chapter 11!
disclaimer: i do not own Young Justice or and DC comics characters
rated T for violence, minor language and some sensuality
enjoy and R&R
French Quarter, New Orleans, September 14, 2011, 4:53 pm...
Tommy and Tuppence Terror crashed through the roof of an abandoned warehouse. Red Tornado and Kaldur snuck behind them, placing electric collars on their necks. Tommy groaned, feeling the strength drain from his muscles, "That don't feel right. My strength! But I done just go toe-to-toe with Superman!"
"Congratulations," Conner stepped into view with Jeline, both of them looking exactly like Tommy and Tuppence. "That's more time than he's ever given me."
"Whoa! Why'd you look like me?" Tommy demanded.
A young girl about 13 walked around Conner and Jeline; she had the same rich red hair and bright green eyes as Jeline. Conner followed her over to Tommy; she placed one hand on Conner's forehead and the other on Tommy's. "Wha-what're you doing?"
"Giving him some of your necessary memories," the girl replied, lowering her hands.
She walked over to Tuppence as Jeline waited, doing the same to them. Conner waited a moment then smirked, talking with a southern accent, "Got yer inspiration, sister Tuppence?"
Jeline backed away from there girl, speaking with the same accent, "Ah believe ah do, brother Tommy."
"Wha...wait! What's going on here?" Tommy demanded, glancing at the two doppelgangers like they were hallucinations.
"It's simple," Batman replied, placing the same electric collars on Conner and Jeline. "They're under arrest."
Belle Reve Parish, September 16, 9:55 pm...
Jeline played with her cuffs, checking the length of the chain between them. She was still dressed in her Tuppence outfit while the two other passengers of the bus were in orange jumpsuits. She recognized the man sitting in the back: Mr. Freeze. Jeline sighed, catching the other young passenger's gaze. Icicle, Jr made a kissing motion at her from across the bus. Jeline made a face of disgust and quickly glanced away as she recalled Batman's briefing...
Flashback...
"This is past fourth of July, five ice villians staged simultaneous attacks," Batman explained, pointing to the five pictures of the villains. Superman stood next to him, while Red Tornado, Kaldur, Nova (Roxy), and the young girl stood behind Conner and Jeline. "Mr. Freeze, Icicle, Jr, Killer Frost, Captain Cold, and Ice Age were all easily apprehended. Perhaps, too easily. Ice Age, Cold, and Frost were immediately send to Belle Reve Penitentiary. A federal prison designed to house super criminals. The 17 year old Icicle, Jr was sent to a juvenile center. Mr. Freeze to his usual cell in Arkam Asylum. But Freeze petitioned the court to be declared legally sane, and Junior sued to be tried as an adult. As a result, both await transport to Belle Reve which seems to have been the goal all along. I'm sending the two of you in to find out why."
"Why me and not Megan?" Jeline asked curiously.
"Because you fit Tuppence Terror's appearance and because of your powers," he gestured to the young girl. "Jeanne will set up a psychic link between you two and Aqualad."
"Are you sure you can do that?" Jeline asked.
Jeanne raised a brow, "Jeline, I'm fine. Stop treating me like a kid. I'm 13. I can do it."
Kaldur broke the awkwardness, "Who inside the prison will know they're true identities?"
"No one," Batman replied. "We can't be certain that the prison staff isn't compromised."
End of Flashback...
"Dude. Dude!" Icicle, Jr/Cameron Mahkent indiscreetly caught Conner's attention. "Your sister is sah-weet! How about you put in a good word for me? Gah!"
One of the guards slammed the butt of his rifle into Cameron's neck, "Sit down! We're here! Welcome to Belle Reve."
Inside the prison, Cameron took the lead, lining up where the guards ordered. Jeline stopped next to him with Conner on her other side; Freeze came in last. They waited, glancing up at the balcony where a plump black woman stood. "I am the law of the last resort. My name is Amanda Waller. I am not your mother, your favorite aunt, or your friend. I am your warden and you are my prisoners. The proprietary collars you wear are costumed designed to inhibit your specific meta abilities. No strength, no ice."
She held up a small remote, "In addition, the collars can and will be used to discipline inmates. A con who breaks the rules gets...one warning."
She pressed a button and all four of them buckled as the collars unleashed powerful bolts of electricity. "If order has not been restored, the next shock will render the wear unconscious. At the slightest hint of trouble, this facility goes into lockdown. Belle Reve's walls are thick enough to hold Superman. We know, we checked. No one's ever escaped Belle Reve. No one ever will."
Warden Waller glanced back at someone behind her then nodded, "Oh. This is Professor Hugo Strange. He is your favorite aunt."
A bald man with a beard stepped into view, "Actually, I'm the prison psychiatrist. And I promise you a sincere attempt on rehabilitation."
"Because we know you types are all about...sincerity," Waller smirked at them.
Women's wing...
Jeline walked silently as the guard behind her held the shotgun in her hands, escorting her to her cell. She felt an odd sensation in the back of her mind. Jeline? Jeanne's voice whispered.
Hey, sis, the link's set up?
Sure is. You now have a direct line to Conner and Kaldur's mind. Batman ordered me to stay and monitor the link just in case.
What about Mom?
She's fine. She's doing a lot better...okay. You can talk to Conner now.
Jeline slyly glanced back at the guard who seemed oblivious to the telepathic conversations, Conner, can you hear me?
Yeah, Conner's voice replied. But shouldn't the telepathy thing be short-circuited or something?
The collar is meant to inhibit Tuppence's super strength. Our minds are free to telepathically converse. But, your strength-
Is not at Superman's level. I know. I get it.
That's not what I-
Whatever.
Conner!
I said whatever!
"Are you deaf?" the guard growled, pushing her gun against Jeline's shoulder blade. "I said get in there!"
Jeline caught herself before she fell. She turned around just as the guard closed the door of the cell, smirking smugly. Jeline sat down on the bottom bunk, glaring at the door. "Mm," came a voice from the top bunk. "You're cutting into my beauty sleep, little girl. And if I don't get my eight hours...I'm a real killer."
Jeline stared at Killer Frost dubiously, "Whateva."
"You think I'm joking?" the blue haired ice villain leaned over the rail.
"Ah think you're a joke," Jeline laid down on the thin mattress.
"Don't push me, little girl. I'll ignore your insolence this time...but only this time," Frost growled, rolling back to sleep.
The next morning...
Jeline glanced up as the windows on the roof opened up, revealing cloudy sunshine. She scanned the courtyard, the guards and the machine guns planted on the walls watched with challenging eyes as the female inmates milled around. She walked across the room, finding one wall entirely made of reinforced glass, separating the women's and men's wing. She stopped by the middle of the wall, noticing Killer Frost standing in the far corner, sharing hard stares with Icicle on the other side of the glass. Icicle? He's gotta be in on this, too.
Are you absolutely sure? Kaldur's voice whispered in her mind.
Not entirely. But why run to the farthest corner just to stare at him? It seems likely that-
Jeline widened her eyes she noticed Conner being held back by Brick. Ojo prepared to punch when he stopped, pointing a finger at Conner. Conner grabbed Brick and tossed him at Ojo, knocking him down. Two other inmates grabbed Conner's arms holding him down. Brick got off of Ojo, preparing to attack. Jeline? What is going on? Kaldur asked. I am getting nothing but angry growling from Conner.
Oh, nothing. Conner just nearly started a full fight with the other prisoners, Jeline furred her brows as Icicle ordered his son to come forward with Freeze and Captain Cold. Oh-kay...now all the ice villains are gathered around Icicle Sr. Something is definitely going down.
Got 'em! Conner stated. Just heard. Icicle says he's gonna bust every con out of Belle Reve.
All right, Kaldur paused. We need to find out when it will happen and how they plan to do it. Once we know that...we can get you two out.
Sounds good, Conner agreed.
Wait...
What is it, Jeline? Kaldur asked.
There were five ice villain attacks right?
You are correct.
Jeline glanced around the men's courtyard, So where's Ice Age?
Professor Strange's office...
Professor Strange sat in his chair with his hands in his lap and a therapist smile on his face. Conner sat sloppily in the chair across from him, while Jeline leaned back in the big chair next to her "brother". Strange crossed his legs, keeping his clipboard hidden, "Here's my concern. Your anti-social tendencies are a road block in rehabilitation. And are often the result of a conflict with a mother figure. Hm? Hm?"
Jeline tried to ignore the creepy, nosy stare he was giving both of them. Conner leaned on his fist and sighed, clearly feeling dejected. Jeline cleared her throat, "It's really more of a father figure thang..."
"Interesting, Tuppence. Expand on that," Strange urged gently.
"Or don't!" Conner frowned at her.
"Sharing requires open dialogue, Tommy," Strange reminded then smiled at Jeline. "Go on."
"Well...see, ah have more of uh mother issue, but Tommy...he won't admit it but he really wants to be like our Pa," she explained as Conner glanced away angrily. "Be able to fill Pa's shoes, ya know? But Pa's distant at best...never gives Tommy the time of day. It makes him feel unworthy or-"
Conner jolted to his feet, "Well, maybe Tommy refuses to live in Tuppence's stupid fantasy world where all our problems are forgotten and we live happily ever after!"
Jeline stared at him, shocked. She frowned and turned away, glaring at a small bonsai tree sitting next to a small fountain. Conner leaned back, surprised by her behavior. "Excellent" Strange announced. "I think we made a real break through today."
"Glad you think so," Jeline stood up and headed for the door.
"Tuppence?" Conner trotted after to her. "Wait, ah just-"
"Don't talk to meh," she growled, tugging her arm away from him. "Ah got nothin' to say to you."
Conner watched her leave with the female guard. Professor Strange walked up next to him, patting his shoulder, "Its okay, Tommy. You're family. Tuppence will forgive you."
Later, shower room...
Jeline waited at the door of the shower room while the guard recited the rules. "...and make sure you take five minutes. The water will turn off on you. Dry clothes will be in locker 56. Don't know why they put you on the special shower list."
Jeline shrugged, "Are the collars...?"
"They're waterproof. Now hurry up," the guard slammed the door in her face.
Jeline walked over to the dressing part of the room and undressed. She hugged herself, feeling a bitter chill as she made her way to a shower. She took off her blond wig and placed it on the knob of the shower next to her. She turned the knob of her shower and yelped, flinching from the icy cold water as it pounded her back. "Damn, that's cold."
She adjusted the knob to hot, only able to get semi-lukewarm water. Whatever, I'll take it. She ran her fingers through her hair, pushing it all down her back as the goosebumps on her body began to settle. She grabbed the soap bar first and scrubbed herself down. As she got to her left knee the bar slipped out of her hand, flipping over to the other shower. She bent down to pick it up when she heard a small splash of footsteps. She quickly stood up straight when somebody slammed into her, placing their strong hands on around neck. Jeline grunted from the blow as the attacker held her up on the wall by her neck. She opened her eyes and gasped, "You..."
"Yeah, me," Ice Age giggled.
He-or rather, she-was naked as well, nearly twice Jeline's size and almost as muscular as Superman. What the...? Jeline struggled to breathe, "Wha...what happened to you? You...were so skinny-"
"Yeah, I was!" Ice Age growled. "Until I got my hands on some Venom. Sure this stupid collar inhibits my ice powers...but not my new strength."
She squeezed Jeline's neck harder. "You thought I wouldn't recognize you? Come on, I know Tuppence-the real Tuppence...and she has freckles on her face. But I am impressed how much you do look like her."
"Ah...Ah'm Tuppence...Terror-"
"Don't lie!" she pointed to the blond wig. "I also know Tuppence isn't a red head! I know who you are. Shield. I've known since the day you showed up! Why do you think I've made myself completely invisible until now? I even backed out of the break-out just so you wouldn't suspect me."
Jeline glared, gritting her teeth as Ice Age pressed harder on her neck, closing off her windpipe. Damn it!
Jeline? Kaldur's voice spoke urgently. What is the matter? What is going on?
What's wrong with Jeline? Conner's voice broke in. Jeline? Can you hear me? I know you're mad at me, but answer me, dammit!
Can...t...I...ce...Age...
What?
Jeline opened her mouth to scream but no sound came out.
"Don't bother screaming, sweetheart. Not gonna do you any good," Ice Age's laughter echoed off the walls. "Now, I'm a little underwhelmed. You beat me so easily out there only because I let you. Too bad, Shield. I would've love to go again."
That is it. I am calling the Justice League.
No! Don't! Jeline squeezed her eyes shut then snapped them open, blasting Ice Age with heat vision. Ice Age dropped her, clutching her burned forehead in pain. Jeline steadied herself, coughing as fresh air entered her lungs. She glared at Ice Age murderously and lunged, tackling the villain to the ground. Her body turned metallic gray as she held her fist in the air, "Oh, by the way...I go by Warbird now."
Jeline pounded her fists into the woman's face, splattering the white tile floor with blood. Jeline..., Kaldur whispered frighteningly. Jeline, stop. Stop!
Jeline punched Ice Age one last time. She calmed herself as she got up and walked over to the shower, Relax, I had it under control.
It did not seem that way, Kaldur thought cautiously. Your temper needs to be-
-controlled? I can handle my temper just fine, Kaldur. Is it wrong to get angry when someone tries to kill you in the shower? No. So shut up and let me shower.
Kaldur remained silent, but Jeline could feel the guilt and concern radiating from his mind. When Jeline finished, she towel-dried her hair enough to put her wig back on, patting it down with her damn towel. She put on fresh clothes that felt oddly thicker than before. Hey, Jeline, Kaldur..., Conner called.
Yes? Jeline walked out of the shower room, finding a new guard waiting for her.
Just found out...the break-out's going down now.
Now? Jeline cocked a brow as she walked up the stairs to her floor.
Like right now. Tell Frost. I just told Icicle that you and I have a twin mind-link thing.
...um, okay. Just gimme a minute, Jeline ducked into her cell before the guard could shove her in. She waited until the footsteps faded, "Hey, Frost."
"What?" she snapped, jolting up from her bunk. "I told you, if you interrupt my sleep again, I-"
"Shut up and listen," Jeline frowned at her. "Ah just got word from Tommy...the break-out is goin' down now. Icicle just told him."
Frost opened her mouth to speak when loud sirens blared through the prision, red lights mixing with the white ones. Frost hopped down from her bunk, "Well, well, Tuppy, looks like you're right. But how can you talk to your brother?"
"We got uh mind-link. We're twins, see. Got it in Ma's womb," she explained when the collars suddenly turned off.
Frost sneered, turning her color to ice before ripping it off, "YES! Finally! Oh, it feels so good to breathe again. Come on, Tuppy...your strength's back."
Jeline grabbed her color and ripped it off, "What now?"
"We riot," she laughed evilly.
Suddenly, several dozen cells doors were ripped open and the prisoners unleashed hell on the guards. Jeline kicked the cell door down, letting Frost take the lead of the riot. Jeline and another super strong villain followed Frost all the way to the laundry room where a single guard tried to hold steady. Frost knocked her down, destroying her gun. The woman crawled all the way back to the wall, "Please...I have a family!"
"Oh, beg some more," Frost raised her hand, forcing a ice mace. "It's much sweeter that way."
"No!" Jeline pushed the woman aside, letting the ice crumple against her skin.
Frost widened her eyes in surprise then quickly composed herself, "Well, Tuppy. You're just full of hidden talents. That ice...would've impaled you unless your skin's harder than steel...!"
The other female prison charged and Jeline punched her, sending her flying across the room. Frost ducked just in time; she grinned triumphantly, "Oh...so you think just cause you could deflect my ice you were invincible? Sorry, Tuppy."
Conner! My cover's been blown! Jeline charged, her eyes glowing red. Frost yelled as she blasted Jeline full force with ice. Jeline struggled against the pressure, feeling her movements slowing down as she reached out at Frost when everything went white.
Bio-Ship...
Jeanne gasped as she snapped her eyes open. Kaldur and Red Tornado glanced at her, "What is it?"
"Jeline. She...her covers been blow!" she concentrated, reaching out to Conner. Superboy, can you hear me?
Jeline? Is that you? Are you okay? What happened to you?
Superboy, calm down, Jeanne cringed from the intense concern in his mind. Jeline's cover was blown, but I'm not getting anything from her mind. Please, you gotta find her!
I will. I promise. I'll find her.
Jeline's mind...
"Uh, where am I?" Jeline glanced around, seeing nothing but white space. She glanced down, wearing her costume. "Okay, so...what? I'm dead? Great. Just great. Died a virgin. Perfect."
"Jeline?" a girl's voice faintly whispered.
"Huh? Who's there?" she demanded, still seeing no one. "If you're some kind of angel-voodoo-ghost-thingy, it's not funny!"
"Jeline, it's me!" Jeanne screamed as she suddenly appeared, wearing a lovely white dress.
Jeline crawled back in surprise, "Whoa! Jeanne? Don't do that! You scared the shi-"
"Listen, I don't know how, but your mind is still working from that ice blast from Killer Frost."
Jeline rolled her eyes in remembrance, "Oh, yeah. I forgot. Wait...why did I forget that? You'd think I would remember being frozen to death."
"Jeline, listen to me. Superboy's trying to get to you. He's gonna turn all the collars back on then he's gonna come get you," Jeanne stepped closer. "Jeline? Jeline, are you listening?"
"Yeah, I just...did you feel that rumble just now?" she glanced around, everything turning a bit fuzzy. "Am I still alive?"
"Yes, but in a hypothermic coma. You're healing. Or trying to, anyway," Jeanne explained, turning blurry as well.
...Jeline...
"Did you hear that?"
"Hear what? You going insane?"
Jeline.
"That. Someone's calling my name...I think...?" she frowned, struggling to remember.
Jeline, please...
"Ow!" Jeline crouched down, clutching her head in pain. "Ow! That voice! It's so loud!"
"Jeline...follow his voice," Jeanne urged, starting to fade.
...don't leave me.
"Listen, Jeline..."
"Who is that voice?" Jeline gripped her hair, groaning from the pain.
I need you. I can't do this without you.
"Who is he?" Jeline demanded.
"You know...," Jeane started turning translucent, like a ghost. "By the way...if you want the pain to stop...I suggest you turn up the heat..."
Jeline!
Jeline screamed as her mind suddenly filled with memories of a boy with black hair and blue eyes, "Conner!"
Women's wing...
Conner placed his hand on the large ice block, squeezing his eyes in pain. Cameron stared at him in pity, "And she was such a babe..."
Conner opened his eyes; he took his hand off the ice, finding it wet with water. He examined the ice, finding it sweating. Suddenly, Jeline's body burst into flames, instantly vaporizing the ice. Cameron took cover behind Conner till the flames subsided. Jeline moaned as she fell to the ground, her skin pale and slightly blue. Conner ran to her, helping her up to her knees. "Are you...?"
"Ugh...I'm fine," Jeline wheezed, her skin returning to normal. "I can mimic powers of others' skin. I copied-mmph!"
Conner pressed his lips to hers; Jeline squeaked in surprise then deepened the kiss. Cameron flinched in shock, "Dude, that's your sister."
Jeline tilted her head, causing her frozen solid wig to slid off her head, revealing her long red hair. She slipped arms around Conner's neck as Cameron suddenly realized what had happened, "Aw, man...Dad's gonna kill me."
end of chapter 11!
i finally updated a new chapter, woo!
please review