A/N:

One more and it's all over :')))

Freya's POV:

I clip the last latch on the bracelet and I smile in satisfaction, seeing as the silver brightly shined under the lamp light on my desk.

Out of habit, I almost tuck in my amulet under my shirt but my eyes soften as it gleamed under my room light.

McNider said that the chaos energy boosted my powers. I wonder if...

I quickly read the journal's advanced spell before I grab the bracelet and clasp it into my hands. I shut my eyes and take a deep breath, focusing my thoughts on the spell.

Trails of warm energy trickle across from my shoulders until I felt it creep into the palm of my hands, emitting a bright glow. It only lasts for a few seconds until I finally pull my hand away, watching as the flickers of light transferred into the jewelry until it disappeared.

Perfect.

"Busy?" I turn around, seeing the weak smile on Artemis's face.

"Artemis." I sigh in relief, placing the pieces of jewelry into the small box before quickly walking across the room and pulling her into a hug. "Where have you been? You pretty much disappeared right after the fight."

"Yeah, I'm sorry. I just...needed some time to myself. I listened to your messages." She muttered against my shoulder before she pulled away. "Any leads on Jordan?"

I slowly shook my head with a sigh. "Nothing. I'm sorry I couldn't stop him Artemis. I was facing off against...Doctor Chaos and pretty much spent most of my energy there before I went after Jordan." I explain, watching as she took a seat at the edge of my bed. "I failed. If I hadn't underestimated him, maybe I could've--"

"Hey, don't blame yourself. I know you did everything that you could." She reassured. "On the bright side, at least you guys made it out of there and stopped them. Is the Ultra-Humanite in—well, I guess in a crate? Jail?"

"Sylvester's body is healed except for the Ultra-Humanite's brain so...until we find Sylvester's brain, we're keeping him on life support." I explain before I take a seat beside her and cover her hands with mine. "Artemis, even if Jordan's off to who knows where, I'm not going to stop trying to track him down so don't think I'm letting your parents' death be in vain. Last night's fight proved that he's just going to heal up and come after us again."

"What are you saying?"

"If there is a day when I have a lead on his location...would you want to come with me?"

She stays quiet for a few moments until I feel her fists clench. "I can't make any promises that I'll help throw him in jail."

"I never expected you to. He deserves more than to rot in a cell."

"Freya, you almost ready?" We hear Kaitlyn call from downstairs.

"Yeah!" I call out before I turn to Artemis. "I can stall so you can get dressed. Everyone's been worried about you."

She shook her head with a small smile. "I can always join the next one."

"No, no. I insist."

"Freya—"

"Nope, you're going. It's too late." I pat her back before I stand up from the bed. "Besides, I asked Barbara if she could make some quinoa and tofu for you just in case. I know those are some of your favorites and wasn't sure if you wanted to have a cheat day with their meals."

"You did?" She softly asked.

"I promised to look after you, didn't I?" I say as I grab the small box that had the bracelets from my desk. "We're not related but you're still a part of our family. And as your sister," I grab Artemis's arms to pull her to stand. "I'm gonna help you get ready."

"Please don't put me in something stupid." She groaned as I dragged her out of my room.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. *✭˚

"I don't know, guys." My mom nervously spoke up once we walked up the steps to the Whitmore-Dugan's house. "Are you sure it's okay if I join them? Maybe you two go instead and I can--"

Artemis takes a step forward with a small smile. "I'll leave you two to talk. I'll go see if Mr. Dugan or Ms. Whitmore need help with anything." She says before she pushes open the door and shuts it behind her, leaving us alone.

"Mom," I place my hand on her shoulder. "you're stressing over nothing."

"Nothing? Freya, I almost killed you, I'm positive I said some wretched things to your friends, and teamed up with one of the JSA's worst enemies! Won't it be awkward?"

"We've talked about this. It was the helmet pulling the strings, not you." I sternly emphasize. "I was in your shoes before and even if it took awhile, they still gave me a chance. Plus, you made a chocolate pie!"

She winced. "Store bought."

"Even better. If they don't like the pie, you can blame the store."

She chuckles, shaking her head in amusement. "Okay, fine."

"Nice. Now--"

"Wait," She grabs my wrist before I could touch the doorknob which causes me to furrow my brows in confusion. "I know I already apologized for some of the things I--well, the evil me said but...while I still wish I could've been there to watch you grow up and despite you not living in a not-so-normal childhood, I'm still so proud of who you've become. No matter what tried to put you down, you still got back up on your feet. If your father were here in person rather than being in the cosmos with Nabu, I'm confident he would say the same and that you make a perfect Doctor Fate."

Without a second thought, I pull her into a hug. "I'm just happy you're alive, Mom."

A few moments pass and eventually, I pull away, proceeding to twist the doorknob and push open the front door.

As expected, we were met with their dog Buddy running away with the Ultra-Humanite plushy in his mouth as Jakeem and Mike frantically chase after him.

"Buddy, come on." Jakeem groaned.

"That is dangerous!" Mike exclaimed. "It's very dangerous! Just put it down. Put it down." Once the two boys turn the corner, the sound of a tear causes them to gasp.

"Oh, my God. He ripped his arm off!" Jakeem cries out.

"That's not his arm!" Mike screeched.

"Is it always like this?" My mom amusedly asked as I slowly closed the door.

"If you're with those two, yes." Cindy chuckled as she walked closer to us, offering a small smile as a greeting. "Nelson."

I give a short nod. "Burman." I feel a nudge on my arm and meet my mom's pointed expression for a moment. "You doing okay? I heard what happened with Dragon King and the whole body switch thing—"

She lets out a snort. "Oh yeah, I'm great. Giving that slobbery dog a new chew toy is the highlight of the holidays." She sighs before looking over to my mom. "I can take the pie for you, Ms. Nelson."

My mom warmly smiled, giving the dessert to her. "Thank you, Cindy."

We walk to the dining table where Rick, Beth, and her parents stood, seeing them excitedly explain something to him.

Rick's eyes flicker to us and he waves with a smile which causes Beth and her parents to turn as well. "Hey, guys."

"Hi, sorry we're late." My mom lightly chuckled. "Had a mini fashion alert."

"Don't I know it? They almost left the house without me when I was looking for my coat." Mrs. Chapel playfully scoffs, nudging her husband's side.

"Anything we missed?" I ask.

Rick shook his head. "I was just about to ask them about being Beth's sidekicks."

"Oh," I trail with a smile. "Sidekicks, huh? Do you have names yet?"

"I am Nite-Lite." Mr. Chapel said with a flourish.

"Hooty for me," Mrs. Chapel gestured to herself. "in honor of Dr. McNider's wise owl."

"I have the whole suit design--"

"Okay, Dad." Beth nervously laughed, wrapping her arm around him into a side hug to stop him from talking.

"What would your powers be?" Rick curiously asked.

"What? I'm glowing in the dark, man!" Mr. Chapel incredulously pointed out which causes the rest of us to laugh.

"Yeah, Rick. It's in the name. Keep up." I tease, taking notice of Yolanda discreetly placing the pasta bowl on the table before she steps away.

Rick playfully rolled his eyes."Right, my bad. Okay, cool."

Yolanda's eyes meet mine and she offers a weak smile before she leaves the dining room.

"Got some new things. It's gonna be great. It's gonna be fantastic." Mr. Chapel continued to ramble but I lean to whisper to my mom.

"I'll be right back." I say and she quickly nods before I step back.

I follow after Yolanda which thankfully wasn't too far since she sits on the bench nearby the stairs. Her brows crease in hesitation, staring at her cell phone but she immediately looks up once I walk closer to her.

"Hey, lavender." I softly greet her and take a seat beside her. "You okay?"

She shook her head. "It's stupid."

"I'll be the judge of that." I bump her shoulder. "Talk to me. What's going on?"

She shakily takes a deep breath and exhales. "I'm feeling a little bummed that my parents aren't as understanding compared to Beth's parents, your mom, Pat, and Barbara." She muttered, messing with her fingers in a stress-like manner. "I'm not saying that I've forgiven them for how things went but--I don't know, I guess I still have hope that things can change? Is that stupid to think—"

She immediately stops talking as soon as I pull her hand away to interlace it with mine, giving it a short squeeze. "I would've asked if I could hold your hand but it looked like you were getting more stressed as you kept talking." I gently explain. "And I didn't want to interrupt."

"Oh," She sheepishly smiles as a tint of red appears on her cheeks. "Well...thanks. I pretty much got out what I wanted to say. What do you think?"

"After knowing Courtney for some time, she's taught us that everyone can be capable of change if they put in the work."

"Is that how you viewed things with The Crocks?"

"You saw how I was. I wanted nothing to do with them after how they treated me. I was dead set that they were evil." I scoff which causes her to look down. "Until I realized that I was never going to be happier by keeping my hatred towards them. I saw that they were trying to change by pushing me to sit down and talk to them. All I've ever wanted was for them to get to know me. Not as some weapon. I wanted them to know some of the things that meant most to me, one of them being you."

"So...you're saying I should reach out again?"

"Again? You tried before?"

"The night before, I sort of...called my mom then said I only lied to protect her. That I loved her. She sounded worried." She awkwardly mutters. "Seeing how Artemis broke down in the tunnels over losing her parents, I felt selfish that I was choosing to ignore my family. Then I remembered you didn't get to have the childhood you deserved because you were training to rule the world with the ISA. Despite getting to see your father in not-so-normal circumstances but still having your mom around, you deserve better. Artemis doesn't even get to have that choice anymore and...I couldn't live with never talking to mine again. But then I wonder if I'm better off just leaving it alone?"

"What's your heart telling you?"

"My heart is all over the place." She whined, leaning her head against my shoulder. "I think I gave you too much of it."

"Is that so bad?" I laugh. "I'm pretty sure when you took mine, you accidentally took some of the bad stuff. Do you want me to take it back?"

"Never. Because all of the things you consider bad, it's what makes you...well, you. I adore it all." She sighs in contentment before she shook her head. "But in all seriousness, even after the messed up stuff that happened with my parents...I don't think I could ever keep them out of my life for good. But I still want them to understand my side of things and what they did was wrong. I guess I'm just afraid of getting hurt again."

"You can start small." I say, taking her phone and scrolling through her contacts until I find her mom's number. "You don't have to forgive her right away but you can show her that the door to fix the relationship is open. To show her that you're open to having that conversation if she's willing to wait until you're ready to tell her everything."

She hesitantly glances between the device and I before taking it from my hand. "Can you stay with me?"

"Always."

She clicks the number and presses her phone against her ear, scooting closer to me so I could hear. It rings for a few seconds until it finally stops.

"Yolanda?" Her mom's voice answers in surprise.

Yolanda worriedly turns to me and I simply nod, encouraging her to keep talking. She takes a second to breathe as tears begin to spring from her eyes.

"Te mentí, mamá. Pero..." She lets out a sniffle. "mis amigos se acercó con sus papás con la verdad. Ojalá podamos hacer lo mismo."

We could hear Yolanda's mother take a deep breath, almost to collect herself. "Esperaré a que estés listo. Te quiero, Yolanda."

Relief crosses Yolanda's features as she wipes her tears away with a sigh. "Yo también." She ends the call and within seconds she pulls me into a tight embrace.

"You did amazing." I whisper, rubbing circles around her back in comfort. "No matter what happens after, I'll be here for you. Everyone else has your back."

She pulls away slightly with a small smile. "Thank you." She whispers, pressing her head against mine. "What did I do to deserve you?"

"Funny, I ask myself that question every day." I chuckle.

Before either one of us could lean in,

"Oh!" Yolanda and I immediately pull away in surprise, meeting my mom's flushed expression. "Sorry! Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt—"

"It's okay, Ms. Nelson." Yolanda reassured as we stood up from the bench, despite our faces being red from embarrassment. "I just needed someone to talk to."

My mom walks a few steps closer to us with a warm smile, offering her hand to Yolanda. "I never got to properly introduce myself. It's nice to finally meet Freya's girlfriend rather than trading swings at one another."

"I forgot about that." Yolanda sheepishly smiled and shook her hand. "Just so we're clear, all those mean things I said were directed to Inza, not you. Also, for almost slicing your face with my claws. Will you forgive me?"

"As long as you forgive me for hurting you with the cosmic blasts."

"Water under the bridge?"

"Of course. Say, how about we get to properly know each other over breakfast tomorrow? Us three, what do you think? Maybe even tell a few stories about Freya when she was a toddler."

My eyes widen. Oh no."Actually—"

"I'd love that!" Yolanda exclaimed, shaking my arm excitedly. "I've been dying to know if she was as stubborn as she is now."

I scoff. "Stubborn? I—"

"Oh, I'm sure you've heard. Like father like daughter." My mom chuckled.

"More than once." Yolanda teasingly smiled at me, seeing my annoyance.

"But, most of the time she was persistent...and clumsy with her two left feet. Oh, and she practically lit up the room with her smile. One time, we were teaching her how to ride a bike and—"

"Okay!" I interrupt my mom as I interlace my hand with Yolanda's. "You know what, I think dinner's ready. We can talk more about breakfast later, yeah? I want to make sure I'm close to the pasta bowl."

Yolanda lets out a giggle as the three of us walk back towards the living room, seeing as more bowls and plates were placed on the table.

Mr. Chapel pulls the chair out for his wife as she and my mom animatedly continued their conversation. Rick and Beth see us come in, their eyes falling on Yolanda and I's conjoined hands which causes them to smile.

"I'm so glad that I can talk about you guys now. Do you know how hard it was to keep it a secret?" Beth asks, pulling Yolanda into a quick embrace before moving on to me next.

"Yeah...we wanted to tell you guys when we felt ready." Yolanda shyly scratched the back of her neck. "Sorry again that you saw that Beth."

"Now that I think about it, it was kind of obvious." Rick snorted as he playfully nudged Beth's side. "Especially with the way those two would awkwardly come up with excuses to follow after whoever left first. I'm surprised you managed to not let it slip."

"We were a little occupied with trying to solve a murder! And researching the hourglass's effects since someone didn't want to listen to me."

"And I'm grateful you knocked some sense into me." He chuckled. "But if it makes you happier to say it again, I will. Thank you, Beth."

My eyes narrow in suspicion, glancing between the two. This type of interaction seems a bit...odd. But a good kind of odd. "Is it me or...?" I whisper to Yolanda.

"I'm getting that feeling too." Yolanda whispered back in amusement. "I give it a year."

"A year?" Artemis snorted from behind, placing some of the cups in front of us. "Please. If Chapel struggled to keep your guys' secret, it may be even less. I give it three months." She playfully rolled her eyes.

"Any word on Court?" Barbara asked as she brought the bowl filled with biscuits to the table.

"I'm sure she'll be home soon." Pat reassured, placing the stack of napkins on the table.

The door swings open which causes us to turn, seeing as Courtney quickly walked inside the house with a shiver. "Sorry, I'm late! I got held up by something."

"No worries! Now that everyone's here," Barbara clapped her hands with a smile, seeing as Jakeem, Mike, and Cindy came to the dining room as well. "we can eat!"

After a while, I eventually finished my plate and couldn't help but lean close to whisper to Courtney. "Just curious, does your late excuse have to do with a certain ice boy?"

"Freya, it's obvious. When she walked in she had a little pep in her step." Yolanda joked.

Courtney raised a brow. "Don't think I forgot about your little secret, you two." She pointed between Yolanda and I with a snort. "When did this happen? Last I checked, Freya swore she was over the crush, and Yolanda, you told me that you only had eyes for some person in your Chemistry class!"

I look over to Yolanda with a brow raised. "Chemistry? You hate everyone in that class."

"Uh, no. I don't hate you." She emphasized. "And technically, I didn't lie. We do have chemistry together. Figuratively and literally."

"That...is surprisingly somewhat clever."

"See, your guys' banter should've been obvious to me." Courtney whined. "I should've known with the way you've been visiting the diner. The milkshakes were just a cover-up!"

"Well, yes and no. She loves their oreo milkshakes." Yolanda answered for me and I sheepishly smile. Guilty.

"How long have you guys been together? Wait, let me take a guess. Did Yolanda make the first move? Because Freya's a little terrible at admitting her feelings. Unless I'm completely wrong and Freya did it first. Did it happen when I got back from Yellowstone? Because Freya, you had this glow in your face and I thought it was from her being relieved that I came back or something. Oh! Did you--"

"Courtney." I warn, feeling my face flush in embarrassment but Yolanda laughed.

"Okay, okay. Sorry...but seriously, how long?"

"The day after we stopped Eclipso." Yolanda chuckled.

Her jaw drops. "You guys were secretly dating that long ago? What the hell! Okay, okay. Do you guys have cute little nicknames or is Freya--"

I laugh. "And that's my cue to get more lemonade. Good luck with that, Yolanda." She shakes her head in playful disbelief as I take my glass from the table and walk to the kitchen.

Before I could pour the lemonade into my glass, I couldn't help but look around at the others, a sense of gratitude filling my thoughts.

Rick and Mr. Chapel were animatedly talking with one another about what changes they want for their hero suits as Beth simply listens in amusement.

"I was thinking I should have a cape with a big logo of an owl! Or maybe the letters 'NL'!"

"Dad!" Beth whined.

Rick placed his hand on her shoulder with a chuckle. "Wait, Beth. I think he's onto something here."

Mrs. Chapel, Pat, and Barbara conversed about Blue Valley with my mom, excitedly telling her about having a mom's day since she was technically new to the town and haven't gotten the chance to bond.

"Yeah I suppose the other me didn't bother to unpack my things at my apartment so I'll be occupied with that." My mom nervously laughed.

"Oh, that's perfect! Barb and I can help you settle in!" Mrs. Chapel suggested. "Have a little wine, binge-watch some shows—"

"As long as it's okay, of course." Barbara added.

"I'll take all the help I can get. I've got the wine already."

"Perfect!"

Then lastly, Jakeem, who practically had hearts in his eyes as he stared at Cindy, rambling to her and Artemis about how he managed to get his wish right to stop the Dragon King from hurting her. Mike rolled his eyes as he listened with a look of annoyance.

"I just really believed into it, you know? I went with my gut!"

"Right after I snapped you out of it since you were practically freaking out of your mind." Mike snorted.

"Was not!"

"Was too!"

"Was not!"

"Oh god." Cindy muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose with a sigh. "I would literally choose to do anything if it meant avoiding their banter."

"I saw a baseball bat near the front door and lately I've been needing something to hit. From what I heard, your dad's currently a stuffed toy for the Whitmore's dog." Artemis subtly hinted and a smirk formed on Cindy's expression. "Thinking what I'm thinking?"

"The toy is missing an arm but...I think I saw the dog go upstairs with the plushy." Cindy chuckled and I watch as the two sneak away from the table, Jakeem and Mike still oblivious to the girls' getaway.

A year ago, I cared little for anyone else but myself and Artemis. I believed it was easier for me...until that changed when a curly-haired blonde joined our table of strangers who wanted nothing to do with each other.

As much as she practically pestered me into the team, she helped me realize the importance of friendship. She reunited me with my father's legacy. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have found my mom and gotten the chance to speak to my father again.

I smile in remembrance of my girlfriend. She helped me come to terms with my feelings when I refused to try. She changed my perspective of the world.

"What's got you so smiley?" I turn, meeting Yolanda's playful grin as she held a glass cup in her hand. "Someone get distracted?"

"Just reflecting." I casually shrug before I fill our glasses with more lemonade.

"Oh? May I ask of what?"

"Nothing much. Just...taking it all in that for once, tonight is an ordinary night." I answer, placing the pitcher down and giving her the glass once more. "Reflecting everything that's happened to all of us."

She offers a small smile as she lifts her glass, indicating for me to clink it with hers. "To new beginnings?"

I nod. "To new beginnings." Our glasses clink together and as I take a sip, I couldn't help but admire the small details of Yolanda's features.

If I had to describe this moment in one word, it would be perfect. Not even just Yolanda, but being lucky enough to be surrounded by a loving group of people where our paths surprisingly collided.

I never once thought it would be more than just Artemis and I. I felt so out of place in Blue Valley that I was waiting for the smallest sign that it was time to leave.

But now? I've found dozens of reasons to stay. To stay with my team, my friends, my family, and with the love of my life.

Yolanda's eyes briefly flicker to mine and she immediately smiles. "What?"

This memory right here, looking into my girlfriend's eyes...my heart will never forget this moment.

"Nothing." I shyly mutter, taking another sip of lemonade. "You're just really pretty."

"You're really pretty too." She shyly laughs and takes a sip of her lemonade. As she moves the cup away from her face, I see a droplet trickle from the corner of her lips and she takes notice of it as well. Before she could wipe it with her sleeve, I step forward and cup her chin, using my thumb to brush it away.

Her eyes widen in surprise at the action and despite my heart practically beating out of my chest, I couldn't help but keep my hand still.

Her eyes flicker downward at my lips until she looks to the side, watching as her cheeks reddened in embarrassment. "They're staring." She whispered, meeting my eyes once more.

I briefly look over to the table, seeing everyone else attempt to act as if they didn't completely witness the whole thing and carry on with their conversations.

"You gotta tell us your recipe, Mr. Chapel." My mom says as she serves herself another slice of the pie. "It's to die for."

"Of course! First I--"

I amusedly glance at Yolanda. "Let them...unless you mind."

"Not at all," She chuckles and leans, pressing a quick kiss against my lips. "but I'd like to keep some things to ourselves."

"Fine by me." I whisper and kiss her cheek one last time before we walk back over to the table, rejoining our loved ones once more.