Scission
Doubt keeps the glass-bodied Novia at the edge of the hall. She has been peering at the group of genomorphs guarding the elevator—their only way out. It hasn't been more than a minute but she swears she has been watching them longer. And she has, in a sense, been observing these creatures for a while—since her first encounter, to be precise.
They're not as complex as she presumed. Instead, they're herd-like, never straying too far from one another. They're also resolute, determined for one thing and one thing only which is to fulfill their master's request.
Capture the sidekicks. Kill the girl. Let no one escape Cadmus.
None of this is reassuring. She has to muster the energy from somewhere. There's a small—very small—chance that this may work. It's enough to separate her from the pseudo-comfort of hiding behind an enteric wall and she marches toward the group of snarling genomorphs.
"Hey!" She shouts. Her voice amplified through glass lungs, whatever meekness behind it hidden. Simultaneously, the giants all turn, snorting in aggravation before they charge after her with a wave of roars.
If she could feel her heart, she's certain it would be pounding at her chest as she ran back into Kr's room. It is the sound of their roars combined with the shaking of the halls that prevents her from looking back. They're on her heels for sure.
This better work, She repeats in her mind, nearly slipping against the now metal floor. Then something slams down on the metal and she feels it cave in behind her. A dent forming just inches from her feet.
She ducks at a shadow, a swing from one of the monsters as they thrash the equipment in Kr's room just to get at her. She continues averting their grasps, using their size against them. Just as she's in the clear, a pair of gigantic fists drive down on her only to crush nothing but shards.
The giants swing at her shards to no avail. They slip easily between their large fingers, skin too thick to even be cut by her jagged edges.
By the time the genomorphs realize her plan—notice the girl realigning at the door beside a woman who is vaguely familiar—it's too late.
The door slams shut. Locked.
"How long will that hold them?" Novia asks, wincing at every bang and snarl she hears against the door. She figures that if it once held Superboy, then it could hold a few of those things as well.
"Let's not wait to find out," Amanda says, handing back the hospital gown her niece had given her.
The door to the elevator is beyond dented. One side of it is completely torn—definitely not the work of Aqualad but perhaps Superboy. It's surprising to Novia that the elevator arrives when her aunt hails it. Nevertheless, it screeches shut and elicits an exchange of cautious expressions from both of them.
"You never said why," Novia speaks up. Her eyes remain glued to the indicator as she fades from her glass form. The elevator is noticeably slower than before.
"Why would I help you?" Amanda asks in disbelief, "You're my niece, Novia."
Novia shakes her head, "No. I meant—why was Cadmus doing all this? Cloning and creating those..." She falls silent before she says things. Recalling the name that Desmond had uttered prior, "Genomorphs?"
Amanda doesn't answer immediately. She doesn't answer at all until Novia looks directly at her. She can see the apprehension, a layered regret beneath her aunt's eyes. But there's something else as well.
"The things Cadmus did—" Amanda retracts, dissolves the thought then faces Novia, "It wasn't meant to be this way—not from what I was told initially. But Desmond has always been secretive. We worked according to what his superiors wanted. And when they demanded a clone for Superman—"
"You did it without any questions asked," Novia finishes, dryly.
"If I didn't, I would be out of a job, Novia," Amanda retorts.
"Hope your salary was worth it", The words slip from Novia's mouth without a thought to them. Because just seconds ago, Novia was thinking about how her parents would react—how the world would react upon knowing that Cadmus is a lie.
The former, however, is a more frightening situation. And that is solely due to her father. But she doesn't think of her aunt's reaction—doesn't even look for one—until the silence between them becomes unbearable and she grows to regret her words.
"I'm—"
The elevator stutters, lights flickering with it. And above, is a thud—a slam that makes them lose their footing.
Novia, now grasping her aunt's shoulder, looks around and above, "What was that?"
She suspects the large genomorphs are pursuing the sidekicks on a higher floor. It should pass soon. But another slam sends the lights on the elevator to give out and the low red glow of the emergency lights to kick in.
It takes another slam before Amanda speaks, "Project Blockbuster,"
"Please tell me it's not another clone," Novia begs. The elevator halts, making no chime but instead a grate to announce their arrival to sublevel one.
"It's not another clone," Her aunt states. Yet, she places a protective arm before Novia as the elevator door opens with a distinctive screech.
And by now, Novia should be accustomed to the horrors of Cadmus. After all, she spent over an hour threading an enteric corridor only to nearly take a bullet to the head. And yet, the lab just keeps getting more horrifying by the minute.
Because her aunt wasn't lying. Project Blockbuster isn't another clone—at least not of anyone she knows. It's a monster with a size equivalent to the giant genomorphs, only difference is it stands on its hind legs perfectly, which makes him more imposing in comparison.
The creature is more hominid than the other genomorphs. Besides the dark, impenetrable skin and cracks forming along the joints of its figure, Blockbuster also has tufts of hair protruding from its head—brown and falling with its movements as he battles Superboy. And his face looks like it had to tear before becoming what it is now, some of the flesh still clings to him.
He still has pants—thank God. But it's the fallen lab coat that catches Novia's attention, remnants of a name tag beside it.
"Desmond," she murmurs.
Amanda smiles nervously as she adjusts her glasses, "So he's that desperate,"
Blockbuster grabs Superboy, thrashing him about the room as the other genomorphs and the three sidekicks dodge the coming destruction. It's relentless as it pummels Superboy into the ground and Superboy doesn't seem to tire from the endless beating. In fact, it seems to enrage him all the more.
He suddenly frees himself from Blockbuster's hold, punching the monster into the wall. There's the weight anticipation in the room as everyone stands poised to intervene yet it's clear no one knows how to.
Blockbuster rights himself, charging once more into Superboy. Just before the two collide, he grabs Superboy and drives him into the floor above, leaving a large hole in their wake. One which connects to the ground floor.
Kid Flash says something to his teammates before placing an arm around Robin as who shoots a grappling hook through the hole. Aqualad stares at the opening, muttering under his breath as he leaps after them.
Now is their chance.
Novia takes her aunt's hand, "We can leave too," She says, vitrifying for what she hopes to be the last time for the night. But Amanda doesn't budge, barely even looks at her. She's more focused on the remaining genomorphs, Guardian and the blue man from earlier.
"You should go," Amanda says at last, "I can't leave them here."
Novia steps in front of her, grabbing Amanda's shoulders, "You can't be serious. After all they've done—brainwashed you and…" she bites her lip, believing that she may cry, but in this form, it's impossible.
"Desmond did all of those things," Amanda chides, "The genomorphs, Guardian, Dubbilex—none of us wanted this."
Above, the ceiling trembles, clouds of dust and debris dissolve in the air around them.
Amanda holds Novia's face, drawing back her attention, "Do you really think he'd let us both leave with our lives? After everything that has happened? The boys are no longer worth the trouble, there's no shortage of geneticists, and you—"
Your organs, however, may be useful for the advancement of genetic research.
Novia gasps out of her aunt's hold. Her senses had spiked at a voice, a thought—an image clear as day. The end of a pistol faces down at her with deranged man at the other end.
Terror obscured by her transparent state, she looks to Dubbilex after recognizing his distant presence in her mind. It was faint and surely the reason for her sudden lapse—a necessary evil on his part.
But it worked.
"Keep her safe," she tells him. Only him.
She cannot bear to lose her aunt. Not after everything that happened. And in his slipping presence, she hears, faintly, You have my word.
Novia offers no final glance at her aunt before shattering, for fear that it may hinder her abilities. Even with the precaution, her shards are lethargic, hesitant before they drift and realign on the other side of the hole.
She grieves over the absence of her robe. Certain that if she looks back, she'll see it drifting back down to sublevel one. But her sulking is cut short when she's downed by a heavy object.
Two heavy objects.
The weight and speed force her back, feet grating against the concrete flooring. Surely if her eyes were open she'd see the sparks. But she doesn't think to look until after they smash into a wall.
Superboy and Aqualad lie both in her arms, somewhat secured.
"Are you guys okay?" She asks. Her shoulder dislocates from Superboy's weight but contorts into place with a sharp sigh.
The clone forcibly separates himself from her. He says nothing but she can see how his face is shaped with anger.
"Thank you," Aqualad says as he offers her a hand. Robin and Kid Flash regroup to their side just in time to face an irate Blockbuster. He roars. The cry reverberates through the air as he charges towards them, shaking the building.
"Do we have a plan?" Novia calls over the noise. Cracks begin to spread throughout her body.
"Working on one," Robin says through his teeth, attention divided between Blockbuster and the device on his wrist.
"Then let's buy some time," Kid Flash says. He zooms towards Blockbuster, slipping between his legs and stealing his attention long enough for Aqualad and Superboy to deliver a blow to his head. The force sends him back, only staggering him until Kid finally trips him.
"Learned that one in kindergarten," He laughs as he dusts off his hands. He disappears in time to dodge a swipe from Blockbuster and for Superboy to seize the monster. But Blockbuster gains control of the situation, shifting his weight and driving Superboy into a column followed by series of blows.
Novia shatters just as Blockbuster draws his fist back to deliver another blow—this one aimed at Superboy's head. Her pieces rush between and Blockbuster the clone, stealing their attention as she realigns and seizes the assaulting fist.
Her own strength surprises her—how well she matches his resistance with only a clink from her body. And this fact enrages Blockbuster. He roars, suddenly dropping Superboy.
Novia can hardly shatter, only mustering a few cracks through her form before Blockbuster grabs her. All efforts disappear with a wave of fear as she looks down at the monster—at Desmond.
She hardly feels the physical. What should be painful is mitigated to discomfort within his grasps. But he's crushing her, for sure—the forced splintering says that much. And yet Novia's attention remains fixated on his eyes, seeking out sanity within the two large pools of red.
Desmond is no longer there.
Out of nowhere, a bright blue aqueous substance latches onto Blockbuster's arm. Aqualad emerges, kneeing him in the head with newfound momentum. The arms of the Atlantean glows where his tattoos had once been. And in his hands are hilts which summon the blue water.
The monster drops Novia and Aqualad retracts the substance, allowing it to meld together in the form of a mace. His arms raise, prepared to bludgeon Blockbuster but the monster catches the weapon in his palms and slams Aqualad into the ground.
Novia feels Blockbuster grasp her leg and this time a scream erupts from her lips. He throws her into a hard object. The sound of her back cracking sends her to believe she hit a wall or a column but the grunt following the collision reveals that it was Superboy.
"Sorry, sorry" she fumbles with her words, unsure whether the boy is pissed at her or Blockbuster. Either way, he pushes past her and this time she curses him under her breath.
Superboy pauses, glances at her after undoubtedly hearing every syllable of well, fuck you too.
In the distance, comes a thud from Blockbuster throwing Kid Flash into a recovering Aqualad. He grabs the Atlantean by the head and drags him to a pillar where he begins to batter against a small water shield Aqualad placed between them.
The signs of weakening—cracks forming at the outermost parts of the shield—enables Superboy to run in with a flurry of punches to Blockbuster's back. He promptly latches around the beast's torso, constricting it. Novia shatters when Aqualad is released, reforming by his side to catch him.
Blockbuster pries Superboy off of his back and smashes him into what's left of the column.
Novia pulls Aqualad, frantically, "We need to get out of here. He's too—"
Before she could finish, she is grabbed by the neck. Although air is inessential, she still finds herself stifling from the hold and the sight of Blockbuster.
She grunts; a mixture of adrenaline and fear prompting her to repeatedly jam a glass heel into his chin. With every strike, she feels herself crack. On the fifth blow, she finally shatters. Her shards crumble from Blockbuster's hold, slipping between skin too thick to pierce.
He brushes the rest of her from his palms with a sadistic smile—likely under the impression that it was his grip that caused her to break. He only briefly eyes the glistening pile at his feet before again facing a barrage of attacks from Superboy.
Blockbuster roars, once again agitated. They're probably like flies to him. He swats at Superboy, grabs him with an intensity that no human could survive. And just as he's about to crush him—
Something rushes before them. Kid Flash appears with a bit of Desmond's flesh in his hand.
He winces as he looks at it, "Got your nose,"
Like that's gonna work. Novia huffs as she gathers herself quietly.
And yet it does. Blockbuster drops Superboy to pursue Kid Flash—as vain as that chase would turn out. Desmond's intellect is clearly far gone.
But it's likely he never had any.
"Superboy, Aqualad—" Novia hears Robin over the trembling building. Throughout the ordeal, he's been analyzing the area from his wrist computer. He motions to two adjacent columns as Kid Flash leads Blockbuster into the remaining ones.
"Come and get me you Incredible Bulk!" Kid taunts, running out of Blockbuster's reach as he smashes a column.
Above, debris—not just small flecks of dust but actual chunks of foundation—rains down. The cracks on the ceiling leading to the floor above become ever more apparent as Kid leads Blockbuster into another column. Superboy and Aqualad soon contribute damage of their own, toppling more columns with brute force and Atlantean magic.
They're destroying Cadmus.
But not just that.
Her aunt is still on the lower floors.
"Wait!" Novia's pleas to cease are ignored, dismissed for the larger task at hand.
Robin rushes to the center, drawing an X on the floor with chalk. Kid Flash runs towards it with Blockbuster in tow, dodging a narrow strike from the monster and taunting him after the fact. Aqualad, using his pair of hilts, releases a stream of water onto the X, allowing Kid to slide through the marked area just as the giant steps on it.
Superboy suddenly emerges from behind Kid Flash and punches Blockbuster in the head. It briefly dazes him, allowing Aqualad ample time to send a current of electricity through the puddle finally.
"Move!" Robin yells. Novia hears small whirs above becoming beeps. Tiny lights—bombs—line the upper walls of the building.
She shatters as the building caves, sending large chunks of rubble, a fully intact upper floor, and metallic framing in on them. Novia's shards scatter to avoid the chaos, finally connecting beneath the thick layer of dust.
"Guys?!" she cries. The silence settles as she surveys the damage. Cadmus is gone. Now only ash and debris.
"Guys?!" Novia cries again only to push back the thought of her aunt not surviving. How many people did they bury for the sake of stopping Blockbuster?
They're fine. She's fine. She repeats to herself as she pushes past some of the rubble.
Far off, something shifts. A silhouette rising—a chunk of foundation brought up against the night sky. Then it's tossed by a figure in white. Superboy. And beneath him, the sidekicks.
Novia shatters and realigns before them. They're alive. A bit scraped from the fight, but alive.
Novia exhales at the tug in her abdomen. The effect of the morphine is fading and she doesn't know how long she can't keep this form up but she regards Robin and the destruction around them. Suddenly angered, "You couldn't have thought of something less destructive?"
Robin rises, dusting off ash from his torn suit, "I'm sorry. Did you have a better idea? Because I'd love to hear it."
"Anything is better than this!" She gestures to the debris, "You realize there are people still down there?!"
Robin laughs, "You mean the same people wh—"
"Guys!" Kid interrupts, pointing beyond Novia.
She turns, now noticing that Superboy had walked past her. His eyes focus on an incapacitated Blockbuster lying crushed beneath the concrete.
Novia swallows, folding her arms though the creature is completely immobile. Superboy continues to stare silently at Blockbuster with a softened expression.
"See?" Kid nudges him, pointing to the sky behind the boy, "The moon,"
Superboy turns, finally giving up the sight of Blockbuster to acknowledge the large disk that takes up the midnight sky. The stars around it wink in conversation with a variety of brightness. Novia doesn't believe she's ever seen this much of the sky in DC before.
No, she hasn't. Far too many buildings for that.
At the center of the moon comes a shadow. A speck that draws closer by the second. At first sight, she assumes it's a plane. But after a second blink—it's a man. A flying man.
"Oh—and Superman. Do we keep our promises or what?" Kid adds. His words directed at the speechless Superboy.
More members of the Justice League—members Novia never knew existed—appear behind Superman and land around the remnants of Cadmus. Their faces are solemn—severely solemn and a little short of disappointed.
Novia shrinks back at this as she looks around. Other than Superman, she is familiar with Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, and Aquaman. The others to her are just nameless faces.
"Are—" she was about to ask if they were in trouble, only to fall silent from the sudden realization—
They are.
And yet, against the jarring silence, Superboy steps forward. Throughout, his eyes have held Superman. Superman only looks to him because he was so daring to step forth. Superboy adjusts his torn suit, revealing the S-shield to the man—presumably to extend relations.
Instead, The Man of Steel stares in awe, unsure of what to say.
"Is that what I think it is?" Batman is the first to break the silence. And when even broken, his words don't bring comfort or ease.
"He doesn't like being called an 'it'," Kid Flash whispers from behind Superboy's shoulder, clearly much to his chagrin.
He brushes the boy off, "I'm Superman's clone,"
The words set off a wave amongst The League. They all shift and exchange expressions. But in the end, it all leads back to Superman whose own expression had gone from awe to disturbed. No doubt mortified by Cadmus' actions.
Batman is the only one unfazed by the ordeal. His mask gives him a permanent scowl and nothing that escapes his lips sound sympathetic. Instead, his words are cold—steeled and imposing. And when he turns to Novia, she shudders.
"And she is?"
"Novia," she responds with lowered eyes.
All eyes are on her and only a strain of focus holds onto her glass state. She is naked. Very much naked. This knowledge, she believes, is to her own.
For now.
Batman turns back to the rest of the group, clearly unsatisfied, "Start talking. Now,"
§ § §
Novia shivers away the remainder of her glass state. Now back in her tee and jeans, she rummages through the knapsack she hurled at the fireman. Batman was considerate enough to acquire it for her—and, she has many questions about the fact, but she needs to check something first.
"My passport," she murmurs, briefly examining the document before returning it to her bag. She has everything she needs except for her aunt.
Further off, League members talk amongst themselves. A few occasionally glance back at the five teens. Their conspicuousness bothers her but evidently not as much as it bothers Superboy.
His attention throughout has been glued on Superman. Novia sees a certain curiosity thawing in his eyes. His stare is intense, heavy enough to draw the attention of another League member. A cloaked man with green skin and carmine eyes. He's likely not even human. But it's from his attention that he is able to gather Superman's with a gentle touch.
Superman glimpses back, then sighs at his group before approaching Superboy.
"We'll uh… We'll figure something out for you. The League will—I mean. For now, I need to make sure Blockbuster gets squared away," He flies off without another word—without waiting for a word from Superboy.
Awkward… Novia cringes, never once imagining that such a powerful man could in fact be so disquieted—over his clone, no less. But maybe it's the fact that he's faced with his own blood—stolen blood, specifically—that makes him so disquieted in the first place.
Agitated, Superboy crosses his arms, looking at her who was looking at him, "What?!" He snaps.
"Nothing," Novia quickly turns away, focusing on the moon and wishing she could just shatter and leave without ramifications. Unfortunately, she needs her things.
Soon, Batman returns to the group with Aquaman and The Flash in tow.
"Cadmus will be investigated—all 52 levels." He narrows his eyes, "But let's make one thing clear—"
"You should've called." The Flash interrupts, uncontrite with his words as he glares at Kid Flash specifically.
"Endpoints aside, we are not happy," Batman continues, "You hacked into Justice League systems, disobeyed orders, and endangered lives. You will not be doing this again."
Novia mentally counts all the violations, adding a few drawbacks as well. They left the survivors—her aunt. And not only that but the three boys were captured and nearly cloned. And she was nearly killed by a deranged Desmond.
Oh no. She will not be doing this again.
Suddenly, Aqualad steps forward, "I am sorry, but if need be, we shall do it again." His tone is wary, defiant as well. And Novia, proud of his confidence, still finds herself groaning at the words.
"Aqualad, stand down." Aquaman orders, clearly surprised that his protégé is speaking out of terms.
But the boy doesn't retreat or express any desire to, "Apologies, my king—" he semi-bows, "—but no."
His mentor raises a brow, unsure of how to react. It makes Novia smile to herself, seeing a king be humbled by his own subject.
Aqualad continues, "We did good work here tonight. Work you have trained us to do. Together—on our own—we forged something powerful. Important."
The Flash grows defensive over Aqualad's words, "Is this is about your treatment at the hall? The three—"
"The five of us," Kid Flash corrects.
"What happened at the Hall?" Novia whispers to Kid Flash.
"Later," he returns.
She furrows her brows. She doesn't want to wait until later. Later is never guaranteed as far as she's concerned. Besides, the entire Cadmus conflict is beginning to unfold in her mind as a teen rebellion rather than an actual mission. She wants the full story. And yet—
"Batman, we're ready to use what you taught us. Or why teach us at all?" Robin tries to reason with his mentor. But Batman seems entirely unmoved by the whole ordeal. And the fact that he remains composed despite being faced with three distressed teenagers is quite impressive.
But his reticence has to end.
"Look, I don't get the whole story with 'The Hall'" Novia gestures to the three, "But they did stop Blockbuster and uncovered Cadmus' secrets. I think they deserve some recognition."
The way Batman looks at her makes her retract. He has a lethal habit of being more intimidating when extending his regards, however innocuous his intentions may be.
"Or at least some slack," she adds meekly.
Superboy who has been quiet and visibly crossed the entire time, finally steps up, "Why let them tell us what to do? It's simple: Get on board or get out of the way."
At this, both groups fall silent. Novia does her best to distract herself from their impending doom and she figures the boys—except Superboy—are doing the same.
"Three days," Batman finally says.
"Three days? For what?" Robin asks the question they all were wondering.
"I'll consider your request in three days' time," Batman clarifies, "But for now, go home, get some rest, and Stay. Out. Of. Trouble." He and the two other heroes leave them to finish speaking to the remaining League members.
"Well, it's something," Aqualad breathes.
"Yeah, but what are we supposed to do with Supey and Crystal Girl?" Kid Flash groans. Novia grits her teeth at the name. Meanwhile, Supey doesn't register in Superboy's mind.
Robin crosses his arms, "I doubt Batman's gonna let them crash at the Batcave—especially after what we pulled tonight."
"And you can't stay with Aqualad unless you have gills," Kid Flash chuckles, nudging Aqualad to join in but his teammate only raises a brow. Oddly enough, Kid Flash is unfazed by the silence. In fact, it seems to bolden him more.
He places his arm around Novia, "Well, it seems like I'm the only option,"
"I'm staying at my aunt's place," Novia shrugs him off.
"Are you sure about that? Even after everything that happened?" Robin presses. He has that signature smile—completely derisive in nature.
"She was brainwashed," Novia shoots back, feeling as though she may have to spell it out for him. And if not for the pain—the slight throb in her wrist—she'd turn to glass and punch him.
And she wishes she did because anger isn't enough to dissuade him. It only gives him the chance to shrug nonchalantly—as though her words have no merit. And maybe, they don't. Maybe they could never. He has faced more menacing people than her. But—
"O-kay!" Kid interjects, placing himself between them in the nick of time. Only now does she realize that in spite of the pain, her fist had somehow vitrified. "It's been a crazy day. I think it's best we all just get some sleep."
"Agreed," Aqualad says, brows furrowing. Then his eyes flicker back to the remainder of The League—particularly Aquaman.
His mentee and Batman had been speaking for a while. It explains Aqualad's previous silence during Kid's remarks. He's been watching Aquaman with a calm expression—all the rigidity and concern only reflected in his eyes.
Finally, Aquaman approaches. Paying no heed to the others, "Let's go, Kaldur."
Aqualad—Kaldur—quietly obeys.
Kid stretches, "Guess we should head out too, Supey. Nearest zeta-tube shouldn't be too far," He looks to Novia, now serious, "You sure you don't wanna come?"
"I'm sure," she says firmly against her doubts.
Kid is skeptical but offers no other words. He fist-bumps Robin before dashing away. Superboy glances at Novia and Robin—the soon-to-be remainders of the group—and bounds after the speedster. Novia watches as the boy's silhouette rises and falls against the night sky only to snaps back to reality upon the screeching of tires.
Coughing as dust rolls along the street, she catches a scent of something that isn't the friction of rubber tires against the asphalt. This is something more metallic but less deducible.
As the dust clears, she's faced with a vehicle that's sleek and low-built—completely black as well. It's silent when immobile, no purring from the engine. And it's impossible to see the interior from the outside when its windows are tinted beyond belief.
But she's familiar with the vehicle—even if vaguely.
The Batmobile is seldom the talking piece back home—likely more popular in its hometown of Gotham. But she has heard of it at least once—seen images of it on newspapers and TVs. But in person, it's far more daunting.
She stares at Batman then at the Batmobile as its hood retracts to reveal seats that are completely empty.
It's autonomous. And she's not sure why the fact surprises her.
"Get in," Batman says, particularly to Novia because it's evident that Robin didn't need the invitation. And even then, she doesn't move. Her hands grip the straps of her bag tightly.
"Uhh..."
I can walk, is what she meant to say. Though she doesn't say it because she doesn't truly want to walk. At the same time, she doesn't want to ride in the Batmobile either.
Pick your poison, Novia. She bites her cheek as she approaches quietly. With a hiss that sends her to tightly clutch her bag, the hood descends down on them. From the inside, the world around them grows darker—which would seem impossible, but it's as though the night itself has lost its glare.
The ride is silent, not even the Batmobile makes a sound. It's even more awkward for her, a stranger. And frankly, it's boring. From her own window, she can see Robin's reflection as he toys with one of his gadgets—the same thin-disk explosives he used to topple Cadmus.
She briefly wonders how many of those can fit into his utility belt, then moves past the thought, deciding that the windows themselves are more worth her attention.
She has long sensed the multiple variants of glass that composed them, a transitioning between thick and thin layers. She's felt it a few times before. Usually for high-profile vehicles transporting equally high-profile people. Though this one is a more extreme example she can quickly deduce that it's bulletproof and shatterproof.
Beyond them are the muted lights of DC. She has all but forgotten that she's supposed to be going to her aunt's home. Yet she never had the chance to tell Batman where she lived.
"I can give you my aunt's address if—"
"He already knows it," Robin laughs.
Novia glares at him through the rearview mirror, although deep down she's disturbed. Batman's silence confirms nothing but she only needed to look straight ahead to realize how faintly familiar the street had become.
They're in a residential area lined with townhomes. Though it's dark, she can make out the lone dormer of her aunt's house. The lights in the salon are still on. (A little trick Amanda uses to prevent burglary).
Novia steps out of the vehicle—of course with some difficulties.
"Get some rest and expect Canary in three days," Batman tells her as the hood hisses shut.
"Alright," she sighs. She didn't need his orders to get rest because she's been anticipating the end of this Cadmus horror. And she's grateful he doesn't remind her to keep out of trouble.
But—did she hear him correctly? Did the man just say Canary? Couldn't be right.
"Wait—"
Before she can even ask, the Batmobile pulls off. This time the tires don't even screech, which is even worse because it leaves her head filled with the thought of Robin's laughter.
Of course, she has questions. Two, to be exact. The first, she's beginning to let slide. But his knowledge of her aunt's residence without query will always leave a foul taste in her mouth. And the second:
What—or who—is Canary?
It's the hum of crickets and the rustling from a nearby tree that reminds her that the sidewalk isn't a place to ruminate. So she retrieves the housekey her aunt gave her three summers ago and turns the lock of the front door.
Upon entering her aunt's home, she's blasted by the A/C. She sets her things down and kicks off her shoes. Sudden nausea makes her dash straight to the restroom. Her hands clamp down on the edges sink as the waves in her stomach subside.
Novia turns the bath's spigot, allowing the outburst of water to drown out her thoughts as she takes in her reflection. The lines beneath her eyes remind her it's been an entire day since she slept. And the heaviness she feels warns her that she could pass out right here and now.
She turns away, feeling the faint suggestion that someone is watching her as she strips. She brushes off the paranoia, still shaken from the events of Cadmus. Yet she spares not even a second before stepping into the tub.
The heat instantly engulfs her. The brown of her skin grows flush and—more importantly—falls numb from the intensity of warm pricks against it. The incessant prodding of glass against her skin—its affinity for her—becomes muted within minutes.
And it is because of this, she feels nothing. Hears nothing. And for the rest of the night, she knows peace.