One more part after this - actually more of an epilouge. I'm glad for the reviews, and I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. More after the next chapter.
Part 9
Katma turned to John. "I see that your friends are here. I'd like to stay and chat, but I have much to do. Give the League my regards." A wistful look crossed her features, then vanished. "Shayera, it was good to see you again. Take care of John."
"I will", Shayera replied. "Goodbye, Katma."
Katma rose into the air. "You have much to do, too, Daria. Your training begins Saturday." She made a fist with her ring hand and crossed her chest in a salute, and as Daria waved back, Katma Tui streaked into the sky and was gone.
The Justice League had stopped at the foot of the Javelin's ramp to watch Katma's departure, but now Daria saw them stride forward, silhouetted by the landing lights. The lead figure she recognized from hours of news footage as Superman. Flanking the Man Of Steel were Wonder Woman and the shrouded figure of Batman. Bringing up the rear was J'onn J'onzz - a green skinned hero that Daria recalled that Sick Sad World had nicknamed "The Martian Manhunter."
As they approached the group, a red-clad figure leaped from the Javelin, streaked past the other Leaguers and stopped next to John, chattering excitedly. "Yo, John the mission ended early and we got back to the Watchtower and saw that it was empty you should have seen Wondy wail on those badguys and Bats got a few too and I didn't do too bad myself and J'onn directed Supes to the lair and took out the whatchamacallit and after that it was all over but the shoutin' anyway the monitor computer indicated that you and Shayera were down here hi Shay and we came down to see if we could help was that Katma Tui who just took off she's lookin good great to see you back on your feet is there any place to eat around here I'm starving-"
"There's a Pizza Prince in town," Jane quipped, "best grease around."
"Well, hell-lo, ladies!" Flash zipped over between Daria and Jane and leaned on them, one elbow draped on each shoulder. "I bet you never thought you'd get to meet a bunch of real live superheroes in person, didn't you?"
Jane backed away slowly as Daria formed a hand with her ring, twisted Flash's arm behind him and flipped him through the air. John formed a mattress underneath him and caught him, flat on his back. "Serves you right, Flash. You know better than that. This young woman is a Ringbearer, new to the Corps."
"You mean that costume's real?" Flash sat up and rubbed his arm as Jane giggled. "She's a Lantern? I thought she and her friend were into cosplay and happened to meet their heroes. I just thought I'd give them a little extra thrill, that's all." Flash looked chagrined. "I'm sorry, Miss-"
Daria walked over to Flash, reached out and helped him up. "No hard feelings, but I'd better not tell you who I am right now. I'm really new to this and I have to work out the whole secret identity thing."
Once again, explanations were given as to how John lost his ring and how it led to the birth of a new Green Lantern. Flash had rapidly regained his composure and while he was razzing John for losing his ring, Superman and Wonder Woman congratulated Daria. She had always thought of superheroes as a little stuck up, and her encounter with the Flash had done little to dispel that impression. But as Superman shook her hand, she was struck by the genuine sincerity that literally radiated from the most powerful being to walk the earth.
"I'm glad to meet you, Miss. Any colleague of John's is welcome in Metropolis anytime," Superman beamed. "Any time you need advice, just ask."
She then faced Wonder Woman. In some respects, Daria thought, the statuesque Amazon reminded her of her mother, although she couldn't imagine Helen wearing a costume that showed as much skin as Wonder Woman's did.
"I, too congratulate you, Sister. Call me Diana," the Amazon said, reaching out and clasping Daria's forearm. "I have no doubt that one day your exploits will be as well known as any of the warriors of Themyscira." She turned to Jane "And you. Are you, too a metahuman?
Jane said, "Nah, my pal here lucked out in the power department. I'm just an ordinary high school kid."
Diana smiled. "Indeed. You remind me of my younger days on Themyscira, competing with my sisters."
"Let me guess," Jane said, looking her up and down. "You were a cheerleader, weren't you? You look like you could have given someone we know a run for her money."
"I've seen the sport," Diana said, "And the girls who perform it show much athletic prowess, but no. Back home my favorite competition was what you would call track and field."
Daria smiled and nudged Jane. "And I bet you'd just love to challenge her, too, wouldn't you?"
"Shh!" Jane knew that she was in no way Wonder Woman's class.
"You're an athlete, too?" Diana said. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid that my work leaves me little time any more for such pursuits-"
"Oh." Jane said, relieved. She then grinned. "It's too bad, though. I was really looking forward to it, though-"
"But I have a younger sister, Donna. When next we meet, I'll relay your challenge. I'm sure she'd enjoy it."
"Eep!"
As all this went on, Batman silently stared. "Hmp. Children." he finally said, and with a swirl of his cape turned and went back to the Javelin.
"What was that about?" Daria said.
J'onn J'onzz stepped up. "Please excuse Batman,"he said. "He has a lot on his mind, and can be...blunt at times."
"Seems to me that he's got issues with kids," Jane said.
"Among other things," The Martian answered.
Daria yawned. "It's been great to meet you all," she said, "But it's really, really late and we've got school tomorrow." After a final round of farewells and another apology from the Flash, Daria powered up her ring, encased Jane in a bubble and took off for Lawndale.
As the League entered the Javelin for the trip back to the Watchtower, Flash saw Batman close a database in the computer. Before the image faded, Flash's quick eyes saw a series of what he thought were head shots and biographical data. "Hey Bats! Whatcha workin' on?"
"Just updating a little project I've been working on," the Dark Knight replied. "I just want to make sure that the League's options aren't...limited."