Opening File: The Justice Friends
The group known as the Justice Friends is a team of elite Huntsmen and beings with abnormal powers dedicated to fighting Grimm and other destructive forces. Coming together in the city that would become GrimmFall team's reputation would grow over the years as an example for young Hunters in training to aim for.
The team is led by Major Glory, the hero whose power comes from a spirit created by the very ideals of America along with his teammates Valhallen the Viking God of Rock and the Infraggable Krunk.
Other members include:
White Tiger, a tiger Faunus whose power, speed, reflexes and claws of a tiger but each attribute is enhanced to superhuman levels, allowing him to move at amazing speeds and cut down anything in his way to pieces with relative ease.
Living Bullet, a man wearing an armored suit powered by a rare form of Dust known as 'Speed Dust' that allows him move at near sonic speed to the point that nobody can see him move, making him one of the fastest, if not the fastest man alive.
Tiki Torch, a Class V Huntsmen from the Kingdom of Moana with a Semblance that allows him to generate fire around his body and to propel himself as a form of flight. It is rumored that he is the fiancé of Queen Nani Pelekai, David Kawena.
Miss Spell, a veteran Huntress with a powerful psionic Semblance that manifests in the form of pink energy that matches her Aura. She is famous for being the sole female of the group and the wife of fellow member Phan Tone.
Phan Tone, a Huntsman who's Semblance allows him to become intangible but only through humming a special tune and is married to fellow member Miss Spell.
And Capital G, a Huntsman with a Semblance centered to freely change his size ranging from Maximum which allows him to reach a height that towers over buildings and Minimum which shrinks him down to the size of a tooth.
Together these warriors and defenders of justice are recognized as being among the greatest Hunters and heroes in the world with their powers and skills matching other veterans such as Scotty Blake of Clan Blake, Joseph 'Dracon' Matthews of Denver, Mayor Phil Ken Sebben of GrimmFall, Quickdraw McGraw of the Wildlands and Genki Sanban of Sanban Industries. It is said that no force on Earth could ever hope to defeat them alone.
The coming threats would test that claim.
Close File
Xxx
"Symbols can often be interpreted one way or another. One guy says peace, the other says war, one says justice, and the other says vengeance. It's all about perspective and trying to be the kind of figure you know will affect next generation and beyond. Peace, love, apathy, greed, in this day and age you can symbol representing just about everything all around you. The question is what do you think your symbol is?" TOM watched as the file closed. "Are you one of peace or do you prefer the path of destruction? We all have symbols in our own way." TOM tapped the symbol where his reactor was located. "All you got to do is find it."
Xxx
"I will be hiring a sidekick to help me battle the forces of evil. So if you have spunk, tenacity and the good old American spirit then you too can be my sidekick. I will be at the Independence Mall this weekend to personally pick the youngster who will battle at my side for justice. Salutations, America!"
Dee-Dee watched as the commercial ended and turned off the TV, sitting back on her chair.
"Something the matter, Dee-Dee?"
Dee-Dee spun around, looking surprised as she spied her uncle standing at the doorway to the large living room. "Oh, nothing really, uncle."
"I hear Glory boy's looking for a new sidekick." O'Reilly walked in with a small smile. "Am I looking at his future sidekick right now?"
"Oh, sure." Dee-Dee laughed a bit. "I was just imagining what Dexter would say if he saw the commercial like I did."
"And what would he say?"
Dee-Dee shrugged. "That he'd be Major Glory's next sidekick and maybe he could."
"But not you?" O'Reilly asked, still smiling. "You and your brother may be different but you both happen to be…major fans of Glory boy."
"Oh uncle." Dee-Dee sighed, turning away because she was unable to look her uncle in the eye for that bad pun he just made.
"I'm serious. I've seen the posters." O'Reilly laughed. "So why not audition?"
"I'm already the heiress of one of the biggest companies in the world. Besides, sure I got my Semblance and I know how fight thanks to the private tutors you and grandpa hired but…"
"Yes, Dee-Dee." O'Reilly urged softly.
"Would it be right for me to audition without giving Dexter a chance? Sure, he'd say he would win but I don't like just taking a chance from him without him knowing." Dee-Dee looked back at her uncle. "Do I really have the right to be that selfish?"
"And who says you'd win even if you went?" O'Reilly asked rhetorically.
Dee-Dee glared. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Oh…Just saying there's bound to be dozen of young boyos there eager to be the ones who get picked?" O'Reilly pointed out with a laugh.
"I am as good, no better than all those kids." Dee-Dee huffed. "I got strength, lots of spirit and I can kick some," She made a few punches and kicks for dramatic effect. "Well you know."
"Than what are you waiting for?" O'Reilly laughed. "Go and try out."
"But what about-"
"If your brother sees and wants to try out too that should not stop you from wanting to at least try as well. You are both special in your own way and you shouldn't let one competition come between the two of you." O'Reilly said, placing a hand on her niece's knee since he was too short to reach her shoulder. "I imagine he'll have some gadget to get himself to the mall quickly when it starts. So why not get yourself ready and just be there."
Dee-Dee thought it over for a moment before smiling. "All right, I'll try." She knelt down and hugged her uncle. "Thank you, Uncle O'Reilly."
"My pleasure, little dynamite."
Xxx
"It is good to see you walking again, dearie."
Raven nodded in agreement, taking a few steps around the living room of the Bagge house to give her legs a stretch and to properly test her body to ensure she had fully recovered. "I seem okay now. I'll be sure to watch out for any more tricks like that man used. I assumed he simply used Wind Dust in his flute but I never considered what his Semblance might have been."
"A Hunter's skill is not defined by his weapon or his Semblance but by the manner he uses them." Muriel said wisely. "I have been a Huntress long enough to understand that. Eustace has checked with the police and there has been no sign of that man or anyone else for out there for miles. It seems he is long gone, or has gone to ground close by."
Raven agreed since she had been experienced enough with criminals cunning enough to hide themselves in plain sight. "Well, I can't sense anyone out there aside from the chickens in the hen house. So far, it seems like he isn't coming back."
"Only as long as he believes you are protected." Muriel replied, smirking a bit at the small look of surprise Raven was sporting. "Like I said before I was a Huntress long enough to understand how one must fight and many other things. That man was not here by coincidence, he was here for you."
Raven sighed. "I think he's connected with how I ended up here. I wanted to question him but he took me by surprise. All I know for sure is that he might come back with…Help."
Courage came down the stairs with a piece of paper he held up for both women to see which Muriel took. "And what is this?"
Courage sat down, watching as Muriel read it over. "I see…Raven dear; I believe you might have some answers here."
She held out the paper to Raven who took it and looked it over. "Name: Jujunga. Place of Birth: Australia. A former professional Huntsman, known for using a didgeridoo as a staff and blow gun. Jujunga's Semblance is the ability to create and inject any form of poison, lethal and none-lethal into anything he touches. Jujunga is also known for making use of Dust carefully placed in the tattoos all over his body and is considered extremely dangerous. Threat Level: Class V."
"Class V, the highest rank of skill a Hunter could ever hope to reach. It takes years of honing one's skill, Aura and Semblance to reach that level. And the practice of embedding Dust into clothes or even tattoos is very old and something I did not think was done anymore. Such dedication and how formidable he was are testaments to his ranked skill." Muriel stated once Raven was done reading.
"At least I can take some small amount of pride in knowing that I was bested by a veteran and not some joke-criminal." Raven sighed, thinking back to certain supervillains from her world who, to be honest, seemed to only be in it for the chance to wear some wild and eccentric costume. "But now it's clear that he won't relent. By remaining here I'm placing your family in danger."
"Hush now, child." Muriel said firmly. "The life of a Huntress is one of perpetual danger. That is what every teacher will tell you." Her frown faded. "Fortunately, I know of someone who might be more…qualified to help you in the long run, dear."
Muriel pulled out her tablet and tapped in a short message before hitting 'send'. "There we go…ah, good. He's received it. He should be along any moment now."
"He…?" Raven raised one brow curiously before the air nearby rippled and then split apart, revealing a portal which expanded to allow a large figure to step through…with a bit of a limp owed to one of his legs being an oversized machine gun.
"MURIEL BAGGE!" The newcomer bellowed and cackled, snatching Muriel up in an embrace. "Five years, lassy! Where've you been all this time?!"
"Right here in the middle of Nowhere like usual, Scotty." Muriel giggled and returned the hug. "Raven, meet my good friend and veteran huntsman: Scotty Blake of Clan Blake."
The Scotsman set Muriel down and looked over Raven. "Oh? So you're the wee lass Muriel mentioned, are yeh? Went up against that pipe blowin' oaf Jujunga?"
"I…did." Raven answered awkwardly as the giant cast a shadow over her. "How did you get here?"
The Scotsman reached over his shoulder and pulled his large claymore free of its scabbard so that Raven could see the sigils carved into the blade. "Celtic magic, lass! Celtic magic. Never fails!" He cackled again. "So. Muriel tells me you've got a wee bit'o a problem, what with some'o Tree Ogre's wee babies chasin' you around, right?"
Raven tried to comprehend what he was referring to. "If by that you mean Jujunga and his employers…yes."
"That cuts it then!" The Scotsman clapped his hands together. "We've been puttin' together a group to go after that lot and their labs. Way I see it, you've got a stake in that, so if you're willing to come along then Ol' Scotty Blake will keep that pipe tattie from takin' another shot at you. How's that sound, lassy?"
Raven looked to Muriel, who nodded quickly. "That sounds…perfect."
"GOOD!" The Scotsman bellowed. "But first…where's that wee lil' gum drop of a dog of yours, Muriel? Courage! Get out here!"
Courage poked his head out from behind Muriel and was immediately snatched up by the Scotsman, who held him up in both hands.
"Look'it you, lad!" He said. "I hear you screamed that tattooed tattie halfway across the farm! Good on you, boy!"
Raven could only watch in half-confusion and half-dread from how Scotty was showing Courage with affection…
Better him than her.
Xxx
"This is unbelievable."
Connie could only watch as Peridot used the tractor beam function of her limb enhancers to gather pieces of the broken Homeworld Warp Pad.
"First the robonoids, the escape pod, the communication's hub and now this is busted again." Peridot grumbled. "These Crystal Gems are a menace."
"Can it be repaired?" Connie asked.
"I would be more confident if I had my robonoids with me." Peridot answered, picking up another large piece. "As it stands I can only hope putting it back together will effectively repair it enough that we can use it to escape."
"Anything I can do to help?"
Peridot shook her head. "Organic class is not given access to the schematics of Warp Pads or training for engineering. I would prefer to handle this myself."
Before anything else could be said one of the other Warp Pads activated and on it appeared Pearl.
"Ah-ha!" Pearl pointed at Peridot with a look of triumph. "I've found you! I can't believe that stardust scanner actually worked!"
"What?" Peridot dropped the large piece she had been holding. "Stardust scanner…You work with those galactic enforcers?"
"That's right and now I've caught you!" Pearl remarked. "You'll never get away with it!"
"Don't you and those other Crystal Gems have anything better to do than annoy me?" Peridot complained.
"No! Prepare to be annoyed!" Pearl remarked.
Peridot was seething now as she pointed her fingers at Pearl and formed them into a blaster that began charging with green. "I don't have time for this! This planet has an expiration date and I am not going to stick around to find out when!"
She fired and got knocked back by the force of the recoil while Pearl ducked under the blast that hit a pillar behind her. Pearl looked up just in time to let out a shocked cry as the pillar fell on top of her.
"Ha!" Peridot laughed a bit, staring at her blaster for a second. "Just as I planned."
Pearl grunted, trying to lift the large pillar up but despite her above human strength she wasn't Garnet or Amethyst. Having summoned her spear in time she used both hands to lift the pillar up and throw it to the side. Pearl then turned around, giving Peridot a fierce glare before jumping off the warp pad and charging at the green Gem, aiming her spear to finish off the current and most persistent enemy of the Crystal Gems.
Peridot however had other plans as she quickly raised her other arm and used her tractor beam to catch Pearl just as she was within striking distance. "Ha! Sorry, but you are going the wrong way!"
Peridot spun around and flung Pearl back, watching as she hit what was left of the pillar that had been standing behind the warp pad she had arrived on.
Peridot let out an obnoxious laugh. "This is just sad. I almost feel sorry for…Not!"
Pearl grunted, using her spear to held stand back up and glared at the annoying green Gem. "That's it!"
She pointed her spear and fired a barrage of white bolts at Peridot who quickly jumped out of the way. Pearl ran after her as she ran on her detachable fingers and landed on another warp pad but was disappointed to see it wasn't working. "Ugh! Doesn't anything work on this cruddy planet?"
"I got you now!" Pearl shouted, leaping at Peridot but a sudden arc of yellow energy slammed and knocked her down.
Pearl cried out, seeing yellow lines forming on her and felt her physical form struggling to stay together. Looking up she saw with widened eyes who had hit her. Connie stood next to Peridot with her sword out, humming with yellow electricity.
"That human…" Pearl muttered in shock. "You carry a weapon…They actually trained you to fight."
"I was trained like all my kind in our home given to us by Pink Diamond before you and your rebel leader shattered her." Connie retorted, holding up her sword. "I am C0-N1Y of Homeworld and I am here to carry out the mission given to me by my Diamond."
With that said Connie charged at Pearl who barely managed to roll out of the way and get back to her feet. The shock from Connie's sword had slowed her speed and she found herself on the defense, desperately parrying and block strikes from Connie's sword. The young girl, though a human was extremely skilled with a sword and the electricity it was producing was likely like the Gem Destabilizer Jasper had used on Garnet. This girl was obviously a descendant of the organics stolen from Earth during Homeworld's attempt to colonize the planet.
After the war the Crystal Gems had no chance of leaving the planet or rescuing the organics that had been taken by the Diamonds and after all this time Pearl had doubted that any of them had survived under the Diamond Authority.
It seemed not only had they survived but had managed to become important enough to be sent on missions.
CLANG!
Pearl just managed to barely block another strike aimed at her gemstone and stepped away as the sword almost electrified her.
She was good.
Her form was a bit rigid but she made use of quick slashes aimed to quickly finish her off and the Destabilizer function in her sword made her an actual formidable opponent. A burst of green light hit the ground in front of her, sending her skidding across the platform.
It didn't help that Peridot was still in the fight.
Pearl cried out as she hit the ground hard, managing to stand herself back up and glared at Peridot who kept her blaster trained on her while Connie slowly approached.
This wasn't how it was supposed to be.
She was supposed to catch Peridot and bring her to Garnet.
Maybe then Garnet would forgive her for the mistake she made.
The mistake in tricking Garnet into fusing her just so she could feel good about herself.
She went alone, thinking she was more than enough but the tables had quickly turned on her and she found herself outmatched.
Why was this happening?
Where had she gone wrong?
When would she ever make things right?
How was she supposed to make things right when she couldn't even catch a single Gem and a Human?
What would Rose say if she was here and saw Pearl now?
What would Steven say?
"Looks like you are in way over your head. Then again, only a Pearl like you would be stupid enough to fight us alone." Peridot laughed a bit as she charged her blaster. "How's it feel to be so easily outmaneuvered, you clod?"
Pearl grunted as she stood up just as Connie charged at her again. Pearl reacted by summoning two clones of herself with one engaging Connie and the other being used as a shield just as Peridot fired again.
Connie immediately destroyed the clone in just a few hits from her electrified sword. "That was pathetic. The training drones in the Habitat Zone were better."
The other clone was immediately destroyed by Peridot's blast while the real Pearl threw her spear at Peridot in last attempt to get her. Peridot cried out as the spear slammed into her arm and knocked her off balance, making her fall onto her back. Connie jumped and swung her sword down at Pearl who rolled out of the way, the electricity from the sword grazing her and making her grimace in pain. Connie spun around and slashed at her again but Pearl jumped back and took off running to the edge of the platform.
Peridot grunted as she sat up just in time to watch Pearl jump over the edge and fall directly down into the ocean. Connie stopped at the edge, watching as Pearl dove into the water with a big splash. After a moment of searching it seemed the white Gem was not coming back.
"Should we go after her?" Connie asked, looking back at Peridot as she stood up.
Peridot remained silent, seemingly contemplating the idea. "No. She's not our priority. We must continue working to repair the Warp Pad somehow and get off this planet before the Cluster emerges."
Connie nodding, sheathing her sword. "Are you all right?"
"I am fine. Thank you… C0-N1Y." Peridot said, showing a bit of gratitude that sounded confused and possibly a bit forced.
After all she wasn't expecting to be saved by the Organic class that was considered lower than even Pearls on Homeworld.
Connie simply smiled and nodded. "You are welcome."
"Now then." Peridot quickly got back to business. "We should anticipate more rebels coming after us so for the time being this area has been compromised. We will have to move out and find a new location and possibly a new plan to escape."
Connie nodded. "Understood."
Xxx
Pearl didn't need to breathe underwater.
Nevertheless she anxiously reached the surface of the ocean once she was sure she was far enough away. She shot her head out of the water, letting out a cry of exhaustion, pain and sadness before looking back at mountain where the platform containing the Homeworld Warp Pad resided.
"Garnet…Steven…Amethyst…I failed." Pearl whispered mournfully. "I tried to catch them…But I couldn't."
What could she do now?
Go back to the Temple and weep in failure and misery?
Try to catch them again?
Pearl didn't see the point in trying anymore.
She just wanted to float away from here, just let the tides take her anywhere and maybe she'd wash up somewhere where she couldn't mess things up anymore.
Or maybe a Grimm would come along, sensing her sadness and end her.
Maybe Steven and the others would be better off without her getting in the way, messing things up and keeping secrets all the time.
'I wanted to tell you everything, Steven. For so long I wanted to tell you the truth. About you, about Rose, about everything.' Pearl thought, letting the tides take her anywhere but here.
Pearl closed her eyes and let herself sink beneath the water.
Everything seemed to darken at this point…
"Is this really where you give up?"
And then there was a bright light that blinded her and she forgot everything that happened after.