09/28/11

The month is almost over... I'll miss updating regularly again but I won't miss the stress.

Chapter 21

"I don't understand the question," Brainy stated, unaware of the others looking at him and, especially, Cham in sheer horror. "Why would anyone put me in a dryer? And, on the absurd notion if they did, what does staying 'too long' in the dryer do?"

Phasing out of the floor behind Cham, Phantom Girl wrapped an arm around his shoulders, forcing herself to laugh, "Seems like our new legionnaire is such a kidder. You can just ignore him."

"You can't expect me to ignore the fact that-" Cham began but was cut off by Phantom Girl tightly squeezing his shoulder.

"You're so funny Cham," Phantom Girl laughed more, trying to distract Brainy from noticing Cham's pained look.

"Phantom Girl, I don't think Chameleon Boy likes whatever it is you're doing to him," commented Brainy.

"What makes you say that?" Phantom Girl feigned innocence.

"He keeps shape shifting in an attempt to get away," Brainy stated.

Phantom Girl turned and saw that she was holding an orange cat, which was glaring at her with his ears back while his tail twitched about, by the scruff of the neck. She half chuckled, her lips twitching in return, "Ah, sorry?"

Once released Cham morphed back to his humanoid form and crouched behind Brainy as he watched Phantom Girl in a manner that suggested that if he was still a cat he would be hissing his words.

"Brainy you are henceforth my protector."

Brainy's eyes grew big with wonder at the idea, seeming amazed that he would even be asked but then he frowned.

"What do you expect me to do?"

"Use your cuteness!"

"I don't understand what that means."

"That's what I mean; just keep that up and we're golden."

"You're interesting; strange but interesting."

"I think it's a family trait."

Timber Wolf came to stand behind and gave a soft growl.

With something that sounded suspiciously like a squeak, Cham turned and held Brainy in front of him declaring, "Cuteness attack!"

Unsure what to do, Brainy waved, "Hi Timber Wolf."

Smiling, Timber Wolf patted Brainy's hair and picked him up before heading out of the room.

"Let's go make some cookies to welcome our new friend to the group."

"I get to lick the bowl," Phantom Girl, followed them.

"You can't lick the bowl with cookies," Brainy stated.

"Then let's make a cake instead," Phantom Girl grinned.

"I suppose that works as well," Timber Wolf couldn't help but smile at her.

Turning in Timber Wolf's hold, Briany looked over his shoulder at the others and shouted, "Chameleon Boy is under my protection so be nice or," he seemed to think about it before looking cutely determined, "I'll do something to get even!"

"We wouldn't want that," Lightning Lad chuckled. "You win, we'll be nice."

The Coluan child smiled before the door closed, cutting him, Timber Wolf and Phantom Girl from view.

"Cuteness Attack is very affective," Cham grinned before realizing he had been left without his cute Coluan shield and squeaked again.

"It's alright," Saturn Girl put a gentle hand on the orange boy's shoulder. "We just didn't want Brainy to know that, well-"

"That he's supposed to be a teenager?" Cham asked.

"Exactly," Lightning Lad nodded. "We don't want the kid to freak out, especially since we don't know how to change him back yet."

"We were trying to keep it a secret but the Fatal Five found out and kidnapped him not too long ago," Superman further explained.

"We were hoping to recruit a brain today to help us," Lightning Lad sighed.

At that Cham's ears drooped a little.

"So I guess I'm no help to you, huh?"

"Maybe not as a scientist but we wouldn't have let you in if we didn't think you could help," Superman assured him.

Instantly Cham's ears perked back up, "Really? So I got in on my own? It's not because Brainy liked me or because of my Dad?"

"I wasn't about to be the one to tell Brainy that the puppy had to go home," Lightning Lad teased, lightly hitting Cham's arm in comradely when he pouted.

"Who is your Dad?" Superman asked.

"Oh he's-" Cham's eyes widened and grabbed his face like The Scream, "Outside waiting for me! I'll be right back."

The Legionnaire watched as their new team member turned into a cheetah and rush out the door.

"Heh, not often someone brings a parent to auditions," commented Lightning Lad.

"I wonder why he waited outside," Superman scratched his scalp.

"Probably some big shot," Lightning Lad scoffed.

"Why won't you two catch up with Brainy and the others? I'll bring Cham and his father to the kitchen once they come inside," Saturn Girl offered.

"You sure," asked Lightning Lad. "I'm sure he much rather have his Mommy then one of us."

"Perhaps but I think you two are prime candidates for 'Daddy'," Saturn Girl smiled warmly at them before turning to walk towards the door to outside to wait for Cham and his father.

For a moment both boys stared after her before turning to look at each other.

"Dibs," Lightning Lad said with complete seriousness.