Together We Stand, United We Fall.
Chapter Twenty-Five: Usual Suspects
Author's note: Thank you for continuing to read, alert, review, and subscribe to my story and/or me. It means the world to me. After this story is complete, I will begin the works on the story I am planning that takes place during the time jump.
Katiesgotagun: Just keep reading and find out!
ShadowXMoonlight: Thank you, love-bug. I'm really happy to where this story is headed.
ukitakeitalialover041757: Endless it is!
Washington DC
December 30
09:19 EST
"The Justice League was formed for two reasons." Superman began.
"First, as an acknowledgment that no single individual- no matter how powerful, can solve all the world's problems alone." Superman paused, "And second, to uphold the values of truth, liberty, and justice. That last one is even in the name."
The crowd below laughed, the flashing of the camera growing as Superman motioned toward the five soon-to-be Leaguers, "These five have sworn to uphold those values."
I crossed my arms, rolling my eyes as Cat Grant appeared on the screen. "You are watching live coverage of the Justice League's induction of it's five newest members. Looks like the entire League has shown up to welcome the new blood. Everyone from Batman to Captain Marvel!"
Wally grinned, "I'm glad they didn't kick Billy out." He bit into an apple. "And I love the fact that there's a ten year old on the League."
"There is?" Rocket questioned. I shot Wally a glare as Robin jabbed his torso. "Ow!" Wally groaned.
"Way to keep a secret, Kid Mouth," I sighed. "Hey, she's on the Team now, right?" Wally questioned. I turned to face the screen, "Superman is now handing out official League membership cards, starting with Doctor Fate," I watched Robin place a hand on Zatanna's shoulder.
"The Atom, Plastic Man, and Icon."
"You know, I was the one who convinced the Icon to become a hero in the first place. I should be outside celebrating with him, not hidden away in here."
"Welcome to our world." Hunter joked. "It's always like this." I add, shoving my hands in the pockets of my leather jacket. "Well, I suppose there's an upside, too," Rocket grinned, staring at Kaldur.
"Was I that annoying when I crushed on Conner?" Artemis questioned. I stifled a laugh, "No. You were way worse." I answered.
"Finally, Green Arrow welcomes his former protege, Speedy, now known as Red Arrow, to this roster of heroes." Cat Grant voice overs as Green Arrow and Red Arrow shake hands. Wally throws his fist triumphantly in the air, "Way to go Roy!"
"At last, he has his wish." Kaldur smiles. "The first of us to make it. No one will call him a sidekick anymore."
"But not the last. You guys sound so happy to have the younger Queen ward," I sarcastically say. "Wait, since when is being a sidekick a bad thing? You sidekicks were my inspiration!" Rocket admits.
"Well, see, six months ago-" Robin cuts himself off, opening his wrist watch. "What is it?" Kaldur questions. Robin smirks, "Some old business we've got to take care of."
"Suit up, everyone." Kaldur commands.
Smokey Mountains
December 30
10:48 EST
"A-Are you sure it's her?" Artemis stutters, questioning. I stare out the window at the white wonderland below us as the bio-ship zooms in the air. "I mean are you absolutely positive?" Artemis adds.
"See for yourself," Robin answers, pulling up a holographic screen. I lean back in my chair, watching the footage. "It's Jade." Artemis confirms, "Cheshire," she corrects.
"Agreed, but focus on what she carries." Aqualad points to the silver case in her hands. "Is that the case you saw in New Orleans, the one that got away?"
Artemis nods, "Yes."
"Okay," Rocket cuts in, "I'm guessing from the mug shot that this Cheshire is the bad guy. But what's so important about that case?" Rocket questions. Robin sighs, "Remember the Injustice League?"
Rocket glares at the holographic feed of Star City's bridge nearly being crushed as the giant weed plant squeezes the construction. "And it's giant evil plants? Uh, yeah."
"The Team and the League put them in prison. But their allies still scheme. And whatever is in that case seems important to their plans." Aqualad explained. "We had a chance to grab it in New Orleans, but someone screwed up."
I kick Kid Flash's chair, "We all screwed up in New Orleans. But we're here now to fix our mistakes and get that case back." I cut in; Artemis sent me a grateful smile. "Approaching Cheshire's jet." Miss Martian announced. Hunter loaded his crossbows, eager to return to action after being absent from the Team for so long.
I gasped, taking in the sight. The plane was totaled, smoke still rising from the engine.
"Looks like there were no survivors." Miss Martian announces. "We won't know that for sure until Phoenix checks the site." Robin announced, placing a hand on Artemis' shoulder.
"Wait, that's a thing? You can actually do that?" Rocket questions. "Every telepathic can sense people within their range. Recently, I've been able to recognize the people through the pulses they create while they walk. I can detect people through vibrations in the ground, basically." I explained.
Rocket stares in awe at me, "Girl, you got some serious power."
I clench my eyes shut, placing a hand on the snow. I inhale, taking in the vibrations.
I stand, turning to face my team.
"Where are the bodies?" Superboy questioned. "Up there," I point.
"Here's one," Cheshire shouts, "and it is stunning." She holds the case tight in her hand.
"I am fora, not fauna. I am foliage, not trees. What am I?" The Riddler grins down at us, behind him Mammoth and Shimmer. He snaps his fingers; metal machines stab through the snow, each releasing a low hum.
They release a green electric light before they encase us in a force field. "Can you break it?" Rocket whispers. "Not without frying." I retort.
"Come on, you can get this!" The Riddler urges. "I am shrubbery, not grass. What am I?"
"I..." The Riddler trails off.
"Am bush." Robin finishes through gritted teeth. "Didn't you think we'd be tipped you were on Cheshire's trail?" The Riddler questioned, grinning down at us. "We're tired of your constant interference, kiddies. This is the endgame. Order from above and executed by their master strategist, moi."
"Is everyone linked?" Aqualad questioned.
"Yes." Both Miss Martian and I answer. "Go." Aqualad snarls.
I fly in the air, extending my hands in front of me. The henchmen on the cliff hover in the air, before I throw them to the side. They land with a thud.
"Phoenix, the machines!" Aqualad shouts. "On it!" I shout back.
I fly towards the machines that create the force field, blowing them up with my orbs. I yelp, being thrown back from the explosion.
"SB! You-You're flying!"
I fly in the air, watching heat vision spew from Superboy's eyes. "If looks could kill," I murmur. I turn, extending my hand out. Shimmer yelps, eyes wide and she floats above the ground. "Don't even try it." I hiss.
I float in the air, my body resembling a star fish; all the machines go out, the green force field going out as the machines exploded.
I floated down, roundhouse kicking Shimmer into unconsciousness. I picked up a piece of metal- the circular top portion- from one of the machines, handing it to Kid Flash. "Souvenir," I grin.
Mount. Justice
December 30
15:45 EST
"Tell me if this sounds familiar. You hacked League systems, disobeyed proto-call, and endangered your lives. And, your initiative results ended in the capture of three escaped felons proving Warden Strange runs Belle Reve as a cover for criminal activity," Batman paused, easing his glare, "well done. And there's this," he motioned towards the case we managed to retrieve.
"Bio-technology integrated with some form of nano-circuitry." Batman explained.
"Though I am unfamiliar with the species, the bio component is clearly not of Earth." Icon reveals. Batman closes the case, taking it with him to the zeta tubes. "We'll take it to the Watchtower for further study."
I walk towards my mentor, "So, does this mean I'm not grounded?" I joked.
Black Canary's blue eyes met mine; she exhaled, glancing away. "I should go. The League is waiting on us. Don't patrol tonight, celebrate with your teammates your victory. Send a message to the house if you're staying the night." Each word is monotone, her eyes staring at something above my head. I nod, whispering 'yes'.
I returned to the Team.
"You realize we were set up?" Robin announced. "Yes. Cheshire and Riddler were tipped."
Artemis sighed, "Not the mole thing again."
"Mole thing? Again?" Rocket questioned. "It's a long story," Hunter chuckled.
"We had intel that there was a traitor on the Team." Kid Flash explains, glancing towards me. I hold myself, staring at the ground in disgust and embarrassment.
"Mainly M'gann, Artemis, Hunter, or me." Superboy pushes through everyone.
"Maybe it's not a mole, maybe it's a security breach?" Hunter suggested.
"It is more complicated than that." Aqualad places a hand on Superboy's shoulder. Superboy shrugs him off, walking away. "But your recent behavior does concern me." Aqualad admits.
"You're attack on Mammoth nearly got Artemis killed." Aqualad stands in front of Artemis protectively. Superboy groans, doubling over. "Superboy?" Aqualad questions.
Santa Prisca
December 30
17:57 ECT
"I didn't think you'd show," Psimon grinned, watching me emerge from the shadows. "The Team and League found out. I'm a fugitive among heroes. You were right. My talents are not made to serve those arrogant, narcissistic bastards."
"I'm glad you've finally seen the light," Queen Bee grinned. "Although, I don't think we'll need to harm anyone this time." She laughs, entering the clearing. I lower the mask that covers my lower face. "Remain in the shadows until I call for you." Queen Bee explains.
"Welcome, Superboy," Lex Luther welcomes his son. "I'd like to introduce to you my associate, Queen Bee. I believe you know everyone else."
"Sportsmaster, Mercy, Blockbuster, and our new friend Bane, who's allowed us use of his island in exchange for certain considerations."
"So the Injustice League was just a distraction. You two have been behind everything." Superboy concludes.
Luther chuckles, "A flattering notion, son, but we have many friends."
I grip my katana swords as a helicopter lands and the bio-ship flies above us. "Now," Psimon pushes me. I walk out of the shadows and into a clearing. Artemis, Miss Martian, and Superboy gasp at me.
"Phoenix!" They say unanimously. "A person with my gifts shouldn't rot away in a cell at Belle Reve. I've seen the light, and my goodness, it's heavenly."
"Why are they here?" Miss Martian questioned. "You promised."
"I've kept your secret and my promise. Now, you keep yours." Queen Bee glared at the Martian. Miss Martian lowered her head in shame, "Good girl." Queen Bee cooed.
"Give me more shields and I'm in, too." Superboy clenched his fist, taking a step forward. Luther walked towards Superboy, glaring at him.
"My boy," he chuckled, "you're a terrible liar."
Superboy's eyes went wide before he moved to attack Luther. "Red sun."
Superboy froze in his tracks.
Artemis stepped forward, as I gripped my katana swords harder.
"What do you want us to do?" Artemis questioned, placing her hands on her hips.
Luther turned, nodding his head at Queen Bee and Sportsmaster.
"You three, come with me." Sportsmaster grunted, pointing to the forest. "W-What about Superboy?" Miss Martian asked. "He'll be fine," Queen Bee assured, "he simply requires a few adjustments."
Superboy turned to face us, "There's something I need to do. Something I need to tell you." He explains, his cold blue eyes glaring at the floor. "Last month, on Thanksgiving, I went back to Cadmus. I found a few things out. When I was cloned, only half the DNA was Superman's. The other half was human," he explained.
He sighed, "That's why I don't have, will never have full Kryptonian powers."
Robin smirked, tilting his head, "You sure? You seemed to have them today."
Hunter snickered in agreement, "If looks could kill."
Superboy lifted his sleeve, showing us a black sticker on his arm.
"I've been using these. They suppress my human DNA. I get the flight, the heat vision, but I think I also get angry. Well, angry-er."
"Where did you get those?" I questioned.
"From my human father. Lex Luther."
My eyes went wide. "Lex? Lex Luther? Is your dad?" Robin shouted.
"So I heard right?" I whispered. "I'm sorry, wait. Lex Luther?" Hunter questioned, cupping his ear as if to hear better.
"He summoned me to Santa Prisca."
I walked past Superboy, glaring ahead. "Bring him along," Luther motioned toward the clone. Mammoth grunted, walking towards him.
Artemis ran forward, shooting an arrow.
Artemis groaned causing all of us to turn to face her. "Listen, Superboy's not the only one suffering from bad DNA."
She stepped forward, sliding her hand in the air. A holographic keyboard; pictures of Huntress (the bad one. Well, they're both bad but the ex-con one.), Sportsmaster, and Cheshire appeared on the screen. Retired was sprawled in red lettering over Huntress' picture.
"My mom is Huntress, an ex-con. The rest of my family aren't even ex. My dad's Sportsmaster and he's sending my sister, Cheshire, to fly me to Santa Prisca."
"That's why-" Artemis cut off Aqualad.
"Yeah. That's why I was so desperate to make sure none of you found out."
"I knew." Robin admitted. Artemis gasped. "Hey, I'm a detective."
"I knew, too." Artemis' cheeks flared red. "C'mon, I'm supposed to be your cousin. So not all your DNA is bad." Artemis grinned.
"You aren't your family." Robin noted.
"Not entirely, at least. You're one of us. Now and forever." I grinned.
The arrow connected with Mammoth's chest, a foam exploding and encasing him.
"Sorry dad! I wanted to play you like you wanted to play me! But I can't let them mess with Superboy's head."
"M'gann, be a dear and take Artemis down." Queen Bee instructed. Miss Martian lifted Artemis in the air.
"So, who's next?" Kid Flash leaned against me.
"I am." Miss Martian admitted. "I swear I was kidding." Kid Flash's eyes went wide, hands up in mock surrender.
"Queen Bee has been blackmailing me. She wants me in Santa Prisca, too."
Aqualad glared, "Blackmailing? How?" Hunter and I tensed at the mention of Queen Bee.
Miss Martian lowered her head, "She knows my true Martian form." Miss Martian admitted. "Bald M'gann? Who cares-"
"No." Miss Martian cuts Robin off, sighing. She transforms into a white, large creature.
"I realized you would never accept me if you saw what I really am."
"M'gann, did we truly seem so shallow?" Aqualad questioned.
"I couldn't take the chance," M'gann admitted, hugging herself. "Being a white Martian among the green on Mars, I faced constant rejection. I couldn't face that from-"
"From me?" Superboy asked, stepping forward. He held her hand, tight. "I've known since we mind-melted last September in Bialya."
Miss Martian gasped, "But that was before we even became a couple. Why didn't you tell me?"
Superboy shrugged, "I figured you'd tell me when you were ready."
Artemis flew in the air, shooting her arrow at Cheshire and Sportsmaster.
"Bandit, control the situation. Now!" Queen Bee roared.
"Psimon and Queen Bee have been blackmailing me, too." I sigh, stepping forward. I turn to face my Team, using Wally's small smile of encouragement to continue. Hunter shoots me a questionable glance but does nothing to stop me.
"Queen Bee attacked my best friend, Eleanor Wilson a few weeks ago. Psimon erased eight hours of her life and an entire year from Hunter."
Aqualad turned around, facing Hunter. "Are you alright?"
Hunter nodded, "The memories are returning slowly. I should be thanking Phoenix that they're returning at all."
"Why did you not tell us before? We could have done something-" I cut Aqualad off.
"Queen Bee threatened Ellie's life. I couldn't have that hanging over all of you. A few nights ago, I fought Psimon, thinking I was finally free. Yesterday, Queen Bee sent me a video of her in Ellie's room. If I don't go to Santa Prisca tonight, I'll regret it, she says."
Robin furrowed his brow, "But, how have you been operating for them as Phoenix and not been caught? You're good but not that good."
I chuckled, pulling up a holographic keyboard; I typed: Silent Bandit.
"That's because I haven't been operating as Phoenix. I'm the Silent Bandit."
The Team gasp, nodding in realization. "It was a theory of mine," Robin chuckled. "Not surprised," I retort.
"I'm going tonight. I have to at least try to save Ellie." I frown. Robin cackles, stepping forward, "I have a plan."
I roundhouse kick Queen Bee; she dropped to the floor into unconsciousness. I grunt, sending a very strong telepathic wave into the forest. I felt Psimon fall into unconsciousness too, not yet fully recovered from our last encounter.
"Superboy, Queen Bee and Psimon are out cold. You're free to do as you please," I yell, racing across the scene towards Luther.
"Ah, Phoenix, always a pleasure to see you. Psimon was right, you do not know the extent of your power. I'd love to sit down and chat about it with you, but it seems now isn't the time." Luther chuckled as Mercy aimed her robotic arm at me.
I use my katana swords to shield me but I am thrown in the air. I yelp as the beam burns through the sleeve of my kimono, burning my right bicep. I land in a crouch, running towards him again. Hunter cuts through, into the clearing. He shoots two arrows at the cyborg and evil mastermind (how cliche of me), causing them to be thrown back but not before Mercy shot another beam of energy again; I extended my palm, creating a force field. I am thrown back by the force of the blast and energy blast.
This time, Kid Flash runs, catching me in his arms.
"I would've landed it," I laugh, throwing orbs at the Spanish guerrilla fighters. "I know. You're less of a bird, more like a cat. A little more to the right," he nods. I steady my arm, aiming at the platoon of men.
Kid Flash slows his running so that I aim able to aim at Babe; my eyes widen as three shooters shoot at us. I jump from Kid Flash's arms, flying. I levitate Kid Flash, throwing him in the air. The red lasers their guns shoot barely graze him, skimming past my hair but burning my right shoulder. From the corner of my eye, I can see a few strands of burn hair cascade to the ground below.
Kid Flash lands on the floor with a oomph as I lose my concentration, focusing on the burning pain. Hunter's arrows lodge themselves in the barrel of the guerrilla fighters. Their guns blow up as I land in front of Kid Flash.
"Sorry about the landing," I joke, helping him up. "Are you kidding me? You seriously just got burned by a laser for throwing me out of the line of fire and you're apologizing to me?" Kid Flash questioned, taking my hand as I pulled him up. He avoided my burned bicep and shoulder.
"Hey, disaster averted. Feeling the aster." Robin states. Kid Flash and I approach our awaiting Team; I take notice of Rocket and Hunter who exchange a high-five.
"Agreed, today has been a good day." Aqualad announces. "More than that. Today was an amazing day. In honor of our victory, pizza's on me. As many pies as we can carry back to HQ."
We cheer in happiness.
"How'd it go?"
I jumped in horror, aiming a orb at the intruder. Wally raised his hands in mock surrender, watching my orb flicker away. "Don't scare me like that." I hissed. "How'd what go?" I questioned.
"Telling Canary and GA." Wally elaborated. I sighed, hunching my shoulders. "They were more disappointed than angry. I wish they'd yell at me but all they did was just sigh and look away. I disappointed them. That's way worse than pissing them off. They're still deciding whether or not to remove me from the Team. Canary should be telling Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman tonight. Any day now, I'll be called for a brief and the League and I assume Team as well get to vote on my future: do I stay or go."
Wally sighed, "What happens if you go?"
"Worst case scenario? The Phoenix mantle is retired. Best? I'm put on probation."
I bit my bottom lip, sitting on the medical cot. Wally softly touched the bandaging on my forearm before placing his hand on my shoulder. "You already know my vote. I want you to stay."
I blushed, looking away. "Thank you." I whispered.
"A-Ashley? The other night, in Star City, while you slept... did you happen to hear what I said?"
I furrowed my eyebrows, confused. "No. Why? Was it something important? I must've been sleep talking. I do that after a power surge, sorry."
Wally forced a smile, "No, no. Nothing important. Just me blubbering."
And, for a brief second, I wanted to break our universal rule of no telepathy without asking and read his mind. He lied to me, he lied straight to my face. I faked a smile in return, masking the hurt I felt.
"I have to go," I announce, breaking the intense eye contact. I exit the infirmary, walking down the long hallway that exited into the hangar. Hunter polished his bike, a pleased smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
I exhaled, trying to stop the turning of my stomach. Hunter glanced up, noticing me. He threw the rag he used to polish his bike down, walking over to me. He wore civvies and his hands were covered in oil.
"Hi," he breathed out.
"Hey," I responded. Hunter inhaled, deeply; I could see his chest rise and his shoulders broaden. "I wanted to thank you, formally, for everything you've done for me."
"Hunter, you don't need-" he cut me off; he reached out holding my hands. I didn't mind that his hands were dirty.
"No, I do need to thank you. You lied to your friends, endangered your career, strained your relationships with your guardians and I have nothing to give in return. Thank you Phoenix," he smiled.
"Please, call me Ashley." I insisted. Hunter smiled, glancing down at our intertwined hands. His gaze returned to me but Hunter was no longer there. Instead, a far, distracted gaze stared at me. His grip tightened, slightly.
"There is more to you than you know," Hunter whispered. "For you, I'd fight a thousand wars. I'd follow you into battle over and over again. Always."
I pulled my hand out of his hold; it surprised him. Hunter blinked, twice, before furrowing his brow. "W-what just happened?" He questioned, rubbing his temples. "I don't know. Are you okay?"
Hunter hesitated, "I think so."
"I have to go." I announced, walking away.
Author's note: Hiya guys! So, my left wrist is fractured but I typed Chapter 25 and 26 prior to my injury so you're in luck! Chapter 26 should be up tonight after a few minor edits and perhaps the Epilogue as well.
Do you guys have any requests on one-shots you want to see happen?