*Message from Nighty- I really never developed Scream from the Young Justice series. He is quickly becoming more prominent in the story and he has struggled to the top, emerging as my favorite young Leaguer. I don't know what it is about this particular freak, but I need to write this and develop him just a bit more. After all, when you see a good story, go ahead and snag it. Here goes, and I hope you enjoy: Scream, in a five-part epic to freedom!!*

Scream

Part One: Hostile Advancement

"Jassen, come on. You are falling behind!"

I heard his shout and turned in his direction, scanning with a low hum. The heat signature in front of me was Cossos, my older brother. "I'll be along... just as soon as I get a look at the new video feed on the... erm... humans."

The living area of our small home was tiny, so I was sitting close enough for him to hear what I was listening to. Human was my favorite pastime, and had quickly become my life. I always craved to know more about Humans.

"Why are you so involved with those apes on that blue planet?" Cossos asked impatiently, turning around completely and folding his arms. When he stood tall the way he was now, I had no choice but to cringe in the shadow of his superior status. "We should focus on the war, not on some tiny new under-developed planet. We have to sign you up on the roster for new Army reqruits."

"I like them," I said stubbornly, facing the sound screen again. "So warm. So happy. And peaceful..."

"Oh, don't go on that stupid tangent again," Cossos cried, throwing his hands into the air in exhasperation. "'Humans are great, they have potential, someday they will help us defeat the Arklans!' That is not going to happen, Jassen."

"I had a dream," I said quickly as he bagan to leave. "I had a dream that the humans... some of them, with fantastic abilities--"

"Shut up, Jassen!" Cossos sent a screech in my direction, making me wince. "Just stop now. We do not have the time to sit around listening to apes. Now turn Elvis Presley off and get your boots on."

I reluctantly turned off the sound screen and stood, tossing a small smile to my brother to ease him. "I understand that you don't believe. That's alright with me." But I had a dream, I thought. And those super-humans would come and save us from the Arklans.

...

Cossas led me through the large doors and I scanned the small room before me. Only one person was there, a girl behind a desk. She turned her fave to us when we entered. "Welcome," she said in a pleasent, soft voice. "If you are here to sign up for our proud army, please fill out this form."

I nodded politely and sat down, scanning the form. I fidgeted nervously with my fingers before I imprinted my name to the paper and handed it back.

"Are you alright?" Cossas asked softly as we left. "You do not seem pleased... after all, you signed the form, you will soon fight in the war... Father would be proud..."

I whirled on him. "You will NOT mention Father!"

"Alright," Cossos whispered. "I am sorry. I should not have..."

"I don't want to think about Father," I hissed back. "I never want to think about him."

"He died in the war," Cossos said, pushing his luck. "You could be his avenger."

I froze, clenching my teeth as I searched for a retort.

"Mother and Kyossi would want..."

"Don't bring them into it," I snapped. "Kyossi and I have had this discussion. She has agreed to wait for me until I get back. IF I go."

"WHEN you go," Cossos corrected. "If I have to drag you."

I faced away, closing my mouth in a sign of defeat. Cossos was convincing, and even if he wasn't, he was strong enough to drag me anywhere.

...

"So you are going then."

I faced Kyossi in worry, hoping that I had imagined the agony in her clear, beautiful voice. I reached out to take her hand. "Kyossi..." I began. "I can stay here. I won't go if it hurts you."

She shook her head. "No, Jassen, you must go." Squeezing my hand with a small smile, she faced away. "I understand why you and Cossos must go. You are boys, and boys like to play war. So go play war. I will be here when you come back."

"It's not like that," I muttered. "Cossos has us on a suicude mission to avenge our father..."

"Jassen," she whispered, stopping me. "Shhh. I said I understand."

I smiled, relaxing. "I'll miss you, Kyossi."

She pulled me into a hug, humming sweetly into my ear. "I love you... you fool."

"But I'm not going to play war," I promised. "I will come back, Kyossi. I will come back."

"I believe in you," she said, touching my face and pulling away. "Remember that I believe in you."

I nodded and turned away before she replied, striding back down the path leading up to her home, putting my hands deep in my pockets. I wished gently that I could see her, like humans could see... but it slipped away as Cossos opened our door, looking around for me and shouting. "Jassen! Come inside quickly!"

I ran up the steps and ducked into the home. Mother was sitting on in a chair in front of the sound screen.

"Mother... Cossos... what is it?"

"Listen," Cossos hissed.

"Alert, the Arklan crafts are advancing toward the city. The Arklan crafts are advancing toward the city. Please do not panic. All soldiers report to the main gate."

"Arklan crafts?" I cried helplessly, terrified.

"I must go to the main gate," Cossos said. "Come with me, Jassen?"

I faced Mother expectantly, hoping for disapproval so I wouldn't have to go. She smiled instead, waving me off. "Make me proud, Jassie," she said in her withered voice, using my kid nickname.

"I love you, Mother," I said, rushing to hug he.

"I love you too, my youngest. Now go, and fight with your brother. Protect each other."

"I have his back," Cossos said confidently. "And I am sure Jassen has mine."

"Right." I finished lacing my boots and stood, facing Mother one last time before I followed my older brother out the door.

It would be the last time I was with her.

NEXT: Prisoners of War