Hello everyone! Time for another new chapter! This will be the last one where I will cover familiar ground with Young Justice, and after that (at least for a while) it will be mostly new content.
Regardless, enjoy!
Nov 7th
WATCHTOWER
UTC 21:00
The Watchtower was the ideal place for the League to convene and discuss serious matters face-to-face without risk of espionage or surprise attacks, the only possible exceptions being enemies of the Green Lanterns (who generally caused trouble elsewhere). The big three, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman were present. Captain Marvel was also seated, as were Black Canary, Aquaman and Hawkman. "I presume the boy known as Harm has been dealt with?" Aquaman asked.
"Billy Hayes is currently incarcerated in Belle Reve, awaiting his trial." Batman answered.
"I hear it's one of the three new kids who beat him." Superman said.
"You heard correct." Batman confirmed. "Another entity somehow took both Hayes and Uzumaki to New York, where Uzumaki ultimately prevailed."
"Surprising." Black Canary said. "He didn't look like much."
"I suppose we should take their word for being ninja more seriously." Wonder Woman said. "I believe you confiscated their weapons?"
"They had surrendered their shuriken." Batman confirmed. "However, according to the Team's reports, the three teens have the ability to project energy, and the data from STAR Labs supports this."
"Ah!" Marvel exclaimed. "Like in anime!" Everyone looked at him funny. Realizing the position he put himself in, he laughed sheepishly. "Uh…charity drives at Fawcett City. We sometimes put those shows on for the kids; they love that stuff."
Letting it go, the rest of the League turned back to Batman. "Anyway, it's clear that these children are more powerful than their appearances suggest. In addition to energy projection, they are physically stronger than most other children their age and have extensive background in martial arts."
"And are we any closer to sending them home?" Hawkman asked.
"Unfortunately, no." Batman sighed. "We know there are forces at work connecting us to their world, but so far those means remain beyond our grasps."
"Well, they and the Team seem to be getting along well." Superman said. "They helped in this incident, and maybe they could help in future missions until we can help them get back home."
Under his mask, Batman's eye twitched as he got a sense of Déjà vu. "No wonder Dick looks up to him so much…" "I will not force three lost children into missions." Batman said with finality. "Even if they were trained for similar work on their world, I'd imagine their experience is limited, and circumstances doesn't give us the right to push them into solving our problems."
"Still, both they and the team saved the day." Black Canary said. "I think it would be quite foolish to simply let the possibility slide; Naruto in particular seemed quite enthusiastic. It couldn't hurt to ask."
Batman breathed deep as the others agreed with Superman and Black Canary; never before had so many leaguers disagreed with him on an issue. "I will consider it." Batman finally relented. "I need to get an update from STAR Labs before I make a decision." He thought of a certain boy wonder again, wondering if he was the catalyst for this. Looking at the UTC time on the Watchtower's digital clock, he saw it was late afternoon at Happy Harbor; Robin was probably there right now. "This meeting is adjourned." Batman said as he stood.
As the rest of the League went their separate ways, Batman approached the Zeta Tube in front of him and entered the location to Mount Justice. "Batman. A-01. Access, granted." Batman vanished in a ray of light.
ROANOKE ISLAND
Roanoke Island was famous for being an area filled with magic and ancient Indian burial sites. The first colonists who settled here had mysteriously vanished. Perfect for the individuals involved: sorcerers, men who used magic to commit evil deeds. One was Felix Faust, a man who studied the mystic arts and alchemy to unlock the secrets of immortality and absolute power. He was dressed in a dark tunic and wore a gold band over his head. Black Briarthorn, a druid with a goat-man like appearance, who sought to restore earth to its natural state. Wizard, a man in Victorian attire who had powers very much like Zatara. Wotan-7, an ancient Viking sorcerer with blue skin and red armor and cape, and an enemy of a previous incarnation of Dr. Fate, who sought to rule the magical realm, and was released from Belle-Reeve under cover after his apprehension by the Team and the League.
"I'd rather not be in the company of you." Faust said with distaste.
"Likewise." Briarthorn growled. "Perhaps I should conjure a tornado to tear you to shreds…"
"Gentle wizards." Klarion teleported in between them, Teekle settled on his shoulders. "Please, the only one allowed to behave like a child here is me." As the other sorcerers bit their tongues, Klarion clapped his hands. "Well, with that out of the way, sorry for the delay. Some…interesting things came up." Reaching into his back pocket, he produced the yellow crystal that Vandal Savage had procured for him. "But now…we are ready to begin."
"Klarion is about to begin his spell…and Itachi is ready. Are you sure you want to go now?" Luthor asked.
"It's about time." Savage replied as he stared at a tube similar to the League's Zeta tubes. "We've spent enough time acclimating Akatsuki to our world. It's time I've sowed a foothold onto their world and plant some seeds." Looking to Luthor, he asked "You're sure the new gateway is stable and properly cloaked?"
"We've already run three successful tests with lab animals." Luthor answered. "We were able to retrieve each one unharmed. And not once did the League even show hints of suspecting anything."
"Very well." Savage nodded. "You may begin. I will be back in three days. I trust you'll keep things in order while I'm gone."
Luthor nodded, and signaled to the technicians to begin. The tube opened up, and a light enveloped Savage…
MOUNT JUSTICE
UTC 21:10
Soon, things had gone back to normal at the cave. Superboy made a complete recovery after a day's rest; his stab wound didn't even leave a scar.
The three ninja were getting into the swing of things at the cave as well, currently helping them unpack groceries and other essentials, unloading them from Miss Martian's ship. "Sorry I wasn't there to help." Robin said to Naruto as he carried some bags down the ramp.
"It's okay!" Naruto smiled. "We didn't need it in the end!"
Robin frowned at the comment. "Well, I suppose confidence isn't a bad thing…"
"Naruto, you baka!" Sakura booted Naruto forward. "I swear, he doesn't know the difference between rude and polite!" she sighed.
"Well, to his credit he meant for it to be the later." Robin said. "Sorry that dance turned out the way it did. But, everyone is impressed with how you all handled yourselves."
Sakura blushed at that. "Well, Naruto and Sasuke-kun contributed the most."
"We don't measure a person's worth by how much they do in a given situation." Robin assured her as he put the bags down. "Just doing SOMETHING is enough."
"You certainly contributed more than I did." Superboy said as he carried a large crate that must have been over a hundred pounds like it was nothing. "You did save me. That's something." He turned to smile at her, making her blush again.
"Batman. A-01. Access, granted." Batman appeared through a Zeta tube, but the teens paid him no heed. Well, maybe Naruto. He started shaking slightly, though he did his best to pretend he wasn't there.
Meanwhile, Artemis and Zatanna were storing the groceries in the fridge. "I'm telling you, after the ordeal, he was still totally freaked out! Now I have to call him every hour when I'm out!" the dark haired magician nearly shouted, even though her father was down at the docking bay.
"Well, even if he's overreacting, he's still just being a dad. A parent who wouldn't freak out over their child being attacked by a psycho with a sword isn't normal." Artemis said. "And believe me, I WISH I had normal." She kept to herself.
"Well, anyway, after that incident, things between my Dad and me have been tense. I just wish…he would give me my space." Zatanna sighed.
As they headed back to the docking bay where the others were, Zatanna asked "So, what are we going to do about Miss M's friends?" She was referring to Mal and Karen; thus far, no word got out about the aliens or the rest of the Team exposed, but letting it go completely could prove dangerous.
"Right now, we're not telling the league. We don't need them to know right now; M'gann and Connor say they'll handle it." Artemis replied. "M'gann is naïve at times, but they're not dumb."
A second later, everyone witnessed both Batman and Zatara disappear from sight. "Hey, where did they go!?" Naruto shouted.
"I'll get Red Tornado!" Aqualad shouted as he rushed to the computer.
"What's going on!?" Sakura shouted.
"I don't know." Superboy said. "Batman's known for his disappearing acts, but this is too much even for him!"
"Red Tornado's not in his room!" Aqualad shouted as he ran back. "Surveillance is coming up empty!"
"I'll contact other members of the league!" Robin ran back to the holocomputer in the control room, and dialed Superman's code. Nothing. He tried Wonder Woman. Nothing again. He tried several others before giving up and shouting "No one's answering!"
"Turn on the TV." Kid Flash suggested. They did so, opting for the news…and all they saw was the camera focusing on an empty chair.
"What's going on…?" Sakura whispered in fright.
Batman stepped into the cave of Mount Justice. There, he observed the three strangers help the team out with unloading groceries. The blond and the pinkette seemed to be fitting in well, chatting with the others like they've been friends for a while. But the dark one still concerned him. "I suppose you came here to check on the Team too?"
Batman looked to his side to see Zatara also observing them from afar. "More or less." Batman walked next to him. "I suppose you're here to keep an eye out on Zatanna?"
"If you ever have children, you will never want to leave them out of your sight."
"Trust me, I have an idea." Batman retorted as he observed Robin speak with Sakura.
"I heard they helped out a lot during the incident with Harm." Zatara continued. "Zatanna spoke highly of Naruto in particular from the incident." Batman took a moment to see Naruto spill his groceries.
"Surprising."
"Indeed." Zatara agreed.
"There has been talk among the League about taking them in. As temporaries, at least." Batman then glanced Zatanna walking with Artemis. "What about Zatanna? Have you considered letting her into the Team?"
"What!?" Zatara whispered. "She…" Looking at her, he sighed. "…she's my only daughter."
Batman nodded in understanding. Having a magician with the team regularly would be tremendously helpful. But he would never force a parent, especially a veteran like Zatara, to put their child in harm's way. Suddenly, in front of their eyes, everyone, including the ninjas, disappeared. "Zatanna!" Zatara shouted. "Where did they go!?"
"Red Tornado!" Batman called.
Red Tornado descended from his room as he went to address Batman. "I observed the whole thing up above. It seems they have just…vanished."
Batman tightened his fists as his mind raced to figure out what happened. His earpiece then vibrated. "Batman." He answered.
"Batman!" Superman shouted on the end of the other line. "All the children of the world…they're gone!" Batman's fingers fell from his cowl, as he just stared into nothing.
UTC 22:15
"It's everywhere." Wally said as he surfed the web on the cave's computer. "Every forum and blogpost says the same thing; everyone 18 and over has disappeared. Not just here; it seems global. All news sites servers have not been updated."
"Then why am I still here?" Miss Martian asked. "I'm over 40 years old. I should have disappeared."
"I'd imagine you're still a teenager by Martian terms." Robin said. "Whatever's going on, it's targeting anyone considered biologically mature."
"Apparently Red Tornado as well." Artemis said. "Even though he's a machine that cannot age, I guess he was technically programmed to be an adult."
"How is this possible?" Sakura asked. The idea of a world with no adults sounded exciting…until she realized a second later how terrifying that actually was.
"Magic. It has to be." Zatanna answered.
"Didn't you say your magic has limits?" Naruto asked. "I don't know how your mumbo jumbo works, but this…this looks like a bit much. Even by your standards."
"It does." Zatanna answered. "No one has limitless magic energy, though whoever did this is using massive amounts of magic, probably in sync with other types of magic…"
"What's the plan of action now?" Superboy interrupted.
"For now, we will help all children in the immediate area. There are probably babies and toddlers who can't survive on their own." Aqualad commanded
"Where will we put them?" Artemis asked. "Even in situations like these, we can't just let civilians into the cave!"
Taking a moment to think about it, the Atlantean had an answer. "The school auditorium." he said. "It has a large enough space for the harbor at least. Find whoever you can." He then turned to Superboy and Miss Martian. "Superboy, Miss Martian. I heard you have friends at the school who discovered your identities?"
The two aliens looked away sheepishly. "Well, uh…" M'gann began to explain.
"Call them. We will need all the help we can get." As the two went to do just that, Aqualad then turned to the 3 ninja. "I'm sorry to keep dragging you three into our own problems. But it would be appreciated if you could help out."
Naruto and Sakura nodded affirmatively. "We'll do it!" Naruto said.
GOTHAM CITY
UTC 22:45
"You want to share me, but if you do, I'll be gone. What am I?" a man with glasses and dressed in green asked as he and Itachi sat in the backseat of a car.
"A secret." Itachi answered the Riddler.
"What!?" he yelled. "Impossible!" He mumbled as he tried to think of another riddle to stump the ninja. "How about-"
"Oh, will you put a sock in it, Nigma!" Sportsmaster yelled from the driver's seat of the convertible. "Your riddles aren't even funny!"
"They're not supposed to be!" The Riddler yelled. "I'm not the Joker!"
"Please shut up, or else I will burn this vehicle with both of you in it to the ground." Itachi growled, his sharingan spiraling as he fought to keep his cool.
A moment of silence followed. Suddenly, Sportsmaster burst out into laughter. "I like you kid!" he exclaimed, hitting the wheel. "I respect a man who doesn't take shit from anybody!"
Itachi sighed as he leaned against the window. "A little bit extreme, don't you think?" he said. "Transporting all the children of the world into another dimension. Seems a bit overkill for a petty theft."
"We need extreme measures in order not to attract attention to ourselves." Sportsmaster said. "It's as Savage says: Create dark shadows to conceal our light." Finally, they came upon a crowd of people gathering around the street. "Here we are." Sportsmaster said as he pulled the car over.
As they got out, Sportsmaster addressed them. "You know what you're looking for, Nigma. Uchiha, as tempting as it is not to…look after him." He briefly patted his shoulder. Though Itachi didn't show it, the gesture made him uncomfortable.
They made their way through the crowds, where the police barricaded a building. A man with red hair, goatee and glasses addressed them over the megaphone. "Everyone, please remain calm. The world's finest minds here are working on a solution to this crisis as we speak." He said.
"Those eggheads in there know what happened to our kids!" Sportsmaster suddenly yelled. "For all we know, they are responsible!" His words riled the frazzled crowd into a frenzy, forcing the police to push them back with their riot shields. "Make them tell us the truth!" Sportsmaster then disappeared into the crowd, while Itachi trialed Riddler into the building, the GCPD's attention completely focused on quelling the riot.
"You know where we're going?" Itachi asked as they briskly walked down the hall.
"I hacked STAR's database a while ago; I know what I'm looking for." Riddler bragged.
They approached a large room with glass doors, flanked by two security guards. "Hey!" one shouted as he approached them. "You ain't supposed to be here…" Itachi grabbed his wrist and flipped him onto his head with seemingly no effort. The other charged and raised his nightstick, but Itachi blocked it, and hit him in the throat, causing him to stumble. Itachi then spun and kicked the man across the temple, knocking him out cold. "Wow." Riddler said when he got to work hacking the security pad. "Next time I start another solo gig, remind me to hire you. I think you'd be a good match for the Bat." The pad's light went green, and Riddler opened the door.
Itachi followed him inside as he looked around. "Ah-hah!" the Riddler said. "There it is!"
Itachi saw what seemed to be an octopus's tentacle, frozen in ice and contained in a canister. "That's what we're here for?" Itachi asked. "What does Savage want with it?"
"It doesn't concern us." Riddler replied as he stored it in his briefcase. "What matters is the Light pays me."
HAPPY HARBOR
UTC 0:00
Happy Harbor High School was once again the center for super natural activity, or rather, a safe haven from it. Older teens from across the town gathered in the auditorium as they brought in young children and babies. Everyone desperately tried to keep things together, especially when considering everyone lost their parents and elder family. Though many had experience with baby siblings, they were overwhelmed at having to take full responsibility of a brand new nursery.
Artemis was trying to console some kindergarteners, trying to sing lullabies. Unfortunately, her childhood was not normal, and didn't do lullabies. She started with Twinkle Little Star, and somehow went onto a completely different tangent. "No, that's blah blah black sheep!" a little girl said. If nothing else, it got them laughing.
"Got some more." Wally came in, carrying some babies towards her. "There's just no end to them."
Artemis sighed as she took them. The whole thing was scaring her. Granted, her mother got under her skin quite often, but she always meant well. And even so, compared to her father, she was parent of the year. She didn't want anyone else to feel this way. "Wally, you can go if you want." She offered. "I'm sure you want to look for your parents…"
"I've rescued enough kids from empty houses." Wally said. "I got the message. I don't need to see another empty home, let alone mine." He sighed sadly.
At the other side of the auditorium, Superboy entered, carrying a baby with a Superman t-shirt. "Here you go." He said, handing him over to M'gann who organized her own group of young children.
"There there…" she tried to comfort him.
"What's going on here?"
The two turned to see Malcom and Karen facing them. "Hey." Knowing there was no point to lying to them, she decided the time was to address them honestly. "I'm sorry we lied to you-"
"It does kind of sting." Malcom huffed. "But I understand." That surprised them both. "Secret identities and stuff. I get it." Malcom said. "Plus I'm assuming BOTH of you are aliens. I sure wouldn't want men in black kidnapping me to dissect me."
"As if they could." Superboy retorted.
"Either way, now's not the time." M'gann said.
"No, it's not." Karen said. "But, it still hurts. I feel like we don't even know you…"
"I get it, okay?" M'gann said. "Listen, when this whole thing blows over…we'll talk."
"Will it?" Karen asked skeptically.
"It has to." Superboy answered. "Somehow."
"Well…is there anything you need from us?" Mal asked.
"Yeah." Connor answered, placing his hand on his shoulder. "Look out for them."
Team 7, in the meantime, seemed to be having less luck with the kids. "WAHHH!"
Naruto and Sakura scrambled to calm down the young kids, who were hysterical. "Shh, shh, calm down…" Sakura tried to assure them.
"I WANT MY MOMMY!" a little girl screamed.
Sakura for the first time found herself finding something in common with these toddlers. Ever since she came here, she feared she wouldn't see her family again. Now it seemed ALL the children of that world were going through that, and no one understood why. "…I do too." She whispered as she hugged her, struggling to hold back her tears. "…I do too…"
Naruto finally managed to calm his group down, somehow, and walked away to take a break. Feeling someone tug at his pants, Naruto turned to see a little boy with spikey hair. For some reason, he reminded him of Konohamaru back at home. "Hey. What's up?"
The little kid seemed to hesitate. "Do you miss your daddy too?"
Naruto was stunned by the question, and looked away. "Never knew him." After a moment, he patted his shoulder. "Listen, stay strong. We're working to fix this, okay? Until then, you've got a bunch of friends there for you. You're not alone; as long as you have them, you can survive anything." The kid nodded, and Naruto went to attend the next one.
Sakura observed him from afar as she was handling the infants. "Wow. I never knew Naruto was good with kids…"
She then saw Sasuke off to another corner also handling some other kids. "I miss my mommy and daddy!" another little girl bawled.
Sasuke dropped his usual brooding facade and gave her a sad smile. "Come here." He said as he brought her in close. "I know what's like to lose those you love." The girl looked at him curiously. "It hurts to have the people you love and cared for you gone. But I promise you, we'll get them back…somehow." The girl hugged him back, as he did too.
"You should show this side of yours more often, Sasuke-kun." Sasuke looked behind him to see Sakura standing over him, smiling. "It's nice." Sasuke huffed and looked away.
Suddenly, Wally's Cell Phone began to ring. Picking it up, he heard Aqualad on the other line. "Wally, Zatanna has located the magical source of this phenomenon. We're going to make an announcement to the world; I need you in costume and by my side as Robin and I make our address."
"Understood." Wally replied. Seeing M'gann and Connor conversing with their classmates, he approached them. "Guys, we've got to go to work." He said. Seeing Mal and Karen, he turned back to the alien teens. "Do you trust these two?"
"Yes." They replied.
"Okay." Wally turned back to them and held out his hand. "Wally. Listen, we need you to be in charge until this whole thing blows over. Hopefully, when we come back…everything will be back to normal."
"Got it." Mal agreed, shaking his hand.
MOUNT JUSTICE
UTC 00:45
Eventually, the Team gathered back at the cave while Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash addressed the world in all languages, assuring the children that they would do everything they could to bring the adults back. Team 7 could only hang back at this point, completely at a loss on how to help. Naruto wandered around, seeing Zatanna now dressed in a tuxedo-like outfit. She was also looking quite nervous. "What's with the outfit?" Naruto asked.
Zatanna turned around. "Oh! You startled me!" Calming down, she explained "This is similar to what my dad wears when he's on-duty, just tailored to girls. It's a standard magician's outfit."
Seeing that she was much more nervous than the others, he asked "You're worried? About your dad, I mean?"
Zatanna nodded. "I feel…terrible. My dad's been pestering me over trivial things and way too overprotective to me to my liking. I said I wished he would give me space…"
"Whatever you said, that wasn't what caused it." Naruto assured her. "And I'm sure he understands…I mean, he's your dad, right?"
Zatanna nodded as they walked down the hallway. "I imagine you miss your folks too. Back at your homeworld, I mean."
Naruto sighed. "I never knew them. Been on my own as long as I could remember."
"Sorry."Zatanna gasped. "That sounds awful!"
"It's not that bad…"
The two came across the living room, where they saw Aqualad and Kid Flash stare at the shelf of souvenirs from their missions. In particular, they were looking at a gold helmet. "It could come in handy." Aqualad said.
"Yes. But whoever puts on the Helmet, Nabu may never release him from being Doctor Fate…" Aqualad warned him.
Kid Flash followed up. "So…not that desperate?"
"Not yet." Aqualad agreed.
Looking behind them, they saw Zatanna and Naruto. "What's up?" Kid Flash asked.
"We're all ready to head out to Roanoke Island." Zatanna replied.
Aqualad nodded. "Yes. We should get ready…"
As they walked out the room, Zatanna eyed the Helmet of Fate. She stretched out her hand and said "Emoc ot em." The helmet floated into her hand.
"Zatanna pinpointed the magical energy on an island called Roanoke." Aqualad explained to Team 7, showing the location on a holographic globe.
"Who would use magic to eliminate all the adults?" Naruto asked.
"The better question is who could?" Sakura asked. "If there is a sorcerer responsible for this like Zatanna suggests, wouldn't the spell affect this person to and send him to wherever the other adults are? Surely that would cancel out the spell entirely!"
"An excellent deduction, Sakura." Aqualad agreed. "That occurred to Robin and I as well. Based on that criteria, we were able to easily narrow it down to one suspect…" A window came up showing a pale boy with horns on his head. "This is Klarion, the Witch Boy."
"Hey, I recognize that kid!" Naruto exclaimed. "He was there when we came to this universe on the beach!"
"Correct." Aqualad agreed. "He is extremely powerful, capable of almost anything. And he would be the only magical being that we know of who would not be affected by this spell. Even though he's hundreds of years old, as you can see inside he is still very much a child and would therefore be stuck here with us."
"I remember fighting him." Sasuke said. "Both Superboy and I had a go at that force field of his. Neither of us could crack it. So how are we going to fight him if are best methods of attack can be blocked as if they're nothing?"
Aqualad, Robin and Kid Flash only looked at each other. "We'll…figure that out." KF responded.
Sasuke growled in dissatisfaction. "You fit in just fine with this group, dobe." He said to Naruto.
"I know charging in head on is not a wise tactic." Aqualad admitted. "But what other choice do we have? All adults around the world are gone, and we cannot help every child out there, nor expect all of the older kids to step up. What's more, there are babies out there alone without guardians. Who knows how many births in progress were compromised? We have no choice but to act now!"
Sasuke sighed. "It probably won't matter much against an opponent like that, but it would still be nice to have our shuriken back…"
"Luckily for you, I made a trip to the Batcave…" Robin interrupted.
"What in the world were you doing in a bat cave!?" Naruto shivered.
"Shut up." Robin warned him. "Anyway, I got some birdarangs for you all." He held up several of the red disks to them. "They're a bit different than what you're used to, but it's the same principle as a normal throwing star. Use your wrist and throw them as hard as you can." He turned one over on the flat surface. "In addition, these buttons, if you press them, come with special functions. The one in the center will explode the birdarang. The one on the inside edges will generate an electric current. The one on the outside edge will release knockout gas." He handed four to each of them.
"Wow." Naruto commented as he inspected one. "This is neat…" He pressed the center button, and the object began to beep rapidly. "Oh-"Naruto quickly released it, and the Birdarang exploded in his face. "Ah!" Artemis could only smack her face; luckily it seemed Naruto wasn't seriously hurt.
"Well, you all started with four each." Robin commented in disappointment. "Now you have less."
Sakura wacked Naruto on the head. "Baka! Don't waste those things!"
"Sorry, sorry!" Naruto apologized.
"Maybe we should get going." Miss Martian said. "Hopefully my Bioship can get us there before you run out."
"I said I'm sorry!" Naruto shouted.
"Enough!" Aqualad shouted. "Let us board the Bioship, then-"
Suddenly, they saw something flash in the cave, like a bolt of lightning appeared out of nowhere. Looking behind them, they found a boy, probably ten years of age, with black hair and a red jacket just standing there. For some reason, he seemed relieved to see The Team. "It worked! I didn't disappear!" he said to himself as he observed his body
"Who are you!?" Aqualad asked. "How did you get in here!?"
"Quick, read my mind." Was the boy's only response.
The Team looked to Miss Martian. Figuring they had the child's permission, she began to probe his mind telepathically. Within seconds, she gasped in surprise. "Miss Martian!" Aqualad said. "What is it!?"
"He's Captain Marvel!" Miss Martian gasped.
"WHAT!?" Naruto shouted. "Did all this magic screw with your brain too!?"
"Baka!" Sakura growled as she grabbed him by the ear and pulled.
"Owowow!"
"What Naruto said…just nicer." Kid Flash said. "Just because this kid THINKS he's Captain Marvel, doesn't mean he IS Captain Marvel…"
"Gee, Wally." The boy known as Billy Baston said. "Do I have to get more Pineapple Juice and Nachos to convince you?"
Kid Flash's jaw dropped at that statement. "Oh. My. God."
"What happened to you!?" Aqualad said.
"Nothing." Billy responded. "I've always been a kid. It's just when I use the power of Shazam, I turn into an adult." His face soured a little. "Though even then the League tends to treat me like a kid…"
"It makes perfect sense!" Sakura suddenly exclaimed. Everyone looked at her questionably. "Captain Marvel was behaving like such a child the times I saw him, and now I see why!"
"He is kind of like classic Lion-O." Kid Flash agreed. "He grows in size, but he doesn't actually GROW UP…"
"I'm right here!" Billy insisted. "Wisdom of Solomon my butt…" he muttered.
"So, 'Captain Marvel' disappeared with the rest of the league as an adult…" Robin began. "…but you came back as a child. Where is everyone?"
"In the other world, the question was where the children?" Billy said. "I was like this when all the adults suddenly disappeared. At first, I was afraid to change into Captain Marvel, but someone I knew just turned 18 as she was helping me out. I realized I had to take a chance and turn into Captain Marvel to find her. Once that was over, I realized I was in a world with adults but no children. Once I realized what was happening, I changed back…and here we are."
"Did you meet with the rest of the Justice League?" Aqualad asked.
"Just Batman and Zatara." Billy answered him. "I've got to get back there as Captain Marvel. I'll let them know you're all okay. Is there anything else you'd like me to tell them?"
"Yes!" Zatanna pushed passed the Team. "Please, tell my dad I miss him!"
"Of course!" Billy nodded.
"We also found the origin of this displacement." Aqualad said.
"Okay, give me the details…" After Aqualad told him everything they knew, Billy nodded. "Great job!" he said. "I'll let Batman know! I've a feeling we'll need help in the other world too…" Spreading his arms, he looked up and shouted "SHAZAM!" Another bolt of lightning came out of nowhere and struck him…and then he was gone.
"I don't know what is weirder." Artemis sighed. "This two worlds business…well, make that three now…" she said, eyeing the genin. "…or the fact that someone on the Justice League can change their age at will."
"I'd like to have powers like that!" Naruto smiled. "I could be Hokage back at home and no one would ever know!" He imagined himself as an adult with the Hokage cape, his face showing off exaggerated features...
"You'd be found out in a second, dobe." Sasuke sighed. A vein popped in Naruto's forehead. "You'd be just as stupid grown up as you are now."
ROANOKE ISLAND
UTC 03:00
Roanoke Island at night was truly frightening. Once filled with a population of wolves and deer, the pilgrims extrapolated all of them from the area. Ever since then, only the current inhabitants would fill the silence, and thanks to Klarion's magic, the island was now eerily silent. The only one making a sound was Klarion, chanting in an unknown language with his arms outstretched as he stood at the edge of a large, glowing circle. He stopped as he heard others approach them. "Huh. You didn't even try to sneak up on me."
He turned as the Team approached him from the woods. "Stop this at once." Aqualad growled.
Klarion chuckled. "Make me." He briefly glanced at the newer members focusing on the blond boy. Teekle meowed, and Klarion looked to him. "You sure?" Teekle only meowed again. Klarion then focused on Naruto, clenching his fists as electricity flashed from them. "You…" he growled.
"Uh, do I know you?" Naruto gulped.
"You ruined my blood bath. At that school."
"Uh, I think that was Scarface…" Naruto insisted.
"Hehe." Klarion suddenly chuckled, clapping his hands as his bloodlust eased up (not faded). "That's actually a good name for him." He looked Naruto in the eye. "Just who do you think sent him?" Even Naruto got the subtlety.
"Why?" Sakura asked in shock.
"It would have been entertaining to see someone go medieval on some teens."
Naruto growled. "You're…heartless."
"Gee, what clued you in?" Kid Flash asked as he adjusted his goggles.
"Take him out!" Aqualad ordered as he formed hammers from his water-bearers and charged, Superboy leaping behind him. Klarion quickly put up a shield, blocking them. He breathed red fire at Aqualad, who rolled away. The earth erupted into a small mountain, knocking Superboy into the sky.
Zatanna suddenly ran forward to try her hand at him. "Etaivel ffo eht margatnep!"
Klarion felt a force push him up, but he quickly shrugged it off. "Huh. Baby magic." Klarion waved his hand. "Yawa htiw uoy."
Zatanna was suddenly lifted from the ground, and sent flying into the trees. "AH!"
"Zatanna!" Artemis shouted.
As Miss Martian began a telekinetic attack, Sasuke grabbed hold of Naruto's arm. "Come on!" he yelled. "He can't withstand all of them at once!"
"Right!" Naruto agreed.
"Attack the cat!" Kid Flash suddenly told them. "It anchors him to our world! If he's harmed, it will send Little Red Devil over there to his home dimension until he recharges!"
"I'm on it!" Sakura yelled as she charged forward.
"I'll cover you!" Artemis released several explosive arrows, blocking the sight of the magical beings. As Klarion shielded himself, Kid Flash tried to rush him, but Klarion shot lightning from his hands, knocking Kid Flash far back.
Before the Witch Boy could launch another attack, a birdarang landed right in front of Klarion, exploding and stunning him, though he remained standing. Sakura appeared from behind a boulder, birdarangs in hand as she prepared to attack Teekle. "Teekle, no!" he shouted.
Sakura threw her birdarangs when the cat suddenly grew to the size of an elephant, the electric currents of the birdarangs proving to be ineffective against a creature of that size. As Sakura froze up for a second, the cat tried to gobble her up in one bite. "MOVE!" Superboy suddenly leaped into its head, knocking it over. "Come on!" Superboy scooped her up and ran for it, but the cat was back up and clawed at him. "Ah!" One of Artemis' arrows landed in Teekle's face, covering his eyes in a foam.
Superboy leaped up and escaped into the forest, setting down Sakura. As he turned back to the battle, Sakura took note of the scratches on Superboy's body. "You're hurt!" Sakura cried. "Magic really is a weak spot for him…"
"I'll live." Superboy hissed. "Come on! We've got to get back out there!"
"Kage Bushin no Jutsu!" Naruto duplicated himself twelve times over, and charged.
"Smoke and Mirror magic. Not impressed." Klarion yawned
"Aw, shut up!" One of the clones ran up to him and punched him across the face, stunning the witch boy and nearly making him stumble. Another tried to do the same, but a red shield blocked him and sent it flying in the opposite direction.
The others attacked with various strikes, Klarion's shield blocking all of them. "They're not mere shadows! They're real!" "Okay, you caught my interest!" Klarion sneered as smoke started to smolder out of his mouth. "But it seems you're nothing but a one trick PONY!" Klarion opened his mouth, and spewed his red flames.
As Naruto scrambled away, Sasuke stepped in front of him. "Katon! Goukakyu no Jutsu!" Sasuke breathed his signature fire jutsu, countering Klarion's own fire breath.
As the flames cleared, a birdarang flew right towards Klarion. He simply raised his hand and stopped it in place. Suddenly it spewed gas in his face. Klarion coughed up a storm; the gas wouldn't knock him out like it would mortals, but it was still toxic to him. Robin suddenly flew from the side and whacked him across the head with a kali stick. "Ugh!" Robin followed through with a couple of other strikes, but Klarion remained standing, and suddenly spread his arms and shouted "ENOUGH!" Red energy flew from him, knocking everyone down.
However, one continued fighting. "Dum, revoc sih seye!" Mud suddenly into Klarion's eyes, temporarily blinding him.
"You think you're pathetic magic can stop me!?" Klarion screamed.
Zatanna stood firm. "Wait and see! Seert, elapmi!" The trees around the forest suddenly began to bend on their own towards Klarion, and the various branches shot forward towards Klarion. The witch boy obliterated most of them, but one managed to scratch him. The others managed to pin him down. Before he could break free, Zatanna focused her hands. "I never tried something like this before…" "Etaretilbo mih!" A ball of energy formed in Zatanna's hands, and she threw it at him.
"AHH!" The energy ball exploded in his face, covering the area in smoke.
"Way to go, Zee!" Robin shouted in joy.
Zatanna collapsed on her knees. "Uh." She panted, struggling to stay conscious. She had seen her father and other magicians use their magical energy to physically attack foes, but she never did it herself. The attack drained her completely. Whether it was from doing it for the first time or putting too much into the attack, she wasn't sure.
"What, already winded?" Zatanna's head shot straight forward to where Klarion stood; a red force field once again surrounded him. "I'm just getting started!" Crackling red-black energy balls were conjured up, and like homing muscles, zoomed in on Zatanna.
"Zatanna!" Naruto yelled.
"Ecrof dleif!" the magician shouted on reflex. She managed to block the direct attacks, but a third one shattered the shield and sent her flying.
"Gotcha!" Sakura jumped in from behind her, catching her. Though she had a cut on her head, it seemed she would be alright. "Stay awake, Zatanna!" Sakura shouted. "We need you!"
Zatanna forced herself to sit up, holding her head. "Ow…"
Superboy ran forward to attack again, jumping up to attack Klarion. And Teekle intercepted him again, trying to bite down on him. Superboy held its jaw at bay, and landed several knees on its chin. "Hang on, Connor!" Miss Martian stretched herself like a snake, and wrapped herself around Teekle's neck. The cat hacked as it gasped for air, and Superboy landed a solid blow on it. However, it didn't last as red flames caught fire on its fur, forcing the Martian off and swatting the Kyrptonian away.
Klarion watched, making sure to take good care of his anchor. "EYAH!" Sasuke charged at him and caught him by surprise with a taekwondo-like spinning kick, knocking him off balance. Artemis fired a punch arrow, knocking the lord of chaos down. Kid Flash charged at him again, but Klarion sent him flying back by putting up a large force field. Sasuke made the hand signs for the fireball again, blowing it out of his mouth.
However, Klarion opened his own mouth, seemingly swallowing the flames. The archer and Uchiha could only look at him in shock. "Interesting." Klarion said as smoke came from his mouth. "This fire…it feels natural." He opened his mouth, belching Sasuke's own technique back at him, forcing the two to duck for cover. His fire breath was cut short when Aqualad came in from behind him, grabbing him in a full nelson. Applying electricity, he began to run a current into Klarion. "AHH!" he screamed. Robin also helped, nailing him with a taser. Klarion opened his eyes, red electricity sparkling from them. "You and your little tricks." Klarion opened his hands, despite the electric current, and shot at Robin, sending him flying. Building up his own energy inside again, Klarion released it and threw Aqualad back into the forest. Kid Flash was back at it, running circles around Klarion. The witch boy hurled several fireballs at him, but of course the yellow speedster sped up every time. Soon, he created a small twister of dust around Klarion, obscuring his vision…as well as causing him a bad cough. Klarion hacked as he tried to get it out of his lungs. "Fool! What are you hoping to accomplish!?"
"What do you think, dumbass!?" Klarion turned to see Sasuke come at him through the dust with what seemed to be lightning in his hand. "Chidori!"
Sasuke thrust forward…and his hand was caught by Klarion's own, infused with magic. "Well, isn't that interesting?" Klarion asked. Though Sasuke tried to resist, he felt his arm being raised so Klarion could get a better look at his hand. "Not magic? Neat…but not good enough!" Klarion placed his palm on Sasuke's chest, and with no apparent input, was sent flying across the ground.
Naruto clenched his teeth as he witnessed the event. "Damn it!"
"He's more powerful than any of us could have imagined!" Zatanna said.
"Maybe." Naruto agreed. "I've got one last trick up my sleeve that I can use, though…"
"So do I!" Zatanna said. Turning to a boulder, Zatanna held out her hand and called "Temleh fo etaf, laever flesruoy!" The boulder disappeared, revealing the gold Helmet of Fate. It flew towards Zatanna, as she caught it in her hand.
Naruto then remembered what Aqualad and Kid Flash were talking about earlier back at the cave regarding that helmet. "Zatanna!"
Aqualad, who failed to attack Klarion, turned to see Zatanna do the unthinkable. "Zatanna, no!"
Zatanna put on the helmet, and a light blinded everyone. When it disappeared, Naruto's eyes widened in shock to see Zatanna's attire had changed. Instead of her magician's outfit, she wore a blue costume with gold trimmings, boots, gloves, and a cape. The helmet covered her face, only her hair visible from the back.
"What happened to Zatanna!?" Sakura asked.
"The Helmet of Fate!" Artemis answered. "It houses a magical spirit called Nabu! A member of the Justice Society, Kent Nelson, donned it and became the Sorcerer Dr. Fate! However, the spirit will not release its host until it feels its duty is finished!"
Sakura's eyes widened in horror in realization. "Oh no…"
Zatanna/Dr. Fate levitated into the air, spreading her arms, and spoke in a voice both Zatanna's and someone else's. "Klarion, prepare to meet your fate!"
Zatara threw up a shield to protect himself from a blast by Wizard. Red Tornado and Batman were on the defensive against Blackbriar, while Captain Marvel engaged Faust and Wotan. Suddenly, they felt a flux, as if two images were competing with one another. They caught a glimpse of Klarion and the Team, but as soon as they registered it, it was gone.
"What was that!?" Batman yelled as he threw explosive batarangs at Wotan, who attempted to ambush him.
"If I were to guess, I'd imagine something is happening in the kids' world! But I can't say if it's good!" Zatara said. "Tsalb mih!" he yelled as he pointed his cane, pushing Wizard back with a beam of energy.
Captain Marvel grabbed hold of Faust and flew, tossing him into the forest. "I'll go investigate!" Holding out his hands, he called "SHAZAM!" A bolt of lightning hit him, and he disappeared.
Zatanna/Dr. Fate took to the sky and fired energy blasts in the shape of Nabu's symbol. At first, it seemed Fate had a slight edge, putting Klarion on the defensive. However, Klarion countered with another energy blast, and threw Fate off balance. Briefly, her form flickered back to Zatanna. "You're not all here, Nabu!" Klarion yelled. "If the world is split, so is the helmet! And you're losing your hold on your host! Face it, the girl's sacrifice was in vain!"
"Fate shall decree her sacrifice will not be in vain!" Dr. Fate shouted back, firing gold lightning bolts, which Klarion countered with his shield
Naruto and his friends could only watch at the sight before them. Naruto suddenly felt a flash of lightning next to him, and Billy Baston stood there. "What's going on!?"
Klarion heard him, and out of reflex shot a fireball at him. Billy reflexively shielded himself, though without his powers it would do nothing. At impact, he realized he was okay.
Lowering his arms, he saw Naruto had cocooned him with his bushins. "Neat trick." Billy said.
"Yeah, well, things aren't going so great here!" Nartuo said. "And Zatanna put on that weird helmet!"
"You mean the Helmet of Fate!?"
"That's the one!" Naruto answered.
"Great…" Billy cringed. "Zatara's going to flip at this!" Billy then elbowed Naruto. "Do you see the yellow crystal behind Klarion?"
Naruto looked out of his wall of clones, and saw it right behind the witchboy's feet. "Yeah!"
"Get it away from him, and hand it over to Fate! That artifact is what's dividing the worlds!"
"Gottcha!" "Miss Martian, it's the crystal! Get it away from him!" Naruto said telepathically, finally getting the hang of her mental links.
"Easier said than done!" Aqualad replied as he took cover behind some trees. "But at least we have a target now!"
"We need to get it on my side as well." Billy said. "Be careful! SHAZAM!" Billy once again disappeared in a flash of lightning.
Naruto, now seeing a new objective to accomplish, had his clones charge forward. He hung back as he held out his hand, another clone pouring his chakra into it as a Rasengan formed. As Klarion blew all of them away, Naruto leaped to attack him. "Rasengan!"
Klarion held up his hand as he countered with his magic. The torque of the Rasengan blew back some of the energy, cutting his face. "Ngh!" he winced. "You really are more than you appear!" Klarion pushed back, and Naruto was sent flying back.
"AGH!" Naruto tumbled into a tree, gripping his aching shoulder. "No one's been able to block that before!"
"Everyone, keep at it!" Robin yelled. "Get that crystal away from him!" Robin tossed some gas bomb from his utility belt, blanketing the area in green gas. Klarion, however, blew it away like the big bad wolf.
Artemis fired another flash arrow, blinding him. Aqualad got extra water from a nearby creek, and hit Klarion with it. The witchboy bent over, but held his position. Teekle pounced on Aqualad, and Superboy and Miss Martian attacked it, coming to his aid. Naruto found his teammates, and ran towards them. "We're not making any headway!" Sasuke said.
"We need to get the crystal, right?" Sakura asked. "We've been spending too much time trying to defeat him when the crystal is what's really important!"
Naruto's eyes blinked. "I have an idea. You with me?"
Sasuke smirked. "Just like in the Land of Waves, right?"
"Something like that." Naruto answered.
Fate continued to blast away at Klarion, who proved to be superior with the current state of the world.
"Hey, Horn Face!"
Klarion took his eyes off the Lord of Order, seeing Sasuke throw a giant windmill shuriken at him. "I appreciate the sadistic streak." Klarion waved his finger, causing the weapon to change course in a way that broke the laws of physics. "But not good enough."
"How 'bout this!?" The windmill shuriken turned back into Naruto, who then threw a birdarang at Klarion. The birdarang blew on his shoulder, making him stumble to his knees.
"You ingrates!" he yelled. Teekle pounced forward and pinned Naruto under his paw. "You're all finished!" Klarion said as he blasted at Fate, who countered with her own energy. "Without the Justice Geeks to change your diapers, you're nothing!"
"Well, it's a good thing you're so focused on us then!" Naruto smirked.
"Huh?"
"NOW!" Naruto yelled.
Suddenly, Kid Flash zoomed across the forest and slid towards him, yanking the crystal from the ground. "Doc, catch!" he said, tossing the crystal into the air.
"NOO!" Klarion screamed.
Dr. Fate caught the crystal, and began her chant. "Yam eht owt emoceb eno enco erom!" The crystal glowed, and when the glow faded, next to Fate Zatara hovered in the air, also holding the crystal. Naruto blinked, seeing Captain Marvel, Red Tornado and Batman present as well. Four other individuals appeared near Klarion. "Quick, restrain the others!" Aqualad ordered.
As the team and the League members present attacked the other mystics, Naruto slipped under Teekle and charged again. "Let's try this again!" Naruto shouted as he made another clone and formed the Rasengan.
Klarion was about to push him away with magic, but then he heard Sasuke coming in from the opposite direction, dragging his Chidori across the earth. "Damn it!"
Klarion began to hover in the air, but looking up, saw Sakura drop from the sky, courtesy of Miss Martian. "You're not getting away!"
Sakura punched him square in the face, causing him to stop as Naruto and Sasuke were able to land their signature attacks on his sides. "AHHH!" Klarion tumbled back like a train hit him, landing in a heap. He struggled to stand, his tuxedo now looking like the weirdest bikini top ever designed due to the destruction of the Rasengan and Chidori. However, the mortal wounds he received from the two ninja were closing up; as a Lord of Chaos as long as his anchor remained on this plane of reality, nothing could kill him. Before anymore could be done, Fate shot a sigil at him that chained him. "AGGH!" Klarion could feel most of his magic being restrained. "NGH!" He continued to struggle.
"Your games are over, Klarion!" Dr. Fate shouted.
Klarion's face then turned oddly satisfied. "Eh." He shrugged. "It was fun while it lasted." With a snap of his fingers, a red portal opened up, and he and his pet vanished.
"Hey, he's getting away!" Naruto yelled. He ran to attack him, but by the time he managed to throw a cross, the Witch Boy was gone. Turning to Dr. Fate, he yelled "Why didn't you use your magic to stop him!?"
"Klarion is chaos personified." She answered. "He cannot be contained. Only kept in check."
Naruto huffed. "Sounds stupid."
"That was so cool, Zatanna!" Sakura squealed. Zatanna, however, did not respond. "Zatanna?"
"Something's wrong." Sasuke said. Indeed, the threat was over, yet Zatanna did not take off the helmet. In fact, she did not seem like herself at all, hovering in place with a never ending stare at those below.
"Fate!" Zatara shouted. He breathed, regaining some composure. "Great Nabu…release my daughter."
There was a pause, before Dr. Fate answered "No." Everyone balked at her answer. "Witness the havoc wrought in these hours! The world needs Dr. Fate! And the girl's affinity for the mystic arts makes her the perfect candidate."
"NO!" Aqualad yelled. "Kent Nelson would never let you do this!"
"Kent Nelson did object, strenuously in fact." Fate replied. "So I released his spirit into the afterlife where he belongs. He is gone." Fate answered.
Naruto felt himself quiver. "You're no hero…"
"Oh?"
"You're a monster!" he shouted. "You're supposed to help people, but you're just stealing people's lives and loved ones away!"
"The needs of the many outweigh the feelings of a few." Fate answered. "Until I have set order into the world, the girl is my host."
"Bastard!" Naruto yelled as he jumped up to sock her.
"Naruto!" Sakura shouted.
Naruto punched, but the sigil of fate appeared in front of him, and upon contact, he ricocheted back. Though surprised, Naruto got right backup. He quickly created a couple of clones, but Dr. Fate recognized each of them, blasting them away and finally binding the real Naruto by the wrists against the trees. "Let me go!" Naruto kicked furiously.
"Stop, you fool!" Zatara shouted, holding up his cane. "Dr. Fate is a powerful Lord of Order, one of the most powerful mystics who has ever lived! You could never hope to land a blow on him! And even if you could…" Zatara turned to stare at him with a sad stare. "…you would only wind up hurting my daughter instead." Naruto stopped in shock, and looked down, looking defeated.
Zatara then turned back to Dr. Fate. "Dr. Fate, you are right. This world needs you again. But please, do not use my daughter." He stepped forward. "Take me instead." He said, gesturing himself. "My magic is already at its peak. My body is physically stronger, better able to withstand the strain of your power."
"All true." Fate agreed. "But if I remove the helmet, what guarantee do I have that you will don it?"
"My word." Zatara breathed. "Esaelp, esaeler ym ylno rethguad."
Finally, Fate floated down to his level, and removed her helmet. The clothes of fate disappeared, and Zatanna was herself again. "Dad!" she blinked, hugging him. "You're okay!" He embraced her, and stroked her hair. "Thank goodness you're safe." He sighed in relief. He then looked to Naruto, now free of his restraints. "Young man." He said. "Thank you for standing up on my daughter's behalf. Whatever happens, don't blame Nabu. He exists to protect the greater good. Such a thing demands sacrifice; someone would have to help him achieve this eventually. Better me, than a young girl who still has her whole life ahead of her." He then turned to Batman and Red Tornado. "Please, look after my daughter."
"You have my word, old friend." Batman replied with regret. He struggled to restrain himself from knocking the helmet out of his hands with a batarang, but he respected Zatara's wish. He knew from experience bargains with magical beings were absolute, and breaking such agreements could bring about unknown but dire consequences.
"Dad…"Zatanna choked.
"Goodbye, Zatanna. And remember…" He kissed her forehead. "…I love you." He released her, and raised the helmet.
"Dad, no!" Zatanna protested.
Zatara donned the helmet, and everyone was once again blinded by light. When it faded, in Zatara's place, stood a new Dr. Fate, taller and masculine. He looked at Zatanna for a moment, before turning his back to her and approaching the restrained mystics. Lifting his hand, he levitated them off the ground and followed after them. "Leave these to their fate!" In an instant, they all vanished. Zatanna collapsed on her knees in shock. Robin, Kid Flash, and soon everyone came to her side to support her…
"Hehehe." Klarion chuckled. "Happy?"
"Wi, mon ami". A French voice said. Instead of a person, the one who spoke was a large metal can with several protrusions and a brain inside a glass dome. This was the Brain, an infamous scientist with an extreme fondness for all things about the brain and intelligence. "Your distraction, though a tad extreme, 'twas effective." Klarion sneered on the screen in response.
"It matters not." Luthor said on another screen as The Riddler and Itachi walked in with the Brain. "We kept the League away from our real objective." Riddler opened the briefcase, revealing the frozen tentacle inside to the rest of the Light. "That is all that matters."
"Wi" the Brain answered. "Thanks to Klarion's chaos, no one will notice the absence of our prize."
Itachi narrowed his eyes at it. Though he did not understand exactly what it was for…it gave him a terrible sense of dread.
MOUNT JUSTICE
EDT 10:00
The Team hastily agreed to take Zatanna in, and have her share what was Sakura's room in the Cave. "I know it will take time to get used to…" Robin assured her as they helped move her things in. "…but whatever happens, we're here for you. All this…" Robin thought back to how scary it was when he lost his parents, and brought into a house (to put it loosely) that was completely unlike anything he had ever experienced. It was a time of great uncertainty for him; he knew there was nothing he could do for Zatanna now. This would just have to be a phase of her life that only time could help her adjust to. "…it will get better." He said.
"And Miss Martian's room is next door." Aqualad said. "So if you ever need her, she'll be there."
"Thanks." Zatanna choked, the shock of losing her father still fresh as she hugged her arms. "I…I'd like some alone time…" she said. Everyone understood, and gave her the space she needed.
Team 7, meanwhile, sat at the dinner table. They beat Klarion, reuniting billions of children with their parents…and yet, with Zatara sacrificing himself to become Fate's host, it felt like they had lost. "So…is this what it feels like?" Naruto suddenly asked.
Sasuke and Sakura looked up. "How what feels like?" Sasuke asked.
Naruto took a moment to explain himself. "…to lose someone."
The two looked away, feeling like that question literally sucker-punched them. "I don't know." Sakura whispered. "I mean, I miss my parents back at home, but I know they're okay. That's enough for me."
"It's not quite the same." Sasuke answered. "However that…thing, works…her father is still alive. There's still hope." The two looked at Sasuke as he turned away. "Mine are never coming back." The two just stared at him. Sakura was briefly tempted to hug him, but for some reason, she got a bad feeling from him. Something not dissimilar to his curse mark…
"Rough night, huh?"
The three spun to see Aqualad approach them. "Rough?" Naruto chuckled sarcastically. "I've seen rough…" Looking away, he said "…this is a whole 'nother level of messed up."
"No kidding." Aqualad said. "For what it's worth, the translation spell Zatara cast on you is still in effect; Zatanna knows it as well, so if you three are with us even longer…there's no problem." Naruto and Sakura reluctantly nodded, then Aqualad said "Anyway, Batman wishes to speak with you."
The three looked up at him. "Uh…why?" Naruto asked. He didn't want to be anywhere near him, and did what he could to avoid him! "I must have done something to make him mad!" he shivered.
"Go speak with him; you'll find out soon enough."
The three walked towards the conference room where Black Canary interviewed them before. Naruto gulped as the doors slid open. Just as Aqualad said, Batman was there, his back turned to them as he seemed to be staring at the wall. "When you first came here, we intended to send you back as soon as possible." He said, somehow knowing they were behind them. "As of now, we have failed to figure out how exactly you were brought here." Finally he turned to face them; Naruto almost jumped at the way his cape waved. "We initially had no intention of throwing you into the middle of our conflicts. However, you three were instrumental in stopping Harm, saving countless lives. And you also helped bring a world literally divided back together. And you did this all of your own free will, with nothing to gain for yourselves." The three nodded slightly, still not sure where he was going with this. "We are still working to get you back home; you have my word on that. However, your actions have impressed many members of the league, and everyone on the Team has spoken highly of you. So…while we work to send you home…I would like to invite you to join the Team."
Naruto blinked. "W-what?"
"It would only be as temporaries." Batman assured him. "However, it seems our enemies are planning something. And we will need all the help we can get. I would like to extend this invitation for you to help us, to do good in this world, and possibly, find your way back home while doing it."
The three just stood silent, until Naruto finally stuttered out something. "You…you mean it!?"
"Yes." Batman answered. "But it has to be your choice."
There was another awkward moment of silence. "Could we have a moment to discuss this?" Sakura asked, raising her hand.
"You may."
The three huddled, whispering to one another (unaware that Batman could hear them just fine). "This…" Sakura said. "…this is so much to take in!"
"I say we do it!" Naruto suggested. "I know this is selfish of me…but I feel like I'm doing some good here!" The other two listened to him explain himself. "I've been getting stronger back in Konoha…but I feel like I'm not making an impact! Here, we're making a difference!" Looking to them, he smiled. "I miss Konoha, and believe me when I say I'm going to do everything I can to help us get back! But Darkman over there has a point! We're able to help…so we should!"
Sakura and Sasuke thought about it. "You're right." Sakura agreed. "I'm not as strong as you and Sasuke-kun, but I can't just sit by and do nothing when people are suffering either! But I'll only do it if you mean this! I can't let you do this alone…"
"Thanks, Sakura-chan!" Naruto smiled.
"Knowing you, you're likely to screw up and get in trouble." Sakura continued. "You'll need someone to bail you out." Sasuke nodded in agreement.
Naruto's face turned blue in shame. "Gee, thanks again…"
"If this is what you really want to do while we wait, I'm in." Sakura smiled, winking at him. "Right, Sasuke-kun?" she asked.
Sasuke looked between them, and sighed. "Fine. I'm in. It beats sitting in the cave all day and taking random tourist trips."
The three turned back to face Batman. "We're in!" Naruto gave him a thumbs up. Batman betrayed no emotion, but said "I warn you, although you will be doing mostly reconnaissance missions with the Team, things will happen, and we will still do everything to prepare you, regardless of what kind of training you received on your world. I can be a very difficult taskmaster."
"I'll make you see why I'm going to be the greatest Hokage that ever lived!" Naruto declared, pumping his fist to him.
Sakura then gave him a good whack across the head. "Naruto!" she growled. "Now is NOT the time!"
"Owowow…" he mumbled as he rubbed the growing bump on his head. "I mean…we won't let you down, sir." He bowed.
"Very well then." Batman said, extending his gloved hand. "Welcome to our world."
Naruto, having learned the gesture of a handshake in this world, cautiously extended his own hand, and shook it. He gulped as he felt Batman's fingers wrap around him; he could tell if he wanted to, he could have easily broken every bone in his hand. And yet, Naruto felt something greater swell within him. He felt like he was becoming a part of something greater…
Things had not been easy for Kakashi the past few weeks. Ever since losing his genin team, he considered himself a failure. Again. Being unable to take losing two sets of teams, he nearly signed up for ANBU again, but the new Hokage wouldn't let him. She said they needed to be sure he would be there when he returned. "They're going to be fine." Kakashi snapped back to the real world. Tsunade stood next to him, wearing the Hokage hat.
It was then he remembered they were not in Konoha at the moment. They were at the Fire Daimyo's castle; they were summoned there. In addition, the Daimyos of the other great nations and the respective Kages were invited as well. "I hope you're right."
"They're with those kids." Tsunade said. "I'd say they're good hands. Especially the tall one. If he could take a beating from me, I doubt there's much that can stop him." She said. Seeing the servants and samurai hustling, Tsunade nodded to him. "Come on. It seems it's starting."
As they entered the auditorium, they saw the other Daimyos flapping their fans and wearing their elaborate royal clothes. It seemed none of them wanted to be there, which was unfortunately very common on the continent. These men were more concerned about their wealth and luxury then the well-being of the land. Then, the three other kages appeared to her side. The Tsuchikage, Oonoki, an old man who barely came up to others' knees and a big red nose. He was quite boisterous from what Tsunade heard, but his arthritis would act up and get to him. Then there was Terumi Mei, the current Mizukage. A slim, beautiful woman half Tsunade's age, she adorned a blue dress and beautiful auburn hair, her bangs covering an eye and tied in a top knot. Then there was A, the current Raikage. A large dark-skinned man who sported a white goatee. He was said to be the most aggressive of the current kages, and looking at his face, Tsunade had no reason to doubt that. "Tsuchikage. Mizukage. Raikage." Tsunade bowed. "I trust the journey was safe for you all?"
"Like you would care." The Raikage snorted. Their two villages were still in a bit of a spat; Tsunade should not have expected it to blow over in one day.
"It was pleasant enough." The Mizukage said. "But I would just like to know why all five daimyos would gather us all here." Indeed, they only received messages requiring their presence. Nothing more was said.
"So would I." Tsunade sighed.
"Me too."
They looked behind them to see a familiar Sand nin behind them. "You." Tsunade hissed. In front of them was Burai, a scared man wearing a turban on his head. He was one of the sand ninja who led the attack on Konoha.
"Excuse me, young man." The Tsuchikage said. "But I do believe your Kazekage was killed by Orochimaru."
"Indeed." Burai sighed. "However, this meeting concerns Suna as well. So I have brought it upon myself to attend this meeting, as a representative of my village. Until a new Kazekage is voted in." Tsunade snorted and looked away. Though she told herself they were manipulated by Orochimaru, it would take a while before she could trust Suna for a good while now.
Finally, the Fire Daimyo walked into view, and sat upon his throne. "Esteemed masters." He said in his high-pitched voice. "And kages. Thank you all for attending this meeting." He opened his fan, and as he blew himself, he continued. "I understand that not all of us had been under the best of terms. However, I have urged you all to come in peace in order to discuss a dire manner."
"And what matter would that be?" another Daimyo said, clearly wanting to leave.
"Our world is in peril…under the threat of another." The Fire Daimyo answered. The daimyos broke out into heated debate, while the kages calmly wondered if the Daimyo lost his mind. "I didn't think possible it myself either. But after seeing what I have, I truly believe!"
Finally, the others calmed down. "And what did you see?" another asked.
The Daimyo was silent for a moment. "It is probably best for my honored guest to show you."
Behind a shoji door, his guest emerged. Kakashi's eye widened. He had to have been one of the largest men he had ever seen, and his face was covered in scars. His attire seemed oddly similar to the strangers he invited to his village. "Hello, honorable lords." He bowed. "My name is Savage Vandal. And I come from another world, to warn you about super criminals who have set sight on your world."
Aaaannnddd….that's all I've got for now. If anyone was annoyed how I'm basically retreading story arcs from both shows, that stops now. It's my own ideas from here on out. While events from YJ will still be canon, I'm not going to redo those episodes with Team 7. It will be more of an amalgamation of the two series.
So, hope you all enjoyed this, and if you have ANYTHING to say, review!