#KnowingYourSkills
The detention ended up going by a little faster than usual. The new group's attempts to try to be heroes was basically something of a surprise. Some slowly found out about each other, more precisely about each other's names. The ring girl was Jessica Cruz, while the blonde was Kara Danvers. Gradually, both Zee and Karen were finding out about themselves, as well as Johnny and Barbara began to observe the situation around them, seeing how everything was working out. With that, by the end of detention, the seven of them agreed to go to the mall, but they needed to be prepared for what lay ahead.
At home, Johnny walked through the door, looking at the place where he would be living now. Seeing his father at the kitchen table, wearing a police uniform, showing his job in the city, he went up the stairs to his room, until he was surprised to see his mother, Kate, in front of him.
(Kate) - Can we talk?
(Johnny) - About? - He asked, half surprised, while his mother became a little irritated.
(Kate) - The principal of your school called me. He said you were sent to detention on the first day of school. For getting involved in a food fight in the cafeteria! - She sounded a little indignant, but still tried to keep calm. - What happened that you were grounded?
(Johnny) - If I tell you, you won't believe me.
(Kate) - Care to summarize the story? - The tension continued to grow, until Johnny decided to remain calm.
(Johnny) - I made some friends. Let's say that it was not my intention to take part in this fight. One thing led to another, and this is what happened.
(Kate) - What are they? Delinquents?
(Johnny) - No, this is all a big misunderstanding. They're not delinquents or anything. - Sighs, as he looks around. - Like I said, it's nothing to worry about.
(Kate) - So you assure me it was just this once?
(Johnny) - Just this once. - He looks at the stairs, and then looks at the entrance to his room, getting a little worried. - You transferred me mid-year from my old school. I'm still trying to get used to living here in Metropolis.
(Kate) - I know adjusting to change is kind of hard. I say this from experience. And we thought you'd like it here. Look, over time, you get used to it. - Kate sit still, looking at your son. - Promise me you won't get into any trouble? - She extends her hand to Johnny, who shakes it with a shy smile on his face.
(Johnny) - I promise.
(Kate) - Go to your room, son.
(Johnny) - I'm coming. By the way, I just remembered that I agreed to go to the mall with my friends. Is it ok if I go?
(Kate) - Of course. - Kate gives a shy smile on her face, and then Johnny enters his room, seeing how it was decorated with movie posters, a small bookcase of classic books, more precisely mystery books, while at the same time, he was a little surprised to see how crazy his day had become. This was something out of this world. But his gaze expressed a bit of uncertainty in his body. Would everything work out?
A while passed and inside the mall, Zee, Kara, Diana, Johnny, Barbara, Karen and Jessica started walking around the building, until they reached a clothing store, causing Diana to be a bit surprised at what she was seeing around her.
(Diana) - By the white beard of Zeus, what is this place? - Barbara looked at the Amazon, being able to make out the use of her words, as well as the others near her.
(Barbara) - Normal teenage girl lesson #1: Never say things like "By the white beard of Zeus." - Slowly making her way into the store, Barbara continued to look at the clothes, along with her new group of friends. - Lesson #2: To look like a normal teenager, you need to dress the part. Bright colors, big brands, be bold! - At that point, it was time for everyone to present their clothing options, with Kara being the first, demonstrating the clothes she wore. Picking up some leather clothes, she begins to hold them up.
(Kara) - Leather! Lots and lots of it! - That was enough for Barbara to take out a cell phone and show it to Diana, who was a bit surprised.
(Barbara) - Lesson #3: Your cell phone is your life! - Barbara kept talking, little by little, with Diana's eyes getting kind of surprised to see something of that level, as if she was hypnotized, until suddenly, Jessica pulled her by one of her arms, taking what was her style of clothes, organic and natural.
(Jessica) - No leather! All these clothes were made with organic cotton from Turkey! - Next it was Karen's turn to introduce her style of clothing, but also a bit shy to say anything now.
(Karen) - Dress so as not to draw too much attention to yourself. But don't overdo it, otherwise you'll end up drawing too much attention to yourself. - The others then looked at Johnny, who they thought should say something.
(Johnny) - Just a second... - He goes to some hangers and picks up some clothes, the style he usually wears, and some that he feels will match Diana. - If there's one thing I know, it's that you should be up to date with what you wear. Some people say that old clothes still do the trick, but the truth is that I believe this is no longer the case. - Take some jackets, skirts, pants, blouses and dresses. - These clothes are more or less modern, but I believe they will come in handy. After all, one of them should fit.
(Jessica) - Designer blouses? Dresses? Designer sneakers? Don't you think you're exaggerating a little?
(Johnny) - Jessica, a self-respecting person should always evaluate their options above all else. I learned this from my parents when they made me try on clothes that they felt might fit me. - Slowly, Barbara looked through the clothes the boy had picked up, seeing that he even had some berets, striped shirts, and an apparent Batman shirt.
(Barbara) - Do you want her to look like a Frenchwoman with all this? The beret? The shirts?
(Johnny) - I don't know if I put too much trust in the clothes I've chosen, but I'm basing it a bit on some movies I've seen and also on the magazines with tips that my mother keeps at home. - This was enough to make the six girls surprised by what they were hearing. - What? Just because I am a boy doesn't mean that I don't know a lot about style.
(Barbara) - That's right. Now go on and be normal! - Barbara and Johnny pushed Diana into the booth and waited for the result. There, they saw that Diana didn't look very good in her clothes, she looked like a mess. Kara's looked like it didn't match.
(Kara) - It seems to have gone a little wrong. - The clothes Johnny had chosen on the other hand didn't seem to support a modern vibe, contrary to what he thought, considering that the clothes he had given the Amazon looked more like that of an old French movie.
(Johnny) - I'm starting to think I may have gone a little overboard with my choice. It seems to have gotten a little too old. 70's or 80's French period. - He looked, seeing that the beret did not look very nice on Diana. - The worst part is that it looks like the beret didn't work out so well.
(Karen) - That's drawing attention on a different level. - Suddenly Zee looked at them as she finished filing her nails, realizing how the idea of the clothes had gone wrong, but still making each of them think: Hadn't they thought of that part? It seemed that the purple haired girl was feeling a little indignant about her fashion style, having a certain understanding about it.
(Zee) - Are you done tormenting this poor girl? Then allow me... - Zee began to recite a few words backwards, which did not go unnoticed by Johnny, who was watching how Zee used her powers to get things sorted out. Suddenly, the group looked at Diana, seeing the clothes that Zee had gotten: The Amazon was wearing a red blouse, along with a blue skirt, blue sneakers, and a common tiara, leaving everyone on the scene impressed. - Ta-dam! Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Diana Prince. Exchange student from Greece. Chic style.
(Diana) - And you think these outfits make me look like a typical teenage mortal? - Without hesitation, they all agreed, which made the Amazon put a confident smile on her face, which meant that it was her turn to show the reins to her new friends. Some felt confidence in their bodies, but for the boy among them, the uncertainty of what he could do was something totally unexpected, even more so considering a certain fear he was feeling in his body.
Some time later...
High on a rooftop, everyone was gathered, while Diana stood in front of the six who were standing next to each other, about to begin their proper training to become heroes. Johnny was on Zee's side, but still, he felt a certain tension in seeing that he had friends, but also that they had powers, which made things even more difficult. His heart was pounding, both in uncertainty, and with a small doubt if he should really be a part of this. He wondered if he should write something down, but Barbara seemed to be inspired to see what he was accomplishing: Gathering a group of people with powers, it seemed like it was done. Finding her group of friends, all okay. Diana walked to the side, ready to begin her explanation.
(Diana) - If we are to be a team, then I must know your powers and abilities! You! - She points at Johnny, who was clearly nervous about having to show his powers. - Name, rank, skills!
(Johnny) - As I said before, my name is Johnny Young. I recently moved from Coast City. Rank: Newbie, to be honest. My skills? - sighs, while at the same time looking to the sides, feeling a certain doubt at this moment. - The truth is that I don't use my skills much, but let's say I have something that is a little difficult to use sometimes.
(Diana) - You hesitate to use your gift. The Gods gave you something to be used in the name of the greater good and you have a fear of using it? Why is that?
(Johnny) - I don't know if many would believe it... - Nervousness seemed to be taking over, which caused Barbara to put one of her hands on his shoulder, looking at the boy.
(Barbara) - You can do it.
(Diana) - A warrior must always be prepared for whatever comes his way. - She throws her shield towards the boy, who puts his hands in front of him, emanating an energy that stops the shield, demonstrating his powers to everyone on the roof, which surprised Zee a little at what she was seeing.
(Zee) - Energy manipulation?
(Johnny) - Is that what it's called? - He puts the shield on the ground, causing the Amazon to pick it up, with a smile on her face. - I always imagined it could be something else.
(Zee) - Those who possess such a power simply don't acquire it. Most of these cases, people are born with it.
(Johnny) - In my case, I wasn't born with them. - Sighs, a little nervous about the situation. - I don't use my powers much, because of fear, to tell you the truth.
(Diana) - Fear is difficult for some. But when we master it, we can show that we are stronger to fulfill our mission. And what is your name?
(Johnny) - Let's leave it open for now. At least, until I think of a good name for a hero. - The nervousness was a bit great, but at least I was willing to put it aside for a moment.
(Diana) - I agree. - It seemed like it would take some time, until Jess looked at her ring, causing Diana to walk over to the girl.
(Jessica) - My name is Jess. I'm a cadet in something called the Green Lantern Corps and... - It was kind of clear that everyone was floating around with the explanation, trying to figure out what Jess meant, and it seemed to be making Barbara's mind a little fuzzy. Sighing, Jess slowly began to resume her explanation. - So these aliens gave me this Green Power Ring. They are like space police who patrol different sectors of the galaxy. So the whole thing is kind of complicated. Basically I can create various things with this ring. - He conjures up a vase of flowers with it, leaving Barbara impressed with what she was seeing. At the same time, Johnny seemed to have been somewhat thrilled to see someone with such a power.
(Barbara) - Make a burrito! - Slowly, she conjured up what Barbara asked, while Johnny watched, seeing how excited he was to see Jess wearing the ring, almost as if he could do anything. - How about a giant supreme burrito with everything on a whim? - However, that turned out to be enough for Diana to get everyone's attention again so that they could continue the introductions.
(Diana) - With this ring of the Gods, you can produce any capable weapon imaginable to force your enemies into submission? - Jess looked at the ring, while getting a half-calm look on his face.
(Jessica) - Well, in theory, yes, but I don't believe in violence. - Johnny then took the opportunity to slowly approach Barbara, still half surprised and half moved.
(Johnny) - I think I even know what I would conjure up if I had a ring like that.
(Barbara) - And what would that be?
(Johnny) - In theory, to create something that could serve for future training at these times.
(Jessica) - In such cases, the Ring chooses its bearer. But he must prove that he possesses the greatest possible strength of will so that he can conjure what comes into his mind.
(Diana) - Admirable. How will it be known?
(Jessica) - Green Lantern. - Closing her eyes, Jess conjured up a Green Lantern Troop costume as she watched. - Kind of comes along with the Ring.
(Diana) - Great. And you, Batgirl?
(Barbara) - In short, I came from Gotham City. Basically what I do is try to find villains to fight and prove that I can be a hero. Batman is an idol to me, but if I hadn't left the city, he wouldn't have chosen that Robin as his partner. Anyway, I'm good at what I do with my detective work, I have a good photographic memory, I can connect certain dots. - And I have certain bat-devices that I created myself, along with a batarang, some climbing hooks, repellent gel for any kind of animals, - Slowly, Barbara put on her costume, as she continued her explanation, with Diana watching.
(Diana) - You lack focus. - She walks over to Zee, watching the purple-haired girl.
(Zee) - You can call me mysterious, fabulous, the inspiring... - She uses her magic to conjure a costume of magic, demonstrating her skills once again, while introducing herself with style, almost in a dramatic way, ending with the girl conjuring her hat of magic. - Zatanna!
(Johnny) - Now that's what I call a somewhat exaggerated presentation. - He said this part in a low voice, until Zee looked at Johnny, a little nervous. - What's wrong?
(Zee) - I heard that part. But can we get back to the point?
(Diana) - Interesting. - The Amazon spoke, as if analyzing the girl. - Do you have any other skills?
(Zatanna) - I can make a read heart turn black. Have you ever seen a jumping jack? Go ahead, look behind your ear. - Doing a magic trick, this eventually resulted in Diana pulling a letter out of her ear, and needless to say how shocked she was.
(Diana) - What sorcery is this? I've seen enough. You have great amounts of style. But you need to learn to channel your magic for a cause. Our cause. Also, I'm sure this uniform won't do. Think of another one. - Zatanna looked a bit annoyed, and shocked, until Barbara came closer, close to the girl.
(Barbara) - You could wear a cape. - That was enough for Johnny to come closer too, trying to say something.
(Johnny) - I think you'd look really cool if you wore a cape, Zee. It would go with your uniform. - However, the magician herself was somewhat disconcerted to hear these words. But still, Zee decided to take it as a compliment in question. After this, Diana walked over to Karen, looking at her.
(Diana) - What can you do?
(Karen) - I can... - The girl was having a little trouble with the equipment she had with her, but was trying to get it ready. - I'm still working on a few things. - Activating the suit, she ends up shrinking, exactly the same way Karen had done in detention, which made her a little more nervous than imagined. - I wanted to be big and strong so that people would notice me, but my growth technology went wrong and now I am even smaller and more invisible than ever. - Sighs, a little nervously, shyness taking over. - I think I should go home. - That was enough for Diana to look at the still tiny girl, trying to convince her with words of encouragement.
(Diana) - You possess much more strength than you realize. You simply lack a little confidence, little Bumblebee.
(Karen) - Actually, I prefer the indestructible, gamma, 1000 K-
(Diana) - Bumblebee. - Karen returns to normal size, somewhat worried, as Diana walks over to Kara, causing Barbara to go to the girl's side, whispering.
(Barbara) - Trust me, it will get much better.
(Diana) - And you. We have already seen your incredible strength. Is there anything else you have to offer? - However, Kara didn't seem very convinced, even more so under these circumstances.
(Kara) - Not for you. I'm not a hero, Princess. That's loser stuff. - Suddenly, an idea came into the Amazon's mind, going towards Barbara, with an immense conviction in her body.
(Diana) - You could be the greatest heroine the World of Men has ever known. You just lack the proper motivation! - In a sudden movement, she picked Barbara up and threw her as far away as she could, leaving everyone totally shocked by what was happening, including Johnny himself who couldn't understand what had happened, but that was enough for Kara to start flying towards Barbara at the highest speed she could reach.
(Johnny) - Have you lost your mind? - The Amazon just watched as Barbara fell, with Kara catching up to her, but it made each of them totally nervous about what Diana was trying to show them. But the scene in question simply left everyone stunned at what they were seeing. Kara slowly began to fly away, floating, leaving her heroine costume in place, carrying Barbara in her arms, having saved her with her powers. Each of them was excited, while Kara was a little nervous.
(Kara) - Okay, fine, I'm a superhero, all right? So what?
(Johnny) - I have a feeling this is going to be very exciting. - However, Zee began to analyze the boy, seeing that he was still wearing normal clothes, which left Johnny a bit puzzled as to what the purple-haired girl was doing. - What happened?
(Zee) - You are here to be a hero, but you still don't have an appropriate costume for these occasions. According to the little talk we had in detention, you need a secret identity, but you're not wearing something that shows it. - Johnny looked a little fearful, until Zee looks at him, remembering the powers he manifested a few minutes before. - I read this once. Sometimes users of energy manipulation can create things with their minds.
(Johnny) - I never stopped to think about it. But I can try. I just need to think of an amazing costume. - Closing his eyes, he tried to concentrate the power in his body, and slowly Johnny began to be enveloped by the creation of his costume, which was black, but with some reddish stripes on the arms. When it fully manifested, the costume was black and red, with a mask that covered only the part of his eyes, a domino mask. - What's that?
(Zee) - That, my dear, is you opening your mind to what your powers can do.
(Barbara) - This costume looks amazing. - She looked, seeing how the costume was adapted to her shape. - The black is almost the same as the Batman uniform, and the red highlights the details of the costume a bit.
(Johnny) - I guess I can also change the details whenever I want. - Change the costume to red and blue, followed by a change to yellow, until it goes back to black and red. - I'll stick with this one right here for now. - He looked at what he was wearing, being surprised that he could see some of the extent of his powers. - Should I put a cape on it?
(Diana) - As you would say, I think this can be left open. All right, now we are just getting started. Are you ready?
The uncertainty was clear, but there was also conviction in everyone's eyes. This was their chance to prove who they really could be, even now under these circumstances. Diana saw in each of them a potential hero, capable of fulfilling her mission in the World of Men, but she would need to see each of them in action.
To be continued...