(AN) Well, here's another chap for my faithful readers. I hope your still bearing with me.We're almost there. School is killing my opportunities to update. I hope it didn't hinder my ability to write a decent chapter.
I do not own the rights to any characters or cities or vehicles or hideouts or.....um, yeah
Chapter 15 Beauty and the Beast Boy
The Batsignal had illuminated downtown Gotham City on a rainy night. On top of the Gotham City Police Department roof stood Gotham's longtime Police Commissioner James Gordon. Along with with him, two of Gotham's finest, Detective Harvey Bullock and Detective Renee Montoya. They had received a request to light the Batsignal over Gotham for a specific reason.
Batman was nowhere to be found.
He had left the Watchtower two days ago without saying a word to anyone. After the incident with Starfire's sister Blackfire, Batman apparently was killed. Then miraculously, he came back to life. His critical injuries healed instantaneously, showing no signs of damage. To all that witnessed it, he showed a fear that they had yet to see in him. He left the Watchtower abruptly and hasn't contacted anyone since. When Nightwing contacted Alfred, Alfred said that Batman had managed to enter and leave the cave without Alfred's knowledge. Also, Batman had emptied all of his equipment racks. It appeared that he had no intention of returning anytime soon.
All of these thoughts stewed inside of Nightwing's mind as he, along with Superman, Batgirl, and Diana joined the Gotham police on the roof.
"We've passed the maximum response time", Gordon said as he stood next to the signal. He looked at his watch, then at the members of the Justice League. "Usually when he doesn't answer, he either has business outside of Gotham, or he's in a situation I'd rather not talk about."
The members of the Justice League acknowledged Gordon's assessment of the situation. Being that Batman left without telling a soul, finding him was not going to be easy. J'onn had tried tracking him, but apparently Batman had been using one of his new personal stasis fields to block all telepathic probes. Nightwing had decided to see if Batman was at least responsive to the signal
"Thanks, Commish", Nightwing said. "He would have showed up by now."
"Nightwing", Gordon said walking towards him. "What happened to him?"
Nightwing gave a brief pause before answering.
"We don't know."
Gordon had taken the news of his friends disappearance rather well. Despite the closeness he had shared with Batman, Gordon knew not to get too worried. Batman had always managed to rest his fears in the end. Gordon put a hand on Nightwing's shoulder and gave him a confidant look.
"Batman has never done anything without a reason, son", Gordon said. "Even when his selfishness seemed to take the better of him. So don't give up on him. "
Gordon then glanced at the troubled looks of Superman, Diana, and the stare Batgirl gave him through her mask.
"None of you give up on him either", Gordon said to them.
Behind Gordon, Bullock and Montoya were standing next to eachother as he whispered to her.
"Looks like Bats finally flipped his pointy lid", Bullock said to her.
Montoya elbowed him strongly in his ribs.
"Shut up!", she barely whispered back.
"Oww", Bullock quietly bellowed. "The heck was that for?"
Montoya motioned with her head for Harvey to look at what she was looking at. Superman had given him a dirty look, obviously hearing every word he said.
"Oh, right", Bullock said.
Montoya hid her eyes behind her hand.
"Idiot."
*****
"Robin?"
Robin had returned from his thoughts as Raven and Static entered the lounge area in the Watchtower. He was sitting on the couch, slumped forward with his hands holding his head up. Upon hearing Raven's voice, he sat up straight.
"Hey guys", Robin said to them.
"Hey", Static said as he walked towards him. "You holdin' up alright?"
Robin stood up slowly, lightly groaning at the fact he had been in that uncomfortable position for a while.
"Yeah, I'm good", Robin said. "Look, Static. I never did say sorry for losing myself like that."
"It's alright, man", Static said now standing in front of him. "I understand. Its been a trying time."
Robin slightly nodded, not quite satisfied with his getting off so easily. Still not feeling himself, he sat back down. Raven and Static sat down with him, knowing full well he needed someone to talk to.
"Its ok guys", Robin said. "I'm fine."
"I know I don't say much to anyone", Raven started, with her usual tone. "But it looks like we are going to be a team and..."
"A 'team'?", Robin sarcastically laughed out.
"Yes, a team", Raven said a bit more sternly.
Robin looked at her and Static with a harsh look on his face.
"There is not a team, got it?", Robin nearly shouted as he stood up. "The only team I knew was just proven to be a sham. The person who introduced me to this life is now running away from those he cares about, and I'm supposed to believe this is a team."
Raven did not respond to him. She just looked up at him as he stared back at her and Static waiting for an answer.
"I don't know much about any of this", Static said. "But from what I can tell, you guys are more like a family then a team."
Robin stared back at Static, still standing and feeling as though nothing made sense. Raven stood up, ready to try talking to him again.
"From what we've been doing here", Raven said. "We obviously are being prepared to be apart of this team in the near future. We've all been through a lot, Robin. Me, Cy, Boy, Static, Gear, Quake, all of us. We know that what we had in life before is as good as gone now. Slade took it from us. Now, we have something to work for. What we didn't have before. A chance."
Robin looked at Raven as Static stood up as well, ready to offer support. Robin looked away to digest everything that she said to him.
"I...I'm lost right now", Robin said. "I..."
"And we're found", Static said. "Lets meet somewhere in the middle."
Robin remained still for another moment.
"Your right", Robin said then turned to them. "Right now all we can do is deal with our problems. Why exactly they happened in the first place will have to be figured out later."
Raven felt as good as she possibly could, as Static's usual enthusiasm was pouring out of his smile.
"Come on", Robin said. "Let's get the new blood gathered for a meeting."
*****
The secondary infirmary had been put into full use since the main one had been obliterated. J'onn had been keeping his usual watch over his patients, since his first days with the Justice League. The Flash had suffered several broken ribs and a severe whiplash. He was asleep on his bed, allowing his medication to work. J'onn worked at his health monitor, making sure everything was in order.
After he finished with Flash, he turned to tend to his assailant, Blackfire.
She had been asleep since J'onn entered her mind and reopened her suppressed thoughts. He decided that he would never forgive himself for doing that, after he saw the things that she had gone through. However, J'onn knew that reliving those horrors would only help her begin the healing process. He believed her to be a remarkable being, full of potential and spirit. Like the others, Blackfire's innocence had been stolen from her.
"Hello, young one."
Starfire peeked from behind her hiding spot behind a small pillar in the room.
"You are speaking to me, correct?", Starfire asked with a surprisingly fluid tone.
"Of course", J'onn said. "You do not have to hide, Starfire."
Starfire came out from behind the pillar, walking towards J'onn and her sleeping sister. She stopped at her sister's side and looked down on her. Blackfire was definitely a Tamaranian. Her hair color was black though, compared to Starfire's, whose hair had taken a shade of pink now. Starfire's face had saddened a bit, but her composure had remained intact.
"Will she be well?", Starfire asked.
J'onn walked to Starfire's side and looked down at Blackfire with her.
"She has been through much, Starfire. Individuals who experience numerous traumatic events in there lifetime will often be emotionally scarred. We will have to help her as much as possible."
Starfire looked down at her sister, her newfound strength standing its ground.
"I will help her as much as I can", J'onn said.
"I thank you, as will I", Starfire said. "How long must she remain sleeping?"
"She has over slept quite a bit", J'onn said. "I wanted her to rest as much as possible. I was about to wake her to see how she felt."
"May I stay?", Starfire asked looking up at him.
"It should be fine", J'onn said. "One of the many truths I had revealed to her was the knowledge of her sister."
J'onn walked to the health monitor that was hooked up to Blackfire. Starfire looked behind her at Flash who was still unconscious.
"Will Flash be alright as well?", Starfire asked J'onn.
"He will be fine", J'onn said working at the health monitor. "His wounds will take time to heal, but they will heal nonetheless."
Starfire nodded a sigh of relief. Flash had been one of her closest friends with the Justice League and knowing that her sister injured him severely caused her to feel extremely guilty.
"Uhnnn...."
Starfire turned around to see her sister regaining consciousness on the bed. Blackfire began to open her eyes as her body functions slowly returned to her. J'onn put his hand to her forehead, double checking for a fever and to let Blackfire know she was not alone in the room.
"J..J'onn?", Blackfire said as her eyes were struggling to adjust to the lights in the room.
"I am here, child", J'onn said. "How are you feeling?"
Blackfire closed her eyes to hide from the light.
"Crappy", Blackfire said.
J'onn gave out a small huff as he found the humor in Blackfire's comment. However, Starfire let out a gasp.
"Is she still not well?", Starfire asked in near horror.
Blackfire was more shocked at the blatant stupidity than the fact that there was someone else in the room.
"Not a bright one, are you kid?", Blackfire said with her eyes still closed. "Let me guess, this is my 'sister'?"
The tone coming from Blackfire was not the tone Starfire expected to hear at first. If they were sisters, Blackfire had to be as excited as she was. She had to be.
"Yes, I am your sister, sister", Starfire said as her cheerfulness was growing at an alarming rate. "I wish to welcome you among us and to declare that I will forever be..."
"Please, stop", Blackfire said. "My eyes aren't the only things having trouble adjusting. My ears and my tolerance need to work themselves up too, you know."
Starfire let go the breath of air she was using to power her speech. She looked at J'onn who telepathically told her that Blackfire was a bit irritable. Starfire nodded her head in acknowledgment.
"I apologize, sister", Starfire said. "When you are fully recovered, I will speak with you then. Is that satisfactory?"
If Blackfire wasn't so weak, she'd pull her covers over her head. Hearing that in Blackfire's head caused J'onn to contain a laugh.
"Satisfactory", Blackfire said. "Now, just let me rest. How much longer, J'onn?"
"As soon as I have given you a thorough physical", J'onn said. "Another two hours at the most."
Starfire giggled with joy in hearing the good news.
"Oh, I cannot wait until you meet everyone, sister! I will wait in the lounge area for your arrival and will have a feast of peanut butter and jelly waiting you."
Starfire turned and skipped out of the infirmary. Blackfire was still concealing her eyes from the light, but had wished she could have done the same for her ears.
"Any chance of you putting me back out for a couple more days?"
*****
"Javelin 7 ready to land.", Superman said from the pilot seat.
"Roger that", Green Lantern said. "Opening bay doors."
The Javelin 7 returns from its mission unsuccessfully. Superman, Diana, Nightwing and Batgirl all had visited Gotham City in hopes of finding any trace of Batman. All possible leads had led them to nothing. Batman had secretly designed the Javelin's tracking instruments, along with the Watchtower's, to be unable to track Batman if he chooses so.
The crew exited the Javelin, ready to call it a day. Mentally exhausted from the events of the last two days, Nightwing decided to go get some rest. Cassandra decided to meet up with Robin and her fellow 'recruits'. Superman was going to join Green Lantern and Hawkgirl to update them on the situation.
Diana was feeling unsure of what to do. She had gone through an emotional roller coaster over the past few days. She felt heartbreak from Batman's rejection of her. She had went on a anger-filled state after that, taking out her frustrations on everyone else. Then, she saw the death of the one person who made her feel truly alive. The tragic shock of that was enough to drive her insane. However, she witnessed his immediate resurrection.
With everyone escaping from the situation for the time being, Diana felt more alone than she ever had. The four of them left the hanger to go their separate ways. Diana headed back to the training facility to try to vent her frustrations physically.
She entered the room only to find Boy working out by himself. She stopped at the entrance way to watch what exactly he was doing. He was battling sparring robots, which were equipped with heat blasters. From what Diana could tell, he was doing rather well.
Boy had morphed into many different animals to battle against his assailants. He easily took out seven of them, leaving only one more. The last robot began a barrage of energy blasts at him, only to have him dodge them and morph into a giant gorilla. Diana noticed how he looked like a green Gorilla Grodd and did everything in her power to refrain from laughing.
Gorilla Boy had leapt at the last drone and smashed it to pieces with his bare hands. The giant gorilla had landed and looked around at his former adversaries. Then he morphed back into his natural, green state. He almost gave out a loud cheer, only to be interrupted by an applause coming from Diana.
"You did very well", Diana said walking towards him. "I am proud to see that your putting in extra time, and that it is also paying off."
Boy turned to see Diana and blushed as he usually does whenever he's around her. He put his hand behind his head and gave out a forced laugh. Diana was standing in front of him, noticing how much he was blushing.
"I did okay, I guess", Boy said then became more serious. "I'm just trying to prove to everyone I belong here, I guess. Plus, I want my name back."
Diana gave Boy a smile then put her hand on top of his head.
"You do belong here", Diana said. "You've proven that before you even joined us, by fighting for those who suffered the same horrors as you did. You have my full respect, Beast Boy."
His smile quickly disappeared as Diana called him by his original name. He looked around the large room in a panicked state.
"Shhh!!", Boy said. "What if Hawkgirl's around? She'll kill me if anyone calls me that!"
Diana smiled and moved her hand from the top of his head down to his cheek. His worries suddenly leaving him.
"We'll keep it our little secret", Diana said as she winked at him.
Boy had felt the blood suddenly rush to his head.
"Now", Diana said backing up from him and her face becoming serious. "Lets see how you do against something other than a robot."
Boy felt the blood in his head fall straight to his feet.
"What?!", he cried out. "You'll kill me! I heard you could take out Superman if you tried!"
"I appreciate the compliment, Beast Boy", Diana said as she entered a fighting stance. "If it helps, Robin and I are almost tied in our sparring sessions. Try your best, this is for your benefit."
"Benefit, my eye", Boy said under his breath. "OK then, get ready to win."
Now Diana was mad.
"How dare you admit defeat already", she said breaking her fighting stance. "You will fight to win, or I will force you into the form of a swine and feast upon you."
That didn't help.
"Oh great!", Boy said.
He took a deep breath as he decided that he was not going to get out of this.
"OK then", Boy said as he readied himself into a stance. "Lets do it."
Diana smirked as she returned to her fighting stance.
"The winner shall receive a prize", Diana said to him.
"What prize?", Boy asked very interested.
"Oh you'll see, Beast Boy", Diana said with a grin. "But first you have to defeat me."
Boy immediately morphed into that giant gorilla again and leapt at her. Diana dodged as he tried to land on her. She threw a light kick at him, unsure of how much he could take in this form. He took the kick without wincing and managed to grab her leg. He flung Diana across the room and she landed rather gingerly. She looked up as the gorilla had vanished and a cheetah was now staring at her. It quickly ran at her as she was readying herself to counter attack. She prepared to throw another kick at him, only to have him disappear just before he reached her. She had lost sight of him not knowing where he had gone.
Suddenly, Diana felt something crawling up the back of her leg and it pinched her very hard. She gave out grunt as she went to smack away whatever had pinched her. Diana swatted off a green crab from her leg. As it landed, it morphed into a gorilla again.
"You'll pay for that, BOY", Diana said in her warrior tone.
The gorilla just pounded its chest as if to mock her. Diana felt a quick surge of rage run through her as she ran for the gorilla. She had pulled her arm back, ready to end this fight with one blow. However, as she threw the punch, a mouse ran up her arm. As it reached the back of her neck, the gorilla returned and smashed both hands across the back of her head, sending Diana face first into the ground. The gorilla landed several feet behind her.
Boy had returned to his normal state and ran to Diana's side as she still was laying on the ground.
"Hey, Diana!", Boy said very concerned. "You alright?"
Diana's body began to shake and her muffled voice was coming out in spurts.
"Diana?"
Diana lifted her head and was laughing hysterically. She turned to Boy who had a look of shock on his face. She still laughed and his face quickly turned to frustration.
"Look", he started. "I know I'm not that good yet, okay? You don't have to rub it in by laughing....."
He was interrupted as Diana pulled him in by his shirt and planted a small kiss on his forehead.
"You have received your prize for winning, Beast Boy", Diana said pulling away from his face. "Congratulations."
Boy stood still with a shocked look on his face. Diana just kissed him and he can't move. Diana stood up and dust of debris from the floor off of her as Boy remained kneeled on the ground. Diana finished straightening herself up and looked down at him.
"Beast Boy?"
"Woo hoo!!. Thats my Boy!"
Diana and Boy turned around to find Cyborg's voice. He was standing at the entrance with Robin, Raven, Cassandra, Quake, Gear and Static. The guys were applauding at Boy's accomplishments.
"Dude, you are so lucky!", Gear said.
"Is it my turn?", Static followed up with.
The guys continued the vocal hazing as Diana started walking towards them. The loud cheers coming from them ceased as Diana was standing in front of them with her arms folded. The young men stood still, waiting for some sort of verbal lashing. Diana just smiled and walked past them.
"In one hour, I want a volunteer waiting for me in here", Diana said as she was walking away. "Is that understood?"
Diana exited the room as the male recruits of the Justice League stood, mouths agape. Suddenly, all the guys volunteered as once, which led them to trade dirty looks with eachother. Mixed arguments coming from them caused Raven, Quake and Cassandra to stand by themselves with their arms folded.
"Boys...", the three girls said in unison.
*****
The red alert in the lab had caused Slade to personally investigate what was going on. He arrived in the main section of Dr. Dorian's underground lab to find all of his security personnel unconscious. He checked his motion tracker on his forearm to see if anyone was in the room. As it detected a movement, the tracker had been struck by a twirling object that exploded on impact.
Slade had been thrown back several feet. The explosion was more of a concussion blast that caused him to be hurled across the room. Slade was on his back as he began to collect himself. As he lifted his head, a shadow appeared in front of him.
"Slade...", the voice growled at him. "I tracked money transferred from your backer LexCorp to Dr. Emile Dorian. He moved from Gotham to Central City after he was released from Blackgate two years ago. I tracked him to this underground laboratory.
Slade had anticipated this eventual meeting, just not as soon.
"I see I underestimated you, Bruce", Slade said.
Batman reached down and grabbed Slade by his neck. With two hands, Batman easily picked him up to meet him at eye level.
"What did you do to me?", Batman growled again.
"In time, you will know."
Batman threw Slade as far as humanly possible across the room. Slade landed on a research table, destroying test tubes and other instruments upon impact. Batman was immediately on top of him and picked him up again.
"Not good enough", Batman said to him.
"It will have to do for now, Bruce."
Slade grabbed the midsection of Batman and electrocuted him with his the his gloves. Batman's grip on his neck remained strong for a short time as the electricity had no effect on Slade. Batman's grip loosened a bit, as Slade brought up his hands to break the hold. However, Batman still had enough composure to strike Slade in his throat area with two fast blows and delivered a knee to his midsection. Slade dropped as Batman reached for his tranquilizer gun. He put the gun to Slade's shoulder, injecting his trademark paralyzer into him.
Slade began to to slump to the ground, but still managed a laugh. Batman brought him up to eye level one more time to shut him up.
"What", Batman simply said.
"To think Bruce", Slade began. "You spent your whole life perfecting yourself as a human. In one fail swoop, I took away everything that made you human."
Batman moved his face closer, trying to intimidate Slade. He was not succeeding.
"Who are you?", Batman spat.
"Why don't you see for yourself", Slade taunted.
Batman grabbed the bottom of Slade's mask and pulled it off, over his head.
To his surprise, Batman did not see another robot. Batman saw an unfamiliar face of a man stare back at him. It was older, roughly fifty years of age. His hair was was a salt and pepper color. He was missing his right eye, a scar running from his forehead down to his right cheek indicated what happened to it.
"Who are you?"
Slade smiled as his slightly wrinkled skin folded.
"Look behind you at the far wall, Bruce", Slade said losing his strength. "What do you see?"
Batman turned around to see a large, empty glass container. It looked like a form of cage. Batman turned back to Slade with an even angrier look on his face.
"What was it?", Batman said with his fierce tone.
Slade's eyes were beginning to close, as his smile stayed as it was.
"A test....for your friends", Slade said as he slipped out of consciousness.
I do not own the rights to any characters or cities or vehicles or hideouts or.....um, yeah
Chapter 15 Beauty and the Beast Boy
The Batsignal had illuminated downtown Gotham City on a rainy night. On top of the Gotham City Police Department roof stood Gotham's longtime Police Commissioner James Gordon. Along with with him, two of Gotham's finest, Detective Harvey Bullock and Detective Renee Montoya. They had received a request to light the Batsignal over Gotham for a specific reason.
Batman was nowhere to be found.
He had left the Watchtower two days ago without saying a word to anyone. After the incident with Starfire's sister Blackfire, Batman apparently was killed. Then miraculously, he came back to life. His critical injuries healed instantaneously, showing no signs of damage. To all that witnessed it, he showed a fear that they had yet to see in him. He left the Watchtower abruptly and hasn't contacted anyone since. When Nightwing contacted Alfred, Alfred said that Batman had managed to enter and leave the cave without Alfred's knowledge. Also, Batman had emptied all of his equipment racks. It appeared that he had no intention of returning anytime soon.
All of these thoughts stewed inside of Nightwing's mind as he, along with Superman, Batgirl, and Diana joined the Gotham police on the roof.
"We've passed the maximum response time", Gordon said as he stood next to the signal. He looked at his watch, then at the members of the Justice League. "Usually when he doesn't answer, he either has business outside of Gotham, or he's in a situation I'd rather not talk about."
The members of the Justice League acknowledged Gordon's assessment of the situation. Being that Batman left without telling a soul, finding him was not going to be easy. J'onn had tried tracking him, but apparently Batman had been using one of his new personal stasis fields to block all telepathic probes. Nightwing had decided to see if Batman was at least responsive to the signal
"Thanks, Commish", Nightwing said. "He would have showed up by now."
"Nightwing", Gordon said walking towards him. "What happened to him?"
Nightwing gave a brief pause before answering.
"We don't know."
Gordon had taken the news of his friends disappearance rather well. Despite the closeness he had shared with Batman, Gordon knew not to get too worried. Batman had always managed to rest his fears in the end. Gordon put a hand on Nightwing's shoulder and gave him a confidant look.
"Batman has never done anything without a reason, son", Gordon said. "Even when his selfishness seemed to take the better of him. So don't give up on him. "
Gordon then glanced at the troubled looks of Superman, Diana, and the stare Batgirl gave him through her mask.
"None of you give up on him either", Gordon said to them.
Behind Gordon, Bullock and Montoya were standing next to eachother as he whispered to her.
"Looks like Bats finally flipped his pointy lid", Bullock said to her.
Montoya elbowed him strongly in his ribs.
"Shut up!", she barely whispered back.
"Oww", Bullock quietly bellowed. "The heck was that for?"
Montoya motioned with her head for Harvey to look at what she was looking at. Superman had given him a dirty look, obviously hearing every word he said.
"Oh, right", Bullock said.
Montoya hid her eyes behind her hand.
"Idiot."
*****
"Robin?"
Robin had returned from his thoughts as Raven and Static entered the lounge area in the Watchtower. He was sitting on the couch, slumped forward with his hands holding his head up. Upon hearing Raven's voice, he sat up straight.
"Hey guys", Robin said to them.
"Hey", Static said as he walked towards him. "You holdin' up alright?"
Robin stood up slowly, lightly groaning at the fact he had been in that uncomfortable position for a while.
"Yeah, I'm good", Robin said. "Look, Static. I never did say sorry for losing myself like that."
"It's alright, man", Static said now standing in front of him. "I understand. Its been a trying time."
Robin slightly nodded, not quite satisfied with his getting off so easily. Still not feeling himself, he sat back down. Raven and Static sat down with him, knowing full well he needed someone to talk to.
"Its ok guys", Robin said. "I'm fine."
"I know I don't say much to anyone", Raven started, with her usual tone. "But it looks like we are going to be a team and..."
"A 'team'?", Robin sarcastically laughed out.
"Yes, a team", Raven said a bit more sternly.
Robin looked at her and Static with a harsh look on his face.
"There is not a team, got it?", Robin nearly shouted as he stood up. "The only team I knew was just proven to be a sham. The person who introduced me to this life is now running away from those he cares about, and I'm supposed to believe this is a team."
Raven did not respond to him. She just looked up at him as he stared back at her and Static waiting for an answer.
"I don't know much about any of this", Static said. "But from what I can tell, you guys are more like a family then a team."
Robin stared back at Static, still standing and feeling as though nothing made sense. Raven stood up, ready to try talking to him again.
"From what we've been doing here", Raven said. "We obviously are being prepared to be apart of this team in the near future. We've all been through a lot, Robin. Me, Cy, Boy, Static, Gear, Quake, all of us. We know that what we had in life before is as good as gone now. Slade took it from us. Now, we have something to work for. What we didn't have before. A chance."
Robin looked at Raven as Static stood up as well, ready to offer support. Robin looked away to digest everything that she said to him.
"I...I'm lost right now", Robin said. "I..."
"And we're found", Static said. "Lets meet somewhere in the middle."
Robin remained still for another moment.
"Your right", Robin said then turned to them. "Right now all we can do is deal with our problems. Why exactly they happened in the first place will have to be figured out later."
Raven felt as good as she possibly could, as Static's usual enthusiasm was pouring out of his smile.
"Come on", Robin said. "Let's get the new blood gathered for a meeting."
*****
The secondary infirmary had been put into full use since the main one had been obliterated. J'onn had been keeping his usual watch over his patients, since his first days with the Justice League. The Flash had suffered several broken ribs and a severe whiplash. He was asleep on his bed, allowing his medication to work. J'onn worked at his health monitor, making sure everything was in order.
After he finished with Flash, he turned to tend to his assailant, Blackfire.
She had been asleep since J'onn entered her mind and reopened her suppressed thoughts. He decided that he would never forgive himself for doing that, after he saw the things that she had gone through. However, J'onn knew that reliving those horrors would only help her begin the healing process. He believed her to be a remarkable being, full of potential and spirit. Like the others, Blackfire's innocence had been stolen from her.
"Hello, young one."
Starfire peeked from behind her hiding spot behind a small pillar in the room.
"You are speaking to me, correct?", Starfire asked with a surprisingly fluid tone.
"Of course", J'onn said. "You do not have to hide, Starfire."
Starfire came out from behind the pillar, walking towards J'onn and her sleeping sister. She stopped at her sister's side and looked down on her. Blackfire was definitely a Tamaranian. Her hair color was black though, compared to Starfire's, whose hair had taken a shade of pink now. Starfire's face had saddened a bit, but her composure had remained intact.
"Will she be well?", Starfire asked.
J'onn walked to Starfire's side and looked down at Blackfire with her.
"She has been through much, Starfire. Individuals who experience numerous traumatic events in there lifetime will often be emotionally scarred. We will have to help her as much as possible."
Starfire looked down at her sister, her newfound strength standing its ground.
"I will help her as much as I can", J'onn said.
"I thank you, as will I", Starfire said. "How long must she remain sleeping?"
"She has over slept quite a bit", J'onn said. "I wanted her to rest as much as possible. I was about to wake her to see how she felt."
"May I stay?", Starfire asked looking up at him.
"It should be fine", J'onn said. "One of the many truths I had revealed to her was the knowledge of her sister."
J'onn walked to the health monitor that was hooked up to Blackfire. Starfire looked behind her at Flash who was still unconscious.
"Will Flash be alright as well?", Starfire asked J'onn.
"He will be fine", J'onn said working at the health monitor. "His wounds will take time to heal, but they will heal nonetheless."
Starfire nodded a sigh of relief. Flash had been one of her closest friends with the Justice League and knowing that her sister injured him severely caused her to feel extremely guilty.
"Uhnnn...."
Starfire turned around to see her sister regaining consciousness on the bed. Blackfire began to open her eyes as her body functions slowly returned to her. J'onn put his hand to her forehead, double checking for a fever and to let Blackfire know she was not alone in the room.
"J..J'onn?", Blackfire said as her eyes were struggling to adjust to the lights in the room.
"I am here, child", J'onn said. "How are you feeling?"
Blackfire closed her eyes to hide from the light.
"Crappy", Blackfire said.
J'onn gave out a small huff as he found the humor in Blackfire's comment. However, Starfire let out a gasp.
"Is she still not well?", Starfire asked in near horror.
Blackfire was more shocked at the blatant stupidity than the fact that there was someone else in the room.
"Not a bright one, are you kid?", Blackfire said with her eyes still closed. "Let me guess, this is my 'sister'?"
The tone coming from Blackfire was not the tone Starfire expected to hear at first. If they were sisters, Blackfire had to be as excited as she was. She had to be.
"Yes, I am your sister, sister", Starfire said as her cheerfulness was growing at an alarming rate. "I wish to welcome you among us and to declare that I will forever be..."
"Please, stop", Blackfire said. "My eyes aren't the only things having trouble adjusting. My ears and my tolerance need to work themselves up too, you know."
Starfire let go the breath of air she was using to power her speech. She looked at J'onn who telepathically told her that Blackfire was a bit irritable. Starfire nodded her head in acknowledgment.
"I apologize, sister", Starfire said. "When you are fully recovered, I will speak with you then. Is that satisfactory?"
If Blackfire wasn't so weak, she'd pull her covers over her head. Hearing that in Blackfire's head caused J'onn to contain a laugh.
"Satisfactory", Blackfire said. "Now, just let me rest. How much longer, J'onn?"
"As soon as I have given you a thorough physical", J'onn said. "Another two hours at the most."
Starfire giggled with joy in hearing the good news.
"Oh, I cannot wait until you meet everyone, sister! I will wait in the lounge area for your arrival and will have a feast of peanut butter and jelly waiting you."
Starfire turned and skipped out of the infirmary. Blackfire was still concealing her eyes from the light, but had wished she could have done the same for her ears.
"Any chance of you putting me back out for a couple more days?"
*****
"Javelin 7 ready to land.", Superman said from the pilot seat.
"Roger that", Green Lantern said. "Opening bay doors."
The Javelin 7 returns from its mission unsuccessfully. Superman, Diana, Nightwing and Batgirl all had visited Gotham City in hopes of finding any trace of Batman. All possible leads had led them to nothing. Batman had secretly designed the Javelin's tracking instruments, along with the Watchtower's, to be unable to track Batman if he chooses so.
The crew exited the Javelin, ready to call it a day. Mentally exhausted from the events of the last two days, Nightwing decided to go get some rest. Cassandra decided to meet up with Robin and her fellow 'recruits'. Superman was going to join Green Lantern and Hawkgirl to update them on the situation.
Diana was feeling unsure of what to do. She had gone through an emotional roller coaster over the past few days. She felt heartbreak from Batman's rejection of her. She had went on a anger-filled state after that, taking out her frustrations on everyone else. Then, she saw the death of the one person who made her feel truly alive. The tragic shock of that was enough to drive her insane. However, she witnessed his immediate resurrection.
With everyone escaping from the situation for the time being, Diana felt more alone than she ever had. The four of them left the hanger to go their separate ways. Diana headed back to the training facility to try to vent her frustrations physically.
She entered the room only to find Boy working out by himself. She stopped at the entrance way to watch what exactly he was doing. He was battling sparring robots, which were equipped with heat blasters. From what Diana could tell, he was doing rather well.
Boy had morphed into many different animals to battle against his assailants. He easily took out seven of them, leaving only one more. The last robot began a barrage of energy blasts at him, only to have him dodge them and morph into a giant gorilla. Diana noticed how he looked like a green Gorilla Grodd and did everything in her power to refrain from laughing.
Gorilla Boy had leapt at the last drone and smashed it to pieces with his bare hands. The giant gorilla had landed and looked around at his former adversaries. Then he morphed back into his natural, green state. He almost gave out a loud cheer, only to be interrupted by an applause coming from Diana.
"You did very well", Diana said walking towards him. "I am proud to see that your putting in extra time, and that it is also paying off."
Boy turned to see Diana and blushed as he usually does whenever he's around her. He put his hand behind his head and gave out a forced laugh. Diana was standing in front of him, noticing how much he was blushing.
"I did okay, I guess", Boy said then became more serious. "I'm just trying to prove to everyone I belong here, I guess. Plus, I want my name back."
Diana gave Boy a smile then put her hand on top of his head.
"You do belong here", Diana said. "You've proven that before you even joined us, by fighting for those who suffered the same horrors as you did. You have my full respect, Beast Boy."
His smile quickly disappeared as Diana called him by his original name. He looked around the large room in a panicked state.
"Shhh!!", Boy said. "What if Hawkgirl's around? She'll kill me if anyone calls me that!"
Diana smiled and moved her hand from the top of his head down to his cheek. His worries suddenly leaving him.
"We'll keep it our little secret", Diana said as she winked at him.
Boy had felt the blood suddenly rush to his head.
"Now", Diana said backing up from him and her face becoming serious. "Lets see how you do against something other than a robot."
Boy felt the blood in his head fall straight to his feet.
"What?!", he cried out. "You'll kill me! I heard you could take out Superman if you tried!"
"I appreciate the compliment, Beast Boy", Diana said as she entered a fighting stance. "If it helps, Robin and I are almost tied in our sparring sessions. Try your best, this is for your benefit."
"Benefit, my eye", Boy said under his breath. "OK then, get ready to win."
Now Diana was mad.
"How dare you admit defeat already", she said breaking her fighting stance. "You will fight to win, or I will force you into the form of a swine and feast upon you."
That didn't help.
"Oh great!", Boy said.
He took a deep breath as he decided that he was not going to get out of this.
"OK then", Boy said as he readied himself into a stance. "Lets do it."
Diana smirked as she returned to her fighting stance.
"The winner shall receive a prize", Diana said to him.
"What prize?", Boy asked very interested.
"Oh you'll see, Beast Boy", Diana said with a grin. "But first you have to defeat me."
Boy immediately morphed into that giant gorilla again and leapt at her. Diana dodged as he tried to land on her. She threw a light kick at him, unsure of how much he could take in this form. He took the kick without wincing and managed to grab her leg. He flung Diana across the room and she landed rather gingerly. She looked up as the gorilla had vanished and a cheetah was now staring at her. It quickly ran at her as she was readying herself to counter attack. She prepared to throw another kick at him, only to have him disappear just before he reached her. She had lost sight of him not knowing where he had gone.
Suddenly, Diana felt something crawling up the back of her leg and it pinched her very hard. She gave out grunt as she went to smack away whatever had pinched her. Diana swatted off a green crab from her leg. As it landed, it morphed into a gorilla again.
"You'll pay for that, BOY", Diana said in her warrior tone.
The gorilla just pounded its chest as if to mock her. Diana felt a quick surge of rage run through her as she ran for the gorilla. She had pulled her arm back, ready to end this fight with one blow. However, as she threw the punch, a mouse ran up her arm. As it reached the back of her neck, the gorilla returned and smashed both hands across the back of her head, sending Diana face first into the ground. The gorilla landed several feet behind her.
Boy had returned to his normal state and ran to Diana's side as she still was laying on the ground.
"Hey, Diana!", Boy said very concerned. "You alright?"
Diana's body began to shake and her muffled voice was coming out in spurts.
"Diana?"
Diana lifted her head and was laughing hysterically. She turned to Boy who had a look of shock on his face. She still laughed and his face quickly turned to frustration.
"Look", he started. "I know I'm not that good yet, okay? You don't have to rub it in by laughing....."
He was interrupted as Diana pulled him in by his shirt and planted a small kiss on his forehead.
"You have received your prize for winning, Beast Boy", Diana said pulling away from his face. "Congratulations."
Boy stood still with a shocked look on his face. Diana just kissed him and he can't move. Diana stood up and dust of debris from the floor off of her as Boy remained kneeled on the ground. Diana finished straightening herself up and looked down at him.
"Beast Boy?"
"Woo hoo!!. Thats my Boy!"
Diana and Boy turned around to find Cyborg's voice. He was standing at the entrance with Robin, Raven, Cassandra, Quake, Gear and Static. The guys were applauding at Boy's accomplishments.
"Dude, you are so lucky!", Gear said.
"Is it my turn?", Static followed up with.
The guys continued the vocal hazing as Diana started walking towards them. The loud cheers coming from them ceased as Diana was standing in front of them with her arms folded. The young men stood still, waiting for some sort of verbal lashing. Diana just smiled and walked past them.
"In one hour, I want a volunteer waiting for me in here", Diana said as she was walking away. "Is that understood?"
Diana exited the room as the male recruits of the Justice League stood, mouths agape. Suddenly, all the guys volunteered as once, which led them to trade dirty looks with eachother. Mixed arguments coming from them caused Raven, Quake and Cassandra to stand by themselves with their arms folded.
"Boys...", the three girls said in unison.
*****
The red alert in the lab had caused Slade to personally investigate what was going on. He arrived in the main section of Dr. Dorian's underground lab to find all of his security personnel unconscious. He checked his motion tracker on his forearm to see if anyone was in the room. As it detected a movement, the tracker had been struck by a twirling object that exploded on impact.
Slade had been thrown back several feet. The explosion was more of a concussion blast that caused him to be hurled across the room. Slade was on his back as he began to collect himself. As he lifted his head, a shadow appeared in front of him.
"Slade...", the voice growled at him. "I tracked money transferred from your backer LexCorp to Dr. Emile Dorian. He moved from Gotham to Central City after he was released from Blackgate two years ago. I tracked him to this underground laboratory.
Slade had anticipated this eventual meeting, just not as soon.
"I see I underestimated you, Bruce", Slade said.
Batman reached down and grabbed Slade by his neck. With two hands, Batman easily picked him up to meet him at eye level.
"What did you do to me?", Batman growled again.
"In time, you will know."
Batman threw Slade as far as humanly possible across the room. Slade landed on a research table, destroying test tubes and other instruments upon impact. Batman was immediately on top of him and picked him up again.
"Not good enough", Batman said to him.
"It will have to do for now, Bruce."
Slade grabbed the midsection of Batman and electrocuted him with his the his gloves. Batman's grip on his neck remained strong for a short time as the electricity had no effect on Slade. Batman's grip loosened a bit, as Slade brought up his hands to break the hold. However, Batman still had enough composure to strike Slade in his throat area with two fast blows and delivered a knee to his midsection. Slade dropped as Batman reached for his tranquilizer gun. He put the gun to Slade's shoulder, injecting his trademark paralyzer into him.
Slade began to to slump to the ground, but still managed a laugh. Batman brought him up to eye level one more time to shut him up.
"What", Batman simply said.
"To think Bruce", Slade began. "You spent your whole life perfecting yourself as a human. In one fail swoop, I took away everything that made you human."
Batman moved his face closer, trying to intimidate Slade. He was not succeeding.
"Who are you?", Batman spat.
"Why don't you see for yourself", Slade taunted.
Batman grabbed the bottom of Slade's mask and pulled it off, over his head.
To his surprise, Batman did not see another robot. Batman saw an unfamiliar face of a man stare back at him. It was older, roughly fifty years of age. His hair was was a salt and pepper color. He was missing his right eye, a scar running from his forehead down to his right cheek indicated what happened to it.
"Who are you?"
Slade smiled as his slightly wrinkled skin folded.
"Look behind you at the far wall, Bruce", Slade said losing his strength. "What do you see?"
Batman turned around to see a large, empty glass container. It looked like a form of cage. Batman turned back to Slade with an even angrier look on his face.
"What was it?", Batman said with his fierce tone.
Slade's eyes were beginning to close, as his smile stayed as it was.
"A test....for your friends", Slade said as he slipped out of consciousness.