Episode 1
Dick Grayson woke up earlier than usual on this particular July the fourth. Beating his alarm clock by 2 hours, the young ward leapt out of bed, leaving the sheets crumpled behind him. Light breached from his curtains, lighting up the messy room. He stood up and tip toed to his bathroom, avoiding piles of clothes and papers, his muscles remembering his dream from last night.
Up on his tip toes he slid to the floor in the splits, attempting to recreate the dream. Only to hiss in pain and roll out of it.
"Need to stretch, need to stretch."
Chuckling to himself, he picked himself back up and looked into the mirror, delighted that his black eye was finally fading. What a way to start a good day.
Dick was excited for the day but not because of the regular reasons that normal teenagers had on July the fourth, such as drinking and partying. No, Dick Grayson's reason was very much different to that. As he was going through his morning routine stretches, the young ward kept grinning to himself, stupidly. To Alfred's delight, he was still smiling at breakfast, texting "KF" about "how majorly cool today will be" and "which Disney princesses are underrated".
Confirming that Lilo was the most underrated Disney princess, despite not being a princess at all and scheduling a Disney movie marathon for that night, the young Grayson excused himself to go wake up his father. Usually his father wakes up on his own but Dick was far too excited to wait for him and breakfast. Silently, he crept into his father's room, watching Bruce's chest rise and fall peacefully before carefully taking another step to his goal. The only way to wake Bruce up early in the morning and have him stay awake is to get adrenaline coursing through his blood. And the best way to do that was…
Dick threw open the curtains, nearly blinding himself in the process but managed to get out of the room before he heard Bruce's yelp. And then a scream of "DICK!". He couldn't tell if it was an insult or his name.
Dick chuckled to himself, sliding down the banister and winked at the all-knowing Alfred.
Bruce came in quite the opposite that Dick had. Whereas Dick was all happiness and smiles, Bruce was all groaning, bags under eyes and "Is this the strongest coffee we have? No? I want the worst one for my health then please."
After his father was sufficiently woken up, Dick began to pace the corridors waiting and waiting and texting and more waiting, before Bruce finally stood up from his seat and started walking down to his study with Dick hot on his trail. Alfred chuckled a little when he heard his Master's sigh of, "You are working off some energy before we go though."
After an hour or so of enjoyable spoon polishing whilst listening to flute solos (his new favorite music) Alfred smiled at an extremely sweaty, but still smiling Robin, as the Boy Wonder ran upstairs to grab his lucky belt. In full costume, in the mansion was a feat not seen often by the old butler but today was different.
Today was the day.
Unfortunately, today, despite being important to Robin, was no different to any other day crime wise. As Alfred switch the channel over to the news a big banner flashed across the screen claiming Dr Freeze was attacking in Gotham. Robin's eyes went wide and he desperately ran down to the Batcave to try and convince Batman this was one for the Police, because they were going to be late. Unfortunately for him and his special day, Batman was already in the Batmobile and waiting on him. Letting out a frustrated sigh, he flipped in.
"This better not make us late."
Freeze was not being like his usual self. His usual attics was robbing for money and scientific reasons. What he was doing right now was just pointless chaos. Robin stored that thought for later as he leaped from the Batmobile mid motion, leaving Batman to park it. He would NOT be late.
Robin ran towards the ice villain, determined to get this fight over and done with. There weren't many trees in the park and henceforth shade he could hide in so he just decided to go in with force. A Batarang knocked Freeze's gun off slightly, giving Robin the opportunity to go in without being iced. He should remember to thank Batman later for that one.
Freeze turns around and said…something. Robin was more concerned with dragging him back to prison as quickly as possible. Swinging from a nearby branch, he jumps onto Freeze to knock him off guard and keep him distracted, as the plan always went. Simple fact was that the easiest way to knock Freeze out was to break his armor and Robin simply wasn't strong enough to do that. Yet, at least. Throwing some batarangs for extra measure to ensure that Freeze's attention was wholeheartly on him, Robin smirked. You'd think these villains would learn after years of being stopped. Never be distracted by the pretty little bird.
"Oh. Boy Wonder." Freeze said once he finally realized what had occurred, "The Bat sent you to drag me off to prison? Frankly, I'm underwhelmed."
Freeze stood back up and aimed his gun at Robin, whom was distracted by Batman's angry growl just behind the ice villain. Robin knew that particular look as the 'You're rushing into a fight.' A strong flaw that Batman had tried to stop into his sidekick from the beginning.
"Great," Robin said, accepting the later consequences of harder training, "but I'm kinda in a hurry."
Batman scowled, informing in a look alone that the training was going to be worse than just 'harder', as Freeze said something else, obviously assuming that they were conversing.
"Not talking to you." Robin growled out, finally switching focus to the villain, who was still focusing his gun at him.
Batman flew out, off his perch in the shadows, and punched Freeze's helmet, efficiently breaking it and stopping the villain.
"Great now let's tie him up and let the police-"He was caught off by Batman's look. They weren't going to just leave him and the civilians for the incompetent police. Of course not. Robin groaned but went about thawing the trapped civilians while Batman tied Freeze up.
It took one whole hour to thaw everyone out and make sure that Freeze wouldn't be getting out again any time soon, leaving Robin performing the famous Batman glare upon his own mentor.
Batman was smirking as he was talking to the police about general villainy and Gotham gossip, knowing fully well he was irking up his sidekick. Finally, out of material and theories of how Calendar Man had not been seen in over three months, Batman slowly walked over to the Batmobile. It would take them half an hour to get back to the Batcave and then they'd have to travel all the way over to the boom tube and then travel to the Hall of Justice and Robin just knew they would be late.
Travelling between these places was particularly quiet for the dynamic duo. Robin was just eager to get to the Hall of Justice, to see what he had not been already granted access to. Which, quite frankly, was not a lot.
Due to Robin's constant need to not be late, they were the first ones there. There stood on a hill, quite far back from the Hall of Justice, and therefore the paparazzi, content with just waiting for the others.
Batman talked into his comm and informed the young hero, "They are all caught up with their own fights with other ice villains." Robin looked up in confusion with this piece of information. That, plus the fact that Dr Freeze wasn't up to his usual deal. Robin shared this thought with Batman, who just nodded slowly, already forming theories.
Aquaman and Aqualad were the second lot to arrive. They found the dymanic duo in deep conversation about theories on why four ice villains would attack at the same time and date, but in different areas.
Green Arrow and Speedy arrived as Aqualad was suggesting it was just a coincidence. They looked out of breath and annoyed and Speedy had scratches all up his arm but despite this he was grinning from ear to ear and the grin was infectious. As the mentors were conversing the sidekicks were grinning at each other, excited for what was to begin.
"Flash and Kid Flash are on their way." Batman informed and he group started walking closer to the Hall, the kid's grins only growing wider.
"Today is the day." Batman said, putting his hand on Robin's shoulder, a gesture of pride. Robin smiled softly. Batman didn't usually show emotions when the mask was on and Robin had to bask in whatever emotion whenever he could. Especially this pride. It nearly made all the pain and suffering it took to get here worth it. A flash of his dream flaunted within his mind's eye, of sequins and tightropes and his smile faded slightly. Almost. Robin was so lost in his train of thought that he hadn't realized that KF and the Flash had arrived until the group started walking to the Hall of Justice.
The paparazzi were going nuts. Pictures kept flashing, cameramen kept pushing themselves forward. Robin smirked at their lack of understanding in everyone's names. It was a subject that was brought up at almost every sleepover and stakeout together. He looked over at Kid Flash. Usually when they were getting their photo taken the two boys would pull faces, but now Kid Flash looked far too excited to remember their tradition. And Robin could relate to that.
"Ready to see the inner sanctum," Green Arrow asked.
"Born that way." Speedy grinned.
"I'm glad we're all here." Aqualad smiled down at the younger two.
"Have all four sidekicks ever been in the same at the same time?" Kid Flashed asked. Robin knew the answer was yes. But it was not a happy memory so no one raised it.
Speedy seemed to remember as well. "Don't call us sidekicks." He replied in a harsh tone. "Not after today."
"Sorry," Kid Flash said remorsefully, "First time at the hall. I'm a little overwhelmed."
Robin had been at the hall only during its construction. It had only opened last month and Robin had been itching to see it ever since. He had been begging Batman to take him for the past month, bored with the holidays. Wally was over for one of these begs and mention how he had been wanting to go. Then out on a patrol with Green Arrow, the Flash and Batman, the three respective sidekicks decided to make it a plan to go together. Speedy wanted to ask Aqualad to join them as well. And then somehow the paparazzi overheard Speedy ask Aqualad and decided this were to become an event. It was all over the magazines. Robin loved the attention and the four heroes were excited to finally get a bigger role in the heroing world.
Instead he said, "You're overwhelmed, Freeze was underwhelmed. Why isn't anyone just whelmed." The English language was hard to learn, the least he can do is abuse it.
Finally, they reach the doors. The paparazzi behind them crowd together to get the last good shot before they go in. They walked in the door to reveal massive golden statues, glimmering in the light. Those were NOT in the floorplan. To see his mentor up there looking down on him… actually that wasn't that different from real life. The others however… all the members of the Justice League staring down at him in all their glory… he felt a cocktail of emotions, including fear, astonishment and admiration. This is how it would feel to look at a God and know that you are not worthy. He then remembered that's what normal people felt about superheroes.
"Oh." He said in amazement, "Maybe that's why."
The four not-sidekicks were too shocked to be proud of the moment when the AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY doors slide open to acknowledge their hard work to reach this point.
It was Martin Manhunter that brought them out of their daze with his introduction, "Robin, Speedy, Aqualad, Kid Flash, welcome." Robin turned to Kid Flash unable to hold his excitement. Luckily, his best friend seemed to feel the same way as they bumped fists with matching grins.
Martian Manhunter listed off their new-found resources they could use, gym, galley and library. Robin wasn't very interested with the gym due to his 'bird's nest' back at the Batcave, but the library could be useful.
The doors slid shut behind them as Flash turned around, "Make yourselves at home." He gestured towards the couches and chairs, which the boys gladly sat on.
Except for Speedy. Speedy stood there with crossed arms and a growl on his face. The last time Robin had seen Speedy that angry was when he was standing over Kid Flash's broken body. But why was Speedy so angry? Unless…
Robin bit his lip. Did Speedy know about the Watchtower. Of course, Robin knew about the Watchtower, Wayne Tech made it. Batman let Robin use it as his playground and the rest of the Leaguers as babysitters when he was younger. He just thought there was more to the Hall of Justice that would make the other Leaguers even consider the young boys as more than just young sidekicks. Surely there was more to the Hall of Justice! Or… were they just being fooled? Robin looked up at Batman's face. It showed no emotion. Right. So they weren't here to become more involved in the Justice League. They were being given nothing. The logical side of Robin's brain (called Batman) told him that he shouldn't have expected anything, that Batman had only promised a tour guide of the Hall of Justice. Realistically, it was the boys and the paparazzi that accidently hyped it up to be something it's not. But still, it wasn't until the event had been hyped up that Robin realized how much he actually wanted it to be something more.
Something revolutionary.
Unfortunately not.
Batman said something about a debrief with the Justice League about the ice villains, turning back around to the boys and saying, "We shouldn't be long."
Of course, nevermind it being the young boys that helped them take down the ice villains. No, they would only get informed what they're mentor informed them about the debrief. Robin came to the Hall of Justice today to get something more. He didn't want to become a League member, he just wanted more access, more information, more involvement. Rather than just being a sidekick. A tagalong. A nobody. Hadn't he fought enough to be considered more than just Batman's sidekick? Hadn't he suffered enough? Age aside, he had more experience than most Leaguers and he certainly was more levelheaded. He looked down as the automated voice started listing off the heroes:
"Recognise Batman, 0-2, Aquaman 0-6, Flash. 0-4, green Arrow, 0-8, Martian Manhunter, 0-7, Red Tornado, 1-6."
"That's it?" All Leaguers turned back around to face the angry Speedy. "You promised a real look inside, not a glorified backstage pass." Robin's head snapped back up. Batman's eyes narrowed with every word, not at Speedy, but his mentor Green Arrow.
Robin had guessed it too. Green Arrow had told Speedy about the Watchtower and he was about to blow the secret. Robin watched in amazement at the teen as he crossed his arms in anger.
"It's a first step," Aquaman said, trying instantly to diffuse the situation. "You've been granted access few others get."
"Oh really?" Speedy asked, gesturing up to the onlookering civilians, snapping photos from the massive, glass windows. Being in the public's eyes made his rebellion against the League that much more risky. Magazines love selling any content that shows fighting within the ranks. That's why Robin was trained to argue back home at the Batcave. But was Speedy's move risky, or was it brave? And was Robin willing to join him? He was already facing harsh training from rushing into the fight earlier with Freeze. Another rebellion might make Batman ground him by not allowing Robin to fly the night skies. That punishment would be absolute torture. But would it be worth it to finally be something in the Justice League's eyes? The harsh truth was that he'd rather stay as 'little Dickie' their (not really) adopted nephew that they used to babysit and still love and be able to fight at night rather than an actual hero but now a sidelined one.
So, Robin stayed quiet even as Green Arrow said, "Roy, you just need to be patient."
"What I need is respect." Speedy spun around to the seated boys, "They're treating us like kids. Worse," he added bitterly, "like sidekicks! We deserve better than this."
Robin glanced over at the other two, to see if they agreed. Both faces, though covered in masks, were in a state of shock. They did deserve more. But not like this, not out of force. They would get nowhere with fighting for respect. Robin's eyes were wide when he looked at the anger in Speedy's face. And then it all disappeared, "You're kidding me right?" Speedy asked rhetorically, his anger dropping as he realized that he had no support.
His anger quickly picked up though and Robin knew the truth bomb was coming quickly. "You're playing their game," Speedy's words were filled with rage, "Why? Today was supposed to be the day. Step one in becoming full-fledged members of the League."
"Well, sure," Kid Flash quipped, ever the one to talk, glancing at Aqualad and Robin to step in, but realizing it was up to him now, "but I thought step one was the tour of the HQ."
"Except the Hall isn't the League real HQ."
There it is. The truth bomb exploded, leaving Batman angry, Green Arrow scared and everyone else confused.
"I bet they never told you it's just a false front for tourists," He continued, apparently wanting to get it all out there, "and a pit stop for catching Zeta- beam teleporter-tubes to the real thing, an orbiting satellite called the Watchtower."
Green Arrow turned slowly around to Batman and was hit with the Batglare and crossed arms. He sighed, "I know, I know, but I thought we could make an exception," he paused for an answer but was only served a narrowing of the eyes. "Or not." He frowned.
Aquaman, ever the one to control the situation, tried addressing Speedy, "You're not helping your cause here son. Stand down or- "
"Or what? You'll send me to my room. And I'm not your son. I'm not even his." Speedy had spat out so much critical information in this conversation alone that Robin prayed there were no lip-reading civilian onlookers. Or worse, journalists. Green Arrow saying Speedy's real name before was bad enough, but they would've, by now, learnt the Justice League's Watchtower AND Speedy and Green Arrow's identities. This is why they don't get told anything.
"I thought I was his partner," Speedy said, apparently not done with his rant," but not anymore." He growled the last part and ripped his hat off his head and throwing it to the ground.
The three young boys watch on in silent shock. The implication of the hat on the ground…
"Guess they were right about you three." Speedy said as he walked through them. They each stood up but were in too much shock to protest. "You're not ready."
Robin watched Speedy walk out and wondered to himself why he didn't join him. He couldn't wonder for long as an alarm blared and Superman's face appeared on the big computer screen.
"Superman to the Justice League. There has been an explosion at Project Cadmus. It's on fire."
Batman attended the controls of the computer, "I've had my suspicions about Cadmus. This may present the perfect opportunity to in-" But Batman was cut off, a feat not seen often, by Zatara, who also popped onto the screen.
"Zatara to Justice League. The sorcerer Wotan is using the Amulet of Attan to blot out the sun. Requesting full League response."
Robin looked up at Batman. This was the opportunity to prove Speedy wrong and assure them all that they were respected. Surely he and Batman could do Cadmus while everyone else fought Wotan. Come on Batman!
"Superman?" Batman asked as Robin's eyes lowered.
"It's a small fire," Superman assured Batman," Local authorities have it under control."
"Then Cadmus can wait. All Leaguers rendezvous at Zatara's coordinates. Batman out."
Well Cadmus was out of the question but Robin stood up, along with Kid Flash and Aqualad, ready to go and fight with their mentor. Surely, they would let-
"Stay put." Batman growled
"What! Why?" Robin was in a state of shock. Surely he could be of some help.
"This is a League mission." Aquaman states. So blotting out the sun and killing all life forms on Earth isn't dangerous enough to need all help on deck?
His anger must have shown because Flash continued, "You're not trained."
"Since when?" Kid Flash growled.
"I meant you're not trained to work as a part of this team." Flash clarified as he gestured between himself, Batman and Aquaman.
"There will be other missions when you are ready." Aquaman stepped in, in a softer voice.
"But for now, stay put." Batman glared at Robin. It wouldn't be the first time he disobeyed direct orders. He glared right back. He knew Batman… Bruce, his dad, was concerned for his safety but isn't this what all those years of training was leading up to? To be sidelined was a ridiculous waste of good resource. All because of his age? What about his experience? What about his training, all those hours and pain and sweat and tears? Did they all truly mean nothing in comparison to his age? Batman's eyes softened a little and Robin let his too. They would be having a looong talk about this topic after the mission was over. That's what that look promised.
Robin still couldn't help feeling miserable as the mentors left to Zatara's coordinates. He heard a scoff over his shoulder, "When we're ready?" Kid Flash looked at the two in anger, "How are we ever supposed to be ready when they treat us like," He threw up his hands in search for the right word, "like sidekicks." He spat out.
"My mentor, my King, I thought he trusted me." Aqualad looked down sadly. Robin looked down too. He thought Batman trusted him.
"Trust?" Kid Flash scoffed once more, "They don't even trust us with the basics. They've got a secret HQ in space." Robin dutifully bit his lip.
"What else aren't they telling us?" Aqualad questioned.
Robin sighed, bringing attention to himself, "I have a better question. Why didn't we leave with Speedy?"
They all look down, annoyed or sad or both. "What is Project Cadmus?" Aqualad said slowly, carefully, as if he knew the next words he said would get him in trouble.
"Don't know," Robin smirked, "But I can find out."
He searched for Project Cadmus in the computer but it buzzed with the words Access Denied appearing across this screen. "Wanna bet?" He smirked only grew wider as he went through the coding and entered in his special password.
The computer opened its database as Kid Flash went, "Whoa… How are you doing that?"
"Same system as the Batcave." Robin gleefully informed them. And the Watchtower, is what he didn't add. "Alright, Project Cadmus. Genetics lab here in DC. That's all there is, "He frowns, "but if Batman is suspicious… maybe we should investigate." He draws out his words, as Aqualad had done before, knowing that what he was saying was something never thought before. Sidekicks working together without their mentors? Forming a team of their own? It was an incredible thought.
It was revolutionary.
"Solve their case before they do," Aqualad agreed to Robin's sentence but also to the plan, with a smile, "It would be poetic justice."
"Hey," Robin replied, giddily with the idea of a team, "they're all about justice."
Aqualad sighed heavily, "But they said stay put."
"For the blotting out the sun mission, not this."
"Wait." Kid Flash says, slow on the uptake for the fastest boy in the world. "Are- are you going to Cadmus? Because if you're going, I'm going!" Both boys grinned up at Aqualad, hoping their boyish charms hadn't worn off as they had got older.
"Just like that?" Aqualad asked the beaming boys, "We're a team on a mission?"
"We didn't come here for a play-date." Robin smirked.
The boys looked at each other with determination. So, it turns out they would, in fact, fight for their respect.
Once he had the coordinates, Kid Flash opted to run on ahead, leaving Robin and Aqualad to catch up.
On the run over, Aqualad turned to Robin, "Do you think we should meet up with Speedy and bring him along?"
Robin considered it. In Speedy's current state it would be good for him to beat up some bad guys. Great in a fight but not the type of mood for an investigation, recon, mission. And that hat on the ground. Did it mean he had given up on fighting altogether or just fighting alongside Green Arrow. Robin decided it was best to let Speedy figured that out and give him some breathing room before pushing him into a fight.
"No." Robin said quietly, assuming Aqualad had already debated within his own head and was just asking for a second opinion. After all, that is what Batman did. Although it was obvious, Robin hadn't considered that the people he was going off to work with now did have the same thinking method as Batman. After all, he hadn't really fought alongside other heroes beforehand other than team ups with certain mentors or Leaguers. And that was never without Batman. Once they had reached the site, they were two scientists on the roof and Kid Flash was hanging from a high window. The fire was still raging but the firefighters seemed to have it all under control, just how Superman had said.
"So smooth." Robin grinned at Kid Flash hanging helplessly. He cackled as he flipped onto the back of the firetruck, sprinted up the ladder and swung onto the window ledge of the building that Kid Flash was currently hanging onto. Knowing that KF's upper body strength was bare minimum, relying heavily on his speed and leg muscles, Robin helped Kid Flash up immediately, not daring to comment about Kid Flash's lack of ability to perform a pull up. Once both of them were inside, and there was no immediate danger sensed, he went over to the computer and connected, hoping to find out anything that proved this mission not fruitless.
Aqualad entered, looking a bit annoyed, "Appreciate the help." He walked around the room, searching for clues.
"You handled it," Robin smirked, "Besides we're here to investigate. Poetic Justice, remember?"
Robin was still busy trying to hack into the computer when Aqualad's confused voice rang through the room. "There was something in the- "
"Elevators should be locked down." Kid Flash said, in the same confused voice. Giving up with the century old computer that would take years to hack at its speed, Robin went to the elevator, in an attempt to find understanding. His eyes got caught on a logo on the side. It was the same logo and model as what Wayne Tech uses in their 40 floor buildings. He pulled up an analysis of the model, Silver Slip Express Elevator, and then analysis the current elevator in front of him. "Thought so," He mumbled to himself, before realizing he should probably explain himself to his team, "This is a high speed, express elevator." It felt weird explaining it out loud. Usually, Batman has already figured out what he was about to, so he'd never have to say it. They'd just nod at each other and know the plan.
He felt Kid Flash's confusion and added, "It doesn't belong on a two-story building."
"Neither does what I saw." Aqualad sounded a little on edge, scared, maybe, with what he did see. He walked up to the elevator and pulled the doors open. His face was of pure shock when he realized there was a lot more than one floor beneath him. Robin ducked under his arm, "That's why they need an express elevator."
He shot his rope up to the roof of the elevator shaft and jumped down. Relishing in the feeling of falling, and the wind ripping at his uniform and hair, Robin felt the other two jump also onto his rope. His rope came to a stop at SL26, but there were plenty more floors beneath him. "I'm at the end of my rope," He muttered in shock. He considered jumping and seeing just how many floors were left but decided not to, because he could not see the end. Swinging to get to the elevator door labelled SL26, he jumped and reached it just as Aqualad reached the bottom of the rope. Both he and Kid Flash jumped to the ledge slightly sticking out as Robin was hacking into the door. "Bypassing security," He informed the others, deciding that he did, in fact, like explaining himself, "There. Go" He said once he finally got in. Aqualad heaved the doors open again and all three boys stepped out into the multiple hallways.
"Welcome to Project Cadmus." Robin said dryly as Kid Flash sprinted off, eager to explore, but not stealthy. What was wrong with him?! This is why their mentors think they're not ready.
"Kid Flash wait!" Aqualad called out after the speedster, but it was too late as a stampede of large, gruesome looking creatures were travelling through the hallway Kid Flash was currently skidding on. Kid Flash manage to avoid being trampled on as Robin's eyes got caught on miniature versions of the creatures, sitting uptop the larger ones. Their horns started glowing and Robin's panic and curiosity left his mind.
"No." Aqualad drawled out, "Nothing to see here." He said in a daze.
It was like his was in a dream where everything seemed normal and then he woke up and thinks, "The president was purple and I didn't even question it? As soon as the herd of creatures left, his wits returned to him and they all realized they had been fooled.
"We need to follow them." Robin said, sprinting down the corridor. They reached the end, in which a massive door blocked their way. Whilst Robin hacked, Aqualad and Kid Flash swirled back around to check their surroundings. With a whirl and a beep, the door opened and displayed a massive hanger beyond. Filled, to the brim with tanks that held creatures within them. Electricity was running through the creatures in the tanks to a massive electrical current in the middle of the room. Must be their power source!
"This is how they hide this massive underground facility from the world." Kid Flash said, in wonder, "The real Cadmus isn't on the grid. It generates its own power with these… things." They all looked up at the bug-like creatures in wonder, "Must be what they're made for."
"Even the name is a clue," Aqualad agreed, "The Cadmus of myth created a new race by sowing dragon's teeth into the Earth."
"And this Cadmus creates new life too." Robin finished, approaching the nearest computer and connecting it to his computer glove. They needed to know what they were knee deep in, now. Robin was too busy trying to hack to remember to be proud that this wasn't just a goose chase and they did have something to show the League. He always loved it when he had a reason for disobeying direct orders. A holoscreen appeared after a few clicks and Robin's eyes widened. There was a whole universe beneath the ground. "They're called Genomorphs." He informed Kid Flash and Aqualad, who crowded behind him, looking at the screen. "Whoa! Look at the stats on these things." He said as he pulled open a folder and the creatures I.D's came out. "Super-strength, telepathy, razorclaws," He listed off, "These are living weapons."
"They're engineering an army," Kid Flash said gravely, "But for who?"
The corner of the screen caught Robin's eye. There was an unfamiliarity on the screen. A hidden file! "Wait, there's something else," He reported, clicking on the file. "Project Kr… Ugh! The file is triple- encrypted. I- I can't-" He couldn't open this file unless he had a whole day dedicated to it on the Batcomputer. The last triple-encrypted file he had to open took him a whole week. Talk about security.
However, he only had a millisecond to think all of this as a man called out aggressively to the three heroes. "Don't move!" The man was wearing a mask and uniform. Was he a hero or villain? There were Genomorphs flanking him, the deadly assassin types, with razor sharp claws. The man stops short once he recognizes the boys, and Robin couldn't quite pick where he had seen him before. But the man clearly knew them, "Wait, Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash?"
"At least he got your name right," Robin snickered as he started downloading the Project Kr file onto his minicomputer to work on at home.
"I know you," Aqualad identified, "Guardian, a hero."
"I do my best." The now identified Guardian said. Oh yeah! Guardian, a hero from a small city near Gotham. He did well for someone without superpowers but ultimately went missing a few years back. So this is where he went to.
"Then what are you doing here?" Kid Flash questioned.
"I'm the chief of security." Guardian reports, standing tall, "You're trespassing, but we can call the Justice League, figure this out."
Robin's download completed just as Kid Flash angrily reproached, "You think the League is gonna approve of you breeding weapons?"
"Weapons? What as you-" The genomorph's sitting up top of his shoulder horns starting glowing, as the other one's did with the heroes down the corridor. Not only did it have telepathy but it could brainwash! "What have I-" Guardian continued, before clutching at his temples, "Ugh, my head." He brought his hand down, glaring now at the three boys. "Take them down hard! No mercy!" He ordered and the Genomorphs charged.
Before they could reach them, Robin threw down a smoke bomb and grappled up to the support beams of the roof. He assumed that Kid Flash and Aqualad would do the same and sprinted to the elevator, hacking in desperately as alarms start blaring.
Kid Flashed sprinted towards him and angrily said, "Way to be a team player Rob!"
"Weren't you right behind me?" He replied, still busy with hacking. The door finally opened and they dive in, waiting on Aqualad, who was still running towards them.
Of course, with a parade of genomorphs behind them.
Aqualad dived in and the door barely shut before the first genomorph reached it. Then the elevator started dropping down. Aqualad noticed the numbers on the screen indicated as such and said, "We're headed down?"
Kid Flashed panicked, "Dude, out is up!" They both looked at him.
"Excuse me? Project Kr, it's down on sublevel 52." Or were they going to run at the first sight of trouble?
"This is out of control. Perhaps we should contact the League." Aqualad said. No way! How were they going to prove their worth to the League if they backed out at every problem? Besides if Robin disobeyed another direct order and turn up nothing he was in big trouble.
The elevator dinged and Kid Flash stated, "We are already here."
Robin ran forwards, into a crossroads. Their current environment is what movies always try to make the inside of a body look like. The ground was all moist and squished under their feet and the walls and roof were made out of the same material.
"Which way?" Aqualad asked once they had both caught up with Robin.
"Yeah." Robin agreed, "Bizarre –looking hallway one or bizarre- looking hallways two."
"Halt!" A fully evolved telepathic genomorph came down one hallway. With his mind, he threw cans that were laying around in the hallways at the boys, which they dodged. Robin threw a disk at him and pulled the boys behind him as he started running down the hallway that was left open, since apparently, they can't think to run themselves.
Kid Flash left them behind to see where they we're headed. When they turned the corner he was setting a can to jam a massive door that read Project Kr. Perfect! That was where they wanted to go. "Hurry!" He yelled as Robin and Aqualad jumped through the gap. Aqualad kicked out the can and Robin inactivated the door. "I disabled the door. We're safe."
"We're trapped." Aqualad corrected. Robin was about to correct him when Kid Flash called out.
"Uhh, guys," Kid Flash sounded scared, "You'll want to see this." Kid Flash was standing at a control desk, which must be connected to the weird shape behind it. He hit a button and the lights all lit up in the room. And a pod. To display-
To display a younger Superman. But Superman was the last Kyptonian on Earth? How could there be another one? Was it possible? Surely Superman would've found out? Maybe it's another survivor of his planet. This is good news!
"Whoa." Was what he said instead.
"Big K, little r," Kid Flash nodded, reading off the pod's label, "The atomic symbol for Krypton. Clone?" He was thinking way ahead of Robin, who was still stuck on the fact that Superman might have a little brother.
"Robin, hack." Aqualad commanded and the young teen only mumbled in agreement before finally recovering his senses and connecting his glove to the computer. Bypassing the security again… there.
"Weapon Designation Superboy, a clone force grown in- sixteen weeks!" Robin read, "From DNA acquired from Superman." So not another survivor. Poor Superman.
"Stolen from Superman." Aqualad corrected, in a dark tone.
"No way the big guy knows about this." Kid Flash agreed.
"Solar Suit allows him to absorb yellow –sun radiation 24/7." Robin continued. He had no idea what to do. Or what the League would do. He didn't even know what Batman would do.
"And these creatures?" Aqualad questioned.
"Genomorph Gnomes, telepathic, force-feeding him an education." Robin continued to read off the report.
"And we can guess what else." Kid Flash growled, "They're making a slave out of- well- Superman's son."
"Now we contact the League." Aqualad said and the other two agreed. This was way too big for the three of them. But as each other of them attempted to do so they receive nothing back.
"No signal." Robin nearly gulped. The last time he was in this situation… it was not good.
"We're in too deep," Kid Flash comments. "Literally."
They stared at each other in silence. They were screwed. And they had no idea what to do. Should they shut down the Superboy permanently or wake him up. There was no question really.
"This is wrong." Kid Flash broke the silence. He agreed with Robin's thinking. m
"We can't leave him like this." Robin finished the thought.
They look up at Aqualad. "Set him free." Aqualad agreed, then turned to Robin, "Do it." Without thinking, Robin lowered the door and he was free. The boys watched as the Superman clone clenched his fist as the Genomorph Gome's horns lit up. Like what happens when they're hypnotizing someone. Wait! He should've disabled those first. Superman's clone opened his eyes and instantly attacked.
Leaping forwards, he caught Aqualad off guard. They tumbled to the ground with Superman's clone on top. Using the full use of his superstrength he punched Aqualad three times before Robin and Kid Flash managed to come to their senses and grabbed the clone's arms.
"Whoa! Hang on, Supey!" Kid Flash tried.
"We're on your side!" Robin finished.
They struggled with the strength before Kid Flash was thrown back into a glass cylinder. Smashing it and falling back on his neck, Robin hoped he hadn't just heard a snap. On their first mission they disobeyed direct orders, released a maniac and snapped Kid Flash's neck.
Robin bit his lip at the thought but focused on the task at hand. "I don't want to do this." But he need to check on KF, he didn't add. He slapped a gas release on Superman's clone's neck, forcing him to inhale half of it and blind him with the rest. At least that made him get off Aqualad. He hoped Superman's weakness was passed onto the clone as his delved into his utility belt. Aqualad kicked the clone away and Robin tasered him, finding the right pocket. Just needed to unlock it, which was a long process. Robin needed to change that. Focusing back on the matter on hand, they needed to knock the clone out quickly so they can check on Kid Flash. But Robin's taser distraction, whilst unlocking his belt was ineffective against the clone. His arm was nearly wretched out of its socket as the clone pulled on the wires. Robin had fleeting seconds to brace himself as Superman's clone caught him by the neck roughly. Naively, Robin smirked because he could hold his breath for a long time while the clone choked him. It only took the milliseconds he had, to realized he was very much wrong. Robin was slammed into the floor, his ribs groaning as the air whooshed out of his lungs. He felt twenty little pieces of glass from Kid Flash's cylinder smash, stab into his back and he prayed none had hit anything important. He didn't even have any time to recover as the clone violently crashed his foot into Robin's chest, cracking his just healed ribs. Robin clawed the clone's foot in attempt to loosen the weight on his chest, completely forgetting about the kryptonite.
Desperately, he tried to think of an escape route but the pain was swelling and his brain wasn't getting enough oxygen and why didn't they just leave it for the Justice league.
The weight on his chest was pushed off suddenly and someone was trying to help him up. He tried to look through blurry, tear filled eyes and hoped it was Batman. But all he saw was Wally's bleeding body crumpled on the floor.
Robin slipped out of consciousness before he realized he had used the wrong name.