With Brett
In all secrets there is a kind of guilt, however beautiful or joyful they may be, or for what good end they may be set to serve. Secrecy means evasion, and evasion means a problem to the moral mind. ~Gilbert Parker
In the shadows, that is where he stood. His hand was currently wrapped around the butt of a sword, his eyes squinted as he waited for his target to come. Noise filtered the air, and Brett stood up taller. A man, who was probably in his mid-fifties, came around the corner and into the alley.
"There's a hole, there's a hole, there's a hole at the bottom of the sea," the old man sand drunkenly. He couldn't walk straight, and his feet stumbled along the dark concrete. Brett stepped out of the shadows. For a reason he knew nothing about, his master, Ra's Al Ghul, wanted this man to die.
Brett raised his sword as he started walking behind the man, and just as he was about strike, the old man turned around and grabbed the sword, shoving it backwards and into Brett's armpit. The young eighteen year old struggled to breathe for a split second as the older man turned to roundhouse kick him in the face. Brett ducked, holding onto the ground for a lifeline.
"You hired you? Deathstroke or Ra's?!" The old man snapped as he went to bring his foot down on the currently bent over Brett's chest. Brett knew not to reveal anything, and rolled out of the way and under the man's leg. He swiped his legs underneath him, and the old man fell down.
The older gentleman brought his legs up and kicked Brett over him, where Brett decided to do a front flip. Just as Brett thought he had the man cornered, the man flipped Brett and pinned him to the wall. Brett struggled in the man's grasp for a second, before realizing that the man had much more training than he did.
"Let's see how your night goes from here," the man sneered. He put his hand in his pocket for a swift second before pulling out a handgun. He pointed it at Brett, whose eyes widened. Oh fuck me. Brett thought as he squirmed a little more. He closed his eyes and leaned his face against the wall. He was not afraid of death or the pain that comes along with it, but he doesn't want to see the satisfaction on the man's face as Brett's life fades away.
Boom! Brett heard the sound, no doubt, but he didn't feel any pain. He couldn't open his eyes and his world was all black, but the grip of the man on his shoulders was gone. Brett stayed in place for a split second, before peeling open his eyes. The man lay dead before him, a pool of blood lingering onto Brett's combat boots. Brett looked up at the rooftops, and the sight made anger boil up inside of him. Standing on the roof above him with a sniper was none other than the Red Hood himself.
"Son of a bitch," Brett grumbled. He looked down at his feet and kicked the man's arm off of his boot. He looked back up to see that the Red Hood was gone. Sighing, he bent down to pick up his sword and dispose of the body. Walking half of a block wasn't that bad for Brett if it hadn't been for his limp, but he tossed the man over his shoulder and into the bay, watching the man sink with the bricks tied to his feet.
"Well, it still is a mission accomplished," Brett said as he stared at the water below. "But I'm getting answers from Hood," Brett added as he turned around and started a scout of the small town. You can't just walk into Hannah's life one time and think that you are now part of this Todd.
Gotham City
When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. ~Henri Nouwen
Linda played with her phone as she sat at Starbucks, waiting for Chase to arrive. She didn't feel like she had to dress up, so she was sitting in grey sweats and a white loose tank top, her hair in a high bun. She had earbuds in her ears and was currently listening to music. She looked up when the seat across from her shifted and saw Chase sitting down, putting his leather jacket across the rim of the back of his seat.
"Hey Chase," Linda greeted as she took out her earbuds and passed Chase his coffee. She took a sip of her own iced coffee, and glanced at Chase.
"Hey Linda, how have you been lately?" Chase asked politely as he stared right past her and at the door. Linda sighed as she realized that he had no idea really how she looked currently. She pushed the thought aside and smiled at Chase.
"Actually really good. The place where I'm at has really nice people and they all seem to like me," Linda admitted as she pushed a strand of her hair away and behind her ear. "How is the team doing? Are they scared of me?" Linda whispered as she leaned forward so the people around wouldn't hear what they were talking about.
"They aren't scared of you… they are weary of your actions though. Tomi doesn't want you back on the team, but that's just Tomi. He doesn't trust females as much as males," Chase said as he sipped his coffee. Linda rolled her eyes. She knew that Tomi trusted AJ, Elaine, Phoebe and Siobhan. It was just her that he didn't trust. The only one on the team with a sensible mind. He has every right not to trust me. Hell, he has the right to sprinkle holy water on the ground I walk on.
"Ah, well, Joker has done some really horrible things to this world, somebody needed to put him in a body cast for a few months," Linda stated. Chase smirked.
"You're right. You should give one of us a warning next time around though," Chase added with a chuckle. Linda rolled her eyes and gave him a fake laugh. Just then did Chase's phone ring and he answered it.
"Everything alright?" Linda asked as she leaned forward to maybe pick up a few words on the conversation. Chase batted her away with his hand, and Linda rolled her blue eyes.
"No, I'm at Starbucks.. no I am not going to go back to base in a few minutes… honestly I'm hanging out with a friend… okay bye," Chase hung up his phone and pocketed it. "I swear Elaine has me on a ten foot leash," Chase admitted.
"Was it something important?" Linda asked with curiosity. Even though she wasn't allowed to go on any missions, it didn't mean she couldn't go on a patrol and just happen to be in the same area as her team. With her quiet nights, she pretty much found a loop hole to all her current problems.
"No, the team is just going to the beach and she wondered if I could pick up some hotdogs," Chase said as he rolled his misty eyes. Linda nodded and finished off her coffee.
"You don't want to hang out with them?" Linda asked as she raised her eyebrow. She stood up as did Chase, and threw her cup into the trashcan.
"Not really. I was hanging out with you anyway," Chase said as he flashed her a smile. Linda smiled and pushed his side, making him stumble. Chase, you really are my favorite member on the team. Linda peered outside. "So what exactly do you want to do now? This is your territory after all," Chase asked as he held his coffee in his hand, his jacket draped over his arm. Linda placed a finger over her chin.
"I don't know…" Linda trailed off. She couldn't suggest a movie or going to watch the little kids' karate class, so she walked beside him in silence. She glanced up at the other floors of the mall and smirked. "Actually, let's go laser tagging." One thing she was sure he knew how to do—shoot.
"You are going down," Chase said as Linda grabbed his arm and pulled him up the stairs.
Russian Base
In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on. ~Robert Frost
Luna sat down on the couch in the living room area. Avon was still gone and late last night Brett was pulled to do a mission for Ra's Al Ghul, so the living room area was empty. Just as she was about to press the on button for the television, Jack, Rosalyn and Leilani stumbled into the living room shouting.
"I'm fine!" Leilani snapped as she sniffled. Her face was puffy and her hair was matted to her forehead in sweat, even though she was shivering. A dark purple blanket was draped around her shoulders as she walked around in her pajamas.
"Oh really? Say Toy Boat three times fast!" Jack insisted. Leilani glared at him as she sat next to Luna on the couch. She sneezed roughly, taking a wad of tissues from her robe pocket. "Oh yes, perfectly healthy. What do you have to say Rosalyn?" Jack asked as he mimicked a doctor. Leilani flicked him off.
"I say bed rest for at least the rest of the day," Rosalyn added with a smile. Luna glanced between all three of them with wide eyes. Mia came into the living room stumbling around on her crutches and looked at Luna.
"Luna, you are needed for a mission," Mia said with a smile. Luna stood up, almost knocking down the sick Leilani in the process. Leilani stood up as well and took her blanket and robe off.
"Alright, where are we going?" Leilani sniffled. Mia chuckled at Leilani.
"Oh you and Rosalyn and Jack have a different mission. Your guys' mission is to stay here and take care of Leilani," Mia said with a smirk. Rosalyn and Jack laughed as they sat down on the couch, pulling down Leilani with them. "Come on Luna, we'll just grab Brandon and then we can leave." Mia turned around and Luna caught up to her quickly.
"How are you supposed to be doing a mission with a broken leg?" Luna asked as she arched her eyebrow. Mia smirked as she trudged along.
"I'll be doing the tech stuff from the jet to help you guys out," Mia stated. They came up to the training room, where music was blaring. They both looked at each other before opening the doors and walking in. Daft Punk's song Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger was coming through the speakers. "Brandon?" Mia asked above all the noise. She didn't see him anywhere, but his stuff was on the floor.
"Yeah?" Mia and Luna both looked up to see that Brandon was sitting in the rafters with his foot over the side. He was holding something none of the girls could see. He placed it down by his side before grabbing the edges of the rafter and hanging himself upside down.
"Oh, um, well we have a mission," Mia stated with a stutter. Without a word, Brandon released his legs from the rafter and fell down right in front of them, landing on his feet. "Alright, let's get going," Mia said with a chuckle as Brandon turned off his music for them to get going.
Mount Justice
The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choice less as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea. ~Anne Morrow Lindbergh
"Hurry up guys, how else am I supposed to be a sexy bitch?" Phoebe teased as she strutted into the living room in her bikini and regular clothes. Her bikini was dark blue with white polka dots on it, and over that she wore her regular clothes which consisted of jean shorts, a red loose tank top, red converse high tops and a red baseball cap. Her blonde hair was in pigtails at her side.
Tomi came out from the kitchen with a cooler. "Oh cool it Manson. I swear you are one of the most impatient people I have ever met," Tomi said with an eye roll. His trunks matched his usually current mood, and matched that of Phoebe's outfit. His dark reed trunks hung loosely around her waist.
"You know what Tomi, get your trunks out of your ass," Phoebe retorted as she stuck her tongue out. She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against the wall. "I want to keep up being the lighthearted one here, and you are always crushing my vibe!" Phoebe complained in a light tease like voice. Just as Tomi was about to say something, Elaine walked out with her hair up in a high ponytail.
Alayna came rushing in after her, struggling to put on a black tank top over her black Batman bathing suit. "But honestly, I can't believe they did that! It was so unnecessary and I hope the writers know they will be hearing every complaint from me," Alayna said towards Elaine, who looked like she couldn't be bothered to listen. Tomi snickered at the girl's antics. He put his arm around Elaine's shoulders.
"Come on you Evil Carebear, let's go outside and soak some vitamin D," Tomi said with a smirk. Elaine shoved his hand from off of her. He smirked. "Come on AJ!" He yelled. No sooner had he called out that AJ came walking in with sunglasses on top of her head, standing next to Siobhan who held a book in her hands and a towel.
"Alright guys, so I'm not saying we should go and have fun, I'm ordering it. After the mission with the Joker, I think we all need to let loose," Elaine said as she threw her arms up in the air, giving everybody a big smile. It seemed the entire team cheered.
"Wouldn't Linda be the one that needs to let loose as you say?" All heads turned to Siobhan, who looked up at everybody with serious eyes. She crossed her arms over her chest and watched as the towel dangled from her forearm. Elaine looked at the younger girl without saying anything.
"Well Siobhan, you have to remember that Linda is on leave right now. She is letting loose in her own way," AJ said as she crouched down to Siobhan's level. The action that came next seemed foreign as Siobhan scoffed at AJ's remark.
"Even though most of the time I am intrigued by your adult ways, I should inform you that when somebody is told they can't come back doesn't mean they are relaxing," Siobhan said with a flat face and an equally flat voice. AJ looked down at the girl for a second before extending back out.
"I swear you are a genius kid," Phoebe said through a whistle. She chuckled awkwardly, her hand behind her neck. She looked at her wrist as if she had a watch on, which she had not, and faked a gasp. "Wow would you look at the time! We should really get going to the beach or else Aquaman might close it!" Phoebe said as she dashed out. Siobhan rolled her eyes.
"Aquaman does not close down the beach, people do," Siobhan muttered as she followed behind Phoebe, her book clutched in her hands, making her knuckles turn white. Elaine raised her eyebrow at Alayna.
"Don't look at me, I'm not going to college to become a psychologist," Alayna said with a smirk. Elaine's eyes bulged, and her lips formed a smile.
"They accepted you?" Elaine said with a smirk as she clung onto Alayna's forearm. Alayna nodded her head and Elaine squealed happily. "I knew they would! I told you Alayna! This is so awesome! We have to talk more about the details!" Elaine smirked, her eyes crinkling at the edges.
"I swear we will! Now let's go to the beach," Alayna cheered as she stopped to help Tomi with the other side of the cooler. "Alright guys, let's roll out!"
Laser Tagging with Chase and Hannah
I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun. ~Charles R. Swindoll
Hannah rounded the corner, her eyes serious as she nearly tip toed around. Her vest weighed her down, and made a rustling sound against her clothes. "Come out, come out wherever you are Chase," Hannah mumbled quietly. Grateful that they were the only group there, Hannah didn't have to be on the lookout for other people. Damn it Chase, where the hell are you?
"Boom!" Chase yelled as he jumped in front of Hannah, shooting his gun and rolling out of the way. Hannah's vest lit up and sparked red, a wailing sound going on around her. She crossed her arms over her chest as she waited for her period to be done so she could shoot again. As it flashed green, she darted in the direction Chase ran too.
"I got you now you little fucker," Hannah whispered as she saw the side of his body from around the corner. She made her move around the wall and shot, his vest flashing.
"Crap!" He screamed loudly as he stood up and ran away. Hannah gave herself a little victory dance. "You know what Linda, for somebody who only uses a Bo Staff as a weapon, you should really pick up a gun or something," Chase mumbled angrily as he ran. Hannah stopped dead in her tracks. She looked down at her gun and just stared at it. … Chase, you have no idea…
The buzzer for the end of their round went off, and Chase walked from around the corner, taking his vest off. Hannah copied his actions, making her way to the front, Chase closely behind. "Hey, wait up, Linda!" Chase stated as he jogged up to her.
"Chase, I really have to go now, the people who I'm staying with need my help for a case," Linda said as she rushed out, shoving the gun and vest to an employee who was standing at the door.
"Alright! Good luck! I had fun, we should do this more often," Chase admitted from behind Hannah. Hannah sighed and rubbed at her eyes. She continued walking, nearly running towards the car Bruce let her borrow.
Russian Base
There is one consolation in being sick; and that is the possibility that you may recover to a better state than you were ever in before. ~Henry David Thoreau
"I swear to God Leilani, Jack and I will find you!" Rosalyn hissed as she stood in the middle of the living room screaming. Just moments before, Leilani had snuck off saying that she didn't need their help, but Rosalyn knew better. "Come on Lei! You won't get better if you are hiding in a dark and cold place!" Rosalyn screamed again. Jack ran into the room.
"Any sign of her yet?" Jack asked with a frown over his frown. Rosalyn shook her head with a sigh. "Come on Leilani! Don't be one of the people I enjoy killing!" Jack threatened. No sound came after. "Alright Leilani, if you want to play this the hard way, I'll play," Jack mumbled to himself as he took off his black sweatshirt. Rosalyn couldn't help but stare.
Holy shit, God had sculpted this boy well. Rosalyn blushed at her own thoughts, shaking them out of her head. Underneath Jack's jacket, he had worn a green flannel shirt opened up to a dark purple T-Shirt that clung his body tightly. Jack dashed out of the room, Rosalyn chasing behind him.
"So what rooms have you already checked?" Rosalyn asked as her hair flown behind her as she ran next to him. Just before Jack could answer, music quickly went on and off again from the training room, followed closely behind by somebody cussing quietly. Jack gave a smirk towards Rosalyn, who returned the favor. They both busted through the door to see Leilani struggling to completely turn off an IPod.
"Oh my God, is this Daft Punk?" Jack said as he chuckled, listening to the beat of the background. Leilani growled as she quickly shut it off, no longer worrying about them catching her.
"How the hell should I know, it's Brandon's IPod?" Leilani growled. Jack smirked.
"He still has an amazing taste in music," Jack stated. He moved up towards Leilani. "Alright, are we going to do this the easy way or the hard way?" He teased. Rosalyn watched from the doorway as Leilani crossed her arms over her chest. The next thing that happened came by so fast Rosalyn had to do a double check. Jack had flung Leilani over his shoulder fire man style.
"Put me down you asshole!" Leilani screamed, but made no real effort to be released. Rosalyn sighed as Jack started to walk towards her.
"Stop being a little bitch, you were the one who refused to come with us nicely," Jack stated. As they made their way towards the living room, Rosalyn made her separate way towards the kitchen to start making three separate cups of mint tea. From the living room, you could hear Leilani screeching as Jack wrapped her around in a blanket.
"Alright, you win, now what?" Leilani asked with a fake smile. Jack huffed out a breath, before taking out pills from his back pocket.
"You take your medicine and I put in a movie for all of us to watch," Jack replied as he stood up and made his way over to the giant television screen. He ducked down under in search of all the movies, and pulled out a box worth. Jack smirked as he took out the first movie, and he placed it to the side.
"Alice in Wonderland? Aren't we a bit too old for that?" Leilani said with a roll of her eyes as she opened the top of the medication. Rosalyn came out with the teas, and handed one to Leilani, placing the other two on the coffee table. Jack turned around and gave Leilani a smile.
"Oh I hate the movie, the book, the characters and the everything. I was just going to hide it and see how long it would take Brandy to find it." Jack turned around and picked up the cover for a completely different movie. "We are actually going to be watching Monster's Inc.," Jack said as he put in the movie. He came to sit on the couch next to Leilani, and Rosalyn sat next to him, scrunching the boy in the middle. Rosalyn turned to her side and placed her legs on his lap so her back was against the armrest.
"Have I ever told you I love the way your brain works," Rosalyn said with a smile as the movie started. Jack gave her a devilish smile, and gave her a little wink as well.
"I can do much worse, girlie, and you haven't even seen me out of my three year old side," Jack teased.
Wayne Enterprise
Make the most of your regrets; never smother your sorrow, but tend and cherish it till it comes to have a separate and integral interest. To regret deeply is to live afresh. ~Henry David Thoreau
Luna glanced sideways at Mia, who was piloting the ship. Luna sat from her co-pilots seat, watching as the young girl smiled at herself periodically. "Why are you smiling so much?" Luna gathered the courage to ask the other girl. Mia took her eyes off the control panel for a second to eye Luna happily.
"No reason. We are about to land, so I guess you can go and wake Brandon up now," Mia said as she hummed herself a little tune. Oh that's why she is so happy, her boyfriend finally went to sleep. Luna thought with her own smile. She stood up and opened the door, seeing that Brandon was indeed asleep as he sat in his seat. She watched him for a second as his chest rose up and down steadily. He looks so peaceful in his sleep. Luna smiled and made a move to shake him awake. She barely grazed his arm when his eyes popped open and he stood up, rubbing his eyes which were now red.
"Oh, well we are about to land, so I think we should get going," Luna called out as she stood up straighter. Brandon stretched his arms over his head and gave a yawn as his first response. He picked up his book bag from the floor and slung it over his shoulder.
"Alright, you coming?" Brandon asked as he handed Luna a grappling hook. Mia opened the door to the cockpit, and looked out towards them.
"We are just over Wayne Enterprise. I can shut down the electricity now. You have ten minutes before cops should arrive. The file is in the basement for some new technology piece, good luck guys," Mia said with a smile. Brandon tossed Luna her grappling hook, before opening the doors and jumping out. Luna gave a smile towards Mia. "Be careful Luna," Mia said.
"I will," Luna replied as she jumped out as well. She raised her arm over her head as she shot her grappling hook at the edge of the jet so her landing wouldn't be rough. As her rope finally tied around the edge, her feet planted on the rooftop. Just as that happened, all the lights went out at Wayne Enterprise.
"Over here," Brandon called out from the opening of a vent shaft. Luna sprinted to his side, before he climbed in and started making his way through. "Get the flashlight from my bag, please?" Brandon asked politely. They both stopped and Luna unzipped the back of the bag before pulling out a flashlight and giving it to Brandon.
"There you go," Luna said as she zipped the bag back up. Brandon turned on the flashlight and started moving again. As they went deeper into the vents, the wall space started to get smaller. Just then from the comm links, Mia's voice rang out.
"Okay, so when you guys make it to the basement, the file is going to be just done processing on the main computer," Mia stated. "You guys have eight minutes before the police arrive," Mia reminded. Just then did Brandon stop in front of Luna, and grabbed the edge of the shaft and falling down. Luna quickly followed suit. It was a while before Luna's feet touched something, and she was sure she went down at least eight floors.
"How many more floors until we reach the basement?" Luna asked as she saw the light of the flashlight moving on ahead. She followed ahead, and the buzzing sound of the comm link turning on again flooded her ears.
"The vents won't lead you towards the basement, they go all the way down to the first level. From there you open the shaft and make your way downstairs. Plainly you both just skipped the chaos of all the workers scrambling about while you were in the vents. Ten more floors," came Mia's answer. Luna blew her shaggy short red hair out of her face.
"Drop ahead," Brandon said as the flashlight went up towards the ceiling before dimming to a nothing. Luna grabbed the edge of the shaft yet again to start falling once more. This time Luna was sure that they had made it towards the ground floor. "This way," came Brandon's voice as Luna followed the echo. She came to where Brandon's gloved hands were against a shaft opening.
"Alright, go for it," Luna said as if he needed her to tell him so. He thought nothing of her command as he pushed the screen out and it clunked to the ground below them. He jumped out, and Luna quickly followed.
"Okay Mia, we are in the stairwell, we just keep going down right?" Brandon asked as he had his finger to his ear.
"Affirmative," Mia concluded. Luna broke off into a run ahead of Brandon as she ran down the steps. Brandon came sliding down the railway, going ahead of her. Just as he reached the bottom, Luna reached the last step. Without even glancing at one another, they opened the door to the room to see a giant military looking room.
"Holy crap," Luna said in awe as she looked around.
With Brett
Affliction comes to us, not to make us sad but sober; not to make us sorry but wise. ~H. G. Wells
Alright Todd, quit being a coward and show your face. Brett thought bitterly as he looked around the rooftop he was on. He held binoculars in his hands, going in front of his eyes periodically. His sword had been discarded towards his Hollister, and he glared around, looking for the Red Hood.
"Looking for me?" A rough voice said from Brett's immediate behind. Brett spun so fast on his heels he was afraid he would get whiplash.
"Todd," Brett's voice leaked out of his throat like poison, shooting in the direction of the older male's body. The Red Hood stood there for a second, his arms crossed over his chest. His black bullet proof vest was revealed, even though he had on a dark brown leather jacket. His name not in vain, but Jason had what seemed to be a Red motorcycle helmet on.
"You needed me? I mean I thought you wouldn't want to ask for anymore favors since I saved your ass from that old guy a few hours ago," Jason teased as he took a step forward, hovering over the young boy. Brett sneered.
"I didn't need your assistance, Todd," Brett hissed again. He put his binoculars back in his Hollister, his eyes never leaving Jason's face. Jason put his arms up in defense.
"I apologize. I really thought you needed my help the way you were preparing to die back there," Jason sneered as he stepped around, circling Brett twice before stopping. "What are you even doing here Brett, this isn't your jurisdiction," he commented.
"This isn't yours either," Brett retorted. Just as Jason started to chuckle, Brett shoved him into the wall ahead of him. "You know what asshole, I don't know who you think you are, but just because you had a five minute conversation with Hannah doesn't mean you are now a part of this," Brett said. Jason growled, shoving Brett off of him.
"You know what, you don't even know half the story," Jason said. Brett raised his eyebrow.
"Oh but you do? Please enlighten me how your one conversation with Hannah has led to you knowing everybody's plans?" Brett asked with a slight attitude as his voice started to rise in volume. "Because I would really like to know what the hell is going on around here," Brett added as he shoved Jason back into the wall. Jason shoved Brett back.
"I know one thing for sure is that Hannah asked me to watch over you guys since her little punk of a boyfriend doesn't give a rat's ass how she truly is doing," Jason yelled back. Brett's hands went ablaze. "And don't even bother about lying kid! You flat out ignore her every time she is crying for your own amusement!" Jason snapped.
"That's a lie! I care about her more than you can ever dream of!" Brett said. That had crossed the line for him, and Jason took a swing at Brett, punching him square in the jaw.
"Instead of being a little bitch going woe is me, why don't you actually meet up with Hannah and ask her how she truly has been. She doesn't care about just being alive Brett, and I don't think you knew that," Jason hissed as he jumped of the edge of the building. Brett regained his footing and ran towards the edge, but Jason was already gone.
"Son of a bitch!" Brett screamed as he punched the brick wall towards his side. He immediately regretted when his hand went aflame, and his blood came out from his knuckles. "Crap," he muttered, holding his injured fist. "I should just go back to the base," he said. He took out his grappling hook and jumped off the side, going to the nearest Zeta-tube.
Happy Harbor Beach
The tragedy of life is in what dies inside a man while he lives - the death of genuine feeling, the death of inspired response, the awareness that makes it possible to feel the pain or the glory of other men in yourself. ~Norman Cousins
Siobhan sat on top of her white towel, her head hung low as she read her book. The breeze around her made her hair fly to the side, so she recently took Phoebe's baseball cap and put it over her hair so she could read more comfortably. Sometimes the screeches of laughter around her distracted her from the words on the page, but she wasn't mad that the others around her were happy.
If they can be happy, I can be happy. Siobhan told herself. Siobhan sighed though and she looked at the others as they played water volleyball. Canary told me to participate more… Siobhan stood up from her towel, placing the book down. She sighed. This is it. Siobhan took off her white baggy T-Shirt to reveal her bathing suit and she made her way to the ocean. As soon as the others saw her, they smiled and invited her to play.
"Come on Sio!" AJ cheered. "You can be on our team!" Siobhan moved through the murky water towards the people she counted as her friends and family all at the same time.
I can participate. I don't need help either. Siobhan told herself. She stood there next to AJ in the shallow water. Participation.. normal.. you can do it.. Siobhan hit the ball that came her way, scoring. AJ and Phoebe cheered, going in to hug Siobhan before stopping. Siobhan opened up her arms, and the two girls looked at one another before screaming and hugging the younger girl, picking her up onto their shoulders.
"Go Sio!" Phoebe cheered as she tapped the shaping of her own baseball cap which was still on Siobhan's head. Siobhan smiled, before slipping down back into the water. She landed on her butt before giving out a soft chuckle.
"Guys, I think the hamburgers are done!" Alayna called from her spot on the beach in front of the grill. All the members of the team struggled to get out of the water to get their food, and AJ patted the back of Siobhan's back.
"We're all so proud of you Siobhan, you really don't have any clue on how much you mean to us," AJ admitted with a smile. Siobhan nodded in response, even though she really just wanted to sit there and cry at the older girl's words. Siobhan made a move towards her towel to get her Bat shaped plushie.
"Come on, hurry up Siobhan!" Tomi called out with a smirk. Siobhan ran over to the others, giving a look back towards her book. Participation.
Wayne Enterprise
It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely. ~Albert Einstein
Brandon swiped the file, holding it in between his pointer and middle finger. He took the file and put it inside the small pouch in his book bag. He checked his phone for the time. Shit. They'll be here any second. Brandon glanced at Luna, who was looking at a tank in the corner. "Come on! We need to get going!" He ordered in a rough tone. Luna glanced at him.
"Alright, let's go," Luna said as she turned towards the door. She waited for Brandon at the entrance, and he came rushing back, throwing something small into the room. "What was that?" Luna asked in slight alarm.
"It erased the memory of any cameras that might have been there," Brandon stated in a flat tone as he started to move up the stairs. Luna followed behind, her arms up and prepared for any battle.
"You got the file?" Mia asked after the signature crackles from the comm links. "Because I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the police just entered through the front entrance." Luna looked at Brandon expectedly.
"We got it.. shit how are we supposed to get out?" Brandon said more to himself than to anybody. He took a flash bomb from the side of his bag, and marched up the steps. "Grab my hand now, please?" Brandon asked. Luna gripped his wrist tightly and he busted down the door, threw the bomb and started running through the cries of confusion. The entire room went all white, and Luna couldn't see thing.
"The smoke is clearing!" Luna called out in alarm. Brandon ran faster.
"Tell me something I don't know!" Brandon said in anger. He ran up flights of stairs, and Luna heard the screaming and pattering of feet behind her of at least ten officers. "Shit. Mia get the jet ready to deploy immediately!" Brandon stated.
"On it!" Mia said in alarm. Just as Brandon gave the order, the officers behind them gave their own.
"Freeze!" They shouted. Luna halted for a second, before Brandon continued to hurry her along. "Freeze!" The repeated. "We will not hesitate to shoot!" The lead officer stated. Brandon kicked down the door for the roof, and ushered Luna ahead of them.
"Get your grappling hook and shoot!" Luna said in a panicked tone. Both of the villains shot their respected weapons, and they went around the edge of the plane once again. Without being able to get into the plane before the officers started shooting, Mia went off. The policemen opened fire. Luna screamed as a bullet pierced her stomach, and blood started forming through her costume. She gasped out in pain.
"Shit!" Brandon said as a bullet crazed his shoulder. He glanced at Luna and his eyes widened. From behind, the police could not shoot anymore. Both of them zipped up towards the opening of the jet. "Two casualties," Brandon stated as his hand went to his shoulder, meanwhile Luna had both her arms wrapped around her abdomen.
"Are you guys okay!?" Mia asked in shock. She gasped at the sight of all the blood, and Brandon winced as he answered her.
"I'm fine. We need to hurry and get Luna proper medical attention," Brandon said. Mia glanced at him.
"Aren't you-?" Mia started. Brandon shook his head.
"I'm no good for her or anybody. We need to get Brett at the cave immediately," Brandon said and Mia nodded at the order. Luna sat in her seat stagger breathing as she coughed up some blood. Mia stood there shocked with wide eyes. She gave Brandon a look and he glanced back at her and sighed. "Alright, I can keep her stable until we reach the base. I can't do much though." He opened his bag for medical supplies, and Mia hurried the jet up to go faster. "As awkward as this will sound, I need to remove your shirt." Luna blushed scarlet.
"Brett's at the cave now," Mia said from the cockpit. Brandon nodded her way and took out gauze and disinfectant from the bag. He took out a pair of pliers as well. All the meanwhile did Luna take off her shirt to reveal her pale skin underneath.
"Am I going to be alright?" Luna asked as blood dribbled down her chin. Brandon didn't say anything, but held his hand out for her to grab in case she experienced some pain. As he went to take the bullet out of her stomach, she screamed in agony.
"Is she alright?" Mia asked.
"Yeah, when are we landing?" Brandon asked as he took the disinfectant and applied it toward the wounded area. He took the gauze and unrolled it around his hand.
"Landing in less than a minute," Mia informed. Luna's eyes started to dance and she saw black spots coming in her line of vision. "Landing now!" Mia yelled. The landing was rough and seemed as though it held no prior experience. Mia jumped from her seat and grabbed her crutches from the side.
"Open the doors," Brandon said as he picked Luna up bridal style, wincing when he had to move his shoulder. Mia opened the door and they all rushed out, Mia screaming everybody's name all at once. Jack, surprisingly, was the first one to run around the corner and see the situation.
"I got Luna, Brandy, Mia take him for me," Jack ordered as Brandon handed him Luna. The girl was limp and her eyes were closed. Instead of letting Mia touch him, Brandon ran after Jack, calling over his shoulder telling Mia to call Avon.
Mia took out her IPhone and dialed Avon's number, but he didn't answer his phone. She tried again, and it led straight to voicemail. Mia gasped over tears she didn't know threatened to spill out. She dialed again, running after the others towards the med bay.
"He's not answering!" Mia screamed out to the others.
"Keep trying, Damnit!" Brett screamed at Mia. Mia dialed over and over, but kept leading straight to voicemail. What's wrong with Avon? Why isn't he answering his phone? Is everything okay with him? Questions flooded Mia's head, but she couldn't focus on just one. Her fingers trailed over Hannah's old number and she screamed in frustration.
"We need you!" She yelled, tears coming out of her eyes.