Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice!

Chapter 13

Today was August 27th and was currently early morning. There had been reports of a giant mud creature walking around and causing havoc. Bullets didn't seem to work or any physical attacks for that matter.

Batman and Robin were called in to deal with the new villain. Especially when that creature was delivered in canister to the Wayne Foundation and attacked Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson.

At that time, I was at the Wayne manor for an annual check in.

Well, that was the half-truth.

After the death Kent and after his funeral, I was 'ordered' to stay with Bruce, Alfred, and Richard. Bruce implied that Alfred wanted to see me since the last time I had come over was early July.

Although I didn't particularly mind coming over and stay at the Wayne Manor, I had a feeling Bruce wanted me over so he could keep an eye on me.

In case I didn't do anything drastic, that is. My cats seemed excited to be coming with me sine they immediately made themselves at home.

Moving back onto the new villain, I was still 'healing'. However, it didn't mean that I couldn't act as backup.

Nothing seemed to work and explosions didn't work. Out of instinct when I helped any innocent bystanders out of the way, I was in the line of attack. After discharging a large amount of electricity to make me feel drunk, the creature backed off and disappeared into the sewers. I found it hilarious when I helped Batman and Robin when the two were dripping with what looked to be mud.

Now Batman was working on find the right frequency for his Tasers to take down "Clayface". Apparently, after figuring out that Clayface seemed to be affected by my electrical discharge and how Clayface was mostly in a fluid form, electricity seemed to be the right way to go.

I was ready to go out when the Team was ordered by Batman to track Clayface and keep him occupied while he worked on the solutions.

However, I was immediately benched. After being stubborn, I was told to watch from behind and interfere when necessary. Grumbling but agreeing, I watched and cringed when I saw Clay-face take on the form members of our team individually and using it to trick everybody. Using my small drone (courtesy of Batman) to help survey, I kept updating Batman.

I had only one drone to control as using more would be difficult. It was smaller than the commercial drones that I had saw, with a much smoother and compact form. This allowed it to be very mobile and silent but also very limiting. Better now than ever to try this out, as it could prove useful in the future.

I told the team that Clayface was able to change form and could be impersonating one of us. However, it was hard to tell one and the other apart. It also didn't help that Clayface was quickly learning the team's personality and their weaknesses.

I didn't say it out loud but Conner was trapped by Clayface who was impersonating Miss Martian. Then it was Miss Martian who got tricked when impersonating Superboy and calling her gorgeous. Then KF falling for the same trick with Clayface impersonating Miss Martian at a premise of a kiss. It would have been embarrassing to tell them how they were exactly brought down…

After telling Robin that our three teammates were down and he could be impersonating as KF. I thought after telling Robin that, we would be able to subdue Clayface long enough for me to get back into the fight but I was wrong. There were suddenly two KFs and I thought the real one was among them but it was both Clayface and got attacked from both sides.

I kicked at myself for falling such a move. Of course, Clayface was able to maintain two different forms.

At that point, I decided to intervene from my spot and while keeping track. My drone had gotten spotted by Clayface and was dying on me. Clayface had seen my drone and had hit it several times. Now I had to guess through blurry images and broke connections.

I was just in time to see Clayface slamming Aqualad into the wall, effectively taking him down. I saw Clayface about to give the finishing blow and I felt my chest get tight. My hands blazed with electricity and I shot blasts of energy at Clayface who screeched. I winced at the power of the aftershocks; notifying me that I wasn't back to proper form.

I continue to launch volley after volley while moving to the side. I hoped by doing this, Clayface would move away from Aqualad, which he did, and allow me to concentrate on facing the opponent. Clayface started to dodge my attacks and tried to blast me. With mud.

Clayface had also started to go offensive on me and I was trying to stall for time. Then when Clayface raised his anvil shaped hammer onto me, I was prepared to shoot a stronger discharge until glass broke above us. Immediately backing away and shielding myself from the raining glass, Batman flew down and threw two explosive batarangs into Clayface's arm.

It exploded and when Clayface tried to hit him, he flipped back and shot a Taser. Sensing the stronger discharge then his previous Tasers, Clayface screamed as electricity coursed through his body and lost his form.

Sighing in relief, I nodded to Batman before running over to Aqualad.

"You alright?" I asked, worriedly.

"I'm fine" replied Aqualad before I scrunched my face. I did not like how he said that.

"Sprite, find the team and gather them back here" ordered Batman.

Turning my head towards him, I nodded and returned my focus onto Aqualad while helping him up. Squeezing his shoulder, I went to find the rest of my unconscious teammates. My chest hurt and I clenched it.

Did I overuse my powers? Or was it that I wasn't fully healed? Or…maybe it was what Aqualad was feeling right now.

After rounding everyone up and heading over to the nearest Zeta tube back to the mountain, everyone was covered in mud. I tried not to think we were covered with Clayface's flesh but I couldn't help shudder.

After arriving back into the Mountain, Batman spoke. "I need to talk to Aqualad. The rest of you hit the showers and head home."

"Head home? I am home" said Superboy.

'No need for the attitude right now, Superboy. Come on, we better get Clayface's….mud off us.' I thought in distaste before placing a hand on his shoulder. I gently steered Superboy off to the showers and was about to follow suit.

I stopped when Robin stayed behind with Aqualad and heard Batman say "Just Aqualad"

We all looked at each other before me and Robin walked together. Walking beside each other, we looked back at Kaldur'ahm.

When we were out of earshot, Robin immediately started to grumble. "Just Aqualad…." He grumbled, "So what? I'm his partner, I should know what's going on"

I just walked beside him as we headed for the showers. "Don't be like that. Kaldur'ahm has been…distracted as of late. No doubt Batman has been noticing this like I have."

I saw Robin give me a frown and I sighed. Placing my hand on his hair, I gently massaged it before patting his back towards the men's shower. "Come on, we better be clean before we head back home. Agent A isn't going to be so pleased when we leave mud on the carpets"

Robin gave me a smirk and I smiled.

After getting ourselves cleaned up and freshened up, I was dressed in black and red striped sleeved shirt with a purple ombre sundress on top and jeans and converse. Tying my hair into a pony tail, I waited for Batman and Robin before we headed home. Adjusting my bag that held my other clothes, I felt a tug.

On instinct, I started to follow the tug and came across Kaldur'ahm. He sat at the kitchen, deep in thought. I stared at him before walking over.

It was only when I sat next to him that he was aware of my presence.

"Avery" he said in surprise while looking at me.

"Hey" I grinned at him before we fell into silence.

I fiddled with my fingers before I heard a sigh. "May I ask you a question?"

I shrugged. "Sure" I said.

He hesitated, "Did you know about…my lack of focus?"

I hummed in thought before nodding. "It wasn't obvious but you have been…slipping."

Kaldur'ahm sighed and I frowned. I pinched his cheek and his face morphed into surprise. "Stop sighing, you're going to lose all your air"

Kaldur'ahm gave me a small smile as I squeezed his arm. "I take it you will be going to Atlantis quite soon" I said, tilting my head.

He nodded as I nodded back. "Okay" I said, my lips smacking together.

Silence fell onto us again. I could feel the rolling emotions that were starting to build inside of Kaldur'ahm. Closing my tired green eyes and images started to appear. I could see beautiful structures with sea creatures and life around. Beings of both human and sea creatures and then came a boy with black hair. I could feel the emotions of happiness and the close connection. Then appear a girl with what appeared to be red hair. She had freckles on her face. She was pretty and…then the emotions hit me. I felt it once before but this was more intense before.

Opening my eyes, I could feel my emotions being riled up. I didn't know which emotions were which but there would be time for that later.

"Will you go back to Atlantis?" I asked softly, almost too afraid to break the atmosphere.

Kaldur'ahm spoke with a slight pause.

"I will…go back to Atlantis" he responded.

"Temporarily or Permanently?" I clarified.

"Temporarily. I will return back to the Team" he said with conviction. I merely nodded, unsure what to make of things.

I hummed but I could sense the hesitation in his voice. "I take it you're going to confess your love then" I said with a small smirk while stretching my arms. I could feel my bones popping.

Kaldur'ahm snapped his eyes at me in surprise as I smiled, "Don't look too surprised. Remember, Kaldur'ahm I can sense emotions. The more intense the emotion is, the harder it is for me to ignore it. Besides, you have the face of a man in love. I've been living for 18 years now so I know a thing or two about love."

'Although I have never fell in love' I thought to myself.

I smirked as Kaldur'ahm was opening and closing his mouth before I burst into short laughter. Kaldur'ahm's face was red with embarrassment but he gave me a small smile. It was adorable.

"You should go. Then we'll see how things turn out" I said after recovering.

Kaldur'ahm looked at his hands then at me. "I want to offer you to join with me to see Atlantis and introduce you to the people there-"

I gave a tired smile. It wasn't as that I didn't mind accompanying him to Atlantis, there were things holding me back.

I folded my arms together and placed them on the countertop. Laying my head on my arms, I continued to look at Kaldur'ahm.

"Although there has been a theory that I could breathe underwater by oxidizing the water into oxygen…I still have a fear of drowning and the ocean" I reminded him.

Kaldur'ahm nodded meekly. I placed my frail hand on his larger and calloused hand as I squeezed it. He gently squeezed my fingers as I spoke softly. "Kaldur, just be yourself. If all things go well then I will be happy for you but if things don't, I will always be here if you need me."

Kaldur'ahm was silent as he spoke, "In truth, I am slightly afraid."

I gave a short smirk before lifting my head up. I placed an arm around his shoulder and rubbed his left arm. I felt Kaldur'ahm flinch and stiffen but he quickly relaxed.

"Being afraid is natural. It is nothing to be ashamed of. You'll be fine" I reassured him with a grin.

Kaldur'ahm looked at me worriedly but there was resolve in his eyes.

I smiled as I tapped my finger on his nose. "Boop"

Kaldur gave me a smile as I giggled.

With that, we went our different ways.

I saw Wally grinning from head to toe as he was talking animatedly with Robin; who had a stiff grin on his face, and I could see the speedster almost blurring. "-and there's going to be tons of food, cake, and ice cream!" said Wally.

I walked forward to the duo as they saw me coming. "What's got you so excited today Wally?" I asked as I had my hands in my pockets with one cat in one of my arms and the other curled around my shoulders.

"Oh hey Avery. Today's Grandpa Jay's birthday! The entire family is going to get together for dinner to celebrate and it's going to be great!" explained Wally as he grinned.

I grinned back, "Oh that's right, today is Jay Garrick's birthday. Tell him I said Happy Birthday" I said with a smile. I had met Jay Garrick on some occasion and from what I remembered, he was a very nice man.

"You know you could come to, Avery. I'm sure it would be even better if you came" offered Wally.

I shook my head as my cat meowed but didn't jump off. "I'm good. Besides, this is a family event; I'm just an outsider. Also, it's not often speedsters get together in one place without being on a mission."

Wally rubbed his chin in a thoughtful manner, "Technically you are a speedster so-"

I ran out of the room at lightning speed while being chased by a speedster who traveled the by the speed of sound. I did my best to dodge from Wally's grip and we only stopped once Batman appeared. After returning back to the Wayne Manor and getting myself dressed in more comfortable clothing, I saw Alfred.

"Good evening, Miss Avery" said Alfred while giving me a warm smile.

"Hi Alfred" I greeted before hugging him. The dedicated butler patted my back in grandfatherly manner as he placed his hands on my shoulders.

"Do you need any snacks before I prepare dinner?" asked Alfred, curiously.

My stomach growled as I blushed sheepishly. Alfred gave me a knowing smile as I nodded, "If that's not too much trouble."

"Not at all, miss. I am glad you are eating well" he said as we both headed to the kitchen.

Alfred prepared me some fruit and one of his chocolate chip cookies as I nibbled on the snacks. I may not have the metabolism of a speedster but I did have a faster metabolism then most. This required me to eat at every two hours; depending how much I ate at that time. It wasn't like I could starve to death like a speedster might face but I would feel drained.

Thanks to my metabolism though, I was always thin. Even though people have told me that it was a good thing, I assure it is not. I couldn't build up muscle easily without sticking to a particular diet and regime and I was underweight than the average. Let's just say I haven't reached 100 pounds at my age.

And being a superhero required me to have enough muscle and weight to hold my ground against villains.

My cats decided to grace their presence and meowed at Alfred who smiled at them before gently scratching them. They purred and melted under his touch.

"You are a man to be feared Alfred. Truly terrifying" I told him.

Alfred chuckled and I grinned before he poured me a cup of warm milk. "Those are the words one would say to Batman" he said.

I shrugged, "You're both pretty amazing in your own way" I said and took a sip of milk. I drank it without stopping and lowering it; swallowing the liquid. I gave a satisfied sound, noting the taste was creamer and knew Alfred must've bought milk with higher fat content, and wiped my mouth with a napkin before piling my dishes and putting them in the sink.

"Thank you for the snack, Alfred."

"Anytime Miss Avery. Will you be going to Master Bruce or Master Dick?" he asked curiously. I thought about it and I sighed.

"Probably Richard first. I have to talk to Bruce later too."

"Oh? Why is that?" asked Alfred as he set down the tray and gave me his full attention.

I felt touched and pressured by that. "Uh…before we left the Mountain, Richard wasn't in a good mood. Of course Bruce doesn't mean it but Richard feels a bit…betrayed?" I said confused.

Alfred nodded as if he understood what I was saying- which would be no big surprise- as he picked up the tray of tea. "I trust Master Bruce and Master Dick in your hands then, Miss Avery"

I blushed as I trailed after Alfred, "I don't see how people trust in me so much"

Alfred stopped before he gave me a warm smile, "Miss Avery. It's not as if we don't trust enough in you, it is the question whether you trust in yourself?"

I thought about that when I went into "my" room and decided to change clothes; just in case Richard needed some type of 'outlet'. I wore a thin black turtle neck with a purple tee shirt with a lightning bolt on it with dark blue leggings over some sport shorts. I zipped my red hoodie halfway through before grabbing some of my stuff.

Richard came out of his room dressed in some workout clothes as his blue eyes looked at me. I smiled at him as my cats followed me around. "Going to train?"

With that, I was sparring with Richard using hand to hand combat. I rolled to the side and swung my leg at him. Richard prepared for the blow but my feet stopped at his neck.

"It seems not just Kaldur'ahm is the only one with his head not in the game" I said before lowering my feet down.

Richard immediately frowned as he growled. He look off to the side and I held up my arms. Richard did the same and faced me, reluctantly. We stood in front of each other as we practiced move to deflect attacks at a slow pace as I spoke.

"You're angry" I said as Richard spoke nothing. "At Batman"

Richard frowned even deeper as I knocked his arms to the side and the tips of my fingers were pointed at his forehead. "You think he doesn't trust you"

"I'm his partner, Avery!" argued Richard as he sat on the floor angrily.

I sighed through my nose before kneeling beside him. I hugged him and he had his face in my chest. "You always have been. You have to understand though; Batman does trust you but even he has matters he has to deal with alone."

Richard said nothing before I looked into his blue eyes, "Batman had to say something Aqualad because he had too. It was something private which wouldn't be appropriate for anyone else to hear."

Richard deflated as a small amount of guilt and understanding filled him. "I guess…"

I stared at him and studied his face. Deciding not to broach the subject further, I gave a grin before giving him a noogie.

Richard laughed and we were tumbling all over the training room as we both tried to tickle each other in submission. When that didn't work, we started to do a friendly spar with each other before the door opened.

We looked to see Alfred at the door as he cleared his throat. "Master Bruce wishes to see you" he said.

Richard gave a frown and didn't seemed please but started walking out the room with me trailing behind them. I had both of my cats in my arms as we followed Alfred. We stopped at the door which I remember to be where the small basketball court was and when Alfred opened it, a basketball bounced towards Richard.

He caught it as he looked at Bruce, "What's this?" he questioned.

"Training: Hand eye coordination" said Bruce as he wore workout clothes of his own. He had a small smile on his face as Richard started to grin.

"One on one?" he asked.

"If you think you can handle it" Bruce challenged.

Richard laughed as he moved first. Alfred and I watched both Richard and Bruce play one on one with each other before Richard got the ball through the hoop first and he cheered. Bruce smiled before they started to go at it.

I looked at the butler as we both showed a smile before watching the duo play like a normal father and son playing basketball with each other.

I didn't know when it happened but some time that day, I felt an ache in my chest. It wasn't painful but I couldn't help grip it.

"Are you alright Miss Avery?" asked Alfred as he saw the gesture.

I gave him a small smile, "I'm fine, Alfred. My chest has been feeling tight, just a bit."

"Should I prepare some medicine for you?" he asked.

Medicine? Since when- never mind. I shook my head and scruffed Chairman Meow's neck. "No, it's alright. Nothing to worry about…" I said, drifting off a bit.

Mrs. Friskers, my other cat, burrowed her way through my hoodie and acted as my personal warmer, purring along the way.

I felt a bit better thanks to her.

A few days had passed and I was still a guest at the Wayne Mansion. Batman/Bruce still benched me out and made me watch when I came along; only intervening when necessary (which was almost zero) and I kept Alfred company when I didn't come along for patrols. However, most of the time I was getting ready for university, drawing, and among other things.

My cats explored the entire mansion but would often keep me company. Every morning I woke up, I kept feeling my chest and continued to feel uneasy. There were some parts of my body that seemed out of place but I remember the signs if something bad was going to happen. Feeling scared, I decided to tell Bruce, Richard, and Alfred as a pre-caution.

It was during breakfast that I decided to tell them. After eating half-way from stack of my pancakes and my eggs, I sipped some of my tea to wash down the food. My throat felt drier than usual but that was probably my nerve. "Um…Bruce?"

"Hm?" replied Bruce was sipping his coffee while reading today's paper.

"Uh…lately my chest and parts of my body have been feeling a bit… unusual" I said.

Richard immediately looked at me with wide eyes. Bruce had lowered his paper and stared at me with his observing stare; probably searching for any external signs of an incoming attack. Alfred gently placed the tray down on the table before walking over. He placed a hand on my forehead and checked for signs.

"You don't appear to be having signs" said Alfred. "You are also not any paler than you usually are"

Bruce lowered his coffee cup down, "Do you want me to take you to the doctor?" he asked calmly.

I shook my head and picked up my hot piece of bacon. "N-No. Not really…I mean nothing has happened yet and I know the signs when something wrong is going to happen, but I just felt like I should tell you" I said, my voice getting weaker as I spoke.

I nibbled on my piece of bacon while Bruce continue to observe me. After a while, he merely nodded and returned to his breakfast but I could tell he was thinking. Richard gave me a worried look and I gave him a smile to reassure him. However, my own smile didn't feel right.

Within those few days, I was informed that Atlantis had suffered an attack by Black Manta on the day that Kaldur'ahm had went to visit and the same day when Aquaman was called in for a League business. Apparently, there was an attempt to take a frozen creature from an unknown period in time but long story short it was destroyed. What was left of the creature was just a small portion of it but it was still growing. However, with the research facility in Atlantis under repairs, the small organ was taken into STAR labs for research…in Gotham.

I could hear one of my brothers; Adrien who worked at STAR labs, screaming and groaning at the new pile of work that was up ahead.

I visited the Mountain and I spent some time getting to know about M'gann and Superboy more. At first I tried with them together but I felt a type of…emotion between the two of them that made me feel giddy which confused me.

It was only after staring at the two (in a very awkward manner) I realized I was watching the ever blooming emotion and one of the most powerful emotion of all….Love.

I face-palmed myself and was basically covering my face the entire time. The feedback was almost dazzling and it was hard to process it all.

"We have a mission" said Robin. He had placed his hand on my back and effectively diverted my attention onto him.

"Like right now?" I asked, alarmed. I didn't prepare enough to be sent out immediately.

"Soon" said Robin with a grin.

Sighing in relief that I had some time, I got myself changed and checked my supplies. Feeling pleased at how stocked I was, I started to make my way to the debriefing room. To my surprise, I saw Kaldur'ahm as our eyes made contact.

He gave me a small smile and I could see new found determination in him. I gave him a small smile back before we gathered around Batman for the debriefing of the mission.

"The Watchtower detected an immense power surge in the Bialyain desert-"

"Are you alright?" I whispered to Kaldur'ahm while facing Batman and half-listening to what he was saying.

From the corner of my eye I saw Kaldur'ahm nod before whispering back, "Yes…Yes I am. Thank you, Avery"

Glancing at him, I moved my hand to his arm and gave it a reassuring squeeze before they returned to my side.

Note from me: Hi, everybody! First of all, thanks for reading, following, favoriting, and reviewing this story! It means a lot. Second of all, updates will now be on Fridays/Saturdays. So be sure to look forward to having weekly updates!