Invaded
Chapter Nineteen: Summit
Author's Note: Enjoy and leave a review!
Queen Manor, Star City
June 17
08:02 AM PDT
"We've set up this meeting because we need to address the possibility that the outcome of the summit will not favor us," I stated somberly, glancing around the room.
Roy Harper bounced Lian in his arms as Jade prepared a bottle of milk. Connor sat between Wally and Dick on the library's leather couch. M'gann crossed her arms, sitting on the couch's armrest.
"As you all were recently informed, Kaldur and Artemis are undercover operatives, but this isn't why I called this meeting," I paused, inhaling sharply, "Although the odds are in our favor, Lex Corp is still mass producing the latest version of inhibitor collars. There is still some sort of push towards government registration. The tide can change against us at any moment. So, I called this meeting to form some sort of contingency plan should any regulation act pass."
A pregnant silence settled briefly before Connor broke it, asking, "What kind of contingency plan?"
"For starters," I paused, "Roy, Jade, and Lian will go into hiding."
Roy slowly shifted his gaze from Lian to me, remaining silent. His gaze softened enough for me to know he was expressing his gratitude. I shifted my attention to meet Jade's cold and calculated gaze.
"I have no quarrels with you or your decision making, but what makes you the one to decide such things?" Jade quipped.
"Because," I paused, choosing my words carefully, "when I became part of this Team, I made an oath to protect the innocent and place my teammates best interest before mine. Jade, undeniably, we are family which makes Lian my niece. I know what it feels like to grow up without my parents. It's a devastating feeling that I do not want my niece to know."
Jade glanced down at her daughter in Roy's arm before nodding curtly, "Fine, we'll go into hiding."
I exhaled, thankful for the lack of resistance from the assassin. Continuing, "Should we lose to the Light, we need to ensure none of our powerhouses or heavy hitters fall into their hands."
M'gann's shoulders slumped as she asked, "Which means I should go home?"
"If worse comes to worse," I assured her.
"What about Kaldur? Cassie?" Dick persisted.
"We don't want anyone becoming pawns to the Light," I emphasized, "so it would be best if they returned home as well."
"What about everyone else?" Wally questioned.
"Everyone else will have to lay low, extremely low," I paused, mulling over my announcement.
"As for me…" I trailed off, rubbing the back of my neck nervously, "I'll be retiring, regardless of the summit's outcome."
There was a brief moment of silent shock before the room erupted in a series of mixed outbursts.
Connor and Dick both rose from the couch, protesting loudly. Lian began to cry at the sudden shouting which caused Jade to curse. Roy bounced his crying daughter yet congratulated me. After getting over her initial shock, M'gann began to ask questions. Wally remained silent, drilling holes into my skin with his intense gaze.
"Enough!" I shouted over the noise. Everyone abruptly silenced themself, waiting for me to continue.
"My mind is made up. I have Harmony to think about now. Anyways, best worst case scenario, we'd be better off with Ashley Queen on your side than Phoenix against you," I explained.
Santa Prisca
June 19
12:00 AM ECT
I crouched on the edge of the volcano's mouth, expertely hidden from the Light's operatives. Slowly, I parted the shrub in front of me, peering down below.
"Is everyone in position?" I questioned. Each leader of their respective squads confirmed just as the lights flickered on in the cavern below.
Black Beetle and Deathstroke entered, slowly scouting the cavern before the Light and Reach slowly filtered in.
"Ambassador," Vandal Savage rasped.
"Savage," the Ambassador nodded.
Black Beetle stepped forward, towering over the Ambassador as he spoke, "As head of security for the Reach, I must insist no masks be worn at the summit."
Black Manta retorted, "Simply because you insist there is no guarantee."
"Manta," Ra's al Ghul paused, "if you wouldn't mind. After all, we are among friends."
Black Manta returned his attention to Black Beetle, grunting lowly before removing his helmet. Kaldur and Tigress followed suit with Deathstroke being the last one to remove his mask.
"Satisfied?" Ra's al Ghul questioned, smirking slightly at Black Beetle. With a low grunt, Black Beetle retreated behind the Ambassador.
"Excellent," the Ambassador paused, "Then, with these formalities out of the way—"
"Let us begin," Vandal Savage stated, smiling sadistically.
"And the rest of the Light? Won't they be joining us?" The Ambassador questioned, glancing at the present Light operatives.
"Our more public members are occupied conducting damage control to mitigate your recent defeats," Ra's al Ghul explained.
And in any case," Vandal paused, tone growing dark, "we are sufficient."
"Fine," the Ambassador settled, "I know you called this summit, but the Reach has come with grievances against the Light. Please explain how the young Earth champions were allowed access to the Bialyian scarab temple under your control?"
Kaldur stepped forward, asking, "If I may respond?"
"No, you may not," Black Beetle retorted, adding, "Manta, keep your whelp meat silent."
Black Manta glared at Black Beetle, countering, "Beetle, your insolence grows progressively less charming."
Vandal raised his hand, successfully interrupting the tension growing between Black Beetle and Black Manta.
"My friends," Vandal began, "I think we can all agree that in recent days, no one has done more—sacrificed more for both the Light and the Reach than Kaldur'ahm. That is why he was entrusted with security for this summit and why he's entitled to a voice here," Vandal concluded.
"Of course," the Ambassador agreed, raising his hand to signal Black Beetle's cooperation, "He may speak."
Kaldur took another step forward, "Thank you, Ambassador. We acknowledge your concerns over the actions of my former Team, but you must acknowledge that the Light could not have known the significance of the temple or that ancient Earth magic could overcome Reach technology to free Blue Beetle and Green Beetle from your thrawl."
The Ambassador frowned as Kaldur continued, "If the Reach had been more forthcoming about how long ago their scarab was sent to infiltrate Earth, the Light might have made the connection to the Temple, and certainly would have provided better security for it," Kaldur concluded.
"I told you I wanted to study how Blue Beetle's scarab had crashed prior to putting it back on mode," the Scientist chastised the Ambassador, "If you had followed my advice, we would have known about the temple and—" The Scientist abruptly stopped talking as the Ambassador's glare intensified.
"Oh, apologies," the Scientist muttered, bowing her head, "I spoke out of turn."
"No, my dear," Black Manta assured the Scientist, "you were quite correct to call your master's tactics into question. The Light has provided everything the Reach required and you aliens have let it all slip away."
The Ambassador's frown deepened, retorting, "I don't believe this is a productive direction for our discussion."
"No?" Ra's al Ghul challenged, "Your public approval ratings are at a record low, as are sales of the Reach drink, which you had hoped would enslave the populace."
Vandal Savage nodded, adding, "You allowed the young heroes you kidnapped to be rescued by the very teenagers whose meta-gene you enhanced."
"After allowing their escape as well," Black Manta added on.
"Worst of all," Kaldur stated, "Blue Beetle and Green Beetle have slipped from your grasp and fallen into the hands of the enemy, the Justice League."
"Rest assured, both Beetles will soon return to the fold. In fact, Black Beetle has been summoned to Earth from his post guarding access to the key chamber on the Warworld," the Ambassador revealed.
"To kill Blue and Green Beetle," Black Beetle elaborated, smiling sadistically.
"So that their scarabs may be reset and installed upon new host bodies that will forever be slaves to the Reach," the Scientist corrected.
"So, do not question us on that score or any other," the Ambassador seethed, "Remember, the Earth is now the property of the Reach, and per our original agreement, the Light is merely our favored agents amongst the humans."
"Show the proper respect," Black Beetle demanded, clenching his fist, "or suffer the consequences."
"No agreement exists that makes a slave of Black Manta," Black Manta snarled, glaring at Black Beetle.
"No agreement exists that guarantees the life of Black Manta," Black Beetle retorted, stepping closer to Black Manta.
"Manta guarantees that himself," Manta countered as a built-in rocket launcher emerged from his suit's shoulder, aimed at Black Beetle. Black Beetle retaliated by activating his chest cannon, aiming it at Black Manta.
"It seems we have a standoff," Ra's al Ghul stated.
"No, we don't," Black Beetle corrected, leaping forward and slapping Manta across the cavern. Tigress and Deathstroke both lunged forward, engaging Black Beetle in a fight.
"Kaldur, get this situation under control or we won't be able to get the information we need," I noted, growing nervous.
Deathstroke shoved his metal staff into Black Beetle's chest cannon as the Reach's operatives began moving forward, shooting randomly.
"Should we intervene now?" Wonder Girl questioned.
"No!" Nightwing and I both responded simultaneously.
It was obvious the younger members of the Team were anxious to infiltrate the summit. After Nightwing and I had debriefed the remaining unknown members of the Team about Kaldur's true mission and explained Artemis' fake sacrifice, we had prepared them for what we hope to be the final battle between the Team and the Reach.
Black Beetle swung at Black Manta with his scythe swords; Manta landed at Kaldur's feet, clutching his helmet. Immediately, Tigress and Deathstroke reengaged Black Beetle in a fight.
"Fuck," I cursed, "if this escalates any further, we won't get the evidence we need."
Kaldur ran, wedging himself between Black Manta and Black Beetle, pushing them away from each other.
"Enough!" Kaldur shouted, "We are allies not enemies. Any conflict between us only benefits our true opponents, the Justice League, and their sidekicks."
"Kaldur'ahm is quite correct," Vandal Savage admitted, clasping his hands behind his back as he slowly walked towards the Ambassador.
"Agreed. We must not allow petty disagreements to drive a wedge between us," the Ambassador nodded, "Gratitude, Kaldur'ahm. Stand down, warrior."
Black Beetle gritted his teeth, "Ambassador!"
"Stand down," the Ambassador hissed. Black Beetle grunted, slowly backpedaling to stand behind the Ambassador.
"Should we not be concerned that Superman, Batman, the Lanterns, and the rest will soon return to Earth and once again sway public opinion to their side?" Kaldur questioned, glancing at Vandal Savage.
"Superman and those accused with him will never leave Rimbor. The attack we forced them to make on that world—plus a few well-placed bribes—has guaranteed their convictions," Vandal Savage assured.
Even now, as my anger bubbled inside me, I had to admire Vandal Savage for how dedicated and thorough he was.
"And the Green Lanterns are forbidden by Guardian Treaty from returning to Earth now that we've convinced UN Secretary Tsang to welcome us here," the Ambassador added, "As for public opinion, I couldn't be concerned. Though the tide has turned to a certain degree, it will be a simple matter to build on the foundation of half-truths we have already used to discredit the League in order to discredit them… again."
The Ambassador gazed at Ra's al Ghul quizzically as Ra's al Ghul gazed at Tigress.
"Great One?" Tigress questioned as Ra's al Ghul approached her; swiftly, he ripped off the glamour charm from her neck. Instantly, Tigress was engulfed in a golden light and Artemis emerged.
"Get ready! Things are going to move faster than anticipated! On my mark!" Nightwing instructed.
"Artemis," Savage growled.
"I don't understand. I thought Artemis was dead," the Ambassador said, staring eye-wide at Artemis.
"So did we all, but it seems Tigress is Artemis," Savage concluded.
"This is a glamour charm created—I'd wager by Zatanna or Doctor Fate—to hide Artemis' true identity," Ra's al Ghul added as Artemis gritted her teeth in anger.
The Ambassador furrowed his brow, "But Kaldur'ahm killed Artemis. If she lives and disguised as his lieutenant, then that means—"
"That means Kaldur duped them all, including his own father," Black Beetle cackled sadistically.
"Kill them both," the Ambassador instructed. Black Beetle stepped forward, his scythe blades reflecting against the light.
"No! You will not kill my son!" Black Manta shouted, shielding Kaldur with his own body.
"Now, M'gann," I commanded.
"He's right," Deathstroke noted, swiftly shooting Artemis and Kaldur in their hearts.
"The Light takes care of its own," Deathstroke explained as Artemis and Kaldur collapsed onto the floor, blood oozing from their chests. Instantly, a holographic recording of Kaldur materialized and began playing.
"If you're watching this, then your summit is truly over. The Light and the Reach deserve each other. Both sides play at being partners, but the Reach believes the Light to be their naive tools of conquest, when in fact the Light has manipulate the Reach from day one," Kaldur's hologram explained.
"Shut this off," Vandal Savage hissed.
"How?" Deathstroke questioned.
"It was the Light that brought Earth to the Reach's attention by sending the Justice League to Rimbor. The Light set their trap and the Reach snapped the bait, fulfilling the Light's desire to thrust our world into the intergalactic spotlight," Kaldur's hologram continued as a series of news clips began playing on holographic screens.
"Part of their perverse survival-of-the-fittest scheme for the planet, which they believe will transform the Earth and the Light into the eventual rulers of the Milky Way. Though the Light made a deal to help the Reach take Earth, they have also sabotaged the Reach's efforts," Kaldur's hologram revealed.
"They kept the advanced meta-gene out of the Reach's hands. They added a neutralizing agent to the Reach's drink, so Earth's population would not become servile. They turned public opinion against the Reach, and they intentionally allowed the Team access to the scarab temple to cleanse Blue and Green Beetle."
The Ambassador stared wide-eyed at the Light, shock overcoming him as Kaldur's pre-recorded holographic continued.
"So, you see, any agenda either side imagined they shared was nothing but a carefully crafted illusion. I trust I have shattered that illusion, as well as whatever remains of this sorry alliance. Goodnight," Kaldur's hologram slowly flickered off.
Black Manta cradled Kaldur's body, muttering, "Kaldur, Kaldur, what have you done?"
Vandal Savage chuckled, admitting, "He has, in death, done more damage to my plans than any living creature has wrought in 50,000 years. I'd be so impressed if I wasn't so—"
Savage's monologue was cut off by the Ambassador's frustrated scream.
"You Earthlings are a pestilence and a plague! You dare sabotage us? Dare betray us? Have you forgotten who controls the Warworld? The Light is fortunate we do not carve up the planet as we speak!" The Ambassador shouted, approaching Vandal Savage.
"That would indeed impress as I have the Warworld's crystal key," Vandal Savage revealed, closing the distance between the Ambassador and himself.
"Kaldur, now," I instructed.
"That was all I needed to know," Kaldur noted, rising to his feet.
"Kaldur?" Black Manta sputtered, "You're—"
"Alive," Kaldur finished for him, "Yes."
Artemis sat forward, extending a hand towards Ra's al Ghul, smirking, "If you would?"
Ra's al Ghul stared at Artemis in shock; Artemis sighed, sarcastically noting, "And I always heard the Great One was such a gentleman."
"Impossible," Vandal Savage spat, glaring at the two, "Deathstroke killed you both."
"Just for a little while," Deathstroke explained as a katana blade levitated in the air, aiming directly at Vandal Savage's heart. I chuckled, glancing beside me where an unconscious Deathstroke lay, gagged and severely bounded.
Deathstroke morphed in a smirking Miss Martian. "Afterall, I wouldn't want to do any permanent damage to my best friends. Not when a little misdirection and Hollywood special effects will do instead."
"For we value our true friends, and unlike you, we are not short on them," Kaldur stated firmly.
"Everyone, go!" Nightwing signaled.
I stood, jumping into the mouth of the volcano. I slowly floated down, orbs ignited around each fist as I neared the ground.
Kid Flash skidded to a halt under me, grinning, "Hey there Vandy! You miss me?"
Vandal Savage smirked, nodding, "Well played, well planned, but the Light always has contingencies."
Behind Artemis, the Brain began to light up; within seconds, all entryways (except for the mouth of the volcano in which I entered) were closed off.
From above, a series of Shadow operatives began pouring down. I overstretched my hand, attempting to stop them but hundreds were pouring down.
"Kill them all," Vandal Savage instructed, "Superboy may present a problem, but we'll deal with him when the other children lie bleeding on the ground."
"Still you refer to us as children. No wonder our successes mount. You consistently underestimate us," Kaldur retorted, successfully agitating Vandal Savage more.
I grunted, pushing past the pain and sending the hundred of Shadow operatives in my telekinetic grasp up and out of the volcano's mouth. I aimed an orb at Vandal Savage, heaving slightly.
"It is true, the Light has always underestimated these young heroes," Vandal admitted, "But not more. It is time." Vandal Savage raised his fist in the air as his ring glowed a bright red. Within seconds, Klarion the Witch Boy slithered out.
I encased myself in an orb as a massive, fiery dragon wrapped itself around Miss Martian and swallowed me. I cried, pressing my hands firmly on the orb as I forced it to expand, successfully exiting the dragon.
The orb around me flickered off just as Vandal Savage and Klarion escaped in a portal.
"Cowardly meat" Black Beetle shouted indignantly.
"No! Vandal has the right idea! This battle is pointless! Do not resist!" Ra's al Ghul shouted, quickly scanning the cavern; the Team was easily overpowering the Reach and Light's operatives.
Black Beetle growled, "Meaning every piece of meat on the Light is a coward!"
Superboy lunged at Black Beetle, momentarily struggling before being overpowered by the Beetle.
I flew upwards, aiming a series of orbs at the fiery dragon in an attempt to free Miss Martian.
Black Beetle picked up the dagger Miss Martian once aimed at Vandal and, without hesitation, plunged it into the Demon Head's chest.
"Fuck," I cursed before aiming a massive orb at the dragons head. It exploded in a bright, red fiery flame; the explosion's aftershock jerked me back. Kid Flash leaped in the air, catching me bridal style.
He beelined through the cavern, skidding to a halt in a less populated area.
"I so want to kill you four for putting us through his," Kid Flash scowled before smirking, "But I also want to kiss you right now."
I chuckled, attempting to hide the sudden flush in my cheeks. Kid Flash pressed his back against mine, glancing over his shoulder at me.
"You'll get the chance to do both after," I smirked, running towards the nearest goon. My fist connected perfectly with his jaw; as he stumbled back, I grabbed his arm, swinging him directly into the group of Reach operatives. I raised my fist, aiming and shooting several close range shots of my energy orbs.
Black Beetle flew past me, shoving me onto the ground. I shot several energy orbs, watching in annoyance as his lasers successfully nulled my attacks. Black Beetle flew upwards, escaping through the open volcano mouth.
Superboy landed beside me, helping me onto my feet. We both glanced down at his torn shirt, chuckling lowly before erupting in laughter.
Slowly, the entire cavern full of heroes began celebrating. Impulse embraced Blue Beetle, shouting loudly. Beast Boy enveloped Miss Martian in a tight hug, laughing. Bumblebee and Guardian kissed passionately. Even the BatFamily stood together, smiling proudly.
Kid Flash appeared in front of me in a blur of yellow. There was a brief moment of uncertainty before he cupped my face, pressing a firm kiss. More shouts and cheers erupted.
Slowly, we both pulled away, unable to contain our excitement.
"Retirement, huh?" Kid Flash whispered.
"Retirement," I confirmed.
"I had hoped to end this tonight, but Savage escaped with Klarion. As did Black Beetle with the Reach's head scientist. Luther and Queen Bee never showed, and even Ra's al Ghul will no doubt—"
Nightwing cut off Kaldur, approaching him, shouting, "Are you kidding me? Kaldur, you won!"
Kid Flash intertwined his hand with mind, tugging me towards the two, shouting, "Dude, you triumphed!"
I nodded, adding, "Our goal was to off the invasion and we did so much more than that. You crippled the Reach beyond belief and broke the Light in half. We even took down Deathstroke before the summit!"
Artemis approached us, holding her glamour charm at eyeview, "And since we holographically recorded the entire deal, we'll be able to use the bad guys' own words against them to clear the Justice League."
Beast Boy lunged forward, slamming into Artemis and embracing her into a hug.
"Huh? What was that for?" Artemis questioned, slowly returning the hug with her one available arm.
"I'm still just so glad you're alive and that Aqualad's not a traitor!" Beast Boy explained before glaring at Nightwing and I, "No more faking anyone's death for at least a year, okay?"
"Yeah, seconded," Kid Flash nodded, bumping shoulders with me.
"Agreed," Kaldur sighed tiredly.
Nightwing placed a firm hand on Kaldur's shoulder, "Kaldur, this has been a good night. Maybe the best we've had since the four of us first took off for Cadmus five-plus years ago."
Wally nodded, placing his hand on Kaldur's other shoulder, urging the Atlantean, "Come on, enjoy the moment my friend. You've earned it."
I stood in front of Kaldur, glaring at him as I placed my hands on my hips, "We came together to do the unthinkable, remember?"
Kaldur slowly nodded. I smirked, grabbing his arms and shaking him gently, "Kaldur, we just offed an alien invasion! We made Vandal fucking Savage run for the hills with his tail tucked between his legs! We crushed the Light and the Reach with one giant blow!"
Kaldur slowly smiled, nodding, "Agreed."
"Today," I breathed out, smiling harder than I've ever smiled before, "today was the day."
The Watchtower
June 19
05:24 AM EDT
"We are now officially returning command of the Team back to you," Nightwing stated, firmly shaking Kaldur's hand. Kaldur slowly turned to me, shaking my hand; I exhaled loudly, slouching my shoulders tiredly.
Red Tornado watched solemnly. Aquaman cleared his throat, placing a hand on Kaldur's shoulder, "Congratulations, Kaldur'ahm."
"This is unnecessary," Kaldur protested, "You two have done brilliant work leading the Team under the most trying of circumstances."
Nightwing grinned, admitting, "Which is exactly why I'm thrilled to have this particular monkey off my back. Job's all yours, pal."
"Retirement," I reminded the two in a sing-song voice, "Besides, we voted for you to be our leader."
A loud boom erupted as a boom-tube opened. Captain Marvel, Black Lightning, and Black Canary were thrown onto the ground. I crouched beside the three Leaguers, checking their pulses.
"Alive," I confirmed.
"The Warworld's been activated," Nightwing informed us, "It's leaving the Earth's orbit, heading out into space! Uh, is that good news or bad?"
"I have a feeling it's bad news," I answered, watching the Warworld slowly drift into space.