Disclaimer: Do not own DC or the Marvel Universe.
I meant to have this chapter done over the weekend but I just had so many ideas. I hope I chose the right one. This chapter will deal more with drama and a little romance than previous ones. Also there is mention of femslash but nothing heavy. If you have a problem with that get over it as it is important to the story line. Also to answer some questions.
X-Over: I'm afraid Wildcat isn't apart of the Avengers but you might have meant Spiderman. Also all good guesses for mastermind but wrong. But you were on the right track with one of the things you said. I'm sure once you think about it you'll get it.
Dr. Doom: Your ideas are great and I might use some of them. Although I have never heard of Nate Grey or the Age of Apocalypse timeline. If it is in the comics I haven't seen it, all my information comes from the cartoons.
SpartanCommander: The Red Skull will begin his army in this chapter. You have to remember that nobody starts at the top.
Chris Bennett: I don't blame you for not knowing the second group since they were only together in two episodes. Allow me to inform you about them.
Bumble Bee- Female, leader, has the power of flight, shrinking to the size of an insect, and has two weapons she calls stingers that shoot electricity.
Aqualad- Male, same powers of Aqua man just younger.
Speedy- Male, pretty much the same powers of Green Arrow, also just younger.
Mas and Minos- Males, Spanish twins brothers that can become super fast and strong when attached to each other. However when they are separate they have no power at all.
Doza: Just saying thanks for the good reviews and sorry about the crappy apartment.
Anonymous: I just read your review before posting this. Congratulations as you are the first one to figure it out. I didn't really think it was that hard with all the clues. Anyway I have decided to reward you by giving you the chance of choosing one person you want me to bring from the other universe to this one. I would appreciate if you could give me the name this week so I can decide how to use them in this story.
I think that covers it so enjoy the chapter.
"Man, I can't believe how easy this is without the boy scout around. The police in this town are a joke. I just might have to move to a new city to find some kind of a challenge." Said Livewire standing over a Federal Reserve truck firing bolts of electricity at people on the ground.
"Stop complaining girl, there is nothing wrong with easy. But I almost wish Superman would show up. I'd like another round with that up tight hero." Said Metallo unloading the gold from the truck.
"For what, so you can get your metal tail beat again." Said Livewire laughing.
Metallo looked up at her with a glare.
"Stop laughing at me. In case you forgotten he took you down too." Said Metallo smugly.
Livewire suddenly stopped laughing.
"Trust me, I have not forgotten. When blue boy does come back I'll be ready for him." Said Livewire body flashing in the night.
"Just words, I'll believe it when I see it." Said Metallo.
"You two got other problems to worry about besides Superman kicking your butts." Said another voice.
The two villains turned their heads to see who spoke to them in such a way. What they saw were Vixen, Hawk, and Dove.
"The party's over you losers. Why don't you save us the trouble and surrender now before we have to get rough with you." Said Hawk cracking his knuckles.
"Yes, violence should always be a last resort. I would prefer not to hurt you if I could avoid it." Said Dove.
"You three can't be serious, you actually expect us to surrender? Your either crazy or just plain dumb." Said Livewire.
"I'd say both, lets stop talking and get to fighting." Said Metallo putting down the gold and preparing for battle.
"You heard him, you two take the living light bulb, the metal maniac is mine." Said Vixen.
"Perhaps we should switch, Metallo is-" began Dove.
"You have your assignments, now go." Said Vixen leaving no room for argument.
"Yes Mamm." Said Hawk giving a mock salute.
Vixen ignored the two brothers and walked over to Metallo.
"Are you serious, you actually expect to beat me? Out of the way women, I won't waste the effort in fighting someone as weak as you." Said Metallo dismissing her with a wave.
"Didn't anyone ever teach you that appearances aren't everything? No, well allow me to give you a personal demonstration." Said Vixen as she grabbed her necklace and an image of an elephant appeared for a few seconds before disappearing. Vixen then ran toward Metallo at full speed.
"Your insane, you won't even move me an-" Metallo was interrupted as Vixen rammed into him sending him flying 20 feet into the air and through the glass window of a parked car. The car rocked and flipped on its side trapping Metallo underneath.
Livewire looked at what had happen to her newest partner in shock. Only Superman could knock somebody like Metallo like that. She then turned her attention to Hawk and Dove.
"Looks like it's just you and me boys. Why don't I start things off?" She said shooting electricity at Hawk.
However Hawk knew how impulsive Livewire was and used his speed to avoid the electricity. Dove then ran up the armor car and stopped in front of Livewire's face.
"The odds really are against you since it is two against one. Just surrender and we can avoid doing anymore damage to this street." Said Dove politely.
Livewire wasted no words and shot thunderbolts at Dove who too like his brother dodged with his speed. Live Wire then lost her balance as the truck moved underneath her. She fell on to the pavement and slowly rose to her hands and knees. She looked up to see a smiling Hawk leaning against the truck.
"Just thought I'd give it a swift kick. You didn't hurt yourself did you?" Said Hawk smiling at her.
Livewire looked at him with rage.
"You're not funny, but you are dead." She said powering up her body. However her body soon started to convulse as she felt water hit her in the back. She convulsed a few more seconds before falling back to the ground unconscious. Hawk looked behind her and saw Dove putting back on the fire hydrant valve.
"That was easy." Said Hawk to his brother.
"Only because we had a plan. You see, sometimes it's better to have a strategy than just use plain brute force." Said Dove in his lecturing tone.
Hawk merely rolled his eyes used to Dove giving speeches. They both turned their heads though when they heard the sounds of ripping metal.
Metallo had finally reorganized himself and ripped the car in half to get out. He looked at Vixen in absolute rage.
"I don't know how you did that woman, but I'll make sure you never do it again. No one pushes Metallo around." He said stretching his metallic muscles.
Hawk and Dove jogged up behind Vixen.
"We took ours down; want us to help you out?" Said Hawk.
"No, this walking tin can is all mine." Answered Vixen walking towards Metallo as a brief image of a snake appeared.
Metallo decided she was too slow and ran up to meet her. He threw a right hook to her face which she easily avoided. Metallo then trapped her in a bear hug. But she squeezed out and gave him a leg sweep. He fell to the ground just as Vixen grabbed her necklace again. This time a wolverine appeared. Metallo got back to his feet just in time to meet Vixen's claws going through his stomach. Before he could grab her arm she ripped his chest plate open showing the kryptonite power source inside. By the time Metallo grabbed her arm she put her other arm in and yanked the kryptonite from its wires. Metallo's eyes slowly blinked out and his entire body went still. Vixen retrieved her arm and kicked the immobile Metallo sending him to the ground.
Hawk gave a whistle while Dove clapped his hands.
"Save it, it's not too hard to beat someone when their greatest strength is their ego. Metallo had mountains of that." Said Vixen.
"They both did, luckily there are people like us to put them in their place." Said Hawk smugly.
"Yes, without Superman guarding Metropolis its villains have become more reckless in their acts. Similar events are happening in all the original sevens home towns. With the exception of Gothem which has NIghtwing, Batgirl, and Robin to take over for Batman." Said Dove.
Vixen crushed the kryptonite in her hand.
"We can thank Cadmus for that. As if we weren't spread thin as it was. We have to fight the bad guys while at the same time watch out for our own government. J'onn said he had a plan dealing with Captain America but its been 5 days and I haven't seen it yet. We need to stop wasting time and concentrate of finding the elites. With them back we can take the fight to Cadmus full force." Said Vixen tensing up.
Dove slowly walked up to her and put a hand on her shoulder.
"I know you miss Lantern, we all do. We will find a way to rescue them wherever they are. Just have faith in J'onn and his plan; he hasn't let us down yet." Dove said.
Vixen slowly relaxed and looked over her shoulder at Dove. She gave him a small smile.
"Your right, and thanks for knowing where I'm coming from. I want them all back; I want this to be over." Said Vixen.
"We all do, and one day it will. The Justice League will never give up, we will always fight." Said Hawk walking up to the two.
Vixen nodded her head at both and looked to the sky. She was worried about their safety, but she was also worried about something else. Wherever John was he was trapped with the others, that included Hawkgirl. No matter what he told her she knew that he still had feelings for her, maybe even in love with her. In such an enclosed space they would talk, maybe even come to an understanding. Vixen only hoped that when they did rescue them she would still have John. If not, she would not know what to do with herself.
Vixen's worries were more well founded that she realized. Because deep in the Cadmus underground base the Green Lantern and Hawkgirl were in close contact with each other on a daily bases. So the League could not form a strategy to escape Cadmus had separated them into three groups throughout the compound. Purely for spite John and Hawkgirl had been put in the same cell block. Their cells were right across from each other and they talked frequently to pass the time. They were careful of what they said however as cameras and security kept close surveillance on them at all times. John had his ring removed while Hawkgirl's mace, armor, and mask were taken. Then were both trapped by an electronic force field.
"It feels like we have been her for a month. I getting tired of all these tests they put us through and the questions they ask. I swear if I had my mace I'd pound both them and the robots to pieces." Said Hawkgirl sitting on her bed looking at the Green Lantern.
"It's hard to tell how long we been here since we don't see the sun or the moon. But I know what you mean, I feel necked without my ring. I'm sure the others feel the same way. Cadmus must really have us hidden good for the League not send a rescue." Said John.
"Yeah, I wish there was way we could send them a signal. But these guys keep us monitored everywhere we go. I've looked for an opening but haven't found one." Said Hawkgirl.
John raised an eyebrow knowing Hawkgirl knew they were being recorded. But he figured she didn't care since it would only be natural for them to figure out a way to escape.
"We'll think of something. If not we just have to trust in the League." Said John.
"That's what it all comes down to doesn't it, trust. This is all happening because the government doesn't trust us with our power. They think the League will turn on them like I did with the Thanagarians." Said Hawkgirl.
John noticed she referred to them as the Thanagarians and not her people.
"No matter how much good I did in the past and will in the future it will never matter. This is my fault, no one else's."
"Cut the crap Shayera, you know they planned this long before the invasion. Ever since we told them about the Justice Lords they started this mess. Hell, probably even before that. People always fear those more powerful than them, they can't take it. They can spout all this saving the people garbage. It's about them having all the power, and eliminating those who could challenge them. My ancestors had this fight long ago. It seems that it still goes on today, the players are just different." Said John in a strong voice.
They both were silent for a moment lost in their own thoughts.
"Can we really make it work John? Can we really move on and create that future you saw." Said Shayera changing the topic.
"If we'll both willingly we can. But not that future, it no longer exists. There we and all our friends were gone and a child was left parentless. No, our future will be our own to create. Trust in that Shayera, trust in me."
"But what about-"
"Don't say it; we both know there is no one else for us. I'm tired of fighting it just as you are. When we get out of this dump everything will work, trust me."
"I always have John, and always will."
In the monitoring room the guards looked on in disgust.
"Those two get sappier by the day. I don't know why they talk about the future, once Cadmus is through with them they'll all be killed." Said one of the soldiers.
"Good riddance, I'll be happy when we finally start the End Game." Said another soldier.
On another level of the base Amanda was having a talk with Ms. Fields over video phone.
"So all ten space units are completed, very good Ms. Fields. Now all that is left is aerial and weapon testing and we can proceed to the next stage." Said Amanda.
"Yes, if the tests go as plan they will be ready for active duty in three days. I see no complications that could make it any longer." Said Ms. Fields.
"Very well, contact me as soon as the tests are done." Said Amanda cutting the signal. Then another image appeared on the screen.
"Everything is proceeding to my precise schedule. With the space units completed and the clones reaching full maturity my plans can not fail. Soon I shall bring order to this chaos. From this day begin the clock at 120 hours. Once it reaches zero the End Game will begin. Also confirm the next shipment of weapons from the southeast. As well as the plutonium from the islands. They are crucial in the succession in my plans." Said the voice.
"I shall handle it personally my load." Said Amanda.
"Good, also the dimensional gate will be fully constructed by tomorrow. Using my superior intellect and Mr. Osborne's mistakes it will be fully operational. Due to the gates unstable nature I will only open it to Osborne's reality. From his mind I have created a list of those who will be of use to me. You will assemble teams to retrieve these individuals upon the gates completion. That concludes my orders for the day. I will reestablish a link with you in 48 hours to be updated on your progress." Said the image as it disappeared from the screen.
The good guys were not idle while the mastermind of Cadmus made plans. The group that had been created with the purpose of attacking Cadmus was in heavy training. They had been since Captain America had recruited them all five days ago.
The first day had consisted of excersing in the middle of the Sahara desert. Captain America told them the first thing they would have to learn is to be tough. Most battles didn't last a couple of minutes like they were used to. In wars, and they were in a war, every battle usually lasted hours or sometimes even days. You were forced to push the body past its limits. Sometime you could win a battle simply by outlasting your opponent causing them to surrender. So they did jumping jacks, sit ups, push ups, ran laps target practice and more throughout the day. They were given half hour breaks every three hours to rest and eat. By the end of the day they all were tired and probably lost a little weight.
The next day was the exact opposite as they trained in the cold mountains of the Alps. He explained that battles took place in the worst conditions. The snow, wind, low visibility, and steep terrain is why they were here. Today's assignment was kind of like hind and seek. Members of the group would be sent to hide among the mountains while the others tried to find them. This was to strength their tracker skills so they could find an opponent no matter where they were. It was also to held them use their surroundings to make themselves invisible. Robin, Cyborg, Speedy, Gear and Shebang excelled at the tracking. While Raven, Beast Boy, Bumblee, and Rubberband Man did good at the hiding. The others not so well.
The third day was automotive training. Because Cadmus had several kinds of vehicles at their disposal The Avengers would have to learn how to work every machine they could. This included planes, boats, helicopters, doom buggys, scooters, several subterranean vehicles and more. Even those who could fly or breathe underwater were not excluded. Not surprisingly Cyborg and Gear excelled at this with their computer skills. What was surprising was that so did Raven, Starfire, and Mas and Minos did as well. Captain kept records of individual performance as he did every day. Spiderman assisted him in this task. Although he trained as well he was older than the others and had little trouble with any of the assignments.
The fourth day Captain America actually showed them fighting moves. During the war with the Red Skull he trained under the greatest martial artists and wrestling teachers of the time. The government didn't ask this of him, he volunteered. He knew he couldn't base his fighting just on brute strength and his shield. He had to learn every fighting technique there was. He taught them first as a group, then individual for those who didn't learn as fast as the others. He then had them practice the moves on each other. Those who used weapons from distances took more time to learn then the others but they too did well. He wished he could spend more time on it but knew he was on a schedule. He had two weeks to train them into an elite fighting force. At first he had called this ridiculous telling the League his own Avengers spent months of training before they were sent into battle. But they reminded him that most of those Avengers had no previous fighting experience to begin with. These kids did, so the training would not have to be as long. Not to mention they didn't have time for months, Cadmus was becoming more daring everyday. Still, it was hard for him to condense months of training into only two weeks.
Today was the fifth day and he decided to separate them into teams. Not the teams they were used to. They had to realize that they were no longer three separate groups. Now they were only one, the Avengers. He put the team's together randomly. You couldn't always choose who you worked with so he wanted to see how certain people reacted to others.
"Alright team A is as follows: Beast Boy, Raven, Mas and Minos, Bumblebee, Gear, and Rubberband man. That means team B will consist of Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, Speedy, Aqualad, Static and Shebang. Now separate in your groups, you have five minutes to discuss a strategy, starting now." Said Captain America.
The teens nodded their heads and separated into their groups to come up with a plan of attack. Cap did notice however that Raven and Starfire were slower in parting ways. They said a few words to each other and hugged before separating. He also noticed Robin making an effort to pretend he didn't see them. This wasn't the first time Cap noticed this. The two girls seemed to have some kind of bond. As first he thought it was a sisterly bond created from friendship. Raven would work with the others in time of battle but was aloof in her personal time. The only person she seemed to interact freely with was Starfire. This was a surprise because they could not be more opposite. Also in the files the League had given him it said of a possible relationship between Robin and Starfire. But he had yet to see any of that, at least not from Starfire's end. She cared for him, but no more than the happy alien did for anyone else. Cap turned his head when he heard Spiderman walk up beside him.
"You look deep in thought, want to share?" Asked Spiderman.
"Yes, perhaps you can help me. You have interacted with them on more of a personal level than I have. Do you know about any connection between Raven and Starfire?" Asked Captain America.
"Is that your subtle way of asking if they are more than friends?" Said Spiderman smiling behind his mask."
Captain America turned to him with a shocked expression on his face. Spiderman could not stop the chuckles at the reaction on his idol's face.
"Are you serious?" Asked Captain America in shock. He had never heard of such a thing in his time.
"Things have changed a lot since you been gone, so have people. It's more common than people realize, or at least more than they will admit to. But the answer to your question is both yes and no."
"Explain."
"Well, like you said I have had more personal conversations with them than you have. I noticed Starfire and Raven as well and asked some subtle questions. While Robin was close mouthed about it Cyborg and Beast Boy couldn't shut up. It started two months ago when Raven' father Trigun, this real bad ass demon, tried to use her to free him from his hell dimension prison. He sent some of his followers as well and some of the Titans old enemies to get rid of the Titans, as they were the only link keeping Raven linked to this world and stop her from joining her father in its destruction. The Titans fought hard for weeks and pretty much held Trigun's forces to a stale mate. Along the way the Titans discovered a prophecy for stopping Trigun from escaping his dimension and coming into their own. I don't remember word for word but it basically said only by combining the powers of the light and dark could Trigun be defeated."
"That's a little vague isn't it?" Said Captain America.
"Yeah, so vague the Titans had no idea what it meant. They looked for other clues but what interrupted when the time came for Trigun's release. Trigun's forces attacked with full force and were able to capture Raven. They brought her to a spot where Trigun took over her body and she created a portal into our world. Just as it opened the Titans arrived and started kicking but. Somehow Starfire got through and tried to shake Raven from her trance. It didn't work and Trigun was starting to pull himself from his dimension. The Titans were losing ground and all seemed lost. That was until Starfire started to cry and her tears of goodness and friendship banished Trigun's control. Then there was a bright light as Raven and Starfire hugged to comfort each other. When the light faded Starfire and Raven were one being with unbelievable power."
"The prophecy, when light and dark became one. Not only their powers, but also their personalities." Said Captain America understanding.
"That's right, and with that new power they blasted Trigun back into the dimension in which he came. Trigun's followers were sucked into the portal as well as a result of his defeat and the portal sealed never to be reopened again. Raven and Starfire then separated back into themselves and have been close ever since. Some of the Titans feel they are still linked and can hear each others thoughts. Even their personalities are rubbing off of each other. Beast Boy says after they combined Raven has been more out going and polite. On the opposite end Starfire is more serious and determined in learning the ways of the Earth. In short they aren't in a relationship, but it is only a matter of time." Finished Spiderman.
Captain America stayed silent thinking about all he had heard.
"The relationship may become a problem later on, but for now I'll speak no more of it. It also looks like their ready to begin." Said Cap.
"Which team do you think will win?" asked Spiderman.
"No idea, I chose them at random. The winner will be those that can work as a team the best."
Captain America walked up to both teams with Spiderman right beside him.
"Team A, are you ready?"
"Yes!" they all answered.
"Team B, are you ready?"
"Yes!" Came the reply.
"Very well, but I want you to remember one thing. This may be practice but I want you all to go all out. Short of killing each other of course. Begin!"
The two teams wasted no time and clashed.
The battle started off with Beast Boy turning into a giant hawk and dive bombing at Speedy. Speedy shot an arrow but beast boy avoided it and started using his sharp claws to scratch at Speedy's hands. Speedy couldn't use his bow to attack Beast Boy or anyone else at such close range and was forced to use the bow to shield himself.
The next pair that locked up were Starfire and Shebang against Mas and Minos.
"Why don't we show these boys some girl power?" Said Shebang to Starfire.
"Yes, we will show them the power of the girl." Said Starfire.
Mas and Minos grabbed hands and came at the girls with tremendous speed. Starfire created a sphere of green energy around herself and Shebang and the brothers bounced right off of it. They fell to the ground but managed to keep a hold of each other. They quickly got up and saw Starfire drop her shield and Shebang jump high in the sir. They looked up at her and were caught off guard as Starfire hit Mas with a star bolt disconnecting him from Minos. As Minos looked down to see his injured brother he completely forgot about the aerial Shebang. He was quickly reminded as a swift boot to the head sent him to the ground as well.
Rubberband Man was facing off against Static. Team A had planned well as Rubberband man was immune from any direct attack from Static. Rubberband Man smiled while Static frowned. He had been assigned to fight Bumblee but Rubberband Man had cut him off. Static knew he would have to be creative to beat him. Rubberband Man suddenly stretched his arms out and clapped his hands to crush Static in between them. Static dodged by taking to the air. He continued to dodge Rubberband Man's outstretched hands while trying to figure out a way to defeat him.
The next duo matched up were Gear and Aqualad. This advantage was to Team B as Aqualad had the power to short circuit the computer genius Gear. Aqualad raised his hands and water came from underneath the Earth. He then directed it into Gear's direction. Gear used Back Packs ice shooters on the waves but couldn't stop all the water. Gear was forced to the take to the air to avoid the flood. However he failed to notice Aqualad riding the back of the wave and it following him in the air. Aqualad jumped off the wave and gave a high jump kick to Gear's chest. Gear temporarily lost control of his jet boots and lost some altitude. It proved just enough for the remaining waves to reach him and Gear fell to the ground drowning in water. He felt his suit and Back Pack malfunctioning and admitted defeat to Aqualad.
The final group to fight was Raven and Bumble Bee against Robin and Cyborg. This battle might have been the most interesting. Cyborg already had a defeat at the hands of Bumble Bee and wanted redemption. The rivalry between Robin and Raven wasn't so simple. Although the two were friends they hadn't got along as much as they used too since Raven became more friendly with Starfire. For the most part it was Robin who had the problem. Raven had a connection with Starfire now and knew all her feelings and thoughts. She knew Starfire only saw Robin as a friend and that she deeply cared for Raven. Raven knew she cared for her as well but was hesitant on how to proceed. She had been taught to suppress these emotions, but that no longer made sense to her. She would not ignore these new emotions and would wait to see where they led her.
"Enough with the stare down, lets get to action." Said Cyborg raising his sonic cannon and firing it at Bumble Bee.
Bumble Bee flew into the air dodging the blast. She did fired back using her stingers. She herded Cyborg away from Robin keeping her promise to Raven. Raven had said she and Robin need to work things out and now was the best time. Bumble Bee wasn't sure about that but would respect her wishes.
Raven and Robin continued to stare at each other.
"I know you have a lot of tension where I am concerned. I suggest now is the time you get rid of it. I consider you my friend and don't wish for this barrier between us to remain. Starfire has noticed and agrees with me." Said Raven.
Robin's eyes widened at that and his body tensed.
"Don't bring her into this; she has nothing to do with it." Said Robin.
"She has everything to do with it; your anger at our bond is causing a rift between all of us. It is small now, but if you let it continue to grow it will destroy you." Said Raven.
"I've heard enough, we are suppose to be sparring." Said Robin rushing up to Raven swinging his staff.
Raven waved her hand making a barrier to block the strike. Robin swung the staff again and again and Raven continued to use her shields.
"You must control your anger and jealousy Robin. Both myself and Starfire are still your friends." Said Raven.
Robin paid no attention and gave the distracted Raven a leg sweep. Raven fell on her back and Robin attempted to follow up by swing his staff at her head. Raven fazed through the ground teleporting away from Robin's attack. Robin held still trying to sense where Ravens attack would some from. However his mind was clouded with thoughts of Raven and Starfire's relationship, whatever it might be. Therefore he was caught off guard when a giant raven bird appeared at his side and trapped him in it's hand. Robin struggled to get free but Raven's hold was too strong.
"Is this the only way I can get through to you? Holding you still and yelling? You acting just like did with your obsession with Slade." Said Raven losing her temper.
Hearing that name Robin stopped all his struggling.
"I thought that might get your attention. You are losing trust in us. Me and Starfire aren't turning against you. We're just trying to figure out what is going on between us." Said Raven.
"So there is an us." Said Robin dejectedly.
"I don't know, not yet any way. This is new to us both; we need your support not your spite. I not asking you to happy with all this, just understanding. If you can't do it for yourself or me do it for her. We both value your friendship and don't want to lose it. I know you don't want to it." Finished Raven.
Robin kept still and closed his eyes. He then slowly opened them and looked up at Raven.
"Your right and I'm sorry. Both of you are my friends, and it's time I started acting like it. I'll do whatever I can to help you out." Robin said giving a small smile.
Raven returned the smile.
"Thank you friend, I too have to apologize." Said Raven.
"You don't have anything to apologize for Raven. All this tension has been my fault."
"I know, I wasn't apologizing for that. As you said this is a sparring session. I was apologizing for having to knock you out." Said Raven.
"What?" Said and confused Robin.
Raven wasted no more words as she lifted Robin higher and slammed him to the ground. She then let Robin loose from her grip and he fell to the ground unconscious. Raven returned to her regular form looking at her fallen friend.
"Booh-Ya!" Came the yell from Cyborg.
Raven turned in his direction seeing a limp Bumblee Bee at his feet. It seemed he finally got his pay back from his defeat. Raven would have to thank Bumble Bee when she woke up for giving her time to work things out with Robin. Raven shook her head and prepared to engage Cyborg, after all the fight wasn't over yet.
"Time out!" Came the yell from Captain America. All participants still on their feet turned to look at him.
"I want all the current victors to drag their opponents off the field. That way the rest of you won't have them in the way." Said Cap.
They all nodded and the victors starting picking up their fallen opponents. Speedy and Beast Boy stayed where they were since neither had been able to beat the other. Starfire and Shebang carried over Mas and Minos. Rubberband Man carried off Static and Gear walked off under his own power having giving up earlier. Lastly Raven levitated Robin while Cyborg carried off Bumblee Bee. Spiderman looked over the fallen while the victors grouped back together. Team A was down to three members while Team B had five.
"Hey Cap, the sides are kind of uneven. How about one of them switches to our side." Said Beast Boy.
"No, they were even at the start so it is fair. Obviously Team B had a better game plan then Team A." Responded Captain America.
"In your face Beast Boy." Said Cyborg laughing at his friend.
Beast Boy was about to say something back but was stopped by Cap.
"Alright enough joking around. This battle isn't over yet and I want to see a winner. Now everyone-"
"Sorry to interrupt Cap but you have a coded message from J'onn, he says it's urgent." Said Spiderman with a communicator in his hand.
"Alright everybody stand down for the moment. As soon I finish this call we'll begin again." Said Cap walking over to Spiderman. He took the receiver and both of them looked at the Martian's face on the screen.
"Sorry to interrupt your training but I'm afraid it will have to be cut short." Said J'onn.
"But you said I had two weeks, it has only been five days." Said Cap.
"I know, but we have just received some valuable information from one of our allies."
"What information?" asked Spiderman.
"It seems that there will be a major weapons shipment coming out of Turkey on a dock located near the Mediterranean Sea. Although we feel the weapons actual origin is Iran and they are only using Turkey as a go between."
"Why not just contact the local government to take care of it?" Said Captain America.
"The government in the Middle East is in chaos. By the time we get through all the proper channels the ship will be long gone. The U.S. tracked such a shipment before but when they reached the ship there was no sign of weapons. W think they must have transferred them but our radar picked up no aircrafts in the area. We need to stop the ship while it is still in port." Said J'onn.
"I see the urgency, I still don't know why the Justice League can't stop them. The kids all doing well but I'm not sure they are up to this. Aren't there any League members you can send?" Asked Cap.
"There are, but our source says this shipment is going to a Cadmus facility. If the League interfered Cadmus would know we have an informant in their organization. But if the Avengers intervene, who are just children and have no affiliation with the Justice League, out informant would be safe." Said J'onn.
Captain America stayed silent for a moment thinking.
"If this informant reliable?" He finally asked.
"Yes, they report directly to Princess Audrey of Kasnia. Kasnia has a long relationship with the black market. Princess Audrey is good friends with Wonder Woman and would not betray her in any way." Answered J'onn.
"Very well, we will deploy. How much time do we have until the ship leaves port?"
"Calculating in time differences an hour and 25 minutes. You will have to fly their as there is an electric field over the entire region blocking our transporters from reaching it." Said J'onn.
"That's cutting it kind of close from our present location." Said Spiderman doing the math in his head.
"I realize that and it only gets worst. Security is very heavy and there are unconfirmed reports about hired outside help." Said J'onn.
"What exactly does that mean?" Asked Cap.
"That there could be those with super powers of their own their as well."
"You're just full of good news." Said Spiderman.
"I know, good luck." The transmission ended.
"Looks like boot camp is over." Said Spiderman.
"For some, I'm not taking all of them. I want you to stay with the losers of today's battle and work more with them. We don't have time to wait for them to recover." Said Captain America.
"You sure about that Cap, You heard J'onn say how tight security would be." Said Spiderman.
"Today's victors have done well and adding me that makes nine. I believe we can handle the threat. Besides too many people we would be getting in each others way." Said Cap.
"You're the boss." Said Spiderman.
Captain America nodded and walked off to the victors to tell them of their first Avenger mission.
What none of the three factions realized, Justice League, Avengers, and Cadmus, was that another powerful faction was slowly forming. They also didn't know that this faction's creator was one of the most intelligent and sadistic being in any Universe. What none of them was prepared for, was the rise of the Red Skull.
Shortly after his arrival in this dimension he had used his camouflage watch to make him look like a regular person in a business suit. The watch could alter his appearance to anyone he wished and was very useful in his assassinations. It took him little time to figure out that this was not his dimension. That bastard Captain America had ruined his brilliant plans. He had no army here, no one even knew of his existence. The name Red Skull was not feared here, it was unknown.
The first thing the Red Skull did after realizing this was to get information on who was in control here. Computers were rare in his time but were abundant here. The morning after his arrival he went to a library and quickly learned how to use the Internet. What he found was an abomination. There were no great wars here, there was actually piece. There were a few factions that opposed it but they were mostly annoyances rather than actual threats. Terror was no longer the ultimate weapon, it was a joke that most people ignored. The Red Skull nearly destroyed the monitor when he read this information. It only got worst when he discovered the cause; a group of super powered hero's called The Justice League. That pompous wind bag Captain America had been right. There would always be a group like the Avengers, just different names.
Red Skull looked through the League's history and saw that it was growing, especially the past two years. What had once been only seven was now nearly 40. His next step was to find the Justice League's major enemies. There were various super powered villains, but only one organization. It was called the Injustice Society. Except its members varied and the group never stayed united for long. For this reason the Justice League had little trouble defeating them. It never surprised him when evil failed to put aside their differences long term and unite to defeat a common enemy. This was often the reason good triumphed over evil, their ability to stand together. He had managed that in his reality and that was why his organization was so strong. It seemed that if he wanted to rule he would have to lead again. But the best way to get the people he needed was money and influence. Two things he did not currently have.
Red Skull then started a search on finding those that would help him get these two things. Just like before he would have to start at the bottom and work his way up. Except this time it would not take as long. He knew the mistakes he made in the past and would not repeat them this time around. He concentrated his search on those who society disregarded and ignored, gangs. Fanatics and terrorists he did not want because they were too unstable and sought religious pursuits instead of the might dollar. Not to mention not many people paid attention to gangs. They accepted that they would be around and moved on with their lives. He would use this weakness to crush them. After numerous searches he narrowed it down to three choices, New York, California, and Georgia. These places had the highest crime rates in the U.S. Which was considered this reality's world Leader. Eventually he chose California because of the rich people that lived there. The rich ignored the criminals more than anyone else believing themselves untouchable. He planned to change that.
After he stole a car and made his way to California the next morning. Before he left he noticed some strange men around the area he landed. But there was too many together and they were armed so he decided to leave them be. Yet another thing he would have to research when he got the chance. The trip took a day and he had to stop for gas once. Since he had no money it was easy to snap the attendant's neck and shoot the other two customers with the gun behind the register. He also took some money and snacks and was on his way. He had already decided his destination would be the city known as Watts. From the reports he read the entire city was a gang. The police generally let them have their way since they killed each other more than innocent people. Red Skull understood hate; it was a very powerful motivator. But killing with nothing to gain from it was just stupid.
Red Skull spent another day spying on all the gangs. He had pinpointed most of the leaders and the most powerful gangs. Which were the Ballers, Demons, Vipers, Slashers, and the Sharks. These were the groups he would have to take control over and unite as one to begin his campaign. The next day he started off by going to hardware stores and bought the materials he needed with the money he had taken from complete strangers he had killed. He then bought guns out of somebody's back seat. The ease he could do this was astounding. He then began his assault on the gangs in small groups. He killed highest ranking members with pistol shots. Used his homemade grenades to kill those in buildings believing they were safe. He also attached trip wires in ally's exploding the gang members who walked through them. Lastly he let them see his true face as he broke their bones in hand to hand combat.
He did this for two days and that was all it took for word to get about the man with the red face. Or the other name they called him, the devil. Soon he had gang members jumping at the chance to join him. With his intelligence and the strategy's he told them he devastated Watts. On the fifth day he called a meeting of all the remaining leaders of the five largest gangs. He was currently giving them a speech now to work with him instead of against him.
"Gangs of Watts, hear me. You have seen the devastation I have done to this city. How easily I attacked you all when all I had was myself. I did it not to destroy you, but to show you how weak you have become. The police don't arrest you because you are of no threat to them. You waste time and men killing each other over worthless territory. California is the land of riches and yet you live in filth. You have the power but others reap all the rewards. I ask you, is this fair?"
"NOOOOO!" Came the roar from the cloud.
"No, it is not. This city has disregarded you as trash not worth looking upon. They call you bums, slackers, scum, waste, and much worse. This kind of disrespect can not be allowed to continue. They are weak, you are strong. It is time you show them who is truly in charge. If you follow me you can do not. You have seen what I can do alone, now image what we can do if we combined our talents. You will no longer live in trailers and broken down homes. You will no longer isolate yourself from the treasures the world says you can not have. You will be in charge, you will make the rules. The more our territory grows the more people that will join us. City by city, state by state. There are gangs everywhere that group together just to survive. Well I say that just surviving is no longer enough. It is time that we truly lived, that we take control. Agree to follow me and that will happen. The world will see your true power, and it will cry out for mercy. But we shall show no mercy, for only the strong shall inherit the Earth. So it was written, so shall it be done. Join me, and embrace your Destiny!" Yelled the Red Skull.
The assembled crowd went wild clapping their hands and cheering. If he could really accomplish what he said they would follow.
The Red Skull smiled as his new growing army shouted his name in praise and in obedience. He knew some would still try to destroy him, but he wasn't worried. The Red Skull could handle anything. With this new beginning it was this world that should be worried. For never before had it faced such an enemy as him.
TBC
Hoped you enjoyed it. Look out for the next chapter as the newly formed Avengers go on their first mission.