Just letting you know, this story may change to third person POV but for now I'm sticking with first. Yeah. *shrug* I used Google Translate for all of the translations to Portuguese, so correct me if I'm wrong :)

I hope you enjoy! :)

"Words" = Speaking

Words = Thinking (most of the time)

Ember POV

Haven Park, Gateway City

July 4, 9:45 PDT

I swear, villains always choose the worst times to go on rampages. It's like they know what days are inconvenient for us heroes, and they make sure to go on crime sprees then, just to be spiteful.

Take today, for example. It's probably one of the most important days of my life, the day all of the proteges are finally going to be accepted into the League. But of course, Blizzard has to start attacking civilians in Haven Park instead of minding her own business and having a normal crime-free life.

"What is she even doing here? It's California! You know, sun, beaches, heat? Ice and snow will get you nowhere!" I shouted, dodging a blast of snow. Spinning quickly, I shot a burst of flame at Blizzard then ducked back behind my tree for protection.

Fire shook her head, throwing green fireballs in the ice villainess' direction. "I try not to question it," she replied, "It gets the job done faster."

I lept out from behind my tree and ducked to dodge an oncoming ice blast. Thinking quickly, I made a ring of fire appear around Blizzard that melted any ice blasts she tried to create.

Growling, the villainess shot herself up in the air via rapidly-created ice block and skated down to the ground, creating an ice path in front of her as she went, her silver cloak fluttering behind her. Landing on the grass, now covered with frost, she spun a finger in the air, creating a fleet of small, but rapidly growing, snowy hurricanes that she proceeded to flick in my direction.

The blizzards flew across the clearing and surrounded me, closing in quickly. Taking a deep breath, I pushed myself up into the air with a powerful burst of flame that conveniently melted the flurries. Floating uneasily, I used my current bird's-eye view to assess the situation.

Luckily, all the civilians had cleared out of the area as soon as Fire and I showed up, probably because we were known to cause a lot of damage when stopping criminals. Blizzard was fighting with Fire, shooting sharp icicles at her while Fire retaliated by spontaneously combusting and singing everything in a 10-meter radius.

"Thought you would do that soon enough," I whispered, swooping down closer. I raised my hands, smiling as they burst into flame, and threw more than a few balls of fire at Blizzard's back.

Blizzard cried out in pain as one of the blasts hit its mark, sending her tumbling to the ground. I landed on the grass not as gracefully as I would have liked, but recovered quickly, clearing my throat. As the ice villain was pushing herself off the grass, Fire walked up and kicked her in the face, knocking her out. She rolled over slightly from the force of the kick, showing me her pale skin, silvery-blue hair, and light blue pants-and-strapless-top combination.

"Have fun in the cooler," Fire said, "I hear it's real chill,"

I shot my mentor an Are you serious? look.

"What?"

"'Have fun in the cooler?' 'Real chill?' Is that the best you could come up with?" I said, snorting and making a face at her horribly cheesy puns.

"I thought they were good," she said sending me a slightly hurt look, her brazilian accent deepening with her confusion.

"Sure. Whatever you say, Fire."

"Ember…"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. We're going to be late." I waved off her scoldings, bouncing up and down in anticipation. "Today's the day!"

Washington, D.C.

July 4, 13:50 EDT

Fire and I skidded to a stop next to the rest of the mentors and proteges in front of the Hall of Justice after running from a zeta tube in an abandoned photo booth.

"Yes!" I cheered, jumping up and down, "We're not the last ones to get here!" When I noticed everyone's weirded out looks pointed towards me, even Fire's, I blushed and cleared my throat.

Have I ever mentioned my enormous fear of being humiliated in public? No? Well, sadly, I do it a lot. And it always seems to be in front of important people, this time being no exception.

Yelling like a hyper four year old in front of Batman, Aquaman, Green Arrow, and Speedy, plus embarrassing myself more than usual? Check! I can cross that off the bucket list. I thought sarcastically. What is wrong with me today?! This day was not going how I hoped it would.

I hunched my shoulders in an attempt to seem smaller. Choosing to stand next to Robin with Fire behind me, I stepped into line with the other sidekicks. I blushed even more, if that was possible, when I noticed that Speedy was looking at me, his angry gaze saying "Be serious and don't ruin this for us!"

There are a few things you should know about me. I'm pretty shy, I'm adopted, I'm a hero… And of course, I have a massive, fangirl-y crush on Speedy. Seriously, I used to hang up pictures of him from newspapers on my wall and make 'Speedy-collages'. No joke, I was one of the most obsessed people, ever. But even if I acted ridiculous, he did really have a good impact on me. I was feeling happier for the first time since... it… happened.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when I noticed Robin looking at me sympathetically. "I'm Robin, Batman's partner, duh. And don't worry Ember, I've been caught doing worse things, on camera, even. Once," he lowered his voice, looking around furtively to make sure no one was listening, "I was chasing a thug, and I tripped on my own cape and fell. Face-planted on the sidewalk. It got a few hundred thousand hits on Youtube." He smiled, seemingly trying to put me at ease.

"H-hello," I said, voice shaking slightly. "I'm Ember." I winced at my own awkwardness. "Except you obviously already knew that." I mentally face palmed, disappointed that it only took ten words to make myself seem like an idiot to the first hero protege ever.

"Today is the day," Batman said, putting a gloved hand on Robin's shoulder and giving him what almost looked like a smile, thankfully interrupting our awkward conversation.

"Welcome to the Hall of Justice," said Green Arrow.

"Headquarters of the Justice League," Aquaman finished.

I glanced behind me when I heard Kid Flash's voice. "Aww, man!" he complained. "I knew we'd be the last ones here!"

"Oh…" Was all I could say, stammering, "Um… h-hi? You're Kid Flash, right?"

"That's me, beautiful! The one and only," he said smugly, winking in my direction.

"R-right," I said, still nervous, "O-of course,"

I sighed as Batman spoke again. Way to go, Cor! Stuttering more than Peter Parker did in The Amazing Spider-man. Why do I have to be such a shy scaredy-cat!? Yeah, you've never met any of them before, other than Speedy, once, but this has become ridiculous, I thought, sighing again.

"Now that everyone is here, we may begin," Aquaman interjected, finishing whatever Batman had said.

I have to stop zoning out! Pay attention! I mentally berated myself.

Noticing the rest of the group was walking (or in the speedsters' case, practically vibrating) towards the entrance, I made a move to follow them when Fire placed a hand on my shoulder.

"You okay?" She asked, sounding concerned. "It seemed like you wanted to be anywhere but here."

"Well, embarrassing yourself in front of Batman," And Speedy, "Will do that to a girl."

Cameras flashed and fans whispered as we walked to the doors.

"Is that Batman?"

"There's Fire! Gosh, she's just so amazing!"

"Yeah, but who's the beanpole next to her?"

I'm her partner, idiota²! I wanted to yell out angrily. And I'm not that tall. Instead, I just hugged myself, rubbing my upper arms anxiously.

I know I've only been in the hero business for about two years, but I thought at least a few more people knew I existed. I guess it's just kind of depressing to realize you're a nobody in everyone's eyes. But, even if they don't know me, I'm still doing the best I can to make a difference. In the end, it always turns back around to the greater good.

"Oh my goodness, I see Flash, and Flash Junior!"

"His name's Speedy, duh."

"No, Speedy is Green Arrow's sidekick!

"Well that makes no sense."

I snorted softly at that, smiling ever so slightly to myself, briefly forgetting my troubles.

Robin nudged me gently, seemingly agreeing with my amusement.

"They never do get his name right," he whispered, cackling quietly.

"I'm glad we're all here," Aqualad interjected, making me look up from our conversation.

"It is great to have us together," I added shyly, blushing when Speedy looked my way. Eyes flicking from me to him, Robin elbowed me, mouthing "You have got it bad for him,"

I opened and closed my mouth, but came up short with retorts. My face was probably crimson from all my blushing.

Kid Flash spoke, breaking me out of my thoughts, "Have all five sidekicks ever been at the same place at the same time?"

"Don't call us sidekicks. Not after today," Roy said in an "Arguing-is-pointless" kind of tone.

"Sorry," Wally apologized, "First time at the Hall. I'm a little overwhelmed."

"You're overwhelmed, Freeze was underwhelmed, why isn't anyone ever just whelmed?" Robin asked. "Oh… maybe that's why,"

"Wow… " I said softly as I gaped at the giant, imposing statues of the members of the Justice League.

I turned slowly in a circle, looking up at the monuments to our great heroes. They make a girl feel insignificant in comparison. Flicking my eyes downward, I noticed no one else seemed as awed as me. Clearing my throat, I toned down the fangirl inside, standing quietly once more, not wanting to stand out as the louco³ one.

In front of us, a door with the words "Authorized Personnel Only" in red slid open, revealing Martian Manhunter and Red Tornado. They stepped forward and Martian Manhunter spoke, "Robin, Speedy, Ember, Aqualad, Kid Flash. Welcome."

Both the robot and the alien turned around and headed back through the doors, inviting us along. Robin and Wally fist bumped while the rest of us exchanged glances before following.

"You now unlimited access to the gym," he pointed towards a set of double doors, "Our fully stocked galley," he continued, gesturing to a doorway with delicious smells wafting out. Robin had to physically restrain Kid Flash from going in there. "And of course, our library," Martian Manhunter persisted, unaware of the frantic struggle the teenage speedster was making in an effort to enter the kitchen, and concluded our tour by showing us into a final room filled with bookshelves.

"Make yourselves at home," Flash said before, well, flashing us a smile.

Thank you, I will, I thought. A girl could get used to this. More books than I could read in a lifetime!

Aqualad, Robin, and Kid Flash sat in the three armchairs, the last still disappointed by the lack of food, while Speedy and I were left standing.

I walked along the bookshelves, scanning the titles for anything that seemed interesting while half tuning out everyone else. The books seemed to be organised in sections by topic, and I was sifting through the Known Foreign Planets in the Vicinity of Earth. I was just pulling out a novel titled History and Physiology of the Felidae Lupus to read its back cover when one of the Leaguers spoke up, knocking me out of book wonderland.

"We shouldn't be long," Batman said. Wait, they're leaving? He turned around and faced a door with a scanner above it. A beam shot out of it and began sweeping across his body, speaking in a robotic female voice.

Recognized: Batman 0-2, Aquaman 0-6, Flash 0-4, Green Arrow 0-8, Fire 1-7, Martian Manhunter 0-7, Red Tornado 1-6.

The doors slid open, revealing a dark hallway. The mentors started walking into it when Speedy stopped them.

"That's it?" he said angrily. "You promised us a real look inside. Not a glorified backstage pass!"

"It's a first step," Aquaman said.

"Few others get to be where you are," Fire added.

"Oh really?" he exclaimed, gesturing to the large windows for tourists taking pictures, which were indeed illuminated by regular flashes. "Who cares which side of the glass we're on?"

"Roy," My eyes widened. Speedy - well, Roy, I guess - never told me anything about his secret identity. "You just need to be patient," Green Arrow continued, oblivious to my surprise.

"What I need, is respect," he spat out, turning around to face the rest of us. "They're treating us like kids! Worse, like sidekicks. We deserve better than this."

Aqualad, Kid Flash, and Robin exchanged glances. I just stood there waiting for this to play itself out. I guess he's right, sort of, I thought, But the Leaguers haven't really done anything wrong. This is what we were promised, right?

"You're kidding, right?" Roy said in disbelief. "You're playing their game? Why? Today was supposed to be the day! Step one of becoming full-fledged members of the League!"

"Well, sure. But I thought step one was a tour of the HQ?" Wally questioned, looking kind of confused.

"Except the Hall isn't the League's real HQ!"

What? I thought in shock as the League members' eyes widened. That can't be true…

"I bet they never told you it's just a false front for tourists! And a pit stop for catching zeta beam teleporters to the real thing," he continued, "An orbiting satellite called the Watchtower."

No… I thought, Fire wouldn't lie to my face like that… She's the last shred of family I have left. We're partners.

Green Arrow turned and looked at Batman, trying to intervene, "I know, I know, but I thought maybe we could make an exception?" Batman's glare only deepened. "Or not."

"You are not helping your cause here, son," Aquaman interjected. "Stand down. Or -"

"Or what? You'll send me to my room? And I'm not your son!" Speedy turned, looking towards Green Arrow. "I'm not even his. I thought I was his partner… But," he continued, reaching up and pulling off his canary-colored hat before tossing it forcefully to the ground, "Not anymore."

What?! I thought in shock, my eyes widening. He's leaving? But… we're so close to joining the League! He can't just leave that all behind!

Speedy turned around and walked to the doors. "Guess they're right about you four," he growled, passing us. We straightened indignantly, but our retorts faded off our tongues as he continued. "You're not ready."

I glanced quickly at Robin and Aqualad, waiting for their reactions. When they did nothing, I ran towards the still-open doors, trying to catch up. Behind me, I heard some sort of alarm blaring quietly until the doors slid shut, muffling the noise. Before they closed, I looked back and gave Fire a hurt look, saying with my eyes How could you?

"R- Speedy! Wait!" I called, chasing after his quickly retreating figure.

"What?" he asked angrily.

"Well… um… uh…" Oh man, this was so much easier in my head. I thought, desperately searching for words.

"Spit it out, Ember. I don't have time for this."

I blushed and sighed. So much for preparation. Be brave, I thought, You can do this! It doesn't matter that he's been your crush for over three years! Just pretend it's Fire… or something.

"Look, Speedy. I know you're angry. We all are! Anyone would be," I said, exhaling through my mouth then continuing. "But that doesn't mean you should quit! Think of all the good you and Green Arrow have done together! You've saved innumerable lives and given hope to so many lost souls. Why give that all up over a secret? You're-"

"That's exactly it," he interrupted me. "If me and GA could do all that, think of what I could accomplish without him and all this," he gestured all around us, "To hold me back! I could be useful instead of just being stuck on the sidelines, following commands like some kind of lapdog. If I can just break free of all of their rules and orders, I can make a difference for the ones that count! So thanks, but no thanks, for that useless suggestion. I won't take it to heart, okay?"

I could practically feel a crack opening in my heart. Tears rushed to my eyes as I turned around to go back to the library.

I won't give him the satisfaction, I thought, a sob silently shaking my shoulders. He'll probably be glad that he hurt me.

"Wait… " he said in a softer voice, "I didn't mean it like that…"

"Well what did you mean then?" I whirled around, intent on giving him a piece of my mind. I saw his eyes widen at the sight of the tears streaming down my face, but right now, I didn't care. "Huh? Was it 'You're not worth my time'? Or maybe 'Get the hell out of here so I can do whatever I want like a four year old throwing a temper tantrum'? Because if that's the message you wanted to send, I hear it loud and clear!" I screamed, voice thick. "I hear it loud and clear…" I whispered.

"Ember…"

"Leave me alone so I can get back to the real heroes, the ones willing to stick around, even if the going gets tough. Unlike some people I could mention." I glared fiercely, attempting to be scolding even if my eyes were wet.

He winced and sighed, but still backed off.

"Thank you." I turned and walked away from him, wiping away my tears. He's not worth them.

Rushing back into the library after making sure I looked presentable and not weepy and red-eyed, I was slightly surprised by the lack of League members in the room. Where did they go? I wondered, noting the fact that Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad had looks of frustration on their faces.

I cleared my throat, knocking on a bookshelf so they would notice me. "Hello?" I said softly.

Robin and Kid Flash turned in my direction but made no other sign that they heard me. Aqualad was completely lost in thought.

"So… um… where are the Leaguers?" I asked quietly. My question seemed to snap all of them out of their thinking trances.

Their frowns deepened. "Our mentors… left us here so that they could complete a mission. Wotan is attempting to blot out the sun, I believe?" Aqualad explained.

"Bottom line, they abandoned us here until it was convenient again for them to have us back by their sides, or when we're 'ready'," Robin said, sighing.

What is that supposed to mean?!

"When we're ready?" Kid Flash scoffed. "How are we ever supposed to be ready when they treat us like… like sidekicks!" He gestured around wildly to show his frustration.

"My mentor… My king…" Aqualad said sadly. "I thought he trusted me."

I don't think that the League understands the concept of "Trust is a two way street,"

"Trust? They don't even trust us with the basics! They've got a secret HQ in space!" Wally yelled, pointing above us to emphasize his point.

"What other secrets have they kept from us?" I asked softly, still processing. "Can we even know that anything they told us was true?"

Robin sighed angrily. "I have a better question. Why didn't we leave with Speedy?" We all looked down.

"What is… Project Cadmus?" Kaldur asked, looking up.

I looked to them with confusion. Project Cadmus? Is that some kind of program or something?

"Don't know. But I can find out," Robin grinned, turning around and walking to the computer. He started typing quickly, probably trying to hack into the systems.

"Access Denied," the computer said.

"Heh. Wanna bet?" Smirking smugly, he continued typing furiously, making what looked like absolute gibberish appear on the computer's screen, scrolling down at extremely high speeds.

"Whoa. How are you doing that?" Wally asked, looking as confused about what I assumed was a computer code as I felt.

"Same system as the Batcave," Robin said proudly, tapping on one last key.

Access Granted, the computerized voice intoned.

"Boy Wonder's got moves!" Kid Flash exclaimed, punching Robin on the shoulder.

"Ow," he winced, shaking out his arm.

"Are you okay?" I asked, stepping closer to the computer and Robin, worried.

"Yeah, fine. Let's just see what there is in the file."

Duh, Cor. The Batman's protegé has definitely been through worse than a friendly punch to the arm. Stupid!

A file had opened on the computer, containing some text and a few pictures of a plain white office building with only a few floors.

"Alright, Project Cadmus, genetics lab here in DC. That's all there is," Robin said confusedly. "But if Batman's suspicious… maybe we should investigate," he finished, smirking.

"Solve their case before they do. It would be poetic justice," Aqualad said.

"Hey," Robin laughed, "They're all about justice! Plus," he added thoughtfully, "There could be people there caught inside. Ember, you'd be great with that. You could help the fire department out."

"But the League said to stay here," I said softly, "And extinguishing fires is a really advanced skill. If it's not my own fire, I don't even know I could do it."

"They told us not to interfere with the blotting out the sun mission, not this!" Robin reasoned, still grinning. "And you've done a great job before. Remember San Francisco?"

"Hey, how did you know about that? I didn't tell anyone..." I asked, my eyes widening, jaw dropping with shock. Nobody knew about that, not even Fire.

He pointed to himself, smile never fading. "Bat,"

"Wait. Are you going to Cadmus? Because if you're going, I'm going," Kid Flash said excitedly.

They both looked at me pleadingly, "Ember?" Kid Flash asked. "You coming with, hot stuff?"

I sighed. "I guess," I said softly. "Only thing to do here is read,"

Actually, I thought, That doesn't sound like too bad of a thing to do. Are you guys sure I can't stay?

They turned towards Aqualad, grins on their faces. "Just like that, we're a team on a mission," he said.

"We came for the real deal," I said, voice growing stronger as I was slowly convinced that this was the right idea.

"Not for a playdate," Robin finished.

Aqualad smirked slightly, and we all turned and ran out the door to complete our new mission: investigate Project Cadmus.

¹ Querido means darling in Portuguese.

² Idiota means (obviously) idiot in Portuguese.

³ Louca means crazy in Portuguese.

How'd you guys like Ember? I know, she's overly shy, but that's just how she is. Right now, she's only really comfortable around Fire, but as she gets used to the Team, she'll relax more and stop being so nervous.

Please review and let me know what you think! Did you like it? Hate it? Lurve it? Not really care? I don't care (well, I care a little bit), just let me know, and I'll try to improve if you think there's things I need to work on. R&R!

PS: Ember's 17 (I kinda think she acts younger, but meh), in case you're wondering.