AN: Okay, I have to admit, this next episode was just too fun for me to write and I hope it comes across in later chapters, (There's a reason it's called 'Jump the Shark), and I hope you all like the villain in this ep as well. Also, if anyone looks at my Tumblr blog, I have taken it down and created a new one, which will be up later today along with the new link on my profile page. I was severely taken out of context and was flooded with harassing emails and comments. I'll still post concept art, possible story ideas, and you can message me there if you want.
Lord Razer - To be honest, I don't know too much about the Black Lantern storyline, not that it will determine if I do one or not, but with what I'm planning for this story, it could be a good jumping off point for one.
Veritas1995 - Yeah, I liked BB's reaction towards her in TT and had to include her in here somewhere. Also liked the crush he had for her.
Gordhanx - Yes! That is Terra! She's now part of the story and I hope you like what I have planned for her.
Eric - Whoa, dude, you have a lot of questions you want answered and I'll slowly be getting to them like you requested so you can enjoy the ride. Also, what you said about Raven, secrets, and the such, it had me thinking back to Wonder Woman talking about a 'lie by omitance is still a lie'. I never agreed with that myself as everyone has the right to not share personal issues.
The Darkman - You want to know about those at Wayne Manor? This will give you a glimpse at what's happening. Hope you enjoy what's to come.
Seychelles - I've been thinking about writing a GLTAS story with what I think happened after the season and involving my YJ ones, but I'm not that familiar with how the characters behave. I have thought of a crossover though, even for a brief explanation of what happened.
Ben A - Yes, it is the same Terra at the Smallville Christmas party in 'Darkness Falls'. Garfield has changed Conner's mind about monkeys, it's just a question of 'How a son of his would like them so much at a young age' sort of thing.
5. Jump The Shark
1.
Palo Alto
July 04
06:59 UTC
"...and it's a bright, sunny, beautiful morning here in Palo Alto for the Fourth of July. The temperature is going to be at a high of only ninety eight thanks to the cold front nipping at us and expected to be here in the next day or so if our friend the jet stream should show us favor. And don't forget, the Palo Alto city fair will be launching fireworks at nine o'clock tonight so bring the entire family to enjoy the bright lights in the sky tonight and have a good time. The time is now seven AM and we already have our first dedication for the day."
Rolling over in bed, Wally groaned from having Artemis' knee in his back. There were times he could swear she practiced kicking in her sleep and this morning was not any different. With his wife's head off her pillow, and his with a large drool puddle still cold, he carefully exchanged his soaked one with her dry one then got comfy all over again as he listened to the radio and enjoying the still peace filled house as Isis still slept with Artemis waking up shortly after.
"Mmm...morning, Wally," Artemis groaned.
"Morning, high kicker."
"Sorry. Old habits."
"S'okay. I'll worry if I wake up and you're not trying to snap my spine."
Snickering, Artemis adjusted herself to get closer to him when she lay her head on her pillow and felt the cold drool spot under her cheek. "EW! Wally!"
Letting out a laugh, the red head covered up as the now fully awake archer tried to slap him on the face for puling the stunt.
"You now I hate it when you do that!"
"Yeah, but it's still funny."
Yanking her pillow from under his head, Artemis slammed his soaked one on his face then got comfortable again as the disc jockey continued speaking.
"This one comes to us all the way from Bludhaven and is dedicated to a Mister and Missus Spitfire from Bluebird with a message. 'I remember the first time he saw his future wife and the song he used to play when he thought about her. This one goes out to them. And get ready for some fireworks tonight, it will be astrous.' whatever that means. I hope he doesn't mean the evening will be disastrous."
"Dick," the couple said at the same time when Sir Mix-a-lot's song 'Baby Got Back' began to play.
"Really? That's the song you associated with me when we first met?" Artemis flatly asked.
Wally could only groan. "...I'm gonna kill him."
Happy Harbor
July 04
07:00 UTC
With the radio coming to life inside the new underground base of the black ops team, Kaldur stretched out from knowing it was time to get up. Being the leader of the team, he had his own private room to call his own for when he decided to stay the night and not return to Atlantis. It was a simple set up, a couch for reading, bookshelf, writing desk, and bed were all he requested for the space since he was hardly there overnight to begin with. Had it not have been for Dick calling and telling him he needed to stay in Happy Harbor for the night, he would have been waking up back home.
"And a Happy Fourth of July to all the wonderful citizens of Happy Harbor! This is your DJ, The People's DJ, Pauly 'The Pebble' Poindexter coming at you live from the airwaves. We have here a very special song dedication to a Secret Agent Gillman from Bluebird."
Knowing who Agent Bluebird was, as well as Gillman, the Atlantean looked over at the radio as the DJ continued.
"Before we play the song, I have a quick note for the Gillman. 'Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to recruit the others for a mission of the highest importance. Leadership never fades so it's your job to get back in that role for one more night and declare Simbiosi.' Huh, guy sounds like a complete lunatic. Anyway, Gillman, enjoy your song!"
With a grin, Kaldur shook his head and tossed the blankets off him when he rose to a sitting position to hear the beginning of LL Cool J's 'Deep Blue Sea' play.
"I hope you never change, 'Bluebird'." He then got out of bed and headed for the showers.
Jump City - Titans Tower
July 04
07:00 UTC
Waking up from the radio going off was one thing. Waking up from the alarms signaling trouble in the city or a drill was another. Waking up to his son's foot over his mouth and under his nose was something completely different.
Coming to, with the sound of the radio DJ yapping on about the Forth of July celebration in downtown Jump City, Conner opened his eyes to see Carter stretched out between him and his wife. While he had the pleasure of Carter's foot on is face, M'gann had the pleasure of their child's hand on her forehead, almost as if he were pushing them apart.
Normally, the Krypto-Martian infant would sleep in his crib across the room, but with the thunderstorm last night, they had to let him sleep in their bed due to him being afraid of the thunder and was pressed up tight against his father. It was no problem having him sleep between the couple, but it was a surprise when Conner woke to find his son's foot in his face.
"Was wondering when you'd wake up." Looking at her husband, M'gann grinned when she saw his reaction to the position he was in.
"How long have you been up?" Rolling to his back, Conner stretched out, popping a few bones as he did so.
"For about five or ten minutes." Moving Carter so he was lying vertically, M'gann scooted closer and rested her head on Conner's outstretched arm where they stared into each other's eyes.
"And I have here a special message from a Mister Bluebird to an 'out of this world couple'."
"Dick," they both said then watched as Carter yawned and shifted toward his mother.
"'Hope you two are whelmed enough to enjoy what I have planned, no under or over allowed tonight. Hope to see SuperMartian on time for some fireworks.' Man, is this guy weird or what, ladies and gentlemen? Now, let's get to the requested song for the couple."
Rolling their eyes, Conner and M'gann grinned at Dick Grayson's message to them as the song 'Extraterrestrial' by Katy Perry began to play, not noticing Carter waking up.
"I don't want Carter to learn English from Dick. Ever." Conner's words made M'gann giggle right before Carter blew a raspberry, as if he knew what they were talking about.
Wane Manor
July 4
08:42 UTC
"Excellent breakfast as usual, Alfred. Very delicious." Sitting back in his chair, Bruce Wayne finished his cup of coffee then wiped his mouth.
"My pleasure, Master Bruce." Starting to gather the used dishes, the faithful butler moved from The Lord of the manor to his son, Damian. "And how was your-"
"Eggs were over done for my taste and the bacon was undercooked." Wiping his mouth clean, the young son of Batman crossed his arms over his chest as he sat back with a smug look of condensation. Next time, I would prefer you preparing my meal right with jelly, not jam for my toast and-"
"Damian." Using his Batglare, which was no less effective without the mask, Bruce used a stern voice to silence him. "What have I told you?"
Letting out a sigh, the youth looked back up to the butler. "I apologize, Alfred. Breakfast was just fine. But perhaps next time I could have some grape jelly?"
"I shall remember that, Master Damian." Gathering up the young boy's plate, Alfred then moved on to the female bodyguard. "And how was yours, Miss Cassandra?"
Finishing her hash browns, like she had not eaten for a week, Cassandra Cain downed the rest of her orange juice and gave Alfred a quick nod. She then grabbed an apple and handed him her plate at the same time.
"Cassandra, your place," Damian told her.
"Her place," Bruce said as he stood, "is to enjoy her stay here and make the grounds her own for as long as she, and you, continue to be here."
Walking around the table, Bruce gave Alfred a pat on the shoulder and a thanks. "Your mother wanted you live with me so you would not grow up to be like your grandfather and be a target for every secret society or rival clan. Because of that, Cassandra is no longer your bodyguard, she is a guest in my home. As for you, you will show Alfred respect. I told you once, he is not hired help, he is family. Everyone who has lived here, Dick, Jason, Tim, even Barbra, is considered part of this family. The next time you speak like that to any member of this household, or anyone of my colleagues, you will be disciplined."
"And just how do you plan on disciplining me? I grew up learning every move conceivable in combat with training in seven deadly arts. I highly doubt a time out would-"
Faster than Damian thought possible, Bruce extended an arm and grabbed him around the throat. With how his fingers were positioned, he made if clear to his son he could easily have pinched his nerves and stopped all blood flow to his brain.
"Remember, no matter how good you think you are, you are not the best. There's always someone better than you somewhere. Your mother and grandfather never told you that. I know because of the type of people they are."
Letting go, Bruce, with a fading Batglare, let his son feel his throat. For the last several months, he had been trying to hammer respect into the youth's mind, something that was somewhat difficult considering he is nearly like Bruce at that age. Still, the boy showed signs of greatness, if he could only let that arrogance go.
"Now, get cleaned up and dressed. Both of you. I have a group I want you to meet."
"Who?" Damian asked as he stood. "I thought we were to stay here at all times."
"Didn't stop you from going into town last night. Or the night before, did it?" Bruce said over his shoulder. "I think it's time for you two to meet the teams."
Happy Harbor
July 04
10:24 UTC
"Looking good. All of you."
Walking with his arms behind his back, Kaldur watched as a small group of the black ops team went through their training.
Vibe, Bumble Bee, Guardian, Kid Flash, and Static were all working on their cardio with intensive, fast moving drills. All were soaked with sweat from the constant movement and only pushed themselves that much harder. Since it was Independence Day, they all wanted to make sure they would burn off whatever food they would partake in during their family's individual grillfests.
Recognized, Batman, Zero Two.
Exiting the Zeta platform, The Dark Knight made his way a nearby Zeta terminal and typed in an override code for two guests. As he did so, Kaldur called the others in and stood at attention should the League veteran have orders to issue.
"Team," Batman addressed, "I have two guests I want to introduce you to."
Again, the bright light of the Zeta beams came on with the computer announcing the two Batman was speaking about.
Recognized, A, Fifteen, Damian. Recognized A, Sixteen, Cassandra Cain.
Stepping out of the platforms, a young boy wearing a pair of sunglasses, red zippered sleeveless hoodie, blue jeans, and sneakers stood beside Batman and looked the team over. None seemed to impress him as he gave a belittling snort. As for the teen girl, she too wore sunglasses but also a light sheer purple scarf around her neck and a baggy, yet form flattering purple and white striped top with her black jeans.
"Team, this here is Damian. He is a prodigal youth with combat experience far beyond his years. Cassandra is also a well trained fighter and has experience in several styles of martial arts."
Stepping forward, Kaldur gave a small bow to the two. "Greetings, I am Kaldur'ahm, leader of the black ops team. These few with me are some of the team members who work with the Justice League."
Extending his hand, Kaldur waited for Damian to return the gesture. The boy looked the Atlantean over for a moment then finally shook his hand. Cassandra was not as slow to return the shake and soon the others were introducing themselves as well.
"So, will they be joining the team?" Kaldur asked Batman as the others went about their introductions.
"Cassandra possibly, but not now. I only wish to have them meet you and the others for the time being."
Watching Mal introduce himself to Damian, Kaldur noticed something familiar in the boy. The way he spoke, the gestures he made, even the way he stood, all were very familiar but he did not bother to say a word to the bat themed hero beside him, unknown to him, it was appreciated.
"Hi. How are you? New in town? I was new in town once, quickly became un-new and got a best bud. His name's Blue Beetle, you'll meet him later along with the rest. I'm Bart, go by Kid Flash. The second Kid Flash but it's a long story of how I got where I'm at so I won't bore you. So you have any powers? How about you? Oh, do you carry around Bat-a-Rangs like Batman? Do you like capes? How about cowls?"
Zipping around the two new guests in the underground base, Bart, in his yellow and red Kid Flash uniform, was his usual self. Those with him could only watch in disbelief at his antics with Batman standing only a few feet away when they saw him stand beside Cassandra and measure himself to determine her height.
"Can you talk?" he asked when Kaldur cleared his throat. "Opp, gotta go. Mode's not crashed so I gotta go crash it." In less than a second, he was back standing beside Static.
"So...think you over did the intro there?" Static asked as he looked at Bart out of the corner of his eye.
"If you only knew." Grinning, the speedster from the future rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet, knowing full well who the the two were. At least now, they did not have to face what he's already seen.
Titans Tower
July 04
12:14 UTC
Recognized, Batman, Zero Two. Damian, A, Fifteen. Cassandra Cain, A, Sixteen.
Arriving at the Titans Tower, Batman lead the way with Damian and Cassandra close behind. Both youths gave the tower a long look over as they made their way from the Zeta Platforms and through the living room. Not admitting it out load, Damian had never seen anything like what his father was showing him when he was with the Shadows. Both the cave and Tower were unlike anything he had ever seen before, although he made sure his demeanor showed he was not impressed in the slightest.
Sitting in front of the large TV, Garfield and Kyle were going over patrol maps. The two were marking how many criminals they had taken down individually and as a team. Small images of gang logos sat in the center of color coded areas of the city to keep track of different gang activity with each colored area getting smaller over time.
"Okay, I took out three more last time we were patrolling the park," Kyle said as he added to his tally on the screen. "They were trying to light the kiddie swings on fire, remember?"
"Well I got those four trying to sacrifice a cat to some god of theirs last night." Adding to his total, Garfield was pleased to see his tally go up to over thirty. "Dang. Raven's still in the lead with nearly fifty."
"Hey, you think we'll be able to patrol on our own? You know, without parental supervision?"
"Maybe. Sis did say once we can show we're capable of acting more like a solid team, we'll be able to go out on our own for a test patrol."
"Sweet." Marking several more criminals caught by Cissie, Kyle had the map of Jump City reshape itself to show the most current gang activities. "So cool. We got rid of three of the seven gangs in the city already. Are we bad or what?"
"Kyle, Garfield," Batman said, "where are the others?"
"Ohh, think we can get pizza since the others are going out?" Kyle asked.
"Extra cheese," added Garfield.
"Triple the pepperoni."
"Double the tofu."
Looking closely at the two teens, Batman stepped closer and saw they each had comm units in both ears, answering the question of why they did not hear him.
"They're part of a team?" Damian asked. "And what do they do?"
Coming around the corner, M'gann, with Carter, stopped when she saw the Dark Knight standing behind her blood brother and Kyle. "Boys, Batman's here. Get rid of the comlinks."
Stopping their talk about pizza, both Titans ripped their comm units out of their ears and stood at attention with twin smiles.
"Hi, Batman," they both nervously said.
"To what do we owe the pleasure?" M'gann asked as she let her presence known as her son chewed on a graham cracker.
Seeing the two newbies with Batman, she sent a mental message to Conner and the others to join her in the common room as she made her way over to them with a smile.
"This is M'gann Kent, Mrs. Martian," Batman introduced. "She, along with her husband, lead the Titans. Like Aqualad, she is one of the original five black ops members and a veteran. M'gann, this is Damian and Cassandra."
"Nice to meet you. And this is my son, Carter." Extending her hand, she shook Cassandra's first then Damian's.
"My...Batman says you're a telepath," Damian said to M'gann. "Do you invade everyone's mind you meet? Or do you show restraint?"
"Um, excuse me?"
Feeling his father's Batglare, Damian knew he had gone back to his usual self and quickly corrected his mistake. "I mean, it's so easy to understand others thoughts for a telepath. I was wondering if you simply read them or if you have to actually get into their heads."
Sensing it was a lie, but knowing Batman would most likely take care of it once they left, if not sooner, M'gann went along with it. "Actually, I don't 'invade' minds. I read the bad guys' to get information from them and establish a link with teammates."
"Oh, okay." The boy was hoping his cover would be enough to alleviate him of a potential punishment from the Dark Knight when Conner, Raven, and Cissie rounded the corner from the hallway.
"Dude," Kyle whispered to Garfield. "Is it just me, or is Cassandra totally hot?"
"Why are you asking me?" the green teen whispered back.
"You're the one who likes Goth girls, right? Well, Cassandra's like a ten." Out of the corner of his eye, Kyle could see Garfield turn a light shade of red.
Turning her head after being introduced to Cissie, Cassandra glared at Kyle. She had heard everything he said. As a result, the Green Lantern tightened his lips and looked away while clearing his throat.
"So you're the clone." Damian said as he shook Conner's hand. "Is it true you lack Superman's powers and make up for them in other ways?"
Looking at Batman with an irritated glance, Conner gave a slight nod to the boy. "Nice kid." It was impossible to miss the sarcasticness in his tome of voice.
Recognized, Black Canary, One Three. Terra Markov, A, Fourteen.
"Well, isn't this a surprise?" Walking into the common room, Dinah Queen, followed by a blonde teen girl, wasted no time greeting Batman. "Saw on the monitor you were in the cave last. Thought you would be there for a while longer."
"I wanted the team to meet two future potential members," Batman told her.
"Ah yes, Damian and Cassandra." She then saluted a 'hello' to the asian girl who responded in kind.
"Wait, she's deaf?" Cissie asked.
"Mute, actually," Dinah told her. "Now, since I have to change out of civilian attire for a security mission, I just stopped by to let you know Terra is ready to see about joining the Titans or black ops team."
"Hey, what's up, BB?" Terra practically shouted as she hurried over to Garfield.
"Nothing but the ceiling, momma." The two then slapped hands and followed it up with a knuckle bump. "So you're joining the Titans?"
"Thinking about it. Jump City's so not like Smallville and is nowhere near as dull as Happy Harbor."
Turning back to M'gann and Conner, Dinah made a few baby noises to Carter before getting to what she wanted to ask. "If it's not a problem, I wanted to see if it's okay to let Terra spend time with your team tonight. I know you'll be going out, so if it's a problem, I-"
"No problem at all," M'gann told her. "Uncle J'onn's going to look after Carter and the others are going to be training until we go. She's more than welcome to stay with them."
"It's really okay? You won't be back late?"
"Unlikely. We're just going out for dinner and to catch up. We shouldn't be long. And if you want, Cassandra and Damian are welcome to get to know the others, Batman."
Looking at the two he brought, Batman saw how Cassandra was staying away from the group of teens who were already laughing and joking with one another with Damian looking like he wanted to be anywhere else but here. "They can stay. I'll be back to pick them up. Being around others will do them good."
Hearing his father, Damian rolled his eyes. He had much better things to do besides get to know people, like train. Although, this could be seen as his punishment for being as snobbish as he was.
Jump City
July 04
18:02 UTC
High above the streets of Jump City, on what should be a deserted rooftop, five young individuals stood in the near darkness afforded them by the surrounding buildings and message boards. Cars moving and honking could be heard from their spot as well as the occasional person yelling of a cab and shouting when they missed getting one. A flock or two of pigeons flapped their wings in an effort to get airborne, all the while those standing around made small talk.
With a creak, the door from the building's rooftop entrance opened, letting Kaldur through to meet with the others. It was rare he would wear an outfit like the one he had on, a red high collared windbreaker, blue jeans with wide bottoms to make room for his calf fins, and tennis shoes, even though he regularly went barefoot due to his webbed feet.
"Oh, about time you got here." Shoving the remainder of a candy bar in his mouth, Wally made his way over to the dark skinned Atlantean and brought him into a bro-hug. "Where were you?"
"I apologize, but there were some things I had to tend to that took longer than I had thought," Kaldur explained.
"Or is it you just wanted to see Lilith for a little bit longer?" Dick asked as he gave a smirk.
"Um, well, we were just discussing where she would be comfortable staying for the time being."
"Any decisions?" Conner asked.
"She feels staying with us in the cave would not be a good idea. She still avoids contact with people so I asked Roy to help me look for an apartment in Happy Harbor for her."
"Okay, okay, okay," Wally said as he brought the conversation to a close. "Enough talk about the hero game. We are not here to discuss the fabulous life mere mortals only dream of. We are here for one thing and one thing only, celebrate our anniversary as the original and best team the world, and any other, has ever known. And we're also including you three, cause, you know, tag-a-longs."
Rolling their eyes, Artemis, Conner, and M'gann really did not find the red head's joke too funny, more cheesy, considering who said it.
"So, let's see here." Moving back to the others, Wally looked them over. "We've got our leader, hence forth known as Kal, wearing his hero colors as a civilian. Next is, for tonight's purposes, Robin or Rob, wearing a dashing red zippered hoodie with back t-shirt and jeans combo. Rob, take a bow. And don't forget the sunglasses or Cory Heart will not be pleased."
Going along with the joke, Dick gave a bow as he slipped on a pair of black sunglasses and cackled.
"Just like old times. Next," Wally continued, "is the handsome, charismatic, and all around good guy-"
"Baywatch," the other five said at the same time.
"Fine. I was going to say Wally but have it your way." He then turned around, striking a ridiculous pose to show off his ensemble of red denim jeans, yellow pull over hoodie, and red brimmed glasses sitting on top of his head. "Dashing or what?"
"What's right, slowpoke," Artemis said, making her husband give her a playful pout.
"Moving on." Making his way to the powerhouse of the team, Wally puffed out his chest. "And here we have our angsty, brooding, foul tempered, all around angry clone who has been whipped by his Martian wife," Wally barely had enough time to zip away from Conner trying to grab ahold of him for the 'whipped' remark, "Herculean member of the team, Mister Soup Soup, AKA, Supey. Take a bow."
"No," Conner flatly said. Dressing simular to the others, he had on his usual pair of boots, navy colored jeans, black shirt, and a brown leather jacket.
"Fine, spoiled sport."
Hustling to the still green skinned Martian, Wally held his arms to the side like he was presenting her to a crowded room of people. "And this out of this world female, wearing a frilled blue skirt, white shirt with red sleeves, and a jean jacket, is our happy-go-lucky Martian, Megalicious. Meg, if you please, spin for the people."
Giggling, M'gann gave a twirl to show off her outfit.
"Wonderful, simply wonderful." Moving to the last of the group, Wally wiggled his eyebrows as he looked his wife over slowly, receiving a laugh from her. "And this ravishing Vietnamese beauty, the girl who was a ninja with a ninja boyfriend from a rival ninja clan whose ninja father wanted her to kill him a ninja way but she couldn't because she ninja loved him and wound up ninja marrying him and having a ninja daughter, wearing a pair of green bellbottom pants with a white midriff bearing top to show off those awesome abs and a leather jacket, the amazing, tough as nails mother of my child, drumroll please, Arty!"
"Wally, I'm so going to end you," Artemis said with a laugh.
"End me when we're back home, we've got a full night of catching up to do and throwback outfits to show off, so lets get this shindig started. Supey, Megalicious, since this is your city, you lead the way to our restaurant so we can get our grub on."
"And we know just the place. Conner and I have been there several times and the food is terrific," M'gann told him.
"It's not far from here. Five minutes by cab," Conner added.
"Actually, no cab needed." Stepping up, Dick produced a set of car keys. "Batman lent me his special, tricked out hummer for the night. I'll finally get to drive this bad boy."
The group all smiled and said celebratory words from the news.
"You mean we get to ride around in a gas guzzling, Earth destroying, armored, poor milage getting machine?" Artemis asked.
"That's right."
Wrapping his arms around Artemis and Dick's necks, Wally gave his two cents. "Just don't tell Poison Ivy and we'll be okay. Here's to a memorable night!"
AN: I have been thinking of another way to post future chapters for episodes. After I finish with 'YJ: Present Future', I've been thinking of writing the entire episode out then posting the chapters every two-three days until the episode is finished. Episodes will be finished quicker but there may be more time between each one with varying days a new episode will be posted. Let me know what you think.