A\N: I am a horrible, horrible kitty cat. I am so sorry I haven't been updating this. College is up, studies keep me busy, new fandoms are catching my attention and I've started losing inspiration for this story and all. Anyway! This version of Life's story is gonna be a little more upsetting. More drama and more problems. Basically, it's a little sad.

Sorry to tell you all, but I'm not going to do the 'question of the chapter' anymore.

DISCLAIMER: Do I look like I own Young Justice? *sighs* I don't own it.

|THE WATCHTOWER

|JANUARY 3, 16:59 EST

"Recognized: Death B10."

The zeta tubes announcing her arrival, Death stepped into the watchtower, her pace fast as she kept on pondering about the strange alien they had fought a few hours ago. "Okay, Life." The young woman mumbled to herself, making calculations in her head.

"I've gotta do the briefing, then there's a training session with the kids and then I've gotta go home and make sure mom took her medicines on time." She recited before sighing, her steely gaze flicking up and landing on two figures standing between the enormous room.

Her jaw clenched ever so slightly and she shook her head, shaking off the negative feelings as she quickened her pace even more. "Nightwing!" She called out, the former boy wonder turning from Batman to look at her.

The dark magician kept on going, "Did you check the security footag—"

Her sentence was cut short, two hands suddenly landing her on either sides of her waist and then lifting her up in the air. A surprised gasp left her lips as she was spun around before being placed back on the floor with a chuckle.

Silver eyes met emerald ones and she blinked, taking in the presence of the person infront of her. "Zach?" Death echoed, surprised. "When did you get here?!"

Zachary raised an eyebrow, propping his hands onto his hips. "What a great question to greet someone." He snorted, his tone sarcastic as he dramatically placed a hand on his chest. "And here I was," He feigned hurt, "Expecting a welcome hug."

A smirk lifting the corners of her lips, Death rolled her grey orbs, spreading her arms wide and embracing the taller magician into a bear hug. "It's good to have you back, Zachary." She squeezed his upper torso, the homo-magi laughing as he wrapped his arms around her petite figure. "It's good to be back." He chuckled, snuggling closer to her.

Releasing a small laugh, Death pulled back, smiling up at him. "So how was Egypt?" She inquired, remembering his mission there.

Fixing his black top hat, Zachary smiled back. "It was good. Egyptians know good magic when when they see it." He winked, Death smiling broadly as she parted her lips to question more but he interrupted her, an amused look on his face. "So you and Nightwing still on ice?"

And her mouth instantly went bitter. "Uh... yeah," She frowned, crossing her arms over her chest as she looked sideways.

"Oh. So have you seen someone latel—"

"Zachary, please." Death interrupted him, her tone snappy as she sent him a frosty glare. "I'm not in the mood to talk about this."

Zachary gave her a sympathetic smile, "Sorry." He apologized, a small smile playing on his lips when the raven rolled her eyes, giving out a sigh. With the clearing of his throat, the homo magi decided to change the topic. "I've wanted to talk to you about something actually, Life."

"If this is about me joining you in you're magic shows then I'm not interested." Death responded bluntly, Zachary frowning in response.

"Aw, come on!" He folded his arms over his chest, but then his eyes gave a slight pleading look. "Just give it a try."

Pinching the bridge of her nose, Death gave out a small sigh. "There is no way I'm performing magic infront some rich nut jobs." She stated, raising a brow when he rolled his eyes and snapped his fingers, a navy blue card appearing in his hand.

The homo-magi held it towards her, smirking as she took it. "If you ever change your mind, gim'me a call."

Her steely gaze swept over the card and she couldn't help but give him a look. "But I already have your number."

"Yeah, but it's really cool to hand out cards, y'know?"

Rolling her eyes, Death smiled, taking a few steps forward. "I'll think about it, Zach." She told him, Zachary smiling back as the two strolled over to where the others stood. "Take all the time you need." He said smoothly, attention focusing on the zeta tubes as it announced the arrival of the two new Justice League members.

The corners of his mouth curling upwards into smirk, he called out to them. "Zee, Rocket! How're you guys?"

Zatanna smiled at him, her blue eyes brightening on seeing her cousin as Rocket scowled slightly, not quite pleased to see him.

Sparing them a glance, Death placed a hand on her hip. "Did you see the security footage?" She inquired, and Nightwing nodded, tearing his heated glare from Zachary to look at her. "We did and we've recognized the aliens."

"Really?" She arched a brow, "Who are they then?"

The former boy wonder jabbed a thumb in the direction of John Stewart, the man standing near the holographic computer. He turned to them, clearing his throat a little as he began explaining.

"The big guy's Lobo," He said, pointing towards the huge white skinned alien. "He's an intergalactic bounty hunter. Extremely dangerous but not likely to return." Then he brought their attention to the small alien. "The little guys another story. That's a Krolotean, and Krolotean always travel in packs."

"Meaning more of them are on Earth." Batman added, Death's brows furrowing as Martian Manhunter gestured towards a blonde man in the room, worry clear on his face.

"I believe my friend may have information on that point."

The blonde offered them all an awkward smile, the green skinned man continuing. "Some of you have not met Adam Strange of S.T.A.R Labs. He is the scientist responsible for maintaining all of the Zeta Beam technology we use for teleportation."

Death looked over at Superboy, the clone's thoughts echoing in her mind. "Was wondering why a stranger was on the top secret Watchtower."

"Uh, it's a little involved," Adam looked nervous as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Wish I had visual aids or something."

"I can assist you," Martian Manhunter offered, his eyes glowing a ruby red and a sudden pressure developed on everyone's heads. The Martian looked at the blonde, his thoughts open to him. "We are all linked, Adam. What you remeber, we shall see."

"Uhh... Great." Adam frowned, slowly collecting his thoughts. "Well, I was performing a routine Zeta Tube upgrade, when something went wrong and I found myself teleported half way across the galaxy to a plant called Ran. There was a scientist there; named Sardath. He was conducting his own experiments in enhanced, very enhanced, Zeta Beam technology."

"It took weeks to establish even basic combinations, but Sardath made me understand, some of his Zeta tech had been stolen."

The link disappeared as Martian Manhunter began, "Fits the Krolotean MO," He deducted, "Their entire culture revolves around stolen tech."

"Sardath detected transmissions between a single location on Rann, and multiple locations on Earth," Adam said, "He was attempting to trace those when he accidently transported me to Rann. He gave me this..." He drew out a small device. "It detects trace Zeta radiation and can pin-point all the locations where Krolotean have beamed to Earth."

"Then I'm ordering a two pronged attack," Captain Atom informed, "We'll stage simultaneous raids on every Krolotean target on Earth while a group of Leaguers travels to Rann with Strange here, to cut the Kroloteans off at the source."

Adam cleared his throat, looking sheepish. "We might have a problem with that..."

And Death's eyes widened as he pulled out a screen, multiple images of the Justice League flashing over it.

"Totally unclear on the why, but Earthlings are persona non grada in Ranns corner of the galaxy. And these six Leaguers, are wanted criminals,"

"Batman, it's the missing sixteen hours!" Nightwing looked over at his ex-mentor, Batman giving a firm nod. "Agreed. Five years ago, Vandal Savage took complete mental control over the entire Justice League. These exact six Leaguers went missing for sixteen hours."

"Never even occurred to us that Savage could've sent us into space," Martian Manhunter eyed the images, "I'll alert Hal. He and Guy are on Oo at the Core." The emerald skinned man turned his attention to them all, "Meanwhile, we have fifteen other active Leaguers to send to Rann to investigate."

Adam shook his head, "You're not getting it," The blonde man frowned. "There's a planetary watch alert out for every Leaguer."

Death raised a brow as Nightwing stepped forward, "Not all of us are Leaguers," He said, raising his arm out as if to make an offer. "We can send a squad to handle the Rann end of things and find out more about those missing sixteen hours without causing an intergalactic incident."

Her knuckles tightening slightly, the dark magician was about to jab her elbow into his ribs when Captain Atom spoke up. "Do it."

She scowled at that, biting her bottom lip before following Miss Martian,Superboy and Nightwing towards the teleportation beams. Familiar people stood in their way then, each smiling a friendly smile.

Rocket cocked her head, dark brown eyes soft. "You know that thing about you not Leaguers..." She offered a tight smile, Zatanna joining in with a welcoming smile of her own. "You four still have an open invitation to join the Justice League."

"Yeah," Zachary agreed, gaze shifting over to Death. "We could always use some awesome people."

Nightwing smiled at them, "We know, guys. But we're all—"

"Pretty happy—" Miss Martian continued, smiling softly.

"Where we are." Superboy completed, the corners of his lips twitching up.

Rolling her gray orbs, Death grinned at them all. "But thanks for the offer." The dark magician waved as they all entered the zeta tubes, a blinding white light enveloping them all.

|MOUNT JUSTICE

|January 3, 18:04 EST

The zeta tubes announced their arrival, its mechanical voice booming throughout the halls of the cave. Miss Martian immediately stalked towards the kitchen, a low growl leaving Superboy's throat as his ears caught the sound of Lagoon Boy's welcoming words. A hand landed softly on his shoulder, his deep blue eyes shifting to his left only to meet light gray ones.

Death tossed him a small smile, but frowned as he shrugged her hand off, marching towards the training room.

With a small sigh, she pursed her lips, a glare coming to her eyes before she increased her pace, falling into step with Nightwing who had been walking infront of her.

The former boy wonder winced as she slapped him upside down the head.

Death completely ignored the glare he sent her way, "We're gonna send the Team to an alien planet? Are you crazy!" She glowered at him, "What if they get hurt?!"

"We're not sending in the younger troops," Nightwing scolwed, rubbing the back of his head. "I'm thinking about sending in Miss M and Superboy."

"Miss M and Supes?" She snorted, "Are you serious?"

Nightwing gave her a look, "Just because they had a break up, doesn't mean they can't work together anymore. I'm pretty sure they'll do fine."

"Like we're doing pretty fine," She mumbled, not noticing his frown.

And Death swallowed, gaze shifting to the tiled floor as Batman's ex-protégé released a heavy sigh, "We'll send in Beast Boy too."

"What?!" She whipped her head at him, eyes wide as marbles. "What if Gar gets hu—"

He cut her off, "Life, please." Nightwing rubbed his temples and she found a pang of pain leaving her chest when he awarded her with an annoyed look. "They're all heroes. They know how to take care of themselves."

Her jaw clenching, she didn't bother to respond, increasing her pace and leaving him behind.

|MOUNT JUSTICE

|January 3, 19:46 EST

"What do you mean you cannot come?!"

"Mrs. Gregory, I'm really sorry bu—"

"I do not care what silly business you have, Cynthia. If you cannot come and take care of my children tonight, then do not bother ever coming to us again!"

"But Mrs. Gregory—"

"Goodnight, Cynthia!"

There was a click, confirming that the British woman had hung up on the other side.

Mystica stared at her phone. A sigh left her lips as she ran a hand through her blonde locks, mumbling something across the lines of "there goes my babysitting job."

An idea seemed to click her and she looked over at Wonder Girl, "Hey, Cassie." She addressed the Amazon, "Do you know a family who needs a babysitter?"

Arms crossed over her chest, Wonder Girl sent her a smirk. "If you think you can handle little girls that are born warriors and have super human abilities, then yeah. I think I know a few families." She grinned as Mystica took a precautionary step away from her.

"I don't think I can babysit Amazons, Cass." She could see herself running after small super powered girls. Shuddering at the thought, Mystica smiled at the fellow blonde. "But thanks anyway."

"Why do you wanna babysit?" Lagoon Boy inquired, joining the conversation. Mystica gave him a look, "I need some extra cash." She thought about asking him about it, but realizing that he lived underwater, she decided not to.

Her gaze shifted over to Robin who was engaged in a conversation with Batgirl, "Hey, Robin. Do you have any younger brothers or sisters I could take care of?" The blonde asked.

It was a stupid question. Even if he had siblings and she babysat them, it was going to risk revealing his identity, something Batman hadn't allowed him or any of his former protégés.

"Sorry, Cynthia. But I don't have any younger brother or sisters." Robin offered an apologetic smile, Batgirl grinning beside him. "You can always babysit Robin here." She smirked, pinching the third boy wonder's cheek. "He's Nightwing's little brother. Plus, I don't think he'll mind having you as a babysitter."

Batgirl cooed teasingly, Robin rolling his eyes beneath his mask before batting her hand away.

Mystica ignored them, then blinked as a hand landed on her shoulder.

"I have a little sister and my parents are looking for a babysitter these days." Blue Beetle gave her a friendly smile.

Glancing at his hand, she shot him a glare, stepping back for his hand to slide off her shoulder. She didn't pay much attention when he arched an eyebrow at her action, "She doesn't have super powers, does she?" The blonde inquired.

Blue Beetle chuckled, "Well, she does has a thing for trying make up a lot."

"I can deal with that," Mystica's green eyes sparkled and she placed a hand on her hip, "So when should I start?"

He sent her a quizzical look, "Uh, sorry, hermana. But my parents are gonna decide tha—"

"I've got some good news for you all," Death announced, interrupting him as she walked into the room, Wolf following suit. She placed her hands on her hips, lifting her chin up. "No training session today."

A smirk quirked the corners of her lips as happy smiles made their way to all their faces on hearing the news.

"What she means to say is that you've all got an important mission today." Nightwing corrected, focusing his attention on all of them. He began pacing infront of them, "It's all hands on deck. The League and the Team will hit all fourteen Krolotean zeta locations simultaneously. Your priorities are to destroy all zeta tubes or platforms and search for any humans the aliens may have abducted. As always, Mal is ops manager, coordinating comm from here," He explained, pausing in his walk, deciding to split them in groups.

Mystica looked over at Lagoon Boy, arching a blonde brow as he prayed to be in alpha squad.

Nightwing's gaze found Wonder Girl. "Wonder Girl and I are alpha."

"Yes!" Wonder Girl fist bumped the air, exchanging a grin with Mystica.

"Neptune's beard!" Lagoon Boy cursed, face palming.

Death rolled her eyes as Nightwing kept on going, ignoring Lagoon Boy's mumbling. "Assignment: Philadelphia."

"Okay, okay." Lagoon Boy attempted to console himself, eyes locked on Nightwing. "Give me Beta."

"Batgirl, Bumblebee and Death." Nightwing said, the three heroines looking at him. "You three and Wolf will be beta."

Wolf gave out a bark, snuggling into Death's shoulder. The dark magician smiled, affectionately scratching his ear.

"Assignment: Vladivostok."

Turning to the others on her squad, Death began. "You guys go ahead." She patted Wolf's head, gaze flicking from Batgirl to Bumblebee. "I've gotta help Nightwing set the coordinates."

She was answered by nods, Wolf giving a final rub against her shoulder before running after the other females. Death watched as Nightwing neared the young recruits who were left, "Robin, La'gaan, Mystica and Beetle. You're gamma." He told them, Lagoon Boy glaring daggers at him.

Ignoring the atlantean's grumbling, Mystical skidded towards her mentor, the corners of her lips curling into a cocky smirk. "Hey, Death. Can I talk to you about something?"

The elder girl smiled, "Sure, Cynthia. What do you wanna talk about?"

Clasping her hands behind her back, the blonde looked up through her lashes. "I was thinking that it's almost been a year with me in this hero gig, maybe I could lead a squad once?"

Death gave her a questioning look, "You wanna be leader?"

"Well, yeah. That's what I wanted to talk about." The blonde smiled, tugging a strand of hair behind her ear.

But her eyebrows knitted together on seeing Death purse her lips before sending Robin and Nightwing a glance. "Sorry, Cyn. But you've gotta sit this one out. Robin's gonna be leading this one." The dark magician offered an apologetic smile.

And Mystica's mouth went bitter.

"Robin?" She echoed, scowling slightly. "Why? He doesn't even have any powers!"

Leaning down a little, Death placed a hand on her protégés shoulder. "It doesn't matter if you have powers or not," She gave a pressing look, "You don't use your powers often, you know?"

"Yeah, but I have a sword that can break anything!" The younger girl replied harshly, pushing off her hand.

Death fixed her with a stern look, "Being powerful doesn't make you a leader, Cynthia."

A low growl leaving her lips, Mystical stepped back. "Where I've come from, biggest and strongest is the one in command." She glared, Death pinching the bridge of her nose as she sighed.

"Look, Mystica. That criteria isn't everywhere. But I'll talk about it with Nightwi—"

"You know what? Just forget about it." The blonde scowled, sending a frosty glare at the elder girl. "I know you're too scared to talk to you ex."

But before Death could utter a word, the green-eyed girl spun on her heel, teeth grinding together as she stormed towards the hangar.

"Ready to go, Mystica?" Robin asked her, walking beside Blue Beetle.

The two boys were rewarded by a furious growl, both of them staring at her back as she boarded the bioship.

"What's her problem?" Blue Beetle raised a brow, Robin bouncing his shoulders in reply.

|NEW ORLEANS

|21:59 CST

Leaning into the organic chair, Mystica released a heavy sigh as Lagoon Boy went on complaining about how he hated being in gamma squad.

"I knew we got the soft gig." Lagoon Boy growled, Blue Beetle tossing him a smirk. "And yet," He crossed his arms behind his arms, making himself comfortable in his seat. "I'm strangely okay with that."

The blonde rolled her green eyes, her gaze drifting towards Robin who looked quite tensed. She parted her lips, probably to say when they were going to land when Blue Beetle cut her off, "Yes, I am. Yes, I am. Yes, I AM! "

The boy remained oblivious towards the number of quizzical looks being sent his way.

"Is... Is he talking to himself?" Mystica inquired, turning towards Robin who smiled gently. "You'll get used to it." He assured, then spoke through the com-link. "Robin to cave. Where in position."

A blue screen flickered on, Mal looking at them. "Acknowledged, gamma." He answered, "All Team squads and Justice League units are in place and ready; go time."

And the back of the bio-ship opened up, allowing all of them to climb out. Landing on the old cars, Mystica peered over the wreckage around them as Robin fixed his masked eyes on a toolshed, then threw a stern look towards Blue Beetle. The taller boy quickly nodded, forming a canon and opened fire.

The tool shed instantly disintegrated, its pieces clattering down. Mystica snorted, Lagoon Boy hopping down and examined the pieces.

"Congratulations, Blue." Lagoon Boy said sarcastically, "You took out an actual tool shed."

"Well, that was just great. Look how many aliens we've just killed." Mystica commented, landing right beside Robin, throwing him a teasing smirk as she placed a hand on her hip. "I guess aliens don't live in toolsheds, now do they?"

Blue Beetle shot her a glare, Robin brushing off her taunting comment. "Gamma to cave; there's no zeta tube here. No Kroloteans. No hidden entrance." The boy wonder pulled out his holographic computer.

Mal's voice boomed in their ears, "Watchtower sensors still read trace zeta radiations from the site."

"Confirmed," Robin said firmly, shifting his weight to the other foot. "But the radiation signature is coming from..." And as if realization had hit him, his white lenses widened. "Below the water line!"

Mystica shared a confused look with Blue Beetle as Lagoon Boy dived into the water.

A second of silence ticked by when Mystica broke it, "So... We're supposed to get in this cold water?" She inquired dryly, arching a blonde brow as Robin held out a rebreather towards her.

"That's the idea," He answered solemnly, shedding off his cape before placing a rebreather in his mouth.

She glanced at the rebreather held out towards her, then folded her arms over her chest. "I don't think I'd like to get wet."

"Aww, you scared of the water, señorita?" Blue Beetle cooed teasingly, reaching towards the blonde but blinked, staring at her as she slapped his hand away.

An icy glare was shot towards him, "I'm not afraid of anything!" Mystica hissed, snatching the rebreather from Robin.

Adjusting it in her mouth, she gave herself a push, diving into the cold waters of New Orleans. Blue Beetle rubbed his hand, looking slightly shocked. "Jeez... Is she always like that?" He asked, Robin shrugging in reply before diving in as well.

'I believe it would be wise to stay away from that girl, Jaime Reyes.' The scarab's voice rang in the boy's head, Blue Beetle scowling in reply. "Dude, I did not ask for your opinion." He replied with annoyance, following his teammates with a splash.

The teenagers swam ahead, Robin's gaze finding Lagoon Boy who was floating beside a large hatch that kept opening and closing. And Mystica was highly amused as the markings on Lagoon Boy's scaly skin glowed a faint blue, the atlantean suddenly growing into another creature.

Holding the hatch open, Robin signaled everyone to follow him. Mystica found it strange breathing into the rebreather, small bubbles escaping it every now and then as she exhaled. She narrowed her eyes, kicking the water harder as she tried to keep up with Blue Beetle and Robin.

She could remember Death telling her about a spell that made gills appear on one's neck and feet and fingers grew webs like fishes. But she couldn't use the spell. Her powers were too dull; not strong enough to give her access to the spells that her mentor used.

Though, she had enough to cast a small spell and to power out the sword who's sheath lay attached to her back.

The blonde was pulled out of her thoughts, emerald eyes meeting ruby red ones as a scaly hand took her by the elbow. Lagoon Boy's lips pulled themselves into a mischievous grin and the rebreather muffled the growl leaving the girl's throat as her eyes shot him glares as if to say how dared he touched her without her permission.

He seemed to know what she meant but he ignored it, tightening his hold on her elbow as he swimed ahead with great speed, pulling her along with him. "Last one out is a rotten seaweed!" Lagoon Boy grinned as they passed by Robin and Blue Beetle.

The atlantean made sure to release the blonde before they got to the surface, keeping his distance as far from her as he could. Fortunately, Mystica seemed to forget about it, pulling out the rebreather as she took a deep inhale.

Robin mimicked her, quickly taking her rebreather and tucking it into his utility belt. "So how was the swim?" Blue Beetle smiled broadly, him and Lagoon Boy unaffected by the cold water unlike their other teammates.

"Awful," Mystica frowned, twisting her golden locks as water dripped down from them.

Wet raven hair stuck to his pale forehead, Robin peered from behind the enormous rock they were all hiding behind. He pressed a finger to the com-link in his ear, "Gamma to cave," He began quietly, "We've hit the mother load; huge base, alien tech, multiple zeta, platforms and more Kroloteans than I can count."

"Acknowledged," Mal responded gruffly, "I'll send back up. But until then lay low." He advised strictly before the link became silent.

Blue Beetle spoke up, pointing to something behind them. "That may be a problema, ese."A loud beep began ringing, the teenagers craning their necks to see a wide screen that showed them all live.

Mystica winced as the krotoleans began screeching, running around with panicked while some of them started advancing towards them. She quickly climbed to her feet, muscles tensed and her hands balling into fists.

Blue Beetle sent Lagoon Boy an amused look, "Soft gig, huh?" He said sarcastically, shooting up in the air.

Robin's orders hitting her ears, Mystica drew out her sword, charging towards the little aliens. Though she was almost surprised as they didn't get hit by the sword, rather they simply clung to it, increasing its weight.

"The hell?!" The blonde hissed, jerking the sword sideways to throw them off. Kicking at a krotolean, Mystica placed the sword back in its golden sheath. Her emerald eyes narrowed as a swarm of them ran up to her, her hands curling into tight fists. "I can take these freaks down without the sword." She mumbled to herself.

"Mystica, heads up!" Robin's voice hitting her ears, the blonde turned around quickly enough to grab a small stick that the boy wonder had thrown her way.

"What am I supposed to do with this?" Mystica mused, then ducked as a krotolean tried to pounce on her. Her palm landed on a small button and to her surprise, the stick extended into a staff.

Without wasting a second, she slammed it against a krotolean's small form before knocking it into another's forehead. She seemed to use it as a baseball bat, hitting at every alien that attempted to near her.

A sonic blast suddenly landed infront of her, strong enough to send the group of krotoleans flying. Her gaze moved upwards, meeting yellow eyes. Blue Beetle smirked, his arm shifting back to its original self. "It looked like you needed a little help, señorita."

Parting her lips to reply with a snarky remark, Mystica slammed her lips shut, using full force to throw her staff at him. His muscles tensing, Blue Beetle readied himself to fly out of the way when the staff swished past his shoulder, knocking into the face of a krotolean who was trying to take him from behind.

His eyes quickly moved back to the blonde, the girl running forward and taking the staff back. "Now, we're even!" She chirped, shooting him a sly smirk as she skidded beside Robin, lashing her staff out just to hit a krotolean.

"They really don't like you!" Lagoon Boy' shouted out, watching as the krotoleans started to run away from Blue Beetle, screaming something in fear. "I feel jealous!"

Blue Beetle turned his attention towards him, "He said what?!" He yelled out.

"I said I'm jealous!" Lagoon Boy answered, prying away the krotoleans clinging to him. "Don't rub it in!"

"Not you," Blue Beetle scowled, pointing at one of the kroloteans. "That one over there!"

Mystica paused, cocking her head up to give a questioning look, "You can understand what they're saying?" She inquired amusingly, Robin stepping infront of her and slamming his staff against one of the green skinned aliens.

"I don't understand exactly," Blue Beetle responded, perplexed. Then he gestured towards a krotolean, the little creature shouting out what seemed to be orders. "That one over there is ordering the kroloteans to zeta off world. He's setting this base to self destruct in four minutes!"

And in a flash, a large screen popped up in the air, strange symbols changing on it what appeared to be a time bomb.

"Then we're getting out," Robin scowled, hitting a krotolean before looking up at his teammate, "Anything else I should know?"

"No," Blue Beetle landed beside Mystica and Robin, "He said something about sacrificing the play things below."

"Play things?" Mystica raised a blonde brow, Robin slapping his forehead in realization. "The abductees!"

"Three minutes and thirty seconds, ese." Blue Beetle made an explosion gesture. "Then, BOOM!"

His eyebrows knitting together, Robin frowned. "And Nightwing said no unnecessary risks to the squad," He pondered then, released a sigh, "But this is necessary." He gave his teammates a stern look. "Below. We have to get below!"

And soon they spotted a small tunnel that lead below from where they stood. Breaking into a run, Robin ordered Blue Beetle. "Beetle on point," The third boy wonder pointed ahead, "Go!"

"Going!" Blue Beetle yelled back, arms shifting into a plow. He cleared the path, all of them following him as he flew forward. Knocking down a krotolean, Blue Beetle seized its neck on Robin's command. The krotolean growled, struggling to free himself but his attempts were all in vain.

A woman's voice echoed around them all, "Hello? Is someone there?"

In the centre of the tunnel, stood an enormous cage with many people trapped beneath it. They all swiftly sped towards it, the faces of the people lighting up with hope.

"It's Robin!" A voice cried out with glee, "The boy wonder!"

Batman's protégé smiled warmly in reply, Mystica rolling her eyes. "Yeah, let's just talk about the Bat's sidekick. I mean, it isn't like I did anything. I was just here to eat popcorn and enjoy the show." She grumbled to herself, letting out a puff of air from her mouth.

"That's not true, you know."

Mystica blinked, turning her head to her right as Robin fell in step beside her. He offered her a tight smile, "You and everyone else did great on this mission."

Trapping her tongue between her teeth, the blonde found herself flushing with embarrassment. She mentally cursed her big mouth as they approached the cheering people.

"Oh, thank heavens!" One of the captives beamed then all of them began screaming, trembling with fear. "More aliens!"

Apparently, they were scared from Lagoon Boy and Blue Beetle.

"Hey!" Blue Beetle glared, "We're not aliens!" He glanced at the krotolean in his grasp before raising his hands in surrender, "Okay, well he is but I'm not!"

"Get this open!" Robin turned towards Lagoon Boy who nodded before growing into the earlier creature and ripping away the cage's door.

The people inside it instantly fled out, Robin quickly turning towards Blue Beetle, his masked eyes landing on the krotolean in his hold. "Ask him the fastest way out!" He ordered.

"Dude," The armoured boy gave him an incredulous look, "I don't speak the— wait, you can?" Blue Beetle asked himself, Mystica watching in amusement as he looked at the krotolean, "Well what are you waiting for?"

He began talking in the krotolean's language, Lagoon Boy pausing beside Robin and Mystica. "Blue's an… odd little fish, isn't he?" The atlantean commented, Mystica raising a brow at his strange remark.

"Really?" She mused, then fixed him with a mischievous smirk. "What kind of fishes are me and Robin then?"

Lagoon Boy smirked back, "Robin is a wise fish, while you are an eel; shocking everyone who gets near you."

Traces of friendliness suddenly disappeared from Mystica's green eyes, "The hell is that supposed to mean?!" She demanded to know, Robin taking a step between them so she wouldn't pounce on the atlantean.

"This really isn't the time to fight," He advised strictly, Blue Beetle letting out a loud screech at them.

"We don't speak screech, Blue Beetle." Mystica sneered, the said boy shaking his head. "Right, right," He corrected himself. "This way. 'Come on!"

With that, he sped ahead, everyone else following suit before diving into an enormous pool.

A slight beep rang in the atmosphere, just before the bomb went off and suddenly fire was everywhere, explosions ringing everywhere. The explosion sent waves in the water, strong enough to slam into Mystica, the blonde knocking into Blue Beetle who inreturn caught her wrist, pulling her forward with him.

Gasping for air, Mystica pushed her head out of the water. She brushed the wet hair away from her eye as Robin and Blue Beetle appeared out with her, both of them breathing heavily. All of the captives were with them, looking around with bewilderment.

"Where's Lagoon Boy?" Robin questioned suddenly, all of them searching for the atlantean.

And in the blink of an eye, Lagoon Boy came out of the water with a loud splash. "That's right!" He cried gleefully, fist pumping the air. "Gamma squad rules!"

"As much as I hate to admit it," Mystica grinned toothily, releasing what was the first real laugh of her whole day. "We rocked this mission!" She threw her arms up with a giggle, her teammates smiling at her.

The happiness was short lived, all of them growing silent as the Justice League members along with the whole Team appeared in the sky, their eyes sending them questioning looks with scowls.

Mystica's gaze caught her mentor's figure, Death floating high in the air beside the supercycle from where she scowled at them.

She bit her bottom lip, noticing how Robin grimaced, ready to face the scolds when Nightwing crossed his arms, leaning over the supercycle's front board. "Dude!" The first boy wonder laughed, "Way to get your feet wet!"

And a smile stretched Robin's lips, his teammates feeling relaxed.

Rolling her silver eyes, Death smacked Batman's ex-protégés head. She didn't pay any attention to his glare, "Don't encourage them." The dark magician scowled, then turned towards the younger teens.

"Now," She narrowed her eyes at Robin, Blue Beetle and Mystica. "What do you all have to say for yourselves?"

Robin parted his lips to apologize, ready to take all the blame for himself when Mystica piped up, a smirk firmly plastered onto her lips.

"Feeli'n the aster?" She suggested, grinning as Nightwing tossed her a proud smile.

"No," Death snorted, despite the smile managing its way to her hidden lips. "This basically means you all get extra training tomorrow."

She was rewarded by different cries of protest.

|GOTHAM CITY

|22: 08 EST

With a push, the door opened, a deep sigh leaving Life's lips as she entered the house. She gently shut the door behind her, glancing at the light coming from the living room. The young woman straightened herself, forcing a smile on her lips before she walked towards the room.

"Hi, mom!"

Paula gaze landed on her and she smiled, "Hello, sweetheart. Looks like we're back from work, huh?"

Her smile seemed to grow as Life knelt down to peck her cheek, grinning broadly. "Well, I don't call it work." She laughed, gray eyes drifting over to a small creature lying on her mother's lap.

Life quirked an eyebrow, looking amused. "I guess Jade dropped by, didn't she?"

Paula parted her lips to speak but she was beaten to it, Lian holding her small arms out, demanding to be pulled up.

Her hands clasping around the little redhead's armpits, Life lifted her up, smiling as Lian squealed with happiness. "As much as I hate children, I never mind having Lian around." The dark magician admitted, poking her niece's nose. "Isn't that right, Lian?"

Lian giggled, burying her face in her aunt's neck.

A smile pulling the ends of her lips upwards, Paula took Lian back from her daughter. "So how was your day?"

"Exhausting," Life groaned, stalking towards the kitchen. "I fought this weird alien guy and then went on a search for more aliens. It was really tiring!"

Paula smiled softly, Lian yawning in her arms. "The problems of being a hero,"

The dark magician snapped her fingers, the stove lighting up by itself. "Yeah, I don't remember being this tired since I stole stuff with daddy." She joked, placing a pan on the stove.

Taking out a few onions from a basket, Life pulled out the chopping board.

"Need any help, dear?" Her mother asked.

She was answered by a tight smile, "I'm just make an omelette, mom. I can do that." And just when Life was about to cut an onion, Paula spoke up again.

"How's Richard?"

The knife hit the chopping board with a wee much force.

"Dick's fine."

Paula frowned, "Life, what're you doing?"

The dark haired girl tossed her a questioning look, "I'm cutting an onio—"

"I'm not talking about the onion, Life." Paula interrupted, her brows knitting together. "Sweetie, why don't you think things through?"

Her façade crippling, a scowl graced Life's features. "Mom, we've had this chat before. I'm not talking about it again."

Lian giving out small snores, Paula frowned. "Yes, but—"

"I don't wanna talk about it." Her daughter growled, the knife's cutting speed increasing before it suddenly stopped. Releasing a heavy sigh, Life ran a hand through her hair, gray eyes soft as she looked over at Paula. "Me and Dick got a whole lot of history. I think I'm really done with him."

Her mother stared, as if knowing about the forced smile on her face. "Yes but— are you crying?"

The dark magician rubbed a fist against one of her watering eyes, "No, mom. It's the onions." She assured before tossing a smile to Paula. "Lian's probably gonna wake up. You should go and tuck her in."

And Life felt so relaxed as her mother nodded, silently wheeling out of the kitchen with a sleeping baby resting in her arms.

Squeezing her eyes for a second, Life opened them before sighing and then shooting a glare towards the vegetables infront of her.

A frown made its way to her lips.

"Stupid onions."

A\N: Is it me? Or has my writing gotten rusty? :/

EDIT: So I'm real sorry that I'm not updating, guys. I'm super busy these days so I'm putting this on a temporary hiatus. Hope you all understand! :D