Lois was surrounded by many sympathetic New Recruits while they ate dinner. They were in the cafeteria again. None of the council members were there other than Mister Terrific who was awkwardly supervising them in the distance.
"What did you do to piss off Batman?" Stead asked confused.
"I didn't do anything…"
"It's bullshit I tell you!" Zach muttered under his breath darkly. "It was Ally's fault you both fell!"
Lois just sighed to herself. They were all saying what she was thinking but it wasn't really helping her at all. They all just reminded her more and more how she was getting screwed over. What was Batman's beef? She never did anything to him.
"I wouldn't worry about it," said a male New Recruit named Rodynus who was from a planet called New Genesis. He was the same species as Barda but unlike her was surprisingly always cheerful. "There are countless rumors and stories of Batman and metas. He probably just took an opportunity to screw with one."
Lois shook her head. Rodynus didn't seem to understand that this wasn't out of prejudice. This was out of hate. Lois never really experienced hatred towards herself before but she did now. Batman really did hate her. And her feelings were mutual. That arrogant prick and his love of terrorizing people. What was wrong with him? From what she understood, he was there with the League with her parents and uncle. Did they do something to piss him off? Why was he taking it out on her then?
"Doesn't change the fact that Lois is going to be running the obstacle course by herself! That's totally unfair!" Zach complained. "You should do something about this!"
That didn't help Lois's confidence at all.
"Who am I going to go to?" she complained.
"Didn't you say your uncle was the Flash?" Stead asked trying to help.
"He's quit the League a long time ago…" Lois said defeated. Even if her uncle was one of the founding members of the League with the Martian, her parents, and Batman, it probably wouldn't help. He had admitted he broke ties with the League long ago.
Besides she was going to be quitting after the seminar was over. Who cares if she failed? The last thing she needed was her uncle coming up here and complaining in her defense. Lois knew her Uncle Wally; he would go up to bat for her no matter what.
"What are you going to do though?" Rodynus asked. "How can you pass it?"
"I don't care," Lois muttered darkly. Where the hell was Mike? She for once missed his over talkative nature about random things. He at least wouldn't keep bringing up how she was getting unfairly treated by Batman.
"How? They say if you have to pass it to continue on!" Zach complained.
Lois looked at him and shook her head.
"I'm not staying," she said with finality.
"What?" everyone near asked with surprise.
"You're Superman and Wonder Woman's daughter! You can't…"
"I'm sick and tired of everyone telling me that!" Lois snapped, causing the rest of the New Recruits to stare at her.
Lois's face flushed with embarrassment with her temper rising and calmed down.
"Look guys," she said when she felt like she was calmer again. "I grew up my whole life without knowing my powers or my parents' double life. My life was going pretty good and I was happy. Now, ever since I got the news about it, it's brought nothing but trouble with me. I don't want these powers…"
"Why not?" Stead asked which earned a slap on the back of his head from Rodynus.
Lois glared at him.
"I don't like walking around like I'm going to explode! I don't like the extra care! If there was a way I can get rid of these powers, I would! This isn't the life I want. I just want to be Lois Kent. That's it! Not Superman or Wonder Woman's daughter, just Lois Kent."
There was a silence after she finished venting. Lois sighed and got up to leave. She wanted to find Mike.
00000
Rex eavesdropped on Lois's conversation with the three idiots who kept pressing her. Did they have any clue she didn't want to talk about things that just happened? He knew exactly how she felt. Everyone always identifying them by their parents, not themselves as actual people.
The other day he heard someone make a dirty remark about his mother. He made sure to secretly punish them for that when they were doing wrestling as a physical exercise the other day…
He didn't want to be here either like Lois. He just wanted to be back home taking care of his brothers and sisters. Mom was already dealing with enough crap since Dad died.
The only thing that kept him quitting was the fear he would be dishonoring his parents. He loved and respected both of them and didn't want to let his dad down. But still he felt like he didn't belong here. He hated most of the New Recruits; they were all about playing hero like it was a game. A lot of them probably never saw death before.
Lois was probably only the few he respected. She at least had the strength to do what was best for her. Rex himself didn't think he would have the courage to make a decision like she was and plan on leaving. He was too scared of disgracing the family name.
Rex sighed and finished his meal alone.
000000
Lois found Mike who was huddled in the corner out of sight, eating nervously to himself.
"There you are," Lois said, relieved she had someone she could talk to and took a seat next to Mike.
"Hey…" Mike said sadly. For once he didn't seem like he wanted to talk.
For once Lois forgot about her own problems and eyed Mike suspiciously.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Nothing…"
"I'm not buying it, come on Mike," Lois demanded, giving him a stern look.
Mike finally sighed.
"Do you think it's true what he said?"
"Who?"
"You know…him," Mike said while beckoning his head to Rex who as usual was being aloof in the corner.
Lois looked and understood. Due to the events dealing with Batman's unfair punishment, she had forgotten about Rex snapping at Mike. Lois felt bad. She may've had her own problems, but she should've never forgotten other people had problems as well.
"Don't worry about him, he's a douche," Lois remarked. She didn't really care for Rex. Why was he always such a brooding loner? Did he think that made him cool? She never liked the bad boy persona. Thought it was overdone nowadays.
"Yeah but it seems like other than you, no one wants to talk with me," Mike countered. "I know I talk too much, but I never mean any harm…I just like to…"
Lois sighed.
"Mike, you're a good guy. Give everyone time, they'll warm up to you. It's just been stressful the past week so everyone's sort of at each other's throat," Lois assured him. Sure he was annoying and sometimes oblivious of it, but she knew he meant well.
Mike sighed.
"I guess not everyone is as interested in aglets as I am," Mike joked.
Lois smiled.
"I'm going to miss you," she said patting him on the shoulder. Mike looked at her with bewilderment.
"You're leaving?" he asked a little offended.
Lois sighed, so much for him taking it well.
"I've made my decision Mike. If anything today has taught me I don't belong here. I'm not a hero, I'm a journalist."
"But your dad was both…"
"I'm not my parents," Lois interjected. This time she avoided raising her voice.
"Why can't I just be me?" she asked Mike before lowering her head. Her life was so much better when she didn't know.
"You can always be yourself with me," Mike offered trying to comfort her. "You have every right to leave if you want. I'm sure your parents would've wanted you to be happy."
Finally someone understood her; she unexpectedly pulled Mike in a big hug.
"Thanks Mike, I needed that."
"Anytime," Mike said awkwardly. Lois had a feeling he wasn't used to girls hugging him.
"So what are you going to do about that obstacle course?"
Lois shrugged.
"Who cares? I'm leaving anyways. I'm just pissed because he seems to be only punishing me."
"Are you sure you didn't say something to piss him off? They always said Batman didn't get along with other people, but he seemed to take it personal with you."
Lois shrugged.
"My parents must've pissed him off or something."
"How? They are Superman and Wonder Woman. How could a crime-fighter like him not even respect them at least?"
"To tell you the truth," Lois whispered. "I don't really know much about my parents…"
She felt a little embarrassed. From what she heard from the stories about them for her uncle before she learned about her double life they were lovely people. Her father was a very honorable guy, an All American boy. Very intelligent and an upstanding citizen. As for her mother, Uncle Wally referred to her as a remarkable woman. A woman who had the sweetness and heart of a saint, but courage and strength to fight when necessary.
In her own uncle's words, her mother wasn't afraid to fight or get in people's faces; she was strong and independent woman. She fell for her father though due to their love for justice and the truth. That was what Lois wanted to be. Someone who tried to bring what was right to the world. She could be way more effective as a journalist than some freak who didn't know how to use these powers.
But now, she wasn't sure what was real. Who knew if her uncle's stories were true? Now that she knew her parents were Superman and Wonder Woman, it was hard to picture them as human beings. They seemed more like outsiders to her, like she never knew them at all. It was hard to apply what her uncle said about her parents to Superman and Wonder Woman.
"It's hygiene time!" Mister Terrific announced and began to usher the New Recruits out of the cafeteria. "And after that, bedtime!"
Lois groaned. Why did they have to treat them like little kids so much?
00000
Lois was getting ready to go to bed or at least trying to. The tension in her and Ally's room wasn't subtle to say the least. Ally was being her usual, stuck up bitchy self.
"Can you move?" Ally snapped as she was brushing her hair that was drenched from the shower she just took.
"You could've asked nicely!" Lois shot back and made sure to take extra time in getting out of her way.
"Shut up!" Ally said angrily. "It's your fault that we have to do it by ourselves!"
"How is that my fault?" Lois said angrily mixed with confusion. Was Ally that self-centered and full of herself she couldn't take responsibility for her actions?
"You wouldn't hurry up on the log!"
"We wouldn't fell if you listened to Etrigan!"
"Well excuse me for wanting to hurry on a timed obstacle course!" Ally snapped back. "If I didn't go we wouldn't have made it on time!"
"Yes we would've! And even if we didn't, it was just for practice, it didn't matter!"
"You see, with that kind of attitude we probably wouldn't pass together tomorrow," Ally said, lowering the volume of her voice which somehow made it seem more threatening and aggressive.
Lois just turned around and ignored her as she got in her top bunk. She couldn't wait to be rid of her.
"I don't need you to pass anyways, you were holding me back!" Ally insulted as she went to bed. Lois again ignored her. She didn't care anymore. It didn't matter.
Yet she couldn't deny she was feeling nervous. If, when she failed tomorrow, she knew some like Ally and Batman were going to take great delight in it.
Lois tossed and turned a little before she finally drifted into sleep…
0000000
Lois was walking down a dark hallway. She was scared, agitated. Where the hell was she? Suddenly she almost lost her footing. She looked down and she realized she was on the log from the obstacle course that she and Ally had fallen off earlier.
Except the log seemed longer this time and weaker. It was cracking under her weight.
"Come on Lois," Lois heard a faint voice. She turned and noticed on the other side was her parents, in their superhero costumes.
"Your father and I are proud of you. Come with us," Lois heard Wonder Woman say as she beckoned Lois to cross.
"I'm here too Lolo," Lois heard a kind voice and saw behind her parents was her uncle Wally waving at her.
"We're proud of you," Lois heard her father admit. "Please come."
Lois hesitated and continued to move along the log. It creaked again but it seemed like it was going to support her weight this time. Lois let out a sigh of relief and began to walk.
She was three quarters there when she started to pick up the pace. She was excited; she was going to make it. At that moment though the log began to tremble violently. Lois almost was knocked off balance. She saw that her parents were worried.
"Lois hurry!" her mother pleaded. It disturbed Lois to see Wonder Woman look terrified like that.
Lois tried but the log was shaking so violently she was afraid any advancement would make her lose her balance.
Suddenly she realized something was rising from the ground. Something huge. Something gold….
It looked like a robot but had the face of a man. Three bright lights on its forehead glowed. The giant robot man kept growing. Lois was terrified; she couldn't tell if it was man or machine.
"I have you now…" the thing spoke, its voice seemed to be a sampling of at least two different types. One neutral like a machine, the other deep and sinister.
"Lois run!" Lois heard her parents yell. She tried to move but the log was still shaking violently. The giant laughed and extended his hand, a powerful blast shot out of it, right at her parents and uncle.
"NNNOOOO!" Lois cried as a blinding light hit her parents and they were gone. The log broke and she turned around trying to reach the other side. She was almost there when the log cracked again. Lois dived and managed to get a grip on the edge. She was holding onto dear life.
A shadowy figure appeared on the edge she was gripping. It was Batman.
"You are nothing without your powers Kent!" Batman's baritone voice rang out. "You don't belong here!"
And with that, Batman stomped on her hand and she cried and involuntarily let go, falling into the abyss…
000000
Lois jolted awake breathing heavily. Cold sweat was pouring down her back. She immediately realized it was all a dream but she couldn't lower her heart rate just yet. She never had dreams like that before. It seemed so vivid and real. And what was up with the giant robot man? She never saw that before.
Sighing Lois calmed down. None of it was real, it was just her stressed out tired mind playing tricks on her. But still something about the dream was making Lois obsessive. She kept replaying what she heard Batman saying to her.
How she was nothing; how she didn't belong here. Even though she had been telling that herself earlier, hearing it from him was aggravating her. A fire began to burn in her heart. A fire she never felt before, not even in all her years on the journalist club.
With a look of determination she got out of bed. Tomorrow was going to be her last day, but she wasn't going to give Batman the satisfaction of her failing. She was going to pass that obstacle course test and show him she didn't need the League.
Quickly getting dressed she opened the door and looked around. Curfew was still being enforced but Lois had traveled the hallways long enough to know how to get to the training room. She also knew where all the blind spots to the cameras were. For once she was glad she had x-ray vision.
Looking around to ensure no one was near; she quickly tiptoed to the training room. If she was going to pass tomorrow by herself, she was going to need all the extra practice she could get. She was about halfway there when she stopped. Someone was coming. Quickly diving into a corridor she hid.
The advancing party got closer and Lois could make out two voices. Etrigan and Green Lantern.
"I can't believe J'onn," Green Lantern complained. "He acts like he doesn't care!"
"He does," Etrigan growled. "J'onn just thought he would be the best one to do the job…"
"He's only a part time member! Why is he still even on the council? No likes him! Not even you and you're the only person he seems to show somewhat respect other than J'onn."
"It is true I don't like him but I still respect and trust him. J'onn's a mind reader and if he trusts him, then I trust him as well."
Lois didn't hear the rest of the conversation because the two council members had gotten a good distance away and nor did she care.
Seizing the opportunity she made her way down the corridor again. Almost there…
In a matter of moments, she had reached the training room. She paused to catch her breath. Good, now it was only a matter of getting in.
Lois's heart sank after she thought of that. She didn't really plan this well, how was she going to unlock the door? How was she going to avoid the cameras inside there?
"Shouldn't you be in bed?" buzzed a mechanical voice behind her that caused Lois to freeze, the hair on her neck stiffening at that.
She quickly turned around to see a floating gold robot. It was Booster Gold's assistant Skeets.
"I…uh…"
"I can open the door for you," Skeets said politely. "And turn off the security cameras."
"I...what?"
"Someone had a feeling you would try to sneak in and practice since you are doing the test by yourself tomorrow so they sent me here to let you in if you wanted to practice a little more tonight."
Lois was amazed. She was glad at least someone seemed to feel she was getting punished too harshly.
"Isn't being out of bed against the rules?"
"So is making you run the obstacle course test by yourself so logically the rules don't apply for this situation," Skeets explained. Lois heard the sound of the door unlocking.
"I'll wait outside. Good luck."
This was surreal to Lois. She never thought she would have to thank a robot before.
"Uh thanks Skeets?" she said confused as she turned around and opened the door.
As the door closed behind her Lois looked at the obstacle course test. It seemed to have been bigger than she last remembered. There was no one to break her fall if she messed up. Sighing she stretched before sprinting toward the first obstacle. The only she was going to pass if she practiced, a lot.
00000000
Lois slowly made her way back to the room, she was tired and sweaty and she felt disgusting. She had been running that obstacle course who knows how long. She lost track of time if Skeets didn't intervene and let her know she should head back to the room if she didn't want to be caught out of bed.
All in all, she felt a little more confident about the obstacle course test now. She was going to pass it. She ran through it and was able to pass all the required parts, even the log. The only thing she didn't bother to practice was the monkey bars. No one would ever use it not even Ally or Rex so she felt she was on the same level with her fellow New Recruits with that.
She quickly opened the door and entered her room. Good. Ally was out still.
That gave Lois plenty of time to change out of her sweaty clothes and into new ones. She felt gross how she couldn't take a shower but at least she wouldn't stink as much. She had just finished putting her dirtier clothes in the hamper when she heard Barda yelling outside.
"Got one more day with you all! Get up!"
Lois sighed and tied her hair up. Ally woke up and was amazed to see Lois was ready before her.
"Wha-?" Ally asked confused.
"You better hurry," Lois mocked and walked outside, for once being the first one to line up on the wall and leaving Ally to scramble to make it on time.
The rest of the day was a blur to Lois. She didn't really remember eating breakfast or being lectured by Mister Terrific the safety measures for the obstacle course test. Her heart was pounding. She was nervous and she didn't know why. Why did she care when she was planning on leaving after today?
But before Lois knew it, all the New Recruits were led to the obstacle course.
The rest of the council minus Batman and J'onn were there. Lois had a feeling though they would both be showing up later.
Barda pulled out a stop watch as Booster Gold pulled out a clipboard.
"When I call your group, step forward," Mister Terrific instructed. "You will run it and yell time when you reach the finish line. Barda will read off your time and Booster Gold will write it down and subtract any time penalties again. I can't emphasize anymore to advise you don't take more than one time penalty."
Lois gulped, here it goes.
"New Recruits Stead and Zattara, you're up!" Mister Terrific ordered. Lois watched as the two nervous boys got up the line and Barda blew the whistle.
0000000
All in all, Lois was surprised at the performance of her fellow New Recruits at the obstacle course today, especially in comparison to yesterday's abysmal performance. No one was coming close to breaking three minutes, but everyone passed the four minute maximum. This was mainly due to the time penalty the monkey bars caused.
So far no one failed yet which seemed to annoy Barda. Lois sighed. There was only one group and Ally ahead of her. I n a manner of seconds it would be her moment of truth. She watched as Rex and Mike got on the line and took off.
Mike may've not been in the best physical shape but he was surprisingly well coordinated on the obstacles. Lois wondered if he did actually have some powers after all. It seemed a contradiction for someone who ended up dying after sprints could be able to navigate through the obstacles like a gymnast.
In Lois's opinion, Mike and Rex could've done better if it were not for the obvious tension between them. It was clear they didn't like each other and some were afraid if one messed up the other would snap.
Thankfully the two boys had just stepped off the log and in a matter of seconds had finished. With the time penalty taking into account, the two boys became the first group to break the three minute mark.
"Good job!" Mike said offering his hand for a high five to his partner. Rex just gave him the stink eye and turned around leaving Mike confused and embarrassed. Lois was a little peeved after that. Would it kill him to be a little friendlier?
"Queen! You're up!" Lois heard Etrigan bark.
Lois could tell Ally was slightly nervous and grinned. The stuck up brat wasn't acting as confident as she usually did. When the whistle was blown, Lois saw her take off.
As much as she hated Ally, Lois couldn't deny that Ally was really good at this. She didn't really need a partner. She was speeding through the obstacle even faster than Big Barda did on the demonstration she had shown, probably due to Barda's large size.
Ally was about halfway there and only a minute had passed. If she kept it that rate she might beat the record.
Lois watched as Ally was approaching the monkey bars. Everyone was holding their breath. Would Ally try the monkey bars or go the safe route?
As Ally approached the bars, she stopped for a fraction of a second. Lois could tell she was hesitating.
"Keep moving!" Barda yelled. Ally came back to her senses and much to the surprise of everyone ignored the monkey bars. She was taking the time penalty. Many let out disappointed sighs. If she had done the monkey bars, she probably would've come close to beating Barda's record.
By the time Ally got through to the log, she began to sprint across it. Lois could tell she was mad at her own hesitation on the monkey bars and was trying to make up for it. When she reached the finish line and shouted time, everyone in the room looked at Barda.
Barda growled.
"Two minutes and forty seconds," she announced. It was the best time anyone got today. Many people began to cheer but Lois saw that Ally was angry. It took about thirty seconds to get across the monkey bars and the time penalty was a minute. That meant if Ally had not frozen up and went through the monkey bars, she could've potentially beaten Barda's record of two minutes and twenty seconds.
As Ally made her way down all eyes were on Lois now. One person managed to do it on their own, now it was her turn.
Mister Terrific approached Lois and in a rare moment of softness dropped his voice to a whisper.
"Are you ready Ms. Kent?" he asked.
Lois sighed.
"Does it matter?"
Mister Terrific let out a sympathetic smile before backing away.
"Ready….GO!" he shouted.
Lois took off sprinting. She had run that obstacle course enough last night that on a lot of the events she could sprint through without losing her balance. She knew all the tricks and which methods worked best for her. She was more prepared than her classmates.
She was on the same level as Ally much to her and everyone's surplice. Lois never had been that physical before. Maybe it was just the adrenaline, there was no way it was her powers. The power disrupters were still turned on.
She was about a minute in when she approached the monkey bars. Originally she was going to pass it but she was making such good time Lois couldn't help but pause. She had a chance to beat the record. What better way than leaving after she broke the record?
But then Lois bit her lip. She never had the chance to practice the monkey bars and they were long. But it would take thirty seconds off her time…
Lois was not exactly sure what happened next or how her thought process reached that but she just started sprinting to the monkey bars. The only New Recruit who was going to attempt it.
Hearing the gasps of shock from everyone as she began to work her way across the monkey bars, Lois kept moving. She knew if she took too long her arms would get stiff and her grip strength would fail. Keep moving at a steady pace.
She was about halfway through when her sweaty hand slipped. She almost fell right there if her other hand was not holding on for dear life.
"Come on Lois!" she heard the faint cry of Mike. Everyone else was freezing at that. It looked like she was about to fall.
Lois closed eyes and strained in pain. She felt like her shoulder was being pulled out of her socket, she could feel her grip was slowly slipping.
At that moment Lois gritted her teeth and narrowed her eyes. She wasn't going to give up just yet. Gently using her momentum she swung forward enough to extend her free hand to grab the next bar. Kicking her legs like a bicycle, she was able to propel herself forward.
Lois could faintly here the cheering of her fellow New Recruits. She was going to make it. Lois landed on the other side and bent over taking a deep breath. Her arms felt dead and for a second felt like she was going to be sick.
"What are you doing? Keep moving!" Lois heard Barda command.
Lois remembering she had a few obstacles to get through and took off. She still had to pass the log.
As she climbed up the ladder to the thick log Lois felt her grip cramping. The monkey bars did outdo her. Sweat was pouring all over her face and into her eyes, causing it to sting a little. Lois could feel her hands shaking.
But she wasn't going down. Not today. Not when she was so close…
She reached the top and began to run across the log. She knew if she took her time that nightmare she had last night would pop up and mess with her nerves. Got to be fast…
At that moment Lois made a misstep and slammed onto the log awkwardly. She didn't have time to pull herself off as she slid to the side.
She was using all of what little strength she had left to stop herself from falling. She tried but she was at muscle failure, she couldn't pull herself up. She didn't even hear the surprised gasps and groans of disappointment.
Lois sighed in her head as she kicked and struggled to pull herself back up. Figures she would pass the monkey bars but fail this again. It would be a matter of seconds before she slipped and fell to her doom. She hoped Booster Gold would try to break her fall again.
But at that very second, Lois couldn't help but for some reason and turn around. There was a tall green man standing in the back. J'onn J'onnz was watching her again. Looking into his orange eyes Lois felt warm. She knew he was a telepath but it was like he was just communicating to her with his eyes. Letting her know she could do it. She was going to make it.
With new found determination Lois grunted as she started relying on pure will power to pull herself up. She was already at muscle failure so she needed to call in extra help.
"UNNNGGHH," Lois grunted as she pulled herself on top while hearing in the background of many sighs of relief.
She wanted to just lay there and catch her breath but she knew she didn't have time. Getting up she ran across the log. Before she knew it she on the other side. The finish line was almost there.
Lois kept on sprinting, not caring that she felt cramps all over side or that she was going to cough up blood, she just kept running, her feet digging into the ground.
As she reached the finish line she shouted at the top of her lungs which still felt like they were on fire…
"TIME!"
The minute she broke the plane of the finish line she collapsed. She couldn't go on anymore. She felt like her whole body was destroyed beyond repair. She was gagging badly. Lois was surprised she hadn't coughed up a lung yet.
"Are you alright kiddo?" Booster Gold said as he offered to help her to her feet.
"Yeah…" Lois said weakly as she coughed. "What was my time?"
"Uh I don't know yet…" Booster Gold said and he looked down to the lower level. Barda had her faced scrunched and was looking at the stopwatch like it was in a different language. The air was tense and silent. Did she break it? She couldn't have, it was impossible.
Finally Barda seemed to believe in the validity of the watch and muttered out rather angrily, "Two minutes and eighteen seconds."
There was a whole uproar after that. Many New Recruits were going crazy. Lois had beaten the record by two seconds, on her own. Even some of the council members were clapping. Lois saw Mister Terrific and Etrigan were clapping with mild amazement.
Booster Gold whispered his congratulations to her ear and helped her down to the main level. Lois saw Skeets flying by and flashed a red light at her. Lois was sure that was his way of winking at her. She had a feeling it was Booster Gold who told Skeets to help her out. After all, he was the nicest to her.
The minute Lois reached the platform, a mob of New Recruits surrounded her.
"Get back in line!" Barda shouted angrily but no one was paying attention to her. They were all surrounding her until some thought it would be a good idea to pick her up.
"LOIS! LOIS! LOIS!" some began to chant.
For the first time in a while, Lois was beaming in pride. She was happy and confident in herself. She couldn't help but look over to where the Martian was and to her surprise he for once was still there and didn't disappear. He was giving Lois a smile.
The head of the Justice League was smiling at her, beaming with pride. Lois smiled back.
The only ones not celebrating with the rest of the New Recruits were Ally and Rex. They were off in different corners doing their own thing. Lois didn't expect any more from them and she didn't care.
"Alright New Recruits!" Mister Terrific shouted. "Let's line it up!"
Reluctantly all the New Recruits managed to form one long line and stood straight.
"You all passed. We are proud of you," Mister Terrific explained. "Give yourselves a hand. You've passed the seminar."
Many New Recruits started letting out cries of joy.
Mister Terrific chuckled.
"You all are still motivated. That's good. We got a surprise for you," Mister Terrific explained.
Everyone went quiet at that listening with anticipation.
"In celebration of passing the seminar, the rest of the day there will be a party for you guys in the cafeteria. Plenty of food. Now go and clean yourselves up! You don't need us to shepherd you around anymore!"
"Can we talk outside now?" Stead asked nervously.
Mister Terrific grinned.
"Of course."
For some reason that seemed the best part. It wasn't the banquet or that they could walk around the Watchtower themselves now, it was they could talk again.
"What are you waiting for? Go clean up! You all stink!" Barda ordered angrily.
All the New Recruits scrambled out. Some things never change…
000000
Lois was wolfing down a burger with Mike next to her. Rodynus and Zach were getting into a petty argument over something stupid across from them.
"You did a good job," Mike congratulated Lois.
"You weren't so bad yourself," Lois remarked.
"Yeah but you broke the record, by yourself, without powers. That's pretty cool."
Lois just smiled and looked to the side. Ally was no longer the Queen Bee and was eating by herself. There was no sign of Rex either.
"Where's your roommate?" Lois asked even though she had a feeling where Rex was.
"He said he didn't want to come. I tried but he snapped at me…" Mike explained.
Lois rolled her eyes.
"Forget him. He wants to be Mister Lone Wolf go right ahead."
"New Recruit Kent!" shouted a harsh female voice. Lois stood straight up and Mike did as well. Rodynus and Zach ceased their petty chatter and scrambled to their feet.
Barda was eyeing Lois with a little disdain.
"The Martian Manhunter wants a word with you," Barda explained.
"What?"
"You heard me, come!" Barda snapped.
Lois looked at the three boys at her table unsure as the tall woman led her away. Did they find out about her sneaking out last night? Where they going to kick her out now? Wait why should she care? She was leaving tomorrow anyways.
Wordlessly Lois followed Barda lead her down the endless maze of the satellite. They were in an area she never was in before. Lois felt her heart rate picking up this couldn't be good.
To Lois's surprise Barda spoke to her as they passed by a strange looking door. Actually spoke, not yell, like a decent human being.
"I usually don't say this but…" Barda winced in pain. "Good job today Kent."
Lois was taken aback. Barda was actually complimenting her? Haley's comet appeared more frequently than that.
"Uh thank you m' am?" Lois responded unsure.
"Don't get too comfortable. I'm going to always demand better from you," Barda snapped. "You just raised the bar for yourself."
Lois sighed. Barda would always be Barda.
Finally they approached what looked like a dead end.
"Wait here," Barda said before turning around.
Lois was going to ask where here was because it seemed she was just at a dead end but Barda was already gone.
Feeling tired and sighing Lois took a seat on the ground. She didn't care if it made her seem lazy; she earned the right to sit down.
Her superhearing began to pick up something. It was faint and it seemed like it was blocked but she was able to make out two voices. They were muffled but Lois could pick up a few words. Words like CADMUS, Doomsday, Bludhaven, and Gotham…
Gotham?
When Lois heard that word she immediately recognized one of the voices. It was Batman. Immediately she stood right back up. She didn't want to give him an excuse to say how unfit she was to be here. She was actually hoping she would see him. She could let him know she wasn't afraid of him anymore.
The wall behind her rose up revealing it was a door disguised as a wall.
A figure in black stepped out as the door hissed shut behind him. Batman froze upon realization Lois was standing in front of him looking surprisingly stiff and professional and looking at him directly in the white eyes of his mask.
"Kent…" Batman muttered.
"Hello sir," Lois said a little patronizingly.
She could tell that annoyed him a little.
"Watch your tone Kent. I've heard you actually are the new record holder for the obstacle course?" Batman asked with disbelief. Like she somehow had cheated on the test.
"Uh yes sir," Lois said. "I just did it by myself."
Batman glared at her.
"It's kind of funny because I went over the security feeds last night and noticed they were turned off in the training room. Also it appears the door to the obstacle course was unlocked."
Lois felt her heartbeat pick up. She should've known he would've found out. But she wasn't going to admit to it. Instead she put on a confused face.
"Maybe it's some technical problems sir?" she asked.
Batman leaned in to her.
"You may think that because you passed one test that you've impressed me, well think again. It takes a lot more than being a meta or running an obstacle course test to be part of the League," he snarled. "You haven't proven to me you are worthy of being here still."
Lois felt her temper rising. She would never be good enough for him.
Thankfully Batman already passed her and left. Good. Another few seconds and she would've snapped.
Lois then looked at the wall that Batman had exited out of. It was shut again. Taking a breath to calm herself down, Lois walked up to the wall and nervously rapped on it.
"Come in," said a soft voice as the wall lifted up. Lois stepped inside and gasped.
She seemed to be in a museum of random stuff. Multiple machines and odd devices where everywhere. Devices she were sure weren't ever seen on earth. She was staring at a rather odd looking one that was an iron cylinder and growing green.
"That's a transconscious articulator. Very advance Martian technology," a voice explained.
Lois jumped and looked to see that the Martian was sitting at a desk. For some reason she didn't see him because she was distracted by all the things in his room.
"I'm sorry…Mister Martian sir! I didn't see you…"
J'onn waved his hand at her.
"It's alright Ms. Kent. Please take a seat."
Nervously Lois sat down in the chair in front of his desk.
"Did you get enough food to eat?" the Martian asked offering her a tray of Oreos. Lois was a little surprised by that gesture.
"Uh...yes sir," she responded uncomfortably.
J'onn just smiled at her and put the tray down.
"I guess you are wondering why I brought you here."
"Yes sir," she answered quickly. Unlike Batman or Barda he was intimidating in a different way. Like he was a parent you didn't want to disappoint.
"Well first I wanted to extend my congratulations personally to you. That was no small feat you just did today. Your parents would be proud," he explained.
Lois gave a fake smile. Of course it was always about her parents being superheroes.
"You know, I saw them in you today, especially on the monkey bars and the log," J'onn mentioned.
That piqued Lois's interest. For once people were actually referring to her parents as human beings not some blank slate superheroes?
J'onn chuckled on the look of surprise in her face.
"I understand you aren't used to people talking about your parents as Clark and Diana Kent and rather Superman and Wonder Woman."
"Yes, other than my Uncle Wally I've just been hearing how powerful they were."
J'onn chuckled.
"Your parents' greatest strengths weren't their powers but their hearts. Your father despite having powers of a god was the most human of us all. Caring, selfless, honest, optimistic hopeful…"
J'onn stared off into space.
"He really loved his adopted home. As for your mother, she was sweet, kind, and fierce at the same time."
Lois couldn't help but smile slightly at that.
"Yes your mother did have a little temper and wouldn't take crap from anyone, but still she was a sweet soul and would see the good in anyone. I usually don't admit this but I really do miss her…"
Lois shifted awkwardly in her seat as she saw how sad J'onn was looking.
"I'm sorry, I went off tangent," J'onn remarked before smiling again. "The point is today I saw your parents in you on that obstacle course. You have your father's refusal to give up and your mother's stubbornness and pride. "
"Really?" Lois asked unsure. She usually thought of herself as shy and not confident.
"I know you don't believe it but today you showed that like your parents, your greatest strength isn't your powers, but this," J'onn said while pointing to her heart. "You clearly belong here."
Lois flinched uncomfortably.
J'onn sighed.
"I take it you plan on leaving?"
Lois groaned. She should've known better than to think a mind reader wouldn't catch it.
"If you are wondering, I didn't read your mind. I would never without permission. I'm just really good at picking up body language," J'onn explained. "May I ask why do you want to leave?"
Lois sighed, might as well come out with the truth.
"Because I don't feel like I belong here. I don't like having powers I can't control, being identified as an inheritor of a legacy, or having to deal with all the work that goes in it. I feel I could be more effective back on Earth as a reporter like I wanted to be."
J'onn pressed his fingers together.
"I won't force you stay here Lois. Let me just ask you one thing; how did you feel when you passed that obstacle course test today?"
Lois paused. Happy would be an understatement. She was ecstatic, proud with herself. She felt like she could take on the world. Like there was no limit…
And then an understanding reached her. She did have the strength to do it; she just needed to believe it.
J'onn smiled.
"I promise you, the life of a superhero is difficult and hard, but there will be times you will have moments like that and it makes it all worth it. You do have the confidence and inner strength Lois; you just need to believe it."
Lois paused. What the Martian said was true. Maybe it would be nice to stick around a little longer. But still, she didn't really want this life…
"Well I don't want to keep you. We got the closing ceremony for you graduating New Recruits tomorrow. Off to bed…"
Lois was about to go but something was nagging her. She remembered the weird dream she had last night. She didn't want to be pushing her luck with a superior, but she was nonetheless curious. J'onn was a mind reader, maybe he could help.
"Sir, I have a question actually."
"Go right ahead," the Martian smiled.
"Well I had this nightmare last night…"
"Understandable being here is stressful…"
"Yes I was having a recurring nightmare that I've had as a kid about a man in black but this one was different."
"How so?" J'onn asked with trepidation.
"Well I don't remember much other than there was a giant robot man. It scared me and it seemed so familiar and I never saw it before."
Lois saw the Martian understood something. His eyes were closed and he was rubbing his forehead.
"Sir? Does it mean something?" Lois asked nervously.
"I take it you heard how your parents died?"
"Well from what I've learned in history, they died in the CADMUS conflict. Didn't the Luthor-Brainiac hybrid kill them?"
J'onn nodded.
"But they didn't go into detail on it. Like how they killed your parents in their own home or how they would've killed you if the Justice League hadn't arrived…"
Lois was feeling shocked. Never in all those times did she hear about the CADMUS conflict did she think she would've witnessed it. Immediately things were starting to click in her head. The giant she saw was the hybrid.
"So was that Luthor-Brainiac in my dream?"
J'onn sighed. "Yes. It appears some memories from when you were a baby reappeared."
Lois was feeling a little angry that no one had told her this.
"Why didn't anyone tell me?"
J'onn looked at her guilty.
"I guess a lot of people like your Uncle Wally and I still feel like we need to protect you and forget you are now a grown woman…"
"Protect me?" Lois asked unsure. "Luthor's gone, isn't he?"
J'onn bowed his head.
"The hybrid christened themselves as Legion. After Legion killed your parents, we managed to banish them into another realm at no great cost. The League lost a good mage, Zatanna Zattara…"
"Zach's aunt?" Lois asked with surprise.
J'onn nodded.
"Yes we banished them but couldn't destroy them. Brainiac before he became part of Legion was always almost impossible to destroy."
"So is he-they coming back?" Lois asked nervously.
J'onn shrugged his shoulders.
"I can't say for sure. No one knows. All I can promise you is they will target you Lois. Both Brainiac and Luthor held grudges on your father. "
Lois didn't know what to feel. She felt like she being treated as a weapon, a weapon ready to destroy Legion. Immediately she felt betrayal.
"So this is why you want me to stay in the League?" Lois asked angrily. "Is this what you've all been preparing me? Have I been raised to just be a weapon or bait for the League?"
J'onn shook his head.
"No Lois, no. I can promise you no full time member of the League was watching over you when you were growing up. We respected your parents' and uncle's wishes. And I can't say for certain Legion will return. He might not return at all. Remember we didn't make you join, you always had a choice."
Lois felt her temper abated. Something about J'onn's voice was soothing. What he said was true though. No one made her do anything.
"I can understand if you definitely don't want to stay with us and we won't force you. Just bear in mind though, you do belong here and you could be something greater than you anticipated."
Lois sighed. Why couldn't she just have her normal life again? She made to leave again but there was one more thing nagging at her. Someone didn't think she belonged here. She had started to wonder why that someone was even allowed on the council, let alone the League.
"Sir… I actually have one more question…"
"What is it Lois?" J'onn asked tiredly.
"Well it's about Batman…"
"Ah, yes. Batman does have a habit of not getting along well with other people. Rest assured though, he does care about the League and I can vouch that you can trust him…"
"But he seems to hate me for no reason! He seems to abuse his power and relish it and doesn't care that not even the others don't like…"
"You watch your tone Lois!" J'onn warned, startling Lois. She never believed he would get that angry.
"Batman has his own methods of teaching but I will not tolerate anyone speaking unprofessionally about him. Take my word that he really does care about the League and all you New Recruits."
Lois was going to try to bring up more examples of how out of line Batman had been but thought against it. It wasn't worth it.
"I'm sorry sir…" she croaked weakly.
J'onn shook his head.
"Don't apologize to me. If there's anyone you should apologize to, it's Batman."
Lois groaned inwardly. She rather work out with Barda than apologize to Batman.
"Now it's getting late and you got a big decision to make. I trust you can make it back to your bed. Off you go!"
Wordlessly Lois turned around and walked out of the office, still unsure what she was going to do tomorrow.