Five.
“Whatever you believe is going to happen. Don’t it might change.” 

― UNLIKE MOST MORNINGS INSTEAD OF HEADING TO THE OFFICE RIGHT AWAY, I DECIDED TO GO TO TOWN WITH MY MOTHER OF ALL PEOPLE. Our relationship might have been strained after I betrayed a part of my old self that they made me believe I was after I lost my memory. But in the end our relationship stays since I’m her daughter...I inherited the gift, and we both want what’s best for Cameron at the end of the day no matter how we have to accomplish it. I just am more safe going about how I help Cameron, unlike my brother. 

I had to raise him when my brother wasn’t there. I had to make sure my grandparents didn’t do anything wrong. While still trying to figure out what had happened to me. What had happened to all of those memories, that I’m slowly trying to piece together again. Ever since I snuck my way into the Justice Society’s headquarters all those months ago. 

Looking out from afar I could see Cameron working on the mural for his father, for my brother. Maya offered to assist him a bit since she had nothing for the JSA to do. Some days the regret still flows within me...of why he had to die. But trying to get over it...it’s hard. When he was my older brother, I grew up all my life having him there for me. But everything he did to people, that is what I disagree with. 

Helping my mother carry some of the groceries I noticed Cindy Burman, standing there like she wants something from Cameron, and most likely Maya to. But from what my mother has told me about Cindy’s return...nothing good could come from it. 

Before she could even walk I spoke up, “Leave my nephew and Maya out of whatever mischief you're up to.” I said in my thicker Norwegian accent as she turned back to look at the two of us. As I glared at her with my eyes trying to shine through her soul. 

“I can talk to whoever I want.” She started out as I shook my head ready to go full evil frosty on her. 

“You stay AWAY from them.” I started out loudly. 

“Your father was a monster, and so are you.” My mother spoke up behind me with her thick Norwegian accent as I knew we were both ready to throw some hands if we needed to at Cindy Burman. 

She approached us, “And Jordan Mahkent was a loser who got turned into ice cubes by a pick up truck.” She mentioned which pushed not only me over the limit but my mother as the air started getting louder and the coldness started getting thicker around the three of us. 

Using my powers, I allowed the ends of my hair to go more light, as my eyes were covered over like a small film and gave her some ice breath warning her, making her smirk and ignore the situation for now. 

“That girl will be the death of me.” I told my mother, shaking my head, leaving her and heading back to the office and to go check on Cameron and Maya before I head to work. 

When getting to work, after setting everything down I continued my way to Barbara’s office to check on her for today. After the whole Eclipso conversation Pat seemed to give her. And everything that has happened thus far with Richard Swift of all people. 

Hearing a short gasp, with a sudden drop of files as I started pacing faster into Barbara’s office. Heading in I see the strange figure as it was to be Richard Swift himself. Barbara closed the door. 

“Ahh Ms.Mahkent. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” He spoke in his ironic British voice as I sigh loudly at him. 

“Mr.Swift, get out of this building.” I told him as he just stared at me. Then looking back at Barbara. 

“Now...better you guys never speak of that cursed gem again.” He spoke up getting closer to Barbara as I glared at him, “And as for your daughters and her friends...They’re far too young to face the horror within.” He continued as my hair started growing white again. 

“He doesn’t care, he never cares about anyone. Even when Jordan and I met him all of those years ago.” I spoke up as I saw the stare I was given for what I had said. 

He continued to blab about the Black Diamond and how he wants to know more information that is gathered. And he gave Barbara his number. 

“And Ms.Mahkent.” He says. “Don’t try anything, I could still take you down.” 

Instead of continuing this he just disappeared and I scoffed. 

“You two had a thing?” Barbara asked as I shook my head. 

“No, the only thing that I wanted was to punch him everyday that he was in the Injustice Society.”  I shook my head. 

Later in the afternoon, after my early leave today I headed out to check on Cameron. Continuing my way down the street, I saw Cameron talking to…was that Skylar. Getting closer into view…

It was Skylar Tyler. 

“Skylar.” I yelled as they both turned to me. She smiled. 

“Hi Ms.Mahkent.” She yelled back waving a bit as I smiled. 

He’s got it hard for her. 

Those two would be so cute together. 

I can see the way they both look at each other, it’s only a matter of time before anything happens. And I know Skylar is one of the nicest and friendliest people that I have ever met. And she’s only fifteen...if I’m correct. 

Not long after did another memory like dream come along. It’s been so long since I have had my last one, when I still had the ISA, the big bad ISA here. 

“You two would be a great couple.” The voice muttered as it sounded familiar. The voice was a woman, as she had a small laugh to her tone. It matched her personality from what I could see of her. 

“You think so?” I asked her as it made her laugh. 

“Yeah, no matter how playboy he acts...he likes you. Even if he doesn’t fully see it yet.” She told me, making me more confident to figure out who this man was. 

Not long after did the man come and approach us. 

“What are you two talking about over here?” 

“Girl stuff.” The woman answered, making the man glare at her. “What are you jealous of when I'm talking to Morgan?” She asked as he gave her a look. 

“Unbelievable…” She said a name that I couldn’t catch his name, or hers as the two were joking and hitting each other playfully. 

“Don’t mind her.” The man’s voice spoke as I caught what he said as he handed me something, but before I could see it…

My eyes opened and I was back on the sidewalk of Blue Valley overseeing Skylar with Cameron as they were smiling and laughing. They both were happy. And I won’t intervene any longer so I walked away back to the American Dream building. 

― TRYING TO BE STEALTHY BOTH COURTNEY AND I STEPPED SILENTLY BACK ONTO THE ROOF. Breaking curfew wasn’t really my thing, but if dad wants to leave out details that the Shade could tell Courtney and the rest of us. Then maybe...just maybe we could get some more answers on Eclipso and the true potential that this town is up for if we can’t stop him. Because of the stupid JSA files being “confidental”, for known reasons of him being dangerous. But still…

Courtney opened the window as we both snuck in and I took off my cowl and Courtney turned off his lamp. Hearing a voice freaked us both out as Courtney had to calm the staff. 

“Well yeah, what are you doing in my room. It was the girls' night curfew breaking night.” Courtney spoke as I shook my head knowing that Court was going to get us both in trouble if we don’t get to the point. 

“I was waiting to show you something.” Pat told us both as I looked down for a moment in disappointment, but not regret. I didn’t regret breaking curfew, and I never do regret breaking any rules of the house unless it’s seriously important like killing, or harming someone else. “Where were you two?” He asked us, as I bit my cheek. 

I sighed. “Since you haven’t been keeping both of us updated, we decided to go find the Shade to tell us more. Since he told us about Rebecca McNider.” I mentioned as Courtney continued. 

“I ran into him at the bookstore today. He was the one that told me about Dr.Mid-Nite’s daughter, and how Eclipso killed her.” Courtney started, “A super-villain was more honest with me than my own stepfather.” She continued as I knew that our father wasn’t being honest with us, he was hiding more information than what he has been saying. 

“Okay, Court, Kyra.” He said to us both as I looked at him taking off my gloves letting my hands free from the sweat in the gloves. 

“So I went out to go find him, to learn more, to ask him to team up.” She mentioned, as Courtney didn’t tell me about the whole team up thing.

“To team up?” Both my father and I asked her, as he looked at me, as Court also gave me a look of apology as she still hid the fact that she wanted to team up with. The Shade, of all people. 

“Have you not been paying attention?” He asked her as I nodded knowing it was true. “The Shade is a bad guy.” He continued as it was true, the Shade wasn’t the best news, like the Shade said. He isn’t Evil, but he isn’t good either from what Courtney told me of their conversation. 

“Eclipso is evil. There’s a difference.” Courtney continued as I shook my head knowing she should have stopped talking right then and there. 

“We don’t need the Shade to find the Black Diamond.” He said as it piqued my interest, “We got the weather.” He mentioned as there has been a noticeable difference in the weather recently which I didn’t take much consideration since mother nature could be playing with us. But of course it’s the Black Diamond of all sources. 

“The weather?” Courtney asked as he explained how the Black Diamond brings out darkness in places and in people. As the weather here in Blue Valley is different than in any other place in Nebraska. And we were going to “play this out”. Which means we're going to take it in steps. 

My head rang again as I felt pain, but I knew I should head to my room as I felt it getting worse. Walking out I didn’t say anything to anyone as my costume was still on, but once I got to my room I couldn’t do much more than hit my bed and fall asleep to the pain getting worse in my dream. 

This person who was standing there, he was broad, but older than me. He had a dirty blonde like mine, as he just stood there watching something that was in this small living room. Most likely it was through the small window in the room, maybe he was looking at someone, or something small. 

Looking in the direction I think his eyes are pointed I see an older woman with blonde hair, she is around Skylar’s height, a bit shorter. But on her head was something that was too bright to see. Glancing back in the room. 

“Who are you?” I asked, “Are you alright?” 

The figure turned to me where he had a burnt face, no...it was more blurry than anything. “You were the one who killed me.” He told me as I backed away. “Kyra I begged you to save me, and you left me alone.” The voice continued as I shook my head. 

“I don’t know…” I spoke up, choking to spill more words. 

“You do know. You…” The voice cracked as I held my head, “You know who I am Maat.” The voice continued as I looked at him, as the pain continued. 

“I don’t...I don’t...I wish I could…” I spoke up as I continued to panic, as it seemed like the walls around me were crumbling in. One last flash occurred as I could see wings forming out of this beauty. 

“Save me Maat.” He spoke up as if he was a man older than me. “Save me Okhtee.” He yelled as I could see a small flash before I gasped back into my room in the light of the morning sun as every photo around my room was reflected from the rays of Ra. 

Looking down I was still above my covers and still in my superhero costume from the previous night. As I didn’t change, but the headache was there. But why in Isis’s name do I keep having these dreams. Because I don’t have a brother. I never had a brother other than Mike, but for the man to know my name from my original birth it can’t be just a dream. 

But it could be Eclipso for all I know. But what if I have a brother? That I don’t know about, moving my blonde hair. I stand here until I hear a knock on my door, as I look up and the door is now open. It was Mike as he looked at me. 

“Don’t tell me you're coming with me to the dump in that?” He asked me as I looked over to him. 

“Oh yeah. I just want to tell everyone that I’m Hawkgirl at the dump.” I sarcastically told him as he rolled his eyes. 

“Ok I might have slept in my costume. Give me ten minutes and I’ll be ready to go with you.” I told him as he looked at me one last time before nodding and walking out. As I head to my closet, I look through the amount of clothes. 

Simply picking a pair of jeans and one of my grey t-shirts, and a pair of brown boots I quickly start to change. Once finished I went over to my mirror and grabbed my hairbrush and started brushing through the few layers of hair. Taking all the tangles and knots out until there is no more. Once everything was out of my hair, I pulled it up. 

Once getting downstairs, since nobody else was home, I went over to the key rack and picked up the house key as I headed back towards the door so we could lock it. Once locking it we took our short walk to the dump, as it wasn’t too far from the Pit Shop or from Blue Valley. 

A bit later, Mike and I had been talking to Zeke about getting the car. Due to Mike still feeling alone, not being a part of the JSA, and losing the Thunderbolt upon everything else in his life. Just to feel that alone, I could never fully understand what is wrong with. 

“Let’s find a JSA project we can work on.” My father  told him as Mike smiled, and I smiled back knowing this is what Mike had wanted all along. I was able to be a part of this incredible team. 

“Let’s head home.” My father explains, as all of us start heading to the car. 

At the high school now, the team was gathered as the weather was getting worse the closer that we got to the building. What confirmed our theory of the weather was the goggles as they spiked when the weather continued. 

“That’s Mr.Deisinger’s car.” Courtney mentioned as it doesn’t make sense that a teacher is still here, unless it’s bad. 

“What is he doing in there?” Yolanda asked as I looked at her worried that something was going to happen when we headed in. 

“If the diamonds are in there he could be in trouble.” Courtney mentioned as we all ran into the high school building, as when we walked in everything around here was splattered and it was a mess. It’s like any horror movie combined in a high school hallway. It was a mess to say the least. 

Walking in the art room, the whole room looked like it exploded with paint. Like a paint ball times one-thousand was in here. Looking around the whole scene was diamonds, and multiple other paintings Skylar looked at some of the paintings as I looked back in front of me as I went next to Courtney as we approached the big diamond, as I clutched my club as the painting came out at us. 

“Courtney what is that?” Rick asked as she yelled. 

“ECLIPSO.” She spoke up as I looked at her as she blasted it and Rick knocked the door down. 

Getting into the hallway, Yolanda went first as she was out of it. One moment I saw two other people, and the next my whole scene changed, as I saw something. I saw paintings of the boy. 

“You couldn’t save him.” The voice rang as it was deep and hard. 

“He looked up to you.” He continued. 

“But you're too naive to remember who he is, and what you did.” The voice continued. 

“Are you a hero, or are you just someone who doesn’t know who they are.” The voice continued as I gripped my head since my head felt like it was going to explode. I saw the face in my head again. 

“Save me Maat.” He spoke up as if he was a man older than me. “Save me Okhtee.” He yelled as I looked at him as I gripped my head. But before anything else could happen it was all gone. 

― AFTER THE EVENTS OF LAST NIGHT, THIS MORNING AFTER MY SISTER LEFT. I went back to one of the “forbidden” rooms of the house, until I finished Summer school as I opened the door. Approaching a case I could see all the different gear and collective items from around the years that my sister had received along with myself. 

Going up to the glass case I saw the suit. The suit that was once made for me when Joan said quote on quote, “I would be ready to become the next Miss.America.” After her good old days back in the Mid-Golden Age. Protector of the States, mainly New York. But the detail on the suit made for me was incredible, from the stars and stripes to the pants instead of a short skirt, due to my much longer legs than Joan. I also noticed the difference in detail between the two suits. 

Trying to open it I messed with the lock until it broke off of the case and I was able to get into the case, and feel the suit. The texture was smooth, but it had lines and different details that you could feel when touching it. But if my sister knew about this, she would have my head. 

Claiming, “She didn’t want me to do something stupid.” or “You’re too young to live your childhood before suiting up. Listen to me from my experience.” 

Looking back I could see the closed case that was covered by a black sheet as I pulled it off. It was her suit from a few years back. The suit that gives her the “nightmares”, she has completely almost gotten over since the last time she donned the alias, Crystal. 

The outfit sparkled like diamonds, but they reflected more than a diamond, more like a crystal. But the trick with her suit could always go darker or the crystals could change into fabric. For some reason my sister invented a suit that could adapt to her abilities. 

Looking at all the stuff around the room, it reminds me of the multiple times that Madelyn would tell me. “Stay out of heroine Meghan. It just causes the pain I don’t want you to have.” and “Come on there is more in life than being a hero. I learned that, I’m a doctor, I save lives but not in a super suit.” 

The story is for another time to think about. But I continued to uncover different cases and photos, one being of our parents, well here's as I never ever knew a thing about my parents. Well that’s a lie, I remember very little of my birth father who used to sing to me before I went to sleep when I was younger. Because nightmares used to come in my dreams often when I was younger. Sometimes I remember being said to have precognition, but it was just dreaming of the fear of losing them. 

And I did. 

My birth father died, before my mother did, my mother was said after my true god-mother died to have dropped me off with a friend of the Adam’s. To someday hope to come back to reunite with me, but everyday since I was seven, I haven’t remembered a thing about my mother, or about my mother’s last name. I remember parts of her middle name, and I remember my father’s name. 

One that I should never say my full name for, because of this risk that is associated with it. But sometimes I wish I could make it easier on myself. 

But that’s again a story for another time, I need to stop getting distracted. Going over I grabbed everything apart from the costume, closing the case and placing the black drapes over the cases and photos again. As I knew Madelyn probably wouldn’t be in here, since it brought her back to all those years.   

Placing my suit in my bag, I closed the door and headed down with my backpack since I was to meet Briar before we headed into Blue Valley High. 

“Hey.” Briar said to me as her face changed when she saw me. 

“Hey. You alright?” I asked her as she nodded. 

“Yeah, I’m just worried about my plants getting badly affected by the weather recently. This isn’t normal weather for the Summer.” She mentioned that she must have been used to the rain, but Briar always had something about her plants. 

“Right, your sister is the…” I mentioned as she shushed me as I smiled. 

“Don’t mention her name. My sister doesn’t really talk about those days. So I don’t mention it...at all.” She told me as I nodded out of respect. “So if we have to be heroes what would I call you?” 

“Ms.America.” I noted as she looked at me from my fast response. 

“You said that very fast Ms.America.” She whispers as I laugh. 

“What about you?” I asked as she looked at me, but she didn’t answer meaning most likely she was thinking. 

“Nature girl.” She answered as I nodded. 

“Never heard of a Nature Girl.” I mentioned as she smiled. 

“That’s why. Because like I said we don’t mention anything related to what my sister Pan was.” She continued as I nodded once again. 

Not long after did I hear heels click down the concrete near the school. The sound made me look back to see the ginger hair, Maya King. The one that seemed to have her eyes glowing red, but she always gave me a familiar vibe. Like we have met, but I haven’t seen her in my life...right? 

But the girl with her was Skylar Tyler, the girl the so-called Language Queen in Briar's terms. Which makes me wonder what languages she knows? 

Skylar looks at us, as Maya opens the door, not even acknowledging us. The two weren’t in the summer school class, but from what I have heard from Briar is that Maya has some sort of project that she is doing this summer and her and Mr.Deisinger have a good relationship, and he’s allowing her to borrow supplies from the art studio. 

Once arriving in class we sat in our normal seats, behind Courtney and Yolanda who showed up from the hallway a few minutes back. But something seemed off about Mr.Deisinger today as he was coughing more and his body language changed. Like something had happened to him prior to getting into this room. 

But what? 

With this town and what’s going on it’s best to investigate. 

After the coughing continued, and after he told us about our final for Summer school. He dismissed us, thirty-five whole minutes early. Once everyone headed out, Briar and I headed out to check on Mr.Deisinger who headed down the hallway to the so-called Art Studio. 

Standing near the door the coughing continued, looking in I could notice something was coming out of….was that PAINT. 

‘Did you see that?’ I mouthed to Briar as she nodded with the same face as the room was getting darker. 

“Let’s get out of here, and go find that team.” She told me as we started to sprint through the hallways to the door outside. Breathing fresh air was better than the intoxic smell of the paint, and the thought of something bad was only to come into this town. 

Later in the early evening standing in Briar’s living room, which seemed to have tons of plants. “From what I could find from listening to Courtney and Yolanda, there's a storm, and the worse the storm the more the Black Diamond is active.” Briar told me as I looked at her. 

“Wait so if this thing is controlling the weather, and if Mr.Deisinger was having trouble. Do you think the thing they're trying to track has Mr.Deisinger under its control?” I asked as she looked at me. 

“It’s a possibility.” She mentioned as I nodded. 

“Then we should head to the school tonight once it gets dark enough that nobody will notice us.” I told her as she nodded. 

“Maybe they will be there.” She stated as I agreed they could be there at night which would make sense for any hero that wants to stay hidden. 

Going to the bathroom I quickly start peeling off my clothes, grabbing the suit, pulling it over my legs I put it on. Next thing I know it adapts to my body. Placing the boots and tightening the belt. Last thing to do was to put on the mask. 

Moving my hair, I looked back in the mirror to see what it looked like. OH MY GOD! I look like a superhero, I look like America puked on me. Quickly grabbing the gloves I slid them on as I opened the door, placing my outfit in my bag. 

“Oh my gosh...when you said Ms.America I didn’t know this was Independence Day.” Briar spoke up as her skin was now green and her hair was bright red as you couldn’t tell it was Briar anymore unless you knew her voice and looked well enough. 

“And I didn’t know this was Poison Ivy Jr.” I told her to make her punch me. 

“You didn’t even flinch.” She told me. 

“I didn’t really feel it. Remember Indestructible here.” I told her as she just shook her head. 

“Indestructible here.” She muttered, making me laugh for a second seeing her mad face. 

“We better head out.” I told her seeing the daylight was going down and it would take us the time from right now until dark to get to the high school. 

Heading up to the high school it was now dark, as we got closer I noticed a bright glow from a staff like object. The ‘Cosmic Staff’. It has to be the Cosmic Staff, which means that this is the group we have been looking for. They were already in the door as Briar and I followed them heading through one of the side doors, and walking down there was no sign of the heroes, but something was behind us, as there was this sound. 

The sound of something liquid coming after us. Not long after the sound of a door breaking got me as I followed the figure, but before it could hit me I quickly used a fireball to blast it back for a moment as Briar seemed off as I could see something as a voice rang through my head. 

Looking forward I could see a photo. It was my adopted parents, James and Mary Adams, the two that raised me before they died years ago. 

“You mourn for a family that died before you had an actual one.” It spoke out as I gripped my head out of pain. “But what’s worse is your sister is the only family you have left.” It continued. 

I looked up to see a picture of Madelyn staring at me, a few different emotions scattered across the drawings. 

But the last drawing...it was my dad. 

“Poor thing your father died all those years ago. You lost all your family, and now you're trying to act like you have one.” It continued until it was over and I moved back on my boots a bit. 

Looking around I helped Briar up, “What the hell was that?” I asked her as she shook her head as some of the others looked at me. This was going to be a long night. 

― MAYA NEEDED MY HELP SINCE SHE NEEDED TO GATHER MORE PAINTS FOR A PROJECT OF HERS. She came to pick me up since my brother was already out to feed Grundy and the two had plans for later on that evening, but for right now. What else was I going to do? Unless going to talk to Kyra or Jessica, or even Beth. 

Heading back to the school, it’s nearly been a day since I went back to prove that I successfully passed the test without assisting my brother on “cheating”. But coming back here it felt better, more calm since there weren't as many people overwhelming me in all the ways that High school can overwhelm someone no matter their age. 

Once getting into the art studio, we were met by Mr.Deisinger the art teacher. I had never personally had an art class because my art would look like chicken scratch. But I have heard of how it looks from Maya since she has taken a few art electives, and art programs this last semester and throughout high school in between all her other activities. Including the dance team that is forming for next year. 

“Maya.” Mr.Deisinger says out as Maya smiles at him. “Ms.Tyler” He spoke up as I nodded helping Maya with grabbing some of the things she needed. 

“Thanks again Paul for letting me steal some of the supplies I needed, since nowhere else that I was looking could provide me something for this.” She told him, as I wasn’t so sure of what Maya was planning on doing. I heard it was something involving possibly her drawing a mural of all that was lost, her brother, the Zaricks, and a few other people in the town. But I don’t know the full plans. 

“You didn’t tell Ms.Tyler all the way?” He asked as she shook her head.

“I’m trying to keep it more under wraps, '' she offered hands to help me take some of it.” She mentioned. “I will be sure to pay for all the supplies I use and take from the art room.” She mentioned it to him as he nodded. 

“Take your time Maya, we all have been through a lot including yourself in the past semester.” He told her as she nodded and we finished grabbing what we needed. 

“Ms.Tyler have you ever thought of having interest in art?” He asked me as I shook my head. 

“Uh...nah. It’s not that it doesn’t seem cool and all.” I mentioned as he looked at me. “But anything I draw looks like chicken scratch and Maya can vow to me.” 

“I can, it’s not chicken scratch bad, but it mainly needs improving Skylar.” She mentioned as I shook my head. 

“No, it's bad. I can carve but I can’t paint to save my life if asked.” I mentioned making Maya hit my hand. 

“Never say never Ms.Tyler, I have to head to start class, but you two can stay here as long as you need to.” Mr.Deisinger mentioned as he headed out of the art studio as Maya turned back to me shaking her head. 

“Your art is chicken scratch.” She told me as I laughed. 

“I knew it.” I told her, making us both laugh. 

“But I did draw this once.” She told me grabbing something in one of Mr.Deisinger’s “favorite categories” as it was hidden a bit, as it was a drawing of Rick and I, as it had details of us both and in different colors which meant different things. 

Once we finally headed out I didn’t notice Cameron was standing there talking to Deisinger until we approached. I could see Courtney and Yolanda in the distance as the closer we got to Cameron the closer it made me smile not being able to hear what Deisinger had said before we left the studio.

“Hey.” I spoke up as Cameron smiled as Courtney and Yolanda were also there with us. 

“Hi.” Cameron said awkwardly like he was hiding something as he looked at me, as he saw Courtney, Yolanda, and Maya around as I kept my smile on my face. Still keeping ahold of all the art supplies Maya wanted me to carry for her. “Good morning.” He spoke up as he continued smiling at me as I shook my head. Never have I had any boy show any interest in me. 

Well maybe because of the rumors about me. And well my older brother. Darn you Rick. I love you, but still darn you. 

I look over and give a small wake with my hand, a small one to keep the stuff in my hands as I smile at Yolanda, and Courtney as Maya walks a bit behind me as Yolanda, and Courtney starts to talk about the weather. 

“We also have to go before Maya drops her stuff, or makes me carry it all.” I tell Cameron as he is still looking at me as Maya gasps. 

“I would never make you carry everything Skylar.” She mentioned laughing, “Ok I would if I wanted to, but I don’t need you to.” 

“Bye.” I mutter to Cameron walking a bit down the hall as my heart was still fluttering as he smiled. And Maya said something. 

“I’ll see you later Cameron. Paul.” She told them to walk around the corner with the stuff in her hands as she smiled at me. 

“You like Cameron.” She said as I wanted to punch her shoulder, but a glare would do. 

“I...maybe I do.” I told her as she started getting all bubbly which I haven’t seen in Maya ever. Including after everything that has been happening so I won’t stop this. She needs this, she needs to be happy and help people. She needs to find who Maya is again. 

“But I don’t know if…” I muttered as Maya shut me up fastly. 

“He likes you.” She stated as we walked out of the entrance of the high school heading our way to her car. 

“How do you…” Once again I was interrupted. 

“Because I’m his best and oldest friend.” She told me, “And he kinda sorta might have told me he likes you.” She told me as I smiled and I could feel my stupid cheeks heating. Like why do they need to heat? 

“Aww don’t be ashamed of blushing.” Maya spoke up as I shook my head. “I still blush like a tomato sometimes around your brother.” She spoke up as I eww not wanting to know the full extent to where it was going. 

“So what do I do?” I asked her as she seemed like she was about to burst. 

“You ask him out.” She told me as I shook my head. 

“Are you crazy Maya?” I told her as she laughed, “You know me, I don’t talk to many people. I’m getting better, but asking out a guy I like that’s new to me. That’s something I’m not. My brother is way different than Cameron Mahkent.” I told her as her laugh continued through my ears. 

“Ok, maybe don't ask him out. But maybe go talk to him today.” She told me as I looked at her wondering where I would, but she seemed to have an answer. “You can talk to him at the mural, he’ll be there today.” 

“Ok...Ok i’ll go later. As long as something bad happens we don’t tell my brother.” I told her as she nodded. 

“Deal.” She spoke up as we shook hands and we both got in her impala. 

“So how is your brother?” She asked as we started driving down the road. 

“He’s doing better, he’s just out on his own today. But sometimes he never stops talking about you.” I mentioned as she smiled, “I love you as a friend Maya, but it can get annoying when my brother keeps mentioning you.” 

She laughed as I smiled. 

“I have heard that you are to meet my brother at the Pit Shop. Right?” I asked her as she looked at me as she then looked back at the road. 

“Yes, I know. That’s why I’m just taking the supplies with me.” She mentioned as I smiled. 

“You two need to go on another date.” I continued making her shake her head. 

“We're both busy, and with Eclipso in town we both don’t have time.” She spoke up, “But I still love your brother and the moments we share. Even when hunting Grundy.” 

A bit later I continued my way down the streets of Blue Valley, after the fact of Maya heading to the Pit Shop to go meet up with the others. Looking down the streets I saw the huge mural covering over the Blue Valley tires sign. The mural of Jordan Mahkent. 

Looking both ways, no cars, so I crossed the street. Seeing the full mural up closer changed the perspective of the painting. But the closer I got to the mural it stayed the same. 

“Hey. This is really coming along.” I complimented as Cameron looked over to me and I smiled back at him. 

“Thanks.” He told me as I looked at more of the details of the mural. It was very colorful and very detailed. 

“I love the color choice.” I told him as I continued to look at the mural. “Isn’t that...?” I asked, looking back at Cameron, seeing him smile brightly at me unlike anyone else has ever done in this sort of way. 

“It’s going to be my dad.” He mentioned the wave of guilt, the one that was in me to return for a few moments. I was there, I watched what happened to Jordan Mahkent. But even if he was a bad guy he wasn’t a bad person from everyone who still talks about him. He sought too much bad in what was good around the bad things that happen. 

The wind started blowing more as I looked back at the mural. Until Cameron’s voice broke me out of my focus on the details of the mural. 

“I wanted to show you something, but it’s...it’s kinda weird.” He told me as I looked back at him, as I questioned what could be so weird for him to show me. 

“Weird how?” I asked him as his sketchbook was in his hands, and he looked back down at it. 

“Well...usually I do still-lives, but lately I've started trying my hand at people.” He told me to move the page in his sketchbook to show me as I noticed who it was. 

It was me. 

Nobody has ever drawn me. Well that’s a lie, Maya has, but that’s completely different than this. This is not as weird as he said it was going to be. Since even Maya draws people, including Rick, and her brother. But she’s in a relationship with my brother. 

No, but this...this is probably one of the sweetest things anyone has done for me. Since not many people still today believe my brother and I have changed and that we still are bad people, juveniles. Which to say the least I wasn’t a juvenile...I was just the sister of the town’s worst juvenile. 

“It’s me.” I mention giving a smile and a small laugh as he nodded. 

“Yeah.” He explained as I continued to look at more of the detail of the picture, as I looked back at him smiling as I got a bit closer and looked at the drawing. 

“Skylar.” The familiar voice of Morgan Mahkent yelled as I turned over, not looking at the sketchbook for a moment to see it was actually her standing across the street.

“Hi Ms.Mahkent.” I yelled waving over as we both were smiling at each other. Turning back to Cameron we continued to smile more as he continued showing me more of the drawing of people he has done.

Later on I somehow ended up going with Cameron to his house, the one that Maya and Stephaine when she was here with us, explained it to everyone. Mostly Kyra, and I but I never imagined it to be more than what they explained it to be. 

It’s a very sleek white interior and exterior. When even approaching it you could tell this house is not a house...it’s a mansion.  Even walking in, if I didn’t have Cameron with me I possibly could get lost, but I wouldn’t have minded if you know, Jordan wasn’t dead...or if I didn’t know about it. Since this place is bigger than where I live currently. 

Standing with Cameron, I was currently looking outside at the huge garden that was well managed. The flowers were beautiful and something you would see in a botanical garden. 

“Wow.” I spoke up, continuing to look at the garden. 

“My mom loved the yard.” Cameron explained, “It’s why they bought the house.” He continued as I would if I could have a garden like that, even if I don’t garden. I just love the view of the landscape. 

Silence hit for a moment before the conversation continued. 

“My Grandparents want to move.” He spoke up as I looked at him, “Blue Valley my home. At least until I graduate.” 

“Then what?” I asked him curious of what his dreams were going to be after graduating High School. 

“Well I don’t know.” He mentioned, “I thought I was going to be an artist like my mom, but since people have started telling me how much my dad had changed their lives, being an artist feels kinda selfish.” 

“But you have a chance to share how talented you are, and it would be selfish if you didn’t take an opportunity.” I told him as everything started to go in like slowmo. It was just the two of us for a minute, as he started leaning in. AHHHHHHHHH! This can’t be happening, if Kyra and Maya knew they would be freaking out. Ok Kyra would be more chill, but she would smile and be proud. But Maya would be bouncing off the walls.

Moving closer in I could feel his cold breath on my face as it was just the two of us. Nothing else. As we were about to touch each other’s lips, but the sound of a phone going off made him move back. 

Darn it, I was so close, and my stupid phone goes off. I quickly pick it up from my pocket and see a text from Rick. 

Cameron seemed frustrated, as I could see the text, ‘Beth found something’. 

“Yeah…” But before I could even finish another text came through about the weather as it was a photo. A few more texts came in from him I sighed. 

“I hate to say it, but I have to go.” I told him as he thought it was because of him. “No it’s not that, it’s just my brother needs me to meet up with him.” I told him. 

“Is everything alright?” He asked me. 

“Yeah, but I just have to really go. I’m sorry.” I apologize as I turned back knowing that it just sucks, but I turned around quickly, because they can wait a few minutes as I put my phone in my back pocket. 

I quickly go up and use Cameron’s denim jacket’s front and pull him closer as I press my lips on his closing my eyes. For a moment I knew it shocked Cameron, but after a few seconds of him not being in this kiss he pressed his lips on mine grabbing my waist. 

After we break away we take a couple breaths. “I still have to go, but text me.” I told him before pressing my lips on him once more before walking away grinning, leaving Cameron there to look out the window. 

“I will.” He muttered to answer me as I walked out the door heading back to the Pit Shop. 

Running to the Pit Shop, I wore a basic outfit as I knew that I might have to fight with nothing but my fists. Just like the old days, but I still needed to go out there with the rest of the team, as I watched the others walk out in their suits still on. 

I wonder where Jennie is right now. And if she was alright? 

I don’t blame her for leaving, for wanting to look for what her heart desires, which is her brother. The one that she needs to find...the one half of her that is missing most likely. I don’t blame her for losing the ring...one that didn’t belong to me at all truly. 

As we headed to where the weather was more active all of us were standing outside of Blue Valley High knowing that something was wrong. As there was still a car parked there, as we were short one team member...S.T.R.I.P.E. 

“That’s Mr.Deisinger’s car.” Courtney mentioned as Maya looked over there like she was hurt by this. 

“What is he doing in there?” Yolanda asked. 

“If the diamonds are in there he could be in trouble.” Courtney mentioned as we all ran into the high school building, as when we walked in there was paint everywhere. It looked like a homecoming theme that was taken badly as the people decorating gave up, and gave horror movie vibes instead. 

Which horror movies always end up bad for the woman first, and then a guy, and somehow only a couple survives. And the only couple here is Maya and Rick. Maybe rewatching Nightmare on Elm Street and then Freddy V. Jason last night wasn’t my best option. 

Heading into the art room, looking around there were diamond shaped paintings, some of the other paintings were creepy and had different faces and scenes. Some of them relate back to the ISA, but before I could even look at one, I heard Yolanda yell. 

“Yolanda?” Beth asked as she was yelling. 

“Yolanda?” I yell for her as she then opens her eyes like she’s alright, but deep down I know she isn’t alright...something happened. 

Not long after turning back to the painting. I saw a face like Freddy Kruger level coming out of the painting. It was purplish black as it was coming towards us. 

“Court, what is that?” Rick asked. 

“Eclipso.” She said as she shined a bright light at the painting and Rick then hit the door telling Beth and Maya to back up. As we all ended up in the hallway. 

In the hallway, Courtney ran the other way running after the paint blob man. I was standing there watching my brother, Yolanda, Beth, Kyra, Maya and these two girls dressed up in suits. One looked like Ms.America and the other looked like Mother Nature they all were yelling in pain. 

Walking over to my brother I pull his shoulder seeing that his eyes are gray and he almost hits me as I see everyone else struggle. 

“Guys it alright, fight Eclipso, fight what he is telling you.” I told them I was trying to help in any way. 

They continued to fight as I heard something down the halls and next thing you know everyone was doing better. They were back as everyone stood around. But Maya was still yelling as she had this look in her eyes, partially it was red. NO...NO don’t tell me she’s going to. 

Maya suddening used her power to move the dark around everyone and keep it away from all of us. “I’m sorry.” She yelled out as she was blasted and somehow absorbed the darkness within her, enough to continue making her red chaos flow through her as she yelled. 

“Maya.” My brother yelled at her as I could see tears brimming his eyes. Grabbing him before he ran. 

“I love you.” She said before the darkness took her, and where Maya stood. She isn’t there anymore, she’s gone. 

―MY PHONE STARTED RINGING, AS THE NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN FROM STAR CITY. It could possibly be Erin with a burner phone so I decided to answer. Because Stephaine...she wouldn’t call me, she never responded to texts. 

“Hello, is this Ms.King we're speaking to?” The young woman’s voice on the other line asked, as the sound behind her was loud with people talking, and running most likely. 

“Yes. Who’s this?” I tried not to sound too harsh to this woman. 

“Um...It’s hard to explain, but I’m a friend of Erin Greystone.” She mentioned it made more sense, as she never spoke her name as her breath was more deep and nervous. “I tried calling you before, but I just couldn’t find the right number until now.” She mentioned. 

“Ok. What is this about?” I continued as she sighed. 

“Erin...Erin was put in a coma two months ago…” She mentioned her voice cut out...Erin’s in a coma. Like my dad, and I didn’t know about it, I didn’t feel it, and now she might not live. Why do people like Erin get put into this lifestyle, just to be put into a Coma. “The investigators won’t say the name, but from what I have seen from Erin’s evidence…” She mentioned that for a moment it felt surreal to know one of my sisters from my days in a hood...she might not live. 

Just like my brother, my mother, Joey Zarick, and even my father. As till this day it all still haunts me. The dreams, the visions, the pain that it all brings. Why is living so much? It is equally as hard for me to die. Why couldn’t it have been me? 

“But from her research, from what I found they think Sander’s had something to do with it.” The girl mentioned as I remember the name Sander’s. The man who poisoned people, who wanted money more than care on the streets of Star City. The man for money is what we called him during our days of partners. Worse than the devil himself, the believer of the sin greed was the definition of Sander’s. 

“Is she going to be alright?” The only thing I needed more than wanting to kill...hurt...no kill Sander’s with my dagger, was to know if she was going to be alright. 

“They don’t know Ms.King. I’m sorry.” She said as the tears that I had tried to fight, I didn’t hold them back anymore as they started falling down my face. 

“Thank you.” I said as the phone call soon ended. As it gave me a moment in the parking lot of the pit shop to cry once again. To let everything go, yet still held back enough...to not let everything overwhelm me...for me not to lose control. 

“Maya.” I heard a voice call out to me as it came running over as the person opened my door and grabbed my hand. At that moment I knew it was Rick, he was here. Moving to the door, moving my legs I hugged him, smelling his scent, while having my head in his neck as the tears continued. “What happened?” He asked as I stayed in the same place. 

“Erin. She’s been in a coma for two months.” I told him as I could feel him shift, and his breath was more apart than before. “I think she might…” 

“Never say never.” He spoke up as I pulled my face out of his neck as he grabbed my other hand and we looked each other in the eyes. “Helena got out of her coma that took her two weeks.” He mentioned that Helena did survive a coma, and being paralyzed because she is a strong fighter...and so is Erin. 

“Thank you.” I told him as I pulled one of my hands away, but before I could rub my eyes with my hand, Rick handed me a piece of cloth that was clean offering it to me. Using the cloth I wiped my tears from my cheeks and eyes. 

“I’ll always be here for you Maya.” Rick mentioned as I grinned a tiny bit even with the pain. This man was the one I have grown to still love just as much since the first time I said ‘I love you Rick Tyler’ to him back all those months ago. 

Finally once we both got up, we headed into the Pit Shop where Beth and Pat were talking about something with Charles McNider. And how he was ALIVE? Alive? How? The man died with the others from what I heard. 

“Guys, hey what’s going on?” Rick asked Beth and Pat as their small argument continued. As Kyra wasn’t sighted here...which was odd. Since she didn’t have Summer School or anything. But she could be out with Mike or at home. 

“Maya...Rick he’s alive.” Beth explained as I looked at her, so it’s true. 

She was more excited than a kid at a Candy Store, as Rick joked about him communicating from the dead using a weegie board to communicate to us. 

“Could be Eclipso, Beth.” Pat stated as he started to explain things I have felt from Eclipso as I understood what he meant. 

“But what if Beth is right, Pat?” Rick asked as I nodded. Pat looked within himself, as he was determined to also figure it out, but after figuring out the weather patterns. But this man was 90 plus years old. So where would a ninety year old be? 

Later on we had to suit up, as weather and wind patterns on the wind epicenter is near Blue Valley High. I could feel the darkness radiating off the building, as it was everywhere around me again. I felt trapped, and I knew something was off, as the voice as the visions as everything that has been happening. Maybe Eclipso was right...maybe it all led up to this. 

“That’s Mr.Deisinger’s car.” Courtney mentioned that I was hurt about this. One of the kindest people, one who was a mentor for me many times, is in that building, most likely another victim of Eclipso. 

“What is he doing in there?” Yolanda asked as I knew deep down the truth, as I could hear the voices but my head instead was blocked by something...blocked by the darkness, blocked because I didn’t want to lose control. Not around my family...my last family. 

“If the diamonds are in there he could be in trouble.” Courtney mentioned as I followed the others into the building, as it looked bad, it looked like what I thought. Paul being taken over and his vision involved him helping destroy the school, but it didn’t look bad. 

Heading into the art studio, looking around where paintings as I saw one with a photo of me going evil. One with strings behind me, one with control being lost. But the one that caught me was the canvas that said ‘I got you’. 

Yolanda yelled as I looked back at her. Something was wrong and I could feel it. Since the day I saw my father die and helped with it. It made her feel bad about it, but she shouldn’t. She wasn’t wrong. 

Turning back to the big canvas painting of the Black Diamond. There was a face coming out of the painting as I knew it was Eclipso playing with us. This was all a game that was starting, as I knew the victim would be us. And I will be his prize. The one that he wants. 

“Court, what is that?” Rick asked as I looked at him hoping that this isn’t the end and that he won’t leave me. 

“Eclipso.” She said as she shined a bright light as Rick asked Beth and I to move from the door as he took it down. Looking back I saw two heroes, but instead of wondering who they were, the darkness that I felt from everyone, the hurt I saw made me hurt as I could feel it. 

He was now within me.

He was a spirit within me. 

“I got what I need now.” The voice rang through. 

“I won’t let you win.” I yelled knowing it was no use to fight, but I can’t give up no matter any circumstance. 

“They don’t love you, they don’t know you. They don’t need you. Rick will find someone like that Becca girl to move on from you.” The voice started as I knew the power within me that angered me it bothered me. 

“They would never do that.” I told him as he laughed. 

“But yet they do. I’ll let you watch, I'll show you. You already lost everyone. The darkness you crave is always there. The power you have is there and yet you act like they don’t see it. Well they do.” He spoke again, “It’s just a matter of time before they have to stop you. Kill you, and laugh about it.” 

I felt my eyes growing with power as I felt like I was losing control. Looking around I knew that I must take the darkness, that I needed to save everyone. They need to know that it will be ok. That they need to fight it, they need to save this town. But I know I was easy prey...I lost everything but the one last joy, and that deep down he wasn’t wrong about me. 

Using my powers I moved my powers to move the darkness within me as I felt the pain of the fire flying in me. The darkness of the thoughts were now in me. I moved it from them including Rick. 

“I’m sorry.” I yelled out as I got  blasted and somehow absorbed the darkness within me, enough to continue making the red chaos flow through her as I yelled out of pain. 

“Maya.” I heard Rick yell at me as tears were brimming his eyes. As Skylar grabbed him before he could run after me. 

“I love you.” I yelled at him before the darkness surrounded me, and everything the ground around me left as I disappeared and reappeared somewhere else from the darkness. 

― RETURNING BACK TO THE PIT SHOP, THE JSA PLUS THE TWO GIRLS MINUS MAYA ALL WERE SITTING AROUND. The team was looking at Meghan and Briar as they were still suited up, as Rick was glaring at them a bit, still dazed from what happened but angry and confused on why another girl is wearing stars and stripes in Blue Valley. Everyone was affected but Skylar just looked around with Courtney, trying to understand what had happened to their friends...to their family. 

“Who are you two anyways?” Rick asked the two as Meghan just looked at him. “And how can we trust you both?” He glared as Meghan looked at him. 

“Because we know who you guys are...personally I know what the JSA is.” Meghan spoke up as Pat looked at her. “Eclipso showed me what it was truly to be…” Meghan continued standing there still in her suit. 

“He showed us all our pain, our fears.” Briar spoke up as Skylar looked at the two girls as Maya was missing, as she wondered who these girls were. 

“So you're saying you know the JSA, how do we know that you're not…” Rick started as Pat looked at the two girls.

“Because you and your sister aren’t the only JSA legacy who lost someone. All my life I have been living in this fear of being killed.” Meghan spoke up as Rick looked at her. They all did, “I have lived a life having my family killed, being raised to not bring justice and to be...Meghan.” She continued taking off her mask showing Yolanda and Courtney one of the other Summer School kids...Meghan Adams. 

 “Wait, you both were at Summer School.” Courtney stated as Meghan nodded. 

“You guys don’t do a good job at having very quiet conversations.” Meghan noted, “Take in mind if I was able to hear you from being behind you. Anyone with a motive would notice if they really tried.” Meghan told her to make Yolanda look at her. 

“You said you're a JSA legacy like Rick and I.” Skylar mentioned as Meghan nodded. “Who is your parent?” She continued wondering as Pat looked at Meghan seeing that she had similar features as someone he has seen...someone who he was close to. 

“I know you guys aren’t going to believe this...but I’m Starman’s daughter.” Meghan spoke up as everyone looked at her, even Briar. 

“Wait, Sylvester had a daughter.” Courtney spoke up, “Pat you told me..Sylvester didn’t have children.” She continued. 

“From what I know he doesn’t.” Pat spoke up but in his gut he knew Meghan wasn’t lying. 

“Then use McNider’s goggles, it would tell you the same thing.” Meghan continued as Beth put them on, seeing that the girl wasn’t lying. 

“She isn’t lying, she is Sylvester’s Daughter.” Beth spoke up as Pat looked at her. “Her full birth name is Meghan Cher Adams, she was born in 2002 to Sylvester Pemberton and a JSA confidential file mother.” Beth continued as everyone looked at her. 

“Pat?” Courtney asked him. 

“The goggles wouldn’t lie, she’s Sylvester’s Daughter.” He told Coyrtney as the rest of the team looked at her. 

“Wait your Pat...as in Patrick Dugan, my father’s former sidekick, and his oldest friend.” Meghan spoke up in shock. “I have heard so much about you from Joan Dale. It’s an honor to meet you.” 

“Wait, you know Joan Dale?” He asked. 

“She’s my god-mother so yeah I know about her.” Meghan spoke up, “I know about the JSA, just didn’t know that they were back. 

“Then why now?” Kyra spoke up as Meghan looked at her. 

“I wasn’t meant to be in Blue Valley, and I take any time to help save someone. This is my first time putting on this suit and going out. The only reason I’m truly here in Blue Valley is because my adopted sister Madelyn became the new doctor here.” She mentioned. 

“Join us.” Courtney spoke up as the team agreed with it. 

“I’d be honored to.” Meghan told her as Briar stood behind her as the two girls also joined the team. This night wasn’t like one for the JSA. Each one of them but Skylar and Courtney had seen their fears and seen things they pushed past. 

“Is it a bad time to mention, I didn’t see anything.” Skylar interjected as everyone looked at her, “Eclipso didn’t show me anything, I saw what everyone else was doing. It’s like I was able to avoid him tonight.” 

“Eclipso can still…” Pat mentions as Skylar interrupts him looking at him. 

“I know he can make you hear and say things whenever he wants.” She mentioned, “But he took Maya, he possessed her but it was like he couldn’t do it to me. They both could have done it but I didn’t even really feel it. I wasn’t scared.” 

“Maya got possessed by Eclipso?” Pat asked as Rick pounded his hand on the table. Everyone glanced at Rick. He started tearing up as Skylar went over to him hugging him. 

“He took her.” Kyra explained, “He got what he wanted. This was a trap. He planned this all along, and she knew deep down.” 

“She knew deep down.” Yolanda repeated. 

“We should have known not to trust this. We are heroes, but we couldn’t save our own.” Kyra mentioned. “She did it for us. So we need to bring her back. We need to.” 

“So how do we Mr.Dugan?” Beth asked him. 

“I don’t know.” He spoke up but he paused. “But we won’t give up until we get our Maya back.” He told them as everyone looked at him. 

In a diner late at night in California, two people, a woman and a man. Both blonde hair, and a couple were sitting in a booth getting served by their waitress. She was walking around as she saw the two. 

“If you need anything else for the night just ask.” She told them as the man smiled. 

“Yeah, I heard you moved from Blue Valley a few months back.” He spoke up as she looked at him, “I’m just looking for someone.” He told her as she looked at him creeped out a bit. 

“He’s looking for his little sister, and since you lived in Blue Valley, he wants to know if you saw her on the streets or something.” The woman shorter than the average with her bright green eyes told the woman as she told them to show her. 

The photo was of a young girl...it was Kyra. 

“I have seen that girl, she was with an older guy who is her father. She has a brother, but I have never seen you.” She told the two. 

“She was adopted by a man. I haven’t seen her in awhile. Thank you.” The man said as the two left, the two must continue their journey now to Blue Valley. Racing with time as the man needed to find the person he seeked the most...her. 

Meanwhile Maya was teleported into her room, as Helena was gone for a few days staying with a friend in Carson city. Maya was in her room shaking, she didn’t hear his voice, but she knew that something was wrong. 

“We have so much to do for my child.” Eclipso’s voice spoke as she grabbed her head. And everything around her started to change.