#loxz ha

[angelbroad]

Loxz-Ha using Nadine's body in the 2011 comic run like:

No text version:

#blue beetle #jaime reyes #dc comics #dceu #new 52 comics #khaji da #the reach #loxz ha #illustration #art #design #oc art #digital art #artists on tumblr #young justice

[angelbroad]

"Don't look at it directly in the mandibles."

My two favourite versions of Nadine under Loxz-Ha's control, heavily inspired by the way @wazzappp draws Jaime with mandibles

#art #design #oc art #digital art #artists on tumblr #comic art #illustration #nadine estrada #loxz ha #digital painting #dc oc #dc comics #dc #jaime reyes #khaji da #the reach #blue beetle 2023 #blue beetle

[angelbroad]

Limelight

Loxz-Ha opened the eyes of their host, looking at the wall with hooded eyes. They sat up in Nadine's body, which was currently in the deepest state of sleep. Loxz-Ha looked down as they stretched the body's fingers, after which they got up. Walking further inside the room, they retrieved a mirror, looking at their orange irises. Loxz-Ha took two fingers and stretched the skin underneath the eyeball. Still not a perfect disguise. They would have to learn the safest way to convert the color of the irises.

The scarab scoffed as they heard muffled noises from inside the house, moving to change Nadine into clothes fit for the outside as they focused on the sound of Terrance Estrada's voice.

"-that little bitch thinks she can act like that in my house? Where the fuck is the spare key?"

So, the man wanted a fight? Loxz-Ha would gladly split this meat's dome in half, but they would risk losing the trust they were beginning to foster within Nadine. Their mission was more important, not personal satisfaction. So they sighed, and opened up the window. They heard a key go through the lock just as they got out, and they quickly transformed themselves to ascend into the sky.

When Terrance finally opened the door, he was met with an empty room and an open window. He rushed over to it, looking outside in confusion before his eyes landed on the scattered pijamas on the floor.

"That little-"

In the sky, Loxz-Ha crossed their arms as they looked down at the city. Quite lively, for such a late hour. Their eyes caught cars, people, a few stray animals here and there. They could scan other cities while they were still here, until they would find Khaji-Da, that is. Their sensors picked up a flying object heading towards their direction. Turning around, they saw a strange, balloon-like aircraft. A quick scan revealed to them it was called a 'blip'. Shrugging, they flew up and stood on the edge of the sign it carried. Advertisement. Though Loxz-Ha saw no point in such actions, especially at night.

Humming, they looked down again, seeing a few people moving about like anssse (ants). During the few days they were attached to this host, Loxz-Ha had taken time to research a few things about this planet and its dominant species. Frail meat suits with a very limited understanding of advanced technology. They turn on each other over the most meaningless of things, it was honestly quite hilarious. Loxz-Ha scoffed out a laugh, but quickly composed themselves and flew down and over Gotham.

Their eyes darted around, scanning every corner of the city as they flew. A sound caught their hearing receptors, making them land and march towards the sound. They found themselves in an alleyway, but looking around revealed nothing. They opened the garbage lid, and something struck their helm. The damage was not even enough to put a dent in their armor, and they cracked their neck to look at the source of the hit. It was a human man, holding a baseball bat with shaking hands.

"Y-You're not the Bat..."

Loxz-Ha raised an eyebrow before grabbing the man's shirt and forcing him out of the garbage can, as well as some cleaner bags that were presumably his. He tried to crawl away, only to be pinned to the floor by a giant tack that encased his waist. The scarab knelt down and peered inside the bags, which were filled with knickknacks, a scan revealing they were quite valuable if exchanged for Earth currency. So, the man was a thief, they guessed.

"P-Please..."

Like a man's pleas would move them. Criminals were not exactly dealt with kindness in the Reach's colonies. Loxz-Ha raised an arm. The man probably thought he was going to be attacked, but the arm was used to swat away an object that shot towards them. They looked down on it as it fell with a clank.

A bat-shaped object.

Loxz-Ha looked up to see a dark figure on the roof of the building, its white eyes seemingly glowing in the dark of the night. It jumped down, Loxz-Ha keeping their eyes on the figure as it walked closer to them, the flailing man on the ground left forgotten. As more light illuminated the figure, the features of bat symbolism became much clearer. But something was stirring inside Loxz-Ha. Nadine-!

Nadine held her head as she shook it, opening her eyes to be met with a man on the floor. Looking down at her hands, she realised she was in the armor.

"What-"

"Kid."

Nadine's head shot up at the voice, and was met with the very intimidating figure of the Batman. She jumped back, taking a sharp inhale through her mouth. Oh my god it's Batman!

Who is this Batman?

Nadine did not respond, still processing how she even got here. Police sirens soon reached her ears, watching from the darkness of the alley as the thief and the stolen belonging were handed over to the Commissioner.

"Loxz-Ha, how did I even get here?", Nadine whispered as she held herself.

Your father had intentions of malicious nature. I had come to the conclusion this was the best course of action to avoid that outcome

Nadine nodded, a little thankful.

I advise we retreat

"R-Right.", Nadine said as the wings sprung out, ready to fly again before the voice of Batman stopped them.

Nadine turned around to face the taller man, ignoring Loxz-Ha's repeated commands for them to retreat. She swallowed, holding up her hands.

"L-Look, I didn't mean to-"

"I am not taking you to prison, kid.", Batman answered. It was not every day something like this happened in Gotham, and he needed to be sure he had control of this situation.

Nadine nodded, "I'm sorry I...am still new to this."

Batman nodded.

"Batman?", the voice of Commissioner Gordon came up from behind him, "Any more?", he asked before his eyes landed on Nadine's armored figure. He raised an eyebrow as he looked at Batman, "One of yours?"

-------

Nadine slowly drank the water from the cup she was given as she stood next to Batman on the roof. It felt beyond awkward, and she felt so small compared to him. She swallowed another gulp of water before finally finding her voice again.

"S-So...um...you're Batman..."

The silence was killing her, and Batman's voice did not ease her in the slightest.

"You sprang out of nowhere, forgive me for being suspicious."

"I-I meant no harm, honest! I'm just...new to this superhero thing."

"I could tell. You looked baffled you were even outside."

"I wasn't supposed to be.", Nadine admitted, "Loxz-Ha controlled my body when I was asleep."

Batman raised an eyebrow.

"It's my scarab.", Nadine said, gesturing at her back, "It's what gives me these powers."

Nadine Estrada, do not reveal more information about us. We do not know of the Batman's intentions

"And when did you receive this scarab, exactly?"

"C-Couple of days ago..."

"Try not to get in trouble, kid. You know what will happen if you find yourself in the wrong side of the law."

Nadine nodded, "Y-Yes, mister Batman."

"Anything else you know about the scarab?"

Nadine kept Loxz-Ha's words in mind. The scarab clearly trusted her, and she didn't want to make them feel bad, or possibly cause them harm.

She shook her head, "Not really. It doesn't talk much."

Batman nodded, telling her she was free to leave. Nadine flew off, not realising a shadow would follow her all the way home.

----------

Returning to the Batcave, Bruce took off his helmet and went straight for the bat computer. It wasn't hard to find all the information he needed about Nadine Estrada.

"Master Bruce?", Alfred's gentle voice came in, Bruce allowing himself to close his eyes and take in a breath as a tray of tea and food was placed next to him. "Long night?", the older man asked.

"It was not supposed to be.", Bruce said, "But it seems we have another thing to worry about."

Alfred looked at the screen, raising an eyebrow at the image of the young girl displayed.

"Do forgive me, master Bruce, but that does not look like much of a threat."

"For now, it is not.", Bruce responded, bringing up the snapshots he managed to take of the armor, "But the technology she possesses is eerily similar to Blue Beetle's, which would imply the same form of alien technology. Jaime has managed to remain mostly under the radar because he tends to focus more on the problems of Palmera City, unless a third party requests his help. His existence has mostly gone unnoticed, and even I have scarce information about his scarab."

"You believe the scarabs themselves to be a threat.", Alfred realised.

"I already had my suspicions regarding Jaime's scarab, but two of them here are one too many for it to be a coincidence, especially when Estrada admitted to being controlled by her scarab against her will or even knowledge. If the scarab felt bold enough to take its host's body for a joyride this late at night, I can't risk finding out what else it might be capable of."

Alfred nodded, stirring the tea, "And what do you plan to do about it?"

Bruce looked at the monitors again, contemplating.

"I can make sure the two of them keep control over their scarabs. And I need to find more information about those machines."

He would likely have to reach contacts from off-world, as the technology seemed far too advanced to be from Earth. And whatever these scarabs were, they were certainly dangerous. He sounded a lot like Waller in his mind, but he only had that thought briefly before sorting through his plans.

-----

Why are we hiding out at Stephanie Diya's garage?, Loxz-Ha asked.

"I can't just go back home after what you did."

But we did return home, you just chose not to go inside at the last second

Nadine sighed, "I did, didn't I? God, I'm such a coward."

Fear, as far as I compute, is a regular emotion expressed by humans. There is nothing inherently wrong with feelings such as these

"Thanks for the concern Loxz, but I don't really want to feel those things."

And may I know why?

"I just...can we talk tomorrow, please?"

Very well. There is a couch here

Nadine nodded and walked over to the couch, laying on it without the armor's helmet as she once again tried to drift off to sleep.

Meanwhile, in Palmera City, Khaji-Da begun to blink. Jaime groaned as he was put in a half-awake state.

"What now, Khaji?", he mumbled.

Nothing. Go back to sleep, Jaime Reyes., they said, letting their host go back to sleep.

They found them.

#dc #dc fanfic #dc ocs #dc oc #nadine estrada #green scarab comic #loxz ha #batman #jaime reyes #khaji da #the reach #ao3 writer #writers on tumblr #cover art #art #digital art #comic art #artists on tumblr

[angelbroad]

You're Like Me, Let's Be Friends

This superhero business was going pretty well, all things considered. It was a good thing Nadine had basically all the time in the world to work on this, which also made her realise she didn't really have anything going on in her life. But now that she was an official hero (was there even such a thing?) also meant she would have more run-ins with the other heroes of Gotham.

The first had been Batman. Nadine thought him very intimidating at first, and he still was, just with a bit of humor to him. Even if they didn't talk often, or worked together often, Nadine could tell he was somehow watching her. The man was like a shadow, and it only made Loxz-Ha dislike the Bat even more.

"I'm sure it's cause he cares.", Nadine told them, "Besides, I'm still new to this hero thing. I think he wants me to do it right."

Or he sees us as a threat that must be observed and terminated

"Loxz, I think you worry too much."

I worry just enough, Nadine Estrada

Nadine sighed, "Would it kill you to stop calling me by my full name?"

The two still had some stuff to work through, especially Loxz-Ha's distrust of basically everyone they'd meet.

Next was Nightiwing. He was slightly less intimidating than the Bat, much more easy-going. Nadine was in the process of stopping a few crooks when he showed up, the two managing to turn them in in one piece.

"Batman told me about you.", Nightwing said.

Nadine looked away with an awkward smile, "H-He did?"

"He said you were new and practically clueless."

"Oh...uh..."

He is insulting our intelligence

"No he's not."

Nightwing raised an eyebrow. Nadine coughed.

"Sorry about that."

"You talk to yourself often?", he asked.

"More than you think.", Nadine said with an awkward laugh,

"W-Well...nicemeetingyoubye!"

As she flew away, she chastised herself internally. That was so embarassing!

"Loxz-Haaa.", she groaned. The scarab chuckled, apparently her suffering was amusing.

"So, how did it go?", Anthony asked as he was washing the dishes, Nadine lying on the kitchen table face first.

"I fumbled Nightwing so bad..."

Pearl patted her back, "Hey, I would too."

"Would you though?"

"Well, duh. You know dark mysterious men are my weakness."

"Can you two stop thirsting over the vigilante in my kitchen table?", Anthony asked.

"Dude! She's doing that, I'm just embarassed I acted like a child in front of him!", Nadine shot up, slumping back down as she finished, "First Batman, now Nightwing..."

"Hey, c'mon dude. You've been a super for like what? A couple of days?", Pearl reasoned, "Obviously your personality won't change that quickly. You're still the same ol' Nad."

"Thankfully.", Anthony added to his sister's statement as he sat down, sliding a burrito towards Nadine's head, "Now eat, won't you?"

"But I'm not hungry...", Nadine mumbled, but saw how Anthony had bothered to make her food, so she reluctantly took the burrito to eat it.

"Any luck with blue?", Anthony asked Nadine as he sat down next to her.

Nadine shook her head, "Apperantelly he's called 'Blue Beetle', but I've never seen him around."

"Hey, we'll burn that bridge when we get to it."

"Anth, I'm trying to make friends here, not enemies."

"My guy,", Pearl said, "you're a superhero. No duh you're gonna have enemies."

Nadine let out an awkward laugh, "T-True. I just hope I don't get a Mongul as my villain."

"Yeesh. Went right for the Superman-level threat, didn't ya?"

"Sorry..."

Nadine was bound to be nervous about all this. Now that she was putting herself out there, with a secret identity to boot, she was a target. And because Loxz-Ha still doesn't tell her everything, she didn't know how big the target on her back was.

---------

"Flying through the streets, hope nothing bad ever happens to me-"

You are murmuring again

"Just trying to find some comfort.", Nadine reasoned.

The spike in your anxiety indicates otherwise

"Well, what should I do?"

Take deep and slow breaths. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth

Nadine did as instructed, aiming to meet Nadine's requirements to the best of her ability.

Good. You are doing so well, Nadine

"I...am?", that felt nice, in a weird way.

Nadine landed on a building, continuing her exercises.

Nadine

"Y-Yeah?"

You have a performance tonight

"Oh shit! Thanks for reminding me!", Nadine said as she blitzed through the streets and to the back of the venue where Stephanie was waiting. The armor came off almost as soon as Nadine's feet touched the ground. "We're not late, are we?", Nadine asked as she tried to catch her breath, not even noticing she said 'we' instead of 'I'.

Stephanie let out a sigh, giving her a reassuring smile and guiding her inside with a hand on her shoulder.

"Just in time.", she said, "Adhhab alan 'iilaa altubuli, ya sadiqi."

The stage lights were as bright as always, bathing Nadine in a green light as she picked up the drum sticks. As the drummer, she always sat in the back, and she preferred it that way. Loxz-Ha had asked about it at some point, and Nadine made it clear that she wanted to stay as a support to the band's structure. She cared little for spotlight, to which she was sure she heard the scarab create its own version of a hum.

It started with a spin of the drumstick, then light tapping on the peddal, and then Nadine met her queue of beating the drums like her life depended on it. The music blasting from the speakers would surely make her go deaf one day, but she didn't care-not now. Nadine closed her eyes, smiling ear to ear as she focused on the beats of the music alone. Guitar, bass, song, and drums, working together in chaotic harmony to create a form of art Nadine had always looked at as an escape. Loxz-Ha didn't buzz in her mind right now, and even if it did, she couldn't hear it.

She did hear the scarab at some point, telling her to open her eyes again, and to focus on stopping as the song was coming to an end. They had received applause, a great sound to hear as an up and coming band. 'Lords of the Flies' were not the only band performing in the event, but they were the smallest. Even Nadine knew they stood very little chance against Cassidy.

The group decided to stick around for the meet and greet portion of the event, and they got a handful of people coming to them too, though it was mostly for Steph and Anthony. Pearl lagged back and scrolled on her phone, while Nadine sat nearby and dozed off. Maybe Loxz-Ha would talk to her again.

"Um, excuse me?"

Nadine turned her head, jumping in surprise. "S-Sorry, sorry! You just, scared me.", she tried to play off.

Be more aware of your surroundings

Noted, Nadine mentally said.

"Drums, right?", Jaime knew that was a stupid question to ask. Obviously she was the drums, he'd seen it himself. "I...really liked them. Looked like you were having the time of your life up there."

"I did.", Nadine chuckled.

"Could you...?", Jaime asked, handing her a small booklet and pen.

"Sure!"

Nadine wasn't getting a lot of attention, being a drummer will do that to you, but she had a couple of people that found her support good enough to ask for an autograph.

Meanwhile, Jaime was fighting hard to not talk back to Khaji-Da.

Jaime Reyes., they said, There are more important matters at hand than going to see your favourite 'indie band'. We must find the individual we are looking for

"Here you go.", Nadine cheerfully said, handing him back his notepad first before remembering the pen was his too.

"I-I'm Jaime, by the way.", he blurted out and extended his hand. He could hear Khaji-Da sigh inside his head.

"Ah, um, I'm Nadine, but I guess you know that?", Nadine replied, trying not to let her awkwardness show as she shook his hand. Pearl wiggling her eyebrows behind her was not helping.

Another thing about her new condition of having an alien strapped to her back, it was really itchy. Nadine withdrew her hand to try and reach her back. Jaime raised an eyebrow at that while Pearl got up from behind her.

"You good?", she asked.

"Y-Yeah, it's the uh...you-know-what."

"Ooooh. Hang on, I gotchu.", Pearl said as she moved to scratch the spot. She then looked at Jaime, who was looking quite confused. "She recently got some back braces. Gets real itchy."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"Don't be.", Nadine waved off, "Just a-"

Did Loxz-Ha just purr?? Whatever sound Loxz-Ha had internally made had Nadine's back straightening like a metal rod, catching Pearl by surprise.

Jaime darted his eyes around before turning them back to the two girls, "You were gonna say...?"

"...Bug. Bug was what I was gonna say."

Huh, that was weird. This situation was oddly familiar to Jaime. Braces were a tricky thing, especially if they made a bump on your...back...wait-

Jaime shook his head, finally catching on to the bug comment.

Well...fine, I will give you credit for this one

Nadine felt an arm go around her shoulder as Anthony returned.

"Hey, all good?", he asked Nadine, but his eyes were on Jaime.

Nadine looked away as she took his hand off, "It's fine, Anth. Just meeting new folks.", she said. Nadine wasn't really too big on physical affection of this degree. "This is Jaime. Jaime, this is Anthony."

Anthony crossed his arms as he raised an eyebrow at him, but Jaime stood his ground and extended a hand.

"Big fan, great to meet you."

Anthony reluctantly took his arm, "Same here.", he then looked at Nadine, "We should probably go, the event is over and you guys need rest."

"R-Right, rest.", Nadine said, going to help the girls with gathering up the instruments, "Nice meeting you, Jaime!", she waved as she walked off.

-----------

Jaime lagged back at the building, flying to the roof to wait for when Nadine would leave. Khaji-Da had suggested it, but that made him feel like a stalker.

We are not stalkers, Jaime

"Well, it sure feels like it.", Jaime admitted, "What am I even supposed to say?"

Just tell her what you are

"But what if she isn't the Green Scarab? We'd be revealing our identity to a random person in Gotham."

Would you rather we wait until the actual scarab shows itself?

"Probablemente. You don't think this is problematic at all?"

Hardly

"Por supuesto que no.", Jaime said, facepalming. A metal clang brought him back as the back door was opened. Quickly ducking behind the roof wall, he could hear the group talking. He mostly kept his attention on Nadine's voice, following it as she walked off.

Nadine was smart enough to bring a jacket this time, she'd hate to ask Anthony for his own again.

"So...", Anthony started, "that guy-"

Pearl punched his arm, earning an 'ow' from her older brother. "Geez dude. If you're gonna be jealous do it subtly."

"I am not-"

That earned a rare laugh from Stephanie, with Nadine trying to contain her own.

"Anth, you worry too much!", Nadine said, "He just wanted an autograph. Besides, you don't see me going off like that when you get autograph requests."

"W-Well I um...you just...nevermind."

"Pfft! Not subtle. At. All!", Pearl quipped.

Nadine raised an eyebrow, "I don't get it?"

Stephanie pulled her close as they walked, "Don't worry about it."

As they continued walking, Nadine felt a little off. It was like someone was following them.

Good, it seems that you have taken my advice to keep attention to your surroundings

"I try."

"What's it saying, Nad?", Stephanie asked.

Nadine shook her head, "Nothing."

It wasn't until Nadine was alone, the others having gone their seperate ways, that the feeling got stronger. She stopped walking, and inhaled deeply. Should she confront the supposed stalker? How would she even do that?

Nadine

"Hm?", she whispered.

Just follow my instructions

Nadine nodded.

Turn around

Nadine did just that.

You have to look serious

Nadine tried her best to put on a serious, and slightly angry, look as she looked into the darkness.

Now say that they will be evaporated if they come out and threaten you

"We talked about this!...Oh crap.", Nadine could hear Loxz-Ha groan, more than ready to materialise their armor before the stalker popped up.

The figure was on a roof, and Nadine couldn't tell much since all she could see was the silhouette. They lifted their arms up, seemingly to show they meant no harm. Nadine gave a determined look at the sky and pointed at the figure.

"L-Listen here...mister! I don't know who you are or why you're following me, but I'm warning you, I'm gonna hurt you real bad if you try to lay your hands on me!"

"I-I mean no harm!", the figure said, the voice sounding weirdly familiar. The figure dropped down, Nadine instinctively going to a fighting stance. The street lights revealed the figure as the blue figure Nadine had seen on that video Pearl had shown the crew. There he was, right in front her.

Well, that was rather lucky

Nadine shooke her head and pointed at him, "You're the blue guy!"

Jaime chuckled and tipped his head, "Blue Beetle, at your service!"

Nadine chuckled, "Phew, glad I ran into you. You never know in Gotham."

True. Jaime himself hadn't been in Gotham much, but sometimes the team would require him to come over.

"I...think we have a lot to talk about.", Jaime said.

Nadine nodded, letting the armor encase her again as the two took off into the sky.

#art #design #oc art #digital art #artists on tumblr #dc #dceu #dc movies #blue beetle #jaime reyes #batman #nightwing #green scarab comic #nadine estrada #loxz ha #dc ocs #illustration #ao3 writer #ao3 #dc fanfic #writers on tumblr #khaji da

[angelbroad]

Lieutenant Loxz-Ha

No text version:

#art #design #oc art #digital art #artists on tumblr #nadine estrada #loxz ha #blue beetle 2023 #ignacio carapax #dcu #dc movies #dc rp #dc oc #digital painting

[angelbroad]

Au stuff

#young justice #black beetle #blue beetle #nadine estrada #cassie sandsmark #aqualad #dc robin #nightwing #the reach #green scarab comic #memes #dc memes #jaime reyes #m'gann m'orzz #superboy #bart allen #z'ignnal #khaji da #loxz ha #dick grayson #dc au

[angelbroad]

Khaji-Da: Infliltrator

Summary: A darker turn in the 2023 movie where Khaji-Da was not damaged.

It had been a while since it landed on Earth, too long. Khaji-Da had been sent to Earth to scout it as a possible future colony for the Reach, where it landed without much issue. Its first host had been amongst the Mayans, where it discovered how gullible 'humans' could be. All it had to do was say the right words through the host which it contolled, and the lower life forms viewed it as God-sent.

But that was one of many hosts, you just never forget your first on a new planet target. Over the centuries, Khaji-Da had seen civilizations rise and crumble, hosts dying sooner than a lot of species the scarab had encountered in deep space, but at some point, their technology begun to improve. It was nowhere near the brilliance of the Reach, but it was somewhat acceptable. At least Khaji-Da would not have to see the humans in less than accommodating quarters and the most advanced objects being metal sticks.

Khaji-Da did not have a host for a long time after that, its last one dying alone in the ruins of her own pathetic civilization in Egypt. It did not have a host until Dan Garret came along. Khaji-Da decided to wait, bond with the man in private and continue its mission of gathering intel for the Reach to use upon arrival. However, this Garret host had an annoyingly persistent companion.

Ted Kord.

Khaji-Da never liked Ted Kord, which proved a challenge as it had to act like they were friends so as to not give away its identity. But despite this, it could tell Kord was not buying its performance fully, all leading up to the day Khaji-Da's host was captured. Something they had consumed caused the neurological functions of their host to cease, but the scarab was still conscious to that understand Kord finally found out about its existence.

But he did not try to remove it, no, instead Kord experimented on it while it was still buried in his friend's spine. Khaji-Da would refuse to engage in conversation, aside from the occasional snarling. Kord was still convinced he could reach his friend, despite seeing for himself that Khaji-Da had coiled around Garret's brain completely. The scarab would sometimes alter its host's biology, just to torment the man who believed he could do good by reverse engineering its technology. He would never rival the power of the Reach by pulling form a mere Infiltrator.

Khaji-Da had kept a few key notes on Kord. He had a Military Tech Company, he had a wife, and an offspring. A child, they would call it here. Khaji-Da had never left the basement of Kord's estate, staying in this 'Beetle Cave', but it could pick up movement upstairs, the sounds of footsteps and the occasional louder voice.

"Your offspring is being loud today. Well, louder than usual.", it had commented one day, making Ted flinch.

"...My kid is none of your business."

Khaji-Da chuckled, the automated reverb of its voice spilling out a bit. "You have me in your house, Kord, you cannot expect me to not be involved in your affairs."

"You have been ever since you grabbed Dan as your 'host'.", Ted said through gritted teeth, clenching his hands around the tools he was holding. 'Kabloom Bubblegum'...stupid name, wasn't it? He looked over at the scarab. Dan's body was placed in a way where his back was to Ted, exposing the scarab burrowed in his back. His limbs were locked into place, and believe him it had taken a long time for him to make restrains that would contain the scarab armor. Ted sighed, "I forgot to pick her up from school...again."

Ted had to try hard not to cry when the scarab burst into a fit of laughter. He was a terrible dad, and he knew it-hell, the Scarab knew it. He would call it Scarab, he didn't know if it had a name and frankly he didn't care. It had all been too much, everything combined was taking a heavy toll on him. He missed his old friend, his wife...his daughter.

One day, something unprecedented happened. A man from the future came, one Michael Carter, and asked him for help. Ted Kord wanted to help, but he knew he could not just leave this dangerous machine out and about, especially if Jenny could find it in the house. He had asked 'Booster Gold' to wait for a while. He had a plan prepared, one that unfortunately would lead to blood on his hands and leaving his Jenny at the hands of Victoria.

He would hide the Scarab, even make decoys so no one would ever find it. But while it had a body, it posed a threat. So...Ted did the unthinkable.

"Scarab."

"..."

"Scarab."

"Kord."

Ted looked at the many tools he had prepared. He did not know if it could see them or not. He had the decoys prepared, and now he just needed the real deal to hide it in Antarctica.

"The only way to remove you...would kill the host."

"Affirmative.", Khaji-Da did not understand why the man was asking it this. He already knew-

The Scarab felt pain. It was being ripped out of the host's body with a large and sharp object that could have doubled as one of its own blades. It fell on the floor with a clank, no longer able to move as Garret's bloody corpse fell limp in its restrains. Khaji-Da could hear Kord sobbing, at least both got to suffer a loss from this incident.

Khaji-Da had been inside a concrete ball in the Antarctic for a little over fifteen years, until is was found again by another Kord. The members of this bloodline seemed to be getting worse and worse. Now, it had the displeasure to hear Victoria Kord proudly parade this project of completely copying the functions of the Scarab. It was a laughable thought, somehow it had come across a Kord more delusional than Ted. Their species' technology had come far, that was true, but if she hoped to achieve the power its creators held, she was in for a very massive disappointment.

Unfortunately, there were bad news on its part too. No human that it had been passed to thus far proved to be a suitable host. They were sure 'Carapax' would have made a perfect Infiltrator, but something about the man did not sit right with Khaji-Da. The man had too much of an iron will, his brain would be difficult to coil around. Eventually, when it had been placed on an awkward machine meant to extract its code, Khaji-Da was found by a new face. It had recognised the woman as Jennifer Kord, Ted's child. Perhaps Khaji-Da could take her over, it would surely give it an advantage over Victoria's Industries. But alas, she was not the one. Khaji-Da will admit, she did help it escape the facility, by putting it in a burger box. The Scarab could not see what was going on outside of the confines of the package, but could hear as Kord gave it to someone called 'Jaime', and told him to guard it with his life.

The next time Khaji-Da got to see something outside of its greasy confines had been when Jaime had brought it to his residence, his familial units chanting in unison for him to open the box. Ah, finally. The familial unit number appeared to be quite large, which gave Khaji-Da more options to pick from. It was a little annoyed when the female next to Jaime called it a let-down, Earth-speak for disappointing.

It had been picked up by her first, but Khaji-Da would not settle for this one. Too annoying for its liking. Then it had been tossed over to an older man next to Jaime, he had good qualities like technological aptitude, but Khaji-Da did not like the fact that he was so unkempt. Finally, Jaime reached out to grab it when 'Rudy' had suggested to open it up with a drill, and oh...Khaji-Da immediately roared to life in Jaime's palm. This one was in ripe physical condition, easier-going, and clever with quite the imagination. One downside was the host's pacifism, but it's not like he would have any say in anything. Jaime said he thinks Khaji-Da liked him, and he had been right.

Khaji-Da lept on his face, earning screams of terror from everyone including its future host. Khaji-Da tried to guide Jaime away from the wall so it could find his back, having to knock back Rudy when he tried to remove it. Finally, it reached Jaime's back, proceeding with the grotesque first transformation. It could have done it later, but it wanted to stretch, and terrify the family even more while it was at it. While the armor spread around the body, Khaji-Da oddly enough felt...pleasure. Yes, this was the host it liked the most so far. It had fallen down on the table, the water around them sizzling as it got up. The family was asking for Jaime, but he was not here, not anymore. Khaji-Da walked forward, catching their reflection on a portrait of a strangely painted woman.

Perf-What the...fu-

What?? Khaji-Da held their head. No, something was wrong. Impossible!

Wh-What's happening??

'Hello, Jaime.', Khaji-Da said through the mind link. No, this was all wrong, their host was not supposed to be here!

"Jaime?", one of the familial units asked, making Khaji-Da turn their head rapidly.

The family jumped back, and Khaji-Da properly scanned them before beginning systems check, bursting a hole through the roof much to their host's dismay. Its host was loud during the entire systems check. A little annoying, but Khaji-Da would manage.

'Host: overreacting'

Overreacting?? You kidnapped me!

'Nonsense. You are my host, you are meant to comply.'

Your what-?

Khaji-Da had fallen on a car and cut a bus in half, but managed to return to the host's residence. The family rushed towards them, and Khaji-Da took off just the helmet. Rocio could immediatelly tell something was wrong. Her son's eyes weren't yellow.

'Your family is aware of me.'

I can tell!

'Should I greet them?'

Just...please don't hurt them...

Khaji-Da raised an arm, the family stiffening a little.

"Greetings.", it said in Jaime's voice, "I am Khaji-Da of the Reach. I have taken your Jaime's body as my host."

...

...

...You couldn't be more blunt, could you?

It had taken a while for the family to calm down, so much so it had gone dark outside. Khaji-Da had created clothing articles for Jaime from the tar, they could not have him nude.

"So...my brother has an alien parasite on his back...", Milagro had said, which made Khaji-Da frown.

"Nonsense. I am a computer."

"But you are from aliens."

"Affirmative."

"God it...it feels so weird!"

"How so?"

Milagro looked at them with so much anger in her eyes, Jaime actually made a noise of fear inside their shared head-space.

"How so? How so?? You are an alien machine using my brother's body as a meatsuit!"

Khaji-Da scoffed, "Please. This one is more than sufficient to my needs."

"Really?", Milagro asked, hands on her hips.

"I do not settle for people like yourself."

Before Milagro could respond, Rocio walked into the kitchen. She looked close to bursting into a screaming fit as she had her eyes tightly closed and was pinching the bridge of her nose.

"...What was your name?", she asked.

"I already told you-"

"What was your name?", Rocio asked again, more impatiently.

Look, if you're going to have my body, you need to hear me out.

'Why would I ever-?'

Just...answer her.

'Our mission has already be compromised-'

Maldita sea, hermano! Just tell her!

Khaji-Da groaned before reluctantly responding, "...My serial number is 'Khaji-Da'."

Rocio finally lifted her hand from her face to look at them, "Khaji-Da...is my son in there?"

After a minute of silence, Khaji-Da touched a finger on the side of their head.

"Somewhere up here, weirdly enough."

"What's that supposed to mean?", Rudy asked.

Khaji-Da rolled their eyes, "I am meant to take full control of my host, they are not supposed to be conscious-"

"So you are telling me there was a chance my son would be completely braindead??"

Khaji-Da actually flinched at that. This woman had a strong voice. They shook their head and composed themselves.

"Look, Reyes. I am only doing my function-"

"I don't care!", Rocio cut them off, "I just want to know if my son is safe!"

Khaji-Da swallowed, only ever used to being cut off by superiors.

'...Are you safe?'

I...think? I can't move my body, but I can still see and hear.

"Your son is perfectly fine. He can still see and hear you."

Rocio let out a shaky sigh as she slumped against the wall, hands covering her face. Milagro went over to hold her, as did Rudy, as an attempt at comforting her.

Wait...Jenny Kord!

'What of her?

She might know how to remove you!

Khaji-Da scoffed a laugh, turning a few heads.

'Do not bother. You cannot remove me.'

Like I'm supposed to believe you.

'You would be wise to, Jaime Reyes.'

"Okay, computadora.", Rudy said as he was walking up to Khaji-Da, "Who gave you to Jaime?"

"Jennifer Kord, a little after stealing me herself from the Kord building."

The man nodded, "Bien entonces.", he then walked off, the family units asking where he was going. After getting confirmation he was heading for the Kord building, Khaji-Da sat in the kitchen, Nana Reyes cautiously offering a liquid produce. Tea, they called it.

As Khaji-Da was consuming the beverage, they received a ping in their head, which made them get up and move towards Jaime's room. Milagro followed them, stationing herself outside the bedroom door. Khaji-Da shifted the civilian clothing back to the armor to properly receive the message.

"Infiltrator: serial number Khaji-Da, respond."

"Lieutenant: serial number Loxz-ha, responding."

Finally.

W-Who is that-

"Hello, Lieutenant. Has the fleet arrived?"

"Not yet, Infiltrator. A small force has entered the rim of the solar system while under cloaking. I and General: serial number Djo-Zha have been sent to Earth to retrieve you for information."

"Thank you, Lieutenant. I fear I will need to be seen for repairs."

"Inquire problem."

"Host's consciousness still present."

"Unprecedented. Do you still hold neurological functions over the host?"

"Affirmative."

"Excellent. Only a minor setback. We shall inform the superiors and have you looked over as soon as our schedule allows."

"Taken. I will be contacting you again if further information is needed."

"Affirmative."

And with that, the call ended. Khaji-Da turned the armor back to clothes as they heard a bloodcurdling scream from outside. It had turned out to be Rudy Reyes. He had retrieved Jenny Kord, who he had seen outside the Kord building. They had been chased by soldiers, it seemed, since most of the shouting involved the car being ruined. Jenny immediately turned to Jaime when she saw him, a look of worry and then shame as she turned her head down. Rudy had a lot to get out of his chest regarding the Kord company, at least that was one good quality about him.

"Where is it?", Jenny asked, referring to the scarab before realising what was wrong with Jaime's eyes.

"Greetings, Jennifer Kord."

"You...know my name-"

"Your father kept me in your home's basement."

"...Holy shit-"

"Milagro.", Rocio interrupted.

Jenny shook her head, "But..how-?"

"Allow me.", Rudy said before taking off his boot and throwing it to the spice drawer next to Khaji-Da, who only turned their eyes to look at it.

"I thought they would come out again.", was what he had to say.

Khaji-Da answered Jenny's question by turning around and creating a hole on the clothing articles, exposing its actual body burrowed deep inside Jaime's spine. They could hear gasping and Milagro gagging before fixing the shirt and turning around. All they had as a follow-up response was a shrug. The next time they spoke was when Jenny was answering what it was.

"It was given to my dad when I was a kid, I think. It's...some kind of world-destroying weapon."

"That is a bit exaggerated.", Khaji-Da responded.

"So you are not a world-destroying weapon?", Milagro asked.

"I am only a scout."

You are not a world-ending weapon?

'No.'

Jaime let out a sigh of relief before Khaji-Da cut it off.

'I am a world-conquering weapon. They ought to get it right.'

What??

The group behind them was trying to figure out a plan, eventually Jenny believing she knew a way to remove it. Khaji-Da knew this was utter nonsense, but they could use some entertainment while waiting for their superiors.

"I know where we could find answers. But we need the key."

"Where is they key?", Khaji-Da asked.

"...At the Kord building. And they're probably on high alert since I took the scara...you."

Khaji-Da shrugged, "Alright."

Rudy even offered a way to jam the security systems, surprisingly. They swear, the man's hate against Kord was almost as great as their own. And the machine did end up working, despite its primitive appearance.

"Hearing your aunt's voice is an assault to my hearing receptors.", Khaji-Da commented.

Jenny agreed, and told Khaji-Da exactly how the company came to be in the woman's hands before helping her retrieve the key. 'Tedwatch', Khaji-Da cringed at the invention as the two walked out.

"Why did my dad keep you downstairs?", Jenny asked.

"...He wished to use my functions. Unfortunately for him, I was bonded with Dan Garret at the time."

"You were...in a person when you were there?"

Khaji-Da chuckled, "What? You think the screams I would let out at night to scare you was your imagination?"

Jenny looked forward, terrified. She had believed in the boogeyman for a long time because of those mechanical screams and scrapes. Heavy footsteps made a new presence known ahead.

Ignacio Carapax. Joy.

"The Scarab.Now."

Khaji-Da looked bored as they rolled their eyes, a stark contrast to Jenny's fear. The Lieutenant begun running towards the two, Khaji-Da waiting for the right moment to catch the punch and transform properly.

"Hola, Ignacio.", they said before punching him to the statue nearby with such force it had fallen off the pedastal.

Jenny looked at them in disbelief.

"Find Rudy Reyes.", they said, and Jenny complied.

Khaji-Da looked on as Carapax took off his jacket and pressed a button on the back of his head, bits of armor emerging. Khaji-Da raised an eyebrow.

Is it...something like you?, Jaime asked.

"You are going to regret that.", Carapax growled as he shot a rocket at them, which Khaji-Da easily blocked with a shield.

"No.", Khaji-Da responded out loud, "Just a cheap imitation."

They then charged at the man, tackling him to the nearby parking lot and through a truck. A large blast from a flamethrower knocked them back and onto a car.

W-Wait wait wait. We're not gonna fight this guy, right??, Jaime asked.

'We clearly will.'

Wait-

Jaime did not finish as Carapax attempted to get the better of them by shooting bullets at them, but Khaji-Da merely pushed the car towards him, sandwiching the man between two vehicles. They continued to slam him with the one car against the other repeatedly. But Carapax, got them off by shooting rockets at them from a source on his back. It had knocked Khaji-Da back, but did not stop them from continuing to fight Carapax in close combat. Khaji-Da had turned one hand to a sonic blast and blasted Carapax back and through the parking lot wall.

Khaji-Da hummed as they walked towards Carapax.

"I must say, that was rather disappointing.", their arms sprung into blades, which sparked as they brushed the concrete road.

What are-What are you doing-?

Khaji-Da used one of the blades to tilt the man's head to face them.

"Such a shame.", they rose the blade up, making it very clear they would kill Carapax.

No! Wait-!

'Eliminating threat.'

I'm not a killer!

'You have no autonomy, Jaime Reyes. You are-'

The sound of a horn blaring La Cucaracha broke Khaji-Da's attention, turning to see the truck speeding towards them. Khaji-Da sighed before feeling a hit on their abdomen. Carapax had regained his composure and continued landing hits as Khaji-Da was forced to put away their blades. They were grabbed by the foot and slammed into a car, breaking a few ribs. No matter, they could repair the body. But that drew their attention elsewhere as Carapax dragged them towards the sidewalk and pressed a boot on the side of their head. Khaji-Da growled, the noise inhuman. Carapax took off his helmet.

"What...are you?"

No, this host would not die. He was too perfect for Khaji-Da to let go. Khaji-Da refused to answer, instead ready to cut off the man's leg before headlights illuminated him. Khaji-Da turned their gaze to see the truck coming to an abrupt stop and El Chapulin being launched out of the truck bed, hitting Carapax and sending him flying down the street. Khaji-Da shook their head as they sat up, reluctantly getting in the truck. This decision would bite them later, they knew it would.

They ended up in Kord's Estate once more, now looking much more decrepit. They would try to find information inside the Cave, which Rudy was more than happy to be in, gleeful even. Khaji-Da stayed in their armor, only the helmet off as they looked at the familiar surroundings. They winced as they caught sight of the operating table they were strapped in, for years, dried blood still staining it.

Not a lot of good experiences here, huh?

'I had some. tormenting the man was always the highlight of my day.'

...Of course it was.

'Don't act so surprised.'

"I got it.", Rudy said, turning Jenny's attention to him. Khaji-Da stayed where they were, waiting for them to figure it out themselves.

Aren't you gonna go there too?

'No need.'

But-

"Okay...I figured out how to get it out.", Rudy said, "Jaime's got to be dead."

Jenny froze, and so did Jaime with his limited existence. Rudy turned to Khaji-Da.

"But I got a feeling you ain't surprised."

Khaji-Da offered a smile, a very unsettling smile, in Rudy's opinion.

"If you knew, you could have told us!", Jenny said.

"I knew you would not believe me.", Khaji-Da shrugged with the smile that seemed to be signature, "Looks like you will be stuck with me until further notice.", they simply said before leaving for the roof.

The next time Jaime spoke to Khaji-Da was on the roof. Khaji-Da looked ahead at the bright lights of the progressive part of Palmera City. Maybe not so much of an ugly world after all.

...Why?

"Hm?"

Why are you even here?

Khaji-Da always kept that smile on, even as they explained their purpose.

"I am an Infiltrator.", it answered, "I was sent here to gather information about your planet."

So you can conquer it., Jaime concluded, remembering the Scarab's earlier comment.

"Precisely! Ah, do not be so sour, I will take care of your family."

If anything happend to them, I swear to god I'll-

"You'll what, Jaime Reyes?", Khaji-Da asked, "You are a prisoner in your own body. It matters not that you can somehow speak to me, merely a minor setback. You are mine, Jaime Reyes. Best to accept it."

Jaime fell silent after that, Khaji-Da humming as they leaned on the concrete balcony wall. The sounds of a helicopter flying above caught their attention. It was Kord, but they were not heading for them. Strange.

...Home.

"Hm?"

She must know where I live.

"It would seem so."

Aren't you going to do anything?

"What would you have me do?", Khaji-Da asked nonchalantly, looking at their fingers without much care. If anything, they would be harder to track down.

Jaime was panicking. O-Okay, look., he said, There...there might be more people you can actually kill there!

Khaji-Da perked up. "You will not pester me about not being a killer?"

I won't. Just save my family-

"Say 'please'."

Jaime would swallow if he had a mouth.

...Please, save my family.

Khaji-Da cracked their neck before making the helmet snap back on, flying towards the Reyes at max speed. They arrived at the scene of a large group of military outside the residence, a barricade which they easily broke through with a battering ram.

Milagro struggled to look up due to the lights, "Khaji-Da?"

"Your saviour is here.", Khaji-Da replied with a bow.

Victoria could not believe her eyes. This was magnificent! She had ordered the soldiers to fire at the kid, but it was quickly realised he was bulletproof. When the aim was directed at the Reyes family instead, Khaji-Da dropped down and extended their wings to be used as shields. After confirming the family's well-being, one of their arms transformed into a plasma cannon, and tore through almost all the soldiers. They ordered the family to evacuate as they fought with two plasma cannons, kicking and punching the humans occasionally for the fun of it. They found that the human body was extremely fun to utilise, mostly due to this 'adrenaline' chemical. They even stabbed a man through with a double blade and blasted his body away with electricity. Jaime felt like he would puke from the violence.

The constant that was the voice of their host reminded them of the his family's safety. Those frivolous distractions caused Khaji-Da's attention to be stretched thin, allowing Carapax to catch them with a claw. Khaji-Da snapped their helmet off, feeling their strength leaving them. What was this??

-----

Jenny Kord had taken the family to the Estate, but just before they entered the building, a male voice stopped them.

"Greetings, Kord."

The group turned around to see a peculiar looking man...or rather alien, accompanied by two others who were for sure human, their eyes the same glow as Jaime's with the Scarab on. The alien was taller than the girl with the purple mullet and shorter than the bald man with the tattoos. He had green skin and an odd trenchcoat with no sleeves. The fabric around his arms looked almost mechanical as it lead to an article of clothing inside, while his chest displayed the logo on the Scarab armor's chest. He was holding a walking stick as he addressed the confused group.

"We have much to discuss."

------------

Khaji-Da was strapped to a device yet again, upside down no less. This 'Sanchez' was working in close proximity, clealy nervous to be around Khaji-Da, who would let out the occassional beetle noise to scare him. They were eventually rolled around, no longer upside down as Victoria addressed them.

"Now. the Scarab chose you, that is true. But it doesn't belong to you, it belongs to me."

Khaji-Da frowned at her, snarling.

"U-Um, miss Kord, there is something weird here."

"And what would that be?"

"Well, the military had ran a backround check-"

"We did find the family, what more is there?"

"Jaime Reyes doesn't have yellow eyes."

Victoria paused for a moment, looking at Jaime before jumping back as they lashed at her, the restrains stopping them.

"Get your own toy, Kord.", Khaji-Da hissed, making sure the venom in its voice was clear as it spoke her name, "Both him and I belong to the Reach."

Kord actually looked disturbed for a moment before walking behind the console.

"Transfer the code."

Khaji-Da felt like they were being split apart, but did not let it show that they were in pain.

You can shout if you want to-

'Showing weakness is not the way of the Reach!'

What are you talking about-

'I am not giving you or my dignity up to mere meat!'

This had gone on for a while, the massive amounts of electrical shocks coming to a stop eventually. Khaji-Da finally got to breathe, and eavesdrop on Sanchez as he frantically looked over Jaime's vitals, which Khaji-Da was fighting hard to keep running.

"Their brainwaves are syncronised.", he told Kord, "They are essentially one."

Yes...finally. True symbiosis.

What does this mean?

'We are one. Now, you will certainly never be rid of me until you expire.'

That moment, something shook the island, Kord ordering for a screen to display the camera feed. What the people inside the room witnessed made all but one distressed. A large, squid-like ship had landed on the island, glowing green as the soldiers surrounded it with guns locked and ready. The door to the ship opened, Kord telling them to hold their fire as the first person to step out was someone Carapax recognised.

"Nadine.", he croaked from his spot on the chair.

Khaji-Da chuckled, noticing the dead yellow eyes of their Lieutenant. Poor fool. Another human followed, the General, likely, and finally the Negotiator. Kord ordered the soldiers to fire, but the bullets never reached the Negotiator as the two Scarabs next to him used shields to block the lead. Khaji-Da craned their head at Carapax.

"Looks like a family reunion, Ignacio."

Carapax wanted to rip off the transfer wire and punch that smug grin off that thing's face so bad! The soldiers stopped firing once the Black Scarab shot a plasma blast their way.

"Now now.", the Negotiator said, "No need for violence, we are not savages, are we?"

The soldiers lowered their weapons, the Green Scarab shooting them a commanding glare. The Negotiator looked forward.

"Victoria Kord, I am aware you can hear me.", all eyes in the room where on the woman now as the alien continued to speak, "What you have in your possession is property of the Reach. We demand that you comply and hand both our Infiltrator and its host to us, otherwise we will be forced to use lethal force."

The woman however, despite the transfer being complete, didn't seem to want to give this opportunity up. Communicating her refusal to the soldiers so they could relay it to the Negotiator.

"Miss Kord has refused your demands, sir!", a soldier shouted.

The Negotiator simply sighed and nodded at the Scarabs, who were now fully transforming.

"Llingndnd ssheerne anndnd.", he said, before he walked back to the ship.

"U-Um, what did he say?", Sanchez asked Khaji-Da.

Khaji-Da turned to him with a smile, "Translating: Kill them all."

This was soon made clear as Djo-Zha opened several holes on their body, rockets firing from them and blowing everything they came across to smithereens. Djo-Zha looked down at Loxz-Ha and nodded. Loxz-Ha returned their nod as they spinted forward to break inside the facility, leaving Djo-Zha to clear the outside as the camera feed cut off. Carapax was in the process of transforming as a loud sound echoed through the halls. The stone of the fortress was not enough to hold back a Commanding Unit of the Reach.

Loxz-Ha burst into the testing room just as Carapax finished his tranformation, now a fully operational OMAC unit. Loxz-Ha fired a couple of tacs at the three individuals inside, pining them to the walls as they rushed to Khaji-Da to release their Infiltrator.

"You need to do better, Khaji-Da."

"I apologise for my incompetence, Lieutenant.", Khaji-Da said as they rubbed their freed wrists.

"No matter. We must-"

Before Loxz-Ha could finish their sentence, they were rammed through the wall by an escaped Carapax.

"Lieutenant!"

"Go! I shall take care of this myself!"

As much as Khaji-Da wanted to fight Carapax themselves, they followed their Lieutenant's instructions. But before that, they walked over to the trapped Kord, snatching the code from her and breaking it in their hand.

"We don't think so.", they said before making their way out.

Meanwhile, Carapax and Loxz-Ha had barreled through many walls. Carapax knew who was behind that armor, and he was aware that Scarab was controlling her, and that fact alone made his hits weaker than his opponent's. The fight was brutal, the two hiting each other over and over again until Carapax landed a series of hits strong enough to shatter the helmet, and brought a blade down to split the body at the shoulder. A robotic scream rang out from it, disturbing enough to make Carapax back away. He watched as the thing stitched itself back together.

"Come on, Ignacio.", it said, smiling at him with a mix of Nadine's voice and its own robotic reverb, "All we wanna do is kill you."

Khaji-Da made their way outside, where the greens and browns of the island had turned red from Djo-Zha's spree.

"Infiltrator: Khaji-Da.", they addressed, "Finally."

Khaji-Da saluted, "General: Djo-Zha."

Just then, two figures burst through the wall, the one standing being Loxz-Ha as they drove their blade through Carapax's helmetless head. They turned to Khaji-Da.

"Has the copy of your code been destroyed?"

"Affirmative."

"Good.", they then turned to the General, "There are more OMAC systems underground."

"Then we shall destroy the island itself to be rid of any witnesses as well."

The three then boarded the ship, which disposed of a strange and large object on its way up. It wasn't until they had reached a certain level in the sky that the device activated, setting the island up in flames and burning everything to ash.

In space, Jaime was frantically questioning everything. Yes, his family was safe and back in the Keys, Kord would likely take care of them out of guilt. No, he would not die during the evaluation procedure. No, Loxz-ha was not looking at them a certain way because they hated Jaime.

Khaji-Da looked on into space from the hall windows. Jaime commented it was beautiful.

'We shall see more of space, and much more vibrant skies, soon as we finish our work here.'

But...my family will stay safe, won't they?

'If I said yes, would you trust me?'

I...think? You heard me out when I asked you to save them back there.

'I did do that.'

...Thank you, Khaji-Da.

Khaji-Da shuddered, holding onto their shoulder blade as they smiled at the praise. Something about this felt...good. The scientists had figured there was nothing wrong with Khaji-Da itself, it was only the will of their host that allowed him to still communicate with it. The Scarab was fine with this, as was the Negotiator. It did not interfere with the Scarab's performance.

"Worry not, Jaime Reyes.", Khaji-Da said, "The Reach, is here to save you."

#ao3 writer #writers on tumblr #angel writes #blue beetle 2023 #blue beetle #ted kord #dan garrett #jenny kord #jaime reyes #milagro reyes #khaji da #loxz ha #reach negotiator #black beetle #dark fic #alternate universe

[angelbroad]

Memes for a self indulgent rewrite I'm working on

Context note: Black Beetle's scarab is called Djo Zha in my au

#dc oc #dc memes #blue beetle 2023 #blue beetle #jaime reyes #nadine estrada #loxz ha #khaji da #black beetle #ignacio carapax #victoria kord

[angelbroad]

The Reach is here to colonise you!

#art #design #oc art #digital art #artists on tumblr #comic book art #black beetle #blue beetle 2023 #nadine estrada #loxz ha #illustration #dc oc #the reach #blue beetle

[angelbroad]

Symbiosis And Its Downs

Nadine woke up to poking on her cheek, slowly stirring awake to the sight of Stephanie.

"What the fuck, dude?", the girl above whispered.

Nadine groaned as she moved to sit up, her hair wild and the suit still on, minus the helmet.

"Christ...what time is it?"

Nine in the morning

"Nine in the-"

"I know, it's okay. Loxz-Ha told me."

"Right...that thing on your back.", Stephanie responded, taking note of how the mandibles swayed from side to side, even if it was in a subtle way. "Nad, look, it's not like I don't trust you when it comes to this whole...thing. But again, we don't even know what it is you're wearing, or if it's wearing you."

Nadine decided she would not tell Stephanie about last night's escapades, she didn't want her friend to worry.

"Like...for god's sake how long have you been in that armor?"

"Oh...uh, I did take a break but...almost a day?"

Stephanie swore in arabic before turning back to her.

"Okay, look. Anth and Pearl have other things to do this mornin', so it leaves the two of us, and we're gonna find a way to figure out what this thing is. Whether it wants to or not."

"...Loxz-Ha?"

No response. It seemed that Stephanie was right about the scarab not wanting to give an answer, because the armor retreated back in the scarab.

"The one time I want you to talk with me..."

Stephanie shook her head, "Alright alright. Since it won't talk,", she cracked her knuckles, "I'm gonna make it talk."

The scarab quickly manifested on Nadine's back and all of its legs begun to drag her away, Stephanie chasing after them.

"Loxz-Ha!"

Threatening intentions from Stephanie Diya

"Stop this, right now!"

Loxz-Ha did as asked, allowing Nadine to stand on her own two feet again. She held a hand up to signal for Stephanie to stop running, which she did. Nadine looked at her back.

"Loxz-Ha. We clearly need to have a talk."

Very well. But not here

Nadine sighed and looked back at Stephanie. She walked over to her.

"They agreed to talk about some stuff, but they'd rather do it somewhere else."

Stephanie crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "First Anth, now me. I think your scarab fuckin' hates us."

Nadine sighed, and took her shoulders in her hands as the armor gradually materialised.

"Look, I'll try and ask all the important questions. If I'm not back by six, I flew to the moon."

"What-?"

But Nadine was already flying away, finally landing on a tall building where she paced around.

"Okay, so, basics first."

Which would be?

"Okay, first, the body control thing."

I have access to your entire nervous system

"Because you're inside me."

Correct

"Right-so, about that."

What of it?

"We need to establish this thing known to us as 'boundaries' in this relationship. Do you know what boundaries are?"

Boundaries: Boundaries show where one thing ends and another begins. Boundaries in a relationship are kind of like this; they help each person figure out where one person ends and the other begins. In short, boundaries help you define what you are comfortable with and how you would like to be treated by others.

"...Yea, that. Alright, boundaries. You can't just take control over my body whenever you feel like it."

But you were in-

"I know, I know. I was in danger, and thanks for looking out for me. But still, I'd rather not wake up in places I don't remember going and with people I don't know. It can be terrifying."

And what do you propose?

"You will only take control of my body either when it is absolutely necessary, or when I give you explicit permission to do so. Okay?"

Hm...very well. This seems reasonable

"Good. Now, you never told me why you were here. Is there even a reason?"

...I lost someone close to me. I have been trying to track them down for a long time

"O-Oh...I'm sorry."

Do not be. That is an issue for me to fix, now that I have a suitable host again

"I promise to help you, but only if you can follow the last rule I have for this relationship for now."

Which is?

"No killing. No lethal weapons."

...Boring

"Loxz!"

Fine! Fine! I wil entertain your pacifistic beliefs

"Thank you. And in turn, I'll help you find your friend."

I know you will

------------

Stephanie held onto her bass as they waited for Nadine to come to their practice, the others sitting on the stage as they waited too. She abruptly stood up.

"She went to the moon.", she said.

"Who?", Pearl asked, just as the window of the abandoned gymnasium shattered and Nadine landed on the ground, more gracefully this time, but still a bit rough.

"I didn't go to the moon!", she announced as the armor retreated.

"Ah, you're back!", Pearl said, "How's the girlfriend?"

Anthony smacked her head for that.

"Dude! What the hell??", the girl asked, to which Anthony rolled his eyes.

Nadine was used to this behaviour from the two. Always bickering over the littlest things. She walked to the stage, shrugging the comment off.

"Yep, I'm back. And Loxz-Ha says they're fine."

"Did it say any ways to remove it?", Anthony asked.

"No, I didn't ask."

"Oh for fuck's sake, what did you ask?"

Nadine thought that behaviour was a bit odd for Anthony. She would expect this type of outburst from Stephanie, but Anthony? Maybe she did do something wrong this time. She could hear a chuckle in her head.

My~ Someone is jealous

"Loxz-Ha, that's just not true."

Anthony groaned, dragging a hand over his face, "What now?"

"They said you were jealous or something."

Anthony froze, looking away. Nadine blinked in confusion before Pearl continued the conversation.

"What did you ask it, dude?"

"Hm? Oh, right, I asked why it was here."

"And it told you?"

Nadine nodded, "They're here in hopes of finding one of their friends. Apparently they got lost a couple of years back."

"You think that blue guy from the video might be that friend?"

"Very likely. He crossed all the boxes, but I'll have to find him somehow."

Both her and Pearl placed a hand on their respective chins to figure something out. Pearl's eyes then lit up as she raised an arm in the air and pointed upwards.

"You could become a superhero!"

All three blinked at her, letting out near simultaneous 'what's.

"Think about it.", Pearl explained, "That guy was clearly a superhero. So, if you become one too, you are bound to get noticed. Like a school girl waiting for her crush to notice her."

"My what-"

"What I'm trying to say is, you can both use this cool armor thing for good and use it to find the blue guy."

"Huh...this...could work, actually.", Nadine admitted.

"Okay okay, time out.", Stephanie finally said, making a time out motion with her hands, "You sure you're ready to fight with that thing? It dragged you out of my garage this morning."

"It did what-?"

"Anthony.", Nadine said slowly as she took hold of his arms, "Calm down. You too, Steph. Trust me, we sorted those things out. And, well, the scarab is designed to protect me so, I'll be fine...probably."

"Probably isn't good enough.", Anthony responded as he held her back, "You could get seriously hurt. You don't know what this thing can do."

Loxz-Ha was offended. How dare this meat think them incapable of defending their host properly? Not only that, but his touch filled Loxz-Ha with some form of jealousy. It was possessiveness. This was their host. Thankfully, Nadine Estrada took his hands off.

"Come on, Anth. You got to give me some trust."

"Nad, this isn't like trusting you won't go off-beat in the drumset. You're putting your life on the line and for what? So you can get the attention of some blue guy?"

Nadine shook her head, "Anth, this isn't about just the blue guy.", she said, hands on her chest, "This is about what I can do with these powers that have been given to me. I always talk about wanting to help people in more ways than just giving spare change or taking out my neighbours' trash. Now, I can finally do something that helps the city. Can't you see that this is my chance? I'm ready-more than ready for this."

"But-"

"You can trust this face, can't you?"

Anthony hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting about before finally turning his head away.

"...Fine."

Nadine gave him a small smile. She was glad he cared for her so much.

"Soooo.", Pearl started, "What's your superhero name gonna be?"

"Oh, hmm.", now that would be a little tricky. Should she use Loxz-Ha's name as her superhero name? No, it didn't really sound like one and she would just be stealing her partner's name. Maybe an insect? A color, like the Green Lantern?

"I think...I am..."

-----------

"-in latest news, this new superhero dubbed by the criminals as the 'Green Scarab', has made their debute in Gotham City just tonight. Exclusive footage reveals this new arrival's shocking abilities as they cut vehicles in half, and made use of sonic weapons. Police reports indicate that the new armored vigilante was in quite the rush."

The feed cut to a police officer being interviewed, "It dropped the stolen goods and the guns of those bastards right behind the police barricade, then they just up and flew away! It was weird as shit!"

"Did the vigilante show any ill intent towards you?"

"Nah man. They just dropped in, did our job for us-along with wrecking a couple of cars-and left."

The feed then cut back to the reporter.

"There is still no confirmation from heroes in the Justice League as to whether or not this is a legitimate new member, or just a mere avenger taking it out on the streets. Until we get more updates on this thrilling situation, we move on to Donald for the weather."

Jaime did not even get to put food in his mouth, his spoon hovering over the plate as he stared at the tv with his mouth wide open.

"Bro, the milk is dripping all over your pants.", Milagro, who had just come in, commented.

"Oh, mierda.", Jaime muttered as he placed the bowl on the table in front of him, "Aren't you supposed to be sleeping?", he whisper-shouted.

Milagro shrugged before she walked into the kitchen behind him, "I was hungry. Don't tell on me!"

"No lo haré. Calmarse.", he said as he turned back to the tv, even if his mind was not on the news. He let the tv and Milagro's faint noises around him be backround noises as he reached to Khaji-Da.

"You know them?", he whispered to the scarab.The armor looked way too similar to his for it to be a coincidence.

I believe I do., Khaji-Da confirmed, But I can only assume who this scarab is. Unless I manage to get their serial number

"Like how yours is Khaji-Da?"

Yes. Unless we figure this factor out, we can not know what their intentions are

"They said Gotham, right? So that's where we need to go."

"You talking to Khaji again?", Milagro asked as she was ready to leave, cacahuates japones in hand. Jaime nodded. "Tell them buenas noches from me, m'kay?", she said before skipping away.

Alright, they were going to Gotham.

#green scarab comic #cover art #art #design #oc art #digital art #artists on tumblr #dc rp #dc universe #dc #blue beetle #jaime reyes #khaji da #milagro reyes #loxz ha #nadine estrada #ao3 writer #dc fanfic #dc fanart #dc ocs

[angelbroad]

Movie au Reach trio

#art #design #oc art #artists on tumblr #pencil sketch #jaime reyes #nadine estrada #khaji da #loxz ha #black beetle #blue beetle 2023

[angelbroad]

Stop, Drop, Roll

The three other band members stood outside of the abandoned gymnasium, Pearl clutching the handle of her guitar bag nervously.

"You sure everything is alright?", she asked.

"Well, she called us here.", Stephanie responded, fighting to stay calm herself, "So, she must be feeling better..."

"Alright, then.", Anthony said as he opened the gates, which creaked, as the metal had long turned rusted.

As they set their organs on stage, Stephanie noticed that Nadine had already set up her drum set, but she was nowhere in sight. She put her bag down, confused. Where was she?

"Naaaad. We're here!", Pearl called out, her voice echoing in the hall.

"Dang...you sure she called you, or was it a dream situation again?", Anthony asked Stephanie, who looked very offended.

"Bitch, have I ever lied to you-?!"

"Hey guys!"

The three looked up to see where the sound of Nadine's voice came from. They assumed the bleachers at first, but they were empty.

"Up here!"

The three then looked up to see Nadine on the ceiling beams.

"W-What the-? How did you get up there??"

"Hello."

"Do you want us to get the fire department?? Wait...why didn't you call the fire department?", Pearl mused.

"How did you even get up there??", Anthony asked.

Nadine then stood up, doing her best to carry her voice down to their level.

"Remember that scarab that stuck itself on my back yesterday?"

"Y-Yeah, but what's that have to do with-"

Anthony thought his heart stopped as he and the other two saw Nadine turn around and letting herself fall from the ceiling. Anthony was the first to sprint to try and catch her as she was falling, only for her to never reach the ground. Instead, she flew as a green and black armor enveloped her. Now Anthony was really going to have a heart attack.

Nadine did a little spin in the air while floating in one spot.

"So I uh...got powers now, I think.."

Nadine still sounded nervous and timid, despite her someewhat intimidating appearance. The only thing that was not intimidating about the new armor were the eyes. They were still big and expressive, albeit with an orange sclera and red irises.

"Dude...that...is so fucking COOL!!", Pearl jumped in excitement, Stephanie letting out a breath she did not realise she was holding as she supported herself on her knees.

Are you certain these were the correct people to inform?

"Of course. They're my friends, trust me."

"Uhh, what?"

"Hm?"

"Aaaaaaanyway, dude. Hold up, give me a sec, I gotta look for something!", Pearl said as she turned around to do something on her phone.

Stephanie looked at her as she landed on the ground, "So...found out more?"

Nadine nodded, "Yes. So, this is an alien machine-"

"You have an alien strapped on your back??", Anthony asked.

Alien-made. you should correct him.

"A-Alien-made, Anth.", Nadine reciprocated.

"Ha! Found it!", Pearl said as she moved closer to the group to show them something on her phone.

The video had a lot of views, with a very fake title that read 'Was that a supersoldier on an alien?? What the Goverment DOESN'T want you to know !'. Despite those red flags, Nadine and the other two decided to give it a shot. The video appeared to be recorded on a phone, judging by the low quality and the shakiness. Nadine recognised this scene from the news. An attack somewhere in Nevada. It would seem that someone had managed to get closer to this fight, because the sound of battle was very loud. Smoke obscured most of the view, but there were flashes of blue spotted through the natural wall. Then, something tried to attack the person recording, but another blast blew it away.

Plasma blast., Loxz-Ha informed her. Nadine nodded as she continued watching.

Everything else was a little blurry after that moment, until Pearl paused the video.

"Aaaaand-there!"

The frame it was paused on revealed the blurry figure of a blue armor. Was this another superhero? The three squinted their eyes to look at it better. Stephanie was the first to look up at Pearl with a straight face.

"That...doesn't tell us shit."

"Wha-What do you mean?? It's someone like Nads!"

"Girl, have you gone blind?"

Nadine placed a hand on Stephanie's shoulder, who flinched at the new material touching her.

"Stephanie. That was uncalled for.", Nadine calmly said before she looked at Pearl, "Can I look at it closer?"

Pearl nodded and allowed Nadine to take the phone in her hands. The video was still paused, but she also couldn't tell what it was that she was looking at. Her eyes suddenly felt bigger.

Allow me. I can enhance our sight. Zooming in on the image. Increasing quality.

The voice sounded almost robotic, but Nadine figured it was normal for a machine. So, she allowed Loxz-Ha to zoom in on this mysterious blue figure. It turned out, Pearl was right. This was someone that looked a lot like Nadine, albeit blue instead of green with a few altercations in their armor.

"Is he also one of you?", Nadine asked.

So it would seem. There is something oddly familiar about this one...

"Okay, what?"

"Hm?"

"What-Who are you talking to?", Stephanie cleared up.

"Oh, right uh. The scarab has sentience and speaks to me in my head.", Nadine said as she pointed at her head.

Her three friends blinked at her.

"...Don't try that anywhere else, you're gonna look crazy.", Stephanie said.

"A-Ah, yeah, of course."

"Anyway.", Anthony said, trying to steer the conversation to a more productive path, "What did that video have to do with anything?"

"It proves that there are more people with Nad's powers!", Pearl spelled out, "We have to find them."

"I am...still getting used to these powers, Pearl. I think we need to slow down a little."

"She's right.", Stephanie said, "Gotta make sure that freaky machine doesn't control you."

"Hey, it's not freaky. It's just not every day you see one.", Nadine said.

"Sure."

"And here I thought I saw everything in Gotham.", Pearl said, scratching her head.

Nadine allowed the armor to retreat back to the scarab. "So...will we...still practice?"

Anthony smiled at her and playfully punched her bicep. "You already set up the drums."

-----------

After band practice, the four decided they'd work on helping Nadine figure out the basic functions of the armor. Loxz-Ha agreed too, stating they did not want their host to be so clueless. So, she suited up again.

"Okay, we can start with the safest thing first.", Stephanie said, "We can start with the wings. How up can they go?"

"Well, I kinda flew to space.", Nadine admitted.

"For real? Aw man, lucky you!", Pearl said, ready to record her friend's fumbles on her phone.

"Okay...", Nadine said as she lifted her legs up and down one at a time, "So how do we do this? Do I just command you to give me wings?"

"Weren't you able to do that like a minute ago?", Anthony asked.

"I uh...kinda let Loxz-Ha catch me."

"...You had this...thing, for less than a day, and you're doing trust falls??"

Anthony Carney is overreacting

"No, he's-wait, how do you know his last name? i don't remember telling you?"

I have access to your mind and memories through our link, Nadine Estrada

"...Okay. So, you can read my mind and know when I need wings, right?"

Correct.

"Great. Let's do this."

Wings, Nadine thought, and the pair sprung from her back, the sudden pop catching her off-guard. Nadine shook her head, and took some steps back to jump off the bleachers. the flight kicked into motion...a little bit too much. Nadine went through the gymnasium's thin walls and slammed into a nearby building. She dropped to the ground like a bug.

"Ow..."

Are you alright?

"Too fast.."

"Nad! Holy shit are you okay?"

Nadine winced as she sat up, but her injuries did not seem dire...or there at all. Thank gods for having the helmet snapped on. Anthony helped her get up.

"Are you sure this is a good call?", he asked, "Maybe we should listen to Pearl and try to find that blue guy first."

"Anthony.", Nadine said, placing a hand on her armored chest, "I need to get used to this. I can't just have Loxz-Ha carry the workload all the time."

"I know that but...isn't that just a machine?"

The beetle appendages lunged forward, making Anthony jumped back to avoid them.

"Hey-hey! Loxz-Ha, calm down. I'm sure Anthony didn't mean it."

I do not approve of the boy's views

Nadine decided to try and wave that off. Besides, she knew Anthony better than Loxz-Ha, and she knew he meant well.

"So...how will we do this?", Nadine asked her scarab.

Not enough room. Need more

"Okay, and where can we find more room? Gotham isn't really known for being spacious."

Scanning: United States of America terrain

-

Scanning: Complete

-

Conclusion: Chihuahuan Desert-Directions aquired

"H-Hold on, isn't that too faaaaaaaaa!"

Nadine didn't get to finish her sentence as Loxz-Ha took over and they flew in the air at maximum speed.

"...What just happened?", Stephanie asked, Pearl next to her and recording the take-off.

Nadine tried to keep her limbs from flailing around in the air as they were flying at maximum velocity.

"L-Loxz-ha! That's too fast!"

The faster we fly, the quicker we will get to our desired location

"I don't think I'll do well in a desert!"

I will be escorting you back when the hydration levels of your body drop to a dangerous amount

"Right. Of course you will know when that happens.", Nadine said, mostly to herself.

Correct assumption

When the sand of the desert started to show under her, the scarab lowered them both down, slowing its pace so Nadine would have time to land carefully. After a few stumbling steps, and almost falling down, Nadine landed more gently than the previous try.

"Okay...okay.", Nadine slowly said. She instinctively went to wipe her forehead from the heat, almost forgetting she had a helmet on.

Activating: Cooling systems

"Wow...you're really helpful, aren't you?", Nadine asked.

Your comfort and safety are essential to my existence

"They are?", Nadine asked again as she stretched to prepare.

You die, I am left virtually defenseless. Plain and rather simple

"That's...grim."

Shall we proceed with the syncronising testing?

"Y-Yes. Of course.", Nadine said, readying herself, "So how do we start?"

I advise only flight for today. Learning to use my full arsenal can be challenging

"No weapons, please."

Nadine Estrada. If we are to help clean the streets of your home, some force will be necessary

"I-"

Has any hero of your world solved a crime simply by talking?, Loxz-Ha reasoned.

"N-No...you're right. But it still feels wrong. I don't want to use anything too lethal."

That is rather fine. Perhaps we could discuss this matter later

"That'd be great. Thanks Loxz."

Of course. Now, try to follow my instructions carefully

Nadine did her best to do as asked. Her attempts came out sloppy at first, but she soon started to gain more balance during her flights, no longer swaying from side to side from the lack there of. She still found it difficult to control exhiliration, but she fixed that one too. Eventually, however, Nadine started to become thirsty, and asked Loxz-Ha if it was okay to return to Gotham. Loxz-Ha provided directions, while allowing Nadine to be in the driver's seat this time, so to speak. During their flight back home, Nadine had time to talk to her companion.

"What are you guys called?"

Elaborate

"I meant your species. I mean, like humans, martians, that kind of name."

Ah. We are simply called scarabs, although we belong to an extended empire known as Reach

"That name...sounds pretty intimidating."

There is no need to be intimidated, Nadine Estrada., Loxz-Ha said, You have nothing to be afraid of

Nadine chose to believe that. A beeping in her ear paused their conversation. She placed a hand on her ear as she tried to figure out what this was, and she was suddenly in a call.

"Nad! Oh thank god-where are you??"

It was Anthony. How-

I have adapted your cellular device to our armor., Loxz-Ha answered.

"Oh, thanks!"

"What?"

"O-Oh sorry. I was taking to Loxz-Ha."

"Right...but where are you?"

"Coming back right now. I kinda got flown into the desert."

"There is no desert in Jersey-"

"In Mexico.."

"What?! Dude, are you okay??"

"I am.", Nadine answered as she carefully landed on a building, "I just came back, where are you?"

"I'm back home. Mom changed our curfew again."

"Oh, I see.", Nadine twisted her leg as she continued talking, "I'll...see you again tomorrow, right?"

"You bet. Just, be careful, okay? I get that you want to give people chances, but I don't know about this."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean this scarab, what if it-zzzzz"

The call suddenly went to static, Nadine tapping her ear in confusion.

"Loxz-Ha?"

Apologies. We must have lost signal

Nadine frowned in suspicion, but she shrugged and let it go. Maybe Loxz-Ha didn't like how Anthony was talking about them, but maybe they really did lose signal.

"Okay. I guess we return home now. We might just catch dinner.", Nadine said, looking at the increasingly darkening sky.

Wise. You are heavily malnourished

Nadine had not even realised that her mouth was dry until Loxz-Ha said that. She must have gotten carried away, again.

They made it back home without much issue, and Loxz-Ha retreated back in the scarab. Opening the door and walking inside, she saw her mom in the kitchen. With a smile, she walked up to her and pulled her into a hug, which startled the woman.

"Hey mom. How are you?"

The woman used one hand to push her away, a terrified look on her face. She gave her daughter a look before going back to mixing the soup. Nadine gave a small hurt look before walking away.

"G-Glad to see you're okay!", she said before leaving the kitchen.

Your parent seemed distant. Is this how human parents behave with their children?

"I mean...not...really?"

Huh. They must have mulfunctioned. Perhaps a recalibration-

"Humans don't work like that.", Nadine whispered as she sat on the couch, bringing her knees to her chest. Sometimes she wished things were that simple.

I detect a drop of your serotonin levels. Permission to increase the levels

"N-No, thanks.", Nadine was quick to answer. She appreciated the help, but she didn't want any massive changes in her body right now.

A slam of the front door caught their attention. Nadine could hear the tone of her father's voice as he grumbled, taking off his coat and hat as he walked into the kitchen. Nadine took a deep breath, and with shaking legs she made her way into the kitchen once more. Terrance was already seated, Nadine moving to help mom with the plates despite not being asked.

Dinner was quiet, as usual, the only sounds being of them eating.

"How was work?", her mom asked after a while, not looking up from her plate.

"...Fine.", Terrance simply responded. After taking another spoonful, he furrowed his brows, "This tastes like shit."

"You ate half of it, you'll eat the rest."

"Don't you order me around, woman!", Terrance shouted, causing both women to flinch.

Nadine was staring at her soup, shaking and standing in place as best she could.

Aggressive behaviour detected

Suggestion: retaliate

Nadine's following whisper went mostly unnoticed as her parents argued over soup. The sound of fighting was making Nadine fearful, close to tears. She felt an odd sensation on her arm, and looking right she saw the black of the armor slowly snaking up from her shoulder.

Suggested method: blunt force trauma to the head

"No!", Nadine shouted, grabbing her shoulder quick and making the little armor retreat. Unfortunately, her rush to cover the armor and the raise in her voice led to both the bowl of soup falling to the floor and catching both of her parents' attention.

Nadine realised what had just happened. "I-I-I'm sorry I-"

"What the hell is wrong with you??", Terrance shouted, nearly making Nadine fall back from her chair.

Threat

"You can't even keep cold fucking soup on the table! Are you the thing most of my hard-earned money has to go to??"

Nadine!

Nadine shook her head, tears escaping her eyes as she made a run for it, escaping to her room with Terrance hot on her tail, screaming that he was not done with her. The scarab took over her arms and legs, quickly locking the room and getting Nadine away from the door as Terrance banged on it from the other side. The girl could swear she heard something akin to a scoff coming from the scarab.

"L-Loxz-Ha-?"

You should rest., Loxz-Ha interrupted, I shall keep up my guard

Nadine was hesitant, but still listened. Shakily changing into her pijamas as she buried herself in her blankets. Loxz-Ha was blinking through lights on her back.

#ao3 writer #writers on tumblr #nadine estrada #loxz ha #green scarab comic #ao3 #dc oc #dcu #dc universe #dc #dc fanfic #young justice

[angelbroad]

More

#art #design #oc art #artists on tumblr #pencil sketch #sketches #sketchbook #blue beetle 2023 #blue beetle #jaime reyes #khaji da #nadine estrada #loxz ha #black beetle #dc movies #dc au #dc oc

[angelbroad]

Convicted war criminal (2011 comic run Loxz-Ha)

#art #design #oc art #artists on tumblr #nadine estrada #blue beetle #dc oc #dc comics #jaime reyes #loxz ha #khaji da #illustration #pencil sketch #sketchbook #green lantern #character study #expressions

[angelbroad]

Dinah: Would you say you are independent?

Loxz-Ha, in Nadine's head: Say yes.

Nadine: Yes.

#incorrect quotes #dc incorrect quotes #young justice #dinah lance #black canary #nadine estrada #loxz ha #green scarab comic

[angelbroad]

Palmera City Crew

Anthony couldn't really sleep that night. He kept tossing and turning, Pearl having banged on the wall for him to shut up way too many times. By the time morning came, Anthony had barely slept a wink and it showed in his eyes.

"Sheesh, you look like shit.", Pearl commented as he entered the kitchen.

"Pearl, language.", their mother said, which made Pearl roll her eyes.

"Ma, we're adults. You can't exactly order us not to swear."

The older woman groaned as Anthony slumped on the chair of the kitchen table. Pearl slid him his phone from across the table.

"Finished charging.", she said.

Anthony's room didn't have a power outlet, so he'd have to trust Pearl with his phone by leaving it to charge in her room instead. Lazily taking it in his hand, and already planning to take a nap at noon, his eyes opened slightly more as he noticed he had texts from Nadine. The group had this habit of texting each other after a performance or just hanging out late at night that they had made it home safe, so that was probably it. But opening the message showed something else.

Nadine 🥁 : Hey Anth, texting you from the intergrated phone Loxz-Ha managed to make into the armor somehow. Just to let you know, I met the Blue Beetle last night!

"What's she saying?", Pearl asked, Anthony raising an eyebrow at her.

"Didn't she text you?"

"Nad? Nah dude, got me kinda worried. Did she text you?"

Anthony nodded, "Yeah...hang on, let me finish this message."

The more Anthony read, the weirder his expressions became, until he shot up from the chair and his knees hit the side of the table from the speed.

"She is where??"

------------------

It took the two beetles the entire night and early morning to get to Palmera City, conversation sparking up on the way. They shared how long they had had their scarabs, Jaime obviously holding the longest record of eight months while Nadine had only had Loxz-Ha for less than a week.

"Does your scarab have a name too?"

"Yeah,", Jaime said, "Their name is Khaji-Da."

"Khaji-Da...rolls off the tongue nice."

Khaji-Da...

"You know them?", Nadine asked her scarab.

"They do?", Jaime asked as he flew above her.

Nadine flipped herself to mirror the Blue Beetle as she responded after a while, "They say they do. Does yours know Loxz-Ha?"

After Jaime confirmed Khaji-Da did indeed know Loxz-Ha, the two continued.

"You live real far.", Nadine commented, "N-Not to be rude or anything."

Jaime shrugged, "No te preocupes por eso. It was kind of a chore to get all the way to Gotham, but here we are."

Nadine chuckled, rubbing the back of her head. "I s'pose I owe you a long trip for all the trouble."

When the two were close to El Paso, they landed behind a building and allowed their armors to retreat. Nadine was still in her concert clothes, but the leather jacket in Palmera's weather was not really ideal. She settled for tying it around her waist as the two left the alleyway and walked down the street.

"So...does anyone else know about yours?", Nadine asked, still a little awkward.

"A couple of friends...and my family.", Jaime admitted, "We're starting to get our stuff together though, so we might be able to help you."

"Great!", Nadine said, lifting her hands slightly.

Brenda and Paco were early to get to the Reyes household. Jaime had left yesterday in a hurry, and the two could only assume it was Blue Beetle business. They had turned the garage into a hero cave, of sorts. It was really just a place to communicate with the right people and talk about the superhero stuff. Lately they have been catching the attention of more than just crooks, with Jaime being more involved with other heroes. He had somehow managed to catch the attention of Kord Industries and La Dama.

The two were in the middle of a conversation before the door inside the garage opened.

"Jaime, you're back!", Brenda exhaled.

"Dude, you've been gone for like para siempre. ¿Dónde estabas?", Paco asked from the chair.

"Well...", Jaime said, walking further inside and allowing Nadine to pop in the room with a shy wave.

His two friends blinked, Paco being the one to speak first.

"You got a girlfriend?"

"No!", somehow Brenda, Jaime, and Nadine said that wpord at the same time.

Nadine closed the door as Paco continued.

"Look man, great to meet you and all, but this place is kinda secret."

"Why?", Nadine asked.

"It's cool.", Jaime said as he gestured at her, "She has a pass."

"Well, now it's my turn to ask why."

Before Nadine or Jaime could properly respond, the scarab legs expanded from her back to untie the jacket from around Nadine's waist and set it on the chair Paco had been sitting on, which he left as soon as the legs moved his way. As soon as the leather jacket was on the chair, the legs retreated back inside Nadine. The group stood in silence for a moment before Nadine waved a hand and looked away.

"S-Sorry about that we're...still working on that."

"Okay...so there's more space bugs.", Paco said as he moved to look for something on the computer.

Brenda shook her head and fully took in Nadine's appearance, and quickly noticed how out of place she was.

"You're not from here, are you?", she said.

Nadine shook her head, "N-No. I'm from Gotham."

"Gotham?? Jesucristo-you traveled that far?"

Jaime waved his hands in front of himself, "I-I just saw her on the news last last night and-"

"I was on the news?", Nadine asked.

"You...didn't notice any cameras around?"

"Um...no, not really? I guess I was too caught up in the fight."

"Damn straight.", Paco said, "Judging by all the videos surfacing."

The other three occupants turned their attention to the screen, seeing a few tabs open with different angles of her limited amount of fights around Gotham.

"Is that Nightwing?", Jaime asked.

"Yeah, I ran into him one time."

"Okay okay, so.", Paco said, turning the chair so he could face the other three. He placed his hands together and looked at Nadine, who was between Jaime and Brenda, "Did it tell you anything? Cause amigo's over here has been radio silent about every serious question."

Nadine was a little confused. Why would Khaji-Da not talk to Jaime about the stuff Loxz-Ha would tell her?

Khaji-Da is an Infiltrator., Loxz-Ha responded as if reading her thoughts, It is admirable they managed to keep the secrets they were meant to

'Can you read my mind?', Nadine thought.

Affirmative

"Uh...dude?", Brenda asked.

"S-Sorry. I just found out I can talk to the scarab telepathically."

Jaime looked away, mumbling something Nadine could not make out.

"Loxz-Ha said Khaji is an Infiltrator.", Nadine said.

Paco raised his eyebrows and turned away and to the screen, Brenda continuing the interrogation.

"And what is an Infiltrator?"

Nadine listened for a moment before saying it.

"Loxz-Ha says they are sent out to get information on worlds so the Reach can know they exist."

"The Reach?", Jaime asked. That name sounded familiar.

"The aliens that made the scarabs.", Nadine answered in a manner that assumed Jaime would already know what she was talking about.

"Okay.", Jaime said, "We already knew this was alien-made, but Khaji-Da never mentioned the Reach."

"Huh...weird."

"Did it...say why the aliens need to know about us?", Paco asked.

"Well, trading and stuff.", Nadine said, "But the reason Loxz landed here was to find Khaji, cause they got knocked off-course."

"Great. Another alien invasion.", Brenda groaned.

Jaime and Nadine exchanged looks, clearly in doubt themselves. Sure, their scarabs said everything would be fine, but could they be truly sure?

"Why didn't you tell me any of this?", Jaime eventually said to Khaji-Da once they got time alone.

...

He sighed, "Khaji."

You would surely seek ways to remove me. I do not wish that to happen., Khaji-Da finally responded.

Jaime reached behind him to rub the scarab as best he could.

"I would not.", he confirmed, "I just thought we were behind keeping secrets. Besides, no harm is done, why would I want to get rid of you when I would find out where you're from?"

...You are right. Perhaps that was a mistake in my calculations

Jaime smiled as he looked behind him, "Todo está bien, hermano."

Gracias, hermano

If Loxz-Ha was here, it was not a good sign. The Reach must have this planet on their radar by now, which was rarely a good thing. Khaji-Da only hoped their masters would not see it necessary to remove Khaji-Da from Jaime Reyes. The boy would come around, the scarab was sure of it. But much like Loxz-Ha's host, it would be best to keep him in the dark...for now.

---------

Loxz-Ha was more quiet than Khaji-Da, the group soon realised. Or at least, from what Nadine would tell them. Jaime had offered Nadine a place to rest, finding the thought of leaving her to fly all the way back to Gotham on her own kind of cruel. Bianca had agreed, and Nadine was more than okay to take the couch, even if she ended up sleeping on the garage chair. When Paco had went inside the next day to find her like this, he had also noticed her hands were armored, the fingers elongiated and somehow plugged into the computer.

Going over the device, nothing seemed out of place. Still, it felt rather weird. It wasn't Nadine, she confirmed it, and that resulted in her facing the corner as she had a hushed conversation with Loxz-Ha. Something about boundaries.

Jaime had gone for an early patrol, so he got to find out what happened about an hour after the fact.

"Loxz-Ha said they were doing some research.", Nadine said, "I guess they didn't want me to explain everything to them?"

Nadine knew she was making excuses, but it wasn't like Loxz-Ha had done anything drastic. Of course an alien would be curious about the new planet they landed on. Besides, Nadine figured she had been too preoccupied to tend to her partner's needs, which Loxz-Ha themselves had pointed out.

You have been far too distracted., Loxz-Ha had said, Do forgive me for manifesting wihout your permission, but you must understand I meant no harm

So, Nadine forgave them, but made them swear not to do so again. Brenda had been a more no-nonsense voice in the group. She was like Steph, but with more patience. Speaking of, she had to call the band back home in the early hours of the morning to let them know she was okay. Strangely, her parents never crossed her mind.

"You okay?", Brenda had asked, bringing Nadine back to reality.

She realised she was sitting on the kitchen table. She turned to Brenda.

"Was I...out for long?", she asked.

Brenda responded by pulling out the chair next to Nadine and sitting down, "You've been staring at the wall for at least ten minutes now."

"O-Oh...I'm sorry."

"Hey dude, you got an alien on your back. You staring at the wall is the least weird thing you got going on."

Nadine chuckled nervously. She couldn't tell if that was sarcasm or not. Brenda must have noticed, because she slapped the girl's shoulder.

"I'm kidding, dudar!"

Nadine quickly nodded, "I-I know, I know!"

"Sheesh. What did Gotham do to ya?"

"W-What do you mean?"

"I dunno...you seem a bit-how do I put this-pushovery? Does that make sense?"

Nadine looked away, ruffling a hand through her hair, "I'm not a pushover..."

"Just sayin', if it was me, I wouldn't take the word of an alien that can turn me into a superweapon at face value."

Nadine squinted at her, "...Are you saying Loxz-Ha is lying to me-"

The girl is pressing you for a desired response. We must-

"I ain't saying that.", Brenda said before turning to look at the table as she fiddled with a pendant in her hands, "Mostly."

Nadine could speak, there was a pause in their conversation. But she chose not to, she wanted to let Brenda finish.

"I'm just telling you, don't just forgive if they keep pressing you like that."

"How would you know?", Nadine asked, immediately trying to take it back due to thinking it had come out as condescending.

She was so apologetic, Brenda thought she'd gag. Brenda held a hand up in front of the purple haired girl to finally make her stop apologizing.

"Look, I've lived a...rough life. I'm not saying you didn't too, but you gotta learn to hold some people at fault eventually. You gotta grow a spine and give it to 'em, you know?"

Nadine looked away, nodding after a minute.

"I...think I understand."

Brenda smiled and turned on her chair, leaning back on the table as she looked at Nadine.

"Hey, you need someone to talk to, you know where to find me."

Nadine smiled at her, "Thanks, Brenda."

--------

Jaime and Nadine had the opportunity to work together for the first time when La Dama's goons had spread around the city, Paco having received a few tips from the other two people Nadine could see in the computer. Jaime took one half of the city and Nadine the other, as they did not pinpoint their exact location. Jaime quickly found one of the groups, helping the police detain them without much issue. But he was also on the other side of Palmera, so he couldn't tell how well Nadine was doing.

Nadine didn't have much issue with locating the perpetrators either, mostly thanks to Loxz-Ha's tracking software. The group was in the process of loading something Nadine could not make out in an inconspicuous company van.

"Can you scan what's inside?", Nadine asked Loxz-Ha.

Incompatible

"Huh? What do you mean-?"

Nadine. They will get away if we continue to converse

"R-Right."

Nadine flew down on the roof of the alley they were doing business in, making a few heads turn. It was dark, so only Nadine's silhouette was visible. They probably thought she was Blue Beetle.

Analysing: Threat level

Nadine subtly nodded.

Arsenal: Prepared

She then dropped down, one of her hands transforming into a sonic blast to disperse the men and then transforming into blunt weapons to fight them in close combat. It took a lot of self control to not say sorry every time she hit someone over the head, or when she almost broke legs and arms. Nadine was hit over the head with a rifle, and as a response the beetle mandibles on her back moved on their own to grab the attacker by the armpits and slam him forward so hard he bounced off concrete.

"Oh my god!", Nadine exclaimed, backing up. "I-Is he dead??"

No

Nadine sighed in relief.

But the blunt force trauma to the head will most likely lead to long-term consequences

That sigh of relief was cut off fast.

"Oh god-"

A blast from another weapon knocked her back, making her body skitter on the ground as the mandibles buried themselves on the concrete to prevent them from sliding down further.

Four more

Nadine swallowed and braced herself, "...Right."

She then lept towards the guy that attacked her, spearing him into the ground as she disarmed him and tried to knock him out with her fists. Two others tried to attack her from behind, but the mandibles grabbed onto them and slammed them repeatedly on the walls. All three were finally down as Nadine got up.

There is one more., Loxz-Ha said, making Nadine turn her head to look at the last man. He was shaking, looking around unsure before turning around and sprinting to the opposite direction. Loxz-Ha was ready to extend the mandibles to catch him, but Nadine stopped it.

"W-Wait, let him go.", Nadine said, "I...don't think he's a threat now."

Loxz-Ha let out the robotic equivalent of a sigh before turning Nadine's attention to the van and its insides. Nadine climbed into the van's storage and pried open one of the boxes, noticing odd, glowing engravings on the inside.

"Was this why you couldn't scan the inside?"

Most likely. Investigate further

Nadine put the cover down and examined the insides of the box. It was a bunch of folders and papers, and picking them up one by one with each hand out of the box allowed Loxz-Ha to scan them properly. Nadine also opened some folders up.

These appear to be Infanstructure documents

"Of Palmera?"

Affirmative

Nadine squinted her eyes as she looked more into the specifics herself. Traffic control devices, storm drains, sanitary sewers, water lines, hydrants, electroliers, landscaping, irrigation systems.

Nadine

"Yeah?"

Go back, if you please

"...Why?"

Do you trust me?

Did she? Nadine had to think a little on this. Loxz-Ha had broken a few boundaries at first, that was true, but it also tried its best to help Nadine in every way it could. It would always make sure she was hydrated, well-fed, had a safe place to sleep, and even made her a better hero.

"...Which part do you want me to go back to?"

Water lines

"Odd...but...sure."

After Loxz-Ha had finished scanning the file, it declared they should leave.

Oh, and Nadine

"Yeah?"

Do not mention this to anyone

"The scanning? Why?", she asked, squinting her eyes at her back.

These are private documents. Others might think I have ill intentions

"Then why did you even ask me to find it so you can scan it?"

Purely for research purposes., Loxz-Ha responded as they flew up, I am still new to your planet, and I wish to learn as much as possible

"I...guess I understand.", Nadine said, "But surely you can just explain that to the others, right?"

It is...complicated

Nadine sighed, "Right...of course just...whatever you feel comfortable with. Mkay?"

Thank you, Nadine

"Don't mention it."

Meanwhile, Amparo Cardenas was sitting in her office, impatiently waiting for any news about the Blue Beetle. After discovering where her scarab had went, she has been hellbent on getting it back, but to no avail. She hadn't even discovered the Beetle's identity yet, a mockery of her endless contacts. No crimes around Palmera City were ever large enough to catch him.

She sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. She had been on the phone organising her scrambled men for some time.

"The files were not that important.", she reasoned, "And if Blue Beetle was on the other side of the city, what even attacked you?"

"I-It was nother one, La Dama!", the man on the other side of the phone said, "It was basically the same! Just...green and sloppier!"

Amparo furrowed her eyebrows, "...Are you certain?"

"Yes! It smacked Rudy on the ground so hard he bounced off concrete! Even it was shocked!"

Another one? That couldn't be possible, Amparo thought. All her sources have told her the blue scarab was one of a kind, possibly one of the rarest items in the world, and now she was being told there were more of it? And if one Beetle had been causing her opperations to falter to such degree...then two was an outright career ender.

"I will take care of this myself.", she announced before hanging up. A knock on her door made Amparo turn her head to face it. It opened to reveal a well dressed man, with a very known love for claw jewellery.

"La Dama.", he addressed with a bow.

"Diviner."

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