Mount Justice, Morning…
"I don't want to."
"Ben, you promised!"
"Not a chance."
"Don't make me levitate you out of bed!"
"Not happening."
M'gann stomped her foot in Ben's doorway and put her hands on her hips. "Ben Tennyson!" she snarled. "Get your butt out of bed and get ready for school this instant. If you don't, I swear I will get an ice bucket!"
"Fine!" Ben groaned as he rolled out of bed. "Stupid school. I was doing perfectly fine with online schooling."
M'gann smirked and raised her nose to the sky as she marched out of his room. Ben sighed as he slipped out of his nightwear and changed into his civilian wear. As he left his room with a yawn, M'gann suddenly made herself visible in front of him.
"There, was that so bad?" M'gann asked.
Ben narrowed his eyes at her. "Just be thankful I like you, or I'd have never agreed to reenter public schooling."
Ben didn't really have anything against public schools, but he had enjoyed the freedom online schooling brought. If his grades were good, his mom and dad were perfectly content.
M'gann blushed slightly while smiling in satisfaction. "I'll take the victory Ben." She kissed his cheek. "Now, let's go meet up with Conner."
She changed her form and clothes to that of Megan Morse as they walked. The pair entered the part of the cave where Conner was finishing up his work on a mustang Clark had bought him. It was also their ride. As they entered, they were joined by Martian Manhunter and Red Tornado.
"Greetings, Ben." Martian Manhunter greeted.
"J'onn." Ben nodded. "To what do we owe the honor?"
"The first day of school carries great cultural significance." The Martian replied. "I merely wanted to wish my niece and her friends good luck." He put his hand affectionately on M'gann's shoulder before looking to Conner. "Your father told me to wish you well."
"I'm cool with it." Superboy smiled. "Duty calls, and it's not like mom could be here either." He stood up and shrugged. "Plus, it was my choice to attend school with my friends here. Anyways, guess we should be going, right?"
Conner hopped into the driver's seat and started the car. He then motioned for the other two to join him. M'gann and Ben grinned.
"Shotgun!" Ben declared as he hoped into the passenger seat.
Megan slide into the backseat before reaching into her bag. "Oh, before I forget, I made us all lunches."
"Thanks." The boys stated.
Conner put the car into drive and sped out of the Cave's hangar. They were now on the mountain path heading towards Happy Harbor.
Happy Harbor High
Conner pulled into a parking space of the high school.
"Remember when we protected Dr. Roquette here?" M'gann asked.
"That was only a month ago." Conner turned off the engine. "Honestly, I'm glad the league took over her protection."
"Ditto." Ben stated. "That woman was not whelmed with us and wouldn't even recognize her 'brilliance' for what it was. Even Azmuth can admit that the Omnitrix can be a weapon."
They got out of the car and approached the school together. As they walked, a boy on a skateboard ended up slamming into Conner. He acted instinctively and grabbed the scrawny boy by the collar. He lifted him so his eyes were level with the boy's shirt.
"What's this?" Conner asked harshly as he pointed at Ben's Omnitrix symbol on his shirt.
"I-it's just a shirt!" The boy squealed in fear. "I-I'm a big fan of Chimera."
"Is everything alright?" A male with a Russian accent inquired.
Everyone turned to see a male student with buzz cut blond hair and blue eyes. He wore a green no sleeved shirt with the superman symbol on the front. His arm was around an African American woman with brown dreads and a cheerleading uniform.
"I don't think this guy likes my shirt." The kid Conner held stated nervously.
"Really?" The Russian asked. "Then, I will have to ask that you put Marvin down for that is no reason to be picking up our fellow students."
"Conner, it's just our first day." Ben added. "Just do as he asks."
Conner blinked but put Marvin down.
"Hi." M'gann stated nervously. "We're new here. I'm Megan Morse, this is Conner Kent, and he's Ben Tennyson."
"Aw, that was so close to triple alliteration." Marvin stated. "Still, points for the double."
The first bell rang, and many kids hurried inside. Ben turned to M'gann, but she was already talking to some cheerleaders. She seemed fine, but Conner looked like he could use a friend. Ben decided to walk with him.
"I know what you're thinking." Ben whispered as he sided up with him. "You're wondering how they dare wear the symbols of heroes, but you need to understand that heroes are a symbol of hope. By wearing their emblems, they're announcing their support for their heroes."
Conner growled as they marched into their homeroom with M'gann running behind them to catch up. "I was born to be a hero." He muttered. "I wear the shield because I am worthy of it. What have these people done to deserve their symbols?"
"They don't need to earn their rights." Ben stated simply as he sat next to the clone. "Remember, people can wear and do what they want so long as it's within the confines of the law. Even the Justice League operates on a United Nations charter.
By wearing the symbols of their heroes, these people are flaunting their right to support whoever they want. Just be thankful they're wearing the marks of heroes and not villains. Before you ask, I'm not just saying that because the guy wore my symbol. The others have their rights to."
Conner grumbled in dissatisfaction.
Football Field, After School…
The rest of the day passed relatively fine and without incident. Megan told Ben and Conner about her cheerleading tryout, so they went to support her. As the girls were getting ready, they found that Russian guy in the stands. Conner growled.
"Easy big guy." Ben whispered. "Fact is, you messed up this morning so be cool now."
"Fine." Conner grumbled.
"Hey!" Ben called out as they approached getting the guy's attention. "Sorry, we didn't expect anyone else to be here."
"It's quite alright." The man stated. "Whenever my girlfriend, Naomi, has anything cheerleading related, I like to show up in support of her. I can only assume you two are here to support Megan, correct?"
"That's right." Ben nodded. "Megan is my girl, but we haven't really defined it yet. As for Conner, he's a good friend to both of us."
"Ah yes." The Russian nodded. "I know you did not get off to a great start this morning, but with the passing of time, allow me to welcome you both to Happy Harbor. I started freshman year, and it has been a freeing experience." He held out his hand to Conner. "I am Leonid Kovar."
Conner sighed and shook the offered hand before the three of them sat down to observe Megan's tryout. Once Megan was done, she was approached by some of the cheerleaders while others snuck up behind her.
"This doesn't look good." Conner declared as he leaned forward and gripping the bleacher.
Ben was right there with him.
"Relax friends." Leonid spoke up. "This is simply an initiation ritual. Trust me, she has impressed the cheerleaders and is being made one."
The boys decided to trust his word and watched as the cheerleaders dunked water over Megan before cheering. After a little talk, M'gann squealed and hugged the nearest girl.
"Looks like we really had nothing to worry about." Ben stated relieved.
"Good." Conner yawned. "Can we go now?"
They stood and walked down the bleachers to the field. Leonid parted and joined Naomi while Ben and Conner were approached by Megan who now had a towel around her shoulders.
"Whew!" She breathed. "I did it!"
"Good work" Conner congratulated her with a pat on the back.
Megan's eyes widened as Ben was carrying her books. "You're…carrying my stuff?"
"Of course, I am." Ben grinned. "You wouldn't want your stuff getting wet, right?" He then leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "By the way, you were amazing out there."
M'gann smiled as they headed back to Conner's car. As for Ben's feelings about attending school again… Well, it wasn't that bad. Really helped that he had M'gann and Conner, and he already knew how to handle schoolwork thanks to Hal.
"This school might not be that bad." Ben thought.
Taipei: Days Later, Night…
The tension between Northern and Southern Rhelasia had become nearly violent as a peace summit gathered in a large hotel rented for the event. A crowd of reporters and a sea of onlookers were trying to get a glance at the two representatives of each nation.
A news reporter stood in front of her camera man with microphone in hand and a bright smile plastered across her face. "This is Cat Grant reporting from Taipei where the historic peace summit between South Rhelasia and North Rhelasia has completely broken down.
As a last resort, Prime Minister Tsang of South Rhelasia and General Sing Mon Li of North Rhelasia have agreed to bring in an independent arbitrator. Question is, who could it be? Speculation has run from the Secretary General of the United Nations to Superman.
Though, the man of steel seems unlikely as I'm told the arbitrator is due at any moment by car." She smiled until the red 'recording' light vanished, and she took a breath. "This had better go well or we're looking at World War Three."
As the crowd of reporters, political figures, and body guards circled around the steps of the building, one ginger haired man in dark sunglasses and a suit stepped behind a support pillar out of sight.
He placed his finger to his ear. "Red Arrow to Mount Justice."
Mount Justice
Ryuko Orsono, Bushido, was training in the holo-ring when an alert came through that someone was attempting to access their secure frequencies for communication. He wiped the sweat from his brow and approached the center where he pulled up a holographic computer.
"Red Arrow to Mount Justice."
"This is Bushido responding." Ryuko replied. "What can I help you with?"
"Where's Chimera?" Red Arrow asked confused. "Plus, you don't sound like the hero, Bushido."
"Chimera is currently out with Miss Martian." Ryuko replied. "Additionally, I am the new Bushido as my mother honorably met her end in battle, and I am this team's newest member."
There was a moment of silence before the archer cleared his throat, "Well, I need access to the Justice League database."
Ryuko typed away accessing the computer's data-files. "What for?"
"I need the exact height and weight of the League of Shadows assassin known as Cheshire." Red Arrow replied.
"Checking now." Ryuko got the information the Justice League had to appear. "Cheshire is 1.67 meters tall and weighs 54.4 Kilograms."
"Uh." Red Arrow muttered as he allowed the line to go silent.
"She's 5' 6'' and weighs 120 pounds." Ryuko converted the data. "Should I get Chimera, so he can set up appropriate back up?"
"Please, the last thing I need is the Junior Justice League." Red Arrow retorted.
Ben, having just returned from a date with M'gann, was there when screaming came over the comms before they went dead.
"Ryuko, what was that?" Ben asked as he approached.
"It was the hero, Red Arrow." Ryuko replied dutifully. "He was calling in for information on one Cheshire, and the call came in from Taipei."
"From the sounds of things, it seems like an old friend of mine isn't having the greatest time over there." Ben smiled as he looked at their newest team member. "Ryuko, how would you feel about going to Taipei?"
"I wouldn't mind it, but shouldn't we get the team?" Ryuko asked.
"With the state of things between North and South Rhelasia, it's best to keep the numbers small." Ben replied. "Now, let's get changed."
Chimera and Bushido were soon costumed up and ready to go. If the leader knew anything, it's that the League of Shadows didn't deploy all their men on the first attempt, and Red Arrow could handle the initial attempt. As such, he and Bushido took Ship.
Taipei, Hours Later…
Upon their arrival, Ship intercepted a call to the Cave from Red Arrow. Okay, Chimera didn't exactly impress speed upon his little buddy, but he was kind of hoping Red Arrow would make the call before they arrived. After hearing him, they learned Lex Luthor was the arbitrator.
Additionally, it seems as though Cheshire and Sportsmaster were the main people sent by the League of Shadows to fulfill this specific contract. Fortunately, two extra people meant the group could come up with a better plan.
The talks were in full swing with Lex Luther stood between both stands. The Prime Minister was on one end, and General Sing of the opposing nation on the other. Red Arrow stood back amongst a group of people on stage.
"The unification is unthinkable!" The Prime Minister shouted. "Our nations no longer have anything in common!"
"Gentlemen." Luthor smiled and stepped forwards placing a hand on either of their shoulders. "Spite your differences, you still share an appreciation for many things. For example, the exquisite art of the Rhelasian Tea Ceremony,"
He motioned to the crowd as it split to reveal a women, dressed in the ceremonial garbs covering her face, neck, and a white dress sinking down to her ankles, pushing a cart with a full set of teapots and small breaded treats.
As she approached, Bushido stepped in her path wearing a black hoodie. His black katana materialized in a show of golden light. Normally, he liked to have his weapon on him… even if it could be summoned. For instances like this, he could stow the sword and call it to himself later.
"That is far enough, Cheshire." Bushido declared.
The initial reveal of the sword had stunned the crowd, but now they gasped at the assassin's name. Red Arrow drew his bow but held his ground near the two leaders. Cheshire smiled before pressing a button on the cart's handle.
Before she could launch it and lunge back, Big Chill revealed himself freezing the cart thoroughly. "Sorry Cheshire, but we got the jump on you."
"You would think so." Cheshire replied.
A window was blown out revealing a helicopter which held Sportsmaster and a squad of assassins. Big Chill slammed the Omnitrix symbol to become Diamondhead as Tsang and Sing ordered their men to assist the vigilantes.
Armed guards with rifles and pistols lined up next to them before firing. Occasionally, a bullet would hit an assassin's leg or arm slowing them down. That's where Red Arrow came in. From his place near those two men, he fired of arrows picking off the assassins with debilitating shots.
Sportsmaster stepped off the helicopter while Cheshire drew her sais prompting Diamondhead to make the call. "Sportsmaster is mine while you take Cheshire."
Bushido nodded. "Understood."
Diamondhead stepped up to his opponent.
"I was about to divvy up the fights in the same way." Sportsmaster declared while drawing a baton from his belt.
It extended into a sharpened javelin, and he struck at Diamondhead only for it to do nothing. This left the assassin wide open for a punch to the face which knocked him flat on his back.
Sportsmaster got up and growled. "You're real annoying, you know that kid? Still, I will admit you're far better than your gang. Especially with their showing during Santa Prisca or Bialya."
This shocked Diamondhead. "How did you…"
"Let's just say I have an inside source… very inside." Sportsmaster alluded.
The assassin launched his javelin at the Petrosapien who caught it effortlessly, but he didn't expect a grenade-level explosion to go off in his hands. While the force was enough to push Diamondhead back, he remained unharmed. Bushido and Cheshire stared each other down.
"Here I was hoping for a third date from the archer." Cheshire teased. "Hey, I guess you're not bad looking swordsman."
Cheshire charged forward slashing her sais, but Bushido blocked her at every turn leaving no openings in his guard. "Your words can sway most men, but I am a warrior taught to keep my goals in focus."
Sportsmaster and Diamondhead were going at it. The best the assassin could do was push Diamondhead back while the Petrosapien's blows certainly did more than that. Unfortunately for Sportsmaster, he wasn't as agile as Cheshire.
Still, the guy was tough, if nothing else, as he just kept coming back for more. With Bushido and Cheshire, it was an absolute stalemate that went well beyond the one she had with Frankenstrike. The other assassins were dead or unconscious.
"I told that girl to bring more than a few knives." Sportsmaster declared.
He pulled two ping-pong balls from his belt and slammed them on the floor causing an explosion of smoke. Cheshire saw this and rolled her eyes before doing the same. When Bushido slashed his sword, he hit nothing.
"Those two leaders need to come to a decision soon." Diamondhead thought as he shifted back to normal. "Hopefully, they'll choose peace."
The helicopters departed leaving one last mercenary hiding in the shadows. He leapt out from behind a pillar and pointed his swords at the two leaders. Red Arrow saw him coming from a mile away, knocked a net arrow, and fired subduing the assassin. Lex's eyes twitched at that.
"Most impressive vigilante."
"We owe you our lives."
They approached the young hero and shook his hands. "I may have saved you…" He looked to Chimera and Bushido. "… but a couple of others put me in that position." Chimera nodded. "I think you can recognize the truth." He moved to stand before them.
"North and South Rhelasia are not as far gone as you think, and this treaty does not mean reunification. It is merely the first steps, and more than that was taken when your men worked with us. That is what I, and the other heroes, want. Please, give this treaty a chance."
The men looked from each other to Red Arrow, the other vigilantes, and their men. They had to admit, there was truth in what the archer said. In the end, they agreed so long as Red Arrow was their arbitrator. The archer smirked at Lex as he agreed making the business man frown.
Later…
Red Arrow sat between the two leaders as they signed the treaty. This would put an end to the League of Shadow's contract. Additionally, Lex Luthor had been relegated to the crowd which brought a genuine smile to the archer's face.
Chimera and Bushido were in the back of the crowd. "For a first mission, you were great Bushido."
"I am glad to have lived up to your expectations." Bushido stated. "I must admit, working with your team is a nice change of pace."
Outside, Later…
Once everything was resolved, Chimera and Bushido met up with Red Arrow outside. He nodded respectfully to the swordsman before asking to speak with the Omnitrix wielder alone. Bushido agreed and left for Ship.
"Well, looks like everything wrapped up nicely." Chimera stated.
"Has it?" Red Arrow asked. "I had devices all over that room, so I heard what Sportsmaster said. Do you think there's a mole on your team feeding him intel?"
Chimera thought about it for a moment. "I guess I can't disregard his knowledge of a mission he wasn't there for; however, no one on my team is a traitor."
"If you're wrong?" Red Arrow asked.
"I'll investigate… quietly." Ben replied.
"Not tell them?" Red Arrow raised an eyebrow. "Won't that break some sort of trust?"
"I don't want them to freak out over nothing." Ben replied. "Plus, if there's a mole, I'd prefer not to tip my hand."
Red Arrow gave a mock salute before turning away. "Good luck with that."
"Wait." Red Arrow stopped to listen as Chimera spoke. "You nodded respectfully to us at several points. Why? I thought to you, we were just the Junior Justice League."
"I was wrong." Red Arrow sighed and turned back around. "The team deserves my respect. Look, I'm still getting used to this solo thing, but if you need me, I'll be there."
He stuck his hand out, and Ben happily shook it. "I just might take you up on that."
Penthouse
Lex Luther's victory had been tainted by the appearance of those young heroes. Despite still having a foothold in Rhelasia, it would not be the reunification under Lexcorp as it should have been. No, those leaders were more enamored with Red Arrow.
To be slighted as he was and maintain his composure under those looks from Red Arrow… This would be a day the businessman would not soon forget. A middle-aged man with black hair and in ancient Chinese garbs approached. He was Ra's al Ghul.
"Today may not have gone to plan, but we still hold the cards." The assassin stated. "With Red Arrow in their good graces, another corner of the world will eventually see the light…"
For Lex Luthor, it was a soured victory, and no reassurance from his allies would change that.
Two Names in this chapter, when Conner, M'gann, and Ben went to school, are names of other young heroes associated with DC. They aren't just civilians meant to replace the heroes Mal and his girl became. They are heroes meant to replace those two, and in the spirit of what Young Justice is, just like with Bushido, there are some differences to their character.
Afan: I do my best and set out to make this story more unique. Of course, there were some heroes I wanted to and want to keep; however, there are other heroes I want to explore over the established ones. Just like this chapter with the introduction of two others, expect more unique/older choices to keep appearing.
Aztec 13: Hopefully, this satiated your desire to see more M'gann and Ben moments. Bushido is new to this version of Young Justice; however, he has his ties to the comics.
TFG: Thanks for the recommendations. As evidence by Bushido and two others in this chapters, I have no problem swapping out or adding characters as I see fit. I shall certainly keep your suggestions in mind just like the other Guest who suggested.
Guest: This Ben might be a Ben who takes a while to gain Alien X. As we've seen with Ben 23, it's possible to never get him, but I'll see when there is a time to introduce him. As for the other aliens, they will come.