A/N: Hello. I am happy that I can say that I am at Chapter 11 in my fic. I hope Fio, Chalant and my friends read this with satisfaction. As always I welcome any opinions, insights, ideas and criticisms. After all it was Benjamin Franklin who said that "Our critics are our friends; they point out our flaws." Anyway, with Cartoon Network yanking the rug out from under us, and pulling DC Nation til January we have to make do with our own ideas. Now Hopefully, I expect the series to be back from hiatus before I reach the big showdown with Black Beetle and the Reach, which will have its own chapter.
Chapter 11: Invasive Reunions.
Alex stood there in the training room of the Watchtower striking at Wonder Woman who deflected his blows with increasing difficulty as the session began to intensify. "So tomorrow is the day. I would be lying if I said I haven't been dreaming about it. I heard that the League added a few new members too." Diana nodded capturing her student's wrist and turned to throw him but he rotated in mid-air moving for a palm strike to her abdomen, making her release his arm, yet she was unable to prevent a brief smirk at how far he had progressed in close quarter combat since coming under her tutelage.
"Yes. Though I am curious as to why you declined the invitation to join. Zatanna & Rocket are both League members now." Alex was on the defensive having to defend her much more experienced attacks, and one weakness in his guard nearly had him eating a knuckle sandwich from the Amazon leader if not for her holding back on both speed and power. "I am not ready as you can see. If you are able to expose a weakness in my guard, a full-tilt League level enemy like Amazo would barrel straight through it. Plus with so many rookies with the team, I think I would be more useful helping them than doing League missions, no offense Kathigitra."
Diana nodded understanding his reasons. "Kathigitra, huh I did not know the league offered Greek as an language course." Alex smiled as the pace of the sparring increase along with the intensity. "They don't but if you are going to take the time to train me, I thought I should at least call you by the proper title." Their fists met in a collision, which due to Diana's super strength she won, pushing Alex's arm away and sent her hand into her student's chest hitting him, not hard enough to cause damage but hard enough to make sure he didn't forget the lesson about minding your guard and your opponent.
"You are very skilled, Disciple but you didn't get overwhelmed due to differencies in speed, or power. I can tell you are distracted. This is about the whole proposal business with Cassie, isn't it? Do not look so surprised." She reached down helping him stand and their eyes met her fierce eyes staring into his nervous hazel ones. "Cassie's mother entrusted with her guidance and safety, I make it my business to know what goes on, that and I overheard M'gann talking about it with Dinah."
"I love Cassie. I know how Amazons feel towards men. I…you can't help who you love. I know that sounds naïve but I really think it's true. And…if I am being totally honest with myself I know that part of this rush is out of fear. Seeing what happened with Megan and Connor and then watching the kind of dog that Rich—I mean Nightwing has become, I don't know I guess I just don't want to believe that me and Cassie are doomed to fail." He pulled out the ring box setting it down in Diana's hand. "I am, not ready for that and I think if I try to push it on her, it will only drive her away."
Diana held the box listening to him speak while she watched him. "I understand your feelings toward her. I would not of even considered allowing the relationship to develop if I had any doubt that you were anything less than serious. But despite how you might feel, admitting you are not ready is a very mature and difficult thing to do, even for the most experienced adult." They bowed and the two went their separate ways for now, Diana to put the ring away before anyone saw her because if someone like Oliver Queen or worse, the Flash saw her with it, she would never hear the end of it.
Alex saw the screen of a video game and a frustrated "DUDE!" as he immediately recognized it as the voice of Garfield Logan who was getting royally spanked in a race by Megan, but a frustrated groan drew his attention to a red-haired blue-eyed girl. Barbara was frustrated over her tea going cold at least until Alex placed a finger under the bottom of the mug. "Say when" and at that Alex began heating up her tea using his power as despite how trivial a thing this might seem to be it was actually a sign of how far he had come since the Alex 5 years ago couldn't dream of doing something so focused.
"So you are Batgirl, huh?" Barbara nodded looking at him as she noticed he had a look of disbelief. "I know you didn't think the dark knight took any female apprentices. Or you don't think a girl is tough enough to do a job like Robin, Nightwing or Batman?" Alex shook his head while in the process of pouring his own glass of tea. "No, women can do the job fine. I am not suicidal enough to say otherwise when I am both being trained by and dating an Amazon. Women are tough, resilient and they have some traits in the heat of battle that men usually do not like being logical"
Barbara sipped her tea while Gar went for best 4 out of 7 against Megan. "So…you knew the team from the beginning. I would be lying if I said I wasn't jealous, I only know Dick from his time at Gotham Prep." Alex raised an eyebrow. "So…you and him," Barbara shook her head her cheeks turning red. "No no no. we are just friends. There isn't anything— Alex shook his head clearly not believing her. "Amazing, the guy has become such a dog yet he still, I thought for sure Rocket would have made him get his act together."
Barbara nodded as she remembered how flirtatious he used to be but she still didn't expect this. After about 45 minutes of pleasant conversation Alex departed, taking the time to hug Megan briefly giving Beast Boy a needed distraction to take the lead in the race, a lead that didn't last long, but still Alex headed off getting to know everyone he could. Whether it was a League member, the newest rookie on the YJ team or some visiting hero, he took his time showed manners and left as peacefully as he came but to the trained eye it was obvious he was looking for someone.
Finally he came across Aquaman who was eating and calmly approached looking at him. "Aquaman….or…your Majesty, how exactly do I refer to you?" Aquaman stopped eating looking at him. "Aquaman is fine. You are Phoenix, Diana's student. Your progress has impressed her and trust me son that is no mean feat. But I suspect you did not come to hear the scuttlebutt." Alex pulled the chair opposite Aquaman out sitting down. "I was wondering what exactly you could tell me about my father."
Aquaman slightly tensed, it was a motion so small that only Batman, who upon seeing the two conversing took an interest noticed it. "What exactly can I tell you that you haven't already heard. He was a good man, he loved you and your mother. His death was a great loss to the league and to his homeland." Alex felt something gnaw at him internally. Sure the other founding members or ones that he managed to speak to, said close to the same thing but, something felt…odd. If he did not know better he would have sworn they were concealing something.
Before he could ask another question Batman approached telling Aquaman that the Queen had sent a message for him. Alex looked up at Batman trying no matter how futile to read the renowned figure though it was soon broken when he spoke. "I understand your wish for knowledge, but stirring up old ghosts is just going to bring pain to you. I hope you understand that."with that Batman left, and Alex sat there, perhaps a good 30 minutes, ordering one of his favorite subs, known as a chicken pizzaola, a foot long sub which consisted of wheat bread, chicken, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and marinara sauce.
While he waited for his delicious sandwich to be fixed he searched through the caller ID on his cell phone, looking at Artemis' number contemplating calling his best friend though the last thing he wanted was to drag her back into the life that she and Wally had successfully managed to make a break from. Yet something in him compelled him to call even though he just got the voicemail. "Hey Artemis, I'm on the Watchtower. I was just checking in to see if everything was alright. I…. I know it might sound like deja vu but something has been up with the League. Not all of them but some, especially Bats."
He sighed wondering if he was making a mistake by calling her now, his eyes moving to the approaching sandwich and drinks. "I don't mean to cause an issue between you and Wally. I am happy you two are out and having a good life, you deserve it. I guess I just miss having you around for us to talk one another's ear off. I love ya Arrowette. I hope to see you soon. Bye."
Alex hung up the phone stood up carrying the sub with him to meet up with Cassie smiling as he offered her Gatorade and half of the sub, kissing her lovingly. "Happy anniversary, sweetheart I know you got assigned to protect some guy from the UN with Batgirl but I wanted us to take the time today, I love you" Cass began biting into the sub looking into his eyes, clutching his hand staring into her eyes. "I love you too Alex. I am sorry we can't spend more time together but, a little "birdie" told me that you have something planned for tonight, so we can spend time at home."
The 2 lovebirds ate, spending the rest of the afternoon together before Cassie left with Batgirl to the UN. Shortly after that at about 6:30, Alex could be found sparring with Beast Boy, Blue Beetle, Lagann and the new Robin, Tim Drake, as the exercises were oversaw by Megan ready to tell them if a situation happened or if someone was injured. La'gann in trying to take down Alex only to have the older leap back grabbing a charging green wolf by the scruff of his neck and tossed him right into Lagoon Boy. "Come on, you two don't think. If I were a Super-villain you two would be done for."
Blue Beetle attempted to swoop in silently to gain the advantage however the Scarab spoke up. "He isn't expecting us. I recommend Sonic cannon for full effectiveness of surprise advantage." Beetle moved his arm away from Alex's back as the cannon appeared. "No way I can't do that, it could seriously hurt someone." Alex hearing Jamie arguing with someone turned and raised his hand, snapping his fingers so a small spark crackled in the palm before a burst of fire sent Jamie into the wall. "they call it stealth for a reason, rook." Suddenly a collapsible bo staff whipped towards his head knocking him back as Alex had forgotten about the 4th person in the session, Robin. "Heh, Thanks for the help Blue."
Alex rubbed his jaw as even despite the pain and surprise at the attack he was proud. "Bingo. You don't have a chance of beating me separately. Work together, use your head and never underestimate your enemies. Working in unison, La'gann and Blue moved in swinging, Lagann with his fists and Beetle with 2 blades (like he used in Before the Dawn) keeping Alex off-balance long enough for Garfield to get him in a full nelson as a gorilla. The green primate tossing him into a mid-air dropkick from Robin knocking him across the training hall seemingly for a bad landing, at least until he rotated enough to land on his feet.
"Very good now…shall we see how well you 4 do against me for real. Do not take it lightly M'gann isn't here to save you if it gets too hairy." The room began to heat up, and suddenly orange flames coated his entire body, wild at first but the flames evened out as the way the fire went across his back, it briefly took the shape of bird wings. "Ah… Now come at me with everything you've got!" When the fire died down, dispersing entirely from his body except his arms, Alex charged forward going right at the now muscular Lagoon Boy, using the speed advantage he had while Lagann was swollen up to viciously punch him though the flames on his hands peeled back making sure he didn't cause any serious damage.
Beast Boy attempted to charge but a thrust kick into his Atlantean ally sent the fish looking freak crashing into Garfield. "is that really the best you have Lagoon. Superboy puts up a better fight, are you sure Megan isn't dating you out of pity?" Megan's expression hardened as the pain of the breakup still ached, and she knew that Alex pretty much had it set in his heart that Lagann was not the right fit for her. A thud brought her out of her reflective thoughts, Alex grabbing a mid-air Robin by his cape and pulled him down to the floor. "You still haven't figured it out. You will not beat me 1 on 1. there is a reason why this was a team exercise."
Suddenly Blue's sonic cannon rang out knocking Alex across the ground however the more experienced Russian hero rolled to his feet, a short-lived triumph after Lagoon punched him hard. "Angelfish is with me now. And I am sick of being told how I don't compare to the boy of steel. He was the one stupid enough to break her heart. He is no different from the traitor Kaldur'ahm." Alex not believing the rumors about Kaldur lost his cool and blasted La'gann squarely in the chest knocking him across the room into the wall. Beast Boy and Robin went on the offensive alternating attacks, while Megan checked on her pet fish and Jamie after seeing Lagann was mostly unharmed joined the fray.
The Trio alternated their attacks, taking full use of their speed advantage to keep the larger Alex off-balance and unable to hone in on a target yet despite his dire straits Alex was smiling proud of the fact that they were finally getting the idea of teamwork. Sure Robin did work with Batman, Batgirl and occasionally Nightwing but they were people he saw everyday, unlike his current training partners. Alex suddenly struck taking advantage in a 5-second delay on Beetle's part, due to arguing with the Scarab, kicked Beast boy to the floor. He then blocked one of Robin's staff attacks grabbing him by his shirt and flung him, staff and all into Beetle.
The flames that he had manifested earlier suddenly moved to his left hand, which soon crackled like a miniature wildfire. And no sooner than his own version of a Karyu no Tekken, an attack from one of his favorite manga series, had formed he lept into the air descending upon the slow to get up Beast Boy. And upon Garfield seeing his descent a plea rang through the mental link. "Megan Help!" Megan moved into action holding her hands out to snare Alex in a telekinetic grip keeping him hovering in midair.
Megan's voice rang through the shared mental link. "Finally, I was worried that you guys would never do it." Robin stood thanks to Jamie's help looking at her and then Alex who was lowered to the ground. "Wait. What do you mean? Were we supposed to ask?" the scarab removed the Blue Beetle armor while Megan spoke up. "Yes, I know he said that I wasn't here to save you but the point of the exercise was to teach you a valuable lesson." Robin rubbed his head as it dawned on him. "You can't beat everyone alone, and being too prideful to ask for help can get you killed."
Alex dispersed the flames before running his hand through Beast Boy's hair. "Exacta. I wanted to make sure if you guys were out in the field you wouldn't let something so petty as pride and anger keep you from relying upon your friends. Good job, Garfield, what do you say to ice cream my treat?" Beast boy's frustrated expression almost instantly disappeared. "Definitley! What about Robin, Beetle, or my sister can they come?"
Alex nodded watching the three young heroes leave to change and get ready though before he could leave Megan stopped him. "Alex, you went a little harsh on La'gann, for no reason. I know… you have pretty much decided you don't like him but I…I love him I want you and him to be capable of getting along." Alex picked up his hooded jacket sliding it on. "If that were really the case, you would not of been hurt so bad by the pain. Lagann is just some rebound loser, I know Connor was an idiot to break up with you but you knew how he was with that telepathy."
Megan shook her head in defiance. "He isn't some rebound. I really care about him. Just like you care about Cassie, why can't you accept that I am with someone else?" Alex lowered his head now feeling like he could speak freely once Lagann was off to the medbay for examination. "I looked up to you and Connor. You two being so in love are what gave me hope for Cassie and me, gave me the courage to buy that ring. Now 5 years later, the Robin I used to know has become a skirt-chasing hound, my best friend walked away from the life & we hardly ever talk. The closest thing I had to a brother I didn't speak to in 5 years out of anger."
He turned starring into her green eyes as his arms wrapped around her pulling her into a hug. "I…If I am honest I truly think that you would be much happier with Connor, than Lagoon, it just makes me feel like the rope in a game of tug of war watching the way you two stare and act towards each other. I can tell he still loves you. I mean the 2 of us only even celebrated birthdays because you cared enough to make the cake. I don't have to be psychic to see how much he loved that time with you."
Before Megan could speak the monitor in the training hall flashed with an emergency warning about an attack at the UN headquarters as Alex's eyes widened seeing the giant hole blown in the side of the building. "No..Cassie!" the 2 of them rushed, heading as fast as their feet could take them to the briefing room, until Alex picked up his little "sister" while Megan contacted Nightwing to hurry up and find details about what had happened and if Wondergirl and Batgirl were okay.
Soon they arrived seeing everyone else was there, or just arriving, Superboy being the first to speak up "What happened, I thought this was a routine security patrol, Nightwing"
Nightwing nodded as he obviously thought the same thing, pulling up the security footage that Barbara had uploaded as the group were obviously bothered not just by Lobo's seeming invincibility but the alien suit thing Lobo ripped open as well as the creature he had snatched, a Kroloterean according to M'gann.
What had happened to the real prime minister, who hired Lobo and more importantly how many humans had been "replaced" like that? A mountain of questions and the team & League appeared to have no shovel until Batman arrived with Adam Strange giving them information on a situation on Rann. After a briefing Alex, Megan, Superboy and Beast Boy were headed to Rann, a smirk appearing on the russian's face when he saw the dismay upon Lagann's, finally he had an opportunity to fix things at least part of the way back to normal.
Meanwhile in another city, quite a few members of Intergang laid brutalized as a mountain of a man held Norman up against a wall choking him momentarily until a black brace-like object pinned him to the wall. "We can't get any information if you beat them all to death, friend." Ravil nodded taking up his post watching for intruders as Sportsmaster took over the interrogation, and the Light's partner watched on from the shadows waiting. Ugly and Whisper had turned from the Light and now they needed to educated about what happens to those who prefer to hide in the shadows.
To be Continued—
Next time on Young Justice Inferno:, Chapter 12: Rann through the fire. A/N: Now free oreo to anyone who tells me the series that the Karyuu no Tekken is from. I really like the series and the creative way that fire is used by the main character has really inspired a lot of my ideas for Alex. Hi Chalant! I wanted to give a shout out to you and know that I can't wait to read the next chapter of Future 2.