Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

”PEEKABOO!”

They were floating.

”-IMES UP!”

His words and sandpaper voice faded in and out as they struggled to breathe. It felt like they were both being crushed. Quite literally

”I’VE GOT THE KIIIIDS! I THINK I’M GONNA KILL ONE OF THEM NOW JUST FOR THE HECK OF IT!

His stupid slitted eye was flashing with the symbol they match with on the zodiac.

“EE-NIE!”

He started with the pine tree. She already knew how it was going to end. They still fought against his iron grip anyways, pounding their fists against his hand.

”MEE-NIE!”

The shooting star.

”MINE-IE”

The pine tree. Both of their hearts dropped.

”YOU!”

The shooting star, followed by him raising his hand and snapping his fingers.

Her Grunkle Ford was shouting something as she felt everything around her disappear while she shrieked and the world went painfully white- and… and then pink?

Mabel felt like she was floating, something soft was keeping her afloat - almost like it was cotton candy. Her muscles screamed in protest when she attempted to shift her body a little. It even smelled like what she was laying on was cotton candy.

Was she dead?

Her heartbeat began to speed up a bit, and a shiver raced down her spine. Was she back there?

Was she back in the make-believe world that Bill built her?

”Tuz waozk.” A soft voice chuckled from behind her, in front of her, and all around her. The words were getting scrambled in her jelly brain, and she peels open her eyes to try and make sense of the space around her.

”Nkrru Ynuuzotm Yzgx.” The same voice purred, almost like it was speaking right into her head. She noticed that the pink was because of the creature curled around her body, the color being reflected on the white fluffy clouds they were resting on. ”O’s yuxxe ck ngj zu skkz znoy cge.”

“Mmmm.” Was the only sound Mabel could make, her vocal cords feeling strained and her throat raw. The creature was far too large for her to be able to see clearly without turning her head, and since her whole body ached, she settled on closing her eyes and falling back asleep.

The creature hummed in what felt like contentment, and Mabel felt any tension that was left in her body bleed out in an instant. ”Eua’xk waozk ktjkgxotm, Rozzrk Yzgx.”

She felt something get placed around her neck. ”Eua corr tkkj znoy.” It purred before the voice sharpened, not in a harsh way but in a more commanding way. ”Ju tuz zgqk oz ull.”

Even though she couldn’t process its words, she could feel the order settle into her bones.

Something brushed her cheek, rumbling, ”Zgqk igxk.”

A tear made its way down her face, she didn’t want to leave just yet.

”Ck’rr skkz gmgot.” Were its parting words before she felt her body fall.

“Bloody hell.” Constantine muttered around his cigarette.

It was one of the few alien invasions the Justice League had to deal with, except this time, the aliens wielded magic.

Superman and Wonder Woman were nearly taken out at the very start before John arrived and handed out a few charms to help counteract the effects.

It had taken place just outside of Gotham in some other unfortunate town that now had to deal with the ruined buildings and damaged roads.

The League decided to stick around for a few hours to help with cleanup, mostly moving the fallen spaceships and alien weapons to a secure location.

The Flash and Green Lantern hardly cracked any jokes after the last alien fled. It was… depressing, one of their successes that had so many failures in every crack and crevice. They had failed to get the invaders to move their attack outside of the poor town and into a mostly empty field. And then the magic garbage started to happen. They lost a few members to whatever influence the magic had over them.

And last but not least- one of the weapons misfired, and now they were faced with a gaping hole in the air above the shattered concrete that glowed an eerie blue. It was sparking furiously, and appeared to be getting big enough to fit a person or two.

A shadow appeared on the other side, one that was rapidly approaching their side of the tear.

All of them were tense, waiting for a fight. Except a young girl in a sweater ended up being what was dumped out of the portal. Right as she was going to hit the concrete, something flickered around her prone body and cushioned her landing.

She was definitely young, really young. Not even a teenager yet. The girl had a button nose, brown hair that curled at the end, a rounded face, and rosy cheeks. Absolutely adorable, probably melted the hearts of even the most cold-hearted individuals.

There was a pause from the surrounding members. Only the Bat seemed unfazed, taking no time walking over to pick her up.

“Uh, Batman, are you sure that’s a good…” Superman started, unsure. “...idea.” He trailed off as he watched the man pick her up with ease, no magical repercussions.

“Constantine.” Batman commanded, though, everything he said sounded like an order. “Return to the Watchtower with me.”

John opted to use his own portal charm - something he crafted with the help of the Captain to allow easy travel to and from the Watchtower without using any of his own magical reserves - and stepped in after snuffing out his cigarette, shortly followed by Batman.

The medical wing was pristine, hardly used unless absolutely necessary. It was packed with almost every up-to-date medical technology including some gifts from inter-galactic allies.

The few nurses who were there would take turns switching in and out of the lab where they’d study diseases - including ones not from Earth. It was a privilege and they all knew it. Once dealing with them they’d have to sit in quarantine for a month. And another month after for observation. It was a lot, but each had read over and signed the NDA and hundreds of other papers that they were required to sign.

One of them, a young lady Constantine recognized as Dr. Charlotte Prince - or just Dr. Prince, stood up and met them at a medical cot where Batman was placing the girl down.

“Fell out of a portal. Outwardly appears stable.” The Bat stated.

John sighed, “What he means is, can you do a basic check up while I check for any magical residue.”

Batman arched a single brow at his response. What? Was it a crime that the team - Constantine would rather die than say that out loud - was getting better at reading the elusive Batman?

The doctor smiled, albeit thinly, and started with checking for a pulse. “Because she is not conscious we can’t do anything considered ‘invasive’.” Dr. Prince directed another doctor to bring over a few tools before moving on to checking the girl’s blood pressure.

John decided to cast a small spell to look at any remains of magic. It was an understatement to say he was thoroughly surprised at the concentration of magic radiating from what appeared to be an enchanted object. He let out a hum as he put his hands back in his pockets.

“Your verdict?” Batman’s gravelly voice rumbled.

“She seems to have a strongly enchanted piece of jewelry. Almost could call the magic that radiates from it divine.” His eyebrows crept up towards his hairline.

"Is it dangerous?" He grumbled, shifting slightly.

"Nothin' harmful." John turned towards the door. “I’m assuming that’s all I’m needed for. I’ll be with the rest of the team until I can go home.”

The hum from Batman was all he needed to hear and then he was walking out the door and conjuring another portal - unfortunately using his own reserves. The bloody charm was only good for getting him to the Watchtower, not away from it.

He might have to talk to the Captain about that soon.

When Mabel opened her eyes, she didn’t know what she’d expect. The smell of cleaning products made her nose itch, and her eyes were blinded by the white ceiling.

Lifting a small hand to cover her eyes, she attempted to draw up memories of how she got here. She remembered something breaking - weird fantasy land - Dipper - holding hands in a circle - Bill - oh god Bill-

Her heart began pounding in her chest, a beeping noise beside her speeding up to match - something to monitor her heartbeat then. So she was probably in a hospital, where she was safe. Her body didn’t seem to get the memo though.

Mabel took deep breaths as she heard footsteps approaching the bed she was laying on.

“Hey kiddo, do you think you can follow my breathing.” A soft voice came from the figure who had sat down in the chair next to her, a hand picking up hers and holding it to their sternum.

When she tried to take in air she felt her chest constrict, taking in gasping breaths as the doctor or nurse - presumably - guided her through what she knew was a panic attack, even if it wasn’t as long or emotionally damaging as the ones she had to watch and help Dipper through when he was younger. More so after the Bipper incident.

“That's it, deep breaths. You’re doing well.” Mabel’s vision cleared enough to make out sharp angular features on the face above her, long hair and warm brown eyes met her own.

“S-sorry.” Mabel broke eye contact, sitting up and looking around the room as a temporary distraction.

“No need to apologize kiddo.” The person smiled, whoever it was wore a white coat and had a few pens tucked into the breast pocket. “I’m Doctor Charlotte Prince, you’re currently in the Watchtower’s medical wing.”

“Hi.” Mabel swallowed. “I’m Mabel…” She trailed off, unsure of how much she should say. If Bill had incinerated her, did he even know where she is now? Did he think she was dead? Did her family think she was dead? She didn’t blame them if they did. “What’s a watchtower?”

The Doctor’s smile faltered, “Do you know what the Justice League is?”

Mabel shook her head, her response making the Doctor’s eyebrows pinch - almost in what looked like worry.

“Okay then, I suppose there’s a lot to cover.” Dr. Prince’s face hardened with an emotion Mabel couldn’t quite decipher. “I’ll return in a few minutes, do you feel up to eating something?”

“Yes, please!” Mabel pushed some enthusiasm into her voice, which caused her throat to ache.

The Doctor nodded, “Would you prefer apple juice or water?”

She tilted her head in thought, “Apple juice!” She cheered with a small smile.

Dr. Prince laughed a little at her antics, the underlying concern was definitely still there, but Mabel counted it as a win. The Doctor left the room, her white lab coat swishing as she sharply turned as she exited the room.

Mabel noted she was still in her clothes from before, though the large tears from Bill’s nails were missing, only the scuffs and burns from before were still there. What was new was the weight around her neck, it wasn’t that noticeable, it was just Mabel was never one to wear necklaces.

Taking it out, she inhaled sharply when she saw the pendant. It was circular, but under the smooth glass-like bubble, she saw the Zodiac. It was perfectly clear, the shooting star glowing a faint blue that dimmed the farther away it was from her body. The other symbols were fading in and out, probably dependent on how close the others were - or perhaps how close any alternates were.

Her Grunkle Ford had said that it doesn’t really matter who goes in some places, other times it’s incredibly important the right person is in the correct place.

She stared at the pendant for a little longer, mesmerized by the humming blue light that was so similar to the blue glow that surrounded her family and friends as they attempted to banish Bill before it was too late.

Then her Grunkles got into a fight. And then Bill showed up, turning her friends into tapestry.

Shuddering, Mabel forcefully pulled herself from those memories. Trying to focus on what was going on while attempting to dig up anything on how she could’ve gotten here. Did Bill send her here, tricking her family into thinking she was dead? That did seem like something he would do.

This time, as she looked around the room, she was pretty curious about the stuff that surrounded her. She hadn’t ever been in a hospital before - unless you counted when she was born.

High-tech-looking machines surrounded her, all of them had wheels so they could be moved to where they were needed. There were curtains blocking her view of - presumably - other beds, but she figured it was to keep any unwanted attention off of her.

She paused to listen, there were no other heart monitors beeping, in fact, it sounded like she was alone in the room. Frowning, she put the necklace back under her sweater after giving it one last glance for the time being.

Just as she looked back up towards the door, two people walked through, Dr. Prince and someone who seemed to just hover over the ground - he wore mostly blue with a red cape, and there was something that looked like a giant ‘S’ on his chest. Perhaps a part of the ‘Justice League’ that the Doctor had mentioned?

They were talking about something in hushed whispers - the Doctor hissing something sharp that made the stranger look embarrassed before nodding in agreement.

Dr. Prince turned to face Mabel, smiling as she handed her a small bowl of soup and a box of apple juice. “Mabel, this is Superman, one of the founding members of the Justice League.” She said, nodding to the man next to her. “Superman, this is Mabel, our interdimensional guest.” There was something sharp in those words, directed at the stranger who looked sheepish.

Mabel couldn’t help but open the little flaps on the side of the juice box, it may be a bit childish but she was, in fact, still a child.

Superman waved, “Hello.” There was a southern twang to his voice that reminded her of Old Man McGucket.

“Hi Mr. Superman sir!” She couldn’t help the small giggle at the name - so on the nose, these people.

He coughed into his fist slightly, “Just, just Superman, please.”

Mabel couldn’t help the grin that was spreading on her face, “No can do Mr. Superman.”

She heard him mutter something about a Captain and never having them meet.

“So.” Dr. Prince clapped her hands together. “Since you just appeared into this dimension a few hours ago, I’d prefer if you stay in the medical wing for a few more days just so I can monitor your recovery. You did seem to have a minor concussion, but seeing as you’re awake and responsive, may I check again?” She asked. It made sense, it was easier to determine whether or not someone had a concussion if they were awake.

Mabel nodded, taking a few spoonfuls of soup. “Can I finish this first?”

“Of course.”

Superman stood awkwardly off to the side, and Mabel felt kinda bad for the guy, so in between bites of soup she asked a handful of questions. Ranging from his favorite color to his favorite pig breed to how he became a hero - he was kind of evasive on the last one, but she didn’t blame him. Secret identities and all.

After finishing her soup, Dr. Prince took her bowl and spoon. Mable took tiny sips out of the juice box to make it last longer.

“How many members does the Justice League have?” Mabel chirped around the straw in her mouth.

“Uhh-” Superman paused, “I’m not sure, there were originally three of us, and then it grew to… seven? I think? There’s more of us now, and powered individuals often enter the training program we offer. Though, it’s for those who need help managing their powers and learning to use them responsibly. Not a recruitment thing.”

Mabel hummed. “Where is the Watchtower located?”

“In space, it orbits around Earth.” He easily answered.

There was a pause before that fully registered. “I’m in space!?” Her eyes sparkled and she really wanted to explore. “Are there windows? Are there any more heroes on here right now? Can I see the Earth from here?”

“I’m sure you can explore later, Dr. Prince wanted to make sure you didn’t have a concussion.” Superman chuckled, holding up his hands in a ‘slow down’ motion.

As if speaking her name summoned her, the Doctor walked through the door. “Everything’s going well, I presume?” She arched an eyebrow.

Mabel nodded, “Yeah! Apparently the Watchtower is in space!”

“You want a tour?” The Doctor asked, smiling a little.

“Yeah!”

“I’m sure one of the League members wouldn’t mind showing you around. Now, do you feel up to a concussion check?” She questioned, shooting a look at the Super in the room.

He left without any complaint. Mabel wondered what that was about. Going through the checks was easy, being determined concussion-free after a few minutes.

Mabel excitedly hopped off the bed as the heart monitor was disconnected, walking towards the door with the Doctor trailing behind.

Dr. Prince hummed, “I’ll bring you to their meeting room, they should’ve hashed out who’s giving you the tour by now.”

Mabel’s only response was, “Huh?”

Chapter Text

The Justice League was anxious. The Bat was sitting in a chair working on a report - except he was typing too fast and backspacing more than usual. He had Robin seated next to him, it seemed he didn’t want his son to leave his sights - and none of the other Leaguers commented on it.

The Flash was trying his best to sit still, even though he failed and was attempting to tap his fingers on the table quietly.

Green Lantern was fidgeting with his hands, ignoring Captain Marvel’s small talk.

Superman was pacing, but when he received looks for making a little too much noise, he opted to float back and forth instead.

When Dr. Prince stormed into the meeting room, they all knew they all stepped in some sort of shit.

“It appears our dear guest has no idea who or what the Justice League is, is there something you have not told me that may be vital to our guest’s mental, physical, and emotional health?” Her words were sharp and precise, she was staring down Batman in particular. Many Justice League members theorized that her unwavering will and morals were what got her hired by the Bat specifically. Others just said she had immense bravery or a death wish.

Batman cleared his throat. “The girl fell out of a portal.” A pause. “And I presume she has awoken, yes?”

The Doctor was silent as her eyes scanned the room. “Yes, her name is Mabel and she’s a very sweet kid. If one of you would like to visit as she eats, you may.”

Oh she did that on purpose.

Shouting instantly broke out among the handfuls of members in the room. The Bat attempted to slip out of the room, only to be yanked back in by the cape by Superman.

“Oh no you don’t.” The Super hissed, albeit teasingly, and Batman’s face twitched in a way that let the others know he was pouting.

“I volunteer to go if we cannot come to a consensus.” Robin blandly stated, his face blank but a disapproving gaze was directed towards his father.

“No-” Batman rumbled before the shouts of the other members rose in volume.

The arguing continued for a few minutes before the Doctor returned - when did she leave? - with a bowl of soup and a juice box. “If you all have talked this out like the mature and responsible adults you are, then the person who’s joining me is…?” She waited for a response.

Superman raised his hand. “Me.” The sharp look the Super received from the Bat didn’t go unnoticed. He coughed into his hand and looked away sheepishly.

“Follow me then.” Dr. Prince whirled around, marching down the hallway, leaving Superman to follow. A few glares were sent his way as he left the meeting room.

Yeah they never came to an agreement, he was definitely getting pranked by a few of the members - and they’d be assisted by the Bat. Damn. He was screwed.

Walking down the hall, he realized he never stopped floating, he opted to just keep going. Maybe the kid would find it cool? He hoped she would. Or maybe powers were a normal thing back home, and those without powers were outcasts or something? He didn’t know!

There was a sigh from the Doctor, who was several paces ahead of Clark. “I can hear you thinking from here.”

“Oh, um, you don’t think she’d be… frightened by any of us?” He found himself asking.

The Doctor frowned and turned to face him fully in the hallway. “I’m not certain. However, I’m glad you volunteered, I think you’d be the least overwhelming of the rest. God forbid Batman makes an appearance and scares her.” The last part was muttered in a way that promised vengeance. It made the Super shiver.

As they approached the medical wing, Dr. Prince kept a brisk pace and later hissed in his ear as they walked through the door. “If she shows any, and I mean any, sign of fear or discomfort you will walk right out of this room. Do I make myself clear?”

Clark felt heat rise to his face as he nodded sheepishly.

Looking up, he was met with a pair of honey brown eyes. The young girl was sitting upright, her curled fingers bunching up her sweater. Oh Rao, she was tiny.

“Mabel, this is Superman, one of the founding members of the Justice League.” Dr. Prince introduced as she handed the girl her soup and apple juice. “Superman, this is Mabel, our interdimensional guest.”

As he watched Mabel open the little flaps on the juice box absentmindedly, he offered up a single “Hello.” Waving a little awkwardly as he remembered his feet were not on the floor.

She smiled, and it lit up the room. “Hi Mr. Superman sir!” She giggled a little over the hero’s identity, and Clark had to admit, it must sound a little funny to someone from a different dimension.

Of course, once what she said registered, he couldn’t help but get a little flustered. “Just, just Superman, please.” He stuttered a bit.

“No can do Mr. Superman.” Her response gave him déjà vu, he recalled Captain Marvel saying something frighteningly similar. Those two meeting could mean the end of his career - ‘Mr. Superman’ this and ‘Yes Sir' that. He wasn’t that old.

He had been so busy lost in his thoughts that he was a little startled when Dr. Prince left and he turned to face an eager child.

She fired off questions rapidly, and he was able to keep up but he had to watch what he was saying.

“What’s your favorite color?”

“Blue.”

“Favorite food?”

“Hmm too difficult, anything my Ma makes.”

“Aww! What about your favorite pig breed?”

“Pig breed?”

“Yuh huh.” She nodded. “I got a pet pig named Waddles back home.”

“Oh. Uhh.” He paused, mulling it over for a moment. “Red Wattle Hog.”

“Cool!” Mabel said around the spoon in her mouth. “I’ve got no idea what kind of pig Waddles is, but I love him anyway!”

Surprisingly, she pulled out a phone from somewhere in her sweater, the screen was cracked and the protective case around it was damaged. Mabel turned it on, and she looked surprised that it worked, and quickly showed him a photo of one of the cutest things he’s ever seen.

“I won Waddles at the Mystery Fair. The vendor said you could win a pig if you could correctly guess its weight.” Her nose scrunched up as she continued. “He asked if I wanted ‘Ol Fifteen-Poundy’, like the name didn’t give it away. What’s odd is that he didn’t seem to notice, and he asked if I was some kind of witch when I got it right.” She paused before giggling a bit. “When I first met Waddles he said my name. Or doorbell, but I’m pretty sure he said Mabel, and we’ve been inseparable ever since.”

There was a lapse of silence as he thought it over. “Huh.”

“How’d you become a superhero?” She turned her wide eyes towards him, a shining curiosity in them.

Superman hesitated, taking a moment to think. He had to be careful here. “I found out I had these powers… and I wanted to protect others by using them for good.”

She huffed a little at his answer but didn’t push. She did seem kind of disappointed, though.

A few moments later, Dr. Prince walked in and quickly took the empty bowl and spoon from the girl before disappearing again. Mabel was still holding onto her juice box, taking small sips out of it.

“How many members does the Justice League have?” Mabel chirped around the straw in her mouth.

“Uhh-” Superman paused, “I’m not sure, there were originally three of us, and then it grew to… seven? I think? There’s more of us now, and powered individuals often enter the training program we offer. Though, it’s for those who need help managing their powers and learning to use them responsibly. Not a recruitment thing.” Of course, if they saw potential and strong morals in a trainee, the trainee in question would receive an offer to become an official JL intern.

Mabel hummed. “Where is the Watchtower located?”

“In space, it orbits around Earth.” He answered with ease, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

There was a pause before that fully registered. “I’m in space!?” Her eyes sparkled and she looked ready to leap off the bed and run for the door. “Are there windows? Are there any more heroes on here right now? Can I see the Earth from here?” She beamed and looked far more excited than before.

“I’m sure you can explore later, Dr. Prince wanted to make sure you didn’t have a concussion.” Superman chuckled, holding up his hands in a ‘slow down’ motion.

Just then, Dr. Prince returned, ushering him out of the room with the promise that one of the other members would give her a tour after the concussion check. The Doctor shot him a look that came across loud and clear. To work it out like the adults they were.

Ah well, this should go well.

Every member was frothing at the mouth for a chance to give Mabel a tour. It wasn’t every day someone new was aboard, let alone someone who knew nothing about them - someone with an unbiased opinion - and didn’t have a favorite hero. Yet.

Batman was upset that they voted him out - despite it not really showing, they knew him well enough that they knew he was pouting in the slightly darker corner of the room. And he was tapping away on the laptop he was using.

Marvel may not have won the prize of giving the tour, but he still wore a blinding dimpled grin that took over his face as he giddily muttered something under his breath.

Flash offered again, but was quickly shot down by Wonder Woman, who declared, “The young warrior deserved a proper tour. Not a quick glance around the building before getting an in-depth guide around the cafeteria.” Barry turned a bit red and looked away, and she almost immediately apologized.

Superman said that they needed to be reasonable, otherwise they might end up hurting each other over it. He shot a pointed look towards Wonder Woman and an apologetic one to the Bat in the corner. Robin had left, getting sent home at some point between the Super leaving to meet Mabel and returning to the room.

Green Lantern just shook his head before going back to pacing.

Eventually, they caved and let Flash give the tour. Diana was feeling particularly awful about her previous remark, and swayed the others.

The bright smile on Barry’s face was what made it worth it. It took a few minutes for the Doctor and their guest to show up. But when they stepped through the door, everyone paused, including the Bat.

“Hi!” Mabel chirped, though there was a noticeable tension in her shoulders.

Of course, leave it up to the Captain to break the ice. “Hey there! I’m Captain Marvel, and these are my teammates!” The grin on his face was unwavering as he turned to face Superman next.

“I’m Superman, we’ve met.” Clark rubbed the back of his neck.

Mabel stepped farther into the room, the Doctor keeping a careful watch. She turned to look at Hal.

He waved, “I’m Green Lantern.”

“I’m Flash, I’ll be giving you the tour!” Barry waved as well, but his hand was blurred due to how fast he was going. Regardless, she didn’t bat an eye.

“I’m Wonder Woman.” Diana said. She was seated next to where Barry previously was.

“Batman.” Was all the Bat said from where he sat, sulking.

“I’m Mabel!” She smiled, waving to everyone in the room.

“Ignore Spooky over in his corner, he’s just sad he couldn’t give you the tour.” Flash grinned, ignoring the glare that was sent in his direction.

“Aww, you can join us if you really want to.” She turned her focus onto the man in the corner, who looked absolutely bewildered.

Barry opened his mouth to say something, but as Batman stood up without making a sound, he noticed how delighted the little girl looked, and he shut it with a click. Everyone else in the room looked just as baffled. Most kids - that weren’t from Gotham - were terrified of the Bat.

The laptop Batman was using was shut and pushed off to the side. He walked over, cape swishing slightly, and knelt down before offering her a hand. “It would be an honor.” He said, monotone as usual, but he spoke to her as if he was speaking to his own children.

She shook his hand vigorously, using both hands to grip the gloved hand that dwarfed her tiny palms and fingers.

Oh. Oh. He was playing dirty. If that’s how Spooky wanted to play, then Barry would too. He shared a look with the other members in the room, Diana arching an eyebrow - accepting the challenge, Superman had a strange look on his face - a look that was often worn by the Bat, Hal smirked at Barry, and the Captain looked like he was ready to break out the popcorn and share it with Dr. Prince, who had an amused look on her face.

When Batman stood up, Mabel grabbed both his and Barry’s hands before pulling them out the door. “I wanna see everything!”

And so they showed her everything - at least, everything they legally could. There were still a lot of confidential rooms and others with dangerous tech. They started with the training room, a large gym equipped with anything you could imagine.

It was also around the time they found out the girl practically leaked glitter everywhere. Batsy had the sad realization after he received one of her many hugs, the sparkly colors decorating his matte black cape and armor.

After a while, she asked a few questions. “Is there a place where you can look out into space?”

“Saving the best for last!” “Yes, it’s called an observation deck.”

“Who pays for all this?”

“Mostly Mr. Wayne and some smaller benefactors.” Batman replied smoothly, sending a not-so-discreet look towards Barry. Too bad he ignored it anyway.

“Yeah, but most people speculate that it’s only because Batman’s a part of the Justice League.” Barry tacked on.

“Really?” She turned to look up at him, with those shiny, gullible eyes.

“Yup. Perhaps it’s because he’s Basty’s sugar d-” Flash received a shove for that and he sputtered before doubling over in laughter. Even though the Bat still refused to tell them who’s under the mask, they quickly found out they could torment him with anything related to Brucie Wayne.

Mabel looks puzzled, her eyebrows pinching a little. She glanced around one more time before two people burst into the room.

“Oh my goodness!” Black Canary practically shrieked from across the room. “You are absolutely adorable!”

Green Arrow followed her in, a smile on his face. “We heard there was a guest and wanted to drop by.”

Mabel waved. “Hiya there!”

They cooed before getting shooed out, both of them waving goodbye and heading to some other part of the tower.

They had gotten a little further into the tour of the Watchtower before Batman received a notification of some kind. He huffed before begrudgingly saying that he had to go. “My children seem to have gotten themselves into ‘a pickle’. Nightwing’s words, not mine.”

Mabel gave him a hug, “Seeya Mr. Batman!”

His lips twitched as he attempted to hide a smile, he patted her on the head as he trudged out of the room.

“Well.” Flash clapped his hands. “Shall we continue?”

The little girl turned to face him, beaming.