Eight.
"You know what you can expect...it's Cindy Burman we're talking about."

― IN THE CAR WITH MY FATHER WAS INTERESTING AS HE NEEDED TO MAKE US HAVE A COVER STORY AS I WAS SITTING BESIDE HIM. Continuing down the road he continued to speed as we hit a pole as the airbags prevented most of the glass from hurting me too seriously. When I got out I could see the damage to his car as he was going to call Barbara now to make the story.

"Everyone's Ok Barbara." He started as I looked at the damage wiping some of the glass out of my ponytail with a rag. As I knew what this meant we had to go to the hospital now to make sure Courtney will be alright, after everything that happened tonight with Cindy.

Sitting in this hospital was exhilarating, waiting for Courtney was worrying as she has been out for four hours now give or take. And she is supposed to wake up soon, from what the doctor has told us. As she started finally moving around as I could hear a wince in pain as I was still reading a magazine as I heard,

"I told your mom we were in a car accident." My father told her as I closed the magazine looking at the gray walls again and then back to Courtney as she looked at both of our faces. "What happened to you two?" She asked us as I shook my head as it almost took the small bandage off the cut on my lip and forehead.

"Oh I told the hospital we're in an accident too. And if there was an accident, they need a report, in case anybody started asking too many questions....so.....uh." My father continued as I shaked my head, "He crashed his Buick into a light post." I said as Courtney looked over at me and I nodded.

"The Buick?" Courtney asked, "Yeah." He answered. "You love that car." Courtney says as I know we both know how much he loves the car. Even I know it's because it was like the one he drove the night that Slyvester died. "Yeah. Well forget about the car, okay? Here's what's going to happen now. I'm taking you both home and you're going to get some rest Courtney. Tomorrow....I'm going to find out what I can about Cindy Burman and her family. She went after you for a reason. And with the abilities like that, clearly she's connected to the ISA, most likely....Most likely someone's daughter." He continued as it made me wonder if Maya knew anything of Cindy's heritage no matter how much I dislike Maya. At the end of the day she might be the only lead we all have to Cindy.

"I wanna know whose." He continued as I looked at him. "I know what it was stupid of me to go off alone. But this could be the break we needed to figure out who was in the ISA." Courtney continues as I looked at her, and back at my father. I put a hand through my hair as Maya must be in this hospital. "Court nothing's worth you getting hurt like this. Do you understand that? We need to be honest. All three of us." He said as I nodded in agreement.

"I know." Courtney spoke as I glanced back out through the window to see a nurse walk past the room. "I'm really sorry." Courtney continues. "I mean...with your mother. We can't keep lying to her." He said as I was shocked, because if Barbara knows how she will accept my heritage. I might be adopted by Pat, but that doesn't mean she could take it well. I know Barabara needs to know, and she will, but I don't need that right now.

"If...if we tell her right now, she won't let us do this anymore." Courtney continued as I nodded and deep down I know both of them are correct. "Court, the world can think that a car wreck put you in here, but your mom, she deserves to know the truth, the whole truth." He continued as him and Court were at it again fighting about why we shouldn't tell Barbara, even though she needs to know sometime, she can't know now.

But my thoughts are truly somewhere else when my mind keeps thinking of who Cindy Burman can be related to. Because if I need to again maybe Maya or her friend....the blonde one might know something if I ask her. Because I know both of us hate Cindy and that's the common enemy between all of us.

When walking out of the hospital, I got a quick glance at Maya and Henry as Courtney did say "hi". He then got up from his hospital chair and closed the door without saying anything, as I could see the lips of Maya apologize, as she looked back at her father. I know he's a bad person, but man I can't tell her I was a part of comatising her father, that would risk both Courtney, and I if anything happened in the future.

Heading back upstairs I went to check on Courtney as I watched Mike exit her room. "How are you doing? You took quite a blow Courtney." I told her as she looked over at me while she was sitting up in her bed. "Can I say I'm not doing ok. I went in alone and got beat up by Cindy Burman." She told me as I stood beside her bed.

"You know Courtney, stop feeling bad about what you did. We all make mistakes, and besides I'm sure Rick is wanting Revenge right now, and Beth, Yolanda, and Skylar are all trying to reason with him. You're not alone and remember that, but also remember we all learn from our mistakes. Or if you're like me it takes too long to figure out your mistakes until you live three lives." I told her as she looked at me and smiled.

"How'd you get over it?" Courtney asked me as I looked at her in the eyes, "What?" I asked her, "Your parents' death? And letting everyone down?" She asked me as I shook my head. Thinking about all the things my past had been, but still not remembering everything from my past 100% yet.

"Well having a parent dead isn't easy. I'm never over it. I miss them, and I have no idea the next time I will see them again. But other than that letting down everyone I have learned most of the time they're more worried about you, than you letting them down." I told her as she looked at me as I nodded, "You need sleep Court. I'll see you in the morning." I told her as she looked at me. "Good night Ky." She told me as I smiled.

Heading to bed was interesting as I stared at my ceiling for a while as I looked back at my clock to see the numbers 11:48. That's just great, knowing that I can't sleep tonight without waking up once.

― STILL SITTING HERE I HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO MY BROTHER YELLING ABOUT THE SITUATION WITH COURTNEY. Getting updates from Kyra has been interesting, since she tells me Courtney will be alright, and that they wrecked the Buick. Along with the fact that Maya might be the only one to know the identity of Stargirl.

When everything files off the work table I flinch snapping back from my mind to see the anger in my brother. Part of me was tempted to call Maya at this point since she might be one of the only people who can stand a chance of getting my brother to calm down if I can't. I know all of us are angry, or pissed at Cindy...but I know I can't overreact and I have to think about how I can help in the situation.

"So, what should we do?" Yolanda asked as I knew that this was going to be bad, looking at the whiteboard that hung some of the ISA members, it's safe to say we just approached this in a more unrevealing way.

"We break Cindy Burman's door down and we take the bitch out!" My brother shouted in anger as I glared at him with my dark brown eyes, that was a terrible idea, even from my brother. "No!" I heard Beth yell as she approached him as this was going to get interesting from the look of it. "Cindy has powers." She continued as I stood up and walked behind Beth.

"So do we." My brother stated, "Cindy Burman having powers, means that her dad or her mom could be part of the Injustice Society." Beth continued, "Great let's hope so." My brother continued passing us going to our dad's hourglass picking it up and turning back to us as Beth and I blocked him from leaving to go after Cindy.

"Hey, we have no idea what we would be walking into or who we would be up against." She exclaims, "There is a smarter approach to this." She continued as I could tell he wasn't taking it. "An eye for an eye is how it works." He yelled as it echoed through the pit shop. Before he could walk away, I blocked him.

"Listen Rick, I can tell you, where all pissed. But an eye for an eye is how we all die." I told him, raising my voice as he looked at me, still as angry. "You're going to sit down and cool off." Beth told him as I nodded knowing that she was right. "Or what are you going to do to stare at me?" He asked which did piss me off since Beth is as needed as we all are. Heck I feel like Rick wouldn't be here without Beth or Maya helping him.

"You hurt so much you want to hurt everyone else. Including your sister. Isn't that right, Rick." She continued as I nodded knowing it was true. My brother has always been hurt after our parents death, but it's no excuse to yell at me, out of all people I understand the pain too. He slammed slamdown the hourglass on the table as I stood between Yolanda, and Beth.

"I care about Courtney, and about you three, along with Kyra, and Maya." Beth continued, "About everyone in Blue Valley. But we should be trying to figure out who Cindy's parents are before we act." She said once more as I watched Yolanda's eyes change into agreement.

"I think Beth and Skylar are right, Rick." Yolanda spoke up as my brother finally agreed in his most agreeing way. "So what do you want to do?" Rick asked in a more calmer voice than before. As I looked at Beth knowing she would have a plan.

"I've got a plan." She said as I smiled knowing that this might be dangerous, but it is going to be so fun. "A good one." Her voice continued as she lifted up the goggles.

The next day afternoon I was standing behind the bushes next to Yolanda and my brother as I watched Beth continue up to the door. But before I could do anything Pat came behind me and scared the crap out of me as I looked back at him.

"Where's Beth?" Pat asked as all of us including myself looked at him with a uhhh face then looking back towards Cindy's door. As Rick pointed, as Pat continued to the front of the house after Beth rang the doorbell until a woman opened the door, as Beth was making small talk.

Later on we continued to hear less from Beth as it sounded like Maya was with her, as I could see my brother start to worry about Maya. "Should one of us go check on Beth? Maya?" Yolanda asked as I nodded until Yolanda got a text. Most likely from Courtney as she looked back at us.

"Oh my God, it's Courtney. Cindy Knows she's Stargirl." Yolanda told us as I grabbed my ring. As a car approached the driveway as I could see Cindy coming out of the SUV, knowing that this was a bad side. We knew we had to get Beth, and Maya out. As my brother grabbed his Hourglass looking at Yolanda, and I.

"I'll help you get Beth, Yolanda. Rick you're getting Maya." I told him patting his shoulder as he glared at me. As we approached Cindy's window as I flew up next to the window carefully waiting for Beth and Maya to approach.

― MY BROTHER CLOSED THE DOOR AS I SAW COURTNEY, PAT, AND KYRA WALKING PAST OUR FATHER'S HOSPITAL ROOM. Part of me wanted to ask her what happened, but I knew I couldn't expose my friendship or knowing them to my brother yet, due to him not knowing that I talk to anyone but Stephaine and Cameron. I knew I should be with the others as I received a text from Skylar about how they all are at the Pit Shop. But I need to be with my brother, I need to be here.

Listening to the room's small sounds of the heart monitor, and then the sound of breathing from my own body. Part of me wishes everyday that this is all a dream I could wake up from, that it was back to my schedule and even having the father I have, just to have that back. Even if it wasn't perfect since my mother's death, but at least then I could have something. Something that was semi-normal in my family.

The next morning, I could hear this ringing in my head once I got up as I searched my room for headache relief pills, or heck even some Advil. As it kept coming in ways of high pitched and low pitched ringing. It just wouldn't stop as I could see a pen from my desk start to float as it was in the air, until I was able to grab it.

Hearing the sound once more I took a pill quickly, as I noticed my phone screen light up, it was Skylar. I quickly grab my red clad jacket and I head out of my room with a small bag so if I needed it I could use it. Driving down to Stephaine's house, I quickly parked my car as I sat out on the walk to Cindy's so it didn't look suspicious.

Heading up Cindy's driveway I knew what I had to do for the team, ever since they have been messaging me after I recovered from my injuries. Knocking on the door, this felt so strange since the last time I had been here was at her Halloween Party, all those weeks ago as her step-mother walked up to the door smiling at me.

As she opened the door I smiled, "Maya, Cindy isn't home right now. You're welcome to come in." She said as I walked in with her as I sat down on one of the stools at the bar, as she looked at me. "Where's Henry, I'm surprised he isn't with you at this time? Or Stephaine?" She asked as I shook my head smiling still.

"Well Henry is at home resting since he has barely left the hospital other than school. And Stephaine is for once I think she hasn't told me." I told her watching her mother smile. "Do you want anything to eat? Drink?" She asked as I shook my head. "Can I have water please." I told her as she smiled, giving me a glass as the doorbell rang as she approached the door, and my head started pounding a bit as I took another pill like earlier that morning.

When the pain ended, I looked back knowing the familiar voice of Beth Chapel, and Pat Dugan as I looked over hearing their "cover story". As Bobbie let them in finally I looked over as Pat looked at me. "Maya?" He asked as Bobby walked behind the counter as I smiled moving from the stool standing up. Looking at Beth I smiled knowing she had a plan to find something more about Cindy by the look on her face.

Watching Beth grab a cookie was interesting as Bobby went back to the kitchen as Beth changed into the goggles as she talked about needing more time as I followed Beth as Pat was suspecting why Beth and I continued our way in as I heard her through the comms talk to Rick as I saw a keypad which wasn't bad until the door opened and I followed Beth into the mysterious door.

Beth and I continued down the stairs that were strange as the hallways were bare as Beth looked around. Beth had no communication, as we continued to walk down the tunnels as my heels clicked against the floor, as we heard a loud roar. Which was not appealing as it was under Cindy's house, and was creepily dimmed. As I could see Beth was ready to go I continued heading back to the door we entered through as I walked faster in my heels.

We headed upstairs as I could hear Yolanda's voice through the goggles slightly muttering something upon the lines of, "Cindy's home." Which was not a good sign for Beth, nor I. Since the last time I talked to Cindy was when she was at the hospital trying to get my brother out with her yesterday.

Walking in her room it is neatly done, which was very suspicious as I could see photos of mainly Cindy, and two with my brother, some with Jenny, and then one with the Cheer Squad. Which last time I remember I used to be the Captain of.

As I continued to look in her storage I could find nothing suspicious of her yet. When Beth found a photo of a man which was in black and white and had some age towards the photo. But truly I had no idea who it was. Until Beth spoke, "What's Cindy's connection to a dead war criminal?" She asked as I looked at her. "Figures." I thought knowing it might be her father at this point.

Hearing Cindy's voice I opened the window seeing Yolanda, as she grabbed Beth and Skylar caught her as she screamed. I could hear a slight, "Your alright Beth, Calm down." From Skylar as I jumped out the window trusting myself as I landed in Rick's arms as I came back into focus as I was looking at him. "Got you." He told me as I looked at him and then I got back up knowing that Cindy would come soon I ran grabbing Rick's arm, as Skylar was flying with Beth in her arms to the other side of the house where she could land and finally get out of her gear.

Heading over to Skylar I smiled as I could see Rick as we headed back around the corner as I could see Pat who looked at me. "Pat, Cindy knows Courtney's Stargirl." Yolanda spoke as I looked at him, "What?" He asked as I could feel Rick's hand still in mine as I could see Skylar looked over to me with her eyes filled with happiness.

He glared at the picture pointing at Cindy's house as he said he knew about the man. But we ran back to his car as I knew I could always pick up my car half way through. But I still had Rick's hand laced through mine until he got in Pat's SUV, as Skylar grabbed on to me. "I'll meet you guys there. Ride with me." I spoke to Skylar as she nodded and we headed down a couple of blocks to my car.

"So....my brother and you..." She told me as I glared at her starting up my car as we headed out on the road towards the Pit Shop. "There is nothing going on between Rick and I." I told her as she laughed in an airy laugh of hers. "You may not know me that well yet Maya. But I can tell you have heart eyes when you're around my brother. And he's the same way, King." She told me as I looked at her shaking my head as we continued on the road.

When arriving at the Pit Shop, I could see everyone look up including Rick who looked my way. As we continued I could see Beth studying over the photo of Dr.Ito as she was focused on a conversation with Chuck, as Skylar went over and started talking to Yolanda. Leaving Rick and I alone, darn you Skylar.

Approaching him was interesting. I could see something, and I almost felt something for a moment. "I forgot to say Thank you for knowing you know catching me earlier." I told him as he nodded, "That's what Hourman is for." He told me as I smiled. "Catching girls from psychos bedrooms when escaping through a window." I told him laughing a bit, "How Heroic." I told him as he shook his head.

"Well I need to head back to the hospital soon before you know my brother suspects me." I told him as he looked at me as Skylar looked back, smiling and putting her thumb up. As I could see Rick look back glaring at his sister. "I can walk you out." He told me as I smiled, "Yeah that would be nice." I told him as we walked out and I headed back to my car.

Without saying much I was about to get in my car as I smiled, "Thank you again Rick." I told him as he nodded and somehow I couldn't notice how we were coming closer to each other in every movement, until a few moments later...I could feel the warm heat of Rick's breath on my face. Next thing I know my lips touch his for a moment until he pulls away after we hear a few aww's.

Turning back I could see Skylar, Beth, and Yolanda all looking out the Pit Shop door as I could feel my cheeks heating up. And I could see the clear glare Rick was sending as Skylar was laughing. "I ship it." She yelled at us, as Beth was next to her. "Skylar." Rick yelled at his younger sister as the three laughed heading back in.

"So...." I said with my longing words as I could see his reaction as I couldn't get this grin off my face. "What happens now?" I asked as he looked at me. "Depends if you want something...whatever you call this." He said as I smiled brightly. "Yeah i'd like that. I really would like that." I told him seeing a small smile on his face.

― AS CINDY ENTERS COURTNEY'S BEDROOM I WAS TEMPTED TO FIND SOMETHING TO HIT THE GIRL WITH. When she enters she smiles at Courtney and I, as I shift in the window seeing that she is holding a box of chocolates in her hand. My body was having this feeling like she is just doing it so she could tell us what she is up to. And I know it has to do something with the team being at Cindy's house. Including Skylar, and Yolanda.

"Thrift store chic." She told Courtney as I wasn't going to jump on Cindy, I wasn't going to jump on Cindy. She continued to talk about how her week was awful with everyone in her life, but then again she is a bitch. As she offered Courtney some chocolates.

"You know what I realised yesterday. We're not different from you and me. In fact, we're kinda similar." Cindy talked about how I was not buying her bullshit. I wished that my club was on me so I could throw a few throws at her way.

When Cindy started walking away about to leave, "I forgot to mention I really like your staff, Stargirl." Cindy started, "And your anger, Hawkgirl." She continued as she looked over at me as I glared at her. I knew that Cindy would try to go kill our friends since she knew who we're. Instead of listening to her small threats I just glared at her knowing that this wasn't going to end well.

As Cindy left I could tell Courtney was talking to Yolanda as I knew Skylar and most likely the others were there. "They're not responding." She told me as I looked at her. "I'm coming with you Court." I told her as she looked at me. I grabbed my club as I was ready to head down to the basement.

Walking down the basement stairs I could see Courtney was determined to go after Cindy even if I tried to stop her. I grabbed my suit as I looked at her seeing that she was struggling with the staff, like someone told that staff to stop working for her. Dang it Dad. She continued speaking to it as she headed back upstairs as I went to my room.

Watching Courtney fly through the window was interesting as I stayed outside since I didn't want to get in the middle of Cindy and Courtney fighting and my wings getting in the way. As I could see Henry as I flew at her grabbing her and hitting her down with my club. As she threw me as Courtney hit into her as Henry checked on her.

"I'm going to kill that Star Spangled Bitch, and her little feathered friend too." Cindy said as I could hear Henry for a few minutes trying to stop Cindy. At this point I do wish Maya was here. Man, where is she anyways?

She came up to us as Courtney flew with her as I grabbed her before she could hit Courtney as I grabbed her as she slashed one of my wings as I did screech, as I hit her with my club in a hard way throwing her back into Courtney as I was on the ground. Praying that I could get her off of Courtney.

Until I heard this yelling as I could see something and I was blasted back throwing me into a wall near Courtney as I got up slowly. As Courtney started running as I was next to her, I was lucky that my wing wasn't damaged. As I could feel someone in my head as I looked back, seeing Henry Jr. staring at Courtney and I.

"What'd you do with Cindy? Where is she?" He asked us as I grabbed my club. Knowing he could hear my thoughts. "I don't know where the bitch is. She threatened my friends, and my anger. Last thing I need is to be dead because of a telepath." I thought, "Just like my parents." I continued as I could see Henry staring at me.

"Courtney, Kyra." He spoke as we needed to stop thinking about what we need to know. I watched as he runned wondering if Maya knew, but then I couldn't tell Maya I put her dad in a coma. And I wonder if someone is watching us at this point.

― WHEN HEADING BACK HOME I COULD SEE HENRY IN THE STUDY AS HE WAS LOOKING AT ME. Everything around me started to collapse for a moment, until I saw him with the red cloak that I have used so many times in the past few months. He stared at me with the eyes I haven't seen since years ago, a mix of worry, and hurt. I know I should have told Henry, but then again I needed to protect my older brother.

"Maya?" He said in a concerned yet disappointed voice as I was about to walk out of the study not even caring about grabbing my cloak. "I know this is yours." He said as I walked over and took it from his hands. "Where did you even get it?" I asked him as he looked at me. "I found it....Why didn't you tell me?" He asked as I could still see the disappointment along with the hurt look in his eyes as I sat down in one of the chairs next to him as I knew I couldn't hide this anymore.

"Your one of them. Like Courtney and Kyra aren't you?" He asked me as I looked at him in shock. "I don't know what you mean." I told him as he glared at me as I nodded. "Yes," I stated, not able to let out more than that. "When did this start? Why did this start?" He asked as I looked at him. "When I went to Star City, I didn't just go to school I became something else. Someone helped me, and I don't regret it. The only thing I regret is not telling you." I told him as he looked at me shaking his head in disbelief.

"You have to believe me if I didn't think you could be safe with me telling you I run around in a hood holding a bow I would. I would love to take it back and just be us again. Ever since dad was put in his coma, I just couldn't get away from the feeling that I had then. When I was in Star City many bad people tried to take over the good. And heck I don't even know what I'm doing with the stupid hood anymore." I told him as I could feel the sharp pain again as I groaned and he grabbed my hand.

"You have them too?" He asked as I nodded, "I just can't get the pain out of my head. But your right I should have told you. But I just...I like the feeling of helping people. Even if you know dad would have my head if he ever found out." I told him as he smiled a bit as we both laughed like we used to. "I missed it when we were young and mom was here." I told him as he nodded.

"I remember all those times she told us it would be alright, but look at us now. I somehow became a red hooded vigilante. And you became...if I was honest the movie was like Jock, but deep down you're still my brother, the one from all those years ago. I always have wondered what it would have been like, hell if mom didn't die all those years ago." I told him as I looked at him for a few moments as we both decided to head out of the study and to talk about this more tomorrow.