Chapter 1 V and memory
-Young justice -
Her eyes opened and she found herself on a the concrete. She got up and looked at her reflection. She had pale skin, long light green hair, red eyes, and pointy ears. She wore a white dress with a black skirt, black diamonds on the stomach, long black arm warmers with purple lining, black leggings and black boots.
She looked confused and noticed a woman with black hair and a Chester cat. She went at Marissa grabbing Marissa's by her neck. "We found you again, Shadow Princess, your training is lacking."
Marissa looked so confused her memory felt erased. "Not a clue what you mean."
The Cheshire Cat woman seemed confused. "Guess you were hit harder than I thought."
Marissa heard her stomach growl. "I'm very hungry."
"How about you come with me and I'll get you some food?" She offered.
She growled and grabbed her arm and pushed her to the ground before biting her neck. The Cheshire Cat lady screamed as she was bitten. An arrow suddenly hit Marissa in the back.
"Let go of her!" A girl in green shouted.
Marissa wiped the blood on her lips as she back up. She growled at her.
"Stay out if this!" Cheshire said, grabbing Marissa's arm picking her up. Marissa growled.
"Let me go, why am I not as strong." Marissa said in a gentle tone.
"Because you didn't get enough sustenance," said Cheshire.
"I shot her because I knew the arrow wouldn't kill her, but I wasn't sure about you dying in her fangs," said the archery girl. "Let her go. She doesn't belong with the Shadows."
"She wouldn't have killed me. And you really don't understand." Cheshire said in a calm tone.
"I'm taking her to her father," said the arrow girl.
Marissa kneed Cheshire and jumped out of her arms. "No offense, I don't trust either of you." She turned into mist and went through the sky.
"Great," the archery girl groaned. She spoke into her head 'Guys, she got away. And she doesn't trust me.'
'Got it well try to head her off.'
With Marissa
Marissa landed, taking a deep breath.
"Marissa!" a boy's voice called. A boy with black hair wearing a uniform with an R on it came out of the fog. "Please, don't be afraid. We're here to help."
"Help me my ass." She said as she ran.
"We're here to protect you from the Shadows!" Robin called as he followed her.
"I don't know who that is. I don't even know who you are. I don't need protection." She said running even faster. Not at her full speed though.
"I know you don't know me. We never met," said Robin. "I was sent to find you by your father, Bruce Wayne."
"I don't know who you are. I don't know who the Shadows are and I don't know who Bruce Wayne is."
"Marissa, please, just give us a chance to help you remember," Robin pleaded. He removed his mask and showed her his whole face. "My name is Dick Grayson. Bruce Wayne is my adoptive father. In a way, we're siblings. I promise you, I won't hurt you."
She stopped and Marissa looked at him.
"Will you at least let me prove I'm telling the truth?" Robin asked.
"Alright I'll trust you." Marissa said in a gentle tone.
"Thanks," said Robin.
She fainted after she walked over to him. Robin immediately caught her.
'Guys, I have her. She passed out, but she's okay,' said Robin.
Hours later
She awoke trying to figure out where she was. It looked like a living room, but it looked like it was inside a cave or something.
"I hope she likes chocolate chip cookies," said a friendly female voice.
"I can't imagine anyone not liking your
cookies," said a friendly male voice.
She got up and looked concerned. There were a few teenagers in the kitchen nearby. A girl with red hair and green skin was levitating cookies onto a cooling rack.
"Where am I?" She asked, concerned.
Everyone immediately looked over and saw that she was awake. The green girl brought her some cookies and a glass of milk. She had a kind smile on her face.
"You're at Mt. Justice," she said. "I'm M'gann M'orzz. But you can call me Megan if you want. That's Wally West with the red hair, Connor Kent is the one wearing the black shirt with the S. The tan guy, that's Kaldur. The blonde girl is Artemis, you've met already. And the one in glasses is just called Robin. Want a snack?"
"Marissa is the only thing I remember and what I am other than that that's it." Marissa said, holding her head.
"Yes. Robin and Artemis told us about your memory problem," said M'gann. "Don't worry. We'll help you fill in the gaps."
"If you say so." Marissa crossed her arms.
"If you don't mind coming to Gotham city, we can prove I was telling the truth about your dad," said Robin.
"Alright." Marissa seemed to nod.
"More than anything, I wanna prove that we're your friends," said Robin.
Marissa nodded, she sighed slightly. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay," said Artemis in understanding. "You had plenty of reasons to be unsure."
She heard her stomach growling. Catching on quickly, Connor went to the kitchen.
"Want some lunch?" He asked.
"That's not gonna help, unfortunately." She remarked sadly.
"It's because you need blood, isn't it?" Robin asked.
She sighed but nodded. Robin seemed to understand and was going to offer his own. Artemis stopped him and offered her own blood.
"You sure?"
"I'm tough. I can handle it," said Artemis. "I've endured a lot in my training."
"I'm not gonna ask about that," said Wally.
Marissa nodded. Sighing slightly. She took Artemis's palm. She made a cut on her skin and started licking up the blood that came out. Once she had her fill, she licked the wound and it healed up quickly.
"Wow," said Artemis, smiling.
"Thanks." She sighed slightly.
"No problem," said Artemis.
"I'm really thankful." Marissa walked over to dick.
"Well, you needed it," said Artemis.
"Don't worry. I didn't forget," said Dick. "She needs to come to Gotham."
She looked at Dick. "Let's do this."
"We'll be back," said Dick as the zata tube transported them.
-Gotham-
Marissa took a as she walked with them her eyes on Dick shifted. Marissa wondered if she should take this well.
"Bruce, I'm here! So is Marissa!" Dick called.
"Hi, Dick," said a man with black hair who came to greet them. He smiled at the girl. "Marissa."
She nodded and Marissa looked at everyone.
"You probably won't believe me, but I'm your father," he said. "You sent out a message to get you away from your mother and the League of Shadows."
Marissa clutched her head as a scene played out in her head. She saw her hands typing on a keyboard. Her view turned around to another girl giving her an okay sign from the doorway. And then she turned back to the computer and sent the message.
"You okay?" Dick asked.
"Yes. Just a memory." Marissa remarked.
"What was it?" Bruce asked.
"I was writing an email to my dad. A girl was watching for something," said Marissa.
"That must've been Alice, your familiar," said Dick.
"My what?" Marissa asked.
"Familiar," said Dick. "They're humans who are loyal to vampires. Alice was hand chosen for you."
"By who.'' she asked in confusion.
"Ra's Al Ghul…… after he had you turned," said Bruce.
She looked so confused. "Why would he do that?"
"Purebloods are unique vampires with their own unique abilities and he wasn't sure the lazers pit would save you. So a pure blood gave their life to save you from what Ra's said." Robin explained.
"And Purebloods don't usually get familiar's, but the Pureblood's family was concerned about you handling it. So they got Alice to act as your familiar," said Bruce.
Marissa looked so concerned. "I don't like that or any of this."
"Alice ended up becoming your actual friend," said Dick. "You both made a plan to escape. In fact, she was the one who helped the Team find you, even though she took a risk."
She looked concerned.
"She died." Dick took a moment. "We tried to save her but she ended up on the ground."
Marissa suddenly remembered it happening. She and Alice were fleeing the Shadows. Cheshire made Alice trip and attempted to grab her. Alice got into a fight and fell. Artemis and Aqualad ran to save her. Marissa started crying. This must have been when her memories went.
"You remember her now, don't you?" Bruce asked.
More and more memories came. Ones of training, ones of laughing with Alice, ones of talking to her mother; Talia. Her mother was called Talia. And then Ra's Talia called him her father.
"My mother and grandfather…… they wanted me to be like them," Marissa said in between cries. "I wanted to leave. I heard about you. Alice told me to reach out to you."
"That's why I went for you," said Bruce, hugging his daughter. "You're here."
She cried into her father's chest. Bruce let his daughter cry as he hugged her. As he held the girl, Marissa felt a warmth that she did not remember feeling from her mother.
She slowly closed her eyes just slightly she fell asleep with tears in her eyes. Bruce decided to put her to bed for the time being.
After he did Dick stood by looking at him sadly.
"Part of me wishes she didn't have to remember some of that," said Dick.
Bruce nodded, sighing slightly. "Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do about that. All we can do is be there for her as her family."
The girl laid there quietly.
"Yeah. Family," said Dick, smiling.
Hours later
Marissa awoke. Her eyes were calm but seemed so off as well.
"Hi, sis," said Dick
"Hi." Marissa sighed.
"How are you feeling?" Dick asked.
"Good." Marissa said in a gentle tone. She looked sad.
Dick sat down next to her. "Are you sad about the memories?"
She nodded. "I'm sorry. Alice is gone, I'm a monster and I can't stand it." Marissa held her legs. "I'm in pain, I couldn't do anything. I couldn't save her."
Dick hugged her and said, "You're not a monster. Alice saw that. That's why she was your friend. Bruce and I see it too. You're a wonderful person. What happened to her wasn't your fault. And she would want you to keep going. If nothing else then for her."
She slumped but nodded. "Sorry."
"No need to apologize," said Dick.
She sighed before looking at her room. It was nice and dark. The light was from the crack of the doorway and looked calm.
"So, I guess light doesn't hurt you," said Dick.
"No, I'm just nocturnal." Marissa remarked.
"Want some nutrients?" Dick offered.
"I can eat it just doesn't mean I'll gain anything from it." She said in a gentle tone.
"Then you'll love Alfred's cooking," said Dick as he took her hand.
She followed after them ready for something to eat. She sat at the table just in time for Alfred to finish making them omelettes for breakfast.
"Thank you." She said in a gentle tone.
"You are very welcome," said Alfred.
"Can I talk to you about something?" Bruce asked.
"Uh yeah go ahead." She took a moment as the food was placed down.
"I know you're saddened by what happened, especially with Alice," he said. "And, if it'll help any, I can help you do something in her memory."
Marissa smiled. "Really?"
"Yes," said Bruce, smiling. "Just name it and I'll make it happen."
"She loved butterflies so maybe something like that." Marissa wasn't sure what else to say.
"Like a sanctuary? Or a garden?" Dick thought out loud.
"Butterflies they're, very pretty, Alice said she said they were not scared of me. Most animals wouldn't get near me….only cats and butterflies that they adored me, like she did that's why she liked them. So butterflies…." Marissa said with a sad smile.
Bruce touched Marissa's shoulder and said, "I think she would love to be remembered for her love for such things."
Marissa smiled as another memory flashed in her mind. 'You're useless unless your mother can give me what I need, say anything and I'll do worse than toughen your training.' She was slashed by a man she knew was her mothers boyfriend.'
Marissa came back to reality and backed up slightly, her eyes looking to be afraid for a second.
"Are you okay?" Bruce asked.
"Sorry I just got scared." She said, trembling.
Bruce hugged her and said, "We'll protect you."
"And maybe it'll help to get a headstart on that butterfly project," said Dick.
Marissa smiled happily at him.
After breakfast, Dick and Marissa started brainstorming how to bring this to reality. Dick told Marissa about a number of different bI reeds of rare and endangered species of butterfly. This seemed like a perfect use for the sanctuary: the preservation and repopulation of endangered butterflies.
She looked at each one and a lot of them were so beautiful and gave her happy memories of her friends.
"Maybe we can let people in to see them too. You know, like a public park or garden," Dick suggested. "We'll probably need plenty of plants, trees, and flowers to make it natural."
"That would be amazing!" Marissa said cheerfully as she started sketching. "And we'll need to include information on the butterflies. Oh, and benches to sit down on."
"Any thoughts on what you wanna call the sanctuary?" Dick asked.
"Alice's Wonderland." Marissa smiled happily.
Dick smiled warmly at her. "That sounds perfect."
She smiled happily, enjoying talking about this. "Hey, can I see your friends again?"
"Sure!" Dick said. "If Wally starts hitting on you, don't feel pressured to respond."
"I won't." Marissa smiled.
Dick took out his phone and started texting. He told them about how Marissa wanted to see them again. He also mentioned her project. His friends sounded interested in it and said they would come over.
Marissa walked with Dick back to the team.
Hours later
-Mt justice-
Marissa took a moment as she watched the place and walked up to her brother's friends. "Hey again."
"Hello, Marissa," said M'gann, smiling.
Marissa smiled. "It's nice to see you all."
"You too," said Wally. He approached her and looked into her eyes. "You can glamour me any day."
"That's not the word it's called entrancing." She rolled her eyes. She looked at Robin and whispered. "How much do they know about my other family?"
"Nothing, they only know that the shadows were after you and that you're a pure blood vampire." Robin said honestly.
"Do you remember anything since we last met?" Aqualad asked.
"Yes…" she said sadly.
"I am sorry about Alice," said Aqualad.
"We're going to honor her memory," said Dick. "Marissa is planning for the upcoming butterfly sanctuary."
"Yeah." Marissa said in a calm tone.
Miss Martian approached the girl and hugged her.
"Thank you." Marissa smiled sadly.
"I think she'd be happy with what you're doing in her memory," said Miss Martian.
"Me too." Marissa said in a gentle tone.
"I certainly can't wait to see it," said Kid Flash.
Marissa nodded, taking a seat.
"Sis, meet Wally, Artemis, Kaldur, M'gann, and Connor," said Dick.
"Nice to meet you again more officially." Marissa bowed politely.
"You too," said Artemis.
She looked around.
"So, what do you think about the place?" Connor asked.
"It seems nice and reminds me of something from my dream." Marissa thought about it for a long moment.
"Unfortunately, Marissa, they have to leave for a mission," said Batman.
"Alright." Marissa sighed. "I could go with?"
"Are you sure you're ready?" Batman asked.
"Ready enough." Marissa smiled.
"Okay," said Batman. He turned on the screen and explained the mission. "The Watchtower detected an immense power surge in the Bialyan desert. Spectral analysis revealed elements non terrestrial in origin. Find out what happened at that sight and what landed there. Bialya is a rogue nation, ruled by Queen Bee, and not a member of the League's U.N. charter. All radio frequencies are subject to interception. Maintain radio silence at all times. You'll land in Qurac, near the Bialyan desert, just a few clicks away from the hot zone. Marissa, I understand if you changed your mind."
"I can do this." Marissa said, determined.
"Okay," said Batman. "You'll need a codename."
"How about Vanapira?" Wally suggested as a joke and laughed a little. Artemis punched him in the arm. "Ow!"
"Idiot," said Artemis. "You know, Vampirica sounds cool."
"I like it." Marissa smiled. "Vampirica."
"Then Vampirica it is," said Batman. "Move out."
"I will not fail to lead this team," said Aqualad.
Vampirica walked with the team, her eyes looking so nervous. They all got their equipment and changed their clothes into their costumes. After that, they boarded the bioship and took off.
-Bialya-
The bioship landed in the desert late at night and everyone immediately got off. Superboy carried a large machine on his back.
"We'll set up here," said Aqualad.
"Alright, let's do this," said Vampirica.
"Miss Martian, set up a telepathic link and then get ready to sweep over the area," said Aqualad.
"So you think this will help the link I mean." Marissa remarked looking for something.
"What is it?" Miss Martian asked with interest.
"Well you're gonna get a headache while I allow you in my mind."
"It's more of a communication thing, but okay," said Miss Martian, smiling as she accepted the help.
"I get it but unless I allow anyone in psychics can't get inside." Marissa said in a calm tone.
"Alright. Do I have your permission?" Miss Martian politely asked.
"Yes but I have to lower barriers." Marissa said, taking a moment.
Miss Martian focused a bit. And Marissa heard in her head, 'Link established.'
'If it feels weird right now, that's normal,' said Artemis.
'Yeah.'
'Alright, let's move. Remain in stealth mode,' said Aqualad.
She nodded and looked around to find anything in the area. Eventually, she found a campsite. It was filled with soldiers.
'I think I found something,' said Marissa. 'There are soldiers here doing something kinda suspicious.'
'We see them too,' said Robin. 'Artemis and I are on the other side.'
'This is weird. Why would they have so many?' Marissa remarked.
'That is what we are here to learn,' said Aqualad. 'Regroup, everyone.'
'Alright." Marissa walked heading towards the group.
They met up at their secret location and gathered together. From there, they talked out loud.
"It looked like they were hiding something big in that one tent," said Robin. "Artemis and I couldn't get a closer look without risking exposure."
"I can sneak in in camouflage mode," said Miss Martian.
"Is that a safe idea?" Marissa asked, concerned.
"I'm invisible in that mode. No one will see me," said Miss Martian.
"If you say so." Marissa looked concerned.
"Maintain telepathic communication at all times," said Aqualad.
"I will," said Miss Martian before turning invisible.
"Hope I don't come to regret letting someone in my head." Marissa said having a bad feeling.
"You may keep up your shield if you want," said Aqualad.
"It's not a shield they're not even really barriers, it's a way for my kind to protect our minds from those who forcibly mess with it or try to mentally erase my memories. Barriers is the best way to explain it because it's like many mental blocks that can stop someone from doing that. So it makes it impossible for someone to get in without us allowing it. "
"Are you worried there might be another psychic there?" Artemis asked.
"I doubt it but a vampire's open mind is a bad idea." Marissa remarked, sighing slightly.
"I have an idea," said Aqualad. 'Miss Martian, disconnect Vampirica. Her mind might be dangerous.'
"It's fine. I can handle it." Marissa remarked.
'I can sense something about the sphere in front of me. It feels like it's….. alive. Hello?' Miss Martian said. 'Can you hear me?'
'Simon can hear you,' a male voice said.
'Who said that?' Miss Martian asked.
'Simon can't see you. But Simon can feel you,' he said again. 'And Simon can make you all forget.'
Suddenly, everyone felt a psychic wave hit their minds. Each of them started to feel their memories becoming messed up and scrambled. This, unfortunately, included Marissa. As she was losing consciousness and memories, she watched as her new friends and her brother wandered away in a daze. And then everything went black.
-next day-
Marissa slowly opened her eyes to the bright sunlight. Her vision was blurry at first, so she did not register right away what was happening. And then she realized she was lying on sand and she was outside in a desert.
The last thing she remembered was Alice talking about if she could leave what she would do. "Where am I then? Did mom send me here to kill someone? Is this the test she talked about?"
She then heard moaning and looked at the other side of a sand dune. It was a male teenager she did not recognize. He appeared to be barefoot, had an Aquaman symbol on his belt, and…. were those gills on his neck? He looked up at her and spoke in an odd language.
"Mom, tell me you didn't want me to kill this strange guy?"
"Huh?" He weakly asked.
"I'm unsure how to deal with this. I don't understand you my only idea is to get you some fluid." Marissa remarked.
The boy nodded. She checked the bag she found on her person and found a bottle of water. She gave it to the boy and he drank some. He spoke again, another thing she did not understand. And then he thought about something.
"Thank….. you," he said slowly, like he was trying to remember the right words.
"So you speak English or at least some. Let me try some magic." She mixed the spell and used some shadows shimmered around him before disappearing.
"Did it work?" He asked.
"Yes."
"Thank you. I am still learning surface languages," he said.
"I'm learning vampiric so I know the feeling."
"Oh. I read about vampires," he said. "I am Kaldurum. I'm from Atlantis. What is your name?"
"Marissa. Honestly It's better not to know me." Marissa sighed.
"I'm actually uncertain why I am even here on the surface," said Kaldurum. "I have no memory of leaving Atlantis. My mentor has not yet allowed me to accompany him."
"...uh….did you say mentor?" Marissa asked, concerned.
"Right. Nothing public yet," said Kaldurum. "I am Aquaman's protege. We have not had a public appearance together yet. And I don't remember him suggesting that I wear this black top."
She bit her lip. 'They want me to kill him what will be my punishment if I fail…'
Kaldurum looked shocked and grabbed her arm. "Get down!" He shouted as he pulled her down before guns shot at them. Kaldurum looked up and saw the men. "I have seen their uniforms in my king's files. They are Bialyan soldiers. We must be in Bialya!"
"I see but I can deal with them." Marissa remarked.
"Raaw!" a teenage boy yelled like an animal as he tore apart some tanks.
"Friend maybe." Marissa remarked and ran over to protect him.
"I will help," said Kaldurum as he followed her.
"Alright." Marissa said with a smile. The boy came at her and she fell to the ground. Before blaming him to the ground grabbing him. She growled and scratched his chest.
"Gah! Raar!" He yelled.
"Freeze!" One man shouted before Kaldurum smashed him with a water whip.
She stared into the boy's eyes. "Listen to my voice, obey me and follow me."
The boy grunted and breathed. Finally, he calmed down.
She got up. "Get up and follow me." The boy obeyed and they walked off with her as she fought off the soldiers.
"You found him!" a green girl happily said. With her was a blonde girl and a red haired boy that Marissa recognized as Kid Flash.
"Stay back!" Marissa angrily shouted.
"Easy! We're friends!" The green girl shouted.
"Fuck off I don't even know who you are and I won't let you get her hurt." Marissa couldn't trust them.
"I've been getting flashes of memories. You were in them. We were friends in them," said the green girl. "You're Marissa, right?"
"I did get a few flashes of Robin talking about a girl named Marissa starting a butterfly sanctuary," said Kid Flash.
"Sorry but I don't trust you guys. Attack them and give us a diversion." Marissa said to super boy.
Superboy attacked the group, taking them by surprise. Super boy slammed into them. Well superboy fought them Marissa ran away with Aqualad.
"So she can mind control people!"
"She doesn't remember us!" The green girl shouted.
Kid Flash dodged and weaved, pushing Artemis out of the way. "You don't just attack people we don't know."
"You do when you're acting on instinct and don't trust anyone," said Artemis.
"Why wouldn't she trust anyone!" Wally remarked.
"Hard to say," said Artemis. "There could be any number of reasons."
They kept their pace of keeping away from Superboy. As they ran Kaldurum looked like he was having a headache.
"What's wrong?" Marissa asked him.
"We saved you," he said to her. "Those three, Superboy, Robin, we freed you from the League of Shadows."
She looked confused and she saw something. It was Robin, the sidekick of Batman.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
She looked at him getting ready to fight before running off. "I'm fine."
"That's good," said Robin. "Are either of you having memory problems? Cause I am."
"I am," said Aqualad. "I am beginning to suspect we all know each other and that we came here together."
"Weird concept." Marissa crossed her arms.
"You know, you kinda look like-," said Robin only for her to cover her mouth.
"Don't say her name."
Robin removed her hand and said, "You also seem a bit similar to Bruce Wayne."
"Yeah I know, look what's with this?" Marissa said in a calm cold tone.
"This might sound crazy, but…… I don't think we're enemies," said Robin. "I think we rescued you from the Shadows."
She looked at him. "I don't get it but I see." Marissa took then thought of something. She put her hand to her head. "Memory reform." Her mind flashed through her head her body
"Do you think she will be alright?" Aqualad asked Robin as they watched.
"She seems to know what she's doing," said Robin.
She coughed as she took a deep breath. Crying slightly before wiping her tears away and she looked at the group. "I remember everything."
Robin hugged her. "Some memories hurt, but they're still a part of who you are."
She sighed. "Ok let's get your memories back. This is gonna sting."
"I trust you, sister," said Robin, smiling.
She made his memories form around him. Remembering the memories of the past. He remembered training with Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Speedy. He remembered himself, Aqualad and Kid Flash freeing Superboy, he remembered the four of them forming their team and meeting Miss Martian, he remembered meeting Artemis, and he remembered rescuing Marissa and Marissa losing her friend Alice. He also remembered their project.
"Alice won't be forgotten," said Robin. "Her Wonderland will be made real, if you remember."
"I do." Marissa sighed slightly looking at the others.
"So, we are friends," Aqualad said.
"Fur-ends?" Superboy asked.
"Yes and I think I can start fixing your minds." Marissa remarked.
Superboy and Aqualad felt their memories return slowly. They then look at each other and recognize each other.
"Marissa," said Superboy. "It's you."
"Yeah. Sorry about making you attack everyone." Marissa rubbed her neck.
"I think I did plenty of that on my own," said Superboy.
"I am not surprised," said Aqualad. "We are all missing six months worth of memory, you had none at all six months ago. Thank you, Marissa."
"Now we need to get KF and the girls," said Robin.
"Right." Marissa started walking away.
"We should also get that thing in the tent," said Superboy. "Miss Martian said that it felt alive."
"Alright." Marissa smiled.
"Get down!" Robin said as he pushed everyone to the ground.
Everyone peered around the sand dune and saw the soldiers walking by looking for something.
"Are you sure they came this way?" One guy asked another.
"I'm sure I saw them come this way," said a second guy.
"Not that it matters," said a third. "We got the other three. The rest will come looking for them eventually. After all, the one girl is Al Ghul's granddaughter."
Vampirica cursed. She looked at Superboy, wondering if they suspected something. "I'm gonna go in there, you stay behind, this is my fault after all."
"No it isn't," said Superboy. "They want all of us. I think they suspect you remembered your powers and restored our memories."
"Plus, KF and Artemis looked skeptical," said Robin.
"I don't want the whole team finding out about that I didn't even want Superboy finding out so leave it to me and keep hiding." Vampirica remarked as she ran off.
"Wait! Vampirica!" Robin called, but groaned when she ignored him.
Elsewhere
Vampirica ran over and looked around for them seeing the tent. She walked around looking for the other three.
"Be careful of the Martian girl," said a man with pale skin and an exposed brain. "She's a psychic. She may not be in my league, but she can still pack a punch."
"Honestly, I'm more worried about the Flash or Green Arrow popping up," a soldier said. "They're gonna be pissed."
"Did you find the rest?" The pale man asked.
"Not yet," said another soldier.
"Pity. I was hoping to control the Superboy," said the pale man. "And Ra's Al Ghul would've been happy to see his granddaughter again."
"You wanna go then!" Vampirica remarked, getting into a fighting stance.
"Look what the bat dragged in," the pale man said as he sent a psychic wave at her.
She waved it off. "Nice try." She angry said she took a moment before biting her finger and drawing blood. "I'm not underestimating you so I'll just use my full power."
Her body shifted as she marked her chest and she grew taller looking older her hair grew longer and her clothing became more kimono like with clear sashes floating around her. 6 black wings appeared on her back.
"Such is the power of the Purebloods," said the pale man. "Sadly, it won't help you save your friends."
"You can do it, Vampirica!" Artemis shouted. Marissa looked back and saw her, Kid Flash, and Miss Martian.
"Miss M fixed our memories, we know you're our friend," said Kid Flash.
"And he's not the only one with psychic powers," said Miss Martian.
Vampirica aura shifted around her as she went at Simon her power in general was overwhelming as he was flung back he tried I to get her to move back but the energy broke his psychic hold as she made the darkness creep around him pulling him down as she punched him flying back with him in hand. "You think your strong just because of your psychic abilities. Let me show you true power, one in the shadows." She threw him into the dark portal below before he disappeared.
"Yikes," said Kid Flash. "You're dark, Vampirica."
"He's fine he'll be spat out once the darkness is done." Vampirica said as she transformed back and fell to the ground. She panted.
"You could use a recharge," said Artemis as she helped support her. "Take some of my blood."
"I'm fine." Vampirica said, getting her grip. "Let's get going."
"Okay," said Miss Martian as they walked away. "Is everyone else okay? Does Superboy have his memories back? What about Aqualad and Robin?"
"Yes. They both remember everything," said Vampirica.
"Good. So everyone's caught up," said Kid Flash. "Though I still don't get what you were talking about, Artemis. Why'd you think you're dad wanted you to kill me?"
"Don't ask her, Kid Flash. It's not your business." Vampirica remarked as she was helped.
"It's okay," said Artemis. "I was confused at the time. I was remembering a movie I watched the night before the mission about ninjas. This girl liked a ninja guy, but he was from a rival clan so her dad wanted her to kill him."
"You thought I was your ninja boyfriend?" Kid Flash teasingly asked.
"Like I said, I was confused," Artemis sharply answered. "If I didn't have amnesia, I would've remembered how annoying you are."
"Guys, please," said Miss Martian. "We need to get to the others."
"Wal! Sis!" Robin called as he rushed to meet them.
"Hey." She looked concerned about Aqualad after what she said she was hoping they wouldn't be suspicious.
"Hi," said Aqualad.
"Hi." Vampirica remarked smiling slightly.
"Is everyone ready to go home?" Aqualad asked.
"I sure am," said Robin.
"Oh man!" Kid Flash said. "I forgot to pick up a souvenir for the mission!"
"I think we got you covered," said Miss Martian.
As if on cue, the sphere came rolling along. The sphere gently nudged both Superboy and Vampirica, like a dog wanting to make friends.
"Looks like you guys have a new friend," said Robin as he pet the sphere.
She patted the thing. "It's interesting."
"Kinda cute," said Miss Martian, giggling. "Let's go to the bioship."
Vampirica looked over to Artemis. "Hey, you want me to take you home once we get back?"
"Thanks. That would be great," said Artemis, smiling as they entered the ship.
Hours later
Marissa was walking Artemis home when she noticed the area. "So if you need to know my mother is sorta in the same boat as your sister."
"You know about Jade?" Artemis asked, surprised.
"Yeah my mom's Talia." Marissa remarked, sighing slightly.
"I know. I heard Simon mentioned it when he thought I was unconscious," said Artemis, sighing. "I just didn't know you knew about my sister. I didn't tell anyone on the Team. You won't tell them, will you?"
"Only Robin and my dad know about my thing. Possibly Superboy and Aqualad, though I'm hoping I'm wrong about that….so no I'm not gonna tell anyone if you could do the same I'd appreciate it."
"Of course," said Artemis. "It's not that I'm trying to deceive everyone. It's just that I'm not proud of my sister…. Or my dad."
"I get it you think they'd be excited about my mother being who she is or trust me Robin is nice and kind and my dad gets it. But I'm not sure the rest would."
"Well, you'll always have me as a friend to confide in," said Artemis. She gestured to her building. "Here's where I live. I'm apartment 3B. Mom's really nice."
"Alright thanks." Marissa smiled. "See you around then….oh here's my phone number." She handed her the phone number.
"Here's mine," said Artemis as she gave her a piece of paper.
She smiled and took it. Afterwards she went to leave. Artemis smiled at her just before going into her apartment. She was so happy to have someone to talk to.
-Wayne Manor-
Marissa arrived home and entered through the back door. She grabbed a snack from the kitchen and found Dick doing the same.
"Hi, Marissa," he said. "How's your energy?"
"It's fine." Marissa lied.
"That's good," said Dick. "I think Kaldur wants to make you a full time member of the Team."
She sighed. "Does he really?"
"Yeah. He was really impressed with your performance," said Dick. "Are you okay?"
She nodded before falling over. Dick caught her immediately. Alfred and Bruce came in and looked shocked. Fortunately, they seemed to know what to do and picked her up.
Hours later
Marissa woke up and took a deep breath. She was lying in bed and found that she had an IV tube in her mouth down her throat pumping blood into her. She looked over and saw Alfred sitting nearby. She pulled it out and coughed a little.
"Sorry, Marissa. It was the only way to get the nutrients into you," he said.
"It's ok." She sighed sitting up.
"Master Bruce put Master Dick to bed two hours ago and I convinced Master Bruce to go to bed an hour later," Alfred explained. "They were both very worried about you the entire time."
"Alright."
"Marissa, did you feed at all during the mission?" Alfred asked.
"No, but I was using a lot of power. And I didn't want to take anything from her." Marissa sighed.
"From whom?" Alfred asked.
"Never mind, thank you." Marissa sighed sadly.
"Well, you're father and I are going to look into solutions to this problem," said Alfred.
"The shadows forced me to drink from those they killed or if I didn't I'd starve until they brought someone to suffer punishment with my fangs."
Alfred looked shocked. And then he took her hand. "It won't be that way. You won't be torturing or killing anyone."
"I know I guess I'm still a bit traumatized so I didn't…..wanna do that to Artemis again." She looked away sadly.
"Because Artemis is your friend, I take it," said Alfred.
"Yeah and she understands me. She doesn't deserve to be hurt for me; no one does."
"If Artemis offered, it's because she sees you as a friend as well and wanted to help you," said Alfred. "And she could never judge you."
"That doesn't make it right or me feel less like a monster….it scares me." Marissa bit her lip.
Alfred hugged her. "You are not a monster. You are Master Bruce's daughter. And, you know what else? Your kind nature reminds me of the late Mrs. Wayne."
"Yeah? Well I guess that's good…. Alright ok thanks….ill try to keep that in mind." She said her mind wondering off but it was ok. For once she felt ok.