Thank you all for the support! I hope you enjoy this chapter. Stay safe!
πΆβπππ‘ππ ππππ - Bereft
"Hope is your survival,
A captive path I lead.
No matter where you go, I will find you,
if it takes a long long time."
BIAYLA
SEPTEMBER 4, 00:16 EEST
"Um... hello? Are you alright?"
I groaned, trying to open my eyes but they felt crusted shut. A cold shiver ran up my spine- what the hell? It was cold, way too cold to be my room.
I sat up, wiping my eyes. Something was pounding against my skull and made my ears ring. I forced my eyes open and I froze. Sand. There was nothing but sand that seemed to stretch for miles and miles. The night sky was clear and the moon was shinning bright.
My eyes widened, breath caught in my throat. This is not my bedroom in Detroit. Mwongmi?
"Hey it's okay-" Someone touched my arm and I almost jumped out of my skin.
I scrambled away at the figure. It was a female, wearing all black, with... green skin? Wait. I know that uniform. That's Martain Manhunter but I don't remember him being a teenage girl.
She raised her hands in defense as I began to relax, only slightly. If someone from the League is here, Mari must be here. "I'm not going to hurt you!" she assured, mumbling something about this not being a dream. "M-my name is M'gann M'orzz, my uncle is-"
"Martian Manhunter." I realized, shaking out the sand from my hair. "Do I... know you?"
She shoke her head. "I don't think so. Are you-" she noticed Mari's symbol and I looked down to my uniform - wait, why are my clothes black and gray? "Vixen?"
"No. She is my..." I caught myself before I said too much. "Mentor. My name is Virago." I winced as the pain in my head worsened. I clutched my forehead and I noticed she was doing the same. "Does yours hurt too?"
"Badly." We both stood, keeping each other from sinking into the sand. For some strange reason, I felt comfortable around her, like I've known her for years. But this was my first time ever meeting her. Maybe it's a Martian thing.
My stomach grumbled and my mouth felt as dry as this desert. I never craved jajangmyeon more than I do right now... "Do you know where we are?"
"I'm not sure. It's certainly not Mars."
"Definetly not Detroit either. I can't remember anything-"
I stepped a little too far and tumbled downhill, bringing M'gann with me. My body ached and I craved my bed and a nice hot shower. What I wouldn't give to snuggle into my bed watching Boys over Flowers for the hundredth time-
BOOM!
M'gann gasped as a flurry of smoke and dust covered our vision. My hand hovered over my totem as I waited for the dust to clear.
A man with a Superman symbol on his shirt stood before us. He bared his teeth, growling almost like an animal. The look in eyes wasn't normal. I quickly exchanged worried looks with M'gann.
"W-wait, I've seen that symbol. Are you... Superman?" Is this really the Man of Steel? I thought he was nicer...
The man roared and ripped off his shirt. I quickly touched my totem just before he charged at us, thinking of the Peregrine Falcon. "Move!" I ordered as M'gann and I flew into the air on either side of the feral man.
He jumped at M'gann and she clasped her hands together, creating a telepathic wall. He crashed into it, knocking both of them to the ground.
"M'gann!" I cried, moving to rush to her aid. His eyes snapped towards me after he got his bearings and I touched my totem, panicking. What animal was stronger than Superman?
He roared in anger again and instead of attacking, he jumped over me. I watched as he landed very far away from us and sighed in relief as he got further away. I guess M'gann's powers scared him off, thankfully.
I landed next to the Martian who was hugging her knees to her chest, shaking in fear. I sat beside her, placing my hands over hers. "M'gann, if I'm being completely honest, I'm scared too. I don't know where we are, what we're doing here, or where Vixen is." she sniffled, wiping a few stray tears away. "But we'll be okay."
"How do you know?"
She was right, I didn't know, but there's no way Mari would just leave me in the desert without telling me anything. I tried to remember anything before I woke up but my mind was blank.
I shrugged. "I don't really, just... geungjeongjeog in saeng-gag." My eyes widening, realizing she had no idea what I just said. "I'm sorry, I-"
'Arasseo.' M'ganns voice was suddenly in my mind and I titled my head in confusion. 'I am able to translate languages psychically. To me I am speaking English but to you, you hear Korean.'
'Woah...' It was strange but definitely cool. I definitely needed that power in school. There were so many times I was made fun of for not knowing words in English but I knew it in Korean.
M'gann gave me a small smile. "You're right, gotta think positive." I know if I don't, I might lose my mind. So, I returned the smile, giving her a thumbs up.
"I can't believe I'm actually on Earth!" M'gann exclaimed as we zoomed through the desert. She was a lot happier now as we both agreed to only think on the bright side until we found the League or someone that wasn't going to kill us.
"First time?"
"Yes! I've dreamed about this for so long, but being stuck in the desert isn't exactly what I expected."
"M'gann... don't you find it odd that we're both stranded in the desert alone? If this was some kind of test, I'm sure-"
She face-palmed. "Hello Megan!" I raised my eyebrow as she came to a stop. While still in the air, she sat criss-cross and beckoned me to join her. I followed her actions, sitting in front of her. "We can't remember how we got here right?" I nodded. "What if I use the memories we have so far and piece them together?"
I blinked in surprise. "Y-you can do that? How?"
"I'll have to go into your mind," she replied, writhing her hands, nervousness laced in her voice. "I-I promise not to look into anything private - just our most recent memories."
I leaned over to poke her cheek. "Hey, relax. I trust you, M'gann. Do whatever you have to. Geungjeongjeog in saeng-gag." The Martian smiled and reached out her hands. I held them and closed my eyes. "Concentrate. Remember."
My mind was buzzing as I felt mine and M'gann's memories merge. It wasn't the most comfortable feeling but I trusted her. If she wanted to hurt me, she would've done it a long time ago.
The feral man from earlier, ripped off his shirt with a loud scream, before launching himself at M'gann and I.
Quickly, the memory shifted.
The same man stood before us, looking calmer and not murderous. He was in front of a large machine that I didn't recognize.
"Good idea. Go." I turned at the voice, an oddly familiar feeling of butterflies erupting in my stomach. He was taller than me - almost everyone is - with dark skin, beautiful pale green eyes, and that smile...
His name was on the tip of my tongue. I know I've seen him on TV with Aquaman before but I couldn't remember his name. These feelings... I know I've had them before. He's important. I know it. I tried to concentrate, focus on his voice, his face, anything.
"Calypso." His voice was warm, soft, and the way he said my name made my heart beat faster. He gently reached for my hand as I studied the look in his eyes. He was concerned but why? "J-josimhayeo."
My eyes widened. He speaks Korean too? I swear, when we get our memories back and I find out I'm not married to this man, I'll be disappointed.
The man with the Superman shirt smiled at M'gann. "Be careful."
The memory shifted again.
M'gann and I were inside of a kitchen. Three more figures were with us - wait... is that Kid Flash and Robin from TV? The other person I didn't recognize was a girl with long blonde hair wearing a uniform similar to Green Arrow's. Was the boy from earlier not working with us?
"Careful Superboy, they're hot!"
"Not as hot as you babe."
"Uh, thanks Wally, that's um... sweet."
"Not as sweet as you sugar."
Smack! "Oh, grow up."
Both of our eyes snapped open with a gasp. "We're on a team!" we exclaimed together, happily. "We have to find them." M'gann insisted and I nodded in agreement.
"Especially..." I tried so hard to think of his name, who he was to me but nothing came to mind. "Aish, I can't remember."
"Well, where do we start?"
I shrugged as we rose to our feet. "No idea, but we need to move fast."
'Hello? Um... team?' M'gann questioned and I hoped someone would respond. When we heard nothing, I fought the urge to frown but she quickly shot me a look. Right. Think positive. We'll find the rest of the team. 'Maybe they're just out of my range.'
'Now that we know to look for them, I'm sure we'll find them quickly.'
We continued flying through the desert looking for any sign of the team. I was worried about them. Who knows what else is out here?
Kid Flash and Robin, I'm sure will be fine. They've been doing this hero-thing for a long time. The archer, I still couldn't remember her name, is Green Arrow's protege, probably. I know she'll be okay. But Superboy... he acted like an animal. He didn't recognize us at all. He needed our help too.
And the boy I couldn't remember - I hope he was okay too.
"Ah!" M'gann gasped, grasping her head. 'Superboy! Where are you?!'
Before I could question what happened, M'gann quickly turned and pointed to the black smoke in the distance. She took off and I followed close behind.
Think positive. Think positive.
'Caly, look!' Two figures laid on the ground, covering themselves from two fighter jets that began firing at them. I noticed the long blonde hair and smiled. 'It's Kid Flash and Artemis!'
The jets circled back around as Artemis stood reading her bow.
'Don't worry, we're almost there!' M'gann assured. They were definitely in range now, there's no way they didn't hear us.
The Martian flew behind both of the planes and clapped her hands together. The planes mirrored her actions and crashed into each other, exploding. I watched her in awe as we landed on the ground. I'll have to tell her later how awesome that was.
Kid Flash crossed his arms. "Well J'onn, the costume looks familiar, but I'm not sure the new bod screams Manhunter." He eyed me and his head titled in confusion. "I know I've never met Vixen before I don't remember her being... my age."
I felt flattered to be compared to Mari. "I'm not Vixen. I'm her protege, Virago." I held out my hand and he shook it tentatively. I turned to Artemis but the look she gave me was obvious - I don't trust you yet so stay away. "Nice to uh, meet you." Again.
M'gann's eyes lit up and beamed. "You know my Uncle J'onn?" she face-palmed again. "Hello, Megan! Of course, you do. You're Kid Flash, Wally! And you're Artemis."
"Wait, wait, wait. Martian Manhunter's your uncle?" The speedster repeated surprised. "Is that how you know my name?"
Artemis raised her eyebrow, glancing at the ginger. "Your name is really Wally?"
He groaned, hanging his head. "Oh man..."
"We know your names because we're on a team." I said. "We're friends, all of us."
"I made you cookies!" M'gann added with a smile.
The archer turned to Wally, putting her hand on her hip. "You know them?" She questioned, voice full of jealousy.
"No, I swear, beautiful! Never seen them before in my life. At least not that I-"
M'gann sighed. "You both lost your memories too." We turned as we heard the rumbling of a few Jeeps heading towards the tall pillar of smoke. "C'mon. We'll fill you in as we go. Robin and Superboy need our help."
"Of course! Robin and Super... what now?"
By the time we found Robin, it was already dark, the sun had set. We still haven't found Superboy and I could tell M'gann was worried. I wouldn't even know where to look... M'gann and I finding Wally and Artemis was luck, Robin too.
Dozens of men with guns had surrounded him and began firing. He flipped backwards, quickly avoiding the fire, as Kid Flash speed in, snagging their guns. "I'll hold that, thanks!"
I followed right behind him and touched my totem. I felt the power of the grizzly bear surge through me and I charged at one of the soldiers.
He aimed his gun but it floated out of his hand and thunked him in the head. I quickly kicked him in the chest, knocking him into another man and into the sand. 'Thanks M'gann~'
The last soldier looked between Kid Flash and I before running away. An arrow followed the man and exploded into a rope that tied around his feet, that sent him to the ground. I turned to Artemis who smiled softly and walked down the sand dune to join us.
"KF!" Robin exclaimed as he and the speedster shook hands. "Man, it's good to see a familiar face."
"Hey Rob. Memory loss?"
"Six months!" Has it really been that long? It's not March? "Let's hogtie these creeps and compare notes."
After 'hogtying the creeps', M'gann and I explained everything we knew so far. I also didn't believe Robin when he showed me that it was in fact September. My birthday was in two months!
"So, we're a team?"
"The five of us and Superboy." And the boy no one seems to remember except for me. Was I imagining him? I didn't make him up... right?
Robin's eyes widened before reaching into his utility belt. "Then this must be his." It was a piece of black fabric with a red S on the front.
The Martian gasped and took it from him. "Yes! Did you see him?"
"I think we did." Artemis said as Kid Flash tapped his chin in thought. "Feral boy? Some teammate, he attacked us."
The archer rolled her eyes. "He didn't know who we are. I don't know who we are!"
"I remember Batman ordering radio silence." The Boy Wonder added. "Our team must work for him."
Wally smirked. "How do you know we don't work for my mentor?" He touched the Flash symbol on his chest and his suit changed colors to his normal yellow and red. "Woah!" He tapped the symbol a few more times. "This is so cool."
I found myself touching Vixen's symbol, and watched as my clothes returned to their normal orange and black. "Daebak." Everyone did the same to their own symbols but mine and the ginger's were the only ones to change color.
"We look ridiculous!" Artemis exclaimed in annoyance. Wally, either wanting to annoy her or not paying attention, pressed the symbol one more time. "Quit touching yourself!" she snapped, glaring at the speedster, who did it once more. "Ugh, we need our memories back."
A flash of white light consumed my vision. When I opened my eyes, I was speechless. All around us, visions of different memories played. They felt so familiar to me but I didn't recognize half of it.
M'gann appeared in front of us. "I've brought you into my mind to share what Calypso and I've remembered so far, but I need your help. Together, our broken memories can form a whole... if you open your minds to mine."
Artemis' eyes widened as she took a step back, crossing her arms. "You want to paw through our private thoughts?"
The Martian shook her head, raising her hands in defense. "I have no wish to intrude, but-"
"You need to hack our minds to grok what happened to us. Got it, go!" Robin concluded with a grin while Artemis didn't look convinced.
"My brain's all yours. Try not to let its brilliance overwhelm you~" Kid Flash chimed and I rolled my eyes.
"Or underwhelm you." Robin chuckled, earning a glare from the speedster. "Hey, why isn't anyone ever just whelmed?" Whelmed? That sounded familiar.
I turned to Artemis. Her eyes were glued to her shoes, her nails digging into her bicep. "I know it sounds scary but if M'gann and I hadn't done it earlier, we wouldn't have found you guys." I gently touched her shoulder and she met my eyes. "We need to know what happened to us."
For extra assurance, Wally slipped his hand into hers and smiled. She sighed before looking at M'gann. "Last six months only, and only what you need."
I gave a thumbs up to the Martian. "Ready M'gann."
She nodded and four glowing blue hands shot from her body and attached to our heads. The buzzing I felt earlier was stronger this time and it made me dizzy.
Batman stood before us and gestured to the holographic map. "The Watchtower detected an immense power surge in the Bialyan desert."
"Calypso." It was the boy I couldn't remember again. He leaned down to whisper in my ear and butterflies erupted in my stomach. "After this mission, I need to talk with you."
My voice trembled as I replied, "Y-yeah, me too." Why was I so afraid? What did we need to talk about?
"Spectral analysis revealed elements non-terrestrial in origin. Find out what happened at that site and what landed there. Bialya is a rogue state ruled by Queen Bee," the screen changed to an image of a beautiful regal woman, "and not a member of the league's U.N. Charter. All communications are subject to interception. Maintain radio silence at all times. You'll land in Qurac, on Bialya's border, two clicks from the hot zone."
The memory shifted. Robin had given us the all clear and Superboy was carrying the machine I remembered earlier on his back.
"Set up here." I looked to the boy giving orders and found myself smiling.
Robin began setting up the machine with Kid Flash next to him. "We'll be up and running in no time."
"Jackpot!" The ginger exclaimed. "This site's lousy with Zeta-Beam radiation."
"Detecting non-terrestrial trace elements from the tent." The Boy Wonder reported, looking over his shoulder at the boy I assumed was our leader.
"I'll check it out in camouflage mode." M'gann suggested.
I nodded. "I'll follow just in case she needs backup."
The boy didn't look to pleased with the idea but agreed. "Good idea, go." I noticed the concern on his face and smiled, hoping to ease his worry. "Calypso." He reached for my hands and my heart fluttered. "J-josimhayeo." I beamed, proud of his pronunciation and happy that he took the time to learn a phrase in Korean for me.
"Be careful." Superboy said, smiling softly at M'gann.
"And maintain telepathic contact." The boy said after turning to the rest of the team.
M'gann and I nodded. "We will, Aqualad."
At the sound of his name, everything began rushing back. Meeting the team for the first time. Our first mission. Living at the Cave. Fighting Lamia and Keres. Almost kissing Kaldur...
"Aqualad!" All of us gasped as we opened our eyes, returning to normal.
"Where is he?" Robin demanded. "What happened next?"
"I don't know." M'gann answered. "That's the last thing I... we remember."
Kid Flash and Artemis split apart, acting as if they weren't holding hands a few seconds ago. "Uh, we landed 24 hours ago." He said. "If Kaldur's been wandering the desert that long, that's not good for a guy with gills."
I let out a shaky breath. Think positive Calypso. He's gonna be okay. "We have to find him."
"Now that I know to look for him..." Robin began typing away on his holographic computer and pulled up a map of the area. "He's close! But he's not moving." My heart almost leapt out of my chest.
I leaned over his shoulder. "He's alive right?" Robin pressed another button showing the Atleantean's vitals. "Daheng-ida." His heartbeat was steady but temperature was in the red. He's alive. He's okay.
We took off. I flew close behind the Boy Wonder as he followed his coordinates. My heart was pounding so loud in my chest I wondered if my teammates could hear it.
I didn't realize how worried I was about Kaldur. He's been out in the desert as long as we have, without any water. If only I remembered who he was sooner... Maybe M'gann and I would have found him first.
When I spotted our unconscious leader, I sighed in relief. "Kaldur!" I rushed to him, the team right behind me, and checked for any injuries. Everything seemed fine except he was drenched in sweat.
I pulled him into my lap, resting my hand against his forehead. He was very warm and breathing heavily. That's not good a sign. "Kaldur? It's alright, you're safe."
He mumbled something in Atleantean, barely stirring. I looked up at M'gann. "Can you do your mind thingy?"
She kneeled in front of him and laid her hand on his head. Her eyes glowed white but only for a few seconds. She sighed. "No, I can't restore his memories in this condition."
"He needs immediate rehydration." Robin pointed out. "Call the Bioship."
"It's out of range," M'gann said and looked at the ginger, "but you can get him there fast."
Kid Flash shook his head. "He's too heavy and I'm too low on fuel. Right now, I couldn't even carry her." He gestured to the archer.
She scoffed, swatting away his hand. "Why not just levitate him back?"
"I've got to find Superboy! Six months ago, he didn't exist. He doesn't have any memories, just animal impulses." The Martian explained. "I'm the only one that can help him."
"M'gann, Superboy will be fine for a little while longer." I said. "But Kaldur could die if we don't help him now. Please."
I understood where she was coming from, I truly did. Superboy means a lot to her but he's surviving better than the Atlantean in my arms. He needed our attention more.
Her eyes softened. "Caly, I-" she cried out in pain and clutched her head. "No! Superboy's in pain!"
Before any of us could question her, she quickly soared into the sky and took off. Artemis and I called after her as Robin shouted, "We still don't know what erased our memories! It could happen again!"
When she didn't turn back, Wally sighed. "This is great, just peachy."
"Peachy?" Artemis echoed as she rested her hands on her hips. "What part of any of this is just peachy to you?"
I glanced down to Kaldur as the two continued to argue. He was murmuring in Atleantean still but he kept repeating the world Tula and Garth. "Robin, what do we do?"
He brought up a holographic screen showing another tracker. "The Bioship is here," he pointed to the red dot, "and this is us." Our dot was several miles away from the ship but we didn't have much a choice.
"I think I can carry him." I announced as Kid Flash and Artemis stopped bickering.
Robin's eyes widened. "Are you sure?"
"Aniyo." I touched my totem and thought of an elephant. Even with its power and strength, my eyes felt heavy. Lack of sleep and food were catching up to me. I never used my totem while having such low energy before. "But I have to try."
Kid Flash and Robin helped me pull Kaldur up. At first I tried to hold him bridal style but it was hard and awkward to walk. I tried hoisting him on my back but his feet dragged in the sand.
The four of us managed to put together a makeshift stretcher to lay Kaldur on that was much easier to carry.
"Don't worry Kaldur," I whispered, looking over my shoulder, "we're going to get you out of here. Yak-sok."
We were a few miles away from the Bioship when Robin told us to hide. "Quick, over there!" I followed him with Kaldur in tow behind a large rock. Artemis and Kid Flash were right behind us.
A few large military vehicles passed by and I almost forgot that it wasn't us in the desert. I laid Kaldur gently on the ground, feeling his forehead. Still warm but not as sweaty as he was.
"Mm... Garth... Tula..." Kaldur murmured a few more words in Atlantean I didn't know.
"Sshh Kaldur." I cupped his face, stroking his cheek with my thumb. "We're almost out of here." Artemis looked at him with concern as I watched Robin peer over the rock. I could hear several pair of footsteps approaching us - probably those soldiers from earlier.
After a few moments, he turned back to us. "We can't risk a fight with Aqualad K.O'd like this."
The speedster agreed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's not just him, I'm way out of juice."
"I'm almost out of arrows." Artemis pointed out, showing her nearly empty quiver.
"I don't think I have enough energy to fight either." I said, exchanging looks with Artemis and Kid Flash. "Robin- Robin?" The Boy Wonder disappeared out of sight.
Wally groaned. "Ugh, I forgot how much I hate it when he does the Ninja-thing." Me too. "Hey," he glanced at Artemis, "you never said why your dad wanted to-" he ran his thumb along his neck and made a bad killing noise, "me."
The blonde's eyes widened. "I uh, got confused by um, some old move I saw the other night about a ninja girl whose ninja dad ordered her to kill her ninja boyfriend 'cause he was from a rival ninja clan."
I blinked, trying to understand what she said. "You lost me after the second ninja."
The ginger ignored my comment and grinned at Artemis. "Sooo I'm your ninja boyfriend, huh?"
She glared at him. "Hey! Amensia remember? Completely forgot how truly annoying you are."
"Oh, like you're the Goddess of Congeiality!"
"Goddess of what now?"
A voice exclaimed beside me, "Yeesh! Get a room!" I gasped at Robin's voice, snapping my eyes to him. I guess I still wasn't used to that.
"Dude, where were you?"
He smirked. "Breaking radio silence."
Robin's cackle echoed around us just before an explosion went off. The whole area became covered with thick smoke and I could hear the soldiers coughing up a lung. As annoying as Robin is, I admired his quick thinking. How long has he been Batman's protege?
"That's our cue. Move!" The Boy Wonder ordered. I grabbed the stretcher and quickly followed after him.
QURAC
SEPTEMBER 5, 02:27 EEST
I took a fresh wet rag and laid it across Kaldur's forehead. As soon as we got into the Bioship, we laid our leader down and hooked him to an IV. I closely monitored his temperature and vitals, hoping he would wake soon.
"I'm glad we got to you in time, Kal." I mumbled. I don't know if he could hear me but I continued. "If something happened to you... I don't know what I'd do."
I blushed as I remembered the first thought I had of him when M'gann looked into my mind. I swear, when we get our memories back and I find out I'm not married to this man, I'll be disappointed. "When we get back, I..." I looked down to my hands, wringing them together, "have so much to tell you." How much I appreciate you learning a phrase in Korean for me. I never want to lose my memories of you again, and that I hate seeing you like this.
For some reason, I felt guilty. I knew it wasn't my fault that any of this happened but a part of me blames myself for not going with Kaldur. I should have been there to protect him.
"How is he?" Artemis asked, bringing me out of my thoughts.
I felt his forehead and smiled. "Better. His temperature is going down."
"That's good." She was silent for a few moments before crossing her arms. "What's with that face?"
"What face?"
"That face."
My brow furrowed. "I don't know what you mean-"
She thunked my forehead. "You look like you're upset over something. I mean, I know we lost our memories and Kaldur is in rough shape but we got them back. And he's going to be fine so... what's the deal?"
I opened my mouth to reply but quickly closed it. Artemis never pried into my problems - except if M'gann tells her. It's not that she didn't care, she's just not a pushy person. Her asking if I'm okay, in her own way, shocked me.
"Hey, if it's something with your personal life that you don't want to talk about, that's fine."
"No, no, no. It's not that." I looked at the Atlantean and held his hand. I gave it a small squeeze. "I felt guilty not being there for Kaldur. He could've died if we didn't get to him in time."
She touched my shoulder as her eyes softened. "Calypso. None of this is your fault. We had no idea what was going to happen when we came here so how can you blame yourself?"
I shrugged, looking down at the floor. I knew she was right but that nagging feeling of guilt stayed. "I know but-"
"No. No buts."
"But-" The glare she gave shut me up immediately. "You're right."
The archer grinned. "'Course I am."
'Hey everyone! I've got Superboy!' M'gann exclaimed happily. Artemis and I flinched at the voice, not expecting her so soon. 'We're on our way!'
Kaldur shot up with a gasp, almost knocking me off the Bioship's medical bed. "Who are you? And how did you get inside my head?" I gently pushed him back down, being careful of the IV in his arm.
Our eyes locked and my heart fluttered. "We're not going to hurt you. We're friends, teammates." I don't know if he recognized me or I seemed trustworthy but he laid back down.
'Hello Megan! Aqualad's memories! I knew I forgot something.'
I rolled my eyes. 'I knew someone was going to say that.'
'Oh man! I didn't get a souvenir from the mission.' Wally frowned as he and Robin joined Artemis and I.
'Don't worry,' M'gann giggled, 'Got the souvenir thing covered~'
MOUNT JUSTICE
SEPTEMBER 5, 03:14 EDT
"How's he doing?"
I twirled carefully at Robin's voice just before I entered the medbay. I'm surprised he hadn't left yet - everyone else was exhausted. Wally and Artemis went home after a quick debrief with Batman.
"He's seems better. Batman and Black Canary want to keep him here hooked to the thingy for at least the next twenty-four hours."
He raised his eyebrow. "Thingy?"
"Yeah! Y'know the thing that goes here," I gestured to my vein with the bowl of soup I was holding for Kaldur, "I know what it's called, don't tell me."
"You sure about that?" He snorted.
I huffed. "It's an... I..." I sounded out the word and pictured it in my head. "Eye-veeeee."
"IV, but, yeah, same thing." Robin chuckled. "I'm gonna head out. Let me know if anything changes."
"Wait!" I called out just as he turned around to leave. He looked over his shoulder. "Thank you."
He tilted his head in confusion and spun to face me. "What are you thanking me for?"
"If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have found Kaldur. And you kept us from fighting those bad dudes..." He smirked, crossing his arms and I rolled my eyes. "Don't get used to compliments, Boy Wonder. I still find you annoying."
"Feelings mutual, Cal." I stuck out my tongue.
"How long have you been doing this hero thing anyway?"
When Robin froze and began shifting on his feet, I realized I stepped too far. My eyes widened and I apologized immediately. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean-"
He shook his head. "No, it's..." he sighed and looked away for a moment. He took a deep breath and met my eyes again. "It's fine. I, uh... I've been doing this since I was nine."
"Nine?" I repeated in shock. Four years? With Batman? I didn't start to become Mari's protege until I was twelve, a few years after she gave me the Devatma totem.
"Yup."
"No wonder you took the lead so easily. You have the most experience out of all of us."
"Mhm."
My eyes softened. "I'm sorry for being so harsh on you when the team first started. I didn't know."
He shrugged. "It's whatever, Cal. No biggie. Anymore questions or can I go home and sleep?"
"No, no, get some rest. I'm sorry to keep you-"
"Stop apologizing so much and go see your boyfriend before his soup gets cold."
I blushed and tried to protest, "He's not my-"
The Boy Wonder cackled. "Whatever you say~" his laughter echoed as he strolled down the hallway to the Zeta tubes. He's like the annoying little brother I didn't ask for but glad that I have anyway. Well, only a little glad.
While balancing the soup for Kaldur, I opened the door and grinned at the Atlantean. "I've brought you some food! Chicken Noodle soup."
He smiled and it brought butterflies to my stomach. "I appreciate this Calypso, thank you." I handed him the bowl and spoon and pulled up a chair next to his bed. "Have you already eaten?"
"Yes, I had some after I showered. I had so much sand in my hair." I felt his forehead with my hand. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better." He quickly scanned my body and I felt my face heat up. "You were not injured in any way, right?"
I nervously bit my lip. "N-no. I'm perfectly fine." I reassured him and played with the hem of my sweater. Quickly, I changed the subject, "How was your trip to Atlantis?"
"It was exactly what I needed." Kaldur took a few sips of his soup. "Seeing my family and friends was breath of fresh air- er, well..."
I giggled. "I know what you mean, Kal."
He continued, "My two best friends, Garth and Tula, were excited to see me. They are far ahead in their training compared to me. They are also dating - I knew it was only a matter of time. But... I considered your words. To stay in Atlantis."
"Why didn't you?"
Kaldur's eyes met mine and it took my breath away. His eyes were so beautiful, unique to him. I could stare into them for hours and get lost into the pale green color.
He set the bowl to the side and reached for my hands. At his touch, my heartbeat began to hammer in my chest. "You."
My breath caught in my throat. "M-me?"
"Yes." He nodded and I found myself leaning closer to him. "I chose to come back because of you, Calypso." The way he said my name sent shivers down my spine but in a good way. He cupped my face and gently pulled me towards him. He's going to kiss me! Does that mean he feels the same way? He likes me-
Knock! Knock! Knock!
We both sighed and I frowned as he pulled away. He brought our hands together and I smiled. "Come in." Kaldur spoke and I could hear a hint of disappointment in his tone.
Black Canary opened the door with Batman behind her. "Calypso, I thought you would be asleep by now." She said as they entered the room. She eyed our intertwined hands but quickly looked away, as if she didn't see anything.
My cheeks flamed, glad that they knocked before they came in. "I'm about to!" I replied, my voice higher than normal. The blonde raised her eyebrow in concern and I cleared my throat and stood. "Just wanted to make sure Kaldur got some food. But I'm heading to bed, right now, actually, yup!"
"Uh, well, you go do that, then."
"Right." I looked at Kaldur. "Feel better, Kal. Lemme know if you need anything."
He smiled. "I greatly appreciate everything Calypso, thank you."
Of course, anything for you. "No problem. Jal jayo." I rushed out of the room and leaned against the door. I didn't realize I was holding my breath and exhaled.
I touched my face where Kaldur's hands just were. His touch was warm and soft and ignited something in me. It wasn't just butterflies. No, this was something more. Something I've never felt before. And I never want it to disappear.
I squealed and at a speed rivaling Wally's, I raced to my room and grabbed my phone. I dialed my best friend's number and fell back onto my bed.
Zoe picked up after the third ring. "Caaalllyyyy," her sleepy voice drawled out, "it's three in the morning and I have class at eight. You know I love you with all of my heart-"
"Kaldur likes me!" I almost screamed in excitement but toned down my voice for my teammates who were sleeping. "We almost kissed and he said he came back from Atlantis for me. Me! Can you believe it Zoe?"
She hummed in response. "Mmhmm."
"He didn't say it, exactly, but he wanted to kiss me. I just know it! Oh and-" I heard her snore loudly and chuckled. "Sorry, Zoe. Night!"
"Goodnight Caly," my best friend mumbled and I ended the call. I snuggled into my blankets and drifted off to sleep, dreaming of what could've happened if Black Canary and Batman didn't interrupt.
