Long Shadow
He was living his dream. He did not know how long he had, but he did know that he needed to make every moment count. And he had the opportunity to do that; something which the others did not. He recollected the events of that fateful day when Amanda Waller had put an end to everything he believed about himself. His jaw clenched at the thought of his being a clone, a mere weapon. He would have been disposed of once his usefulness was over.
But then, an angel had rescued him from the clutches of Waller; Wonder Woman. His thoughts lingered on her. She was the one who had persuaded the league to take him in. To the rest of the league, he was merely an addition to the team, a temporary addition. To her, he hoped, he was more. To him, she definitely was.
"Longshadow," came her unmistakable voice from behind, friendly, as always, "what are you doing here?"
"Di…Wonder Woman. How are you?" He asked, stifling a grin.
"Oh, please, call me Diana. Everyone does." She smiled and ruffled his hair. "Don't you have a training to attend?"
"Ah, the training," he sighed. "Do I have to?"
"It's a part of our daily routine," Diana shrugged. "And you know how Batman feels about bunking the training session."
Batman!…he gulped slightly. He had never been very comfortable around him. Diana had said it was natural; Batman didn't like anyone getting too comfortable around him. Still, there was something about him that made him a little too uncomfortable. It was not his icy cold glare - he said to himself.
"Well, all I need to do is clear some obstacle courses and kick some mechanical contraptions, and I never miss," he said.
"I know," she smiled, "And I am very proud of you. You are very natural at it, just like Batman."
"You think?" his face beamed.
"Yes, I do. In fact, I think you are his favorite."
Batman's favorite - he considered that - Now that was definitely something to brag about, if only it were true.
"He doesn't show it though."
"He is like that." she said, "You'll understand once you get to know him better."
He sighed
"Well, can't wait!"
Diana slapped his wrist playfully and he flinched.
"You should get going. If he knows that it was I who delayed you, I will be up for some serious trouble."
He chuckled.
"Ah, comm'on, now you're exaggerating."
Diana joined the chuckle.
"No I'm not exaggerating. You should see how him when he's annoyed. Not even Superman can dare to cross him."
"What?" he frowned.
"Oh, nothing," she regretted having made that statement. It was inappropriate to undermine Superman. His inaction under such circumstances was attributed to his respect for Batman rather than intimidation.
"See, I told you are exaggerating."
"Yes, yes," Diana nodded, "I guess I am. Anyway, you better get going unless you want to hear a half an hour lecture from him on punctuality."