Disclaimer: I do not own the existing characters that we know and love of Young Justice, although I do take ownership over the new characters i.e. The majority of the Team's children

A/N: The mission in Al-Resha seemed to have been a success for the Justice Squad, but how will they cope when the group's integrity is questioned because they have no obvious leader.

Chapter 19 – Mari Grayson

I was waiting for Dad and Max to return home from Al-Resha. It was his first mission and I was nervous for him. There was always a daunting sensation looming overhead whenever we went on a mission. I was sat in the break room of headquarters with Finn. I couldn't stay at Wayne Manor by myself – it just didn't feel like home.

Zac entered the break room nonchalantly, breezing past the sofas where Finn and I were sat. He looked around for a moment and then caught my eye from across the room. He stared at my Tamaranean eyes and I could tell it was all he was able to focus on.

"Was there something you wanted to say?" I asked spitefully, narrowing my green eyes at him. "Because you're beginning to gawp and I'm not a museum exhibit."

He was immediately taken aback and shook his head. "No, I was just going to say that everyone's returned now. They're coming through now."

All in their own clothes, Willow, Max, Lola and Kyle walked into the room. I flew over the sofa and hugged Max tightly, and then grabbed Willow and Lola. They squeezed me tightly, making me feel warm inside. I wanted to hear all about the mission, but Kyle caught Zac's gaze.

"You?" Kyle mumbled, sounding far more confident in his ability to speak English, which was strange. His mood dropped and he went for Zac.

Without even thinking, I fired a starbolt through the air and it struck the wall just in front of Kyle. "That's enough, Kyle. Zac is our friend now. He's one of us. As it turns out, Zac is the real reason you weren't sucked into the dark dimension that Konstantin created. Unfortunately, it dropped you off on the island of Al-Resha because Zac just isn't strong enough to pinpoint exact locations," I said firmly, trying to assert my authority despite being a couple of years younger than the others.

Zac held his hand out. "No hard feelings, Ky-El?"

At the mentioning of Kyle's Kryptonian name, he smiled as if he saw it as a symbol of respect. "Thank you." Kyle shook Zac's hand. "Welcome to the team."

I pulled Lola and Willow out of the break room, telling Max I would talk with him back at the manor. Willow let us into her cosy little dormitory room. It was so neat and tidy with everything placed meticulously in the room. It made me feel a little bit sorry for Willow- how she was stuck being the only girl living at the headquarters with Finn and Kyle. That's why I felt the need to spend time with her and Lola.

"Tell me everything, how was it?" I grinned enthusiastically, lifting myself off the floor and floating beside the bed that Willow and Lola were perched upon.

Lola blushed nervously, which made me think that something had happened with Kyle.

"You and Kyle finally!-"

"No!" she cried out. "But there was someone else. Ace Spencer, son of the business mogul, Xavier Spencer. He may or may not have asked to keep in touch with him… Ace suggested we meet up for dinner at The Labella."

Willow and I gawped at her. I was confused at first, because of the whole Kyle, Ryan scenario and couldn't help but question it. "What about Kyle?"

Lola paused, looking away quietly. "Well… When he was suddenly getting engaged when he didn't understand what it mean, I had a long and hard think about things. Whilst I know there will sometimes be moments where I go 'well, what if?' I don't know if it's the idea of being Kyle's girlfriend or the idea of being someone's girlfriend. Me and Ryan were together for a few years and he was my first serious relationship." Lola sighed long and hard. "Honestly? I just don't know how I feel. About anyone."

Willow pursed her lips hard. "Whatever you decide, you'll always have me and Mari."

"Thanks girls, that means a lot."

-o-

A lot had changed in the last few months for the Justice Squad. We had grown and grown, taking on new members. Losing our leader along the way was hard at first, but it made us stronger as a unit. Nightwing and Green Canary had called all of us together to have a team meeting. Including a reassignment of designations – Mentalist had been given Jester's revoked designation whilst Firewing had been upgraded from the 'F' ranking that we nicknamed as friends, to E06. I was elated when they decided to give him his own designation, although it was slightly overshadowed by Zac, now Zachara, also getting one too.

But the meeting was done to Double M making himself known again – he had been interrupting many rallies, meetings and events that had been happening in the Gotham City area and the league had decided it was down to the squad to fix it. Or more… me, Stealth, Mentalist and Zachara had to tackle the problem.

"There's just one thing that needs to be discussed." Nightwing looked around the curved table at all of us. "Leadership – the chair remains empty and I don't wish to leave the chair unoccupied for much longer. But I wanted to hear from you all first. Before any decision was made. After all, I was not as successful in my own choices and I hold my hands up about that."

Aqualad was the first one to speak and stood up to do so. "I would like to submit my own proposal with regards to the leadership of the Justice Squad. Our predecessor, the Justice Team, has a distributed leadership with Aquaman at the helm with added support of many of our parents. I'd like to propose an alternative. I would like there to be a partnership in leadership of the Justice Squad. I nominate Diana if she's agreeable to come onboard with myself." He looked around the table to Diana seated beside me.

I stood up quickly. "Seconded!"

There was a high probability that Diana would decline, but hopefully with everyone backing her, she wouldn't.

Her green eyes darted about behind her bronze gladiator mask, registering everyone's facial expressions. "If everyone in the room is sure...?" Diana said hesitantly.

I took her hand. "All in favour of a joint partnership between Aqualad and Diana, please stand."

Stealth got to her feet quickly, which in turn encouraged Firewing and Mentalist to stand.

"I believe this is a unanimous decision," I added, noting a smile on Nightwing's face.

Zachara rapped his fist on the table. "I don't believe I've made a decision yet."

My head snapped round to glare at him. "You haven't been a part of the squad long enough to know how we work."

"I still think I'd like the opportunity to see how the group works under their control..." Zachara winked playfully at me and I turned away in a huff.

Nightwing instantly picked up on my mood. "Well you've got your opportunity Zachara- Miss Martian and Stealth predict that Double M will strike at reopening of the old theatre in Metropolis. Aqualad and Diana, this is your trial you run, make us proud."

Aqualad smiled, trying to reassure Diana. "I don't hope for anything less than."

-o-

The mission team were allowed to occupy a disused office building that stood across the way from the old theatre. The room we were huddled in was cold and damp. Our misty breath showed just how cold it was. Even with a purple knitted jumper and thick black tights on with my casual outfit, I could still feel the chill. Finn and Zac had dragged a desk closer to the window and set up a laptop and surveillance type equipment on it. Willow was pacing about the room nervously, her green hoodie over her fire red hair. As for Lola and Kyle, they seemed to be talking to each other about remedial things but at such depth that I chose not to interrupt them.

"Okay, time to deploy you guys," Finn said, pointing to me, Lola and Kyle. "Lola and Mari, stick together. Kyle, hold back. And Zac, you can-"

Zac held his hand up. "Sit right here and observe everything that you and Willow do as 'leaders' of this littler op? I'd appreciate it, thanks…"

Rather than argue, Finn nodded and gestured for the three of us to leave for the theatre.

I followed Kyle down the stairs and watched him stride across the street with a quick glance over his shoulder at us- at Lola.

"It's strange, isn't it?" I asked, glancing over at Lola.

She looked at me with bright blue eyes, tucking her hair behind her ears. "What is?" Lola stepped out onto the street towards the entrance of the theatre.

"How much Kyle has learnt about the world in the last couple of months. Back then, we were lucky if he would be able to coherently answer a simple question. Now... he's really growing into his own."

"Well tell that to Chelsea then." Lola folded her arms slowly.

I grabbed her jacket. "Wait, there's something that really needs to be said. I know it's not my place to say what but..." I bit my lip. "He broke up with Chelsea- or she broke up with him, I'm not sure. Whilst I wasn't supposed to hear it, I might have overheard Kyle ask Fin'abarra how to ask you out- where would be a good date. I think that means something- even if you don't know where you stand."

"And what about Ace, Mari?" Lola opened the door into the theatre.

"You're allowed to be happy too, Lola. You can get to know both of them, though obviously you would need to make a decision at some point."

Inside was and had definitely been updated in the last ten years - I could remember being around four years old and coming here with my parents and Max. Before our mother disappeared. There were new posters up and the wallpaper had been changed to a royal blue. Through another set of doors and we were looking up at a grand staircase that went up and then separated to go either left or right. Stood at a pulpit by the top of the stairs before the divide, was Mayor Compton. A new guy who people barely knew anything about. Apparently he was from the north but we couldn't even confirm that much. Arthur Compton, a portly man with short stature and curly moustache.

"Greetings everyone! Thank you for joining me on this illustrious evening. The reopening of the theatre. It has been long overdue!" He paused for a laugh or dramatic effect, but it didn't land. "Yes, yes, I know that the theatre needed updating and-"

The lights went out and we were plunged into darkness. People screamed and I clutched Lola's band, hoping to keep track of her. With my human sclera contact lenses in, there was no way I was going to be able to see. My own eyes never reacted quickly to the change in light, but the lenses made it worse which is why I held onto Lola.

"I need you to hold on to me whilst I take out my lenses..." I whispered directly in her ear as people bumped into us.

"But your eyes?"

"I need to!"

I was forced to throw my lenses aside and just hope that Dad or Aunt Komand'r would be willing to get me some more from Tamaran. Looking around the room, I was bustled away from Lola which is when I panicked and accidentally released a violet coloured starbolt into the air from my right hand. The bolt coursed through the air and singed a banner that was hanging overhead. It was the glow that was enough to make me catch sight of Double M standing at the top of the stairs, preparing for something.

Then came the spotlight shining directly upon Double M.

"Ladies and gentlemen – my name is Double M. You may have noticed that your beloved mayor has disappeared. That's because he is waiting for you in the main theatre. It's even got its own stage which is perfect for my final act. Yes, I have been interfering in the various activities and openings that have been on the social calendar in Gotham and its neighbouring cities but... well I got bored and wanted to plan a big finale for you all."

There was nothing I could do. There were still too many people in the theatre for me to use another starbolt. The three of us, wherever Lola and Kyle were, would have to play along and hope there was something we could do to help inside.

Double M was knocked aside by an invisible being and I knew it was Kyle, followed by a breeze wafting his cape meaning that Lola had already past the allegedly evil mastermind. It just left me to get into the main theatre ahead of everyone else. I pushed my way towards the front of the crowd.

"You there! Little girl with the green eyes! You shall be my assistant!" Double M was pointing right at me and I knew this was not going to help the Justice Squad. "Come on child – every magician needs an assistant. Just think back to the time before the Parasite!" He laughed and I completely dismissed the inappropriate humour. The Parasite was a monstrous villain that nearly wiped out the Justice League. "What a delightful face, and such green eyes!" Double M came down from the top of the stairs and took my hand. "Isn't she going to make a delightful assistant everyone?"

There was a meek murmur of agreement from the crowds that were stuck inside.

"The doors are locked so we'll have to get on with the show, don't you think?" Double M pulled me up the stairs. "Everyone into the theatre, now!" He tugged sharply on my arm. "Your previous mayor awaits your presence!"

Double M took me through to the backstage area where – as previously mentioned, the mayor was waiting, tied to a chair.

Mayor Compton growled, snapping, "You better release me right now. There's no way you can get away with this."

"Oh but I already have!" Double M cackled, grabbing the chair and dragging the mayor onto the stage. "Look at all these people who are here to see you and watch my final act!" Double M pointed at the audience who were sparsely spread over the chairs in the theatre. "Now- shall we get going?" He gestured for the crowd to response, and wasn't impressed with the feeble response he got. "Come on now, I know you can do better than that. Even my delightful assistant knows that!" Double M clicked his fingers at me.

Confused, I clapped my own hands and tried to smile at the audience, knowing full well that they were completely entranced by my eyes. Something that they had probably only seen on television shows and films about aliens and scientific problems.

Double M tipped the chair up, causing Mayor Compton to cry out in fear, unsure of what the made man was going to do. "Now I've got a couple of magic tricks up my sleeves children. Would you like to see them?" He produced a knife from his inside blazer pocket and twirl it about his hand.

Immediately, I panicked, knowing I couldn't show my starbolts right now. I had to wait until the last possible moment. My heart was racing so much that I couldn't even focus and was worrying about what Lola or Kyle might do to better the situation. I was stuck where I was on the stage.

"Little assistant, take a hold of the knife for me." Double M held out the blade to me with his grip still on the handle of the knife.

I guffawed, saying, "I couldn't possibly do that... You'll cut me."

"Humour me." Double M smiled darkly. "Go on, you will be fine."

My hand went up slowly and the crowd gasped in disbelief. The blade was cold on my fingers and I froze slightly. Something clicked in me and I slammed my other hand into Double M's face, using the base of my palm to do damage with a swift motion, thrusting forwards. Quickly, whilst Double M was dazed by the attack, I disarmed him quickly. Kyle darted onto the stage from the wings and untied Mayor Compton.

"Everyone- out this way!" Lola's voice yelled, echoing through the theatre. "Mari, watch out!"

I turned just in time to see Double M deliver a kick to my gut and send me crashing into the hard stage floor. A grunt passed my lips as I arched my back to roll onto my side. His hand gripped my ankle and dragged me towards him, throwing me across the stage.

"Enough!" I screamed.

"Or what?" Double M taunted me. "What can you possibly do?"

Lola was immediately aware of what I was planning on doing. "Mari, no! Do not! No!" she called out in a panicked tone. "He's not worth it. We need to get out of here. The police are outside, we just need to get out of here. That's what is important right now."

Double M looked between me and Lola, chuckling loudly. "Come on little girl!"

I couldn't help it. The anger in me was building up. In a split second, I was about to unleash a torrent of starbolts at Double M.

Starwing. Nightfire.

The memories of my family made me stop myself. My eyes widened and I instantly relaxed slightly.

"No... I won't stoop to your level." I threw the knife in my hands aggressively across the stage. "We'll let the police deal with you." I turned and jumped down from the stage.

"No!" Double M screamed angrily when I reached Lola's side.

I whipped around. "Look around you 'Mastermind', there's no one here to watch you. It's over. You can't threaten us anymore. Now stop and think hard about what you've done."

-o-

After a quick debrief at base, I found myself relaxing in the break room. The squad had decided that we would have some bonding time by watching a movie at headquarters. Everyone had agreed to be there. Max was busy producing popcorn and Kyle had gone to grab some other treats and sweets. Willow and Finn were sat either side of me, his feet propped on the coffee table. Finn noticed his Atlantean tattoos poking out from behind the cuffs of his shirt and immediately went to pull his sleeves down.

"You don't have to do that – you're amongst friends now," I said, smiling with a hand on his arm.

Finn shook his head momentarily. "I know, but I just like them covered. As the turtles have their shells, so do I have mine."

The door swung open and Kyle came in with a paper bag full of sweets and snacks. He put the bag on the table and pointed to me and Willow. "I hope Lola will like these..."

As if she could tell there were snacks nearby, a blur zipped across the room and materialised beside Kyle. Lola had changed and was now wearing a plaid skirt and cream turtleneck jumper – almost reminiscent of my own style.

"Oh, who bought the snacks?" she asked with a glistening smile on her face.

Kyle held out a bag to her. "I wanted to say sorry, Lola."

Lola hesitantly took the red and white striped bag from Kyle and opened it up to see the contents. Her eyes lit up and she audibly gasped. "You got me my favourite sweets. The little candy letters..."

Everyone in the room shrank away slowly.

The boy with amber coloured eyes looked away nervously. "And this..." He produced a small case from his back pocket. "You mentioned you hated your old insulin case, so I got this one for you. As an apology."

The new case was white with yellow stitching on it. The stitching read 'L J A-R' in a cursive style. Next to the stitching was a small orange coloured flower. Lola's fingers traced the stitching for a while.

"Ky-El, you shouldn't have... I mean, no one's ever gotten me a gift as thoughtful as this before."

I noticed Kyle perk up. The Kryptonian name. Ky-El, something that I knew I would need to remember for the future.

Kyle dipped his head. "You've always been in my thoughts."

Thoughts from AspiringWriterGirl = Double M has been subdued, but what impact will this have on the Justice Squad?