Mount Justice || December 24 09:00 EDT||
"Aaliyah, please!"
"No, Arthur!"
"It's only us, I promi-"
"No, and that's the final decision!"
"Recognize Kitsune b07"
The brunette groans and ruffling his head. "Is there any spell to change her personality!?" He exclaimed and slumps down the couch. "Man, she's harder while Ruby and Zara are the easy ones to taking care of."
"What was that about, Arthie?" Wally asked him curiously since he could hear they're arguing loud and clear.
"Well..." Arthur laughs nervously. "Aaliyah's birthday is tomorrow and she didn't want to celebrate her 15th birthday."
"What!?" He screamed in surprise and dropping his food. "Why you didn't tell us!" The red-haired boy still couldn't believe their cold-hearted Ice Queen Aaliyah is turning 15 tomorrow.
"Excuse me for being busy and trying my best to melt her frozen heart." Arthur explained sarcastically and rolling his eyes. "Especially convincing her to celebrate." Who knew having a foster cold-hearted sister could be so tough? He can handle Ruby and Zara easily but never on Aaliyah.
"Convincing who, may I ask, Arthur?" The boys turned around to see Atlantean is joining them. "Where are the others?"
"They came back from the mission late from Batman." Arthur explained. "The others would join us around noon or afternoon, I believe."
"Arthur is trying to convince Aaliyah to celebrate her birthday but she immediately rejects it." Wally answered Kaldur's question. "Why is she so against it?"
Arthur exhales softly and stared at them. "As much as I would love to explain, my trust is going to ruin if I tell you guys." He frowned softly and stares at the ceiling. "It took us a while to gain Aaliyah's trust whereas Ruby and Zara accept us."
"I swear that girl is bipolar." The red-head couldn't help but scoffs loudly. "How did the girls tolerate her?"
"Don't know." He shrugged his shoulders and pursed his lips. "I wanted to ask Ruby but it would be too much to ask for her to convince Aaliyah."
"If you want, I can ask Aaliyah." Kaldur suggested and Arthur gives him a pointed look.
"The last thing we need you to try to speak with her is going to blast you off across the ocean." Arthur pointed out bluntly. "Seriously, what's going on between you two? She's more broody than before."
Kaldur frowned sadly and didn't expect her behavior is colder than before. "I finally confess how I feel for Aaliyah."
"Finally!" Wally cheered happily but froze to see his friend's sadden expression. "Why am I sensing but in here..."
"I'm confused with my feelings because I used to fancy Tula." Kaldur explained and exhales softly. "Ever since Aaliyah joined us, my feelings for Tula is starting to fade and liking her more than a friend."
"You wanted to be with her because Tula rejected you and Aaliyah's the rebound." Arthur explained and Kaldur remained silent. Kaldur explained everything from the brunette of his rejection and how Tula is going out with Garth. "I'm not the love expert here, we can ask Black Canary's help to sort out this problem." He suggested.
"Or Robin and Conner?" Wally suggested and Arthur gives him a deadpanned expression. "What? They're in a relationship in our group!"
"Do they have Aaliyah's cold-hearted personality?" Arthur asked bluntly and Wally froze. "Thought so."
"Perhaps I must seek Black Canary." Kaldur agreed to Arthur's suggestion to meet Black Canary. "She can help me to understand Aaliyah completely."
"I must see Aaliyah and convince her again." Arthur stands up. "It's a big day for her tomorrow and can't waste any more time."
"Where's Zara?" Wally asked the brunette curiously. "Is the kitty having a nap?"
"You should watch your mouth, Wally." Arthur laughs nervously. "As a matter of fact, Zara is spending time with Doctor Fate." He answered and salutes them. "See ya!"
Tokyo, Japan || December 24, 12:00 EDT ||
"Gem, my lovely girl?"
Poke!
Poke!
"Please, wake up. I need to see your beautiful shining emerald eyes."
Ruby groaned and pulling the duvet up to cover her face. "Sleepy... 10 more minutes."
"Well, you leave me no choice..." The person sighs heavily pulls the duvet down.
Chu!
"Wah!" Startling by the sudden kiss and falls off the bed. Her visions are blurry and couldn't figure out who kissed her. Ruby immediately knows the sounds of cackling their head off. "Dick!" She throws a pillow at him despite her lack of sights.
Dick dodges it and placed the glasses on Ruby's face. "Afternoon, sleeping beauty. We can't waste any more time." She squeals in surprise by being carried by her boyfriend. "We have work to do!"
"I don't even remember anything about work!" Ruby wailed and all she ever wanted is to sleep all day. Day off from teasing and Aaliyah's complicated love life.
"Arthur wanted us to prepare Aaliyah's birthday whether she likes it or not." Dick explained and she froze. "Uh... gem? You're getting stiff all the sudden."
"Is it a really good idea to celebrate behind her back?" Ruby asks with a worried look on her face. She clearly remembers the day Aaliyah declared not to celebrate her birthday but only Christmas.
"What's wrong?" Dick placed her down gently and Ruby is still wrapping the duvet all over her body. "I heard the part of Aaliyah hating her birthday but it's also Christmas Day."
Ruby winced and hugging her duvet. "There's something I need to tell you as well and I'm not surprised if you check our background behind our backs." She explained softly. "Besides... it's also fair for me to say about myself."
Dick finally revealed his family used to be part of the Haly Circus until one uneventful day, his parents died by someone. He was adopted by Bruce Wayne, one of the billionaires of Gotham City and found out he's Batman. Ruby was shocked and couldn't believe Bruce is Batman because he has a reputation for being a womanizer whereas the Dark Knight is always serious and uptight. The boy wonder asked Bruce's permission if he could reveal his identity towards Ruby and no one else. Of course, Bruce is against the idea of revealing it and Dick fought to defend his girlfriend because she's the woman of her words. Ruby would never break any promises and intended to fulfill it whether it is easy or hard. Bruce finally caved in and allowing his adopted son to reveal his story but only to Ruby.
"You don't have to Ruby." Dick spoke up softly and caressing her soft cheeks. "I'm willing to wait-"
"At the same time, it bugs you off." She smiles softly and thankful he's willing to wait until his girlfriend tells her past. "You know most of them and going to explained it." Ruby is sighing softly. "Aaliyah, Zara and I are not in this world."
Dick observes her soft emerald eyes to see if she's lying but only telling the truth. "You're not pulling my leg are you?"
"No." Ruby shook her head. "We have different dimensions and we're from Earthland. People can use magics and joining the guild. Didn't you ever thought about how our magic is different from here?"
"If you girls came from Earthland-" He paused and makes sense why she's being clueless in this world. One time he caught her doing magic in public which she wasn't supposed to do it or anyone could see it. The other thing about their magic is different because they have a specific type of magic whereas their sorcerers or witches can do anything. "How did you guys came up here?"
"We were supposed to finish the exam after the first phase at the Tenroujima." Ruby explained softly. "I was one of the candidates with my partner, Zara, passed through phase 1 after Aaliyah declared I can get through."
"You manage to defeat her!?" His jaw dropped and she immediately shook her head.
"No! It's impossible!" Ruby denied quickly while waving her hands. She's completely out of Aaliyah's league against her magic."I manage to punch her after realizing what's the real purpose of having the partner once we get nominated to become an S-Class Wizard."
"To think our Ice Queen has a heart." He chuckled.
"She's a different person from what Aaliyah is now." Ruby smiles softly. "During Phase 2, we get ambushed by a dark guild called Grimoire Heart. They wanted to kill Master Makarov and found out Zereff is on that island." She frowned and hugging the duvet closer. "I haven't met him personally but rumors say he's the evilest dark wizard and creates dark demons by using an artifact to activate them."
"What about the others?" Dick couldn't help but asked her curiously.
"No." She shook her head. "It's not only we get ambushed but also one of the Magic Council infiltrate us. Aaliyah immediately knows someone infiltrated because this guy tampered our memories that he's part of the guild." Her whole body is starting to shiver in fear and Robin noticed it.
"There's more than that, isn't it?" He asked her softly.
"Yeah..." She sniffs and wiping her tears. "Most of us are heavily injured from the battle other than that, we're okay... but- there's this black dragon, Acnologia, one of the black dragon King and apocalypse."
"Ruby..."
"Our magic is very low and the last resort I remember is- holding each other's hand and vowed ourselves... we're going home together to Fairy Tail." Ruby whimpered and Dick didn't hesitate to hug the girl.
"Shh... you and the girls are safe now." He whispered and stroking her head. "Let it out, it must've been hard to hold back your feelings." Dick understands her intentions to become strong for them because it's for Zara's sake. Zara is very young despite her attitude change to an adult mode. The strawberry-blonde hair girl didn't deserve to see it.
"I miss them so much, Dick. My family." Ruby cried out more and all Dick did is comforting her.
It pains him to see her cry and he just wishes to take it away just to see her smile.
Aaliyah is staring at the ocean with a sad look on her face. "Winter child huh?" She muttered under her breath and hugging her knees tightly. "I hate my birthday."
"Aaliyah?" Someone called her timidly and turning around to see Ruby is smiling nervously at her. "May I join you?" She asked her nervously.
"Sure." She shrugged her shoulders and noticed the scarlet-haired girl is shivering from the cold. "Aren't you warmth enough?"
"I put 3 or 4 layers and I'm still cold." Ruby is shivering and didn't want to ask one of her spirits to warm her up.
Aaliyah sighs softly and removing her winter coat. "You're going to catch a cold." She puts it around Ruby's shoulder.
"Aha... thank you." Ruby smiles and hugging the coat close to her. "Aren't you going to get cold, Aaliyah?"
"I'm immune to it especially my main element is water, it could be either cold or hot... I don't feel anything cold at all." Aaliyah answered and both girls didn't notice a certain Atlantean is watching them.
"I see... ne, Aaliyah, why do you despise your birthday?" Ruby asked her curiously. "Not just only that but also you're becoming colder towards them than before."
Aaliyah remained silent and hugging her arms. "Do you know why people called me a winter child?"
"No, why?"
"When I was born, I was the one who causes snow storm nonstop from our small village." Aaliyah answered and staring at the ocean. "People called me a monster, spawn of Satan and snow demon."
"Eh? How come?" Ruby tilted her head nervously. "Your magic are water and lightning. How can your former baby is able to summon snow like that?"
"Our village doesn't celebrate Christmas Day." Aaliyah answered. "There's a myth when a child is born on that day, he or she is going to bring themselves in danger to everyone. A never-ending winter."
"People are actually believing that myth?" She gap in surprise. "Aaliyah, I've never seen you using snow or ice magic unless it's Gray."
"I don't actually and ever since I was born, no one would play with me unless it's my older brother, Jellal or my mom." Her expression turned into darkening. "Until one unfaithful day, we got separated from Je-nii (brother) and I never see him again."
"But you see him at the Tower of Heaven, Aaliyah." Ruby pointed out. "Except he was brainwash and nearly forced you to marriage." She happened to involve at the Tower of Heaven because one of Jellal's minions captured her to be the bait and lure Erza.
Aaliyah shivered in fear and recalled to see his psycho face. "I almost lost died if it wasn't for Natsu-san and Erza-san save my life."
"Why did Jella wanted to be his wife and sacrificed after the wedding?" Ruby asked her curiously. "I found it weird when your soon-to-be-husband is your biological brother."
"To be honest, I don't even know why." Aaliyah answered and sighs softly. "From what I heard Zeref wanted me for something."
"I don't even know if Zeref exists, I mean- is he actually at Tenroujima back then?" She asked her curiously.
"I don't even know how he looks like, Ru-chan." She retorted back. "Anyway, we're off the topic here. What brings you here?" Aaliyah changes the subject.
"I wanted to know why you didn't like to celebrate your birthday, Aaliyah." Ruby answered truthfully and Aaliyah's expression turned into blank. "From what I heard from Erza, you rarely spend it once you finish S-Class quest or Master is blackmailing you to come home and celebrate your day."
"I hate-"
"I know it has something to do your people hurting you and took your eyes." Ruby cuts her off gently. "You scared me, Aaliyah. You've been doing it again, shutting us out. All of us are worried about you. Does it has something to do with your mom's death, Aaliyah?"
Aaliyah flinched and sighs heavily. "You're too smart for your own good, Ru-chan. Yeah, if I wasn't born, do you think my mum and Je-nii (brother) would have a good life?" She asked the scarlet-haired girl.
"It would be strange without Aaliyah." Ruby answered truthfully. "I wouldn't come this far if it wasn't for your encouragement to see my sister again and joining the guild. You need to let go of the guilt, Aaliyah. It's not healthy for you."
"Whenever I'm close to someone, they died and abandoned me, Ru-chan." Aaliyah sighs heavily. "I always ended up getting hurt. It's also better to distance myself-"
"Aaliyah!" Ruby exclaimed with a disbelief look on her face. "Don't ever say that! You have us! You have me... you're not a winter demon child but our Aaliyah. If you're actually a winter child because of the stupid myths, you wouldn't care and enjoy us suffer."
"Ru-chan..." Aaliyah muttered her name. She's always seen Ruby's nervous and timid personality but never seen her bold to raise her voice at the blonde girl.
"Aaliyah." Her eyes become soften to see Aaliyah's is on the verge of breaking down. "You're not a cursed child. What they did is unforgivable on how they mistreated your family. Your mom sacrificed yourself to set you free from those people."
"Ru-chan..." She sniffs and hugging the girl. "I'm scared and so tired of this."
"Let it all out, Aaliyah." Ruby comforted the blonde girl and glancing up to see Kaldur heard everything about her pasts. She smiles softly and nodded her head silently.
Kaldur smiles and appreciates Ruby's effort. He walked away and helped Arthur out to prepare a surprise unforgettable birthday for Aaliyah. The Atlantean vowed he would do everything to make Aaliyah smile once again.
Mount Justice || December 25, 12:00 EDT ||
Ruby and M'gann smiled as they give each other a high-five for a successful job. Arthur assigned them to prepare food and cake for Aaliyah's birthday whereas he's stalling the blonde girl. The scarlet-haired girl didn't mention to anyone why Aaliyah loathes her birthday because it's not her secret to share. Her boyfriend, on the other hand, found out since he overheard their conversation too because he's worried about her getting sick by staying out cold. It's only him, Arthur and Kaldur know behind Aaliyah's hated for her birthday. They are not going to be surprised whether Zara knows Aaliyah's past or not because she could read Aaliyah like an open book.
"Do you think Aaliyah would like the surprise party, Ru?" M'gann asked her curiously with a nervous look on her face. Everyone are afraid to see Aaliyah's wrath because they saw it during the Injustice incident. It's not Aaliyah's fault for wearing the helmet on purpose due to the tripping and nearly becomes Nabu's host. "I'm surprised Kaldur insisted to pursue this unforgettable birthday for her."
"Care to tell us why? My lovely maiden?" Robin asked his girlfriend and kissed her cheeks which she blushes by the sudden gesture.
"Um... Kaldur wanted to break her cold attitude?" Ruby lied weakly and Robin simply smirks how terrible she is for this kind of situation. "I mean, for the past few weeks, Aaliyah is distancing herself and closing her emotions again."
"Oh, yeah, true." M'gann completely agrees with her. "I hope this birthday would cheer her up." She smiles and bringing some of the food in the living room.
Ruby sighs in relief and Robin chuckles silently. "Mou, I hate you sometimes, Robin."
"Nah, you love me, my precious gem." He kissed her quickly on the lips before grabbing the food and leave quickly.
"Wha- Robin!" Ruby yelled and blushed furiously. "That boy is going to be the death of me." She sighs heavily but smiled.
All the foods are set as they wait for Arthur and Aaliyah to come in. Ruby couldn't help but feel nervous and Robin holds her hand gently.
"Do you think Arthur is going to bring Aaliyah?" Wally asked the scarlet-haired girl curiously.
"Knowing Arthur, he might rope Aaliyah and dragged her." Ruby laughs nervously and Wally gulps but nodded his head. "Arthur will do anything to drag Aaliyah here because she deserves to celebrate her birthday."
"She must have a reason why Aaliyah didn't want to celebrate her birthday." Robin pointed out and didn't want to reveal the whole truth of Aaliyah's birthday.
Zara hums and her phone vibrates to see Arthur's message. She squeals happily and catching their attention. "Everyone! Arthur finally convinces Aaliyah and they're coming in the zeta tube now! Hide!" Everyone are hiding and turning off the lights.
"Recognize Kitsube b07"
"Recognize Saber b10"
"No point in hiding cause I know you guys wanted to me to have a surprise." Most people groaned and turning the lights on to see Aaliyah's deadpanned expression and Arthur's sheepish look.
"I can't believe you tell her, Arthur!" Artemis accused the brunette with a scowling look on her face.
"I didn't tell her I swear!" Arthur defended himself and sweats a lot from the girl's glare excluding Ruby. "I didn't give her a clue or any-"
"Ahaha... I forgot to mention Aaliyah has a strong sense of smell." Ruby spoke up timidly and twiddling her thumbs nervously. "She smells our food and cake. The surprise gave it away."
"Surprise?" Zara squeaks and Aaliyah sighs heavily.
"No more surprise birthday from me cause I know a few certain people are quite persistent to celebrate my 15th birthday."
"15!? You're actually tall for your age, Aaliyah!" Zatanna exclaimed with a disbelief look on her face. "What is your height?"
"5'6." Aaliyah answered and shrugging her shoulders.
"Anyway!" Arthur clears his throat and smiles at the blonde girl. "Why don't we sing Happy Birthday to our dearest, Aaliyah?" He changes the subject before anyone could question Aaliyah about her secret for being a tall girl.
Everyone are celebrating Aaliyah's birthday much of her displeased but letting them do it. Despite her hatred against birthday, everyone wanted her to make this unforgettable day. The blonde girl softly smiles to see Robin is teasing Ruby while she's blushing and slapping his arm lightly. Aaliyah never expects Ruby to find someone she cares for him. It makes her wonder if she could find the right guy.
"Aaliyah?" The blonde girl hums and turning around to see Kaldur. "Can we talk? Privately."
Aaliyah looks down on the floor at the moment before nodding her head. She might as well hear what Kaldur has to say before stopping these feelings for good. The blonde girl followed Kaldur as none of them notice Ruby is watching them.
"Gem?" Ruby blinks her eyes and see a piece of cake is close to her mouth. "Say ahh!"
Ruby blushed more and Zara decided to grab Robin's hand then eat the cake. "Yum!" The half-Exceed munches the cake happily.
"It was meant for Ruby, Zara!" Robin whined and Zara rolls her eyes.
"Haven't you done enough teasing the poor girl, Robin?" Zara asked the boy wonder with a look on his face.
"I guess I blush her more than enough for a day." Robin smirks before kissing Ruby on the cheek. "After all, she's my girlfriend."
"Let us have Ruby, Robin." Ruby yelps and being snatch in the arms of Artemis. "You two are lovers but it didn't give you the right to have her all to yourself."
Ruby laughs nervously as they begin to bicker whereas M'gann and Zatanna are laughing at her misfortune. The scarlet-haired girl wishes Conner is going to take her away from their argument.
~Meanwhile~
Kaldur takes Aaliyah to the beach since both of them are immune to the cold. It's hard for Aaliyah to tell what the Atlantean is thinking right now. She crosses her arms and stares at the snowflakes are falling down from the sky.
"Aaliyah." Kaldur called out her name softly while gazing at her cerulean eyes. "I know that between you and I- we've been drifted apart. Especially I confess my feelings for you."
Aaliyah didn't flinch but she looks away from his grey eyes. "Most of them can tell about our tension between us, Kaldur." She spoke softly and exhales softly. "I lost the count of how I get hurt by someone I care."
His web-hands hold her soft warm hands. "I may not know you very well Aaliyah. I never meant to hurt you or thinking you're my rebound after Tula rejects me."
"Who am I to you? Kaldur." She asks softly and staring at him softly.
"You're my light." Kaldur answered softly and Aaliyah's eyes widened in surprise. "I nearly succumbed by the darkness and leaving the Team if it wasn't for you."
"Me?"
"Behind your coldness, you express your feelings and emotions for us. You've always been a selfless girl that I always admire." He caresses her soft cheek. "I fell for you because of your caring and kindness. You're not a monster or a cursed child."
"You heard our conversation with Ru-chan..." Aaliyah whispered and noticing Kaldur is putting his forehead against her.
"Yes. You're our Aaliyah Dreyar, my Aaliyah Dreyar. A selfless girl and a golden heart."
It broke down Aaliyah and silently cried by his confession. Kaldur comforted the blonde girl to release all her pain and sorrow she carried.