A Dragon's Love (Young Justice)

The Day

I'm sitting in my chambers, on my bed. It's quiet throughout the palace. Suddenly, I hear an ear-piercing scream. I jump up, ice running through my veins, and run out into the corridors. I stop in front of a giant black door. Something about it makes me nauseous and weary. Taking a deep breath, I turn the knob on the door...

I awoke from my sleep to someone's voice calling me. "Esmeralda... Your highness, it's time to wake up, my dear." I hear. I open my eyes to see Kent in front of me, a small smile on his lips. I sit up and rub my eyes. "Good morning, Kent. How are you today?" I ask, my voice monotone as usual.

"I am doing well, thank you. Are you excited, princess?" He asks as I get out of my bed and walk behind my curtains to change out of my night gown. I know for a fact that, even though I'm behind solid black curtains that touch to floor from the ceiling, he's still facing away from me as I change. "Excited for what?" I ask, getting into my leotard and walking over to where my cloak is hanging from the wall.

"Well, today is the day you meet the other proteges." He answers, turning to me. He gently takes my hand and places a small kiss on it. I give him an almost-hidden smile. "Yes. I suppose I am excited." I answer. "Wonderful. I'll be leaving you here for a few hours, my dear. But once I come back, we'll go and meet the League and their sidekicks." He tells me. I nod my head in understanding. "And will you be going as Fate, or just yourself?" I ask, walking with him out of my room here in the tower. "I'll be going as Dr. Fate." He tells me, "It'll be easier to travel that way, anyhow."

"Of course." I reply. "And I will be in the library upon your return. May your travels be safe." I tell him, stopping in front of the door to the library. He nods, and politely bows before walking off. I watch him before heading through the door to my favorite spot to read, my book still there from yesterday.

(Dr. Fate's POV:)

Once Kent put on my helmet, we left to the Hall of Justice, immediately seeing Red Tornado and Martian Manhunter. I walk up to them, along with Batman, Green Arrow, Aquaman, and Flash as they're discussing something with the proteges Speedy, Aqualad, Kid Flash, and Robin.

Green Arrow turns to look at Batman, who crosses his arms. "I know, I know, but I thought maybe we could make an exception." Green Arrow says, a small smile on his face. Batman's eyes narrow and his smile falls. "Or not."

"You're not helping your cause here, son." Aquaman says to Speedy, stepping towards him. "Stand down, or-" 

"Or what? You'll send me to my room? And I'm not your son! I'm not even his. I thought I was his partner, but not anymore." Speedy interrupts him, and throws his hat on the ground. He turns to leave, saying to the others, "Guess they're right about you three. You're not ready." As the doors close, an alarm blares from the computers.

"Superman to Justice League. There's been an explosion at Project Cadmus. It's on fire." Superman says. "I've had my suspicions about Cadmus." Batman replies, everyone walking up to the computer screen. "This may present a perfect opportunity to in-" He's interrupted by another alarm. "Zatara to Justice League. The sorcerer Wotan is using the amulet of Attan to blot out the sun." Zatara says, coming up on a smaller picture on the screen. "Requesting full League response."

"Superman?" Batman asks. "It's a small fire. Local authorities have it under control." "Then Cadmus can wait for now." I say. Batman presses a button on the keyboard. "All Leaguers rendezvous at Zatara's coordinates. Batman out." He turns to the young ones, "Stay put."

"What? Why?" Robin questions. "This is a League mission." "You're not trained." Aquaman and Flash say. "Since when?" Kid Flash asks, flailing his arms in the air. "I meant you're not trained to work as part of this team." Flash rephrases. "There will be other missions, when you're ready." I tell them. "But for now, stay put." Batman says.

"Glad you two didn't bring you know who?" Green Arrow asks Manhunter and myself. "Indeed." He replies. "Her majesty may have been displeased, but she wouldn't have reacted the same as Speedy. Her temper has lowered quite well since you've last seen her." I reply as we all go to Zeta Beam to Zatara's coordinates. Green Arrow scoffs. "Heh, yeah right."

(A.N.: So, I hope you're enjoying the story so far. Anyways, the cover photo is what Esmeralda looks like, but not the clothes she's wearing. For the next few chapters, I'll be posting photos to help you get a better lidea of her looks and outfits and all that.)