CHAPTER 11 R

Hey guys this is Nightcrawler509 reporting for duty with chapter 11 for you bros. I know some of you are wondering what Red X's backstory is but I will reveal it soon to you all but not now, it's now the right time.

But that won't stop me from doing flashbacks! \^_^/

So please sit down, relax and…

ENJOY!

All eyes were on John, some sneaking glances and others doing it openly. He looked like an angel.

Kitten stopped in front of John and the young ladies with Robin being dragged. "Who are you?" She asked rather rudely. John raised an eyebrow but did nothing more. "I am Princess Renzci and this is John and Melissa" Renzci introduced. Melissa waved and John gave her curt nod (In the good, mannerly way).

"Nice to meet you" Robin shook their hands and offered them his billionaire smile. "Sorry to end this conversation but we have people to discuss business with" Princess Renzci lied smoothly, just to get Kitten as far away from John before she noticed who he was. The three went their separate ways.

"Oh well." Kitten stated, then turned to Robin and smiled, "It's so nice to be with you again. I remember when I first met you, when we were ten. It was a summer's day, you tagged along with your dad to my house. You would talk to me and my sister and sometimes go outside with us. But you never showed your eyes" Kitten told a confused Robin. Robin just smiled and nodded.

He needed to get off this topic before she asked him something about the past he had no idea about. "Let's dance" He said leading her toward the dancefloor. As they danced he asked, "So tell me about Killer Moth."

*With the team*

The team watched as Robin danced with Kitten, faking a smile every now and then. But they were more interested in John, he was getting girls left and right of all ages. He looked like a Wayne, a millionaire playboy. John said something putting a hand on his chest and leaning in slightly. The girls all laughed and gazed dreamily at John.

"Real charmer he is" Wally commented. Kyle agreed with Wally, "He acts like he is one of them. It is very interesting to watch how he mingles with others" he stated, watching in fascination. "Conner, what's he saying?" Artemis asked as John talked to the women surrounding him. It wasn't that she didn't respect her teammate's privacy but she was really curious.

"He asked if they came alone. The women: We didn't but apparently the men were more interested on doing boy talk about football. John: Hey there's nothing wrong with football. I honestly love the game, you know getting down and dirty, covered in mud but it's in the end you find the beauty you've been looking for the entire game." Conner translated and then blushed as he understood it. And so did the others.

The girls giggled and blushed, understanding it too. John then took off his jacket, reveal his lithe muscular body. Artemis and Megan couldn't help but gaze at his legs. John then excused himself and walked toward them with his jacket slung over his shoulder. Looking like a dapper.

"Eyes travelling down somewhere else ladies" John smirked as the girls blushed. "An examination never hurt and you seemed to have passed" Artemis said recovering from her embarrassing moment. John laughed, but it wasn't a normal laugh. It was a laugh that the corrupted world needed, so filled with joy and happiness. So much innocence.

The laugh echoed around the room, catching the attention of everyone. They glared at Artemis for making the angel laugh when they wanted him to themselves, and theirs alone. Artemis looked around her and back to John. "I never caught your names" John stated. "I'm Artemis and this is Megan" Artemis introduced while Megan smiled.

John bowed at Artemis and took Megan's hand and kissed it, causing Megan to blush. Would one of you like to dance?" He asked. "Megan you can" Artemis said. "Ok" she answered. John led her to the dancefloor by her hand. They got into position then pranced around the room as if they were one. They stared into each other's eyes focused.

At the end of the song they bowed and walked off. "I would love to stay and chat but I can't leave the Princess waiting" John kissed her hand one more time and left. Megan blushed and walked toward her team with her head down. "His eyes are just so full of emotion" she explained to their silent question.

*With John on the balcony*

John's face lost its smirk and went back to its usual stoic look. He leaned against the stone wall and waited for Renzci. She soon arrived, and turned to face him. "Any news on Killer Moth?" John asked. Renzci shook her head. "No, he's the least of your problems, Fang is on the loose as well as the Ravens" Renzci stated. John rolled his eyes, "I'll keep an eye out for them. Here's a tracer just in case" He handed her a tracer that she put on her ear that was covered by her long hair. She bowed slightly and left.

John sighed and closed his eyes, taking in the fresh cool air but still on guard. After a few minutes of silence and serenity he heard footsteps. He opened his eyes and smirked slightly as he sensed it was his girlfriend. She smiled back and leaned against him, "To think about staying here with you leaving doesn't feel right" she whispered. John wrapped her up in his jacket and caressed her cheek.

"I know but your family need you to be there. Don't you wanna see them again?" John asked. "Yeah but-" "Then go see them again. They've missed you for five years, they'll be happy to see you and Scorpion again after so long." John interrupted gently. Melissa leaned in onto John's warm hand, looking up at him sadly. "I promise I'll make time for just the two of us, even if it's only a little, but please don't leave them for my sake" Melissa nodded. John lifted her head a bit and captured her lips in his.

She held onto him, not wanting to let him go. John gently tried to pull away, not wanting to make it any harder to let her go, but she wouldn't have it, he kissed her again, savoring every moment. They didn't care who saw them there, tonight it was about them alone and no one else. "Me gamau dut, Melissa. I love you, Melissa" John breathed so only she could hear as they broke apart. (A/N: That was real Romani, I swear. I just couldn't find the translator)

"Me gamau dut, John. I love you, John" Melissa whispered back. They held onto each other, enjoying their time together. "Why don't you stay here with me" Melissa suggested. "I will soon, but first I have some things to clear up then I'll join you. I promise" Melissa smiled and laid her head on his shoulder, closing her beautiful hazel eyes. He buried his face his her wavy hair, taking in its aroma of summer fruits and roses. He didn't want to let her go but she had a family, she's the only one he had left. But it wasn't right to keep her with him.

"Do you remember the first time we meet?" John asked. Melissa giggled, "Of course I do. You were walking through the woods on a sunny day and was singing 'saltwater room'. I was there too singing and soon it led us to each other, where we first met and became good friends and more, later on" Melissa laughed, "That's been our song ever since." John smirked and took her arms and wrapped them around his neck and put his around her waist. "It wouldn't be a beautiful night without a last dance" John commented.

They started to dance around slowly. "I opened my eyes last night and saw you in the low light. Walking down by the bay, on the shore, staring up at the planes that aren't there anymore. I was feeling the night grow old and you were looking so cold. Like an introvert, I drew my over shirt. Around my arms and began to shiver violently before... You happened to look and see the tunnels all around me. Running into the dark underground. All the subways around create a great sound. To my motion fatigue farewell, with your ear to a seashell. You can hear the waves in underwater caves. As if you actually were inside a saltwater room" (They're singing this vocally)

Melissa smiled and joined in. "Time together is just never quite enough"

"When you and I are alone, I've never felt so at home"

"What will it take to make or break this hint of love?" Then they sung together for the next part, "We need time, only time"

"When we're apart whatever are you thinking of?"

"If this is what I call home. Why does it feel so alone?"

"So tell me, darling, do you wish we'd fall in love?"

"All the time, all the time"

"Can you believe that the crew has gone and wouldn't let me sign on? All my islands have sunk in the deep, so I can hardly relax or even oversleep. I feel as if I were home some nights, when we count all the ship lights. I guess I'll never know why sparrows love the snow. We'll turn off all of the lights and set this ballroom aglow" John sung.

"So tell me darling, do you wish we'd fall in love? All the time" Melissa added, "Time together is just never quite enough"

"When you and I are alone, I've never felt so at home"

"What will it take to make or break this hint of love?"

"We need time, only time"

"When we're apart whatever are you thinking of?"

"If this is what I call home. Why does it feel so alone?"

"So tell me, darling, do you wish we'd fall in love?"

"All the time, all the time"

"Time together is just never quite enough

When we're apart whatever are you thinking of?

What will it take to make or break this hint of love?

So tell me, darling, do you wish we'd fall in love?"

"All the time" They sung the last line of the song with their hands entwined. They both laughed and hugged.

Team, I got all the information I need from Kitten. Killer Moth had a change of heart but I'm not sure about her ex, Fang. He decided to lay low for a while.

Good work, Robin. Let us leave and go report to Batman.

But then Wally started moaning.

No not yet! I'm about to get a girl's number. Give me ten minutes at least.

Kyle sighed, Fine but no more

Thanks!

John and Melissa shook their heads. "We should go back inside and mingle before anyone realizes we're gone" John and Melissa went their separate ways yet again. Well . . . the girls dragged John away and the boys dragged Melissa away.

John was surrounded by females from every corner. The girl Wally was talking to even came over. They were all clawing at him and talking at once. "Ladies, ladies. One at a time, if you all talk as one how can I individually hear your beautiful voices? No matter how heavenly you all sound together" He smirked.

The girls giggled and acted shy. "When will you be coming back?" One girl asked, John remembered her name as Sarah. "Well Sarah, I don't really know because I came all the way here from America. But I'll try and come back as soon as I can, there's no staying away from stunning women like you all" John said smoothly.

The girls blushed. The girls gave him their numbers which he took. "Till next time" He winked at them and left. A few of the girls fainted as the others gazed dreamily after him. He walked over to the other side of the room where he leaned against the wall and observed certain people and checked signs for a threat. He honed in on his hearing and sight, it was just then he heard a slashing noise. It sounded like a shruiken was being thrown.

Morse, put a Renzci in a protective shield now!

Megan did just that as the shruiken embedded itself halfway through the shield. Renzci looked bored, not at all shocked or scared. Then suddenly the dark clan swooped in from the balcony. They were known as the Ravens, the deadliest and mysterious group, known for striking fear into the heart of their prey but the team didn't know that, they thought they were evil. The guests started running out of the room in a hurry.

The team got into fighting stances but Melissa, John and Renzci just sat at a nearby table. "Look who it is! The baby league" The leader laughed. "We're not the babies" The team stated as they charged at them. Soon enough the battle began, but the leader wasn't fighting, instead he sat down beside the John and watched. He whistled and his men backed down.

The team were very confused by this. John face palmed while the leader just laughed. "John, is there something you're not telling us?" Kaldur asked, frowning. "All because they're wearing all black doesn't make them evil." John sighed. The team blushed in embarrassment. "Sorry" They said in unison. "It's fine" the leader said. He then stood up and pulled John into a hug.

"How's my little brother?" He asked. The team fainted anime style, "WHAT!?" John dusted himself off after he got out of the man's grip, "I'm fine but I'd prefer if you'd stop seeing me as one, Frost." "I'll never stop seeing you as one. And I've got you some personal information you might want to know" Frost said, He bent down and whispered in John's ear and passed him a package. John nodded and thanked Frost.

"So I heard Melissa's returning home. Would you mind if I tag along? I haven't seen my sister in ages" Frost stated. The team nodded, they wanted to know more about John's life. Frost gave an order for the men to leave and walked toward the ship with the team leading. He would occasionally poke John and John would show no emotion or smack him. No surprize there.

As the ship flew to the destination Melissa gave directions, she went to change into casual clothing then after John changed into his Red X suit. They all sat down in silence until Zatanna broke it, "What kind of person was John?" "Well, he was a kid with a lot of spunk and could wrap you around his finger in seconds. He's dangerously smart, devious and loved butchering the English language to annoy people" Frost answered.

"What's his backstory?" Kaldur asked. Frost looked at Red X, who was shaking his head. "If Red X hasn't told you then I can't either" Frost stated. Kaldur nodded, a bit deflated that he couldn't find out anything. "Sorry, I would tell you but he's more paranoid than Batman" Frost smiled. The team laughed.

"We're here" Megan announced. She landed the Bioship and they got out. The mentors were there too talking to the parents, Ravager and Scorpion, Melissa let out a shaky breath. Red X put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a gentle push. "Mom. Dad" She called out. They turned their attention to her and grinned, they ran towards her and so did she. Her dad picked her up and spun her around before engulfing her in a hug along with her mother.

"We're so glad you're back. Your brothers and sisters will be very happy that you're back" the mother cried. "I've missed you so much" her dad smiled. Red X flinched, when was the last time he was told he was missed by his family? The only time he heard it was…

He couldn't remember, was it that long ago?

He watched as the parents thanked the team and the leaguers and talked to them; the rest of the family ran out of the house and hugged Melissa. Red X didn't want to be there anymore. He silently escaped but what he missed was Batman looking at him with a concerned look on his face. He headed to the old abandoned elementary school he would go to as a child. He soon reached the school and walked inside. He looked around and wandered the building slowly, taking in every detail.

He remembered the first day he ever came in here. It was a sunny day and he went for a wander around as he had nothing else to do. He stumbled across the building along the way, his curiosity got the best of him and he went inside. It looked so beautiful in the sunlight, especially since the windows were a slightly light brown colour. He found several interesting stuff in there, like a pair of 90's skates just his size, nice clothing, a nice pair of glasses he still had today, boots, weapons, a guitar and a skateboard.

He found bedrooms and classes, it was like a house full for a big family of children. Later on that day he searched up the history behind it and it said that one day there was a storm and after it they as in the teacher who ran the place and the children that loved her, just disappeared with no trace left behind. He would always think that they just left the country and moved on with their lives.

He would always return to this school whenever he needed to be alone or if he had free time. Once he actually slept here because he was so upset about his family, how they fell apart. But this place always made him feel safe, no one knew that he came here. Somewhere only he knew.

Red X ran his finger across the bookshelf, taking account of what books he read here. He sighed, thinking about the days where he was just happy all the time, he couldn't be really happy now. Melissa made him happy but his heart was missing something that he couldn't figure out. But maybe one day he'd find it. Heck, he couldn't even smile anymore, only smirk.

Red X opened the fire escape door on the roof and looked at the beautiful stars in the sky. He sat down at the corner of the building, his legs dangling down the side of the building, and continued to star gaze. "Don't you get tired of following people, Batman?" Red X asked, not bothering to look at the dark knight who was beside him. "I figured I'd see something interesting if I followed you and I guess I did. This place has a beautiful view" Batma sat down beside him and gazed up at the stars as well.

They didn't talked for a while but admired that something on Earth wasn't corrupted. The stars filled the sky with wonder, they were like lights helping you see through the patch of darkness. "Why did you really follow me?" Red X asked. "The others are worried about you. Frost went ballistic and had a panic attack, screaming that he lost his baby brother. The family want to meet you and thank you for keeping Melissa safe and Melissa's worried." Batman answered, leaving out the sentence that said 'and so was I, I was worried too' fade into the darkness beyond.

They were . . . worried . . . about Red X? That was new to him, he kept a distance between him and the others, well, except with Artemis and Robin. So why were they worrying? This confused Red X to no end. If this was five years ago he would understand, back then he would have felt emotion instead of faking it like he did for the mission. The only one who could bring real emotion out of him was Melissa and small children of innocence. The rest always left him feeling angry…

Or betrayed and even worse . . . both.

Red X snapped out of his thoughts when he felt a hand on his right shoulder that caused him to flinch. He didn't like being touched on his right shoulder, it brought back bad memories. He stood up so Batman's hand wasn't on his shoulder. "Then let's go" Red X stated. Batman frowned a little but then nodded and stood up. "Do you have a grappling hook?" Batman asked. Red X shook his head, "Mine broke from trying to hang Zatara"

"You can hold onto me so we can get there quick" Batman said. Red X put his arms around Batman's neck as he soared through the air. Batman felt oddly happy that trusted him enough to get him back to the house and that he held on. Batman remembered being held onto like that from a long time ago.

*Flashback start*

Bruce and Alfred walked through the circus grounds looking at the entertainment. "Happy that I convinced you to come now, Master Bruce?" Alfred asked. Bruce nodded while Alfred smirked, it took a lot of convincing and blackmail to get him to come and so far he was enjoying himself. But he was really excited to see The Flying Graysons for the two days they were here. He heard that they were amazing to watch and it looked like they could fly.

"So whe-" Bruce stumbled forward slightly as something landed on his back. When he regained his composure he looked up to see what was on his back. Alfred just looked surprized but yet amused. On his back was a kid about in and around the age of five and a half. The child had black messy hair and vibrant blue eyes brighter than the sky itself.

"Hi! I'm Dick Grayson, what's your name?" He grinned, while sending a wave at Alfred. Bruce would have removed him or told him off but there was something about him that made him want to know him. "I'm Bruce Wayne and this is Alfred" Bruce answered. Dick beamed and waved once more, "Oh and sorry about jumping on your back, you just looked like ninja in disguise. Hey, you could even be Batman" Dick laughed adorably with Alfred and Bruce joining in. The boy didn't know how right he was.

Just then two adults ran toward them. "Dick you're here! You had me worried sick" His mother fussed. "Thank you for taking care of him. My name is John and this is my wife Mary" John held out his hand and Bruce shook it. "It was no problem whatsoever, he's very bright person to talk to" Bruce smiled. "Tati, can I show him around?" Dick asked, giving him the classic puppy eyes look. "Fine but be back at the trailer soon" John laughed, ruffling his son's hair.

Dick jumped off Bruce's back and took him by the hand and started leading him around with Alfred following along, happy to see Bruce smiling so brightly. Dick talked about a number of places around the circus and how they turned to be a part of the circus. Bruce paid attention to everything he said. Dick even taught him some Romani, his native language.

And for the first time Bruce laughed and smiled the entire day.

*Flashback end*

Batman landed behind the Bioship; Red X let go of Batman and walked towards the house with Batman beside him. The family saw him and smiled. The brothers and sisters hugged him as he got close enough. Red X visibly tensed up, obviously uncomfortable with what was going on. The parents called them away noting that he looked tense. The parents approached him and shook his hand.

"Thank you for helping Melissa and keeping her safe. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask" The father stated. Red X bowed slightly instead of talking. Frost then caught him in a bear hug, "You scared me, don't run off like that" Frost scolded. Red X moved his head to show he was rolling his eyes. Frost put him down and gave him a sad smile and motioned for him to turn around.

Red X did so cautiously, he froze when he saw Ravager. "Hi" She smiled, giving him a little wave hoping that he would return it. Red X just stared at her, remembering everything of what she did to him. The feeling of betrayal and anger. The others watched the tension grow between them. Ravager looked down a brief minute before looking back at Red X.

Frost put a hand on Red X's shoulder but Red X slapped it away. "You planned this. You got Batman to follow me so I would come back and talk to her" Red X said, anger slipped into his metallic voice slightly. Frost flinched, "You can't keep going on like this. I know you're hurt, but if you want to feel better you have to move past it and forgive. It's what they would have wanted" Frost said gently.

"Don't talk about them ever again, you don't know what they would have wanted. You don't know me and never will, you're nothing to me" Red X snarled, he pressed a button on his glove. A black ship came down and opened a door. Red X walked towards it, Frost made a grab for him but Red X turned around and uppercut him before walking away again.

Once in the ship the door closed and the ship flew away at top speed. Frost picked himself off the floor and wiped away the blood. Ravager was looking at the ground with tears coming down her face. Scorpion –scratch that- Lucy hugged her, Ravager looked at Melissa and tried to talk but she shook her head and walked into the house. The family said their goodbyes and walked inside too.

The team got into the Bioship and flew home. The only sound was Ravager sniffling. Batman tried to contact Red X but it didn't work. He tried sending Red X a message.

Red X, answer me, I know you probably angry with me but I want to apologize.

Red X answered a minute later,

Apology not accepted. I can't believe those words or anything that comes from you now. They've been used too many times to still have a meaning to me. And it won't change anything will it? I thought I could trust you, but, I guess I was wrong wasn't I?

My stuff won't be at the mount when you return, I'm moving into my base. I'll appear to the mountain today though.

Batman felt like he let Red X fall when he assured Red X that he would hold on and never let go.

Will there be any different way to contact you?

Red X replied straight away.

Ask Robin or Huntress if you want to contact me…

And you can forget about us going on patrol in Gotham, I have get my bases into shape

Batman deflated and cursed himself for being so stupid for ruining his chance to get to know Red X better. He was really looking forward to it.

*BREAKLINE*

(In America it's sunny but close to night)

Red X cleaned his base and moved objects around until he was happy with it in its new place. He moved room to room leaving each super clean. The last place he fixed was the gym, he spent extra time on it. He added acrobatic equipments, body building equipment, normal ones you would find in a gym and his own two equipment he made personally just for him. They were called the 'Death zone' and 'Challenge X'.

Challenge X is a simulator used to test your abilities against virtual enemies and disguises and missions and much more. Challenge X had a hard drive where files on villains and heroes were kept, if you wanted to take them on they would appear. The simulations had levels to it and it could cause you virtual pain and you could die in it too. If you did you could either choose to continue on again or give up. For the simulation to work you'd have to wear a band and once taken off the pain would leave as well.

Death zone is used to test your agility, speed, strength, reflexes, patience and how smart you are at thinking on your feet. This also had levels to it, 1 – 20 to be precise. It is really smart and could create things to deceive you and virtually kill you. Red X reached level 13 and things were much faster in that level, he found them difficult even though he built it. But he did it to challenge him in every way. Level 12 was hard but not impossible. He had knives being thrown at him in every direction and he was still blind at the time. He completed it with barely any scratches on him.

They made him feel like he accomplished something and taught him many abilities.

Talking about blind, Red X took out the package Frost gave him. He took out the liquid substance from it. "Well, if this gets my sight back" He sighed, he put a few droplets in his eyes. He changed into his civvies and put on a pair of sunglasses. He headed toward the mountain with 'Challenge X' and 'Death Zone'.

That was chapter eleven and it took me nine pages in word document. WOW! That's the most I've ever written for a chapter. Damn! I just got so lost in the plot. Oh and Frost is Grant he just doesn't look like him. The reason his name is nicknamed Frost is because his hair is snow white.

And if you're wondering how he carried 'Challenge X' and 'Death Zone' to the mountain is because they can transform back into the original size when commanded to and turn small too.

How would you like Ravager and Red X to become friends again? Give me ideas and I'll write about it.

Don't forget to READ&REVIEW

Blue out;]