All characters, settings etc associated with Young Justice and DC, are not owned by me. I am not making any profit off this fiction venture.

Some lines are from Young Justice Episode 120: Coldhearted.

Chapter Warning(s): coarse language, violence, mention of torture

Maelstrom

Kalladura'ham

"Lands of great discoveries are also lands of great injustices."

Ivo Andrić

30

Poseidonis, Atlantis : November 7, 2010 – 19:00 UTC-03

Annex's assistant, Xander, and his partner in media relations, Lor, are fussing around Annex. Anassa's assistant and partner in media relations are doing the same to her. Orm is of course in the same boat so-to-speak. Lor's assistant in media relations, Nora, is fussing around me, adjusting my uniform as she hands me a tablet with the briefing.

I scan it, taking in the key points while Lor speaks loudly over the sound of the rushed cosmetologists working on fixing the hair and uniforms of the others.

"The split was shitty, we all know that," says Lor in her characteristic bluntness when she's not behind a camera. "We still don't have full casualty lists, nothing like that. So, stay away from the casualty lists, stay away from anything damning either the under 18 or over 18. Mention the work Aqualass did, but focus on everyone. Togetherness. We are a community, we stand together and swim together and will pull through and – Orin, your beard is the bane of my existence."

Annex smiles. She mentions his beard in every briefing. She truly does loathe it because she believes it makes him appear less trustworthy. If he shaved his head and left the beard I fear Lor would have a breakdown because how is she supposed to make him appear trustworthy with a bald Luthor-esque head and a Beard of Evil?

"Yes yes," Lor rolls her eyes and pulls her hands away from his beard. "So, community-centric. Bring up the recent tragedies – Kolpos, Manta's attack, etcetera – and how Atlanteans worked together, how we are strongest united, etcetera. Use that to lead into the honouring of the dead," she barely pauses, though I know that she lost her niece during the split, "honouring of their valour and work as warriors for one another, for Atlantis."

"I assume my brother is speaking first," says Orm, looking at his reflection critically. He turns from the mirror and looks to Lor, pulling the focus off the dead.

"Yes," Lor nods, looking more comfortable with this topic of conversation. "Orin first, followed by Aqualass. You're there for moral support, to support the idea of unity, particularly within the Royal Family and between the Royal Family and Atlantis' Champion."

"Of course," he remarks dryly. "I should change my title to Moral Support, go by Moral Support Orm instead."

He does admittedly remain silent quite a bit in public appearances of myself and the Royal Family.

"Orm, you play an important role!" Annex says, rising and wrapping an arm over his shoulders. "I have to play nice, you get to hit people."

"Except for when you are Aquaman."

"Yes, but that is usually on the surface."

"Regardless," Lor cuts in, because she has the authority to do so at the moment, "Orin followed by Aqualass. Mera will be performing the sorcery once we have all of the coins distributed. Aqualass," she turns to me and Nora moves back slightly so that I have a clear view of her superior, "I'll give you a time you have to fill before you start speaking, so that you can finish speaking a couple of moments after we have all the coins distributed. Think you can do that?"

"Fill up an indeterminable amount of time with speaking about unity?" I question. "Of course."

"Don't just say that because you can say that, Kalladura'ham," she scolds lightly, using my name in a rare moment. Usually she uses the title 'Aqualass' before my media appearances, just so that I can adjust to being called solely Aqualass by whomever I am speaking to.

"Apologies," I say. "I can probably do that."

"Better." Lor turns to Anassa, "Once Aqualass is done, you'll be up."

"Ma'am," Nora pipes up, cutting into her Pure boss's lecture. "We need to leave now or we're going to be late."

"Right," Lor snaps her fingers and Nora pulls the brief out of my hands. "Go, go, go. You can fix her hair on the way Sula."

Sula hurries after Anassa, fiddling with her hair as we are ushered out of the room by Lor's team. Nora says quickly, adjusting the left strap of my water-pack, "I know you haven't seen your parents yet, but you'll be able to see them after this."

I flash her a smile, "Thanks Nora."

She grins, pats my shoulder, and then moves to the back of the group. Beside me, Annex is still scanning the brief Xander gave him. Xander tugs the brief out of his hands an instant before we're shoved onto the balcony. My stomach still churns whenever I see thousands of people below. As usual though, I go over the contents of the brief in my mind while I listen with one ear to what Annex is saying. He paves the way for me to speak so I pick up, ignoring Lor sighing in my ear.

::: Not exactly what I had in mind, Orin. Goodness, fine. Just keep to the theme, ::: Lor says impatiently. ::: Orin, you're getting a time warning. Orm stop fidgeting, you look like you need to scratch yourself. :::

I keep speaking, rather impressed with myself that I do not start sniggering at Lor's scolding.

I see my parents after the ceremony and, frankly, I find it difficult to recall a time when Atlantis was less stressful than the surface.

Mount Justice, Happy Harbor, Rhode Island : November 8, 2010 – 05:23 EST

There is a magazine clipping of a pair of sneakers on the inside of my bedroom door. They're red and yellow. Wally perhaps?

Am I missing something?

Frowning, I turn around and grab my tablet off my desk. I flick through my calendar and raise an eyebrow at the marking on November 11, apparently made by Robin – Wally's B-Day. I will have to thank him. On November 23 there is another marking, this one made by my matim – Your father's birthday. Don't forget it this year Kalla.

Fuck. Isn't Pansy's birthday in November? The only reason I remember her birthday is because she sends me irritating reminders every day…

Ding!

I tap the email function and pull up the most recent message to find an email containing a gif of Pansy blowing out birthday candles last year and a message in font size 44 declaring HAPPY ALMOST BIRTHDAY TO ME! My swimsuit is too small *HINT* *HINT* – 32B, size 8 in N. American sizing.

Her birthday is this month, on the 15th, according to my calendar. I need to go shopping, dammit. There goes my day.

I sigh. Pansy wants a swimsuit and Wally apparently wants those sneakers so that is easy enough. Patera probably wants to not go to prison, which would be difficult for me to accomplish.

No store is likely open yet anyway, so there is no point in worrying about this now.

07:28 EST

"Kalla, how was your swim?" asks M'gann.

I stretch my arms above my head, answering, "Pleasant. As was my run." Though I did get a little choked up as I passed a father and his son playing in the local park. I glance down at the photograph of a book about something chemistry related, "I see Wally got to you as well."

"Yep," M'gann smiles. "He's very excited about his birthday. Apparently sixteen is special for many Earthlings."

"Not in Atlantis," I remark as I frown at the innards of the refrigerator then finally grab some vegetables, frozen fruit and juice.

"Is there a special birthday for Atlanteans?" M'gann asks.

"Seventeen, traditionally," I answer as I start making my smoothie. "It is when we are considered adults."

"Your next birthday will be important then. When is your birthday again?"

"July 2. Yours would not adhere to the same calendar as ours though, I assume."

"I think that my birthday would be every three years sometime in spring. I'll have to double-check."

"We could still celebrate your Earth chronological birthday," I remark.

"Maybe," she looks pensive. "It would be interesting to experience another Earth celebration." She grins, "I was thinking of throwing a surprise party for Conner's birthday. I've heard that those are fun. It'd be his first birthday so we'd need to make it good."

"Of course."

She tilts her head at me as she telekinetically sprinkles chopped up peppers into an omelette, "Maybe I should throw you a surprise party too."

"You will have to discuss that with my matim," I say. "I believe she has laid claim to my seventeenth."

"We'll team up."

I half-smile, wondering if Matim would even be around for my seventeenth. Probably not. The Purists and my pappous are going to make this personal, do everything they can to shut down my matim and patera. I flick the blender on and let it drown out any attempt at conversation.

By the time M'gann is sitting at the table eating her omelette my smoothie is ready and I am pouring it into a tall glass. I explain as I put a couple pieces of bread in the toaster, "I have three birthdays to shop for so I am going to shop for gifts today. You are welcome to join me."

"I have Bumblebees after school," she says. "Maybe Conner could go. Whose birthdays?"

"Wally's, my cousin's and my father's," I explain.

A recipe book comes flying out of one of the cupboards and settles to hovering in front of M'gann. She flips through the pages telekinetically while I take out a plate, peanut butter, and a banana. She explains, "We'll need two cakes. Or maybe a cake and cupcakes. We got all of that stuff on Batman's list on Friday but nothing that really has to do with baking."

"If I took the Bio-Ship-"

She nods, "Yeah. You can take her; pick up some baking stuff and some presents. I mean, if that's okay with you."

"It's fine. The rest of you are busy with school."

"You have to work."

"My hours can be flexible, providing there is no emergency. I'll take the night off to shop."

"If you're sure…Conner could come then. Maybe Artemis will want to go, or Zatanna. Robin could distract Wally while you're gone. Or if Conner doesn't go you could pretend it's some girls-only thing so Wally won't come."

I pause in unscrewing the peanut butter. I lick my lips, the reminder of Zatanna prompting me to remember her father, and the dimension split, followed by the memorial and the brief time I had with my parents afterwards.

"Zatanna!" M'gann exclaims as said witch wanders into the kitchen rubbing her eyes – they're rimmed in red, unsurprisingly.

Zatanna sits at the table and stares mutely at us, her pyjama shirt hanging off her lithe frame. She groans and rests her head on the table, "Am I the only non-morning person in this entire cave?"

"The military forces you to deal with the mornings," I say, taking out the pieces of toast. "That does not mean I like them. And M'gann and Conner have school."

Zatanna groans at the mention of school, though she does not have to attend this week. I suspect that she does not relish her return to school since it would be difficult to explain that her father had been possessed by a Lord of Order named Nabu because he is secretly the superhero named Zatara. As a result, she cannot exactly tell anyone outside of the superhero and magical community what happened to her father, which could lead to some problems.

"Do you want an omelette?" asks M'gann.

Zatanna grumbles in response.

M'gann and I exchange looks.

I slather peanut butter onto my pieces of toast then slice up the banana atop the peanut butter. I sit at the table across from Zatanna and comment, "I will be going out today to get gifts for Wally."

"Ugh, he taped a birthday card that said 'To Wally' and 'From Wally' to the inside of my door. How did he even get in?" asks Zatanna.

"It's probably best not to ask that question," M'gann says, beginning to make Zatanna's omelette. "What do you want in your omelette, Zatanna?"

"Meat. Cheese. Uh…yeah. Meat and cheese. I'll be healthy later," Zatanna answers, looking up. "What is that?"

I glance at my half-finished very green and slightly brown smoothie, "It is a vegetable and fruit smoothie, with orange juice."

"It looks disgusting."

I shrug, "It is good, and is beneficial after a couple hours of swimming and running."

She stares at me, "A couple hours. You've been up for two hours?"

"Two and a half, actually."

"Two…you've been up since five a.m.?" She huffs, "At least Conner and M'gann have the excuse of being aliens."

"Would you like to join me in my shopping trip?" I ask, ignoring her comment.

Zatanna looks down at the table then draws her knees up to her chest and hugs herself. She exhales lowly, "I'm going to have to get something for him eventually, won't I?"

"We can get a few different things," I offer. "I doubt that Rocket has any idea what to get him."

"So she's joining the Team?"

"I have a meeting today with Batman to discuss that," I say.

"Is Icon joining the League then?"

"I do not know."

Zatanna nods, "She seems cool. I mean, from the two seconds when I interacted with her and wasn't wearing…" she blinks rapidly, her eyes shining. "That stupid Helmet," she mutters, clenching her eyes shut and wiping her hands across them. She looks at me then sharply looks down again, pressing her face to her knees. Her shoulders start to shake and I rise.

I walk around the table and crouch next to her chair then carefully wrap my arms around her. She turns her head and leans it against my shoulder, soaking it.

"Sorry," she says, her voice muffled against my shoulder.

"No, no it is fine," I urge, tightening my grip.

Conner walks into the kitchen and looks at Zatanna and I. He remains silent as he moves past us and begins grabbing himself some breakfast.

Mount Justice, Happy Harbor, Rhode Island : November 11, 2010 – 11:10 EST

"You know, it doesn't have to be perfect, Kalla," Zatanna comments, leaning on the table and watching as I lean across it and ice the cake. I was given the job of icing the two cakes when I returned to the kitchen after observing the traditional minute of silence for Remembrance Day – a surface-world tradition, but one I figured I would adopt. "Not like he'll care."

"He may not, but I do," I say, frowning at the piece of icing that wound up dripping down the side of the cake. I poke at it with a spatula.

"Do you have cakes in Atlantis?"

"We have similar desserts but not cakes exactly," I answer, not looking away from the cake. It is going to be perfect and beautiful, dammit. "Icing does not go well with water."

Zatanna snorts.

She grabs the sugar numbers from the pan and puts them on the top of the cake. I look up, watching as she puts the number 1 and the number 6 on the centre of the cake. I frown. I had wanted them closer to the bottom so I could write above them.

"What?" she asks, noticing my expression. "Were they not supposed to go there?"

"No, no, it is fine," I say, shaking my head. "I merely wished to write 'Happy Birthday Wally' on it."

"Oh," Zatanna looks back at the cake. "Sorry."

"It is well."

"Do you not have Sweet Sixteens in Atlantis?" she asks, taking off the sugar numbers and beginning to repair the damage to the icing.

"We do not," I answer. "In Atlantis the most important birthday is your seventeenth, as seventeen is when you are considered an adult."

"So you could…vote?"

"We are ruled by a monarchy so, no, but in the name of making things equivalent to America, yes."

"You're turning seventeen next, right?"

"Yes. In July."

"So what happens?"

I hesitate for a moment, thinking, "I am not certain, honestly. It is not supposed to be planned by the person turning seventeen. That is the responsibility of those adults she or he is closest to. For me, that would be my parents and possibly Annex. Knowing my mat-mother there would be many people involved and I would be receiving some one-of-a-kind jewellery made by her."

"Jewellery? Uh…really? You don't really seem like a jewellery type of person to me."

I smirk, "That would be because when I am with the Team or the League I tend to be working and there is a dress code."

"So this is work?" she asks, raising an eyebrow and smirking lightly. "Icing cakes?"

"Team morale," I justify, ignoring her dubious expression. "Plus, when I am in my civvies on the surface I must cover my gills, webbing, and channels so my options are quite limited."

"I guess they would be, so what do you wear in Atlantis when off-duty?"

"Clothing similar to my mother's, now that I think about it," I answer. "Shirts that bare my arms and stomach, sometimes bandeaus, shorts, and wrap skirts, the occasional pair of pants. Anklets."

"Do you have to wear special stuff for your seventeenth?"

"Officially, no. Unofficially, it is expected."

"So nothing really special happens?"

"In the past, it was a time when proposals would be given to the new seventeen-year-old."

"Proposals? As in marriage?" Zatanna questions, her eyebrows shooting up. "Wait, are you getting married?"

"Who's getting married?" M'gann asks, grinning broadly. "I've heard lots of really good things about Earth weddings! It'd be amazing to attend one."

"Apparently, it's tradition in Atlantis for a person to be proposed to on their seventeenth birthday," Zatanna explains.

"Really? That's so interesting," M'gann says genuinely. She looks to me curiously, "Is someone going to propose to you?"

I grimace, "Probably. Fans have sent me proposals before, I see no reason why this would be any different."

"So there will be marriage proposals, but you're not getting married," Zatanna says.

"Yes."

"What's an Atlantean wedding like?"

"It varies," I answer, grabbing an icing bag to begin writing 'Happy Birthday Wally' on the top of the cake. "My parents, for example, got married when I was 9 so I got to be a companion."

"A companion?"

"The Atlantean equivalent of a bridesmaid or groomsman. 'Companion' is a rough translation. My parents had a small family wedding on a beach, very sheltered from other humans. They combined Atlantean and African-Canadian wedding traditions, due to my father's part-human heritage, so there was the usual knot tying, vows, the charms and special colours worn by the guests, the sash, the dances, the breaking of the dishes, and the food."

"That's a lot of stuff," Zatanna comments. "The weddings I know usually just involve a few rings. Plus the reception. Lots of alcohol."

"They had to combine two cultures."

/ Recognized, Rocket B09. /

Zatanna looks up sharply at the announcement, "She's joining?"

"Yes," I answer. "I discussed it with Batman earlier this week and, with some effort, he agreed. I suspect that Icon will be joining the League soon."

"I feel so bad," comments Rocket in her civilian clothing as she walks into the kitchen. "It's supposed to be Wally's birthday, I shouldn't be overshadowing that with me joining the Team."

"We will keep the focus off you," I say. "Was it a snow day for you as well?"

"Yep," she confirms. She holds up a present, "I wrapped that gift you asked me to. Where should I put it?"

"On the coffee table is fine," says M'gann. She claps her hands together, "I'm so excited you're joining the Team!"

"Yeah, it's cool," Rocket grins. "Feels like I should be joining the League though. I mean, I was the one who convinced Icon to become a superhero in the first place."

"Welcome to our world, Rocket," I comment.

"Raquel," she says, returning from the coffee table. "Raquel Ervin."

"Of course," I nod. "Kalladura'ham is my full name, but my friends call me Kalla."

"I heard." She nods to Zatanna, "You still go by Zatanna, right?"

Zatanna nods. M'gann pipes up, "On Mars I'm M'gann M'orzz, but in my human form," she twirls, shifting into her human form, "I'm Megan Morse."

"You can change your clothes right?" asks Raquel. M'gann answers by shifting into her skirted Miss Martian uniform and Raquel raises her eyebrows, "That would be really useful. So, obviously I know Kid Flash's ID, but Superboy is…"

"Conner Kent," M'gann answers. "Robin isn't allowed to tell us his secret identity."

"Aw, and it's probably really cool," Raquel says, leaning against the counter. "You'd need some serious dough to afford all of that equipment him and Batman use. He's probably some super-rich Gothamite, like Wayne. I've heard that Wayne does some good stuff for Gotham, Batman could be a part of that. You know, in secret."

"He also funds part of the League," I say.

"I can't even imagine having that much money, that is insane," Raquel comments. "Oh! What about Artemis?"

"Artemis," M'gann answers. "We don't know her secret identity either."

After a moment, Raquel asks, "Is Kent a really popular name or something?"

I glance at Zatanna and M'gann, "I…do not believe so. Though my knowledge of surface-world surnames is quite limited. Why do you ask?"

"I do this thing where I collect names of writers – you know, authors, journalists, bloggers – whose styles of writing I like and I try to mimic them. You know, to expand my writing range," Raquel explains. "And I mean, obviously, because I was a superhero fangirl for ages and was inspired to become Rocket by Robin, Kid Flash and you Kalla, I was reading every story there was on superheroes, including Superman. So obviously Lois Lane is on that list because she already has a Pulitzer and she's barely over 30. Seriously, the woman is good. But Clark Kent – he's another writer for The Daily Planet – he writes a lot of Superman stories like Lane, I've got some saved on my computer actually, and his style is pretty cool. It's pretty personal so I remembered his name."

"I'm pretty sure that Conner isn't related to Clark Kent," M'gann says with a smile. "Conner's Kryptonian, from Cadmus, so he's really only related, biologically-speaking, to Superman."

"Maybe Clark Kent is Superman," Raquel laughs. "It'd sure explain how he gets some of his stories out so fast. You know, that's what I should do, I should become a reporter and report on how much I kick ass."

"The rate you're going you'll probably figure out every Leaguer's secret ID by next week," Zatanna comments absently, licking some icing off a spoon. She adds hastily as Raquel looks at her sharply, eyes wide, "You know, if you're right."

"Right…" Raquel stares at her. "Do you know their secret identities?"

"Well my...my dad…he uh, he knew Batman way back so, uh, yes? And I kind of, sort of, practiced some of my magic when meeting masked superheroes by removing their masks. I mean, until Dad got mad and made me stop. Um…so I've kind of grown up around superheroes so, uh, yeah."

"You hesitated. Before you added the 'if you're right' thing," Raquel says, leaning forward. "Was I right? Is Wayne Batman?"

Zatanna stares at her for a moment, then snorts, "Please, Wayne is a playboy. I doubt he has a night where he's not booked with a…a supermodel, or something."

Raquel frowns at her suspiciously.

"Their secret identities do not matter," I cut in.

"No. No, right now they matter," says Raquel. "If Wayne is Batman and Kent is Superman that means that I could get introduced to Lois Lane and get her to critique some of my work. I could get an exclusive with Wayne after I graduate. The networking potential here is insane Kalla, this matters. It's like if you…" she hesitates, "well, no, you already know a king. I…okay so it's not like anything I can compare to you because you're close to a king, but not everyone is close to a king and can get a meeting with anyone they want. Some of us are broke being superheroes and without any notable connections or an assured future career."

"So you have tried contacting Lois Lane and ask to get coffee with her," I say as I move to help M'gann set up the cupcakes on a platter.

"Well no," Raquel admits, "but she's probably really busy so it'll be better if someone she works with introduces me to her. Plus she's Lois Lane, and she'd be kind of an asshole if she didn't want to meet with me because I'm me, but I am still just some teenager from Dakota City with nothing notable about her – besides the superhero thing but since that's a secret…so there's no real reason for me to meet with her. I need a personal connection to come up with a legit reason for meeting her that doesn't start with 'Hi, my name is Raquel Ervin and I am a superhero. Please, bestow your skills upon me because I know your boy Superman and also I can get you an exclusive with any superhero you want. Hire me.'"

/ Recognized, Robin B01. /

Zatanna glances at Raquel, an apprehensive expression on her face. Raquel completely misses it, turning as Robin enters the living room grinning at us past his usual sunglasses.

"Everything ready already?" he asks in surprise.

"You're Richard Grayson," Raquel blurts out.

Robin stills then turns his focus to her, "What? That – I don't even know who that is."

"Of course you know who Grayson is, you are him," says Raquel. "And Batman is Wayne."

"Batman is Wayne?" asks Conner, walking into the living room with Wolf at his heels. "How do you know that?"

"Because I'm brilliant," Raquel says. "He's one of the only people in Gotham who could afford to be Batman. I go broke just trying to be Rocket and I use alien tech I don't even pay for. Bats has toys he has to pay for, you would have to be rich to be Batman."

/ Recognized, Artemis B07. /

Robin raises his eyebrows, "The only reason I know who Wayne is, is because he's a playboy. There's no way he has the focus to be Batman."

"He also runs his family's company," Raquel points out. "That takes brain power. And I've heard about the philanthropic stuff he does, not to mention funding the League, which you, Robin, sure as heck know about. Wayne is Batman."

"Wayne? As in Bruce Wayne?" Artemis repeats, walking into the living room. She snorts, "He's an idiot."

Raquel points to Robin, "If Wayne was Batman, it would make Robin here Richard Grayson. They're the right age, Batman is built the same as Wayne, Grayson is built the same as Robin, and it would explain how the heck Robin showed up in the first place. There's already a relationship to build from."

Artemis stares at Raquel. She frowns then looks at Robin. She looks back at Raquel. Abruptly, she turns back to Robin, snapping, "We'll laugh about this someday?!"

Robin stares at her, looking alarmed for a split-second before schooling his expression into confusion.

"That was you!" Artemis shouts, jabbing his shoulder. "We'll laugh…oh my god it's so obvious."

"Okay, I'm lost," says Raquel. "Girl, what are you talking about?"

Artemis stills, glances at Robin, and then looks back at Raquel, "Um. Nothing."

"Do you know Grayson?"

"No," she lies. Conner frowns at her, probably hearing her heartbeat speed up.

"Yeah, you do. You're really bad at lying, Artemis," says Raquel. "I'm right, aren't I? Hah! I rule!"

Zatanna is banging her head on the table. I'm watching Artemis, Robin and Raquel, ready to jump in if…I do not know, something happens. M'gann is studiously trying to ignore them while she moves the only finished cake to a plate. Conner is just watching, frowning as he looks between Robin, Artemis and Raquel.

"Right…" says Robin, also possibly Richard Grayson. He plasters a hopeful grin on his face and turns to M'gann, "So, taste-test?"

16:05 EST

/ Recognized, Kid Flash B03. /

"Oh lights!" M'gann exclaims, flitting to the light switch to plunge the room into darkness.

/ Zeta-Tube Network now offline due to Extreme Atmospheric Conditions. /

::: Okay, he's almost here! ::: M'gann exclaims.

"Be a tragedy if I missed my own-"

"Surprise!" everyone in the room shouts as M'gann flicks on the lights to display the room decorated for Wally's sixteenth birthday, complete with two cakes.

"Whaaat?!" Wally exclaims. "Oh, you guys shouldn't have."

"Right," Robin scoffs. "Not like you've been hinting for days or anything."

Wally grins innocently.

"Congratulations," I say, clapping lightly as Wally tugs off his coat and tosses it to the side. Beside me, Artemis rolls her eyes.

"Rocket?" Wally asks, catching sight of Raquel standing beside Artemis. "You joining the Team?"

"Yeah," she grins. "Sorry for taking some of your thunder. Happy Birthday."

"Aw, it's cool."

"And it's Raquel, by the way."

"Sweet. I'm The Wallman."

Raquel raises a single eyebrow and crosses her arms over her chest, "Yeah, no." She points over his shoulder, "Your cakes are coming."

"Nice!" Wally grins, whirling around as M'gann starts to lead us in singing Happy Birthday. She had been watching videos online of people singing Happy Birthday for part of the afternoon and learned of a few different versions, courtesy of Raquel and Artemis.

"We made two cakes," M'gann says, crouching next to Wally sitting at the coffee table and prepared to blow out the candles in the surface-world tradition.

Wally grins, "Awesome! What'll you guys eat?"

"We'll split the cupcake! Make a wish."

"Way ahead of you," Wally responds, his voice dipping lower. He blows out the candles to us cheering then turns to M'gann and says, "You know, if I tell you my wish it won't come true. But if you guess-"

M'gann hands him a slice of cake.

"Nope, guess again," he says.

She pecks his forehead lightly, "Happy Birthday."

I roll my eyes and turn to grab the kettle from the kitchen. I make myself some hot chocolate then return to the living room, watching the Team enjoy their downtime together.

"Hot chocolate?" Flash asks, stepping towards me.

"I am fond of it," I explain, stirring it absently.

"The Team's done well."

"They have grown quite a bit," I agree.

"You're good at this."

I raise an eyebrow.

"The Team thing, leading them," he clarifies. He grins, "You actually get Wally to listen and do what you want him to do."

I smile, "Thank-you. I assume there will be a celebration later tonight as well, with the family?"

"That's the plan," he grins. "Gonna eat the family out of house and home."

Conner meanders over to us and frowns at my mug, "Hot chocolate? Thought you couldn't have milk."

"I made it with water," I say. I glance past Flash and frown at Wally, still flirting with M'gann.

"What is it?" asks Flash, turning his head to look at his nephew. "Oh." He turns back, "Right."

"You are not bothered by it?" I ask, looking at Conner.

He admits, "A bit. M'gann can take care of herself though, and he's pretty harmless."

"Don't tell him that," says Flash. "He'll try to prove you-"

::: Attention Team, suit-up, ::: Batman's voice echoes in the Cave, cutting off Flash. ::: Polar stealth. Mission briefing in five. :::

I'm ready at the click of a button so I finish my hot chocolate then with my water-pack on my back I re-join the rest of the Team, all in their whites and grays. Rocket is grinning at me, dressed in a fur-hooded version of her usual uniform, with goggles over her eyes, heavier boots and longer sleeves.

"I'm gonna have to start wearing this jacket in civvies," she comments, petting one of her sleeves fondly. "This is fantastic."

Batman appears onscreen, explaining, ::: A massive ice storm has paralyzed North America from coast-to-coast. Satellite imagery has detected five flying ice fortresses, source unknown, which seem to be responsible and must be stopped. :::

"Can't the Watchtower just blow them out of the sky or something?" asks Kid Flash.

"What's a Watchtower?" asks Zatanna, glancing at Robin.

Batman sighs, ::: The League's orbiting headquarters is not weaponized, and with both Green Lanterns off-world I need all hands on deck. :::

"Orbiting headquarters," Rocket repeats. "We talking like Big Brother? You know that's really creepy right?"

"Does that mean what I think it means?" asks Robin eagerly. "The League and the Team, fighting side-by-side?"

"Whoa! Really?" exclaims Kid Flash.

::: Superboy, use the Super-Cycle to rendezvous with the Batplane at Ice Fortress 1. You'll drop off Robin and Aqualass then continue on with Rocket and Wolf to meet up with Black Canary and Red Tornado at Ice Fortress 2. Miss Martian, Artemis and Zatanna, take the Bio-Ship and rendezvous with Green Arrow and Martian Manhunter at Ice Fortress 3. Other Leaguers will deal with Fortresses 4 and 5. Sending coordinates now. :::

"Ah…" says Kid Flash, "Batman? I think you skipped-"

::: Kid Flash, a young girl in Seattle is in desperate need of a heart transplant. With all conventional aircraft grounded by the storm you'll need to pick-up the donor heart in Boston and run it 3000 miles across country. :::

"Who is this girl?!" exclaims Kid Flash, looking, of all things, insulted by the job given to him.

::: Does it matter? ::: challenges Batman.

"No, of course not but can't we zeta-"

"The zeta-tubes are offline," points out Robin. "Sorry."

"Right," his face falls. "Then, how can I say no. Guess I won't be needing the stealth." He switches off the polar stealth, "Speedy delivery boy at your service."

Ice Fortress 1 : November 11, 2010 – 17:52 EST

"Approaching Ice Fortress 1," reports Superboy.

"Thank-you, Superboy," I say, rising from my seat. "Good luck, both of you. Superboy, introduce her to manoeuvre seven."

Superboy mock-salutes me.

Rocket turns to Superboy, a questioning look on her face, "What's manoeuvre seven?"

Robin grabs his grappling hook and as the Super-Cycle turns in approaching the Ice Fortress he jumps, his hook shooting out to swing him onto the Ice Fortress as the Batplane circles around. I follow swiftly, leaping out of the Super-Cycle, forming a shield to block the worst of the snow. I land on the Ice Fortress, which is essentially just a chunk of icy metal, and roll to my feet just as Robin lands next to me.

"Whelming," Robin comments, scanning the Ice Fortress. We dart to cover as an energy blast shoots toward us.

There are, of course, snow machines at the bottom making it into a blizzard below. There are also defensive systems on the fortress, which produce the energy blasts against anyone trying to do what we are doing.

With a grin, Robin flips over our cover. I dart beyond it, dodging an energy blast as Annex comes darting ahead of me.

"It is good to see you both, Aqualass, Robin," he comments.

I dart to cover and Annex continues darting forward, pulling up a panel of the floor to block the shots. I sprint out of cover and leap, propelling myself off Annex's shoulder to flip over him and the panel he pulled up. As I descend I send a water-whip snapping down onto the weapon. It explodes as I land.

Flash zips past me, kicking up a wind. He, Batman and Robin destroy two more pieces of the Fortress' defensive systems.

Annex comes to a stop next to me, remarking, "It would be best if we did not make this craft plummet."

"Stop the snow machines, look for a sign of those behind this?"

"Precisely."

"Manoeuvre seven?" shouts Robin, sprinting towards us and gesturing to the top of the fortress.

I turn immediately and cup my hands together. His boot lands on my hands and I throw him up, straight for the top of the fortress.

Annex raises an eyebrow as I turn, watching Robin land on the top of the fortress. He mouths, 'Manoeuvre seven?'

I smirk in response.

Batman orders sharply, "Stop the snow."

I nod and turn to the edge of the fortress where the snow machines are spewing out ice and snow below. I stand on the edge and grab the snow spewing out of the mouth directly below me. It rises, morphing together into an immense serpent of water that twists up then slams down as an immense icicle into the mouth of the machine. An explosion rocks the machine and I dart to the side to avoid the spray of metal.

I sprint around the edge of the machine, taking in Batman and Robin taking out another machine and Flash dealing with a turret that had somehow managed to rise again and was now shooting off randomly. Annex just took out another one. However, the centre tower is still spewing snow.

"That is more of a challenge," Annex comments, jogging up to me looking up at the centre turret. "Manoeuvre seven?"

I smirk and twirl my water-bearers in my hands in response. He darts forward, closer to the centre tower, and I dart backwards to the edge of the machine. He nods and holds his cupped hands out in front of him, prompting me to sprint to him, simultaneously gathering up the snow from around us to trail behind me attached to my water-bearers and coursing up my channels. I slam my foot onto his hands and he throws me.

The water rises behind me as I raise my hands, the wind coursing past my skin. I bring the immense lengths of water down, over my head, against the centre tower with as much pressure behind them as I can get. The immense water whips crash into the tower, destroying it, eliciting explosions as I continue in my flip and land on the opposite side of the tower.

I exhale a burst of cold air.

That felt good.

The entire machine tips to the side. I stumble to the side, putting my hands down on the metal to try and keep my balance. There's a flash of red and then I'm being scooped up by Flash who promptly leaps off the machine. We're airborne, I have my arms around his neck, and he's releasing my legs so that he can reach up and grab a line extending from the Batplane. His arm at my back tightens and I tighten my arms wrapped around his neck as suddenly the line extending from the Batplane is the only thing supporting us. Behind us, the ice fortress is falling.

"Well, that was fun," Flash comments as I shift my position so that I can grab the line below his hand and lessen the weight on him. I look above us to where Annex is hanging onto the line and the Batplane is coursing through the air. Annex grins at me. I smile back, sandwiched between Flash and the line.

Mount Justice, Happy Harbor, Rhode Island : November 12, 2010 – 10:00 EST

"It appears he will have to finish celebrating his birthday tonight," Annex comments, looking at the unopened presents scattered on the coffee table from when we had left.

"Queen Perdita is safe though, and we do not have to be worried about what Vertigo would do as king," I point out.

"I hope that he would not be foolish enough to try to antagonize Atlantis," says Annex, "but I have doubts as to his intelligence."

I smirk, plucking a cupcake from the coffee table. Conner sits on one of the couches, grabbing a cupcake for himself. M'gann curls up next to him. I scrape off the icing then tear off the paper and begin to eat it as Annex pauses and frowns, putting a hand to his com-link.

Annex's eyes widen sharply and he asks abruptly, "Mera, are you sure?"

I swallow then look at Annex, concerned. Zatanna in the kitchen, along with M'gann and Conner on the couch, look at Annex.

Annex turns sharply and darts into the hallway, explaining, "I must use your tablet, Kalla."

"Of course," I say, darting after him with the cupcake still gingerly clasped in my hand. "What is-"

He shushes me as he darts into my bedroom and plucks my tablet off my desk. He taps away at it, his expression growing more concerning by the moment. He swears in Atlantean.

"That article published about your matim," he says after a moment, setting the tablet down. "You recall it?"

"Vividly."

"Your parents were arrested two days ago," he says. "Partly based on evidence from that article."

I lick my lips, "I knew that this was going to happen, eventually."

"Well, the arrests happened without my knowledge," he explains. "Mera did not know, nor did Orm. The individuals from Poseidonis who went to Shayeris and arrested your parents were acting on the questionable orders of their superiors, and to settle a personal grudge. They deliberately made sure that no evidence of the arrests came to my eyes or ears."

I remain silent. That is not right, but I am not sure what I should do about it.

"Mera just found out," he continues. "She removed your parents from the hands of those soldiers who arrested them."

I frown, "They were arrested on appropriate grounds, were they not?"

"Your matim, yes. Your patera, less so. But the people who questioned your parents decided to do so physically. They beat your parents, Kalla."

My eyes widen, "What?! That is not how we question people though, why-"

"One of the interrogators apparently fought against your matim when she was with Aspasia. He had a personal grudge and was there when she fled, reportedly killing a few soldiers in the process. I know, she cannot be charged for anything that occurred with Aspasia while she was under 17, but they do not care. Your patera, as you know, worked for Black Manta. Those who interrogated him lost family members to Black Manta's attacks."

"And you were not informed of their arrests," I say, struggling to keep my voice calm.

"No. Your parents will be fine, Kalladura'ham. I promise. Mera assigned exemplary soldiers to their cases and personally got every soldier involved in one place and tore them down. I will be returning to Atlantis to deal with those soldiers myself. Your parents are being tended to."

I inhale heavily and clench my hands into fists at my sides. I know that torture is used occasionally, rarely, in Atlantis, but not against prisoners such as my parents who had no information that wasn't years old to give. Torture is notoriously unreliable. People say what the torturers want to hear, which often may not be the truth.

"You knew of your matim's past?" he asks.

"She only told me recently." I shake my head helplessly, "I am sorry, I should have told-"

"No," he shakes his head. "No, you did what you thought was right."

"Was it wrong?"

"I do not know yet. Regardless, it has already been done."

"They committed crimes though, I should-"

"I already knew of your patera's past allegiances and he has been supplying information freely about his time with Black Manta to me privately. It would have said in his file that there was no reason to arrest him on the grounds of his past allegiances, because he has been nothing but cooperative with us. Those who approved his arrest would have known that. Your matim…I helped her change her name legally and I got her the necessary approval to allow you and her to settle legally in Shayeris. I did not know of her past, what made it so difficult for her to settle legally anywhere, and I did not ask. Yes, she should be arrested for the assault on those two men, but her past before she was 17 does not matter because back then she was being used by Aspasia. She was a victim. The killing of those soldiers could be argued to be self-defence, even. She can be charged with nothing from back then. Now, unfortunately, she can be charged with what she has done recently."

He grips my shoulder tightly, "Sit down."

Mutely, I sit at my desk chair. I stare at the ground. I knew I should have done something more. I knew it.

"Kalladura'ham, I will fix this," he says earnestly, crouching in front of me. "I will get your patera out of there, because he shouldn't even be in there, and I will make your matim's past become a non-issue. Those soldiers will be dishonourably discharged for their revolting actions and arrested for what they did to your parents."

I nod.

"I'm sorry."

I exhale lowly, "I will be going to a protest in Nai'ada in ten days. A protest by anti-purists against the purist doctrine that controls the city-state."

He frowns, "Has something else with the purists happened?"

"The people she attacked, they were associated with the purists," I explain. "She was trying to get information on who attacked Je'ria, on the activities of Purists."

"She needs a method other than beating people up, Kalla."

"I know."

"We will have to talk about Nai'ada later. For now, let's go see your parents."

I nod stiffly, a lump forming in my throat. All I tell M'gann, Conner and Zatanna when they ask where I am going is that there is a mission in Atlantis. I do not believe that they entirely believed me.

A/N: This is getting more and more AU as I write, partly because Sha'lain'a and Rocket refuse to adhere to YJ's canon. Anyone else enjoying the image of Raquel Ervin being a protege of Lois Lane?

Regarding Zatanna knowing their secret identities…Zatara did trust Batman enough to give him the responsibility of his daughter. I'm assuming this refers to a history. Also, there's comics-canon to draw on.

R&R