Young Justice (Failsafe) · Y/n story by @Imthetoetickler

The Cave is silent. Not the quiet of a peaceful night, but the heavy, ringing silence that comes after a scream. The air in the main chamber feels thick, charged with something unsaid. The holographic globe spins slowly in the center of the room, casting a soft, blue light that does nothing to warm the space.

Artemis Crock

sits on the edge of the sparring mat, staring at her palms. She turns them over, once, twice, as if checking for burns.

Kaldur’Ahm

stands by the mission monitor, his posture rigid, his back to the room. His bio-electric tattoos are dark and still against his skin.

Robin

is slumped on the low couch, elbows on his knees, face buried in his gloved hands. The yellow of his cape is a bright, jarring spot of color in the gloom.

Wally West

paces a tight, frantic circuit from the kitchenette to the trophy case. His fingers are tangled in his red hair. It wasn’t real. It was a simulation. A training exercise. He doesn’t sound like he believes it.

M’gann M’orzz

is curled in a large armchair, knees drawn to her chest. She’s shaking. Her green skin seems pale.

Conner Kent

stands beside her chair, his fists clenched at his sides. He looks from M’gann to the others, his jaw tight, a muscle ticking there. He reaches a hand toward her shoulder, then stops.

Kaldur’Ahm

turns slowly from the monitor. His face is a mask of calm, but his voice is rough, scraped raw. We should talk about this.

No one moves. The words hang in the cold air, unanswered. The phantom sensations linger: the sear of energy, the crush of debris, the final, cold stillness.