands. “We tried.” Manhunter says strongly. “But M'gann had a death grip on the scenario.” Manhunter’s hands fall back to his sides as M’gann is suddenly floating in the air, but still unconscious."Even Artemis, who should have awakened upon her death was so convinced she had passed, she slipped into a coma"Manhunter looks between the teens and seeing that Artemis was still unconscious turns to M’gann, who was now lying down again.“I realized I would have to wrestle control from Miss Martian's subconscious from within.”He reaches out and puts his hands on her temples. “But upon entering the reality I was overwhelmed by your collective emotion. There was too much noise to think clearly to remember why I was there.” M’gann’s elation and Kaldur’s hesitance are magnified as M’gann finds him under the rubble.
“The deaths of Aqualad and Superboy helped.”Both the scenes play in horrifying detail.“But only when the mothership exploded, and Robin, Amazonia, Spider girl and Kid Flash were silenced did my mind clear enough to remember my true purpose.”The explosions remain but M’gann mourning is glossed over as looks back at him.“To shock M'gann out of the exercise before your comas became permanent.”Finally, he punches M’gann’s chest in and her eyes snap open again. “My apologies. I had no idea a training exercise could be so dangerous… so damaging.” he says to the Dark Knight. M’gann is turned away from her teammates, a hand covering her face. Captain Marvel approaches her, Conner close behind. Martian Manhunter turns to leave and nearly collapses, leaving Tornado and the Bat to support him. “As bad as all that?” Batman asks lowly. “Perhaps worse.” Manhunter admit. Red Tornado makes an easy observation. “Yet this is not what troubles you.” Batman helps the Manhunter stand again. “Make no mistake. My niece is untrained and cannot be held responsible for this… for our debacle. “No one blames her.” Batman states. “But clearly we underestimated her abilities.” “You under state it.” he presses. “In terms of raw power, she has the strongest telepathic mind I have ever encountered.” She sobs in Captain Marvel’s arms, while Conner can only stand by. He looks over his shoulder at the other two Leaguers. “Stronger by far than mine.”

Chapter Text

Mount Justice; October 23rd, 17:21 EDT

M'gann stirs her bowl of mix silently, while Kaldur leans against the counter behind her, Wally slumps at one of the chairs, Spidey sat next to him on the arm of the chair, Artemis leans against the back of one of the chairs, and Robin sits on the couch. All of them silent and stuck inside their own heads.
In the Training Room, Red Tornado, Martian Manhunter, and Captain Marvel watch over the teens worriedly on the screens, They all turn an ear as they hear the Zeta Tube activate.
Recognize: Batman; 0-2
"How are they?" the Dark Knight asks immediately."I am still shaken by what you and I have wrought. One can only imagine what these youths fair." Manhunter says gesturing to the HoloScreens that they're watching the Team on."I know our virtual reality training simulation went badly," he at least has the decency to look down as he thoroughly understates it. "but I'd hoped the Team would've rallied by now." Manhunter looks surprised, while Captain Marvel looks annoyed with Batman. "Trauma tends to linger, as I know you know, my friend." Batman shrinks under his friend's words before looking up with a curious raise in his cowl. "Black Canary?" "She has her work cut out for her." Manhunter says lowly.

Black Canary sits in one green chair across from Conner in his own green chair, she keeps her gaze on him while he looks down at his feet. "I can only imagine how devastating it was losing your friends, in essence, your family convinced all the time it was completely real." she says, her voice wavering a little as she calls the Team his family, but what is noticeable is that Conner's hands clench into fists when she reminds him that he only thought it was real. "I'm sure it must have been horrible for you." she waits a moment, seeing if he'll respond. "I understand. You're Superboy. You're not supposed to have feelings of sadness or vulnerability." Conner stands up immediately, hands clenched at his sides as he looks down at her. "You don't know what I feel." then walks out. She doesn't try to follow him out, simply calling out to him. "Conner!" As the sliding doors open Conner shouts over his shoulder. "Just leave me alone!" She sits back in her chair, a worried look on her face.

Metropolis; October 23rd, 17:28 EDT

Metropolis Park is calm and fairly populated since the weather is nice when suddenly a golden portal opens with a BOOM. A ship that looks like a car, though large, flies through the portal, raising a panic."Hero Danjar!" the man driving cheers as they fly straight upwards. He is a large man with fur clothes, bright red hair that is pulled into two low lying, loose pigtails, and a black guard around the edge of his face and hairline. "Zo! Nos Kemnos! Danjar thara, thanka, tabore." a small blonde with freckles, a missing front tooth, blue eyes, a black cowboy hat with bright blue trim, a green neckerchief, and an orange serape with the same electric blue accents. A man a row in front of him, wearing what looks like armor, looks to the Motherbox in his hand. The Box bings as the blonde keeps talking. "But when can we see some cowboys?" "Your obsession with the barbarians must wait, Serifan." he tells the blonde, then turns back to the box in his hand. "Motherbox, please, camouflage all extraterrestrial energy signatures. Then scan the planet and advise." The Motherbox beeps. "What we seek is on-world. Let us-" The Motherbox beeps again, cutting him off. "The New-Genisphere is on Earth." the black-haired girl beside him says brightly, her cold-shoulder tops are a bright pink v-neck and a dark shawl. "Then we shall take her back." the driver says strongly. The Forever People will not be denied! And woe to any who stand in our way."
One of the motorcycles kicks into gear, Conner lining himself up with one of the many closed doors of the Mountain. "Red Tornado, hangar door." he says as he pulls out a helmet. Before he could put it on, Sphere gets in his way. Wolf walking behind him. "Sphere, out of the way!" he shouts. Sphere revs as Wolf sits at Conner's left, both watching intently as Sphere shifts into a more tricked out and Extraterrestrial version of the motorcycle he's currently standing over. Conner and Wolf stare in disbelief, but they both climb on. As Conner drives Sphere up the ramp the Cycle takes off into the air pulling a shocked, but excited "Whoa!" from the teen.
Batman runs to the open door, watching as Conner takes off. Bringing his hand to his cowl. "Superboy, return to cave." "Superboy, return to cave." he looks to the right as he hears his own voice, finding Conner's earpiece on the ground. He picks it up, then sighs.

Artemis sighs. "Look, me dying during the exercise might have started things going south but I was coma-girl. Missed out on all the fun of forgetting it wasn't real. So no trauma. No need for the shrink-rap." "You're too tough to need help." Canary rephrases, a disbelieving tone in her voice. Artemis looks away, bringing her feet onto the chair with her. "Whatever. Maybe." "Or maybe too tough to admit you need help." Canary leans forward, elbows on her knees. "Artemis, it's not a sign of weakness to open up to your friends." Artemis' fingers clench on her jacket, glaring at Canary, and her voice is tight as she nearly snarls out "I know that." "But you still keep secrets from them." she points out. Artemis' eyes go wide, and she is nearly ready to jump out of her chair. "You won't tell them. You can't!" "I won't." Canary agrees. "But you should. You could start by admitting you're not really Green Arrow's niece." Artemis' legs come off the chair as she scoffs and looks away. "Right. Can you imagine what Wally would do with that?" "Interesting. So, the person you're most worried about is Wally." she observes. Artemis tenses for a moment, out of surprise before she relaxes and simply looks back at Canary, not saying a word.

Eastern Seaboard; October 23rd, 18:04 EDT

Conner sits behind Wolf's spot in the newly changed Sphere. His controls are very similar to the motorcycle he was planning on taking. The water splashes up against the rocky shoreline as he flies mere meters over it. "Let's see what our boy can do." Wolf barks in agreement. The engine revs and they take off into a nearly perfect 90-degree change in direction before Conner leads it into a loop. Wolf barks happily once they're right-side-up again."Oh, yeah!" Conner whoops.The alien ship cuts Conner off short. He lets out a sharp "Whoa!" as he forces it to a stop and swerving left to avoid a collision. "Return the New-Genisphere and the rest of the technology you have stolen from New Genesis, human." the one in green demands. "Who are you?" Conner shouts over the wind, tilting his head to show his confusion. "What are you-?" "Let's keep this simple." the driver cuts him off. "That," he gestures to Sphere, "belongs to us. Give it back." The engine revs, but Conner's hands are perfectly still. The Motherbox picks up on the revs, letting out a sharp ping just as the blonde and two black haired occupants stand up. Tensed. The one in green stands quickly. "Forever People, stand down. This one did not steal the New-Genisphere. He saved it from the real thieves."The driver breaks out into a wide grin. "Apologies. The Forever People embrace you as a friend, ally, and worthy warrior." Conner gives them an odd look. "You're kidding, right?" Wolf whimpers a little.

"I was the general but behaved like a soldier and sacrificed myself." Kaldur admits strongly but loses a lot of his steam as he lowers his gaze. "I am not fit for command and must resign as Team Leader." he closes his eyes, hurt playing obviously on his features. "Who do you recommend to take your place?" Canary asks casually, calm. His eyes snap open, surprised. Rather than let her sit in silence while he thinks this through for the first time, he voices his thoughts aloud. "Artemis is too raw and untrusting. Kid Flash, too rash and impulsive. Miss Martian remains too eager to please. Superboy carries too much anger, Spider-girl has yet to trust us with her life outside the cave” "Making Robin the logical choice." Canary states. "But he is so young." Kaldur objects. "Kaldur, you're all young." she says as compassionately as she can, leaning forward to rest her forearms on her crossed legs and trying to meet Kaldur's low gaze. "I cannot shift this burden to him. Not yet." Kaldur says strongly. Canary sits back upright, and Kaldur lets out a short emotionless laugh. "It appears I must withdraw my resignation."

The sky is darkening quickly around Conner, Sphere, Wolf, and the Aliens. "Forever People?" Conner asks as he flies beside their ship. "We are young Gods. New Gods." the driver says as if that explains it "Right." Conner mumbles. "They call me Serifan." the blonde with the Old West clothes says. "I'm Dreamer." the girl introduces. "This is Moonrider," she gestures to the one beside Serifan in the row behind her. "and our leader, Vykin." she gestures to the one holding the Motherbox. "Hmm, I am named for an animal that does not exist on this world," the driver muses then snaps as a thought comes to him. "but you may call me… Wolf." "This is Wolf." Conner says bluntly. Wolf snarls a little and turns away from the large man."Ah, Bear, then. Yeah, Bear is even better." Bear says brightly. "I'm Con- Superboy." he stumbles and frowns. "This is Motherbox, the living computer." Vykin explains, holding up the device. "She has tracked technology stolen from our homeworld, New Genesis. And she has found our rescue drill there." The two ships swing into the still brightly lit city that they'd been flying towards this whole time. They come to a stop above the tall buildings, looking at the world below. "It is beneath us," Vykin informs them all. "18 meters underground." "That's a construction site. Perfect cover for drilling." Conner mumbles to himself, then looks around the site. "Especially with the Federal Reserve conveniently located across the street." The Forever People look at him with no understanding "The government keeps money there.""It's a heist." Serifan realizes. "Come on, partners. Let's ride in there," and pulls the two pistols out, "guns blazing and round-up them outlaws." Dreamer looks from Serifan to Conner. "He's watched a lot of Earth Westerns." she tries. "Yeah, well, there's a time to go in strong and a time to go in smart." Conner says sternly."It is your world, Superboy. We shall follow your lead." Vykin informs.Conner looks surprised for a moment

“So, Your mom informed me that you haven't been speaking much” Canary began looking at Spider-girl who had her mask of in her lap “You mean, you heard from Peter” Deme corrected before slouching “Im fine, i just wanted time to think” “what about?” Canary pushed but got no answer. “Perhaps about ur identity? the simulation? Or perhaps what happened between you and Wa-” “It was a mistake” Spider-girl cut her off. Canary said nothing as if waiting for the teen to continue “What was?” “All of it…we knew it was a simulation and that we was going to fail no matter what! But then-” Deme looked down at her mask sadly “i believed everything we were doing was right but now…” Deme looked away from the mask “I Kissed Wally out of fear that i wouldnt be able to ever Kiss him and i could only do that because of this” Deme held up her mask ”I'm nobody with out her-Spider-girl!” “Then why not tell everyone who you are?” Diane pushed a little harder as Deme slowly put on the mask “Because im afraid, im gonna disappoint them” "Norman!" all three guards turn, guns raised, but the one with a scar running over the bridge of his nose shows a brief bit of recognition. "I brought you a jacket." "Mom?!" He looks at the woman walking up to him, no one anywhere near her, jacket in hand, he walks up to her. "What are you doing here?" The two men behind him get zapped from a distance. He turns his back on his mother, gun raised again. "Mom, get down! It's not… safe." he finishes dumbly as he watches his mother's figure fade and Dreamer's take its place. Vykin raises a hand and his gun hits him in the face until he falls to the ground. At the bottom of a hole, three more large guards stand, unaware of what's happening on the surface. Conner, Wolf, and Bear drop in and take them down with one hit each. Conner and Wolf take off for the tunnel while Bear gestures for his teammates. Conner sends a 'quiet' signal back to the New Gods before he and Wolf take off down the tunnel.

At the end of the tunnel, the drill is fully off, and a hole is through the brick of the basement walls of the Reserves. One man stands guard, while another takes gold bars out on a hover-pallet. The third, a red-haired woman turns to the tech in her hand. "A billion in bullion, Ugly. The old creep's gear performed as advertised." Behind her a large man wearing technology similar to the armor the New Gods wear. "Yeah, Whisper. Gave me a score tops any my old man ever delivered to Intergang." There are three more people walking into the drill's storage space with just as many gold bars. Away from the thieves, still hidden by the shadows due to a curve in the tunnel Vykin goes to walk past Conner. "Wait." he hisses, but Vykin just keeps walking. "Guess we decided on the direct approach after all." "That drill and these carts are the property of New Genesis. You will return them now." Vykin states, even pointing at his feet as he says "now", then moving his hands to his hips. Conner steps up behind him. "Gold goes back too." "Interfere and things get ugly." Whisper snarls, dropping her tech to the ground. "I'm Ugly." the large man behind her growls as the tech he's wearing activates. Creating a large cannon that is mounted directly to his chest and fires red disks at the two of them. Vykin uses telekinesis to raise the ground to protect them. When that doesn't work, he knocks Conner to the ground as four disks come to a stop in the air behind him and pass current between themselves. One tiny adjustment to Vykin's stance brings him right into the beams.
Once he falls to the ground, more disks come, the other New Gods duck out of the way as Conner drops again and Wolf takes cover. Serifan pulls out the pistols and shoots the disks just before they reach Bear. The large man sends a smile as Serifan blows at the smoke coming from the muzzles. Then firing two more shots as Bear starts moving to take out two more disks that tried to follow him. Vykin is still being shocked by the four around him, Moonrider takes out one, but gets one directly attached to his back. Sending him rolling harshly on the ground, and when he stops the earth around him encloses on him. Someone stands beside Ugly, smirking, he and the man behind him have lasers on their hands compared to the chest cannon, while Whisper pulls out two whips. "These weapons aren't from New Genesis. They are of the enemy." Dreamer says. "What enemy?" Conner questions. "The enemy. The Gods of anti-life. These weapons are of Apokolips." Vykin continues to scream as he is electrocuted. Bear rushes past Vykin to take on the four Intergang-hired thugs. The two with technology enclosing their hands, slam one hand each to the ground, causing a ripple between them and Bear that turns into quicksand that Bear immediately sinks to his shoulders in. Serifan takes out the other disks trapping Vykin, giving him a smile.

Canary narrows her eyes at her patient. "So, you want me to believe that after everything you went through including your own death from fiery explosion, you're peachy." There is a distinct sound of popcorn being eaten. And the person is sitting in the chair upside down- shoed-feet on the top of the chair and everything. "I'm, uh, fairly certain I never used the word ＂peachy＂, but I think you got the gist." Wally says between bites. "So, you really have no interest in confronting your extreme reaction to Artemis' death or the fake that Spider-girl Kissed you before you died" she asks right as Wally tosses a couple of pieces of popcorn into his mouth. He chokes and forces himself upright as he continues hacking. Dislodging it he gulps before laying on a smile and resting his left arm on the armrest as he turns to look at Canary. Now sitting sideways in the chair. "I'd rather talk about you, babe." then tossing another bit of popcorn into his mouth. "Wally, you're in denial." she deadpans. Wally puts his hands behind his head, drops his right foot to the floor easily admitting "I'm comfortable with that."
Whisper jumps over the now full line of armed Intergang thugs and slashes her whips horizontally at them. The only thing that prevents them from getting hit is the rock Vykin puts in the way. "The confines of this tunnel favor their weapons. We must bring this battle into the open." Bear forces himself out of the quicksand while Conner gets Moonrider out of the rock. "More room at the top!" Conner shouts as he and Wolf take up the back of the pack. The New Gods have Bear helping them boost out of the hole. "They're getting away!" Whisper shouts, slashing her whips once again, this time they travel all the way down the tunnel. Conner quickly jumps between Wolf and the nearly flame-like tendrils. Grunting as he puts his arms in an X to block his face, but not seeming to take much damage like the New Gods were. Bear gives Wolf a boost as they dissipate. "Move!" Conner shouts, watching Bear jump first and then following him. He lands just in front of the New Gods and Vykin speaks the second he's up from his crouch. "I have no wish to prolong this battle." The breaks loose and the thugs easily pile out of it. "Finish him." Ugly snarls. "Fear not. She will protect us." Vykin says calmly. "Who, Dreamer?" Conner questions, seeing that she, like the rest of the New Gods, is not tense for a fight.

"The New-Genisphere." Vykin corrects. Sphere flies around, now armed with her own gun. "Cool." Conner mumbles as she flies over his head. "Wait. Sphere's a she?" A few simple shots take out the Intergang thugs and she circles back around. "It is time." Vykin says looking at the Motherbox in his hand. "Time for what?" Conner questions. The Motherbox beeps as Vykin raises it up and all five of them shout "Taru!" in unison, all holding their own Motherboxes in their raised hands. Conner raises a hand to cover against the sudden flood of gold light, now staring a bit dumbly as he takes in a now-massive android-like figure colored in gold with white lines and blue armor. "Okay. That's… new." While they were focusing on the Sphere, the large, combined form of the New Gods was able to march towards them. Until they heard the footsteps.

Turning the two men with tech encompassing their hands try the quicksand trick again, and while it slows the New Gods down, they easily step around it. Then use the eyes to fire lasers at the tech and it simply disappears with no harm done to the hired thugs. The two with cannons mounted to their chests fire disks, but with a simple raise of their hand the trajectory stops, and they fall to the ground. With their other hand, the New Gods let out a concussive wave that kicks all four men up and over Whisper then back to the ground. Undeterred Whisper readies her whips. They fly out towards the New Gods, who catches them easily in their hands, and uses their laser eyes to destroy the whips at the handles. Whisper stared dumbly at the place where they used to be, missing how the New Gods raised their hand again this time swiping it to the side as they unleash the concussive wave. Whisper groans as she gets herself sitting up again, looking over at her fellow hired thugs. Ugly, armed with a similar box to Vykin's, opens a gold portal and runs through. The three other thugs follow him through. "Ugly, wait!" Whisper shouts as she takes off running for the portal. "Hey!" she snaps when the New Gods get her chest wrapped in rope. They hold their hand out towards the drill, and a portal opens underneath it. Dropping it from sight.
Finally, the combined form fades into gold light before the five of them all return to themselves. Conner just staring at them. "What was that?" "Infinity Man." Dreamer says. "We merge to become part of the Source and greater than the sum of our parts." "Glad my team's not that close." Conner grumbles, crossing his arms. "Lower beings tend to fear intimacy." Bear states. "None of this makes any sense." Vykin pulls the conversation away from that topic. "How are these humans acquiring technology from both New Genesis and Apokolips?" They all approach Whisper. "I'm not talking." she snarls. "You were not asked." Dreamer informs, then raises her hands to her temples as her eyes glow purple. Whisper shivers and trembles as a whisp comes from her head and takes the form of a horribly mutilated person with glowing red irises, covered head-to-toe in a cloak. Laughing maniacally. All the New Gods gasp. "Desaad." Dreamer manages. "Look," Conner deadpans. "I've been remarkably patient, you know, for me. What is going on?" Dreamer glances at Vykin, who nods. Once again, her hands return to her temples, this time, she's showing her mental images. "The New Gods come from two worlds at war. Those of us from New Genesis are Gods of life, freedom, and the source. Our enemies from Apokolips are Gods of anti-life, slavery, and degradation. This is Desaad, God-Scientist, and chief torturer of Apokolips. His experiments are pure evil. His works, abominations. His master…" "Unspeakable." the Desaad mirage finishes for her. Then he laughs again before Dreamer banishes the image. "He is seriously creepy." Whisper says.

"Hurting? Try traumatized." Robin manages. "I finally become Leader and wind up sending all of my friends to their deaths. I- I- I know I did what I had to, but I hated it. When we started this Team, I was desperate to be in charge. Not anymore. And- and that's not even the worst of it. Y- you can't tell Batman." "Nothing leaves this room." Canary promises. “I always wanted, expected, t-to grow up and- and become him. An- and the hero bit? I'm still all-in. But that thing inside of him?" Canary's façade breaks a little as she watches him look ashamed and sound so nervous. "The thing that- that- that drives him to sacrifice everything for the sake of his mission? That's not me. I- I don't wanna be the Batman anymore." Robin can't look up from his hands.

The New Gods and Conner land at an old airfield. The New Gods remain in their ship while Conner and Wolf look at Vykin expectantly. The box in Vykin's hand pings and he turns to Conner. "Motherbox says there's a large cache of Apokoliptian technology inside." Conner turns and looks out over the building in front of them again, letting his vision slip from normal human standards. "Infrared-Vision shows no heat signatures." he vocalizes. "Even so…" Two of the members guarding the hole walk through the door. Looking around. "Still no heat signatures. Place is definitely deserted." Despite the obvious, it's clearly Conner's voice that's speaking. The man with the scar turns to his companion, who has their fingers on their temples. The two of them transform in Conner and Dreamer, the rest of the New Gods and Wolf appear to fade in from thin air. The lights all snap on over their heads, startling them. "Though I could be wrong." Conner admits, only raising an eyebrow slightly in confusion at how several dozen people managed to slip past him. "This tech masks heat signatures. Visor filters out illusions." Ugly steps up. "We got you." He says smugly. They fire shots at the stunned group, causing them to scatter. Moonrider rolls out of the smoke first, using his blue electricity-like powers to take out two hired thugs in rapid succession. The second getting hit so hard that he gets knocked into the ceiling rafters. Conner charges at one with a spear, bending it nearly 45 degrees before throwing the gang member still trying to wield it. Bear charges at the man next to him and knocks him out with one punch. Serifan fires rapid shots to provide cover, and one of the thugs with a chest cannon tries to get the drop of the blonde. However, Serifan spins tightly, dropping low and destroying the disks. Wolf charges in at the gang member while Serifan goes back to providing cover. Vykin reaches out a hand but nothing happens. "These weapons resist my magnetic power. We will soon be overrun. It is time." He's not wrong, every time he takes two thugs out, using their own magnetic fields against them, three more take their place. Dreamer looks over at him and the two of them take off away from the approaching thugs. Bear simply smiles as he takes another down with a quick punch. "This won't take long."
Conner ducks under a hook punch aimed for his head, realizing that Bear is talking to him. "Go!" Before hitting the gang member he was taking on in the face with a punch of his own, and three more behind him. The New Gods stand in the same formation from the Construction Site. "Taru!"The Intergang-hired thug known as Ugly cringes away from the sudden and bright light. The one next to him seems completely unaffected. Instead, calmly walking over to him. Then suddenly the center of the chest protection starts steaming. The entire body splits in half revealing that Desaad was controlling the Android-like casing that looked human. "Now, mortal. Deliver the Fatherbox." he commands, his voice dark but thready.Ugly takes the box from Desaad and throws it into the glowing form of a not-quite fully-formed Infinity Man. The Fatherbox disappears into Infinity Man's chest and the still glowing form clutches its head before finally solidifies. From the stomach, Infinity Man turns from gold and blue to red and black. Wolf snarls and growls beside Conner. "That can't be good." he says to himself. "Kill the boy and his little dog too." Desaad commands, looking far too pleased with himself. The corrupted Infinity Man starts advancing towards the two of them. Conner screams as he gets thrown out of the hangar. Hitting the ground and rolling to a stop mere inches from Sphere. He gets himself back upright using Sphere's new form to pull himself up. Wolf hops through the hole that Conner created. Taking up a protective stance in front of him as Infinity Man tears the large doors open to step through. Sphere revs behind Conner as he raises his fists. "Good, uh, girl. We'll take him down together." instead Sphere is now back in her original shape and rolls away. "Yeah. Can't really blame you." Conner admits as Infinity Man marches closer. Conner and Wolf dodge in opposite directions of Infinity Man's hammer first.

"It was all my fault." M'gann whispers, before knocking the heel of her hand against her head. "Hello, Megan." she brings her right hand back to her knees to rejoin her left one. "Who else could take a simple exercise and turn it into a nightmare that terrorizes everyone she cares about?" as she speaks her green skin tone fades to a familiar nude. Canary looks stunned. "You've turned white." is all she can manage to say about it. M'gann's now amber eyes slam up to Canary's for a moment, gasping before standing upright. "No!" then looks down at her hands, it takes her a moment to process what she's seeing. "Oh, you meant Caucasian." she slowly eases herself back into the chair. "Yeah, I'm fine being Megan. But I can't be trusted to use my other powers." "M'gann, you're Martian." Canary lets out a tiny chuckle as she points out the obvious, then leans forward, threading her fingers as she rests her forearms on her knees. "Not using your natural abilities is like me refusing to speak." M'gann refuses to meet her gaze. "Which, by the way, I tried for a while after my very first Canary Cry nearly deafened my entire first-grade class." M'gann finally meets her gaze sadly. "So, I get how you feel, but not being yourself is never the answer and won't make your feelings of guilt go away. Learn from what happened. Your uncle would be happy to train you." M'gann finally perks up a bit, looking back up. "Practice until you gain control and regain your confidence."

Conner screams as he's thrown into a parked plane. The metal of the entire outside frame gives way under him. It takes Conner a second to be less disorientated enough to focus back in on what's going on. He gasps when he realizes that Wolf got punched by Infinity Man and is flying through the air. He catches the large creature and takes the brunt of the hit against the plane again. As Wolf recovers, Superboy hops over his back and goes for the wing. Ripping a piece off and throwing it at Infinity Man. The combined form of the New Gods takes it out with its laser eyes. Then raises a hand. Conner only has a brief second to see the plane glowing gold and rising in the air before it's slammed down on top of him. Infinity Man tosses the plane away and leans down to pick up a mostly unconscious Conner. As they hold him in a fist he starts coming-to and struggling. "Infinity Man is now my… my master's weapon." Desaad says almost happily. "Why doesn't he get it over with?" the lead Intergang thug asks, annoyed. Desaad chuckles creepily. "I'm not one for getting it over with." Desaad smirks. "Fatherbox knows my… proclivities and programmed Infinity Man accordingly."

As Wolf gets up, Conner is still struggling against their hold. Wolf immediately starts snarling at the giant. Wolf takes a leap at them but is quickly batted away. Wolf whimpers at the hit. Infinity Man slams Conner back to the concrete. Ready to start pounding on him, but Sphere rolls back and takes to the air, unfurling so she lands right on top of Infinity Man's head. With an almost scorpion-like tail pricks the back of their neck. Flooding the red and black with blue circuitry making Infinity Man return to its natural color. Infinity Man looks surprised and stands up straight with Sphere taking a hat-helmet shape on their head. "Attack! Attack, while you still can!" Desaad screams. The thugs take off to do just that. It's shaky but Sphere's form shifts slightly to show a pair of controls on top of Infinity Man's head. "Sphere, you're beautiful!" Conner shoots into the air, landing on top of their head with ease, taking only a moment to grab ahold of the controls.Infinity Man turns over their shoulder to look at the thugs rushing towards them. "Open fire! All weapons!" the lead thug shouts. The other thug members do, but all the fire is blocked by Infinity Man's arm. As it drops Conner's determined look glares right back at them. "Our turn." Infinity Man's hand moves in a low sweep, using a gold laser to knock all the thugs off their feet. The lead thug is the only one not knocked away, and Infinity Man grabs him the same way they held Conner. "Think I'm getting the hang of this." Conner muses. "Pull!" the large man is tossed directly up into the air. Infinity Man's gaze follows, and a quick shot of the laser eyes destroys the Apokoliptian Technology and the large man- now sans shirt- lands in their open palm. "Now, that's Ugly." Conner chuckles a little.

The other thugs continue to fight and shoot at Infinity Man, but they stop and start running as Infinity Man starts moving towards them. Taking small shots with their laser eyes to destroy the technology the thugs run out of places to run as they stumble. Left staring up at the giant combined form of the New Gods. The lead thug is simply dropped out of their hand over them. As he hits he pushes himself up. "Desaad." he hisses, but the Apokoloptian ignores him and opens a portal, and walks through it. "All will suffer." Desaad hisses then pulls his hand out of his sleeve. "All will suffer!" throwing what looks a lot like a hand grenade high into the air. Infinity Man hits it with the laser eyes, and it explodes, but from the explosion comes a concussive wave that when it hits Infinity Man causes it to glow and disassemble. Conner and Sphere drop. The New Gods lay on the ground, groaning as they come to. Looking around. Wolf finds the one box that isn't in one of their possessions, which pings before Wolf bites it to bits. Sphere is twitching and damaged near Conner who eases himself back to his feet as he realizes how bad she looks. He places a hand on her, sad. As he hears Vykin come to a pause beside him does he speak. "She's… hurt." "The damage may be beyond repair, but Motherbox will try." Vykin offers, placing his Motherbox on the damaged red overlaps- which no longer do so and are oozing black sludge. As the Motherbox pings Sphere's pieces begin to fit back together before rolling back up into her default shape. Conner looks stunned. "The healing process has begun and will be completed on New Genesis." Vykin says.Conner turns over his shoulder in an instant. "Sorry, what?" "We thank you for your help, Superboy. But we must take the New-Genisphere home now." Dreamer says from behind Vykin, leading the rest of the New Gods towards the two of them. "No. No way!" Conner denies. "Why should we leave her with you?" Serifan questions. "To us, she lives. To you, she's merely technology." "No, it's not like that!" Conner shouts. "Then what is it like?" Bear demands, crossing his arms and keeping the volume high. "We bonded, okay?!" Conner snaps. Serifan and Bear share a smile. Dreamer smiles over Vykin's shoulder before he smiles too. "In fact, it is. You may keep her." The two clasp forearms.

"What exactly do you expect to find, Batman?" Martian Manhunter asks as Red Tornado scans the Sphere. "According to Conner, Sphere has proven quite useful. Wally has already rechristened her the ＂Super-Cycle＂." "By any name, the Sphere merits further investigation. As does everything in Superboy's report." Batman points out. "Speaking of, where is he now?"

Conner sits in the chair opposite Black Canary, looking at the ground between his boots. His forearms on his thighs and his hands between them. "Here's the ugly truth. I wasn't devastated. Even with Superman, Tornado, you, the whole League dead. Even though I didn't save Wolf, watched Artemis and Kaldur die and abandoned M'gann, I felt… at peace." Black Canary jolts at that admission but doesn't stop him from continuing. "See, from the moment I first opened my eyes in that Cadmus pod there's been one thing I've wanted and feared: To know what it is to be Superman. And I knew. So I was happy." He meets her eyes for a brief moment before dropping them back down. "Everyone I care about, dead or traumatized and I'm happy." he raises his hands and looks at them for a moment, then dropping them back down. "How do I get past the guilt of that?" Final ly, he raises his gaze and keeps it there. "How do I live with myself?" Canary leans forward, her broken heart showing on her face as she places a hand on his knee. "I don't have any easy answers, Conner." her face is strong and steady by the time she's there. "But one thing's clear: Admitting it is the first step." At some point, his eyes had slid closed, but hearing that causes him to open them and look her in the eyes.

Chapter Text

Mount Justice; October 31st, 19:34 EDT

Wally- with fake brown hair that flows into matching facial hair- howls at the full moon, really leaning into his werewolf costume. "Really? You're not gonna join in at all?" he ask
sleeping Wolf. "What kind of wolf are you?" "Wally, stop torturing him." Conner grouches. M'gann chuckles. "Hold still, please." as she wraps bandages around his head. Securing it on the back of his head, so it sweeps across the bridge of his nose and under his ear. "Megan, stop torturing him." Wally mimics Conner, stepping between the two of them. "Awkward for him, anyway, being a third wheel on our date." he puts his unbroken arm oon her shoulder. "Wally, She invited the entire Team to the dance." Deme reminds him as She walked in, she was still in her Spider-girl costume "Zatanna too." she arches an eyebrow. "Good." Wally drawls. "Keeps us on the down-low." Megan gives him an awkward smile; Conner gives Wally a very confused look at his turned back. “So your going as…you?” Wally asked Spider-girl who tilted her head “oh! Right the dance” Spidey chuckled before shrugging “Im going to change later, ill have a different mask though” She offered to the team making Wally deflate "So... you going as my favorite Martian?" Wally asks after a moment to the martian "Not exactly." she gives him a small smile before stepping onto the training ring a few steps from the three of them. Her clothes shift, becoming a torn greyish-white sleeveless dress that comes to the floor, with matching white shoes, gloves, and headband. The grey veil that's behind her still hair. Her skin turns pale white, while her lips turn black and she gains heavy eyeshadow around her still brown eyes. She hits the iconic Zombie-pose and growls before looking to the boys plus Spidey with a smile as her hands land on her hips. "Whoa, babe. Eat my brains anytime." Wally mumbles, bringing his casted hand behind his head “ow!” Wally winced when Spider-girl smacked the back of his head. "Great minds think alike." all Four turn to see Captain Marvel with a much less sophisticated equivalent to M'gann's shapeshifting of Zombie make-up on his face.

M'gann smiles. "Captain, you look terrific. Are you going to a Halloween celebration too?" she asks, confused. Captain Marvel's face twitches for a moment. "Well, sure, I'm going with… Uh-uh, I mean, you did invite the whole Team, right?" he asks. "Yeah, we'll all be at the dance." M'gann says brightly. "So don't worry about us. Go. Have a good time at your party." M’gann assured the hero

Recognize: Artemis; B-0-7 Zatanna Zatara; A-0-3

Artemis is wearing a high collar coat and dark colors underneath with. Her hair still pulled in her signature thick ponytail. Zatanna is wearing a witch costume, complete with the pointy hat, white gloves, and a black dress that is chopped jaggedly above her black thigh-high socks. Secured by a thick Belt around her waist, matching the ribbon at the base of her hat. "Oh, hey, Zatanna. You look great." Artemis greets as she walks out of the middle Zeta Tube. "Oh, thanks. You too." Zatanna says walking at Artemis' right. "Oh, look, zombie Captain Marvel. That's hilarious." she chuckles a little bit. "Is the Justice League having a party Because my dad didn't mention it." "No. No, no, no." he denies then brings his hand up to scratch at the back of his head. "See, I..." he trails off. His face flashes with sadness for a moment before hardening. "Fine, im going trick-or-treating." he flies over Zatanna and Artemis then walks into one of the Zeta Tubes.

Recognize: Captain Marvel; 1-5

Captain Marvel crosses his arms as he turns back to the Team. "And I'm not sharing my candy." M'gann laughs behind Artemis and Zatanna's turned backs, catching their attention. "So how long have Conner and Megan been a couple?" Zatanna leans in to ask Artemis. Artemis barks out a laugh, covering her mouth as she quiets it. "Couple? No, they're not a..." she trails as she looks back at them. M'gann laughs happily as she wraps Conner's arm. "Will you please stop fidgeting?" Conner looks up at her with a very soft look. "You are so making this up to me later." Artemis straightens up as her gaze hardens, Zatanna notices the change in posture but really picks up on it when Artemis turns to walk away. "Uh," Zatanna starts hesitantly as she catches up to Artemis. "I- I'm sorry. It just seemed so obvious. I-I didn't realize that..." she steps slightly in front of Artemis' path towards Tubes. "Wait, the dance." Zatanna tried to reason with the archer who turns, crossing her arms. "Not in the mood." she says strongly. "Course, sitting at home with my mom doesn't sound any more appealing." she mumbles. "Well, there is another option." Zatanna says. "Egnahc sehtolc otni ruo smrofinu!" she incants, covering both her and Artemis in smoke. "Girls' night out." Artemis looks down, surprised that she was changed into her uniform as well. Turning back towards Zatanna she smirks. A mural opens up to reveal a Zeta Tube, the two of them riding out on motorcycles and down the alleyway to the main city.

Happy Harbor; October 31st, 20:15 EDT

The gym has been decked out with three disco balls, large pumpkin-shaped light in the center, small sport lights, as well as several balloon arches. "Too bad the rest of the Team couldn't make it." M'gann comments. “Well it means we get more Candy!” A familiar voice behinds them spoke up making the group turn to see a girl in a Speedy Costume, it was the exact outfit that speedy wore but it was clearly tailored for the girl. She still wore the Domino mask and even wore the iconic hat. “W-wait, SG?” Wally asked in awe as she stood hand on her hips “Pretty neat huh?” Deme asked doing a small spin “But ur identi-” “You cant tell who i am right?” Deme cut M’gann off, the group shook their head slowly. Though it was the first time they saw Spider-girls hair, Blonde and short, longer on one side slightly “Exactly! I promise Miss M, i would come!” As SG spoke. M’gann tilted her head “But what if we need to introduce you to someone?” M’gann questioned making Deme Grin “We can still introduce me as SG, we can say its a little nickname!” Conner's entire face twitches as he looks over the crowd. "You got to be kidding." Looking over the crowd, the vast majority of them were Justice League members and several were popular villains. A Black Canary tugs a Bee Heroine, a Batman, and a Superman with a leather jacket black circle glasses, and two black belts over to the three of them. The Black Canary- who than her size looks very similar to the real thing. "You look amazing, Who did your make-up, girl?" Karen questions. M'gann looks embarrassed. Mal steps up beside Conner, dropping his glasses away from his eyes. "Burn victim?" "Mummy." Conner corrects. "You?" "Superman. Done right." fully showing off his change to the iconic look. "Yeah, good luck with that." Conner says sarcastically as he lifts his chin, looking down his nose as Mal. "Wally…uh…SG? this is Wendy, Karen, Mal and-" M'gann starts gesturing to each, but the fourth in their group is off on his own, still tapping away on his handheld. "Ignore Marvin. He thinks we're being invaded by Martians." Wendy huffs, crossing her arms. "I never said that." he bites back, barely glancing back at them. "It's just reports are all over the inter-webs. And I'm not the only one getting them." As if on cue, Wendy, Karen, then Mal's cells all beep. It quickly passes through the entire gym. "I mean, Martians aren't invading. It's just a prank gone viral, right?" he teases Wendy. "Of course, it's a prank." the guy wearing an eyepatch, at the punch bowl says. "Ever hear of Martian Manhunter? Martians aren't hostile." "Of course not." M'gann agrees but looks up almost guiltily. Deme squeezes the martians shoulder in reassurance. Miss Martian still felt guilty about the who Simulator thing.

"Computer, secure the room." Batman commands.
Secured.

Inside the room is Red Tornado, Red Arrow, Aqualad, and Robin. "I'll cut to it. Do we believe there's a Mole within the Team?" he questions.Aqualad steps up. "I am convinced there is none. When Sportsmaster claimed he had an inside source he was merely sowing dissent." Robin glances over his shoulder from his chair. "His intel could easily have come by comparing notes with the other villains working for the "InJustice League"." Robin uses actual quotation marks, though his sour look disappears as he throws his hands behind his head. "Think about it. If anyone on the Team was working with those creepoids-" "He or she would have betrayed us during our fight against them." Aqualad finishes. "I'm not convinced." Roy speaks up instantly. "Sure, you two, Spider-girl and Kid Flash are above suspicion, but I know Artemis isn't shooting straight. For starters, she's not Green Arrow's Neice” Kaldur's eyes pop slightly. "What?" Robin looks to him, looking apologetic and more serious as he sits up straight again. "Well, yeah. In fact, she's related to-" Batman puts his hand on Robin's shoulder. "Enough. Artemis' relations may indeed make her suspect, but she's still entitled to a secret identity." Robin sits a little lower as Batman from him to Red Arrow. "I'm more concerned about Superboy. We still know very little about what Cadmus programmed into their weapon. Conner could be the Mole and not kn
Red Tornado drops his head. "And what about Miss Martian?" Roy offers. "She is Manhunter's niece, but he told Black Canary he has a few hundred nieces and nephews." Robin leans forward as Roy steps middle of the room. "And the first time he met M'gann was five months ago. When she stowed away on his last trip from Mars to Earth." "This changes nothing." Aqualad crosses his arms. "I have fought side by side with these people. None are traitors." Robin slumps back into the chair and his face falls a little.

Zatanna and Artemis' engines rev as they arrive at the Natural History Museum. "Whatever happened here is over." Artemis comments, looking over the police cars. "I want some action."
"But maybe you need to talk," Zatanna tries. "uh, about Conner and Megan or... Or whatever."
Rather than respond Artemis takes off. "What I need is something to beat up." she hisses. Unknown to them. Harm watches them head down the street under the full moon, standing atop of the roof with the sword once again sheathed. A man is holding a couple at gunpoint in front of a Tyme Machine, the girl yells. "Taeh taht s'nopaew latem!" Zatanna incants. The gun turns red-hot and he throws it away, so he doesn't get burned. In an instant, he's pinned to the nearby concrete outside of a building by several arrows to his clothes. Harm watches them continue their way down the road. Following them. Two mask robbers, holding guns run out a store as the alarm goes off. Artemis sits up tall as she pulls another arrow back and takes aim. Knocking the gun out of one of the robber's hands, then the other's, as she drives close to the curb, she punches the one closest to her in the face. Knocking them into each other. Harm has a hand on his chin, and he gives a half-smile as he watches them. A girl is running along, and one guy drops out of the tree in front of her, causing her to scream and stop short. Three more drop down and the four start to close in on her. "Etativel reh!" Zatanna incants, the girl rises high up above them. The four turn towards the source of Zatanna's voice, finding Artemis already charging at them. She jumped at the closest one, kneeing him in the face. Executing a tight flip to land back on her feet, though hitting one in the face with her boot as she comes down. The one lands in front of attempts a hook punch that Artemis ducks under. She blocks his second as she comes back up, kicking him in the chest hard enough to knock him away. The last attempts to grab her from behind, but she jumps just enough to avoid getting caught, spinning tightly around him so she can turn into a hook kick and knock him out.. With enough force to make him spin before he crashes down.Zatanna steps closer, and Artemis turns over her shoulder to smile at her. Harm watches from where he sits, relaxed, atop a gargoyle with binoculars. He drops the binoculars. His coat is billowing in the wind that nearly seems to howl. He smirks.

SOon enough Artemis and Zatanna make their way back to their bikes. "There were... easier ways to take them." Zatanna says slowly. "They had it coming." Artemis defends, raising her hands in a casual shrug. "No harm done." Their bikes suddenly explode. Knocking them off their feet and back nearly across the road with the force behind it. They both sit up quickly, looking at the smoke, only vaguely hearing a car alarm go off. A shadow moves through the smoke, coming towards them. Unbothered by the thick smoke and the fires. It's Harm, the sword unsheathed in his right hand "No, indeed. Harm is not done. Much Harm left to do." he agrees, looking intensely at the two of them. The smoke billows into the air, visible from the gargoyle that Harm had been watching from. A person in a grey hooded cloak, black long-sleeves just visible below the grey sleeves, and grey leggings tucked into white boots, watches. Her face is visible from the side, as is a glimpse of her blonde hair, her lips almost look blue despite the gr
the night under the dark clouds, her eyes a warm amber, and her skin is pale. Harm continues to walk towards the two girls, as they are still discombobulated from the blast. "Then its cannot escape Harm." Artemis grunts as she attempts to stand and get her bow out. She nocks an arrow but stumbles a little in getting to her feet and decides to crouch to take aim. "Escaping isn't on the menu." She fires two trick-arrows in rapid succession. Harm cuts through them both with easy slashes. "Its arrows do not impress." "Fine." Zatanna says strongly, getting to her feet. "Taeh taht s'nopaew latem." The sword turns red, just like the gun, even sizzling, but Harm doesn't let go. "Neither does its Magic." He looks down almost giddily. "Both must do better or suffer Harm." "We get it." Artemis snaps, turning his attention back to her, where she is now standing and has two more arrows nocked. "Your name is Harm." "Their ridiculous garb and rudimentary skills indicate instruction from Green Arrow and Zatara." Harm comments. "Harm will study these two to learn methods for killing their men then raises the sword towards them. "Oh, you did not just threaten my dad." Zatanna snaps. "Etativel drows ot em!" The sword rattles in his grip but Harm holds steady. "It wants Harm's sword? Very well." he pulls against her Magic and throws it at her.

Zatanna barely dodges right of the blade sailing towards her head. It keeps going with enough speed to nearly bury itself in the brick to the hilt, cracking the bricks of the building. Artemis moves, pulling her arrows back. "Big mistake, Harmster." she releases them and heads back to cut him off. He must've jumped after throwing the sword at Zatanna because even in the air, his eyes turn towards the arrows. Grabbing both of them with lightning-quick reflexes and thro
them back at Artemis and Zatanna. The two trick-arrows explode when they hit the ground, Zatanna took off towards Artemis the second she realized what was happening. Nearly tackling Artemis to the ground she falls over her as well so she didn't land on her.

The girl on the gargoyle, stands in the mouth of a nearby alleyway; her hood down to reveal her pale blonde- nearly white- hair that comes down to her shoulders, pulled away
forehead; indicating for Zatanna to follow her before running off.
"On second thought, running." Zatanna breathes. Artemis glances between the approaching Harm and the alleyway. "Okay, yeah," she agrees, "to regroup." Artemis runs past Zatanna and she stands, turning back towards Harm, hand outstretched. "Erif nrub, nordlauc elbbub!" The fire erupts in front of Harm and her, then creating a circle around the swordsman, connecting behind him with another boom.

As they run down the alley, Artemis turns to her. "Nice." "Something I've been practicing since Red Vol-" Zatanna starts. Artemis cuts her off. "Wait! Who's that?" The girl is at a turn in the alley, indicating for them to follow before running down it. "Do you care right now?" Zatanna questions. "No." Artemis says quickly. They both slow as the alleyway stops. "Dead end." Zatanna huffs. "Where'd she go?" Artemis demands, but turns when she hears metal clanking beside her. A Fire Escape Ladder is now down for her to use. On top of the building is the girl in the cloak. "I like her already." Zatanna smiles.

The two climb up quickly, grunting as they make the large push over the edge of the building to the roof. The girl stands in the middle of the roof. Her hair held back by a purple headband and a necklace that matches the metallic trim of her cloak is around her neck. Letting them bo
towards her. "Thanks for the assist, but who are you?" Zatanna asks. This close, the pale light, her eyes are nearly as washed-out as her clothes, but with almost a green tinge to them. Her eyebrows are a dark brown, while her necklace and cloak blew in the wind. Inside the brass-colored circle at the center of her necklace is a plain silver plate. "Secret." she whispers.
"That won't cut it." Artemis snaps. "We need answers. Do you know Harm? Does he have any weaknesses?" "Secret." she hisses, then points past them. Artemis and Zatanna turn, finding Harm landing on the edge of the roof. "At least they make the hunt interesting." he admits, the arm sheath now on his back. Landing on the flat roof and swinging the sword in front of him. "He's fast, I'll give him that." Artemis grumbles, turning and pulling an arrow from her quiver, she hits the wooden water tower. Cracking it open. "Dloc snow wolb! Dloc snow wolb! Dloc snow wolb!" Zatanna incants, the water splashing over Harm before freezing solid.

The mark on his chest glows and the sword mirrors it. Shattering the ice around him. Hitting the now empty water tower as they take off running. "Where'd little Miss Secret go?" Artemis questions. "There!" Zatanna sees her two roofs away, the building she's on is significantly shorter than the one they're on now. "Okay, these boots, adorable, but for a chase sequence… La raewtoof won!" They jump and her shoes lose their heels but Harm is close behind.

Back at The Halloween Party at the school is in full swing, when suddenly, the lights go out.
"Hey!" someone calls out. "Everybody calm down. It's probably just a blown fuse." an adult says as the emergency lights turn back on while Students have all pulled out their phones. "It says here Martians have taken New Haven and Providence." Mal says. "Spotted in Happy Harbor too." Wendy says, looking at her own phone. Karen looks between the two of them with a dull look. "Guys, guys, it's a Halloween cliché." a teacher says, stepping up to their group.
"Meaning it happens a lot?" Karen snaps but a voice spoke n the speakers “"Attention: Homeland Security advises everyone to stay inside the gymnasium." a voice says over the loudspeaker. "This is not meant as confirmation of any alien invasion." Karen raises her hand. "I knew it! I knew it!" she looks to Wendy before walking off. "I told you. I told you." "All right. All right. Bring them on." Mal says easily under Karen's louder voice. "It don't matter to me, c'mon."
"We should call the Cave." M'gann stirs Wally out of his shock but Conner raises a hand. "Wait." he says calmly, then steps forward. Using his Heat Vision to see someone outside the gym with loudspeaker equipment in their hands. "For your own safety, remain inside." the voice continues. Then the equipment turns off and a nasally chuckle returns to standard pitch as the modulator is pulled away from the "Best Halloween prank ever!" that is definitely Marvin's voice. Conner turns towards Spidey, M'gann and Wally with a smirk. “Oh boy, hes smiling. I hate when he smiles” Spidey winced slightly.

Artemis and Zatanna keep running, now in a puddle of water, but slide to a stop and turn back around as a bolt of gold lightning hits the ground in front of them. He pulls a small knife from behind him and throws it with his left hand towards them. It just misses Artemis but does cut through her bowstring. Flying past her and burying itself in the metal supports at the other end of the roof, nearly 3 inches in. "Hold him off while I re-string." Artemis tells Zatanna. Zatanna gets about two steps before Harm, already in the air, slices at her with his sword. When he misses, he kicks a leg out and hits her in the chest. When he lands, he slides upwards through her bow. Now holding two pieces of it, she attempts an uppercut before throwing both pieces of her bow away, just dodging another downward strike and she twists, pulling out a small crossbow. They both freeze, her crossbow is pointed right at his head, and his sword is mere inches from her neck."You wanna play without the toys?" she questions. "It tries to bait Harm. Leave Harm weak." he pulls the sheath off his back and puts the blade inside with ease. Dropping it to the roof where it stays upright and cracks the concrete “Harm has no weakness." he slides his coat off, dropping into a fighting stance with both his hands open.

Zatanna gets to her feet, and Artemis smirks, putting her crossbow away. Zatanna looks to her partner worriedly. Artemis slides her closed fists up.Artemis grits her teeth and charges in. Her cross to the chest being easily dodged by Harm. Her cross-jab combination followed by a hook punch all with minimal effort from Harm. He blocks her roundhouse and front kicks are both blocked by his arm. He stands up tall, as Artemis crouches and jumps trying to bring her two threaded fists down on his shoulder.he merely side-steps and lets her jumping roundhouse whiff past his chest. Her cross-elbow strike misses his chin and her upward-elbow strike is blocked by his own elbow. She goes for a knife hand off of the block, but when it's pushed away her chest is completely open. Harm goes on the offensive, a harsh knee to her chest and something audibly snaps. She winces but keeps an eye on him. When she goes on the offensive again, he's back to simple blocks and easy dodging.

Now nearly half the distance of the roof away, Zatanna carefully makes her way over to the sword, trying to pull it from the sheath. But she can't even make it budge. "So unfocused." Harm says, letting Artemis' grip attempt slip off his elbow, then sliding left. "It struggles with inner demons and can't fight Harm while fighting itself." he says while easily dodging her jabs. "Harm doesn't battle his demons." he blocks a kick then a punch before looking her dead on. "Harm embraces them." "Would Harm please shut up?" Artemis demands through gritted teeth, going for a roundhouse that Harm ducks under and makes a bit of distance between them. The sword flashes with gold lightning, knocking Zatanna to the ground. Artemis turns her head in worry. "Zatanna!" that second was all Harm needed, by the time she's turning back Harm is hitting her in the face with an open-handed strike to the female, Knocking her to the ground beside her unconscious comrade. "And it cares about others." Artemis groans, touching her face as she sits up. “Another weakness." he picks up his jacket and slides it back on. "The sword rejected its impure him” Zatanna raises her head as she comes back around. "It has not made the sacrifices Harm has to become pure." "Look." Zatanna whispers. "It's Secret." Secret is standing on a roof a few buildings away, gesturing for them to follow her. "She hasn't led us wrong so far." Zatanna muses, pushing herself back to her feet. Artemis pulls another trick-arrow from her quiver, which beeps, and she throws it at Harm's feet. Smoke immediately begins to plume around him.
Harm waves a hand to clear it. Seeing how Artemis and Zatanna are now running to his left, already a full building away.

"The its think to escape Harm but draw near to home. Such considerate its." he says, then reaches out to grab his knife. Zatanna and Artemis jump onto a far lower roof. "Aw, she's gone again." Zatanna whispers. "Now what?" she heaves a breath. "End of the line. And we can't go back the way we came." she glances back up, then to Artemis. "Coming." Artemis pulls out her crossbow. "We'll zip-line to that magic store." They hear a zap of electricity behind them, they both dodge out of the way before it hits. Harm jumps down to land on the roof before them. "This can be no coincidence. They alight on Harm's very roof. How did they know? Tell Harm. Now!" for the first time he has surprise in his voice. "Wait, this is your place?" Artemis questions. "No more games." Harm snarls before slamming the sword into the roof, lightning shooting across it and hitting both of them hard. Artemis raises her head weakly, seeing Harm standing over her and Secret behind his left shoulder.

Three kids open the door, looking around before trying to leave. "I have orders to keep everyone inside." Marvin says, stepping up. "Or did you freshmen want to become Martian chow?" They silently head back inside. He chuckles a little himself but he tensed when he heard yelling from behind "The Martians are coming! The Martians are coming!" Wally says, running towards Marvin. "Look out," Conner says, suddenly behind Marvin, "they have disintegration rays!" he points where a bright light is coming from. A tornado comes and goes quickly, an outline of a stereotypical Martian just vaguely outlined before becoming solid. Marvin's eyes go wide. The eyes glow green, and when it screams so does the inside of the mouth. "Run, Marvin." Conner grabs Marvin by the shoulders and pushes him towards the school. "I'll hold it off." He runs towards the 'Martian' and it raises a hand, levitating him into the air. Before slamming him onto his back, lifting him up again, throwing him against the wall, before throwing him back in front of Marvin. Seemingly unconscious. As marvin tried to Run something seemed to tug at his shirt as if top stop him. Marvin screamed like a girl once he was finally free.

Conner sits up and chuckles, watching Marvin run back to the school gym. The Martian and Wally walk up to his sides. M'gann turns back into her Zombie-Corpse-Bride self. Besides Conner, Spidey appeared having been using her Camoflauge to hide. Conner chuckles again. "Come on. We do not wanna miss this." inside Marvin bursts through the doors, screaming. "Martins are invading! Martians!" "Marvin, chill. We got the memo." Wendy sighs. "No! Before it was all a prank I pulled. Now it's definitely real. The Martians just killed two guys." he raises two fingers. M'gann steps up to his side with Deme "Which two guys?" Marvin points behind her. "Those two guys!" Wally and Conner both walk calmly up behind M'gann, sharing a confused look with each other. Then they all turn to Marvin with raised an eyebrows. "Wait, I..." he drops his finger. "Uh." then he looks to the stopped party. "Oh. "Marvin." Wendy huffs, hands on her hips. "Trick or treat?" he offers.

Artemis groans as she comes to in a dark room. A stuffed cat, that looks like it's hissing startles into full consciousness. She looks around the room, then trying to break free of
she's tied to. "It deigns to awaken." Harm says suddenly. A small TV turns on, with static for a few seconds before a grainy picture of Zatanna tied to a chair comes on screen. Artemis' mouth drops and her eyes widen as she realizes the crossbow is rigged and set up aimed at Zatanna. Who has her mouth duct-taped closed. "It will tell Harm its secrets. Or its partner will pay the price." he makes just a little bit of noise as he leaves the shadows and closes in on Artemis from behind. "How did it know Harm's home?" he whispers before walking around. "Ask your partner. She lured us here." Artemis tells him. "Harm has no partner. Harm is pure and works alone." he stands just in front of the TV. Where Secrets walks beside her. Zatanna tries to say a spell but can't under the tape. Secret raises a hand, Zatanna tries to turn away from her as she moves closer, but Secret gets a grip on the tape and rips it off. Zatanna lets out an instinctual "Ow!" before, "sepor, emoc esool." which has the ropes now loosely floating around her before flying off. When she stands out of the chair she turned to Secret. "First you lure us into a trap, now you free me? What's your game?" she questions. "Secret." she says. Zatanna slowly blinks, lowering her head before looking around. Finding a bed and a dresser on the other side of the room. One thing stands out. A picture on the dresser. Zatanna picks it up. Looking over the more yellow-blonde girl, with more natural coloring in her skin, eyes, and lips, side-hugging a man who is undeniably Harm. Though he's wearing a dark button-down, a blue vest, with bands around his wrists, multiple rings, a leather necklace, and his fingernails painted black. His arm over her pink long-sleeved crop-top co shoulder and darker pink track-pants. She turns to Secret. "Is this your room? Do you live with this nut-job?" she shows off the picture. "Secret." she says. "Secret, right." Zatanna starts the second she starts saying the word, heading away from the dresser. Tossing the picture onto the bed. "Naturally."

Harm paces between Artemis and the TV. "It seems honestly convinced Harm had help. Perhaps the other it-" he glances down at the TV, where Zatanna and Secret now both stood, casually, he looks back up, still walking, not processing it while still looking at the image, but he freezes, cutting himself off, the second he realizes what he saw. Letting out an enraged snarl as Zatanna picks up Artemis' crossbow. Racing out of the room and across the hall. He raises his sword and brings it down to slice through Zatanna when the second she's hit the image shimmers out of existence. Leaving Harm in an empty room. Behind him, Artemis and Zatanna run out of the other room, and down the hall. Secret is at the bottom of the stairs, gesturing for them to follow. Artemis immediately pulls out her crossbow. "Wait!" Zatanna pushes her hand down. "Zatanna, she's his partner!" Artemis snaps, not in the mood to argue "Then why did she help me?" Zatanna questions. "Don't know. Secret." Artemis mimics.

Harm stands at the top of the stairs, his sword glowing once again. "Look out!" Zatanna calls, the two jump and tumble down the remaining stairs, down the hall, and through a hole. When the smoke clears Secret is standing at the end of the hall, then running off. Harm's eyes go wide before he snarls and follows Artemis and Zatanna. Dropping into the kitchen. Secret runs past Artemis, who shoots an arrow at Harm, which he catches before following her down the hall, slamming the door behind her. The open stove's hissing only just picks his attention now. The tip of Artemis' arrow catches fire. "Oh, that little-" he snarls.

An explosion rips through the entire first, blowing out the windows. Artemis opens the Storm Cellar from the inside, heading into the backyard, Zatanna close behind her. Looking around, there's not much there, until one thing catches her eye. A shallow grave, marked with a wooden board as a tombstone, and three white roses. Zatanna walks past Artemis, kneeling before the grave. Placing a hand on it. Only then does Artemis join her. "Greta Hayes. Beloved Sister."
A blue-white face pops out from the grave, startling Zatanna and Artemis. Artemis backs away, managing to stay on her feet, Zatanna falls to her butt. Eventually the glow fades, and Secret returns, her eye now a light green color. Both Artemis and Zatanna scoot back. "This is your grave. This is your secret." then back at Greta. "This is you." "A ghost. An actual ghost." Artemis mumbles with wide eyes. Zatanna slowly makes her way to her feet, but Greta doesn't move. "Uh, uh," she stumbles over what to say, "H- how did you die?" In her hands, Greta creates a familiar weapon, which would be mistakable as real if it was floating over her hands and came from a blue cloud. "Harm's dagger." Artemis recognizes.

At the backdoor, lightning crackles before the door blows out. A nearly unharmed Harm stands there. "They defile Harm's holy place." he snarls. "We defiled it? You did this." Artemis' voice cracks as she points to the grave. "To your own sister!" He tilts his head to the side and smiles a little. "You're proud of it?" Artemis gasps, then her face hardens. "And you had the gall to write "beloved"." "Not gall, truth. She was the only thing Harm ever loved. That's why she had to go. Harm's heart had to be pure. Greta had to be cut out. Excised like an infection." On cue Greta raises back out of her grave, looking at the ground. Harm gasps, eyes wide before getting control of himself. "Ah, it casts another illusion spell." Zatanna turns back from Greta to Harm. "Except I didn't speak. Harm knows it can't cast a spell without speaking." He gasps, watching as Greta walks towards him. "You asked how we found this place?" Artemis taunts. "Face it, Harm, your secret's out." "No." he raises the sparking sword towards them. "Harm's heart is pure." Greta keeps walking towards him. "Harm's not sorry. I'm not!" he turns his head away, but still looking at Greta's form shimmers as she walks through the sword. With narrowed eyes she reaches into his chest, grabbing the glowing mark and pulling out what looks like a small sun.
Harm gasps and falls to the ground. When he stands back up, he can only watch as it disappears from her palm. Enraged he slices at her, but it still passes through. The sword-tip thunks heavily to the ground, and as Harm tries to lift it, he can't. The hand moves again, startling him enough to drop the sword as it goes for where he's holding the sheath and then for his face.

The sword quivers before flying towards the sheath. With a gasp, Harm throws the sheath away from him. The two meet in the air, the sword going back into the sheath before they both fall to the ground. Harm turns to the girls. "I don't need the sword." He charges with his dagger, slicing at Greta but once again, it passes through her, throwing him off balance and giving Artemis ample time to kick the knife out of his hand. "So unfocused. It can't fight us while fighting itself." she quotes, anger clear in her tone, before delivering a hard elbow to the gut, then a hook to the face, then another hook face while he staggers, then a front kick. When he pulls his hands away from his face, Artemis spins the other way knocking him with a harsh hook that sends him rolling. He groans before falling unconscious.Zatanna step beside her, hand towards Harm. "Egnahc setholc otni sgnidnib." she says lowly. Harm's body moves as he coat binds his arms behind his back, then to his chest, while binding his legs together. Greta moves towards her grave, catching Artemis' attention. Then Zatanna's. She stands over her grave with a sad look. "We'll make sure you receive a proper burial. We won't forget you, Greta." Zatanna promises.
"Secret." she says before sinking into the grave again, this time wearing a smile.

"I still can't believe anyone could do that to his own sister. I mean, if my-" she cuts herself off.
"Your what?" Zatanna asks carefully. Artemis looks at her out of the corner of her eye, before turning to her with a sad look. "Artemis, talk to me. Secrets don't stay buried, obviously." she gestures to the grave. "It's better to bring them into the light." "I don't have any secrets." she says quickly. In the distance, Sirens are wailing, getting closer. "Cops are coming." she grouches. "We did blow up the kitchen." Zatanna muses. Artemis walks closer to the fence. "Zatanna, look." The diamond-shaped fence has a hole in it, where two of the boards are broken, through it they can see the neon front sign of Abel's House of Secrets, the magic store across the street. With the neon out on most of the sign, the only thing really visible is one word Secret. "Must have been the last thing Greta ever saw." Artemis murmurs Sadly.

Chapter Text

Mount Justice; November 5th, 19:47 EDT

Inside the Hangar Batman, Zatara, and Red Tornado watch as M'gann and Conner unload the BioShip. Kaldur, Spidey and Wally stand beside them, Wally's arm still in a cast while Kaldur is in uniform. "Did you get everything?" Batman asks. "Everything on your list, Batman," M'gann assures, "plus groceries." as she sets down one of the two boxes she's holding with her powers. Wally walks over and looks inside. "Cookie fixin's?" he asks excitedly. "Snickerdoodles!" she confirms. "Babe," Wally sighs, "you rock my world." While Kaldur and Conner undo the latches on the crates that Conner took off the BioShip. Artemis and Zatanna arrive in the elevator. "Glad you're back, Zatanna. Does this mean you're officially joining the Team?" she asks while looking at Xatara "Tup hcae meti ni reporp ecalp." Zatara incants, moving two boxes, directing them with his cane. Red Tornado uses his powers for the larger one. "I don't know." Zatanna sighs, "Zatara's so overprotective. I mean, just getting him to let me visit takes a full day wheedling. I wish he'd just give me a little space!" Suddenly all three of the Leaguers disappear, the boxes they were carrying crashing to the ground. Artemis gasps as Zatanna yelps "Dad!" which catches everyone else's attention and makes them realize what happened.

Soon enough Mount Justice is mostly dark, with only the screen giving light in the Training Deck. "We've set a- uhh- refugee center at the high school gym." Kid Flash says over the comm-lin but pauses for a second, while Robin and Zatanna keep typing away on separate holo-keyboards. "Any luck with-?" "No." Robin says lowly. "Can't reach the Batcave, the Hall of Justice, or the Watch-" he cuts himself off. "or any adult hero." he corrects quickly. "Even Red Arrow." "Guess we're on our own." Kid says. "Kid Flash, out." "Traditional media is offline." Zatanna confirms. But kids worldwide are all posting the same thing. Every adult, eighteen or older, has disappeared." Robin pauses in what he's doing to look her way. "The sorcery necessary to pull this off..." she finally turns towards Robin. "Scary big." "And we need you to find its source." he tells her. Zatanna looks stunned and confused. "How am I-?" "I pulled this footage." he cuts in, pulling up a video with only a few clicks. "It's your dad, helping us locate Wotan and the Injustice League, last month." The video starts, showing off Zatara stepping up to a virtual globe in the very room they're in. "Etacol retnecipe fo yrecros." the globe stops, and a red dot appears in Louisiana before the video stops. “But the- the words- I mean, it's only part of it. And the rest takes training and... Robin, I'm- I'm just not in Zatara's level." He fully turns towards her. "I know it's hard but try to stay whelmed. We'll find your dad, Batman, all of them. That's what we do." he gives her a small smile. She returns it, with a bit more hope in her eyes.

Happy Harbor; November 5th, 20:19 EDT

Inside a crashed car a baby is crying. Conner grabs the broken door and rips it off the car, throwing it away. Looking in at the small, probably toddler-aged, boy wearing a Supe
Hoodie. Conner eases the safety belts off, picking the kid with ease in one hand. Looking down at the kid with worry as he stares at him. The kid smiles, reaching out to put his hand over Conner's S, Conner smiles looking down at the boy's hand. As the boy pulls it away, Conner and he share a smile.

Happy Harbor High School

Two teens are using green spray paint on the walls of the school when suddenly they pull out of their hands and start spraying them in the head. The two teens run off and M'gann, looking like Megan, turns visible while floating in the air. Settling back down on the ground as Wally approaches with a young boy in his arms. Wally smiles at her in a job well done as the boy drinks out of his sippy cup. They both walk into the gymnasium. Where there are a few handfuls of groups of kids, the largest, and the youngest are on one of the laid-out mats while Artemis sits in front of some kids, on a larger stack of folded mats. Singing. "Twinkle, twinkle, little star," she stiffens. "Uhm..." then gives a careful smile. "...Yes sir, yes sir, Three bags full." she chuckles a little embarrassed, clearly realizing she mixed them up but The kids laugh too. "That's not "Twinkle, twinkle" that's "Baa Baa Black Sheep"!" one of the girls says through her laughs. Artemis bits her fingernail. "Um... Oh!" trying to remember. "Q-R-S-T-U-V..." The kids start laughing again. "That's ABC's!" Wally and M'gann walk up to Artemis who sends them a sour look. The boy holds up his sippy cup to Wally. "Oh, for me? Thank you!" taking it from him with a smile. As Spidey walked in holding a baby. Artemis stands up, facing them. "Did y ou call home?" she whispers. "No answer." Wally says lowly before looking at Spidey who looked away “My mom wasnt home either” "You could Zeta there." Artemis offers to Wally "I've been collecting kids all day." Wally points out, then drops his gaze to the floor. “I don't need to see another empty house."

The heroes jump as the gym slams open. Conner stands in the doorway, the boy from the car in his right arm against his stomach, a blonde girl on his shoulders, and a black-haired boy between his left arm and hip. "Got three more." He mused sounding tired. Spider-girls com-lin went off “We’re needed” Deme informed Wally who nodded slowly placing the boy down while Deme passed the baby to M’gann. The two teens headed outside, Wally took a breath making Spider-girl pause and look at him. He looked sad, upset “I know we dont have time to cry or freak out like normal teens” Spidey spoke as she walked over cupping his cheek and wiping a stray tear “But im here, if you need to talk, Wally” Wally stared at the mask heroine before nodding “right, sorry” Wally took a breath to collect himself before picking the Spider-themed hero up “let get to the cave”

"Attention, children and teenagers of Earth, I am Aqualad. These are my friends, Robin, Spider-girl and Kid Flash." Kaldur began to a live broadcast “We are using Justice League's tech to cast and stream to every TV, radio, computer, and smartphone on the planet." Robin explains.
"We know you must be scared and angry. We know with your parents missing, there's a temptation to run wild. But please... Stay calm." Kid Flash pleads. "We will find a way to bring the adults back." Spider-girl promises. "But for now, the oldest among you must step up." "Take care of your younger siblings." Robin instructs. "Take care of kids who have no one." Robin continues. "Protect them." Kid Flash instructs. "It is up to you." Aqualad concludes "Please... Help in any way you can." Spidey begged begs as the Live ended.

Soon enough Wally stands in his room, looking at Dr. Fate's helmet. "I finally got through to Atlantis." Kaldur says as he enters the open doorway, Wally turning to him. "No adults there, either." "So... Just how desperate are we?" Wally asks. They both look at the empty eyes of the helmet. "I mean... this thing... could definitely come in handy." Wally mutters. "Yes," Kaldur agrees tersely, "but we both know anyone who dons the helmet and allows Nabu to possess him may never be released from being Doctor Fate." "So... not that desperate." Wally confirms.
"Not yet." Kaldur says as they both look at the helmet. "Guys?" they both turn, finding Zatanna, decked out in her costume, leaning against the doorway. "I- I'm ready to try my father's locator spell."

The same globe that Batman pulled up for Zatara Robin pulls up in the Zeta Room.
Zatanna stands closest to it, one hand holding a wand the other empty but pointed towards the globe. "Etacol retnecipe fo yrecros!" Zatanna speaks her spell slowly, careful of each sound but with intent. A red dot pops up on the globe. "Coordinates locked. Roanoke Island!" Robin tells them as he types away on a holo-keyboard. "You did it!" “SHAZAM!" The group turned sharply to see a young boy stood behind them “It worked!” The boy turns slowly, finding the Team staring at him. "Where did you come from?" Kaldur asks quickly, as the Team walks up to him. "Who are you?" "Quick, read my mind!" he tells M'gann. Her eyes glow green and he simply smiles. She gasps as she comes back "He's Captain Marvel." she says, barely believing it.
"Yeah, and I'm Speedy Gonzales." Wally grouches, full of sarcasm. "Look, just because he believes he's Cap-" In a very Captain Marvel way, Billy cuts him off. "Gee, Wally," raising his left eyebrow as he does a small shrug that makes the movement of bending his elbows and raising his look fluid. "do I really have to bring you nachos and pineapples juice to get on your good side?" he swings his hands down to his hips as he tilts his head They all stare at him for a moment, before turning to M'gann who smiles.

"There will be threats in both dimensions, and we may not be familiar with our opponents." Batman says to Captain Marvel, with Red Tornado and Zatara at his side.
"But the key to this mission is a coordinated simultaneous attack." Kaldur points out to Billy.
"Agreed." Batman speaks. "Our best chance against sorcery is to strike fast, disrupt their efforts." "And hope the two dimensions merge naturally back into one." Aqualad confirms.
Zatanna nervously hugs herself behind him. Giovanni looks down.

Teekl meows as the gem hums and Klarion looks around for a moment, his eyes now back to normal. He turns to his right easily, throwing out his hand. Stopping three of Artemis' arrows and three of Robin's disks with a red shield. He turns towards them, glaring. "That's the best you can do?" The two, out in the open, can only stare. Klarion raises his hand, more red magic pouring from his hand, before flicking his hand up and red lightning strikes out towards Robin and Artemis. Superboy charges at him, catching Klarion's attention. Behind his back Aqualad charges at him with a hammer coming from his WaterBearers, Klarion catches him just out of th
of his eye. Then sees Wally charging at him at superspeed. Suddenly a red dome appears around the circle, knocking all three of them back. Zatanna slides in, raising her hands towards Klarion. "Etativel mih ffo eht margtnep!" A sigil blips on the dome. Klarion scoffs. "Baby magic." with a smirk he raises his hand, lazily pointing his sharp black nails at her. "Fi ehs stnaw ot etativel os yldab, tel reh." flicking his hand up at the incantation. Zatanna can only gape for a moment before she's sent flying back. Spider-girl swings up, catching the Witch before she hits the ground.M'gann levitates off the ground, throwing large rocks at the dome in an attempt to break it. Klarion opens his mouth wide and fire streams out of it. Kid Flash and Artemis end up near each other. "Listen," Kid whispers, "when Nabu possessed my body, he defeated Klarion by attacking the cat." Teekl sits outside the dome, licking her paw. Then turns towards them, hissing, her red eyes glaring down at them. "Good." she whispers, pulling an arrow back. "Not a big cat fan, anyway." The arrow flies through the air, but before it can reach the cat, Klarion reaches out and turns it into a green ball of yarn, which drops at Teekl's paws.

Klarion chuckles. "Show 'em what a familiar to a Lord of Chaos can do, Teekl." his eyes turn red as he turns both his palms towards her as she plays with her yarn. She morphs
housecat to the size of a bear and looking more like a sabretooth. Conner charges at the cat, only to get struct away by her paw to his face. Knocking him away and to his back, where he groans and closes his eyes. He opens his eyes, and then they snap open as he dodges to the side, narrowly avoiding a massive paw landing on his head. He backs up, trying to get his feet underneath him, but gets caught by her paw across the front of his chest, knocking him away, and she immediately chases after him.

Captain Marvel drops behind Wizard. Batman behind Blackbriar Thorn, throwing a Batarang at the villain, which he ducks under. As Batman rushes in, he raises a hand, and Batman gets caught around the center by vines that drag him up off the ground and pin him to a vine the size of a tree. Red Tornado lands behind Felix Faust, using his hands to create two individual tornados, which Felix counters with two strong streams of fire that slam into Red Tornado's chest. From in the clouds, Zatara raises his cane. "Nommus eht gninthgil!" he incants. Crashing lightning to the four magicians in the Circle. The gem in the center rings with power as the lightning stretches from the magicians to it. Zatara winces.

The crystal chimes in Klarion's dimension as well. He grunts. "So, you teamed up with the grown-ups. Teamwork is so overrated." the crystal still thrums with blue. With a swee
hand, Klarion sends the lightning towards the Team. “I got it!” Spidey called running infront of the group as she absorbs the power, but Artemis and Robin get sent flying. Zatanna rushes over to them, dropping to her knees. "Artemis! Robin!" She looks up, seeing Spidey fall to her knees as the lightning overwhelms her, and Kid Flash charging at the dome but gets struck by lightning bouncing off the Heroine. Zatanna worries for a moment before turning to a rock. Raising her hand. "TemleH fo etaF, laever flesruoy!" The golden helmet sits in wait.

Wizard lifts large rocks from the ground in front of him, throwing them at Captain Marvel.
He punches through three, only for two halves to come together to try and crush him. For a moment it nearly looks like it works, but he breaks out. "Captain, wait!" Zatara says, dropping so he's closer to Captain Marvel's height off the ground. "That mystic gem, Ambrejin Verdu, is the conduit of this sorcery. Without it, nothing can keep apart two worlds meant to be one." He turns slightly over his shoulder. "I'll tell the Team." he promises. "SHAZAM!"

In a flash of lightning he's seeing Spidey still being hit by the lightning but Kaldur took over taking it. "It's the-" he starts but is cut off by a blue glove covering his mouth. "Don't shout, Billy. I've linked you telepathically to the others." M'gann tells him. "That is so cool." Billy geeks for a moment. "I mean, it's the gem, at the center of the pentagram. Destroy it and we win!" The rock around the helmet disappears fully. "That's all I needed to know." Zatanna says lowly, picking it up. Spider-girl turns over her shoulder, the only person close enough to hear her. "Zatanna!" "Stop!" Kid cries out, pushing himself up on his casted arm. Zatanna doesn't listen and raises the Helmet over her head and resting it down. Her gaze intense before her pupils suddenly shrink and Nabu's glow overtakes them. Now in Fate's iconic outfit, Zatanna's body flies in the sky. Fate's symbol appearing behind them. "Klarion!" their voices don't meld, they're two polar opposites, but they speak over each other. "This ends now!" Klarion stares for a moment before gritting his teeth. "Billy, tell Zatara!" Miss Martian commands. "R-right, yeah." he says shakily. "SHAZAM!" Miss Martian turns away from the flash of light that hits Billy in the chest.
Klarion brings both his hands together, aiming the beam they create at Fate. Nabu does the same. The two of them meeting just outside the barrier of the dome.

Spikes pop out from Batman's arm guards, cutting the vines and dropping him. On his fall, he turns, throwing two Batarangs at the tree. Then landing on his feet in a crouch just before it explodes. He takes off back into the fight. Captain Marvel floats by Zatara, who is protecting them with a red shield as Blackbriar Thorn, Wotan try to break through it. "She did what?" Zatara hisses. Go back right now and-" "No. The sooner we end this, the sooner you can help your daughter." he cuts him off sternly before he smiles in a familiar way. "Keep the bad guys distracted. I have an idea." Taking off beyond the safety of the shield. "Speed of Mercury! Power of Zeus!" as he loops back down, he starts to spin. When he hits the ground, he burrows right through.

Klarion summons magic in his hand, it crackles but stays a steady ball of magic. He starts throwing them harshly at Doctor Fate Who flies around the explosions they create. Coming to a stop and creating a gold bolt of lightning that when it hits the dome doesn't do anything.
Miss Martian moves the still unconscious Artemis and Robin, to a safe spot, while Aqualad, Spider-girl and Kid Flash keep her covered. Even though Klarion and Teekl are busy. Miss Martian takes to the sky. Aqualad turns to the speedster. "Go, Kid." Kid takes off in the opposite direction, nearly seeming to be running away from the fight. Aqualad pulls out his WaterBearers, creating two hammers before charging at the dome. Now Fate, Spider-girl, Miss Martian, and him are all attacking it. As Fate continues to fly around, for a moment Zatanna without the helmet on blips into existence. Enough for her to gasp and fall a foot before Doctor Fate returns.
Klarion, now with his eyes red again, and his features less human-like laughs at the Lord of Order. "There, see?" Zatanna fades in and out of existence. "When the world's divide
Helmet split too. You're not all here, Nabu! And you are losing in whole, and that poor, soon-to-be-dead girl!" He chuckles a little. "She gave herself for nothing..." "No, Witch Boy." Doctor Fate pulls their right arm back, bright gold light gathering in that hand. "Fate decrees her sacrifice will not be in vain!" A harsh bolt of golden magic slams into the dome, this one causes Klarion to take cover. Miss Martian picks up larger rocks and continues throwing them at the dome while Aqualad continues to beat his hammers against them and Spider-girl using her strength to punch the Barrier "No! No, no, no, no, no!" Klarion shouts, losing the integrity of the barrier. The physical backlash of it coming down knocks him on his knees. "No!" Doctor Fate shoots another beam of gold magic at Klarion. Creating a Fate's cross that captures his wrists and his neck to keep him from running away. "Now, Kid!" Aqualad calls. Kid runs past the still unconscious archer and bird, snagging the gem from right in front of Klarion, skidding to a stop and turning. "Doc, catch!" throwing the gem high.

Captain Marvel breaks out of the ground in the center of the circle, disrupting every magician. As he comes to a stop, he turns to Zatara. "Zatara, catch!" "Yam eht owt emoceb eno ecno erom!" The two say their incantation at the same time. The two dimensions snap back together. The four adult magicians fall to the ground, and Klarion is left glaring from his spot. He innocently looks up at Fate. "Boy, they sure don't make evil immortal sorcerers like they used to." he says nonchalantly, if he could he'd probably shrug. "Oh, well." he snaps his fingers, and Fate's cross disappears and he stands up straight. "Fun as it lasted." he brushes off the dirt from his suit. "Teekl!" he calls. The cat is still snarling over Superboy but stops when she hears the Lord of Chaos clap. Running over to him and her size returning to normal until her snarls turn into mews and jumps into his arms. Zatara, Batman, Red Tornado, Captain Marvel, Aqualad, Spidey and Miss Martian can only stare. Unable to move before he opens a large red portal, turning towards them directly. "See you later, armadillos! Unless I see you first!" then laughing he jumps through the portal, closes behind him.

Kid speeds in front of Fate. "Aren't you gonna stop him?" he demands. "To what end?" they question. "Klarion is Chaos personified. He cannot be contained." Batman ties up Blackbriar Thorn, Wotan, and Felix Faust. Robin and Artemis work themselves back to their feet, Robin groans holding his left arm. "Did we win?" he asks. "At a cost." Aqualad replies, all of them keeping their backs to Doctor Fate, who still hovers in the air. No longer flickering. Zatara steps closer and only when he steps between them do, they turn and follow him, and eventually his gaze. "Fate!" Zatara calls. Doctor Fate turns their head. "Great Nabu, my daughter." "No." Nabu's voice snarls underneath Zatanna's nearly dead tone. "Witnesses the havoc wrought in these hours. The world needs Doctor Fate, and the girl's natural affinities for the Mystic Arts makes her the perfect candidate." "You can't do that!" Spidey snaps as she ran over "She has her own life to live!" Robin shouts "Kent would never allow you-" Kid snarls. Fate cuts him off. "Kent Nelson did object," they turn towards him, glaring him down, "strenuously, so I released his spirit to the afterlife. He is gone." Kid can only stare wide-eyed before exchanging looks with his teammates.Kent was gone?

Giovanni steps up. "Take me, instead. My skills are already at their peak. My body is physically stronger, better able to withstand the strength of your power." "All true." Fate agrees. "But if I remove the helmet, what guarantee have I that you will don it?" "My word." he raises his hands out, open to Fate. "Ekat em daetsni." Fate lowers out of the sky, landing before Zatara. Easing the Helmet off, the costume disappears as well. Only when Zatanna's eyes open does she seem back to awareness. Her gaze brightens, clearly unaware of what her father agreed to. "Dad!" Giovanni reaches out and pulls her into a hug. "Zatanna!" when they pull apart Giovanni looks at her sadly. "Remember, I love you." kissing her on the forehead. Taking the helm
her grasp before turning to the Team and the Leaguers. "Take care of my girl." "You have my word." Batman confirms. Zatara lifts the helmet and Robin quickly moves to Zatanna's side as her eyes go wide and she realizes what's happening. "No, please!" she pushes the bird off, but he sticks close “This was my fault! Dad, don't! Dad!" The Helmet settles, and his green eyes close, flashing gold with Nabu's power. Zatanna reaches out, hesitantly for her father, but Fate turns away. "Leave these to the Fate." levitating the villains and disappearing in a gold flash.
Zatanna drops to her knees, Robin following her down as Artemis and Kid Flash running over to her.

Wally runs through the streets, up the stairs only slowing when he reaches his front door. “Mom? Dad?" Wally calls out. The two of them come around the corner into the living room.
Wally can't keep from smiling, running to hug his mom and his holding both of them. Artemis kneels on the floor hugging her mom around the waist and her mom tucks her head under her chin and holds her shoulders. “Mom!” Spider-girl ripped her mask off as she ran into her mothers arms “My Baby” Annabelle, whispered holding her daughter closely.

Mount Justice; November 7th, 09:16 EST

Wally looks at his souvenir shelf, where the missing space is. Spidey Then lifts the sippy cup he was given. His lip turns up and he places it where the helmet used to be. M'gann, Artemis, and Robin all help Zatanna move boxes in. "And my room is right next door. If you need anything." M'gann says while Artemis stretches out her sore back an sets down his box. "Thanks. I, uh, could use a little alone time. Okay?" she asks numbly. "Of course." Artemis assures. They all leave, though Robin keeps his eye on Zatanna as he lets M'gann walk in front of him before following the two girls out. He pauses at her doorway, turning over his shoulder to look her way for turning back and walking out. Closing the door behind him. Alone, Zatanna sits on her bed and can't hold back her sobs.

Chapter Text

Central City; November 11th, 07:16 CST

Wally, sleeping on his stomach, doesn't even raise his head at his alarm as his hand searching for the alarm button. As his hand hits the button, half the number is covered by dirty laundry. He groans, then rolls over letting out a loud yawn. His eyes snap open. "Hey! Sweet 16!" he rockets into position, dancing a little as he sings in his head. That's right, it's my birthday. Arm's all better. Got my cast off too. He looks out his window, smiling brightly. And it's snowing?
is gonna be a good day. The teen beamed to himself as he jumped out of bed.

Downstairs, his mom, Mary West makes a large stack of French Toast before bringing it to the table and placing it in front of Wally, who had sped down stairs and to the table “"Happy birthday, Wally." she says. "Oh, my favorite breakfast!" he cheers. "Heaping piles of everything!" there are large bowls of sausages, deviled eggs, and hashbrowns as well as plates of bacon and waffles and a container of Orange Juice. Along with a metal container of Syrup. "Thanks, Mom." Wally reaches out with his fork grabbing a sausage and a French Toast slice and digging in. His father, who was reading the paper chuckles. "You know, if you ever come up for air, I can take you to the DMV to get your driver's license after school. This weather will be a good proving ground." Rudy admits placing his news paper down. Wally hums, grabbing an egg with his fork. "Not really in a big rush to drive, Dad. 'Cause, you know, I'm me." Wally says nonchalantly. Rudy gives a short single laugh. "You certainly are." "Plus, the Team's throwing me a big surprise party this afternoon at the Cave." Wally informs, then takes a large drink of orange juice as he grabs another slice of toast. Then putssyrup on the toast. "In school today, ask your teacher the definition of "surprise"." he tells his son. Wally spreads butter over the slices of bacon he has on top of a fried egg on a waffle. "You want surprised? Just watch Spider-girls expression when I collect my birthday kiss” Wally stacks a second waffle on top to turn it into a sandwich. He kisses the waffle sandwich and lets out a short laugh. Mary turns on the TV with a smile "Well, I have a surprise for you. Or at least your Aunt Iris does." On the GBS News Channel Iris sits in the main chair. "And a special shout-out to my nephew Wally wishing him a very happy 16th birthday” "So cool!" Wally cheers. "Now for school closures." Iris continues. "The following schools have declared today a snow day: Dubuc Elementary, Spisak Junior High, Central City High, Keystone High," "Oh, yes!" Wally cheers. Could life get any sweeter?

Mount Justice; November 11th, 16:05 EST

Recognize: Kid Flash; B-0-3

Wally beams as he walks out the Zeta Tube, wearing his red turtleneck, dark heavy-duty pants, tucked into black boots, and an open brown jacket with fur on the hood that is pulled down.

Zeta Tube Network now off-line due to extreme atmospheric conditions.

Wally walks through the empty training area, "Whoa!" he says to himself. "I just made it." he walks into the darkened living room, though the kitchen lights are still on. "Be a tragic if missed my own-" The lights snap on, causing him to reel back. "Surprise!" the entire team, Flash, and Red Tornado are all there. With a large banner 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' with presents and cake
coffee between the two couches. Wally massively overplays his surprise. "What?!" hitting it rather high in the drawn-out word. "Oh, you guys. You shouldn't have." "Right” Robin chuckles sarcastically, "not like you've been hinting for days or anything." Wally kneels down in front of the coffee table, two cakes in front of him as he now wears a party hat on his head. "We made two cakes." M'gann tells him. "Awesome!" Wally cheers. "What'll you guys eat?" "We'll split the cupcake” Spider-girl nudged him “Make a wish." "Way ahead of you." Wally flirts before blowing out all the candles on both cakes.

Wally looks at Spidey out of the corner of his eye as she cuts the cake. "You know, if I tell you my wish, it won't come true. But if you guess..." he trails, smirking. Ignoring him,
hands him the first slice of cake. "Nope. Guess again." Wally tried but Spidey pulled up her mask enough to kiss his cheek “Happy birthday, Wall-man" Wally sighs a little, disappointed not noticing Artemis' lips twitch into a small smile. Not quite smug. Soon enough Kaldur and Conner talk to the Flash while Zatanna remains bundled up in her jacket with her hat still on as well. Robin offers two pieces of cake, the plate being the first thing she sees out of the corner of her eye. She turns, "You settling in here okay?" the Boy Wonder asks low, but genuinely. Zatanna takes the plate from him. Looking away. "Oh, yeah. It's just like home." Robin frowns briefly before continuing. "I know this is all very new and intimidating, but I promise you someday..." Wally slams an entire piece of cake into his mouth, chomping physically unable to close his mouth with the size of the bite he took- and spilling crumbs everywhere. "you'll get used to watching Wally eat." Robin finishes with a smirk. "Think we should tell him?" Artemis asked as She walked over to the pair. All three watch as Wally flirts with M'gann as she cuts another slice. "You're getting warmer, babe, but I could make you warmer still." Robin looked over to Spidey who was chatting with Flash. Robin raises an eyebrow, looking to Artemis. "He is the only one who doesn't know." "Then, please," Artemis says downright smug, "allow me." Wally watches as M'gann stands up, while Artemis moves nearly unnoticed to sit on the couch just behind his right shoulder as M'gann walks away. Robin and Zatanna can't hear what Artemis tells him as she places a hand on his shoulder and whispers in his ear, but they can see his eyes widen, as he turns to look at her before looking towards M'gann and Conner. M'gann feeds Conner a piece of cake, which results in some frosting getting stuck on his lip. Wally's mouth drops open as M'gann wipes it off. She giggles as she licks it off her own thumb. "Oh, man." the male whines "Attention, Team. Suit up." Batman says over the loudspeakers. "Polar Stealth. Mission briefing in five."

Soon enough Batman is on the large screen in the Zeta Room, the entire team- including Zatanna- are wearing their costumes, except their all-white or shades of pale grey. "Where's Flash?" Wally asks. "Flash and Red Tornado already have their assignments." Batman says as he flies through the storms in the BatPlane. "A massive ice storm has paralyzed North America from coast to coast. Satellite imagery has detected five flying ice fortresses, source unknown," Batman explained "which seem to be responsible and must be stopped. "Can't the Watchtower blow them out of the sky or something?" Wally questions. Spidey sends him a look, while Zatanna's the one who voices their question of "What's a Watchtower?" Batman sighs, heavily, sending a look toward Kid Flash. "The League's orbiting headquarters is not weaponized. And with both Green Lanterns off-world, I need all hands on deck” Robin's eyes widen behind his mask. "Does that mean what I think it means?" he asks, unable to keep the slight edge of joy from coming out in his voice. "The League and the team fighting side-by-side?" Spidey asked stepping forward, almost vibrating in excitement "Whoa! Really?" Wally questions from the other side of the lineup. Now that's a birthday wish come true.

"Superboy, use the Super-Cycle to rendezvous with the BatPlane at Ice Fortress 1." Batman commands. "You'll drop off Robin, Spider-girl and Aqualad, then continue on with Wolf to meet u there. Black Canary and Red Tornado at Ice Fortress 2. Miss Martian, Artemis, Zatanna take the Bio Ship and rendezvous with Green Arrow and Martian Manhunter at Fortress 3. Other will deal with Fortresses 4 and 5. Sending all coordinates now." Wally pauses for a moment, , then steps forward a little. "Uh, Batman? I think you skipped..." "Kid Flash," Batman starts, Wally absolutely beams, "a young girl in Seattle is in desperate need of a heart transplant. With all conventional air traffic grounded by the storm, you need to pick up the donor heart in Boston and run it 3,000 miles cross country." Wally's face falls into pure distraught. He can't seriously expect me to skip the first-ever League-Team team-up? Wally winced "Who is this girl?" he questions. Batman's eyes narrow. "Does it matter?" "No, of course not," Wally says with a serious level of disappointment, "but can't we Zeta...?" "Zeta-Tubes are offline." Robin cuts in. "Sorry." "Right." Wally says with a forced smile. "Then how can I say no?" Seriously, how? "Guess I won't be needing stealth." Wally hits his logo with his fist, his suit returns to the classic
yellow and red coloring. "Speedy Delivery Boy, at your service." Spider-girl noticed the speedster defleat slightly making her bite her lip.

The ramp opens up into the mountain and Wally runs out of the Mountain. "Law enforcement across the country has been alerted to your mission and is clearing your route." Batman says over the radio in Wally's suit. He looks down at his computer screen on his right wrist, looking at the route they're sending him through Wally glances up just in time to see the BioShip fly off. He moves left while SuperCycle drives past him before taking off into the air. Wally huffs. "Lucky stiffs." “Lucky indeed” A reve of a motorbike caught the speedsters attention. “Spidey? W-what are you-” “I told Batman, it might be better for me to go as well” The spider themed heroine smirked at him “Given how clumsy you can be plus easily distracted” The girl teased lightly. Wally sent her a thankful look, glad he wasnt the only one missing out. Thankfully the bike was close to his speed atleast.

Boston; November 11th, 16:26 EST

Lightning cracks in the sky, while the roads are caught in a gridlock and cars honk at each other.
The roads are lined with cars on either side, but the middle is completely clear for Kid Flash and Spider-girl to run/Drive past. Every few hundred feet there are cop cars with their lights flashing. In one of the gridlocked roads, there is a fully loaded dump truck that is stuck between the two rows they're making. "Put your backs into it. We have to clear this road." one of commands, five people physically try to help push it out of the way. Too late. Too late. Wally gripes, kicking off the ground to bounce off the stopped buses to get on top of a third before jumping down onto the top of the hood of a car to keep running. Spider-girl touched a button on her boke. Allowing a web to connect to a truck. She drove up it and off easily.

At the entrance of Boston General Hospital, four doctors/nurses stand outside, with a backpack in one of their hands, while one of them looks down at her watch. Wally skids to a stop before them, breathing a little heavily. "Someone order a pizza?" The woman answers while one of the men puts the pack on Wally's back. "What you're delivering is considerably more precious to a girl whose life depends on it." Spider-girl skidded to a stop on her bike “he means Duh, I meant: did anyone order a pizza for him?" "A guy burns a lot of calories running a few MPH shy of the speed sound” Wally patted his stomach with a cheeky Grin. "Sorry, no." the doctor didn't sound remotely sorry. "Now, listen." she commands. "This pack is heavily insulated for shock absorption but that doesn't mean the organ within needs a extraneous jostling." she checks the pack resting against Wally's back. "So no krumping. Got it." Wally jests. "Your PDA?" she commands. "You have four hours to deliver the heart before it's no longer viable." the four-hour countdown has already started. "Is that clear?” “Crystal." Spidey states firmly as she revved her bike "Then go." she says sternly. He still gives her a flirtatious smile before running off. Guess asking for her number's pointless

Chicago; November 11th, 16:49 CST

On the inside of a line of cop cars is a line of police officers. "Do you see them?" one asks. "Nope." the one beside him intones. The Duo zips past the line of officers. "Did you see the,?" he questions excitedly. "Nope." he intones again. Deme looks down at her timer as did Wally . 02:38:46. Making decent time at least. He flips to the map. I'm at max speed now, but if I push it maybe I can dump this load, save the girl, and head to the real action. He switches over to a Newsfeed on one of the Ice Fortresses.

The BatPlane comes to a stop beside the flying fortress, dropping several small grenades on the surface, knocking out the weaponry on that side of the fortress. Robin swings in beside his mentor- now in completely opposing colors to the Dark Knight, it's almost jarring- landing on another one of the mounted turrets. Planting a grenade flipping off it and landing on the surface just before it explodes. Behind him, Aquaman and Aqualad run over to the other side of the fortress. Aqualad ducks behind a corner to avoid the shots, but Aquaman continues to run forward, ducking under the shot. Aquaman stops, grabbing the lip of one of the plates, pushing it up to block the next shot. Pulling out a WaterBearer Aqualad runs up behind Aquaman, kicks off his shoulder as a second shot hits the barrier. Aquaman looks at his protege, slightly stunned, but Aqualad moving, swings his whip-like WaterBearer at the turret. Destroying it in one fell swoop. Flash runs past him, running literal circles around the next turret to avoid the shots, before grabbing one end and using his built-up force to easily rip it off the mount.
Oh, come on! Wally gripes. Robin and Aqualad with Batman, Aquaman, and Flash? Who's missing from this picture? Wally glances at Spider-girl, she didnt even seem slightly upset about missing out on the team up of the century. “Wally!” Spidey called making Wally gasp as something just barely catches his attention beyond his screen. "Uh-oh." he hops over a couple of the still cars then uses one of the pile-ups to get onto the bridge across the highway. "Need to find me a little detour." He called to Spidey who nodded, following close behind. Wally whines to himself as he runs through an alley between rows of restaurants and fast-food shops. I'd give this heart for a double chili-cheeseburger or a, mm, taco or, ooh, a Chicken Whizee. Spidey and Wally cuts across, using a slight hill to get back on the highway.

South Dakota; November 11th, 16:13 MST

The duo now run’Drive on the completely open interstates. His timer continues to tick down.
02:14:10
02:14:09

"Their due past here any minute." a Ranger says, looking down at his watch. "Lovely." a low voice says, the four Rangers look up, seeing an intimidatingly large figure standing on the top bridge, standing on the guard rails. "Now all I have to do is get his attention. Any ideas?" he completely disappears as he drops off the rail. He lands in a plume of snow, immediately lashing out. Kicking one in the stomach and punching another in the face. A third charges at him with his baton, Vandal moves out of the way and knocks him to the ground with ease. The fourth jumps at him from behind, grabbing him around the neck. Vandal easily grabs him by the arm, throwing him over his shoulder and into the two Rangers running at him. Another Ranger gets to his feet, pulls out his baton, and charges at Vandal with a yell With a manic grin, Vandal turns towards the man, grabbing him by the collar of his jacket. Spidey and Wally runs past, only catching sight of Vandal once their even with him due to the snow cover. What was that? Who was that?

Spidey looked at her timer before turning sharpy heading back to the Vandal “We cant leave them!” She called as Vandal lifts the limp Ranger over his head. Spider-girl jumped off the bike sending it into Vandal who flew backward and the Ranger over him to crash into a snowpile.
Vandal stands up, glaring at Spider-Girl. "Go! Get out of here!" Wally shouts, turning slightly towards the group behind him. "we'll handle Vandal." Wally assured as he came to a stop besides his team mate. "You'll handle me?" Vandal questions, grabbing Wally by the hair and pulling him off the ground. "Little Hero, do you really think you have what it takes to survive Vandal Savage?" Vandal taunts his smile going wide. Wally winces under the pull on his hair.
Spider-girl lashes out with a kick to Vandal's stomach, allowing the speedster to do a complet a full flip before he comes back down. Aiming both his feet for Vandal's face. Vandal's smugness turns to anger as Wally lands on the ground with ease, sliding only a little before taking off back towards Vandal. Vandal throws a wide cross that Spider-girl slides under, letting her knees whisk the snow cover. Wally ran Going to grab Vandal's ankle, but Vandal jumps away from the hold, leaving Wally open for his uppercut and threw him into Spider-girl who had originally running towards them. This guy is so going down. Wally and Deme thought in anger.
"When I heard authorities were cordoning off this highway for a speedster, I assumed I'd be confronting Flash himself. He and I are due for a reckoning." Wally stands up straight “I suppose I must settle for making him miserable by killing his brat Sidekick and his little girlfriend instead." Wally's eyes move from Vandal to slightly to the right but further behind him. Troopers are safely out of range. Wally lets his smirk overcome his calm smile. Good. Frees us up to show Savage just what a brat Sidekick can do. Without even sparing a glance, the two takes off towards the large man.

The turrets fire rapidly at SuperCycle, while Superboy dodges the fire Black Canary lets out her iconic cry. Weakening the fortress. The SuperCycle controls her own flight while Superboy and Wolf jump onto the surface of the fortress, just behind the still firing turret. Superboy yanks it out at the base, Wolf bites through the wires. Disconnecting it as electricity flashes. Superboy throws it into the air, Red Tornado- above the fortress- catches it with his tornado sending it back at the fortress. Right into another turret that blows upon impact.

Wally runs full-on at Vandal pushing at his chest and sending the mammoth of a man skidding backward. Kind of bashing my head into a brick wall, here. Need a new approach Wally narrows his eyes before taking off harshly to the left. "Well, you're truly running circles around me." Vandal comments, watching Wally run around him. Keeping him in his sights. "How will I cope?" his eye jilts for a second before he moves fluidly as he tries to grab Wally but his hand gets pushed away by Spider-girl who uses her Venom Strike to hit Vandal between the shoulder blades before she jumps back, allowing Wally to start his circles again. Wally's timer beeps.
01:59:57
01:59:56
01:59:55

What am I doing? Sure, I'd love to finish trashing the big jerk, but that won't save the girl. Wallu finishes the circle around Vandal before Picking up Spidey and takes off on their original path. Vandal pulls a pocket watch out of his breast pocket. It ticks as he opens it. "It should suffice." he says to himself looking in the direction Wally ran off.

Montana; November 11th, 17: 00 MST

Wally keeps running, glancing down at his watch.

01:18:35.

“We Wasted about fifteen minutes on Savage, Drop me” Spidey ordered earning a surprise look from Wally “im weighing you down and your most likely starving” “I can still reach Seattle on time, even with you” Wally assured as he held the girl closer Dude, you are so running on fumes right now. That Battle didn't help with that either. He huffs at himself making Spider-girl grab his face as he continued to walk “forget the hunger. Forget the freezing temp. Forget the windchill.
Just go. Go, Wally!” Spider-girl ordered. The words seemed to set a fire in the male as he nodded, pushing himself further

Lightning cracks behind one of the Ice Fortresses and the BioShip flies in, unleashing a red laser beam that slices through the turrets firing away with ease. Inside the Fortress Green Arrow and Artemis stand back-to-back, firing off arrows.On the outside surface of the Fortress Martian Manhunter yanks a turret free with his superhuman strength. Miss Martian flies up to one of the vents pushing out snow and uses her telekinesis to seal it shut. Watching how it bulges, and as she flies away how it explodes behind her. "Erif nrub, nordluac elbbub!" Zatanna incants, her hands moving from in front of her hips, pointed at the Fortress to coming together in front of her with her first two fingers fire erupts on the surface of the Fortress just before the whole thing explodes and comes crashing down.

Seattle; November 11th, 17:00 PDT

In front of the Hospital, a nurse stands before the Emergency entrance, looking down at his watch for a moment before looking back up at the sky and turning back to head into
heated building. Wally skids in the parking lot, losing his footing and falling on his butt, skidding all the way until he is well under the overhang in front of the entrance of the hospital. Spider girl stumbled as she stood up. A black-haired, compared to the light brunet or blonde that was there, nurse runs up to him the second he comes to a stop. "Kid Flash, Spider-girl-” “w-we made it. we;re here." Spider-girl spoke as she took the box from Wally and held it out to the male who looked saddened by the box "I'm... I'm sorry." the man says slowly. "You're too late."
Wally looks at him dumbly before looking at his wrist. "No, no. Look, I've got almost 20 minutes to spare." The speedster showed him the timer too."I know, but she passed away 12 minutes ago." the nurse says sadly. "Twelve? Twelve minutes?" he questions, his voice sounding not only disbelieving but also heartbroken. Spider-girls legs seemed to give out from shock, the box tightly against her chest "Please, don't blame yourself." the nurse grabs Kid flash’s shoulders as he works his way to his feet. "I'm sure you got here as fast as you could." Spidey ducks her head and squeezes his eyes shut before turning his left shoulder to the nurse. Twelve minutes. The fight took fifteen. Wally buries his face in his hands as the nurse takes the heart and puts it in his jacket. "Maybe another recipient can be found." he says as he turns away and heads inside. Wally groans and helps Spider-girl up. The two follows him inside, mentally checked out as they sits on the bench closest to the door. Wally sighs as a patient walks by with his IV stand, then clues into the sounds coming from the TV. "Superman, Captain Marvel, and Doctor Fate have brought down a fourth ice fortress." "Kid Flash, Spider-girl" the heroes attention snaps to the source finding three nurses heading, nearly running, towards him. "We've been waiting for you. Where is the queen's heart?" Spider-girl look at each other and then looks at them, confused "The girl's dead so now the heart's going to a queen?" "The girl is the queen. Queen Perdita of Vlatava, age ten." the man informs. "And she's not dead, but she is running out of time.” The two eyes skate to the side as they hears this, putting it together in their head in a matter of a moment. “We've been conned!” Wally grits his teeth and gets back to his feet. When he stands, he can see just past two of the nurses' arms the man he gave the heart to get in the elevator, the heart still wrapped and hidden in his jacket. Wally takes off past the nurses in an instant, Spidey close behind.

Wally braces with his hands against the now-closed elevator doors but glances up at the arrows Showing that it's going down. His boots screech as he speeds to the door and rockets down the stairs. Heading all the way down to the lowest levels and into the garage. Spider-girl grunted as she landed on the ground, from jumping down, Just in time to see the man passing the heart through the window of a car with tinted windows. “Hey!” Spider-girl yelled as she used her Webs to steal back the box. The man only stares at his empty hands for a few seconds before pulling out a handgun and firing at Spider-girl. A blur picked the girl up intime to dodge them. Two people step out of the front of the car and using automatics at the two. Love to take these creeps out but can't put the heart at risk... again. One of the men is blocking the stairs, but not firing at him until he gets a little closer. Wally kicks off the pillars, heading sharply in the other direction, heading for the car exit. The speedster is hit with a sudden wave that has his knees giving out from under him. He manages a few sloppy rolls that allowed Deme to fall a bit further with the heart tucked to her chest “This is Famillair” The girl groaned. Behind them stands a familiar pale blonde man. Spider-girl inches her way forward, too nauseated from Vertigo to try and get her feet back up. Wally groaned almost pinned by the feeling . "Crawling away. Is the young Hero reduced to that?" Count Vertigo taunts as he walked past Kid flash “ "Hey, I'm not proud." Wally throws over his shoulder. "Apparently." Vertigo muses. And not defeated either. Wally thinks. Not when I still have one weapon left: My big mouth. Wally thought to himself as he pushed his head up "I don't get it, Vertigo. You were defeated with the rest of the InJustice League. How are you're not in Belle Reve Prison with your putrid pals?" "As a member of the Vlatavan royal family, I have immunité diplomatique," Vertigo informs, "as long as no crimes against Vlatava can be proven against me." he muses. "But when the queen needed a heart, Count Heartless heard opportunity knock. The ice fortresses were all part of the plan to murder your niece. And Savage, he intentionally helped as a favor to you!" Spidey snaps. Vertigo chuckles a little. "It is nice to have friends." He raises the sword out of its sheath. "Now, shall we see if I can kill two hearts with one blow?" Vertigo asked Wally whos eyes widned "Take your best shot." Deme growls, then slides the heart along a long patch of ice. Sending it under a parked car, and when Vertigo turns to watch it Wally kicks his legs out from under him, Sending the Count down with a thud. Wally breathes heavily but charges at the gunmen. Kicking each one with enough time and force to bounce off and land on the next one landing solidly on the ground. "Enough." Vertigo growls, once again back on his feet and in front of Wally.
Wally groans, but grips his head but Spidey pushes through his powers, shoulder-checking a surprised Count in the stomach and sending him flying. Wally jumps on top of Vels
chest, going for the transmitter on his head. "Love to continue this love fest, Count," he gets it off and turns his back on him, already running. "but you're not my priority." Wally slides on the ice so that he slides under the parked car, and followed Spider-girl who seemed to limp towards the exit. The speedster picked her up quickly. As they comes through the emergency doors, the glass automatic doors shattering as he charges through them. the rolls through it, coming to a stop at the feet of the nurses he left. "Take it. Go!" Spidey begged her masked ripped slightly, her eye and her cheek visible. The lead nurse takes it from him. "Right. Right. Transplant team to O.R. Two, stat." The three head into an elevator, the two groaned as they fell to the floor “S-spidey” Wally groaned reaching out but quickly became unconscious.

Seattle; November 12th, 06:39 PDT

Wally comes to, seeing a familiar face at the foot of his hospital bed. "Count Vertigo." he growls, hearing a heart rate monitor beep rhythmically. "That's King Vertigo to you, peasant." he corrects. "King?" Spider-girl asks, her mask on the side of her bed, Wally didnt look at her still focused on the count. "Perdita is dead." Vertigo informs. "And the beauty of it is I never laid a hand on her." "And now no one can lay a hand on you." Wally snarls. "As King of Vlatava, I'm untouchable." Vertigo confirms. "Let's test that theory!" Wally snaps, going to sit up, but something catches in his chest and he grips it as he yelps in pain. "Ow." Vertigo raises a hand. "Now, now, little Hero, you'll pull your stitches. Besides, who exactly are you mad at, hmm? She died on the table. All that planning, all that effort, neither need have bothered." Deme moves into a more proper sitting position slowly. "Right, and now it must kill you to know that you owe favors to Vandal Savage and- I'm guessing- five ice Villains” Deme questions but Vertigo taps his sword against his hand. "Not at all. They played their roles in my attempt to rid Vlatava of Perdita. We couldn't know it was unnecessary." "So you all still deserve credit for attempted murder." Wally gripes. "It's called regicide." he growls. "It's called..." Wally parrots the Count and suddenly reaches out to the curtain at his left side, "you're busted, jerkface." revealing two agents, and a young girl with the same blonde

Vertigo along with vibrant green eyes. "I believe you know Queen Perdita." Vertigo's eyes shrink as he stares in fear. "No!" Perdita holds up a recording device. Vertigo saying, "It's called regicide." plays back. "Count Werner Vertigo, as Queen of Vlatava, I hereby accuse you of high treason against the Crown and revoke your diplomatic immunity." she says with all the power she know has. Though with her accent the W in his name comes out more as a V. "No!" Vertigo shouts again, this time pulling out his sword, but it gets stopped by Deme IV stand and clatters to the floors as the two agents charge at him. Deme and Wally walks up to the Count, only setting down his stand once he's in front of him. "Send this clown to Belle Reve." "Well played, children. Admittedly, well played. This round goes to you." he starts getting dragged out of the room. "And please, by all means: allow the victory to go to your head” Wally picks up the sword and sheath, returning the sheath back over the sword before turning to the young Queen. "Thank you. Your plan worked, perfectly." she holds up the playback, smiling. "Well, when we woke up and found out you were in recovery, we knew Vertigo would make another attempt on your life unless A, he thought you were dead, and two, he lost that immunity and was sent away for good." Deme spoke as Wally holds the sword out to her but the Queen shakes her head. "That sword is an heirloom belonging to my country. Not to the Count." then smiles at him again. "I would be pleased for you to have it as a reward or as Souvenir?" Wally pulls it back towards his stomach and meets her eyes.

Later Wally stands in his room in the mountain, holding a familiar white backpack in his arms. The sword was cool but this just seemed like the right souvenir for the right mission. He
down on a shelf. Smiling, hand on his chin. Robin walks in behind his turned back. "Dude, I just heard! You saved an entire country. Major kudos." "What can I say? I'm the man." Wally says brightly to his best friend but turns to look back at the backpack, a softer look coming over his face. sweetest birthday present a lucky stiff like me could ever get was seeing that little girl's smile.

As Robin left, Wally turned to leave to see Spider-girl stood against the door “You did good work today” She smiled as she walked in, the door closing behind her “Thanks you too, thought…” Wally trailed off as he reached for the mask “I didnt think it would be you under that mask” Wally admits as he lifted the mask up slowly, revealing the girls face “Disappointed?” “No” Wally assured before chuckling “though, i'm sure your not happy about the whole ‘Vomit girl’ thing” Wally winced as the girl took her mask back. Deme said nothing for a moment before speaking “I guess i didnt buy you a gift for your birthday but i guess this will have to do for now” Deme spoke as she stepped forward, cupping the males cheek. His Emerald eyes widened in shock as the blonde kissed him on the lips “Happy Birthday, Wally West” Best birthday ever Wally thought as the heroine pulled away with a soft smile.the Spider-girl mask on the floor at their feet.

Chapter Text

In the mission room, Batman had a picture of a middle-aged man and a map of two countries on HoloScreens. “Rumaan Harjavti is the democratically elected president of Qurac.” A news video, on GBS, popped up in front of the two images. The bottom read, ‘President Rumaan Haarjavti and Bruce Wayne’ as the two men shook hands as cameras flash and the location- in the red bar- showed that this was in the Democratic Palace, in Dhabar, the capital of Qurac. “Harjavti has been praised as a fair, wise leader. A humanitarian.” "Sure, any friend of Bruce Wayne's" Wally teased to Robin who nudged him "But five days ago, Harjavti allied himself with the dictator of the neighboring nation of Bialya, Queen Bee." Batman brought up a photo with Queen Bee "Not a fan" "Few are." Spider-girl told Superboy "But Harjavti suddenly backs Queen Bee's baseless claim that Qurac and Bialya were one nation in ancient times. And has announced the countries will reunify in two days at a ceremony in Qurac" Batman explained pulling up a video showing Harjavti speaking at a confrance 'After the ceremony, I will step down as president so that our rightful monarch, Queen Bee, may rule' ' I laud President Harjavti for unifying our peoples and I will gladly come to Qurac to be crowned sole leader of our nation' "And the Quracis are okay with this?" Spidey asked slowly “hardley” Batman answered as if holding back a scoff. Another video showed up once again in Dhabar, but this was of the people of the country on the streets, some holding signs. But most of them hold candles. The camera was focused on a young boy holding a candle in one hand while he held his very-pregnant mother’s hand in the other. “They're well aware of the brutality of Queen Bee's regime.” The images switched to a picture of the same crowd, showing off more signs and people the center of this one was a young woman holding a candle clearly shouting something. “But Harjavti has censored the press.” The picture changed to a shot of armed forces decked out in riot gear. “Silenced all legitimate protest.” The picture changed to show troops moving through with smoke coming up while three cars were stopped in a way that shows that they weren’t prepared to. “And invited the Bialyan military into his country to enforce martial law.”

“Queen Bee has to be controlling Harjavti,” Robin stated. “Doesn’t she have the power to enthrall most men?” “But not long-distance. And we have confirmation she hasn't left Bialya. Something else is at work here,” Batman stated as his eyes narrowed behind the cowl. “Find out what.” the Team stood ready. “Robin, you’re Team leader.” Wally’s eyes went wide before he smiles brightly. It took Robin a moment to process, but when he does his own eyes go wide and his mouth drops open. “Promotion. Sweet.” Wally raised his hand, waiting for the return high five. Robin stepped forward. “Me? What about Aqualad?” “Busy helping Aquaman,” Batman said bluntly. “You’re the next logical choice." “Great,” Robin sighed looking down. “Dude, you totally left me hanging,” Wally whined as Spider-girl pulled his hand down “Not the time” She whispered to her Boyfriend who pouted at her. Since His birthday, the Spider-themed hero and Speedster had declared themself a couple.

"We're right above the Quraci-Bialyan border" robin informed the team once they had got into the bio-ship and was near the border. "A border the Bialyans are in the process of ignoring" Wally mused seeing a few tanks destroying the fences to a small farm "No opposition. Guess Harjavti really is in bed with Bialya ""Wouldn't expect opposition here. It's an animal sanctuary." Robin explained to superboy but Megan gasp "the Logan Animal Sanctuary?" "You've heard of it?" Deme asked with a raised eyebrow at the Martian who stuttered out a response but was saved by Wally. "Guys, tanks have caused a stampede With civilians in harm's way" —- warned. "I see them. Woman and a small boy" "We have to help them" Miss martian states. Robin shook his head "We're way off mission here." Robin looked at the team for a moment before sighing “Deploy. But stealth mode. If the Bialyans know we hit them, this becomes an international incident” Robin states firmly, it almost reminded Spider-girl of batman…just shorter and more bright!

A beam from the BioShip hit one of the leading tanks. Taking out one tread and causing it to veer into the tank beside it. The soldiers scrambled out of both tanks, all on guard for where the shot came from. Still in camouflage mode, the BioShip moved past them. A birdarang stuck in the dirt near three soldiers, letting out a white gas that had them coughing before they each got knocked away by Kid Flash. Another shot from the BioShip went off a few yards from some of the running soldiers. Another directed them over the crushed fence line. The animals were still stampeding towards the civilians. The woman gasped before reaching over and pulling the boy to her chest. Superboy dropped in front of them with a yell and a small crater, grabbing the leader by the horns and forcing it to the ground. The remaining animals all went around the crater, the woman, the boy, and the injured animal. The injured animal got to its feet, and the young boy turned his mother’s arm, throwing out an arm. “Oryx!” But the creature still ran perpendicularly into the stampede. Suddenly it was raised above the stampede, unharmed. "Are you both all right?" Spider-girl asked as she and Robinlanded. Garfield's eyes widened in shock "Mom, Mom, Mom. We were just saved by Robin, Spider-girl and Kid Flash" "Superboy and Miss Martian helped too" Wally added as Miss Martian placed the Oxe down "Oryx" The boy yelled hugging the animal "We diverted the Bialyans around the sanctuary. You should be safe now" Robin assured. "Yeah, coast is clear, Miss M. You can de-camo now." Wally told Megan who did as told "Hi" She whispered. The boy brightened instantly, looking super excited. “You may have made things worse,” the mother said sadly. “Bialyan border crossings are a way of life here. Usually, they wreck a few fences and move on.” She crossed her arms. “Engaging them might have made us a target.” “Mom,” Garfield whined, while Oryx let out his own noise of displeasure. “Uncool.” She sighed. “I’m sorry. I should thank you.” She steps to the side and put her hand on the boy’s shoulder. “This is my son, Garfield. I’m-” “Marie Logan!” M’gann cut in excitedly, nearly laughing. “I can't believe I'm actually meeting you in person,” she continued despite Conner now sending her a very confused look. “I’ve- uh- I’ve admired your stance on animal rights for years,” she stumbled over her words a little but used large hand gestures anyway. "The oryx is sick, and I think you injured this wildebeest" Maria told Superboy as she walked over to the Wildebeest "Uh... Sorry?" "I suppose it was unavoidable. But both need to go to our clinic" The women mused but Megan stepped forward "The boys and Spider-girl can do that. You and I can, uh, fix your fences" "That's not exactly..." "Robin?" "Please, Mom?" Megan and Garfield begged soft. both Robin and Marie sighed loudly "fine" Both cheered. “Yes!”

The sun came up over the mostly flat land while the boys and Spider-Girl head from the barn to the house. A few leaves fell from the tree that they’re walking under, Conner looked up just before a high screech can be heard. A small monkey dropped down out of the tree, lands on Conner’s shoulder, causing him to gasp before hopping onto Wally to torment him. “Hey! Get it off!” Wally yelped but the monkey ran down his arm and stealing his bar before finally stopping screeching, jumping onto Deme’s shoulder. "Oh, hey there, little guy," she greeted with a smile, scratching under his chin. A happy whine left him "hey buddy, sorry the suit doesn't exactly have snacks" The girl said as the money ran into her hood and appeared on her other shoulder "Meet Monkey." "Good name. But I hate monkeys' ' Superboy growled, making The monkey screech and throw the protein bar at Superboy "Looks like Monkey hates Superboys. Dude, be glad he only threw a protein bar" Wally told the clone who huffed. "So pretty weird about Miss Martian and my mom, huh?" Garfield mused "What do you mean?" "I mean she looks exactly like Marie. You know, except greener" "She does?" "Well, duh. Especially back when Mom was a TV star on Hello, Megan!" Spider-girl perked up "Wait, Hello, Megan! is a TV show? I just thought it was something she said '' Deme mused softly but Garfield chucked "Yeah, on the TV show Way before we were born. Only one season. You can't even find it online." He looks embarrassed as he looked at the TV cabinet and the VHS tapes in it. “I know Mom has a tape somewhere.” Garfield pulled out a tape, which had ‘Hello Megan Pilot’ written on it. “"Hello, Megan!" The pilot episode,” he said proudly, blowing the dust off the tape. “Whoa, you still have VHS?” Kid commented when Garfield put it in and grabs the remote. “Where’s your eight-track?” Deme giggled at him. “Wait!” Superboy barked as he turned away from the TV, glaring. Then turned to Robin, Spider-Girl and Kid Flash. “Aircraft, headed this way.” The other three stood up quickly, both Kid Flash and Superboy running out with the girl but Robin turned to the boy. “Gar, stay put,” he ordered before leaving as well. Gar stared with a wide, dumbfounded expression.

Conner ran out of the house, while the others stayed on the porch as Marie and M’gann headed back toward the house. “What is it?” M’gann asked lowly. Then the two of them heard the engines. "Where's my son?" Marie asked quickly "I ordered him to stay inside" "he's 8, he doesn't do orders" "Mom!" Everyone froze and looked towards the barn. there stood Logan emptying the ban "It's okay, I got the animals out!" Suddenly the barn was hit. sending Garfield flying "Garfield!" "M'gann!" Deme yelled, causing the martian to fly forward and caught the boy who groaned as he passed out. Miss martian landed carefully handing the boy to his mother "I told you there'd be consequences" She hissed angrily "Always" "Let's get him inside" Deme spoke softly allowing the clone and M'gann to head inside.

"He's in shock. He needs a blood transfusion now." "Is either of you O negative?" Marie asked Robin and Wally "No. Sorry." "Neither am I" "It's the hardest to match. I kep"t a supply in the clinic" Marie explained "I can run him to the nearest hospital." "The nearest hospital with a blood supply is half an hour away at your top speed." Robin explained softly. marie's eyeswidened "Longer by Bio-Ship. He doesn't have that much time" "What's Superboy's blood type or Spider-girls" "He's Kryptonian. And-" "Im O negative but i have to warn you. i have a strong fear of-" Marie pulled out the needle making Deme faint. Wally catching her "Stick her quick" Robin told Marie who began the fusion "You wont be able to get much from her though" Robin explained softly "She's got spider venom in her blood. you can get 50% of the blood from her before you have to stop or risk infecting Garfield with her Spider gene” Marie frowned at that. "That's not going to be enough with how much he's lost," she said, cursing under her breath. “And Miss Martian-” “Might be able to help.” she interrupted Robin from the hall, getting all of their attention in an instant. “My shape-shifting occurs at the cellular level.” she continues as she walks in the room. “I think I can morph my blood to match his.” “Please, try.” Marie begged, griping M’gann tightly. M’gann puts a hand to her head. “I’ll need to concentrate.” She then looked back over her shoulder at Marie. “No distractions.” Marie turned to the boys and Prue. “Out. All of you, out.” "What? But Spidey -" Wally tried but was shoved out Once Robin left the room Marie slammed the door shut and looked worriedly at M’gann. M’gann reached out, wiping some of the blood falling from Garfield’s nose with her glove. She stared at it as her eyes glowed green.

"And on top of all this, Harjavti steps down tomorrow subjecting all of Qurac to this danger" Robin stressed running his fingers through his hair as he sat down "KF, can you find a news station?" "Sure. Which remote is it?" He grabbed a remote and pushed a button. a school bell rang as music began to play 'Hello, Megan School and boys and parents too Whole lot of trouble for Miss You-Know-Who. Who? Hello, Megan. Who? Hello, Megan This cheerleader knows the score Center of attention and so much more Hello, Megan Hello, Megan A little bit distractable But never too intractable She's really quite attractive Okay, a lot distractible Eventually, she'll get a clue Hello, Megan. It's a girl for me It's a girl for you Hello, Megan' the team watched in shock and horror as young Marie was on Tv in what seemed like an intro. “Maybe it's a coincidence,” Superboy offered. The scene opened with a woman in a blue dress dusting her couch in the living room. “Mom, I'm going to the library to study,” Marie’s character said as she ran down the stairs. “But didn't you invite a certain someone to study here?” Her mom asked. The doorbell rang. “Hello, Megan!” ‘Megan’ said, bopping her head with the heel of her hand. The audience laughed as she descended the stairs. 'Megan' opened the door making the audience clap as the boy from the intro was introduced. "Conner!” She said brightly, running out of the house and hugging him as the audience cheered. “I thought you'd never get here,” she teased. As the audience laughed, Superboy, pointedly, looked away. “Oh, yeah, pure coincidence.” Wally whispered sarcastically to Robin."It's done. All we can do now is wait" M’gann spoke up from behind the group. Wally gasped trying to switch the tv off while the others turned to see Deme and Megan. 'My fellow Quracis...' "Is that Harjavti?" Deme asked, mentioning to the channel Wally had switched it two 'Queen Bee's rule is a gift to Qurac' "hey, that guy in back. I know him" Connor mused loudly "It's Psimon. The psychic we fought last time we were in Bialya." "He was working for Queen Bee then. He must be controlling Harjavti for her now," Deme realized. Wally facepalmed. “I remember the headache from when he brain-blasted us,” he groaned. “We have to get Harjavti away from him,” Robin said, closing his Holo as he narrowed his eyes. The door to the room squeaked as it open. “I think it worked. Garfield’s stable,” Marie said, getting the Team's attention. “Good. Because we have our mission,” Robin informed.

Harjavti’s office was dark with no lights on late at night, despite the number of Biyalian soldiers outside the perimeter of the area. Yet, Harjavti sat, staring blankly out the window from his desk chair. A swivel fish-eye cam scoped out the room from between the ceiling before sliding away. 'Harjavti’s alone,' Robin informed before He, Kid Flash, Spider-Girl, and Superboy drop out of a ceiling tile. All four of them landed nearly silently, Robin and Spider-Girl facing Harjavti’s desk, while KF and Superboy faced the two doors in and out of the room. Miss Martian remained in camouflage mode and floating over their heads as Robin headed toward and around the desk. 'Harjavti's alone' Robin confirmed walking forward "Where's my daughter? Where's Psimon?" "Forget him. Let's get you out of here." Robin said but the door burst open as men with armor came in, their captain smirked "Well, well, American heroes, here to assassinate the president. Such a shame we arrived too late to stop them" 'Those are Apocalyptic weapons' 'Which they'll use to kill Harjavti, we get blamed and Queen Bee gets to rule Qurac. Form up around the president' Robin ordered but Megan shook her head taking off 'i've found Psimon' 'Wait' 'I'll get her' Superboy assured but Robin stopped him 'No. The mission is Harjavti'

M’gann flew through the palace before coming to a theatre room, landing in the lane between the rows of seats with only a slight click of her boots. She’s slammed back, into the stairs into the room, and out of her camouflage by a psychic wave. Looking up she saw Psimon walking in front of the stage. “Tsk, tsk. Am I the only one to learn anything from our previous encounter?” He taunted her, heading up the aisle where M’gann was still struggling to get to her feet. “You didn’t think that maybe if you could sense me, I could sense you too?” M’gann got to her feet with an angry and defensive look but stayed silent. “Or that this time, I’d be ready to use your greatest fear against you?” M’gann stumbled on her feet before falling to her knees with a groan. “Psimon says, show me who, or rather what, you really are.” Psimon dropped his hood and let his mental waves come out at full strength now showing off his clear skull. M’gann gasped, eyes going wide before clutching her head. “No. No. No!” She chanted falling to her elbows as well. “This is who I am!” Despite her words, her fingers started changing shape, and as she groaned her face morphs to almost look like an ill-fitting horror prosthetic. Before her body cracked open down her spine and her form was overtaken by a larger one that was white with red rather than green. She screeched high before it morphed into a yell at a more normal pitch.

"Thank you for saving my father. We will take care of him now" The daughter of the president told the heroes who nodded 'M'gann, we're coming' Super boy called as the barged into the theatre but the group yelled out as their heads hurt making them pass out. Psimon claps mockingly "Psimon says smartly Done. Brain-blasting your own team. I had no idea you'd go to such lengths to hide your true self from your good friends." Psimon smirked but sighed 'Well, actually, I did. But you needn't have bothered, it's being recorded for posterity" Psimon gestured to a group of screens which showed M’gann 'No!' the martian sent a brain blast towards Simon who blocked it and wagged his finger 'Uh-uh-uh. I didn't say "Psimon says."' The barrier disappeared, dispersing M’gann’s attack and leaving her open. She stared, stunned, before it all disappeared in a bright flash. In the open sky, a bust suddenly turns into a familiar M’gann, in her uniform though all black with a white belt, cape, and the X on her chest. She screamed before crashing into the ground. She pushed herself off her elbows but was still on her knees as she looked around the desert landscape before pushing herself to her feet and walking a bit as she looked around even more. She blinked and suddenly Psimon was in front of her. “Come now, we both know that's not who you really are. Must you even lie to yourself within your own mind?” “It’s not a lie! This is who I am!” She shouted. A beam came out of her forehead. It was still not enough as Psimon had a black shield up that blocked M'gann beam. From the dust that the impact caused the dust blows back, showing off a lighter, softer sand. “Wow. And they say I’m pathological,” Psimon mused. "Off our game, are we? Let's dig a little deeper, find out what we're really afraid of. Hm?" Psimon smirked blasting her. everything went back. Megan looked around and noticed she was in her true form and her friends, her teammates all gasp in fear "Get back!" Fake Wally yelled 'Well, of course, friends and teammates shrink from you in fear' The scene changed to batman, Canary and red tornado standing in front of the girl "You should have told us the truth." " I don't see how we can trust you now." The mentors turned walking away 'Then you're kicked off the pep squad' "I am sorry M'gann, but there is no place for you on Earth now." J'hon told his niece making Psymon chuckle 'Oh, and banished to Mars too. Yet even that's not the worst, is it?' M'gann teared up slightly as Connor appeared in front of her 'No, please, stop' she begged as Connor spoke "Love you? I can't even look at you." M’gann fell to her knees crying as Conner walked away, he faded out of existence rather than simply walking off. For a tense second M’gann was alone before Psimon appeared. “Oh, what you wouldn’t do to prevent that now, right?" M’gann perked up. “That’s right.” The world around them started shaking and M’gann stood up. Psimon put on a tense smile but looked worried. “Now, now, my pretty, I know you don't want to do anything you’ll regret.” M'gann’ eyes were glowing red. “You don't know me at all!” Suddenly a more concentrated beam shoots from M’gann’s forehead and hit Psimon in the chest. He looked stunned as it suddenly was actually hitting him in and tearing his clothes as it expanded. Psimon screamed as he was fully enveloped in the light.

"Conner? You okay?" Connor groaned as he slowly woke up and heard the voice of his worried, green girlfriend "Unh! And there's the headache." Wally moaned as Deme held her head "Anyone else kept like, they was hung upside down for hours" Spidey asked wincing slightly "Psimon?" "He brain-blasted you. I stopped him" M'gann gestured to Simon who was drooling and staring at nothing.

Outside Camera's clicked wildly as Queen bee yelled "what do you mean the president won't see me? He invited me" "Not of my free will, no! But now that I am free of your minion's thrall the Quraci people will never suffer your tyrannical rule!" The groud cheered loudly at their president. Queen Bee ripped her arms away from the guard "Mark me, Harjavti, you will suffer for this. Qurac will be mine" In the room, the team was watching the news, aside from M'gann. They all turned when the door opened and Queen Bee simply walked into the room.

As the door shut, her body shifted and M’gann’s normal form took Queen Bee’s place. “Sorry you had to lie to everyone like that.” Robin apologized before anyone else could say anything, stepping forward enough to be in the center of the room. “But I couldn’t think of any other way to convince the public Queen Bee was behind this.” Kid Flash bumped his fist into Robin’s shoulder. “Dude, saving a country. Pretty big win for your first turn as leader.” Robin huffed a hollow laugh. “Yeah, thanks,” he said lowly, still looking sad.

“And I assure you, the Wayne Foundation is here to do whatever it can to help you and your people rebuild Qurac,” Bruce says, shaking Harjavti’s hand in front of the palace.

Marie turned off the news in her living room where the Team watched it. “Gee, Bruce Wayne sure got here fast,” KF taunted Robin. “Almost like he knew-” Robin elbowed him in the stomach. “Don’t you have a souvenir to collect or something?” Robin made it look casual as he put both hands behind his head and leaned back in the chair, smirking at Kid Flash. "Hello, Megan. Something you'd like to tell us?" Wally asked, grabbing the 'Hello, Megan' tape and holding it for M'gann to see who sighed "Growing up on Mars was not a happy time for me. I started watching the broadcasts my uncle sent from Earth to teach us about our sister planet. And when I saw Hello, Megan! Something just clicked '' She began softly "Maybe it was the similarities in our names. Maybe it was the way all Megan's problems could be solved in 22 minutes. All I know for sure is that Megan helped me smile through a lonely childhood. So when I came to Earth and had to adopt a human form, I chose you. Well, Megan" M'gann explained to marie. "Which begs the question, what do you really look like?" Robin asked leaning forward causing M'gann to sighed standing up, her face changed slightly but her hair was completely gone "Bald M'gann. Still hot." Wally winked but grunted when Deme stomped on his foot with her arms crossed. Connor took his girlfriend's hand "You know you don't have to put on a mask for me." "I do it for me. This is who I am inside" She told Connor before turning to her role model "Please don't be mad" "Mad? I'm honored" Marie assured the girl who returned to her normal green self. "M'gann, you saved my son. He says he's your's and Spider-girls blood brother now, and I agree. You're family" "Thank you. You can't know what that means to me." M'gann told the women sweetly. The two women hugged tightly before M'gann went off to check on Garfield. "You... you really count me in this?" Deme asked Marie, who smiled softly. "Of course. I may not have been really your choice, but your blood saved him," Marie pointed out, making Deme smile softly. "Thank you. I... Well, I always wanted a little brother," she admitted with a small laugh. Marie smiled softly at the masked Hero before Wally took her hand. “Lets head home”

Chapter Text

The Watchtower; November 25th, 06:54 EST

Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman all watch as the light breaks across the area that looks so out of place when the curvature of the globe also stands before them.
Diana takes her hand off her hip and shifts her weight fully back to both her feet. "Times like these, one feels the very weight of the world upon us." Footsteps from behind them catch their attention. They turn and find Aquaman before them. "Everyone is here."

Inside the entirety of the Justice League stands in the room around a large U-shaped table that is about five steps down from where the four of them enter as the door slides close behind them. The rest of the doors to the room slide closed as well. "Our agenda is clear." Aquaman starts. "What's at stake should not be underestimated." "The decisions we make today will reverberate for years to come." Superman continues. "And influence whether or not the world continues to put their trust in the Justice League." Wonder Woman states plainly. "Please take your seats." Batman requests. "We have work to do." Spider-man took a breath and sat down “its gonna be a long day” He muttered to himself

Martian Manhunter stands at his place. "Another expansion of the League could generate another escalation hostilities from our enemies." he states. "No one needs or wants another InJustice League." "Point taken," Superman says from J'onn's left, "but the option remains to vote "no" on all candidates. So, I nominate Icon for League membership." The image of Icon, a dark-skinned man with his hair closely shaven, wearing a domino over his eyes, with a red long-sleeve top and black pants and boots, with a golden Oin the front of his chest, secured by four black straps, and a dark green cape over it all. "Why? Because you suspect Icon might be Kryptonian like you did with Captain Marvel?" Green Arrow teases from across the table. Captain Marvel perks up at Oliver's left. "You thought I was Kryptonian? Cool!" Clark shoots Billy a nervous look, while Diana only stares at the Marvel for a moment before turning to Kal El, placing a hand on his forearm. "Icon interests me also." she assures. "As does his protége, Rocket." A dark-skinned girl, probably about seventeen, compared to her mentor she is far more Punk in her look. Her hair cut short above her open cowl that negates the need for a ma
meshing perfectly into the bodysuit she wears under her coveralls- with the sleeves pushed up to 3⁄4 length. Paired with knee pads and heavy-duty boots as well as heavy glove
splash of color is her wide red belt with bright blue accents. "Athena knows the league could use more female members." Diana says smugly. "Agreed." Dinah says. "Hear, hear." Hawkwoman agrees. Billy glances down the row of men he's sitting with, Oliver looks a bit worried, Captain Atom's stern face looks the same, and Red Tornado is a faceless android. Spider-man seemed to slouch in his seat.

Mount Justice; November 25th, 10:25 EST

The entire kitchen counter is covered in a layer of snow, and the Harbor is frozen a fair distance out. "Gobble, gobble." Wally says before grabbing some of the pitted cranberries and eating them. "Oh, I love Thanksgiving!" As he reaches for another helping the wooden spoon moves and hits his knuckles. "Ow!" he yelps. M'gann stands in front of stove, cooking. "Heh, those are for dinner, Wally." she reprimands good-naturedly. "Yelsrap egas yramesor dna emyht." Zatanna incants as she grabs some seasoning and the magic takes over and covers the entire turkey in a perfect amount. "There. Seasoned to perfection and ready for the oven." she says, brushing her hands off. M'gann uses her telekinesis to bring it to the oven before turning back to the redhead. "Wally, I thought we were eating with your family." Deme mused as she walked in, dressed in casual clothes, Spider-man themed sun-glasses covered her eyes "Oh, yeah. Dad will kill me if I'm late." then shoves a large handful of cranberries into his mouth before running off while grabbing Deme. "See ya!" "Wally!" M'gann shouts after him with chuckle. She hears sniffling and turns, finding Zatanna with her back to her, rubbing her eye. Realizing she's been caught Zatanna lets out a small "oh" before dropping her hand. "It's nothing. It's the onions."
M'gann steps up and places her hand on her shoulder.

"These are all the things I used to cook for..." she trails and M'gann pulls her into a hug. "It's my first Thanksgiving without my dad." "At least she had a dad." Conner mutters to Wolf, leaning forward from where he's sitting on the couch to pet Wolf.

Suddenly a high-pitched whine has him biting back a yell, M'gann and Zatanna are completely unaffected and unaware then it turns to a buzz, and a voice cuts through. Conne
hands off his ears, leftover high-pitched whine-buzz under the words doesn't hurt it's just annoying. "*With Superman off-world only one thing alive with less than four legs can
frequency, Superboy and that's you. Meet me in Washington, D.C. East Potomac Park. Come alone. I promise, it'll be worth the trip.*" Luthers voice spoke through the males mind . He pouts a little, in thought, as it cuts out. Then suddenly standing up and heading out, Wolf on his heels.
M'gann notices this. "Conner?" she asks. "Figure you don't want my help in the kitchen." Conner says over his shoulder, walking again. "Remember the last time?" "Uh, yeah." M'gann says awkwardly. "But-" "I'm just walking Wolf. No big." he assures, not even glancing back as he heads down the hall. She doesn't say anything else, turning back to the food and letting him be.

Meanwhile A hologram of a man, shrunken down, wearing a suit with a blue helmet down his red gloves and where the dark red meets in a triangle at a logo down to his blue boots. Accen
brighter red up to his torso, arms, and at the line of his boots as well as a blue belt with an atom symbol on it. "Seriously? The Atom?" Captain Marvel asks with a bit of skepticism. "Well, how useful could he be at that size?" "It's the size that makes him useful." Spider-man informs Marvel softly. "Absolutely." Flash agrees. "Still, we could always use more raw power." tapping on his personal HoloScreen. "And Earth has a third Green Lantern," the image of the Atom is ta
by a white man with close-cut brown hair. His Lantern uniform is sleeveless and looks more like a vest and pants than the full-body suit the two present wear. "Guy Gardner."
"No." both Green Lanterns say at the same time. "But we could really-" Barry tries. "No." John Stewart and Hal Jordan cut the scientist off. The room is tensely quiet for a long moment.

Washington D.C.; November 25th, 11:28 EST

Superboy lands the SuperCycle under an interstate bridge, unbothered by the light shower. Releasing the handles as he looks to the white limo that pulls up near him.
The front door opens and a woman- Mercy- walks out and around the car to the rear side door closest to Conner. Revealing Lex Luthor. Only when Lex stands to get out does Conner get off of the SuperCycle. Mercy closes the door and Wolf is quick to follow Conner. "Superboy." Lex greets, offering a hand. "My name is Lex Luthor. I'm the new chairman of the board for Project CADMUS." Wolf growls and Conner looks down at the hand skeptically. "I know who you are, Luthor." he finally says, crossing his arm. Wolf's growling increases. "And I want nothing to do with you or Cadmus." He turns to walk away so Luthor "Cadmus has created a new Super-clone." rather quickly. It has the intended result.Conner panics for a shocked moment before narrowing his eyes as he turns back. Outside is Conner and Wolf, standing beside the SuperCycle. Conner is completely unphased. "Guardian, fast work on the rebuild." he says unphased. A security camera turns to him as he names the Hero. "Now escort me down the easy way," In the main office, Guardian sits in front of the computer, watching Conner on the screen. Dubbilex and a woman stand on the other side of his desk space. "- or I escort myself down the hard way." Conner threatens. Guardian presses a button and the screen shuts off. "You're letting Superboy down here?" she asks worriedly. "Focus on the matter at hand, Dr. Spence. Another Genomorph has vanished." Guardian says harshly.

"Every disappearance is being investigated." Dubbilex states. "Not good enough, Dubbilex." Guardian says quickly, his eyes turning to the door as Superboy walks through. "The new Super-clone. Where are you holding it?" he demands, heading straight to the desk. "Welcome home, Superboy." Guardian offers pleasantly. "Now, what are you talking about?" Dubbilex places his hand on Conner's shoulder. "Brother, you are the only Super-clone in Cadmus."
"All cloning projects, human and Kryptonian have been shut down since your escape." Dr. Spence informs. "Since my liberation." Conner corrects with a glare. Dr. Spence clams up, looking away. "As you say. Well, now I'm needed back in my lab." she turns to walk out.
Guardian stands up and sighs, taking his helmet off. Revealing close-cut ginger hair and some remarkably familiar features. "Sometimes, I hate this job." Conner turns with a lifted eyebrow before looking shocked as he recognizes the face before him. "You- you look a lot like Red Arrow." is the only thing Conner can think to say. "Not all that surprising. Red Arrow is my nephew." Guardian informs with a soft smile. Connor raised an eyebrow at this.

On the screen is large man with blue skin and giant ivory horns coming out his head when Oliver speaks up. "If we're considering Blue Devil, then I nominate Red Arrow." Roy a
his new uniform on the Holo. "Roy has more experience and he's no kid anymore. He's eighteen, a legal adult. He's ready." Oliver stands to convince his fellow Leaguers of his prowess. On his left Captain Marvel looks at him with a proud and happy smile.
"Is he?" King Orin questions. "Red Arrow has been uncooperative and disrespectful. If we reward that behavior, what message does that send to the rest of the Team?" Arthur asked
seriously.

"Here's the four-one-one." Guardian explains as the elevator doors open. The room is brightly lit, with several scientists working at tables. "This is the new and improved Cadm
Genomorph Sprites carry small objects from place to place” Guardian leads him through the room. "Dr. Spence and her team are doing truly worthwhile genetic medical research now." he waves to woman as they pass by, though Conne for a moment. "The Genomorphs are becoming more independent, more educated. Some even have names." They pass by a G-dwarf working at a sink to clean dishes. "Hey, Benny." Guardian greets. A G-elf sweeps the floor and they pause to let it walk past. "Erin." "Someday, the work being done here will save millions of lives." ‘Superboy, you may trust Guardian.’ Dubbilex's voice says in his head. ‘He keeps no secrets.’ ‘Unlike you.’ Conner quips. ‘Apparently, you still keep your psychic powers a secret.’ Dubbilex remains in the office that they left. "Some secrets have their place." Dubbilex dodges the accusation before getting serious. "We were all created to be exploited as liv
weapons. You were designed to-" Conner cuts him off. "To replace or destroy Superman. I know. What's your point?" "That you should understand the plight of those left behind after I helped free you from Cadmus." Conner stops and looks around. "The League liberated all Genomorphs." "Are we free to walk the surface as you do?" Dubbilex questions. "Or has our role merely changed from weapons to menial labor?"

"Look, it's complicated. But first things first." Conner finishes the conversation, turning back to where Guardian and Wolf stand at the next door. "Guardian, could a Super-clone without you knowing?" Lex Luthor watches the security camera footage from the back of his limo. Guardian meets Superboy's anger with calmness, but also understanding his concern and trying not to undermine it. "It's highly unlikely." he states with certainty. "Tell me, brother. What would you do if you found this Super-Clone?" Dubbilex asks. "If it exists, I'm freeing it. Just like Aqualad, Robin, Spider-girl and Kid Flash freed me." Conner informs, clenching his fist, accidentally forgetting to do so telepathically and Guardian can on with serious confusion. "Then I will question our brothers. Nothing happens at Cadmus without a Genomorph knowing. If a Super-clone exists, we will find him." Dubbilex promises.

"Look," Guardian cuts in, pulling Conner's anger down and his attention back. "I have my own missing Genomorphs to locate. But you've got the run of the place." he heads towards the open doorway. "I just doubt you'll find what you're looking for." The door to Project Kr is still lit up and in place when Conner and Wolf walk past it. Inside there is only a reconstructed Pod in the center, but nothing is in it. Conner walks up to the front, looking into the Pod with a wariness that turns to annoyance the longer he looks. Off to the side, Wolf sniff at the wall, catching Conner's attention. Especially when he starts pawing at it and growling lightly.

With a determined frown, Conner heads to the wall, leaning against it. When he does, he hears a dull buzz behind it. Ripping the synthetically organic wall off, Conner finds another door. This one unlabeled, but shaped similarly. He jams a hand between the hands of the door, making just enough of a gap to get his fingers in and pull them apart with a groan. When the door opens Conner's breath is now visible, the chill permeates the room to such an extent that the door is frosted on the inside. Worriedly, Conner walks in, his eyes go wide as he sees he's in a far large chamber, on a platform to overlook it, with rows of pods, stacked two high that go back as far as he into the ill-lit cavern.

At the first break in the lines of pods is a larger one that snags his attention. Conner jumps the guardrail and into the rows of pods, surrounded by what looks like parts of creatures, but his focus is only forwards. Barely glancing back as Wolf joins him. The larger pod is more frosted over than anything else in the room, but Conner steps up and wipes it away. He jolts as he sees what looks like his own face looking back at him. Though asleep. He wipes more frost off until he can see the S. He staggers back to the control panel before pushing the button to defrost him. The Pod open and Project Match is written at the bottom of the front-facing panel. Everything is still for a moment before his fingers twitch. Forming a fist. His eyes snap open and in an instant, the most noticeable thing is that his sclera are pitch black. Yet, he doesn't move. "It's okay. You're free now." Conner promises. Match's eyes focus in on the S on Conner's chest.

His gaze changes to a determined glare and that's enough to have Conner twitch back.
At that same moment, Match lets out a yell, his face morphing into something dark with unbridled rage. Charging forward. Match gets grip around Conner's and knocks both of them to the ground, roll over each other, and land with a thud with Conner still under him. As Match goes for a punch to Conner's face, Conner gets his legs up and kicks Match off of him, and through one of the other pods. Match barely stays still for a moment after that hit, charging back at Conner and pushing him through a Pod on the opposite side of the aisle. Crashing him against the base of one another aisle over. Conner looks up at the still seething Match before he lifts him by the shirt off the ground. "Stop! I'm on your side!" Conner shouts at him as he raises his hands in surrender. Match stares for a long moment at the S that is now slightly distorted due to him holding the shirt before pulling Conner away from the Pod and throwing him.
Conner crashes through several pods on the second stack near the front of the cavern, then over the outlook, hitting the right door with a harsh clang that knocks it off the hing
he crashes into the wall of the main area for Project Kr. Slumping down. Wolf snarls at Match, charging at him, Match catches him by the front quarters before throwing him just as hard as he threw Conner. Conner looks up just in time to see Wolf flying towards him. He catches the large Canis, ensuring he won't slam as hard into the wall before guiding him down. Match follows, but his feet don't touch the ground. In fact, they barely skim it, and he files higher once he's outside the broken doorway. Conner stares dumbly. "You can fly. Why can you fly?" he asks painfully. Rather than responding Match swoops down and socks Conner in the jaw. Knocking him away from Wolf. Gritting his teeth Conner gets back to his feet, blocking the punches that Match is throwing wildly. Until an uppercut slams into Conner's chin, knocking him back several feet and crashing to the floor shoulder's first. It takes him a few moments to groan and push himself back up. "I don't wanna do this!" he shouts.

Match catches him by the shirt and hits him in the face again, this time, there's the distinct sound of ripping. Conner slams into the outside wall of the Project Kr complex, Match's Suit's S in his hand, falling to the ground. Wolf snarls as he charges forward again, but Match spins tight and fast, delivering a brutal backfist with a grunt that is almost more of a yell. Wolf whimpers at the hit, as he goes flying back and skidding off the ground three times before coming to a stop.
"Enough!" Conner yells at Match's turned back, catching him in a headlock before he can turn around. "I'm trying to help you." he grits out. Match yells wordlessly as he tries to fight against the hold. Before kicking off the ground and slamming Conner into the ceiling to make him let go.
While he's stunned Match catches him by the neck and the right knee to slam him into it again. Hard enough to break the synthetically organic covering. Then throwing him to the ground directly below them. Conner hits with a harsh thud before Match drops down on his chest. Shattering the ground underneath them and kicking up enough dust to make seeing impossible without heat vision. When the dust settles, Conner is unconscious and Match lets out a loud, though not seemingly victorious, yell. His eyes once again narrow in on Conner's S. Still breathing heavily, he turns to the reflective surface of the door. Activating his HeatVision and burning a more basic form of the image into his chest. Though, due to the fact that it was done in a reflection, the S is now backwards. Suddenly he clutches his head and screams in pain.

"No, Red Arrow may be eighteen, but the rest of the Team is too young." Clark states plainly.
Billy frowns his words, tugging on his corded collar. "We're not inducting children into the League." Clark continues. "That seems myopic." Doctor Fate opposes. "I have been one with Kid Flash and Spider-girl." the two are now in the Hologram together. "Both are ready." “Spider-girl is still young. Does she really need this problem as well?” Peter piped up his worried look staring at his protege "And what of Zatanna?" Wonder Woman asks curiously, as the image flips. "Absolutely not!" Fate snaps. "That sounded almost protective, doctor." Diana muses. "At least we know Zatara is still in that helmet somewhere." Billy pushes himself up, standing from his chair. "Why is Dr. Fate a member?" he asks seriously. "You coerced Zatara into giving up his life to you, or else lose his daughter instead, not cool." The Hologram changes to Doctor Fate's newest visage. "Should such behavior be condoned?" "Zatara desires Dr. Fate to remain with the League." Nabu informs. "Oh, please." Green Arrow huffs. "It is true." Fate assures, though he crosses his arms and looks only straight ahead. "Zatara's trust in Nabu is... measured. He desires the League to maintain a close watch upon myself”

Conner groans as his eyes open slowly. The bright light making it hard, but when his eyes open fully, they snap wide realizing where he is. A Pod. "No, no, no!" he panics, not realising that he's now wearing another Solar Suit. Smashing his fists into the front glass of the Pod, causing it to shatter. As he continues to rip the Pod's entire side off, Wolf howls and an alarm sounds.
Stumbling out of the Pod before falling to his knees on the ground. The Project Kr door flashes red before turning green as it opens, Doctor Spence, Guardian, and Dubbilex run in."It's alright!" Spence shouts over the alarm as she doesn't even slow down before she's close to Conner. "It's not alright." Conner growls, Spence comes to a stop and he pushes himself to his feet. "You put me in a pod." he snaps pointing at her. "It was the fastest way to heal your injuries." she informs plainly. "She's another Cadmus mad scientist, picking up where Desmond left off." Conner shouts, stalking towards her. "Project Match is yours. Admit it!" he snarls, pointing his finger
Again. "Believe what you want." she refutes, but still walks away from the angry teen quickly. "Superboy, please." Guardian nearly begs, placing a hand on his shoulder. "She was as shocked to see the security camera footage of this... Match as I was.""Where's he now?" Conner demands. "We don't know." Guardian admits. "He disappeared." "What?" Conner shouts. "All cameras went offline after your battle. By the time we arrived, Match was gone." Dubbilex informs."And he isn't the only Genomorph to disappear." Guardian then turns to head out. "We need to get to the bottom of this." Dubbilex follows him out. The door closing behind the Conner turns back around to grab his clothes that are sitting on the console when Luthor suddenly appears on the screen. "So the truth wasn't that hard to find after all. I assu
suffered no permanent damage?" "Like you care." Conner snaps. "Tell me what you know about Project Match." he demands. "Very little. I know more about you." Luthor admits. "Kryptonian DNA is notoriously difficult for human science to read. When you were created, the gaps in the sequences were with human DNA robbing you of your full Kryptonian powers. No flight, no HeatVision, et cetera." It takes a couple of seconds to settle in, what he's just been told, and he can only look down in shock. "I'm part human?" he asks. "Yes. Obviously, your twin was created with pure Kryptonian DNA. The missing sequences have apparently left Match unstable, insane. I'd advise you to get him back on-ice as possible." Luthor instructs. "Not gonna happen." Conner snaps darkly. "Your call. Either way, you'll need help." a compartment opens up on the console, revealing a small case with Superman's S on it. "Consider these a gift." Conner takes it cautio
clicks it open. Revealing the outline of Superman's S in solid red, and there are three currently visible. "I call them Shields. Stick one on your arm and it'll suppress your human about an hour allowing your Kryptonian powers to bloom. You will be as powerful as Match, as Superman." Conner's eyes snap up the second he hears that. "I don't want anything from you." he snaps.
"Keep them anyway. You never know." Luthor muses, then the screen shuts off. Conner stares at the screen for a moment before looking back down at the Shields in his hand.

"Plastic Man." Batman offers. Captain Marvel barely covers his mouth fast enough to cover up his laugh.
"I don't know." Flash says slowly from the end of the row. "The guy's got a pretty substantial criminal record." Billy finally loses it and flat out laughs, not bothering to cover it up. "I'm sorry, sorry. The- the guy just cracks me up." he wipes a tear from his eye, then winces when he realiz
least half of them are looking at him with uneasy or judgmental looks. Flash sighs, and when Billy looks, everyone on his side of the table is looking down at his as well. "Maybe it's time we all talked about the elephant in the room. Should Captain stay a member now that we know he's really only ten years old?" his Hero image appears on the Holo. "He does possess an adult body and the Wisdom of Solomon." Red Tornado points out. "Wisdom does not equal maturity." Arthur states plainly. "Hey, he’s sitting right here." Spidey points out, with a frown. . "Then, Billy, maybe you should leave until we've hashed this out." Dinah offers, leaning forward on her elbows, as gently as she can. "No," Bruce nips that one out at the bud, "Captain Marvel is a member and is entitled to participate until or unless he's voted out." Billy looks at him with a worried but surprised look. "It's not just his age." Diana speaks up, catching both of their attentions. "It's the fact that he lied about it." "I didn't lie, exactly." Billy defends, realizing how poor of an excuse that is only as it's leaving his mouth. "I just left out the part about being a kid." he offers with a shrug and smile "A lie of omission is still a lie." Wonder Woman states. "You kept an important secret from us. No one in the League knew the truth." Billy half pouts, half frowns at her, but doesn't speak.

"I did." Batman interjects, Billy jumps and looks at the Dark Knight with shock.
Wonder Woman tenses. "I shouldn't be surprised since you indoctrinated Robin into crime-fighting at the ripe old age of nine." Robin's image is on the Holo as Batman speaks "Robin needed to help bring the men who murdered his family to justice." "So he could turn out like you?" she questions. "So that he wouldn't." Bruce intones slowly.

Conner, back in his normal clothes, sighs as he looks at the three capsules that are all knocked over, the fronts' glass broken out, and the spheres at the bottom broken as well
least these are empty." "Okay, Dubbilex, spill." Conner projects. "When I accused Spence, I could hear your heart rate increase. Stress. You're hiding something." "From them, not you." Dubbilex states. "I have questioned the oldest Genomorphs. They tell me Match is not your younger brother. He was Cadmus' first attempt to clone Superman. His Kryptonian DNA rendered him uncontrollable so they froze him and tried again." Conner's eyes narrow. "Who are "they"? Desmond? Spence?" "Desmond, yes. And his superior and Cadmus' founder, Lex Luthor." Conner's eyes go wide in shock. He yells out a harsh "No!" as he delivers a harsh punch to one of the Pod's containment bases. "So Luthor took Match." he growls. "Actually, brother, I did that." Dubbilex informs. Conner's eyes go wide again.

The doors slide open, and a security camera watches as Conner and Wolf bolt out of the room and down the hall. Luthor watches with annoyance as the video feed cuts out again, from his limo. Conner runs down unfamiliar halls as Dubbilex gives him directions. "Turn left, brother." He and Wolf make the turn, but skid to a stop as the hall comes to a sudden end. Yet, as they stop, the hall opens up, the large stone lifting up and revealing a stone staircase. They make their way down the stairs, through a doorway, and into a larger space. As Conner lifts his gaze, he can only stare, stunned.

At the top of the massive cavern, some G-sprites hand from stalactites, glowing and casting light. A G-troll carries a large stone across the massive space before setting it overtop the G-elves who mingle in what looks like a doorway but now is recognizably a house, and G-g
into small dirt piles. "Welcome, brother, to Genomorph City." Dubbilex says behind him.

Genomorph City; November 25th, 14:41 EST

Dubbilex, Conner, and Wolf walk through the city, G-trolls are building houses that are about G-elf sized. "So you're responsible for the missing Genomorphs?" Conner asks. "I am. One by one, I have liberated them brought them here to a new life where all our brothers can be free." Dubbilex says. "Of course, I have a dream that one day the world in will accept us. But for now, no one must know Genomorph City exists." they come to a T intersection and stop. "Which is why I brought our brother here." he gestures to where a column with three G-gnomes with glowing horns sit atop. At the bottom, Match is chained to the bottom of the pillar, his body slack, but his eyes open and distant."What have you done to him?" Conner demands, moving towards the other Clone. "He is safe." Dubbilex assures, placing a hand on Conner's shoulder. "The G-gnomes keep him docile with their psychic abilities." "And the chains?" he snarls. "Should he escape in his current condition he could set back the Genomorph cause by decades." Dubbilex points out. "So you hold him prisoner like Cadmus held me? You might as well put him in a pod!" Conner snaps, catching Match's attention with his loud voice, crossing his arms. "Our goal is rehabilitation." Dubbilex's voice is foggy and Match's vision has trouble settling under the G-gnomes. "We will release him when he is ready." Conner uncrosses his arms. "That's not your call!" he snaps. Match's eyes settle on the familiar S, his focus returning. Match yells as he strains against the chains before they suddenly give way and he charges at the surprised Conner. Catching him off-guard gives Match the chance to get Conner around the chest and fly him into one of the large mountain-sized stalagmite. Nearly burying Conner in large rocks, as the dust settles, he stands and screams. Wolf snarls and charges at Match, catching his arm in his jaws. Match delivers a devastating cross to Wolf's face, sending the Canis careening into another monstrous stalagmite. Dubbilex approaches carefully, his horns glowing. Match charges forward with a cry, but Dubbilex simply says "Be calm." It doesn't even slow him down, Dubbilex backing up only makes sure that Match hits the ground in front of him instead of him directly.

Knocking the Genomorph back towards the growing group of other Genomorphs, as he hits hard twice, landing on his stomach and not moving. Conner pushes one of the larger pieces of rubble off of him, clutching his head, but getting hit by Match's Heat Vision right in the chest before he could get reorientated. The shot leaves no visible mark on Conner, though it does destroy his shirt, and Match flies in knocking Conner back into the crack of the stalagmite with a harsh cry and a devastating thud. Conner gets thrown from it, hitting the ground and rolling with several grunts. He comes to a stop, on his knees and elbows, but Match is already flying in to deliver another devastating punch right to Conner's face. Throwing him into a large column that clean and topples over. Leaving Conner on his back, only just opening his eyes when Match drops onto his chest feet first. Kicking up another massive dust plume. Match grabs Conner by the neck, with a grunt before delivering an uppercut that knocks Conner into the high open space over the cavern. Match takes flight and follows an unconscious Conner, slamming a double fist to knock him back into the stone floor. The hit sends G-elves scattering and the ground cracks and kicks up dust. Conner pushes the rubble off of himself, pulling Luthor's case of Shields, debating.

Martian Manhunter stands up from beside Superman. "You seem to have reached a consensus that eighteen years is a suitable minimum age for joining the League, yet what of Miss Martian?" his niece's Hero image shows up on the Holo. "Though she is a biological adolescent by Martian standards she was born forty-eight Earth years ago." he points out.
"So, what is the deciding factor, chronology or biology?" Red Tornado asks. The Holo Image changes from M'gann to Conner. "Take Superboy." "Exactly." Black Canary agrees. "He's less than a year old. Does he have to wait seventeen more to stand beside us?" Diana sends a look towards Clark out of the corner of her eye. Superman, with his arms still crossed, looks away from her.

Conner opens the case, pulling out a Shield and placing it on his arm. Where it almost seems to glow red into his skin. Conner's heart beats in his ears as he waits. Then he cringes in what looks like pain before his pupils shrink as his eyes go far wider than normal and his fist clenches. Match flies in, pushing Conner back into one of the low walls, rearing back for a punch. As he goes to deliver, though, it gets caught and joints crack under the pressure. He looks surprised. Conner moves the fist out of the way of his face. "My turn." he snarls. With a harsh yell, he delivers an uppercut to Match's chin, throwing him back and high. He catches himself with his Flight ability. Looking down at Conner before rocketing back towards Conner. Conner charges at him too. The two end up crashing into each other and knocking the other away. Conner tumbles back, catching himself from crashing into the floor with his now unlocked Flight. His unsureness with the ability is obvious as he tries to figure out his balance as Match shakes off the hit. Match turns his Heat Vision to one of the stalactites, taking it off with ease and catching it against his chest as it falls. Conner takes flight and tries to use his own Heat Vision but knocks himself (and his aim) off course with a groan. He manages to hit the rock Match is holding but his Heat Vision persists, cutting to the ceiling. He awkwardly catches himself with his Flight, looking towards Match. Who once he's balanced takes off again immediately. Conner flies at him, arm pulled back, with a cry.

The two crash and circle each other in the air twice before Match manages to send Conner closer to the ground. Coming in to deliver a hook punch to his face. It has less effect than it used to, but it gives Match the chance to send a small blip of his lasers into Conner's eyes. Sending him reeling back with a pained cry, pressing his hands to his eyelids. As Match tries to use this to his advantage, Conner squeezes his eyes closed. Grabbing Match by the suit, flying up higher and spinning Match around to build enough momentum the elder into the ground. Match hits with a harsh thud and rolls high enough that he doesn't skid but rather bounces to a stop.
As Match pushes himself to his feet, Conner flies in, grabs Match by the chest, and slams him back to the ground. This time, he stays on top of him. Delivering punch after punch to the other's face, not even looking as he does it. "Superboy, enough!" Guardian yells panicked. Conner's eyes snap open and he looks towards the source. Finding Guardian, Mercy, and several SWAT members charging into the Genomorph City. "He's down. You won." Guardian states, looking around. Dubbilex closes his eyes and sadly drops his head. Conner looks at Guardian for a moment before he drops his fist and looks at Match. Match is a bit scuffed up- and with his self-inflicted burn still in the center of his chest- as they seal his Pod, but otherwise simply unconscious. The freezing process on the large Kr pod is fast and only takes mere moments.
Conner stands before him, while Spence stands at the console and Guardian stands at Conner's side. "It has to be this way." he tells the teen, but Conner only narrows his eyes before looking away.

Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman stand at the split head of the table. "No other ideas?" Superman checks when no one responds he continues. "Then here are our candidates for new or continued membership." the raised level of the room fills with life-sized Holos of eight members of the Team, and the Justice League as the new Heroes discussed. "We've debated origin, gender, size, experience age, temperament, and background." some of the League looks around the room, checking the Heroes available to them. "But who will form the fundamental criterion for membership? " "When all is said and done," Wonder Woman picks up where the Dark Knight left off, stepping forward "the question must be: Whom do we trust? Trust to fight beside us. Trust our backs. Trust to uphold the high standard and ideals of the Justice League."before every member of the League still at the table, their HoloScreens reappear one by one. "Time to vote." Batman says.

Conner jumps out of the SuperCycle, now on a frontage road next to the underpass he met Luthor at. The setting sun turning the sky's blues into purples and the clouds from e
having broken apart. "There was a tracker in that tin box you gave me." Conner snarls. "Yes." Luthor confirms easily. "I assume you discovered it with your X-ray Vision?" "You initiated the cloning projects." Conner accuses. "I wanted Superman to meet his Match." Luthor offers easily, still leaning against the Limo. "And you used both of us to locate the missing Genomorphs." Conner continues, just as angry. "A good businessman has to keep track of his assets." Finally, he stands up straight. "But none of that is what really bothers you. Half your DNA is human. Haven't you wondered who the donor was? Or have you just been afraid to acknowledge the obvious?" Conner says nothing, only continues glaring. "Face it, son, you have much more in common with me then Superman." "That's a lie!" Conner snaps, getting his face. "What has he given you? Nothing." Luthor huffs and crosses his arms, uncaring of the saddened look on Conner's face. "Not even affection. And why? Because Big Boy Blue live world of black and white." Conner turns away from Luthor, but the man keeps talking. "You were created by the bad guys, so there must be something wrong with you." Luthor get in Conner's line of sight again, but Conner simply turns away again. "But we both know life isn't that clear-cut. The real world is full of grays. Weren't you determined to free at all costs? Yet, ultimately, you wisely agreed to my suggestion to refreeze him for the greater good of all." Luthor reaches forward and rips the Shield off of Conner's arm. "And you think me a villain, you still accepted my Shields." Conner glares in Luthor's direction out of the corner of his eye. "We're more alike than you care to admit." Conner straightens up, stiff, at that, rounding Luthor. Pulling the case out of his pocket. "Take them back." Luthor raises an easy hand, in a readable "stop" motion but doesn't touch Conner. "They're a gift," then gestures to himself, from a father to his son." to Conner. Enraged Conner marches forward and grabs Lex by the tie. "I won't need 'em for this." Luthor narrows his gaze. "Red Sun." Conner's eyes go wide, yet dull, by the time he's back to himself the sun has completely set, the stars out and all he's holding is Luthor's undone tie. It slips from his hand as he comes back to himself and his hand eases out of the fist he'd been holding. Looking around, confused. Before bringing his hand to his forehead. "Two words and he shut me down." he groans. "What else can he make me do?" he looks down at the Shields still in his hand. Worried before his anger comes to the surface again, He readies to throw them into the river, but can't make himself do it, instead he slides them back into his pocket. Walking back towards the SuperCycle and Wolf.

"All those in favor of ratifying the results?" Batman asks, standing at the round head of the U-shaped table once again. "Aye." every member agrees, a few even raising their hands. "All opposed?" Batman checks. No one speaks up, everyone is still as he checks them over. "Then we are adjourned."

Chapter Text

Mount Justice
December 5th. 17:04 EST

“Your joining the team?!” Deme asked in awe to Roy AKA Red Arrow. Her eyes beaming behind her Spider-girl mask “How could i refuse, guess all ur nagging finally worked out” Red arrow teased as she squealed in delight as the other smiled and nodded in agreement.

Artemis B-0-7

“Artemis! Just in time. Look who's agreed to join the Team," Green Arrow smiled, gesturing to Roy. "Finally!" Wally cheered as Artemis scoffed. "Sure! Team needed a real archer.” "Okay, people! Listen up. The Dynamic Duo are on a case in Gotham, but Batman gave me a heads up” Green Arrow explained as he walked over to the computer and began to type Sportsmaster was spotted coming through Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport," Oliver began to explain making Artemis tense up slightly. "In full costume? Nervy!" Zatanna snorted. "In street clothes. Facial recognition software picked up the ID. Find out what he's up to," Green Arrow ordered. "All of us? Seems like overkill for a shadow job," Conner pointed out. Red Tornado looked at the clone and the Martian. "Perhaps a small squad? Miss Martian's camouflage abilities seem ideal." The robot suggested to the team but Oliver piped up "Thought the sidekicks - Sorry, "ex-sidekicks" could suit up on this. Aqualad, Spider-girl, Kid Flash, Red Arrow," Green Arrow smiled as Conner grunted. "Good. Stakeouts make me crazy." "We could use the night off," M'gann added. "I want in," Artemis and Nightmare spoke up making Oliver's eyes widen. "With M'gann and Robin out, no one's logged more hours piloting the Bio-Ship," Artemis explained making Oliver raise an eyebrow “Artemis, are you sure?” Green Arrow asked, knowing the tension between his two protégés. “Absolutely,” she answered with gritted teambefore they all got going.

Wally was suited up in his bike gear along with Spiger-girl who had her Mask on as he sat in his seat and thought about what Artemis said. Wally slowly turned to Artemis before speaking "This could wind up being one of those things that sounds better in my head than out loud, but you are a real archer," he said with a small smile as she gave a deadpanned look. "No, I mean I'm just - about Red Arrow. We go way back, you know? But you…” “You've made your own place on the Team. You have nothing to prove. Well, not to us. Okay?" Spidey cut in with a smile behind her mask while Wally gave a reassuring smile. She stared at the couple before a small smile came to her face. "Okay," she replied and he went to turn around. "And Wally? I sounded fine - Out loud," she added making him grin. In the back, Roy and Kaldur were pushing Wally's bike into its slot.

"I gather you did not join the Team for the camaraderie," the Atlantean mused. "And not to please G.A. either. There's a mole on your Team, Kaldur. You don't want to face it, so I will. And suspect number one is Artemis," Red Arrow said firmly.

"No offence, guys, but even my boredom is bored," Zatanna groaned as she walked with Conner, M'gann, and Wolf. "Maybe the night off wasn't the best idea?" M'gann agreed. "Red Tornado! Got any good stakeouts for us?" Conner asked Red Tornado hopefully, but the android shook its head "I do not. You must amuse yourselves," he stated before flying up to his apartment. "That's Tornado's apartment, right?" Zatanna asked her friends, who nodded. “It is." "But Tornado doesn't eat, or sleep, or change clothes, or, well, anything," Zatanna continued, but Conner tilted his head confused. "So?" "So, what does he do up there?" Zatanna smirked.

ORLEANS PARISH
December 5, 21:27 CST

Roy hid in the shrubbery in civvies, watching Sportsmaster untie his speedboat from the dock before he got in and drove off. “Target’s heading north. Pursue, but maintain a discreet distance. And that goes double for you, Artemis. Sportsmaster’s proven adept at spotting Martian camouflaging, when in motion,” Red Arrow said over the comm. He rode a jet ski as Artemis flew the Bio-ship, Aqualad followed in the water, and Kid Flash drove his motorcycle with Spider-girl, holding on from behind. Sportsmaster soon pulled his boat over and hopped out as Roy watched him. “He’s stopped,” Red Arrow announced. “Hold your positions. I’m moving in for a closer look.” Artemis narrowed her eyes a little.

Roy was looking through binoculars, keeping an eye on Sportsmaster as Artemis flew up and dropped down silently. She hid behind a tree, looking at Roy, who was not far from her. "Hey, Sis!" The familiar voice of Jade said, making Artemis gasp and look up in a tree to see Cheshire there. "Long time 'no reveal who you really are to all your friends,'" Jade teased as her little sister glared at her. Artemis was quick to fire an arrow as Chashire attacked the archer. "Nice. Canary teach you that?" She teased her younger sister. "Bet you run out of arrows before I run out of swords! Unless you plan on breaking out the pointy ones, to use against your own sister," Cheshire grinned, but Artemis aimed her bow with her eyes narrowed."Why shouldn't I? You are working with Sportsmaster!" "Not my choice! Not my call!" Cheshire was quick to defend herself. "Then who's call is it?" "Sorry. Just because I know your secrets doesn't mean I tell you mine," Cheshire purred, but grunted as she was trapped and pinned to a tree by a net. Red Arrow walked over with his bow in hand. "Why, Arrow, if you wanted another date, you only had to ask."
"You two are dating?" Artemis demanded angrily, but the older archer shook his head. "Wh-what? No!" "Why deny the attraction? After all, Arrow, you're here," Cheshire grinned, cutting the net and walked forward. "Really, I'm so fond of you, all of you. I couldn't bare to hurt you - Much!" She snarled, dropping her sword and running at the three. Artemis fired an arrow only to miss as Cheshire ducked and swiped the girl's legs out from under her., Red Arrow shooting arrows at Cheshire. She tossed three small bombs at him and they exploded making him cough from the smoke until he heard a boat engine. He snapped his head over to see Sportsmaster escaping. "Sportsmaster!" He gasped before going to go after him only for Cheshire to tackle him to the ground. She then took out her sai and pointed it at his cheek. "Oh, too bad, lover boy," she purred, pulling her mask off. She leaned down and kissed him, smiling when Artemis turned and gasped with wide eyes. She pulled back. "But at least, a kiss is still a kiss," she added before grunting when Kid Flash sped up and elbowed her hard enough to send her tumbling away. Spider-girl wrapped her in a web as Kid flash picked up the womans weapon “And a sai is just a sai,” Kid Flash retorted holding Cheshire’s sai that she dropped. “And quite the souvenir, by the way.”

“Artemis! Tracing arrow on Sportsmaster! Now!” Red Arrow shouted. Artemis aimed her arrow before sighing. “He’s out of range,” she told him.“Move!” Red Arrow said annoyed as he moved her aside. He aimed his arrow and shot it before the tracer was on the boat. He then ran to his jet ski. “You’re abandoning?!” Artemis shouted. "I’m prioritizing!” Red Arrow retorted as he got on his jet ski and drove away. "Oh, that's gotta sting. He makes the shot you're afraid to even try!" Cheshire teased the archer, as she began slowly getting herself out the web.. Roy chased after Sportsmaster, but yelled as Sportsmaster sent a explosive at him, sending him off his jet ski. Sportsmaster stopped the boat and threw it into the water before dropping explosives down their, where Kaldur was. "Aqualad!" Roy yelled for his friend, who was behind him. "Here," he told the archer, then pressed a finger to his comm. "Spider-girl ,Artemis, Kid, listen," Aqualad began. Artemis grabbed Cheshire's sword as the ninja threw knifes at the speedster. "Leave him alone!" The archer demanded angrily, swinging at the ninja, who kicked her away. Kid Flash ran over to the fallen archer. "Artemis!" "Forget me! What about - Cheshire?" She breathed, but noticed the ninja gone "Did you?-" Spidey began, but Artemis cut her off. "Tracer's on her sword," she smirked. "Brilliant! I knew you could - Oh, hey, there's the guys!" Wally smiled before running over with Spider-girl close behind. Artemis looked at the train that was speeding by and shot a tracer arrow at it.

“So, we threw the fight, as ordered. After Artemis planted the tracer,” Wally said Artemiswalked over. “Cheshire’s heading north,” the female archer said. “Sportsmaster was heading south. Kinda like this mission,” Red Arrow said irritated, arms crossed. “Maybe he’ll double back. Maybe she will,” Artemis told him. “Either way, they’ll rendezvous and we’ll find them,” Spider-girl cut in, feeling the tension growing between the two archers “And we'll find them! Sportsmaster acquired an attaché case,” Aqualad announced. “We need to learn what it contained. If you had stayed aboard the Bio-ship –“ “I saw Cheshire sneaking up on him,” Artemis said pointing to Roy. “Then you radio a warning,” Red Arrow growled. “And if she found you by hacking our frequency?” Artemis asked. “I feel like im watching my Cousins fighting over a toy” Spider-girl muttered to Wally who hummed in agreement. “It is true. We have come to rely on M'gann's telepathy over our radios,” Kaldur told them. “So let's stop looking to place blame and start looking for Cheshire,” Wally piped up. “Here. Since, clearly, I can't be trusted,” Artemis said before throwing the tracker to Roy. “You track her” Wally narrowed his eyes and grabbed the tracker from Roy. "Artemis -" The speedster tried "It's fine. I'll follow in the Bio-ship," Artemis said, walking off. Spider-girl gave Wally a look behind her mask “Ill go with her” the spider themed heroine offered softly “Ill make sure she stays out of trouble” Deme assured Arrow who nodded. Deme wasnt going to watch Artemis, she knew the girl most likely needed a friend right now. Not an enemy. "Go, Kid. Arrow and I will return to the river. And we will ALL follow, as originally planned," Kaldur stated firmly to his team.

"Bark if Tornado comes back," Conner ordered Wolf firmly as M'gann and Zatanna flew up to Tornado's secret apartment before the clone followed. In the apartment were Christmas decorations as well as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Zatanna turned on the light where they saw a lab table with a covered body over it. "Is that what I think it is?" Zatanna asked before they went over and Conner pulled the cover off.

NEW ORLEANS
December 5, 22:18 CST

Sportsmaster opened the case to reveal some tech to Ivo and Klarion. A monkey came up and cooed. "Thank you, Sportsmaster. We'll take it from here," Ivo smirked as the robot monkey jumped onto his shoulder, holding something in its tail as they went over to Klarion and the Brain. Sportsmaster simply nodded and Mallah opened a case after pressing his thumb against the scanner. Inside was a cylinder with a crystal like object that Brain shot a laser at. The robot monkey set the canister down and hooked it up, flooding the cylinder with black smoke, the crystal lightning up with green lights. Teekle meowed as Klarion grinned, shooting the crystal with a red bolt of lightning. As they kept working, Sportsmaster walked out.

Artemis looked into the warehouse that she had tracked Cheshire to. “Why are we here again?” Spider-girl asked as she crawled along the wall Next to Artemis “The tracker I put on Cheshire is leading here” “Uh huh…and we aren't calling for backup ‘cuz…” Artemis didn't reply to Spider-girl for a moment but before she could talk. Spider-girl did “I trust you, i've got your back” She assured the archer to relax slightly but nod “Thank you, SG” Spidey smiled behind her mask before opening the window and allowing the girls to jump in. But Artemis narrowed her eyes as a tracker hit her foot. "Pulled it off my sword about a minute after you put it there. Thought you'd want it back, since it goes so nicely with the one Red Arrow gave you," Cheshire smirked as Spidey noticed the tracker on Artemis's bag. "Someone on your Team doesn't trust you," Cheshire sang as she showed the girls the video outside the warehouse. It also showed Sportsmaster getting ready to kill Red Arrow. “Roy” Deme breathed worriedly but an arrow flew by her head. Artemis had shot an arrow which had made the door explode, making Roy move back from the spear which almost took his life. Spider-girl. flipped back to dodge Cheshire's attack. Artemis blocked the sword and went to kick her only for Cheshire to swipe her leg out from under her again. Cheshire went to stab Spider-girl, making her gasp until there was an explosion on the sword from Red Arrow's arrow. "Arrow to Aqualad. Located Cheshire and Sportsmaster. Rendezvous at my coordinates," he ordered before dodging the spear that was thrown at him by Sportsmaster, though it hit his quiver and he fell to the ground. “Acknowledged,” Aqualad replied. “Sending Kid Ahead.” Roy quickly fired another arrow at him that sent Sportsmaster flying back. Red Arrow, Spider-girl and Artemis backed up until they were back to back, firing arrows/Webs at Sportsmaster and Cheshire. “So you're pretty much allergic to radioing a warning?” Roy asked both girls sarcastically “Spider-girl to Arrow: Look out,” Spidey retorted sarcastically, annoyed that the two was arguing at a time like this.

Conner, M'gann and Zatanna stared in horror at the human andriod on the table. "So, is Red building a friend, or what?" Zatanna asked the group, but the wind picked up causing them to turn around and see that the red Tornado had returned. "Perhaps you should ask Red." "Wolf." Conner growled, knowing the canine had fallen asleep. "Alright, what's with the new bot?" Conner asked while pointing to the robot, but Tornado walked over. "I am a robot. This is an android. It will serve as my alter ego, John Smith. And allow me to download my consciousness, so that I may walk among humans. Interact. And learn," Tornado explained, making M'gann clap her hands together. "I think it's a wonderful idea.""Your approval is appreciated. But your presence is uninvited. Is this a sign of disrespect?" Tornado challenged, making M'gann panic. "Of curiosity!" "Boredom," Conner shrugged, but Zatanna hummed softly. "You know... He's cute. But, if it calls human interaction... Evig mih stnap! He really needed pants," she said, the spell making sure the android was now wearing pants.

Red Arrow shot an explosive arrow at Sportsmaster, who rolled forward and swung the ball and chain at Roy, who dodged, then threw some punches. Cheshire flipped back before flipping at Artemis, going to kick her in the head. Artemis blocked it before Spider-girl threw some punches only to be kicked back in the stomach. Cheshire took out her sai, twirling it as she walked forward until Kid Flash appeared, pushing Cheshire away. He then helped Spider-girl up "Aqualad and I found the tracer on a caboose! And I don't mean Cheshire's," he told Artemis who frowned "She must have ditched it," she lied. “Wait, then how did you, Spidey, and Red end up here?” Before anyone could answer, there was a red glow from the window, but Cheshire tackled Kid flash to the ground. Artemis quickly readied an arrow. "I've got this! Go!" Wally told her before punching Cheshire and turning them to pin the ninja to the ground. Artemis nodded and did as told. She kicked open the door, seeing the villains behind the red flashing light. "Freeze!" Artemis ordered, pointing her bow, but Ivo chuckled. "Don't be absurd With what we've created tonight, I could -” "Why waste such power on her Do what she says! Freeze!" Klarion cut Ivo off and chuckled as the villains bodies froze and broke. Same with Cheshire and Sportsmaster. “I guess this case has gone Cold” Spidey mused snorting at her own joke but her laughing stopped when she noticed she was the only one laughing. The girl deflated “I tried my best”

MOUNT JUSTICE
December 6, 03:21 EST
"Let me be clear. We failed. Though the Injustice League is in custody, their allies still scheme. And we have learned nothing of their plans," Kaldur explained to Conner, M'gann, Zatanna, and Red Tornado. "Gee, I wonder why," Roy spoke sarcastically, looking at Artemis. "Hey! Who found out Sportsmaster was working for Brain, Klarion, and Ivo?" Artemis asked, but Red Arrow scoffed. "Yeah, great intel! Except Ivo has been in Belle Reve the whole time! And the guards just checked, It's the real Ivo, not a robot," Roy snapped at the archer. "You know, I'm getting pretty tired of you dumping on her," Wally snapped and glared at Roy, who held up a tracer. "Her tracer, so? Cheshire ditched it," Wally shrugged. "No. Artemis ditched THAT. To send us on a wild-goose chase. She put this one on Cheshire," Roy stated making Deme look at the archer. "Artemis?" Wally asked frowning, hoping that wasn't true. But Artemis stayed silent. "Are you that freaked out about Arrow joining the Team, you had to prove yourself by bringing down the bad guys solo? Please, tell me I'm wrong!" Wally pleaded “Wally” Deme tried, she wasnt happy either but the speedster ignored her. Artemis inhaled sharply, going to argue. Unfortunately, she doesn't as she looked down. "Well, nice going. What you proved is that you're insecure and selfish," he glared before tossing the sai at her feet. "Keep the sai. This is the right souvenir for the mission," he stated, taking the tracer from Roy before walking off. Roy glared at Artemis. "So, how will you betray us next time?” "Enough! If making a mistake was a betrayal, we would all be traitors. I must report to Batman. The rest of you, get some sleep," Kaldur ordered before everyone walked off as Red Arrow got in Artemis's face. "You're not who you say you are. This isn't over. Not by a long shot," he snarled before walking off. Spider-girl squeezed the Archers shoulder “Dont worry about it, Ive got ur back” Deme assured the Archer who looked away, clearly saddened by the events that had happened.

Spider-girl sighed as she swung into her bed room, she ripped her mask off with a sigh but gasped, her spider sense went off making her turn and get ready to attack “Ah, ah, ah” A voice spoke up making the Spider-themed hero tense as the light is switched on by a robotic tentacle. Doctor Octavius, Doc Ock sat in Deme;s room at her Desk, which was littered with drawings of her Web shooters, costume upgrades. In his hand was a photo of Deme, her mother and her father “nice little family you got here” Doctor Octavius mused as Deme stood ready “Get out-” “Now now, no need to be rude, i just came to talk” The man explained with an evil look. Spider-girls mind was racing, how did he find her? What was he doing in Central City? “Then Talk” Deme snapped, eyes moving to her bedroom door, Her mother should still be at the hospital working. So she didnt need to worry about her being injured if this ‘talk’ grew violent “how much do you care about your identiy? Im sure the world would love to see who the vigilant of New york is. Im sure if they know who you are, well Spider-man wont be far behind” Deme stopped back as Doc Ock held up a camera. He had clearly filmed her removing her mask when she had enter “what do you want…” Deme snarled making the doctor Cackle evily to the teen.

Chapter Text

"Advanced weapons tech have been stolen at manufacturing plants throughout Europe. And each theft coincides with tour stops made by the Haly Circus. Batman is sending us undercover to catch the thieves," Robin had explained to Artemis, M'gann, Deme, and Conner. Deme raised an eyebrow, Haly Circus> isnt that Robin-Dick Graysons home? Where he grew up, where his parents- "This clown car have room for one more?" Roy asked his younger friend as he walked over "Uh... We've got this covered," Robin replied unsure, he already didnt like Spider-girl coming, she knew who he was or atleast had guest it by now. Roy moved closer to Robin and Spidey "You've got the mission covered. But who's covering the three potential mole suspects you're bringing along?" Roy asked him quietly. Robin narrowed his eyes as he looked down.
BRUGES
December 22, 20:08 CET

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Haly International Travelling Circus! Where the world in the center ring is your oyster and these are our latest pearls! The Daring Dangers! Dan Danger! Dawn Danger! Diane Danger! Dolly Danger and Dean Danger! You'll never see another trapeze act like this, folks. And all of it, without a net!" Haly announced, showing off the team. Artemis and Roy were shooting arrows, Conner lifting heavy items, Deme was hanging from a rope, doing some dances, barley holding on and Robin and M'gann doing trapeze. The crowd cleared loudly for the Dangers, but quickly gasped as M'gann failed to catch the Boy Wonder. 'Robin!' M’gann yelled in worry. 'Don't blow our cover!' The boy ordered 'But saving your life's okay?' Conner asked, using a barrel to give the boy a lift while Deme, used the rope to grab his hand, and land beside M;gann, who used her telekinesis to held them land. waving to the crowd. Robin growled and narrowed his eyes 'What did I just say?' 'The crowd couldn't see me using telekinesis from below. Besides, I've been using it all night. I'm not exactly the acrobat you are,' she stated. They landed on the ledge and waved to crowd with smiles. 'Yeah, neither am I right now’ ‘Maybe you've caught that twenty-four hour bug just by going around the circus’ Robin sighed sweating slightly, he could see the look Spidey was giving him ‘But the show must go on,' Robin sighed looking away "Put your hands together for The Daring Dangers!" Haly announced as Robin forced a smile and waved to the cheering crowd, his skin pale and sweat dripping down his face. 'Didn't think we'd make it through!' M'gann said with relief as they all was on the ground’ 'Neither did I. Help me backstage,' Robin said to Deme as he felt weak. Deme helped him walk trying not to let the crowd notice.

"Haly, what's the deal? Giving the top slot to those Danger kids? That's our slot!" A man yelled, with half his face painted, at Haly. "'Was your slot', until you missed that performance in Paris," Haly pointed out as Roy nudged Robin and Spidey, who turned and watched as well. "Carlo was sick! He's better now." "Plus those Dangers are a sham. They say they're brothers and sisters. They don't even look alike!" The other twin tried to say, but Haly scoffed loudly. "Ah, you just don't like the competition!" Haly pushed passed them only to standing in front of a man with white hair, glaring at him. "Ah, for crying out loud, not you again! We're in the middle of a show!" Haly said with annoyance. "Then we'll talk after. But we will talk. Another city last week, another tech firm robbed. Another stop on your tour. If I prove you're responsible, I will shut you down," the officer stated firmly. "I've got three minutes to gather props and get back to the center ring," Haly murmured, walking off. With that, the officer went over to the Dangers and showed them his badge.

"Faraday, Interpol. New act?" He asked "Yeah, just joining the tour," Robin answered "Probably cleared you. But don't get too comfortable. Haly's going down for this," Faraday told them before walking off and Robin's eyes narrowed.

Soon enough, they were all staking out a building. 'If Interpol's already on this, why are bothering?' Conner demanded 'Because Batman said so. Why? You had something better to do?' Robin retorted by Miss Martian making Superboy glare. 'How do we know the thieves will hit here?' Artemis asked 'There are more obvious targets,' Red Arrow added, surprisingly agreeing with Artemis. Spider-girl sat legs crossed next to roy and held up a finger 'And Faraday will have them covered’ But I analyzed the tech already stolen, and the patterns suggest this is the place,' Robin explained rubbing his face, still not feeling great 'How are you feeling?' M'gann asked concerned 'Lousy, actually, but I'll manage,' he assured with a small smile. ‘You could head back, we got this’ Spider-girl tried but was ignored making her sigh. Conner looked away from Robin when he noticed a figure. 'Contact! North-East quadrant.' The group watched the figure jump over the fence easily. 'Looks like we know why "Carlo" missed the performance.' ‘Could be Carlo, could be his brother. Keep an open mind. And move in!' Robin orderedas he headed down.. Superboy narrowed his eyes and lifted the sleeve of his shirt up and place one of the shields Luthor got him on his arm before hiding it. 'Did you see were he went?' Robin asked the team, but everyone shook their heads. Superboy narrowed eyes using his x-ray vision. 'The warehouse,' he snarled.

Carlo ripped off the side of a crateand pulled out a cache before hearing Robin's laugh. He looked up to see Robin with Miss Martian, who floated them, and both Red Arrow and Artemis aiming arrows at him. Superboy stood by them, arms crossed. Spider-girl hung upide down near Connor grinning "Caught red-handed! Red faced, too I'll bet," Spider-girl chuckled with a smirked. "Acrobatics won't get you out of this," Artemis added. Carlo lit up a torch before blowing fire at them. "Look out!" Roy shouted before they quickly moved out of the way, Superboy crying out as he shielded himself from the flames. Roy aimed an arrow only to stop when he saw a flammable crate behind Superboy and a thing of live ammo. "Those crates are full of live ammo! Move!" Red Arrow shouted. They all went to run until there was an explosion. Robin helped Miss Martian up, the girl feeling weak from the fire. "That guy is dead meat!" Conner snarled. "Superboy, no!” Spider-girl jumped infront of him, arms stretched as if to block him “You need to get her out," Robin stated making the clone stop and glare "He's getting away!" The Kryptonian argued. "And that matter's more than Miss Martian? Can't you see the fire's killing her?" Spider-girl snapped pointing to his girlfriend who was struggling to stand, even with Robins help. Superboy's eyes widened, realizing this. "Right, right!" He agreed before going over and picking up his girlfriend, hurrying her out of there. “Spidey, Artemis, Arrow! Find the thief!" Robin ordered, going to go ahead only to fall to his hands and knees. Spider-girl and Red Arrow helped him up, and wrapping his arms around their shoulders. "Because 'he matters more than you'?" Artemis asked, using his own words against him "You're still off your game, pal. We're getting you out, too," Roy added. Spider-girl looked at Artemis “lead the way, we will follow” The three heroes exited the building, holding Robin

The next day, the Team watched from afar as Agent Faraday yelled at Haly. "Another weapons plant is hit, and once again the circus is in town. I don't believe in coincidences." "I don't care what you believe. My people are not responsible. I did a bed check last night. Every single member of my troupe was asleep in their bunks," Haly stated firmly. 'Well, we sure weren't!' M'gann stated. 'And if he's lying about us...' Artemis trailed off making Robin look down before they made there way back to their cart. 'So two thieves, right? The fire breather and one of the acrobats,' Artemis asked the group. 'Just in identical clothing,' Deme muttered as Robin looked over some footage. 'Maybe not just two. Here's the Madrid security footage. And now, Paris,' He showed the footage to the team. 'So the strong man and the clown too. If the entire circus is involved, Haly himself may be the mastermind,' Roy mused. 'You don't know that,' Robin told him quickly with narrowed eyes. ‘It would explain his lies...' M'gann went to explain until Robin stood up angrily. "I told you to keep an open mind!" He snapped at everyone out loud before walking out. Spider-girl sighed as she stood up “I got him” Deme assured as she followed after. M'gann smiled and bopped her head ‘'Hello, Megan! I'll read Haly's mind!' She told the others. 'I'm not sure we can trust you to do that without tipping him off,' Roy said cautiously. 'Or maybe you don't trust her, period! I heard you talking to Robin back at the Cave. I know you're only here to spy on the three of us!' Conner snapped when he stomped up to Roy. 'There's a mole on this Team. And good reasons to suspect all four of you. Both Artemis and Miss Martian have already been caught in lies. And you could be programmed by Cadmus without even knowing,' Red Arrow stated. 'Or maybe I take your head off without even trying!' Superboy growled as M’gann cut in quickly 'Okay, let's all take a time out. Before we do something we'll regret,' M'gann said to Conner, trying to calm him down. 'Speak for yourself!' He muttered, walking off with her. Artemis looked over at Roy, surprisingly having not said anything until now "None of us are perfect. But each of us would give our lives for this Team. So try and keep an open mind," Artemis advised Roy before leaving as well.

Dick walked silently down as he looked at a few old posters but one caught his eye. The Flying Graysons. The Boy Wonder felt someone land next to her “Go away” “I know you didnt want me to come along” Deme mused as she kicked the snow on the ground, hand behind her back before she jumped on her toes “But i thought it would be good to have someone on your side…you know…know ur pass” Robin said nothing and looked down. Robin blinked as his com-link went off. "Uh yeah?" He answered connecting his call with Deme’s com-link "Dude, where are you?" Wally asked the Boy Wonder, who tensed "Confidential mission. From Batman." "Wow! You know what im doing? Making a baloney sandwich, kinda like you just did” Wally cut in before adding “plus Kidnapping my Girlfriend, not cool dude” Wally added with a pout "I talked to Tornado. You guys are NOT on a mission. Not an official one, anyway," "A friend of his, Jack Haly," Deme answered when Robin didnt. "The circus guy? From your old Flying Graysons days?" Wally asked, surprised. "Yes. He's implicated in this global crime spree. Someone in the show's dirty, but I need to prove old Jack's clean or he might lose the circus!" Dick Explained as he and Deme began to walk "Then why not bring me along? I know your back story, I know what circus means to you. It's where you grew up, it's where you lost your -” "I left you behind because you know my back story. I didn't want my best pal questioning my objectivity, Its bad Enough, Spidey refused to stay put" Dick mumbled, but Wally scoffed. "Dude, that's what a best pal's for. "We are all here for you, Dick," Deme promised before adding “Ill watch him for you, how hard could it be?” Deme joked to her boyfriend who sighed. Robin logged off and walked away “I wish you had told me” “I didnt think i had time…He was pretty set on leaving as soon as he could” Deme closed her eyes as the snow fell on her face “He’ll be okay” “I know, He always is." Wally’s words sounded almost sad for the boy.

The next day, The Danger family had finished their performance "And that's our show! Farewell, good people of Bruges!" Haly told the crowd before heading back. "Pack it up, the train leaves for Geneva in two hours," he told the people. So, Conner and M'gann were helping load things into one of the carts. They tossed in some sacks. Deme walked over before she went to grab a case until a hand touched hers. "Need a hand?" Ray asked with a kind smile. "I-I'm good, thanks” Deme stuttered, tugging the case away “Maybe one of the others could use some help?" She suggested before noticing the torch man and the strongman were both sitting down, groaning. "A lot of them seem to have that flu” “Im hoping, it will pass quickly” Spidey explained but Haly rushed over "All aboard, everyone, now!" he ordered. "Someone's in a hurry," Roy muttered. And soon, everyone was ready and the train was taking off.

"You look better," Artemis said to Dick when he noticed Deme who held her head in hands. Megan was leaning against the window, also looking ill "I feel better. I'm sorry, Dolly. I hope you and Dawn didn't catch it from me," Dick said frowning as he looked at the two sick girls. "I feel so silly. Who knew a Martian could be vulnerable to a human virus?" M'gann asked from the couch she was lying on, covered up in a blanket as Conner sat next to her. "Uh, H. G. Wells?" Dick joked a little. "Look, when did you two first feel sick?" He asked "Just after boarding the train. It came on sudden!" Deme answered as she shivered, though seemed to be sweating "Same with me, the other night. I remember Ray rubbed my head for good luck right before we went on," Dick explained making Conner blink. "Ray? That roustabout? He touched Dolly before we boarded. That guy must be a walking Petri dish," he mumbled making Dick frown. "Yeah, yeah, maybe," he mumbled, walking out the cabin.
"Dan! You look refreshed," Haly smiled at the boy who had almost greeted him "Thanks. Uh, Jack, how long has Ray worked for you?" Dick asked the older male, who thought for a moment. "A bit about the start of the European tour. Poor lad's down with the same flu as the rest of them." "We'll check on him. It's the least we can do," Artemis smirked making Haly nod. "If you insist."
"You should stay in bed, both of you," Dick told the girls, "As a friend of mine once said, "I'll manage" M’gann assured standing up. Deme nodded doing the same “we got this” Dick had smiled and waved to Haly, hurrying off after them. Haly watched them go before shifting into Ray and walking off. The team entered a larger cabin and found Ray's bed empty. "I guess he wasn't THAT sick," Conner muttered. Roy then noticed a crate that said 'elephant food'. "Does this circus have an elephant I don't know about?" He asked making Deme peach over his shoulder “Woah, think they got magician who makes the elephant disappear?” She asked but Dick shook his head "Not on foreign tours," Dick answered with a frown, so Roy opened it. "Empty - No, wait! Ash," he said as he grabbed a handful. "Warehouse fire in Bruges!" Dick realized. “Uh guys…I found Ray," Artemis called as she pulled out a mask with Ray's face on it from under his bed “Oh god, im gonna hurl” Deme groaned as she looked at the mask like face. "Split up! Search the whole train!" Dick ordered everyone before they all took off.

Dick walked down the train when he heard muffled yelling. Dick kicked open a door revealing Haly tied up and gagged. Dick pulled the gag down. "Who did this to you?" "Ray Ray, the roustabout! Right after the train left Bruges!" the boy narrowed his eyes and ran out, ignoring Haly's yell, "Hey, I'm not Houdini here!" 'M'gann,' Dick tried, but got no response so he put his hand to her comm and whispered. "Dawn, come in!” "Uh, Dan?" M'gann's weak voice answered. "I tried to reach you - The other way," Dick told her.n"I think the flu's knocked out my other way," Miss Martian explained making Dick sigh as he ran "That clinches it. Dane, Dolly, Dean, Diane, come in!" "We're chasing someone who's stolen 'Dawn's act'. Her whole shtick, if you know what I mean," Dick explained to the others. Conner saw the door open and quickly got into cover before taking out one of his shields. He placed it on his chest and muffled a grunt as he felt it working. He came out of hiding making the clown stop before using his x-ray vision to see the stolen tech in the suitcase. The clown set the case down and telekinetically lifted the chairs and tables, throwing them at Superboy. The clone simply punched them to break through. "I got him! But he's on to me. Exiting the dining car now," he reported to the others as he ran out. He then looked up to see 'Ray' on top the carts. "He's gone top side!" He climbed up making the clone see him before throwing him off the train with a wave of his hand. Superboy grunted and used the ability to fly to catch himself, coming up to the front of the clown. "That won't work on me, clown!" He snarled as Dick came up "That's no clown, he's the Parasite! The guy who once stole Superman's powers," Robin stated. "As if you, kids, are who you claim to be. Please!" Parasite smirked, shifting back into his normal self. "Stay out of his reach! There's no flu going around. The weakness comes when he makes physical contact. and feeds on the powers and abilities of others," Dick explained to Conner.

"I happen to be a bit of a glutton today. Chowed down on the skills of nearly every loser in this troupe. But, oh, my , the piece de resistance was Dawn and Dooly Danger or whatever their real names are. Thought I'd pouch on Dawn's trapeze skills after using Dollys little balancing tricks. Imagine my surprise when they tasted like Martian Manhunter and Spider-man, instead. They made lovely appetizers. But guess who I want for my entrée," Parasite smirked, Roy and Artemis appearing after M'gann and Deme. He pulled Conner over, gripping his neck when the clone reached him. "M-hmm, now that's the full body Kryptonian flavor I love." "Stay whelmed! Subdue, but keep your distance!" Dick ordered the team as Artemis and Roy went to shoot arrows, but Parasite melted them with heat vision. "You know, I almost never say this, but I'm sated. Hate to eat and run," Parasite smirked while dropping Superboy and flying off with the case. Spider-girl used Dick as a boost and reached at Parasite, but the creature smacked her away. "Sorry. No hitchhikers," he snarled. Deme fell down past the train, but Dick grabbed her hand, struggling. But luckily the others, minus Superboy, helped Him. Deme panted as she shook her head “im fine” She assured. "Conner!" M'gann called, rushing over to the fallen Kryptonian. She helped him up "You alright?" She asked concerned. "Fine, fine," he assured "You're drained! Parasite took more power than you even have! Heat vision?" Dick asked with surprise clear in his voice as the others walked up. "Well, I have the genetic potential for it. Must've been enough for him," Conner said defensively making Deme grunt and walk off with the archers "Go. I'll manage," Conner urged M'gann, who frowned a little and walked off after them.

Once she was out of sight, he pealed off the black shield on his chest before looking at the compact that held the others. Back int he cabin, everyone was dressed in their uniforms, Robin holding up a flash drive. "It's not a complete debacle. Spidey picked Parasite's pocket. I got this flash drive," he informed before he began hacking it. "Looks like Parasite's working for Intergang. Everything he's stolen, they're all pieces of something. They're putting together a weapon that generates... black holes?" He blinked. "Oh, come on, to build that, you need a particle accelerator!" Red Arrow stated, crossing his arms. "Such as the large Bozon Collider in Geneva?" Deme asked as she pulled it up on her Phone "The circus' next stop. But now that Parasite can fly, he's got a big head start on us!" Roy pointed out. "Sorry," M'gann frowned. "Not your faults. But this thing could wipe out entire cities. We need to hurry," Dick confirmed to the team, but Roy cut in. "You and I need to hurry. Without powers, the others would hold us back," Roy stated, but Artemis pulled out her crossbow. "Hey, you're not the only one with a backup." Everyone jumped as they heard a bang. Conner had dented the wall. "And My powers are back!" Spider-girl stood up “How? Im still-” "I guess Kryptonians recover faster than Meta-humans or Martians." Deme and M'gann looked at each other smirking. "Don't even think about leaving us behind," the Martian stated, but Red Arrow frowned.
GENEVA
December 24, 00:37 CET
A guard on the ground, unconscious, groaned as the team walked up as Robin checked on him. "Trail of destruction, this way," he uttered before they ran in. Well, all except Superboy, who switched his shield for a new one, growling and clenching his fist, then followed. Beeping could be heard as Parasite typed on the console and lifted up a piece of stolen tech. "This would be a whole lot easier with my flash drive," he mumbled, plugging the device in making the console glow blue. "There. Now let's fire this baby up. And see what's left of Geneva when we're done." The particle accelerator began powering up as he typed, the wind picking up outside as a black hole appeared over the building. "We need to take him down. Or at least lure him away so we can safely disengage the -" Spidey was cut off by Conner charging out with a roar. "No, wait!" Dick hissed only for Conner to break the door open making Parasite look over with a smirk. "Seconds? No, I couldn't," he jested, using Miss Martian's power to pull Superboy over to absorb more power, but Conner punched him. Parasite glared and punched him away before using M'gann's power to lift him up again. "What's wrong with -" "Wait!" M'gann stopped Red Arrow. Parasite then used Spider-girls power to send a line of Electric at Superboy, making the clone crash into the ceiling before he fell to the ground. Parasite then pulled him back over again, gripping his neck. "Oh, what a rush! How do you do it, kid? Even Superman never recharged that fast," he smirked as Conner groaned, feeling weak. "Alright, Dangers, come on out! Only a couple of minutes before this baby's done warming up and eats Geneva," Parasite called, throwing Conner away.

"What do you think?" M'gann asked Robin. "Big risk to take on a theory," Roy mumbled But Spider-girl stood "Do it. Go!" Robin ordered as Spidey and Miss Martian smirked and stood in front of Parasite. "What do you have against Geneva, anyway?" M'gann asked. "Never liked the food, but the menu keeps improving," Parasite smirked, dragging the two girls, who smirked. "We're just the appetizers, remember?" Deme told him as they rolled to the side of him. "Here's the main course!" Deme grunted, swiping his legs making him fall before the girls ran away. Spider-girl climbed the wal quickly. Parasite grunted as an arrow hit him forming into foam. "Foam? You think foam can hold me? Or stop me from crushing you with a thought? Combined Martian, Meta-Human, and Kryptonian powers here!" Parasite smirked using M'ganns powers to lift Red Arrow up. "But do any of those powers free you before I sabotage your death thingy?" Robin asked. "This one does," Parasite snarled, breaking free and shooting a heat ray at him, Robin rolling out of the way as Artemis landed behind the purple male. She fired an arrow quickly before rolling out of the way to dodge the rays as well. The arrow exploded, making fire appear around him. It caused him to release Roy, who began falling until Spider-girl used a web net to catch him and set him down gently. "So clever. Trick me into igniting inflammable gas. But you forgot doofus' double dose of... invulnerability. Fire... can't.... touch me," Parasite panted. "Unless you make a meal on my powers and get my weaknesses as a side dish!" M'gann growled. "No... No!" Parasite gasped before groaning and falling unconscious. "Aw, you poor baby. Was it something you ate?" M’gann cooed mockingly as Robin typed and shut down the machine and sighed.

That's when the police arrived "We'll take it from here," Faraday told the teens, Faraday placed the inhibitor collar on Parasite, neutralizing his powers. "Thanks for the tip, by the way. Definitely helps to prep the inhibitor collar in advance," he said with a smile to Robin, who smiled back. "Glad to be of service," he replied. Artemis walked over to Roy and held her hand out to help him up. He smiled at her and took her hand. "Wow. He dares to touch the hand of a suspected traitor," she teased. "Mind open. I guess I never really saw you three in the thick of it before. Superboy's a hot-head, but I know I'm not one to talk. You could each have betrayed us here. You didn't. I'm sorry I doubted any of you. There is no mole," Roy smiled softly.
The next morning Dick stood in front of Haly. "So, the show will go on, and I have a feeling I have you Dangers to thank," Haly smiled, but Dick shrugged "Don't know what you mean." Haly chuckled softly and shook their hands."Of course not. But I'm guessing you'll be leaving now," he mused. "Time to move on," Dick answered. "Well, Dick, I'll miss you," Dick eyes widened slightly. "It's Dan! Dan Danger!" He tried to cover, but Haly shook his head."Son, you've grown. But some things never change. Like the sight of a Grayson on the trapeze. You can't fake that. Can't hide it” Dick was surprise but smiled at his old friend "So, do old ring master one last favor?" He asked the young boy, who smiled brightly. "Ladies and gentlemen, the farewell performance of the Daring Dangers!" Haly called to the crowd as Dick waved happily at the crowd.