by Paul A. Hahn |
They also housed and trained a group of young mutants called the Hellions, the building blocks for an eventual mutant super-army to carry out the orders of their Black King, Sebastian Shaw. The Hellions were old enemies of the New Mutants, another team of young mutants, a project began in secret by Professor Charles Francis Xavier. A project that attempted to create mutant champions, to see how the public would react, and whether mutants and humans could live in peaceful coexistence. Though he deemed his project a failure and disbanded the group, Sebastian Shaw and the White Queen, Emma Frost, believed it wise to continue using the Hellions.
And though the New Mutants disbanded, two of their members joined the heroic Young Justice: Cannonball and Magik. A third joined the Hellfire Club as the White Rook, Sunspot. And just yesterday, the two opposing forces had a throwdown for the fate of Linda Danvers.
Young Justice won. Linda Danvers rejoined the team as Firebird. Jason Wyngarde, White King of the Inner Circle, was left in a catatonic state. Black Queen and Bishop, Contessa and Klarion, both left.
And now, there was an air of change . . . of new beginnings . . . though first, some things required closure . . .
[[All of the events listed above occurred in Young Justice
#12 - Paul]]
Samuel Guthrie was a leader. Long before he had ever even heard the word
mutant, he was the responsible one. Oldest of seven children on a Kentucky Farm,
he soon found himself in the role of caretaker and provider after his father
died working the coal mines. He thought those mines would claim his life, too.
That he would be stuck there his whole life. He didn't want that, but he was
willing to do it . . . to support his family. But when a coal mine collapsed,
his mutant powers manifested, and opened the door to a whole other world.
He was recruited by Professor Xavier into the New Mutants program. He became
Cannonball, and despite his worries over his family, he quickly became the team
leader in every sense of the word. Even since their disbanding and his joining
Young Justice, Sam had always felt as if he was second in command, without it
ever being stated. It was just the natural thing for him to do.
Being the leader meant knowing what was going on, and being in charge. He
knew why things were happening how they were. At least, he was supposed to. But
recently, things with the former New Mutants have been turned upside down.
Two members, Moonstar and Feral, both defected to the terrorist organization
the Point Men.* And Feral even killed Sam! But somehow, Sam got better.** And
then, Magik went slightly crazy, bringing the team into the other-dimensional
Limbo and nearly getting them killed.*** Since then, she was acting differently.
Though Sam knew that short-time New Mutant members Magma and Thunderbird were
part of the Hellions, he was still shocked to see them stick around.**** The
final shock came when fellow founding teammate and former best friend Sunspot
turned up as the White Rook of the Inner Circle!******
*(YJ Annual #1) Sam Guthrie was determined to get some answers. In his own
quarters, he had begun slipping into his flight jacket, the blue and gold
uniform he had worn for years. The one with the 'X's all over it. He was
determined . . .
"Sam?"
"Eh?" Sam Guthrie quickly turned around and mentally kicked himself
for not having locked the door. And there was only one person in the HQ (well,
two, because Impulse rarely thought before acting) who would enter his room
without knocking.
"Sam?" the door was open, and Jennifer-Lynn Haden entered.
"Where do you think you're going?"
As the green-skinned Jade, she was able to create and maintain solid objects
with her own force of will. And as a member of Young Justice, she had become
more than just Sam's teammate.
"Just . . . plannin' on exercisin'. Gettin' in a work out."
"That's bull," she answered, hands on her hips. "I've gotten
to know you well enough to read you, and I know you're lying. And I have a hunch
about what you're about to do, and I will not let my pseudo-boyfriend go get
himself killed!"
"Really, Jen, Ah--"
"Don't 'really Jen' me, mister. You're planning on going back to the
Hellfire Club to find your old buddy Sunspot. Well, news flash! He's with the
enemy, and that place has gotta be crawling with cops . . . you can't go
there."
"Ah have to," Sam rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah owe him
that much. An' Ah'll be real careful, Jen. Ah will. Please don't tell
Robin?"
"Only on one condition."
"Name it."
She grinned. "I'm coming with."
A pair of eyes watched curiously, cautiously. What he wanted was inside.
Though the signs of recent battle make him question if they are truly worthy . .
.
Inside the Hellfire Club Mansion, Manhattan.
Sebastian Shaw and Lady Tessa stood atop a staircase balcony, overlooking the
large ballroom where their recent battle had taken place.
"You really shouldn't be up and about," Tessa frowned. "Not
after that dose of poison gas you swallowed."
"Stop fussing over me, woman," Shaw frowned angrily. "You'd
think you were my mother. We have far more important things to tend to than my
own health. I am recovering fine. The Inner Circle is not."
"I'll admit, losing half our number was not an advantageous event.
Contessa, Klarion, and Danvers made up the Black Cabinet of the Club. Wyngarde
was the only White member, but the King."
"Which means the balance of power is severely disturbed," Shaw
continued his frown, watching a repair crew slowly work on his mansion.
"Emma Frost is power hungry. Make no mistake she will reach for leadership.
But you, being my most loyal ally, are the White Bishop, and will help maintain
normalcy. DaCosta is the wild card."
"None of the Hellions are ready to move up," Tessa said
matter-of-factly. "And yesterday's fight has given me reason to be
suspicious about Magma and Thunderbird. Their motives for remaining with the
team are . . . questionable. They are not as loyal to Frost as the others. And
then there's Wyngarde's daughter . . . she is an even bigger mystery."
"We must tread with caution, Tessa," Shaw answered. "The
London and Tokyo branches may see this as a sign of weakness, may attempt to
claim the New York branch for their own. We must be prepared. We shall rebuild
the Inner Circle . . . and all the new members shall be loyal to me."
Down the stairs and several rooms back . . .
Roberto DaCosta sat in his private quarters, thinking over recent events. Frost
may be on to me. If she isn't, she probably will be soon. After yesterday . . .
she'll question all of us. I can't be discovered yet . . . there's too much at
stake. Mannites, Externals, Neo and more . . . and then there's Sam. How can I
keep lying to my best friend?
From when I first discovered my powers during a soccer game in my home at Sao
Paulo, Brazil, to my time with the New Mutants, I've always been told to do the
right thing. But then I learned about my father's involvement in the Hellfire
Club . . . and the family's ties to it. It served as an easy front to get me in
here, but sometimes I wonder if I might be in over my head. Droga! I hope you
knew what you were doing when you gave me this assignment, Professor . . .
"Knock knock."
"Eh?" DaCosta spun around to look at his room's back exit. His eyes
went wide. "You're insane."
"Maybe," Sam replied as he stepped in, with Jade hanging back by
the door. "But Ah figured the security was still messed up since yesterday,
and no one would be expectin' YJ to be so stupid as to come back, especially
since, as far as the team's concerned, there's nothing here we want
anymore."
"Except for any little secret you might be hiding with our little
Mastermind," Bobby replied.
Sam didn't answer. He knew of Robin's covert dealings with Jason Wyngarde's
daughter. But he didn't suspect others did.
"And of course you're worried about Amara, and Jimmy, and maybe even
me?" Bobby asked.
"Of course Ah'm worried about ya, Bobby," Sam frowned. "You're
mah best friend. 'Least ways, ya were. Everything with the New Mutants has gone
hectic . . . Magma, Thunderbird, Feral, Moonstar, Magik, you, me . . . it's all
been crazy. Everyone's gone in so many different directions since--"
"Since Garth's death."
"Tempest was a good man, Bobby," Sam frowned. "He was one of
us. And yeah, his death hit us all hard . . . 'specially the Professor's. But
what does that have to do with why you're here?"
"Uh, Sam," Jade said. "We are on a timetable here . . . "
"Just talk to me, Bobby . . . why're you here?" Sam pleaded.
"What's it all for?"
"I . . . " Bobby started. He paused. Could I risk telling him?
Could I sacrifice the mission? I . . .
"Roberto?" his name was called over a speaker. It was Tessa.
"Lord Shaw has called an immediate meeting of the Inner Circle to discuss a
possible addition. He requires your presence immediately."
"You better go, Sam," Bobby frowned.
"Ah need answers," Sam said, grabbing Bobby's shoulder.
Sunspot quickly put his own arm onto Sam's, grabbing and holding it. He
whispered. "All I can say . . . is to trust me. Now go."
The two released their arms, with Jade watching closely, unsure of whether or
not to act. Sam motioned with his head that they were leaving. Bobby left as
well, towards the meeting, neither man looking back at each other.
Sebastian Shaw, Lady Tessa, Emma Frost and a stranger were already waiting
when Roberto arrived.
"What took you so long?" Frost asked.
"I was . . . on the john," Bobby frowned. "Who's this
guy?"
The man turned, his green cloak resting calmly on his back. He wore a suit of
metal, and his face was covered by it. "I . . . am Doctor Doom."
"A pediatrician I'll bet," Bobby grinned.
"This is a serious matter, Roberto," Tessa frowned. "Take your
seat, Rook."
"Please, Tessa," Shaw replied. "His title may not stay at Rook
for long, not with all the recent openings in our little cabal. That is why the
good Doctor is here, Roberto."
"He wants to join?" Bobby asked.
"The position of White King is open, is it not?" Doom asked.
"I would wish to claim it for myself."
Emma Frost narrowed her eyes, carefully attempting a psi scan. Doom's armor
blocked her completely.
"It is imperative that we begin rebuilding," Shaw continued.
"Tessa has already made the switch to become the Black Queen, easily
proving herself and her abilities. Martinique, our former King's daughter, has
claimed the title of Black Rook. Before we proceed, Roberto, do you care to
challenge anyone for any other position?"
"I am fine as the White Rook," Roberto said. If I were to
challenge another, I may be found out . . . and I know Shaw wants me to switch
sides, to destabilize the power further . . . but I'd rather things stay
balanced for now.
"Then it is settled," Shaw stated. "We have a new White
King."
Emma raised an eyebrow. That was rather easily awarded . . .
"All our facilities are now at your disposal," Shaw continued.
"Very good," Doom replied. "I have other errands to attend to
. . . "
"But surely you could spare a few minutes for a tour?" the White
Queen asked. "It couldn't hurt, could it?"
Only if you try to scan me again, witch . . . Doom thought as he
glared at her. "Very well . . . for a few minutes."
Emma nodded and led the way as the Circle broke up. Bobby approached Tessa.
"I don't trust that."
"Good," Tessa replied. "Lest you would be a fool."
Doom's face did not change underneath his mask as he walked through the
damaged-and-currently-under-construction mansion. The wealth and power in
this Hellfire Club will serve my purposes well . . . and once Shaw is eliminated
and power rests firmly in my grasp . . . it will be a perfect platform for my
next move . . . to conquer the world!
Happy Harbor, Rhode Island. Secret Headquarters to Young
Justice.
**(YJ 6-7, Screams of Angar)
***(YJ 8)
****(Sam learned of their involvement with the Hellions in YJ 3, and of their
continued membership, though questionable, in YJ 12)
*****(YJ 12 again -Panting Paul)
Outside the Hellfire Club Mansion, Manhattan.
Inside the Inner Circle's meeting chamber.
In one of their larger gambits, the White King of the cabal manipulated the mind of Linda Danvers, founding YJ member Firebird. Jason Wyngarde was his name, and through means unknown, controlled the young woman's mind and vast powers. But he would not be allowed to get away with it.
Superboy was the man in love with her. Well, boy. And she loved him, too. As much as an 18 year old girl and a permanently 16 year old boy could love each other. But Superboy and Young Justice fought back and saved Linda. Firebird returned to the man she loved and the team she belonged with.
But there were still questions. How did Wyngarde do it? And was he responsible for the huge increase in power Linda had undergone? If not, then who? Or What?
[[Most of the events occurred in Young Justice #12, with little
hints throughout the first story arc, collected into three collected
editions! - Paul!]]
His name was Kon-El. His origins were a mystery to most, even himself. One
day, he woke up in some sort of giant test tube. He had no memory of what had
led to him being there. But he escaped. His tube had the name Kon-El on it. Not
knowing his real name, he took it. After discovering his powers, and the tactile
telekinesis that fueled them, he set out to be a hero, like his idol Captain
America. At first he wanted to become Bucky, and be Cap's sidekick. But he
eventually realized he'd be better off on his own, not meeting Cap until he was
good enough. So he created a shield, like Cap's, made out of photonic energy,
and became Superboy! He could fly, he was invulnerable, and he had super
strength. He was a hero.
Her name was Linda Danvers. She grew up in a normal family. A mom, a dad,
even a younger sister Sarah. She was living the American dream. Her family
wasn't rich, but it was more than stable enough for both sisters to have good,
carefree lives. And she was a blond-hair, blue-eyed, popular girl. But the life
of the teenage cheerleader was not meant to be. Shortly after puberty, she
realized that she was a mutant. She had super strength, invulnerability, flight,
and even limited telekinesis. Yet, as time went by, she found an additional
power: Her fiery wings. Her codename of Firebird came from these. She knew the
power was not natural . . . but said nothing. It gave her an incredible edge . .
. and little did she realize just what power she had.
"I'm so glad you're back," Kon grinned at her.
"It's good to be back," she smiled in return. "But . . . I am a little
nervous. Cannonball and Magik have only known me as an enemy . . . and, well,
you seem ready to take me back with open arms, but what of the others?"
"Jen's your best friend," Kon replied. "She's glad you're back. Impulse likes
anybody, so of course he's glad you're around."
"But what about Cassie or Cissie? I mean, Arrowette and I never really
connected . . . and Cassie, well, I think she was jealous of us. And then Rob .
. . I mean, how much can he really trust me? After I decimated the team?*"
*(As retold in YJ #1-3, an event that actually occurred before
YJ #1. Keep an eye out for YJ #0 - Paul)
"He likes you, Linda," Superboy shook his head. "He's glad the
only member of the team he's ever lost is back. This is his first leadership
gig, after all. Keeping everyone safe and sound is one of his top priorities."
"Whatever you say, Kon," she sighed, not convinced. "So, fill me in! What
have I missed?"
"Well," Kon pondered, not minding the subject change. "Well, you know about
our fighting with the Hellfire Club and the Hellions . . . umm . . . not too
long after we lost you, we gained Magik and Cannonball, when the New Mutants
disbanded. We went up against some sort of techno-organic creatures called the
Phalanx . . . we tackled the Mutant Liberation Front . . . went to Hell . . .
fought the Point Men, some group of terrorists . . . they actually killed Sam,
but he got better . . . went up against some SHIELD agents . . . some screamin'
guy . . . umm . . . oh, and Sam found some kinda underground group of mutants
called the Morlocks!"
[[That about covers YJ 1-12, Screams of Angar, and YJ Annual #1
- Me again]]
"Sounds like you've been busy," she replied. "But what was that
about . . . Morlocks?"
"Morlocks. They're this society of mutants that live underneath Manhattan. We
haven't had much to do with them . . . "
"I'd be curious to see this," Linda said. "It sounds . . . intriguing."
"I'm not sure that's the best idea . . . " Kon frowned.
"Come on, where's your sense of adventure? I just got back . . . I'm looking
to get back into the game! Come on, show a gal a good time!"
"Well, if you think New York City's sewer system is a good time . . . "
They are called . . . Morlocks. Given the name by their founder and leader,
Callisto, for H.G. Wells' "Rulers of the Netherworld."
Some are normal people with nowhere else to go. Some are failed super powered
beings. Most are mutants. All are outcasts. Society had no place for them. So
they found a place where they had no room for society. Where they could live on
their own, underground, without needing to fear for their lives. It was their
domain.
Outsiders were not welcome. At all.
"Those upworlders didn't know what hit 'em!" a girl grinned.
"No kidding," a boy smiled.
"Yeah . . . " another girl said, frowning. Her name was Skids. She, like her
friends Arcadia and Rusty, were Morlocks. Three of the rare members of that
secret society who weren't there because of what they looked like. The three of
them could pass as normal teenagers. They wouldn't be underground if they could
control their powers, or had places to go. But they didn't. And in New York, all
outcasts found a home with the Morlocks.
"Nobody messes with the Morlocks," Arcadia grinned. The three had just
returned from a raid on a local grocery, stealing food. She and Rusty never
seemed to mind. But Skids . . . she just didn't have the stomach to break the
law.
In the privacy of darkness, a figure watched them. It was his job. He was to
observe . . . map these tunnels. And report back. He wasn't clear why. But it
was just a job, one safer and better than his last one. He watched curiously
sometimes, and sometimes with fear. Like at that moment, when he observed
someone else enter the playing field . . .
"Mutants!" a booming voice yelled.
The three kids jumped and turned, startled.
"I am Doom," the voice boomed again. "Take me to your leader . . . or suffer
the consequences!"
The figure tensed. What should he do? He's supposed to stay hidden. He's not
allowed to get involved. But what if this . . . Doom . . . is going to hurt
those kids?
He watched carefully. The kids were tensed, but calmer heads prevailed. Not
knowing any better, Arcadia bid him to follow. She would lead him to . . .
Superboy and Firebird hovered in the air, slowly lowering and gently landing
inside the tunnels.
"I still think this is a bad idea," Kon frowned. "They've got this place
filled with mutants . . . hostile mutants."
"Got something against mutants?" Linda asked.
"No, 'course not," he frowned. "Not mutants in general. But evil mutants that
want to kill me and eat my spleen, yeah, those I've got something against."
"Just because they live in sewers doesn't mean--Ahh!!"
Kon spun around, his fists flaring at her scream. Two figures stood before
her. One, a giant. The other a short, hunched over creature covered by a cloak.
"Who?" he asked.
"Not a pretty sight, are we?" the hooded figure asked. "Morlocks aren't
pretty. Sunder here is strong, though. Stronger than the pretty upworlders. And
Masque . . . Masque can make you ugly . . . "
"Who calls?" Callisto asked, walking from another connected tunnel to the
main chamber. Several dozen Morlocks were already gathered around, looking at
the stranger.
"This man came to us in the tunnels," Arcadia explained. "He said he wanted
to talk to you."
"We don't bring insiders to our tunnels," Callisto said through gritted
teeth.
"Doom is brought by no one," the man said. His face, indeed, his entire body
was covered by metal. "I came here for a purpose, woman. To make a proposition
to you."
"And what would we want with an upworlder?" she asked.
"He doesn't look like an upworlder, boss," another Morlock said.
"Shut it, Plague," Callisto reprimanded the elderly looking woman. "Speak,
stranger."
"Be careful of your tone with me, woman," Doom sneered. "Doctor Doom will not
tolerate insolence. I have come to make you an offer. One that I would extend to
you and all your . . . Morlocks . . . "
"Which is?"
Doom grinned. "I wish to include you in my new army . . . an army of super
powered beings who will conquer the world!"
"You would dare to order me?" Masque asked. "Sunder . . . show him his
place."
Sunder pulled an arm back and slammed it forward in one massive punch. A
blast of light resulted in the hit. After the light cleared, Superboy stood
still, his photonic shield having absorbed the kinetic energy, it stored it to
power itself.
"That was your shot," Superboy replied. "Here's mine!"
This punch, fueled by tactile telekinesis, had the desired effect of knocking
Sunder across the tunnel.
"You shall pay, boy," Masque said. "But first, your woman . . . "
Masque reached forward, grabbing Linda's face, instantly mutating it, making
it ugly and deformed. But halfway through, he stopped. His eyes went wide. He
stared.
"Wh . . . What?" Linda asked, not understanding as Masque's powers began to
undo themselves.
"Th-Th-The l-l-l-light . . . " he gaped. "So . . . bright . . . "
And then he collapsed.
"Linda, what did you . . . ?"
"I didn't do anything!" she exclaimed. "But . . . I think we should get out
of here. You were totally right, this was a bad idea . . . "
Firebird's fire wings burst from her back as she began to hover. "Let's go,
Kon . . . "
Superboy merely followed. Little did he know, another figure was watching.
The pale, white skinned creature stepped out from his hiding place, looking up
at the diminishing light created by Linda.
"Caliban . . . knew it was true," he smiled to himself. "She is here at last
. . . The Earth-Born Angel . . . "
"You dare mock Doom?"
"The Morlocks are no one's army," Callisto replied. "We serve no one but
ourselves. And we will not be exploited. Leave this place . . . now!"
Doom glared at Callisto through his mask. "I shall not forget this woman . .
. you will rue the day of your affront to Doom."
Callisto didn't reply. She merely watched him leave.
Fools . . . Doom thought. When I rule the world . . . they shall be
tortured and killed as an example to all who defy my will!
And once more, a figure watched. He wasn't exactly sure what had happened
this day, but he knew to report it. He didn't know how long he was to observe .
. . but he knew something big was going on. And that he was soon to begin a new
assignment . . . one to locate powerful, dangerous mutants . . . but why? What
for? Only time would tell . . .
Happy Harbor, Rhode Island. Secret Headquarters to Young Justice.
Beneath New York City lay an elaborate system of underground tunnels. Not subway
tunnels, not quite sewers. Some say they were originally built as part of a huge
bomb shelter to protect the city's inhabitants in the case of nuclear war. Some
believe they weren't even built by humans, but by something not of this earth.
And the term 'some' is used loosely. Because the only people who really know of
the tunnels, are the ones that live there.
Elsewhere in the tunnels.
" . . . Callisto!" Arcadia called, the three of them ad their 'guest' following
behind her.
"Back off, buddy!" Superboy yelled.
"You're joking, right?" Callisto asked. "An army to conquer the world?"
But I'm not feeling all that well.
It's not heart-break or anything. It's real pain. Some mild nausea . . . I've been sorta shaky lately. Cissie thought maybe I was having a nervous breakdown over Kon and Linda. That's what they all think . . . but it's more than that. My hair . . . my real hair, the short blonde stuff I've got under my black wig . . . I think some of it's falling out. I could be paranoid, I know . . . but that Hellion, Firebird . . . Sam said her powers involve radioactivity . . . radiation isn't exactly healthy, right? And I got hit by a big dose of her powers . . .
It's probably nothing. Right? I'm probably being paranoid. I mean, I got these powers from the king of the Norse Gods, Odin! A God wouldn't make me so strong and invulnerable to all this stuff just to let me get radiation sickness, right? Even though, when Norse Gods supposedly ruled, radiation wasn't exactly known . . . but he's the King of the Gods, right? He'd know just about everything, right?
And I'm rambling on in my head pretending to talk to people! Here I am, Cassie Sandsmark, Wonder Girl, running thoughts through my head talking to no one! I can fly, I'm invulnerable, and I'm following in the footsteps of my favorite hero, Wonder Man . . . and I'm getting paranoid and going crazy.
But I really don't know what's wrong with me. I feel like I should tell Robin, but everyone else just figures I'm looking for some attention now that Linda's back. Robin would believe me, right? I just . . . I'm scared, alright?
Just a little scared . . .
"Trish Tilby for CNN. Yesterday, the High Society of New York met a terrible tragedy. The exclusive and illustrious Hellfire Club has existed longer than the United States of America. It has long been a place where the rich, the famous, and the politically powerful have gathered, enjoying the secret pleasures of the good life. But that is no longer the case . . . and may not be the case for some time.
"Yesterday, the mansion in which the Club has long resided came under attack by what has positively been identified as Young Justice. Young Justice was long considered a team of heroes and a force for good in the city and surrounding area. Their attack on the Hellfire Club is both apparently unprovoked and incomprehensible. So far it has appeared that there is no loss of life, but there have been many injuries reported in both the mansion's security and some of its guests. Property damage is in the millions."
"Oh man," Sam said, rubbing the back of his head.
"Sebastian Shaw, CEO of Shaw Industries, has said he has no idea why they would attack," the report continued. "The team reportedly just broke in, smashing a hole in the roof, and began attacking everyone and everything in sight. Shaw is blaming the 'mutant menace'. Emotions are still running high around the country after the Mutant Liberation Front's attack on the World Trade Center. This incident has led some to question whether Young Justice actually stopped the MLF, or whether they were partners in crime."
"That's absurd," Robin frowned.
"Mutant menace?" Sam asked. "How come when it's a super-villan, it's just terrorism . . . but when it's a mutant, good or bad, they're all considered evil?"
"Some government officials are calling for further action as specified in the mutant registration act currently in congress," Tilby continued. "The government has supposedly been developing measures to deal with mutants for years now. If this incident wasn't the last straw, it certainly brought us one step closer to full government action."
"Great," Robin sighed. "I knew this wouldn't go without drawbacks . . . but this is just messed up."
"Ah wonder what Professor Xavier thinks about this," Sam frowned.
"I wonder what the Avengers League thinks . . . "
Linda Jessie Danvers perched herself on a bench. It had only been a day since her return to her former home in Young Justice, and she found herself in a very uncomfortable situation. Even Kon-El, Superboy, the man she was in love with, seemed awkward around her.
"It's just gonna take a little time," her said, sitting next to her.
"It might take more than time," Linda frowned. "When I started out as Supergirl, I didn't have any problems. Yeah, I was the new kid on the block . . . but I was immediately accepted. And when I became Firebird, just after we formed YJ, I was still one of the team. I mean, Jen has barely said two words to me since I've come back . . . and we were best friends!"
"Well, the last time you were here . . . you kinda blew a hole in the roof and almost killed us."
She shook her head. "I was being manipulated, Kon . . . you know that. Wyngarde somehow got a hold of my mind . . . I . . . "
"I know," Kon replied, taking her hand in his. "We all know . . . it's just gonna be awhile. Sam and Illyana didn't know you before, so it's like a whole new person . . . you know Rob and Bart'll except you, if they haven't already . . . and the girls'll come around in no time."
"I think they're afraid of me," she frowned.
"Afraid of you?"
"Of my power. There's more to me than ever before . . . I'm more than just some . . . Firebird. I've got power like you wouldn't believe . . . like I can barely imagine! My telekinesis grows stronger every day . . . and my wings seem to glow brighter every time I make them appear! I can fly, I'm invulnerable, I've got super strength . . . but I feel like I'm bursting with some energy . . . like there's more to my powers, like I'm some sort of timebomb ticking away, ready to explode with energy! I think they have every right to be afraid of me!"
"You don't believe that," Superboy frowned. "And please tell me you don't, because I don't know what to say to convince you otherwise . . . Robin's the smooth talker, not me . . . "
Linda smiled despite herself, and shook her head.
"So . . . "
"Buttons," she grinned, her mood lightening.
"Work on that humor," Kon grinned back, "you'll fit back in in no time."
The Red Tornado stood alone, keeping an ever present vigil. Though he was a robot, he was still concerned with news of late. As was, apparently, everyone else. Though he was still caught slightly off guard when Captain America contacted him.
"Captain?" the Tornado asked. "It has . . . been long."
"Too long, old friend," the Living Legend of World War II nodded from the view screen.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" the Tornado asked.
"I think you know," Cap replied. "That is, if you've been keeping up to date with the news."
The Tornado merely stared back. "Their attack was not unprovoked. Their reasons were pure, if not their methods."
"I assumed as much," Cap nodded. "I, and others, have known of some bad happenings inside the Hellfire Club for some time . . . but no one's ever had any kind of proof to successfully go in after them."
"My young charges don't believe in waiting for proof."
"Apparently. I'd like to say this will all blow over, but frankly, I'm not quite sure. The members of the Hellfire Club hold a lot of power in this country. They might not be ready to forgive . . . especially the ones with something to hide."
Red nodded. "I find myself questioning whether I am doing right by Young Justice. I fear I am not doing enough. Ever since I became the team's mentor, I've found myself torn between these teens and my own family, recently discovered. Robin, Cannonball, Arrowette . . . they seem to have such a capable grip on their powers and their emotions and how to deal with situations . . . yet the others, I do worry about. Impulse appears as though he moves faster than he can think . . . Wonder Girl is confused, Magik is having trouble, Jade doesn't quite know her place, and Superboy, though filled with good intentions, just doesn't quite know how best to work in a team situation or as a solo act."
"Isn't he the kid whose been idolizing me?"
"Yes. He designed a photonic shield similar to yours in tribute."
"Maybe I should take him under my wing sometime," Cap replied. "Though I can't say I've had the best track record with side kicks, but I'll bet I could teach the boy a thing or two about power and responsibility."
"And you are suggesting that am failing in this endeavor?"
Cap frowned. "No, Tornado, I didn't mean in like that. I'm sorry."
"No, it is I who should apologize. I believe I am experiencing . . . stress."
Cap raised an eyebrow. "Well then, maybe it'd be best if you took a break."
"And leave Young Justice on their own?"
"Not quite. Have them take a break with you. Now that the Avengers League is officially back in action, I'm sure the world could survive a few weeks without Young Justice around. It'll give some time for the media circus to die down, for the tempers in the Hellfire Club to subside . . . and for the teens to stay out of trouble. Maybe they're too young for this? Robin I'll trust . . . he was picked by Batman. But maybe the others just aren't ready for this? I mean, shouldn't they be going to school? They should be worrying about acne or getting a date for a dance . . . not whether or not the world would end tomorrow."
"Maybe you could be correct," the Tornado replied.
"Maybe," Cap nodded. "Either way . . . I think it would be best for everyone if Young Justice just lay low for a little while. Sound like a plan?"
"I shall . . . give it a try."
"Good."
"Send my regards to Martain Manhunter."
"Will do. Cap over and out."
All nine members of Young Justice gathered together to hear the words of their mentor.
Robin, Cannonball, Firebird, Superboy, Arrowette, Impulse, Jade and Magik took their normal seats. Wonder Girl hung towards the back, clutching her knees into her chest as she sat on a table, listening closely and keeping back the pain.
"I have just spoken with Captain America of the Avengers League," Red began.
"You talked to Cap?" Superboy asked. "And you didn't tell me? Why couldn't I talk to him?"
"Because they probably had more serious matters to discuss," Robin answered.
"Indeed," the Tornado replied. "The Captain and I agreed that it would be best for Young Justice to lie low for the next few weeks or months. To keep quiet and out of focus."
"What?" Arrowette asked. "Cap wants us to stop fighting crime and making the world a safer place for ma, baseball and apple pie?"
"In a manner of speaking, yes," Red continued. "It is more for your safety. Everyone is wondering about you now . . . where your loyalties lie . . . whether you're truly good or if it's all been a sham."
"How could anyone even question that?" Jen asked. "After all we've done . . . "
"Regardless," the Tornado interrupted, "you are now to, for the time being, give up your duel identities. With the exception of Robin, you are to not leave this base in costume. Those of you with other lives will be sent home to have normal lives for the present time . . . and those of you who do not have another place to attend, will stay here and take a vacation."
"You can't be serious," Arrowette asked.
"Why does Rob get special treatment?" Superboy frowned. "I'm career super-hero . . . so's Imp . . . "
"But Robin was hand picked by Batman," Red said. "Batman is his main trainer and teacher. He will be released to Batman's supervision."
"You're . . . serious . . . " Arrowette couldn't believe it.
"I'm afraid I am," the Tornado would have frowned, if he could. "As of this moment, Young Justice is temporarily disbanded."
"Cassie, you can't stay in there all night," Mrs. Sandsmark called, knocking on the basement door. "It's not healthy . . . "
"I just want . . . to be left alone, okay?" Cassie Sandsmark answered back. Talking sometimes seemed to be a strain. At least, recently . . .
In our fight with the Hellfire Club . . . *
*(YJ #12 - Paul)
I got hurt . . . Firestar was the cause. Hit me with some
sort of radiation . . . I've felt sick ever since . . . and every now and then I
feel really weak, really tired . . . but then, I'll get hit with some burst of
energy, like I've suddenly been recharged . . . only it'll go away, and I'll
feel sick again . . . I . . . I don't know what it is . . . I just want it to
stop. Funny . . . I must be the only member of Young Justice who isn't screaming
for action . . .
Some hero I am . . . I just . . . want the pain to stop. Please? Just stop .
. .
A wave of pain suddenly washed over the young Wonder Girl. Knowing her mother
was close by, she bit her lip and held back her cries. But she didn't fail to
gasp with fear when she noticed the red energy spew from her eyes. Though it
lasted only for a second, it confirmed what she thought . . . that she was far
worse than anyone suspected. Queens.
Cassie Sandsmark held herself tighter in a ball. She had been crying.
The Radiation . . . it . . . did something . . . I . . . I . . . ARGH!
Though there was no power in the house, the basement was no longer dark. Her
body glowed brightly, a sparkling blue energy. Her eyes poured red energy out
from behind her glasses. On her chest shined her Wonder Girl symbol in the same
red.
"Wh . . . what is . . . what's happening to me?!?"
Epilogue.
Read The Manhunter Agenda
to see what Young Justice did during the blackout.
Originally published as Week of Doom: Cannonball and Sunspot,
Week of Doom: Superboy and Firebird, Young Justice #13, and portions of
Young Justice: Manhunter Madness at DC/Marvel: The
Merging, and may not be reused or republished in any way without the permission
of the author.
DC/Marvel: The Merging is a fanfiction site, and is not affiliated with nor
endorsed by DC Comics or Marvel Comics, nor any company that owns these
characters. All of the stories here are written for fun, and the authors are not
making any profit from them, and do not intend any harm to the original
creation. This site is for entertainment purposes only. DC/Marvel: The Merging
concept created by Chip Caroon, developed by Chip Caroon and Ritchie Filippi,
with other writers.