Chapter 42: Humanity
Mount Justice
October 10, 16:19 EDT
"How is this any different from training at Grant's gym?" I ask our den mother of the week. But to me, she always (s)mothers me.
"It's different because I'll be training you and the rest of your Team", Dinah says. Just about everyone is present. Even Wally, though he won't be training with us.
It's been over a week since we fought the Injustice League. During our battle, Wally was smacked into a tree by Black Adam. His right arm hit the tree with enough force that it broke it. For now, Wally will be donning an arm cast until his bones heal completely. He should be fine to go on missions. So long as he isn't too reckless to injure himself that badly again. Still doesn't explain why he won't train with us.
The rest of us look over to Wally, who is relaxing ever so comfortably in a recliner chair. He notices us giving him a mixture of faces. "What? I'm still healing."
"You're well enough to train like the rest of us", Artemis eggs on Wally.
Dinah looks across the room. Noticing an absence. "Does anyone know where Rayner is?"
All seven of us look around the room too. None of us see him anywhere. I know Kyle's in the Cave. Where is he?
"He's probably in his room. I'll go grab him", I tell Dinah.
"Don't take forever getting him, Sara", she says to me. Thankfully I'm already walking down the hall or else she and everyone else would see my face turning red.
After we battled the Injustice League, Kyle and I decided to take the next step and actually start a relationship. He kissed me right then and there in the bayou nighttime before I could say anything. Despite the aroma and bugs in the air, it was quite romantic.
For the last week, we've been spending a lot more time together. Training together. Sharing stories about one another. Lots and lots of kissing. Though we're taking our time with this relationship. This is new waters for the both of us. We don't want to rush anything and make a mistake, whether it be on a date or a mission. But we trust each other enough to know what we're doing.
And yes, everyone knows. It's like I said a week ago, our friends saw this coming long before we did. Though we're strictly keeping it PG when on mission and in training. Private training is another thing…
Dinah and Hal also know too. There's no way I could be able to keep this from her. Don't get me wrong, I'm great at keeping secrets and sneaking behind her back. Just ask her about when I first lived with her. But I would feel incredibly guilty about hiding it from her. And when I told her, she actually wasn't mad or overreacted at all. She actually surmised it a week ago. Maybe before then. But she knows Kyle is a good person and wouldn't dare hurt me in any way. She trusts him. She trusts us.
Kyle said Hal was basically the same thing. Gave him a big bear hug too apparently. Hal said that he knew Kyle would find someone as great as he is. He was right.
Continuing my trek down the hall, I reach Kyle's room. Knocking on the door, it opens. Kyle's room is, for the most part, neat and tidy as can be. Only mess is his art utensils – graphite pencils, colored pencils, drawing paper – at his desktop. As for Kyle himself, he lays flat on his bed in civilian clothes. Must have nodded off when he got to the Cave. Poor baby…
I sit bedside to Kyle, placing my hands on his forehead and his ring hand. His ring dims low green as always. A smile appears in his sleep. He looks so peaceful. What a shame…
Reaching into my pocket, I take out a spherical device – a prototype sonic device. Dinah and I thought it wouldn't hurt to have a cry of my own. Even if it's not from my own voice. She has a friend at S.T.A.R. Labs that specializes in sonic vibrations. He designed this as a start, says he has more design ideas after this too. I just got this today from S.T.A.R. Labs before coming to Mount Justice. Untested in the field. Perfect time to find out.
I close the door behind me. Don't wanna freak the others out and have them think something's wrong. I pull out a pair of earplugs and insert them in my eardrums. "Rise and shine, Sleeping Beauty", I say to my handsome boyfriend.
Device in hand, I press the button on its center. Right away, sonic waves generate from the small device. Eyes opening wide as ever, Kyle sits straight up and covers his ears. He screams a bit from the surprise cry. "I didn't do anything with Sara, I swear!" He thinks this is Dinah, oh Kyle…
Kyle's reaction makes me laugh uncontrollably. I cover my mouth with my free hand. Kyle looks to me, joyous from seeing him in fear of my sister. He notices the device I'm still holding and puts two and two together. The look on his face goes from shock to irritable. Oh boy…
I deactivate the device in hand, the sonic waves dying immediately. I remove the earplugs from me, able to hear Kyle's annoyance for sure now. "Well, now we know this works", I say referring to the sonic device.
"So, I'm a guinea pig in your little experiment?" He sarcastically says.
"A very cute guinea pig", I say as I close into his face. The distance closes as we kiss for a good minute. "Now, aren't you glad you're awake now?"
"Yes. Though awake or asleep, you're always with me."
"Dreaming about me now, huh? Do I want to know what you've got going on in that head of yours?"
"Maybe", Kyle chalantely says. Oh, that charm of his.
"Plus, I was coming to get you anyways. Dinah and the others are waiting on us to start training."
"Oh frak!" Kyle clenches his right fist, powering his ring up. Immediately, his GL suit materializes. Mask and all. "Ready now."
"Don't you change fast", I jokingly say.
"Just as fast as you disrobe, I'm sure", Kyle slyly says to me. He kissed me again, making my face feel flush and warm.
"Come on, Dinah will kill us if we don't get to training soon", I tell Kyle.
"Race you there, on foot?"
"At least you're making it fair, GL. Let's go!"
With that said, we both run to join the others. Trying to outrun the other. Under say two, three minutes, we make it to the mission room.
As soon as we slow down and regroup with everyone, our friends start looking at us oddly. Grinning widely as they can. Robin chuckles a bit. And Artemis raise an eyebrow to me. Not a word.
"Alright, now that we're all here", Dinah says to the complete group. "Let's begin your training."
For the next thirty minutes, we each pair of with one another. Sparring with each other. Improving on our defensive and offensive techniques. As well as practicing and creating maneuvers. Every couple of minutes, we switch partners. Basically, we get a chance to spare with everyone at least once.
So far, I've sparred with Kaldur, M'gann, Artemis and Conner. Out of all four, Artemis and Kaldur are the best fighters. Besides myself. Kaldur is strong, both defensively and offensively. Artemis is fast and flexible, her reach farther with her kicks and punches. M'gann and Conner have improved over time, I will say. Conner is taking my sister's training to heart, not just charging full force like a bull. And M'gann has learned to fight better as well. It'll help her to learn more combat skills and not rely solely on her powers.
I look over to Kyle, who's doing a good job against Robin. Like I said before, we've trained together the last week. Mostly sparring and technique work. Eventually we'll want to go full on and see which of us is better.
Looking over to Wally, who is still relaxing in his chair, with Wolf lying next to him. Captain Marvel comes from behind him, holding a glass drink with a straw and… a tiny umbrella in it. Seriously?
"Pineapple juice?" Marvel asks of the 'injured' Wally.
Wally accepts the drink and sips from it. "Just what the doctor ordered."
"How's the arm doing, Wally?" Marvel asks him.
"Well, nothing wrong nachos can't cure", Wally suggest to his League servant.
"Nachos? Oh! I'll go get you some", Marvel says as he flies off to get Wally his nachos. Why is Marvel serving Wally like this? He's not completely helpless.
"Good work, everyone", Dinah says to us as we continue our sparring session. "In fact, it's been a very productive week."
"Yeah, for everyone except for Kid Malingerer", Artemis says. Obviously making a jab at Wally.
"Hey, arm broken in combat against the Injustice League here", Wally responds to her jab.
"Come on, man. It's your arm, not your leg. Then you'd be out of commission for who knows how long", Kyle says to the lazy speedster.
"I've really enjoyed being your den mother this week", Dinah says to us all.
"I will say, it has been nice having you around the Cave more often", I say back to Dinah. Our shared compassion towards one another makes us hug it out.
"Recognized – Zatara 11."
Zatara comes out of the zeta tube. He walks to the tubes side. Swiping open a holo-panel, he types into it.
"Access granted. Zatanna Zatara – A03. Authorization, Zatara 11." Zatanna?
Materializing from the zeta tube, a young girl around our age walks towards us. Black hair that meets her shoulders, with light blue eyes not too different from my own. She looks to be wearing a school uniform. A white button up shirt with a black tied ribbon under the collar. With a black long-sleeve cotton jacket over it, along with a dark blue skirt and black shoes.
"Zatanna, this is the Team. Team, my daughter, Zatanna", Zatara says introductorily.
Looking at all of us, her eyes seem to wander a bit. Scanning over us and the Cave as well. She's probably curious as to where her father has brought her. I wonder if she's a magician too.
M'gann floats towards Zatanna, being as warm and welcome as she always is. "Hi, I'm—"
"Robin!" The Boy Wonder says, jumping in front of her. His voice seems to have cracked for a moment there. "I mean, I'm Robin. She's Megan, and that's Wally, Artemis, Kyle, Sara, Kaldur and Conner." What is happening?
"Welcome to the Cave", Kaldur says.
"Uh, thanks", Zatanna says nervously.
"So, you-you, are you joining the Team?" Robin asks our new friend.
"Yeah, let's not get ahead of ourselves", Zatara says in a protective manner. "This is strictly a visit. Though I am sorry we missed the training. It's something from which Zatanna could benefit."
Do the rest of you get the impression we're still on probation with Zatara? M'gann telepathically says, linking our minds together.
Not just Zatara. I mean, why is Marvel still hangin' around? Conner asks as well.
Because we like having him around, Wally says.
You like having him around 'cause he waits on you hand and foot, Artemis says to lazy speedster.
And your point is?
It almost makes one nostalgic for Red Tornado's tenure as our supervisor, Kaldur says.
Yeah, at least he trusted us, Robin retorts.
Black Canary trusts us. Of that, I have no doubt, I say.
If you ignore the fact, we shouldn't have trust him. He was a traitor. That machine nearly got M—all of us killed, Conner says back.
None of us could have known Tornado would betray us. He showed no sign of turn coating us and the League, Kyle reasons.
"Are you guys having a psychic conversation?" Zatanna's question brings our attention to her. And Dinah and Zatara's attention towards us. "'Cause I can't decide if that's cool or really rude." How could she know…
"Alright, fine. We were talking about Tornado", Conner says, directing the topic to the Leaguers present. "It's been weeks since his attack and the League hasn't told us anything."
"The League is searching for Tornado, as well as the other androids that invaded the Cave and their creator, T.O. Morrow. Batman's made tracking them down our highest priority", Dinah says. Reassuring us all.
"But you've found none of the above", Robin confidently says.
"Not yet, but Tornado is Justice League. The Team is not to pursue this."
"Why don't you all take Zatanna on a tour of the Cave?" Zatara suggests to us, ending our conversation.
Robin and I look to where Zatanna is. Or where she was. We turn back and see her laying down with Wolf. Already making herself comfortable.
"You're giving a tour? Cool", Marvel says, returning to the mission room. Carrying a plate of Wally's nachos, as requested.
"Actually, I was hoping you'd take Wolf outside", Conner asks Marvel. "He needs the exercise. We'll join you in a few."
"Sure, sure. I can do that. Come on, Wolf." Marvel and Wolf both run for the backward of the mountain. With Marvel still carrying Wally's nachos. Wolf deserves a tasty treat.
"What about my nachos?" Wally sadly asks as Conner grabs him by the shirt. He drags him as the rest of us, Zatanna included, begin our 'tour'.
Trekking through the Cave, the nine of us enter the kitchen. Robin and I look to our right and see Zatanna still with us. Though somehow, she's changed clothes. She's now wearing tan pants and a purple sleeveless top. And I thought Kyle changed outfits fast.
"When did you… How did you…" Robin stammers as he tries to speak to his new crush. I thought I'd seen everything with this Team. But Robin flustered by a girl? Pinch me, I must be dreaming.
"We're not really taking a tour, are we?" Zatanna asks us.
"No", Conner answers. "We're hunting down that robot."
"Yes, we are." Kaldur agrees with Conner.
"Oh, wow. Out loud and everything", Zatanna says.
"Well, since you can somehow sense when we psychic speak, might as well", I say to her.
"What about new girl?" Artemis asks.
"I'm sure she won't tell", Robin answers.
"I can't tell. Not if you kidnap me." Oh, wow. Very brazen of her.
"Oh, she's gonna fit in great", Artemis says. Seems like she is. Welcome aboard, Zatanna.
Taking no more than five minutes, the nine of us board the Bioship for takeoff. I decide to fly coach with everyone. Knowing us, I'm going to want to save every bit of power for my ring.
I will say, it's a tad bit crowded in here. Then again, I'm used to soaring through the clouds. But I don't mind really. I get to spend more time with the Team. Jab and joke with them even. Normally at Wally's expense.
A small noise emits from the ship. Right away follows Canary's voice from the Cave. What do we say to them? 'Hi, we decided to go rogue and hunt down Red Tornado. And Zatanna wanted to tag along too.'
"M'gann, the Bioship wasn't authorized for departure", Canary says over the ship's commlink.
"We're kidnapping Zatanna (Seriously?), to show her Happy Harbor", M'gann says to our training instructor.
"Dinah, we won't be too far from the Cave. Zatanna will be safe with us. I promise", Sara says to her sister.
"Alright then, I'm holding you to that Sara. Have fun", she says signing off.
I turn to my left. Sara, confident in keeping her promise, looks to Zatanna. Zatanna smiles back to her, believing in Sara that we can keep her safe. Confident and reassuring our new friend. One of the many things I adore about Sara.
Sara turns to me next, giving me the same smile. With a flirty wink as well. I think she might be the bigger flirt between us.
This last week with Sara has been great. When not at home or on missions, we've been spending most of our time together. I was worried when we first started. But it feels like everything's falling into place. We're very comfortable with each other. We don't feel rushed or any pressure at all. It feels… Really good. To have someone be there with you for when you need each other.
We haven't felt any pressure from anyone else either. The rest of the Team knows, but they won't say anything out of respect. We know they're happy for us though. M'gann just smiles whenever she sees the two of us.
Hal and Dinah are keeping a respectful distance about our relationship as well. They're both okay with us dating. But like any mentor/older sibling, they're concerned about us. Which is nothing new. But I do feel if I ever hurt Sara – which will never happen – I should be afraid of Dinah Canary Crying at me until I go deaf. That or Sara making sure I never have kids. The Lance women. Strong, fierce and never to be crossed.
"Where are we going? Batman is the world's greatest detective and he searched for Tornado and Morrow in every logical location. If we're gonna do better, we need an illogical solution. A truly dumb idea", Robin says.
Following Robin's lead, all of us (Zatanna included), look to our 'dumb idea' inspiration. The dumbfounded speedster has a look of bewilderment and reluctance. If any one of us could think of a dumb idea, it would be the Wall-Man.
"As a matter of fact…"
Belle Reve
October 10, 18:29 CDT
"This really is a dumb idea", Kyle says.
"A dumb idea that just might work", I say to him. "Where's that Rayner optimism you're always spouting off?"
"It's still in here. I just don't see how this will actually work."
"There's only one way to find out", I say as we knock on Belle Reve's front door.
Author's Note: Hello everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying the newest chapter and that you all are safe and with loved ones.
I wanted to give everyone a heads up for the next chapter. It'll pick up where this ends with Sara Lance as the POV at Belle Reve. I've been told that some readers can be a bit confused about who's POV you're reading at some points in the story. I feel like if you pay close enough attention, it won't be too difficult to tell who we're reading at the moment. Also, it adds a factor of mystery I feel, which will definitely play out more so continuing here and after.
Like always, if any of you have any comments, suggestions or feedback for the story, feel free to PM me or leave a review on the story itself. And share with any friends or readers/writers you think will like this as much as you. Enjoy the show & story, and fight the Light!