A/N: Oh…my…God…After almost two, count 'em TWO, MONTHS…I have FINALLY updated. And you guys…You just…you make my day and motivate me to write just by sticking with this story. Is that compliment enough not to get me killed? No? TT-TT Oh well, thanks to all who faved/followed/reviewed, which is 72/93/153 respectively. Seriously guys…You are AMAZING and don't let ANYONE tell you differently!
Well anywho, to make up for the wait (or partially), this chapter is EXXXXTRAAA long. Like…honestly? It took me two and a half weeks to write this…No lie…
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ! Apparently, people reeeeally want to see SuperFae… Where were you guys when the poll was still open? I don't wanna seem mean or anything, but I'm not changing the couple (because I've already incorporated it into Season 2 and I'd have to throw away all my ideas and start from scratch if I went with SuperFae). The only way I'd be willing to even consider changing it is if three, 3, people came up with a reeeally good explanation on why they would want SuperFae to be together and what I could do with them. If it happens, then I'll put up another poll: SuperFae vs. AquaFae. And whichever wins will be the couple. Until this happens, AquaFae will be the official pairing. The deadline for this is one, 1, week. I will put up a post on my page when you can start. If you are doing this, MESSAGE ME! Do NOT put your explanation in a review or it WILL NOT count! If you message me BEFORE or AFTER the deadline, it WILL NOT count! You have been warned. I will decide if the explanations are good enough before even thinking of putting up the poll.
Also, on a complete side note, a reviewer has complained about the lyrics/quotes in the story and wish for them to be taken out. Thoughts? I kinda like finding quotes and lyrics to put in, but it's only minor. If the majority of you don't like them, I'll leave 'em out. Review on it.
And FINALLY, ON TO THE STORY!
Disclaimer: If I owned Young Justice, Wonder Girl would've been in Season 1 and there would've been a SuperboyxWonder GirlxRobin love triangle DANGIT! I no own song(s) either. I only own Faith, Emily, Joe, and any other OCs that I create.
Summary: Faith Evans, a 16-year-old girl, was just trying to make sure that she and her little sister got by in the world. "She was prepared to die when she took that bullet. So can someone explain to her why a dead guy's ring just decided to hitch a ride on her finger?!"
Genre: Humor/Adventure/a little Angst/a little Drama(cause you always need just a bit of Angst/Drama in every story)/Romance(?)
Song(s) used: Paper Planes-M.I.A
Word Count: 9,348 (Holy cow…)
"Mind link"
"Communicating through something (ie: communicators, phones, rings, etc…)"
"Thinking"
Dreams/Flashbacks
"Talking"
Quotes/Lyrics
Chapter 13: The First REAL Mission
I fly like paper, get high like planes.
If you catch me at the border I got visas in my name.
If you come around here, I make 'em all day.
I get one down in a second if you wait.
Sometimes I think sitting on trains.
Every stop I get to I'm clockin' that game.
Everyone's a winner; we're making our fame.
Bona-fide hustler making my name.
Tense.
That's the only word Fae could use to describe the atmosphere in the bioship.
It might've been her imagination, but she could feel it pressing down on them as though it were a physical force.
This was their first assignment, their first real mission, and everyone was feeling it.
Sure, they'd been pumped in the beginning, excited even, when they heard Batman call the team to the meeting room and he began to debrief them on the assignment. After 2 weeks since the Young Justice team had been created, they'd finally have a chance to prove themselves, to show their mentors that they weren't little kids that needed to be protected and watched over.
But that high feeling came crashing down when the nerves set in, when they realized just how important this mission was.
It was pretty much the determining factor of the team's fate.
Sure, their mentors had let them form the group, but if they couldn't live up to the set expectations then everything they fough to attain would be for nothing.
So each teen went into their own little world to prep themselves.
Well… Almost each teen…
Fae glanced back at Robin, a bit envious. The kid was smirking, SMIRKING, like this was no big deal. Okay, so he was the Batman's protégé. She'd give him that, but that was no reason to get so cocky (or maybe it was, and she was getting just a tad jealous. She mentally stomped the thought down immediately after it reared its ugly head).
But in all honesty, she knew that he was probably preening on the inside for being the (unofficial and definitely not-voted-for) leader. If she didn't know better, Fae suspected that Batman was expecting Robin to fail at being the team's supposed "leader" if the glance he'd shared with Manhunter was anything to go by.
It was probably the Bat teaching his Bird a lesson in a round-about way like he usually does. But even if it was for a good cause it didn't mean that she'd have to appreciate it. Being shot at, chased by a monster supped up on advanced Venom, and almost being exploded (even if the attempt would end in a huge fail) all over misunderstandings and non-existent communication did not sit well with Fae. It actually made her want to smack Robin AND Kid upside their heads (even though they hadn't done anything wrong…yet).
In fact, the whole mission went awry because of Robin and Kid's constant struggle over who would lead, and Fae blamed it all on Batman. The Dark Knight just HAD to say those five little words that would sow chaos amongst the team when asked who would lead.
"Work that out between you."
She could've groaned out loud after he'd said it.
"Thanks Batman. No, really! Thanks SOOO much for throwing us back 10 steps after we've just taken 2 in the right direction…"
Fae was interrupted from her musings when Miss Martian informed the team that they'd arrived at Drop Zone A.
Aqualad took that as his queue and stood up from his seat beside her. He touched the "A" buckle on his belt and the vibrant red of his shirt faded to a dark, steel grey.
"Ready."
The Martian girl nodded in response.
"Putting bioship in camouflage mode."
A hole opened in the center of the floor, and after giving a quick nod to the team, the Atlantean jumped into the water below.
After waiting for a few tense moments, they heard Aqualad's voice.
"Heat and motion sensors are patched. Data is now on a continuous loop. Move in."
They started again and moved further into the jungle, Miss Martian announcing that they were at Drop Zone B.
Kid Flash got up and turned around towards Miss Martian and Fae. Pressing the lightening symbol on his chest, he struck a "strong-man" pose as his yellow and red suit turned grey and black, clearly hoping to impress.
"How cool is this?"
Miss Martian and Fae shared a glance before the ginger girl took it upon herself to respond.
"Very impressive."
And then she proceeded to one-up him by shifting her outfit into a black cat-suit with a red "X" and hooded blue cape before sending him a smug look.
Kid was obviously stumped.
"Uh, that works, too."
In an effort to save face, he turned to Superboy with a sly smile.
"Hey, Supey, not too late to put on the new stealth tech."
The sper clone just crossed his arms with a defiant look.
"No capes. No tights."
Fae glanced down at her own sleeveless cat-suit and then back up at Superboy with a raised eyebrow.
His eyes widened a bit before he tacked on a "No offense" to his statement.
Fae nodded her head in approval while Robin covered his mouth to muffle his giggles. Miss Martian, on the other hand, was staring at the clone quite dreamily.
"It totally works for you."
Everyone in the bioship turned to look at her oddly, and she faltered.
"In that…you can totally do good work in those clothes!"
The last bit came out rushed as she gave a thumbs-up to him.
Fae was torn between sending her a sympathetic smile and laughing as the Martian girl quickly pulled up her hood and camouflaged herself when the boy of steel turned away.
After that little spectacle, Miss Martian recreated the hole in the bottom of the ship and lowered three bungee lines in front of K.F., Robin, and Superboy.
Jumping out of the hole, Fae and Miss Martian gently flew to the ground as K.F. and Robin were lowered by the bioship. Fae made sure she'd moved out of the way just as the clone jumped out.
Without his line.
Both Boy Wonder and Martian dived out of the way as he landed with a loud thud, right where they had been. Superboy then stood up, pride rolling off him in waves, as he crossed his arms and smirked at them all.
"Knew I didn't need a line."
"Stealth means nothing to this boy…"
Fae rolled her eyes at the clone's antics before going over to the Martian to check on her as Robin scolded Superboy.
"Hey Miss M. You okay?"
The girl in question smiled at her concern before answering.
"Yes. I got out of the way in time."
"Good. Don't need one of us to get injured before we even start the mission."
The green-skinned girl hummed in agreement and they both made their way back to the group.
Robin must've already informed Aqualad that they'd made it to Drop B successfully because, soon, his voice sounded from her comm.
"Head for the factory. I'll track your GPS and rendezvous ASAP."
"Roger that."
So for the next couple of minutes, the group trekked through the jungle in silence, until…
"Did you hear that?"
Everyone stopped and strained to hear what the clone had heard (all except Fae who already knew).
Kid voiced his confusion.
"Uh, no?"
Then his face morphed into a look of understanding.
"Wait. Is this a super-hearing thing?"
Miss Martian once again had a dreamy look on her face as she looked at the Boy of Steel.
"You do have great ears."
Fae coughed a little to cover her laugh. This girl really had it bad didn't she? Fortunately for her, Fae was the only one who caught (or was even paying attention to) what she'd said. K.F. was too busy speaking to a certain bird.
Who wasn't even there.
"Ok, Rob. Now what?"
Fae found it funny how the speedster wanted to be leader and yet he was looking to Robin for orders.
The irony.
As stated bfore, Robin wasn't there. So when Kid didn't receive an answer, he turned to see an empty space where the Boy Wonder once was and promptly groaned in frustration.
"Man, I hate it when he does that!"
The Green Lantern just shook her head. By now, the younger teen was probably in a tree, observing the commotion that was sure to happen in a few moments.
With that in mind, she put her hand to her comm while everyone else tried and failed to find Robin.
"Hey, Aqualad. Did you hear all that?"
There was rustling on the other end that sounded like a person running (which he probably was) as he responded.
"Yes, I did. Superboy, Kid."
The two in question perked up.
"Switch to infrared; see if you're being tracked."
They did as told and Kid Flash was the first to answer.
"Got a squad of armed bozos incoming."
Superboy squinted a bit more before correcting him.
"Two squads."
The speedster pouted a bit at that before continuing.
"But they'll meet each other before they find us."
As soon as the words were out of his mouth, gunshots filled the air.
And Fae froze.
Her body moved on its own as soon as she saw him redirect the gun.
-Bang-.
She didn't know when her body hit the ground, only that an excruciating pain was blossoming just below her chest.
Her chest tightened and the phantom pain in her abdominals that she thought was gone came back with a vengeance. It was getting hard to breathe and Fae barely kept herself from passing out.
"No. That won't happen. Not this time. Just breathe. In. Out."
She closed her eyes and willed her lungs to inhale and exhale. Her clenched hands relaxed, but there was still a slight tremble that she just couldn't will away.
She had no idea that it would be this bad. It had only been the sound, she was nowhere near it, and yet, her whole body had just…
Shut down.
A thing like this was exactly what she couldn't do. What use was would she be if she just froze every time she heard or even saw a gun? And if she recalled right, every villain the team faced (baring Poison Ivy and the magical ones) had guns, whether they be on their person or guards.
"Breathe, Fae. Just breathe."
She'd just have to shake it off somehow, one way or another.
And, hopefully, she'd be able to.
A hand on her arm brought her out of her thoughts.
Fae opened her eyes, startled, and looked up to see Miss Martian staring at her in concern. She could feel anger, fear, and a bit of despair rolling off the Green Lantern, but why, she didn't know. But before the green-skinned girl could even ask what was wrong, K.F. shouted about running ahead to find Robin.
He hadn't even moved an inch before he found himself face-to-face with a green "wall" blocking his path.
Kid was going to make a flirty remark about G.L. wanting him to stay, but it died on his tongue when he turned and saw the serious look on her face.
"No rushing off. We have to stick together."
"But Rob-"
Fae cut across him, effectively stopping any protest.
"Robin is no doubt scouting the area. More than likely, he's already by the action. BUT he's been trained by the Bat himself. He's probably in the shadows watching them duke it out."
She had to rush the last two sentences out as the three of them looked ready to go in, metaphorical guns blazing, at the thought of the Bird in danger.
Her eyes narrowed at them so what she was saying would sink in.
"We cannot run in without a plan."
Miss Martian and Superboy looked ready to follow, but K.F. took a moment, glaring at the ground before looking to her, determined.
"So, what do we do?"
Fae could've sighed in relief. She didn't know why she was so insistant for them not to blindly run after Robin; it worked out fine the first time around. But she couldn't help but compare the way the speedster was about to run into trouble this time, with the way he did the last time, at Cadmus.
What if he didn't move out of the way in time?
What if he got-.
Fae didn't let herself finish that thought.
It wouldn't happen.
She wouldn't let it.
…So much for pushing down her fear.
"We go with Aqualad's idea, Robin style."
Queue the confused faces.
She couldn't help but smirk.
"Haven't you ever wondered how it would feel like to be a ninja?"
Pirate skulls and bones
Sticks and stones and weed and bombs
Runnin' when we hit 'em.
Lethal poison for the system.
No one on the corner has swagger like us.
Hit me on my Burner, prepaid wireless.
We pack and deliver like UPS trucks.
Already going hard just pumping that gas.
Flying high in the branches, taking care not to be seen, the group of four trekked through the forest in search of the Boy Wonder. Miss Martian was currently focused on levitating the Boy of Steel so that left her to lead as she held up K.F.
Unfortunately, the only place of immediate interest that Robin would go to is the still ongoing fight.
"You would think that the sound would've died down due to people getting SHOT and put out of the fight! Guess all villains suffer from the "Storm-trooper" effect."
When they made it to the clearing, they settled down on various thick branches to get a full view of the fight below.
As Fae expected, the Kobra group was attacking Bane's group, with the man himself having already been tied up (much to her confusion, but hey, they never really did fight him her in the show), trying to drive them away.
Kid soon recognized them too since his eyes went wide as he launched into an explanation.
"Those uniforms! They belong to the cult of Kobra!"
"That's what I was thinking."
All of their heads snapped up to the left to see Robin crouched on a higher branch, focus completely on the fight.
"Dude! Where've you been?! You completely baled!"
Kid was, as always, the first to express his self, but at least he'd done it quietly so as not to type of the goons below.
"What? You obviously took my hint and vanished into the jungle. Even if it took you awhile."
K.F. sputtered while Superboy and Miss Martian gave the Green Lantern a small smirk and secretive smile respectively.
Before the speedster could get another word out, Fae interjected.
"So what's the plan? We obviously can't let them continue or all the noise their making might attract some unwanted attention, which would be bad for us since it would put the enemy on their guard."
Honestly? It was all a load of bull since she was pretty sure that the squad that was attacking Bane's group now was sent out specifically to find them. Hence forth they would be expecting the noise and would do nothing.
But it would be a heck of a lot easier to get the information they needed if they used Ban's secret entrance. So they would ultimately need him. It definitely wouldn't look good if she were to lead them to an unknown entrance to a drug factory (not that she knew the way since it was never shown in the series).
Robin nodded in agreement as his eyes narrowed. She could practically see the different scenarious running through his head. Some being discarded immediately while others were tweeked to fit the situation and some, still, kept as back-up.
It was a little awe-inspiring to see, especially since it was coming from a 13-year-old.
Fae was glad to see that "Bat-focus", but for all of that, it still didn't help with one little problem, however.
"Now!"
The Boy Wonder had whispered it harshly just before he leapt into action, using the enemies' surprise to his advantage, taking down several of them.
…And there in-lied the problem.
Getting over their second bird-indced shock, the team leapt into action.
Superboy jumped in the midst of a group of cultists, forcing them to jump away, and began to, quite literally, pummel them into the ground.
Miss Martian used her telekinesis to throw the enemies into trees and eachother.
K.F., the speedster that he was, used his power to his advantage, stealing away guns and pushing away cultists left and right.
Through all this, Fae protected them from the bullets shot from afar and methodically took out all the long-distance fighters with some well-placed blasts.
Just as one of the goons was about to sneak up on Kid, a blast of water knocked him to the side, rendering him unconscious. Thankfully, that was the last one, and everyone could catch a breather.
Fae took this time to scan over the team with her eyes, making sure that no one was hurt in anyway, grateful that none had been.
Aqualad put his water-bearers away as he strode towards a fallen cultist.
"We need to tie them up. If they regain consciousness and send for help, our cover will be blown."
They nodded in agreement, and Robin produced the rope needed from his utility belt, which baffled Fae to no end.
"How the heck does Batman stuff all this in there?"
She looked down at the rope in her hands before shaking her head and proceeding to tie up the nearest goon.
"Nevermind…I don't wanna know."
After the task was done, Robin and Kid launched into a discussion (read: argument) about the Kobra cultists and the venom goons. Aqualad interrupting only for a moment to mention how Batman would've told them such crucial information on who was running the Santa Prisca venom operation.
Robin agreed and went on to explain how Kobra was most likely kicking the guys out and shutting down normal supply lines.
After hearing that, K.F. was all for returning home and reporting to Batman, which would've been ideal had it not been for Robin's controlling side (Fae blamed the bat in him).
The Boy Wonder would not allow them to leave (Nevermind. The NERVE of this boy!) until he found out why Kobra was hoarding the venom.
And this is how Robin and Kid Flash came to trading verbal blows about who was in charge.
"Dude, you're a 13-year-old kid who ducked out on us without a word!"
Fae had to agree with Kid. That was Robin's problem. He was so used to working with Batman and not having to say anything in order to be understood.
This team definitely couldn't operate like that, being new and all, and expecting it to would put everyone at risk.
"You figured it out alright!"
"Poor argument Robin…"
And by the way K.F. scoffed, he knew it too.
Robin bristled.
"And you're supposed to be a mature 15? You crack jokes and goof off most of the time! I bet you would've blown our cover first chance you got."
If only he knew how close Kid was to doing so…
Fae had, had enough and turned away, putting a hand to her temple.
Watching them bicker on screen was amusing, but going through it in person just grated on her nerves.
"Do you want to lead?"
Fae looked over to see Miss Martian directing the question to Superboy, who looked like she had asked him to eat a spider.
He shook his head as if the idea was incomprehensible and then turned the tables on the Martian.
"You?"
Fae coughed slightly to hide her laugh when she saw Miss Martian do a fabulous impersonation of a "deer-caught-in-the-headlights".
"After the Mister Twister fiasco?"
The green-skinned girl looked down, confidence waning a little at the remembrance of her misjudgment.
The Boy of Steel, however, just smiled slightly as he reassured her.
"You did alright."
Safe to say, the Martian's cheeks were on fire.
Fae smiled to herself as she watched on but it was short-lived when she was asked a question she hadn't been prepared for.
"What of you Green Lantern? Do you not want to lead?"
It was Aqualad. He had been quiet for the most part, only giving his two friends disapproving looks at their argument which had degenerated to name-calling. But apparently, he had been listening to the two aliens' conversation.
Fae's brain had frozen for a moment. There was no way she could lead. It hadn't even crossed her mind!
But then again…
Wouldn't it be so much easier that way? She could insure that they never messed up since she already knew what would happen, and they'd have to listen to her given the position. She could save them from so much stress, pain, death… It would make things so much smoother in the long run.
But…
Was it worth it?
If she gave orders based on her knowledge, the team would get suspicious. Hell! The League would get suspicious if all their missions went without a hitch, and then she'd be under watch, which would lead to her getting found out.
But that wasn't the worst of it.
What if a villain found out? Having all of their plans thwarted by a group of teenagers? Some not even put into motion yet? She shuddered to think what would happen. To her. To the team. She'd already lost one family. Could she stand losing a group that held so much potential of being another?
No. It wasn't worth it. She'd stick to being in the background and figure out something along the way.
She wouldn't risk it.
So with a smile, that didn't quite reach her eyes, and oblivious to the three members concerned gazes (she'd stiffened as soon as Aqualad asked the question, but she didn't know that), she answered the Atlantean.
"Naah. I wouldn't be too good of a leader, but you on the other hand."
She looked up to him, her smile becoming a little more real.
"Would be a great one."
Fae turned away then, heading to break up the speedster and bird, completely missing the small blush that formed on the dark-skinned teen's cheeks.
"Yeah? You don't even have superpowers!"
"And back to that headache…"
"Neither does Batman!"
"Duh, you're not Batman!"
"Duh, closest thing we've got!"
"DUH, if either of you says one more sentence, I will chain you together and drag you through this jungle for the rest of the mission!"
She glared at them, fist raised in their direction, ring glowing.
Both boys stared wide-eyed, lifting their hands in surrender, but not before taking a quick step back.
A pissed Green Lantern was not to be taken lightly.
"Such clever niños. But you only know half the story."
Fae groaned internally at Bane's voice. He had never been a favorite of hers (not that any villain, besides maybe Harley, was a favorite).
The group of young heroes turned to face the tied up man with a black and white mask on his face.
She glanced at Superboy and noticed that he was looking at Bane with complete distrust, ready to pummel him at a moment's notice.
And of course he would be. He was, after all, the only one who understood what Bane was whispering to his lackey. How he knew/understood Spanish, Fae didn't know, but she also wouldn't question it.
"Let me show you the rest, get you into the factory via my secret entrance."
"Yeah, and try to get us killed in the crossfire…"
Miss Martian went up to the overly muscular man, eyes glowing a light green.
"There is a secret entrance, but he's also hiding something."
"Like the plan for our demise?"
However, the Martian's attempt to read Bane's mind was for naught as the man just chuckled.
"Ah, ah, ah, chica. Bane is not that easy."
The green-skinned girl scrunched up her nose in a grimace, trying, and failing, to decipher what she was hearing.
"Ugh. He's mentally reciting fútbol scores en Español."
She shook her head.
"This could take a while…"
Bane's grin grew sickeningly slick as he looked up at them all.
"It's not complicated. The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
Fae scoffed, rolling her eyes behind her mask, drawing the attention to her.
"And who's to say that you won't betray us?"
Yes, they needed his secret entrance. And yes, they needed the guy to show them. But he was planning to threaten their safety and having that slight fear of something going wrong didn't ease her nerves in the slightest.
Bane sneered at the Green Lantern but eased his features into his familiar grin once more. He wouldn't let this pequeña* chica get in the way of reclaiming his factory.
"You can't. But the chances of you succeeding in your little…"mission" will be much higher with my help."
Fae's eyes narrowed before looking at the rest of the team. No one could deny his logic, and even though it didn't feel right, they would have to accept his help.
With a nod from Aqualad to Robin, the latter pulled out a bird-a-rang and cut Bane free, who promptly stood up and stretched a little with an even wider grin than before.
"This way niños."
He jerked his thumb in a certain direction and proceeded to walk away, leaving the rest of them to follow.
Glancing at Superboy, Fae caught his eye and they both tilted their heads toward each other.
One wrong move, and Bane was going down.
M.I.A: Third world democracy.
Yeah, I got more records than the K.G.B.
So, uh, no funny business.
Some, some, some I, some I murder.
Some I, some I let go.
Some, some, some I, some I murder.
Some I, some I let go.
As the team, plus one, moved through the dense jungle, Fae began preparing herself.
There would be guns.
Lots of guns.
All firing at her and her team, and she would need to keep focus.
Where was a motivational poster when you needed it?
So to calm down, Fae went through the breathing exercises that Grandpa Joe had taught her when she first started her training.
"Concentrate on your breathing. In. Out. Full breaths. Good. Your lungs not getting enough air means your brain's not getting enough air, which translates to you not making good decisions."
Fae almost chocked on a breath and had to force the tears away.
How long had it been since she'd last saw them? Her sister? Grandpa Joe? Over a year certainly.
God how she missed them, but now wasn't the time.
Feeling someone's stare on her, Fae inhaled and exhaled softly one more time to compose herself before she turned her head to look at whoever it was.
And came face-to-, well, almost face with Robin.
She was more than a little surprised to see him so intently focused on her. Then all of a sudden, he smiled, reassuringly at that, as if he knew something.
Fae shook her head.
He didn't know, there was no way he could. She was no bat, but she didn't broadcast her emotions. So she shrugged it off, placing her attention back on walking forward.
A half hour later, they came across the supposed product that Kobra was keeping. It appeared that a buy was going down (obviously), and they would need to figure out just who that buyer was, which lead to Robin and Kid Flash arguing.
Again…
However, this time Fae didn't have to stop them as the Hispanic man walked to the secret entrance that he spoke of and that she recognized.
He moved the boulder to the side and gestured to the inside of the tunnel with a smirk.
"Answers are this way."
Kid Flash looked more than a little put out at some random guy taking charge.
"So, now el luchador is our leader?"
Fae just pushed forward, lightly smacking the speedster upside his head. At his yelp, she looked over her shoulder, eyebrow raised and a slight smirk on his face, practically daring him to say anything.
K.F. was left stunned and more than a little flustered. The hit hadn't hurt and he'd admit that he was exaggerating a bit, but man…
If she would smile like that at him every time, he wouldn't mind exaggerating more often.
He was startled out of his daydreaming (nightdreaming?) by a familiar snicker coming from his left.
Robin had a fist to his mouth, more than likely hiding his own smirk.
"Daydream anymore and you'll start drooling. And on a mission too?"
The speedster's face was a bright crimson as the Boy Wonder walked away, cackling, running forward when he realized that he was being left behind.
They were now inside the factory and if the shipment outside had appeared large, It was nothing to the amount of crates inside.
Each member looked around, and Fae felt more than saw Robin leave, and she almost wanted to face-palm.
Hadn't they discussed the whole "ducking out"? Oh, wait. No, him and K.F. had only argued.
"I'll find him after all this."
Once the all clear was given, Bane looked around, becoming surprised when he couldn't find the Bird.
"Has that little fool already been caught?"
The rest of the team (barring Fae) looked around as well to see what he was talking about. When they, too, saw that the Boy Wonder was missing, they shrugged (mainly K.F. shrugged, the others looked nonchalant).
"No, he just does that."
Aqualad, deciding to take control of the situation before anything rash was done, leveled Kid with a firm stare.
"Stay put."
"Whoa. Déjà vu. Except it's a younger Atlantean instead of an older Bat."
The speedster, clearly having missed the point of the stare and words, turned and put his googles on.
"I'll get our intel and be back before "Boy Wonder"."
He prepared to take off and then flinched before blinking, glancing back at the G.L. in mild confusion, and then finally running off.
Aqualad held up a hand, confused yet ignoring Kid's delay in action, and whisper/shouted for him to wait.
Superboy and Miss Martian, however, weren't as confused and both looked at her in silent question.
Wasn't she the one that made a fuss of K.F. running off on his own before?
The girl in question just gave them a little smile before going back to being lookout.
Fae knew that Kid wouldn't get detected so there was no cause for alarm. Plus, she knew that, even though they bickered sometimes, those two worked well together. And no matter how smart Robin was, he wasn't as scientifically inclined as the speedster and would need his help.
"Great chain of command."
Fae whipped her head around and glared at the Hispanic man.
"At least we still have ours. Yours, however, appears to have been taken over."
Bane tensed and glared at her fiercely, clearly trying to intimidate. Too bad for him, Kilowag was one of her mentors, so she just glared back, all too happy to return the high amount of loathing.
Miss Martian fidgeted, uncomfortable with the level of negative emotion she was feeling from her friend.
Superboy was the exact opposite. He was ready to back up the Green Lantern if Bane so much as raised a finger in her direction.
But before things could escalate any further, Aqualad cleared his throat, bringing all the attention to his self.
Glancing between the two, the Atlantean spoke in a firm voice.
"Focus. We must still figure out who this buyer is, and we cannot do that from this vantage point."
Fae grudgingly gave in and turned away from the Hispanic menace. She knew that her anger was irrational. Hell, to her team, it must've seemed like he'd greatly wronged her before when they'd never even met. It was just that…
He reminded her…
Ofhim.
She glared one last time at Bane, who happily returned it, and followed the Atlantean.
As said before, they were overviewing a massive shipment that was separated into two groups: the new product and the old one.
And the cultists were only taking the new one.
"Maybe freshness counts?"
While the rest ignored her, Fae patted Miss Martian on the arm and gave her a "nice try" smile, which the Martian shyly returned.
The mini-moment was broken as the Boy of Steel perked up and turned his head to listen out, most likely hearing the helicopter that came to pick up the buyer, Sportsmaster.
"Helicopters coming."
"Called it."
At his statement, everyone else turned to listen in, and soon enough, the chopping sound of helicopters could be heard.
Bane appraised the teen for a second and then nodded in approval.
"Good ears, chico."
"Something's definitely wrong with the world when a villain can acknowledge and praise a kid when their own hero of a father won't."
Suerboy must've caught it too because his face grew stony as he looked ahead.
Aqualad broke the brief silence, saying that it was probably the buyer coming and sent Miss Martian to investigate in her camouflage mode.
The Martian girl nodded, turning invisible and flying off to complete her task.
They only had to wait a few moments until Aqualad was sent a mental image.
And what do ya know; it was Sportsmaster.
The Atlantean immediately put a hand to his comm-link to contact the League.
"Aqualad to Red Tornado. Do you read?"
Static.
The teen clenched his jaw in frustration, lowering his hand.
"Can't reach the League, Robin, or Kid. Com's jammed."
He turned to the rest of the team.
"We need a plan, n-."
He was rudely cut off when Bane abruptly stood up from his position with a wild grin.
"And there goes all thoughts of an actual plan."
"I have a suggestion."
The Hispanic giant then leapt off the catwalk and into the midst of the cultists.
Aqualad looked bewildered as he watched on.
"What is he-."
He was interrupted yet again as a monstrous form crashed through the windows above them, landing on, and ultimately destroying, the catwalk.
Luckily, they were all able to jump off in time, Fae flying in the air to face the threat.
Only to freeze in shock and a little bit of fear.
"Why is it that everything's so much worse in real life?"
The ginger-headed "man" they were facing was definitely on the new, hyped-up venom. Like the Blockbuster monster they'd fought at Cadmus, this guy was huge as well. But instead of new skin replacing the old one, this man's muscles had ripped through the skin, showing the pink tissue underneath. His flesh had a rotten look to it, but Fae could also see a slight sheen, almost like hardened wax, on what was left.
"Like a mutated zombie…"
She wasn't able to think of much else when the sound of gunshots rang out.
The cultists had finally gotten their bearings and were now attacking them.
Fae created a snake construct, letting it "eat" some of them, and promptly smashed it into a wall, knocking them out.
Looking for her other teammates, she saw Superboy holding his own against the Venom monster and Aqualad defending himself against the cultists. They were going strong now, but there were too many of them and their team was currently divided.
Not to mention a certain Hispanic man had "mysteriously" disappeared…
But she couldn't think about that now. She needed to focus on dodging the numerous bullets that were now being aimed at her. Luckily, the adrenaline had long since kicked in so she didn't have to think about I, trusting her trained body to act accordingly.
Soon enough, she heard Miss Martian's voice in her mind.
"Everyone online?"
Superboy grunted out an irritated "yeah", still not comfortable with having someone in his head, even if she was his teammate.
Kid Flash, who had joined the fray moments earlier, responded with a flirty "you know it, beautiful".
Fae said a short "here" as she was currently focused on shielding herself and Aqualad from the continuous rain of bullets while he struck out at their attackers with his water-bearers.
"We need to regroup."
They all got the sense of rushed movements and agitation as Robin's voice cut through the link.
"Busy now."
He was currently fighting Kobra and Shimmer and did not appreciate the sudden distraction in his mind.
Too bad for him, Fae didn't appreciate his "lone wolf" attitude, and coupled with the increasing chance of getting shot, again, she was in no mood.
"Robin, now."
She must've broadcasted her bad mood through the link as she felt, not only Robin, but the rest of the team mentally flinch as well. She'd apologize later, but now, she only wanted to get out of here, and it seemed Aqualad was on the same page as he called for a strategic retreat and got K.F. to clear a path using his speed.
As they all ran/flew, the venom monster decided to give chase.
Not thinking twice about it, Fae blasted the support beams of the secret entrance they were running through.
The ceiling crashed down between themselves, and the monster finally allowing the teens to breathe. Aqualad pulling out a flare to produce light.
"And here I thought knowing everything would make these missions easier. Turns out, it's twice as stressful!"
"How could my first mission as leader go so wrong?"
Robin was looking at his clenched fist with a heavy scowl on his face.
This wasn't how it was supposed to be. The missin was supposed to go smoothly. The team would follow his lead, and he would figure out everything that was going on. He would then shut down the operation, and the team would be successful, gaining the respect and recognition of the whole League.
Of Batman.
He looked up when he felt a hand on his back to find G.L. giving him a half-smile.
Fae didn't really know what was going on in the Bird's mind (she doubted anyone besides Batman could) but she could clearly see the self-disappointment in his body language. She'd often feel it herself when she didn't get a move down as fast as she wanted or when she'd lose a match.
But he needed to know it wasn't his fault; it was just how he was trained.
"You do have the most experience. Perhaps that is exactly what has left you unprepared."
Both teens turned to the Atlantean who made his way towards them.
Fae nodded.
"You've worked with Batman for years, learned his moves, body language, can communicate without talking. The list goes on. Between you and him, your roles are defined; you know what to do."
Aqualad picked up.
"But this team is new, and a leader must be clear, explicit. He cannot vanish and expect others to play parts in an unknown plan."
Robin, who'd been glaring at the ground, looked up sharply.
"You guys went along alright! It wasn't until now that everything went wrong."
Fae shook her head, knowing what he was talking about even as Aqualad gave him a confused look.
"Robin, that wasn't us "following your lead" when you disappeared into the jungle. You actually caused a little panic."
Kid Flash, who'd been silently watching the exchange with Miss Maritna and Superboy, spoke, surprisingly serious.
"Yeah, dude. If it weren't for Fae, this mission would've been botched looong before we made it here."
The Martian and Kryptonian nodded their heads in agreement, much to Robin's surprise and slight irritation.
"Oh, so I'm supposed to hold everyone's hands!"
Fae maneuvered her arm around the bird and bent down to whisper in his ear after she gave the clone a warning stare, leaving the team looking at each other, a bit bemused.
After a second or two, she straightened up with a small smirk.
Robin sighed before a little smirk of his own appeared on his face, much to the confusion of the team.
Wasn't he just angry?
"Who am I kidding? You should lead us, Kaldur. You're the only one who can."
Everyone (barring Fae) was surprised, none more so than the Atlantean himself, though he felt very honored by his friend. However, the speedster wasn't too accepting as he folded his arms and scoffed.
"Please! I can run circles-."
The Boy Wonder cut across him.
"Wally, come on! You know he's the one. We all do."
Everyone nodded, Miss Martian tapping her head.
"Hello, Megan! It's so obvious!
Superboy gave a solemn nod.
"Could've told you."
Fae just gave him an "I-told-you-so" look.
It took him awhile, but seeing everyone agreeing, Kid deflated and put his hands up.
"Ok."
Aqualad smiled, feeling truly honored that his teammates, his friends, would trust him to guide them.
"Then I accept the burden."
Fae removed her arm from around Robin as the Atlantean put his hands on both his shoulders.
"Until you are ready to lift it from my shoulders. You were born to lead this team. Maybe not now, but soon."
Robin beamed.
"Alright."
Taking his hands off the younger boy's shoulders, the blonde teen turned to face his whole team.
"Our first priority is preventing that shipment from leaving this island."
The Boy Wonder's smile turned into a smug smirk.
"Funny. I had the same thought."
He then went on to explain how he'd already sabotaged the helicopter to give them time.
Fae found herself once again impressed by the young teen. He may have a lone wolf complex, but he always planned ahead, and it benefitted them greatly.
She smiled.
He would be an excellent leader, not that she didn't already know that.
Afterwards, they started to run through the tunnel, back to the jungle.
Robin and Kid Flash once again threw out theories and explanations of the Kobra venom after Aqualad had supplied them with the name of the buyer.
Exit in sight, they were all more than happy to get out of the cramped tunnel, they sped up but halted suddenly when a long missing Hispanic voice rang out.
"Halt niños. I'm feeling…Explosive."
There stood the overly muscular man, blocking the opening, with a remote control in his extened hand.
A quick glance upward told Fae that the tunnel's ceiling was covered in dynamite.
"Dynamite on the ceiling."
Everyone stiffened, and Aqualad slightly inclined his head in acknowledgement.
"You betrayed us. Why?"
Bane scoffed at the question.
"I want my factory back."
Their new leader's voice filled their heads.
"Kid, you'll need a running start."
As the masked man continued to talk, they felt more than saw K.F. backup, Bane's babble being the perfect cover.
The Green Lantern shook her head.
Villains mono-logging was the main reason heroes won most of the time.
Bane lifted his hand a little higher, ending his little speech.
"Blowing the tunnel with you inside should have the same effect."
There was a slight "whoosh" of air just as his thumb went to press the button, only to meet his other fingers.
"With what? This trigger thingy?"
He was shocked to say the least as he whirled around to face the speedster, currently leant against a tree, lightly tossing the remote in the air.
As soon as Bane charged, Fae had him entrapped in a green bubble and lifted him in the air.
They stepped out of the tunnel, walking right up to the hovering man, Superboy cracking his knuckles the entire way, smirk in place. He'd been waiting for the guy to cross the line, and he did.
"Finally."
Stepping ahead of G.L. and just in front of Bane, he directed his next words to her.
"Drop him."
It was satisfying to hear the crunch of Bane's nose as his face slammed into the clone's fist before he was sent flying through the trees.
After that was over, everyone was silent for a moment to rejoice in the small victory; the Atlantean was the first to break it and get back to business.
"We need to stop that shipment."
Robin chimed in.
"Yeah, I might've messed up the controls of their get-away, but that's only temporary. No doubt they've fixed it by now."
Not having seen this part (stupid show, not showing everything) but knowing what to do, Fae went inside the tunnel.
She inspected the dynamite as the original three side- partners threw ideas around, Miss Martian and Superboy hanging back since it wasn't their strong suit.
Looking at the wires around the explosives, Fae was happy to note that the wires didn't extend to everything else and could be detached from the ceiling with ease, and that's what she did.
Encasing the dynamite in a green bubble, she lowered them into her arms, green glow still around them just in case.
Making her way back out, she caught the tail-end of the boys' conversation about bringing down the helicopter before she interrupted.
"Hey guys!"
They turned, she lifted up her dynamite-filled arms with a cheeky grin.
"This good enough?"
Their eyes widened before Robin caught on and returned her grin as his mind came up with a plan.
Miss Martian would go camo and place the bombs on the helicopter as Aqualad and Superboy distracted the Venom monster and Sportsmaster respectively, setting them off when she was safely off the plane.
K.F. and G.L. would take down the cultists as Robin faced off with Kobra since he knew the most about him, but Fae made sure to make him promise to call for help if need (even though she knew he wouldn't).
The team raced back to the shipment; executing the rather simple, yet effect, plan.
Kid ran through the cultists, knocking them over as Superboy jumped in front of the Venom monster.
"Go again?"
The man-turned-beast charged but ws blasted to the side by a spray of water from Aqualad.
"Sorry. Not the plan."
Fae had constructed a whip and was currently knocking guns out of hands and throwing people into people when she noticed Robin struggling.
She glared back at Kid to make sure he had the lackeys covered before flying off to help the bird.
And just in time too.
Just as Kobra was about to stomp on Robin's chest and crush his ribcage, Fae caught his ankle in her whip and threw him away. However, any damage he would've received in the fall was non-existent as he flipped in mid-air and landed on his feet, hands clasped behind his back like nothing happened.
She helped Robin up, keeping her eyes on Kobra the entire time.
"Plan for him?"
The Boy Wonder gritted his teeth as he got up and then shrugged.
"Attack?"
Fae gave a half-hearted smile.
"I like that plan."
Running at the man, who prepared himself for her strike, she ducked low at the last second and did a back leg sweep.
Kobra hopped into the air to avoid the attack and twisted his body to dodge the ariel kick Robin aimed for him.
It went on like that for a while, the duo attacking and Kobra avoiding and landing heavy counters.
Fae was pretty sure she would have a nice hand-sized bruise on her stomach from one of his hits.
Then it all ended when the rest of their teammates surrounded them, forcing Kobra to retreat into the jungle after saying "another time, then".
Mission complete, the group was finally able to relax and Fae looked around to see the damage they'd caused.
She saw the factory burning, along with pieces of the helicopter along the ground, and wondered how she could've missed the explosion. But it was put to the back of her mind as Robin's creepy little cackle rang out and she allowed herself a secretive smile.
Fae maneuvered her arm around the bird and bent down to whisper in his ear after she gave the clone a warning stare, leaving the team looking at each other, a bit bemused.
"You're not ready yet, and that's okay. You shouldn't rush things. You'll be a great leader in time. I know it, but just take it slow. And besides, who do you think has to explain everything to Batman?"
"We picked the right guy to lead!"
He spun around to face a bewildered Aqualad, throwing his arms in the air.
"Automatically making you the right guy to explain this mess to Batman!"
The Boy Wonder doubled over in laughter as a look of complete shock, and a little (or maybe a lot of) fear, crossed his features.
At his face, Fae couldn't take it anymore and burst out laughing at the dark-skinned ten's expense, once again surprising all except Robin, who was too busy cracking up with her.
If she could've seen their faces, Fae would've wondered if they thought her incapable of laughing.
Aqualad was content that she was happy (even if it was at his own expense). She'd been the most agitate on this mission, even more so than Superboy, and it seemed to increase when they met Bane. Whatever it was that bothered her, he was just glad that it was gone now.
Now?
Now he had to figure out a way to explain this to Batman.
"A simple recon mission, observe and report."
"How can one man make such a simple sentence sound so threatening?"
Fae kept herself from flinching due to years of lectures from Grandpa Joe (and then Kilowag) on her fighting but just barely.
He was still the freakin' Batman for Pete's sake!
The Dark Knight went on to scrutinize them, telling the team that they'd be receiving a very detailed evaluation on their many mistakes and then finished by congratulating them, much to the team's surprise (except Fae of course).
"No battle plan survives first contact with the enemy."
He looked at Fae, to her shock and glee.
"How you adjust to the unforeseen is what determines success."
"Did…did he just? He just…Freaking BATMAN just complimented me!"
She'd be the first to admit it…
She was definitely spazzing.
On the inside of course…
He turned to his protégé and Aqualad next.
"And how you choose who leads determines character."
With that, the Bat walked away, leaving the young group to think on his words.
"Well then!"
Fae stretched her arms upward. Everyone was clad in their regular civies, having changed on the bioship, ready to go home after the debrief.
"I'm about to head out. See ya."
As whe was about to leave, Megan called out to her.
"Wait."
She did so, turning back around with a questioning look.
"Well, Fae, we…umm…we were thinking-."
Wally shouted.
"Mind-link thinking!"
At Everyone's blank stare, he amended.
"But not, you know, bad things, or anything, ya know. Because it's you and umm…"
Robin rolled his eyes, taking over before Kid Mouth could embarrass himself more.
"We want you to be our Second in Command."
They all beamed at her (well Robin, Megan, and Wally beamed; Aqualad smiled, and the corners of Superboy's mouth twitched upwards).
However, Fae could only stare in shock.
Isn't this what she didn't want? To be in a leading position?
"No, you just didn't want to be leader. This could be a blessing in disguise."
That's right. She wouldn't have to worry about actually leading the team, and she could still use her knowledge. She could just advise Kaldur on what to/not to do. She could just play it off as caution or something if need be.
This was perfect! The thought of being SiC* hadn't even crossed her mind, but it would definitely be an advantage for her.
She could do this.
Fae gave them a happy, albeit small, smile.
"I accept."
They all cheered (barring Superboy and Aqualad who smiled), Wally and Robin high-fiving even as they walked out along with Megan and Superboy.
She was about to leave herself until she felt a hand grab her arm.
Turning back once again, she saw a serious Aqualad looking at her in confusion and concern.
Fae was a little alarmed but was careful not to show it. There was no way he could've figured out anything this early. She hadn't even done anything major yet!
Letting a slow breath out through her nose, she addressed the Atlantean.
"Yeah Kaldur?"
He released her arm, almost reluctantly, before responding.
"What happened on the mission?"
At her questioning look, he elaborated.
"You were quite agitated. You were…irritated before it and it only progressed throughout, reaching its peak when we encountered Bane and the cultists. Only afterwards did it cease."
He was now the leader of the team and he had to make sure everyone on it was alright, especially his SiC.
Fae was a bit surprised. Apparently, she couldn't hide her emotions as well as she thought she could.
She let out a weary sigh before answering.
"I was only anxious before the mission since it was our first and all. And Bane and the cultists only reminded me of…something."
Fae looked away, clearly not wanting to talk about it anymore.
She'd told him the truth; she was anxious, and Bane and those loons had reminded her of something- someone. A person who'd taken her away from her sister.
There was just no way that she'd elaborate. She couldn't without telling him everything, and that was a no go.
"Don't worry Kaldur. I'll be fine."
At his doubtful face, she rolled her eyes and gave him a cheeky grin.
Really Kaldur. Besides, I'm your SiC. I'm supposed to make sure you're okay."
He was about to protest but she just raised her hand.
"There's gonna be a lot of stress that comes with being leader, and my job is to relieve some of it by helping you."
She started walking away.
Looking back, Fae smiled one last time.
"Don't worry. I got your back."
"I just hope I can keep my word."
She left then, leaving Kaldur staring after her, stunned, before a slow smile grew on his face.
Though his earlier concerns were not forgotten, she was in better spirits, and that was all he could ask. Plus, it was nice to know that he would have someone to share the burden with, to lean on.
He was glad that, that someone was her.
Green eyes looked at the glowing screens in the dark room, narrowed in barely concealed agitation.
Yes, they were able to recover a sample of the venom which could be re-egineered, but that wasn't what he was focused on.
When he spoke, his voice came out low and menacing, enough to make the obscure white figures flinch.
"How is it…that teenage sidekicks can ruin our plans? Not once…not twice…but three times?!"
He was all but shouting by the end of it, and every figure squirmed underneath his glare.
One of the male figures spoke in the hopes of easing the man's rage.
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. But three times is enemy action, and enemies of the light must not stand."
The green-eyed man looked towards the figure that spoke with a bored stare, anger under semi-control.
"For your sakes…they better not."
The images stiffened and he glared one last time before turning his chair around in an obvious sign of dismissal, making them sign off hastily, throwing the room into complete darkness.
The man sat in silence for a moment, unmoving and almost statuesque, before a malicious smile slowly spread across his face. He only had to wait a little longer and his vessel would be ready. Then everything would fall into place.
It was only a matter of time.
All I wanna do is (BANG BANG BANG BANG!)
And (KKKAAA CHING!)
And take your money!
All I wanna do is (BANG BANG BANG BANG!)
And (KKKAAA CHING!)
And take your money!
Chapter 13 End
End Note
*Pequena – "Little" in Spanish
*SiC- Abbreviated version of Second in Command
I'm…I'm so tired right now…I'm about to fall asleep on my laptop…BUT before I do, I have to give you the news on the poll.
You will find out which pairings won on my next update, which is when it will also close (so you people who either waited 'til the last minute, or if you're new, can still vote) because I'm too tired to check/add up the votes now and post it.
Do I have anything else to say? No?
Okay then, question time!
*Who/What do you think the man with the green eyes is?*
Or
*If you landed in your favorite fandom, would you keep your knowledge a secret or tell your fave people about it?*
Answer in the review.
Good night everyone! Or good morning…depending on where you live.
Love ya!
-SP13