Title: Young Justice: Resolute

By: Xtremismrk8

Summary: The Team relishes in their victory against Savage, but the damages have been done. With the missing 16 hours, anything could've happened. It's up to the Team & the League to find out what while new problems and challenges arise, all while trying to be teens. Universe Altered-ish with OC & new faces. Teen Drama with occasional action. Trying to drabble with a serialized thing here.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, just plot. Young Justice is owned by WB and DC comics.

Rating: T

Spoilers: Up to the end of S1

Author's Note: So I got the writing bug again, and after binge-watching YJ again on Netflix, I realized I missed it a lot and craving for some YJ content. Updates are sporadic. This story has been itching at the back of my head for a while so I hope you enjoy it. There's also an OC in here just to shake things up so just a heads up.

Story Notes: Set after Season 1, in 2011, Team Year 1 directly after "Auld Acquaintance." And with this story, anything can happen, anything goes. Hope you enjoy!

Notes: I'm doing a few small revisions on this story and I went back and added some stuff and cleaned stuff up, any mistakes are mine. Bare with me, I'm a little rusty, but I hope you enjoy my story. Either way, thanks for stopping by.

TEAM YEAR 1

"Prologue"

As the new year rung and everyone celebrated, in the back of their minds, they all knew that something had changed, and the way they view their world has changed forever. Whatever happens next, all they can do now is remain resolute.

The Watchtower
02:25

Roy couldn't believe it; he's been kicking himself about it for the past hour. He, Red Arrow, was the mole, and he didn't even know it. He's been tireless searching for so long for the mole, and yearning to become a member of the Justice League, only to realize that it was all just a sham, a twisted and sadistic plan that the Light had for the League. And if they succeeded entirely, who knows what could have happened? It's my entire fault. Roy thinks to himself. Roy, I'm not even the real Roy Harper, I never was. I was just an empty husk that the Light used, a means to an end. He couldn't take it; he felt his chest tightening as he thought about it more and more, the gnawing sensation at the back of his head. He felt like he was going to be sick. He needs space, he needs time to think, to process it all. All he knows is one thing, he's going to look for the real Roy, and he won't stop until he finds him. He proclaims to Green Arrow and Canary, both who nod in agreement as they take Roy out of the Watchtower.

Now the mood of the room shifts, an eerie silence engulfs the scene as Batman, Robin, Aquaman, Aqualad, Red Tornado, and Captain Marvel all look at each other worried.

Aqualad exhales a breath he didn't know he was holding for a while; he is the first to break the silence, "Something else is wrong." He surmises as he turns to Batman and Robin, looking for an answer. Both look at each other, their whites of their eyes showing their emotion.

Robin types on the computer and pulls up a holo-screen, showcasing pictures of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Martian Manhunter. "The entire league was under Savage's spell for just over a day. We've accounted for most of that time but these 6 went missing for a full 16 hours we can't account for."

Robin looks back at a concerned Batman, his grim expression evident even through his cowl. "16 hours... What did we do?"

Undisclosed Location
03:00 EST

"I trust the mission was a success?"

"Yes and no. Still, the objectives were met, given the time we had. The plan was executed to perfection, despite our small setback."

"Ah, so the young heroes intervene again."

"Yes, their pressing interference has become nuisance. Still, now with Phase 1 finally done, we can finally move onto Phase 2."

"I assume that by now the League has become aware of their unaccounted time, they will be searching."

"Let them try. In the meantime we can keep them off the trail."

"What about the children?"

"We'll do the same to them for what we do for League. We distract them."

"They'll never see it coming."

"No, they won't."

Mount Justice
January 7, 2011 10:27 EST

"*Recognized: Robin B-0-1.*" The computer announced as the Zeta Tube flashed the blinding light that filled the Cave's hollowed out interior. Robin stepped out of the tube, in his street clothes and signature sunglasses. Something was off about him; he walked a little funny, like he hadn't been sitting correctly for few days. Robin walked into the Cave to find Aqualad doing monitor duty on the cave's computer. Robin, despite many things he could do as the boy wonder, was exhausted. He rubbed the back of his neck with a tired expression on his face as Kaldur stopped what he was doing and walked up to him, Kaldur's face hopeful for an answer. Yet, the look of disappointment on Robin's face was evidence enough that he had no answer.

Still, Kaldur inquires, "Good to see you, it's been far too long my friend, how have you been? Any news?" He hadn't seen him in days; as he had been tireless searching for the missing 16 hours with Batman while the Team had been enjoying each other's company here every now and then. Sadly, Robin's response was less than enthusiastic.

"I'm fine," He stretches his arm. ", feelin' the aster, more or less. As for your other question: no, unfortunately not." He groaned in exhaustion as he cracked and stretched his back. "6 members of the JL gone for 16 hours and we still have no idea where they went. So far all we can think of is that it had to be somewhere discreet, otherwise Catherine Cobert, the League's public affairs officer, would have told us if any public incidents occurred with the League. But from the looks of it, it's as if the League just vanished into thin air and then came back. At the moment we don't have any leads, and with Savage and Klarion on the down low, who knows what happened at the tower other than them. Still, we haven't given up, and we won't. But for now," He runs a hand through his hair, "I guess we just, I dunno, act as if everything's okay. As far as we're concerned, we're just glad it's all over, for the moment."

"For the moment." Kaldur furrows his eyebrows at the statement. What could they do really? From the looks of it, this is only the beginning, so all they can do is wait as it unfolds.

Robin exhales so loudly that it brings Kaldur back from his train of thought. He's never really seen him so tired and exhausted from all the searching. He places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Still, it has only been 8 days. Give it time; perhaps the answers will come eventually."

"I sure hope so." Robin exclaims with a slight tremble in his voice. He arches as an eyebrow as he looks around, the Cave being, well, besides Kaldur, is practically empty. "Um, where is everyone?" It's been 8 days since the incident at the watchtower, and while everything so far has been great, it's never been this quiet.

"Conner and Zatanna are with M'gann, waiting for her cheerleading practice to finish." Aqualad chimes, he would have gone too, but he preferred to stay inside from the cold. "Artemis and Wally are in the Central city mall with his friends, and Raquel is with Icon. Red Tornado is at the Watchtower. As for me, I've been on monitor duty in the Cave." He adds the last part as an afterthought.

"And Roy?"

Kaldur face grimaced as he breathed a heavy sigh. "I had spoken to him a few days ago, he is troubled, to say the least. He feels guilty about what happened. He went with Green Arrow to collect his thoughts. He says he and Green Arrow have made the search for the original Roy a top priority and will inform us if he has found anything. And should they need assistance, we will come."

Robin nods. "Noted. Is there anything else?"

"None that I am aware of."

"Ah." Robin pipes up a little. He smiles, an idea popping into his head. "Well, it looks like we've got some downtime to ourselves. So far there have been no incidents and Batman doesn't have any missions for us. We might as well get our mind off of things." Aqualad nods in agreement. He presses a button the Holo-computer. The floor lights up as Robin takes off his jacket. "Wanna spar?"

"Absolutely," He says cheerfully, but adds, "Though I do recommend you rest first, you look tired." He says cheerfully, Robin can clearly tell he hasn't been doing much other than monitor duty.

Robin waves off the suggestion. "All the more reason to spar, besides, I'm never too tired to not spar. Now, what's the score again?"

"It's 18-19, my favor." He muses.

"That's not how I remember it." Robin exclaims, a small grin growing on his face as he takes a fighting stance.

Aqualad follows, matching his stance.

"Let's see shall we?"

"I'm game."

"*Starting combat simulation. Begin.*"

Happy Harbor High Gym
11:35 EST

"Gosh, it's freezing." Zatanna says to Conner as she shoves her hands into her pockets of her fluffy purple overcoat, hopefully to gain some warmth. The cold sends shivers down her spine, and despite the indoor heater they have in the gym, she's still skeptical that it's actually making the room less cold. That or she could just be sick. Zatanna wonders who came up with the idea of practicing during winter break, like it's great and everything but some people just need a break. Conner barely notices her comment, he just shrugs as usual. She looks at the cheerleaders, impressed on how they can handle the weather or the fact that they don't have the same type of warmth she has, with the thin layers of leggings and thermals they're wearing as they do somersaults. Thankfully, the winter season doesn't last that long in Happy Harbor, so she might as well enjoy it while she can.

Anyways, Conner hasn't talked that much the whole time, they had a conversation a while ago about him and Superman and how things have been going great so far, despite a few awkward stages. She chuckles at the idea of the Man of Steel being flustered when talking to his son. Still, after that there wasn't really much to talk about, but she understands, because it's Conner; he's not really much of talker, so it's actually nice to see him open up for change. And she doesn't mind the silence; it's a nice refreshing change. Conner on the other hand has been studying, well observing M'gann and her teammates' techniques. He thinks him watching her will better help her find out any mistakes that she did and motivate her to do better. He hasn't taken her eyes off her since they began. Zatanna thinks it's really sweet that Conner's super invested in M'gann, as it's not something you really see nowadays. Especially for her, ever since Robin...

While Zatanna really loves watching the cheerleaders work, she gets bored, like really bored. She's seen the routine a few hundred times now or so. She's more of a doing person. And while the flips and somersaults the cheerleaders do are awesome, she just needs a distraction.

She's always needed distractions lately now that she thinks about it. She's talked to Canary, she's had talks with M'gann, Artemis, and Raquel, and while it's nice and she's glad she's got this really amazing support system, but she still feels guilt. Walking around in the cave isn't an option anymore, staying up late at night isn't healthy for her, and her home in New York is still empty, especially after she caused her father to... The point is everything's fine, just... fine. But it could be better. She knows it could have been better.

Still, it's always good to be here to support a good friend, especially M'gann, who's done so much for her. She's like the big sister she's always wanted, maybe a little greener and weirder than usual, but she's never been one to judge. She's probably just a little impatient because she's hungry. Her stomach growls at the thought.

Conner on the other hand has never felt better. Superman-er Clark has finally been talking to him, albeit in small and slightly awkward conversations. Clark's treading lightly on the situation, and Conner knows it. He knows Clark doesn't want to mess up like before. And that's good; it's a step up, especially since last year. Clark says that Conner could finally meet up with his parents back in Smallville during the break. Conner loves the idea of meeting Clark's parents, yet the thought of himself messing up somehow still lingers in the back of his mind. He hasn't really noticed the time go by; since he's been watching M'gann perform instead. Things have been going great. He thinks, but he still feels like there's something missing.

'All done.' M'gann says over the psychic link. She grabs her things and prepares to leave as the team gets ready. Zatanna jumps right up in glee, just not enough to for the cheerleaders to notice as she pulls her handbag over her shoulder, looking rather eager. Conner and Zatanna both start walking down the steps of the bleachers to meet up with M'gann. She shuffles through her bag and sees her phone light up as a text comes in. It's from Gar. Her face lights up at the text.

Garfield: Hey Sis! When are you gonna come and visit again? Also Mom says hi. :) ~

She chuckles; she can't wait to see her little brother.

Megan: Soon, I'll organize something Gar. Tell her I say hi. ~ Sent, Read

Garfield: Noted Sis. She says hi too! Can't wait! ~ Received

She barely contains her smile when she sees Wendy and Karen walk up to her.

"That was great practice today Megs, though it was pretty chilly though." She says, putting on her coat for warmth.

"Day in a life of cheerleading," Wendy surmises, drinking her hot cocoa. "Just be glad we don't have to do it during the actual winter, otherwise I definitely wouldn't come, no thanks, not even if I was Team captain."

Karen chuckles, she rolls her eyes at the statement. "Girl, you know you'll come regardless, it's like an obsession for you." She jokes.

Still, it rings true. Wendy puts her hands up in defeat, "Alright, guilty as charged, it's a great way to get out of the house. And today's new technique was fun, and I'm glad the Megan's finally getting the hang of it." Wendy says to Megan proudly, nudging at her shoulder.

"You're a fast learner." Karen muses to Megan.

"Thanks. Let's just say I learned from the best." She beams.

"Thanks, still there is a lingering problem though…" Wendy trails off smirking.

Megan, worried, immediately spits out, "What lingering problem? If it's my posture I'm sure I can—"

"No, Megs, not that kind of problem, relax." Wendy immediately calms her down, chuckling a little. "Sorry, I mean it's just we've never actually hung out since you joined."

"Oh I see," She smacks her head, finally getting it. "Hello Megan! You're right; Sorry, I've just been so caught up with um—stuff, that I've been busy. But sure I'd love to hang out. Um-when exactly? I mean I'll have to be sure, I don't want it to affect any of my work days."

"Are you free next week? Mal's inviting everybody from school to the Happy Harbor Bowl-o-Rama. You can bring your friends too." Wendy gestures over to Conner and Zatanna, who are waiting by the gym door.

"Great! That sounds like it's going to be fun! I'll text you girls later, have a great day!" Megan says happily, as she grabs her bag and waves goodbye to Wendy and Karen, and walks up to Conner and Zatanna.

"What was that about?" Zatanna smiles, she notices M'gann's more than usual beaming, which means she has some news.

"We got invited to hang out with them! I can't wait; I've never actually bowled before!"

"That sounds like it's going to be fun." Zatanna places a hand on her stomach.

Conner notices as they all walk out. "You hungry?"

"Starving."

Central City mall
13:30 EST

Screams of laughter and joy erupted through the arcade, mainly Artemis'. Wally had taken Artemis to the mall for some lunch and had introduced her to some of his friends, well, one or two that he met last year. How it escalated to an arcade match is beyond him. So far things had been going smoothly on this not-so-first-date-first-date. They had been playing at the arcade for who knows how long, (especially after Robin scored him a large amount of cash), and they've been playing non-stop for the whole time. While it was fun, the whole time he's also been getting destroyed by Artemis in almost every game here. Actually no, she's beaten him in every single game here so far. While it should upset him, it doesn't, well not as much, unless it was Rob who playing against him, and then he'd get mad. Instead he considers himself how lucky he really is. He looks at Artemis and smiles, her long blonde hair flowing, the girl of his dreams was finally his, and nothing would change that. Despite the rocky starts, they pulled through.

Still, despite everything; it doesn't mean he'll let her beat him at everything in this arcade. There's nothing like a good old little competition to help motivate him.

"Babe, you and me. 1 on 1. I'll show you my moves." He gestures at the basketballs, wiggling his eyebrows.

"I don't think you want another stroke to your ego." Artemis says playfully as she smiles, with the determination of a thousand warriors evident on her face. "And not to brag, but I'm still a better shot." She said as a matter-of-faculty.

"Winner gets a kiss." He smirks as waggles his eyebrows. She rolls her eyes as she smiles at that, playfully smacking him. He smiles back at her. She knows that either way, he wins. They both do.

Mount Justice
20:16 EST

"*Recognized: Miss Martian B-0-5, Superboy B-0-4, Zatanna B-0-8.*" The Computer calls out as the 3 teens walk in, carrying grocery bags and a hot chocolate tray.

"Hey guys, what's up—whoa."

The scene they walk into shouldn't surprise them, but it does. The room is filled with the blue light emanating from the floor as they see Robin and Aqualad going at it, sparring like there's no tomorrow. They're trading and blocking blows as they dodge and attack each other's moves. The 3 teens stare at them as they track their every move. From the looks of it they've been sparring for hours nonstop. Their sweat permeates through both their tank tops, looking damp as they have been trying to subdue each other. Despite the computer announcing they were here, Kaldur and Robin were far too focused on the fight. It takes them a while for both Robin and Aqualad to notice that they are there, and honestly, the 3 of them really don't mind, especially Zatanna.

They groan and moan as they both hit the floor.

"*Robin: Fail. Aqualad: Fail.*" The computer says as it shuts off.

"Um, how long exactly have you guys been at it?" Zatanna asks with concerned look.

"All...day." Robin wheezes out, grinning.

"Oh wow, and who says you 2 don't have any stamina?" She says with a sultry tone.

"So who won?" Conner asks smirking at them, crossing his arms, wondering who he can spar next.

"46-46." They both say at the same time. Kaldur and Robin look at each other as the both take in a large breath, only to burst out laughing and gasping at the same time. The others look at them with amusement.

"That was fun."

"Indeed it was."

Robin grabs the towels from the benches and tosses one to Kaldur, rubbing the sweat off. "Normally we're not allowed to go all out, but there are no missions at the moment so we thought why not?" Robin chuckles as he says that, he puts a hand on his chest to stop himself from breathing so hard. "Where have you guys been?"

"We were exploring the mall and grabbing some groceries. We ran out of supplies in the kitchen." Robin laughs, probably something to do with Wally. "We even got you guys some hot chocolate." M'gann hums. Zatanna grabs the two hot cocoas and gives them to Kaldur and Robin.

"You look like you could use a perk up." Zatanna says to Robin. "Nice to see you Rob, it's been a while." She smiles.

Robin reciprocates, albeit with a gentle smile. "Thank you M'lady, and likewise, Zee, likewise." Robin hums as he looks at her through his glasses, relieved that she can't see his expression underneath.

"*Recognized: Kid Flash B-0-3, Artemis B-0-7.*" The computer echoes through the Cave. Everyone turns to see them.

"HOWWW!?" Wally says screaming into the Cave. His raises his hands up in defeat as he walks in, Artemis follows suit, laughing.

Everyone looks at the couple in amusement. "I take it you had a good day?" Kaldur says smugly, noticing Wally muttering in the back.

"The best Kal, especially since I beat Baywatch over here in every game in the arcade."

"That's not true! It wasn't every game." Wally crosses his arms, muttering to the side. "Ok, fine maybe most of it." he puffs out.

Everyone's trying their best not to laugh. The only thing that would make this better if Raquel was here. Still, even so, it is good to have the team here together again.

Robin laughs as he claps his hands at the archer; Wally's never going to hear the end of this. He turns to archer with a grin on his face. "As always Artemis, bravo."

"I live to impress, boy wonder." She smirks. "I believe you owe me something though."

He mutters something like, wait what, then he remembers. He takes a pocket change of a $20 out. "For you Miss Crock," He gives her the cash. "As we discussed." He says cheekily.

"You guys bet on me?!" Wally looks in bewilderment.

"Of course not!" He says defensively to KF, before his facade fails him and he chuckles. "I bet on her." He points to Artemis, hands on her hips like she ruled the world. Wally pauses with complete amazement, and a look of utter betrayal at the boy wonder.

He laughs, everyone chuckles. "Let's just say it was money well spent, and your face, priceless." He laughs his signature Robin laugh. Wally just looks up in defeat groaning.

"You know I'll get you back for this bro." He says half-smiling, and thinking of a multitude of pranks coming into his head.

"May the best man win." Robin says as he turns to Artemis, who was talking to Kaldur about today's spar.

"A tie?" Artemis asks.

"Give or take." Aqualad says smiling at the boy wonder. "Though I'd love to see you spar with Robin again."

"You mean beat Robin again?" She chuckles.

"You know Arty; you still haven't beaten me in on a 1 on 1."

She grins; he always does this to rile her up before another sparring match. "Oh really?" She smirks, staring down at the boy wonder. "Because the last time I checked it was 15-14, my favor."

"We were tied, that last drop didn't count."

"Sure it didn't pipsqueak."

"That sounds like a challenge, care to put your money where your mouth is Crock?"

"You're on."

He smiles as that, and then he notices the sharp pain strike through back. "Well, just as soon as I've recovered." He smiles weakly at the archer.

Artemis, chuckles, and notices Wally in the back still grumbling at his defeat. She actually thinks it's kind of cute that Wally can't take the defeat. Artemis kisses Wally on the cheek; his posture suddenly relaxes as he uncrosses his arms, smiling.

"If it's any consolation babe, I had a great time beating you in front of your friends." She laughs.

Wally, still reeling from the kiss, says without thinking, "Woah... Babe, you can beat me anytime." He stops himself soon after. Noticing what he said. "I swear that sounded way better in my head."

Kaldur, M'gann, and Zatanna just grin, Conner and Robin roll their eyes at the comment and Artemis just shrugs it off. Wally's just being a goof, as usual. Same old, same old.

"*Recognized: Rocket B-0-9.*"

"Aw yes, the whole gang's here!"

The Watchtower
January 8, 01:57 EST

"*ALERT! ALERT!*" The Watchtower computer beeped rapidly. Red Tornado, who had left the Cave to go on monitor duty on the watchtower, looks at the upcoming screens. "*Perimeter breach detected at the Hall of Justice, sector 10.*"

"On screen." Red types on the computer, it shows a shadowy figure attempting to get inside the main quarters of the hall. "Enhance," Red Tornado says, and it shows the full video of the figure attempting to get in. But instead he doesn't, stopping himself and merely staying on the roof, looking through the skyline. "Odd. Watchtower, initiate lockdown."

"*Initiating: Lock-down mode.*"

Gotham City, Omni-Industrial subsidiary

January 8, 01:52 EST

Commissioner Gordon examines the crime scene with the other officers, rubbing his eyes. 'It's too damn early for this'. Suddenly, though it shouldn't surprise him at this point, but it still does, Batman drops down from the shadows. He turns to Bullock.

"Yeah, yeah, I know when I'm not needed." Bullock turns to leave. "Can we give them a five people?"

The Commissioner turns to Batman. "Batman."

"Commissioner. What happened?"

"We got a 911 on a break-in happening here about an hour ago, the CEO's downstairs to confirm if anything was taken, we checked all the feeds, so far it doesn't look like it. Seeing how this has been the second robbery this month with nothing stolen, it seemed suspicious. This guy went through a lot of high tech security to get nothing." He huffs. "His team is doing an inventory check right now downstairs; you're welcome to look at the cameras."

"Second? I assume the first one being the one at a Rev-Tech subsidiary a few days ago."

"You assume correct."

"And there's nothing on the last case a few days ago?"

"Nothing was found, dead-end."

Batman checks the cameras on the computer. He's surprised that the cameras are still intact. Not accounting for the cameras is sloppy. He narrows his eyes at the thought. He looks at the footage as he sees a shadowy figure, looking around the office as he steps from room to room. He starts downloading the data on to the drive.

"Anything?"

Batman stand up he grabs the drive, he turns to Gordon. "I'll examine it and notify you if anything comes up."

"Thanks, you have a good-" He looks around, nowhere in sight, Batman is gone. "-night. Great. Every time. "

...

Batman perches on the rooftop, looking at the Cave's footage of the team, relieved that they at least can keep acting as if everything is normal.

His comm starts beeping. "*Red Tornado to Batman, do you copy?*"

"*Copy. What is it?*"

"*Sensors at the Hall of Justice detected a breach in the perimeter. A lock-down mode was initiated, but it seems if anything this person was not attempting to break in. Sending footage now.*"

Batman looks at the footage. Why would someone try to break into the Hall? He narrows his eyes. "*Something else is going on here.*"

"*Agreed. Do we alert the other Leaguers?*"

"*For now, no. We have more pressing matters to attend to with the missing 16 hours.*"

"*And the Team?*"

His face grimaces. "*I fear the more dangerous task awaits them. So for now-*."

"*Business as usual?*"

"*Business as usual. Batman out.*" He says as he disappears into the night.

A figure looks up at the tower, with pointy ears forming somewhat a shadow of the bat, seeing Batman leap away and disappear. The figure disappears into the shadows, doing the same.