Mount Justice, October 1st, 6:13 PM
Kaldur grunted as he swung his aqua mace down at Hunter. The Amazon easily blocked the attack with his bracelets before he jumped back. He didn't have time to react before Conner caught him in his arms from behind. The clone locked his hands just before he arched his back and threw Hunter down with a suplex. Hunter grunted as his shoulders hit the hard floor but he quickly rolled back to his feet.
The Amazon and the Kryptonian stood face to face before they charged. They locked arms for a moment before Hunter grabbed Conner by the arm and threw him over his shoulder. He slammed Conner on his back just in time to dodge a swing from Kaldur's mace.
Captain Marvel and Zatarra watched from the sideline as Aqualad changed the mace into a pair of swords and charged Hunter with a fury of attacks. The Amazon expertly evaded the attacks before he blocked them with his bracelets. Sliding his bracelets down the aqua-blades with an ear-piercing ring. He grabbed Kaldur's wrist only to be electrocuted as his eel tattoos glowed blue.
Hunter tightened his grip before raising his knee to collide with Kaldur's chin. The Atlantean stumbled back, allowing the Amazon the opportunity to dropkick him across the room. The prince easily landed on his feet before he quickly ducked under a punch coming from behind him.
He quickly sweeped Superboy's legs causing the man to fall on his back. Hunter quickly pounced on him, straddled his hips and pinned his arms above his head, "I win."
"And yet I got the prize." Conner replied, jerking his arms upwards causing Hunter to fall on his chest. Suddenly Rex pounced on them and licked their faces before they could be more intimate.
The pair let out content laughs as Robin and Wally watched from the sideline, "When did they get together again?" The speedster asked.
"I think it was in Belle Reve." Robin replied.
"Maybe even before then." Kaldur replied as he joined them.
Artemis and M'gann entered the room just in time to see Hunter and Conner standing up, "Seems we were lucky enough to mist the lovebirds' daily PDA session.'' Artemis teased getting a nudge from M'gann.
Hunter blushed, "Sorry guys."
"It's fine." Miss Martian assured, "But sometimes it can be a bit-"
"Uncomfortable." Wally said, "I wouldn't even make out with a babe in front of everyone. . .at least not all the time."
Artemis scoffed, "First you need to find someone who actually wants to make out with you."
"I don't see a problem with it." Robin shrugged, "Let them enjoy their honeymoon phase you know before the heavy stuff."
"I've nearly died in front of Conner three times." Hunter said, "I'm pretty sure we're past the heavy stuff."
"Oh. . .you got a point." Replied Robin.
"As long as it doesn't interfere with our missions it is none of our business." Kaldur said with his authority voice.
RECOGNIZED
BATMAN 0-2
The flash of the zeta beam caught their attention. Out came Batman, "Computer, National News."
A holoscreen appeared in the air revealing Cat Grant, "The initial attack was short-lived." The picture changed, revealing a large plant wrapped around a building, "But Metropolis was only granted a short reprieve." She stated before the plant crushed the building. The screen changed to a shot of Superman saving two people from the roof of a crumbling building, "And despite the intervention of Superman and the Justice League. . .there seems to be no end in sight." Hawkwoman flew across before the camera quickly followed her as she used her mace to strike a vine before Green Lantern cut a vine that came from behind her. Then Hawkman appeared, smashing a vine in half before all three heroes flew for the plant's stalk.
"Should we get out there?" Robin asked as Batman turned to the team.
"No. The League will soon have the situation under control. That's not why I'm here." He stated before a picture of Sportsmaster appeared, "According to your intel Sportsmaster supplied Cadmus' Blockbuster formula to Kobra."
"Who combined it with Bane's Venom to make Kobra Venom." Wally stated.
Robin then added, "Which the Brain used to make his animal army."
"And upgrade Rex" Superboy added scratching Rex's chin.
"Not to mention Bud and Lou." Hunter stated.
"The Brain also used inhibitor collars like the ones used in Belle Reve Penitentiary." M'gann stated.
"Batman, is it possible that those plant things are on Kobra Venom too?" Artemis asked.
"I had Green Lantern run a spot analysis." Batman stated as a keyboard appeared, "The vine's cellulose does contain trace amounts of a Kobra Venom variant." He said as a hologram Kobra Venom appeared.
"These cannot be coincidences." Kaldur stated, "Unrelated criminals are cooperating with one another worldwide."
"They've learned from the Justice League's example." Said Hunter, "There is strength in numbers."
"Exactly. It's now clear our enemies have formed some kind of. . .secret society of supervillains." Replied the Dark Knight, "The attack on Metropolis is only the beginning."
Robin quickly pulled up a holo-keyboard and pulled up images of other plant creatures, "Got that right. Plant creatures have sprouted in Gotham City, Paris, Star City, Taipei. . ."
All the screens suddenly went to static, "Dude!" Wally exclaimed.
Robin tried to get the signal back, "It's not me. Someone's cutting into the satellite signal. All satellite signals!"
The signal returned but this time the ghostly pale face of the Joker appeared. He tapped the camera before he said, "Ladies and gentlemen we interrupt your regularly scheduled mayhem to bring you this important announcement. . ." He pulled out a switchblade before he moved the camera towards a group of villains, ". . .from the Injustice League." He cackled.
The team quickly recognized the group. They were all major villains; Joker, Poison Ivy, Count Vertigo, Atomic Skull, Ultra Humanite, Black Adam and Wotan. Each one is just as powerful as any member of the League.
The camera zoomed in on Vertigo as he announced, "We are responsible for the attacks on your cities. If you wish to save them, a ransom of ten billion American dollars is required." He demanded, "Delivery instructions have been sent to the United Nations. There is no time limit but the longer your governments wait. . ."
The cameras panned back to a close up of Joker, "The more we get to have our. . .jollies." He let out a crazed laugh before the feed cut out.
Batman raised his hand to his ear, "Roger that, Aquaman. The UN will prepare the ransom as a fallback. But it won't come to that."
Robin quickly rewinded the feed and stopped at the wide shot of the Injustice League, "Count Vertigo, the Joker, Poison Ivy, Ultra-Humanite, Atomic Skull, Black Adam, Wotan. Seven heavy hitters. Probably behind everything and everyone we've faced."
Wally turned to his friend, "There's your secret society."
"Not so secret anymore." Artemis stated.
Kaldur then spoke, "Perhaps, after India they realized we would deduce the truth and saw no point in hiding any longer."
"So we've rooted them out of hiding." Hunter stated.
"Bet your ass we did!" Wally exclaimed, "I say let's go kick some plant creature butt!"
"The Justice League will handle the plants. I have a different job for this team." Batman stated.
Wally groaned, "Ah man." Artemis then punched his arm.
The entire team gave Batman their full attention as he explained, "With the plants attacking so many locations simultaneously, there must be a central control system. Your mission is to destroy it."
Zatarra approached Batman, "You realize what you're really asking them to do."
"They're ready." Batman simply replied.
"Ready?" Wally asked aloud, "Ready for what? Ow!" He yelped when Artemis hit his arm once more, "Will you cut that out-"
"Hello, Wally!" Artemis exclaimed, "If the big guns are fighting the plants, who do you think we'll be fighting?"
"I don't know I guess we'll-" His sentence was cut short when Artemis pointed at the screen.
"Oh."
"Well Batman, I trust you're right." Zatarra stated.
"And I trust you can locate the enemy." Replied Batman.
"Indeed. Wotan's involvement suggests sorcery is part of how the plants are controlled." The magician replied, "Robin, if you could provide a holomap. . . " Robin typed on the keyboard and a holographic image of the earth appeared, ". . I'll search for signs of concentrated sorcerous activity."
Zatarra stepped forward and raised his hands towards the globe, "Etacol retnecipe fo yrecros!'' He chants before a red dot beeped on the globe, "There that's where you'll find the Injustice League's central control system."
"Coordinates locked in." Robin informed, "The Louisiana Bayou."
"We are on our way." Kaldur said before the team ran out of the room.
Bayou Bartholomew, October 1, 6:52 P.M.
Two invisible objects flew over the Louisiana bayou. Kaldur had ordered that the team be split into two teams; Alpha and Beta. Alpha was made up of M'gann, Kid Flash, Artemis and Aqualad in the Bio-ship. Beta consisted of Wonder Warrior, Superboy, Robin and Rex in the Invisible Jet. Aqualad had ordered Hunter to take the jet as it had stronger weapons than the Bio-ship.
Hunter flexed his hands on the controls before he reached up and placed his hand on his bracelet. He sighed before he shook off his nerves. He glanced over his shoulders to see Robin counting his weapons and Superboy continuously rubbing Rex's ear.
Both teams flew in tense silence before everyone felt a sharp pain in their heads. Hunter focused on flying despite the pain.
"M'gann what's wrong?" Hunter asked through their link.
"I'm getting dizzy." She replied.
"Martians get air sick?" Robin asked skeptically.
"She does look a little greener than usual." Wally commented.
"Not me, her." The Martian replied.
"I'm fine." Artemis replied.
"Not her, the Bio-ship she's trying to shield us." She warned before the Bio-ship began to move uncontrollably.
Wonder Warrior, Robin and Superboy watched as the Bio-ship zigzagged through the air. Ahead they spotted Count Vertigo and Black Adom standing on top of a rock. Vertigo was using his Vertigo Effect headgear to subdue the Bio-ship. Eventually the Bio-ship couldn't camouflage, revealing itself to the villains.
"Adam's going after them." Hunter said as Black Adam took to the sky.
The man stuck the underside of the Bio-ship sending it hurling down into the swamp below, "Got anything to take Adam down?" Robin asked.
Hunter smirked, "And then some."
Hunter flipped a cap on the left end of the control wheel revealing a small red button. He pressed it but nothing happened. The two other heroes looked confused. Robin asked, "Uh, dude, nothing happened."
The boom of an explosion caught them off guard. They watched as Adam fell to the ground below. The two other boys watched in shock, "Invisible artillery." Wonder Warrior shrugged, "Comes in handy."
"Can it take him down?" Conner asked, pointing out of the cockpit.
Hunter looked up to see Wotan ahead, "I hope."
He fired a second pair of rockets at Wotan but the sorcerer sensed them coming. He chanted a spell unleashing a pulse of golden energy. The trio watched as the missiles became visible. The pulse hit the Invisible Jet causing it to become visible.
"He's neutralized the Invisibility Spell." Wonder Warrior said before he gripped the wheel, "I've received many of my gifts from my mother's side now it's time to use the talents I've received from my father."
Just then Wotan sent a blast of Magical energy their way. Hunter rolled the jet to the side just before it could be hit. He then fired a barrage of bullets towards the villain who quickly made a shield. The bullets bounced off the shield, ricocheting to the ground or to the air.
They flew past the sorcerer before Hunter said, "We'll circle back and help the others."
"Warrior, we have to get to the objective!" Robin exclaimed, "They've got their objective and we've got ours."
"Right, plan B." Wonder Warrior sighed, "I hope it doesn't come to that." He glanced down at his bracelets before he focused on the task ahead, "Since the jet isn't invisible anymore we'll need to land away from their base. You got the package ready?" He looked over his shoulder to look at Superboy.
The clone gave him a thumbs up, "Ready to drop."
Hunter nodded, "Good, we'll drop the payload, blow their HQ sky high and turn back to help-"
"Look out!" Robin suddenly exclaimed pointing ahead.
Wonder Warrior quickly reared his head around just in time to see a rocket flying towards them. He easily maneuvered out of the way only. They thought they were in the clear but vines from the ground shot up. Hunter quickly evaded the vines moving left to right, narrowly avoiding them. Just then a vine grazed the left wing causing the jet to spiral out of control.
The three boys held onto the jet as they spun around as they plummeted towards the swamp below. The black jet fell through the trees breaking branches with loud crunching and cracking. The jet stopped spinning as it hit the water below with a large splash. The boys groaned as they suffered from the dizziness of the rabid spinning.
"That was pleasant." Superboy said sarcastically and Rex whined in agreement.
"I've had better landings." Hunter admitted.
Robin groaned, "I really hope that's true."
The groaning of metal caught their attention. They sat in silence before the jet was abruptly pulled down. Wonder Warrior flew towards the back of the jet and forced the ramp door open. The rest of them followed the Amazon out of the jet. They landed on the muddy floor of the bayou and quickly looked around for any of the Injustice League.
Hunter watched in despair as he watched large vines dragging the jet into the swamp water, "Mother's going to have the wrath of Zeus when she finds out about the jet."
Conner put a comforting hand on his shoulder before Robin said, "Let's move out, we can't be that far."
The group trudged through the bayou as night fell upon them. Robin led them through the swamp using his holographic computer to navigate. Hunter had his sword and shield in hand ready for anything. Rex crouched low sniffing the air in case. Conner used his infrared vision to make sure they weren't being snuck up on.
"Here we are." Robin said as he crouched down. Superboy and Wonder Warrior followed his lead and knelt down beside him, "The Injustice League central control system." He peaked over a bush and spotted the building, quickly noticing a large stock sticking out of the top of the building, "Looks like that plant's acting as an antenna to control the other plants worldwide."
"Let's take it down." Conner urged.
"You'll be doing nothing of the sort!"
The four of them were suddenly ensnared by vines rising from the floor. They were lifted off the floor and turned around to face Poison Ivy. Ultra-Humanite jumped down from the trees above and landed behind her. The white furred gorilla raised his gun and aimed at the heroes. He decided to aim his first shot at Wonder Warrior before he fired.
Wonder Warrior ripped his left arm free from the vines just in time to deflect the shot to the plant holding him, killing it. Now free, he picked up his sword and quickly spun around and cut down the vines holding his friends. Superboy pounced at Ultra-Humanite only to be knocked back when the gorilla fired his modified rifle at the clone. Ivy tried to capture the young heroes once more but Wonder Warrior easily cut through the plants.
Superboy stood back up and glared at Ultra-Humanite, "I hate monkeys." Rex growled in agreement.
The wolf ran around the gorilla as he fired a series of rounds at the canine. Superboy roared as he jumped on his back knocking the gorilla on the floor. Ultra-Humanite quickly rolled over and back handed Conner off of him. He got up and aimed his gun at the clone. Before he could fire his shot Rex buried his fangs in the gorilla's arm staining the white fur red. Conner got up and watched as Ultra-Humanite slammed his fist on Rex's head causing the wolf to loosen it's bite and throw it to the side. He glared at the gorilla before he charged at him and tackled him through a tree.
Ivy glared at Hunter as he cut down her babies before she noticed, "Where's the Boy Wonder?!" She exclaimed before a golden lasso wrapped around her.
"You have bigger things to worry about!" Wonder Warrior exclaimed before he yanked on the lasso pulling Ivy off her feet towards him. He closelined the woman to the ground.
Superboy raised his fist before throwing it down, striking Ultra-Humanite across the face, knocking him out. He sighed before he heard something from the air. Looking up he saw the others in a mystical cage conjured by Wotan, "The others."
Wonder Warrior followed his gaze and sighed, "We have to join Robin, once we take the central plant down we can help them."
Conner nodded before they both made their way towards the large plant. They didn't make it far before they heard a commotion from the air. Looking up they saw their friends, free from the cage, falling from the sky. Wonder Warrior took to the sky without hesitation and easily caught Artemis and Wally while Conner jumped up and caught Kaldur. M'gann quickly caught her bearings and flew down to safety to the others.
Kaldur looked up and exclaimed, "Have you finished the objective?"
"Almost. Distract them." Conner stated before he looked at Hunter who nodded.
"Take these, they'll defend against Wotan's magic." He handed his sword to Kaldur and his shield to Artemis, "You'll need them." He said partingly before he and Superboy made their way to join Robin.
Kaldur pointed the blade at Wotan, "Thank you my friend."
"Thanks." The blonde nodded before she raised the shield.
"Such crude objects will not stand a chance against me." Wotan boasted before he fired two golden blasts of magic at the heroes.
Kaldur deflected the blast with Hunter's sword, "Artemis, maneuver seven!"
Artemis blocked the attack with the shield before she ran towards Aqualad. The Atlantean laced his fingers just as the blonde placed her foot in his hands. Jumping with the added boost from Kaldur's strength, she flew towards Wotan who fired blasts of magic at her but they bounced off the shield. Slamming the shield into his face the sorcerer fell out of the sky as did the archer.
M'gann saw Artemis and quickly used her telekinesis to land her safely on the floor. This gave Adam the perfect opportunity to punch her across the bayou and into a tree. Miss Martian fell to the floor before she raised her hands towards the villain, sending him flying back. This was but a nuisance to Adam as he easily fought against the telekinetic attack. M'gann quickly used her mind to uproot the trees around her and sent them hurling at Adam. The former hero easily shattered the trees with powerful punches. He powered through the onslaught of trees and flew down Miss Martian, aiming to kill. Before he could lay a hand on her she disappeared.
"Hot potato!" Kid Flash exclaimed with Miss Martian in his arms, "You'll have to be faster than that!" His confident demeanor ended when his head began to ache.
Slowly Kid Flash came to a halt. He and Miss Martian fell to the floor at Count Vertigo's feet. The Count looked around to see Wotan battling against Artemis and Aqualad, "Where are the other three?!" He demanded as Adam lifted the two from the ground.
"My baby!" Ivy shrieked.
The Injustice League looked up to see the transmitter littered with bombs. A series of explosions snaked their way up the plant causing it to shriek before it fell down. Three silhouettes stood at the foot of the burning plant. Superboy, Robin and Wonder Warrior looked down at the villains as they watched in shock.
Robin broke the silence, "Timber."
Ivy let out an ear-piercing scream before she raised a wall of vines behind her. She sent her vines at the three heroes but Wonder Warrior slammed his bracelets together, knocking the plants back. Hunter was then knocked down by a blast of radiation from Atomic Skull. Robin and Superboy jumped down from the burning building to help their friends.
Joker looked down at the scene from atop the building, "Children. Children foiled our plan?" He lamented as Atomic Skull fired another blast, "Inconceivable, unacceptable, retributionable!" He exclaimed, "That last one might not be a word. . .so sue me." He shrugged before he ran off to join the fight.
Robin and Superboy landed in the swamp water just as Wonder Warrior stood up, "You ok?" Superboy askes, concerned.
"Watch out!" Hunter jumped up and blocked an oncoming blast from Atomic Skull.
Atomic Skull fired one blast after another at Hunter, who easily defended against his attacks. The Amazon flew up into the sky evading Atomic blasts. He didn't get far as Black Adam flew after him. The villain grabbed his ankle and swung him down at the swamp below.
"Wonder Warrior!" Superboy screamed as he watched Adam tackle Hunter into the ground. He moved to help him before he was shot in the back by Ultra-Humanite. The blast of his attack sent him into a tree. Rex retaliated by pouncing on the gorilla's back and viciously bit and clawed at him.
Conner stood up and groaned just in time to catch Hunter who was sent across the swamp by one of Black Adam's attacks. Superboy's feet slid against the mud until they eventually came to a stop. He looked down at Hunter to see him panting, "Are you ok?"
"It's like getting hit by Hercules." The prince replied as he got to his feet as he saw Adam flying towards them, "Spin me!"
Superboy grabbed Wonder Warrior's wrist and quickly swung him around. With his strength he spun Hunter around fast enough to deliver a powerful kick to Adam's face, sending him flying across the swamp. Superboy set Wonder Warrior down, receiving a wink from the prince, "Thanks."
"Don't mention it." He replied just before Hunter flew away.
Wonder Warrior flew towards Adam as he climbed to his feet. Raising his fist he went to attack just before he was shot down by a blast of lightning. The bolt forced him into the ground. He struggled against the lightning but eventually he raised his bracelet to block it. Looking up he saw that the blood was a result of Wotan's magic. The attack never wavered as he looked to his teammates to see that they too were being pinned down by the magical lightning.
"Miss Martian, Wonder Warrior!" Kaldur screamed, getting their attention, "Plan B!"
It's come to this.
Hunter sighed as he watched a duffel bag fall out of the bio-ship. Kaldur caught it and zipped it open and grabbed what's inside, the Helmet of Fate. The sight of the golden helm shocked Wotan to the point where he ceased his attack. Wonder Warrior took this as an opportunity to rip his bracelets.
"No Aqualad, don't!" Wally screamed towards his friends before he was knocked down by Adam.
Lights of gold and white illuminated the bayou. The light immediately died down revealing Doctor Fate and Wonder Warrior who emitted a divine light. The two beings looked to each other for a moment before exchanging a nod. The two flew to their respective opponents, Wotan and Black Adam.
"Wotan, you are mine!" Doctor Fate declared.
"Adam, would you like to see what a real god can do?" Hunter teased before he flew into the clouds.
Black Adam flew into the clouds after Wonder Warrior. His gaze was instantly obscured by the clouds. Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed. Amongst the white lightning a golden light broke through the clouds. A golden lasso appeared out of the clouds and wrapped around Adam's neck before he was pulled back into Wonder Warrior's embrace.
The hero squeezed his hold on Adam. The two spun around in the air as Adam tried to release himself. Adam tried to reach over his shoulder to grab Wonder Warrior to no avail. Hunter pulled on his lasso, tightening the grip on Adam's throat.
"Shazam!" Adam's voice roared through the sky, over the booming of thunder.
A single bolt of lightning sliced through the sky down towards the two, aiming to strike Hunter. The prince reacted faster than he thought possible as he raised his hand and caught the bolt in his hand. Adam looked on in shock as Wonder Warrior glared down at him.
"Your gifts came from the gods Adam but I have their blood." He declared before closing his fist as he absorbed the last of the lightning. Electricity surged around his fist before he raised it. Swinging his arm down his fist connected with Adam's with a boom of thunder.
Adam plummeted out of the sky and towards the swamp. Wonder Warrior flew down after him before he delivered another punch sending him into the muddy floor. Hunter landed on Adam's chest burying him further in the mud. He raised his fist once again, ready to deliver another attack before someone twisted his arm behind his back.
"That's enough." His mother's voice came from behind him, "You've done well." He felt his bracelets slip on his wrists before she let go of him.
Wonder Warrior looked around him to see the entire Justice League surrounding the Injustice League. He and Wonder Woman stepped away from Adam's unconscious body.
"It's over." Batman declared.
The Injustice League looked around before they raised their hands, "There will be another day." Count Vertigo stated.
"Another day?" Joker scoffed, "Another day! There won't be another day not for any of us!" He laughed as he raised his hands revealing a pair of high tech gloves. He moved his fingers and plants rose out of the water. Their sprouts burst open, releasing clouds of spores.
"Joker Venom spores! Don't breathe!" Batman ordered before he knocked the Joker out.
"Fear not!" Doctor Fate flew over the spores before he conjured his symbol. The spores were absorbed, saving the heroes and villains alike, "Fate has intervened!" He declared.
After arresting the Injustice League, the heroes dispersed leaving only Batman, Aquaman, Captain Marvel and Zatarra to watch over the young heroes.
"How can you allow him to put on the Helmet of Fate!?" Wally demanded.
"It was his plan, as the leader we didn't have any room to object." Hunter replied, "Aqualad knew the risk."
"Nabu will never release him now." Wally said his anger dissipated, "Kaldur will be trapped inside of Doctor Fate forever."
Doctor Fate stood still like stone for a moment. He then raised his hands and removed the helm, releasing Kaldur.
"Nabu let you go?" Wally asked walking up to Kaldur.
"He almost did not but your friend Kent was most helpful." He replied before he added, "He says hello."
"We're done here." Batman stated, "The supervillain secret society has been neutralized. As for your performance. . ." A tense silence enveloped the team, ". . .it was satisfactory."
"Why must he pause in the middle of a sentence like that?" Hunter asked.
"Don't ruin the moment." Robin replied, "That's as close to a 'good job' as we'll get."