Three.
“Memories are like water. They can be frozen and stuck in your head, and it can be hot and rebellious.” 

― THE MONITORS WERE BEEPING, AS THE MACHINE WAS PROVIDING ME THE HEART BEATS OF, CHRISTINE MAHKENT. The happily married wife of my older brother, Jordan, and mother of my nephew, Cameron, I never remembered the full story of how they met. I forgot most details including my nephew’s birth, but sometimes I can remember small details in my dreams and in these flashes. Those flashes never included Christine yet...due to her not being mostly in my life. I heard before I ever moved to Blue Valley, I was a doctor in Los Angeles curing the poor. Until one day I woke up not remembering anything before the year 2001. 

I watched as my older brother was next to Cameron holding his hand entering the room as I was standing in the room looking over Christine, with my mother and father. When I moved in I had amnesia where I needed assistance even remembering how to use some of the abilities I had no idea with. And sooner than later we learned Christine was exposed to toxin which later made her develop cancer. I tried my hardest to help her from my training and knowledge, but not even I could help anymore than just giving her the extra time I did along with her doctors. 

“It’s time my son.” My mother told my older brother as he was still trying to have hope that he could save his wife in some way, but even he knew deep down that she was gone. “Ja. Ja.” My brother said in our family's native tongue of Norwegian. I stepped back as she called for Cameron to come by her side, he did hand her a piece of paper with a drawing on it. As it was a flower from his mother’s garden, I keep mine in my office, but let’s just say most of them die. 

Before Cameron could do anything else when Christine started dying soon enough. And they pulled him back and I stepped out of the room knowing I shouldn’t get in the way, and knowing the two should have their space as I saw Cameron run out and sit in the hallway crying. “It’s ok.” I told him as he hugged me, I did feel terrible for Cameron losing his mother. I heard the heart monitor drop as that's when he gripped onto me even more. I heard my brother walk past us as I knew he needed a moment and walked out closing the gate behind him, “Cameron if you need anything I’m here.” I told him heading back to my room to see the roses that I grow as I put one in my vase of my room from outside my window. I gently touched it and held my finger there for a moment and then the rose started to freeze all over as it froze entirely. And one of the petals of the red rose fell onto the table. 

That was only eight years ago…

― BEFORE HEADING OUT OF MY ROOM I GRABBED SOMETHING OUT OF THE WOODEN BOX. It was a small pendant that my parents gave me when I was younger as it was to symbol a chance at freedom for me. They gave me it when I was five, a few months before both of them died. Until moving here to Blue Valley, I never thought to wear my pendant having no need, because sometimes I felt that I should also go, that I should be dead with them so I could see them again. So I could see the new memories we could get with our time together, and so I could actually know more about my parents. 

Taking off out of my room, as I walked by Courtney’s I could see her looking at something. As she finished packing her bag as I headed downstairs to hear some old music from the old station here in Blue Valley. Too bad they don’t have any of those patriotic anthems from back in the 1860s...man some of those anthems were good. Like Bonnie Blue Flag, Maryland my Maryland, Virginia Belle, and many more for the era of music. Mike just couldn’t stand it as it wasn’t bad music like some music is today. 

“Hey at least the ten songs have a good beat, and are appropriate.” I told Mike as he glared at me shaking his head as I laughed. As my dad turned the station off, he was explaining dinner plans tonight at 6:30 and not to be late. As Mike moved after saying, “Alright shotgun.” He spoke as sometimes I wish I could just use my wings in public, “I have never seen him eat a piece of fruit. Seriously.” My father said as I nodded grabbing an apple, and taking a bite out of it. 

Hearing my father and Courtney talk again about this whole move and the ISA as I heard, “Starman’s daughter.” Courtney said as I was looking at Courtney, “Stargirl.” She continued on as I continued to eat this apple. “Ok Court, even if there are other members of the ISA we need to proceed carefully. Lay low, make a plan.” My father explained as it was true. “I have a three point plan.” Courtney says as here we go again with her idea of stopping them. “Find them, surprise them, and kick their asses.” She said as the last part is true, it isn’t a bad three point plan to get to the point. “We’re Stargirl, Hawkgirl, and STRIPE.” She said once more excited. 

“Okay, being a superhero is not being a superhero most of the time. I need to find out if Brainwave is alone or not. And I need for you to go to school.” He told Courtney as I nodded knowing we did need to lay low until we could attack. “And just both of you act like normal teenagers.” He told us as I shook my head, throwing the apple core away walking out of the room. Courtney did walk out the door as I glanced up to see her approaching the car. 

Once I was dropped off I headed in to find Skylar standing in the corners studying some of the people around the school. I saw some people dressed up for whatever is happening, “What is today?” I asked Skylar as she shook her head, “One of the day’s I hate the most...the talent show.” She spoke as it made me wonder why she hates talent shows. “Wait, so you're saying the talent show is a day you hate.” I told her as she nodded, “Don’t ask me it was one time. When I went to go out and let me say it didn’t end well.” Skylar said as people passed us and didn’t even see us. 

“Cindy Burman is the “winner” of everything like the talent show. And besides why would I want to watch all the acts and just be there for three hours for just one thing.” She continued as I looked at her, “You really do hate the talent show.” I said under my breath as she turned back looking at me as her green eyes were somewhat staring in my soul. 

― STANDING IN THE OFFICE AS EVERYONE WAS PEERING OVER MY BROTHER’S SHOULDER. We all watched him move some of the objects on the replica of Blue Valley. We all stood there to welcome him back for one, and then to also get to business. Now at least I won’t have to do the workload of phone calls and planning that he would have been here for the past eight years for more than a month or two at a time. 

“Good Morning, everyone.” He said, “Good Morning.” Everyone responded as I even spoke it. “Welcome back Sir.” James Chapel said, “It’s good to be back James.” Jordan said as I was standing on the other side of my brother. “And for those of you who are new here, my name is Jordan Mahkent.” He said as we all clapped, “I made a promise once to someone very special to me that I would help make this country a better, safer place to raise our children. I’ve dedicated my life to that. Like many immigrants my parents came into this great country in hope of finding a better future to raise their children. But this past year I have traveled across America from town to town and I have seen factories that have been abandoned. I’ve met people in need, in Littleville, Colorado. In Hatton Corners, Indiana. And so many other forgotten communities. And we’re gonna help them just like we’ve helped Blue Valley...We’re gonna rebuild America. One factory and one town at a time.” Jordan said, finishing off his speech as we all clapped at him. 

“But as we expand our vision...we call The American Dream across this great land, we’ll also continue to revitalize downtown. Which will include a food co-op at 27 Spring Street, a brand new retail space at 308 main street, a…” Stephen continued until we heard an “Oh.” As it came down from behind the crowd and I can see Jordan look at Mrs.Whitmore as she had a sad face and everyone else couldn’t care because it just meant we were continuing the business project. “Is there a problem?” Jordan asks her as some people move out of her way and looks at her. “No.” She continued as I knew it was something. Along with my brother, “No please. What were you going to say?” He tells her. 

“It’s um...I grew up here in Blue Valley. I just moved back and what you have done to our town is amazing, it's remarkable, it's inspiring and it’s why I wanted to work here, but back when I was a kid 308 Main Street was a theater. Every weekend we would watch plays put on by our neighbors and our friends.” Barbara stated it would be a nice place for people to come together, and experience coming together and some old fashion style plays instead of movies. “The theater has operated at a loss for years.” Steven said as I could see Jordan’s interest in Barbara at that moment, as she seemed interesting. “I’m sure it’s not very lucrative, but it brought the community together.” Barbara said as I’m truly interested in her now due to her sticking up for her point to Steven. Jordan walked over to the map as I went to the otherside. 

“Du liker ideen hun gir.” I told him as he nodded as he spoke, “Og du på den andre ideen kan se det er en god idé også.” He told me as I broke a small smile, “Um, I’m sorry if I said too much.” Barbara said as Jordan and I leaned up. “You know what? That would be great for the community. Let’s do that instead.” Jordan said as I smiled at Steve who just rolled his eyes at me. “But we have already.” Steve tried to defend his side. “As brilliant as you are, I’m sure you can find a way to make it work. Right, Stephan?” Jordan said as he looked at me, “I agree with Jordan on this one Stephan.” I told him as he glared at me and I smiled again. 

“Uh miss...I’m sorry what was your name?” He asked her as I was about to say it, “Barbara.” She told him as I glanced at her seeing the way my brother smiled at her for a moment. “Barbara.” He said as he smiled brighter than I have seen in a long time.

An hour later after the meeting ended, I saw as Jordan was going to head to Barbara’s office, “Så nå er du på vei til kontoret hennes.” I told him seeing his face give me a glare as I was sitting on the chair on the other side of his desk. “Ja, og det angår deg ikke siden du blir med meg. Noen ganger stiller jeg spørsmål ved hvorfor jeg ba deg komme inn i min virksomhet når du kunne ha vært lege fortsatt.” He told me as I rolled my eyes in response brushing some of my blonde strains of hair out of my face. 

When we walked up the stairs we finally arrived at Barbara’s office, he knocked as she dropped her stuff off her desk as I went down and caught some of it, “Is now a good time?” Jordan asked her. “Oh. Sorry, let me help you with that.” He continued as I sat the stuff I caught on his desk. “Shoot.” She said. “Oh is that your daughter?” Jordan asked her as she looked like her mother. 

“Yes, that’s...that’s Courtney, my daughter. Uh and that’s, Mike, my step-son, and that’s my husband Pat.” She continued, “You have a lovely family.” Jordan told her as it was a nice family, but part of me was concerned at what he was getting at with this. I kinda blanked out of what they were saying thinking about something so similar that happened to me. 

I was currently sitting in my chair in my office in the hospital as I saw a man who knocked on the door and entered with a thing of red roses and a suit on. I jumped out of my chair. “Oh gosh you scared me.” I told him as I looked much younger than. “Oh come on love, it wasn’t that bad.” The man told me as he had a beard but I couldn’t get a close look as I opened my eyes. 

I watched as my brother walked out, she looked at me. “Are you alright Ms.Mahkent?” She asked me as I nodded. “Yes, I’m fine...it’s just me remembering something from my past.” I told her about to walk out before I stopped and turned back as she glanced up at me, “Great work today Mrs.Whitmore, your idea was fantastic. And not only that, not everyone says their ideas to Sharpe like that. And there are times where we need ideas like yours.” I told her as she smiled, “Thank you.” She told me as I nodded, “And if you need anything or if Mr.Sharpe is being a bother come to me anytime, I’m just a few doors down.” I told her as she smiled. “I will thank you.” She told me as I opened the door. 

“And please call me Morgan.” I told her as she still had a smile on her face as I finally walked out. 

― AWAKE IN THE ROOM THAT MY FATHER IS IN HURTS SINCE IT HASN’T BEEN MORE THAN A NIGHT SINCE HE WAS PUT IN A COMA. I looked over to see my brother still sleeping as I started to hear this noise in my head and I thought my phone moved, until it went away when Henry woke up from his small nap throughout the night as he looked at the coffee cup until he looked at me. 

“How long have you been up?” He asked me still with tiredness in his voice as I looked at him, “Well forty-minutes give or take. When I woke up you were asleep so I decided to sit here.” I told him as he looked at me since he thought he needed to not only watch out for our dad, but for me also after mom and now I’m the only family he has left that is awake. I watched as he got up and went to our fathers hospital bed and grabbed his hand and I knew it wasn’t a pleasant time right now for either of us. 

I stood up heading to go over there to Henry but before I could I saw Mr.Mahkent; Cameron’s father standing outside the room. Part of me said it was nice that he was caring enough to come visit my father, but another side of me with the way he appeared creeps me out. He smiles and nods at us until walking away. What is he up to? 

As we couldn’t stay any longer without missing school I gave Henry a ride knowing Stephaine probably ran to school and is in her athletic gear or just a simple casual outfit since some days Stephaine never cared what she looked like. Once we arrived I knew classes would start soon so I didn’t have time to find Stephaine who was probably drenched in sweat.  

Later on in the day hearing the announcements about the talent show is as interesting as it would be to care, I don’t since I know Cindy Burman is going to win.  As I headed to math class I bumped into Cindy as I glared at her, “Watch where you’re going.” She said in her bitchy tone, “Why don’t you go fuck off.” I told her to grab my books and walk away. Stephaine walked in as we sat besides the desks of the new girl, and Cameron. We watched as she talked to him about the floral decorations he drew on Yolanda’s locker as she and him both got in trouble for talking. But I could see the smile he gave her. 

Just before I could do anything else I could see the new girl’s sister with one of the familiar looking black haired girls who seemed to stay out of everyone’s business, and she just seemed like she didn’t even care about much more than just being alone. Which is odd because her and Kyra get along, but you know opposites attract. But then again I don’t know the two as I could see Cameron look at Skylar when Skylar walked away to her next class. 

― WALKING OUT OF THE SCHOOL TODAY FELT DIFFERENT IN A WAY. As I watched the students who were going to the talent show today as I decided to just ditch the rest of my last class; Finance. I decided to just find where my brother decided to head off to. Most likely to find either with cigarettes, alcohol, or maybe even him with stolen drugs. I mean I might be his younger sister, but come on can’t he just stop his addiction with all these dangerous drugs and start to just get addicted to food?

About ten minutes into the walk I come to see my brother, out of all places in public by the Blue Valley tires mural about the tires; drinking whatever liquor he got from stealing or bought for cheap. I scoffed seeing him as he glanced up at me, “You are supposed to be in school Skylar.” He told me in a very snarky tone as I just rolled my eyes. “And you are too, but I see you here and not at school. And besides all you take your anger out is on drugs, or alcohol, or both daily.” I told him as he just glared at me. “So...nobody even cares if I’m there.” He told me as I just rolled my eyes and decided to just not continue this conversation. 

“I’ll see you at home later.” I told him as I left the area and headed back into the town as I saw Courtney near the diner passing her as I continued on my way. Once I started to head near West Farms and up the long dirt path to my house, which really doesn’t even feel like home. But even before I headed on the path I heard my name being called, it wasn’t my brother’s because his would be deeper. “Skylar.” I heard the voice call again as I turned around seeing Kyra Dugan as she had her blonde hair down. 

“What happened?” She asked me as I scoffed, “Why do you care?” I asked her to shake my head because nobody has ever cared. Sometimes even my brother snaps at me, and he’s the only one I have left. Somedays I just feel so alone, I walk alone, I look up at the sky...and yet I still have so much hope and let go of so much fear of the past. “Because I do. And you should trust me on this. You're not alone anymore Skylar.” She told me as I glanced down at my feet, “But yet sometimes I feel like I am. I got to go.” I told her heading back on the trail not listening to her as I need to think about everything….like the teachers say “reflect” on myself, and to think about my actions. 

Continuing to walk the trail I could see the familiar trees until I saw the one, the one with every memory within me started to change as I stared at it. The pain within me coursing through my body. And I walked through the field behind it into some of the corn of the farmers of Blue Valley as I could see the crows above me passing throughout the field. On the trail I followed everyday so I didn’t have to run into my...my...father. 

― WHEN I ENTERED THROUGH THE DOOR I COULD HEAR COURTNEY AND MY FATHER ARGUING OVER WHAT TO DO. And with my curiosity spiked in interest I decided to go by the kitchen door and listen to them argue about going after Icicle or not; Icicle the ISA leader. As I knew Courtney wanted to go after him, for revenge for her father; Starman. But we don’t know anything about what he’s up to and if he’s planning something for when...if we even go. 

“This is a trap Courtney.” I heard him tell her, “For him.” She reasoned as I shook my head, “Pat. We're talking about the man that killed my father.” Courtney continued as I moved my head on the doorframe and looked at Courtney. I was just glancing knowing that this verbal battle will continue to go on as long as Pat and Courtney would disagree. “The staff wants Justice, too.” Courtney said as I could see the staff lighting up and moving. I swear if someone came in this house I would just walk away not even caring if it’s the ISA. And then it went to her hand. 

“We’re going with or without you.” Courtney continued as her face was serious and my father knew he had to cave in because if not she would go after Icicle and probably get more hurt then if we went with her. As I could hear the scoff of his and then he let both of us suit up as I went to grab my bag so I could change at the Pit Shop. 

In the sky...twenty five minutes later I could feel the breeze through my wings once again as I could see everything on the ground. As we finally got to a clearing in the field which was empty...like I thought. But for sure something felt off, looking around and not being able to see any sign of anybody. Upon landing we could still see nothing as even the ice was gone. Until we felt a breeze come our way as I looked back.

Part of me says I shouldn’t have stayed up to watch Nightmare on Elm Street at midnight, before today. My train of thought of how creepy this seemed and where Icicle decided to be was snapped out by when Courtney was on the ground beside me as I jumped a bit. And I flew up as an Icicle hit Stripe and it froze over his entire machinery. 

Courtney did stare into the forest looking into the direction the Icicle came from and decided to run that way as I groaned and chased after her knowing if not it could end bad. “Damn it wait! Courtney, Kyra come back.” Pat said as we could hear it through our coms. Finally as we stopped running I was standing beside Courtney as I took my club out of place putting it beside me as I was still on the left of Courtney. 

Looking over I could see the lake of Blue Valley which led to the bridge. Until the staff defended Courtney and I used my wings to put me up as he threw an icicle at Courtney, and I. It did knock Courtney over and I blocked it with my staff barley as I fell back due to impact behind the log looking up to see this man of  Ice. Hmmm….shouldn’t we just call him ice, or iceman. Maybe even popsicle. As another hit the water when I saw Courtney was alright. 

I could see the staff was freezing over as I could continue to see him coming closer to us as Courtney was trying to get the staff to work. “Hello...and goodbye.” Icicle told Courtney as I tried to say something until I saw this thing flying hitting him on the side of the shoulder as he looked in the direction and all I could see is this nothing. But an arrow with a unique shape and red. He was distracted as I was going to do something as I got up and then before I could STRIPE’s hand flew and threw Icicle away from us. 

Seeing the arrow I wondered who took the shot. It did fly him off to the bridge. But I couldn’t still see the person who put the arrow on the ground that I quickly grabbed with my semi gloved hand as I studied it’s features. And it was made well, due to the carvings and designs. 

The Bus started falling off the bridge as I started flapping my wings putting the arrow in the spot knowing STRIPE will also be there. But since he wasn’t yet I flew over and under the bridge using my strength to help at the bottom of the bus as it’s more heavy in tons than I expected as I tried to use my wings to help lift it up. As I could hear STRIPES machine coming as some kid was looking at us as I saw a bright light and my father was able to finish putting it back on the bridge as I landed back around Courtney seeing the arrow as I was exhausted. 

“We need to find Icicle.” Courtney continued as I shook my head grabbing the arrow while studying it, still not seeing anyone around. “JOEY” Courtney screamed out as I looked at the bridge to see the poor kid get hit by the car. If only I was paying attention I could have saved him. Darn the Ra’s. One last card flying in the air. 

Getting back to the Pit shop I was just focusing on the death of Joey Zarick and how this was preventable. If only any of us...mainly me could have been faster. But truly I knew nothing of this Joey Zarick but I did feel bad for Courtney as she just met the kid today and he seemed to be nice to her. Truly nice to her, as she never got the chance to know much about him. None of us did, and still it affected us that it didn’t matter. A life is a life. And this wasn’t a sacrifice, like it would have been from my home. My first home. 

Why in the Ra’s does this always happen to the good people? 

“I’m going to find Icicle. No. We’re going to find Icicle and…” Courtney started as I looked at my father and her seeing that it once again affected them both. “I have something to show you.” He said mainly focusing on Courtney as I was thinking about what he meant following them. Walking back outside and starting to fly next to STRIPE due to us going somewhere once again. And upon landing I knew what the place was...I could remember some of the memories I had of this place when I was younger in this life. And I smiled knowing that this was going to be memorable. 

Walking inside, we could see the outside of the middle area. “What is this place?” Courtney asked as she looked at me and I smiled. “It’s the headquarters of the Justice Society of America.” My father told her as she looked back at me and I nodded. Everything did seem dark, as I did forget about how to turn on the lights as Pat pulled the tarp off the big round table. And then you can see the whole room light up and see the chairs that everyone and some more sat at during their age. 

“What is all of this?” Courtney asked as she started to head around looking at the different displays as I went on the other side of the room seeing the display of my Ab. Since my mother didn’t have her own display, but she does have some things in this headquarters in the files and throughout the place...from what I remember. “Each of the JSA members have abilities, powers, tools, like your cosmic staff, and they used them to protect the world from threats like Icicle.” My father continued as I looked back to see what Courtney meant looking at Wildcat, Dr.Mid-Nite, and Hourman. 

As I looked back at my father’s display I was thinking about some of the times he told me about this headquarters. Until Courtney was beside me and I looked at her heading closer to her to see Hooty. As he hooted at both of us. And part of me could understand what he was saying due to my more Hawkgirl side. “Is this thing real?” Courtney asked as I nodded, “Yeah.” He continued. “It’s Dr.Mid-Nite owl.” He once again continued as the Owl moved around a bit. 

Before I even knew it I had to owl on my shoulder perching on me. As I looked back to see Hooty chirping as I smiled knowing...that they were staring and talking about the JSA as I was standing and feeling the claws of Hooty on my shoulder digging in every once and awhile. But I do feel bad about how long he has been in here waiting for Dr.Mid-Nite. Like man, I can’t even imagine. 

“The Truth is...You, Kyra, and I don’t stand a chance against them.” He continued to us as I looked at him and Hooty went back to his perch as my shoulder wasn’t bleeding that badly anymore. “What if we had help?” Courtney asked as I looked at her knowing what she was getting. About taking more people...mainly teenagers to be able to be the next generation of Superheroes. “I’m the new Starman. Kyra is the new Hawkman and Hawkgirl. So why couldn’t there be a new Hourman, Dr.Mid-Nite, Green Lantern, or Wildcat.” Courtney continued as I nodded. 

“We could get this archer to help us.” I told them as they looked at me and I put the arrow on the table, “I looked through some of the files that you have and none of the archers have this arrow. It has to be a new hero. Or Vigilante who is inspired or trained by them. I might not be good at archery or knowing these heroes. But this person had to be skilled, and smart since they knew about where to hit people, along with training because they were able to disappear better than we can.” I told them as they continued to look at me. “I agree. But if we do, how do we know to trust this person?” Courtney asked as I shaked my head. 

“They were the best in the world.” He stated, “Did they start out like that?” Courtney asked backfiring, “No. But still with years of experience they couldn’t stop the ISA.” He continued as I shook my head. “A kid died today.” He continued once more. “Yeah, and people die when heroes are around. It sucks, it truly does. But that’s why we try harder and we bring Justice and Hope to people.” I told him to walk away into another room knowing we would have to go sooner than later.

― SEEING THAT THIS MAN HAD AN ICE MASK ON I WATCHED AS HE WAS ABOUT TO HIT THESE...THESE MASKED VIGILANTES. Using my bow I shot an arrow grazing him in the arm as he looked up and I grabbed the side of the tree hiding as I could hear this noise in the air as I watched something...something robotic fly him away to the bridge. Looking out I could see both of the younger vigilantes as they were alright. But I knew I had to leave before any questions were asked as I walked back further into the forest heading back to my house. 

Walking through the forest, seeing a man with an ice mask made me question what this town has in its secrets. Because there's more to Blue Valley than I thought. I never thought after leaving Star City that I would ever have to wear the hood again. I never did since I wanted to be different. I needed some time to figure out who I am again. Since Star City left me questioning who I was. 

Running home I could hear the news stating about an accident on the bridge. I just thought this was some simple problem. But you know wherever something bad happens....something bad happens to the civilians. Hearing my phone ring, “Lance,” I said as I could hear the scoff in her voice. “Maya? What are you up to?” She asked me as I shook my head. “That doesn’t matter now. But what happened?” I asked her…. “Joey Zarick died!” She told me as I gasped and got in my car after changing my jacket and hiding my bow in my secret compartment. 

“Joey Zarick! Out of all the people who it could have happened to!” I stated as I was thinking about this town for a moment and who would want to kill him, and I knew nobody that would want to kill him. “Cameron, and I are going to the memorial. You should come with us.” She told me as I knew I would, “Be there soon, I just need to drop off things at my house and I’ll pick up Cameron and you.” I told her as she laughed. 

“Oh Maya, girly. Either way you were going, and either way you were picking Cameron and I up from my house since he’ll be over soon.” She told me as we finished talking and I hung up heading out on the road heading back to the manor. Seeing all the forest and then getting back to the town knowing that Henry would still be at football practice until now since the news. So he could be home and I need to be stealthy about sneaking my materials in. 

Once I entered the house I knew the maids and cooks were gone due to their being no smell in the kitchens, as we were sneaking to Cameron’s house anyways for dinner. As he told me that his father was back from his trip...figures. But still in general we would get to see Morgan, the witty, but stubborn business women. She really didn’t have any big things about her more than her not knowing anything from 2001-2011. But everything else, even her childhood she could remember. But it makes a good conversation to hear the dreams she has, these visions of figuring out how to piece together her life. 

After I changed I headed out of my room burying my weapons in a secret small room behind one of my bookshelves, like man making these things aren’t easy at all. I could see the suit within it and how it was still on display as it brought me back some memories of what had happened as I closed it upon hearing footsteps in the hallway as I grabbed my bag. “I’m heading to the hospital Maya, you coming?” Henry asked me as I shook my head. “I’ll come by later. I am going to the memorial for Joey Zarick with Cameron, and Stephaine.” I told him as I hugged him and left him in his own thoughts heading back to my car heading to Stephaine’s. 

Tonight, after the ceremony I was looking over in the car to see Cameron and Stephaine’s face to see the sorrow and pain. But the grief of such a nice boy, a kind one to all was murdered. And it was all due to this man, that I barely got more than the look at his face. When I started my car I knew that we all were remembering that this isn’t easy for a town that hasn’t had many problems….anything other than the gym coaches. Who disappears!

Getting to the Mahkent house didn’t take long as I knew that we weren’t late. At least to Cameron’s saying as it looked quiet inside as we entered and I was behind Stephaine as I could hear chatter in...in Norewegian as I could understand a few words but not enough to tell me what they were staying. “Du dreper ikke liket før de er nærmere fryseren. Fordi jeg hater å måtte dra det så langt.” Morgan said walking into our sight as she smiled and Cameron went up to hug his aunt as Stephaine and I waved until she pulled us into the hug also. 

When we got into the kitchen, “Your late. We were worried.” Mr.Mahkent said as I glared at Cameron I knew it. Stephaine just looked at me pinching me as I glared back at her when she smiled as Morgan entered the kitchen in another way. “They had a memorial for Joey.” Cameron told his father as his grandmother came up to us and hugged Stephaine and I. “Not before dinner.” His grandmother said in her accent which did sound nice might I say. As he looked defeated by his own grandmother. “You okay?” Jordan asked his son. “He was such a good kid, Dad.” Cameron continued as Stephaine came next to me as Morgan was looking at her as we helped set the table with his grandparents. 

“Everyone liked him.” Cameron continued as I nodded knowing that was true, but the atmosphere felt off with the older Mahkent’s like something happened. “Yeah. Come here.” Jordan said hugging his son as I did think it was nice, but heavily needed because he hasn’t been around for awhile and he finally has gotten back from his last trip. They both do laugh as I see Cameron take a fry as I shook my head. “Han får det fra dere begge.” His grandmother continued as I looked at them not being able to pick up anything on what they are saying as Stephaine looked at them. She did come up to me, “Is it a bad time to say I can understand them.” She said as I looked at her nodding. 

“Ok вы должны сказать мне позже.” I told her as she nodded, “When did you learn Russian?” She whispered as I grinned only she could see. “Later.” I told her as I smiled at Jordan and Morgan came over and Stephaine went into another conversation with her. A few moments later we did join Cameron on the couch as he smiled. When I got a phone call with someone on the screen, the name “Erin” popped up on the screen. “I got to take this.” I excused myself as I walked out the front door. Picking up the phone. 

“Hey Greystone.” I said as I heard a sigh, “I’m sorry for such a late call. But I needed you to know that...that Sander’s poisoned himself to get out of jail. He’s out now.” She told me as my eyes widened, “Where?” I asked her as I could feel it within me that I knew. He was targeting Queen Enterprises in Star City, or even trying to find both the Green Arrow and the Scarlet Arsenal. “I saw an article about an archer being sighted near the forest in Nebraska. What did you do?” She asked me as I shook my head knowing I might have made a mistake. 

2 months...he was in prison. And now he is out… “I will catch him, but I just needed to tell you so if he hunts for you first.” She told me as I knew he might due to me once kicking him when I broke his window making him land hard on the table. “Alright. Call me if you need me Greystone. But I need to go to this dinner before anyone suspects too much. Zulu.” I told her seeing Cameron stepping outside with Stephaine as I walked back. 

“Who was that?” He asked me as I shaked my head, “Someone from Star City. She was just telling me about the cheerleading team. There are too many stories from when I was there.” I told them as I knew Stephaine didn’t believe me. But I didn’t need her to. Walking back into the house since we went back to the dining room and finally settled down. 

Well who knew this was going to be the start of the next chapter of my story!