A/N: This is my first Young Justice fanfic so please be gentle. I am trying to improve my writing and this is the venue I have chosen. While constructive criticism is welcome and appreciated Trolls and flamers won't be tolerated. I will refuse to read them and refuse to respond to them. I have several ideas for stories to write for fanfiction and this is one of them.

I will be taking liberties with the canon history. The Zeta tube designations will be different for other team members after Artemis as I'm adding my OC after her. So all of the other team members that join will start at B-09. Other changes to occur later.

[EDIT: As per the suggestion of admiral809, this story begins during Season 1, between Episode 6 and Episode 7]

My word processor has lost it's dictionary and I have no beta so I'm having to edit my own work. So, without further adieu, I hope you enjoy – Orbe.

Obligatory Disclaimer: Young Justice is the property of DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation. The only thing I own is my OC.

Chapter One

Cassidy, as she often had of late, found herself seated on a white marble bench beside a freshly dug grave. Dusk had come and gone leaving stars sprinkled across the night sky like fairy dust. A half moon lay amid said stars shedding barely enough light to make out vague shapes in the surrounding area, at least for most. All this splendor went unnoticed by her.

A large, two story house lay about a mile behind her. No lights shone from the windows making it appear empty and, quite possibly, haunted. The footpath that ran from the house to the private graveyard was barely discernable. Were an observer to be there in the daytime, they would have noted that the graveyard only held about 20 graves, yet had plenty of room left for many more. A chest high, cast iron fence ran the perimeter of the graveyard with only a small, arched gateway with 2 gates allowing access.

The grounds were well kept with fresh flowers placed in holders provided next to the markers. The markers themselves were nothing ostentatious, neither huge angels nor lions guarded any of the stones, even the oldest. No statues showing the representation of the one's interred beneath the soil. Simple markings on the face of the stones showed who was buried there as well as the dates of birth and death. As well as their relationship such as father, son, mother, or daughter.

The two oldest, Sir William Henry McCleod and Mary Elizabeth McCleod, showed their ends happened in 1678 and 1685 respectively. The light from the moon was too feeble to actually see what color the headstone that marked the grave in question, but Cassidy knew it to be light grey. She didn't even need to see the inscription, "Here lies Sean McCleod, 1963 – 2010, Beloved Son and Nephew, The laughter has been silenced", as she had been the one to write the epitaph and order the headstone.

If anyone had known that fact they might have been surprised since, to all appearances, Cassidy seemed to be your typical 14 year old. White blonde hair that fell to her waist topped a thin frame of average height. But it was the eyes, those sky blue eyes that, at least at the moment, seemed to hold so much pain.

"Oh Sean," She said, her voice pitched low and taking on a lilt that betrayed the owner to be other than a natural born American citizen, "Ye've left me and my heart lies barren. I know what ye wanted of me and even though the wound you left is still so raw, I will find the strength to do it. Just know that it sometimes hurts to breathe piuthar mo ghràidh . I feel so alone. I wish you hadn't sacrificed the life you could have had for me. I should have never told ye o' my vow."

Tears tracked down her face as they had so frequently this last week. Cassidy took a deep breath and, with no small amount of effort, calmed herself before continuing.

"Doctor Walden and Cedric have been paid off and have left. I gave both of them a substantial bonus and deeded Cedric the lower pasture with the guest house. Cedric will continue to take care of things. I'm going to rent the house out since I couldn't bear to sell it. That would mean having all of you moved and I refuse to disturb your rest. I've had all my things packed away along with any mementos I couldn't bear to part with and put everything else up for sale."

A near freezing November breeze flowed over and through the trees and bushes causing the leaves to rustle gently. It caused Cassidy's white blond hair to blow to the side, across her face, forcing her to absentmindedly tuck the long strands behind her ear. As for the temperature, Cassidy didn't seem to feel it even though she was dressed in tennis shoes, jeans, and a t-shirt.

"I am keeping faith with ye and abiding here til it is time. Ye were always the strongest person I've known. I wish you had told me of what you planned. I always wondered why you never married, why you never sired any children. I put the pieces together a little too late. I'm grateful for what you have done, but I still wish you hadn't done it."

Cassidy fell silent, feeling a presence behind her and a little to her left. And close, no more than ten feet away. She probably would have sensed them sooner, but this particular mind was diamond hard, tremendously disciplined, and one with the environment around them. Him. It was definitely a male mind she sensed. She should have been, at the very least, startled. But she didn't seem to be able to generate enough effort to care.

Without turning around she raised her voice and said clearly, all trace of her accent gone, "I know you're there. If you seek violence, know that I can and will defend myself."

"No violence." a deep voice answered. The mind moved closer and even Cassidy's preternaturally acute hearing had a difficult time picking up his footsteps. Which was impressive considering the large amounts of dry leaves and dead twigs that littered the ground. Cassidy could see the figure out of the corner of her eye as he stopped next to her just before he continued, "My condolences."

"Thank you." Cassidy remained silent for a few moments before continuing, "you are the friend of Jim Gordon that my nephew spoke of, the Batman."

Sean had been a police officer in Gotham until he had been hit in the lower spine and paralyzed by one of the Joker's goons during a firefight. He'd been medically retired with full pension, that had been 10 years ago. The figure next to her was silent. Evidently stating the obvious didn't require a response.

"Sean never told me of his plans, I was forced to read a letter he left me explaining everything. It wasn't right of him to give up his life to free me from my vow." Cassidy said sadly, more tears falling at the thought.

"His choice." Batman stated "Sean had a strong dedication to justice. Your vow was a great injustice that he felt he had to rectify. Don't begrudge him, instead honor his decision and be the best person you can be from now on. Don't let his sacrifice be in vain."

Cassidy nodded, admitting the wisdom in Batman's words. "I have things I wish to bring with me."

"Already being taken care of."

Cassidy stood and walked the few steps to the grave. Placing her hand on the gravestone she intoned:

"Suaimhneas domhain na toinne reatha a thabhairt duit

Suaimhneas domhain an aeir bláthanna a thabhairt duit

Suaimhneas domhain an domhain chiúin a thabhairt duit

Suaimhneas domhain na réaltaí ag taitneamh duit

Suaimhneas domhain na hoíche milis a thabhairt duit."

Cassidy allowed a final tear to fall onto the grave before turning to the figure and saw the entirety of him for the first time. Darkness on darkness, he blended into his surroundings, only the exposed lower part of his face showed him to be human rather than spirit or demon.

"Okay then," Cassidy said, her voice firmer that it had been in weeks, "I'm ready."

The dark figure, Batman, turned and silently headed at a slight angle from the path, headed for an, as yet unseen, objective. Cassidy trailed behind, reluctant to leave and yet knowing she was moving toward a more promising, though unknown, future. Cassidy could see Batman's vehicle of choice in the middle of the field ahead of her. It too was black on black and would normally be invisible at night. But Cassidy wasn't exactly human, at least not anymore. The aircraft closely resembled an F117 that she'd seen on TV.

"I hope you didn't scare the cattle Batman. It turns the cows milk sour." She joked.

No response. Okay, no sense of humor, check. When they were next to the aircraft, Batman actually held his hand out and helped her into the jet before jumping over her to land in the pilots seat. His athleticism was impressive.

"Don't touch anything." He stated as he began flipping switches, the engines starting up. At first with a slight whine and then a soft roar as they ignited. As sparsely populated as Niobara County in Wyoming was, it wasn't surprising that there was no one to witness the unusually configured aircraft rise, and with near silent engines, streak off through the night sky.

Cassidy sat in the passenger seat and admired all of the advanced electronic marvels the aircraft had. She'd taken flying lessons and was a certified single engine pilot, so she recognized some of the instrumentation. From what she read, they were already at 1200 feet and climbing while traveling at 750 miles per hour, just under the sound barrier. Cassidy was highly impressed. It seemed that Batman wanted to be the strong, silent type. Cassidy didn't mind, but she needed answers.

"So, Batman, Sean's letter never said, but where am I going?"

"We'll be landing at an abandoned airport. From there we'll take the Batmobile to a Zeta tube station that will take us to Mount Justice."

"Will I be able to live there or am I going to be adopted? I mean, I may look 14 but..."

"You'll be living there with a few other members of the team. I'm your guardian now."

That surprised Cassidy a great deal. "A team?! I'm finally going to be able to help people? And, I'm your ward? "

"Yes." Evidently, the word was the answer for both questions.

"Amadan naomh." She cursed.

"Language." Batman responded, startling her. Did he speak Gaelic?

"Sorry. So where is Mount Justice?"

"You'll be briefed when you get there."

The tone of his voice indicated that he wasn't in the mood to answer any more questions, so Cassidy went back to observing the instruments and remembering.

*Flashback*

"Cén fáth nár phós tú fós Sean?"

"You're supposed to be speaking English Cassidy."

Cassidy made a disgusted face. "I don't like English Sean, it's a messy language and it doesn't sing, it's all 'nah nah nah' flat sounding."

"True, but you need to keep up with it to blend in."

"Och! I'm so tired of trying to blend in. And don't think ye have distracted me from my question! Why haven't you married yet Sean?"

Sean shrugged his shoulders "Maybe I haven't met the right girl? Maybe I don't want to? Maybe I'm gay and don't want to marry a girl."

"Urgh!" Cassidy exclaimed, getting frustrated. "Sean, I dinna care if you marry a woman or a man, you deserve to be happy!"

"But I am happy Cassidy, I don't need a man or woman in my life for that."

*End Flashback*

The feeling of Batman's jet coming in contact with the runway drew Cassidy out of her memories and into the present. She didn't hear any sounds of the wheels hitting the runway so either he had sound dampeners or he was just that good of a pilot. From everything she'd heard of the Batman, she was betting it was the latter.

The Batmobile was as high tech as his jet. The lines were dark and smooth, like darkness had been melted and poured over a sports car. Cassidy fell in love with it at first sight. Riding in it, she could feel the power it had, as well as how well it handled as Batman drove. And, while he didn't say it, she felt the warning to not touch anything held for the car as well. She had no idea where they were, the airport being a single, unadorned building with a small runway that barely qualified as such.

The surrounding scenery told her nothing either, even as they began nearing a small town, road signs being conspicuously absent. Cassidy almost screamed as Batman made a hard right turn at speed toward the corrugated metal fence of a junk yard. Before contact could be made, or even allow Cassidy to get an exclamation out, the wall rose allowing the Batmobile to easily enter the facility and down into a tunnel. Cassidy was able to slowly lower her heart rate as they drove deeper into the tunnel.

"You have to be ready for the unexpected." Was all Batman said about nearly scaring her to death.

They eventually entered a small, underground dome where Batman stopped. The car slowly spun around until it was heading in the direction they came, ready for a fast exit. Cassidy looked around and noticed how modern it looked. There were several desks and computers, large screens on one wall with maps and glowing lines that meant nothing to Cassidy. She hopped out of the car at the same time as Batman and followed him to where a large hoop at least 10 feet tall with a short tunnel that had rectangular lights on the surface behind it. Next to the opening of the tunnel were a set of controls and a small platform.

"Stand on the platform." Batman said brusquely.

Not wanting to argue, but keeping his warning about being ready for the unexpected, she cautiously stepped onto the platform while Batman punched in some numbers. Various laser lights swept over her for only a second before they went out. "Now you're scanned into the Zeta tube system. Your team designation is B-08. Time to meet your team."

Batman activated the Zeta tube, causing the hoop to fill with light. Cassidy stood next to him and was only slightly slower than he was to enter the tube. As they passed through, she heard the weird echo of a robotic female voice saying, "Batman, Zero two"

"Orbe, B Zero eight"

Cassidy appeared next to Batman in an enormous cave like area and could see a lounge/kitchen like area where several teenagers were standing. Cassidy was a little startled to notice that one of the girls present had red hair like she used to have, but had green skin as well, which she never did. The girl reminded Cassidy of an Orion Slave girl from one of her favorite shows, Star Trek. She was holding a pan that had once held cookies, but now held smoking, well carbonized circles.

There was a dark skinned guy with blond hair, pale green eyes and what looked like blue tattoos on his arms and a serious expression on his face.

The other boy standing there was white with dark hair, blue eyes, and an angry look to his contenance. His stance and crossed arms let Cassidy know that he probably wasn't acting.

Nearby was a teenager that looked younger than she did wearing sunglasses. She wasn't sure why he was wearing sunglasses inside, maybe he was trying to look cool and fit in.

There was also a girl with long blonde hair, olive skin, and dark grey eyes who seemed a bit defensive.

A redheaded boy was standing next to the green skinned girl with a silly lovesick expression and a smile.

*5 minutes prior*

Superboy, Robin, Khaldur, Miss Martian, and Artemis were standing around the central area of the cave in Mount Justice discussing the team, training, and possible missions when a colored blur sped up to the group before stopping. revealing the red hair and green eyes of Kid Flash.

"So," he said, "any word on the new recruit?"

Khaldur responded. "No. Only that Batman will be bringing them by sometime after dinner."

Wally's face lit up in a grin. "I hope they're a girl!"

Artemis rolled her eyes and said, "Of course you would."

"Oh, I hope they are a girl! It would be so much fun to have another female to share things with! I even baked cookies!" Miss Martian exclaimed with a hopeful expression on her face.

Artemis looked thoughtful for a moment before adding, "True. It would even the team out."

Wally zipped over to Miss Martian and leaned over toward her, violating her personal space before saying, in as suggestive a manner as possible, "You can bake cookies for me anytime Babe!"

Just about then, Miss Martian smelled something burning. "Oh no! My cookies!" she shouted, flying over to the oven.

Meanwhile, Robin was standing there listening to his teammates conversation with a slight smirk, his hands in the pockets of his jeans, wearing his hoodie and his ever present sunglasses. He knew who was coming, even everything that Batman knew. At least, what Batman knew that was in the Batcomputer that Dick had hacked into. Robin could have told them what to expect, but he felt it was more fun to watch them find out on their own.

"I am more concerned about what they are able to bring to the team. After all, it shouldn't matter what sex they are." Khaldure said firmly, trying to make a point. Women and men were completely equal in Atlantis and he still couldn't understand why such things mattered in the surface world.

Suddenly the Zeta tube activated, followed by the computer generated female voice stating: "Batman, Zero two."

"Orbe, B Zero eight."

Everyone turned and looked toward the Zeta tube to see a pair of figures stepping from the bright light inside the tube into the cave proper.

The male was obvious, tall, dark, and intimidating, and could only be Batman. The other was a young girl of about 13 or so with white blond hair and blue eyes. She was wearing blue jeans and a black hoodie with the hood down. A green tee shirt could be seen peeking out of the area where the hoodie wasn't completely zipped up. A pair of black tennis shoes seemed to be all that she had to her name. Walking next to the Batman, she looked positively diminuitive.

The pair approached the area where the team was gathered when Batman stopped and spoke. "This is Orbe, she will be joining the team. Team training will be held in the morning with Black Canary." Then he turned and left, the Zeta tube announcing his departure.

No sooner had he left than Kid Flash zipped over, put his left arm over the girls shoulder.

"Hel..." He began before finishing with an "Aaaaahhhhh!" as he flew through the air for about 20 feet before landing in an undignified heap.

The rest of the team had seen the girl, Orbe, grab Wally's offending hand and using her body, throw the teen off of her. Robin, Superboy, and Khaldur noticed that Orbe moved faster and had more strength than a normal man would, much less one of her size and stature would normaly indicate.

Robin barked out a laugh even though Wally was his best friend. Wally's attempts at trying to woo girls was a bit humorous at first, but it also wore thin after a while. He stepped forward, smiled, and held his hand out. "Hi, I'm Robin."

Cassidy smiled and shook his hand in greeting. "Cassidy, also known as Orbe."

"Khaldur'ahm, but everyone just calls me Khaldur." The handsome dark skinned boy of about 17 said as he held out his hand when Robin and Cassidy released their handshake.

Cassidy smiled at him. "I am pleased to meet you Khaldur'ahm."

The next person to greet her was the blond girl. Cassidy's smile faltered a little when she looked into those dark eyes and felt her heart twitch and her stomach turn over. Fortuantely, the girl had been looking at Wally as he picked himself up off the floor and hadn't noticed. When her head swiveled back to the new girl, she saw the same smiling face that had greeted Khaldur. Artemis had to admit that the new girl, Cassidy, had the most beautiful sky blue eyes she'd ever seen on either a boy or a girl.

"I'm Artemis, excuse Wally, everyone else does. He has an innate need to push boundries."

"And no one has been trying to correct his behavior?" Cassidy said as she shook the girls hand. Cassidy had to force herself to let go before it seemed like she was holding on too long.

"We've tried, believe me, we've tried."

The Orion girl was next for a handshake, holding a plate with some well carbonized cirlcles stacked in a pile. "Hi! I'm M'gann, or Megan if you like. Want a cookie?"

Cassidy took one to be polite. She looked over at the dark haird boy that looked like he had a bit of attituce. M'gann noticed and told her, "Don't mind Superboy, he doesn't do greetings."

They all turned to Wally, the first to try to greet Cassidy, but the last one to actually do so. To say he got off to a bad start was simplifing the matter. He had approached the group and, unusually patient, waited for his turn to introduce himself. He extended his hand and, still trying to lay on the charm, smiled and said, "Wally West, also known as Kid Flash, fastest kid alive."

"With the fastest mouth alive." Artemis added sarcastically, making Cassidy smile at her. She looked at Wally and then slowly crossed her arms and glared at him. Wally's smile slid off his face leaving a worried expression mixed with a little concern.

Cassidy addressed him, her accent showing through slightly. "Touching a lady without her permission is verra rude. Ye could do well to remember that in the future."

Cassidy glared at him for a few more seconds before her face relaxed into a friendly grin. She stuck her hand out to Wally to take, which he did with a huge grin on his face making him seem even more exuberant than usual.

"Cassidy, AKA Orbe."

"Wally West."

"Fastest mouth alive." Cassidy interjected before he could finish, the rest of the team sharing a laugh at their friends expense.

Artemis, being new to the team herself, tended to be slow to open up to people. Especially in regards to Wally who, for some egregious reason, blamed her for Speedy leaving the team completely ignoring the fact that he left before Artemis even joined the team and the reason that Speedy, himself, stated for leaving. But she found herself in the unusual position of already beginning to like the new girl.

The team sat around the dining area, each member except for Cassidy and Wally had eaten one cookie each, mainly trying to make Miss Martian feel better about her, admittedly abysmal, baking skills. Cassidy, the new team member, had two because she was trying to fit in with the team. Superboy refused any, satisfied to simply glare at everyone. Wally, on the other hand, ate the rest of them, mumbling about his increased metabolism.

"So," Wally said as he licked the cookie crumbs off of his lips, causing Artemis to roll her eyes and Cassidy to grimace at his manners. He continued, oblivious. "How did you get your powers? I got mine by replicating Flash's accident in my garage."

"Wally." Khaldur'ahm chastised, "such information is of a personal nature and should be shared when the person feels comfortable talking about it. The choice shouldn't be forced on them to share it."

Wally shrugged. "I'm not forcing her to do anything. I offered up how I got mine. You're Atlantean, Artemis is Green Arrow's protege just like Robin is Batman's, Superboy is Superman's clone, and M'gann is a real life Martian."

Superboy glared harshly at Wally for sharing his personal information before jumping to his feet and storming off to his room. Miss Martian called after him, but he ignored her.

While Cassidy didn't agree with how he said it or that it was information that the individuals themselves should have shared, even if it was boderline common knowledge amongst the team, she couldn't refute the fact that it was true. They didn't know anything about her other than the fact that she could defend herself. Remembering Batmans advice or rather, instruction, to not provide too much information about herself to others, she replied. "I had a chance encounter with an ancient artifact that changed me when I touched it."

The entire team was quite for several seconds beforer Wally let out a low, drawn out, "Oh." The he perked up and added, "Well, that's different! I bet it was an alien device that changed your genetic structure and gave you your powers!"

Cassidy thought about her powers and how they worked before saying, "No, I think it was magic."

"There's no such thing as magic." Wally scoffed.

Cassidy just shrugged and said nothing, not wanting to start any arguments. The conversation then drifted to favorite movies and shows that were out. Suggestions were made about everyone going to see a movie at the local theater but no firm plans were made.

About 10 p.m. Khaldur'ahm stood up announcing that it was getting late and reminded them they had combat training in the morning.

"Oh! I can show you to your room!" M'gann offered to Cassidy.

"That would be kind of you. Thank you." Cassidy replied.

The team said their goodnights and those members that lived elsewhere headed for the Zeta tube while those that stayed in Mount Justice walked to their rooms. For some reason, unknown to even her, Artemis decided to walk with M'gann and Cassidy. M'gann walked on Cassidy's left so Artemis flanked her on the right.

"Can I ask you something?" Artemis asked Cassidy once she was able to squeeze the question in through M'gann's nearly non-stop tidbits about the team, mainly Superboy.

"Aye." Cassidy responded, distracted from trying to follow M'gann's near continuous talking.

M'gann stopped talking, wondering what Artemis was going to ask... and what Cassidy's response would be.

Artemis's face lit up as she pointed her finger at Cassidy. "That's what I'm talking about! Every once in a while your accent peeks through. It sounds Scottish or Irish, I'm not sure which."

Cassidy thought of several excuses. While she wasn't supposed to reveal too much about herself even to other members of the team, she had a strong urge to tell the blond archer everything. Why? she thought to herself. Why am I like this after so much time has passed? Since they had already heard her accent, and deciding that it didn't really give much more, if anything, away she replied.

"Aye, I'm Scottish. Mah family came from Scotland to the United States when I was a verra young lass. My last family member died recently." Here her voice broke, the grief still just under the surface. "leaving me an orphan. Before they passed they had called a friend in Gotham and Batman came to mah family home to collect me. Now here is where I reside."

When Cassidy started talking and letting her accent show even more, Artemis found herself entranced by the almost musical lilt, the cadence abrading the armor she kept around her emotions. When Cassidy mentioned losing her loved one and becoming an orphan, her heart felt broken. Cassidy's story was, in some ways, similar to her own.

"I thought Scottish people were redheads." The archer said, mainly to keep hearing that delightful accent and help distract Cassidy from her loss. It seemed to work as Cassidy gave her a slight smile and said.

"Nae. The Scots, and the Irish as well, have all hair colors. Though, as a group, they tend to have a greater population of gingers." Cassidy's eyes seemed to lose focus as she stared down the hallway. "Before the artifact, I had curly, copper locks the likes of which were rarely seen even amongst gingers. My eyes were of the deepest green and had oft been compared to emeralds. Though young, I was considered a great beauty and I was oft told that I would soon be stealing the hearts of all the Buachaillí, the boys."

Cassidy grinned. "The thought did nae please me father much. And now I live with me hair and eyes as they are, but there are times when I miss the bonnie colors I once had."

"But you're still beautiful!" Artemis insisted. Her face didn't reveal the shock she felt, nor the thoughts that sped through her mind. Did I just say that out loud? I can't believe I said that out loud! Why did I say that out loud? I hope she doesn't think I'm coming on to her!

"I, uh, I've got to go! Goodnight!" She said quickly as she turned and sped away.

Cassidy was a little hurt at Artemis's departure. But, at the same time, she was elated that the other blond called her 'beautiful'. Her head cocked to the side as she wondered why the compliment Artemis gave her made her feel happier than she had in years, since Sean was first diagnosed with cancer.

"Was it something I said?" Cassidy asked M'gann.

The redheaded Martian, confusion evident on her face, shook her head slightly and said. "I don't know, I'm still trying to figure humans out. Which is so much harder since I learned it's considered bad manners to read their minds."

"Well," Cassidy said, "good luck on figuring us out, we still haven't been able to do it ourselves."

The two girls wished each other a good night and went into their separate rooms. Cassidy looked around at the boxes neatly stacked along the walls and in the middle of the room and decided that she'd had enough excitement for one day. She got ready for bed and, once between the cool, clean sheets, she laid her head on her pillow and was out like a light.


A/N: Translations...

Mo Mhac gràdhach.– My Beloved Nephew.

Clach naomh - Holy shit.

carson nach do phòs thu fhathast? – Why haven't you married yet?

Sìth dhomhainn nan tonn ruith dhut

Sìth dhomhainn an adhair bhlàth dhut

Sìth dhomhainn na talmhainn sàmhach dhut

Sìth dhomhainn nan reultan deàrrsadh dhut

Sìth dhomhainn na h-oidhche chiùin dhut.

A Scottish prayer that reads:

Deep peace of the running wave to you

Deep peace of the flowering air to you

Deep peace of the quiet earth to you

Deep peace of the shining stars to you

Deep peace of the gentle night to you.

Please don't send hate mail. While I wish that I could speak Scottish Gaelic, all my translations are through an online translator so it may not match up to the actual Gaelic words.

Speaks With Spirits.