Disclaimer: DC Comics owns all rights to the characters within. They are used without permission and not meant to infringe on copyrights or meant to generate income.
Also, if you have not read my other stories, it would be helpful to do so before reading this one. The chronology goes: Brothers in Arms, Where Do We Go From Here, Tragedies of the Past, Betrayal From Within, Future Sins, Reestablishing Bonds, Parents and Children, New Allies, Rivals or Friends, Public Enemy Number One, Double Date, Mind Games, and Solar Complications.
Mentors and Pupils, chapter 1
Location: Titan's Tower
"You're going to the JLA Watchtower," Cyborg told the Titans. "Things are going to be a little different this weekend."
"How so?" Robin asked.
"I've been asked not to reveal it, but I think it will be a good experience for all of you."
"I hope there's not going to be mock combat," Match said. "My powers are only at five percent of their regular capacity."
"They're aware of that," Cyborg assured him.
Location: JLA Watchtower
The Titans were surprised to see a number of other younger heroes in the conference room. There were also a number of adult heroes that weren't normally part of the current JLA's roster. Kon gave Match a quizzical look, and he shrugged in response.
Superman stood, and the chatter in the room quieted. Everyone gave him their attention.
"You must be wondering why you're here," he said. "We've discussed it among the JLA and others and have decided that we'd like to take a more active role in your training. All participation is voluntary, so if you don't like what you hear, we'll send you back to where you want."
He continued. "For this weekend, we'd like to assign you all a mentor. Your mentor will be someone you work with, so not only will he or she be teaching you, but you will also be working beside your mentor. We do not want you to simply do whatever your mentor suggests; you may have a better idea than one they have."
"Is there anyone who would rather not participate, or are there any questions?"
Nobody asked any questions. Nobody wanted to opt out.
"Let's begin the assignments then," Superman said. "Each mentor will call out the name of his or her student. Please go to join your mentor after your name is called. Are you ready?"
As expected, Superman was Superboy's mentor, Wonder Woman was Wonder Girl's, and Batman was Robin's. Kid Flash went over to the Flash, Argent was paired with Green Lantern, and Beast Boy got Animal Man as a mentor. Batgirl went with Black Canary.
Match had a sinking feeling in his stomach. He had done a count of mentors and younger heroes, and there was one more younger hero than mentor. It didn't look like there was going to be anyone that mentored two pupils.
As the other remaining young hero went over to his mentor, Match was left alone in the section. He appeared calm and unconcerned, but inside he was feeling humiliated and unwanted. Logically, he knew that it made sense. His powers were at a very low level. He probably shouldn't have appeared.
Aware of the eyes on him, Match stood up and started walking to the door. He wasn't going to reveal how hurt he was. He still had his pride.
"Match, don't go," Superman said. "There's one more assignment."
"Three's a crowd," he said, doing a good job of sounding flippant. "I don't want to impose on anyone."
"There's one of us who hasn't picked yet," Superman said.
Match arched an eyebrow and asked, "Who?"
A green and white image appeared on the main screen in the room.
"That would be me," replied Oracle.
-----
Since my traditional section breaks weren't working, and I didn't like the number system, I'm adding the locations of the scenes to see if that works. Let me know if you like it or not.
Any and all comments welcome!