Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice!

Chapter 38

"Icon, Rocket, meet Sprite. Sprite, meet Icon and his sidekick Rocket" said Superman.

"Pleasure to meet you two" I said, shaking both of their hands. It felt weird wearing my hero suit after so long but it felt familiar at least.

"We have met a few times but didn't have the pleasure of getting to know you" said Icon, smiling politely.

"Likewise" I responded.

"I finally get to meet you Sprite" said Rocket, smirking. "What took so long girl?"

I gave a short laugh, "I could say the same to you. If we had, then the odds of boys and girls would've been balanced."

Rocket smirked before we got ready. I led Rocket to where the rest of the Team were, and when we came through the doors, voila we had arrived at the 'clubhouse'.

They waved to us and we made short quick of introductions. I saw Rocket eyeing Kaldur and I sighed inwardly. Yup, I wasn't the only one who thought Kaldur was dashing.

I looked away, unsure if I should establish the fact Kaldur and I were dating…? Or-

Kaldur'ahm's hands found mine and I jolted. My green eyes found his before he looked at me adoringly. I felt myself relax before a soft smile made its way onto my lips.

"Are you sure you will not join the others?" he asked me.

I dragged my thumb over his skin and I swore I could feel his tattoos. "No, I wanted to be a hero because I could save people and make the world a bit better. I never felt comfortable around the news outlet or anything." I took in a deep breath and looked at the giant screen. "Besides, if something were to happen to me…"

I felt Kaldur'ahm's hand squeeze my hand. His eyes were directed at me but I didn't need to look to know.

"-The Justice League was formed for two reasons. First, as an acknowledgement that no single individual, no matter how powerful, can solve all the world's problems alone. And second, to uphold the values of truth, liberty, and justice- the last one's even in the name" said Superman, a bit sheepishly.

The press laughed and I couldn't help but chuckle. "These five heroes have sworn to uphold those values-"continued Superman as the camera zoomed closer in closer onto Doctor Fate, Plastic Man, the Atom, Icon, and finally Red Arrow.

"You are watching live coverage of the Justice League's induction of its five newest members. Looks like the entire Leagues has shown up to welcome the new blood. Everyone from Batman to Captain Marvel" reported Cat Grant.

"I'm glad they didn't kick out Billy out" said Wally, before he took a bite of his apple. He also gave me a Granny Smith apple, in which I took a bite of. "And I love the fact that there is a ten year old on the League-"

"There is?!" said Rocket, surprised.

Robin and I elbowed the speedster, who gave promptly an 'ow'.

"Way to keep a secret, genius" said Robin.

"Hey, she's on the team now right?" said Wally before he took another bite of his apple.

I rolled my eyes before our eyes went back to the screen.

"Superman is now handing out official League membership cards. Staring with Doctor Fate-"

My eyes went to Zatanna who looked away sadly, while Robin comforted her.

"-The Atom. Plastic Man and Icon-"

"You know I was the one who convinced Icon in the first place. I should be outside celebrating with him, not hidden away in here" complained Rocket.

"Welcome to our world" said Kaldur'ahm, slightly amused. I gave a huff of a chuckle, as I remembered a six months ago the others were complaining like Rocket was…

Six months ago…it felt only like yesterday though.

"Well….I supposed there's an upside too" said Rocket.

I felt annoyed at the tone Rocket was giving and to who. Wally and Robin reached out to me (through our emotional link), nudging me to be calm.

"And finally Green Arrow welcomes his former protégé Speedy…now known as Red Arrow to this roster of heroes."

The boys cheered, "Way to go Roy!" yelled Wally, giving a fist pump in the air.

"At last he has his wish" commented Kaldur'ahm, feeling proud for his best friend.

"The first of us to make it….no one will call him a sidekick anymore" said Robin.

"Wait- since when being a sidekick a bad thing? You sidekicks were my inspiration!" said Rocket.

I threw my hands in the air, "Thank you!" I yelled.

Kaldur'ahm chuckled before he tugged me closer to him.

Close enough for our shoulders to touch each other and our hands more fitted.

"Well see….six months ago-"Robin said to explain what had happened but we all heard a beeping. Robin, his attention diverted, checked his watch. I looked at him and we all shared a look with each other.

"Trouble?" I said, as everyone turned to Robin and I.

Robin nodded before Kaldur'ahm spoke, going into leader mode. "Let's move" he ordered.

Everyone immediately headed off and the other got ready. I checked my arsenals before Kaldur'ahm made his way to me. Our hands naturally came together before he placed his forehead on my own.

"Will you be okay?" he asked, whispering.

I nodded, kissing his lips. "I'll be fine…if it makes you feel better, I'll stay in the back"

Kaldur'ahm nodded. We stayed like this for a few moments before I felt the Team arriving. We separated before the Team joined us. We all climbed into the Bioship, Miss Martian taking control as we flew into the sky.

As we entered the Smokey Mountains, Robin had filled us what had alerted him earlier. Apparently, for god knows how long, Robin had set up alerts using some program he had created. It allowed him to keep an eye out for any villains with security cameras, without him actively searching for them.

And the alerts had identified Jade Nyguen.

"Are-" Artemis stuttered, "Are you sure it's her? I mean, are you absolutely positive?"

"See for yourself" said Robin, before he pulled up the security footage of Cheshire, who was carrying an odd looking case, in civvies. "This is security footage from the Nashville airport. Facial recognition confirmed that is Jade Nyguen… but you've seen her without her mask, what do you think?"

I narrowed my eyes. Why would you take an airplane while carrying such an odd looking case? That didn't seem to be a stealthy choice…or was it on purpose?

"Yeah…that's her, Jade….Cheshire" said Artemis, looking down. I looked at her and could feel guilt, sadness, and….regret?

"Agreed" affirmed Aqualad, "but focus on what she carries. Is that the case that you saw in New Orleans? The one that got away?"

What a subtle way Kaldur'ahm.

Robin zoomed in at the case and we got a better close at it.

"Yes" confirmed Artemis.

"Okay, guessing from the mugshot that this 'Cheshire' is the bad guy. But what's so important about that case?" asked Rocket.

I looked at the others, a bit curious too. I was never debriefed on what the case was for, in the first place.

Robin pulled up a picture of the Injustice League. I stared it, remembering there was something about them that didn't feel right….but what was it? During the attack, everything happened in a blur so thoughts were immediately put aside.

"Remember the Injustice League?" asked Robin.

"And their evil plants? Uh yeah" answered Rocket.

"The Team and the league put them in prison….but their allies are still scheme. Whatever is that case seems important to their plans" said Aqualad.

My head turned to KF when he spoke, "We had a chance to grab it in New Orleans, but someone screwed up" hinted KF to Artemis, who glared at him.

I folded my arms over my chest before sighing in my head.

'What's with Kid Flash?' thought Superboy to me.

I tilted my head, an amused pout on my lips. 'Artemis is afraid of something and Kid Flash is angry at her for messing up the mission-'

Before I could finish replying, I heard Miss Martian speak.

"Approaching Chesire's jet-" before we all widened our eyes.

I was surprised as well but narrowed my eyes at the scene before us. "Looks like there was no survivors" noted Miss Martian.

I narrowed my eyes, "That may not be the case" I said before the ship zoomed in closer on the wreckage.

"Explain" asked Aqualad.

I turned to him, then Artemis who seemed distraught, then at the others. "There's no fire or smoke. Cheshire's plane didn't leave that long ago and if there was indeed a crash, then we would've been notified through the airport system and more….besides, this is Cheshire we're talking about. An assassin and a potential member of the League of Shadows."

I looked at Artemis; whose eyes met with mines. "If anything…this seems suspicious" I said.

I tilted my head slightly downwards to Artemis. 'I'm sorry'

She shook her head slightly, dismissing it.

Aqualad looked at me and seemed to process my words. "That does seem likely. Miss Martian, lower the ship down, we will investigate the wreckage but proceed with caution. It may be a trap" ordered Aqualad.

We all nodded before we proceeded to make our way down to the broken plane.

As we got into the valley, I looked around. I didn't like how the plane had crash landed in such a close space. The walls were high and seemed unstable. Any massive force could bring these cliffs down onto us.

'Superboy' I thought to him as he looked at him. 'Whatever happens, keep in check your strength'

'Why?' he asked, curious.

I projected the possible scenarios to him; such as if he punched too hard or crashed. The cliffs and the cleavage of the valley seemed unstable and were eroded from time from snow, rain, and ice over the years.

Superboy nodded, getting what I was referring.

One by one, we began to spread out, checking for clues.

I used my abilities to use my wings so I could survey from above. I checked around and there seemed to be some unsettlement but none that were obvious that there was anyone…yet.

I went down as KF finished checking the inside of the plane. "Sprite's right. How come homeland security aren't all over this?"

"Cheshire's ID was a League alert, authorities didn't pick it up and her jet didn't follow their flight plan. Flew under the radar literally" explained Robin. "But the Watchtower auto-tracked the plane and tracked it."

I thought about it. That did seem possible but there was one thing-

"Then why isn't the League here?" asked Rocket.

"Because our Boy Wonder here has some wonderful hacking skills to get the alert first" said Zatanna.

"And Cheshire and the Case represent our unfinished business" added in Aqualad.

"Where are the bodies?" asked Superboy, after throwing aside a broken plane wing.

I felt a shiver run through my body and whipped around. "INCOMING!" I yelled.

"Here's one" said Cheshire's voice, just as I yelled. We all turned and saw Cheshire, alive and kicking. Without a scratch no less. "And it is stunning"

"She's not alone" I warned as surprise, surprise another voice spoke.

"I am flora, not fauna. I am foliage but not trees. What am I?" asked Riddler from the top of the cliff, with some assassins dressed in snow suits with Mammoth and his sister (whose name escaped me. Probably because we were being ambushed).

I could feel machines operating as the same devices we saw the Island when we encountered the Brain, start popping up.

I sighed and felt bitter. I knew it, this was a trap.

A barrier was set up all around us, encasing us.

"Oh come on, you can get this. I am shrubbery, not grass. What am I? I-"

"Am bush" finished Robin.

I was not amused.

"Didn't you think you would be tipped on Cheshire's trail?" taunted Nygma. "We're tired of you interference kiddies. This is the endgame. Ordered from the above and executed by master strategist, moi" he said proudly.

While the telepathic link was established, I scoffed. "By order from above-"

Everyone looked at me as I smirked. "You mean by Vandal Savage, the Brain, Ra's Al Ghul, and Luthor am I right?" I yelled out for everyone to hear.

It was subtle but our enemies widened their eyes. I was half-bluffing and didn't have enough proof to back it…but this confirms my suspicions.

'Sprite, what are you-'questioned Aqualad.

'Trust me and roll with it' I thought to the others.

I turned myself around and decided to keep up the act. "Ah yes, you wouldn't think we would catch on? Oh come on, it was staring at us right in the face!"

"How?" questioned Riddler, darkly.

I looked at him and pointed to him. "Well for one thing…the Injustice League? Their members doesn't even fit!" I said, "We both know Poison Ivy hates working with the Joker, of all people. I mean, even you Riddler find him too difficult to work with!"

The Riddler grimaced as I made eye contact with Robin. He nodded and seemed to be getting what I was getting at.

I remembered. When the Injustice League attacked, I found it odd for some reason. What tipped it off was the Joker and Poison Ivy.

Why would the work together? They both hate each other.

And why would the Joker be interested in the first place? If Ivy wanted someone to control the plants, there was someone else than the Joker. And it didn't make sense for the Joker to come up with this kind of plan….it didn't fit his sense of 'humor' (for better lack of the word).

Everyone slowly got into position while the villains attention was on me. "And don't get me started on Count Vertigo; who's too mighty for everyone else, Wotan; who wouldn't give a damn, and there's the Atomic skull and the Ultra-Humanite-" I listed off.

I looked at Cheshire who seemed defensive. "Not to mention the number of assassins that have been showing as of late. I mean who else has the power and authority to gather all of you?" I said, my arm gesturing to all the League of Assassins. "Or make you work with people you don't like?"

'Like Sportsmaster and Cheshire' I thought, considering their…relationship.

I could feel Artemis tensing up. I placed my hands together like I was thinking, "Let me think…oh right, Ra's Al Ghul himself."

"And when the Ice Fortress appeared? Why on earth would Vandal Savage come himself to prevent Kid Flash from delivering Queen Perdita's heart transplant? And Count Vertigo hiring him is too out of the question" I explained as KF nodded mentally.

"Then there's Luthor…who of course provides the funding and technology….along with Brain's nice little barriers…and so, so much more!" I said. "You think none of us would notice?!" I yelled, laughing a bit.

I could feel the second wave of agitation from our enemies before I did a twirl, "But of course….you shouldn't underestimate us lightly" I said.

At that moment I twirled around and sent several flash bombs into the air. They all went off in synchronization before I dropped to the ground, using the built up energy to create a wave of electricity. Magnetizing the metal pieces of the plane wreckage they floated before I sweep one arm forwards to shoot towards Nygma and mammoth.

Of course, the former backed away instinctively while Mammoth charged in to block the wreckage. I sweep my other arm and sent the plane wing across the cliff. The assassins jumped away as falling rock debris begun to rain down on them.

The Team moved before we launched into battle. When our enemies tried to intercept us on the ground, Zatanna had casted a spell.

A snow flurry had been created before all of us charged into fight. Several assassins tried to come at me at the same time before training kicked in. Dodging and using their own attacks against each other, I couldn't help but sigh when I elbowed one assassin in the neck.

I tightened my grip on their weapons and had the moment to inspect it. This was different then anything I remember. And it seemed…not just foreign, but alien.

'Superboy, Sprite, the Pylons!' ordered Aqualad.

'Affirmative'I thought to Aqualad before I jumped upwards. The snow flurry slowed down my usual speed but I pressed on.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Superboy go behind a plane wing and he dug into his pocket. I smacked another assassin down before I saw Superboy take out a…box?

I couldn't help but pause as I saw him reach into it and take out something before applying it to his arm.

'Superboy, what are you-' before I could finish, I felt a wave go through me. I gasped as it felt foreign and….wrong.

It was like a power rush but-

Then I saw Superboy fly?!

Since when he could fly?!

Too confused, I remembered what I had to do before I took out my boa staff. I started to slice off the pylons with my scythe, before moving onto the other.

Everyone was directed to their own mission. I was busy taking care of the pylons and as much as I wished that I could help the others fight, there were too many below. It was like being pitted in a cage.

Then I saw something fly at the corner of my eyes. I looked and saw Superboy flying and throwing Mammoth upwards, crashing into the force field before he started to brutally hit him with his laser vision and punching him in random speeds into a cliff.

I could feel the tremor going through the ground and widened my eyes.

No.

'SUPERBOY! ENOUGH!' I yelled in my mind.

It was futile as all I was getting was pure rage and emotions.

Nothing.

The top of the cliff became unstable and started to slide down to Cheshire and Artemis.

'ARTEMIS!' I thought to her before I pulled out a coin. Flipping it, I immediately built up the energy and shot towards the cliff, breaking into nothing but dust with my railgun.

I gritted at the strength and saw Cheshire pushing Artemis to thes side, when another part of the cliff collapsed.

I hissed at the pressure and burn but when the slab of earth had disappeared, I let out a yell before moving the railgun across the pylons. Taking them all out effectively.

The force field disappeared. The snow was gone and everyone, except for Cheshire, was captured.

The railgun disintegrated into nothing and fatigue washed over me. I sighed and my knees buckled before I felt Miss M's arms around me. "Thanks" I sighed out tiredly.

"Thanks for the hard work" giggled Miss M before she looked at my arm, that was bleeding.

I looked at it and I could feel my powers slowly stitching my muscles together. "I'll be fine" I smiled at Miss M.

She gave me one back as well but I felt the wave of concern. I closed my eyes and felt Miss M carry me back to the ship. I sent out a mental brush of reassurance.

A warm mental embrace washed over me and I sighed in relief.

After rounding up the villains, we noticed Cheshire was gone. However, we had retrieved what we originally sought after: the case.

However, it was kind of odd when Artemis explained to it.

Cheshire had disappeared and left the briefcase, in arms reach. How did she not grab it back? Wasn't it important?

I felt my communicator open up and a small pit formed in my stomach, aware of who the ID caller was.

A tired smile appeared on my face as I placed my chin on my hand.

"Hey Batman"

When we all returned back to Mount Justice, we were interrogated by Batman and a few other heroes.

"Tell me if this sounds familiar" questioned Batman. "You hacked League's systems, disobeyed protocol, and endangered your lives….and your initiative response resulted in the capture of three escaped felons; proving Warden Strange runs Belle Reve as a cover for criminal activity."

I couldn't help smile as it did seem familiar. Like how this team was first founded.

And for the golden ticket, we all saw a small upturn on Batman's lips. I grinned even wider and snickered quietly. He was feeling so proud of us.

"Well done" praised Batman.

At that moment, everyone immediately looked at each other. Kaldur and I looked at each other before we smiled. Our hands naturally came together as well.

"And then there is this" said Batman, referring to the case. "Bio-technology integrated with some kind of nano-machinery."

"Though I am unfamiliar with these species…the bio-component is clearly not of Earth" noted Icon as he expected one of the many objects.

I narrowed my eyes at it. For some odd reason, I can feel the technology calling out to me along with a residue of magic?

Batman closed the brief-case, "We'll take it to the Watchtower for further study" he said before he turned to me. "Avery"

I flinched and sighed as everyone turned to me. "What is it Batman?" I asked, trying not to panic.

Black Canary looked at me, with a hand on her hip. "You know what today is right?"

"Uhh….."

Smart move, Avery.

"Everyone on the Watchtower is celebrating the new recruits…including you" she said.

I winced and sucked in a breath.

I could feel everyone looked at me as I sighed. "Do I have to?" I asked.

I knew the answer but couldn't hurt to ask, right?

Black Canary nodded. "Come on, the others are waiting"

I visibly deflated and felt Kaldur squeeze my hand in reassurance. I looked at him and I was met with soft eyes and lips. He nodded before I turned to the others.

They all gave me smiles and nods when I hesitated.

I guess it was time huh?

I walked forwards, waving at the guys ( a bit sadly and pitifully) before Black Canary placed a hand on my shoulder before the two of us and Icon entered the Zeta Tube.

The bright light flashed and I felt my body dematerialize and materialize into the Watchtower.

I guess this is it.

Black Canary gave me a reassuring squeeze on my shoulder. I looked at her and she gave me an encouraging smile. I took a deep breath before I stepped out.

In front of us was ever hero that has ever existed today, gathering around. There were a couple of heroes introducing themselves to the newly-admitted heroes.

I saw Roy being congratulated and he turned to us. He held up a hand with an attempt of a smile, before I rose my own hand in courtesy.

As soon as we walked down the steps, a couple of heroes came up to me. From Wonder Woman to Plastic-man (who was exuberant as usual) I put a smile and acted like I was glad to be here.

But I wasn't.

I would've preferred to be with the Team honestly…

I felt a connection and looked off to the side and saw…

"Alex?"

THIRD POV

Alex took a deep shuddering breath before he made himself walk forwards to Avery. "Hey Avery" he greeted.

His best friend quickly walked over to him, surprised. "Alex, what're you doing here?"

He gave a small smile, hoping Avery wouldn't catch on…but at the same he wished she did.

Avery furrowed her eyes brows together in concern but that was over in a second. "Can we talk?" asked Alex.

Avery nodded before the two left the crowd and walked over to a large window, far from the group. The two of them watched their home planet of Earth in the vast darkness.

There was nothing but silence between Alex and Avery,

Their hands were joined together like they were kids but Avery could sense something was wrong. What it was?

She didn't know. And she didn't like it.

"Alex" said Avery, turning to him. "What's been with you, lately? You're hiding something and you usually tell me if its this excessive"

Alex tightened his grip on Avery's grip on reflex. "I….there has been things happening lately. Been busy" he tried to explain.

"Like what?" asked Avery, narrowing her eyes.

Alex stopped breathing for a second before he closed his eyes shut tight. He bared his teeth in frustration and Avery widened her eyes. "Alex…you need to tell me what's going on now"

Alex brought his hands to his head, gripping his hair. "I shouldn't have but…he, he threatened to hurt my family and-" Alex looked at his best friend with blurry violet eyes. "He said he had a way to save you Avery-"

Avery gripped Alex's shoulders, "He? You mean Savage? Alex-"

Alex tried not to breakdown. "I'm sorry, Avery. I'm so, so sorry" he shuddered, "I was so stupid and desperate. I should've realized this sooner-"

"Alex, what's going on?" demanded Avery, the pit in her core getting heavier and heavier.

Alex looked at Avery with broken eyes, "Vandal…he has a plan. He plans to brainwash the entire League and take over the Watchtower. And he-"

Avery widened her eyes, not allowing her best friends to finish talking. She immediately started booking towards the rest of the group were, ignoring the plea from Alex.

However, when she returned to the others, it was too late.

"No" said Avery, her green eyes staring at the puppet look of the entire Justice League. They were all kneeling and the Zeta Tubes came on alive earlier.

Avery saw a familiar figure and realized who it was.

"Vandal Savage" growled Avery, her body releasing sparkles of electricity.

The immortal man stepped forwards and his eyes swept over the crowd before landing on Avery.

He grinned as a cold shiver shook through Avery's body. Her eyes wide as Vandal spoke.

"Nice to see you again, Avery"