This chapter will entirely be in Kaldur's point of view! I really enjoyed writing this one and hope you like it just as much as I do. I know in the last chapter you got to see a lot of Kal's thoughts on Caly and I loved it so much, I wanted to do it in this one too. As always, please let me know how you like it! Your feedback always helps. Thank you!


π’žπ’½π’Άπ“…π“‰π‘’π“‡ π’―π“Œπ‘’π“π“‹π‘’ - Homefront
"You know me better than I do.
Can't seem to keep nothing from you.
How you touch my soul from the outside?"

MOUNT JUSTICE
SEPTEMBER 8, 12:20 EDT

I do not remember the last time I slept this long.

Albeit, it was not the most comfortable position, but I was warm. Then I remembered where I was and who I was sleeping with.

My eyes fluttered open as I looked at the girl sleeping on top of me. Calypso snuggled into my side, her head laid on my chest, and one of her arms was wound tightly around my waist.

The butterflies had left my stomach, but were replaced with a warm, fuzzy feeling that stretched from my head to my toes. It made me smile, feel giddy, like I could take on anything.

I was still holding her, but not as tightly as I did when I fell asleep. She is still safe; I had to remind myself.

I tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear and smiled. I am glad to see her at ease and finally resting. I noticed the cuts and scrapes on her face healing, while the bruises became more prominent.

I tried my best to not feel guilty, but a part of me still blamed myself for not getting to her faster.

Calypso stirred, mumbling something incoherent into my chest. I chuckled as I rubbed soothing circles on the back of her neck.

She yawns, rubbing her eyes before glancing up at me. Her dark brown eyes seemed almost doe like and shined with happiness. "Good morning, Kal."

"Good morning, cyar'ika. How are you feeling?"

"My whole body hurts, especially my shoulder." Her stomach rumbled loudly, and she smiled sheepishly. "And I'm hungry."

I looked to the clock on the wall - M'gann and Superboy would be at school now. Hopefully, she cooked breakfast and there was some left. "I will get you something to eat."

Carefully, I slipped from the bed and helped her get comfortable. I checked the bandages wrapped around her shoulder - it was not bleeding as bad but still needed to be changed.

My fingers gently brushed across the wound, and she winced. I retracted my hand immediately. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt her. Ever. "I am so sorry-"

"Kaldur." The way she said my name made my heart skip a beat. "It's okay, really, I'll be alright." I was not convinced, and she knew it. She leaned over and flicked my forehead. It left a small pain, but I was more focused on making sure she was okay. "Stop your worrying."

That is impossible. I am always worry. But for her sake, I say, "Okay." And it makes her smile.

Before I left the medbay, Black Canary entered the room with a civilian behind her. It was a man that looked familiar, but I do not remember meeting him.

He is tall, with dark skin and deep-set brown eyes. The bags under his eyes and look of exhaustion were clear as day. Whatever this man was going through, he needed rest, too.

"Luke!" Calypso gasped and instantly, his eyes lit up. A tired smile graced his features as he embraced her tightly. I remember her telling me about Luke, her trainer, and Mari's partner. He must have been so worried about them.

He kissed her hair. "I'm so glad you're okay, girlie. When they told me what happened, I-" he choked on his words as his gaze fell upon Vixen. Her heart monitor was steady also, but she had not moved in the slightest. "How is she?" I recognized that look of pain and worry. I am sure I looked the same when I went after Calypso.

Black Canary observed her vitals. "The same, unfortunately. Doctor Palmer should be here soon to continue removing the poison." Luke sighed, not pleased with that answer. "She will recover, Lucas. She's a strong woman."

"Oh, I know, but... doesn't stop me from worrin'." That sounds familiar. He looked back to Calypso and patted her head. "You doin' alright?"

She nodded. "Sore, but I'll manage." Her eyes drifted over to mine. "I've got good people taking care of me."

Luke followed her eyes and stood. He was a foot or so taller than me, but that did not intimidate me - it was the stern look in his eyes that made me anxious. It was obvious he looked at her like his own daughter.

He held out his hand. "Luke Sinclair, it's finally nice to meet you Kaldur. Calypso talks a lot about you-"

"Luke!" Calypso whined, her face turned red.

I chuckled and shook his hand, a wave of calm washing over my nerves. "Likewise, sir."

He turned to the Korean girl. "Also, call Zoe. She's been worried sick about ya."

Calypso frowned. "She's going to kill me when I tell her."

"Good luck, kiddo."

I left the room shortly after in search of something for her to eat. I checked the kitchen first and hoped Wally had not eaten everything.

I was not sure what Calypso's favorite foods were, but if I had to, I will bring her a buffet. I can already hear her telling me it would be too much. If it made her happy, I will do it.

Thankfully, I was correct about M'gann cooking breakfast, as there were a few plates of food left. I did not know how hungry she was but I filled the biggest plate I could find and returned to the medbay.

"Are you sure you remember nothing Mari's told you about Calypso's past?"

"I'm tellin' ya Bats, I know she has, for a fact. But everything... it's fuzzy. Like there's a block on my mind."

I stopped myself from turning around the corner and continued to listen. It was Batman and Luke talking in hushed tones. Normally, I was not one to eavesdrop, but when I heard Calypso's name; I had to know.

Batman paused for a few moments. "It's the same for me too. The day Calypso fought Mister Twister with the team, Mari told me everything. Every time I try to remember, it's like it never existed, but I know it's there."

Luke sighed. "And the only one that knows is in a coma."

I made my presence known and approached the two. "Is everything alright?"

The older Bat nodded and gave Luke a silent look, as if to say not to tell me anything. "It is, thank you, Kaldur."

There was an awkward silence that filled the air, and I took that as my cue to leave. "Well, let me know if you need anything."

"Keep takin' care of Calypso." Luke said and clapped me on the back. "She trusts you, and so do I." Did I receive his approval? That was quicker than I anticipated.

I promise I will never take advantage of that. I smiled. "Of course." I wanted to say more to Luke, but it was obvious, they wanted to continue their conversation. I excused myself from the two and went back into the medbay.

Calypso was on the phone, with the blanket wrapped around her tightly. She must be cold. Hopefully, this food warms her up.

"Aish, Zoe. I know it was stupid, but I'm okay and Mari..." Her eyes drift over to her mentor, and she sighs. "She's gonna be okay."

"You better. Or else, so help me, Calypso Lea, I will find that secret hideout of yours and beat your ass."

My eyes widen at such a threat, but Calypso rolls her eyes with a giggle. "I don't doubt it." Her eyes met mine, and she smiled. "Hey, I've gotta go. but I'll text you later, okay?"

"Okay, Caly." Her best friend replies. "I love you and tell your boyfriend to-"

Calypso quickly hangs up, her face turning as red as a tomato. Has she told Zoe that I was her boyfriend? I am sure my feelings for her are obvious, but I know I have not properly asked her yet.

"Sorry about that." She rubs the back of her neck nervously. "Zoe is, um, kinda dramatic."

"She cares about you."

"If you call threatening my life to make sure I take care of myself care, then definitely. She gets an award."

I chuckled and handed her the large plate of food. "I was not sure what you liked, but M'gann cooked it this morning."

"Kaldur, this is perfect, thank you." My heart swells with happiness. "Are you not hungry?"

"A little but-"

Calypso holds out the plate with a bright smile. "Then you're sharing with me. I'm not going to be able to eat this all by myself."

I tried to protest, but I could not say no to her.

I sat next to her bed, eating the lukewarm but delicious French Toast, scrambled eggs, and sausage. As much as I missed the cooking in Atlantis, food on the surface world came at a close second. Sure, it is greasy and not good for my health, but it tastes lovely.

Doctor Palmer and Black Canary arrive shortly after we finish our food, and I can tell Calypso is more than uncomfortable. She's fidgeting with her fingers, biting her lip, and focusing her attention on her nails.

I reach for her hands. "We can leave the room, if you would like."

She meets my eyes and my heart sinks. Her eyes are glossy with tears, and I can tell she is trying so hard not to cry. She nods and takes a deep breath. "Can you help me? I want to shower."

"Of course." I stand and hold my arms for her. It takes some effort, but I urge her to take her time. The last thing she needs is to strain herself.

As soon as her feet touch the ground, she falls forward, and I catch her with ease. She steadied herself with her hands on my chest, and I could feel my face redden. Why am I now flustered? I slept with this gir,l and even with the smallest touches, she still makes me blush.

"Sorry." Calypso winces. "I didn't think walking would be this hard..."

"Can I pick you up? It might be easier."

"Kaldur, you've done more than enough-" Before she can protest anymore, I slip my arms under her legs and carefully bring her into my arms.

She pouts. "You didn't have to do that."

I smile. "You are correct, but I wanted to. I cannot have you straining yourself."

I bring her to the medbay's bathroom while Calypso holds a change of clothes. There are many steady bars inside the shower, so hopefully it will be easy for her.

I set her down on the ledge of the bathtub. "Will you be okay?"

"Um..." she bits her lip and looks to her feet. "Can you... you um..."

She looks and sounds so nervous, so I crouch in front of her to meet her eyes. "It is okay. I am here for whatever you need, cyar'ika."

Calypso squeezes her eyes shut and says a little too fast, "Canyouhelpmetakeoffmyshirt?"

I blink, not catching anything she said. "Pardon me?"

She licks her lips and opens her eyes to meet mine. "Can you... can you help me with my shirt? I can't pull it over my head with my shoulder..."

My eyes widened and, the butterflies returned by the dozens. Now I was just as nervous as her. "Y-yes, o-of course. Uh... how would you- I do not want to make you uncomfortable."

Her face turns a bright red again. "Um, close your eyes?"

I nodded, a few times too many. "Right."

After she turns on the shower, I help her stand, hoping she cannot hear how loudly my heart is beating. She gives me a silent look, and I took that as my cue to close my eyes.

With one hand braced against my chest, she uses the other to guide my hand to the bottom of her shirt. As soon as my fingers brush against her skin, I feel goosebumps run up my arms. I pull the shirt over her head, using my left hand to hold her waist.

Her hands return to my chest, and I realize she's probably taking off the rest of her clothes. I swallow the thick lump in my throat.

I hear her step into the shower and close the curtain. "You can open your eyes, Kal." I do and turn around, immediately. The curtain is not clear, but I do not want Calypso to think I am watching her. I want to give her as much privacy as she needs.

"Kaldur?" She calls my name before I leave the bathroom and I stop. "Thank you for everything."

"Calypso, I will always be here for you, no matter what." I promised. I hope she will never forget that.

The next few days, I spend time with Calypso at the Cave. M'gann and Conner join us most days after school. Caly is so excited that M'gann is a cheerleader and cannot wait to meet her squad. Conner says he thinks school is okay, and it makes Caly smile.

Luke brings Calypso the small amount of schoolwork she is missing, and I keep her company in her room while she does it. Currently, she is working on her literature class. She has to pick her favorite piece of work, whether it would be poetry, fiction, or music, and find examples of figurative language.

Her favorite book is Alice in Wonderland and when I told her I have never read it, it appalled her.

"I love this story." She hands me the book, and I notice the spine is worn, as if she has read it a million times. There are tons of sticky notes and page makers sticking from the pages. "This was one of the first books Luke and Mari got me for my birthday. I used it to help me learn English."

I flipped through a few of the pages, noting her small yet neat handwriting. 'Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.' Impossible/λΆˆκ°€λŠ₯ν•œ= can't do.

I watched her skim through the book as my thoughts wandered to something that has been stuck in my mind. I am worried on… how to confess my feelings for her properly.

As eloquent as I have been told I am, I could not find the right words to tell her how I felt. My mouth would dry, and I choked on my sentences. I tried to follow Wally's advice. "Actions speak louder than words, buddy. Trust me."

So, I tried to kiss her. But Black Canary and Batman interrupted to check on my health. Maybe that was a sign saying it was not the right time. I wanted her to stay, but she needed to rest. I could see how exhausted she was - not just from the mission, but keeping me safe.

When M'gann restored my memories, I saw how Calypso took care of me. Her care and worry for me made my heart flutter. It is why I did, well, am doing the same for her without hesitation.

I wanted to know her better. Robin and Wally advised me to take her out for a date. They suggested dinner and a movie, roller skating and laser tag. I do not know the first thing about 'laser tag' or where to go for a nice dinner.

In Atlantis, we did not have such activities. Romantic dates include attending the museum or eating a meal at Zuil's (he is a very famous Atlantean chef who is also an octopus). I would love to take her to Atlantis, but I never considered how the water pressure would affect her. I do not even know if her Devatma totem would protect her in such deep water.

The surface world is still so foreign to me, but I wanted to try. Calypso deserved it. When she is feeling better, of course.

My thoughts were interrupted by her poking my cheek with her pencil. "You okay? You kinda zoned out."

"Apologies." I rubbed the back of my neck nervously. "Calypso, I was wondering if you would like to…" I stared down to the floor as it became harder to look into her dark brown eyes.

She placed her hand on my arm. "Yes, Kaldur?"

Say the words, Kaldur'ahm. Not that hard. You have fought against many villains. Surely this is easier.

But when I met her eyes again, I found it hard to speak. Her kind smile was something I looked for when I entered a room. The twinkle in her eye, the dimples when she smiles…

She deserves it.

However, my nerves spoke for me. "So… you stole the Devatma totem?" Good job, Kaldur'ahm.

She giggled. "Yup." She held up her wrist, and I looked at the item more closely. Aquaman had told me about the Spirit Totems and Vixen had the fox, while Calypso had the bear. The bear symbolizes strength, courage, and protection. It is no wonder why it chose her.

"What happened after that?"

Her smile vanished and her body tensed. I reached for her hand as my eyes softened. "Cyar'ika… if you are not comfortable telling me, it is alright."

"No, I trust you, Kal. I just…" she focused on her book. "I don't really talk about them much. All I remember was them yelling at me for not being like my siblings, Athena and Percy. I didn't do well in sports or school, so I guess I was a big disappointment to them. I was constantly reminded, no matter what I did. I draw a picture? They throw it away and tell me to study my English.

"Next thing I know, I'm being taken away, talking to judge after judge and Mari somehow adopted me. I don't know how my parents kept my brother or sister. Athena kept in contact, Percy too, but suddenly they stopped. It doesn't bother me much, anymore. The family I have now is more than enough."

My heart broke. I did not know her family treated her so badly. I can see why Mari is protective of her. I still wonder why she wants Calypso here at the Cave rather than their home in Detroit. But, I get to see her every day, so I am not complaining.

I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into my chest. "I am so sorry. You did not deserve such treatment." My blood boiled at the image of her parents mistreating her so young.

She pulled away and her bright smile returned, much to my surprise. "It's okay Kal. No need to worry."

Her ability to think positively, no matter what, is something I admire. Her optimism makes her Calypso.

"Kaldur?"

"Hmm?"

"When did you start learning Korean?"

Her teasing smile made my face warm. Learning another language was a lot harder than I expected, but, as 'Wally' as it sounds, I wanted to impress her. "Not long. I only know a few words and phrases. Writing and reading it is difficult."

"I can help you practice reading, but I'm terrible at Hangul." She admitted with a laugh. "You still have to teach some Atlantean."

"I can teach you a few words now, if you would like."

"Absolutely. I would love to." She closes her book and places her work to the side, then turns to me excitedly.

I chuckled at her enthusiasm. I thought of something easy for her to learn, but then I heard Tula and Garth's voices in my head. "Now is the time, Kaldur! Do something special."

I held up our linked hand. "This is shayod."

"Say road?"

"Shah-yoad." I sounded out, and she repeated it right after. "Good job. This," I pointed to her book, "is kunet."

"Kunet. Hmm, I have a word I'd like to know."

"Which is?"

She smirks. "What does cya'rika mean?"

I realize now that both of us have been leaning closer to each other. She was so close I could smell her flowery scented shampoo. "Why that one?"

"You've been calling me that ever since we got back, and I've never heard you say it before."

"Well," I rub my thumb against hers, "cya'rika is a uncommon word. Most people will use kar'ta or ner yaim while cya'rika is more meaningful. You only say it if you truly mean it, as it comes from your heart."

A small smile graces Calypso's lips. "Cya'rika." She repeats the word, and my heart flutters. It feels right to hear her say it. "It must mean something important and," our faces are so close, I can feel her breath on my lips, "if you're calling me that..."

I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear before cupping her check. I look to her lips, then up to her eyes. "Calypso." I whispered her name so softly, I almost did not hear myself. "May I-"

Knock, knock, knock!

"Calypso, Doctor Palmer got the last of the poison out." Black Canary voiced outside the door, and Calypso's eyes widen.

I helped her stand as she scrambled to the door and swung it open. "Really?"

The older hero seems just as happy as Caly is. "Yes, so she should wake up soon."

"Thank you." She sighed in relief. "I'll wait until she does."

As I helped her walk to the medbay, I tried not to think about how I was this close to kissing her. I hope I will get another chance soon to show or tell her how I feel.

Calypso and I sat next to Mari as we listened to the doctor tell us how easy but time-consuming it was to collect the poison. Somehow, her body kept it from mixing with her blood stream so he would pick up as much as he could and dispose of it outside her body.

"I don't know how I can ever thank you." Calypso said to him. "You saved her life."

"Hey, it's what we do. No need to thank me."

"How long until she wakes up?"

He shrugged. "I'm not sure. You woke up a few hours after, but you didn't have as much of it in your system as she did."

Calypso looks back to her mentor and holds her hand. "She's gonna be okay though, right?"

"As far as the poison, yes. Whatever her totem tapped into," He gestured to her neck, "was keeping her alive. Maybe if we take it off-" He reached to her totem and as soon as his fingers touched it, the necklace glowed a bright white and burned him.

He jumped back with a loud yelp and held his finger. Both mine and Calypso's eyes were wide as we stared between him and Mari. "What the hell was that?"

"I-I don't know. My totem has never done that before." She shakes her head. Black Canary asks if he is alright but I focus my attention on Calypso.

The worry and fear in her eyes is clear. I know if it was Aquaman or my parents in Mari's place; I am sure I would feel the same.

I place my hand on her back and rub it gently. "She will be alright. She is strong." There was not much I could do, but I hoped me being by her side would make things easier.

She wipes a stray tear from her eye. "I know."

A few hours pass and Mari does not awaken.

Doctor Palmer promised to return if her condition worsened, but unfortunately, there was nothing he could do. Physically, she is in great health. The wound on her side seemed to be completely healed, and her vitals were normal. But that did not ease Calypso's worries.

Luke stays for a while, maybe three hours or so. He falls asleep in the chair a few times, and I can tell this is the most he has slept in days.

It is around nine when Luke goes back to Detroit and promises to be back in the morning. The plate of food M'gann remained for Calypso remains untouched. We talked about small things, but she solely focused on waiting for Mari to wake.

When she breaks down into tears, my heart drops to my stomach.

She covers her face with her hands and sinks into the chair. "I-I'm so sorry-" she sobs and I waste no time bringing her into a tight embrace. "I-I-I-" she can barely form a sentence, so I gently shush her, stroking her hair.

"Calypso, it is alright. Breath, can you do that for me?" I pull away to hold her face and take a deep breath. "In and out. Breath, cya'rika."

She follows my actions, and it takes a few minutes for her to steady her breathing. I wipe away her tears. "What is wrong?"

She sighed. "I-I feel like it's my fault. If I would've made to her sooner, maybe she'd be okay." That is why she is so upset. She blames herself.

"Look at me." I cup her face and force her to meet my eyes. "This is not your fault. You saved her. If you did not go after her... I do not want to think about what would have happened. What matters is that she is here. All we need is time."

Calypso sniffles. I can tell she does not like the answer I give her. I decide to remind her of her favorite words. "Think positive. Everything will be alright."

"I just feel so helpless. I wish there was more I could do..."

"I am sure you would help her by recovering. If she sees that you are still hurt when she wakes because you did not take care of yourself, she would not be happy."

She does not protest, and glances back to Mari. When I see her eyes well with tears again, I wrap my arms around her. I hate to see her cry, especially when it is not her fault.

I am not sure what else to say or what will help her, so I continue to hold her and remind her that everything will be okay.


I spend the next week training with Calypso, with the team's help, of course. As much as I protested that she should not overdo it, she insisted she was ready. Black Canary offered to assist as well, if she needed it.

Currently, she was sparring with Artemis, who promised to be very easy on her. Wally and Robin were with me, watching as well, while M'gann and Superboy were on a undercover mission inside Belle Reve.

"How's Vix?" The speedster questioned.

"She is, unfortunately, still the same." I sighed. "We are not sure when she will wake."

It has been hard for Calypso. Most her days are spent in the medbay, waiting for her mentor to wake. I am with her, most of the time, making sure she eats and takes care of herself.

The wound on her shoulder has healed almost completely, leaving a large scab in its place. The bruises and scrapes were healed too, but I still wanted her to take it slow.

"And Caly? She's not overdoing it right?"

I shook my head. She better not be. "No. I do not believe so." Both of them exchange looks and smirk. Am I missing something? "What?"

Robin cackled and crossed his arms. "Dude, you've got it bad."

Bad? My eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"I know that look." Wally propped his elbow on my shoulder. "It's so obvious. You're whipped and you guys haven't even been dating that long-"

Does everyone think Calypso and I are in a relationship? I did not know my affections for her were that obvious, not that I was hiding it.

I cleared my throat, not bothered by their teasing looks. "I have not courted her yet."

Their eyes widened in shock. "No way, seriously?"

"Why?"

"There is a lot going on - she has started school, Vixen is still in a coma-" There might be a mole on the team. "I do not wish to push her."

Wally frowned. "That sucks." He pulled out a candy bar from his pocket and took a bite. Robin crossed his arms and glared at him. "What?"

He elbowed the ginger in the ribs. "Way to be sympathetic, Wal."

"Hey!" Wally almost choked on his chocolate. "Look on the bright side, at least we know she'll say yes."

I chuckled as my eyes drifted to Calypso. If Artemis was holding back, I could not tell because Calypso was holding her own. I was worried she might be straining herself too much, but also proud of her perseverance.

Calypso pulls Artemis' hands behind her back and kicks her legs out from under her. The archer falls to her knees as the computer announces, 'ARTEMIS STATUS: FAIL' next to her head.

"Go easy, they said. It'll be fun, they said." Artemis grumbled as Calypso helped her stand.

She rubbed the back of her neck nervously with a small giggle. "No hard feelings?"

The blonde paused before she smiled. "None. I'm glad to see you're feeling better."

Calypso grinned. "Me too."


MOUNT JUSTICE
SEPTEMBER 22, 18:43 EDT

"So you have told no one else of this mole?"

I sighed and crossed my arms. "I cannot be sure one exists. And if it does, if the team is being betrayed from within, I-" Calypso placed her hand on my bicep, "we, must investigate without tipping our hand."

"I don't like keeping secrets from everyone." She admitted. "What if Sportsmaster is wrong?"

This is the one time I regret bringing Calypso with me. I wish I did not ask her to join me with Red Arrow. because I hate seeing her carry this burden with me. She does not deserve the stress.

Calypso is right. I dislike hiding things as well. "Perhaps we should tell Batman?" He is the World's Greatest Detective. If there is a mole on the team, he would know the quickest way to scout them out.

"Generally, Batman expects the team to handle it's own problems. But the decision is yours. I will return after monitor duty on the Watchtower." I looked to Calyspo. and we both shared the same disappointment as Red Tornado approached the Zeta tubes.

"I thought you were exempt from monitor duty since becoming our den mother." I said while the android typed in his location.

"Recognized, Red Tornado, 16."

The Leaguer turned to us after stepping into the tube. "I agreed to cover for Green Arrow. He has an interpersonal event with Black Canary. A hot date." He disappeared without another word, leaving Calypso and I alone.

She glanced up at me. "What do we do? I have a feeling if we do tell Batman, he'll tell us to just deal with it."

"I believe you are correct, cya'rika."

"If Black Canary wasn't going on a date, I would ask her, but..." She bit her lip and began fiddling with her hands. "Maybe we should talk to Batman?"

I reached for her, intertwining our fingers together. "If we cannot figure things out on our own, then we will ask for his help."

"I hope Sportsmaster is wrong and we're worrying for nothing. I don't think any of our friends could betray us."

I nodded in agreement. "I hope you are right."

Calypso gently squeezed my hand and smiled softly. "We'll figure this out together, okay?"

I returned the smile. "Okay." As much as I hated putting this on her shoulders, I was glad to have her by my side. "Together. Symbiosis."

"Sim-bee-oh-see?" she sounds out slowly.

"Yes, that is perfect." I praised and her smile widened. "I am sure you will be a native speaker in no time."

We joined Conner, M'gann, and Wally, who was fixing Conner's bike.

"Torque wrench." Said tool was levitated to the speedster. "Thank you, green cheeks!"

Calypso scrunched her nose at the nickname. "Green cheeks?" She looked over to M'gann and they both giggled.

"I have been meaning to ask, any problem juggling schoolwork with your responsibilities here?" I question, hoping I did not sound too forward.

The clone shrugged. "Nope."

Wally flashed a toothy grin at M'gann. "Juggling's just one of my many talents~ Socket wrench."

"School hasn't been too hard, yet." Calypso answered as we shared a quick look.

M'gann floated a tool over to the ginger. "Daily cheerleading practice has presented a challenge- oh! But my first loyalty is always to the team. This team, not the Bumblebees."

Nothing sounded out of the ordinary, but I continued. "Artemis starts school today. Do you think she will have trouble maintaining her loyalties?" As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized how rude it sounded, if she was here.

"Nah, she'll manage alright." Wally stood up. "I mean, how much more hostile and annoying-"

BOOM!

The wall in front of us exploded, and everything became a blur.

Quickly, the room flooded with water as a flurry of fiery blasts headed our way. I barely remember pulling out my water bearers before everything went black.

When I awoke, the first thing I felt was the suffocating heat. My body is drained, as if I have been fighting for hours upon hours.

I struggle to keep my eyes open and try to scan the area. I am trapped in a cage made entirely out of fire, but I am not alone.

"M'gann!" I gently shake her shoulders, and she barely stirs. Her breathing is slow, but she is alive. I pull her head into my lap as I continue to look around the room.

Two red robots that resembled a certain Leaguer patrolled the hangar. One controlled fire while the other controlled water.

Calypso, Wally, and Conner were trapped in the water, held together by what looked like melded metal. I could hear the loud whirs and clicks from Sphere, so I assumed it must be nearby.

"V-Virago-" I strain my neck, hoping to see if she was alright. The fire around the cage grew brighter and hotter, and I hissed in pain.

It became harder to breath as black spots danced across my vision. My head was spinning and my whole body covered in sweat, as if I just stepped out of the sea.

I do not know how long I laid there with M'gann, doing my best to stay awake. Then I heard Calypso call out my name. "Aqualad! Are you alright?!"

"M'gann! Is she-?" Artemis yelled.

"She is unconscious." I answer as loudly as I can, but I can feel my voice shake. "I fear she- we cannot survive much longer."

I feel useless laying here, not able to do anything. What kind of leader am I if I cannot help my team?

The last thing I hear before my vision fades it Artemis screaming out, "Robin, look out!" I try to fight it and force myself to keep my eyes open, but it does not work.

Finally, I feel the heat disappear, and I can breathe properly. I gasp for air and look to see the fallen androids with Artemis standing above them. I sighed in relief - she saved us.

"Kaldur!" Calypso exclaimed, her voice full of worry. "Are you guys okay?"

"How's M'gann?" Conner sounded just as worried as Calypso.

I looked at the Martian in my arms. "She breathes. I believe she will recover." My eyes drift over to the younger Bat. I quickly realized the robot who controlled water tried to drown him. "What of Robin?"

The archer dropped to his side and placed her hands on his chest. I held my breath until he began coughing up water. Her shoulders slumped, relaxed. "H-he's breathing too!" Thank the Gods.

"Figured my only shot was to surrender, pretend to drown before I actually did. Blacked out, though." Robin explained with a simple shrug. I sometimes forget how smart he is.

"M'gann." Superboy reached out to her with his free hand. She did not recover as quickly as Robin or I did so, but her temperature was steadily going back to normal.

She smiled weakly at him and held his hand. "I'll be fine." I quickly exchanged looks with Calypso, and she gave me a quick nod. I knew it was only a matter of time before the two got together.

Kid Flash groaned in annoyance. "Will you quit playing with that thing and cut us free already?"

"And here I thought you loved spending time with us." Calypso teased, and he stuck out his tongue in response.

Artemis, who was holding the laser cutter, narrowed her eyes at the speedster. "It's not working, genius. EMP shuts down all machines, remember?"

"All machines present at the time." My eyes widen in shock as Red Tornado flew into the hanger. "What has occurred?"

Robin glanced behind him at the two droids. "Had a little visit from your family."

"Your extremely nasty family." Artemis corrected.

"I was not aware I had relations."

"Where have you been?" Superboy demanded as the bot approached the two robots.

"Monitor duty on the Watchtower. When it became clear that Cave communications were down, I attempted to investigate. But your Zeta tubes were also nonfunctional. I transported to Providence and proceeded here." As he kneeled down to the droids, Sphere unlodged itself from the wall.

It happily whirred and rolled over to Conner. "Hey, boy." He reached out to pat it.

The laser cutter suddenly flared to life, and Artemis quickly shut it off. "The pulse has worn off!" Robin and Wally exclaimed together as their eyes locked onto the androids.

Their eyes glowed as Red Tornado turned on his heel and rose into the air. Tornados formed in his hands as the surrounding air was being sucked away.

I barely had any time to register what was happening before I collapsed to my knees, holding my throat and slipped into unconsciousness again. Was Red Tornado the mole this whole time? Did I almost let my team die by not telling them?

"Kaldur'ahm? Kaldur, are you alright?"

At the sound of my mentor's voice, I opened my eyes. It was not just Aquaman who arrived, but most of the League as well - Batman, Superman, Flash, Martian Manhunter, Black Canary, Green Arrow, and the Atom.

I rubbed my head and tried my best to ignore the throbbing pain and twinge of guilt in my stomach. "I am alright. How is-" I look to my team. Everyone was unharmed and awakening, while Red Tornado and the others disappeared. But I did not feel relieved.

I winced when I saw M'gann struggle to stand and collapse into her uncle's arms. Kid Flash and Superboy seemed to be alright, Robin as well, but Artemis was still unconscious. And my cyar'ika-

"Kal!" At the sound of her voice, I turned to see Calypso running straight into my arms, throwing her arms around my middle. She quickly pulled away and checked me for any injuries, and all I could do was stare at her. "Are you hurt anywhere? How are you feeling?"

I am the reason we almost died. I should have listened to you and not kept it a secret from everyone. They almost killed you. "I am fine." I say instead, but even I do not believe my words.

"She's alright!" Superman announced as he helped Artemis stand. "What happened?"

"What happened? The Reds happened! Tornado and his- wait!" She quickly realized he and the other droids were nowhere to be found. "Where are they?"

Robin sighed. "Gone. All three of them. Gone..."

I swallowed the thick lump in my throat and, as if she could read my mind, Calypso slipped her hand into mine. She squeezed it tightly, and I took a deep breath. No matter what happens, at least I know I am not alone.