Author's note: Hey guys, I'm sorry for the late update. I was doing some research and I got busy so I started at like 5. At least this chapter is average and not really long. It's got some Aiden vs Aqualad and a Dante and Alex team up. You can't miss this or my feelings on Cartoon Network on this chapter lol. Hope you enjoy.
Strike OOO, now I get the garfield thing. Thanks for clearing that up. No, there isn't anything wrong with the reviewing thing. I'm just curious as to what happened. Need me to beat someone up? *punches fist8 Hulk smash? "insert frustrated Flash family Haha ok" Didn't really get that. I mean, I get my other references to Yugioh but tell me you know about Pokemon. Who doesn't?! Aiden was just saying that to get into Dante's head. Just apart of his mind games. Whatever happened between those two was probably sweet. Aiden is very happy that you said one of us lol. I'm glad I did a good job with Haywire. I'm glad you're happy. I don't think Madison is going to get a upgrade. I don't see how. And of course there is going to be grammar errors, I'm just too lazy to correct them. And no, I don't need you pointing out every single one in your reviews. I just want to hear your thoughts about the story and all that jazz.
Lia, I'm glad you liked the fights and the banter between each of them. I'm glad you like Nightmare now and those fights between him and Macy will happen... Epically! lol. I was just going to have it be a android but your way sounds much cooler. So for everyone reading this, I'm going to put this in caps so you can see lol. THE PRESIDENT INSIDE OF THE PRISON WAS MACY. ANOTHER ADOPTIVE CHILD FROM RA'S THAT CAN SHAPEFHIT. SHE SHIFTED INTO THE PRESIDENT DUE TO ORDERS FROM RA'S AND LIED TO DANTE KNOWING HE WOULD TELL THE LEAGUE. HENCE WHY THE LEAGUE IS IN TROUBLE WITH THE GOVERMENT. Thank you for your attention lol.
Here it is guys. Lucky Episode 21!
Miami, Florida
February 1st, 2013 3:00 pm est
Even in the winter, Florida is still warm and beautiful as the sun was out and everyone was in sweaters. Aiden couldn't believe how beautiful Florida was until he actually got there. As he returned home from school he couldn't help but watch the beautiful ladies pass by and the guys in their expensive suits looking like business men or thugs. He finally reached his two story home that was brown and looked as if a celebrity had lived there. Aiden couldn't believe how far the Light would go to relocate him to such a beautiful place. Though his mother loved the new scenery, he couldn't help but worry about her. He was worried that her drug addiction might go too far here in Miami where the drugs are in the truck load.
Since they had gotten there, she stopped the drugs, at least not when he was around. He wasn't entirely sure if she was doing it behind his back. For all that he knew, she was back to her original self. No more Dave abusing her, no more living in that shitty neighborhood, and no more drugs. She was a strong independent woman who went to a councilor twice a week to talk about things. She expressed her concerns about Aiden and what he had become because of her and Dave and the neighborhood they lived in. She didn't exactly tell the expert that her son was a villain and that the people he worked for paid for everything they have. But she subtly hinted that he was into something bad and wished she can do something about it.
Aiden entered his house and wrinkled his nose as he smelled something familiar in the air. One of his mother's home cook meals that he desperately missed while being away from her. He walked towards the kitchen and dropped his book bag on the couch. Once at the beautifully decorated kitchen, Aiden looked at his mother and smiled. She now had a tan and gained some more weight. She no longer looked like a ghoul with brown hair. Her hair was stylishly made and she had some makeup on. Aiden couldn't remember the last time he had saw her like this. She was finally happy and freed from Dave's control.
"What's for dinner?" Aiden asked his mother as he sat on a stool near a table counter she used to prepare meals.
"Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes." She replied while moving the mashed potatoes around.
"Sounds good." Aiden replied. He then got off the stool and headed to the fridge, "Did you hear about the Justice League?" Aiden asked with a proud smile.
"That they killed the President? Uh-huh, it's been all over the news." She replied without turning around to look at him.
Aiden raised a eyebrow at his mother and wondered why she wouldn't turn around to look at him. He slowly approached her and then leaned against the hot stove with his gaze on her, "Something wrong?"
"No." She quickly responded and moved her head so her hair would cover her face.
"Then why won't you look at me?" He asked as grabbed her arm softly.
She shrugged his hand off her arm and she moved away from him. She looked him in the eyes with teary eyes.
"What's wrong?" Aiden asked her with a frown.
"You're what's wrong." She replied as she continued to stare at him.
"What did I do?" Aiden asked her with a confused look.
"You tell me." She replied as soon as he finished as if she anticipated he would say that. "What did you do to get all of this? You killed people for it? Who are these people you work for?"
"To tell the truth mom," He said while looking at the floor, "Dave was the first person I've ever killed." He sighed and looked up at the ceiling with his hands on the counter he was leaning on, "I mean, I've hurt people physically and mentally but I've never killed anyone." He smiled at her, "I just really didn't like him."
She stepped back and looked a bit disgusted, "And you don't feel anything from killing him? Don't you have a conscience?"
Aiden chuckled, "I've never had anybody show me what's right and what's wrong. All I've seen growing up is what's wrong. Dad didn't stick around to teach me anything useful and you was too busy with Dave and your drugs that you ignored me."
"I never wanted you to become this… Thing you are now." She said with a frown.
"Thing? You're talking about my powers or the thing I do to put a roof over your head. The thing I did to free you from Dave and your addiction to drugs. What thing are you talking about?"
"Both Aiden." She said as she looked into his eyes, "I never wanted you to grow up like you did. I wanted something better for you."
"I have something better and I don't plan on letting it go. This group is everything to me now mom and you either embrace this new me or you go back to Central City and live your life by getting another abusive boyfriend who sells drugs." He then felt something in his pocket vibrating. He reached into his pocket and took out his cell phone, "I gotta get this." He said and then walked out of the kitchen and went into the backyard via a sliding glass door.
"Hello?"
"Aiden, we need the samples you acquired while in the Beta team." Lex Luthor said on the other side of the phone.
"Alright, where do I meet you guys at?"
"We have a location for you. We'll send it by text. Don't be late." Lex said and then hung up.
Aiden looked at his phone for a moment after Lex hung up and finally got the text. He entered his house and looked at his mom who was now sobbing.
Aiden took a deep breath and frowned, "I'm sorry Mom. I do all of this because I love you and you're my only living family member." He walked up to her and the two stared at each other for a moment. He held his arms out wide and the two hugged each other for a few seconds. "I gotta go but keep my food warm. Ok?" He asked with a smile that reminded his mother of when he was young.
"Ok." She replied as she wiped some tears off her cheeks. Before she knew it, Aiden turned into water and went into the kitchen sink. Though she knew about his powers, she wasn't quite used to it.
Unknown Location
3:45 pm est
Aiden removed the cover that blocked the way from the streets to the sewers below. He climbed up to the street and placed the cover over the hole to the sewers. One benefit of having water powers is that you can keep yourself clean. Even if you had a ride in the stinky sewers below. Aiden walked to the abandoned warehouse and occasionally smelled himself to make sure he didn't smell like garbage, feces or urine. He looked around for a brief moment to see if anyone was around and then he opened the door to the warehouse. As he entered the dark, empty warehouse he noticed no one was around. The sunlight from outside illuminated the room thanks to the ceiling windows placed above him.
"Hello?" He said while cautiously walking up. His words echoed throughout the room and he looked at his phone to see if he got the right location.
"There you are." A voice behind Aiden said.
Aiden turned around to see Lex Luthor in front of him with a Hawaiian shirt, beige shorts and some slippers. "Isn't it a bit cold to be wearing that?" Aiden asked with a raised eyebrow.
"You actually think this is me?" Lex asked with a slight chuckle, "This is a android I use on occasions."
"Professor Ivo?" Aiden asked.
"Of course. Do you have the samples?" Lex asked as he put his hand out to receive what he asked for.
"Yes, sir." Aiden said and reached into his back pocket for the samples he had. He finally got them and placed them on Lex's hand, "Five samples for the five people in Beta that have powers. It contains their sweat and other things that should give you enough DNA to do what you want with them."
"Do you know what we want to do with these samples?" Lex asked as he closed his hand and placed them in his pocket.
"Yes, sir." Aiden replied with a smile as he locked his hands behind his back.
"Good. You've been a great help to the Light. You continue on this road and you'll be one of our most trusted members."
"You don't trust me?" Aiden asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Of course we do. I meant, trust you enough to reveal our plans to you."
Aiden nodded, "Oh, I get it now." He then chuckled, "You never know, I might be on that TV monitor in the future."
Lex smiled, "Maybe one of these days." Lex turned around to leave the building but stopped, "They want to see you."
"Who?"
"Black Manta and Ocean Master."
"So they're really going through with this attack on Atlantis?" Aiden asked with a smile.
"Yes. And they want you there with them. Don't let them down." Lex said and then opened the door, "They'll be waiting for you at South Beach." With that, Lex left the building.
Under the water of South Beach
4:30 pm est
After receiving the news from Lex, Aiden quickly made his way home via the Florida water system and put on his costume. Before leaving, Aiden told his mother to place his food in the microwave and that he will eat after he gets this job done. As he left, he once again went through the sewers and into the water at South Beach. Once inside, he continued to swim out to where he thought Manta's ship would be. He saw the black manta shaped ship with red glaring eyes down below and he couldn't help but smile at it. He continued to swim downward at top speed until he reached the entrance of the ship. Once inside, he noticed he was in the storage area so he opened the door to see Black Manta and Ocean Master standing on a stage with rows upon rows of Black Manta's men looking at them. Ocean Master spotted Aiden and gestured for him to join them on stage.
As Aiden made his way up to the stage, he heard Black Manta inspire his men and his men cheering back at him. Aiden couldn't help but get goosebumps as Black Manta delivered his inspirational speech about taking Atlantis from Aquaman. He then pointed at Aiden and told the group that Aiden was going to help them and he too was a soldier just like them. Aiden started walking proudly amongst his fellow soldiers until he finally reached the stage.
Ocean Master wrapped his arm over Aiden's shoulder and leaned in, "Today, we're going to make history."
"Glad to be here." Aiden said as he was excited to be apart of something so special to the Light. Aiden wasn't sure what the Light wanted from Atlantis or how it fits in with their Master plan but he wanted to be apart of it.
"Now get ready to fight!" Black Manta shouted and fist pump the air. His men started to do the same thing and then they all started running around to get ready for this upcoming war. After watching his men scatter, Black Manta walked up to Aiden and put his hand out for a handshake, "Glad you're with us."
Aiden quickly shook his hand and smiled, "Anytime." After shaking his hand for a moment, Aiden looked at the two as he pulled his hand away, "So what's the plan?"
Atlantis
5:00 pm
"I seriously think you should let Garth and Tula join the team." Aqualad suggested as he walked in the hallways of the King Palace with Aquaman.
"Next thing you're going to be telling me is that La'gann should be apart of it as well." Aquman said and then chuckled.
"Why must you joke when I'm being serious with you? They have passed their final exams and are ready to help others out. Why not let them go?"
"Because I won't see them as often as I do now. Just like you."
"I come when I can."
"Which isn't often." Aquaman pointed out as he looked at Aqualad.
Aqualad sighed, "Sir, our team is growing. Especially with Beta running around, we can use more good people in our team. More Atlanteans at least."
"Getting lonely on the surface world Kaldur?" Aquaman asked with a smile.
"Honestly," Aqualad said and then paused. He looked down in defeat, "Yes."
Aquaman patted Aqualad's back as they stopped walking, "Don't you think you should ask them first?"
"I already did."
"And?"
"They're waiting on your permission."
"Hm," Aquaman said as he placed a hand on his cheek, "They can really help out here in Atlantis."
"But you have plenty of great warriors here. Why not let them go to the surface world and experience how things are up there."
"That's a good point." Aquaman went back to walking, "I'll consider it. Just give me time."
Aqualad followed, "That's better then a no."
At the entrance of the palace, a red beam blew the doors to the palace open and smoke surrounded the area. The guards that protected the palace quickly came outside with the spears and shields and looked at the boy in front of them.
"You there!" One of them shouted at the boy as he pointed at him, "Who are you?!"
"He's a human!" The other said as he pointed his spear in the boy's direction.
"That's impossible. Humans can't breathe under water." The taller one of the two said.
The smaller one glared at the boy, "Humans don't belong under water. Begone!"
A cruel smile appeared on the boy's face, "I am the water!" the boy said and then disappeared.
The guards looked around frantically to see where the boy had went. The boy appeared behind the two guards with a spear he had taken from a guard he had taken out before. He stuck the spear into one of their backs and the guard quickly fell to the ground. His friend who was next to him turned around only to see the boy point behind him. The guard turned around to see Black Manta in front of him, the guard eyes widened as the red eyes on his helmet lit up and blasted him.
"That was easy." Aiden said as he clapped his hands while looking down at the two dead guards.
"Ocean Master wasn't kidding when he said security was low today." Manta said as he entered the palace with Aiden.
"So is everything going smoothly on Ocean Master's part?" Aiden asked as he followed Manta.
"According to him, yes. Though it seems he is being distracted by children."
"Those kids from the sorcery school?" Aiden asked and Manta nodded, "Do you need me to help him?"
Manta shook his head, "No. We need to stick to the plan." He looked at Aiden, "You have the bomb right?"
Aiden nodded, "Yep."
"Let's get to work."
"How is the prince?" Aqualad asked the Queen.
"He's doing ok. Though he misses having you around." She replied with a smile as she looked at the two year old boy play with his toys.
"Everybody seems to feel that way." Aqualad replied with a frown.
"Don't frown. My husband loves to play the guilt trip on those he cares about." The Queen said with a reassuring smile.
"I'm right here, you know." Aquaman said from the other side of the room where he was sitting on his throne.
"I'm well aware of that." She replied with a small laugh as she looked at him.
Two guards busted into the throne room and looked at the King of Atlantis, "Your majesty, two criminals have entered the palace. One of them is Black Manta and the other is a human boy that can breathe underwater."
"Aiden." Aqualad said in disgust as he quickly got up from his chair.
"Stay here and protect my family." Aquaman commanded the guard.
"I'm coming with you." Aqualad said as he followed Aquaman out the door.
"It's good to fight beside you again." Aquaman said with a smile.
The two entered a large room covered with shelves of books that was the Royal Library. It had two entrances and had tables and chairs fill out the room with books on top of them. It was empty until two figures came out from the other entrance.
"Manta!" Aquaman shouted and then swam towards him at top speed.
"My king!" Aiden shouted and had water blast Aquaman's side and it sent him flying towards the bookshelves.
Manta had his laser blast Aqualad who was surprised by what happened to Aquaman. The laser blast hit Aqualad on his chest and his back bounced off the wall.
"I'll handle him." Aiden said as he swam towards Aqualad at top speed.
As Aiden got close to Aqualad, Aqulad moved away and grabbed Aiden by his head. He slammed Aiden's head against the wall two times but Aiden put his foot in the way the third time. Aiden used his elbow to hit Aqualad's face and he punched him with a powerful water fist in his stomach. He then grabbed Aqualad by his shirt and started swimming upwards until Aqualad's back hit the ceiling of the library. Aiden then spun him around and threw him downward which made Aqualad break the table below him. Aiden extended his arms and opened his hands to have ice shards shoot out of his hand and towards Aqualad.
Aqualad's eyes widened as the ice shards headed towards him. He quickly rolled to the right and took out his water bearers from his backpack. He whipped one of them as if it was a whip and it grabbed Aiden by his ankle. Aqualad then pulled Aiden downward and Aiden's back crashed into a wooden chair. Aiden slowly stood up and didn't see Aqualad coming as Aqualad had his water bearers form into a hammer. Aqualad unleashed a combo with the two water hammers in his hand. He kicked Aiden to the wall behind him and Aiden bounced back towards him only to get elbowed in the face.
Aiden fell down and felt dazed as Aqualad walked toward him. As Aqualad stood over him, Aiden extended one of his hands and had water blast out of it and it sent Aqualad hurling towards the ceiling. Aqualad slowly fell down and while in the air, Black Manta had his laser hit Aqualad on his back which sent him flying towards a shelf of books. His front hit the shelf and he fell to the ground with the books dropping on top of him.
Aiden created a ice sword in his hand and he swam towards Aquaman. Aquaman anticipated the sneak attack and moved to the right but got his leg sliced open thanks to Aiden making a slight movement to catch him. Aquaman fell to his knee and Black Manta blasted him with his laser. Aquaman fell to the floor and slowly got up.
"He doesn't give up huh?" Aiden asked Manta as he rubbed his bruised face.
"A king never lets his kingdom fall." Aquaman said as he finally stood up.
"Who said we were after your kingdom?" Aiden asked with a chuckle, "We're more concerned with your legacy."
"What?" Aquaman asked with a confused look.
"The Prince. You know? The baby king of Atlantis. He's going to die." Aiden replied as he folded his arms.
"No! I must save him!" Aquaman said and then started swimming towards the throne room.
Aiden smiled as he pressed a button and a explosion erupted in front of Aquaman that sent him flying backwards. Manta blasted Aquaman once again until his face touched the ground. Turns out Aiden and Manta booby trapped the Royal Library before the King and his protégé walked into the room.
"You seriously thought those guards were one of your guys?" Aiden started laughing and looked at Manta who didn't seem to want to gloat. "We just had some of Ocean Masters people play dress up after I killed your guards. There in the throne room with your wife right now."
"My wife," Aquaman said slowly as he attempted to get up, "Can handle two guards."
Aiden nodded, "Sure. But can she handle Ocean Master himself? I mean, even you had problems with him. It took your two sidekicks to keep him off you just for you to come back and beat him. Where are your protégés now?" Aiden looked at Aqualad who was still under the books, "Well, I found one of them." Aiden loved taunting and tormenting his foe when he is in battle. Sometimes it puts them off their game but if you're good enough, you can make them stop fighting you all together. It was the perfect battle plan. Gotta love a psychological battle.
The books holding Aqualad captive started falling to the ground and Aqualad finally made his way out of it. He started panting as he looked at the two villains in front of him, "I won't let you hurt the Royal family."
Aiden pointed at Aquaman, "Too late." Aiden then observed Aqualad more closely, "Shouldn't you be more concerned about your own family? I mean," He pointed at Black Manta, "Your father is right here. Don't you want to say hi or anything?"
"He's not my father!" Aqualad shouted at Aiden as he grown tired of Aiden's mouth.
Aiden looked at Manta, "Go ahead and show him." He told Manta and made a funny gesture for Manta to take off his helmet. Aiden knew he was human so, "Don't worry. I can make a bubble around you that will let you breath." Aiden smiled, "Don't be shy."
Aqualad watched the two and started planning his next move. His eyes then widened as Manta took off his helmet to reveal himself to Aqualad. Manta looked exactly like Aqualad but more older as he had some grey hairs on the side of his head.
"Ta-da!" Aiden shouted as he pointed at Manta like a talk show host would do to reveal a surprise, "Here's your father!"
"No…" Aqualad muttered as he looked at Manta.
"Hello son…" Manta replied from inside of the bubble Aiden had formed.
"That's right Kaldur. He's your daddy." Aiden said jokingly, "It turns out that one of his people went undercover in Atlantis. The father you know of to be exact. Manta here fell in love with a Atlantean and they had a kid. Your father who isn't really your father anymore betrayed Manta and took you from him." He pointed at Aquaman, "Your King, the man you worship so much. Knew all about it and he kept it hidden from you for so long."
"It can't be true." Aqualad said as he looked at Manta and then at Aquaman.
"Oh, but it is." Aiden said with a confident smile. "So you're not fully Atlantean. Just like the king here, you're half Atlantean." Aiden looked at Aquaman with a smirk, "Come on your majesty, tell the truth."
"Is it true?" Aqualad asked Aquaman.
Aquaman slowly stood up and frowned, "It is. I'm so sorry Kaldur, I never wanted you to know. For a good reason, you've seen what that man has done to us on countless occasions. Please forgive me." The king pleaded.
"And, boom goes the dynamite." Aiden looked at his waterproof watch, "Well, look at the time," He looked at Manta, "I think we've stalled long enough. Should we get out of here?"
Manta nodded and placed his helmet back on. The two then started swimming away from the king and his protégé but Aqualad decided to pursue them.
"Idiot." Aiden muttered and then pressed another button.
A explosion erupted in front of Aqualad and it sent him flying towards Aquaman who had caught him. Aqualad quickly got Aquaman off him and the two looked around to see how they were going to get out of the room. Aqualad used his water bearers to move the rubble from the hallway towards the throne room and Aquaman helped with his super strength as quickly as possible.
"Kaldur…" Aquaman said in between picking up pieces of marble.
"I don't wish to talk about it." Kaldur said without looking at his king.
Black Manta's Ship
7:00 pm
"I'd say the mission was a success." Aiden said as he sat on the opposite side of Black Manta who was sitting at his desk without his helmet on.
"I have to admit," Manta said as he looked at Aiden, "I like you."
Aiden smiled proudly, "Thank you sir."
"I'm telling you right now," Manta said as he looked at Aiden seriously, "If I ever take a seat as a head of the Light, I'll take you with me."
Aiden couldn't stop smiling, "I'm really honored sir."
"I say you have a future in this organization."
"Geeze Manta," Aiden said with a chuckle, "You're making me blush."
"I'm serious."
"Well, I'm glad you have faith in me." Aiden said as he looked down.
Manta took a sip from his cup and placed it back on the table, "Don't worry Aiden. They'll soon learn how precious you are to them."
Aiden continued to look down and wondered if Manta was just saying this to get on his good side. To butter him up so Aiden can come to his aide whenever he likes. As if Aiden was going to be his servant or something. Aiden couldn't see himself wearing one of those ridiculous outfits Manta's soldiers wear. Maybe Manta was being truthful because Aiden really wanted to believe him. If Manta ever got up there, he promised he would take Aiden with him. But how long until Aiden takes Manta's spot. Obviously Manta is planning on taking Ocean Masters spot as one of the heads of the Light. Is this what villains do? Continuously betray each other to benefit themselves. The Light seemed different from other villains, they organize and plan. They don't like it when one of their members betray them or one of their heads. Aiden doesn't believe Manta would betray Ocean Master. As he looked up into Manta's eyes he knew for a absolute fact that he was going to do it. And Aiden would be at his side when he does so. Aiden doesn't mind sticking with Manta for a while as long as he gives him the respect he deserves.
Star City
February 8th, 2013 4:00 pm pst
Dante descended down to the ground to his old neighborhood for one of his visits to Seth's house. Even as villain, Dante didn't break his promise of visiting the boy when he has the time. He adjusted his jacket in a way to make him more warmer and he placed the hood over his head so others wouldn't notice him. Since the Bruce Wayne assassination attempt, his picture had been all over the news. Dante wondered to himself how long it was going to take for other non heroes to notice him as one of the assassins. Even with his domino mask on he was scared someone might find out. Dante shivered and remembered what Nightmare said about his mask. Even he wondered how no one recognizes him.
Dante shrugged and placed his hands in his pockets. He was freezing thanks to the wind hitting his face as he was flying over to Star City at top speed. He started walking towards Seth's house and once he was there, he looked into the window to see Seth watching a cartoon show from Cartoon Network. Dante stopped watching Cartoon Network years ago on a daily basis but he would turn to the channel whenever he was bored or nothing was on TV. He then found this superhero show he really liked but then Cartoon Network canceled it for unknown reasons. Now, Dante just watches Cartoon Network at night, when Adult Swim is on. He loved Family Guy, American Dad and Robot Chicken. Who can not love those shows? The only show he watches from Cartoon Network during the day is Adventure Time. Sure, it's meant for kids but it has some adult content in there that makes him laugh.
Anyways, Dante walked up the steps to the home and was about to knock on the door until he heard a familiar voice from behind him.
"Sup man?" Alex asked Dante as he looked at his back.
Dante froze in place and contemplated whether he wanted to fly away or confront his best friend. He quickly decided and turned around.
"Hey." He replied as he looked down at Alex.
"Did I ever mention your tattoo looks badass?" Alex asked Dante with a smile as he tried keeping this as friendly as possible.
"I think you did." Dante replied as he moved down one stair, "What are you doing here?" Dante asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Just wanted to talk."
"About?"
"Stuff." Alex then sighed, "Don't worry, I won't bring up the whole thing about you being a villain and trying to kill your friends. FYI, that hurts a lot."
"What does?"
"Your telekinetic blasts." Alex said with a chuckle as he rubbed his hands and tried keeping himself warm, "Where did you get that anyways?"
Dante pointed at the door behind him, "The kid."
"He has powers?"
"Yeah. You didn't see him use it on Zatanna?"
Alex gave Dante a blank stare of disbelief, "I was too busy fighting one of your clones."
"Right," Dante said with a chuckle and rubbed the back of his head, "Sorry about that."
"He says sorry?! He's human!" Alex over exaggerated.
Dante sat down on the steps he was standing on and he chuckled slightly as he moved his arms into his jacket and seemed like a turtle.
"It's freezing out here." Alex said as he sat down beside Dante.
"This is good."
"What is?" Alex asked as he looked at Dante, "Not killing each other?"
"Yeah. It's peaceful."
"For how long?"
Dante frowned, "Until we go our separate ways."
"Can we make this last as long as we can?" Alex asked as he frowned as well.
Dante shrugged, "Sure."
"We really miss you Dante." Alex said as he looked away and down at his sneakers.
"I'm sorry but I have to do this." Dante said as he too looked down at his sneakers.
"Why? If you just tell us or Batman then we can help you."
Dante laughed slightly, "Batman? The man wants nothing to do with me. Have you seen the news?"
"Yeah. It's a bad time for heroes all over the country."
"It's my fault Alex. I fell into one of Ra's trap and he made me and all heroes suffer."
"So you told the truth?"
"I saw the President Alex. He was on the island inside of a prison. It seemed like he was badly beaten during a interrogation. I would never lie to you."
"Not to me but what about the League?"
Dante shook his head, "Ra's knew I would tell you so he switched the android for the real one. DeathStroke killed the real one and the VP must be a puppet to the Light. I wish I can tell you more but it seems the League and the Light don't trust me."
"I trust you." Alex said as he patted Dante's back, "I always will. If you wasn't there the first day Beta was made, I wouldn't be here now. I would have probably quit but you helped me through it. You helped me through the Bat glares and the random stupidity we would go through."
"Nightwing was also there."
"Yeah but he was my friend after a couple of weeks. You was my friend the moment we met."
Dante smiled and then frowned, "Sorry I let you down."
"You didn't let me down." Alex looked up at the sky, "I know you're going through some things but you'll be back." He looked back at Dante, "You have to come back."
Dante looked down, "Maybe… one of these days."
"For now, we'll attack each other and all that jazz. But you'll come back and lead the team again." Alex smiled, "I know you will."
Wanting to change the subject, "How is the team by the way?"
"We're all good. Madison is doing her own thing, Tyreese is focusing on his grades. Did you know he got into Michigan State?"
"He's going to be a Spartan. I'm proud of him."
Alex nodded, "He's going to get a scholarship and everything but," Alex looked away, "He's going to have to go off to college and leave the team."
"You don't know that."
"Come on Dante, he's going to have schoolwork, football-"
"Girls."
"Girls…"
"Speaking of girls," Dante said with a grin, "Any girls you got your sights on?"
Alex briefly thought about Ella but shook his head, "Nope, next subject."
"Someone is hiding a secret." Dante shoulder bumped Alex and started laughing, "WHo is she? Is she cute?"
Alex looked at Dante and blushed slightly, "Shut up!"
Dante laughed and Alex laughed with him, "I miss this." Dante said with a frown.
"I do too." Alex's eyes widened, "Oh! Did you know someone joined the team? He's like 10 or 12. He's all green and can turn into animals."
"Really? Is he a alien or something?"
Alex shook his head, "Nah, it turns out he has some of Miss Martian's blood in him. Which is why he can shape shift into animals only and is green."
"He's living with ya?"
Alex nodded, "Yeah. His mom died because of Queen Bee so MM took him in. Batman was not ok with it but after some convincing from MM he let her."
"How'd she do that?"
Alex shrugged, "I don't know. Mind control?"
Dante observed Alex closely, "What?" Alex asked Dante as he got a bit freaked out by him staring.
"Did you get taller?" Dante asked with a smile.
Alex started observing Dante now, "Are you growing some facial hair?"
Dante and Alex started cracking up at each other and then they heard the door behind them slam.
Dante turned his head to see Seth with his jacket and sweatpants on, "I waited forever for you to come."
"Sorry?" Dante replied with a small smile.
"It's ok." He looked at Alex, "Whose this?"
Dante chuckled as his mask theory was corrected. He guessed Seth didn't recognize Alex even though Alex was fighting him months ago which Seth watched.
"He's a friend."
"Hey, I'm Alex." Alex said and put his hand out for a handshake.
The little boy stared at the hand and then looked at Alex, "My mom told me not to talk to strangers."
"But I'm not a stranger." Alex stated.
"He's cool Seth. Besides, if I remember correctly, I was a stranger and you talked to me."
"That's because you had superpowers." He looked at Alex, "He doesn't."
Dante shoulder bumped Alex again, "Ouch." Dante retorted with a chuckle.
Alex frowned and looked down, "Gee, thanks kid."
Completely ignoring Alex's feelings, Seth looked at Dante, "So are we going to the park or are we going to sit here and talk all day."
"Talking seems nice." Alex muttered.
"Yeah," Dante said as he stood up, "Let's go." He then looked at Alex, "Coming with?"
Alex shrugged, "Sure."
The three went to a park that was in the middle of a busy shopping district. The three started lobbing a football they had found abandoned at the park and they continued to talk until a blast near them made them jump out of their jackets.
"What was that?!" Seth asked as Alex was on top of him to protect him.
"It was a explosion." Alex replied and got off Seth.
"Let's go check it out." Dante said and started running in the direction of the explosion.
"Playing hero now?" Alex asked Dante as he and Seth ran beside him.
"Just for today." Dante replied and came to a halt in front of a bank. Dante narrowed his eyes as he saw a very familiar figure coming out of the vault in the back of the bank.
"Merlyn." Dante said as he stared at the black archer.
Merlyn was as tall as Green Arrow with long black hair and a black goatee. His outfit was all black and similar to Green Arrow's. He even had his own black arrows and black bow with a black quiver on his back.
"Dante? What are you doing here?" Merlyn asked as he dropped the sack of money he was carrying onto the floor.
"I can ask you the same." Dante replied as he clenched his fist. Dante first discovered his powers when Merlyn attacked his friends at the mall where Black Canary and Green Arrow saved him. Now that Dante thought about it, it wasn't a coincidence that Merlyn attacked that mall. Since Ra's knew about his father, what if the Light sent Merlyn to track down Dante and find out if he had his father's power. It all made sense, it was all a test to see if Dante had his father's powers. What Dante didn't understand was if they knew about Dante, why did they send Aiden in to gather info. Then Dante thought it through, it was to get a location of his father so they can use him as leverage knowing Dante cared about his father. Maybe there was more too it then that. Dante couldn't think about it now with the things that's going on in front of him right now.
"I thought I'd drop by and pay my rent for the month. Being a assassin is hard work you know."
"I'm sure it is."
"Surely, you're not going to stop me are you?" Merlyn chuckled, "It wouldn't be nice if Ra's found out about it."
"I think Ra's would be ok with it."
Merlyn raised a eyebrow, "Do tell."
"Well, I know you're not suppose to be doing anything without the Light's permission. I'm guessing you being here instead of doing a job means you've disobeyed them." Dante smirked as he looked at the worried look on Merlyn's face, "I'm sure if you come peacefully, we can work something out."
Merlyn growled and quickly shot a arrow at Dante but Dante stopped it telekinetically. "Just give up Merlyn. You don't stand a chance."
Merlyn cocked back three arrows and shot them all at the same time. Two headed for Dante while the last one headed towards Alex and Seth. Knowing he couldn't stop all three at the same time without focusing on a specific location, Merlyn smirked and saw Dante stop the ones heading towards his friends. One arrow hit Dante's chest that was packed with concussive force. It sent Dante flying backwards and the second one that followed the first one, blew up in Dante's face which burned the arm he used to protect himself.
"Dante!" Seth shouted as he looked at his friend get hurt. He glared at Merlyn and shot out a small telekinetic blast at him.
Merlyn laughed as the small blast only made him stumble backwards. As he went to look at the two in front of him, he didn't see the football Alex had thrown at his face. As he was distracted with rubbing his now hurting face, Alex ran towards Merlyn and punched him in the face. Merlyn stumbled backwards but held his ground as Alex unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks to the body. Once Merlyn blocked those, Merlyn threw a punch of his own which Alex evaded by ducking down. Alex then uppercut Merlyn in the face and kicked his ribs. Merlyn grabbed Alex's leg and spun him around until he let go and Alex's back hit the counter where the bank tellers would be. As Merlyn looked back at where Dante was, Dante had thrown a cash register at Merlyn's face. Merlyn fell to the floor with register on top of him. As he struggled to get the cash register off him, Dante stood beside Seth and smiled.
"Come on, try it." Dante suggested and showed Seth how to move something telekinetically. Sure, Seth knew but he never tried something as big as a chair before. "I know you can do it." Dante encouraged, "Hey," Dante said to make Seth look at him, "If I can do it, you can do it. It is your power after all."
Seth nodded and extended his arm as he looked at the chair behind the bank teller's counter. He slowly lifted it up and struggled a bit at first but held it steadily in the air. As Merlyn stood up, the chair was hurled towards him and it hit his side. As Merlyn was distracted, Dante hurled a huge table towards Merlyn that sent him crashing a few feet away. Alex walked towards a groaning Merlyn and punched him in the face to knock him out.
"Just like old times." Alex said with a thumbs up.
"Yeah." Dante said with a smile.
"Do you miss it?" Someone from behind Dante and Seth asked Dante.
Dante turned around to see Green Arrow standing in front of him, "Oh damn."
"Oh damn is correct." Arrow said as he walked towards the two boys.
"Listen, Arrow, I didn't mean for you to get in trouble."
"What did you mean then?" Arrow said as he stopped in front of Dante. He then noticed the little boy from back when Arrow and his squad attempted to get Dante back.
"I swear I was telling the truth. Ra's somehow found out and must have switched the android with the real guy."
"Is that your excuse?" Arrow asked as he folded his arms.
"I'm really sorry. I never intended for the League to get in trouble with the government. I was just trying to help."
"Just believe him." Alex said from way back in the bank.
"Alex? What are you doing here?" Arrow asked as he looked at the boy.
Alex walked out of the bank and chuckled nervously while rubbing the back of his head, "Visiting a friend?"
"Don't worry." Dante added, "I wasn't trying to convert him into a villain if that's what you're thinking."
Arrow shook his head, "No, what I was thinking was how Batman is going to react to this. You know how he feels about Dante."
"Yeah but to brand him a villain without knowing what kind of situation he is in is kind of harsh."
"He branded me a villain?"
"Officially as of the VP's confession. I trusted you Dante."
"I know…" Dante said and looked down, "I never wanted any of this. Sometimes I just wish I never had these damn powers."
Seth tugged on Dante's jacket, "Don't say that. Your powers are awesome."
"They really are." Alex pointed out as he patted Dante's shoulder.
Dante sighed and turned around to look at Alex, "This was nice man."
"We should do it more often."
"Definitely." Dante replied with a smile as he gave Alex a handshake, "But for now, I gotta go report this to Ra's." He turned back around to Arrow, "I'm real sorry. I hope you can forgive me." He grabbed Seth and flew away from the two.
Don't you just love it when boys lie to their mothers? Aiden said the only person he had ever killed was Dave. Yeah, ok. Lex's robot is on vacation, that's funny lol. Manta seems to see potential in Aiden. Who knows where this relationship is going to go. I made another reference to season 2 with Aiden revealing once again that Black Manta is Aqualad's daddy. With Aqualad mad, he's half way towards seeing the Light. I can't wait to kill Tula off, oh I'm going to have fun in the future when Aiden and Aqualad have to work together for the Light. Dante visits Seth and expresses his thoughts on Cartoon Network. I know you guys would know what he means. Dante and Alex finally fight together. It's been a while and Seth joins along and does what he cans. The Prince of Atlantis is dead! (They never explained what happened to the baby so I thought I might as well kill it off.) If there is a season 3 and he appears, i'm screwed lol.
On the next episode of Young Justice:Beta...
Dante finally takes Zatanna out on Valentines day but Red Arrow interrupts the romantic date. He comes to blows with Dante and then Artemis as he searches for his lost love (Cheshire). Ra's helps Dante find a girl that can solve his physical problem. You know, him dying by absorbing too many powers. The thing is, she's a small girl and Ra's has ordered Dante to kill her once he gets her powers.