Very sorry for the delay. Was juggling my work responsiblities with my writing and other family stuff.
Mical is my main toon in the actual game. She is a level 30 and belongs to the Dropouts league. Shout out to the Dropouts: Boxie, MidKnight Mask, Cyan Rose andUriel. If you're on the PS3 and you play DCUO and you see one of us, stop by and say hello. There's more of us but I don't know 'em all.
"A La Nanita Nana" – Cheetah Girls. Sorry, I don't know any Spanish. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Rough translation:
Seraph, ahora estás a salvo. Pueden mis amigos le ayuden?
Seraph, you are safe now. Can my friends help you?
Te vas a quedar?
Will you stay?
todo el tiempo con su trompa de pato
always with her puckered mouth
Side note: I changed Seraph's name in game. Just can't remember what it is though. You'll just have to wait for the updates to find out what it is.
Wide Awake
Seraph huddled close to the subway grate. The steam from below rose up and gave little heat but she didn't care. Especially after what she had just experienced, she was grateful for any kind of warmth. Apparently Brainiac ships didn't require heating systems.
It had been almost a week since she had been broken free and been transported back to Metropolis. A week since she used her new found 'powers'. A week since she last heard from Oracle. A week since her entire world changed. She hadn't been able to contact her parents since she had been back and News outlets around the city had reported that the Serif Industries building had been destroyed. No survivors were found.
In a weird way, Seraph was dead. The person she had been, the person she could have been…gone. Brainiac achieved that goal.
So Seraph did the only thing she could do – she stayed right where she was and balled herself up so she remained 'small'. She shivered again and inched closer to grate. She wanted to cry but she doubted that there were any tears left in her.
Seraph looked down at her hands and winced at the sight. Parts of her skin looked as if it were ripped away and in its place were black, shiny metallic pieces. Seraph already knew that the rest of her body looked the same.
Seraph heard voices around the corner and quickly pulled her hood overhead. She didn't move as she waited for the group to pass. Seraph knew that if anyone saw her they would run away screaming.
All too soon the sun began to set. Seraph used to love watching the sun go down as a child but now, all it did was bring her nightmares to life. She learned quickly that Metropolis at night was no place for a young girl like herself. She had to get off street level and up to higher ground if she planned on seeing the sun rise.
Slowly, Seraph untangled herself, wincing at times. It had been a few days since she had anything to eat. She didn't want to resort to stealing but it looked like she would have to do something soon if she intended on surviving.
Peeking out from where she hid, Seraph looked around making sure no one was insight. She looked across the street and noticed the small 3 story high building. She could fly up to the roof if she wanted but she didn't want to be noticed. So instead she decided to climb up the fire escape that was on the side of the building.
Giving one last check of her surroundings, Seraph pushed herself up and darted across the street. It was too quiet for her liking but Seraph didn't care – she just needed to get to the roof. She got to the bottom of the fire escape and glanced around. Seeing no one Seraph levitated enough off of the ground to reach the first step of the fire escape.
She pulled herself up and begun to climb. Seraph was a few steps below the first landing when she felt someone grab her foot. They yanked hard and Seraph lost her grip and toppled to the ground with a yelp.
Seraph's hood fell off and now her face was completely exposed. She stared up at her captors and noticed that they were a little different – they were like her.
"Hey look! She's a freak!" One of the boys barked as he pointed at her face. The girl next to him had purple hair and various tattoos all over her arms. She gave the boy a hard whack to the head.
"You've got reptile skin all over idiot!" She spat. Then turning to Seraph she crossed her arms and jutted her hip out as if she could care less.
Seraph tried not to panic but it was hard. Two other boys where built like tanks and 'hovered' just above her.
"What are we gonna do with her Tracy?" asked one of the boys. Tracy threw her hands up.
"Agh! Don't call me that dumbass! It's Sphinx! God damn it! I hate working with newbie's!" Tracy glared at her small group. The boy with the scrawny reptilian body threw his hands up in mock surrender. "We're taking her back to Mr. Luther. Says he'll pay big bucks for fresh blood…"
The group continued to argue and weren't paying much attention to her. Seraph got up and shook her head. She slowly backed away and would have gotten away but she stepped on a soda can. The group snapped their heads around and glared at Seraph.
"HEY!"
"Oh crap..," Seraph mumbled then turned and ran. The group gave chase with two flying over her, while the reptile boy climbed the sides of buildings. Tracy with her super speed caught up to her first. The girl grabbed Seraph by the hood and slammed her into a wall with ease. Seraph would have fought back but the gun Tracy had pulled out stopped her.
"Wanna try that again, bitch?" Tracy growled. She shoved the gun in Seraph's face to make her point. The three boys crowded around.
"She's not gonna be worth anything if ya kill her Tra...er, I mean Sphinx," one boy said cautiously. The corner of Tracy's mouth turned up into a snarl.
"Aren't you lucky," she growled and grabbed Seraph by the front of her shirt and yanked. Seraph tripped over her feet and fell to the ground. Tracy kicked her hard. Seraph felt the air whoosh right out of her and she saw stars in her eyes for a brief moment.
"Try runnin' again and this is what you'll get!" Tracy barked as she kicked Seraph in the stomach again. Seraph was pretty sure she was going to upchuck soon if Tracy didn't stop kicking her.
Soon the three boys joined in and added several hard punches to the mix. All Seraph could do was tuck her head in and cover up. She felt tears resurface and she shut her eyes. She just wanted to die right then and there.
All of a sudden the hitting stopped. Seraph was vaguely aware of another presence. Seraph lay on the ground unmoving.
"Hey assholes…wanna try that on us?" Demanded a female voice. Seraph heard several heavy footsteps surrounding her. The group of delinquents took several steps back as this new group touched down.
"She's useless anyways…piece of junk. Let's go!" Tracy spat as her group turned and fled. The female waited a moment making sure they didn't return. She turned and motioned for someone over as she came forward.
Seraph felt a pair of hands around her arms. She jerked away, frightened.
"I'm sorry…no one's going to hurt you sweetie…it's alright…" the gentle voice said. Seraph crawled frantically away from them but was trapped by the wall behind her. She threw her hands up and pulled her legs inwards.
"Don't! Don't hurt me, please!" Seraph cried. She noticed that a group of four were well armoured. The female took off her helmet and knelt down beside Seraph.
"My name is Mical. We won't hurt you, I promise," she said gently. She smiled and held out her hand. Seraph just pulled in her arms tight. Mical nodded and smiled softly at her.
"It's alright. Mind if I ask you your name?"
Cyan Rose took out a handkerchief and slowly brought it to Seraph's face but quickly drew back when Seraph jerked away still frightened. Instead she handed it to Mical who waited for permission before she carefully wiped the blood away from her mouth and nose.
"Seraph…Seraph Montoya," she said quietly. All four heads snapped around and looked at the girl.
"Did you say Montoya?" Mical asked not really sure she heard correctly. Seraph nodded. The group looked at one another. Mical stood up and jerked her head to one of her teammates.
"Stay with her," Mical ordered Cyan. "The rest of you, keep a look out." She distanced herself from them but not too far and quickly patched through to Oracle.
"What can I do for you?" Oracle asked in her perky self.
"Put me through to Diana," Mical demanded. When it was quiet on the other end Mical sighed. "Please."
"That's all I ask. Ok…standby."
A moment later Mical heard Diana on the other end.
"What have you found?"
"We've got a bit of a problem," Mical stated glumly.
"I assumed as much," Diana replied patiently. Mical could hear the smile on the other woman's face.
"We found another one. She was getting the stuffing kicked out of her by the time we got to her. I think it's a group of Luther's goon's. He's stepping up his patrols around here. This is the third attack we've had to interrupt in the last two days."
Mical stole a glance at her patrol group. Boxie and MidKnight were keeping a watchful eye out for any other patrols while Cyan was doing her best at getting Seraph up on her feet.
Cyan looked up just then and shook her head slightly. Seraph had one hand wrapped around her mid-section and trying not to wince.
"Take her back to MPD if she is not hurt too badly. I will speak with her as soon as-"
"That would be the problem. The girl…says her name is Montoya. Seraph Montoya."
There was a pause on the other end of the line. No doubt Wonder Woman was weighing her options.
"Take her directly to the medical bay in the Tower. I will meet with you there. I will contact Oracle at once," Diana commanded and signed off quickly.
"Figured out what to do yet kiddo?" Cyan asked. Mical nodded as she slipped on her helmet.
"We gotta get to Watchtower now. MidKnight, contact Uriel and tell him that we'll be at the tower. Cyan, we gotta take her to the medical ba-"
"Oh fuck! Fuck, fuck! We better move our asses now!" Boxie demanded as he pointed ahead of him. A large group of maybe 15 of Luther's people were coming for them.
"The fucking Calvary is heading our way! Let's go! Let's go!" Boxie motioned with his hand for them to hurry as he got ready to transport everyone to the Watchtower.
"Next stop Watchtower," MidKnight murmured as they disappeared.
DCUO
"WHERE IS SHE!?"
Everyone in the medical wing all turned. When Renee got the message she had never been more afraid in her life. She ran as fast as she could down the hall with Huntress on her heels.
"Jesus Renee! Take it easy!" Helena hollered from behind.
Just then Diana stepped out of one of the rooms. Renee practically shoved her out of the way and would have entered but Diana's warning stopped her.
"I'd brace yourself before you went in there, Renee."
Renee snapped her head around and glared at the Amazon.
"What happened?" Renee growled. She felt Helena's hand on her shoulder, trying to keep her in check. Diana just took it in stride…for now.
"One of my contacts' patrol found her…she was badly beaten," Diana gently informed her. Renee's shoulders slumped and Helena gasped quietly behind her.
"Oh god…is she alright?" Helena asked. Renee had taken off her hat and ran a trembling hand through her hair.
"Those scars will heal in time. There's something else…Renee, you need to prepare yourself," Diana said cautiously but before Renee could ask Martian Manhunter exited the room.
"I've had to sedate her. She was…understandably upset," J'onn said in his calming voice.
"You sedated her!" This time Helena was ready. She quickly restrained Renee before she could lunge.
"Easy, Renee…just take it easy," Helena said struggling against Renee.
"Renee…please, calm down," J'onn said as he held a hand up. "I've done my best to piece together what happened. It's a little disjointed but I think I've figured it out." He motioned for them to follow him but Renee shook her head.
"I'm going in," she demanded. But J'onn stopped her.
"Then I should warn you. She is not the same person…physically anyways," J'onn said cryptically.
"What the hell do you mean?"
J'onn sighed.
"She was the one that broke free from Brainiac's ship. We had lost track of her about a week ago."
Renee swallowed hard. Brainiac's ship?
"Oh god…what did they do to her?" Renee cried out. She felt dizzy as she leaned against Helena for support.
"She took enough damage, I would assume, during Brainiac's assault on Sarif Industries that required her to be operated on. She has a few augmentations but, again I am making an assumption, the exobytes did not take well to them." J'onn said as gently as he could.
Renee was silent for a moment but then her hand flew to face as she wept. Helena held on to her friend.
"Hang on…she was working at Sarif Industries? She can't be more than 17 years old?" Helena looked between J'onn and Diana. Renee had pulled herself together enough to answer.
"She's…nineteen. She's always had a baby face…," Renee replied sadly. Renee looked defeated.
"You're sister?" Diana asked quietly. Renee shook her head as she wiped her tears away.
"My little cousin. I left when she was about 9 or 10 years old." Realization hit Renee as she spoke. "I hadn't gone back…I just left without saying goodbye." Fresh tears fell from her eyes.
"It's been so long," Renee whispered. She peered inside the room and for the first time realized just how grown her baby cousin was. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see who it was.
"She will be taken care of Renee. I promise you," J'onn said softly. Renee just nodded.
"You may go in but do not try and wake her. She needs time to rest," the big Martian requested.
Swallowing her anxiety, Renee slowly entered the room. She grabbed a nearby chair and pulled it close to the bed and sat down and waited. The machines attached to Seraph all beeped accordingly and gave off a soft glow in the dark room.
Renee would wait for ever how long it would take. But she was going to be here when her cousin woke up.
DCUO
In the Magic wing, Mical and a few others were getting their gear repaired. Mical just handed her helmet to the service crew when Diana landed next to her.
"May I have a word with you?" Diana requested politely. Mical smiled brightly and nodded.
"Sure." Turning to the gentlemen that took her helmet Mical let him know she was just stepping aside for a moment. Then turning back to Diana she indicated for the Amazon to lead the way.
They both headed for a quiet corner not too far from the repair desk.
"Princess, about this afternoon…I'm really sorry for jumping the gun." Mical stopped when Diana shook her head.
"That's alright. But you hold seniority here, as well as your league. I'm just wondering why you contacted me directly instead of the medical bay," Diana asked neutrally.
Mical could feel her cheeks burn with embarrassment. Adjusting her collar, Mical cleared her throat before she replied.
'Gut reaction I guess."
Diana studied her friend. There was something else that was bothering Mical.
"How long have you been back?" Diana asked. She knew Mical did her best to participate in her league's missions, but recently Mical had scaled back a lot. It was a sour spot for the young hero.
Mical winced as she shrugged awkwardly.
"A few days. Look, I know I've been missing in action. I've been putting in some extra time when I can-" she stopped when Diana held up her hand.
"I'm not accusing you of anything. I'm merely curious. When will you need to head back?"
Mical sighed. She hated leaving her group but she had no control over family matters.
"Three days is the longest I can stay. I wish I can do more…," Mical replied with a sad expression. Diana nodded, knowingly.
"I understand. You give as much as you can. Remember, this is all voluntary."
"I know. And thanks," Mical said with a relived grin.
"You don't seem focused as you once were when you started. Is everything alright?" Diana asked gently. Diana watched as Mical fiddled with her bracers.
"Look, Diana…please don't take this the wrong way," Mical said as she continued to fidget. Diana grew concerned.
"Is everything alright with your family?" Diana placed a comforting hand on Mical's shoulder. Mical looked up, tears ready to spill.
"Brainiac is starting to bottle up buildings out in my home town. There's a building that's just a few blocks from where my sister and nephew live and it's already bottled up tight. I've tried to convince her to move up here with me…but she won't…," Mical said in a rush. Tears began to spill as she spoke.
Diana sympathized with the young hero.
"I'm sorry," Mical blurted out. She looked down and wiped at her cheeks and tried to compose herself.
"For what?" Diana asked curiously.
"For messing up…it's just…when I saw that girl...I saw my sister for a second. It scared the hell outta me. Damn it! She won't listen to me! My nephew is only 5 ½ and if something were ever to happen to either of them…"
Diana reached out and wrapped her arms around Mical.
"I understand. Truly, I do. I can have a word with her if it will help?" Diana offered. She pulled back in time to see Mical shake her head.
"Thanks but no thanks. Maybe if I give her a few days to think about it…when I go back, I'll ask her again," Mical said hopefully. Diana gave her a reassuring smile although she doubted her sister would relent.
"I am always here if you need anything. And so is your league. And I would suggest you speak with them. They will understand."
Nodding, Mical smiled sheepishly. The serviceman walked by and handed Mical her helmet. Thanking him Mical turned back and gave Diana a lopsided grin. Diana waved as she flew back to the infirmary.
Mical watched her go. She knew her sister would refuse, like always but at least Mical had her friends to help.
DCUO
When Kate heard the news she quickly transported herself to the Watchtower. She headed for the medical bay passing by Bruce as she went.
"Kate," Bruce called out. He was still in his 'uniform' as he slowly approached the redhead. Sighing, Kate turned on her heel and waited.
"Bruce."
As always, Bruce didn't even blink at the tone Kate had used on him. Without missing a beat, Bruce gently guided Kate by her elbow to a quieter part of the medical bay.
"You're here to see Seraph." It was never a question with him.
He stood tall, overshadowing Kate.
"Word gets around fast," Kate threw back flippantly. She crossed her arms over her chest as she waited for Bruce to continue.
"I don't want you to let your personal connection to Renee to interfere."
Kate was irritated by that.
"For your information, I haven't spoken to Renee in almost 10 years. But you knew that already, didn't you Bruce? And another thing…assume much?"
Bruce clenched and unclenched his jaw.
"Kate, I'm serious. No retaliation. It's not how we do things around here," Bruce said with harshly.
Kate glared at the man.
"Right. Not like how you and your little protégé went after Harley when she kidnapped Robin?"
He could be a bully when he wanted to be. But so could Kate.
"That was-"
"Different. Gotcha. Do as I say but not as I do," Kate threw back. She was about to leave when Bruce grabbed her arm.
"No payback Kate. I mean it," Bruce growled. Kate yanked her arm away.
"Seraph was like a baby sister to me, Bruce. I'm not gonna sit by and let those punks get away with it!"
"Don't do it Kate."
Both Bruce and Kate turned at the voice. Renee stood just a few feet away. Kate went to her ex-girlfriend but didn't touch her. Concern was written all over her face. Renee looked like she had been crying.
"Renee…"
"Please, Kate. Don't go after them. Seraph…she wouldn't want you to do that..," Renee begged quietly. Kate didn't know what to say. She slowly removed her cowl but remained silent. She thought for a moment then slowly nodded.
"I promise. I won't do anything," Kate said softly. She reached down and laced her fingers with Renee's and gave them a squeeze. Whatever happened between them in the past would always be put to the side whenever it came to Seraph. They both loved the girl very much.
Renee smiled sadly then stepped away but never letting go of Kate's hand. She guided the redhead into Seraph's room and pulled another chair over.
They sat next to each other in silence.
DCUO
3 days later
Seraph was slow to wake. She stretched out her legs and arms then inhaled deeply, her eyes still closed.
She had the craziest dream. And for a brief moment, she almost thought it was real. Seraph was still in that state of wakefulness and sleep, and did not realize what had taken place over the last few days.
Squeezing her eyes shut then slowly opening them, Seraph became vaguely aware of being hooked up to machines and that she was not in her own room. Seraph felt her heart begin beating faster as she struggled to push herself up.
"Hey there, lay back down, mija. Doc says you need to rest," said a gentle voice that Seraph instantly recognized. It was a voice she thought she'd never hear again.
Turning her head, Seraph just stared wide eye at her visitor.
"Renee?" The girl said softly her voice slightly cracking.
Ever so slowly, Renee fully came out of the shadows and sat on the edge of the bed. She just sat silently and waited.
Seraph pushed herself farther up the bed so she was now sitting up right. It only took a split second but Seraph's world crashed around her for the second time. She felt her tears pool and spill over and down her cheeks.
"It really happened?" Seraph asked brokenly. Renee could only nod as she watched her little cousin tremble slightly. Renee tried to reach out and take the girl in her arms but Seraph just shook her head violently.
"DON'T! DON'T TOUCH ME! Please don't touch me!" Seraph cried out. She scooted farther up the bed and balled herself up and cried.
"Mija…it's me, Renee…it's alright. You're safe," Renee said softly. She was a cop long enough to know that you couldn't push a victim. Renee slowly backed off but still had her hands in front, palms up, as if showing Seraph that she wasn't going to hurt her.
Just then Kate exited the small bathroom that was in the room. Renee groaned inwardly.
"Renee, think you can-oh…you're awake," Kate stopped mid-sentence. She smiled softly at the girl in the bed. She was about to take a step towards her but quickly backed off when she saw Renee shake her head. But what rooted Kate to the spot was the whimper she heard from Seraph.
"I'll go get Diana and J'onn," Kate offered gently. She hurried out of the room in search of the two league members. Renee was left alone with her cousin.
"Mija…I promise, no will hurt you here…"
Seraph shut her eyes tight and continued to cry. Renee felt her world slowly crumbling. Ever so slowly, Renee reached out and placed a soft hand on top of her cousins. She felt Seraph stiffen but she didn't pull away.
"It's alright mija…I'm not going to hurt you…" Renee spoke softly. Eventually she was close enough to gather her cousin in her arms and held her, her hold strong but loose enough to give Seraph an out.
While they waited for Kate to return, Renee gently rubbed Seraphs back and started to sing an old lullaby that used to help Seraph sleep when she was little.
"A la nanita nana nanita ella, nanita ella
Mi nina tiene sueno bendito sea,bendito sea
A la nanita nana nanita ella, nanita ella
Mi nina tiene sueno bendito sea,bendito sea
Fuentecita que corre clara y sonora
Ruisenor que en la selva
Cantando y llora
Calla mientras la cuna se balansea
A la nanita nana nanita ella
A la nanita nana nanita ella
Nanita ella
Mi nina tiene sueno bendito
Sea, bendito sea
Fuentecita que carre clara y sonora
Ruisenor que en la selva
Cantando y llora
Calla mientras la cuna se balansea
A la nanita nana nanita ella"
Kate, Diana and J'onn stood quietly just inside the room mesmerized. They watched as Renee rocked Seraph back and forth ever so gently. Kate never knew that Renee could sing so beautifully. When the song was done Renee turned her head and noticed her visitors.
Kate glanced at the girl in Renee's arms. She was curled up and tucked in Renee's arms. Renee held her cousin so preciously it brought tears to Kate's eyes.
Renee sighed and whispered softly in Spanish.
"Seraph, ahora estás a salvo. Pueden mis amigos le ayuden?" They all waited. Seraph peeked from under the crook of Renee's chin as she tightened her hold on Renee's shirt. Slowly, the girl nodded.
"Te vas a quedar?" Seraph whispered to her cousin. Renee smiled gently and nodded.
"I won't ever leave you, mija." Renee looked back at the three and nodded. Diana smiled softly at Seraph as she and J'onn slowly made their way forward. Kate came around the other side of the bed and sat perched on the edge of it.
Sometime during the night, Kate had managed to change outfits. That way Seraph wouldn't feel overwhelmed when she awoke.
"Kate?"
Kate glanced at Seraph in surprise.
"You remember me?" Kate asked with a gentle smile. Seraph nodded.
"Renee always smiled when you were around," Seraph stated. It was a long time ago but Seraph remembered the two and they would always stand so close to each other. Of course back then, Seraph didn't know what she knew now.
Kate shot Renee a look which made the darker woman blush.
"You were nice to me," Seraph continued. She slightly stiffened when J'onn came too close. But the big Martian smiled softly as he continued to examine the girl. He did his best to be thorough but quick. After a moment, J'onn stood and smiled gently.
"I find nothing out of the ordinary. But I suggest she continue to rest for as long as she can," J'onn advised. Renee nodded her thanks. Before he exited, J'onn turned back and studied Seraph for a moment. Then he broke out into a smile.
"I am glad to hear that." And with that J'onn left them. Seraph blinked in surprise. Renee and Kate chuckled softly. They shared a look, forgetting that Diana was still in the room.
"I am Diana," the Amazon offered when Seraph cocked her head to the side, eyes wide. Diana still had her Wonder Woman outfit on. Kate blushed as she realized they weren't alone.
"That's Wo-" Kate began to explain but was cut off.
"Wonder Woman!" Seraph said in disbelief. Everyone smiled gently.
Diana smiled at the young girl and nodded.
"Yes, yes I am. Is it alright if we sat and talked for a moment?" Diana asked politely. Seraph nodded, slack jaw and wide eyed.
Diana, her gentle smile still in place, sat on the edge of the bed. Seraph swallowed nervously. For the next several hours, Seraph went over what she had been through. At times, the young girl would clam up and it took a while for the three women to reassure Seraph that she was ok.
By night fall, they had enough information to go on. Diana finally rose from her seat and quietly excused herself, leaving Renee and Kate alone.
"Why don't you get some rest? I'll take first watch," Kate offered softly. Renee glanced at Seraph, who had fallen asleep again a few minutes ago. She was dead tired.
"Don't think about arguing with me Montoya," Kate added when she saw the stubborn look on Renee's face. The other woman grinned tiredly as she nodded.
"Ok," Renee said in surrender. Kate helped Renee get comfortable in large padded chair and surprised Renee when she slid next to her. The redhead slipped her arm around Renee's waist and pulled her close, Kate's warmth radiating through making Renee even more tired. She tried to fight it at first but Kate wouldn't budge. So instead, Renee sighed and rested her head against Kate's strong shoulder and finally slept.
DCUO
Boxie found Mical sitting in the mess hall by herself. She was just staring out the huge window, holding a cup of coffee. Grabbing a trey and filling his plate, he made his way over to her.
"Mind if I join you?" Boxie asked quietly. Mical was so lost in her thoughts that she was startled to see Uriel standing there. Blinking, Mical nodded.
"Sorry…have a lot on my mind," Mical mumbled. Boxie just nodded as he sat down across from her. He scooped up mouth full of food and shoved it into his mouth while Mical resumed her staring match out the window.
After a moment, when it was obvious Mical wasn't going to elaborate, Boxie wiped his mouth and cleared his throat. Mical glanced back and stared pointedly at her friend.
"Care to share?" Boxie asked cautiously. Mical thought for a moment, chewing on her lower lip. Slowly she nodded. Boxie just waited patiently.
"I have a sister…and my nephew. They're the reason why I haven't been around much," Mical started slowly. Taking a deep breath, Mical explained the situation. When she was finished, Boxie sat quietly, thinking.
"How many times do we have to tell you?" Boxie said seriously. Mical paled but then Boxie gave her a small smile. "We've got your back," he finished with a grin.
"I'll talk to the others. See if we can come up with some solution to this. Don't worry about anything. You're sister and nephew will be ok. I promise," Boxie said reassuringly. "If your sister still doesn't budge, at least Diana said she would always help."
Mical laughed.
"Thanks. I hope it doesn't come to that," she replied dryly. Boxie laughed along with her. The two discussed upcoming missions and strategies until the rest of their group finally arrived. Boxie went over the situation with Mical's sister and they all agreed to help in any way they could.
Mical looked at her friends and was grateful for them.
DCUO
"Seraph, please! You have to talk to someone," Renee pleaded with her little cousin. Seraph shook her head violently.
"No!" she screamed.
"You've been through a…traumatic experience-" Renee tried to reason with Seraph.
"TRAUMATIC? That barely describes what I went through!" Renee was getting frustrated. They were at this for almost an hour. Kate had tried to reason with Seraph earlier but she too had gotten nowhere.
"todo el tiempo con su trompa de pato," Renee muttered as she flung her arms the way her mother used to do when she was really upset.
"Did you just call me a duck?!" Seraph asked. Renee spun around but before she could say anything, Kate stepped in between the two women.
"OK! I think we all need a time out!" Just then the door chime sounded.
"Come in!" Kate snapped. The door automatically swished open reveling J'onn and Diana. They both stepped in and Diana looked between the three women.
"Everything alright here?" Diana asked suspiciously. Kate nodded.
"Yeah…just..uh…just a misunderstanding." When Renee would have protested, Kate elbowed her in the ribs. Darker woman just glared at Kate as she rubbed her side.
"Well then. If you both don't mind, I've ask J'onn to do another evaluation. And since you're already up, we could start now," Diana stated as she pointedly glanced at Seraph.
The young girl just blinked.
"Sure," Renee said in a huff. She crossed her arms as she stood aside waiting for J'onn to start.
"Alone," Diana said with a little more force than normal. She and Renee seemed to be having a staring contest. Kate could feel the awkward level rise and she cleared her throat.
"No problem Diana. Come on Renee…Renee." Kate pulled a protesting Renee out the door.
Once they left Diana looked over to J'onn and nodded. She turned back to Seraph and smiled gently.
"My apologies. Please…have a seat," Diana said as she indicated towards the bed. Seraph kept a close eye on J'onn as she slipped back onto the bed. J'onn felt her uneasiness and smiled gently calming the young girl.
"Shall we begin?" J'onn asked softly. Seraph nodded.
DCUO
Kate had to run to keep up with Renee.
"Damn it Renee! Slow down!" Kate demanded as she finally caught up to the woman. When Renee continued ignore Kate, the redhead grabbed Renee's arm and spun her around.
"Calm the hell down Renee!" Kate yelled. She didn't care who heard, Kate had enough of Renee at the moment. Renee stood quietly, fuming. Kate sighed and reached down to grab one of Renee's clenched hands.
"Just take a breath Renee," Kate instructed gently. Renee just closed her eyes and took a deep calming breath.
"Feeling better?" Kate asked softly. Renee nodded as she opened her eyes and noticed Kate's smirk. Renee could feel a grin forming and the two locked eyes and for a brief moment, they were thrown back to a happier time.
The sound of laughter somewhere in the hallway broke the trance and the two women quickly stepped away from each other. Renee swiftly let go of Kate's hand as if it were on fire and shoved her hand into her jeans while Kate had to keep from winching at the loss of the welcomed touch.
"Thank you."
Kate nodded. "Anytime."
"I better get back," Renee mumbled when the awkwardness started to set in. Kate nodded not saying a word. Both women didn't move until Renee pulled it together and stepped back and turned in the direction they had come from.
Kate just stood there and watched Renee's receding back when she felt someone watching her from behind. Turning around, Kate froze. Maggie stood quietly staring intently at Kate.
Swallowing, Kate offered Maggie an awkward smile.
"Hi."
Maggie's smile didn't reach her eyes.
DCUO
Renee just reached Seraph's room when J'onn and Diana stepped out.
"Feeling a little better Renee?" Diana asked. Renee could feel her cheeks burn as she cleared her throat and nodded.
"How is she?" Renee asked nervously.
"She is doing well. Better than what I expected considering what she's been through," J'onn replied softly.
Renee smiled knowingly.
"Montoya's are fighters." Diana smiled softly at that.
"May I suggest weekly sessions with J'onn? It will benefit her in the long run," Diana suggested. Renee nodded. Diana looked over to J'onn who nodded in agreement.
"Whatever she needs. Can I see her now?"
"Only if she is willing." Renee nodded once more. She excused herself and headed for Seraph's room.
"Do I need to remind you of not stressing her any further?" J'onn asked before Renee rang the chime.
"No you don't have to."
J'onn tilted his head to the side slightly, as if judging Renee's reply. After a moment, J'onn nodded.
"Very well."
Renee watched as Diana and J'onn disappeared down the hall. Soon enough the door's slid open. Renee peered inside and waited.
"What are you waiting for?" Came the smart reply. Renee grinned before taking a step inside. The doors swooshed closed behind her.
"Didn't want to upset your bodyguards," Renee replied as she jerked her head to the side, indicating the two visitor's who'd just left. Seraph smiled sheepishly.
"So…how'd it go?" Renee asked awkwardly. She stuffed her hands in her pockets as she tried not to look so out of place.
Seraph lifted a shoulder and shrugged.
"Ok, I guess."
Renee nodded. "Better than nothing, right?" the elder woman offered nervously. Seraph nodded silently. The two stood a few feet apart, not saying a thing.
Seraph looked away as she chewed her lower lip. She looked out the window and Renee took this moment to study her baby cousin.
In the years that had followed her departure, Renee often wondered about Seraph. The girl was so young when she left and Renee couldn't bring herself to ask about her when she was in Gotham. She felt as though she had lost that right a long time ago.
Her heart ached for her little cousin. She missed those tiny little arms wrapping themselves around her neck whenever Renee came over. She missed Seraph's laughter. Renee missed everything about Seraph.
Just the mere thought of Seraph would be enough to anchor Renee. Especially when Renee was at her lowest, the image of Seraph was enough to keep Renee from doing anything stupid. But before she could dwell any longer on that thought, Seraph turned around.
"What am I gonna do, Nay Nay?"
Renee smiled gently at the old nickname.
"One thing at a time mija," Renee whispered. She took hold of her cousin's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. They both looked out the window and stared down at earth.
Renee knew things had changed. Things would continue to change.
She wasn't sure if it would be for the better.