Disclaimer: I don't own Young Justice or Danny Phantom. Just my ocs and how they fit into the plot.

Homefront

Gotham City, Wayne Manor

September 22 6:22 EDT

Leila levitated quietly above her bed, her legs crisscrossed with her hands fisted together and slowly taking deep breaths. She let her mind expand, going through again everything that has happened to her since entering the portal. Leila envisioned all her different personalities- all her different emotions- levitating around her. Ever since that day, not only were her instincts split between extreme fight or flight, but all her emotions were split like separate personages of herself as well. She had let her guard down two nights ago, switching from her passive, emotionless demeanor for the bubbly and happy one of "Danielle". It led to the easy vulnerability of her for Vlad to strike against.

Vlad's taunting still whispered around her but Leila chanted to herself to pay little attention- focus.

First, Leila had entered the portal. Under the presumption that her small body type could help fix a malfunction, she would aid in the phenomenal of reaching the haunting dimension of the Ghost Zone. She was determined and loyal to the Shadows back then- completely believed in demolishing the Justice League. She was blind, training only to be a pig ready for the slaughterhouse. Not until she nearly died did Leila realize she wasn't living. Once acquiring her powers, Leila found out the truth. She had believed in Vlad and Ra's al Ghul. Both were only controlling her; so Leila strike out on her own. She barely able to control her emotions, to control her powers- her now half-life. Each city she passed, Leila became a magnet for trouble. She was always able to find someone in trouble actually, but that lead to a fight and losing what little control she had. The taunting and screams followed Leila as she continued towards the east coast. Always cold and her presence haunting, Leila's fears led her to the last place she had felt safe- Gotham.

Looking back, Leila realized that she all along was just trying to return home.

Then she found the Team and Batman found her. Took her in even when he knew the threat she hold; the power she possessed. That one acceptance didn't seem real enough though, and she couldn't bear seeing her potential teammates despise her; so she kept secrets. Only minimal control though, nearly led to her teammates being killed and now Vlad was after them. Leila thought back to what was now two weeks ago. Skulker had attacked just as M'gann and Superboy headed off to school, leaving Aqualad and herself the only two at the cave. So with her distracted by Skulker, Vlad was able to manipulate Aqualad. But what could Vlad have hung over Aqualad without telling her secret? Was Aqualad the one who, somehow, was suspicious of her? Why not inform Batman then?

Leila was interrupted by a knock at her door, shattering her concentration. Muttering her irritation under her breath, Leila called out,

"Come in."

Leila heard her door swing open but kept her eyes closed,

"Hey Leila. Ready for-"

Leila peeked one eye open to see Dick slightly surprised as he stared at her floating figure. Sighing, Leila let herself fall to her bed, seemed like no one will be able to accept her. Quickly recovering, Dick shook his head to clear his surprised look, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck as he smiled,

"Uh sorry Leila. Didn't mean to intrude. Ready for school?"

Leila frowned as she got up to grab her school bag off her desk. Sighing again, Leila fixed the end of her school's uniform skirt.

"In this menace, oh sure. I just love skirts. Remind me again why Bruce is making me do this?"

Dick chuckled under his breath,

"Come on Leila. It's not a bad look and what will you do all day without me." Dick gave Leila a cocky grin and a wink, making her shove him lightly out of the way.

"Not be annoyed by you that's for sure, Boy Wonder." snide Leila before smirking as she led the way downstairs, Dick followed as he snickered from behind her.

Alfred stood at the ready as the two birds walked out to the driveway together, opening the door as Bruce stepped in first. Leila suddenly froze.

It's been five years since she last was in a car- five years since she last saw her mom. The flash of lights and shrieking of tires filled her mind, ringing in her eardrums. All Leila could do was become frozen in place as she stared at the black limousine.

Dick gently shook Leila's shoulder,

"Leila? Hey, snap out of it. You'll be okay."

Leila blinked several times but didn't lose the tension in her form. Her hands began to tremble but Leila tried to calm herself. **Don't lose control. It'll be okay. Don't lose control. **

Rigidly, Leila slid into the back seat of the car and became still. It helped not being able to see out of the dark, tinted windows but at every slight bump, Leila jerked. The flashes of light and searing sound of tires kept haunting her and it seem like forever. Leila could barely comprehend what was happening to her body. She knew her reactions where because of that night but she couldn't control herself to prevent them. Her slow breaths came out rasped and shallow, and pretty soon Leila found herself staring at her feet, her hands clutching her head to cover her ears.

**Remember Leila; you're a trained assassin. I'm not afraid...I'm not afraid...I'm not afraid. **

Leila never fully learned how to cope with her mother's death. It was sudden; like the flash of lights from the oncoming semi truck. Her father's death wasn't easy but Leila had her mom back then. Her mom could ease her grief with a tight embrace or reminding Leila that the ravens she found were like her father protecting her. But, the Shadows didn't tolerate weakness. Leila instantly learned that weakness or failure was not an option- so instead she devoted herself to training. The only option was to succeed; the only option was to survive. It was her only option and soon she was a mindless puppet. Intelligent, yes but growing up in such darkness meant no questioning. Once given an order, one was to obey it. Looking back through new eyes, Leila saw that she was only being warped into an asset of power, to be nothing more than a little girl who would obey orders.

Leila muffled a small shriek as the screeching of tires was heard beside their car at an intersection. Covering her mouth, Leila squeezed her eyes shut in vexation. Her body showed her fear, but Leila was more irritated at herself than anything else. She could face the horrors of the Ghost Zone, but when it came to a short car ride; Leila couldn't help but think how helpless she probably looked.

It was then that Leila realized two things, a hand on her left knee and an arm around her shoulder. Slowly glancing up, Leila first looked at the hand on her knee. It wasn't a firm grip, like one used for strict punishment over showing weakness, but it was one of protection. Looking up at the owner, Leila saw the understanding in Bruce's eyes.

The arm around Leila's shoulders drew her in closer and Leila felt it as a reassuring presence. Turning her glance to the right, Leila saw the kind determination in Dick's eyes. She's not weak and she's not alone.

Breathing deeply, Leila tried to relax from her stiff form. She had to regain herself to keep the facade of Danielle Roth. The sleek, black limousine pulled to a slow stop in front of the grandiose school of Gotham Academy.

Alfred stepped out to open the door, Dick quickly sliding out while helping Leila as well. Cameras flashed the instant the door was open. Although irritated and still trying to calm herself, Leila brighten with a (fake) dazzling smile. Again, the cameras were everywhere. Other students gawked at her presence but Leila walked with confidence as she entered the school grounds with Dick. She had already received her class schedule and had memorized the map of the prestigious school. Now it was just dealing with the obnoxious, rich teenagers who thought they knew everything.

Passing through the front doors, Leila followed Dick as he continued to the courtyard through the back doors; security guards and administrative personnel holding back the crowd of flashing lights from following.

**Let's hope it won't be like this every day...**

Solemnly thought Leila as she tuned her senses to her surroundings. There were several groups of students clumped together, excitedly recounting their summer vacations and whispering about the new students for the school year. The new daughter of Bruce Wayne was high in gossip and Leila quietly groaned to herself, knowing perfectly well that Bruce would want her to be friendly to everyone. Leila and Dick finally stopped next to Barbara Gordon, who was leaning against one of the building support pillars as she waited for first period. Leila gave a smile to Barbara as Dick formally introduced the two girls but Leila was barely paying attention as she overheard a familiar name within the crowd of static conversations between the students,

"Hi. Artemis? I'm Bette, your new student liaison, welcome to Gotham Academy."

Leila gave a smile smirk as she grab the sleeve of Dick's jacket, gaining his attention as she gave a sideway glance towards where she heard Artemis behind her. Dick gave a mischievous grin before nodding, slipping away and chuckling so that only Leila could hear.

Turning around, Leila watched as Dick snapped a quick picture of him and Artemis together.

"We'll laugh about this some day." Dick stated before disappearing as the flash blinded Artemis. Leila rolled her eyes but grinned in laughter as Artemis tried to comprehend what just happened to her.

"Dick? What was that about?" Questioned Barbara and Leila could sense a dab of jealousy behind Barbara's words. It almost broke her facade seeing how Barbara seemed to have a claim on Dick. Leila tightened her jaw but kept her fake demeanor of bubbly, cheerfulness with her forced smile.

"Nothing Barbs. Just...being friendly with the new girl." Teased Dick as he messed on his phone over the new picture. While Barbara narrowed her eyes and began to stalk off, Dick gave a sly wink to Leila and she couldn't help but smirk. At least one good thing happened out of today.

Gotham City

September 22, 19:13 EDT

Leila followed silently behind Robin as the two headed to the zeta tube in downtown Gotham. She had instantly taken off once school was over, turning invisible as she flew back home from Gotham Academy. The constant smiling and happiness was irritating and all Leila wanted to do was to be alone. She had to figure out what Vlad was planning and had enough of dealing with the obnoxious teenagers. They weren't really her friends and never will be, not with her being a freak. Alfred, Dick and Bruce were fumed when she got home. She had taken off without notifying any of them, but they understood why; so Bruce let it slide this once.

Robin's echoing laughter pulled Leila back to where she was,

"Hey Rae. Look who we found, now how long exactly did you say you've known about Artemis?" Inquired Robin with a sly grin as the two birds stopped at the edge of a roof, glancing down to see Artemis making sure no one was around as she headed to the zeta tube. Leila gave Robin a shrug in response,

"I figured you'd find out eventually; not my secret to tell."

Robin continued to grin as he jumped down, silently landing behind the abandoned phone booth. Leila followed, leaning against the shadows of the wall as Robin intercepted Artemis.

"Artemis?"

"Robin! I uh..." Stammered a surprised Artemis as she took a small step back, seeing she wasn't alone. Leila smirked as she nonchalantly twirled her signature shuriken between her fingers. She was amused on how Artemis would handle her mistake.

"How random you're in Gotham City. Instead of Star City where your uncle Green Arrow lives."

Leila could hear the obvious panic in Artemis's voice as she tried to think of a cover.

"I uh am here to see my...cousin. She was- in the state spelling bee. Here- in Gotham. City." Stuttered Artemis as she rubbed the back of her neck in nervousness. Leila stifled a chuckle and smirked as Artemis gave a quick glare towards her.

"C-O-O-L. Did she W-I-N?"

"N-O." Confirmed Artemis as she turned her glare of annoyance towards Robin.

**Well least she didn't leave a possible loophole with that one. **

"D-R-A-G."

"Yeah. Let's just go to the cave." Artemis stated in an abrupt voice. Robin gave a slight bow as he replied,

"Ladies first."

"Your town. You go."

Robin turned back to gave Leila a wink before shrugging, opening the phone booth to zeta to the Cave.

Leila pushed herself off the wall as Robin disappeared in a flash of light, chuckling under her breath,

"Visiting your cousin?" Asked Leila as she gave a mocking smirk and raised her eyebrow, to which Artemis folded her arms in annoyance.

"Hey, how was I supposed to know you two would be here? You could've helped."

Leila placed her hands in front of her as if to a surrender,

"It is technically our town, but I think you covered it well enough. Besides, it'd be more suspicious if I did help. Doubt he won't stop asking questions now though. Don't worry I won't tell."

Artemis rolled her eyes before stalking off and entering the phone booth. Disappearing in a flash of light, Leila followed suit as the three all zeta to the Cave.

"Recognized. Raven. B08."

The first thing Leila felt was the suffocating heat of smoke. Then, her eyesight went up in flames.

Instantly, Leila protected her face with her hands; caught off guard, Leila only had time to create a small ectoplasmic shield in her hands to block the oncoming blast of fire. The blast spiraled off from Leila's shield and smoldered the zeta tube. Leila's shoulder began to burn and she gritted her teeth. Not only was her block sloppy that she got burned but she also couldn't allow herself to heal fully with Artemis around. Stumbling forward, Leila stood next to Artemis as she fired arrows into the blackness of smoke. Robin had slid back on Artemis's other side, throwing two birdarangs simultaneously into the smoke cloud.

Another blast of a ball of fire barreled its way through the smoke, making the three heroes to dodge in separate directions. Artemis quickly got up and reloaded her bow, firing as Leila threw her own birdarang as well.

"Who are we fighting?" Yelled Artemis as she continued to fire arrows.

"Don't know but we're sitting ducks by these tubes. Head for the exit!" Declared Robin as he began to run towards the hallway on their right. Leila clutched her shoulder as it started to blister, the cloth singe away to reveal her burned skin. Gritting her teeth, Leila ducked as another blast of fire was projected towards her head.

**Whoever the enemy is, he or she can control fire and see through smoke? How'd they get into the cave? Where's the rest of the Team? **

Just as Artemis, Robin and her escaped from the suffocating debriefing room, water began to come in crashing waves down the hall towards them.

"Or not." Muttered Robin as the three of them began to turn back around. Seconds later, the wave of water crashed into them, searing pain into Leila's shoulder as the heat and cold pressure mixed. Gasping, water started to fill through Leila's airways before it slammed her and her teammates into the wall. Flinching from the impact, Leila fell to the floor as the water began to drain somehow on its own. Leila tried to focus on deducing her opponent- fire and water control? - But the blistering burns and searing pain from her shoulder kept distracting her as she tried to suppress the surge of her powers to heal herself.

Glancing up as she coughed, Leila saw Artemis grab her bow from the ground and began firing arrow after arrow again. Another fire blast launched itself at Leila and she instantly scramble out of the line of fire. Leila threw an explosive birdarang at the next blast, negating the attack before grabbing Artemis's hand and pulling her away. Both girls followed Robin's lead as he ran down the hall again, leading them to the work out room of the Cave.

"Robin to Team. Come in. Aqualad."

Chimed in Robin as he tried to reach contact with the rest of the Team through radio. Artemis meanwhile held a hand to her forehead, probably trying to reach M'gann through a psychic link. Leila closed her eyes as she ran, trying to concentrate on more than just her injured shoulder and instead on sensing the presence of her missing Teammates. A blast of heat broke her concentration, propelling the three heroes to the ground as the door exploded under pressure behind them. Leila's shoulder continued to be inflamed, but she kept running. A tornado of flames swirled behind her and Leila made sure to be last as to protect Artemis and Robin. Racing through the locker room, Robin led the way towards the showers, instantly switching them on to stagnate the fiery tornado. Artemis followed his lead.

"Robin to Batcave. Cave override RG4. Cave calling Justice League. HOJ calling Watchtower. B01. Priority red."

Leila took the few seconds to close her eyes, concentrating on sensing the rest of her Teammates. **It's possible they could be held captive here. I have to check. Where are they? **

Leila knew that if the rest of her team wasn't captured, then she wouldn't allow Robin or Artemis to be captured. She could easily get Artemis and Robin out- even if it meant revealing her secret- but she didn't know where the rest of the Team was. It was currently two against one with superpowers; she may have mastered control over her powers but was it enough for an actual battle? Let alone if she'll have to get six of her teammates out verses two of them.

"The com is down. Blocked," stated Robin, his demeanor calm and collected,

"At least the water's helping."

Leila opened her eyes as the floor, the room, started to tremble as high pressure from the water crumbled the infrastructure. Showerheads and the faucet hands burst as water rapidly filled the room. Confirming Leila's assumption that their enemy- or enemies- can control both fire and water.

"Or not." Repeated Robin as water covered their heads. Leila only knew it was just Robin's dealings of the situation but she couldn't help but think he was stating the obvious. Now they were caught in a watery mess with a blazing tornado trapping them. Leila instantly shared a look with Robin before he swam towards the eastern wall, placing an explosive disc to it. Leila held Artemis back as the wall exploded, draining the room and relieving the heroes' breaths. Gasping, all three ran down the corridor towards the kitchen.

"We need to get lost." Robin commanded as he turned to the security panel on the wall. Robin's holographic screen appeared from his wrist as Leila scanned the room, honing her eyesight to the large air vent above the stove.

"The air vent!" Proclaimed Artemis as Leila frowned.

**Or just announced our plan. Let's hope they won't be able to follow. **

"Good. Go!"

Leila grabbed Artemis's wrist, taking the lead as both girls hopped onto the stovetop and removed the air vent cover. Leila cupped her hands, about to help Artemis up, only to give an irritated frown as Artemis paused to glance at Robin.

"What are you- "

"Downloading the Cave's blueprints. Could come in-"

All three could hear the echoing presence of footsteps, metallic and hard resounding through the corridor. Leila hissed out,

"Let's go."

Shaking her head, Leila jumped up first, easily fitting through the air vent with her petite figure. Her shoulder burned as Leila crawled through the air vents, listening to Robin's command as he called out,

"Go left!"

Ignoring her throbbing shoulder, Leila quicken her pace. Halfway down the air vent, Leila heard the searing blast of fire and instantly turn to see Robin barely escaping as he turned into the left air vent behind her and Artemis, gasping,

"Too close."

Giving her a quick nod of assurance, Robin continued giving instructions as he used the Cave's blueprints.

"Take the next right. There should be a vent cover right in front of you"

Leila continued till she came to the vent cover, swiftly removing the cover before sliding feet first through the airshaft.

Removing a second cover, Leila fell to the walkway in the temperature control room. Artemis and Robin dropped down beside her before Robin took the lead, running down the maze of a stairway. Seconds pass before an expulsion echoed through their eardrums, all three heroes turned to see a blaze of fire engulfing a shadowy figure. Leila narrowed her eyes as she scrutinized what little she could of their opponent. The figure definitely had a feminine shape, whether her hair was the literal flames or not, Leila couldn't tell.

**Volcana? No. She wouldn't have the connection to access the Cave. Last I heard Superman had placed her on an island anyway. **

The room became a sauna as the flames blazed around Leila, Robin and Artemis. Each hopped down to the ground level, passing a machine indicating an overheating temperature.

"That's not good."

Robin took the lead again. The enemy firing blasts of flames as the three heroes ran. Robin ducked behind more machinery; Leila peered at the Cave blueprints over his shoulder.

"I know that other access tunnel is here somewhere."

"You mean this one." Chimed in Artemis as Robin and Leila turned to see her open a vent before jumping through. Leila threw a birdarang out behind her before following Artemis. Robin placed an explosive birdarang of his own before following suit. Both were an attempt to prevent the enemy from advancing. Leila crawled behind Artemis, gritting her teeth in frustration. Her shoulder burn was searing in its own flames and she still didn't know who the enemy is or her motive. She was failing.

"Hold on"

Leila glanced behind her to see Robin hacking into a control panel and linking his holographic computer with the Cave's mainframe.

"Locking out Cave's motion and heat sensors to prevent the enemy from tracking us."

"And I ask again- who is the enemy?"

"Or enemies. Doubt anyone can control both the elements of water and fire."

"Well let's find out. Downloading Cave's security footage."

Robin's fingers frantically typed on the holographic screen. Four separate screens appeared from different angles of the hangar. The footage on the top left enlarged itself, showing a clear view from above with Superboy, Miss Martian, and Kid Flash working on Superboy's motorcycle before Aqualad joined the group.

"Torx wrench." Commanded Kid as he knelt beside the motorcycle. Miss Martian levitated the tool towards him,

"Thank you Sweet cheeks."

"I've been meaning to ask-" Interrupted Aqualad and Leila narrowed her eyes as she listened.

"-Any problem juggling schoolwork with your responsibilities here?"

"No." Superboy replied, curt as always. Kid Flash response was as humble as usual,

"Juggling is just one of my many talents. Socket wrench."

Miss Martian gave more detail in her answer than needed,

"Daily cheerleading practice has presented a challenge. Oh, but my first loyalty is to the team. This team. Not the bumblebees."

"Artemis starts school today. Do you think she'll have trouble maintaining her loyalties? What about Raven as well?"

Leila frowned at Aqualad's inquires, it was obvious to her that Vlad was right; she shuddered to think that. Aqualad was questioning her staunchness. Out of the corner of her eye, Leila could see Artemis narrowing her eyes as well.

"Nah Artemis should be alright," commented Kid as he stood up, "I mean how much annoying and hostile-"

The screen went black. An explosion and a crushing wave of water took out the camera, took out their teammates.

"What happened?"

"Explosion took out the camera. I'll find another angle."

Leila mused over the new intel as Robin worked to find another screen angle.

**The enemy knew where the team was...**

A second footage appeared on the screen. Only to be blocked by water, same as the third. Finally the fourth screen was burst into flames.

"That's it. All four are dead."

**The enemy knew where the cameras were too...**

Artemis's eyes widen with fear and Robin quickly fixed the misunderstanding.

"The cameras- I meant the cameras. I'm sure the others are okay. Just- give me a sec to find the fastest route to the hangar."

Artemis slouched back against the vent's wall, bringing her legs up to her chest.

"Yeah. They're fine. They all got superpowers. They can handle anything."

Leila raised an eyebrow at Artemis, pursing her lips as she could sense the distraught seeping through Artemis's body.

"Well least we know they're still here."

"How's that supposed to make it better Raven? They could still be here dead."

"Not necessarily. The enemy or enemies are still here; they've been waiting for us. It seems like a hostage situation for a trap overall. Whether intended for the Justice League or for us to find, the enemy has been waiting. Why wait with dead bodies when they could've left once the job was done?"

"Well we won't find out if we just sit here talking. Come on, I know how to get to the hangar."

Interjected Robin before taking the lead again through the tunnels; Leila put a hand on Artemis's shoulder.

"We'll find them, and we'll save them. I promise."

Artemis gave a curt nod, crawling to follow behind Robin. Leila hoped she wasn't lying. Could she really promise such a notion? Being a hero wasn't like being a Shadow. The mission was the prime objective, not the people when alliance is to the League. Could she really be strong enough to get all her teammates out?

Robin peeled a vent cover away, revealing their new location to be the Cave's large library.

"There should be a secret passage behind one of these bookcases."

"Seriously? Cliché much."

The whispers echoed through the darkness of the library. Leila chuckled quietly at Artemis as Robin muttered,

"You should see the Batcave."

Leila scanned through the shelves, trying to find the bookcase that would reveal a passage. Her body became tense before she heard it, the soft click of the door opening. Instantly, all three heroes held their signature weapons at the ready, before backing behind a bookcase. The echoing of metal clicking could be heard, footsteps of a robot.

"Artemis. Raven. Robin."

Leila didn't relax. The hairs on the back of her neck were never wrong in sensing danger. It was her sixth sense, her ghost sense, which always warned her. The voice sounded like Red Tornado, but Leila just knew it wasn't him. Not good.

"It's Red Tornado."

Artemis exclaimed as she lower her bow and stepped out in excitement.

"No, wait-"

Leila could see the excitement fade away to horror as Artemis looked up to find a lookalike Red Tornado grab for her. No words were needed between the two birds- each went into flight. Robin knocked Artemis out of the way, barely missing the fingers that would've latching onto him before he and Artemis rolled under the table.

"Yes on the red, no on the tornado!"

Leila simultaneously high kicked the robot in the head; barely an inch of force was seen able to move him as the robot's arm continued it's downward motion, smashing the table. Leila swiftly backhand spring away from him. Her shoulder screamed at her, the blisters popping as her skin stretched. Leila grunted through the pain. It was unnerving to see Red Tornado and have it not be him. Just as all three were about to dash through the exit, a second, feminine Red blocked their pathway. Robin quickly turned to jump above the bookcases; Leila and Artemis barely missed being singed as they copied Robin's lead.

"Who? What are they?"

Water sprayed down upon them as the fire sprinklers went off.

**Perfect. More water for the enemy to use. **

Leila turned to throw a birdarang, only for it to be deflected along with Artemis's arrow by a shield of water. The female Red punched the bookcase, creating a domino effect as the two advanced. Leila and Artemis jumped down just as Robin found the book to reveal the secret passage. The middle shelf slid down, revealing a stairway and the three heroes were pushed through as books fell on top of them. Leila stumbled but kept running alongside Artemis and Robin.

"Did you know Tornado had- siblings?" Blurted Artemis as they ran down the hallway.

"No."

Robin was about to turn right into the next hallway when Artemis grabbed his hand.

"So now what? Red Tornado is one of the powerhouses of the League. How are we gonna defeat two of him."

"They do seem pretty user unfriendly."

"Don't joke, they-"

"Attention, Robin. Attention, Raven. Attention Artemis."

Leila listened as the robotic voice rang throughout the Cave.

"You have exactly 10 minutes to surrender, or the lives of your teammates will be extinguished."

Leila shared a glance with Robin, a nod of agreement between them; they had ten minutes. Robin led the way to the hangar. Leila kept to her own thoughts, planning multiple strategies to save her four teammates and trying to figure out what held them captive.

**M'gann and Aqualad are weakened by fire, and somehow the Reds captured Kid and Superboy. **

"We have to assess how they're holding the Team. Fire obviously weakens Miss Martian and Aqualad but how they captured Superboy and Kid Flash will be a problem in rescuing them." Asserted Leila calmly as she voiced her thoughts, she wasn't going to fail.

"As if the fact of two Reds infiltrating the Cave isn't enough. We-"

"Eight minutes."

Echoed the metallic voice as they raced through the kitchen and through another hallway. Robin kept focus like Leila.

"We can access the hangar through here."

A roar of rushing water pounded through the corridor. All three turned to see waves of water flooding the hallway.

"Or not."

"Would you please stop saying that." Artemis shrieked as they started running again. It felt like a wall ran into her as the water crushed around Leila. She gasped from the impact and the pain burning from her shoulder, water filling her lungs. She instantly reached for a rebreather as Robin helped Artemis with his own. Several of Artemis's arrows drifted through the water, the current flipping Leila over herself, and she turned her head as she sense something swimming towards her. Leila intercepted the android, trying to be a distraction for Robin and Artemis to escape. Her arm burned along with her shoulder, as it became a wrestling standoff. The impostor Red forced more pressure on her right, causing her shoulder to wail from the agony. The robot swiftly punched her, Leila flipping back over herself, as her rebreather escaped her mouth from the impact. She instantly tried to hold what little breath she had, water suffocating her lungs slowly. A drowned yelp was heard as the male Red grabbed Artemis's ankle. Robin quickly grabbed one of Artemis's arrows and struck it in the robot's eye, forcing it to let go of Artemis. Leila sluggishly grabbed hold of Artemis's arm as Robin secured his grip around her waist. Both fired their grappling guns to latch the wall at the end of the hallway, leaving a trail behind of explosive birdarangs.

Soon the three heroes relieved their breaths as they entered the hangar and surfaced from the water. Leila coughed and spat water out, barely hearing Superboy's warning

"Look out!"

She took a gulp of breath as Robin shoved her back under. The heat blast barely missing her head as the water quenched it. It took all her focus to follow Robin; everything seemed to burn inside her. Leila rapidly blinked as she resurfaced with Robin and Artemis next to Kid Flash and Superboy trapped in twisted chunks of some type of metal.

"You guys okay?"

"Forget us. Help M'gann."

Leila continue to rasp her breaths as she glanced up to where Superboy turned his head towards, M'gann and Aqualad being suffocated by a fiery cage. M'gann laid in Aqualad's arms, still.

"Aqualad! Is she-?"

"She is unconscious. I fear she...we cannot survive much longer."

**Focus Leila, don't fail again. It's not an option. Forget the pain, forget everything. Focus. **

A siren of flames surged towards them and all three dived back down into the water. Robin lead the way towards the stairway and Leila didn't notice how Robin had lost his cape till she couldn't sense it's presence as she ran up the steps beside him. The trio turned as they heard the metal footsteps emerging from the water. The electrical zapping of a malfunction could be heard from the mark where Robin struck the android's eye. Leila laced six shurikens through her fingers as she turned to see the female Red blocking the top of the stairway with her flames. A shared glance and nod passed through her and Robin. They'll have to come back with a plan now that they knew how their teammates were captured.

"I'm almost out of arrows."

"Distract her, now." Commanded Robin and Artemis listened, sending an expulsive arrow flying straight for the android's chest. Leila followed suit, flicking three shurikens toward each of her opponents. She wasn't surprised that each one was deflected off the androids chests, but it was merely a distraction as Robin set up a hidden communication access with his birdarang. One of weaponry deflected off just at the accurate angle to be stuck beside Kid Flash's head.

Fire blasts were fired at the same time water whips surged at the three, and Leila, Artemis and Robin jumped back into the water. The attacks negating each other. Leila swiftly swam towards the access tunnel grate, Robin pulling off the cover before each of them swam through. Gasping for breath, Leila, Artemis and Robin sat in the access tunnel.

"Six minutes."

"What do we do now?"

"We save them. That's how it works."

"Maybe that's how it's suppose to work but those robots already took out our four super powered friends."

Leila kept quiet, frowning. Would it be helpful even revealing her powers?

**No, I've been through worst without my powers. I don't even know if I could keep control with two opponents. We just need to find a weakness; it's what the Shadows would do; it's how Batman would handle this. **

"You seem distraught."

"Distraught? M'gann is dying. We have no powers, and I'm down to my last arrow. Of course I'm distraught."

"Well get traught or get dead."

"How can you be so calm?"

"Practice. I'm been doing this since I was nine."

Robin began to crawl, knowing they didn't have much time left. Artemis didn't dropped the conversation,

"What good is that now? What chance do we have against unrelenting machines?"

It was then Leila realized how stupid she has been. How stupid, sloppy and pathetic she has been in not realizing it sooner; an amateur mistake. It was obvious that their answer in defeating the Reds was right before them. The same thing that gave the Reds their powers, gave them their weaknesses as well. Robin exclaimed her same thoughts,

"Oh. Duh! They're machines. And one electromagnetic pulse will shut down any machine within range."

"Great, except you better have an EMP emitter in your utility belt, because I know I don't have one in my quiver."

"I'm fresh out. But I'm betting we can make one. What do you say, K.F., doable?" questioned Robin as he held his hand to his head to radio Kid.

"Totally doable." Leila heard Kid reply before the foreboding voice echoed throughout the Cave,

"Five minutes."

"You know, if you had more time." Kid muttered quickly. Leila smirked, keeping a collected facade,

"Worth a shot. Better make these minutes count then."

Robin grinned in return before again leading the way through the access tunnels. Leila could hear Kid's instructions as Robin kicked a panel open to the Medical Bay.

"Med lab, X-ray machine. You'll find a small vacuum tube called a vircator that converts high energy pulses."

Leila closed her eyes, trying to concentrate on her powers. She could feel now why she felt so discombobulated this whole time; her polarizing emotions of fight and flight were heightened by the unexpected ambush. It didn't help with her shoulder and lungs burning, and trying to suppress her powers from healing herself. She let her mind go blank, a room of darkness. If she let her emotions run, then she would fail. Failure was not an option, especially not with her teammates lives on the line. She will complete the mission and help save her team. Leila's eyes snapped open as Robin spoke, Artemis had came to kneel beside him,

"A ripple effect like dropping a stone in a pound."

"A stone with 10 to the twelfth power of wattage, yeah."

"So I'll need to hook it up to the Cave's main generator."

"Which is where?"

"The hangar, ironically enough. We'll need to cause a distraction in order to have Robin hook it up."

"Haha nothing Kid mouth can't handle huh, K.F."

"Yes we all know Kid loves to hear himself talk, but will that be enough?"

"Hey, you all know no one can resist the Wall-man."

Leila rolled her eyes as Artemis gagged exaggeratedly and Robin merely frowned; he led through the labyrinth of tunnels.

"Four minutes."

Leila silently dropped down from the vent after Robin and Artemis, the three of them standing within the shadows from above the hangar.

"Okay. Make with the distraction."

"Hey, Red Tomato! Who's your girlfriend, Red Onion?"

Leila narrowed her eyes as Kid's voice rang out, grabbing the attention of the two androids. Superboy called out next,

"Yeah, and by the way worst death trap ever. We can escape any time we want."

"I can vibrate my molecules out of here before your binary brains can count to two."

Leila swiftly ran to the other side of the hallway behind Robin and Artemis.

"Cover me."

Leila fanned out one of her tessen as Artemis notched her last arrow to her bow. Robin zip-lined down the Cave's main generator, quickly working to rerouting the system to an EMP emitter. He paused to glance over at the androids and Leila bit her lip.

**Something's wrong. **

She could hear Robin muttering to himself,

"The circuit's incomplete. I need something conductible. A piece of metal or-"

Leila watched helplessly as she saw the crushing waves surge towards Robin.

"Robin, look out!"

Robin became drowned by water, and Artemis pulled back her bow, ready to fire. Leila dodged to her left as a blast of fire was shot between her and Artemis, messing up both their aims to miss their targets. A second blast was dodged but Leila could see Artemis was too slow to dodge the third.

"Artemis, move!" Leila pushed Artemis out of the line of fire, taking the blast to her back. She shrieked from the flames singeing her back, stumbling backwards as her back arched from the pain. Leila lost her footing, Artemis missing her hand by inches as another blast came her way, and Leila pummeled to the water.

"Raven!"

Leila heard a cry but the word was drowned by the slapping splash as she hit the concrete water from such a drop. It felt like someone had stabbed her with multiple knives all at once, the mixing of blistering heat with icy shards. She choked on water, it consuming her lungs. Her blurry vision shifted as she could see the Reds staring at her. The male android had kept her encased in water as he pulled her towards them; he was attempting to drown her.

Yet, despite the pain, Leila realized her that body felt was calm. No thrashing or burning need for air. Water filled her lungs, but she could feel herself breathing normally. Was this ability apart of her powers?

**Play dead**

Leila chanted to herself, remembering she had to act human. Slowly closing her eyes, she pretended to pass out. Seconds pass before she felt herself dropping again, this time to the hard floor. It took all her strength not to move with the searing pain from the impact hitting her burned back. She held transparently still, hearing Artemis's despair, while trying to formulate a plan of her own.

"I surrender. I die with the others. But if I find a way out, out of the Cave."

Leila cursed herself for letting this happened. She could feel Artemis's despair and it engulfed her as well.

**No. Artemis, you can do this. There's still time. The Reds won't kill us yet. Don't fail the mission Artemis. **

"One minute."

Leila made her decision, if Artemis didn't do something, then she will. At least keep fighting till Artemis could escape and get help. Leila sense her surroundings, hearing the soft click of the elevator door opening,

"I surrender. Stop the clock."

Leila listened to Artemis's footsteps. They were firm, attentive as if waiting for a precise moment. Leila barely peeked through her eyelid as she watched Artemis walk towards the androids. She could see Artemis's composed face and heard the final breath of Kid Flash and Superboy as water covered their heads.

The male android held out his hand and Leila braced herself to move. Just as Artemis was going to hand over her bow, she instead leaped up and used it as a stepping stool. She slammed her boot into his face before doing the same to the female to flip over. In one fluid motion, Artemis notched her (second?) last arrow and fired it to the main generator. A straight shot.

Leila could hear the buzz of energy as the generator warmed up and a blue pulse rippled throughout the room. Once the pulse reached the androids, each fell to the ground as they shut down. The fiery cage disintegrated and gasps could be heard from Kid Flash and Superboy.

"Kal'dur how's M'gann?"

"She-she breathes. I believe she will recover. What of Robin and Raven?"

Leila relaxed, sore with the constant stinging of her burns. Artemis had pulled through, she didn't fail. She could hear Artemis checking on Robin first as he coughed.

"He-he's breathing, too."

"Way to get traught."

Artemis sighed in relief before scrambling over to Leila. Leila groaned as she slowly opened her eyes, a smirk pulled at the corners of her lips. She rasped out,

"Told you we'll save them."

Artemis laughed in relief as she helped Leila up. Leila's shoulders flinched at the movement, her back arching again. She hissed as she leaned for support on Artemis.

Slowly, each of the heroes got up, making their way down to where Kid Flash and Superboy were still trapped. Robin rushed to Leila's side, taking her weight from Artemis. He gave her a questioning look but Leila shook her head, indicating that they'll talk later. Artemis went to get a laser drill to cut Kid and Superboy free. Leila leaned against Robin, as he explained how he wasn't dead,

"Figured my only shot was to surrender. Pretend to drown before I actually did. Blacked out, though."

Silence lapsed before Superboy reached his hand out to Miss Martian,

"M'gann." He gently said as his voice filled with concern. Leila raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything as Kid yelled out,

"Will you quit playing with that thing and cut us free already?"

"It's not working, genius. EMP shuts down all machines, remember?"

Leila became tense as she heard the robotic voice, her body flinching from the sudden tension. Robin steadied her as she looked to see Red Tornado flying in,

"All machines present at the time."

Red Tornado landed just in front of the group,

"What has occurred?"

"Had a little visit from your family." Robin commented before Artemis blurted,

"Your extremely, nasty family."

"I was not aware I had relations."

Leila scrunched her eyebrows as Red Tornado walked towards his two siblings lying on the floor. Superboy voiced the question everyone was wondering,

"Where've you been?"

"Monitor duty on the Watch Tower. When it became clear Cave communications were down, I attempted to investigate but your zeta tubes were also nonfunctional. I transported to Providence and proceeded here."

A whirl of sound came from Superboy's Sphere and it began to move, dropping down to where everyone else stood. Suddenly the laser drill fired at the ground, shocking Artemis before she could turn it off. Kid Flash and Robin instantly spoke in unison,

"The pulses went off."

It happened in milliseconds. Just as Red Tornado's finger touched his female counterpart, her eyes flashed red. So did his and the next thing Leila knew, she was losing air as Red Tornado suck the oxygen from the room.

Miss Martian instantly passed out, followed by Aqualad as Robin, Artemis and Leila stumbled to breath. Kid Flash and Superboy were next and Robin had let go of Leila, clutching his throat. Leila staggered to the ground, the suction of wind nipping at her exposed burns. Lights dazzled around her eyesight as Leila fought to stay awake; Robin fell to the ground beside her. She stared at Red Tornado, trying to figure out why he would suffocate them. Leila blacked out.

Leila woke to a scrawling Batman leaning over her. He lend her his hand as she groaned to stand up, her back and shoulder felt perfectly fine. She had subconsciously healed herself. Nothing had to be said for Leila to know Batman demanded an explanation.

**Great. **

She glanced around, taking in her surrounds to see each of her teammate's mentors stirring their pupil awake. Robin rubbed his head as he came to as well.

"It was an ambush attack Batman. They caught Aqualad, Miss Martian, Kid Flash and Superboy off guard before capturing them. They knew about the Team, about the Cave."

Superman had helped Artemis up before interrupting Leila's explanation and asking,

"What happened here?"

"What happened?" Artemis practically shrieked in distress.

"The Reds happened. Tornado and his...wait, where are they?"

Robin turned to face Artemis, his voice echoed throughout the hangar,

"Gone. All three of them. Gone."

A/N: I'm so so sorry. Truly sorry for such a long hiatus. I honestly wasn't planning on it, but I had major writer's block for this chapter and then got caught in the endless hours of school and homework. I hope though that this chapter was what you expected (hopefully more?) and thank you all who have kept with this story! Happy to say that Spring Break is next week and will have the next chapter up soon! Please read, favorite, follow and review! Thank you again and hope you all enjoyed!