Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice!
Chapter 28
"Hey Uncle Ra's?" asked my 9 year self. I looked up at the man in front of me as I was talking a break from training.
"What is it, Avery?"
"Are you really my grand-uncle? You don't look that old" I said bluntly.
Ra's gave me a shortened wooden staff with a woman standing behind him. He made me stand up and got me into proper footing. "I am a lot older than you might believe, Avery. Once you are old enough and strong enough, you will play apart in our goal."
I tilted my head but nodded. "Alright, uncle Ra's."
"Good, now let's continue-"
[Forwards]
I looked at the vial in my hand. Ra's stood before me and looked at the view of Gotham, his hand on my small shoulder.
"Gotham will only be the first of what is to come. It is time to rid the world of its filth and restart our steps of our planet-"
People were doubling over in pain and some had passed. Their appearances changed when the virus took over and some held the symptoms of the new virus that Ra's had created.
In my hand was the vaccine. Ra's had given me the vaccine so I wouldn't be affected by the virus he unleashed. It was extremely contagious, mostly infecting others by air or in any forms of liquid. It was designed to break down the body's defense and ultimately their immune system. The virus would multiple once it was in a host, spreading throughout.
…
I had reached the tower and I stared at the vaccine. I couldn't do it. Why hadn't I taken it? I couldn't let any people die for such a cause. True, humanity would only continue to destroy the planet but I snapped when a child had fallen ill. Uncle Ra's explained that even if he had let the child alive, it would've still grown up with the influences of incompetent adults. The cycle would only continue on and everything would've been for naught.
Batman had arrived as predicted. He seemed surprised to see me. Ra's greeted him with a level of respect that even I understood. Feelings spread throughout me and I turned to Batman. His presence was strong and made me curious. There were an underlying of emotions and I tilted my head in confusion. Why was I able to sense his emotions; a stranger? He wasn't a strange. I knew him beforehand and we had established a link. If that was true, then Batman was trustworthy.
He looked at me and I would sense the surprise. He turned to Ra's, arguing why he brought a 'child'.
Had Ra's fallen that low?
Uncle Ra's defended against Batman's claims. Telling him that I was considered part of Al Ghuls and thus was part of the Demon's head. I faintly remembered Uncle Ra's mentioning his…organizations but only in hidden words.
More and more fell under the dangers of the virus. His followers and men charged to fight Batman. Ra's grabbed my arm and led me away from the fray. I glanced back at Batman and then at the vial.
…
I positioned myself next to Batman, straining from the ordeal. I had grabbed Batman away from the fray and he threw smoke bombs to distract the shadows. Ra's barked orders at me but the wind was louder. We stood on a roof, already seeing a flock of shadows come after us.
Batman managed to sway me.
To Save Gotham.
I listened despite my uncle's bite. I listened to both sides and I weighed them. With both logic and feeling, I fell to the latter. No matter what it was, murder was murder. Though Uncle Ra's spoke the truth to his words, it was still unacceptable. The virus would only become more formidable and every vaccine made would only fall behind. What would happened when the virus adapted to the vaccines and no longer worked? It could mean the end of humanity and Uncle Ra's plan would be for naught.
I held up the vaccine Uncle Ra's had given me. Batman looked at me and listened. I explained that if it was possible to pass the vaccine.
We came with a plan.
…..
I stood on the tower and held my hands to the air. Summoning my energy, I slowly but surely started to create a storm. A powerful storm. The wind blew harshly around me and I could myself being lifted. The gravity became heavier and my body started to falter. I pushed first, repeating why I was doing this. I pushed through with my determination.
The smell of ozone was becoming prominent and my hair rose. My fingers twitched with each spark and soon thunder rolled through the clouds. The sky became dimmed with the storm clouds.
I shuddered a sigh as I could feel the virus infect me.
It was too late anyway.
I let the vaccine go through the winds as it carried every drop to the sky. The smell of ozone mixed in with the familiar humidity of heavy rain. The wind blocked away any rain from me but otherwise, it poured.
I could faintly hear Batman holding back Ra's. Both yelled at me, both trying to preserve their ideals.
Lighting danced around me and my veins burned. My knees slowly went to the ground and I coughed out blood. So tired. So painful.
The wind around me started to die down and the thunder and lightning came to a rumble. The rain was no longer spilling to the ground but sprinkled the vaccine down. I could tell it mixed in with the air, the earth and water, and finally through others. I smiled when I could the buzz of life returning. I turned and gave one last smile to both men.
Right…Batman is Bruce Wayne. That's why I trusted him.
He was nice. He was good. He was trustworthy.
….
"Avery, stop this at once!" ordered Ra's. He attacked Batman who stood in his way.
Avery's arms started to shake underneath the pressure of the storm. She had to keep it going. If she didn't, the people of Gotham would die.
Blood started to leak from her eyes as the wind started to dry it. She turned to Ra's and gritted her teeth. There was a broken vial on the ground and the liquid started to disappear into the storm. She was the eye of the storm when thunder roared.
"Avery!" yelled Batman over the wind.
Avery could smell something burning and could feel her mind starting to melt. Her body burned from inside and she gave a low laugh. The storm started to disperse and the sun started to leak through. Her body fell back and the last thing she remembered was the blue sky, two bodies, and pain.
"The vaccine has successfully spread through Gotham"
"What about Avery?"
"Even though we gave her the vaccine and has destroyed the virus, the damage has been done"
"Her body has been weakened even further than it already has. The doctors checked but there's not many options left. If her abilities continue to hit a certain threshold, her body won't lost."
"And?"
"And from the overall situation, Avery's brain has also overheated…"
"So you're saying she is now handicapped."
"Yes. I'm sorry. All I can say is despite the odds, she's managed to be still alive. Although, whatever happens, Avery might not be the same person that you used to know."
Present Avery stared at herself that lay in the bed of her home. There were machines surrounding her past self; who was also half-conscious. Constantly going in and out between reality and into herself.
Her mother stroked her head and Present Avery smiled, remembering how comforting that was.
Her father stood with his arms crossed over themselves, his eyes matching the stare Batman had.
"I and the other Leaguers can provide protection for Avery and along with all of you. Ra's and Luthor won't be able to harm you" said Batman.
"I don't care what happens to me. For all I care, Ra's and his clan along with Luthor can do what they want but never my family."
Avery scoffed and rolled her eyes, yet a smile played on her face. Her father. Glad she remembered him as the honorable yet stubborn wise fool.
"We are also willing to mentor Avery so she can control her powers better" said Batman.
"We?" questioned her mother, worriedly. "What do you mean by 'we'?"
Avery realized Batman and her parents were speaking entirely in Chinese. No wonder their attitudes were slightly different.
"We currently don't have a person who has the same powers as your daughter. Instead of one League member will be mentoring your daughter, it will be within several trusted people" explained Batman.
Avery could her feel her hand tense at that prospect. Her father glanced at her past self and his eyes were calculating. "Alright"
Everyone looked at her father in surprise, along with her brothers who were hidden behind the door.
"Are you sure, Clifford?"
Her father rose an eyebrow at Batman. "It will be my daughter's decision ultimately. However, she is no fool. She will know the consequences. We've already done what we can for her and perhaps it is time for others to help her."
"What about your sons?" questioned Batman.
"They're already old enough. They're already strong as they are right now. However, Avery is still learning" said her father. "Avery has the highest priority now."
…
Present Avery saw herself recovering. She slowly met those in the Justice League.
Wonder Woman would teach her how to fight and how to grow confidence as a woman. The amazon taught her values and shared her Amazonian upbringing.
The Flash, who was the closest in resemblance, taught Avery how to use her electricity. She would run at the speed of lightning and how to throw her lightning bolts with precision. The Flash also taught her how to use her active brain to her advantages; from scanning her surroundings and making quick yet efficient decisions.
Black Canary provide support yet firm with her.
And Batman helped her understand everything.
However, despite all the support she was given, Avery didn't think life was going to be that easy.
And she was right.
"Hello Avery" said Bruce, smiling at her.
"Hello Mr. Wayne" said Avery, doing a small curtesy with her dress.
"I like your dress" complimented the Billionaire.
"Thank you" Avery replied with a sheepish smile.
Present Avery stared at the interactions between her younger self and Bruce. At that time, Avery had met Bruce on some occasions. He made small talk with her and they got along great. Her family had been invited to an event by Bruce and they agreed. However, she was the only child attending. Her eldest brother Adrien was at work at S.T.A.R. labs and since he was still new there, it was best if he kept working. It wouldn't show well to the senior staff of a newcomer missing out work to attend a party so Adrien couldn't make it. Her two twin brothers were at a sleepover and were also volunteering at the same time. Xander-
Present Avery widened her eyes and suddenly felt queasy. Wait, Xander? He….that was the name of her second eldest brother. Where was he? Why hadn't she seen him for-
Suddenly there was an explosion. Bruce, with his fast reflexes grabbed Avery and shield her away from the debris. There were screams but an insane laughter broke through.
The Joker.
She was caroled into a group with the other kids of high socialites. Guns were pointed at them and Avery was held as hostage by the Joker. Her mother cried out for her and her father struggled at Joker's men holding him down. He had managed to punch out two of the men before being pinned down.
Avery's hands twitched when she was held at gun point…
In her dress pocket, Avery had a knife that she took from the tables.
It was all a blur. Avery opened as wide as she could and bit down onto Joker's arm. He let out a yowl and dodged the knife that Avery brought down on him. Using her induced speed, provided by her powers, she stabbed the Joker in the shoulder. She grabbed the gun and shot the men holding her father down before running.
The next thing she knew, Avery was running away. Her father grabbed her and was carrying her while her mother ran alongside them. There were screaming and gun fire. Batman had arrived and tried to stop the Joker.
Smoke rose to the night sky of Gotham. Avery let loose and cause a malfunction, fizzing out the lights and causing smoke to fill the room. There was chaos everywhere.
Then…her parents died in an alley by the Joker.
…
…
…
"How long is it until she wakes up?" asked Wally, scarfing down a snickerdoodle.
"We don't know Wally" rasped Artemis tiredly. "If we knew, we wouldn't have to listen to you ask the same question over and over again!"
"Batman said her levels are stabilizing but we still don't know if she'll wake up or not" reported Robin, sighing. "M'gann?"
The Martian shook her head. "Sorry, I still don't know. Last time my uncle checked, Avery is still deep into her sub consciousness. Whatever is happening, it must be important."
"Is there a way we can go into her mind? Like the Genomorphs did with me back at Cadmus?" asked Conner. Wolf whined in response.
"Or like we did for the training exercise?" clarified Artemis.
Kaldur shook his head. "Even if that were possible, given the results of what happened on that day…I doubt the League will allow us to attempt it" he sighed and rubbed his temple. He was tired.
The Alantean did his best to keep himself composed while trying to keep the Team occupied. However, he was slowly losing his wits. There was no word of any change of Avery's state. He was beginning to think if Avery would ever wake up.
Kaldur immediately dismissed the thought. No, he would keep believing. Avery would've done the same if the roles were reversed.
"And what about of Alex? Her brothers?" asked Kaldur.
"What do you think? They're angry at what happened and they've gone silent. Last time we checked on Alex, we were met on with full force of their… 'Coven'. And don't get me started on Avery's brothers."
"Why? What happened?" questioned Artemis.
"Avery's brothers, like her, have powers. Let me tell you, they're just as experienced as Avery. Maybe more."
Everyone else widened their eyes, "What?"
Robin played with one of his bird-a-rangs, his mind wandering. "Adrien, who is Avery's eldest brother out of them all, is psychic. He immediately knew we were coming and they've always managed to get out before we could find them. The only place we know where he always is, is at S.T.A.R. labs in Gotham but we can't do anything there. He's always surrounded."
"There's Avery's twin brothers Kai and Sai; who are both halves of the whole."
"What do you mean by both halves of a whole?" questioned Kaldur for clarification. Robin shrugged.
"No idea. Avery didn't go in much detail but something about their powers being polar opposities that seem to interconnect and are interdependent of each other. Something about one being Yin and the other Yang."
"So for example, one could have the ability to control water and the other fire?" thought Kaldur outloud.
"Yeah. According to Avery, technically they can do both but one specializes in one or the other."
"So who manipulates which?" asks M'gann.
Robin shrugged, "We don't know other than Avery. They kept passing each other skills with each other that it's hard to keep track."
"So that what the Flash was complaining about. Something about not being to run as fast anymore or having everything being wonky" said Wally, remembering back to when his uncle came back all grumpy.
"Is that dangerous? I mean not that I don't trust Avery and everything but shouldn't they be-"
"Batman once told me he gave his word that he would protect Avery and her family. Besides, they're pretty content with their normal lives" shrugged Robin. "Except, there's one thing that bothers me…"
"What is it?" questioned Conner.
"Avery has four older brothers, right? I've only three of them so where is the second one?"
"Does he also have powers?" asked Artemis.
"Well, I haven't heard it directly but apparently he can manipulate shadows"
Kaldur stiffened. "Shadows?" His mind flashed back to Taipei where the League of Shadows attacked the Peace Conference. He saw Avery fighting and before she got caught up in a blast, Kaldur saw a spot of darkness moving. He swore the shadows were moving around like they were sentient but then the explosions happened.
Considering the situation and he didn't give the moving shadows another thought. But if Robin or the other Leaguers didn't see Avery's other brother for a while….where was he?
….
….
Xander stood where he was and took in a deep breath. He had to follow orders or he wouldn't be able to provide Avery the care she needed.
The recipe for the medicine that made Avery stronger was destroyed, all those years back.
'Thanks to Janice-' thought Xander bitterly.
Nor would he able to protect his younger siblings from Ra's.
Taking in a deep breath and gathering his wit, Xander knocked on the door. He heard a faint 'you may enter' and he did.
With fluid strides, he came to a room where he saw the 'Child' with Ra's Al Ghul standing in front of him. He also saw Vandal Savage to the side, watching what was unfolding with Klarion grinning gleefully at the 'lesson'.
"Masters" said Xander, before bowing respectfully.
"Have you located Avery?" Ra's asked with a flat tone. The 'Child' was kneeled with magical chains, restraining him to the ground. The 'Child' was…an incarnation of what happened when someone attempted to create an evil supernatural being to do their will and exact their ill intent.
'Again, thanks to 'aunt' Janice' thought Xander.
"Yes Master. The Justice League have hidden her well" reported Xander.
"She is still unconscious, is she not?" clarified Vandal.
Xander nodded. "It will be sometime until she wakes."
"Good. Klarion, are you prepared to proceed?" asked Vandal.
Klarion grinned, "Of course" purred the lord of Chaos. "What better way to release such Chaos to the baby League."
Xander frowned inwardly before Ra's turned to him. "Make the necessary preparations. Everything must go according to the Light"
Xander bowed once more before he let himself disintegrate into the shadows. Before the darkness swallowed him, his eyes glanced at the Child; who in turn grinned maliciously.
A shiver shuddered throughout Xander. His feet turned cold and his body shook. He nearly failed to disappear into the shadows and the Shadowmaster let the darkness swallow him in solitude.
