Welcome one and all to season 2 of the Titan Knight series. I know how excited all of my faithful readers have waited for this moment, and I hope any new comers enjoy the twists I've put on the Young Justice Team.
For clerification. This story Follows "Can't run Forever" and though you don't have to read the ones before this to understand what's going on in this story, you are more then welcome too. Go check out my profile and you'll find the master list of the order the stories go in for the first season, or PM me if you confused.
Secondly the team is a bit different and so is the timeline so some things may be a bit confusing and if they are just ask for clerication and I'll try to fix that.
Any questions just PM me or write it in a review.
I am so excited to introduce the second season and I hope you enjoy as well.
On with the SHOW!
BOOK 2: MARKER
Chapter 1: Meet the Team
"Dinner's ready!"
Plates of food began floating around the visiting Martian, M'gann Morz, before placing themselves in various spots around a round dinner table in the center of the kitchen area. M'gann beamed brightly at her culinary triumph, clapping and bouncing on the balls of her feet. However the true test would be arriving shortly.
. . . Any minute now.
She placed her hands on her hips and tapped her foot in annoyance, her eyes staring down the hall. "I said dinner's ready!" She shouted again. "Conner, I KNOW you can hear me."
Just then a young man with crystal blue eyes and a tight fitting black T-shirt carrying the Superman symbol entered the dining room with two more boys in tow. "I heard you," he smiled. "I just thought I'd make sure to bring these two along." He hooked his massive arms around the necks of two boys they were with him. One was a fair-skinned boy with jet black hair and a pair of blue eyes to match the ones owned by Conner, and the other a Hispanic young man, both of whom smiled nervously.
M'gann beamed, but noticed they were still a few short. "I'll go get the others, you guys go ahead and get washed up." She levitated from the dining room to parts of the mountain unknown, giving the boys a chance to whisper in hushed tones.
"Dude, you can't make us do this." The Hispanic Boy, Jaime Reyes, shot with fearful eyes.
"The last time she cooked I was sick for a week." The other, Tim Drake, said.
"It was four days and you know it." Conner glared. "And come on, it can't be that bad. I've eaten her food and I've been fine."
"You spit it out into your napkin." Conner's mouth fell at Tim's accusation, "Trained by the Batman, remember? I pick up on these things."
Conner shook his head. "In any case we're in this together right?" Silence. He grabbed both boys by the collars of their shirts, lifting them off the ground. "Right?"
"Tim." Conner hurriedly set the boys down as M'gann returned, a blonde girl fearfully in tow. "I found Artemis, but I can't find Cassie."
Tim looked confused. "Cassie is in Gotham with Barbara and Kara, you know that."
M'gann smacked her forehead. "Hello Megan! Sorry, I was talking about the other Cassie."
Tim made an "O" with his mouth before chuckling and responding. "I'll go find her." And he disappeared down the halls of the mountain. M'gann turned to her team.
"Well we're not eating until they get back." And she levitated to the dinner table to check on her food. By all accounts the food LOOKED okay, but they said the same thing about a batch of cookies she made when she accidentally used baking soda instead of sugar.
Artemis scooted closer to the other three. "Please tell me one of you at least watched her cook?"
Silence. "We were… playing video games." Said Jaime to which Conner agreed.
Artemis shook her head with a roll of her eyes. "Great. We'll be dead by morning won't we?"
Tim Drake wasn't technically the leader of the younger extended team of the Justice League, in fact that honor belonged to Kaldur'ahm, but his time away from the team had been longer and longer, leaving Tim with the responsibility of leadership most of the time. He didn't pry as to why Kaldur was absent either, he guessed it had something to do with the fact that his closest friend had returned from the dead almost six months ago, something that Tim still couldn't wrap his head around. It seemed that loss had abound in the past year or so, and not just for him or the Justice League, but their sister organization that his friend and brother, Dick Greyson headed, the Teen Titans. Though the details about what happened were kept quiet the short version was that some psycho demon had killed members of his honorary Titans, and they were suddenly back from the dead a few months later.
How's that fair? He thought to himself. And yet Barbara still can't walk. His fists clenched, and his face twisted in a fierce scowl at the memory, but at the same time he shouldn't be too angry about it all. If Barbara was in good spirits about the whole thing why not he? And besides Barbara was still doing good work behind the scenes as the self-dubbed "Oracle", so why couldn't he move past his growing anger whenever the thought crossed his mind? Why couldn't he move on?
Maybe he'd be able to get some answers the more he lost himself in something else. Like taking care of the newest member of the Batclan. Well, maybe not to new, she had been at Wayne manor even before Barbara's attack, she only recently took up the mantle of Batgirl.
He rapped lightly on a bedroom door labeled in bold letters "Cassandra Cain". "Hey Cass, it's Tim. M'gann has dinner ready." Nothing. He put his ear up to the door, but was only able to hear soft muttering on the other side. He knocked a bit louder which seemed to do the trick this time as he heard rustling on the other side of the door until it opened. A young woman, who could have easily passed for his sister, with black hair and fair skin stood on the other side, her chocolate colored eyes glancing at him curiously, after of course they scanned the area around him first. "Hey Cass, What are you up to?"
She raised a brow and motioned with a CD player in her hand and pointed to a pair of headphones now sitting around her neck. "Ah. More speech stuff from Alfred?" A small ghost of a smile crept up the side of her lip at the mention of the Wayne manor butler, and gave a small nod. He smiled back. "Well M'gann has dinner ready if you'd like to join us." Her nose wrinkled in hesitancy and disgust. "Yeah, I'm not excited about it either, but she worked hard so we might as well, ya know?" She shrugged with a roll of her eyes then held up her index finger indicating that she would only be a minute and disappeared back into her room while he waited outside.
Yet another prime example about how fair life is. His smile shifted into a frown. A sweet girl like her is raised to be a weapon and a killer and not even taught how to talk. He was brought from his thoughts quickly when a finger began poking at his shoulder. She had returned and was now looking worriedly at him.
"Tim. Okay?" She asked slowly. He instantly relaxed forgetting that she could pick up on his body language, no doubt seeing his tight fists and jaw. She never learned to talk, but she did learn to read body language, a skill that made her a damn near perfect killer even at a young age, but also being able to read people's emotions without any form of superpower. Useful, but slightly annoying since nothing could be hidden from her.
He put on his best fake smile. "Oh yeah everything's fine."
Her worried eyes quickly furrowed before stating simply, "Lying."
He chuckled nervously, "Well it's not really important right now. Ready to eat?" Her eyes darted to different areas of his face then to other parts of his body before finally shrugging and stepping into the hallway, shutting her door behind her, and heading towards the dining room. He exhaled in relief, thankful that she at least knew when to drop the subject, he just hoped it would stay dropped. The two teens walked the halls to the dining room, slowly, very slowly, but it couldn't be put off forever as the loaded kitchen table came into view. M'gann at the head smiling brightly as the others appeared as if they had been seated for their last meal.
"Cassie!" M'gann perked up when the newest member of their team stepped in with Tim. However the friendly Martian had to keep her excited behavior to a minimum. The first time they met, M'gann had attempted to hug her, but was swiftly thrown against the wall. Luckily she phased right through it so there wasn't any lasting damage, but M'gann learned that she would have to take it slow with her.
She cleared her throat. "Go ahead and take a seat and we'll get-"
She was cut off when a speaker sprang to life above them. The robotic voice of their handler, Red Tornado, boomed through it and echoed throughout the mountain.
"Attention team. Please come to the Mission Room. An assignment has arisen that is in need of your attention. Thank you."
The communication cut and a wave of relief passed over the team, a wave that missed the young Martian. "Awe, but I wanted to see if you'd like my spinach casserole."
Her lower lip began to protrude ever so slightly along with sagging shoulders causing her boyfriend to place an arm around her shoulders. "Don't worry M'gann. I'm sure it'll be just as delicious reheated." Her spirits weren't raised any, but seeing as how everyone else had headed towards the Mission Room of mountain, Conner grabbed a fork and decided to try a bite.
For M'gann, he said to himself as he placed the forkful into his mouth.
She was surprised at first but then her expression changed to anticipation. "Well? What do you think?"
Conner swished the food around for a moment, taking in the various textures and tastes until coming to a conclusion. A conclusion that made his heart sink and his stomach rumble.
"It's . . . delicious . . ." And worst of all it would have to wait.
The different members of the team got into their respective uniforms before meeting with their handler, Red Tornado, which for Jaime Reyes was as easy as one, two, three. The alien scarab on his back gifted him with a variety of different weapons and functions, one of which was a suit of black and blue armor, which earned him the name Blue Beetle. M'gann, since she could shape shift, had it just as easy to change from her usual pink colored blouse and skirt, to her white shirt, blue gloves, boots and skirt, complete with a large red X across her chest. Just liked her uncle, the Martian Manhunter. And Conner wore the same thing no matter where he went.
That just left the remaining three, who didn't possess any special abilities.
Tim Drake took the name Robin, and since the other Robin, Dick Greyson, was in Jump City with the Teen Titans he thought it was fine to keep the name. But whenever the two we're together it did tend to get confusing, but for now, Robin it was. Cassandra had taken the original Batgirl costume and had sewn a piece of fabric over the mouth of the cowl, symbolizing silence. She also mentioned it made her seem more intimidating, which to Tim was very true. If criminals knew who they were messing with . . .
Tim shuddered. He didn't want to think about it.
Artemis, dressed in her green outfit, rounded out the team and with a quick headcount the team was ready to go. Including him there were six. Not a large number, but with those in attendance there were enough for a stealthy mission.
"Alright," he stated, "let's see what we got."
His team followed behind him to the center of the mountain, or Mt. Justice as it had been called. Originally it was supposed to be an Earth location for the Justice League, but once the original members of this team expressed interest in their own group, the Batman had given the mountain to them. Now it was a home away from home with everything they could want or need. Lounge area with all the state of the art TV's and gaming stations, workout room, locker rooms, individual living quarters, a library, a hangar with a wealth of Zeta tubes and where M'gann would store her Martian ship, and, where the team was headed now, the mission room. A technological wonder as it also served as a training room, and where all of their assignments would be handed to them. Usually by way of interactive holograms.
As the team stepped into the Mission room they were greeted by the sight of their handler, a scarlet red Android with a bright blue cape, and a yellow T on his chest, called Red Tornado, and their team leader, Kaldur'ahm. The Atlantean was quickly met with handshakes and smiles by the rest of his teammates.
"Kal, when did you swim in?" Tim asked.
He grinned, "A half hour ago. I was told that I was going to be needed for the assignment so I arrived as soon as I was able."
"So do ya have any idea what we're in for?" Artemis asked with her hands on her hips.
"I can enlighten you," Everyone turned to the elderly man that was standing beside Red Tornado, dressed in a tux, top hat and cane, "For it is I that is handing this mission to you all."
Giovanni Zatara was a former member of the Justice League, but was now a member of their sister division, the Justice League Dark, who dealt specifically with Supernatural happenings, but would consult with the League on occasion. It was unusual to see him since the JLD never reached out to Kaldur or his team for assistance causing the group to glance at him curiously. However, Tim's mouth was a hard line with his eyes narrowed behind his mask, something that wasn't lost on Kaldur'ahm.
He placed a hand on Tim's shoulder. "I understand you may have some mistrust for him, but part of the reason I am here is to speak on his behalf."
Tim turned his scowl to Kaldur, "You know what he did?"
Kaldur removed his hand and nodded, "I do. And though I do not approve of his actions, tonight's mission requires us to put our differences aside."
"That's right son," Giovanni tapped his cane getting everyone's attention, "The JLD needs your assistance in stopping a member of the Light. Specifically Klarion." A hologram of a bone thin, pale young man dressed in black holding an orange tabby cat appeared before them. "For this mission we will be sending you to Switzerland, where Klarion will be attempting to summon a demon who will act as an enforcer for the Light." Another hologram appeared beside Klarion showing a map of Switzerland close to the coast. "This will be the location."
The team scanned the map and the image of Klarion. His familiar, sickening grin causing each member of the team to want to slap it right off. "Why is the JLD asking us to deal with him?" Tim was glaring hard at Giovanni, but he either ignored him or wasn't fazed.
"The JLD has other matters of importance to attend to and unfortunately we are unable to handle this ourselves. But you have proven, in the past, to be able to handle the likes of Klarion. However he is not the issue at hand. What's important is that this demon he is attempting to summon must not happen."
"This demon," Kaldur continued, "was responsible for the deaths of both the members of the Justice League and the Teen Titans, and is not to be taken lightly. I have encountered it before and can easily understand Giovanni's concern." The group took notice of the fact that Kaldur shuddered slightly at the memory, and if he himself was shaken, then this wasn't to be taken lightly.
"How exactly did you find all of this stuff out?" Conner asked.
"From someone who doesn't want this to happen as much as we do." Giovanni answered matter-of-factly, "the king of Hell himself."
His statement was met with silence for a moment. "Uh, el Diablo?" Jaime asked.
"No, son, not the actual devil." Whatever was the case Jaime quickly crossed himself.
"So you just need us to stop this summoning?" Tim asked.
"That is all. Do not attempt to restrain Klarion. He may seem immature, but he's very dangerous and should be left to us. Do I make myself clear?" Though the question was directed at the entire team, his ice blue eyes were focused on Tim Drake. The team each gave their own agreements and eventually so did Tim. "Very well. I'll expect a full report as soon as your mission has concluded. Good luck." And in a flash of smoke, the wizard was gone.
"Does anyone else think this mission is totally wack?" Jaime asked from his seat in M'gann's Martian ship.
"Nope your not the only one." Kaldur exclaimed, "But I've seen this creature up close and personal and having it escape the depths of hell is not a pleasant thought."
Usually on a way to a mission there was someone, usually Tim, to make light of the situation, however the atmosphere was quiet and tense. Coincidentally also came from the Boy wonder of their team.
M'gann cleared her throat. "So Tim, um, may I ask why your not a fan of Giovanni?"
"Yeah I thought you liked Zatanna?" Blue Beetle added.
Tim was busy staring out the window, his own mind trying to make sense of this odd mission, but their questions had pulled him from his thoughts. "I like Zatanna fine, just her dad." His voice gave little indication that he wanted to talk about it, but the team was still curious.
"Giovanni," Kaldur spoke, "Is ultimately responsible for the Batman quitting the Justice League."
Their was a wave of gasps amongst the group. "But, I thought-"
"No, it was all Giovanni." Tim cut off Conner's thought. "It's was earlier this year, but essentially Giovanni used his powers to wipe the mind of a criminal, sort of a magical lobotomy, and when Batman spoke out against it, he wiped his mind too."
An uncomfortable silence befell them, before M'gann spoke again. "Well I'm sure Giovanni had a good reason-"
Tim stood up from his seat in a huff and directed his scowl towards her. "Maybe, but he had no right to wipe Batman's mind just because he disagreed with what he was doing. And then where does it end? We wipe one guys mind then another, and then another, when does it end. The point of being heroes is NOT doing the things that the bad guys do-"
It was Kaldur'ahm's turn to stand, "-that isn't the whole story Tim. Giovanni wiped the mind of Dr. Arthur Light, who was a rapist and a sadist. I don't agree with what he did to Batman, but what he did to Light was justified."
"But who gets to decide that?" Jaime asked. "We stop the bad guys then let the law handle them, isn't that what separates us from vigilante's?"
"But Giovanni stopped a rapist." Said M'gann. "He hurt people in unforgivable ways and likely wouldn't have stopped."
"Oh he did." Tim sighed, "but not because of what Giovanni did. Apparently Light was reset somehow and attacked the Teen Titans. Something happened, I don't know what, but he never made it out of that battle."
"So wait your saying the Titans?" Conner began, but Tim shook his head.
"Batman made it clear it was none of them, and was pretty Vague about the outcome, just that he didn't want to think about it ever again and he dropped it there."
The conversation of morality continued, however Artemis and Cassandra kept themselves out of it seeing as how the subject of morality was a bit of a touchy subject for a former assassin and someone whose sister was apart of the business. Artemis glanced at Cassandra, whose mask was off and draped over her back like a hood, and was staring out the window. Artemis couldn't help but think of her sister Jade looking at her since they shared similar features and backgrounds.
She cleared her throat to get her attention. "So, What is this your third mission with us?" Artemis asked. Cassandra, without taking her eyes away from the window, held up four fingers to her. "Ah fourth. Sorry they tend to blend together." Artemis knew her speech was limited, but she understood plenty, so she, as a seasoned member of the team, tried to think of something to say. "Well if you have any questions, I'm here to help."
Cassandra simply glanced out of the corner of her eye and nodded before quickly drawing her hood. "Here."
Sure enough they had arrived at their destination cutting the conversation short behind them. Tim took the lead as each member activated the camouflage mode of their uniforms. Tim, now dressed in all black, turned to face his team.
"We know the drill. Watch each other's backs, complete the mission, and come out alive. We ready?" He was met with nods and grins. "Then lets do this."
Unbeknownst to them however, deep in the forest of Switzerland, something was waiting.
Something ancient.
Something very, very . . . .
hungry.
So the team consists of Tim Drake, Robin, Superboy, Miss Martian, Blue Beetle, Cassandra Cain, Artemis, and Kaldur'ahm.
Also this story made a lot of references to my earlier work "The Dark Deal" again if your confused just ask me what's going on, otherwise I look forward to seeing you next time where we find out what exactly is waiting for them.
