AN: I hope you are all doing well! I'm very proud of how this chapter turned out. Enjoy!
๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐
๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ - Revelations
"We were too close to the stars. I never knew somebody like you, somebody ... maybe it's a blessing in disguise (I sold my soul for you). I see my reflection in your eyes."
MOUNT JUSTICE
SEPTEMBER 26, 09:45 EDT
I never considered skipping schoolโunless it was for an emergency or if I was really sick. Today was neither of those days.
Slipping past Conner and M'gann was tough, considering we have almost all of our classes together, but I managed. Thankfully, the cave was empty. I wasn't sure who Red Tornado's replacement was this week, but they didn't seem to be here either.
Still, I tip-toed in and out of my room to grab the keys to the old apartment. With Mari still in a coma, Luke checked on the place several times a week and ensured all the bills were up to date.
He explained what he could without giving too much away to Zoe's dad since he still owned the building, and he waived the rent for the next few months. They told us to update them on her condition and if we needed anything.
Unfortunately, nothing has changed.
Mari still lay as still as ever in the medbay. The only thing that changed was the flowers Luke brought every week. I changed out the water every other day before I left for school.
Black Canary mentioned talking to her would make me feel better because she might hear me. Kaldur agreed and said he did the same for the short time I was unconscious.
I don't remember much from what he told me, but hopefully Mari could hear every word I've spoken to her.
"Hey, Mar," I sat on the edge of the bed and held her hand. "I already know what you're thinking: 'Calypso Lea, you should be at school right now!' And I'm not for a really good reason." I could almost hear her voice in my head, teasing and scolding me at the same time.
I watched the IV drip and listened to her slow breaths. "My only jacket got torn when I was fighting Nyx and Lamia, y'know back when you..." I swallowed the lump in my throat, the memory of that night still fresh in my mind. "I don't understand why you went there alone or why taking them out is so important to you. I hate that you started keeping secrets from me."
I wiped the tears away before they could fall. "But I promise I will figure out how to wake you up. I swear." I slowly reached for her hand and linked my pinky with hers. "I miss you. So much. There's so much happening with the team, Red Tornado being a mole, and somehow Sportsmaster knowing, M'gann and Conner being a couple, even though she hasn't told me yet for whatever reason, and Kaldur and I-"
I trailed off, my vision blurring. "I don't really know what I'm supposed to do, and I need you, eomma."
I watched her and waited for a reaction. I hoped her heart rate would at least spike, or maybe she'd squeeze my hand, but there was nothingโabsolutely nothing.
"Well," I sniffled and wiped my eyes with my sleeve. "I'm about to head over to the apartment. Hopefully, I have another jacket over there." I stood and adjusted her flowers. This week, Luke brought her sunflowers. "I love you. I'll see you soon."
It was getting easier to see and talk to her every day. At first, I would sit for hours and wait for anything to change. I would do my homework in the chair beside her bed or sit with her while I ate dinner. But it would make me cry so much that I would get sick.
As I left the medbay, I listened to the cave's eerie silence. Hearing it so empty was really weird, and I didn't like it. If Wally were here, that silence wouldn't last for long, especially if M'gann was here-
"Recognized, Aqualad, B-02."
I froze in my tracks as the Atlantean exited the Zeta tubes. His eyebrow furrowed in confusion when he realized I was there. "Calypso? Shouldn't you be in school?"
"Uh-" my brain short-circuited. "I umโฆ yes, but I'm not."
"I see that. Is everything alright?" He stepped forward and pressed the back of his hand against my forehead. I should be used to what Kaldur's touch does to me, but still, my heartbeat speeds up. "You do feel warm. Are you feeling okay cyar'ika?"
I smiled fondly at his attentiveness. "I am okay, Kal, I promise. I'm about to head to Detroit to grab a jacket. It's getting too cold without one."
His eyes widened. "I forgot your jacket was ruined in Taipei. I am sorry, I should have replaced it for you-"
"Don't apologize, Kal. It's not your fault at all." I reached for his hand and squeezed it gently. "Where were you coming from, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Atlantis. I was visiting my parents and enjoyed breakfast with them." He beamed, and I could tell how at ease he was from going home, even if it was for a short while. "I had requested their counsel on..." he rubbed the back of his neck, almost nervously, and I raised my eyebrow, "a few things. My mother was a bit overbearing, but she is looking forward to the day when she can meet you. My father, too."
I blinked. "They want to meet me? You told them about me?"
He nodded. "Of course. They want to see the rest of the Team as well, but you especially."
"Kaldur..." My face warmed, and I was speechless. Knowing that he talked with his parents about me made my heartbeat kick into overdrive. We weren't even a couple yet, and here he was, trying to be as respectful as possible. The thought of meeting his parents, of being a part of his life in that way, was both thrilling and terrifying.
He chuckled. "We can talk about it later if you wish." I'm not sure my brain will be able to form a coherent thought then, either.
"S-sure." I cleared my throat, my voice a few pitches higher than normal. I was sure if we continued talking about it, my heart would explode. "Did you see Tula and Garth?"
"I did. It is... strange seeing my two best friends in a relationship, but I am happy for them. I do miss studying magic with them, but I have mastered everything the King and Queen have taught me."
"The King and Queen are Aquaman and his wife, right?" He nodded. "That's so cool. Was it hard learning how to use magic?"
Kaldur shoke his head. "Not at first. I suppose I always had an inclination toward my people's magic. After my mandatory military service, I went to study at the Conservatory of Sorcery-"
"Mandatory military service? As a child?" I didn't mean to cut him off, but I had to know what he meant. I understand that Atlantis and the surface world are vastly different from each other, but children serving in their military is not okay. My blood boiled at the thought of Kaldur not having a great childhood and training to become a child soldier instead.
He sensed my anger and placed his hands on my shoulders. "Cyar'ika, calm down. It is not what you think, trust me. The Atlantean military is not the same as what you are imagining." I took a deep breath and let my shoulders relax. "It taught me a lot, including combat. I was not there for long, only a few years."
I sighed in relief. A part of me felt happy for Kaldur opening up to me about his life, but another part worried about what he went through as a child. He continued, "The military service and studying sorcery helped shape me into the person I am today. It helped me take care of my mother while my father was away."
"I thought he worked in the Atlantean government?"
"Not at first. While I was a child, he was always working, away from Atlantis most of the time. My mother..." He frowned as his eyes cast down to our feet. Seeing anything but a smile on his face broke my heart. I wanted to hug him and make him laugh but I knew whatever he was going to say, he needed to get off his chest. "My mother did not take his absence well. She tried her best and raised me to the best of her ability, and for that, I am grateful. It was difficult to see her that way, especially when I did not understand at first. I did whatever I could to help and took odd jobs to make sure we had something to eat."
My heart shattered at his words. There was a reason why Kaldur was always so mature and responsible. It's not because he has to but because he always was. He didn't seem to resent or harbor any negativity towards his parents for how he grew up. Even as a child, he was always the leader.
I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him as tight as possible. "I'm sorry." I swallow the lump in my throat, trying my best not to cry.
He rested his head on top of mine and circled his arms around my middle. "You do not need to apologize, cyar'ika. I am who I am because of it."
"Still, I wish you didn't have to go through that." I squeeze tighter, making sure to be mindful of his gills.
"I wish you did not have to experience what you went through as a child, either." He pulls away only slightly and cups my face with his hands. "Our past does not define us. What we do now, our actions, is what matters."
As I looked into his seafoam green eyes, that beautiful color unique to him and him alone, I realized that despite our different childhoods, we were the same. We try our best despite everything and continue to do good not just for those around us but also for ourselves.
"Kaldur, you're incredible, y'know that?" I blurt out, and I mentally want to smack myself, then curl into a ball and roll away before I die of embarrassment.
He chuckles and gently rubs his thumb against my cheek, before pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. There's a twinkle in his eyes that makes my heart flutter. "Let us go get your jacket, cyar'ika."
I want to tell him that I'll follow him anywhere he asks, but I say, "Okay!" instead. He takes my hand, intertwines our fingers, and leads me to the Zeta tube.
DETROIT
SEPTEMBER 26, 10:24 EDT
Even though fall had just started, it was already getting colder in Detroit, which was no surprise. It wasn't bone-chilling cold with wind nipping at your skin, but cold enough that I really needed a jacket.
Kaldur did his best to keep me warm on our walk to the apartment. He walked on the closest side to traffic and kept his arm around my shoulders. I had seen this type of stuff in movies and K-Dramas, but to experience it for myself? It my heart swell.
There was a comfortable silence settled between us, which part of my brain didn't like. It wanted to question what exactly Kaldur and I were.
In a way, we have 'told' each other our feelings without actually saying it. I don't doubt Kaldur has feelings for me at this point, I would be a big dummy to think otherwise. I wonder why he hasn't addressed the numerous almost kisses why he chose to stay in the surface world rather than Atlantis, or why he risked his life to save mine from Nyx and Lamia-
"Calypso?"
His gentle voice brings me out of my thoughts, and his features have a look of concern etched on them. "I called your name a few times, but you did not answer."
"Oh, mianhae," I murmur, tucking a stray hair behind my ear. "Just lost in thought. I haven't been home in a while." I really didn't want to have a conversation about our feelings right here, right now. Didn't feel like the right time.
"Does that upset you?"
"A little. I missed it but it makes me sad knowing that Mari isn't going to be there. It feels weird."
"Hmm." We cross a street, and Kaldur pulls me closer when I shiver."Would you want to live here one day?"
I think about it for a moment, my head turned in thought. "As much as it is home, I don't think so. I've only ever lived here and in the Cave. I think I'd want to live somewhere different."
"Do you have anything in mind?"
"Maybe somewhere warmer? Or near the water, like the beach." That way, you can visit easily, too, is what I wanted to add, but I couldn't get it out.
"The beach?" Kaldur muses with a small smile. "That sounds peaceful."
"What about you? Would you want to live on the surface or make a home in Atlantis?"
"Both, if I can. Atlantis is and will forever be my home, but I do love being here on the surface as well."
"You could always live near a Zeta tube, so you don't have to choose?"
He chuckles, and my stomach does a backflip. "That is very true. I would very much like to live wherever you-"
I stop in my tracks as soon as we turn the corner to the apartment. The window to Mari's room is wide open, her curtains gently swaying out in the wind. There's no way someone could've broken in unless they climbed up the brick wall and opened the window without shattering the glass or tripping the alarm.
"Sshi bal." I curse, the worry in my chest growing. My mind thought the worst. "You don't think it's Nyx or Lamia, do you?"
"No," the Atlantean stated firmly and reached for his water bearers. "Robin said that the League was keeping close surveillance on them, including Keres. If they were planning an attack, especially on you, they would be the first to know."
His words made me relax, but only slightly. They're already known to be secretive, so I wouldn't put home burglary past them. In broad daylight, no less.
But if it was them, what would they want from Mari's apartment? It's not like she's leaving a spare spirit totem around if that's what they're interested in. I doubt it's money, either.
"Go into stealth," Kaldur instructs as he unzips his blue hoodie and his usual red uniform turns grey. "We will take who or what is in there by surprise."
I nodded and touched my totem, thinking of a panther. No matter what was going to happen, I had Kaldur by my side. And if we needed backup, they were only a call away. But it still didn't ease the pit in my stomach.
We slowly ascended the stairs, keeping a watchful eye on our surroundings. From the outside, it didn't look like anyone else's apartment had been broken into.
Once we reached Mari's apartment, I slowly unlocked the door and pushed it open. Kaldur and I entered together, taking in every inch of the place.
Everything looked untouched and perfectly fine.
I was expecting furniture to be turned over, books and papers torn to shreds, picture frames shattered, but nothing. It was eerily quiet and sent a shiver down my spine.
Kaldur and I share a silent look. Something is definitely wrong.
"Where the bloody hell did this woman put it?!"
My body froze at the unfamiliar voice coming from my mentor's bedroom. There was shuffling and what sounded like dresser drawers opening before the man sighed heavily and mumbled something I couldn't hear.
I gulped and tried swallowing the fear rising in my throat. Kaldur mouthed, 'Stay behind me' as we inched near the door. It was cracked, so all we had to do was kick it open and take down whoever was in her room-
"I know you're there, you don't have to be all sneaky about it. Unless it's you Bats, then by all means don't be shy."
Bats? What the hell?
The door swung open on its own, and in the middle of Mari's now incredibly messy room was a blonde man with a long brown trench coat. I didn't recognize him, but the way Kaldur's eyes widened made me realize he did.
"John Constantine?"
The man paused, looking through a stack of papers to gaze at us. "Ah, little sidekicks. You," he pointed at me, "must be Mari's kiddo. Nice to finally meet you. You too, fish boy."
I didn't appreciate his comment towards Kaldur, but we lowered our weapons. I stared at the man in shock. "Um, I'm sorry. I don't think I know you." Why do so many people know who I am, and I've never seen them a day in my life?
He's certainly not a relative of hers. Not only do they look nothing alike, I'm sure he's not even from the States.
"He is a powerful sorcerer," Kaldur states, almost looking at Constantine in awe, "and a charter member of the League."
He grimaces. "Ugh, please don't call me that." He tosses the papers to the floors as he turns to rummage through Mari's closet. "I also wouldn't expect you to know me, luv. Mari and I aren't exactly chipper with each other."
"And yet you broke into her apartment." I also don't appreciate him tearing up my mentor's room. She was going to flip, knowing how disorganized her room was. "Could you stop looking through her stuff?" I hissed and pulled him roughly by his arm to stand in front of us. "What are you doing here?"
"Yesh, you've got some strength." He grumbles, rubbing his wrist. "Definitely Mari's lil' girl."
I cross my arms and click my tongue in annoyance. "Start talking. Now."
"Bossy too." The blonde grumbles, and I shoot him a glare. "Alright, alright. I'm looking for something Mari stole from me."
My eyes widened. "Stole? She would never-"
He cut me off, kissing his teeth and shaking his head. "Aye, she has. You know about her past before she got on the straight and narrow."
"Yeah, but she would never do that now!" I defended. I know she regrets what she's done before joining the League more than anything. "She's changed."
"Jury's still out on that one, innit?" I narrowed my eyes, and he raised his hands in defense. "Look, luv, I know she took it. She came to me specifically asking about the damn spell, and when I didn't give it to her, she left. I didn't notice she knicked it until now. Probably wrote on the bloody thing for me to forget about it-"
"Wait." My brain wasn't comprehending his words. "She stole a spell?"
The sorcerer nodded. "Yes. An old-fashioned Forget-Me-Not spell. You write in whatever you wish to no longer remember, and boom! Gone forever. But not without a price. All magic comes with a price." His features darkened for a small moment.
"Not all of the time," Kaldur said firmly. "Atlantean magic does not require any sacrifice from its user-"
Constantine rolled his eyes. "That type of magic doesn't count, fishy." My fists clenched at the insulting name, but Kaldur quickly grabbed my hand. "I told her that this spell would backfire. Not sure how but it wasn't going to be pretty. 'course, she didn't listen. The damn woman is stubborn as a bloody nail."
I chewed on my bottom lip. "Did she say why she needed it?"
He shrugs. "If she did, I clearly don't remember. Where is she anyway? I figured she would've shown up after I broke in twenty minutes ago. You've got a shite security system, by the way."
"She's in a coma."
"Fuckin' hell." He runs his fingers through his hair. "Bloody fantastic. What happened to her?"
Kaldur and I explained what happened in Taipei and that she hasn't woken up yet, despite the poison being removed from her system.
John sighs, dragging his hand down his face. "The fuckin' spell backfired like I told her it would. That's why she's still down under."
"How can you be sure?" I questioned, still confused by his magic.
"You said it yourself, you woke up after tiny Tim extracted all the poison. She should've done the same."
My throat suddenly felt dry. I could handle Mari being stuck in a coma because of something natural, like her body taking longer than normal to recover but magic? I know next to nothing about it other than how my totem works. Even then, it's been doing things that I didn't know it was capable of.
The Atlantean squeezed my hand tightly. "Is there a way we can save her or reverse the spell's effects?"
"Yes and no. I'm not going to try to cure magic with more magic. That's just idiotic. But, there is something that she can take if the damn thing wasn't also bloody missing!"
"Seems as though you have bad security as well." Kaldur jokes, and I stifle a giggle.
Constantine shot him a dirty look. "And here I thought you were the kind, responsible one."
"You called me fish boy."
"Eh, fair enough." He reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out his phone. "This is what might cure her." He scrolls through a few pictures before showing us one of a small silver vial with a gold ornate top and clear liquid. "This is liquid ambrosia. It's what they use to cure the gods. It was also stolen from me a few months ago by a damn shadow. I don't even know how he got into the Mystery House-"
"Keres stole it." Kaldur interrupts, and I stare at him in surprise. "He gave it to me after I beat him that night in Taipei."
My breath hitches as I drop my hand from his. "Y-you've had a cure for Mari this whole time and didn't say anything?" No, Kaldur would never do that... right?
The blonde man waved his finger as the Atlantean opened his mouth to protest. "Don't get too cross with him now. I'm assuming Bats is studying it?" Kaldur nods slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. "Good. He'll figure it out."
Confusion and hurt and anxiety swirled inside me so violently that it felt like I wanted to throw up. Constantine was still talking, but it sounded so far away and muffled.
My brain didn't want to believe it. There was a cure the entire time. Mari would've woken up weeks ago, and I could finally get some answers.
"Kid!" At the snap of his fingers, I was brought out of my thoughts. "Did you listen to a damn thing I said?"
I shook my head, trying to hold back the tears I knew were coming. "N-no, sorry."
"Clearly, or else you wouldn't be crying or upset with your boyfriend here." He placed his hand on my shoulder and lowered his head so we were at eye level. "If you give the liquid ambrosia to Mari now, it will kill her. It's meant to heal gods, luv, not people like you and me."
My shoulders drop, my lip trembling. "H-how... how is it going to help?"
"With someone like Batman looking into it, I'm sure he'll figure out a way to make sure it'll be safe for her to consume. I don't know how long it'll take. Hells, I don't know if it's even possible, but nothing is impossible these days. Especially for Bats." He offered a hopeful smile as I mulled over his words. "This stuff can cure just about anything. If you're hurtin' physically, emotionally, probably even spiritually, it'll fix ya. I'm glad it's in better hands than the bloody shadows." He grumbled something about how annoying Ra's Al Ghul was.
Kaldur hesitantly reached out for me and I let him lace our fingers together. "We have to think positive, remember?" Any anger or hurt I felt towards him, washed away almost instantly.
"You're right." He always is. I took a deep breath. "Geungjeongjeog in saeng-gag." I mumble, and John blinks.
"Bless ya, kid."
MOUNT JUSTICE
OCTOBER 1, 18:12 EDT
"Wally, I swear, no one touched your precious chocolate chip granola bars-"
"How did you know they were chocolate chip unless you're the culprit!"
I roll my eyes, rubbing at my temples. "Wal, please. You've said the flavor at least thirty times already."
He slowly turns his head, closing the cabinet, with the most serious look I've ever seen on his face. "Whoever took them, will pay."
Artemis groaned, punching him in the shoulder. "Grow up, would you? They're just snacks. Easily replaceable."
I shook my head, trying to cut her off from saying any more, but Wally's eyes darkened as he turned to her. "My snacks, are no laughing matter. I'm a speedster meaning my metabolism is twenty times than yours. If I don't have these," he gestured to the empty box, "I could die."
"So dramatic, let's go." She grabbed him by the ear and pulled him down the hallway. Well, that was easy. I should've done that half an hour ago. I followed after them, the ginger protesting that she was tugging him too hard.
As we entered the training deck, Robin and Kaldur had just finished sparring. I'm not sure who won but considering both were still on their feet, it was probably a draw. The Atlantean smiled as I walked to stand next to him and Robin.
After the ordeal with Constantine, we talked with Batman and Robin about what he told us. He had already been researching the ambrosia heavily, but he wasn't ready to test it out, just in case the dosage was too much.
I had offered to be the test subject, but Kaldur vehemently disagreed. "Cyar'ika, it could kill you, do you not realize that?"
I knew he was right but at this point, I was so desperate to make sure it worked. "I know, but... I just want her back."
"We will get her back." He promised. "But I will not let you risk your life over trying the ambrosia."
A large gasp interrupted my thoughts as we turned our attention to Wally. He had his eyes narrowed at Captain Marvel, who was talking to Zatara, with a mouth full of the speedster's snack.
"You." He raised his arm to point at the Leaguer, but Artemis swatted his hand down. "You're the thief."
Captain Marvel glances at the ginger, turning his head in confusion. "Huh?"
Before he could lunge at the hero, Batman strolled through the Zeta tubes. "Recognized, Batman, 0-2."
"Computer, national news." He wastes no time as he moves toward the center of the room, where a holographic screen showing the news appears.
"The initial attack was short-lived, but Metropolis was only granted a short reprieve." The camera pans to a giant plant creature thing attacking the city's skyscrapers. "And despite the intervention of Superman and the Justice League, there seems to be no end in sight." Superman saved a couple of people from a building that collapsed while the Hawks and Green Lantern focused their attention on the creature. It looked like they had their hands full of whatever that thing was.
"Should we get out there?" Robin questioned excitedly.
"No." The older Bat shook his head before turning to us. "The League will soon have the situation under control. That's not why I'm here. According to your intel, Sportsmaster supplied Cadmus' blockbuster formula to Kobra." His name appeared on the paused news screen.
"Who combined it with Bane's Venom to create Kobra Venom." Wally adds, and Robin continues, "Which the Brain used to create his animal army."
"And upgrade Wolf," Conner says as he scratches underneath the big boy's chin. Such a good boy.
"He enslaved almost all the animals." I reach over to rub the top of Wolf's head, and he closes his eyes, lowering his head for me to reach more of his fur.
I giggle as Conner mumbles, "Traitor."
"The Brain also used inhibitor collars, like the ones at Belle Reve penitentiary." M'gann remarks, and I catch her and Superboy sharing a quiet look. She blushes, and I raise my eyebrow at her, but she doesn't notice.
"Batman, is it possible that plant thingies on Kobra Venom, too?" Artemis asks, her voice laced with worry.
He nods and waves his hand as a keyboard appears. "I had Green Lantern run a spot analysis." Another image appears of a group of cells and test results that I can't understand. "The vine cellulose does contain trace amounts of a Kobra Venom variant."
Kaldur shares a look with Robin. "These cannot be coincidences. Unrelated criminals are cooperating with one another worldwide."
The younger Bat pulls up his own holographic keyboard and begins typing as his mentor agrees with the Atlantean. "Exactly. It's now clear our enemies have formed some kind of secret society of super villains. The attack on Metropolis is only the beginning."
"You got that right." Robin began pulling up surveillance pictures showing the plant things in different areas. "Plant creatures have sprouted up in Gotham City, Paris, Star City, Taipei-"
All the screens suddenly cut to static, losing whatever signal they were linked to.
"Dude!" Wally complains, but with how concerningly fast Robin's fingers are typing, I'm pretty sure it's not his fault.
"It's not me. Someone's cutting in the satellite signal. All satellite signals!"
The static disappears, and all the screens show Joker's face, almost making me jump. Everybody's eyes widen in shock as his lips stretch into a maniacal smile. I shudder and move closer to Kaldur, and he squeezes my shoulder.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he taps the camera lens, "we interrupt your regularly scheduled mayhem to bring you this important announcement." He pulls out a switchblade and turns to the camera to show several other villains, "From the Injustice League!"
How original. Wonder how long it took him to come up with that.
One I recognize, Count Vertigo, steps forward as the camera zooms in. "We are responsible for the attacks on your cities. If you wish to save them, a ransom of ten billion American dollars is required. Delivery instructions have been sent to the United Nations. There is no time limit, but the longer your governments wait..."
Joker's pale hands turn the camera back around to him. "The more we get to have our jollies~" His terrifying laughter echoes through the cave, before the video cuts to static again.
Batman raises his hand to his ear, "Rodger, that Aquaman. The UN will prepare the ransom as a fallback, but it won't come to that."
Robin pulls the video back up and scans through each of the villains. "Count Vertigo, the Joker, Poison Ivy, Ultra-Humanite, Atomic Skull, Black Adam, Wotan, seven heavy hitters. Probably behind nearly everything and everyone we've faced."
If that were the case, I wondered who people like Sportsmaster and Nyx reported to. Wouldn't Ra's Al Ghul be there, too, somewhere? Or is he working under someone else?
"There's your secret society." The ginger murmurs.
"Not so secret anymore," Artemis says, crossing her arms.
"Perhaps after India, they realized we would deduce the truth and saw no point in hiding any longer," Kaldur concludes, and I nod in agreement.
Wally clenches his fist, grinning brightly. "Yeah? That was their mistake. Right now, I saw we go kick some plant-creature butt!"
"The Justice League will handle the plants," Batman interjects, and Wally's smile falls. "I have a different job for this team."
"Aw, man..." The speedster whines until Artemis punches him in the shoulder, yet ago. "Geez blondie, you're gonna leave a bruise!"
The older Bat ignored his comment and continued, "With the plants attacking so many locations simultaneously, there must be a central control system. Your mission is to destroy it."
Zatara approaches him, looking at us with worry, then back to the Leaguer. "You realize what you're really asking them to do?"
Batman nods. "They're ready."
I exchanged glances with Robin and then Kaldur, finally realizing what he meant. However, Wally didn't catch on as fast. "Ready? Ready for what?" Artemis responds with yet another punch to his shoulder, "Ow! Will you cut that-"
She rolls her eyes, her hands on her hips. "Hello Wally! If the big guns are fighting plants, who do you think we'll be fighting?"
"I don't know! I guess we'll-" she points to the screen, cutting him off. Finally, the gears start turning in the speedster's brain. "Ohhh."
The magician sighs. "Well, Batman, I trust you're correct."
"I trust you can locate the enemy." Batman turned to face him.
"Indeed, Wotan's involvement suggests sorcery is part of how the plants are controlled." Zatara looks at the younger Bat. "Robin if you will provide a holo-map, I'll search for signs of concentrated sorcerous activity." He brings up a large holographic globe, and the older man raises his hands. "Etacol retnecipe fo yrecros!" A large red dot appeared on the map and stopped the globe from moving. "There. That is where you will find the Injustice League's central control system."
Robin nods, typing away on the keyboard. "Coordinates locked in, the Louisiana Bayou."
"We are on our way." As soon as those words left Kaldur's lips, the team rushed to the locker rooms and began suiting up.
BAYOU BARTHOLOMEW
OCTOBER 1, 18:52 CDT
The weight of the mission finally hit me when we settled into the Bioship. We are going to face a group of insanely violent and powerful villains that I'm sure won't show any mercy. And yet, Batman, and probably the rest of the League, trusted us to take care of it. I wonder if Mari would've agreed.
'You're quieter than usual Caly.' M'gann pointed out softly. 'Everything okay?'
I noticed it was only us in the mind link she created. 'Just thinking about Mari and how she'd react to all of this.'
'Do you think she'd be upset?'
'I'm not sure.' I nervously began picking at my fingernails. 'I mean she's seen everything we as a team have accomplished so far so I would hope she'd be proud.'
M'gann smiled and nodded in agreement. 'I think she would be.'
'How about you M'gann?' I turned my head to look at her. 'Are you doing alright?'
'Honestly? Anxious.' She was gripping the controls to the ship tighter than usual and her body was tense, that her shoulders were almost up to her ears. 'This could be the final fight y'know? We're finally facing the bad guys that have been behind it all.'
'Do you think it's really going to be that easy? It feels... I dunno, too soon.'
'Maybe.' My Martian best friend shrugged. 'I don't think they anticipated us figuring out their little secret society so we are a step ahead of them.'
'That's true.' I watched as her eyes met Conner's for a brief moment and they shared a small smile. She blushed as I raised my eyebrow. 'Sooo are you ever going to tell me what happened at Belle Reve?'
Her eyes widened and her cheeks turned red again. 'Actually, about that...'
'Wanna talk about it later?'
'Yes, and I promise to tell you everything.'
She held out her pinky and I locked it with mine. 'I'll hold you to it M'gann.'
Everyone began double checking their gear, preparing for the fight ahead while Kid Flash ate his third banana. "What's in the duffel?" He gestured to the bag beneath Kaldur's seat. I didn't realize he brought something.
"Plan B." The Atlantean said without elaborating further. I stared at him suspiciously, what did he mean by Plan B?
M'gann groaned as she held her hand to her forehead. Both Conner and Wolf turned towards her immediately. "You all right?"
"Dizzy."
"Martians get airsick?" Robin wondered out loud.
I scanned my best friend for any injuries, but saw nothing. "I don't think so."
Kid Flash looked her up and down. "She does look a bit greener than usual."
She shook her head. "Not me, her."
Artemis and I exchanged worried looks as we said together, "I feel fine." "I'm okay."
"No, not you guys, the Bioship. She's trying to shield us, but-"
Something slammed into the bottom of the ship and sent us spiraling into the trees. I held onto my seatbelt as tightly as I could and braced for impact.
The ship flipped and smacked against so many trees until we finally crashed into the swamp. I blinked and tried to shake off the motion sickness.
"Everyone okay?" I asked as the team began to reorient themselves. It wasn't until I saw the giant mossy tentacles, the same ones we saw on the news, wrapping around the ship that I noticed we were sinking. Not good, not good, not good.
Another slam hit the ship, this time from the top. Fingers shot through the ceiling of the ship and tore a hole to reveal Black Adam.
M'gann cried out and almost fell to her knees. "He's hurting her!" Superboy growled and punched Black Adam's face so hard, it sent him flying off the ship.
Water began flowing into the Bioship, as the vines continued to drag us deeper into the swamp.
Robin acted fast and quickly popped on his rebreather and dove into the water. I lifted my hand from the water and touched my totem. I wonder if I chose a sea creature would I be able to breathe underwater? Technically it would be a part of its abilities.
"Nu uh, no way I'm nearly drowning three missions in a row." Artemis griped as she pulled out a rebreather and handed another one to KF.
The speedster gaped at her. "Wow, uh, thanks."
I allow the powers of a simple shark overcome me. I turn to Kaldur who hands me a rebreather just in case. I don't know how he read my mind but at this point, I don't question it.
He takes my hand as we sink underwater. Instinctively, I hold my breath and my body begins to tense up. Kaldur shakes his head and squeezes me. 'Cyar'ika, you need to breathe. Now.'
I close my eyes and allow my body to relax. C'mon Virago, it would be super embarrassing to drown in front of everyone. Slowly, I take in one small breath and gasp. My lungs aren't filling up with water!
'I can breathe underwater!' I exclaim excitedly and Kaldur gives me a small smile. Right, mission first, be excited later.
M'gann opens a hatch at the bottom of the ship as our leader orders everyone out. I follow after him, the rest of the team right behind us. I try not to think too much about Kaldur's actions as we make it to dry land.
"Thank you," I murmur softly in his ear.
His eyes soften as his leader demeanor slips for a second. "Of course."
We watch from behind the trees as the Bioship gets taken underwater from the vines. Superboy places his hand on M'gann's shoulder. "She's in shock. She'll need time to recover."
"Are you going to be okay though?" Artemis questions.
"Yeah, I think so- AHH!"
Nauseating pain shot through my body, and I collapsed to the ground. The whole world was spinning, and my body felt like it was being torn in half.
"Vertigo." KF spat out as I looked up to see the strangely well-dressed villain.
"Count Vertigo to you, peasant." He sneers as I struggle to pull myself up on my elbows.
Superboy stands and goes to throw a hit at Vertigo, only to be blocked by Black Adam. He punches the clone to the ground hard.
The pain in my skull finally stops, and I jump to my feet as Kaldur begins to pull water from the swap with his bearers and throw it at Vertigo. He sends him crashing into the trees and further into the jungle.
'Robin, Miss Martian, Virago, disappear.' Kaldur orders as the rest of the team begins to recover. 'We will keep them busy. You three fulfill the mission objective.'
'Got it.' Robin melted into the shadows of the trees, while Miss Martian camouflaged herself. I quickly touched my totem and felt the flight of the Peregrine Falcon surge through me.
Just as I took flight, Black Adam dove for my feet. I moved out of the way, but Wolf was quicker-he snarled and pounced on the villain, giving me enough time to fly into the jungle. 'Kamsa neugdae.' I made a mental note to give him lots of belly rubs when we get back to the Cave.
Robin lead the way, following the coordinates on his holographic map. Miss Martian floated beside him while I watched our backs.
'I've lost contact with Aqualad and the others.' M'gann informs, her voice laced with worry. My eyes widen, hoping everyone is alright. 'Should we-'
'Sorry that's not the gig, this is.' The younger bat's map disappeared before he pulled back a couple branches to reveal a large dome with a giant plant thing sprouting from top. It was so tall I'm sure it went past the clouds, almost like Jack and the Beanstalk. 'The Injustice League central control system. It looks like that plant is acting as an antenna to control the other plants worldwide.'
'So, if we take that one down will it stop the other ones?'
'Only one way to find out-'
"Why, hello~" A sultry voice interrupts as vines sprout from the ground and wrap around the three of us. I struggle to twist around and see that the voice belonged to Poison Ivy. Ultra-Humanite landed beside her and cocked his gun. "And, goodbye."
Just as he pulls the trigger, M'gann's eyes glow, and the blast hits the base of the vines beneath us. We scatter into the trees as I touch my totem, changing to a grizzly bear. Poison Ivy follows after Robin while Ultra-Humanite begins shooting at Miss Martian and I.
She quickly turns invisible and zips through the trees with ease. I try to keep with her speed while dodging the blasts but I can't camouflage like her. Another shot narrowly misses my head and I groan. "Yah, kkeojyeo!"
I circle around, using the trees as cover. I manage to get behind the gorilla and kick his feet out from under him with all the strength I could muster. The power of the bear seemed to be a little bit stronger than him.
He snarls, quickly regaining his composure, and fires rapidly in my direction. I jump into the trees and try to get around him once more. He shoots at the branches beneath my feet as I jump from one tree to the next.
As soon as my feet land on the next branch, he fires, and the wood breaks. I reach out to grab the base of the tree but I couldn't get a good enough grip. I slip, my fingers digging into the bark of the tree, as I slide to the ground.
I roughly hit the swampy ground and wince. Good job V, now you're going to smell terrible for the rest of the mission. I'm going to need a really hot shower after this.
Ultra-Humanite stomps toward me and cocks his gun once more. He aims right for me and wastes no time in pulling the trigger. I duck and roll underneath his legs, the blast echoing around us.
The gorilla roars so loud it makes my ears ring. He bares his teeth and swings his gun over his shoulder before raising his fists. He wants to fight me?!
I steady myself and take a deep breath to stop my hands from shaking. I've seen this guy fight Superman on TV and land some damn good hits.
I try to remember everything Luke taught me during training and what I've learned from sparring with the team, especially Superboy. I may be strong with the totem but I don't think I'll be able to hold my own for long-
'Caly, move!' A large branch levitated off the ground and slammed on to Ultra-Humanite, knocking him unconscious.
M'gann suddenly appeared next to me and I sighed in relief. 'Thanks. I thought that was it for me there. Where did you go?'
'Sorry, I didn't mean to go so far but I made contact with her.'
My eyebrows furrowed. 'Artemis?'
She giggled. 'No.'
Robin caught up with us as Miss Martian used her telekinesis to destroy the vines about to smother him, while I gave Poison Ivy a swift roundhouse kick to the gut, sending her flying into the swampy murky waters.
'What's the plan?' I question, as we made our way back towards the headquarters. 'We blowing this thing up?'
'Pretty much, yeah.' Wow, easy enough. Robin pulled out his stash of numerous Birdarangs. 'We don't have much time. Take these and put as many down as possible.'
M'gann took my hand and levitated us to the top of the building. while Robin used his grappling hook. She outstretched her palm and dozens of Birdarangs attached to the top of the giant plant thing. Robin and I began placing them everywhere else.
He pulled out a small device and looked between M'gann and I. We gave him a nod, and he pressed the button.
The plant screeched as tiny explosions erupted from all around it. It catches fire and breaks through the numerous vines, before finally collapsing across the glass dome.
I could see the rest of our team fighting more of the Injustice League members, while one member was enraged with the explosion. Poison Ivy was shaking with anger and if looks could kill, I'm sure we'd be goners. "M-my baby!" she gutturally screeches as tears stream down her face.
Robin crossed his arms. "Timber."
The redhead shrieked and shot her hands forward. Vines shot from the ground and head towards us but M'gann quickly blocked it, breaking them into tiny pieces easily.
A laser beam hits the back of her head and I turn around to see Joker and Atomic Skull. I shout her name as I watch her crash into the ground. My eyes widened at just how close they were and how dangerous this mission was becoming.
"Move!" Robin ordered as another beam of energy heads our way.
"Children? Children foiled our plan?" Joker fumed, his voice getting louder by the second as Robin and I made our way down the building. "Inconcieveable! Unacceptable! Retributionable! That last one might not be a word, so sue me."
Seeing Joker so close is scarier than I could imagine. I mean, a lot of the other Injustice League members are terrifying, but the clown? For some reason just hearing his voice sent shivers down my spine.
Robin and I helped M'gann off the ground, as Joker and Atomic Skull followed closely behind. I decide to join Superboy and Wolf as Ultra-Humanite and Black Adam circle us. Conner cracks his knuckles and charges at Black Adam with a battle cry. He throws him into a tree and begins throwing a flurry of punches into his chest.
I turn my attention to the gorilla in front of me. He narrows his eyes, and I touch my totem to match his power. "Round two?" I ready my fists as Wolf growls deep within his throat and snaps his teeth.
Wolf jumps first and his teeth latch into Ultra-Humanite's arm. The gorilla howls in pain, and I take the chance to grab his annoying gun and rip it from his shoulder. I throw it across the swamp and watch as it sinks into the murky water.
Ultra-Humanite rips Wolf off by the scruff of his neck and tosses him my way. I try to move out of the way but fall into Superboy who was trying to dodge an attack from Black Adam.
"SB, are you-" A scream tore from my throat as electricity consumed my body and I crumbled to the ground. My muscles seized, and every nerve in my body felt like it was being ignited. I tried to crawl away and focus on anything else but the unbearable pain.
Just as suddenly as it began, the electricity stopped. I gasp for air as I try to turn over, but my limbs felt so heavy. My body trembled, still feeling small shocks radiate through my body. Wolf whimpers beside me and nudges my arm, trying to help me stand.
"The Helmet of Fate!" I look up to see Wotan staring at a certain Atlantean several feet in front of me holding a familiar gold head piece.
My eyes widen and I stagger to my feet, trying to reach for him. "K-Kaldur-" I fall to my knees and Wolf catches me as Kid Flash cries out our leader's name, "No, Aqualad! Don't!"
Time seemed to slow as Wally rushed to stop Kaldur, but Black Adam sucker punched him into a tree.
Aqualad put on the helmet.
In a flash of golden light, he transformed. He donned the same gold and navy armor we've seen before when Wally had the helmet. But this time, you could feel some kind of powerful magical energy surrounding him. Maybe it was his Atlantean magic mixing with Fate's?
Kaldur flew into the air to face the villain sorcerer. "Wotan, you are mine!" I could kinda hear Kal's voice but I knew it wasn't him. Not fully anyway.
Something in my brain was telling me this wasn't right. He wasn't meant to do this. And the way KF reacted didn't make any sense unless... no, it can't be.
Wolf snarled as Ultra-Humanite stomped towards us. He swung his fists down and I crossed my arms in front of each other and held my ground as they struck my arms. I struggled against his strength, my heels dug into the muddy ground. It felt like trying to hold back a boulder-a fuzzy, bloodthirsty boulder.
"Virago!" Superboy slammed into the gorilla, giving me enough time to step back. Up above, Kaldur and Wotan were engaged in heated battle. Was he going to be stuck like that forever? He's going to be able to come back... right?
I shook my head, trying not to think about the negatives and focus on the bad guy in front of me. The Kryptonian and Wolf were holding him down but I knew it wouldn't be for long. I touched my totem, feeling the power of the rhino flow through me.
"YAH!" I charged into the gorilla's chest like a battering ram and shoved him into the tree. He groaned, his head smacking on the wood. I dug my fingers into his shoulders, jumped up, and drove my knee into his ribs with as much ferocity as I could muster.
Ultra-Humanite sagged against the bark, letting out a choked snarl. I balled up my fist and strike his jaw hard. His massive form finally slumped over and landed in the water with a heavy splash.
He stirred as a voice called from the sky, "Ekirts natoW nwod!" I looked up to see Zatara sending out a massive beam of light at Wotan. Right behind him were the Hawks, Shazam, and Martian Manhunter. "Not tonight, Wotan."
Superman, Batman, Black Canary, and the rest of League appeared out the clouds as the Injustice League members began backing up in fear. Superboy grabbed Ultra-Humanite's arm and tossed him next to a now collapsed Wotan and the others.
We shared a quick high five with Wolf barking in approval. "Kamsa chingu."
The Leaguers have the villains surrounded in a circle. Batman stepped forward, "It's over."
Vertigo and Ivy exchange looks before each of them raised their hands in surrender. "There will be another day." He declared darkly.
"Another day? Another day?!" The Joker screams in outrage. "There won't be another day! Not for any of us!" He bursts into maniacal laughter and raises his gloved hands as vines with red spurs emerge from the water. One by one, they begin to pop and fill the area with green gas.
"Joker-Vemon spores, don't breathe!" Batman commands before punching the clown unconscious. I took a deep breath and covered my mouth and nose with my arm.
"Fear not!"
Kaldur, er- Doctor Fate rose into the air and summoned a large golden Ankh that began sucking in all the toxin. "Fate has intervened." I stared up at him in awe, wondering if the Atlantean was in control or if it was all the helmet.
"What were you thinking?!" Wally demanded before turning towards me. My eyes widened at the sudden anger directed at me. "How could you let him put on the helmet?"
"I-I didn't know he was going to do that." I sputtered out, his anger startling me. KF has never been angry like that before, let alone at me. "Why is it such a big deal-"
The ginger gulped and looked down to the ground. "Nabu will never release him. Kaldur will be trapped inside Dr. Fate forever."
My stomach dropped. The air left my chest and my body trembled. No, no, no, no. It can't be. That's not true. He's not gone. Kaldur's not gone.
I surged towards Kaldur and reached for the helmet. My fingers hovered over the edges as I stared into those familiar seafoam green eyes that looked so different now. They were unnaturally still and void of that twinkle I always looked for. "Kaldur," I plead, my voice shaking, "take it off. Please. Take off the helmet."
Silence.
My stomach twisted as I gritted my teeth. My pulse thundered in my ears as I tried to control my emotions. He's still in there. He has to be.
"Please," I begged, my voice cracking, "you don't have to do this. Come back. Jehbal."
His hands covered my own as he pulled off the helmet. Golden light flashed and Kaldur returned to his normal self.
Kaldur's eyes met mine, his expression full of guilt. "Calypso-"
A sharp, breathless sob escaped from my lips as I crashed into him. "You idiot! You absolute reckless idiot." He wraps his arms around me, pulling me close.
I feel so much at once-anger, sadness, joy, and it makes my head spin. Somehow, Kaldur senses my emotions and gently rubs my back. "I am here cyar'ika."
The speedster sighed in relief. "Nabu let you go?"
The Atlantean tightens his grip. "He almost did not, but your friend Kent was most helpful. He says hello."
Batman clears his throat and I pull away from Kaldur. "We're done here. The super-villain secret society has been neutralized. As for your performance, it was satisfactory."
MOUNT JUSTICE
OCTOBER 1, 21:03 EDT
The ocean seemed to stretch endlessly, the waves crashing against the beach, as the moon casts a silver glow across the sand. The air was cool and the breeze was softly flowing through my hair.
I walked a few steps ahead of Kaldur, not really sure where I was going. I wasn't in a hurry but I needed to get this off my chest.
There was a heavy silence ever since we got back to the Cave. We had barely spoken since the mission ended. Sure everyone was exhausted, but it was more than that. I could tell something weighed heavy on his mind, just like mine.
"Kaldur." I stopped and turned to face him. "I need you to listen, really listen."
He halts, his gaze meeting mine. Under the moonlight, he somehow looked even more beautiful, especially the way it illuminated his eyes. "I always listen to you, Calypso." The softness in the way he said my name made me shiver.
I took a shaky breath, gathering as much courage as I could. It's now or never. "I-I thought I lost you." My hands clenched at my sides. "When Wally said that Nabu would never let you go and I realized you were really gone, I-" I exhaled, blinking away the tears. "I couldn't breathe, let alone think. I've never been that afraid before."
The Atlantean took a step closer and reached for my hands. He unfurled my hands and laced our fingers together. "Afraid of what, cyar'ika?" His voice was low, barely above a whisper.
"Losing you." I blurted. "I know I haven't been the most subtle with my feelings but almost losing you tonight made me realize that I-I can't keep doing this anymore." I swallowed hard and forced myself to continue. "I can't keep pretending that you don't mean everything to me."
Kaldur's eyes widened, his expression unreadable. My heart thumps so loudly in my ears as I wait for what seems like hours for him to say something. Maybe his feelings have changed and he doesn't feel the same way. Maybe he only sees me as a friend now-
"You mean everything to me, too." He murmurs and I almost fall into him. He takes another step forward. "The only reason why I put on that helmet was to protect you." I raised my eyebrow in confusion. "When Wotan was attacking everyone with lightning and I could hear you screaming in agony, I had to act. I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe. His fingertips brushed against my cheek. "It was not just Kent that helped me return-you did too." My breath hitches. "Nabu heard your pleas and I begged for him to release me back to you. I could not bare the thought of causing you anymore pain, or leaving your side permanently."
Kaldur cupped my face, his touch ignited that familiar warmth. He was so close, I could feel his breath on my lips and my eyes fluttered closed. He tilted my face to his and brushed his lips against mine.
I lean on my tippy toes, place my hands on his chest, and pull him closer. Now I understand before why all those almost kisses never happened, it wasn't the right time. But right here, right now, it was more than perfect.
His lips moved against mine with as much desperation that matched my own. I melted into his touch, holding him tighter as if he was going to disappear.
This felt much more than just a kiss. There were so many unspoken words and emotions that I know Kaldur understood.
All the almost confessions, saying that we care for each other without actually saying it, the hand holding and gentle touches-all of the almosts finally turned into something real.
My fingers fisted the material of his suit as Kaldur let out a shuddering breath against my mouth. One of his hands slides down to circle my waist while the other tangles into my hair as our lips press together more firmly.
When we finally broke apart with our foreheads pressed together and our breath mingling, I smile. I was afraid to move just in case if this was all a dream. I didn't want to wake up from it.
Kaldur lets out a soft chuckle. "I should have done that a long time ago."
I giggle. "What took you so long?"
"I wanted to be sure." He admits. "I also did not want to pressure you. So much has happened and I did not wish to bring you any more stress with my own feelings."
My chest ached. He's constantly thinking about others before himself. "Your feelings are important to me, Kaldur. Always."
"As are yours, cyar'ika." He presses his lips against my forehead. This time hearing my nickname makes my heart flutter.
"Are you finally going to tell me what that means?"
He smiles and nods. "In Atlantean cyar'ika is a term of endearment. It means darling, beloved, or sweetheart."
My cheeks warm. "Y-you've been calling me that even since Taipei..."
"That day, I almost lost you. I wanted to tell you how I truly felt but I knew it was not the right time."
I lay my face against his chest and close my eyes. "Now feels like the right time."
Kaldur holds me tighter and rests his chin atop my head. "Then let us stay in it a little longer."