Oa: Guardian's Chamber
Hal had been in contact with The Guardians, regularly, since taking on Ben as his protegee. That only increased with the recent revelations founded by his team. Now, him and Hal had been called into a meeting with them. The Guardians were comprised of small, blue humanoid people.
They wore white robes with the green guardian symbol and red accents. They were currently comprised of Ganthet, Appa Ali Apsa, and Ranakar. Hal said there were more well before he ever ended up with the Omnitrix; however, certain events in the past led to them passing away.
That is except for Sayd who had gone off to start the Blue Lantern Corp. As for the meeting itself, well Ben at least knew what it was about, and the fact that they couldn't vote to take the Omnitrix. Even if they tried, he wouldn't give it up. Especially after all this time.
"We have reviewed all the information Hal Jordan sent us on your behalf Ben Tennyson, and it is rather troubling to think two batteries could have fallen into the hands of a single organization." Appa declared
"Admittedly, we didn't see the batteries, but Martian Manhunter did canvas our minds to determine the truth." Ben declared. "He deems it as such."
"Quite right." Appa nodded. "Additionally, we have gone to the home of Agent Orange and found his grave while our Lanterns still report nothing of Sinestro in every sector."
"What are you going to do about it?" Hal asked.
"We must prepare our Corp. here and coordinate with all other Green Lanterns." Ranakar declared. "The fact that these Forever Knights have already gone after, and secured, two power batteries is a troubling sign. One we fear means they will come for other batteries."
"We shall also endeavor to warn the remaining Lantern Corps. that their own batteries may be targeted as well." Appa declared. "We are sorry, but Earth has always been in good hands with the Justice League. With three Green Lanterns already there, your planet is in a good position."
"So, that's it?" Ben questioned. "You're basically saying, 'Earth is fine, so we'll build up our defenses'. Look, I'll admit there's only so much I can understand from outside your Corp. but if you believe the Knights want to collect all the batteries, wouldn't it be best to stop them now?"
"That would be a division of forces Ben Tennyson." Ranakar retorted. "A division we cannot afford if we are to protect our own battery and keep the others save. Earth is home to many heroes, but if things become dire, we will act."
"If this is because you can't trust me, that's fine; however, I was under the impression my mentor was one of your best." Ben spoke up.
"This does not have to do with how unworthy myself and Appa see you child." Ranakar declared. "This is doing what we feel is best for the universe. Be thankful we are even going to offer the little bit of help we intend to."
"Ranakar, it's been over five years." Ganthet spoke up. "Can't we acknowledge that Ben Tennyson has done a lot of good with his watch just as Hal has with his ring?"
"This is hardly the same as Hal." Ranakar declared.
"Isn't it?" Ganthet grinned. "If I remember correctly, you were one of the most outspoken guardians against young Hal. Now, it seems as though history is repeating itself especially since some could argue that Vilgax is just as much a threat as Sinestro once was."
"I will eat my words when Ben Tennyson actually proves himself in my eyes." Ranakar crossed his arms. "Now, tell him of our decision before I rescind my vote in favor of it."
"I better get to it then." Ganthet smiled as he turned to Ben. "For clarity's sake, it has come to our attention that the Justice League has formed a younger team and you are its leader, has it not?"
"For clarity's sake, you are right." Ben stated amicably since this guardian wasn't against him. "What are you getting at?"
"Recently, a young human, the fourth Green Lantern from Earth, was chosen, and he shows an exceptional affinity for will." Ganthet stated. "We have already discussed it with Batman, thanks to Hal, and are awaiting your approval. Would you like this young man to join your team?"
"How exceptional are we talking?" Hal asked curiously.
"Given time and training, he may surpass even you." Ganthet stated. "Recently, we have been giving him the standard training all Green Lanterns receive, and he is almost done. If you take him, once he's done, we'll send him Hal's way to bring to you team."
"Even a fresh Green Lantern, especially if you talk up his potential, could be a big help should my team run into the Forever Knights again." Ben nodded. "Alright, send him on over once his training his done." He turned away from. "Speaking of my team, I should get back."
Hal and he left the room together heading back towards Ship which they had taken to reach Oa.
Mount Justice, Days Later…
Ben had informed his team about the potential new teammate soon, but he couldn't answer to many of their questions. The guardians didn't offer for him to see the guy, and considering two of them were still against him, he wanted to get out of there.
Fortunately, the team had understood. Now, it was a beautiful summer morning in Rhode Island. A perfect day to hit the beach which was exactly what the whole team was doing. All of them were clad in swimsuits and had plenty of food and other things used at the beach.
M'gann took in a deep breath filling her lungs with ocean air. "Hello, Megan! We should hit the beach every day!"
"First, a moment to appreciate the fact that Gwen is actually here." Ben smirked jokingly. "After all, I'd think she'd be studying for the upcoming school year rather than having fun with us."
"Just for that, you can't have any of the sandwiches I made." Gwen retorted with a grin.
"Fine by me." Ben smiled. "M'gann's sandwiches blow yours out of the water cousin."
M'gann blushed at the compliment.
"Alright, that's enough you two." Cassandra declared. "Come on, the beach is calling our names!"
It was a fun morning which stretched well into the afternoon. The team played in the water and the sand. They ate the food they brought from sandwiches to food Dick was able to make over a fire. They played volleyball and Superboy even let the team bury him in the sand.
Mount Justice, Later…
Ben had ended up being called back to the cave by Batman, and when arrived, decked out in costume, he saw Batman, Hal, and Flash standing with two people. One of them he recognized as Kid Flash while he could take a stab in the dark that the other was Kyle Rayner.
Kyle had medium length, jet black hair. His Green Lantern suit was black with white on the front and construct created bracers that went part way up his arm. The green lantern symbol was displayed over his chest.
"Hey, Kid Flash." Chimera smiled first at Wally. "What are you doing here?"
"Hey Chimera." Kid Flash nodded with a grin. "Remember when I told you I've been getting back into the crime fighting game? Well, it took some convincing, but I got my family, especially Flash, to let me join the team."
"It wasn't easy, but he was insistent." Flash crossed his arms with a sigh. "Chimera, just promise me you'll do everything you can to make sure he comes home safely."
"I always will for my whole team." Chimera nodded firmly. "Anyways, welcome aboard Kid Flash."
Kid Flash nodded before stepping back and allowing him to greet the other guy. "Sorry about not saying hello right away, but Kid Flash is an old friend of mine. Anyways, I'm Chimera, and I assume you're the fourth Green Lantern of Earth."
"I am, sir." Green Lantern nodded. "To avoid confusion with your mentor, you can just call me Ion, while in costume, from now on." He held out his hand. "I am looking forward to learning all I can from your team."
"We've been looking forward to having you." Chimera shook the offered hand. "Like I told Kid Flash, welcome aboard."
Around this time, the rest of the team teleported in.
"Kid Flash." Robin declared happily as he walked over. "What are you doing here?"
"Kid here is joining the team." Chimera then gestured to Kyle. "As will the new Green Lantern, but we should just call him Ion to avoid confusion."
The rest of the team introduced themselves to Ion who was polite, friendly, and respectful. That seemed to lead to positive interactions all around and was a good sign for his inclusion into the team. Of course, Lucky Girl, Robin, and Cassandra were glad to have Kid Flash here.
"Recognized: Speedy B07
"That's not my name anymore." A familiar voice to many declared. "I'm Red Arrow now." Everyone in the room turned to see the red-and-black clad form of Green Arrow's ex-partner. "Well, look at the former sidekicks?" He scoffed. "You seem to have doubled in numbers."
"Jeez, what happened to him?" Kid Flash leaned over to Robin. "Sure, the guy was grouchy, but this seems to be on a whole other level."
"Kid Flash." Red Arrow looked at him and crossed his arms. "Despite you falling in line like the rest, it's at least good to see you're back."
"I don't think I like you're attitude towards this group." Ion stepped forward. "To my knowledge, we weren't expecting any more company."
"Please, don't make me laugh." Red Arrow scoffed. "You may wear the ring of a Green Lantern, but that's as far as the name goes with you. I mean, by the way you carry yourself, you're a mere rookie."
"Red Arrow, that's enough." Chimera declared firmly. "I will not tolerate disrespect to any member of my team within our HQ. Ion might be new, but he comes highly recommended from The Guardians."
"Easy now, Chimera." Red Arrow crossed his arms. "I just want to make sure the rookie knows what he's doing."
"I'm positive he does." Green Lantern stated.
Ion smiled at the assurance from the older Lantern.
"I doubt you knew we'd be getting a couple new members to the team, so why are you here Red Arrow?" Chimera questioned. "If you need help with something, why didn't you go the Hall of Justice?"
"I remember Lucky Girl and some others coming around talking about the covert team months ago." The red-clad archer explained. "I thought this mission would be right up your alley. A Dr. Serling Roquette."
Robin went over to the Cave's computer and pulled up a file on the doctor. "Nano-robotics expert from Royal University in Star City. She vanished two weeks ago."
"Abducted two weeks ago." Red Arrow corrected. "By the League of Shadows."
That got everyone's attention. The League of Shadows was an infamous organization of spies, assassins, and mercenaries. Not even the Justice League has been able to take them down permanently.
"You want us to rescue her from the Shadows?" Robin asked excitedly.
"I come join a team, and my first mission is this." Kid Flash fist bumped Wonder Girl. "Hardcore!"
"I already rescued her." Red Arrow told them, much to the team's disappointment, as he walked up to the computer and inserted a flash-drive. "There's only one problem. The Shadows had forced her to create a weapon she calls The Fog.
It's comprised of millions of microscopic robots capable of disintegrating anything in their path. Concrete, steel… flesh, but it isn't just destruction. It's also theft. The infiltrators eat and store raw data from any computer systems before delivering the stolen intel to the Shadows."
"That gives them access to weapons, strategic defense, cutting-edge science, and tech." Lucky Girl spoke up. "Based on what I know, it sounds right up their ally."
"Roquette is working on a virus to render The Fog inert." Red Arrow informed.
Robin's eyes went wide. "But if the Shadows know she can do that…"
"…they will go after her." Ion finished.
That made the team look at him. Yeah, they liked the guy well enough but hadn't expected him to already be picking up on something like this. They quickly moved on as this was a serious matter.
"Where is Roquette now?" Ken asked.
"Off the grid." Red Arrow told them. "I stashed her at the local high school's computer lab."
"You left her alone!?" Chimera questioned in shock
Red Arrow shrugged. "She's safe enough… for now." He then walked off. "Now, my job is done here." He glanced back at Chimera. "I won't be there, but I'll be looking for the results." He turned away from him. "Honestly, I'll be impressed if the rookie doesn't weigh you down."
Ion gritted his teeth. "Why you…"
As he stepped onto the teleporter, the computer identified him as Speedy again, so the archer glared. "Update your computers!"
Cave Hanger
The now expanded team was assembled in the Cave's hangar where they introduced the newest members to Bio-Ship and Ship.
"Oh man, they're both cool." Kid Flash remarked. "Sorry Miss Martian, but I do think Ship just edges out yours in my opinion."
"It's fine by me." Miss Martian smiled. "Everyone has their preferences."
Ship was very pleased by the compliment, and since they were taking him on this mission, he made an extra comfy seat for the speedster.
"Before I forget, thanks for your help on the last mission Kid Flash." Chimera stated. "You made it a lot easier on me to get the job done."
"No problem." Kid Flash shrugged. "Still, I'm not going to classify that as my first mission, so how about we get this one underway?"
"No problem." Chimera nodded. "Team, time to go to school."
Happy Harbor: High School, Night…
Dr. Roquette had been less than happy to see the team, but this was who the league sent. Once introductions had been made, Chimera had Miss Martian, Wonder Girl, and Ion standing guard on the roof. The rest stuck close to the doctor.
Once everyone was in place, Miss Martian established a psychic link to the entire team and Roquette. "Everyone online?"
Everyone gave a simple 'yes', save for Kid Flash, who was in awe. "This is cool."
"Call it what you will, but this is distracting." Roquette snapped as she typed away at a computer. "Coding a distributed algorithm virus on a kiddy-computer with less RAM than a wristwatch is hard enough. Now, I must hear teen-think in my skull?"
"Lady, do you always complain when someone tries to help you?" Kid Flash asked as he chewed on an energy-bar.
"For real." Wonder Girl agreed. "At least say that when we do it."
"Let's focus up team." Chimera declared. "Lucky Girl, I want you and Robin to go scout the perimeter. Superboy and I will stay here with the good doctor."
"We got ya Chimera." Robin declared before the pair left the room.
Chimera then approached the uneasy doctor. "Alright doc, even if your virus works, it won't do much good if we don't know where the weapon is. Can you track it?"
"My Utility-Fog is not a weapon." Roquette snapped fiercely. "It's science, brilliant science, so I can track it; however, I'd have to go online. I might as well rent a billboard with this address and the words 'assassinate me' written on it."
Chimera placed a calming hand on her shoulder. "We will keep you safe."
Roquette found herself believing in his words, so she nodded before turning back to her computer. She punched in a few keys, and a new window popped up on the screen.
"Tracking The Fog now." Roquette declared.
Roof
While the program did its work, Wonder Girl, Ion, and Miss Martian were on high alert. They had been alerted that there was a good chance the Shadows would be coming after Roquette.
"Robin." Chimera declared. "Doctor Roquette has found The Fog. Take Ship and bring Lucky Girl, Ion, and Wonder Girl. Superboy, I want you outside and on the perimeter. Miss Martian, maintain the roof and extend your telepathic scan of the area. Kid Flash, patrol the halls."
Everyone took their new positions as Ship flew down to the ground and opened his hatch. The four heroes climbed aboard and took off. None of them noticed that they were being watched by several of the most skilled assassins in the League of Shadows.
They weren't worried about the Martian finding them with her telepathy. They had been trained to mask their thoughts in case of this very situation. They couldn't very well hold the reputation they did if abilities like that could find them easily.
School Grounds
Superboy started walking the perimeter when he heard rustling coming from the bushes near the entrance to the fencing. He stepped just outside and scanned the perimeter only for some red webbing to grab his leg and yank him out before he could plant his feet.
"We got intruders!" Superboy yelled over the link.
"Do you need assistance?" Chimera asked.
Superboy finally slowed and managed to tear the webbing before standing. He looked up a tree only to see a guy dressed in purple spandex. His mask has shades of purple and black while also sporting a spider emblem. Around his wrist he has two dull gray bracelets.
The spider jumped at Superboy, so he blocked only for the assassin to jump off him. "I'll be fine. You three focus on the mission."
With Superboy gone from the ground, and Miss Martian unable to detect the thoughts of these assassins, a second figure was able to enter the school with no problems.
Inside
Kid Flash was coming back around to the computer room when he spotted a shadow moving in a hallway. He dashed after it to the school's indoor pool only for his eyes to narrow. His time in the Null Void made him far sharper than this.
There were marbles laid out on the ground to trip him up, so he decided to back track quickly to the lab. A young woman with a slender, yet fit, build came out of the pool room. She has thick black hair and gray eyes.
She wore a dark green colored kimono with black knee-high boots and a white mask which resembles a cat's head with red stripes. She had narrowed her eyes after the speedster. This was Cheshire. Silent as a shadow, she took a new route.
Computer Lab
Kid Flash ran into the room, slammed the door closed, and locked it to the shock of Chimera and Roquette.
"Kid Flash, what's wrong?" Chimera asked.
"I'm fairly certain Supes attacker didn't come alone." Kid Flash replied. "Someone laid out marbles in the pool area and lured me there with a shadow. Fortunately, I noticed them in time and raced back here."
"Superboy, are you still good?" Chimera asked.
"My opponent is slippery." Superboy replied. "That said, I got him stalemated. His webbing can't be used to haul me off now that I'm watching for it, my skin's too tough to be hurt by anything he's got, and I'm too fast for him to slip away."
"Miss Martian, go end the stalemate." Chimera ordered. "Then, I want you and Superboy to get back here." He dialed up his Petrosapien and slammed the dial. "Diamondhead." He then moved to stand between Roquette and the windows. "Kid Flash, stay vigilant."
As if on cue, the window nearest to Kid Flash shattered as a hook connected to a chair came right for the speedster. The room was small giving him nowhere to run. Fortunately, he was able to leap over a nearby table in time avoiding it.
Cheshire leapt into the room before hurling shuriken at Roquette. Chimera simply stepped in the way, and the shuriken fell to the ground harmlessly as they hit his body. Out of all the aliens Chimera could have chosen, he picked one of his most durable.
"Here I was hoping you'd pick a less dense alien." Cheshire commented maliciously.
She wasn't part of the League of Shadows only to be discouraged here. The assassin drew a pair of Sais and charged him.
Diamondhead moved to meet her. "Kid Keep the doctor back!"
Cheshire stabbed one of her sais at Diamondhead's thigh only for it to snap. That shouldn't have happened. That metal had been rated for someone with durability comparable to Wonder Woman. Her surprise made her hesitate for half a second.
That was all Diamondhead needed as he kicked her legs out from under her. As she fell, Cheshire hurled her remaining sais at Roquette. Kid Flash moved his hands quickly plucking the weapon out of the air and throwing it into the desk.
With Superboy
Black Spider shot out his webs latching them onto the clone, but like every time after he was taken, Superboy grabbed them. He then yanked pulling the spider towards him. Black Spider severed the connection and managed to maneuver around the fist before leaping into a tree.
"You really should just let me go boy scout." Black Spider commented. "We're really getting nowhere, and it's just no fun if I can't kill my target."
"Not happening pal." Superboy declared. "It's far better for my team that I hold you here rather than letting you join up with your comrade." He smirked as Black Spider was lifted into the air. "Not to mention, I only really had to keep you here until she arrived."
"Her?" Black Spider questioned. "What's going on?"
He was then slammed into the ground hard enough to knock him out before Miss Martian became visible. "Superboy, it's time to go."
"Yeah." Superboy nodded before they ran back to the school.
With Chimera's Group
Cheshire realized she was in trouble here especially as Diamondhead pointed his arm at her seemingly ready to fire crystals down. Of course, he wouldn't kill her, and the assassin could tell. Still, that didn't mean he was going to just let her go.
"You're indecisive, but at least I have your full attention." Cheshire taunted. "You wouldn't believe how many men divide their attention. I do hate that."
"Please, you're not my type." Diamondhead shot back.
"What a pity that is." Cheshire stated sarcastically.
She managed to make a quick move and grab a smoke bomb which she crushed.
"Kid Flash, protect the doctor!" Diamondhead shouted.
Kid Flash moved the doctor back to a corner of the room and stood protectively in front of her as the smoke filled the room. When it cleared, Diamondhead was pointing at the ground and Cheshire was gone just as Superboy crashed through the door followed by Miss Martian.
"She's gone guys." Diamondhead reverted to normal.
"What are you doing?" The scientist was angry. "You're letting her get away!"
"Lady, if one or more of us went after her, you'd be left unprotected." Kid Flash reasoned. "For all we know, this is a diversion tactic."
"In your line of thinking, that wouldn't be the best way to protect you." Chimera added. "You are the mission. Regardless, this is a failure, so the Shadows are likely to try again."
"Robin to Chimera." Robin spoke urgently over the comms. "We tracked The Fog to Philadelphia, but we were too late. The Shadows hit STAR Labs, and there's nothing left. The Fog completely leveled the building meaning all of their cutting-edge research and tech is in the hands of the enemy! What's our next move?"
Chimera looked at Roquette who was starting to compose herself. "Roquette will scan for The Fog again. My group will move the doctor while yours heads to the location."
Near the Ocean
The team relocated to a small boat-rental where Kid Flash and Superboy were guarding Roquette. Chimera and Miss Martian were nowhere to be seen, but one could reasonably presume they were on perimeter duty.
Cheshire walked onto the street accompanied by her two companions. "Alright boys, we need to take out the target before the Martian and leader return."
Her companions nodded. The first was Black Spider while the other was Hook. He was a giant of a man wearing a long, ragged coat over his bare chest. His right arm was replaced by a huge prosthetic which ended with a metal hook that could be launched and retracted by a thick chain.
Black Spider kicked down the door and crouched low as Superboy moved into engage. The moment he tried to strike, the assassin flipped up to the ceiling and stuck there. He shot his webbing from his gauntlets, but Superboy dodged before picking up a desk.
He tossed it at the assassin, but Black Spider avoided the attack before moving to engage the clone as they had been back at the school. The sound of breaking glass behind him made Kid Flash turn. Hook had crashed through the window behind him.
He fired his namesake at Kid Flash who sped to Roquette's other side. "Don't stop working, doc."
As Roquette went back to typing, Cheshire silently opened the window on the other side of the building and took aim at the scientist with a crossbow. She fired, but a bench, seemingly moving on its own, placed itself between the arrow and its target.
Cheshire snarled as she recognized telekinesis. "The Martian is here! It's now or never!"
Black Spider avoided another of Superboy's punches before leaping back onto the roof. The assassin then webbed up the floating bench and pulled it out of the way. With her path unobstructed, Cheshire jumped down in front of Roquette.
Superboy tried to charge her, but webbing nailed his back while a hook took him from the ground sending the clone slamming into a wall. Roquette herself tried to get away, but Cheshire was faster. She kicked the blond woman in the back knocking her to the floor.
As Cheshire raised a sai to kill the doctor, Roquette's head suddenly twisted one hundred and eighty degrees while her skin changed to bright green. Miss Martian smiled triumphantly at the success of the team's ruse.
"No wonder your leader wasn't here." Cheshire snarled. "We've been duped!"
With Chimera
Unbeknownst to the assassins, Chimera had taken Roquette to a small internet café. While he was confident in the team being able to take down the assassins, stopping them wasn't the priority. Protecting the doctor was.
"I've almost got it!" Roquette declared.
Philadelphia
Ship followed The Fog's signal to its next target, and when Robin saw it, he felt dread forming in the pit of his stomach. "The next target is a WayneTech facility. In theory, its systems' software could be used to hack the…"
"…What?" Ion asked as Robin trailed off.
"Doesn't matter." Robin replied. "What does matter is that WayneTech operates with a twenty-four-hour workforce. Lucky Girl, can you create and maintain enough doorways to get everyone out?"
"That's stretching my limits, Robin." Lucky Girl replied. "There's no way I could maintain a door long enough to get everyone out. Let alone multiple doors, so we could minimize panic."
"Then, our only choice is to stop The Fog before it can hurt anyone." Wonder Girl stated firmly.
Happy Harbor: Near the Ocean
"You'll never find Doctor Roquette!" Miss Martian declared as she shapeshifted back to her normal form.
"Never is such a long time." Cheshire turned to Hook. "Pursuing target. Keep them busy!"
While Hook kept Miss Martian at bay, and Superboy recovered, Kid Flash watched Cheshire flee out the building. He quickly got up and ran after her.
"Pursuing their leader!" Kid Flash called out.
Outside, Cheshire stopped where her and her companions had first arrived. That's simply because Kid Flash had arrived, but he wasn't making any further moves just yet.
"I was hoping it would be you." Cheshire stated.
Kid Flash grit his teeth, but he made certain to close his mind exactly as he'd been shown. He had a feeling what the assassin would say next, and he didn't want to risk anyone hearing it.
"You need to come in quietly Cheshire." Kid Flash stated firmly.
"Well, I am at your mercy." Cheshire stated sarcastically putting her hands over her head. "I'm sure your friends will interrogate me. When I tell them the truth, where will you be?"
"Proctor Sevantus will hear about this, and he will inform The Light." Kid Flash replied angrily.
"Doesn't matter to me." Cheshire slipped behind Kid Flash, drew her sword, and held the grip above him before striking sending the hero into unconsciousness. "I only need you to stay out of my way this time."
She then slipped off into town after the doctor.
With Chimera
Chimera had already locked the door, so breaking that or a window would better draw his attention. That meant he needed to think unconventionally meaning his eyes shifted from the ground to the ceiling constantly.
"How's it coming along?" Chimera asked.
"Uploading now!" The doctor said triumphantly.
He then noticed a panel of the roof moving resulting in Chimera instantly going for his watch, selecting Transylian, and slamming it down. "Frankenstrike!"
He fired at the ceiling.
Cheshire barely managed to dodge it and land while drawing a sword. "Let's try this again, shall we?" As she charged, Frankenstrike generated an electric field forcing her back. "That's just not fair."
She then charged in and used her training to slip around Frankenstrike only to dodge back when he emitted his green lightning again. As a result of having to focus on Chimera, Cheshire never noticed Roquette's virus being downloaded.
Philadelphia
"It's downloading!" Robin declared.
Ship opened the hatch allowing the heroes out. Wonder Girls and Ion looked out at the ground and saw a van drive up to the WayneTech building. The vehicle opened to reveal a red-robed man wearing a silver, one-eyed helmet. Next to him was a large container.
Ion knew that had to be the deployment mechanism for The Fog. "I think it's coming in to late!"
"We need to go now!" Wonder Girl shouted.
She flew out of the ship. The red-robed man, a member of the Shadows called Professor Ojo, fired a powerful energy-beam from his helmet. Wonder Girl couldn't evade in time and was sent crashing to the ground. Ojo then released a dull-gray cloud from the container.
"No!" Robin glanced at the remaining members of the team. "Ion, help Wonder Girl! Lucky Girl and I will stop the Fog!"
Ion nodded before flying on down and bombarding the area around Ojo with blast of will energy. While he did so, Robin swung down to the entrance of the building and Lucky Girl followed him on her pink platforms. Ship returned to his normal form and clung to her shoulders.
Inside
The security guard was shocked to see a metallic cloud literally eat its way through the doors and fly past him. Then, it was followed by Robin, Lucky Girl, and a slug-like thing. He knew at least two of them were heroes, but his training took over at the sight of an unauthorized personal. He hit the alarm which began lowering a large gate in their path.
"WayneTech override, R24!" Robin yelled stopping the gate and allowing them through. "Lucky Girl, try to contain the fog!"
"On in." Lucky Girl declared.
She just hopped she could do it, but technology had always reacted funny to her magic. Beyond that, the cloud of smoke was larger than a person and moving with no signs of stopping. Still, people's lives could be at stake here, so she'd give it her best shot.
Happy Harbor: Near the Ocean
Miss Martian had informed Superboy that Kid Flash may very well be in trouble, but neither were in the best position to help him given their current adversaries. Hook fired off his hook at her, and the Martian barely dodged.
"Superboy, we need to end this now!" Miss Martian exclaimed.
The clone ducked under more webbing. "Couldn't agree with you more."
Superboy snarled as Black Spider's webbing hit him for the umpteenth time. Then, he got an idea and allowed himself to be reeled in. The assassin paused since that wasn't supposed to happen. It gave the clone time to wind up a strong punch which he shot into the assassin's gut.
Naturally, the clone did hold back, but there was more than in it to wind the assassin. Superboy then knocked him out. Miss Martian, on the other hand, caught Hook's namesake with her telekinesis and sent it back hard enough knocking him out.
"Woo!" She cheered. "I got mine!" She suddenly remembered their comrade. "Superboy, we need to find Kid Flash because I can't link with him."
Philadelphia: Inside WayneTech
The Fog was eating its way through the WayneTech building while panicked employees ran for their lives. Desperately, Lucky Girl tried to corral all the smoke, but it wasn't working. Robin and Ship were searching for a computer they could use to upload the virus. Finally, they made their way to the cafeteria, where the cashier stood in shock, as The Fog ate the ceiling above her.
Robin pulled a cord from his glove and plugged it into the computer. "Ship, interface with it! I can't let security slow me down!" While Ship merged with the computer, he began muttering to himself "Please be connected to the mainframe. Please be connected to the mainframe…"
At this point, Lucky Girl hopped the same.
Happy Harbor: With Chimera
Frankenstrike and Cheshire found themselves at a stalemate. The assassin alone wasn't enough to harm the Transylian's body, and he'd use his electricity to render her attempts at weapons useless. On Frankenstrike's end, he couldn't really take his eyes off the assassin.
Her movements were fluid like water to the point that even switching aliens was a risk he wasn't willing to take with the doctor's life on the line. One lapse in judgement would be all it took. Fortunately, this stalemate was broken by a beeping noise which caught all their attention.
"It's done!" Roquette shouted excitedly but froze when Cheshire focused on her.
"So, you finished the virus, hmm?" Cheshire seemed to be smiling behind her mask, "I suppose that this eliminates the reason for your… elimination. I could still kill you, but my orders are clear. You live to program another day. After all, the Shadows may find another use for you."
Frankenstrike tried charging her, but Cheshire dropped another smoke bomb using it to disappear. "I'm starting to dislike her."
Philadelphia: WayneTech
As soon as Robin uploaded the virus, The Fog began to die. It was too small to see, but each microscopic robot exploded in spectacular fashion. To everyone else's eyes, it looked like a cloud of dust fell to the ground as the building stopped shaking.
"Yes!" Robin crowed as Ship withdrew from the computer and jumped onto Lucky Girl's shoulder. "The infiltrators have been outfiltrated!"
"Ship!" Ship celebrated.
"Guys, I'm happy to, but what about Wonder Girl and Ion?" Lucky Girl asked.
"Right." Robin ran for the nearest window with Lucky Girl joining him. "Gotta see how they're doing."
Outside
Professor Ojo scowled as the Shadows' plans literally turned to dust. He consoled himself with the fact that he would at least be killing two young heroes today.
"I may not be Superboy, but I'm confident I can take that shot of his for a bit." Wonder Girl whispered to Ion. "When I do, you got to take him down."
Ion nodded. "Agreed."
Ojo fired his helmet-laser again. Wonder Girl crossed her arms and held her ground. She was slowly pushed back, but the glare caused by the red beam distracted the assassin. This allowed Ion to fly behind him.
He constructed a large, robot arm before bringing it down on top of the man sending him impacting with the ground. The Green Lantern then took the helmet off the unconscious villain and tossed it to Wonder Girl who crushed it.
"We stopped the bad guy, and they managed to stop The Fog." Wonder Girl grinned. "I'm feeling the aster."
Ion tilted his head in confused. "What is 'aster'?"
Happy Harbor: Near the Water…
Superboy and Miss Martian found Kid Flash coming to. "Uh, my head."
"Kid Flash, what happened?" Miss Martian asked.
"It was that assassin I chased." Kid Flash hung his head. "She managed to get behind me, and I was out like a light."
"What does that mean for Chimera and Roquette?" Superboy asked.
"I wouldn't worry about us." Chimera came walking sown the road with the good doctor. "I managed to keep that assassin at bay long enough for the virus to be uploaded. In the end, I'd call this a successful mission."
The Cave: Later…
The Team had regrouped back at the Cave and gave Batman their debrief. He said he set something up to keep the good doctor safe, so the team was dismissed. They ended up drinking smoothies which came from the machine Hal had installed.
"I had tried to capture that smoke many different ways, but my magic just couldn't do it." Gwen sighed. "Maybe my mentor can help me find a better spell for future technology issues."
The group were in their civilian ware now which led to Ion introducing himself as Kyle Rayner and Kid Flash introducing himself as Wally West.
"Even if he can't, it'll be okay." Ben shrugged. "You got teammates to pick up your weaknesses for you."
He finished up his smoothie and approached the newest members to the team. "I know I welcomed you both already, but after your first mission with us, I think it bears repeating." He shook their hands. "Welcome to the team!"
The rest of the team shared the same sentiment. In the spirit of new comrades, they ended up spending hours socializing and having fun. Basically, it was a celebration to their growing team.
Unknown Location
The second-in-command of the League of Shadows, an elderly man called Sensei, bowed before the computer screen around him. The identities of the people they showed obscured by blinding light.
"Masters." The man stated. "Before Ojo's capture, he transmitted STAR Lab's data, but the WayneTech intel… still eludes us."
"Once again, the young… heroes… interfere." A voice spoke up. "It is fortunate, then, that we have an operative… on the inside."
"We won't if your assassin steps out of line like she did tonight." Another voice spoke up. "If she so much as dares to threaten my operative, I will send the rest of the team, headed by Agent Eleven, to show why such disrespect will not be tolerated."
"We would allow it." The other voice declared.
Sensei frowned at that but said nothing before the screens turned off.
Kyle Rayner, A Green Lantern, did go by Ion at one point in the comics. Yes, that is the name of the entity within the Green Battery; however, that came later in DC comics. Additionally, just as Young Justice lacked the speed force, there will be no entities to these batteries. For anyone who says Ben is underpowered in this chapter, he cannot yet think of an alien to become it.
He must touch the symbol, and with assassins from the League of Shadows, even a few seconds could be detrimental. This clearly does show he is well above canon Aqualad because he stalemated Cheshire whereas Aqualad was laid out by her. For those who complain about Gwen, it is shown in Ben 10 proper, OG and beyond, that her magic/mana has trouble with technology.
Jay: You miss understand me. I didn't mean that Superman had to take responsibility for Superboy. Just that he didn't have be that complete dick to him. Superboy didn't ask to be created after all. At the very least, being a bit understanding before the clone saves him would have been nice. Maybe Ben will pick up some magic or maybe not. We'll see how the tides go. We'll see about (Gwen's brother)
painville: I think you mean Kevin already made an appearance. As for Albedo, Vilgax, and Eon, they'll appear.
The One Beyond You: Maybe Young Justice dropped the ball of Bats, but it was always stated that these missions are the teams to handle. As for XLR8, it is confirmed that his top speed at 10 is 500 miles per hour while Ben 10,000, who is 30, could cover the planet. Equating those two things seems to me that 30 year old Ben/XLR8 is on par with Young Justice Flash, 10 year old Ben/XLR8 would fall under Wally, and roughly 15 year old Ben/XLR8 would likely fall roughly around Young Juustice Kid Flash(Wally Went) or just above. Now Jet Ray, is a whole other story. Given his speed, I'd say he's faster than Flash.
HinataSoup (Ch. 7): You are not the first to want that ship, so I decided I'd lean into it fully. As for the team, it is still a team, but is natural that certain members would gravitate towards each other.
Sakra95: Thank. Nope, not yet.