Hello again! Here I am once again to bring you yet another chapter of this crazy story. Sadly, I haven't received any reviews for it for awhile, but I don't really mind anymore. I'm mostly writing this story for myself anyway. I've had this grand idea for a sequel and then a third story that's further into the future, like way further. Not going to do any spoilers though since people hate them so much. Anyway, like I said this story is mostly for me since I've had the idea for a long time.
Small note: The saga currently going on will end maybe a few chapters from now. I wrote out a freakishly long time line that goes all the way up to season 2 of Young Justice. Yes, I did indeed look up the time line for the show. It's a helpful reminder for me to keep track of the dates and the events that occur. I also added a few extra things to the season 1 and 2 time lines to spice up the series a bit. Lastly, I would just like to warn you that in this chapter and future chapters there will be an ocean load of oc's. The main characters will get way more screen time than them, but I'm just mentioning this for those that don't like oc's taking over, which they are not. Oh and the plot to D' Gray man will be taking a different turn since Allen and Lenalee are currently in the DC world. I'm going to mention a few things about the plot of that anime in my chapters, maybe bring in some familiar faces and go through a small portion of the new D Grayman series that came out recently. It'll be nice once I've finished planning it out.
Okay, well, enough of my rambling. On with the chapter.
Disclaimer – I do not in any way shape or form own D'Grayman or Young Justice. They both belong to their respective owners. I only own the many oc's in this story, and planet Gyphten.
~Chapter 26~
English
Gyphen
Gyphen
Batman couldn't for the life of him fathom why there wasn't enough security in the cave to notice a woman breaking in, not only knocking out a huge chunk of the mountain but setting free their prisoner. During his interrogation the boy never mentioned having an accomplice with him, just that he worked with people like the League of Shadows and Klarion the witch boy. His eyes scanned the cell that he had previously been in taking note of how neatly the bed was made. He saw no cuts or impressions made to the walls nor anything wrong with the steel trap door covered with heat sensing lasers he had installed. It irritated him to no end.
"Did you find anything," Canary asked as she entered the holding cell.
Batman grunted, shaking his head. The woman sighed. "Other than that gaping hole and an injured Wolf there was nothing else to go by. The security footage wasn't much help either." Canary crossed her arms. "I hate to say this but we should try and get in contact with Crow. Tell her what happened."
"...That might be our only option right now." Batman had had a talk with Lenalee about how she knew Jakan. She gave him a detailed explanation of why he had been trying so hard to kill her. Everything she told him finally shed some light on a few things for him since the puzzle hadn't been fully complete. Now all that was left to do was to find out who it was exactly that let him out and why. He needed another look at the security footage.
"Hey Bat's, Canary," Flash called out, suddenly showing up in the cell. "That Allen kid is back."
Canary gave the man a grateful smiling. "Thanks for telling us. We'll be there in a just a bit."
Flash gave the two a mock salute before speeding back down the hall.
The blonde woman turned back to Batman looking slightly tense when she saw the look on his face. "I know what you're thinking."
Batman narrowed his eyes. "If you do than you already know what I'm going to say." He turned away from the woman heading straight for the exit. He stopped just a few inches from the outside turning back to Canary. "If we want any chance at finding the boy then Allen is our best bet."
Canary glanced his way with unblinking eyes, giving him a scolding look. "We can't just use him like that though. He only just arrived. He has his own issues to deal with back in his world."
"And how do you know this?"
"Tori told me. Before the team left she told me everything. She felt guilty for not telling me before," Canary sighed and gave the dark knight a withered glare, "Those kids have enough on there plate as it is dealing with whatever it is back in their world. They personally felt responsible for those things attacking the city the other day...I just don't want you to over stress them, especially that boy." She was not willing to divulge that information to him since it wasn't hers to tell.
Batman said nothing. He was still going to protest against her words, but something in her eyes, that sorrowful look she was giving him, it was starting to get to him. After about a few seconds of staring he sighed. "...I won't ask him anything more than what he can tell me."
Canary smiled. "Thank you. I appreciate that."
"Yeah, yeah." Green Arrow wasn't all that wrong about the women in the league having most of the say. Canary, Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl and his sister were proof of that.
The two left the cell heading straight for the common area of the cave. There they saw Allen sitting at the table with a rather disturbed look on his face. He looked really bothered.
Allen lifted his head when he saw Batman and Canary entering the room. He stood up from his chair and walked towards them. "I'm back as you so requested."
Batman nodded. "Good, though it would have been better if you had arrived a bit earlier." He gave a pointed look to the hole that was being repaired by Hal and John, along with Flash and J'onn.
"I know but I have a good reason for being late." Allen couldn't help but be nervous as he spoke. Batman was still pretty intimidating to him, even after speaking to him a lot. He rubbed the back of his head, chuckling nervously before his whole demeanor changed. "I meant to be here earlier but I got held back by my chief, the one I was telling you about. We had a lot of cases of Akuma attacks back home that I thought were pretty strange."
Canary narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean strange?"
"There are different levels for each Akuma that we come across," Allen held up his hand and raised one finger, "The first is level one, they're sometimes harder to defeat but that depends on what they can do."
"They're the easiest to fight though," Batman surmised.
Allen nodded. "Yeah." He raised another finger. "Level two's are a bit trickier since they are the evolved forms of level ones. Had a really hard time dealing with one during one mission me and a few others had gone on a while back. Almost had us," he muttered remembering the clown like akuma that had attacked them.
"How many times have you come across a level two," Canary asked curiously.
"Quite a few times, but not as many times as we've come across level one's. They are relentless when they attack especially when they are in groups...have you heard from the team at all since they left?"
"No but I plan on getting in contact with them today," Batman answered. He gave the teen a hard stare. "You still haven't told us what it was that kept you so long."
Allen blinked. "Uh yeah, well the thing is the akuma we came across were neither a level one or two. We've never come across a level three before so none of us had any idea what it was. A few others and I had made a move to attack but when we did our anti-akuma weapons had no effect. That's what lead me to believe that it was the same type of akuma we came across the same night we met that Christopher guy. The same one that Lenalee and I couldn't defeat." It still irked him to this day why they couldn't destroy it, and the fact that his eyes had not automatically activated when he first laid eyes on it.
"Could it be that Jakan had something to do with that as well," Canary questioned looking between Batman and Allen.
Allen nodded. "He could have but hasn't he been here this whole time. There would have been no way for him to make more unless he's already made tons and sent them back to the other Noah."
Batman narrowed his eyes into slits. To much of this was starting to make sense but what bothered him was why that woman showed up, why Jakan's appearance looked so different.
"Um by the way, I've been meaning to ask since I first got here but what happened to the cave. There's a gaping-"
"Hole," Canary finished his sentence, "Yes we know. Jakan managed to get away with a bit of help."
Allen's blue gray eyes widened a hair at the news. "H-He escaped! How? And who helped him get away?"
"We don't know who it was exactly but what we do know is that she had a weapon on her, and she was wearing strange armor. She looked like she was apart of a group from the small symbol on the hilt of her weapons. That lead us to believe that someone sent her to come get him."
"..." Allen clenched his gloved hands by his sides. His jaw tightened at the thought of Jakan escaping. The guy had already proven to them that he was bad news, as well as how far he was willing to go to kill Lenalee, which was something he would never let happen as long as he was around.
"Do you have any idea where they could have run off to?" He had to be sure it wasn't where he thought it was.
Canary sighed. "We fear they may have gone off after the team. I have no clue as to how but that's just what we've surmised so far." She was worried, not only for Allen but for the team as well. They have no clue as to what was headed their way.
Batman studied the look on the white haired teens face before speaking. "We don't have much to go on but the facts we gave you and what you have told us. For now we will need your full cooperation in helping us find out what it is exactly that we're dealing with."
Canary rolled her eyes. "What he means to say is that any help you can give us is appreciated."
Allen smiled. "Oh I don't mind helping at all. You all have been so kind so why not I return the favor."
The blonde haired woman chuckled. He was such a nice boy. It was understandable why he was such good friends with Lenalee, although she did detect something more with him. He must really like her. She pitied him though. Kid Flash was dating her, so it was sad to see that he had to witness some other boy being with her instead of himself. She hoped he found someone soon.
"Since that's settled, we should go try and see if we can find anything else from that security footage." Batman turned motioning for both of them to follow him.
Everything was so vague, with all of the events that happened so far, both in this world and in Allen's. Something big was a foot and no one had any idea as to what it was, but they would find out.
Too much was at stake not to find out what in the world was going on between both worlds.
Back with the team~
Not to long after the team, B'ana and the twins left the palace, they all headed out to see the town since they didn't get to see it last time. There wasn't much time to sight see since they had been a little too busy fighting those two women.
Once there they all stared in awe at the visible excitement that the town held. There were decorations everywhere, covering homes, stores and market stands. They couldn't help but smile at the snowmen that littered each and every corner of the streets. The aura was just so calm, peaceful, something that they wished to continue feeling during there stay on this planet.
"I have to admit," Artemis began, "I'm really starting to like this place. It's been really growing on me."
Raider smirked. "Does that mean you didn't like it before?" Like clockwork Artemis smacked him upside his head. "Ow," he yelped moving his hands to rub the offended area. He pouted up at her but she ignored it.
"Wow, I'm glad I wasn't the first to say that," Kid snickered.
Lenalee glared at him. "If you did then you would have received the same punishment." Kid stiffened at her words. He knew that she would most definitely go through with that threat.
Robin cackled. "Now that would have been a funny sight. I think I lost count for how many times you two have been whacked by your girlfriends." Both Kid and Raider glared back at the younger male.
"It's not funny," they said in unison.
B'ana giggled. "You all are so much fun to be around."
"Is that what this is," Sarah deadpanned, "Fun?"
Samantha chuckled. "It looks more like abuse to me, although I find it rather entertaining. Does this happen often?"
Aqualad sighed. "Unfortunately."
"It's not always abuse though," M'gann tried to defend her friends.
Connor shook his head. "Nah, it's abuse."
Crow shook her head with an amused smile on her face. Turning to look down at her daughter she asked, "Are you having fun Jasmin?" The little girl looked up at her mother with a tiny grin on her face, her chubby cheeks tinged pink with glee.
Jasmin nodded then proceeded to turning her head back and forth, looking this way and that at all the pretty lights and brightly colored decorations. The snow that covered the streets and various homes surrounding them made it even more surreal as the group continued their walk through the town. Raider made several comments about where they were headed. B'ana answered with a 'you'll see' without looking back at him.
A few minutes later the group had arrived at a rather large building that looked a lot like a school. There were pillars on each side of the building covered in of course, snow, but the difference being that the snow sparkled and it seemed to float on the surface. The windows on the sides were circular and big, the trees and bushes surrounding the building were abnormally big as well but their beauty made up for the irregular size.
"Wow," Lenalee breathed in awe, "Is this a school?"
Samantha nodded. "Yep. The princess, Sarah and I go here. That's why we're in uniform right now." She gave a small twirl and stopped stretching out her hands muttering 'tada'. (A/N I'll give a description of the uniform later)
Sarah rolled her eyes at her sisters childish actions, crossing her arms under neath her chest. "The princess thought it would be nice to show you a little bit more of the village since we have some time before the festival starts."
Raider hummed. "Really? I wouldn't have expected your planet to have a school."
Robin quirked a brow. "What did you expect it to have, farms and crops?"
Raider glared. "N-No," he stuttered, "I just didn't expect to see a school here is all." He turned away feeling slightly embarrassed. Robin snickered.
Artemis sighed and gave her boyfriend a pat on his shoulder. "Just ignore him."
B'ana giggled. "I actually brought you all here today so we could spar," her cheeks tinged pink as her light green gaze lowered to stared down at her boot covered feet, "I thought maybe we could all bond over something we have in common, and...I wish to-"
"B'ana," A light hearted voice shouted from behind them cutting the princess off. B'ana growled lowly feeling annoyance start to build up within her.
Of all the times for her to show up it just had to be now.
Everyone turned their head in the direction of where the voice was coming from to see a girl with a rather large, circular weapon in her hands. Her outfit comprised of a short sleeved poofy white blouse with a tight red vest buttoned up beneath her semi large bust, a red and black skirt that stopped mid thigh with a long chain attached on the right side, a pair of white stockings with an array of rips on both sides, a pair of white boots with red shoe laces stopping just below the knee, and a pair of finger less gloves. She had platinum blond/auburn hair that was cut and shaped into a perfect bob.
"Princess Rena," Sarah exclaimed in shock bowing to her in respect.
"Ugh, what did I tell you about that," Rena scolded them lightly. "Just call me Rena, okay?"
"Yes your highne- I mean Rena," Sarah stuttered.
Samantha snorted, covering her mouth to prevent herself from laughing. "Wow sis." Her twin glared, flushing with embarrassment.
"Shut up."
"Uh, who is this," Kid asked, not liking being left in the dark.
"The most annoying person ever." B'ana grumbled crossing her arms over her chest.
"Aw," Rena threw her arms around her and pulled her close, "Don't be like that B'ana! You know you love your big sis," she cooed, nuzzling her cheek up against her sisters cheek.
"Gah," B'ana screeched, waving her arms around erratically in what looked like distress. "Let me go you crazy woman!"
"No," was Rena's reply.
…
"...Why aren't you like this with me big brother," Jasmin asked tugging on her brothers pants leg.
Raider's eyes widened behind his mask, feeling a nervous sweat break out on him. "Uh." He didn't know how to answer that.
Robin smirked. "Aren't you gonna answer her Rai?" He knelt down next Jasmin, putting his left hand on her left shoulder and looked up at Raider with puppy dog eyes. "Don't you care about your sister?"
Raiders right eyebrow twitched. "You little troll. Are you messing with me?"
"Maybe," Robin snickered.
"Grrr," Raider growled, shaking his fists at his sides.
Feeling very much annoyed by the lack of proper behavior, Crow shouted. "Alright, that's enough of that. I was lenient with you two before but it's gotten out of hand. Either you both stop this foolishness or I will make you." Robin and Raider flinched under her heated, reprimanding glare. "Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes ma'am," they replied looking very much embarrassed by Crow's scolding.
"That sucks for them," Kid muttered under his breath, snickering behind his hand.
Crow nodded in approval. "Good, and as for the rest of you," her head swiveled to the side to look at everyone else, "We are currently on a mission. I understand the excitement from being on a foreign planet, but we must stay vigilant if we want to stop whatever it is that threatens B'ana's family. No goofing off. Do you all understand?"
"Yes ma'am," the team replied in unison looking down in shame. A few did not have to answer her since they hadn't really done much to receive a scolding, but...for the safety of their hides they answered anyway. They didn't want to feel that woman's wrath.
Samantha leaned over to Sarah and whispered in her ear. "She scares me."
Sarah nodded numbly. "Uh huh. It would be best not to elicit any more of her anger." Who knew earth women could be so, hostile.
After the team introduced themselves to Rena, much to B'ana's chagrin, they continued their way to the inside of the school. Sarah made it her duty to be the tour guide since B'ana was annoyed. She showed them the classrooms that were filled with numerous amounts of desks, the libraries that were filled to the brim with books, the cafeteria where many of the students were currently loitering in, the quads where the students mostly hung out at, and last but not least the training room which made earths school gyms look smaller in comparison.
Lenalee couldn't believe how big this place was. Some of the rooms back at the Black Order weren't nearly as big. Her amethyst eyes wandered, staring in awe at everything. The floor looked like the one back at the cave but there was just a small hint of magic lingering around. She guessed that's what made this place so unique.
"Hey babe," she heard Wally whisper to her and glanced back at him, "You still on for that talk?"
Talk, she thought in question...Oh! Earlier Wally had mentioned that he wanted to talk to her, well he wanted her to talk to him. They'd been together for 2 months and a few weeks, although it felt like more than that. Throughout that span of time the two had become very very close, closer than some couples have ever gotten(closer than the other two couples on the team). Because of how close they were they could tell if something was wrong with the other. Apparently Wally had noticed off the bat that something was wrong with her, even through the midst of everything that has occurred over the span of time.
Lenalee gave her red headed boyfriend a sweet smile, easily prompting him to blush. "Yes, we can most definitely talk." She fell into step with Wally then leaned to the side giving him a chaste kiss on his freckled cheek.
Wally's face flushed red, moving his right hand to the collar of his white fluffy snow coat, waving the front of it back and forth like a fan. Was it him or did it feel hot in here...it was him. B'ana told them that the temperature was always 20 degrees and below in the Frost faction, hence the name, so it couldn't possibly be the weather.
"Aw, babe," he muttered with a whine. The warm feeling he got in his chest every time she kissed his cheek spread all over. He tried to make his blush go away but he couldn't help it. Lenalee had that affect on him.
"Yo, love birds," they heard Raider shout out sounding very amused, "If you're done canoodling with one another, we got something going on right...or we could just leave you two alone. Your chose." A smirk stretched across his face, wriggling his eyebrows in a suggestive manner.
Lenalee and Wally's faces turned bright red. What? He wasn't really suggesting they were...
Both Artemis and Crow whacked Raider upside his head making him yelp.
"Leave them alone." "Would you knock that off you stupid son!"
"Ow," Raider pouted, rubbing the back of his head whilst giving his mother and girlfriend a frown..
Artemis rolled her eyes. "You were warned before coming here, remember?" He did remember, but that didn't mean they had to resort to violence when he acted out. Seriously.
Robin shook his head. "He'll never learn." He turned his attention to the smiling princess next to him. "So, you said something about sparring?"
B'ana nodded. "I did. I knew it was an unexpected request but I wished to do this before I am called away to join my parents for the opening ceremony."
Rena threw a hand around her sisters shoulder and smiled gleefully. "I'm so excited! The festival is going to be so much more exciting this year than it was 10 years ago."
Connor quirked a brow at the older girls bubbly behavior. "What did she just say?"
"She said that she was excited for this years festival," Samantha answered.
"She also said that this years festival is going to be more exciting than it was ten year ago," Sarah finished translating.
Lenalee blinked owlishly. "And why is this festival so much more exciting?"
The twins looked to one another, to the princess, then back to the team before large grins spread across their faces. The two stepped closer to each other, throwing a hand around each others shoulders. "The princess is participating in the annual snow dance which is said to call upon the great spirits of the Forest of Memories. Though, at one point in time it was called the Forest of Beginnings."
Robin smiled, turning his gaze back over to the princess, watching as her pale cheeks turned pink. "That sounds like a lot of fun. Hopefully we'll get to see your performance up close." His smiled widened when he saw her whole face turn red. He had to admit that she was even prettier when she blushed.
Samantha smirked. "Oh you will. In fact she'd be happy to give you a demonstra-"
B'ana ran up to the rowdier twin, covering her mouth with both of her hands. "That really isn't necessary, right?" Her light green eyes glared down at her friend.
Samantha nodded. "Mmm." B'ana grunted in approval and removed both of her hands from off her friends mouth.
Sarah sighed. " Why must you always find a reason to mess with her?"
"Because she' so much fun to tease," was her sisters answer. B'ana's face flushed with anger as she glared at her friend.
"Aw, my poor baby sis-" B'ana stepped to her right before her sister could hug her. Rena fell flat on her face, whining about not being loved.
Lenalee sweat dropped. It was stranger how their relationship reminder her so much of her and her brothers. It also made her feel a little home sick too. That feeling had not struck her since she came to this world-until now that is. She really did miss her brother, she missed everyone back in her world, but...
"Hey, Lenalee are you alright," she heard M'gann ask her. The young martian girl stood directly in front of her, her expression filled with worry.
Lenalee smiled, although it did not reach her eyes. "Yeah, I'm alright." She was feeling less than alright, she was tired and confused.
M'gann didn't look convinced but she left it alone and gave her a small nod. "Okay."
Artemis looked back the tow girls with her brow raised in curiosity. "What's going on?"
"Nothing's going on, I'm just tired is all," Lenalee answered nervously. She didn't need another person, besides Wally, worrying about her.
"If you say so," Artemis shrugged, "Anyway, do you know what the princess is planning for us in this sparring match," she asked the others.
Raider shook his head. "I have no clue. Maybe it's some one on one stuff like we do."
"Maybe so," Aqualad hummed. From the looks of the environment they were in it didn't seem like they were going to be doing any one on one sparring, or he could be wrong.
"Okay," Sarah called out to everyone, "Here's how this is going to work. There will be two teams, one will be on this side," she pointed to the right side of the gym, "And the other will be on the other side. The princess will obviously be a team captain, so, who is going to be the other one? Any takers?"
Raider raised his hand and snickered. "I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!"
Robin pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Oh my gosh, really Rai?" Raider smirked.
"Hey, I couldn't help it." Artemis elbowed his side, silencing his snickers.
Samantha grinned at them with amusement. "You guys are fun. Makes what I'm about to say even better."
Connor tilted his head. "And that would be?"
"The losers have to do a penalty game," Samantha smirked, "The winning team gets to decided how the other team get punished, and I assure you it will be an embarrassing punishment."
Wally shivered at the widening smirk on her face. "How embarrassing?"
Samantha opened her mouth to answer but Sarah cut her off. "It will be mild I assure you. My sister tends to go overboard."
"Hey! I do not!"
B'ana shifted her weight to one side and quirked a brow. "Really? I specifically remember you dowsing a guard in secreted liquids from an Eledine."
Artemis wrinkled her face in disgust. "Ew!" She didn't know what an Eledine was, but that sounded really gross.
Samantha huffed. "He wasn't playing fair, so I taught him a lesson."
Rena giggled at the memory. "The guard freaked out so bad he ran all the way to the feeding grounds for the wolves."
"Wait a second, you can speak English," Raider questioned her in shock.
"Well, yeah. I just didn't want to reveal that I could so soon. Wanted to mess with you guys a bit more, and besides, I spoke English before. Guess you just didn't notice." Rena gave a cheeky grin.
"Alright, enough chit chat, let's get to sparring. You've managed to shirk away from your training, but today you start up again." Crow's eyes glided over each member of the team. "Since the princess is a team captain she gets to chose her team members. And no Raider I'm not letting you lead the second team." Raider dropped his hand back down to his side and pouted.
"I think Aqualad should lead the second team," M'gann suggested.
"Are you suggesting that because he is already the leader," Lenalee asked curiously.
Wally smiled. "Nah, I think she wants him to be leader because if he's the team captain we'll have a higher chance at winning."
Lenalee nodded in understanding. "I see your point." Aqualad was the best leader, in her opinion, and he's gotten them through some really tough binds over the past few months that they've been a team.
Samantha clapped her hands. '"Okay, will both team captains step up and chose their team members please."
Both Aqualad and B'ana stepped forward and turned to face everyone. "Princess, you can go first," the young atlantian gestured towards the girl next to him.
B'ana smiled bashfully and nodded. "Um...I chose-" Her light green eyes stared at each person standing in front of her, stopping a few times on a smiling Robin, before she raised her hand and pointed, "I chose, Lenalee."
Said girl pointed at herself in surprise. "Me?"
Wally bumped hips with his girlfriend and smiled down at her. "Yeah, you Lena," He leaned down just a bit to whisper in her ear, "Hopefully she puts both of us on the same team. I don't think it would feel right fighting against you."
Lenalee blinked then gave a mischievous smirk. "Oh really? You don't think you can beat me, is that it?"
"Uh." Wally was lost for words. "That's not what I me-"
"Hah, Baywatch is just afraid he'll lose," Artemis jumped in, throwing an arm over Lenalee's shoulder.
"Hey! I am not afraid of losing," Wally shot back at her, scowling at her smirking form.
"Then prove you're not scared, in fact why not join Aqualad's team," Artemis quipped.
"You know what would be a better idea," M'gann joined in, "Why not make this spar boys versus girls."
Raider's eyes widened. "Uh, why does it have to be boys versus girls?"
Artemis' eyes narrowed into slits as she turned her gaze towards him. "Does there really have to be a reason?"
"U-Uh..." Robin sniggered and pat Raiders shoulder.
"Dude, there's no point in arguing with her. You've lost this one." In all honesty Robin didn't want a boys versus girls fight either, he didn't want to have to fight B'ana.
Sarah coughed into her hand to get their attention. "That settles it then, We'll have a sparring match between the boys and the girls, but seeing as how there are more girls than boys I volunteer myself to not participate."
Crow nodded, humming in agreement. " I'll also be staying out of this, but I'll be keeping a close eye on you all." She left out that she also had to look after her daughter too.
Sarah nodded. "That's fine. What about you your highness," she asked the girl standing next to her.
Rena shrugged. "I guess I'll stay out of this one, but the next time we do battle I get to participate." She grinned at the group.
"That sounds good," Samantha smiled.
B'ana rolled her eyes and frowned. "No, it's not," she mumbled.
Crow coughed. "Alright, since you have your teams, I suppose we should get this thing starte-"
"Not until you're all properly dressed in your battle armor," a voice spoke out grabbing everyone's attention. At the entrance of the gym stood Christopher with what looked like two guards standing behind him.
"Your Highness!" "Uncle!" The twins and the sisters sputtered out in surprise.
Christopher grinned and waved at everyone as he and the guards walked inside. "Hello everyone! I just came by to see how all of you were doing."
"We're doing alright, thanks for asking," Crow replied cutting off the girls before they could speak.
"Hehehe, that's good."
"This is awkward," Wally whispered to Lenalee who nodded in agreement.
"Yeah." Lenalee wondered if it was going to be like this for the span of time they were going to be here. Crow seemed to have a huge problem with Christopher the moment he showed up.
Artemis crossed her arms over her chest, tilting her head as she listened to the adults conversation. " Makes you wonder what exactly made those two split up."
Raider narrowed his eyes down at his feet. "Yeah...Let's just get to the spar."
Robin furrowed his brows. "You sure Rai? I mean don't you wanna talk to him?"
"No...not right now anyway. We can talk later."
Artemis touched his shoulder. "Are you sure?"
"...I'm sure, besides-" Raider turned to Lenalee and smiled, "-I'm more concerned about what Lenalee's issue is with this place."
Lenalee nodded, giving him a small smile. She had no issue with this planet, but what irked her was how she bore a striking resemblance to someone she knew she had no relation to. The whole thing just screamed mysterious. Not to mention the whole feud thing going on between the Barren Faction and the faction they were currently in. It was all a huge mess that she hoped did not become too out of hand while they were here.
…
"Okay," Sarah shouted down at the team, her sister and the princess. She, along with Crow, Jasmin, Rena, and Christopher were all seated up in one of the balconies that sat above the gym floor. They had a good view of both sides so watching wasn't going to be a problem.
"Both sides, are you ready?" The teams nodded their heads, having no need to speak. "Alright, when the bell rings is when the spar official starts." Sarah took hold of the bell near the ledge of the balcony and raised a few inches above her head. She paused for a moment, then rung the battle signaling for both sides to move.
The first ones to move were B'ana and Lenalee as the leaped to the opposite side giving space for Artemis who held her bow aiming it point blank to the boys side, while M'gann raised herself up from the ground with her eyes glowing bright orange(is it orange?).
"Spread out," Aqualad ordered as he jumped to the side avoiding one of B'ana's light blue shadows tendrils.
"They're spreading out," Artemis shouted out to her female teammates. She shot three arrows in Robin and Raiders direction, clicking her teeth as she watched them evade the mini explosions. She spotted Kid Flash speeding her way with a smug grin on his face. "Lenalee on my left!"
"Gotcha," Lenalee called back to her. She ran past Artemis and as she did so activated her boots, then raised her leg while in mid run and kicked it to the side. A large gust of wind picked up from out of nowhere causing Kid to bolt to the side to avoid getting sweeped up by it. His eyes were wide with shock as she saw yet another gust of wind come his way, in fact several came in his general direction.
"Lena," Kid whined speeding back and forth, pivoting left and right to avoid getting hit.
"All's fair in love and war Kid," Raider snickered at him.
"S-Shut up, and whose side are you on-Gah! Hey, stop that," Kid yelled at Lenalee who was still continuing to throw wind gusts at him. "Tch, if that's how you want to play it-Hey! Rob, let's flank 'em!"
Robin smirked deviously. "You took the words right out of my mouth!" He took several of his birdarangs from his utility belt and kept them in hand, then ran to where he saw the princess and Samantha. "Hah!" He flicked his wrists forward sending his birdarangs in the girls' direction.
"Oh no you don't!" Samantha rolled to her left with her rapier in hand, then leaped up into the air and while in mid air used an Advanced -Lunge to blow his weapons away.
"Uh," Robin gaped in shock as she he watched her land back down to the floor. "I didn't see that coming." His eyes widened behind his mask when he saw her headed his way. "Uh oh!" He cartwheeled to the side avoiding another of her Advanced-Lunges. Samantha's fighting style was brilliant and refined. It must have taken a long time to be able to make fencing suitable for herself, as well as creating a fighting style of her own.
"You need some help," Superboy asked as he came up beside the younger male.
"I might," Robin moved his eyes away from Samantha over to B'ana. The princess was currently keeping Raider away from Artemis while the blonde shot an array of arrows his way. M'gann was on the other side doing the same thing, keeping Aqualad away as she threw the practice barrels(students used these for target practice) that were left out towards him.
"Hmmm, looks like the girls were prepared," Robin mused to himself. "They must have set something up before the spar officially started." Their timing could not have been anymore perfect than it was when they started to fight. M'gann and B'ana were considered the main forces of their team, using any means to keep them away from Artemis, who was using her skills to get them from far away. Samantha and Lenalee's positions were set up to catch any who were left out of the inner mix, keeping them as far away as they best they could. He had to admit that it was a solid plan, one that he couldn't help but admire. "Looks like they were one step ahead of us, but that doesn't mean we don't have anything up our sleeve's."
Superboy smirked. "Yeah." He expected as much from them. "So, what's the plan?"
Robin hummed. "I'm not sure just yet, we might have to find some way to regroup with the other three so we can plan something." He jumped to the side avoiding one of Artemis' arrows. She was going to be a problem, unless... "Hey, Rai!"
Raider backflipped landing in a hand stand before pushing himself to the right and landing in a crouch. He looked over to where Robin was and answered. "What is it?"
"It's time to commence maneuver # 4," Robin smirked pointing his left index finger in Artemis's direction. Raider's eyes widened, then he smiled.
"You got it! Hey Aqualad I'm going to need a little help here!" Raider jumped up still in a crouch, then pointed both of his hands to the ground shooting out his shadows from the his palms. His shadows touched the ground slowly forming into what looked like a person with slim arms and long hair. The shadow being jumped up into the air catching his master in his arms then threw him towards where Artemis was.
Aqualad looked back at him in shock. He didn't expect him to pull something like that off, but if he was to help... He sent a stream of water towards M'gann who retaliated with her telekinetic powers, lifting another of the barrels into the air and sending it Aqualads way. She failed to notice the auburn haired teen soaring in the air.
B'ana noticed this and gasped. "Hey!" She was about to attack when she felt someone land in front of her.
"Sorry princess but I can't let you do that." Robin grinned cheekily. He blocked her way while still managing to evade the kicks and punches she sent his way.
Not too far from them Kid and Lenalee were in a similar situation, but it didn't seem like the former was able to get any closer to her than he already was. She kept up with her gust filled kicks trying her best not to be stumped by his incessant whining, though she did find out rather cute how he complained that she wasn't letting him get a hit in. Lenalee was enjoying herself if her smile was anything to go by.
The rest of the group battled it out, taking out one from each side. Unfortunately for the girls side Artemis was taken out much to her chagrin. She mumbled a few incoherent words under her breath as she made her way to the bench seated on the side of the gyms battle ring. Kid also made his way over there claiming that his girlfriend had seduced him during the fight, which she denied immediately with a flushed red face.
The battle commenced once again with only four people left on each side. Aqualad activated his water bearers and before running ahead he whispered to his remaining teammates.
"We will attack from both sides but one of us will strike from the front. That is where they are the most vulnerable."
Raider blinked. "Uh, you want us to go up against Miss wind maker?"
"Yes. I believe if we take out one of their strongest defenses we will be able to take them all out as a whole, somehow," Aqualad added the last word as an after thought. He himself wasn't so sure about facing Lenalee either, but there was no harm in trying, right?
Superboy punched his right fist into his left palm. "If that's all we have to do then what are we waiting for?"
Robin smiled at the young kryptonians impatience. "Slow your roll SB, we need to figure out what we're going to do about the other three." His smile quirked down into a frown as he looked over to the group of girls, particularly Samantha and B'ana. Samantha was a force in the making and with B'ana sending out her shadow tendrils every few seconds it mad it difficult for any of them to get close much less try and get a hit in. There had to be someway to get those two to separate...
…
"Look like the boys are trying to decide what to do," Samantha smirked, "They're going to have a difficult time doing that. They were lucky getting Artemis out of the game, but this time they won't get to try and make another attempt."
B'ana giggled turning her attention to the female martian standing on her right. "Hey, M'gann, you have no problem going up against Superboy do you?"
M'gann shook her head. "No, we spar back on Earth so this is normal for us. Do you have any problems facing Robin?" Her answer came in the form of a flustered face and sputtering of the mouth.
"I-I." B'ana had no words to say since the answer was obvious. She did not want to fight the boy that she maybe sort of liked.
Lenalee snickered and gave the princess a small pat on the back. "Don't worry, I felt the same way too." She loved her red headed speedster to pieces, but fighting with him in any form just didn't feel right. After awhile she had gotten over it when she realized that neither of them would do anything to hurt the other, though they came to this conclusion after the whole not-telling-the-team-her-secret thing. So, she understood the princess perfectly.
Samantha coughed into her hand gaining their attention. "Not that this conversation isn't fun but I think we should form some sort of plan so they won't take us all out at once, though I find that part kind of hard to believe." Though they did lose Artemis in the first round they still managed to kick one of the boys members out so they were pretty proud of themselves.
"She's right," B'ana said getting over her previous embarrassment. "The have two power houses, that being Superboy and my cousin, as well as two highly trained strategists. I think we should go after the stronger one first. That'll take them down a peg in regards to physical strength. We can worry about Raider afterwards. Does that sound alright to you guys?"
"Yeah," the girls said in unison. Lenalee smiled at the princess nodding her head in approval.
"You have the makings of a true strategist B'ana," she complimented.
B'ana's face flushed light pink, moving her hands to pick with the end of of her uniforms skirt. "I-I'm not really all that good. I'm a novice at best."
M'gann chuckled. "You're just being bashful. You were the one that planned everything since the beginning. You make a wonderful leader, if I do say so myself."
"G-Guys!"
"They're right princess," Samantha hugged the shorter girl with one arm and pinched her cheek with the other. "You're a leader."
B'ana's face was bright red now as she shook her head back and forth. "Gah! Okay, I'm a good leader! Can we battle now?" She pushed herself out of her friends grasp and stomped away leaving the three girls to giggle at her behavior.
"Of course we can, your highness," Samantha whispered as she stared at the princess's back with a wistful look on her face. Her behavior was as it was back then, back when things were different between them, during a much more tiring time.
"Samantha," Lenalee called her name, "Are you okay?"
Samantha shook her head and smiled reassuringly at the female exorcist. "Yeah, I'm okay, just got lost is all.
Lenalee didn't look all that convinced by her words but she took her word for it. "If you say so." That look in her eyes and the way she smiled made her feel slightly hurt for some reason. She watched as Samantha and M'gann walked ahead of her, raising her hand to her chest.
For some reason she felt as if something was going to happen.
And soon.
High Council's Conference Room
"The 75th annual Councilmen meeting will officially begin," F'ai announced to the other members. He as well as the other members that were present(that includes the King and the Queen), sat around a large clear glass round table in a large room with 6 ft stain glass windows on each side. Each member had in front of them a medium sized glass tablet with words written in Gyphen that changed every few seconds.
Cyn cleared his throat and spoke. "I would like to start this meeting off by congratulating each and everyone of you for getting us this far. We would not have made it to this years Annual Blossom Festival without all of your support."
One of the members, a man who looked to be in his mid fifties that was wearing large circular glasses replied. "It was not just us Your Highness, you as well as Her Highness have sacrificed so much to see your people happy. We could not have done this without your guidance and leadership."
The King had the decency to blush and cough into his hand. "Well, let's get down to business then shall we. First and foremost I'd like for us to look over the performances we have during the festivities. How is that going?"
A woman with neck length blonde hair and bright green eyes, wearing a silver band around her forehead smiled at Cyn. "They're going all according to your specifications father, though I don't think we needed the extra decoration around the outer walls of the kingdom."
K'aiu scoffed at her daughters words. "Nonsense Elisa! As your father is the king he does have full reign over what is put up during every Annual festival, whether it be Snow Glyphs or decorations on the outer walls, " she smiled over at her husband with a twinkle in her eyes, " And besides, I think they look wonderful, don't you agree Ray'Nell."
Ray'Nell, the third son of the Royal family nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, I agree. The snowmen that the villages children have made give the festival an extra flair as well. We are the Frost Faction after all."
Elisa and Ray'Nell are the other children of the king and queen, the youngest to be exact. Both are actually fraternal twins who share only one thing in common which would be their eye color, the rest of their features differ not just because of gender. Elisa has neck length blonde hair with light red highlight in it, while her brother has dirty blonde chin hair with dark brown highlights in it. Though they are the youngest of the five they have had yet to be considered the babies since they too have families of their own.
"I was mostly against this festival at the start since we fear the Barren Faction will revolt against us," one of the random member of the council pointed out. Those who sat next to him mumbled to themselves, speaking of how dangerous it would be to let their guard down during the festival.
F'ai snorted. He knew they had a right to be fearful. His plan would soon come to fruition at the peak of the festival once things died down. He specifically told Mary and the others to await his signal, then, they would strike. For right now, he would just have to play along with his 'lovely' family.
"I see your point High Councileman, but my brother has already dispatched the Y'ura Order just in case something goes wrong," Elisa assured them
"Don't forget that team from earth," K'aiu added, "They were gracious enough to help us with our situation."
Another of the members scoffed under their breath. "Do you really believe these outsiders have what it takes to handle out problems Your Highness? I see no reason to allow them the right to interfere with Gyphen problems."
Cyn frowned at that. This was another one of the problems in the kingdom, one that not even he could solve with his high level of authority. Many of the older Gyphen saw those who were not born on this planet to be eyesores; diseases that would spread and desecrate the land. But he saw differently. His father before him told many stories of how his ancestors partnered up with Hai bringing new ideas into play for the people. A lot of what they had now would not be possible if not for Hai showing up when she did. And now, in this century another Exorcist has come to help that start anew once again.
Ray'Nell growled. "I would hold your tongue! Though I have not meet these Earthlings yet, Father and Mother have told me nothing but great things about them! I see no reason for you to criticize and hate those who you have not personally seen!" His wife, who was sitting right next to him touched his hand light urging him to calm down. He looked her way with furrowed brows and clenched fists, then finally sighed.
"My brother is right. My daughter has managed to befriend them, along with her two attendants." F''ai watched as the councilman huffed seeing as how he was being reprimanded by the Prince, much less someone much younger than him.
K'aiu coughed grabbing everyone attention. "Friends, this is not the time to argue against one another, we are here to see to the festival. I will not have any of you disrupting that. Am I clear?" She got a few nods and 'yes ma'ams' as her answer. "Good, now back to business. We will be starting off this years festival with the usual parade through each district. I, as well as my Husband will take part in it since Elisa did it last year. After that will be the traditional Gyphen dance done by B'ana, Samantha and Sarah...F'ai, it say's here that we'll be having a guest arriving." She gasped at the name printed boldly on her clear glass tablet. "The Cha'ng Che'ng families eldest son is coming to the festival! Dear I thought he was due to come here at the end of the year?"
F''ai shrugged. "I made early arrangements for him to come before the year was out. I didn't want the festival to get in the way of my daughter meeting her future husband."
Alicia, F'ai's wife, grimaced from her seat next to him. When the proposition of an arranged marriage between a Noble of the Barren Faction and a Royal from the Frost Faction was given, she frowned with her thing eyebrows furrowed. She was a little adamant at the fact that her husband so blatantly chose their youngest daughter to be the scape goat for this so called "alliance" they so wished to form. What made matters worse was that her father-in-law, the king agreed with him. He thought an arranged marriage between the two factions would somehow make a solid relationship between them, but she digressed. There were constant meetings with the Barrens, and yet still she saw no bonds being formed between them. There was still that large gap filled with animosity that she swore grew bigger each day they made contact with one another. She herself was pushed into an arranged marriage with the very man she was married to today, and though she was happy she still did not agree with her daughter being used to try and solidify a centuries old broken relationship. She knew her mother-in-law felt the same.
Cyn hummed. "Very good. Now on to the next thing on our list. The Ball will of course be held at the end of the day tomorrow so it is imperative that we get the ball room ready."
"Will do your majesty...I do have one thing to add before we end this meeting," the councilman closest to the king asked.
"Go ahead."
"Thank you. Do you intend on using that exorcist girl, because I believe her powers could be made useful for our fight against the Barren Factions supposed terrorist group that we've seen sniffing around."
K'aiu, Elisa, Ray'Nell, F'ai, Alicia and the other council members looked to their king awaiting his answer. Some hoped he would make the right chose and appease the councilman's words, the others, that being his family wanted him to say no. Lenalee was not apart of their world and though she bared a strong resemblance to the late Hai, she was not meant to get involved.
Cyn pondered over the older man's words. He in someway, agreed with his fellow council members suggestion. Having another exorcist would give the upper hand if say there was another war to break out between them and the Barren. On the other hand he did not want to see someone so young and naive to their problems to get herself involved, like she already was. He did not want to take her away from her friends, or her home.
He thought over it once more before finally giving his answer.
"No, I do not believe that is the right course of action. I want this kingdom, our people, to band together when the time is right and fight for one another. I see why you would suggest such a thing but I do not wish to see our guests getting involved. They are here to help with one small matter then they will depart and return to their home."
"But, the exorcist girl-"
Cyn glared, his eyes washed over with ice causing the temperature in the room to drop. "The exorcist girl will not be messed with! If I hear so much as a peep about how either you or anyone else has bothered her, or any of her friends, I will sentence you to a month in Jia'nyu'," he boomed sending shivers down every ones spines. "Do I make myself clear?"
"C-Crystal Your Highness." The poor councilman shook in his seat trying regain what was left in him to be able to stare at the king without fear. It was pretty hard since it wasn't just the king glaring at him.
Elisa snickered to herself. Her father never failed to amuse her with his 'doom' voice. She used to be scared of it when she was a kid, but as she grew older she realized he used it for the betterment of his people. So, there was no reason to be scared, unless that is someone did something drastic that would put the kingdom in peril, then he would really snap.
K'aiu moved her right hand to her mouth to cover up her laughter. "I-If that is all then this meeting adjourned. Dismissed." As quick as they came in every one dispersed from the room leaving the Royal family alone to themselves.
Ray'Nell let out a deep sigh. "Thank Sh'en(God in chinese) that's over. I don't think I would be able to hold my composure any longer if this meeting continued."
"Same, although I would have dealt with the situation a little bit differently," Elisa said as she turned to look at her older brother, "F'ai, how would have dealt with this meeting if things got way too out of hand?"
F'ai hummed moving his left hand to his chin and his right hand to his elbow. "Hmm, I would have sent that man away. There would be no use for anyone that argues with the king to be apart of an Annual meeting." The council members who were not apart of the royal family but were of noble blood would be the first to go when his plan commenced. They were undoubtedly an eye sore. Soon after, he will bring the whole kingdom to its knees and bring forth a revolution that will change the tides of this century towards a better kingdom. One that will seek out retribution for the wrong doings of those who sided with the outsider known as Hai, and for the man that took away his sister, the only one who saw this kingdom for what it is.
A sham. A built up facade of individuals who sought out nothing but stupid ideals that would some how change the way the Gyphen lived. He knew the truth though. He saw nothing but wolves covered in sheep skin, looking to destroy what his home was supposed to be. And his father, his mother, his siblings, even his own wife, fell for this atrocious act. He would see to them in due time but for now he would play the part of a quiet and obedient prince who loved nothing but his family, and his home.
Soon, this world will see the light.
Back with the team...
"I knew we should have taken B'ana out first," Raider whined resting his head against Artemis' shoulder.
Artemis shook her head patting her boyfriends head. "There there."
Robin sighed from his spot next to Raider, crossing his arms over his chest. "We would have won if not for that last move you pulled princess, although I do have to say that it was very impressive." He turned to his right and gave the princess a wide grin. B'ana blushed at his compliment.
"I can't really take the credit for our win, most of it goes to Lenalee."
Lenalee chuckled. "You're too modest princess. It was you who blew the remaining two away, if not for that then I don't know what we would have done. Isn't that right Wally?" The only red head in the large group of teens shrugged turning his head in the opposite direction of everyone. Lenalee frowned at his sudden change in demeanor. "What's wrong Wally?"
Superboy smirked. "He's just mad he got booted out in the first round."
Wally's cheeks turned red with anger. "Dude!" He knew everyone knew that already but he didn't need to say it out loud.
Robin and Raider blinked in shock. "Wow, I didn't expect Supes of all people to say that." Usually it was them.
Aqualad pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Maybe it's because he's being influenced by the wrong team members." He gave pointed looks to both males. They snickered in reply.
M'gann giggled. "I'm really glad we got to do this together. I've always thought of sparring as something serious."
"No, it can be fun to, just don't get disappointed when you lose, like Mr Pouts a lot over here," Samantha said jutting out her thumb towards Wally. Her twin elbowed her in the side giving her a warning look.
"Since the girls won the sparring match they can chose how to punish the boys," Sarah grinned mischievously at the boys with a twinkle in her eyes, "Boys, you can't say no to whatever the girls have planned, so I'd be prepared for the worst."
The males visibly shivered in fear Sarah's tone. Wasn't she supposed to be the level headed calm twin?
B'ana shook her head at her friends antics. "Enough of that Sarah, we don't need to punish them."
Sarah was about to retort but she held her tongue and bowed. "Very well, there will be no need in punishing them...for now," she muttered the last part under her breath.
Rena looked out the large circular window above the entrance of the gym. She noticed how dark it was becoming outside. "Huh, looks like we should get going, the opening ceremony of the festival will be starting soon."
Lenalee tilted her head. "Opening ceremony?" She had heard them mention it before but they never specified what exactly goes on during an opening ceremony.
"Yeah," Samantha said grinning widely, "The Royal family likes to be involved so they put on a little show first thing before the real activities start. Every year they put on a show in the gardens, using their magic to light up the whole palace." She lightly elbowed B'ana's side giving her a small smile. "Our princess here put on one heck of a show last year. We had to keep the village boys away from her after that little number, am I right?"
B'ana's face turned red as she listened to the chuckles of her friends around her. "I-It wasn't anything explicit if that's what you're getting at...a-and I can't help how I dance! The music just gets to me."
Rena smirked. "Oh it gets to you alright."
"Shut up!" B'ana punched her sisters arm.
"Well, it looks like it'll be just us teens going then," Raider sighed in relief. Christopher pretty much whisked his mother and sister away before they had a chance to say anything. Crow looked horrified at the fact that she would have to be away from them again for like the 4th time, since they've been on this planet. Batman was going to have a cow once he finds out, if he finds out.
"Since this is an event we should at least be on the look out for anything suspicious," Aqualad advised everyone, "It would not be wise to let our guard down even a bit during this festival." He knew those women from before would attempt to come back, and his had a feeling something else was amiss.
"He's right," B'ana agreed, "During this time of year the Frost faction is at it's most vulnerable. Thousands of innocent villagers, as my Grandmother says, would be easy pickings for any enemy outside of this land."
"Let's not forget the council," Rena added in with furrowed brows, "Never have I once trusted them. Those old fools would take action against our enemies even while the innocent still walk about."
Robin frowned. "Okay, this is way more than what we were told, but if we're going to be prepared-"
"Then we need to split up, keep an eye out," Aqualad finished.
Wally pouted. "Ugh, that means we have to partner up with somebody."
"Oh, so you don't want to partner up with me. I'm kind of disappointed now," Lenalee said sticking her lower lip out and hooding her eyes at her boyfriend. She saw him gape at her before shaking his head furiously.
"N-No, that is not what I meant at all!"
Artemis raised one of her thin blonde brows. "It sounded like that to me Baywatch."
"You are not helping!"
"Dude, just give it up, you knew you were screwed the moment those words left your mouth," Raider sniggered. "You might as well give in, you can't get out of this one." He knew from past experiences not to be stupid when it came to saying things, especially in front of ones girlfriend. He winced. He could still feel the pain on the back of his neck from that one girl he dated in middle school.
Sarah groaned. "Let's make this easier on one another and pick who we want to go with. I'll start. Rena, you're with me."
Samantha's eyes widened. "What! I thought we were going together sis?"
"I thought the same but that would be way to cliché, and our enemies would expect us to go together, like we always do."
B'ana nodded in agreement. "She does have a point." Sarah and Samantha always partner up.
Samantha pouted. "Alright, fine! I guess I'll go with...you." She pointed her right index finger at Aqualad. "You fine with that?"
"Yes." This would give him an opportunity to ask more questions and gain more info, as well as getting to know a potential ally. "Princess, who do you wish to partner with?"
"Um," B'ana looked to the remaining few. She knew some of them already had in their heads who they were going to go with, so that left her with... "Uh, Robin, would you like to partner up with me?" She smiled at him whilst her cheeks turned pink.
Robin nodded, fully eager to be alone with the pretty princess. He took a couple steps towards her and bowed with on hand behind his back and the other on his chest. "It would be my pleasure."
Raider shook his head and smirked. "And you say I'm corny."
"You are corny," Artemis told him flicking his forehead. "Rai and I will partner up."
"It wasn't like you two weren't," Wally muttered. He flinched at the glares he received from the two. "What, you know it's true!"
Lenalee sighed, shaking her head. "Wally, just give it a rest. He and I are partnering up." Not like it wasn't the most obvious choice. All the couples of team were going to end up partnering up anyway.
Sarah hummed. "Well since we know Superboy and M'gann are together than I guess that settles it."
B'ana gave a simple nod and smiled, looking from one end of the group to the other. "Each team can take different sections in the villages, and since all of the villages are conjoined then-"
"It'll make covering more ground easier," Robin finished for her. He received a mock glare and a small smile.
Raider rolled his eyes. "Okay love birds, we get it, you like each other. Can we get a move on?" He ignored the scowl Robin sent his way and smirked.
"Yes, we should probably get going right now. Oh yeah, before I forget," Samantha pulled something out of her skirt pocket. It looked like a stack of perfectly shaped rectangular glass with Gyphen writing on it. She moved down the line giving each member of the team one. "Here, these are for you guys."
Artemis looked down at the object in her hand turning it all around in confusion. "These are what exactly?"
"They're Royal passes," B'ana answered, "They basically give you free reign to roam the castle as well as other forbidden spots that outsiders aren't usually allowed in on castle grounds. There are also some clothes for you guys back in your rooms. I thought it would be nice for you all to look the part while enjoying the festival."
The team blinked, looking very shell shocked by what they were just told.
"Wow," Raider gasped, "Talk about getting the royal treatment. I mean this is insane." Was she even allowed to do this?
Aqualad bowed to B'ana and Rena respectively. "We are very grateful for these Your Highness'."
Rena shrugged. "No prob. We wouldn't have wanted those mean 'ol councilmen to get on your case for snooping around, so we took precautions and got you those passes. Now you won't have to worry about getting in trouble."
"Now all that's left is to get back to our rooms and get dressed," Wally turned to Raider and grinned, "Race ya!" He sped all the way to the exit and out leaving everyone else behind.
"Hey, that's not fair! You got a head start, and you're a speedster!" Raider sprinted to the door while yelling for Wally to stop.
Lenalee and Artemis sighed. "Idiots."
Inner Palace Gardens...
"What did you say," Crow muttered in shock, her eyes wide behind her mask.
"As I said before, Jakan broke out of the cave, but he had help. I surmise they are headed there now," Batman told her over the comm.
Crow moved her gloved hand through her ebony colored hair, letting a few pieces stay in front of her face. Her expression was grim but she tried her best to keep her face pointed away from her daughter and Christopher. "You have got to be kidding me. Should I tell the team?"
"That's up to you, but tread carefully when you tell them. We don't need a repeat of the incident from the other day." Crow knew exactly what incident he was talking about, and she agreed with him. There was no need to start that up again.
"Okay," she sighed, "I'll try to keep the peace." She was about to tell him goodbye but she heard the connection cut off. "...See you later." Crow took the comm from off of her ear and put it back into her utility pouch. While she knew her brother cared about her and the teams safety, she still thought that was highly rude, but that was how he was...most of the time.
"Mommy," Jasmin tugged on her moms hand grabbing her attention.
"Yes, what is it sweetie?" Crow tilted her head giving her daughter a warm smile.
"Are you okay?"
"...I'll be fine honey," She was far from fine. The stress from this whole trip plus what her brother just told her was getting to her. She needed an aspirin, which she knew they had none of on this planet.
Christopher frowned. "You're far from fine Mari-"
"Don't call me by that name," Crow growled glaring fire at him, gripping the arm rests of her chair. She turned her eyes only slightly and saw her daughter flinch. She sighed and slumped down in her seat.
The prince held up his hands in surrender backing up just a bit. "I mean no harm, I just noticed that you seemed more, tense, than you were a few minutes ago anyway."
Crow propped up her elbow and placed her cheek in her glove covered palm. "...I'm more than tense right now, I'm stressed out. I have so much to look out for, besides the team and my daughter that is. I...I just feel like everything is fighting against me."
"Well, that is pretty much how it is for you, am I right?" Christopher chuckled nervously trying to avoid her glare once again. "What I mean is that you fight bad guys on a daily basis back on earth. I remember when you officially started as a hero along side your brother. I was always worried about you."
"Where are you going with this," Crow scowled at him.
"I want you to know how capable you are, I mean I don't know why I should even be telling you this," Christopher ruffled Jasmin's hair making her giggle, "This munchkin here is proof, heck, Taylor is too. Though you had Bru-Batman and his butler around to help, you managed to still do a large sum of the work yourself. I think that's a wonderful feat on your part...Mari." He closed one eye using the other to see if Crow would snap at him again for saying that name, but she didn't. Instead he saw her smiling softly at him with her head still tilted to the side. He smiled back at her. "You know, that's the same smile I fell in love with. I'm glad it hasn't changed."
Crow's cheeks turned pink and she turned her head away quickly moving her hands to her lap. Her lips turned down into a frown. "E-Enough of that! I don't want to hear about the past...Christopher?"
"Yes, what is it?"
"If it's no trouble, c-can you teach Taylor, and Jasmin. I want them to learn more about their powers." Crow had tried for years to teach her son how to control his shadows, and though she somehow managed to teach him something there was still that little piece of info, that extra piece that he still had yet to grasp onto. As his mentor she felt ashamed and useless, but as he mother she felt weak. Her son has dealt with things in the course of 4 years that she would have never imagined happening to her or her brother, since they had no powers. She was an awful mother.
Christopher smiled. "Of course. It would be a crime not to teach my own kids how to control their Yi'nYi'ng(shadow in Chinese)."
Crow sighed in relief putting her right hand over her chest. "Thank you."
"...No problem, Mari."
Somewhere in outer space...
Jakan knocked the back of his head against his chair for the 10th time. He was going stir crazy from being stuck in a ship for almost 12 hours. Catherine, his mothers personal guard from back in the day, told him they would arrive on Gyphten momentarily, but when was that?
"Injuring yourself will do you no good young master," Catherine told him in a monotone voice.
The young halfer's eye twitched. That was the other thing he found annoying about her. She was so drab and she never truly expressed anything. She talked to him on occasion but it was always in that same monotone voice. It was really starting to grate on his nerves!
"So," Jakan began keeping his eyes out the window of the ship, "How long have you been my mothers personal guard?"
Catherine peered at the teen before turning her eyes back ahead. "...Since I was a child," she answered.
Jakan's eyes widened and he turned his head around to look at her. "Since you were a child? That's insane!"
"Indeed it is, but on Gyphten training at a young age was and is not looked down upon. We take pride in seeing our young training their bodies and minds in the mystic arts, though not all of us grabbed hold of that art," Catherine paused, "I was not gifted with magic like the other children when I was growing up, but I did find sanctity in weaponry. I worked day and night to hone my skills with my spear, taking each step in like a sponge. Before I knew I was drafted into the military, then afterwards the royal families personal guard. I had moved up in rank so much that I was soon given a title as Captain of the 5th precinct. That was a pretty high rank back then."
Jakan blinked. This was the most she's talked at all since they boarded this ship. She must really be fond of her memories as a child. "Okay, you got a title, what about when you became my mothers personal guard?"
"...I was made her guard shortly after her younger siblings shifted into their 4th century. It was hard at first since I had no clue as to what a personal guard did, but over time I began to understand the obligations that a guard must hold. As time passed princess Camelia and I grew close. She would divulge her troubles to me and I would do the same...The day she introduced us to your father was the day she began to drift away from me. We were close but not as close as we were before she brought that man into her life. The incident that occurred shortly after his arrival gave me chills, even to this day. That day, the atmosphere felt, evil, like something was approaching us. I did not find out what it was until after the princess disappeared. The kingdom was in a frenzy over her disappearance. Her family, the guards, me, we searched day in and day out for her but we found no trace of her. It was then that the factions grew hostile over towards one another, the Barren faction being the main one. They criticized the Frost faction for their loyalty to Hai, an outsider from centuries past that paved a way for our planet. In their eyes they saw no reason for us to keep on worshiping a dead and heathen like woman...to this day they still have that animosity towards us. But that is not even the worst part."
"What do you mean?"
Catherine's face grew grim as she tightened her grip on the steering wheel of the ship. "When your mother contacted me, I was ecstatic. I thought she had been lost forever. After we catching up with one anther, she told me something, something I did not expect to hear come out of her mouth..."
Jakan scowled. "Hey, don't leave me in the dark here! What did my mother tell you?"
"...She told me that her brother, Prince F'ai, is conspiring against the kingdom. He too felt animosity for what happened to his sister, so he teamed up with a rouge gang of the Barren faction to help him get revenge and restore what Gyphten once was. He plans to attack during the eve of the Blossom festival ball."
"Uh, wow, that's crazy. Wait, how on earth is he going to 'restore' Gyphten? I mean from what you told me, that Hai chick made some pretty big changes, some that can't be changed."
Catherine's bit her lower lip looking very disturbed. "...He plans on using his daughter, B'ana, and the power of an exorcist to change the planet completely. Your mother fears the people will suffer and that is why she sent me to get you. You, along with your cousins and those earthlings must team up, and defeat him or else."
Jakan furrowed his brows together. " Or else what?"
"Or else Gyphten will be destroyed, and B'ana dies."
Whooooo! Oh my gosh that took me week, no, months to do and now I finally finished it XD. I am so happy. Okay, so I do apologize for not coming out with this sooner. I have a lot of adult things to do, one of them being a job. I gotta get that money you know X3.
Anyway, wow, that was quite an ending. I don't want B'ana to die, she's actually one of my favorite oc's to write in this story, besides Taylor, Marianne, and all the others. Speaking of, I did warn you all that a lot of oc's would be popping up. Next chapter, there will be more, but they won't be around for long. I'm keeping the royal family, the twins, Taylor, Jasmin. Marianne, Lenalee's friends from school, and possibly Christopher's earth parents(who have not showed up yet), and the Y'ura order who will be showing up real soon. That's it guys, those are the only oc's. Just a heads up, but in the sequel and the third story I plan on doing there will be more oc's. I write all of this stuff down so I can pretty much keep track of all of them.
Here's the description of the girls school uniform:
A white collared blouse with a light blue necktie(it doesn't always have to be blue), a light gray vest, a plaid gray and light blue skirt, a pair of knee length(mid thigh or ankle length), and a pair of calf length gray boots with a black rubber bottom. Students really don't wear the same color, but this is the uniform B'ana and the twins were wearing.
I promise there will be way more action next chapter, plus the team will find out about Lenalee's past(mainly the whole being chained up thing). I probably won't have the next chapter out for a while so please, be patient. Thank you XD
Okay, looks like that's a wrap.
Please R&R, I love to hear from you guys(who actually read this). No flames please, my little heart can't take that XC
God Bless!
~Anime hotty lover. 18