October 24th, 2010

I spent the next month with Wally. Sure, I made a few friends in school and all, but my parents didn't want me hanging out with them outside of school for obvious reasons. I really don't know why my parents were okay with Wally though, despite him being Barry's nephew, he was a little bit-crazy. Every day after that first one, he would meet me after school (not always on time, but he's Wally it's kinda his thing) and we would walk to Barry's house together. I don't know how he got from Keystone High to Central High so quickly every day, but I just assumed they got out earlier.

I actually grew to enjoy Wally, except for his constant pick-up lines and other stupid antics. I would like to say we were pretty close I mean he was my only real friend anymore. Sadly, other than the consistent walk home, Wally was never very reliable. We would make plans and I would be completely ready to go, but he would text me at the last minute saying something came up. All in all, everything seemed normal until one day we were at Barry's house and he and things got weird.

"Dude no way. There is absolutely no way Kid Flash could beat Superman in a fight" Wally and I were arguing about how strong Kid Flash is. Kid Flash was obviously Wally's favorite hero, I mean he always talked about him. This time I could not just sit and listen however because he was being absurd.

"And what makes you think he couldn't?" He retorted glaring playfully at me.

"Well... I mean he isn't even that fast" I had really fired him up now.

"What?! Kid Flash is just as fast as the Flash if not faster, and I heard he has dazzling good looks too" He wiggled his eyebrows. I couldn't help but laugh at the goon next to me.

"Okay, your man crush is getting a little crazy Wally, I mean the guy wears a mask. How do you know what he looks like?" I rolled my eyes at him and he huffed in response.

"I just...heard." He said quietly, knowing he was beaten. Just then Barry came down the stairs putting what looked like a cell phone back into his pocket.

"Wally can I talk to you for a minute...in private" Barry looked at me where I was sitting with Wally on the couch. Wally looked at me and then Barry and nodded in understanding, getting up from the couch. Something was up, I had that bad feeling in my gut. I sat still on the couch, waiting, listening.

I heard muffled conversation "the league" "hurt" "not looking good". The only real thing I heard was "you should go". They stopped talking; I heard them rounding the corner, and I shuffled in my seat trying to look less rigid, like I hadn't been eavesdropping on an obviously private conversation. Wally was half way out the door when he turned to meet my eyes. He was pale in the face, he looked grim. I could feel the aura of worry coming from him. I wondered what bad news Barry had told him to make him so upset.

"I'm sorry I have to go" he muttered.

"It's oka-" I went to respond, but in an instant the door was closed behind him and the only thing that remained was my awkward self and a very tense Barry Allen.

"Well I'll take that as my cue to leave, thanks for having me. I hope everything works out with whatever that is." I gestured to the door "If there is anything I can do to help let me know." I said quickly gathering my bags and heading to make my leave.

"Actually Amy there is—" he began. I stopped and looked at him. He looked pained and deep in thought. "No never mind, you have a good one" he said dismissively and turned back to the kitchen starting to pace. I shut the door carefully, and began to walk home.

Our new house was not far from the Allen's, only a few blocks away actually. I wondered what could have happened to make Wally act so strangely. He did say something about the "league" maybe Wally was in some kind of trouble. Maybe he was in a gang! No. Wally wasn't really the thug type. I hoped Wally was okay, but I also wish he could talk to me about his problems. That was selfish. I had kept a huge secret from him; he had all the right to keep some things from me. I mean we only knew each other for a couple of weeks after all. I just wished I could help. I was so lost in thought that I walked straight into my house without thinking and in an instant I just about shit myself.

There sitting on my couch was a red metal robot. The room was eerily silent as we all froze. My parents raised their eyebrows at me as to ask "what did you do now?"

"Hello Amethyst Thomas, I am—"

"Red Tornado" We said in unison, I with complete and utter disbelief and he with cold monotony. I stood frozen for a moment longer before deciding to suspend my surprise and sit down on the last unoccupied sofa in the living room.

"So Mr. Red Tornado may I ask why you are here" My mother worded carefully. My parents sat together looking rather fearful on the couch opposite to Red Tornado. We all looked at the android with anticipation.

"Yes, Mrs. Thomas. I am here in representation of the Justice League. We are in need of your daughter and her abilities." His voice was cold and mechanic. I had never seen an android before let alone heard one speak. I was sure my dad was geeking out from his spot on the couch.

"What?" I answered without thinking. My dad stood quickly fists clenched, face red.

"How do you know about that?" My dad almost shouted. My mother reached for his hand pulling him back down. She patted his hand and smiled at him as calmly as she could considering the circumstances.

"Now, now dear I'm sure the Justice League has their reasons" My mother cautioned. She was smart. She did not want to be on a certain league of heroes' bad side. I however was not pleased with this so called "answer".

"No, I want to know." I had a rush of courage, standing ready to confront the sac of tin on my seat cushion. "How do you know about my powers and why do you need them?"

"Amethyst!" My mother reprimanded. I was not stopped or even slowed.

How long had they known about me?

Why didn't they come to help me, give me any guidance, protect me?

Why should I help them, they could just be trying to experiment on me like everyone else.

"It is alright Mrs. Tomas." He said to my mother who looked equally angry at my disrespect and fearful for my safety. He stood and turned to face me completely. "We need you Amethyst because without your help one of our own will surely die" Now I was not expecting that.

"Will you come with me? To heal them?" He asked still as monotonous as ever. A wave of guilt washed over me.

How could I have been so selfish these people (and robots) risked their lives every day to keep people like me safe, and I had a chance to save one of their lives?

There was no question.

"Yes I will go with you" I said not knowing that would be an agreement that would change my life forever.