A/N: New chapter! I'd like to welcome my friend MaxGentleman1 to the team as editor/proofreader alongside Ghost Fire 6!
Coauthored with Batmarcus
All non-original characters belong to Marvel Entertainment and DC comics.
Star City, July 17, 2316 PDT
At the Star City Harbor, several bikers were loading crates from a shipping container into a van. "C'mon, hurry up! The boss is gonna be pissed if we're not out of here in an hour." One said.
"He's not seriously worried about Green Arrow, is he?" Another asked. "Dude, you see this hardware we're moving? He's got a bow and arrow. What's he gonna do, hit us with the boxing glove arrow?" The other asked.
"Oh, right, you're new. Arrow's been giving us crap ever since we rolled into town. Boss has been getting real ticked off." Before the other one could respond, a red arrow hit the ground next to them, exploding into a cloud of smoke. They were forced to drop the box, causing small, advanced handguns to clatter onto the ground. From the back of the van emerged a large, bald man with pale skin and a biker's jacket. Tombstone bent down and picked up one of the guns, powering it up and aiming it at the cranes, to see Speedy aiming his bow.
"You again? I'm starting to get a little pissed Green Arrow's not handlin' me himself!" Tombstone called out, and Speedy narrowed his eyes. Tombstone began firing the gun, but Speedy dodged each and every laser bolt. He flipped over one, firing an arrow that landed in the barrel of the gun just as Tombstone pulled the trigger, causing it to explode in his hand. His jacket caught on fire, and Tombstone scowled as he pulled the burning garment off of him. "That was custom made, you little bastard! You got any idea how hard it is finding jackets in my size?!" Tombstone said, and turned to his henchmen. "Scorch the Earth!" His henchmen nodded, and they prepared to fire on Speedy…
When a yellow blur zoomed by, yanking the guns out of their hands. Not even a minute passed before a webline shot out from between the crates and dragged one into the shadows, before Robin dropped down and took two down. Before the others could react, however, Aqualad used his water bearers to unleash a whip of water that knocked several of them back.
Meanwhile, Tombstone had lifted up a piece of the ground and prepared to throw it at Speedy, but before he could, he fired an explosive arrow that harmlessly detonated against his skin. "That all you got?! I eat little punks like you for breakfast!" Tombstone yelled as he threw the rubble, but before Speedy could respond, Iron Knight flew down and blasted it into pieces with his repulsors.
"Dude, you should see the cave. I am talking top of the line tech, even by my standards. I even saw plans for putting in a Danger Room." Iron Knight explained. "It's got everything we could possibly need!"
"Y'know, for spy stuff!" Kid Flash said as he zoomed next to them. "Plus, you should meet the others! Miss Martian, X-23, and Superboy are all-"
"Hey!" Tombstone called out, cutting off the speedster. "I ain't gonna be disrespected by a bunch of little kids! Stop jumpin' around and come fight me like a man!"
"Give me a minute." Speedy instructed, and jumped onto the ground, drawing an arrow. Tombstone just grinned.
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Tombstone bellowed out, and held his arms out. "Tell you what, kid. I'm gonna give you one more shot, and then, I'm gonna beat your ass until all that's left is your dumb little hat!"
"Then I better not miss." Speedy responded, aiming the arrow and letting it fly. It stuck to Tombstone's chest, before it exploded, covering him in some sort of foam. Before Tombstone could react, the foam had completely covered him and hardened, preventing him from moving.
"Whoa, high density polyurethane foam. Nice!" Kid Flash remarked as Aqualad, Robin, Iron Knight and Scarlet Spider joined them. Roy looked them over, noticing someone was missing.
"Where's Trickshot?" He asked, and the others all exchanged a look.
"Well, things got a little… out of hand last time you guys saw each other, so he decided to hang back for this." Scarlet Spider responded, and Roy narrowed his eyes.
"And this is… what, exactly? Some sort of recruitment drive?" Speedy asked.
"Well… yeah." Robin said. "Dude, you wanted a chance to prove ourselves, and this is it."
"You mean on League terms? Kicking around their old clubhouse while they toss you the missions they don't wanna deal with? Thanks, but I'll pass." Speedy replied. "This 'Young Justice League' is just another way for them to keep you in your place. I'm not gonna stop you, but I don't want any part of it."
"What will you do?" Aqualad asked, and Roy seemed to think for a moment.
"If you tell him I said this, I'll deny it, but Francis had a point. Throwing a tantrum isn't going to prove anything. So, I'll prove myself on MY terms. Not the League's, not Oliver's, but on mine." Roy said, and began to walk off. "And don't call me Speedy anymore. Call me… Red Arrow." And with that, he vanished into the shadows, leaving the five of them alone.
Mount Justice, July 28, 1116 EDT
"Recognize: Kid Flash, B-06; Scarlet Spider, B-08." The computer announced, depositing Wally and Carter dressed in their civilian attires.
"Is he here yet?" Carter asked, joining the others in the center of the main room, watching a display that seemed to be tracking something.
"Not yet. He'll be here in about a minute or two." Jason responded.
"How'd it go with Roy?" Francis asked.
"About as well as you'd expect. Basically told us to shove it." Wally responded, and Francis sighed.
"Can't say I'm surprised. Dude was pissed…"
"Eh, his loss. That just means he won't be meeting our three new awesome teammates, right?" Nolan, now wearing a black backpack, said, gesturing to M'gann, Superboy, and Laura.
"Who cares about Roy's whole lone wolf schtick? He's here, c'mon!" Carter declared as they all headed towards the entrance to the cave. The entrance opened, and they all stepped outside just in time to see Red Tornado touching down. "Red Tornado…Uh, how's it going?"
"Greetings, children." The android greeted. "Is there a reason you have chosen to greet me outside, rather than wait inside the Cave?"
"Oh, uh, no reason. Just hoping you had a mission for us is all." Jason answered.
"Mission assignments fall under the purview of the Batman and Captain America. I am your caretaker. "
"But it's been a week, and we-"
"-will be tested soon enough. For now, I advise you simply enjoy each other's company." The android stated, cutting off Carter.
"This is not a social club." Kaldur boldly stated.
"No, but social interaction has been judged as a valuable team building exercise. Perhaps you can keep busy by familiarizing yourself with the cave." Red Tornado 'suggested', and without another word, proceeded into the cave.
"'Keep busy.' Please…" Laura scoffed.
"Does he think we're falling for that?" Jason said, and M'gann gasped.
"I can find out!" She suggested, and before the others asked, she spun around. She concentrated on Red Tornado, her eyes glowing green as he proceeded through the security system before she sighed. "It's no good. I forgot that Tornado's an android. All machine, no person."
"Nice try, though." Wally consoled, a cocky grin appearing on his face. "So, can you tell what I'm thinking?"
"We all know what you're thinking, Kid." Nolan said, noticing Francis looking just a tiny bit jealous. Kaldur let out a resigned sigh, looking at the Cave.
"And now we tour the clubhouse." He spoke sarcastically, but if M'gann picked up on the sarcasm, she chose not to show it.
"Oh, I can give you a tour! Me, Superboy, and Laura have been living here for a few days now, so we can play tour guide!"
"Pass." Laura had already looked the other, arms crossed with disinterest.
"Don't look at me." Superboy spoke up.
"Trust me, we won't. A private tour sounds much more fun…"
"She never said private tour, Kid Doofus." Carter corrected, elbowing Wally.
"Team building...we'll all go." Kaldur said, and M'gann nodded, leading them all inside Mount Justice. However, as they proceeded inside, Nolan hung back, walking alongside Francis.
"Dude, you better watch it. Only a matter of time before she picks up on what's rattling around in your head." Nolan teased, and Francis's cheeks turned red.
"I uh...I don't know what you're talking about."
"Uh-huh, sure. Just try to keep from using Wally as target practice, ok?" The supergenius said, as they proceeded inside the Cave.
"So, this is our front door, and our back door is on the other side." The Martian teenager explained, as they entered the main area. "The cave actually runs throughout the whole mountain! I'll admit, I may have gotten lost once or twice since I've got here…"
"This place was hollowed out by Superman and Captain Marvel way back in the day, and the tech was all designed by my dad way back when the League first started." Nolan explained. "Whole place is the best designed facility no one knows about?"
"Then why ditch it for the Hall of Justice?" Superboy asked.
"Flash said that one of the League's enemies managed to figure out where they were hiding, and they didn't want the town to be hurt by people coming to attack them."
"So they traded it for a tourist trap?" Carter asked.
"Wait, if villains know about the Cave, aren't we in danger?" M'gann worridly asked.
"Nah. See, the bad guys know that we know they know. And besides, the Cave's been abandoned for years. No one's gonna try attacking a dusty old cave." Jason explained.
"Basically, we're hiding in plain sight." Francis translated.
"Ah, that does make sense." M'gann agreed, when Superboy smelled the air.
"Anyone else smell smoke?" He asked, and M'gann's eyes widened.
"Oh no, my cookies!" She gasped out, flying out of the room and into another area of the hall. They all followed her into the kitchen/lounge, where smoke was coming out of the oven. M'gann used her telekinesis to open the oven and pull out a tray filled with things that more closely resembled charcoal than cookies.
"She asked me to remind her about those…" Laura whispered to Jason, who chose not to say anything as a distraught M'gann looked at the charred cookies.
"I wanted to try out Grammy Jones' recipe from episode 17…" She sighed out, and Francis looked at the cookies. He took a deep breathe, before taking one and putting it in his mouth, his eyes immediately beginning to water.
"Not...not bad. Just...just a little dry." He reassured, barely keeping a cough down. "Can...can someone get me some water?" Trying to keep down a cough.
"Oh dude. Even I wouldn't eat that…" Wally winced.
"Smooth." Nolan chuckled, giving the archer a glass of water.
"I wanted to make you all something, as a gift." She said sadly.
"It was nice of you to even try." Aqualad said politely as the others nodded and Laura and Superboy shrugged.
"Aw, I appreciate that, Kaldur, but you don't have to try and make me feel better!" The Martian's mental voice rang out in their heads, causing most of them to wince, causing M'gann to gasp. "Oh no, is something wrong? I'll get Tornado and-" She started to say…
"Get out of my head!" Superboy growled out.
"What's wrong? I'm just using my telepathy to-"
"I said get out!" He yelled, slamming his fist down on the counter and startling her.
"Easy, easy! She didn't know!" Nolan reassured, but Superboy still looked pissed and M'gann looked flustered.
"I-I don't understand. On Mars, we all communicate telepathically, and-"
"Things are a bit different here. Most humans don't have telepathy, and if they do it's only because they're mutants, like Professor X. And most of them don't barge in without asking permission." Carter explained.
"Plus, Cadmus really did a number on him. Those creepy little G-Gnome things probably left a bad taste in his mouth." Wally backed up, and M'gann looked at Superboy.
"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean-"
"Just-" The clone started to yell, before he collected himself. "Just...stay out of my head." He growled, storming over to the couch. The group was silent for a moment, before M'gann smiled again,
"Hello, Megan! I know what we can do! Follow me!" She beckoned, floating and flying off.
"Can't keep her down for long…" Nolan muttered, as they all began to follow her, with the exception of Superboy. Laura cast him a look, and decided to hang back.
"Hey. You coming?"
"I'm good." He curtly responded, earning a sigh.
"Look, she said she was sorry, alright?" She said, but he was silent. She just sighed, and went off to join the others, leaving him to brood. When Laura found the others, they had just entered the hangar bay, where M'gann had gathered them in front of what looked like a large red egg.
"Oh, uh, that sure is a cool...egg?" Jason remarked.
"It's not an egg, silly! It's my bioship!" She explained, though that didn't really make any sense.
"Uh, you sure that thing's a ship? Cause that thing is not aerodynamic at all." Nolan stated, and she giggled.
"That's because she's sleeping!"
"'She?'" Francis questioned, and M'gann went over to the side of the egg.
"Come on, girl. It's time to get up." She whispered too it, and about a second later the egg seemed to unfold and expand until it was in the shape of a ship.
"Whoa!"
"By the seas…"
"Just when you think you've seen everything…" Wally remarked. Even Laura seemed impressed.
"So...who wants to go for a ride." The Martian asked, and everyone raised their hands. They were about to board the ship, when Superboy entered the hangar.
"Well, look who decided to join the party!" Wally teased. "Done brooding?"
"Let's give him a break. If you had those freaky G-Gnomes in your head, you probably wouldn't like telepaths either." Francis said.
"Let's just move on, ok?" Superboy asked.
"I couldn't agree more!" M'gann cheered, and they all boarded the bioship. They were wowed at the sight of the ships interior and the blue lighting, Nolan whistling appreciatively.
"Wow, and I thought the Quinjet was cool…" He whispered out, running his hand along the side of the ship. "Martian engineering is something else. Don't think anyone on Earth's even close to bioorganic technology on this level…"
"What Nolan's trying to say is 'cool.'" Jason translated, as M'gann entered the control chair.
"Alright everyone, buckle up!" She said, and eight chairs appeared for them.
"Whoa! How… how did it do that?" Nolan asked.
"Because I told it too, of course." She answered, and Nolan's eyes widened.
"Biotechnology that programs and reshapes itself according to psychic commands issued by the user, with practically no lag time at all…" He muttered to himself. "I… I think I need to move to Mars."
"Nolan, buddy, I think you should sit down." Francis said, as he directed Nolan to a chair. "He'll be fine... I think…"
"You might wanna keep an eye on the ship though. There's a good chance he'll try dismantling it when you're not looking." The teenage speedster recommended, as they all took their seats. Once everyone was situated, the ship's comm activated.
"Red Tornado, can you open the bay doors?" M'gann asked, and Tornado was silent as the hangar bay doors opened, and the Bioship began to lift off. Everyone tensed for a moment, before it flew out the hangar bay door and out over the ocean.
"Okay, this is pretty epic!" Carter said in amazement.
"She sure is…" Francis muttered out, glancing at M'gann for perhaps a little too long, before he composed himself. "I-I mean the ship! Y-you said it was a she, right? Right!" He said, just a little too desperately, and Laura leaned over to Jason.
"What's wrong with him?" She whispered.
"Ol' Tricky's come down with what we humans like call a 'crush.'" He explained, and she raised an eyebrow.
"Why does he want to crush her?" The mutant whispered, and Jason sighed, making a mental note that the clones were in desperate need of some social coaching.
"So…" Wally said. "You cook, you have your own ship, and you don't look half bad doing it. What else can you do?"
"You mean my powers?" M'Gann asked, and he nodded.
"If you're a Martian, you should be able to shapeshift, right?" Kaldur asked, and she nodded.
"Yep! Here, let me show you." She said as she rose from the chair. She concentrated for a moment, before she shifted into a perfect copy of Laura, then Captain Marvel, before shifting into a female version of Scarlet Spider, and then a female version of Kid Flash.
"Is it wrong that I think I'm hot?" Wally dreamily asked.
"Dude, you've got issues." Carter stated.
"Sorry, I can't do boys as well as girls. My uncle's working with me on it, though!" The Martian explained.
"And you're clothes?" Laura asked.
"Completely organic clothes that respond to my commands, just like the ship." She explained.
"And can you do that cool intangibility stuff like Manhunter can?" Francis asked, and she shook her head.
"No, phaseshifting's a very advanced technique. I can make myself invisible though."
"Hey, don't feel too bad." Carter encouraged. "Superboy can't fly, Laura's only got two claws on her hands, I can't really use one of my powers." He tried summoning something from the tip of his finger, only for small red spark of electricity to zap him before continuing. "Plus Kid Doofus over here can't vibrate his molecules like the Flash can without getting a nosebleed and passing out."
"Dude! I don't pass out! I just get…dizzy."
"Is dizzy the thing that happens when you collapse face first and snore for an hour? Cause if that's the case, then yeah, he gets 'dizzy'." Nolan said, causing the group to laugh, save for Superboy, who was just sulking. Kaldur noticed this, and the Atlantean leaned over to the clone.
"One does not need telepathic powers to know what you are thinking. You are wondering how to apologize for overreacting, correct?" Superboy didn't answer, but the way he shuffled in his seat confirmed Kaldur's question. "In my experience, saying 'I'm sorry' is as good a place to start as any." Superboy considered that for a moment, and was about to speak…
When one of the spheres surrounding M'gann's control chair beeped. She pressed the sphere, and an image of Red Tornado appeared on screen.
"Children, I have received a distress beacon from a fishing vessel thirty miles off the coast." The android said.
"And you want us to help you?" Wally asked, slightly excited.
"No. My presence is all that is required to aid the vessel. However, there have been reports of a disturbance at the Happy Harbor power plant. Your instructions are to investigate and report back on what you find. Covertly, of course." And without another word, Tornado ended the call, and Nolan sighed.
"Sounds like more busy work, if you ask me." Nolan pointed out. "Probably just some kids spray painting something. Since when does anything exciting ever happen in Rhode Island?"
"Well, a simple fire lead you all to Superboy and Laura, we should at least find out what caused the alert." M'Gann said adjusting their course so they were headed right towards the plant.
"Uh, I think I might know what caused it." Superboy said pointing out the window to a massive tornado headed right towards the cloaked ship.
They were all spun around several times before M'Gann managed to regain control and steer them out of the tornado and into the parking lot. As they touched down, the Tornado seemed to simply vanish.
"Well that's… not normal." Nolan sighed.
"Are tornadoes normal in this part of the country?" M'gann asked.
"Not typically, no." Carter replied, pulling out and putting on his Scarlet Spider mask, as Wally pulled out his goggles, Jason retrieved and donned his domino mask, and Francis pulled out a small crossbow kept in a holster in the back of his jeans.
"Nolan, is your suit ready?" Kaldur asked, and Nolan shook his head.
"Still waiting on some parts. I've got my backup, though." He said, and put his backpack on. He clipped the centerpiece together and pressed a button, causing it to unfold and begin to cover his body. Red and silver metal plates locking together as it covered him, until he was fully clad in a red and silver armor.
"Not as much stuff in the armor, can't fly, nor is it as durable, but the repulsors and physical augmentations are here." He shrugged.
"In other words it'll do in a pinch?" Jason asked.
"Yeah basically." Nolan said as they all ran into the building and paused at the small tornado going on inside. Hovering above it was a large man clad in red and black armor with blue tubes coming out his back and arms.
"So hey, you think this might be a little much in terms of bothering a city uh…" Scarlet Spider trailed off.
"You may address me as Mister Twister." The man said his voice sounding deep and ominous thanks to his voice filter
"Is anyone else thinking that sounds an awful lot like an ice cream treat?" Iron Knight asked to the room at large as Robin and Trickshot both raised their hands.
"Good it's not just me." He sighed as Twister fired what seemed to be air at them. Superboy tried to push through the wind and got in a little closer before Twister suddenly changed the air curent to pick him up and slam him into Robin and the wall behind them.
The others all readied themselves before charging at the man. Kid Flash and X-23 reached him first attempting a drop kick only for the air to block them and hurl them out of the building through a nearby door and several feet away.
Aqualad and Miss Martian were blasted backward and slammed into a pillar and the wall near Superboy respectively. Trickshot fired an explosive arrow which Twister caught mid air and sent back at him forcing him to dodge. Scarlet Spider and Iron Knight were the only two able to stand the strong burst of wind he tried blowing them all back with.
"You know I was prepared to be challenged by a superhero. I was not, however, expecting children."
"Don't call us kids!" Iron Knight said, firing a smoke bomb at him as Scarlet Spider tried to use it for cover shooting a webline which Twister caught, swinging the Spider teen around and into Iron Knight.
"Objectively you are. Have you no adult supervision? I find your presence here, disturbing." Twister said, sounding casual. He increased the intensity of the wind, and despite their best efforts to hang on, all nine teens were blown out of the power plant. "I tire of these distractions! Give up now, before you regret it!" Twister demanded, floating above him, and Superboy scowled. He let out a yell and leapt at Twister, but the villain simply held out his hand fired a burst of lightning at him, knocking him back to the ground.
"Who can manipulate the weather like this?!" Robin asked.
"Uh, Storm, Thor, Weather Wizard, Major Disaster…" Wally answered, trying to keep from being blown away.
"I saw Doctor Strange mess with the weather once!" Trickshot contributed, trying to fire his crossbow, but every arrow was blown away by the fierce winds. "Christ, what is this guy's deal?!"
"I don't care who he is, or what he wants!" Laura said. She ran and leapt at him, claws popped, but much like Superboy, her effort got her a tornado to the face.
"Is it not obvious what I want?! Bring me a challenge! I want to face a real hero!" The armored villain bellowed out, and Aqualad just narrowed his eyes.
"Miss Martian! Read his mind, see if he has any weaknesses!" He instructed.
"But I thought I wasn't supposed to-"
"Make an exception!" The Atlantan instructed, and she nodded. Her eyes glowed green, as she reached towards Twister with her mind…
"I… I can't read his mind!" The telepath yelled to Aqualad, and her eyes widened. "Hello, Megan! It's so obvious, I can't believe we didn't see it sooner!"
"The hell are you talking about?" Laura groaned out, rising off the ground.
"He's inorganic, I can't read his mind, he controls the weather…isn't it obvious?!" M'gann asked, gesturing to Twister. "It's Red Tornado!" She stated, and the others all exchanged a look.
"Tornado is the one who sent us here…" Scarlet Spider trailed off.
"And didn't he say we'd be tested soon?" Aqualad asked.
"Guys, I don't think it's Tornado! The readings I'm getting don't match him at all!" Iron Knight called out.
"And since when can he shoot out lightning?!" Trickshot asked
"Stark must've given him some kind of upgrade for the test! Speedy was right, we are just a big joke to them!" Robin said, and Aqualad clenched his fist.
"I am done with games." He growled out, and they all marched over to Twister. "Do you hear me, Tornado?! We will not play your games any more!"
"You think I'm Red Tornado?! Oh, now THAT is ironic!" With that, Twister held his hands out, and the wind became more intense than ever. Storm clouds darkened the sky, and lightning began to strike the ground around them. Iron Knight attempted to blast Twister out of the sky with a repulsor blast, but for all his troubles he got a lightning bolt to the face, and more lightning bolts struck the ground around them, knocking everyone onto the ground.
Twister hovered over them, preparing to finish them off with one last blast of lightning…when suddenly they all vanished. Twister looked around, his eyes narrowing. "Fine. Run away, then." Underneath the cloaked Bioship, Carter started to stir awake, but M'gann covered his mouth. "I won't deny that you children have power, but playing hide and seek will not help me achieve my objectives! Stay concealed, but know that should we meet again, I shall show you no mercy!" And with that, Twister flew off, leaving the Team to get to their feet.
"Ugh, what happened…?" Wally groaned out.
"I had the Bioship cloak, and used her to conceal us-"
"And that's supposed to make it right?!" Superboy yelled out, startling her.
"Easy, Super-"
"No! She had us all convinced that Twister was really Tornado, and almost got us all killed!" The male clone shouted, but Francis moved in front of him.
"Hey, easy, Supey. She…she didn't do it on purpose, ok? She just made a mistake." The archer defended, and Superboy scowled.
"A mistake that almost got us killed!" He yelled, and Nolan looked at the Martian, who was clearly despondent, and he sighed.
"I…am forced to agree." Aqualad reluctantly said. "M'gann, I am sorry. But you're too…well…"
"Kaldur's trying to avoid making a bad pun, so I'll come out and say it: you're too inexperienced." Wally said. "You made a rookie mistake, and it almost got us all killed."
"I hate to say it, but maybe you should just…hit the showers." Scarlet Spider suggested, and she looked at the ground in embarrassment.
"It…would be for the best." X-23 agreed, and Superboy brushed past Miss Martian.
"Just stay out of our way." He growled, before he jumped away. The others all shot a look of pity towards her, before they followed suit, until it was just Francis and M'gann. He was about to follow them, before she spoke.
"I just…I just wanted to help…" She weakly said, and he stopped. "The cookies, what happened with Superboy, now this…I'm just screwing everything up. Maybe…maybe I'm not cut out for this team."
"Hey hey hey, don't say that." Francis said, turning around. "So you made a mistake. So what?"
"But I didn't just make a mistake! I…I almost got everyone killed!" She said, and Francis got on the ground next to her.
"Hey, we all mess up. First time I met Scarlet, he almost got tangled in his own webs while zapping himself. Wally used to go so fast he'd trip over his own feet. When Nolan made his first suit, he crushed the roof and his mom's expensive-ass piano." The archer explained, and pulled up his shirt. M'gann slightly blushed, until he pointed to a small scar on his right side. "See this? First time I went out with my dead, I see this guy mugging this girl. I jump in there and kick his ass. What I didn't see was his buddy waiting nearby with a butterfly knife."
"And…?"
"My suit took most of it, but I still got cut up. Know what my dad said to me?" She shook her head, and he put his hand on her shoulder. "He said that there's no such thing as true failure, only learning opportunities. You can either let those opportunities crush you… or you can rise above them, and learn from them to make yourself better than you were before."
"I…I think I get it." M'gann responded, and he smiled slightly.
"Just…cool your head, ok?" The archer asked, and she nodded. He squeezed her shoulder, lingering maybe a little longer than he should've, before he stood up, heading to join the others. She watched him leave, then sighed as she floated back onto the bioship.
Meanwhile, Mister Twister had entered Happy Harbor, and had begun attacking the Marina. He had created a tornado and set it loose, watching as it destroyed the offices. "Perhaps this will get the attention I require!"
"Well you've certainly got ours!" A familiar voice yelled out, and Twister turned around to see Kid Flash slam into him feet first at superspeed. The impact slightly staggered him, before Iron Knight fired at him with repulsors, keeping him in place long enough for Superboy too drop in from above. Twister was narrowly able to create a wind burst that allowed him to dodge, but Robin threw shurikens while Trickshot fired arrows. He created a tornado to blow them away, only to notice Scarlet Spider leaping above him, webbing debris and swinging it down on the villain, who used a lightning blast to destroy the debris. Over the howling winds, Twister was barely able to hear the unsheathing of claws, and was barely able to dodge a slash from X-23. They circled him, and he looked around.
"You are all distractions, ones I will not tolerate any further!" He bellowed out. "Since you all seem so eager to die, I am more than happy to oblige you!"
As the second round with Twister began, M'gann was in the Bioship, flying back towards Mount Justice as she explained the situation to Red Tornado. "-and they're fighting Twister again now. They could really use your help!"
"If I were to intervene, it would not be to help, but to end it." The elemental android responded, and she sighed. The Team was already doubting themselves enough as is, but if Tornado were to intervene, what little confidence they had left would be crushed. "Still-" Tornado's voice snapped the Martian out of her thoughts. "-I find it troubling that this 'Mister Twister' seems to share both my elemental abilities and my immunity to telepathy." And just like that, the gears in M'gann's brain began to turn. He was red, appeared larger than a typical human (at least, from what she had seen), he controlled the weather, and he was immune to telepathy…
"Hello Megan!"
Meanwhile, back at the Marina, Twister was engaged with the rest of the Team. He used his winds to throw a boat at Superboy, while Iron Knight attempted to use his repulsors to attack from afar. The blasts slightly staggered him, but Twister was still able to use his winds to blow away an attacking Aqualad, Kid Flash, and Scarlet Spider. X-23 leapt off a piece of rubble and attacked from above, but Twister fired a bolt of lightning that knocked her back and into Iron Knight. "This is starting to get irritating!" He said as Aqualad threw a boat engine at him.
"For once, I agree with the egomaniac!" Trickshot said from his and Robin's cover position, and he looked at Robin. "Doesn't Batman teach you to prepare for everything or something?!"
"Sorry, left my can of 'Anti-Supervillain' spray in the cave." The Boy Wonder responded, as X-23 rose to her feet.
"I really don't like this guy!" She growled out, and was about to join Aqualad for another attack...
"Listen to me!" M'gann's voice blared in their heads, and Superboy scowled.
"I told you to-"
"I know! But now I know what we need to do!" Francis couldn't help but smile to himself as she explained her plan.
A man with shaggy brown hair was fleeing the scene with the rest of the civilians, but he looked up and smiled as Red Tornado flew overhead. Twister looked up and saw Tornado descending, and all of a sudden it was as if the Team wasn't even there at all. "Hit the showers, everyone. I'll take it from here. I was hoping that you all could handle this, but clearly, I was mistaken." Tornado instructed.
"But we've got a plan now, and-" Iron Knight started to protest, but Tornado held up a hand.
"The matter is not up for debate. Leave, now." He instructed, and they all left without any more hesitation.
"Finally! I was getting tired of babysitting those insufferable brats!" Twister stated, he and Tornado beginning to stare each other down.
"The children are the least of your worries!" Tornado challenged, and held out his hand. A small tornado formed behind him, and Tornado tossed it at Twister, who easily dispersed it.
"That's it?! I'm disappointed!" The villain insulted, firing a Twister at Tornado, but he easily dodged it, responding by firing two tornadoes of his own. Twister easily withstood them, and retaliated with a lightning blast that knocked Tornado to the ground. "Pathetic. You truly are disappointing." Twister began to say as he walked over to the downed hero. "I was lead to believe that you would actually pose a challenge, but I can see now that I was mislead. However, I believe that this is not your fault." Twister held his hand towards Tornado, his fingers opening and extending several cables that latched onto Tornado's head. "Your time with these 'heroes' has corrupted your programming, limiting you. When I'm done with you however, then you will- wait, why isn't it working?!" Twister asked, and Tornado grabbed the wires, turning towards him as his head morphed into a smirking M'gann.
"Cause reprogramming doesn't work on Martians?" She teased, before her smirk dropped. "Now!" She used her telekinesis to push Twister back into a Tornado that spun him around before Wally slowed down, sending him flying towards a waiting Scarlet Spider and Superboy. The two delivered punches and kicks to him, staggering him enough for X-23 to leap forward, using her claws to slash off an arm, revealing the machine underneath. Superboy delivered an uppercut that knocked him into the water, where Aqualad had grabbed an anchor and swung into Twister, before channeling electricity into him. He used his water bearers to toss Twister back onto the land, but before he could recover, a shuriken and arrow hit his remaining arm, detonating and destroying it. Iron Knight landed in front of him, and unleashed a unibeam blast that sent Twister flying, burning away the 'uniform' and revealing the metallic skeleton underneath.
"So, we 'entertaining' enough for you now?" Wally asked.
"Well, I enjoyed your performance as Tornadoes 1-3. Real Oscar worthy stuff." Scarlet Spider stated.
"N-no...I *fzzt* can't *krrk* loooooze..." Twister's voice fizzled out as his eyes went dark, and his chest opened. Onto the ground plopped a skinny man with brown hair streaked with white, wearing a dark brown jumpsuit. "I-I surrender! Please don't hurt me!" Before he could plead any further, and anyone could react, M'gann used her telekinesis to lift up a rock and crush him, startling (almost) all of them.
"Whoa!
"By Poseidon!"
"What the f-" Kid Flash went towards M'gann, grabbing her by the cardigan.
"I dunno how you do things on Mars, but here, we don't execute people!"
"We don't? That's good to know..." Laura muttered, quiet enough for no one to hear.
"I know that, and I didn't!" M'gann explained, lifting up the boulder. Instead of the mashed up blood, guts, and bone they were expecting, they were instead greeted with a sight of metal, wire, and circuitry.
"Whoa…"
"I figured there was something off when I couldn't smell anything from him. But I figured it was because his suit was designed that way." Laura stated.
"I figured it out talking to Tornado. I couldn't read the mind of whoever was inside, so that meant that they could either resist telepathy-"
"-or they weren't real." Jason concluded.
"And since totally concealing your mind completely is practically impossible, I figured it had to be because he was an android like Tornado!" M'gann finished explaining.
"That's actually really clever." Wally stated, and spotted one of the robot's eyeballs on the ground. He bent down and picked it up, dusting it off. "Anyone else feel like a souvenir?"
"So...we won, right?" Scarlet Spider asked.
"Not only did we win, but I feel like we all owe someone an apology." Francis said, and Kaldur approached M'gann.
"Francis is right. I doubt any of us would have come to this conclusion on our own."
"Much as it pains me to admit, I have to agree. If you hadn't shown up, we'd probably still be getting tossed around by him." Nolan complimented, and M'gann's cheeks turned red as she accepted the praise.
"Oh I'm sure you guys would've figured it out…" She giggled out. Unknown to any of them, the eye Wally held was still active…
Undisclosed Location
...and transmitting to a screen in a secret base, being watched by a man identical to the andoird piloting Mister Twister. "See, Bromm? Aren't you glad I didn't let you pilot the armor?" A voice asked, and Brom Stikk just sighed.
"Yes, Doctor, but now the heroes have both the Twister armor and the LMD! It won't be long before they find us."
"Nonsense. Where one sees failure, I see success." Said a man with a handlebar mustache and a labcoat said. "For instance, we know that the tracking program works. Red Tornado was definitely in the area." T.O. Morrow stated, and looked at the screen, which displayed the image of the team. "Besides, we found out something much more interesting…"
Happy Harbor, 1924 EST
The Team and Red Tornado were in the cave, watching as Nolan examined the remains of the Twister armor and the pilot. "Well? Any thoughts?" Carter asked, as his friend examined the machinery.
"The armor incorporates some of the technology used in Weather Wizard's wand. Explains the lightning bursts and the tornados." Nolan said, and looked at the pilot. "This, on the other hand, is a different story. The designs based on an old model of SHIELD Life Model Decoys. Particularly the original models, designed by-"
"I am well aware of what it resembles." Tornado cut off, slightly startling them.
"Ok…well, the point is that this thing was designed to either destroy or reprogram you." Nolan explained.
"Is that why you wouldn't help us?" Laura asked.
"No. This was your battle, and I do not believe it is my duty to fight your battles for you. Nor is it your job to fight mine." The Android explained.
"But if you're in danger-"
"The Justice League shall investigate this matter at a later time. For now, know that you all performed exceptionally. I shall be sure to notify your mentors of your performance." And without another word, the android turned and walked off.
"Guess we know why the League stuck him here." Carter muttered to Jason.
"Anyone else would've stepped in, but he let us handle it. Guess it pays to have a heartless machine watching over us…" Jason muttered back, and Tornado stopped.
"I may lack a cardiovascular system, but my auditory processors work just fine." He said, and Jason scratched the back of his neck.
"Uh, sorry…" With that, Tornado headed into another part of the Cave, leaving the Team alone.
"Man, Roy was so wrong, this team rules!" Wally said, and Kaldur smiled.
"I must confess, I had my doubts. But now…I feel nothing but confidence." He said, and he could tell that the others all felt the same way. M'gann was about to say something else, when Superboy approached her.
"Hey. I just…wanted to say sorry. You did good." The clone admitted. She smiled, and he nodded and walked off.
"So…" Francis's voice said, drawing her attention to him. "Guess my dad's corny old pep talks worked, huh?"
"I guess they did. He's uh…got a way with words." The Martian said. "Thank you. It was what I really needed to hear."
"Glad to hear it. I knew you'd come through for us." The archer responded, returning her smile. They stood there for a moment, before Francis's phone went off. He checked his phone, and sighed. "Alright guys, my parents want me home for dinner, so I've gotta take off."
"Alright man. See you later." Carter called back. Francis smiled at M'gann one more time, before heading into the tube, not noticing M'gann watching him with a small smile on her face.
