I sit silently in the foyer of the Tower. Around me Kaldur, Megan, Superboy, Artemis, and Wally either stand or sit silently along with me. Tears have fallen down my face on and off over the past thirty minutes as we waited for Justice League support. They had been instructed to head back to their headquarters, but defied that order when I refused to leave Kent's body alone in the Tower.

Currently, he was laid in the corner with a sheet covering his body.

No one in the room could bring themselves to look over there and had been avoiding the corner. I bring my knees to my chest once again and hug them tightly. My emotions were swirling inside of me but due to years of mediation and practice, I had control over them. Anger and sadness battled for control inside of me but for now, I just let numbness take me over. I didn't want to feel right now.

I'd known Kent for over two years now. He'd helped me come to grips with my powers and accept the future that was laid out for me. For some reason, I always thought he would be right there beside me the entire time. That he would help me slip into the roll of Amethyst when it was time. That I would have his council when I needed it. Instead, I would face the world without him.

The door of the foyer opens, and Batman appears, his eyes scanning the room. As his eyes set on me, Robin races into the room and right towards me. I barely manage to put my legs back on the ground when he wraps his arms around my shoulders.

"Kim, I'm so sorry," he mumbles under his breath.

My arms wrap around him as well but I can't say anything. Kent was like a grandfather to me and in a span of five years I had lost three very important people in my life. Robin knew that feeling. He knew what it was like to lose those so close to you.

A hand touches my shoulder and I look up to see Batman standing there. He glances at the team, who is watching the scene unfold.

"Aqualad, I expect a report of what occurred here by in the morning," he states simply. "Take the team back to the Cave, I'll take care of Kimberly from here."

Kaldur nods his head before gesturing for the team to follow him. Superboy and Artemis immediately follow him but Wally and Megan stall for a moment. Both glancing at me worriedly. Wally only stalls for a moment before following the others out.

"Miss Martian," Batman calls out.

She glances at him before looking back to me again. She rushes forward and wraps her arms around me. "I'm so sorry for your loss, Kim. I hope to see you again, under better circumstances."

I give the Martian a smile. "Thanks, Megan."

With another look from Batman, Megan hurries from the room. Once she's gone and the door disappears behind her, Batman pulls his cowl from his face revealing Bruce beneath.

I learned the difference between the two easily. Batman was a front that Bruce put on. Underneath his rough exterior as Batman, Bruce truly cared. Not only for Dick and I, but for the entire team. He also took the promise he made to me several years ago very serious.

Bruce pulls me in for a hug and I breakdown in his arms. For the first time in years, I relinquish control of my magic and allow the Tower to keep it contained. I needed the moment to feel. I needed a moment to grieve the loss of not only my mentor, but a grandfather figure.

I sit uncomfortably on the edge of a chair in the Tower. The Justice League was holding a memorial for Kent and Bruce encouraged me to come. In my hands, a hot cup of tea is untouched as Leaguers move about the room, conversing quietly.

Zatanna and Giovani had stopped by earlier and I'd gotten to speak with them for a short time before Giovani removed his daughter from being around so many heroes. He had, however, given me their home number for me to call Zatanna whenever I wanted. She was grieving the same loss I was. Kent had been just as much a grandfather and mentor to her as he had been to me.

"Is this seat taken?" a voice asks from behind me.

I turn to find Wally dressed as Kid Flash smiling awkwardly at me. I shake my head before turning back around. He takes the seat and stays silent for a moment before speaking.

"I don't know what to say," he mumbles.

I turn to the boy and roll my eyes. "As long as you don't apologize for my loss, you're fine. I've had far too many apologizes tonight."

"Then we'll talk about something else," he suggests. He falls silent for a moment. "Uh, I don't know what else to talk about."

My eyes look the boy up and down. He's uncomfortable sitting next to me and is awkwardly tapping his foot. "Why are you here?" I question. "You didn't know Kent all that well."

He releases a sigh, "I feel responsible I guess," he admits. "All Kent wanted was to be with his Inza again, but thanks to me he's stuck with Nabu for who knows how long."

I reach out and place my hand on his forearm. "It's not your fault. Nabu's the one keeping him trapped in that helmet."

Wally shrugs his shoulders. "Yeah, but I'm the one that put the helmet on in the first place. I should have just listened to you and let you fight Klarion."

I lean back in my chair and watch Wally stare defeated out at the crowd of Leaguers. "You did what you thought was best. Kent wouldn't blame you. He was never good at holding grudges," I tell him.

Wally glances over at me. "But you blame me," he accuses.

"I did at first, but over the past couple of days, I've realized that I can't. It was heat of the moment and you did what you thought was best. That's all anyone can ask of us when we fight the bad guys. Especially those of the mystic arts," I point out.

Wally's eyes find mine. His green eyes seeking the truth in my blue ones. "So, you're not mad at me anymore? You kind of blew up at me on the roof of the Tower."

I look away from him and watch as Red Tornado converses with Superman. "I'm not anymore. I was just upset at Kent's death. Greif was overwhelming me at the time and I needed a way to express myself. I turned the grief to anger and took it out on you." I glance back at the red head. "I'm sorry for that. Emotions are rather tricky for me."

"What do you mean?" Wally asks.

With a deep breath, I look at my hands. "My magic is tightly intertwined with my emotions. When I first started developing my magic, any small emotion could send my magic in a frenzy. Things would fly, winds would stir, and sometimes things would catch on fire. It just depended on my emotion," I explain. "Unfortunately, my magic really started manifesting after the death of my father. So, I was riddled with all sorts of emotions that affected my magic. It's taken years of mediation and practice to learn to control my emotions and get them under control so that I don't cause anyone harm. However, in doing so, I've become a bit numb to my emotions. When I do allow myself to show emotions, I feel them so much more strongly than I normally would."

"So, it's kind of like your emotions are amplified?" he asks.

I nod my head. "Kind of. It's negative emotions that generally have the biggest impact on me. I guess over the years, that's what I've felt the most. Loss, grief, anger. Those three just throw my magic off kilter."

Wally falls silent next to me and I feel comforted by the silence. Everyone was trying to comfort me with condolences, but honestly, I really just didn't want to hear how sorry they were about Kent's death. People that had hardly spoken to the man throughout the years were trying to recall the times they had spent with him to me, but I just wanted them to go away and allow me to grieve in silence.

My eyes scan the room and I spot a few Leaguer's eyeing me carefully and whispering to each other. A frustrated breath escapes me before I stand to my feet. I sit my cup of tea on the table next to me and stride from the room. A burst of wind stirs the skirt of my dress and hair, letting me know Wally's followed me. However, he just silently follows me from the room.

We enter the stairwell of the tower and I start leading him up towards the garden room where Amethyst resides. I would find peace there away from curious eyes and condolences that never ended. Wally just quietly keeps pace with me as I lead him through the tower. His eyes take in the magical stairwell but occasionally glance over me before darting away again.

We finally reach Amethyst's garden and I push open the door to find her standing in the doorway. I jerk back slightly and bump into Wally, who's attention immediately turns to the woman in front of us.

"Amethyst?" I question her.

Her purple eyes look to the boy next to me before looking back to me. "Your training has come to an end with me, Kimberly."

My eyebrows knit together. "What?" I question, confusion surging through me. "What are you talking about?"

Amethyst pulls a book from behind her back and hands it to me. "I suggest you start your training with the hero Wonder Woman as soon as possible. She will train you to wield your sword and shield. As for your magical studies, they have reached a point where I can no longer offer you anything else."

I don't bother looking at the book she hands me. We'd talked about me inheriting the Book of Amethyst when my training with her ended. I knew what it held and what it meant.

"Amethyst, you can't do this to me right now. Kent's dead. I need you more now than ever!" I inform her, my voice getting louder as I talk.

Panic starts to rip through me. I can't lose two mentors in this short amount of time.

"I am aware of Kent Nelson's soul departing this world. He's currently keeping Nabu company in his helmet while this boy here is to look for a suitable host for the Lord of Order," Amethyst informs me with a small gesture to Wally. Her purple eyes find my blue ones. "You are ready for the next phase of your training, Kimberly. We will meet again when the time is right. For now, keep training and look for solace in your new acquaintances. They will help you find your place in this world that you've hidden from for so long."

I keep my eyes locked with hers. "I'm not ready yet. Not this soon after losing Kent."

Amethyst nods her head, "It is Kent Nelson's loss that makes you ready. Loosing your mother made you hide your magic. Losing your father made your magic a force to be reckoned with. Loosing Kent Nelson has given you a purpose to use your magic. You cannot hide here behind the guise of training forever, Kimberly. Now is the time to make your presence known to the world. Earth needs a Lord of Order watching out for it against those that seek to cast it into Chaos."

Amethyst casts her gaze to Wally, who's silently watching our exchange. "Young man, you are of science, but I can see that Kent Nelson's words have affected you," she informs him. "Do not disregard his words. Take head of them."

She turns back to me and nods to me. "We will see each other again, Kimberly. When the time is right."

Amethyst turns her back to us and in doing so, closes the doorway. I huff in frustration and turn away from the door. However, my frustration leaves me and all I feel is loss. First Kent, now Amethyst. I'd see Amethyst again, but only when I'd reached magical maturity and could claim the Amethyst title. Two mentors that I had seen nearly every day for two years, suddenly gone. Just like the day of my father's death, I felt alone.

Tears fall silently down my face as I just stand on the stairs with the Book of Amethyst in hand. A hand touches my shoulder and through tears I see Wally with his cowl off and gazing at me. No pity or sympathy is shown in his eyes. Just worry. I drop the Book of Amethyst and throw my arms around him, seeking comfort. His arms immediately wrap around me and pulls me into his chest allowing my tears to fall against his uniform.

Recognized Robin B01

Recognized Kimberly Miller A03

The light of the Zeta Tube disappears and reveals the cave that serves as the Team's base of operations. Next to me Dick's got sunglasses covering his eyes to keep his identity a secret. The team already knew my name and face, so I couldn't hide my identity from them like Dick had to. However, my link to Batman and Robin had to be separate from my link with Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson.

"KIM!" I hear shouted from down a hallway. Moments later, Megan comes flying out of the hallway with Superboy and Kaldur following her. She lands in front of Dick and I before wrapping her arms around me. "I'm so glad you could come!"

When we pull away from each other I give her a small smile. "Thanks for inviting me to hang out." I turn to Superboy and Kaldur. "It's nice to see you both again as well."

Kaldur tilts his head forward in greeting. "It's nice to see you again as well, Kim. How have you been?"

I shrug my shoulders. "The best that you can be, considering," I respond.

The blonde boy nods his head at me but doesn't say anything else. Superboy, on the other hand, merely gives me a nod of the head. I glance over at Dick who's watching me interact with his team members. "I thought you said Artemis and Wally were joining us?"

Megan reaches forward and grabs my arm, pulling me towards the hallway the three had just come from. "Artemis had something come up with Green Arrow in Star City. As for Wally, he's running late."

Dick cackles from behind us. "As per usual," he comments.

Megan leads me down the hallway they had emerged from earlier and discusses the days plans with me. "We've picked out a movie and games for tonight. Black Canary dropped off pizzas not so long ago and I've prepared some snacks for us as well. I wasn't sure what you preferred so I just made sure we had a large selection," she explains.

I give the green girl a smile. "I'll eat pretty much anything," I tell her as I'm pulled into a living area with a connected kitchen.

The living area is filled with two large green couches as well as a large number of pillows and blankets. The TV is turned off but on the console table below it is a stack of movies and games. The coffee table has bowls of popcorn and candies while the kitchen counter has the boxes of pizza organized with a selection of chips and sodas.

Recognized Kid Flash B03

Seconds after the computer announces the speedster, a gust of wind blows passed us, and Wally is standing with his hands on his hips smiling at us.

"The Wall-man is here! The party can begin!" he booms loudly. His grin faltering slightly when he spots me. "Kim? What are you doing here?"

Megan beams happily at the boy. "I invited her! She's even agreed to spend the night with us!" She shrugs before correcting, "Well, with Superboy and I."

Wally nods his head, trying to not let his smile fall. "That's great, beautiful," he comments before glancing at me.

Not noticing Wally's behavior change, Megan floats off into the kitchen and Superboy, Kaldur, and Dick follow her. Wally however speed over next to me and casts me a worried glance.

"You alright?" he asks, softly.

I smile up at him. "Yeah. I'm fine."

His glance is unbelieving. I'd only known the boy for a week, but Wally had been a source of comfort for me. After Kent's memorial where Amethyst booted me, he'd visited me under the guise of seeing Dick at the mansion. During his visit, Wally insisted on getting my phone number and had been texting me everyday to check in.

He never brought up Amethyst and what happened at the Tower. Instead, he always asked if I needed to talk and when I would say no, he would just hang out with me.

"You didn't have to come," he mumbles. "I know Megan's hard to say no to, but Robin could have come up with something to get you out of tonight."

I heave a sigh before glancing around the red head and at the group piling pizza on their plates. "I need tonight. I need to open up to more people. I've hidden away for a long time. I've been so closed off I don't know how to have friends. It's time I start."

A gust of wind signals his departure, but another gust indicates his return. The gusts of wind send my brown hair into a mess across my face so when I push it out of the way, I find the ginger haired boy extending a plate of pizza towards me.

"Well, if you are choosing this group of people to open up to, you're going to need some energy. We are quite the handful," he jokes before speeding back off.

I rearrange my hair again to find the ginger standing next to Megan with a flirty smirk playing across his face. Robin appears out of nowhere and nudges me. "Are you okay?"

I smile down at the Boy Wonder. "I'm alright. Just glad to have been invited."

"Well, you're never going to get to know them hiding over here. Come join us!" Robin loops an arm around one of mine and drags me over to the group.

I give them a shy smile which they all return before drawing me into their conversation. Megan is talking about hoping to attend the high school in the area when the new school year starts.

"I think it would be such an amazing experience! Don't you think Superboy?" she asks the boy standing next to me.

Superboy shrugs his shoulder as he eats another bite of pizza.

Megan turns to Kaldur, "Would you like to join us at Happy Harbor High?"

The Atlantean shakes his head. "No, thank you Megan. I am happy with my education from Atlantis."

Wally frowns at the green beauty beside him. "Why are you so excited about school? It's boring. You just sit there for hours listening to teachers talk. Then you get tons of homework assigned."

"How can you say that?" Megan asks him. "You get to make friends! And be on the cheer team or football team!"

I eat my pizza as I watch Wally dissuade Megan from going to high school. During Wally's exasperated argument, Kaldur's attention turns to me.

"Do you attend high school, Kim?" he asks, hoping to pull Wally out of his argument.

I glance between the five pairs of eyes on me. I quickly swallow my bite of pizza before shrugging my shoulders. "I did until two years ago. Since then, I've been homeschooled. It's just been for my training schedule."

Megan beams at me. "What was it like? Were you a cheerleader? Or perhaps on a sports team? Did you have lots of friends?"

I glance at Robin, who knows what I went through before my dad's passing, but he's whispering with Wally about something. I turn back to Megan with a half-smile. "It wasn't the greatest experience. I went to a private school in Gotham, it was part of my father's arrangement with his boss. I got a scholarship through his foundation, which was kind of frowned on by some of the popular kids."

Megan frowns. "I'm sorry for bringing it up."

I shake my head. "No, don't worry about it. Private school is a lot different from public school. When I was in public school back Star City it was a different experience."

"Why did you move from Star City to Gotham?" Kaldur asks. I can tell he's moving the topic away from the school.

"My dad got a better job offer. He was working for Star Labs when Bruce Wayne himself sought him out. He wanted my dad to help run the R & D department for Wayne Enterprises. Specifically, the physics side of things. My dad was the leading scientist when it came to interdimensional theory and cosmology," I explain.

A beeping from Robin's watch pulls everyone attention to him. He looks at it and frowns.

"Sorry guys. I've got to head out. Batman needs me," he explains with a sheepish smile towards Megan. "Thanks for planning tonight. I'll catch the next one."

Robin glances at me. "Enjoy the night! Batman said one of us would be back to help you home tomorrow."

I didn't need their help getting home. It was just a quick zeta. However, to keep up appearances with the team, it needed to appear that way.

We all bid Robin goodbye before Megan suggests we get started on a movie. She floats over to the tv and stack of movies while the rest of us move to the couches. Wally zooms ahead and throws himself down at one end of a couch while grinning at Megan, asking her to put in a specific movie. Kaldur and Superboy walk over and take seats on the other couch at opposite ends. By the time I walk over, Megan has slipped into the spot between the two, leaving me with Wally on the other couch.

I take a seat at the opposite end of the couch and settle in to watch the movie Wally insisted on. About halfway through, Wally ends up scooting down the couch and throwing his legs up on the coffee table.

"You enjoying yourself?" he asks in a whisper.

I turn and nod my head. "Yeah. Thanks for asking."

"So, Rob said you'll be joining the team," he mentions. "When did you decide that?"

I shrug. "Batman suggested it might be time. I'm reluctant to take on the mantle of Amethyst though. Until Wonder Woman finishes my sword and shield training, I feel like I can't call myself Amethyst. I'm not worthy of the title yet."

Wally adjusts in his seat so he can see me a little better. "You are worthy of the title. You can't say that or else you'll start believing."

"I do believe that," I tell him. "I need more time to be ready. Amethyst has enemies that have been waiting years for her return. If I take the mantle before I'm ready, I run the risk of attracting an enemy I am not ready to face. When I'm older and feel like I've been fully trained, I can take the mantle. For now, I just want to experience crime fighting without worrying about attracting more danger to myself."

Wally drops his arms from behind his head. "You are worthy of the mantle of Amethyst. You just aren't ready for it yet and that's okay. Just because you aren't ready for something doesn't mean you aren't worthy."

I blush slightly and give Wally a smile. "Thanks."

He shrugs. "No problem."

With that, Wally slouches into his spot next to me and fixates back on the movie. His arms cross over his chest as he gets invested in the movie again.

With a small smile and the blush still touching my cheeks, I turn back to the movie as well.

I help Megan put away the pizza left over while Kaldur and Wally explain a board game Megan wanted to play to Superboy. After storing the pizza in bags and putting them in the fridge, Megan asks me to help open the snack containers.

"So, you and Wally are very friendly," she comments.

I glance up at her before looking back at my cookie container. "Yeah. I guess we kind of bonded while fighting Klarion. He's been someone to lean on during my difficult moments this past week."

Megan nods her head. "I'm glad you've had someone to talk to. If you ever need a girl to talk to, I'm here for you as well."

"Thanks, Megan. I appreciate that." I turn back to the next snack container when the intercom system of the Cave crackles to life.

"Team, meet me in mission briefing."

Batman's voice goes out and the Team starts scrambling. Megan uses her telekinesis to quickly put all the food away while Wally and Kaldur dump gaming pieces back into their box.

Megan flies from the room and Kaldur, Superboy, and Wally follow her. I stand, unsure of what to do. I technically wasn't on the team yet. Batman and I agreed that I would take another week before joining the team. However, my curiosity wins out and I wander back into the main room of the cave.

Robin, Wally, Kaldur, Megan, and Superboy stand in front of Batman as he shows them something on screen. They all stand attentive and are donning their hero attire. As Batman shows a security camera video of Clayface attacking people, I wonder closer to the group. I end up standing next to Superboy as Batman concludes his explanation.

"Clayface escaped into the sewers shortly after. I want you to track him down while I look for a way to stop him. My usual methods are not working." Batman turns to stare down the team. "This is a covert mission. Do not engage Clayface. Once you have located him, contact me."

Batman's eyes wander to me. "Suit up Kim."

Surprised, but not wanting to argue, I comply to Batman's order. "Egnahc em otni ym kigaM mrofinu!"

Purple smoke starts swirling around my feet and slowly wraps around my body before dissipating. Once it's gone the team stares at the uniform I decided to wear for now. It's an upgraded version of the suit I wear when training with Batman and Robin. A black, Kevlar suit hugs my body from my collar bone to my ankles. Black boots fit snuggly on my feet and reach up to my knees where dark purple knee pads protect my kneecaps. Black, fingerless, Kevlar gloves reach up my arms and stop about three inches above my elbow. A dark purple, sleeveless trench coat hangs loosely around my body. Around my waist a belt hangs loosely with three Amethysts embedded in it on one side. Around my neck hangs an amethyst necklace serving as a glamour charm to make everyone unaware of my identity see a variation of different facial features and hair colors.

"That's a nifty trick," Wally comments.

I shrug my shoulders. "Comes in handy," I saw with a smile in his direction.

"Get going," Batman comments. "There's no telling what Clayface is up to."

The team runs off down a new hallway and I start after them only for Batman to call me back.

"Kim," he calls. When I turn to see what he needs, he's walking towards me slowly. "Be careful out there. Don't take any unnecessary risks. Okay?"

I give him a soft smile. "I'll be careful. I promise."

With that I turn and run from the room after the others.

My nose wrinkles from the disgusting stink of the sewer I'm floating above. A purple platform made from my magic is the only thing between me and the sewer. In front of me Superboy sloshes his way through the sludge. I'd offered him a ride on my platform so he wouldn't have to wade in the sewer. He merely grunted and jumped in.

We had been in the sewers under Gotham for nearly two hours now with nothing to show. Only the light of my platform illuminated the tunnel walls of the sewer as we make our way down yet another turn. A few seconds down this tunnel and Superboy disappears in a splash of water.

"Superboy!" I call out only for his head to reappear a second later.

He bobs up and down in the water as he treads the water. A scowl appears on his face and he glances up at me. "A little help?" he huffs out at me.

I raise an eyebrow at his attitude but move my platform over to where he's at. When I'm hovering a few inches above the sewer water, I kneel and extend a hand to him.

He grasps the edge of my platform with one hand and takes my hand with the other. Seamlessly he hauls himself onto the small platform I stand on. With a snap of my fingers, the platform expands making it easier for us to stand to our full heights.

"Naelc su." I chant. In a puff of smoke all the sludge clinging to Superboy disappears, as well as all the sludge he splatter onto me climbing on the platform.

Superboy looks down at his clothes before grunting out, "Thanks."

"No problem," I mumble. "You ready to move on?"

Superboy nods and I start moving my platform through the sewers again. Superboy's a little uneasy on the platform and wobbles a little.

"You can grab my shoulder to steady yourself," I tell him. "It takes a little while to adjust to riding on the platform."

Superboy mumbles under his breath but moments later I feel a firm grip on my shoulder. I don't acknowledge it because I'm sure he would just retract it, so I keep my eyes peeled on the sewers flowing beneath Gotham.

After another few minutes in the sewers Robin comes through on the mindlink Miss Martian had established before we parted ways in the sewers.

We tracked Clayface down to the warehouse district. Miss Martian and I are going above ground to search for him.

Kaldur comes over the link next. Be careful. Remember, do not engage! Superboy, Kim, head to the warehouse district. If you find Clayface make contact over the mindlink.

I glance over at Superboy. "It's faster for us to exit the sewers and go above land."

Superboy wrinkles his nose. "Then let's go."

I let out a huff as I glance around a few warehouse buildings from my perch. After another hour of searching the warehouse district, Kaldur had everyone split up to cover more ground. I'd been wandering around by myself for some time now without seeing anything that indicated Clayface's presence.

"Tropelet em!"

With a quick teleportation spell, I'm on the ground and peering around the back of a warehouse. Seeing nothing but trash blowing around with a breeze, I step out from my spot and move forward. As I walk past the back door, I hear something moving around inside this warehouse.

I turn back and glance at the back door. The handle is broken and just inside the door is mud that looks like the substance that makes up Clayface. As quietly as I can, I push the door open and peer around the warehouse. Not seeing anything, I move deeper inside.

Boxes are stacked up so high I can't get a good view of the bottom floor. Without that advantage, I move slowly and carefully through the building. When I finally reach the end of the boxes, I find Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian and Robin's body scatter in the middle of the building. The moon illuminates their mud splattered bodies.

I rush forward, forgetting to check my surroundings. Before I reach Robin, the closest one to me, I get thrown across the room by what feels like a brick wall. I skid across the concrete of the warehouse and slam into one of the many boxes scattered around the room. The wooden box splinters apart around me, scattering small splinters around me.

"Ah!" I shout as a pain radiates from my side. I don't have time to focus on it, however. Movement in the shadows of the warehouse draw my attention. Stepping into the moonlight is a large mud oozing creature. I'd seen pictures of Clayface on TV and in Batman's files, but that did not prepare me for seeing him in person.

His grotesque mouth curves up before outstretching his oozing arm in my direction. Mud slings across the room at me.

"Dleihs em!"

The purple shield I casted around me gets coated with the sludge Clayface slung in my direction. It slides down the outside of it and I look wide eyed at the creature trudging across the warehouse towards me.

"You can fight as much as you want to," he ground out. "Eventually you will join your friends."

In a swift motion, Clayface turns one of his mud hands into a mace and swings it at my shield. It bounces back but he just swings again. And again. Over and over. He uses more force with each swing.

I lay frozen on the ground, the pain in my side intensifying. Moving just a little sends a sharp pain through my chest and causes my breath to catch. Unfortunately, this probably means I have a cracked rib. A bruised one at the least.

Clayface continues to hammer into the shield barricading me to the ground in the splinters of the box. My eyes search the warehouse in desperation to think of something. My shield's holding for now, but it will eventually begin to weaken, or I'll run out of air.

The mud monster before me steps back, tired from hammering into my shield. With a quick swipe of his arm mud encases my shield making my view of the room around me disappear.

Knowing my chances of escape lessen the longer I sit under my shield, I know I must try something. An idea pops into my head and I wait for the next break in the onslaught Clayface is bringing to break me from my shield.

When the sludge slows, and I start to see breaks in it I drop my shield. "Tropelet em!"

In a puff of purple smoke I appear on top of a stack of boxes as Clayface swings a clawed hand at where I once was seconds before. When he doesn't meet resistance confusion flashes across the oozing face of his. Then anger replaces it and he starts scanning the room.

Before he can spot me I send a blast of my magic at him, aiming directly for his chest. Mud splatters around the room and leaves a large hole in the middle of the creature's chest. Before he can retaliate, I teleport away again and reappear behind another stack of crates.

I peer around the edge and find the sludge moving across the room, repairing the hole left in Clayface's chest. Another blast of magic and I'm teleporting across the room behind another stack of crates.

Only this time, Clayface spots me and sends the mud scattered around me to attack. It attaches itself to my body and I use my magic to blast it away. However, as fast as I can send it splattering away from me, more comes my way. In a matter of seconds I'm coated in the mud and my vision disappears. I feel mud starting to get in my mouth and starting to invade my lungs. I clamp my mouth shut but panic starts to overtake me the longer I go without oxygen. In just a few moments, my body goes limp and I fade from consciousness.