I woke as the morning light peeked in through the blinds and landed on my face. For a moment I remember nothing but the warmth of the light and the comfortability of the bed. Then last night's revelations came flooding back to me.
That's right I'm a grown man in a kid's body. And not just any kids body, but the love child of a Viltrumite and Amazonian in the DC universe. I swing my feet out of bed, feeling everything that is new to me again.
I looked at my tiny body and sighed. I missed being older and the muscles I grew from years of hard work, but the very thought of getting better ones with this new body made settle down a little. A Viltrumite is guaranteed a strong looking body especially with Amazon biology, especially since Amazonians powers are based off of magic.
I wonder if I will be taller in this world. I was 5'11 in my past life and since both my parents looked to be at least six feet and taller I might be just as lucky lucky.
I then realized how quiet the house was, except for faint noises from downstairs. A sweet smell of breakfast. It smelled cinnamon French toast and eggs, wafts up to me. I wonder whose cooking.
I walk gingerly down the hall. My legs felt like jelly; I have to remind myself I can still walk I just need to get use to this new body. I stumbled slight downstairs into the living room. Grabbing the railing, I breathed and took it one step at a time. this feels weird like my body was either very weak or like it doesn't want to listen to me.
I saw the kitchen within seconds of coming off the stairs, the big and bright morning sun was flooding inside. Samira stood by the stove wearing an apron, flipping French toast and humming softly.
Jonathan was there as well, cooking breakfast steak. So I step in shyly.
The two noticed me already.
"Hey, birthday boy," Samira says with a relieved smile. "Did you sleep okay, how are you feeling? we heard your little tumble down the stairs."
"Good morning," I said warmly. My voice is still shaky. I technically don't know how Caius acts normally outside of his memories.
He'd seem like a normal kid. Energetic, and bright. I know I can't force it or they might sense something wrong, but I know I can't just do a one eighty on my personality or they will question me like crazy. I just better hope their aren't any telepaths anywhere near me.
Dad then set a empty plate on the table. He reached out a hand, raising my chin to meet his gaze. "How do you feel, buddy?"
Like I want to go back to sleep and hope this is all a dream."…I'm okay." I smiled brightly being sure to sell the statement.
"Your fever's gone," he noted with relief.
Samira placed French toast on a plate with maple syrup and slides a plate toward me. " Here's your favorite !" she said, proud of herself. "Your favorite: cinnamon French toast, eggs, and some steak."
I stare at the plate like it's the most delicious thing I've ever seen. I didn't know Caius had such good taste. Can't say I know enough kids that eat or like steak with their breakfast. " This looks and smells amazing mom. Thank you"
Mom chuckles. "Of course Caius, It's your birthday so enjoy it."
I can't help but smile a little at that. Even though I already turned nine before. But I never had a experience like this. Both parents under the same roof and I felt safe and happy.
I sat on a tall stool at the kitchen counter. Mom and dad sat on the opposite sides of me and we ate together after mom blessed the food. Between bites, I figured now would be a good time to interview for information.
"So… uh, mom. dad what so you both do for work?" I asked.
Dad glances at Mom and they laugh softly, "Well, I guess we never actually told you what we did. You just see us busy or sometimes come with us to work but I guess your older enough to understand." Jonathan says.
"Well son, I'm an engineer at Wayne Corporation. I help develop and upgrade Wayne technological products is used all around the world." He paused as I react, probably to check how much I know. I nod eagerly.
That's crazy, so he works directly for Bruce Wayne which means Batman has an direct eye on him.
That's also interesting besides the military and scientist part of Viltrum, I don't know much they know about technology, building, or using it. Mainly considering they are so good a destroying and having their enslaved conscripts doing all their dirty work.
But considering this universe is different, it wouldn't be to surprising that Viltrumites that went through the Scourge virus, would have learned a view things. Plus Earth technology is primitive compared to the rest of the universe.
That's when dad continued. "Wayne Corp has lots of departments; I work pretty much with all them to some capacity. From advanced systems, security tech, city infrastructure stuff. It's funny because it's Bruce Wayne's company. But Lucius Fox runs the day to day and he does an amazing job. he even makes time to get my opinion every now and again."
Samira interjects proudly, " So true husband, and son I run an architecture firm called Olympian Designs." She says with a small smile.
"Olympian Designs… like the Greek Gods?" I asked.
Samira nodded proudly. "Exactly like the Greek Gods." My mom explained her loved Greek architecture, so she named it that.
"We renovate buildings, do restorative architecture all over Gotham. We even help rebuild damaged housing from vigilante conflicts and natural disasters. We even have a youth programs that takes at risk youths and orphans off the streets, and supports through their education, all the way to college. We sometimes even partner with Gotham charities, and with Mr. Wayne and Wonder Woman themselves. They donate a lot of money to some of our programs. Not that we need them"
My eyes widen at how amazing that sounded. The alone told me this world's Bruce Wayne invest in Gotham like in some comic book iteration. Mom could probably tell I was amazed from the look on my face cause she then gave me a wink.
"Understand this son, not all heroes wear capes," she adds softly, nudging my cheek with a kiss.
Dad nods. "Your mom's the definition of heroic. Even under a hard hat, she's helping people. When not strutting down a runway."
"Runway?" I asked confused.
Did she mean like a model.
"Yes Caius. You can call it a sort of hobby. I have several of them, and them all pay very well." Samira then gestured to the wall by the fireplace and tv.
Several pictures of her in dazzling and gorgeous outfits. She was receiving awards and in different beauty pageants and fashion brands. I then noticed her in a picture with another stunning woman with.
The woman was had dark complexion, athletic, muscular, with a curvy frame, short black hair and brown eyes. If I wasn't wrong that woman in the picture with Samira was Vixen (Mari McCabe).
She chuckles. "Those were so long ago, I'm still surprised they want a fossil like me."
I began chewing on the steak, thinking this life is pretty awesome. I glance around the neat kitchen: a family photo on the fridge I'm tiny in it, maybe age 5, Samira is holding me on her hip). On the counter is a flyer: "Olympian Designs and WayneCorp: A Better Gotham."
After breakfast, She fills a cup with juice and I sip happily. I decide to play along as a curious kid and ask more questions under the guise of interest in her business. And she was more than happy to talk, so I absorb it.
"Wow so even with all your super-hero stuff, you still give back," I say in admiration.
Samira smiles warmly. "That's the real hero in all of us, Cain. It's not just flying around and beating the bad guys. It's doing good where you can, and I want to do that beating the systems that create the bad guys. So I help the children, you all are the future, I just want to give you homes. That's what I'm good at."
I nod, feeling a sense of pride in this woman who is supposed to be my mother. As I help clear dishes, I try to bring up other details. "What about the place Aunt Diana come from? Do you any stories about… Themyscira?"
Samira's eyes cloud over with memories. "It was beautiful. An island lost in time. But that's a story for later son, for now, you should get dressed. We've got a birthday party to prepare for."
That's right I'm turning nine today. I wonder who is going to attend?
Samira leads me upstairs to my room. My homemade party banner still hangs askew, but it's out of the kids' sight. Dad sorts some clothes and gives me a grin when he sees my drowsy smile. "All right, buddy," he says. "Let's get you into something nice for the party."
I cleaned up and put on some other clothes. As I straighten the cuffs on my pant legs, Jonathan says softly, "Ready to be be nine son?"
I manage a chuckle, "Yeah I'm ready."
I kept re-playing last night's talk in my head, I see their faces and remember their kindness. The fear of how I ended up here is still there, but being with these two is manageable. I just have to prepare myself to possibly meat characters I've only read about in comics or seen in cartoon's and movies.
It's the early afternoon now, and the party is in full swing. Balloon clusters bounce in the backyard, and a big cake with seven candles sits on the dining table. Kids I recognize from school run around in jeans and graphic tees. Barbara Gordon is here, cuddling a little cloud of helium balloons.
Inside, the den is crowded with adults in casual summer clothes. As I step in, Wonder Woman (Diana Prince) appears, wearing a simple bagel summer dress and a warm smile.
She was tall, like physically imposing tall. But exceptionally beautiful she caught the eye of several parents married or not. Even some of the woman looked at her in awe before jealousy.
She brought me into a tight, bear-like hug. "Happy birthday, little Caius!" she says. Her embrace smells faintly of orange. I grin up at her. Caught by her beauty. She hands me a wrapped box.
She whispered to open when everyone is gone. I nodded and said thank you.
I then noticed Clark Kent (Superman) thick glasses, in a light blue shirt that hugged his muscle frame well. He is everybit handsome tall and muscular in the way that says farmer boy.
He crouched down infront of me next, giving me a friendly "Happy Birthday!" He hands me a chess set with the JusticeLeaguemembersas fhe piece.. "Thought you might like the newest set to play with your dad some time," he smiles.
I nodded and said thank you mr Kent
Then there's Bruce Wayne, looking dashing in a suit. Everyone is looking at him, and loke his comic book self he's tall , handsome and well filthy rich . Plus he's batman so what else is new Caius thought.
Bruce spots me, nods to Dad and hands me a birthday card, probably has a large check in it. "Happy Got Birthday Caius. I would love to stay but I have places to be, right Jonathan, Samira." He said looking at my parents. Mom chuckles and dad nods stoiclly. Then Bruce hops into the car wear Alfred Pennyworth stands with the door open for him. And the two leave just as quickly as they arrived.
I did notice one thing. All the league members look young, and since I didn't see Dick Grayson with Bruce, that means the Halley Circus event didnt happen.
Thats when I get a hug from behind. I turned around to see Dina Lance (Black Canary) "Hows the birthday boy doing ? I made a pitcher of lemonade." I nod vigorously. She pours me a tall cup and ruffles my hair. "Happy Birthday Caius. Let me know if you ever want to take some fighting lesson." Smhe smiles.
I nodded at the idea. " Will do ms. Lance."
Then before I knew I caught sight of someone I recognize immediately he looks just like his cartoon self even his father and mother do to.
I sayMark Grayson at the punch bowl with Nolan and Debbie. "Mark!" waved when he saw . He's wearing a cool T-shirt and shorts, I walk over to then a little nervous becuase he's there. Omni man.
"Happy Birthday man !" He says handing me a gift box.
I say thank you and get a good look at Debbie and Mark. They were both Asian like in the show which I thought was cool
Nolan nods to Jonathan and Samira. "Hey there, kiddo, your nine now. I take it your father had the talk with you" he says quietly.
I figured he meant the talk about him and Jonathan being from Viltrum and Viltrumite and the cover story that he fed Mark and Debbie.
" Yes he did Mr Grayson. I know some but he said he will tell me more later on."
Nolan paused looking at Jonathan with a stone gaze and then he looked back at me.
"Thats good. Glad your feeling better Caius, your strong just like your father."
Then Nolan and my Jonathan went to the side and talk, while Debbie and Samira did their own thing with the other female heroes.
Mark joined Barbara and the other kids in games outside.
While from across the room I saw who I figured to be Barry Allen is chatting with Hal Jordan and John Stewart. They glance over and shout a quick "Happy birthday!" in unison before they turn back to their conversation.
By the far corner watching the kid play outside, I saw a man, a dark complexion, tall with a strong build Clark came over and told me that was John Jones (Martin Manhunter). Which made me feel nervous.
I know he doesn't normally read minds without consent but if he reads my mind and finds out who I will be lucky not to be in a Watch Tower holding cell being psychically probed.
Thats when Barbara tugs my hand. "Whats wrong ? Its time to blow out the candles" she whispers.
I breathed abd calm myself down. All I can do is hope he isnt reading my mind.
I nod and Barbara smiles.
I approach the cake, its candles are lit; and I'm nowhere near as shy as I thought I'd be by now.
I take a deep breath and blow them all out in one breath. Everyone cheers. Papers confetti, and somebody starts the singing again.
After cake, people began to gather around handing out presents.
Later on Barbara, Mark and I grab ice pops and sit by the picnic table, trading secrets about school and life. They fill in alot of gaps for me which help my memories start to clear.
Later Barbara and her father leave, and says we should all go to the beach sometime.
As the sun starts to set everyone begins to leave. The heroes help clean quickly before going. So the house was clean withing seconds.
I exclaim how crazy that all look in person versus as TV show or comic.
Samira hugs me tightly. Jonathan ruffles my hair again. "We hope you had a good birthday son," he says quietly. "We're glad you're happy, and healthy."
I force myself to play it cool, but inside I am overwhelmed with joy, exhaustion, and a pang of anxiety. Watching all these heroes look at me with pride and protectiveness makes my head spin.
Once it's truly quiet, my parents coax me upstairs to bed. My legs feel like jello from running all day. They tuck me in, brushing stray hair from my eyes.
" Nothing hurt right ," Dad asks
I smile weakly. "I'm fine dad" the words comes out so easy now compared to then yesterday. " I'm fine"
Mom sits on the edge, holding my hand. "Good becauseyou have plenty more birthdays to come," she murmurs.
My eyes begin to droop. The day – surreal from start to finish, leaves me utterly spent. But I feel a strange confidence. I have a family here. The Justice League are real. And as confusing as it all is, I know tomorrow will come. I'll have to figure out what to do with this hybrid abilities and the futurewith Omni-Man, Mark and the other Viltrumites and this whole DC universe thing.
But for right now, and prepare myself for the day I get my powers.
"Goodnight, Mom. Goodnight, Dad, I love you." I whisper.
They both lean in, placing gentle kisses on my forehead and whispered, "Sweet dreams Caius. We love you too."
I close my eyes as sleep creeps up. Under the glow of the bedside lamp, I let go of today. For tomorrow, I'll begin my life anew as Caius Dawn.