Saiyan Anti-Hero

~September 19th~

"Please remind me, why I had to sit out this mission?" Kali asked, looking at Batman while the news feed of the Terror Twins being escorted to their prison transport was being replayed over and over again to find any clues on what the source of their abilities might be. "I know Ms. Martian's capable of her role, and is more suited for this infiltration because of her telepathy and being able to communicate with Superboy without blowing their cover, but Connor and I work better together as a unit."

"Because you need to keep training for the Cell Games. It's less then four months away, and you're still lacking in being able to fight against him." Batman said. "So until that happens, unless you're needed, you'll be using mission time to train, while Aqualad temporarily takes your place as leader."

"Yeah but… why this job?"

~Flashback: September 15th~

"This past 4th of July, four ice villains staged simultaneous attacks. Mr. Freeze, Icicle Jr., Captain Cold, and Killer Frost were all easily apprehended. Perhaps, too easily." Batman said.

"Did you ever consider the possibility those who caught them, know their moves too well?" Kali asked, standing next to Connor and Ms. Martian.

"Even if that's the case, the bad guys are always developing new ways to fight their heroic counterparts. So it still should have been harder for the heroes to take them down." Superman said. "Batman makes a valid point."

"Cold and Frost were immediately sent to Belle Reve Penitentiary." Batman continued. "A federal prison designed to house Super Criminals. The 17 year old Icicle Jr. was sent to a juvenile facility, Mr. Freeze to his usual cell in Arkham Asylum, but Freeze petitioned the court to be legally sane, and Jr. sued to be tried as an adult. As a result, both await transport to Bell Reve, which seems to have been the goal all along."

"Given all that, then it makes sense you'd be suspicious of the four ice villain attacks Independence Day." Kali said.

"I'm sending the two of you, Superboy and Ms. Martian, in to find out why." Batman said.

"Good call, but who inside will know their true identities?" Kali inquired.

"No one. We can't be certain the prison staff isn't compromised." Batman stated.

~Present Day~

"Do you understand?" Batman questioned.

"Yeah, yeah I get it. Training for the Cell Games good, wasting time on missions that could potentially save hundreds of innocent lives, bad." Kali sighed.

"Don't sass me Saiyan." Batman said.

"Recognized, Superman 001." The computer's AI said. "Recognized, Krypto 001.5."

"Batman, you got a second?" Superman asked as he and the Kryptonian dog came into the hideout.

"I'm in the middle of something important. Can it wait?" Batman asked as Krypto ran in circles around Kali.

"It can't. I just got a distress call to help somewhere, and I don't have anyone to watch Krypto. You think he could come to the Batcave with you and spend some time with Ace?" Superman asked.

"Not possible. Ace was taken to the vet for emergency surgery on his colon. Plus I don't wanna risk Krypto stumbling upon my emergency stash of Kryptonite." Batman said.

"Why do you have an emergency stash of Kryptonite?" Superman asked.

"It's in case you turn to the side of evil." Batman stated. "But the answer is still no."

"What if I took him?" Kali asked, crouched on the ground and petting Krypto. "He really seems to get along with me, even though this is the first time we've actually met."

"Kali, despite his size, Krypto is still basically just a puppy. It will interfere with your training." Batman said.

"Actually it might not." Superman said. "It could help rather then hinder. Taking care of Krypto is a full time job, and a responsibility I'm sure she could learn from. It could teach her discipline and patience."

"Both of which are important tools in a warrior's arsenal." Kali added before having to bend back as Krypto jumped up and licked her cheek. "Down boy."

Batman looked at Kali interacting with Krypto, before looking at Superman, and with his expressionless face as always, he gave his answer.

"Fine. But so long as you're fine with her taking him off world. She won't be able to get any actual training done here on our planet, so she'll be taking her training somewhere else." Batman said.

"I'll be fine with that, so long as he's safe." Superman said, turning back to Kali and Krypto. "I'll pay you what I pay my usual pet sitter, for taking care of him."

"No problem. I don't think payment should be an issue." Kali said, putting a hand on Krypto's head.

"Kali go pack your bag." Batman said.

"Right." Kali said, heading off to her room within the base, Krypto following her.

"Did you see how she was smiling when Krypto wanted to play with her?" Superman asked.

"Something tells me that a pet would be quite beneficial for her." Batman added. "She seems a bit happier, and a lot less stressed out with an animal around."

"You know my parents own a farm with animals. It wouldn't hurt for me to ask if they could use an extra hand and offer Kali's assistance and employment." Superman said.

"We'll talk about it." Batman said. "How long do you think you'll be gone?"

"Hard to say, the distress call came from off world. So I'm gonna be gone for a while." Superman stated. "Apparently, the distress call involved someone matching this new Cell's description."

"Be safe." Batman said.

"I will."

~Earth Alpha~

"Mom, Dad." Kali called out, coming in with Krypto on his leash.

"Kali is that you?" Chichi called from the kitchen.

"It's me." Kali said. "Did Dad tell you about why I'm here?"

"You're here for training right?" Chichi asked coming into the front room. "Your father informed me about the Cell Games and that you were required to attend. Oh I can't imagine that kind of weight resting on my shoulders. How are you handling it?" She inquired, pulling Kali in for a hug.

"I'm dealing with it my way. An' I'm not handling the weight alone." Kali said. "I have my team to help me carry it."

Bark-bark.

Chichi pulled back from Kali and looked down before she had to move fast as Krypto brought his paws up and jumped on Chichi.

"Oh my, who is this handsome fella?" Chichi asked with a smile, before Kali pushed Krypto's legs down.

"No, bad dog. Keep all your feet on the ground." Kali said. "Sorry, this is Krypto. Superman's pet. Yet another survivor of Krypton's destruction."

"I'm surprised that Krypton even had dogs." Chichi said, kneeling down and petting Krypto's head. "So are you watching him for the afternoon?"

"For a few days actually. Superman got an off world distress call, and needed someone to watch Krypto for him." Kali explained.

"I hope he's paying you. If he's anything like his owner, the yellow sun will give him extraordinary powers." Chichi smiled.

"He is. But I'm fine watching him either way." Kali said kneeling to pet Krypto, with the dog licking her face making her smile.

"He seems like such a good dog. But he doesn't seem to be, fixed." Chichi said.

"The only way that would be possible mom, is if the procedure were done under the light of a red sun." Kali stated.

"I know, I know." Chichi stated. "Anyway, I'm glad you're here. Bulma wanted to talk with you, but couldn't get a hold of you."

"Thanks. I think Krypto needs a walk anyways." Kali said.

"Be safe on your way there." Chichi said.

~West City~

"It kinda feels good to be back here, now that my divine markings are covered up." Kali smiled. "I wonder where dad is, probably tending the fields again."

Krypto just sniffed around happily, while looking for a good place to do his business.

"Come on boy, we don't have all day to waste. Just hurry up and go to the bathroom." Kali said, as they stopped at a tree.

"Hey there sweet cheeks, you lost?"

Kali turned and looked over her shoulder, before turning her whole body around as she was pushed back, from a punk young man dressed in a muscle shirt with sagging jeans, sunglasses, sneakers, and a sideways baseball cap on his head.

"No, I'm fine." Kali said, her back hitting the tree she was next to, before the young man put his hand on it, over her head. 'I forgot, with my divine markings being hidden, I look mostly normal now, and that can invite trouble with the way my body is.'

"Really? Because it seems to me, you need help finding yourself a good time." The young man said.

"Please just… leave me alone." Kali said, looking away from him.

"Oh what's the matter? Intimidated by someone so awesome?" He asked.

"Why won't you just get the hint creep? I'm not interested." Kali stated, her voice having an edge of annoyance now.

"Hey, no need to be like that babe. I can make you scream my name all day and night if you want." He smirked, raising her chin, aligning her lips with his.

"I said no." Kali stated, turning her head away.

"Hey. No girl has ever said no to me." He stated aggressively, grabbing Kali's cheeks and turning her face to look at his.

Right as the young assaulter was about to forcefully kiss her, the sound of something growling could be heard and he looked down to see Krypto bearing his teeth, and his haunches were arched like he was getting ready to pounce on Kali's assaulter.

"What? You gonna do something you stupid mutt?" The young man asked.

"No, but I will." A familiar voice said as someone grabbed his shoulder, making Kali smile as her assaulter turned back to look at the bald man who'd spoken up.

"Uncle Tien." Kali said.

"You know this three eyed freak?"

"I happen to be her uncle." Tien stated, grabbing the young man by the front of his shirt, and turning him to look right at him. "I'm also a martial arts master, and a former World Martial Arts Tournament Champion. Care to test my patience?"

"N-no sir."

"Thanks Tien." Kali smiled.

Whoop-whoop.

"Hey, what's going on here?" An officer asked, pulling up to the scene in his squad car.

"Ah Officer. I just stopped this delinquent from sexually assaulting this young woman." Tien stated.

"What? No I wasn't doing anything."

"Liar." Kali stated. "He cornered me, and kept harassing me after I told him to leave me alone, but he wouldn't and tried to forcefully kiss me."

Bark-bark.

"See, even my dog is still growling and barking at him." Kali said. "I wanna press charges."

"Alright sonny, you're coming down town with me." The officer said, taking the young man into custody and out of Tien's grasp.

"Thank you for all you do Officer." Tien said, he and Kali giving him a bow, with Krypto even sitting and bowing his head to the officer.

"It's no problem. I'm sorry you had to go through that Miss." The officer said, closing the door on the punk. "Can I get your statements before you head off, and I take this punk to jail?"

"Of course, anything to cooperate and help Officer." Kali smiled.

After giving their statements to the officer, Kali and Tien waved him off as he drove away, with the juvenile to throw the book at him. Kali was still a bit rattled, but at the same time Tien had gone and gotten them some ice cream to help calm her nerves.

"Thanks for stepping in Tien." Kali said.

"It was my pleasure Kali." He smiled.

"Where's Chiaotzu, you two are usually inseparable?" Kali inquired.

"He's at Master Roshi's while I deal with some personal finances." Tien explained. "So what brings you here, and where'd this dog come from?"

"I'm here for training. An' this is Krypto. He's Superman's dog." Kali said. "I'm pet sitting for a few days."

"That's nice." Tien said petting Krypto's head, making the dog bark happily. "Seems like a good boy too."

"He is, especially since he growled at the mean man." Kali said, kneeling down and nuzzling her face into Krypto's making him bark with affection before licking her face again.

"You really like animals, don't you?" Tien questioned.

"I do. They're like fuzzy babies you can practice parenting on." Kali smiled. "But there are some methods child services wouldn't approve of for raising children. The shock collar being one of them."

"Oh yeah, that definitely wouldn't fly with child services." Tien chuckled. "Would a shock collar even work on Krypto?"

"Nope, not unless it was a voltage strong enough to kill a human a hundred times over." Kali said.

"So about your training…" Tien said.

"I'm assuming you've heard."

"The Neo Cell Games. Goku notified all the Z Fighters that Dr. Gero's work was still alive and well. Will you need help fighting this new Cell?" Tien asked.

"I'm not gonna be allowed help. He's treating this like an actual competition. So the rules state one on one." Kali said.

"Do you think you'll be strong enough to do it?" Tien inquired.

"I don't know. But I can't give up before I've even begun. So I'm gonna fight, and I'll win, even if I die trying." Kali said.

"Even if you do die, we can bring you back with the Dragon Balls." Tien stated.

"I'd rather that not happen." Kali said. "If I die, then I die. I don't want any intervention on my death if it happens."

"Accepting your fate the way it happens huh? Honorable." Tien said. "Why don't you go train with Whis or Lord Beerus?"

"I can't. Simply put, Whis is busy training Vegeta, and won't have time to train me as well. Don't tell my dad I said that though." Kali said. "If he knew Vegeta was being trained by Whis, then there's no telling how bad he'd bug Bulma to get a chance to ask Whis for the same thing."

"True enough. But he will find out eventually." Tien said.

"Yes, but I'd rather he find out later rather then sooner." Kali said. "Something tells me, Whis plans on taking him on as a student, whether my dad's aware of it or not."

"If he's doing this behind Lord Beerus's back, then that's not gonna end well."

"Perhaps, but then again Whis is far superior to Lord Beerus, as he is the one who trained that ill tempered feline." Kali said.

"That… sorta makes sense, actually." Tien stated. "So back there, why didn't you fight back against that guy who was assaulting you? You could have easily kicked his ass no problem."

"I didn't know how to without seriously hurting him." Kali said. "Don't get me wrong, the guy's a total jerk and creep, but I'm not interested in paralyzing him for life, or sending him to the hospital for an internal decapitation. I'm supposed to be a hero for crying out loud."

"That's something I know your father would be proud of." Tien smiled, as they stopped at a stoplight. "I gotta go this way."

"I'm heading to Capsule Corp, see you around, Uncle." Kali said, running off with Krypto in the opposite direction as Tien.

Making her way to Bulma's home, Kali smiled when she was greeted by Dr. Briefs and Panchy.

"Oh my stars, welcome back Kali." Panchy smiled, pulling the girl in for a hug.

"Thanks for having me."

"Say, who's this fella?" Dr. Briefs asked, letting Krypto sniff his hand.

"This is Krypto. He's Superman's pet, I'm just pet sitting him for a few days." Kali said. "But I will admit, I'd be lying if I said I didn't wanna keep him for myself."

"Awe, that's so sweet." Panchy smiled. "Well, come inside. Bulma's waiting for ya around back, and I'm sure Trunks and Goten would be interested in seeing you again."

"Thanks." Kali smiled, taking to the air with Krypto and flying to the balcony, where Bulma was waiting.

"Ah Kali, you're here." Bulma smiled. "Who's this?"

"Krypto, he's Superman's dog. What'd you want to talk to me about?" Kali asked.

"I wanted to know if you settled on a costume yet." Bulma said. "I have some ideas, but I wanna know what you might have for any costume ideas."

"Hmm. Well there was one I actually liked, but I only had it when Dr. Fate and I were merged into one being." Kali said.

"Well give me the design and I'll be sure to put it in your watch." Bulma smiled.

"I appreciate that, truly." Kali stated, before feeling a pull on the leash.

Bark-bark.

"Oh, looks like Krypto caught sight of the boys." Kali smiled, looking over the balcony to the yard, where Trunks and Goten were sparring. "Would it be alright if he played with them?"

"Sure. I don't see why not." Bulma smiled. "But don't give the boys any forewarning about Krypto. Just let him loose on them."

"That would be kinda funny." Kali smirked, before crouching down. "Alright Krypto, you see those two? I want you to play with them, but try to hold back, they're not as tough as Kryptonians, and they're only Half-Saiyans."

Bark.

"Good boy. Now go play." Kali smiled, unclipping the leash from his collar.

Krypto barked again and flew over the balcony, heading straight for the two young Half-Saiyans.

"Whoa, he can fly?" Bulma asked.

"He's a Kryptonian just like Superman and Connor." Kali said.

"Connor?" Bulma asked.

"Superboy's recently acquired civilian identity as Connor Kent." Kali said. "Mine's Kali Kent, so we identify as siblings in both our hero and civilian lives."

"That's so cute. An' you said Krypto's a Kryptonian like Connor and Superman?"

"He is, which makes it that much more difficult to get him fixed."

"I'd imagine. You'd need a Kryptonite scalpel to perform that operation." Bulma stated.

"Or have it done under the light of a red sun."

"So, how have things been with you lately?" Bulma asked as they took a seat.

"Things could go better." Kali said. "Recently I learned a certain villain organization that call themselves, The Light, might have infiltrated the team, with a mole."

"Well have you been able to verify this?" Bulma asked.

"I can't. The sources of this information came from two villains we fought during a job in protecting a peace treaty summit for two nations." Kali stated.

"So you have to take into consideration that the information might not actually be accurate, and could just be used to cause a rift between you and your team." Bulma said. "Sounds rough."

"You have no idea." Kali sighed. "Then on my way here, I got cornered by some creep who wouldn't take no for an answer."

"Ugh, was it Yamcha?" Bulma groaned.

"No, it was just some blonde punk who thought he'd get lucky with me." Kali stated. "Guess there were some benefits to my divine markings being visible."

"I guess so." Bulma said. "So did you send the asshole to the hospital?"

"No, I didn't wanna cause him that kind of harm, and Krypto kept growling at him as he tried to force himself on me." Kali explained. "Thankfully, Tien was in the area and stepped in."

"Oh nice. How thoughtful of him. What was he doing in town?"

"I don't know the specifics, but apparently he was taking care of some financial business." Kali said.

"Well he shouldn't be. He might live in the mountains, but he makes a killing with odd jobs he takes now and then." Bulma said. "Unless it has something to do with Chiaotzu, then that might explain the troubles."

"From the way he was talking, I don't think it was anything bad like that." Kali said. "I don't know, it's not really any of my business anyway. So Vegeta still off training with Whis?"

"Do you even have to ask?" Bulma sighed. "Did you tell Goku about Whis and Vegeta's student teacher partnership?"

"No. If I told him, mom would skin me alive." Kali said.

"Good point. I doubt Chichi would be happy to hear Goku left earth for more training." Bulma chuckled. "How does she feel about you and your training?"

"Well…"

"She's tried turning you into a scholar, hasn't she?" Bulma questioned.

"She has, yes. An' she's still trying to turn me away from martial arts." Kali sighed. "It's so annoying. I have to actually be gone from the house if I wanna get more then 5 minutes of training in. An' I'm already going to school on my Earth, I don't need her breathing down my neck about getting a good education."

"Sounds like typical teen drama." Bulma chuckled. "I remember when I went through my rebellious phase. It was actually around the time I met your father."

"Really?" Kali asked.

"Yep, and believe it or not, Yamcha was actually a bandit who tried robbing us, when we first met." Bulma said.

"You're kidding." Kali gasped, before her scouter went off. "Hold on I got a message from Connor."

"What's he saying?" Bulma asked, before Kali squealed with excitement. "Whoa, it's gotta be good if you're reacting like that."

"Connor and Megan confessed their feelings for one another when they finished this job they were on." Kali smiled. "They are officially a couple now."

"Oh my that is such good news." Bulma smiled. "I think I'll hold a celebratory party for them."

"I'll see if I can't get J'onn to let Megan come here for the party." Kali said. "Oh, this is so exciting. I always knew those two would hit it off."

"All the signs were there huh?" Bulma asked.

"Yep." Kali smiled. "Oh before I forget."

Reaching into the bag on her shoulder, Kali pulled a couple of vials with blood from the main chamber of the bag.

"Batman wanted me to give you these. He also wanted me to ask if you'd be able to analyze them." Kali stated. "There are a couple of villains, call themselves the Terror Twins, they're sorta like the villain versions of me and Connor."

"What does he want me analyze, how blood tastes?" Bulma asked.

"He wants you to try and find the source of their power, he thinks it lies within the genetic makeup of the twins." Kali said.

"Well sorry to disappoint the big bat, but bio engineering isn't my expertise. I worked on Android16 before the Cell Games, but that was mainly because his body was mostly mechanical, unlike 18 and her brothers." Bulma said, handing the blood back to Kali. "But you know, this sort of thing actually runs right up my dad's specialty. I can have him analyze the blood if you want. I'm sure he'd be thrilled about helping you and the Justice League out with a case like this."

"I don't wanna impose on him." Kali said. "But I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask."

"Wait here, I'll go and ask him." Bulma smiled, getting up and heading in.

Kali didn't like imposing on Dr. Briefs, but she had to admit, he was always willing to help out when she asked. The Saiyan was brought out of her thoughts when Trunks and Goten came running towards her after flying up to the balcony, with Krypto following.

"The dog can fly too?" Trunks asked as they hid behind Kali.

"What kind of dog is it?" Goten questioned, hiding behind his sister as well.

"Krypto, heel." Kali said, feeling a little guilty with how scared the boys seemed.

The Kryptonian dog slowed down before stopping in front of her.

"Sit." She ordered, with the dog obeying her command. "Good boy. For a puppy, you sure are well trained."

"That's a puppy? How big are the dogs on Earth Alpha?" Trunks asked.

"No Trunks, Krypto's fully grown. Puppies tend to grow in size rather quickly, but can still be rather playful." Kali said, scratching Krypto's head making him bark happily before she gave him a treat.

"He was chasing us, and wouldn't leave us alone." Goten stated.

"He's a puppy Goten, he was trying to play with you." Kali chuckled. "Come on, you wanna pet him?"

Goten and Trunks looked to Kali, and then to each other.

"You go first, she's your sister." Trunks said.

"What? But that's not fair." Goten said.

"Come on you two, there's nothing to be afraid of. He's perfectly safe and harmless." Kali said. "He only attacks villains."

"You sure?" Goten asked.

"He's Superman's pet from Krypton before it blew up." Kali said.

"Wasn't that like, a couple decades ago? Shouldn't the dog be hella old and dead?" Trunks asked.

"According to Superman, the yellow sun not only gives Kryptonian's power, but a longer lifespan. But Krypto was left in suspended animation until sometime in the last few months, which means Krypto's gonna be living for several decades more." Kali stated.

"Suspended what?" Goten asked.

"His body was frozen in time, and stopped aging until he was found by Superman." Kali said. "Come on, he's a good boy, don't worry."

"Alright. Here goes." Goten said, reaching his hand out to Krypto. The alien dog barked happily and nuzzled Goten's hand, before coming in closer and licking his face. "Hey stop it, that tickles." The child laughed as Krypto continued licking.

"Krypto, stop." Kali smiled, pulling the dog back. "Your turn Trunks."

"Alright." Trunks reached out his hand, like Goten had done, and just like with Goten, Krypto nuzzled the Half-Saiyans hand and began licking his face. "Hey stop, that's so gross."

"Well, it looks like you're all having fun." Bulma smiled, coming back to the balcony with her dad.

"Mom, get this dog to stop." Trunks said.

"Kali, Bulma tells me there's something you wanted to ask me?"

"Yes, I thought she already did ask, but I guess this makes more sense for me to ask." Kali said, pulling the blood samples out from her bag. "Batman wants these blood samples from the Terror Twins analyzed, to see where their powers came from. He thinks they might be related to the labs Connor and I were created in."

"Connor's Superboy's name huh?" Dr. Briefs asked.

"Yessir. We came up with it, when we went to our first day of school, so he'd have a civilian name." Kali said.

"Well, I wouldn't mind helping out. If it means finding something that might help you with the Terror Twins, then I'm all for it." Dr. Briefs smiled, taking the vials of blood. "I'll see what I can do."

"Thanks Gramps." Kali smiled.

"Now that we've got that settled, grab Connor and Megan, bring the entire team, I'm gonna be throwing those two a congratulatory party." Bulma stated cheerfully.