Just a little scared . . .

"Trish Tilby for CNN. Yesterday, the High Society of New York met a terrible tragedy. The exclusive and illustrious Hellfire Club has existed longer than the United States of America. It has long been a place where the rich, the famous, and the politically powerful have gathered, enjoying the secret pleasures of the good life. But that is no longer the case . . . and may not be the case for some time.

"Yesterday, the mansion in which the Club has long resided came under attack by what has positively been identified as Young Justice. Young Justice was long considered a team of heroes and a force for good in the city and surrounding area. Their attack on the Hellfire Club is both apparently unprovoked and incomprehensible. So far it has appeared that there is no loss of life, but there have been many injuries reported in both the mansion's security and some of its guests. Property damage is in the millions."

"Oh man," Sam said, rubbing the back of his head.

"Sebastian Shaw, CEO of Shaw Industries, has said he has no idea why they would attack," the report continued. "The team reportedly just broke in, smashing a hole in the roof, and began attacking everyone and everything in sight. Shaw is blaming the 'mutant menace'. Emotions are still running high around the country after the Mutant Liberation Front's attack on the World Trade Center. This incident has led some to question whether Young Justice actually stopped the MLF, or whether they were partners in crime."

"That's absurd," Robin frowned.

"Mutant menace?" Sam asked. "How come when it's a super-villan, it's just terrorism . . . but when it's a mutant, good or bad, they're all considered evil?"

"Some government officials are calling for further action as specified in the mutant registration act currently in congress," Tilby continued. "The government has supposedly been developing measures to deal with mutants for years now. If this incident wasn't the last straw, it certainly brought us one step closer to full government action."

"Great," Robin sighed. "I knew this wouldn't go without drawbacks . . . but this is just messed up."

"Ah wonder what Professor Xavier thinks about this," Sam frowned.

"I wonder what the Avengers League thinks . . . "

Linda Jessie Danvers perched herself on a bench. It had only been a day since her return to her former home in Young Justice, and she found herself in a very uncomfortable situation. Even Kon-El, Superboy, the man she was in love with, seemed awkward around her.

"It's just gonna take a little time," her said, sitting next to her.

"It might take more than time," Linda frowned. "When I started out as Supergirl, I didn't have any problems. Yeah, I was the new kid on the block . . . but I was immediately accepted. And when I became Firebird, just after we formed YJ, I was still one of the team. I mean, Jen has barely said two words to me since I've come back . . . and we were best friends!"

"Well, the last time you were here . . . you kinda blew a hole in the roof and almost killed us."

She shook her head. "I was being manipulated, Kon . . . you know that. Wyngarde somehow got a hold of my mind . . . I . . . "

"I know," Kon replied, taking her hand in his. "We all know . . . it's just gonna be awhile. Sam and Illyana didn't know you before, so it's like a whole new person . . . you know Rob and Bart'll except you, if they haven't already . . . and the girls'll come around in no time."

"I think they're afraid of me," she frowned.

"Afraid of you?"

"Of my power. There's more to me than ever before . . . I'm more than just some . . . Firebird. I've got power like you wouldn't believe . . . like I can barely imagine! My telekinesis grows stronger every day . . . and my wings seem to glow brighter every time I make them appear! I can fly, I'm invulnerable, I've got super strength . . . but I feel like I'm bursting with some energy . . . like there's more to my powers, like I'm some sort of timebomb ticking away, ready to explode with energy! I think they have every right to be afraid of me!"

"You don't believe that," Superboy frowned. "And please tell me you don't, because I don't know what to say to convince you otherwise . . . Robin's the smooth talker, not me . . . "

Linda smiled despite herself, and shook her head.

"So . . . "

"Buttons," she grinned, her mood lightening.

"Work on that humor," Kon grinned back, "you'll fit back in in no time."

The Red Tornado stood alone, keeping an ever present vigil. Though he was a robot, he was still concerned with news of late. As was, apparently, everyone else. Though he was still caught slightly off guard when Captain America contacted him.

"Captain?" the Tornado asked. "It has . . . been long."

"Too long, old friend," the Living Legend of World War II nodded from the view screen.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" the Tornado asked.

"I think you know," Cap replied. "That is, if you've been keeping up to date with the news."

The Tornado merely stared back. "Their attack was not unprovoked. Their reasons were pure, if not their methods."

"I assumed as much," Cap nodded. "I, and others, have known of some bad happenings inside the Hellfire Club for some time . . . but no one's ever had any kind of proof to successfully go in after them."

"My young charges don't believe in waiting for proof."

"Apparently. I'd like to say this will all blow over, but frankly, I'm not quite sure. The members of the Hellfire Club hold a lot of power in this country. They might not be ready to forgive . . . especially the ones with something to hide."

Red nodded. "I find myself questioning whether I am doing right by Young Justice. I fear I am not doing enough. Ever since I became the team's mentor, I've found myself torn between these teens and my own family, recently discovered. Robin, Cannonball, Arrowette . . . they seem to have such a capable grip on their powers and their emotions and how to deal with situations . . . yet the others, I do worry about. Impulse appears as though he moves faster than he can think . . . Wonder Girl is confused, Magik is having trouble, Jade doesn't quite know her place, and Superboy, though filled with good intentions, just doesn't quite know how best to work in a team situation or as a solo act."

"Isn't he the kid whose been idolizing me?"

"Yes. He designed a photonic shield similar to yours in tribute."

"Maybe I should take him under my wing sometime," Cap replied. "Though I can't say I've had the best track record with side kicks, but I'll bet I could teach the boy a thing or two about power and responsibility."

"And you are suggesting that am failing in this endeavor?"

Cap frowned. "No, Tornado, I didn't mean in like that. I'm sorry."

"No, it is I who should apologize. I believe I am experiencing . . . stress."

Cap raised an eyebrow. "Well then, maybe it'd be best if you took a break."

"And leave Young Justice on their own?"

"Not quite. Have them take a break with you. Now that the Avengers League is officially back in action, I'm sure the world could survive a few weeks without Young Justice around. It'll give some time for the media circus to die down, for the tempers in the Hellfire Club to subside . . . and for the teens to stay out of trouble. Maybe they're too young for this? Robin I'll trust . . . he was picked by Batman. But maybe the others just aren't ready for this? I mean, shouldn't they be going to school? They should be worrying about acne or getting a date for a dance . . . not whether or not the world would end tomorrow."

"Maybe you could be correct," the Tornado replied.

"Maybe," Cap nodded. "Either way . . . I think it would be best for everyone if Young Justice just lay low for a little while. Sound like a plan?"

"I shall . . . give it a try."

"Good."

"Send my regards to Martain Manhunter."

"Will do. Cap over and out."

All nine members of Young Justice gathered together to hear the words of their mentor.

Robin, Cannonball, Firebird, Superboy, Arrowette, Impulse, Jade and Magik took their normal seats. Wonder Girl hung towards the back, clutching her knees into her chest as she sat on a table, listening closely and keeping back the pain.

"I have just spoken with Captain America of the Avengers League," Red began.

"You talked to Cap?" Superboy asked. "And you didn't tell me? Why couldn't I talk to him?"

"Because they probably had more serious matters to discuss," Robin answered.

"Indeed," the Tornado replied. "The Captain and I agreed that it would be best for Young Justice to lie low for the next few weeks or months. To keep quiet and out of focus."

"What?" Arrowette asked. "Cap wants us to stop fighting crime and making the world a safer place for ma, baseball and apple pie?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes," Red continued. "It is more for your safety. Everyone is wondering about you now . . . where your loyalties lie . . . whether you're truly good or if it's all been a sham."

"How could anyone even question that?" Jen asked. "After all we've done . . . "

"Regardless," the Tornado interrupted, "you are now to, for the time being, give up your duel identities. With the exception of Robin, you are to not leave this base in costume. Those of you with other lives will be sent home to have normal lives for the present time . . . and those of you who do not have another place to attend, will stay here and take a vacation."

"You can't be serious," Arrowette asked.

"Why does Rob get special treatment?" Superboy frowned. "I'm career super-hero . . . so's Imp . . . "

"But Robin was hand picked by Batman," Red said. "Batman is his main trainer and teacher. He will be released to Batman's supervision."

"You're . . . serious . . . " Arrowette couldn't believe it.

"I'm afraid I am," the Tornado would have frowned, if he could. "As of this moment, Young Justice is temporarily disbanded."