Disclaimer:
I, Syraxes, do not own the Young Justice Animated Series, the Young Justice video game, the tie-in comics, the original comic series that shares its name, or the new comic series that also shares its name. They are the property of Time Warner, Warner Brothers Studio's, and DC Comics. I am simply a humble fan, making this for the enjoyment of other fans. Please support the official release.
Training Room
February 17th, 06:09 PST
Artemis sprinted forwards, drawing an arrow out of her quiver. The red ball nearly hit her, slamming into the place where she had just been. She pulled the arrow back in the bow and let it fly. The arrow made contact with the robot's chest, activating the small explosive. The robot was sent stumbling back, but it didn't give her a lot of breathing room as a second machine took its place.
Artemis slid on the ground, letting the machine fire above her. She drew another arrow from her quiver and had just loaded it when the ground exploded right next to her. The original Artemis had trained most of her life, so she had the skill to quickly right herself, but before she could find out what had happened, the second robot already had its sights on her.
She sprinted from her sport amid a hail of fire. Artemis moved as quickly as she could, running for the hunk of metal across the training field. It was the only cover close to her and it should help-
The place right in front of her exploded, knocking her off her feet. She slammed down against the ground a few yards away. Pain flared through her back as it made contact with the ground.
Artemis looked over at the machine in time to see it aiming at her. Thinking fast, she reached back and grabbed one of the arrows from her quiver, slamming it to the ground. Smoke exploded from the arrow, giving her cover.
Artemis pulled a rebreather from her belt and clamped her mouth down on it. She breathed in the clean air while the black smoke hid her from the robot.
She didn't hear it firing anymore, so Artemis took the moment of reprieve to scan the area around her. The ground underneath the tower was big enough that they could really do some large scale exercises. It was the kind of place her dad would have loved to have when he had been training her. The kind of place she could let loose and go all out. Which was the exact reason she was in the mess, to begin with. The training ground was huge, full of mounds and hills. Trying to find out what had been blasting the ground apart was going to be a pain. It couldn't be landmines (or the special verse Red X created for training) because she had purposefully deactivated that feature.
The ground exploded a few feet away from her, and Artemis fought the urge to move. The explosion hadn't been as close to her as they had been up until that point, which led her to believe that whatever was causing them couldn't see her through the black smoke.
She scanned the mounds and hills around her when she caught sight of a glint reflecting off the far hill. Artemis brought her arm up, pressing a button on the arm of her suit. A holoscreen appeared, zooming in on the hill. A robot was laying belly down on the side of the mound, a long rifle in its hand.
Closing the holoscreen, Artemis loaded another arrow and fired it at the side of the mound. The arrow exploded when it made contact, but before Artemis could follow up the smoke around her cleared up.
The other robot turned towards her, aiming its gun arms at her. Artemis took a step back and prepared to run...
When the light on the machine dimmed and the guns lowered.
"Time exceeded twenty-five minutes," the computer announced. "Training Session has ended."
Artemis breathed deeply. Her body began to unwind, relaxing. The sound of clapping filled the room and Artemis' head snapped over to the right. "When did you get here, Harper?"
The blue-haired girl grinned at her. "A little bit ago. I thought I'd get some training in before school but it looks like you beat me here."
Artemis whipped the sweat off her forehead. "I couldn't sleep."
Harper nodded. "I know the feeling. Looks like you need a shower though."
Her body was covered in sweat and her skin was already starting to stick to itself. She couldn't disagree. "Why? Want to get naked together? In a fun way?" She smirked flirtatiously at the other girl.
In response to her flirting, Harper laughed. "You know I'd love to, but I still want to get some practice time in. Don't be too disappointed."
Artemis shrugged. "Your loss."
What she wanted right now was a nice, hot shower.
"Have you decided if you want to join the Volleyball team yet?"
Artemis snorted. "Sorry. I'm not into the whole sports thing. I'll go to your games though. Don't use the scarab to cheat."
"And have John give me a lecture about power and responsibility? Or even worse; having Kori be the one to give me the lecture."
Privately Artemis agreed with her. Kori and John had taken their jobs of training her, Artemis and Match seriously, and both of them turned out to be a nightmare of teachers. Given the choice between the two, Artemis would pick John every time. Kori had the habit of trying to train them the way the Warlords of Okaara trained her. Which was the very definition of hell.
Not that Artemis was going to say anything out loud, considering that Kori was standing behind Harper. Artemis slowly smiled at the alien girl, who answered back with her own.
"Oh really?" Kori asked aloud. Artemis saw Harper flinch, which she couldn't deny gave her a small amount of pleasure. "Well, you'll be happy to know I won't be giving you a lecture. However since you seem so very adamant to train before school, then I would be happy to help you."
"Thanks, Kori. That sound... Great," Harper managed to get out. That time Artemis couldn't help but laugh.
Blood Palace, Las Olas
February 17th, 14:09 EST
"As you can see, Brion Markov, a founding member of the Outsiders murdered his uncle in cold blood!" G. Gordon Godfrey hissed into the camera. "Under the constitution of Markovia, members of the Royal Family cannot be executed without being charged by the Royal Court! King Brion has not only ignored that particular inconvenient law, but he has also usurped the crown from his brother King Gregor. The law states that the oldest son shall inherit the thrown. Two laws that he has chosen to ignore. Now, Brion may be a good and fair king. I cannot see the future, folks. But if he isn't? If he becomes a despot and a tyrant, who is at fault? Who is to blame? Brion, certainly, but should he shoulder all of it? Who empowered him? Who trained him? Who increased his popularity? The OUTSIDERS!"
"I see my original self is dead," the clone of Baron Bedlam huffed.
"So it would seem, uncle," Brion's clone smirked.
"Baron," Brother Blood called in warning, as the clone's meta power was activated. "There will be no fighting here."
Brother Blood clicked the television off. As soon as the picture disappeared, Mother Mayhem walked through the door. "The preparations have been completed, your holy majesty."
Blood smiled angelically. "Terra?"
"She has not yet returned."
Blood sighed. "I suppose it cannot be helped. If all goes according to plan, we can get her later."
"Of course." Mayhem bowed.
"Brion. Baron. Follow me," Blood ordered. The two clones nodded, though they continued to glare at each other. As the group left the luxurious suite, Blood turned to Mayhem.
"What is the situation on the Titans?"
"I have relayed your instructions, majesty. They are planning the opening move tonight."
"If the Titans are suited up, make sure none of them remove the masks. Only I must know their real faces."
"Of course. I will make sure they are aware."
"Now, I believe the President had wanted a word with me?"
Mayhem looked at him in shock. "How did you-"
"Know? You should be aware by now, Mayhem. Nothing in this palace ever escapes my notice."
"Of course, Holy Majesty. I sent him away, as you commanded. No one is to interfere today. Though he demanded a meeting with you soon."
Blood hummed. "Demanded. Perhaps he has forgotten that it was meant that allowed him to conqueror Corto Maltese. Before me, he was a minor warlord in a torn land. I am the one who turned that small village into the thriving modern metropolis of a Capital city. If need be, a new President will be chosen."
Baron Bedlam snorted. "If you want to rule, why do you not do it yourself?"
"Because it is beneath a good to rule one small piece of land. I incur upon my subjects a holy mandate to rule, which can be revoked if the need arises. And should my plans not succeed, I will remain flesh and blood. Immortal, to be sure, but more human than divine. Brother Blood is the leader of the Church of Blood. A spiritual leader. One that is not to be seen as the leader of a political movement."
Blood could see this explanation did little to settle the clone, but it did not matter now. If everything went according to plan, then he would no longer have to deal with the Baron.
As the four entered the sacred room, Blood caught the eyes of the two snipped on the balconies above. Both guns were trained on the Baron and Brion, ready just in case.
The large room was completely made of marble. Only the two machines (the control panel and the main body) were not stone. One normal human was hocked up to the base of the main body, while four humans were above him, waiting to be sacrificed.
"Your Holy Majesty!" The scientist at the control panel bowed. Blood raised his hand.
"Is it ready?" He asked. When his follower nodded, Blood smiled. "Began the experiment."
"As you command!"
This was the moment of truth. After living for all those centuries, it was for this moment. Blood watched as his holy machine drained the life force of the top four followers, transferring it to the one at the bottom. The bodies of the top began to decay, but unlike last time, the bottom man remained fine. It was proceeding as planned.
"Release him," Blood ordered as the machine powered down. As soon as the man was out, the testing began. Crowbars, knives, even a small-caliber bullet had little effect on the man. The life force had made him strong. Which proved Blood's theories correct. It could be done. He would be able to ascend into godhood after all.
When Mother Mayhem raised a higher caliber gun to kill him, Blood waved his hand. "No. Let him live. He has surpassed the weakness of man. While he will never be a god, he may still serve one. My elite guard will be those empowered like him. Only the most loyal and devoted to myself."
For the first time, the man displayed a hint of emotion. He smiled. "I do not deserve such an honor, your holy majesty!"
"My son. You were created in my image. I have need of you yet. You shall be the first of my guard. Mayhem, arrange for this chosen man to receive the best training."
"Of course." She bowed.
Blood smiled. He turned to Brion and the Brion. Two of the three clones he made just for this purpose. Giving a signal to the snipers on the balconies, both clones were on the ground seconds later, unconscious.
No one noticed that another girl was in that room with them. As Brion and the Baron were hooked up into the machine, their life forces taken by the fanatical Brother Blood, no one saw the clone of Tara Markov looking down in horror. The very clone that had just realized the fate that awaited her once she was found.
As Brother Blood stepped out of his machine, with both the powers of her brother and uncle, Terra turned around and ran. She knew then the palace inside and out, having been exploring it since she was first released from the cloning tube. She took the secret passage out into Los Olas, the shining Capital city of Corto Maltese. Armed with two hundred Corto Maltese dollars, and a false Passport that named her Terra Walker, American Citizen, she ran. Through the crowded streets of Corto Maltese, many of them fanatical followers of Brother Blood.
Soon enough he would have every citizen in the city out looking for her. She would have nowhere to run when that happened. So Terra needed to move now, while she still had time.
To the Los Olas First National Airport. To flight 103, straight to Jump City in the United States. Terra decided that she would run to the Teen Titans. Like her, they were on Blood's list. Like her, he wanted to take their powers, their lives. If anyone could help her and offer her shelter, it was the Teen Titans.
Murakami High School
February 17th, 12:09 PST
As Harper poured over her calculus homework, she remembered how much she hated math. Since getting kidnapped she had decided that she would return to school, if for no other reason because her mom had wanted her to finish.
"The problem is similar, Harper Row," her scarab told her. "The problems answer should be solved by-"
"I can't have you cheating for me," she mumbled. "It wouldn't be right."
Though as she watched continued to stare at the problem, making no progress, Harper considered who would care if she cheated? Her family wasn't here to wonder how she suddenly became so good at the one subject she hated.
"Who's cheating for you?" Artemis asked, coming up behind her.
"My little friend." Artemis would understand what she met. It was what Harper had taken to calling scarab when they were in public.
"That doesn't seem fair."
"I know," Harper sighed.
"But if you have it, why not use it?"
"Are you encouraging me to cheat?"
Artemis answered her with a smirk.
"Why am I trying to do math at lunch?"
"Because you're a good student?" Artemis shrugged.
If she were still at Happy Harbor High School, Harper felt that Ms. Paris would disagree with the blonde archer.
"So, I heard Murakami has an archery team," Harper began casually. She closed her calculus book and tossed it in her backpack. "You're a better shot than any of the kids here."
"While that is true, I don't think it's for me."
"Why not? I'm on the volleyball team. Caleb decided that he was going to take up the offer to join the football team. There's more to school than just studying."
Artemis turned to look at her sharply. "I thought Caleb wasn't going to join a team?"
Now it was Harper's turn to shrug. "I think he had a change of heart. But that's a good thing. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Or is it Jill a dull girl?"
Artemis chuckled. "I guess I can consider it."
Harper punched her arm. "You should. It'll be pretty boring here if you only study. Now, how about helping your girlfriend with her calculus homework?"
She caught Artemis rolling her eyes. Harper grinned. "Fine. What's the problem?" Artemis caved.
Jump City Port
February 17th, 23:39 PST
John poured through the clues he discovered, having uploaded everything to the holocomputer on his wrist. He had taken up the case on the request from his friend and now he finally had something to report back. Pieces of tech had gone missing from all over Jump, and the clues lead back to the small dock warehouse. It looked just like every other warehouse surrounding it, the perfect place to hide stolen goods. Even he had almost missed it, and he was a trained detective.
Deactivating the holocomputer, John connected to the systems in his suit, turning on his night vision. His mask zoomed in, focusing on the only window of the warehouse. It had yellowed with age and was full of dirt and grime. It looked like it hadn't been cleaned for years. Or even used at all. According to official records, the warehouse hadn't been in use since the sixties. It was owned by private citizens, unlike the majority of other warehouses.
Under the cover of darkness, John jumped down from the top of the crane. Down from place to place until he was finally on the ground again. He sprinted down the empty dock and towards the abandoned warehouse. As he moved, John kept his eyes out from any moves or signs of life, but all that he could see were the empty docks.
John stopped in front of the warehouse door, leaning down. He held his breath and listened for any sounds, hearing nothing. After a minute he released his breath and pulled out a black box, pushing it against the door. The sound of clicking locks echoed in the empty night and the door slowly opened. Slipping the small box back into his belt, John pushed the door open far enough for him to slip inside, closing it as silently as he could behind him.
The warehouse was one of the biggest on the docks and if John didn't believe it before, he would have now. Large crates decorated the inside most of the room, leaving small paths that one could walk through.
So much for being abandoned, John thought snidely. Moving his head from left to right, he looked for any movement. Anything that would tip him off that he wasn't alone. Could the thieves have just left the stolen goods unguarded?
Seeing no movement, John sprinted towards the closest crate. He pulled the lid off as quietly as he possibly could, trying to avoid the creak of the wood. Which he failed to do, though it wasn't as loud as it could have been...'
The person inside the crate opened his eyes, his hand shooting out like a rocket. John cursed and jumped back, dodging out of the way of the punch. Grabbing two of his customized throwing stars he hurled it at the masked figure. Two controlled explosions were released when the stars made contact, throwing the masked man back.
Before he could react, the sounds of lids being ripped off crates being ripped off. People wearing the same kind of mask as the first man jumped out, pulling out swords and knives. The masked figures sprinted towards him.
Pulling out his staff, John split it into two places, using the one in his right hand to block the sword. He slammed the other piece into the figure's leg, forcing them to crumple to the ground.
The fight took longer than John would have liked. He wasn't out of shape or practice (he had Kori train with him every day, and that was before the Titans expansion), but the people attacking him weren't completely untrained either. They were no Talon or League of Assassins, but they managed to put up quite the fight.
He didn't know how long it took, but by the time all the masked figures were fallen onto the floor, he had broken more than a sweat.
John brought up the HUD of Red X's mask. Clicking on the communicator icon, he connected to Kori, her beautiful face staring at him. "Yes, John?" Kori's musical voice whispered in his ear. Under his mask, John smiled.
"Kori. I just finished my investigation of the warehouse. Someone screwed me over. None of the stolen goods were heard, but someone made sure a welcoming-"
A scream ripped from John's throat as pain surged through his body. As John crashed to the ground, he saw his HUD Kori screaming, though he couldn't hear her.
"You must be Red X," a voice called from above him. "I thought you'd put up more of a fight. I guess my employer's trap really was effective. It's a good thing we weren't in here when it went off or..."
Slowly her voice blended into the background and John's world went dark.
Author's Note:
Hello! I hope you have enjoyed the eleventh chapter of Teen Titans: Rising
Corto Maltese is a fictional country in the DC Universe. It is a war-torn island nation featured in The Dark Knight Returns, Batman, Smallville, and the Arrow Verse. Las Olas is the Capital of the country, though it is a creation of mine, as I couldn't find a named Capital in DC.
Pa tr eon . com (slash) Syraxes