(A/N: I know it's been years and years but you gotta understand.)
-LINE BREAK-
AUGUST 24, 2010
22:00 EST
MOUNT JUSTICE
"Recognised. Robin, B01. Aqualad, B02. Kid Flash, B03. Superboy, B04. Miss Martian, B05. Artemis, B06." The female computerised voice said as the Team shimmered into existence.
They were still wearing what Wally would like to call them, "party clothes." Complete formal outfits and masks. They were walking through the main cavern, all somehow agreeing to just crash in the living area. All assuming that Miss Martian would whip them up some cookies since they barely got to eat at the party anyway. Miss Martian was all for assuming they wanted some.
"If I have to wear a dress on one more mission," Artemis complained loudly for the fifth time that night, "I'm going to kill someone." She removed her mask and crossed her arms.
"Hey. At least you didn't nearly choke on your drink." Wally West said as he took off his mask. "You should be grateful."
"Why would I be grateful for not following your example? You were the one who stayed by the buffet table the whole time." She poked him hard in the chest.
Wally slapped away her hand. "Well you're the one who was awkward and static the entire time! How undercover!"
"Why you insufferable-" she balled her hands into fists.
"Enough." Kaldur'ahm, their team leader, said firmly. "We do not need to hear any more of that." He took off his mask and sighed. Sometimes his teammates, especially those two, were a bit hot-headed. Well, maybe not as temperamental as Superboy, but still.
"Speaking of choking…" Robin said, leaving his mask on. Batman told him to keep it on anyway. He looked at Kaldur. "I think the reason why Wally choked was because he saw you dancing with Calypso Luthor."
Kaldur blinked once. Twice. "I was talking with her first, trying to get information… naturally, she evaded every question. I got nothing."
"You could have just left." Robin said mischievously. "And went back to us, but you were practically quiet on the link. Only bits and pieces of your thoughts came through."
"I was about to inform you about what I have discovered, but the music started. I believe it would have been impolite not to dance with the birthday celebrant."
Wally snickered. "So Kaldur's got a crush now?" He teased. "You're so interested." He put an elbow on Aqualad's shoulder.
The Atlantean shot him a hard glare that made Wally's face lose color for a second. He stepped away from Kaldur.
"I do not have any likings towards her Wally." He said firmly. "I was trying to glean information. You know the roles we have to fit into in order to do so." He turned away as Wally muttered his apologies and as Artemis elbowed him in the gut.
He wasn't sure what he felt actually. He told himself he was just being polite. He hated not doing that- being polite. When he danced with her, they did not talk. He was not going to explain it to the rest of the Team why his eyes never left his face, why he held her so gently or why he forced his mind to stay silent. He couldn't even explain it to himself.
He was in love with Tula, a girl he left in Atlantis so that he could go to the surface world and become Aquaman's protegé. Tula was one of the most beautiful girls in the world. Her auburn hair and her big blue eyes were alluring and as precious as pearls. Her small and petite frame did not make her any less intimidating when she was in combat or when she did her magic. She was a good Atlantean, kind, considerate and one of his most trusted friends. He's known her for the longest time. He was smitten with her.
Calypso, on the other hand, she was the daughter of Lex Luthor, though Aqualad wasn't one to judge based on parentage. His father, Calvin Durham, was a surface dweller altered by Black Manta… but love turned him to the good side. He knew people could change for the better. He really wasn't about to judge her based on her parentage. Still, he wasn't sure about anything. She avoided his questions with skill. She was polite, above all things and she wasn't bad on the eyes either. She had nice hazel eyes and perfectly groomed raven hair. Her body was athletic, and she had good muscle tone, which was surprising. He didn't expect such from someone who had everything. Her hands were rough and calloused, perhaps from training with a sword or sticks. Though he wasn't sure if that information was true. She didn't take off her mask, but he's seen her face in the newspaper and in the briefing Batman gave them before sending them to the party. Batman was hoping the Team could get any information about the meeting supposedly happening during the party. Luthor was using his own ward's party as a cover up, typical of him.
When they talked, it was like a game of cat and mouse. Her smile was beautiful… stunning even. Her dress fit her like a glove, highlighting her build and the mask made her all the more mysterious and attractive… He approached her because they had made eye contact prior to that. Kaldur merely acknowledged her, but even as he looked away, the girl still flashed in his head every time he blinked during the party. When he talked to Luthor's business associates to get what he could, which was little, but better that nothing. He would insert a question about the daughter, which he found stupid. When she bumped into him, he set into his default politeness and smile. She was incredibly charming…
The Team entered the hallway that would take them to the living space. He heard them talking, but he wasn't sure what it was about.
Kaldur didn't know why he offered to take her first dance. It came out of his mouth before he could take it back. The invite came out before logical thought caught it. When the words slipped, it took all of his willpower not to stutter or withdraw such. He was disturbed by the ease he offered his arm to her or the slight sadness he felt when he left her on the dance floor, even if it was time for them to go back. They had to go back to the Mount because they had lost Luthor. The Team couldn't find traces of him anywhere, no thermal vision, superhearing or even from the small camera's Robin somehow rigged.
Maybe he had danced with her, hoping she would say something? She didn't. She didn't say anything, and he was stupid enough to not demand for answers. To continue talking. He was focused on her. He looked at her eyes and her pointed nose and the bow of her lips…
He wanted to smack himself once more as he busied himself with thoughts of Tula. Tula. Tula. Tula. Pretty, kind Tula. Open, wonderful Tula. He was in love with Tula.
Mysterious, dangerous Calypso. Beautiful, polite, Calypso.
He wanted to scream, but he kept his composure. He was so lost on what to feel. The more he thought about it, the more guilty he felt. Tula. Tula. Tula. Tula. He thought of her smile and her laugh.
But then it changed to the mysterious girl.
"Kaldur." Someone said behind him.
Tula. Calypso. Tula.
"Kaldur."
It was just infatuation. Yes. That's what it was. She probably had that effect on people.
"Kaldur."
He didn't pay attention.
"Kaldur!"
Kaldur snapped out of his thoughts. "I apologise M'gann. I was thinking of someone, I mean, something else."
"Did you hear what Robin said?" She asked gently, truly concerned for Aqualad.
"Um…" He hoped he wasn't blushing.
"Well, it's okay fearless leader." Robin said enthusiastically. "I was just saying how odd it was for Luthor not to be there most of the time, all I could get from his business partners was a bunch of underwhelmingly typical business… which I could probably trace but…" he scratched his head. "Not sure where it would lead though."
"Speaking of business partners…" Wally said and elbowed Robin. Wally always liked to change the subject in the middle of something important, "where did you learn to be such a socialite? I saw you hanging out with lots of people and laughing among them."
"Nowhere and everywhere." Robin smirked. "I learned from the best and the worst."
"Oh great." Wally frowned. Another Bat secret. Of course it is. Why do I even bother?" Wally put his arms down in defeat.
"Wally. If you want a girl, I could introduce you to some. A lot, actually."
"I don't need no girls," he looked at M'gann with a look M'gann obviously did not understand or chose to interpret. "I got one right here."
Superboy scowled and seemed to tighten when Wally gazed at M'gann.
"Less work for me then." Robin shrugged.
"I suppose that we could just put whatever we got together and try to make sense of it." Kaldur suggested, trying to bring them back to topic.
They entered the living space.
"I agree." Superboy replied as he sat on the couch and removed his mask. He stretched his arms, his muscles straining against the sleeves of his shirt. "We have to present something to Batman when he swings by tomorrow. He'd be pissed if he doesn't hear anything."
M'gann, blushing for some reason, immediately went to the kitchen. "I'll just… um… cookies."
"I'll help you babe!" Wally said and quite literally dashed to her side. "Whaddya need from the Wall-man?"
M'gann smiled at him and began to rattle off a list of ingredients she had already memorised by heart.
Artemis sat on the armchair, slung her legs over the armrest and grabbed the remote from the table. "Well. We don't have anything better to do right now, and my curfew is practically non-existent anyway." She turned on the TV.
"It's summer Artie." Wally called from the kitchen. "Of course there's nothing better to do."
"Well coming from an idiot who eats raw batter for a living, I suppose there really isn't anything to do."
Wally stuck out his tongue at her and she did the same childish gesture.
Kaldur sighed again and sank on the sofa next to Superboy as Artemis scrolled through the channels at the same speed as Wally would. He noticed Artemis watching Superboy from the corner of his eye. Kaldur knows that she likes him. Though it was obvious that Superboy likes M'gann and then M'gann doesn't like Wally but Wally doesn't know that so he continues to like M'gann but he can see that Wally and Artemis do have some sort of bond and… Kaldur nearly sighed aloud again. It's complicated being a teenager with the need to place his or her affections somewhere. Attraction was one thing, being a teenager with raging hormones was another.
Kaldur leaned back and made himself comfortable. He wasn't due back to Atlantis or with Aquaman until he was called or until the next afternoon. His mom also didn't mind if he came home late to Shayeris.
He glanced at Superboy, understanding why M'gann liked him. He was still amazed by his similarity to Superman, the hair, the eyes and the build. Aqualad wasn't attracted to Superboy in any sense, not even physically, but he knew he was good looking. He wasn't his type though.
Kaldur by all means, didn't get why some people on the surface and in Atlantis were against like both genders. He did. He found both sexes attractive. It wasn't a bad thing, (his dad thought it was) and he hasn't exactly told anyone else.
He had struggled with it, when he found himself liking a classmate of his when he was ten or when he started at the boys and girls when they had to do the mandatory military service at twelve. He learned to accept it when on the surface world he saw couples of the same sex openly interact with one another. It led him to self-acceptance.
He still hadn't told anyone, (besides his parents) and he did not want to just yet. Maybe some day… perhaps.
(A/N: found out that it's canon in the comics that Aqualad is bisexual, if you don't like it then stop reading.)
He relaxed in the sofa, as M'gann and Wally continued to bake, as Robin did his "Boy Wonder" thing on his glove and as Superboy watched TV because Artemis finally decided on a channel. He was somewhat happy. He was with his extended…family? Would he call it that? Yeah… maybe he would.
He then closed his eyes, hoping he would get some sort of short nap.
But as usual… he didn't get it. He blamed Wally and Artemis again for breaking a bowl.
-LINE BREAK-
METROPOLIS
CALYPSO'S POV
Being a vigilante is fun. I like it, you should try it. Well, if you knew what you're doing that is. It's amazing, the thrill, the ride… the action. Slade was right, the real world is different. There aren't any safety nets or anyone watching you in case you fail. Every punch could be the last and every slash of my sword could be the end of me.
It was exhilarating. The jumping from rooftop to rooftop, the thrill when I'd take down a goon… it was amazing. Strength and power in each and every move I made. Then there was surveillance, hours upon hours of watching and waiting for something or someone to appear. There were some of Luthor's men roaming around, seemingly going places. I also noticed at night, the members of the League of Shadows went to the exact same places Luthor's men went. I figured that was the crime he was talking about. The "big arrangement" or whatever it's supposed to be. I continued to take watch, noticing that there was someone else on the top of a different rooftop. I checked my binoculars. Subject seemed to be male, teenager, older than me… but not more than three or four years. Short hair and lean build. He seemed to have something strapped to his back… a quiver maybe? He didn't notice me, I would be devastated if he did. I didn't want to be known that I was watching… but if he knew about this "arrangement," then he knows me. I have been doing things quite publicly.
There was this one time I was jumping around when I saw a man approach a woman with a lustful gleam in his eyes. He was holding a knife and talking to the woman about how he would take her over the edge. I couldn't not help. I jumped down from the building, grabbing whatever railings there were to slow down my fall, and landed silently behind the man. The woman was shocked. I must have looked like a shadow, dark and quiet.
"You know…" I said as I cracked my neck. "If you plan on raping someone, you have to have a better approach to it than what you're doing." I scoffed and put my hands on my hips. "Your approach is stupid."
The man whirled around and pointed his knife at me. The look in his eyes was pure confidence. "You have no say in this. You're one of them sidekicks aren't you? Dressed up in tights, young and stupid. Get out of here."
He thought I was a sidekick? I was no sidekick. Now he's got it coming. I gave him a smile. "I am not a sidekick." I drew my sword. "Sidekicks nowadays don't use swords." I looked at the woman. "You should go, things aren't going to go well if you stay here."
She gave me a small nod and a whimper that might have been thank you and ran off.
"You're gonna pay for that." He said and charged at me, his knife slashing wildly. I sidestepped and let him pass me. He nearly lost his balance. I was half hoping he would trip and stab himself in the jugular. That would have been entertaining to watch.
He whirled around again and tried to stab me. I blocked it with my sword and sent the knife flying into the wall. I smiled, amused by his courage and stupidity. He tried to punch me, but I easily caught his hand and I started to squeeze.
"Poor guy." I said sympathetically. "I feel like you need your hands and arms don't you?" I squeezed it tighter, earning a grunt. "You need to hold women captive in your arms so you can get what you want right?"
He tried pulling but I held on tight.
"Would be a shame if something happened to them…" I smirked and his eyes shone with fear as my squeezing got harder. I grabbed his elbow and pushed it inward as I pushed his fist outward.
Crack.
He screamed in agony as he retched his now broken arm from me, the bone protruding from the back of his elbow. "A hero's sidekick wouldn't do that now would he?" He tried to run away as the blood trickled from his arm, but I blocked his path. "People must pay for their crimes." I kicked him in the stomach and he fell down, puking his previous meal with bits of blood. I placed my sword next to his neck.
"Please don't hurt me!" The man said pitifully. "I won't do it again! I promise!"
"Your words mean nothing to me." I said as I kicked him over and placed my boot on his chest. "But…" I leaned closer. "Your screams do."
He paled and tried to back away as I snatched his knife and began my work.
-LINE BREAK-
If you must know, I didn't kill him. I just… carved a flower in his chest. Moonlace. It wasn't as artístic as the etchings on my sword, but good enough to pass for a message. He passed out at one point from the pain. Which was good, his thrashing and screaming was annoying. It was making the blood go everywhere. My carving was reported all over the news, the man giving all the details from his prespective, though he didn't bother claiming he was innocent. At least he was under hospital arrest. I watched the news in my room. I was becoming known. Grainy pictures and eye witness reports that were obviously scripted were being scattered. I was trending on social media. And, oh boy. The shit they said about me.
When school rolled around once more in September… I was tired as ever. It wasn't like training with Slade, I would be tired definitely, but there were days where he was off. I would be on duty only when he came… now I had to stay up late, every single day. It wasn't that I wasn't used to it… it's just that I didn't enjoy it that much. I did my best to manage my time, do the small things to be noticed by the League or the Team.
Speaking of Slade, he was gone for sure. I haven't seen him nor did Luthor feel the necesity to bring him up. Mercy was my sparring parter when I was bored. It wasn't much, but it gave me an excuse to lose out my anger.
I supposed this was what it was like to live a double life. When I came to school the topic was the mysterious vigilante who has been on the streets for two weeks. It was funny when my friends would speculate. They would find the carvings "cool" or disgusting. Cam said it was interesting to have a vigilante on the streets instead of All-American-Alien Superman. Tim didn't like the torture, which wasn't surprising. The rest felt like the vigilante was violent, but cool all the same.
I was used to keeping secrets from them, about what I've done and where I've gone. But seeing them talk about me was a whole other thing. I really wanted to tell them and it was so hard keeping my mouth shut about it. I wanted to tell them so bad, but my fear of my father finding out was stronger. I figured I would tell them… if the time arose and if it was safe.
Of course, things don't always go to plan right?
It was the day before I figured the "big crime" would happen, according to some lackeys I heard the previous night. I decided I earned a rest. My friends missed hanging out with me, claiming that I was busy each night (which wasn't a lie) so I guessed I could take one night off.
Everyone else was busy, since there was a project due next week. The only persons I could hang with was Cam and Tim. Cam because she was training late in the pool with her team and Tim because he was waiting for Cam. I offered to stay with her because I needed to make up to my best friend. I've rejected every hangout. I thought this small act would make up for it.
When she was done training, showering and changing, it was already eight o'clock. Yes, I can't do surveillance on the top of a building overlooking the skyline for more than an hour (I can but it's boring as fuck), but I can watch my best friend swim laps over and over again for four hours.
Eight o'clock was pretty late, I believe it was the time I would go out after prepping for a while. It was around that time a lot of crazies came out.
We were just walking, my eyes by default scanning the area. I should of had us picked up and dropped off. I should have done that instead of listening to Cam and Tim about walking both of them home. Tim and Cam always take a shortcut, but because there was construction work going on… we resorted to the other shortcut.
You guessed it! Alleyway.
I told them it was a bad idea, but being impulsive they went for it anyway. I went with them… only to make sure they were safe. I didn't bring my costume or my mask, so there was no way to make an excuse if I needed to protect them.
Just let them die. I heard a voice in my head that sounded suspiciously like Slade's. Your cover is everything.
There was a part of me that considered doing that. I actually contemplated on letting them die in case they were attacked or something. I shook them out. They were my best friends. I figured I was more than what Slade wanted me to be and more than what Luthor made me to be. I had a life outside of being an asset. I learned to have friends and enjoy what I had… it was a weakness I was proud to have. I wasn't cold like how Slade was, sure it was a deterrent… but I dream of love and compassion… and that was enough. The normal life is what keeps me grounded in my crazy, messed up life.
But pushing those feelings down was a talent.
I was lost in thought, battling my inner Slade that I didn't notice three goons surround us. Three, why always three. Three because of a triangle or three for each brain cell they had? For whatever reason it was, they were three. Each one was heavily muscled and armed with a pistol and a knife. One to our back and two to our front.
Cam and Tim both put their arms out protectively in front of each other. They tried not to look scared while I tried to look afraid. Some part of me wondered if these were the same goons that attacked me when I was twelve. Then I remembered, I killed them. Right.
Unless they're zombies.
Let them die Calypso. Slade said in my head. Do not reveal yourself. That is an order.
I barred my teeth, mostly out of frustration. I was already picking out a way to run out without the two people that lead me into the alleyway.
I wasn't going to do that. I trusted them with a lot of things. The only reason I didn't bring them into my life because I was afraid they'd leave me if they found out that I was indifferent to killing and to torturing because that was the way I was brought up.
"What do you want?" Tim asked, his voice shaking.
"Nothing much kiddos, but there should be a punishment for coming into our alleyway."
Cam snorted and balled her fists. "Your alleyway? Isn't this the city of Metropolis? No one owns nothing."
The second guy laughed stupidly. "You better teach your girlfriend how to keep her mouth shut." He took a step closer. "Would be a shame if I harmed her tonight."
Tim pushed her behind him. "Don't you dare."
"Or what? You'll punch me?"
I stepped backwards, my back facing Tim and my front on the one goon.
"Hey. It's the Luthor brat! Oh. This is going to be interesting." The third one said and licked his lips hungrily.
"Interesting is right." I said, not bothering to act scared anymore, throwing my facade out the window. I wasn't going to fight unless I had to, but given the circumstances… I was going to have to.
The third stepped closer and put his knife under my chin. He dug a little deeper and I felt my skin break against it. Warm blood trickled down my neck, staining my shirt. "You give us whatever you got little girl and your punishment will be quick and painful."
I smirked at him. He backed up a little, the pressure easing from my throat. He was probabaly wondering if I was crazy or not.
I couldn't look at Cam or Tim, but I was sure Tim was doing his best to be brave for Cam.
"You ain't getting anything from any of us." Tim said and took a step back, bumping into me. I felt him shift behind me. I imagined seeing him putting his fists up.
"Oh I'm getting something." The second goon said and grabbed Cameron faster than Tim could react. She screamed and fought him as hard as she could. I could tell by the scuffling and the grunting. "I'm getting myself a girlie over here!" The man said triumphantly.
"Cam!" Tim cried and nearly dove after her.
I held his arm and squeezed it. "Don't." I said.
"What?!" He whisper shouted.
"Just trust me." I told him then glared at the goon in front of me. "You fellas just made a big mistake."
I was going to have to kill them. I know Luthor said no killing, but they would compromise me if I didn't. No one could find out that Calypso Luther was more than a spoiled rich kid. It was like that time when I was twelve all over again, except I didn't have any orders from Luthor to execute. This was going to be on me. I quickly scanned for security cameras and possible witnesses.
None.
"Cal? What are you doing?" Tim asked me.
I didn't reply.
"Cal?"
"We've made a big mistake?" The third man said and pushed a little harder on his knife, making the cut a bit deeper.. "Isn't it you who walked in here?"
I took a deep breath. "Tim. Cam. I'm sorry." I said softly, genuinely wishing that they weren't here to see what I was about to do.
"What…?" Tim asked.
I glared at the goon, switching from Calypso to Moonlace in a mafter of seconds. Switching from Calypso to the assassin. The asset.
"I am happy I've gone into your alleyway. Seems that I've got some cleaning up to do." I made my eyes go cold as I grabbed his wrist and disarmed him, grabbing both his gun and his knife. I kicked him in the gut then I pushed Tim to the ground as bullets sailed over our heads. My two friends were yelling. The other two guys were shooting with poor aim.
I was holding the third goon's knife so I threw it at his chest. It sank hilt deep, puncturing his heart. He tried to grab at it but it was too late. His white shirt blossomed with crimson and he fell down dead.
I was only holding the pistol now. I dragged Tim to some boxes on the side as cover.
"Cal?" Tim said, his eyes wide. He held me by my shoulders. He glanced at the corpse I just created and looked at me with a panicked expression. "You just… did you…"
"Not now." I said as assertively as I could. "There will be time to explain."
"But-"
"Listen Tim. Cam is still in danger." I held his shoulders. "I can get her out, but you have to trust me."
I didn't wait for his reply as I somersaulted out of our hiding space and dodged the bullets. I shot at the man not holding Cam. The shot made it in his shoulder and he dropped the gun. The one holding Cam put a knife to her throat.
"One more step Luthor. I'll kill her." He threatened.
"I don't think so." I said and shot the hand holding Cam quicker than he could process. He let go of her and she fell down. He yelled in pain as Cam crawled her way to Tim.
"Told you it wouldn't happen." I said and made a "come on" gesture. "You two gonna tango?"
They looked at each other and charged.
I dodged both their knife swipes easily, I didn't want to play with them, so I did everything quickly. I disarmed one and slashed the other on the throat, his blood spraying everywhere, even on my clothes. Hearing someone choke on their own blood isn't just something you he used to. I used that knife and slammed the hilt into the other guy's head. I kicked him in the face and punched him so hard he moved back to the wall. Using the knife I made a long cut from his temple to his chin, not see enough to kill, but enough to have screams. I took his knife and tossed it aside.
"You don't hold my best friend and make demands like that unless you want punishment. This is my city. You don't make the rules asshole." I said and kneed him in the stomach. I punched him in the ribs. "You got that?"
He nodded and whimpered for mercy.
I put my knife under his chin and leaned close. "Don't take it personally, but I can't have you spreading who I am." I smiled. "This is going to hurt." I carved a small flower on his collarbone then pushed the knife in, killing him.
He slid against the wall, leaving red marks as he went down.
I was panting lightly, adrenaline surging through my veins. It's the rush of power that is supposed to make me feel good.
But I felt anything but that.
I looked at Cam and Tim who were still cowering behind the boxes, but were looking at me with a look I only wanted from my victims. Fear.
They were afraid of me. They saw someone else in my eyes.
I grabbed all the weapons and tossed them in my bag. I approached them, doing my best to wipe then blood off my face. I touched the cut on my neck. It wasn't that bad. It would heal in a couple of days.
Tim put an arm around Cam. He broke the silence. "Calypso." He said and the moved away from me. "You… you…"
"I know." I said and stopped walking towards them. "I know what I did and…" I sighed. "It's… there isn't any way to explain this."
They looked at each other.
"You're her." Cam said and stood up. "You're Moonlace." She approached me, afraid still but she was seeing her best friend and not the girl who killed three men in front of her eyes. "You…" she glanced around. "You can do all of that?"
"Yes." I said and wrung my hands. "It's a long, long story… something I should not even tell you."
"You've trained?"
"Yes. Eleven years."
"So that explains the scars…" Tim said and stood up, standing beside Cameron. "The wounds you try to hide."
"Yes."
"Have you killed before?"
"Yes."
"H-how many?"
"Enough to make killing indifferent to me." I answered honestly.
"Indifferent?" Tim said, appalled. "Cal. Those are human lives we're talking about."
"I made my first kill when I was seven or eight." I looked at him. "I had to, or I would die. I would of been killed."
"But-"
"Now, at seven you just don't get the concept of self-sacrifice do you? Not the way I was brought up. It was dominate or be dominated, and I was not going to let my lack of courage to kill someone be the one to cause my death." I explained, my voice rising a bit.
The two of them backed up.
I sighed and punched the bridge of my nose. "I'm sorry. I would like to tell you what I've been through… but I don't think I should nor would you want to know."
"So, you can't tell us?" Tim asked.
"It's for your own safety. If you knew half the things I did, you'd be hunted down. All I can say is that… this side of me exists, and it is real."
Cam took hesitant steps forward.
"Cam." Tim cautioned.
She glared at him and continued walking until she was a foot away from me. "This... is how you grew up? How you were raised?"
"Yes." I looked down in shame, not shame of the life I live, but the shame I felt knowing that I hid from them. "This is my life. This is the life that I have to live… it's a part of me."
She grabbed my face and made me look at her. "That makes me wonder then how then do I have such a great best friend." She pulled me to her and hugged me tight. "I don't care if you killed before, and that this is the life you chose. You've been with me for the past seven or so years." She hugged me tighter. "There is no amount of training that can fake a bond like this. You just tell me when you feel like you're ready and that we're ready."
I started to tear up. This feeling of acceptance… I have never felt it before. It was knowing that I was so different, so different from the rest of the world yet… I was all the same to her. I buried my head in her shoulder and I raised my arms to hug her. "Thank you." I whispered.
I looked at Tim, who was still wary. I understood that.
Cam and I pulled away from each other. "Tim. It's fine if you can't forgive me for what I've done…"
"The thing is Cal… I get it, but…" He rubbed the back of his neck. "You've been hiding from us this whole time."
"Tim, it's for the best-" Cam started but I cut her off.
"I get you too Tim." I said and approached him. "I get that you're judging me for this life. I get that you don't… that you don't like the choices I've made. But anything you say or do won't change the past. I've already done it… and I'd do it over and over and over again if it meant saving and protecting the only normal things in my life okay? I'd do it again and again and again if I had to. I still have to." I explained as gently as I could. I looked at both of them. "One day, I promise I'll explain to you everything. When… my job as an asset is over and…" I pursed my lips. "You get me? I'll do it in a less dangerous time."
Tim ran a hand through his hair. "That is… a lot to process."
"Same here." Cam said. "But we can understand it together."
"Thank you." I paused. "If you have any theories about who I'm working for, I suggest you keep it to yourself. I don't want to know and you can't go around sharing those." I looked at my watch. "Come on. Let's go."
And we walked, leaving the three bodies behind.
Cam and Tim were still quite shocked about it for a few days. They seemed scared and jumpy every time I'd appear. Most especially Tim. But I had to understand, to them, what I do isn't normal. It isn't ethical. It isn't moral.
To me… well… I'm not so sure. I guess it's just my life.
-LINE BREAK-
SEPTEMBER 24, 2010
METROPOLIS
22:00 EST
It's the fourth hour of my watch, and though I was paying attention, I was also doing my homework.
The intel I got told me that the meeting would happen in the warehouse (what else is new) thirty blocks away from the LexCorp building. I was watching from the roof opposite to the warehouse.
I was just finishing the easy quadratic equation when Luthor's men appeared. They started going in, one by one. Then, the League of Shadows. Their assassins I could mark by the way they walk and the way they look at their surroundings. It took a whopping thirty minutes for men and women to stop going in.
I waited for a while because I'm all about dramatic entrances. I was just about to go down and swing over when I saw a ripple in the sky. Like a someone or something with a cloaking device was flying above. Slade taught me how to spot that type of stealth tech. He wore some of it and attacked me several times until I can hit him, and see him without actually seeing him.
The something landed on the top of the building adjacent to the warehouse. A door opened and six people came out. They went down and went towards the warehouse.
I smiled to myself. This was the golden opportunity.
-LINE BREAK-
SEPTEMBER 24, 2010
HAPPY HARBOUR
17:00 EST
Kaldur and the rest of the team were assembled in the main chamber. Red Arrow was there in the front with Batman.
"Red Arrow has informed me that there is going to be a meeting between Lex Corp operatives and assasins of the League of Shadows in Metropolis. He has been observing them for a month now and sure that it is happening tonight at around 2200 hours." Batman said as the holograph appeared behind him. It was just basically grainy pictures of Luthor's men and assasins.
"Your mission is to make sure you know the purpose of this meeting, but to also make sure both parties do not receive what they are trading."
Robin nodded. Artemis flicked dirt off her fingernail. Kaldur nodded. Superboy grunted. M'gann shifted on her feet. Wally popped another chip in his mouth.
Red Arrow crossed his arms. "You forgot to mention the vigilante problem."
If Batman's face wasn't covered by a cowl, you could probably see one of his eyebrows go up. Red Arrow was one of the only people who could speak to Batman without a hint of fear in his voice. His teenage arrogance and temper was greater than that of Superboy. "Since you brought it up, you seem to be more suited to explain it."
Robin bit his fist, hiding back a chuckle. What would he call this? Ah yes, a bat burn.
Red Arrow turned to the hologram. "While I was on watch a week ago, there was another figure standing on the other rooftop." There was a picture of a figure, standing on a rooftop. "She goes by the name Moonlace. She's the new vigilante in Metropolis."
More pictures popped up. They all had a date and time stamp on them. They were pictures of different people, all badly injured, bloody and bruised and broken. There was a carving of a flower somewhere on each of their bodies. On the most recent one, all three subjects we're on the ground, too bloody to be alive, and one had a carving on her chest.
Kaldur tried not to cringe.
"She started on the streets around a month ago. Her techniques are quite controversial. Most of her subjects except for the recent three have barely lived through their time in the hospital. The last three were dead."
The pictures disappeared and went back to her picture. Kaldur studied her. She seemed to be wearing a skin-tight black attire. Her top was sleeveless and there was a katana strapped to her back. "She's very dangerous. Expect that you will encounter her during your mission. Take no chances with this one."
Batman seemed to be studying the pictures and thinking about his own research.
"I did research of my own." Batman interjected. "From eyewitness reports and the news, CCTV footage, along with the CSI, her weapon of choice is a katana, and her fighting technique is similar to those of the League of Assassins, but she has her own moves and adapts them to the situation, as she sees fit. I believe, if you are able to bring her in… we would be able to rehabilitate her rather than imprison her in juvie. She'd just have more allies there or enemies. It is obvious that she does not need a weapon to kill or convince anyone."
Red Arrow was taken aback. "What?!" He clenched his fists. "That's insane! Allowing her to come here is one of the most-"
"We need to decide what to do with her. Imprisoning her is not enough." Batman said back. "She is clearly a minor, a minor in juvie with that kind of skill set could easily make things worse, even if we put her in solitary. There are also laws preventing us from putting her in a higher prison. The only place for her is juvie."
Kaldur stared thinking about what they could do, since Batman suggested that they bring her in. Kaldur thought about it some more and an idea sparked in his head. It was crazy… but that was the only idea he had.
"What if we recruit her?" Kaldur asked.
Roy Harper looked at him, clearly appalled. "Kaldur. Do you really think someone like this should be on The Team? Especially when we already have a certain problem?"
Everyone knew what Red was talking about, but no one wanted to mention the mole problem again.
"Red," Robin said, standing up for his friend. "Maybe Kaldur has a point. If we recruit her then… not only will she be rehabilitated… she could be-"
Kid Flash continued. "A good addition to our team. Her skills, with proper training of course, could help us kick bad guy butt faster." Artemis smacked him on the shoulder.
"Seriously?" She whisper shouted and crossed her arms.
Kid Flash shrugged and continued to eat. "I feel like it's a good idea." He said with a full mouth. Wally swallowed. "Besides, we can always kick her out or have Ja'an or Megan wipe her memory."
Artemis elbowed him.
Kaldur smiled gratefully at his friends and turned back to Batman. "It is a good opportunity. She might know something we do not."
Batman's eyes narrowed. They had another silent stare off.
"Fine." Batman said and closed the hologram. "But if anything wrong happens, it's on you Kaldur." With that happy note, he strode to a Zeta tube and went off to Gotham City.
"I have some business in Star City, but before I go, Kaldur. A word." Red Arrow said and walked to the corridor, out of Superboy's hearing range.
Kaldur fought back a sigh and went to where he was.
"Are you out of your fucking mind?" Red whisper shouted when Kaldur got close enough.
"We take risks all the time," Kaldur reasoned out, "and sometimes they lead to good things. Take Superboy for instance. We took a risk with him and now he is a valuable member of the Team."
"And a lot of trouble he brought with him. His temper is all over the place, he is reckless, headstrong, irresponsible…"
Kaldur raised an eyebrow. "Kind of like a certain archer I know, and I do not mean Green Arrow or Artemis."
Roy sighed. "Kaldur. I'm not sure of what you're thinking, but I hope you're making a good decision. Both Robin and Wally are backing you up. I assume the other three as well."
"As leader of the team, it is my duty and responsibility to understand the consequences of my actions. It is hardly needed to be said what those could be." The Atlantean crossed his arms. "Batman did say that we would be taking her in, and it would be unwise to place her in juvie or in Belle Reve. She has no other place to go, assuming we catch her."
Roy sighed, defeated. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fine. Do what you think is right… but be safe Kaldur, from what I have found out about her, it can be concluded that she is vey dangerous."
"We will take every precaution necessary."
Roy nodded, patted Aqualad on the shoulder, walked out of the corridor and Zeta-ed away.
Kaldur walked back to the Team…. wondering what the hell he was thinking. He was sure that this was the right thing to do, even if the results were unclear.
But as he said, he was ready to face whatever consequences may come.
-LINE BREAK-
SEPTEMBER 24, 2010
METROPOLIS
22:10 EST
I snuck into the warehouse, standing on the wrap-around platform at the top. I took out the patrol guards quickly and quietly. I placed their guns beside me and took their knives away.
I am well aware that I have access to these on a regular basis, but nothing wrong with stocking up.
I sat down and waited for the Team to enter the warehouse.
-LINE BREAK-
SEPTEMBER 24, 2010
METROPOLIS
22:20 EST
Link established.
M'gann hovered a few feet above the gathered group. She took note of Superboy and Wally in the left corner, Robin and Artemis up in the rafters, and Kaldur in the right corner.
The group was gathered around a table, and you could clearly see who was on what side. With their backs to the door were the LexCorp guards and with their backs to the wall were the League of Assasins.
Two men were already actively conversing the terms of their agreement, one from either side. LexCorp had a total of twelve men behind the negotiator, while the League of Assassins had a total of fourteen guarding their negotiator. That made twenty-eight people to deal with, but that's just counting the people inside the warehouse. There were still some guards posted outside. Robin's estimate that there were maybe thirty to forty people to beat.
From what The Team has heard, it seems that whatever the deal was, wasn't important enough for Luthor himself to show up. It was a vital part nonetheless because both men had to take off anything on their head and place their weapons on the table. They also actively negotiated the terms in order for it to fit their boss's requirements.
When do we get some action? Wally whined telepathically. We've been watching them negotiate for twelve minutes already.
If that's how long your patience is KF, Robin said, I'm not even sure how your being here is a good thing.
Hey. KF looked up at the rafters to make a face at Robin. I'm good-looking and charismatic, therefore my very presence is vital to The Team.
Artemis snickered. Charismatic? The only thing you are capable of charming is a bucket of French fries. .
Robin smirked and fist bumped Artemis. Nice one Artie.
Quiet. Aqualad ordered. We need to pay attention. We cannot make our move if we do not know what the "it" is.
Any sign of Moonlace? M'gann asked as she hovered close to the scene, even if Aqualad just ordered them to be quiet.
Superboy looked around. Thermal vision isn't picking up anything. Neither do I hear anything. Maybe she isn't here.
If she does turn up, Aqualad said and narrowed his eyes at the negotiators. You know what to do.
The Team had discussed the plans on aboard the Bioship, one for if Moonlace isn't there and one for if she is there.
"I agree to your terms." The league of assasins member said and brushed a lock of his long dark hair behind his ear. "On behalf of my master, Ra's Al Ghul, I present the monetary funding you require." A masked member in the back gave him a suitcase. The negotiator slid the suitcase over to the burly LexCorp guard.
What's this, Shakespeare in the park? Robin commented.
Shh!
"I have your assurance that this is the eight million dollars?" The LexCorp guard said as he handed the suitcase to his assistant.
"In diamonds."
It's like they're shouting how rich their boss is. KF commented. Imagine just being able to pay in diamonds and being all like, oh hey you want diamonds? Oh sure! No problem.
Ra's isn't that rich. Robin thought. He just has a lot of people giving him money. Plus he's really old… he had time to save up.
Do you know anyone else who can flat out just pay eight million in diamonds?
Well...
"Excellent." The LexCopr guard got a suitcase from his other assistant. "Here. The weapon prototype you're asking for." He placed the suitcase on the table and opened it.
Aqualad edged a little bit closer so he could get a good look at it. It was… unremarkable to say in the least. It was just a sleek black hilt with no blade coming out of either side of it.
"That's it?" The assassin scoffed, dropping his formal speech pattern. "If that's the case, can I take back the diamonds?"
"Be patient." The guard snapped. He pressed a button and a white light came out of one side in the shape of an blade. The glow illuminated the expressions of the LexCorp guards, clearly they weren't aware of what they were trading.
LexCorp made a light saber?! Robin thought while looking at Artemis with wide eyes.
After the mission, can I keep it as a souvenir? KF asked. I can even bring it to the next Star Wars convention.
Star Wars? I've heard of that! I believe I watched those on Mars, but I don't think the alien life there is represented accurately…. M'gann started.
Why are we even talking about this? Superboy face palmed and shook his head as he tried to focus on what was happening. I don't think the fact that it's a light saber is important right now-
You do know that can actually hurt people right? Artemis said and nocked an arrow. She pointed it at them.
I'm responsible. Wally reasoned.
You're an idiot.
You forget Kid Flash, Aqualad's calming voice effectively shut them up, that my water bearers can take form of what you call a light saber. Therefore this should not be a new concept to you.
Yeah, but Kaldur, yours is Atlantean. Only you can use it. KF reasoned out.
Focus now.
The assassin smiled. "Remarkable."
"It can cut through almost about anything." The guard casually sliced off the edge of the table. "Even the strongest metals have nothing on this baby." He pressed the button again and the light saber went back to looking unremarkable. He placed it back inside the case and closed it. "There are eleven more in here, I believe you would find that your money was spent wisely." He slid the case over.
"Undoubtedly." The assassin said and stopped the case from sliding off the table by putting a hand on top of it.
They are going to leave soon. Robin. Aqualad ordered.
Robin nearly tossed a birdarang at the table, but then something new came into the equation.
-LINE BREAK-
SEPTEMBER 24, 2010
METROPOLIS
22:27 EST
I decided it was time for me to step in when the head assassin got the case. I also saw Robin almost throw one of his birdarangs, so there was no better time than that time.
I shot my grappling hook and swung on top of the table, making a perfect landing on the top of the case, breaking the hand of the head assassin.
"Hello boys." I said and smiled as the assassin howled in pain. "Are you really going to do this now?"
"Moonlace." The LexCorp guard sneered. "Figured you'd show up." He then winked at me in greeting. He knew who I was. He was the guard Luthor trusted the most, next to Mercy. I went on duty with him once and sparred a couple of times. I knocked him flat on his ass every time he went to the mat.
"If you figured I'd show up, you must be truly stupid to conduct business on my turf." I stepped off the case and picked it up. "I'd genuinely like to keep this though. Interesting piece. Though, I doubt it can beat my sword." I drew it from its scabbard, the blade glinting in the artificial light. I looked around. "So who wants to dance?"
The guard- his name is Brian, was smart enough to subtly relay orders for his men to back away.
"We got what we want Moonlace. We don't want anymore trouble." Brian said and backed away from the table.
"Shame. Thought you'd like to see if I was any good." I said and felt the hair rise at the back of my neck and I turned just in time for me intercept the blade of the assassin. Clearly, the League weren't in on the set-up. I guess Ra's never felt the need tell them.
I smirked. "How's that hand?" He growled and pressed harder.
I have to admit, he was good. He slashed and stabbed so fast that his movements were blurs… so I had to be so much faster. I pressed him back, using the fact that his hand was injured as an advantage.
I heard the LexCorp guards try running out of the warehouse, but they were intercepted by the Team. I could hear Robin's cackles and the bodies hitting the wall. I also heard both sides calling in for back-up. I assumed that the people stationed outside would come running in anytime soon.
I stabbed the assassin in both shoulders, managed to hit his face with the case and send him flying backwards into a bunch of crates with a well-placed kick. He was out cold.
I smiled and jumped down from the table, right in the middle of fourteen highly trained assassins, all with their blades drawn.
It has been a month since I've had a real challenge like this. Part of me wonderered if I was rusty. I pushed that aside and I held my sword in front of me. "Who's next?"
They closed in on me and I let out a laugh.
I dodged the nearest one's blade and grabbed someone's else's arm, pushed the elbow outward and broke his joint. I felt the blood splatter my face as I saw a white jagged tip emerge from his suit. I then broke his leg and kicked him into one of his companions. I felt someone slash their blade across my back, but thanks to the suit I felt nothing.
I found a while back that it was slash proof. It was something Slade forgot to mention. But since my arms were still exposed, I was still susceptible to new wounds.
I clicked my boots together and kicked him in the side, delivering a painful, but not fatal, wound.
I grabbed the throwing stars from inside my utility belt and threw it at the eyes of the two attempting to flank me. They went down screaming.
Someone slashed at my arm and I felt something warm trickle down it. I yelled and slammed the suitcase into her face and I spun and gave her a good kick on her cheek, complete with a puncture wound. As soon as I took her out, one more took her place.
I heard the reinforcements coming in through the windows and roof, I looked over and estimated that there were at least twelve more LexCorp guards and around the same number of assassins.
At this point I was sure Lex was overdoing it. I could take on seven to ten at once, but twenty? That's just overkill. Plus, they were all highly trained assassins, they wouldn't stay down after just one wound. I could stab them in the gut and they'd still find a way to hurt me.
More and more kept closing in, and I had to keep going.
-LINE BREAK-
SEPTEMBER 24, 2010
METROPOLIS
22:39 EST
Six people versus twenty-two seems like a pretty good ratio when it comes to fighting, but one to twenty-five? Not really.
After the Team finished with the LexCorp guards (who apparently were armed with phasers set to kill), including the reinforcements, they turned to where Moonlace was fighting.
They were all in awe. She was a violent storm. She would wound so bad that it was nearly fatal. The Team didn't know what to do, they were standing there, doing nothing. She was also fighting members from the League of Shadows. Her sword flashed and she moved so fast that she was nearly a blur. The Team wanted to assist, but they didn't know where and how.
Until it seemed like was going to be overwhelmed. She looked like she was getting tired, and though the cuts on her arms didn't seem to affect her at all, she seemed to be getting a little bit slower. You wouldn't be able to spot it if you weren't trained, but slower nonetheless.
Kaldur made the first move. He saw that her left side was unprotected and an assassin was going in for the kill. His eyes widened and he brought out his water bearers again. The two one-edged blades illuminated his face with their blue light.
He ran to her and stopped him just in the nick of time. He pushed the assassin back and knocked him out cold with a spinning roundhouse kick.
We cannot let her die. Aqualad relayed over the telepathic channel. You know the directive. She also has the case we are supposed to retrieve.
The Team looked at each other and nodded. They joined the battle.
Moonlace looked at Aqualad over her shoulder. Despite the wounds on her face, she smirked at him and continued to fight in that violent yet elegant fighting style.
Dude. Did you see what she did to one of them? Wally said over the channel.
Do you mean the one with their elbow bone sticking out, the one with their foot at an odd angle or the two with their eyeballs pierced? Robin said as he kicked an assassin.
You have to give it to her. Artemis said, her voice laced with respect. She's efficient.
Aqualad had to agree with all of them, so seeing her fight reinforced his resolve to recruit her.
Moonlace fixed her eyes on Aqualad and charged. Kaldur immediately went into defensive mode, but she went past him and slashed at someone behind him. She looked at him for a brief second then went off.
Kaldur was stunned for a second, not expecting that kind of behavior, but he snapped out of it when Superboy threw the table at a group of assassins. He shook his head and continued.
-LINE BREAK-
SEPTEMBER 24, 2010
METROPOLIS
22:56 EST
I knew better than to be captured, but in this case I had to let myself be.
After I kicked the last assassin standing, I felt something close around my right wrist and another on my left. The case was then wretched out of my grasp. I made a weak lunge for it, but the two holding my wrists held me fast. They placed my arms behind me and cuffed my wrists. I was forced to drop the sword.
I looked at the two holding my arms. Artemis on my right. Superboy on my left.
At least they knew better than to leave me with only my cuffs.
Robin came from behind me, obviously he was the one who cuffed me. I tried wriggling out of their grasp, but both Superboy's and Artemis's hands were strong. (Most especially Superboy's)
I looked in front of me and all of a sudden, my heart stopped. It was Aqualad… or as I remember him, Calvin. His pale blue eyes bore into me, as if he was trying to read my mind (which I noticed Miss Martian was trying to do from a little behind him, I felt her prodding at me).
"Get out of my head." I looked at M'gann and put up my defenses.
She blinked then looked at Aqualad. "I can't get through… her mind's blank."
"You shouldn't do that without permission." I narrowed my eyes at her. I didn't want her in my head. "Looking through someone's head is invasion of privacy."
Artemis flinched at the tone of my voice.
"Why would she need to ask your permission?" The red head- Kid Flash said and crossed his arms.
"Oh I don't know, because maybe I helped you stop and operation, maybe because you took my case and my money." I gritted my teeth. "And because you have me cuffed like some sort of criminal."
"First of all, it's not yours you little-"
"Enough." Aqualad effectively shut him up. "We are only restraining you because we need to talk."
This was what I was waiting for. "Talk about what?"
"You." He looked into my eyes, even if all he could see was the white of my lenses. I felt his stare making a hole in my chest. It made my heart beat a little faster, but I had to slow it down. Superboy would have noticed it.
"Your behavior as a vigilante in Metropolis has brought you to our attention. Red Arrow and Batman suggested that we bring you in for questioning and perhaps later on juvie or prison. But we came to the conclusion that imprisoning you would not be the best course of action. Batman agrees that it would be better if we were to rehabilitate-"
"Rehabilitate?" I frowned. Rehabilitate means that there is something defective about me. Well, I suppose to them I am defective.
"To train you in a different way so that your methods of stopping criminal activity would change or become less violent."
"In other words you would like to control me and you don't want a loose cannon around." I said. "That would be a lot easier than saying all those words."
Aqualad's eye twitched. "Not exactly." He blinked and regained his composure. "We also believe you would become a valuable addition to our Team. We operate undercover, in the shadows, something you have practice of doing… even if you are publicly known. It would open more opportunities to you as well, additional benefits and access to information that could perhaps add to your current knowledge."
"Two way benefit. You know what I know, and I know what you know."
"Exactly."
I nodded, as if I was considering my options. "And if I fight all of you and escape?"
"You will be hunted down by the League and brought to Belle Reve. A prisoner for meta-humans. The fact that you are a minor will not protect you."
"Really?"
"Really."
We had a silent stare off for a couple of seconds. He was bluffing and I knew it. They couldn't possibly make me go to Belle Reve and even if they do, the Light would get me out.
"Fine." I agreed and loosened a bit. "I'll go with you."
"Good." Aqualad looked at Artemis and Superboy. "Escort her to the bioship. Robin."
Faster than I would care to admit, I felt a needle prick my neck and I fell into a deep sleep.
-LINE BREAK-
A/N: I know it's been years but hey! Here's chapter 5! More coming your way!
