Aqualad (Young Justice) x reader | Princess of Vlatava

Black Canary POV

October 23, 17:48 EDT

"I won't admit that I'm not shaken," (y/n) said quietly. "The whole experience was pretty scary. I mean, who wouldn't be freaked out after seeing all their friends die?"

The League had put the team in a virtual training session, bonding the team together with a mind link. Everything had been going well, until Artemis died. That set everything off. The teens all began to think everything around them was real, causing them to fall into comas once they "died." We had to send Martian Manhunter in after them to try and break the link.

It had worked, but not without consequences.

The team had not spoken in days, all shaken about what they had seen and experienced. Now, I was trying to help them with a little bit of therapy. I had already met with Conner, but he got angry and stormed out. Now, I was meeting with (y/n). She had died protecting the team and a group of soldiers.

"The one thing I did know for certain was that I couldn't let innocent people die," (y/n) said. "Not when I could do something about it."

"You say this because you speak from experience?" I asked.

"Yes. Ever since I was little, since I first found out about my powers, I've been taught to protect others. And I did that, and died doing so."

Looking at her, I could tell she wanted to add something, but was unsure.

"But there's something else, isn't there?" I prompted.

(y/n) sighed.

"Is it wrong that I would do it again?" she asked.

"No," I told her, my eyes softening. "That just proves how much you care about others and the risks you are willing to go to keep them safe."

(y/n) nodded, smiling slightly at me.

"Thank you, Black Canary," she said.

"You're welcome, (y/n)."

~

Shortly after (y/n) left, Kaldur entered the room. Now, he sat across from me, his head down.

"I was the general but behaved like a soldier and sacrificed myself," he said. "I am not fit for command and must resign as team leader."

"Who do you recommend to take your place?" I asked him.

Kaldur looked up at me for a moment before shaking his head.

"Artemis is too raw and untrusting. Kid Flash, too rash and impulsive.
Miss Martian remains too eager to please. Superboy carries too much anger."

"Leaving your options to be Robin and (h/n)."

"(h/n) has not been on the team long enough. The others may not yet trust her."

"Making Robin the logical choice."

"But he is so young."

"Kaldur," I said, leaning forward, "you're all young."

"I cannot shift this burden to him. Not yet." He sighed. "It appears I must withdraw my resignation."

A thought suddenly came to my mind, making me curious.

"Kaldur, is there any other reason that you do not wish to make (h/n) leader?" He raised his head to look at me. "The team does seem to trust her and she has proven herself to be a valuable member of the team."

"I cannot pass the burden to her."

"May I ask why then?"

The Atlantans paused before sighing.

"I do not want to see her hurt. Being leader is a lot of responsibility and I do not wish to have her to be overwhelmed by it."

"Meaning you care for her."

Kaldur's head shot up. He opened his mouth to protest, but sighed a moment later, his shoulders falling in defeat.