Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice etc. etc. etc.
A/N- Thanks for the reviews
Misère-While writing this chapter out I couldn't stop thinking of possible ways to go off into Robins…discovery. Lol. Hope u like it.
And as always Thank you Timexgone23 for editing my chap. XD. Don't forget ur homework.
Chapter 8
Once the initial meeting had been over, i.e. Rokuro and Red Arrow leaving, the Young Justice had quickly and quietly made their way back into the living room. It would be good to be where Batman said they should once he came out of the meeting room himself; no need to get caught not listening to orders two days in a row. Hell training with Canary and Tornado was bad enough already, thank you.
It had been just over thirty minutes after situating themselves back in the positions they held previously, they were called to the training room by none other than the Bat himself. There was no way this was a good sign. Exchanging looks with one another only one thing ran through their heads.
They were so busted.
Please don't let this be another training session, please don't let this be another training session, please don't let this be another training session, Wally prayed to himself as he walked alongside Robin who seemed to be chanting to himself as well. If anything the mini-bat knew that keeping things from Batman was like trying to lick your own elbow…impossible. (A/N-Go ahead and try…I'll wait.)
Making it to the training room they were graced with Batman standing in the center of the room. Black Canary stood off to the side with Red Arrow wearing his ever present scowl. Rokuro stood farther away his eyes fixated on his gloves that he was steadily readjusting. It looked like both would rather be anywhere else but in the mountain at the moment. Robin and the others had thought they exited over a half-hour ago realizing that they never really did hear the automated female voice announce their departure.
"Normally," the Caped Crusader growled out sending each student a glare that could have rivaled the coldness of Freezes gun. "I would brief you all on your new mission, but seeing as you already took the initiative." He paused.
/Dude we are in deep shi-/
/Pay attention,/ Aqualad cut in before Wally could finish his statement. If worse came to worse he would take full responsibility for the teams actions. It was only right.
Batman paused to look at each guilty face before continuing satisfied at what he saw. "Rokuro will be team leader on this mission as he is more familiar with the information – Red Arrow and Kaldur, second and third in command." Ignoring the slight sign of protest from Rokuro, Batman began his stride back to the conference room.
"So, team leaders huh?" Artemis scoffed looking Red Arrow up and down before scrutinizing the new comer. "We already know who this…oh so lovely person is. Care to introduce yourself?"
Still stuck in his own world for a minute longer Rokuro snapped himself out of it and turned to face the blonde haired, grey eyed female in front of him. "Rokuro, it is a pleasure to meet you all." The older male bowed to the team just as he had done with Red Arrow on first meeting.
"There's really no reason to be so reserved," Wally said crossing his arms. Really, they already had one member who acted like such a stiff. He loved Kaldur as a friend really he did, but the guy seriously needed to relax once in a while.
"Um…okay," Rokuro said not knowing what else to say at the moment.
Watching the teams exchange for a bit longer Black Canary clapped her hands together to get their attention. Once she was positive all eyes were on her she started.
"Why don't we have a friendly spar to welcome you to the team?" Black Canary asked Rokuro who was none the wiser with her charming smile. Each one of them had fallen prey to the 'friendly spar' and gotten their butts handed to them, even Kaldur and Conner. She may have only been 140 pounds of female, but she could give even the biggest meta-a hard time without screaming their brains in with her voice.
Rokuro still had the smarts to remain a bit weary likening her to a black mamba. Beautiful to look at, but it was never wise to cross one's path. She said friendly spar, but what he heard was completely different. "And I am to assume my opponent will be you?" His tone was not condescending rather curious as he passed his hat back and forth between hands, a habit he did when unsure how a situation would turn out.
"There a problem with that?" Black Canary asked smoothly. She had taken no offense to his question merely asking him what he thought. Most guys would have either jumped at the chance to fight (just to get close to her) or decline (because she was a woman.) She wanted to see which one Rokuro was. As a man around Roy's age she would peg him to be the first, but after his initial hesitance Black Canary wasn't so sure. "I may be a woman but-"
"Pardon me Black Canary for the interruption, but you could be a seven foot tall, 250 pound jacked male with a bald head and a goatee and I still would be a bit hesitant to fight."
"Probably because he'd be afraid to get his face pounded in," Artemis scoffed making a note on his relative size. About the same height as Roy, he was noticeably smaller in comparison to the red-head in muscle mass. The suit would hide any tonal definition that outfits her male counterparts and she wore, but his slim frame was enough to tell the archer that it probably wasn't much. He was at least 145 soaking wet. Sharing a look with Raquel she knew the dark eyed female was thinking the same thing.
"Really?" Wally asked giving Artemis a deadpan face.
"What? I'm just stating an opinion. Not like I was talking about you. Although-"
"You should not measure a person's skill by their size," Aqualad added his imput, giving Artemis a stern gaze. "We shall watch the match and gauge Rokuro's skill for later missions. I believe that is the purpose of this exercise."
Shooting Kaldur an appreciative look she focused her attention back on Rokuro who had otherwise ignored the archer's comments. "And why is that?" Black Canary asked redirecting the conversation to the male's earlier statement.
"Before I fight I like to question a person's intent. Normally after that, I base how I fight from there."
"And if they do not respond?"
"Then there is no reason to fight."
"Hm." Getting the gist of what the male was saying Black Canary stepped to the middle of the circle the floorboards lighting up. Nodding for the male to do the same she waited as he complied, albeit a bit slowly. Crouching forward a bit with her hands in fists, fighting pose ready, Black Canary took the whistle from around her neck and tossed it to Red Arrow. "Best two out of three, no weapons, no powers."
Nodding his head in affirmation Rokuro placed his hat back on his head and stepped towards her stopping just shy of a meters length away. He stood with his feet shoulders width apart, hands up in loose fists in front of his collar bone.
Shaking his head Red Arrow placed the whistle to his lips. He could think of seven different ways this fight would end and none of them were good for Rokuro. He had seen the male fight in person, but he had fought against Black Canary in training plenty of times. He'd last probably one round if that.
FWEEEEEEEEEEE!
True to his word the black hatted male had not moved a muscle waiting for Black Canary to advance which she took full advantage of.
Unlike Kid Flash and Conner's first time sparring, she was the one to have to attack first trying to bring the male down in the same manner – a quick swipe to the legs. Setting it up she pushed forward with a series of flips, kicks, and punches, narrowing her eyes when all he did was block her attacks, not once advancing. He was fast, she would give him that, but not fast enough. Pushing further and feigning a left hook she managed to finally get him to throw a punch, slipped behind him as he moved forward and swept his legs in one fluid motion.
Rokuro went into a break fall before popping back up with a no-hands kip up immediately having the female on the defensive as he kicked out staying relatively low to the ground. Back flipping out of the way Black Canary landed a few feet away before rushing back at the male who was just now regaining his footing. He blocked her kicks and punches noting that most of them had been aimed at his head or chest before retaliating with his own string of punches picking up the pace of the fight little by little.
Robin turned to Wally both males sharing a look before returning their attention back to the fight. Black Canary was going at it a lot harder than she did with them on their first day if all the head shots were anything to go by. It seemed, however, that Rokuro was experienced enough to not get his head taken off. Even so they knew she was holding back.
Ducking one of Rokuro's punches Black Canary stepped further past the male blocking the elbow that he sent back at her with a hand right on the joint keeping it straight, her other hand gripping his shoulder right in the groove of his collar bone. In one fluid motion she managed to kick his leg from underneath him, pushed his shoulder down till he was on his knees and pulled his still trapped arm up twisting it.
"Give?"
Remaining quiet Rokuro tested how much slack he had to get out of the grip without popping his arm out of its socket or getting it broken. Not much. He would not be able to. "It would seem I would have to."
FWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! "Match Black Canary." Go figure.
Letting go of his arm and taking a step back Black Canary gave the male room to stand watching as he rotated his arm to loosen it up. Turning to the female, Rokuro bowed his head slightly before taking a step back and readying himself in the same manner as before. Smirking Black Canary did the same. Waiting for the whistle, which came soon enough, they started their second match this time Rokuro not waiting for the females advance.
"He's fast," Zatanna commented watching as Rokuro blocked each punch and kick delivered by Black Canary following up with his own combinations managing to force the older female back. This fight seemed almost choreographed compared to the first one as if they both had gotten a firm grasp on how the other fought. They had been exchanging blows for the last five minutes neither one giving an inch of ground.
"They both took the first sparring match as a way to gauge the others fighting."
"And expand on their own knowledge," Kaldur added to Robins analysis. "He's switched up his technique."
Robin nodded his head. At first Rokuro only really struck as a way of defense against Black Canary. This time, however, he took more of the offensive matching the older hero blow for blow. He kept the fight closer not allowing much room for any real kicks to be thrown ducking the punches directly aimed at his head instead of blocking them this time around. He feigned attacks more and would catch Black Canary off guard every so often, but never the chance to finish the fight.
Pressing the female harder Rokuro managed to catch Black Canary in the shoulder knocking her off balance for a fraction of a second. Taking that to his advantage he moved to finish the fight. Black Canary at the last second righted herself sending a roundhouse kick to the male's side directing him to the ground. Not one to stay down he rolled up over to his back catching her foot as she came down for an ax kick and twisted almost gaining the upper hand for a leg lock.
Black Canary figuring that was what he was going for sent a kick out to his arm after hitting the ground, effectively getting him to let go before rolling away. Getting to her feet she watched as Rokuro followed through with another kip up. Rolling his shoulders he nodded to Black Canary who began to circle the male slowly, he, following her with his eyes.
On her second turn around Dinah was not expecting the male to begin an attack. A back spin hook kick almost took off her head, having to duck she felt the air from the kick whish by her. He followed up with a series of front and back kicks almost catching her again this time feigning another straight kick before going into a hurricane. Blocking the last kick Black Canary managed to spin her body closer to his catching him in the face with an elbow. Sending him to the ground for what seemed like the fifteenth time in this match she was not surprised that he was back on his feet in a matter of moments.
Throwing a well-placed punch at the males cheek Black Canary didn't foresee what came next. Rokuro, using the momentum of the hit, had spun his body into a back spin hook kick catching the female in the back. Continuing with the motion he grabbed her arm as she fell and with his other hand pushed down on her elbow getting her into the same position she had him in the first match. His body, however, was slightly bent with his knee in the middle of Canary's back adding pressure to her twisted arm.
"Give."
FWEEEEEEEEE! "Match Rokuro."
Letting up quickly Rokuro stood up and held out his hand for Black Canary to take. Taking the offered hand and standing Black Canary gave a smirk to the young man. "Good fight."
"Same."
Backing up without taking his eyes off of the older woman Rokuro waited for the whistle to sound, this time not taking a stance what-so-ever. Black Canary too seemed more relaxed with the third match underway.
The match started off similar to how all the others did with neither side giving an inch of ground. Side stepping the hit Black Canary spun quickly around catching the male's hat with a hammer fist sending it flying into the direction of her other students. She had intended to hit him in the side of the head with that hit relying on his possible miscalculation as to where she'd strike next.
Robin caught the hat in midflight before it could hit the wall noticing a piece of paper at his feet that must have fell out. Picking up the paper Robin unfolded it to realize it was the photo given to Rokuro by Batman not too long ago. His eyes grew wide. In the vent when they had been watching the feed in the room Robin wasn't able to make out the picture or the gun and pocket watch as well as he could now.
That's when the description the male gave came back full force.
That is why they are marked. Black for the Nian only attacks at night, red to scare it away. The Dragon is a sign for the strength, power, and luck of the warriors. Rose petals for innocence, the lives lost.
If he remembered correctly, which he normally did (Protégé of Batman) there were rose petals on the locket Wally and he had found the other day, a black opal right in the middle. He hadn't opened it that night so he couldn't be too sure if there were any other marking on it but the box had rose petals as well. The wood itself was old but could it have been a possibility that at some point it was red.
Robin felt a pressure on his shoulder and looked over to see Wally's eyes on the photo. Giving him a knowing look the redhead nodded his head slightly before returning his gaze back to the match. When he got the chance they'd talk about it with each other. It would be Friday tomorrow meaning they could drag the older redhead into the conversation as well. He did promise Wally the other day he'd talk to Roy too.
Placing it back into the older male's hat before anyone else could see it, Robin made a mental note to talk to check out the locket again later. If it was in fact one of the items then that was one less they would need to look for. But that opened up another door as to why his parents had it in the first place. They had never mentioned anything about the Nian let alone even celebrate the Chinese New Year. It could have very well been a gift or picked up at some point or another. The Bat in him was telling him, however, that was not the case.
"I concede."
Returning his attention to the match Robin was slightly put off to find that: one, it was already over and two, Black Canary's opponent had just give up half way in a fight. So not cool. It seemed like he wasn't the only one who had shared that notion as Kaldur's face was pulled into a slight frown. The Atlantean was probably wondering if there new leader was in fact capable of just that, leading.
While in the midst of the last fight Rokuro had barely been able to block the throws and kicks coming at him from all different directions. If the fight had continued he was sure he'd be on the ground right now staring up at a very content blonde with a Cheshire cat smile planted across her face. He knew when he was at a disadvantage. Jumping back out of the way of a punch, Rokuro had flipped out to the edge of the circle before bowing his head.
FWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! "Match Black Canary."
Black Canary, on seeing his retreat, straightened up and walked over to the black clad male frowning slightly. "You gave up."
"I merely stated the obvious that there was no way of me winning this match."
"You don't know that because you stopped."
"Sometimes to press one's luck is more harmful than good. I would choose to walk away and learn from my mistake than not be able to walk away at all."
Roy who had been standing at the side watching knew what Rokuro meant. Seeing him those few nights ago confirmed his suspicions within the first two matches they had. In the alley he was fighting against people who wanted to take off his head and do more than just break a leg or a few ribs. In response he had fought in the same manner, never really going for that kill shot, but enough for the attackers to get the hint. Here was a completely different environment, a 'friendly match.'
Black Canary was holding back during her three fights, that much any of the students could tell, never truly going all out. As a teacher you had too, less you wanted to injure a student, instead pushing them slightly to do better and learn from their mistakes. Her fighting with Rokuro had been no different, pushing him little by little till she found his rhythm and skill, but fighting someone who only pushes after you have is tricky to gage. If you do not have the intent to be serious then why should the other person?
Crossing her arms at the male Black Canary was a bit perturbed by his confusing way of speaking. She thought Kaldur and J'onn where the only ones that could puzzle her so. She would have to add him to the list. "So you would turn tale and run. During a mission it could pose a dire problem if you give up like that. Think about what could happen to a teammate or you if you just give up fighting because you feel as if you cannot win."
"Your intent was not to harm correct," Rokuro stated fixing his uniform jacket. "With that being the case, if I felt like I was going to lose then there should have been no reason to really continue the match. Had your intentions been otherwise then you are correct, I would not have stopped no matter the outcome. Intent means everything when it comes to fighting."
"So then you did not take the fight seriously?"
"I took it as serious as you made it."
Dropping her arms to her sides Black Canary gave Rokuro a hard look before coming to a conclusion. "Then there is no reason to fight," she repeated his words before the fight. "You base your will to fight off of your opponents. So if I had been more serious in our fight then so would you."
"I am curious as to why you did not take it serious to begin with."
"I don't want to hurt my students on the first day."
"Fair enough," Rokuro said after a moment's pause.
"I would have to say I feel cheated knowing that maybe I should have gone harder on you. You do seem rather skilled, however."
"Thank you."
"You all done getting to know each other?"
Turning to the entrance of the training room Batman stood off to the side his cloak wrapped around him in an ominous manner. It was a wonder to how long he had been standing there.
Brushing her hair back and picking up her discarded jacket Black Canary spoke up to her fellow League member, "Just finished up."
Staying at the entrance Batman leveled the Young Justice, Red Arrow and Rokuro with a solid look. "You all as a team will meet again on Sunday. By then you should have more information on exactly who it is these items are for and why they want them." This statement was directed to the Asian male who nodded his head.
Turning sharply Batman waited for no response before leaving back to wherever he had come from. "Well you heard the man," Black Canary said with a smile. "Now training will resume tomorrow at the same time. Red Arrow and Rokuro, you are more than welcome if you want to join."
"I'm going to pass," Red Arrow said heading towards the entrance, tossing Black Canary her whistle in the process.
"Actually before you go," Rokuro stated stopping Red Arrow in his tracks, "I would like to speak with you and Kaldur'ahm in private." Turning to the other members of the team Rokuro bowed. "Thank you all for your time. I will see you on Sunday."
"Dude, your hat," Robin said holding up the article of clothing.
Staring at the younger male as if wondering when he had lost it to begin with Rokuro gave a small smile before walking over to the dark haired male. "Thank you." Taking back the hat he smoothed his hair back, some of which had gotten in his face from the fight, before turning and walking towards Red Arrow who waited by the entrance, Kaldur behind him.
"Well I'm hungry," Wally said nudging Robin in the arm. "Ro-ob! Make me a sandwich."
"Sure Kid-Munchlax."
Ignoring Artemis and Rocket's comments about how much he ate in a day Wally grabbed Robin by the arm and headed off to the kitchen humming a tune. Knowing the Speedster the way he did Robin knew it was a way for the both of them to be alone for a bit at the mountain and talk without drawing suspicion to themselves. If anyone did come into the room then they always had sign language to fall back on.
M'gann and Conner had already used the kitchen to bake cookies, and not burn anything, much. The oatmeal raisin cookies had come out better with just a light burning at the bottom – eatable none the less. Kaldur was off talking with talking with Rokuro and Red Arrow, who knew how long that was going to take. Rocket would probably be doing extra training with Zatanna now that they were at least a bit rested up from hell training and Artemis with any luck would be sharpening her arrows again.
"So," Wally said once they had made it to the kitchen. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"
"That the locket may be one of those items Rokuro was talking about? Yeah..."
"There's a possibility there are more things in that room." Moving around the kitchen Wally had produced two plates, bread, all the cold cut meats from the fridge along with some mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and cheese slices.
"There's also the possibility Batman already knows about it."
Stopping in mid spread Wally looked up at his friend. That was a huge possibility knowing the Bat. "You should talk to him."
"He should have talked to me."
"You're right," Wally said sliding Robins finished sandwich in front of him. "And this may not be the thing you want to hear, but he had his reasons for not telling you." Starting his sandwich Wally held up the hand with the butter knife to silence his friend while he finished his thought. "However, much you or I may not agree, he had a reason. But you both should really talk about this seeing how important it is to you."
Taking a bite of his sandwich Robin thought over what his friend had said. "True."
"And if anything else just call me and we can talk about it. We're still going over Roy's place tomorrow. You ready to talk to him?"
"Ready as I'll ever be I guess."
Sitting down next to his best friend with his ten stack sandwich Wally nudged him yet again. "Till the wheels fall off."
"Till the wheels fall off."
-X-
Meanwhile
"So, what do you want?" Red Arrow voiced getting a bit annoyed at the silence they had been walking in for the past few minutes. It was only per request by the male due to the mission he was on that he was with both Rokuro and Aqualad…walking slowly to the Zeta room…in silence….-_-…. Normally he wouldn't mind it with Kaldur as he had been able to hold conversations with the Atlantean plenty of times before. Rokuro was another story and he was still iffy on whether to trust the male, for his own reasons, or not.
A silent glance with Kaldur let the redhead know that he too was thinking along the same lines.
"Aside from me really not wanting this position?" Rokuro asked straightening out his jacket sleeves. "I figure it necessary to ask for both yours and Aqualad's help." Stopping in his stride Rokuro turned to face both males. "The both of you have worked longer with the members of Young Justice for obvious reasons. As the…team leader on this mission I would like for each members potential to not be hindered by my inexperience in working with them."
"So what you are asking is guidance in how to work with the team."
"Work with and divide it the best way possible. The only real talent I have is hand to hand combat and street smarts. The detective work was left for my partner when we worked together on cases. I'm not savvy with technology or science, nor can I use magic, and no super human strength. As you both heard this matter can be very catastrophic if not taken care of properly and in the shortest time possible."
Nodding his head in understanding Kaldur agreed. "I will help you to the best of my ability. We have never worked together before so it would be best to remain upfront with one another. How exactly did you come across this mission?"
"If you heard then-"
"Your story, as believable as it may be," Roy cut in "is a load of crap. Batman and the others may have bought it, but we aren't biting. You knew about those items even before hearing about them from that gang member. I'm pretty sure you were looking for them even before that as well."
"That," Rokuro said evenly leveling both Red Arrow and Kaldur a look that said for them not to continue questioning him, "Can be saved for another time, preferably Sunday when we are to meet. There are a lot of things with this matter that I cannot disclose for a number of reasons, but what you need to know you will."
Turning to restart his walk to the Zeta room Rokuro continued to talk over his shoulder. "I know it may seem too much right now for me to ask you all of that, but I want to remain up front and, Frank, with you all. You aren't going to know everything about this simple as that. Whether you trust to work with me afterwards is up to all of you."
"I," Kaldur turned to Red Arrow who nodded his head, "We will trust you on this Rokuro. I did not mean to undermine you, but the members of this team are like family."
"You are only looking out for that family, I understand fully." Stopping once again to let the other two catch up Rokuro turned yet again. "I'm not here to endanger any of you and in all honesty if I had the power do this by myself I would. This isn't your's or the Leagues problem nor should it be of any immediate concern to you all, but I need the help."
"There is a popular saying among my village back home. Eat alone and starve, Drink alone and be thirsty. [1]
"Thank you both." With that said Rokuro bid them both a good night before exiting through the beam.
Recognize Rokuro C09
"What do you think?" Kaldur asked Red Arrow once the male had left.
"I think he has a lot of explaining to do Sunday. If he doesn't want to tell the League right away then fine…but we need to know."
"I agree friend. Take care till then."
"You too."
Recognize Red Arrow B06.
Kaldur turned back to rejoin the others with the mission on his mind. With the information they had heard and what was to come he prayed that everything would go well. Neptune watch over us all.
End
[1]- Quoted from the movie Dance of the Drunken Mantis (Drunken Fist). Great movie and even better fight scenes. Will be using more quotes from this in the future.
Next time on Effects of Black and White
Dropping down into his chair Batman sighed heavily before removing his cowl running his hand through his dark hair. Why was dealing with teens so hard? He could fight Joker a million times, go toe-to-toe with Poison Ivy and even answer the one of the most mundane riddles from the Riddler but to deal with a teenage kid…was he even half this hard for Alfred he wondered.
"Tylenol Sir?" Speak of the man.
"Won't be necessary Alfred. Thank you." Straightening up Bruce placed his hand to the com link in his ear waiting for the person on the other line to pick up. It didn't take long. "Before you even start," Bruce said once the call was picked up, "I need you to meet me at the café, and bring Queen with you."
Not a pause was left before the voice on the other line chirped. "What did you do this time?"
Letting loose a small growl Bruce ran his hand through his hair yet again. "Disagreement."
"Again?" The question was said with no real answer needed. Bruce could practically feel the other male shaking his head. "I'll be over in a flash," he said before the line went dead.
