A/N: Happy New Year, everyone. Pretty big chapter here, one that's been planned for a long, long time. All the usual credits here, and enjoy.
Just past the moon, a massive spaceship, one made of all sorts of odd angles and red lights, floated past it, heading straight towards Earth. Three green lights flew up from the planet to meet it, as Hal Jordan, John Stewart, and Guy Gardner flew up to meet it, a sizable black craft with Batman in the cockpit flying just behind them, deploying camera spheres behind it. The three were hovering just above the massive red light. "Attention, unidentified vessel! This is the Green Lantern Corps. You are now entering the boundaries of Earth space! Disengage all weapons and turn back, now. This is your final warning!" John warned, and Guy raised an eyebrow.
"I don't think they woulda come all this way just to turn back, Johnny."
"Easy, Guy. No sense provoking them." Hal warned, and the ship was silent… before the red node in the center powered up.
"I hate bein' right…" The three Lanterns threw up shields as a red beam engulfed them, but they didn't last long. The bubbles fractured and shattered, and the Lanterns didn't even have time to scream before they were atomized. Batman's eyes widened as he approached the ship, before narrowing.
"Code Red! Full deployment, now!" He ordered, pressing a button in his cockpit and opening his bay doors. Iron Man, Shazam, Captain Marvel, Superman, and Martian Manhunter flew out, approaching the ship. Iron Man, Shazam, and Captain Marvel went one way, while Superman and Martian Manhunter went the other way. Two beams were fired, and the heroes tried avoiding it, but it was all in vain, as each of the League's heavy hitters were disintegrated. Batman hit the eject button as a blast hit his craft, the pod containing his cockpit floating in space. He was about to radio for help… when a shadow fell over him. He looked up to see he was face to face with one of the tripod shaped fighter ships that was currently spilling out of the mother ship. The top prong glowed, and soon… the Dark Knight was no more.
Connection Lost
The feed the Team and Red Tornado had been watching in the Cave went dark, as a holoscreen with Captain America's face appeared. "Tornado, did you-?"
"Yes, Captain. We saw." Tornado answered.
"Space based defenses have failed. I'm initiating all terrestrial countermeasures, Code: Omega."
"Understood. I shall be there momentarily. Tornado out." The android ended the video call, before turning to the Team. "I must join the League. We will protect the planet at all costs, but should we fail, the responsibility for safeguarding the planet will fall to you."
"We will be ready." Aqualad stated. Tornado gave a nod, before he went to join the fight.
Chapter 19: Failsafe
"This is Iris West-Allen, reporting live from Central City!" Iris West-Allen yelled out over the sounds of explosions and screaming as people ran behind her.
"The unidentified extraterrestrials have brought their invasion to Central City! The President has deployed the Army and the National Guard, but even the armed forces are being overwhelmed by the onslaught! Evacuations are continuing, but-" Iris noticed the screaming behind her was getting less silent, turning to see swathes of civilians being disintegrated by the alien ships. One was heading right towards her, and would have annihilated her as well… only for a red blur to carry her away.
"Tropsnart eht namaremac ot ytefas!" The camera was engulfed in a golden wave of light that deposited the cameraman onto a rooftop with Iris, who had her hand on Flash's shoulder in a rather intimate way.
"Thank you, Flash… and Zatara." The Scarlet Speedster gave a nod, before he and Zatara went off. "Denny, you ok?" The cameraman gave her a thumbs up. "As you can see, the Justice League is attempting to hold the line." The camera panned over to show Flash and Zatara atop a burning building, helping the citizens trapped on top… only for an alien ship to fly overhead, disintegrating them. "No…" Iris choked out, dropping her microphone as an alien ship flew towards them…
"Iris, look out!" Cat Grant yelled as the feed cut out, taking a moment to compose herself as she looked back towards the camera. "I-it seems our Central City feed is experiencing some difficulties. We… we now take you live to Taipei, as another League contingent is attempting to turn the tide."
The news feed showed Hawkman smashing through an alien ship, sending it crashing down as he and Hawkwoman regrouped into formation, only for a blast to disintegrate them. Hawkeye and Green Arrow were back to back on a rooftop, firing arrows at any ships that passed by, only for Cat Grant to frown as they were annihilated in turn.
"We can now confirm the deaths of Hawkeye, Green Arrow, and the Hawks. Other heroes confirmed missing or dead include Captain America, Superman, Cyclops, Icon, and Mister Fantastic."
Kansas
Wonder Woman grunted as she flung the spaceship at the other end of her lasso into another, destroying both. "Wonder Woman, look out!" Tornado called, but his call was too late as a blast hit Diana in the back, fading into a skeleton before fading into nothingness. Red Tornado flew away as fast as he could as the Mothership landed, destroying Smallville, Kansas underneath it. "Red Tornado to Cave. Wonder Woman has fallen. In addition, I am unable to raise any other members of the Justice League. I fear I am all that remains." Tornado was firing cyclones whenever he could, destroying the space invaders with robotic precision. "It is on your shoulders now. I entrust-" A beam halted Tornado's sentence, melting him down to atoms.
Mount Justice
"RT? Tornado, come in!" Iron Knight called out, only to be met with static. "He's gone…"
"Then the last of the League has fallen. We are all that remains." Aqualad grimly stated, and Superboy scowled.
"What are we waiting for? A theme song?"
"We need a strategy, Supey. No sense in going out just to get killed. Our normal weapons won't do anything, and rushing right at them won't work." Scarlet Spider stated, as Miss Martian reached over to squeeze Trickshot's hand.
"Are you ok? Mockingbird wasn't in the list of the dead, she could still be-" She tried to reassure him over their private link, Trickshot smiling.
"It's ok, Megs. My folks knew the risks. But… that doesn't make me any less pissed off." He thought back, as Iron Knight pulled up a map of the globe, covered in red dots.
"The Watchtower's still up, so at least we've got some eyes. They're prioritizing major population centers, but they're still taking time to hit the smaller areas." The boy genius explained, as White Wolf looked at Africa.
"Any news out of Wakanda?" He asked, as Stark checked the news feeds.
"They're taking losses, but they're holding out. Your folks are leading the charge." White Wolf let out a sigh of relief, as Vision stared at the map.
"Their movements are uniform, efficient. With their current movements, planetary defenses will be completely overwhelmed in 72 hours. With geographical volume and population dispersal, complete planetary subjugation will likely take longer, but no later than 16 days." The synthezoid analyzed.
"Well, that's a cheery note…" Wonder Girl remarked, as X-23 noticed a single red dot at the top of the globe.
"That one get lost?"
"The North Pole? But the only thing of note up there is…" Kid Flash caught himself mid sentence, but Iron Knight frowned.
"No point in holding secrets now. The only thing worth finding up there is Superman's Fortress of Solitude."
"Superman has a Fortress of Solitude?!" The last living Kryptonian blurted out, and Kid Flash meekly nodded.
"Uh, yeah. Sorry." He apologized, and Superboy let out a solemn sigh.
"Don't uh, don't worry about it…" He pouted looking away. Wonder Girl frowned, reaching out to put a hand on his shoulder.
"Connor…"
"No, it's ok. I… guess there's a lot I'll never know about him now." He sighed out.
"It's basically a museum to Krypton. The Fortress's powersource must have attracted the aliens' attention, at least enough to send a scout ship." Robin remarked, as Trickshot looked to Aqualad.
"Our weapons aren't going to cut it against those things. If we want to stand a chance, we need to fight fire with fire."
"I agree. Targeting this lone ship and stripping it's technology is our best course of action."
"We'll break it down, build some more, and send those ugly aliens packing with their own mojo!" Their resident speedster declared, only for Artemis to elbow him in the gut. "Ow! You hit my scar!"
"Hello, Wally! Martian, Kryptonian, and… weird space rock in the house?" Artemis said, gesturing to Miss Martian, Superboy, and Vision.
"Uh, sorry…"
North Pole, Fortress of Solitude
The lone ship hovered outside of the crystalline palace, adorned with the symbol of the House of El. Artemis and Batgirl, in their white arctic camo like the rest of the Team, surveyed the ship from a perch. "Scout ship spotted. It looks like it's trying to figure out a way in." Artemis thought over their mind link.
"Good luck. Superman's got one hell of a home security system." Robin thought from his hiding spot next to White Wolf, Alpha, and Aqualad.
"Iron Knight, are there any others around?"
"Negative, Aqualad. It's all alone." Iron Knight thought, earning a nod from Aqualad.
"Miss Martian, Vision, go!" A cloaked Miss Martian flew up behind the ship, her eyes glowing green as her telekinetic hooks grabbed a chunk of the ship, tearing it out.
"Communications disabled." As the ship began to circle around like a drunken animal, Vision rose up through the ice behind it, firing a beam of energy at the rear and sending it careening into the ground.
"Propulsion is disabled." Vision thought over the link, the yellow gem in his forehead glowing as he did so. Trickshot came out from his perch and fired a trick arrow at the cockpit, exploding into pink foam.
"ET's are trapped inside." The cannon on top began to swivel, firing beams of energy in an erratic manner, one that barely avoided Scarlet Spider and Wonder Girl.
"And they are not a fan of that!" Aqualad shot out of the ice, tattoos glowing as the ice under the ships cracked, the craft falling into the water. It aimed the cannon right at Kaldur, only for Alpha to sink his teeth into the metal and disrupt it's targeting. Superboy leapt onto the back and grabbed the cannon, holding it in place as Iron Knight and Robin approached it. Iron Knight scanned it, putting the results through to Robin's gauntlet computer.
"Identifying structural weakness points. Here, here, and here." Knight stated, highlighting three spots as Wonder Girl flew up. She went to the three highlighted spots, punching each one. Superboy grunted as he began to pull on the cannon, metal groaning and wires sparking as he began to pull it loose. A node dangled behind him, Superboy not noticing as energy began to build up on it, but the same wasn't said for Aqualad.
"Superboy, watch out!" The leader yelled, but before Superboy could react, Alpha slammed into him, knocking him out of the way as the energy burst hit the canine. He didn't even yelp as he faded into the outline of a skeleton, and then nothing.
"Alpha…" Wonder Girl gasped out, as Iron Knight checked his readings.
"There was no indication of feedback, no sign of any kind of energy build up. T'zari, I'm sorry."
"We will mourn later. For now, there is a task that needs doing." White Wolf solemnly stated, and Superboy nodded in agreement. He finished ripping the turret off of the craft, as Miss Martian pulled the Bioship around.
"Miss Martian, how long will it take to integrate the new cannon?"
"A few minutes. I'll have to decloak to do it, but integrating it shouldn't be a problem." The Martian stated, as the red craft decloaked, Superboy hopping onto it and carrying the cannon to the back of the ship. A biomechanical control panel manifested for its Martian pilot, red 'metal' swirling up to meet the cannon. However, she had barely begun when a warning siren went off in Iron Knight's helmet.
"Oh, crap… We've got incoming! Two flyers, coming in hot from the south!"
"I thought you said we were clear!" Scarlet Spider remarked.
"We were when we got here! They must have noticed their friend wasn't responding! They'll be on top of us any minute!" No sooner did Iron Knight finish thinking it, that the two ships flew overhead, circling them like vultures.
"I got 'em! Everyone stand back!" Artemis called out, aiming two explosive arrows at the approaching ship. She let her arrows fly, both of them hitting their mark. Both ships careened and spiraled down into the ice, as the young archer ran back towards the ship. "Everyone, get back inside!" She called, only for Scarlet Spider to notice the turret on one charging up.
"Artemis, look out!"
They watched it all happen in slow motion. Artemis planted her foot and spun around, drawing an explosive arrow from her quiver. She nocked it in her bow string, pulling it back as far as she could as she brought her bow to aim at the craft. However, before Artemis could fire, the cannon fired… and Artemis was no more.
"ARTEMIS!" Miss Martian screamed out, her telepathic scream echoing throughout all their heads, as Wally's jaw dropped.
"No… no… no!" The speedster yelled in disarray, as Aqualad connected his waterbearers to the sea. He sent a massive wave towards the craft, lifting it up before the water exploded outward. The water formed into spikes and solidified into about two dozen shards of ice, Aqualad letting out a yell as he slammed them into the craft, destroying it.
"Artemis… she can't be…" X-23 gasped out, as Iron Knight scanned the area.
"There… there's no trace of her. She's gone."
"They're dead." Wally growled out, tears stinging his eyes in the Arctic wind as he stared at the spot. "Every single alien is dead, even if I have to rip them apart with my own hands, if it's the last thing I do!" He yelled, about to run towards the other craft, only for Scarlet Spider to step in front of him.
"Wally, calm down."
"You seriously want me to stay calm?! Artemis is dead, and-"
"And she wouldn't want us to stand around waiting to be picked off! She'd want us to keep fighting!" The arachnid pleaded, and the fuming speedster stared at the spot for a second longer, before turning away.
"Just get me out of here."
A short while later, the Cloaked Bioship flew through the sky. Inside, the air was somber, heavy, silent save for the weeping of M'gann in the captain's chair, and Wally fuming in his seat. Laura was staring at the empty seat that had belonged to Artemis, but was nudged from it by Jason grabbing her hand.
"Hey. You ok? I know you and Artemis were close." He asked, and she squeezed his hands.
"I've… seen people die before. Too many times. But this… this feels different. I've only felt like this once before, and I hoped I'd never feel it again."
"Trust me, I know how you feel. Growing up where I did, you get used to seeing folks disappear. But it always sucks when it's someone you know." Robin stated, the two leaning against one another.
Connor looked over to Cassie, who was silently staring out the window next to him. "I've… never seen someone die before." The young demigod said after a moment of silence.
"I know people who died, but I've never actually seen it before. Artemis was there one moment, and then… she wasn't. The… the first day I was at the Cave, she told me she knew what it was like being the new girl. I… I told her we'd watch each other's backs, and then I just stood there and did nothing and then she died and-" Connor reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it.
"Don't beat yourself up. There… was nothing you could do. That any of us could do. I think that, if she had to choose between it being her or one of us, she'd do it again in a heartbeat." The Kryptonian comforted, Cassie reaching up and squeezing his hand.
Vision watched this exchange, and then looked at Wally sulking and mumbling to himself, before turning to T'zari. "T'zari, I have a query."
"Speak, Vision."
"I am detecting changes in body language and attitudes commonly associated with sadness. Why?" Vision asked, and White Wolf frowned. He knew the synthezoid did not mean to sound so blunt and uncaring, but the question certainly could have been phrased better…
"Artemis was our friend. She was a part of our journey as we were a part of hers, and now her journey has come to an end prematurely. All that she was, all that she could have been, are gone. And we will never see her again. Grief is a natural emotion to feel right now, though I suspect anger is also taking root as well." The Prince explained, and the young synthezoid looked around.
"Fascinating…"
"Are you done with the philosophy questions?!" Wally yelled out, turning his chair to glare at Vision. "Our friend is dead, and you're asking for Emotions 101?! She's gone, and-"
"That is enough, Wally." Aqualad cut off, rising from his chair. "I understand you are angry right now. Trust me, you are not alone in that anger. But turning around and biting the heads off of our teammates will only serve to dishonor her memory." Wally glowered at Kaldur, before he took a deep breath, exhaling through his nose.
"I'm… sorry, Vision. I know you didn't mean anything by it."
"No offense was taken, Wallace." Vision said, as Batgirl looked at Aqualad.
"What now?"
"We will mourn later. Right now, there is a job to do. We must defend the Earth, and ensure that Artemis's sacrifice, as well as the League's, was not in vain."
"Are we heading back to the Cave to regroup? Maybe Roy or Zatanna headed there, if they're still alive." Iron Knight asked, but Aqualad shook his head.
"No. We head for the Hall of Justice. Earth needs to know there are still heroes protecting them."
Washington DC
"Here they come! Get ready, boys!" A general with a rather bushy mustache ordered, as a squadron of ships circled around towards the Army tanks.
"Steady… steady… now! Fire!" The tank cannons fired, destroying the ships flying towards them. The general grinned in triumph, only for that grin to be wiped off his face as the ships flew through unscathed.
"Scatter!" The troops barely had time to flee their armaments before the aliens fired, destroying the tanks. The General was knocked back by the explosion, watching as the ships circled back around. He began saying his prayers as the cannons charged up… only for the bioship to uncloak behind them. The bottom opened up as Wonder Girl, Iron Knight, and Vision flew out, the latter carrying Superboy.
Vision dropped Superboy onto a ship, the Kryptonian's fist driving it down and sending it crashing into the ground. Vision flew towards another ship, hardening his density into diamond as he punched through the ship, destroying it. The Bioship flew behind another, annihilating it with it's new cannon.
Iron Knight lined up his shot perfectly, his repulsor blast destroying the ship's navigation unit sending the ship he was behind careening into the ground and exploding. Wonder Girl flew behind her ship and removed her lasso from her hip, wrapping it around the turret. She swung the ship around and sent it flying into the distance, where it crashed into a bombed out building.
"Vision, watch your six!" Iron Knight called out, and Vision turned to see three ships flying towards him.
"I shall dispatch them!" The synthezoid flew towards them, narrowly avoiding one blast as he smashed through the offending ship, before unleashing a yellow blast that destroyed the other one. However, the last one was right behind him, and Vision barely had time to unleash another blast before the turret fired, both the synthezoid and the ship destroying each other.
"Vision, no…" Wonder Girl gasped out, and Nolan bit his lip in frustration.
"I should've gotten there sooner…" He muttered to himself. "That… that's all of them. At least for now."
"Then we take the win where we can, and ensure his sacrifice was not in vain." Aqualad said over the comms as the Bioship landed, opening it's hatch and allowing them to exit. The general approached them, giving a salute.
"General Thaddeus Ross, U.S. Army."
"Aqualad, Justice League." Kaldur greeted, extending his hand, which Ross shook. "I've heard quite a bit about you, General."
"Can't imagine they're all good." Ross remarked.
"Given the circumstances, the major takeaway is that you're a man who goes to any length to accomplish the mission."
"Hell, at this point, I'll chalk that up as a win." The general accepted, looking around at the Team. "Gotta say, you're the strangest lookin' cavalry I've ever seen. Though after today, I'd be happy to see Banner show up."
"What's the situation here, General?" Robin asked, and Ross let out a snort.
"Son, I've been in some shitstorms in my day, but this is makin' those look like a damn vacation. We've been gettin' hammered from every angle ever since those things showed up. You folks showin' up is the first ray of sunshine we've seen all day." Ross explained, and Superboy noticed two soldiers looking at him and whispering to each other. One's uniform read 'Thompson', while the other read 'Bard.'
"Can I help you two?"
"Oh, uh, sorry. Just tellin' Corporal here how he owes me a steak dinner. I told 'em you'd never abandon us, Superman!" Bard stated, and Superboy narrowed his eyes.
"I'm not Superman." He growled out.
"Son, you might not have the trunks or the cape, but right now, you're the closest thing we've got." Ross reassured, and Superboy looked away as Scarlet Spider stepped forward.
"General, this can't be everyone. What about the Air Force, the Marines, or the Navy?"
"Son, when they hit us, they hit us hard. Knocked the hell out of us before we even knew what happened. By the time we could organize any kind of response, they'd wiped out half of us. The Chain of Succession is pretty much gone, and if what's happening here is any indication of what's happening everywhere else…well, let's just say it doesn't look good."
"Then perhaps we can be of assistance." Aqualad spoke up. "We will help you salvage the alien's technology. And then… then we will take back what is ours."
"Hell, that's as good a plan as any." Ross stated, before something occurred to him. "Say, I got something for you. Figure you can put it to better use than me. Monroe, front and center!" He called out, and a soldier emerged from the throng carrying something wrapped in gray bindings on his back. "Jack, you mind handin' over your little souvenir to these fine folks?"
"Not at all, sir." Monroe stated, as he pulled the item off his back. "I, uh, I found this outside the Capitol building. If I had to guess, they caught him after he threw it, so that's why it's still here. I don't know why I picked it up, but it just felt… wrong leaving it lying there." Monroe undid the wrappings, and the Team's eyes all widened as they were face-to-face with Captain America's shield, undamaged and as pristine as ever.
"Whoa…" Wally gasped out, as Ross tipped his hat.
"My men told me he went down fighting. He and I didn't see eye-to-eye on a whole lot, but I figure he'd want you all to have it." The general stated, as Aqualad turned to White Wolf.
"Vibranium is from your land. If anyone should have it, it's you." He offered, only for the prince to shake his head.
"The material may have come from my home, but the symbol it was forged into is not of my country anymore." He explained. Before anyone else could argue, Trickshot stepped forward. He reached his hand towards it, almost reverent as his fingers grazed the perfect metal disc… before he took it from Monroe, sliding his hand into the straps on the back.
"Let's get to work."
Hall of Justice
Batgirl stood in front of the destroyed Founder Statues, staring at the likeness of her mentor. She was even more silent than usual, not even reacting as Scarlet Spider walked up next to her.
"Hey. You alright?" He asked, but she remained silent.
"It's alright if you're scared, y'know. Trust me, I am too. It's taking all I've got not to think about New York, if my brother and sister are even alive right now."
"No." Cass stated, staring at the statue. "No time to be scared. No time to be sad. Batman would not sit around and be sad. He would… have plan. Have way for us to win. Or at least… at least he would try."
"Well, that's really all we can do at the end of the day, isn't it? Try and find a way to victory, and if we can't find it, give 'em hell on our way out."
In the 'inner sanctum' of the Hall of Justice, White Wolf and Thunderbolt Ross were watching Iron Knight tinker with the central computer. "Well? Any progress?" Ross asked.
"The aliens are jamming most traditional forms of communication, so I'm having to get a little creative. But I think I've got something…" Stark finished, as static crackled over the computer.
"...ain, this is Captain Chapman, of the SAS! London has fallen, I repeat, London has fallen!" A British voice called out. "We're evacuating everyone we can to the countryside, but it's only… Oh God…" And with that, the broadcast cut out, causing Ross to frown.
"That didn't sound good."
"No, it does not." Iron Knight stated, as he began searching for more feeds.
"Is…" White Wolf started to say, before he took a deep breath. "Is there any news from Wakanda?" He asked, and Knight looked at him.
"Are you sure? You don't have to-"
"I'm sure." Iron Knight nodded, as he began searching for the feed.
"Alright, here's a signal. Let me just hone in and-"
"The dome has been breached!" A voice with an American accent stated, and T'zari's breath hitched.
"Mother…"
"This is Queen Mari of Wakanda, broadcasting to anyone who will listen! The aliens have breached the dome. T'challa… the Black Panther is dead. The Dora Milaje are resisting, but… but Wakanda is falling! Oh god, they're getting close to the Palace. I… T'zari, I don't know if you're listening, honey, but if you are… you've made me so-" A burst of static cut her off mid sentence, causing T'zari's eyes to widen.
"No!" He yelled out, squeezing his eyes shut as tears threatened to well up under his helmet.
"If you need to go, go. I can get the Zeta Tubes working, see if I can get you-"
"No, that… that is not necessary." The prince reassured, his head held low. "Wakanda is the most technologically advanced nation on the planet. If they have fallen, my presence will not be enough to turn the tide." He shakily said, before looking up, anger burning in his eyes. "The fight is here. The world hangs on our victory."
Back at the founder statues, the others had gathered at the statue. Superboy and Wonder Girl stared at the statues of their namesakes, while Miss Martian went up to the statue of Martian Manhunter. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she fell to her knees as she began to sob. Trickshot knelt down next to her, wrapping an arm around her in support as she wept…only for her eyes to go wide as saucers.
"It can't be…" She gasped out, pushing Francis away as she hovered back. Her eyes glowed green as the rubble around Manhunters statue began to shift, and she lifted it up. Everyone's eyes widened, as the rubble was pulled aside to reveal… "Uncle J'onn!"
Indeed, it was the Martian Manhunter unconscious underneath his statue. When M'gann called his name, his green eyelids fluttered open, wincing as his eyes adjusted to the light. The Martian sat up, M'gann going to him… only for Trickshot to stand between her. "Francis, what are you-"
"We watched Manhunter get annihilated. Are we sure it's him?" Trickshot asked, as X-23's nose crinkled as she sniffed the air.
"It smells like him."
"Miss Martian, scan his mind! Make sure he is who he says he is!" Aqualad instructed, and she nodded.
"I'd know his mind touch anywhere! It's him, I'm sure of it!" Miss Martian reassured, floating down to help him up, wrapping him in a hug.
"I don't understand. You got annihilated with Superman. A-and the rest of the space team. What happened?" Superboy asked, and Manhunter frowned.
"I… I don't remember. I remember… Batman telling us to deploy, and then the beam, and then…" J'onn recalled, wincing as he held his hand to his temple. "I can't recall how I ended up here."
"You must have been density shifting when the beam hit you! That must be how you survived!" The younger Martian rationalized, and Manhunter frowned.
"That would explain why my mind is scrambled, but not how I arrived here. And I cannot help but feel as if I had something important to tell you. I… I remember Batman…" Wally's eyes widened.
"Hello, Wally! I can't believe I didn't think of this earlier!" He declared. "Nolan, meet me outside!"
"I'm a little busy. What's going on out there?"
"Explain later! Robin, come on!"
Five minutes later, Robin and Kid Flash were standing atop the Bioship, Kid Flash grinning as he read the scans. "I knew it!" The redhead excitedly declared, before switching back to the mindlink. "The cannon's giving off Zeta radiation!"
"The stuff that powers the tubes?"
"Exactly! This stuff doesn't disintegrate, it teleports!" Kid Flash excitedly declared, but Iron Knight frowned.
"That… doesn't sound right. Ignoring that what happened to Artemis and Vision didn't look anything like what happens when we teleport with the Tubes, Zeta beams don't work that way. The beam needs a transmitter and a receiver, which the Tubes act as. I didn't see anything like that when we integrated the cannon into the Bioship." Stark explained, but Wally didn't seem deterred.
"This is an alien civilization we know nothing about! They could have come up with technology that could harness and weaponize the beams, teleporting their targets to a predetermined location!" The speedster theorized. "This means that Artemis is alive! A-and Vision, and the rest of the League and everyone else!"
"That must be what you wanted to tell us, Uncle J'onn! Maybe you escaped from the aliens, and used one to get here!" Miss Martian excitedly declared, and Manhunter frowned.
"I… do not know. I have been transported by an ersatz Zeta Beam before, and it did not feel anything like this…"
"Nolan, what's the math on something like that?" Carter thought over the link, and Nolan bit his lip as he thought it over.
"Maybe? There could be a hundred explanations for why that thing's giving off Zeta radiation. It could be used as a teleport gun, like Wally said, or it could fire a form of energy we've never seen before that just looks like Zeta beam radiation. I'd have to take apart a cannon and examine it, conduct experiments…"
"There's no 'maybe' about it!"
"Get back inside. We need to discuss this more, in person." Aqualad stated, as Martian Manhunter noticed the shield on Francis's arm.
"Is that… Steve's shield?" He asked, and Trickshot gave a sheepish nod.
"Uh, yeah. One of Ross's men found it where Cap went down. Didn't want to leave it there. And I picked it up, because… well, someone had to, I guess." The archer explained.
"How does it feel?" J'onn asked, as his niece's boyfriend thought for a second.
"Kind of… heavy. Not the shield itself, but what it represents. Like I can feel everyone looking at us, ready to follow us into hell."
"I see…" The Martian muttered, as Kid Flash, Robin, Iron Knight, and White Wolf joined them in the main area.
"So what's the game plan? Knock out ships until we find an alien who can tell us where they're keeping the prisoners?"
"If they're taking prisoners." X-23 spoke up. "I'd love to find Artemis alive and well too, but we can't just go out on a limb like that without any kind of evidence."
"But if they are, isn't it worth the risk? Don't we owe it to them to at least try and break them out?" Wonder Girl countered, but Trickshot shook his head.
"Too big of a risk. The only surefire way to find out is to take one of those beams, but if Wally's wrong…"
"Shouldn't we at least try? Nolan, didn't you say that you could find out by taking a cannon apart?" Scarlet Spider asked, but Nolan frowned.
"We've only got the one, remember? I'd be dealing with completely foreign tech, and I'd have to completely take it apart and put it back together. That could take hours, maybe even days, and-"
"And that's time we simply do not have." Aqualad grimly cut off. "Kid Flash, I understand what you're feeling, but we need to keep a cool head. Nothing will be gained if we follow wild hypotheses."
"Isn't Manhunter being here, alive and well, all the proof we need? If he's alive, then the others have gotta be alive, and they need our help!"
"And what are the eleven of us going to do?" The group's resident prince put forward. "The world's greatest heroes have fallen, and the planet's military might is failing even as we speak. What hope do we have? Who will follow us? Who will place their faith in a bunch of children who hid while their mentors and families fell?"
"If I may…" J'onn spoke up, drawing their attention. "You are alive now for a reason. When this Team was formed, myself and your mentors discussed what would happen when a day such as this came around. We knew that, if we should fall, you would be there to fill our places, to protect this world to the bitter end. And so… we have prepared for this day." J'onn beckoned them to follow, all of them exchanging a look, before going to follow him.
They followed him back to the meeting room, watching as he pulled a book labeled 'The Heroic Age, by S. Lieber and J. Kutzberg.' A scanner emerged, scanning Martian Manhunter's face. "Activate Legacy Protocols, authorization: Martian Manhunter, 07."
"Recognized." The computer announced, and the book shelf pulled away to reveal a series of attache cases stacked in the wall. They counted about twelve, each one adorned with their mentors' emblems.
"We knew that, when the day would come, you would fill our roles as best you could, and so we left behind our symbols, so that you could inspire the world as we did. Symbols have power, and we believed that if anyone embodied what we stood for, it is all of you." Martian Manhunter stated, his face becoming crestfallen. "I… understand how selfish this would seem. To thrust our burdens upon you, to force you into our positions…"
"We do not have the luxury of thinking such thoughts." Aqualad cut off, staring at his case, the crest of the Atlantean Royal Family emblazoned in gold. "You had your faith that we would step up to fill your roles, to risk our lives for a better future, and to avenge those who fell before us, to ensure your sacrifices would now be in vain. And if avengers are what is needed, then Avengers are what we shall become."
The remaining members of the Team stepped forward, claiming their cases. Wally stared at the one with Green Arrow's symbol on it, before taking the case with a Flash symbol. Francis traced his hand over the purple 'H' and gold-trimmed black 'M' that represented his parents, before taking it off the wall. Jason stared at the black Bat symbol on his case, while Cass stared at a golden bat. T'zari took one emblazoned with the silver necklace worn by his father, while Cassie took the one with Diana's double W's on it. Carter took the one with the black spider of Spider-Man, while noticing Superboy staring at the 'S' he wore on his t-shirt.
"You ok?"
"Peachy." Refusing to elaborate any further, Connor yanked his case off the wall, as Nolan noticed his was more like a trunk.
"Couldn't do anything simple, could you, dad?" He muttered as he pulled it free, setting it down as the others took their cases, their emblems beginning to glow and scan them.
Francis had pulled his mask down, watching as holographic representations of Hawkeye and Mockingbird appeared before him. "Hey, kiddo. If you're seeing this… well, things probably aren't going too well. But if you are seeing this, you're alive, which is all that matters to us." Clint stated, as Bobbi smiled.
"We're sorry we left you like this, honey, but we know you're staying strong. You've never let anything get in your way, and I know you won't let whatever kind of hell that's happening out there stop you now."
"We just wanted to tell you we love you; of how proud we are of you. All this, everything we did with the League… it's all because of you, buddy. All so we could be the people worthy of having an awesome kid like you." Clint said, Francis's eyes tearing up as his father smiled. "Go knock 'em dead, kid."
Jason watched as a hologram of Batman appeared before him, the Dark Knight looking as grim and serious as ever. "Robin. If you're seeing this, that means that the League has failed. We've always known this day could come, and we've done our best to prepare you for it. To make you the best you can be, to…to…" Batman sighed, and in a move that surprised Jason, removed his cowl.
"Jason, you know I've never been the best at… emotions. When I started this mission, I was prepared to devote myself, mind, body, and soul, to the fight, and I was prepared to do it alone. But then came along Dick, and Barabara, and Cass, and… and you. You, Jason, pushed me to better myself, to approach things in ways I never considered, to think of the impact I've had in Gotham." Bruce said, letting out a sigh. "I… never wanted this for you. It's why I pushed for Dick to make his own symbols, one that you willingly took up. But this symbol… if you're seeing this, it means there's no other way. No other choice. Whatever has happened to make you see this, just know, I'm so proud of you all, and… I love you, Jason." Jason couldn't help the tears at the edge of his eyes as he stared at the all black Batsuit in his hands.
Cass watched as a hologram of Batman appeared before her. "Cassandra. In the brief time you've been with us, you've grown so much. You've become your own person, not the weapon you were made to be. Please, keep growing, and do so with your head held high."
A hologram of Aquaman appeared before Kaldur, a proud, yet sad look in eyes.
"Kaldur. If you're seeing this, the worst has happened, and dark days are upon you. However, if anyone has the strength to carry on, I know it's you. The past few years of being your mentor are among the proudest I've ever been." Arthur complimented, before his smile faded into a frown. "There's… a lot I want to tell you. A lot you deserved to know, but you deserve better than to learn them like this. Perhaps, one day, you'll find them out on your own, and you'll find it in your heart to forgive me. But what I can tell you is that there is no one more deserving of the mantle of Aquaman, of being the bridge between land and sea. Please, never lose sight of who you are, and make all of us proud." Arthur bade, and Kaldur wiped the tear from his eye.
"As you command, my King…"
Superboy was surprised as a hologram of Superman appeared before him, looking noticeably unsure. "Hello, Super… boy. I… I'm not sure what to say. Captain America asked me to make this, but…" Superman trailed off, before sighing.
"There I am, trying to come up with another excuse. We haven't spoken much, and when we have, I haven't treated you the best. I know you think you're to blame, but the truth is, it's all my fault. As I'm sure you know, I'm the last survivor of Krypton. I have been my entire life, and as hard as it has been, I learned to live with knowing I was the last Kryptonian. And then you showed up. You'd think I would be overjoyed at not being alone any more, right? I'd spent years dreaming of finding someone like me, and then one day, I did. But you weren't what I expected. You weren't a survivor, you were… made, here, on Earth, by people I knew nothing about. And I let that shock turn to doubts, turn to distrust, turn to contempt. And the truth is, you didn't deserve any of that. It might not mean much now, but I am genuinely sorry for not being there, Superboy. You are now the Last Son of Krypton." Superman apologized, looking down at the symbol on his chest as Superboy clenched his fist.
"Most people see this, they think it's an S. But actually, it's the crest of the House of El, my… our… family. And in the Kryptonian alphabet, it means 'hope.' When I learned that, I knew I had to display it. Not just as a symbol of my heritage, but what it represented, of that hope for the future. And as much as I hate to do it like this, it's your symbol to carry on now as well. I know you'll wear it well."
"... I'll try." Connor muttered, respectfully bowing his head and staring at the costume within his case.
A frown crossed Cassie's face as a hologram of Diana appeared before her, a sad smile on her face. "Hello, Cassie. If you're seeing this, then the worst has happened. I hate to have dragged you into my world, only to then abandon you so soon, but I do not fear for you, Cassie. In the short time you've been my protege, you've consistently astonished me with your ingenuity, integrity, compassion, and determination. I am more than proud to consider you not just my protege, not just a fellow Amazon, but as my sister. When we first met again, after all those years, you apologized for using my symbol, but you're more than worthy of carrying on the ideals of truth and justice my mother imparted in me. Remember: Never kill when you can wound, do not wound if you can subdue, never subdue when you can pacify, and-"
"And never raise your hand without extending it first. I remember, Diana." Cassie spoke along, opening the case to reveal a red, blue, and gold uniform.
Carter had pulled off his mask as a hologram of Spider-Man appeared before him, noticing that Peter had pulled off his own mask as well. "Hey, Carter. So, if you're seeing this… well, I'm sure you don't need to be reminded that things suck right now. You know, when I first started doing this, I didn't think I'd be making anything like this. Honestly, I didn't think I'd have anyone like you in my life, either." Peter said, rubbing the back of his neck. "So when I met you, the entire time I thought 'what the hell am I doing? I've got no business having a sidekick.' But then despite having an utter screw up for a teacher, you went and showed me up at every step of the way. Almost made me jealous, seeing how well you took to all this. You weren't just amazing, you were spectacular, incredible, uncanny, and a whole buncha adjectives that suit you better than me. It's why I'm leaving you this. It's something I wanted you to give you one day, and I know you'll wear it better than me. Good luck, bud, and remember: it's not just a jump…"
"It's a leap of faith." Carter finished, the hologram giving a proud nod as Carter opened the case.
T'zari had removed his helmet, as holograms of T'challa and a woman in orange, regal attire with a fox shaped amulet around her neck appeared before him. "Hello, T'zari. If you are seeing this, then I am truly sorry. It was never my intention to leave you so early, to not see the man we know you will become." T'challa stated.
"Every parent hopes they've prepared their children to carry on without them, but we know you're ready." Mari reassured. "You're the culmination of two proud, powerful bloodlines. On my side, the warriors of Zambesi…"
"And the kings and leaders of the Panther Tribe. Two proud lineages, and you are the best of all of us. Know that, wherever we are now, we will be watching over you, proud to be your parents." T'challa stated, T'zari giving a proud Wakandan salute.
"(I will not disappoint you. Either of you.)" He replied in Xhosha, opening the case to reveal a black cape with a necklace and medallion similar to Mari's.
A hologram of Logan appeared before Laura, the older mutant looking uncharacteristically uncertain. "Hey, Laura. Sorry you're having to see this, kid. I know you and I ain't exactly the kind for all that misty-eyed, lovey dovey crap, and now ain't exactly the time for that. What I do want to tell you is that you're gonna knuckle down and pull through whatever kind of hell is rainin' down on you, and you're gonna make whatever wanna be god or alien invasion or whatever regret ever crawlin' out of bed. Go give 'em hell, kid."
"Sir, yes sir." Laura replied, opening her case to reveal the blue and yellow costume within.
Nolan raised an eyebrow at the large, trunk-like case with the Stark Industries logo on it, noticing that it was noticeably larger than the others. "Always had to be the show off, didn't you…" Nolan muttered, as a hologram of Tony appeared before him.
"Hey there, Nolan. I'm sorry you have to see this. There's… well, there's a lot I want to tell you. First and foremost, I'm proud of you. Prouder than you'll ever know. For a long time, I was… I was not a good person. All I had to my name was a legacy of death and destruction. And then… you came along. And suddenly, I wanted to be better. I tried to be, but it wasn't until I became Iron Man that I knew how I could be that. The Suit, the League… it's all because of you. You inspired me to be better, inspired me to actually try and make the world a better place. And then you grow up, and you blow anything I've made out of the water. You, Nolan, are my greatest creation, and I know you'll do me proud. I love you, Nolan. Now go change the world." As Tony spoke, Nolan looked down at the ground, a frown spreading across his face as he clenched his fist. The trunk opened to reveal a red and gold Iron Man suit, one with a more angular face plate.
And finally, Wally saw a hologram of the Flash appear before him. "Hey, Wally. I know this probably isn't how you envisioned this day. And for what it's worth, I didn't, either. I wanted to be there, to hand it off to you knowing that the legacy was in good hands." Barry said, looking down at the symbol on his chest. "You know, Jay didn't have a circle behind his lightning bolt when he was the Flash. But when I was making my costume after the accident, I decided I didn't want to just do what he did before. I wanted to put my own mark on it, to make it mine. I want you to do the same. Make it your own, and keep moving forward." However, as Barry spoke, Wally wasn't looking at him. Rather, he was looking back at the wall of cases, his eyes burning a hole in the case with Artemis's symbol on it.
M'gann opened her case, revealing a small, red and black medallion in it. "Uncle J'onn, what is this?" She asked her uncle.
"It is a kuru medallion."" M'gann's eyes widened at this. Kuru medallions were heirlooms passed down from generation to generation, containing genealogical memories of those who came before. Martian families typically presented this to their children upon reaching adolescence, to help the maturing Martian find their path and know their roots. M'gann had received one as well, but she had left it back on Mars. "It belongs…belonged, I should say…to my daughter, Kh'ym." M'gann's jaw dropped, as she tried handing the Medallion back to her uncle.
"Uncle J'onn, I can't accept this."
"No, I insist. I had it in my hands when the Zeta Beam hit me, and brought me to Earth. For decades, this was my only reminder of home. In my darkest moments, when I doubted if I would ever see our people or my family, I would clutch this medallion, and think of home. Of your mother, of the rest of my brothers and sisters, of the wife and daughter I had buried. It carried me through many a dark time, and I hope for it to do the same for you." J'onn's lips twitched into a smile, his hand grasping M'gann's shoulder.
"We may not have known each other long, M'gann, but believe me when I say that you are the exact kind of woman I had hoped my daughter would have grown into. I am proud to call you my family, and I know your parents would be just as proud as I am." M'gann returned his smile, wrapping him into a tight hug.
"I won't let you down, Uncle J'onn."
"I know you won't." The Manhunter from Mars responded, looking at the other members of the Team donning their new equipment. "None of you will."
A short while later, the Team had donned their new outfits. Kaldur now wore an orange shirt, with golden armor along his arms and neck, his belt buckle now bright gold. Francis had ditched his mask and now wore a long sleeved coat with a purple downwards arrow on the chest, purple accents along the back and arms, still carrying Cap's shield on his right arm.
Superboy now wore a capeless version of Superman's uniform, and instead of the red trunks, a red belt with a golden 'S' on it circled his waist. T'zari's armor color had changed from white to black, as he now wore a short, high collared cape, with the Zambesi totem around his neck. Laura wore a yellow and blue version of her current uniform, the markings similar to that of her father. Cassie's uniform had changed from red to red, blue, and gold, with a blue armored skirt around her waist.
Carter had changed into the red and blue of Spider-Man, with the spider symbol on his chest reaching around his shoulders and waist to connect with the symbol on his back.
Wally's new costume was a red version of his current costume, the yellow circle and red bolt replaced with a silver outline of the circle and bolt.
Cassandra's new Batgirl costume had a golden bat symbol, and she had ditched the stitched together, eyeless mask in favor of a new domino mask.
Nolan hit a button, stuck his arms into two holes and pulled. The Red and Gold armor encasing him, the plates smoother, the arc reactor in the chest looking like a pyramid stood on its tip, the angular gold face plate sliding into place last.
M'gann had shifted her uniform to one resembling her stealth look, the red "X" converging to the medallion she wore on her neck.
And finally, Jason wore a black, armored Batsuit.
After everyone was changed, Laura was clenching her fist, popping her claws in and out. "You know, I saw you do that when you got your old clothes, too." A voice remarked, and she looked to see Jason approaching her in his new armored Batsuit, his cowl tucked under his arm.
"Always meant to ask what the deal with that was."
"It's to make sure I can get my claws out without any problems. Fortunately, Logan made sure they were tailor made." She remarked, looking her boyfriend over. "You fill that out quite nicely."
"Why, thank you. I had Batman make sure the abs were sculpted to match mine. You like?" He teased, striking a pose, much to Laura's amusement.
"What're the others doing?"
"Kaldur doesn't want to leave Ross and his men on their own, so they're trying to get in touch with… well, anyone who can talk. Meanwhile, Nolan's working on getting the Zeta Tubes back online again. That way, we'll be able to move about a little more freely." Jason explained, before looking down at the Wolverine mask Laura had set on a rock. "Not feeling the cowl?" He asked, and Laura frowned as she looked at it.
"I… don't know. The colors are one thing, but putting on the cowl, being Wolverine… I don't know if I deserve it."
"Hey, enough of that. If anyone deserves it, it's you." The Teen Wonder commented, taking her hand in his. "Just think of how far you've come in the past few months, Laura. Six months ago, you were in a Cadmus test tube, and now? You're a cheerleader, you're on a Team, you've helped save the world like… two or three times at this point, and if I do say so myself, you've got a pretty kick ass boyfriend." Laura smirked at this, taking his other hand in hers.
"Eh, the verdict's still out on that last part." She teased, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her smile wavered, as she looked into Jason's eyes, sadness clouding her emerald hues. "Jason… there's a lot about me you don't know. That I haven't been entirely truthful about. Stuff I should've told all of you sooner, even Logan. If you knew what I really was… none of you would-"
"Hey, save all that 'none of you would look at me the same' stuff. Remember, I didn't exactly have the most wholesome upbringing either. I already know all I need to know about you. Whatever happened before, that's in the past. All that matters is the here, and the now." He reassured, and Laura smiled. She leaned in and kissed him, before pulling back.
"Jason… I…"
Vmmmmmm….
Both of their blood ran cold as they heard the low hum of energy from the wall behind them, as the two looked each other in the eye. A single moment seemed to stretch into eternity, as a million silent words were said. Everything they wanted to tell each other, everything they felt, a million hellos and goodbyes…
And then Jason shoved Laura back, as an energy blast tore through the walls of the Hall of Justice and reduced Jason Todd into nothing. Laura didn't have time to be shocked, squeezing back tears as she thought over the link.
"They're here!"
"We noticed!" Superboy thought from outside, tossing a piece of rubble that destroyed a ship flying by as a new wave assaulted the Hall. "They came out of nowhere!"
"Miss Martian, have the Bioship lay down cover fire and-" Aqualad started to order from the central room, and just as Miss Martian started to maneuver the bioship, an energy blast hit their craft, disintegrating it. Miss Martian let out a scream as the feedback drove her to her knees, Trickshot catching her.
"M'gann, are you ok?" He asked, as the Martian trembled.
"That… didn't feel… like…"
"Everyone inside, now!" Aqualad ordered, as the Team pulled back from their various spots as the aliens fired upon them. Batgirl attempted to throw a batarang, only for a blast to hit her in the chest. She didn't even scream as an orb of energy enveloped her, Scarlet Spider's eyes widening as Batgirl vanished.
"Cass, no!"
"Watch out!" T'zari pulled Carter out of the way of a blast, shoving him towards the central room. "Go! I will hold them off!"
"T'zari, don't be stupid! No point in throwing your life away!"
"If even one of you gets away, it will have been worth it! Go, now!" Scarlet Spider wasn't happy about it, but he nodded. T'zari activated his abilities, the silhouette of a panther enveloping him. He ran towards a crashed car, leaping off of it and slashing a passing ship's engines, his vibranium claws tearing through the metal effortlessly. He leapt off that into another, slicing open the navigational controls and the wires, causing the ship to veer off. "This is for my people…" He growled out, as he steered his ship towards three fliers. "Wakanda Forever!" With his yell, his ship crashed into the formation, all ships exploding into flame and twisted metal.
Back in the meeting room, the rest of the Team had managed to regroup. "T'zari… he stayed behind to let me get inside. We've got to go out there and help him!" Carter tried to plead, but J'onn frowned.
"No. We cannot help him now."
"What do you mean no?! He's out there by himself and-" Carter's eyes widened as he realized what Manhunter was really saying, clenching his fists.
"Rob… Jason's gone too." Laura's voice stated, her costume claws still having flecks of alien metal on it as she entered the meeting room, the doors sealing shut behind her. "They'll pay for this."
"Only if we survive today." Aqualad stated. "Nolan, are the tubes working?"
"Just… one… second…" Nolan groaned out, as the computer turned green.
"Zeta Tube Network: Online. Warning: Multiple terminals compromised. Lockdown initiated."
"Talk about cutting it close… Manhunter can override the lockdown, but we've gotta make it quick." He sighed out, Aqualad nodding to Manhunter.
"We'll need you to authorize the soldiers through. Once they're through, then-"
"Belay that!" Ross called from his cover. "You kids are assets we cannot afford to lose!"
"General, if we leave now, there's no way you guys are making it out of here!" Trickshot protested, but Ross shook his head.
"That's a sacrifice I'm prepared to make, son, as is every man here! Victory at any cost, even if we're not all here to see it!" Manhunter grimly nodded, before turning back to the Team.
"I can only authorize one person at a time. We must be quick about this." They all nodded, as Martian Manhunter went over to the terminal. "Override Lockdown. Authorization: Martian Manhunter, 0-7. Password: My'ri'ah."
"Recognized." The Zeta Tube began to power up, Manhunter giving a nod. They watched as X-23 went first, followed by Miss Martian, then Scarlet Spider. However, as Kid Flash was being scanned, the door exploded, sending rubble flying everywhere. Before Kid Flash could turn around, Superboy shoved him into the glowing tube, the speedster vanishing as alien blasts began assailing the room, leaving only Aqualad, Superboy, Trickshot, Wonder Girl, Iron Knight, and Martian Manhunter. The soldiers began laying down cover fire, but one by one, blasts hit them, disintegrating each one. Trickshot and Iron Knight began laying down cover fire, and Superboy was about to join the fray…
"Help! M-my legs!" It was Thompson, one of the soldiers who had been comparing Superboy to Superman. His legs had been pinned under rubble, and while his friend Bard was trying to help him, an alien blast removed him from existence.
"Go! I've got you!" Trickshot yelled out as he fired arrows, Superboy giving a nod. He ran past disappearing soldiers, flipping up the rubble to use as a shield from the blast. He carried the marine over, looking at Manhunter.
"He goes first." Manhunter gave a nod, as he began authorizing the Marine.
"Recognize: Thompson, Eugene. Corporal, USMC." Thompson grunted as he supported his weight, looking back at Connor with a smile.
"Thanks for the save, Superman."
"I'm not-" Superboy tried to protest, but the corporal was already through the tube. Superboy shook it out of his head, turning back to his remaining teammates. "Who's next?!"
"You are the closest!" Manhunter stated, but Superboy shook his head as he was scanned.
"Uh uh! Francis, get over here!" Superboy made to move towards Trickshot, only for Wonder Girl to place a hand on his chest.
"Connor, stop being a stubborn ass for once and do what you're told!" Cassie retorted, and he scowled.
"I will when everyone else is through!"
"No! Go now, and we'll follow!"
"And let you get killed? Hell no! I'm not going to stand back and-"
"Oh for god's sake…" Before Connor could protest any further, Cassie grabbed the back of his head, pressing her lips to his as an explosion went off behind him. Cassie pulled back, sadly smiling at the stunned Kryptonian. "Goodbye, Connor." Before Connor could protest, Cassie shoved him into the tube, watching as he faded into light. Cassie took a deep breath, before turning around.
The sky rumbled with thunder, barely audible over the assault, as Wonder Girl launched forward. She tore through the encroaching alien ships, a red, blue, and gold blur smashing through three ships, using her lasso to grab a falling ship and slam it into another, and then another, before tossing it into another. Six ships fell around her, but even more were encroaching on the Hall, circling her. She deflected as many as she could, but one managed to get by her bracelets, and thus the Wonder Girl was no more.
As Cassie charged forward, Nolan turned to Martian Manhunter. "J'onn, we need to get you through, now! I can set my armor to keep the override going, long enough for the others to get through."
"I will not leave you all behind!"
"They need you more than they need us! Go, J'onn, now!" Trickshot stated, and Manhunter frowned.
"... Very well. But be warned, M'gann will not forgive me if I leave you behind."
"I'll be right behind. Go!" Manhunter nodded, vanishing into the tube's light. They listened as the ruckus outside ceased, signifying Cassie's end.
"They're coming back!" As Ross said that, a beam hit him, eliminating the mustached general. The assault renewed, Iron Knight frantically typed on the console, as the Tube powered back up.
"The failsafe's disabled, more than one person can pass through! Can't guarantee you won't get fused, but it probably beats the alternative!"
"We will not leave you behind!" Aqualad protested, and Nolan actually chuckled.
"Sorry, Kaldur. If I'm going to die, I'm at least going to go out being useful for once."
"What are you-" Iron Knight flew forward without another word, firing repulsor blasts at the approaching aliens. Once he exited the meeting room, he unleashed a massive unibeam blast, destroying any aliens in his path. Ten ships were destroyed before one managed to hit him, both Iron and Knight being reduced to nothingness.
As Nolan bought them time, Francis turned to Kaldur. "Go, Kaldur. Before they come back."
"I refuse."
"Oh for… you know, offering to stay back was cool when Superboy did it, but after Wonder Girl and Knight, it's kind of losing its luster!" Trickshot retorted. "They need you more than they need me. If they're getting through this, it's with you in charge."
"You may call me selfish, but I refuse to let anyone else sacrifice themselves for me. I'm giving you an order to go. Now!"
"Sorry, boss but I just lost my family and my best friend, I'm putting my foot down. You give the better speeches, so you-" An explosion cut Francis off, as an alien ship emerged from a hole into the meeting room, the red cockpit leering down at them. Trickshot reached for an arrow, but before he could nock it, Aqualad grabbed his shoulder.
"I leave it in your hands." And with that, Francis was shoved back into the Zeta Tube, the golden light consuming him.
"Kaldur, no!" He called out, golden light consuming him as he watched Kaldur fade away into a skeleton. The noise of explosions and fire was replaced with the eerie quiet of the Cave, as Francis landed on his back, staring at the ceiling in a stunned silence.
"Francis!" M'gann called out, rushing to his side. "Are you ok?"
"I'm… I'm fine. Where…"
"Zeta Tube Network: Offline." The computer announced, as the shock set in for Francis.
"No…" He gasped out, as a certain Kryptonian stormed over.
"Where is she?! Where's Cassie?!" Superboy asked, as Francis stumbled to his feet.
"She… she's gone. Nolan's gone, and Kaldur… Kaldur's gone…" He gasped out, as Scarlet Spider's eyes widened.
"We should've never left. We should've stayed and fought, we-"
"We can't help Artemis and the others if we get captured too!" Kid Flash protested, and X-23 scowled.
"Oh, don't tell me you're still on that prisoner crap! They're gone, Wally! Artemis, Vision, Jason, they're all gone! We're the only ones left!"
"I refuse to accept that! They're not dead! They can't be!"
"Wally's right. These assholes didn't just come here and start blowing stuff up for no reason. Cassie needs… I mean, everyone needs our help!" Superboy agreed, Scarlet Spider stepping between X and the other two.
"Guys, let's… let's just calm down. We haven't seen anything that indicates anything."
"I watched Jason die. We can't help anyone if we can't-" As the remaining Team members began to argue, Francis stumbled away into a corner of the briefing room, the ringing in his ears drowning out the arguments unfolding. Kaldur… Kaldur was gone. Their leader was gone, sacrificing himself to let him get away. And not just Kaldur, but Nolan, Cassie, Jason, Cass, T'zari, Artemis, Vision, his mom, his dad, the rest of the League, everyone they'd all ever known… all gone.
And yet they were still here. As were countless other people, all of them depending on them to save the day and carry on into a brighter tomorrow. Something that couldn't be done if they stood around and argued. Francis stared at the shield on his arm, thinking of the man who carried it before him. Of how he never surrendered, even when the odds were against him, of how he stood as a beacon of hope to all who saw him. Francis closed his eyes, took a deep breath…
And opened them again, things clicking into place as things were made clear.
"That's enough!" He yelled, cutting off the arguments as he stormed into the briefing area. "There's no denying, things look bad. Worse than anything any of us have seen before. But if all we can do is stand around and argue, then we've pretty much already lost. Every single one of our friends gave their lives so we could carry on the fight. And if they are alive like Wally thinks they are, then they're counting on us to help them. Either way, we have a job to do." The Team was silent, mulling over Francis's words, before Laura looked at him.
"What do you want us to do?" She asked, as Francis turned to J'onn.
"Before the satellites went down, Nolan had them tracking the fleet's movement. Can you access it?"
"Yes, just a moment." J'onn stated, pulling up the holomap covered with red dots from earlier. Francis's eyes scanned the globe, looking at the massive red dots on each continent.
"Each of those red dots is positioned as centered as you can get them on each continent. These must be the motherships, where they're coordinating the invasion fleets. And if they are indeed kidnapping people, this is the logical place to keep them." The archer analyzed, pulling up an analysis of the mothership. "Our only option is to hit the North America mothership, and hit it hard. Superboy, I'm guessing you're pissed?"
"You've got no idea." Connor growled out.
"Then we'll point you at them. Your job is going to be to make as much noise as possible, and the best way to do that is to raise hell at their front door."
"Wait, you're seriously going to sacrifice him like that?" Carter protested. "Connor's going to be sitting duck out there all by himself, and it'll only be a matter of time before he gets got. A distraction like that just isn't worth it."
"I'll go with him." Laura spoke up. "We started this whole thing together, we might as well end it together. Plus, I've got some payback to deal out."
"Uh uh, no way. I don't like using you guys as bait. Aqualad would never-"
"You're right, he wouldn't. Kaldur would use himself as bait, sacrificing himself for the mission. A decision that just cost all of us our leader. A pissed off kryptonian and mutant are going to be the biggest threat to the aliens."
"Worst case, they get teleported inside, and we spring them with Artemis. A-and the others, of course." Wally rationalized, but Carter didn't look convinced.
"I still don't-"
"Carter." Laura stated, drawing his attention. "This is what we were made to do. To kill who needs killing, to hurt who needs hurting."
"While they're raising hell, we'll split into two teams. M'gann and J'onn will phase in from one side, while Carter, Wally, and I go in through one of the launch bays. Once inside, we'll meet up, and find the…" Francis cast a look at Wally. "...find the detention facility, and free the others."
"Sounds like a plan. When do we leave?" Superboy agreed.
"There is an old Quinjet kept in the Hangar Bay, in case the Bioship became… unavailable. It should take me an hour or so to get it operational." Martian Manhunter stated, and Trickshot nodded.
"Then we leave in an hour. Until then, rest up… and mourn the ones we've lost." Francis stated.
A short while later, Laura was in her room, staring at a picture of her and Jason. He'd come to watch her at a football game, so he could 'see the Bumblebees in action.' That had been a week ago, and now…
"Hey." A voice stated, and Laura looked up to see Superboy standing in her doorway. "Are, uh… you good?"
"Yeah. Rage is a hell of a way to tighten your focus."
"Believe me, I know." Superboy growled out, looking at the cheerleader uniform hanging in Laura's closet. "Do you… think they're still alive? Wendy, Marvin, Mal, Karen…"
"I can only hope so. If not… Well, it's just another reason to give them hell."
Francis was in the trophy room, pacing in front of the souvenirs. "If I could figure out how to work Nolan's suits, we could… no, we don't have the time to figure that out. Maybe if we can get a call through to Alpha Flight, then… no, if the League's gone, they're gone too." Francis muttered to himself, before looking at the Helmet of Fate on the wall. "Maybe…"
"I wouldn't if I were you." A voice spoke up, and Francis turned to see Carter right behind him. "After what Wally told me about that thing, I wouldn't put it on now, even with as bad as things are."
"Gotta consider every option."
"Is that what all the pacing's about? I've never seen you like this before." Carter stated. "Nervous?"
Francis sighed, shaking his head, "No, just… thinking about all the options." The archer answered, looking at the shield he'd set against the wall. "I just… I can't stop thinking about what you said. You're right. Kaldur, Steve, Batman… they wouldn't sacrifice Superboy and Laura like that. I'm trying to find another option, but I just can't."
"Sometimes… sometimes there isn't any better option. I know you didn't ask for this, man,and I know you're doing your best." The webslinger reassured.
"And it's not just them. Wally's committed to this whole prisoner thing. I'm worried he's going to do something stupid…"
"Hey, let me handle Wally. I think I know how I can keep him busy until we're ready to go." The spider stated, and Francis let out a sigh of relief.
"Thanks, man. I appreciate it." Francis thanked, as Carter noticed a presence in the door.
"I'm uh, going to get on that. Later, man." Before Francis could wonder why Carter was leaving, he was soon given an answer: M'gann, standing in the doorway.
"Hey."
"Hey, Megs. How's your uncle?"
"He's doing fine. Still a little scrambled, but he's getting the Quinjet ready."
"And… how are you?" He asked, and she sighed.
"I'm… I'm tired, Francis. Losing the bioship… it hurt. And not just her. Artemis, Jason, Cassie…"
"I know, Megs. I miss them too."
"No, it's not just that." She said, tears welling up. "I was in their heads when they… when they died. I felt it. I felt how scared and afraid they were, and… and then they were gone." As tears fell down her face, Francis pulled her close, into a hug.
"Hey, hey, it's ok. I'm sorry you had to feel all that."
"I… I don't want to feel you go away too. The thought of it… I can't…"
"M'gann, I..." Francis started to say, sighing as he rubbed small circles in her back. "I… I can't promise that you won't feel that. I'm scared too, there's no denying that. But if we let our fear keep us from doing what needs doing, we'll be letting the others down."
"I know you're right, but… but that doesn't make the thought of it any easier. I just… I wish we had more time."
"I know, Megs. It's not fair. But the past few months have been so incredible, I wouldn't trade what we have for anything." Francis tilted M'gann's head up by the chin, looking her directly in the eyes. "I love you. I… I just wanted to get that out there, in case-"
"It's ok." She reassured, cupping his cheek with her hand. "I love you, too."
Back in the briefing area, Carter was writing in a notepad as Wally furtively typed away at the holographic keypad. "Any luck?"
"I'm not exactly Nolan, but I think I've got it working. Should be ready whenever you are."
"Awesome, knew you could do it." Carter responded, Wally raising an eyebrow as he looked at what Carter was writing.
"Little cliche, isn't it?"
"Hey, you try writing a big, heroic speech. I'm not exactly trying to win an Oscar, here."
"Yeah, yeah…" Wally sighed out, looking at the holographic read out of the mothership.
"Gettin' nervous?"
"No. Well, kinda, but… she's there. She's gotta be." The speedster reaffirmed. "It's just… she can't be dead. She wouldn't just… die. Not like that." Wally seemed to realize what he was saying, his eyes widening. "I mean… everyone else couldn't-"
"I know, Wally. I know." The webslinger reassured, looking at his notepad. "Well, now's as good a time as any. Let's get everyone together."
Happy Harbor
Alien ships flew over the high school, a set of shutters over the gymnasium momentarily parting to allow a set of eyes to watch them fly by. Rick Jones frowned as he watched them fly past, over the burning city of Happy Harbor. "See anything, Mister Jones?" Wendy asked, but Rick shook his head.
"Nothing good. I'm starting to get worried that this is everyone who's coming." Rick remarked, looking back over the roughly two dozen students they'd been able to get into the gym when the invasion hit Happy Harbor. "I've been in some tight jams before, but this is something else…"
"Whoa, I got something!" Marvin declared, typing on his phone. "I got a signal! And… some sort of livestream…" The phones of the students began going off, and they all watched as their screens were taken up with a feed of Superboy and X-23. "Wait, is that… Connor and Laura?"
"Why are they dressed up like Superman and Wolverine?"
"I knew something was weird about those guys…" Mal muttered, none of them noticing a proud smile on Rick's face.
"People of Earth. If you're seeing this, it means you've survived. We know all seems lost, but the night is always darkest before the dawn." Superboy stated, as X-23 stepped forward.
"The one thing the aliens cannot destroy is hope. Hope survives so long as even one person draws breath…"
Belle Reve Penitentiary
"...and endures as long as they continue to fight, no matter who they are or where they are."
Warden Sofen and Peacemaker watched as various supervillains armed themselves. Captain Cold checked the charge of his cold gun, Deadshot loaded a fresh clip into his wrist guns, Screaming Mimi glared at Cheetah, Captain Boomerang polished a boomerang, and The Shocker readied his gauntlets, among others.
Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, Westchester, New York
Beast and Emma Frost oversaw several of the older students as they changed into the yellow and black uniforms to the X-Men, as Kid Flash began to speak over the livestream.
"It doesn't matter how many fall, for new heroes will rise up and carry on, bringing all their strength, their resources, their talents to bear to defeat the enemy!"
The elevator behind them hissed open, the two administrators turning to see Red Arrow, Rocket, Zatanna, Tula, and Garth emerge.
New York City
"The people of Earth will survive this. We will rebuild, we will thrive, and we will endure. Never doubt, and never forget, the Earth will never surrender!" Scarlet Spider's voice boomed over the refugee center, Sarah Alenko giving a proud smile as the survivors began to clap and cheer, one elderly man raising his fist.
"Excelsior!"
Smallville, Kansas
Trickshot was peering through a pair of high powered binoculars, observing the alien ship as the others were unloaded from the Quinjet. "See anything?" Miss Martian asked beside him, and he shook his head.
"Nothing, not even a patrol. They're pretty cocky, but that works out well for our plan." He answered, putting the binoculars down. "Stay close to J'onn. I think he's still a little wonky…"
"I will." She replied. He smiled and gave a nod, before turning back to the remaining members of the Team, who were looking to him.
"We all know the score. It's all or nothing. We mess this up, no second chances."
"Then we won't mess up." Scarlet Spider remarked, earning a small smile from the Team's impromptu leader.
"That's the spirit. Team one, go!" Miss Martian squeezed his hand, before she and Martian Manhunter flew off. They flew beside one another, both cloaking as they approached the base of the ship. The turrets didn't even notice as they flew past, the two Martians nearing their designated entry point. Miss Martian grabbed Martian Manhunter's hand as they became immaterial, passing through the bulkhead with little to no effort, save for momentary discomfort from Miss Martian.
"We're in position." As soon as Miss Martian said that over the mindlink, Trickshot took a deep breath. This was the part he was least looking forward to.
"Team two, you're up. Give them hell."
"Yes, sir." Superboy growled out, and as X-23 grabbed onto his back, she looked back at the rest of the Team.
"Thanks, guys. For everything." And with that, Superboy leapt off, hurtling towards the mother ship. He landed on a turret, using it as a stepping stone to leap to another. X-23 let go half way through the leap, claws popping as she dived into a turret. Her adamantium claws sliced through the metal like butter, disabling the turret as Superboy landed. "Remember, don't disconnect the power!"
"I know, I know!" He yelled back, digging his hands under a turret and pulling it up. The Teen of Steel took care not to disconnect the power as he settled it on his shoulder, finding the firing mechanism. "Alright, you glorified trespassers! You wanna see how a real alien fights?! Come and get it!" The cannon charged up and fired, the blast destroying the turret he was aiming at.
It was about fifteen seconds later that he heard a noise behind him, looking back to see the bay doors opening on the side. Countless ships poured out, darkening the night sky as they swarmed around the ship. "Now or never!" Superboy yelled over the mindlink. Back by the Quinjet, Trickshot held onto Kid Flash's back, as he looked to Scarlet Spider.
"You ready?"
"Oh yeah." Scarlet Spider attached two weblines to two trees, pulling back and building tension. "Three…Two… One…" They watched as a ship left a port. "Now!" Carter was slingshotted forward as Wally began to run, Francis holding on to the speedster for dear life as they leapt towards the mothership. They landed in the launch bay, narrowly getting out of the way as a ship flew past.
"Easy part's over with. Let's get going." Trickshot ordered as he removed Cap's shield from his back and unfolded his bow, the three moving forward. After a few feet they slid into cover behind a pillar, as a drone with spindly legs floated past. Scarlet Spider's spider sense went off, turning to see another drone glaring right at them. Before he could react, he watched the drone crumple in on itself before ripping in two. The others turned around to see Martian Manhunter and Miss Martian uncloaking behind them. Without a word, the group moved forward, moving deeper into the mothership.
Outside
Whatever Superboy aimed the cannon at disappeared, as he liberally fired it at any ships that tried getting close. And any that he couldn't hit, X-23 had leapt to disable, leaping off just as they crashed into the next one. However, this failed to last forever, for as soon as she landed, a beam of energy hit her.
"Laura!" Superboy yelled, his momentary distraction allowing a ship to blast his cannon. The explosion knocked him back, but he recovered. "Alright, you damn vultures! Come and get-"
Inside
The Team had been moving further inside the ship, only for Miss Martian to gasp, stumbling as she leaned against the wall. "No…"
"MM, everything good?" Scarlet Spider asked, but she shook her head.
"Connor and Laura… they're gone." Trickshot frowned, but Wally didn't seem perturbed.
"Don't worry! Once we get to the detention facility, we can free them and-"
"No." Manhunter cut off. "My mind is clearer now. The disintegration beam is just that. There is no detention facility. Artemis and the others… they are truly gone. I am sorry."
"No! You're here, so there's gotta be-"
"I am sorry, Kid Flash. Our mission here holds no purpose."
"That's not true, it's just not a rescue anymore." Trickshot spoke up. "I've got my quiver stuffed with enough explosive arrowheads to bring down a building. We get to the power core, we can take down the ship, break their hold on North America." The archer stated, and Kid Flash turned back to the older boy.
"You knew. You never thought they were alive, did you? Even back when we were planning this, you never thought they were coming back with us." Kid Flash asked glaring at him, but in a half hearted sad kind of way.
"Wally, now's not the time to-"
"No, he's right." Trickshot answered. "I hoped they were alive too, but I had to think pragmatically. I'm sorry, Wally, but I needed your head in the game. I knew it wouldn't be if I voiced what I thought."
"Never thought you could be so cold, Francis. We will talk after this for now, what's the real plan?" Wally demanded, shoulders slightly slumped.
"Like I said, I have the necessary explosives. We get to the core, set them up, then we get out and blow this ship straight to hell. Hopefully it breaks their hold and then we can rally worldwide." Trickshot explained.
"Debating it won't do us any good. Let's get moving." Scarlet Spider beckoned, as they started to move.
"Let me lead the way. I can scope out further ahead safely, besides I have some shit to work through." Wally admitted.
"No, we stick together and stick to the plan. Carter's Spider-Sense makes him a better scout."
"And I'm faster, I'll be back in a moment's notice." Wally protested, and Francis grabbed his shoulder.
"KF, calm down. Let's-"
"Just… let me do this. Please. You owe me that much."
"I… Okay, you go right Carter left, both report back here with what you find. Just be-" Kid Flash rushed off and Trickshot groaned.
"Careful." He finished giving the go ahead to Carter as he began to realize the mistake he had made.
Kid Flash had zoomed around the corner, taking a deep breath. He opened a panel on the wall, taking a piece of machinery and jabbing it into the wall. An alarm went off, causing Francis's eyes to widen.
"Wally, what are you doing?!"
"Making sure that you've got a clear path for the power core. They'll all be heading for me, so get going!"
"Wally, get out of there! Don't do this!" Francis begged.
"I'll be fine! Get to the target!" Wally thought back as he began to run past, around, and through the robots as they began to round the corners near him.
As he tore through the robots, his thoughts turned to everyone they had lost. His uncle and mentor, Aunt Iris, nearly all of his friends, all gone. And then there was Artemis, the girl who had gotten on his nerves so much. Who had never been afraid to call him on his bullshit. The girl, who he really should have been more honest with when the chance had been there.
'I'm sorry, I should have been there to save you all. I should have said so much, done even more. So much wasted time." Wally thought as he used his speed to tear through six robots like a knife through hot butter. He rounded a corner and found several robots pointing their weapons at him. He spun on his heel, racing another way only to run into another wall of robots, and realize they had boxed him in.
"Good luck, guys. Take them down hard." He thought to the others before letting out a breath and beginning to fight the robots to the best of his ability, he took out a fair few before, at last, one managed to fire off a shot that hit him square in the chest, and Kid Flash was no more.
The displeasure was evident on Trickshot's face as they approached a large central room with a large, glowing orb in the center, encircled by technology. "If that's not a power core, I don't know what is." Scarlet Spider remarked, as Trickshot unfolded his blow.
"I'll start setting the charges. Watch my back, and-" As Trickshot stepped closer to the edge, he felt a pull, unable to resist it as he was pulled towards the power core. Scarlet Spider barely thought for a second before leaping after him, grabbing his friend's hand. Once he had grabbed the archer, he fired a web line at one of the platforms, grunting as they came to a halt just before they slammed into the power core.
"Damn thing's got it's own gravity… the hell is it made of?" The arachnid groaned out, as Miss Martian flew over. She telekinetically lowered them to the power core, as Trickshot removed the quiver from his back.
"Well, a little more directed than I was planning, but as long as it gets the job done…" The archer thought, setting the timer on the quiver. All two dozen arrow heads began glowing red, as a countdown timer of four minutes appeared on each one. "Clock is ticking, folks. Let's move!"
After being telepathically lowered to the floor, the four began moving towards the door. However, just before they could run through, the doors closed around the room, blocking their escape. "Oh, that's not good…" Scarlet Spider was proven correct as alarms began to blare, the four turning to see a group of drones nearing them. Their cannons powered up, but Trickshot leapt up and threw Cap's shield, the projectile tearing through the androids as it bounced around them. Trickshot held out his hand to catch it, only to narrowly duck as it hit the wall behind him. He glanced at the watch synced to the quiver timer, seeing it hit the one minute mark.
"Manhunter, take Miss Martian and get out of here."
"No!" Miss Martian protested, looking directly at Trickshot. "We won't leave you! Either all of us get out of here, or-"
"I'll be right behind you, M'gann. I promise. As soon as we blow those doors." M'gann still looked unsure, but she nodded. She took Manhunter's hand as they phased through the walls, and as soon as they were gone, Francis let out a sigh he didn't know he was holding.
"Didn't think she'd go for it…" He muttered, looking to Carter. "I'm sorry. I don't have a way to-"
"You don't need to say it. I knew there was a good chance this was a one way trip." Carter reassured, as Francis looked to the core and the drones descended towards them.
"Think we made a difference?"
"I don't think there's any way to know that, but I sure hope we did." Carter remarked, as drones landed before them. "Whaddya say we give them hell?"
"Buddy, that sounds like a plan to me."
Outside
The Mothership was eerily quiet, almost no sign there was anything wrong… before explosions began going off throughout; before it was consumed by a massive fireball within. The blast of the explosion reduced the next ten miles into a smoking crater, blowing away buildings, trees, farms, the Quinjet, all signs of life. Once the blast had ended, M'gann and J'onn floated up from underground, the two Martians looking at the massive plume of smoke and fire where the mothership had once stood. M'gann was silent as tears welled up in her eyes, before collapsing to her knees.
"M'gann, I-"
"Don't. Don't tell me the mission was a success. The price… The price was too high…" She wept, and would have continued to sob until the sun rose… were it not for the large shadow blocking out the light from the fire. A cold knot formed in her stomach, as another ship even larger than the one they had just managed to destroy rose to face them, several others coming over the horizon.
"'No no no! We need to get out of her Uncle J'onn. We need to figure out what to do now!" she called out starting to panic and spinning to face her uncle, only to find him grimly staring at her.
"No. It is time to end this." Before M'gann could ask what her uncle meant, J'onn grabbed her shoulder… and plunged his fist into her chest. She gasped out in pain, shock, and betrayal…
Mount Justice, October 16, 18:52 EDT
And then she opened her eyes, being greeted with the rocky ceiling of the cave. "I'm… I'm alive?" She gasped out, hearing groans around her. She sat up, eyes widening as she saw all of her friends being helped to their feet by Batman, Red Tornado, Captain America, Mockingbird, and Jean Grey. "You're all alive!"
"Not too loud, my head is killing me…" Artemis groaned out, as Batman helped Martian Manhunter to his feet.
"What happened in there?"
"The exercise… it all went wrong…" The Manhunter answered, earning a confused look from Jason.
"Exercise? What exercise?"
"Try to remember. I know it's probably hard, but think back to this morning." Captain America instructed. "What you all experienced was a training exercise. Manhunter psychically linked you all together, placing you all in an artificial reality."
"I… I remember. You guys… you said it was to prepare us for another Masters of Evil-level threat." Francis recalled, and Batman nodded.
"In part, yes. However, the part you were all unaware of was that this was a train for failure exercise. No matter what you accomplished, the scenario would become worse. However, you were all aware this was not real. This was why, despite watching the entire Justice League perish, you didn't become upset. Subconsciously, you were all aware none of it was real. If anything, it would feel more like a vivid dream." The Caped Crusader explained, as Laura noticed Jean was there.
"Then… why's she here?"
"Because it all went wrong, the second Artemis died..." Jean stated.
"Though M'gann was consciously aware that none of this was real, her subconscious, the part interacting with the simulation, believed it to be real. I believe a psychic backlash occurred, pulling you all in with it, so you too forgot it wasn't real. This is not unheard of in powerful psychics, but it created a serious problem." The X-Men's telepath explained.
"Artemis slipped into a coma, despite the fact that on her death she should have woken up. We asked Jean to come in, try and figure out what was happening."
Everyone looked over to M'Gann, whose eyes were already starting to shine with tears, "I… I'm so sorry, all of you. I… I didn't mean to…" She began.
"Hey, M'Gann, we know you wouldn't do this on purpose." Francis reassured.
"Yeah, this isn't your fault. Why didn't you stop it?" Superboy asked, turning to the adults.
"Because we couldn't. M'gann had a death grip on your minds, and even Jean and I working together could not untangle it, without risking your minds from the outside. And then when Vision fell, despite not possessing an organic brain, we knew action had to be taken." J'onn explained. "Working together, I managed to slip myself into the simulation, with the intention to wrest control from within. However… I gravely underestimated your collective emotion. I was overpowered by your minds, such that I too believed that it was all real."
"That's why Manhunter didn't remember how he got to the Hall. Why nothing about him being there added up…" Carter muttered.
"There was too much noise; why I went along with the scenario, acting as I would have in such a situation. However, as more members of the Team fell, the more the fog began to clear. Only when the mothership exploded, and Trickshot, Scarlet Spider, and Kid Flash perished, did I remember my purpose, allowing me to shock M'Gann out of the simulation, pulling you all back to reality before your comas became permanent."
"I… we're sorry. We had no idea a training exercise could go awry like that. We didn't even consider something like that ever happening." Captain America tried to reassure, as Nolan ran a hand through his hair.
"It… it wasn't real…" He muttered out, his lips twitching into a smile. "It's… it's actually kind of funny…" He started to laugh out, before his laughs began to devolve into sobs. He buried his face in his hands as M'Gann began to sob as well.
J'onn tried to take a step forward, only for Batman to catch him as he stumbled. "As bad as all that?" He asked, and J'onn frowned.
"Worse."
"But that's not what's really bothering you, is it?" Steve asked, and the Martian's frown deepened.
"No. My niece is still untrained, and she cannot be held responsible for this… for our mistakes."
"No one blames her."
"That's not what he's worried about." Jean stated, looking back at M'gann being comforted by Francis. "When I helped J'onn insert himself into the scenario, I felt her mind. I've felt rushing streams and blazing infernos, but this… this was like a raging ocean, waves about to overtake you at any moment. I haven't felt anything like that since I last dealt with the Phoenix Force."
"What does that mean?" Batman asked.
"It means that we gravely underestimated her abilities. She only taps into a part of it, without even realizing it." J'onn analyzed. "In terms of raw power… M'gann possesses possibly the most powerful telepathic mind I have ever encountered. Stronger by far… than my own." J'onn's statement hung in the air, as the sobs echoed throughout the Cave…
"As much as we need to look into that, it's not the real problem here. Look what we've done to them." Mockingbird said, brushing tears from her own eyes as she stared at the teenagers, all of whom seemed completely lost in their own heads.
A/N: Please, leave a review with some feedback. Your feedback helps us grow and become better. Until next time.
