Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice or Danny Phantom. Just my ocs and how they fit into the storyline.

Alpha Male

Mount Justice

September 23 6:45 EST

Leila rubbed her templates again, going over everything that happened last night for the countless time. She didn't like it; she didn't like not being able to figure it out. It seemed obvious Red Tornado betrayed them, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that he didn't. Something was missing. All three of the Reds could've easily killed the Team but instead they just vanished. So why did everyone else think Tornado was a traitor when something was missing?

Leila glanced over to where Batman and Aqualad were whispering, secrets still being held. Leila wouldn't blame him. Vlad's taunting resounded through her mind,

**Wonder how fishboy will handle it...**

Not good. Aqualad did not handle Vlad's "little gift" well. If the Team ever found out that Aqualad knew of a possible traitor among them, it would not end well. Leila wouldn't blame the Team either; after all, she had her own secrets.

"You knew!" Superboy suddenly yelled as he launched himself towards Aqualad, arousing Leila from her thoughts. Aqualad stumbled back as Superboy clutched his fists around the Atlantean's shirt.

"That android and his maniac family nearly killed M'gann!"

"Conner, what are you doing?" Exclaimed M'gann as she levitated over to where Superboy and Aqualad stood. Leila frowned as she narrowed her eyes.

"Kal'dur knew there was a traitor among us and said nothing!"

"You knew?"

"And didn't tell us?" interjected both Robin and Kid Flash as they stood up from the table. Aqualad took the moment to explain,

"I sought to protect the Team from-"

"Protect us from what? Knowledge that might have saved our lives."

**We're not dead, idiots. It was to protect from what is happening now. You haven't asked the simple questions of where he got the information. **

Leila knew that once Aqualad revealed where, specifically whom, he got the information from, her secret and life with the Team would be no more. Would the Team conclude her as a traitor as well?

"You almost died!"

"Enough."

Only one word was needed to silence the room. Batman kept a stern look as he took command. Superboy narrowed his eyes but let go of his grip on Aqualad. Leila kept quiet and stood with her arms folded.

"With Red Tornado missing, the Team will now be overseen by rotating supervisors. Captain Marvel has volunteered to take the first shift."

"I'm really looking forward to hanging with you guys."

Leila studied Captain Marvel, who seemed a little too eager in desiring to, nonetheless, babysit. He grinned happily back at the Team, which created an awkwardness of uncertainty between them. Superboy simply went back to his forte of anger management,

"After I dismantle Red Tornado, you and I are gonna-"

"Red Tornado is a member of the Justice League. That makes him a League responsibility. You will leave him to us."

Again, Batman only needed a few words to assume command. He turned to gesture to the large holographic screen as an image of a newspaper article appeared; Gotham's mayor took center on the page in reporting his attack by a gorilla.

"I have another assignment for this Team."

"Gotham mayor attacked by guerrilla gorilla?"

"Batman please, tell me you're not sending us on this joke of a wild ape chase."

Leila placed a hand on Robin's shoulder, but Batman was quick in rebuking him.

"I never joke about the mission. I've checked the sources. I've studied the patterns. Mayor Hill's encounter is only the latest in a series of incidents. Aqualad, you and your team will depart for India and check this out."

Robin pulled his shoulder away from Leila, frowning at her before glancing away to follow behind Kid Flash.

"Hmph. Your team." Kid Flash muttered to Aqualad as he passed by with Superboy, Miss Martian, Artemis and Robin. Leila clutched her jaw but waited for Aqualad to lead the way. He turned questioningly at her,

"You're not mad Raven?"

"I'm not stupidly blinded like the rest of them. No offense to them but they are being a bit ridiculous in overreacting. Do I agree with you not telling us? No. Am I mad? A little, but I can see why you did it. Being a leader is not as easy and great as it seems. You're my leader though, so I follow your lead."

Leila gave Aqualad a soft smile before indicating with her hand for him to lead the way to the Bioship. She noticed Captain Marvel turning to ask Batman if he could tag alone- a particular inquiring. Aqualad held a look of uncertainty before smiling in gratitude at Leila.

"Thank you Raven."

Captain Marvel flew ahead of the two young heroes; Leila could sense his excitement despite his well-hid neutral expression. Leila glanced back at Batman, but he only stared at where the Team left towards the hangar. Frowning as she turned her focus back around, Leila heard Robin asking,

"You're coming with?"

"Sure! We'll have a blast." Exclaimed Captain Marvel before walking into the Bioship.

"Translation: he blames us for the Red fiasco. Doesn't trust us." Robin turned to mutter to Kid, Leila clutched her fists to keep from strangling him. Kid turned around, giving a glare towards Aqualad,

"It's a big club."

Both walked swiftly into the Bioship and Leila was slightly glad neither of them was looking towards her. She doubt even Batman would have been able to stand the death glare she was giving the two. Clutching her jaw, Leila breathed through her nose as she followed in behind Aqualad. She swiftly stood in the back as M'gann took the Bioship into flight. Kid Flash kept his loud mouth as ever,

"Did you even think of ever telling us? We could have died thanks to you being the worst leader ever."

Leila slammed her fist against the ship's wall, stepping forward as she interjected her own thoughts, her voice barely above a whisper,

"Shut. Up."

"Why should I? Aqualad seems great at that; I wouldn't have kept such a secret from the Team if I was leader."

"Which is why you're not the leader. Why would it have mattered last night knowing if there's a mole on the Team? It may not be true. And even if Tornado were the mole, nothing would have changed from last night. We never would have suspected a League member and I doubt he is the mole at all."

"Oh so you think you're so smart, little Miss Sherlock Holmes. Why don't you think Red's the mole then? The evidence is all there."

Leila narrowed her eyes, taking a pressing step towards Kid Flash, forcing him to bump into the side of the Bioship. He held a small speck of fear, but swallowed it in his throat as he gulped uneasily.

She was sick of his pouting, sick of the Team being so ignorant. Silence was held as the Team stared at Raven and Kid Flash arguing. The temperature dropped slightly as Leila lost her temper,

"First off, there is no solid evidence. Tornado suffocated us, yes but did he kill us? No, we're all still alive. So obviously there's more to this than what meets the eye. It's not clear if he is or isn't the mole. Second, don't ever call me little. Ever. Got it Kid Mouth."

"You can't tell me you're not even a little annoyed by Kal'dur's decision." Kid Flash blurted, trying not to look intimidated by Raven.

"That's because I'm not. It's perfectly clear why he chose to not tell us. Instead of pouting and being a smart aleck; grow up and think for once."

"Raven, how can you be so calm? Aqualad didn't- doesn't trust us!"

Leila turned her head, slightly surprise in Artemis defending Kid, and raised her eyebrow with her grey eyes flashing with irritation,

"Does anyone actually listen? No, you all just are going off a single fact. One that was overheard from eavesdropping. None of you are even trying to consider anything else in the matter. It's what will get you all killed."

Leila spun around on her heel, walking away from everyone as they all stared at her. She wasn't just mad at the Team's naive attitude, she was mad at how much it reminded her of herself not merely three months ago. How naive she was that it did get herself killed. Leila could only walk a few feet before leaning against the wall with her left shoulder. She had to remember that her back and right shoulder were suppose to still have the burns from last night. More importantly, she had to keep under control. The silence engulfed the Team as M'gann flew the Bioship. None understood Leila's sudden out-burst nor the gloomy and chilling aura that engulfed the Bioship from it.

Leila could feel her anger, irritation and herself losing control. The temperature was dropping, her icy core expanding within her. Her eyes burned as they glowed a dark purple and she turned her head away from the Team. Leila squinted her eyes shut as if the glow would disappear once her eyes were closed. Leila clutched her fists, suppressing the cold.

"Raven-"

"If you want to be pout like children then fine. Just leave me alone."

Leila growled as she swiftly walked to the back of the Bioship. She had to get away from everyone. She had to get away from everything. Wrapping her arms against her chest, Leila escaped to be by herself. She slid down the wall that block her from the rest of the Team; being alone. Slow breaths escaped her as icy, purple wisps and she hugged herself tightly. She could hear Kid talking about her through the wall,

"Was it just me or was Raven acting weird? You know, she creeps me out sometimes and can be pretty scary."

A slap was heard, followed by Kid pouting more,

"Ow! Artemis."

"Raven just needs sometime alone K.F. She took some pretty hard hits last night."

"Then don't get why she's not mad. She almost died too."

Mumbled Kid before everyone slipped into silence. Leila couldn't get Vlad's taunting out of her head.

**A little ghost like you...a freak. What would your friends think? **

"I'm not a freak. I'm not creepy, I'm just different." Leila chanted quietly to herself. The hours drifted as Leila tried to remain calm, as she tried to reassure herself. Funny how she use to enjoyed putting fear in others. Now it was just a reminder of the ghost she was.

Robin never came in to see her; she couldn't tell if she was more relieved or depressed about it. It wasn't till she could feel the start of the flight descending that she quietly walked back to the cockpit. Everyone was keeping to him or her self while Captain Marvel was attempting to ease the tensions. He had smiled and waved at her, but she only gave a small nod in return.

Robin and Artemis soon strapped themselves to the bungee cords, falling to the ground to scout before the Bioship landed with the rest of the Team.

"All clear."

"Switch to stealth mode and we'll review mission parameters."

"Parameters? We don't need no stinkin' parameters."

Leila rolled her eyes at Kid Flash as he pressed the symbol emblem on his suit to switch to stealth.

**Here we go again. **

"It's recon. We know what to do."

Aqualad called the two back as they started to turn away,

"Kid. Robin!"

"The three of us started this team because the Justice League kept secrets from us."

"Or did you forget that like how you forgot to tell us about the mole?"

Leila kept her face emotionless, only her lips expressed in a hard line showed her irritation at the two boys. She didn't agreed with Aqualad letting them go, but she wasn't going to take command either. Aqualad would have to learn and to learn fast before all of them got killed. Superboy grabbed M'gann's arm roughly,

"Come on, I'll protect you."

M'gann jerked her arm from Superboy's grip, glaring at him. Leila figured her response was telepathic to him, as M'gann folded her arms and Superboy spoke even when M'gann didn't.

"I just wanna protect you."

"Like Aqualad protected us? I'm not sure your protection or patronizing is good for our health." Sneered Artemis as she jabbed her bow against Superboy's chest. The two girls left in the opposite direction, leaving Superboy to yell at Aqualad.

"Why didn't you stop them? You're supposed to be in charged."

**Least got something right, Superboy. **

"I am-"

Superboy didn't let Aqualad finish, turning his back as he leaped into the night. Leila rubbed her temples, the mission definitely not going well. If she were leader, none would have even questioned her judgment nor left without permission. Captain Marvel broke the silence first,

"Uh did I miss the part where you actually said what the plan is?"

Aqualad sighed, dejected as he turned to walk through the jungle. Leila followed behind, about to help when she heard a low growled. She instantly turned around, a kunai held between her fingers. Thick vines and bushes covered everything, making the blanket of darkness worst as the jungle blend together. Leila narrowed her eyes, scanning the area where the growl came from.

"Everything alright Raven?"

After a few minutes, Leila gave a slow nod, as she saw nothing in sight.

"Thought I heard something. Must have been an animal. Better keep moving."

She stashed the kunai away, Captain Marvel exclaiming excitedly,

"That's so cool- you're like Batman. Able to sense even the tiniest sound without any powers."

Leila raised an eyebrow at Captain Marvel's excitement, but smirked concurrently,

"He is my mentor. You two didn't hear it though? It sounded like a growl," Leila shrugged before continuing,

"We should get going in finding Mayor Hill's crime scene. I have a bad feeling about who's in control over this whole monkey business."

"Already? But Raven, we haven't-"

"It was the newspaper clippings. I've done research on different Justice League's villains, you know; keep your friends close and your enemies closer. I only said I think I know; merely deductions from what we already know that may not be correct till we get more evidence."

Leila started walking ahead, realizing that she was digging herself a hole in all of this. It was simple to her that someone was controlling the animals if Batman was concern in the whole ordeal, but she could tell by Aqualad's perplexed stare that it wasn't obvious to him; making him weary of her.

**Just keep focus, you're not a traitor so no need to get worried... **

Leila tried to reassure herself as she cut through vines and bushes. Aqualad seem too distracted to notice the vines and Leila did her best to keep from strangling Captain Marvel's attempts in talking with her.

"How is it you're so calm Raven but Robin is being so mean."

Leila breathed slowly before replying, keeping herself under control as best she could. It was interesting to hear Captain Marvel speak in such childlike language; a note she'd put aside for later. She went along explaining anyways, realizing Captain Marvel may not stop talking whether she answered or not.

"I only know that I'm calm because I don't jump to conclusions. I figured Aqualad must have gotten the intel from someone, and I believe in Aqualad more than that said person. Granted Captain Marvel, I've only been on the team for a month whereas Robin, Kid Flash and Aqualad started this team. Robin could be mad because he jumped to conclusions and feels betrayed since he helped start the team and Aqualad didn't trust him to include him with the mole intel."

"Whoa, you thought of all that at once? You are Sherlock Holmes."

"Thank you, Captain Marvel."

Leila paused as she looked at the ground in the small clearing; animal tracks and bullets were in disarray across the jungle floor. She bent down on one knee, feeling the dirt from one of the paw prints with her fingers.

"Guess this is where Mayor Hill's monkey business went down. So at least, we confirmed his story right?"

Leila narrowed her eyes before standing up, nodding in approval at Captain Marvel's words. Aqualad kept walking as if he couldn't hear.

"Aqualad?"

"My apologies, Captain. I am...plagued by doubts."

Leila stepped up beside Captain Marvel, raising an eyebrow along with him.

"Perhaps I was wrong to withhold."

Rustling from the trees had Leila taking a defensive stance, but she became unsteady as the ground began to rumble. A burst from the trees suddenly revealed a massive elephant rampaging towards them. It wasn't any ordinary elephant for it was twice the size and had ripped skin-revealing muscles along its body. Several rows of spikes ran along its head and it had terrible anger management that matched Superboy's.

Captain Marvel was as quick at intercepting it first, pushing the elephant back before the elephant threw him into the trees. Suddenly a second elephant- a grey colored one- rampaged through the trees, sandwiching Leila and Aqualad between the two. Both heroes ran in opposite directions within the clearing, each elephant chasing after a hero. Leila back flipped just as the grey elephant swung his trunk at her. She landed on the bridge of his nose, trying to observe the animal closer. She got a glimpse of something black around the elephant's neck before being thrown to the ground. Leila tucked under herself, rolling to catch her fall. The elephant roared its trumpet before slamming its foot down to smash the small girl. Leila jumped away, hiding under the elephant's belly.

Aqualad pushed himself back up as Captain Marvel flew towards the brown elephant, his momentum causing the elephant to stumble backwards.

"Captain look out!"

Leila called out as she saw the grey elephant charged and strike Captain Marvel in the back with its trunk. Leila caught up to Aqualad as he observed the black thing latched around the animal's neck, it was an inhibitor collar.

Aqualad's eel tattoos glowed as he removed his water-bearers, creating two whips as he dodged the elephant's attacks. Leila kept out of the way, knowing what Aqualad was planning.

**So it is someone controlling the animals. But how'd he or she get customized collars from Belle Reve? **

Leila mused to herself as Aqualad jumped up, wrapping a water whip around the collar before jerking it off the elephant. Instantly the animal relaxed, as if realizing there was nothing to be mad about. It simply stopped and walked away. Leila gave a nod to Aqualad as he called out,

"Remove the collar!"

"On it."

Captain Marvel spiral around the elephant's trunk before punching the collar around its neck, having it drop to the ground as the second elephant stomped on it. Soon both elephants were leaving peacefully as Captain Marvel flew down to where Leila and Aqualad were watching.

"Pretty sweet the way you figured out the problem was the collars."

"But the collars indicate intelligence behind the attack. The rest of the Team could as be at risk."

"I told them it'd get them killed."

Aqualad glanced skeptically at Leila, who instantly correct the misunderstanding,

"Well I did. Not that they'll be beaten by some animals, but this is obviously bigger than what they anticipated and now we're split up how any enemy wants us to be. Need I remind you of Clayface?"

Aqualad sighed before talking into the radio com,

"Team. Report status."

Leila frowned as she heard the static come from the radio. It was time for Aqualad to realize his mistakes.

"Ugh. Com is jammed. And Miss Martian failed to established a telepathic link before we split up."

"Actually, you let everyone split up before communications were set."

Leila raised an eyebrow as she glanced at Captain Marvel, who somehow switched to a more solemn tone than his usual enthusiastic exclamations. She let Captain handle this one.

"They would not listen!"

"I guess. But back at the Cave, Batman stopped everyone from arguing with one word."

"That's because Batman is...Batman."

"Hey, you don't have to tell me. When I first joined the League, all he did was boss me around. And it's hard not to take it personally. But...I never disobeyed an order and that's what probably kept me alive."

Leila placed a reassuring hand on Aqualad's shoulder. She wasn't much in showing emotion, especially on missions, but she knew what Aqualad was going through. It took years for the Shadows to listen to her when she was in charged.

"Batman takes command...he has too. For the good of the League. Thank you for helping me understand."

"Hey- Wisdom of Solomon."

Aqualad gave a small smile of gratitude before cocking his head. Leila figured Miss Martian got it through her head that the Team needed communication. Although it was through his head, Aqualad still spoke out loud,

"Yes Miss Martian. Report."

Leila frowned, as she wasn't included in the telepathic link, folding her arms across her chest in irritation. She glanced over to see Captain Marvel eyeing something in the distance. Following his gaze, Leila found him starting at a lone tiger that growled before stalking off.

"Cool, the tiger! I'll be right back!"

As Aqualad called out and before Leila could grab Captain Marvel, he was gone.

"Captain wait! Hey- Speed of Mercury."

Leila rolled her eyes, amazed how instantly Captain changed from a child to wisdom and back to a child in seconds. She only hoped Captain's speed will be able to help him not be captured.

She was pulled out of her initial thoughts as she heard M'gann's voice in her heard,

Link established.

Should you be really giving us orders? And should you really be following them?

Listen please.

Oh good, Aqualad's voice in my head, I've so missed that.

Hey, Kaldur. K.F. and I were attacked by giant vultures. 'Course since we're moles, you probably think we attacked ourselves.

If he did, he wouldn't tell you.

You all are being ridiculous. This is serious.

Superboy, are you online or just pouting?

Agh-Busy. Call back later.

What gets me is how nonchalant he is about not telling us.

He should be chalant. Way chalant. Extremely chalant.

How can we be a team if he doesn't trust us with his secrets?

Or Connor doesn't trust us to take care of ourselves.

Or Raven thinking she knows everything.

Watch it Kid Mouth.

Exactly what I'm getting at. And did he really think you or I could be the mole?

We've known each other for years!

Trust is a two-way street and you know they'd hate it if we kept secrets from them.

Not that we'd that. Never.

All four of you are being hypocritical.

Says the girl who doesn't reveal her secret identity. And supports Aqualad. Maybe it's Raven who's the mole.

Enough.

Leila was about to fire her own comeback when Aqualad stopped everyone. The two of them had stumbled upon several pylons in a triangle formation in search for Captain Marvel. A tiger footprint and two dragged lines could be seen. Growling under his breath, Aqualad deracinated one of the pylons in frustration.

Captain Marvel has been captured and we must act as a team to save him.

Hmph. Under your leadership. I don't think-

This is not up to debate. You all chose me to lead. When the mission is over if you wish to select a new leader, I'll happily step down. But until that time, I am in command here.

Aqualad threw down the pylon as the physic link became silent. Leila kept to herself as she followed Aqualad. She was completely agitated by her teammates, but what worried her most was Kid's last comment.

**Maybe it's Raven who is the mole...**

Maybe she should have acted angrier towards Aqualad, but she knew she couldn't have acted as childish as the rest of the Team. It just wasn't her. In every situation, she was trained not to show emotion. She was to stay as dark and mysterious as the shadows. Aqualad was first to break the silence between them,

"Thank you Raven. It mustn't been easy."

Leila shrugged, trying to explain herself without causing more suspicion.

"It's not that I'm not mad, it's that I don't base everything on one fact. Superboy said you knew about a mole but that was it. So it doesn't make sense of you randomly thinking there is a mole, least not without someone notifying you about it. So I trust my leader more than someone else's tip, whoever it was."

"You trust me just like that?"

"Aqualad, you are a good leader. I could tell from the first time we met that you were- calm and thoughtful. The others will remember why they chose you soon enough."

Leila placed a reassuring hand on Aqualad's shoulder. He gave her a nod of gratitude as the rest of the Team met within the jungle. They were following the tracks of the tiger's paw prints and everyone was silent as they ran through the forage. Blurs within the night, the seven of them paused once seeing a large, round building covered in vines and bushes. What further confirmed it as the place Captain Marvel was, were the pylons lined in a circle around the perimeter. It was the only building in sight.

Leila glanced over as she noticed Kid switching to infrared and Robin scanning the outside of the building. Artemis notched an arrow, as it seemed there was no barrier around the building.

I'll fly over.

Negatory. The field extends like a dome over the whole compound.

Pylons are insulated but one good shock could cause a monetary gap.

I see a target.

Leila followed Artemis's gaze, eying a single red button right next to the door entrance.

Then be ready to hit it. Be ready, all of you.

Aqualad commanded as he dashed out of the trees, coming up in between two pylons as his tattoos began to glow electric blue. Sparks fly as Aqualad touched the force field, struggling against it to open a small gap. As Artemis's arrow flew at Kid's command and the barrier vanished, Leila glanced up to see a lone monkey on the roof.

We have company.

A shriek of howling filled the air as alarms blared and dozen of monkeys fell from the sky. Two charged towards Leila and she dive rolled out of the way. Scrutinizing her opponent, she noticed the same collars from the elephant attack were latched to the necks of the monkeys. Just as they charged again, Leila flicked two knives, hitting a bulls-eye to the collars that soon fell to the ground. Both instantly stopped shrieking, confusion held in their eyes before scampering off through the thicket of trees. Leila tilt her head as she heard Aqualad call out,

"Remove their collars."

"Sounds easy when he says it" muttered a struggling Robin as two monkeys wrestled against him. A double flight of arrows soared towards Robin, striking the collars on his monkeys before they scurry away as well. Realizing she wasn't needed, Leila turned as she heard a deep growling coming from the entrance of the compound.

Machine gun in hand with a red French beret to match stood Monsieur Mallah as glared at the five teens. Suddenly he turned and grabbed the outline of Miss Martian, throwing her to the ground. Kid Flash was the first to response as he sped towards the large gorilla.

"Get your paws off her, you darn dirty ape."

Leila rolled her eyes slightly as Kid ran straight into the gorilla, only to be knocked backwards as Mallah didn't move an inch. She went for the machine gun instead, hoping to distract the stupid ape to allow M'gann out from under him.

M'gann scan to find where Captain Marvel is. I'll distract the monkey.

Leila dropped a smoke pellet before flipping into action, the smoke more a disguise for her to throw harder punches with her powers than disorientating Mallah. Either way, it was to her advantage. Leila first blocked Mallah's fist with her forearm before punching his chin upwards. Mallah roared, firing his machine gun randomly through the smoke as he stumbled from the impact. Leila ducked, keeping low like a spider as she crawled before backhand springing to kick Mallah in the face. The smoke evaporated for the Team to see Mallah lying on his back, growling. M'gann's voice rang through the physic link as Leila landed behind the fallen gorilla.

I found Captain Marvel.

M'ganns eyes glowed green as she lifted Mallah into the air and flung him into the wall. Creating a hole, dust and debris scattered everywhere as the Team rushed through to find the mechanical dome that held a disembodied brain.

"It's the Brain!"

"Uh, I can see it's a brain."

"Not a brain- The Brain."

"In the flesh, so to speak. Mallah." Rasped the mechanical voice as the gorilla held out a remote control.

Leila was just about to throw a shuriken when a circle of pylons rose from the ground, paralyzing the Team. Leila felt her body become frozen as she dropped dead weight to the ground. Aqualad took command,

Miss Martian, Superboy, now.

M'gann's eyes began to glow again, levitating the remote control out of Mallah's hand before turning off the pylons. Concurrently, Superboy burst through the opposite wall, a large white wolf growling behind him. Leila shook her arms and legs as she stood up, trying to stop the prickling numbness spreading throughout her body. Nothing needed to be said as the Team began the fight.

The large wolf was the first to strike, running over Mallah into the ground. Kid was next, kicking the gorilla in the chest as he stumbled to his feet before firing his machine gun. Leila and Robin both swung from above with their grappling guns, kicking Mallah in the head before Miss Martian levitating him to throw him into the ground.

Mallah roared in irritation before firing his machine gun, seeming, as it was his only offense. Superboy roared as he strike down, only missing Mallah's head by inches. A crater was created from the impact before Mallah once again fired his gun. The rapid bullets fired into Superboy's chest, only ricocheting off as he was propelled backwards 20 feet away. Artemis fired an explosive arrow, detonating to destroy the gun's bullet supply.

Leila ran to help Aqualad who was having a one-on-one stand off with the Brain. Red laser beams shot from the Brain's mechanical dome, Aqualad barely able to block with his water shields. Leila fan out her tessen, blocking a second beam as Aqualad lost his water shield. The Brain continued to fire and Leila ran right behind Aqualad. She threw her wing into flight, scratching the glass of the Brain's top before catching the tessen back in her hand. Mallah backed into the Brain and the two became surrounded by the Team. Aqualad had went to free Captain Marvel who was laying strapped to an examination table; Leila cringed at the sight from the corner of her eye. Mallah roar in ire, an ear splitting roar and Superboy growled in response,

"Try it. I hate monkeys."

"No Mallah, this will not be our Waterloo." Cooed the Brain as his mechanic body began to expand to open up panels and switches.

"Au revoir, mes amis."

A spiraling charge of a siren rang through the air and Leila braced herself as Kid yelled out,

"Get down!"

Everything went dark.

Leila's eyes immediately adjusted to the blackness, only to see that the Brain and Mallah were gone. A chill crawled up her spine as a purple wisp escaped her breath. As soon as she felt it, it was gone. A ghost had made the escape for Mallah and the Brain. The red emergency light flicker on, revealing everyone's confused looks. Kid broke the silence,

"Wait, that big weapon thing was...a light switch?"

The chirping of birds danced through the wind as the pale light brought the beginnings of dawn. Leila frowned, as she kept to herself, unease on how she didn't sense the ghost till it was too late. She had that haunting feeling of Vlad watching her again, but then why would he leave her alone? She loathed not being one step ahead of her opponent.

Leila tilted her head as she heard Artemis and Kid bickering at each other again,

"What are you grinning about?"

"One word. Souvenir." Chanted Kid as he place Mallah's beret on his head. Artemis was quick on fixing his mistake, even if it sounded as an affront.

"Two words. Gorilla lice."

"Huh? Oh, man! Uhh."

Leila focused her attention back on Aqualad, Robin and Captain Marvel as they helped removed the last of the collars from the animals. Captain Marvel knelt down to pat his tiger friend,

"That's the last of the collars?"

The tiger roared as if saying yes,

"And I can count on you to keep the other animals out of trouble?"

The tiger growled again in reply.

"Good. I'll be back for a visit. I promise."

Once again, the tiger growled before running off.

"I think I'll call him Mr. Tawny."

Leila couldn't help but give a small smile at Captain Marvel. Her theory on him becoming more and more certain the more she observed his demeanor. At least her deducing skills weren't lacking in character, but she needed to figure out Vlad's plan more than Captain Marvel's identity.

Leila stood beside Robin on the ramp leading to the Bioship, Aqualad walking towards them. Just as he was about to pass by, Robin spoke,

"Look, I need to know. Why did you keep the mole intel a secret?"

Aqualad blinked before turning back around, everyone's eyes watching him.

"The source of the tip was Sportsmaster."

Leila narrowed her eyes as Artemis gasped in shock. Leila couldn't tell if she was more relieved or worried about it not being Vlad who told Aqualad. At least her secret was safe for now.

"What? You can't trust him!"

"I do not. It seemed possible, even likely that he was attempting to divide the team with false information."

"And given how this mission went, he nearly succeeded. But you had to consider it might be true."

"Yes. As leader, I did. In which case, I did not wish to alert the traitor."

"Hate to say it, but...makes sense."

"Finally you get it through that thick head of yours Boy Wonder." Leila smirked as she lightly punched Robin in the arm. Robin shot her a mini glare before chuckling. Aqualad kept his face serious as he continued,

"I am still prepared to step down."

"All in favor of keeping Aqualad as leader?"

Everyone raised his or her hand as Kid proposed the vote. Robin smiled cheekily as Aqualad noticed his hand go but as well. Captain Marvel stepped up, holding his hand out to shake Aqualad's,

"Guess it's unanimous. See you tomorrow."

Waving goodbye, Captain Marvel stared to walk away as Aqualad inquired,

"You're not coming back with us?"

"Nope, gotta fly."

Leaping into the air, Captain Marvel flew away into the lightening sky of pink and blue. The Team turned to head into the Bioship, M'gann, Superboy and Kid discussing the wolf's name that Superboy befriended. Leila stayed behind with Aqualad, as he was the last standing outside. She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder,

"I follow your lead."

Aqualad smiled and Leila gave a wink before following him into the Bioship. Once she got home, it'll be time to lay the pieces together as best as she could. Hopefully it'll be enough.

Madison, Wisconsin

September 28 3:27 CDT

The mechanical ghost knelt in the center of the laboratory, Vlad looming over him as he smiled gleefully. Wrapped in a cloth and held within his pale hand was a single, red blossom that he finally perfected with that sinister clown. It would be the quintessential weapon to use against the little girl- weakening her with laughter. Vlad quickly walked over to the sealed container that held the rest of the blossoms, placing the one within his hand with the bunch before handing the container to Skulker. Although grinning mercilessly, Skulker eyed the container wearily as he took it from Vlad's grasp.

"Now, do not fail me Skulker. You are to test these blossoms and make sure Leila doesn't defeat the Injustice League. Say they're a little gift from her father. And make sure not to be caught in the end. I want a full report on her progress afterwards."

Skulker bowed as Vlad's laughter echoed throughout the lab, vanishing from sight.

A/N: Another chapter up and so excited in not having a long writer's block for this chapter! It is getting tricky but hopefully this chapter was well written enough for all my readers. I hope who speaks which line in the physic link conversations isn't too confusing but I thought it would be better than distracting the lines with stating who said them. Thank you all for reading, counting the story as a favorite, following and reviewing. Again, love to hear from my readers. Hope you all enjoyed.