(A;N: Sorry y'all got abit too occupied and well burnt out creatively, but I will upload more the following days now. So sorry I tried today but idk 🤔 The creative brushes just didn't spark today)
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Mount Justice was unusually quiet as the new team gathered around the holographic map glowing softly above the polished table. Batman, his cape draped like a shadow around him, stood with Red Tornado beside him, delivering the details of their very first official mission together.
"Isla Santa Prisca," Batman began, voice low but resolute, "is an island nation where neo-steroid strength-enduring drugs roam freely on the streets, codenamed Venom.
Your goal is simple yet equally dangerous: covertly enter the island, conduct a full reconnaissance, and gather intel on the drug shipments and dealing networks. This is a recon mission. Remain covert. The League will intervene only if necessary."
He looked over the young faces—some eager, some nervous—as the weight of his words began to settle. "You will likely encounter drug-enchanced individuals," he continued grimly, "Personal experience tells me you might encounter Bane, an old adversary whose strength can be deemed superhuman his cunning is not to be underestimated take caution."
Leon's mind drifted momentarily, picturing the punches he might throw at real, formidable opponents instead of the practice dummies he'd battered endlessly. He was frustrated—he'd yet to perfect the Kà punch that once stunned Superboy. But today, with his team on board, maybe this mission would finally be the challenge he needed. He remembered the key-points and important events but not all, that would have to do.
Batman's briefing came to a close as Robin, breaking the silence, piped up with a simple question: "So, who's in charge?" His question drew a mix of amused and perplexed looks from the team.
Batman exchanged a glance with Red Tornado before responding with a slight smile, "We'll let you figure that out among yourselves."
Batman and Red Tornado then silently exited, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous hall, leaving the team alone with their thoughts and dawning responsibilities.
Leon, lost in thought about progressing his relationship and his growing feelings for Raven, barely registered the gentle jab in his side. He looked down to see her blushing faintly.
She didn't read minds, but she was perceptive enough to pick up on his emotions. Embarrassed, he quickly turned away just as the others' expectant eyes landed on him.
"Wait, wait, wait—why are you all staring at me?" he asked, stumbling over his words.
"I didn't sign up to call the shots."
The team just smiled knowingly. "You've been leading us naturally since the Twister event," one said.
Before Leon could protest, Wally jumped in enthusiastically, "If Leon won't do it, I will!"
Robin scoffed, "I've got more experience. It should be me."
As the friendly bickering escalated, Raven leaned in quietly and said to Leon, her voice soft but firm, "You won't like being ordered around, so maybe you should be the one to lead."
Leon smiled wryly, thinking she knew him better than he sometimes allowed. Sighing, he cleared his throat and said, "Alright. I'll lead. Wally's not leader material anyway."
Wally gasped. "Hey!"
Leon grinned. "We don't need a leader who might flirt with an evil supervillainess and mess things up."
Wally was momentarily stumped. Robin laughed, but Leon continued, "Robin may be the most experienced, but he works best solo—remember? So, he's not suited to think for all of us."
There were some grumbles, but Leon added with a smirk, "If you want, you two can settle it physically." His confident challenge made both quickly back down with laughter. These were brave teens, but not foolish enough to take on the guy who once punched Superman, especially in front of the entire League.
Drawing on his limited but valuable knowledge from fifteen years ago, Leon laid out the mission details. "We meet at M'gann's Bioship, Is it alright if we use your ship M'gann?." M'gann smiles and nods.
" Get your gear ready in five. It's a recon mission—stealth is key."
Minutes later, everyone stood ready before the Bioship. Leon scanned his team with a careful eye, ensuring they were prepared.
The first drop zone was near the sea—perfect for Aqualad to sneak in quietly through the water. The rest would follow from the second drop zone on land.
Leon's voice turned steely as he issued strict orders. "Nobody moves ahead without permission. Especially Wally and Robin. History tells us you both have a habit of charging off alone."
They grumbled at the perceived slight.
Leon raised an eyebrow. "This is a mission. Honestly, if you act alone and screw it up like the Twister event I'll just blow the island up with you, So behave."
Wally gulped. "You're bluffing."
Leon shrugged. "Maybe. Who knows until your intestines float on the sea."
He singled out Wally again, "Humidity and inconsistent weather mean the ground might not hold you. If you fall in, I'll personally visit your school as your cousin and tell your classmates about your embarrassing past."
" What embarassing past!! " Wally yells,
" doesn't matter as long as I say it they'll believe it " Leon shrugs.
Feigning a heart attack, Wally clutched his chest. Leon just stood firm.
Turning to Robin, Leon said more gently, "Stay close to us. We'll need your tech skills and field expertise. We're technically amateurs."
Robin, undeterred, smirked confidently and nodded.
Leon mused inwardly how easy it was to handle these teens compared to the pressure they'd face from real enemies. When his gaze fell on Superboy, who nodded in quiet understanding, Leon let out a small sigh of relief. The rage-driven giant seemed unusually quiet and obedient today, but he chalked it upto his connection with Superman one he didn't have in the show which probably made him less irritable.
Finally, as they approached the second drop zone, Leon took a deep breath, feeling the weight of leadership settle comfortably on his shoulders. Whatever was ahead on Isla Santa Prisca, he was ready.
He would have to be.
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