Here, have some more Hyacinth for your enjoyment.

P.S. The Food Network is pure torture during Lent. I don't suggest you watch it f you're abstaining from anything edible.

"Mom, I'm going out," I called, heading to the door and just barely worrying about my damaged jacket.

"Hyacinth, wait," she replied. I stopped and turned. I could tell she was awfully worried.

"Mom?"

"I noticed you avoiding your left arm. Honey, are you okay?"

"Yeah, mom. I just got a small injury yesterday."

"Honey, you can't run around playing superhero forever. You're not invincible, you know." My shock could have been read on my face. All this time I'd thought she didn't know.

"Neither are any of the rest of them—except maybe Superman. Mom, I'm just trying to help."

"I know, and I know I can't stop you. But, honey, you're injured. Couldn't you just not go out just this once? For me? Please?" She really looked so worried. It had my resolve on its ass. One night couldn't be that bad. It would be a good chance to recuperate anyway.

"Oh, alright, mom. I'll stay home." I gave her a smile and a hug. "But I hope this means you're going to occupy my time." She smiled back.

"But of course. I was thinking we could watch our favourite movie again for the fiftieth time and eat kettle corn."

"Sounds like a great plan, mom."

Mom had been really tired from her shift at the hospital and couldn't make it through the movie. At nine, she apologised and went to bed. I tucked her in and kissed her forehead, telling her that she had nothing to be sorry for. She made me promise not to go out to fight crime before saying goodnight. January was in bed since seven, tired from the field trip her class had gone on. I longed just for a second to be nine again. Dad was at work, probably saving someone's life and granting them the surgery that would allow them to see another day. It was just in my blood to help people.

I ended up just going to the roof of the apartment building and looking out onto the city. I hoped and prayed to God that I didn't happen to see anything wrong or else I'd have to break my promise to my mom. I leaned over the short wall and sighed.

I heard steps, running, and then a loud stamp as someone jumped onto the roof. I spun around, anticipating that I would have to defend myself. No one hopping roofs was good news. Except maybe me and the superheroes. Okay, so maybe it could have been good news or nothing to worry about.

A man wearing a skull cap and a tight-fitting suit looked behind him upon landing. Trouble for sure. Before his head swivelled back around, I spun my foot into the side of his face and assumed a sturdy position to make my next move, the way my teacher had taught. The criminal stumbled back and then someone crashed into the back of his head, flooring him, his face just at my feet and the person on the offensive right before me.

"So we meet again," Robin said, smirking. Batman came up a bit behind him.

"Robin! Well, that's really weird," I remarked. Twice in one day. Huh.

"Why are you in a robe and fuzzy slippers? Is that your new vigilante gear?" he asked, laughter in his voice.

"I'm not out tonight. I was just taking a breather. This is my building." Really, why had I felt the need to be so clear in my explanation? I could have stopped after my first sentence. Why did I always speak the truth and the whole truth to his face? "More importantly, I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I just kind of blew up and I don't know why."

"What's there to apologise for? You said your piece and you were right anyway. It does bother me a little."

"Oh. Uh, well, don't feel bad. I'm a little better prepared to deal with situations like that than the average person. Well, you know. You've seen me fight."

"Mixed martial arts, am I correct?" Batman asked. I figure he had recognised my form when I was preparing for my next attack on the idiot unconscious at my feet. I nodded. "Who was your teacher?"

"Hanamae. He taught me right before he and his wife left town last year."

"Why would your parents have you learn something like that anyway?"

"They didn't. They're no one shady. They work in the hospital. I just wanted to learn. Deep down I guess this was really my intention all along."

"It's a really odd coincidence how we keep bumping into you, though. I'm whelmed at how odd this is," Robin said.

"Well, earlier, I was just walking home from school when I heard Batman's voice shouting 'stop' to someone. So I suppose all the mysteries are solved as to how I seem to be everywhere you are. I don't believe in coincidence though."

"Why do you think we keep running into each other then?" he challenged.

"Higher power at work?" I offered, shrugging. "I haven't the foggiest." He laughed.

"You've got a talent for this, but I think you need some more formal training," Batman commented.

"You've also got to get over your fears. You can't get spooked every time you see a knife."

"You say that and yet who's there to teach me?" I responded.

Batman handed me a slip of paper and I unfolded it and an address was written on it.

"If you're really serious about it, if you come here, I'll pull some strings for you. But we're not going to go easy on you. Formal training is just as rigorous as field work," he replied. He turned, heading for the other edge of the wall from where they'd come and Robin turned, about to follow him.

"Wait," I called. Batman and Robin stopped in their tracks but at the same time, very in sync and not bothering to turn around. "Why are you helping me?"

"Honestly? I don't know myself," he responded. Then he jumped over the roof and Robin followed with a chuckle.

I knew exactly where the address would take me. It led to the Justice League headquarters, one of the greatest tourist attractions in the entire city.

You know what I'd like about now. Feedback. Even one-liners make me happy.