We left the house early the next morning for the drive from Gotham to Manhattan. I usually have my phone's tracking off (for good reason, bad guys can track you and so can the League.). It was the first time Mom and I were on a trip together in a long time. Chiron hadn't called for me yet but, we weren't going into town for them yet. It was about time we visited Sally Jackson, the mom of Percy and Lia Jackson. Lia was back in Manhattan for the first time in a long time and we wanted to raise their morale. Why would we? Percy has been missing since last September. Lia was in Japan as part of a temporary transfer. I didn't know how Lia did it, maybe it was a result of something major at her school but, I had caught wind that Lia packed her bags and moved herself to Japan to finish her studies. Her being back is big, she only returns for one reason, Sally. You can't blame her, she's a great parent and her mom and my mom were high school besties.

An hour into the drive, mom asked:

"Are you excited to see Lia?"

"I am."

"We've been busy recently but you've been going to the appointments right?"

"Every week mom and she says I'm doing a bit better than before. She's aware of what's to come, not happy, but offered to consult."

"I'm sorry Harper," Mom mumbled.

"Mom, it's not your fault. What happened is in the past and despite our current situation, I know we're doing better than before." I reassured. Despite what I'm feeling, I need to make sure my mother's happy. I remembered when my mom cried in bed for the first time, It was after my first summer at Camp Half-Blood.

She was lamenting the fact that I was taken into the world she had prayed I wouldn't be sucked into. She feared that my fate was sealed but, despite the utter shittiness of my youth, I stuck myself to my studies. Mom wanted me to be better than her, my abilities in computer science were already known to her and in a recent project, my teacher used my project for a presentation and that's why I got the offer from Black Industries.

On trips like this, we jammed to songs and we took pictures of everything. We arrived in Manhattan a few hours later and didn't arrive at the apartment till noon. I was nervous, it had been years since we last saw them. When Lia opened the door, my nerves disappeared.

Japan was good for her. Lia always had a dead look in her eye when we were kids but for the first time, the look was happy. I didn't realize I was crying till I was sitting on the couch, spilling the beans on everything that had happened since she left. The Titan War, Gaea probably being resurrected, Percy disappearing, Jason showing up, the fact that they're in Europe right now, trying to put a stop to the madness.

The whole time, she just quietly moved her hand through my hair. "You were smart to leave the scene when you had the chance," I muttered

"Was it though? In return, I went through a different kind of Tartarus. I'm glad I managed to leave."

"I'm just happy that you came back."

"I'm happy that you and Sofia came over. So, what's the news that you joined something."

"So, remember the last time we wrote, I mentioned becoming a hacker as my side gig. I fucked up. I somehow hacked into the Justice League Database and I now know their secret lives. What really caused it is that broke into a lab in DC on Sunday. They recruited me 2 days ago and yo I saw weird-ass shit in that lab."

"Really? What did you see?"

"They made a clone of Superman. His name is Conner, a bit rough around the edges but, his creation leaves me with tons of questions that I don't have answers to. I actually ran bugs on the entire facility and i'm still running them in my computer. I think I uncovered a conspiracy of sorts. I'm unsure of the extent."

"You figured this out in under a week, I'm impressed. You've always been a sharp one Harps."

"That I am, now what's up in Japan?"

Lia took the time to fill me in on her quiet life in Japan. She lives in the Iwatobi Prefecture and is going to graduate soon, she accidentally joined the swim team as equipment management not swimming, Gods know what would happen if she swam. She fell in love for the first time, saved some people, and overall is living her best life.

"Now you're making me jealous!" I cheered jokingly.

"Oh stop! I know me coming back was probably a horrible idea but, mom needed support."

"My mom at me after last summer."

"Hey girls! I made cookies!" Sally called from the kitchen.

"Oh heck yes!" we both exclaimed as we rushed to the kitchen. If Sally Blofis-Jackson was legendary in one thing, it was her blue chocolate chip cookies. It was the Isles of Blest in a pastry. While Lia and I devoured the cookies, we heard our mothers retell the stories of our childhood.

The real goal of the day was for Lia and me to connect. So in an attempt to do that, my mother told us to go have fun. We used to hang out near Central Park and today we decided to find an ice cream shop, Ices and Vices were nearby and after getting a massive sundae to split, we sat at a nearby seating area outside to share.

"Hold on, you fell in love?" I blurted out. She blushed in response and replied:

"I am. If I told you I started going out with someone, just last week."

His name's Makoto, he's a swimmer on the team. Trust me, no one is intercepting this. He's a sweetheart and couldn't come with me this time but, I feel like our time together is going to be short. I'm probably going to come back here once I graduate from school. He has other plans for college.

"I see. So, I think I got my future sorted."

"Do tell."

"I've been offered an internship at Black Industries in their R&D sector."

Her mood changed. Eyebrows furrowed, "How did you attract their attention?"

"I beat Norton at their own game, My teacher is a retired hacker and at a recent tech con, he showed my work. It caught everyone's attention. He told me everyone from Google to Stark was quite interested and mom said that Wayne and Black industries were the first to express their interest."

"Doesn't your mom work for Bruce Wayne?"

"Oh yes, The day after the Exhibit, he just walked in and straight-up asked her if I was in school. She said I'm homeschooled. Besides the current thing I'm in, he also runs an internship and wanted to offer one to me."

"Dam."

"That same day, I got a letter from the head honcho of R&D himself offering me an internship in Manhattan."

"When's the deadline?"

"I only have a few weeks. I think that you know that I know, I don't plan to be there forever, We're turning 17, it's only a matter of time before Chiron summons me and having to go face the music. My sources tell me that the Romans are gonna be in Long Island Sound is just a matter of days."

"Do you need my help?"

"Hon, The Romans don't know that you're here. Let's keep it that way."

Harps, we're gonna have to wrap this up asap, someone is tailing us.

"Let's go wander around some more Lia."

It's a roman, isn't it?

"Good Idea."

It's someone I don't know, he's been tailing us since we left Ice and Vice.

We quickly walked back towards Central Park. Then it hit me, we could hide in the mirror dimension. "We can hide!" I told her pulling her towards an alley.

"Where to?"

Using the sling ring, I concentrated and opened a portal, "Here, now come on!" She followed me in and I closed the gate behind her.

"Where are we?" She stammered.

"The Mirror Dimension. It's a parallel reality to our own, they can't see us and anything we do here won't affect our reality. So, we might be able to catch our stalker."

As if magic, someone walked straight into the alley. I pulled out my camera and snapped a few pics. "Also it's mist proof so we can totally get ahead of the loser. You might want to avoid heading out anytime soon, considering the fact that you're a daughter of Poseidon, we're both unsure of the effect of your presence here in Manhattan."

"Is it odd that I've seen monsters around but run away from me every time?"

"That is odd. You haven't been in the area in what 5 years?"

"It's alarming me too. I think something from back in Japan's probably it. I did meet some Japanese Gods over there too, but they leave me alone for the most part. Except for this one guy and he's a piece of work."

"Your aura is also quite different. It's more intimidating than usual, the girl at the ice cream shop jumped when we walked in."

"I have improved my glare. I wasn't glaring when we came in though."

We both pondered on Lia's odd aura as we walked back towards her apartment. We left the realm a couple of blocks from the apartment. I got pictures and I'll need to forward them to Camp once I run them through my algorithm. That won't be till tomorrow though!

"What you thinking about Harps?" Lia inquired as we walked up the steps.

"Who would follow us? I work online and I go to great lengths to assure that no one even knows my appearance and name. I would understand if it was some Roman. It would be catastrophic if it was someone from that world did. Especially that you're with me, they would drag you into it."

"Wouldn't be the first time they tried to recruit me into some stupid heroic thing. You can talk to SHIELD bout it. Do you think it's someone from that team?"

"Probably but Manhattan is way out of their way. I'll need to dig."

"We're baaack!" Lia called as we walked into the apartment.

"Good thing girls! Harper your mom is about to leave! How was your outing?" Sally cried

"Good!" we chirped.

"Well that's my call Lia, we need to talk more often!"

"We surely do girl! I'll see you soon!"

"Same to you! Have a safe flight back to Japan!"

The drive back to Gotham was quiet and fast. Traffic was light and mom and I were jamming again.

"So, what did you and Lia do?"

"We went to try ice cream and wandered around fifth."

"That sounds fun!"

"It was tons! I'm so happy that I got to see her. Japan is doing wonders for her and I hope she gets back safely."

"Oh yes! It's the best I've seen her in years! Sally, was worried but Paul is being so helpful!"

"At least, they're somewhat better than before."

It went quiet for some time.

"Is Mister Wayne treating you well mom? It seems that he appreciates you a ton."

"He often says I'm a lifesaver. I just try to get his life organized as best as I can. To be honest, he's shit at keeping his secrets though. I've known about his secret life since the day he collapsed in the office."

"When was that!"

"It was around the 3-month mark. I pulled out the first aid and he was bruised all over. Let's just say it was awkward for the next few months."

"Mom, why does this seem like you ripped it out of an anime?"

"You don't have to believe me, Harper, it's what happened."

I broke into a fit of laughter, surprising my mom. "Are you alright?"

"I- ccan't" I gushed as my fit continued. "No wonder he keeps you nearby! Robin told me that he keeps the people that know his secret close. I'm quite impressed mom! You figured it out before I did!"

"You did get your sharpness from somewhere!"

We continued as we went on the last leg of the trip and soon arrived home. I made a note to start to move my tech to the cave asap. Now since that incident in Manhattan, I wasn't gonna take any chances.

"Mom, Is it alright if I continued my lessons?"

"Is Miss Everheart back from London?"

"Yes, she wants to teach me more."

"Tell her to call me sometime."

"Gotcha."

"It's time for bed, kid. We have a long day ahead of us."

"Yes mom, I'll see you tomorrow, night!"

"Night Harps"

We went into our rooms and instead of sleeping, I immediately started running the pictures through the database and I was shocked at the results.

It was fricken Speedy. Why was he following me? I'm going to ask one of the guys later. Of course, thank the Gods it wasn't a roman. That would've been disastrous, but now he knows of Lia's existence and that's not good at all. I'm going to have to speak to Batsy about it. He's probably aware of her but, there's no harm in inquiring. Or I can hack the database again.

Not today though, I need to get some sleep. Sleep sounds great right now. I could tell that I was exhausted when I fell asleep the instant my head hit the pillow. Not particularly good as that usually meant that my dreams were going to be crazy.

"Eventually everyone sees the Light." Harper shot up in bed breathing heavily as she looked at the clock, 6:00 am. She took a moment to calm down, and got out of bed. After taking a quick shower, she changed into a pastel peasant top, black jeggings and a gray jacket. She wore her favorite boots and quickly tied her hair into a ponytail and rushed downstairs and made a pour-over for herself and her mom. Sofia came into the kitchen as Harper was serving omurice, the kitchen filled with a great aroma.

"Morning mom, It's omurice and the coffee is the Guatemala Antigua blend."

"Thank you, Harper! It looks stunning, let's dig in!"

Sofia admired her daughter's stubbornness in waking up just to cook food for her. Harper watched a myriad of youtube videos to learn the ways of the kitchen which filled her with pride, but she was also disappointed that she couldn't teach herself. It was one of her few regrets in life. Now that Harper had joined the team, she couldn't help but worry. She had been through a lot and on her own. She could only hope and pray that Harper wouldn't get harmed.

"Mom, I'm going to move my computer to the Cave. I don't think they're safe here for now."

"That's alright with me Harper, just be safe when you head over there got it?"

"I understand mom! Now you're gonna be late if you don't hurry up!" Once again, her daughter was on the lookout for her, but she was right, she was gonna be late if she didn't finish her food.

"It's gonna be alright, Thanks for the food. I'll make dinner when I get back I promise." She urged as she grabbed her workbag and left the house.

Harper went straight to work, shutting down all her systems and packing them in their proper cases. This was one of the few cases that was going to require the wagon.

The wagon was your typical red wagon that she kept in the garage. After loading it with her things, she locked the doors and went on her way to the shed. She knew it was odd that a girl with a wagon could be wandering through Gotham so, while still in her garage, she concentrated and opened her first gateway to another place, this time the shed. She stepped through the gateway and found herself at the shed. Harper was excited, her practicing finally worked! She stepped into the room and found herself immersed in light and found herself at the Cave again.

Identified Angel B-06

"News just in, Selena Gonzalez has just been reported as missing!"

Hold on what? The boys were watching the screen in consternation, as if they knew this was going to happen.

"Hey, what happened?"

"Angel, The CEO of Farano Enterprises-" Robin started.

"Missing, who did she have connections to?"

"Cadmus," KF stated.

"She's dead. The Shadows must've had a price on her head. I can dig once my tech is set up."

"That's the wagon."

"Yes it's a wagon, I can't drive to Rhode Island, that'd be all day!" she muttered. "I'm going to my dorm.."

"Why here?"

"I have a suspicion that my base is compromised, can't take any chances." She blurted. "I was visiting a friend in Manhattan yesterday, someone was tailing us. She's visiting from Japan and will be back there in a few days."

"Her name?"

"Lia Jackson. I think now you should be more relaxed. That one can clear one's memories in a snap so, don't worry about her."

She turned to walk towards the dorms, knowing the looks they were giving each other, how she was acquainted with such dangerous people. Unaware of the path she walked, and the fate she was sealed to.

Harper spent most of the morning unloading and booting up her new system. When she was done, she heard a knock at the door, it was Robin.

"Hey, we need to talk."

She nodded closing the door behind her, pulling out a notebook writing,

Superboy has super hearing, write down what you want to tell me.

You were right. Your house was broken into.

How?

Batman isn't sure. Your mom is safe but it's better if you stay. She's at the office right now.

She nodded in understanding. "Are you gonna do anything today?"

"Not really, I was checking up on your setup."

"I'm practically done. It's booted and ready to sail. That reminds me." she stated as she pulled out her phone and pulled up a picture. It was Speedy.

"Why was he following me yesterday? I don't know if he's misinformed or if they're a lack of trust but do make it clear to him. When I'm in a team, I'll earn and keep your trust. Got it?"

"Yeah, Yeah got it." He muttered as he opened the door. "KF and Aqualad are on duty. I need to head out, So it's just you three till your mom says it's safe."

"Gotcha, I'll keep an eye out for an update. I'll see you later."

"Later Angel," Robin replied as he left.

She exhaled as she tried to process what had just happened. Someone broke into their home. She wasn't too worried, as she kept the real valuables in the mirror dimension and she just moved her valuable things to the cave. Harper, just needed to rest for just a moment. She fell onto the bed and napped for a while.

Harper woke up to a text message from her mother saying to meet up at the local diner to attempt to relax from the events of the morning. Harper quickly grabbed her bag, and headed to the diner.

It's been one hell of a day. I moved my stuff only to get my house broken into. Mom told me to meet up at the diner for dinner and for updates.

"I went to the house, all of our stuff with the exception of the tv are there. I did find a message for you harper." She stated as she gave me an envelope.

I could tell that my face paled as I read the letter, someone figured it out.

"Mom, we're in danger."

"I know, that's why we're gonna head out for now. I managed to take some changes of clothes for us. We're gonna stay with my boss for the time being."

Why? Is this why Robin told me to keep an eye out. How am I supposed to recover from the fact that the Shadows know about my effin existence! Also, we're gonna stay with Batsy?! This feels like a recipe for disaster! Doesn't help the fact that I know he has the hots for my mom like ew!

"Mom, why?"

"You and I both know it's our best bet."

I sighed and resigned myself to the fact that I was gonna be in the same space as the Bat family. "You're right. The sooner we get there the better chance we have at living for now."

The drive to the Wayne Manor was a quiet one, well after making sure that the coast was clear. Our phone's signal and location was off, for good reason. I might've developed the patch to solve all demigods' problems but, this doesn't mean monsters are after my butt. This time was to evade any baddies.

I always knew that Batsy was intense, Bruce Wayne is just as intense, but he was a tad bit softer. His eyes were softer when my mom was involved; when wonder boy was around. That first night, he looked stressed. At first, I thought it was what happened to me and my mom was preventing him from going on patrol, it changed when I caught them hugging in the study. If it's gonna go how I can see it, Batsy and I are gonna have to chat soon.

"Are you thinking about something Harper?" Bruce chimed as I sat on a chair in the library trying to form a plan on how to dig dirt on the Shadows.

"Trying to figure out where I messed up. The Shadows finally figured out that I exist."

"How long were you really operating solo?"

"2 years, I did a lot in that time. You know I broke into the database, It was truly an accident. I was trying to hack into the Avengers database. They had a lead on an arms dealer I was tracking down."

"Why?"

"His wife wanted to know his state. Ends up he was cheating on her."

"What did you do as jobs?"

"Mostly spouses trying to find out if their significant others are cheating, dead, etc. I do take jobs from mercs once in a blue moon."

"Mercenaries?"

"Just Deadpool. I'm not sure how he found me but he's the reason why I somehow found the base but anyways, he does pay nicely. I'm just flabbergasted that it took the bad guys so long to figure out that I was there."

"Your mother mentioned that you're homeschooled?"

"Oh yeah, I almost got sued the last time I went to school so I take online schooling. As a result, I'm going to graduate in the spring."

"How old are you?"

"Sixteen going on seventeen? Mr. Wayne, I started my business at the tender age of fourteen, I think I should've had a sufficient level of smarts to do that."

"Good point, don't you think it's time to sleep?"

"Probably but, I know that you want to tell me something else. I can tell by the looks that you're feeling something for my mom."

"Sofia didn't tell me you were sharp,"

"That reveals itself quickly Mr. Wayne. Do you like my mom? Like Like her?"

"What If I do, Miss Kelly?"

"Well for one, I barely know you, I don't have a good summary of your character but, I appreciate that you opened your home to us. I can tell that you worry for the ones close to you but, I can't exactly appreciate the fact that you have a thing for my mom."

"I can't appreciate the fact that you hacked the database."

"I didn't leak it. Also, I'm her kid, whatever she does affects me directly. Did you ask her the question yet?"

"No, why?"

"Give her time, she was shaking in the diner. She's never had a home invasion happen to her. Before this, the worst thing to happen was me almost getting sued by my old school."

"How is that worst?"

"For me that's nothing. I don't think you're ready for my worst days."

"Who knows for sure."

"Well, I need to sleep and you have a city to patrol, don't you Mr. Wayne?"

"You have a point, Miss Kelly. Good night."

"Good Evening, tell Robin I said hi."

"I will, good night."