Of Ashes and Embers

Santa Prisca

Sportsmaster awaits me at the entrance of the compound. The first thing he does is hand me my pistol, which I immediately holster. I hope I don't have to use it. Behind him, a couple hundred feet from the compound is a helicopter.

"We're going to Santa Prisca to pick up a shipment, you are simply coming in case of interference," he tells me. I'm positive another reason for me coming along is to prove that I am still alive. It's been a while since I've been seen by someone outside of the league.

"Yes sir," I respond. "May I ask what the shipment is?"

"Kobra Venom. I'll finish the rest of your briefing on the way," he says as he walks towards and then gets into the copter. I follow without another word.

Arriving at Santa Prisca Sportsmaster and I exit the helicopter and walk between two lines of Kobra's men. We walk, with me slightly behind him up to Kobra.

"Lord Kobra," Sportsmaster greets. I decide that the smartest thing is to remain silent and vigilant.

"Sportsmaster," Kobra returns as the tall girl behind him steps up with a box. "The shipment is ready," he says and the girl opens the box revealing blue vials. Kobras eyes land on me. "Demon," he begins, "it's been quite some time. It's impressive that you survived your last ordeal". I glance at Sportsmaster.

"Thank you, sir," I reply. 

Kobra gestures to the big beast behind him. Humanoid but overly large. So much so that his skin appears to be having a hard time holding in all of his muscles. "A complete success. Our friends will not be disappointed."

"This is a game-changer," Sportsmaster proudly states, flipping a vial in his fist to catch it once again. The hair on the back of my neck stands on end. I glance around, looking for anything out of place. Someone is here, and they are not supposed to be. "Finally we can go mano-a-mano with the Justice League," Sportmaster claims. There, above us. Not quite invisible. A shimmer of a humanoid shape.

"I'm sorry to interrupt sir, but it appears we have unwanted guests," I inform them while pulling and launching a knife at the center of the figure which quickly moves out of the way, but confirms my suspicion and reveals itself to the others. Interestingly, I hear gunshots from inside the factory. "And it appears they did not come alone," I add. The figure begins to fly around and throwing Kobra's men around. Sportsmaster's eyes narrow as he brings out a rod and extends it, revealing its sharp end. He throws it at the figure, which it just manages to dodge. Won't help it much. The rod explodes and knocks it hard enough that it begins completely visible. She then, and obviously Martian. Reminder: keep mental barriers up. I take two knives out and begin to charge her. She seems distracted. Perhaps speaking to her allies? Doesn't matter, it's to my advantage. I jump and spin, sending a knife flying at her. She blocks it and sends me flying with the force of her block. I roll as I hit the ground and come back up to my feet. Huh, Robin is attempting to take on Kobra. Such a bad idea. He really stands no chance. I continue to try and land a hit on the Martian but her plans become quite clear. She is trying to escape. Likely to regroup with her team. Once again she sends me flying and by the time I'm back on my feet she's gone. New plan, meet up with Sportsmaster and continue to protect the package.

Sportsmaster is on the helipad and in the chopper when I return. I listen as it creaks and shudders but doesn't start. Robin probably sabotaged it when he attempted to fight Kobra.

"Sabotage," my handler states. "Robin?"

"Undoublty," Kobra answers, his annoyance showing. He turns to the girl, Shimmer, I believe. "Find the problem. Fix it," he barks. She bows and walks away. Sportsmaster steps beside Kobra as one of Kobras agents and the beast from before walks up.

"Master, shall we send search parties after the intruders," he asks.

"Don't be absurd, they'll come to us," Kobra snarls before walking away. They certainly will. But, I for one, will be prepared for them.

A short time later and Shimmer has the helicopter up and running. I watch as Kobra agents load up the helicopter with products. I'm assuming it is all Kobra Venom but then again, maybe not; the special venom was in the silver box after all. It's a lot of venom. I wonder who exactly is planned to receive doses of it.

"The helicopter is operational, exhaulted one," an agent informs Kobra of the rather obvious fact. Sportsmaster walks towards the chopper, silver box from before in his hands. He is stopped by a blur that takes out some of the agents, which begin firing upon it. No doubt it's Kid Flash. I pull knives out to be at the ready.

"Take the shipment," Kobra commands. As Sportsmaster and I go to enter the helicopter a large boy with a superman symbol lands mere feet away from the helicopter. His landing cracked the ground. Ok...Superman apparently had a kid. That's new. The boy attempts to engage the monster, only for Aqualad to take him on. Sportsmaster begins firing on the Superboy, I'm assuming that's what he is. While he's focused on Super I spot the same figure from before trying to sneak up behind him. Not so fast. I launch myself at her and kick her hard. Hard enough that it disables her camouflage and brings a gasp of pain. While she's still shocked by the kick, which brought her to the ground, I grab and hold her in a chokehold. While I hold her, and Sportsmaster fires on the superboy we back up onto the loading bay of the chopper. I shove the Martain with everything I've got. She lands on the boy, knocking both of them on the ground. Sportsmaster pilots the chopper and we take off. I begin to make my way from the loading bay towards the front when suddenly there's an explosion. The loading bay is on fire and the back of the chopper is gone. Shit. I spot the silver box moving along the floor, the explosion popped it open and the vials roll amongst the fire and wreckage. Quickly I dive to the floor and snatch on up, slipping it into a secure pocket. Sportsmaster has lost control of the chopper. It lurches and I'm nearly sent flying out the gaping hole. I'm lifted from the floor by Sportsmaster who then jumps from the copter. We free fall for a few seconds before our descent is slowed. Parachute. Well, at least he decided to grab me and not leave me on the chopper. Speaking of, I watch as it lands on the factory. The whole thing explodes and then continues to burn.

(Timeskip)

Sportsmaster is livid. We've arrived back at the compound and I watch as he paces back and forth from the front steps. He'll wear a line in the dirt at this rate.

"We lost it all," he growls. "What am I supposed to report to them now?" I don't know who the they are, but I suspect that they are much higher on the food chain and will not be happy with what happened. I stand and warily walk towards my angry handler.

"Sir," I say, catching his attention. I fish the vial out of my pocket and hold it out to him. "I did manage to get a vial before the crash." He stops and stares at the blue vial that I hold lightly in my hand. He takes it from me, stepping closer. I tense slightly as his hand comes down on my shoulder.

"You did well. Get cleaned up and obey the doctors and security team. I have to make a report but I will be back to continue your training," he informs me before heading to a, probably very new, chopper that is in the old one's place. I will forever be impressed at how quickly we can get new equipment.

"Get inside," a voice from the door commands. I turn and head inside as told. I forget his name, as it is rarely said, but it's the head of my security squad. With the size of the squad, you would think that they're trying to keep someone out, not me in. I head back up into my room and enter the very small attached bathroom. It's just a toilet and a sink but it's a luxury. I remove my mask and contacts first. I wince as I remove my shirt. The drugs are wearing off. I use a rag and the sink to get somewhat cleaned up. I ditch my boots at the end of the cot before landing on my stomach. I fold my arms under my head to act as a sort of pillow. Closing my eyes I decide to try and get as much rest as I can before Sportsmaster returns.