Welcome to the Justice League
Thank you Baseele, ForgottenOncePromised,YunaNeko, and all my readers for the support and reviews
Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi owns Inuyasha .DC Comics owns Justice League. Karin and Hitomi are owned by me. Make no profit so please don't sue.
Chapter 22: A New Enemy
Two months later
Kagome and Wonder Woman were in the Invisible Plan on their way to assist Aquaman with a problem in the ocean.
A new platform was being dug in the middle of the ocean trying to obtain natural resources. Once they attempted to do it, lava monsters began to attack the platform, if the platform was destroyed it could mean the worst oil spill in history.
Superman was coming to aid them after he was done with their mission and Batman was flying his Bat wing next to Diana.
When they all arrived at the platform site, Aquaman was already fighting the Lava Men, with the help of his hook hand.
The heroes formed a circle around each other as the Lava Men surrounded them.
"These geniuses dug right into the Earth's magma," Aquaman explained, "It didn't occur to them that people would be living there."
"Can you blame them," said Kagome as she prepared to shoot her arrows at them.
Suddenly, a gust of wind began to circle the magma creatures and a whirlwind carried them away from the heroes.
"Not to worry my fellow heroes," said a young man that was manipulating the wind. "The Ultimen are here." Behind, the young man were four other young adults who were a part of the Ultimen team. These young people have made their first appearance a little over a year ago. Sometimes they interfered with the Leagues missions.
Aquamen groaned, "Not them again."
Normally, the League would have been thrilled that there were more heroes to help them but these young adults didn't understand what it truly meant to be a hero. They got paid to do what they do. The League protects because they want to.
Ignoring the young adults, the League members continued to fight against the Lava Men, with the Ultimen fighting beside them.
Kagome shot her arrows at some of the Lava Men purifying them into ash.
"Should we lend them a hand brother?" asked Shifter, the female wonder twin, who can transform into any animal.
"Absolutely sister," replied her brother Downpour, who can turn into water and manipulate it to work with any situation. "Flood," he yelled.
"Sea serpent," yelled his sister.
Kagome's eyes widened in fear, "Wait don't."
Her warning fell on deaf ears as the Wonder Twins began to attack the platform and flooded all the Lava Men back into the depths below the sea. Unfortunately, they also managed to flood off both Kagome and Wonder Woman of the platfom.
When Shifter realized this, she saved both women from drowning and returned them back to the platform once Downpour was done with his assault. "Do not fear Wonder Woman and Miko," said Shifter still in her sea serpent form, "It is I, Shifter."
Wonder Woman glared at Shifter, "Could you give a little warning next time before you almost drown us?"
Both siblings looked at each other confused by the scolding, "We were only trying to help," defended Shifter as she turned back to her normal form.
"We know that," said Kagome as she ringed out a sleeve of her now soaked kimono, "But you needed to think of all people involved before you attack. Not just your teammates," she gestured to how well the Ultimen were unaffected by the attack.
The Wonder Twins nodded at the advice.
"We will not let you down next time," said Downpour.
The last few Lava Men were surrounding Aquaman and Batman.
"Never fear old chum," said Wind Dragon, the leader of the group, who could manipulate the wind. By using his wind powers he began to attack the Lava Men. Suddenly, his attack changed to a blizzard that shocked the Lava Men, the League, and the Ultimen.
"I didn't know you can do that," said Long Shadow, a super strong young man who could also grow a hundred feet tall.
"Neither did I," said Wind Dragon a little scared by what just happened.
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Thirty Minutes Later
The Ultimen spoke to the platform workers and news reporters that came to the platform when the area was secure.
"Finding new sources of fuel for our energy source is truly a worthy endeavor," said Wind Dragon to the civilians. The League watched from behind the civilians as the Ultimen stood tall and proud of what they had done, "But for man's quest to better itself, we must respect all the world's creatures. Including, the poor beast's home that you have disturbed. We must share our planet in order to survive."
Aquaman looked stumped by Wind Dragon's words, "Well, he's certainly earnest," he tried to say the right word.
"The word you're looking for is 'corny'," corrected Superman.
"Right," said Kagome sarcastically, "Because you've never said something clichéd in front of a camera."
Superman sent her a playful glare.
After the speech was over Wonder Woman walked up to the Ultimen, "Our paths continue to cross and our goals are the same. Would you like to consider our offer to join the Justice League?"
Long Shadow looked excited at the offer, "Alright!"
Wind Dragon shook his head at his friend, "We're flattered, but we're simply not ready yet."
Kagome was confused by their refusal, "You may be rough around the edges but you show a lot of promise. We can help you with that if you wish."
Wind Dragon took Kagome's hand in flattery, "That means a lot coming from you. All of those in the Justice League stand as a shining example of what true heroism is," he put Kagome's hand down and picked up Wonder Woman's hand, "I hope that one day, the Ultimen can live up to your legend."
Kagome turned and whispered so that only Superman can hear, "You're right, they're corny."
Superman fought back a smirk.
Wonder Woman and Kagome headed back to the Invisible Plane.
"Wonder Woman, wait," called Long Shadow, "It would be great if we can fight together in the League. But," he turned to see the Ultimen, they were his team and he couldn't just abandon them.
Wonder Woman gave a supportive smile, "Maybe you can join me on patrol sometime."
Long Shadow looked back nervous but excited, "Oh really, th-that would be,"
He was interrupted by the final Ultimen member named Juice, who could manipulate electricity, "That' enough Romeo," he said as he wrapped electricity around Long Shadow and dragged him back to the jet that they arrived in.
"Looks like you've got an admirer Nee-san," Kagome teased from the passenger seat while Wonder Woman took the pilot seat.
"Oh stop. I do not," denied Wonder Woman.
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Watchtower: An Hour Later
Superman, Batman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman and Kagome were in the conference room of the Watchtower and watched a news report on the television.
The Ultimen spokesperson, Maxwell Lord, was talking to a reporter about why the Ultimen were so great and how they are more trust worthy then the League since they don't orbit around the planet in a high tech space station.
Kagome rolled her eyes at the man. Sesshomaru had done some business with Maxwell Lord in the past and she remembered how greedy the man truly was. In fact, Maxwell was making millions off the Ultimen claiming that all of it goes into the team.
"I can't listen to this anymore," said Superman as he turned off the television.
Aquaman growled, "He has the gall to take cheap shots at us."
"I know Maxwell Lord," said Batman. "All he cares about is money."
"But it does take money to do what we do," defended Wonder Woman. "Not all of us independently wealthy," she pointed out to the billionaire.
"No Batman-san's right," said Kagome in defense, "I've met this man too. And I know for a fact that he's sleazy"
Batman nodded at the comment, "He's a walking ego who would do anything for a dollar and free publicity. If he's involved in this, it's not about helping people."
"I don't know about Lord," voiced Wonder Woman, "But I think the Ultimen have a potential that should be encouraged. Especially Long Shadow."
The men looked at Wonder Woman as if she were crazy.
"You got to admit," interrupted Kagome, "They did help us a lot today, even if it was a little sloppy…And a little fan boy crazy," she said the last part while giving Wonder Woman a knowing glance.
Wonder Woman kicked Kagome's foot under her seat to silence her.
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Gym
"You did awesome today," Hitmoi told Karin. The training ten year old was definitely a fast learner and seemed to have a good control of her yōkai then she may have realized. 'I just hope she won't have to use it.'
Karin looked at her sensei thrilled, "Really? You're not just saying that?"
"Would I lie to you?" Hitomi asked teasingly.
"Well you are her niece," Flash said as he walked in on the conversation with Kagome next to him.
Hitomi gave her boyfriend a playful glare, "That doesn't mean I won't be honest."
Kagome could tell that Hitomi was speaking the truth. Karin was getting better with the basic techniques and little by little the yōkai in her also grew stronger. "Kar-chan, go wash up for dinner please."
Karin nodded and left to do as she was told.
"I wasn't lying you know," Hitomi admitted to Kagome, "She is doing very well."
"Yea, she could probably down a few heroes up here if she wanted to," Flash said in a joking matter but they knew he was serious. After spending so much time with Hitomi and Kagome's family, Wally knew how strong yōkai blooded being could be. And after what Hitomi told him about her sessions with Karin, he believed the young girl will make a strong and great hero one day.
Kagome gave a conflicted look, "I don't know if me and J`onn should be proud or terrified of that fact."
"You and me both," Hitomi admitted.
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A Few Days Later
"The Ultimen have lost it."
That's what the emergency call said when J`onn got the message.
The Ultimen theam were attacking a building that they resided in. A scared worker called the police saying that the young heroes were on a rampage and didn't care who was in their way.
J`onn called Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Batman, and Kagome on their com-links to tell them of the situation, so that they can stop the Ultimen.
After J`onn transported them from the Watchtower, Wonder Woman carried Kagome and Batman had his on transportation vehicle that Aquman was also flying on.
When they arrived at the scene, Long Shadow was struggling trying to save the civilians that worked at the building that the Ultimen were housed at.
"Need a hand," Wonder Woman called as she lowered Kagome down at one of floors that had a broken window.
Once the civilians were safe Long Shadow led the League to the rest of the Ultimen.
"I say we just take the whole building down right on top of us," they heard Downpour say in frustration.
"Don't give up," said Long Shadow, "We got friends in high places," he gestured to the League members.
Shifter gave him a defeated look, "You are such an idiot, they can't help us."
"Whatever is going on we'll do everything in our power to help you," Wonder Woman reassured.
"Yes," said Wind Dragon, "Power. That's always what it comes down to and it's the only way we'll be remembered." He began to use his wind power in the confined hall. Kagome had to raise her arm over her eyes in order to see. "If we take down the Justice League," Wind Dragon told the other Ultimen, "The world will never forget us."
The other Ultimen smiled at the thought and prepared to fight.
"Listen to yourselves," said Batman who was having somewhat of an understanding what was going on. From what he observed from the situation it looked like that the Ultimen were either sick or going to die soon, "What you're saying is crazy."
"Translation," Wind Dragon taunted, "They're afraid of us."
"No," yelled Kagome, "You may be heroes but you're still only children, and we don't want to hurt you."
Wind Dragon ignored Miko's cries and looked at his team mate Long Shadow, "Are you with us or against us?"
Long Shadow's thoughts were divided between his friends and the Justice League. When he didn't give an answer right away, Juice hit him with bolt of electricity.
Kagome formed a barrier around Long Shadow to save him from the rest of the electrical assault. Once Juice realized he couldn't get passed the barrier he began to attack Batman with his electrical attacks.
The Wonder Twins followed his example and attacked Aquaman.
Wind Dragon continued to use his whirlwind attacks to attack Superman. Kagome and Wonder Woman both pulled Long Shadow out of the way of the whirl wind attacks so that Kagome could heal him.
"You don't have to do this," Superman yelled to Wind Dragon.
"It's what they created us for," Wind Dragon yelled back before he made the whirlwinds go faster, sucking the air out of Superman's lungs.
When Long Shadow awakened, after Kagome was done healing him, he ran up in front of Wind Dragon, "Stop it, look at what you're doing," he yelled as he pointed to Superman who was grasping for air. "IS THIS WHAT YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR? HE WAS YOUR HERO REMEMBER."
Wind Dragon stopped the whirl wind attack to see Superman fall to the floor, Kagome ran up to see if he needed healing but he shook his head telling her he was fine.
Wind Dragon fell to his knees, "He was my hero," he said while crying, "That's all I wanted to be."
The League carried the defeated Ultimen, to where the young man was crying and lowered their heads saddened by Wind Dragons cries.
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An hour later, the police came and arrest the Ultimen using high tech cuffs. Except for Long Shadow since League vouched for him because he helped saved the civilians. They also, needed him to give some answers onto who was responsible for creating the Ultimen.
"Project Cadmus," said Superman, repeating what Long Shadow was telling them. This Cadumus, created the Ultimen in order for them to have superheroes that they could control, "That's all you know?"
Long Shadow nodded, "Everything else I've ever known is an implanted memory that they placed in me."
"How much time do you have left?" Wonder Woman asked hesitantly.
"I don't know," Long Shadow said honestly. Kagome grabbed the young man's shoulder in comfort.
Suddenly more squad cars came down the street making everyone pause in what they were doing. A bunch of soldiers came and surrounded the Ultimen. A heavy African American woman came off the truck, along with Maxwell Lord.
"We'll take it from here," the heavy woman, Amanda Waller, said to the police officers and the League, "The Ultimen belong to us."
"Belong," said Wonder Woman angrily.
"Excuse me," said Kagome at the same time, just as angry. She hated when people were treated like objects, 'No matter how they came into being.'
"Those were a poor choice of words," defended Maxwell, "We just want to make sure the Ultimen's last days are comfortable."
The Ultimen have known Maxwell since the day they were created, they had no choice but to go with him. Amanda Waller gave a pleased look. The 'weapons' that Cadmus created was now back in their control.
A guard came to take Long Shadow until Wonder Woman, Superman, and Miko stood in front of him.
"You need to stand back," Waller warned the heroes.
Batman walked to stand in front of her, "Long Shadow's with us."
Waller looked at the Dark Knight up and down not afraid of him in the slightest, "Safeties," she yelled the order and the soldiers aimed their weapons at the League.
Kagome prepared herself to put a barrier just in case there was going to be a battle. Although with Superman standing in the front line, it was safe to say the fire arms wouldn't do much.
"Mine are bigger than yours," Batman said tauntingly, referring to his team mates who were more than ready to fight.
Waller looked at the heroes and thought tacitly on how this would play out. The odds weren't in her favor, 'Not today anyway,' she thought to herself. "Stand down," she ordered the men who did as they were told, "He's free to go with you, for however long he has."
"Who are you people?" Batman questioned.
"That's a national security matter," answered Waller, "And if I were you I wouldn't examine the situation too closely…Rich Boy."
The League's eyes widened, whoever Cadmus was, they knew their secret identities.
With that last warning, Amanda Waller and the soldiers walked away from the heroes.
Kagome turned to Long Shadow who had saddened face that would have broken even the coldest of hearts, "Let's get you home."
Long Shadow looked at her confused, "I don't have one."
Wonder Woman smiled at the young man and grabbed his shoulder, "Yes you do, the Watchtower."
For first time that night, Long Shadow smiled. He didn't know how much longer he had left, a few years, a few days, maybe only a few hours. But before his time, he was going to fulfill his dream and do the one thing that he's wanted to do in his whole existence; become a member of the Justice League.
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A Few Hours later
Kagome and J`onn watched as Karin was in the middle of another training lesson with Hitomi. Kagome explained everything that they had learned today to J`onn in his mind.
"Cadmus knows who we are, J`onn," Kagome said with worry, "That means they can go after us and our families at any time."
J`onn grabbed her hand in comfort, "We'll have someone try to find out all they can about Cadmus to prevent that from happening."
While they were talking, Karin managed to perform the spin kick, that she had just learned today, and performed it perfectly, "Kaa-san, Outo-san I did it. Did you see it?" she said excitedly.
Kagome's face changed from worry to enthusiastic and smiled, "Yes I did. Good job Kar-chan"
J`onn smiled at her too, "We're very proud of you, dear one."
Karin smiled wider at her parent's praise and went back to practicing.
Kagome's smile faltered, "It scares me, J`onn" she said in J`onn's mind, "With a simple order they can take away anything that we hold dear."
J`onn went behind her and wrapped his arms around her, "Everything I hold dear is in this room. And with every breath in my body, I will protect you and our daughter."
Kagome's smile returned and she turned to kiss her husband's lips, "I know you will, Koibito."
I came up a little short in this chapter. But at least I introduced Amanda Waller and Cadmus. So, what do you think? Next time: The appearance of a Dark Heart and Karin's first fight…not a typo.
Till then my readers