Chapter 56: Clashing Teams
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. I know many of you are excited for the Intergalactic Games and thankfully I figured out the perfect way to set the stage for the big mega chapter. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
We find ourselves in the middle of the Metropolis Park as Jaden is waiting by a tree for something. Or rather someone.
Looking at his watch, he saw it was almost time.
"Hmm I hope they're not dealing with any bad guys," Jaden said when a pair of hands covered his eyes.
"Guess who." A familiar voice said making him smile.
"Hmm, who is that? That voice sounds very familiar." Jaden smirks.
"Here's a hint. You love me very much." She hints.
"Barbara is that you? No wait Diana." Jaden said.
"Seriously? Those two." The voice said.
"I'm kidding, I know it's you, Zee." Jaden chuckles as she lets go revealing his magic girl.
"I thought your spider sense alerted you to stuff like this," Zee said.
"It only works when I'm in danger, not when a girlfriend is trying to flirt with me," Jaden said.
"I can't help it, I missed you," Zee said hugging him close and pecking him on the cheek.
"I missed you too. So how was your trip with your dad?" Jaden asks.
"It was perfect," Zee sighs. "I had no idea how badly I needed that trip with him,"
"He didn't put the helmet back on yet did he?" Jaden asks.
"No, not yet." Walking out, Giovanni approached them. "I just wanted to meet my daughter's boyfriend before I left."
"Oh uh hi sir. It's a pleasure to meet you. I mean I did you meet you once but you were a nightmare trying to kill us and then the previous time Morgan was trying to kill us. I mean…hi I'm Jaden." He said holding out his hand.
"I know, Zatanna talks about you quite a bit." Giovanni smirks shaking it.
"Dad!" Zee said blushing.
"Hey I've been stuck in that helmet for a while. I'm well overdue for this." He smirks.
"Well hopefully all good." Jaden gulps.
"Most of them. Tell me Jaden how gifted are you in the mystic arts?" Giovanni asks.
"Uh…look what I can do with my thumb," Jaden said making it look like he was removing his thumb.
"You're not fluent are you?" Giovanni chuckles.
"No. Not really. I'm more of a science and technology guy." Jaden admits.
"You're honest I'll give you that," Giovanni said when the helmet of fate began to glow. "Looks like it's almost time."
Walking over, Zee took his hand. "I feel like I just got you back, now I have to say goodbye." Zee frowns.
"I know, but this isn't goodbye. I'll see you soon." Giovanni said kissing her on the forehead.
"I love you daddy." Zee sniffles.
"I love you too." Giovanni said before looking at Jaden. "Watch over my daughter until I come back."
"I promise." Jaden nods.
As he let go, Giovanni put the helmet back on and transformed into Doctor Fate.
"Don't forget the deal you made with Doctor Strange." Zee reminds.
"I won't." Fate simply said before taking off.
Sniffling, a tear ran down her eye.
Walking over Jaden hugs Zee from behind.
"You're gonna be okay. This isn't goodbye forever." Jaden said.
"I know…because I'm not alone like last time. I have you." Zee smiles.
"And I'm glad you're here. We got the Intergalactic Games to prepare for." Jaden said getting her attention.
"Ooh interesting," Zee said.
Taking her hand, the two headed back to Superhero High.
At the school, everyone was eager for the Intergalactic Games and everyone was trying to sign up for an event.
In a meeting room, we see Waller sitting with Vice Principal Grodd, Gordon, Tony, Steve, Strange, Natasha, Clint, Prof. Magnus and even Nick Fury on screen.
"Alright, we have 6 slots on the team. You all have excellent experience interacting with the students at this school. Nominate any student you think would do our school proud." Waller said.
"I nominate Wonder Woman. She's got the widest range of abilities among of the students. She's strong, can fly, she's smart, knowledgable in the magic arts, and has plenty of training." Steve said.
"Hmph playing Daddy's little girl right out of the gate huh?" Tony smirks.
"Wonder Woman is skilled. She would definitely be a good addition. Possibly even the leader." Waller said as a hologram of Diana appeared in front of them.
"Hold on. If we're talking leaders, I nominate Nightwing." Clint said activating his hologram. "He's got the most hero experience of anyone in this school, skilled in hand-to-hand combat and weapons, plus he took it upon himself to form his team. He didn't wait around for someone to ask him to join one."
"Initiative is a good quality." Strange agrees.
"I bet if we had Hulk on the team we'd win instantly," Grodd said.
"Hulk is strong but he's too wild. He can do a round 1 event but the only people Hulk really listens to are Spider-Man and Supergirl. We can't risk him getting out of control." Fury said shutting that one down.
"If we're looking for heavy hitters I nominate Supergirl. She's a Kryptonian which means she's got plenty of power and she knows how to use it." Gordon said bringing up a hologram of her.
"Being able to punch things only gets you so far. We need someone who can also handle the small things. I nominate Bumblebee." Natasha said as a hologram of her appeared.
"Hmm, she did win the Hero of the Year award." Waller pauses.
"Having someone skilled in tech could help. But I think Batgirl or Cyborg might work out better." Magnus suggests as two holograms appear.
"You want my daughter to compete in the games?" Gordon said unsure about that.
"Gordon stop being such a helicopter parent. Your daughter can handle this. She's handled worse." Tony said.
"I guess. But maybe we can look into someone else. Give heroes who haven't had much spotlight a chance to shine." Gordon suggests.
"Personally I think it might help to have someone skilled in magic arts. I nominate Zatanna or Iron Fist." Strange said as holograms of them appeared.
"Hmm also good options," Waller said before glancing at Tony. "You've been fairly quiet Stark. Do you have anyone you'd like to recommend?"
"Meh, why not? I nominate Spider-Man" Tony said as a hologram of Spider-Man joined them.
"Hmm he's good but the public opinions of him are more mixed than all the other students combined," Grodd said.
"Like you're one to talk Mr. Former Gorilla General." Tony counters making him growl.
"Easy Grodd," Fury said.
"So he's not popular, so what? He's risky, quick to react, and smart," Tony said.
"But more than any of that, he's got heart." Steve agrees.
Waller rubs her head. "Even so, we have so many good options. How are we supposed to find a solution?"
"You don't need two eyes to see the problems with this. It's clear that everyone in this room thinks the ones to represent our school should come from either the Avengers or the Titans." Fury said.
"Can't say I'm surprised but how do we choose from these teams?" Waller asks.
"Easy. We have a little pre-game competition." Tony smirks.
Soon we find ourselves in the gymnasium as Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Zatanna, Ms. Marvel, Batgirl, Black Panther, Katana, and Iron Fist stand across from Nightwing, Beastboy, Cyborg, Starfire, Jolt Arachnid, and Bumblebee.
"So since we can't seem to reach an agreement, we've decided to hold a little contest. You heroes will compete in 5 challenges. Whoever wins more will have the honor of becoming Superhero High's representatives in the Intergalactic Games." Waller said making them grin.
"Guys we have to win this." Wonder Woman said.
"No arguments here," Supergirl said.
"Don't think just because I was on vacation I slacked off," Zatanna said.
"Sorry but I too wish to compete," Starfire said.
"Yeah. This is like the best school event there is." Cyborg agrees.
"If you want to compete you'll have to go through us," Nightwing said.
"Bring it on." Spider-Man declares.
For the first event, Batgirl faced Cyborg and both were wearing high-tech bands on their arms.
Cracking his knuckles Cyborg saw Batgirl doing some stretches before holographic screens appeared in front of them.
"For this challenge, the two of you will hack the other's bands. When you do it, the band will beep red. Whoever hacks the other first wins the event." Waller said.
"Oh yeah, Cyborg's got this in the bag," Beastboy said.
"Oh please. They don't give the title of IT girl to just anyone." Ms. Marvel said.
"Ready...go!" Waller said as both heroes began typing furiously on the screens trying to hack the other one first.
As virtual schematics appeared over both Cyborg and Batgirl's eyes darted all over the screens as they moved their hands with skill and precision.
Needless to say, no one could tell who was in the lead until finally.
Slapping his hands together, a red beep went off causing Batgirl to groan just as she was about to finish.
"Booyah! Round 1 goes to us!" Cyborg cheers.
"If I had just another second." Batgirl groans.
"Aw yeah! Titans for the win!" Beastboy said.
"Sorry guys. I know this isn't the start we had hoped for." Batgirl said.
"Hey don't worry about it. We still have a chance." Spider-Man said.
The next event was the target shooting. In it, Starfire faced Supergirl.
"I do hope that no matter the outcome we will continue to be friends," Starfire said.
"Of course." Supergirl smiles.
"Alright girls, ready?" As Supergirl's eyes glowed and Starfire's starbolts appeared in her hands the targets shot out.
Firing her heat vision Supergirl blasted the target dead center.
"Whoo! That's how it's done!" Zatanna cheers.
"You got this Supergirl!" Iron Fist said.
As the next rounds came up, Starfire hurled her starbolts hitting all the targets as well.
"Oh yeah! Star has the moves too!" Cyborg cheers.
"Come on! Let's make it 2 for 2!" Bumblebee said.
"Alright now for the next round," Waller said as flying targets shot out.
Firing at the same time, both hit their targets making them explode.
Narrowing their eyes, both were destroying all the targets that were shot until finally, the last one remained.
Waiting, both saw the target shot out and instantly heat vision and starbolts shot out hitting the target at the same time.
"Uh did anyone catch who won that one? It was too close to tell." Ms. Marvel asks.
"Yeah, I couldn't tell either. Cyborg?" Nightwing asks as they check the security cameras and slow it down to the nearest middle second.
"It looks like they hit the target at the exact same time," Cyborg said.
"I guess this event is a tie then," Waller said.
"Good match," Supergirl said offering her hand.
"Agreed. It was most enjoyable." Starfire said shaking it.
The third event was a flying race. As we find ourselves at the outdoor flying course, we see Wonder Woman and Bumblebee facing off.
"Been a while since you and I were here at the same time. Cheetah didn't sabotage any of your gear?" Bumblebee smirks.
"Not this time. I'm gonna win." Wonder Woman grins.
"Come on Wonder Woman! We need a win!" Ms. Marvel calls out.
"Don't let the tension get to you!" Iron Fist calls out.
As both heroes took flight, they raced through the course.
Shrinking down in size, Bumblebee maneuvers around the poles while Wonder Woman has to dodge them.
When the guns came out and fired, Bumblebee had to pull back in order to avoid getting hit.
Using this chance, Wonder Woman raced ahead. As the lasers fired, Wonder Woman used her bracelets to deflect the fire and press on.
Growing back to normal size, Bumblebee raced after Wonder Woman as they entered the tunnel of doom.
Neck and neck the two girls dodged the purple goo being fired at them. With the finish line right in front of them, they lunged forward hoping to hit the buzzer.
But just as Bumblebee was about to get it, Wonder Woman slams her hand on first.
"Yes! Score one for the Avengers!" Batgirl said.
"We're all tied up now." Black Panther said.
"Not for long," Beastboy said.
Panting heavily Bumblebee tried to catch her breath when Wonder Woman held out her hand to shake.
"I guess you just wanted it more." She smiles.
"Yeah sorry about that." Wonder Woman smiles.
For Round 4, it was a test of evasiveness. As Jolt Arachnid and Black Panther entered the training room several blasters filled with paintballs were loaded and pointed at them.
"Someone wanna tell me why I'm not down there?" Katana asks.
"Or me? My training is perfect for this situation." Iron Fist asks.
"He threw scissors, you guys threw paper." Ms. Marvel said.
"Alright for this one you will each take turns dodging enemy fire. Whoever can last the longest without getting hit wins." Waller explains.
First up was Black Panther.
"Come on T'Challa. You got this." Katana said.
As the guns aimed at him, Black Panther took a stance.
Once they open fire, Black Panther dodges the attack with speed and precision.
Jumping and leaping around he dodges the paintballs being fired at him.
Moving in he slashes one of the guns and uses it like a shield to deflect the fire.
"The dude may be rocking a Vibranium suit but it's clear he doesn't rely on it," Cyborg said.
"Nope. And his skills more than make him a difficult one to hit." Iron Fist said.
As one used rapid fire, Black Panther slid under dodging it when suddenly the floor tiles under him began to move revealing hidden shooters.
Gasping, Black Panther lands on top of one and jumps off it like a springboard backflipping away.
But on the return one paintball hit him on the side causing the buzzer to go off.
"And the time is…wow 2 minutes and 38 seconds," Waller said.
Sighing Black Panther made his way out.
"I should have avoided that one. I'm sorry." He apologizes.
"It's fine. You did well." Wonder Woman said.
"Yeah, they just got a lucky shot in," Supergirl said.
"Luck or not, now they have a chance to surpass us. And most of us know how hard it is to catch a spider." Black Panther said gesturing to Jaden.
"Oh yeah," Katana cringed as she, Iron Fist, and Batgirl cringed remembering all those times they tried to track down Jaden and have him join the school.
Stepping up, Jolt Arachnid entered the room.
As the shooters pointed at him, Jolt Arachnid jumped up and started crawling along the ceiling to dodge the paintballs.
"Oh, man. Oh, man!" Jolt Arachnid said firing a web and swinging out of the way.
"Come on Miles!" Bumblebee cheers.
"Don't stop! Keep moving!" Beastboy yells.
Turning invisible, Jolt Arachnid tried to avoid the attacks but the shooters still fired at him.
"What in the? How can they see me?!" Jolt Arachnid asks.
"Thermal scanning. Just because they can't see you with human eyes doesn't mean they can't detect your heat energy." Waller smirks as Jolt Arachnid reappears.
"Now you tell me?!" Jolt Arachnid said when the shooters emerged from the tiles behind just like with Black Panther.
Just as they were about to shoot his Spidey sense went off forcing Miles to jump narrowly dodging it.
As he landed on the ground the shooters fired at the same time hitting him on the side.
"And your time is…2 minutes and 50 seconds. Titans win." Waller declares making them cheer.
"Phew. That was way too close." Jolt Arachnid said relieved.
"Oh, glorious victory." Starfire smiles.
"That's my Spider." Bumblebee smiles.
"His instincts are almost on par with yours." Black Panther said.
"Spider Sense man. I'm telling you it's like our best power." Spider-Man said.
"He's not wrong." Jolt Arachnid said walking over. "If it didn't go off back there I might have lost. You got sharp instincts T'Challa. I just got lucky."
"Luck had nothing to do with it. It was skill. Good job." Black Panther said admitting defeat.
For the final event, we see Spider-Man facing Nightwing who had his Escrima sticks drawn.
"You know you and I never did get to finish our first fight," Nightwing recalls.
"Yeah because Joker kidnapped our classmates," Spider-Man said taking a stance.
"But let me tell you Spidey, I've been itching for that rematch. I knew you were gonna be my main obstacle for this event." Nightwing said.
"Right back at ya," Spider-Man said Nightwing took a fighting stance.
'Well looks like these two have a little rivalry.' Waller thought amused. "Alright, the first one to subdue their opponent wins."
Making the first move, Nightwing went on the attack.
Swinging his sticks Spider-Man dodges the attacks.
"Whoa. Missed me. Down low." Spider-Man said ducking under. "Too slow."
Swinging a left hook Spider-Man nails Nightwing knocking him back.
"Really? Even in something as small as this, you make the quips?" Nightwing asks.
"What can I say? It's my thing." Firing a web, Spider-Man swings in.
Rolling out of the way, Nightwing slams his sticks together creating a bo staff.
Swinging it, Spider-Man is forced to block it.
Slamming his staff into the ground Nightwing pole vaults over Spider-Man and whacks Spider-Man making him skid back.
"Oh, man. I bet you are a master when it comes to hitting pinatas with that thing." Spider-Man said.
"Pinatas, bad guys, you name it." Nightwing smirks.
Firing two webs, they grabbed Nightwing by the legs. Pulling him in, Spider-Man slides to meet him and delivers two kicks knocking Nightwing to the ground.
Slowly getting up, Nightwing splits his staff back into his sticks.
Charging in, Spider-Man grows his stingers and blocks them.
"I'm not going down easy. Iron Man has been helping me train for these games." Spider-Man said.
"True but every time Batman and Iron Man clashed he kicked Iron Man's metal ass. Just like I'm about to kick yours." Nightwing smirks.
Pushing back, Nightwing swings his Escrima sticks, and while Spider-Man blocks most of them Nightwing nails a few strikes. Jumping up Nightwing kicks Spider-Man in the chest making him fall to the ground.
Forming a staff again, Nightwing was about to subdue him when Spider-Man rolls out of the way and fires a web hitting Nightwing in the face.
"Aaah!" He cringed trying to pull it off.
"Sorry Nightwing but my ass remains unkicked," Spider-Man said firing a web and yanking the staff out of Nightwing's hands allowing Spider-Man to punch him in the face knocking him against the wall.
Before he could react Spider-Man fires a web trapping his arms to the wall.
"And now to end this," Spider-Man said raising his arm about to strike but at the last second, he just grabbed Nightwing by the nose and squeezed. "Honk!"
Seeing this Beastboy and Cyborg burst into laughter everyone couldn't help but chuckle. Even Nightwing.
"Dude you are insane." He chuckles.
"Yeah, I know. You should have seen your face, you totally thought I was gonna get you." Spider-Man chuckles.
"I was not." Nightwing denies.
"Sure you were," Spider-Man said cutting him free.
"As hilarious as that was. With that win, we're tied again. How do we decide who will represent our school in the games?" Waller asks.
"Well, maybe we can help," Nightwing said getting her attention.
"Wait what?" Waller asks.
"Yeah I mean we know our teams better than anyone. We can help figure out who would be the best ones." Nightwing said.
"We'll just pick a few members from both our teams and they'll represent us," Spider-Man said.
"Anyone object to that?" Nightwing asks looking at their friends.
"I'm good," Cyborg said.
"Yeah, it's not the whole team but it's something," Katana said.
"Compromise is always the best solution." Iron Fist agrees.
"I guess. I just really hope I can get picked." Wonder Woman admits.
"I'm gonna be honest, I'd rather be a commentator for this event." Beastboy admits.
"Give us like an hour so we can talk and come up with an idea for our team," Spider-Man suggests.
"I think this could work." Waller nods.
A few hours later, Nightwing and Spider-Man had talked it over and soon all the students were gathered in the main hall.
"Attention students, after much discussion and debate we have decided on the team that will represent us in the Intergalactic Games," Waller said as the screen turned on.
Looking at it with interest they saw 6 figures appear.
"Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Bumblebee, Supergirl, Starfire, and for the sub Spider-Woman." Waller said as the 6 girls appeared on screen.
"Me?" MJ said surprised.
"Way to go MJ." Courtney smiles.
"You made the team." Kitty smiles.
"But how? I mean I thought for sure the boys would be first picked." MJ said.
"Now all of you are encouraged to sign up for any of the Round 1 events. Good luck." Waller said hanging up.
Looking around Mary Jane decided to go get answers.
Walking down the hall, she noticed Jaden walking out in his civilian clothes.
"Hey Jaden a word," MJ calls out getting his attention.
"Hey MJ, congrats on making the team," Jaden said.
"Thanks but do you have any idea why I made the team?" MJ asks.
"Oh that's easy. I recommended you." Jaden said surprising her.
"Wait you recommended me? Why not you or even Miles?" MJ asks.
"Mary Jane Watson. I've known you since we were kids. And I know firsthand how tough you are. You're not an Avenger or a Titan but you have tons of fight in you, you just need a chance to shine. I want to give you that chance. Besides, I think I could use a little less spotlight." Jaden chuckles.
Touched MJ was amazed Jaden was so willing to give her a chance.
Cupping his cheeks, MJ leans in and kisses Jaden on the lips surprising him.
"W-Whoa MJ w-what was that?" Jaden blushes.
"I won't let you down Jaden. And we can talk about this later. After I help us win." MJ winks before walking away.
As she swayed her hips Jaden couldn't help but be blown away. Suddenly his phone rang showing he got tons of messages.
"I can't believe I'm competing and I'm even leading the team. I promise I'll be a great team leader in your place. I really hope I can impress the Ambassador. We'll have to get some ice cream to celebrate. Love you." Diana's text read.
"I'm signed up for the tech event in round 2. I'll win this for both of us. I hope I can count on you to cheer for me the loudest." Barbara's text read with a heart emoji.
"I'm not really one for team events but if I sign up for an event and win can I get a reward from you?" Selina's text read with a winky face emoji.
"I can't believe I'm on the team. I'm so happy my feet aren't even on the ground. How about we go out and celebrate?" Kara's text read.
"I've already signed up for my event. Let me know if you want me to sign you up for anything. Personally, I think whatever you sign up for you'd be amazing at." Tatsu's text rang.
"Miles talked me into signing up for an event. I'm a little nervous about this but I think I can do it. Any chance we can meet up and you give me some tips and advice?" Kitty's text read.
"We may not be the team, but I know we can still give the Intergalactic Games a show to remember. Besides I bet I can still put on quite the magic show." Zee's text read.
"I just saw the message about the team for the Games. I'm sorry you didn't make the cut. If you'd like maybe we can grab a coffee and talk. I got myself a new camera girl and she could use some advice." Lois' text read.
Reading each one a smile formed on Jaden's face. He really loved the girls in his life and even if he wasn't competing on the team he could still be supportive.
"Jaden? Jaden Cooper?" Pausing Jaden slowly turns around to see Lena approaching him.
"Lena? Oh wow is that you?" Jaden said pretending to be surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"I work here. I'm the IT Girl of Superhero High." Lena said.
"Oh wow that is so cool," Jaden said.
"What are you doing here? Civilians aren't allowed in here without a pass." Lena asks.
"Uh well…" Jaden pauses when Tony steps out of a room.
"Hey Jaden come over here I need you for a second," Tony calls out.
"Be right there Mr. Stark," Jaden said getting Lena's attention.
"How do you know Tony Stark?" Lena asks.
"I'm working with him. It's pretty cool." Jaden shrugs.
"You don't say." Lena said one of her eyes twitched.
"Look at us. Quite a big step up from the Science Fairs. Anyway, I gotta run. It was great seeing you though." Jaden said walking away.
"Hey Jaden. I don't suppose you'll be coming to the Intergalactic Games?" Lena asks.
"Wouldn't miss it. See you round Lena." Jaden said leaving her.
Once he was gone Lena growls in anger. "Are you kidding me?!" She growls punching the nearby locker in frustration.
"Every time. Every time I accomplish something he somehow is able to outdo me." Lena glares. "Oh I cannot wait to see the stupid look on his face at the Games. Shut him up once and for all." Lena declares.
Walking into the next room, Jaden walked into the middle the lab where Tony was looking at a holographic screen.
"Hey listen if you're here to ask why I didn't choose to be on the team—" Jaden starts.
"Nah don't worry about it. I just threw your name in as a suggestion. You didn't have to say yes." Tony shrugs. "Have a look at this."
Walking up to him, Jaden saw 6 profiles on the screen. One was a blue demon girl in a red lantern uniform, one was a girl with long red hair and green armor plus yellow cape, a large muscular girl with long hair and purple armor, a grey-skinned boy with a leather biker outfit. One was a teenage boy with a gold helmet on his head and a black outfit, and the last was a Tamaranean with long dark purple hair and clothes similar to Starfire.
"Who are they?" Jaden asks.
"The competition." Tony declares.
"How did you find out? Did you hack their servers or something?" Jaden asks.
"Actually, I just Googled the School Website. It was on the front page." Tony said.
"So who are these people?" Jaden asks.
"Their names are Bleez, Maxima, Mongol, Lobo, Nova, and Blackfire," Tony said.
"Wait is she?" Jaden realized.
"Starfire's big sister. Looks like on top of everything we got a little family drama." Tony nods.
"Oh boy." Jaden gulps.
"We are going to have our work cut out for us," Tony said.
As Jaden walks out he sees Zee walking nearby.
"Hey, is something on your mind?" Zee asks.
"A little, not sure what it is just yet," Jaden said.
"Well I do still owe you a date for everything. You want to go unwind?" Zee offers.
"Absolutely." Jaden smiles.
Leaning in Zee gives him a kiss on the lips before they walk out holding hands.
They will face this challenge soon, but they'll be ready when it's time.