Author's Note:
So today this chapter are episodes, "Cornered" and "The Fix" and as you know there will be alterations to the story. And a special thank you to all my followers and people who favorited my story so far and tell anyone who you think will like this story.
NEW YORK; BLUDHAVEN
APRIL 1ST, 21:15 EDT
New Genisphere took Wolf, Mal, and M'gann to Bludhaven with Conner following them as they landed in front of a warehouse. Dick opened the warehouse door on the inside as Mal, M'gann, and Wolf got out of New Genisphere
Mal: Nice. Perfect cover for our new digs. On the outside, I mean, it's downright nasty. And it's nasty on the inside, too. April Fools, right? I mean, this is Young Justice's new HQ? Where's the secret trapdoor to our real base?
Dick: No secret trapdoor. And it's not our new HQ. For the time being, we'll operate out of the basement of the Hall of Justice. This is just a place to crash. A very temporary stop gap place to crash for those of you who were actually living at the Cave.
Conner: It's fine for everyone else, but I'm going to the Fortress.
Then Conner teleported out of the warehouse
Dick: I'm sorry about the lack of privacy, M'gann. This curtain will have to do for now, but we'll figure something else out.
Conner then teleported back into the warehouse and looked at M'gann with concern
Mal: Oh, no. No way. I am out. I'm heading for the Hall where I'm making other arrangements, my friend.
Dick: You two should go along. Pick up the boxes of your stuff you got from Mount Justice. It might help this warehouse feel more like a warehome.
Conner: Speak for yourself.
WASHINGTON, D.C.; HALL OF JUSTICE
APRIL 1ST, 21:24 EDT
In the Hall's library, Young Justice with the help of Captain Marvel were picking up their boxes that were from the Cave. Until the minor reconstruction of the Cave could begin, the young heroes were collecting their stuff to take with them
Mal: I'm telling you, it's a pit, beautiful. So I figured I'd just crash with you.
Karen: Uh, now? I mean, I'd love that, but I'm studying all the time, and, you know how small my place is. I'm not even sure I'm allowed to have crashers.
Robot: Greetings and salutationisms, Earth champions.
All the heroes heard the voice as Zatanna and Marvel ran outside to see a hovering robot
Robot: I am L-Ron, major domo to the great master. And you are my prisoners.
Marvel: This is Plastic Man's April Fool's joke, isn't it? Okay, Plas, you got us.
L-Ron: No, I have you.
Then a pyramid-shaped laser field came down and covered the Hall
L-Ron: Though not for myself, of course. Rather, I hold you here at the behest of my master, who seeks to prove himself against Earth's greatest warriors.
Then a person teleported in front in light like the Zeta Tubes and when the light dissipated, a purple creature with a fin for a mohawk, sharp teeth, and armor stood over Marvel. Then it kicked Marvel hard enough to send him flying back into the Hall
L-Ron: Let the cage match begin. No fooling.
Then L-Ron looked at Zatanna
L-Ron: Magic user, master.
Zatanna was about to cast a spell but the creature opened its third eye as it glowed and put Zatanna into a trance
L-Ron: Nah, uh-uh. Magicism is cheating. Master's more the hands-on type.
Marvel was getting up as the creature busted through the door
L-Ron: Allow me to introduce my master—the warlord Despero, gladiatorial champion of ninety-two star systems. Working on ninety-three now. He has come to this backwater planet seeking a challenge to prove his superiority to all life forms. It's quite the complimentism. You really should feel honored.
Marvel: Oh, I am. Here let me show him.
Marvel then rammed Despero into a pillar but Despero threw him into the ceiling as the Young Justice members were watching on the library computer
Conner: He needs backup.
Conner ran to the exit as Karen turned into her bee size and followed behind him, leaving Mal and M'gann alone
Mal: Uh…the force field around the Hall is blocking all com. Zeta Tube's down, too. We're on our own.
Back in the main room of the Hall Despero threw Marvel into the face of the Superman statue and fell to the floor as Conner and Karen entered the main room. Despero looked over and Conner as Conner turned to Karen
Conner: Check on Zatanna. Fin head's mine.
As Conner and Despero fought, Karen flew over to Zatanna
Karen: Zatanna? Wake up. Zatanna!
Karen tried to snap Zatanna out of it but she was still unresponsive
Karen: Why do they always make me do this?
Karen then shocked Zatanna in the chest but she was still unresponsive
Karen: Okay. Then let's try getting help.
Karen then tried shocking the laser field but it did not work as it kept itself together
Karen: Think I'm losing my touch.
During a meeting between General Tseng, the Ambassador, and Captain Atom, Captain Atom received a call that there was a situation at the Hall of Justice. Outside the laser grid, General Eiling commanded a group of tanks to shoot at the field but they did not do any damage. In front of the field, Black Lightning was electrocuting the field, but his lightning had no effect on it either. Back inside the Hall, Despero threw Conner into the Martian Manhunter statue as it began to fall. While Conner was on the ground he made his tactile force field to stop the giant statue from falling on him as L-Ron floated over to him
L-Ron: Hmm. Not an impressive showing for you Earthlings thus far.
Despero then grabbed Marvel and punched him through the ceiling glass as Mal and M'gann entered he main room
Karen: Big Ugly's wiping the floor with our heavy hitters.
Conner(Telepathically): Beg to differ.
Karen: I tried stinging him, but he didn't even feel it. Miss Martian, you have to do something.
Then M'gann used her telekinesis and lifted the Martian Manhunter statue off of Conner's tactile force field and threw it at Despero but he punched it before it could hit him
Conner(Telepathically): Thanks.
Despero then grabbed the broken head of the Wonder Woman statue and threw at the three young heroes near the library doors as they moved out of the way. Captain Marvel flew back in and went back to fighting Despero with Conner
Mal: Come on, Miss M. Brain blast him or something.
M'gann: No.
Conner(Telepathically): Just stay back.
Karen flew back in to assist Marvel and Conner as Despero threw Marvel through the cases of former hero costumes. Despero then pinned him against the wall and punched him in the face repeatedly until he stopped for a moment
Marvel: Okay, you got stuff, I'll admit it. But I've still got one last trick up my sleeve.
Marvel then wrapped his arms around Despero's neck and held him still
Marvel: SHAZAM!
Then lightning struck Despero and Marvel as there was a big explosion and when the smoke cleared, Billy was holding on to Despero's back
Billy: Oh, man, I really thought that would work.
L-Ron: Flagrant foulism! My master has no interest in fighting a child.
Then Despero opened his third eye again and put Billy in the same trance-like state as Zatanna as Despero growled at L-Ron
L-Ron: Um, yes, master. You will require a new opponent.
Conner, Mal, and M'gann ran in and looked Despero as L-Ron looked at the "S" shield on Conner mission gear
L-Ron: A-ha! This one wears the symbolism of Superman, one of Earth's mightiest champions.
Conner(Telepathically): Oh, come on!
Despero smirked showing his teeth as he ran up to Conner grabbed him and pulled him through several exhibits. Then when Conner was on the ground Despero was about to him but he brought up his tactile force field just in time as M'gann used her telekinesis to move him out of Despero's reach
L-Ron: Do you Earthlings truly have no concept of honorable single combat?
Then Despero jumped up as Conner took flight on his own and punch him in the jaw sending back down. But Despero did not stay down as he jumped again and Conner blocked it with his tactile force field but was sent through the ceiling with Despero following him. As Mal moved out of the way of the falling debris, M'gann and Karen followed after them
L-Ron: Do not follow, Earth females! Do not interfere. It is poor sportism!
Mal looked at the Guardian suit and it gave him an idea as Conner and Despero kept fighting. As Conner and Despero traded blow for blow, Despero kicked Conner through the glass and he landed back in the Hall's library. Then Despero tried to jump on top Conner but he brought up his tactile force field and Despero bounce off of it into the wall. After a moment, Despero then came out of the wall as Conner fell to his knees and L-Ron came in
L-Ron: Take his head, Master. It will make an excellent trophy.
Conner: Over my dead body.
M'gann and Karen flew in as they saw Despero standing and L-Ron floating over Conner
Karen: M'gann, now or never.
M'gann's eyes glowed green but when they did she thought back to what she did to Kaldur and was scared
M'gann: I can't.
Then Karen began firing at Despero as he tried to swat her
Karen: Did I get your attention?
Despero opened his third eye again and used it on Karen but one of Karen's shock blast hit said eye as it knocked him off balance as Conner checked on Karen
L-Ron: Master, they have no honor. It is time they pay in blood. There, Master. Start there.
L-Ron pointed at Karen who was in Conner's hands as Despero walked to him
Mal: Enough!
Everyone looked up to see Mal in the Guardian suit as it came to more of a shock to Conner and M'gann
Mal: You want Earth's champion, you found him. You fight is with, alien. I am Earth's Guardian. Its greatest champion. Its secret champion.
Conner(Telepathically): Mal, no.
L-Ron: He is not listed in the Krolotean database, Master, but their records may be incomplete.
Mal: Miss Martian, take the others and leave. This is my fight alone.
M'gann(Telepathically): Mal, what are you doing?
Mal(Telepathically): Keeping ugly busy, at until you and Superboy get a better idea.
Conner(Telepathically): I'm not going anywhere. So far, I've been the only one who's traded blow for blow with him so you need all the help you can get.
Guardian: Leave Superboy, he has decided to stay.
M'gann: As you command, Guardian.
M'gann took Karen and left the library
L-Ron: Did you see how she bowed to him? This Guardian must be Earth's true champion. Finally, Master, a battle worthy of your prowess.
Conner(Telepathically): So what the game today?
Mal(Telepathically): The most important game of keep away in my life. So how about you guys figure out a Plan B. Fast.
Mal: All right, freak. I could incinerate you with a look, but you hurt my friends, so I'm gonna teach you a lesson instead!
L-Ron: Use cautionism, Master. You don't know this one's abilities.
Mal: Strength of the Earth and power of all mankind, I summon you! Well, I'm waiting. Give me your best shot.
Despero ran at Mal but Mal jumped over him as he pushed him through the wall
Mal: Thank you, Black Canary.
Conner(Telepathically): M'gann I need you to get your Martian mind in the game.
M'gann(Telepathically): Nothing I've thrown at the alien telekinetically has had any effect. And I can't attack him psychically. I just can't.
Conner(Telepathically): Then don't. But we need all the help we can get so do something.
Mal: You are going to reimburse us for damages, right?
Then Despero threw a chunk of concrete at Mal as he moved out of the way and went into the gym as Despero picked up gym equipment. Mal moved out of the way as the equipment almost landed on him as he moved back to the hole
Mal: Come on, chatterbox. You gonna show me something or not?
Despero ran at Mal again and Mal planned to jump over him but Despero grabbed his ankle and slammed him back into the ground
Mal(Telepathically): Uh, how we coming on the Plan B?
Conner was in the interrogation room as he was looking at the ceiling
Conner(Telepathically): Coming right up.
Conner then used his tactile disassembly and broke the ceiling as he pulled Mal through it and Despero came down with them as well. On the other side of the glass, M'gann tried contacting the other unconscious teens
M'gann(Telepathically): Zatanna, Billy, Karen, can you hear me? It feels like there are blindfolds on you brains, and you need to help me remove them. Now!
Then outside, Zatanna gasped as she taken out of her trance while back in the interrogation room, Mal was unconscious as Despero held him and a resisting Conner
L-Ron: Master, he has no powers. This so-called champion is merely another distraction. Neutralize him, then take the other's head.
Despero opened his third eye again but then Zatanna cast a spell through Mal's body and reflect the power of Despero-s eye back at him and was now in a trance
Zatanna(Mal): Superboy, I've used M'gann's link to possess Mal and turn the alien's power back on himself, but I don't know how long it will last.
Conner(Telepathically): Good work, M'gann.
Conner: Long enough.
Conner then punched Despero in the face so hard that he was sent through the glass and the wall, effectively knocking him unconscious
L-Ron: Cheaters! Sneaks! Frauds! You will all suffer for your crimes.
Conner then made his tactile force field as Billy jumped on top of L-Ron
Billy: Let's try this again. SHAZAM!
Then lightning struck both of them and was followed by an explosion and when the smoke cleared, Billy had transformed into Captain Marvel and L-Ron was in pieces
L-Ron: Poor sportism! Poor sportism!
Then L-Ron head began to glow as Conner made an opening or Marvel to get into his force field as L-Ron exploded and brought down the Hall of Justice. Then from the broken pieces of the Hall, pieces of Hall debris exploded from Conner's tactile disassembly as Zatanna landed next to them as they climbed out of their space
Karen: I can't believe that guy Medusa'd me. Uh, why you dressed like that?
Everyone looked at where Karen was pointing at and saw she was pointing at Mal in the Guardian suit. Outside the laser field, Captain Marvel shot at the laser field but it did not effect it as he and Marvel hit the wall at the same time but it still did not effect it. Then Secretary General Tseng and the Ambassador landed in a helicopter as the Ambassador walked up to the laser field
Ambassador: Perhaps I might be of some help.
The Ambassador then placed a device on the laser field and it turned it off as the Ambassador caught the device when it fell off
Ambassador: There. Problem solved.
Atom: Thank you, Ambassador.
Ambassador: Such a shame your Hall was destroyed. I suppose it is fortunate you still have your other headquarters. The one in orbit above us now. What is it you call that one? The Watchtower?
Tseng: What!?
Ambassador: Oh, I'm sorry. Was that fact not for public consumption?
ILLINIOS; CHICAGO
APRIL 2ND, 21:08 CDT
Burkowitz: Mr. Jones. I haven't seen you in weeks.
J'onn: I have been traveling, Mrs. Burkowitz. But it is good to be home.
As J'onn entered his apartment with a box and closed the door behind him, he morphed and revealed that it was M'gann who was acting as her uncle. As she put water in a sprinkler to water J'onn's plants, she was being called and when she looked at her phone it was La'gaan who was calling her. M'gann declined the call as she walked over to water J'onn's plant but then there was a knock at the door
Conner: M'gann, we need to talk.
M'gann went to the door, opened it, and allowed Conner to enter uncle's apartment as she closed the door and looked at him
M'gann: Did you want to sit?
Conner: I'm fine, thanks anyway.
M'gann sat in a chair as he looked at Conner as he stood with his arms crossed
M'gann: So what did you want to talk about?
Conner: What happened on the Reach ship?
M'gann: Me and Gar were heading back to the docking bay when we came across Kaldur.
Conner: Then what happened?
M'gann: I was so angry because he had killed Artemis, I…I—
M'gann's eyes began to water as remembered what she did to Kaldur
Conner: M'gann please what did you do to Kaldur?
M'gann: I thought he deserved it so I attack his mind and looked into his memories.
Conner: What did you see?
M'gann: Everything.
Conner: Everything?
M'gann: I know you and Nightwing have Kaldur undercover with Artemis as Tigress.
Conner: I'm sorry.
M'gann: Why didn't you tell anyone? Why not me?
Conner: Believe me when I say I wanted to tell Young Justice from the beginning. But I wasn't given much of a choice, I had to keep quiet about it.
M'gann began to cry as Conner bent down and put his hand on her lap
Conner: What's wrong?
M'gann: What do you think? We're keeping secrets from each other, the team thinks Artemis is dead, and I destroyed Kaldur's mind.
Conner: I promise we'll find a way to help Kaldur.
M'gann: How?
M'gann stood up and walked to the window and looked at the other apartments across the street
M'gann: Conner, I—I can't even trust myself to use my powers. I don't think I can help him.
Conner stood up and walked over to her
Conner: Yes you can M'gann, just because we've lost our way doesn't mean we're lost forever. You are one of the bravest people I've ever met, M'gann, you never give up. As a friend of ours once said, "it's what we do."
Conner then from behind slithered his arms around her waist and kissed her on the cheek as M'gann blushed
Conner: You know you still need to end it with La'gaan?
M'gann: I know.
Then Conner removed his arms as he was heading for the door as M'gann turned around
M'gann: Where are you going?
Conner: I have to go to a meeting with Dick to talk with Captain Atom and Black Canary.
M'gann: Alright, I guess I'll see you tomorrow?
Conner: Always. Goodnight M'gann.
Conner then teleported out of the apartment leaving M'gann alone again
M'gann: Goodnight Conner.
At the S.T.A.R. Labs in Taos, Captain Atom, Black Canary, Dick, Conner, and two S.T.A.R. Lab scientist were in a room discussing what had taken place tonight
Atom: The Reach used our own secrets against us, beat us without firing a shot, even offered to take Despero off our hands. And I couldn't come up with a reason to say no. Hope you have some good news.
Dinah: Some answers, at least. With the obvious exception of Blue Beetle, the Rach abductees are two types—those with a known superpower and those with the potential to develop one. I believe we now know what a metagene is—a genetic anomaly that allows certain humans to adapt new survival abilities when exposed to trauma. The Reach, I think, seeks to cultivate the gene and weaponize it.
Dick: Which is probably what brought the Reach and the Kroloteans here in the first.
Conner: All thanks to The Light sending the League to Rimbor and putting Earth and its heroes square in the galactic spotlight.
Then Jaime walked into the room
Dinah: Beetle?
Jaime: I'm sorry. I've been hiding something, but I can't…I just can't.
Then Bart ran into the room to try and stop Jaime
Bart: Uh, Blue, Blue, Blue. What happened to keep quiet?
Scarab(Telepathically): Stop, Jaime Reyes. This is a tactical error.
Jaime: No, time for the truth. Impulse says that sometime in the future I betray Earth and bring on a Reach apocalypse. That's not a future I can live with. So whatever it takes, get this scarab off me.
After the surprise return from the original Roy, now named Arsenal, Young Justice had a new archer while Sportsmaster and Cheshire wanted revenged for Artemis' death. And after a confrontation with Black Beetle on a mission, they were aided by Green Beetle, B'arzz O'oomm, Young Justice was now trying to figure out if this new ally can truly be trusted
ATLANTIC OCEAN
APRIL 9TH, 01:16 EDT
In the Manta Sub, Artemis was in her quarters just staring up at the ceiling
Artemis(Thought): How did it all go wrong so fast? I'd say I have no one to blame but myself, except it's getting a little hard to remember exactly who myself is.
Artemis then got out of her bed and walked over to her sink and mirror
Artemis(Thought): Thanks to this glamour charm, the whole world thinks I'm Tigress, professional assassin and trusted member of Black Manta's organization. But I'm one of the few people the charm doesn't affect. And when I look in the mirror, it's the only reminder I have left that I'm still Artemis. What was I thinking? Wally and I really had something special together. Leaving the whole hero thing behind so we could just be normal. But when Nightwing called, I couldn't say yes fast enough.
Artemis then punched mirror and looked at herself through the cracks
Manta(Inter-Com): Tigress, report to Kaldur'ahm's quarters at once.
Artemis walked to Kaldur's quarters and opened the door
Artemis(Tigress): Yes, boss?
Manta: This is Psimon. He is here to psychically repair the shattered mind of my son.
Artemis(Tigress): He can do that?
Psimon: Indeed, my dear. I'll dig right in and root about, piecing his entire mental life together. By the time I'm done, I'll know Kaldur'ahm better than he knows himself.
Artemis(Tigress): Perfect.
Artemis(Thought): Yeah, perfect. If don't mind Psimon learning all Kaldur's secrets, including the one about Aqualad and I being double agents for Young Justice and the Justice League. How did it all go so wrong so fast?
Manta: When can you begin?
Psimon: I need to focus, set my own mental house in order before I enter his ruins.
Manta: Stay with them until the process is complete. My son never spoke of his feelings, but his words could not hide how much he cared for you, Tigress.
Artemis(Tigress): I don't speak about my feeling either. Not with words.
Manta: Your actions define you. I respect that. So you'll be glad to know I will take action on the Martian witch that did this to our beloved Kaldur'ahm.
Artemis(Thought): Great. Now I have to rescue Miss Martian, too. Long distance, no less.
NEW MEXICO; TAOS
APRIL 9TH, 00:20 MDT
In the back building of the S.T.A.R. Labs complex, Young Justice was in exercise room with B'arzz sitting in a seat
M'gann: I'm not very comfortable with this. Delving into your mind, it—it is an intrusion.
B'arzz: You have my permission. We must be able to trust each other.
B'arzz then smiled widely as it made M'gann gasped a little
B'arzz: Does my smile displease? Is this not how humans convey friendship and put each other at ease?
Conner: There has to be another way.
Dick: Look, I'm not sure what the Martian etiquette is here, but Green Beetle is right. We need to trust each other, which means we need to confirm he is who he says he is. Miss M. is our only real option since you turned it down.
Conner: Looking at his face right now you could understand why.
La'gaan: Go for it, Angelfish. Reading this guy will be a piece of crab cake.
B'arzz: Please, proceed with the mind link.
M'gann then sighed as her eyes glowed green and B'arzz's eyes glowed red
M'gann(Telepathically): Link established.
B'arzz(Telepathically): Ah. So you are a White Martian. You came to Earth in order to pass as Green. That must have been difficult.
M'gann(Telepathically): I—I'm supposed to be reading you.
B'arzz(Telepathically): But your reluctance to probe deeply is clear. You hide the specifics, but I sense you have recently had a most negative experience during a hostile mind link. So allow me to volunteer my thoughts. In this way, you can be sure nothing so unfortunate will occur.
M'gann nodded as B'arzz gave her his memories as both of their eyes stopped glowing
M'gann: Green Beetle is on our side.
Back on the Manta Sub in Kaldur's quarters
Psimon: All right, I'm ready. Let's see what the weather's like in there.
Artemis took out a concealed dart gun and shot a tranquilizer dart at Psimon as he slapped his neck
Psimon: Hmm. The Martian really did a number on you, Kaldur. Believe me, I know how it feels. But fear not. We'll have you up and running in…no time. Something's…wrong. My mind…clouding over.
Psimon knocked his stool over and released a sonic wave from his brain as Artemis backed into the wall
Psimon: You!
Psimon then threw Artemis and kept slamming her against the wall while in Black Manta's quarters, he just happened to this and ran for Kaldur's quarters
Psimon(Telepathically): You've drugged me! But why!? Psimon says reveal your secrets! Artemis! You're Artemis, and the drug…an invention of your father, Sportsmaster. A single dose simulates catatonia, for weeks. But you—heh—miscalculated…how quickly it takes effect.
Psimon went catatonic on the floor and Artemis dropped to the floor as Black Manta came into the room
Manta: What happened!?
Artemis(Tigress): I'm not sure. He just went berserk. Is it possible Miss Martian left some kind of telepathic virus in Kaldur's mind?
Manta: If she did, then any telepath we might employ would only suffer the same fate.
Artemis(Tigress): There's still one telepath who can help us—Miss Martian herself. It's our only recourse. Send me to the mainland. I'll bring the Martian, and we'll force her to cure Kaldur.
Manta: Yes. Yes, of course. But she is dangerous. Kaldur would never forgive me if I sent you to face her alone. I'll take a squad of troopers.
Manta: No. You'll take Deathstroke.
Artemis(Tigress): Perfect.
Artemis(Thought): Perfect.
Back at the S.T.A.R. Labs back building, Green Beetle was holding Reach drinks in his hand
B'arzz: This consumable contains the Reach's additive, which combines microscopic quantities of two chemicals. One is a dopamine polymerase, the other an adrenaline inhibitor. Taken over generations, they will slowly addict the entire population to Reach. And make the people of Earth placid, literally incapable of revolt.
Dick: That matches up exactly with Flash and Atom's analysis of the additive sample acquired from Lex Corp.
B'arzz: Ah, I see. Still I am…tested.
Dick: Look, we're sorry, but—
B'arzz: No, it is wise. As they say on your world, all cards must be off the table.
Jaime: On the table. Uh—I mean—never mind, ignore me.
B'arzz: On the table. Yes. That does make more sense. So here is my final card on the table. My scarab informs me that the additive also contains a mitochondrial marker which works as a meta-gene tracer, allowing the Reach to identify and isolate potential super-powered individuals.
Conner: Making it easier to harvest and weaponize the meta-gene.
Dick: Our analysis didn't reveal that. Thank you.
Jaime: Can't we go public with this?
Dick: I'll pass it on to Captain Atom, but the League's credibility is at a record low right now. We'll probably have to bide our time. Good work, everyone. Meeting adjourned.
As some of the other left, Dick walked up to B'arzz
Dick: Do you need a place to stay on Earth?
B'arzz: I will find a place near Taos and attempt to blend in.
La'gaan: So, Angelfish, could we go somewhere private to talk?
M'gann looked at Conner as he was staring at her
Conner(Telepathically): It's okay.
Conner walked out behind Dick as M'gann turned back to La'gaan
M'gann: Um…sure, La'gaan. We can talk at my Uncle J'onn's apartment in Chicago.
Then Bart ran up to Jaime as it scared him a bit
Bart: Hermano, the night is young.
Jaime: The night is over, ese. And all I want to do is head home and catch some Zs. How about we meet up first thing in the morning? You know, like, noonish?
Bart: Sounds crash. See you then.
Bart ran out of the room and now all that was left were Jaime and B'arzz
ILLINIOS; CHICAGO
APRIL 9TH, 06:20 CDT
Zeta Computer: RECOGNIZED: MISS MARTIAN, B-0-5. LAGOON BOY, B-1-8.
In a car junkyard, La'gaan and M'gann came out of an old telephone and began walking to exit the junkyard
La'gaan: I can't wait any longer. I have too many questions. Why have you been avoiding me? Why haven't you returned my calls? What's going on between you and Conner?
M'gann: Nothing. I mean, not what you're thinking.
La'gaan: Then what? Angelfish, please.
Deathstroke: Well, this is awkward.
The two heroes turned out to see Deathstroke and Artemis
Deathstroke: We hate to interrupt such poignant interspecies romance, but we have pressing business with the Martian.
Deathstroke took out his sword and used the sunlight to reflect its glare into M'gann and La'gaan's eyes as he jumped down and landed on La'gaan as M'gann took flight. Then Artemis used her crossbow and shot an arrow at M'gann but she used her telekinesis to deflect
M'gann(Telepathically): Artemis? That's you, right?
Artemis(Telepathically): It's me, M'gann, and I'm here to kidnap you.
M'gann(Telepathically): What?!
Then Artemis shot more arrows as M'gann kept deflecting them with her telekinesis
Artemis(Telepathically): I need your help to save Kaldur. But Deathstroke can't suspect I'm on your side. Neither can La'gaan. I need you to make this abduction good.
As Artemis shot more arrows, M'gann used her telekinesis to destroy them and then threw two cars at Artemis as she dodged them
Artemis(Telepathically): Well, you don't have to make it look that good.
As Deathstroke and La'gaan kept fighting, Deathstroke tried to cut La'gaan but he dodged it as he ran and took out his com-link
La'gaan: Lagoon Boy to Young Justice. We're under attack at the Chicago Zeta Tube. Requesting backup.
Dick(Com-Link): Acknowledged. We're 3 minutes from the nearest tube, but we're on our way.
Conner(Com-Link): I'm coming as fast as I can. Approximate arrival is in 1 minute 30 seconds.
La'gaan then ripped off the door of a car and threw it at Deathstroke but he stopped it and kicked it back at La'gaan, sending him into a metal panel
Deathstroke: See, calling for help like that just pushes up the timetable. Now I can't savor the battle.
La'gaan: You want something to savor?!
La'gaan went into his "puffer" form while back with the girls, M'gann was still throwing vehicles at Artemis as she kept dodging them and then kicked M'gann in the abdomen. La'gaan then picked up a refrigerator and swung it at Deathstroke dodged it and kicked him in the face. Then Deathstroke threw a pellet at La'gaan and it exploded, sending him into a pile of refrigerators
M'gann: La'gaan!
Artemis then tackled M'gann as Deathstroke put away his sword and walked over to La'gaan who was clutching his leg
Deathstroke: Now, that leg doesn't look good. You know, I hate to see any poor animal suffer. You aren't on The Light's hit list. So how about a little anesthetic for the pain?
Deathstroke then punched La'gaan in the face and knocked him unconscious. Back to the girls, M'gann picked Artemis up with her telekinesis but Artemis threw down some pellets and they exploded, creating a ring of fire around M'gann. Then Deathstroke put an inhibitor collar around her neck and it electrocuted her, knocking her unconscious as well. Then the Manta Flyer landed near them as they boarded at the exact same time the Zeta Tube turned on
Zeta Computer: RECOGNIZED: NIGHTWING, B-0-1.
As Nightwing exited the Zeta Tube and Superboy teleported in junkyard to see an unconscious La'gaan and a few small fires
In the front of the S.T.A.R. Labs facility in Taos, Jaime and B'arzz were walking around
Jaime: So, my cards on the table—Scarab's controllable now, more or less. And it seems to have no interest in the Reach. But what if that changes?
B'arzz: You fear it will take full command, transforming you into a weapon for the Reach.
Jaime: Got a prophecy hanging over my head saying just that, and worse. I'd do anything, try anything, to make sure it doesn't come true.
B'arzz: I believe I may be of assistance. Training and meditation can help you control the Scarab within.
Jaime: Is that how you did it?
B'arzz: In part.
Jaime: Well?
B'arzz: I used my natural shape-shifting abilities to reach inside my Scarab and ensure it could never take control.
B'arzz then morphed on his Green Beetle armor
Jaime: Ah. Too bad you can't reach inside my Scarab.
B'arzz looked away from Jaime and narrowed his eyes
Jaime: Wait a minute. You can? You can reach inside my Scarab? Then you've got to do it, ese. Please.
B'arzz: I am sorry, but I must not. I would not have the same control inside you bioform. The procedure would put your life in grave danger.
Jaime: What part of "try anything" did you not understand?
On the Manta Sub, M'gann woke up to the sight of Black Manta and Artemis
Manta: Welcome aboard, Martian. Let me make your situation perfectly clear. You are here to psychically repair the damage you have done to my son's mind. This inhibitor collar negates all your Martian abilities. In a moment, we will selectively reinstate your telepathic power only. But before we do that, understand—Deathstroke is watching you at all times from beyond the range of your psychic power. If he perceives even a hint of trouble, he will press a button, which will activate a substantial explosive charge in your collar. So don't lose your head. Deathstroke, activate her telepathy.
A light on M'gann's inhibitor collar turned off as Black Manta walked to the door and opened it
Manta: Now, save my son…or die.
Black Manta left the room as Artemis turned M'gann towards Kaldur
Artemis(Tigress): You heard the man. Get to it!
M'gann(Telepathically): Artemis, what—what should I do?
Artemis(Telepathically): Fix Kaldur. The three of us will figure out the rest later.
M'gann(Telepathically): I'm not worried about the rest. But honestly, I don't know if I can fix Kaldur. Breaking a mind is easy. Restoring one may not even be possible. And what if I make things worse? My mere presence in his mind could be perceived as another attack.
Artemis(Telepathically): Then take me with you. He won't perceive me as a threat. I can help.
M'gann(Telepathically): Maybe. Or maybe I lose you, too.
Artemis(Telepathically): M'gann, we don't have any choice.
M'gann(Telepathically): No, I suppose we don't.
M'gann's eyes glowed green as she and Artemis entered Kaldur's mind of what looked like Atlantis but was in ruins. Then Artemis started gasping for air as M'gann went over to her
M'gann: Artemis. Artemis! You're not underwater. This isn't real. But if you allow the illusions to hurt you here, your mind could suffer real damage. Permanent damage.
Artemis coughed as she looked back at M'gann
Artemis: Right. Right. It's all in my head. Well, Kaldur's head. Kaldur's very messed up head.
M'gann: This is how he perceives his psyche—Atlantis in ruins. I don't even know where to start.
Then both of the girls were blasted by an energy attack as they hit a piece of debris they looked up and saw an angry Tula
Artemis: Tula!
Tula then used her sorcery to shoot ice projectiles at the two while a minute earlier at a hospital somewhere in Chicago, Conner and Dick were holding down a resisting La'gaan in a bed as his leg had a cast on it
La'gaan: Neptune's beard! Let go of me! I've got to save M'gann!
Dick: La'gaan, calm down. There's nothing you can do for her in your condition.
La'gaan: Then what about him? Why isn't he rescuing her? I know you dumped her, but do you really hate…
Conner: Finish that sentence and you're not leaving this hospital because you have no idea what I feel for her!
La'gaan: You're right, because I would never abandon her to Kaldur and his flunkies, because that's who took her—Aqua-traitor's personal ninja pal, Tigress!
Dick: Enough! We're not supposed to tell you…to tell anyone…but Aqualad is not a traitor.
La'gaan: What are you talking about? He killed Artemis!
Conner: No, he didn't. Aqualad has been on a deep cover mission for months, infiltrating Black Manta's troops, The Light, and the Reach. We faked Artemis' death. She's alive. In fact, Artemis is Tigress.
Dick: Is she kidnapped Miss Martian there has to be a reason.
La'gaan: Why am I only hearing this now? I mourned Artemis. Neptune's beard, I tried to tear Kaldur limb from limb. And you knew this? You should have told me! You should have told Young Justice!
Conner: Oh, believe me when I say I wanted to tell everyone on multiple occasions. But as Dick explained it to me, it would risk Kaldur's cover and The Light would think something was suspicious. So I had to keep quiet and not in good conscience.
Dick: Look, we will figure this out. Together. In the meantime, get some rest.
Dick and Conner left the room and were standing out in the hallway
Dick: Thanks for backing me up in there.
Conner: You don't leave a guy a lot of options. You have no idea what your secrets have done to Young Justice.
Dick: What does that—
Conner: M'gann believed Kaldur had killed Artemis. So when she found him on the Reach ship, she fried his brain. That's got to be why Artemis grabbed her—to try and save Kaldur's broken mind. But M'gann doesn't know how to do that. So Manta may just kill her and kill Tigress if she blows her cover trying to save her. And we'll have lost all three of them because you thought it was a bad idea to share.
Conner then turned and walked away from Dick
Dick: Where are you going?
Conner: To find M'gann and help her before anyone really dies. You on the other hand, you're going to tell the entire team and you're going to be held responsible for all of this.
Conner then teleported to the roof and used his E.S.V. to find them
Conner: Come on Artemis I need your help here.
Conner then found the Manta Flyer and saw the red fill-ins of Artemis, M'gann, and Kaldur in a room, but he also saw a camera pointing at the three of them
Conner: Okay. Rescue mission, invisible style.
Conner then turned invisible and teleported onto the Manta Flyer in Kaldur's quarters and saw M'gann's eyes glowing and Artemis staring
Conner: Artemis? Artemis? Must be inside Kaldur's mind with M'gann, gonna have to go in.
Conner's eyes glowed red as he entered Kaldur's mind and saw what the girls first saw when they first entered
Conner: No. M'gann…what have you done?
Artemis: Not real. Not real. Not real.
Conner turned his head to see Tula shooting ice projectiles as they passed through Artemis but he also saw M'gann being hit by them as she was against a brick wall as Artemis swam over to her. Tula then made two water balls and threw it at M'gann as Artemis moved her away as the projectiles destroyed the wall. Artemis swam behind a pillar to separate them from Tula
Artemis: M'gann, snap out of it! You know none of this is real!
M'gann: All my fault. All my fault.
Then as Tula shot a mystic water beam at them it was blocked by Conner's tactile force field
Conner: Artemis.
Artemis: Conner? How did you get in here?
Conner: Guess. Listen, we need to find Kaldur before M'gann's self-pity gets her killed. Kaldur made Tula the guardian of his mind. If he thinks that M'gann is back to damage it more, she won't stop until she's either out or dead.
Artemis swam over to Tula
Artemis: Tula, stop. We're here, the three of us, to help Kaldur.
Tula then shot another water beam that went through Artemis but was stopped by Conner's tactile force field
Artemis: Ugh. What am I doing? You're not real, either.
Conner then made a tactile force field bubble around M'gann as he swam over to Artemis
Conner: That will keep her protected but we seriously need to find Kaldur.
Artemis: Wait but how is your force field able to work? This is Kaldur's mind so it shouldn't work in here.
Conner: Six years ago, during that mind exercise in the Cave. No matter what plain or reality, my powers work everywhere.
As Conner and Artemis swam through the ruins, they came across an open temple where they saw Kaldur sitting but was facing the other way
Artemis: Kaldur.
When Artemis turned Kaldur around he was missing his face as Artemis gasped as Kaldur spoke in Atlantean
Kaldur(Disembodied): What is left of Kaldur'ahm?
Kaldur spoke more Atlantean as he faced back the other way
Artemis: I knew I should have paid more attention in my freshman Atlantean class.
Conner: Well it's a good thing you have someone who learned it on touch. Just say what you need to, I'll translate it for you.
Artemis: Kaldur, listen. It's Artemis. M'gann, Conner, and I are here to make you better.
Conner translated it as Kaldur spoke more Atlantean as a wormhole opened behind the temple
Kaldur: Artemis. I am alone. There is no one here. Nothing…ruins.
The temple began breaking apart as it and Kaldur was being sucked into the wormhole
Conner: Kaldur!
Conner grabbed Kaldur as he held his ground so he wouldn't be sucked into the wormhole
Artemis: No! No. You're not alone! We're here! We care about you and want to help! And we can do it!
Artemis grunted in anger
Conner: What?
Artemis: What is the word?
Conner: What word?
Artemis: Atlantean for together?
Conner: Symbosi.
Artemis: Help us save you. Symbosi!
Conner translated it Kaldur while back with M'gann, Tula was still trying to break through Conner's tactile force field but M'gann touched it and it dissipated while Tula picked up
M'gann(Telepathically): Do it. Finish it. That's what I deserve.
Artemis: No!
M'gann looked up and saw Artemis and Conner carrying Kaldur's consciousness as they went through Tula and she dissipated
Artemis: You want to blame yourself? Fine, but only if you're willing to do something about it.
Artemis took M'gann's hand and put it on Kaldur's as she looked up at him
M'gann: Kaldur, I am sorry. Please, let me help you.
Kaldur: Help? No. Ruins. All ruins.
Conner: Kaldur, it doesn't have to be ruins. We can fix things.
Conner then put his hand on M'gann's hand as he looked at Kaldur
Conner: Artemis, you gonna join in on this?
Artemis: Symbosi. Together.
M'gann then used her Kaldur's hand and helped him rebuild a statue as they began rebuilding the ruins. Then Artemis felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Black Manta as she was pulled out of Kaldur's mind
Manta: Tigress. What's wrong?
Artemis(Tigress): Nothing. Nothing. I was…lost in thought. It feels like I've been standing here for hours.
Manta: You…have. Six hours. I came to check on your progress.
M'gann: We've only just begun. This…will take days. Maybe weeks.
Manta: You better not be stalling, Martian.
Kaldur: Father. Father…
Manta: My son. I'm here. Kaldur'ahm.
M'gann: He's not back yet, not really.
Manta: No, but I see you are making progress. Keep it up, and you'll live. Tigress, a word.
Black Manta and Artemis walked out into the corridor and closed the door behind them
Manta: The witch is being more cooperative than I imagined.
Artemis(Tigress): Meaning you're having second thoughts about killing her?
Manta: She's safe, until she finishes repairing my son. Then, she dies.
Artemis(Tigress): Perfect.
Artemis(Telepathically): Perfect.
Back at the S.T.A.R. Labs facility in Taos, Bart was looking for Jaime and finally saw him
Bart: Dude, I stopped by your house. Your mom said you never went—
Bart then finally noticed B'arzz had his fingers in Jaime's Scarab
Bart: Whoa, whoa, whoa. Greenie. You're totally up in my buddy Blue's grill.
B'arzz pulled his fingers out of Jaime's Scarab
Bart: Now, back off, or—
Jaime: Or nothing. He did it! He fixed me!
Bart: Great! Wh—what does that mean?
Jaime: The Scarab, it's…silent. I'm in control now, 100 percent. Don't you get it, ese? The Reach can't touch me. I'm free! Permanently free!
Bart: Crash.
Author's Note:
Again, a special thanks to the people who favorite my story, my followers, and reviewers and I'll keep posting as much as I can and remember to tell anyone you who is into these stories. And to let you know in advanced, there will only be two more chapters and then I will give a brief promo in the future for a new story I'm working on. So that is it for today guys and remember to keep reading and keep looking for updates guys.