Pains of the Heart and a Revelation

Brainiac stormed through the halls of Legion HQ. It was night and most of the legionnaires were asleep. He threw himself into his lab and began working furiously. So many thoughts and questions were flying around in his head, some despairing, some angry and some just plain sad.

Was she just leading me on? Was I just a stand-in for…him? Who is he? It was my fault I bet. I should have said something to her; I should have told her how I felt before it was too late! I knew this would happen eventually. I knew she wouldn't wait around for me forever.

Brainiac despaired. Maybe he was a sibling? No, she doesn't have any. "Childhood" he said, childhood…he's known her for a long time. How can I ever compete with that? He wallowed in his despair when suddenly cheers and laughter sounded from outside his lab.

Getting up to go explore the source of the commotion he saw all the legionnaires standing in a cluster talking happily. Something or someone was in the center. Suddenly Colossal Boy came in and plowed through the crowd. He swept someone into his arms. Brainiac heard a familiar giggle and his heart twisted when he caught sight of a familiar pair of violet eyes.

Triplicate Girl flew into the room "Nightwing" she called, her eyes lighting up as she caught sight of the ginger. Nightwing climbed down from Colossal Boy's arms and hugged her softly "it's so good to be back" she said contentedly. Looking around Nightwing asked "where's Brainy?" his heart lifted a little when he heard slight disappointment in her voice.

Brainiac ducked into the shadows as Saturn Girl said "Probably in his lab. I'll get him" and she flew off. Matter-Eater Lad came in, he and Nightwing had a strange connection, it was like they were connected on a higher plane than most. She ran at him and flung herself into his arms. He laughed and spun her around. "I'm glad you are no longer in pain" he told her ruffling her hair. She smiled up at him.

Brainiac had had enough of this so he disengaged himself from the shadows and walked in. Nightwing was talking animatedly to Matter-Eater Lad when suddenly the boy from earlier appeared! Brainiac's eyes narrowed.

Chameleon Boy caught sight of the newcomer and gave him a hug, Nightwing saw him too. She flew straight into him knocking him down causing the other legionnaires to laugh. Saturn Girl shot Brainiac a look and asked Nightwing to introduce her friend. Still sitting on his chest she playfully smacked him "Friend? He's not my friend" she said amused. Brainiac took that to mean only one thing…he was her boyfriend.

Brainiac turned to leave when he heard Nightwing's voice drift "he's my twin brother, Sorayan" at this, Brainiac's heart soared. All the other legionnaires aside from Cham looked at her in surprise. "Did you know about this?" Superman asked Cham. Cham scoffed, "of course! I grew up with them!"

Nightwing finally allowed her brother to get up. He wrapped his arm protectively around his sister's shoulders and held out his hand to Superman. "Sorayan Azramanthasis, older brother of Saraya here" Saraya smacked him playfully "older? By about 4 minutes!" the rest of the legion laughed. Sorayan turned red but laughed with them. He unfurled a massive pair of blackish grey wings with white tips, even larger than Nightwing's.

"I'd better be going. I just came to ensure she got home safely" he said. Nightwing stepped over to him and gave him a hug "stay safe Cookie" he said to her. She turned bright red at her childhood nickname "I'm NOT going to lose you again" he gave her another hug.

Pulling away he raised a hand in farewell. "It was nice meeting all of you, and now that I am reunited with my sister hopefully I'll see you guys more often" he winked and flew out the door.

Her eyes shone with happiness and she turned to Cham. "How can I ever thank you for finding him? I was so afraid he was dead" she said gratitude filling her voice. Cham blushed "aw, it was nothing" he smiled "I missed him too." She threw her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek "thank you".

She caught sight of Brainiac as he walked out of the room. She was hurt he hadn't said anything. Excusing herself from the rest of the legionnaires (at this Saturn Girl and Superman exchanged knowing looks) she followed him.