Chapter 38: Revelations
Mount Justice
October 1, 18:09 EDT
"Hold up. You're telling me you've never been on a date?" I ask Sara.
"I'm telling ya. Growing up, I didn't have time to focus on dating. And when Dinah took me in, she only let me out so much. Even if someone asked me out, I'm pretty sure Dinah would scare them off. If not with her cry, with her glare." That last remark makes me laugh.
It's been a week since our mission to India where the Team was a bit fractured at the moment. Since we got back, it's taken less time than I thought it would to get back to working condition as a unit. Which is a very good thing. Everyone seems to trust each other again. Trust in Kaldur's leadership. And in Sara too. With this under our notch, the Team may be stronger now than it was before.
"If it makes you feel any better, I haven't had a lot of time to date either."
"Really? Good looking artist such as yourself with mesmerizing eyes. I can't imagine why girls wouldn't be all over you."
"Mesmerizing eyes?" Sara blushes in response. "And here I thought I was getting lost in your moonlit eyes." I stop dead in my tracks and shut my eyes, realizing I just said that out loud. I'm pretty sure I'm blushing right now myself. Next thing I know, we're both laughing in our shared embarrassment.
"So, what would you say if someone were to ask you out now?"
"Well, it all depends. If I like the person who asks, if we could find the time with our presumed busy schedules. And most certainly if they wanted to be all in, no games to play."
"And what if this person wants to be all in, but doesn't know how to be anymore?"
Sara turns around and faces me. "I would tell him that I would be just as clueless and scared as he is and that we would figure it out together."
"How do you know he's scared?"
"Because I've seen him charge into dangerous situations and not break a sweat. But when it's just me and him, I can see he's petrified to say the words. Because I have that same fear too."
"You're the most fearless woman I've ever met—"
"Not when it comes to you." Guess we're done hiding behind wordplay. "Look Kyle, I know that if we do this, it's a risk. We could throw off the team's balance, just when we're getting it back. We'd worry about each other's safety, sidelining our focus when on mission. If something were to happen to you and I couldn't do anything to stop it… I don't think I could handle it."
"Sounds like we have the same thoughts." I take Sara's hands. "I've thought of all those scenarios too. But I've also thought about how great it could turn out. And if M'gann and Conner can work together and still date, why not us too. We both know there's been a connection between us since the day we met. As much as we want to deny it, it wouldn't be fair to us. And yes, it'll be scary at times. But that's why we lean on each other when we are scared out of our minds."
"You really think we can do this?"
"I do, and so do you." I bring my head close to hers. Our foreheads lean on one another, holding her close to me as I can. "How 'bout this, we get through today and we'll finish this conversation. Okay?"
Sara looks to me, with a shimmer of light in her eyes. She pulls forward and kisses my left cheek. My cheek immediately grows red. "Okay, Greenie." A smile rises on my face.
With our conversation put on a hopeful pause, we continue to walk down the Cave hall towards the mission room. Entering the room, we find Kaldur and Robin in the middle of the room. M'gann, Conner and his wolf pet, whom he is calling Wolf, to the left of the room. Along with Captain Marvel and Zatara near the zeta tubes. Since when do we need two Leaguers to keep an eye on us?
As we walk towards Robin and Kaldur, Robin whispers to Kaldur. Only words I can make out is 'another couple'. I look to Sara, who has an irritated look on her face. Guess she heard it better than me. Soon as we join them in the ring, Sara punches Robin in the arm. Kaldur and I chuckle in response. Goes to show you, don't piss off a Canary.
Kaldur and Robin turn around as Sara and I look ahead of them. We see Wally and Artemis making their way to join everyone too. Now that's a pair that will take time getting together.
"Do we tell them?" Robin asks.
"It is not our place", Kaldur answers.
"Until Wally annoys Conner to the point to where he punches him in the mouth", Sara says. I smile with a chuckle just as Wally and Artemis join the four of us.
"So if Zatara is our babysitter of the week, why is he still here?" Wally asks, referring to Marvel. "And why is he eating my snacks?"
"Maybe Marvel likes hanging out with us." The others just look at me. "What, I didn't say I was right."
"Recognized – Batman, 02."
"Computer, national news." Batman states this command as soon as he walks into the Cave. A digital screen appears dead center of the room, high enough for everyone to view. On the screen is Metropolis reporter Cat Grant.
"The initial attack was short-lived, but Metropolis was only granted a short reprieve." The screen changes to show Metropolis under attack from a giant vine-plant creature. "And despite the intervention of Superman and the Justice League, there seems to be no end in sight." Superman, Hawkwoman and John Stewart are seen rescuing civilians and fighting off the creature.
"Should we get out there?" Robin asks, with the entire Team crowded together along with Wolf, Zatara and Captain Marvel.
"No. The League will soon have the situation under control. That's not why I'm here", Batman says. "According to your intel, Sportsmaster supplied Cadmus' Blockbuster formula to Kobra."
"Who combined it with Bane's Venom to create Kobra-Venom", Wally adds.
"Which the Brain used to create his animal army", Robin adds this time.
"And upgrade Wolf", Conner says as he pets Wolf.
"The Brain also used inhibitor collars like the ones at Belle Reve penitentiary", M'gann says.
"Batman, is it possible that plant thingy's on Kobra-Venom too?" Artemis asks the Dark Knight.
"I had Green Lantern run a spot analysis. Divine cellulose does contain trace amounts of a Kobra-Venom variant."
"These cannot be coincidences", Kaldur says. "Unrelated criminals are cooperating with one another worldwide."
"Exactly. It's now clear our enemies have formed some kind of Secret Society of Super-Villains. The attack on Metropolis is only the beginning."
"You got that right", Robin says as he types on a holo-keyboard. He pulls up more screens from across the world. "Plant creatures have sprouted in Gotham City, Paris, Star City, Taipei…" All the screens go black and white.
"What happened?" I ask Robin.
"It's not me. Someone's cutting into the satellite signal. All satellite signals."
Within seconds, the screens come back on. However, the only thing that appears on them is the most deranged clown the world has ever seen.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt your regularly scheduled mayhem to bring you this important announcement…" Joker says as he brings out a switchblade and grabs the camera facing him. He moves it to his right, showcasing a group of super-criminals. "…from the Injustice League."
"We are responsible for the attacks on your cities. If you wish to save them, a ransom of ten billion American dollars is required. Delivery instructions have been sent to the United Nations. There is no time limit. But the longer your governments waits…"
"The more we get to have our… jollies", Joker says, moving the camera back to his face. The video ends with his horrific and iconic laugh.
"Roger that, Aquaman. The UN will prepare the ransom as a fallback, but it won't come to that", Batman says.
Robin types into his holo-keyboard again. He rewinds the video just played back to the assembly of the 'Injustice League'. "Count Vertigo, the Joker, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, Ultra-Humanite, Atomic Skull, Black Adam, Wotan. Eight heavy hitters. Probably behind nearly everything and everyone we've faced."
"There's your secret society", Wally says to Robin.
"Not so secret anymore", Artemis says.
"Artemis is right, why reveal themselves now? Doesn't make any sense", Sara says.
"Perhaps after India, they realized we would deduce the truth and saw no point in hiding any longer", Kaldur states.
"Yeah. That was their mistake", Wally exclaims.
"Doesn't feel like a mistake though", I state.
"Right now, I say we go kick some plant creature butt", Wally says.
"The Justice League will handle the plants. I have a different job for this team", Batman tells us.
"Oh man", Wally says. Artemis punches him for that sad response.
"With the plants attacking so many locations simultaneously, there must be a central control system. Your mission is to destroy it."
"You realize what you're really asking them to do", Zatara says to Batman.
"They're ready."
"Ready? Ready for what?" Artemis punches the clueless speedster again. "Will you cut that—"
"Hello, Wally. If the big guns are fighting plants, who do you think we'll be fighting?"
"I don't know. I guess we'll—" Artemis points to the screen for Wally to get his answer. To the Injustice League.
Batman wants us to take on this Injustice League. He thinks we're ready to fight eight heavy hitting super criminals and come out victorious. I knew the League had faith in us as a team so far. I just didn't think Batman, one of the world's greatest and most dedicated heroes, believed in us so much. Just means we'll have to live up to his expectations and beyond them.
"Well, Batman, I trust you're correct", Zatara says.
"I trust you can locate the enemy", Batman asks his colleague.
"Indeed. Wotan's involvement suggests sorcery is part of how the plants are controlled. Robin, if you would provide the holo-map…" Zatara asks Robin, to which he does so quickly. "…I'll search for signs of concentrated sorcerous activity." Zatara walks towards the now pulled up holo-map. He raises his hands towards it. "Etacol retnecipe fo yrercros." Not even a second, a location is designated on the map. "There. That is where you will find the Injustice League's central control system."
"Coordinates locked in. The Louisiana Bayou", Robin states.
"We are on our way." And with that, the eight of us run towards the hangar. For what seems to our biggest and most important mission yet. Let's hope Batman is right about us.
Bayou Bartholomew
October 1, 18:47 CDT
As soon as Batman gave us our directive, the eight of us suited up, headed for the hangar and boarded the Bioship. Kyle decided to fly with the rest of us. He wanted to conserve his ring's power for the fight we know will happen. Superboy even brought Wolf with us. Having our own Kobra-Venom enhanced animal might help us some. We made a straight line in the air for Louisiana and are closing in on the bayou where the Injustice League are.
I know we've been faced and stopped some serious baddies. Klarion the Witch Boy. Black Manta. Icicle and Belle Reve's prisoners. The list goes on.
But this feels different from all our previous missions. The entire world is in danger from the Injustice League. And we have to stop them before their Kobra-Venom plants tear every major city apart.
And it's not just that. The Justice League trusts us enough to face off against the Injustice League. It's a bit comforting knowing that Batman believes in us to handle this. Not to mention all our mentors too. I know Dinah will worry no matter what. But she's always believed I'm capable of so much. I'll make you proud, Dinah.
I look over to my left. Kyle sits right across from me, in-between Superboy and Aqualad. He looks over to me too, giving me an ensuring look and hopeful smile. He always knows how to make me feel better.
After our mission today, I want to finish our conversation we started about us. My fears aside, I do want to start something serious with Kyle. He makes me feel really, really happy. And safe. And respected. And so much more. I haven't felt this way in god knows how long. I'm still afraid of something going wrong down the road. But I can't think like that. If I do, I'll never live the life I truly want. And I know I want Kyle in my life. As my friend and more.
As we approach our destination, we all prepare for the upcoming battle. I double check my gear. Specifically, my bo staff. A warrior's weapon is an extension of themselves. With this extendable and separable bo staff, my reach grows further. Not only that, it doesn't affect my movement in any way. Can't imagine going into battle without this now.
"What's in the duffle?", Kid Flash asks Aqualad as he's eating a banana. Seriously, when did he have time to get a snack?
I look over to Aqualad. At his feet lays a green dufflebag. With the urgency of this mission, I never noticed it until now. Aqualad must have felt the need to bring something extra to help us against the Injustice League. I can't imagine what it is though. "Plan B." Let's hope we don't have to resort ot Plan B, whatever it is.
Miss Martian starts to groan in pain, holding her head with her left hand. "You alright?" Superboy asks his teammate/girlfriend.
"Dizzy", Miss Martian answers.
"Martians get airsick?" Robin asks his pilot.
"She does look a bit greener than usual", Kid Flash says.
"No greener than she already is, or me", Kyle says.
"Not me, her", Miss Martian says.
"I feel fine", Artemis says.
"So do I", I answer right after.
"Not them, the Bioship. She's trying to shield us, but…" Before Miss Martian can finish, the Bioship starts to weave through the air. Something's making the ship go stir crazy in the air. Next thing we know, the ship gets a large slam from beneath. The attack sends us crashing into the water. All we can see in the windows is water.
Suddenly, a pair of Kobra-Venom vines grab the Bioship. Restraining it and us while half-submerged in the water. This can't get any worse.
A hole in the roof of the ship opens. From it appears a large, bulking man with a short buzz cut and elf-like ears. Black Adam.
Miss Martian's head throbs in pain as Adam rips into the Bioship. Her hands clamped on both sides of her head. "He's hurting her." Cue the Super-Boyfriend.
Superboy leaps from his seat and right hooks Adam. That one hit sends him flying clear away from us.
Unfortunately, the vines still clamped onto the Bioship drag us down even further. And with the hole now made in the ship, water starts flooding the inside. I was wrong.
"No. No way I'm nearly drowning three missions in a row", Artemis says as she puts on her rebreather. I reach for my rebreather as Artemis hands a spare to KF.
"M'gann, we need to get out. Open a hatch", Superboy says to her.
"Hello, Megan. Of course." M'gann swims to the bottom of the ship, creating an opening for us to exit.
Out. Everyone out. Aqualad tells us as the ship is completely flooded now. One by one, we all swim out of the Bioship and away from the vines.
As soon as we're far enough, we resurface. Drying off, we hide amongst the trees. We look back to the Bioship, still entangled by the vines. The vines completely submerged the ship under water. The Bioship… I hope she's okay.
"She's in shock. She'll need time to recover", M'gann informs us.
Suddenly, a searing pain soars throughout my body. I fall flat to the ground. I try to look to the others. They've all fallen as well.
I see a pair of feet walking towards us. Able to look up just enough, I find before us a middle-aged man wearing grey, brown and black tunic clothing, a green collared cape, and white short hair. "Vertigo", Kid Flash says.
"Count Vertigo to you, peasant", he says in his deep foreign accent.
Superboy rushes for Vertigo, but Adam comes in before he can. He decks in the face, sending Superboy to the ground on his back.
Once I can think straight, I realize the pain I felt just a moment ago is gone. Vertigo ceased his attack. His mistake.
Aqualad takes out his water-bearers and draws water from the bayou to them. He lashes them towards Vertigo, pushing him back into the woods.
Robin, Miss Martian, White Canary, disappear. We will keep them busy. You three fulfill the mission objective.
The three of us look to one another. Miss Martian goes camo and flies off, while Robin and I, like the ninjas we are, quickly disappear amongst the trees. I look back onto the field where the others are left fighting Vertigo and Adam. Good luck everyone. We're all gonna need it.
AN: Hello again! Another chapter for you reading delight!
As with previous episodic chapters, I've made some changes to "Revelations" as you all can clearly see. I wanted to add an extra villain to the Injustice League to even the opponents in a way for when the Team fights them. But more so, I wanted to bring Scarecrow into the Injustice League. Fear is going to play a bigger part of the story, but I think everyone could see that coming. No one plays with fear more than Scarecrow himself. For instance, the Joker releases his Joker gas through Ivy's plant spores. He'll also be releasing fear gas throughout major cities too. I didn't write a scene for it, but I felt you all should know. Plus, if you got Joker and Scarecrow attacking major cities, why should Joker be the only one playing with gas?
Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter along with the next few to follow. If you have any questions about this change or others, as well as any comments, suggestions or ideas, you're always welcome to PM me or leave a review about what you think. Goodnight, and fight the Light!