Chp 2 – Consultation and Reunion

It's been a week since the funeral, and no one has even seen Wordgirl at all. Surprisingly the villains of the city didn't try to take advantage of her disappearance. In fact, it looks like they're having a meeting right now…

The run down motel at the edge of town was not much to look at. Sure, it could use some repair, and it wasn't close to any major roadways. Nobody really stayed there that often, either. It was the perfect place for a secret meeting, except for the open parking lot where all manner of crazy looking vehicles were parked…and apparently a blimp. Inside the large conference room, the emergency meeting of the Evil Villains Association was underway.

"Alright, everyone, please be seated, sit down, and take a seat. This emergency meeting will begin, start, and commence now."

The president of the association, Lady Redundant Woman, didn't have to wait long for everyone to settle down. They all knew what they were there for, and many of them wanted to get this over with.

"Let's get down to business, cut to the chase, the bottom line," she began. "We appreciate, are grateful for, and welcome the fact that none of you have tried anything big since the Whammer incident two weeks ago. As you all are now aware of, been informed about, and know, that the Whammer has been in solitary confinement until his transfer to a high security laboratory out of the state. Due to the severity, grimness, and austerity of his actions, he will not be handled by local police, but exported, extradited, and removed from Fair City by the FBI as of the end of the month, which is two weeks from now. A proposal has been put forth to curtail, minimize, and reduce any criminal activity until after the transfer."

"Why should we do that?" asked Mr. Big. "So he did something stupid, why should we stop our own plans for his mistake?"

"Because, big shot, is that he committed a very serious crime, and the feds are watching this city, now," answered Dr. Two Brains. "I may be bold enough to challenge Wordgirl, but the federal government? No-oh-oh thank you."

"Exactly, correct, affirmative," said Lady Redundant Woman. "Thanks to the complexity, difficulty, and intricacy of the paperwork regarding the prison system, the feds don't know that there are criminals with super powers, here. I believe that we would all like it to stay that way, leave things alone, and keep the status quo."

"That's pretty well thought out," commented Chuck, the Evil Sandwich Making Guy. "Who came up with that idea?"

"We have Tobey to thank for that," said Granny May. "Thanks to his mama working at the DA's office, he was able to erase any mention of our powers in their computers."

"They barely even knew they were hacked," smirked Tobey. Then he frowned, "unfortunately that was the last time mother would take me to 'Take your child to work Day.' I rather enjoyed not having to go to that pitiful excuse of a school for a change."

"So let me get this straight," mumbled Br. Big, "in order for us to stay off of the feds' radar, we can't take advantage of Wordgirl's absence?"

"We may have bigger issues than that," said Dr. Two-Brains. "We all read that paper about the bridge. Anybody would be all torn up inside after something like that. Hard to believe, sometimes, but remember that she's still just a 12-year-old girl. She was pretty close to the former DA, and the DA's son was part of her fan club."

"President," corrected Tobey, "or so he claimed."

"Right. The girl's gotta be an emotional wreck right now. We shouldn't push her anytime soon, either."

"Why not?" asked Chuck.

"Geez, you people need to read some comics. This is the perfect time for her to get all dark and vengeful on everybody, especially if she blames herself, which she most likely is."

"What do you mean by vengeful?" asked Chuck. "She's not like that at all. Um, what does vengeful mean, again?"

"It means revengeful, or spiteful, which is the opposite of what she was before this incident," defined Tobey, now standing. "My mother told me what happened on that bridge. She was there. She did everything she could to save Mrs. Botsford and her son. Even though I have no real attachment to either of them, I did mourn their loss" he glanced aside. "Anyway, she told me that Wordgirl was ready to kill Whammer, and not just for the Botsfords, but remember, her sidekick died there, too. If my mother wasn't there to talk her down, she might have finished him off for good. If that's not a recipe for going to the dark side, I don't know what is."

Everyone stilled after hearing this. They had read about it in the paper, but nobody knew about those details.

"Um, wow," whispered Mr. Big. "That's…that's pretty big. Are you sure…?"

"My mother was in hysterics when she came home that night. I haven't seen her cry like that since, THAT day." Tobey stared off, slightly raising his now shaking fist.

"What day?" asked Ms. Question.

"Wha…" Tobey blinked. "Never mind. Suffice it to say, my mother doesn't cry. Well, it's very rare, anyway, but she could barely keep herself together after that. I had to take care of her for two days after that. I can't imagine how Wordgirl is handling so much loss all by herself."

"I motion that we send a couple of us to talk to Wordgirl, to make sure that she's okay." Everyone stared at Granny May. "What? That girl needs someone to talk to about this. If she doesn't, she might come back a lot meaner and less caring than before."

"I second that," blurted out Dr. Two Brains. His mouse brain glowed slightly. "What do I mean I second that? Wait, yeah, I'll explain later…" He just now noticed everyone staring at him. "Sorry, distracted. I do second that."

"The proposal, agenda item, and proposition has been presented and seconded, for some reason."

"So who's going to talk to Wordgirl?" questioned Ms. Question.

(B-D)

The following day, at Woodview Middle School, Becky Botsford returns after two weeks a grieving.

She entered the hallways of the school on time as she usually does, but one look at her face would tell anyone that she wasn't fully there. She stared straight ahead, somehow managing to weave through the other students going every which way to their classes. As she opened her locker, she paused for a moment. The death of her mom and brother were still fresh on her mind, but as her dad tried to say as kindly as he could, life goes on. It would be tough, and he knew that she still grieved over them, but she couldn't miss school for too long. Becky knew this, of course, but there were so many things missing in her life. The house seemed so quiet, now that it was just the two of them. The emptiness not just her home, but on both sides of her life, just didn't seem to go away. Bob had always been there, if not physically, then at least in spirit. Without him, she wouldn't be anywhere near the person that she had so far grown into as a person and as a hero. It really did help that her two best friends, Violet and Scoops, also knew of her double life, but Bob was her constant, her rock. He was always a taxi away from her side. She smiled at that as she remembered a few times when his timely arrival had saved her. That's when she noticed the tear on her cheek. Wiping it quickly, she began to gather her books for her class. She had to focus on school right now. Even though she managed to keep up her grades, she did miss a week of school. She paused again as she thought once again of how the villains been conspicuously inactive during this time. She really did appreciate that. Her mind flashed through some of them until it stopped on the Whammer. Her mood immediately soured. Again, as it had happened so many times over the past two weeks, she flashed back to that moment when she had him completely at her mercy. Again, she knew that if Mrs. McCallister wasn't there, that she would've killed him. Being honest with herself, she still wanted to. She now understood my Tobey was always seeking revenge for wrongs done to him. Sure, his reasons weren't as traumatic as they were for her, but…

Becky jumped when a hand placed itself on her shoulder and she had to desperately resist the instinct to flip the owner of that hand. Those self-defense classes her mom had enrolled her in last year really were worth her time. She glared at the person that had snuck up on her, then looked away when she saw who it was.

"Sorry about that," said the false Brit, adjusting his glasses. "You looked very distracted."

"Yeah," she sighed. This boy had been by her side since shortly after the tragedy. At first it was frustrating that he was over all of the time, but since his mom was helping her dad with his own grief as well as the funeral arrangements, it was hard to stay mad at him. The fact that he was actually trying to be supportive was both impressive to her and comforting. She had found herself crying on his shoulder more than once, and was quite glad that he was able to take it in stride, after the first few times it happened, that is. "I was thinking about Bob, this time."

"I figured as much. How are you holding up, now that you're back?"

"As well as I can, Tobey. I just have to focus on school right now." She sighed. "This isn't going to be easy."

This time she heard something behind her before a pair of arms wrapped themselves in a hug from behind.

"That's what we're here, for, Becky," entered an airy voice.

"Violet!" exclaimed Becky.

"Sorry, Tobey. We only have two minutes to get to class."

"Sure, go on, you two" dismissed Tobey. "I'll be fine over here."

The two girls watched as Tobey took a step back and turn to head for his class. It was only last year that he began the effort to become at least socially tolerable for most people. Just a few months ago Tobey had promised Wordgirl that he wouldn't release his robots into the city anymore unless there was a very good reason. Of course the following week he used every robot he had during an emergency where every super powered person in the city had to band together to help her save the day.

"Reminiscing again, Becky?"

"Huh, oh, yeah, Vi. I've been doing that a lot, lately."

"I can't blame you. Just remember, you're strong."

"I know," Becky said as they themselves headed for their class. "By the way, nice word."

"Thank yoooouuuuu. I just wish I knew what it meant."

Becky giggled as she began to define the word for her as they continued to class. As always, defining words always helped her feel so much better.

(B-D)

Mercifully the end of the day bell rang, releasing the now weary students from the halls of learning. Becky was so grateful that she had asked the teachers for their syllabi at the start of the school year so she could try to get ahead of the work in case her hero work got in the way. Due to this foresight, provided by Scoops, she now only had two days of actual catch-up work instead of a week. She had just gathered her supplies and stepped outside and looked up to the clouds. Sure, today wasn't so bad. It was difficult to get through the first class, but she had gotten back into her school groove by lunchtime. Today would've been the worst day for a crime to happen. She had no patience for it, not today. Now, though, now that she got through the school day, things might be getting better. She clinched her eyes shut, fighting back against the constant flashbacks of that bridge. She could still hear the ringing in her head from when that sonic blast hit. The hole, the falling car, that ringing…wait, there wasn't any ringing at the bridge. Focusing, she tried to push the images out of her mind and focused on the ringing. Relief, then frustration rose as she realized that the ringing wasn't in her head, but her hearing had picked up the bank's alarm going off. She was so tempted to let the police handle it, but the people haven't seen Wordgirl for almost two weeks. She really didn't want to, but the city needed to know that they were still protected. Glancing around, she made her way to the side of the school and, with a sad glance to her empty side, transformed and flew.

(B-D)

Meanwhile, at the bank…

Wordgirl landed at the entrance of the bank, somewhat puzzled as to the lack of chaos that normally accompanied a robbery. A quick scan of the inside brought up a curious sight.

"Dr. Two Brains?" The evil doctor spun around, mouth full of cheese and eye wide open. "What's going on here?"

"Oh, W- Wordgirl? What are you…?" he glared at the teller behind him as he swallowed his cheese. "Oh."

"I heard the alarm, but I see you don't even have your henchmen with you. What's your plan, Doc?"

"I don't have one," replied the doctor. "I was driving by when I smelled some cheese. As you can see, they have a table of free cheese samples that I was, um, trying out. This idiot over there must've gotten so spooked when I came in that he triggered the alarm on instinct. I haven't even done anything illegal…this time."

Wordgirl scratched her head as she looked to the security guard, who shrugged, then nodded his head in confirmation. She also heard him mutter something about the teller being a new guy. Wordgirl was actually relieved. She wasn't sure if she had the patience to deal with an actual robbery.

"Well, since this appears to be a simple misunderstanding, I guess there's nothing to be done."

"Thank you." Dr. Two Brains was actually worried whether Wordgirl would've come in swinging or not. Fortunately the irregularity of the situation enabled her to think first. He was about to take his leave when his mouse brain glowed for a moment. Wordgirl had apparently noticed, too, and took a noticeably more defensive stance. "Oh yeah, I just remembered something. I need to see you tonight at my lair. I promise, not a trap, I just need to see you tonight, when you can, alright."

Wordgirl found herself perplexed for a second time in as many minutes. "Why should I do something like that?"

The doctor closed his eyes for a moment, seeming to be deep in thought, before answering. "I need you to meet someone, OK? Just come by, all right?"

Wordgirl looked him in the eye and saw something she hadn't seen in a while. Was that sympathy? She shook her head clear. "Alright, I'll be by. No tricks."

"Cross my heart," he replied as he made his way out of the bank.

With nothing else happening and the evil scientist leaving the building, she gave a short wave to everyone before she flew off. What in the world was that? Who would Doctor Two Brains, of all people, want her to meet. The only people she knew that he associated with was his henchmen and other villains. She really didn't want to go back out, tonight, but this mystery was too tantalizing to pass up. Now she had to figure out how to get past her dad.

(B-D)

That night, Becky managed to sneak out of her home to meet up with Dr. Two Brains, not knowing whether or not she's flying into a trap.

"Well, am I?" she asked as she transformed and flew off.

…Um, are you asking me?

"Yeah. I know, it's been a while, but…"

Oh, don't worry, I understand. I'm just glad to see you back in uniform again. I was worried about you.

Wordgirl made a quick stop to her hideout to gather herself in front of her computer. "Honestly, I'm worried for myself, too. I mean, I almost killed…him. Am I becoming a monster?"

I don't believe that, and obviously your friends don't believe that either, even the ones who know you're Wordgirl know that you're still the hero that you've always been.

"I know," she sighed. "I just wish I could believe it."

It's true. You have more inner strength than you realize, although you sure did give Tobey a good ringing for telling Violet and Scoops about what you almost did to…

"Please, don't mention his name. I'm having a hard enough time keeping my head straight right now." She took in a deep breath. "I have no idea what's ahead, I rarely do, but I have to persevere."

You always do, Wordgirl. That's just one of the things that makes you great.

Wordgirl internalized the compliment. "Thank you. Well, better get this over with."

Allow me. Soon, Wordgirl arrived at Dr. Two Brain's lair.

Wordgirl landed just outside of the garage. She inspected the building, noticing that the holes that she and Huggy would occasionally make in previous entrances were all patched up. Since she was actually invited this time, she decided to try the door for once. It was unlocked. She guessed the doctor wouldn't be afraid of anybody trying to rob his place, or he just figured that she would use the door. Shrugging, she entered the building. The scene in front of her shocked her still.

"Wake up, May."

"Huh, what?"

"Look, see, I told you she'd use the door."

"Aw, phooey. I thought for sure that she'd make another hole in this rat's nest you have here."

"I'll have you know there are no rats here. This is a mouse-only environment."

Wordgirl stared at the two as granny May handed Doctor Two Brains $20. Her mind finally focused on the fact that there were two villains before her, yet they hadn't made a move against her. She really wanted to go to bed, but she also really wanted to know what was going on. She put her hands on her hips.

"Alright, what's going on, here?"

"Wordgirl," started May as she slowly righted the recliner that she had just napped in. "We need to talk."

"Talk?" This was getting more confusing every second.

"Yeah," added the Doc, "we need to talk to you about a few things before its too late."

Wordgirl floated down to the floor, thoroughly confused as to what they were talking about. "Too late? What? Is it some emergency that I need to know about?"

The two villains glanced at each other.

"Wordgirl, dearie, please sit down. We just want to talk to you. No tricks."

Wordgirl cautiously made her way to another chair before Two Brains stopped her. "That's my chair. I saved the comfortable one for you," he said, pointing to the couch. He didn't seem offended when she made a quick inspection of the couch for traps, even poking it a few times, before taking a seat. "See, like I said, no tricks."

"Okay," the heroine said cautiously. "I believe you. So what's this about?"

"It's about you, dearie."

"Me?"

"Yes, you." May took a sip of tea. "We wanted to talk to you about what happened earlier this month."

"What? No, I don't…"

"Stay there, Wordgirl," warned Two Brains. "You went through a horribly traumatic event and we don't know what, if any, help you've gotten to deal with this. The last thing we, or anybody else, needs right now is a psychologically traumatized super person running around. You need to talk to someone about this, whether you want to or not."

Wordgirl blinked a few times to register what was said. "You think that I'm becoming a psychopath?"

"No, of course not," said May. "We're afraid that you might become one if you don't deal with this." She paused for a moment. "I forget, what exactly is a psychopath, again?"

"A psychopath is a person with a psychopathic personality, which manifests as amoral and antisocial behavior, like a lack of ability to love or establish meaningful personal relationships, or extreme...egocentricity...is that what you think is happening to me?"

"Granny's right. We villains talked this over, and after what happened we don't want to be your next victim if things go south again."

"Victim?"

"Whammer."

Suddenly a throw pillow exploded in the potential psychopath's hand. Wordgirl blushed at her lack of control.

"See," Two Brains glanced at May, "she's already triggered just by hearing his name. Can you imagine if she actually saw him?"

"I'm sure that the new DA wouldn't be able to save him this time."

"I'm…I'm not like that."

Two Brains sighed as he rubbed his temples. "I was afraid it would come to this. She's in denial, or doesn't trust us enough to talk about it."

"Can't really blame her, Doc. We haven't exactly been knitting buddies, ya' know."

"Yeah, yeah. Ok, give me a minute. I'll be right back."

Wordgirl watched curiously as Two Brains didn't leave, but sat cross-legged on the floor. He closed his eyes and his mouse brain began to glow.

"What's he doing?"

"He's showing you just how seriously we're taking this," responded the senior. "The Doc and I aren't close by any stretch, but everyone knows which of those brains is in charge."

Wordgirl gasped. "You don't mean…"

Two Brains' eyes suddenly opened, then winced as he shut again. He slowly tried to stand, needing to anchor himself to his couch to keep his balance. It was like he hadn't tried to stand in years. Finally he made his way back onto his other couch, flopping down on it and breathing a few sagging breathes. Now calm, he opened his eyes, the red tint now gone from his eyes. The whiskers seemed to have shrunk a bit, and his hair had lowered itself considerably, giving him a more normal look than usual. He looked around until he saw Wordgirl.

"Hello, Wordgirl. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Wordgirl's eyes bulged as she recognized that voice. She hadn't heard that voice since she was eight, but it was a voice that she had longed to hear for years.

"Professor Steven Boxleitner?" she asked, hopefully.

"I think after everything we've been through, Wordgirl, you can just call me Steve."

It had been quite a while since her had a hug that strong, but he was impressed with her control as he was expecting to be unable to breathe once she realized who she was talking to. He was about to say something, but the twelve year old crying into his chest made him choke up. Slowly he hugged her back, causing her to cry even more. May watched on, not having the heart to break up such a reunion. She had heard about his accident that turned him into Dr. Two Brains, but she didn't know about what kind of relationship they had before then. Now she had an idea, and now she understood why he had told her what he would do if Wordgirl became stubborn. Now it seemed that Wordgirl had reverted back to the eight year old that had missed her ally, no, friend for four long years.

"Do you remember anything?" Wordgirl sniffed.

"Yeah, I remember everything. I'm so sorry."

"I know it wasn't you, Prof…Steve. I know it's Squeaky that makes you do what you've done."

"I'm grateful for that, but now you know how much you need this if Squeaky is willingly giving me control just to talk to you?"

Wordgirl stopped herself to think about it. She was able to get help as Becky, but Wordgirl didn't have anyone, anymore. Her friends had no idea how to help her with this, and there was a reason why she hadn't put on the uniform for a couple weeks. "Alright, Steve. Let's talk."

(B-D)