Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The quiet hum of the Cadmus facility echoed in the darkened corridor as Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad moved swiftly but quietly through the halls. Their mission was simple break into Cadmus, investigate the mysterious cloning facility, and extract anything that could help their cause. But as always, things weren’t as simple as they seemed.

Robin’s eyes flicked over the data on his wrist communicator. “We’re getting close,” he whispered to his teammates, his fingers tapping at the controls. “Whatever’s in here, it’s classified, big-time.”

Kid Flash, on the other hand, was buzzing with energy. “Classified? Ha! I love that word. Makes everything sound more exciting. I mean, we’re breaking into a secret government lab. Doesn’t that sound like something out of a comic book?”

Robin ignored him, the sound of his boots echoing softly in the metal halls. "Focus, Wally."

Aqualad moved quietly beside them, his expression as calm as ever, though his eyes were scanning the surroundings with practiced vigilance. He adjusted the flow of water in his gauntlet, just in case.

They reached a door labeled “CLONE SUBJECTS,” the cool metal glowing with a faint green hue from the other side. Robin didn’t hesitate his fingers flew over the panel and, with a few quick commands, the door slid open.

Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad had already freed Superboy from one of the labs. He was unconscious but breathing, carried between Aqualad and Robin as they pressed on, Kid Flash keeping watch for any approaching security.

"That was easy," Kid Flash said with a grin, though his eyes darted to the shadows. "But something tells me we haven’t found everything they’re hiding."

"I agree," Robin said, scanning the area with his cowl’s night-vision. "Let’s check the other labs."

"Not like we’re getting paid for this," Kid Flash quipped. "This is all unsanctioned. I’m telling you, we’re gonna get in big trouble for this one."

"Quiet," Robin snapped. "The more you talk, the more likely we are to get caught."

They reached another hallway. Aqualad stayed at the rear with Superboy, ready to defend. As the team moved deeper, they came upon a glass chamber at the end of the hallway.

Inside was a figure. Smaller than Superboy, but something about her seemed… off. Her body was suspended in a strange greenish liquid, her chest rising and falling gently with each breath. There was something unsettling about her stillness.

"Who is that?" Kid Flash muttered, squinting at the glass.

Robin was already at the console, fingers flying over the keys. "Her name’s ‘Ev’ra’ but there’s no project title here. Just... Ev’ra Subject 12."

"She doesn’t look like a threat," Aqualad said, his voice calm. "Should we free her too?"

Robin paused, considering. "We’re not leaving anyone behind."

He punched in the override code, and the chamber door hissed open. The green liquid drained slowly, and the figure inside dropped to her knees as she gasped for air. Her crimson eyes snapped open, piercing the air with an unsettling clarity as she surveyed her surroundings.

Ev’ra stood, her movements slow but deliberate. The fluid pooled around her boots as she looked up at the team, her expression unreadable.

"Hi there," Wally said, offering a half-hearted wave with his usual bravado. "I’m Kid Flash, but you can call me Wally. What’s your name?"

"Evira," she replied, her voice flat, though a faint melody lingered in her tone. Her gaze flickered over them, lingering only on Robin and Aqualad before ignoring Wally completely.

"Do you know where you are?" Robin asked, stepping forward cautiously, his hand still hovering over his utility belt.

Evira tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a small, enigmatic smile. "Do you?"

Her words made the tension in the room grow heavier. Aqualad studied her closely, his expression unreadable. "We mean you no harm. We are here to help."

Evira’s gaze met his for a long moment. "You’re the ones who opened the chamber," she said, her tone even. "Why?"

Robin blinked, surprised by her directness. "To free you," he said, a little uncertain. He didn’t really know why himself, just that it seemed the right thing to do.

Evira let out a soft, humorless chuckle. "Free me? Cute."

The sound of boots pounding on the ground echoed down the hallway, breaking the tension. Aqualad’s expression hardened, and he gestured for the team to prepare. The door to the chamber burst open, and several Cadmus scientists stormed into the room, panic written across their faces.

"What is going on here?!" one of the scientists demanded.

"I told you this was going to be a problem," Robin muttered under his breath, but before anyone could react, the guards were already on them.

"Move!" Aqualad shouted, raising his water-bending staff just in time to deflect a blast from one of the guards. The water wrapped around the energy shot, redirecting it to the ceiling.

But Evira wasn’t looking at the guards. She was looking at her own hands, the red mist swirling around her fingertips in an almost playful dance. Her body, still getting used to its new form, was still an enigma to her. The blood pulsed beneath her skin, and she felt the unfamiliar power thrumming through her veins, but controlling it? That was another story.

As a guard lunged toward her with a stun baton, Evira instinctively raised her hand to defend herself. The red mist shot out from her fingers like a whip, but it was uncontrolled. It snapped through the air, missing its target and slamming into a nearby wall. The guard hesitated, but only for a moment. He swung his baton at her again.

"No... not like this," Evira muttered to herself, her brow furrowed as she concentrated harder.

The second swing of the baton came in faster, but this time, she was ready. With a snap of her wrist, the blood under her skin surged. Her hand shot forward, a tendril of red mist forming into a blade of solidified blood. It struck the baton, slicing it in half and sending the pieces flying.

Her eyes widened in shock, but the adrenaline was already flooding her system. She didn’t have time to dwell on her surprise.

A second guard aimed his blaster at her, and this time, Evira raised her palm, willing her power to act faster. The blood in her body surged violently, responding to her desperate command. With a flick of her fingers, the blood mist flared into a wall of sharp, jagged edges, creating a temporary shield. The blaster shot ricocheted off the blood shield, leaving a trail of sparks in the air.

"Okay, that works." Evira’s voice was steady despite the chaos, but it was clear she was still learning how to control her powers.

"Evira, look out!" Kid Flash shouted as one of the guards darted around her, aiming for a sneak attack.

Without thinking, Evira swung her arm in the direction of the attack, sending a wave of crimson tendrils out. This time, it was more controlled. The tendrils lashed out, wrapping around the guard’s limbs and pinning him to the ground, leaving him immobilized.

"Gotcha," she murmured, but her hands were shaking. The blood in her veins felt like it was too much to control, like it was constantly trying to break free.

Aqualad was holding his own, battling another guard with his trident, but he kept glancing at Evira, a mixture of wariness and concern in his eyes. Robin, too, was darting around with precision, disarming a guard here, knocking one out there.

"You need help, Evira?" Robin asked, moving toward her.

"I’ve got it," she snapped, but her voice betrayed her uncertainty. 

She focused on her blood once more, her hands trembling as she willed it into action. A blast of crimson energy shot out from her palm, knocking the baton out of the guard’s hand and sending him sprawling to the ground.

Aqualad, catching a glance of her wavering stance, decided it was time to intervene. He lunged forward, knocking a guard away from her, his staff crackling with electricity. He quickly glanced at Evira.

"I don’t need help." Her voice was firm, but her breathing was labored. The blood inside her body felt like it was raging, and she wasn’t sure if she could keep it under control for much longer.

"You’re pushing yourself too hard. Control the power. Don’t let it control you."

Evira’s eyes flickered with frustration. "I’m trying!" she snapped, her fingers trembling. The blood in her veins felt like it was trying to break free, like a wild, untamed force.

Another guard approached her cautiously. He raised his weapon, aiming for her chest. But before he could fire, Evira raised her hand, her blood twisting and reforming into a whip-like weapon. She lashed out with it, wrapping the tendril around his neck and lifting him off his feet. Her breathing quickened as she struggled to maintain control.

"I told you not to..." She started, but her voice faltered. The whip snapped as she released the guard to the floor, a look of exhaustion crossing her face.

Aqualad stepped closer to her, his expression softening. "You’re strong, Ev'ra, but you’re not invincible."

"I’m fine," she said, though her voice was quieter now, the confidence returning to her. "Just needed a little... practice."

Aqualad studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable, but his eyes betrayed concern.

"You’re doing well, but you have to pace yourself. The power it’s not just about force. It’s about focus."

Evira’s gaze flickered to him, a brief moment of anger in her eyes before she quickly masked it. 

"Focus," she muttered. She had no intention of letting this power slip from her grasp again.

"What is going on here?!" one of the scientists demanded.

Evira turned toward them slowly, her expression neutral. Without saying a word, she extended her hand toward them, and the air seemed to grow heavier with every step. Blood surged beneath her skin, wrapping her mind in a strange, pulsating rhythm.

Her palm glowed faintly, and the scientists froze mid-step, their bodies locking in place as if they were frozen by invisible chains. A thin, red mist swirled around her fingers, making the room feel colder.

Robin’s eyes widened. "Evira, what are you doing?"

Without a word, she extended a hand toward the scientists. Her fingertips glowed faintly as she used her blood manipulation abilities, her magic curling like tendrils through the air. The scientists froze in place, their bodies locking down as though they were bound by invisible chains.

Robin’s eyes widened in shock. “What are you doing?!”

Evira’s gaze flickered toward him, a brief flash of indifference crossing her face. "Nothing permanent," she said softly, before with a dismissive flick of her wrist, the scientists collapsed to the floor, gasping for air. They were alive, but clearly not in control.

Aqualad stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. “You didn’t have to do that.”

Evira tilted her head, her expression blank. “I didn’t have to let them live either.”

The room fell silent, the tension palpable as Robin exchanged a glance with his teammates. They knew they had to be careful. Evira wasn’t just another ally. She was a wildcard.

As the sound of more footsteps echoed, Aqualad motioned for them to move out. Robin nodded, though his thoughts were clouded with uncertainty. Evira was dangerous but they couldn’t leave her behind.

The quiet tension that had been hanging in the air as they made their way around the facility suddenly turned palpable. Evira walked silently, her posture relaxed yet alert, her crimson eyes scanning the surroundings as if she were detached from the chaos they had just left behind. 

Robin led the way, his focus sharp, while Kid Flash bounced along beside him, his usual exuberance dampened by the intensity of the moment. Aqualad remained quiet, a stern presence who kept his distance from Evira, though his eyes never strayed far from her. She was a wild card, a mystery, and it was clear that none of them fully trusted her yet.

But before anyone could say anything, a loud crash echoed through the corridor, followed by the unmistakable sound of heavy footsteps.

The team immediately stopped in their tracks, their bodies going tense. Robin’s hand instinctively went to his utility belt, reaching for his batarangs, while Kid Flash’s fingers twitched, ready to dart out of the way if needed.

Aqualad raised his hand, signaling them to stay calm, as the noise grew louder.

Superboy appeared around the corner, charging toward them. His eyes, glowing with a familiar intensity, locked onto the group. The ground beneath his boots cracked with each step.

Robin’s eyes narrowed. “You’re with Cadmus.”

Superboy’s jaw clenched. “They were the ones who made me. Who else would I be with?”

His gaze shifted briefly to Evira, his eyes lingering on her, before returning to the others. “You’re not getting away.”

Aqualad immediately stepped forward, his posture firm. “We don’t want trouble. We’re just here to—”

Superboy growled, his fists clenched. “You opened the chamber without knowing what was inside. You don’t get to just walk away from this.”

Kid Flash, sensing the tension building, smirked nervously. “Well, you’re a bit of a mood-killer, aren’t you? You know, you could have just asked, and we’d have saved you the trouble”

Evira moved, stepping between them in a smooth, almost casual motion. She raised a hand in the air, not threateningly, but as if she were bored with the entire exchange.

“Enough,” she said flatly, her voice carrying a strange authority despite the calmness. “You’re both exhausting.”

Superboy paused, his gaze snapping to her. “Who are you?”

Evira tilted her head slightly, a faint smirk curling on her lips. “Evira.”

Kid Flash leaned toward Robin, whispering with wide eyes. “Did she just tell him to shut up?”

Robin ignored him, instead observing Evira closely. Superboy, meanwhile, was clearly confused by her nonchalance, his eyes flickering between her and the others.

Evira’s eyes never left him, but there was a certain coldness in her expression that made it clear she was sizing him up. “You’re angry,” she said quietly, “but not sure where to direct it. Poor little clone.”

Superboy’s hands balled into fists, his gaze narrowing. “What did you just say?”

Before the situation could spiral further, Robin stepped between them, his voice calm but firm. “We’re not here to fight you, Superboy. We didn’t open that chamber to hurt anyone. We’re trying to stop Cadmus from doing more damage. And we’re not leaving until we do.”

Superboy grunted, his posture not relaxing but at least pausing for the moment. His eyes still flickered to Evira. “What about her?” he asked, a sharp edge to his voice. “What’s her angle?”

Robin hesitated. “We’re still figuring that out.”

Evira didn’t respond, but her smirk widened. She glanced back at the team, taking a few steps back, as if preparing for whatever would come next. She didn’t seem intimidated by Superboy’s presence at all if anything, she seemed far more interested in the situation at hand than in the boy in front of her.

Kid Flash, ever the joker, grinned. “Oh, you guys have got to stop scowling so much. It’s gonna wrinkle your faces.”

Evira’s gaze flickered toward him for the briefest moment. “And you talk too much,” she said, her tone dry and amused. “It’s like a constant buzz in my ears.”

Superboy snarled, and in one swift motion, he lunged forward, charging toward them at breakneck speed. Aqualad immediately moved into action, stepping in front of Robin and Kid Flash, his trident raised in a defensive stance.

“Move!” Aqualad shouted, his voice filled with authority.

Before Superboy could reach them, Aqualad unleashed a bolt of electricity from his trident. It crackled through the air, aiming directly at Superboy, but with a snarl, he swerved, dodging the attack by inches. His fist slammed into the ground with enough force to shake the walls, sending a shockwave toward them.

“Not bad, fish boy,” Superboy taunted, his eyes narrowing. “But I’m not done yet.”

Robin’s mind raced. He needed to find a way to control the situation without escalating it further, but the odds were stacking against them. Superboy was strong, fast, and ruthless. The others weren’t exactly in the position to back down either.

But then, a voice, calm and chilling, broke through the chaos.

“I’m done with this.”

Evira’s voice was like ice, distant and cold, and the team turned in surprise to see her standing apart from the confrontation. Her eyes were glowing faintly red, her expression unreadable. She raised her hand, and for a split second, it seemed like the entire room held its breath.

Kid Flash blinked. “Uh, Evira, what are you doing?”

But Evira wasn’t looking at him. Her crimson eyes were fixed on Superboy, her gaze unnerving and focused. The air around her shifted as she took a slow step forward.

Superboy paused for a moment, watching her with a mix of curiosity and growing suspicion. "What are you doing?"

With a flick of her wrist, Evira summoned a sharp, thin stream of blood from her own palm, slicing through the air with a speed that none of them had seen before. It hovered, suspended, a sharp red whip that crackled with raw energy, and Superboy’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Stay back,” Evira warned, her voice smooth, unbothered.

Superboy charged again, but this time, he was met with a strike of blood that cut through the air like a whip. It wrapped around his wrist, pulling him off balance just long enough for her to make her next move. Evira grinned, a flicker of something wild in her eyes.

Before he could react, she flicked her wrist again, and the blood whip tightened, sending Superboy crashing into the wall. He groaned, disoriented, and for the first time since they had met him, Superboy found himself on the floor, stunned.

Kid Flash blinked, eyes wide. “Whoa, did she just?”

Aqualad, ever the calm strategist, took a few steps back, his trident raised, his gaze flicking between Superboy and Evira. “She’s learning,” he muttered, his voice a mix of awe and concern.

Evira, standing with effortless poise, lowered her hand. The blood whip dissolved into the air, leaving only a faint trace of crimson lingering around her.

Superboy, still dazed, struggled to push himself off the floor, but Evira wasn’t finished. She waved her hand again, and a second tendril of blood shot out, aiming directly for Superboy’s leg. It wrapped around his ankle before he could react, yanking him off the ground and sending him flying into the air.

Superboy’s eyes burned with fury. “You think you can stop me?”

Evira’s smile never wavered. “I’m just getting started.”

With one swift motion, Evira snapped her fingers. The blood tendril tightened, yanking Superboy back down to the ground with a thud that shook the walls. He gasped as the pressure increased, but before he could even get to his feet, Evira’s power flared once more. She wasn’t fully in control, she was getting there, and fast.

Robin stepped forward, his voice more commanding than before. “Evira, that’s enough! We need him to help us!”

Evira glanced over her shoulder, her gaze piercing. Her voice remained eerily calm. “Help? He’s the one who came after us first.”

She didn’t take her eyes off Superboy, who was now struggling to free himself from her control. “He’s lucky I’m letting him breathe.”

Robin quickly moved to Evira’s side, urgency in his voice. “If you want any chance of getting out of here alive, you need to stop this.”

Her lips curled into a thin, sarcastic smile. “Fine,” she said, snapping her fingers one last time. The blood tendril loosened, and Superboy hit the floor with a harsh grunt, winded but alive.

He didn’t immediately get up, but when he did, his eyes burned with a new intensity. “You’re going to regret that.”

Kid Flash, who had been watching from a distance, took a deep breath and let out a nervous laugh. “Okay, okay. This is fun and all, but can we stop playing tag with Superboy and focus on getting out of here? Cadmus probably has an army of clones coming our way!”

Superboy didn’t respond. He simply glared, clearly still angry, but for now, he seemed to accept the truce for the time being.

Robin turned to the rest of the team. “We’re done here. Let’s go.”

As they made their way to the exit, Superboy following reluctantly behind, the tension in the air began to dissipate, but a new sense of unease lingered. Evira wasn’t the team member they’d expected, and it was clear that, for better or worse, they had just unleashed a force that couldn’t be controlled. And none of them had any idea what she was truly capable of.

As they quickly moved through the labyrinthine halls of Cadmus, the atmosphere was heavy, and the weight of what had just transpired hung in the air. Robin led the way, scanning the area for any signs of danger. Kid Flash’s nervous energy was palpable, his usual banter cut short as he remained on edge, glancing over his shoulder frequently.

Evira walked silently at the rear of the group, her crimson eyes occasionally flicking over to Superboy, who was still trailing behind them, nursing his wounded pride. Each step seemed deliberate, and his clenched fists hinted at the storm he was trying to suppress.

Aqualad looked back at Evira, his expression unreadable, but his eyes held caution. "You seem... comfortable with your powers," he remarked, his voice steady.

Evira didn’t look at him but instead continued walking. “Comfortable? I’m learning,” she replied, her voice distant.

She glanced down at her hand, flexing her fingers, and a faint flicker of blood appeared in the air, swirling like an erratic current. “The blood obeys, but it’s... like a living thing. I control it, and yet it’s unpredictable.”

Kid Flash, still trying to shake off the tension, couldn’t help but speak up. “You know, I didn’t think you'd be more like the scary villain type, all that blood stuff and the way you handled Superboy? Yeah, I think you’d make a terrifying superhero or villain either way.”

Evira turned her head slightly, her lips curling into a half-smile. “Hero? Villain?” she asked.

Before Kid Flash could respond, the whole team froze as a loud, mechanical noise echoed through the hallway. It was followed by a blast of static crackling through the nearby comms. The sound was distinct, a signal.

“It’s a tracker,” Robin muttered under his breath. “Cadmus is onto us.”

Aqualad immediately raised his trident. “We need to move faster.”

But before they could take another step, the door at the end of the corridor hissed open with alarming speed, revealing a squad of Cadmus security officers armed with rifles.

Robin’s hand shot up. “Evira, we need you to cover us.”

Evira glanced at the approaching guards with a calm that could only be described as unnerving. “Cover you?” she repeated, as if the concept was foreign. Her crimson eyes flickered briefly to Superboy, who had instinctively stepped forward, tensing for a fight.

Robin looked at her, urgently. “Please, Evira. We need a distraction.”

A smirk spread across her face as she raised her hand, blood beginning to pool at her fingertips. Her eyes narrowed, and the liquid began to form into thin, sharp tendrils, crackling with energy. “A distraction, you say?” She raised both hands now, blood twisting in the air like an artist’s brushstroke.

Kid Flash’s eyes widened in shock. “Whoa, okay. That’s not subtle at all.”

Without warning, Evira swung her hands forward, sending a barrage of blood tendrils shooting at the guards. They were caught off-guard, and the first few were impaled by the razor-sharp strikes before they even had a chance to react. The rest of the squad scattered.

She snapped her fingers, and the blood tendrils retracted before bursting outward again, this time curling around the guards’ limbs, pulling them toward the walls, immobilizing them completely. The hallway filled with the sickening sound of the guards’ bodies colliding with the concrete, and the room fell silent except for their ragged breaths.

Robin’s jaw tightened as he watched the scene unfold. He wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or worried. “Evira, that’s enough!” he shouted, his voice tense.

Evira, her expression neutral, dropped her hands and released the blood control with a casual flick. The guards were left unconscious on the ground, their weapons scattered around them. She wiped her fingers on her shirt, as if she’d just been swatting away dust.

Kid Flash blinked rapidly. “That was insane. You’re like a walking bloodbath.”

Evira shot him a sharp, cryptic look."I don't know why you find it funny. I could make you wish for a fate much worse than being caught by Cadmus."

Superboy, who had stayed relatively quiet up until now, gave a low growl. “Enough with the theatrics.” He stepped forward, his fists still clenched, clearly frustrated. “We need to move. More are coming.”

Evira’s eyes narrowed. “And why should I listen to you?”

Superboy's gaze hardened. “Because you’re stuck with us, whether you like it or not. We’re leaving here, together.”

Robin stepped in before the argument could escalate. “Superboy’s right,” he said firmly. “We need to move before Cadmus sends reinforcements.”

She nodded, but it wasn’t out of agreement. It was more like an acknowledgment of their shared goal, one she wasn’t completely committed to.

“You’re all so quick to jump into action,” Evira said, her tone mocking. “Tell me, are you sure you won’t just be walking into another trap?”

Robin gave her a tight-lipped smile, unwilling to show weakness. “That’s what makes us heroes.” His eyes briefly flicked to Superboy. “And you're coming with us, whether you like it or not.”

Evira looked at Superboy again, then back at the team. She smirked, shrugging. “Fine. But I make no promises.”

The sounds of footsteps echoed from the hallway, and the team paused, tense. Superboy’s hands clenched into fists as his enhanced senses picked up the distant movements. Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad instinctively braced for another encounter.

A voice broke through the stillness, sharp and commanding.

“ Subject: Superboy. Stand down. ”

It was the unmistakable voice of Cadmus’ Director, and before anyone could react, a pair of soldiers, flanking either side, hit Superboy with a neurotoxin dart. His body jerked violently before he collapsed to his knees, his hands gripping his head in agony as the mind control chemicals began to take effect.

“ Subject: Superboy, you are under control. Your primary directive is to incapacitate the intruders. ”

Kid Flash was the first to move. “No! We can’t let him” But before he could finish, Superboy’s eyes snapped open, but they were no longer his. They were cold, emotionless, and full of the same mindless directive Cadmus had imposed on him before.

Superboy rose, his movements robotic, his hands reaching out to the team.

“Get back!” Robin shouted, signaling to Kid Flash and Aqualad. But Superboy was already in motion, his strength too great for them to dodge.

The hallway erupted into chaos as the team scrambled. Kid Flash shot forward to intercept Superboy, but the clone’s strength easily overpowered him, sending the speedster flying back with a force that rattled the walls.

Aqualad wasn’t much more successful, his trident clashing with Superboy’s unyielding fists. Every blow was like hitting stone, and each time Superboy’s strength sent Aqualad stumbling back.

Evira stood back, observing the scene with an unsettling calm. The team was struggling, their efforts futile against the might of the mind-controlled Superboy.

Robin’s voice was desperate. “Evira! Do something! We can’t stop him like this!”

But Evira didn’t respond. Her eyes flicked over to the fight, and then, without a word, she turned on her heel and walked toward the nearest exit. 

Aqualad was the first to notice. “Evira!” he shouted, but she didn’t stop.

She didn’t even glance back. Instead, she slipped away into the darkness, leaving the team to fend for themselves.

Chapter Text

Evira continued her escape, her footsteps barely making a sound. She didn’t care about the others. 

She had no interest in becoming anyone’s hero or saving someone.

She was about survival, about control, and the one thing she had learned quickly since waking up in this strange new world was that nobody would give her that unless she took it herself.

The team’s desperate calls echoed in her mind as she reached the stairwell, but Evira didn’t look back. She had no attachment to them, no obligation to get involved. This was their fight, and she wasn’t ready to die for someone else’s cause.

As the sound of the battle behind her faded.

Evira found herself standing outside, her eyes scanning the city skyline. The night was alive with the hum of traffic, the distant shouts of people, the flicker of lights. But none of it felt real to her. She was a stranger in this world, a living weapon with no purpose other than her own survival.

The body still felt alien to her. The strength, the powers she hadn’t fully come to understand, the blood manipulation that was as wild and untamed as her emotions. 

She didn’t care about being a hero. She didn’t care about saving anyone. In this world, only one thing mattered: control. And she wasn’t going to let anyone take that from her. Not again

A fleeting thought crossing her mind. Did they expect her to stay and help? Did they think she would play nice?

She snorted. They were naive. And they didn’t know who they were dealing with.

They had called for her, tried to get her involved. But in the end, she hadn’t cared enough to help. She didn’t know why she should. And now that she had the chance to think about it, she felt no regret. She had never asked for any of this.

She should’ve been more careful, she knew that much. Running wasn’t always the best option. But the truth was, the thought of being around people was nauseating. The world had taught her to be independent, to control what she could, and right now, she was too raw, too fresh to be anyone’s ally.

The air outside the Cadmus facility was heavy with smoke and ash, the ground trembling faintly as the last of the underground structure gave way. 

The team staggered out into the open, Superboy leading the way, his jaw clenched in a mix of anger and uncertainty. Behind him, Robin, Aqualad, and Kid Flash exchanged glances, their exhaustion tempered by relief.

Evira stood apart from the group, her back to the facility, looking up at the stars, her crimson eyes flicked briefly to the team before she looked away again, silent as ever.

Moments later, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter touched down, their expressions a mix of sternness and concern.

“What were you thinking?” Superman’s voice was sharp as his gaze swept over the young heroes. His eyes lingered on Superboy for a moment before narrowing. “You could’ve been killed or worse.”

“We succeeded,” Robin shot back, stepping forward. His stance was defensive but confident. “We stopped Cadmus. We found Superboy. That’s what matters.”

“Your actions endangered lives,” Wonder Woman said firmly, her arms crossed. “This wasn’t your mission to take on.”

“But it needed to be done,” Aqualad countered, his tone calm but resolute. “Cadmus was creating weapons living beings. Had we waited, who knows what they might have unleashed?”

“And who is she?” Batman’s sharp voice cut through the conversation, his gaze locking onto Evira.

“She helped us,” Kid Flash said quickly, stepping forward. “If she hadn’t been there, we might not have made it out.”

“That doesn’t answer my question,” Batman said, his tone unyielding. “Who is she? Why was she involved?”

Evira didn’t respond. Her head tilted slightly, her gaze flicking to Robin. The silence stretched uncomfortably before Superboy broke it.

“She was resuce,” he said, his voice quieter but firm. “That’s all you need to know.”

Superman frowned, glancing at Batman, who remained stone-faced. “That’s not enough. You don’t know who she is.”

“We know she fought with us,” Robin said, his voice sharper now. 

Batman’s eyes narrowed. “And what about you? Acting without orders, without oversight—”

“We did what had to be done,” Aqualad interrupted, his voice calm but commanding. “We acted because no one else would. You can lecture us all you want, but we stopped Cadmus, and we saved lives.”

The League exchanged glances, their unspoken debate playing out in subtle looks and faint shifts in posture. Superman’s jaw tightened, but it was Batman who finally broke the silence.

“Whatever this is,” he said, gesturing to the group, “it can’t continue without structure. Without oversight.”

“We’re not asking for permission,” Robin said defiantly. “We’ve already proven we can work together. We don’t need hand-holding.”

Batman’s gaze shifted back to Evira. “And her? If this is going to work, you’re taking responsibility for her too.”

Robin hesitated, glancing at Evira, her face remained unreadable, but she inclined her head slightly, as though acknowledging the challenge.

“She’s with us,” Robin said, his voice steady. “That’s not changing.”

“Then you’re accountable for her actions,” Batman said flatly. “And for your own. The League will decide where to go from here.”

Superman looked like he wanted to argue, but Martian Manhunter stepped forward, his voice calm. “Their actions today, reckless as they were, saved lives. Perhaps it is time to consider what they can accomplish together with guidance.”

Batman’s expression didn’t change, but he gave a curt nod. “We’ll discuss this later. For now, get clear of the facility before it collapses entirely.”

The League began to withdraw, but Superman lingered, his eyes meeting Superboy’s for a long, tense moment. Then he turned away, taking off into the night sky.

Robin exhaled sharply, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “Well, that could’ve gone worse.”

“You think?” Kid Flash muttered, though he grinned faintly. “We’re not grounded yet.”

Aqualad looked at Evira, who still stood apart from the group. “Are you coming with us?”

For the first time, Evira spoke, her voice low and steady. “For now.”

It wasn’t much, but it was enough. The team exchanged glances, then turned back toward the smoking wreckage of Cadmus. Whatever came next, they would face it together.

The team stood at the entrance to Mount Justice, the former League base nestled into a cliffside, its imposing structure shrouded by the surrounding forest. The air was cooler here, far from the destruction of Cadmus, but the tension between them hadn’t dissipated.

Batman led the way inside, his cape billowing behind him. His movements were precise, controlled, his gaze flicking between the team members and Evira. She followed at the rear of the group, her steps measured, her crimson eyes scanning the cavernous space as though memorizing every detail.

Robin was the first to break the silence. “So… this is it? Our base?”

“For now,” Batman said without looking back. “You’ll operate out of here, under League oversight. Your missions will be reconnaissance only. Understood?”

Kid Flash whistled low, spinning in place to take in the cavernous main chamber. “Recon only? But this place screams superhero HQ!”

“It’s not a toy, Kid Flash” Batman said sharply. “You’re here because the League has agreed to give you a chance on strict terms. Don’t make us regret it.”

Evira’s footsteps echoed softly as she stepped further into the room. Her gaze lingered on the massive holographic console at the center, but her expression remained unreadable. Batman’s eyes tracked her every move, the suspicion in his posture impossible to miss.

Aqualad cleared his throat. “We appreciate the trust you’ve shown, Batman. We’ll prove ourselves worthy.”

Batman turned to face the team fully, his gaze hard as it swept over them. “You’ve taken the first step, but there’s a long way to go. That includes you.” He gestured toward Evira, his tone colder now. “We don’t know who you are, where you came from, or why you were in that facility. Until we do, you’re on probation.”

“She’s one of us,” Robin said firmly, stepping slightly in front of her. “She helped us get out of Cadmus. She fought beside us.”

“That doesn’t erase the fact that she’s a product of Cadmus,” Batman finished for him, his voice steady but laced with a subtle edge. “A clone. Created to fight, to serve a purpose we still don’t fully understand.”

Evira remained silent, her eyes lowering briefly, as if the weight of the words weighed on her. She didn’t flinch, didn’t react. But it was clear she wasn’t a typical clone there was something different about her. Something Batman couldn’t quite place.

Robin crossed his arms, standing firm. “Does it matter? She’s been through the same stuff we have. The League may not trust her yet, but we do.”

“I don’t care about your trust,” Batman replied, his voice low and unyielding. “You’re here because you’ve proven you’re capable, but Evira...” He trailed off, his gaze narrowing. “She’s not part of this team yet, not in my eyes. Not until we know exactly what she is.”

Aqualad’s eyes softened. “She may be a clone, Batman, but she’s also someone who’s made her own choices.”

Batman stood in front of her now, his stance firm but not aggressive. “I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt for now. You’ll stay here, under observation. If you prove yourself, then we’ll reconsider. But until then, I’m watching you.”

Before anyone could respond, the low hum of a ship's engines interrupted the moment. A sleek, green craft hovered down to the platform just outside. The door opened, and out stepped a young woman with striking green skin, her red hair cascading down her shoulders like a flame. Miss Martian.

Her eyes scanned the group, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Hi, everyone,” she greeted, her voice warm yet slightly nervous. “I guess I’m the new recruit?”

The team turned to face her, a wave of curiosity rippling through them. They had heard of her, of course, the niece of the Martian Manhunter, a powerful telepath, and an ally of the Justice League.

“Miss Martian,” Aqualad greeted her, stepping forward with a hand extended. “It’s good to meet you.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you all,” she said, her green eyes flicking to each member of the team before settling on Evira. “I’m really looking forward to working with you.”

Evira gave her a small nod, but it was hard to say whether she was truly welcoming the new arrival or simply observing. Her gaze lingered for a moment longer than it should have, then she turned her attention back to the others. The tension between her and Batman hadn’t been fully resolved, and it was clear that more questions remained than answers.

Batman, never one to show much emotion, simply nodded toward Miss Martian. “You’re to report to Red Tornado for training. Your role will be to assist with recon missions. I don’t need to remind you to stay in the shadows. We don’t want anyone knowing about you, not yet.”

“Understood,” Miss Martian replied without hesitation.

As she moved to join the team, a brief silence fell over the room. Even Batman seemed to relax slightly, though his vigilance remained. There was a clear divide between the team’s optimism and his caution.

Evira shifted slightly, her fingers tapping against her arm. She was still adjusting to the new surroundings. 

She wasn’t here because she wanted to be a hero; she was here for reasons of her own. No one knew exactly what drove her, and that was what made her presence unsettling.

But the team, for all their differences, had found unity in their shared experiences. 

Evira wasn’t part of that yet. Not in the way they were, but for now, she was staying. And for the first time since escaping Cadmus, she felt something stir inside her. It wasn’t hope, but something close. She wasn’t sure what it was yet. Maybe this new base, with its strange technology and unfamiliar faces, was the beginning of something else.

The library within Mount Justice was a sanctuary of knowledge, and Evira had made it her personal domain. Surrounded by an endless sea of digital screens, bookshelves, and old records, she pored over everything from world history to advanced technology. 

The League’s archives were extensive: detailing geopolitical landscapes, breakthroughs in science, and records of battles fought by heroes and villains alike. It was overwhelming but invaluable. Evira absorbed it all, her mind a steel trap, cataloging information and cross-referencing details she thought might be useful.

Her gaze drifted from the holographic display of global economic trends to the leather-bound journal she had acquired from one of the shelves. It chronicled the Justice League's early exploits, complete with accounts of their triumphs and failures. She snorted softly to herself.

"Legends, huh? Still just people making mistakes on a grander scale."

She leaned back, the faint hum of the tech around her filling the silence. It was strange being in this world so far removed from what she once knew. 

Memories of her past life flickered in her mind, vivid and unyielding. There were times she could almost smell the perfume her mother wore or hear the clicks of a camera capturing her childhood smile. 

Those memories felt more real than her current existence, a reminder of everything she had lost... and everything she had rebuild.

Evira stretched her legs, closing the journal and walking over to the large glass windows that overlooked the rocky cliffs of Happy Harbor. The sunlight glittered off the ocean waves.

She had explored it extensively over the last few days, quietly slipping into shops and cafés, soaking in the local culture. It was quaint, almost charming in its simplicity. More importantly, it was an opportunity.

Her thoughts drifted. This life didn’t have to be about heroism. She could find her own path (again). Her mind spun with possibilities. Makeup, fashion, branding... it would take time to re-establish herself, but she had done it once before. Why not again? She tapped her finger against the glass, considering how to begin.

Returning to the library, Evira started pulling data on small business startups and marketing trends. Despite the advanced tech of this world, it still followed the same fundamental rules: supply and demand, presentation and branding. She smirked as she jotted down notes.

"Being a hero? Not for me. Let them play their games of capes and masks. I’ll carve out something far more lasting," she muttered.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the faint sound of footsteps echoing through the library. She didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.

“Hey, Evira.” Megan’s cheerful voice rang out, breaking the silence. “You’ve been in here for hours. I thought maybe you’d like a break? I’m making cookies in the kitchen!”

Evira glanced over her shoulder, offering the Martian a small smile. Megan's energy was... disarming, in a way. She was genuine and optimistic, almost to a fault. Evira had started to notice how eager Megan was to be liked, a trait she could use if necessary.

“Maybe later,” Evira replied smoothly. “I have a lot I’m working on.”

Megan nodded, her expression curious as she stepped closer. “What are you working on, if you don’t mind me asking? It looks really interesting.”

“Just trying to understad... everything,” Evira said vaguely, waving a hand at the scattered materials. “I want to understand this world if I’m going to survive in it.”

Megan tilted her head, her curiosity deepening. “You know, you can always ask us for help. You’re part of the team now. We’re here for each other.”

Evira held back a laugh. Team? She studied Megan’s earnest expression, her wide green eyes filled with a sincerity Evira couldn’t quite bring herself to trust. Megan might be naive, but she was observant in her own way. Evira needed to tread carefully.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” she said, her tone neutral but polite.

Megan smiled, apparently satisfied with the answer. “Okay! But don’t work too hard, okay? We’re here if you need us.” She waved before heading out, leaving Evira alone again.

Evira turned back to her work, her thoughts shifting to the rest of the team. Megan and Conner were the easiest to understand. 

Megan was desperate to fit in, her actions driven by her need for belonging. Conner was more complex a simmering storm of emotions he barely understood himself (a baby). He had strength and potential, but he was still too green, too naive about the world. Both of them could be assets if handled correctly.

As for the others... Evira hadn’t figured them out yet. Kaldur was calm and disciplined, harder to read. Robin was sharp, almost unsettlingly so, and Kid Flash was a whirlwind of energy and confidence. They were a mixed bag, and while Evira didn’t see herself as part of their little group, she couldn’t deny their potential.

Still, they were kids: dealistic, inexperienced. And she? She had lived a lifetime before this, one filled with lessons they couldn’t begin to understand. She wasn’t here to be their peer or their ally. She had her own path to carve, one that didn’t rely on heroes or leagues or teams.

Evira’s gaze drifted to the screen in front of her, where an article on branding strategies glowed softly. She smiled to herself, a quiet determination settling in her chest.

"This is my second chance," she thought. “But what I am going to do with it.”

Superboy sniffs twice. "I smell smoke."

Miss Martian gasps. "My cookies." then flies down the hallway.

Making it to the kitchen and removing said cookies, with telekinesis, before the boys can make it into the room. As she sets them down the boys enter the room, looking at the burnt-black cookies on the tray.

"I was trying Grammy Jones' recipe from episode 17 of..." she cuts herself off with an awkward chuckle. "Nevermind.”

"I bet they'd tasted great." Robin assures then looks bck to the other three boys. "He doesn't seem to mind."

With his mouth still half full and a burnt cookie in each hand, Aqualad and Superboy can only watch in stunned silence. "I have a serious metabolism." he offers weakly.

"I'll... make more?" Miss Martian seems unsure how to take that comment.

"It was sweet of you to make any." Aqualad tells her.

"Thanks, Aqualad." Miss Martian says, ducking her head slightly.

“We're off duty. Call me Kaldur'ahm." he insists. "Actually, my friends call me Kaldur." he clarifies with very little hesitance.

"I'm Wally." Kid Flash speaks up, leaning on the island. "See? I already trust you with my secret ID, unlike Mr. Dark Glasses over here." 

Robin frowns and glares at Wally as he puts his hands on his hips, annoyed by the speedster's slightly accusatory tone. "Batman's forbidden Boy Wonder from telling anyone his real name."

"Mine's no secret." Miss Martian admits brightly. "It's M'gann M'orzz. But you can call me Megan. It's an Earth name, I'm on Earth now." she seems really excited about that fact.

Superboy remains slouched against the counter, then turns to leave which catches M'gann's attention. "Don't worry, Superboy." she tells him telepathically.

Superboy grunts in shock and his posture tenses, looking at the green-skinned redhead in shock and possibly a tiny bit of fear.

"We'll find you an Earth name, too." she continues, smiling kindly and totally unaware of what she's doing.

Superboy's grips his head for a moment. "Get out of my head!" he shouts, gaining Kaldur, Wally, and Robin's attention in an instant. They all know what he does when he's angry, they look back to M'gann, a curious expression on their features.

"What's wrong? I don't understand." she says, expanding her telepathic range to include Kaldur, Wally, and Robin.

All three react negatively to it. Robin physically grips his head with both hands, Kaldur turns away from M'gann closing his eyes and grimacing before finally putting his own hand to his head, while Wally brings his own hand to his forehead threading his fingers through his bright red hair, and Superboy's fists clench at his sides as he looks almost ready to pounce.

"Everyone on Mars communicates telepathically."

"M'gann stop." Kaldur commands anger clear in his voice. M'gann closes the link and looks confused and hurt, but listens to Kaldur continue. "Things are different on Earth. Here, your powers are an extreme invasion of privacy."

Wally adds in his two cents. "Besides, Cadmus' creepy little psychic G-gnomes left a bad taste in his brain." saying the last part behind his hand as if that will stop Superboy from hearing him and as if it is some big secret.

"I — I didn't mean to —" M'gann tries.

"Just stay out." Superboy growls cutting her off, his eyes burning bright with rage as he walks into the adjoining room.

Evira stepped into the room then, her movements deliberate and calm. She had been hovering just outside, observing. Now, she crossed her arms and leaned against the doorframe, her presence immediately drawing attention.

"Hello, Megan!" she says it brightly despite the fact that she hits her forehead with the heel of her hand. "I know what we can do."

She takes off flying, leaving the four boys to follow her. Wally turns to Robin who shrugs, but all three do follow her. Though Superboy remains behind, but M'gann stands in the entry to the hallway. "Superboy, please."

"It’s not just about mind control," she said evenly, her voice carrying a quiet authority. "Privacy matters. It’s one of the few things people have complete control over. Invading someone’s mind without permission takes that away, and it’s not something most people forgive easily."

Robin’s eyes flicked to her, sharp and assessing.He said nothing, but the tension in his posture was telling. Wally, oblivious to the subtle undercurrent, tilted his head.

"Wow, that’s... surprisingly deep," Wally said, half-joking but impressed. "Where’d you learn all this stuff?"

Evira offered a small smile, not answering directly. 

Turning her attention to Superboy. "As for you, you need a name. Civilian or not, a name matters. It’s a part of who you are."

Superboy glared at her, his fists clenched at his sides. "I don’t care about names," he muttered.

Evira stepped closer, her gaze steady and unflinching. "Because not having a name means letting someone else define you," she said firmly. "Don’t let Cadmus or anyone else decide who you are. Just pick something. Start small."

Superboy’s jaw tightened, his frustration boiling just under the surface. He opened his mouth to retort, but Evira raised a hand, cutting him off before he could.

"If you need help, I’m here," she added, her tone softer now. "We could even share a last name if you’d like."

The room went still, everyone processing her words. Wally’s sandwich froze halfway to his mouth, and Megan blinked in surprise.

"Wait," Wally said, recovering first. "You’re offering to... what, adopt him or something? That’s kinda... weird, right?"

Evira didn’t flinch, her calm demeanor unshaken. "We’re clones," she said plainly, her words landing heavily in the room. "That makes us siblings in a way. Sharing a name wouldn’t be so strange."

Superboy’s brows furrowed, his gaze fixed on the floor. He hated the idea of being connected to anyone, even someone who understood his origins. But a small part of him couldn’t ignore the offer. It felt... genuine.

Robin, ever the skeptic, leaned forward in his chair, his sharp gaze still locked on Evira. "And what name would that be?" he asked, his tone carefully neutral.

Evira paused for a moment, then tilted her head thoughtfully. "I haven’t decided on a last name," she admitted, sidestepping the question. "But I do know what I’ll go by as a hero."

Her calm declaration pulled everyone’s attention. Wally raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What’s it gonna be? Something cool, I hope."

"Bloodstone," Evira said simply, her tone steady and confident.

"Bloodstone?" Wally repeated, grinning. "Okay, that’s pretty badass. Dark, but badass."

Megan tilted her head thoughtfully. "It suits you," she said with a warm smile.

Aqualad nodded in agreement. "A strong name. It reflects your strength."

Robin, however, said nothing, his gaze narrowing slightly. Superboy, meanwhile, remained quiet, his expression unreadable.

Evira glanced at him before turning back to the group. "Let me know if you want help picking a name," she said to Superboy, her voice softer. "Or don’t. It’s your choice."

As her footsteps faded, the group exchanged glances, the weight of her words lingering in the air. Superboy stared after her.

"Don't talk to me." he says, finally less angry and more instinctually annoyed.

face falls and Superboy looks out of the corner of his eye, seeing it.

Coming down the elevator they stop at the hangar. "It's my Martian BioShip." M'gann explains as the doors open. Leading the now curious boy towards a red oblong shape in the hangar

"Cute." Wally offers. "Not aerodynamic, but cute."

"It's at rest, silly." M'gann smiles bright, reaching her hand out. "I'll wake it." as she does the oblong turns into a shape recognizable as a ship. She even spins 180° with just a motion of her hand. A small staircase comes off the back, showing off some of the insides. She walks towards it but soon realizes the boys aren't following. "Well, are you coming?"

The boys hesitate and board with nervous expressions. Once inside the front opens up to reveal a captain's chair and four more side chairs.

The bioship hummed as it lifted off, sleek and alien against the darkening sky. Evira stood with her arms crossed, her gaze following the craft until it disappeared from view. The quiet that settled over Mount Justice was almost a relief.

Turning on her heel, Evira sought out Red Tornado, her footsteps echoing lightly through the corridors of Mount Justice. It didn’t take her long to find him in the monitoring room, standing motionless before a glowing holographic map. The soft hum of technology filled the space, punctuated by the quiet beeps of sensors scanning for threats. His posture was perfectly still, yet there was a purposeful air about him, as though even his lack of movement was an intentional choice.

“Red Tornado,” she said, stepping into the room. Her tone was even, but there was a flicker of something more curiosity. “Do you have a moment?”

He turned toward her smoothly, his head tilting slightly as if assessing her purpose. “What is your inquiry?”

Evira hesitated, a rare occurrence, before taking a step closer. “You’ve been here a while, haven’t you? On Earth, I mean. What do you think of it?”

The android regarded her evenly, his voice calm and precise. “Earth is a planet of complexity. Its inhabitants are driven by emotion and instinct, yet they possess significant capacity for innovation and growth. My study of their behaviors continues.”

She crossed her arms, leaning against the edge of a nearby console. “And you? How do you make decisions? Without emotions, I mean.”

“I function based on programmed algorithms designed to evaluate situations logically,” Red Tornado replied. “Emotion is not a requirement for my role. However, my programming facilitates an understanding of human behavior to enhance interaction.”

Evira nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. “Efficient. Purposeful. That makes sense.” Her voice carried a subtle probing quality, as though she were testing the waters of a larger question.

She paused, her gaze flicking to the intricate holograms hovering over the console. The gleaming pathways of light, the precise movements of data it all fascinated her in a way that few things did. After a moment, she spoke again, her voice quieter this time. “What about... creating? You’re not just a machine; you were built, designed. How does that work? Did you ever... wonder about the process?”

Red Tornado tilted his head again, his glowing eyes narrowing slightly in what almost seemed like contemplation. “I do not possess the capacity for wonder. However, I am aware of the intricacies of my construction and programming. Each component serves a function, each system a purpose.”

“That’s... incredible,” she admitted, her voice almost reverent. She pushed off the console and took a step closer, the curiosity now fully apparent in her expression. “I’ve been thinking about studying engineering. Robotics, too. I mean, I’m not exactly the tinkering type, but the idea of creating something like you? Something purposeful? It’s... intriguing.”

Red Tornado studied her in silence for a moment before responding. “Engineering and robotics require a precise understanding of mechanics, programming, and design. If you are interested, I can provide guidance.”

Her eyes lit up, though she quickly masked her enthusiasm with a casual shrug. “Really? You’d do that?”

“Your interest aligns with the principles I was designed to uphold enhancing human potential through knowledge and growth,” he replied simply. “If you are committed, I will assist you.”

Evira allowed herself a small smile. “Thanks, Red. I’d like that.”

Before she could continue, Red Tornado’s posture shifted slightly, his sensors detecting something. His glowing eyes brightened momentarily. “There is an attack in Happy Harbor,” he announced, his tone unchanged. “A low-level threat. I will alert the team.”

As he transmitted the message to the bioship, he turned back to Evira. “Do you wish to join them?”

She didn’t hesitate, her tone casual, almost dismissive. “No. If it’s not an official mission, it’s not my problem.”

Red Tornado appeared to accept this without question, returning his attention to the holographic map as he finalized the transmission. Meanwhile, Evira, feeling no urgency, turned back toward the door. She paused briefly in the doorway, glancing back at the android.

“Thanks again for the offer. I’ll take you up on it... once I’ve got the basics down.” Her voice was soft, almost contemplative, as if she were speaking to herself as much as to him.

Red Tornado inclined his head slightly. “Understood. Notify me when you are ready.”

Evira gave a faint smirk, her confidence slipping back into place. “I’ll leave the heroics to them,” she murmured under her breath as she exited the room, making her way back toward the library.

She felt an unfamiliar spark of excitement at the thought of learning something new, something tangible, something that might give her a greater sense of control over the chaos that surrounded her. Perhaps there was more to this life than blood and shadows. Perhaps, with Red Tornado’s help, she could build something of her own.

Evira sat alone in the dimly lit library of Mount Justice, a faint hum from the base’s systems, the only sound keeping her company. 

A thick book on Earth’s current political systems lay open in front of her, though she wasn’t really reading. Her mind wandered, circling around the same relentless thoughts that had haunted her since her arrival in this new body and world.

She traced a finger along the book’s margins, her lips pressed into a thin line. Getting an identity into the government’s database shouldn’t be impossible, right? she mused.

She already understood the basics: a forged birth certificate, a social security number, something to make her “Evira (last name)” a real person in the eyes of the authorities. But who could she trust with that? Batman?

She snorted softly at the thought. Of course not. He’d either interrogate me or find a way to make me owe him. And then there’s Robin. Her eyes narrowed. She wasn’t oblivious to the way the young vigilante kept tabs on her, his gaze sharper than any of the others. Batman’s doing, no doubt. She wasn’t even mad about it. If I were him, I’d do the same.

Still, the idea of asking Batman for help lingered. No, too risky, she decided, closing the book in frustration. She leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling. “Two steps back, one step forward,” she muttered under her breath. “It’s fine. It’s just a setback.”

The question of money gnawed at her. She had nothing here: no bank account, no safety net. Restarting my life without anything is just… annoying. I’ll figure it out.

Her mind drifted to her old life, her past. Back in the UK, she had been a rising name in the fashion industry, her empire built on hard work and connections. Could I do that again here? She felt confident she could.

The industry was shallow but predictable; people wanted the same things everywhere beauty, style, and confidence. Yet, as she thought more about it, her confidence faltered.

Do I even want to go back to that lifestyle? she wondered, her thoughts swirling with old memories of late nights, endless meetings, and the constant pressure to perform. There had been a time when she thrived on it, but now? She wasn’t sure.

Her reflection caught her eye in the window across the room. The sharp lines of her jaw, the flawless skin that bore no hint of her past life. She stood and walked over, her steps slow and hesitant. Her hands touched the cool glass as she studied her appearance.

This body was perfect too perfect, she thought bitterly. She opened her mouth, searching for the gap tooth she used to hate but had learned to love over time. It wasn’t there. 

Her teeth were straight and pristine, like they had been cut from marble. There were no freckles dusting her cheeks, no imperfections to mark this as her own. Her fingers brushed her face as if the act of touching it would make it more familiar. But it didn’t.

Evira’s chest tightened. This body didn’t feel like hers. It felt wrong, like wearing someone else’s skin. The power coursing through her veins didn’t help, either. The blood manipulation she now possessed felt wild, untamed. It was overwhelming. 

She missed the quiet control she had once wielded over her magic, subtle yet precise. Now, she felt like a storm trapped in a glass jar, ready to explode at the slightest pressure.

Her hands curled into fists. Why am I even here? The question hit her like a punch, the weight of it threatening to pull her under. What’s the point? What do I do now?

She pressed her forehead against the glass, her breath fogging up the surface. Her mind wandered to Samuel, her best friend. He would have loved this world, with its larger-than-life heroes and stories that seemed ripped straight from the comics he adored. She could almost hear his voice, teasing her about being a clone, or telling her how lucky she was to be part of something extraordinary.

The thought of him brought a pang of longing. She missed him, missed her family, missed the life she had built. But they were gone, and she was here.

Her gaze returned to her reflection, her eyes narrowing. “Pull yourself together,” she whispered. There was no room for self-pity, not when there was so much to figure out.

She flexed her fingers, the faint shimmer of her blood magic sparking to life for a moment before she extinguished it. It’s too much power. Too wild. I hate it.  

She had always valued control above all else. control over her life, her choices, her magic. This power felt like the antithesis of everything she had worked for.

For a moment, she thought about the one thing she never did in her past life. Was there something she had left undone, something she wished she could have changed? The answer didn’t come.

Evira took a deep breath, forcing the storm of emotions back into its box. She had work to do, a life to rebuild, even if she didn’t know where to start.

Chapter Text

The bioship hummed softly as it glided over the ocean toward Santa Prisca. Evira leaned back in her seat, her helmet balanced on her lap. She kept her gaze fixed on the water below, her thoughts wandering. 

The others were quiet, tension thick after the earlier discussions. Robin, as usual, was focused on his wrist computer, analyzing mission data.

Miss Martian’s earlier telepathic attempt lingered in Evira’s mind like an unwanted itch. The intrusion had unsettled her more than she cared to admit. She needed to prepare herself if it happened again guard her thoughts, lock them away. Her fingers tapped lightly against her knee as she considered ways to shield her mind.

Control. It was always about control.

Aqualad glanced her way, his expression neutral but watchful. He had been observing her throughout the start of mission, but now he fell into step beside her as the team disembarked and approached the Venom lab.

“You stayed behind during the last mission,” he said quietly, his voice even.

Evira shrugged, keeping her tone casual. “And yet, here I am now.”

“You are here physically, yes. But being part of a team requires more than that.”

Evira stopped walking, her black jacket catching the faint moonlight. She turned to face him, one brow raised. “Are you asking me to try harder, or are you just making conversation?”

Aqualad’s tone didn’t waver. “We need cohesion. Trust. If you’re unwilling to work as part of this team, you will not only endanger yourself but the rest of us.”

Her lips curved into a faint, humorless smile. “Trust is a lot to ask when I barely trust myself.”

Aqualad remained calm, unfazed by her sharp words. “You are here. That means something.”

“Does it?” Evira countered. “I was made to follow orders, to fight battles that aren’t mine. You want me to be part of your team? Fine. But don’t expect me to believe it’s much different.”

Aqualad’s gaze softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. “You are not a weapon. You are a person. And here, you have a choice.”

Evira didn’t respond, instead resuming her pace toward the compound.

Inside, the mission unfolded with escalating chaos. Kobra’s forces ambushed them, forcing the team to split their focus between capturing Bane and disrupting the Venom operation. After a narrow escape, the team cornered Bane in a dimly lit corridor, his massive frame casting shadows on the walls.

Robin stepped forward, sharp and commanding. “You’re going to tell us everything you know about Kobra’s operation. Now.”

Bane sneered, his muscles flexing under his restraints. “You’re amusing, little bird. But I owe you nothing.”

Miss Martian hovered uncertainly behind Robin, her expression conflicted. “I could… look into his mind,” she offered hesitantly.

Before anyone could react, Evira stepped forward, her movements deliberate and unnervingly calm. The dim light caught the sheen of a slim blade as she drew it from her jacket.

“Hold still,” she said flatly to Bane, and without waiting for permission, she sliced a shallow cut across his arm. Blood welled up immediately, trickling down his skin.

“Hey!” Robin hissed, stepping forward, but Evira raised her free hand in a silent command for silence.

Evira knelt, holding her palm near the cut. The blood quivered unnaturally before rising, defying gravity, and pooling into a small orb hovering above her hand. Her red eyes seemed to gleam as she focused on the orb, her voice chillingly composed.

“Here’s how this works,” she began, her tone like steel wrapped in silk. “You’ve got two options. You can start talking now, or I can use this.” She twitched her fingers, and the orb pulsed faintly. “Let me assure you, it’ll feel like your veins are being set on fire. A slow, excruciating burn that I’ll only stop if I feel like it. The clock’s ticking.”

Bane’s smirk faltered, his confidence cracking under the weight of her quiet menace. “You wouldn’t dare,” he snarled, but there was a flicker of doubt in his tone.

Evira tilted her head, a faint smile touching her lips. “You’re welcome to find out.”

The team watched in stunned silence. Kid Flash whispered, “Is she serious?” to no one in particular.

Superboy’s fists clenched, but he said nothing, his conflicted expression betraying his thoughts. Miss Martian’s wide eyes darted between Bane and Evira, clearly unsure whether to intervene.

Aqualad stepped forward, his voice firm but measured. “Bloodstone, this is not our way.”

Evira didn’t take her eyes off Bane. “And yet, we need answers,” she replied evenly. “What’s more important? Your principles, or the lives this serum could destroy?”

The silence that followed was heavy. Robin took another step forward, his tone sharp. “Bloodstone, we don’t do this. Stand down.”

Evira finally turned her head, her expression unreadable. “I’m getting results. Unless you have a better idea?”

Before Robin could respond, Bane’s voice cut through. “Fine!” he spat, glaring at her with barely contained fury. “I’ll talk.”

Evira’s shoulders relaxed slightly, and she released her control over the blood, letting it fall harmlessly to the ground. She stood, pocketing the blade and stepping back. “Smart choice.”

Robin glared at her but chose to refocus on extracting the intel. The interrogation proceeded, though the team’s unease lingered.

“We need to identify that buyer” said Aqualad, crossing his arms

“Just what I was thinking.” said Kid Flash

Robin snorted “yeah, you're the thinker.”

“Sarcasm? Dude. A real leader would focus on getting answers.”

As team debriefed, voices overlapping with heated discussions about tactics and risks. Evira sat toward the back, staring at the cracked screen of one of the Venom facility’s stolen tablets.

Aqualad’s earlier words replayed in her mind, threading through her thoughts like an unwelcome refrain. She hated how much they lingered.

“How could my first mission as leader go so wrong?” Robin said, breaking the silence. 

Kid Flash scoffed, crossing his arms. “Oh, come on, Boy Wonder. You’re the one who disappeared to hack a terminal instead of backing us up!”

“Someone had to figure out what Kobra was planning!” Robin snapped, his temper flaring. “And while we’re on the topic, maybe you shouldn’t have rushed into the middle of a firefight!”

Superboy crossed his arms, his sharp tone cutting through. "You’re one to talk about teamwork when you keep running ahead without thinking."

Evira’s voice cut through the tension, cool and edged with dry humor. “You two should kiss already and save the rest of us from the secondhand embarrassment.”

Kid Flash whipped his head toward her, sputtering. “Excuse me?”

“I’m just saying,” she continued, shrugging. “If this is how you handle stress, maybe neither of you should be in charge.”

“Do you think you could do better?” Robin shot back, his tone sharp.

Evira tilted her head, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “Oh, definitely not. I’d probably just suggest we set the factory on fire and call it a day.” Her expression turned more serious as she added, “But I’m also not the one arguing about leadership when we’re still in the middle of enemy territory. Priorities, people.”

Miss Martian hovered between above, wringing her hands. "Maybe we should focus on the mission instead of arguing?"

Evira leaned casually against a nearby wall.“I hate to break up this very productive conversation, but if we don’t move soon, Kobra’s shipment is going to leave the island. And if that happens, all this bickering will have been for nothing.”

Robin shot her a look, his tone sharp. “You have any brilliant ideas, or just commentary?”

Evira raised an eyebrow, unfazed by his irritation. “Actually, I do. But it involves less posturing and more listening.”

Before Robin could respond, Aqualad stepped in, his voice steady. “Enough. We are a team, and we will act like one. Evira, if you have a plan, speak.”

She straightened, her expression cooling into something unreadable. “We split into two groups. One handles disrupting the shipment, the other takes down Kobra. That way, we divide their forces and keep them from regrouping.”

Kid Flash frowned. “And who’s taking which job? Let me guess, you’re volunteering to lead?”

Evira smirked faintly, a flicker of amusement in her eyes. “Not a chance. I’m not about to babysit you.”

The tension was palpable as the group stared at her. She rolled her shoulders, glancing at Aqualad. “You lead. I’ll handle support where it’s needed. Let the rest of them argue about who gets to play hero.”

Robin bristled. “We don’t need you to—”

“Enough,” Aqualad cut him off firmly, his gaze sweeping the group. “The plan is sound. Robin, Kid Flash, and Miss Martian will focus on the shipment. Bloodstone, Superboy, and I will target Kobra. Stay linked telepathically and communicate constantly.”

As they moved out, Evira fell into step beside Superboy. “You good with this?” she asked quietly.

He glanced at her, his expression tight. “Not like we have much choice.”

She chuckled softly, the sound low and edged with something unreadable. “True. Just try not to punch first and think later. We’ve got enough hotheads on this team.”

He shook his head, a faint, reluctant smile tugging at his lips. “You’re something else.”

The factory loomed ahead, its towering walls casting long shadows across the jungle floor. Aqualad raised a hand, signaling for them to stop. “We need to move carefully. Kobra’s forces will be prepared.”

Evira crouched beside him, her long coat trailing behind her as she scanned the area. Her voice was low, measured. “We’ll have to hit fast and hard. Kobra’s not the type to stick around for a fair fight.”

A sharp crack of a branch drew their attention, and Bane emerged from the shadows, his hulking frame dominating the space. His eyes gleamed with a predatory intensity as he took in the group. “You persist in meddling where you do not belong. A mistake.”

Evira stepped forward, her red-gloved hand resting lightly on the hilt of her blade. “Funny, I was about to say the same thing to you.”

Bane’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, a faint sneer curling his lips. “And what can you do, little girl? Intimidate me with your toys?”

Her smile was sharp, cold. “Oh, I don’t need toys to handle you.”

Before he could respond, she darted forward, her movements swift and deliberate. The fight erupted in an instant, chaos spilling into the narrow corridor. Superboy charged Mammoth, the clash of their strength reverberating through the space, while Aqualad engaged Kobra’s cultists.

Evira moved like a shadow, her blade a blur as she danced around Bane’s strikes. He swung a massive fist, but she ducked low, her coat flaring as she slid behind him. A quick slash of her blade left a shallow cut on his arm, and she stepped back, her hemlet gleaming in the dim light.

Bane growled, his frustration mounting. “You fight like a coward.”

She tilted her head, her voice light, mocking. “No, I fight smart. There’s a difference.”

He lunged at her, but she sidestepped, her hand snapping up. Blood rose from the cut on his arm, forming thin, quivering tendrils that wrapped around his wrist. His movements faltered, and she used the distraction to deliver a sharp kick to his knee, forcing him down.

Superboy’s voice cut through the chaos. “Bloodstone, behind you!”

She spun just in time to block a cultist’s blade with her own. Her movements were precise, her strikes calculated. The cultist fell, and she turned her attention back to Bane, who had torn free of her blood bindings.

“You’ll have to try harder than that,” he snarled, his muscles flexing.

She smirked. “Oh, don’t worry. I intend to.”

The fight dragged on, each member of the team holding their own against overwhelming odds. Finally, with a coordinated effort, they subdued Bane and his forces, though the battle left them battered and weary.

As they regrouped, Aqualad glanced at Evira, his tone even. “Your tactics were effective. But next time, inform the team before you act.”

She met his gaze, her expression unreadable. “Noted.”

Robin, his uniform scuffed but his determination unwavering, approached her. “You’re reckless.”

Evira shrugged, her tone casual. “Maybe. But it worked, didn’t it?”

The tension between them simmered, but Aqualad stepped in, his voice firm. “Enough. We’ll discuss this back at the base.”

As the Team made their way back to the Bio-Ship, the weight of the mission settled over them. Each step carried the unspoken understanding that they had much to learn.

Evira kept to herself, seated near the edge of the craft, her red eyes distant as she stared out at the horizon. Aqualad approached her, his calm presence breaking the silence.

"You did well back there, Bloodstone" he began, his tone sincere. "Your suggestion to divide our efforts ensured the mission's success."

Evira leaned her head back against the wall, arms crossed. "It wasn’t about doing well. It was the logical move."

Kaldur paused for a moment, studying her. "Even so, not everyone would have seen it that way under pressure. I appreciate you stepping up when it mattered."

She turned her gaze to him, her red eyes narrowing slightly. "I don’t step up, Kaldur. I just… solve problems when they arise."

"That sounds a lot like leadership," Kaldur replied, his calm voice unyielding.

Evira let out a dry laugh, shaking her head. "Leadership is a mess of responsibility and morale-boosting. Not my thing."

Kaldur tilted his head, intrigued. "Why is that?"

"Because I don’t like it," she said bluntly."Leadership isn’t just strategy. It’s responsibility for every mistake, every loss.” she looked away. "I don’t need that weight.”

Before Kaldur could respond, a voice chimed in from the shadows. "So that’s why you’re always lurking at the edge of the group?" Wally stepped forward with a smirk. "I knew it! The lone-wolf act isn’t just for show."

Evira’s eyes flicked to him, her expression unchanged. "If you’re going to eavesdrop, at least try not to be obvious about it."

Wally held up his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, I wasn’t eavesdropping. I just happened to be standing close enough to hear you tell Kaldur you don’t like leadership." He paused, his grin widening. "Which, by the way, sounds like the kind of thing a leader would say."

"I’m not a leader," Evira said flatly. "And I have no interest in pretending to be one."

"But you’re good at it," Wally pointed out. "That move back there? You saw exactly how to split us up so we didn’t get overwhelmed. That’s not just strategy that’s knowing your team."

Evira glanced at Kaldur. "Did you tell him to chime in?"

Kaldur smiled faintly, shaking his head. "No, though he’s not wrong."

Wally took that as encouragement, leaning against a nearby wall. "You know, for someone who doesn’t want to lead, you’re kind of bossy."

Evira raised an eyebrow. "I’m efficient. There’s a difference."

"Sure there is," Wally replied, his tone teasing. "But seriously, why not just own it? You’d be great at it, less yelling than Batman, and you’ve got the whole 'intimidating but cool' thing down."

"I’m not interested," Evira said, her voice unyielding. "Kaldur already been elected leader. End of story."

Kaldur stepped in, his voice calm but firm. "I won’t force you into a role you don’t want, Evira. But perhaps there’s a middle ground."

She tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Middle ground?"

"Be our strategist," he said simply. "You don’t have to lead, but your insights could guide us. It’s a role that plays to your strengths without requiring you to bear the burden of command."

She considered his words, her expression unreadable. After a long pause, she said, "I’ll think about it."

Wally looked between the two of them, a hint of surprise in his expression. "Wow, that’s practically a yes coming from her. Kaldur, you’ve got skills."

Evira shot Wally a sharp look, but he grinned and shrugged. "Okay, okay, I’ll back off. Just saying might be nice to have someone else on this team who can think ten steps ahead."

Kaldur nodded, offering Evira a slight bow of acknowledgment. "That’s all I ask. Thank you."

As he walked away, Wally lingered a moment longer, his tone softening. "For what it’s worth, you’re not as hard to figure out as you think, Evira. And the team? They’d be lucky to have you calling the shots."

He dashed off before she could respond, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Evira stared out at the horizon, the hum of the Bio-Ship filling the silence around her.

Control. That’s what mattered now. And she wasn’t about to lose it.

The bioship landed at Mount Justice, and the team filed out, still chattering about the mission. Evira stayed behind for a moment, slipping her helmet back on before following.

The team stood in the briefing room at Mount Justice, their post-mission debriefing already tense. Batman stood at the head of the room, his imposing presence magnified by the deep scowl etched into his face. His gaze swept over the group.

“Your lack of cohesion and communication turned a straightforward reconnaissance mission into a chaotic spectacle. It’s a miracle no one was seriously hurt.”

Evira stood slightly apart from the others, her helmet tucked under her arm, her posture deliberately neutral. She tilted her head as Batman’s gaze finally landed on her.

“And you,” he said, voice like a scalpel. “You contributed far less than you’re capable of. Why?”

Evira held his gaze, her expression calm but faintly apologetic. “Respectfully, Batman, I wasn’t entirely sure of my role in the team. The others seem to have a rhythm I’ve yet to fall into. You’re asking me to act in sync with people who haven’t been properly trained themselves, particularly Superboy, who is being expected to function without any foundation.”

The subtle barb at Superman’s neglect didn’t go unnoticed. Batman’s expression hardened imperceptibly, and Evira pressed forward, her voice soft and thoughtful.

“If I’m meant to be part of this, then clarity and proper guidance are essential. Otherwise, I might be a liability rather than an asset.”

Batman studied her for a long moment before turning his attention back to the group. “Training will be intensified. No more excuses.”

After Batman dismissed the group, Evira lingered. She waited until the others began to filter out, then approached Batman directly.

“Sir,” she said, her tone carefully measured, “I wanted to address something. My lack of a formal identity is becoming a significant obstacle. Without one, I lack stability and, frankly, safety.”

Batman turned to her, his expression unreadable. “Why bring this to me?”

Evira allowed a faint trace of vulnerability to seep into her tone. “Because you’re the one person who understands the importance of being prepared for every contingency. You wouldn’t want someone like me unaccounted for. And it’s not just me. Superboy is in a similar position, isn’t he?”

She saw the flicker of acknowledgment in his eyes. Pressing her advantage, she continued.

“It would solve a lot of problems, for both of us, if we had identities in the system. Nothing flashy, just enough to exist properly. And it would ensure we remain under your guidance, rather than falling through the cracks.”

Batman’s gaze was like a laser, cutting through her words as if searching for ulterior motives. Evira met it steadily, projecting just the right balance of sincerity and calculation.

After a beat, he nodded curtly. “I’ll see to it.”

Evira inclined her head, masking the satisfaction that flickered in her chest. “Thank you. If it’s possible, I’d like to use the last name Solace. It... feels right.”

Batman’s silence didn’t betray his thoughts, but she sensed his agreement.

As she walked away, Evira felt a calm certainty settle over her. The foundation was being laid. Her identity, her place, and her autonomy it was all coming together. Slowly, deliberately, as it should.

In the quiet hum of Mount Justice’s workshop, Evira adjusted the magnification of her goggles, the bright glow of a soldering iron illuminating her workbench. The cat-ear-shaped helmet she’d been refining lay in front of her, its sleek design marred by visible scorch marks and a few loose components rattling ominously inside. Red Tornado stood across the table, his crimson form silhouetted against the glow of the room’s overhead lights.

“Your helmet sustained significant structural damage during the last mission,” Red Tornado observed, his tone calm yet precise. “The circuitry for the augmented hearing module appears to have shorted under pressure. Additionally, the insulation around the power core was insufficient.”

Evira sighed, leaning back and pinching the bridge of her nose. “Yeah, I noticed. The static was unbearable, and I swear I could smell the wires burning halfway through the mission.” She glanced at him, her tone tinged with frustration. “I thought I accounted for that.”

“Your design was functional,” Red Tornado said evenly. “However, adjustments must account for the unpredictability of field conditions. I suggest reinforcing the casing with a titanium alloy and isolating the auditory circuitry to minimize interference.”

Evira nodded, her fingers tracing the helmet’s damaged edge. “Makes sense. I’ll add that to the list.” She paused, then looked at Red Tornado curiously. “How do you know so much about this kind of thing? You’re not exactly wearing gear like this.”

Red Tornado inclined his head. “I was designed with an intrinsic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems. My creators intended for me to be self-sustaining, capable of adapting and repairing myself when necessary.”

Evira set down her tools, folding her arms. “And how did you feel about that? Being created, I mean. Did you ever... resent it?”

He regarded her for a moment before replying, “Resentment is a human emotion. I am not capable of it. However, I have contemplated my existence. My creators intended for me to serve a purpose, yet I chose to expand beyond their initial design.”

She tilted her head, intrigued. “What do you mean, you chose?”

“I was initially created to infiltrate and neutralize the Justice Society of America,” Red Tornado explained. “However, I defied my programming, rejecting the path of destruction in favor of one rooted in justice and preservation. I chose to be a hero because it aligned with my understanding of purpose and morality.”

Evira frowned, her fingers drumming lightly on the table. “You make it sound so... easy. Like it’s just logic. But doesn’t it bother you? Knowing you were made to be one thing and deciding to be something else?”

Red Tornado’s gaze didn’t waver. “It is not the origin of one’s existence that defines them, but the choices they make thereafter.”

The words struck a chord with Evira, her gaze lowering to the helmet in her hands. “Huh. Choices. I guess that’s one way to look at it.”

Red Tornado regarded her carefully. “Your helmet reflects your choices. Its design serves as an extension of your identity. It is not uncommon to encounter flaws in the process of creation. The key is iteration refinement through experience.”

Evira smirked faintly, picking up a screwdriver and resuming her adjustments. “That’s your fancy way of saying ‘try, fail, and try again,’ huh?”

“Correct,” Red Tornado affirmed, his tone unchanged.

As she worked, Evira glanced up at him again. “You’re surprisingly good at this mentor thing, you know. Didn’t peg you for the type.”

“My role within the team includes guidance and support,” he replied. “It is a logical extension of my purpose.”

“Logical,” she echoed with a small laugh. “Of course it is.”

For the next hour, the two worked side by side, Red Tornado offering observations and suggestions while Evira tinkered with the helmet. Though her frustration occasionally flared, she found herself appreciating his calm, methodical approach. By the time she had reassembled the helmet with the reinforced materials, a faint sense of accomplishment replaced her earlier irritation.

As she set the helmet down with a satisfied sigh, Evira looked at Red Tornado. “Thanks for this. Seriously. I’m starting to think maybe I can figure this whole engineering thing out after all.”

Red Tornado nodded. “Your progress is commendable. With continued effort, you will achieve proficiency.”

Evira chuckled. “Proficiency, huh? I’ll take it.”

As she packed up her tools, she hesitated, her expression softening. “Hey, Red... thanks for helping me figure this stuff out. And for... you know, talking. You’re a lot more insightful than people give you credit for.”

He inclined his head slightly. “Your acknowledgment is appreciated.”

Evira smirked, grabbing her helmet and heading for the door. “Guess I’ll call that my good deed for the day. See you around, Red.”

As the door slid shut behind her, the faintest flicker of satisfaction crossed Red Tornado’s otherwise stoic demeanor. In his own way, he was building something too bridging the gap between his purpose and the team he was designed to guide.

Evira stood outside Superboy’s door, her knuckles brushing against the wood before she gave a measured knock. She heard movement on the other side, heavy steps pacing toward the door. When it opened, Superboy stood there, his expression unreadable but clearly guarded.

“What do you want?” he asked flatly, his tone defensive but not entirely dismissive.

Evira held up a thin book, the title in bold letters: Baby Names for Boys. She offered him a small, almost sheepish smile. “Can I come in? It’s important.”

Superboy hesitated, his blue eyes narrowing slightly, but after a beat, he stepped aside, allowing her to enter. The room was sparse, just the bare essentials. She noted the lack of personal touches and filed the observation away.

Sitting on the edge of his bed, she placed the book between them and opened it to a random page. “I know this might seem silly,” she began, her tone soft but deliberate, “but I thought we could start looking through names. Batman’s already working on setting up identities for us, and I figured... maybe we could choose something together. A shared last name.”

Superboy frowned, crossing his arms. “Why would we do that?”

Evira tilted her head, feigning a thoughtful pause. “Because we’re connected, aren’t we? Both of us... created for a purpose we didn’t choose. I don’t know about you, but having a name that’s mine, that I’ve picked for myself, feels... important.”

He stared at her, his posture tense. “I don’t even know if I want a name.”

“Which is exactly why I’m here,” she said, her voice tinged with understanding. She slid the book closer to him. “It’s not something you have to decide right now. But... maybe it’s something worth thinking about. A name doesn’t have to define you, but it can be a way to take control of who you are.”

Superboy glanced at the book but didn’t reach for it. “You already seem to know who you are. How did you figure it out? We... we woke up at the same time. How are you... so sure of everything?”

Evira let out a soft sigh, looking down at her hands. “I’m not,” she admitted, her voice carrying a trace of vulnerability. “I might seem like I have it all together, but I don’t. I’m still... sorting through everything that was put into my head. Names, places, history things I know, but I don’t really understand. ”

She looked up at him, her eyes steady. “That’s why I want this. To give myself the chance to figure it out, to have something that’s mine. And I thought... maybe we could do that together. Build something for ourselves, even if it’s just a name.”

Superboy’s frown softened slightly, his defensive posture easing. “You really think it matters that much?”

Evira nodded. “More than you might realize. And it’s not just about the name. It’s about choosing something for yourself, for once.”

He sat in silence for a moment, his gaze dropping to the book. “I don’t know if I’m ready for this.”

“That’s okay,” she said gently. “We’ll take it slow. If you decide it’s not for you, that’s fine too. But for what it’s worth, I’d like us to share a last name. It makes sense, doesn’t it? After all... we’re family, in a way.”

“Family,” he repeated quietly, the word foreign on his tongue.

She smiled softly, standing and patting the book. “Think about it. No rush. If you want, I’ll be here to help.”

As she turned to leave, Superboy’s voice stopped her. “What name are you choosing?”

She paused, glancing back. “Evira Solace. It... feels right.”

Superboy didn’t respond, but his expression suggested he was turning the idea over in his mind. Evira stepped out, satisfied that she had planted the seed she needed. Her mind was already working on the next steps, but for now, she’d given him something to think about and that was enough.

This is what I think Evira super suit would look like:https://pin.it/51qwnINdE

Chapter Text

The kitchen was bathed in soft morning light, the hum of appliances the only sound as Megan carefully whisked a bowl of batter. Her green fingers moved with meticulous care, her brow furrowed in concentration.

“You look like you’re defusing a bomb,” Evira said from where she leaned against the counter, her sharp red eyes watching Megan with faint amusement.

Megan glanced at her, a sheepish smile tugging at her lips. “I just don’t want to mess this up. Humans are picky about their food, and I’m still figuring it all out.”

Evira tilted her head, a smirk playing at her lips. “You’re overthinking it. They’ll eat anything that doesn’t actively kill them. Perfection’s overrated.”

Megan giggled softly, setting the whisk down and brushing her hands against her apron. “Easy for you to say. You don’t have to worry about trying to blend in.”

Evira shrugged. “Blending in is a waste of energy. Be who you are, Megan. Let people deal with it or not. Their problem, not yours.”

Megan looked at her for a moment, her expression softening. “You really don’t care what people think, do you?”

“Not particularly,” Evira replied, pushing herself off the counter and grabbing a stray piece of fruit from the bowl nearby. “It’s freeing, actually. You should try it.”

Megan hesitated, then sighed. “It’s not that simple for me. Back on Mars, even among my own people, I wasn’t exactly… normal.”

Evira raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Normal’s boring. What was so different about you?”

Megan fidgeted slightly, her gaze dropping to the countertop. “Well, for starters, I’m a White Martian. That’s already… not great where I come from. And my shapeshifting? It was never perfect. I struggled to keep up with everyone else. I still can’t even shift into male forms and  really. I guess I just always felt… out of place.”

Evira regarded her for a long moment before responding, her tone uncharacteristically gentle. “Sounds like your people don’t know what they’re missing. You’ve got skills most of them can’t even dream of.”

Megan blinked, her expression brightening slightly. “You think so?”

“Obviously,” Evira said, her usual smirk returning. “Take this shapeshifting thing, for example. Do you realize how useful that could be? Not just for blending in, but for practical stuff. Like… fashion.”

Megan tilted her head, confused. “Fashion?”

Evira grabbed a tablet from the counter and slid it toward her. “You’re a walking mannequin. Why waste money and time on clothes I might end up hating when you can just shapeshift into them for me? It’s efficient.”

Megan’s eyes widened, then she laughed, her green skin glowing faintly. “You want me to be your personal mannequin?”

“Exactly,” Evira said, a hint of mischief in her tone. “You get practice with your powers, and I save time. Win-win.”

Megan giggled, picking up the tablet and scrolling through the designs Evira had saved. “This is actually kind of fun! I’ve never thought about using my powers like this before.”

“Then it’s about time,” Evira said, crossing her arms. “Let’s start with something simple. Try this one.”

Megan studied the image a sleek crimson gown before closing her eyes. Her form shimmered, her green skin fading to darker skin, her hair darkening and curling. Within moments, she stood as an exact replica of Evira, now wearing the elegant dress.

“Well?” Megan asked, spinning playfully. “How do I look?”

Evira stepped back, studying her duplicate. “Not bad. The height’s good. Hair could use some work, though it’s too neat. Mine’s more…” She gestured vaguely at her own untamed curls.

Megan smirked, adjusting her hair with a quick shift. “Messy?”

“Authentic,” Evira corrected, her voice dry.

Megan laughed, her excitement bubbling over. “This is so cool! I’d love to help you pick out more designs. It’s like we’re having a fashion show!”

Evira rolled her eyes but didn’t hide the faint smile tugging at her lips. “Don’t get carried away. You’re still my test subject, not a designer.”

Megan laughed again, her gaze softening as she scrolled through the tablet. “You know, this whole team thing… it’s been hard. I want to fit in, but sometimes I feel like I’m just pretending.”

Evira leaned against the counter again, her tone more serious. “Pretending’s a waste of time. You’re fine the way you are, Megan. Fitting in is just another way to make yourself small.”

Megan blinked at her, touched by the unexpected kindness. “You really mean that?”

“Of course,” Evira said. Then her smirk returned. “But just so you know, you get that same starry-eyed look around Superboy. It’s almost embarrassing.”

Megan’s face flushed pink, her form flickering as her concentration faltered. “W-What? I do not!”

Evira chuckled, her red eyes gleaming. “Oh, please. You light up like a beacon whenever he’s around. It’s cute, in a painfully obvious kind of way.”

Megan pouted, crossing her arms. “You’re terrible.”

“True,” Evira said, grinning. “But hey, I’m also right. And for what it’s worth, Superboy’s not as dense as he looks. He’ll figure it out eventually.”

Megan’s cheeks deepened in color, but her smile returned, shy but genuine. “Thanks, Evira. For… this. I had fun.”

“Don’t mention it,” Evira said, nudging the tablet toward her. “Now, stop blushing and shift into this next outfit. We’ve got work to do.”

Megan giggled, her form shimmering again as she shifted. The kitchen filled with warmth, their laughter echoing through the space as they worked together. 

The Cave’s training area buzzed with restless energy as Black Canary stepped in, her stance solid despite the faint wince that flickered across her face when she moved. Her left arm was wrapped in a bandage, evidence of a recent skirmish. The Team gathered around, curiosity and skepticism mingling in their expressions.

Evira leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed and her sharp red eyes flicking between the others. She noticed Black Canary's injury right away, her gaze narrowing slightly. It wasn’t weakness she saw but a quiet, stubborn determination she knew all too well.

“Training’s all about taking the initiative,” Canary began, her voice calm but commanding. “Never let your opponent dictate the terms of the fight.”

Kid Flash was the first to step forward, his trademark grin firmly in place. “Let’s see how this goes, then.”

Evira quirked an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “This should be amusing.”

Black Canary didn’t waste time. Her movements were fluid and deliberate, and though Kid Flash managed to block her first strike, he misjudged her leg sweep. In a blur of motion, he hit the ground hard, groaning as Canary stepped back.

“Good block,” she said, her tone even, “but did anyone see what he did wrong?”

Robin said “Oo! Oo! He hit on teacher and got served?”

Kid Flash said “Dude!”

Evira’s smirk deepened as she muttered under her breath, “Told you.”

Superboy, standing at the edge of the group, folded his arms and scoffed. “That wouldn’t work on me. I’m stronger than anyone here. The fight’s always on my terms.”

Evira’s gaze shifted to him, her expression unreadable.

Black Canary’s lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. “Is that so? Let’s test that theory.”

Superboy stepped forward, his posture stiff with irritation. The first time, she easily dodged his swing and used his momentum against him, throwing him to the mat. The second time, she struck faster than he could react, taking him down again.

His face burned with frustration as he climbed to his feet, glaring at the group. “This is pointless.”

As he turned to leave, Evira’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Running away because you lost? Very mature.”

Superboy stopped but didn’t turn around.

Evira pushed off the wall, her tone cool but edged with a hint of mockery. “Strength means nothing if you don’t know how to use it. Canary just proved that. Twice. But hey, if you want to sulk instead of learning something useful, be my guest.”

Superboy turned to glare at her, but before he could respond, Black Canary spoke. “Evira’s right. Strength isn’t enough. Training sharpens your instincts, refines your skills. It’s how you win, even against someone stronger than you.”

Evira crossed her arms again, her gaze flicking back to Canary. “And speaking of training…” She turned her attention to Batman, who stood observing silently from the shadows. “You took my comment about needing to train the team seriously, I see. Didn’t think you’d bring in the cavalry, though. I was talking about the metas. They need to learn control, not just combat.”

Batman’s expression didn’t change. “Every member of the team needs to be prepared for all scenarios. That includes combat.”

Evira huffed but said nothing, her lips curving into a faint smirk.

As the session continued, Evira’s eyes lingered on Black Canary, studying her movements and occasionally catching the subtle winces that betrayed her injury. There was something about the way she carried herself, the refusal to let weakness show, that struck a chord in Evira.

“Pushing through pain isn’t always smart, you know,” Evira said softly as Canary walked past her between rounds.

Black Canary paused, glancing at her. “It’s part of the job.”

Evira tilted her head, her expression neutral but her tone pointed. “Part of the job is knowing when to stop before you make things worse. You can’t train anyone if you’re out of commission.”

Canary held her gaze for a moment, a flicker of understanding passing between them. “Noted.”

As the group dispersed after the training session, Evira caught Megan’s eye and gave her a small, approving nod. Then she glanced at Superboy, who stood apart from the rest, his shoulders tense.

“You’ll figure it out,” Evira said as she passed him, her tone almost dismissive. “Eventually.”

Superboy frowned but didn’t respond, watching her go with a mix of frustration and curiosity.

The tension in the air was palpable as the team sped along the highway, the hum of engines and the roar of wind their only companions. Robin rode confidently, his bike cutting through the dark night like a shadow. Superboy crouched atop the lead truck, his posture radiating impatience. Behind them, Bloodstone in her sleek, dark attire and cat-eared helmet kept pace on her own motorcycle her crimson gloves glinted in the dim light.

"This mission is stupid," Evira muttered into the comms, her tone as sharp as her focus. "We have a perfectly good bioship. Why are we playing convoy escort in the first place?"

Robin's voice crackled through the link. "It's about strategic deception. If we use the bioship, they’ll know where the parts are immediately. This way, we"

Evira cut him off, her annoyance clear. "Yeah, yeah, strategy. But how about using some common sense? Bioship is stealthier, faster, and wouldn’t need babysitting like these trucks."

Robin chuckled, clearly trying to keep the mood light. "You're looking at it all wrong. If dislike is the opposite of like, is disaster the opposite of aster? See, instead of things going wrong, they go right!"

Evira groaned audibly, rolling her eyes under the helmet. "Robin, stop. Just... stop."

Before he could retort, the sound of jetpacks roared to life. The MONQIs were here.

The first wave of mechanical simians descended on the convoy. Superboy, standing on the lead truck, cracked his knuckles and launched himself at the attackers. Bloodstone accelerated, weaving between the trucks, her gloved hand gripping her bike’s controls tightly.

"Showtime," she said, her voice calm but edged with anticipation.

Superboy tore through the MONQIs with brute strength, tossing them aside like ragdolls. Bloodstone flanked the convoy, her bike a blur as she slashed at the androids with a whip-like stream of blood magic that extended from her gloves. Each strike was precise, her movements calculated and efficient.

"Keep them off the wheels!" Robin shouted, joining the fray from atop the truck. He launched batarangs with pinpoint accuracy, each one disabling or disorienting a MONQI.

Bloodston, now fully immersed in the chaos, shot back, "I'm more worried about keeping these parts intact." She spun her bike around one MONQI, her whip slicing through its jetpack. The mechanical menace sputtered and crashed onto the highway.

The MONQIs weren’t going down easily. One latched onto the rear truck’s tires, clawing at it with relentless determination. Bloodstone revved her bike and surged forward, kicking off to leap onto the truck with feline grace.

She planted herself firmly on the roof, her blood magic forming sharp, glowing red blades in her hands. "Not today." With a swift motion, she severed the MONQI’s grip on the truck, sending it spiraling into the distance.

As the battle raged, Bloodstone’s sharp eye caught sight of one MONQI prying open a crate inside the truck. "Not on my watch," she muttered. Jumping inside, she quickly grabbed one of the android parts. The glowing circuitry reflected in her helmet’s visor.

"You’re just taking it?" Robin’s incredulous voice came through the comms.

"Securing it," she corrected. "You don’t want this falling into enemy hands, do you?"

Meanwhile, Superboy’s frustration reached its boiling point. A MONQI slammed into him, sending him sprawling off the truck. Without waiting for assistance, he leaped back onto the highway, throwing the attacker aside with a growl.

"You could’ve asked for help, you know," Evira quipped, still holding the part tightly as she climbed back onto her bike.

"I don’t need help," Superboy snapped, tearing another MONQI apart with his bare hands.

"Clearly," Evira said dryly. "That's why you’re doing great on your own out there."

The fight continued, but as the MONQIs began retreating with the stolen parts, Robin quickly adapted. "I’m hacking into one of these things!" he called out, vaulting onto the remaining truck.

Bloodstone stayed close to Robin, fending off any remaining attackers. “Figure it out fast, Boy Wonder. We don’t have all night.”

Robin’s fingers flew across his gauntlet interface, and moments later, he found what he needed. "Got it! They’ve got GPS beacons. I’m triangulating now… They’re heading for Gotham City."

Evira let out a low whistle, her bike falling into formation beside Robin’s. "Great. Because the night wasn’t messy enough already."

"Boston team’s too far," Robin added.

"I’ll handle it," Kid Flash chimed in over the comms.

As the Team regrouped, Evira glanced back at the wreckage and the stolen parts. She tightened her grip on the handlebars.

"Next time, we use the bioship," she muttered, revving her bike.

Superboy had already engaged Amazo in a brutal clash, his powerful punches doing little more than serving as a minor annoyance to the android. Robin and Bloodstone, as she was in the field arrived just as Superboy was thrown off the train.

Robin immediately assessed the situation, his sharp eyes darting between Amazo, the train cars, and Professor Ivo, who stood watching the chaos with a smug grin from the sidelines.

"Great," Robin muttered, drawing a few gadgets from his belt. "Looks like the fun already started."

"That thing looks like someone stitched together a nightmare," she remarked.

"Stay focused," Robin replied, already sprinting toward the fray. "We need to contain it."

Bloodstone followed, her movements fluid and precise. Superboy, having shaken off the dust from his earlier impact, charged Amazo again, this time with a feral growl. Amazo sidestepped him effortlessly, its Superman-like strength paired with Batman’s strategic brilliance.

"Superboy, don’t let it bait you!" Robin called out, hurling a pair of explosive batarangs at the android. They detonated on impact, briefly engulfing Amazo in smoke.

"Your toys aren’t going to cut it, Robin," Bloodstone muttered, stepping forward. "Let me try something with a little more… bite."

She extended her hands, and dark red tendrils of blood snaked from her palms, forming into wickedly sharp spears. With a flick of her wrist, she sent them hurtling toward the android. The spears found their mark, embedding themselves in Amazo’s chest.

For a brief moment, it staggered.

"Gotcha," she muttered, her lips curving into a small smirk beneath her helmet.

But that moment of satisfaction was short-lived. Amazo tilted its head, almost in mockery, before the blood tendrils embedded in its chest began to shift. The android’s body glowed faintly as it adapted to Bloodstone’s unique power, and then, horrifyingly, it retaliated.

With an almost casual wave of its hand, Amazo manipulated the blood spears, reshaping them into a crimson whip. It lashed the weapon out with expert precision, nearly knocking her off her feet.

"That’s not possible," Bloodstone whispered, her voice tight.

"Bloodstone, get back!" Robin shouted, but she was frozen for a split second, watching as Amazo wielded her power better than she ever could.

The android’s movements were fluid, confident an unsettling contrast to her own focus and effort when wielding blood magic. It mimicked her techniques with an almost taunting elegance, as though it were showing her how much better it could be.

Her hands trembled slightly, and for the first time in a long while, doubt crept into her mind. She clenched her fists, forcing herself to move again. Focus, Evira. You’ve faced worse. Don’t let this thing get in your head.

Robin’s voice cut through her thoughts. "We have to disarm it, literally, if possible. Aim for its joints or find a way to distract it."

Bloodstone nodded, though her frustration simmered beneath the surface. She conjured another set of blood constructs this time blades, and darted into the fray alongside Superboy, who was now attempting to strike Ivo.

Superboy snarled, his punches fast and wild, but Amazo kept intercepting him. Its movements were smooth, always one step ahead. Bloodstone flanked the android, slashing at its side with her blades. For a moment, she thought she saw an opening, but Amazo adapted again, using Martian Manhunter’s intangibility to evade her strike.

"Are you kidding me?" she snapped, her frustration slipping into her tone.

Amazo’s glowing eyes shifted toward her, almost as if it were amused by her struggles.

Robin, ever the strategist, yelled from his position near Ivo. "Don’t focus on beating it at its own game! Distract it! Make it slip!"

Taking his advice, Bloodstone changed tactics. She hurled a stream of blood into the air, creating a thick mist that clouded Amazo’s vision. The android hesitated for a moment just long enough for Superboy to land a hit on Ivo, sending the scientist sprawling to the ground.

"Amazo, protect me!" Ivo screamed, scrambling backward.

The android pivoted, its focus now entirely on shielding its creator. Robin seized the moment, launching a batarang at Amazo’s head. The android turned intangible to dodge, but as it became solid again, Superboy leapt forward, his fist colliding with its skull.

The impact was catastrophic. Amazo’s head exploded in a shower of sparks and metal fragments, the android collapsing in a heap of twitching limbs.

Superboy stood over the remains, breathing heavily. Bloodstone approached cautiously, her blades dissolving into harmless mist as she dismissed her magic.

"You okay?" she asked quietly, her tone softer than before.

Superboy nodded, though his hands were still clenched into fists. "Yeah. Just… didn’t expect it to be that strong."

Bloodstone glanced at the wreckage, her gaze lingering on the remnants of Amazo’s chest the place where her blood constructs had been so easily used against her. She said nothing, but the tension in her posture spoke volumes.

Robin approached, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You did good, Bloodstone. That thing was a nightmare. It wasn’t about who was better. It was about surviving."

"Yeah," she muttered, though her voice lacked its usual confidence.

The sound of Aqualad and Miss Martian arriving drew their attention. As the team regrouped, Robin secured the remains of the android, but Bloodstone stayed back, her mind swirling with thoughts she wouldn’t dare voice.

For now, she pushed them aside. The mission wasn’t over yet.

The convoy site buzzed with activity as the team oversaw the dismantled parts of Amazo being loaded into armored vehicles. Evira leaned against one of the trucks, casually spinning her black cat-ear helmet by the strap. Her sharp eyes scanned the operation, but her posture was relaxed, almost nonchalant.

Kid Flash sidled up beside her, his usual grin firmly in place. "You know," he started, trying to sound smooth, "I’ve faced some tough opponents, but none of them are as dangerous as you in that helmet. Total heart-stopper."

Evira glanced at him, raising a single eyebrow before her lips curved into a slow, teasing smile. "Oh, Wally," she replied, her voice silky, "if you think the helmet’s dangerous, imagine what happens when I take it off."

Wally’s confident façade cracked as his cheeks flushed. "I—uh—well—" he stammered, suddenly less composed than he’d like.

Evira chuckled, the sound light but cutting. "Relax," she said, turning her gaze back toward the convoy. "I’m not the type to break hearts... not completely, anyway." She winked, leaving Wally standing there, flustered and at a rare loss for words.

Robin, passing by just in time to witness the exchange, snickered under his breath. "Careful, Wally," he said with a smirk. "You’re playing with fire."

Wally muttered something unintelligible, rubbing the back of his neck before hurrying off to resume his post. Evira, meanwhile, adjusted her stance and focused back on the convoy with a smirk still lingering on her lips.

Back at Mount Justice, the team gathered in the briefing room as Batman reviewed their performance. Despite the tension of the mission, their teamwork had pulled them through. Batman’s sharp gaze swept over the group before offering a rare, albeit brief, nod of approval. "Well done. Rest and regroup. Dismissed."

As the others began to disperse, Evira lingered near the back, her black helmet dangling from her fingers. She caught Robin’s attention as he passed. "Hey," she called, her tone casual but intent. "What’s going to happen with that motorcycle?"

Robin stopped, his brow quirking. "You mean the one from the mission? You thinking of keeping it?"

"Not keeping it exactly," Evira said, though there was a playful glint in her eye. "Just... making good use of it. Waste not, want not, right? It’s practically begging to be turned into something better."

Aqualad, pausing nearby, joined the conversation. "If you can make something useful out of it, I don’t see why not. But it would need to remain a team resource."

Evira gave a slow nod, her lips curving into a half-smile. "Strictly team business," she agreed.

Wally, now recovered from his earlier embarrassment, interjected, "If it’s about upgrades, maybe we should run it by Batman. He’s got all the best tech."

Evira glanced at him, her smile turning mischievous. "Or," she countered, "you could trust me to work my magic. I do have a knack for... customization."

"Like that helmet?" Robin quipped, his tone teasing as he motioned to her distinctive headgear.

Evira twirled the helmet effortlessly in her hand before slipping it on, the cat ears perfectly framing her face. "Exactly like this helmet," she said, her voice slightly muffled but still brimming with confidence. "Stylish and practical."

Robin chuckled and gave her a light shrug. "Alright, let’s see what you can come up with. Just don’t turn it into something too flashy."

Evira tilted her head, mock-offended. "Flashy? Me? Never."

The workshop in Mount Justice hummed with quiet activity. Evira sat cross-legged on a stool, her newly improved helmet resting on the table beside her. Its surface gleamed under the bright lights, with upgraded features neatly integrated. In her hands, she held a damaged MONQIs unit salvaged from a previous mission. Its exposed wiring and cracked plating made it a perfect candidate for her latest project.

Red Tornado stood nearby, his unblinking gaze fixed on her progress. “The MONQIs are equipped with rudimentary artificial intelligence and limited autonomous capabilities. Disassembling and analyzing it may provide insight into its design.”

“Exactly what I was thinking,” Evira replied without looking up, her fingers deftly peeling back a panel to expose a mess of wires and circuits. “Also, I’ve got a personal grudge against this one. It came at me like I owed it money.”

“You have shown improvement in both technique and efficiency,” Red Tornado observed. “Your modifications to your helmet during the previous mission were notable.”

Evira smirked, glancing at the helmet resting on the bench beside her. “Yeah, the upgrades definitely helped. Thanks for teaching me how to stabilize the circuits.”

“You assimilated the information quickly,” he said. “A commendable trait. Your curiosity is evident and serves you well.”

Evira paused for a moment, fingers hovering over the MONQIs’ wiring. Curiosity, he called it. She’d been called curious before sometimes as a compliment, other times as a warning. Yet it wasn’t just curiosity that drove her now; it was something sharper, deeper. She glanced briefly at Red Tornado. “Speaking of curiosity...”

Red Tornado turned slightly toward her.

“You didn’t happen to notice any weird activity on the JL secure link recently, did you?” she asked casually, though her voice betrayed a flicker of nervousness.

“Your attempt to access the Justice League secure network was detected and logged. It did not succeed,” Red Tornado said matter-of-factly.

Evira winced, fiddling with a stray wire. “Yeah, I figured as much.” She fell silent, focused on the MONQIs, but her mind churned. She hadn’t been trying to stir up trouble or overstep her boundaries. She simply wanted answers, about herself, her origins, her powers. The Justice League surely had files, records, something that could shed light on what she was.

Red Tornado studied her quietly for a moment before responding. “Your motivations are understandable. However, accessing restricted information without authorization is inadvisable.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” she muttered, picking at the MONQIs with a screwdriver. “Still, it’s frustrating. I just want answers. Instead, I get Amazo a walking example of all the things I can do, but better and without the constant risk of losing control.”

She set the screwdriver down with a clatter, her expression hardening. “Do you ever feel like that, Red? Like you might lose control? That you could end up hurting people just by existing?”

Red Tornado considered her question carefully. “I was created with the capacity for immense destructive power. In my early days, I was controlled by programming that did not reflect my current purpose. There was a time when I lacked autonomy, and my actions were dictated by those who sought harm. It was only through conscious effort and self-determination that I reclaimed control.”

Evira looked at him, her frustration softening into something closer to understanding. “So... you just kept at it? Even when it felt like everything was stacked against you?”

“Correct,” he said. “Control is not an absolute state. It is an ongoing process a balance between knowledge, discipline, and purpose.”

She nodded slowly, his words resonating. “I guess that makes sense.”

Clone. The word alone made her stomach twist. She hadn’t asked for this body, for this strange, blood-driven power. And no matter how much she learned, how much she adapted, there was no escaping the unnerving reality that her very existence was someone else’s design.

Her hands worked automatically as she stripped the MONQIs’ inner framework, her thoughts tangled in the past. She hadn’t cared much for science or engineering back then. Magic had consumed her attention, a legacy she had been eager to claim. But now? The sharp clarity of engineering, the methodical logic of it, held a strange appeal. There was no mystery in circuits and wires just precision, rules, and results.

“Your modifications reflect progress,” Red Tornado said, his voice pulling her back to the present. “However, during your recent mission, your helmet experienced minor feedback issues. We should address this before your next deployment.”

Evira nodded, setting aside the component in her hand. “Yeah, good call. Show me what I missed.”

Red Tornado moved to stand beside her, his calm and deliberate explanations grounding her in the moment. As he demonstrated the adjustments needed, Evira listened carefully, her earlier frustrations easing into focus.

The questions about her powers and origins still loomed, heavy and unanswered. But here, in the quiet of the workshop, with Red Tornado’s steady mentorship and the hum of the machinery around her, she felt a fleeting sense of control.

For now, that was enough.

The night air was crisp, the stars scattered across the sky in a breathtaking tapestry of light. Superboy sat on the edge of a small hill overlooking Happy Harbor, his posture rigid, his face locked in a frown as he stared upward. The quiet hum of the world around him barely registered; his thoughts were a storm.

Footsteps broke the silence. Superboy turned to see Evira approaching, her expression unreadable as always, though her pace was slow and deliberate, almost as if she didn’t want to scare him off. She lowered herself to sit beside him, tilting her head up to the stars. For a moment, they stood in silence, the only sounds the faint rustle of leaves and the distant crash of ocean waves.

“You’re brooding,” she said softly, her voice a mixture of amusement and empathy.

Superboy frowned but didn’t respond, his gaze fixed on the sky.

Evira tried again, her tone curious this time. “Superman?”

Taking a seat on a nearby rock, Evira leaned back on her palms and looked up at him. “You saw him before the mission, didn’t you?”

Superboy’s jaw tightened. “Yeah.”

“And it didn’t go the way you wanted it to.”

His gaze didn’t waver from the stars, he let out a bitter laugh, his fists clenching tighter. “He doesn’t want anything to do with me. I’m supposed to be his clone, but I’m nothing like him. I can’t fly, no heat vision, no super breath... I’m just... broken.”

She waited patiently, sensing he needed to speak more. Finally, he said, his voice low and gruff, “Do you ever feel like... no matter what you do, it’s never enough?”

Evira tilted her head slightly, studying him. “I think that’s something we all feel sometimes,” she said carefully. 

She let the silence stretch before speaking. “Why do you need to be exactly like him?”

Superboy turned to her, his frustration bubbling over. “Because I was made to be like him! He’s perfect. He’s... Superman. And I’m just a failed copy.”

Evira stood, brushing off her hands. Her voice was calm, but there was a weight to it that drew his attention. “You think you’re the only one who feels like that? Like you’re some cheap imitation of someone you don’t even know?”

Superboy blinked, thrown off by her sudden intensity.

Evira’s gaze softened, but her words didn’t lose their edge. “I don’t even know whose clone I am, Superboy. I don’t know why I exist, or what kind of person I was created to replace. You think that’s easy to live with?. I’ve spent weeks researching, trying to figure it out, and I’ve got nothing. No one has blood powers. It’s scary. Every time I use my powers, I feel... wrong. Like I’m walking a line between being myself and something terrifying.”

Superboy’s anger deflated slightly as he listened, her vulnerability catching him off guard.

“And you know what?” she continued. “You’re not a failure. And honestly, I think trying to be exactly like Superman is the wrong goal.”

Superboy looked down at the ground, her words sinking in. “That’s... different. You already seem like you’ve got it all together. You’ve got your own thing. You’ve got a name.”

Evira laughed softly, shaking her head. “I don’t have it all together, trust me. I’m figuring it out, same as you. I just... decided to stop trying to be someone I’m not. and trying to be Superman? That’s only going to hurt you. You’re not him. You’re Superboy. And maybe it’s time you figure out what that means, instead of chasing his shadow.”

The two stood in silence for a moment before Evira gestured toward the road.

“Come on,” she said, looking down at him with a faint smile. “Let’s get out of here.”

Superboy glanced up at her, his brows furrowing in confusion. “What?”

“Explore. Wander. Whatever you want to call it. Happy Harbor’s not going to see itself.” She turned and started walking away, tossing her words over her shoulder. “You’re welcome to join me.”

Superboy watched her go, his eyes thoughtful as he considered her words. She didn’t look back, but she had a feeling he was listening. And sure enough, after a moment, she heard the soft crunch of his boots as he followed.

The streets of Happy Harbor were quiet, but Evira led Superboy to a tucked-away underground venue, where the sound of heavy drums and electric guitars echoed through the space. A punk band was performing, their energy infectious. Superboy stood stiffly at first, unsure of the atmosphere, but Evira seemed completely at ease.

“I found this place a few nights ago,” she shouted over the music. “Turns out I love music. Who knew?”

Superboy watched her with mild awe as she moved to the beat, losing herself in the rhythm. Gradually, he let himself relax, even enjoying it.

When a bar fight broke out, the two decided to slip out unnoticed, laughing as they left the chaos behind.

Evira led Superboy to a little food truck parked on a street corner. The smell of sizzling meat and fried dough wafted through the air, and she grinned as she approached the counter.

“This is fast food,” she said, gesturing dramatically. “The lifeblood of late-night adventures.”

Superboy raised an eyebrow, watching as she ordered. When the vendor handed over a bag of tacos and a basket of fries, Evira passed one to him.

“Try it,” she urged.

Superboy hesitated, then took a cautious bite. His eyes widened. “This is... good.”

Evira laughed. “Of course it is. Stick with me, and I’ll show you all the best spots.”

They wandered through the streets, stopping at a few more food stands. Superboy tried a corn dog for the first time, then a slice of greasy pizza. Evira showed him how to eat a gyro without making a mess, though she wasn’t particularly successful herself.

“This is so much better than the stuff at Mount Justice,” Superboy admitted between bites.

“Told you,” Evira said with a smirk. “Food’s better when it’s cooked with personality.”

Their journey eventually brought them to a scrapyard. Superboy looked around, confused. “Why are we here?”

“I train here,” Evira admitted, sitting on a piece of broken metal. “I don’t like anyone seeing how out of control I can be. Not the Team, not the League.”

Superboy blinked in surprise. “You? Out of control?”

Evira smirked. “Don’t sound so shocked. You think blood manipulation is easy? It’s not. I had to learn the hard way how dangerous it can be.”

Superboy nodded, understanding more than he expected to. He watched as Evira picked up a rock and handed it to him.

“Here. This is your teammate,” she said cryptically.

Superboy frowned. “What?”

Evira crushed her own rock with her bare hands, the fragments falling to the ground. “And that’s what you could do to them if you’re not careful.”

Superboy hesitated, staring at the rock in his hand. Slowly, he applied pressure, and for the first time, he managed to hold back, cracking it but not completely shattering it.

Evira grinned. “See? Progress.”

He looked at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You’re not bad at this big sister thing.”

Evira chuckled. “That’s because I am the big sister. You’re just gonna have to deal with it.”

Superboy laughed softly, the tension in his shoulders easing. For the first time, he felt like he wasn’t alone in figuring things out.

The two sat together in the scrapyard, full from their food adventures, and for the first time, everything felt... okay.

This is what Evira had M’gann turned into:red outfit

But with Evira darker skin and red eyes

Chapter Text

Dressed in swimsuits, carrying a picnic lunch, a volleyball, and a bogey board. M'gann stands on the beach, her arms stretched wide. "Hello, Megan." then turns towards the boys over her shoulder. "We should hit the beach every day."

Robin smiles, then lowers his head into his free hand. "First, a moment of silence for our... absent comrade." he says, his voice empty.

M'gann drops her head too. "Poor Wally." she echoes.

The beach stretched wide and bright under the afternoon sun, its golden sands dotted with laughing teammates and their makeshift volleyball court. The ocean shimmered, its gentle waves lapping rhythmically against the shore.

It was picturesque, the kind of moment that might end up on one of M’gann’s social media pages, tagged with phrases like “team bonding” and “beach day vibes.”

Evira, however, wasn’t feeling the vibes. Reclined in a lounge chair set apart from the others, she adjusted her sunglasses and let out a slow breath. Her hands rested on a sleek tablet, the screen filled with a mix of engineering schematics, scientific articles, and, incongruously, a tab labeled “How to Build Your Personal Brand.”

From behind her glasses, Evira watched the others for a moment. They were knee-deep in the shallows now, Superboy laughing as he hoisted Robin into the air before unceremoniously dropping him into the water. Megan hovered nearby, giggling as Kaldur tried to moderate the chaos. 

They’d invited her to join them, of course. Repeatedly.

“Evira! Come on!” Megan’s voice was warm and hopeful, her hands cupped around her mouth to carry the call.

Evira had barely looked up. “I’m fine here, thanks,” she replied, her tone light but firm.

Robin hadn’t given up so easily, shooting her a grin. “You’re missing out on some grade-A teamwork training.”

“Teamwork?” Evira arched an eyebrow. “Looks more like you’re playing Human Jenga.”

Even Kaldur had tried, his diplomatic tone carrying just enough concern to almost make her reconsider. “It’s not just for fun. Bonding as a team strengthens us on missions.”

Evira had waved him off. “Team morale seems just fine without me. Go enjoy yourselves.”

Now, as their laughter echoed across the beach, she glanced back down at her tablet, a faint smirk on her lips. They mean well, she admitted silently. Overly trusting, annoyingly cheerful, but well-meaning.  

That didn’t change the fact that she didn’t want to be here, though.

Her tablet held her focus again. The engineering diagrams fascinated her, particularly those related to small-scale motorized vehicles. The motorcycles from their Gotham mission had sparked a dozen ideas for customization. Technology in this world was leaps ahead of what she’d grown up with. 

She wasn’t used to having access to so much information.

Engineering had fascinated her more and more lately, especially as Red Tornado mentored her in its intricacies. The possibilities in this world were staggering, efficient designs she could only dream of before.

Back then the world had been... different. Magic and technology didn’t mix well. They outright rejected each other, often violently. She and her old roommates, ravenclaws like herself, had spent years after graduating Hogwarts trying to bridge that gap. It had taken them well into their twenties to develop a rune system that made any progress possible.

The memory was bittersweet.

Her roommates, the endless hours in their tiny flat scribbling on parchment, arguing over rune placement, the thrill of finally seeing something work. It all felt so far away now, like a half-remembered dream.

Here? The possibilities were staggering.

She flipped between tabs, her fingers pausing on an article about material sciences.  She’d also been dabbling in chemistry and biology. Articles on blood and gene sequencing caught her eye, though the dense academic language slowed her down. 

She’s learning what she needs and finding a way to leverage it. Knowledge was power, and Evira planned to have plenty of both. She was determined to control them, no matter how long it took.

The diagrams of cellular structures and genetic markers were dense, but she took her time, her eyes scanning and re-scanning, controlling her powers was essential, the encounter with Amazo had proven how volatile her powers could be.

The tab on social media strategies remained open, a stark contrast to the technical diagrams. She didn’t know what her “brand” would be yet, but she knew she needed one. Building an online presence was the quickest way to establish independence in this world. 

She’d been a child model, a fashion icon of sorts, thanks to her family’s relentless press machine. The public saw her as a poised, polished figure,

Besides, her ambitions has been elsewhere: an empire in Knockturn Alley, her mark on the makeup and wig industry, becoming fully independent from her family. Her time had been consumed by her work, always being three steps ahead of everyone else. so whether she became an influencer, a tech expert, or something entirely different, it would easy to become popular.

The goal was clear: financial freedom.

Now that she had the identity papers she’d pried out of Batman, she was officially part of this world. That meant freedom to move, to act, and, most importantly, to earn.  It wasn’t a full victory, she was still tethered to the League in many ways but it was a start.

Next step: money, she thought. Real money, not the scraps they hand out for missions.

She’d even thought about babysitting. Specifically, for the Drakes. Tim Drake hadn’t joined Batman yet; he was still a kid living in a mansion with wealthy parents. 

Wealthy parents meant opportunity, and a connection to Tim meant proximity to resources. Babysitting wasn’t glamorous, but it was a foothold, a way to make connections that could matter later.

And then there was Crime Alley. The thought came unbidden, pulling her back to memories of Knocton Alley in her old life.

Desperate people were easy to manipulate, and in this world, Crime Alley was full of them. The idea of rebuilding her old empire lingered in the back of her mind. If she could position herself right, the possibilities were endless.

Her thoughts shifted again, this time to the larger picture. She didn’t know everything about this world her knowledge was patchy at best but it was enough to give her pause. Clone Roy was a problem she hadn’t decided how to handle yet. 

Knowing the truth about his origins was one thing, but deciding what to do with that knowledge was another. And Cadmus… the place where she’d woken up. What little she’d managed to glean about the facility was maddeningly vague.

What kind of clone am I? The question was constant, nagging at her when she least expected it. She didn’t have the skills to hack into Cadmus’s systems herself not yet, anyway and asking for help wasn’t an option.

A sudden splash snapped her attention back to the present. Superboy had just tackled Robin into the shallows again, and the two were now wrestling as Miss Martian cheered them on. Kaldur, ever the voice of reason, was trying and failing to keep the peace.

“Evira!” Megan called again, her voice tinged with both hope and exasperation. “Are you sure you don’t want to join us?”

Evira didn’t even glance up this time. “Positive. Someone has to keep an eye on all your stuff.”

Robin, dripping wet but grinning, glanced her way. “Your loss.”

Evira smirked, the corners of her lips twitching as she turned back to her tablet. You keep playing in the sun, she thought. I’ve got work to do.

The team, still slightly sandy and sun-kissed from their beach outing, exchanged curious glances. Batman, Green Arrow, and Red Tornado stood nearby, their stern postures contrasting the more relaxed demeanor of the young heroes.

Recognize: 

Kid Flash: B-0-3

"The Wall-man is here!" he calls out, running his flip flops. "Let's get this party staruhn!" he's cut off as he trips on the pole of his umbrella, falling flat on his face. The beach ball goes bouncing into the main room just past an angry Batman as he watches Wally skid towards them. Lifting his head, he sees them dressed for a mission. "...ted." he finishes weakly.

A moment of silence hung in the air before Evira, seated on the edge of a nearby console, spoke up, her voice dry but laced with amusement. “Well, look who decided to drop in. Wallman, is it? You’re really making an entrance.”

Robin snorted, his grin barely concealed. “Classic.”

Wally scrambled to his feet, brushing himself off with a mixture of irritation and embarrassment. “Very funny, guys. Real mature.” His gaze shifted, and for a second, his face lit up. “Wait, is this... a surprise party? For me?”

“This is Artemis,” Green Arrow said, gesturing to the newcomer. “She’s my new protégé and your new teammate.”

Wally blinked, his expression shifting from surprised to skeptical. “Teammate?” He looked her over, his tone dripping with doubt. “What, did Speedy finally decide to come back?”

Artemis’ smirk widened, her voice cool and unbothered. “Not exactly. But nice to know I’m already under your skin.”

The jab landed, and Robin coughed to hide a laugh. Aqualad stepped forward, ever the diplomat, his tone calm and welcoming. “It is good to meet you, Artemis. I look forward to seeing what you bring to the team.”

“Likewise,” she replied, her tone more respectful.

Miss Martian floated closer, a bright smile lighting her face. “Welcome, Artemis! I’m M’gann. It’s so great to have another girl on the team.”

Evira leaned back, crossing her legs and tilting her head as she observed the interaction. “Another girl, sure. But can she keep up?” Her tone was teasing, but her sharp eyes studied Artemis with mild curiosity. She’s confident. That could be useful or annoying.

Artemis didn’t miss a beat. She met Evira’s gaze head-on, her voice steady. “Guess you’ll find out.”

Robin nudged Wally, who still looked less than enthused. “Hey, you okay there, Kid Flash? Cat got your tongue?”

Wally huffed, crossing his arms. “I just think we’re getting a little crowded, that’s all. No offense.”

“None taken,” Artemis replied sweetly. “Though I’m pretty sure you’ll change your mind once you see me in action.”

Before Wally could fire back.

Recognize: 

Speedy: B-0-6

"Call me Red Arrow." the three original protéges are both relieved and tensed to see him in the mountain, but it's Green Arrow who reacts the fastest.

"Roy. You look﹘" Green Arrow begins, but Red Arrow cuts him off as he walks to the center of the training circle.

"﹘Replaceable." he nearly growls, his gaze zeroing in on Artemis.

"It's not like that." Green Arrow tries. "You told me you were going solo."

Artemis steps up to defend herself. "Yes, she can." she says, as she gets right in Roy's face. 

"Who are you?" Wally finally questions.

"I'm his niece." Artemis says. "She's my niece." Green Arrow says at the same time.

This response gets a smirk to grow on Robin's face. "Another niece?" he questions, knowingly.

"But she is not your replacement." Kaldur assures, speaking to Roy. Stepping up as Roy actually turns to look at him. "We have always wanted you on the Team, and we have no quota on archers."

From his left Wally pipes up, cheery once more. "And if we did, you know who we'd pick."

Artemis steps up once more. "Whatever, Baywatch, I'm here to stay."

Roy immediately walks away from her. Right by Kaldur who stops him by speaking up. "You came to us for a reason."

As Red Arrow stood at the central console, projecting an air of practiced confidence. His explanation of the League of Shadows’ latest weapon was clinical, devoid of unnecessary embellishment. The team listened intently, even as the tension between him and Green Arrow hung in the background.

“The League can use the Fog to gain access to tech, intel, and infrastructure worldwide,” Roy said flatly. “They’ll leverage it for extortion, manipulation, and power broking. That’s how they operate.”

Artemis, leaning casually against the back of a chair, chimed in without hesitation, her tone sharp and matter-of-fact. “Typical League of Shadows. They thrive on destabilization and control.”

Wally, who had been stewing since her arrival, crossed his arms and rolled his eyes. “And how exactly do you know so much about the League of Shadows?”

Artemis simply smiled, the faintest curve of her lips. She said nothing, which only seemed to stoke Wally’s frustration.

“Oh, come on!” he exclaimed, throwing his arms up. “You can’t just drop that and act all smug!”

Her silent grin was answered enough, leaving Wally grumbling under his breath.

Evira stood a little apart from the group, leaning against the wall with her arms folded. Her sharp gaze wasn’t on Artemis or Wally but rather on Red Arrow. She studied him closely, taking in every detail of his stance and demeanor. Not the real Roy Harper, she reminded herself, the thought unsettling despite her detached expression. But the original’s out there somewhere. I remember that much...

The fragmented memories gnawed at her. She didn’t know where the real Roy was, and every time she tried to focus on that detail, it slipped away. It was frustrating, maddening even, but it also fueled her growing resolve.

Her thoughts drifted to Cadmus. The sterile halls, the endless rows of containment pods, and the faces clones and experiments swirled in her mind. Dubbilex, the G-Goblins, and the other anomalies she had barely glimpsed before her escape. There’s something there I need to see, she thought, her jaw tightening slightly. Answers.

Roy’s voice broke through her reverie, dragging her back to the present.

“Dr. Roquette is working on a virus to neutralize the Fog,” he said, his tone curt. “She’s in a local computer lab under tight security.”

Green Arrow took a step forward, his tone softer but insistent. “Roy, why don’t you come with me on this one? We work better as a team.”

Roy didn’t even glance at him, his jaw set in defiance.

Batman, standing off to the side, gave Green Arrow a subtle but firm look. The archer stopped mid-sentence, sighing quietly and stepping back. He wasn’t going to win this argument.

Green Arrow tried another approach, his voice laced with exasperation. “Alright, then. How about working with the team? They could use your expertise, especially with the League involved.”

Roy finally turned, his expression unreadable. “I work alone now. You know that.”

With that, he strode to the Zeta-Tube. “Red Arrow,” he announced before disappearing in a flash of light.

“Well, that was fun,” Robin muttered under his breath, breaking the silence.

Evira’s gaze lingered on the now-empty Zeta-Tube, her thoughts racing.

He knows more than he’s letting on. Typical. She tilted her head slightly, considering her next move. If Cadmus could make him, they could’ve made others. How many more are out there?

She thought again of the G-Goblins and Dubbilex. There was more to Cadmus than she’d seen in her brief escape. If she wanted real answers about Roy, about herself she’d have to go back. Alone, preferably. The team couldn’t be trusted with this kind of information.

Evira smirked faintly, though her thoughts remained heavy. Let them have their drama. I’ve got bigger things to deal with.

As the mentors turned to leave, Wally muttered under his breath, “Great. Another archer. Just what we needed.”

Evira leaned over as Wally passed her, her voice low and teasing. “Jealous already? You really are predictable.”

Wally shot her a glare, but the faint flush on his cheeks betrayed him. “Predictable? Please. I’m full of surprises.”

Evira smirked, her tone light but edged with mischief. “Sure you are, Wallman. Sure you are.”

The team began to disperse, Artemis trailing behind M’gann as the Martian enthusiastically offered to show her around. Robin and Aqualad exchanged quiet words about team dynamics, while Wally threw himself onto the couch with a loud sigh.

Evira stayed behind for a moment, her gaze lingering on Artemis as the girl walked away. This could get interesting, she thought, her mind already working through the potential shifts in the group’s dynamics.

For now, though, she had other things to focus on. She turned and headed toward her quarters, leaving Wally muttering to himself as he flipped through the team’s mission logs.

The hideout was tense, a quiet buzz of focus and unease humming through the air. Dr. Serling Roquette hunched over her laptop, her fingers flying across the keyboard as lines of code flashed on the screen. Bloodstone stood nearby, her gaze shifting between Roquette’s frantic movements and Aqualad, who stood watchful by the door.

Miss Martian’s telepathic link was a soft hum in Evira’s mind, a constant undercurrent of voices, directives, and stray thoughts. She tuned most of it out, save for the pieces she deemed useful. The others could squabble or strategize all they liked Evira was more focused on the bigger picture.

She was here to ensure her survival and take every advantage she could.

“We will protect you,” Aqualad assured her, breaking Evira through process, his voice steady with Atlantean resolve.

Evira watched the exchange with a detached interest. We, she thought with a faint smirk. Funny how I’ve somehow become part of the ‘we.’ She adjusted her stance, her fingers idly brushing the hilt of her blade. 

As Roquette hesitantly pressed a few keys, Evira’s attention flicked to Aqualad. His calm exterior didn’t waver, even as the tension in the room thickened. She respected that calm under pressure was a quality she valued. Still, her mind wandered. The League of Shadows and Cadmus.

Superboy patrolled the perimeter, his heavy footsteps echoing against the concrete.

Landing behind a tense M'gann and Artemis. The archer even had her bow strung. Though, seeing both are more relaxed than he is, brushes it off and walks away from the girls.

"Mmm...that boy." Superboy turns back, but upon seeing her look at him his eyes widen, realizing she meant him.

"He can hear you. We can all hear you." Miss Martian points out, a tenseness to her tone that is not normal for her.

Artemis is either oblivious to or just doesn't care. "Oh, I know." Miss Martian's eyes widen in shock.

Artemis and Miss Martian stood nearby, though their focus was less on the mission and more on their growing rivalry.

Miss Martian’s voice echoed through the telepathic link, laced with exasperation. Artemis, do you have to challenge everyone?

Artemis crossed her arms, smirking. Where I come from, that’s how you survive.

Evira allowed herself a brief moment of amusement. Everyone’s got their priorities, I suppose, she thought wryly, her lips curling faintly.

As the operation continued, Professor Ojo’s surveillance plane hovered far above, scanning for their location. The shadows within the hideout deepened, and a quiet presence began to move through them, silent and lethal. Cheshire had arrived.

Evira’s instincts prickled as a faint shift in the air caught her attention. Her gaze darted to Aqualad, whose expression showed he’d noticed it too. Without a word, she adjusted her grip on her weapon, her muscles tensing.

The shadow moved closer.

Inside, Kid Flash stood guard near the lab’s entrance, bouncing slightly on his feet out of boredom. A flicker of movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention, and he darted toward it without thinking.

The moment he passed through the doorway, a trap sprung. He slipped, the floor slick with some unknown substance, and tumbled unceremoniously into the pool.

As Cheshire emerged from the shadows, she was as silent and graceful as a wraith. A shuriken gleamed in her hand, poised to strike. She hurled it with deadly precision at Dr. Roquette, only for Aqualad to leap into its path, blocking it with his armored arm.

“Atlantean skin,” he said calmly, pulling the weapon free, “is quite dense.”

The assassin smirked behind her mask, her posture loose but ready. “Good to know,” she purred, launching herself at him.

Evira didn’t hesitate. She moved fluidly, stepping into the fight alongside Aqualad. Her blade flashed as she deflected one of Cheshire’s strikes, her movements precise and economical.

“Careful,” Cheshire teased, her tone almost playful. “You don’t want to get in over your head.”

Evira didn’t bother with a reply, as Aqualad exchanged blows with the assassin, Evira flanked her, her movements calculated and deliberate. Each strike, each step, was measured not just to neutralize the threat but to learn. To adapt.

Roquette worked frantically, the sounds of battle outside growing louder. Kid Flash, drenched but unharmed, stumbled back into the room, his expression sheepish. “Uh, we’ve got company,” he muttered, stating the obvious.

Evira’s mind remained sharp as she fought. Cheshire… Cadmus… The League. The pieces swirled in her thoughts, tantalizingly close but frustratingly incomplete. She knew one thing for certain: when this mission was over, she had work to do.

The clash of steel filled the air as Evira faced Cheshire, their blades moving in a deadly rhythm. Cheshire’s movements were precise and fluid, her collapsible sword flashing in the dim light. But Evira was quicker, her blade a blur as it intercepted every strike with unnerving precision. She had studied her opponent’s movements and used that knowledge to predict Cheshire’s next move.

“You’ve got skill,” Cheshire said, her voice lilting with amusement as she ducked under a swipe and countered with a spinning kick that Evira narrowly dodged. “But skill only gets you so far.”

Evira smirked, sidestepping Cheshire’s next attack and pressing forward with a flurry of strikes. “And smugness only gets you distracted.”

Cheshire’s grin faltered as Evira’s blade nicked her arm, drawing a thin line of blood. The assassin’s eyes narrowed, and she retaliated with a series of rapid thrusts, but Evira was already adapting.

At the lab, Kid Flash stumbled back into the room, dripping wet and visibly flustered. Artemis, arriving moments later, didn’t waste the opportunity. “What happened, Wall-man? Did the assassin give you swimming lessons?”

Wally glared at her, his retort forming, but Evira’s voice cut through their brewing argument, her tone teasing but with an edge of sincerity. “Save the banter, you two. It’s adorable, really, but maybe wait until after the mission for your beautiful love story to unfold.”

Both Wally and Artemis froze, their protests overlapping in a flurry of indignation. Evira chuckled, turning her attention back to Cheshire as if dismissing the pair entirely.

A whistle of air and the sharp thunk of an arrow interrupted her, forcing Cheshire to leap back. Artemis stepped forward, her bow drawn, and fired another volley of arrows. Cheshire deflected them with her collapsible sword, her movements effortless.

“Well, well,” Cheshire said, her voice dripping with mock delight. “It’s always a pleasure to see family.”

Artemis’s jaw tightened, and she released another arrow, which Cheshire sidestepped with ease.

Miss Martian and Kid Flash joined the fray, the telepath lifting Wally out of the pool and setting him down safely before focusing on the assassin.

Cheshire’s eyes darted between her opponents. Outnumbered, she tossed a flash-bang grenade, the explosion of light and sound disorienting everyone momentarily.

Evira blinked away the afterimages, her senses quickly recovering. She caught sight of Cheshire slipping into the shadows and didn’t hesitate.

“Keep her safe,” she snapped at Aqualad, nodding toward Roquette, before sprinting after the assassin.

The pursuit was a blur of motion, Evira chasing Cheshire through the maze of the facility. The assassin was fast, but Evira’s determination matched her step for step. Adrenaline coursed through her veins as she navigated the narrow corridors, her focus razor-sharp.

Cheshire glanced back, her expression briefly flickering with surprise when she saw Evira closing the distance. “Persistent, aren’t you?”

Evira didn’t respond, her blade flashing as she lunged. Cheshire barely managed to deflect the strike, the force of it driving her back.

“You don’t give up, do you?” Cheshire taunted, her voice laced with something between admiration and annoyance.

“No,” Evira replied evenly, her tone cold. “And neither should you. It’s going to end the same way.”

Cheshire grinned, tossing another flash-bang grenade. This time, Evira anticipated it and shielded her eyes, but the assassin used the momentary distraction to scale a wall and disappear into the night.

Returning to the lab, Evira found the team regrouping. Roquette was livid, her frustration spilling over as she berated them for letting Cheshire escape. Wally pointed an accusatory finger at Artemis. “Maybe if someone had kept a better eye on the perimeter—”

Miss Martian cut him off, her voice firm. “She wasn’t the only one out there. I was with her.”

Artemis looked away, her shoulders tense, but Miss Martian placed a reassuring hand on her arm. “We did the best we could.”

Evira said nothing, her mind already racing with plans. Cheshire… Cadmus… the G-Goblins. The threads of her thoughts began to weave together, forming a new plan. 

The tension in the Sandbar Internet Café was palpable as Bloodstone stood near Dr. Roquette.

Roquette worked feverishly at her laptop, her fingers flying over the keyboard as the virus neared completion. 

“You’re too calm,” Roquette grumbled, not looking up. “We’re under attack, and you’re standing there like this is a stroll through the park.”

Bloodstone didn’t respond immediately, her gaze fixed on the windows. Finally, she replied, her tone as sharp as her blade, “Panic doesn’t solve anything. Focus on finishing the virus. I’ll handle the rest.”

Outside, chaos reigned. Aqualad’s command for Miss Martian to sweep the perimeter was interrupted when Black Spider and Hook ambushed him. The Atlantean fought valiantly, but their combined assault overwhelmed him. Cheshire joined the fray, her voice slicing through the air like her blade.

“Finish the doctor before her little friends interfere,” Cheshire ordered, her tone cold and commanding.

Black Spider broke through the defenses, clashing immediately with Kid Flash. Hook slipped behind Artemis, and though she managed to fend him off, her focus divided as she shouted over her shoulder at Roquette to keep working. Above them, Cheshire made her move, silently descending from the skylight and taking aim at Roquette.

Evira caught the movement in her peripheral vision and reacted instantly. She leapt forward, deflecting Cheshire’s arrow with her blade. “You’re predictable,” Evira said, her voice laced with mockery. “And I don’t like uninvited guests.”

Cheshire smirked. “You’re starting to annoy me.”

“Good,” Evira shot back, stepping into a defensive stance as Cheshire lunged.

Their battle was fierce, the sound of steel against steel ringing through the lab. Evira pressed the advantage, her strategy calculated as she exploited the assassin’s overconfidence. With a flick of her blade, she disarmed Cheshire of one sai, sending it clattering across the floor.

“Impressive,” Cheshire admitted, her tone casual despite her labored breathing.

Evira cursed under her breath and turned to Roquette, who was still typing away. “How much longer?”

“Almost there,” Roquette replied, her voice tight with concentration.

Without hesitation, Bloodstone launched herself at the assassin, her blade aimed to disarm rather than kill.

Cheshire, caught off guard, barely had time to block the attack. “Don’t you know when to quit?”she hissed, retreating a step.

 “No,” Evira replied flatly, her strikes relentless. This time, she didn’t give Cheshire room to recover, her precision overwhelming the assassin. With a calculated move, she knocked Cheshire’s second sai from her grasp and forced her to the ground, pinning her with a knee to her chest.

“I think it’s time you stayed put,” Evira said, snapping a pair of handcuffs onto Cheshire’s wrists.

Cheshire’s smirk remained, even in defeat. “Enjoy this little victory. It won’t last.”

Bloodstone leaned in, her expression impassive. “It’ll last long enough.”

As the team regrouped, Evira delivered Cheshire to the authorities, ignoring the assassin’s taunts. Back at the café, Roquette completed the virus, which Robin successfully uploaded to destroy the Fog. The mission was a success, but tension lingered.

When Artemis returned, shaken but resolved, Aqualad welcomed her to the team, offering words of encouragement. 

Evira stayed quiet, watching the young archer closely. There was something in Artemis’s demeanor that nagged at her, but Evira chose not to press the issue for now.

As they prepared to depart, Evira turned to Cheshire’s confiscated mask, her mind already spinning with the possibilities of what it could reveal. 

Her thoughts shifted briefly to the Light and the role Cadmus might still play in their schemes. The more pieces I gather, the clearer the picture becomes, she mused.

Evira Swinsuit

Chapter Text

Evira sat cross-legged on her bed, her laptop balanced on her knees as the glow of the screen reflected in her sharp, calculating eyes. 

Social media was a fascinating beast: one she was only beginning to tame. The instant access to information, the ability to track, connect, and manipulate it was intoxicating. Her fingers flew across the keyboard as she combed through posts, photos, and tagged locations, her gaze narrowing as she honed in on the Drakes.

"There you are," she murmured, satisfaction curling her lips. A photograph of the Drake family estate appeared on the screen, opulent and secluded. 

There was something else in the image that caught her attention: a boy, standing in the foreground, holding a soccer ball. Timothy Drake. Future Robin, she thought, leaning back against the wall as her mind started weaving possibilities.

The boy, Tim, was living in luxury, surrounded by wealth and comfort. Yet Evira knew what the future held for him tragedy, loss, and a path that would eventually lead him to Batman’s side. 

She smirked, thinking of how she might fit into that narrative. Babysitting him could be a way in, and it wasn’t beneath her to play the nurturing role if it served her goals. But there were other ways, too ways that didn’t involve pretending to care. Money was power in this world, and the Drakes had plenty of it.

Evira made a note in her journal: Drakes = potential resource. Monitor for opportunities.

She then reached for the worn leather notebook beside her. The pages were filled with meticulous notes, coded for secret and privacy, each section carefully divided and labeled. Her handwriting, precise and elegant, reflected a skill she had mastered in her past life. 

Organization had been a cornerstone of her survival back then whether it was managing her missing schedule for shoots or criminal empire in Knocton Alley or perfecting spellwork at Hogwarts. The habit had followed her into this life, a small comfort in an unfamiliar world.

She flipped through the pages, her pen poised to jot down ideas. One section detailed potential ways to infiltrate the Drakes’ world: babysitting, a casual encounter, or even posing as a distant family friend. Another page held notes on social media algorithms and branding strategies. Evira didn’t yet know what her “brand” would be, but she was determined to establish a foothold in this world.

Her thoughts drifted as she tapped the pen against her chin. She hadn’t always been this methodical. Before her rebirth into this world, there had been Hogwarts, magic, and a life lived in the shadow of her Hellsubus family legacy. 

But here, in this strange, vibrant world, she was untethered. The absence of magic was a void she couldn’t ignore. Could this body hold magic? Could she wield it again? Her mind wandered to the old theory from her past life: that magic had originated from Lady Magic herself, a primordial force that bound the magical world together. 

The festivals and rituals had been rooted in that belief, celebrations of their connection to her.

Her gaze dropped back to her tablet. The schematics and scientific articles on the screen held her focus, though her mind wandered between the lines of text. She was learning so much: engineering, robotics, chemistry, biology but it was slow work. Each discovery only seemed to open more questions, particularly about her own body and the powers that came with it.

She hadn’t even considered that magic might exist in this world. That oversight embarrassed her now, though she hadn’t admitted it to anyone.

Samuel would’ve known better, she thought, a bittersweet smile tugging at her lips.

Samuel had been the expert. He was the one who’d obsessed over every scrap of lore, every universe and timeline in the DCU, as he’d called it. Comic books, animated series, films he devoured them all with a passion she had always found endearing. He’d tried explaining it all to her once, sitting cross-legged on their dorm room floor, excitedly flipping through one of his well-worn graphic novels.

She’d listened with mild amusement, her focus elsewhere. Samuel had been the dreamer, the escapist. Evira had always been more grounded or so she’d thought. At the time, the idea of superheroes and sprawling multiverses had seemed so far removed from her reality. She’d humored him but never fully engaged.

Now, irony didn’t seem like a strong enough word for her situation.

Evira sighed, her gaze dropping to her notebook. The memories were bittersweet, a reminder of what she had lost. If magic existed here, she would find it. If not, she would find a way to fill that void with power of a different kind.

Evira leaned against the desk in her room, her blackout glasses perched on her nose. She twirled a pen idly in her fingers, her mind racing through her plan. 

The Drakes were celebrating Tim’s birthday in Metropolisan easy Zeta-Tube trip away. It was the perfect opportunity for an “accidental” encounter. She’d been careful, methodical even, in crafting her approach.

Gotham was a no-go. Too risky. The looming presence of Batman and Robin was a constant threat. While Robin’s suspicion had been waning thanks to her newfound teamwork, she knew better than to think she was completely off his radar. And Batman? He was meticulous, always watching. The man had likely reviewed every keystroke she’d made online.

Evira smirked, recalling her explanation for her internet behavior. She’d spun some nonsense about studying family dynamics: what they looked like, how they worked. It was enough to deflect suspicion for now. 

But she wouldn’t push her luck by showing up in Gotham unannounced. Batman’s paranoia didn’t need fuel, and she had no desire to lose the freedom her newly minted identity papers granted her.

Her focus shifted back to the carnival in Metropolis. A public event with a bustling crowd was the perfect setting. No need for theatrics just blend in, observe, and wait for the right moment.

Evira made her way to the common area of Mount Justice, scanning for anyone available to accompany her. She wasn’t about to make this trip alone. it was far too easy to spin it as a team-building exercise. The Zeta-Tubes were underused, and a day in civilian identities would give everyone a chance to unwind.

She found Superboy lounging on the couch, flipping through a magazine. He still didn’t have a name, which struck Evira as increasingly absurd. A smirk played on her lips as an idea formed.

“Hey,” she greeted casually, plopping down on the armrest. “You know, I’ve been thinking. It’s ridiculous we’re still calling you ‘Superboy.’”

Superboy looked up at her, arching an eyebrow.

“I’m not just picking a name for the sake of it,” he replied gruffly.

“Well, I’m picking one for you until you do,” Evira declared, leaning forward with a grin. “How about ‘Conner’? Strong, simple. Feels like it suits you.”

He blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Conner?”

“Yeah. Conner,” she repeated with a shrug. “Use it, don’t use it. But if you don’t, I’m calling you that anyway. You might as well make it official.”

Superboy (Conner) tilted his head thoughtfully. “I’ll think about it.”

“Good.” Evira rose from the couch and glanced around. “You up for a trip to Metropolis? There’s a carnival. We’ll call it a bonding experience.”

By the time Evira had gathered the group, she had Megan, Conner, and Wally in tow. Robin was conveniently absent, likely off on one of Batman’s secret missions, Kaldur was back at Atlantis and Artemis had claimed she needed a quiet day. Perfect.

Evira led the group through the Zeta-Tube, emerging into the sunny streets of Metropolis. The carnival stretched out before them, colorful and loud, bustling with families and thrill-seekers.

Megana’s eyes lit up at the sight. “This looks amazing!”

Evira adjusted her blackout glasses (stolen from Robin, as he didn’t need two pairs) and gazed at the sprawling fairgrounds. 

Next to her, Superboy looked slightly overwhelmed, his brows furrowed as he took in the noise and activity. It was obvious this was his first time at a carnival, and Evira couldn’t help but feel a flicker of amusement. She knew the team assumed this was new for her as well another “first experience” for their female clone.

Evira glanced toward Conner. “Enjoying the chaos?” she asked, her tone light.

He shrugged. “It’s... loud.”

“Stick with us, and you’ll get used to it,” Wally chimed in, already stuffing a churro into his mouth. He gestured grandly toward the fairgrounds. “Big Guy, welcome to the world of overpriced games, deep-fried everything, and rides that’ll probably make you sick. It’s paradise.”

Superboy raised an eyebrow but said nothing, following the group as they entered the carnival.

As they wandered, Evira kept an eye out for the Drakes, letting the group’s chatter fade into the background. Her thoughts were a steady hum of analysis. The Drakes were wealthy, which made them predictable in some ways. They’d likely be in the VIP area or near the more exclusive attractions.

She spotted them near a carousel, Tim laughing as he rode one of the horses while his parents watched from a nearby bench. Evira’s gaze lingered on the boy for a moment, her thoughts shifting to the future he didn’t yet know awaited him.

So much potential, she mused, her lips curling into a small smile. And so much tragedy.

“Evira?” Megan’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. “Are you okay? You’ve been quiet.”

“Just taking it all in,” Evira replied smoothly, her expression lightening. “Let’s find something fun to do.”

She gestured toward the midway games, easily steering the group closer to the Drakes without drawing attention to herself.

Megan’s delight was infectious. She stopped at nearly every stall, her curiosity endless. “What’s this?” she asked, pointing at a massive cotton candy machine.

“Pure sugar on a stick,” Wally replied, grabbing one and handing it to her. “Best thing you’ll eat all day.”

Evira took in the scene with a faint smile, her mind working in the background.  She saw Tim, his parents, they were moving from the carousel toward the arcade area.

She subtly adjusted the group’s path, steering them closer to her targets. The team didn’t notice, too engrossed in the carnival’s offerings.

“Let’s hit the ring toss,” she suggested casually.

Wally blinked at her. “Wow, Evira, showing initiative for once? I’m impressed.”

Evira rolled her eyes. “I’m capable of fun, West.”

At the ring toss, Wally went first, dramatically demonstrating the “art of winning rigged games.” He missed every shot, much to Megan’s amusement. Conner tried next, his super strength making it nearly impossible for him to land a ring without it bouncing off.

Evira took her turn, tossing a ring with calculated precision. It landed perfectly on the peg.

“Beginner’s luck,” Wally grumbled.

Evira smirked, handing the prize to Miss Martian. “If you say so.”

As the group laughed and moved on, Evira kept a sharp eye on the Drakes. They were heading toward the Ferris wheel now a perfect opportunity to bring her plan closer to fruition.

“Ferris wheel?” Miss Martian suggested excitedly.

Wally groaned. “Seriously? That’s the least exciting ride here.”

“It’s a classic,” Evira countered. “Besides, it’s M’gann’s pick. We’re doing it.”

M’gann beamed, and even Conner seemed curious. Wally grumbled but followed along.

As they waited in line, Evira observed the Drakes boarding a gondola a few cars ahead. Her mind raced with possibilities for how to create an “accidental” encounter without raising suspicion.

After the Ferris wheel, the group indulged in games and food. Evira played along, laughing at Wally’s antics and encouraging M’gann’s excitement. She even helped Steel win a stuffed animal at the shooting gallery, a moment that earned her a rare smile from the clone.

But all the while, her mind remained on the Drakes. She subtly directed the team’s movements, keeping them close to her targets without arousing suspicion.

At one point, she caught sight of Tim laughing with his mother, a carefree expression on his face. The sight tugged at something deep within her a mix of guilt and longing.

As the sun began to set, the carnival lights flickered on, casting a golden glow over the fairgrounds. The team gathered near the food stalls, enjoying their final snacks of the day.

“Best idea ever,” Wally declared, holding up a funnel cake.

“You mean my idea,” Miss Martian corrected, giggling.

Evira let the conversation flow around her, her thoughts drifting. Her plan was progressing smoothly. The Drakes were still within range, and the team remained none the wiser.

“I’ll be right back,” Evira said suddenly, slipping her hands into her coat pockets. “I need the restroom.”

Wally turned to her, grinning. “Good luck with the porta-potties. They’re an experience, let me tell you.”

“What’s so funny about them?” Megan asked, her head tilting curiously.

“Oh, you’ll find out,” Wally teased with a smirk, but he didn’t elaborate.

Evira waved off the exchange, her lips curling in faint amusement as she walked away. Her departure was calm, unhurried, and entirely unremarkable exactly the way she preferred it.

As she navigated through the crowd, her focus sharpened. The Drakes were near one of the game booths, Timothy clutching a balloon and a small stuffed animal. His wide-eyed wonder reminded Evira of another boy from long ago, but she pushed the thought aside. There was no room for sentimentality now.

She slowed her pace, keeping to the edges of the bustling crowd. She would wait, carefully watching and waiting for the right moment.

It didn’t take long.

Timothy, distracted by a brightly colored stand selling oversized lollipops, tugged at his mother’s sleeve. When she didn’t respond, too engrossed in a conversation with her husband, the little boy wandered off. The movement was subtle, and in the chaos of the crowd, the Drakes didn’t immediately notice his absence.

Evira’s heart beat steadily as she followed from a distance, her movements fluid and purposeful. Timothy’s excitement gave way to confusion as he looked around and realized he was alone. The balloon bobbed frantically in his small hand, a visual echo of his rising panic.

Evira watched, waiting until his panic reached its peak. Then, and only then, did she step forward.

He wandered further, his steps quickening as he scanned the crowd for his parents. His breaths grew shallow, his face crumpling as tears threatened to spill. He stumbled to a halt near the edge of the carnival grounds, small and vulnerable amid the towering attractions and bustling patrons.

“Hey there,” she said softly, her voice low and calming. She crouched down to his level, her posture non-threatening. “Are you okay?”

The boy froze, his wide, teary eyes locking onto hers. “I… I can’t find my mom and dad,” he said, his voice trembling.

“That’s okay,” she reassured him, offering a gentle smile. “We’ll find them together. How about that?”

Timothy hesitated, his small fingers gripping the stuffed animal tighter. After a moment, he nodded.

“What’s your name?” she asked as they began walking back toward the main thoroughfare.

“Tim,” he mumbled, sniffling. “Tim Drake.”

“That’s a strong name,” she said, glancing around for the Drakes. “I’m Evira.”

Tim looked up at her with wide eyes. “Evira’s a cool name!”

She chuckled softly. “Thanks, Tim. Do you remember where you saw your parents last?”

Tim nodded slowly. “I think… by the games? But there were so many people, and I…” His voice cracked, and his steps faltered.

“Hey,” she said gently. “It’s okay. We’ll find them. I promise.”

As she spoke, a sudden gust of wind swept past, and her blackout glasses slipped from her face, clattering to the ground.

Tim gasped. “Your eyes!”

Evira froze, her instinctive reaction to shield her face. But Tim wasn’t afraid. His curious expression reminded her so much of Alexander that it stole the breath from her lungs.

“They’re red!” he exclaimed, his earlier panic momentarily forgotten. “Like… fire! Are you magic? Do they glow? Can you see in the dark?”

For a moment, she could only stare at him, her thoughts tangled with memories. She thought of Alexander’s bright smile, the way he’d ask her endless questions about her eyes, the way he never looked at her with fear or disgust. He saw her as extraordinary, and for the first time in this strange, chaotic life, someone else was looking at her the same way.

Her lips twitched into a small smile. “No magic,” she said softly, picking up her glasses and slipping them back on. “Just different.”

Tim beamed at her. “Different is cool!”

“Thanks,” she murmured, her voice almost inaudible over the carnival noise.

They continued walking, Tim chattering animatedly about everything and nothing, while Evira listened with quiet amusement. It didn’t take long to spot the frantic figures of his parents searching the crowd.

“There they are,” she said, nodding toward them.

Tim’s face lit up, and he bolted toward his parents, calling out to them.

Evira turned to leave, satisfied that she had ensured Tim’s safety and subtly inserted herself into his life. However, just as she was about to slip back into the crowd, she felt a small hand grasp her sleeve. She glanced down, her expression briefly startled, to see Tim looking up at her with wide, earnest eyes.

“Wait!” he said, his voice a mixture of urgency and excitement.

Evira hesitated, her mind racing. This wasn’t part of her plan.

“Mom! Dad!” Tim called, pulling her toward the Drakes. “This is Evira! She helped me find you!”

Jack and Janet Drake turned, their faces full of relief as they spotted their son. Their smiles quickly shifted to polite gratitude as they registered Evira’s presence.

“Oh my goodness, thank you so much,” Janet said, kneeling to hug Tim tightly before looking up at Evira. “We were worried sick! I don’t know how to thank you.”

Evira kept her demeanor calm, giving a slight, reassuring smile. “It’s no trouble at all. I was just in the right place at the right time.”

“She’s really nice, Mom!” Tim said, practically bouncing with excitement. “And her eyes are red, like… like a superhero or something!”

Evira tensed slightly, but Janet only gave her a curious glance, while Jack chuckled.

“Well, it sounds like you’ve made quite an impression,” Jack said warmly, extending his hand. “I’m Jack Drake, and this is my wife, Janet. We owe you one.”

Evira shook his hand, her grip firm but not overly so. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said, keeping her voice steady.

Tim tugged on her sleeve again, looking up at her with a pleading expression. “Can we have a playdate? Please? I wanna show you my toys and stuff!”

Evira blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Children’s attachment wasn’t unfamiliar to her, but she hadn’t anticipated it this soon or with this intensity.

“Oh, Tim,” Janet said with a gentle laugh, placing a hand on her son’s shoulder. “I don’t think Miss Evira”

“Evira Solance,” she corrected quickly, offering a small smile. 

Janet smiled back. “I don’t think Miss Solance would want to spend her time playing with toys, sweetheart.”

Tim’s face fell slightly, his enthusiasm dimming, and for a fleeting moment, Evira was reminded of another boy who had once looked at her with the same disappointment. Her lips pressed together, and before she could stop herself, she said, “Actually, I wouldn’t mind.”

Janet blinked in surprise. “Really?”

Evira nodded. “Tim seems like a bright kid. I’d be happy to stop by sometime...if it’s alright with you, of course.”

Tim’s face lit up again, and he turned to his parents, practically vibrating with excitement. “Please? Please, can she come over? I wanna show her my books and the puzzle I finished yesterday!”

Jack and Janet exchanged a glance, clearly considering. Finally, Jack shrugged with a smile. “I don’t see why not. You’ve already been a huge help today, Evira. Just let us know when you’re free.”

Tim cheered, wrapping his arms around Evira’s leg in a sudden, enthusiastic hug. “Thank you, Evira!”

Evira stood stiffly, her usual composure momentarily faltering. She gently patted Tim’s head, her mind spinning. This hadn’t been part of her plan. She had anticipated curiosity, maybe gratitude, but not this level of attachment. She had forgotten how easily children could latch onto someone who gave them even a sliver of attention.

Janet handed Evira a business card. “Here, our number’s on there. Just call or text when you’d like to come by.”

Evira took the card, slipping it into her pocket with a polite nod. “Thank you. I’ll be in touch.”

As Tim continued to beam up at her, Evira felt a strange pang in her chest, something she couldn’t quite name. This wasn’t just a step forward in her plan; it was something else entirely.

“I should get going now,” she said softly, stepping back. Tim reluctantly released her, waving enthusiastically as she walked away.

“Bye, Evira! Don’t forget to call!” he shouted after her, his voice carrying over the sounds of the carnival.

As she disappeared into the crowd, Evira’s carefully constructed plans now had an unexpected variable a small, curious boy who, for reasons she couldn’t fully understand, reminded her of someone she had once held dear.

Evira walked back toward the group, her steps unhurried as the sounds of the carnival began to fade into the night. The flickering carnival lights reflected off her blackout glasses, hiding the thoughtful expression in her crimson eyes. She quickly spotted the team near a food stand, their laughter and banter carrying over the thinning crowd.

“There you are!” Wally exclaimed, waving a half-eaten churro in the air. “I was starting to think the porta-potties claimed another victim.”

Evira raised a brow, her tone dry. “I’m sure they’d come for you first, Wally.”

Connor tilted his head slightly. “What took you so long?”

Evira shrugged. “I was helping a kid who got separated from his parents. Took a little longer than I expected.”

M’gann’s face softened with a warm smile. “That’s so thoughtful of you, Evira! Was the kid okay?”

“Perfectly fine,” Evira replied casually, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Just a little lost and scared. It happens.”

“Wow,” Wally teased, mock surprise plastered on his face. “I didn’t know you had a soft spot for kids.”

“Everyone has layers, Wally,” Evira said coolly, stepping past him. “Even you, surprisingly.”

Connor glanced at her with curiosity. “That was… nice of you,” he said, his voice gruff but sincere.

Evira gave a faint nod. “Sometimes it’s easier to do the right thing than explain why you didn’t.”

M’gann smiled brightly. “I think we’ve done everything there is to do here. This was so much fun! I loved be shown the rides and games.”

“Agreed,” Connor said, finishing off the last bite of his funnel cake. “It was... interesting.”

Wally sighed dramatically, tossing his churro stick into a trash can. “Alright, alright, back to the grind. But for the record, I dominated that ring toss.”

“You barely got one,” M’gann teased, laughing.

The group began making their way toward the zeta-tube location, their chatter light and full of lingering excitement from the day. M’gann laughed at Wally’s insistence that the ring toss was rigged, while Connor quietly listened to their banter, his face betraying the smallest of smiles.

Evira walked at the back, her movements calm and deliberate. She let their conversation wash over her, occasionally responding with a quick quip or a faint smile. Her mind, however, drifted back to the encounter with Tim. His wide-eyed curiosity, his relentless questions, and the way he had clung to her sleeve stirred memories she rarely revisited.

The group reached the zeta-tube tucked away in a quiet, secluded area. One by one, they stepped into the glowing light, their voices announcing their departure.

Chapter Text

"Initiate: Combat Training." the computerized voice says as Kaldur and Superboy slowly work their way from the opposite sides of the circle towards each other. "3." the two begin to circle each other. "2." they're now maintaining about ten feet of distance from each other. "1."

Both charge, Superboy goes in for a right hook punch that Aqualad ducks under, retaliating with a left-right one-two combo. Both of which Superboy blocks, though Kaldur jumps and goes for a hook kick, that Superboy both ducks under and raises his hands for. As Kaldur lands he goes for another right hook that Kaldur dives back into a back handspring, landing in a crouch.

Megan and Artemis sat on the sidelines, observing the match with quiet admiration. Superboy’s strikes were precise and powerful, but Kaldur’s movements were fluid and deliberate.

Megan clapped her hands excitedly as Superboy managed to counter one of Kaldur’s signature moves. "He’s really improving," she said, beaming.

Artemis smirked. "Looks like Canary’s training is paying off. Maybe someone’s got a little extra motivation, huh?" She nudged Megan teasingly.

Megan flushed slightly but maintained her composure. "I just think it’s nice that he’s getting stronger. That’s all!" Her words came out a bit too quickly, causing Artemis to grin knowingly.

Megan tried to recover, with a pleading expression. “What about you and Wally, huh? You’d look cute together!”

“Wally? Are you kidding me?” Artemis scoffed, crossing her arms. “The guy can’t go ten seconds without making some ridiculous joke.”

Before Megan could press further, Evira walked over, holding a cup of tea in one hand and a datapad in the other. She took a seat near the two girls, raising an eyebrow at the faint flush on Megan’s cheeks.

“Are we matchmaking now?” Evira asked, her voice laced with amusement. “Because if so, I can’t wait to hear the riveting arguments for why Megan should date Superboy or Artemis should put up with Wally’s endless flirting.”

Artemis groaned, and “Evira!” Megan looked utterly mortified, but the embarrassment was short-lived as Artemis turned the tables.

“What about you, Evira?” Artemis said, her tone sly. “You and Kaldur seem to have a good thing going. You can’t tell me you haven’t noticed how he looks at you.”

Evira blinked, genuinely caught off guard. “What?”

Megan perked up, eager to escape the spotlight. “It’s true! He’s always watching out for you, and it’s not just as a teammate. It’s sweet, really.”

“You’re imagining things,” Evira said, waving them off with a dismissive hand. “Kaldur and I barely even interact outside of missions.”

“That’s because he’s probably too nervous to talk to you,” Artemis said, grinning. “You have this whole mysterious, untouchable vibe going on. It’s intimidating.”

Evira chuckled dryly, brushing off their comments. "Sure. Or maybe he’s just, you know, being a responsible leader. Not everything has to be about romance, you know."

Artemis exchanged a look with Megan. "Denial," she muttered under her breath, earning a glare from Evira.

Meanwhile, in the ring, Kaldur was momentarily distracted as Superboy landed a hard blow, sending him stumbling back. The Atlantian recovered quickly, nodding with approval. "Well done. That move was unexpected."

Superboy shrugged, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "Canary’s idea."

Evira clapped her notebook shut, standing up and stretching. "Good work, Connor," she said, the name rolling off her tongue naturally.

The others froze, all turning to her in surprise. "Connor?" Megan echoed, tilting her head.

Evira glanced at them, her tone nonchalant. "What? He needed something better than ‘Superboy.’ Connor feels right. Unless you’ve got a better suggestion?"

Superboy paused for a moment, then nodded. "Connor works."

Megan’s expression softened, a small smile spreading across her face. "I like it."

Artemis elbowed Megan playfully. "Told you she was sweet deep down."

Evira rolled her eyes, ignoring the warmth in her chest. "Don’t push your luck, Artemis."

As the sparring session wound down, Evira returned to her seat, her thoughts wandering. Despite the banter, she remained focused on her mental exercises, carefully re-learning Legilimency and Occlumency in secret. It was delicate work, like piecing together fragments of her old life. While the others laughed and teased, she kept her mind locked tight, protecting her secrets.

For now, they were her burden to bear alone. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy the chaotic energy of her team. Even if they were a tangled mess.

The team gathered in the central briefing area of the Cave as Red Tornado entered, his movements precise and purposeful as always. Wally, leaning casually against a console, was the first to speak up. “Yo, Tornado! Batman’s busy, so I’m guessing you’ve got something fun for us?”

Artemis rolled her eyes at Wally’s enthusiasm but remained quiet. Megan perked up, a hopeful smile lighting her face. Connor stood stoically, arms crossed, while Kaldur and Evira exchanged subtle glances, waiting for Red Tornado to explain.

“I have no official mission for you,” Red Tornado began in his calm, mechanical tone, “but there is a situation that may require your assistance.”

He gestured to a screen, and an image of an older man in a tweed suit appeared. “This is Kent Nelson. He was a member of the Justice Society of America and is the guardian of an artifact known as the Helmet of Fate. He has gone missing, and his absence is concerning. The Helmet itself is a powerful magical object.”

Evira’s attention sharpened at the word “magical.” Her expression remained neutral, her body relaxed in her lounge chair, but her mind raced. Magic? Real magic? The idea was both exhilarating and deeply unsettling.

Everything she had encountered so far pointed to extraordinary abilities stemming from meta-powers, alien physiology, or advanced technology. But magic? That was new. And now she wasn’t so sure.

She hadn't considered the possibility before, she had assumed this world lacked magic, or at least the kind she was familiar with-structured, rule-bound, something to be studied and mastered like any other discipline. Everything she had encountered so far pointed to extraordinary abilities stemming from meta-powers, alien physiology, or advanced technology.

Sure, she knew of its existence from Samuel’s endless rambling, but she had never fully understood it. Samuel would have known about this, she thought, trying to shake off the unease building inside her.

She hadn’t read the comics herself. That had been Samuel’s domain. She’d absorbed only what he had chosen to share, which was enough to give her a working knowledge of the big players Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman but not much else.

And magic? It had never come up. If it had existed in this world, Samuel hadn’t mentioned it, or maybe she just hadn’t been paying attention. Now, with her powers it left her more uncertain than ever. 

Was her clone body imbued with some form of magic she couldn’t identify? Or was it purely the meta-gene at work? The distinction mattered. Magic had rules, systems she could study and manipulate. The meta-gene, however, was chaotic, unpredictable, and terrifying in its implications. 

She recalled the odd encounter with Amazo. He could do what I can do, but better and without the fear of losing control. How does he do that?

She clenched her jaw, shaking the thought away. Focus. You’ll figure it out. You always do . But deep down, the unease lingered.

Wally sputtered, broke her thought, his face turning red. “I’m helping because it’s the right thing to do! And, uh, Kent Nelson was a hero, so, yeah, let’s go save the day!”

Evira, observing the exchange, couldn’t help but chuckle under her breath. “Let me guess,” she said, her tone dry. “The next thing you’ll say is that card tricks count as magic too, right?”

Wally groaned. “You’re not helping, Evira.”

Red Tornado, unbothered by the banter, continued, producing an ornate key. “This will grant you access to the Tower of Fate, located in Salem. You must proceed with caution. The Tower is protected by powerful enchantments, and its interior may not obey the natural laws of space and time.”

Evira’s eyebrows rose slightly, but she said nothing. Magic that defied space and time? She didn’t doubt the possibility. If the Kent Nelson mentioned was anything like the sorcerers of her past life, the Tower could be full of hidden dangers and wonders.

One way or another, she would take control of her powers. She had no other choice.

The team boarded the Bio-Ship, with Megan piloting as usual. As they flew through the clouds toward Salem, the conversation naturally circled back to the mission.

“So,” Artemis said, leaning forward to address Wally, “you’ve got this... honest affinity for sorcery , huh?” Her tone was dripping with sarcasm.

Wally slumped back in his seat, glaring at her. “Can we not?”

Artemis smirked, and even Megan giggled softly, the tension easing.

Evira, seated near the back, stared out the window. She was quiet, deep in thought. This was her chance to confirm if this world’s magic functioned like the magic she had once wielded or if it was something entirely different. The Helmet of Fate intrigued her. A magical artifact of such importance could reveal much about the way power operated here.

Her thoughts turned briefly to her old life. Magic had been a birthright for some, a burden for others, and a mystery for many. But here, in this new world, it seemed to exist on the periphery, less understood, perhaps even feared. She would need to be careful.

Kaldur’s voice pulled her from her reverie. “Evira, you’ve been quiet. What do you think of this mission?”

She glanced at him, her expression carefully measured. “I think,” she said slowly, “that we’re walking into the unknown. And unknowns are rarely without risk.”

Kaldur nodded, his respect for her insight evident.

Wally leaned over, grinning. “So, what’s your take, Miss ‘Walking Mystery’? You’re not about to tell us you believe in magic, are you?”

Evira tilted her head, giving him a look that was both amused and cryptic. “Belief isn’t necessary. Magic exists whether you believe in it or not. The real question is, can you handle it?”

Wally opened his mouth to retort but was interrupted as the Bio-Ship began its descent. Salem was visible below, and in the distance stood the imposing, otherworldly structure of the Tower of Fate. Its architecture twisted and spiraled impossibly, defying all logic and physics.

Megan gasped softly. “It’s... beautiful.”

Evira’s gaze narrowed, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Let’s see what secrets this place holds.”

Despite their efforts, there was no hint of the structure Red Tornado had described only a faint, eerie stillness in the air.

“Okay, this is getting ridiculous,” Wally muttered, pacing in frustration. “Where’s this magical tower supposed to be? Did someone lose the address?”

Megan frowned, hovering slightly off the ground as her eyes scanned the area. “Maybe it’s hidden by an enchantment,” she suggested hopefully.

“Or,” Artemis said, crossing her arms, “it’s using some advanced cloaking technology. You know, science.”

Wally perked up immediately. “Finally, someone talking sense! A cloaking field would explain why we can’t see it but can still kind of feel that something’s... off.” He paused, realizing Megan was watching him expectantly, and quickly backtracked. “Uh, I mean... or maybe it’s magic. Totally magic.”

Megan beamed, and Artemis rolled her eyes. “You’re hopeless, West.”

Across the road, hidden by an invisibility spell, Klarion grinned mischievously at the fuming Abra Kadabra. “They’re adorable , aren’t they?” Klarion teased, balancing on one leg as Teekl stretched lazily beside him. “Using science to explain magic-like it’s the same thing! They’re both wrong, of course, but that’s what makes it fun.”

Abra Kadabra glared at Klarion but remained silent, clearly suppressing the urge to retort. Klarion’s attention flicked back to the group as he idly twirled his fingers, enjoying the chaos he was sowing.

On the other side of the veil, the team continued to puzzle over the mystery of the Tower’s location. Kaldur, calm and thoughtful as ever, held the ornate key Red Tornado had given them. His gaze swept over the empty space before him, his mind working through the puzzle.

Bloodstone stood nearby, faint glow of her blackout visor. She was silent but alert,

“What do you think, Bloodstone?” Kaldur asked, turning toward her.

Evira hesitated for a fraction of a second, caught off guard by the question. She considered her words carefully before responding. “I think...” She trailed off, her tone slightly distracted as she focused on the strange hum in the air. “There’s something here. Magic. I don’t know who or what, but it’s close.”

Kaldur’s expression shifted subtly, his curiosity piqued. “You’re sure?”

Her lips curled into a faint smile, the excitement in her voice unmistakable. “Oh, I’m sure. I don’t know what kind of magic it is yet, but it’s definitely not mundane. This... this is something special.”

Kaldur studied her for a moment, noticing the subtle shift in her demeanor. Bloodstone, typically reserved and methodical, now seemed almost energized, her usual guarded composure cracking slightly.

“You seem quite knowledgeable about magic,” he said carefully, testing the waters. “Have you studied it before?”

Evira glanced at him, her excitement dimming slightly as she returned to her usual guarded tone. “Let’s just say I have... experience.”

Kaldur nodded, sensing her reluctance to elaborate. “I would like to learn more from you, then, if you’re willing. Magic is a subject I do not fully understand, but it seems you may have insight we lack.”

Evira’s smile softened, a genuine glint of interest in her eyes. “I’d like that. Magic isn’t something most people here seem to take seriously, but it’s powerful. Dangerous, even, if you don’t respect it.”

Their conversation was interrupted as Kaldur stepped forward, raising the key and holding it in the empty space before him. “Perhaps this requires something more than logic,” he said. “An act of faith.”

He pushed the key forward, and to the astonishment of the team, it slid into an invisible keyhole. A resounding click echoed around them, and the air shimmered with golden light. The Tower of Fate materialized around the key, its impossible architecture spiraling toward the sky.

“Whoa,” Wally breathed, staring up at the structure in awe. “Okay, maybe that’s not just science.”

“It’s beautiful,” Megan whispered, her eyes wide.

Bloodstone’s gaze was fixed on the Tower, her earlier excitement returning tenfold. She could feel the magic radiating from it, its raw power and intricacy unlike anything she had encountered before.

The team entered cautiously, stepping into the dimly lit interior. The moment the last of them crossed the threshold, the door slammed shut with a thunderous boom, and the space behind them vanished entirely.

“Great,” Artemis muttered, glancing back at the now non-existent entrance. “We’re locked in.”

“Or we’ve just begun,” Bloodstone said quietly, her voice tinged with anticipation.

Spectral image of Kent Nelson. Hovering mid-air, his translucent form regarded them with an air of otherworldly authority.

“Why have you come to this place?” the image asked, its voice echoing around the chamber.

Before anyone could respond, Wally stepped forward, puffing out his chest in what he clearly thought was a confident display. “We’re true believers!” he declared, his voice ringing with exaggerated conviction.

The moment the words left his mouth, the ground beneath them trembled violently. Cracks splintered across the stone floor, glowing with fiery light, and within seconds, it gave way entirely.

“Wally!” Artemis shouted, grabbing onto the edge as the team plunged downward, narrowly avoiding falling into a massive lava pit that had appeared below.

Superboy’s boots sizzled and melted as he clung to the side with his sheer strength. “Believers, huh?” he growled, glaring at Wally.

“Okay, maybe that wasn’t my best line!” Wally yelped, scrambling for a better grip.

Evira, standing further back, had quickly moved to a safer ledge as soon as the ground cracked. She watched the chaos with an exasperated sigh, muttering under her breath, “Rookie mistake.”

“Please!” Megan cried out to the spectral figure. “We’re here because Red Tornado sent us! We were told to check on Kent Nelson and make sure he’s okay!”

The spectral figure paused, its glowing eyes locking onto Megan. Then, as if satisfied, it nodded once. The lava vanished instantly, replaced by solid ground beneath their feet.

The team collapsed onto the now-safe floor, catching their breath.

“That was too close,” Artemis snapped, glaring at Wally. “What part of ‘true believers’ sounded like a good idea to you?”

“I was just trying to... I don’t know, make an impression,” Wally admitted, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

“You almost impressed us into a fiery grave,” Artemis shot back.

Kaldur stepped in, his voice calm but firm. “You must learn to consider the consequences of your words and actions, Wally. Especially in a place as unpredictable as this.”

“I still don’t get why any of you are so hung up on this magic stuff,” Wally grumbled. “There’s got to be a scientific explanation for all of this.”

As if in response to his skepticism, the floor beneath them shifted again. A trapdoor opened, and instead of another fiery pit, they found themselves staring down at a snowy landscape.

“Another illusion?” Artemis asked cautiously, peering into the cold expanse below.

“No,” Kaldur replied. “A pocket dimension, perhaps. The Tower of Fate is known to exist beyond the normal rules of reality.”

Wally huffed. “Pocket dimension or not, there’s still a logical explanation for”

“Why do you do that?” Megan interrupted, her tone uncharacteristically sharp. “Why do you always refuse to believe in magic?”

Kaldur answered for him, his voice thoughtful. “Wally uses his understanding of science to control what he cannot comprehend. To admit the existence of magic would be to relinquish that control. It is... his way of coping.”

Wally frowned but didn’t argue, instead muttering under his breath as he stepped toward the snowy expanse.

Megan looked around, her voice tinged with concern.

“Wait... where’s Evira?”

Kaldur’s brow furrowed, his sharp gaze scanning their surroundings. “She was with us before the lava pit. I assumed she stayed close when the floor reformed.”

Superboy growled, frustrated. “Great. First Wally and Artemis, now Evira’s gone too? This place is a maze!” He kicked a nearby wall, the sound echoing through the eerie silence.

“Maybe she’s... exploring?” Megan offered tentatively, though her expression betrayed her worry.

Kaldur placed a hand on her shoulder, steadying her. “If Evira separated from us intentionally, she would have her reasons. She is capable of handling herself. We need to focus on locating Wally and Artemis first. Once they are safe, we can regroup and find Evira.”

Megan frowned but nodded, trusting Kaldur’s calm demeanor. “I just hope she’s okay. This place feels... wrong. What if something happened to her?”

“Evira isn’t exactly fragile,” Superboy said, crossing his arms. “She can take care of herself.”

Kaldur nodded, but his concern lingered. Despite his confidence in her abilities, the unpredictability of the Tower of Fate unnerved him. He resolved to find her as soon as they could.

As Evira moved deeper into the Tower of Fate, her steps light and deliberate as she explored its twisting corridors. She smirked as she carefully moved through another corridor, her steps soundless on the stone floor.

“They’ll be fine,” she muttered to herself, brushing off the faint pang of guilt. “I’ve got more important things to focus on.”

She paused at the edge of another shimmering portal, the flickering light illuminating her excited expression. “This is the kind of magic worth finding.”

The walls seemed to shift subtly as she passed, runes glowing faintly in languages both familiar and foreign. The air was heavy with magic, ancient and alive, but not hostile. If anything, it felt like the Tower was watching her curious, not threatening.

Magic pulsed through the walls, the air itself humming with ancient power. She ran her gloved fingers over a gilded archway, looking for any potential wards.

The constantly changing pathways reminded her of Hogwarts, specifically the moving staircases that never stayed in one place for long. A nostalgic smile tugged at her lips. "It’s almost like you’re trying to confuse me," she murmured, addressing the Tower itself. "Nice try, but I’ve seen this trick before."

The Tower seemed to respond by shifting the hallway ahead of her into a spiral staircase that twisted upward. Instead of frustration, Evira felt exhilaration. 

Her first significant stop was the library. The moment she stepped inside, her breath caught in her throat. Endless rows of shelves stretched far beyond what seemed possible, packed with books that radiated power. She could feel the wards woven into them, protective and intricate. It was clear these tomes weren’t meant to be casually accessed, but that only made her more determined.

“This place is a treasure trove,” she whispered, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “Artifacts, tomes, relics... all just waiting for someone to claim them.”

Evira wasn’t looking to outright steal at least, not exactly. She justified her actions with the thought that the Tower was transitioning ownership. With Kent Nelson missing, it was practically abandoned, and its secrets deserved to be preserved by someone who understood magic’s value.

As she walked through the aisles, her fingers ghosted over the spines of ancient books. Her gaze fell on a familiar title, and her heart skipped a beat. A worn scroll bore the seal of the Library of Alexandria.

Her thoughts raced. Is this the same Library of Alexandria from my old world? Or is this proof of a multiverse, where certain constants exist across dimensions?

The idea thrilled her. If the Library of Alexandria could exist here, what else from her old world might be out there? It opened a floodgate of possibilities, and for the first time in a long time, she felt truly connected to her past.

The floor beneath her feet shifted suddenly, the runes rearranging themselves into an unfamiliar pattern. The library’s shelves twisted and rotated like pieces of a grand puzzle, corridors opening and closing as the Tower sought to confuse her.

Her excitement only grew as she analyzed the wards. They were masterful, but even the best magical protections had weaknesses. She drew a small dagger from her belt, nicking the tip of her finger. With a flick of her wrist, her blood flowed unnaturally, forming intricate patterns in the air. She manipulated it with ease, weaving it into the gaps in the runes. Slowly, carefully, she dismantled the warding without triggering its defenses.

“I wonder if this works the same way,” she mused, slipping the pouch into her satchel. She’d test it later, away from prying eyes.

Evira’s mind drifted back to the day she died. It had been peaceful, so much so that she’d almost laughed at the absurdity of it. To think that her life, filled with danger, schemes, and triumphs, had ended so quietly, in her sleep.

She had been content then. Content with the choices she’d made, the battles she’d fought, and the life she’d carved out for herself. Leaving the Hellsubus family, with its suffocating wealth and expectations, had been her first taste of freedom. Her mother’s cutting words and the weight of their disdain had been chains she had broken.

And then there was Harry.

Evira smiled faintly as she thought of him Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived. The deal they’d made the summer before his third year had been one of the best decisions of her life. Harry had been at a crossroads then, a boy caught between being a child and a soldier. Evira had given him something no one else could: a choice. And he’d given her something just as profound a sense of purpose.

She had died happy, believing her chapter was finished, her story told. So why had her soul been chosen, yanked from the beyond, and placed into this clone body?

Her fingers brushed over a particularly intricate rune, its lines faintly pulsating as though aware of her presence. She traced its shape absently, her mind wandering.

Was it punishment? A second chance? Or had she simply been caught in some cosmic game of chance?

“Next adventure,” she whispered to herself, the words a faint echo of Dumbledore’s oft-quoted philosophy.

Though she had never admired the man, she couldn’t deny the sentiment. Life (or whatever this was) was an adventure. One she intended to navigate on her own terms.

For now, the Tower of Fate was hers to explore. 

Still, her time was limited, and she wasn’t about to waste it.

The cold wind bit at their skin as Megan, Kaldur, and Superboy trekked through the snow. The landscape stretched endlessly around them, an eerie, white void, interrupted only by the towering walls of the Tower of Fate in the distance. They had been searching for what felt like hours, but the Tower still eluded them. 

Megan was quiet, lost in her thoughts as they moved. She had felt the odd dissonance between her belief in magic and Wally’s unyielding skepticism for a long time now. She was starting to get a little concerned, though. It wasn’t just disbelief anymore. There was something almost... defensive about the way Wally shut down anything even remotely magical. It made her wonder why he couldn’t just embrace the possibility of something beyond science.

Kaldur, who had been unusually silent too, spoke up. “You and Wally are very different on this, aren’t you?”

Megan glanced at him, surprised by his directness. “I…what do you mean?”

“The way you see magic,” Kaldur explained, his voice low. “You, Megan, you’ve always believed in it, ever since I met you. But Wally…” He shook his head. “It’s not just that he refuses to believe. It’s more like he fears what he can’t understand.”

Megan bit her lip, nodding slowly. “I think you’re right,” she admitted. “It’s like... if he can’t explain it with science, it doesn’t exist for him. But magic, real magic, doesn’t work like that.” She hesitated, her tone softening. “It’s just... I think he feels like it would take away his control.”

Kaldur watched her for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought. “You believe that one day he’ll accept it?”

“I hope so,” Megan said with a quiet determination. “But I think he has to come to terms with it on his own. Magic, real magic, isn’t something you can force someone to believe in. It’s something they have to experience.”

Superboy, who had been silently listening to the conversation, finally spoke. “Isn’t it just like science, though? We just don’t understand it yet?”

Kaldur raised an eyebrow at him, clearly not expecting the question. “Perhaps, but science and magic are different. One can be explained with logic and observation. Magic ,true magic, works on a level that doesn’t always follow the rules of science.”

Megan nodded in agreement. “It’s like… magic isn’t confined to what we know. That’s why Wally can’t wrap his head around it. It’s why he keeps trying to explain everything away.”

Just as the conversation was about to go deeper, a shimmering portal opened in the air ahead of them. The three heroes froze. Beyond it, they could see a massive door that seemed to float, suspended in midair, leading back into the heart of the Tower.

“It’s the way in,” Kaldur murmured, stepping forward. His hands hovered over his belt, as if ready for any potential surprises, before he gestured for them to follow. “Let’s go.”

As they approached, the door flickered and buzzed with a strange energy, but it opened for them without resistance. They stepped through, and for a moment, everything went dark before the surroundings suddenly shifted.

Evira paused in front of another door, placing her hand gently against the ancient runes etched into it. The faint hum of power reverberated beneath her fingertips, an almost palpable energy that beckoned her forward. Her smirk curled at the edges, the familiar thrill of discovery igniting within her.

"What else are you hiding?" she whispered to the door, her voice low and teasing, as if the Tower itself could hear her challenge.

The air around her seemed to thrum with a subtle energy, as though the Tower was reacting to her presence. It almost felt as if it were alive, shifting, beckoning her deeper into its labyrinthine depths.

Evira felt that familiar pull an instinct, a hunger to uncover what others didn’t understand. What secrets could be buried behind this door? What hidden knowledge lay just beyond her reach? With a glance over her shoulder, she reassured herself there was no immediate danger nothing here but untapped mysteries and opportunities to further her own understanding.

And Evira, ever the opportunist, couldn’t resist. She pushed the door open, the old wood creaking in protest as she stepped inside, ready to confront whatever awaited her. After all, the Tower had already proven itself full of secrets, and she was more than eager to unearth every one of them.

Elsewhere in the Tower, Wally and Artemis were no longer alone. With the staff firmly in hand, Wally and Artemis stood on a raised platform, facing none other than Klarion the Witch Boy and Abra Kadabra.

“Nice of you to join us,” Klarion sneered, his feline grin wide and twisted, eyes glowing with malicious glee. “Now, let’s see what you’re really made of.”

Wally raised an eyebrow, not intimidated. “Is this supposed to be a magic show? I’m not impressed.” He glanced at Artemis with a smirk. “But I’m sure you’re dying to see this.”

Artemis rolled her eyes but didn’t reply. She was ready for whatever they were about to throw at them.

Then, without warning, the staff began to hum with power, recharging Kent Nelson’s form as he appeared on the platform beside them. The old sorcerer looked at them, his eyes steady. “Don’t just stand there. We need to move quickly,” he urged, reaching out for the staff. “Abra Kadabra is nothing but a trickster, a charlatan, but Klarion…” He didn’t finish his sentence. The weight of his words hung in the air. Klarion was dangerous.

Kent flew toward the staff, clutching it tightly as the magic surged through him. “We need to get to safety.” With a flick of his wrist, he gathered Wally and Artemis with him and used the staff’s magic to propel them forward, away from the growing threat of Klarion and Abra.

The next moment, they found themselves in a narrow, cold elevator. Kent looked at them, his face lined with worry. “You don’t understand the gravity of what’s happening here,” he said quietly. “Abra Kadabra might pretend to wield magic, but it’s all based on science. He’s a fraud. Klarion, though... He is a Lord of Chaos. A being of incredible power, whose influence could undo reality itself if left unchecked.”

Before Artemis could respond, the elevator jerked to a halt, and the doors opened. They found themselves in a massive chamber, where the oppressive hum of power surrounded them. The unmistakable sound of a bell echoed across the space, a reminder of the perilous journey ahead.

Suddenly, Kaldur, Superboy, and Megan fell from thin air beside them, landing in a heap. The force of their unexpected arrival sent snow scattering in all directions.

“Not again…” Kaldur muttered, quickly standing and scanning the area.

“Is that… magic?” Superboy asked, his gaze drifting up.

Kaldur nodded grimly. “It is. And we need to be careful.”

As they regrouped, the air grew thick with tension. Klarion’s voice echoed through the room, filled with disdain. “You really thought you could escape me?” He raised his hands, lightning crackling at his fingertips. Abra Kadabra followed suit, his electrical blasts streaking toward them.

But before they could react, Kent raised his staff, ringing the massive bell nearby. The sound was deafening, a deep resonance that vibrated through the ground beneath them. As the bell glowed, a swirling vortex opened in the air, and Kent, Wally, and Klarion walked through it, their forms vanishing into the magical transport.

Wally glanced back at Kent, his heart pounding. The old man had just saved them but for how long? Kent had already been wounded. He wasn’t going to survive much longer.

With a final, strained breath, Kent turned to Wally. “Believe in magic,” he said, his voice barely a whisper as he encased the Helmet of Fate in a magical barrier, shielding it from Klarion’s deadly assault.

And then, with a final sigh, Kent Nelson died.

Wally stood frozen, the weight of Kent’s words settling deep into his heart. Magic was real. Kent had given his life to prove it. And Wally had to come to terms with that.

Evira moved through the Tower like a shadow, her senses attuned to every magical artifact, every pulse of power that hinted at something valuable to her. She didn’t care much about the warnings the Tower whispered, its faint glimmers of light urging her to join her team. They weren’t of interest to her right now. The thrill of discovery, of exploring a world of magic that was so much more potent than her own, consumed her completely.

She had already filled her pouch with books and scrolls, the contents carefully stowed away and secured by the magical wards she’d bypassed with ease. Some of them were older than the Tower itself: ancient grimoires that hummed with dark, forbidden power. But there was so much more to find.

The scent of earth and growing things led her down another hall, toward a grand door that opened into a lush, overgrown garden. A reminder of something. A soft pang in her chest a memory of a friend from her past life.

Neville Longbottom.

She’d been close to Neville back in her old world. Neville had always been earnest, a bit clumsy but brave, a good heart. The thought of him made her nostalgic. Her old life seemed so distan.  This garden... it was alive, flourishing, even if it felt untouched for a while. The air was thick with the scent of wildflowers and enchanted plants. Evira let her fingers trail over leaves and flowers, searching for the most potent seeds, the kind that could be used in potions or rituals back home.

Her pouch was quickly filling up again, but this time she didn’t bother hiding her excitement. She was a thief, yes, but she was simply a student of magic, a scholar gathering treasures for later study. 

She took small glass vials, some containing rare ingredients for potions, others with empty spaces for her own concoctions.  She laughed quietly to herself, her fingers slipping over a vial of purple liquid, the mist inside swirling in patterns. 

A new discovery.

Evira's attention was captured by the worn, unused tools scattered about. Some of them were clearly designed for ritual magic things like scrying tools, ancient wards, and the small, personal wards she recognized from her old world, she took those as well.

As she explored, the Tower seemed to be trying to guide her, sending subtle pulses of light that pulled her in different directions. But Evira was too busy with her own agenda. The Tower could warn her all it wanted, but she was having too much fun.

Her next stop was towering cages and enclosures were filled with all manner of strange and terrifying creatures. Most of them were things she recognized two griffins,

Evira approached with no hesitation. She'd seen enough dangerous creatures in her old life to not be intimidated, especially not by griffins. She reached out with both hands and gently pet their mighty heads. One of them made a sound, like a low growl, before nudging her hand with its beak. It was a familiar feeling.

It reminded her of Luna Lovegood back in her old world, her eccentric friend, always fascinated by creatures like these. She had treated both Luna and Ginny like little sisters, even if they didn’t always understand her own complexity. In a way, she felt closer to the griffins now, though them.

Her moment of calm didn’t last long, however. A strange, high-pitched screech echoed across the menagerie, sharp and jarring. Evira stiffened and turned sharply. She couldn’t help but move toward the sound, compelled by a sudden urge to see what had caused it.

As she rounded a corner, she came face to face with a massive snowy owl its wings outstretched, its feathers fluttering weakly as it struggled to stand. Its bright eyes were filled with pain, and its form trembled as it collapsed to the ground.

Evira’s heart skipped a beat. Hedwig.

Her blood began to hum with the desire to help.

As she took a step forward, however, something unexpected happened: a swirling cloud of black mist appeared, cutting off her view of the owl. The mist was thick, swirling with a sinister energy that scratched at her skin, leaving marks across her suit.

It tried to block her, to stop her from moving forward, but Evira wasn’t scared. The scratches stung, but they didn’t deter her. She had dealt with worse.

Without hesitation, she pushed through, weaving her blood manipulation through the air to fight against the mist’s oppressive grip. Her blood pulsed with power, and she continued to move closer to the owl, even as the air seemed to fight her every step.

Finally, when she was close enough, she knelt beside the owl, and with a careful, practiced touch, she pressed her hand to its side, allowing her blood to mingle with its. She could feel its pulse, its faint life force, and slowly, the owl’s wounds began to close.

The mist stopped swirling as if it had lost interest in her. The owl, now healed, ruffled its feathers nuzzling her in gratitude. Evira smiled softly, but her moment of peace didn’t last long. As she stood, ready to leave, something new caught her eye a glowing orb appeared before her, floating gently in the air. It shimmered with an unfamiliar energy, and she instinctively knew what it was.

Her team. They were in danger.

The Tower, in its strange, subtle way, had been trying to warn her, to redirect her focus. But it was too late for that. She had to move.

The mist, no longer hostile, began to gather beneath her feet. She didn’t question it; she simply mounted the wind as if it were a steed, feeling it lift her gently off the ground. The owl transformed into a smaller version of itself, landing on her shoulder, and together they shot forward, racing toward the Tower’s peak.

The battle around the Tower was escalating, when Bloodstone finally joined, her senses attuned to every flicker of magic in the air. She’d never quite seen anything like Klarion before, but that didn’t matter now. His chaotic magic, dark and wild, she could feel the pressure of the magical storm around them as Klarion pummeled at the bubble Doctor Fate had created, but Evira wasn’t backing down. She raised her hand, blood swirling around her fingers, shaping into whips and tendrils that snapped through the air like hungry creatures.

The mist, still swirling around her, picked up on her movement, helping her to dart and weave around the battlefield.  The owl, now much bigger flew in a protective arc above her, diving to strike at Teekl. 

The large, orange cat hissed and swiped at the owl, but the creature was too fast, darting in and out of its reach.

Evira’s blood whips lashed out with precision, striking Klarion’s magical constructs. The boy’s magic was powerful, no doubt, but his lack of creativity was his undoing. 

She could tell. As he tried to overwhelm her with blasts of magic, she easily dodged, her body moving fluidly, blood tendrils twisting and coiling around her as she set traps for him. She used her blood like spider silk, creating webs that caught Klarion's attacks, redirecting them into the air or against his own constructs.

"You're not the only one who can manipulate chaos," she muttered, smirking as she continued her attacks.

With the owl diving at Teekl, the cat screeched in frustration. Klarion’s eyes blazed, focusing his anger on the little creature. But Evira was already a step ahead. She moved swiftly, blood tendrils wrapping around Klarion’s legs and pulling him off balance. He staggered, his magic losing its focus, and in that brief moment of weakness, Evira lashed out again with a flurry of blood whips.

The mist beneath her surged, lifting her into the air, and she flew towards Klarion, her attacks relentless. Each strike felt like a victory, a step closer to breaking him, to showing him that even chaos could be controlled. The owl followed, still fiercely attacking Teekl as they flew in tandem. It was almost like a dance a vicious one, but a dance all the same.

Meanwhile, inside the helmet, Wally was trapped in a dark, echoing place. The world around him shifted, his own body feeling heavy, as if it wasn’t entirely his own anymore. A voice, ancient and deep, filled his mind, commanding, controlling. The power that surged through him was overwhelming, and Wally knew, deep down, that this wasn’t just him this was Nabu, the real Doctor Fate.

He couldn’t move, couldn’t control his own actions. Not at first. It was as if Nabu’s will had overpowered his own. His mind raced as he realized what was happening: he wasn’t just wearing the Helmet of Fate. He was the vessel. And Nabu was taking over.

But it wasn’t all bad. As he observed from within his own body, the knowledge and power of the Lord of Order flowed through him. He could feel the magic, sharp and cold, cutting through the chaos that Klarion had unleashed.

Outside, Klarion was still fighting with Evira. But now, with Wally wearing the Helmet, Nabu took control. His eyes flashed with the power of Order as his body moved with purpose, his every movement decisive, his actions guided by centuries of magical knowledge.

With a wave of his hand, Doctor Fate cast a barrier of light, shielding the Tower from Klarion’s chaotic onslaught. Klarion lunged forward, but Nabu was faster, a master of precision and control. He forced Klarion back with a single burst of magic, sending him stumbling.

The battle raged on as Klarion, for the first time, seemed to realize the true power of the Helmet. Doctor Fate’s gaze flicked to Teekl, with a deft motion, Fate reached out, his magic effortlessly unraveling Teekl’s hold on Klarion.

The cat yowled in alarm as the tether snapped. Klarion’s eyes widened in fear.

Evira, still locked in battle with Klarion’s erratic magic, saw the shift. Klarion was weakening. She could sense it. The wild energy of chaos was starting to lose its grip on the battle, as Klarion staggered, Doctor Fate seized the opportunity. He directed a powerful, focused burst of energy at Klarion, sending him flying back, crashing into the walls of the Tower.

"Leave now," Doctor Fate intoned, his voice a calm, commanding echo of power. Klarion, having lost his anchor, had no choice but to retreat, vanishing in a swirl of magic, his laughter fading into the distance.

Evira, her blood whips retracting as the fight was over, allowed herself a brief moment of relief. She stood, the mist still swirling around her, her heart still racing with the thrill of the battle. The owl perched on her shoulder, still vigilant, while the mist enveloped her like a cloak.

She glanced up at Doctor Fate. The power that radiated from him was undeniable. She had seen it before in those like him: mages, beings who who follow fate to the last letter. Maybe he knows why am here?

Evira’s thoughts shifted. She had been so absorbed in her own explorations and desires for magic that she hadn’t truly realized the gravity of the situation. Doctor Fate had saved them. Wally had played his part in this transformation, but it was Nabu’s mastery that had ended the fight.

As Nabu's presence in Wally’s body began to pull at his consciousness, Wally felt the weight of the ancient Lord of Order's power. It was like having a heavy mantle draped over his shoulders, suffocating and inevitable. Nabu didn’t want to relinquish controlafter all, the prospect of being trapped in the Helmet again was a fate worse than death. He fought to remain in control, using all his magical willpower to keep Wally subdued.

But Kent, ever the patient guide, spoke up from within the Helmet. "Nabu, let him go. You know you can't remain in his body forever. He will be the one to wear the Helmet now. He will take good care of it, as you did. Wally has proven himself."

"I will not be confined again," Nabu hissed, his voice echoing in Wally's mind. "I will not live in that prison."

Kent’s voice softened, a note of understanding in it. "You won’t be trapped. He won’t abandon the Helmet, Nabu. And I will remain here with you. I will keep you company until we both meet Inza again... we have all eternity."

The Lord of Order’s resistance waned slightly, but only when Kent reminded him of the promise of reunion, a reunion that could wait. Kent was willing to endure the passage of time, knowing that in the end, he and Inza would be reunited. The two souls would have all eternity to spend together, but Kent had to ensure Wally was ready for his journey with the Helmet.

With a deep sigh, Kent continued, “Wally... one last piece of advice. Find your own little spitfire, someone who won't let you get away with anything. Like"

But before Kent could finish, Wally yanked the Helmet from his head, cutting him off. The world around him shifted once more, and he was once again himself Wally West, free from the overwhelming power of the Helmet. The quiet echoed in his ears as the weight lifted. For a moment, he simply sat there, breathing heavily, still feeling the residual effects of the magic.

Kent’s voice was distant now, leaving Wally with only his own thoughts. He glanced at the Helmet, now resting on the shelf, the mysterious artifact a silent reminder of everything he had just experienced.

Artemis came over, her usual smirk on her face. "So, you’re really not gonna believe in magic, even after all that?" she teased, her tone light.

Wally shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Nope. Still just science." He glanced over at the Helmet on the shelf, still feeling the pull of its power, but shaking his head. "I don’t buy it."

Artemis rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "You’re such a geek."

Wally tried to brush the thought aside, but as Kent’s last words echoed in his mind (“Find your own little spitfire”)he couldn’t help but feel a pang of unease. Something about it stuck with him. But he quickly pushed that thought away, focusing instead on something else Kent had told him: "Take Miss Martian on a date."

“Right,” Wally muttered, trying to get the conversation back to normal. He turned to Megan, who had been standing nearby, looking on curiously. “Hey, Megan, what do you say we hit up that magic show tonight?”

Megan smiled, seemingly pleased by the idea. "Sure, Wally. Let’s go."

She glanced back at the owl, who had been her companion throughout her exploration of the Tower. With a small, wistful smile, she gave the owl one last pat on its head. "Thanks for the help, little one. I’ll miss you." The mist, still swirling around her, had been her constant companion as well. "And thank you, too," she added softly. The mist hovered near her, like an attentive protector.

The owl waddled after her, its soft, clumsy steps following her as if it weren’t quite ready to part with her just yet. The mist, swirling in gentle tendrils, accompanied her movements. It was almost endearing how it seemed to follow her every step, as if it, too, had grown attached.

With a deep breath, she glanced back at the Team, who were now gathering near the entrance, ready to return to Mount Justice. 

“No one would mind if they stay with you,” Kaldur said thoughtfully, his voice calm as usual. His eyes flickered briefly toward the owl and the mist, as if he were contemplating the oddity of the situation.

Evira smiled, a mix of amusement and sincerity in her expression. “Guess not. I’m not exactly used to being followed around, but... it’s kind of cute, I suppose."

Artemis raised an eyebrow but couldn’t help a small chuckle. "It’s certainly... different."

With a soft laugh, Evira nodded. She didn’t mind their company. "I don’t mind them sticking around. They seem harmless enough.”

As they began to leave the Tower, the mist swirled around her legs, as if gently nudging her forward, while the owl waddled along behind her, occasionally flapping its wings in an attempt to keep up.

Chapter Text

The warehouse was eerily silent, the calm before the storm as the Team moved through the shadows, their mission clear but the threat still unseen. It wasn’t until the low, guttural growl echoed from the far end of the space that they realized just how dire the situation was about to become.

Clayface emerged, a monstrous behemoth of mud and rage, his hulking form dwarfing everything around him. Without warning, he lunged, sending chunks of his malleable body flying in all directions.

"Scatter!" Robin called, throwing a pair of explosive disks that detonated on impact, only for Clayface to reconstitute himself almost immediately.

The Team launched into action, each member trying to play their part. Superboy charged head-on, his fists sinking into Clayface’s form like quicksand. The creature retaliated, swatting him aside like a ragdoll.

Kaldur wielded his water bearers with precision, forming blades and slicing at their foe, but the attacks only slowed Clayface down momentarily. M’gann used telekinesis to hurl debris, but the effort only seemed to irritate the creature further.

Bloodstone kept her distance, observing as her teammates struggled. Her crimson eyes flickered behind the helment, analyzing the battlefield and searching for an opening. She clenched her fists, debating whether her blood manipulation could hold Clayface in place long enough for the others to land a critical blow. But the risk was high; losing control against a foe this large could turn the tide against them.

Robin was already planning their next move, flipping acrobatically to dodge a swipe of Clayface’s massive arm. “We need to regroup!”

"He's not giving us the chance!" Superboy growled, pushing himself back up to charge again.

Bloodstone’s eyes darted to the corner of the warehouse, where an industrial fire hose lay coiled. An idea sparked. "Regroup if you want," she muttered, sprinting toward the hose. I’ve got a different plan.

Kaldur noticed her movement. “Bloodstone! What are you—?”

“Buying us some time,” she called back.

Clayface turned his attention to her, noticing her break from the group. “More mud to play with,” the creature rumbled, his voice a deep, sinister growl. He shifted toward her, towering menacingly.

Bloodstone didn’t flinch. She grabbed the fire hose, yanking it free from its coil, and quickly located the valve. With a twist, a powerful jet of water burst forth.

The stream of water hit Clayface head-on, and his roar of triumph turned into a howl of frustration. His body began to destabilize, chunks of clay sloughing off as the water forcefully disrupted his structure.

“You don’t like that, do you?” Bloodstone taunted, narrowing her eyes as she adjusted her grip, aiming the hose with precision. She could feel her arms straining against the pressure, but she held firm.

Clayface staggered, his form collapsing into a sludgy mess under the relentless deluge. Bloodstone stepped forward, pushing the advantage.

"Guys, a little help would be nice!" she shouted over her shoulder.

Kaldur and Robin moved quickly, flanking Clayface with their respective attacks. Superboy leaped back into the fray, using his strength to pin down what remained of the creature’s structure while M’gann lifted a steel container with her telekinesis, slamming it down on the writhing pile of clay.

By the time Batman arrived, his dark silhouette appearing at the entrance to the warehouse, the scene was almost anticlimactic. Clayface was reduced to an inert puddle, with Bloodstone standing at the center, drenched from the hose and breathing heavily.

Batman’s eyes surveyed the scene, taking in the subdued foe and the exhausted Team. “Well done,” he said, his voice calm but commanding.

Evira smirked, shutting off the hose and letting it drop to the floor with a loud clang. “No need for the cavalry this time, huh?”

Batman stepped forward, his gaze lingering on the puddle that had been Clayface. “Water was an effective choice,” he acknowledged.

“Yeah, well,” Evira shrugged, crossing her arms “sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones.”

The Team regrouped around her, relief mingling with fatigue. Robin grinned, clapping Evira on the back. “Not bad, Bloodstone. I might even say… impressive.”

“Let’s not get carried away,” she replied, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress the small smile tugging at her lips.

As Batman prepared to transport the remnants of Clayface for containment.

Batman’s voice broke through the lingering tension. “Hit the showers and head home. Debrief tomorrow.”

The group began dispersing with visible relief, though Evira caught the subtle way Batman gestured for Aqualad to stay behind. She hesitated for a moment, curious, before shrugging and heading toward the exit with the others.

"Head home ?" Superboy asks as he raises his arms, gesturing to the Cave, an annoyed look on his features. "I am home."

"Just Aqualad." he says darkly, looking to his own protége. The thirteen-year-old looks up to Kaldur, who returns the look. Looking into the Cave Robin keeps his eyes away from Batman as he walks past him. 

Robin elbowed her lightly on the way out. “Not bad, Bloodstone. I think you’ve got a thing for these dramatic saves.”

Evira rolled her eyes. “Maybe I just like showing you all how it’s done.”

“Sure, keep telling yourself that,” Robin quipped, jogging ahead to catch up with the others.

As she passed Aqualad, she slowed down, tilting her head to look at him. “Hey, don’t beat yourself up over today. You’re a good leader. Better than most.”

Aqualad’s expression softened, and he nodded in appreciation. “Thank you, Evira.”

She hesitated for a second longer, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly. "You know, M’gann and Artemis were talking about you earlier. Something about a crush?”

Aqualad’s stoic demeanor cracked slightly, his brow furrowing. “I—”

Evira cut him off with a sly smirk. “Don’t worry. I don’t think it’s anyone here. You’ve got someone back in Atlantis, don’t you?”

His silence was all the confirmation she needed.

“Hah, thought so,” she said, shaking her head. “Lucky person. Don’t mess it up.” With that, she strolled off to join the others.

Batman watched Aqualad closely.

"The Team performed adequately." Batman started. "The problem was you. You're their leader, and your head wasn't in the game."

Aqualad instantly denies the accusation. "No, you are-" he sighs, "correct. Of late, I am not even convinced I belong on the surface world." he looks down once again, glancing at Batman for a moment, then finally looking to the side. "For so many years, it filled my every thought. But now that I am here, my dreams are all of Atlantis."

Batman’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Is it Atlantis? Or someone in Atlantis?”

The question lingered in the air like a challenge, and Aqualad’s silence spoke volumes.

“You have a choice to make,” Batman said. His tone was firm but not unkind. “Decide where you belong. If your focus is divided, the Team will suffer.”

As Aqualad stood silently, lost in thought, Batman considered the alternatives. His gaze briefly shifted to where Evira had disappeared with the rest of the Team. Bloodstone was proving to be more capable than he’d initially anticipated. Perhaps it was time to reassess her role within the Team.

The smell of something burning filled the air as Miss Martian hovered around the kitchen, attempting to juggle multiple tasks at once with her telekinesis. Superboy sat on the couch, staring intently at a blank TV screen, his broad shoulders slumped in what could only be described as a rare moment of aimless brooding.

“Would you like me to turn it on?” M’gann asked hopefully, glancing over her shoulder at him.

“No,” Superboy replied curtly, his eyes never leaving the darkened screen.

Undeterred, M’gann floated over to the counter, her hands deftly chopping vegetables. “Would you like to help me make dinner?”

“No,” came the same clipped reply.

But then, almost begrudgingly, Superboy rose from the couch and moved toward the kitchen. Without a word, he began arranging the ingredients she had haphazardly scattered across the counter.

As M’gann attempted to use her telekinesis to speed up the process, disaster struck. A flurry of ingredients: flour, eggs, and chopped vegetables hurtled through the air, colliding directly with Superboy. He stood there, covered in a mess of food, his expression unreadable.

“Oh no! I’m so sorry!” M’gann exclaimed, grabbing a dish towel and rushing over to clean him off. She dabbed at his shirt, her face a mix of panic and embarrassment.

Their eyes met for a brief moment. The world seemed to pause as they stared at each other, the tension hanging thick in the air.

Before anything could come of the moment, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the spell. Red Tornado entered the room, his gaze sweeping over the chaotic scene. M’gann was still holding the dish towel, and Superboy stood motionless, bits of food clinging to his clothes.

Red Tornado paused, then turned and left without a word.

Trailing behind him, Evira stepped into the room, holding a sleek case under one arm. She surveyed the scene, her brow arching. “Well, this is... charming.”

Superboy groaned, brushing bits of flour from his shirt. “What do you want, Evira?”

Unbothered by his tone, Evira walked over and set the case on the counter. “Two things. First, this.” She flipped the case open, revealing a set of documents.

Superboy leaned closer, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the contents. “Conner Solance?”

Evira smirked. “Yeah, we are now officially brother and sister. You’re welcome, by the way.”

He blinked, caught off guard. “You... you did this?”

She shrugged. “Let’s just say I know how to work the system. And Batman helped with the official stuff.”

Superboy picked up the papers, his expression softening. “Thanks,” he said, his voice quieter than usual.

Evira waved him off. “Don’t mention it. Literally.”

She reached back into the case and pulled out a second item: a sleek, dark suit with a distinctly punk aesthetic. The design was streamlined, practical, and bore the unmistakable crest of the House of El subtly embossed on the chest.

“No capes, no tights,” she said with a smirk, holding the suit up. “No offense.”

Conner stared at the suit, his eyes widening slightly. “You... made this?”

“Took some inspiration from the motorcycles we used and reverse-engineered a MONQI,” she said casually. “It’s reinforced, lightweight, and comes with hover shoes. You’ll be able to fly. Or close enough.”

For a moment, Conner was speechless. Then, slowly, he took the suit from her hands. “I... I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything,” Evira replied, crossing her arms. “Just don’t wreck it on your first mission.”

Conner gave a rare, small smile. “I won’t.”

Evira glanced back at him. “Just try to lighten up a little. You’re making the rest of us look bad.”

Without warning, Evira grabbed his arm and began pulling him toward the Zeta-Tube chamber.

“What are you doing?” he protested, his feet dragging slightly.

“Fixing your life,” Evira replied matter-of-factly. “You need more clothes, and your room is so depressing it might start sulking on its own. Come on.”

Conner dug his heels in slightly, forcing her to pause. “Wait a second...when were you even in my room?”

Evira raised an eyebrow, looking at him like he’d just asked her if water was wet. “When I noticed how bleak it was, obviously. Seriously, do you live there or just brood there? Either way, we’re solving it now.” She yanked his arm again, dragging him a few steps closer to the Zeta-Tube.

“I don’t need...”

“You do,” Evira interrupted, her tone brooking no argument. “And before you ask, yes, I have money. You know that junkyard we train at sometimes?”

Conner blinked. “Yeah?”

“Well, while you were punching old cars into scrap metal, I was salvaging parts, fixing them, and selling them online. Turns out, I’m pretty good at this whole ‘engineering’ thing. Who knew?”

“You’re serious?” Conner asked, his tone incredulous.

“Completely. Now, move it,” she ordered, giving him another shove toward the Zeta-Tubes.

As they neared the exit, Evira glanced back at M’gann, who was still cleaning up the kitchen. “Hey, Megan!”

M’gann looked up, her expression brightening. “Yes?”

“You want to come with us? We’re heading to Metropolis for some shopping,” Evira said casually. “You can give us some input. y’know, since you’re good at this kind of thing.”

M’gann’s face lit up. “Oh, absolutely! I’d love to help!”

Evira smirked knowingly. “Perfect. Let’s go.”

The bustling energy of the shopping mall was palpable as the trio strolled through the wide, polished corridors. Evira led the way, her pace brisk and determined, with Megan walking along beside her and Conner trailing behind, looking slightly out of place in his civilian clothes.

“What are we even looking for?” Conner grumbled.

“Everything,” Evira replied cryptically.

They had barely entered the central atrium when Evira suddenly stopped in her tracks, spotting a young boy waiting near the entrance of a tailoring shop. Without hesitation, she walked right up to him.

“Hey, kiddo,” she greeted, crouching slightly to meet his eye level.

“Evira!” the boy exclaimed, his face lighting up with recognition.

M’gann and Conner exchanged confused looks before M’gann asked, “Who’s this?”

Evira stood up and gestured to the boy with a small smile. “You remember the carnival? The kid I helped out there?”

Conner’s frown deepened in thought before realization dawned. “Wait, this is that kid?”

“Yep,” Evira confirmed. “Tim Drake.”

Tim beamed up at them, his shy demeanor momentarily replaced with excitement.

“Why’s he here?” M’gann asked.

Evira crossed her arms and smirked. “His parents needed him to get a new suit made, and I volunteered to help out. It’s not every day you find someone who actually listens when you give advice.” She ruffled Tim’s hair lightly. “Plus, I’m getting paid.”

Tim grinned. “You’re way better than the tailor my mom usually uses.”

“I aim to please,” Evira quipped, then turned back to the group. “Anyway, we’ve got errands to run. Let’s get started.”

As they moved through the mall together, Conner’s grumbling grew quieter, Megan happily walked between racks of stores, and Evira led the charge, her plans coming together with the efficiency only she could manage.

The salon buzzed with chatter and the hum of blow dryers. Evira nudged Conner toward one of the chairs, her blackout glasses glinting under the lights.

“You’ve been hanging out at that punk bar, haven’t you?” she asked, her tone a mix of teasing and insistence.

Conner groaned but nodded. “Yeah. What about it?”

“You need a look to match the vibe. Fades around the back, a little edge on top. Trust me.”

Before Conner could argue, the stylist ushered him into the chair, and Evira turned her attention to Tim. With a quick motion, she plopped him into the chair next to Conner’s.

“Your turn, kid. Curls for you.”

Tim blinked, his wide eyes darting between Evira and the stylist. “Curls?”

Evira grinned. “Yeah, you’ll look cute. Trust me.”

Nearby, Megan leaned against the counter, watching the process unfold. “Evira, how do you know so much about this stuff?” she asked, glancing at the various tools and products.

Evira shrugged nonchalantly. “Research. I spend a lot of time online looking up fashion and style trends. You pick up a thing or two.”

Megan nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer, and turned her attention to Conner, whose reflection was starting to show his transformed haircut.

When the stylist was done, Conner ran a hand over his new fade, examining himself in the mirror. “This... actually looks good,” he admitted begrudgingly.

“Of course it does,” Evira said, smirking.

Tim beamed at his reflection. “I look awesome!”

“Obviously,” Evira said, squeezing his cheeks.

Two figures circled each other, using magic to launch spheres of energy in a rapid exchange, neither able to land a direct hit.

Kaldur watched from a distance as Garth and Tula sparred, their movements sharp and refined. He could still recall training alongside them, how they had pushed each other to improve, to master their techniques. Now, as he observed, he recognized the progress they had made, yet their styles remained familiar. A part of him missed this the structured lessons, the steady rhythm of life beneath the sea, the certainty of his place among his people.

Garth leaped back, his purple eyes flashing as he summoned another orb, tattoos glowing white-blue along his arms. Kaldur had always admired his discipline, his control over magic, the way he calculated every strike before releasing it. It was different from how combat worked on the surface, where unpredictability was often the deciding factor between victory and failure.

Tula countered swiftly, her own tattoos flaring bright as she fired a rapid sequence of attacks, forcing Garth to react. Her skill had only grown since he left. He could see it in the confidence of her movements, the ease with which she adapted. It was strange, watching them now not as their equal in training, but as an outsider looking in.

Behind them, Queen Mera stood with a critical gaze, her arms crossed as she evaluated the match. "Your technique is excellent, but your choices remain predictable," she said, eyes locking onto Garth.

Kaldur had heard those words before directed at him in the past. Predictability was a weakness, one that had been difficult to shed. He had only begun to truly grasp improvisation after joining the Team.

The Queen continued, searching for the right words. "Combat sorcery requires… improvisation."

Kaldur chose that moment to make his presence known, rising over the rooftop’s edge. Mera turned first, her expression shifting from critical to relieved.

"Kaldur'ahm," she greeted, voice warmer than before. "Oh, so good to see you."

He felt a deep sense of comfort at her words at the familiarity of being back in Atlantis. But beneath it, there was an odd detachment. Had he really been gone so long that it felt foreign to return?

Tula and Garth turned as well, their expressions shifting to surprise before Tula’s face broke into a joyous smile. She called his name, and for a moment, the years fell away.

He smiled back at her, but as the Queen and Garth swam forward, he straightened his posture. His duty came first.

"Apologies, my Queen," he said formally, bringing his fist to his forehead and lowering his gaze. "I did not mean to interrupt."

Mera’s smile didn’t waver. "It is well," she assured, and he allowed himself to relax slightly.

"I have another class. Will I see you at dinner?" she asked.

"Yes, Your Majesty," he replied without hesitation.

"We shall talk then." With that, she turned and swam inside, leaving him with his old friends.

Tula approached first, her smile still warm. "You look well, Kaldur." She hugged him briefly, and he returned it without thinking.

"Yes, surface life agrees with you," Garth added.

Kaldur chuckled, but something about the comment gave him pause. Did it? Life on the surface was fast, chaotic in ways that Atlantis never was. He had formed bonds, found purpose, but there was always an undercurrent of uncertainty of knowing that every mission could be their last.

"You speak as if I have been gone for years, but it has only been..."

"Two months," Tula and Garth answered in perfect synchronization.

Kaldur blinked. That long? It hadn’t felt like it. Time had moved differently with the Team missions blurred together, days lost in constant training and fighting. He had barely stopped to think about how much time had passed.

"Then I must make up for lost time," he murmured, more to himself than to them.

Still, despite his fondness for his home, for the people he had grown up with, there was something… missing. He should have felt completely at ease here. Instead, there was a lingering sense of disconnect, like he was seeing everything from behind glass.

His thoughts shifted, unbidden, to the Team. To the cave. Evira.

It was odd how quickly she came to mind. She was the least predictable of them all calculating, sharp, always two steps ahead of everyone else. He had seen her work, and having just waking up from the pod. she had been different. 

He should have dismissed the thought entirely. He did dismiss it. There was no place for such distractions.

He turned back to his friends, refocusing.

"Tula, would you accompany me to dinner tonight at the palace?"

There was a beat of hesitation before she responded. "Of course."

Their exchanged look did not go unnoticed, though Kaldur chose not to comment. The past was the past. Whatever was left between them had long settled into something different, something distant.

He turned to Garth, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I wish I could invite you as well."

Garth’s gaze flickered briefly to Tula before he gave a small, resigned smile. "I made that choice long ago."

There was an unspoken understanding between them, one that no longer needed words.

"We have another class," Tula said suddenly, backing up slightly and taking Garth’s arm. "But I will see you tonight."

He nodded, watching as they left, the smallest of smiles forming on his lips. It was good to see them again.

And yet, as he remained behind, that lingering sense of detachment remained. The ocean surrounded him, familiar and constant, yet it no longer felt the same.

At the clothing store, Evira wasted no time picking out punk-inspired outfits for Conner. She thrust an armful of clothes into his hands and pointed to the dressing room.

“Try them on. All of them,” she ordered.

Conner emerged from the dressing room in a series of outfits, each one making Megan blush and nervously compliment him. Evira noticed the shy smiles and lingering glances between them but said nothing, busying herself with searching for clothes for herself.

“You look amazing,” she said, blushing slightly.

Conner gave her a small, shy smile. “Thanks.”

Evira noted the exchange but kept her focus on her own shopping, pretending not to care. It wasn’t like she was opposed to the two of them dancing around whatever… this was. But still, there was a faint, nagging sensation in the back of her mind something she couldn’t quite place. Maybe she was just being overly observant. Or maybe it was something else. 

She carried Tim on her hip as she browsed through the clothing racks. He fidgeted occasionally but didn’t protest being held. That, more than anything, caught her attention.Touch-starved.

Figures. Samuel had ranted enough about the Drakes' lack of presence, and now that she was seeing it firsthand, it was glaringly obvious. She adjusted her hold on Tim slightly, ensuring he was comfortable. He didn’t lean away. If anything, he seemed content. Should I… do something?

The thought was strange. Foreign. She had never been particularly nurturing: at least, not in the way most people expected. Sure, she could handle kids, talk them down, guide them when needed, and there was that time she build first year army to fight the giant squid with a boat, but that was mostly for the twins. but this? The casual affection? Holding him like this, without even thinking about it?

Her grip tightened slightly before she forced herself to relax. It’s just practical. He’s small. It’s easier to carry him. That’s all.

Even as she thought it, the excuse rang hollow.

She shook it off, grabbing a few items for herself before heading to the register.

When she paid for everything, Tim looked at her with wide eyes. “This is a lot of stuff.”

“Yeah, well, it’s necessary,” Evira replied, smirking.

The next stop was the tailor’s appointment. Evira handed Megan and Conner some cash. “You two go get food. I’ll handle this.”

Megan hesitated, but Conner gave a small nod, and the two left together.

Evira turned her attention to Tim, who stood awkwardly by. She quickly took charge, choosing fabrics and styles with ease. The tailor tried to argue with her selections, casting judgmental glances her way, but Evira waved them off, her confidence unwavering.

“This will look great on him,” she insisted, laying out her choices.

Tim looked at the suit as it came together, his expression lighting up with awe. “This is perfect!”

“Of course it is,” Evira replied, brushing off the praise.

Tim tugged at her sleeve. “Can I pay for the rest of the trip? As a thank you?”

“Nope,” Evira said flatly, picking him up again. “Let’s go.

Tim didn’t argue. He just leaned against her, small and oddly trusting.

And it hit her.

She was treating him like a baby.

Not in the demeaning way,Tim was too smart, too sharp for that but in the way she held him, fed him, comforted him without thinking. The realization twisted something inside her, an old wound she rarely let herself prod.

Alexander.

She hadn’t let herself think about her baby brother in so long. But now? Carrying Tim like this, instinctively checking his comfort, it felt the same.

For a brief moment, she could almost remember what it had been like, holding Alexander in her past life. He had been so small. So fragile. And then… she hadn’t been there anymore.

She swallowed hard.

That life was gone. That body her body had been left broken, incapable of ever bringing life into the world again. That particular damage had been permanent, carved deep from years of suffering. And now?

This body is different, it was alive, it was whole. And it was new. Would it be the same? Or had whatever created her ensured that particular flaw remained?

She had done research before, trying to understand the limits of what had been made of her. But she had never checked for that. Never even considered it.

But now?

She would have to.

She had no reason to want children none. It wasn’t even something she should be thinking about. And yet, standing here, Tim curled up against her like he belonged there, she felt something uneasy crawl beneath her skin.

No. Don’t think about it. Don’t start.

Pushing the thought down, she walked out of the shop with Tim in her arms, heading toward Megan and Conner.

Megan and Conner sat together, laughing softly over their food. Evira spotted them instantly and approached, dropping into the seat across from them. She barely had time to set Tim down before Megan smirked.

“You look like a mom, Evira.”

Evira rolled her eyes. “Shut up.”

Megan just giggled, clearly amused. Conner, meanwhile, raised an eyebrow at her but didn’t comment.

Tim, oblivious to her growing discomfort, just grabbed his food and started eating.

She let the conversation drift around her, but her mind wasn’t entirely present. She needed to check. Needed to know.

Because for the first time in a long time, she realized she wasn’t just looking at Tim as some mission, some favor she was being paid to complete.

And that?

That scared her more than anything.

Next, they headed to a shoe store. Evira forced Conner to try on every pair she picked out, ignoring his complaints.

“This is ridiculous,” Conner grumbled, crossing his arms as she handed him another box.

“No, this is called style. Now put them on,” she ordered, shoving the box at him with no room for negotiation.

Conner groaned but complied, slipping on yet another pair of boots while Megan giggled beside him. Tim sat on a bench, swinging his legs as he watched the exchange, munching on a snack Evira had slipped him earlier.

“These look exactly the same as the last ones,” Conner huffed.

“No, they don’t,” Evira corrected. “These have better soles, and they don’t look like something an off-brand lumberjack would wear.”

Megan hummed, tilting her head. “I think they look nice.”

Conner shot her a hopeful look. “See? They’re fine.”

Evira smirked. “She’s just saying that because she likes you.”

Megan turned bright red, sputtering, while Conner looked away quickly, tugging at the hem of his jacket. Tim snickered quietly, stuffing another bite of his snack into his mouth.

“Next pair,” Evira declared, completely unbothered.

The group’s next stop was a pet store. While the others lingered near the entrance, Evira went straight for the aisle with owl food, grabbing several large bags.

“Why are we here?” Conner asked, exasperated, as she loaded him up with more bags than necessary.

“Oh, an owl followed Evira home,” Megan explained as she glanced at Tim.

Tim’s eyes widened with interest. “What kind of owl?”

“A snowy owl,” Evira answered, tossing another bag into the cart. “It was injured, so I nursed it back to health.”

Tim’s entire face lit up. “Did you know that snowy owls can eat up to 1,600 lemmings a year? And their wingspan can reach four and a half feet wide? Oh! And males turn almost completely white as they age, while females keep their dark spots!”

Evira smirked, giving him an approving nod. “That’s right. You know your stuff, huh?”

Tim beamed. “I love owls! They’re one of the few birds that can see perfectly during the day and at night. And their feathers help them fly almost completely silently!”

He kept going, listing fact after fact, his excitement bubbling over as Evira casually listened, nodding along, occasionally offering small affirmations.

Megan watched the exchange with a fond smile. She had never seen Evira so… soft before. She wasn’t just tolerating Tim’s rambling she was genuinely engaging, letting him talk as much as he wanted, answering his questions with patience.

By the time Evira paid for the supplies, Tim was still talking. “Oh, and did you know”

Evira ruffled his curls. “Let’s save some facts for later, Professor.”

Tim grinned, bouncing slightly on his feet as he followed her out of the store.

Their next destination was a furniture retail store, which earned an immediate groan from Conner.

“Why are we here?” he whined.

“You need to decorate your room,” Evira said simply. “No brother of mine is living in a bare box.”

“I don’t need anything,” Conner insisted, arms crossed.

Evira gave him a look. “Too bad. You’re getting stuff anyway. Start picking.”

Conner scowled, looking around as if the sheer number of options was personally offending him. He had never thought about decorating before. What was he even supposed to choose? He had a bed. A dresser. A nightstand. What else did he need?

Megan, seeing his struggle, smiled. “Here, Conner, let’s start simple. What colors do you like?”

“Uh…” Conner hesitated. “Black?”

Evira rolled her eyes. “Yeah, no surprise there. But you can’t just have all black, that’s depressing.”

Megan hummed, grabbing a soft navy-blue throw blanket. “How about something like this? It’s still dark, but not all dark.”

Conner reached out, running his fingers over the fabric. It was… soft. Nice.

“…I guess that’s okay.”

Megan beamed. “Great! Let’s find more things that match!”

Evira, meanwhile, was not done. She grabbed a few shelving units and shoved them toward Conner. “Pick one.”

“Why do I need shelves?”

“To put stuff on.”

“I don’t have stuff.”

Evira gave him a long look. “Then get some.”

Conner sighed but eventually picked something. Megan, now in full decorator mode, excitedly picked out more things, fully absorbed in the process.

And, of course, Evira wasn’t letting her off the hook, either.

“Megan, you’re getting stuff too.”

Megan blinked. “Huh?”

Evira gestured to the showroom around them. “Your room’s too plain. You’re decorating it.”

Megan’s confusion quickly melted into excitement. “Oh! I get to pick things?”

“Yeah.”

Megan lit up and immediately began searching through the store, picking out cozy decorations, soft lighting, and little knick-knacks that made her smile.

Conner watched her, a small, almost hesitant smile forming on his lips. She looked happy.

Evira noticed.

Good.

As they continued, Evira grabbed things for her own room as well. The more she picked, the more her thoughts drifted.

Her old house had been a Victorian manor. Ornate. Full of life and detail. She had grown up with rich, intricate designs, hand-carved furniture, dramatic curtains, and walls that told stories.

And now?

Minimalist was the trend.

People were ripping apart beautiful, historic homes just to slap a plain coat of white paint on everything and call it modern. They were gutting warmth and character, all for something cold and empty.

For what?

She glanced around at the displays, at the sleek, lifeless designs that were so popular now. No. That wasn’t going to be her.

She wasn’t just buying things for a room. She was buying things for her home.

A temporary home, maybe. But it was a start.

I need to make more money. A lot more.

She wasn’t going to be stuck in a room in Mount Justice forever. That was just a place to stay, not a place to live.

Her eyes flicked to Conner. He deserved better, too.

I’ll make sure of it.

She didn’t say it out loud. Didn’t need to.

But as she tossed a final item into the cart, her mind was already planning the next step.

Their final stop was a garden store.

“What are we doing here?” Conner asked, looking around at the rows of plants and tools.

“I want to build a garden,” Evira said simply, loading a cart with items.

Tim tilted his head, curious. “How do you all know each other?”

Evira smirked, leaning down to whisper in his ear. “Conner’s my adopted little brother. And honestly? I’m mostly doing this to get those two to realize they like each other.”

Tim giggled, nodding. “I won’t tell.”

“Good,” she said, ruffling his curls.

As they moved through the store, Evira grabbed various supplies: water, oils, waxes, pigments, thickeners, emulsifiers, and preservatives.

“Why do you need all that?” Megan asked, watching as Evira added the items to the cart.

“Just a project,” Evira replied vaguely. If I’m going to make a mark in this world, I’ll do it my way. Cosplay feels close enough to my old life. Tribute, creativity, and a way to make some extra cash.

Then steering the cart toward the checkout.

"Our city was heavily damaged," King Orin tells Garth, Tula, and Kaldur. The teens stand with Orm before the King and Queen. "And many Atlanteans were injured. But it could've been far worse." He places his hand over his wife's stomach, a silent but heavy gesture. Queen Mera rests her hand over his, her expression composed, yet the flicker of fear in her eyes does not go unnoticed. "I am grateful to you all."

Kaldur bows his head slightly, taking in the solemn weight of his king’s words. It was always an honor to serve Atlantis, and yet, standing here now, back in the place that had once been his entire world, he felt... removed from it. Like a current pulling him in a different direction.

"This contains all that survived." In a small glass container that fits in the palm of the Prince's hand is what remains of the Sea Star. "It is already regenerating. The Star requires further research." That much is obvious. "With the Dome compromised, we cannot safely secure or study it here in Atlantis." The Prince looks to Kaldur. "Perhaps the Surface World can do better."

The Surface World. His other world. His mind flickers to the team, to the mission waiting for him beyond the depths. To Evira, whose sharp tongue and unpredictable nature had, somehow, become something he’d grown accustomed to. Something he almost No. That was not a thought he should entertain.

"I'm sure they will be eager to try," Orin tells his brother. Then his gaze shifts to Kaldur. "Kaldur?"

The teen straightens, stepping forward without hesitation. "Call me Aqualad, my King."

The King’s mouth raises in a small smile, one of understanding and quiet pride. Kaldur knows what this means what this reaffirms. He is of Atlantis, but he has chosen another path. And yet, the weight of that choice presses on him more now than it ever has before.

The Zeta Tube waits behind him, a portal to the life he has forged above the surface. The life he now belongs to.

Tula, Garth, and Kaldur are the only three that remain in front of it.

"Kaldur—I—we—that is…" Tula stumbles, unsure how to say what she wants to.

Kaldur understands. He always has. And so, instead of making this harder, he simply places a hand on her shoulder, then Garth’s. "I wish you both nothing but the best," he tells them honestly.

It is not a lie.

Still, as he hugs Tula and prepares to step away, there is a strange hollowness in his chest, one he refuses to dwell on.

He heads to the Zeta Tube but pauses, glancing over his shoulder at Garth. "Have you ever wondered what would have happened if I had stayed behind and you had become Aqualad?"

"Never," Garth tells his old friend with a smile.

Kaldur exhales, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. "No, neither have I," he agrees.

And yet, as he turns away, stepping toward the Zeta Tube that will take him back to his team, a single thought lingers.

Would Atlantis ever feel like home again?

Or had he already found that elsewhere?

His mind flickers to the team, to the responsibilities waiting for him. To the battles that would inevitably come. And to Evira who was, by all accounts, the most infuriating, stubborn, security person he had ever met.

And yet…No.

He shakes the thought away, straightening his shoulders.

There is no time for distraction.

The light of the Zeta Tube engulfs him.

Recognize:

Aqualad; B-0-2

As Kaldur stepped through, the familiar light fading as he re-entered Mount Justice. He took a measured breath, ready to refocus himself after his time in Atlantis.

Then he walked straight into madness.

The living quarters, usually neat and functional, had been transformed into a battlefield of furniture assembly. Boxes and packaging materials were strewn across the floor, half-built furniture pieces leaning at odd angles as the team struggled to put them together.

At the center of it all stood Evira, commanding the operation like a general leading troops into battle.

“Conner, move that bookshelf against the wall....no, not that wall, the other one! Artemis, hold that piece steady for Megan! Robin, don’t just build, read the damn instructions first!"

Robin kneeling over a half-built bookshelf, glanced up from his work. “Yeah, yeah, I got it,” he said, flipping the panel with a practiced ease.

“I am!” Artemis shot back. She was standing beside M’gann, pointing at an instruction booklet. “See? In human culture, we use these diagrams instead of just figuring it out on instinct. If it looks like a nightmare, that’s how you know it’s right.”

M’gann furrowed her brow. “That… seems inefficient.”

“Welcome to Earth,” Artemis muttered, handing her a screwdriver.

She turned sharply toward Wally, who was casually sitting on the couch with a bag of chips, doing nothing.

“You’ve been useless this entire time.”Evira snapped, arms crossed.

Wally shrugged, unfazed. “Hey, I helped carry the bags.”

“For five minutes!”

“And now I’m taking a well-deserved break.”

Evira narrowed her eyes. “Get up, or I’m feeding you to the owl.”

At the mention of the owl, Kaldur noticed another problem.

Perched on a nearby chair was Hedwig, Evira’s snowy owl, currently tearing into one of the brand-new bags of food Evira had just bought.

And she wasn’t alone.

The Mist, the eerie sentient fog Evira had somehow befriended, was also wreaking havoc. The wisps of living mist had slithered into another bag, absorbing spilled grains and pellets, swirling with odd colors. It was an absolute mess.

Evira caught sight of this at the same time Kaldur did.

Her eye twitched.

“HEDWIG, NO!”

The owl ignored her, happily ripping the plastic apart.

Evira groaned, rubbing her temples.

Kaldur watched as Robin, focused and determined, was putting together a set of shelves with the speed and skill of someone who had done this before.

Meanwhile, Wally was still on the couch, watching the chaos unfold like it was prime entertainment.

Artemis, on the other hand, was actually being useful. She was kneeling beside Megan, helping her navigate the confusing process of furniture assembly.

“So, on Earth, when you move into a new place, it’s normal to decorate it to match your personality,” Artemis explained, handing Megan a screwdriver.

Megan’s face lit up with excitement. “Oh! That makes sense! It’s like a way to make a space feel more like home!”

“Exactly.”

Kaldur turned his attention to Conner, who was wordlessly lifting and moving everything that Wally claimed was "too heavy."

Despite the chaos, things were progressing. Somehow.

And in the very back of the room, standing stiffly with his arms crossed, was Batman.He wasn’t interfering, wasn’t questioning what was happening. He was simply watching.

He and Evira were locked in an intense staring match.

Kaldur could practically feel the tension.

Evira stared back.

Neither spoke.

Batman’s usual unreadable expression was firmly in place, but Evira? Evira wasn’t backing down. Arms crossed, eyes sharp, she looked ready to fight him on something.

“You seriously expected a bunch of teenagers to live here without giving them a single dollar to decorate their own damn rooms?” she said, voice sharp with disbelief.

Batman said nothing.

“Oh wait, sorry..” Evira continued, placing a hand over her chest in mock realization. “...I forgot. You probably just assumed Robin would take care of everything, like he already does with your entire life.”

That got a reaction.

Robin who had been very focused on the shelf he was building, snorted loudly.

Wally choked on his chips. “Oh, damn....”

Batman’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

Evira wasn’t done.

“I mean, seriously. You’re literally the richest man on the planet, and you didn’t think to give your ‘Team’ a budget? No furniture allowance? No supplies? Nothing?”

Batman’s silence only made her push further.

“You’re running around Gotham at night adopting traumatized orphans and throwing them into crime-fighting, but you can’t even buy them a decent couch? Maybe you should read a parenting book, big guy.”

Kaldur slowly turned his head toward Batman, waiting for a response.

After a long pause, Batman finally spoke.

“The Team does not require..”

“They do require,” Evira cut in, stepping closer. “If you want them to function properly, they need a space that actually feels like theirs. A place to breathe. You can’t just shove them into an empty base and expect them to be fine.”

Kaldur had to admit… She wasn’t wrong.

Robin, very carefully, avoided looking at Batman.

Artemis glanced between them with wide eyes.

Megan bit her lip, looking nervous.

Conner, who had spent his entire life in a literal test tube, didn’t really understand all of this, but he trusted Evira.

And Wally?

Wally was grinning. “She’s got a point, Bats.”

Evira folded her arms again, victorious.

Batman sighed, adjusting his cape. “I’ll consider it.”

Evira smirked. “Good. Because this team deserves better.”

Silence 

“Wally, if you don’t get off your ass and help, I’m going to throw you out the Zeta Tube,” Evira snapped, finally breaking the moment.

Batman didn’t react.

Wally groaned, setting his food aside. “Fiiiiiine.”

As the chaos continued around him, Kaldur simply sighed.

This was his team.

And this was what he had returned to.

Chapter Text

The desert stretched endlessly under the blazing sun, heatwaves shimmering on the horizon. Miss Martian blinked against the light, She groans as she pushes herself into a sitting position. Kyatchaa s'lamoth… (Ohh, my head)She looks up.K'azzarr M'gann? N'da M'arzz. (Where am I? This can't be Mars.) 

She looks to the sky. Ah'lunzz? (One moon?) Then sifts sand through her fingers. Sesess perakazz? Hw'asheta! (White sand? Oxygen!)

She bumps her head lightly with her hand. "Hello, Megan. I'm on Earth." she walks down a slope. But how did I get on Earth? Why am I wearing this costume? she brings a hand to her head. And why does my head hurt so much?

The sharp crunch of boots on sand snapped her head up. A figure landed with a resounding thud, sending a plume of dust swirling around him. The imposing young man’s blue eyes locked on hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. His chest bore a symbol she knew well: the iconic S-shield.

“Superman?” she ventured, hope and confusion mingling in her voice.

He didn’t reply. Instead, he growled low in his throat, tearing his shirt away, the tattered fabric fluttered to the ground as he lunged toward her with a primal roar.

Instinctively, she raised a hand, her telekinetic power forming an invisible barrier that deflected him mid-leap. He skidded to a stop, his fists clenching in frustration before bounding away with a tremendous leap, disappearing into the desert’s expanse.

Miss Martian collapsed onto her knees, her breath shallow. Her trembling hands clutched the sand.

Not a dream. She thinks to herself, hugging herself tightly. A nightmare.

"Those are Bialyan Republic Army uniforms." he starts his HoloGlove. "But what are Bialyans doing in-" his thought process breaks as he looks at his location on the map. "Uh, Bialya? okay, better question: what am I doing in Bialya-" his gaze goes straight to the date on the bottom of his HoloScreen. Reading 12:02; 04-09. His eyes go wide in shock. "in September?! What happened to March? Better radio Batman." his finger going to his comm set.

"Maintain radio silence at all times." he remembers his mentor saying."Or not." he muses.

A fragment of fabric snagged on a nearby rock caught his eye. Robin plucked it free, holding it up to the light. The black material, emblazoned with a tattered red S, sent a chill down his spine.

Kid Flash's voice can be heard. "Hey. Beautiful. Wake up."

Artemis startled awake, her hand instinctively reaching for her bow. The boy standing over her raised his hands in surrender, his grin attempting to disarm her.

“Whoa, easy there!” he said, his fiery red hair catching the sunlight streaming through a broken window. “Name’s Kid Flash. We’re teammates, remember?”

"Hey, it's okay. It's okay. I won't hurt you. I'm one of the good guys." he says, finally standing up. "You know, Kid Flash."

"Seen Kid Flash on the news. He doesn't wear black." Artemis scrutinizes.

KF looks down, just as confused as she is. "Uh, little unclear on that myself. What about you? Green Arrow fixation?" he chuckles at his own joke.

Artemis looks down, shock covering her features and showing in her posture. "Who put me in this!?"

KF's eyes go wide. "Wow. I am not touching that with a ten foot- uh, so you know how to use that bow?" he changes the subject."Yeah, my dad taught me…" she admits, the fear falls from her posture, only to be replaced by anger. This has to be one of my father’s tests. He’s watching, waiting for me to fail.

When the sound of an incoming missile pierced the air, both teens bolted out of the cabin just as it exploded in a fiery eruption. A Humvee screeched to a halt, and soldiers poured out, weapons trained on them.

Artemis nocked an explosive arrow and let it fly, flipping the vehicle on its side. The soldiers opened fire, but Kid Flash whisked her away at superspeed before they could regroup.

“Thanks for that,” she muttered as they slowed to a stop.

“Anytime,” he said, catching his breath. “Now, can we figure out what’s going on?”

Ev’ra blinked awake to the blinding light of the desert, her vision swimming as the heat bore down on her. She sat up, her movements sharp but uncoordinated, like a predator testing its body after a long hibernation. The tactical suit she wore clung to her like a second skin, confining and foreign. Her fingers clawed at the helmet, tearing it off with a growl of frustration. 

Wild strands of hair spilled free, brushing against her face. She inhaled deeply, savoring the raw, unfiltered air.

She looked down at her gloves, flexing her fingers against the restriction. Something about them felt wrong, nails pushed against the fabric. Without hesitation, she yanked them off, revealing clawed fingers, her boots came next. 

She wanted to feel the earth beneath her, to connect to something real. The sand was hot and coarse against her bare feet, but she liked it.

A sound drew her attention, a groan, weak and pained  but rhythmic, almost like labored breathing. She turned sharply, she crept across the sand, her movements fluid and almost animalistic, until she spotted him: a man.

Lying half-buried in the sand was a figure; male, dark-skinned, muscular, and clearly injured. His chest rose and fell with effort, and his lips were cracked from dehydration. Something in her chest stirred, a flicker of recognition that she couldn’t quite place.

She crouched beside him, tilting her head like a curious animal inspecting prey. His dark skin glistened with sweat, his chest rising and falling unevenly. Her gaze roamed over his face, lingering on his strong jawline and the intricate beaded necklace resting against his chest.

He was beautiful in a way that stirred something primal in her. Her lips curved into a small, wicked smile as she leaned closer.

“You’re alive,” she said, her voice low and almost disbelieving.

The man groaned, his eyes fluttering open for a brief moment before closing again. His breath hitched, and a guttural sound escaped his throat. He was dying.

She stared down at her hands, the black veins running beneath her skin catching her eye. The sight sent a jolt of exhilaration through her.

Blood could fix this.

Without hesitation, she slashed a shallow cut across her palm, watching the dark red liquid well up. Her blood glimmered faintly, she placed her bleeding hand against the man’s wound. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the energy surged through her, through him

The sensation was electrifying, chaotic, and utterly intoxicating. She felt his body twitch beneath her touch, his breathing growing steadier as the wound began to close.

The man groaned again, his eyes fluttering open just enough to meet hers. His gaze was glassy with exhaustion, but there was a flicker of awareness, of confusion.

“Who… are you?” he rasped.

Her smile widened, sharp and feral. “I don’t know,” she admitted, her voice carrying a strange mix of amusement and honesty. “But you’re alive, and that’s interesting.”

Before he could respond, the faint sound of engines reached her ears. Her head whipped around, A line of vehicles was cresting the distant dunes, their forms shimmering in the heat. Soldiers.

Her heart began to pound, adrenaline flooding her veins. A thrill coursed through her, wild and untamed. She turned back to the man, “Stay here,” she ordered, though she doubted he was in any condition to move.

She stood, her claws flexing as her excitement built. The soldiers were closer now, their voices carrying over the desert wind. Without waiting for them to make the first move, she sprang forward, her movements a blur of speed and precision.

The first soldier didn’t even have time to scream. Her claws tore through him, blood splattering across the sand as his body crumpled. The second raised his weapon, but she was faster, twisting his arm with a sickening crack before slashing his throat.

The world around her faded into a haze of red and heat. She moved like a force of nature, unstoppable and unrelenting. Each kill sent a surge of satisfaction through her, a primal joy that she didn’t fully understand but didn’t question.

When the last soldier fell, she stood amidst the carnage, her chest heaving and her body trembling with exhilaration. The sand was stained red around her, and the air was thick with the metallic scent of blood.

She turned back to the man, who was staring at her with wide, disbelieving eyes. His expression was a mixture of fear and awe.

“What… are you?” he asked, his voice barely audible.

She laughed softly, running a clawed hand through her wild hair. “I don’t know,” she said again, her tone playful but edged with something darker. She crouched beside him, leaning in close enough that their faces were only inches apart.

“But you’re lucky I’m on your side,” she added, her voice a low purr.

The man swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “I’m Kaldur’ahm,” he said finally, his voice steadier than she expected. “Aqualad. And you… you saved me.”

“Did I?” she asked, tilting her head. Her claws brushed against his cheek, light but deliberate. “I suppose I did.”

Her gaze dropped to his lips, and for a moment, she considered kissing him. The thought sent a jolt of excitement through her, but before she could act on it, the whisper in her mind interrupted: Move. Keep going.

She pulled back with a sigh, standing and offering him her hand. “Come on, Kaldur’ahm. We’ve got places to be.”

He hesitated before taking her hand, his grip firm despite his injuries. She hauled him to his feet effortlessly, supporting him as they began to walk.

“Where are we going?” he asked, his voice cautious.

She smiled, baring her teeth. “Wherever the wind takes us.”

And with that, they disappeared into the desert, leaving behind the blood-soaked sand.

I'm actually on Earth. M'gann thinks excitedly as she flies around the desert landscape . I've wanted this for so long… even if it's not exactly like TV. She makes a loop around a rock formation that stands tall in the air before coming to a stop between two tree carcasses . But why can't I remember how I got here? She sits cross-legged, but still floating in the air. Concentrate. Remember. Her eyes open, glowing white.

She glanced toward the group, her heart swelling at the sight of them together. 

Superboy stands tall in front of a large machine, looking at the control panel."Good idea. Go." 

Aqualad's voice instructs."Be careful." Superboy tells M'gann with a small smile.

Wally zipped around the room, a blur of motion and energy. Artemis leaned against the wall, half-listening to Robin as he shared some gadget-related observation. And Evira, was perched near the doorway, her expression unreadable but her posture relaxed.

“Careful, Superboy, they’re hot,” she said, lifting the tray toward him with both hands.

He stepped forward, his movements steady and sure, and reached for one. His hand barely touched the cookie before a blur shot past, snatching it away.

“Not as hot as you, babe,” Wally quipped, tossing the cookie into his mouth with a grin.

M’gann’s cheeks turned a darker shade of green as she looked away, unsure whether to laugh or feel embarrassed. “Uh, thanks, Wally. That’s, uh… sweet,” she said hesitantly, trying to recover.

“Not as sweet as you, sugar,” Wally added with a wink, swallowing the cookie in one loud gulp.

A sharp smack to the back of his head made him stumble slightly.

“Oh, grow up!” Artemis snapped, her voice dripping with irritation. She grabbed a cookie for herself, ignoring the speedster’s pout.

M’gann giggled softly, relieved that someone else had stepped in. Her gaze shifted to Superboy, who was watching Wally with a mixture of annoyance and amusement.

“Team dynamics,” she thought, suppressing a laugh. “It’s messy, but it works.”

“Careful,” Evira’s voice cut in, drawing M’gann’s attention.  She strode over, her expression as sharp as ever. She picked up a cookie, before taking a deliberate bite. “You’re setting a dangerous precedent, baking for this crowd. They’ll start expecting it.”

M’gann smiled. “I don’t mind,” she said earnestly. “It’s fun, and it’s… nice. Doing something for everyone.”

Evira raised a brow but didn’t argue. Instead, she smirked faintly, her eyes flicking toward Superboy and Wally. “Well, at least it’s entertaining.”

Before anyone could respond, Batman’s voice came through the speakers, sharp and commanding.

“Team, report to the mission room.”

M’gann straightened immediately, her focus shifting to the hallway. Her excitement bubbled up again, even as she tried to appear calm.

“I’m on a team,” she thought again, her smile widening. “I have friends, and a Superboy who might be…” Her thoughts trailed off, her gaze lingering on the tall, quiet figure near the counter.

“Earth to M’gann,” Evira’s voice broke in, laced with amusement. “Don’t let Batman catch you spacing out. He’ll have you scrubbing the Bio-Ship’s hull with a toothbrush.”

M’gann blinked, snapping out of her daydream. “Right! Of course. Coming!”

The group started moving, filing toward the mission room. M’gann fell into step behind them, her thoughts still swirling with a mix of joy and determination.

“I have to find him...them,” she corrected herself firmly. “We’re a team. We’re stronger together.”

She reached out tentatively with her telepathy, her mental voice soft and hopeful. Hello? Um, Team?

She told herself they were just out of range, that it was nothing to worry about.

The desert sun blazed high, the heat radiating off the sand in shimmering waves. Wally came to an unsteady stop on the far side of a small ravine, using the shade of a rocky outcrop to shield them from the oppressive afternoon heat. He set Artemis down, his hands on his knees as he bent over, panting.

"Sorry. Running on empty," Wally admitted, wiping his brow. He stood straighter but was still catching his breath. "Haven’t eaten in a while. Been out here over 24 hours. My cupboards wouldn’t be bare if I’d known we’d get stranded in a desert."

Artemis gave him a look that combined irritation, confusion, and just a bit of disappointment. Before she could respond, a loud thud startled them both as Superboy landed between them, kicking up a cloud of sand and dust.

Wally’s eyes widened, but he didn’t have time to react before Superboy turned on him with a roar. The backhand came out of nowhere, sending Wally tumbling into the ravine.

“Superboy, stop!” Artemis shouted, her voice echoing off the rocks, but his wild eyes locked onto her next. She immediately backflipped away, narrowly dodging his lunging attack.

Above the chaos, the faint hum of approaching engines grew louder.

Far across the dunes, Ev'ra walked barefoot alongside Kaldur’ahm, her steps purposeful yet leisurely. The sand clung to her skin, warm and gritty, and she reveled in the sensation. Every grain beneath her feet felt like a connection to something primal.

Her wild black hair hung loose around her face, framing her mischievous grin as she glanced at Kaldur, who trudged along with a cautious determination.

“You’re fun to look at, you know that?” she teased, her tone a mix of genuine amusement and playful sincerity.

Kaldur gave her a wary side-eye. “You’re... not what I expected.”

She laughed, the sound sharp and untamed. “I’m not sure what I am. So I guess that makes two of us.”

The sound of engines caught her attention. Ev'ra froze mid-step, her eyes narrowing as her head tilted like a predator catching a scent. Her claws flexed reflexively.

“They’re back,” she murmured, more to herself than Kaldur.

He stepped beside her, his stance defensive despite his obvious exhaustion. “We need a plan.”

Ev'ra scoffed, the grin on her face twisting into something sharper. “Plans are boring.”

Without waiting for him to respond, she broke into a run, her movements fluid and feral. The first Humvee crested a dune, its gunner swiveling the mounted weapon to take aim. Ev'ra was on them in an instant, leaping onto the vehicle with unnatural speed. Her claws tore through the gunner’s chest in a single, brutal motion. Blood sprayed across her face, and she laughed a sound filled with exhilaration.

She ripped the weapon free, hurling it at another vehicle with enough force to shatter its windshield. The driver lost control, the vehicle veering off into a sand dune and flipping over.

Kaldur hurried after her, his breath catching as he witnessed the carnage. Soldiers spilled out of the remaining trucks, shouting commands as they raised their weapons.

Ev'ra sprinted toward them, bullets grazing her skin but failing to stop her. She ducked low, swiping at the legs of one soldier before pouncing on another. Her claws raked across his throat as she pinned him to the sand. Each movement was wild and unrestrained, more animal than human.

When it was over, the soldiers lay scattered in the sand, their blood darkening the golden dunes.

Evi'a turned back toward Kaldur, her chest heaving as her wild grin returned. “You’re safe,” she said casually, as if the carnage around her were inconsequential.

Before Kaldur could respond, a low growl reached their ears. Superboy emerged from the nearby ravine, his expression twisted with rage. He charged toward Ev'ra, fists clenched.

She smirked, stepping forward with an almost predatory delight. “Oh, you want to play?”

Superboy swung at her, but Ev'ra ducked and darted around him with unnerving agility. Her claws raked across his shoulder as she twisted away, leaving a trail of blood.

“You’re strong,” she taunted, her voice filled with wild glee. “But strength isn’t enough.”

Superboy roared and lunged again, but this time she met him head-on, her blood-red claws slashing in precise arcs. She moved like a force of nature, each attack wild yet calculated, her movements more instinct than strategy.

In a final surge, she tackled him to the ground, pinning him beneath her with her claws inches from his throat. Her wild hair framed her face as she leaned in close, her breath hot against his skin.

“Down, boy,” she purred, her voice teasing yet commanding.

Superboy thrashed beneath her, his strength undeniable, but she held firm, her claws pressing just enough to remind him who was in control. For a moment, he stilled, his rage faltering as confusion flickered across his face.

Ev'ra leaned down, her face inches from his, her grin softening into something almost affectionate. “You’re a good one, aren’t you?”

Superboy blinked up at her, his anger giving way to bewilderment.

“I’ve decided,” Ev'ra announced suddenly, sitting back and crossing her legs on top of him as if he were a cushion. “I’m adopting you.”

“What?” Kaldur’s voice broke through her declaration, his tone incredulous.

Ev'ra ignored him, her hand reaching out to stroke Superboy’s hair. She purred softly, the sound low and almost soothing. “You’re strong, confused, and cute; just the way I like them.”

Superboy didn’t know how to react. He lay there, caught between fight and surrender, as Ev'ra continued to pet him like a prized animal.

Kaldur finally intervened, stepping closer. “Ev'ra, let him up. We need to figure out what’s going on with him.”

“Fine,” she relented with a dramatic sigh, standing and brushing the sand off her legs. She glanced down at Superboy, her expression playful. “But remember, you’re mine now.”

Superboy sat up cautiously, his eyes darting between her and Kaldur.

As the three regrouped, the faint hum of another engine reached their ears. Ev'ra’s grin returned, her claws flexing. “Looks like the fun’s not over yet.”

Kaldur placed a steadying hand on her arm. “This time, we make a plan.”

She sighed but didn’t argue, the thrill of battle still flickering in her eyes as the team prepared for what was to come.

The desert was calm beneath the crescent moon, the sands bathed in pale light. A tense silence hung in the air, broken only by the distant sound of movement. Robin crested a dune, his Holomap flickering faintly in his hand. He frowned, tapping the screen.

"I wish I could remember why I put a GPS marker here," he muttered.

As he reached the top, he froze. Below, a group of soldiers scrambled to regroup around a large machine partially buried in the sand. Standing among the chaos were three figures Superboy, Kaldur, and Ev'ra.

Superboy roared, grabbing a soldier and hurling him into another, the impact echoing across the dunes. Kaldur moved with precision, his water bearers forming tendrils that disarmed and incapacitated soldiers with practiced efficiency. Ev'ra, on the other hand, was a whirlwind of destruction, her claws slicing through weapons, gear, and uniforms with feral glee.

One soldier yelled, “Sahibit il galala tureadahoo hayan!” ("Her Majesty wants him alive!")

Robin’s frown deepened. He dropped into a crouch, pulling out a birdarang. “This is getting out of hand.”

He leapt from the dune, landing near the machine. The soldiers turned, startled, but he was already moving. Smoke bombs burst around him, masking his presence as he darted between them, knocking out their weapons and taking them down with rapid strikes.

In the haze, Ev'ra’s eyes snapped to the Boy Wonder, her instincts flaring.

Robin ducked a soldier’s wild punch, but before he could counter, Ev'ra was on him.

“Stay down, little bird!” she growled, her claws flashing.

Robin barely managed to block her strike with a birdarang, the force of the blow sending him skidding back. “Evira, stop! I’m not your enemy!” he shouted.

She lunged again, undeterred. “Prove it!”

Before she could land another strike, Kaldur stepped between them, his voice commanding. “Ev'ra, stand down!”

Her claws halted mid-swing, inches from Kaldur’s shoulder. She blinked, her feral snarl softening as she processed his words.

“These are our allies,” Kaldur said firmly, gesturing to Robin and the others now arriving on the scene Kid Flash and Artemis, who slid down the dunes, weapons ready.

Ev'ra’s eyes darted between the newcomers and her companions, her demeanor shifting in an instant. Her claws retracted, and a wide grin spread across her face.

“Allies?” she said, her tone abruptly cheerful. Her gaze locked onto Robin, who stood frozen, birdarang still in hand. She bounded forward, wrapping him in a tight hug.

“You’re mine now!” she declared, her voice brimming with delight.

“What?!” Robin sputtered, caught completely off guard.

Ev'ra pulled back slightly, tilting her head to examine him. “You’re so cute,” she said, pinching his cheeks with surprising gentleness. “All serious and frowny. I like it.”

Robin tried to wriggle free, but her grip was surprisingly strong. “Uh, thanks? But maybe we can..”

“You’re definitely staying with me,” Ev'ra interrupted, petting his hair as if he were a particularly adorable pet. She began purring softly, a low, almost soothing sound.

Kid Flash blinked, unsure whether to laugh or be alarmed. “Is she… purring?” he asked, looking at Kaldur.

“She does that,” Kaldur replied dryly.

Evira glanced at Kid Flash and Artemis, her sharp gaze narrowing slightly as she studied them. Her nostrils flared, and a sly grin crossed her face.

“Oh, how interesting,” she said, stepping closer to the pair. “Your blood... It reacts with each other. A match.”

Wally raised an eyebrow. “A match? What are you talking about?”

Evira smirked, leaning in conspiratorially. “Congratulations on the mating bond,” she said, her tone teasing but sincere. “It’s very cute.”

Artemis and Wally exchanged wide-eyed looks, their faces reddening in unison.

“Wait—what?!” Wally stammered. “We’re not...”

“I knew it!” Artemis snapped, her voice high-pitched with a mix of irritation and embarrassment. “I knew you were weird!”

Evira’s attention shifted as M’gann floated down, her gaze narrowing slightly when she saw Evira’s hand resting on Superboy’s shoulder. M’gann’s lips tightened, her expression a mix of confusion and jealousy.

Evira’s sharp eyes caught the subtle shift in the Martian’s demeanor. She smirked knowingly, stepping closer to M’gann.

“Oh, how interesting,” she said, circling M’gann as if inspecting her. “Your blood... it’s reacting.”

M’gann blinked. “Reacting?”

“To him, ” Evira said, pointing a clawed finger at Superboy. “Your blood practically sings for him. A courtship, hmm?”

Superboy frowned, looking between the two. “What are you talking about?”

Evira chuckled, patting his shoulder. “You don’t feel it, do you? That’s alright. It’ll come. Eventually.”

M’gann’s cheeks turned a faint green as she looked away, flustered.

Evira’s smirk widened. “Well, lucky you. I approve. You’re sweet...awkward, but sweet.”

M’gann’s eyes darted back to Evira, unsure whether to feel relieved or insulted.

Evira returned her attention to Robin, pinching his cheeks again. “But you,” she said, her tone turning playful, “are just adorable. I think I’ll keep you too.”

Robin finally managed to pull free, straightening his cape with a huff. “I’m not part of your collection,” he grumbled.

Evira laughed, petting his head one last time. “You’ll thank me later.”

Superboy, who had been silent throughout most of the exchange, crossed his arms and smirked. “You get used to it,” he muttered.

Kaldur sighed, his tone weary. “Evira, if we are done bonding, we have more pressing matters to address.”

Evira tilted her head, her grin never fading. “Of course, my lovely fish boy,” she said, giving him a playful wink.

Wally leaned toward Artemis, whispering, “Six months of memory loss, and somehow she’s the weirdest part of all this.”

Artemis rolled her eyes, still red-faced from earlier. “Shut up, Wally.”

As the group began to regroup, Evira lingered near Superboy, stroking his hair absently as her purring resumed.

“We’re going to make such a great family,” she said dreamily, ignoring the incredulous looks from the rest of the team.

Robin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “This is going to be a long night.”

Artemis crossed her arms, glaring at Wally as he poked at his suit’s emblem again, his grin as wide as a kid in a candy store.

“Quit touching yourself!” she snapped, her irritation sharp enough to make everyone pause. except Wally, who poked the emblem one last time with a cheeky smirk.

“We need our memories back,” Artemis continued, her voice taut with frustration.

M’gann stood off to the side, nervously rubbing her hands together, glancing at the others but saying nothing. The tension in the group was thick, the weight of six months of lost memories pressing down on all of them.

Evira, perched casually on a nearby rock, stretched her arms lazily and let out a dramatic sigh. “I don’t know why you’re all so worried about these ‘mentors’ of yours,” she said, her tone dripping with disdain.

The statement made everyone turn toward her, their expressions a mix of confusion and curiosity.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Robin asked, his tone cautious but curious.

Evira shrugged, her claws tracing lazy circles in the air. “It’s obvious, isn’t it? Your mentors aren’t taking care of their kitties properly.”

“ Kitties ?” Wally repeated, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, kitties,” Evira said matter-of-factly, gesturing at the group. “That’s what you are a little pack of confused, lost kitties. And your so-called mentors are doing a terrible job.”

Kaldur frowned, his brow furrowing. “That’s a bold claim, Evira. What makes you say that?”

Evira tilted her head, her expression one of genuine confusion, as if the answer were self-evident. “Look at you. Half of you can barely function without second-guessing yourselves. You’ve got no memories, no plan, and no real support. You’re floundering.”

“That’s not fair,” M’gann interjected, her voice trembling slightly. “We don’t even know what happened yet. They might be trying to help us right now!”

Evira rolled her eyes. “If they cared, they’d have been here by now. Instead, you’re all out here in the middle of a desert, getting shot at and nearly killed. That’s not care. That’s neglect.”

Robin bristled, stepping forward. “You don’t even know them. Batman-”

“-is just some broody guy in a cape,” Evira interrupted, waving her hand dismissively. “I mean, I get it dark and mysterious, ooooh, scary. But where is he when you need him?”

Robin’s jaw tightened, his cheeks flushing slightly. “He trained me to handle myself.”

“Sure,” Evira said with a smirk. “And yet here you are, memory-wiped and bickering with your team instead of leading them.”

Robin opened his mouth to retort, but no words came out. Instead, he crossed his arms, glaring at her.

“And what about the others?” Artemis chimed in, her arms still crossed as she stared at Evira. “You’ve got something to say about our mentors too?”

Evira grinned, leaning back against the rock. “Absolutely. The Flash? Cute but useless for teaching you patience, clearly.” She glanced at Wally, who was still fidgeting.

Wally opened his mouth to protest but paused, seemingly reconsidering.

“The Martians?” Evira continued, looking at M’gann. “They’re supposed to be so advanced, but they didn’t teach you how to protect your mind from attacks like the one that wiped your memories. That seems like a pretty big oversight.”

M’gann flinched, looking down at the sand.

“And Aquaman,” Evira added, her gaze shifting to Kaldur. “Well, he at least trained you well enough to hold your own. I’ll give him that much. But sending you into something like this without proper backup? That’s on him.”

Kaldur’s expression darkened, but he didn’t argue.

“Okay, enough! ” Artemis snapped, stepping forward. “You don’t know the first thing about us or our mentors, so stop acting like you’ve got it all figured out.”

Evira raised an eyebrow, unbothered by the outburst. “I’m just calling it like I see it,” she said. “You’re all strong, capable… and completely abandoned. Someone has to say it.”

“And you think you’re qualified to judge?” Robin asked, his tone sharp.

Evira grinned, standing and brushing sand off her hands. “I’m not judging. I’m observing. And for the record, I think you’re all adorable, so I’m keeping you.”

The group stared at her in disbelief.

“You’re what?” Wally asked, half-laughing.

“Keeping you,” Evira repeated, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “You’re my pack now. My kitties. And I take care of my own.”

There was a beat of stunned silence before Kaldur spoke, his voice calm but firm. “Evira, we are not yours to ‘keep.’”

Evira shrugged, her smirk never faltering. “We’ll see.” She turned her attention back to Robin, pinching his cheeks again. “Besides, I like this one. So serious. So cute.”

Robin groaned, batting her hands away. “Stop doing that!”

The fractured and chaotic images within M’gann’s mindspace started to stabilize, becoming a coherent timeline. Around them, fragments of memory swirled and locked into place like puzzle pieces. Slowly, the events leading up to their mission and their time in Bialya became clear.

With the final pieces snapping together, the mindspace faded, and everyone’s consciousness returned to their bodies.

Robin blinked rapidly, his hand going to his forehead. “That… was a lot.”

“I remember everything,” Artemis said, her voice carrying a mix of relief and resolve.

“Same here,” Wally said with a grin, stretching exaggeratedly. “And hey, kudos to M’gann for the whole psychic-memory-mashup. You’ve got some serious skills.”

“Thank you,” M’gann said softly, her cheeks turning a faint shade of green.

Evira, who had been sitting off to the side, shifted uncomfortably. With her memories fully restored, her posture had become more composed, her movements less erratic, and even her once-wild hair seemed to have settled into a sleeker, more refined style. Despite this, her usual confidence was noticeably absent, and she appeared more reserved.

Wally was quick to notice. He leaned toward her, his grin widening. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Miss Blood-and-Glory looking a little… flustered?”

Evira immediately stiffened, crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m not flustered,” she said quickly, her voice firm but lacking its usual bite.

“Oh, really?” Wally teased, clearly enjoying this. “Because I distinctly remember someone declaring us all her ‘kitties.’” He puffed out his chest dramatically, doing an over-the-top impression of her voice. “‘You’re my pack now, and I take care of my own.’ Sound familiar?”

Evira’s hands twitched as though she wanted to summon her blood tendrils just to swat at him. “I said that because it’s true,” she retorted, trying to keep her composure. “You are my pack.”

Robin smirked, his arms crossed. “And what about calling me ‘cute’ and deciding you were just going to keep us? Or should I start packing my things for my new life as Evira’s pet?”

Artemis grinned, leaning into the teasing. “Don’t forget the cheek-pinching, or how she congratulated me and Wally on our supposed ‘mating.’”

Evira’s face flushed a deep crimson, and she glared at Artemis. “I was only stating what I observed!” she said, her voice rising slightly as her embarrassment grew.

“And what about the purring?” Wally added, raising an eyebrow. “Because that’s new. You didn’t do that before. What’s up with that?”

Evira froze, her eyes darting to Wally before flicking away. She crossed her arms tighter, her fingers digging into her sleeves. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she muttered, but the redness in her face only deepened.

“Oh, you know exactly what we’re talking about,” Robin said, his smirk widening. “You were purring like a content cat when you were petting Superboy. And don’t think we didn’t notice how you reacted to Kaldur.”

Artemis jumped in, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Yeah, you were definitely looking at him like he’s the alpha of this pack of yours.”

Even Kaldur, usually stoic and composed, couldn’t hide his slight surprise. He raised an eyebrow but remained silent, though there was a faint, amused curve to his lips.

Evira’s composure finally cracked. She buried her face in her hands, her voice muffled as she groaned. “You’re all impossible,” she muttered.

Wally, laughing so hard he was leaning on Artemis for support, wiped a tear from his eye. “Oh, this is the best day ever.”

“Enough,” Kaldur said at last, his tone calm but commanding. “We have more important matters to focus on than teasing Evira.”

“Like what?” Wally asked, still chuckling.

Kaldur gave him a pointed look. “Like planning our counterattack and rescuing the prisoners.”

The group quickly sobered, the gravity of their mission settling back over them.

Robin activated his holo-display, which projected a map of the area. “The Bialyan facility is heavily guarded, and they’ve likely reinforced their defenses since our initial mission. We’ll need a coordinated plan to infiltrate, locate the prisoners, and get out.”

“Preferably without raising an alarm,” Kaldur added.

“We’ll need to split into teams,” Robin continued. “Wally and Artemis, you handle the distraction. Use your speed and range to draw their attention.”

“Got it,” Wally said, still grinning.

Artemis nodded. “I’ll cover him.”

“Kaldur and I will handle disabling their security systems,” Robin said.

“What about me?” M’gann asked.

“You’ll use your telepathy to locate the prisoners and guide us to them,” Kaldur said. “Evira and Superboy will provide backup and deal with any heavy resistance.”

Evira raised an eyebrow, some of her confidence returning. “Heavy resistance? That’s all you need me for?”

Robin smirked. “That, and purring encouragement.”

Evira glared at him, but there was no hiding the faint flush on her face. “You better hope I don’t decide to show you what else I can do.”

Robin chuckled. “I’ll take my chances.”

With the teasing finally dying down, the team focused on finalizing their strategy. Determined and united, they prepared to take the fight back to their enemies and rescue the prisoners.

The Bialyan facility loomed on the horizon, its stark, angular walls cutting through the desert like a fortress of steel and stone. The team crouched behind a sand dune, the moonlight casting long shadows across the landscape.

“Everyone in position?” Kaldur whispered, his voice calm but firm.

“Ready,” Artemis said, nocking an arrow.

“Locked and loaded,” Wally added, vibrating slightly with anticipation.

“Let’s do this,” Superboy growled, cracking his knuckles.

Evira stood beside him, her hands already glowing with crimson tendrils of blood. “I’ll make sure they regret meeting us.”

“Focus,” Kaldur reminded her. “We’re here to rescue the prisoners, not destroy the facility.”

Evira smirked. “No promises.”

Robin’s voice came through the comms. “Distraction team, go.”

Wally darted forward, a yellow blur that zipped through the base’s outer defenses. Spotlights whirled to follow him, alarms blaring as guards scrambled to intercept the apparent intruder.

“Gotcha!” Wally taunted, weaving through gunfire with ease. He zigzagged through the base, knocking over crates and causing chaos wherever he went.

Artemis provided cover from a distance, her arrows flying with pinpoint accuracy. Explosive tips took out spotlights, and EMP arrows disabled several automated turrets.

“They’re fully distracted,” Artemis said over the comms. “You’re clear to move in.”

Robin and Kaldur slipped through the shadows, using grappling hooks and Atlantean tech to scale the walls and disable security systems.

Inside the base, M’gann hovered invisibly, scanning for the prisoners with her telepathy. “I’ve located them,” she said. “North wing, sublevel three. But there’s heavy resistance between us and them.”

“Leave that to us,” Superboy growled, charging ahead with Evira right behind him.

The pair smashed through a reinforced door, triggering an immediate response from a squad of heavily armed guards. Superboy tore through them with raw strength, while Evira manipulated her blood tendrils with precision, disarming guards and immobilizing them before they could react.

“Careful not to hurt them too much,” Kaldur called, arriving to back them up.

“No promises,” Evira said again, though her attacks were noticeably non-lethal.

The deeper they went into the facility, the tougher the resistance became. Armed drones joined the fray, forcing Robin to use every gadget in his arsenal to disable them.

“Anytime you want to help, Wally!” he shouted.

“On it!” Wally zipped through, dismantling drones mid-motion. “What would you guys do without me?”

“Probably get through this faster,” Artemis quipped, firing a grappling arrow to swing down and take out a guard with a well-placed kick.

M’gann, still in camouflage mode, used her telekinesis to create barriers and deflect incoming fire. When she wasn’t shielding her teammates, she was guiding them telepathically.

“Left turn ahead!” she warned as another squad of guards appeared.

Superboy charged ahead, taking out several with a single punch. “Clear the way!”

Evira followed, her blood tendrils forming shields to block bullets. She couldn’t resist a smirk as she glanced at Robin. “Still think I’m just a purring pet?”

Robin grinned. “Let’s see you purr your way through this next wave.”

The team worked seamlessly, their restored memories and camaraderie fueling their determination. Finally, they reached the prisoners: a group of scared, malnourished civilians huddled in a cramped cell.

“Got them!” M’gann said, using her telekinesis to unlock the door.

“Let’s get out of here before reinforcements show up,” Kaldur ordered.

The team and the prisoners made their way back to the bioship, but the facility’s alarms had summoned a final wave of resistance. Queen Bee’s elite guards stood in their path, armed with advanced weapons and ready for a fight.

“I’ll hold them off,” Superboy said, stepping forward.

“Not alone, you won’t,” Evira said, standing beside him.

The two powered through the guards while the rest of the team ushered the prisoners to safety. Wally sped back and forth, disarming guards and creating diversions, while Artemis provided cover fire with her arrows.

Robin and Kaldur worked together to disable a massive turret blocking their escape route, combining their gadgets and Atlantean tech to overload its circuits.

“Bioship’s in sight!” M’gann called, her voice filled with urgency.

The team made a final push, Superboy and Evira taking down the last of the guards before joining the others on the bioship.

As the bioship lifted off, the team collapsed into their seats, exhausted but triumphant.

“That was insane,” Wally said, leaning back with a grin. “But also kind of awesome.”

“Kind of?” Robin raised an eyebrow. “We just took down an entire facility and saved dozens of lives. I’d call that completely awesome.”

Evira sat quietly, her usual bravado tempered by the intensity of the mission. Her hair, still slightly tousled, framed her face as she stared out the window.

Kaldur glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “You did well, Evira,” he said simply.

She looked at him, surprised, before a small, genuine smile crossed her lips. “Thanks.”

Wally, never one to miss an opportunity, smirked. “Aww, look at that. She’s blushing.”

Evira shot him a glare, but the redness in her cheeks betrayed her.

Artemis snickered. “And here I thought you were all about being the tough, unflappable one.”

Evira crossed her arms, muttering, “I hate you all.”

The laughter that followed was light and genuine, a much-needed release after the chaos of the mission.

Chapter Text

Inside the garage of Mount Justice, Conner tinkered with his red motorcycle while Evira leaned against a nearby workbench, her fingers carefully inspecting the now-repaired hover shoes from their last mission. The shoes had taken a beating, but Evira had spent the better part of weeks and this  morning restoring them to working order.

Sphere whirred and beeped, rolling irritably in circles behind Conner.

"Jealous much?" Conner smirked, glancing back at Sphere as he adjusted a bolt.

Sphere let out an annoyed trill, spinning closer to nudge him.

Evira chuckled softly. “I think she’s just feeling left out. Maybe you should build her a buddy or something.”

"All right, all right." Superboy relented, patting Sphere with a faint grin.

Evira tested the hover shoes by stepping into them and activating the mechanism. A soft hum filled the air as they lifted her off the ground a few inches. “Looks like they’re good to go again. You’re welcome, by the way,” she teased.

Conner rolled his eyes. “I didn’t even ask for your help.”

“And yet, here we are.” She stepped down, folding her arms. “You’re welcome anyway . ”

Conner paused, glancing at her before giving a small smile. “Thanks, Evira.”

“Ready for school?” M’gann called out as she floated into the garage, bypassing the stairs with a practiced ease. She held two paper bags in her hands. “I made our lunches!”

Evira raised an eyebrow. “What are you, a soccer mom now?”

“Someone has to take care of you two.” M’gann grinned, completely unfazed.

Red Tornado, Kaldur, and Martian Manhunter entered the garage behind her.

“The first day of the scholastic season carries great cultural resonance,” Martian Manhunter said, his tone full of pride. “We wanted to wish you both well.”

Kaldur nodded, his rare smile appearing. “This is an important step in your integration into human culture.”

Superboy stood up, wiping his hands on a rag. “Guess it’s not a Kryptonian thing.”

Evira nudged him. “Don’t look so grumpy, Conner. It’s just school.”

“You may wish to… change before you depart,” Kaldur suggested, gesturing at the grease-streaked shirt Superboy wore.

M’gann laughed, twirling slightly. “I spent hours choosing this outfit.” She shifted her form to wear black flats, white knee-high socks, a burgundy skirt, a white top, and a matching burgundy sweater. “What do you think? Can M’gann M’orzz pass as an Earth girl now?”

Kaldur hesitated. “Well…”

“Just kidding.” She shifted her skin tone to a pale, human complexion. “Meet Megan Morse.” She did a little spin and curtsy. “What’s your new name, Suberboy?”

“Conner Solance,” he said without hesitation, surprising the others.

M’gann beamed. “It suits you!”

“Guess we’re stuck with it,” Evira muttered, though there was a playful lilt to her tone.

M’gann looked at his shirt and frowned. “But that S-shield’s kind of a dead giveaway. You might want to change.”

“Oh,it's alright” Evira chimed in, holding up neatly folded clothes for both herself and Conner. “I already picked out our outfits. You’re welcome.”

Conner frowned at her. “You what?”

“You heard me. You were going to show up looking like a walking billboard for alien origin stories. I fixed it.”

Conner muttered something under his breath but accepted the clothes.

As they prepared to leave, a swirling plume of black magical mist materialized into Void, was wrapping itself around Evira’s shoulder. Its swirling form shifted slightly as if observing the room.

Hedwig,was resting on the workbench, resized herself to the size of a sparrow, hooting softly.

“Not bringing the whole menagerie, are you?” M’gann teased, adjusting her bag.

“They go where I go,” Evira replied matter-of-factly, her tone daring anyone to argue.

“School’s going to be great, ” Superboy muttered sarcastically, walking toward the bioship.

Evira trailed behind, still grumbling under her breath about the similarities between school and prison.

M’gann sighed, though her smile remained. “It’ll be fun, you’ll see.”

“Doubt it,” Evira muttered as the group boarded the bioship, setting off for their first day.

"They grow up so fast." Manhunter muses.

Students buzzed with energy in front of the school, scattered into tight-knit cliques. The skateboarder weaving through them paid no attention to anyone until he nearly collided with Conner.

“Ahh!” Marvin yelped, flailing as his skateboard clattered to the ground. His flight was cut short by Conner’s hand gripping the collar of his jacket.

Conner lifted Marvin three feet off the ground, his intense glare locked on the Superman-style logo on Marvin’s shirt. “Explain this.”

Marvin blinked down at him. “Uh... what?”

“What’s your problem?” came a low voice. Conner turned to find a tall, muscular student approaching, his arm slung casually over the shoulders of a petite cheerleader. His shirt bore Superman colors, too though in a lighter palette. Behind him, other students wore superhero-themed shirts, adding to the tableau of confusion.

“Put my man Marvin down,” the taller teen (Mal Duncan) demanded, his tone calm but edged with authority.

Marvin flailed slightly. “Uh, I don’t think he likes my shirt!”

Conner’s jaw clenched as he took in the scene more superhero-themed shirts than he cared to count. “Your shirt’s fine. Everyone’s shirt is fine.” With that, he dropped Marvin unceremoniously to the ground.

Marvin groaned as he scrambled to his feet. “Thanks, I think.”

The cheerleader standing with Mal snickered. “Someone’s fine, all right.”

Conner bristled as Mal approached, their heights forcing him to look up slightly to meet Mal’s challenging gaze.

M’gann stepped forward quickly, breaking the tension. “Hi! We’re new here. I’m Megan Morse, and this is Conner Solance.”

Marvin, still brushing himself off, chuckled. “Double alliteration. Nice touch.”

Mal and Conner remained locked in their silent standoff until a voice called out. “All right, gang, let’s move it. Homeroom’s not optional.”

The speaker was a blonde teen wearing a black jacket, clearly more interested in avoiding drama than participating in it.

Mal smirked, deliberately shoulder-checking Conner as he walked past.

“Conner,” M’gann called softly, stepping in front of him.

Conner growled lowly but relented, following the flow of students into the school.

Before he could brood too much, another voice interrupted. “Hi, I’m Wendy.” A cheerful raven-haired girl stepped up, her hand resting on Marvin’s shoulder. “I was new last year, so I know how tough it can be to fit in. But you two look like instant Bumblebee material to me.”

Conner and M’gann exchanged a confused glance.

“Cheerleaders,” Wendy clarified. “The Bumblebees. Tryouts are after school.”

M’gann brightened instantly. “Thanks! I’ll be there!”

Wendy beamed, leading M’gann off to chat more about tryouts.

Marvin turned to Conner with a grin. “Facing down Mal Duncan? Fierce. Not too bright, but definitely fierce.”

Before Conner could respond, another wave of whispers rippled through the crowd. Heads turned toward Evira as she walked with effortless poise through the schoolyard. Her crimson eyes, no longer hidden behind glasses, seemed to draw attention like a magnet.

Conversations paused as boys awkwardly nudged each other, stealing glances at her. Meanwhile, a group of cheerleaders watched her with thinly veiled annoyance.

“Who does she think she is?” one muttered.

“Probably thinks she’s too good for everyone,” another added, her tone dripping with disdain.

Evira, oblivious to the stares or more accurately, ignoring them was deep in her own thoughts.

School. Bloody school.
She mentally ticked off its similarities to a prison: mandatory attendance, rigid schedules, arbitrary rules, and the overwhelming sense of being trapped. It was nothing like Hogwarts, which she had once loved despite its flaws.

Hogwarts may have been better, she admitted reluctantly. But I wouldn’t go back there, either. I’ve had enough of school for one lifetime.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a snide voice. “Nice outfit. Did you get it off a clearance rack?”

The group of cheerleaders had decided to make their move. Their leader, a blonde with an overly bright smile, stepped closer, her tone saccharine and mocking. “Or did you just roll out of bed and throw on whatever you could find?”

Evira turned to face them slowly, her expression calm but her eyes glinting with quiet menace. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she said sweetly, her British accent coming out every word. “I didn’t realize ‘cloning your personality from a reality TV star’ was the school uniform.”

The cheerleaders stiffened, their smiles faltering.

“Though I suppose it’s impressive,” Evira continued, her tone light but cutting. “To take something as basic as cheerleading and make it even more insufferable. Truly, you’re pioneers.”

The surrounding students stifled laughter, and a few outright chuckled.

The blonde’s face turned red, and she opened her mouth to retort, but Evira raised a hand dismissively. “Don’t strain yourself, darling. I’m sure whatever you were going to say was very profound.”

Satisfied, Evira turned on her heel and walked away, leaving the cheerleaders humiliated and the crowd buzzing with admiration.

“Dude,” Marvin whispered to Conner. “Your friend is scary. But, like, the good kind of scary.”

Conner smirked faintly, watching as Evira rejoined them. “Yeah. She’s my sister.”

The school bell rang, signaling the start of the day. Conner sighed. “Here we go.”

“Prison,” Evira muttered under her breath, earning a quiet chuckle from Conner as they headed inside.

The teacher turns off the TV and turns towards his class. "Who can tell me more about Rhelasia?" he catches the fact that a particular student is sleeping. "Marvin."

"Huh!" the dirty blonde yelps as startles awake.

"Well, um, Mr. Carr, it's better than Fakeasia."

The entire class chuckles.The teacher sighs. "Anyone else?"

"Modern Rhelasia was created in 1855 and ruled by the Boquoon dynasty until it was divided by the great powers into North and South Rhelasia after World War II." Conner states monotonically.

The teacher actually smiles. "Very good."

"But why are they fighting?" Conner asks. "They're all humans- I mean, Rhelasians, right?"

"Right on both counts, actually." the teacher says, slightly resigned."It's no different on Mars."

M'gann's use of telepathy startles Conner for a second. "The White Martian minority are treated as second-class citizens by the Green majority. Of course, I'm green, but that doesn't make it right."

Conner looks down for a moment, but as he slowly closes his eyes, he turns back towards the board.

Evira leaned back in her chair, her posture relaxed. The classroom buzzed with subdued chatter and the occasional rustling of papers. To Evira, the lecture was just white noise, a background hum she could tune out easily.

She wasn’t taking notes. Instead, her phone sat discreetly on her lap, hidden beneath her desk. Her fingers moved fluidly across the screen, responding to a string of texts.

Tim:
Can you come by this weekend?

Evira:
Depends. What do you want to do?

Tim:
Anything. Just hang out. You’ll be paid, of course.

Evira hesitated for a moment before replying.

Evira:
You don’t need to pay me for that, Tim.

Tim:
You’re lying. You never say yes unless you’re being paid. So how much?

Evira bit her lip, her chest tightening. Tim wasn’t wrong. His parents were overseas so often that they had hired Evira to spend time with him when they couldn’t. She was supposed to be a companion, a kind of part-time sitter, and nothing more. But Tim had started to see through the arrangement.

His straightforwardness caught her off guard. It was Alex all over again: the eager, clever boy with too much loneliness in his heart and too much sharpness in his mind.

“Miss Solance?”

Evira blinked, drawn out of her thoughts by the teacher’s voice. The class had gone silent, and several pairs of eyes were on her.

“Care to answer the question?” the teacher prompted, his tone a mix of patience and irritation.

“Ah… sorry, no.” Evira smiled faintly, unbothered by the attention. “I wasn’t listening.”

The teacher sighed. “Perhaps you could try paying attention. This material will be on the test.”

“Of course,” she replied smoothly, not bothering to pick up her pen.

A few boys snickered, and one leaned over to whisper something to her. His voice was low, but his tone was unmistakably flirtatious.

“You really don’t care, huh?”

Evira turned her head slightly, her crimson eyes glinting as she regarded him. “Not particularly,” she said flatly.

The boy grinned, clearly mistaking her indifference for coyness. “So, what are you doing after school?”

“Not spending time with you,” she replied, her tone light but final.

The boy blinked, momentarily stunned by her bluntness. Evira turned her attention back to her phone, dismissing him entirely.

Tim:
Please, Evira. I’ll pay double if you come over on Saturday.

Her stomach twisted with guilt. She did need the money but Tim had latched onto it as the one surefire way to keep her around.

She typed slowly, her fingers pausing as her thoughts tangled.

Evira:
I’ll come by. But no payment.

Tim’s response was immediate.

Tim:
Deal. Just bring snacks.

Evira exhaled, her lips curving into a faint smile. Whatever this was, it wasn’t entirely going to plan anymore. Spending time with Tim had started as a transaction, but now…

She shook the thought away, returning her phone to her bag just as the bell rang.

The woman's eyes narrow, seeing Roy step up behind Luthor over Kaldur's shoulder she leans forward slightly and presses a button on the handle of the cart and shoves it towards the Atlantean with a "Hyah!"

Kaldur pulls his WaterBearer in a strong arc with his own shout. Outside the building an explosion blows out the windows.

The gigantic room is shown from an aerial view near the head of one of the statues. "That is far enough, Cheshire." Aqualad states strongly.

Cheshire glares at the teen as she presses the button on the cart.

Time seems to slow as Kaldur pulls out his second WaterBearer, Roy shifting his stance to take proper aim as the water from inside the glasses on the table start to rise up. "Hyah!" Cheshire cries out as she pushes the cart.

Kaldur turns the rising water into a doming shield. Roy takes aim at the cart and shoots right past Kaldur's shoulder and the rapidly dropping shield to hit the cart.

The explosion it creates throws Cheshire back. It also pushes against the barrier Kaldur is holding up, his tattoos take so much power that they rip the sleeves off his jacket, but it holds.The room is silent as the shield falls, Kaldur's heavy breathing is easier to pick on. With the shield and the explosion, two of the statues fell to the ground before the shield, but they don't block Kaldur's view of a fallen Cheshire. As she pushes herself to sit back Roy and Kaldur make it over the statues. Roy nocking another arrow and Kaldur rips off the ruined remains of his jacket."It's over, Cheshire." Roy snarls.

Cheshire smirks. "You would think so." as she stands a helicopter comes up to the hole in the window.

The side door opens, showing off Sportsmaster and some ten+ henchmen."Zhuā zhù shāshǒu." (Stop the assassins) Tseng calls out to his guardsmen.

They charge forward as the henchmen behind Sportsmaster also get off the chopper. The blonde man moving slowly, taunting the young men who stand defiantly before him. (No more guessing involved! I have the official translations as well as the actual Korean. However, this was written in Hangul, so I did have to run it through google to get an alphabet I recognize. I did this for the Mandarin as well.)

Cheshire does a high backflip, blocking Roy's shot at Sportmaster as she brandishes both her sai. "Take Sportsmaster, Cheshire's mine." he tells Kaldur over the noise.

"So territorial, and only our third date." Cheshire taunts, completely ignoring Kaldur as he runs forward and jumps into a high vaulted front flip, lands solidly behind her and takes off towards Sportsmaster.

Sportsmaster steps up to one of Tseng's guards, who just beat down a henchman with a nightstick. The guard wastes no time turning towards Sportsmaster, aiming for his head with a cross-swipe of his stick. Sportsmaster drops under it and begins the circling of the two. The guard charges forward, but as he does Sportsmaster catches his wrist and throws him over his hip.

He dodges a second guard that was aiming for the back of his head, stepping aside to see the strike go past his face and knee the man in the stomach. Two more guards come up on either side of Sportsmaster. He easily sidekicks the one on his right, watching as the man on his left misses the back of his head, but tries to swing back to hit his mask.

Sportsmaster dodges and then kicks the man away with a tornado kick. A bright blue chain mace, about three inches in diameter, hits Sportsmaster in the face. The way it doesn't actually have a chain and moves fluidly gives away that it is Aqualad's chosen form for his WaterBearer. Sportsmaster hazily looks up to see Kaldur holding both his WaterBearers, the maces flowing with his movements.

As the teen charges at Sportsmaster he swings his arms back and moves them in broad, crisscrossing arcs. The first strike misses Sportmaster, but with his movements and the fact that Sportsmaster had to jump back to avoid being hit again, Kaldur is free to charge in closer with a battle cry and remain on the offensive. His next strike hits Sportsmaster's left forearm-block, but the hit still jars the man enough to make it obvious that he is extending another sharp-ended staff.Aqualad moves right as Sportsmaster moves in with the teen at his left, giving him more than enough time to find his footing behind the man.

The two circle each other, Kaldur's left strike is blocked by Sportsmaster and he then crosses the two 'chains' in an X in front of him to block Sportsmaster's strike. Sportsmaster steps forward to strike at Kaldur's head, but the dark-skinned teen easily slides out of the way.Roy has three arrows nocked and aimed at Cheshire. He releases them, but Cheshire uses both her sai to knock them away, striking the first two with changing her stance, and executing a back-walkover to knock away the third before dropping low to the ground.

"You called one of your little sidekick friends." she taunts loudly. "But didn't you tell me they weren't in your league?"

Kaldur turns his head and pays the price for it as Sportsmaster clotheslines him. The blonde man has more force behind him that lets him flip Kaldur over and crash onto his stomach on the floor. T

he masked merc pauses, looking at the teen as he pulls out his own chain mace. The hard metal denting the stone floor. Sportsmaster spins it quickly and slams it down, aiming for Aqualad's head.

Kaldur rolls away to dodge the strike.

The principal’s office smelled faintly of stale coffee and old paper, the sort of place where dreams of skipping ahead died slow, bureaucratic deaths.

Evira sat across from Principal Adams, her posture perfectly composed, one leg crossed over the other, hands folded neatly in her lap. The man before her, a stout, balding figure with tired eyes, skimmed through her records on his computer.

“So,” he began, clearing his throat. “Miss Solance, you’re requesting, on the first day of school, mind you to graduate immediately?”

“Yes.” Evira’s tone was polite but firm, her crimson eyes unwavering.

“I appreciate your enthusiasm, Miss Solance,” Adams began, adjusting his glasses as he scanned her file, “but early graduation isn’t something we just hand out. Even if your records indicate previous homeschooling, your grades here are... are not exceptional enough to warrant an early graduation. The board requires a more distinguished academic record for something like this.”He frowned slightly. “Nothing indicates you’re prepared to test out of the curriculum.”

Evira’s fingers stilled. Batman.

Her jaw tightened slightly as frustration simmered beneath the surface. Of course, her records showed her as nothing more than an average student. It wasn’t because she lacked intelligence far from it but because Batman had doctored her records to make her seem normal. Manageable.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. She had lived lifetimes, had learned magic from some of the most powerful beings, had built empires in past existences, and yet here she was forced to sit in a high school classroom like a clueless teenager because of a well-meaning but utterly infuriating billionaire vigilante.

But she wasn’t human. Not anymore.

Her mind had changed when she transferred into this clone body. She had weeks of raw, unfiltered Cadmus data stamped into her consciousness scientific formulas, combat training simulations, psychological profiling techniques, all of it tangled into her thoughts. Her Occlumency training had become more than just a defense against mental intrusions; it was now a necessity for maintaining control over the sheer volume of knowledge inside her.

At night, when the world was quiet, she sorted through the mess organizing, locking things away, piecing together the fractured memories of this body’s creation. She knew it wasn’t perfect. The Cadmus data wasn’t hers in the traditional sense. Some of it felt like reading a book, detached and clinical, while other pieces lurked in the back of her mind like instincts waiting to be triggered.

And none of it mattered if she was stuck in high school.

“I’m more than capable,” Evira finally said, forcing herself to focus on the moment. “I can take the necessary exams today. If I pass, I graduate.”

Principal Adams sighed, rubbing his temples. “Miss Solance, even if you tested out of some subjects, you still need credits, extracurriculars, and state requirements-”

“There has to be some way around that,” she pushed, leaning forward slightly. “I don’t need to be here.”

Principal Adams gave her a pointed look. “You’re, what, sixteen?”

“I’m old enough.”

He sat back, crossing his arms. “Then why the rush? You’ve barely started the school year, and you already want out?”

Evira exhaled slowly. She wasn’t about to spill her entire list of reasons, but frustration burned in her veins.

Her garden needed tending. The magic seeds she had stolen from the Tower of Fate had just been planted, and she needed to monitor their growth carefully. They were temperamental, requiring a delicate balance of magical and natural nurturing to flourish.

And then there was the issue of her powers.

Unlike her past life, where her magical reserves had been modest, Her past life had always been capable, but the magical reserves had been small, finite but this clone-body had no such limitations. It was a powerhouse, both in magic and meta-human abilities. The blood manipulation alone was an entirely new factor one she had barely begun to explore. But experimenting with magic again was exhilarating, even if she had to balance it with her other responsibilities.

And that wasn’t even touching on her financial concerns.

Even with her side hustle of scavenging old junk from the scrapyard, rebuilding it, and selling it for a profit, it wasn’t a sustainable income. She needed something bigger, something lasting.

That meant building her brand.

Her past life’s empire in the makeup industry had been tailored toward the cosplay community: custom formulas, long-lasting pigments, and specialized products designed with costumers in mind. And all of that had started because of Samuel.

Samuel, who had needed makeup that wouldn’t smudge under hours of stage lights. Samuel, who had pushed her to perfect her craft.

And now?

Now she had a new empire to build, one that could leverage both magic and chemistry in ways no one else could. But she needed time, freedom, to make it happen, she needed time not to be trapped in a glorified daycare known as high school.

“Principal Adam,” she said, her tone shifting. “I am perfectly capable of passing any test you put in front of me. Academically, I do not need to be here. So why force me?”

The man sighed again, rubbing his temple. “It’s not just about academics. High school is about social integration. It’s an important experience...”

Evira tilted her head slightly. “Experience is subjective. I’ve had plenty.”

Hughes eyed her with something close to suspicion, but he ultimately shook his head. “The answer is no, Miss Solance. I suggest you focus on your classes.”

Evira clenched her jaw, but she didn’t argue further. She had already calculated the probabilities before coming here she just hoped she could find a loophole. exhaled sharply, schooling her features into something neutral. She could argue, press harder, maybe even forge a few documents if it came down to it, but it wouldn’t work today. Fine. She would find another way.

As she stood, she forced herself to remain composed, offering a small, polite smile. “Thank you for your time, Principal Hughes.”

He nodded, clearly thinking the conversation was over.

It wasn’t.

Fine. If they wouldn’t let her graduate immediately, she’d simply have to find another way to work around it.

As she walked through the hallway, passing by clueless students absorbed in their petty dramas, one thought solidified in her mind.

This place is a waste of my time.

And time was something she had no intention of wasting.

Evira approached the table where Conner and Megan were seated, balancing her tray with one hand while her other rested against her side.  Whispers followed her as she moved, boys nudging each other and stealing glances, while groups of girls exchanged looks ranging from curiosity to jealousy.

“New girl!” a voice called.

Evira sighed inwardly, turning to see a group of cheerleaders lounging at a corner table. Their leader, the same blonde who’d tried to mock her earlier, waved her over with a too-sweet smile.

“You can sit with us if you want,” the girl said, her tone dripping with insincerity.

“I’ll pass,” Evira said coolly, walking past without a second glance.

The blonde’s smile faltered, and she leaned back, crossing her arms with a huff. “We’ll see how long you last, freak.”

Evira didn’t bother responding.

Setting her tray down, she caught sight of Megan wearing Conner’s jacket. Her eyebrows lifted ever so slightly, her curiosity evident.

"Is that Conner’s jacket?" Evira asked, her tone teetering between genuine curiosity and teasing.

Megan flushed, pulling the oversized jacket tighter around her shoulders. “Oh, uh, yeah. It was cold, and Conner... lent it to me,” she stammered, her blush creeping further.

Evira smirked knowingly, leaning back in her chair. “Well, aren’t we chivalrous,” she remarked, throwing a sideways glance at Conner.

Conner shrugged, his expression neutral. “She said she was cold,” he replied simply.

Before Evira could respond, a voice interrupted their moment.

"Evira, right?"

Evira turned to find a boy standing next to their table, flashing a confident grin. Behind him, his friends hovered like a pack of wolves circling their next prey.

"Yes?" she replied, her voice calm but tinged with a subtle warning.

“Was wondering if I could get your number,” he said, holding his phone out like it was an offering.

Evira raised an eyebrow, her expression as sharp as her tone. “No.”

The boy faltered, but his confidence didn’t completely waver. “Oh, come on. You’re new, right? I could show you around...”

“Not interested,” she interrupted, her voice like a blade slicing through his sentence.

Undeterred, another boy stepped forward, grinning like he thought he had a better shot. “Ignore him. I’ll give you the real tour. What do you say?”

Evira sighed, crossing her arms. “Still no.”

This only seemed to encourage them, turning the situation into a competition as more boys joined in, each trying to outdo the other. Compliments, jokes, and increasingly desperate attempts to get her attention filled the air.

Conner and Megan exchanged looks, both caught between amusement and concern.

“She’s... handling it,” Megan offered hesitantly.

“For now,” Conner muttered. “But this could get ugly fast.”

The situation escalated further when a group of cheerleaders, led by the same blonde Evira had dismissed earlier, strutted over. Their leader’s smirk was razor-sharp as she folded her arms, addressing Evira with mock sweetness.

“Wow, you’re really popular, aren’t you?” the blonde sneered. “Too bad they don’t know who they’re wasting their time on.”

Evira turned her icy gaze on her, her posture rigid but exuding calm authority. “Care to elaborate?”

The blonde smirked, clearly reveling in the attention. “I’m just saying, not everyone’s worth all this fuss. Right, boys?”

The boys exchanged uncertain glances, clearly caught between their interest in Evira and their allegiance to the cheerleader.

Before anyone could answer, one of the boys made a grave mistake. He stepped closer to Evira, his hand brushing against her lower back before boldly sliding down to her backside.

It happened in a blur. Evira stood in one fluid motion, her fist connecting with his jaw with a force that sent him stumbling backward into a nearby table. The impact knocked over trays, drinks, and any lingering chatter in the cafeteria.

The room fell silent.

“Touch me again,” Evira said coldly, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife, “and you’ll need more than ice for the swelling.”

The boy groaned from the floor, clutching his face, while his friends scrambled to help him up.

The cheerleaders stood frozen, their leader’s smirk replaced by a look of stunned disbelief.

At their table, Conner and Megan watched the scene unfold with wide eyes.

“She didn’t use her powers,” Megan noted quietly, her voice tinged with relief.

“Yet,” Conner added, his expression grim.

Megan glanced between Evira and the chaos. “We should probably step in. Not for her, but to stop her from...”

“...doing something worse,” Conner finished, already standing.

As Conner and Megan approached, the tension in the air was palpable. Evira stood tall, her crimson eyes glowing faintly with restrained anger. The room seemed to shrink around her, the weight of her presence pressing down on everyone nearby.

Conner stepped in front of her, his hand resting firmly on her shoulder. “That’s enough,” he said, his voice low and steady.

Evira turned her head slightly, her piercing gaze meeting his. For a moment, it looked like she might argue, but then she sighed and stepped back.

“Fine,” she muttered, brushing imaginary dust off her sleeve as if the whole ordeal had been beneath her.

Megan offered a nervous smile to the onlookers. “It’s okay, everyone. Just a little... misunderstanding.”

As the crowd began to disperse, Conner leaned closer to Evira. “You can’t just punch people,” he said in a tone that was more exasperated than scolding.

Evira’s expression didn’t falter. “He touched me,” she replied simply, as if that justified everything.

“And now he knows better,” Megan chimed in, trying to inject some levity into the situation.

Conner sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Let’s just get through the day without another incident.”

Evira smirked faintly, her crimson eyes glinting with amusement. “No promises,” she said, settling back into her chair as if nothing had happened.

As the day settled into its usual rhythm, Cat Grant's voice rang out through the broadcast, reporting the significant news: “The treaty has been signed, marking a monumental step closer to reunification.” A few days of relative peace seemed promising, but even in times of success, not all was calm within the team. Aqualad, standing by the window in the Watchtower, looked out at the vast expanse of space, his mind occupied with much more than the treaty.

Red Arrow, pacing by the door, was still visibly upset about the situation with Lex Luthor and the uneasy alliances the team had formed. He crossed his arms tightly as he spoke. “I still can’t believe we’re helping Luthor. Even if it’s for a good cause, I can’t shake the feeling that we’re making a dangerous deal with the devil.”

Aqualad didn’t respond immediately, his eyes narrowing as he considered his words carefully. “Sometimes, we must work with what is necessary,” he said slowly, his voice calm but firm. “The goal is greater than the means, at least for now.”

Red Arrow wasn’t convinced. “Yeah, but if Luthor’s involved, we need to be careful.” His tone hardened. “I don’t like the idea of him pulling strings behind the scenes. And there’s the mole to consider.”

Aqualad raised an eyebrow, the subtle tension between them palpable. “Do you believe Sportsmaster?” he asked, his gaze unwavering.

Red Arrow hesitated, then nodded slowly. “Could be, yeah. I don’t trust Luthor. And the mole? We can’t take any chances.”

Aqualad didn’t flinch. “I will investigate. Quietly,” he said, his voice low. “We must not alert the mole, or risk tipping their hand too early.”

Red Arrow nodded, clearly still troubled, but he wasn’t going to press the issue further. He turned to walk out, his boots echoing against the metal floor. Just before he exited, Aqualad’s voice stopped him.

“You called the Cave. Not the League. Not Green Arrow,” Aqualad said, his words carrying an unspoken weight.

Red Arrow paused at the door, glancing back over his shoulder. He ran a hand through his hair, looking momentarily vulnerable. “You know, I’ve never been much for the whole… ‘teamwork’ thing. Not like you guys. But the Team? You all earned my respect.” His voice softened slightly, though his usual bravado remained intact. “If you ever need me, I’ll be there.”

Aqualad nodded slowly, a small acknowledgment of Red Arrow’s words, but his expression softened as he mulled over the deeper layers of their conversation. There was something else weighing on his mind now, and it wasn’t just the investigation into the mole.

Roy, however, seemed distracted by something else. “Something else?” 

Aqualad’s eyes narrowed as well, though he didn’t immediately catch on to what Roy was suggesting. “What are you talking about?”

Roy took a few steps closer, lowering his voice slightly. “You know, Evira. The one who’s been causing a bit of a stir lately,” he teased, raising an eyebrow. “Is she single?”

Aqualad’s eyes widened imperceptibly at the mention of Evira. The question seemed so out of left field that for a moment, he couldn’t respond. He hadn’t expected this particular topic to arise especially not so casually, and especially not from Red Arrow.

“Why do you ask?” Aqualad asked, his voice tighter than usual, but he kept his expression neutral, despite the slight discomfort that bubbled up inside him. He tried to ignore the pulse of heat creeping into his chest.

Roy shrugged nonchalantly, his grin widening. “I mean, she's certainly attractive, right? I’ve noticed the way the boys are around her, especially with her..." he paused, making air quotes, “red eyes and everything.”

Aqualad stiffened, his hand gripping the edge of the console more tightly. He could feel his heartbeat quicken, and he suddenly found himself slightly flushed. “I don’t know. I haven’t asked her.”

Roy chuckled at the response, leaning against the console casually, still eyeing Aqualad with an almost mischievous glint in his eyes. “You sure? Because I saw you after the Bialya mission. You seemed... friendly.”

Aqualad immediately straightened, his jaw tightening. “That mission was complicated. We both lost our memories. And Evira... Evira was…”

“Flirting with you, huh?” Roy finished for him, clearly enjoying the discomfort he was causing. “I noticed that, too. She was more… open back then. More forward. So, what's the deal, Aqualad?”

Aqualad inhaled sharply, then exhaled slowly, his gaze darkening as he turned to face Roy more fully. “Evira is part of the Team. She is not the focus of my attention right now.” He was more firm than he intended, his tone becoming a bit too sharp. He took a moment to steady himself. “I just... focus on the mission.”

Roy seemed to sense the shift in Aqualad’s demeanor. He shrugged, feigning indifference, but there was a knowing look in his eyes. “Sure, buddy. Sure,” he said with a grin. “But don’t take too long, okay? She's definitely not hard to notice.”

Aqualad felt an inexplicable weight settle in his chest as Roy walked away, a bitter taste lingering in his mouth. Despite his best efforts to push the thought away, the image of Evira, her crimson eyes and playful smirk, flashed before his mind. The memory of her flirtations soft, teasing, but somehow all too real lingered in his thoughts. He found himself standing still, his heart thudding in his chest as the quiet realization settled within him: He didn’t just respect her.

He felt something deeper, something he didn’t quite understand. It was strange, uncomfortable, and yet, undeniably present.

Aqualad swallowed hard, trying to shove the thought away, but it was already too late.

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