Chapter 11: Targets

A/N: And here we are once again! Y'know, the Team's had quite a busy few chapters. So let's check in on what ol' Roy's been up to. Cowritten with Batmarcus, editing done by Lord Zeppelin and Ghost Fire 6.

Taipei, September 7, 18:20 NST

"This is Betty Brant with the Fact Channel, reporting live from Taipei, where the peace talks between North Rhelasia and South Rhelasia have broken down." A woman with short brown hair stated, and the newsfeed switched to footage of two Rhelasian men.

"As a last resort, Prime Minister Tseng of South Rhelasia and General Singh Mahn Li of North Rhelasia have resorted to bringing in an outside negotiator in the helps of finding compromise that could lead to progress in the reunification of Rhelasia." Betty Brant reported as the news feed switched back to her.

"Speculation has run rampant as to just who the arbitrator is. Rumors include the United States President, the Secretary General of the UN, to even Tony Stark! Though our source indicates that the negotiator will arrive by automobile, not armor."

Not too far from where the news report was happening, Red Arrow was situated in an alleyway facing the hotel. He was in civilian clothes, a black and white suit and dark sunglasses. He activated his earpiece, and the redhead waited for the other end to pick up.

"Aqualad."

"Red Arrow. I need access to the Justice League database." After Roy went on his own, Oliver had restricted his access to the Justice League support system. He still had access to the network of Zeta Tubes around the world, but when it came to everything else, like access to the database, he was on his own. Not that Roy minded all that much. If he was going to prove himself worthy on his terms, he needed to find his own way. But for this, he needed just a little bit of help.

"What do you need?" Kaldur's voice asked. Roy could hear the unspoken question in his voice, but the Harper chose to ignore it.

"Info on the height and build on the League of Shadows member known as Cheshire." Anyone else would have had a lame joke about Roy's love life ready to go, but Kaldur was remaining professional for the time being.

"Cheshire is 1.67 meters, with a slim, athletic build."

"Uh…" Roy heard Kaldur chuckle.

"Roughly five foot, six inches." The Atlantean translated, Roy looked out over the crowd, activating his sunglasses. An old Queen Corp souvenir he'd swiped on his way out, the sunglasses began analyzing the height of every woman in the crowd. "Cheshire is extremely dangerous. Do you require backup?" And just like that, the unspoken was spoken.

"The last thing I need is the Junior Justice League getting in my way. No offense to you."

"None taken. Good luck, my friend. Aqualad out." And with that, Kaldur was silent. And just in time, too, as Roy's sunglasses picked up a magazine vendor who was the exact height and build as Cheshire's description. Red Arrow pressed a button on his briefcase, causing it to fall apart and reveal his folded up bow inside. As he unfolded the bow, Red Arrow saw a white car approaching, flanked by police. Reasoning that this had to be the arbitrator, Green Arrow's former protege readied an arrow.

"And the arbitrator is here, folks!" Betty reported as it pulled to a stop in front of the curb. "And it looks like the special guest is…"

And that's when Cheshire made her move. Leaping on top of the magazine stand, the assassin aimed a missile launcher at the car. Cheshire lined it up, making sure it was in her sights as she began to squeeze the trigger…

Only for an arrow to hit the launcher and tilt it upwards just as she fired, sending the missile into the air. "Dammit!" She spotted Red Arrow in the bushes, and made her move as the Rhelasian security details took notice of her. She leapt off of the newsstand towards the car, dispatching any who got in her way. One pulled a gun on her, but she effortlessly grabbed his wrist and snapped it before striking a nerve point on his neck, knocking him out. Two more rushed her, but the cat-masked villain easily dispatched them with no trouble. She ran at the car, pulling out her sais and slashing through a net Red Arrow fired at her. Cheshire leapt at the car, only for Red Arrow to tackle her to the ground.

The two rolled around, with Cheshire ending up on top. She prepared to deliver a strike to Red's face, only for a voice to yell something out in Rhelasian. Cheshire looked up to see the security details pointing their guns at the two, and as good as she was, the assassin knew she couldn't take on that many men with guns. Not without some unwanted injuries, anyway.

"Alright, I surrender," She relented, holding her hands up as the security arrested her. Red Arrow would have smirked at his victory… if the Rhelasian security wasn't in the middle of arresting him as well.

"You saw it here live, folks! An assassination attempt, right on live television!" Betty Brant reported, and as Roy was forced to his feet, he couldn't help but look at the car of the would-be victim. The car door opened, and Roy narrowed his eyes at the man who stepped out. "And the negotiator is…"

He stood right at six feet tall. His black and white suit probably cost more than most people would make in a year, if not their lives. He carried himself with restrained arrogance that most would consider as humility, if they didn't know better. But his most defining feature, beyond his sharp green eyes, was his shining bald head. "... Lex Luthor?!" Betty exclaimed, before she composed herself.

"A-as you can see, the negotiator is none other than LexCorp CEO Lex Luthor. For those of you at home, Mr. Luthor is a world renowned philanthropist, known for his investment in the development of Metropolis." As Betty spoke, Lex nodded at his associate, an attractive caucasian woman with long brown hair. Without a word, she pulled her phone out, and Lex looked around the crowd, his eyes settling on Roy.

Roy felt his skin crawl as Lex walked over to him. The billionaire cast a glance at Cheshire as she was pushed into the back of a cop car, before he arrived at the archer, his assistant hanging up her phone and nodding. Roy made direct eye contact with Lex, not batting an eye as the bald billionaire matched his glare. He looked at Mercy, who simply nodded. "As I suspected. This young man is Speedy, the sidekick of the American superhero known as Green Arrow." Lex stated, Roy narrowed his eyes.

"You're intel's outdated. That's former sidekick Red Arrow." He spat, but Lex didn't seem phased. If anything, he was rather amused by it.

"Ah, my apologies." Lex spoke with, what Roy assumed, fake politeness as the head officer turned to him.

"This man must be questioned for what he knows!"

"This young man just risked his life saving my own. If he wanted to kill me, he would have allowed that woman to do it." Luthor explained, but the captain still looked unsure. "If it will make you feel better, tell your superiors that Lex Luthor personally vouches for him."

'Great, now I need a shower.' Roy thought as he was uncuffed, and Lex dismissed the police with a wave of his hand. "If you're expecting a thank you, don't hold your breath."

"Well, I expected at least a little gratitude." Lex admitted.

"I'm not in the habit of being grateful to arms dealers." The redhead stated, Lex raised an eyebrow.

"My dear boy, I'm afraid I have no idea what you mean."

"Cut the crap, Luthor. You might have everyone here fooled, but I know what you really are. You think Tombstone just stumbled upon those prototype weapons? Not to mention all those attempts to kill Superman you financed?" Red Arrow asked, but Lex just smirked.

"And I suppose you have evidence to back up your claims? That I did indeed sell weapons to this 'Tombstone' fellow, or that I did financially sponsor super criminals that would threaten the safety of my city?" Arrow's silence was all the answer that Lex needed. "I'll admit, I was once a tad overzealous in my criticisms of Superman, but I did so only out of concern for my fair city."

"More like your own ego." The redhead responded, and Lex simply sighed.

"Ah, how I've missed matching wits with the intellectual prowess of the superhuman community." The CEO responded, his assistant catching his attention.

"I'm not going to pretend to be a saint, but trust me when I say I'm on the side of the angels this time. Now, if you'll excuse me, some of us have countries to reunite." As Lex began to walk off, Roy almost considered walking away. Whoever wanted Lex dead was probably justified, but there was a little voice in Roy's head urging him to stay. This was the right thing to do, and if nothing else, would at least get the League's attention…

Roy sighed as he followed Lex and Mercy into the hotel, and even though he couldn't see his face, he just knew that Lex was smirking. As the three entered the hotel lobby, Roy got a firsthand example of what the brink of war looked like.

"Northern cowards! Was there no one among your own troops willing to dirty their hands?!" Tseng demanded, Li seemed to take offense to that.

"Liar! This is clearly a Southern scheme!"

Tensions were running high, that much was obvious. Hell, Roy figured what he was watching had been building up for decades; a powder keg getting ready to explode.

"We are receiving reports that troops are massing along the Rhelasian border. It seems like things could explode at any moment. It appears that Lex Luthor is our last hope for peace." Brant reported, getting a groan from Roy.

"Why should either side trust you?" He asked the arbitrator, who simply smiled.

"Because LexCorp is a company based on peaceful enterprise, continuing the generous work my father Lionel started decades ago."

"Does that include selling weapons to both sides?" Roy cut off. "I've got intel linking LexCorp shell companies to weapon sales in both Rhelasias. You're profiting off this war, so why bother with the whole Good Samaritan act?" He asked, and Lex simply flashed that know-it-all smile that was really starting to get on Roy's nerves.

"War income is pocket change compared to the profit that can be gained from ushering peace. Why make millions maintaining a war when there's billions to be made in creating a peaceful, reunified Rhelasia?"

"So spend years keeping the war going, just to reap the profits from ending it?"

"It seems you're starting to catch on. How do you think your friend Tony Stark's able to afford all those gaudy suits?" Lex asked, adjusting his tie. "Isn't peace in our time worth it, even if a scoundrel like myself profits?"

"If you even live long enough to profit." The former sidekick piped up. "Cheshire isn't some dime store mercenary in a Halloween costume. She's League of Shadows, meaning that this isn't over just because she failed."

"Which does raise a rather interesting question. The League of Shadows isn't simply a fanatical cult, or a terrorist organization driven by pure zealotry. They're a business, and a business requires customers." Lex explained, causing Roy's mind to begin working in overdrive.

"Meaning someone hired them to kill you."

"And that raises the question of who. Now, while I have no shortage of enemies, my presence here was a closely guarded secret. Not even my security detail was fully briefed on my identity until after I had arrived in Taipei." Luthor explained, causing the former Speedy's eyes to widen.

"So you yourself weren't the target. Rather, it was whoever was going to be the negotiator…" he concluded, and Lex nodded.

"My thoughts exactly." He agreed, looking at the yelling Li and Tseng. "Like I said before, there is profit to be made in war. Pocket change to me, but to others… a fortune."

"I don't suppose you'd have any idea who hired them, do you? I thought all you bloodsucking arms dealers keep in touch." Roy questioned, earning a chuckle from the negotiator.

"I'm afraid I've been left off the mailing list. I haven't the faintest idea, which is why I'd like to hire you to find out." Lex suggested, earning a scowl from Roy.

"You've got me confused for some other guy in red. I don't want a cent of your blood money."

"So you mean to tell me you're going to risk your life to save mine, pro bono? By all means, knock yourself out." Lex replied as he adjusted his tie once more. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a hemisphere to save. Happy hunting." And with that, Lex went and engaged the Rhelasians, effortlessly diffusing the tension with a photo opportunity.

Honestly, the whole thing made Roy feel sick. Lex Luthor was as crooked as they came, selling weapons to both sides of any conflict, continuing a grand tradition that Lionel Luthor had started during the Cold War. Rhelasia was just the tip of the iceberg, as Roy and Oliver had gathered evidence over the years that indicated LexCorps' involvement in financing regime changes and civil wars in Bialya, Sokovia, and others around the world. Not to mention all the super villains that were created in Lex's attempts to destroy Superman when he had first appeared over a decade ago. Not that he ever faced any consequences, of course. There was always a patsy, a fall guy that Lex always managed to lay the blame on enough to satisfy the law.

But, as Lex had put it, he was the best chance at unifying Rhelasia, and if Roy really fancied himself a hero, he had to make sure that happened. And that meant facing the League of Shadows. For a moment, Red Arrow considered calling Aqualad for help, but decided against it. All it would do is show the Team and the League that he wasn't the hero he knew he was.

And so he would show them otherwise. And the first step… was to see about a girl.

Happy Harbor, Rhode Island, 06:41 EST

Superboy grabbed a socket wrench and adjusted one of the screws on his bike's back tire. He heard Sphere chirp behind him, and he turned to pat the living machine. "Are you ready?" A familiar voice asked, and Superboy turned to see M'gann entering the hangar with Laura, Kaldur, T'zari, Red Tornado, J'onn, Tony, and Logan.

"Ready for what?"

"For the first day of school, duh!" M'gann teased, and he raised an eyebrow.

"Since when do we go to school?"

"Since we enrolled you." Tony remarked. "Cap, Bats, and I got to talking, and we all agreed that you kids need some good old fashioned education. Know how to do more than superheroics, Plus, you guys need socialization. Get to know folks who don't dress up in dumb outfits and fight people in even dumber outfits. So, I reached out to an old friend of mine at Happy Harbor High, and as of today, you three are all high school students."

"Wait. You three? What about you two?" Laura asked, gesturing to Kaldur and T'zari.

"In Atlantis, our basic schooling ends at 13, where we are then able to choose between enrolling in the military academy or the school of sorcery. I chose the latter, which is how I met Aquaman." Kaldur explained.

"And I have my own studies, ones that are… well, they are on a different level than the American education system can offer." T'zari admitted, Superboy folded his arms.

"So we go to school and you two get to sit around the cave all day?"

"My parents are in New York for an environmental summit at the UN, and I am meeting them there."

"And there is an… event I am monitoring." Kaldur cryptically answered, and Superboy then looked at J'onn, Red, and Logan.

"And you three?"

"The first day of the scholastic journey is an important milestone in human culture. We wanted to wish you luck." J'onn offered, Superboy couldn't help but frown as he noticed who was missing.

"Guess it's not a Kryptonian thing…" He mumbled, getting Tony leaned over to Logan.

"I thought you talked to him." The billionaire whispered.

"I talked, but I dunno if he listened. You know how he gets." The mutant whispered back, the Stark simply sighed.

"I've been waiting for this! I spent hours picking out this outfit!" M'gann cheered as her white and blue costume shifted into her short sleeved sweater and skirt. "So, do you think M'gann M'orzz can pass as an Earth girl?"

"Well…" J'onn said, and she chuckled.

"I'm kidding!" She corrected cheerfully, her green skin shifted into Caucasian. "Everyone, meet Megan Morse!" The totally regular Earth girl announced, aTony scratched his chin. He coulda sworn she reminded him of some crappy TV show from the 90's, but he couldn't quite remember the name for it...

"Did Francis help you pick that out?" Laura teased, causing Megan to blush.

"W-well, he did say this looks good on me…" She admitted, and Laura just flashed a teasing smirk as Tony pulled out his phone.

"Alright, Megan… Morse…" He said aloud as he typed, before looking at Laura. "What about you? How about Laura… Logan?"

"Stark, you put that kid in school with that name, I'm carving it on all your suits. And I don't mean your metal ones." Logan spoke up, earning a sigh from Tony.

"Well, it's not like you've ever told anyone your actual last name."

"And you still aren't getting it today. I'm sure as hell not sending her to school with a name that sounds like a cheap porn star." Logan responded, Laura frowned as Tony and Logan began to bicker. She needed a last name, and there was one thing that came to mind…

"Kinney." She stated, drawing their attention. "The uh, the scientist who named me Laura, that was her last name. Back then, she was the only one who treated me like I was a human, not a weapon. I'd like to, I dunno, honor her or something, I guess." The mutant explained, and J'onn tapped his chin.

"Laura Kinney… it does have a certain ring to it." The Martian Manhunter remarked, Logan couldn't help but smile.

"I think it's a damn good name." He said, earning a smile back from her.

"Laura… Kinney…" Tony muttered out, and then turned to Superboy. "Last but not least." At the billionaire's urging, Superboy couldn't help but frown.

"I uh… I dunno. I've never really thought about it too hard. I mean, 'Superboy' is pretty much the only thing I've ever been called."

"Really? None of the scientists at Cadmus had a nickname for you or anything?" Laura asked, and the Kryptonian shook his head.

"You remember how strict Dr. Desmond was. He didn't like the scientists there to have any more interaction with me than they had to." He reminisced, as Martian Manhunter began to shapeshift into an African American man.

"The human identity I have used most often is John Jones, and I suggested the name John Smith for Red Tornado as well. Perhaps you could be a John as well?" He suggested, but the Kryptonian clone frowned.

"I think I'll pass." Megan tapped her chin in thought, uttering a silent 'Hello Megan!' as an idea hit her.

"If you can't think of anything, then how about… Connor? That's one of my favorite Earth names." She suggested, and Superboy mulled it over.

"He needs a last name, too. Connor Kinney?" Judging from the frown that got from Superboy, Tony figured that wasn't the best idea.

"How about… Kent?" As J'onn said that, Logan snorted, and Tony made some kind of weird noise that sounded like a strangled cough. "In memory of the late Kent Nelson, of course."

"Then shouldn't he be Connor Nelson?" Laura muttered, as Superboy mulled it over.

Connor...Kent. Connor Kent. Kent, Connor. He'd never actually had a name other than Superboy or Project Kr before, but Connor Kent, that felt… right.

"I like it." Connor Kent said, smiling to himself. He was so lost in enjoyment of his new name that he didn't notice Tony leaning over to J'onn.

"If Clark finds out, I'm telling him it was your idea." The billionaire whispered, the Martian simply smirked.

"That's if he finds out." He responded, earning a smirk from Tony.

"And that's why you and I get along so well." Iron Man stated as he entered Connor's new name into his phone. "Alright kids, you're all set. I arranged for you all to have a pretty similar schedule, but don't feel like you have to stick together."

"What kind of friend is this anyway?" Megan asked.

"That is a story for another time." The Martian Manhunter answered. "School starts at 7:45, and you want to make a good impression on the first day."

"Oh, and Connor, you might wanna lose the S." Logan pointed out, gesturing to Connor's shirt. "Keep a low profile. You don't want anyone noticin' just how much you look like Big Blue."

Taipei, Police Station

Red Arrow stood in silence outside Cheshire's cell, much as he had been for the last ten minutes. He just watched her going through Tai Chi as if she wasn't locked in a jail cell. Her smirk irritated him, but it also made him cautious, until at last she spoke up,

"Aren't you going to ask me anything?"

"I think you know what I'm here for," He snapped back.

"Actually, I do. Do you?" The assassin challenged, still going through her poses.

"Who hired you?"

"Shadows."

"And who hired them?"

"I don't ask," She responded, stopping briefly to wink at him before going back to her stretching.

"What's your endgame? The peace summit or Luthor himself!?" Red Arrow demanded.

"Two birds…" She stopped pointing her hand at him in the shape of a gun and pretending to fire, "One stone," She finished with a shrug before standing straight.

"So, where are your little sidekick friends? They're always fun to play with, especially Ar… chery girl. I like her," Chesire smiled as wide as the cat she was named after.

"She… they, aren't in my league," Red Arrow stated flatly, which only made her smile wider.

"And you think you're in mine?" She asked, stepping to the bars reaching through and pulling him against them by one of the straps that held his quiver, "Where's Green Arrow when you really need him?"

"I don't..." As much as he liked to pretend otherwise, Roy was still an 18 year old boy. And Cheshire wasn't unattractive, and being this unexpectedly close to the admittedly attractive assassin… well, Red Arrow wasn't exactly thinking straight.

"Sure about that?" She asked, placing a hand on the back of his head as if to pull him in for a kiss. The redheaded archer didn't know whether or not he would have resisted, but he didn't have a chance to find out before she ducked down, hugging the bars.

"Oh, no..." Red Arrow facepalmed mentally, eyes widening as the wall behind her blew apart, sending him flying back into the wall.

As the smoke cleared, a rope lowered down and a figure slid down it. A lean but muscular figure. He wore a skintight black suit with several pockets for weapons. It was covered in gold armor, carefully shaped to look like feathers. His boots were golden with black steel plating and he had a strap of knives over his right shoulder. His mask covered his whole head and face, making his features impossible to make out. The mask gave his face the appearance of an owl's face, down to the seemingly glowing orange eyes. The odd thing was, this person looked like they were either short, or pretty young.

He tilted his head to the side and Cheshire smiled, "Oh good. They sent you. I thought they were going to send.."

"He's the one flying the chopper," The figure stated, in a voice that sounded somewhat familiar to Roy, though he couldn't quite place why.

"Did they have to send him?" She huffed.

"They wanted me to have a partner, and beggars can't be choosers," The figure shrugged before extending a hand to her, "You coming or what?" He asked.

"No! She isn't!" Red Arrow declared, firing at the figure who shifted just slightly and caught the arrow by the shaft and looked over to him.

"Not a bad shot, are you? Though you're no Hawkeye or Green Arrow," He pointed out casually before tossing the arrow aside as the flashbang at the end went off. "Try harder next time." With that, he and Cheshire slid down the rope with her winking at him before she vanished from sight.

"Damn it!" Red Arrow growled, sprinting out of the room and to the roof. In the distance he could see a chopper, and sprinting along the rooftops towards it, Cheshire and whoever her friend was. Running beside her it became clear just how... young he looked.

He drew a grapple line arrow and fired before sliding along the line, just across from the fleeing pair. The new figure nodded his head towards Roy and Cheshire shrugged.

"What can I say, he's better than he looks. I admire the persistence, but…" Cheshire trailed off before throwing a shuriken and cutting his line, sending Red Arrow tumbling onto a roof. He flipped in mid-air and managed to land solidly and continue chasing them.

"We need to go, he's irritatingly stubborn," The black-clad figure sighed as he and Cheshire boarded the chopper.

"Wouldn't have this problem if somebody had just done their job right," Sportsamaster stated, turning to Cheshire, who flipped him off.

Below, Red Arrow used another shot to grapple onto the chopper. He was now dangling high above Taipei and slowly climbing up.

"Oh come on, are you even trying to lose this guy!?" Sportsmaster demanded.

"Talon, do you have a.." Cheshire began before he handed her a sai, earning a smirk, "You know me so well. Sorry about this Red, but the asshole flying does have a point," She sighed before cutting his line and sending him plummeting.

Adjusting as best he could, Red Arrow drew another arrow and fired at his most likely landing point. It burst open and a thick foam, similar to the kind he used on Tombstone, exploded beneath him. The landing wasn't perfect, but at least he was bruised, rather than broken. The former sidekick stared up at the chopper, with Cheshire giving a flirtatious wave and Talon giving him a salute as they faded away.

That… could have gone differently. Roy'd have been lying if he said he hadn't been expecting Cheshire to have some sort of backup, but he hadn't been expecting them to come for her so soon. Seeing Sportsmaster in the helicopter cockpit was unexpected, considering his preference for remaining freelance. And that guy in the black… Roy didn't recognize him. Must have been a new player, straight from whatever assassin school that the Shadows got their soldiers from. That was unexpected, but Roy was nothing if not flexible.

He pulled a device out of his back pocket and flipped it open, revealing a black screen that showed a green dot. Cheshire, Sportsmaster, and Talon… it was time to find out just who exactly wanted Lex Luthor dead.

The helicopter flew about two miles before setting down on an island on the outskirts of Taipei. The door slid open, and out hopped Cheshire and Talon, Sportsmaster getting out of the cockpit. "You're welcome, by the way," Sportsmaster stated, Cheshire just scoffed from behind her reclaimed mask.

"If you're expecting a thank you from me after everything you've pulled, you might wanna get your head checked, old man," Cheshire responded. "The only reason you're not dead right now is because I'm a professional. If I wasn't on the job right now-"

"A job you wouldn't even have if it wasn't for me," Sportsmaster cut off. "Don't think I didn't notice how you cashed in on my name when you got started. So how about a little gratitude?"

"I'm guessing it got her a pretty good discount at the sporting goods store you buy all your gear from," Talon spoke up, earning a glare from the expert mercenary, and a chuckle from Cheshire.

"Watch your mouth, kid, or your little Court's going to be short a bird."

"That is enough," A new voice spoke, one that commanded an ancient sort of wisdom. Talon and Cheshire immediately kneeled, but Sportsmaster remained standing as he turned to the new arrival. He was a tall, daunting man with sharp green eyes, with black hair that had streaks of grey in it and a long mustache that was rivaled only by his eyebrows.

He wore a high collared green cloak with golden buttons on it, over a black vest, white undershirt, and a golden sash along his waist. "Tonight's agenda called for creating discord between nations, not my assassins," Ra's Al Ghul scolded.

"My apologies, Lord Ra's." Cheshire groveled, said Lord crossed his arms behind him.

"Tell me, Cheshire, do you apologize for your sharp tongue, or for your failure earlier tonight?" The Demon's Head asked, causing Cheshire to grip her knee.

"I… I apologize, my lord. I didn't anticipate the presence of Speedy."

"Hm. The unexpected presence of these so called 'superheroes' does tend to create all sorts of complications. It is a lesson I have learned at the hands of the Detective many times," Ra's stated. "It is my hope that you and Talon working together should be more than enough for any more… complications." He explained, Cheshire raised her head.

"Wait, Sportsmaster… isn't with us?"

"No, he is with me," A German-accented voice spoke up, and the four all looked at the building. From the pagoda emerged a man wearing a black tactical outfit, with two holsters on either side of his chest, a saber at his hip, and a purple full-head mask with gold laid out almost looked like a crown.

"Ra's may be willing to forgive your failure, but I am not," Baron Helmut Zemo stated, standing next to Ra's. "I hired the League of Shadows for one reason: to prevent the reunification of Rhelasia. If I am to rebuild Hydra from the mockery Johan Schmidt turned it into, then I need to sell weapons, something I cannot do for a peaceful nation," He explained, narrowing his eyes. "In order to ensure that, I have brought in an independent contractor, one who has never failed me."

"Translation: You screwed up, so I was brought in to clean up the mess," Sportsmaster simplified, earning a glare from Cheshire. "Glare all you want, baby girl, but that doesn't change the facts."

"Why you-"

"Enough," Ra's spoke up. "The job is clear. With the three of you working together, you should be able to overcome any obstacle in your way…" He turned his attention to the vantage point where Red Arrow was observing them. "... starting with that boy."

"... Crap." That was all Roy managed to say before the three assassins turned their attention to him. He unfolded his bow and fired an arrow at Ra's and Zemo, but Talon jumped up and blocked it with something on his arm as Cheshire and Sportsmaster moved in.

Ra's and Zemo stepped back into the shadows, as Red Arrow jumped from his perch to a lower one. He fired a few arrows at Cheshire, who dodged, jumping from one statue to another to join him on the roof.

Drawing two sai, she charged, cutting one of his arrows clean in half. As he went to fire another, she jumped, closing the gap between them and forcing him to backflip away… and right into a kick to the back as Talon joined the fray, knocking him towards Cheshire who slammed her knee into his gut.

Gasping slightly for air, and now pretty sure two of his ribs were at least bruised, he just managed to start blocking their attacks with his bow. What he had missed was Sportsmaster getting a running start before pole vaulting into the air, and tossing a discus. Cheshire dodged Red Arrow's attack and then shifted slightly to her right.

The discus came flying in and Red Arrow instinctively raised his bow to defend. It worked… mostly, as the discus didn't cave his head in, but it did splinter his bow to pieces. A fact he had two whole seconds to register before Talon's knee slammed into his face. He was forced backward. Turning the momentum into a flip, he landed near the edge of the building. He stared at the long drop behind him and the three assassins in front of him.

"So, I hear you go by Red Arrow now," Sportsmaster gave a small humorless chuckle, "More like Broken Arrow." Roy's vision tunneled for a second, probably thanks to the concussion he definitely had now, but then it was back to normal, and he was acutely aware of the three assassins cornering him.

"Oh come on, that's the best you've got?" Talon asked as Red Arrows eyes narrowed, trying to figure a way out of this.

He was given no time as Cheshire gave him a slight wave when he glanced at her. That split second nearly cost him. Talon threw a disc that landed near his feet and exploded, just as Red Arrow leaped over the side and into the water below. Sportsmaster ran up and hurled a javelin in after him.

Red Arrow hit the water a few seconds before the weapon did. There was another loud explosion as water rippled out from the impact area before rushing back. The three assassins stared down, but Red Arrow didn't reemerge. Satisfied if not a little disappointed in a few cases, they headed back inside.

"Sorry, about your boy toy," Talon sounded only slightly sarcastic. Cheshire smirked, or he assumed so. It was hard to tell through her mask. She wrapped an arm around his shoulders in a sisterly way as they walked.

"Eh, they come and go, but hey I'm a cat that's caught my own little canary." She chuckled, giving him a slight squeeze.

"I really wish you would stop calling me that. It's not even the right bird theme." Talon sighed as she laughed.

On the other side of the water, Red Arrow burst out, panting as he crawled onto land. Throwing up a little excess water, he punched the tapped his comm.

"Hey, it's me. So, I may… possibly be in over my head," He admitted begrudgingly.

Happy Harbor, September 7 07:58 EDT

It was an average day at Happy Harbor High, students mulling about. A boy glided through the crowd on his skateboard, not a care in the world. At least not until he almost smashed straight into a group of new students. He tried to stop, but failed spectacularly as they all took a step back, and the boy grabbed him by his jacket, allowing his skateboard to fly off.

He was surprised and a little scared as the boy and a girl with dark hair both glared at him. The boy glanced at the dangling boy's shirt and at the M stylized like the Superman symbol. His eyebrow raised curiously.

"Your shirt, explain it now," The dark-haired boy demanded.

"Uh, what? I don't…" The boy stammered.

"Hey! What's your problem?" A new, deeper voice asked and, turning, they all found a tall and heavily muscled dark-skinned boy glaring at them. Dressed in a light blue shirt with Superman's emblem on the front. His arm around a dark-skinned girl in what looked like a cheerleader's uniform.

"Put my man Marvin down," The boy demanded, his tone becoming lower and more threatening. Laura tensed just a bit as he approached and Marvin spoke up.

"I… I don't think he likes my shirt," He spoke timidly as Connor took a look around and noted they were drawing attention, and everyone's shirt had hero-like symbols on them. He was privately beginning to wonder if maybe he did need a costume even as he spoke in a low growl.

"Your shirts fine. Everyone's shirt is fine." He admitted, setting Marvin down.

"Well someone's fine," The dark-skinned girl said with a small smile as the boy still stepped up towards them. M'Gann, seeking to smooth the situation over as best she could, tried being polite.

"Sorry, we're just new. I'm Megan Morse, this is Conner Kent and Laura Kinney," She greeted, pointing to each of them as well. Conner, meanwhile, was still squaring up to the other taller boy.

"Way to kill the alliteration streak…" Marvin muttered.

Before anymore could be said, a man in his early 30's snapped his fingers. "Listen guys, fun as this fight might be to see, we should get to homeroom," He stated seriously. Letting out a breath, the other boy walked off, being sure to shoulder check Conner as he passed.

Conner turned, ready to start and end a fight, 'Conner! Don't!' M'Gann's voice said in his head as Laura stuck her arm out shaking her head in the negative, though she also looked less than thrilled by the situation.

"So, you three must be our new students." The man's aid, drawing their attention as he walked over to them. "I'm Rick Jones, your homeroom teacher."

"We're sorry about that, Mr. Jones. Connor here just has… anger issues." Megan apologized, and Rick looked at Connor maybe a little too long, then looking at Megan and Laura with a similar curious expression.

"… huh. Well, I'm no stranger to folks with anger issues. Just… try not to smash anything."

"Whatever…" Connor growled out, as he stormed into the school.

"We're in room 616!" Rick called out before letting a sigh. "I'm gonna go make sure he doesn't put Mal Duncan through a locker."

As they all headed in, a dark haired, blue-eyed girl approached, smiling politely along with Marvin.

"Hey, I'm Wendy and this is my brother, Marvin. We were new last year so we get how hard it can be to fit in, you two look like instant Bumblebee material to me, though," She pointed out, looking to Laura and Megan, who looked to each other and both shrugged in confusion.

"The Bumblebee's cheerleaders. Tryouts are after school," Wendy explained, doing a slight twirl to show off her uniform. Megan smiled excitedly while Laura looked skeptical still.

"Thanks! We'll be there!" Megan said, quickly grabbing Laura.

"Wait a minute. What?" Laura asked, confused even as the other two girls pulled her away. Conner made to follow them, but Marvin stopped him with a small smile.

"Dude, facing down Mal Duncan? Fierce! Not too bright, but fierce," He admitted as Conner's eyes narrowed slightly. Why was high school starting to seem like it was going to be more complicated than hero work? At least there, he was allowed to punch things...

Taipei

In the penthouse of the luxury hotel, Lex Luthor was finishing preparations for his evening. Red Arrow stood off to the side, arms folded.

"The League of Shadows wants you dead." He pointed out seriously. Luthor looked as though he may as well have informed him that his meal would be a little late as he responded.

"Doesn't every League?"

"Funny, but it's not just Cheshire and this Talon. Baron Zemo's the one who hired them, and after that little display outside, he's brought in Sportsmaster. Plus, it also sounds like Ra's Al Ghul himself wants you gone."

"Interesting, though I can't say I'm surprised. Ra's and Zemo are something akin to business rivals of mine. I'm no stranger to being in Hydra's crosshairs, be it Zemo, Strucker, or the late Red Skull. And I suppose peaceful countries have no need to call upon the League of Shadows."

"Then maybe I should stand aside and let you all take each other out?" Red Arrow offered, getting a chuckle from Lex.

"Your stab at pragmatism is adorable, but the summit and the peace are at stake here too, remember? We'll increase security, though if they think you're dead, perhaps we can surprise them?" Lex asked.

"I've got some better surprises. Don't worry, you just focus on the peace you so deeply desire." Red Arrow responded, Luthor shrugged as they set out for the peace talks.

Happy Harbor

Connor, Megan, and Laura were all seated in Mr. Jones' first period World History class, an old television set displaying the Fact Channel's newsfeed of the Taipei summit. "The Fact Channel's reports have confirmed that troops along the Rhelasian border are simply waiting for the order. With time running out, it seems like Lex Luthor is our only hope for peace." Betty Brant reported, a sentence that made Connor's skin crawl for some reason. "If his secret strategy fails, then it means war by morning." Rick turned the TV off, leaning against his desk and folding his arms.

"Who here can tell me anything about Rhelasia?" The teacher asked, only to get no answer. "No volunteers? Alright then, how about…" He scanned the room, before his eyes settled upon a sleeping Marvin. "Mr. White, can you tell us anything?" The question stirred Marvin from his nap, the skater blinking as he tried to think of an answer.

"Uh...it's better than Fakasia?" This got a few laughs from the other students, but a sigh from Rick.

"Nice try. Anyone else?"

"Modern Rhelasia was created in 1855 by the Bokun Dynasty, which ruled Rhelasia until Japanese occupation in World War II. Following the end of World War II, Rhelasia was divided by the Great Powers into North and South Rhelasia." Conner recited almost robotically, before his brow furrowed. "But… why are they fighting? They're both humans. I mean, Rhelasians."

"Right on both counts, Mister Kent." Rick answered. "While they were both one Rhelasia a relatively short time ago, North and South both developed different cultures. And, unfortunately, humans aren't really a fan of people who are different, no matter how small those differences are." He explained, causing M'gann to frown.

"It's the same way on Mars, too." She pointed out in the heads of Laura and Conner. "The white Martian minority are treated as second class citizens by the Green and Red majority. I'm Green, of course, but that doesn't make it right."

"It's the same with mutants." Laura spoke up. "I… didn't experience any of it, and I know that things are a lot better than they used to be, but mutants were so hated and feared by the world that the X-Men are still consolidated at the Institute."

Taipei

The peace summit was now in full swing in the top floor meeting area of the hotel. Well, if one considered a yelling match a peace summit. "Reunification is impossible! We have nothing in common!" General Li shouted, Tseng folded his arms.

"For once, we agree. While once we were one, those days are far behind us. We might as well be night and day!" Tseng yelled, all the while Lex simply smiled from between them and chimed on in.

"Gentlemen, this is mere rhetoric. Despite your differences, I'm sure you can find some common ground. For instance, an appreciation for the exquisite art of the Rhelasian tea ceremony?" Lex snapped his fingers, Red Arrow had to keep from rolling his eyes at Lex's showmanship from his spot standing behind Luthor.

A woman in a red dress and white facepaint wheeled a tea cart into the meeting room, heading towards the heads of state. She was prepared to push her way through the throng of reporters to get to them, only for one to turn towards her. "That is far enough, Cheshire," Aqualad stated, removing his waterbearers from his blue jacket. Cheshire simply narrowed her eyes, before smirking. She pressed a button on the handle and prepared to push the cart, only for a baton to fly out from the rafters and hit the cart. It knocked it over, and Cheshire barely had time to backflip away before it exploded.

Aqualad activated his water bearers just in time, channeling the water from the nearby glasses and moving it in order to form a shield. The Atlantean grit his teeth as the blast threatened to tear through the water shield, but he maintained it, though the heat and force still destroyed his jacket, revealing his red shirt underneath. "You ok?" A new voice asked, Kaldur looked out of the corner of his eye at the asker of the question.

He was only a little older than Roy, with short black hair that framed a black domino mask. He wore a black unitard, black shoulder pads, boots and gloves. The chest area of his uniform was emblazoned with a blue bird with its wings expanded and his abdomen area was colored in a lighter gray. "That blast looks like it was a lot," Dick Grayson, the first Robin, the first sidekick, now known as Nightwing, commented as Kaldur released the shield.

"I am fine. Though I fear this is not over," Aqualad remarked, as Red Arrow jumped down next to them. The smoke cleared to reveal Cheshire putting her mask on as two helicopters ascended to the blown out windows. The doors opened on one to reveal Baron Zemo, flanked by Sportsmaster, Talon, and a whole squad of League of Shadows soldiers.

"Kill them all." The Baron ordered as Talon and Sportsmaster leapt down next to Cheshire. As Aqualad's shield fell away, Red Arrow readied his bow as Nightwing prepared both escrima sticks.

"One, two… I'm counting about twelve soldiers, not counting those three," Red Arrow remarked, Nightwing simply smirked.

"That's about five a piece. All you gotta do is stay traught."

"You do whatever you want. Cheshire's mine," Red Arrow stated, Cheshire smirked beneath her mask.

"So territorial, and only our third date," She taunted, Nightwing raised an eyebrow under his mask.

"And this is my childhood all over again…" He muttered under his breath, and the Shadows made their move.

Aqualad and Nightwing rushed to meet them as Red Arrow fired on Cheshire. She easily deflected his arrow as Nightwing flipped clean over her and barely managed to block a mace shot to the face, as Talon was there to meet him while Aqualad made a break for Sportsmaster.

"Of course he called for you, the absolute last person I wanted to deal with," Talon spoke as Nightwing flipped away and noticed that it wasn't a mace. At his forearms, his sleeves allowing it to grow through nicely, were what seemed to be silver feathers, now ruffled to serve as two bundles of blades or a pair of spiked maces. Whatever it was growing from Talon's arms, the former Robin knew they had to be avoided if he was using them.

"Really? I'm the last person you want to meet? Not Batman, Superman, or anyone else on the League?" Nightwing asked.

"No, trust me, you're the last person I wanted to be here," Talon reaffirmed, rushing him again as Nightwing's sticks clashed with the deadly feathers or whatever was coming from the assassins arms.

"I'm flattered," Nightwing joked, kicking him in the gut and back flipping away to gain some ground.

"Don't be. You're about to be dead," Talon stated which, to Nightwing, he sounded... sad? Disappointed even as they rushed each other again.

Meanwhile, Sportsmaster was easily taking out the security team as they tried to rush him. He dodged, ducked, and weaved, taking them out with swift punches and kicks until a water mace struck his mask.

Sportsmaster let out a growl and began blocking the attacks with a javelin. As they each tried to get a hit in on the other, Red Arrow fired on Cheshire again who dodged and cut the arrows.

"You called in the original and one of your little sidekick friends. I thought you said they weren't in your league?" She asked casually.

Nightwing managed to keep his focus, but Aqualad lost his and was met with a clothesline that flipped him clean over. He hit the ground hard as Sportsmaster pulled a mace of his own and tried to take Aqualad's head off, forcing the younger man to roll to avoid the attack.

From the head table of the room, Luthor watched very carefully, making sure no one noticed the very sparse eye contact he was making with Zemo, who was watching from the helicopter.

Happy Harbor

"How the hell did you rope me into this?"

"Oh come on, it'll be fun!"

"Speak for yourself. You might be cut out for this cheerleading crap, but I've got better uses for my time."

"But it's a high school tradition! Honestly, I think it'll be great for you. Really help you get a sense of normalcy in your life."

"... Normal? Okay, let's get this over with…"

"Now that that's settled, can I go home? I really don't know what I'm doing here…"

"You're here for moral support!"

"Whatever…"

Conner let out a sigh from his spot in the bleachers, looking down at Megan and Laura in their athletic wear. Despite the little skirmish that morning, their first day had been rather uneventful, though Conner still noticed Mal Duncan shooting him a few glares. Now, Megan and Laura were down on the track, Megan dressed in a white t-shirt with a red M on it and Laura wearing gray athletic wear. Conner had no idea why Laura wanted to be whatever a cheerleader was, but he was honestly starting to suspect it had something to do with why she was always hanging around Jason lately.

"Alright, you girls ready?" Wendy asked, flanked by Karen and another girl.

"I sure am!"

"I guess…"

"Alright, let's see what you got!" Karen exclaimed, and Laura sighed.

"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee! Hornets, hornets, can't be beat!" They cheered, while doing the routine. Well, Megan cheered, Laura kinda mumbled along while doing the routine. The Bumblebees exchanged a glance, before going in for a huddle.

"This is the most embarrassing experience of my life…" The mutant grumbled. "If any of you tell Wally about this, they won't find your bodies." She thought over the mindlink, and the Bumblebees broke their huddle. Wendy approached them as Karen and the other girl went off, a frown on her face.

"Well, Megan was good, and Laura… has potential. Which is why I'm really sorry about this," Megan prayed they weren't being rejected, while Laura slightly prayed that they were, only for them both to be drenched in some kind of sports drink.

Conner growled and gripped the bleacher, getting up to spring to his friends' defense as Laura's claws began to break the skin….

"Conner, no!" Megan yelled out, causing Conner to trip and stumble down the bleachers. "Laura, down." The dark haired mutant grumbled as her claws were pulled back before anyone noticed. Fortunately, they were distracted by Conner falling down the bleachers like a ball down stairs, landing with a grunt on the ground.

"Ow…" He groaned out, Karen sighed at the sight.

"He's as dumb as he is cute…" She sighed out. "Either of you dating this dude?"

"Hm? Oh, no, he's not my boyfriend. My boyfriend lives in New York, and I know that sounds made up, but-"

"But he's just a good friend," Laura cut off before her friend could start to ramble. "He's probably wondering what the hell that was all about."

"Oh, sorry about that. It's just a stupid initiation ritual that I wish my teammates would stop insisting on," Wendy explained, causing the Martian's eyes to widen.

"Wait, initiation? Does that mean…?"

"Yup! Welcome to the Bumblebees!" Karen congratulated. "Laura, you're gonna need some work, but we've done more with less."

"Uh, thanks?" Laura replied as Conner picked himself up off the ground while Megan squealed.

"Ohmigod, I can't believe this! We actually made it!" She cheered, wrapping Laura in a hug that had her wishing she had Logan's unbreakable bones. But, despite herself, Laura couldn't help but smile. Maybe… this wouldn't be so bad.

Taipei

Red Arrow grunted as he was kicked back against a large piece of debris, narrowly bringing his bow up in time to catch a stab from one of Cheshire's sais to keep it from finding a new home in his head. He broke the stalemate and moved back just in time to avoid a gyroscopic kick from Cheshire, who used it as an opportunity to leap backwards with a handspring. When she landed, the assassin threw both her sais at Red Arrow, who blocked them with his bow.

Meanwhile, Sportsmaster was engaging Aqualad. Sportsmaster had resorted to using a rapier, attempting to skewer the Atlantean with a series of quick thrusts, all of which he avoided. Kaldur stepped back, using the water bearers to form two water swords. "Not bad, Lad," Sportsmaster complimented, as he and Kaldur circled each other. "Shame you didn't bring the rest of your team. I was looking forward to meeting your new Wakandan friend. Guess I shoulda been in Bialya." The villain taunted, causing Aqualad's eyes to widen.

"How do you-?"

"Let's just say I've got an inside source. Very inside." Before Aqualad could ask any more, Sportsmaster charged him.

Nightwing was not enjoying this. Granted, he rarely ever enjoyed a fight, but this one was particularly grating. Every move he made Talon had a response or a counter or both.

"You know you aren't half bad, ever consider switching sides? I bet we have way better benefits than your current employers," Nightwing offered, blocking a downward smash with both sticks and trying for a kick.

Talon caught his leg and threw him away towards the shattered window, "Thanks for the offer, but it's too late for that."

Despite the surprise that someone at that size could throw him away, Nightwing twisted in the air, and with agility that would have impressed even Spider-Man, landed flat footed a few feet from the edge.

"It's never too late to make a career change, kid," He tried as Talon swung his arm sharply, sending several of the feather like objects growing from his arm. Nightwing somersaulted over the projectiles, his escrima stick finally connecting with Talons head, the impact tore away one of the lenses of his mask.

A bright blue eye, one that felt eerily familiar to Dick, narrowed at him before several of the projectiles were sent flying again, forcing him to fall back or get stabbed.

Red Arrow leapt up onto a piece of rubble that offered him a clear vantage point of the battle, noticing how the Rhelasian guards were being overwhelmed by the Shadows. "Aqualad, Nightwing, it's time to end this!" Red Arrow yelled out as he pulled out an arrow, aiming it at the ceiling. It exploded, but rather than destroying the ceiling, it set off the sprinklers.

A seemingly pointless action, had it not been for Aqualad's glowing tattoos. As the water began swirling around him, the first Boy Wonder leapt back as Kaldur pointed his bearers at the enemy, sending a dragon made of water at the assassins. It quickly swept up many of the Shadows, though Talon and Cheshire leapt back to stand next to Sportsmaster. As the dragon headed towards them, Cheshire pulled out a smoke bomb and threw it at the construct, which detonated and disrupted the dragon's form. As smoke filled the room, one of the last remaining Shadows saw his chance, and leapt towards Li, Tseng, and Luthor.

Lex simply frowned, "Someone really wants to die for their cause. Mercy," Without another word, Mercy held her hand up and pointed it at the soldier. Instantly, her hand slid up and her arm opened to reveal a small cannon that fired an energy blast that hit the Shadow square in the chest, killing him. As the ninja's body fell to the ground, the three heroes turned back to where the villains had been, and saw that they were gone… including Zemo.

As Mercy's arm returned to normal, a smirking Lex turned to a stunned Li and Tseng. "Gives a new meaning to the terms 'arms race', doesn't it?"

"That technology is most impressive!" Li commented, Tseng nodding in agreement.

"See, I knew you two could agree on something," The billionaire dryly commented. "Mercy here is but the first in LexCorp's newest wave of military technology. The applications are limitless… something I'd be more than happy to discuss in further talks." As Lex continued to talk with the leaders, Nightwing narrowed his eyes.

"Did… we just help Lex Luthor make money?" He asked, Red Arrow sighed.

"Only that man could turn an assassination attempt into a business opportunity," Roy remarked, as the three headed into the elevator to the ground floor. Before they entered Nightwing paused, he saw a few of the feathered projectiles Talon had fired at him. Scooping up a handful, he noted they felt metallic but flexible.

"Thanks for helping with this, Dick." Red Arrow said shaking Nightwing from his thoughts.

"Hey, don't mention it. I remember how hard it was back when I went solo," Dick responded. "You ever get tired of the whole globetrotting thing, Bludhaven could always use another hero."

"I'll keep that in mind." Roy replied before he looked at Kaldur as the elevator reached the ground floor. "So, what made you call him and not the rest of the Pep Squad?"

"Bringing them in would only have furthered whatever doubts you were already having. If you had to be saved by those you look down on, it would have only hurt you. And since I know you have always respected Dick…"

"He called me. Good thing I'm an early riser." Dick remarked, looking at the clock on his suit's wrist. "Speaking of, I gotta get back to Bludhaven. 12 hour time difference doesn't get rid of my responsibilities. Here, for your souviniers." He handed Kaldur one of the objects.

"Of course. Again, thank you for your help," Kaldur smiled, shaking Dick's hand.

"No problem. You ever want the original to show you how the whole sidekick thing is done, you know where to find me," The former Boy Wonder remarked, and he walked away towards where the League had a Zeta Tube stashed.

"Look, Kaldur…" The former Speedy spoke up, drawing the Atlantean's attention. "About what you said back there, about me not respecting the team… I just wanted you to know you're wrong. I respect all of you, even Francis and Artemis. You're all walking your own paths, figuring out what kind of heroes you are on your own terms. Even if it is for the Justice League."

"Thank you, my friend. I know-"

"Which is why I'm not going to pretend I didn't hear what Sportsmaster said back there." He cut off. "He knew things about your missions. Things he shouldn't know," Roy reminded Kaldur. "You think there's a mole on your team?" He asked, causing Kaldur to fold his arms in thought.

"I… cannot rule out the possibility. I will have to investigate myself before I make any conclusions or tell the others."

"You're not telling them?"

"No. Doing so would not only unravel the unit, but it would tip off the mole. If he or she even does exist."

"Well, good luck with that." Roy stated, and as he began to head out, he stopped. "And Kaldur? You tell Francis or Artemis that I said that, I'll deny it ever happened," He called back, and Kaldur simply smirked.

"My lips are sealed."

Elsewhere

"That went well, all things considered." Lex stated as he pulled out a bottle of scotch, examining the brand and the vintage to make sure it was what he wanted. Once he was satisfied, he pulled out three glasses. "Li and Tseng were quite impressed with Mercy's… assets, and are quite literally buying into the peace."

"So it sounds like our goal for the eventual reunification of Rhelasia went as planned," A familiar German voice said, and Lex turned to none other than Baron Zemo, who was staring out the window at the city beneath them. "The valiant, noble Lex Luthor, ensuring peace while protecting it from that dastardly villain Baron Zemo, who wants to sell his foul weapons," Zemo remarked, stifling a laugh. "A hopelessly cliche and convoluted narrative, but one they will eat up regardless."

"All the better. The most convincing lies aren't the most elaborate, but the ones that are the most comforting," Ra's Al Ghul stated from his position on the lavish couch, taking a glass of scotch from Luthor, who offered one to Zemo. "Provide them with a clear villain, and they will not investigate any deeper."

"It is a small miracle that the Harper boy did not call in the Justice League, and that Aqualad only brought in Nightwing. If he had brought in the rest of the children, I suspect the outcome would have ended in my capture," Zemo stated as he took the glass. "Speaking of, our Talon performed quite nicely. That has proven to be quite the worthwhile investment."

"I shall pass along your compliments to the Court of Owls. They will be most thrilled to know of our satisfaction."

"So long as they don't grow too excited. I would hate to have to clip their wings," Lex commented, as Ra's stood up and Zemo walked over to him, pulling up his mask to reveal his scarred chin and mouth. "A toast, gentleman, to another job well done," The CEO stated, raising his glass as the other two did the same.

"And so, another corner of the world… sees the Light."

Epilogue

September 07, Gateway City, 15:45 PST

A blonde girl, about sixteen years old, was walking through the city, one hand in the pocket of her jacket while the other holding her phone, which showed a news report of the summit. "Under the guidance of Lex Luthor, General Li and Prime Minister Tseng have signed a peace treaty that could one day lead to the reunification of Rhelasia!" The report stated, the girl sighed as she locked it. She had guessed that, if it meant that peace was ushered in to the long feuding nations, it was alright in the long run, but it felt weird owing that to Lex Luthor, a man who'd been in the news for an endless stream of controversies ever since she was a kid.

"Guess it's worth it in the long run…" She muttered to herself, walking past a cafe. She stopped to avoid running into a small child that ran in front of her, softly smiling as she heard the boy's mother call after him. She was about to help the mother catch the unruly child… when she heard the unmistakable sound of tires squealing, looking to see a semi truck rolling towards them. The driver looked like he had fallen asleep at the wheel, and it was heading straight towards them.

There was no time to think, only to act. The girl jumped in front of the child and tried to shield him with her body, her hand stretched towards the truck in the futile hope of… something. The girl didn't really know what she was doing, and she prepared for the end…

Only to feel nothing. Not as in 'everything ended', but she felt nothing out of the ordinary. No pain, no sensation of nothingness she had been expecting. She nervously opened her left eye, looking behind her to see just what the hell was going on…

And was greeted with the smashed up front of the truck, the metal crumpled around her hand. "What the…"

"Oh my god!" The boy's mother exclaimed, running over and embracing him. The girl looked around, seeing various passerby staring at her, at the crumpled up truck that seemed to bend around her hand, and she ran off. As she did so, a figure watched her from a rooftop, smiling to himself.

"And thus, another piece is added to the board."

A short while later, the girl ran into the apartment she shared with her mother, barely noticing how the doorknob crumpled up when she grabbed it, or how the door almost fell off its hinges when she shut it. She was hyperventilating as she entered her room, shutting the door behind her and collapsing on the floor. "Holy shit…" She gasped out, staring at her hand. She… she had stopped that truck with her bare hands, without a scratch on her. Not only that, but when she ran back to her apartment, it felt like her whole body was about to take off of the ground.

She… she had powers. That was the only explanation. And as the thunder rumbled outside, the girl looked at the poster of Wonder Woman that had been on her wall for years… and Cassie Sandsmark knew what she had to do.

A/N: We are all beyond excited to show us our biggest change yet. We've set up quite a few mysteries in this chapter alone. Make sure you join us next time as the Hunt for Wonder Girl commences.