I do not own X-men or Young Justice
*Star City: November 17, 22:00*
Holding onto his prize for dear life, a common crook ran for his life, as the Black Canary trailed him from the rooftops, taunting him as the thief made the mistake of running down a dead-end alleyway.
"Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide."
Jumping down from a fire escape, Canary landed in front of the crook, cornering him, only for him to floor him with a desperate right hook. Unable to believe his luck, the thief took off running, but Canary was persistent. Chasing after him, she tackled the thief to the ground, they wrestled for a bit, until the crook gained the upper hand. In a desperate move, the League member unleashed her Canary Cry, knocking the man out as the close range sonic attack proved too much for him.
With the thief down, Black Canary searched him and retrieved a stolen wallet.
What is wrong with me? Canary asked herself. There was no reason she should've struggled to beat a common pickpocket. Leaving the crook tied up for the police, Canary left the alley, planning to call it an early night.
Unbeknownst to her, Canary's sloppy performance didn't go unnoticed, as Laura and Red-X emerged from the shadows, having seen the whole thing.
"Told you, something's off" said Red-X.
Laura stayed silent, struggling to figure out what could be wrong with Black Canary. Examining the thief, she took down, Laura found nothing to indicate he was metahuman, or had any sort of advanced tech that could've helped him.
"I'm surprised you brought this too me" said Laura. One would think, a criminal like Red-X would gladly benefit from a League member's decline in performance. It was more than suspicious that the masked thief would bring her this information, even more so that he risked breaking into the Xavier Institute to do so.
"Don't get me wrong. This isn't charity" said Red-X. "I need a favor. And my sources say you went out of your way to speak with Canary a few months back. I figure, I scratch your back and you scratch mine."
Not surprising that Red-X wanted something for this information. In fact, it actually relaxed Laura to know the masked thief criminal was working an angle, even better that it was because he needed her help with something. The advantage was hers.
"Fine, but we investigate Canary first" said Laura.
"Then, you'll be happy to know I already placed a tracer on her bike" said Red-X. "Now come on, my bike's around back."
*Blüdhaven: November 18, 00:01*
Red-X's tracker led them to the parking garage of what appeared to be an abandoned office building. Sticking to the shadows they watched as Black Canary used a secure elevator in what should've been a powered down building.
"Now, you can't even try to tell me this isn't suspicious" Red-X quipped.
Laura just rolled her eyes, unwilling to add to the thief's ego. Using one of Red-X's gadgets to deal with the security and they took the elevator down to a subterranean level, surprisingly finding themselves in a well-furnished illegal high society club of some kind.
"Looks like we'll have to go undercover" said Red-X.
Laura agreed, as their outfits would stand out far too much in such a black-tie environment.
"Don't suppose, you've got a suit and gown stashed away somewhere?" Laura asked, as she scanned the crowd for anyone her size.
"I think theirs will do nicely" Red-X pointed to a group of stereotypical spoiled rich kid types, looking for a good time. "I think their parents will thank us."
Laura agreed; she could still see traces of white powder under their noses. Following the simple matter of luring and locking their targets in a nearby broom closet, Laura and Red-X were ready to investigate.
As they moved through the club, Laura couldn't help but take a curious look at the now unmasked Red-X. With his short dark hair, cunning blue eyes, Laura despite herself had to admit he was attractive.
As the lights began to dim, Laura and Red-X followed the crowd to an auditorium centered around large glass dome covered fighting ring. Taking their seats, Laura also noted the chairs were all equipped to allow them to place bets.
As the lights around the seating area went out, a bright spotlight fell upon the ring, as the projection of an Asian woman with pinned long dark hair, wearing sunglasses and a formfitting red dress appeared overhead.
"Welcome to another ultra-exclusive evening of Meta-Brawl Glamour Slam!" the woman announced. "My name is Roulette, and I make the rules. Prepare to see the biggest baddest super powered struggle for dominance that has ever been my pleasure to present. For tonight I bring you one the legendary ladies of the League. The undefeated queen of the Glamour Slam: Black Canary!"
Laura couldn't believe it when Black Canary stepped into the ring, a vicious blood thirsty grin on her face as she threw her fists up into the air inciting cheers from the crowd.
"Who would dare to challenge the sonic songstress herself, none other than our up and coming Beauty of the Brawl: Wolfsbane!"
A woman with bright green eyes and long red hair entered the ring. The crowd cheered as the woman transformed into a wolf/human hybrid.
"Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen."
Laura watched as the audience did just that. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Red-X make a bet of his own.
"What?" Red-X feigned ignorance, as Laura glared at him. "At least I put it on Canary.
"Let the pain begin!"
At Roulette's command the two metahumans charged each other. Using her wolf form's enhanced speed, Wolfsbane landed the first blow, slashing her claws into Black Canary's shoulder. Unfazed, Canary countered with a knee to Wolfsbane jaw, knocking her off balance. Keeping the pressure on, Canary followed up with a series of powerful kicks to the transformed woman's center, with the last one knocking Wolfsbane flat on her back.
But Wolfsbane wasn't done yet. Going through a second transformation Wolfsbane's hybrid form changed completely into a wolf with reddish brown fur. In her new form, Wolfsbane proved too fast for Black Canary, tackling the League member to the ground before she could react.
Pinned under Wolfsbane, Canary struggled to hold the transformed woman back, as she attempted to snap her fangs into Canary's neck. Just as it seemed Wolfsbane would claim victory, Canary unleashed her sonic cry, blasting Wolfsbane off her and causing excruciating amounts of pain.
Unable to withstand a point-blank Canary Cry, Wolfsbane fell to the ground, returning to her human form as she lost consciousness.
With her victory, Black Canary threw her arms into the and let out a savage war cry as she basked in the glory of the crowd's cheers, paying no mind to the woman she left knocked out on the ground, bleeding from her ears.
"That's not Canary" Laura whispered to herself, horrified by what she'd seen.
Switching back to their work clothes, Laura and Red-X returned to the parking garage to wait for Black Canary. Ignoring Red-X's protests to wait, Laura walked out into the open to confront the League member.
"You could've killed that woman" Laura said accusingly. "Why are you doing this?"
Ignoring Laura's concerns, Black Canary floored her with a kick to the jaw.
"You've got worse than that coming" Black Canary threatened, as she brought her heel down on Laura.
Rolling out of the way, Laura jumped to her feet and easily slipped into a fighting stance. No more certain than ever that something was wrong with Canary, Laura refused unsheathe her claws instead going at the League member relying only on her hand to hand skills.
Unfortunately, even with all of her training with the Facility, Black Canary was one of the world's most skilled martial artists. And as she deflected and countered every move she made, Laura was beginning to understand just how skilled Black Canary truly was.
Still even without the use of her claws, Laura's healing factor provided a solid advantage over Canary. Even if she couldn't beat her out right, Laura knew she could out last Black Canary long enough to find out just what was going on.
A fact that wasn't lost to Black Canary. Trapping Laura in an armlock, Black Canary unleashed her Canary Cry. Just as it did with Wolfsbane, Laura's enhanced senses proved to be her undoing, leaving her passed out on the ground.
Deciding to remain hidden Red-X watched as a squad of security guards arrived on the scene and took Laura into custody, dragging her back down to the lower levels with Black Canary following after them for support.
When Laura came too she found herself sitting in a cell behind a steel door with a glass window allowing a view of a long hall of cells. Laura watched as Roulette escorted by a hunched over elderly bald man covered in tribal tattoos, looked in on Wolfsbane who remained in critical condition.
"If she dies you do" Laura threatened, getting the pair attention.
"Ah, so our little intruder's awake" said Roulette. "You're no ordinary girl. Able to heal so quickly and somehow able to resist Mesmero's telepathic commands. Yes, certainly an interesting one. Which begs the question, why are you here?"
"Black Canary reported that the girl is called Laura or X-23" said Mesmero. "She is apparently an associate of hers."
Laura glared at the bald man as she now understood the metahuman cage fighters were all being influenced by Mesmero's telepathy with Roulette providing the fanfare to attract customers.
"Ah then I know just how to deal with her" Roulette smirked. "We'll place them in the ring and make a profit."
"Excellent" Mesmero agreed.
Pleased with themselves Mesmero and Roulette left to make the arrangements for a show their audience was sure to love.
Once the coast was clear, Laura sat back in her prison cell with a smirk on her face as she picked up on the scent of xenothium in the air.
"An extra-added attraction tonight, ladies and gentlemen" Roulette announced, drawing her club's attention to the ring and driving her customers to their seats to watch the action. "Black Canary had so much fun, she's come back for more."
The crowd cheered as Black Canary once more stepped into the ring.
"Challenging her is a new up-and-comer. I give you, X-23!"
Laura scowled as she allowed the guards to force her into the ring, paying the cheering crowd no mind as she found herself facing off against Black Canary.
"Ladies and gentlemen place your bets. And let the pain begin!"
Black Canary immediately lashed out at Laura, knocking her to the ground with a powerful kick to the temple. Keeping the pressure on Canary brought her leg down on Laura, who quickly rolled out of the way, countering with a sweep to Canary's legs, knocking her to the ground.
Laura immediately pounced on top of Canary, wrestling with the League member. In their scuffle, Black Canary grabbed Laura by the wrists and took a deep breath intending to unleash a full power sonic attack at close range. But before she could release her Cry, Laura nailed Canary with a headbutt stunning her.
Using the opening to free her wrists, Laura slapped her palms against Black Canary's temples. Yet she made no move to follow up instead Laura allowed Canary to throw her aside, and watched as the League member stumbled to her feet.
"L-Laura?" Black Canary muttered, as a fog lifted from her mind. "What happened?"
"I gave you a new accessory" said Laura, pointing to where there was now small Xs on the sides of Canary's head. "They're made with anti-telepathy technology."
"Thanks" Canary gave Laura a grateful smile. It was good to see her, though Canary wished it was under better circumstances. "So, do I even want to know what's going on?"
"Sorry folks but it looks like these two have made a change in plans" Roulette announced, eliciting boos and complaints from the audience. "But don't you worry. I've saved the very best for last."
Laura and Black Canary watched in disbelief as none other than Wonder Woman stepped into the ring, with a blood thirsty look in her eyes. The amazon's appearance set the audience on fire as the room was drowned in the sound of their cheers.
"That's right ladies and gentlemen. It's really, Wonder Woman. Now can these two dangerous beauties stand up to the amazon powerhouse herself?"
"Don't suppose you've got any more of these?" Canary asked Laura.
"No" Laura replied, as she unsheathed her claws.
"Really?" Canary raised a brow, Laura hadn't used her claws against her.
"I don't really like Wonder Woman." Laura shrugged, as if that explained everything.
Canary just smirked and shook her head liking the growth in Laura's personality; while understanding Wonder Woman's strength meant Laura couldn't afford to hold back.
With a sadistic smile on her face, Roulette watched from her office, as Wonder Woman fought against Laura and Black Canary. At her side was Mesmero, who was attempting to figure out what had allowed Black Canary to escape his control.
"Black Canary's mind is lost to me" said Mesmero.
"It's fine" said Roulette. "The amazon will deal with them both. And with added bonus of bringing in more profit."
"Yeah, I got a problem with that" came Red-X's voice.
Shocked to have another intruder, Mesmero tried to reach out with his mind, just as the masked thief dropped down from the air vents. So, focused on his attempt to control Red-X's mind, Mesmero was caught off guard when Red fired an X-shaped projectile from his palm, that attached itself to his forehead, before delivering a powerful electric shock.
With her telepath taken out, Roulette knew it was only a matter of time before her hostages returned to themselves. Not wanting to be there when it happened, she attempted to make a run for it only to have Red-X stand in her way.
"Who're you supposed to be?" Roulette demanded, as she took an involuntary step back. "A hero here to save the day?"
"Lady, you couldn't be more wrong" Red-X chuckled darkly, as the symbols on the back of his hands extended into blades. "But I know who you are, Roulette. You're the kind that likes to watch, but when it comes to getting your own pretty hands dirty…"
To Red-X's surprise, Roulette lashed out with a vicious roundhouse to the jaw, causing him to stagger back and look at her in shock.
"Didn't think I was that good, did you?" Roulette smirked, as she removed her hair pins, revealing them to be knives as she let her dark hair flow free. "Guess what I'm even better."
Red-X quickly brought his guard up, using the blades on the back of his hands to block and parry Roulette's knives.
"I admit you're better than I thought" said Red-X, sounding amused. "But I got to tell you –" Retracting his blades, Red-X ducked under Roulette's attempt to slice his throat. Rolling under her arm, Red-X got behind Roulette and trapped her arms in a hold. "– you're really overselling yourself."
Down in the ring, Wonder Woman's bracelets proved a match for Laura's claws, as she used them to deflect the girl's deadly blades before tossing her aside into a charging Black Canary.
Before they could right themselves, Wonder Woman grabbed Canary and Laura by the back of their heads and started to bring their heads together, stopping only moments before crushing them against each other.
Laura and Canary breathed sighs of relief as they realized the telepath controlling Wonder Woman had been defeated.
As the fog cleared from her mind, Wonder Woman released Laura and Canary, "I hope you two have an explanation for this?"
"If they're not up for it, I'm sure they are" said Red-X as he dragged Roulette and Mesmero before them.
With the Glamour Slam taken down, Laura and Red-X watched from a nearby rooftop as Roulette and Mesmoro were carted off to jail, leaving Wonder Woman and Black Canary to make the arrangements for their victims to receive treatment.
"So, we saved Canary, now what?" Laura asked Red-X.
Red-X removed his mask and with a smirk on his face asked, "How do you feel about New Orleans?"