Invaded

Chapter Seven: Depths

Author's Note: Please enjoy.

Note that this work has been revised and updated.

Mount. Justice
March 19
11:42 AM EDT

"They're both gonna wind up our responsibility, aren't they?" Mal asked, crossing his arms over his chest as he glared at Nightwing and I.

"Not necessarily," Nightwing said, rubbing the back of his neck unsure, "Bart—Impulse—is staying with Jay and Joan Garrick in Central City."

"And Roy, the original Speedy, is recovering at Royal Memorial Hospital in Star City," I added.

"I can't believe Red found Speedy," Connor admitted.

"Yeah, me too. Anyways, Arrows Green and Red are watching over him," I explained.

Mal scoffed, rolling his eyes, "They're both gonna wind up our responsibility. And shouldn't you be watching over him too, Phe?"

"And be caught in the volcanic eruption of either Roy's emotions? No, thank you," I said.

"Where are we on identifying the Light's new partner?" Superboy asked.

Nightwing pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing, "No progress."

"All we know is that Deathstroke is definitely working for the Light. He's also kidnapped Harmony Sato—"

M'gann's giggle echoed throughout the Mission Room, interrupting us.

"La'gaan, don't eat so fast," M'gann warned as La'gaan happily ate off a floating plate.

"I can't help it, Angel Fish. The idea of cooking crabs is amazing enough, but making them into little cakes?" La'gaan smiled, stuffing his full mouth with another crab cake.

M'gann leaned forward, wiping excess crumbs from the corner of his lips, "Heh, you're going to choke."

"If only," Superboy muttered, rolling his eyes.

"Here, let me," M'gann offered as she fed La'gaan another crab cake. La'gaan chewed slowly, staring directly at Superboy.

"Mm," La'gaan moaned, "If that's not true love, I don't know what is, chum."

"Call me when it's time for the briefing," Superboy said as he exited the room.

The computer droned Artemis' arrival, "Recognized: Artemis, B-07."

"Finally," I exhaled loudly, "a mature female adult I can rely on."

I'll be the first to admit that sometimes I can be immature, but M'gann deserved it. Her abrasive actions had consequences. Not only had she hurt Connor by invading his mind, but she had lied to me about it in an attempt to erase her mistakes. To me, that was unforgivable.

Nightwing placed a firm hand on my shoulder; with a knowing look, he pleaded silently with me. Ever since M'gann and Connor's breakup, M'gann and I haven't seen eye to eye.

"Artemis!" M'gann shouted, crossing the room to embrace the blonde in a tight hug. Artemis chuckled uncomfortably, returning the hug.

"How's Wally?" M'gann questioned. After retiring around the same time, both Wally and Artemis found out (to each other's horror) they were attending the same college, Stanford. After a semester of dorming hell, Artemis decided to take Wally's offer of living off campus together. At the time, Wally and I were still trying to make things work, so I often slept over.

"Team," I announced through the Cave's intercom, "Report for a mission briefing."

"Okay, Gamma Squad," Nightwing sighed tiredly, "the mission is Cape Canaveral. It's a covert-op to safeguard the first Earth-Mars communication satellite. There are people out there who don't even like the idea of aliens and will do anything to scrub this launch."

Miss Martian lowered her head, turning away slightly.

Artemis placed a hand on Miss Martian's shoulder, smiling softly, adding, "But that's why I came back— because not all of us feel that way."

Mal placed his hands on his hips, raising an eyebrow at Nightwing before asking, "So, why are you going if Phe's going?"

Nightwing adjusted his glove, smirking, "Why should Phe get all the action if we're both co-leading?"

I scoffed, gently shoving his shoulder, "I'm going to be in a room full of arrogant scientists. Hardly sounds like action."

"Admit it," Artemis sighed dramatically, "you just want to be a part of this almost-reunion special."

Cape Canaveral
March 19
08:59 PM EDT

"Link established," I announced.

"Good. Miss M, begin aerial sweep of the Cape's perimeter. Phe, secure the command room," Nightwing instructed.

"Hey, boss, I'd be happy to join my Angel Fish on that assignment,," Lagoon Boy offered.

"Negative, Lagoon Boy. You're right where we need you, giving us maximum coverage in the water, on land, and in the air—in case there's any attempt at sabotage," Nightwing explained.

"T-minus fifty-two minutes until launch. All systems are a go for launch," a male scientist informed Miss Ferris and I. With a curt nod, I crossed my arms over my chest, staring wearily at the monitor displaying the live video feed of the rocket containing the communication satellite.

"Woah, heads up, minnows. We got bad guys: Black Manta's troopers. They're working some kind of platform beneath the surface just offshore. I'm taking them down," Lagoon Boy informed us.

"Belay that," Nightwing retorted, adding, "Wait for backup."

Superboy added, "I'll scrounge a rebreather from the cargo hold and help the rookie out."

"Rookie?" Lagoon Boy scoffed, "Neptunes Beard! I don't need any help from the Boy of Steel."

"Lagoon Boy, you will wait for backup. That's a direct order," I snapped.

"Sorry, you're breaking up," Lagoon Boy said as he feigned static noises.

"There's no static on a telepathic connection!" I shouted, rising from my seat. I crossed the room quickly, making my way to the sole exit.

"Is there a problem, Phoenix?" Miss Ferris questioned.

I paused, contemplating my answer. I opened the door, motioning for her to follow me into the empty hallway.

Although I hadn't personally met Carol Ferris until today, I had learned from Canary that she was Hal Jordan's girlfriend. From what I learned, she was reasonably level headed and handled extremely intense situations pretty well. Well, as well as one could while being the girlfriend to an interstellar law enforcement agent.

"We might be under attack," I explained, "I'm going to secure the command base while the rest of my squad secures the rocket. Remain calm and proceed with the mission."

Miss Ferris sighed before nodding and returning into the command room.

"Superboy, you have that rebreather?" Nightwing questioned.

I exited the command base, instantly generating a massive forcefield around the command base as a rain of red lasers sliced through the air.

"Negative," Superboy answered, adding, "La'gaan didn't restock."

"Then take the helm. Miss Martian, gill up and help Lagoon Boy. Phe, can you join us?" Nightwing quickly improvised.

"Negative. I'm kind of busy right now," I answered as I materialized through the force field. As quickly as I could, I aimed and shot dozens of orbs of energy at the approaching Black Manta's troops.

I outstretched my hands, watching as their bodies barely rose from the ground. It seems Kaldur had lined their suits with lead, making it nearly impossible for me to accurately telekinetically detect all of them at once.

"Superboy, we need cover fire down here," Nightwing said.

I sprinted forward, disarming the Black Manta's troops as quickly as possible before flying to Artemis and Nightwing's location.

"Phe, up there!" Artemis shouted, pointing upwards. Two large missiles beelined towards the rocket. I flew up, quickly outstretching my hands; one of the missiles whined loudly as it stalled, remaining in place. I threw a large orb at it, flying back for coverage as the missile exploded.

I landed on the beach surrounded by Black Manta's troopers. Swiftly, I roundhouse kicked the nearest one before kneeing him in the stomach. He grunted before collapsing onto the ground.

I turned around, blocking a series of punches before igniting an orb directly on the trooper's mask. He yelped, stumbling back as he clawed the helmet off; I grunted, kicking him hard in the gut. He groaned, slamming into the two troopers behind him.

I ducked, barely avoiding the lasers from another troopers gun. I slid between his legs, punching him in the groin. As he doubled over, I rose to my feet, using his back as a stepping stone. I jumped, twirling midair before kicking his helmet. He flung back, unconscious. I rolled on the sand, landing in a crouching position.

"God, I missed this," Artemis admitted, landing beside me after taking down her own troopers.

"Guys, it's a reunion special," I say, pointing to the shore as Kaldur slowly emerged from the water. Artemis shivered slightly, quietly releasing a rigid breath. Hesitating, Artemis lowered her bow; as much as she tried to hide it, her eyes showed her true feelings for Kaldur.

She still loved him.

"They've taken La'gaan! I'm going after him!" Miss Martian informed.

"Priority is the missiles," Superboy countered. I glanced above us; Superboy piloted the bioship, destroying missiles as quick as he could. Yet, it seemed like for every one he destroyed, two more replaced them.

"There are too many. I'm not keeping up," Superboy added.

Nightwing glanced at me, nodding. Slowly, I floated upwards, aiming an orb at Kaldur.

"Kaldur!" Artemis shouted, taking a small step forward, "You don't want to do this!"

Kaldur gripped his water-bearers, approaching us, "I believe I do."

A large, light-blue wave splashed wildly behind him before growing and transforming into the shape of a bird. With a loud grunt from Kaldur, the water-bird lunged, engulfing Artemis and Nightwing in sea water. The water-bird quickly transformed into a dragon as it prepared for another attack.

Quickly, I outstretched my hands, saving the two from imminent drowning.

Kaldur scowled; small missiles shot from his armored suit. Artemis quickly retaliated with her bow and arrow, destroying each missile.

"Artemis, behind you!" Nightwing warned, running towards Kaldur.

Kaldur's water-bearers transformed into sledgehammers seconds before he slammed them into Nightwing's chest. Nightwing groaned loudly as his body slammed onto the wet sand.

I cursed, running towards Nightwing. I ducked, narrowly missing a hit from Kaldur's sledgehammers. Swiftly, Kaldur kneed me—hard—before bringing the sledgehammers down onto my back. I collapsed, wheezing and gasping as Kaldur kicked my stomach.

Kaldur lunged at Artemis, slamming one of his water-bearers into her bows. Both weapons fell onto the wet sand, useless. Artemis shifted into a fighting stance, glaring at Kaldur as his remaining water-bearer morphed into a dagger.

"Artemis!" I wheezed, rising to my feet.

Artemis gasped as Kaldur lunged forward, plunging the dagger into her exposed skin. He leaned forward, whispering something into her ear as she coughed.

I swung my hand out, sending a strong telekinetic wave at the approaching Black Manta's troops. Their bodies flung back, skidding across the water like skipping stones.

"No…" I whispered as a loud explosion erupted behind us. The rocket had exploded mid-air, sending large pieces of debris cascading down. I flew upwards, screaming as I generated another massive force field to protect the command base.

The force field began cracking, quickly falling; I placed my hands firmly on the red, warm surface pushing firmly.

Bludhaven
March 20
04:00 AM EDT

"So, you and Baywatch are done?" Artemis questioned; she stood at the threshold of Wally's bedroom door, arms crossed in annoyance. I nodded, slowly folding my clothes and carefully placing them neatly inside my suitcase.

"That's it? No screaming, no dramatic exit? You're just going to fold your clothes and leave?" Artemis persisted, entering the room.

Again, I nodded.

"This is total bullshit," Artemis seethed.

"Artemis—"

"You're not even fighting to stay together. You're both giving up! You two are like role models. You two are supposed to prove that this thing can work," Artemis continued.

"What can work?" I asked, turning to face the blonde.

"A happy ending in this gig," Artemis muttered; her voice was low, cracking slightly from emotion.

"Just because Wally and I didn't work out, doesn't mean you'll have the same fate. Everyone is different. You and Kaldur are different," I reasoned.

"Yes, it does. If you two can't make it, there's no hope for the rest of us," Artemis countered before storming out. I winced at the sound of the front door slamming shut.

With a tired sigh, I sat on the edge of Wally's bed. I pinched the bridge of my nose, clenching my eyes shut as I resisted the appeal to cry.

The sound of clattering coming from mental shipment containers behind me withdrew me from my thoughts.

Nightwing whispered, "Wally?"

Kaldur emerged, answering, "No."

I embraced the Atlantean in a hug, muttering a greeting. He returned the hug, pulling away as Wally and Artemis emerged.

Artemis slowly approached us, removing the thick hood of her parka. Kaldur quickly embraced her; Artemis returned the hug, pulling away only to kiss Kaldur.

"I take it our ruse was successful," Kaldur said as he pulled away completely from Artemis' embrace.

"Almost too successful," Nightwing countered, "The Team and League are in mourning."

"The Arrows and Canary want your head on a stick. They may never forgive us for this," I added.

Kaldur rubbed his face tiredly, asking, "And still only we five know the secret?"

Nightwing nodded, adding, "This secret and the other: that you've been under deep cover within Black Manta's organization since leaving the Team. How'd it go on that end?"

"Successful as well," Kaldur assured us, "I've proven my loyalty to my biological father. He is moving me up the ladder, bringing me closer to the Light and their unknown partner."

Nightwing countered, "Not without cost, Kaldur. The com-sat wasn't supposed to be destroyed and La'gaan definitely wasn't supposed to be captured."

Kaldur nodded, agreeing, I know. It was the only way to save his life and maintain my cover."

"We're not blaming you, Kal— especially considering the impossible decisions you've had to make. Like choosing between saving the Kroloteans on Melina Island—" Kaldur cut me off.

"Or saving my friends. And I will find a way to help La'gaan. You have my word," Kaldur assured us.

"So, what now?" Artemis questioned.

Nightwing reached for his utility belt, slowly revealing the enchanted necklace Zatanna created for him. He secured it around Artemis' neck, slowly backing away.

"Uh, dude? Why are you giving bling to my dead roommate?" Wally asked.

"Glamour charm, courtesy of Zatanna," Nightwing explained, "Physiomorphic spell, I think. She said it backwards."

"Wow," Wally exhaled, "You look exactly the same."

"To the five of us—and only us, but to anyone else, you're an entirely different person," Nightiwng added.

Artemis toyed with the necklace around her neck, raising an eyebrow at Nightwing, "The more impressive trick is how you got something so specific from Zatanna without revealing who or what it was for."

Nightwing smirked, "We have history."

I rolled my eyes, scoffing at Nightwing as Wally elbowed him lightly.

"You dog," Wally uttered.

Kaldur approached Artemis, "It is time."

Artemis embraced Wally, Nightwing, and I in our own respective hugs.

"One final thing. The Light has tasked Black Manta and Deathstroke to gather a series of highly skilled individuals. There is a list—some names have been omitted," Kaldur revealed.

"Is Harmony Sato on that list?" I asked.

Kaldur nodded, "Yes, and recently, her name has been omitted. And Phoenix?"

I raised an eyebrow at Kaldur, who in turn sighed.

"Be careful," Kaldur instructed, "Your name is at the top of that list."

I nodded, taking full caution of his warning. We watched silently as Kaldur and Artemis exited the warehouse.

"From here on out, we have to be extra careful. Wally, you'll have to break the news to Artemis' mom since you live with Artemis. 'Wing, you and I have to comfort the Team. We have to keep our guards up, especially with M'gann," I reasoned.

Nightwing nodded, agreeing, "Right, agreed. At least we're through the hard part. They're in."

Wally scoffed, "Who are you kidding? It only gets more dangerous from here."