Chapter 14: Unconventional Mission
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in a dimly lit cave, Batman sat before his computer, facing his trusted companion, Robin.
"What are your thoughts on Raiden?" Batman inquired.
Robin replied, "He's a remarkable individual, hardworking, immensely powerful. I'd even venture to say he's one of, if not the most formidable member of the team. Why do you ask?"
Batman interlaced his fingers on his desk, expressing his concerns, "I have my doubts about him."
"Doubts? Raiden has been nothing but an asset to us since he joined," Robin responded, perplexed by Batman's doubts.
Batman elaborated, "His recent development made me question him. His metagene abilities have always been a source of suspicion for me and the league. Meta-gene powers result from mutations that force human evolution to create unusual abilities. But his powers are different, with an intricate set of rules and mechanisms, unlike natural evolution."
Robin, clearly disheartened by Batman's doubts, remarked, "And now, you're bothered by his magical affinity?"
Batman continued to explain, "His powers are exceptionally potent and mysterious. He's now displaying magical abilities on par with a league member. Furthermore, he resisted the Helmet of Fate's possession."
In a somewhat irritated tone, Robin retorted, "We all have our quirks! Have you seen Connor? He's essentially an angry teenage Superman. The reason we formed this team was to support one another. Raiden's magic is potent, but he lacks control. It just happens that he was born with a high affinity. And you know why he resisted the helmet's influence—there are too many heroes inside his mind."
Batman countered, "I comprehend his resistance to mental powers and the Lasso of Truth, but the Helmet of Fate is different. The Lords of Order are beings beyond our comprehension, claiming the ability to alter the laws of the universe. Yet, Raiden resisted them. I understand your trust in him, particularly for his kindness in saving Giovanni. But even you must acknowledge, Raiden is more than we originally believed. Remember, the friend you trusted for years turned out to be a pawn of the Light!"
Robin concluded, "Leave Roy out of this; even he didn't know about it. Raiden is different, we should support him adapt rather than doubt him. He's clearly discovering his powers as he goes, much like you're analyzing them, let me guess ? you've already devised a plan or two to neutralize him?"
As he prepared to depart, Robin added, "Helping people align with the side of righteousness is far more productive than devising plans to take them down if they turn to the dark side."
…
"Nedrah," Raiden shouted as he assumed a defensive stance, his fists raised. A kick pushed him back momentarily, and then he attempted to reinforce his hands, uttering, "Ecrofni***UGHHH" as he prepared for an attack. However, Raiden's spell was interrupted as a punch to his gut broke his defensive posture. It was followed by a kick to the face. To his credit, Raiden managed to stay on his feet, but his efforts were in vain. Black Canary used a judo technique to slam him back-first onto the ground and pinned him down.
"You did well, lasting longer than last time, but you need to be quicker with your spellcasting or forgo it altogether in close-quarters combat. Your magic is mostly ineffective in such situations unless you memorize spells like Zatanna and Zatara," Dinah remarked, providing Raiden with his daily close-quarter combat lessons.
"Could you perhaps do that without sitting on my back?" Raiden quipped.
"Accesses Robin B-01."
The warp gate opened, and Robin walked through it. Getting up from Raiden's back, Dinah commented, "You're late."
"Yeah, sorry. I was busy with something," Robin replied in a not-so-friendly tone.
Noticing that Robin wasn't in a good mood, Dinah thought, 'Batman.' "*sigh* Everyone!"
Calling everyone, Dinah waited with Raiden and Robin until the entire team had assembled.
"Today's mission briefing will be done by me; Batman is 'busy.' Now, let me be clear, this mission is different than usual. Your objective is to investigate a cult known as the Church of Blood. A week ago, Robin and Zatanna investigated this cult, and we managed to find out the name of their leader, their location, and a portion of their plans."
Dinah pressed a button on the remote, and the projector displayed a small island. "This is Zandia, a small island nation in Europe and the home of the Church of Blood." She pressed the button again, revealing the face of someone. "This is Sebastian Brown, the leader of this cult. According to the intel gathered by Robin and Zatanna, he plans on opening a gate to a realm known as The Red. Your job is to stop him before he does this. He has an ally who is bringing some sort of artifact that would help him open this portal. Your mission is to wait for the right moment. Once the artifact is revealed, you are to strike them down. We cannot risk losing the artifact or Sebastian Brown."
Kaldur looked at the projection and asked, "Do we know who is bringing this artifact?"
"Negative. We have no idea who this person is or what that artifact is. We tried to gather more information, but it seems that even Sebastian Brown doesn't know this person well enough," answered Zatanna.
"Whoever it is, we believe they are well-connected to the world of magic. That's why Zatanna was tasked with the mission in the first place. But even then, we weren't able to find any trace of them," explained Robin.
"Okay, we'll gather more intel and plan this mission carefully. Let's get ready," said Kaldur.
(Magic user and a cult... doesn't sound like something the Light would be involved in, but then again, who knows what those Fuckers are into.) Raiden thought.
…
On their way to Zandia, the team began discussing their plan. "We will blend in with them," said Kaldur.
"We're going to role-play as cultists? Cool," said Wally.
"More like idiots. There's nothing cool about joining a cult. Only weak-willed fools and pathetic losers join cults," Raiden remarked, clearly uninterested in cult behavior.
"Well said, Raiden. But we must be careful. This cult seems to be a formidable adversary. We are uncertain about their equipment and powers. Magic is to be expected, and we'll rely on Zatanna to analyze and guide us in countering such magic," Kaldur cautioned, emphasizing the need for caution.
"Hold on, aren't we overlooking something? This is a cult on a small island. Members of such a cult typically know each other well. Can't we be spotted immediately?" Artemis inquired, raising concerns about the infiltration plan.
"Well, that's what we initially thought. However, when Zatanna and I investigated, we were surprised to find that the cult comprises very wealthy and influential people. They all gather annually in Zandia for this occasion. So it's likely that most members don't know each other well. They're more like investors," explained Robin.
"Whatever they hope to achieve in this realm known as 'Red,' it is something of great value to them, far beyond mere money," Zatanna added.
"Sheesh, creepy people," quipped Rocket.
"We had our fair share of cults back on Mars. Some even tried to ban TV shows that Uncle John broadcasts to Mars," Megan added.
"Well, with the plan decided, let's ask the most important question of all, Raiden! How did it go?" Artemis asked with a mischievous grin.
"Hmm? How did what go?" Raiden asked, puzzled.
"Your date! Wally told me all about how Robin set you up with a classmate of his in Gotham!" Artemis revealed.
Hearing her words, Raiden's shoulders slumped as he recalled the terrible date with one of Robin's classmates.
"You are a failure to brotherhood, Wally," said Robin.
"You're not supposed to speak of a man's failures," Conner added.
"A friend's secrets should be taken to the grave," Kaldur chimed in.
"Seriously, Wally! Even Connor knows the Bro code," Raiden remarked.
"What! I had no choice, okay? She forced my hand!" Wally defended himself.
"The cat's out of the bag now, Raiden. Just tell us," Rocket urged.
"A charming guy like yourself should be able to handle a date with an average high schooler, right?" Zatanna asked.
"Average! She was anything but average! What Robin failed to mention is that he studies in those fancy academies! The girl spent the entire date talking about the world's financial situation and political spectrum, or whatever. She kept asking me if I'm on the left or right! I don't even know what that means!" Raiden recounted, recalling the confusing girl from the date.
"Oh, that kind of girl? Probably a daddy's girl? Her dad must be some sort of politician," Artemis mused.
"Politics? Sheesh, nothing is scarier than a political girl," Rocket added.
"Robin, you should've picked someone more down to earth," Zatanna scolded Robin.
"Hey, don't blame me," Robin protested.
"No, blame him and his fancy school friends," Raiden retorted.
"You're the one who said all redheads are perfect and totally won't be a mess of a girl!" Robin countered.
"They are! She was an exception, probably not even a real redhead," Raiden concluded, as everyone shared a laugh.
"Everyone, the island is in sight. Be prepared," Megan reminded them.
"Alright, time to join a cult!" Wally declared with a chuckle.
"Shut up Traitor !" Said Raiden
(Sorry for not posting in a while, lost internet whilst in collage, Terrible place honestly, but I'm back home now, Can post freely)
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If you wish to read more or simply support me just because ? than check out my patréon at
"https://www.patréon.com/Riadooo"
Don't forget to change "é" to "e"