Emergence 2.8 (Un-Betaed Draft Preview) (Patreon)

Emergence 2.8

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HAPPY HARBOR, RHODE ISLAND

August 1, 2010

12:58 EDT

“Ready for training, everyone?”

That had been the start of it all, Black Canary asking that simple question moments after making her way into the Cave with Martian Manhunter at her side. Canary strode over to the Team, coming to a stop in between the seven teenagers as the tiles beneath her feet began to turn white, forming a ring with her at the center.

“Black Canary?” Miss Martian was the first to react to the sudden appearance of both heroes, voice filled with both confusion and then excitement as she caught sight of the larger, greener figure standing at the border of the newly-formed ring. “Uncle J’onn!” 

With only those two syllables as warning, M'gann rushed up to her uncle, arms wrapping themselves around the older Martian in a hug that would likely leave most people gasping for air, at the least. 

Zeke found himself unable to look away as the two aliens shared an embrace, a look of distinct unease on his face. For all that M’gann looked slightly inhuman with her green skin and all, Martian Manhunter looked a great deal more so. Looking at the two of them together was… odd, likely for the varying differences in humanity on display. 

That, or Martian Manhunter just looked really creepy.

Probably the second, if I’m being honest.

The teen frowned at that second thought. Oh crap, was that racist? His eyes suddenly widened at that, mouth narrowing into a small ‘o’. Double crap, did they hear me think that? He glanced over at both Martians and, to his relief, noted no red-eyed glares aimed his way. Okay, I’m good.

“... not to mention, my own bruises.” 

Ezekiel turned his attention back to Canary as the blonde let out a slightly pained grunt. The League member carefully began to pry her jacket loose from her shoulders, exposing a large set of bandages wrapped firmly around her arm and informing Zeke exactly what that sound had been about.

Although, it did leave him with another question.

“What happened?” Thankfully, M’gann was there to ask what he didn’t feel sure about voicing, a worried tone to her voice as she spoke up. 

Canary quirked an eyebrow at the sole girl on the team, the woman remaining silent for a second as if deciding what to say. “The job,” she finally answered, voice bearing a note of finality to it as she tossed her denim jacket over her shoulder.

Don’t ask about the arm. Zeke nodded, getting the message loud and clear. Got it.

“Now,” Black Canary began again, “combat is about controlling conflict. Putting the battle on your terms. You should always be acting, never reacting. So...” The combat instructor paused, a small smile playing at her lips as she looked out over the gathered teenagers. “…which one of you wants to be my sparring partner?”

It was a simple question, one that both Robin and Wally had smirked at, the Boy Wonder looking eager while Wally looked… eager. 

“Right here. Yeah!” Kid Flash called out, half cheering as he answered Black Canary’s request. Before anyone could stop him – Aqualad actually making an attempt – the speedster had already met Canary in the center of the glowing ring. Patting his chest with one hand, Wally shot a shameless wink at the heroine across from him, following the action up with a smirk that was positively dripping in overconfidence. “After this, how bout I show you my moves?”

Oh my God. Zeke shook his head, barely suppressing a laugh of his own as he watched Robin preemptively cover his mouth with one gloved hand. This is going to be amazing.

And boy, was it.

Literal seconds later, Kid Flash lay flat on the ground, the young speedster staring up at the ceiling of the cave with what could only be described as a pained expression as he let out a low groan. “Oh… hurts so good.”

As Wally picked himself off the ground and shuffled back out of the ring, Canary gave the Team a detailed lesson on exactly what the ginger had done wrong; starting from the way he approached the fight all the way down to his careless fighting stance. By the end of it, Wally was mimicking Superboy’s stance – arms folded defiantly – but with an expression that looked more pouty than sullen.

[Basic Martial Arts] Lvl Up!

16 → 17

Huh. Zeke glanced up at the pop-up with a curious expression, dropping his gaze back down to Black Canary as he suddenly found himself realizing that he understood what she meant about Wally’s stance. It was… weird.

Like remembering something that I didn’t really forget.

Pushing that odd realization to the back of his mind with a shake of his head, Zeke tuned back into Black Canary as the slender fighter began to shift gears. “Now,” Canary began once more, both fists on her hips as she spoke, “who wants to see what they can do better?”

“Better than Wally?” Robin snarked, brushing the side of his nose with his hand. “Pretty sure that’s all of us.”

“Dude!”

Ignoring Wally’s outburst, Black Canary turned towards the rest of the team with a searching expression, gaze flicking over each one of them knowingly before locking gazes with a glowering Superboy. 

Oh… Zeke’s own eyes widened as he realized what was about to happen. Oh no.

“Superboy!” Black Canary’s smirk shifted slightly into an inviting smile, the leotard-wearing fighter putting up both her fists as the name left her mouth.

Oh no.

“How about a spar?”

Zeke winced as Superboy simply glared back at Black Canary with his mouth turned down in defiant scowl, arms crossed as he did his very best to look like he was anywhere else at the moment. While this wasn’t exactly an unusual state for him, the clone had been a bit more on edge since he had stomped back into the Cave a few hours back, both Zeke and M’Gann confused as to what had happened.

Wisely, Zeke had convinced the Martian girl to give the seething clone some time to himself and space to get over what had very clearly riled him up. Thankfully, that seemed to have worked out for the best as Superboy had gone from seething to sullen, his murderous expression now more moody than anything else.

Still, as much as Zeke had the slight worry that Superboy could hurt Black Canary if his control slipped in a moment of pique, he couldn’t help himself but dread how much angrier Superboy would be if the experienced Canary actually managed to beat the powerful clone. While that was doubtful, Zeke definitely wasn’t going to let himself discount Black Canary’s skill, considering what she had gone up against as a member of the Justice League. And that didn’t even take into account who had trained her…

Oh, man. The young boy barely held himself back from gulping out of nervousness. Superboy’s gonna be in a mood for days if he does actually lose. What do I do? What do I do? What do I… 

Mission Gained!

Captivate the Canary

Push Black Canary into taking you at least somewhat seriously.

Success: + 2 to [Basic Martial Arts], + 1000 XP, Increased reputation with Superboy