Chapter Text
If Hazel had known Crouton would go missing the minute she left him out of her sight, she wouldn't have done it in the first place. But she's getting a head of herself. Time to start back from when she first got the request.
It was a rainy night in Prospero. The air was cool and everyone else was inside. Her mama was getting some cases done and Laurent was reading a book. It was really nice. No haints, no Koosma,just her hanging out with her family.
Then a knock came at the door.
Laurent went to go get it and two people were at the door; a man and a woman. The woman was black with dark skin, her eyes were pools of ink and the aura of death. And yet, she didn't feel deadly. Maybe because she knew that one.
The guy in the helmet on the other hand…. That man was kind of the opposite. White, no piercing blue eyes and orderly like. Like a paladin in dungeons and dragons or a judge. He felt like order, if that makes sense.
“I hope we're not intruding,” Jemima started. “But we need to speak with Hazel. Please, it's very important. This is Doctor Fate though you already know that and I'm Madame.”
“Come on in. ”
“We are in need of your abilities, Ms. Flood.”
As they had tea, Well she, Laurent and Madame, Doctor Fate didn't sit down the duo explained the situation about what was happening outside the South.
Hazel could only look in shock. While she heard about the Reach and thought it was a bit suspicious sue her, she dealt with Roux she didn't think it was that bad! What's worse was how bad the stigma was getting if it was enough to injure ordinary people and a few heroes.
“What do you need me to do?” she asked.
Doctor Fate declared "Your duty, Weaver.” He looked at her sternly.
Madame panicked and was about to interject but he continued. “ We need you to help us with the stigma before it gets worse. You are the only Weaver we know of, unfortunately.” The woman looked like she trying not to faced palm at her ally’s blunt response.
Hazel couldn't hold back her snark. “Gee thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“Don't mind him, he's just always like that. Don't worry about the funds, we'll pay for your stay, Hazel.” she added, clasping her hands as if in prayer. “I mean it's only fair given how far Happy Harbor is.”
Hazel didn't think much about the cost until she mentioned it. She was planning to go at some point but was figuring on roughing it while traveling.
“What makes you think I need the okay?"
-
Happy Harbour was different from Prospero. The town was bigger than her home. And sounds different too, makes it very easy to get lost especially with everyone racing to get home.
The air didn't help. Hazel was clinging to her coat to stop the nipping. If it wasn't from stigma, it was something else. It was like the city was holding its breath. Waiting for something to go wrong or worse.
So it was time to go to work. It may take a while for them to pick her up so why not start now.
-
As she wandered the forest near the river, the feeling calmed down a bit. Like it was getting thinner.
Suddenly she saw a bright light from far away.
The light seemed to be white with tints of blue.
Suddenly Crouton came out of her bag. It looked like it was panicking.
“Yeah, I agree little one but we should-”
Crouton didn't even let her finish before running into the woods. While she was fast, he was small and curious. And then he fell down that turn.
-
From the looks of it, it was just a bunch of teenagers. They were either in groups or solo but close.
Two of them, a boy with a face mask and a girl, were with a young girl whose face looked like she could pass out from embarrassment.
As she was being set down, Hazel noticed something in her hands. It looked like it was an old doll that was Crouton! Okay well this will be easy enough.
“ ‘Cuse me but I think you have something of mine.”
The gang jumped in surprise, which made her honestly, kinda chuckle. They all seem to take defense stances which is odd but she can't judge.
“ I come in peace,” she announced, coming out of her hiding place. “Hi there, I'm Hazel. Hazel Flood, y’all are?”
The girl with the book sized Hazel up with clear distrust. “None of your concern. Now state your business here, Ms Flood.”
The girl with Crouton signed and shook her head. “ Don't mind her, she doesn't always like new people and this is a forest so yeah,” she points out. She gives back Crouton with an apologetic smile. “Sorry by the way.”
“I get it. Thanks, I don't know what I would do if I lost him.” She put him back in her bag for safe keeping.
“Wait, did you say him?” the boy in shades asked.
Thankfully, the blonde girl unwittingly came to her defense. “We all had childhood toys that we love. So what if she's attached?”
“Yet we all outgrown them, Ms Sandmark,” the brown-haired girl commented. “Plus she clearly has some other reason for being here.” Her gaze was still on her.
“And you would be right, if for the wrong reasons.” Nightwing appeared.
“Everyone , this is the Weaver, Hazel Flood.” Nightwing said. “ Consider her your ally from here on out. Ms Flood, this group of kids is the team.”
The braid girl waved. “Starlight. Sorry again about your doll, Hazel.”
Hat boy shrugged his shoulders. “Lagoon boy, Ma’am.”
Judgment girl huffed but didn't say more. “Milady. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Ms Flood."
Blondie grinned. “Wonder Girl.”
Hoodie took off his revealing green skin. “ I’m Beast Boy.”
The boy with goggles gave a thumbs up. “Impulse. Crash to meet you.”
The other hoodie waved. “ Blue Beetle and- Wait! Is that weird doll out and.... waving at us?”
Starlight eyes lit up. “Aww, that's just adorable!”
She turned around to see Crouton back out of the bag, and sure enough, waving his little hand. This will be fun.