Young Justice Reborn
Arc One: Origins & Unity – Part 3: The First Night
12/25/16 (Date Written) 8/2/2021 (Re-upload)
~*O*~ ~*O*~ ~*O*~ A Moment to Relax ~*O*~ ~*O*~ ~*O*~
After doing some weight lifting, stretching, and running, the teens look around the therapy room with Kyle finally sitting down as his legs burn with pain. Then, going into the icebox and through several drawers, Jason finds what he wants: an ice pack.
"Okay, Mr. Rayner, I need to you take your pants off, lose the underwear, bend over, grab your ankles and say 'Ahhhhh!' okay?" Jason smiles wide while everyone else stares at him oddly.
"I'm not doing that, but I will lose my pants." The clinking of a belt catches everyone's attention as Kyle drops his pants, applies the ice packs to his knees, and lets out a sigh of relief.
"STRICTLY, out of curiosity, are you two boyfriends?" Everyone thought this question, yet only Jaime is brave enough to ask it.
"No, we like to joke around. We've known each other since kindergarten." Kyle rejoices as the ice soothes his leg muscles.
Curious about what's around her, Kara checks out the outdated medical equipment that Earth's still using. Much like Kara, M'gann's are also well aware of how primitive Earth is to their own. The two look around some more and find a natural hot spring with a crevice big enough to see the night sky. The young women are impressed by the clear night and fantastic view of the sky.
Creating a small gust as he arrives, Bart suddenly appears next to the M'gann and Kara. "Hey, girls, very nice find!"
"I believe Kyle would like to use it, may help with his legs." Kaldur'ahm looks over at Kyle who's face brightens up with Jason's.
"Ready for hot spring, buddy? Hot like you!" Jason growl and extends his arm to help Kyle up.
Taking the ice packs off and shoving them on a bench, Kyle puts an arm around Jason, who carries him over. "I didn't bring my swim trunks."
"Got you covered! Found them this morning." But, first, Bart runs his hand through the water to feel how warm it is, speeds off, and runs back within ten seconds with seven swimsuits that should match everyone.
The three young men look at each other, smile, and nod. Jaime, Kaldur'ahm, Supergirl, and M'gann's eyes shoot open with shock as the other three quickly strip and change in their immediate presence. Knowing that there's still intense pain in his friend's legs, Jason helps Kyle into the tub. Once Kyle's down, Jason slides in belly first while Bart runs over, jumps up, claps his feet together, and lands tailbone first in the tub.
"Something wrong, girls... and Kaldur'am. Afraid to join us?" Kyle taunts the others, sliding down, enjoying natural warmth.
"Wow... perverted much, boys?" With a hot tone in her voice, Supergirl gives the young men an icy glare.
"The six of us are on a team and left on our own. I believe this is where Teddy and Teri want us to get to know each other. At some point, we're GOING to see each other in odd situations." Playfully, Kyle splashes water on both Jason and Kaldur'ahm.
Jason stands up with no regard to himself or the others, and he bares his backside to the others as his trunks fall while pointing to the walls. "Are you guys afraid of all these people seeing you change? Me, Bart, and Kyle most certainly are not!"
"I ain't no girl, hombre. But we're young and Y.O.L.O., right?" Quickly, Jaime changes into the trunks and jumps in the spring, with everyone noticing the Blue Scarab on his back.
With a very concerned expression, Kaldur'ahm speaks up as he takes his shirt off. "Why do you have a large scarab on your back?"
"Don't talk about it!" Jaime yells which shocks everyone. "It's been asleep for hours-"
"I have NOT been asleep, Jaime Reyes! I have been observing the new humans and aliens." To Jaime Reyes, the Scarab speaks, but everyone else hears nothing.
"Can you like not to talk to me right now, esse?" Everyone stares at Jaime as he talks to himself.
With some apprehension in his voice, Kaldur speaks up. "I meant no offense."
"Not you, Aqualad." Rebukes Jaime to Kaldur'ahm.
"Very well, but I'll be on standby and ready to attack if I assume hostility." The Scarab coldly responds.
"Who are you talking to?" M'gann walks over to the tub and feels the warmth herself.
With a loud sigh, Jaime turns to address the gorilla in the room. "The Scarab on my back talks to me in my head; it's annoying. I feel like I'm crazy at times."
Seeing Jaime feels a little blue about his situation, Jason moves over and rubs his back near the Scarab. "Don't worry, man, at least you're special. I don't know what your powers and abilities are, but they're better than mine. For example, I can destroy balsa wood furniture by sitting down."
Everyone laughs a little, thinking about Jason sitting in a balsa wood chair, and it collapses under his weight. Then, noticing the young ladies want to join, Kyle slides closer to Jason. "M'gann, Supergirl, join us. The water's fine, and we're not doing stupid things. Yet. I don't know how they relax on your homeworlds but are you, two nuns, in a convent, or do you two like to have fun?"
Thinking briefly, Bart looks towards them. "Convent, those two don't look like they'll be joining us anytime soon. Their body language says they're not one of us."
Taking a more optimistic choice, Jaime adds. "Give them a chance. I think they'll prove you wrong."
"Convent? We have them on Mars, and I'm not in a convent. So let's have some fun!" M'gann's clothes morph into a yellow bikini without hesitation, and she jumps in with the boys.
"Nice trick, M'gann. How were you able to do that?" Ask Kaldur'ahm with a surprised look.
With a big smile, Megan looks into Kaldur'ahm's pale green eyes. "My clothes are organic so that I can change them with my appearance."
Jason nods towards her, blinking twice. "Nice, a half-naked Martian. I can die happier knowing I've seen a half-naked humanoid alien in person, and we're not alone."
"More aliens are living on your world in disguises than you think." M'gann responds to Jason mentally.
Seeing how much of a curvier and more developed body M'gann has, Supergirl rubs her shoulders. Embarrassment starts to take over as she blushes. She is feeling somewhat inadequate to her new teammate. However, everyone accepts one another's appearance. Having seen her first arguably nude human, Martian, and Atlantean, males, and females, the idea of showing her body makes Kara feel a little uncomfortable. However, the consistent pestering and badgering for Supergirl to join them and open up finally get to her. Just then, something strikes Bart as he runs out of the room, then in less than ten seconds, runs back with three buckets full of ice and soda.
"Couldn't think of good snacks, but why not enjoy some drinks? Got some 7 Tops, AMW Root Beer, Ragin' Bull NRG, Liquid Power Energy, and Fae Goes." Bart tosses everyone's bottles.
"If you don't mind, Supergirl, the water's fine and most enjoyable. The humans are respectful too." Kaldur'ahm finally speaks up.
"Join our familia, Supergirl." Jaime and Kyle wave her over, smiling.
Thinking a moment, Kyle doesn't take Spanish class seriously and thinks. "Did I have to choose 'familia'? I barely remember how to pronounce it. But, wait a minute, how did Jaime KNOW what I was going to say!?"
Towards the group, her blushing fades away as Supergirl looks at Megan. "If M'gann can do it, so can I. BUT on one promise, no comments about me. Okay?"
Each of the young men quickly agrees, then using her super-speed to change faster than the boys can see, Supergirl's in a swimsuit and joins. Once in, the young men immediately start cheering Supergirl for working up the courage to join them. Kara quickly dives under and surfaces closer to M'gann. The two young women sit near each other on one side while the young men are spread out and start sharing drinks with everyone.
"Since we're talking, I feel it would be best we share a little bit about ourselves. Our names that we can share, our age, and something personal. Everyone okay with that?" Kaldur'ahm looks around to see everyone nodding.
"I'll go first. I am Kaldur'ahm, my friends call me Kaldur. I'm sixteen and from Atlantis. My queen gave me the honor of being her Aqualad, and today is my first interaction with humans and non-humans. It has been most enjoyable."
He looks around to see someone sit up, which is Bart, with a huge smile. "The name's Bart Allen, B.A., Barty, B. Allen, you catch the drift, I'm thirteen almost fourteen, and I'm from Central City. I'm Impulse, the fastest man alive, and to be honest, I think all of you are weird but in a good way."
"Thanks, Bart! I'll go; next, I'm M'gann M'orzz, but you can call me Megan. I'm forty-eight in Earth years, but I'm sixteen in Martian years. I learned about Earth from the adventures of my late uncle and hoped one day to follow him here, and last month I finally did, thanks to TK." Everyone starts to welcome M'gann to Earth and to drink to her.
"Okay, terrific! My name's Kyle Rayner, fifteen. I live in National City with my parents and, of course, near Jason. I'm an artist, and my ring said I'm in something called 'The Green Lantern' whatever that is." The soda bottle of Kyle Rayner's points to his friend.
Returning the point with his bottle, Jason shoots back. "Jason Price is my name. I turned fifteen earlier this month, my parents died four years ago, and my thirty-year-old brother takes care of me."
"I'm sorry to hear that, hombre. I'm Jaime Reyez. I'm sixteen from El Paso, Texas. Ted calls me The Blue Beetle, and I got this Scarab on my back completely by accident during some late-night skateboarding three months ago." Everyone then turns to Supergirl.
The eyes on the Scarab light up, indicating it's talking to Jaime. "It was not by accident! I choose you, Jaime Reyes."
Jaime Reyes chooses to ignore the Scarab on his back this time. Taking a moment to think about how she wants to say this without hinting to Kyle or Jason who she is. "I'm Supergirl. I'm fifteen by Earth's calendar; my birthday was yesterday. I'm from Argo City on Krypton but live near National City with my Earth foster parents for the past six months. I'm still a little nervous about everyone here. That's why I haven't shared my real name; I'm sorry."
"Amiga, don't worry! Promise us that when you feel the times right, you'll tell us everything, cool?" Jaime offers another bottle to Kara, who accepts it, nods yes, and like M'gann, gets her welcoming to Earth.
"Not going to lie, this feels great. I have no powers, but it just feels nice talking with new people, drinking soda, and hearing some cool stuff. So here's to old friends and new friends. I'm starting to like you!" Standing up, Jason raises his root beer to everyone.
Admiring what he's trying to convey and willingness to show off his hairy, portly, wet body, Kyle struggles to stand up. Getting help from Jaime as the two raise their drinks together. Seeing that Jason isn't afraid to bare it all in front of her, Supergirl stands up next with her drink raised. M'gann quickly joins in as Bart cheers and joins them with Kaldur'ahm. Laughter fills the air as Jason shakes, puts his thumb on the bottle, shakes it, and spays everyone with root beer. Each of them is happy to be together as comrades and friends, and they toast each other as Jaime plays some lively party music on his cell phone and hooks it into some nearby speakers.
The seven of them get on a high sugar rush while slamming down energy drinks; their woes and problems are forgotten as they learn to enjoy the night. They play small games, dance, and get very relaxed with one another. But all good things must come to an end. So in the early morning, each of them gets dressed and passes out in different rooms.
~*O*~ ~*O*~ ~*O*~ September 24, 2016 6:52 AM ~*O*~ ~*O*~ ~*O*~
Once the sun is up, the automatic lights turn on in the lounge and blast Jason in his eyes first. He groans loudly, then looks to see Kyle and he are lying down together, very tightly as Kyle's back pressing against Jason's chest. With a loud sigh, Jason starts to shake his friend's shoulder.
"Dammit! KYLE! It happened again! We're spooning!" Jason yells loudly, causing Kyle to startle awake and fall onto the floor.
"Don't tell anyone!" Kyle stands up; the burning sensation in his legs is miraculously gone.
The two hear clapping as Teddy and Teri are already awake. "Too late, we already know. The first thing we saw when we walked in. Get the others up. We have a mission."
Both young men stand up in their boxers, looking at Teddy and Teri, the latter of whom point to their clothes. The two dress quickly and realize they're wearing the other's clothes as Jason nearly rips Kyle's clothes apart. Teddy announces the PA system, waking the others. Slowly, each of them makes their way, groggy but are dressed and ready for their training mission.
They're each given small meals to eat as Teddy flies the Bug through a zeta tube, instantly transporting them to a lone island in the Pacific ring. Looking out a window, Kyle looks at Terri with confusion. "How the Hell did we get here?"
"It's called a Zeta Tube. Technology, the Justice League, used to travel long distances in moments. There are many Zeta Tubes over the world which will be using." She walks by and pats young Green Lantern on the head.
Bringing up a map on a monitor, Teri starts to brief them. "Kord and I received notice that a metahuman with extreme physical and combustion abilities. He's been mainly destroying uninhabited islands, but it looks like he'll make his way to some smaller towns in the sea chain. Are any questions? "
"Who's the leader of the team, Ms. Magnus?" Kaldur'ahm speaks up, raising one hand.
"Great question; since you brought it up, let's take a vote!" With a burst of excitement, Terri looks around.
Jason stands up and clears his throat falsely. "I nominate none other than-"
"If you say "Kyle Rayner," I'm going to bludgeon you with a hard light turkey from my ring... somehow." Snaps Kyle, who doesn't want to be the team's leader.
With a blank look, lacking all amazement or shock, Jason fires back. "I was going to nominate Kaldur'ahm. He's a few months older than me, has powers, unlike me, Terri and Teddy. His manners are much better than the rest of us, which means he more than likely has better people skills, and let's be honest, we all like him and are willing to do what Kaldur asks of us."
No one has any objections; they instead look to Teri, who is shocked no one else volunteered. "Wow... I didn't think it would be that easy. Congratulations, Aqualad. You're the team leader; you'll answer to myself and Teddy."
"Thank you, Ms. Magnus. I will not let you or my team down." Aqualad stands up and bows his head towards her.
Once the Bug lands on an island, the team walks out and watches as Terri tosses them small ear radios. "Use these to keep in contact with us. We'll keep you updated if we can find this man. Jason will also remain aboard and help keep an eye on. If I were you six, start exploring and see what you can find, those radios have one hundred-mile range, so don't go too far."
The six watch the bug lift off as Teddy starts to circle the island. Then, with nothing else to do, the six look at each other, half of whom are already in their costumes. While the other half are taking their time, M'gann clears her throat and points to her clothes.
"You guys might want to suit up; I'm talking to you, Jaime, Bart, and Kyle." She continues pulling on her shirt while Aqualad nods his head in agreement.
A small gust of wind kicks up. Bart vibrates his body fast as his street clothes turn into his yellow Impulse attire while his other clothes are presumably underneath. "Stand back, bad guys, because you're about to feel the mode! Impulse is on the scene!"
"Blue Beetle, I think you should change now." Aqualad quickly brushes his gills off as he notices there's very light ash on the ground.
Jaime nods, knowing that Kaldur'ahm's right. His arms stretch out as the Scarab rips through the back of his shirt and covers him in cobalt blue armor, making him look more like a humanoid beetle than a man. His right hand now has an energy cannon, and four yellow wings sprout from his back.
Slamming his ring on the ground repeatedly, Kyle's trying to make it activate but cannot figure it out. Finally, everyone looks over to him, and Kara stops him. "I don't think the ring will do anything if you break it."
"It's not doing anything! It's not like I have an oath like He-Man or something to say-" Suddenly, the ring gives him his answer without speaking loudly.
With one hand extended, the ring produces a small green oil lantern. Kyle's eyes are fixated on the lantern as he holds his ring to it. "In brightest day... In blackest night... No evil shall escape my sight... Let those who worship evil's might... Beware my power! GREEN LANTERN'S LIGHT!"
"Ring power level 100%!" The ring speaks loudly as Kyle's powers activate again, changing into the same uniform he had at the warehouse as the lantern shrinks and disappears into his ring.
Everyone looks at him with a look of astonishment at Kyle. They're amazed as to the lack of preparedness for Kyle's transformation, including Jason, who's staring at a monitor on The Bug. "Kyle, can you hear me, buddy?"
"Yeah, why?"
"That was one of the worst things I've ever heard my entire life, and I sat through The Room once, a bunch of times." So says the always reassuring: Jason Price.
Kyle sighs loudly, then looks at the others. "Thanks for the words of encouragement."
"Enough of the chatter!" Yells Teddy into his and Jason's headsets. "Aqualad, you and your team need to head east. There's only one town, and you should see if anything new or different has been going on. Kara, you have much better senses, so keep your eyes and ears open in this man shows up."
The Blue Beetle, Green Lantern, Miss Martian, and Supergirl levitate off the ground and keep their eyes open. At the same time, Aqualad and Impulse walk below them. Then, living to his namesake, Impulse speaks up again. "Yo, G. Lantern, my man, I got a question. How did you know that would happen and what to say?"
"I didn't. The ring told me what to say as I thought about asking for advice. Never thought that would happen, crazy day." The Green Lantern levitates closer to his ground-bound teammates.
While Jason rubs his ears, having met with Teddy's wrath, the two groups make their destinations. The two groups talk with each other as the flies keep their eyes open and find nothing strange. As theirs no urgency, Teddy lands The Bug underwater to keep it well hidden.
Meanwhile, the young man they're looking for is making his way towards the team. He flies through the sky with a black and yellow vest. His eyes glow orange and shoot a beam of energy towards a volcano. The side erupts, causing lava to spill out the side towards the sea. Then, with his power calm, his eyes return to a regular orange color.
"Next stop: Fisherville, Nuclear Man's soon to be missing home!"
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