So second chapter is up. Sorry I always have trouble when choosing when to use secret I.D.'s vs hero names so bare with me if I end up mixing them up a bit. Other than that hope you enjoy the introduction of my new OC. :)
September 3rd 2016
Two full days had passed and it was late. Later than expected before Batgirl finally received the transmission from Robin. They had been in brief radio contact while the squad preformed its search but it was a relief to hear the boy wonder finally give her the conformation they were on their way home, package in tow. He offered little as far as the status of the mission but explained that all would make sense in time.
Batgirl contacted the appropriate rendezvous team and informed them of the situation, asking each to be at the landing site when the super cycle touched down. Thankfully each was available so that when the small hill that hid the cave came into view, Robin and his squad were landing in front of Batgirl, Batman, Aqualad, Black Canary, and M'gann.
As soon as the wheels of the cycle touched down Blue and the new Kid Flash jetted forward to talk to their welcome party while Robin assisted their unknown friend.
"Hola amigos," Beetle announced landing in front of the group, "delivery squad Alpha has completed its task."
"He's not bound," Batman stated simply looking at the pair now making their way towards them, "so I'm guessing there wasn't a fight."
"Well we sorta spooked him I think," Kid Flash explained, "he and Robin went at it for a few seconds before we were able to convince him we were just there to talk."
"And now here we are," Robin said leading the hooded teen and the cycle (now in sphere form) up to the gathering. "His names Curt," he continued, "Curt, this is Batman, Batgirl, Black Canary, M'gann, and Aqualad, jeez quite the welcome committee now that I'm looking around."
Curt stepped forward and removed his hood, he was tall standing at least six feet high but his frame remained hidden by a baggy sweatshirt and sweatpants. His features seemed simple... except for his hair. Shoulder length and glowing it seemed to have a life of its own. One minute it looked a deep orange but as he turned his head to inspect the group in front of him it seemed to change as the moonlight hit it rippling across every shade red imaginable, almost as if there were fires dancing beneath each individual hair.
"So you guys are really them, huh?" he asked, raising his hand as if he wanted to touch the Batman and make sure he was real. The stern demeanor across the masked mans face seemed to cause him to think better of it however and he turned back to the younger three. "This isn't some kind of elaborate prank is it?" he asked.
"Come on ese, we just traveled more than halfway across the country in a flying motor cycle made from alien technology to find you, either that's got to be the most elaborate prank in the world" Blue added with a laugh.
"Right, right, sorry that's true, just a lot to take in is all... I mean yesterday I was no one really, and then these three show up out of no where and say the Justice League wants to talk, what am I supposed to think?" Curt asked looking at each of the faces in turn.
"You may think whatever you like," Aqualad announced coming forward, "truth is, we have been following you for some time now, and we know of you recent exploits in helping to extinguish and pull civilians out of at least four major fires in the past two weeks. Care to explain?"
"Ah, right that... well all that alien end of the world mojo from a couple months ago left my area pretty beat up. We took the brunt of a few high level earthquakes and tornadoes which left a whole bunch of gas lines broken and leaking in the area. So fires have been pretty constant over the past month or so due to escaped gas fumes and my um... unique skill set makes me adapt at helping," Curt tried to explain.
"And just what would that skill set include?" Batman asked sternly. "Melting the locks on convenience stores?"
Curt looked away frowning. "So you know the good and the bad I guess, well why wouldn't you, your the justice league. Look I never wanted to steal, I never enjoyed it, but I've been homeless for nearly 10 years, the only man I've been able to call my friend died two months ago when an earthquake dropped his martial arts school on his head. It has been the only way for me to eat recently, I never took any money, and never anything more than I absolutely needed, I know that doesn't make it right but I would have starved to death otherwise."
"I understand, we understand the need for survival but there are other ways, ways that don't break the law." Aqualad responded.
Curt shook his head, "not for me, I couldn't take that risk."
"Risk?"
"My powers, they used to be... unstable. I've gotten better at controlling them since I met that friend I mentioned before but after what I've witnessed, after what I've done I didn't want to be in a crowded situation for any length of time."
"And what exactly have you done?" Batman asked.
Curt let out an exasperated sigh and his shoulders visibly slumped as he said, "its a long story." A slight buzz filled his head then, but he shook it away assuming it was an after affect of the ride across country.
Silence fell on the group for a moment before M'gann gasped from the back of the pack. Her eyes opened and she looked to Black Canary for a moment passing along a telepathic message.
Canary stepped forward then, "well why don't we go inside and we can talk about it?"
"What just like that?" Curt asked surprised, looking up, "you're gonna let me into the secret hideout?"
"It is not the hideout for the Justice League," Aqualad explained, "we represent a different team, one more covert and designed to help train our newer and younger members. We can offer you a bed and food on the table while we learn more of your abilities and help you understand them as well." He offered his hand in front of him.
"I can't even remember the last time I slept in a real bed," Curt responded, "if you can help me, then know that I am willing to help you." He reached forward and grasped Aqualad's hand, their skin had barely made contact before there was a slight hissing sound and steam rose from the connected hands.
Aqualad recoiled immediately, clutching his hand, "your skin! Its burning!" he exclaimed.
"Dammit," Curt said wiping his hand repeatedly against his pants, "sorry, I'm so used to it I always forget about it...my abilities... I absorb the heat in the air which makes them more effective and this seems to increase my body temperature to crazy levels. I'm sorry if that hurt."
"Not painful, just surprising. My Atlantean skin is naturally moist, and it appears does not appreciate the heat stemming from yours," he laughed.
"Come," he bade placing a hand on Curt's sweatshirt covered shoulder, "I feel there is much we can learn from each other." He stepped up in front of the rather uninteresting looking hill and said firmly, "Aqualad, override A-06," and Curt stood opened mouthed as the hill literally opened up revealing a long dark hallway.
"This way," Aqualad motioned allowing Robin, Blue, Impulse, and Batgirl into the cave as well.
As the group walked away Batman turned to M'gann, "how is he?" he asked simply. M'gann shook her head, "its hard to say, I didn't want to dive to deep for risk of alerting him to my intentions but he seems well enough. His mind is disciplined, very well in fact, though where he learned it I can not say... there's something else too." She paused and looked at Batman directly, "he has experienced loss, great loss, when he was young. I could not tell you how but he was a part of it and there were two emotions that seemed most prominent in the confounds of his mind. Pain... pain and fear."
Batman remained silent for a moment as he watched the team leading their new companion into the cave. "Canary, I want surveillance on him at all times and he should only be alone when absolutely necessary. Give him a day or two to adjust then take him to the training room, I want to know what he can do and if he's willing to talk I want to know what he's been through. There may be much we can learn from each other."
With that he pressed a button on his wrist and the Bat Plane dropped from the sky. With a head nod, Batman jumped in and was gone.
"Always so talkative," Canary laughed leading M'gann towards the entrance to the cave.
xxxxxx
So I have little to no idea where I'm going with this story or how long its going to be. My favorite author has been quoted saying that he doesn't plan much of his stories he lets the characters decide so that's what I'm going to be doing. The OC is based off me so sorry for that but come on who doesn't want superpowers? Lol
