Guest: Thank you so much! I'm glad to be back~ and as for your question, I've kinda explored the idea of Caly used her totem to use a sea animal's abilities in my mind, but she's never had experience with it. I was also looking into Kaldur using Atlantean magic, however that seemed lazy to me, considering she has the capability of using the abilities of the entire animal kingdom – why not use it? So I'm leaning towards my first idea but trust me, she's not going to Atlantis for quite some time – she has to learn like Avatar Aang, she's mastered land animals so next is water animals~
imaanloves: Aw, thank you! Hopefully you're not using sarcasm – if you are, Calypso's Korean heritage/background/family is based on my own experiences with being Korean and American as well as stories from my family and friends. Some things are exaggerated a tiny bit while others hit too close to home. Hopefully I haven't offended anyone with how I've depicted Calypso or her family, but I promise you, that first chapter is not the last you've seen of the Callaghan family ;) (also, major hint to what role they play in this story)

Again, thank you so much for the reviews. I honestly didn't think people were still enjoying this story since it's been so long. Also thank you for the 36 favorites and 49 follows~

AN: Fixed a few things that I noticed when I was looking over everything.


𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝐹𝒾𝓋𝑒 – Infiltrator
"Optimism is the faith that
leads to achievement. Nothing can
be done without hope and confidence."

DETROIT
AUGUST 4, 08:54 EDT

"That. Was. Amazing." Kaldur praised after his finishing his second stack of pancakes. I blushed, grabbing his empty plate and placing it on top of mine and Mari's.

I smiled. "Thanks, Kal." I glanced over at my guardian, who was currently downing her third cup of coffee. "How ya feelin'?"

"I haven't coughed up a lung yet so… better than yesterday." She answered. "How's everything going? Everyone treating you well?"

"It's been the best, honestly." I admitted, taking a sip of my orange juice. "The team is friendly, encouraging, helpful – we've had some problems but nothing major."

Kaldur nodded in agreement. "This experience has been great so far."

"So far?" Mari questioned, raising her brow.

"Overall, everything has been very positive, but I cannot speak for the full experience – the team has not been together for that long."

"Are you saying the team might be dysfunctional in the future?" I opened my mouth to ask what she meant but I remembered M'gann teaching me what 'dysfunctional' meant.

The Atlantean shoke his head. "No, no, no. I think it is unwise to believe the entire team experience will be nothing but positive – we will have difficulties. All we can do is plan for the worst, hope for the best."

She took another long sip of coffee. "Now I see why everyone picked you as the leader. You are very wise Kaldur. How old are you again?"

"Sixteen."

Mari looked between Kaldur and I before standing up from the table, grabbing our empty plates. I gave her a questioning look but all she did was smirk. What was that about?

"So," I glanced at Kaldur, "what's Atlantis like?"

He was silent for a few moments before responding, "It is nothing like it is here on the surface world. Atlantis is… it is hard to describe in words. Everything is colorful and diverse." As he continued to speak about Atlantis, describing each of the cities, I noticed how his eyes lit up and his smile was permanent.

"What is your family like?"

"My mother, Sha'lain'a, is the kindest woman I have ever known. She always makes sure I am well fed and happy. My father, Calvin, is intelligent and protective. He is also involved with Atlantean politics."

I took a drink of my OJ. "They sound lovely. I would love to meet them."

Kaldur followed my actions, drinking from his glass of water. "I will introduce you to them when we visit Atlantis." I felt my face heat up at the thought and the butterflies returned. My palms suddenly felt clammy – why was I feeling like this? It's just Kaldur. A nice, sweet Atlantean boy who invited me, his teammate to his hometown. That's it. Nothing else. Calm down brain.

"Calypso? Are you feeling alright?" I was brought out of my thoughts when Kaldur rested the back of his hand on my forehead. "You are very warm."

I backed away, pushing my chair away from the table. "U-uh, y-y-yeah totally." I coughed when I heard how high my voice had gotten. "I'm just gonna… go… to the bathroom! Yeah! Really gotta pee, so…" at a speed rivaling Wally's, I speed to the bathroom, locking the door behind me.

I stared into the mirror. My usual pale face was redder than a tomato and my heartbeat was going a million miles a second. I turned on the faucet, splashing cold water on my face.

"What is wrong with me?" I whispered, raking my fingers through my hair. "It's just Kaldur. It's just Kaldur."

After taking a deep breath, I fixed my hair and made sure my face wasn't red anymore. I noticed that my hair was starting to grow out. Usually, I would just keep it short right below my chin but now it's close to touching my shoulders. Maybe I won't get it cut this year and let it grow, like Mari and Zoe always tell me.

"Hey Caly, you okay? You're not getting sick too right?" Mari asked after gently knocking on the door.

I checked on last time that my face color went back to normal before opening the door. I nodded, acting nonchalant as possible. "Aniyo, aniyo, I'm fine."

She poked my check. "Why's your face wet?"

I gulped. "I-it's uh… really… um… hot! And I needed to um… cool off!"

She crossed her arms, clearly unconvinced. "Uh-huh." I gave her a smile, probably making me look more suspicious. "Well, before you and Kaldur leave, we need to have a talk."

"About what?"

"School."

My eyes widened. I almost forgot that school was starting up soon. I wasn't living in Detroit anymore… in fact I wasn't the same person as I was last year – I was a hero, full-time and working with a team.

"I've been talking with Batman about the situation." She said. "Miss Martian and Superboy are going to Happy Harbor High School and since you live at the Cave now-"

I nodded, understanding what she was about to ask. "I have to choose between school here or school at the Cave."

If I went to Happy Harbor, I would be with Superboy and M'gann – but I'd be leaving Zoe here in Detroit. I tried weighing the pros and cons of each school but every time I came up with a pro for Happy Harbor, my best friend came back into my mind.

I frowned. "I don't know what to do..."

"I think you should go to Happy Harbor." Mari suggested. "You'll be able to live at the cave with your friends and be much safer."

"Safer from what?" I questioned. Some schools in Detroit were completely terrible and some were good with nice teachers and caring principles.

She quickly responded, "Nothing." I had a feeling that she wasn't talking about the school safety in Detroit. "Look, I really think going to Happy Harbor is a good idea-"

"What about Zoe?"

"She didn't tell you? She's going to Benjamin Carson – that medical prep school."

I gasped. That's what she's been trying to talk to me about! I feel so horrible… I have definitely won the worst best friend award.

I shoke my head. "No, she tried to but-" I sighed. "I've been busy." My guardian raised her eyebrow and I instantly knew what she was going to say. "Don't say 'I told you so' Mari. I know how to fix this."

After I pulled out my phone, I texted Zoe "otw" and went into the living room. Kaldur stood up from the dining room table and walked over to me. "Is everything alright Calypso?"

"I have to skip on training Kal." I slipped on my sneakers, that were in desperate need of being replaced. "I'm really sorry but this is important."

"Do you need any help?"

"No. This is something I have to do on my own."


"Calypso! Where have you been?" Zoe's grandma answered the door – she was up there in age, maybe 60's or 70's, and reminded me so much of Carol Brunet except with short gray curly hair and round gold glasses.

She always made me smile. "Hey Nana. Is Zoe here?" over the years I've known my best friend, her family always insisted on calling them "Mom" or "Dad" instead of "Misses or Mister Jackson."

"Where else would she be?" she teased before turning around and cupping her hands over her mouth. "ZOE! CALY IS HERE!"

"COMING!"

Nana opened the door wider, gesturing for me to come in. I took off my shoes and placed them next to the door. She went into the kitchen, saying something about her spaghetti burning.

Zoe came down the stairs, tying up her chocolate brown hair into a pony tail. "Hey." She greeted, not pleased to see me. "Finally made time for me, huh?"

I frowned at her comment. "Zoe, please. I'm so sorry." I stepped closer to her, grabbing her hands. "I'm gonna tell you why I've been distance only if you promise not to tell anyone."

Her eyes widened at how sincere I was. "Of course, of course. What is it?"

I peered into the kitchen, noting that Nana was distracted but the news I was going to drop will freak out my best friend.

"Can we get up to the roof?"

"…why…?"

"I've kinda thought out in my head how you're gonna react and… I need the roof."

She nodded and rushed to the table near the door. She rummaged through the top drawers, then the bottom. She pulled out a purple lanyard, holding many jingly keys. "We'll be back Nana!"

In response, the elderly lady leaned around the corner and waved around her sauce covered spoon. "Be safe, don't talk to strangers-"

Zoe rolled her eyes. "Yes Nana, we've been over this a thousand times – Detroit bad, some people bad, blah, blah, blah." As I put on my shoes, she unlocked the side door that lead to the stairs up to other apartments that people rented out.

Her dad runs a real estate company and the building they live in is owned by him and managed by Zoe's mom. Zoe and I met because her dad owns the apartment complex Mari and I – well, now Mari lives. She was the first person that didn't laugh at my very, very bad English. We've been best friends ever since.

We walked up several flights of stairs that my legs desperately protested, but I kept telling myself it was for my best friend, my sister.

Once we made it to the top, she unlocked the door to the roof and removed the two padlocks, slipping them into her pocket.

The roof wasn't that high from the ground – nothing I haven't seen from the Bioship. I glanced at my wrist, adjusting my totem. It was now or never.

"So," Zoe crossed her arms, "any reason why you brought me up here?"

I gulped, suddenly feeling nervous. The speech I had prepared on my way over to see Zoe vanished from brain completely. C'mon, you're Virago. You've fought bigger battles than this. "Okay," I started slowly, "you're not going to believe what I'm about to tell you. In fact, you're really gonna think I have a yagmul jungdog…" I backed up and stood up on the ledge of the building, touching my totem.

Her eyes widened. "Wait, wait, wait, wait, Calypso-"

I felt the flight of the owl surge through me just before I fell backwards. I heard the scream of my best friend and loud footsteps as she rushed to the edge.

I floated to the top and she screamed again, falling to the ground in shock. She began slapping her checks, mumbling that she was dreaming over and over again.

"Zoe, I am Virago and Mari is Vixen." I explained, showing her my totem. "This is why I haven't been talking to you lately… I haven't had time because I'm a part of a covert team with Aqualad, Kid Flash-"

She waved her hands, gesturing for me to stop. "You can't just fly and explain this so casually – y-you've gotta let a girl breathe Caly." She placed her hand on her chest. "I can't – how did you – no, no, no, when did this happen? How long has this been going on?"

"Not too long… about three years? The team thing is new. Mari didn't want me doing it at first, said I wasn't ready but I proved her wrong."

As she ran her fingers through her hair, she took a deep breath. "This… t-this is a lot to take in." I sat down next to her, making sure that I was no longer using the flight of the owl. "Why did you decide to tell me this now?"

I frowned, remembering mine and my guardian's conversation earlier. "Mari told me that you're switching schools…"

"Oh," she looked down at her feet, messing with her laces nervously, "I wanted to tell you, but I felt like that was something I needed to tell you in person. I'd be a huge dick if I just told you over text." I chuckled. "I've decided I wanted a career as a nurse, so Mom and Dad were helping me look into prep schools and Benjamin Carson accepted me."

"Prep school?"

"It'll help prepare me for college and future jobs and stuff."

My mouth formed an 'o', "that sounds a million times better than our old school."

Zoe laughed. "Trust me, it is. But…" she looked over at me, "what about you?"

I clasped my hands together. "Weeelll, I kinda don't live in Detroit anymore – wait, wait, before you freak out lemme explain." I started from the beginning when I crash landed into the Cave and out of everything I told her, she kept teasing me about Kaldur.

"Caly's got a boyfriend~ Caly's got a boyfriend~" she laughed, poking my now blushing cheeks.

I swatted her hand away. "Hajima!"

"Aw!" she threw her arms around me, pulling me into a bone crushing hug. "My little girl is growing up!"

"Zoe – can't breathe."

She pulled away, wiping away a fake tear. "Will I ever get to meet him?"

"I'm actually not supposed to tell you any of this in the first place, but I couldn't keep this from my best friend anymore."

"I feel honored with such a secret." She smiled. "I'm glad to have you back Calypso. I missed you."

I returned the grin, feeling a huge weight fall from my chest. "I missed you too Zoe."

MOUNT JUSTICE
AUGUST 8, 09:58 EDT

Despite my existential crisis over how I looked in my swim suit, I realized that the beach wasn't going to be that bad. Thanks to M'gann's assurance, I began to like my outfit. It was just a simple black one piece swim suit with a sweetheart neckline that I paired with old, faded purple basketball shorts.

Not only was I not prepared for the swarm of anxieties that overcame me when I put on my swim suit, I was definitely not prepared for Kaldur.

Shirtless Kaldur.

Snap out of it Calypso, it's just your teammate. There's no reason for you to be blushing over your shirtless leader, who has really nice tattoos-

I shoke my head. Nope. Stop it. You're gonna drop the towels and the sunscreen if you keep looking at him.

M'gann raced towards the shore and happily outstretched her arms. "Hello Megan! We should hit the beach every day!"

She was right. The sun was shining, it wasn't too hot outside, the skies were clear, there was a small breeze… everything was amazing.

"First," Robin sighed, tilting his head down, "a moment of silence for our absent comrade."

M'gann frowned, tilting her head as well. "Poor Wally…"

I'm glad I was going to Happy Harbor with M'gann and Superboy or else I'd be in prison – I mean public school today like Wally is.

"We can go to the beach with him another time." I said, gently elbowing M'gann, sending her a cheerful smile.

Kaldur nodded, placing the portable freezer box in the sand – I know it's not actually called that, I just don't remember what the word for it is. "Let us enjoy this time together."

As M'gann and I laid out our towels, Robin completely ignored my suggestion of putting on sunscreen and rushed into the water.

After I quickly put on sunscreen – and explained to M'gann what it was – the rest of us followed the Boy Wonder into the water, with Superboy cannon-balling into the water.

Robin and M'gann began splashing each other then Kaldur and I. The Atlantean raised his eyebrow and I smirked. With a swift flick from his hand, a wave appeared behind the two.

"What'cha gonna do Kaldur?" Robin taunted as M'gann stuck out her tongue. "That's right, noth-" the wave crashed over the two and I burst into laughter, high-fiving Kaldur, earning a glare from M'gann. I smiled sheepishly, helping her up while Robin fixed his sunglasses. How he managed to keep them on during the wave assassination, I have no idea.

"Psh, I can make bigger." Superboy challenged, crossings his arms.

I raised my eyebrow, looking between him and Kal. "Do I sense a friendly competition?" The three of us moved back as Kaldur and Superboy prepared for their contest.

Robin held up a bottle of sunscreen. "Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, welcome to Who Has the Biggest Wave?"

"Very creative." I snorted.

"You try to come up with something more original," he retorted, probably glaring at me. "On this side, we have the strong Superboy – fully of anger and daddy issues. And on this side, we have the powerful Kaldur, who can literally control water. I think we all know who to place our bets on."

The Martian shoke her head, giving Superboy a pat on the back. "You've got this. I believe in you."

He smiled – another genuine smile. "Thanks."

Robin stood between the two, holding out his towel. "On my count, make the biggest wave possible!"

"Self-explanatory." Aqualad chuckled.

"Superboy," the Boy Wonder waved his towel at the clone, "are you ready?" he sounded like a wrestling announcer, which made me laugh.

In response, he cracked his knuckles.

"Kaldur, are you ready?"

The Atlantean smirked and took a deep breath as his tattoos glowed a bright blue. I know who I'm putting my money on.

"Three, two, one…" Robin held up his hand with the towel and waved it down. "GO!"

I watched as Kaldur run into the water while Superboy ran the opposite direction. "What is he doing?"

Then he dashed towards the sea and right before he reached the water, he jumped up as high as he possibly could, and launched himself into the water. The wave he made was about nine or ten feet in the air – it could've swallowed M'gann and I, if we were still in the water.

M'gann began clapping and cheering for Superboy. "Good job Superboy!"

That's when the giant shadow of a wave loomed over the proud clone. He noticed that the water underneath him had begun to rush behind him, strengthening the massive wave.

I exchanged looks with M'gann and we slowly stepped back as Superboy turned around. He prepared to be swallowed by the water but Kaldur stood on top of the wave, clearly satisfied that he won the competition.

I grinned, walking over to Robin with my hand out. "Pay up, Boy Blunder."

"Wooow, very creative." He mocked, with his infamous Robin cackle. "Did you come up with that on your-"

A giant stream of water rained only on Robin and I burst into laughter.

"Thanks, Kal." I smiled at the Atlantean, still atop his wave that was slowly diminishing.

After having a nice a friendly match of volleyball and enjoying an amazing meal of grilled sausages, we all decided to return to the Cave. It was good timing too, Batman announced over the intercom that we needed to report to the mission room.

I took a quick shower to rinse off the sand and changed into my uniform. Somehow, there still managed to be sand in my shoes and gloves which annoyed me to no end.

As we waited for Kid Flash, Green Arrow's arrival was announced through the computer as well as name I never heard of.

The new girl, who I assumed to be Green Arrow's trainee, was a bit... intense. She wasn't like M'gann - cheerful and excited to meet everyone and be part of the team. Instead she seemed closed off.

We learned the blonde archer's name to be Artemis. I found her name interesting - the Greek goddess of the hunt who was also known for using a bow. Being named named after the Greek nymph Calypso, I was going to bring up how we had something in common when the rest of us introduced ourselves but she didn't look like the 'making-friends' type.

"Recognized, Kid Flash, B-03."

"The Wall-man is here~!" the ginger emerged from the Zeta tube, wearing his swim shorts, and holding beach towels, sunscreen, a radio, almost everything you need to enjoy yourself on the beach. "Now let's get this party star-" hilariously, he fell flat on his face, everything in hands dropping to the ground except for a certain bouncy beach ball that bounced right in between Red Tornado and Batman. "Ted."

Artemis approached the speedster, smirking. "Wall-man, huh? I love the uniform." she teased. "What exactly are your powers?"

He stood up, dusting himself off. "Uh, who's this?"

"Artemis. Your new teammate."

"Kid Flash, never heard of you." Such a nice introduction, KF.

Green Arrow placed his hand on the blonde's shoulder, "she's my new protege."

The ginger frowned. "What happened to your old one?" he exclaimed just before the computer called out a new arrival.

"Recognized, Speedy, B-07."

"Well, for starters, he doesn't go by Speedy anymore." another archer entered the room, dressed in red and black. I recognized his face from TV, but I remember him wearing brighter colors. "Call me Red Arrow."

Green Arrow looked stunned and went to approach his partner- er, now old partner. "Roy... you look-"

"Replaceable." Red Arrow snapped.

The older archer shoke his head. "It's not like that. You told me you were going solo."

"So why waste time finding a sub? Can she even use that bow?" the ginger argued.

Artemis stood tall and looked up at him. "Yes. She can."

"Who are you?" Wally questioned, still annoyed with the blonde.

Both her and Green Arrow answered at the same time, "I'm his niece." "She's my niece."

Robin chuckled, crossing his arms. "Another niece?"

"But she is not your replacement." Kaldur said, walking towards Roy. "We have always wanted you on the team, and we have no quota on archers."

"And if we did, you'd know who we'd pick." the speedster pointed out.

Artemis rolled her eyes, with another smirk. "Whatever Baywatch. I'm here to stay."

The Atlantean changed the subject thankfully as Red Arrow turned to him, "You came to us for a reason."

The ginger archer nodded. "Yeah. A reason named Doctor Serling Roquette."

Robin's eyes widened as he pressed a few buttons on his fancy glove and small holo-graphic screen appeared that he transferred to a larger screen in front of us. "Nanorobotics genius and claytronics expert at Royal University in Star City. Vanished two weeks ago."

"Abducted two weeks ago by the League of Shadows." Roy corrected.

"Woah!" the Boy Wonder exclaimed, both him and Wally now excited. "You want us to rescue her from the Shadows?"

Him and Kid Flash fist-bumped. "Hardcore."

"I already rescued her." Red Arrow said and I noticed both of the boys frowned. "Only one problem: the Shadows had already coerced her into creating a weapon." he brings up his own holographic screen showing what he mentioned."Doc calls it the Fog, comprised of millions of microscopic robots, nanotech infiltrators capable of disintegrating anything in their path concrete, steel, flesh, bone. But its true purpose isn't mere destruction. It's theft. The infiltrators eat and store raw data from any computer system and deliver the stolen intel to the Shadows. Providing them access to weapons, strategic defense, cutting-edge science and tech."

"Perfect for extortion, manipulation, power-broking." Artemis pointed out, like she's encountered them before. "Yeah. Sounds like the Shadows."

Wally huffed, crossing his arms. "Like you know anything about the Shadows." Instead of some witty remark, Artemis smirked, eyeing the speedster. "Who are you?!"

Roy ignored their comments, "Roquette's working on a virus to render the Fog inert."

"But if the Shadows know she can do that-" Robin was cut off the by archer.

"They'll target her." he finished. "Right now, she's off the grid. I stashed her at the local high school's computer lab." another holographic image appeared of said school.

"You left her alone?" Green Arrow questioned.

Roy nodded. "She's safe enough for now."

"Then let's you and I keep her that way." the older archer said, approaching his former partner.

"You and I? Don't you want to take your new protege?" Roy replied bitterly.

His mentor opened his mouth to speak but Batman placed a hand on his shoulder. He sighed. "You brought this to the team. It's their mission, which means it's hers now, too."

"Pfft. Then my job's done." Red Arrow pushed past everyone towards the Zeta tube.

"Recognized, Speedy-"

He interrupted the computer, "that's Red Arrow, B-06 update."

HAPPY HARBOR
AUGUST 8, 21:53 EDT

As I patrolled down the hallway, I realized that this could be the school I'd go to if I chose to continue living at the cave. The classrooms were huge and more spaced out compared to the high schools in Detroit. Nothing was in desperate need of being replaced or damaged beyond repair.

I noticed a few classrooms were occupied with text books and teaching supplies. Teachers were probably starting to prepare their lesson plans for the new school year.

I passed by a few more rooms before turning down the hallway to where my team was. I noticed Kaldur peeking out the door window and I gave him a thumbs up and continued walking.

'Everyone online?' M'gann's voice rang through my mind.

'Ugh, this is... weird.' Artemis stated and I smiled sympathetically, even though she couldn't see me.

'The weirdness will ware off in a bit.' I said.

'This weirdness is distracting.' the Doc responded in an irritated tone. 'Coding a distributive algorithm virus on a kiddie computer with less ram than a wristwatch is hard enough. Now I have to hear teen think in my skull?'

'Lady, do you always complain when someone tries to help you?' Kid Flash questioned. As him and Artemis went back and forth about what happened earlier, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye.

I turned my head and saw nothing was there. I could've sworn it looked like there was someone walking down the hallway. Slowly, I followed where I thought I saw the figure and turned the corner. Again, nothing was there.

I rubbed my eyes. I must be getting tired if I'm seeing things.

'How 'bout I just help Miss Martian and Superboy patrol the outside perimeter?' Artemis' voice brought me out of my thoughts as I heard the door open and the blonde archer walking towards the entrance of the school.

'You might cut her some slack. It was her arrow saved your butt against Amazo.' Robin pointed out.

'What?' the speedster exclaimed incredulously. 'No, that was Speedy's - I mean Red Arrow's Arrow, right?'

'Nooot so much.'

And now the ginger was probably pouting, crossing his arms in annoyance. 'Well, still not giving her the satisfaction.'

'Y'know I can still hear you.' Artemis reminded and Kid Flash responded with an irritated groan.

Roquette sighed. 'Couldn't get the Justice League.'

'The virus won't be of much use if we cannot find the weapon.' Aqualad said, thankfully getting everybody back on track. I was so close to punching Wally in the face. 'Can you track it?'

'My utility fog is not a 's science, brilliant science,' she responded. 'And of course I can track it, but I'd have to go online. Might as well rent a billboard with this address and "assassinate me" written in neon.'

I felt bad for the doctor. Even though she's a bit annoying with her constant complaining, I can understand why she's on edge. 'We're here to make sure that doesn't happen.'

'Exactly.' the Atlantean agreed. 'We will protect you.'

After a few moments of silence, the doctor said, 'Tracking the fog now.'

I decided to join Aqualad, Robin and Kid Flash in the room with the doctor as Artemis, M'gann and Superboy were already covering all entrances of the school.

I sat down at one of the desks, occasionally peering out the window for anything suspicious to catch my eye.

'Mmm... that boy.' I shuddered at Artemis' thoughts in my head, knowing that she was referring to Superboy.

'He can hear you - we can all hear you.' Miss Martian responded, not happy in the slightest.

'Oh, I know.'

I shoke my head, wishing I never heard any part of what Artemis was thinking.

'Miss Martian,' Kaldur's voice broke the very, very awkward silence. 'Doctor Roquette has located the fog. Reconfigure the Bioship so that Robin and Superboy can pursue.'

After Robin left the room, M'gann informed that the Bioship was ready and both boys left from the school.

Kid Flash decided to take my role in patrolling the inside of the school while Artemis and Miss Martian continued their patrol outside.

Suddenly, I heard a small creak of the door opening. I looked up to see a circular blade, headed right for the doctor.

Luckily, Kaldur had faster reflexes than I did and jumped in front of the weapon before it could hit her.

"Doctor get down!" he ordered as a woman with a weird smiling cat mask entered the room, throwing more blades - shurikens I think they're called.

I grabbed Roquette's arm and pushed her underneath one of the tables as the Atlantean took the shurikens out of his arm.

"Ooo, that had to hurt." the woman rushed into the room, holding a sai in each hand.

Aqualad used his water bearers to create dual blades. "Atlantean skin is quite dense." She lunged to attack him but he quickly blocked. "And my shruiken's quite poisonous." he kicked her and she flipped backwards, landing on her feet.

I pulled out my bo staff and moved the doctor to a desk in the back, away from the feet. As Aqualad and the creepy cat masked lady fought, I alerted my team. 'Aqualad and I are being attacked in the computer lab.'

'On our way.' Artemis quickly responded.

Suddenly, someone crashed through the ceiling of the classroom and landed gracefully on their feet - wait, were they wearing high heels? It was the woman from Santa Prisca - Lamia. Instead of the dark red uniform I saw when we first fought, she was dressed like she came back from a party. She wore a dark red, sleeveless dress that rested above her knees. She also had sparkling diamond stud earrings and a gold chain necklace with another shiny diamond.

"Nice of you to join us," the masked woman chided, then eyed her attire. "Nice outfit." I appreciated her sarcasm. "Didn't have time to change?"

Lamia shrugged. "Oh shush Cheshire. You interrupted family time so this better be good-" her eyes landed on me and a devilish smirk came across her lips. "Ah~ Virago."

I held my bo staff in front of the doctor and I defensively as Kaldur and Cheshire resumed their fight.

Lamia sauntered towards me, cracking her knuckles. "I've been waiting for this for a long time."

'Doctor, when I move you need to run.' I ordered to her, touching my totem and felt the strength of the bull flow through me.

Roquette gulped. 'Got it.'

With no real plan in mind, except to keep the doctor safe, I charged at Lamia. I swung my staff at her and she caught it with ease. She closed her fist around it as I tried to take it back. I struggled against her strength, making her smile.

She tugged the staff out of my hands and threw it across the room. "Now we're even."

I shoved her into one of the desks and grabbed a chair, slamming it on her. I stepped back, moving in front of the desk the doctor was hiding in front of.

Lamia stood up, unfazed by the attack. She brushed off the remains of the chair, adjusting her necklace. "Huh. Not bad." with one hand she swiped off all of the computers off the desk and lifted it with one hand. "My turn."

Roquette screamed and I grabbed her, sliding under another desk, dodging the one Lamia threw at me. It crashed into the wall behind us, cracking the chalkboard.

'You said you were going to protect me!' the doctor shrieked in fear.

'Yah! What do you think I'm-' Lamia grabbed my foot and dragged me from the desk and threw me through the wall, sending me into another classroom.

I crashed into the desk, trying to catch my breath. She stepped over the rubble with ease - the only thing she was winning today was how she could easily fight in heels.

"Y'know, we really shouldn't be fighting Virago." she said. "We are more alike than you-"

I charged at her, quickly swiping her feet out from under her. I grabbed her shoulders and slammed her into the ground. As she groaned in pain, I lifted a piece of the broken wall and threw it onto her. That should hold her for a few minutes, hopefully.

Rushing back into the other classroom, I saw that Kaldur was on the ground, his battle with Cheshire not going as well as mine with Lamia was.

A hand wrapped around my hair tightly, tugging my head back forcefully. Sharp nails dug into the back of neck, causing tears to well up in my eyes. I was definitely bleeding.

Lamia pouted, throwing a torn piece of fabric from her dress to the ground. "You tore my favorite dress." she kneed me in the back and easily pushed me to the ground next to Kaldur.

Lamia joined Cheshire, as the masked woman prepared to stab Kaldur with her sai. Finally, Artemis entered the classroom, firing an arrow at Cheshire's hand, the weapon dropping to the ground.

"Don't move." the archer ordered, aiming at both woman.

Kaldur and I helped each other off the ground, gesturing for Roquette to stand behind us. He stood ready with his dual blades, while I firmly stood my ground, eyeing Lamia. She was stronger than most humans, maybe even close to Superman. I was going to win this fight easily.

Cheshire chuckled, pulling out a fold-able katana. "This gig's getting interesting." Artemis began firing arrows but Cheshire quickly deflected them all, slicing every arrow in half.

Kid Flash and Miss Martian joined us as well, standing - or in M'gann's case floating - in front of the doctor.

"Maybe a little too interesting." the masked woman threw down a smoke bomb and the speedster lunged at the two women. However, they quickly disappeared and the ginger crashed into Artemis, who both shoved each other away.

"They're getting away!" Roquette cried. "You're letting them get away!"

I rolled my eyes. "A thank you would be nice."

"This is all your fault!" the speedster glared at Artemis. "You were on perimeter - how'd those Shadows get in?!" In response, the blonde narrowed her eyes at him and I could tell she was holding herself back from clocking him in the face.

M'gann came to the archer's side, making distance between the two. "That's not really fair. I was outside, too."

"Y-yeah, outside being distracted by her! Besides, I can't be mad at you." Kid Flash smirked at M'gann. 'You gave me mouth-to-mouth.'

'We heard that.'

"Dang it!"

I turned towards Kaldur, looking at his arm. I gently touched where the shuriken were stuck in his arm. "Are you alright?"

He nodded with a small smile. "I am fine. But we all need to focus. The Shadows will be back."

"Robin to Aqualad," the Boy Wonder's voice came through the comms, "We're over Philadelphia. We've located the Shadows' next target: Star Labs. We're too late... It's destroyed, totally destroyed. The Fog decimated it. This is bad. Star Labs is cutting-edge science, and now their secrets are in the hands of the enemy. What's our next move?"

The Atlantean looked at the doctor. "Rescan for that Fog. Find it. We're moving the Doctor."


I kept looking between the front door and the ceiling above Roquette, prepared for any and all attacks. Lamia might have caught me off the guard the first time because I didn't know her powers but I have a plan for when she attacks again.

'Stop it.' Kaldur suddenly said.

'What?' both Kid Flash and Artemis replied together and I realized that they must've been bickering again.

'I can hear you glaring.'

'You sure Batman isn't your mentor Kal?' I teased and he chuckled.

Roquette sighed, adjusting her glasses. "Great, I have to go through this again."

I glanced over at the annoyed doctor. "Are you ever positive?"

"Do you see the stress I'm under right now? You remember the fate of the world being at stake?" she exclaimed and ran her fingers through her hair, clearly frustrated.

"Aish... I understand that but having a negative mind is going to make everything worse." I walked over to her and placed my hand on her shoulder. "You can do this okay?"

Kaldur entered the cafe moments later, locking the door. He informed us the enemy would be on their way soon once they realized our plan.

Suddenly, there was a loud thump above us and then footsteps. "We have company." the Atlantean announced.

"Uploading now." Roquette stated as my leader and I prepared for another fight. "And by the way, you said you'd protect me."

I glared at her. "What do you think we're-"

A loud bouncing noise interrupted my angry remark. It erupted into smoke as Aqualad created dual blades again with his water bearers. I brought out my bo staff and touched my totem, thinking of a cheetah, as Kaldur and I stood back to back.

All of a sudden, I was twisted around and Aqualad took my place. I heard the doctor gasped and I quickly turned around to see the Atlantean staggering with several darts stuck in his chest.

'Kaldur...' My eyes widened as Cheshire and Lamia emerged from the panels in the ceiling. "Let's test the limit of your jellyfish immunity, shall we?" Cheshire taunted.

He winced, shaking his head. He lunged at her but she easily dodged each attack and with one swift kick, she sent him crashing onto the floor.

I was still in shock... he just saved my life from Cheshire's poisonous darts without hesitation. That was a huge stepping stone from helping me off the ground to saving my life. But I didn't have time to think about what just happened - I had to protect Roquette.

"C'mon now Virago," Lamia twirled around a poison dart between her fingers, "make this easy for me."

I gritted my teeth, prepared to get revenge for them hurting Kaldur. "Sshee-bahngsay..." I knocked my bo staff into Lamia's neck, knocking her off her feet and used the other end to slam it into Cheshire's back. She dropped to her knees, struggling to hold herself up.

Lamia rubbed her neck, dropping the dart. "Fine. I'll take you down myself." she snarled.

Fists clenched, I threw punch after punch, feeling something crack against my knuckles. It was either the bones in her face breaking or my fingers. Either way, didn't matter.

After my last punch, I rammed my foot into her stomach and she smashed into the wall. She slumped down, her body hitting the floor with a loud thud.

Shiiing!

Cheshire drew her sais and advanced towards the doctor, holding the blade to her neck.

"Doctor-" two hands clasped tightly around my neck. I clawed at Lamia's hands as she kicked my legs out from under me, like she did earlier.

Roquette whimpered, looking over at the computer. I followed her gaze and saw that the virus was finally done and announced it with a few beeps.

"So you finished the virus," Cheshire said, "eliminating the reason for your elimination, though not the entertainment value." she shoved the doctor to the ground as I continued to struggle against Lamia's grip.

Everything around me started to get blurry and dizzy. Now I was seeing four Cheshire and two unconscious Aqualads.

"Lucky for you, our orders are clear. You live to program another day." she waved her hand at Lamia and she dropped her hands from my neck. I fell onto the ground, gasping for air. "After all, doctor, the Shadows may find another use for you."

As Cheshire exited the cafe, Lamia crouched down to me. There wasn't a scratch on her - no bruises, no scraps, no nothing. Her outfit, hair and jewelry where the only things affected by our fight.

Her hand wrapped around my chin, pulling me up so I was eye to eye with her. She smiled darkly. "This was fun and I can't wait to face you again - after all, I know who you are. Be prepared Virago," she released her grip and my head smacked onto the floor, "this isn't the last time you'll see me."

I gripped my now broken nose in pain and watched as Lamia left the cafe with Cheshire, her eyes never leaving mine. I felt shivers down my spine - not only was her gaze frightening, the words she said to me continued to repeat in my mind.

"I know who you are."

"V-Virago..." Kaldur's voice brought me out of my worried thoughts.

As quickly as I could, I crawled over to the Atlantean. There was so many things I wanted to say to Kaldur, but I know it had to wait.

Roquette and I helped him off the ground, allowing him to lean against me. "W-where... where are they?" he questioned, pulling a dart out of his chest.

"They escaped outside," the doctor announced as we began to leave the cafe. Robin and Superboy told us over comm that they were able to stop the fog and take down Professor Ojo. I sighed in relief. I informed them about our somewhat successful situation and told them to met us at Happy Harbor so we could all come back to the Cave via Bioship.

Artemis stood outside, Lamia and Cheshire no where to be seen, except for Cheshire's mask that was left on the ground.

"Artemis," our leader was still out of breath as he spoke, "where are the assassins?"

"They... they got away."

"Oooh, from you?!" Kid Flash scoffed, speeding in front of the archer. "Big surprise! Notice, we got ours." He gestured to said captured enemies, where Miss Martian was holding them in the air.

I rolled my eyes at the ginger. Normally, I could tolerate Wally but today, his face was looking very, very punchable.

"I know that look." Kaldur said with a small smile.

"I have noooo idea what you're talking about."

"You had the same on your face in Santa Prisca." he glanced at Wally, who was picking up Cheshire's mask, saying something about a souvenir. "You cannot hit him - only in training."

I smiled. "You know me too well." I placed my hand on his chest. "Ready?" he nodded and I quickly pulled out the rest of the darts.

He hissed, tensing from the pain. I felt guilty. If I would've known where Lamia and Cheshire were, he wouldn't be hurt.

Aqualad approached the archer who had turned away from us. "Her mask? Did you see her face?"

"It was dark."

"It is fine." Kaldur replied. "Robin and Superboy neutralized the fog, and doctor Roquette is safe, thanks in no small part to you. Welcome to the team."

She turned around, facing us. The guilty expression she had faded into a small smile. Her and Kaldur shoke hands as M'gann wrapped her arms around both mine and Artemis' shoulder. "Now I have two sisters!" she laughed, her cheerful smile making me smile. "Here on Earth, I mean. I have twelve back on Mars, but trust me, it's not the same."

"I wouldn't know. But thanks." Artemis said.

I shoke the archer's hand as well. "We're glad to have you Artemis. It's nice to have another girl on the team." Miss Martian nodded in agreement.

I eyed the speedster who was silent, looking away from the blonde. M'gann elbowed him and he looked at Artemis, muttering out, "Yeah, welcome."

MOUNT JUSTICE
AUGUST 9, 01:25 EDT

"Hey Kaldur?" I stopped the Atlantean in the hallway, placing my hand on his very toned bicep - stop it Calypso.

He turned to me, eyes meeting mine. "Yes?"

Suddenly, everything that I wanted to talk with him about vanished. I opened my mouth to speak but all I could feel was my heartbeat beating out of control.

I finally found the words, taking a deep breath to calm myself from whatever I was feeling. "I-I just wanted to say thank you. You didn't have to take that poison for me but you did..."

"You would do the same for me." he placed both hands on my shoulders. "Do not worry, I am fine."

"I know but... you didn't have to. I didn't like seeing you pain because of me. I should've been paying attention-"

Kaldur squeezed my shoulders with a shake of his head. "It is alright. As you can see," he gestured to his chest, "I am fine. The poison is gone. You do not need to worry. Poison is not going to take me down that easily."

I chuckled. "I guess not. Next time, push us both out of the way, yeah?"

"Agreed." I turned around and began to walk down the hallway before he caught my hand. My eyes widened and I could feel my face heat up again. "Is there something else bothering you Calypso?" I guess Kaldur did know me too well.

I nodded, facing him. "How did you know?"

"Atlantean intuition."

"That's a thing?"

"Now it is."

After we shared a laugh, I explained to him what happened with Lamia. I pointed out how she didn't wear a mask like Cheshire, she didn't care if her secret identity was revealed.

"She said she knew who I am." I said, a felt the same shiver down my spine. "I've never seen her before in my life and I've never fought her before I joined the team."

Kaldur was silent for a few moments. "Do you think she is one of the people Vixen warned you about?"

I shrugged. "I honestly don't know. It just bothers me that... she knows who I am. It scares me."

"As Robin says, stay whelmed. We can talk to Batman about the situation - he may know more about Lamia than we do."

"You're right, as usual." I chuckled. "Thanks Kal." I noticed that the Atlantean was spacing out, his eyes glued to the ground. "Hey, is there something bothering you?"

He snapped out of his daze, shaking his head. "W-what? Oh, no." he was not a good liar. "I am fine Calypso."

I raised my eyebrow, unconvinced. But considering it was one o'clock in the morning, I didn't press the subject. I knew that both of us were tired and in need of a shower.

"Well, jal jayo Kaldur." I covered my mouth, stifling a yawn. "If you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm here." I reached for his hand, giving it a small squeeze.

"Thank you."

"Hey, what are friends for?"