Episode 13 Alpha Male (Or, Alpha Arinna. Alphrinna...
Obviously Kaldur is Alpha Male to the pact as proven in this episode XD
Oh, and because of how weird the last chapter was, I decided to post this today. I know I posted the other chapter around a day ago, but it was weird. Last chapter was just weird to it's very core. Something about it felt weird to me. Maybe you didn't notice, but I had a lot of problems writing the last chapter.
SOOOOO, I decided to post this early. I was gonna wait, but I did this for all of you guys :D
So yeah….
….I miss Red Tornado :(
September 23rd (this is so weird, it is almost September 23rd XD)
I have a sling on my shoulder right now. It's been at least a few hours since Red Tornado attacked and no one is happy. The League was currently reconstructing the cave, while the rest of us just kind of sat at the table in the kitchen, unable to say anything to each other.
I don't know what is worse; the sling, or the fact that Red Tornado betrayed us. Probably the second one. That hurt more than the shoulder.
"Here." Black Canary handed me a few pain killers. Taking them, I gingerly sipped them down with some water. I would have to wear this thing for a while.
"Thanks."
She frowned at me, glancing at Green Arrow with concern. He was quiet, slowly grabbing a bowl of food and moving to the table.
Wally frowned as the bowl of pretzels was placed in front of him. "Thanks, but no thanks." He grumbled, pushing it away.
"Yeah, what we want are answers." Robin said, "About Red Tornado and his siblings."
Green Arrow stood in silence. Either he knew and just wasn't saying anything, or he was just as clueless as we were but didn't know how to say it.
"Exactly!" Wally yelled. As Green Arrow reached to grab the bowl off the table and throw it away Wally made a grab for it, "Leave the bowl." He said, quickly munching down on it, despite his previous comment. A wry smile pulled at Green Arrow's lips.
I want to know answers too. None of this made sense. None of it at all. Especially-
Oop, hold that thought. Conner's getting angry for some reason. He looked ready to blow-
""YOU KNEW!?" For unknown reasons Conner lunged for Kaldur, who was talking with Bat Man. (And he blew.) His shoulders grabbed tightly. Kaldur's eyes widened in surprise and he stumbled back, barely able to hold his ground. "That android and his maniac family nearly killed M'gann!"
I automatically leapt into action at the sight.
"Conner!" I grabbed his arm with my good hand to stop him. He whipped around to me. "Stop!"
"Don't defend him Arinna! He knew some one was deceiving the team but he didn't say anything! We all could have died! M'gann could have died! You could have died!" he glared at the sling on my arm. He what? How- Oh whatever, that isn't the point right!
"But we didn't -"
"We could have." He snarled.
"But we didn't!" I yelled again, "And in truth, every mission we go on there is always a chance we die! Always! Kaldur didn't know Red Tornado was going to do that! None of us knew!"
"He knew there was a traitor! Stop defending him! We're aren't in your little fantasy world where everything is joyful and every problem is solved within the hour!"
Taken aback for a few seconds, I narrowed my eyes. Whoa whoa, hold the phone now. "I don't think that way." I lowered my voice, "And m-maybe he did know. That doesn't mean that Red Tornado meant to betray us. We all know him! If he wanted to betray us there were so many other moments he could have easily done it. What if he wasn't in control?"
"Not in control? Like someone was controlling him? Are you that naïve Arinna?!" Conner demanded. "You are so gullible! Don't you get it?! He played you. He played all of us. He took the fact that you trust anything that moves and used it against you. "
I flinched at the cold words. Feeling a burning sensation in my chest, I turned away, "You shouldn't just assume things either Conner." I hissed, "After all, when we first met you, you followed Cadmus' order without question."
…Low blow on my part, but it had to be said.
Feeling his gaze fall back to me, his eyes flashed with anger "How dare you."
"I only say the truth. We trusted you back then even when we didn't know anything about you. Why are you so quick to just… loss all faith in Red Tornado? Huh? Answer me! Is it because he almost killed us? You almost killed us too! Or did you forget that?!"
Taking a step back, visibly shocked, Conner's face contorted into a deep rage. He looked ready to charge at me, but M'gann flew forward.
Conner!" she yelled, "Stop it! Both of you!" she turned to me, "What are you two even doing?!"
"Kaldur knew we had a traitor among us and said nothing!" Conner screamed.
"You knew?" Robin rose to his feet.
"And didn't say anything?! Not even to us?!" Wally was angry. It wasn't that I blamed them but turning on each other right know wouldn't solve anything. And I just…
I just….
"I sought to protect the team from-" Kaldur tried to explain calmly.
"Protect us from what? Important information that could have saved our lives?" Artemis stepped forward.
The tension in the room began to build more and more. M'gann reached out for Conner to pull him back, but he grabbed her hand instead, "You almost died." He said, his voice strained. Her eyes shifted, her teeth clenching.
"I…" she said softly.
"Enough." A voice boomed. Silence fell upon the room as we turned to Bat man; the true voice of reason. "With Red Tornado missing, the team will now be overseen by rotating super visors. Captain Marvel has volunteered to take the first shift." A man I remember seeing once before stepped forward.
He was big and bulky, bearing a red outfit with a white cape that was draped only around one shoulder. There was a lightning bolt insignia on his chest.
"I'm really looking forward to hanging with you guys." He said with the voice of an adult, but the tone of an excited teenager. I didn't know what to make of him and right now, I didn't really care.
I was to upset to want to befriend anyone right now. I think the team felt the same, cause we all just kind of looked at each other, no one knowing what to say.
Except for Conner, who went back to his violent tendencies, "After I dismantle Red Tornado you and I are gonna-" Before Conner could threaten Kaldur any further, Bat Man stepped forward.
"Red Tornado-" he said darkly, "Is a member of the Justice League. That makes him a League responsibility. You will leave it to us."
Conner narrowed his eyes, taking Bat Man's take of command as a threat, but he did not act on it. Even Conner knew never to mess with Bat Man.
"I have another assignment for this team," Bat Man turned to motion to the screen that appeared before us. They were of a few Newspaper clipping describing some sort of animal attack.
"Gotham Mayor attacked by Gorilla Gorilla?" Wally scowled as he read the head line. He was not pleased.
"Was this the only thing he could find to distract us." Conner grumbled through our mental link.
"Bat Man please!" Robin grumbled angrily, "Tell me you're not sending us on this joke of a wild Ape chase."
"I never joke about the mission." Bat Man reminded him. Flinching Robin lowered his gaze. "I've check the sources, I've studied the patterns, Mayor Hill's encounter is only the latest in a series of incidents."
"Bat Man." Black Canary stepped forward. "Don't you think that Arinna should stay at the cave instead of on missions?" she frowned. "She just dislocated her shoulder no more than a few hours ago. Plus the injury to her head-"
Been there, done that. Doesn't even bother me anymore.
Bat Man glanced at her, nodding his head. "Fair point Canary." He agreed.
"Whoa wait!" I called, stepping forward. "I wanna go. It's just an investigation mission on some animals, right? I can handle it."
"Arinna." Kaldur said in surprise. "You shouldn't-"
"Don't tell her what to do Kaldur." Conner growled.
"Don't pick fights Conner." I snapped right back at him. "I wanna go." I paused. "I won't hold the team back, I promise. I just… I need to do something productive right now. Something to get this off my mind."
Considering what I said, Bat Man nodded. "Very well."
"Bat Man." Black Canary protested.
"It is her choice Canary. Her training has gone well and there will come a time where she will be forced to battle despite her injuries. This is a good easy going lesson for when the serious battle occurs."
"Easy going." Green Arrow snorted. "Like it's ever easy going." He hushed himself when Bat Man gave him a stern look.
"Aqua Lad, you will take your team and investigate this." He declared. Aqua Lad nodded. As the team moved out towards the hanger bay, Wally bumped his shoulder into Kaldur's.
"Your team?" He scoffed in disgust.
I frowned at the sight, not liking where this was going. This wasn't going to be like that first Mission to Santa Prisca right? Or the first one we went on with Artemis. Both of those missions were frustrating and we barely made it out of those okay. And for both of those, we went in on good terms with each other. This time we would instantly be on bad terms. Not a good sign.
Moving to the hanger bay, I watched quietly as Conner stalked towards the Bio ship. He paused when Sphere rolled up behind him, as if attempting to come along. "Uh-huh." He shook his head no. "Go." he pointed back down the hall. Sphere made a few noises, probably disappointed, and speed back down the hall. Sorry Sphere. Can't bring you along for this one.
"Hi there."
I shrieked when Captain Marvel appeared next to me. Stumbling, I blinked rapidly at him.
"Oh." He chuckled. "Sorry, didn't mean to spook ya. Just wanted to say hello." He paused. "Hello!' he waved.
"…Hello." I nodded shyly.
He grinned. "This is so exciting."
"Wait-" Robin frowned at him. "Are you coming with?" he questioned.
"Sure!" Captain Marvel beamed, "We'll have a blast!" he moved onto the bioship without another word.
"Translation." Robin grumbled coldly, "He blames us for Red fiasco. Doesn't trust us." Robin trailed off with Kaldur approached Wally and him.
"It's a big club." Wally scowled at him, quickly moving onto the Bioship. Kaldur frowned as he watched them board. Glancing at me, he shifted his gaze quickly.
"We should go Arinna. Are you sure you are able? None of us will think ill of you if you decide to stay and rest." He said hesitantly, as if he didn't wish to anger me.
"I'm fine Kaldur." I said. Staring at him, I slowly lifted my hand out. Letting it hover over his shoulder for a bit, I gently brought it down to rest against him. He flinched, almost jumping away. "Are you sure you wish to go?" I asked
"I am leader. I must." He insisted. "…I have to make sure every one comes back safely…" he said softly. Pulling away, he quickly moved onto the bioship. I followed after him.
The trip was awkward to say the less. No one talked. I wanted to start up a conversation, but I didn't know what to say. What could you say after a night like that? Plus, everyone was so untrusting and cold to each other right now, I was worried if I said something, they might just turn their anger towards me. I don't think I could take being yelled at right now. Not anymore at least. That fight with Conner was enough for the day.
…I hope he wasn't too upset about what I said. I mean, Cadmus is definitely a raw topic to both of us. And I just tossed that understanding aside and brought it up. What kind of sister am I? Pretty lousy one.
"…" Leaning back into my chair, I tensed when I realized Captain Marvel was staring me. Seeing he had my attention, he grinned.
"Isn't this fun?"
"Uh… yeah." I agreed lamely. "Fun."
"Yeah!" he giggled, "First time going on a mission with you guys. I hear so much about you guys from the other Leaguers, but being here with you is totally wicked." He clapped.
"…"
"Hey, hey." He leaned a little closer. "Is it true you have amnesia?"
"Yes.' I frowned.
"What is that like?"
"Huh?" I raised an eye brow.
"What is it like to have amnesia?"
"…A pain. Literally."
"Ooh, yeah. Probably not fun." He nodded with a hum.
Then why did you ask? Honestly…
A few hours later we landed in Northern India for our mission. Robin and Artemis dropped down to sweep the perimeter before we landed, but everything appeared to be normal.
"All clear." Robin nodded.
Stepping out of the Bio ship I scanned the area. Nothing out of the ordinary so far at least.
"Switch to stealth mode." Kaldur commanded. Well… I don't really have a stealth mode like the others sadly. Same for Artemis and Conner. We just kind of stick with what we got. "And we will review mission parameters."
"Parameters?" Wally frowned, "We don't need to stinkin' parameters."
"It's Reckon." Robin agreed heatedly, "We know what to do."
"Kid. Robin." Kaldur stepped forward to stop them when they turned to leave. They gave him a cold look over their shoulders.
"The three of us started this team because the Justice League were keeping secrets from us!" Robin yelled at him.
"Or did you forget that? Like you forgot to tell us about the mole?" Wally lowered his goggles over his eyes. The conversation was done and they were gone.
This was already turning out horribly.
"Come on." Conner grabbed M'gann's arm. "I'll keep you safe."
M'gann took exception to that and ripped her arm away. Turning away, she scowled at her feet. They must have said something to each other mentally because Conner's eyes widened.
"You aren't my keeper Conner." She growled. Girl power son. Can I call a Z-snap please?
…What am I even saying anymore?
"I…" he stammered, "I just want to protect you."
"Like Aqua lad protected us?" Artemis stepped forward, "I'm not sure your protection or your patronizing is good for our health." She jabbed her bow into his chest. With both girls turning on him, Conner stepped back with a frown, watching at the two turned and made their own way into the jungle.
Aqua Lad said nothing as they passed him, probably realizing that even if he did try, they wouldn't listen.
"Why did you let them go?!" Conner demanded. What the flip Conner?! Why did YOU let them go, huh? "You are supposed to be in charge!"
"I am-" Kaldur opened his mouth, but silenced himself when Conner held up a hand to stop him. Turning to me, he narrowed his eyes.
"Are you coming with or not." It wasn't a question, more like a gruff demand.
"Like I would go with you." I folded my arms…. Kind of, hard to do that with a strap on my shoulder, and turned away. "Mr. grump. I'll stay with Kaldur and Mr. Marvel."
"Hah, she calls me Mr. Marvel. Isn't that cute?" Captain Marvel giggled, "First time I've ever been called that."
Blinking, I glanced over my shoulder at him, confused. He just grinned and waved.
"Not sure I trust you with him." Conner glared at Kaldur, who shifted his weight uncomfortably.
"Well I'm not asking for your permission Super Boy." I wiggled my fingers good bye at him. "You either stay and deal with it, or go and pout. Like you always do."
"Che. Whatever." Conner grumbled, leaping into the air. Watching Conner go, I sighed.
"So… uh… what's the plan again?" I looked at Kaldur, who lowered his gaze.
"Yeah I was a little confused on that too. Did you actually mention a plan before everyone ran off or…. Not?" Marvel inquired.
Kaldur glanced at him, sighed, and moved into the woods. We followed quietly after him. Marvel began to talk about how amazing the forest was. He went on and on about how he loved forests and how he hope to see some monkeys. I half listened, nodding every once and a while.
"And then there are Baboons. I wonder if we will see those here? Maybe." He said with a grin.
"… Who knows?" I shrugged.
"Then! Maybe we'll see- Oh, what is that?!" Marvel shot forth from the ground into the trees.
"Captain Marvel wait-" Kaldur sighed when he realized the older man was only going a bit away. Still able to see him, Kaldur paused for Captain marvel to returned. It was like waiting for a child who saw something shiny in a toy store.
Glancing at each other, Kaldur and me watched Captain Marvel from afar. He was messing with a tree or something, I don't know what he was doing.
"Arinna…"
I tensed when Kaldur spoke. "Y-Yes?" I stammered.
"You've been quiet," Kaldur spoke over his shoulder. "Is there not anything you wish to say?" He voice was so quiet and sounded so soar. "I'm sure you have a lot to say to me as well… despite what happened at the cave."
Gently running a hand over my slung up shoulder I shrugged, "I don't know what to say anymore Kaldur." I admitted, "Or maybe, I just don't understand. Maybe I never have." Scratch that, I know I never have, Just hate admitting it.
"Arinna…"
"Conner is right you know." I mumbled before he could get out another word. "I trusted Red Tornado too easily. I was such a fool. And you know, I really liked him. He was my friend Kaldur." I paused when my voice cracked, "I know Wally and Robin kind of only thought of him as a den mother or whatever they called him, but it was different with me. He taught me things. Helped me. He never said I was stupid for not knowing something or made me feel like and idiot. He was understanding. He trusted me with things, and I trusted him. So maybe I'm just naïve." I sighed, "But even so, no matter what everyone says, or even what I know happened I just… I can't bring myself to think he betrayed us." I rubbed my temple, "Pretty pathetic huh?"
"No." his hand took a hold of my own, and held it. "It is far from pathetic Arinna."
Looking down at his hand, I tightened my grip, "Thank you Kaldur."
He blinked. "I… am also sorry for what happened."
"In what case?" I inquired. Kaldur gave me a lost and confused look.
"Case?"
"Yeah what are you sorry for-" I paused. "I hope this is about how you laughed at me being freaked out by mannequins." I narrowed my eyes at him.
He was at a lost for words, "N-No. No I'm not sorry about that."
"Wha- jerk!" I gasped at him. He stumbled.
"That isn't what I meant." He said quickly. "I am sorry for that. I am. But that is not what I am talking about."
I paused, "Then what are you sorry about?"
"O-On the mole." He stammered a reminder.
"Oh yeah, that." I nodded. "Everyone is really upset about that."
"But you aren't?" he asked incredulously.
"Well, not really. I'm just glad we made it out all okay." I swung our hands a bit, "I just want to know the truth. Secrets and lies… my whole life is just one big secret, and every thing I know might just be one big lie so…" I shrugged. I wanted to make him understand how I felt about this, but I was starting to realize I was sounding more indifferent over everything, "I mean, not saying I don't think you should have kept that to yourself, but I'm sure you had your reasons or whatever. And it wasn't like any of us could have known Red Tornado had siblings. It was them that almost killed us. Red Tornado just knocked us out and left. Like seriously, that was just weird. They go through all that trouble to capture us, but as soon as Red Tornado gets there they just leave? I mean, they got all of us after he took all the air or what not. So why would they just leave? I mean, what was their goal? It honestly is just confusing me." I lifted Kaldur's hand to examine his knuckles, "So yeah, in truth, we should be blaming the siblings, not him, not you. If uh… that makes sense and- what…. Not…" I trailed off at the blinding smile Kaldur was giving me.
"You are truly amazing Arinna." He said. We stared at each other for uh… well um, I lost track of the time but my face felt hot. It was embarrassing.
"Hey guys!" Marvel shot through the trees, "You won't believe what I found!"
We pulled our hands away from each other and turned to him, "Yes." We both asked, quickly and quietly. He blinked at us a few times.
"Hah, you two spoke in sync." He snorted, pointing to us. "Cool. But looky here. Berries!" he held out his hand. "Awesome right?"
"They look poisonous." I announced, staring at the dark berries suspiciously, subconsciously opening and closing my hand. It felt so empty suddenly.
"They aren't." Marvel insisted. "I checked."
"How?" Kaldur frowned, looking like he was wasn't going to like the answer.
"I tried one."
Kaldur slapped his forehead, "Please." He said, "Please refrain from doing that in the future Captain Marvel."
"Okay." The older man grinned, "Want one Arinna?"
Well, if they weren't poisonous I guess. "Sure." I nodded, taking one. Plopping it in my mouth, I chewed on it hesitantly. "Hmm!" I beamed, "They are good!"
"Right!?"
Walking for a bit longer, the silence once against growing between us, we paused as we came across a mangled up part of the jungle. The trees were torn and some ripped apart, while the ground was pushing up and covered in different animal paw prints.
"Guess this is where Mayor Hill's Monkey business went down." Captain Marvel said, "Well, at least we confirmed his story. Right?"
Kaldur didn't reply and walked forward, his eyes distant.
"Aqua Lad?" Captain Marvel inquired. He flinched.
"My apologies Captain." Kaldur turned, his expression lost and unsure. "I am… Plagued by doubts." He admitted. "Perhaps I was wrong to withhold."
Captain Marvel looked confused, but didn't have the chance to say anything to Kaldur before the ground began to shake.
So I told Bat Man I could handle some animals. Well yeah, I can. But I probably should have considered the possibility that the animals might end up being steroid induced super animals! Good gosh! Seconds after Kaldur spoke these giant overgrown elephants came stampeding from within the woods right at us!
Captain Marvel charged for the Elephant, slamming straight into it. The Elephant stumbled back, but was able to catch itself. An elephant Vs Captain Marvel. Apparently, Elephant is stronger by a land slide, because the older man was sent flying seconds later.
"Whoa!" I rolled out of the way just as the elephant brought it's foot down towards me. Okay, I may not be a good fighter, but man can I dodge! Look at me! I'm bouncin' all over the place! Even with my shoulder which- Ow. Ow. Rolling isn't fun. Not fun at all.
Running around for a bit, struggling to take on the two elephants that were attacking us, we were quickly losing this fight.
…To elephants. I repeat, elephants. I mean, I guess a normally person couldn't defeat an elephant dead on if they had no weapons or what not, but we did. I mean, we had Captain Marvel for Pete sake! He had super strength! So how were we losing?!
Lifting up my shield a few times to protect us, I froze when I heard Kaldur call, "Remove the collars!"
The collars? Why would- wait a minute, why is the elephant that he was fighting walking away? It's like it didn't even care about Kaldur anymore.
Glancing at me, Captain Marvel smirked. "Roger that!" Throwing himself into the air, Captain Marvel, made a straight shot for the Collar, slamming himself into it; he removed it quickly and dropped it to the floor.
Calling out, The Elephant stood on its back legs, slamming its front feet into the collar for good measure.
And as soon as that thing was off, it was like all anger from the creature disappeared. It guess they were just going crazy cause of those weird collars?
Moving back into the forest, we watch in awe as the Elephants disappeared without a trace. How strange.
"Pretty sweet the way you figured out the problem was the collar." Captain Marvel grinned at Kaldur.
"But the Collars indicate an intelligence behind this attack." Kaldur frowned, "The rest of the team may also be at risk." He lifted his hand to his communicator, "Team, report status." He flinched when static reached his ears, "Com is jammed. And Miss Martian failed to establish a telepathic link before we split up." He grumbled.
"Actually, you let everyone split up before communications were set." Mr. Marvel said. …Snap!
"They would not listen." Kaldur argued.
"I guess. But back at the cave, Bat man stopped everyone from fighting with just one word."
"That is because Bat Man… is Bat Man."
"It's true. He is. You can't beat that logic." I agreed. Mr. marvel snorted at me.
"Hey, you don't have to tell me. When I first joined the League all he did was boss me around, and it's hard not to take it personally. But, I never disobeyed and order and that's probably what kept me alive." Mr. Marvel placed a hand on Kaldur's shoulder.
"Bat Man takes command." Kaldur nodded in understandement, "He has to. For the good of the league." Smiling, Kaldur looked up at Captain Marvel, "Thank you for helping me understand."
"Hey." He smiled, "Wisdom of Solomon." He pointed to his head.
"Huh?" I was confused.
"Aqua lad. Can you hear me?" M'gann's voice cut into our thoughts.
"Yes Ms. Martian. Report." Aqua Lad walked forward a bit.
"Artemis and I were attacked by animals wearing inhibitor collars like those use on convicts and Bell Revv Prison." She explained. As M'gann talked, I noticed Captain Marvel seemed to be distracted by something off in the distance. Similar to before, he grinned brightly.
"Cool the tiger!" Captain Marvel grinned, "I'll be right back!" And he was off.
"Captain wait-!' Kaldur lowered his hand, realizing he was already gone. He sighed, "Hey, Speed of Mercury." He mumbled.
"Who are all these people?" I frowned.
"I will explain later." Kaldur promised me. Waiting a few minutes for Captain Marvel to return, we frowned when he did not. We didn't even see a sign of him. If removing a collar from another animal was all he intended to go and do, surely he would have done it and returned by now. Glancing at each other, Kaldur motioned for me to follow him. Moving off the rocky base we were standing on, I slowly inched down the surface of it, careful not to trip or bump my shoulder.
"Arinna." Kaldur extended a hand out to me for aid. I stared at it. Reaching for it, I grasped his fingers and let him tug me across a large crack in the rock. When we reached the bottom, he gave me a questioning look. 'Your shoulder?"
"Soar, but fine." I assured him. He nodded, releasing my hand.
"That is good." We smiled at each other. Moving back into the woods, we followed the path we watch Captain Marvel take.
"Miss. Martian, I need a telepathic link with the team, now." Kaldur said.
Seconds later M'gann said, "Link established."
"Should he really be giving us orders? And should you be following them?" Artemis said through the connection. Ooh, so everyone is still mad I guess. Figures. We all really know how to hold grudges, I'll give us that. Call us, Team Grudge. The Grudgiest people known to man kind!
"Arinna…" Kaldur looked at me. "We can hear you."
"Ah Peanuts." I scowled, "This telepathic thing still throws me off. I don't know how to separate private thoughts to team thoughts."
"I can show you later." M'gann offered.
"Probably wouldn't help much. Arinna's mind doesn't know what filtering even means." Artemis said.
"Do to." I disagreed.
"What does it mean then?"
I frowned to find myself suddenly put on the spot. Ever have those moments when you know something, but then someone asks you to explain it and you suddenly doubt yourself and are unsure if you really actually know it. That's me right now. "To uh… Make something less confused and more clearly comprehensible?"
"Arinna, that's clarify." Robin sighed.
I clicked my tongue in annoyance. "Was I at least close?"
"Not even." Wally snorted.
I clicked my tongue for the second time, "I do like that word though. Not clarify, but Clarity. I really like that. It would make a nice name." I announced.
"Can someone remind me again why were are having this conversation?" Artemis said.
"Kaldur wants to say something." I reminded her. "Kaldur?"
"Listen, please-" Kaldur tried to say.
"Ooh, good. Aqua lad's voice in my head; I've soo missed that.' Wally said
"Aww Wally, it's okay. If you felt that way you should have said something. I don't want you to feel lonely." I frowned.
"…How can you use sarcasm so well Arinna, but never know when other people are using it?" Artemis inquired. Not in a mean way, but in a curious way, as if she were honestly confused in how my mind processed things. I was confused on how my mind processed things.
"…I dunno." I shrugged on shoulder, which just looked weird. I gotta stop shrugging, it doesn't work!
"Hey Kaldur!" Robin called, "KF and I were attacked by giant vultures. Course since we're 'moles' you probably think we just attacked ourselves."
"How can one even do that?" I wondered.
"Well-" Robin already sounded angry and was about to explain.
"Please don't answer that." I said quickly.
"Even if he did think you attacked yourself, he wouldn't tell you anyway." Artemis snorted
"Super Boy are you online or just pouting?" M'gann inquired.
"Busy. Call back later." He said. He must have been fighting something still.
"I'm gonna guess pouting." I said as Kaldur and me moved through the woods in silence.
"No," he growled, "Busy."
"What gets me is how nonchalant he is about not telling us." Wally continued with the argument.
Moving through the forest with Kaldur, we paused when we came to some odd machines. Glancing at each other, we moved towards the devices with caution.
"What are these-?" I questioned. Kaldur frowned, looking unsure. Moving towards them cautiously, he circled them. He motioned me to follow. Shuffling after him, I leaned a bit into him when he motioned to the center of the devices. There were drag marks, as if something had just been moved from this spot not too long ago. It was big, probably the size of a person….
We glanced at each other. It couldn't have been….
There is no way it could have been Captain Marvel, right? He was a power house of the League, there is no way he could have gotten captured!
"Kaldur." I turned to him desperately. His hand was on my shoulder in an instant.
"We must re-locate him, quickly." He said.
"He should be chalant. Way chalant. Extremely chalant!" Robin said. Oh right, this argument was still going on.
"How can we be a team if he doesn't trust us with his secrets?" Artemis demanded.
"Or Conner doesn't trust us to take care of ourselves." M'gann agreed.
"Did he really think you or I could have been the mole?" Wally asked Robin.
"We've known each other for years!"
There seemed to be two different conversation going on right now. The trust between Robin and Wally's friendship with Kaldur, then Artemis and M'gann's argument of trust with the whole team in general. Which was kind of stupid because Mr. Marvel needed us right now! We didn't have time for this!
"Trust is a two way street!" Artemis said.
"And you know they would hate it if we kept secrets from them." M'gann sighed angrily.
"Not that we do." Artemis said just a little too quickly.
"Never." M'gann said just as quickly.
"Enough!' Kaldur was just about sick with all of this. Grabbing one end of the four machines sticking up from the ground, Kaldur ripped it out, glaring angrily at it, "Captain Marvel has been captured and we must act as a team to save him."
"Under your leader ship? I don't think so-"
"This is not up for debate." The dark undertone Kaldur's voice took made every conversation stop immediately. I even froze up, staring at him in shock. "You all choose me to lead. When the mission is over if you wish to select a new leader I will happily step down." There was a pause of silence. "But until that time, I am in command here." Throwing the machine to the ground, Kaldur moved forward. Smiling, feeling proud of his speech, I shuffled after him.
"…Okay then." Wally agreed begrudgingly.
Watching Kaldur from behind, I glanced at my feet… then at his.
I snorted. "….I only just realized you don't wear shoes." I announced.
"Huh?" Wally asked.
"Oh no, not you. Kaldur. He doesn't wear shoes." I said. Kaldur looked over his shoulder at me.
"Oh yes well… sometimes I do."
"But never on missions." I tapped my chin.
"Are we seriously having this conversation now?" Artemis demanded.
"Yes. If we have time to argue I want to think we also have enough time to talk about our choices in foot wear." I said smugly.
No one replied, so I counted that as a win for Arinna.
00000-Later-00000
A little while later, after almost an hour of searching, Kaldur and me finally stumbled upon a strange looking building. Rejoining with the group, we watched the building from a far, scanning it over. You couldn't make this place look more Evil Villain lair if you tried.
"I'll fly over." M'gann offered.
"Negatory." Wally said. "The field extends like a dome over the whole compound."
"Power lines are insolated, but one good shock could cause a momentary gap." Robin announced.
"I see a target." Artemis announced.
"Then be ready to hit it. Be ready, all of you." Kaldur said. Running forward, he ducked through a few tree straight to the barrier surrounding the compound. Slamming his fists against the barrier, he used his magic powers to force his way through the bubble. Being a guy to use electricity a lot, it definitely works to his favor.
"Now!" Wally called. Artemis took the shot a split second later, hitting her mark and causing the whole shield to drop down. We sprung into action, racing to get inside the compound before the shield reactivated. The second we were inside, we didn't have time to take a breather break before we noticed a single monkey sitting on top of the structure.
A guard monkey? Great. Good thing Conner isn't here yet. He hates Monkeys. Speaking of Conner, he is still off somewhere. Not sure what he was doing before. Probably still fighting whatever it was that was attacking him.
Anyway, yeah, the guard monkey. It screeched loudly as soon as it saw us. This screech seemed to activate the security system, and a dozen power induced monkeys began to pour towards us.
Ducking from a few of them, I used my one good arm to get a few good swings at a few of the collars on there neck. Getting off a few, I grinned as the monkeys who were a second ago consumed by rage, gave me a puzzled look. Glancing around, they ran off, back into the woods.
There was a roar. Turning my head, I was surprised to see a very large Gorilla holding a… machine gun? Whoa, that is terrifying! Planet of the Apes!
Roaring, the Gorilla sniffed the air. Realizing that M'gann, who was in camouflage mode, was trying to sneak her way around him, he grabbed her by the back of her hood. She shrieked as the Gorilla slammed her to the ground and pointed its gun and her.
"HEY!" Wally called to him. The Gorilla paused, "Get your hands off her you darn dirty ape!"
Ahh! I get that reference! Oh my gosh!
Wally had charged for the beast when it knocked M'gann down, and leapt onto it's back. It roared angrily, attempting to hit him off.
"Arinna go! We'll hold them off!" Wally called to us as he clung
Wha- why do I have to be the one to run in there? I'm the one with the dislocated shoulder! I can handle some monkeys! But I don't know what is in- Okay, y'know what, sure! Whatever. I'll go. Leave this to the Ms. One shoulder over here. If things go badly, which they will, it isn't like I'm not use to that.
Sprinting into the unknown compound, I skidded to a stop when I entered an operating room. I shivered at the feel of the room. I hated operating rooms.
"Mr. Marvel?!" I called.
"Arinna!"
Following the sound of the voice, I moved to the back of the room. I was shocked to find Mr. Marvel strapped to a metal table, and inhibitor collar around him neck to prevent him from moving. "Mr. Marvel!" I gasped.
"Arinna! He's trying to take my brain!" Mr. marvel pouted angrily.
"…What? Ew!" I frowned. 'Who is?"
"Well, well, what a pleasant surprise." A mysterious voice replied. I backed up when something rolled out of the darkness. It was… A… A… oh my gosh it was a brain. Literally… just a brain. I sticky, mushy brain in a jar connected to some weird robot. What was it? What in the serious flip was it?
The brain spoke with an odd French accent. "So Captain Marvel brought children along with him."
…how was it speaking. It didn't have lips, or a mouth. Where was the voice coming from. Did it have a voice box? This is so weird. Oh my gosh. What do I do? Do I kick it? Would that be considered morally wrong? I mean, it its just a brain it's technically the biggest handicap a person can have. I can't just beat up a handicapped person.
That would be so mean.
"Arinna?"
Realizing I had been lost in thought for a few minutes, I blinked. "…Sorry. It's just… a brain."
"The Brain." Mr. Marvel corrected.
"Indeed." The Brain said.
"…Okay….weird." I pointed to him. "Moving on. Are you okay?" I asked Mr. Marvel.
"I'm cool." He nodded, He frowned when the brain moved forward. I frowned, lifting my hands up.
"Okay Brainy, I'm freeing Mr, Marvel." I said, narrowing my eyes. I could take on a brain, totally. How hard could that be?
"Well, by all means my dear, go ahead. He ez small change compared to ze bigger picture. Though, I do enjoy ze idea of extracting his brain for research."
"…Okay, gross." I reeled back. "Why? I mean… I don't really think you need another one. You already got- you already are, a perfectly good brain."
"Indeed, but ze research that could be done would be outstanding." The brain agreed.
"….Ugh. This is so weird." I stuck out my tongue. I was just having a conversation with a brain. TV Drama got nothing on this.
"You are Arinna, me no?" it inquired. I stepped back.
"How do-" I bit my lip. I wonder if I should be surprised anymore, cause literally, everyone villain I've met seems to know me in some way. It is kind of ridiculous. "Well yes, but my last name isn't Meno."
"…" Mr. Marvel snorted a chuckle.
"My dear, your team zeems to be in shambles."
"Okay, One, my team doesn't Zeem, what ever that is. And two, we aren't in shambles." I argued.
"…I think it is." The brain sounded almost annoyed. "You all went zerperate ways me no? Making it oh so easy to attack each of you individually."
"…So. Not the point." I shook my head. "What ever, just give me Mr. Marvel back." I moved forward.
The brain rolled in front of me and I paused.
"Tell me my dear. What kind of brain do you have?"
"…" How the FLIP was I suppose to answer that you weird little pink thing? A messed up one? Amnesia brain? A bruised and battered one? I dunno! Who just asks a question like that?! "A fine brain." I ended up saying
"Has your memories returned?"
How does he flippin' know I have amnesia?! Like, seriously?
"None of your business."
"So ze have not then?"
"Okay weird brain thingy. I don't know what you are playing at, and I don't care. My friends are helping me with every brain issue I got, but now I think, I don't nearly as got as many problems as you, counting on how you don't even have a body to go along with the rest of you." I said.
"What a pitiful child." The brain chuckled, "You act as if zese children can help you." The robotic voice said, "They can barely help themselves. They turn on each other at the slightest doubt."
So he had noticed that, huh?
….How did he know we were arguing though? That we were untrusting to each other? It didn't make sense.
I held my tongue, glancing around the room at Captain Marvel. He was staring at me, his eyes narrowed. He was trying to move, but that collar around his neck wasn't helping.
"I don't care what you say." I ran forward. "I'm just here to save Mr. Marvel."
The Brain made a grab for a strange beam device above him. He pointed it at me. I was prepared to summon my shield, but a tiger seemed to beat me to it. It was the Tiger Captain Marvel wanted to free and ran off to save. It lunged at the Brain and knocked it over. Shocked at the sight, I stumbled.
"Traitor!" Brain screamed at the tiger. "You vill suffer for that!" popping out a strange device from it's side, it glowed red. The tiger let out a cry of pain as the collar activated, shocking the poor thing.
"Stop it! Stop!' Mr. Marvel screamed.
"Stop!" I called as well. My shield was useless against the collar's attack. The tiger continued to roar and cry out in pain. It withered on the floor desperate to escape the torturous pain. It was cruel. It was so cruel! It just wanted to help.
"Stop it…" I said. Another roar. "Stop it!" Anger began to build in my stomach. "I said, stop it!" As a weird sensation moved through my body, I flicked my fingers out. The brain was hitting the wall a second later and falling to the floor. The room shook from the impact, the lights flickering above.
"…" I looked down at my fingers. Dumbstruck, I opened and closed my hand in awe. "…W-Wha-" As the brain got back up, I tried again. With a flip of my fingers, he was tossed back again by an invisible force. It was just like that thing with Cheshire a few weeks ago!
I would have been pleased… if it wasn't the easiest thing in the world to activate the ability. "Really?! Are you serious?!" I demanded angrily., wiggling my hand in front of my face "All I had to do was flip my friggin' fingers?!"
The wall imploded behind me. I shrieked and ran in the other direction of the explosion as the gorilla from before was tossed into the room. Lifting itself up, it glared at the new hole in the wall. The team moved in, smirking in victory.
"It's the brain!" Wally called.
"I can see it's a brain." Artemis frowned at him.
"No a brain, thee Brain!' Wally huffed.
"In the flesh, so to speak." The Brain said. "Mallah." He commanded. The gorilla, who was Mallah apparently, nodded, taking out a device from the belt strapped across his chest. Pressing it, I shocked when a few machines, similar to the ones Kaldur and me found before, appeared around us. Activating, I found that gravity suddenly seemed to increase immensely, and I was forced to the floor. Grunting as I hit it, I frowned. This whole, lets throw Arinna into the floor thing, was really getting old.
"Miss Martian, Super Boy!' Kaldur called.
Miss Martian narrowed her eyes. Using her powers, she telekinetically ripped the device out of Mallah's hand and brought it towards her. Clicking the button, she freed us all as Conner shot into the room, a strange white wolf next to him. I guess that was the animal that was attacking him.
…I wonder if Conner and him are friends now that the collar has been removed? Probably.
Anyway, we all charged for Mallah and the brain. With it being a good 8 on two, make that 10 when we freed Mr. Marvel and his Tiger friend, it wasn't hard to see who would be winning this battle. Growling in fury, Mallah turned to Conner.
"Try it." Conner dared him, "I hate monkeys."
"He does." I nodded.
Mallah looked ready to take the challenge, but paused when the brain said, "No Mallah. Zis will not be our battle." He began to dispense an array of strange devices and mechanism from his person, all that could only point to a bad sign. "Au revoir mes amis."
…What?
"Get down!' Wally screamed. Kaldur grabbed my hand and yanked me to the ground as the Brain began to glow a dangerous red. Was he gonna blow?!
The lights were cut off and everything went black. Holding perfectly still until they came back on, I frowned. "…Huh?"
Flickering back to the life, the lights revealed the place where the brain once stood was empty. He was gone, along with his Gorilla friend.
"Wait, that big weapon thing was…. A light switch?" Wally asked, confused.
00000-Later-00000
"What are you grinning about?' Artemis asked Wally as we moved back to the Bio ship.
"One word, souvenir." Wally grinned as he placed the hate Mallah was wearing on his head.
"Two words." Artemis smirked, "Gorilla Lice."
"Aww!" Wally shrieked, ripping the hat off his head in an instant, patting at his hair furiously. Holding that hat at a distance, he dropped it with a scowl.
Chuckling, I looked back to the others who were just finishing up removing the collars from the animals. Beaming, Mr. Marvel kneeled down to the tiger.
"That the last of the collars?" he asked the Tiger. The animal seemed to understand him to a point and nodded. "Then I can count on you to keep the other animals out of trouble." The tiger roared again. "Good." Mr. Marvel said joyfully, "I'll be back for a visit. I promise." He scratched the top of the Tiger's head, letting him run off. Waving, Mr. Marvel sighed, "I think I'll call him Mr. Tauny." He concluded.
Kaldur and Robin gave Mr. Marvel a long stare.
Speaking of strange things, looking to Conner, I grinned at the sight of him petting the white wolf from before. "The rest of the pack is gone. What are you still going here?" he asked as the wolf pressed it's face into his hands, circling him.
"I think he wants to stay with you." M'gann chuckled.
"Can I keep him?' Conner sounded so excited.
"Yes! We should! We totally should!" I cheered, patting the wolf on the head. It tilted it's head to get a batter angle of the pet. It was cute!
Wally laughed, "First the Sphere, now this beast?" he asked, "Dude, you sure make a habit out of collecting strays."
"Maybe because he's such a stray himself." M'gann smiled gently at him. Conner glanced at her, smiling. I'm assuming they had some mental chat after that, because they seem to have forgiven each other for before. Which is good.
"Well." Wally folded his arms, "He's gonna need a name." he paused, "How about Krypto?" he wiggled his eyes brows.
"Pass." Conner said when the wolf growled.
"Besides, isn't that taken?" M'gann asked.
After that, we all moved to the Bio ship to depart. Just as we were entering, Robin spoke up. "I need to know." He turned to Kaldur, "Why did you keep the mole Intel a secret?"
We all turned to Kaldur for answers. Hesitant, he glanced at us. Deciding that it was best to come out with it, he took a deep breath, "The source of the tip was Sports Master." He announced.
"What?' Artemis gasped. "You can't trust him!"
"I do not.' Kaldur agreed, "It seems possible, even likely, that he was attempting to divide the team with false information."
"And given how this mission went, he nearly succeeded." Robin said, realization hitting him. "But you had to consider it might be true." Understandement made Robin's eyes soften as guilt for his action pooled into his eyes. Technically, we weren't really turning on everyone, we all just kind of ganged up on Kaldur and Conner for being untrusting and over protective. I want to think the rest of us were fine to each other, but whatever.
"Yes." Kaldur nodded, showing no anger to how the team had treated him. "As leader I did. In which case, I did not wish to alert the traitor should they exist."
"…Hate to say it, but it makes sense." Robin nodded.
"I am still prepared to step down." Kaldur said quickly.
Wally smirked, "All in favor of keeping Aqua Lad as leader." He raised is hand. We followed his movement in a heart beat. Even Captain Marvel joined along.
Kaldur smiled at us all, nodding his head to Robin, who grinned. "Guess it is unanimous." Captain Marvel patted Kaldur's shoulder. The two shook hands and stepped apart.
"Okay, see ya tomorrow." Mr. Marvel saluted us and moved away. We were shocked. He was just… leaving?
"You're not coming back with us?" Kaldur inquired.
"Nah, gotta fly." Mr. Marvel said before he took off.
What a strange man.
Deciding it was best not to question it, we made our way back into the bioship to finally go home and get some well deserved rest.
"So, what are you gonna call him?" M'gann asked Conner.
"What's wrong with Wolf?" he asked as he petted the wolf's head.
"Generic, but acceptable." Wally shrugged.
Moving up the steps into the Bioship, I paused at Kaldur, who was smiling at his feet. Glad that things had worked out in the end, I reached out and gave his hand a small squeeze. He looked at me gratefully, nodding.
On our trip home, I'm happy to say it was a lot more lively. We talked about Wolf and how Bat Man would react to him. Then we talked about how our missions always seem to go from simple reckon to something so much more. It was just a norm for us I guess.
When we arrived home, I made a straight line for the fridge and grabbed a soda. Chugging it down, I took the empty can and placed it on the table. "Wally!" I called to him. Finished with his part of the report to Bat Man he moved towards me. I would be going last, so I had some time to kill.
"I figured it out!" I cheered.
"What?" he titled his head.
Pointing to the can, I motioned to my hand, then to it. Confused, Wally titled his head. Grinning, I focused on the can and flicked my fingers at it. It shot up from the table and across the room. Wally started to clap like crazy.
"You figured it out!" he gasped.
"Yeah!" I cheered. "I just have to kind of flick my fingers and it works!"
"Really? That's it?"
"I know! It made me so mad when I found out." I yelled angrily. We shared a laugh.
"This is awesome Arinna. Knew you would figure it out." He patted my head. I beamed. Yeah, I guess I did. I mean, not sure how strong my power is, or what exactly it can do besides hitting things across the room, but at least it is coming along. I got some sort of offensive attack now. That is always good.
A little while later I reported to Bat Man on my side of the mission. I said basically the same thing everyone else did, except for what happened when I ran into the compound alone. I hesitated from telling Bat Man everything that happened at first. Knowing that Bat Man would probably be the best to tell this to though, I came out with it.
"He knew your name." Bat Man concluded, "And that you had amnesia."
I nodded solemnly. "Yes."
"Did he say anything else?"
"No. I-" I lowered my gaze. "I don't know what his goals were. But he definitely knew about me."
"That can be no coincidence. Villains from across the world share similar Intel." He paused, "We will look into this. For now, get some sleep. We'll discuss more about this later."
I nodded. "Thank you Bat Man." I went straight to my room to hit the hay. Saying goodnight to everyone, I was stopped in the hall by Conner.
"…Hey." He said.
"…Hi."
He shuffled his feet a bit. "How's the shoulder?"
"Hurts a bit. How is the Ego?"
He snorted, a small smirk pulling at his lips. "Intact." He scratched the back of his head, "You still mad?"
"I'm not mad per say. We were all upset when we had that fight… We said a lot of dumb and mean things. I'm sorry." I said.
"Me too. You and Red Tornado had a different kind of bond then the rest of us. I knew this, but I still said all that stuff. I should have known you were seriously upset about what happened with him."
Gosh darn it Conner. Why do you have to randomly become so nice? When you turn into the sweet brother it makes me wanna cry.
I hit his chest with my fist playfully, "I crossed the line when I brought up Cadmus though. I know you had no control what so ever when you attacked us. It was so wrong of me to bring that up." My voice cracked, "I'm so sorry for that."
"Eh, you had a point." He shrugged. "I even tried to hit you."
My voice came out as a watery chuckle, "Yeah. Why didn't you?"
"Huh? Seriously? Are you seriously asking why I didn't hit you? Shouldn't you instead be grateful I didn't?"
I shrugged. "Well, you hit all the others, just not me. SO I was just wondering."
He snickered, "Cause you made such pathetic noises. Every time I tried to get a hit in you made all these weird screeching noises. It was weird and felt like morally wrong to do it with how weak you were back then."
"Thanks." I grumbled.
He shrugged. "So… we cool?"
"Always… usually." We gave each other a light fist bump.
"Usually." He nodded. "Well, get some rest."
"Will do." I saluted. "Oh, and Conner?" I called as he moved down the hall.
"Yeah?"
"Wanna hang out tomorrow?"
"Sure thing Log."
"…I hate you." I chuckled.
"Hate you too sis."
"Awkward sibling hug?" I asked, moving towards him.
"No."
"Giving you one anyway." I awkwardly wrapped my good arm around him, patting his back a few times.
"What is with you and patting. That is so weird." He grumbled.
"Pat pat."
"Stop it."
"Pat pat."
"I said stop it."
"Pat pat." I slammed my hand repeatedly into his back.
"I will dislocate your other arm." He warned.
"Rawr!" I slammed my forehead into his chest.
"What even is this?" he demanded.
"I don't know! I'm so tired!"
"Go to bed then!"
"Okay." I kept my arm around him. "I growled at Super Man today, before we went on the mission."
This adorably nerdy snort shot from his mouth. "What?"
"I growled at him. He won't look at me now. I think I scared him."
"Or freaked him out."
"Rawr."
"Is that how you growled at him?"
"No, it was more like. Rawr!"
"Yeah, freaked out." He nodded.
"I want to think I sounded intimidating." I pouted.
"More like timidating."
"Don't do that." I laughed, "It only works when Robin says stuff like that."
"Yeah. It felt weird saying it." Conner agreed, shuffling towards my room like a penguin and dragging me with him. "Now go to bed."
"Okay." I sighed, peeling off of his shoulder. "I'm making pancakes tomorrow."
"Blueberry."
"If we have some." I said.
He looked horrified. "But we always shave blueberry pancakes when you make them."
"Well who's fault is that? You are the one who went smoochin' with M'gann instead of grocery shipping." I shrugged. Half shrugged. …Wiggling one arm due to brace….
"Worth it."
"Go away you dork." I laughed, pushing him out of my room. "If we don't have blueberries I'll come up with something else. Like cherries."
"Fine." He sighed. "Night."
"Night." Closing the door I sighed and leaned against it. Taking off my cape I hung it in my closet and moved to my bed. Gently plopping down, I yawned.
…I wonder what Red Tornado is doing right now.
BUM BUM BUM BUM!
And we are done! Yay! I feel a lot better with this chapter guys. A LOT BETTER. I don't feel awkward with this one.
So, I hope you enjoyed it. And again, I like hearing your guys thoughts and opinions, so if you think I should add anything, or maybe explain something with a little more detail, don't be afraid to let me know :D
Love you all and thank you so much for sticking with me for as long as you have!
I'll probably post the next chapter around the beginning of October. Since the episode itself takes place October 1st, I'll try to post the next chapter around October 1st. Or a little before if I finish it before than. :D