Shadow Ghost the Night Child
Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice or anything you recognize. Just my OCs.
Chapter Forty-Five
Laila's POV
Central City is amazing. Wally has been so sweet to me. He has been giving me a tour of his city and what it has to offer. He mostly mentions the places that he knows and likes, such as the arcade stores, food stores and video games stores. Though he has shown me several places, such as the occasional bookstore and the one library that we passed by.
It's no secret that I love books. The whole team and my school friends know about it. Wally actually led me inside of one bookstore and said that I can take a look. I did and explored it with Wally behind me.
I sense that Wally wasn't really interested in the books but he did backtrack at several times, the nonfiction section and comics.
I went through the entire bookstore, it was a large bookstore called 'Barnes and Noble'. I have seen the name several times while flying in cities in America. The variety they have is wonderful. I wished I could buy some books, but I didn't bring any money with me. Oh well, maybe next time I can ask Wally to bring me here again.
When we came out, Wally was rubbing his stomach. "Hey Laila, are you hungry?"
"Yeah, it believe it's time for lunch." I say as I look at a watch that was in the window of a clock stop.
"Well I know a diner not too far from here that serves delicious food. C'mon." Wally says as he grabs my hand and leads me away.
A couple of blocks later enter an old fashion diner that looked like from the sixties. Wally took a deep breath and smiles. "Laila, smell the place."
I did as Wally, and I let out a smile as well. "It smells very good. What is it?" I ask as I look at him.
"I would say that it's the hamburgers, but it can also be the other things that they serve here. Come, let's take a seat." He says as he is still holding me hand and leads us to a booth that is in the back of the restaurant where it is more private.
"Where do we order?" I ask as we sit down, opposite of each other.
"A waitress will come here and take our orders. Here is the menu." Wally explains to me as he presented a menu to me.
"Won't you get one?" I ask as I grab the menu.
"Nah, I know what I want already. I eat here quite often." Wally informs and I mouth as a small 'o' shape in understanding.
"Well…." I started as I looked at the menu. "I don't know what to order. All the food sounds appetizing." I confessed as I look at the speedster. "Can you help me decide? I really don't know the food that is mentioned here."
"You have asked the right person, Laila. I shall introduce you the best foods you will ever taste." Wally says as he went to sit beside me and put the menu down in between us.
It was a few minutes that Wally talked to me about the various meals until I finally decided on a cheeseburger with some fries and talked me into getting a strawberry milkshake.
He went back to his original seat and waved his hand high and soon a middle-aged waitress came over.
"What are your orders?" She said as she looked at both of us.
"She would like a cheeseburger with fries and a strawberry milkshake." Wally orders for me. "And I would like three cheeseburgers with fries, a hotdog and a two chocolate milkshakes."
The waitress had her eyes wide, but wrote down Wally's order. "Is that all?"
"Yes, for now." The waitress nodded and went away.
"The waitress's expression was… peculiar." I say as she was out of ear shot. I couldn't help the small humorous smile tugging on my lips after saying that.
"Eh… I see that very often when I eat out." Wally shrugs as he smiles at me. "So… can I ask you something?"
"You already have." I say teasingly. "But go ahead, I don't mind." I say as I look at him in a relax pose.
"I was wondering if you can tell me why you are pretty today?" I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. I see Wally's face fluster and have a small blush on his cheeks. "N-n-no, I don't mean it like that. I mean, uh, today you, uh… look nice. I-I mean, today you are wearing the nice clothes. I mean, not that your other clothes are ugly, which they're not. It's just…" Wally stops his rambling as he sees me covering my mouth with my hand as I was hiding my giggles.
"Oh Wally…" I say as I finish giggling. "I understand what you are trying to say."
"Then why did you put that face?" Wally pouts as his blush disappears.
"I was messing with you. You're expressions and emotions were funny to see and feel." I reply honestly as I gave a small smile to my friend.
"Wait? Feel? I thought you couldn't use your Powers in this state?" Wally whispers to me the last sentence.
"I can't." I reply but continue to explain as Wally was about to ask. "I have mentioned this to Master and he told me that the reason I can still have empathy, it's because it's part of me."
"Part of you?"
"Master explained that for me, empathy is part of my five senses, so technically it's my 'sixth' sense."
"That's pretty cool."
"Yeah, I guess so, but… it's not easy…" I say serious as I look down at my hands that are on top of the table.
"What do you mean?" I hear Wally say and I can sense small amounts of concern coming from him.
"The range I can sense people is very small compared to what I am capable of, but the most difficult part is that I cannot easily control my empathy." I say as I look at his eyes and he nods at me signaling me to continue. "In this… state, I cannot control the emotions I detect. In my, uh, 'natural' form, I can control how the emotions around me affect me. Meaning… the emotion does not overwhelm me; I can sense it but does not affect me. However…" I trail off knowing that Wally understands what I am trying to say.
"The emotions overwhelm you and you cannot block them." Wally finishes.
"Yes, that's how it is. There have been times that an emotion was so strong and directed at me that I almost fainted." I confess.
Wally's concern increased at hearing this. He then holds one of my hands, "When did this happen?"
"A while ago, but don't worry, I'm alright." I say as I squeeze his hand holding mine in a reassuring manner. I still sense concern, "Wally, I'm okay." I say as I soften my eyes. I can't believe that I have such caring friends. I am so grateful.
"I trust you on that." Wally replies with a soft smile and then looks at our joined hands and I see a small blush coming to his cheeks and I can sense some embarrassment coming from him.
Why Wally would feel embarrassed? We are not doing anything wrong or inappropriate. But whatever, if it's making Wally uncomfortable I shall remove my hands, which I did in that moment.
Wally's newly freed hand went behind his head in a nervous gesture, while looking at me. "Are you okay Wally?" I ask concerned.
"Yeah, I'm okay." He replied a bit quickly but I could feel him relax once more. "So you didn't respond my question." He states as he looks at me expectantly.
I remember his question, "Oh yeah. Well today is a special day for me." I say as bit shyly as look at him.
"Really? Well, what makes today so special for you, hmm?" He asks.
"Today is my birthday. I am thirteen." I say as I close my eyes in glee and smile at him as I tilt my head a little to the side.
"Oh well in that case…. Happy birthday Laila!" Wally exclaims as he smiles brightly at me.
"Thank you. You are the first one to tell me that today." I smile at him. "Though I am most happy that I am thirteen years old."
"Huh, why is that? Ghost Master is going to give you new privileges?"
"Umm… kind of?" I say a bit meekly. "Ghost Master told me that in Hecatian customs, a girl who turns thirteen is considered of age while a boy is considered of age when they turn sixteen."
"Of age?" Wally asks confusion clear in his tone.
"When a Hecate Person comes of age, they are allowed to visit a sacred place that I wish to go. Master promised that he was going to take me there."
"Wait does that mean the city of where your type of people lived, the Hecate People?" Wally asks in disbelief.
"Well, I am not sure if it's in the city. But hopefully Master will show me the city as well." I say in a hopeful tone.
"Do you know if the city is not in ruins?" Wally asks softly and I can see in his eyes that he means no offense.
"I do not. Master never clarified that to me. You and the team know that I have never seen another Hecatian besides Master." Wally nods at this but keeps quiet, knowing that I am going to talk more. "But I have a feeling deep inside that the city is well and the people are still alive and prosperous."
"Well, I guess you will find out soon." Wally says with a smile and I smile back at him.
Sensing a person coming towards us, I look behind and see the waitress coming towards us with our meal.
Setting the trays down in front of us, she looks at us, "Here's your food. Enjoy."
"Thank you." Wally and I say together.
The waitress smiles and says, "You're welcome." She then leaves to continue her job.
"This smells great." Wally states and he rubs his hands together. "Alright, let's dig in." With that said he got one of his cheeseburgers, got ketchup and started eating.
I grab my own cheeseburger, put some ketchup and ate it as well. I blinked a couple of times after swallowing a bite. "Umm…. This is really good." I comment to Wally.
He nods at my direction before swallowing with a visible gulp. "Told you so."
After that we ate in comfortable silence. I ate in a normal pace while Wally ate fast, but not as fast as I have seen him before. He is actually eating at a much slower pace than what he usually does. It's probably not to give attention to others.
I was half finish with my cheeseburger when I sense several people coming towards us.
The next thing I knew, one guy grabs Wally's t-shirt and pulls him out of his seat. Then two teenaged boys around Wally's age sit across from me and another sitting right next to me.
What is happening?
Normal POV
"Hey babe." A teenaged boy says in his best suave tone while wiggling his eyebrows at her in a suggestive way as he puts an arm around her shoulders.
Laila only narrows her eyes at the boy next to her and the other two boys, "Do I know you?" She says in a passive angry tone.
"The name's Brad." Brad says as he pulls Laila closer, oblivious of the girl's anger. "I haven't seen you before. Are you new?"
At this time Wally stomps over towards them and stops on the table's edge and looks at the boys, annoyance radiating off of him. "Brad, leave her alone." He says in a serious tone.
"Ooo, looks who is here. The nerd." Bard mocks as he pushes Laila closer to him in which made Laila uncomfortable. "I didn't notice you here. Rights guys?" Brad asks his friends.
The other two guys voiced their conformations of their 'leader'.
"Excuse me, but Wally was sitting where your, um, companions are sitting." Laila says as she looks at Brad. "Also, if you can be so kind to let go of me…" She trails and she moves an arm to push him away but Brad didn't seem to like it.
"Hey!" Brad exclaims at bit loudly, but then composes himself. "Hey, hey, babe. Don't you like me holding you like this?" He says as practically forces Laila next to him making her head be on his chest.
Laila seems to have enough and pushes herself out of his grasp and moves as far as she could away from Brad. "No. I do not." She deadpans as she looks at Wally for help.
"Well, you heard her. Scram." Wally states as he crosses his arms as he gives pointed looks at the uninvited group.
"That isn't what she said." Brad growls as he gets out of the booth and moves so that he is in front of the speedster. The other two guys get up as well and got behind the red-headed hero.
Laila sensing the hostility got up as well and stood in between Wally and Brad. "That is what I am implying." She says as she put her hand in Brad's chest as she shoves him away from them as she moves closer to Wally. "Please leave. We were enjoying a nice and peaceful meal together."
"Together? Ha! With that dweeb?! That is so funny, babe." Brad mocks as he tries to get closer but Laila only put her hand in front of her and prevents him from coming any closer to her. Suddenly, Brad's face becomes serious and had a look of disbelief. "You can't be serious!" He exclaims as he notices Laila serious expression.
"I would appreciate that you don't use derogatory vocabulary against Wally." Laila defends as she uses her serious tone. "And my request still stands of your departure."
Wally couldn't help but smile at Laila.
"What?" Brad asks confused.
"Allow me to put them in words that they will understand." Wally says as he looks at Laila. "What she means is that she wants the three of you to go away." He says smugly. "The door's that way." He then points where the door is located.
"I will not leave until you show me that you guys are together." Brad growls, his other two friends then join either side of him.
Wally and Laila looked at each other, not knowing what to do, for the moment.
-Meanwhile in Mount Justice a few minutes before-
"Robin, where are they now?" Ghost Master asks the acrobat.
"Hold on a second." He then types something in the holo-computer in the mission room. "They are currently in a diner."
The team was there as well as Sphere, Wolf, Rontu and Psyche, all of them watching the red dot in the screen.
A while back while the team and Ghost Master were preparing for the party, Ghost Master asked Robin to install a tracker on Wally without the speedster noticing. The bird accepted and soon after Wally and Laila left, the team was informed of what had happened.
"It seems that the boy took Laila out for lunch." Psyche says.
Rontu says something in bat language. The bat had awoken about an hour later after his mistress's departure, but Psyche was there to inform him to keep the party a secret from Laila. Rontu happily obeyed knowing that it would be a nice surprise for the young girl.
"You're right, Rontu. It seems that Wally is the first boy to take Laila out for lunch." At Psyche's statement Ghost Master and Conner were internally growling at the speedster, but on the outside they are calm and collected.
"Can you hack into the diner and get video feed on them?" Ghost Master asks at Robin.
"Sure, it'll be easy. That is if a camera is watching them." Robin replied as he continues to type on the holo-keyboard. "Why are we spying on Wally and Laila? It'd not that they are going to do something wrong in there." Robin says casually while typing away and soon in the large screen various images were shown.
"Master is just worried. He has never let out Laila for a date." Psyche answers while Ghost Master is silently looking at the images.
The team looks at the Leaguer, waiting for him to speak. "There they are. Zoom in that image." Ghost Master says ignoring the team's stares.
Robin obeys and soon they saw a sight they did not expect to see. Wally and Laila were confronting a trio of boys. Of course they were not fighting, but it seems that the situation was tense.
The seemingly leader of the group was moving his lips, but no sound came.
"Can you get audio?" Ghost Master asks.
"Sorry, can't. The camera seems to only record visual images, no sound."
"…" Ghost Master stayed silent and nods at Robin's direction. At the silent gesture, everyone watch what was happening.
Laila looked between the trio of boys and Wally and all of a sudden she got Wally off guard as she throws herself at him a gives him what seems like a bear hug. Wally returns the hug if by holding her waist goes by anything.
The team looked at one another with bewildered expressions at the action. However, they stayed silent in favor of continuing to watch their teammates.
Laila then makes Wally bend down to her height and she speaks something in his ear in which Wally smirks and nods and then moves his head so that he speaks into her ear.
The radiation of annoyance rekindled in the clone and Leaguer at watching this scene.
"What are they doing?" Artemis asks rhetorically. The team just shrugged in responsive.
The trio's leader once again spoke something to the young heroes. The speedster was the one who answered and carried Laila bridal style and before anyone could comprehend the speedster's actions, he kissed Laila in where her lips would be located.
The trio of boys in the video was opened jawed as well as the people spying on them. Both groups are in a state of shock.
M'gann reacted first by squealing, "Oh my gosh! They are soooo cute together! They make a cute couple!" She then floats above them while having a little fangirl episode.
"The child is no longer a child… I suppose." Psyche says a nostalgic tone. "Though I would admit I thought Laila would choose a different person for her first kiss and potential first boyfriend. Though Wally is a good boy overall." Psyche finishes as she shrugs to herself.
The temper of two certain individuals is beginning to rise at new heights.
The team saw that in a few seconds Laila's and Wally's heads moved side to side in a slow and intimate manner.
"No way Wally is using tongue on Laila!" Robin exclaims as his eyes would bulge out in a comical manner from behind his shades. Ghost Master and Conner snapped their heads in the hacker's direction with almost murderous glares. While the rest of the team looked shocked at Robin's statement as they looked at him. Aqualad, Wolf, Rontu and Psyche had bug eyes, while M'gann was guiltily blushing and Artemis had her one of her eyebrows ticking in bubbling anger and annoyance.
"Whoa! Keep that to yourself!" Artemis exclaims as she crosses her arms and looks the other way. "You don't need to say that out loud!"
"Please, like you weren't thinking that is what is happening there." Robin says nonchalantly as he points to the video feed behind him as he looks at the team. But he sees the glare of a boy of steel and a powerful Leaguer. "… But I can be wrong. They might not even be… using… tongue…. I'll just shut up." Robin quickly finishes meekly as Ghost Master's glare equals to the Batman which makes him worry for his life. He then turns his back to them and looks at the video.
"Turn it off." Ghost Master orders in a serious tone. Robin immediately obeys and the holo-screen disappears within the second.
The team and the rest look at the Leaguer, waiting for him to say something else. "Master wants all of you to continue to your jobs on the party or take a lunch break. He needs to be excused." Psyche says for him as he told her what to say through their bond. "Well… what are you waiting for children?" Psyche says this time annoyance that no one made a move.
The statement got the team back again and went to the kitchen where they all decided that they needed a break and food.
-Meanwhile in a Central City diner, moments before-
Laila looks at Wally before an idea pops into her minds and quickly hugs Wally which forces him to hold her around her waist. She pulls Wally down so that she could whisper into Wally's ear so that the trio of boys couldn't eavesdrop.
"Wally I have an idea so that those boys could leave. It might be a bit too much, but this is the only thing the popped into my mind immediately. Hug me tighter if you are going to follow my instructions." Laila whispers as her lips moves along his ear. Wally hugs her tighter. "If they want proof, we shall give it to them. I need you to kiss me, of course when you kiss me my digits will be over my lips. You get my drift?" Laila says in a business-like manner.
Wally smirks and nods understanding and then moves so that he whispers into her ear. "I'll carry you and when I move my head to the side, move it the opposite way, to make it more believable. It has to mirror what I am doing, okay?" Wally says and he faintly hears Laila hum in response.
"Hey, what's taking so long? Babe, are you sure you are not being force to be with the nerd dweeb? You know you can be with me." Bard at first mocks and then says the last sentence directed at Laila in what he thought was a knee-quivering suggestive tone as he wiggles his eyebrows at her. Laila only shivered in disgust.
"Hey, you better back off Brad. If proof is what you want, then enjoy the show." Wally states boldly as in one swift movement he carries Laila bridal style and holds her close as if compensating for making her go through the vulgar suggestions that Brad spoke.
Wally moves his lips over her's just as Laila quickly put her slender digits over her lips and closes her eyes.
The young girl senses the shock of the trio of boys. She feels Wally moving and she moves the opposite direction while using her free hand to hold the back of his head to make him closer to her, making the act realistic.
After a while of slowly moving from side to side, she slowly moves away while discreetly moving her digits so that it was out of view of the trio. Wally moves away as well and looks at Laila who had a half-lidded expression and then turns away to look at the trio. "Please leave." She says sweetly but then her eyes narrowed into a deadly glare that unnerved the trio of boys. "Now." She orders forcefully.
The boys absently nod and left without another word. Laila continues her glare until they left the diner. Her eyes became normal as she looks back at Wally who is still carrying her. They both ignore the handful of people who are watching them including several waitresses. Seconds later Laila's face had a huge grin in which Wally mirrored.
"That was…" Laila trails off with a smile.
"…what I never expected to happen today." Wally finishes with a smile of his own as he set Laila to the ground.
The on lookers gave knowing smiles and went back to what they were previously doing in order to give the 'young couple' some privacy.
Both of them return to their respective seats, "I am so glad that those boys left. Their auras are not pleasant to be around." Laila confesses as she mentally shivers at the memory. "Not pleasant at all."
"Same here." Wally says after swallowing his bite from his burger. "He's a jerk to a lot of people and acts so snobbish. He thinks he owns the place." Wally says and Laila sense the annoyance coming off of him.
"In other words, a bully." Laila says knowingly.
"Yep. Well enough of them. Let's eat before the food gets any colder." Wally says as he picks up his last cheeseburger.
Laila nods and both resume to their meal, once again in pleasurable silence.
-Meanwhile in Mount Justice-
Outside on the beach where no one really ventures in, Ghost Master is there, hidden by the shadows. Psyche is not with him but in the cave where he ordered her to watch over the young heroes.
Ghost Master has fireballs in his hands and throwing them as far as he could towards the ocean. Many of them landed in the water, steam rising where it lands. Some were not that lucky and in those places, glass was left from the impact in the sand.
All within the second fireballs left from both of his hands. His anger is slowly fading from the thoughts plaguing his mind.
Once I get that red-headed boy in front of me alone, I will make sure that he will forever remember the promises I will do if he hurts my-
(Scene change)
"I'm satisfied." Conner says to the team as he finishes eating the sandwich that M'gann prepared for him.
M'gann got his plate and he quickly left his chair. He headed out of the kitchen without another word.
The female Martian was worried for her boyfriend but knew better than to go after him. She knows how deeply he cares for Laila and she believes the reason why Conner's anger is bubbling on the inside is because of the big brother protectiveness that Conner had confessed to have.
The others just stare at the retreating form of the boy of steel, leaving him be.
Conner walks outside of the cave, towards the forest on the opposite end of the island that Ghost Master was currently releasing his anger.
Once he thought that he was alone, he ran towards a heap of large rocks and punch them as hard as he could. The boulder of a rock cracks instantly and some parts of it fell apart, crumbling towards the ground.
With each punch Conner had a continuous pattern of thoughts. He thought of the ways of how he can possible hurt Wally without Laila getting mad at him, ways of making sure that Laila and Wally don't kiss, and how he can possible improvise of making sure that Wally and Laila are never alone in the same room.
All the while, he ignores and denies the ache in his heart about how Laila will now be with another guy.
In Central City
"I had a delicious lunch today. Thank you, Wally." Laila says as both of them exit the diner, walking side by side.
"You're welcome." Wally says with a smile as he puts his arms behind his head. "There is still day light, is there somewhere you want to go?"
"Hmm… I would be very happy if you take me to a park. Any would do." Laila replies with a smile as she absently looks in the distance.
"In that case. I'll take you to the biggest one near here. It's your birthday, so you deserve the best." Wally states as he takes Laila's hands and leads her once again.
All the while as they were walking they talked about whatever came into topic. When people saw them they would have thought that they are best friends or even siblings, but with them holding hands, threw them off. The people couldn't decide if they were a couple or relatives, but they quickly ignore it in favor of going back to their tasks.
The young heroes soon found themselves at the entrance of the park which has large black iron gates that are open.
"Here we are." Wally announces at Laila.
Laila looks at the grassy fields, the trees along the sidewalk, and the few people that are mingling around. "Wow… it's lovely." Laila absently says as she wanders in the park walking on the concrete trail with Wally following behind.
"It sounds as if you never been in a park before." Wally observes as he now is next to Laila. "You have been to parks like these before, right?"
"I have. I've been in Central Park in New York and in the Sutton Park in England." Laila states as she looks at her friend. "But… as you know it hasn't been until recently that I have been exposed to the sun lit places. The parks look so different during the day compared to the night."
"Oh." Wally says in realization.
"At night, there is no one, except homeless people or some dangerous people. But when the moon is shining upon the park and no one is there, it can be so peaceful…"
Wally stares at the young Hecatian with sad eyes as he sees the loneliness that reflects on her amethyst eyes. "…but it can also be so lonely. As a younger child, I had no friends that were of my age. Even if I couldn't remember my life before living with Master, I know that a park is one of the places where kids like me can make friends. However, once Master let me go to the one nearest where we live… I was greatly disappointed. The playgrounds were empty of life, when I thought there should be plenty. I was so confused, but Psyche told me that children are not safe at night, so that why they weren't there. It was in that point on, that when Master would take me when he had time, I would play alone. Of course I asked Master and Psyche to play with me and they would, but it does not feel as satisfying in the end of the night."
By now they entered a small area that only had swings and a water fountain in the edge of the area. It was empty and there isn't another person around.
"Well that is going to change today." Wally says determinedly as he grabs Laila's hand and gently leads her to sit on a swing.
He gets behind her once she is sitting properly and pushes her forward. "What are you doing?" Laila asks confused.
"I'm going to push you and it's going to be fun."
"What I mean is why are you doing this?"
"Well I can't allow that you didn't get to play with friends when you were younger so today I hope I am enough." Wally says as he continues to push her higher.
"…" Laila got silent, but a huge smile appears on her faces as she holds on tightly on the chains and looks behind towards Wally. "You are more than enough. Though I would really like it if you sat in the next swing and we both swing."
"Okay." With that the speedster got in the swing next to the young apprentice and moved his legs back and forth, quickly gaining height and speed.
Laila smile grew and let out a few happy shouts as she rose in the air as she swings. Wally did the same. The two friends would look at each other and smile at each other, having the time of their lives.
"This day only gets better." Laila announces to Wally as they walk on a trial. They had no destination in mind so they were okay with directionless walking.
"Ha, it's true. It's because you are with me." Wally boasts playfully. "I make days seem better."
"Of course you do." Laila answers just as playfully as she pokes his shoulder as she smiles teasingly. However her smile soon vanishes and her face became serious.
Wally caught Laila's quick change of mood and was about to ask what was wrong when he saw several young males, in their early twenties, walking towards them.
Having a bad feeling, he put his arm around Laila in a protective way and pulls her as close to him as possible and walk in a different direction away from those guys, but sees that they are being surrounded.
"I sense no good in whatever they are planning." Laila whispers to Wally so only he could hear.
"Yeah, I caught on that too." Wally replies as he whispers to her.
"Well, well, well, look what we got here men." One of the men says. Presuming, the leader seeing as he refers to all of them and has that air of arrogance that screams that he is the leader of the gang. "A boy and a very pretty girl."
At that the men started to wolf whistle and had crazed looks while looking at the young apprentice. The girl in response shivers in disgust as she leans towards Wally more.
"Hey, leave her alone and let us pass!" Wally demands with narrowed eyes.
"Listen boy. We roam here and we can do whatever we please." The leader of the gang says in a dangerous tone. "And whatever I order to happen will happen."
Laila sensing the leader's aura is feeling very concern, sensing only negative energies. The same with the other gang members that are starting to get closer to them. "Wally, I'm feeling dizzy… their aura's…" Laila whispers to him as she starting to sway in place and would have fallen if it wasn't for the firm grip that Wally had on her.
"Laila, stay with me." Wally urges.
"Wally, I will create a diversion and I want you to run and do what you got to do so you can bring in KF." Laila whispers to him as she puts her lips against Wally's ears.
"Okay. I trust that you will be okay for a few seconds." Wally whispers. Laila only nods and gets away from Wally's hold.
She walks a step ahead of Wally and looks at the gang leader. "Please, let us pass. We have nothing to offer." Laila says, knowing very well that is a lie. She has encountered in situations such as these and has defended herself and others quite well being Shadow Ghost, but she knows there is a small chance that she can do that now.
"Of course you do, sweetheart. Say, what if you ditch that guy and come with us. I can show you a good time." The gang leader says as he licks his lips and shows his teeth as he moves towards Laila.
Before either young hero could react the man had his grip on a Laila's wrist. However, Laila reacted instantly and punches in his solar plexus, making him grunt in pain and releases her. Laila quickly makes a run for it and looks back at Wally and nod and runs away as fast as she can.
The rest of the gang members went toward their leader to check on him, ignoring the speedster. Wally took the chance once all of the gang had their eyes off him and uses his super speed as he disappears from view.
"Get away from me and get me that bitch! I want her! Move it people!" The gang leader yells at them and soon all of them start running and chasing the still visible form of a running Laila.
Wally had stopped behind some tall bushes and quickly took of his clothes, making sure on one was around. Under his clothes he had the Kid Flash costume and on his pockets had his goggles. He quickly put those on and speeds away, his heart pumping in fear of not getting at Laila in time.
If something were to happen to Laila, I will never forgive myself. Wally thought as he sees one of the gang members and knocks him out. In a few seconds he sees a paler faced Laila is against a tree with the gang members surrounding her, looking helpless while the gang leader was stalking towards her with a disgusting smirk on his face. He only needed a few steps before he could touch Laila.
In a moment all Wally sees is red and knocks all of the gang members in seconds making sure to hit the leader hardest, before stopping in front of Laila, who looks as she is about to pass out.
She sways in place and begins to fall, but Wally quickly catches her and carries her bridal style. "Laila…" Wally murmurs worriedly as he looks at her checking for injuries, "Did they hurt you?" He growls out in anger directed at the gang members.
Laila shakes her head in response. "Can we go somewhere away from them? Their aura is affecting me… causing me to get dizzy…" She says tiredly as her eyes are threatening to close.
"Yes." With that the speedster speeds away with Laila in his arms going to the place where he hid his civilian clothing. He gently sets Laila down on the ground and makes sure that she is able to stand on her own two feet before he got his clothes under the bushes and quickly puts them on. He also removes his goggles and places them in his pockets once again.
He looks at Laila and sees that she is using her arm against a tree and sees her taking deep breaths. He comes closer with a worried look, "Laila, is there something I can do?"
At first Laila doesn't respond as she takes in a few more deep breaths before looking at Wally. "Not really. But I am fine now. I just needed to get away from those men." Laila says with a smile and takes a few quick steps forwards, but quickly stops as her walking is unstable.
Wally quickly grabs her shoulders to steady her and Laila grabs his hands. "That is not fine." Wally states.
"Hmm… I guess their negative energy affected me more than I thought." Laila murmurs.
"… How about if you were exposed to a more positive energy? Wouldn't that counter the effects?" Wally suggests thinking logically.
"I don't know, but we can try." Laila says as looks at him with a small smile. "We need to find a place where people are happy, age does not matter."
"Well in this park I know a place where kids should be playing in the playground."
"Happy children… that's a wonderful place. Let's go." Laila say as she takes a few trembling steps.
"Hey, you are in no condition to walk. I'll carry you."
"But-"
"No buts, Laila. You and I both know that you can't make the walk. So don't be stubborn. I'll carry you." Wally orders and he went to one knee, his back facing her. "So just jump on."
Laila was stunned for a moment, haven't remember her friend so serious and determined before, except… that time during the 'test' when the team was fighting against alien invaders, when Artemis 'died'.
So she went on his back, her legs wrapped around his waist while her arms where under his arm pits and her hands grabbing his shoulders. "Okay." Laila says as she put her chin on top of one of Wally's shoulders.
Wally nods and holds on her thighs in a gentle but firm grip and stands up and walks walking towards the playground.
"How are you feeling?" Wally asks Laila as they are sitting in a bench that is near the playground with toddlers playing around, mothers and fathers keeping an eye out on the little ones.
Laila had her eyes closed and has a peaceful look on her face. "Much better." She says as she stands up and walks perfectly well.
"I can see that."
Laila smiles back at Wally and gazes at the children playing with a longing look on her face, but shakes her head and grabs Wally's hand and leads him away. "So, where to?"
"Um…" Wally didn't know what to do. He panicked at said the first thing that came to his mind. "Do you want to go to my house?"
"Really? Would I be a bother?" Laila asks cautiously. "I mean if your family is there."
"Nah." Wally says. "I bet they would like you. So let's go." Wally then once again holds Laila's hand and leads her this time to his home.
(In Mount Justice)
After several long minutes have passed for two angered super-powered beings, they became calmer and went back inside.
About over an hour have pass since the video footage. The team plus Ghost Master return to their duties and continued preparing the surprise party for Laila.
"Um… Ghost Master?" M'gann asks the Leaguer who was getting several tables placed. The party was going to be held in a large empty room that held no specific purpose.
"Yes." Ghost Master replies and he levitated down the table to his liking. "What is it?"
"I was wonder what food are we going to make?" The female Martian asks.
The team looks at the Leaguer out of curiosity.
"Yeah, like what is the birthday cake going to be?" Robin asks.
"Do not worry about it. I have paid a person to cook and bake the food." Ghost Master replies easily.
The team looks at each other with doubting faces. "In that case, when will the food be ready?" Artemis asks.
"I will be notified, which it will be soon, and Shadow Travel the food here." The Hecatian man says as he grabs a lilac colored tablecloth from the Shadows and puts it over the table with ease. "Aren't all of you supposed to be doing something?" Ghost Master deadpans and the team went back to work without being told twice.
(At Wally's neighborhood)
"And here is the street where I live." Wally announces as they enter the street. "And over there is my house." He points at his home.
Laila nods and looks around capturing everything in. "It looks like a peaceful neighborhood." She noted out loud, continuing viewing the seemingly empty street.
"Yeah, if you consider nosy neighbors peaceful, then sure why not." Wally grumbles as he looks at the house that is a couple of house down of his own.
"Nosy neighbors? How so?" Laila asks as she tilted her head to the side.
"You see the house I'm looking at."
"Yes."
"In that house, two old ladies live there. They are nice ladies not that cranky, but… they have their moments. However, they don't understand that they should not get into other people's business." Wally sighs. "I have nothing against them, but… they get into people's lives, a lot, when it doesn't concern them."
"Ah, I understand." Laila says understanding the situation.
"You do?" Wally asks as he blinks owlishly at her.
"Back in Mexico, there is an old man, a curandero, a healer, kind of like a witch-doctor, that I would visit at times." Laila says with a fond smile. "A wise man, but just like your neighbors, he gets into other people's business when it does not concern him. Even though he has done that to me I am somewhat annoyed but I don't get offended by it."
"Hm? Why not?" Wally this time, tilting his head to the side. They are already in the West's residence front door.
"Because I know he does that because he cares." Laila replies easily. "If that man didn't care he would not want to know what is happening to them. But he does and that's why he keeps an eye for them. Say do those ladies 'pester' everyone?"
"Hmm… now that I think about, not to the neighbor in front of them. It's no secret that the man in there is a drunkard."
"I think you now understand."
"Yeah, I do. But that doesn't mean it still isn't annoying." Wally says and he got out a key and opens the door.
Inside it reveals a homey living room and small dining area. Next to the dining area was a kitchen.
However, all areas are being occupied by Wally's family: Jay and Joan Garrick, Barry Allen, Iris West-Allen, Rudy and Mary West.
"Ooo, Wally brought a girl!" Joan Garrick exclaims from her seat in the living as she pulls the original Flash with her towards the young heroes.
At that statement Wally's face started to heat up. "G-grandma!" Wally splutters embarrassed.
"Oh! She's a pretty one." Grandmother Joan continues to gush. At the moment the rest of the family came over to watch.
"Thank you ma'am. You are too kind." Laila says a bit shyly as a small blush was on her cheeks at the compliment.
"And she is also modest." Jay says with a smile. He then looks at the still intertwine hands of the young heroes. The original Flash nudges at the current Flash who was next to him to see what he was looking at.
"How long have you children been together?" Barry teases as he looks at Wally with a suggestive look which causes Wally to blush harder and Laila to look at him blankly. Wally takes his hand away from Laila, which the young girl didn't mind.
However, Laila continues to look at Barry intensely and the crowd seems to notice. "Have we seen before?" Laila says neutrally while continuing to gaze at Barry's eyes.
"Um… no. I don't think so." Barry replies nervously as he put his hand behind his head. Laila is unnerving as Ghost Master when they stare like that. The scarlet speedster thought.
"Hmm…." Laila hums unconvinced but drops the subject as she looks at the family around her. "Sorry for my rudeness, I am Laila Fantazma." Laila says politely as she waves her hand at them in greeting.
"I'm Joan and this is my husband, Jay. We are Wally's grandparents." Joan says enthusiastically as she pulls Jay closer to her.
"I'm Mary."
"And I'm Rudy. We are Wally's parents." The mustached man says kindly to the young apprentice.
"I'm Barry and this wonderful woman is Iris." Barry says as he kisses Iris on the cheek.
"Barry's my uncle and Iris is his wife." Wally says to Laila.
Laila nods at Wally and looks back at the family. "It's a pleasure." She says with a soft smile.
"Laila… are you with Wally's team." Mary asks.
Laila didn't answer pretending to fake as if she didn't know what she was talking about. Wally looks at her and he says, "They know about me being Kid Flash, all of them know of the hero life."
"Is that so?" Laila says as she looks at Barry. "Then they know about Flash."
"Yep." Wally nods, but then stares as Laila with wide-eyes as well as the rest of the family. "How did you know Uncle Barry is the Flash?"
"I may not have spent much time interacting with your uncle, but that does not mean I do not recognize his aura." Laila states matter-of-factly.
"I should have seen that coming. You have many of Ghost Master's powers." Barry muses out loud with a hint of sheepishness.
"Ghost Master?!" Iris exclaims as she looks at Laila as if she never saw her before. "You are Shadow Ghost?!"
"Yes." The young apprentice answers plainly.
"Wow. I've heard about you and your mentor. You guys are really much more mysterious than the Batman." Iris says in awe. "Can I interview you for the news television I work with?"
At that statement Laila took a step back in caution. "I'm sorry, but I have to decline." She says in a serious tone. "My Master would be most unhappy if I accepted."
The atmosphere around them became tense. "I-it's alright. I understand." Iris says nervously as she waves her hands in front of her. She is very unnerving. She thought as she went closer to Barry.
At hearing that Laila calmed down and close her eyes and tilted her head to the side. "I'm glad that you understand."
"Laila, you seem familiar." Mary says as she put her finger under her chin. "I feel like I've seen you before…. Iris I think you show me Laila on a video before…"
"Huh, now that you mention it, I also feel that way. But I can't put my finger on it." Iris says also in a thinking pose.
"Oh, I think I know why." Wally says as he pulls out his phone and shows it to the family and put on a video that the young apprentice knows too well.
The young girl just closed her eyes and bowed her head while the rest of the family watched. When the video finishes, Laila tentatively looks at the now staring family.
"You my dear, have an amazing talent." Jay says in a grandfatherly way.
"Thank you, sir." Laila says shyly with a small blush. "I've have been told that before."
"That's no surprise. Dear, your talent is worth praising. You shouldn't be shy about it." Joan says.
"I have seen that video several times before and I cannot help but be amazed every time I see it." Mary says. "No wonder you looked familiar to me." Iris nods at the statement.
"Damn Wally, not only did you get with a heroine, but also with a celebrity of the Internet. Atta boy." Barry teases as he winks at Wally who blushes in embarrassment.
"Hey, we are just friends." Wally states getting annoyed of his uncle's teasing. "Just friends." The young speedster emphasizes.
"Uh huh, so when are you taking the lady out?" Barry continues to tease, which made the family to smile at Wally whose blush was becoming a few shades darker.
"Actually, Wally took me out today." Laila states with a straight face that shows the naïveness of what Barry is implying.
"Aw, that is so sweet." Joan gushes.
"Wally, why didn't you tell me? I'm your mother!"
"Grandma! Mom! It's not like that!" Wally says in a panic. "I just asked her to hang out with me today."
"Well, in either case I hope you don't mind that we take Laila to the living room to talk. All of you men take Wally to the kitchen to give him some advice." Mary says as she wraps her arm around Laila's shoulders in a motherly way and leads her to the couch.
"Son, we are going to talk." Rudy says as he wraps his arm around Wally in a fatherly way. "I am so proud. I knew it you had the charm. You got it from me of course." He says proudly.
"Dad! Not you too!" Wally whines as he is dragged to the kitchen, with Barry and Jay following behind.
Laila looked at the scene while blinking owlishly confused at what had just happened. The women giggle at the adorable confused expression the young apprentice had.
"So Laila…" Mary starts which made Laila look at the woman who was sitting next to her on the couch. "Where did Wally take you today?"
At that Laila smiles and says about how he took her into the city, got in a bookstore, Wally buying her lunch, that got the women to smile at each other with knowing smiles, and Wally taking her to the park. Of course, Laila left out about the two incidents that happened to them. That would surely worry the women. She knew that they would make a fuss of it, so she left it out.
Meanwhile with the males, the atmosphere was different than that of the females. The females had a nice and inviting atmosphere. The males, well let's just say that the adults were teasing Wally non-stop.
"Wally… when are you going to make Laila your girlfriend?" Rudy asks.
At that Wally's face turns completely red. "I told you guys already that Laila and me are just friends!"
"Sure… listen if you're worried that she'll reject you, don't worry. I bet she likes you, too." Barry teases as he gave Wally a pat on the back.
"I told you guys already that I'm not doing that!" Wally exclaims in frustration.
"Are you sure about that? She seems like a nice girl." Jay says.
"Laila is a nice girl." Wally states as he crosses his arms. "But I am not interested in her like what you guys are saying."
"Listen son, has Laila made you feel funny when she is near?" Rudy says.
"Like butterflies in your stomach?" Jay adds.
"Have you?" Barry continues.
I can't believe that they are all saying this to me. I regret in taking Laila here. If I only knew this would happen, I would had never suggested in bring her here. Wally thought annoyed. "No." He deadpans.
"Then why in the world did you take Laila out?" Barry asks.
"Promise that you all won't say anything." Wally demands as he points to the three adults. They made the motion that their lips are sealed. He leans in closer which made that men lean in as well to hear what Wally is whispering, "Today is Laila's birthday. Ghost Master asked me to take her out of the cave until Robin contacts me to come back. They are throwing her a surprise party."
At that the men had understood the situation, but they were disappointed for different reasons.
Jay and Rudy were disappointed because they thought that Laila and Wally would have made a good couple.
Barry thought the same. He had high hopes if Laila and Wally became a couple he would have a great advantage over the League. Oh man… the possibilities. I could have made Ghost Master and I better buddies since our protégés will be with each other. It is no secret that Ghost Master gets along with Batman very well… as well with Manhunter. It is also no secret that Ghost Master can be much more frightening than the Bat when provoked. Ah man, the opportunity… if the League found out that Ghost Master and I were the best of buds… I could convince them that Ghost Master has my back unconditionally. But that is now gone. The scarlet speedster thought as he gave an internal sigh.
However a ringtone interrupted the silence, Wally checks on his pocket and gets out his phone. In the screen it shows a text from Robin.
It read: U can bring in her now. Everything's ready. Bring her into the room.
Wally texted back: I'll be there in about twenty minutes.
"Well, talk about timing. I just received a text from Rob saying that they are ready. So I better get going." Wally says as he escapes from his relatives.
He quickly arrives to the living and stands behind of Laila in the couch that she is sitting next to his mother. She had her hand over her lips, but her eyes have laughter shining on them. "Did Wally really do that?" She says with mirth.
"Yes, he was six at the time. He got into so many troubles; I am surprised I didn't get any gray hair by then." Mary says as she grabs gently Laila's shoulder. "Well, actually, he still gets into trouble with being a hero and all." She then chuckles in which Laila and the rest of the women chuckles as well.
"I don't know what's going on here and I don't want to know." Wally interrupts. "Laila, we have to go."
Laila stood up and gave Wally a confused expression. "Why?"
"Um… well… let's just say that-" Wally got interrupted by his phone's text ringtone. "I need to get this."
It was Robin again and it says: Tell her that there is something waiting in the cave. Don't give hints.
Wally put his phone back and looked at Laila. "Let's just say that there is something waiting in the cave."
At this Laila's interest peaked. "What is it?"
"I don't know." Wally lies as he shrugs.
"Alright." Laila says looking unconvinced, but still walks towards Wally who was already at the door. Laila looks back and smiles at the family. "Thank you for letting me in."
"Oh it's no problem." Rudy says as he smiles at Laila.
"Come over any time. You're wonderful company." Mary continues.
"I'll take that in mind. You all are a wonderful family. Thank you once again. Goodbye." Laila's waves as Wally had already opened the door and leads Laila outside.
"Yeah. Bye." Wally says as he closes the door and grabs Laila's hand and walks towards where the nearest zeta-tube was.
After a few minutes of walking Laila interrupts the silence, "I know that you lied to me."
At hearing that Wally stops and looks at Laila looking confused. "What did I lie about?"
"You know very well what is waiting back in the cave." Laila says as she narrows her eyes. "I will not ask further what it is. However, I do want you to tell me if you know what is it?"
Wally was silent while mentally cursing. Damn it. I forgot that Laila can tell if a person is lying or not. Might as well tell the truth. "Fine. I do know."
Laila nods accepting it. "Then we shall not keep whatever or whoever waiting."
"Okay, then lets hurry up." Wally says as he carries Laila bridal style and speeds away, no one witnessing what has occurred.
In a few seconds, they arrive at the Zeta-tube. Looking around if someone is watching, they realize that one was there.
"I'll go first." Wally says and gets in the old telephone booth that was in the ally, that one that is similar to Gotham's.
I wonder what or who is in the cave. Laila thinks as she steps inside the booth once Wally got transported.
AN: That took too long for my liking. To tell the truth I had a bit of writer's block after my computer somehow deleted this chapter. I had to start all over from scratch. =-=
I hope this was somewhat fluffy and to avoid misunderstanding I'm saying this now: Wally views Laila as part of his family, like a cousin or younger sister, nothing romantic. Also, I didn't know that Wally's dad is named Rudy, I found that out in wiki, if I did knew I wouldn't have named one of my OCs Rudy.
I thank those people that followed, favorite, and/or review. I appreciate them a lot. :D
Over all, I really want to heat your guys opinions. Like what was your reaction to this chapter? Or what did you really like/dislike about it?
-MSM
