Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice!

Chapter 37

I helped Richard get ready before he sighed and looked at me. "Will you be okay?" I asked, concerned. My hands were loosely placed on his shoulders and Richard looked at me.

A hand raised to hold mines.

"I need to do this. Hayley…the circus, they would never-!" defended Richard.

I just stared at him before kissing his forehead.

"I know. I can feel it" I reassured.

Richard smile at me before he hugged me. "Take care Richard" I said to him.

"You too, sis" said Richard before he bore the mask of Robin.

"Are you sure, not bringing me and Wally?" I asked right before he left.

Robin stopped and looked over his shoulder.

"I'm sure."

I just watched him walk away before I turned to see the others off. I had already seen Artemis and M'gann, the two girls getting ready for what probably be a long time.

I had no intentions of seeing Roy, so my last stop was…

"Conner" I called out.

The said-person turned to me and walked over. "Hey Avery" he greeted.

"You going to be okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" questioned Conner.

I stared at him while he petted Wolf.

'Conner, what are you hiding?' I asked him through our mental link.

Conner stiffened. 'Nothing-' he said a bit too quickly, 'why?'

I leaned down to pet Wolf as well, my eyes not looking at him. However, I could feel his eyes bearing straight into me. If he had his laser vision…well, I would be screwed.

'Something's been up. Everyone has been. But you…I can sense with our telepathic link and the emotional connection that we share… what happened when I disappeared?' I asked him, my eyes looking straight at him.

'I….' the words died in his mind. I could feel the unstable emotions bouncing around in him and it was making me feel prickly. Just before he could answer my question, we all felt M'gann brush our minds.

'Conner? Avery? We're about to head out now' said M'gann.

'Coming' I told her back.

The telepathic link dropped before I stood up and looked at him. "Walk with me?" I asked.

Conner nodded, "Sure" he said before he offered me his arm. I looped one of my arms around him and we both walked to the bay.

"Will you be okay?" asked Conner.

I thought for a moment. Not only was I not part of Robin's mission, I was also banned from any further missions. Batman's intuition had gone off and nothing was safe. Add in the facts of all my conditions…well, it was better that I remained 'home'.

Also, I was scheduled to have a couple of appointments. Including a meeting with Batman and a few here's and there's.

We reached the bay where everyone was loading up. I hugged everyone (yes, even Roy) before watching everyone leave.

Richard/ Robin had always kept a close eye on how Hayley's circus was doing. I wasn't surprised but when he discovered something was wrong and it threatened the existence of Hayley's Circus; his home before home and his origins, he immediately tried to discover what's wrong. Thus, here they go off onto an unofficial mission.

I wished either Wally and I followed, because we were the only two that knew who Richard was and his history but Robin was adamant about us not accompanying him.

Not like I could follow anyways.

I loitered around, doing what I could. I did my homework, caught up on my classes and more, and did a few chores here and there. I did some light training (with the supervision of Red Tornado) before I changed and got dressed for today.

I was about to dress into my Sprite uniform until I remembered. Right, I wasn't supposed to….

I just dressed into my civilian clothes. It consisted of a pair of galaxy leggings, worn demin overalls, with a black long sleeved shirt. Over it, I wore a white tee shirt that was splattered with paint (by yours truly). Sliding on the maroon baseball fleece hoodie jacket, I put on a flower printed shawl around my neck.

Slipping on my black converse shoes and my gloves that had chains around them, I got ready to meet the others.

Now that I was presentable, I waited for my appointment with Batman. I was drinking a cup of tea with a book in front of me, to kill some time.

When I was at the part where the hero was about to drown himself and the undead army to extend the time to free the god of Death, the Zeta Tubes whirred to life.

When it announced Batman and Black Canary, I closed my book before heading off to meet the heroes.

I sat in my seat, in front of a couple of heroes; consisting of Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Black Canary, Captain Atom, Flash, Doctor Fate , Martian Manhunter and Aquaman.

It was unnerving that I was in a room with a lot of the main heroes of the Justice League. I didn't know why I was here other than we needed to talk but it must be important if they were all here.

"So" I said, getting myself comfortable. I looped my fingers together and placed them on the table. "Why am I here?"

"Avery, as you know, you are officially the age of 18" said Superman.

"And you have been proved you are capable of holding the responsibilities of saving the world" said Wonder Woman.

"Oh no" I whispered under my breath, "Is this what it's about?"

Batman nodded, "Avery, the Justice League; including the ones who are in this room, have discussed the pros and cons of you joining the League. Along with taking in your circumstances."

I rubbed my face becoming nervous. "And you have been nominated to join the Justice League" said Black Canary.

My entire body stiffened and froze. I could only stare at everyone, judging their reactions as they were waiting for mines.

Minutes seemed to tick by until Martian Manhunter placed a hand on my shoulder. I could feel his telepathic powers extending to me, blocking out my extra senses.

"Of course, you are given the right to decline our offer" said J'onn when I looked at him.

"However?" I asked.

"We need to know here and now" said Captain Atom. "If you decide to decline our offer, then we need to treat you an ordinary civilian."

I bit my lip, thinking. I nodded, letting them continue.

"We have debated whether or not if it was a respectable decision to allow to join the Justice League, much less allow you to be…" said Aquaman, getting awkward.

"You can say sidekick" I told him, completely un-bothered by the term.

"-sidekick…for these years since. You have proven that you are capable and no longer need the supervision of a senior member" finished Aquaman.

"However, judging with your health and your current conditions that has happened, we're unsure if we should let you continue" said Flash. "Don't get us wrong kid. We trust you and we know you can handle it but we're worried for you. We don't know exactly how long you can take and from what has happened recently-"

"You just want to make sure I'm safe and not in constant danger?" I finished for him, confirming their statement.

Everyone was silent before I nodded.

"So let me get this straight" I said, taking a deep breath. "You're offering me a position to become a full-fledge member of the Justice League. But if I decide to decline it, you're not just going to let me continue doing what I've been doing."

When I received silence, I continued. "Due to recent events, including my declination in my health and how I've been attacked and targeted by more than one assailant... you want me to stay close to you guys but not in the field?"

"That is what we are asking" said J'onn.

"Avery, we're worried about you but we know you are capable. Of course, if you accept, we won't keep sending you onto missions. There will be some exceptions made to your situation-"

I leaned back in my seat and thought about it.

"I accept."

Everyone seemed surprised at my statement. I was too but I felt like it needed to be done. They had been asking me about this for years and preparing me for it.

"Are you sure?" clarified Batman.

I stared at him and we were exchanging a silent conversation. When you've lived with the Bat for a few years, you tend to pick up a few things.

He was asking me if I really wanted to go through this. He may seem cold and harsh but he still cared.

I nodded before facing them all. "But hear me out. Look, I know I'm…vulnerable but if you deem I'm ready, I'll give it a chance. However, I'm still developing and I have made connections with the Team" I said. "I won't abandon them that much I'm sure. However, if you need me, I will be there. I don't want to be awarded nor anything."

"You accept but you don't want anyone to know?" asked Doctor Fate.

I turned to him, "I was never in this for public glory. If I make myself public, then who knows what'll happen? Sure, establishing ourselves to the public is another way to reassure them but- "I gestured to my body. "-I do die or go down, whether by natural or unnatural causes, Earth loses another hero. Our enemies will take that chance to strike and make the world even more vulnerable."

Everyone else looked at each other, having a silent communication. Now I knew how it felt whenever we had telepathic conversations with each other-

"We accept your terms" said Batman before we all stood up.

I stared at them and felt my hands shake.

I have accepted their offer but I won't forget the Team nor the bonds that I have made.

When everyone had gone, I stood dazed at the training room/mission room. There was a lot to take in and so much to process.

Did I make the right choice?

I decided I needed to eat and when I went to Kitchen. I saw Wally making himself a tower of a sandwich, talking to someone on the comm. When I had assembled myself a sandwich, Wally had finished talking.

"Dick?" I asked before biting into my sandwich.

Wally nodded. "Did you try to come?" he asked.

I shook my head, "No. I had to attend a meeting" I explained.

"A meeting? For what?" Wally pressed on, curious.

I chewed my food, swallowing. This allowed me to form my words. "I was invited to become a full member of the Justice League" I said.

Wally had his sandwich half-way to his mouth before he froze. His green eyes widened in surprise and he nearly dropped his sandwich.

"You what?!" he said, excitement bleeding through.

"I had to attend a meeting with Batman and a few others. We discussed and I was offered," I said. "I accepted."

Wally immediately put down his sandwich and hugged me. "You did it, Avery!"

I couldn't help smile before he started to stutter. "T-that means- You're going to be a full-fledge hero-"

I placed my hand against his mouth, silencing him. "Wally, let me explain" I said.

He immediately got serious as I explained. I told him how the Justice League offered me a position but I accepted with a few exceptions. Wally listened intently before we finished our sandwiches.

"So…you're going to be part of them but still remain with the team?" he clarified.

I nodded. "I can't abandon you guys" I said, "I like you guys and the bond we share. If they need me, I will be there but my place is with the Team. That much I'm sure"

Wally looked at me before he put an arm around my shoulders. He hugged me and I leaned into him, closing my eyes. "I'm glad for you Avery" said Wally. "You deserve it."

I remained silent and so did he.

After a few minutes he spoke again, "Glad to know someone is here to take care of us" he teased.

I scoffed, "Who else is going to make sure you guys are fed? And keep you guys out of major trouble?"

Wally laughed, "Hey, hey remember the time I decided to run on water?"

"Oh god, you fell half-way through and I had to fly over to pick you"

Wally nodded, "Yeah and I ended up pulling you down with me."

"I was not amused" I scoffed.

"Oh remember-"

The two of us continued to talk from memories to what we were doing these days. Wally's arm didn't leave my shoulder and my arms didn't leave his waist. We ended up having a movie before the two of us passed out on the couch.

Before my feelings were a mess but now, being wrapped by one of the people I cared and loved, I felt calm.

(A few hours later)

"Hey Alex" I said as the two of us were lying in bed. After what seemed to be like forever, Alex and I finally got to hang out. We were in my room, the two of us finished catching up. We first study together, then we played games together, made food together, and a few things here and there.

Now we were just lying on our backs. Our hands were looped together, while listening to soft music.

The room was dimmed and made everything more relaxing.

"What is it, Avery?" asked Alex.

"I was invited to become a full member of the Justice League" I told him.

I felt Alex's emotions jump and his fingers gripped mines.

I closed my eyes, "And I accepted"

His grip became tighter. "You did?" he stuttered.

I nodded, pressing my forehead against his. "With a few exceptions though" I added in, shrugging.

I felt Alex shake and I felt water start to rise in my chest. My eyes flew open and I saw Alex's violet eyes water with tears.

"Alex-" I asked but then I felt his arms hug me. He pressed his tear-stained face against my chest and I got up slightly, hugging him back. "Alex?" I asked concerned. Why was he crying? Did I worry him? Did I scare him? Why-

"I'm sorry" he sobbed. "I'm sorry Avery."

I was confused with everything but my first priority was to make sure Alex was safe.

Phatnom's POV

I sat in my 'room'.

I was given the name 'Phantom' to be used in the field. My fellow associates, Superboy (Conner) and Match were given their designation but not a 'name'- one to be used in the outside world and as an identity.

I knew what the Light was planning and I was alright with it.

I was to make sure Avery (my mother/creator) would not die. However, I was not to give mercy to the heroes. They were an enemy to the Light and thus my enemy.

Today, I was given the name 'Layla' by Ra's Al Ghul. He said with pride and I did not the irritated look Luthor gave him.

However, I was given the name 'Phantom' by Luthor. So he could gloat over that.

Xander, Avery's 2nd eldest brother and thus my uncle, came by. He got me into better clothes and acted as my custodian.

It did not matter.

My powers were unstable as the transition process was incomplete. I had demonstrated my use to the Light and as soon we reclaimed my creator, we would proceed.

I am her insanity. Her darkness. Her Night.

Alexander, Vandal Savage's son, was Avery's Light…the others that were in her life also acted as that. We had to remove Avery from them in order for the Light have possession over her.

No matter.

Whatever was best for my creator, it was to be done.

I was given a haircut as my hair was too long. I was told, like my creator, my hair would grow faster than the average female. So I was told my hair would be cut a few times a year.

I sat in the seat obediently as they cut my hair. My hair that had went from my feet (a side effect of being artificially grown at an accelerated speed) was now reduced to my bare neck. Two strands of my hair were left to form my face better, making myself look more defined.

My red eyes stared right back at me, which were surrounded with black.

They had to finish the transition process as my eyes were a sign that I was incomplete. Compared to my creator, my skin was hastily white but I was healthy.

Healthier than Avery.

We must change that soon.

I wore a white turtleneck shirt that was short sleeved with tight fitting leggings. Given boots to wear, I was to wear this until I was ready.

No matter.

After all, I was created to serve the Light…and Avery herself.

My name was Layla. However, when my enemies meet me…I am known as Phantom.

Note:
I did some drawings of Phantom before writing this but doesn't allow links nor allowing you to highlight it and just going to the site. Oh well :/