Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice!

Summary: Avery has abilities that only ever seem to grow as she grows older. Although many presume she would purse the road of heroism, she doesn't believe she is suited for the job. However, every so often, she is called when she is needed. What Avery didn't expect was to join the Young Justice team.

Chapter 1

Today was the day. The day where the sidekicks and protégés of Batman, The Flash, Green Arrow, and Aquaman would be given a tour of the Justice League HQ… step 1 of becoming full-fledged members of the League.

Those lucky sidekicks and protégés were Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Speedy….and that was it.

Hm? Me?

Oh. You thought I was also talking about myself?

No, no.

Although I may be acquaintances with the heroes and lend a hand when I'm needed, I'm not a hero.

At least that's what I like to think.

I'm just here for the ride, that's all.

That also meant tagging along with Batman and Robin when Mr. Freeze decided to freeze civilians in one of Gotham's public parks.

Right before Mr. Freeze was about to shoot his attack onto a family of three, I was running over to them.

"Enjoying family time?" he asked as he pressed the trigger, "My family has other plans" he said.

My gaze had steadied and I wiggled my fingers to the kids, in a form of hello, while the family of three gaped at me. My fingers felt ice-hot as my hand was above my head. A dome of condensed electricity had formed above us half-way, the majority of us on the ground, and acted as a type of force-field.

I could see Mr. Freeze sliding over us and was about to terrorize a few more civilians till a batarang was thrown at the gun and knocked it out of the villain's hands.

Using this chance, I held out my free hand towards one side and took in a deep breath. Calmly, I could feel my fingers vibrating and becoming warmer and warmer by each second before placing it against the wall.

The sound of heat against ice filled the small space and the sight of steam appeared. My hand started to sink further and further as a hole appeared through the ice. I turned my palm around the hole to increase the size and smooth out any edges.

Soon, we could see the outside world. I made my way out first, just in case, before carefully escorting the children out then the father.

By the time we were out, Mr. Freeze was taken down by Batman and Robin.

I re-adjusted my goggles before humming and leading the group to the police and paramedics.

"Sprite" Batman called out to me. Instantly, I turned to him.

"Coming~" I said to him before turning to the little boy of the group, who smiled at me shyly and waved his hands. I grinned at him and waved back before heading towards Batman and Robin.

"Come on, we're late!" whined Robin.

I gave him a sheepish smile, "Calm down, Robin. You're almost like a speedster on sugar" I commented.

"But today's the day!" said Robin.

I rolled my eyes with my arms crossed, before shaking my head. "Sprite" said Batman as I reacted to my 'superhero' name.

"Yes sir?" I replied instantly and I frowned at Robin's snickering. Batman looked towards me and spoke, ignoring his partner's snickering. "Are you able to unfreeze the victims?" asked Batman.

I looked around the park and counted about 5 frozen victims. Placing two of my fingers, like I was saluting, to my forehead, I reached out to the victims. There was panic, cold, fear, and several other motions. Their heartbeats were also slowing down and I lowered my hand.

Without even telling Batman, I ran over to the nearest victim before placing my fingertips to the ice. Repeating what I had done in the dome back on a larger scale, I started to melt the ice with the top half of their bodies freed. Authorities would be able to take over with the rest.

Watching the ice melt off the victim's faces reminded me of watching a horror movie. Despite doing this a few times, I could never get use to the people suddenly moving and gasping for air.

After helping the woman out of the ice, she looked at me with a relived face. "Thank you" she said.

Saluting with one hand and pulling her out with the other, I laid her against the warm grass and let the summer's sun's rays warm her up.

Paramedics ran over to check her over and I saluted to the police officers who nodded in response.

Looking around, I already noticed that Batman and Robin had already 'disappeared' and I could hear soft PING! Go off in my ear. Tilting my head, I followed the source of the ping before I slowly stepped back away from the scene. I could feel my body buzzing with energy before there was a loud ZAP! Behind me and I re-appeared by Batman and Robin's side.

The Boy Wonder held out his wrist-watch and I recognised the system that he was using. Robin cackled, "Good thing you can pick up radio and electrical signals from at least a 100 mile radius and teleport after the signal" he said before closing his wrist-watch.

I rolled my eyes and scoffed at him before poking his cheek. Frowning at the gesture, I snickered before I faced Batman. "Good work, Robin. Sprite. Now, time to meet with the others"

I nodded and I could feel Robin's excitement and smirk before we entered the nearest Zeta Tube. Our coordinates? The Hall of Justice that was located in Washington, D.C.

Since we were located closer to the Hall of Justice, we were one of the first few that had arrived along with Green Arrow and Speedy.

Robin immediately went up to Speedy who gave a smirk to the Boy Wonder as they two conversed with each other. "Well, well, if it isn't little Sprite? How are things going?" asked Green Arrow as he placed a hand on my shoulder. I tucked my hands in my pockets and gave a small smile.

"It's been alright. Just getting ready for school and all but other than that, life is good" I replied with a casual hug.

Green Arrow raised an eyebrow with a small smirk, "That's good. Have you considered becoming an actual hero in the future? From what I've heard, you've been doing pretty alright-"

I gave a short and nervous chuckle before waving my hands to dismiss the idea. "Thanks but no thanks. I'm fine with how things are" I said as Green Arrow seemed disappointed. "I-I mean being a hero sounds good but I really don't think I can commit myself doing it; considering how all of you have been doing it for some many years."

Green Arrow nodded as if he understood what I was saying while he stroked his goatee. "Well, at least we can count on you when we need it"

I relaxed before nodding with a smile. "Of course"

"Who can we count on when we need it?" Both me, Batman, and Green Arrow looked towards the voice and we all saw Aquaman and Aqualad making their way over to us.

Green Arrow smiled and placed a hand on my shoulder, shaking it with a chuckle. "I'm talking about little Sprite here" said the Robin Hood-like hero and grinned. He messed with my black hair and I growled before slapping his hand away and hissed. Green Arrow raised both of his hands with a chuckle while I folded my arms across my chest with a pout.

"Oh?" smiled Aquaman as he stepped in front of us along with Aqualad. "Are you finally deciding to become a hero?"

doesn't mean that I'm not offering my help when you need it but I don't see myself becoming a full- fledged hero like everyone in the League" I reasoned with a nervous laugh.

Aquaman nodded as he understood my reason but I could tell that he was slightly disappointed. Aqualad looked at me curiously, "You do not wish to become a hero?" he asked.

I nodded, "Y-Yeah" I replied as me and Aqualad walked over to Speedy and Robin; leaving the older heroes to talk in private. It seemed like they needed it. "I-It's just….I am willing in lending a hand to the League whenever I am needed but I feel like…know I don't have the commitment nor the constant drive to become a hero. Nor the fact that I'm capable either" I explained to the Atlantean. I emphasized on the "A" and looked at Aqualad.

He seemed to take my words into consideration before he nodded, "That is very mature of you, Sprite" he noted.

Normally I would feel confused or insulted but since this was coming from Aqualad, it didn't seem like it. I stuffed my hands in my pockets once more, before shrugging. "Eh…meh"

Smooth, Avery. Really smooth.

Making our way over to Speedy and Robin, Aqualad smiled at his friends and begun to talk with them. I simply stood there feeling a bit left out while shuffled my feet but I piped in occasionally.

I noticed the mentors making their way over while I stood off to the side, simply watching the moment. It was kind of intimidating seeing all of the heroes and their sidekicks standing together. Flash and Kid Flash were still missing but it looked like we didn't have to worry.

"Today's the day" said Batman as I caught a hint of smile when he placed a hand on Robin's shoulder.

"Welcome to the Hall of Justice" said Green Arrow before Aquaman went next, "Headquarters of the Justice League"

I smiled but the moment was short lived when we heard an "Oh man!" behind us. Confused, we all looked to see Flash running up towards us with Kid Flash not long after. "I'd knew we would be the last ones here" pouted Kid.

Snickering, we all made our way into the Hall of Justice. I walked next to Aqualad and Speedy with tourists on either side of us.

"Is that Batman?"

"I see Flash and Flash Junior!"

"His name is Speedy, duh"

"No Speedy is Green Arrow's sidekick"

"Well that makes no sense"

I snickered and tugged the edge of my black hoodie over my head better. With cameras flashing constantly and people hoping to get an autograph, Green Arrow spoke to Speedy.

"Ready to see the inter-sanctum?" he asked.

"Born that way" replied Speedy with a smile.

"I'm glad we are all here" said Aqualad before he smiled at me, "Including you as well, Sprite"

I had a faint blush of my face before giving a sheepish grin to Aqualad. Though it was unnecessary, it was nice of him to say that.

"Have all four- I mean have all five sidekicks ever been in the same place, at the same time?" said Kid Flash excitedly before Speedy snapped.

"Don't call us sidekicks. Not after today" he said.

We all looked at him and I pointed to Speedy with my thumb while looking at Aqualad, with my head tilted. If anyone knew Speedy, it would be Aqualad after Green Arrow.

The Atlantean shook his head as I shrugged. "Sorry" said Kid Flash, "First time at the hall. I'm a little over-whelmed"

"You're overwhelmed. Freeze was underwhelmed. Why isn't anyone just…whelmed?" asked Robin.

I grinned as we stepped into the entrance of the Hall. Robin widened his eyes as I craned my neck upwards. "Oh, maybe that's why" said the Boy Wonder as I snickered with my hand over my face.

In front of us were seven massive statues of the seven founders of the Justice League. Grinning, we walked forward to metal doors with a sign that spelled out "AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY"

When we stepped near the doors, they opened to reveal Red Tornado and Martian Manhunter.

"Robin, Speedy, Aqualad, Kid Flash…and Sprite. Welcome" said Martian Manhunter before he turned around and walked through the doors. I saw Robin and KF have a fist pump together as we followed after the Martian.

"You now have unlimited access to the gym, our fully stocked gallery, and of course our library" said Martian Manhunter as we entered the said room.

Flash turned to us and spread out his arms, "Make yourselves at home" he said.

Immediately, Aqualad, Robin, and Kid Flash found a seat while Speedy stood. I opted to half lean and half sit on the arm of one of the chairs.

I had my hands in my pockets and I noticed Speedy narrowing his eyes at the heroes. I rose an eyebrow in curiosity but didn't dwell on it. "Quick debrief to discuss the coincidences of four ice villains attacking on the same day. We shouldn't be long" said Batman as he faced us. I nodded in response before all of the heroes faced the Zeta Tube.

The scanner begun to scan the heroes while reading out their codes and names.

Feeling a growing wave of anger and irritation, I looked towards the source before my eyes landed onto Speedy. The doors opened and Speedy snapped.

"That's it?" he said as everyone looked at him when he marched forward. "You promised us a real look inside. Not a glorified backstage pass"

"It's a first step. You've been granted access few others get" said Aquaman.

"Oh really?" said Speedy sarcastically. He spread his arm to the group of tourists that looked behind the glass and frowned at the heroes. "Who cares which side of the glass we're on?" he growled.

"Roy, you just need to be patient-" reasoned Green Arrow.

Speedy cut him off. "What I need is respect" he said before facing towards us. "They're treating us like kids. Worse like sidekicks! We deserve better than this" he said. Everyone other than me appeared to be confused and looked at each other before looking at the archer.

"You're kidding right? You're playing their game? Why?!" questioned Speedy as I sighed with my head shaking slightly. "Today was the day! Step one in becoming full-fledged members of the League!"

I stared at him as the others looked at each other before KF spoke. "Well, sure…but I thought step one was the tour of HQ" he said.

"Except the Hall is the League's real HQ!" said Speedy.

I blinked and I could sense the surprise and shock of everyone in this room. I face-palmed myself and muttered, "Oh boy" to myself as the flames got hotter and hotter.

I didn't need to look to see the shock on Robin's, Kid Flash's, and Aqualad's faces to know. "I bet they didn't even tell you. It's just a false front for tourists and a pit stop for catching Zeta beam teleporter tubes to the real thing. An orbiting satellite called the Watchtower"

I looked at Green Arrow along with the rest of the Heroes who seemed to know how Speedy knew this information. Batman folded his arms in front of his chest as Green Arrow spoke. "I know, I know…but I thought maybe we could make an exception?" he asked weakly.

The action of Batman narrowing his eyes at him seemed to answer his question. "Or not" said Green Arrow.

Aquaman stepped forward. "You are not helping your cause here, son. Stand down or-"

Speedy cut him off, "Or what? You'll send me to my room? And I'm not your son! I'm not even his" he said as he gritted at Green Arrow. "I thought I was his partner but…not anymore" he said.

I watched with wide eyes but otherwise, passive face when Speedy took off his hat off his head and threw to the ground. Speedy walked away and headed towards the door. "I guess they were right about you four. You're not ready" he said.

"You might want to reconsider" I said awfully calmly. Speedy was just near the doors and I could sense him stopping. "You're took this rather immaturely"

I could feel everyone's eyes on me and Speedy's steps stopping mid-step. I turned my head to the side and almost looking over my shoulder but I wasn't. I gave a dry laugh, "You're not even thinking properly and you're letting your emotions take action. That explains quite a lot about you. Clearly, you're not ready" I stated flatly.

I face forward and I could feel the back of head buzz. Hearing a yell, I leaned to the side and my hand shot upwards, grabbing the arrow that was directed towards me. Sparks of electricity radiated off my hand when I crushed the arrow and I simply let the pieces fall to the ground.

I heard a growl and the door opening and closing. At that moment, an alert filled the room and we all looked at the main computer with Superman on screen. "Superman to Justice League. There's been an explosion at Project Cadmus. It's on fire"

The heroes walked forward to the computer as I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. I could feel a headache coming and I began to soothe it. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I lazily opened an eye to see Kid Flash.

I sighed and rose a hand, gesturing that I was fine.

"I've had my suspicions about CADMUS. This may present a perfect opportunity to-" said Batman but was cut off by another alert.

A small picture of Zatara appeared in the corner of the screen who spoke with urgency. "The sorcerer Wotan is using the Amulet of Artan to blot out the sun. Requesting full League response!"

Batman and the others looked at Superman. "Superman?" asked the Dark Knight.

"It's a small fire. Local authorities have it under control" said the Man of Steel.

Batman nodded. "Than CADMUS can wait" he said before pushing a button, "All Leaguers rendezvous at Zatara's coordinates, Batman out"

The screens went black and the sidekicks made their way to their mentors. "Stay put" said Batman as Robin immediately reacted.

"But why?!"he asked.

Aquaman spoke, "This is a League mission" as Flash took over.

"You're not trained-"

"Since when!?" questioned Kid Flash.

Flash sighed, "I meant you're not trained to work as part of this team" he explained. He emphasized his point by gesturing to the older heroes.

"There will be other missions" reassured Aquaman, "When you're ready"

"But for now, stay. Put" said Batman and narrowed his eyes.

I had my hands on my hips and Batman looked at me for a few seconds. I stood behind the group so the others didn't see me raise my hands up and shake my head slightly.

I knew what Batman was telling me to do. Keep a close eye on them, make sure they stay out of trouble, and so forth.

While we watched them walk away, my ears perked up when I heard Green Arrow speak to Martian Manhunter. "Glad you didn't bring you know who?" he asked before Martian Manhunter nodded.

"Indeed" agreed the alien before the two made their way to the Zeta Tube.

Red Tornado looked at us for a moment before he too followed the others. When the doors closed and the four of us were left alone, Kid Flash broke it.

"When we're ready? How are we ever supposed to be ready when they treat us like….like sidekicks!" argued KF.

I pulled down my hood from head and pulled down my goggles. Aqualad seemed disheartened. "My mentor, my king. I thought he trusted me" he said.

I gave a frown and sensed the wave of sadness radiating from him. I stepped forward a bit and placed a hand on his shoulder, patting it with a small smile.

Aqualad returned the gesture but KF had to break the moment. "Trust? They don't even trust us with the basics. They've got a secret HQ in space!" yelled KF.

"What else aren't they telling us?" asked Aqualad.

Robin gritted his teeth, "I have a better question: why didn't we leave with Speedy?"

Both Kid Flash and Aqualad realized this and looked deep in thought with Robin.

Uh oh. This wasn't good.

There was a growing silence among us and the tension was becoming suffocating for me. I rubbed the back of my neck before giving a sigh. "Are you seriously questioning our mentors' decisions?" I asked.

My stomach dropped as I realized that came off a bit too snarky.

"What is that supposed to mean?" said KF annoyed. Welp. I dug my own grave, I guess it's only right if I dug myself out.

I could feel myself sweating since I was put on the spot. I rubbed my arm nervously, "I mean…."I took a deep breath in, "Look. I'm sure that Batman, Aquaman, and Flash didn't want to hide this from you guys and probably believed you all deserved this"

Robin folded his arms and pouted, "Yeah right"

I frowned in annoyance and I folded my own arms. "Well, yeah? I'm not the one who asked the question of why you guys didn't leave with Speedy! Look how well he took this?!" I snapped and threw my arms in the air. I gestured to the room around us, "Do you see him here? Oh wait! Silly me, he's not here!" I said sarcastically.

The three looked at me as I slapped my hand against my forehead and messed up my hair. Frustrated, I continued to speak.

"I can't believe this… this would've gone well if Green Arrow didn't tell Speedy about the Tower….no wait, that's not right. I don't see why Speedy left when clearly Green Arrow told him about the Tower and not you guys" I commented and pointed at the three of them.

It took several seconds but the three realized what I was implying. "Look, I can understand why you're angry and all but think about it. Did you guys really think that you sidekicks-"

"We're not sidekicks!" snapped KF.

"You are! And since when did becoming a sidekick become a bad thing?! Flash hasn't treated you less than what you were capable of. In fact, neither have your mentors either!" I argued, with my voice growing higher and it cracked.

The three of them looked at me and I looked at them all in the eye. "Is this what a true hero and a member of the Justice League should be acting?"

Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad widened their eyes at me as they took in with thought. I scratched the back of my head and looked off to the side.

Well this was awkward~

It wasn't that I didn't understand how and why Robin, KF, and Aqualad were angry. I sympathize what they were feeling. However, after Speedy and everything that came after it, they were heroes. The thought of them just becoming and fighting the good fight all just for the purpose of becoming a Justice League member?

I know Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad were better than that but I couldn't really deny it either. And after that, what was next?

I knew the others were looking forward to this day and the day didn't turn out like they had expected it to be but I think I knew why. Compared to the Justice League and them, they were only kids and as far as they've seen, a lot of JL members believe they aren't up to the task of saving the world 24/7. It made a lot of a sense when you think about that. The others may like this now but in the long run? Who knows?

My head throbbed, causing me to massage my temples. This was one of the reasons I didn't like people calling me a hero like the others. I don't know if I would be able to live up the title of a hero. I want to believe in Batman and the others but that was the same thing for Robin and the others too.

I let out a huge sigh before slouching.

I could only see how things will progress and go with it.

Apparently, I was thinking about this way too long when Aqualad spoke.

"What is…Project Cadmus?" he asked hesitantly.

I perked up and blinked. That was true. What is Project CADMUS? If Batman had his own suspicions, then it must be important. Never deny a Bat's suspicions!

Robin spoke up, "Don't know…" a grin appeared on his face and looked at me. I felt my gut clench. Oh no…this was going to be really good and really bad too. "But I can find out"

The Boy Wonder went up to the computer and began to type into it while we too walked forward. "ACCESS DENIED"

Robin laughed, "Wanna bet?" he turned to me and held out his hand to the computer. "Sprite? You want to do the honours?" he asked.

"Whoa wait, what?" asked Kid Flash curiously.

I raised my hand up with my green eyes wide. "Eh, Nope! I'm good thank you. Please, you do the honours" I said.

Robin shrugged, "Suit yourself" he said before his fingers flew. We all looked at the screen with codes ranging by. My brain could process some of this information but Robin was doing this pretty fast.

"Whoa. How are you doing that?" asked KF as I titled my head.

"Hey isn't this system the same as the-"

"The Bat Cave?" grinned Robin when he looked at me.

I snapped my finger at him, "Yup"

"Well, yes it is" said Robin before he resumed hacking. He pressed a button and the "ACCESS DENIED" disappeared and was replaced.

"ACCESS GRANTED" announced the computer.

A picture of CADMUS appeared as Robin read out the information. "Alright, Project CADMUS; genetics lab. Here in D.C…there's all there is" he said. "But if Batman is suspicious, maybe we should investigate" he said with a grin. He looked at all of us and I sighed.

"Always trust a Bat's gut, I suppose?" I sighed. I can't believe I was already on board what Robin was planning.

"Solve the case before they do. It would be poetic justice." I looked at Aqualad in surprise as his tone was hopeful and was starting to brighten up.

"Hey, they're all about Justice" pointed out Robin.

Aqualad's face dropped and sighed. "But they said Stay Put"

"For the blotting out the sun mission, not this!" grinned Robin.

"Loop hole~" I whispered as KF finally caught on what was happening. "A-Are you going to CADMUS? Because if you're going, I'm going!" said the Speedster.

Both Robin and KF looked at Aqualad with a smile, hoping he would join in as well.

"Just like that? We're a team on a mission?" he asked, flatly.

"We didn't come for a play date" said Robin.

Aqualad smirked before he and the others looked at me.

I had an unwrapped lollipop in my hand and I was about to put it in my mouth. Aqualad rose an eyebrow with his smirk still on his face while I widened my eyes. I quickly placed the lollipop in my mouth and looked at them.

Both KF and Robin had their hands together and were smiling at me, which was starting to look creepy and I rose an eyebrow.

It looked like they were waiting for my approval or something.

Heh.

NO.

Taking the lollipop out of my mouth, I rose a finger and slowly moved it down half-way, "Okay…what do you want?" I asked, suspiciously.

"Come with us, please?" begged Robin as KF nodded furiously.

"Y-Yeah!" agreed KF.

I slowly turned to my head to Aqualad who's his eyes started to become a puppy dog look. I gave a quick frown before popping the lollipop into my mouth. "Fine…but I'm only coming because I need to keep an eye on you guys so you don't die" I pointed out.

KF and Robin cheered and high-fived each other as I was bemused at their reaction. Aqualad placed a hand on my shoulder and I jumped.

Since he was taller than me, I felt slightly intimidated. Aqualad had a face of relief and he smiled at me. "Thank you, Sprite"

I blushed sheepishly and I looked off to the side, scratching the back of my neck before giving an equally sheepish grin to him. "Eh hehe...no problem?" I said.

With that, the four of us made our way out of the building and made our way to CADMUS.