This story follows my AU version of Young Justice, but will attempt to incorporate some of the recent episodes into it mostly by fudging with the dates of the episodes to fit my timeline. The same can be said about the Justice League episodes that get used. Please bare with me. To read my previous YJ fics check out my profile. Thanks. P.S. I won't put this in the crossover section because it's so dead there and I prefer the term fusion which is perfectly balanced between the two worlds as this will be. Thanks and remember to review..
In the Heavens above the planet Earth; the celestial beings were busy at work doing whatever they could to keep the diverse beings of the planet safe and happy. Their job was a very serious one with complex challenges because of the many races and dimensions tied to this jewel of a globe. To add to the difficulty was that many evolved beings, who claimed to be Gods from far off worlds, and those who shared this space were always quarreling with one another. Still the angels who served the Almighty did the best to exemplify the seven virtues and show the way back to grace to all the beings who called planet Earth their home.
The stunning and powerful Guardian Angel of Earth, Sierra, was busy at work directing the rest of her kind. The increase in evil Guardian Devils was making it difficult for her kind to help prevent the fall of many humans, who lost to temptation. "I don't care what it takes; I want all Guardian Angels to be on alert! If need be I want them to step in as soon as danger emerges, we are losing the battle here to prevent rise of evil. Any word from the sanctuary towns as of yet? I need to know if the new batch of human Guardian Angels has completed their training."
"The training is still on going; in sixty percent of the sanctuary towns. It's not as easy to learn how to channel a tenth of our powers or understand the laws that dictate their role in their charges life. The remaining thirty percent is divided. At least twenty five percent are abiding by the roles and have successfully thwarted attempts by Guardian Devils to corrupt the charges. The other five percent are actively working although impeded because they were force to reveal themselves to their charges. I do believe that you should have revoked their power and reassigned a celestial sentinel. They did break the rules," a male Guardian Angel reported to her.
"Those cases were reviewed by the Almighty and myself personally. The findings in those cases were that the circumstances of revilement were unusual enough to warrant exceptions to the rules. Heroes and Heroines' have always needed a special touch in order to prevent their fall from grace. The same could be said about their Guardian Angels. The hand on approach has always worked and will continue to do so for these types of individuals. Now, I want you to go talk with our liaison in the lost souls department. I want an update about the status of all spirits on Earth and if there's anything we can do to help them find peace. Understood?"
"It shall be done." Sierra watched her subordinate go and then called over her shoulder, "Its alright, you can come out now. He's gone and won't be back for awhile." The head Guardian Angel smiled as little blond girl in grey materialized next her. "Hello Greta, how are you doing today?"
"Secret, secret," the spirit responded happily. She looked exactly the same except for a special silver and gold feather dangling from her neck on a bronze chain. Sierra had found the lost soul shortly after the females of Young Justice and their girlfriend Zantana had put an end to Harm's destruction. Although Greta had been given a proper burial, her soul would not rest until the scales had been balanced by performing great acts of good, equal to the evil of having her brother kill her for demonic power. Sierra had offered the little girl a chance to be her assistant and use her gifts to help Guardian Angels, both human and celestial, so one day Secret could rest. While not against the celestial laws, it was highly unusual for a celestial being to work with a supernatural entity, thus why Secret wasn't known to most of Sierra's staff.
"I'm glad that your powers are developing nicely. Thank you for assisting with the crossover of the lost souls. Soon you'll be able to rest for good, perhaps even be reborn. You would love that I'm sure. Would you like to check on you friends now? I must admit I'm worried about the Young Justice children. To have been through so much and in such a short time makes me fear for their immortal souls."
"CHECKING ON YOUR FAVORITE HEROES AGAIN SIERRA? WE'VE BEEN THROUGH THIS MY SERVANT. ALL BEINGS ON THE PLANET DESERVE YOUR EQUAL ATTENTION. WHY ARE YOU SO FIXATED ON THESE PARTICULAR SOULS?" A powerful, echoing voice filled the room. Secret flinched hiding behind Sierra's dress. The Guardian Angel patted her on the head cooing reassurances.
"Almighty sir, I ask that you to please try to be more gentle. You're scaring my assistant," Sierra responded humbly. She could feel the great power of the Almighty, the Alpha and Omega, the One and Many, spoken of in every major religion on Earth. The Great One wasn't really angry with her yet she could sense that He/She wanted to talk with her. "Please, my Lord and Master, if you are displeased by my actions speak now and tell me what I have done to warrant your displeasure."
A brilliant multicolor glow filled the room shrinking until it was the size of a humanoid. The being's skin was like water moving and halting in beautiful patterns. The eyes were like swirling portals of gold and silver. A simple black frock covered His/Her body. Sierra curtsied, instructing Secret to follow suit much to the joy and amusement of the Almighty. "Rise, the two of you there is no need for that here. I see that your new assistant is quick study."
"Most lost souls are once they have found someone to help them. Secret, if you would be so kind, please check on the human Guardian Angels for your friends alright? I need to finish writing their evaluations soon."
"Secret!" the little ghost girl hurried over to the glowing panel and brought up the details on the human Guardian Angels to her friends. Tapping into their feathery necklace's power she began to record the events happening glad that they had all gathered in one place. As she took notes on the human Guardian Angels actions she kept and ear out for what was happening to Sierra. She hoped the kind lady wasn't in trouble.
The Almighty and Sierra were seated at a nearby table drinking tea. Sierra was nervous eying her boss, until finally she couldn't take it anymore. "You obviously have something to say my Creator. Please what have I done to offend you?"
"Not offend me per say my dear, but I have noticed that you have become awfully attached to the twelve souls who harbored the Darkness of Purity inside their souls. The amount of attention you spend on them is unnatural; I fear that perhaps you have been sharing souls to much with your human avatar."
"Julia has nothing to do with this, while she may have given me the ability to see first hand these souls, I have always cared for them, more then I should perhaps, but when one reviews their lives can you not say the same?"
"I love all My Children, human or alien, male or female, good or bad. I am there for them when they need me and I give the guidance when they are lost, but it unfair to focus so much on one group. Many have suffered in life as they have and still come out strong."
"Not like these twelve, to be touched even indirectly, by the Source not once, but twice? To have horrors and evils of humanity affect their lives almost since conception? How many children do you know that can piece together their souls after they have shattered or evolve themselves on whim to prevent a travesty of unnatural proportions from happening? That's kismet is so great they are pulled from under your watchful gaze and sent to another multiverse entirely to aid them against terrorism? That the very bond that was created to enslave them actually helped save said world from all out war? Their feats are unequal to any normal or hero this or any millennium. It's why I worked so hard to find good human Guardian Angels for them. Why I spend so much time listening in as they struggle to get rid of this near perfect immortality, praying that they will one day be normal and return to you my Creator."
The Almighty smiled pleasantly and gently put His/Her tea down. He touched Sierra's hand sending His love and warmth inside her. "I know all of what you speak and more my dear Guardian Angel. Did you think your actions to vanquish the Light from the Earth went unnoticed? The souls of heroes have always been tempted and I have always helped pick them up guiding them home, but that does not mean their lives are any easier. Indeed, more often then not, it is the greatest examples of good that must constantly learn new lessons, lessons that will impact the lives of many who seek forgiveness. There is a reason to everything Sierra, and a time and place for all that has occurred and will. Do you understand?"
"I do my Lord. Still, I truly wish that the twelve souls would find some peace. In four days time as humans reckon it; will the one year anniversary since the team officially came to be. That day has great significance for them as well as their human Guardian Angels. For it was the exact day when Young Justice formed that I bestowed their powers. They have accomplished much as human Guardian Angels, more then most accomplish during their time of service. I couldn't be prouder of them.."
"Your body language indicates something else. I can tell you're proud of them, but you wonder if they truly understand their sacred duties. That is what your assistant Secret is trying to determine right now isn't she? If they are not prepared for the next level so much could be lost. The adult heroes have also lost faith here at least. In other worlds I fear they have too much," the Almighty explained to His/Her servant.
The two of them were standing next to monitor observing the activities going on inside Mount Justice. Several members of the League were having a discussion with the human Guardian Angels. In the background there were holographic computer displays ranging from medical data to training simulations. Some of the adults, the Green Lantern Hal was arguing heatedly with two human Guardian Angels, his fellow Leaguer Red Tornado and Carla. The sound was off, but both beings could feel the fear, frustration, and anger, coming off from the adults. Secret switched the view to the training area that showed the team and a few guests practicing.
Superboy was catching up with Wolf and Sphere, who were visiting from the Fortress of Solitude, where they had been living. His lovely girlfriend was next to him offering fresh meat biscuits to Wolf. The others were watching as Zairia cheered her girlfriend, Bettie, on as she tried to defeat Zantana, who was visiting for the day. All seemed well, but looks could be deceiving.
"Secret? Secret secret Secret?"
"Yes Greta, they are all well for now, but soon it will be time for the team to learn a new lesson. I can't tell you what will happen, but know this child. Should they succeed they will be one step closer into fully healing more then one word," the Almighty told the young spirit. Sierra gazed at him questioningly, but knew it was forbidden for the Almighty to tell her what was going on so she was surprised when the Almighty spoke. "I have a special assignment for you two. Listen well and you may both learn something of value as well."
Half an hour ago.
The League had called an impromptu meeting in Mount Justice to discuss the new results from Star Lab on the serum Dr. Holiday had derived for the team. At first, the serum had done what it had been designed to do, give them control over the immortality factor. However after two weeks the injections stopped working, apparently their bodies had learned to adapt to the drug. They had sent both tissue samples and the drug to S.T.A.R. Labs hoping that someone there could make it work. Superman had just returned from the labs with a bit of grim news.
"S.T.A.R. labs are not making as much progress as they hoped. The adaptability of the kids' cells is very unique making it difficult to tailor the serum to counteract its effects. As they explained it to me the structure is still humanoid, but it's almost as if two opposing forces are inside the cells working to prevent them from undoing what's been done," Superman explained as patiently as he could.
"That would be consistent with what we learned from Dubbilex and I researched on Oa, but we can't give up. There's got to be a way to get the kids too normal. They're not New Gods for crying out loud," John/Green Lantern pointed out agitated.
"True, but there close enough that it would be hard to tell the difference unless we tested them with substances known to weaken a New God. That is something I want to avoid at all costs," Wonder Woman pointed out. Beside her the Hawks nodded in agreement. They had recently found Young Justice list of 'what can't kill us" and were not amused. A solution had to be found and soon.
"Maybe we are going around this the wrong way. Science did curse them, but it was spirituality that brought them back when they were in a coma. Maybe we should be looking for a spiritual whammy. How about it? Any of you halos got a miracle we can borrow?" Hal/Green Lantern inquired the gathered human Guardian Angels. The non leaguer angels were glaring angrily at the Lantern. They thought they had been brought here to help discuss their charges and their insights on the topic at hand; they were not amused at being used like this.
"Shut your mouth young man and get some manners! How dare you talk to us so disrespectfully, I don't know whether I should be insulted or flattered, but you are certainly a cocky bastard!" Carla snapped at him.
"Carla, please don't use language like that in front of Madison! Hal, I'm wondering if Helena is right about the ring decreasing the flow of the blood to your brain," Black Canary muttered.
"Hey, that's the same crazy friend who decided it was a good idea to bring her kid's lesbian girlfriend to the cave instead of taking her with her to her stupid teacher conference. We're not a daycare you know!"
"Oh man, he didn't just go there," Flash muttered.
"He did; this isn't going to be pretty," Aquaman responded. A brawl broke out between the Lantern and Canary. The civilian Angels scrambled to get out of the way while some of the older League members tried to break up the brawl. It came to an end when Batman cleared his throat and said "Enough." Everyone backed down and sat back down.
"I know that we are all anxious and concerned for the future of the members of Young Justice; however we can't start fighting amongst ourselves. It is counterproductive and causes unnecessary strife among our ranks. Now then, we called this meeting to discuss more then just the status of Young Justice's state of being," Batman began. He turned his attention to the assembled Guardian Angels. "Is there anything new that any of you would like tell the rest of the group? Any insights you might have could help us in the long run with the future of the team and their overall well being."
"Why does it sound like your interrogating us about our relationships with our friends? How do we know that you're not just going to use what we say to restrict or disband the team? Especially since it's so close to there one year anniversary of their formation," Red Arrow remarked cagily. He was being very wary about what was being said in this meeting. He didn't want to get in trouble with his celestial boss. It seemed the others felt the same way.
"It is not that we don't wish to help with ease your trouble minds, it's just that we are under certain restrictions after the events that occurred in New York. Sierra warned us about giving away to much information about our duties," Tula explained quietly to the group. This was her first real visit to the surface world and she was nervous. This place was so dry! How did Kaldur get use to it?
"Surely there must be something you can tell us. I mean some of you weren't even aware that were human Guardian Angels until the crises back in February," Captain Marvel pointed out helpfully. He, like many of the heroes, didn't fully comprehend what the human Guardian Angels could and couldn't do. He was hoping they could clear up the disconnect between the two groups.
"True my friend, but since then we have been taught the rules and limits of our unusual position. I can tell you that M'gann and the others spirits have grown stronger, they are almost healed completely from their traumas although it might take many more months or years before the scars on their souls are healed over," Martian Manhunter replied stoically. "I truly wish there was more that we could do to help them heal, but it's not within our powers to do so."
"Martian Manhunter is correct, not to mention that we're on what you could say is probation. When we revealed ourselves the circumstances were correct to do so, but we didn't wipe your memories afterwards like we should because of the unusual circumstances. Even now, you still know only because the group consensus believes that it's prudent to our charges safety you know," Lana explained to the group. She looked at her fellow Guardian Angel whose expressions mirrored her own tired and worried one.
Sasha, Jordana, and Madison got ready to speak when they felt a chill going down their spine. They turned around fast, but there was nothing there. They felt for sure that someone was watching them, but there feathers hadn't reacted so there must not be danger. They turned their attention back to the meeting to see what else the League wanted when the alarm went off. Talk about Young Justice quickly silenced as the Leaguers went into overdrive to figure out what the problem was.
Meanwhile the team was in the training room watching the exhibition between Bettie and Zantana. When Huntress had been escorting her daughter to training today she had dragged along the junior member of the BOPs. Apparently, her aunt was chasing down a big lead and couldn't find anyone to watch the somewhat clumsy fifteen year old. Huntress had the girl literally dumped on her lap, as she was preparing to go to a teacher conference for dealing with the rise of super powered students, so she forced Black Canary to train the girl for the afternoon so she could focus.
Zantana on the other hand, was just visiting to catch up with her friends. She had never met Bettie or Connor friends Wolf and Sphere. Superboy was thinking they could come live in the cave and he could visit them more often then the Fortress of Solitude. To get back to the bout the team had been talking about their recent adventures, which lead to Bettie boasting about her feats during her missions, which Zantana scoffed at. After a heated conversation the girls had thrown down the gauntlet to see who the better heroine was.
"I seriously doubt this is what Black Canary had in mind when she told us to come up with our own training exercise," Green Lantern Jr. remarked. He winced as a levitating Zantana cast a powerful energy ball spell at her foe.
"Yeah, but you have to admit we've never seen a girl fight quite like this! It takes the term cat fight to a whole new level you know?" Kid Flash pointed out. He pumped his fist as Bettie as she did two handsprings and spun to the side pulling out her newest toy in her arsenal. Her aunt had designed a special racket that could deliver flaming flashballs. Bettie smacked three flashballs at the energy balls creating a brilliant explosion.
"Hey watch what you're doing you two! We don't want the cave to come crashing down on us right?" Robin called out.
"Oh be quite, Bettie and Zantana know what they're doing! Go Bettie show off your new moves!" Huntsmark cheered on. Encouraged Bettie dropped some flash pellets temporarily blinding the magic user. She came running at her intending to end the fight with one swift kick when Zantana surprised her by using mirror magic to get behind her and freeze her. "Oh man I can't believe you fell for that!"
"Your girlfriend is quite the fighter; she just needs to learn not to underestimate a magic user. Lenac. Sorry about that I sometimes forget to end my spells."
"Its quite alright, I sometimes forget to put my weapons away. I have to say you would make a great addition to the Birds of Prey. We've never had a magic user and you would certainly balance us out. Ever consider fighting on all girls team?"
"I don't know, my dad is super protective and barely lets me come here to spend time with my friends. I bet he would have a heart attack if I decided to join your crew, but I'll keep it in mind. It could be interesting career move for me. See how I stand against non Leaguers so to speak."
"Yeah, think about all the experiences and adventures you'd have. Maybe even meet a certain magic user," Fate's Dagger teased. Before the Zantana could retaliate the alarm went off. Instantly Young Justice assembled in front of the main holoscreen as their mentors hurried into the room. Zantana and Bettie quickly joined the ranks of the civilians wanting to get out of the way.
"What is going on sir? What is the mission?" Aqualad asked. He and the rest of the team were anxious hoping it wasn't anything to serious. They were still recovering from their last big adventure.
"Some kind of explosion has sent a surge of asteroids careening towards the planet. The League can handle redirecting most of the storm. However one of our relay stations is caught in the trajectory course. This relay station is vital to functioning of the Justice League and our Zeta Tube network. We've tried to activate its defense systems remotely, but the antenna must be damaged because it's not responding. We need you to fly to the station and activate the defense system. Here are the coordinates," Batman said downloading the data into Robin's and Batboy's computer drives.
"Is there anything that we can do to help? More hands make light work," Bettie commented.
"Thank you for offer, but you and the civilians should stay here for now. If you want to help you can monitor the team from the computer watching out for asteroids," Green Arrow suggested. It wasn't what they wanted to do, but they were stuck doing it.
Twenty minutes later the bioship was flying as fast as possible to the relay station. The team was obviously nervous never having done something like this before. Still, they knew there mentors were counting on them to get the job done.
"Approaching the station, beginning docking procedures an were docked. What's the ETA for the asteroid barrage?" Miss Martian questioned.
"According to the instruments we have about twenty minutes to get the station back up and running. After that well then well I don't want to think about it," Superboy responded.
"Then let's avoid testing this theory if we can die. Green Lantern JR, Hawklady, and Superboy will be on asteroid patrol making sure none of the precursors hit the station. Kid Flash, Artemis, Miss Martian remain here monitoring our progress. Huntsmark, I need you and Wonder Girl to repair the station's antenna. The rest of us will activate the manual defenses. Let's hurry we don't have much time," Aqualad commanded.
The team sprang into action without hesitation as they hurried to complete the mission. Farther away they knew that the League was handling the main storm protecting the planet. As the twelve teens worked no one took notice of the strange, yet calming sensation that was traveling through the bodies as they did their work. A similar feeling was happening down in the cave as the human Guardian Angels felt like their feathers were trying to tell them something.
"What is this strange sensation going through our body?" Jordana whispered quietly. She was helping Zantana coordinate the League's activities with advance warning.
"I don't know, but my feather is acting really strange. I feel like something bad is about to happen," Madison fretted.
"Don't say that when people say things like that something always happens!" Sasha warned, but it was too late. On screen Young Justice had just managed to get the stations defense turned back on as the storm hit. They were flying back as fast they could when the klaxon sound. Right before the astonished eyes the space seemed to invert and twist gulping up the bioship. A surge of celestial energy sprang out from the holoscreens knocking all of them out. In space, the League felt like part of their souls was yanked out as they painfully finished their mission. With communications down everyone was concerned.
In Heaven, Sierra gazed at the three parties with Secret standing next to her. She looked up at her mentor worried. "Secret?"
"I am worried to, but we have to trust that Almighty's timing is perfect. If the heroes learn the lessons they are meant to, perhaps their souls will finally heal and they will be free."