Sounds like everyone enjoyed the fight between Kori and Komand'r. More exciting than the Paquiao and Mayweather fight, right?
Black Victor Cachat- The Tameran I used are made up words that I try to keep with how Starfire speaks in Teen Titans, though I try to keep them organized to not make the same English word have differant Tameranian words.
Paragon Eight- Of those you mentioned, you may just be surprised with who shows up in this chapter and later on.
Natalie- Unfortunately, no, no lemon smut scene between Raven and Beast Boy. This is a clean fic for kids and adults alike. But it is update time so enjoy this next episode. And this entire season is incorperating the Trigon arc; however, I can't say anymore due to spoilers. And if you want to know how they met, it's all in my last season 'Young Justice: Darknes Falls'.
Guest- Don't mean to sound like a certian producer but, 'spoiler'.
Rodrigo- Sorry, no Reverse Flash. The remaining episodes are all fleshed out right now.
Eric- I always thought Stoarfire always kept most of her innocence growing up. I think she was like that in the comics when she was first introduced, and in the Teen Titans show, she seemed to be the same way. I like that version beter because it's more fun to work with, at least to me. She'll also have a way back through Boom Tubes since they now have the coordinates to Tameran so she could travel back and forth, which is why it took them awhle to get there without them and no time coming home as they had Earth's coordinates to open a Boom Tube with. And M'gann had no problem eating the chicken tasting food. She just doesn't like snails.
Guest- Keep your eye open this chapter for the answer to your question. Also, I read every review once it comes in and answer them in order if there's any questions, so no worries. And it usually takes a day or two per chapter, which is how I posted Darkness Falls twice a week. I have more on my scheduale this time around so the complete story will come out faster with an episode (five chapters) taking around two-three weeks to write in my spare time.
lovelife09- Thanks for your post, made my day. Glad you liked last season and hope you enjoy the remainder of this one.
13. Rogue Mission
1.
Titans Tower
August 24
16:34 UTC
Inside the tower's gymnasium, metal could be heard clanging, along with the sound of grunts and growls. Green hands gripped the metal bar supporting thirty five pounds on each end as Garfield pushed himself to continue lifting. Sweat dripped from his brow as he felt his muscles strain from working out to near exhaustion and ignored the burning feeling making its way through his arms, shoulders, chest and neck.
Earlier in the day, he had been quietly sitting on the couch watching TV, bouncing his foot on the floor as if he were nervous or restless. He had even yet to resume his few primate characteristics as he had become quiet and introverted, all since his talk with Queen Bee a few days ago.
A thick layer of fur had grown over his arms, stopping once it reached his wrists as his hands took on a leather-like appearance with short claws taking the place of his nails. Small fangs protruded from between open lips as he exhaled with each push upward, going unnoticed by him as he only focused on what he was doing.
"Gar?" M'gann's voice came from the gym entrance.
The young Titan only continued to pump iron, oblivious to his blood sister's call.
"Garfield."
He still did not hear her, only continued lifting and lowering the bar at a more increased rate.
"Garfield."
The mental use of his name brought him back to his senses, causing him to realize how his arms looked like and retracted the fur. His claws and fangs receded just as quickly, even though he was not aware of ever forming them to begin with.
"Hey, Gar," M'gann said once she got his attention. "Just wanted to tell you we're back."
She paused momentarily once she saw him sit up. For a moment, it looked as if he was not all there. "Garfield? Are you okay?"
"Um, yeah, I'm f, fine, sis. Just a little tired." Wiping his brow of sweat, the green teen stood from the workout bench he lay on and went to stand before his sister, leaving a large wet spot on the artificial leather.
Something was wrong, M'gann could feel it. It was strange to describe but something was off about her brother. It was not entirely pain she felt come off him, nor was it completely anger. It was not even confusion of any kind, just a jumble of feelings she could pick up that was not like him in the least.
Looking closely at him, M'gann noticed he was slightly guarded for some reason. "Anything happened while we were gone?"
Looking down, Garfield ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "We, we fought Killer Croc while you went to rescue Conner. No one was hurt, but, after we brought him down, we sorta...we sorta made good with the police and people we rescued."
"Well that's not bad. It's what the League wanted from us. I'm just sorry we missed seeing you all in the field like that."
Seeing her blood brother place his hands on his hips with a sigh, M'gann knew that was not all that had happened. "Garfield?"
"Sis, um..." Scratching his head, the teen really did not know what to say.
"Does this have to do with you being the leader on the mission?"
"Yeeeah. I guess I was just ner- wait, how did you know I was the leader?"
"Raven said you took command and had everyone carry out different objectives to make sure the civilians were not hurt and to take Croc down."
Placing a hand on her brother's shoulder, M'gann gave him a slight squeeze. "Being the leader of a squad, or anything really, is a huge responsibility, I know because I've been there. The best you can do is keep a level head and remember your training as well as what the others can do to reach your goal. You'll be fine, Gar."
"Thanks, Megs."
"And now that's out of the way...big sister prerogative!"
Leaning down, M'gann gave Garfield a large hug, gaining a chuckle from her blood brother.
(Break)
"...so it really wasn't a big deal. We handled it just perfectly."
Inside the living area, Terra was finishing up informing Conner, who had quickly changed into a pair of jeans with one of his old black and red shirts before having a quick debrief with the two young girls.
"We even got props from a dignitary, some, uh, ugh, I can't remember her name."
"It was the one you call Queen Bee," Raven told Conner. "She was watching the entire thing from the sidelines and spoke to Garfield in her limo."
"You let Garfield speak to Queen Bee alone?" Conner asked, slightly out of his normal demeanor. "Why did you do that?"
"Wait, who's Queen Bee?" Terra asked.
"Don't really know. But we didn't know it was her in there. She's the ruler of Bialya," Raven told her. "And on TV."
"Rookies need to read the files," Conner mumbled as he shook his head.
As the Kryptonian headed to retrieve the remote from the coffee table, M'gann and Garfield entered the living area. The green youth came to a stop the moment he heard Queen Bee's voice as his sister continued without knowing he had stopped.
For the last several years, Garfield Logan had been managing to keep his mind on his current situation. Long talks with Black Canary helped him with what happened to his mother, the only real family he had after his father left. M'gann was there for him as were Conner and a few others when he came to live in the U.S, but none could ever fill the hole left behind when Queen Bee had her killed.
Nightmare filled sleepless nights accompanied him for the first several weeks, as did the want for revenge. It was denied him due to the ability the woman possessed in which she would enthrall those around her to carry out her bidding, making it impossible to physically link her to the murder. She was further untouchable being the queen of her own country, leaving any counter measure against her a trigger for a war.
"...and while I am here in America," Queen Bee said while standing at a podium with around a dozen microphones picking up on her words, "I will also lend my support to those in need as a show of gratitude to this great nation who has aided me in my continuing campaign to smite the terroristic rebels seeking to destroy the country I only wish to see evolve into a shining example of what hard working individuals can accomplish when working together."
Narrowing his eyes, Garfield slightly grew his canines into sharpened points. Standing on the other side of the couch with Terra and Conner, Raven felt a dull thud, similar to a blunt headache spread out from the center of her head. Knowing what it was and where it came from, she looked at Garfield from the corner of her eye and saw him clinch his fists tightly. The anger from the teen was easy to pick up, becoming more so as the Bialyan woman continued speaking.
"And the way I shall show my support to this nation, is by supporting the man I feel is more than capable of leading it into a peaceful future and is even helping to rebuild the damage occurred in the city. One where not only American lives, beliefs, standards, and ideals are furthered, but one where countries will unite for the greater good. As a supporter of Lex Luthor's work in the UN, I wish to offer my continued support to his future endeavors. He, as we all know, has made great strides with politicians, dignitaries, delegates, and representatives, as well as leaders of nations such as mine and has shown these men are nothing more than little boys, that must be swept under the rug like the nuisances they are. Surely, the world would not be the same without Mister Luthor."
"Who is she kidding?" M'gann asked.
Stepping up to the podium next, to the chorus of applause, the man himself, Lex Luthor assumed Queen Bee's place and shook hands with the Bialyan Queen.
"Miss Bee, as always, your words are as lovely to hear as you are to look at." Clearing his throat, he then addressed the audience. "First and foremost, as a representative of the United Nations, I would like to give my thanks to Queen Bee for her bode of confidence in what I have done. With so many things, so much turmoil happening around the Earth, I only wish for the best for our mother who needs our help after everything we have done to her forests, waters, air, and natural resources. But given my position as a worker in the UN, a worker who thoroughly enjoys looking for a peaceful solution for the ending of any conflict, I can not do it alone. Now, the reason I used the word 'worker' is because that is what I do, I work for the people, and what greater job to have working for the people, to stand up for the people, to be a voice for the people, than to be the elected representative for the people."
Immediately, the members of the press began to murmur among themselves at Luthor's words.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I Lex Luthor, wish to throw my hat into the race. The presidential race to be exact. On the Republican ticket, of course. With all of the work I have done to not only bring peace to other countries, improve job performance for all my employees-"
"And saving the Earth," Queen Bee added.
Snickering, Lex nodded, "Yes, and saving the Earth along side the Justice League, who I was wrong in attempting to put under government control, and how many government officials admit they were wrong by the way, is just a tip of the iceberg of what I plan to do, not only for The United States of America, but for the entire world. Our sons, our daughters, our grandkids, I will stride to provide an example of what it means to not only be an American, but what it truly means to be an exemplary human being."
With the interview over, members of the press crowded the podium to get any words they could from the presidential nominee. It was a mad house of questions, camera flashes, tape recorders, microphones, and writing instruments with what was going on when one of the podium mics picked up on a quiet series of words between Queen Bee and Lex on where she would be staying for the night before she returned to answering questions with her bodyguards flanking her on her sides.
A brief silence filled the room as the group watched, the now, new presidential candidate and his first backer. No one seemed to mind she was a known dictator or from another country, then again, her words were heard by those present, bringing them under her thrall for the time being.
"We have to do something," Garfield said while heading to grab the remote from Conner. "Queen Bee's got them all under her spell. We need to go down there and set up surveillance or something. Tail her while we're at it."
"Garfield," M'gann said in an attempt to get his attention.
"Raven, I need you to keep an eye on her limo when she leaves. See where she's going before heading to her penthouse."
"Garfield."
"Terra, I need you to find the floor she's on so I can sneak in and find out what she really wants."
"Garfield," M'gann said slightly louder this time.
"Hey," Terra said as she came up behind the teen. "Why are you suddenly all freaked out. You knew she was here a few days ago."
"I didn't know where she was staying."
"Wait, Garfield, you knew about her?" M'gann asked.
"He spoke with her in private," Conner informed his wife. "I just heard before you came in here."
"You did what?!"
"M'gann-" Garfield managed to say before being cut off.
"Garfield, you know what she can do, has done. Why would you put yourself in a position like that?"
"I could handle it," the youth told her. "She threatened to use her thrall powers on me and Kyle but didn't because I didn't attack her."
"You gave her control."
"I was in control!"
"Garfield,"Conner tried to interrupt.
"You know what she did! You know she killed my mother and she threatened to do it again with me because I wasn't there! I should have killed her when I had the chance but I chickened out!"
"Garfield, calm down." Looking at the young boy she chose to take care of, M'gann, and the others, saw a steady growth of hair on his arms and legs. He did not seem to have noticed as he continued to vent his frustrations while also taking on a more beastial appearance.
"She killed my mom! She killed my mom and wanted to kill me to! She mocked me and said I don't belong anywhere except with her, dead! I should have killed her!"
"Garfield," Conner said sternly. "You need to-"
"No! I won't calm down!" Turning to face Conner, the teen's eyes took on a predatory look while his face morphed slightly but still kept his human appearance.
"Garfield, you need to calm down and go to your room," M'gann told him. "We'll handle it."
"No! I need to handle it!"
"Garfield, go to your room!"
"No! I have to go after her!"
"Garfield-"
"No!"
"Garfi-"
"Stop telling me what to do! You're not my mother!"
Shock was not the way to describe what the four felt at the saying of those words as M'gann gave a surprised, yet quiet, gasp. Terra pursed her lips guiltily as she looked from Garfield to M'gann, then back again. Raven even had a look of surprise, evident by her wide eyes as she stared at the green skinned blood siblings. Conner had the same expression on his face, only he just stared at Garfield who was in turn staring at his Martian blood sister.
The look on M'gann's face was one she had never been seen with before. Her skin even took on a lighter, pastel-like coloring. Her eyes were wide open as was her mouth as she stared in shock at what Garfield had just yelled at her. She was without emotion, yet was displaying a hurt she felt to her core. It was similar to when Conner had broken up with her, but instead of feeling a ball of pain in her chest, she felt as if the air were knocked out of her with nothing at all left inside.
Coming back to his senses, Garfield's fur receded into his body as he returned to a more human state. His wide eyes were the first indication he had realized what he had just said. A ragged breath escaped him, making his body feel suddenly cold and weak, as if all the strength had left him and wanted to never return.
"G, Gar," M'gann quietly said. She lowered her arms and shut her mouth, the pain still on her face with her eyes filling with liquid.
"Meg," Garfield muttered. "I-"
"No," the Martian co-leader quietly said before sniffling. "You're right. I'm not your mother. I, I can't tell you what to do. You can, you can do as you like without worrying about anyone. If this is something you need to do, go ahead."
Swallowing a lump in her throat, M'gann held her arm and rubbed her hand along her elbow and bicep. "I'm, I'm going to get Carter."
"M'gann."
Despite Garfield calling her name as she walked past, she did not stop. She only headed to the Zeta Platform with the only sound being the machine powering up and the computer announcing her departure.
"M, M'gann."
Before Garfield could do or say anything more, Conner moved in front of him and stood at full height. The teen immediately felt extremely small and insignificant as he looked up at the Kryptonian. He felt it even more so once he saw the stern look on his face.
"Go to your room," Conner said with a deep bass in his voice. "That's an order. Do not come out, do not leave the tower, and do not think about using any of the electronics you have. I'll deal with you when we get back."
Turning on his heel, the Titan leader entered the bright light of the transporter and joined his wife in picking up their son.
"Smooth move, Garfield," Terra told him. "Anger the only two who actually care about orphans like us."
Garfield's lip quivered as he hung his head low.
"Even I know not to say something like that," Raven commented as she crossed her arms.
Sniffling, Garfield turned and slowly made his way to his room. The door closed shut behind him as he climbed onto his bed, lay down, and gripped his pillow tight. Across from him sat a picture frame of him and M'gann on his night table. They were both on the porch his of his old home, laughing as she hugged him tightly with residue of her lipstick on his cheek. The memory of that day and what he just did, was enough to have him bury his head in the soft object and cry.
Happy Harbor
August 24
17:27 UTC
With another day in the books, Kaldur relaxed in his day room before leaving for his home in Atlantis. A damp towel draped around his neck from a shower some fifteen minutes ago, collecting the remaining moisture from his skin and hair. Sitting in an armchair, he rubbed his head with his fingertips as he went over what he needed and wanted to do. Bart was still doing his disappearing act, often showing up for a few minutes before dashing off again. There had been times he was around for more than a day to participate in missions or to train with the others only to leave without saying a word.
Mal was busy going over the cave's security systems, constantly upgrading and testing them with Wally popping over every now and then to help him in that regard. The two would come up with an absurd amount of defensive measures then scale them back after finding they had no room for them all. The new Guardian had also made several modifications to his armor and could not wait to test them in the field.
Letting out a deep breath, the black ops leader pulled the towel from around his neck and reached for his cell phone on the small table to his right. Throughout the day, he had put in several calls to Roy in hopes the archer would inform him on Lilith and how she was coping given her current situation. Aside from Black Canary's visits with her and the rotating surveillance of the League, she was mostly alone.
Seeing no messages from Roy, he replaced it on the table and leaned his head back. He had no idea why he felt like he did, only that it was not his usual way of thinking. Lilith never left his mind. He was constantly wondering how she was doing and wanted to make sure she was safe from any harm, unfortunately, he blew that chance when he forced her to explain her visions to him. He was sorry, yes, but he also needed the information she was withholding and it was the only way he could think of at the time. Really, all he wanted to do see her smile.