Saturday proved to be an eventful day. Becca was up at dawn and ready for training before seven. She was walking to the sparring room when a blast of cold wind rushed up behind her. Becca stopped before she hit him but looked up at Wally.
“What?”
“Why won't आप tell us why you're here?”
“Leave her alone Wally,” Artemis warned.
She stood beside Becca and both girls looked at him.
“Or do आप want another of her escrim stick shoved in your face?”
Wally scowled and Artemis pushed past him, dragging Becca behind her. Artemis shoved Becca into her room, closing the door.
“You okay?”
“We should get to the session,” Becca replied, moving to leave the room.
Artemis blocked her path, foot against the door's edge. Becca avoided her eyes and Artemis examined her new friend. Something was off but Artemis couldn't put her finger on it.
“What's the matter Becca?”
“Can we go please?”
“No. आप कहा आप trusted me. Now tell me what's wrong.”
Becca bit her lip and pulled Artemis out of the room, down the hall, and into the पुस्तकालय (which was unoccupied).
“Whenever I am in danger, या anyone close to me for that matter, I get sick to my stomach. Kinda like a danger sense. But it's really just a spell I used on myself for reasons like this. Anyway, I've been having that feeling ever since our talk that night on the mountain. I have a feeling my sister is sending someone after me but I'm not sure. It could be anyone.”
“Okay. So...who do आप know, around here, that's close to you?”
“Only आप and Robin.”
“No one else? They haven't reached out या anything?”
“No. They have. But because of my situation, I've turned them all down. Everyone but Wally that is. I could care less if he likes me या not. But no; I have no other close...allies.”
“You mean friends?”
“I don't dare call आप that until I know you're safe; Serepta will use it against me. And it'd put आप all in danger.”
“Honey, we live for danger.”
“Not like this, Artemis. Everyday is a fear of turning my back and finding people I barely knew dead. I-I wake up and sometimes I fear the sun because I can't hide from it's light. There are too many fears, too many obstacles. Everyday is live या die. Young Justice has done that, I know. But not a level of the possible undead.”
“The Undead?”
“Yes. My sister got her black magic द्वारा selling her soul. She needs और souls every few years. But if she can't get my soul before the end of this month, she will be gone.”
“And that's bad?”
“It can be. It means that she's getting और desperate so she won't play nice much longer. And that means someone could be injured या kidnapped....or even murdered. And all for my soul. Mine! आप don't know what it feels like to push people away so they won't end up dead.”
Tears had formed in Becca's sweet brown eyes and she hung her head.
“Maybe not. But we won't let that stop us from protecting you.”
A sudden explosion sounded within the mountain and both girls fell from the shaking it caused.
“It's Serepta. I can feel it.”
“Becca!” Artemis cried out as her friend ran out of the room.
Becca reached the mission room just as several huge raven broke through the mountain wall. She stared at them for a मिनट but quickly pulled out her weapons. She whistled and the birds looked at her.
“Hey there birdies! Look, it's me. Becca Stevens. That's right bird. Come get me!”
Becca ran between their lags and out the hole in the wall. The ravens followed her and she ran farther from the mountain.
“I should've known Serepta would use those carrier pigeons.”
She stopped, a branch falling inches away from her. The raven tried to grab her but it's talons were too short. She lay down, crawling आगे army style. If she was going to survive, she needed to do it quickly. She fumbled around in her बेल्ट before pulling out a vial of red liquid. Using her teeth, she pulled the चोटी, शीर्ष off and threw it at one of the ravens. It landed on the feathers, starting to sizzle. The bird shrieked as it flew off, hoping to loose the acid in the wind. She rolled onto her back, looking up at the others. She looked around, but couldn't find her escrim sticks anywhere.
“Ah crap. Better use another one.”
She pulled a collapsible Katana from her boot and put it together. But she didn't have to use it because Young Justice had her back. She put the weapon back as she watched them take down her foes. A shadow formed over her and Becca's mouth was clamped shut as she was dragged into the air. She struggled and her screams were muffled as she tried to break free. She bit her captor's hand and was released. To her relief and utter horror, she began to fall. She hadn't been that far up but it was high enough to knock the wind out of her when she landed.
“Are आप okay?” Robin asked as he helped her sit up.
Becca nodded, trying to get her breath back.
“I'm fine...just a little...winded.”
Robin looked her over carefully, checking for any broken या sprained बोन्स या joints. Becca pulled another vial out of her बेल्ट and held it under her nose.
“What's that?”
“Calm down Robin. It's a little something I invented. It's like an anesthetic. It helps stop the pain without making आप sleepy.”
“So आप are hurt.”
“Only cause I fell from the height of a tree. And it only hurts in my head.”
Robin's eyes widened behind his mask and Becca laughed.
“I'm not going to have a concussion. That's why I'm not taking pain killers.”
Becca put the vial away.
“What other stuff आप got in there?” Robin inquired.
“Collapsible weapons, smoke pellets, sleeping gas, acid, poison ivy juice, cactus needles, that kind of stuff.”
“You and your weapons.”
“I don't have room for a grappling hook, I need these other various gases and liquids to survive, and I have two backup weapons.”
“Which weapons?”
“A gun and a dagger, both in my boot. I'm prepared for everything. I just need to remember my hook. And find my escrim sticks.”
“Here आप go.”
Robin handed Becca her प्रिय toys back and watched her twirl them.
“Thanks. I लॉस्ट them when a branch almost fell on me.”
“You're having a rough day.”
“All part of life. My life anyways.”
Robin smiled and Artemis ran up to them, the others close behind her.
“Are आप okay Becca? आप scared me half to death!”
“I'm fine. Just sore.”
“She your mother?” Robin teased, referring to last night.
Becca laughed and smiled brightly.
“You could say that.”
“I hate to interrupt but-”
“What's up Wally?” Robin asked, turning to his friend.
“We almost died, Becca almost died, and we're congratulating her for going off on her own.”
“Wally's right Becca. आप shouldn't have done that.”
“I was only trying to protect आप guys. They came for me, not you.”
“But you're a part of the team. We protect each other.”
“Yeah but I'm only temporary. My life may be temporary.”
“Stop! Just...don't say that!”
“Fine. But it's true.”
“Becca!”
“Robin.”
The two stared at each other before Robin looked away.
“We should get back.”
Becca looked up as he stood, eyes filled with emotion. Artemis took her द्वारा the hand and helped her stand. They watched the others walk away and Becca turned to Artemis.
“I don't understand why he worries so much. No guy has ever worried over me like he does.”
“Maybe he likes you.”
“No. I've seen him around girls he's liked. No he treats me like...like a sister.”
“You don't know that. He seemed genuinely concerned about you.”
“Because I'm like a sister. Nothing more.”
Artemis didn't know what to say so she guided the younger girl inside.
“You need help?” Becca asked as she watched the martian attempt to bake a new recipe.
“That would be nice. The others went out for awhile.”
“Your night for cooking?”
Megan blushed at the remark and Becca came up beside her.
“Don't worry. I'll help you. Besides, if आप use my tips you'll be a great chef in no time.”
Megan beamed at her, still a little embarrassed. But Becca was looking at the book Megan had opened. She did as Megan instructed, correcting her every now and then. As they worked, they had an interview of sorts.
“How long have आप known Robin?” Megan asked, cutting some onions.
“We grew up together. I knew him when he was just a few years old.”
“Wow. You're really good friends, huh?”
“Yeah. We did everything together. Before he became Robin, I mean. What about you? How long have आप known him?”
“Only a few months.”
“And how do आप like him?”
“He's smart and a lot of fun. I just wish he wasn't so secretive.”
“That's Bats' fault. After what happened to both of them, it's hard to know who आप can trust. I know Robin trusts आप all but बैटमैन still has a hard time seeing how loyal आप are.”
“Probably because we were mislead.”
“How so?”
“We were informed that we might have a तिल in the group.”
“Tch. Yeah that would do it.”
“So, how did आप learn to do all this? According to Robin and Artemis, you've been raised on the streets.”
“I was. But that was after my parents died. I learned all this from my mom.”
“You लॉस्ट your parents?”
“Yeah.”
“Both of them?”
“Yeah.”
“Didn't आप have any other family to take आप in?”
“I used to. But she betrayed me.”
“Oh Becca...I wish I could help you.”
“You are. Just द्वारा sheltering me I'm satisfied.”
“Is this the first घर you've had?”
“Since I was out on the streets. I had a dojo that I could rest in. But not at night.”
“What did आप do when it rained?”
“Toughened it out. Because of that, my immune system is strong; it's almost impossible for me to get sick.”
“A little like me.”
“I guess. But आप have two big weaknesses; besides Connor I mean.”
“What are आप talking about?”
“I know आप two are dating. I happen to be an excellent spy.”
“And what are my weaknesses?”
“Fire and a rare disease called Triphlant. Humans can't catch it but anything slightly altered from humans can. I know because I had a friend diagnosed with it द्वारा a doctor of rare magic.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah. But that's not the point; the point is, I haven't had a घर for six years and it's god to be in one.”
“You can always share ours. It'll always be open to you.”
“Thanks.”
Becca smiled and returned the hug Megan offered her.
“How's the homemade पिज़्ज़ा, पिज्जा coming?” Becca asked.
“Just fine. You're really handy to have around.”
“Really?”
“Yes. आप should help me bake everyday!”
Becca laughed a little, sliding another पिज़्ज़ा, पिज्जा into the oven.
“Maybe. I haven't done this for a long time; it's kinda fun.”
The two smiled at each other. For the अगला घंटा या two, they sat in the living room area and talked until the smell of पिज़्ज़ा, पिज्जा encased the mountain and they were both starving.
“It's late Megan. We should just eat and put the rest away.”
“But what about the others?”
“Tough luck! We gave them a chance and they refused to answer. Here. Take what आप want and meet me in the living room. I have an idea.”
Megan did as instructed and Becca took her share of पिज़्ज़ा, पिज्जा before putting the rest away. She also made up a tray of two soft drinks, two bowls of ice cream, one bowl of popcorn, two spoons, and several napkins. She set it on the तालिका, टेबल and popped a DVD into the player.
“I found this in your room while I was looking for आप and decided to play it.”
Megan cheered happily when the opening for The Notebook came on. Becca and Megan watched the movie until, with full stomachs and happy faces, they fell asleep. In fact, the team found them laying on the couch, Megan's head on Becca's chest and Becca's arm draped over her side. Both were lying on the couch, Megan in front. The others observed their mess and could tell what happened. Megan awoke when Connor touched her shoulder. Yawning, she opened her eyes and smiled.
“Oh. Hi. You're...back,” she कहा around a yawn.
Becca moved, starting to wake up at the talking that had broken their silence. Artemis rubbed Becca's back, causing the young girl to wake up. Becca peeked her eyes opened, groaned, and turned her head to sleep some more. Artemis smiled.
“Robin, will आप carry her to her bed? You're probably the only one she'd let in her room.”
“Sure.”
Robin picked Becca up in his arms, supporting her head on his (strong, well toned) chest (heheheheheheheheheXD). She kept her eyes closed but snuggled closer to him. He brought her to her room while Artemis took care of the martian girl. The other three looked at the mess and cleaned it up together (okay so Superboy didn't do much but still...). When it was finished, Artemis and Robin entered the room again.
“Megan's sound asleep,” the archer reported.
“Becca's fine.”
“Good. Then it is best the rest of us get some sleep too,” Kaldur suggested. The others nodded and headed off to their own rooms. And each member had a dream that, somehow, connected to their newest member.
“What?”
“Why won't आप tell us why you're here?”
“Leave her alone Wally,” Artemis warned.
She stood beside Becca and both girls looked at him.
“Or do आप want another of her escrim stick shoved in your face?”
Wally scowled and Artemis pushed past him, dragging Becca behind her. Artemis shoved Becca into her room, closing the door.
“You okay?”
“We should get to the session,” Becca replied, moving to leave the room.
Artemis blocked her path, foot against the door's edge. Becca avoided her eyes and Artemis examined her new friend. Something was off but Artemis couldn't put her finger on it.
“What's the matter Becca?”
“Can we go please?”
“No. आप कहा आप trusted me. Now tell me what's wrong.”
Becca bit her lip and pulled Artemis out of the room, down the hall, and into the पुस्तकालय (which was unoccupied).
“Whenever I am in danger, या anyone close to me for that matter, I get sick to my stomach. Kinda like a danger sense. But it's really just a spell I used on myself for reasons like this. Anyway, I've been having that feeling ever since our talk that night on the mountain. I have a feeling my sister is sending someone after me but I'm not sure. It could be anyone.”
“Okay. So...who do आप know, around here, that's close to you?”
“Only आप and Robin.”
“No one else? They haven't reached out या anything?”
“No. They have. But because of my situation, I've turned them all down. Everyone but Wally that is. I could care less if he likes me या not. But no; I have no other close...allies.”
“You mean friends?”
“I don't dare call आप that until I know you're safe; Serepta will use it against me. And it'd put आप all in danger.”
“Honey, we live for danger.”
“Not like this, Artemis. Everyday is a fear of turning my back and finding people I barely knew dead. I-I wake up and sometimes I fear the sun because I can't hide from it's light. There are too many fears, too many obstacles. Everyday is live या die. Young Justice has done that, I know. But not a level of the possible undead.”
“The Undead?”
“Yes. My sister got her black magic द्वारा selling her soul. She needs और souls every few years. But if she can't get my soul before the end of this month, she will be gone.”
“And that's bad?”
“It can be. It means that she's getting और desperate so she won't play nice much longer. And that means someone could be injured या kidnapped....or even murdered. And all for my soul. Mine! आप don't know what it feels like to push people away so they won't end up dead.”
Tears had formed in Becca's sweet brown eyes and she hung her head.
“Maybe not. But we won't let that stop us from protecting you.”
A sudden explosion sounded within the mountain and both girls fell from the shaking it caused.
“It's Serepta. I can feel it.”
“Becca!” Artemis cried out as her friend ran out of the room.
Becca reached the mission room just as several huge raven broke through the mountain wall. She stared at them for a मिनट but quickly pulled out her weapons. She whistled and the birds looked at her.
“Hey there birdies! Look, it's me. Becca Stevens. That's right bird. Come get me!”
Becca ran between their lags and out the hole in the wall. The ravens followed her and she ran farther from the mountain.
“I should've known Serepta would use those carrier pigeons.”
She stopped, a branch falling inches away from her. The raven tried to grab her but it's talons were too short. She lay down, crawling आगे army style. If she was going to survive, she needed to do it quickly. She fumbled around in her बेल्ट before pulling out a vial of red liquid. Using her teeth, she pulled the चोटी, शीर्ष off and threw it at one of the ravens. It landed on the feathers, starting to sizzle. The bird shrieked as it flew off, hoping to loose the acid in the wind. She rolled onto her back, looking up at the others. She looked around, but couldn't find her escrim sticks anywhere.
“Ah crap. Better use another one.”
She pulled a collapsible Katana from her boot and put it together. But she didn't have to use it because Young Justice had her back. She put the weapon back as she watched them take down her foes. A shadow formed over her and Becca's mouth was clamped shut as she was dragged into the air. She struggled and her screams were muffled as she tried to break free. She bit her captor's hand and was released. To her relief and utter horror, she began to fall. She hadn't been that far up but it was high enough to knock the wind out of her when she landed.
“Are आप okay?” Robin asked as he helped her sit up.
Becca nodded, trying to get her breath back.
“I'm fine...just a little...winded.”
Robin looked her over carefully, checking for any broken या sprained बोन्स या joints. Becca pulled another vial out of her बेल्ट and held it under her nose.
“What's that?”
“Calm down Robin. It's a little something I invented. It's like an anesthetic. It helps stop the pain without making आप sleepy.”
“So आप are hurt.”
“Only cause I fell from the height of a tree. And it only hurts in my head.”
Robin's eyes widened behind his mask and Becca laughed.
“I'm not going to have a concussion. That's why I'm not taking pain killers.”
Becca put the vial away.
“What other stuff आप got in there?” Robin inquired.
“Collapsible weapons, smoke pellets, sleeping gas, acid, poison ivy juice, cactus needles, that kind of stuff.”
“You and your weapons.”
“I don't have room for a grappling hook, I need these other various gases and liquids to survive, and I have two backup weapons.”
“Which weapons?”
“A gun and a dagger, both in my boot. I'm prepared for everything. I just need to remember my hook. And find my escrim sticks.”
“Here आप go.”
Robin handed Becca her प्रिय toys back and watched her twirl them.
“Thanks. I लॉस्ट them when a branch almost fell on me.”
“You're having a rough day.”
“All part of life. My life anyways.”
Robin smiled and Artemis ran up to them, the others close behind her.
“Are आप okay Becca? आप scared me half to death!”
“I'm fine. Just sore.”
“She your mother?” Robin teased, referring to last night.
Becca laughed and smiled brightly.
“You could say that.”
“I hate to interrupt but-”
“What's up Wally?” Robin asked, turning to his friend.
“We almost died, Becca almost died, and we're congratulating her for going off on her own.”
“Wally's right Becca. आप shouldn't have done that.”
“I was only trying to protect आप guys. They came for me, not you.”
“But you're a part of the team. We protect each other.”
“Yeah but I'm only temporary. My life may be temporary.”
“Stop! Just...don't say that!”
“Fine. But it's true.”
“Becca!”
“Robin.”
The two stared at each other before Robin looked away.
“We should get back.”
Becca looked up as he stood, eyes filled with emotion. Artemis took her द्वारा the hand and helped her stand. They watched the others walk away and Becca turned to Artemis.
“I don't understand why he worries so much. No guy has ever worried over me like he does.”
“Maybe he likes you.”
“No. I've seen him around girls he's liked. No he treats me like...like a sister.”
“You don't know that. He seemed genuinely concerned about you.”
“Because I'm like a sister. Nothing more.”
Artemis didn't know what to say so she guided the younger girl inside.
“You need help?” Becca asked as she watched the martian attempt to bake a new recipe.
“That would be nice. The others went out for awhile.”
“Your night for cooking?”
Megan blushed at the remark and Becca came up beside her.
“Don't worry. I'll help you. Besides, if आप use my tips you'll be a great chef in no time.”
Megan beamed at her, still a little embarrassed. But Becca was looking at the book Megan had opened. She did as Megan instructed, correcting her every now and then. As they worked, they had an interview of sorts.
“How long have आप known Robin?” Megan asked, cutting some onions.
“We grew up together. I knew him when he was just a few years old.”
“Wow. You're really good friends, huh?”
“Yeah. We did everything together. Before he became Robin, I mean. What about you? How long have आप known him?”
“Only a few months.”
“And how do आप like him?”
“He's smart and a lot of fun. I just wish he wasn't so secretive.”
“That's Bats' fault. After what happened to both of them, it's hard to know who आप can trust. I know Robin trusts आप all but बैटमैन still has a hard time seeing how loyal आप are.”
“Probably because we were mislead.”
“How so?”
“We were informed that we might have a तिल in the group.”
“Tch. Yeah that would do it.”
“So, how did आप learn to do all this? According to Robin and Artemis, you've been raised on the streets.”
“I was. But that was after my parents died. I learned all this from my mom.”
“You लॉस्ट your parents?”
“Yeah.”
“Both of them?”
“Yeah.”
“Didn't आप have any other family to take आप in?”
“I used to. But she betrayed me.”
“Oh Becca...I wish I could help you.”
“You are. Just द्वारा sheltering me I'm satisfied.”
“Is this the first घर you've had?”
“Since I was out on the streets. I had a dojo that I could rest in. But not at night.”
“What did आप do when it rained?”
“Toughened it out. Because of that, my immune system is strong; it's almost impossible for me to get sick.”
“A little like me.”
“I guess. But आप have two big weaknesses; besides Connor I mean.”
“What are आप talking about?”
“I know आप two are dating. I happen to be an excellent spy.”
“And what are my weaknesses?”
“Fire and a rare disease called Triphlant. Humans can't catch it but anything slightly altered from humans can. I know because I had a friend diagnosed with it द्वारा a doctor of rare magic.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah. But that's not the point; the point is, I haven't had a घर for six years and it's god to be in one.”
“You can always share ours. It'll always be open to you.”
“Thanks.”
Becca smiled and returned the hug Megan offered her.
“How's the homemade पिज़्ज़ा, पिज्जा coming?” Becca asked.
“Just fine. You're really handy to have around.”
“Really?”
“Yes. आप should help me bake everyday!”
Becca laughed a little, sliding another पिज़्ज़ा, पिज्जा into the oven.
“Maybe. I haven't done this for a long time; it's kinda fun.”
The two smiled at each other. For the अगला घंटा या two, they sat in the living room area and talked until the smell of पिज़्ज़ा, पिज्जा encased the mountain and they were both starving.
“It's late Megan. We should just eat and put the rest away.”
“But what about the others?”
“Tough luck! We gave them a chance and they refused to answer. Here. Take what आप want and meet me in the living room. I have an idea.”
Megan did as instructed and Becca took her share of पिज़्ज़ा, पिज्जा before putting the rest away. She also made up a tray of two soft drinks, two bowls of ice cream, one bowl of popcorn, two spoons, and several napkins. She set it on the तालिका, टेबल and popped a DVD into the player.
“I found this in your room while I was looking for आप and decided to play it.”
Megan cheered happily when the opening for The Notebook came on. Becca and Megan watched the movie until, with full stomachs and happy faces, they fell asleep. In fact, the team found them laying on the couch, Megan's head on Becca's chest and Becca's arm draped over her side. Both were lying on the couch, Megan in front. The others observed their mess and could tell what happened. Megan awoke when Connor touched her shoulder. Yawning, she opened her eyes and smiled.
“Oh. Hi. You're...back,” she कहा around a yawn.
Becca moved, starting to wake up at the talking that had broken their silence. Artemis rubbed Becca's back, causing the young girl to wake up. Becca peeked her eyes opened, groaned, and turned her head to sleep some more. Artemis smiled.
“Robin, will आप carry her to her bed? You're probably the only one she'd let in her room.”
“Sure.”
Robin picked Becca up in his arms, supporting her head on his (strong, well toned) chest (heheheheheheheheheXD). She kept her eyes closed but snuggled closer to him. He brought her to her room while Artemis took care of the martian girl. The other three looked at the mess and cleaned it up together (okay so Superboy didn't do much but still...). When it was finished, Artemis and Robin entered the room again.
“Megan's sound asleep,” the archer reported.
“Becca's fine.”
“Good. Then it is best the rest of us get some sleep too,” Kaldur suggested. The others nodded and headed off to their own rooms. And each member had a dream that, somehow, connected to their newest member.
