Episode 12: Secrets Revealed

Years ago, everyone was crazy about him. He had his own TV show. He was cute, witty, and the coolest of the cool. His picture was all over the place. He got thousands of dollars. He felt richer, more popular, and happier than anyone else in the world.

Then, when he turned 13, everything changed.

He wasn't cute anymore. He got acne. His voice started to change. It wasn't long until all of his merchandise became memorabilia. His show was canceled in the blink of an eye. His parents got all of his money. His mother told him she was reserving it for college, but his dad spent it all for himself. But it wasn't really the loss of all that money that shook him. Suddenly, he was a nobody again. He had lost all the respect and popularity he felt he had earned.

He turned his life to crime, and it made him feel better. Unfortunately. he was caught. His parents were good enough to give him a lawyer, who was at least able to get him sentenced to a cushier prison. Now, all he could think of was how good he had it before and how he lost everything.

He blamed his adolescence.

The guard pounding on the bars of his cell broke the prisoner out of his reverie. "Hey, Hollywood!" the guard yelled. "You got a visitor!"

"I'm in no mood for jokes!" the prisoner yelled back.

But there was a visitor, a little girl who looked no older than 5. She had golden curls, a pink dress, and bright eyes. She squealed at she saw him. "JOHNNY MORWOW!" she lisped. "I CAN'T BELIEVE I MEETING YOU! YOU'RE THE BESTEST EVER!" She looked up at the guard. "Mr. Johnson, can you pwease hold my dollwy so I can get Johnny's autogwaph?"

"Sure, Princess," the guard said as he took the doll. "Now, you be careful. I know he was a star and all, but he's different now."

Johnny couldn't believe someone remembered him. He came closer and signed the piece of paper. "You don't know how happy this makes me, sweetheart," he said. "I guess this means my show's finally in reruns?"

The girl stared.

"I mean, my show must have first aired way before your time."

Suddenly, the guard started coughing. The doll he was holding was giving off some kind of green gas. The guard hit the floor. As Johnny wondered what on earth was going on, the girl pulled him closer to her.

"Actually, I'm older than your mother," she said in a normal voice.

Now that Johnny saw her closer, he recognized her. "Baby?"

"The one, the only!"

"Wow! I wish I had your autograph! You really inspired me!"

"To become a child star or a criminal?"

"Both!"

Baby giggled. "Come on. I'll bust you out." She grabbed the keys off of the guard and unlocked his cell, but she couldn't open it. Johnny tried to help, but it wasn't much good. "Why don't you duplicate yourself? I hear that's your power."

"Uh, I'm kinda heavily monitored."

"No problem." Baby bounced a high bounce ball, and it broke all the cameras in his cell. "Now!"

"OK, but I'm out of practice." Johnny glowed purple and concentrated until several clones appeared. They pushed open the door. The alarm went off. They ran. Johnny used his clones to fight off the guards, and Baby used her toys to destroy any hi-tech equipment that tried to stop them. They ended up sliding down a laundry chute out to freedom.

"They're going to catch us sooner or later," Johnny said. "What do we tell them then?"

"Same thing I always tell them," Baby answered.

Johnny realized what she was going to say, and he said it with her:

"I DIDN'T MEAN TO!" They shared a big laugh.

"So, why did you do that for me? Are you really a fan?"

"I care about your career, Johnny dear, since we are kindred spirits of sorts. I have a plan that will put both of us back into the spotlight."

"As stars or as criminals?"

"Yes."

TRANSITION

Richie tacked on one side of a colorful banner on the left wall of the gas station. "Easy. Easy. There." Once he felt the other side was stable and in place he let go. "Nice work, Backpack," he called over to his robot at the other wall. Richie got down from his ladder and looked up at the banner, which read:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MUSE!

"Perfect. Now, we need streamers and balloons. Lots of balloons, but we got to make sure they're high enough that nobody'll pop 'em." He and his robot worked together to complete the decorations. It took an hour, and he still wasn't done. "Man, when's everybody gonna get here?"

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Richie answered it. "Adam. It's about time."

"Hey Gear. So, this is you're hideout? It's kinda small."

"Hey, it's usually just Static, Muse, and me, and sometimes Shebang."

"Yeah, but is it big enough to have a party? You sure we shouldn't have had it at my place?"

"Maybe that would have been better, but as it was locked up when we started planning this, we didn't have a choice. Don't worry, not a whole lot more people are coming. By the way, we are so grateful that you took time off from your busy touring schedule to join us."

"No sweat man. It's fun going around singing to billions of people and making millions of g's--"

"Alright, dude, you don't have to rub it in that you're famous now."

"Right, but I've been excited about getting back to my roots as a DJ, especially for a girl I care about so much."

"Yeah, well, this is the material you got to work with." Gear handed him some cds.

"I know, Blue Man Group. I listen to them. They're cool."

"That's not all though."

"Mannheim Steamroller? Well, I know they make good Christmas music. Who's Mike Oldfield?"

"Another instrumentalist. He's from the UK."

"Oh. Alright. Well, I'll see what I can do with this stuff. I'll get my equipment set up."

"Hey, don't you want to help me blow up balloons?"

"Maybe in a minute."

The door knocked again. "Hey, Shebang!"

"Hi Gear. I got all the food ready. It only took all day."

"Great. Put it on the table over there. Virgil got some money together for a few pizzas also. You got the cake?"

"Oh yeah, wait till you see!" She ran out and brought it in. It was shaped just like the Muse in flight. "When the baker heard what it was for, he made it special, and he didn't charge a lot for it."

"It's beautiful. It is chocolate, right?"

"Yeah, it's chocolate, with whipped frosting. It should be good." Shebang brought in lots of food. She also set up a table for gifts. She did eventually helped Gear blow up some balloons.

Another knock on the door. Gear opened it. Robin stood there looking at a card. "Uh, is this the Abandoned Gas Station of Solitude?"

"You found it, man," Gear said. "Come on in. Didn't know you'd make it."

Robin walked in, but he was followed by Beast Boy. "Hey, if you think we'd a miss a party--"

"Then you don't know the Teen Titans very well," Cyborg answered as he strolled in.

"Correct," Starfire added. "We are all prepared to dig our shins!"

"Yay," Raven said unenthusiastically as she brought up the rear.

"OK, great to have all of you here," Gear said after a moment.

Beast Boy went over to the food table and revealed a platter of weird looking hot dogs. "I brought tofu dogs for everybody!" he proudly announced.

"I don't know, Greeny," Shebang said. "I was put in charge of the food, and I was specifically told to get all of her favorite things. I don't think she even likes tofu."

"Well, has she ever tried it?"

"I don't know. I don't think so."

"Then how do you know she doesn't like it?"

"Well, who likes tofu?"

"I do."

"Go ahead and put it on the table, Shebang," Gear said. "Her mother's a bit of a health nut, so they probably had tofu a few times. If she doesn't want it, she doesn't have to eat it."

"Well, ok."

The guests mingled for a while. Starfire was eagerly hugging everyone she didn't know. Gear and Cyborg got into a long, involved talk about technology. Shortly, there was another knock on the door. Standing outside this time was an old guy Richie didn't recognize. "So, this is y'all's pad, huh? Groovy vibe."

"Excuse me, who are you?"

"I'm Mr. Grant, from the retirement home. Virgil said I could come over."

"Oh, wait! You must be Soul Power!"

"That's me, alright."

"Good to meet you at last. I was out of town when you showed up, but I did a search and found some of your comics. I thought it was cool that we had a superhero legend here in town."

"I think that we have many more in the making, young man." He looked across the room. "Hey Robin! How's you're old man doing?"

But just as Mr. Grant came in, Gear Shock Box started to buzz. "Uh oh. That's the signal! Everybody, they're coming! Hide, quick!"

Most everybody hid behind stuff. Adam turned himself into a ball and dangled with the rest of the balloons. Beast Boy turned into a spider and started weaving a web in the window. Raven used her shadow powers to engulf her. Richie turned off the lights and hid himself.

They could hear Static and the Muse's voices on Gear's Shock Box. "Man, that was a good night of patrol, wasn't it?"

"I don't know. Not much happened. I still like flying around. Why wasn't Gear with us again?"

"I told you, he had something important he had to work on. He should be back at the gas station."

"Why are you going so slow, Static? We've been out all night. I'm thirsty."

"We're almost there, don't worry."

Then Gear saw them outside the window. He turned off his Shock Box and held his breath. It got really quiet and still.

"What are you doing?"

"Uh, just checking to see if our hideout's not been invaded."

"Nobody's discovered our hideout before."

"Well, there's always a first time."

"Come on. I'm ready for a break." The door opened. "Man, it's dark in here."

"Somebody call my name?" Static stepped in and pointed toward the nearest lightbulb. But instead of lighting it, his powers exploded into several mini-fireworks.

"Hey, what's going on?"

The lights went up, and everybody jumped out and yelled, "SURPRISE!"

"Huh?" The Muse looked up at the banner. "But my birthday's not until tomorrow!"

"We know, Muse," Gear said, "but we wanted you to celebrate with all of your superhero friends, and this was the best time we could get everybody together. Besides, tomorrow's Wednesday. We got Church."

"But we've never done this before."

"Well, this is the big one!"Static said. "You're the big 1-3! We had to celebrate."

"Well, alright! This is wonderful! Everybody's here! Hi RB! I miss reading to you."

"I miss it too, M. I use the skills you taught me every night on the road, though."

"Great. Hey Shebang! Long time no see. Starfire! I'm so glad to see you."

Starfire gave her a hug. "I couldn't miss this. You know, on Tamaran the thirteenth year makes one eligible for the oopligah."

"OK, cool. Raven! You came?"

"You're another year older, another day closer to your death. Congratulations."

"Uh, ok, thanks. Robin! Glad to finally meet you! I know we didn't really get a chance to talk last time. I really like your costume."

"Thanks. It's enforced with all the strongest materials in the world."

"Is that what makes it so colorful?"

"No, but it is what makes it so strong. It's colorful because it's based on the costume I wore in the circus."

"You used to work in the circus?"

"Yeah, I was an acrobat. That's how I learned all the tricks I use in the superhero business."

"Cool. Hey, you must be Beast Boy! You're a real life animagus!"

"Not quite," he answered. "Animagi can only turn into one animal. I can become any animal I want. In fact, what's your favorite animal?"

"Well, I guess if I had to choose, I'd have to say rabbits."

A look of dread crossed Beast Boy's face. "I don't like doing rabbits, but since it's your birthday . . ."

He shrunk down and became a little green bunny. "Oh, how cute!" The Muse bent down and petted gently, starting from his head and stroking backward to the middle of his back.

Beast Boy shortly turned back into his original form. "Dude, you know just how to do it. Whenever I turn into a rabbit for anybody else, they're always so rough. It's very uncomfortable."

"Well, I have a pet rabbit at home named Grint."

"Like Rupert Grint?"

"Yeah, he's Rabbit Grint! I guess you're a Harry Potter fan too?"

"Dude, Harry Potter is the best!"

"Hey Muse," Static said. "You wanna have cake and food first, or you wanna open presents?"

"I got presents?"

"Sure!" Cyborg said. "What kind of birthday party would this be without presents?"

"Well, let's open presents!" She sat down. Shebang handed her a postcard. "It's from Madelyn. 'Sorry I can't come to your party. I tried to break out, but it didn't work. My powers are rather restricted here. Maybe I'll succeed next time and we'll face off again. Until then, happy birthday!' Well, I'm glad to see she didn't forget about me. I kinda wish she reform a little more, but what are you gonna do?"

Next, she was handed a package. "Wow, it's from Ghana. Who do I know from Ghana? Oh, I know!" She opened it enthusiastically and pulled out a letter. She read aloud, "'Jambo! I hope you still like stories. I listen for new ones about you and your friends every day. I wish I could be there for your birthday, but Osebo has other plans. Here is something that you can share. It is centuries old and is rich in African history. Enjoy! Send my greetings to Static. Your rafiki, Anansi." The Muse reached in and pulled out a book with a red spider painted on the cover. "Spider Stories!" She opened it up. "Wow, it's written by hand! Look!" She lifted it up. "This is amazing!"

Next she was handed an envelope and a package. She opened the envelope and read, "'My real present will be late. You'll get it in the third week of August.' I think I know what that is. 'But I do have something to help your other career. Use it whenever you feel your team needs more backup. Warm wishes . . .' There's no signature, but I know who it's from." She held up the letter, and the bottom had a seal that looked like the Batsignal.

"There's something written at the bottom," Gear pointed out.

"Oh, 'P.S. Alfred has something for you too.'" She pulled out a square-like device. "What's this? "Batwave?'"

"It's like a portable Batsignal," Robin explained. "Batman used to use it to alert us of trouble."

"OK, cool. And let's see what Alfred brought." She pulled out a tin full of cookies. "Oh, Alfred, aren't you a sweetheart!"

Next she got a card signed by all the founding members of the Justice League. They also sent a t-shirt that had the letters "JL" on it. "They wouldn't do that for just anybody!" Static remarked.

Finally, she got to the presents from the people who were present. Raven got her the complete works of Edgar Allen Poe. Starfire placed on the Muse's head something called a Throknar, and she had a whole basketful of accessories and foods from her home planet, Tamaran. Beast Boy got her a book of jokes. Cyborg gave her an electronic gizmo that he made himself.

Then Robin stepped forward. "My gift is on behalf of all the Teen Titans. I didn't wrap it because I wanted to present it to you personally."

"OK," the Muse nodded.

Robin cleared his throat, "Muse, as you are entering your adolescent years, it is my duty and privilege to make you, for your service and friendship, an honorary Teen Titan!" He put into her hand a round communicator with a T, and it beeped a short tune. Everybody cheered.

"Thank you so much!" she said as she gave Robin a hug.

"Hey, wait a minute!" Static said. "Gear and my adolescent years are almost up! When are we joining?"

"No problem," Robin said. "I have one for each of you. Here, Static, Gear, Shebang, Rubberband Man--"

"Uh, I don't think I can take this. I'm already in my twenties."

"No sweat man," Cyborg said. "My twentieth birthday's coming up soon, and I have no intention of leaving."

"You don't have to be a teenager to be a Titan," Robin said. "It all depends on how young you feel inside."

"OK, cool," Adam said as he accepted the gift.

"How about you, Mr. Grant?" Robin offered.

"No thanks, kid. I'm retired."

"Well, alright, but if you ever change your mind."

"Now you guys really got to show me the tower," the Muse said.

"You got it," Robin answered. "And if you ever want to spend the night, we got a room just for you."

"Thanks."

Then she went back to the presents. Shebang got her a makeup kit ("You're gonna need it soon,"she explained.) Adam's gift was an untitled CD. "What's this?"

"Well M, when I was on the road, I wrote you a song. This is a demo. I wanted you to be the first to hear it."

"RB, you wrote a song about me? Wow, I feel so humbled. I'll listen to it as soon as I can."

"'Preciate it, M."

She picked up a narrow gift. Inside was a portrait. "Wow! It's a picture of Underdog! And . . . who's that beside him?"

"That's me, kid," Mr. Grant answered. "Well, that was me when I was about Sparky's age over there."

"You worked with Underdog?"

"Yeah. He was one hot pup, and dead clever. I still remember when he came to me for help and said, 'Electricity is needed to reach my goal, so I require the power of soul!' Together we took down the nefarious schemes of Simon Bar Sinister."

"So, where is he now?"

It went awful quiet. "Well, that was in the sixties. That was forty years ago. And, in dog years, that's . . . well, Methuselah age."

"But he's not just a dog. He's a superhero, and superheroes have an abnormally long life span, right? I mean, look at Superman! He should be over a hundred now!"

Mr. Grants face lit up. "You know, you're right. Now that I think of it, there's been a basset hound hanging around the retirement home. He likes to lie at my feet when I play dominoes with my friends there. He never said anything. Maybe that old, tired mind of his has run out of rhymes. Maybe he just wants to live the rest of his life in comfort with me."

"What about Sweet Polly Purebred? What happened to her?"

"I don't know. I really need to ask. Until then, if you want to hear about our adventure, I'd love to tell you everything."

"That would be cool." Then she reached for the biggest present on the table. "OK, Gear. I'm really excited about you're present." She ripped open the wrapping paper, and her jaw dropped. "Gear . . . this is your Game Station."

"Yep."

"And these games, Galaxy Sea, Galaxy Sea 2, The Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Ultimate Dream? Help guides? These are all the games that I like!"

"That's right."

"But . . . these are yours."

"Yeah, and I'm giving them to you. Don't worry; I've played them a million times. I'm not missing anything."

"Are you sure?"

"The Game Station 3 is coming out this Christmas. Maybe I'll get lucky. Besides, college is coming soon. I'll be too devoted to my studies to play games all day. You'll make better use of it."

"I don't know what to say."

"How about, thank you?"

"Oh yes, of course. Thanks so much, Gear."

Before she could reach for the last present, Static picked it up and walked up to her. "Muse, you've been a great friend. I've been amazed at how far you've come these past five years. I really couldn't think of anything I could give you that expressed my gratitude. Hope this will do. It's actually from Gear and me."

The Muse opened it up. "It's a photo album. Hey, it's us! This is when I first discovered my powers. Oh, and this is when I first tried out my wings. But I don't remember anybody taking pictures."

"These are actually stills from Backpack," Gear explained. "You know, we told you that he takes continuous video for our archives."

"This is great guys. I just hope Mommy never finds it."

"You know," Gear said, "it maybe about time you told her about it."

"But I can't! You know I can't! It's a secret!"

"If you want to work in Metropolis, she's might have to know," Static added.

"We'll worry about that later," Gear said. "For right now, let's dig into that cake!"

So they lit the candles and sang the birthday song. The Muse loved the cake, and everything she loved was there on the table: pepperoni pizza, cheese balls, candy, peanut butter chocolate oatmeal cookies, and Dr. Pepps. She even liked the tofu dogs.

Then she looked at her watch. "Oh no!" She grabbed Gear. "We gotta get back! It's already 8:30!"

"Muse, you're a teenager now. You don't have to go to bed so early. Besides, I told Mom all about this party, and she said we can stay out for as long as we want."

"OK, great."

Adam took his place. He turned on colored lights, strobe lights, smoke machines, the works! Then he turned up all the music real loud. Everybody started dancing. That was full of fun surprises. When a song instructed everybody to jump, Beast Boy turned into a kangaroo and bounced all over the place. "'The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo!'" Static laughed. "I remember that book." Then during a music break, Static surprised everybody. He got out to the front and did some crazy break dance moves. He acted like waves of energy was moving through him, and sometimes he added to the feel by making electrical sparks fly out of his hands.

"That was pretty groovy, man," Mr. Grant assessed.

"Thanks. I call that the E.C."

But the best moment by far was when a song called for "Rock Concert Movement #4: The Behind-the-Head-Leg-Stretch." Static got a look of disbelief, and he tried to do it. Then, Rubberband Man pushed him out of the way. "Step aside, amateur!" He picked up his right foot and put it behind his left ear with ease. Everybody applauded. "Now, watch this move. Ready, go!" Then with his leg still behind his ear, he jumped on his left foot while bobbing his head and clapping his hands. Everybody else jumped and clapped as well, until Adam fell over. Everybody had a big laugh.

"That was great!" the Muse said. She looked around at everybody laughing and partying. Then she noticed someone was missing. She walked up to Robin. "Where's Raven?"

"I think I saw her go outside after she finished eating."

The Muse sneaked out. "Raven?" she called. She looked all around the gas station, but she didn't see Raven. Then she heard her quiet voice. She finally found Raven meditating on the roof. The Muse flew up there. "Raven, there you are. Is everything ok?"

"I'm fine," Raven answered.

"Why aren't you down here with everybody else?"

"I don't mean to be rude, but parties just aren't my style."

"Well, as my friend Vir--I mean Static would say, 'I feel ya.' The crowd does kind of make me feel uncomfortable. Everybody's talking to everybody, and I don't feel like talking. At least they're all my friends, and we're having fun. I just want you to have fun with us."

"I'd rather not."

"Then would you like me to stay out here and talk with you?"

"No. This is your party. Go back down and enjoy yourself. After all, it's the last day of your childhood."

"What do you mean?"

"Tomorrow, you'll be 13. Everything's going to change soon. All the carefreeness that you're used to will just go away. You're going to question who you are and what's your place in the world. You're even going to start asking yourself why you're alive. Of course, if you'll let it, you'll come away stronger and more mature. You're going to grow up."

"I'm not ready for that yet."

"You don't have much of a choice. It's called being a teenager."

The Muse went back down because Raven wouldn't say any more, but she had a hard time enjoying herself. She was very disturbed. She and Gear finally went home around midnight. Static came along carrying most of her gifts with his static powers. She asked them both about it. "Is what Raven saying true?"

"Partly," Gear said. "There will be a lot of changes in a few years that you won't have any control over. But that doesn't mean you can't be a kid anymore. I mean, look at Virg and me! We're teens, and we still have fun!"

"And we're not too worried about the future," Virgil added. "Things are going to be ok."

"Thanks, guys. That does make me feel bet--" She stopped as they came up to their home. "Oh my goodness. That's Mommy's car in the driveway."

"I didn't hear Aunt Claire was coming," Richie said.

"Oh, you don't think she's here to take me away already, do you?"

"I don't know, but we better get changed. She might be waiting." So, they hid and quickly got into their street clothes. Then they walked into the house.

Claire ran to the door and flung her arms around her daughter. "Precious! My sweet, little girl! Oh, you looked so grown up, my little woman! I'm so proud of you!"

"Mommy, why are you here?" Precious said as she pulled out the hug.

"Well, I'm not going to miss my little girl's thirteenth birthday."

"Are you here to take me home already?"

"No, no, no, sweetie. I'm going to stay here for the next week. We're going to leave when it's time for us to go, OK?"

"OK."

"Good girl. Did you like your party?"

"Yeah."

"Good. Now, I can tell that you are tired. Why don't you go on up to bed? We'll talk in the morning."

"OK." Precious kissed her mother on the cheek. "Goodnight, Mommy."

"Goodnight, sweetheart." Claire watched her go up the stairs. Then she hugged her nephew. "Richie. Good to see you."

"Good to see you, Aunt Claire. This is quite a surprise."

Then she flung her arms around Virgil's neck. "Virgil! Virgil! You're so dear to her. You're a blessing."

"So is she, Miss F. Really."

She took a step back and looked at the boys. "Thank you both so much for taking care of her." She wiped away a tear.

"You ok, auntie?" Richie asked.

"Yes, I'm alright. I just can't believe how far she's come. Well, I guess you guys need to get some sleep as well. I won't keep you."

"'Night Miss F."

Yet as soon as she got out of earshot, Richie remarked, "OK, that's a little weird. There's something on her mind, I can tell."

"Oh Richie, Pops got all emotional when I turned 13. She's just a doting mother."

"I don't know. Something tells me there's something more. Maybe she figured us out. Maybe she knows her daughter's true identity."

"Pops thinks she already has. He told me so a long time ago."

"Then why hasn't she ever said anything?"

"Maybe she's cool with it."

"I don't know, bro."

TRANSITION

"So, what is this plan of yours?" Johnny anxiously asked Baby.

"Well, first let me bring you up to speed. A lot has happened in the four years you've been in jail. For one thing, the Bang Baby Syndrome has been cured. All the metahumans of Dakota are normal again, but you weren't around when the cure was pumped through the city. They forgot all about you!" She pinched his cheek as she said in her baby voice, "Don't you feel wucky?"

"You bet! No more Static!"

"Well," she said hesitantly, "actually, I guess I was wrong a moment ago. He somehow got around the cure, and he's still around."

"Oh, dang."

"And what's more, Dakota is crawling with superheroes. Remember Rubberband Man?"

"That frustrated musician who put Ice Pack on top of a tower?'

"Well, he's a good guy now. That's not the only member of Static's gang though. There's also a super-smart kid named Gear who has all sorts of techno gizmos. Shebang is a little firecracker with awesome strength. But the one everybody is gabbing about is the Muse. She's not like the others. She's only a little girl. She looks like a perfect angel, and her powers are amazing. She can do just about anything. She is the ticket to our return performance."

"Well, it all sounds interesting, but what is the plan?"

"As I recall, you once made a perfect clone of Static, with all of his powers?"

"That was a fluke! I don't know how I did it, and I was never able to duplicate it. Like I told you before, I wasn't given much opportunity to practice my skills. My power is probably very latent now."

"Well, I'll give you space to practice. Here's what we'll do. Some friends of mine will stage a bank robbery this afternoon. Static and all of his posse will take care of it. That's where we come in." She whispered the rest of the plan to him.

"It sounds brilliant. I just don't know if it's going to work."

"We'll make it work." She added once again in her baby voice, "I twust in you, big bwother."

Johnny laughed, "I like when you talk like that, Baby."

The next day, Baby and Replay put their plan into practice. They staged a big bank heist, and just as they predicted, Static, Gear, and the Muse were all there to bring it to an end. Replay and Baby hid in the crowd to study her moves. Then when it was over, Baby ran up to her. "Oh Muse, you're the bestest superhero evers! Can my big bwother take a picturwe of us?"

"OK," she answered. "I'm glad to have such a young fan."

Replay, disguised with a baseball cap and shades, snapped a Polaroid. Then he shook the Muse's hand. "It's great to finally meet you in person. My little sister practically idolizes you."

"Thanks. This really made my birthday."

"Oh, happy birthday! How old are you?"

"13."

Replay frowned. He said coldly, "Well I hope you appreciated your childhood. It's all downhill from here. All your cuteness and popularity are going to dwindle because everything's going to change."

"Big bwother, don't say such mean things on her birfday!"

"Oh, sorry. We better go."

"Happy birfday, Muse!" Baby called as they were leaving. As soon as they were hidden, she said sternly to Replay, "What was that all about?"

"Hey, I'm bitter about my adolescent years. You can't blame me. You've been there before yourself."

"But you were giving away our plan!"

"I don't think I was. I wasn't saying anything that wasn't true."

"Yeah, but next time you watch your tongue. Anymore lip, and you can kiss your dreams of stardom goodbye."

"Whatever. Let's just get to practicing."

TRANSITION

That evening, Precious had another birthday party, which she was prepared for this time. It was her family's party. The Hawkins family came too. Yet somehow, Precious didn't feel like celebrating.

"That complete stranger said the same thing Raven said," she told Richie and Virgil afterwards. "I don't want things to change! I'm happy the way they are!"

"It's not going to be so bad," Virgil said. "You're just growing up."

"But I'm still a kid! I don't want to grow up yet."

"Well, it's like we said, you don't have to end your childhood."

"But what about all the things they said?"

"Don't worry about it," Richie said. "If you worry about life, it'll only get worse."

"Wait until things happen," Virgil offered. "When they do, you can talk to us. We've been there before, remember?"

"OK. I'll talk to you when things change, and you'll help me?"

"That's what we're here for."

But things got out of hand before anybody realized. Richie first knew something was going to happen a few days later. He was going down for a cup of coffee when he heard his dad's voice from the den.

"You know what you're going to say, Claire?"

"Yeah. I practiced last night over and over. It's still not going to be easy. I'm so glad you were able to get the day off, Sean. I don't know how I'm going to do this. You ok?"

"Yeah, I know what I'm going to say. You, Maggie?"

"I think so. Claire, are you sure you want to do this now? I mean, she just had a happy birthday."

"I am sure Maggie. It's because she's 13 that we're doing this. She's maturing. It's time for us to put away childish games and stop pretending. It's time that we were honest with each other."

"Hold on," Mr. Foley said. "RICHIE! ARE YOU EAVESDROPPING?"

"Sorry, Dad. I'll leave now."

"No, honey, let's let him in on this," Mrs. Foley said meekly.

"No. We had a serious talk with Richie about listening in on our conversations," Mr. Foley answered angrily.

"Claire, what do you want to do?"

She looked out the door. "I'm sorry, Richie. This is kinda a deep talk."

"I got ya. I'll leave you alone."

The more Richie thought about it, the more he was worried. No more childish games? Stop pretending? Has she found out Precious' secret and told his parents?

A few hours later, Precious got up, had some cereal, and began playing Galaxy Sea (for about the fifth time). Claire came into the room. "Honey, have you eaten breakfast yet?"

"Yes."

"Have you done your chores?"

"Not all of them yet."

"I need you to finish your chores. Then I want you to come down to your aunt and uncle's room. We need to talk."

Precious stopped playing, and a look of fear crossed her face. Usually when her mother said that they needed to talk, she was in trouble. "Uh oh."

"Not 'uh oh,' 'ok.'"

"OK," she answered with some uncertainty. Claire left. "What do you think she means?"

"I don't know. I heard them talking about it, but I couldn't tell what they were discussing."

"Do you think she knows who I am?"

"I don't know. It could be very possible. If that's the case, please tell me. I'll vouch for you if I have to."

"OK."

She saved her game and left. It was very quiet. She was gone for about an hour and a half, and the more Richie thought about what he had heard, the more he was worried. Then, she came back into the room. Her eyes were full of shock; her checks were wet with fresh tears.

"Precious? Are you ok? What did they say? What is it?" Richie asked urgently.

"I want to talk to everybody," she replied in a soft voice.

"Everybody? What do you mean 'everybody?'"

"Static, Rubberband Man, Shebang, Gear, everybody. We got to meet at the gas station as soon as we can."

"OK, I'll call Static."

Precious meanwhile pulled out her Titans communicator. She pressed a button, and it flipped open. "This is Robin of the Teen Titans. How can we help?"

"Uh, Robin, this is the Muse. I just learned something, and . . . I need to talk to everybody."

"Alright, uh, you know I gave you this communicator for emergencies, not just to talk."

"This feels like an emergency to me."

"Robin, let me go," a voice said behind him.

Robin turned around. "Raven?"

"I can sense what is on her mind from here. I think I can tell her some things that will help her."

"Well, alright." He turned back. "Raven's coming as a representative from us. The rest of us have a Johnny Rancid problem, so we got our hands tied."

"OK. Maybe Raven will help a lot. Thanks." She turned off the communicator then donned her disguise. She flew with Gear to the gas station.

TRANSITION

Replay had been practicing for days. He looked closely at the picture and remembered the touch of the Muse's hand when they had touched. Yet he still wasn't sure how he could do what Baby asked.

Then in the morning, he looked hard at the picture. His mind was filled with a new confidence that he did not have for a long time. "I think I can do it! I can feel it!"

"Give it a try, Johnny!" Baby said encouragingly.

Replay's eyes and hands glowed purple. He pointed at Baby, and purple waves flew from his hands. Seconds later, an exact duplicate of the Muse appeared in her place. "I did it!"

"Not bad," Baby said in the Muse's voice. "I'm liking this. So, we ready to get this show on the road?"

"Let's do it!" Johnny said. The fake Muse flew out. She was going a bit too fast for Johnny to keep up, but he tried.

TRANSITION

Static came into the gas station first. The Muse was sitting in a chair, her head bowed and straight black hair shrouding her face. "Wassup, girl?" Static greeted cheerily. She wouldn't answer. "You ok? Can you give me a smile?" She shook her head. "Won't you at least look at me?" She shook her head.

"Allow me, Static." It was Adam. He sat down in front of her and put his foot behind his ear. "Look, Muse. I'm doing Rock Concert Movement #4!" She didn't look up. He put his foot down. "I really ought to go touring with Blue Man Group when I'm done opening for Usher. They really get a kick out of that. Maybe I can even join 'em." His rubber suit turned blue and covered his face like a mask and his hands like gloves. "Look at me! I'm a Blue Man!"

"I don't think you're supposed to talk," Gear said.

"Yeah, I'll work on that."

The Muse looked up for a moment and smiled for a second. Before they could notice, she bowed her head again and moaned. Shebang showed up next. She didn't comment on the Muse's demeanor. Instead, she complained as her patience wore thin.

"What are we waiting for?"

"Raven, I think," Gear said.

"Doesn't she have to come all the way from Gotham?"

"Or somewhere thereabouts," Static said.

Raven did fly in. She did not say a word of greeting. She only sat down cross-legged and levitated to the Muse's eye level.

"OK, we're all here," Gear said. "Now, what do you need to say?"

The Muse looked up. "This morning I had a talk with my uncle, my aunt, and my mother."

Gear knew this was trouble. Precious never called Claire anything than "Mommy."

"They said something was wrong with me." The Muse stared to cry. "They said . . . they said . . . they said my brain is sick, and it's not going to get better!"

Gear slapped his helmet in epiphany. "Oh, so that's what this is about! They told you about your autism!"

"What?" Shebang yelled.

"Now?" Adam asked.

"Richie!" Static growled with gritted teeth.

Raven stayed silent, but interest flashed across her face.

The Muse looked at Gear in shock. "YOU KNEW?"

"Of course I knew! I'm family," he answered. "I was told when I was about your age."

"Did you know, Static?"

"Yeah, I knew. Gear told me."

"Adam?"

"Static told me, just because I also have a mental difficulty."

"If it gives you any solace," Shebang said, "I had no idea. They never tell me anything. It never occurred to me that there was anything wr–I mean, out of the ordinary–I mean . . ."

"Raven?" the Muse asked.

"I knew something was different about you. Remember, I looked into your mind."

"Oh yeah. Well, why didn't anybody tell me?"

"'Cause frankly, I thought you knew!" Static answered. "Remember when we first met? You didn't even talk! Didn't you ever think that was strange, that everybody else talked and you didn't?"

"I don't know."

"So it never occurred to you that you were different?"

"I don't think so. But still, why didn't you say anything? You could have at least mentioned–"

"I'm not one to dwell on differences. I wasn't raised that way."

"I just can't believe that everybody kept something from me."

"Well, you weren't ready to hear it!" Gear said. "You wouldn't understand."

"That's what they said, but still. I trusted you."

"Don't think of it this way, Muse. Please. We were also trying to keep it a secret from your enemies."

"I can keep a secret! I never told Mom about my secret." She pointed at Shebang, Raven, and Adam. "I never told you my true identity, have I?"

"Well, no," Shebang shrugged.

"It didn't mean we didn't trust you," Gear said.

"But this something important to me! I would have liked to have known." She sighed.

"So, all you wanted to do is gripe that we didn't tell you about this?"

"No. What I was going to say is," she sighed, "I don't think I can be a superhero anymore."

"What!" everyone said at once.

"Why not?" Gear asked.

"They told me all of my weaknesses. I have trouble with coordination, strength, agility, balance, and no amount of training is ever going to change it. Those are all the things superheroes need!"

"And you have gotten around those problems easily in the past," Static answered. "You don't always need skills like that. Remember, when Gear and I started out, we weren't all that buff either. As long as you got the power."

"But who's ever heard of a handicapped superhero?"

"Muse, everyone is handicapped in some capacity," Raven said. "There's no such thing as 'normal.'"

"She's right," Static said. "We all got stuff we got to deal with."

"Well, not exactly," Shebang spoke up. "I was genetically engineered to have no flaws, physically or mentally."

"I didn't know that," the Muse said.

"Yeah. But let me tell you, perfect is not all that it's cracked up to be. I've always had a feeling the back of my mind that I'm a freak. And my family has had to run just because I was flawless. I was never proud of my strength, until I became a superhero."

"Hey, there's an idea," Static commented. "Think about this, Muse. None of us are normal. We're superheroes. That's what 'super' means. It means more than normal. It means better than normal. And you're the most super of them all."

Again, he was trying to make her smile, but it just wasn't working. Just then, an alert went off. Gear checked it. "It's another bank robbery. Let's go."

Everybody got up to go, but the Muse stayed in her chair. "You coming?" Static asked.

"No," she answered. "I want to think a little more."

"Please Muse, don't quit. We need you. The world needs you."

Raven looked back. "I'll stay with her."

"You sure? OK. I'll see you later, Muse."

When everybody was gone, Raven sat down in front of the Muse. "Oh Raven, it's just like you said. Everything's changing. I'm not ready for things to change! I don't want change! I like things the way they were."

"Technically, this isn't a change. You've always had this problem."

"But I didn't know about it!"

"Well, you know what they say, 'Knowing is half the battle.'"

"What's the other half?"

"Doing something about it."

"But what can I do? And don't say 'meditate,' because I tried that and my brain just won't stay put."

"You put your weakness to good use before. You just didn't realize it. I have an idea about something that might make you feel better about all this. I'll help you find it, but you must look into your own mind in all of its chaos. Are you prepared to do that?"

"OK, I'll try."

Raven came in closer. She touched the Muse's temples and looked into her eyes. The Muse remembered this feeling. She had to fight turning away and losing eye contact with Raven. "Just look at me. That's it. Relax. Azerath, Metrion, Zinthos."

TRANSITION

"What!" Static yelled when they got to the scene.

The "criminal" they saw when they came into the bank was the Muse.

"No way this can be real," Adam said.

"Well, we got ways to prove it," Gear said. "Come on."

Static approached her. "Listen Muse, if you don't come quietly we'll have to incarcerate you. You know what that means, don't you?"

"I don't care!" she yelled, and she punched Static in the stomach. She hardly talked. She successfully dodged all of their attacks with flips, cartwheels, and somersaults. She used her power mostly like she would a gun. It wasn't the Muse's style at all. Perhaps the most telling sign was when Rubberband Man hit the fire alarm. The Muse's head was right in front of it, but she didn't even flinch.

"Look, why don't you just drop the act?" Static suggested. "We know you're an impostor."

"Prove it!" the false Muse snapped. She used her powers to create a flash, and she disappeared.

"Shebang, Rubberband Man, find her," Static ordered. "Gear and I got to bring the real Muse back to her senses."

TRANSITION

"Man, this isn't Precious' day," Mr. Foley muttered.

Claire over heard and stepped in the den. "What do you mean?"

He pointed to the TV. A "Breaking News" special report was showing the whole tragic event as it unfolded. "First we tell her about her autism. Now, her favorite superhero's gone amuck. She's not going to take this well."

Claire got in closer. "I don't believe this. She must be upset. Poor girl. I wish I could talk to her."

TRANSITION

The Titans were watching the moment on their TV. Raven flew in. "Raven, why didn't you stop her?" Robin asked.

"What?"

Everyone pointed to the screen. "I cannot believe this. Our friend is not a criminal," Starfire lamented.

"That's not our friend," Raven answered. "She was with me the whole time . . . and there's something I need to tell you."

"Let's wait until we see how this unfolds," Robin suggested.

TRANSITION

All the former metahumans in jail cheered when they heard the news. The person who put them in jail had finally crossed over to their side.

Others, like Robert Hawkins and the Justice League, watched the TV not knowing what to think.

Only Batman watched the evidence and said aloud, "Something about this isn't right."

TRANSITION

Static and Gear found the Muse alone in the gas station. She was flipping through their photo album.

"Where's Raven?" Gear asked.

"She went home," the Muse answered.

"Man, this has happened so many times it's not even funny. Let's see, it's happened to: me (more than once), Richie, Rubberband Man, AJ, almost the whole Justice League, and Green Lantern. Man, when are the villains going to be original!"

"What do you mean?" the Muse asked.

"When good guys go bad," Gear answered. "We were just chasing an impostor posing as you."

"Yeah," Static said. "You know, Muse, this is another reason why you shouldn't quit. We're going to catch that impostor and throw her in jail. The Muse will go down in infamy. Everybody will think you were the best superhero on earth, and then you just threw everything away to be caught by your best friends. Is that what you want?"

"Sorry, Static, my mind is made up," the Muse answered.

Static shook his head in disbelief.

But then the Muse stood and looked into his eyes. "I'm not quitting."

"All right, girl!" He gave her a big hug.

"What made you change your mind?" Gear asked.

"Well, Raven showed me some things. Some of it was not good. I had to relive some really scary memories. But then I came to an understanding of myself. I had forgotten how much being a superhero has done to me. It's because of you guys that I realized the power within myself, and now I understand more of its full potential. I can't give up now."

"Excellent," Static remarked. "Now, we have the evidence to clear your name, but you'll have to come with us."

"OK, I will."

"You're not afraid?" Gear asked.

"Give me one reason why I should be afraid."

"Well, we're probably going to have to divulge your disability to clear your name. Is that ok?"

"I'm . . . ready for that."

"How many people do you want to know?" Static said. "'Cause if you want to keep this private, we'll only tell a few police officers. But it would be even better if we make it public."

Precious paused for a long time. "Ok," she said softly.

They nodded. Gear got on his cell phone. "This is Gear. Static and I want to hold a press conference at the police station about the Muse situation."

Right away, they started flying to the police station. "Here Muse, borrow this." He gave her his shades. She put them on. Then he created a ball of light around her. "You'll want to be concealed. Everybody will hate you if they see you flying with us. Trust me, I know."

The police station had a podium set up on its steps. All of the reporters that constantly crowded the three superheroes were there. Cameras flashed everywhere.

Static took the podium first. "Ladies and gentlemen, the young lady standing next to me is not the perpetrator earlier. Rubberband Man and Shebang are in the process of trying to find the real culprit. We have evidence to prove this young woman's innocence, if you will allow us."

"Backpack," Gear ordered, "please show video 80493 at roughly 2:00 p.m."

Backpack scuttled off of Gear's back and popped up a monitor. It showed the video starting from where the guys flying out to meet the false Muse. "Listen Muse, if you don't come quietly we'll have to incarcerate you. You know what that means, don't you?"

"I don't care!"

"Freeze!" Gear said. "Now, this isn't like our Muse at all. She can't resisting spelling out long words like that."

"Muse, incarcerate!" Static said.

"I-N-C-A-R-C-E-R-A-T-E, to imprison, to confine. Hey, I like that word."

"Go," Gear said. As it continued to play, Gear commented, "Now, this isn't like our Muse at all. She lacks the motor skills and coordination to pull off stunts like this."

"But watch this." They showed the alarm going off. The real Muse cowered and held her ears. "Our Muse is terrified of loud noises. Most of her toughest adversaries know this."

"How can you be certain of all this?" one reporter asked. "Maybe she was hiding her true nature!"

"Well," Gear said, "actually we are sure of this because . . . well, we were just talking about this. You see, uh . . ."

Virgil stuttered, "The Muse is like this because she's . . . she's . . ."

"I'm autistic."

Static and Gear both looked back at the Muse in surprise. There was a great amount of commotion among the reporters. Several reporters asked her at once what she meant. The Muse took the podium. She wasn't sure what to say first.

Then Shelly Sandoval ran up to the front. "Hi Miss Sandoval," the Muse said.

"Hi Muse. I always thought that there was something like that about you. Could you please tell me what that is like? I have a nephew with autism."

"Well, it's like you're a human alien. I may never fully understand this place called Earth."

"I am concerned about my nephew. He has never made any attempt to communicate with us. Were you like that?"

"Yes, I was."

"What made you change your mind?"

"Well, when I was young, I was wrapped up in my own world. I didn't like the real one. In my world, I had complete control. I had no control in reality. I think I wanted to ignore reality. But then, these two people were introduced into my life. They showed me the possibility that I may have power within me. Somehow, they introduced the real world into my world. They made it part of my world. And when they did that, they gave me control over reality."

Static and Gear were both astonished. All of the reporters were silent. There was an occasional cough, but for the most part no one could say a word.

"I nearly quit today," the Muse added, "but then I realized that although there are several things I can't do, there are also many more things that I can do."

Just then, Backpack started beeping. "That's Rubberband Man's signal," Gear said. "They've found the culprit."

"We gotta go, folks," Static said. "Thanks for listening." They took off.

TRANSITION

Everybody who was watching earlier watched the press conference. In the jail, all the cheers became groans. "We were bamboozled by a mental case?" Shiv said aloud.

The Titans were still shocked. "What does this 'autistic' mean?" Starfire asked. Raven then shared with everyone what she had learned.

Robert Hawkins jumped out of his seat. "I'm taking a late lunch break," he told one of his coworkers. He drove straight for the Foleys' house.

Batman also reached for his phone.

Mr. Foley said to himself, "I never noticed that before. I need a drink."

Claire cried.

TRANSITION

"You're doing great, Baby," Replay whispered, "but when do I get my part?"

"You are doing your part," she answered. "You're watching over the money, like we agreed."

"Yeah, but when do I get recognition for it? What about the fame?"

She didn't answer. A voice said into her ear, "Baby, end this charade now."

"Why? Everything's going great," she whispered.

"They're onto you now."

"Well, I don't care. I'm still going to have another moment in the sun and get more profit."

"I have no use for you any longer."

"I have a use for me, so there."

"There she is!" someone yelled. It was Rubberband Man.

"Alright, Reply, show time." The false Muse flew off.

"Yeah right, show time for her," Replay muttered. "And what was with that whole conversation with herself?"

"Want more?" Baby taunted.

"No," Rubberband Man said. "I just wondered what you thought of my song."

"Song?"

"You know, that I wrote for you . . . for your birthday."

"Oh yeah, that! It stunk! You call yourself a musician? I always thought your music was cheesy, like a Stevie Wonder tribute."

"What? Why? You know my influence is hip hop and rap. In fact, this was my first experience with R & B."

"Oh. Well . . . take this!" She fired a big ball of light at Rubberband Man, but he bounced out of the way.

"Your cover's blown, girlfriend," Static's voice yelled. "Look who's here!" The Muse flew up behind him.

"Really?" She closed her eyes then transformed to the exact likeness of the real Muse. "Well, let's see about that." She leapt on the Muse, and they started wrestling. The real Muse couldn't concentrate to make her powers. Everything was so sudden.

"Static, won't you stop it?" Shebang yelled.

"But I might hurt the real girl! I'm starting to find it hard to tell them apart."

Meanwhile, the voice in the false Muse's ear demanded, "STOP NOW! I ORDER YOU!"

"No!" she answered. "I can finish her off if I want!"

They were rolling down into a ditch. The real Muse wanted to get back up. Then she found a way that could make them tell her apart. "Hey RB! RCM 4!"

Rubberband Man peered down the edge. "What?" he yelled.

"RCM 4!"

"See 'em for what?"

"ROCK CONCERT MOVEMENT FOUR!"

"Oh, no problem." He stretched his right foot behind his head and all the way down to the heroes. The real Muse grabbed a hold, and he pulled her up.

"Who knew Blue Man Group would save my life one day?" she giggled.

The false Muse sat up and started to take off, but she suddenly stopped. Tiny bolts of lightning surrounded her, and she transformed into a small person.

"I know you!" the Muse said. "You were the little girl who asked for my picture the other day."

Baby scoffed. "Little girl. I'm way before YOUR time, little girl."

"I don't understand."

"I know her," Gear said. "She has a rare condition. Her body doesn't age. She never grows up."

The Muse looked at Baby with intrigue. "Me neither," she whispered.

"Good job, Static," Shebang said.

"That . . . wasn't me," Static replied.

"Oh, that tears it," a voice yelled. Soon everybody was surrounded with a bunch of red-haired teenagers.

"Replay!" Static yelled. "Didn't think I'd see your ugly mug anytime soon."

"That's right! I'm going to take you out for what you did to me."

"We all are!" all of the clones said at once.

"I don't think so!" the real Muse said. "MAGIC!" In a brilliant beam of light, she eliminated all of the clones and left Replayed on his back.

"That's our Muse!" Static said as he patted her on the shoulder.

"Let's go home," she said to Gear.

TRANSITION

As soon as Precious got in the door, Uncle Sean called, "PRECIOUS! CAN YOU COME IN HERE FOR A MOMENT?"

"I don't like the sound of that," she muttered to Richie. She walked up to her uncle's bedroom. He was sitting on the bed with a hard expression on his face. He didn't say a word but turned on the news.

As Precious had guessed, it was a story about the Muse's revelation. "I have to say," Shelly Sandoval said, "this has been the most amazing story in all of my years of journalism. The Muse is an inspiration to us all." She paused and wiped a tear. "Back to you," she whispered.

Uncle Sean turned off the TV and looked at her again. "So," he said.

"Uh, yes Uncle Sean?"

But then he broke into a smile. "You see now, Precious? You're favorite superhero is just like you."

"Yeah, she is isn't she?"

"You don't have to feel down about what we discussed this morning. There's hope for you." He stroked her head. "You're a good kid, my favorite niece."

"I'm your only niece."

"That makes the competition easier," he laughed.

"Is that all you wanted to say?"

"Yeah."

"OK. I'm going to Richie's room now." She got out as soon as she could, so relieved that he didn't find out her secret identity. She sprawled out on Richie's bed.

Richie came in a few moments later. "You ok?"

"Yeah, I'm just thinking."

"You know, what you did today took a lot of courage. You didn't have to do that."

"Yeah I did. It was the only way to expose the imposter."

"But we were going to do it."

"You hesitated. Besides, after Raven and I talked, I did feel better about it, almost a little . . . proud of it."

"Good. You know, I never told anybody, Virgil included, because I never got officially diagnosed, but sometimes I wonder if I'm a little autistic."

"No!"

"Yeah. I don't know for sure. A lot of people think that autism is genetic, and since I'm related to you I might have the same gene. It was probably latent most of my life, but after the Big Bang stuff kicked in, it might have activated it. I've done a lot of studying about it, and our brains function very similarly."

"But you're so social."

"I know. That's one of the reasons I'm not sure. Part of me worries that I might become worse. I don't want that to happen. I want to stay friends with Virgil and Frieda and Daisy and you and everybody. You know that's why I invented that Magic Hat."

"My hat?"

"Yeah, didn't they tell you this morning? I made that hat to change what's going on in your brain. It's gradually getting you out of your world. It's not like they said. You are getting better."

"So, this hat does more than give me magic powers?"

"That's right."

"So, there's no magic inside of me after all."

"No, that's not true. None of what you do would be possible without your imagination. That's your power. And you want to use it. That's what keeps it going."

"I always wondered why Mommy didn't want me to ever take it off."

"So, let me get straight what you were saying earlier. The magic made reality part of your imaginary world? And that's why you can do things?"

"Yeah. I have control."

"I would have never guessed that was the deal. That's incredible." Suddenly, he got up and left the room.

It was very quiet. Precious kept thinking, but soon she got bored. Starfire and Batman both called her on her new communicators to offer a few words of encouragement. Soon, she got tired of talking or thinking about her autism. Then she found Adam's CD. She popped it in. Soft, synthesized music came on, then Adam's voice started singing. It was a standard love song, about a guy who lived the wrong kind of life and then a beautiful girl showed him something better. But what struck Precious the most was the title, "Precious 2 Me." She didn't think that she ever told Adam her real name, so he didn't realize the double meaning. It was amazingly clever. "That's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard," she said aloud. "I bet it'll be a number one." Then there was a knock on the door. "Come in."

Claire walked in. "Hi Honey."

"Oh, hi Mom."

"Am I not 'Mommy' anymore?"

"Mom, I'm thirteen. I need to sound more mature."

Claire sat down on the bed. "Look, Sweetheart, I don't think I told you this morning how proud I am of you. I mean, when you were little, the doctors told me I should expect to put you in a mental institution before you were 18. They said you'd never respond to me or to anybody. But now look at you. You are a loving, caring, selfless person with personality and creativity, and . . . you're a superhero."

Precious gasped. "Uh . . . um . . . what makes you say that, Mom?"

"Honey, I was watching the news this afternoon and . . ."

"Oh!" Precious groaned. She knew she wasn't going to be able to hide it, and she wasn't going to lie. "I-I-I shouldn't have said anything! I shouldn't have told! I knew I shouldn't have told!"

"Honey, it's ok. It's ok. I knew the whole time."

Precious turned around and gaped at her mother. "You did?"

"Yeah. Ever since I met Virgil the first time. I knew his kind of hair style is difficult to duplicate, and Static's was identical. And there were a bunch of little things only a mother would notice."

"Like what?"

"Like the Muse only appearing when you were having your vacation in Dakota."

"Did I ever give it away?"

"No, no, I figured it out on my own, don't worry. And you and your friends did a good job of hiding it. Sometimes I was even in denial."

"Oh. So, why didn't you say anything?"

"Because that's my role in this game. I'm supposed to be the quiet, dumb bystander. I wasn't supposed to say anything. I had to protect your identity, and I didn't do such a bad job, did I?"

"Yeah, you were great. So, you're ok with it?"

"Well, at first I thought it was rather foolish. Do you remember when Richie was shot?"

"Richie was shot! When?"

"I think it was about when you were 5 or 6. Someone brought a gun to his school and shot Richie in the leg. Don't you remember? We drove that night to the hospital to see him."

"And his leg was big and covered in paper, and he wanted me to write on it with a marker. I remember that. But I don't remember that he was shot. He never told me he was shot."

"Well he was. So sometimes I worry that you might get hurt. Then I remember how far you've come. You understand so much about the world that you wouldn't have learned any other way. You have become so much stronger because of what the guys have done with you. And I came to understand that they know what they're doing."

Somebody cleared his throat behind them. Richie was standing in the doorway. "Sorry, I was eavesdropping again."

"It's ok, Richie. I was hoping you'd hear," Claire answered.

"So, uh, you know?"

"Yeah, I know."

"Good. That will make this easier. I was just talking with Virgil. We want to show you something. Can you two take a walk?"

"Alright," they said at once.

They came downstairs. "Mom," Richie said as he came down, "Aunt Claire, Precious and I are going for a walk. We should be back in time for dinner."

"Oh, I was just thinking about ordering a pizza," she answered. "Can I come with you?"

"Uh, well, this is kind of an . . . aunt-nephew-cousin kind of thing."

"Yeah, it's personal, Maggie," Aunt Claire said.

"Well, ok."

They walked quietly, until Claire asked, "So, where are we going?"

"Well . . . you remember that gas station where we used to hang out? That was a little bit more than just a hangout."

"Oh I see."

Virgil was waiting for them. He was in his Static costume. "Hey," he greeted.

"Hello Static," she answered.

Richie went into the back and changed into his costume. "Should I–?" Precious began to say.

"Not yet," Static told her.

Gear came back in and sat down. "So, what are we waiting for?" Precious asked.

There was a knock on the door. "That," Static said. He opened the door, and there was Adam.

"Hey. Is something wrong again?"

"No, not this time."

"Hey Static," Shebang said as she came in. "Hey, who's that?"

"This is my mom," Precious answered.

"Yeah, and my aunt," Gear said.

"I'm Claire Llewellyn-Foley." She approached Adam. "You look familiar. Have we met before?"

"I'm Adam Evans."

"The hip-hop star? I saw you on the Today show! You're a superhero too? Matt Lauer never mentioned that."

"He's also my reading buddy," Precious said.

"Oh, so this is your reading buddy! Glad to meet you."

"Likewise. Your daughter is amazing. She showed me a wonderful place I . . . well, just listen to the song I gave her."

"You wrote her a song?"

"Yeah, wait until you hear it, Mommy! It's beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you," Adam said tenderly. Then he looked up at Claire. "Hey, did you say your name was Foley?"

"Yes."

"I know a kid named Foley. Think you might be related?"

"Maybe," Gear said as he took off his mask.

"Richie!" Adam yelled. "Does that mean you're–?"

Static took off his mask. "That's right, Virgil Hawkins."

"Sharon's little brother? Man, I said mean things about Static right in front of you. I'm sorry."

"No prob. Some times I say mean things about Static right in front of me too."

"Wait a minute," Shebang said, "This is a complete stranger. Why are you all just displaying your identities like this?"

"We have a reason. Why don't you show her who you are?"

"Alright." Shebang took off her mask. "Shenice Richards."

"Pleased to meet you," Claire said.

"And Muse, what's you're name?" Static asked.

"Should I say?"

"We're all getting to know each other tonight," Gear said. "Go on."

"I'm Precious Swan Llewellyn."

"Oh, what a pretty name," Shenice said.

"Your real name is Precious?" Adam asked. "Man, I must be a mind reader."

"See, Miss F.," Virgil said, "we're like one big family. All of us are like brothers and sisters. Precious is one of the biggest factors that brought us together. And now that you know, we want you to be part of this family from now on."

Precious gasped. "Really?"

"Well, I'm flattered," Claire answered. "I don't know what I can do. I'm no superhero myself."

"We'll explain," Richie answered. He got up and left the room.

"You see, your daughter has grown immensely since she started working with us these past five years," Virgil explained. "She has done so much. We think it's about time to make her dream come true."

Richie came back in with the Muse's costume and Magic Hat 2 in his arms. He put them in Precious' lap.

"They're yours now," he said.

"What?" Precious asked.

"You don't need us anymore," Virgil said. "You can be a superhero on your own now, just like you wanted to be." Shenice and Adam applauded.

"Really?" she asked eagerly.

"Yeah."

"But Aunt Claire," Richie said, "It's going to be up to you to be her sidekick in the shadows."

"OK, what does that all mean?"

"You know, look out for crimes, give her support, help her make excuses if she has to be somewhere else when there's trouble, and sometimes help her when she gets into a jam."

"Wow, I'm a mother, hair stylist, teacher, and superhero sidekick. It sounds crazy, but I think I can do it. It would be good to have a superhero in Metropolis again. She might even give Superman a run for his money."

Precious gave her a hug. "Thanks, Mommy." Then she looked up at her friends. "It's going to be so hard to say goodbye." She reached for Shenice first. "You've always been a cool friend. I felt safe when you were around. You're so strong. I never really got to know you, but I really like you."

"Yeah, I like you too."

She went and hugged Adam. "I guess I'll see you on the road."

"Whenever I come through Metropolis, I'll make sure to give you a VIP pass backstage. Maybe we can conversate before the show starts."

"That would be nice."

"Well, I gotta get home," Shenice said.

"Yeah, and I need to get to the studio. It's time to start recording my next album."

"'Bye Shenice. 'Bye M."

Adam looked back in surprise. "Bye RB," he answered.

"Uh, Richie, why don't you give me some pointers for this sidekick thing?" Claire asked.

"Right-oh. I'll let you borrow some of my equipment." They went into the other room. Virgil and Precious were left alone.

"So," Precious said, "does this mean we're never going to work together again?"

"No way!" Static answered. "I mean, you're still Richie's cousin. So you're still going to visit. And when you visit, you'll have to work with us. And you'll still call us on your Shock Box every day, right?"

"Yeah."

Virgil came closer to her and leaned over her chair. "I hope you understand what we're saying when we're doing this. You are an excellent superhero. You believe that, don't you?"

"Yeah."

"Say it."

"I'm an excellent superhero."

"That's right. And listen to me. I like having you as my superhero partner."

"Yeah." She leaned her head forward, so that their heads were touching.

"I like having you as a superhero partner," Virgil repeated in a whisper. He stroked her hair then looked away.

"Virgil?" Precious asked.

"Yeah?"

"What does 'Virgil' mean?"

"It means 'strong.'"

"V-I-R-G-I-L, strong. I like that. It's a very appropriate name."

"Thanks. Yours too."

TRANSITION

Somewhere to the north, and armored truck was taking Replay and Baby up to an upper-state prison. "Why did you do that?" Replay screamed at her. "Why did you change back in the middle of our fight? We were about to win!"

"I didn't–"

"Don't use that stupid line on me! I know it's just an act."

"But it wasn't my fault." She sighed. "Fine. I was working for somebody else. I was changed me back against my will."

"What!"

"I've tried being a child star, then I turned to crime, then I became a mercenary. Everything failed."

"So, who hired you?"

"I'm not going to divulge that! It's against the mercenary code. Just somebody who promised me the same things I promised you. That's all I'm going to say."

Johnny sighed. "Well, I guess we might as well enjoy our way there. Why don't we think about our past careers? We'll talk about each other's favorite episodes. You first."

"I haven't watched your show in my life."

"What?"

"You think I'd waste my time digging up the past for someone who lived two hours away from me? There are hundreds of frustrated child stars. What makes you think that you're any different?"

Johnny didn't have an answer, so he was quiet for the rest of the way.

TRANSITION

Someone in an unknown place was watching a tape of the press conference closely.

"The Muse is like this because she's . . . she's . . ."

"I'm autistic."

Fast-forward.

"Somehow, they introduced the real world into my world. They made it part of my world. And when they did that, they gave me control over reality."

"Intriguing indeed," the watcher said. "It is much more intriguing than I had thought. Muse, I must thank you personally. Thank you for taking off the mask. But now . . . where will you hide?"

A small ray of light streaked over the single eye in his mask as it glared with purpose.

Next Episode: Betrayal–Everyone Precious ever trusted has turned against her. There is only one person who remembers and seems to care for the Muse, and he has other plans for her. Will she be taken in by his lies?