Disclaimer: I don't own Young Justice, but I do own Andie Kyle.
Wally POV:
"What did you say?" Artemis asked, directly behind me.
"Oh, nothing. Just talking to myself."
She made a small sound of acknowledgment, then looked away, immediately losing interest. "So what are you guys staring at? Make some room." She shoved me aside and gazed out of the bars; her face grew grim.
A heavy silence took over the cell.
"No way," Artemis whispered. "What is she?"
"A liar," Robin spat. He had paled slightly, his hand latched around the cell bars. His mouth was set into a grim line.
"I believe Psimon has awakened," said Kaldur.
I moved closer to the bars, squeezing in between Kaldur and Artemis. Psimon smiled as Andie began to move on all fours. She stayed like that, scoping out the area, then she rose to her full height.
Psimon placed a hand on her shoulder, and pushed her towards us. "Hurry up and dispose of them."
She bared her teeth and I took a step back, thanking the universe for the sturdy cell. I elbowed Kaldur. "Dude, do something," I whispered desperately.
He frowned in thought, and then addressed Psimon. "Are we no longer of importance? Bare in mind, that we are well acquainted with the Justice League: we are most valuable as living hostages."
Psimon released a wicked laugh. "I no longer have need for hostages; bargaining is for the weak. I have the power to do as I wish." He glanced at Andie, and moved his hand in a shooing motion. "Kill them - slowly."
Andie took a step towards us, lurching slightly, until she fell on all fours. Black strands hung over her face, and she froze, unnaturally still. Then, her head twisted; a full one-eighty degrees. "You are just a man; the Cat's Essence is a minion to no mortal." Her voice was raspy, and octaves deeper than normal. Her tongue fell slack, dangling out of her mouth. "I shall kill them, because it pleases me. And then, I shall mutilate you."
Psimon froze, his white face growing progressively paler. "I freed you from bondage! I command you!"
Andie turned her head towards us and stalked forward, ignoring the incessant cries of Psimon. Her feet and hands tapped the floor with a swift grace. But, each movement left small scratches from her curving claws. She faced us with dank eyes; those green puddles had dulled, as though the black slits were sucking out all colour. An eager smile was plastered on her face. Her fangs dug deep into her flesh, safely hidden, as one would hide a diamond. Twin blood droplets trailed down her chin.
Behind her, Psimon shook with rage. He raised his hand, a sharp, confident motion, and snapped it sideways.
Nothing happened.
Psimon tried again.
"What's going on?" I muttered. "His telekinesis isn't working." I was met with silence.
Andie hissed, rising on her tiptoes. She spun around, and leapt towards Psimon. She arced her arm in a wide circle, and lashed out, her claws shredding his torso. The force sent him flying. I jumped out of the way just as Psimon crashed into the cell, ripping the bars clean off its frame. He lay in a mess of iron rods. Dead.
Artemis was pressed against the wall as she stared at the evil psychic. "Holy crap."
Robin was in the far corner of the cell, sprawled on top of an unconscious Kaldur. He shoved some iron rods off himself, and quickly stood up. I grinned, the perfect joke in mind - then I saw the look on his face, and it died on my lips. Robin was angry. He swiped a hand across his forehead, smearing a fresh trail of blood, and glared at the ground.
I took a step towards him, completely ignoring the looming threat of my feline teammate. "Come on dude, keep it together... She's not herself; you can't blame her for this."
Robin worked his jaw, his hands clenching and unclenching. "Then who?" He directed his glare at me. "Who can I blame, Wally? She killed Psimon. She injured our teammates." He swallowed, and I could see the movement of his Adams apple. He slammed his palm against the wall, his eyes clenching shut. "She didn't tell me about her... abilities." He placed a hand on his forehead, partially covering his mask. "Wally… I don't even know her."
I paused, unbalanced by his sudden outburst. He's supposed to lead us, not breakdown. I grabbed onto his shoulder. "Dude… don't do this. Not here. Not now. Just… get it together…" I pressed tightly into his shoulders, my body tensing as Andie came closer. She's taking her time; she's toying with us. "I'm serious, man." I spoke as calmly as I could. "We need a plan."
A small motion caught my attention, and I glanced back to find Artemis. She was lifting M'gaan over her shoulder. "I got your plan right here." She grinned at me. "Get your 'luggage' and let's run."
Robin, all business, gave a sharp nod. He spun around and picked up Kaldur, slinging him over his shoulder with a low grunt. It finally dawned on me… Superboy's the only one left.
I glanced despondently at the unconscious Kryptonian.
I nudged him with my shoe. "If you're faking the whole 'I'm unconscious' thing, now would be the time to wake up. I mean, really, I wouldn't think any less of you." I nudged him a little harder, but still no response. I turned to Artemis, and stared longingly at Ms Martian. "You want to swap?"
She snorted. "Suck it up Wally."
I sighed and bent down to heft Superboy onto my shoulders. I rose slowly, my back protesting as his arm swung into my face; the guy seemed to have muscles on his muscles. "Lay off the steroids," I grumbled to the unconscious Conner. Robin ran out of the cell, swiftly followed by Artemis. I lagged behind with the weight of my heavy load.
For a brief second, a shadow darkened the floor, and then it was gone. Andie. She crouched a few meters from Artemis - raised her claw, smirked, and pounced.
"Artemis!" I dropped Conner and ran forward. I'm too slow. I'm too late. I saw Artemis turn, she dropped M'gaan, an annoyed scowl on her face. At that exact moment, Andie pierced her flesh. The bone-like substance sliced through Artemis' chest.
It was just one: one claw, one nail.
But so much blood. So, so much blood. Artemis' mouth dropped open – a silent curse. Then she fell to her knees and toppled forward.
"Artemis!" My voice cracked from the strain.
Andie gazed at her slick claw with feral pleasure. She raised her hand and analysed it from all angles, like one would analyse a wedding ring. Then she poked Artemis, perforating her with shallow holes. After a few seconds, she lost interest, and turned to Robin.
I skidded to a halt beside the blond archer. I knelt and turned her over, just slightly, pressing my hands to the hole in her chest. My arms shook.
She blinked slowly, her face paling with each second. The tips of her blond ponytail were now dyed a disturbing pink. "…I'll be fine. This isn't even a flesh wound."
I pressed down harder, but the blood bubbled out like a fountain, until all I could see was red. "…I know, Art. But still, let's see if we can get some help."
I picked her up and ran towards the exit. If I can make it above ground, I should be in range of the Justice Leagues Satellite. I should be able to call for help. I should be able to save Artemis.
I clenched my teeth and ran 's only a gamble; I could be wrong. I'm betting her life on a chance.
I don't know where this is going, or when I'll update, so I really can't promise anything.
Guess I backed myself into a corner - I have to do Rob POV next. *sigh* Goodbye mystery.
