To Be a Hero
OMG! TWO HUNDRED REVEIWS! This is the largest number of reviews I've gotten on any of my fics. You guys are AWESOME XD!
To My Reviewers:
Anime hotty lover.18: Yes she is, and I'm glad you like it.
Molly Grace 16: I'm actually kinda glad you caught it. Since I hinted at her being at the end of chapter eighteen. She was the person in Lex Luthor's limo.
Inu-Hanyou2016: Yes yes, I know.
GreenDrkness: Kikyo died in 'Welcome to the Justice League', yes. However, I purposely didn't say anything about her being dead in 'this' universe. The rest of your questions will be answered in this chapter.
MoonlightWolf16: Oh my gosh, thank you so much and you're most welcome.
sverhei: That it does...that it does.
chibi-Clar: Ha ha, yes. It's all 'whelming,' but I'm glad you liked it.
Kitsune's Den: Let me explain my way of thinking. To me, Kikyo is and always will be Kagome's nemesis. Just like Superman has Lex Luthor and Batman has the Joker, their foes always have a deep hatred towards them. Kikyo fits that profile for Kagome. So, in my eyes anyway, Kikyo's presence is not only convenient in a universe where Kagome is a hero, it's a necessity.
Hellcat4life (Guest): Thanks, I'm glad you like it. Hopefully I answered your questions in the previous responses.
I would like to thank all of you and shadowlord559, for your amazing support. Now, on with the show!
Disclaimer: No own Inuyasha. No own Young Justice. Do own Karin, Hitomi, Riku and Kou`ki. No sue.
Chapter 21: Out In The Open
Watchtower: The Next Day
Kagome stood next to J`onn in the green house of the Watchtower. The other Justice League members held a meeting on how to handle her actions with the tengu. J`onn was excused from the meeting since Kagome was his spouse, which would have made his his opinion biased when they voted on what to do with the miko.
"It's been almost an hour," Kagome said with slight worry. 'At least I didn't kill them,' she thought to herself, although she was still irritated that the tengu were still alive. A few hours ago, Sesshōmaru had informed the Justice League that Daiki and Hayate had escaped from his grasp. It was pure luck on the tengu's part, but the yōkai lord figured that Daiki and Hayate had gotten his message: Attack my family again, you die.
It was by that fact alone, that the heroes didn't make Kagome resign from the League right then and there.
However, they could still make her.
The miko was fidgeting nervously from the suspense. J`onn grabbed Kagome's hands into his, which made her turn her gaze to him, "They know you didn't have a choice," he told her.
Kagome nodded, "But that doesn't change what I almost did...I'm not going to lie, if you and Sesshōmaru hadn't have come, I would have."
"I know," J`onn interrupted, "I did the same for our daughter all those years ago too, remember?" the Martian reminded her of how close he'd become to killing Inuyasha for taking Karin when she was six.
Suddenly, Batman came into the room, interrupting the married couple's conversation. "We're ready for you," he told Kagome.
The miko nodded, and took a deep breath to prepare on what her teammates had decided.
&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&
The Cave: Twenty Minutes Later
Karin was hunched over as she sat on the couch in the Sitting Room, tapping her foot irritably.
Conner, who was sitting next to her, wrapped his arm around her in comfort. "Just be patient," he told her, "Your mom said she'll come when it's all over."
"Haven't you learned yet? Patience isn't one of her strong suits," Riku told the Boy of Steel, from the other couch.
Riku and Hitomi ended up staying the rest of the night in The Cave. Mainly to postpone the wrath of their parents for going on the rescue mission with The Team.
Karin straightened up and leaned into Conner's shoulder, "And you're not so enduring either, if memory serves me right," she lightly teased her boyfriend. "And can you blame me. It's less than a day and I'm already going mentally crazy from that stupid mandatory leave Batman put me on because of my 'traumatic experience.'" Karin said using air quotes. She had tried to convince the Dark Knight that she was fine after the whole Daiki ordeal, but he once he gave the order she had no choice.
"It's only temporary," Conner reminded her.
"Yeah, you'll be back kicking ass before you know it," Hitomi added.
"Promises, promises," Karin retorted.
Suddenly, the zeta tube announced new arrivals, "Recognize Batman 02, Miko 08, Martian Manhunter 04, Sesshōmaru Tashio A01, Shippo Medea A05, Rin Medea A10, Kouga Hayashi A07."
Riku and Hitomi both gulped at the sound of their parent's names.
"Team report to the Mission Room," Batman said over the intercom of The Cave.
Karin and Conner got up from the coach and went directly to the Mission Room.
The adults looked cool and collected once the rest of The Team arrived.
"As you know," Batman began to tell the protégés, "This Team disobeyed my direct orders to stay put in The Cave."
The Team looked down ashamed.
"However," Batman continued, "Miko has informed me that she had a hand in helping you in your endeavor to save Moriko. Therefore, she will receive the full punishment."
"What?" all the girls of The Team said in disbelief.
"That's not fair," Wally stated to the Dark Knight.
The Team would have continued their protest if Batman didn't silence them with a Bat-glare. "The Justice League has already decided the consequences of Miko's actions," the Dark Knight concluded.
Karin looked at her parents nervously, "Which was what?"
Kagome gave her daughter a small smile, "Probation and temporary reassignment."
The Team let out a sigh in relief that Miko wasn't kicked off the League.
"Reassigned to what?" Conner asked the League members.
"Aiding Red Tornado as the Den Mother to The Cave," J`onn answered, with a relived smile.
"Only if you guys can stand to have me around," Kagome teased, before M`gann and Karin cheered and hugged her at the news. Kagome didn't mind her new assignment, since she had been wanted to show The Team her appreciation for their help in finding Karin.
"As for you two," Shippo said looking at his daughter and Riku in accusation. "You both are grounded."
"Oh, come on!" Hitomi said in disbelief.
Riku was just as livid, "That's not fair."
Kouga shrugged at his son, "Hey, you're either grounded or you do survival training in the mountains, pup."
"That doesn't sound so bad," Riku said, considering the training option.
"With your mother," Kouga finished, while folding his arms and gave an evil smirk.
Riku's eyes widened in horror. His mother may have looked innocent but she knew how to train tough wolf yōkai warriors. "I'll take the grounding," he chose quickly in fear.
M`gann gave a small giggle at Riku's actions. The young Martian didn't know why she hadn't noticed before but the young wolf yōkai was pretty cute. 'And strong,' she thought in admiration.
Hitomi gave innocent watering eyes towards her parents, "Don't I get an alternative?" she asked whole battering her eyes, "Daddy. Mommy."
"Don't you go kissing up to us," Shippo warned his daughter.
Rin was more affected by her daughters cuteness and went to her daughter side to wrap her in a one arm hug, "Oh Shippo, can we really punish our daughter for saving your sisters life."
"And endangering hers in the process!" Shippo reminded his wife.
"Hitomi was a true asset to the mission," Kaldur suddenly interjected, "In fact, they both were."
The kitusne looked at the Atlantean, "Who are you again?" he asked, wondering why the boy was so defense of Hitomi.
Batman cleared his throat to interrupt the conversation once more. "If I may, I wasn't finished informing The Team of Miko's full assignment." Everyone was silent for the Dark Knight. "Since Moriko is on temporary leave, she will use this time to train with Miko on her new abilities."
"What new abilities?" Artemis asked confused.
Karin turned to her friends sheepishly, "Umm, my miko abilities," she admitted.
The room was silent for a few moments before the questions started bursting from The Team's and yōkai's mouths.
"You have holy powers too?" Zatanna asked in disbelief.
"How is that possible?" Rin asked amazed.
"It isn't," Shippo said surprised.
"Does this make Karin a priestess too?" M`gann asked astonished.
Kouga laughed, "I knew all her powers couldn't have all come from, dog breath."
Kagome sent the wolf yōkai a warning look.
Robin looked at the League members confused, "What makes you think she has priestess abilities?"
Conner was the one who answered, "Yesterday, Karin healed my injuries. Just like Miko can"
The Team's eyes widened in amazement.
"I still don't understand how you were able to do that, Kar-chan," Kagome admitted still baffled by the discovery. "If you did use any holy powers, your demonic blood would have been purified."
Sesshōmaru snorted at the statement, "Don't be so naïve, miko...If we were to follow that logic Karin wouldn't be alive today." Everyone turned their attention to the yōkai, staring at him in question. "The moment Karin was conceived, the miko's holy powers should have purified all the demonic blood in Karin's body, undoubtingly killing her in the process. Instead, the holy energy bonded with Karin, giving her human blood the power of a miko...You're child truly is a miracle product of two opposite worlds," he told the last part to Kagome.
Wally was still confused, "I still don't get it. Why did her 'miko' abilities appear yesterday? Why not sooner?"
Karin shrugged, not knowing the answer.
Luckily her mother did, "A miko's power comes from within us," she gestured to her heart, "Our feelings is what creates that holy energy. Whether the feeling is bravery, compassion, rage, jealousy or, of course, love. As long as the feeling is genuine and strong, it can unleash someone's holy powers."
Rin brows rose in curiosity, "Well then Karin, just what emotion were you feeling when you were healing Superboy?" she asked innocently.
The Team looked at Karin and Conner with amused knowing eyes, while the couple were blushing ten shades of red.
Kouga got the hidden message easily, especially with the scent of embarrassment was coming from their bodies. "Oh, I think I know what it was," he said with his wolf like smirk. 'Good for you kid,' he thought to Karin in approval.
Rin also caught on with what was going on between Karin and Conner and began to squeal in excitement, "Awww, how cute. When did you two get together?" she asked them.
Shippo wasn't as enthusiastic about what he guessed was going on, "Exactly, what are you doing with my sister?" the kitsune asked in a harsh protective voice at the Boy of Steel.
Kagome rolled her eyes at her son, "Their dating, Shippo-chan."
The kistune's eyes widened in horror, "Like hell they are!" he yelled in outrage.
Karin growled at her older brother in annoyance, "You have no say in the matter, Nii-san."
"I do too," Shippo argued back.
Fed up with the kitusne's disproval, Karin pulled out her blackmail card. "Hitomi-chan's dating Kaldur-san," she accused while pointing to her niece.
Both Kaldur and Hitomi gasped in shock, "Oh, you bitch," the hanyou growled in annoyance at her aunt.
"Only a quarter," Karin mocked.
Shippo gaped at the news, "You're what!" he yelled at his daughter and Kaldur.
Rin was more pleased by the news and kissed Hitomi's forehead in joy, "Oh sweetheart, why didn't you tell us sooner? Oh oh, we should all go out for dinner sometime. I would love to get to know this young man better," she suggested in delight. Rin had secretly worried that her daughter wouldn't find anyone who would love her for who she was, seeing it happen so many times with her older children. She hoped Kaldur could be the young man to do that. 'Something tells me that he already is,' Rin thought seeing the way Hitomi cringed to Kaldur once their secret was out.
Kaldur smiled politely at Hitomi's mother, "That would be wonderful, Mrs. Medea," he replied, causing his girlfriend's mother to smile.
"Don't just ignore me!" Shippo complained, at how all the sudden his opinion on things had no meaning.
"Oh hush," Rin ordered her husband.
The others in the room couldn't hold back their smirks.
Kagome could already tell that her staying in The Cave was going to be very interesting.
&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&
The Cave December 5, 16:37 EST
The next few days were not what Karin had expected. She was so used to harsh training from both Sesshōmaru and the Justice League, that doing miko training was...abnormal.
There was a lot of meditation involved in her new training, to help the holy energy release from her body more naturally. That part was easy for Karin but the rest was more challenging.
When it came to physical combat, Karin always was told to fight with her head first on how to proceed and then follow her heart to see if it's the right decision.
Holy energy was the complete opposite.
Karin has to use her heart first, which infuses the holy energy with her own pure emotion, and then use her brain to decide on how to use it, like healing or creating a barrier.
Right now, Karin was in the Sitting Room on the floor, meditating, while her mother and M`gann were cooking something in the kitchen. Superboy was on another couch, watching static on the television, he didn't want to disturb Karin too much while she meditated but she told him that the static helps her.
At first things were going fine, until a presence caught Karin's other senses. She recognized it immediately, and it took every bit of will power she had to keep a straight face.
The presence was coming closer, being as quiet as possible. This person trying to get the jump on Karin, but she wasn't going to let that happen.
'A little more," Karin urged in her mind, as the presence was now in front of her. "Boo!" she yelled suddenly at Kou`ki, who was camouflaged in front of her.
The four year old was so startled that he fell backward on the floor. "Hey," Kou`ki complained.
Kagome looked up and chuckled at her children. Since she was going to be assigned here, she thought it would be a good idea to bring Kou`ki too. She knew Karin and M`gann missed him like crazy and that it be a good chance for The Team to see him.
Kou`ki sat up from the floor and pouted at his sister, "No fair. You cheated."
Karin stuck out her tongue out at him before tackling her little brother in a vice grip hug, "Now, I've got you. And there's nothing you can do about it," she teasingly threatened.
The little half Martian struggled in his sister's hold before his fingers were released and he began tickling Karin's sides, "Gotcha."
Karin began to laugh from Kou`ki's tickle attacks. "No not that," she said through her laughter, "Anything but the tickle monster."
Kou`ki playfully roared like a monster and continued his tickle assaults.
"Conner," Karin begged through her snickering, "Help me."
The Boy of Steel rolled his eyes, "I have to save you again?" he asked, not being serious.
Karin pouted through her giggles, "Don't you love me anymore?" Conner pretended to think it over. "Conner!" she begged.
"Oh alright," he finally said giving before crawling to the floor and attacking Kou`ki with his own tickle attacks.
Kou`ki laughed as both Conner and Karin began tickling the four year old. "Not fair! Not fair!" he whined and giggled out loud.
"Ha-ha-ha. Revenge is mine," Karin declared as she continued to tickle him.
During the few days here, Kou`ki became very attached to Conner. They were both half alien and half human, which gave them a unique connection.
As the young teens continued their torture on the four year old, something fell out of Conner's pocket.
Karin glanced over and froze once she identified the object.
It was the silver case that Lex Luthor had given to Conner at Cadmus.
The case that held the Shields.
Conner quickly stopped playing with Kou`ki, grabbed the container, and put them back in his pocket.
'Oh you're not getting away that easily, Super-Stud' Karin thought in her mind.
Kou`ki looked up at both of them curiously, sensing the sudden mood change.
Karin tried to think of an excuse quickly, "Umm, Kou`ki do you want to come with me and Conner to walk Wolf and Kirara?"
Kou`ki nodded vigorously.
&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&
Outside The Cave
The two teens watched as the four year old played with the giant wolf and neko. They were far away enough so they wouldn't hear what the couple was talking about.
"Are you still using them?" Karin asked her boyfriend straight out.
Conner gave a heavy sigh, knowing he was going to get an earful from her. "Only when we had to face a super-villain," he admitted.
Karin's face quickly turned to him in shock and she turned to face him, "Why? Conner, you don't need them."
"It helps me with my Kryptonian abilities," Conner explained facing her, "You were there at Cadmus, Karin. You saw what I could do. I was stronger. Faster. I could fly and use heat vision."
She nodded in understanding but still didn't like it, "But you're forgetting what else those Shields made you do...They make you angry."
"I'm always angry in a fight," Conner claimed in defense.
Karin glared at the excuse, "You know what I mean. Those Shields...What they make you feel and do...It scares me, Conner."
"I need them," he tried to explain.
"Did you need them a week ago when you came to save me?" she asked interrupting him.
Conner didn't reply, but the answer was obviously no.
Karin took a calming breath before speaking again, not wanting them to fight. She lightly grabbed his hand into both of hers, "The Shields may unlock your Kryptonian abilities...But they also make you weak by relying on them...Please Conner, don't use them anymore."
Conner sighed, at the request. What Karin was saying made complete sense, but still, "I...I can't make a promise I can't keep," he told.
Karin lowered her forehead to his chest, wishing that he would listen to her. But knew she couldn't force Conner to do anything he didn't want to do. "Then...please be careful...And you don't need you're 'other' father's help to be stronger, you know. You're already strong, Super-Stud," she said trying to lighten the mood.
Conner gave a half smile before he wrapped his arms around Karin's form. This was a request that he could do for her, "Okay, I'll try and be more careful about using the Shields."
"Team, report to Mission Room," Green Arrow said through their com-links, startling them.
"Time to go back inside," Karin called out to Kou`ki.
The half Martian ran up to the teens with Wolf and Kirara following him. Conner lifted the boy up and placed him on Wolf to ride him, which made Kou`ki giggle.
&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&
Once inside the Cave, Karin picked up a familiar scent inside the Mission Room. "Ah man," she whined.
"What?" Conner questioned before he saw why Green Arrow had called them and not Batman.
"Recognized: Artemis B08," the computer announced from the Zeta-tube.
"Just in time," Green Arrow said to his protégé, "Look who decided to join The Team."
Artemis suddenly felt just as whiny as Karin had been, once she saw Red Arrow standing in front of her.
"It's about time," said Wally excited that his old friend was finally joining them.
"Sure," Artemis said weakly, "The Team needed a real archer."
Karin winced at the hurt in her friend's voice. To be honest, she wasn't really thrilled with this decision either. It's not that Karin had anything against Red Arrow, he was a great hero. 'But there just something about him that rubs me the wrong way,' she thought to herself.
"Alright people," Green Arrow said bringing up a holographic screen, "Batman and Robin are on a case in Gotham city, but the Dark Knight gave me a heads-up on some important information. Sportsmaster was spotted coming through Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport."
"In full costume?" questioned Zatanna, "Nervy."
Green Arrow shook his head, "He's in street clothes. It was facial recognition software picked up the ID. It's up to The Team to find out what he's up to."
"All of us?" asked Conner, "That seems like overkill for a shadow job."
"Perhaps a small squad," suggested Red Tornado, "Miss Martian's camouflage abilities seem ideal."
"Actually, I thought the sidekicks could suit-up on this," Green Arrow stated.
Kagome rolled her eyes, "They haven't been sidekicks for some time Arrow-san."
Green Arrow chuckled, "You're right, they haven't. Anyway, Aqualad, Kid Flash, and Red Arrow. I'd say Moriko too but."
"I know, I'm not aloud," Karin complained, "Quit rubbing it in."
"I want in," said Artemis, surprising the adult heroes. "I've logged more hours piloting the Bio-Ship then those three."
Green Arrow looked at his protégé in concern, "Are you sure, Artemis?" he asked, knowing who Sportsmaster was, and still is, to Artemis.
"Absolutely," the female archer answered without hesitating.
Kagome looked at the girl with worry. She understood why Artemis was acting this way and hoped she wouldn't do anything stupid on the mission. 'She shouldn't face Sportsmaster on her own.'
"We have our mission," said Aqualad before he, Wally, Red Arrow and Artemis went to the Hanger Bay.
"I'm surprised you didn't want to go," said M`gann to Conner.
Conner shook his head, "Stakeout's make me crazy.
"He's not happy on a mission unless he gets to hit something," Karin said snickering.
"Hey," he screeched his girlfriend.
"At least we get the night off," Zatanna said relived.
Karin snorted, "Yeah, wait and see how that goes."
&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&
Sitting Room: One Hour Later
Zatanna grumbled in frustration, "I'm going insane here. Even my boredom is bored."
"I warned you," said Karin, "Try being off the field for a week. It's worse."
Kagome shook her head amused by The Teams whining, "If you're that desperate I'm sure Red Tornado has a mission he could give you."
"I hope so," said Conner.
Karin gave a fake pout, "You want to leave me here all alone." Conner gave her a knowing look that he wasn't buying her moping. "Fine," she said in defeat, "More fun for me and Kou`ki."
Her brother smiled at the mention of his name.
"Where's Red Tornado anyway?" asked M`gann.
"He's either in the Mission Room or his room," answered Kagome.
The young adults checked the Mission Room first and sure enough the robot hero was there.
"Hey Red Tornado," Conner said getting the robot hero's attention, "Do you have any stakeouts for us?"
"I do not," answered Red Tornado. "You must amuse yourselves," he stated before he used his powers to fly up to his room above the Mission Room.
Zatanna looked up at the ceiling curiously, "That's Tornado's apartment, right?"
"Yeah," answered Karin.
"But Tornado doesn't eat or sleep or change clothes or anything like that," stated Zatanna
"So?" questioned Conner.
"So, what does he do up there?" asked Zatanna pointing to the robots apartment.
They all looked at one another, wondering the same thing.
Karin walked back over to the Sitting Room, "Hey Kaa-san, we have a question."
"What is it?" Kagome asked, pausing in helping Kou`ki put a child's puzzle together on the coffee table.
"You said Red Tornado has a room. But what does he do in there?" Karin questioned, which made Kagome raise a brow, "No, really. We're curious."
Kagome put her hands on her hips, "Well, what do you do in your room?" she questioned back.
Karin shrugged, "I don't know...Lots of stuff I guess."
"Alright then, mystery solved," Kagome stated, before going back to playing with her son.
Conner, M`gann, and Zatanna looked at Karin with confused expressions. "That's code for she doesn't know either."
Zatanna gave a mischievous smile that would have made any kitsune jealous,"Well there is one way to find out,"she told them through their mind-link.
&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&
The teens waited until Red Tornado announced he was leaving The Cave. That's when they made their move.
"How are we gonna open the door?" asked M`gann.
"Leave that to me," said Zatanna. "Etativel!"she casted a spell to fly off the floor, "Hctah siri nepo!"
Karin smirked, "Well that's one way to do it."
Conner turned to Wolf and Kirara, "Warn us if Red Tornado comes back," he said before super-jumping up to the androids room. Karin followed right behind him by using her yōkai agility.
The teens noticed how for an android, his room was very spacious.
Karin's eyes immediately caught the early winter holiday decorations. There was a decorated and lite up Christmas tree, a menorah, a snowman, presents and other holiday stuff. "That's pretty," she said in admiration.
M`gann found the light switch and turned it on. The room lite up and in the back was an operating table with something on top covered in a blanket.
Something that was shaped like a person.
"Is that what I think it is?" questioned Zatanna.
Karin sniffed, "It's not alive," she said before shaking her head to correct herself, "I mean, organic."
"Then what is it?" asked M`gann curiously.
Conner walked over and yanked the blanket off.
The teen's eyes widened.
On the table was a humanoid robot.
"Uhh, is Red building a friend or what?" asked Zatanna a little uncomfortable about what they found.
"I'm leaning towards or what," said Karin.
Suddenly the hatch reopened and Red Tornado flew inside, "Perhaps you should ask Red."
Conner and Karin looked at each other then looked down at the hatch and saw Wolf sleeping on the floor with a small sleeping Kirara on his back.
"Really?" asked Karin in disbelief, "They only had one job."
Red Tornado landed on the floor.
"All right," Conner said before pointing to the table, "What's with the new bot?"
"I am a robot," Red Tornado stated before gesturing and walking to the table, "This is an android. He is to serve as my alter ego, John Smith, and allow me to download my consciousness so that I may walk among humans, interact and learn."
M`gann smiled, "I think it's a wonderful idea."
Karin nodded in agreement.
"Your approval is appreciated," said Red Tornado, "But your presence is uninvited. Is this a sign of disrespect?" he questioned inquiringly.
"Curiosity," M`gann corrected.
Conner was more truthful, "Boredom."
"Peer pressure," Karin accused while pointing to Zatanna.
The magic wielder wasn't offended by the accusation. "He's actually kinda cute," admitted Zatanna, "But if your goal is human interaction. Evig mih stnap!"She cast a spell that turned the blanket into a pair of pants that was now on the robot. "He needed pants."
"How the hell do you do that so fast?" asked Karin referring to Zatanna being able to speak backwards.
"Practice," Zatanna answered with pride.
&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&
The Cave December 6, 03:21 EST
The Team gathered to hear the debriefing on the stakeout for Sportsmaster. Red Tornado and Kagome were also present
"I need to make one thing clear...We failed" stated Aqualad. "Though the Injustice League is in custody, their allies still scheme and we have learned nothing of their plans."
Red Arrow glared at Artemis, "Gee, I wonder why."
The female archer had separated from the group and tracked down Sportsmaster and his partner Cheshire on her own.
Artemis glared right back at Red Arrow, "Hey, who was the one who found out that Sportsmaster was working for The Brain, Klarion and Professor Ivo."
"Oh yeah that's great intel," Red Arrow said sarcastically. "But one problem, Ivo's been in Belle Reve the whole time. The guards checked, it's the real Ivo not a robot."
"You think I'm making this up," Artemis accused the male archer.
"Are you?" Red Arrow questioned.
Karin glared at the male archer, "She isn't lying."
"And how do you know?" he asked harshly.
"Cause I can smell a lie and she's not lying about what she saw," Karin assured.
Red Arrow snorted, "Oh yeah, because you're senses are so reliable."
Conner stepped in front of Karin, giving Red Arrow a warning glare to back off.
"Knock it off Roy," said Kid Flash, "I'm getting tired of you going after Artemis." Red Arrow showed an object in his hand. "The tracer Artemis put on Cheshire. She ditched it, so what?"
"No. Artemis ditched that to send us on a wild goose chase," Red Arrow clarified, by pointing to the tracer that Aqualad held in his hand. "This," he gave the tracer in his hand to Kid Flash, "Is the one she put on Cheshire."
The speedster turned to the female archer in question, "Artemis?" he asked hoping that it wasn't true. When she didn't deny it, Kid Flash glared at her, "Are you that freaked out about Red Arrow joining The Team that you had to prove yourself by bringing down the bad guys solo? Please tell me I'm wrong."
Artemis attempted to speak up and defend herself, but decided against. She couldn't tell him, 'Not without telling him the truth about me,' she thought in regret.
Kid Flash sighed in disappointment, "Well, nice going. What you proved is that you're insecure and selfish." He threw Cheshire's sai on the ground, a souvenir he collect for the mission. "You can keep this," he held up the tracer, "This is the right souvenir," he said before walking away.
Artemis watched him go, upset that she had disappointed the speedster.
"So, how will you betray us next time?" Red Arrow questioned.
Karin's eyes widened and looked at the archer accusingly. "Wait a minute, is that the real reason you decided to join The Team? You still think there's a mole."
"It's no secret," said Red Arrow, "There is a mole on The Team, and I'm going to find out who."
"Enough," ordered Aqualad, "If making a mistake was a betrayal, we would all be traitors...But I must report this to Batman."
Artemis looked to the floor, knowing that she'd get scolded by the Dark Knight and possibly Green Arrow.
"The rest of you," Aqualad continued, "Get some sleep."
The Team hesitantly left accept for Red Arrow, Artemis and Kagome.
"You're not who you say you are," Red Arrow accused to Artemis. "This isn't over. Not by a long shot."
Kagome grabbed Red Arrow by the shoulder harshly. "That's enough," she told the young male archer, "Go home, Arrow." Red Arrow snorted at the miko before walking away. "Are you alright?" Kagome asked Artemis in concern.
Artemis nodded but her composure wasn't very convincing, "I was just."
"You don't have to explain," Kagome stopped her, "I know why you did it. And Batman and Green Arrow will understand too...But Artemis you aren't alone in this anymore. You should trust your teammates with the truth."
"They won't accept me if they knew," Artemis told her.
"Don't underestimate your friends, Artemis," Kagome urged the young girl, "If you can't confide in them, then who?"
Artemis didn't have an answer.
&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&
Ten Minutes Later
Artemis thought about what Miko had said to her but the choice isn't an easy one. The Team wouldn't trust her if she told them her secret. 'Not like they trust me now anyway,' she thought as programed the zeta tube to take her back home.
"Artemis-chan," Karin called out to her friend before she stepped inside the zeta tube.
The archer embraced for any harsh words Karin had to offer.
"Listen, I don't know why you did what you did, but I know you must have had a good reason," Karin admitted to her.
"Didn't you hear? I'm paranoid about Red Arrow taking my spot," Artemis said sarcastically.
"That's a load of crap," Karin said surprising the archer, "You're my friend, Artemis-chan. I know you and you'd never do anything that stupid...Please just tell me what's wrong, maybe I can help."
Artemis tried for the second time that night to tell the truth but didn't have the courage, "I can't," she said in regret.
Karin frowned but wasn't going to give him, "Well, could you at least tell me if it has something to do with Sportsmaster and Cheshire," she asked.
Artemis eyes widened, that Karin was able to figure that out.
"It is," Karin said, as she heard her friend's heart beat increase nervously. "Did they do something to you?"
Artemis snorted, "You could say that."
Knowing that she wasn't going to get much else from the archer, Karin nodded. "Okay, but if you plan to go after them again, please call me...You don't have to tell me the reason why if you don't want to. But I'll watch your back."
Artemis gave a small smile in gratitude, "Thanks Karin."
"What are friends for," Karin said smiling back.
&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&
Higurashi Shrine
Kagome exited the zeta tube and went inside the main house.
J`onn was already there waiting sitting on the sofa reading a book, he smiled when he saw. "Welcome home, My Dearest."
The miko smiled back at home, "I'm glad to be home."
The Martian put the book away and noticed someone was missing, "Where's Kou`ki?"
"He wanted to stay at The Cave a little longer," Kagome said as she sat down next to J`onn. "He missed spending time with Kar-chan and M`gann-chan so he wanted to spend the night there."
J`onn gave a small smile as he brushed a piece of her hair behind her ear, "So...we're alone."
Kagome nodded, "Yep, it's just you and me...What will we do with ourselves?" she teasingly asked in his mind.
The Martian smiled at his wife before he leaned forward and kissed her, pushing her down onto the sofa to show her what they could do.
&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&
The Cave December 23, 01:08 EST
Karin walked into the kitchen and saw Wally making a large bologna sandwich. "Really?" she asked gesturing to the ten inch tower of a sandwich.
"Don't be hating, Pretty Eyes," Wally joked.
"Where is everyone?" she asked putting her bag on the floor, feeling the stress of her day at school.
"Last minute mission in Europe," he answered before taking a look at Karin's worried expression, "Is everything okay?"
Karin nodded, "Just school...It's getting a little bit whelming."
"Oh please enlighten me," Kagome said walking into the kitchen.
Karin jumped up startled. She was so tired from the pressure of her life that she didn't even smell her mother's upcoming presence. "Nothing I can't handle, Kaa-san," she lied.
Wally watched both of them as he ate his sandwich.
"Really?" said Kagome in disbelief, "Because I got an interesting call from your school, today."
Karin lowered her head to the table, knowing she was busted.
"You're teachers say you're grades have been slipping and that you're going to have to take remedial lessons. And there's a possibility of you having to take make-up courses too," Kagome stated to her daughter.
Karin grabbed her hair in frustration, "I'm sorry," she mumbled as she sat straight up again, "The time differences between here and school started to get to me about a month ago. I thought I could get a handle on it, but it just got harder and harder...Are you mad?" she asked her mother hesitantly.
Kagome shook her head, "I'm upset that you didn't tell me sooner...But no, I'm not mad," she admitted giving her daughter a one armed hug and a kiss on top of her head. "I know how hard it is to juggle school and 'other' activities," the miko said, while recalling all the bad grades and sleepless nights she had trying to balance her schooling and being in the Feudal Era.
"So...Do I have to quit The Team?" Karin asked, knowing that it was a possibility.
Wally stopped mid bite, "You can't do that," the speedster commented.
"It won't come to that," Kagome assured the two teenagers. "But something does have to change." She grabbed an envelope from her pocket and handed it to Karin. "This was supposed to be a Christmas gift, but something tells me you need it now."
Kairn grabbed the envelope and read that it was from Tashio Corp. She opened it and found nice business stationary inside. "Dear Miss Karin Higurashi-Jones," she read out loud, "We are pleased to inform you that you have been sponsored by The Tashio Corporation for the student exchange program to," Karin's eyes widened in surprise, "Happy Harbor High School in Rhoda Island!" she finished excited.
Wally began to chock on his food at the news, "You're what?"
Kagome nodded and smiled in excitement too, "For the rest of her high school career."
Karin jumped and hugged her mother, saying thank you at least twenty times.
"Okay okay," Kagome said hugging her daughter back, "Don't forget to thank your Oji-sama."
&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&%&
Karin's Room: A Few Hours Later
Karin was still buzzed with the excitement of the news. In just a few short weeks she'll be going to the same school as Conner and M`gann.
A knock on her door made her more thrilled since she knew her boyfriend was on the other side. Karin quickly ran to the door and opened it, "Conner I've got...What is it?" she asked noticing the distraught look on his face.
Conner looked at her with remorse. He looked down at his closed fist and opened it to show her the Shields he used on the mission.
All three of them.
Karin looked from the Shields to Conner, with her eyes showing her obvious disappointment. She wanted to yell at him, but by the look on his face she knew he felt bad enough already. So instead Karin hugged him, to let Conner know that she forgave him.
I know that this is mostly filler, but hey it happens. I promise you the next one is going to be better. So what do you guys think? Next time: The epic conclusion of season one.
Till Then My Readers (And a Happy Early Halloween)