Chapter 11: On the Job Learning

Manhattan

07:25 | September 7

New York

"Wonder Woman! Can you comment on the rising tensions in Qurac!"

"Is the League finally going to intervene in a war!"

"The UN League charter has expanded greatly since its founding; will it expand again!"

Wonder Woman ignored the muckrakers, trying to get a sound bite from her as she entered her car. Her aide de camp, as she jokingly referred to him, closed the door behind her before going around and getting in. The diplomatic car took off under police escort to Diana's apartment. With the noise dying down, Diana leaned and sighed. "When I joined the League, I did not expect to have to be its public image."

"They see you about as much as they see Superman or any Green Lanter," Steve Trevor, the US government assigned head of security for Wonder Woman, grinned. He was a blond man in his thirties and was an accomplished soldier.

"Still," Diana sighed, resting her cheek on her closed fist. "I don't have monitor duty, and I'm not on call today. Would you like to join me for lunch?"

Steve gave the Amazon princess a side look and smiled. "Count me in, Princess."

"Good. I can change at home, and we can take it from there." Diana grinned, and the two spent the rest of the car ride reviewing her schedule and catching up on their day. When they arrived at her apartment in Manhattan, Diana sent Steve up while she checked her mail and took a call from the League.

Steve swiped his ID outside Diana's door and entered. Upon entering, the sound of the television and the rattling of pots caught his attention. Last he checked, Diana lived alone and had no maid staff. Steve carefully walked through the hall leading to the living room. His footfalls were muffled by the carpet, but as he neared the living room, the rattling stopped. "About time you made it; I was just," a young man walked out of the kitchen. "Who are you?" the teen raised a brow.

"Me?" Steve's brows shot up. "Who are you? Why are you in Di-Wonder Woman's apartment?" Steve remained on guard.

The boy was clad in dark grey pants and grey socks. He wore a tight black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms. Steve, however, noticed the thickness around the torso, indicating the boy was wearing armor. Beyond that, the scars on the teen's forearms caught his attention. "Alright, kid, my name is Steve Trevor, and I work for the White House."

"White House, huh?" the teen eyed him over and tilted his head at Steve's chest. "That a Glock?"

Steve's eyes widened slightly. "How did you?" Steve parted his blazer and showed his holster Glock 19.

"Secret Service standard," the teen shrugged. "Now, Steve, to answer your question, I'm Tom." Before Tom could explain further, the door opened behind Steve, and Wonder Woman walked in.

"Steve, I was thinking maybe we could, oh!" Diana's eyes lit up seeing Tom. "Tom, I wasn't expecting you."

"I wanted to drop in, have lunch, made your favorite." Tom jabbed his thumb behind him.

"Ice cream?" Diana smirked.

"You know, just because you're an immortal Amazon doesn't mean you should only eat sweets." Tom rolled his eyes. "It's a flank steak," Tom paused before smiling, "and Ice cream for dessert."

"Good boy," Diana winked at him. "But, where are my manners," Diana stood between the two. "Steve, this is Thomas," Diana gestured to Steve, "Steve Trevor, my friend and head of security."

"Nice to meet you," Tom extended a hand, and Steve nodded, shaking it.

"Likewise," Steve nodded, relaxing once more. "How do you two know each other?"

"He's my son," Diana called out from the kitchen, making Steve's eyes widen like dinner plates. "He's what?"

"Son," Tom chuckled, turning to join his mother in the kitchen. "Hey, don't sneak the dessert!"

"Spoilsport," Diana retaliated. Steve took a minute to recover before he went into the kitchen. "Diana, why didn't you tell me you had a kid?"

Tom looked at Diana, and she nodded. "I'm actually from a different universe," Tom shrugged.

"Oh," Steve sighed; he should have figured it wouldn't be as simple as she gave birth to him. The group ate together, and Tom caught up with Diana during the past few weeks and the last mission. Steve had heard of a disturbance in Bialya from a friend in the CIA. It helped to keep up certain relationships when he was Diana's 'aid de camp' as she loved to tease.

"Oh, and I told them about home," Tom paused, "it was easier, thanks to you."

Diana's eyes expressed a maternal love Steve never thought he'd see from her. "I'm glad, Tom, just don't push yourself; take it at your own pace." Diana reached over and squeezed Tom's hand.

"I will," Tom chuckled.

"Have you thought about talking to Dinah?" Diana rubbed her thumb over his hand when it balled into a fist.

"I'm," Tom looked away, "still thinking about it."

"Of course," Diana pulled back, "go at your own pace."

"Yeah," Tom sighed and leaned back. "Sorry, I hope I didn't damper the mood," Tom smiled apologetically to Steve.

"No," Steve shook his head. "Whatever you're going through, kid, I'm glad you got people who care."

Diana opened her mouth to say something but snapped it shut. She frowned and put her finger to her ear, "Wonder Woman," Diana said. After a brief silence, Diana responded, "understood, I'll be there as soon as possible."

"I thought you were off duty," Steve raised a brow.

"League matters; founding members have to show up," Diana stood and grabbed her plate.

"I'll clean up, you go," Tom wiped his mouth with his napkin and started clearing the table.

"I'll help," Steve followed up.

"Thank you. Oh, when I get back, there is something I'd like to discuss with you, Thomas." Diana nodded, her tone serious.

Tom whistled, "Sounds serious."

"It is," Diana looked away, "but we can talk about it when I get back." Diana removed her clothes, her armor beneath them. She left through the balcony, and Tom and Steve watched her fly into the distance.

"TV?" Tom broke the silence that Diana had left behind.

"Sure," Steve shrugged, and the two watched TV. After some time of just watching the History Channel, Steve cleared his throat.

"So," Steve began rubbing his hands together.

"So," Tom smirked slightly, he knew what was coming.

"Diana is your mother," Steve rapped his fingers on his thighs.

"Yes," Tom said, leaned back, and dipped his arm over the couch.

"So, you have a father, I take it," Steve gave Tom a side-eye.

"That's generally how kids happen," Tom shrugged, "well, it should, at least."

"Right, right," Steve nodded and slapped his palms against his thighs. "So, your father," Steve looked over.

"Is not an alternative you," Tom shook his head. "Sorry to disappoint," the young hero shrugged. "Though I bet I could pull off blonde," Tom smirked at Steve.

"Sorry," Steve rubbed his neck awkwardly.

"It's alright," Tom said, "but if I were you, I'd just ask her."

Steve looked at Tom and then went back to the TV. "Did your father ask?"

"Nope," Tom said with a pop. "If anything, my mother pursued him; she wasn't used to rejection, though."

"I see," Steve felt worse knowing that. "It's for the best, I don't want to ruin our working relationship."

"My old man said the same," Tom chuckled. "For what it's worth, if you never try, you'll never know."

"Romantic advice from a teenager," Steve laughed.

"Hey," Tom frowned, then laughed.

"You're alright, Tom," Steve crossed his arms and leaned back.

"Red X, come in," Tom heard Batman's voice.

"Excuse me," Tom stood up and went to the balcony. He shut the sliding glass door behind him and put two fingers to his ear. "Red X here," Tom's face became serious.

"Emergency mission. How far are you from the nearest Zeta Tube."

"Give me five, see you soon," Tom returned inside and grabbed his jacket from the couch. "Sorry, got my own emergency."

"Right, but aren't you Diana's sidekick?" Steve raised a brow.

"No," Tom shook his head, "also not a sidekick, thank you very much," Tom smirked and slung the coat over his shoulder. "Catch you later, Steve," Tom gave Steve a two-finger salute and left. Tom jogged to the nearest Zeta Tube in Manehattan.

Mount Justice

15:25 | September 07

Rhode Island

"Red X B07," the computer announced Red X as he materialized inside the cave in a flash. He found the Team already suited up waiting for him. "Where's Kaldur and Tula?" Red looked around the cave.

"On a mission assisting Red Arrow in Taiwan," Batman transmitted from a holo screen. "That is not why I gathered you here." The holo terminal brought up footage of Gotham City.

"We believe the tram has been hijacked by none other than Joker and his gang. He's holding the passengers hostage and has made no demands as of yet." Vicky Vale continued her report over footage of the high-speed tram traveling over Gotham's skylines.

"The news is not yet aware, but satellite scans indicated the Joker has several chemical containers in the train." Batman brought up spectrographic images of the train. "His ultimate goal is unknown, but the tram does pass over a few possible targets." Three screeens popped up. "The tram will pass through the Thoma Wayne central station, Gotham Water Plant, and ACE chemicals Plant." Batman popped up on the screen again, "needless to say, the release of chemicals on any of these destinations would be catastrophic."

Tom bawled his hands into fists, "understood, we'll deploy immediately and stop him."

"Red X," Batman called out. "This will be your first mission as team leader; failure could spell serious civilian casualties if you're not confident you can handle this."

"We got this," Tom narrowed his eyes.

"Very well," Batman nodded. "Captain Marvel will be on standby; if you require his assistance, do not hesitate to ask."

"Understood," Tom nodded.

"Good luck," Batman signed off.

"Miss M," Tom turned to the Team. "Prepare Bioship; I'll go change; everyone mount up; I'll meet you there."

"Roger," the Team said in unison and left for the hangar. Tom rushed to his room and began suiting up.

I can practically feel the tension, and I'm stuck in a helmet.

It's my first mission, leading the Team. Tom paused, looking down. I can't let my team down.

If it is wisdom you require, I offer thee this. If you do not trust your resolve to lead, trust the resolve others put on you. Nabu's ancient voice advised while Tom donned his gauntlets.

Trusting the resolve of others, Tom smiled and reached over, putting a hand on the helmet. Thank you; your words are indeed wise, Nabu.

A Lord of Order has much to offer; remember, we are waiting.

I know, Tom finished donning his domino mask and turning away from the helmet. I'll find you a worthy vessel.

Good luck, kid, I'm rooting for you, Kent laughed, the voices fading from his mind.

Tom rushed to the hangar and entered the Bioship. Inside, he took his seat, and the hangar doors opened. The ship flew out, cloaking as it soared through the skies.

"Alright, here's the plan," Tom looked to his friends. "We fly in low, neutralize any goons crazy enough to be on the tram's roof. We break up into three teams and take the first three cars. Miss M, you'll bring the hostages into the Bioship; we clear the train to the clown at the front."

"Got it," Robin punched his palm.

"Arteims, KF, you'll take the first car, Robin and myself will take the second, and Miss M and Superboy will take the third."

"Me and," KF started, but Tom silenced him with a single look.

"Right, no, yeah, you're the boss," KF straightened like a scolded schoolboy. Robin cackled at his expense, and everyone smirked.

"Twenty minutes to target," Miss M sounded off, and everyone settled into their usual pre-mission routine.

"So," Tom sat back in his seat, "how was your first day of school?"

"Amazing!"

"Normal."

The two answers made Tom chuckle, "You didn't fight anyone, did you, Connor?"

"He tried," Miss M grinned.

"I did not," Superboy defended himself, crossing his arms.

"He got miffed everyone was wearing Superhero Tshirts," Miss M explained.

"You told me I had to change mine to keep my identity secret," Superboy retorted.

"To be fair, you could wear a costume," Tom offered.

"Hey, you know my motto," Superboy rolled his eyes and stared at the passing skies.

"Right, right," Tom shook his head.

"What about you? Don't you wanna go to school?" Artemis looked at Tom.

"Uh, no, I'm fine, thanks," Tom shook his head.

"Awh, why not?" Miss M perked, "You could be my brother!"

"We don't exactly look alike to pull that off," Tom smirked.

"You can be mine, I guess," Connor shrugged.

"I'm fine, really, Tom shook his head, I don't think I'd fit into public schooling." Tom pursed his lips, "I don't think I have anything in common with people my age."

"Dude, we're around the same age," KF pointed out.

"That's different," Tom countered.

"I don't know. It sounds to me like you just want to skip schooling," Robin smirked.

"I am educated," Tom pointed out, "I could test out of any public school."

"You know, you keep hanging out with us in the cave, and you'll turn into a hermit." Artemis chuckled.

"I take offense to that," Tom turned his chin up in mock indignation. "I get out plenty; just a few days ago, I went all the way to Bialya!"

"It's five against one, dude; you should just join us at school," KF leaned back, crossing his arms behind his neck.

"I'll," Tom hummed, thinking about it, "take it under advisement," he relented.

"We'll wear him down," KF fist bumped with Robin, and the rest of the trip felt a lot chipper than they started. When they flew into Gotham, they tracked down the runaway tram quickly. Several GCPD copters were trailing it.

"Alright, begin the mission," Tom said as the Bioship flew down, hovering just above the last tram. No henchmen were on top, "team one, go," Tom gestured to KF and Artemis. Bioship opened a hole, and KF and Artemis jumped on the roof. Bioship moved up to the next car, and Red and Robin jumped down, and Superboy and Miss M jumped down on the third.

Miss M? Red gripped the side of the tram.

Everyone is linked mentally; Miss Martian peeked over the side of her car to peer through the window. Hostages are hog-tied, and clowns are armed and dangerous.

Everyone got their insertion point? Red X procured an X-shaped plastic explosive. Robin procured an explosive batarang.

Ready!

Checked!

Let's hit em!

Mark! Red exclaimed through the link. He put down the explosive on a window, and Robin followed suit. They beeped and exploded, knocking the henchmen down. Artemis stuck an arrow in the car's back door and blew it off.

Superboy and Miss M flew out and smashed through the windows, tackling the clowns. Red knelt over a clown fist raised. The clown wore a hoodie with splattered paint and a distinct clown mask. "Alright, dirtbag, you're done!"

"Mmmm!" The clown shook his head and struggled against Red.

"What the?" Tom frowned, confused by the muffled yell. He ripped the mask off the clown and was met with a frightened man's wild eyes. His mouth was ducktaped, and the word 'caughtcha' was scribbled in green marker. Red looked down and saw their guns, which were squirt guns ducktaped to their hands. It's a trap; the clowns are the hostages! Tom was tackled off the hostage by a man with a painted face.

"say goodnight-" the thug was cut off as a batarang whipped across his face. The real clowns stood from their seats and rushed the two. Red pushed the thug off and kicked him into the rushing attackers. He jumped and peered behind him to see Robin punching and kicking the henchmen unconscious. Red looked back and ducked under a punch; he kicked out, toppling the attacker. The one behind him raised a gun. Red threw a shuriken into the barrel, and it detonated.

"Aagh!" The man fell back onto his friends, the gun rendered useless. Red rushed ahead, jumped, grabbed the top handlebars, and kicked out! Two more thugs were knocked out with bloody noses. Tom dropped threw two shurikens and knocked the last two thugs out. Second car clear, Red turned to Robin, giving a thumbs up as he untaped hostages.

Same here, Kid Flash said as he punched the last thugs into the air with an uppercut.

We're set, Superboy called out and finished untying the hostages.

Alright, bring the hostages to the last car, and we'll begin loading them into Bioship.

"Nah-ah ah, don't think about opening any of those doors!" A mad cackle followed the voice on the tram speakers. "Joker here, your conductor for this mad train!"

Everyone? Red moved to the back door through the unconscious bodies and hostages. He peered over the door window, and true enough, charges were placed on the sides of the car doors.

Got them here too, Artemis said

Likewise, Miss M scowled at the charges.

"Now that I have your attention, who the heck are you?" Joker Deadpanned. "I was expecting ol Batsy boy, but I didn't think he'd send his scout troop. Got any thin mints?" Joker laughed at his own joke.

Miss M, can you disable your bomb telepathically? Red started thinking of what to do.

I can't get a good look at it; I'll fly out and disable it from the outside. Before Miss M could leave, shutters slammed down on the windows.

"What, didn't think I thought about that? Well, how are you gonna get out of this one? Ol Batsy boy probably wouldn't have been caught in the first place."

"Kids don't pay attention in school anymore, Mistah J," a female voice caught Red's ear.

"Harley?" Red turned to the speakers.

"You know her?" Robin raised a brow.

"The one for my world, yeah," Red looked away frowning. "She's a good person, crazy maybe, but good. At least mine was," Red balled his hands into fists. Superboy, check the shutters to see if any wiring could trigger the charges.

Superboy squinted using his enhanced vision. Negative, shutters are clear.

Bust out of there; let's get these people out of here first. Have the Bioship start with your hostages. Red ordered and pressed his belt buckle, put his hands on a shutter, and grabbed it; the metal warped around his hands, and he yanked it off. Red stuck his head out and watched the last car's right window blow out. He looked left and saw Bioship de-cloak and fly by the window.

Bioship is in position; I'll start floating hostages through. Miss M said, but as she said that, Red watched goons climb to the roof. They were armed with automatic weapons as well.

Negative, the goons are on the roof and armed. Can't risk them hitting a hostage. Red grabbed the top of the window, tucked his feet in, and kicked out, swinging himself over to the roof. Team, take them down! Red X rose to a combat stance; Superboy busted out a shutter and flew out along with Miss M. Artemis and Kid Flash, who were the last to swing themselves on.

Joker's goons opened fire, and Superboy got between the Team and flew straight at them. "Out of the way!" Superboy clothed lined three goons before the rest ducked. Artemis fired three arrows, and they stuck to three ducking goons and tased them. One of the goons fell and started rolling to the edge. "KF!" Red X shouted.

"Got him!" KF jumped off the tram and along the side, catching the goon before he fell. KF slowed enough to toss him into the third car's open window. The hostage inside yelped. "Sorry! Uhm, tie him down and watch him!" KF sped back up as the Team moved forward, knocking out Joker's goons. "Awh man, I'm missing the fight!" KF sped up and was about to jump up when another thug began sliding off. "whoa whoa whoa!" Kid Flash poured on the speed and caught the clown over his shoulder. "Hey, watch it up there!"

"Sorry, that was my b!" Robin peered over the side before ducking a bat, elbowing his attacker in the groin and uppercutting him onto his back.

"You son of -augh!" the clown flew back from a flying kick. Red X landed, frowned, and clicked his tongue. Miss Martian, Robin, disable the bombs and start moving the hostages into the Bioship. The rest of us will put these creeps down. Red X threw shuriken, hitting three clowns and stunning them. Three arrows whizzed past him, and they struck the stunned clowns clinging to them.

"Aarh!" The clowns yelled as they were tased into unconsciousness.

Miss Martian nodded to Robin and flew back to the third car. She looked over the bomb, remembering Batman's training. C-4 with a sensor and no doubt pressure sensitive trigger. First, she cut the cable and connected the charge to the sensor. She sighed, relieved; opening the door wouldn't trigger it anymore. Still, the movement alone could set it off, so she cut the cable connecting the C-4 to the trigger mechanism. With that done, she removed the trigger. Car three bomb disarmed, Miss M called and flew back. She peered in between cars two and one. Robin pulled off the trigger mechanism and looked up, giving Mss M a thumbs up. Bombs were disarmed, and a bioship was moved in for evacuation.

Good job team, finish the goons off, I'm going to stop this train. Red rushed ahead, dodged attacks from the clowns, and slid between the legs of one down between cars four and five. "No bomb outside," Red said out loud and peered through the window. No charges inside either, so he carefully slid the door open and stepped inside. He found more hostages propped up as clowns, and he set to free them. After freeing almost everyone, he moved to free the last one. Red reached out, and the hostage lunged at him! Red fell on his back, his arm blocking the wrist as the would-be hostage tried to stab him. He looked up and saw another of the hostages level a gun at him. Red pressed on his buckle and pushed his attacker off, slamming him into the other attacker. Red jumped to his feet and turned to the hostages; he pressed on his buckle and frowned.

"Oh, yeah, some of the hostages aren't all actually hostages; good luck, HAHAHAH!" The Joker cackled madly as Red got into a combat stance.

Team, some of the hostages aren't hostages! Miss Martian, check the hostages; read their minds if you have to! Red rushed in, taking the clowns down, roundhoused the first smashing against the window. Red rushed in, jumped, pushed off the right wall, and delivered a kick against the side of the first clown's head. He was flung, hitting a window and cracking it. The one behind him raised his pistol. Red blocked with his forearms, bullets plinking off his armor. An audible click resounded in the car, and Red was on the clown! He jumped, grabbed the railings, and threw a double kick, knocking him into the other goons. Red landed on a knee, drew his grapple gun, and aimed. The goons recovered and threw themselves against the car's sides as he fired the grapple.

"He missed!" A clown laughed.

Red X smirked; the line grabbed the back of the car and was pulled instantly forward. Red X twisted and kicked out! The clowns all went down, being kicked violently and suddenly. Red stopped the line and landed on his back. He looked up, and the clowns were all down for the count, groaning in pain. Red retrieved his line and stood, running to the next car. The fifth car had more tied-up clowns. He narrowed his eyes and cracked his knuckles. "If you're a hostage, take a knee."

The hostages all kneeled; all except the ones who were actually bound couldn't and struggled to move. Red smirked and rushed to make short work of the clowns. Outside, Superboy tossed the last of the clowns down on the ceiling. On the far back, Miss Martian was loading hostages into the Bioship one at a time. Her eyes glowed briefly, checking them to see if they were criminals. So far, they stopped three, who Robin swiftly knocked out and restrained. Superboy was about to update Red X when the tram suddenly lurched forward, picking up speed at an alarming rate.

"Aaah!" A woman yelled as the Bioship fell behind, and the ramp near the back exit fell behind. She had been stepping on it and almost fell when Miss Martian caught her in her telekinetic grasp. Superboy pushed, and the train nearly left him behind. He poured on the speed flying with it. Uh, is this thing supposed to move this fast?

That is not really the point! Artemis shouted as she clung to the top with an arrow stabbed through the roof. One of the henchmen started sliding down, and Artemis dug out an arrow from her quiver and pinned him down! Guys, the clowns are sliding!

Superboy flew, picking up clowns; we're stuck here; you get the head clown himself! Superboy clicked his tongue and flew down, catching a clown with his foot before he fell off the train. Little help here!

Red X moved purposefully; he took down any clown that gave him trouble. Then he made it to the third of the last car. No hostages, no clowns, just several barrels wired with explosives. Red moved to put on his helmet but stopped. "Right, my helmet can protect me from telepathic attacks. Miss M would freak out if she suddenly lost contact." Red walked carefully to a barrel and grabbed a small container with a special swab. He swiped the top and stowed the swab in the container. He put the container into his wrist terminal and analyzed the content. "Okay, no idea what this is," Red sighed. Miss Martian read my mind and send the images to Kid Flash; I took a sample from the barrels.

Roger, I got him! Mis Martian shouted in his mind, and Red raised a brow.

Everything okay up there? Red looked to the front and started walking to the next car.

Sorry, all the goons we beat up started sliding off the train, so we're hop-scotching them into Bioship.

You guys get all the fun then. Red slid open the door and walked into the next car.

More containers and graffiti greeted him. The Joker or his goons tagged the entire cabin with green paint. Bad news, the compound contains blockbuster venom and something else. Kid Flash came through.

I know the other one; it's Joker Venom; it makes their victims laugh uncontrollably and forces the muscles in their faces to constrict, forcing the victim to smile. High dosage will make them laugh until they suffocate and die.

We're stopping this tram right now; Red X bared his teeth and looked at a passing graffiti. "Ha-ha-ha, got you, Batman," Red X sighed, "this man really is fixated."

"That's cuz B-man is the only one who hasn't laughed," Harley's sing-song voice made Red turn on a dime. She was standing at the end of the hall between him and the last car. "So Mistah J is always trying to be a good guy and make him laugh." In blonde pigtails with black and red leggings, a belt with a joker buckle, and a black and red sports top, Harley grinned. "You kids had to go and ruin Mistah J's hard work," Harley glared and pointed her similarly colored bat at Red. "You kids ruined it; this is why they need to bring back spakin in skewls!" Harley rushed Red X and swung her bat. Red stepped back, letting the bat hit a support rail. "Come on, Harley, I knew a version of you who learned to step away from a bad guy."

"Another version of me?" Harley raised a blonde brow, though it was hard to tell with her painted face. "You crazy too? Well, I'm a psychiatrist, so let me lay you down so you can tell me all about it!" She stabbed, Red parried and threw a straight kick, launching Harley back.

"You're not crazy," Red paused and shrugged. "Okay, you were, but you weren't a bad person!"

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Harley rushed in, swinging down; Red parried left and threw a cross-jab, stunning her. He was about to follow up when the door behind them opened. In walked the clown prince, clad in a purple suit, green vest, and yellow shirt. He also wore a purple tie and gloves. He leveled a revolver with Harley between them.

"Be a dear and hold him for me, won't you?" Joker's mad grin stretched as he pulled back the hammer of his revolver.

"You-!" Red began before Harley wrapped her legs around his waist and threw her body across, putting her head next to his and trapping his arm in a lock. She's blocking my utility belt! Can't activate my power!

"Oh, you're right over his heart. Don't worry, this will only hurt a bit, Harls!" Joker closed an eye dramatically, sticking his tongue out.

"What was that, Mistah J?" Harley called out, having not heard him.

"No!" Red spun them as the gun cracked, and he fell forward atop Harley. Harley blinked, surprised, and looked down at the limp body atop her. She lifted her hand, saw blood, and then looked back at the Joker. "You got him, Mistah J," she grinned weakly.

"Well, you know what they say, there's no kill like overkill," Joker took aim before Red suddenly jerked to the side, throwing a shuriken. Joker ducked and raised his gun. "Hah, you missed!" Joker grinned devilishly, only to see Red X cover himself and Harley with his cape. Joker looked down to see a sphere grenade at his feet. "Oh, phooey." The grenade exploded into a concussive blast and bright flash, knocking him back. Red rose to his feet and threw his fist back over his shoulder! He hit Harley in the face, knocking her back down before she could jump on him again.

"HO HO HO!" Joker cackled, arm over his face, and raised his gun, firing! Red dove to the ground as the shots reverberated in the car. Just as quickly, the revolver clicked empty, and the Joker stood, "Ooh, I'm still seeing spots," he flicked his hands, and knives slid from his sleeves onto his hands. "Guess I'll start stabin' till one cries out! HAHAHA!" The Joker rushed, swinging wildly. Red parried the strikes with his wrists before the whistling of wind caught his ear, and he ducked. Harley accidentally swatted a knife out of Joker's hand with her bat.

"Sorry Puddin!" Harley gasped as Red rose, jumped, and kicked out, knocking them away.

"Yathze!" Joker sat up, shaking his hand out! "You idiot, watch where you swing that thing!"

"Next stop, Gotham Water," the automatic PA system called out.

"Oh well, it looks like our time is up, Harley!" Joker stood and ran for the door. Red threw a shuriken, but the door shut behind the Joker just as quickly.

"Hya!" Harley swung down at his head, Red X rolled, stepped left, and faced Harley.

"He just tried to shoot me through you!" Red parried her next flurry of strikes.

"Shut up!" Harley kicked up, and Red X kicked out, blocking her kick before it even went up.

"Harley! He's leaving you behind while he escapes!" Red tried one last time, lowering his stance and drawing his fist back.

"Shut up, shut up, shut up!" Harley closed her eyes, reared her bat back, and swung for the side of Red's head.

"Rah!" Red threw a powerful hook, cracked the wooden bat in two, and spun with the momentum into a roundhouse kick. Red adjusted his speed at the last second to not kill Harley as he connected with the side of her head. She flew into the barrels, her head cracking the window before sliding down unconscious. "Grr," Red fell to a knee and reached over his shoulder. He winced and pulled back his fingers bloody. "Haphestus, we need to talk about this little chink of yours," Red muttered and reached into his belt and grabbed a medical device. He threw his cape over his opposite shoulder, went over his other shoulder, and pressed the device's trigger. He pursed his lips as the device sucked out the bullet and sealed the wound with a medical compound that acted as a topical anesthetic. Red X hissed, stood up, put the device back into his belt, and ran after the Joker. He ran into the final car, which was packed with barrels. The wind howled as a side door at the far end was open. Red stuck his head out and looked back to see his Team cleaning up the clowns.

"Crap," Red returned and moved to the conductor and grabbed the brake lever. He pulled it, and it came up instantly. "That's not right," he knelt down and saw a panel underneath the dashboard. He opened it up carefully, ensuring it wasn't jury-rigged with a trap. The wiring and mechanisms were foreign to him. "Uh," Red looked to the door for a diagram to see where the brake system was highlighted with a green marker. He reached into the panel and grabbed a contraption with a sticky note on it. "Found the breaks, don't lose them, love Joker."

"Captain Marvel!" Red stood up, two fingers to his ear.

"I'm here," the Captain's cheery voice answered.

"I need you to manually stop the tram brakes are out!" Red gritted his teeth, feeling his pride sting, asking for League help in his first mission.

"I'm on it!"

"What's your ETA?" Red moved to the side door again, activating his wrist blades.

"Oh, I was flying overhead just in case coming down!"

Red swung himself over, digging his blades into the car, and slowly climbed up. Up top, he found the Joker with a backpack, goggles, and climbing suction cups.

"Wow, you sure are persistent kiddo!" The Joker yelled.

"You're just leaving Harley behind!" Red shouted over the rushing wind.

"Oh, don't you worry, she knows how to play nice in Arkham!" Joker cackled.

"You're joining her, don't worry!" Red snarled, moving closer to the Joker. Just then, Captain Marvel flew down and waved at them. He then rushed ahead of the tram, getting ready to stop it.

"You guys hang on tight; it's gonna get bumpy!" Captain Marvel said over the comms.

Team, breaks are out. Captain Marvel is gonna stop the tram; everyone brace!

"Ah-ah, no cheating! Oh Adam my boy!" Joker called out, and a black blur shot from the sky like black lighting. Before the tram made contact with Captain Marvel, he was tackled by the black blur, which was none other than his nemesis, Black Adam!

"Well, here's my stop! Bye bye! HAHAHA!" the Joker cackled as he pulled a string, and a parachute pulled him up into the sky.

What was that? Superboy called out.

That was plan B going caput; Red sighed and slid down the car until he went between them and got down. Plan C, I'm cutting the motor car off; Red ran to the third car, knelt, and pried a panel open on the floor connecting the tram. There was an emergency disconnect, but a key was needed. Ret bawled his hand into a fist and punched through the safety glass, hitting the release!

There was a lurch, and the tram was separated as cables and metal plates purged around the connecting area. The wind howled, and Red's cars picked up speed. "Here goes everything," Red tapped his belt twice, and his body filled with power. He pushed off, flying through the cars and breaking through the front window! He turned on a dime and caught the tram! Red X slammed against the front, metal waring around his body. "RAAAAH!" Red pushed! Flying against the tram with all his might! His strength, when unshackled, was slow to restart, but he wasn't gonna make it at this rate. He lowered himself, and his feet tore into the concrete and metal rails! "GRRRAAAAH!" Red felt his every muscle burn, and his stamina was zapping faster and faster.

"HURAAH!" A second body slammed next to him! Red turned, seeing Superboy grit his teeth. "EVERYTHING YOU GOT!"

"HRAAAAH!"

"RAAAAH!"

They both pushed, and before they knew it, the tram lurched to a grinding halt, and they actually pushed it back a few yards. The tram motor exploded into fire and smoke. Red X felt his face covered in sweat. Red groaned and pulled back the metal, protesting as he dug his hands out. Tram stopped, Red said over the mental link.

On a nearby roof, the Joker grounded his teeth. He threw the binoculars in his hands down to the streets below. Black Adam stood crossed arms behind him, "What are you mad about? The plan worked."

"Yes," Joker ground out, "but I was supposed to get my big boom!" Joker smashed his fist on the ledge. "There wasn't even a Batman to kill!"

"Our time will come, clown," Adam glowered at the madman.

"yes, yes," Joker dismissed the black warrior and dug into his coat. "Lucky for you, I always have a plan up my sleeve," Joker smirked. He procured a detonator, "or well, breast pocket, whatever. Boom!" The Joker squeezed the detonator's trigger.

At the tram, the charges inside started beeping. Lucky for the group, Captain Marvel had caught up with them. He was no worse for wear, thankfully. Captain Marvel grabbed the tram and instantly flew into the sky! "I got it!"

"Wait, Harley!" Red pushed twenty feet off the ground, but his flight did not respond, and he tumbled down. "What?" Red's eyes widened as he helplessly fell.

"I got you!" Superboy flew up, catching him.

Red put his fingers to his ear, "Captain!" an explosion flashed briefly in the distant sky. "Harley…" Red felt like his heart was being squeezed. "I let her die again," Red balled his hand into a fist, and Superboy put him down.

"Sorry," Superboy muttered. He hated how bad he was these kind of things. Anger was easy, but seeing his brother like this really did hurt. Just then, Captain Marvel flew down, and both teens looked up and gasped, surprised.

"Heya kiddos, guess you got me," Harley was on top of Captain Marvel's shoulders, kicking her legs like a child.

"She jumped out right before I threw the tram into the stratosphere," Captain Marvel grinned. "Caught her before she reached terminal velocity.

"My Hero," Harley ruffled the Captain's hair like he was a kid. Well, if this Captain was like the one from his world, Red shook his head before falling to a knee. Superboy instantly grabbed his shoulders.

"Take it easy; you really stretched that muscle today," Superboy grinned.

"yeah, yeah," Red laughed breathlessly.

GCPD and the rest of the Team arrived on site shortly after. Bioship was emptied, and people celebrated what could have ended in catastrophe. Red X watched it all happen as he sat on Bioship's ramp. He tipped back a water bottle before sighing and looking down.

"Dude, why are you sulking?" Kid Flash plopped down next to him.

"I let the clown play me," Red crushed the empty water bottle in his hand. "He got away," Red pursed his lips.

"Dude," Kid Flash nudged his shoulder against Red's. "Nobody was hurt, the bad guy's plan was foiled, today was a good day."

"Alright boys, take me home! Hope the food's better this time," Harley's voice reached Red X's ears.

"Hold on," Red tossed the empty bottle to Kid Flash and jogged sluggishly to Harley's voice. She was halfway into a squad car when Red X arrived. "Hey, hold up a minute," Red doubled over, panting.

"Visting hours are at Arkham, kid," Harvey Bullock, a GCPD Detective, said, finishing shoving Harley inside. He was about to close the door when another hand stopped him.

"Commissioner?" Harvey raised a brow.

"Go on, kid," Gordon patted Red's shoulder, then leaned on the car.

"Ah, the weird one. What do you want now?" Harley rolled her eyes, "Ain't content you beat poor ol Harls? Gotta gloat now?"

"I just," Red pushed himself upright. "I don't want to see you die, is all."

"whoa, who said anything about me croaking?" Harley put her cuffed hands up. "You creeping me out, shoo, shoo, leave Harley alone now."

"Sorry," Red X sighed, "I want to visit you if that's alright."

"Eh, you kinda coming on strong," Harley leaned back in her seat, "but tell you what, sure, come on, visit me; I got time to kill till Mistah J springs me anyways." Harley then made another shoo motion, "Now my carriage awaits, begone wit ya," Harvey closed the door, and Red X thanked the commissioner.

Red X went back to Bioship, where his friends were already waiting for him. "Well, let's go home, Team." Red X smiled and entered the ship with the team in tow.

Manhattan

16:25 | September 7

New York

Tom entered Diana's apartment; he rotated his shoulder on his injured side and grimaced. "Really gotta reinfroce that suit. Maybe start a training regiment to strengthen myself so as not to lose speed."

"A warrior is never satisfied with their current state, a wise policy." Diana walked out of the kitchen smiling.

"Thanks, gonna heal this off before I start though," Tom pointed at his shoulder.

"I read the report; you took a bullet for Harley Quinn." Diana frowned slightly, "your heart is wonderful, Thomas, but please do not let it guide you to your grave." Diana gently brushed his injured shoulder, "I do not know what to think honestly if you were taken from me."

"I won't lose another mother," Tom put his hand above hers, "I won't leave you, I promise."

"I know my sun and stars," Diana leaned over and kissed his forehead. "I want to be honest," Diana leaned back and wrapped her arms around herself. "I never truly understood how deep my mother's love was for me. It wasn't until you came into my life and I saw you as my own." Diana sighed, her face elated by a smile that melted Tom's woes away. He missed this; he missed spending time with his mother...with his father, too.

"That is why I wanted to ask you something; I wished to make things official. Of course, as always, you are under no obligation to humor me in this." Diana stood up and went into her study near the kitchen. She returned, put down a file, and sat beside Tom. The teen leaned over the coffee table and opened the file.

Tom's eyes widened, and his mouth hung open slightly. "Adoption papers," Tom said matter of factly.

"I often recall the moments I spent with my mother in Themyscira. I want you, if you wish, to think of us in the same way. If you wish, I want to make it official, and if you wish, I would like you to move in with me." Diana raised her hand, "please think it over; you don't have to answer me right away."

"No," Tom shook his head, "no, I mean yes!" Tom sighed, "All I ever wanted was a family to call my own." Tom put his hand over his heart, "Since coming here, I thought I had lost it all; at first, I almost began to think I would fight as I always have until my fire was exhausted." Tom looked at Diana, and she was not a replacement, nor was his adoptive mother. She was HIS mother; his friends accepted him, flaws and all. His mother, who saw his pains and offered comfort and love, Tom could not be luckier. "But I want to live; I want to fight not until I drop, but because it's what I am meant to do. I want to be a hero, like my mother, like you. So yes, but I'd still like to remain in the cave. Connor and M'gann are my family, too. But I definitely wouldn't mind having a room here. Another home to come to."

Diana's heart soared, and she could not help but squeeze her son tightly. "Ow, still injured here," Tom patted her back gently.

"Sorry," Diana let him go, "I felt immensely relieved to hear you say that."

"No, I get it," Tom shook his head, "let's do it, uhm, but I think you should know." Tom looked down. "Who is my father, that is," Tom looked away.

"I know," Diana looked at him. "You may not be from this reality, but your face, even if you don't have his eyes, is his." Diana touched his shoulder, "but as I've said before, take things at your own pace."

"Yeah, I'll let him know, but I'd like nothing more than to be your son in the meantime." Tom leaned back carefully with his injured back.

"Good, on that note, there is one last thing," Diana looked at him thoughtfully. "I have kept my mother apace with all that's happened. She knows I have taken you as my own, and whenever you are ready, she wishes to meet her grandson."

Tom pursed his lips and felt the scars on his back burn again. "I don't know," Tom felt his heart rate pick up. "I don't think I can," Tom felt his hands clench into fists.

"You don't have to," Diana assured him. "Just take your time, and remember, I will always be here for you, my sun and stars."

Tom took a deep breath, slowly regaining his composure. "Yeah, I'll think about it; keep working on me."

"Good, now why don't you relax? I'll get us some food," Diana smiled.

Tom felt the mood lift again and smiled weakly, "You uh, you cooked?"

"I ordered out, smart mouth," Diana smirked as she entered the kitchen.

"Good, I'm already injured, I can't afford a stomach bug too," Tom stood up, walking to the kitchen.

"That's it, you just lost your eggroll young man," Diana said in mocking seriousness.

"Whoa, have a heart, I got shot!" Tom laughed, and though that creeping darkness lingered in the corners of his mind, the light of his mother helped keep it away.

Mount Justice

21:25 | September 7

Rhode Island

Tom stood, arms crossed, alone in the cave. "So, you wanted to talk?"

Kaldur and Tula walked up to him. "Yes," Kaldur looked around and gestured to the elevator. They entered the elevator and walked to the hangar. Kaldur finally broke the silence, "When Tula and I helped Red Arrow in Taipei, we encountered Chechsire and Sports Master. When I fought Sports Masters, he revealed something to me. He claims there is a mole in the team."

"Ah," Tom looked down, "I'm the most logical choice to tell because I'm not from this world."

"I only just arrived in the picture," Tula nodded, "so only we know about this."

"This could just be a trick, sow dissent among the ranks," Tom shrugged.

"I have not disregarded that possibility; however, like Superboy, someone might not be aware they are the mole. Tipping them off could only make things worse."

"Understood, I'm good at surveillance. I'll help monitor the team, and if any of us act out of the ordinary, I'll keep you posted."

"Thank you, but honestly, you are not above suspicion either, my friend." Kaldur closed his eyes.

"I know a good leader must think off all possibilities for the good of the whole." Tom nodded and rubbed his chin, "still, this could begin to explain a few things." Tom narrowed his eyes, "Black Adam has a personal vendetta against Captain Marvel, so how did the Joker know to bring him. More importantly, why would Black Adam even listen to him."

"There's the raid on the nuclear power plant; according to your reports, the Wizard Wotan was prepared for Wonder Woman."

"Yes," Red glowered, "villains normally unaffiliated with one another are working together, but to what end."

"It is another mystery to add to the pile, but we will remain vigilant," Kaldur squeezed Tula's hand tightly. She smiled up at him, squeezing back. "For now, we watch and listen," Kaldur finished their impromptu meeting. They took their leave, and Tom returned to his room. He laid on his back, thinking of today's events. Nelson, I got a question for you.

Ask away, kid. I don't really sleep anymore, so Naboo and I mostly spend our time reminiscing.

I used my powers today, but like always, when I do unleash it all, I tire myself out to the point of being helpless. I don't know if I can reconcile my human and Amazonian sides. But I don't want to be a burden to my friends. Should I start to train myself to use my powers?

Hmm… Nelson hummed, thinking about it.

The way I see it, you purposely give yourself a handicap because you hate another part about you. Granted, you don't have to throw away your humanity. But if you really want to start using your gifts, you'll have to confront your anger. You also need to confront your fear and learn to forgive.

I'll never forgive them! Tom barked out.

Yourself, kid, there's shame in your power. I can feel it when you are just talking about it. You feel ashamed because you have strength and couldn't use it when it mattered.

I…don't know. Tom felt his scars burn again.

You do, but you don't want to confront it; step one, confront that fear. When you do that, talk to me, and we'll take it one step at a time.

Okay, I'll work on that, I have to. I almost let someone die because of my inability. Tom thought about Harley and gritted his teeth.

Your scars run deep, child, but you showed the Great Naboo there lies a fire in your soul that refuses to extinguish itself. Rise above your fear and anger; you have the potential, and you need only to tap into it. The great Naboo will be watching, and we may yet convince you to take up the mantle after all.

I won't be a slave again, Tom said with a little more force than intended.

I do not forget my words; as you said, it is working with the host. Think about it child; you would not just be my host.

No, sorry, Naboo, I'll find you a host, but I won't give up myself anymore, not even an inch. Tom rolled over and closed his eyes; his otherwordly friends grew silent, and he closed his eyes.

Unknown Location

00:00 | September 8

Unknown Location

"So, the plan worked?" Grodd sat at the head of a large table.

"Yes, though the Joker's attack and subsequent testing of the Blockbuster Joker Venom was a failure." An albino Gorilla with a brain protrusion on his head spoke. But the voice did not come from his mouth but a collar around his neck. The voice itself was raspy and guttural; it was none other than the Ultra-Humanite.

"Oh, it matters not; our resident clown needed to blow some steam, as they say," Grodd pressed a button on his table. A screen showed footage from a local clinic in Gotham where the Joker was happily walking through the halls. The Joker venom gas was thick in the air, and his victims were already on the ground writhing with manic laughter. "More importantly, despite his efforts, Miss Quinn was apprehended."

"Yes," a bald man with a beard and glasses leaned on the table. "I was also able to relocate her to Belle Reve; despite her obvious mental instability, I appealed that as her personal psychiatric physician, I alone could offer real progress. Of course, Miss Quinn played her part well."

"Thank you, Doctor Strange," Grodd nodded, "it seems all the pieces are falling into place." Grodd leaned over, and a light shone on a lone armored figure standing at the head of the table. "Now, Ravager, are you prepared for your mission?"

"Yes, Sir," Ravager nodded, her one visible eye narrowing.

"Good, then, fellow Leaguers," Grodd paused to laugh at his own joke. "We begin Phase Two."

The room fell dark, and when the lights next turned on, everyone was gone except Grodd and Ultra-Humanite. "So Doctor, how goes our little ruse?"

"The traitors believe themselves firmly entrenched; Vandal Savage and his Light will soon use us as their scapegoat." Ultra-Humantie could not properly express a scowl, but his voice gave away his anger.

"Of course, that is why we will move soon and show Vandal Savage why Ape and not man will inherit the earth." Grodd picked up a human skull on his desk. "To a bright future for us all, " Grodd tipped the skull, drinking a fine wine.

This one took me a minute! But more plot and intrigue between the League, The Light, and Legion of Doom! In the next chapter, more intrigue in the secret war of the Light and the Legion of Doom. Also, Icecile Jr, I love that guy! I'm gonna challenge myself, as there's going to be a double plot going on. Also, Ravager comes back! Red X will lead another mission of his own! So the next chapter might be a bit chunky on content.