Hatred Never Looked This Good (Young Justice) [1/3]

24 | Gala

Bitter sweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong

METROPOLIS
Dec 1, 08:00

Frowning, I stared at myself in my mirror. The long dark formal gown wrapped around my curves made me look far more elegant than I felt.

And I hated it.

"I'm not feeling it, Mauve."

"I agree. You look amazing but it's just not 'Pyrrha'." She tapped her chin, looking at all of the sample gowns she had made sadly and gasped. "Give me a moment." She took to her drawing pad and I took the opportunity to undress and take a breather. These last few weeks had been hectic and I was showing signs of fatigue.

My attempted assassination made national news, dividing the nation. Some saw me as a victim while others saw behind the ruse. I continued the appearances to appear brave but being a puppet was tiring and boring.

"Thank you, Mauve." I rested my eyes and leaned back in her chair. "I'm grateful for you to do this pro bono."

"I welcome the challenge. I'm always making power suits. Making you a ball gown that won't burn up during the festivities sparks my creativity. Maybe I can make you one for your Christmas parties?" She looked up from her pad.

"Just this one please," I smiled, trying to deflect the offer's hidden question.

"You aren't celebrating Christmas?" She asked.

"No," I said curtly and she returned to her pad.

"Holidays are a dangerous time to be lonely." She warned. "Don't you have friends to celebrate with?" She continued scribbling madly. I thought about everything that had happened this year.

"I thought I did," I said quietly. I let my last sentence roll around in my head. I had come so far from that girl in the cardboard box. But was it for the better? In my twenties and attempting world--galaxy--domination. That was a good enough reason to not have a social life right?

"Done." She showed me her pad and my eyes widened in amazement.

"Mauve, it's perfect."

METROPOLIS
Dec 31, 20:30

"Thank you all for coming to the Metropolis' New Year's Eve Charity Gala," G. Gordon Godfrey announced to the mass of well-dressed elite. "Your generosity will aid in efforts to rebuild our city from the *ahem* unfortunate incident.

"As you know there's a problem in our community, in our country, in our world! I know-Gordon is a broken record-but the world is broken and instead of fixing the problem, the taxpayers pay for the superpowered damages out of our pockets!

"We must be more proactive, not reactive. We don't need aliens to aid us. We have our own homegrown, down-to-earth protectors who don't want praise. They don't want fame. They only want to be proud of their planet and protect their family. Their earth family. We are lucky enough to have one of our empowered sisters among us! You may know her from her heroic debut against those frauds: The Justice League and even more recently, the attempt on her life for speaking the truth! Please join me in welcoming Pyrrha!"

I descended from the balcony and landed on the stage. The light was hot on my black tux. Mauve had done a wonderful job with the fitting and the grey waistcoat and cravat kept all the attention on my face. Also, flying in a dress just wouldn't have worked. I stood in front of Metropolis' wealthy, allowing them to stare at my translucent skin, glowing veins, and bright red eyes. Their gasps only fueled my confidence.