Hey everyone! First comes a thank you to everyone that reviewed, you really helped me think things through on how I want this story to progress, although it's still a little blurry, and I sincerely apologize for the long wait! Ah man, I just saw Homefront and have a whole lot more concrete tibits for the later chapters now. Hopefully that'll give me some incentive to pump out some more chapters quickly XD This chapter we finish up Santa Prisca, and see a weaker side to Ember still confined. Enjoy! (Also, the first POV with Ember occurs before the team heads off to Santa Prisca)
Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice. If I did I would put everyone into proper Summer wear. Shorts and tees all around!
Chapter 6 Summer Camp
Ember POV
"Yo, what's up-" I heard a familiar voice say. I couldn't open my eyes, it was too tiresome, so I couldn't be sure who it was.
"Uhn," I moaned. I was sweating all over. It was hot, and I was burning up.
"Ember, Ember! Are you okay?" the voice asked frantically. I cracked open my eyes and saw pink. "BRUUUUUUCE!" the pink thing cried out. I felt light pressure over me, then I started cooling down, but it didn't last long.
"I'm burning! I'm burning!" I cried out, using all my energy. I was on fire; embers were running through my veins, setting me ablaze from the inside out. The pressure was gone, but I was still burning.
"Shit," I heard the pink say. I closed my eyes again. Everything was too hard. My breathing was ragged, my body was lead.
"Dammit! Alfred, you're watching that thing, right? Get some fever reducer, ice, crackers, and a cup!"
I tuned in my hearing as specific as it could get, but everything still seemed fuzzy. I heard more footsteps enter, a little heavier, a little slower.
I was being lifted. "Ug, jeez brat. You need to lose some weight."
I was set down, and I could feel something sliding around me.
Then I was wet again. It was warm. I sighed, it felt nice.
"Oh no you don't," muttered the pink voice. My head felt icy, and I jolted. My eyes opened and I saw Saph looking back at me.
"Hey, brat. You conscious?" she asked.
"Ungh. I guess. 'S going on? Feel like crap," I replied listlessly.
"I'll explain later. Eat these," she said, shoving two crackers in my mouth. I chewed them slowly then swallowed. My mouth was so dry. I couldn't see Saph. I looked at my surroundings as best I could. I was in the bathtub, so that meant bathroom.
"Have some more crackers and drink this," Saph ordered, handing me a cold cup and three more crackers. It was ice water. It slid down my throat and felt so nice.
"Good, now take this," she said handing me a pill.
I moaned. I hated taking medicine. I sighed and stuck the little orange pill on the back of my tongue and took three big gulps of water.
She took a washcloth from on top of my head and stuck it in a bucket. I gasped as she put it back on my head. It was freezing. I started counting: counting to reality. About three thousand, six hundred seconds later I was wrapped up in new bedclothes, thin ones with long sleeves and pants, and tucked into bed.
"Now you may sleep brat," Saph smiled. As I closed my eyes I saw her turn and show the fiercest expression I'd even seen to the two men standing at the doorway. I heard her yelling in the hallway, but I unfocused my hearing and went to sleep.
Alice POV
"The helicopter has landed," I whispered to Kaldur as I heard its engine slow down. We were crouching on the suspended walkway so the baddies underneath us wouldn't notice us.
"Kobra," I heard a man say. It was just in my range, so I had difficulty hearing.
"'Smaster," I assumed Kobra said. "The shipment is..."
"… new Kobra venom?" The first man asked. I wasn't sure who it was. The Master? I focused harder so I would understand.
"A complete success. Are you disappointed?" Kobra asked.
"This is a game changer. Finally, we can go mano a mano with the Justice League."
"They're talking about the new venom and it's not something we can let them get their hands on," I whispered to the others. "The buyer's someone called the Master? He said it was a game changer."
"Sportsmaster," said Kaldur. "He's the buyer. Aqualad to Red Tornado. Do you read?" He paused for a moment waiting. "Ung. Can't reach them. Robin? Comms jammed. We need a plan. Now."
"I have a suggestion," said Bane smirking. He jumped down from out hiding spot and started battling, bringing unnecessary attention to us.
"What is he-" started Kaldur, but I heard something coming from outside and it sounded big.
I barely had enough time to jump up and hover to safety when a large creature crashed through a window and crushed the bridge Kaldur and Superboy was standing on, making them all tumble down.
They all landed on the ground floor, and Kobra came in as well to see what the commotion was about.
"Destroy them," he said, and the creature growled and charged. Superboy went head on with it. The creature used its weight to throw the clone.
Some of the cult's members pointed their guns towards him. I went in and attacked, but the cultists were strong, and there were a bunch.
My right arm was weak and sore from just healing, and my left arm didn't leave as much impact since it was my non-dominant hand. I tried kicking them, but I couldn't really get the hang of it. Kicking was an awkward motion, but timing it with the baddies movements was practically impossible for me.
Kaldur shot some water bullets my way to help me out. I shouted to alert him of enemies coming from behind. I didn't want him helping yet. Where would the fun be in that?
I flew up and started zooming down creating momentum to power up my left punch. I smiled as I flew down feet first and stomped on an enemy's head, using it as a springboard to punch another.
I heard Wally join in and Kaldur shout, "Miss Martian! Radio is jammed, link us up!"
Everyone online? I heard her say through my head. It wasn't very comfortable, like a minor headache starting. She just barged in, not like Saphire. I don't know how, but it was more comfortable when Saphire entered my mind.
Yeah, I heard Superboy grumble.
You know it beautiful, Wally said back.
Good, we need to re-group, Kaldur planned.
Busy now, called Robin.
Sparrow online, I replied wondering where he went off to this time. I could hear him from outside. He was talking to someone… it sounded like Kobra.
Aqualad, Robin is outside and I think he's with Kobra, I updated.
Robin, now! Kaldur ordered. We need to retreat. Kid, clear a path.
I flew after Wally, with Superboy following behind after he tossed the creature back. The door closed behind us, but the mutant broke through like it was nothing. Gunmen came immediately after shooting at us.
We were all running now, except for me and Miss Martian. We were flying at full speed. She had her arm holding mine, keeping me from slowing down.
"Superboy, the support beams!" shouted Kaldur, not bothering to use Megan's link. The clone smashed some as we ran past, blocking off the attackers.
Robin grabbed something out of his utility belt and handed it to Kaldur. The Atlantean broke it and it lit up like a glow stick.
"How could my first mission as leader go so wrong?" Robin asked himself.
"You do have the most experience," stated Kaldur calmly, "But perhaps that is exactly what has left you unprepared. Fighting alongside Batman your roles are defined. You two do not need to talk. But this team is new, and a leader must be clear. Explicit. He cannot vanish and expect others to play parts in an unknown plan."
"Oh, so I'm supposed to hold everyone's hands!" shouted Robin turning toward the rest of us.
"Shut up," I said. "Just shut up. Who do you think you are that you can criticize everyone here? Who ever said you're the leader?"
"And you are?" he asked. "That's almost as bad as Kid Flash. Actually, he's better. From what I've heard, you've only been on one mission before this, and you failed. And when you fail a mission it's no one's fault but your own."
"Robin…" warned Kaldur.
"Yeah, it was my fault," I said a lump growing in my throat. "And I paid the price. Even though she promised."
"Star City just wasn't for us. But don't worry; I promise right now, home is here with you and me together. I will never leave you."
"Let's go," I said running, we had to get away from the cultists, but I didn't care right then. I was running from the team. I didn't want them to see me crying, I could taste my salty tears as I wiped them away.
"Guys," I said as we were running, "I really think we need to pick a leader, now. The cultists are coming, and they won't wait for our squabbles."
"And you think you can do it?" Robin asked skeptically.
"Robin…" Kaldur warned.
"Not me. I never thought I- well, I did in the very beginning, but then I realized even before I was no good. You're no good either," I said stopping. I turned to my left saw Robin about to argue, but I cut in, "Ash would have done it flawlessly, but I'm not Ash. And you're not Batman."
"You both need time, but you can't take responsibility for others when you're distracted by such things," concluded Kaldur coming beside us.
"Tch," said Robin taking mine and Kaldur's words. "Who am I kidding? You should lead us Kaldur." Robin said stopping his pacing for a moment. "You're the only one who can."
"Please," whined Wally. "I can run circles around him."
"Wally, come on. You know he's the one. We all do," Robin said turning to his friend.
"Hello Megan!" the Martian exclaimed. "It's so obvious."
"Could'a told ya," Superboy said simply.
"Okay," Wally agreed.
"Then I accept the burden," Kaldur said walking toward the Boy Wonder. "…Until you are ready to lift it from my shoulders. You were born to lead this team. Maybe not now, but soon."
He turned to the rest of us and said, "All right. Our first priority is for getting that shipment from leaving this island."
"Funny," said Robin. "I had the same thought."
We all huddled and Kaldur went over the plan. He thought it out well. It used our strengths perfectly.
"Yeah, but have they left yet?" I asked. "I mean, if I knew people were coming to mess with my shipment, I'd get it out as soon as I could."
"Don't worry about that," Robin smirked. "When I was outside earlier I managed to 'ground' their plane. They won't be going anywhere for a while.
"But the real thing to think about is that the Sportsmaster is the supplier-slash-buyer," the Boy Wonder continued. "But it still doesn't track. He doesn't have the juice to acquire the blockbuster formula, or to get Kobra to do his dirty work."
"And neither of them have the stuff to bond blockbuster with venom. That took some major nerdedge," added Wally.
"I believe the expression is, 'tip of the iceberg,'" said Kaldur, stopping to see Bane standing before us.
"Halt niños," he said holding some kind of device in his hand, "I'm feeling explosive."
"Then why don't you run off and go find a bathroom Bane?" I asked annoyed. He was holding a detonator and I was in no mood for this now. We all looked up and saw a bunch of bombs all around the support beam on top of us.
"Sparrow," warned Kaldur. He was fitting into the leader role nicely. "You betrayed us. Why?" he asked Bane calmly trying to figure out the situation.
"I want my factory back," started Bane.
Kid, you need a running start, ordered Kaldur through Megan's link.
"So I forced you into a situation where you would either take down my enemies or die trying. If the latter, the Justice League would certainly have come to avenge their side-kicks. And when the smoke clears Santa Prisca would be me mine once more. Blowing the tunnel with you inside should have the same effect," he concluded pressing down on the detonator, but by then, Wally already snatched it.
I sighed in relief when Wally asked, "With what? This trigger thingy?"
He was about to punch Wally, but Megan used her powers to hold him in the air.
"Finally," said Superboy getting ready to attack while we all walked toward Bane. "Drop him."
Superboy punched Bane as he landed, and the man was thrown back into a tree truck. He was about to get up when Wally sped past, tripping him, and Robin threw one of his gadgets that swung around Bane and the tree, trapping him there.
On my way out of the cave, I snatched a few bombs.
"Let's go," said Kaldur.
"I'll be there in a minute," I said. "I just want to check the ropes real quick."
"They're fine," said Robin.
"You guys go on ahead. I'd be right there. We have to get to the helipad before they fix whatever Robin did."
"You have five minutes," said Kaldur shaking his head. "Everyone else, let's go."
"I only need three," I smiled back. After they all left I looked at Bane. I kept my hearing tuned in so I could listen to where they were going, and the final touches to the plan.
"Do you know who Ember is?" I asked crouching down to tie a rope I snatched from Robin around Bane.
"Eh, eh, eh, chica. I already told you that Bane is not so easy."
I pulled tighter and said, "Easy question. I just thought you might know, seeing as she has the same name."
"What?" he asked. I could tell he was interested.
"Ember Bane. Do you know her?" I asked.
"Never heard of her, chica."
"Then I'm done here," I said.
"Wait," he said trying to spark up a deal.
I turned around and sneered, "Don't tell me what to do." I said sticking one of the bombs on the tree he was tied to. I put my face real close to his and spat, "And we are not side-kicks."
I'm on my way. Told you it wouldn't take me three minutes.
I flew towards the others as I heard Bane's pleas.
"I'm back guys," I whispered landing by them. We were close to the helipad now. "Hey, Robin, you're still here. I was expecting you to have disappeared by now," I joked. Everyone seemed so tense.
"By the way, I heard the plan, and this is the way to stop the helicopter without Miss Martian having to take it over," I said giving her one of the bombs I grabbed. Everyone gasped.
"Kid you still have the detonator, right? Give it to her, that's the only one that still works, I ripped out a couple of wires on the rest I grabbed while you were all dealing with Bane. That's the only active one," I explained smirking thinking back on Bane's face when I put the deactivated bomb near him.
"Ug, amateur. I doubt you know how to disarm a bomb." He grabbed all the bombs from me and examined them carefully. Good to know he trusted me... although I guess he had a good reason. "You could have blown yourself up if you weren't so lucky!" shouted Robin while somehow still whispering. It must have been something Batman taught him, but it seemed I did everything all right.
"The helicopter is working now," Superboy said, cutting off Robin as we saw the copter's blades start spinning.
"Kid, go," said Kaldur. "Miss Martian, be careful."
"Sure thing," said Wally, pulling down his goggles. He ran toward the cultists, knocking them down as he went by. They all started shooting, and Kaldur nodded toward Superboy. The clone jumped into the battle, knocking aside some of the others with the impact from landing.
"Go again?" he asked. Wally sped past, knocking aside one of the cultists in front of Superboy, and Kaldur used his powers to send a jet of water toward the mutant. "Sorry, not the plan," he finished smiling toward Kaldur.
They started shooting him, so I jumped in giving some back-up. I didn't bother favoring my hurt arm. I had to go all out with this many enemies.
Sportsmaster grabbed Megan while she was in camouflage mode and he started walking into the helicopter. Wally sped by knocking some others down, grabbing one of their masks on the way. I could see Robin toss another rope thing toward the girl by Kobra, tying her up nicely.
"I know you hate getting your hands dirty," I heard him say while I was preoccupied with two cultists on each side.
Then Kobra replied: "True, but sometimes even a god must stoop to conquer." I was supposed to give Robin back-up, but I was surrounded. While I was fighting the cultists, someone took a shot at me, grazing my leg.
"Aaaaah!" I cried out. It felt like what I expected hot iron to feel like. It sliced past my skin for only a second, but it left my leg throbbing. I wasn't bleeding, something about the heat doing something to something sealing something connecting to my blood. Saphire told explained it to me once, but I didn't really care back then. The idea of lasers shooting at me seemed unreal at the time.
Wally sped past, taking out three of the enemies. I hovered so I wouldn't need to use my leg and punched the last one with all I had with my sore arm. I knocked him back as I heard Kobra say: "What's wrong boy, you look disconcerted?"
I saw another gunman pointing towards Robin, so I flew over to him, using my good leg to knock the gun out of his hands. I felt a splash as Kaldur kept pushing back the mutant with his powers. I pushed the cultist close to the water and flew away as Kaldur shocked the water, making them both unconscious.
"Thanks for the workout," I heard Sportsmaster say. I turned to look at him, he was in the copter still with Megan. "But I gotta fly," he said, tossing Megan into Superboy, knocking them back.
I saw Megan have the detonator in her hand, so I started flying back to Robin as she set of the bomb she planted in the copter. It came down and crashed into the factory, setting the whole thing on fire. I heard Sportsmaster jump out of it before it landed, his shoes clanking against the metal of the copter.
I looked back to Robin and saw him under Kobra's foot.
"I am plagued by mosquitoes," he said, crushing Robin.
"Good," said Robin, struggling under Kobra's weight. I thought I heard something crack. "'Cause this mosquito's mighty concerted about your pain."
I flew as fast as I could and threw my shoulder against Kobra's side. That guy was like a brick wall, I only managed to shift his balance a little, but it was enough for Robin to escape. Kobra swatted me with my hand and I was thrown back into Robin. He caught me before we toppled down.
We had a stare-off with Kobra for a few seconds before he said: "Another time then." He disappeared into the jungle. Instinctively I tried to chase after him, but my leg collapsed under me. I cried out sharply, but shook my head when the others looked at me. Robin went after him too, but came back soon after losing Kobra.
"We picked the right guy to lead," Robin smiled, "Automatically making you the right guy to explain this mess to Batman." Robin chuckled looking at the mess of the factory, and I joined in. Laughing was much better than crying, and the look on Kaldur's face was priceless.
"The Bio-ship is on its way," said Megan with her eyes closed, calling our ride.
"Thank goodness," I yawned. We were up all night, and it was starting to get to me with the adrenaline leaving my system. It was early morning the next day. I had to get back to the orphanage soon, or else Miss Welby probably won't let me go to another overnight "camp."
We arrived back to Happy Harbor as the sun was rising. Batman told us to all get changed while Kaldur gave him a briefing of what happened. I was given permission to go back home until tomorrow for Batman's assessment.
"I'm home," I called out as I entered the orphanage.
"And where is Mr. Kent?" asked Miss Welby coming from the hallway to meet me, holding one of the babies in her arms, giving him milk from a plastic bottle.
"I'll do that," I said taking him from her to give her a moment to rest. Usually Ash would help her after we were out, but I started doing it since she… left.
"Mr. Kent was doing a small piece about the bakery down the street. I said he could just let me off there," I said cooing at the baby, trying to get him to drink his milk. Superman stopped training me since I joined the group at Happy Harbor, so he came to visit less often.
"Besides, the camp isn't too far away. I bet I could walk to it," I said setting up a plan.
"Oh really?" she asked taking the baby back. I knew she was thinking about my "camp". She started taking him back to the nursery section of our home and I followed.
"Yeah, speaking of which, there's a meeting tomorrow at camp. It's very important," I said.
"So soon after your sleepover? Oh, how was the sleepover dear?" she asked.
"It was excellent, there was a bon fire," I said thinking of the factory in flames, "And a laser show," I said thinking of the gunmen. I bandaged my leg and hid it under jeans, but that wouldn't work forever. Miss Welby would notice if I wore long pants all the time during Summer while I waited for it to heal.
"That sounds nice dear. When will you get back from the meeting?" she asked considering. I knew I had her.
"By supper at latest," I said. "But if it goes over, it won't be the first time I stayed overnight, right?" I said. I had to stay a few times overnight for training and such. We all practiced and did what Red Tornado called "group bonding" and sometimes it was just easier to say the night at the harbor. I was wondering at how long we would have do individual training for; Black Canary hadn't been able to start training with us yet. So far we've just been in the gym or practicing with each other.
"Ah-hem," she said looking at me sternly.
"Of course if I think I'll be even a minute late I'll call right away," I amended putting my hand up like a girl-scout.
"Very well, you may go," she said. Now wash up, lunch is soon."
I went through my daily motions, but without Ash it was just repetitive. Tira had been adopted by some distant cousins or something while Ash was in CADMUS so it was just Mary and me in our room. I couldn't even visit Tira since she moved to somewhere in Rhode Island, and I doubted Red Tornado would let me leave the Harbor to meet a friend. Chores became really boring after missions and practices, but I went through them anyways so I could get away with more time at the harbor. Even if I couldn't see Tira, I had other friends there.
Behaving well gave me the trust to leave more often. I went to bed after tucking in Mary, another of Ash's old duties, and packed my things to go to "camp."
I arrived just before one the next day. Batman was already standing there and everyone was lined up. They all spent the night together. I really wished I could have too, even if they did get a pre-lecture lecture. I joined in the line waiting for Batman to start. He first went over the audio of what happened before we were jammed, pointing out some of the obvious mistakes, and going over what a reconnaissance means, reciting the dictionary definition, and origins and all that. I wondered how he remembered it all.
"A simple re-con mission," he said in Kaldur's face a few hours later. "Observe and report." He backed away and started walking in front of all of us saying, "You'll each receive a written evaluation detailing your many mistakes. Until then," he started, unsmiling, "Good job."
We all looked over at him disbelieving what he said.
"No battle plan survives first contact with the enemy. How you adjust to the unforeseen is what determines success. And how you choose who leads determines character."
I saw Kaldur smile at Robin when I heard:
Recognized Saphire.
"Oi, Bats!" she shouted storming to where we were standing. "Where were you? I specifically said you had to stay home and watch her!"
"Huh?" I asked. The others were just as confused.
"We have the camera," he stated.
"Oh, yeah, 'cause that worked soooo well last time!" she said sarcastically.
"Then shouldn't you be with her if you're so worried?"
"I left Al with her while I came to get your Batty-ass back home!"
Everyone gasped. And Superboy asked, "Who's Al?"
"Aladdin," said Saphire not missing a beat. She started talking faster. "Now come on! You're the one who said, 'I'll keep an eye on her,'" mimicked Saph, making her voice deeper. It sounded ridiculous and I started giggling. I bet the others would have too if this was anyone else besides Batman. "'You don't need to take her to the Hall. Something could be compromised more than it already has. I'll help her.' Fat load of good you're doing here. What is this? Going over missions can wait."
"I beg to differ."
"Don't give me that crap! You don't beg for anything. And I can already see it in your mind. You do think this is more important than helping a girl recover who almost died!"
"And who almost killed her?" he asked calmly.
"I did! You happy? I almost killed Ember Bane!" she shouted. I heard everyone gasp again, and this time I did too. "Oh shut up all of you!" she yelled in our direction. She probably heard what we were all just thinking. She looked me in the eyes and shook her head. I guess she didn't like what she heard, but it was the truth. I couldn't help but feel that moment of relief and a bit of pleasure at the thought of the girl who got Ash killed was suffering as well.
"But who's the one that ignored her until she got to the point where I was panicking?" she started screaming at Batman. This whole thing was becoming rather funny, she wasn't even fighting Batman; he couldn't get a word in. "Didn't you think there was something wrong when she ignored your invitation? She hadn't eaten since lunch the day before. No matter how stubborn I made her she wouldn't do that! You've read her files!"
"Wait, can you explain again who you are?" intervened Robin. I wondered if he had a death-wish.
"I am Saphire. A good friend of Ember," she huffed.
"No, I mean your hero identity. If you are able to read her file, you must have some high clearance. Our files are well protected, I couldn't even crack them," he said.
"You tried to read your partners' files?" Saph asked annoyed crossing her arms and tapping her foot.
"I just wanted to get to know Ember a little. After all, she did invade, well, you know. You've been there apparently. Then when I couldn't get her file, I was curious to see if the others were locked as well. They were."
"Dick," Saph said under her breath. I don't think Megan, Kaldur or Wally heard. Batman did a super-glare and Robin looked shocked, and then like he was about to punch her. Superboy probably heard, I could tell by the confused look on his face.
"Oh, sorry," said Saphire quickly. She really was. She apologized a few more times and said, "Shit. I forgot that insult wasn't allowed here. It was a slip up. I meant it as, you're a… well, you know." She was rushing her words, them toppling out over one another all at once. I heard her say that insult before and knew it wasn't nice, but I didn't think it was bad enough to make her this flustered.
"Besides," she continued getting her cool, "If you wanted to know about her, then just ask. You might have to wait a few days until she's allowed back, but it would be worth it right? Actually, you could just ask her, when you see her next time Bats has some business with her. Besides, how can you trust what's on those files? It could just be a load of bull."
"Saphire," warned Batman.
"I'm just saying. Half the stuff on my old file was crap, and I added a touch of fun to Speedy's after he went solo. You should read it," she informed Robin, but seemed instead directing her words to Batman.
"I already have," Batman replied simply.
"And yet it is unchanged. See, crap stays crap on those files. Don't believe anything kids unless you hear it from the source, okay?" she winked. She then grabbed Batman by the cape and half dragged him to the transporter.
"I am capable of walking on my own," he said.
"Yeah, and I'm the Easter Bunny," she muttered.
The transporter took them leaving us all dumbstruck from the exchange that had just occurred.
Ember's POV
When I woke up, Saph was sitting at the desk's chair leaning over the back to watch me.
"What a scary sight," I murmured.
"Brat," she said shaking her head, but she looked happy.
"I had the funkiest dream ever-" I started.
"One, it wasn't a dream. Two, ladies don't say funky. Odd perhaps, strange maybe, but preferably interesting or unique. Remember, ladies use positive connotation, unless something truly deserves it. And even then it's a very big exception."
"Ug, my head hurts, and thinking about Ember doesn't help. I'm locked up in who knows where in Gotham City, with only one camera watching me. Alice is all the way in Rhode Island. I think I can afford to slip up here and there."
"Look here," Saph said, staring me in the eye. "You're slacking. You are on the third floor. There are only a handful of buildings in Gotham that have three or more floors that are privately owned, and out of those only the Wayne Manor faces the Wayne Tech building at this angle," she said gesturing to the window. "There are three cameras, and ten bugs that capture audio better than you even if you focus your hearing to the most specified level. Mistakes made you who you are right now. And there's nothing wrong with that, oh, except you hate who you are right now with every cell in your body." Saph snapped, getting closer and closer to my face as she spoke, becoming more and more intimidating.
"You are quite irritable at present. What happened?" I asked sitting up straighter in my bed, morphing into someone with class. She was already pissed, and I didn't want to be the poor sucker who felt her rage.
She sighed and leaned back from me, turning around so I could only see her back. She was right in front of the window above the desk, so against the light pretty much all I could see was her silhouette. She stood tall and straight, like a beautiful lady from a portrait from long ago.
Then my eyes adjusted and I saw her muddy rain-boots, shorts with a ripped hem, and dirty, pink sleeveless top. I giggled at how different the world could be, just through one little change of perspective.
"I made a mistake. One that almost took your life," she said gravely, pulling me from my fantasies. "You were just so weak, I couldn't think straight. My body reacted on its own, I didn't think. I'm sorry." Her words were rushed, which gave me an idea of how serious this was. For Saph to lose composure, the world would have to be ending, and even then I'm not sure how bad even that would affect her.
"I feel fine now," I said trying to comfort her. I didn't really understand, and I couldn't remember well.
"After two days of intensive care, and three more that which you were just sleeping, I should hope so. But even then, after all that time, you're still only at about sixty-maybe seventy-percent," she forced a smile.
"Well, sixty is better than that ten-percent I was feeling before. And ever since I became Ember I felt like I was at forty-percent, so really it's an improvement. Besides, I have until August to chill and get better. And it's not like anyone would care if I went missing," I said doleful.
"I would. Then there's Roy. And Alice, because I promise you, the moment you die, is the moment she finds out; and then she'll have to live the rest of her life regretting her actions toward you," she threatened turning her eyes away from me. Something must have happened while I was out of commision. "You don't understand. You were so close to dying when I saw you, and I only made it worse."
"Yeah, and I was close to dying in CADMUS, and I was close to dying every time I flew as Ashley. What if I fell? What if I don't get out of this pod? I'm rather surprised I even made it this long, truthfully," I said jokingly, but I was sure Saph caught the seriousness of my words.
I saw Saph's smile become a little more genuine then. "Let's get off this topic for a bit. It's too heavy for someone who just finished healing. Now about that forty-percent…"
I got her message. "Okay, it was probably closer to fifty, but I can't really describe it. I'm not in tune with my body like I was before, and I'm no where near being synched with these new powers. I mean, flight is easy, you go up, you go down, you go forward, backward, left, right. But these…" I said waving my arm bringing up a small, shimmering force field cube into my palm.
Well I tried making it small; it was about as big as my head, but as light as a few pairs of socks. "These are so difficult. What are their boundaries? How big? How small? Are they defined by one shape, or am I able to manipulate them into whatever form I choose? Do they always make their contents invisible and silent to the outside? This one in my hand is light, but can their weight be modified?
"I've been thinking about this ever since I got these powers, but barely anything has been answered, and even the few that have been only fed the fires for tenfold more," I spoke with uncertainty. I'd always been in control, always knew what was happening within myself. But then CADMUS took that away along with everything else.
No, not everything, I thought to myself. I was still alive and so was Alice. Saph was still on my side, and from her words Speedy seemed okay after leaving Green Arrow. Those were all good points CADMUS didn't take away. And Alice many capable friends now. And I was comfortable, I thought snuggling under the warm covers. What was CADMUS anyway, and what was it to me? What was I to it? And what happened to it after Superboy and I left. Would they come after us? Would the others be targeted since we escaped?
"I can tell by that stupid look on your face that you've had for the last five minutes that you're stressing. And I get it, I was your age six years ago, well, four if we're talking Ember years. Whatever, nevermind," she shook her head knowing she was complicating things even more. "I'm giving you a pass, alright? A get out of jail free pass," she said smiling.
"Huh?" I was confused. And sleepy. And hungry. I must have heard wrong.
"Look, when I'm here, which I may say will be for a while, I'll take you out of this room. As long as you're in my sight you can go where ever in the Manor."
"What's in this place?" I asked curiousity creeping into my voice.
"There's a gym, a kitchen, and I know you'll like this one," she smirked. "Bruce Wayne has his own personal library. It's huge," she said stretching her arms out to show me as if I was eight again.
I grinned, and then my stomach growled.
"I'll get Al to bring you something up brat," she smiled ruffling my hair.
"How do you know this place so well?" I asked, scooting down under the covers, getting comfortable.
"Lady Saffron does make business trips for her family you know," she said putting on airs. "Bruce Wayne is just one of the people that she visits. Actually, I visit him the most. Much better than those stuffy old goofs," she said rolling her eyes. "We're working together on a project. I'm representing my family. So I'll be here for a while," she smirked slipping outside the room.
A few moments later Mr. Pennyworth came in with a tray. I looked down and saw warm soup and I slightly grimaced before smiling upwards to the man.
"Thank you Mr. Pennyworth," I said politely enough.
"Is something the matter Miss?" he asked seeing through my phony cover.
"Nothing sir," I lied. Truthfully I hated any soup that wasn't the instant ramen in the orange package… if that could be considered soup…
I looked down and saw it was chicken noodle, the worst kind. I internally groaned, the noodles were always soft and soggy, and there was never enough chicken.
"Very well, call for me if you require something Miss," he said slightly bowing before leaving the room with a click of the lock as I slumped back in the bed getting comfortable.
Well I heard him start turning the lock before I heard a hand push on the door. I looked up and saw Saph's head poking in.
"You have a guest," she smiled, all of her previous worry wiped from her face.
"Yeah, she's in the doorway, come on in," I giggled waving her in.
"Nope. I'm just the guide. Come in," she said behind the door. She walked in followed by… Robin.
He stood there with his hands in his pockets. He wore jeans and the same dark glasses, but put on a green tee under his jacket. I guess it was an improvement. His head was moving looking around the room, well I thought he was looking around the room, it was hard to tell with those glasses.
"Hello Robin," I greeted, barely above a whisper, nodding my head. He faced me and walked forward. He looked awkward, like he really didn't want to be here.
"Look," I said annoyed, my voice gaining strength. "I don't care that you came to visit, actually, I'm so glad that you bothered to see how I was doing, but if you're going to act like you would rather be on the Titanic than here, than please just leave." I couldn't take anymore rejections, even though I probably deserved it after the crazy comments I made when I last saw him.
"You better be sincere boy, or I'll drag you out of your own house and you won't be allowed back," threatened Saph, probably getting fed up with how this was getting nowhere.
"Hey Ember," he mumbled.
"Good afternoon Robin," I greeted politely again. Except this time I was grating my teeth. If he was going to act all distant, than so would I. "Well, I believe it is the afternoon. There seems to be no clock in here. Brilliant on Bats' part. Without one I'll never be able to say exactly when my sentence is over. He could keep me here at tops a week into August."
"Batman is not a liar!" shouted Robin.
"You really trust him," I said softly.
"Yeah? What of it?" he said crossing his arms.
"I'm glad. It's wonderful you have someone you can trust, especially your mentor. But it's not specifically Batman's call. If the Justice League deems me unfit to leave I'll have to say no matter what he thinks," I explained. I'd been around Superman, Saph, and the Hall and those who were in it at the time long enough to know how the League worked.
"Don't worry brat, I'll get you out if need be," said Saph reassuringly.
"Don't make empty promises. You can't disobey the Justice League," I responded downcast. The worst thing was when someone got your hopes so high up just to let you down.
"Brat," she muttered knowing I was right, but still figuring out a plan to find a loophole.
"That's how it goes," I shrugged to Robin who coughed to bring our attention back to him. As if we really forgot that he was in the room. Last time I give out helpful, albeit unnecessary, information. "Besides, it's only a week that they could trick me. One week, nothing as bad as what I've been through."
"Speaking of which, I would like to talk to you about that. Aqualad has become team leader. He says that he trusts the League's decision, but..."
"Obviously the League doesn't trust me," I said looking him in the eye, or where I thought his eyes where looking. "So obviously Kaldur'ahm just trusts me for no reason. And you don't think that's a good idea."
"Basically," he said. He seemed glad that I caught on so quickly, saving him from explaining. "You seemed pretty disconcerted last time I saw you. I trust Kaldur."
"But not me," I finished too quietly for him to hear. I saw Saph look away, making it rather obvious that she heard.
"Well it seems like one of you has a brain," I laughed loud enough for Robin to hear, lightening the mood. "I was beginning to worry I was partnered up with a bunch of idiots."
"I want to ask you some things," he said seriously, ruining the nice atmosphere I made.
"Very well," I stated, sitting up all the way in my bed. "It seems we started off on the wrong foot. Saph, I assume you were aware of his intentions while bringing him here. Please give him the contract," I said turning my head to her.
She pulled out a folded piece of paper out of her back pocket and set it out flat on my desk.
"Contract? What contract?" the Brat Wonder asked.
"You're soul will belong to her. OoOOooOoOOOoooh," Saph said making a phony scary voice and wiggling her fingers at his face.
"Jerk," I smiled at her. "It just says that what I tell you stays in here, and I am free to refrain from telling you anything I think you don't need to know. This is all so you can decide for the better of the team if I am trustworthy or not. Not for their knowlege. Ever."
"Here you go," said Saph handing me a paper. I signed, printed and initialed my name all over it where necessary. I did this three times to three copies of the contract as did Robin after he examined it thoroughly. It was a pain, but I knew what I said wouldn't be safe unless I did. Robin seemed like a man of his word.
We gave the papers to Saph and she handed a copy back to each of us, while sticking the last one in her back pocket after looking over them quickly to make sure we did everything we needed to.
"All right. My name is Saphire, and I guess I'm going to be the mediator today. So Robin go ahead and shoot."
Authoress' Note: Hey everyone! Once again, I apologize for the super long delay. So, Santa Prisca is finished and you see a little more of Ember's confinement. Robin is taking the initiative; let's see where it takes him, eh? Alice shows a bit more of her 'tough' side, but in my first edit, it was a little too tough ;p. I'm still playing around with her character, but I'm excited. Anyways, next chapter will be Ember in Wayne Manor, and finally her meeting with the Justice League. I hope I'll have time to whip up the next chapter soon, but we'll see. Thank you to all who have waited this long for this chapter and are still with me! Please read and review!
