Chapter 10: epilogue.
Titans tower, around 22:00.
To say that a superheroes' life is eventful would be the understatement of the century, especially if you're one M'ari Grayson A.K.A Night-star, the 13 years old daughter of Night-wing and Starfire, the it couple who could give Hollywood a run for its money. Having both inherited the best qualities from both of her parents Night- star volunteered to become a hero in training to Jump city, the teenager discovered she had a knack for serving the public as she quickly qualified to go on missions with mom and dad. Returning tonight from a minor mission she began walking towards her room as Night-wing stated.
" done all your homework?"
Night-star replied.
" yep"
Night-wing smiled as he asked.
" double checked it?"
Night-star replied yet again.
" tripple checked it"
At this Night-wing smirked.
"math too?"
Night-star hummed before saying.
" yep…. Added up to one big headache."
Night-wing at that couldn't help but laugh as Night-star headed to her room for some much needed sleep, especially for what tomorrow holds up, besides highschool, a mad house all on its own she had hand to hand lessons from her dad and an interview to prepare for with Bethany Snow.
"… great…"
With that Night-star fell to sleep on her bed after setting her alarm clock to 07:00 am. Later in the night another alarm went off, the one that spelled trouble.
" what time is it?"
looking at the alarm clock it read 02:30 in the morning which made Night-star groan before rushing towards the ops room where she was met with Night-wing, Starfire and the rest of the Titans.
" go back to sleep, we can handle it without you."
Night-star tried to protest but Night-wing insisted as Starfire gave her a reassuring look thanking her for making an effort to wake up this early in the morning. The next day came as Night-star woke up to see no one was home yet. Getting ready quickly she made her way to the kitchen, making breakfast for everyone before setting off to school.
Titans tower, 15:15 pm.
As Night-star took a shortcut home by lowkey flying she eventually made it to the living room with Changeling nursing a headache while her father was nursing a relocated shoulder.
" don't ask don't tell?"
Changeling joked.
" nah… go right ahead….. Bethany Snow probably will make it into a public event anyway… Oi vey…"
Night-star wasn't a fan of both Snow and the show she was schedueled on as she asked.
" what can I do to even the odds?"
Changeling replied.
" if she goes for your jugular, go for hers back."
At that Night-wing looked at Changeling asking him silently 'really' as the green shape shifter defended.
" trust me everyone hates her….. even more so than paying taxes or going to the dentist."
At that Night-wing joked back.
" don't give her that much credit."
Night-wing was now focusing on his daughter as he instructed her as follows.
" one piece of advice to keep….. always be cool, calm and most important, don't be a door matt for her".
With that said and out of the way Night-star managed to squeeze a good 20 to 25 minutes of training before she had to hurry back to find something presentable to wear for her interview starting at 20:30. once back in her room she was greeted by her mom.
" excellent you're just in time for me to help you with the make up and dress for this evening."
At that Night-star awkwardly rubbed her left shoulder asking.
" do we really have to go through this?"
Starfire looked amused as she gestured her daughter to clarify a bit.
" I was thinking about something like jeans and a leather jacket on top of my uniform with a simple lipstick…. Nothing too fancy."
Starfire sighed as she replied.
" pragmatic just like your father, may I at least help you pick the best combo?"
Night-star shrugged.
" sure."
As Starfire helped her daughter prepare she noticed that Night-star was quieter than usual as she gently probed.
" am I bothering you in any way?"
Night-star wassnapped out of her own thoughts as she replied.
" no, it's just….. may I be honest here?"
Starfire nodded in approval as Night-star continued.
" I never liked the publicity side of being a super hero or just cameras in general…. So please let this time be my final time…."
Starfire replied as follows.
" as a mother I want to… pamper you as they say but the warrior in me wants to deny that request since as Tamaranian women we cannot surrender to challenges or obstacles so what's keep you from conquering this predicament?"
Night-star sighed.
" the problem is you, all the media sees in me is another version of you….. and it gets more nuts."
Starfire at that asked in a somber tone.
" does that makes you want to hate me?"
It was no Night-star's time to get off guard saying.
" no….. honestly no…. I just want to get away from it before it goes out of control…. Do you really think I want to hate anyone?"
After hearing this starfire embraced her gently yet firmly.
"mom… what is that for….."
Starfire replied.
" do you want me in the audience near by for moral support?"
At that Night-star giggled.
" you don't have to….. as you say, we are warriors right?"
Starfire smiled back at her daughter before finishing up the final touches as Night-star took off to her destination.
Jump city studios, The Snow Globe stage, 17:30 pm.
The Snow Globe to many including Night-star was the last and desperate attempt of a wash out reporter to stay relevant after a PR disaster following repeated appearances by one of Batman's most feared villain, the Scarecrow. Now normally Night-star wouldn't care to know so much about a trashy TV show but since the host tried to go after her parents for years it felt right that she'll accept an invitation to clear the air with the host, Bethany Snow.
As Night-star made it to the studio she quickly found the stage as the crew in charge of sound installed on hera neck mic as they were testing the levels before going on air.
" tell me is Bethany Snow's really terrible as everyone says?"
the sound technicians repressed a laugh while replying.
" she's worse."
Having some sympathy for the crew, not to mention wanting to do the right thing she helped around the studio having setting it up faster before the live studio arrived as she entered the make up room for last minute touch ups. Sitting down she waited for the make up crew to begin working when she noticed Bethany Snow was seated a few feet away from her and to say the least that woman let herself go up to the point where celebs like Rosie O'Donnell would ask 'what the hell have you been eating?'.
" I wouldn't mention her eating habits if I were you."
That came from one of the make up crew as said person began touching up Night-star's face, after a while a few crew members came to push the chair and the host onto the main stage before replying to said make up artist.
" I was going to comment that the chair should get a raise and the crew some hazard pay"
At this the make up artist stifled a giggle before the producer escorted Night-star to the stage as the show soon after began. As the music swelled and the audience's cheers became louder Bethany Snow began to talk.
" now for our exclusive guest for the evening we're having royalty among us tonight…. Please welcome the trash… I mean the Titan's own princess…. Night-star."
Hearing that trash comment Night-star didn't flinch or get angry but she was determined to teach Snow a few lessons in manners and roasting.
" it's so nice having you on my show."
Night-star smirked as she replied with modesty.
" oh I'm sure it's not as nice as having a few dozen cakes between each tapings"
After a few of the audience members truly laughed and cheered Bethany Snow continued with the interview.
" tell me as the daughter of super famous super heroes what do you like the most about your life?"
Night-star replied sincerely.
" well for one thing meeting new heroes, in fact I met one just right now."
Snow asked curiously.
" oh really?….. and who's that?"
Night-Star went right for the jugular.
" your chair."
With that most of the audience nearly erupted with laughter as Bethany Snow, now really pissed, tried to reign her rage in as she asked through gritted teeth.
" why have you attacked me when I've done nothing to upset you?"
Night-star dropped the joking pretense as she replied as follows.
" I wouldn't count hosting psychotics on your live shows as nothing, or trying to make my family miserable for ratings for that matter and let's not forget being in the deep pocket of a cult called the church of Blood as nothing."
Bethany Snow flinched and quickly tried to deflect.
" that was never confirmed."
With that said and done the interview continued fairly well with a few jabs here and there thrown in, mostly by Night-star as the interview was getting closer to its end.
" so what's in the future for a hero like you?"
Night-star replied.
" what do you mean?"
With that snow tried to land a low blow of her own.
" well living under your mom's and dad's shadows must be really impossible."
At that Night-star smirked.
" not that impossible as finding you clothes that actually fit."
With a comment like that the show came to a close, as soon as the mics were off the heroes, Bethany's true colors began to shine through.
" why you slut…. You think I've made your stupid bimbo of a mother a living hell?…. Just wait and see you cunt….."
Night-star at this point smirked before leaving.
" you know there would be nothing better than to grab you by the throat and toss you across the room but my doctor warned me against heavy lifting."
With that said and done Night-star was already half way towards the exit as she made the following comment referring to the shocked audience members who were yet to leave.
" oh my… and here I thought it was a family show"
Flying towards Titans tower Night-star was troubled by a gnawing feeling that maybe some of her comments went too far, especially tossing Snow across the room as those thoughts slowly formed a knot in her stomach. Heading towards her room through the living room she was met by her mom and dad as she sighed.
" if this is about the interview… I already have the feeling that I went too far."
Night-wing spoke first.
" we can't say that we're proud, or that you handled it with absolute grace but then again it is Bethany Snow we're talking about so you did handle it as best as a teenager can."
Seeing that Night-star was expecting a harsh scolding Starfire chimed in.
" we're not mad….. just a bit disappointed."
By this point Night-wing concluded the conversation.
" that's why I'll add another lesson to your day, but that will come later….. now off to bed with you."
Saying nothing Night-star went to her room as the day ended with a new one arriving soon after. Before long the weekend came as Night-star was informed that she was to report to Raven for meditation sessions which she wasn't crazy about on account of being a ball of energy by nature as she stood in front of the empath's and Changeling's door.
" better to get it over with as soon as possible."
Before she could knock on the door said door opened revealing Raven herself speaking in her signature monotone.
" Night-star."
Night-star returned in kind.
" Raven."
With that the older Titan ushered Night-star into the room. Stepping inside Night-star scanned the spacious room noting the gothic décor mixed in with what appeared to be jungle plants and flora, probably Changeling's input as she said.
" I don't think I've ever gotten to really take a closer look at your interesting choice of furniture."
Raven in most cases would thank her for the compliment yet she knew what Night-star was trying to do.
" there's no point in dragging this out."
Night-star apologetically and sincerely replied.
" sorry…. It's just….. I'm sure that I'm not built with meditation in mind."
Raven reassured her.
" Gar felt the same yet he adapted to it quick."
Night-star at that perked up as she smirked.
" always figured it was an euphemism for you know what."
Raven deadpanned.
" the things kids learn today."
With that said and done Raven approached Night-star as she pressed her thumbs gently on her forehead.
" relax I'm alleviating some of your worries from your mind."
Night-star calmly asked.
" as part of the meditation?"
At that Raven genuinely smiled.
" see you're a quick study after all."
after Night-star relaxed some more she was led to the center of the room as she and Raven assumed the lotus position for about half a day before the teen opened her eyes as though she was sleeping.
" what time it is?"
Raven deadpanned after opening her eyes.
"homework"
At that Night-star sighed in defeat knowing that Raven won't let her escape it for the entire day as she got up, stretched her legs and returned back to her room as she sat down to get her homework done. To her credit she had no problems studying in most subjects as she finished most her homework within a couple of hours but then came the exception to the rule, physics. Pinching the bridge of her nose she dreaded opening her textbooks on the subject before taking a deep breath while opening those books.
As she began to read the text and then tried to solve a few question from said text book Raven knocked softly as she entered the room with a tray containing one glass and one can of coke on it.
" you might need it."
Night-star asked.
" isn't it counter intuitive to what we've been doing all day?"
Raven simply answered.
" usually but if I know you better I know you hate this subject."
Night-star admitted.
" I like physics better when it's doing those fun experiments…. Not so much theory and calculations….. that stuff is dry."
Raven laid down the tray next to Night-star's desk asking.
" so what makes you hate doing these homework."
Night-star sighed.
" it always starts the same, I begin solving a problem really easy and when I get to the end I end up creating a mess, not knowing where I went wrong or what's up or down anymore"
Raven at that took it upon herself to help the young girl to clear her head a bit before opening the can of coke as she poured a quarter of it into the glass. Having spent another hour on her physics homework Night-star eventually finished it as Raven pointed out.
" drink up, you'll have training sessions with the rest of us as soon as they return from patrol, starting with changeling."
At that Night-star smirked.
" and how are you two doing?, still going strong?"
At that Raven playfully slapped the back of Night-star's neck.
" you're beginning to be worst then your mother, now drink up."
Laughing a bit Night-star drank her coke in one gulp while Changeling entered the room greeting his wife.
" missed me?….."
Raven deadpanned.
" with every bullet so far."
Changeling began to act in a mock hurt manner as he kissed his wife on the forehead before greeting Night-star.
" and what's my favorite niece has done before I came back?"
Smiling at him brightly Night-star replied.
"physics."
Changeling kept the cheerful and humorous mood going by saying.
" I won't even try to understand, besides I always mix up physics with physiques"
that got a light chuckle from both his wife and Night-star as he struck a few poses like a bodybuilder concluding the conversation with.
" report to the training grounds in 20, we have something very fun for today."
Changeling by this point left as Raven and Night-star thought the exact same thing.
' should I be worried about this?…'
titan's obstacle course, 20 minutes later.
As Night-star came out ready to train she noticed Changeling doing stretches and warm ups as she asked.
" so what are we doing today old man?"
Changeling only smirked as he fished out a remote from his suit's pocket, pressing the button the training field began to change as structures made out of tinted glass and concrete rose in variant sizes while the hero and trainer explained.
" today we'll practice our mind and bodies under pressure."
With that Changeling pressed another button on the remote as a controlled explosion demolished the structures in such a way that they formed now an intricate obstacle course including various debris and even fire for an extra punch.
" are you sure that's safe?"
Changeling answered innocently.
" oh yeah I did a trial run myself."
At that Night-star grinned.
" and here I thought I saw a receding hairline."
Before Changeling even could react Night-star began running towards the obstacle course and gradually took flight.
" let me show you what this old man can do."
Night-star continued roasting.
" don't pull out your back…"
As the two continued on training till the late hours of the evening eventually Changeling called it quits at around 19:30 saying.
" great progress…. Let's call it a draw for today."
Night-star still energetic asked.
" don't tell me you actually pulled out your back."
Changeling scoffed.
" no…. It's much worse….. we're missing dinner…"
Agreeing to the fact that dinner sounded good Night-star raced Changeling inside as the hero slowed down letting his niece pull up ahead as he massaged his ribs.
" wow…. That was a nice save…."
Both Titans before heading to dinner took a refreshing bath, followed by a fresh change of clothes before joining the rest of the family. Dinner went by quickly and uneventfully and so the rest of the weekend as a matter of fact with Night-star continuing her life as normal as possible that is until one Monday afternoon. As the Titan alarm blared loudly every Titan present including Night-star ran towards ops room.
" what's the emergency?"
Night-wing answered still running towards his destination.
" preliminary reports indicates it's the society of Wilderbeests…. Better stay behind on this one…."
Night-star a bit caught off guard asked.
" why?…. Especially when I can help…."
Starfire chimed in on the issue.
" if you want to help you have to obey every command to the letter…. Even if we tell you to run away."
As the group assessed the situation in the ops room it appeared to be that the society of Wilderbeest hired help in the form of one former member of the Brotherhood of evil Plasmus.
" well this has gotten a whole lot more interesting."
Raven replied to Changeling.
" thanks for the colorful commentary."
Night-wing's next command was this.
" Starfire and Night-star, evacuate the civilians away from the crime scene while the rest of us sneak on the two while we catch them by surprise."
Raven opened a portal to the crime scene as Night-wing declared.
" Titans together….."
At the crime scene a few minutes later.
As everyone began to take their position within the crime scene Night-wing spoke.
"Night-star, begin evacuating civilians, Star, keep Plasmus busy, Cyborg, Raven, go provide help for the EMT's while me and Changeling go after Wilderbeest."
With that said and done the Titans began to split as Night-star began evacuating civilians. As Night-wing's strategy began to pay off eventually she ran into something much worse than any supervillain, what she defined as pseudo hippies when in reality they were jackasses who refused to adhere to any.
" for the last time, you have to evacuate to somewhere safe before you get in the villain's way."
The pseudo hippies contradicted her.
" listen you fascist, these are not simply our homes, it belongs to our commune…. And there's nothing wrong with a perfect natural death….. so we'll embrace it when this supposed monster finally comes."
Night-star was about to lose her patience however she contacted Raven instead.
" are you done on your end? I may need….."
before she could finish that sentence Raven appeared out of her black portal scaring Night-star a bit as she used her powers to render the two Pseudo hippies unconscious while the young heroine said.
" thanks for the help."
Raven only silently nodded before carrying to now sleeping pseudo hippies towards the EMT's in the area not knowing that the whole event was captured by a random civilian ob his cellphone from a near by apartment building.
Later that night, Titans tower.
As the Titans returned from an exhausting yet successful mission Night-star hoped into her room for a quick shower. Once out she changed into regular attire as she began surfing the web for funny videos until she discovered herself and Raven in a short clip.
' oh boy….'
Night-star at that called a meeting with the Titans. Trying to explain what happened Night-star was a nervous mess while apologizing as well while Night-wing calmed her down.
" deep breaths… it already happened , there's no changing that."
Night-star took a few deep breaths before asking.
" what if that video messes up your life?, I mean I can think of one reporter who would love to chop you into fish bait."
Night-wing replied as follows.
" we got it covered, now off to bed with you."
Trying to sleep that night Night-star couldn't sleep in that particular instance or any other for about a week or so. Night-wing noticing that detail the older hero called his daughter to the ops room.
" looks like you need a vacation"
Night-star smirked.
" know a good place without internet connection?"
Night-wing smirked.
" as a matter of fact I'm contacting someone right now"
Night-star at that excuse herself as she went to the living room as she tried the universal medicine for insomnia, falling a sleep in front of the TV, which in this case was actually yielding results.
A few minutes later Night-wing encountered Night-star as he arranged for her a blanket and a pillow saying.
" sweet dreams my little one."
Titans tower, a few days later.
Night-wing was contacted back as he called in Night-star, arriving the hero informed the teen.
" pack a small bag you're much needed vacation starts tonight."
Night-star asked.
" knowing you it's not a normal vacation is it?"
Night-wing only smirked at how is daughter was becoming.
" it's only a vacation by name, in actuality it's a retreat from the media trying to make clout and scoops off of your name."
Night-star asked the next logical question.
" so who will train me this time?"
Night-wing answered that Bruce, Batman and Wonder Woman would train her respectively, each of them in their own area of expertise as the young heroine was visibly overjoyed as she rushed to her room to pack leaving her father smiling over her antics while Starfire joined him.
" I think she's got her energetic side from you."
Snaking her hands down to and through his belt line Starfire commented.
" please….. give yourself credit… you're energetic as well….."
To that Night-wing gently removed his wife's hands stating.
" not while we're in costume."
Starfire gave him a mischievous smile.
" all the more reason to take them… off…."
With that the two began to get intimate with each other as Night-wing capture Star's lips in a passionate kiss before continuing with a series of short kisses until…..
" how long have you been standing there M'ari?"
their daughter smirking at the situation as she replied.
" long enough."
Speaking of time, it flew by quickly as nightfall set with the Bat-wing, now looking like a stylized stealth jet flew towards Titan's tower eventually hovering above it while Night-star flew to it as she got in.
" are you sure she's ready for this?"
Knowing Night-wing's over protective tendencies Starfire began to tease him.
" if I'm not mistaken this was by all accounts your idea."
sighing Night-wing replied with.
" I'm humble enough to admit that I've made some errors in judgement over the years."
Starfire at that smirked.
" you have… but none of those mistakes were with M'ari…. Yet."
Night-wing smirked as he asked innocently.
" is that your idea of inspiring confidence?"
At that Starfire whispered.
" no… this is….."
Starfire at this point began leading Night-wing back in to the tower and keeping a close eyes on the Bat-wing in the process. As the Bat-wing flew across the states to its destination Night-star began to feel restless as Batman spoke through the intercom system.
' stay in your seats until the plane lands and no unauthorized flying'
Night-star at that was busy admiring the city as it changed quite a bit since the last time she visited with the buildings shooting up to the sky further than what's humanly capable.
The Bat cave, a few hours later.
Batman was waiting for Night-star to arrive along with the bat-wing as said vehicle arrived a few moments later with the young heroine now stretching herself.
" where's grandpa Bruce?"
Batman replied with.
" taking a much needed nap, so let's begin training on our end and let him rest."
Night-star nodded saying.
" lead the way Batman."
Batman smirked thinking to himself.
' the next few days are going to be interesting.'
True to that statement the duo began training together as Batman focused on improving her intuitive thinking which in turn helped her develop her reflexes better and faster. After a few days of training in the bat cave Batman caught wind of a relative new comer in the criminal world. A villain going by the name Spellbinder.
" think you're ready to practice what we learned on the field?"
Night-star asked honestly.
" how relentless are the press in Gotham?"
Batman returned the favor.
" they can be relentless."
Night-star at that nodded as she took a few moments to think before suggesting.
" show me everything you've got on him and I'll come up with a strategy for you."
Showing her what he had on Spellbinder Night-star learned that Delbert Billings was a painter who used optical illusions and hypnotic weapons to commit crimes. He worked as a forger of pop art before he decided to put his talents to use as a supervillain, creating the identity of Spellbinder and designing an arsenal of hypnotic weapons for himself, furthermore he eventually conned his way into the high school Terry McGinnis attended as a guidance councler/psychologist in hopes of finding new targets to rob under a false identity.
" so now that you're caught on what's the play?"
Night-star replied without hesitation.
" either you obscure your vision so he has no chance at hypnotizing you or create enough of a distraction for him so he can't concentrate on you, he seems to prefer on praying on a single target every time."
Batman smirked as he said.
Bruce would always come up with a third option."
Night-star smirked back at him.
" third option huh?, I'll go with tricking him into hypnotizing himself….. but you knew that already, since it was another test."
Batman admitted as his smirk grew.
" to be honest I expected no less from Night-wing's and Starfire's daughter."
With that batman left in a run towards the Bat-wing as he instructed Night-star to watch his progress from the Bat computer as she replied with.
" I'll be your eyes and ears if necessary."
As Night-star followed Batman's progress on the monitors Bruce Wayne himself walked into the Bat cave as the young heroine was both overjoyed and worried at the same time.
" oh no… were we too loud?"
Bruce ruffled her hair just a bit as he nodded his head sideways in a 'no' motion.
" I was never someone who spent his hours away sleeping."
Night-star smiled at Grandpa Bruce as she hugged him while asking.
" how much have you overheard?"
Bruce gave a genuine smile.
" you know me well so I'll say that I heard you strategizing with Batman."
At that Night-star acknowledged as Bruce continued.
" it seems Night-wing and Starfire have done an excellent job training you."
Night-star beamed at him at the mention of her parents however she was quick to ask.
" forgive me but why send me here first instead of sending me directly to Wonder Woman?"
Bruce at that made eye contact with her as a rare but pleasant expression etched on his face.
" to prepare you, from what knowledge I have Amazonian training isn't for the faint of heart….. besides are you in that much hurry to get rid of me?"
Night-star's response was as follows.
" not a chance… you're not getting rid of me that easily either."
Bruce patted her head gently.
" I'm not planning on it."
With that the two monitored Batman quietly waiting for their moment to help, luckily Terry was a good listener and an even better student as he adapted to fighting Spellbinder giving him the win in the fight. As the days went on Night-star continued to train with both Batman and grandpa Bruce with the latter training her mind and intellect while the former in turn kept finding new opportunities to test what she learned from the old man.
Night-star's room, Wayne manor, early morning.
As M'ari woke up in her bed within the many guest rooms at Wayne manor she took notice that it was about 08:30 am and the place was unusually quiet. Going through her morning routine and changing quickly she left the room, heading for the kitchen to prepare breakfast for everyone however when she got there Bruce was already waiting for her with a cup of tea in his hand and a plate of toast waiting for her.
" morning….."
Sensing her confusion Bruce greeted her by saying.
" I know that you're used to make everyone breakfast, so I decided that I'll spoil you for once."
M'ari took her place quickly as she thanked him, eating in blissful quiet and peace she eventually spoke up.
" feels weird without him."
Bruce admitted the following.
" it does, but I get the feeling it's not just about him."
M'ari returned Bruce's honesty with one of her own.
" with each day that passes while waiting for Wonder Woman to arrive it keeps hitting me harder and harder…. I don't want to leave you alone in this mansion…. I don't like loneliness and I don't want you to feel it because of me."
Bruce acknowledged her feelings while gently putting his arms on her shoulder in a comforting gesture.
" thank you…. Now let me teach you something…. Sometime people leave, they can leave unexpectedly, they can live because they have to and leave because it's their time…. Keep them in your heart and no matter if their here or not and loneliness can't get to you."
At that M'ari hugged grandpa Bruce as a few tears escaped her eyes while he rubbed her back in comfort for as long as it needed for her to calm down. Once breakfast was over both of them went towards the Bat-cave as the sounds of jet engines filled the place as it was heard through the secret entrance.
As they both entered the cave they we're greeted by Wonder Woman as she exited her famous/infamous invisible jet as Night-star was the first to greet her.
" hello, nice to meet you…"
Wonder Woman gave her a friendly and warm smile in return.
" the pleasure is mine Night-star, no need to be too formal we're more than a teacher and a student, if you have any questions before you go please voice them."
Night-star visibly relaxed.
" how many times people have hit their heads because of your jet?"
At that Wonder Woman gave a small but hearty laugh saying.
" quite a few, except for Bruce, he was always sharp enough to avoid such accidents."
Night-star smiled at that saying.
" doesn't surprise me at all."
At this point a comfortable silence has decented amongst the three as Wonder Woman gave a few quick glances at Night-star before saying.
" before we set off I would like to put your training to test for myself."
Night-star reply was.
" understood"
Night-star at this point went off to prepare herself as Bruce silently said.
" thank you."
Wonder Woman nodded in affirmation.
" don't thank me just yet, she still has Amazonian training to go through"
A tiny smirk etched on Bruce's face.
" she's not the type to go down without a fight."
Wonder Woman silently acknowledged that statement as the both of them continued their day as usual. With Wonder Woman being shown to her room for the day Night-star on her part kept on training until late noon as Bruce tracked her down to the manor's gardens.
" lunch will be served shortly."
Night-star simply replied.
" too nervous to eat…. sorry…."
Bruce gave her a knowing smile before approaching the subject from a different angle.
" have a rest then, it's counter productive to spend the day only training, besides I thought you wanted to spend more time with grandpa Bruce"
that convinced Night-star to stop as the two shared a few hours in the gardens as the young heroine couldn't relax completely, a fact that Bruce noticed.
" would it help you to relax if you knew Wonder Woman's weakness?"
Night-star responded as follows.
" thanks but I don't want or need to know."
pleasantly surprised Bruce grinned.
" I thought you might say that."
Night-star grinned in return.
" more like you knew."
With that the two shared a few nice and quiet moments in the garden before eventually heading to lunch.
Later that night, M'ari's bedroom.
Having most of the day training Night-star took a quick shower to alleviate her worries before going to sleep. Once in bed she closed her eyes as she began to breathe in rhythm finally falling asleep.
The next day.
As Night-star woke up she quickly changed before heading to the kitchen. As she got there the young heroine finally had the kitchen to herself as she began making breakfast for everyone with the first surprisingly was Wonder Woman herself.
" morning…. Would you like breakfast?"
Wonder Woman obliged her as they both ate in quiet as Night-star was deep in thinking before she asked.
" am I right to assume that your test has started ?"
Wonder Woman's only reply was as follows.
" life itself will give you as many challenges as you wish."
With this Wonder Woman finished breakfast as she said that she's leaving to put the final touches on Night-star's test before saying.
" finish eating, I'll come for you when it's time to be tested."
with that Night-star acknowledged Wonder Woman's statement quietly before thinking.
' as if I'm not nervous enough now I need suspense as well….'
with that Night-star eventually was led by Wonder Woman towards a place she didn't know her grandfather owned, a lush and dense forest hidden away from Gotham's reach located close to the Wayne family's stables.
" so we're having a race?"
Wonder Woman confirmed.
" a race to test your intelligence, courage and fighting spirit, last chance to forfeit."
Night-star nodded a ' no' before continuing waiting for the heroine to give the signal to move.
" charge…."
with that Night-star asked.
" why do I get the feeling this is not going to be a normal race?"
Wonder Woman at that got into more detail about the course she and Night-star will take in turns as they both will compete in an Amazonian archery contest with the heroine in training will have to use her powers as make shift arrows while the trainer in this instance will use an actual bow and arrow.
" now a question for you, have you got any experience in horse riding?"
Night-star replied as follows.
" uncle Gar would sometimes morph into a horse as dad taught me the basics, so just to be safe a practice run isn't out of the question."
With that said and done Night-star wasted no time in trying to befriend a few horses hoping to find one who will accept her as a rider. After a few failed attempts she eventually found one that liked her enough as she led the horse towards the track. Mounting it with relative ease Night-star cautiously tried to find a rhythm between her and the horse as they both began their practice run.
A few minutes later, at the finish line.
As Both Night-star and her horse made it through the course the young heroine addressed Wonder Woman.
" I'm ready to take on your challenge."
Wonder Woman already mounted on a horse of her own acknowledged as she positioned herself along with Night-star on the start line.
" begin…."
At this point the race between the two officially began as the two tried to gain a lead on each other as the first target appeared a drone acting a bullseye….. moving around….. as Night-star thought.
' why did I dare to expect anything else…..'
With the race taking place between Wonder Woman and Night-star raging on a few mishaps happened as the latter almost spooked her horse, nearly over shooting her targets and almost falling off a few times, it eventually led the race to end in a win for Wonder Woman by mere five points difference which disappointed Night-star.
" I must congratulate you on an excellent ride."
Night-star asked skeptically.
" even if I lost?"
wonder Woman gave her a confident smile as she extended her hand for a hand shake.
" Victory or defeat are of no concern to me as much as facing actual competition"
Night-Star shook Wonder Woman's hand as she sighed in relief.
" good… I don't think I have it in me for a rematch."
Wonder Woman in return smirked.
" once you complete your training with us Amazons you will."
Night-star at that started laughing as she said.
" sounds good to me."
By the time Night-star and Wonder Woman finished the race and returned the horse the day practically ended as the young heroine returned to her room fully knowing she should pack but she was more tired than she would like to admit.
' I'll do that first thing in the morning…'
crashing on her pillow after cleaning herself up she slept soundly that is until the alarm clock going off showing the time.
06:00 am
" why did I set it this early in the morning….!?"
Pushing through her sense of fatigue Night-star got ready for the day as she went immediately towards packing her belongings, a few minutes later a knock came at her door, opening it she was greed by grandpa Bruce with a silver tray in his right hand.
" thought I might spoil you before you leave."
M'ari smiled warmly at him, silently thanking him as she gestured for him to place the tray next to her as she slowly caught on to the dark circles beneath his eyes.
" you could never really stop being him can you?"
Bruce sighed as he did his best to console her saying.
" I'm not pushing myself too hard or neglecting my health and well being, but the new Batman will still need my help and so the rest of Gotham….."
Night-star smiled in understanding.
" and you won't abandon them…. It's not who you are."
At that Bruce scanned the room as he asked.
" would you like me to help you with the luggage?"
Night-star replied with.
" thanks but no thanks….. though I hope you brought me coffee…"
Bruce at this point lifted the cover from the tray to reveal the next best thing, classic pancakes with maple syrup and a hind of butter.
" grandpa…. Now you're really spoiling me."
Grandpa Bruce gave a small smirk replying.
" it's my job."
Night-star at that didn't complain as she began eating before finding enough strength to finish with her packing. Grabbing her luggage she carried it to the Bat cave as she witnessed Wonder Woman having a pleasant conversation with Batman as she made her presence noticed.
" are we ready to leave?"
Wonder Woman replied as follows.
" within the hour, Batman has requested that I'll have a friendly spar with him."
At that Night-star nodded.
" hoping to learn a few new moves?"
Batman replied as follows.
" yeah well, I'm sparring Wonder Woman, how many opportunities in a life time I could possibly get?"
With that said and done the sparring match began and ended within 15 minutes as Wonder Woman came out victorious as a winded Batman knelt down on the floor as the heroine in question gave him her hand to help him up, accepting it she stated.
" for a novice warrior you've last longer than I anticipated."
Batman at that gave a hearty laugh while clutching with his left hand a couple of bruised ribs.
" honestly that doesn't help mend a bruised ego but thanks."
with that said and done Batman excused himself to the infirmary wing as Night-star approached Wonder Woman with her luggage asking.
" can you help me find the compartment on that jet of yours please?"
Wonder Woman obliged as Night-star loaded her baggage on the invisible jet before turning to both Bruce and Batman.
" I'll write you every day."
Batman stated from the infirmary.
" we'll hold you…. To that….. ouch that smarts…."
Bruce on his part stated.
" make sure you follow their rules and don't cause them too much trouble."
Night-star gave Grandpa Bruce an excited and genuine smile.
" I'll do my best."
Bruce just gave her a silent look saying ' that's what I'm afraid of' before Wonder Woman's jet roared into life. As Bruce Wayne cleared the hangar the invisible jet took off as he checked in on McGinnis in the infirmary with the younger Batman stating.
" it's going to be a lot more quiet around here."
Bruce's only reply was.
" don't count on it, it's Gotham after all."
Batman sighed.
" well that's a glass half empty moment for you."
Bruce concluded the conversation as both men headed in the direction of the bat computer.
" yours is always half full so it balances out."
Within the invisible jet, a few minutes later.
Night-star was looking out the windows as Gotham became a blur behind them as her eyelids became heavy finally telling her that she did get up too early as Wonder Woman noticed it.
" you should rest child, our journey is going to take some time."
Night-star yawned as she replied.
" but I don't… want….. to miss…. anything….."
Wonder Woman smiled warmly.
" do not be concerned, I'll wake you up when it's time."
With that said and done Night-star relented as sleep finally caught up with her as she made herself comfortable in her seat. As minutes became into hours Night-star awoke nine hours later.
" are we well rested?"
Night-star replied with.
" absolutely."
Wonder Woman approved as she concluded the conversation as follows.
" excellent we'll be arriving to Themyscirawithin three hours."
With that said and done a few minutes went by as Night-star became inwardly impatient as she thought to herself.
' I wish I had a pencil and a paper, or something to pass the time….'
Instead of letting the boredom drive her crazy she instead asked Wonder Woman.
" could you tell me a bit about your home please?"
Wonder Woman smiled knowingly.
" getting a little bored and anxious are we?"
At that Night-star couldn't help but admit to it as Wonder Woman replied.
" certainly, and please from now on call me Diana."
With that said and done the two began talking about their destination, the mysterious island almost no man has ever set foot upon before as about two and a half hours passed by as Diana concluded the conversation by saying.
" I hope my stories were to your liking."
Night-star was visibly excited saying.
" I honestly can't wait any longer."
The remaining half hour flew by quickly as the invisible jet entered Themyscira's air space bringing with it an air of a new adventure on the horizon.
Fin.
Thanks for joining me on this adventure and hope to see you on the next one as well, see you next time.
Author's note: don't forget to follow and review.