I do not own X-men or Young Justice
*Watchtower: September 5, 21:00 EDT*
"I don't like this" said Black Canary. "She's been through a lot recently."
"She won't allow her emotions to cloud her judgment" said Batman.
"Because that's what they trained her to do. You can't ignore this!"
Batman understood where Canary was coming from. On top of running into her old handler from the Facility, Laura had also been forced to give up the only familial ties she'd ever truly known. Though she tried to hide it, she was in a very delicate place right now. Enough that she'd actually sought out Canary for help.
Still this mission was important and despite his hesitancy to do so, the Dark Knight trusted her to get it done.
"The peace summit between North and South Rhelasia is too important to be left unprotected" said Batman. "The UN doesn't want a League presence, which eliminates Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad."
"Because of their known ties to members of the League" Black Canary understood. "Which leaves either Laura or Artemis."
"Artemis has been seen working with Green Arrow. Laura is the only one with no known ties to the League and has the skill set to easily blend in."
Canary didn't like it but Batman was right. She just hoped they weren't pushing the poor girl too hard too fast.
*Taipei: September 7, 19:20 NST*
Wearing her civilian attire, Laura took care to blend in with the crowd surrounding the summit building. Scanning the crowd as she moved through the area, she picked up on a familiar scent.
Red Arrow. Immediately she zeroed in on the red head, disguised as a member of the security team, hiding behind a pillar. Aware of the archer's less than appreciative response to her criticism the last time they met, Laura decided to ignore him in favor of scoping out the rest of the area. Especially since Red Arrow, wasn't the only scent she recognized in the area.
At that moment the crowd stepped back as a limo with a police escort arrived, no doubt carrying the arbitrator for the peace talks. That's when Cheshire revealed her presence, standing on top of a merchant stand, armed with a rocket launcher.
Choosing to maintain her cover, Laura watched as Red Arrow fired at the assassin, throwing off Cheshire aim just as she squeezed the trigger, sending the rocket flying harmlessly off course. The crowd went into a panic as the security teams rushed to protect the two Rhelasian leaders.
But Cheshire wasn't about to give up on her target just yet. Drawing her sais the assassin charged towards the limo, taking out any guards in her path. Moving into the open Red Arrow fired a trick arrow at the assassin, releasing a net, that Cheshire easily sliced through. Still it gave Arrow the opening he needed to get close enough to tackle her.
But Cheshire's superior close range fighting skills, saw her turn things around on him, leaving her straddling Red Arrow, just as the security moved in.
Surrounded Cheshire put her hands up. "I surrender" but there was something about her tone that had the watching Laura's senses on high alert. Just then mysterious figure appeared on top of the limo.
He wore a white skull, with no lower jaw, on a black full-face mask and a red X starting on his forehead and with a point of the X extending beneath his right eye.
His black bodysuit had a red X placed right over his left pectoral muscle, an ash-gray utility belt with matching gloves that have red Xs on the palms and back of the hands, a pair of black boots with steel-soles and a black cape with an ash-gray interior.
"Sorry kids, Red-X marks the spot" he taunted, tapping the symbol on his chest. Holding his fists up the X on the back of his hands extend into hand mounted blades. "I have the best toys."
The blades start to rotate like buzz saws as he prepares to peel the top of the limo open, when Laura suddenly springs into action tackling him down onto the street. Rolling off of Red-X when he tries to kick her off, Laura unsheathes her claws just as the masked man jumps to his feet.
"Well this is nice" said Red-X, sounding amused. "Can't say I ever had a girl as cute as you throw herself at me."
Not amused Laura was about to go on the attack, when the rest of the security team picks that moment to surround them. While the guns weren't that much of threat to her, Laura had no desire to explain to Batman why she attacked the very people she was supposed to be supporting.
"The peace arbitrator is…Lex Luthor?!" she heard a reporter announce from the sidelines. A quick glance confirmed that it was indeed Lex Luthor stepping out of the limo. And from the look on Red Arrow's face, Laura thought it safe to assume he hadn't known about this either.
"Wow that's a surprise" Red-X chuckled, as the police moved in to take him away. "Sorry folks but prison stripes don't work for me" firing an X-shaped projectile from his palms into the ground, a flash bang goes off blinding the officers.
Aware that she's operating without League protection, Laura took advantage of the chaos and vanished into the crowd, leaving Red Arrow to deal with Luthor.
"That's too bad I wanted to thank that young lady" said Luthor. "Now then, I suppose we best release Green Arrow's sidekick."
"Ex-sidekick" Red Arrow corrects him.
The officers were hesitant as they wanted to question Roy but Luthor's word carried weight and his voucher was enough to have him released.
"I don't need favors from you" said Red Arrow, glaring at the Luthor.
"Apologies. I didn't realize you wished to go to prison."
"You may have everyone here fooled, Luthor but I know what you are."
"I don't pretend to be an angel" Luthor smirked. "It just so happens this time, I'm on the side of the angels."
"Cut the act Luthor. I've got intel that links LexCorp shell companies to weapon sales in both North and South Rhelasia. You're profiting off this war. So what's your angle?"
"War income is pocket change compared to billions to be made investing in a peaceful, united Rhelasia. "But those assassins could be a problem." Perhaps I can hire you to investigate?"
"Your money has blood on it and I'm not here to make a buck."
Luthor smirked victoriously as Red Arrow walked away, undoubtedly to investigate into the Shadows involvement in the attempt on his life. All the better that he was doing it for free.
*Mount Justice: September 7, 09:41 EDT*
Entering the Cave, Black Canary spotted Kaldur at the monitors watching the peace summit in Taipei.
"Keeping track of Laura?" she asked knowingly.
"Yes" Kaldur admitted, turning to face Canary. "I am concerned about her. Whatever happened to her in San Francisco weighs heavily on her. I am worried that it is perhaps too soon for her to be in the field. Especially on her own."
"I thought Red Arrow was in Taipei?" asked Canary.
"I'm afraid their first meeting did not go well" said the Atlantean, sounding embarrassed as he shared Robin and KF's hope of having Roy join the Team. "And in some ways, I'm afraid the two of them being together will only make things worse."
Canary had to admit she shared Aqualad's concerns. During their sessions, she was currently trying to help Laura find healthier ways to deal with her emotional confusion. Having Roy's guaranteed harsh attitude directed at her during this delicate time could risk undoing what little progress they've made. All she could do was hope that Batman was right and that she'd be able to compartmentalize until she returned from the mission, where she could help her deal with any problems.
"I have faith in her, Kaldur" said Canary, not wanting to worry him. "Just be there for her as best as you can."
"Of course."
*Taipei: September 7, 21:00 NST*
The League of Shadows never acts without reason. So either they were hired by someone or their leader Ra's al Ghul had plans for the peace summit. Since Red-X's trail went cold there was only one place to get some answers.
But when she snuck into the police station, Laura found that she wasn't the only one with that idea. Standing in front of Cheshire's cell was Red Arrow, now in his hero attire. The red clad archer was watching as the assassin performed a kata.
"Oh, if it isn't X-23" Cheshire teased. Her mask had been confiscated upon capture, giving them a good look at her face.
"I don't need your help" Red Arrow scowled, not happy about Laura's presence.
"You're wasting time" said Laura. "You didn't stop Cheshire."
"Oh and she's just sitting in a cell for fun!"
"She let you stop her. Cheshire is skilled – too much so to be stopped so easily."
Cheshire laughed at that, smirking at Red Arrow's frustration as he takes the assassin's reaction as confirmation that Laura was right about it being a staged assassination attempt.
"Oh you are good" Cheshire smirked. "You could learn a thing or two from her, handsome."
Red Arrow growled under his breath, not liking the idea of coming up short when compared to a member of the "Junior Justice League".
But while he was allowing himself to be toyed with by Cheshire, Laura was watching the assassin closely, trying to get a read on what she planned to do next. Suddenly she picks up on the sound of an approaching helicopter. By itself it wasn't worth worrying about given their location, then she picked up on something a lot more dangerous.
"Get back!" she cried, pulling Red Arrow away from Cheshire's cell, just as the back wall exploded.
"Ugh, it had to be you" Cheshire complained, glaring at her rescuer as he repelled down from his copter.
"Beggars can't be choosers, little girl" said Sports Master. "Coming?"
With her only other choice being to rot away in prison, Cheshire had no choice but to put up with it, and followed Sports Master out.
"She's getting away!" Red Arrow yelled, pushing Laura off him, to chase after the two assassins.
Laura made no move to follow. She doubted Red Arrow would be able to catch Cheshire and Sports Master. Meaning the best thing she could do was prepare for their next attempt on the peace summit.
But when she turned to leave, she was surprised to see Red-X leaning against the door.
"Hey beautiful, how's it going?" Red-X flirted.
"I don't have time for you" said Laura, deciding to go out the hole in the wall, and onto a nearby rooftop, with Red-X following after her.
"Uh, isn't this the part where you 'snikt' and start trying to cut me ribbons?"
"I have to focus on the actual assassins." That got a chuckle out of Red-X as he realized the jig was up.
"How'd you figure it out?" he asked curiously.
"It's the way you handled yourself" she replied. "It was too flashy for an assassination. Both you and Cheshire were meant to catch attention."
"Maybe, I just wanted your attention" said Red-X, getting in Laura's face.
This proved to be a mistake as Laura caught Red-X by surprise with a head-butt, followed by a quick leg sweep, and immediately pinned him under her boot.
"What are the Shadows after?" she demanded, scowling as Red-X started to chuckle.
"Wow you are one tough girl." Not appreciating Red-X's cavalier attitude, Laura released the blade in her foot, positioning it just under his chin. "Alright, chill. I haven't got a clue what the Shadows are after."
"And yet you're one of them" Laura pressed.
"That's where your wrong" said Red-X. "I'm only out for myself. I just saw an opening and went for it."
"You have no interest in the summit?"
"Not a one. I just wanted something off Luthor. I can't help it, if I love a good performance."
Satisfied, Laura retracted the blade and stepped back, allowing Red-X to get to his feet.
"Guess now's the part where you send me to jail" said Red-X, levity in his voice. But Laura was no longer interested, and turned to leave for the peace summit. "What game's over?"
"This is no game" said Laura, glaring at Red-X. "Your selfishness has put the peace summit at risk, and I've wasted enough time on you."
Having nothing to say to that, Red-X quietly watched Laura walk away, quietly pondering the serious girl's words.
If the Shadows only goal was to disrupt the peace talks, they were succeeding. Hidden from sight, Laura watched as the Rhelasian leaders stubbornly refused the very idea of peace between the north and south. and right in the middle of it, enjoying the good press was Lex Luthor, with Red Arrow standing behind him looking for any sign of danger.
"Gentlemen I'm sure you can find an understanding" Luthor tried to assuage the political leaders. "Despite your nations differences they still share many appreciations. Such as the exquisite art of the Rhelasian tea ceremony."
Luthor waved his hand signaling for the geisha to deliver the tea cart. What Luthor didn't realize was that this tea server was in fact Cheshire in disguise. A little white face paint and an authentic Rhelasian ceremonial kimono, and no one was the wiser. No one except Laura, who then dropped down from the rafters, landing between the cart and the dignitaries' table, prompting Red Arrow to ready his bow.
"Cheshire" the assassin scowled at Laura for exposing her cover. Pressing a button under it, Cheshire pushed the cart forward, just as Red Arrow fired. RA's arrow released a high-density foam, covering the front of cart just as a hidden bomb went off, muffling the explosion, shattering the windows as the force of the blast was directed away from the dignitaries.
When the smoke cleared, Cheshire was to pick herself up, though a little worn she was overall in perfect health.
"It's over, Cheshire" said Red Arrow, keeping an arrow aimed at the assassin.
"You think so" Cheshire smirked, draw her sais as a helicopter carrying Sports Master and a squad of League Assassins flew up to the building.
Immediately the security team for the summit charged forward to deal with the foot soldiers, leaving Laura and Red Arrow to deal with Sports Master and Cheshire.
"Take Sports Master" said Red Arrow. "Cheshire's mine."
"So territorial, and only our third date" the assassin teased.
Not impressed, Red Arrow fired an arrow at Cheshire, only for the assassin to knock it aside with her sai. Deciding there wasn't any point in arguing over who fought who, Laura left RA to deal with Cheshire, while she dealt with Sports Master.
The sports themed assassin, armed with a javelin, was about skewer a security guard, when he was forced to abandon his attack in favor of bringing the spear up in time to block Laura's claws. But the javelin didn't hold long against the girl's adamantium laced claws, and with a little pressure was reduced to scraps.
On the other side of things, Red Arrow was finding himself hard pressed to keep up with Cheshire. The deadly assassin's sais deflecting his arrows, Cheshire was soon closed the distance between them coming at RA with a barrage of fast kicks and strikes of her weapon, all combined with acrobatic grace.
Still Red Arrow stood his ground, using his bow to block Cheshire's deadly blades, countering with a swing of his weapon. Evading Red Arrow's attack, Cheshire backflipped away, countering with a spray of shuriken, that he was quick to deflect with his bow.
Armed with a rapier, Sports Master lunged at Laura who side stepped the attack and countered with a swipe of her claws, leaving a deep gash in the assassin's arm, followed by spin kick to the ribs, knocking him back.
"Got to admit I expected more from, X-23" said Sports Master. "Guess that team of yours is making you soft. Not surprising considering how things went down in Santa Prisca, and I hear their trip to Bialya didn't go to well. Of course I also hear things didn't go so well for you in San Fran, either."
At the reminder of her cousin, Laura's emotional dam broke, and with a feral roar she charged Sports Master, intending to carve out his heart. But she never got the chance when suddenly, Cheshire dropped down from overhead, and threw down a small explosive, covering them in a cloud of smoke Laura and Red Arrow.
Her temper still flaring, Laura was so focused on trying to sniff out Sports Master and Cheshire, she was slow to react when suddenly one of the Shadows leapt out of the smoke towards the dignitaries, twin blades drawn.
"Mercy" Luthor spoke, calling his assistant to attention.
Mercy raised her arm, palm out towards the assassin but before she could do anything else, Red-X suddenly appeared between them, firing an X-shaped projectile from his palm at the Shadow, knocking the assassin to the ground.
"See, I can play good guy" said Red-X, looking to Laura, before teleporting away.
With Luthor and the two Rhelasian leaders safe, Laura and Red Arrow turned their attention to the rest of the room, finding that Cheshire, Sports Master, and the rest of their forces had taken the opportunity to make their escape, leaving behind only the beaten members of the security team.
If Red Arrow had anything to say about her apparent affiliation with Red-X, Laura didn't stick around long enough to find out. Instead choosing to leave the scene the instant Luthor managed to convince the two Rhelasian leaders to sign a peace treaty.
She had more important things to worry about. Sports Master knew not only about the Team's mission to Bialya about also about her encounter with the Facility. Was it possible that the Team had a mole?