This is a companion and continuation of my AU Young Justice Trilogy. Please click my name to read those first if you haven't already. I hope that you enjoy this story and leave reviews. Thanks.
The month and half since Young Justice had been reinstated had been one of the busiest times in the young heroes' lives. Not only had all of them been enrolled in school, and were working hard to perform well, they also were involved in many clubs and civilian activities with their school friends. They continued to volunteer at humanitarian projects; to give back to the people they had inadvertently harmed during their time as Project Hero Light. They had completed rehab with excellent results and continued to see their therapists without question getting help for their mental issues. The families had gotten even closer and the bond between the twelve youths was strong and unwavering.
Since their reinstatement, each of them had been working hard at training sessions with Black Canary and Red Tornado in tandem with sessions with their mentors. The team had gone on a few supervised missions, along with a couple runs alone with their mentors who appraised their performances, to help decide if the individuals and then the team were ready for them to act on their own. As May was winding to a close with only two and half weeks of school left, Young Justice had a lot on their minds between finals, personal matters, and when the team would be allowed to go on an unsupervised mission.
It was late Friday afternoon and all was well in Metropolis City. People were just getting off work and heading home to their families for dinner when the peace of the afternoon was shattered. Pieces of glass and concrete started falling off the sides of buildings. Citizens abandoned their cars and ran for their lives as the two supers battled the failed clone Bizzaro. "We are clones of the steel man. We're brothers in a sense! We should join forces not fight!" The crazed clone commented to Superboy as he threw a punch at the teen. Superboy dodged and punched straight through the sidewalk. Touching one of the underground cables he used his tactile telekinesis to animate the cables. They wrapped themselves around Bizzaro, zapping the failed clone painfully.
"I'm not into joining anyone else's team against my Father, you crazy creature. Don't think I've forgotten our earlier conversation because of the deranged clone here," Superboy retorted to his Dad. As Bizzaro freed himself and flew at the teenager; Superboy ran at top speeds and delivered a devastating kick to the chest sending the crazy clone several blocks away.
Bizzaro tried to steady himself and got ready to fly at the teen, but found himself being spun around in circles as Superman grabbed his cape twirling around and bashing his head into street lamps and statues. He punched him in the face and froze him with his arctic breath. As he started to crack the ice he was hit from behind by heat vision from a floating Superboy. Together father and son punched the clone's lights out and handed him over to the authorities. Superman turned to his son and spoke.
"I know you haven't forgotten the earlier conversation Kon El, it's just that these things take time. There is a lot of consideration before it can happen. Besides, you seem very distracted. Is something going on at home I should be concerned about? Something at school I should be worried about?"
"It's nothing just drop out! We should get going, don't want to miss meeting Ms. Lane for the first time!" Superboy spazed before taking off in the sky. Superman sighed, promising himself to call his mother and find out what was up with his teenage son. He did really have to get home and ready for Lois.
In Gotham the duo of Batman and Robin were dealing with some pre-night life activities of some of their more notable foes. Batman was going toe to toe with Bane while Robin was dealing with some mind controlled animals curtsey of the Mad Hatter. Batman delivered a strong uppercut to Bane followed a hook kick to Bane's right leg. "Is that the best you can do senor?"
"Not even close Bane," Batman whispered hurling some smoke bombs to the ground. Robin could hear sounds of a confrontation, but he focused on the two chimps trying to rip his arms out. Flipping over them he dropped some new toys on them. The capsules exploded releasing a gooey elastic strong enough to hold the chimps. "It seems like your tea party is under the table."
"Perhaps you are right and perhaps you're wrong, but the game has only just begun. I have more tricks of the trade up my hat and what can you do against me little bird? Nothing!" Mad Hatter cackled and giggled getting ready to hurl one of his mind controlling cards at the Boy Wonder when it was smashed to pieces by a black and red batarang. "That's not possible!"
The Mad Hatter soon found out exactly what was possible when a single smoke bomb went off right under him. He started coughing and chocking only to find out he couldn't move. He barely even registered when Robin shoved him into the side of the building blissfully sending him to dreamland. Batman came over dragging a beaten and normal size Bane over to the beaten Mad Hatter who had a tied up and black eyed Riddler, with his cane snapped in half, on top of him. Batman glared at the empty space as Batboy materialized. "Don't think this little stunt helps your case very much. I told you to sit in the car."
"It wasn't my idea to leave the car, but with Riddler snooping around someone had to act. I managed to out trick him with my own little riddle. Pity, he couldn't guess the answer."
"You mean the one about kids? That one is hard to get. Batman you have to admit that we've come far. Maybe you'll let us go now?"
"We'll talk about it after dinner. Right now you two are late for a meeting with Dr. Thompskins. Don't think I've forgotten about that."
In Gateway City, Wonder Woman and Wonder Girl were busy finishing up a fight against Silver Swan. Wonder Girl threw up her photon shield as the Silver Swan's bewail filled the air. Both Amazons winced under the sound of the song. "You two shall perish under my lament tune! No one not even two Amazons can withstand my song's powers."
"Are all female villains this talkative?" Wonder Girl questioned her Mother. Wonder Woman threw her tiara breaking the jaw of the Silver Swan effectively stopping the song. The villainess gave her a cold look and flew at her. Wonder Woman met her in midair and she started hitting her with her fists while the Silver Swan beat her with her wings.
"I'm not sure mine do, but don't let this distract you, ugh, from our talk. Are you sure you want to get involved with something like that? It's Amazonian in a way, but still."
"Mom, of course I want to get involved. You know how much I love to, ah watch out she's letting loose some feathers! Anyways it's, oh stupid feathers, its make it or break it situation. I have to do it. Please!" Wonder Girl replied, stretching out her lasso and snagging the Swan's wings and knocking her unconscious with a jolt.
"We'll talk about it later. Right now we need to make sure no one was hurt by our Swan's little temper tantrum."
In Happy Harbor, Katana and Fate's Dagger had teamed up with Miss Martian and Martian Manhunter, to stop a get away car loaded down with weapons. Katana deflected the bullets with her soultaker while riding a floating platform her son had conjured up. "Be careful some of those guns appear to be armor piercing! Martian Manhunter how long until the authorities arrive?"
"Ten minutes for back up to arrive. They are attempting to set up armored roadblock up ahead. Until then, it up to us to stop them before they harm someone. Are you sure the kids are up for this? They are still just adjusting to being heroes again," Martian Manhunter questioned as he allowed the bullets to pass through his body. He stretched out his arms to try and grab the car, but the passenger fired a flame thrower forcing him back.
"That's unexpected. With all this gun fire I can't get close. We're going to have to let the kids handle this."
Fate's Dagger flew alongside Miss Martian carving a protective circle in front of the two of them; shielding them from the array of bullets. The car was reaching speeds of ninety and they were starting to fall behind. "I'm going for the tires, you stop the car."
"Right, and then I'll use my mental powers to break the guns. Maybe then I can get back to figuring out what I want to do about, ah Fate's Dagger time to act!"
"Right one kinetic spell coming up!" Fate's Dagger's tanto glowed gold and he thrust it forward in four quick successions popping the tires. The car started skidding and the smugglers started to flip over, when Miss Martian took control and manage to land the car right side up and locked the doors. She found the weapons and broke them in pieces. As the police arrived the two teens were talking amongst themselves about special upcoming events.
Both in Midway and the open sea, both Hawklady and Aqualad were being pestered by their mentors, as they took care of routine missions. Hawklady simply barrel rolled out of the way using the winds from the sky scrapers to elevate her high into the sky. Her bo staff deflected the blast from Matter Master's wand and the energy transformed several rooftop gargoyles into real jungle animals.
"I'll handle the beasts you assist your father. So are you sure you don't want to tell me more about what you want to do? After all it's a momentous occasion when a…" Hawkwoman remarked to her daughter, as she induced blunt force trauma to many of the beasts. One of them bit down on her wings, but she kicked it in the gut forcing to let her go. "As I was saying…"
"Can we not be discussing my personal life at the moment? After all we have a job to do!" Hawklady commented, as she ordered a passing flock of pigeons to drop a load on the supervillian. One bird left a huge deposit on Matter Master's face, nearly dripping into his mouth. The man was yelling curses and trying to wipe off the mess when Hawkman swung his ax and cut the man's wand in half. He picked up the struggling man ignoring his shouts of protest and turned to his daughter.
"Your personal life is important to us daughter. I'm going to drop off our guest at the police station; why don't you and your mother head to your appointment? We can talk more about your thoughts on the subject over dinner," Hawkman told his child, before flying to drop the man off at the police station. Hawklady blew a loose feather out of her face and joined her Mom on the flight to the shrink's office.
In the cold Arctic Seas, Aqualad was using his new body to its fullest extent by absorbing the poison grenades payloads and releasing it in toxic bubbles over the whalers. The men started twitching on the floor in spasms as he flooded the ship getting rid of the riffraff. He ducked under and zapped two men with guns before diving over board to assist his King, who was using his telepathy to gather a pod of whales, to sink the ship. "The deed has been done. This is one more whaler that will never harm the seas and its inhabitants again."
"Good job Kaldur, it's good to see you adapting so well to your new abilities and making use of them. Queen Mera is pleased how you've adapted the combat spells she taught you to your benefit. My wife also reports that you've been having interesting talks with her."
"It is nothing out of the ordinary my King, just trying to keep the Queen company. The arrival of your heir and son is only a fortnight away. I look forward to meeting the young prince and helping him prosper," Aqualad tersely said. He was very anxious to get back home and see how the queen was doing. "Should we finish rounding up the whalers and drop them off with the proper authorities?"
"Anxious to get home aren't you? If had to guess there's more then just your day at school you want to talk about with Mera. Alright, we'll talk more later and then maybe you'll tell me what's been stuck in your mind like an annoying barnacle."
In Central City, Kid Flash was bored out his mind, as he zipped behind his Uncle Flash. The Golden Glider was skating in the air trying to perform a triple salcawl on Flash's head, while her partner Chillblaine was firing freeze guns at him. Seeing a nearby ramp, Kid Flash zoomed up and did a double front flip before pummeling Chillblaine with his feet. The villain tried to punch him, but he grabbed him and forced his arms behind the man applying pressure. "You do realize that the pain threshold exists to prevent people from trying to live through pain that is too much for the conscious mind to handle? That's why you usually pass out at one point."
Chillblaine struggled to break free only for the pain to increase as Kid Flash twisted his legs causing a circulation problem. Finally he couldn't stand the pain threshold and passed out. Kid handed the would be thief off to nearby police just as his Uncle came over with a cross struggling orange clad skater. His costume was smudged and torn where her exploding jewels had struck him. He had removed her skates and personally put her in the squad car. "Man, she's more ruthless then her brother Captain Cold. This has to be the sixth time in three months she's come after me."
"Maybe she's just drawn to your charming personality, I know I am. Well I got stuff to do so I'll be seeing you, ah come on! Please don't make me go! It's so boring and my mind can't even focus on what the shrink has to say!"
"Rules are rules Kid. You don't want to be the reason the team doesn't get to go on solo missions anytime soon right? I know you don't like the shrink and I don't either, but personally I think you have a lot on your chest to get off. Especially those issues with Athena and that upcoming..."
"Okay shut up! I'll go! Please don't embarrass me!" Kid Flash's face was red as his hair as he was escorted to his appointment as if he was a little kid. He really didn't mind the talks with the shrink, but at the moment he'd rather be anywhere else then going to there. He wondered how the others were doing. His mark was itching so something must be up.
In Hub, Question was keeping one eye on his daughter and the other on his foe. The two of them had busted up a drug deal going down. Right now were trying to round up the clients and dealers while they waited for the police to arrive. He smacked a gun out of the dealer's hand and twisted his wrist causing him to drop the knife he was holding in the other. The dealer high on something called angel dust was a maniac with super strength. He came after him and grabbed Question trying to squeeze the life out of him. Question pitched forward sending the man into a wall. He chopped two men in the back and was dealing with the third as he talked nonchalantly to Huntsmark. "You know I'm not the one to make those kinds of decisions, that's your mother's area of expertise. I personally don't have a problem with the idea, but your mom might be hesitant about sending the wrong message."
Huntsmark pulled off her tie and used it like a bullwhip smacking the clients in the face. She ducked behind some furniture and fired her arrow guns. The compressed arrows zinged through the air pinning their arms to the wall. She flipped over the furniture and delivered a devastating kick to the shins. She drove her elbow into their throats until they passed out. Only then did she turn to look at her father. "What message would it send? You know how much this means to me. I really want to do this and so do the others."
"I know and after everything you've been through you deserve it. It's still your mother's call. Alright, grab your punks let's drop these druggies off at the station before it becomes corrupt again."
"Your paranoid you know that Dad?" Huntsmark told her Dad, but he chose to ignore her. As Huntsmark not so gently dragged her prey behind her she wondered what the others were up to.
The last two members were having an interesting time; at least Green Lantern JR was. With Uncle Hal dealing with some trouble in a nearby system, it was up to his Father to teach him how to conduct himself in space, as they used their powers to deal with runaway asteroids making sure they didn't crash into Earth. In true fashion his Dad was collecting the asteroids in a large net and then hurling them back towards the Asteroid Belt.
"As you can see the key is maintaining total focus on the task at hand while using the right amount of will power to maintain the field of integrity. Try to anchor your thoughts onto that so incase you get knocked out the energy will automatically protect you from exposure."
"I understand Dad, I do. What do you think of my latest construct? The asteroids are funneled into one end of the tube and then shot back out the other end. With this system in play we might not have to worry about another serious impact," Green Lantern JR reported showing off his newest construction.
"Not bad, and very interesting the way you can create the solid construction that's durable enough for space. It seems that preparations need to be made when we head off to Oa. Unless there's something else that you wanted to do?" John/Green Lantern asked his son.
"Its nothing Dad really, can we go back to Earth now? Mom promised to stop by to see how I was doing and I don't want to keep her waiting," Green Lantern JR. mumbled, already taking off for Earth with his Dad close behind.
In Star City, Green Arrow and Artemis were busy handling Brick and his goons, stopping him from getting his latest shipmate of stolen goods. Artemis was in the middle of the goons using both her martial arts and bow to deal with the hired help while Green Arrow was dealing with Brick.
"You're getting slower Brick! I can hit you with my eyes closed. Putting on some weight, oh don't like that much do you?" Green Arrow taunted firing some boxing arrows and knocking over crates on the gang leader. Brick broke through the crates and started hurling their heavy contents at Green Arrow, who dodged and started firing new arrows at him. He winced as he was hit in the shoulder by particularly sharp piece of pottery.
"I'm not the only one who is slowing down and what's with the new sidekick? She's a lot prettier then the last one except for the scars on her arms. What is she a cutter? Did your standards fall that far or what?"
"Shut your mouth or so help me I'll do it for you! Artemis is a fantastic heroine and worth more then ten of you!" A single arrow zipped past him and struck the brick skinned man in his chest delivering a powerful sedative that knocked him out in seconds. GA turned and saw Artemis walking over to him with a small smile. Behind her the hired help was tied up or moaning in pain. "Well you certainly made short work of them."
"Helps when you eyes target their vulnerabilities and tells you how to adjust to wind change. Thanks for the compliment Green Arrow, it means a lot to me," Artemis said looking at her arms with forlorn expression. He placed a comforting hand on his "stepdaughter" and led her to the car. She had her psychiatrist appointment with the League shrink today in his office. He was hopeful he'd be able to help her out.
Half an hour later, Nerissa was sitting in an uncomfortable chair in Queen Industries, as the League appointed psychiatrist reviewed some notes from their last session. The shrink was sworn to keep secrets of the heroes and was very trustworthy. Dr. Cambridge turned to his patient smiling trying to put her at ease, but just made her more uncomfortable. "So Ms. Artemis, I'm sorry Nerissa, I believe that at our last session we were exploring your feelings about your upcoming reconstruction surgery. Mr. Queen has told me he's arraigned to pay for it and help your mother out with the recovery process. How does that make you feel?"
"Guilty a little okay lot. I appreciate what he's trying to do and I'm glad that he wants to help my mom and I out so much, but I don't know if I should go through with the surgery. I can still use my bow pretty well and I'm not in a lot of pain," Nerissa replied.
"I've reviewed your medical files as well as notes from Mr. Queen and your mother. Your arms do cause you pain as the scars try to fix themselves and I know that your adjusting to use your bow to its full extent. Your scars cause you a lot of stress with answering questions and dealing with stares from your peers in general. Reconstruction sounds like the best way to help you. Are you sure you're feeling guilty about Mr. Queen's help or is something deeper? Are these scars your way of dealing with your actions? Perhaps a way to stick it to your dad for all the pain he caused you?"
"Yes! No, I'm not sure I just, it's confusing. On the one hand I really do want to look normal and be able to do the things I could do before the scars, but on the other if I don't have them then how will I show I'm suffering? I wish I knew why I felt like this. I'm so sick of all the looks I get and the rumors going around. Everyone treats me like I'm fragile, that I'm going to break. The only one who truly accepts me is my boyfriend, but even he wouldn't want to go with me to the never mind."
"I'm sure Mr. Stewart would be more then happy to accompany you on your special night and that he would be proud to be seen with you. I know this is hard and I'm glad that we are dealing with your issues before you go in for your exam. I'm confident that by the end of the month you'll be sure if you want the surgery or not."
"Thank you Dr. Cambridge, that means does help a lot."
"Well, shall we continue?"
Shania was dealing with similar issues as she talked with her shrink, Dr. Sal. The elderly woman was use to high profile clients in her practice and a teenage heroine in training was no different; even if she was an alien. She was helping out with Young Justice and gaining insight into how difficult it was being an alien on Earth. "So tell me more about how you're dealing with life right now. I know that you're training hard and from recent broadcasts have learned a few new tricks."
"Learning Thanigarian battle strategies is not that hard and I have learned to hover which is a handy talent. Taking down bad guys does make me feel better. I love proving I'm more then what I was created to be. Jordana says we all try to show that we are more then the sum of our parents. She's right and she's been a big help with preparing me for finals and the never mind."
"I think I know what's on your mind and I have to say I'm not that surprised that you're concerned about that and how it's affecting your judgment. After all, maintaining a stable civilian life is key to ensuring that your heroine life doesn't overwhelm you. Why don't you tell me more about this event and what you would like to do?"
J'onn was conducting a therapeutic session with his niece using telepathy to place them in a mindset both felt at ease with. The landscape resembled their homestead on Mars. M'gann watched whimsically as her sisters and parents laughed and lived their lives oblivious to her presence. She floated over to them and her heart was breaking at the sight of how joyful everyone was acting as they ate their evening meal. She turned to face her uncle with tears on her face. "Why are you showing me this Uncle? You know how much it hurts to think of my family."
"I'm concerned to why you haven't responded to your families transmissions. I explained the extraordinary circumstances about your transformation and your actions to both them and the government. In an unprecedented move, you've been granted a pardon and can return to Mars whenever you wish. Your family is eager to hear from you and see how you're adjusting so why don't you respond? Are you still struggling with your unique heritage? Why not talk with them about your experiences?"
"Because it was a private matter Uncle! I didn't ask for you to do what you did, and while I'm grateful, I wish you hadn't taken the initiative without consulting me about how I felt. I'm still not a hundred percent comfortable with dealing with my mental talents. I hate that you're pushing me to learn techniques that are very closely related to what I did as Martian Womanhunter. Why do I need to learn these techniques?"
"In order to prevent you from using your talents in such a manner, I feel that is important that you learn how to defend and properly use those techniques, so you don't misuse them intentionally. I'm only trying to help you M'gann."
"What if I don't want help with my mental abilities Uncle? What if I want to hang with Melissa and Em planning for the school da-I mean nothing, forget about it. Training in mental talent is good for the team."
"That is the second time in the last few hours you've changed your words. Tell me what is on your mind that you would guard this closely? I promise to be understanding," J'onn told her kindly. She continued to blush and fumble with her words as she told him what was on her mind.
In Central, Dr. Sadie Cane was counting to fifty as she watched her charge zip around the office reading all her psychology books for the fifth time, as he tried to focus on the task at hand. "If I didn't know better; I'd say that you developed a late case of ADHD. Is there a reason you keep reading my books? You didn't find them that interesting the first two times you read them."
"I'm really sorry Dr. Cane; it's just a nervous habit I developed. Ever since I gained the ability to recall perfectly everything I've read, I've been drilling on how to sort the information and apply it in the proper context. My friend Jay had me read the entire contents of the Central City Library from top to bottom and then write five page detailed reports. It helps, but my mind still has trouble focusing when it's bringing up the last chapter of "Ghost Girl" and trying to make a connection to the biography of Carl Lewis. Ugh, my teachers are starting to question if I'm not cheating when use the facts I learned on my papers. Finals are coming up and I need to focus!" Wally lamented as he tried to sit still in the chair. He was playing with Dr. Cane's rubrics cube completing it over and over again.
"Its surprises me that you're still struggling so much with your new ability considering you had nearly mastered it last time we spoke. Your body language and limited attention span makes me think that there is something else going on in your mind. Something civilian related because surely you would have mentioned heroics along with finals if you were truly concerned with both issues. Why don't you tell me what's really giving you the jitters and maybe I can help you figure out how to deal with the problem at hand like I have before. Don't you trust me Wally?" Dr. Cane inquired the young speedster.
"I don't know Dr. Cane you're supposed to be helping me deal with mental issues that could prevent me from resuming heroics. Unless you know a way to avoid getting skewed to death by an Amazon Princess, I doubt you be much help with my little dilemma. Man, why did everyone else have to have easier parents for their beau?"
"I don't know any techniques with dealing with rampaging Amazons, but I can advice you on how to best approach Wonder Woman, if you're thinking about taking her daughter out on a romantic night of fun. Why don't you give me the details and we'll go from there," Dr. Cane advised as they continued their session.
Dr. Leslie Thompskins was counseling both of Bruce's sons at the same time, but outside her office she could hear the petty arguments going on between Bruce and Mrs. McGinnis, who had come for an update on her son, Terry, progress. She knew that Bruce was worried that someone would figure out Mary's relationship, but she had taken every precaution to protect Terry and Bruce privacy.
"Alright, I wanted to go over our progress since our last session. Dick, Terry, I know this was hard, but I asked you both to develop techniques to sorting through and dealing with each memory individually before filing them away. You can't run from painful memories, but you can take control and not let your mind be paralyzed by painful memories. Dick, have you figured out a system that works for you?"
"Well kind of off. I still have a lot of memories of what I did as Nightwing including where I nearly killed Roy. I thought about how those memories made me feel and how I wanted to do the opposite of what happened. So after I relieved the memories and promised to never act like that again I imagined that memories were pushed under a big tent and couldn't get loose. It seems to help and their fading a bit as time goes on."
"That's good to know. Allowing painful memories to attach themselves and dictating your actions is not healthy. You need to move forward and not let the past overwhelm you, but you know that. Terry, I know this is harder for you because of your perfect recall, still I'm hoping that you have found a way to deal with these memories."
"I've tried over the years to develop ways to file away or even forget memories with little success. The memories of Project Hero Light are a bit easier to forget because my conscience was suppressed, but I still automatically recorded what I was doing. I tried this boxing and filing away technique that has limited success. The nightmares have stopped and I've thrown myself into activities along with Dick to help ease our painful memories. You should see how well I trained Ace with Max's help! Oh he's such a smart puppy! Max is a good friend and I want to ask her to the um forget it."
"Yeah, it's not important. Really why should we bother Bruce with something that not involved with our hero recovery? I mean sure our civilian lives are important, but he wouldn't get this despite his persona."
"Boys, I promise not to tell Bruce anything you want to keep confidential, but I need honesty if I'm going to help you. I have an inkling what is going on, but you're going to have to tell me if I'm right," Dr. Thompskins. Half an hour later she told the boy's to get ready to leave while she talked to the parents.
"I still can't believe you came today. What if your husband gets suspicious about why you're spending so much with a child that is not yours so to speak," Bruce demanded quality.
"Stop worrying so much, Warren and the kids are at the dentist office. Poor Warren needed to get a filling and Matthew is getting braces. I told him to take better care of his teeth. At least Madison is just getting a cleaning. If they ask I'll tell them I was visiting an old friend. Ah Leslie hello. How was the session?"
"What can you tell me about their mental status? Are they suffering still from post traumatic stress? Should I hold them back from their extra curricular activities?"
"Bruce, your sons are doing fine and healing at a remarkable pace. Their minds are very resilient and they have good coping mechanisms. I have to say they balance their two lives quite efficiently. They're learning to handle the memories of what happened. I see no reason why they can't continue with their extra curricular activities, but there is something that you need to be made aware. A special event that is happening in two weeks that is really stressing them out," Leslie told the two of them as she revealed what was going on with Dick and Terry who were nervously waiting to leave the office and confront their father and or mother.
In Gateway City, Diana and Athena were having dinner with Tyson Bay, who was in town that night for some business at a fancy five star Greek restaurant. The family was enjoying their Chtapodi sti schara and Stifado. Athena had just ordered a Rizogalo for desert. Tyson looked at her amused noting that his daughter seemed to be really enjoying her food. "It seems I picked the right place to dine together tonight. I wasn't sure if you've had these foods, but had hoped that they would be similar to what your mother might have grown up with. I understand that you exploring more of your cultural heritage."
"Amazons eat similar food, but we didn't have some of these tasty deserts growing up. One of my favorite things to do is explore and try new foods. My sisters might have a heart attack at eating all this scrumptious foods," Diana casually remarked sipping her wine. "It was nice of you to come and visit Tyson. I understand that you're very busy with the rebuilding efforts of several countries as of a late."
"Just trying to better the lives of the Haitians and Namibians people my Princess. Their life cycles are not the easiest and many find themselves trapped by social classes that are not of their own making. I hope to improve not only the quality of their lives, but the overall health of the countries themselves. I'm glad I could visit Athena. I've notice that you seem awfully quite my dear. Is everything alright?"
"Yes, why wouldn't it be? I mean the Dance Angel's finished their season as runner up State Champions. The whole team was proud because we had never made it that far before in competition. Mom was super proud of me and we have the trophy back home if you wanted to see it. I know you watched me on TV because you were out of the country at the time. Sasha and I studying really hard for finals because we both want to do well and the teachers won't be giving anyone breaks. All this studying is really giving me a headache. I'm looking forward to going to the da oh I mean training more with the team once school is over."
"Athena, stop playing games already. I know that you're not that concerned right now about solo missions as you pretend to be. Why don't you tell us what it is that's got you so excited," Diana told her patiently. Tyson nodded eagerly and put down his utensils to listen as she slowly spoke.
In Hub, Helena was ranting about the difficulty of her mission with Vic who was calmly serving blueberry pancakes, Zairia's favorite, for dinner. Helena was sporting a nasty gash on her shoulder where she had been cut with a vibroknife and according to her it was all Batwoman's fault for not immobilizing the idiot in the first place. "I really think that Oracle's needs to rework her admissions policy. I know she's got her hands full out in Silicon Valley training Misfit and dealing with Savant, but she could have had better information for her East Coast team. I'm telling you Vic, those were not ordinary tech thieves that Batwoman, Flamebird and I went after. Some of them were cyborgs for crying out loud; shooting eye lasers and force blasts at us. Ugh, I really could use a massage tonight."
"I would be happy to oblige you. I even have some scented oil that we can use."
"Oh gross, I don't need to hear about that! It's embarrassing," Zairia groaned covering her face. Her parents laughed lightly and her mother gave her a hug tightly. She was so happy to see her daughter laughing and acting normal. "I heard what you did today with your dad. I'm very impressed with how you handled the situation. He told me you wanted to talk about something with me. What is it Zairia?"
"Um well, you know it's just that well I really would like to go to the social at school with someone special. I just am not sure if you think it's such a good idea to bring Bettie with me. I mean she's older, lives in another town, and is a girl. What would the nuns think?"
"Zairia, whatever you decided to do with your life I support you. I know it isn't easy going to a Catholic school when you're Wiccan and isn't the easiest when you're hiding your nature, but that part of you shouldn't be held back. Why don't you ask Bettie if she wants to go with you to the- Vic the stoves on fire!" Helena shouted as Vic tried to put out the flames and the conversation was forgotten.
In Blackthorn, Vixen was listening to the pros and cons her son had come up with about why he shouldn't be going to a social function with Nerissa at her private school. His list of cons was getting long with reasons like never been to one before, high society function, and most importantly he would make an absolute fool of himself on a real date with other people.
"Alright that's enough. It's obvious that if you're this worked up that you should be going. I'm sorry that you missed all the others because of training or that you didn't have a date, but this is vital to your growth as a teenager and a human being. I don't care what your Dad and Uncle say, I'll help coach you and by the time you walk through the doors at Gotham Academy that night with Nerissa you'll be the classiest man there. First things first I have to teach you to oh hold on that's my agent."
"No problem mom and thank you! I have to call Nerissa and tell her I can go with her!"
In Happy Harbor, Taji was listening to a phone conversation between his Mom and her old team the Outsiders. Right now they were in southern Africa dealing with some cults trying to harm the locals and they had gotten a new member, a metahuman girl by the name Grace Choi ,who had ancestral connections to the Bana Amazons. Apparently she took no crap from everyone and was hitting on Geomancer wanting to have sex, but at least she used her super strength and durability to deal with the cult members in one hell of a brawl. Black Lightning assured Katana that with a little time and training she'd be a good resources. "So how's motherhood treating you? I mean we heard on the news about you teaming up with Manhunter and stopping those gun smugglers earlier. Are you now a reserve member of the League?"
"Hardly, I just helped out wherever I can. I'm only semi retired you know! Being a mother to both a sorcerer and samurai in training can be exhausting even with a kid as laid back as Taji. He's really looking forward to the end of the school year and having a family vacation. I thought I take him to Japan to see his ancestral land."
"Sounds like a grand idea. Hey maybe the team can stop by and visit as well. I'm sure Halo and Wildmane would love to meet him. I don't know about Choi, but she seems protective of kids."
"That be great! I can use all the help I could get. Nelson can only do so much from the Helmet. At least he can explain the facts of life better then I can. Earlier I heard him giving Taji tips on how to act when one goes on a date to a school; oh I just remembered I forgot I needed to pick up some dry cleaning and the store closes in half an hour. Got to run BL talk to you later! Taji let's go! If you want something nice to wear you better come with me now!"
Beneath the waves and back in the royal palace, Queen Mera was comfortably resting in her bed on doctors orders. She was about two to three weeks away from delivering the heir and was under strict orders not perform magic or strain herself. Her students took turns visiting her telling her all about what was going on. At the moment she was listening to her adopted son talk about his adventures at human school and how he was sad that it was ending so soon. "Enrolling in school so late means I didn't get the same opportunities as my friends, however if my scores are high enough I do get to join Jordana and Shania in junior year next year. I have already chosen my electives for the next year along with my regular courses. The surface world varies so much from school to school it's amazing that there is a set curriculum my Queen."
"I'm so happy Kaldur that you are doing well in your studies. You were a good student at the Conservatory, but you were not meant to be a master water mage. Your heart is too much of a warrior to be tied solely to one art. Uff, I'm sure that when my son is born you will wow him with your tales of the surface world. Kaldur, I was wondering if you thought more about what I offered earlier. You know that you will always be Orin and mine's first child."
"I know that my Queen and my heart is over spilling with joy that you and the King want me to be your son's guardian and mentor, but are you sure I'm worthy of such an honor? Surely Tula or Garth would be a better choice."
"Stop feeling guilty about what happened months ago. You have earned the respect and trust of all of Atlantis not that you ever lost it. This honor is one you deserve no matter what. Now this is something else we need to talk about Kaldur'ahm. I understand that you and Shania are planning to attend your school's last function and you were considering backing out because I might give birth then. I'm ordering you to go with your friends to your night of uff no matter what understand? You haven given so much my child you just need to be selfish for once understand?"
"Yes my Queen, I understand. I promise I will go no matter what happens."
In Metropolis, Connor was trying not to bolt from his seat as his Dad talked with Ms. Lane. It was the first time he'd ever met her and she kept grilling him with questions. He was careful to keep his answers short and to the point thankful he'd memorized his false history so well. "Are you trying to interview me Ms. Lane or are you really that curious about me"
"It's not you kid. I just have a hard time accepting that Smallville here, the All American Boy Scout, would have casual sex and not know about a kid for so long. It seems a bit far fetched if you ask me. Almost like a cover story."
"Really Lois stop scaring the kid so badly. It's not like he's my clone or alternate version of myself. He's just a kid. So Connor, Ma was telling me you've been spending time with Chad and asking advice about something very secretive. What's going on in Smallville maybe I can help you out. I was a teenager once myself."
Connor's face flushed bright red, "Nothing's going on! You know the usual preparing for finals and getting ready for tending to the crops in the summer. I've been invited on a couple camping trips, oh excuse me, um I got to go do my homework. It was nice meeting you Ms. Lane, I hope to see you again during the summer break. Got to go bye!"
"Smooth Smallville, make him even more nervous. Honestly don't you have any tact?"
"What do you mean Lois? All I asked if he wanted my advice on something. He's been acting weird since he got here a couple hours earlier."
"Man are you blind? The only time a teen guy starts blush and wanting to do homework, is when there's a girl on his mind and special date's he got planned for her. That old high school of yours have anything special coming up?"
"Just the Spirit Day and graduation ceremony for the seniors, but Connor is not graduating until next year. There are the usual parties that go on, but he never goes to any of them. He mostly stays home."
"Yeah sounds like you alright. Does he have a girlfriend that he talks to? Maybe something is happening with her."
"Well, theirs my friend John Jones niece that he's really attached to. They talk and email each other a lot even Skype. She lives in Happy Harbor, Rhode Island so they don't get to see each other as often as they like, though they have been racking up frequent flyer miles with how often they do fly to see each other. I think John mentioned that Megan has an End of the School Year Welcome to Summer Dance for the students to blow off steam after finals. You think Connor wants to go to a dance with her? Why he's never been to one before. Ow, Lois don't hit me!"
"Idiot! You're an idiot, of course if he's never been to a dance he wants to go to at least one before the year's up. How else is he going to prepare himself mentally for the summer parties and get togethers with his friends, if all he does is stay home with your folks and farm? He's probably nervous about asking her and getting the money to fly out for the weekend to visit her. If I were you Smallville, I pay his ticket and help get him ready for this. Dances make or break your social standing. I have to get going and type my piece for the Planet. I'll talk to you later good night," Lois told him giving a quick kiss. She left the poor Clark in the apartment bamboozled.
He had thought their earlier conversation had been about Superboy's performance evaluation and if Young Justice was ready for solo missions. Not about how to ask a girl to a dance and what to do! He briefly wondered if the others were dealing with the same thing as he walked into the guest room to talk with Connor.