Hey guys, I am so glad to see people are enjoying this story. Here is the newest chapter and I am really hoping to start introducing more characters and working more on plot development.
Dinah and Oliver were laying in bed when they heard the phone going off. Dinah groaned as Oliver picked up the phone, Dinah listened carefully but staying curled up in the warm sheets.
"Hello?"
"Roy, what's the matter?" It seemed to take some time with a few 'Mhms' and 'uhuhs' until Oliver pulled the phone away momentarily before the tone seemed to change suddenly.
"Okay, we'll be there soon." Hanging up the phone, Oliver stood up and stretched as he walked towards his closet. "Dinah, we have to go to the Cave, our friend ended up there after running from Klarion." Oliver stated as he pulled his uniform on as he glanced towards Dinah who was doing the same.
"That happened sooner than expected." Dinah remarked as she ran fingers through her hair to smoothen it out. "Did Roy say anything about how she is doing?" Oliver paused for a moment before he looked at her.
"It'd be easier to just show you and let her tell you." Oliver explained as Dinah nodded before they both headed out for the nearest zeta tube.
_
Her body felt heavily as she shifted in the bed. Songbird let out a soft groan and twisted to lay on her side before feeling the pain heavily from her leg. Gasping, Songbird's eyes shot open as she glanced around the room. This wasn't the room she was used to- it wasn't even any of the rooms in Klarion's apartment. Within a flash, all the memories came rushing back as her hands covered her face as Songbird tried not to sob. How many people did she just endanger for this?
A coughing noise pulled Songbird's hands from her face as she saw Black Canary sitting on a chair nearby. Sitting up, Songbird stared at Black Canary feeling the slight tug of an IV attached to her, but making no moves to pull it out. It was an awkward few moments of silence until Black Canary spoke. "You're safe now, just take a few moments to process it."
The scoff was almost immediate. "Safe? SAFE? How am I safe Black Canary, I just risked everyone's life by running away from the Lord of Chaos. How do I not know this is a dream and I am going to wake up unconscious on the floor there?" Songbird retorted as tears poured down. "Besides, he can teleport and move things with his mind, how come I was free?"
That question stumped Black Canary as much as it did Songbird. It took a moment of silence once more before Canary spoke. "I can assure you that this is very real and you are away from him, it may have just been a matter of luck on your side." Smiling at Songbird, Black Canary stood up. "Why don't we focus on the future, you already know me as Black Canary but what do I call you?"
Songbird pulled her legs up to her body as she shrugged. "I've always been called Songbird. It was called from The Light and Klarion never bothered to give me another name other than occasionally calling me 'pet'."
"Would you like to be called by a different name?" Black Canary asked as Songbird nodded slowly.
"I would, but I have no ideas what would suit me- can I take time to process and think on it?" Black Canary nodded before pointing to the IV.
"Would you like me to take that out and we could go get you something to eat? Maybe a change of clothes too."
Songbird smiled as she looked at Black Canary. "That'd be nice, thanks." Songbird cautiously looked around the whole time, making sure to take adequate look for the potential exits if needed. Songbird cringed when Black Canary removed the IV and bandaged the hand before hoisting Songbird off of the bed. They walked down the hall until they reached a kitchen. Black Canary walked over to the fridge as she told Songbird to sit down on one of the stools. Songbird did as she was told and looked around nervously. There were others around minding their own business or just trying to be discreet with their snooping. Songbird did not realize how much time had passed until she was interrupted by the sound of a plate being placed in front of her.
Songbird looked at Canary with a confused looked as she examined the food on the plate. It was a grilled sandwich that seemed to have some sort of meat in it. "What is this?"
"Grilled cheese and bacon, I figured it'd probably be something you'd like." Songbird nodded as she took half and carefully took a bite. It was so delicious and made Songbird's stomach growl in hunger as she wolfed it down hungrily. Taking a moment to regain her composure, Songbird gave Black Canary a thank you.
"It's no problem, now why don't we find you something warm to wear and then we can go speak with Batman to figure out what the next steps are." Songbird gulped at the name 'Batman' as her foot began thumping without her realizing it.
"Am I going to be sent to prison or something?" Songbird asked nervously as Black Canary shook her head.
"I don't think so. After all, you were just doing what you needed to do to survive. The League just wants to know how we can help." Canary responded as Songbird nodded slowly before standing up. She followed Canary's footsteps as they went into a small plain room. Canary walked right towards the dresser and pulled out clothing.
"It's not much, but they should fit okay. I'll leave you in here to change." Songbird nodded as she held the clothes close to her chest as Black Canary left the room. Songbird pulled the sweatpants on and then the fresh tank top and hoodie. Songbird saw her reflection in the mirror as she began to run fingers through her hair to tame the nest. Songbird saw an elastic on the dresser as she took it and pulled it into a messy bun. Pacing the room for a moment, Songbird collected herself, after all she was going to meet Batman.
Taking one more look in the mirror, Songbird could almost hear Klarion whine about her hair being up. Shaking her head, Songbird walked towards the door and opened it as she looked at Black Canary before following her again. Black Canary opened a different door and nudged Songbird in. The room had a table with chairs on either side. Batman sat on one side as Songbird sat on the other, with her hands folded onto her lap.
Songbird looked towards Batman as he examined her. "Do you know who I am?" he asked, the tone was very neutral that put her on edge slightly as she began fiddling with the hem of the borrowed shirt.
"Yes Batman." Songbird said politely and quietly as she glanced towards the mirror on one side- it was definitely where Black Canary and a telepath was probably waiting.
"What is your name, age and where you live?" Batman questioned as Songbird took a moment to pause before she answered.
"Songbird, also known as Project BC. I was created almost two years ago by Cadmus." Songbird replied as she felt a pressure in her head while wincing, someone was in her head and Songbird was not comfortable with this but said nothing since she was trying to be on her best behaviour.
"Alright Songbird, what have you been doing since you were cloned two years ago?" Batman questioned as Songbird paused for a minute and took a deep breath while trying to compose herself.
"Master Klarion took a liking to me when The Light first examined me. I became his. I stole for him, information and physical items, protected him when needed, and kept up his." Songbird said as felt her legs getting shaky as she brought them to curl against her chest and rested her head onto her knees.
Batman could see the girl was struggling with her experiences but knew he must continue, treading carefully while softening his voice. "What were some of the other things you were to Klarion, Songbird?"
Songbird shook her head, they didn't need to know that she and Klarion had some romantic and/or sexual affiliations. Songbird looked at Batman with wide eyes. "I did what I was asked- nothing more, I did what I had to for survival."
Batman nodded at her as his face softened slightly, while he looked towards the mirror for a moment before back at Songbird.
"For the time being Songbird, you'll stay here in the Cave with the team. We'll introduce you to them later but in the meantime, Canary will ensure you have the necessary supplies." Batman stood up before looking at Songbird. "In time, you may have the chance to join the team."
Batman left the room as Songbird sat there processing what just happened. Standing up, Songbird walked out of the room immediately to run in with Black Canary who was holding shoes for Songbird. Black Canary waited for Songbird to put them on as Songbird looked at Black Canary. The woman was now dressed casually with jeans a white tank top and a black blazer.
"Let's get you some clothes and supplies. In public, please call me Dinah." Songbird nodded before tilting her head.
"What will you call me?" Songbird questioned as they began to walk towards the zeta tubes.
"For now, how about Calliope?" Songbird nodded before smiling.
"That works, or even Callie."
_
Klarion sat in front of the screen with Teekl in his arms. The six other figures were on screen and glowing. He smirked at them while leaning comfortably in his chair.
"Was the plan successful L-7?" Klarion chucked a bit as he looked down to Teekl.
"Yes it was, my Songbird has been picked up by the Justice League." Stroking Teekl under the chin, Klarion added. "Little do any of them know but next time I see my little Songbird, she'll sing all the information like a canary." Glancing at the screen, Klarion did have to whine. "Next time, can't we use someone else's pet? I worked so hard on getting her just right."
Ta da! What do you guys think? I am still 50/50 on the name for Songbird- in the original fic I wrote which was much different than this, her name was Calliope. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
