Young Justice: Rise of the Black Knight
…
Chapter 3: Fitting In
Three days later, Aegon woke up in his apartment in the Woodlands Apartment Building. It had been an almost harrowing three days since Aegon found himself in this strange world and on Danny the Street, a living piece of real estate. The concept had boggled Aegon's mind that a few hundred acres of land and buildings was a living thing with quite an eccentric personality.
Even more boggling was the concept that Aegon himself was considered a fictional character in the world he was currently in. He hadn't believed it at first, but it was when Rip showed him the book series A Song of Ice & Fire by George R.R Martin and all works related to it. Aegon almost believed it to be a hoax, but after reading some chapters of the books currently released and related media, the feeling in his gut told him that perhaps Rip was telling the truth.
Bigby and Snow then informed the young knight that he belonged to a special race of humanoids called Fables. Fables were vorpal entities that were rooted in the fairy tales and fables that humans of this world told their children. Of course, what humans, Mundies Bigby had called them, thought happened in the fairy tales wasn't actually the case in the Homelands of the Fables.
Aegon had asked how it was that Bigby, Snow and the rest of the Fables had found themselves in this world. Aegon remembered the grim foreboding look in Bigby's eyes as he told Aegon the story of how the Fables of Fabletown found themselves in a different, or more accurately escaped their homeworld.
Aegon was then told of the Sheeda and the cosmic force known as the Bleed. He found an alarming amount of similarities in the story Bigby and Snow told him and his own experience with the Sheeda.
Rip then told the young knight that it was the reason he had sought him out. The reason he searched Aegon was that he was forming a team that could counter the threat of the Sheeda and the threat they posed.
Filled with righteous fury, Aegon accepted the chance to strike back at those who had destroyed his home. Asking Rip what was first, Aegon was told to get settled into Fabletown first as Rip himself had to do some searching for potential recruits for the team he was forming.
Aegon was then given a modest little apartment in the Woodlands Apartment Building, plus he was provided legal documentation to prove he was who he said he was; a driver's license, birth certificate and so on.
Then came the issue of Aegon's sword; apparently openly carrying a lethal weapon such as a sword was more often than not illegal in this world and Blackfyre was definitely a lethal weapon. Aegon didn't want to part with what was perhaps his only reminder of his home, even if only for most of the day. Luckily Snow told him that their witches could cast a very simple but effective glamour on the sword to make it appear as a mundane umbrella, albeit with the hilt of Blackfyre itself to differentiate it from other umbrellas. Any Mundies who spotted the unique umbrella would just assume that it was something Aegon AKA Griff Connington had custom-made.
After his cover identity was established, Aegon was then given a job as a cleaner at the Chateau D'If Fencing Academy. Aegon was a little disgruntled at the fact that he was delegated as a cleaner; he'd have liked to be an instructor, or at least a guard of some kind. But Snow had promised him the chance to try out his swordsmanship against anyone who wanted to keep their fencing skills up and there were quite a few Fable who came to the Academy to keep up their skills with a sword.
So far, it wasn't too bad, Aegon had thought to himself as he got out of the bed. Stretching his body to loosen any kinks in his muscles and he felt his vertebrae pop as he did so. Looking at the alarm clock; it read quarter to seven o'clock in the morning. Sighing to himself, Aegon headed into the ensuite bathroom where he shucked off his clothes and entered the shower, flicking on the knobs. In all his years, Aegon would never have thought to experience the rapture that was showers.
Hot water began to cascade out from the showerhead and steam began to fill the room. Aegon gave a sigh of relief as the hot water loosened his cramped muscles and a sense of relaxation filled his mind and washed away his tiredness. After spending around ten minutes under the shower, Aegon turned off the hot water and exited out of the bathroom wrapping a towel around his waist.
Looking at the clock again, Aegon nodded as he noted that it was almost eight o'clock. He still had time to break his fast and dress himself for work. Dressing in a pair of dark blue overalls and work boots, Aegon looked at his reflection in the mirror; he almost did not recognise the person that stared back at him in the looking glass. Sighing to himself, Aegon headed into the small kitchen where he began to make himself a simple breakfast of oatmeal and milk seasoned with honey, along with a glass of orange juice to wash it down with.
Sitting down at the small round dining table, Aegon turned on the television with the remote and watched the morning news. One of the things that fascinated the young knight about this world was the delivery which news and current events could be delivered to the people in their own homes. There was a variety of channels on the television, some which provided information on current events, others provided entertainment and some showed educational programs for everyone to watch.
The current news program detailed the exploits of the conglomerate of costumed crimefighters calling themselves the Justice League. Aegon had thought the idea of costumed mummers and jesters fighting criminals to be laughable, but he saw the footage of Superman punching through buildings, fighting a veritable army of mechanical creatures under the control of someone named the Toyman.
After watching that video of Superman, Aegon began to research on these metahuman, those who fought criminals and those that used their abilities to commit crimes.
Opinions on the Justice League were wide and varied; some were wary of superhuman beings taking the law into their hands, others worshipped them as gods come to grace them with their presence, others were afraid that one day their protectors would turn on them and others hated them.
There were some members of the Justice League who had no superhuman powers of their own, merely highly advanced skills of martial or technical ability such as the Batman of Gotham City and his squire Robin. Another example was the Green Arrow of Star City and his apprentice Speedy, both of who wielded bows and arrows with great dexterity and skill that Aegon thought would make the greatest archers back home envious of such skill.
But then there were the methods with which the Justice League and its members fought criminals and how they brought them in. For nearly the whole part, the likes of Superman, Flash, Green Lantern and so on, refrained from killing their foes. Aegon was confused by this, particularly when there were criminals who should be put to death. Case in point: the Joker of Gotham Prince who in Aegon's opinion looked like a deranged court jester who got his kicks by murdering innocent people by poisoning them with a toxin that left its victims with a deathly rictus grin and laughing themselves to death.
And yet each time, the Joker was not put to death, merely brought in with some broken bones, a slap on the wrist and shuttled into a mental asylum where upon he would usually escape at any time he so desired. Aegon had then investigated how many innocents' lives the Joker had claimed or destroyed during the years he was active; he was horrified that the sheer volume of people the Clown Prince of Crime had claimed would make even the likes of the Mountain That Rides pale in comparison. Aegon had quietly vowed that the first chance he had, he would put an end to the insane fool's life.
Aegon watched the news with some mild interest as he broke his fast. He also learned some of the vocabulary of this world. One such word was breakfast which he picked up on was a shortening of 'break your fast'. It was quite a novel concept for Aegon for shortening words and phrases and he was starting to pick up a few of the words and slang of this world.
Eating his breakfast and washing the dishes, Aegon then prepared to head to work at the fencing academy. Taking his glamoured sword and fixing to a special over the shoulder sheath, Aegon then left his apartment, locking the door behind him and he walked down the passageway. One of the janitors and a Fable of the Woodlands, A thin man wearing overalls and a green cap on his head, Flycatcher he called himself, gave a chipper greeting to Aegon who smiled and nodded back in greeting.
Pushing the call button for the elevator, Aegon waited patiently and he was soon joined by Bigby who looked scruffy and like he had just woken up. "Good morning, Ser Bigby," Aegon gave a polite greeting to the older man. The gruff man gave a sleep-filled grunt and pulled out a packet of cigarettes, sticking one in his mouth.
Thankfully the elevator opened and Aegon stepped inside as the sprinkler system turned on and an alarm bell rang out loud and shrilly. Flycatcher gave a loud curse, "Dammit, Bigby! I just mopped these floors!"
Aegon sighed and shook his head minutely as Bigby walked into the elevator, now smelling like a wet dog. Aegon had quickly learnt that whenever Bigby tried to have a cigarette in the Woodlands, the sprinkler system would turn on. It was almost like magic when it happened, but it was also convenient as the first time it happened, he got sopping wet and he had to watch Snow chew Bigby out. From what Aegon could tell, it wasn't the first time this happened in the Woodlands.
"You're going to get an earful from Miss White about this, you know," Aegon then said to Bigby who grunted noncommittally and pushed the button for the ground floor.
As the elevator then slowly descended to the ground floor and foyer, Bigby looked at Aegon and asked, "So, how are you settling?"
"As well as I can, I suppose," Aegon replied. "It's not every day you lose your world and realise that it was the basis of works of entertainment and fun," he said dryly.
"I hear ya," Bigby agreed. "I can't promise it'll be okay, but you'll be able to adapt and make the most of a bad situation," he said.
"That's all I can really do at this stage," Aegon said with a nod. "I wonder if anyone from my world has found their way here? Would be nice to see a familiar face like Rolly or Jon," he added.
"You can always hope," Bigby said sagely. "And you're not alone here on Danny," he added.
Aegon smiled and nodded in agreement just as the elevator door opened and standing at the door with her hands on her hips was Snow White who had a frown on her face. Thankfully, it was not Aegon who appeared to be the target of such an expression. Quickly excusing himself to go to work, Aegon left as quickly as manner would allow just as Snow began to chew Bigby out for trying to sneak a cigarette in the Woodlands.
Leaving the apartment building, Aegon was greeted with the sights and sounds of Danny Street. The Dannyzens as they called themselves were fulfilling their daily activities, whether it be having a coffee and breakfast at Udderly Delicious, enjoying the sunshine at Danny's Picadilly Park or procuring groceries and other items at one of the many stores that Danny had their land.
Then a chiming ring caught Aegon's attention and he looked to see one of the stores bells ringing and upon looking, the neon lettering on the front window rearranged themselves to read a message from Danny.
Bona to vada, Aegon. Got a bijou from Rip. He wants to have a bona cackle with you after work.
"Where abouts?" Aegon asked and Danny rearranged the letters again.
Udderly Delicious. So scarper your dolly dish quick sticks.
"What does Rip want to talk about?"
He didn't tell me, but sounded pretty important.
Aegon nodded and said, "Tell Rip I'll be there after I finish work."
Fantabulosa! Have a bona day today, Aegon.
Aegon nodded before bidding Danny farewell and headed for Chateau D'If. The current owner of the fencing academy was Furbo, or as his Fable moniker was called, Puss-in-Boots. Aegon was a little off-balance upon seeing a talking anthropomorphic feline walking around in a pair of leather boots carrying out fencing lessons. But after an adjustment period, Aegon worked under Furbo as one the academy's cleaners.
"Good morning, Ser Aegon," Furbo called out to Aegon who raised a hand in greeting and headed for the supply closest to get started on work.
…
After his shift was over at lunchtime, Aegon gave Furbo a farewell and headed for Udderly Delicious. Entering the establishment, Aegon then heard a familiar voice call out to him.
"Aegon, over here!"
Looking to where the voice had come from, Aegon soon spotted the owner of the voice waving at him from one of the window tables. Rip Hunter.
Walking over and taking a seat opposite Rip, Aegon spoke. "So, what is it you wanted to talk to me about, Ser Hunter?" he asked getting right to the point.
Rip smiled mysteriously as the waitress asked for their order. "You want anything? I'm buying," the British man offered.
"A chicken burger with fries and a soda," Aegon replied and the waitress wrote the order down and took it to the kitchen. "So are you going to answer my question?" he asked directly.
"What did you think of Gotham when you first landed there?" Rip asked conversationally.
Aegon sighed as he wondered if Rip had simply called him for a meaningless conversation, but he decided to play along by replying, "I wasn't there for very long, but I think it could be better."
"How so?" Rip asked.
"The streets could be cleaner for one thing," Aegon said matter-of-factly. "Even some of the cities back home had cleaner streets than Gotham," he added.
"Anything else that could be improved on?" Rip asked with an easy smile on his bearded lips.
"I think that some of the freaks that live there could do with a hard lesson in facing the consequences of their actions," Aegon said tersely.
"Care to elaborate on that? Because I'm fairly certain they face the consequences when Batman comes after them," Rip said.
Aegon sighed as the waitress came with his lunch order. Thanking the waitress, Aegon picked up his chicken burger in both hands and took a pensive bite of it. The rich taste of fried chicken mingled with crispy bacon, melted cheese, fresh lettuce and tomato and toasted bread filled Aegon's palate as he chewed a few times before swallowing the mouthful and gave his reply.
"I'm not talking about the slaps on the wrist that Batman gives the likes of Two-Face, Poison Ivy and so on," he said in response to Rip's enquiry.
"Then what are you talking about?" Rip asked as he sipped from his chocolate thickshake.
"Back home, if the likes of Joker were to make themselves known, a trial wouldn't even be necessary," Aegon said. "They'd get sent to the headsman's block," he added almost casually.
Rip raised an eyebrow at this before speaking. "Some would call such a thing barbaric," he said slowly.
"What the Joker does is barbaric to others, beyond it even," Aegon said coldly. "Why no-one has seen fit to put an end to that murderous jester beggars belief," he added.
"Some have ruled that his madness exempts the man from being held responsible for what he does," Rip said casually.
"But at what point does it get to when someone says enough is enough and that the Joker finally gets the justice, true justice, he deserves?" Aegon asked.
"Are you saying you would ensure that the Joker did not live to hurt another soul?" Rip asked.
"If he hurts or kills someone I care for, I doubt it would weigh heavily on my mind," Aegon replied before taking another bite of his meal.
Rip gave that mysterious smile before saying, "Well, given what I read of the Joker's rap sheet, I can honestly I'm surprised someone hasn't seen fit to put the Joker down."
"Do you wish me to kill the Joker?" Aegon asked.
"No. At least, not yet for the time being," Rip denied easily. "Rather, I have asked you here to tell that I've found one of my potential recruits for this team I'm building," he said as he pulled out a folder from the folds of his jacket. Placing the document in front of Aegon, Rip then resumed drinking his thickshake with that mysterious grin still on his face.
Setting his burger down and licking his finger clean, Aegon picked up the folder and opened it to read the contents. A photo of a tall redheaded woman with a gorgeous face wearing a rather scanty green outfit on a stage with one leg entwined around a metal pole. Aegon read the information.
"Kay Oak. Exotic dancer working the Boom-Boom Room in Gotham," Aegon said reading the words on the page. "How is a tavern dancer going to help us?" he asked looking at Rip wondering if this was some elaborate prank being played on him.
"Miss Oak isn't what one would label normal," Rip replied smiling widely. "She's something of an expatriate if we were to look at it from a certain point of view," he said.
Aegon read more of the additional information. "Super-strength, inhuman endurance and combat mastery. Why would a tavern dancer have such skills?" he asked.
"It's better if I take you to meet her so you can see for yourself when we recruit her," Rip replied easily. "Cheque, please!" he called out to the waitress.
Sighing to himself, Aegon finished the last few bites of his food and left the milk bar with Rip. "How are we getting to Gotham? Via those… portals?" the young knight asked.
"Nope," Rip said with a smile as he pulled out a small remote from his pocket and pressed a button. Then a loud whining roar was heard and Aegon then saw a massive flying vehicle float down from the sky.
"Gods! What is this?!" the young knight exclaimed in surprise.
"This, is the Waverider," Rip proclaimed. "Climb on board, we're on the clock here," he said.
Aegon followed Rip onto the ship. Smooth grey metal surfaces lined the walls and floor while soft yet bright white lights were embedded in the ceiling.
Rip was walking on ahead from Aegon and he called out to someone that the young knight could not see. "Gideon. Set a course for Gotham City, the Boom-Boom Room!"
Then a smooth female voice spoke out from the ether. "Setting a course for Gotham City, the Boom-Boom Room. Are we beginning recruiting for our plan?"
"We are," Rip said. "And meet my first official recruit and soon to be field commander, Ser Aegon Targaryen," he added.
"Field Commander?!" Aegon blurted out. "You intend me for to take command of… what are you planning?" he asked.
"I'll tell when we have all our recruits. Save myself explaining myself multiple times," Rip replied. "If you're wondering who the voice, that's Gideon, a computer AI that acts as an assistant and pilot of the Waverider," he said.
Gideon then spoke again, "It's a pleasure to meet you at last, Ser Aegon."
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, my lady," Aegon said cautiously. "What is Ser Rip's plan if you don't mind my asking?" he asked Gideon hoping to get an answer as to what it was that Rip.
"I apologise, but my current programming prevents me from giving any details about Rip's plan until we have all our recruits or Rip gives his express consent," Gideon said smoothly.
"So much for that," Aegon muttered and he followed after Rip down the hall where they reached a massive area with a panel of smooth clear windows and chairs facing said windows.
Rip then looked at Aegon and said to him, "Strap yourself in. We might experience some turbulence."
"Turbulence?" Aegon asked.
"Nothing to worry about," Rip said with a grin. "but first timers tend to get worried when experiencing it the first time," he added.
"So, where is it we're going again?" Aegon enquired as he sat down in one of the chairs.
"Gotham City, to recruit the second member of our team," Rip replied as though it was simple to understand.
"Who so happens to be an exotic dancer," Aegon said in a deadpan. "I must admit, I don't have much confidence in this plan, whatever it may be," he added dryly.
"Don't worry. Everything's going according to plan," Rip said with a smile before turning and for a brief moment, Aegon swore he heard the man whisper something under his breath.
Then with a jolt, the Waverider surged forward at a speed that had Aegon clutching the edges of his seat in panic.
"Seven hells! Are you doing this on purpose?!" he yelled at Rip who simply gave him a shit-eating grin in response as the Waverider flew to its destination.
TO BE CONTINUED…
A/N: There! Third chapter of this crossover is done and dusted. I apologise for the wait, but I was busy with numerous things that consume vast amounts of time. Now the next chapter we'll see the second official recruit for the team that Rip is forming and Aegon has found out that he'll be the field commander of this mysterious team for some mysterious plan Rip has.
For other potential members for Rip/Aegon's team, I've got a few ideas as to who would be good members and what they can bring to the table. If anyone has any ideas for who could be a good addition to the team, feel free to leave your suggestions in a review or PM them. I'll take them into consideration.
Now, with Rip Hunter and the Waverider, there will be some time-travel involved, quite a bit actually, as Rip and his team will be going to various moments in the future and getting involved in what happens, but I won't say anymore on the subject.
In other news, I'm working on updating my Harry Potter/The Mummy Returns crossover, but it's slow going as I'm trying to get my creative juices flowing for it, but I can't really force it, so here's hoping that hopefully soon, I can find that creativity to sit and pump out the next chapter.
So I'll leave this here and see you all in the next one.
Be kind to one another,
Angry lil' elf.
