Veni Mecum

by Marshmellowtime

"It means come with me." Her hand slipped into his, and her gaze rose upwards, meeting his own. "Okay." She'd help them any way, any day, that's what friends were for. But when she agreed to be their mechanic, she was expecting nuts and bolts. Not psychos and super villains intent on taking over the world. Wally/Oc/Roy

1. the dice has been cast

Thank you for taking the time and clicking on the little blue letters that lead to this story! I hope you all enjoy. :)

I do not own Young Justice.

Without further ado...

I bring to you...

A Marshmellowtime Productions...

---

Veni Mecum

Chapter One:

"Alea iacta est"

.

.

.

"The dice has been cast."

---

"You really think you can stop me that easy?"

A slow smirk crawled up her lips, golden amber irises flickering amidst the moonlight as long black and brown locks tumbled past her shoulders. A breeze flickered through the two as she tilted her head back, fingering the array of weapons at her disposal.

The Shadows member across from her snarled, pulling back her hands to reveal crackling bolts running up and down her arms, masked and deadly as a fanged grin met her smirk. "You silly little heroes never get it, do you?"

Her finger tapped a dagger at her side, and the hilt extended outwards, morphing into a short-sword as she let it slide out of its sheath. The villain across from her narrowed her eyes, snarling as the sword in her hands began to crackle, light blue bolts zipping up and down the customized blade.

"Maybe you're just a bad teacher," her eyes flickered and she shot forward, dark locks tumbling behind her like a black waterfall as her cape rippled behind her, a cloud of shadows. The villain charged, teeth bared and snarling like the vicious beast she was, and the fearsome Black X could only smirk, resisting the urge to cackle like her friend as she swung her sword around.

"You're finished—"

"Lady Elliot?"

Black X skidded to a halt, her sword millimeters from shattering the fiendish foe before her as she blinked, glancing from side to side. "What?"

The villain before her blinked in confusion as she paused. "Hello?"

"Lady Elliot."

"What in the world—" the world around her began to crumble slightly as Black X blinked, her eyes widening behind her mask as she staggered backwards, the villain letting out a victorious hoot. "One second—"

"Lady Elliot, you'll be late."

Late? I'm fighting crime right now—

"Lady Elliot."

"I won!" Tousled, forever messy black and dark brown locks tumbled down slim shoulders, once pristine white shirt stained and slathered in bits of grease and oil. Golden eyes flashed back and forth rapidly, a small line of drool down her mouth as she jerked her head from side to side. "Where's the medal? What's going on—is that bacon?"

Alfred took a calm step back from the wild mess before him. Elliot glanced from side to side, a white paper with sketched blue prints stuck against her cheek as she blinked, finally recognizing her trusted butler and friend beside her. "Alfred! What time is it? Man, I'm starving—"

"Lady Elliot," Alfred nodded in greeting as the girl realized the mess she was in as she glanced down at her workshop, her desk littered with tools and plans, gadgets and knick knacks galore. "A good...morning to you too. Food has been prepared, though I am afraid you may be pressed for time if you wish to make the event today."

"Event? Why would I miss breakfast?" Elliot grinned, peeling the paper away from her cheek and frowning when she realized it'd left an ink stain on her cheek.

"My lady, are you aware of today's current date?"

"'Course, July fourth! Happy birthday to America," Elliot waved her hand until she froze, her face growing deathly pale as it suddenly dawned on her what was happening. "July fourth...Oh man, oh man—Al, what time is it?"

"Twelve o' clock," Alfred glanced to the clock she'd built herself on her desk, ticking as the gears shifted wildly behind the frame. "I daresay if you make haste, you'll make it in time—"

"I need to get ready!" Elliot shot upwards, surging forward only to trip over a wrench she'd left lying about. A muffled curse left her lips and she pulled out a leather strap, pulling her tousled locks into a ponytail, save for a few stubborn fringes that framed her face.

She leapt over scattered tools and projects and swiped her boots off her desk, hopping this and way and that as she shoved them on. "I'd love to eat, but I've really got to hurry, do you mind putting it away—"

"Certainly," Alfred watched, faintly bemused as his second charge ran this way and that, gathering her things together. "Shall I prepare a fresh batch of clothes—"

"No need!" Elliot swiped at a black oil stain on her shirt, succeeding in smudging it downwards as she grinned, grabbing her skateboard off its mantle. "I'm running late, I can't miss their big day now, can I?"

"Yes," 'Alfred frowned slightly. "But would it be alright to arrive in such a state—"

"I'm sure they won't mind!" Elliot shrugged on a loose leather jacket and laced up her boots, adjusting the crisscrossed belts along her hips, containing her tools. "I'm not making much of a press appearance anyway."

"Shall I arrange a ride for you then?"

"My baby's quicker!" She tapped her shoes together, a gentle blue light coming from the soles as she stepped onto her skateboard.

The sleek black board began to hum beneath her, the golden letters E.W inscribed onto the bottom. She tapped it once and the bottom split, the hum growing louder as small jets appeared beneath the board, beginning to raise it upwards. Her fingers clamped down on the black goggles atop her head, similar to a certain friend of hers as she slipped them over her eyes. Elliot ran a hand through her hair, frowning when it caught on a knot before she turned to Alfred, flashing him a hasty wave. "Thanks Alfred!"

"Have a safe trip," Alfred offered; waving calmly as the teen grinned impishly, her board thrumming beneath her as it took off into the air, shooting into the sky and above buildings to bring her to her destination.

Today was their day after all.

---

"Where's El?" Robin glanced around the area before turning to Batman, the older man silent as the assembled heroes began to gather together. "She's coming, isn't she?"

"She'll be here." Batman didn't doubt that, but he did doubt his semi-adoptive daughter's ability to arrive on time on her own as she'd requested.

"She's coming?" Speedy glanced sharply to the bat duo, arching a brow beneath his mask. Robin grinned impishly in response. "She should know she doesn't have too—"

"Today will be a special day for Elliot as well," Green Arrow cut in, and Speedy turned, gazing at his mentor questioningly. "But let's let her find that out for herself."

"She deserves it," Robin agreed, turning to Aqualad he added, "I don't think you guys have met, have you?"

"I have yet to be acquainted with this friend of yours." Aqualad agreed. "But I will look forward to our meeting."

"Knowing her she's going to run in halfway," Speedy shook his head. "No, she's going to get lost and—"

"I'm here!"

Eyes shot towards the sky and Robin smirked as the white and black figure began to come closer, the board beneath her feet lowering her to the ground until the wheels hit and it rolled, rockets retracting back into the board. Elliot flashed the heroes a bright grin, smudges of ink on her cheek as she waved, pushing off on her board and riding towards them. "Sorry I'm lat—whoa!"

Her board caught on the stair and she toppled forward, nearly tripping over her own feet until a firm hand caught her shoulder. The teen blinked as she was set upright and she flashed Speedy a bright smile. "Thanks R—Speedy." The archer rolled his eyes, ruffling her already tousled hair before he straightened his own posture.

"Glad you could stop by," the girl flinched as she turned to Batman, flashing him a wide smile as she beamed.

"I made it though, didn't I?" She adjusted her belts and grinned, offering the heroes before her a salute. "Ready to go!"

"I believed I mentioned that this would be an important day, not only for them," Batman inclined his head towards the others, "but for you as well."

The girl deflated slightly, knowing the man before her long enough to understand how to act, and just how far she could really push his buttons. "I know, I know," Elliot grinned impishly, laughing as she moved to stand beside Robin, fist bumping the boy wonder before turning back to Batman. "But look, I made it!"

"Aw, man!" A gust of wind came barreling their way as the Flash came to a stop, his younger copy skidding to a rougher halt as Kid Flash stood, a pout on his lips. "I knew we'd be the last ones here!"

"Yeah," Robin chuckled, slinging an arm around Elliot's shoulder. "You made it just before Kid Mouth over here."

"Ellie!" Her ponytail flew backwards as Kid Flash appeared before her, grinning brightly, emerald eyes shining as he leaned forward. "You came! I was hoping you would make it!"

"Both orders and my own choice," Elliot smiled brightly at the vibrant red head; Kid's face not hiding a single emotion as he beamed down at her. "I wouldn't miss such an important day for you guys. I even brought my camera." She patted her tool belt.

"And you as well," Batman reminded, a gloved hand coming down on her shoulder as they glanced upwards, the large doors to the Hall of Justice awaiting them—their inner sanctum. The crowd's voices grew, but all she could feel was Robin at her side, Kid and Speedy close by, and the small group of people that made up her little family beside her.

Today felt like a good day.

"Think you could've dressed up a little though?" A gloved finger brushed her cheek and Elliot blinked as Kid flashed her a bright grin. "You look like you just woke up."

"I was just a bit busy before all this," she idly rubbed at the ink stain on her cheek, straightening her rumpled shirt and adjusting her belt once more. "Unlike you, I have a life."

"I'm so sure being cooped up inside that little workshop of yours is a life," Kid continued to grin as Elliot's cheeks flushed slightly and she rubbed the back of her neck. "I mean, it wouldn't have hurt to doll yourself up a little, would it?"

"Please, you should've seen the nightmare it was to get her into a dress as kids," Robin smirked, while Elliot rolled her eyes, elbowing the raven haired boy in the side.

"Who's that?"

"Another sidekick?"

"I haven't seen her before—is she new?"

"Isn't she—"

"I thought I wasn't making much of a public debut," Elliot murmured, suddenly feeling her skin crawl as she receded a little closer to the group, for once not cursing Speedy and the rest of her friends for their height advantages. The towering bodies of her friends seemed to dwarf her size, and she was lucky to still manage to come a few inches taller than Robin.

"You won't be," Batman answered. His eyes darted to her beneath his cowl and seemed to skim over the others beside her. "And it should stay that way."

"I'm glad we're all here," Aqualad commented, and Elliot paused, realizing she hadn't introduced herself to the other teen yet. Though she was well aware of who he was, it was still her first time managing to come face to face with Aquaman's partner.

She rubbed the back of her neck before turning. Aqualad's pale, sea glass eyes met her flickering amber irises, and she offered him a small upturn quirk of her lips, extending an ink stained hand. "I'm El—um," Batman eyed her carefully. "Mecha. You can call me Mecha. It's nice to meet you."

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Mecha." Kid Flash snickered at her choice of alias, but after a thorough discussion with Batman before, if she were to be taking any part in their activities—which was rare considering that Batman often kept her behind the scenes unless he deemed it necessary for her to even show her face—she was to have an alias on hand. Though he may not be as strict on her about identities as he was with Dick, he did not spare her any mercy when it came to learning what she had to know if she wanted anything to do with their work.

"Have all four sidekicks ever been in the same place at the same time?" Kid Flash inquired, and Speedy paused, turning sharply to the speedster.

"Don't call us sidekicks." He turned to face forward. "Not after today."

Kid blinked, looking surprised before he shrugged. "Sorry... First time at the hall, I'm a little overwhelmed."

"You're overwhelmed, Freeze was underwhelmed, why isn't anyone just whelmed?" Robin sighed as they made their way through the doors and into the Hall, cameras going off as heads turned upwards, the looming statues of the Justice League members bearing down on them. "Maybe that's why..."

"Imagine the kind of metal it took to make these babies," Elliot commented suddenly, forgetting everything else as she stepped forward, eyes shining. "There's got to be some actual gold in there to give it that sheen, maybe a little steel for the layout—"

"Stay sharp, kiddo," Flash turned the girl forward as the metallic doors before them slid open.

Two figures stepped forward and Elliot's eyes flickered in recognition. The Martian before them inclined his head calmly, while Red Tornado stood silently beside him. "Robin, Speedy, Aqualad, Kid Flash," his eyes dipped lower and landed on the oil smeared girl beside them, "...Mecha; welcome."

Robin and Kid Flash grinned, fist bumping above Elliot's head before the girl held out both hands, doing the same to them as M.M lead them further into the hall, leaving behind the press and citizens who'd decided to witness this event. The doors slid shut behind them, and Elliot felt a gentle pounding in her chest as she swelled with pride. Even if she wasn't the one getting a name for herself, the others were, and to her, the idea of them finally getting the recognition deserved for all their hard work mattered the most.

You wouldn't mind being apart of that. A small part of her whispered, and she paused briefly at the idea. You want to be out there fighting as much as them.

You want to help too.

I'll do what I can behind the scenes. She fingered the tool belt at her waist, eyes softening. Anything for them.

"You now have unlimited access to the gym, our food stalk gallery, and of course, our library." Elliot's brows furrowed slightly at this news. Little steps I guess.

The dark hallway opened up to reveal a wide, towering room. Walls rose on all four sides, shrouded in shelves until a center computer and grid system gazed back at them from the front of the room. There were a few lounge chairs laid out and Flash turned to them, opening up his arms wide. "Make yourselves at home."

Robin and Aqualad quickly settled into chairs, Kid Flash offering a seat to Elliot. The teen shook her head, fiddling with the goggles around her neck as she made a small circle, eyes the long walls and architecture of the room appraisingly. But her gaze moved toward the grid beside the heroes, looking the computers and mechanics up and down, her mind already taking apart and putting together the little nuts and bolts that made this system work.

Yellow and red flashed in the corner of her eye and she turned, noting Speedy's tautly drawn brow, his lips curled downwards into a slight frown, watching their mentors as they gathered together, talking amongst themselves. Her mind churned until it clicked, gears settling into place as she sidled over to Speedy, his attention flickering to her as she grinned. "Excited?"

"This can't be it," Speedy muttered, his frown deepened. "If today's the day we finally get accepted into the League, what are they doing muttering to themselves?"

Elliot hummed, drumming fingers along her tool belt before she answered. "I'm sure there's some reason to all this, you know how they are." Speedy flashed her a doubtful look, but she gently ignored his seemingly tension rising mood in favor of trying to put him at ease. "You guys are their partners; they wouldn't just leave you out."

Speedy was silent, brooding, and she mindfully added. "Besides, where would Arrow be without you?"

The corner of his lip turned upwards in a half-smirk, and she mentally cheered in her mind. Though shameful, it seemed Roy could never get enough of being complimented, and with an ego bigger than his head, she'd found she could work around it from time to time if she really wanted too. Knowing him for as long as she did had its perks.

But that also means he won't be patient for long...Her train of thought came to an abrupt halt when he grunted, gloved hand reaching outward and pinching her cheek. Elliot winced and batted at his hand as he eyed her critically. "And what is up with your outfit? Couldn't you have bothered to show up a little nicer?"

"Cut me some slack, I was working all night," his fingers left her cheek, but not before rubbing away the ink stained smear and she huffed. Her cheek now swollen she took a mindful step back and eyed him warily before she continued. "And it's not like I have a uniform like you guys. I mentioned to Batman how I wanted to come, and he said he'd been meaning to tell me that I would have to be here today anyway, something important apparently."

"Important?" Speedy looked curious. "Like what?"

"Beats me," Elliot shrugged, fixing her now rumpled shirt and adjusting her belt.

Speedy's eyes suddenly narrowed, the corner of his lips turning downwards. "Do you think he wants you to start getting involved?"

I thought I already was. "Maybe, but a bit doubtful." I wouldn't mind though. Elliot rubbed her cheek, and looked down thoughtfully. "I've been on a few patrols," Rarely. "And I'm fairly capable with fighting—" Speedy snorted at that. "But Bats tends to let me work in the safe enclosure of the cave."

In short, since the day she'd finally managed to convince Batman to let her fight crime with him, she'd been out on a missions with him and Robin six times over the years. Given, it was more than most could have imagined, but her work had turned in favor of building all sorts of new equipment, and Batman working her through the basics of understanding the advance technology they used. He'd harnessed her love of mechanics and turned her into one of the best engineers to work alongside superheroes so far. And though she didn't mind—really, she didn't, she loved helping out—it didn't stop the occasional glance at the monitor or tuning in to the police radio on the crime going about in Gotham.

"Don't... Don't worry about it too much," Speedy said finally, and Elliot glanced up, but he seemed to be avoiding her gaze behind that mask as he crossed his arms over his chest. "You're good at what you do, so you should stay out of these kinds of things."

"You don't think I could take on bad guys, do you?"

"Not a chance."

"Well, I'll have you know—"

"—Green Arrow, 16." Their eyes turned back to where the heroes stood before the scan, the doors sliding open as they stepped forward. Speedy suddenly tensed beside her and she felt alarm bells begin to ring in her head when he stepped forward as well, realizing they were being left out.

"That's it?" The older heroes turned, waiting as he crossed his arms over his chest. "You promised us a real look inside, not a glorified back-stage pass."

"It's the first step," Aquaman explained. "You've been granted access few others get."

"Oh, really." Speedy gestured to the open panel windows along the roof lining, citizens and press snapping photos of the events occurring down below. Elliot winced. "Who cares which side of the glass we're on?"

"Roy, you just need to be patient," Green Arrow stepped forward, looking imploringly at the ginger.

Speedy scowled. "What I need is respect." He turned, facing the other teens before him. "They're treating us like kids—worse, sidekicks. We deserve better than this."

A unified silence greeted Speedy's outburst, and Elliot shifted, rubbing the back of her neck nervously before her hands moved to fiddle with her tool belt, silently wishing she had the place to say more. Speedy looked incredulous. "You're kidding. You're going along with their little game? Why? Today was supposed to be the day. Step one of becoming full-fledged members of the League."

"Well, sure," Kid glanced over to Robin and Elliot and back again. "But I thought step one was a tour of the HQ."

"Except the Hall isn't the League's real HQ," the mentors behind the archer looked surprised, and Elliot perked up at this, Robin shifting beside her in his seat. "I bet they never told you it's just a false front for tourists, and a pit stop for catching zeta tubes to the real thing—an orbiting satellite, called the Watchtower."

"You're not helping your cause here son, stand down." Aquaman stepped forward, and Elliot winced once more as Speedy cocked his head back, eyes narrowing. "Or—"

"Or what? You'll send me to my room? And I'm not your son." His eyes darted to Green Arrow. "I'm not even his. I thought I was his partner."

Speedy reached upwards and grasped his cap, tossing it to the floor. "But not anymore." Elliot's heart dropped, her mind racing, gears turning as she tried to understand how this was all going so wrong so fast as Speedy—Roy turned, eyes narrowed as he stalked past them.

"Sp... Roy, hold on a second!" Elliot skidded to a halt before the ginger, his towering frame bearing down on her as she gazed up, eyes wide. "I know it's not right, but take a second—"

"I'm not wasting a second of my time with these parents," Roy spat, his gaze met hers through his mask; his expression flickered for the briefest moment as Elliot stood before him. Golden eyes shone, and his mind raced through an array of memories before he turned his head, moving past her. "What would you know anyway?"

Ouch. Elliot withheld the wince she wanted to make at the statement, but Robin and Kid Flash were on their feet. Kid stepped forward, brows furrowed. "Hey, dude, not cool—"

"I guess they were right about you three." Roy added bitterly, not casting the group behind him a second glance as he left the room, echoing footsteps like a hammer to her heart as Elliot watched, unable to do anything as her friend—one of her closest friends, left the room. "You aren't ready."

The doors slid to a quiet shut, the tension in the room snapping like an elastic band as the heroes plus one engineer stood, unmoving, frozen for a moment. Robin's hand suddenly came onto her shoulder, and before she could state that she was fine, a loud blaring filled the room, the screen flashing green before Superman's face appeared.

"Superman to the Justice League, there's been an explosion at Project Cadmus, it's on fire." The League members moved toward the monitor, Batman's eyes narrowing at the news.

"I've had my suspicions about Cadmus, this may present the perfect opportunity too—" A loud siren filled the room once more and Zatara's face filled the bottom corner of the screen.

"Zatara to Justice League, the sorcerer Wotan is using the Amulet of Attan to blot out the sun. Requesting full League response."

Batman turned. "Superman."

Robin moved forward and the rest followed, Elliot taking in the information quietly as she mulled over what had happened only seconds before. He really just left... Didn't he?

You know where to find him. Elliot paused at this, biting her bottom lip. I just don't know if he wants to be found.

"It's a small fire," the Kryptonian answered calmly. "Local authorities have it under control."

"Then Cadmus can wait. All Leaguers rendezvous with Zatara's coordinates, Batman out." The heroes dispersed and Batman turned, facing the teens gazing expectantly at him. "You four are to stay put."

"Why?" Robin questioned, looking offended by the vary notion as Aquaman stepped forward.

"This is a League mission."

"You're not trained—"

"Since when?" Kid interrupted, disbelief and indignation coloring his jovial features. Flash's face hardened slightly.

"I meant you're not trained to work as part of this team," he gestured to the three mentors still in the room.

"There will be other missions, when you're ready." Aquaman added, and Elliot's eyes narrowed slightly at this.

"But for now," Batman's clear, no nonsense voice cut through the rebellious thoughts running through her head, the expression on her face softening to a neutral expression as his hardened. "Stay put."

Without another word and a final glance from Red Tornado, the League members exited the room, the door coming to a sliding shut behind them. A brief moment of silence followed, heavy and weighing in the air until Kid scoffed. "When we're ready? How are we ever going to be ready when they treat us like—like, like sidekicks!"

Elliot shoved her hand into her tool belt, wrenching out a half finished project of hers as her hands trembled slightly, calming at the cool feel of metal as she began to fumble around with it. Aqualad gazed downwards, his brows furrowing. "My mentor... My king... I thought he trusted me."

"Trust? They don't even trust us with the basics!" Kid began to rant, throwing his arms into the air. "They've got a secret HQ in space."

"Maybe they just wanted you guys to wait," Elliot offered, but once the words left her lips she realized how foolish they sounded and she tackled the small contraption in her hands with new found vigor.

"For what—when we're old and ready to go up on a plaque?" Kid shook his head, eyes narrowing as he began to pace about.

"What else are they not telling us?" Aqualad wondered, and Robin shook his head.

"I've got a better question," he glanced up, brows furrowed slightly. "Why didn't we leave with Speedy?"

A heavy silence hung in the air, Elliot's fingers pausing momentarily on the metal work in her hands. Her mind moved slowly, thoughts struggling over one another as they fought to be heard. Is this really it?

"What is..." Eyes turned to Aqualad, a curious look in his sea glass eyes. "Project Cadmus?"

"Don't know," Elliot's eyes shot toward Robin as a smirk pulled upwards on his lips, a devious light coming to his face. "But I can find out."

The final piece to the contraption in her hands clicked and slid into place as Elliot stepped forward, standing beside Kid and Robin as his fingers began to fly over the keys, his eyes trained on the monitor as codes and symbols began to appear.

"Access denied."

"Wanna bet?" Robin's lips quirked upwards and he tapped the keys with a newfound vigor, the codes and firewalls of the system scattering across the screen as numbers flew this way and that. Elliot watched the process, her mouth threatening to quirk upwards at Robin's talent as Kid blinked, in awe.

"How are you doing that?"

"Same system as the Bat Cave." Elliot pocketed the thing she'd been working on and shifted closer to Robin, scanning his work before punching in a few keys herself. The boy wonder smirked and pressed the final key.

"Access granted."

The codes and walls dispersed, pulling up several files and images of a building, a research facility by the looks of it, before them. Robin turned his head upwards, skimming the words. "Alright, Project Cadmus... A genetics lab here in D.C... That's all there is."

"But if Bats wanted to check it out," Elliot started.

"Then there's something else going on." Robin finished, smirking at this new revelation as he leaned back. "Maybe we should investigate."

"Solve their case before they do," Aqualad looked thoughtful. "It would be poetic justice."

"Hey," Robin shrugged, slinging an arm over Elliot's shoulder. "They're all about justice."

"But they said stay put," Aqualad sighed, and though she would've been scolded for it, Elliot couldn't help but roll her eyes, a small grin turning upwards on her lips.

"For the blotting out the sun mission, not this," Robin corrected, and Elliot played with the clasps of her tool belt.

"So you guys technically wouldn't be going against orders."

"Wait, are you going to Cadmus?" Wally placed a hand on Elliot and Robin's shoulders, his eyes shining with excitement. "Because if you're going, I'm going."

The two turned, flashing bright grins Aqualad's way, and the young teen looked thoughtful for a moment. "Just like that? We're a team on a mission?"

"We didn't come for a play date." Robin smirked, and Aqualad's eyes shone, his lips curling upwards as well.

"Then we should take the east city route," Elliot piped up suddenly, and three pairs of eyes watched her silently for a moment as she reached into her belt, pulling out a small flat rectangle and punching a button, the entire thing unfolding to reveal her skate board. "It'll be fastest."

"Uh, El..." She glanced upwards as Robin shifted, blinking once at her friend, practically brother, as he rubbed the back of his neck before continuing. "...we?"

"I'm coming too." Elliot tapped her boots together, a blue glow coming to life at the soles as she stepped onto the board, the entire thing thrumming to life. "You don't think I'm just going to sit here while you all run off, do you?"

"No," Kid agreed, but she caught the momentary look of doubt on his face. "But it's just that... I know you're pretty skilled and all too, I mean, you were trained by Batman, but it's just that... Well..."

"We've been on more missions than you have," Robin finished, meeting his friend's gaze evenly, knowing full well there was no reason to beat around the bush here. "Batman's only taken you out on a few, and you know how he feels about you going out."

"It seems a little risky," Kid added hastily, looking uncomfortable before he added. "No offense."

Elliot looked thoughtful before her lips turned upwards, and Robin arched a brow while Kid blinked. "If you've been on more missions, then I better start getting some experience under my belt."

Robin's lips quirked upwards and he pressed a button on his shoes, a similar blue light appearing as he stepped onto the skate board alongside Elliot. "Besides, you're supposed to be superheroes, right?"

Her gaze met Kid's evenly, a surprised look on his face, a somewhat dazed look flickering through emerald eyes as she flashed him a crooked grin.

"So I trust you'll be able to protect me if something happens."

"Of course!" Kid proudly jutted a finger to himself. "As if I'd let anything happen to you—"

"Then without further ado," her tapped her board and the rockets appeared, lifting her and Robin upwards as she grinned, a feeling of adrenaline and excitement thrumming through her veins.

"Let's go."

---

"I'm picking up crazy readings," Elliot spoke up, and Robin inclined his head slightly as he continued to pound against the keyboard, hacking into Cadmus' systems with ease. Kid moved to stand beside Elliot as she held her palms to the floor, thick black finger gloves covering her hands as she felt along the ground. "The iron deposits in this place are nuts."

"Meaning?" Kid inquired, peering over her shoulder as she reached into her tool belt, pulling out a black scrunching and making sure her pony tail was secure as she adjusted her own mask.

"There's a lot more to this building than what's given," Robin quipped. "Based on the blueprints of this place, it should be made of steel for the support beams, not iron."

"Can you...sense the presence of metals then, Mecha?" Aqualad questioned, and Elliot blinked, looking up in surprise as Kid Flash let out a quick laugh, Robin snorting.

"No, not really—"

"Our dear Mecha here is all natural like Bird Boy," Kid answered, slinging an arm over Elliot's shoulders as she rolled her eyes. "No powers, but she does have a habit of playing with tools—"

"The gloves have magnetic readings on them," she explained, and Aqualad looked faintly impressed, a small bit of pride flickering through her. "I built them to sense metal substances of all kinds; they tend to help when I'm looking for things back home."

"You made them yourself?"

"Mecha's our own engineer," Kid said proudly, and Elliot rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly with Kid's arm still slung around her shoulder. "She builds all kinds of gadgets and gizmos—"

"And she knits." Robin offered.

"Total wifey material." Kid finished, pinching Elliot's cheek.

"Very funny," Elliot ducked from Kid's arm and rubbed her swollen cheek—what was with everyone today?—and she gazed around the office building before them, surveying their surroundings amidst the dark and looming walls of Cadmus' inner rooms. "Remind me to make you all sweaters for Christmas this year."

"I'd wear anything you make me," Kid offered eagerly, and Elliot rolled her eyes, unable to hide the small smile turning up on her lips as she felt along the walls, her gloves humming in response to the metal deposits around her.

The fire and scientists who'd been in danger earlier were safe for now. But as the firemen struggled to put out the remaining flames, the team trekked further into the research building, dwelling deeper inside as they continued their investigation.

There was a gentle ping and Elliot perked up, Robin glancing up from his hacking as Aqualad stepped down a hallway. "There was something in the..."

"Elevators should be shut down," Kid said, looking confused for a moment as Robin frowned, brushing past them and running forward.

"Wait a minute, this is wrong." He tapped his forearm and the holographic computer appeared, his eyes on the elevator before he glanced down. "Thought so. This is a high speed express elevator. It doesn't belong in a two-story building."

"Neither does what I saw." Aqualad added and Elliot frowned, stepping forward and running her fingers along the sleek metal doors.

"Picking up mad readings from further down," she clarified, and Aqualad stepped forward as she stepped back, prying apart the metal doors.

The four of them peeked over the edge and Elliot's eyes widened, heart beginning to pound loudly in her chest as adrenaline began to pick in at the sight of the long drop. Robin took a step back, shooting a hook to the roof of the elevator. "And that's why they need an express elevator."

Robin leapt over the edge and plummeted downwards into the darkness, the rope winding down behind him. Elliot leapt, grasping onto the tough material as she slid downwards, Kid and Aqualad following suit. It seemed as if the fall would go on for hours, her heart racing despite the fact that she knew Robin and Kid, even Aqualad would have her back.

It'd been awhile.

The rope beneath her fingers came to a halt and she slowed to a stop, Robin leaping across and pressing himself against the wall of the shaft, extending a hand towards her. She took it without a moment's hesitation and landed safely beside him, Robin sliding downwards as Kid and Aqualad appeared, and he began to type away into his computer.

"Bypassing security and... go." Aqualad pried the doors apart, and the three stepped into the deserted hall, a low, eerie red glow illuminating the walkway.

"Welcome to Project Cadmus." Robin murmured, and Elliot glanced up before her eyes widened in surprise, disbelief filling her.

Long rows of what appeared to be pods lined either wall, the echoing hallway stretching downwards for what seemed like miles. Her mind raced and she realized there was something much, much bigger going on than simple genetics here. The pull of the magnet in her gloves grew stronger and she stepped alongside Robin, their eyes searching the long corridor until Kid grinned beside her, slipping his goggles on as he ran forward. "Kid wait—"

The ground beneath them shook and Elliot's eyes went wide as in seconds, Kid was skidding across the floor as long, thick legs came down. Kid darted to the side and Elliot skidded to a halt beside the three as the ground shook, the heavy footfalls of massive beasts coming down as they traveled down the hall. Her eyes were wide with disbelief at the mammoth-like creatures fell in line, proceeding downwards as if it were a circus line of elephants.

"No, nothing odd going on here," Aqualad muttered aloud, and Robin frowned as Elliot stepped forward.

"And they're not just having a circus," she felt along the walls for a moment before turning down the opposite way. "Rob, this is much bigger than we thought." Literally.

Then again, what had she been expecting? A crazy fire? An accident turning out to be a murder? Some kind of drug cult trying to take down another rival? No, strange as it sounded in her mind, those were all crimes she could imagine handling, not experience some massive genetic experiment going on underground and beneath the League's knowledge. Her fingers twitched, tempted to fumble around with something until she withheld the urge herself, pushing it aside. "Should we..."

"We need to get at least an idea of what's going on," Robin answered the question on her lips and she nodded. "Let's keep going."

A bright blue light began to flicker towards the end of the hall as they continued downwards, Elliot's hands sliding into her belt as she slipped a small pocketknife into her boot. The hallway opened up and the four froze, eyes widening at the long hall that stretched out before them, glass cases vibrating with jolts of electricity from the creatures contained within.

"This place is set up like a generator," Elliot's eyes followed the tubes and containers, a shudder running down her spine at the still creatures inside the tubes. "With these kinds of mechanics..."

"This is how they hide this massive underground facility from the world, the real Cadmus isn't even on the grid!" Kid exclaimed, and Elliot shifted, moving further down the hall to a central power box at the end. "It generates its own power with these... things. It must be what they're bred for."

"Even the name's a clue... The Cadmus from myths would raise new races by sowing dragon's teeth into the earth." Aqualad murmured.

"And this Cadmus creates new life too," Robin stepped over to the computer centered in the hall, reaching a cable from his gloves over and plugging it into the computer. "Let's find out why."

Elliot kept her ears open to new information as she sat down beside one of the main grid boxes, sliding her fingers into her belt and pulling out a flat screw. The tool glinted in the light as she spun it around her fingers before setting to work, dismantling the entire generator as she reached and pulled out wire cutters as well.

"They call them... Genomorphs." Robin started, looking surprised as he tapped the hologram. "Whoa, check out the stats on these things. Razor claws, telepathy—they're living weapons!"

"Genetics, huh?" Elliot muttered, smirking to herself when she pulled a few wires loose and unbolted a final screw. The grid panel fell to the floor and she whistled at the vast array of cables and flickering lights, switches and grids all connecting to certain systems. "Now which one of you hooks up to the doors..."

She came to a halt beside a small box and unscrewed the lid, slipping her fingers quickly through and rearranging the cables with ease. She pulled out a small chip from her bag and set it inside, replacing it with the one already there. She hummed in triumph until Robin's voice broke through her own little hacking. "Mecha, you should check this out."

Within seconds she was on her feet and beside the three as Robin skimmed down, his eyes narrowing. "Project K...r. Ah, the files too encrypted. I can't—"

"Don't move!" Elliot tensed and the other three turned, bearing weapons and arms as a figure ran into the room. Clawed, long tailed creatures, genomorphs, followed beside him as the masked man stood, eyes narrowing before growing wide. "Robin... Aqualad... Kid Flash? And..."

"At least they got your name right," Robin smirked, resuming his hacking as Elliot rubbed the back of her neck. "But it seems like Mecha here is still a bit unknown."

"Mecha's not supposed to really be public," Elliot muttered, remembering Batman's ideals on her participation with the League. "But a little bit couldn't hurt, right?"

"I know you." Aqualad stepped forward, his brows furrowing. "You're Guardian. You're a hero."

"I do my best." Guardian replied, but Kid's eyes narrowed.

"Then what are you doing here?"

"I'm the head of security, you're trespassing." The genomorphs at his side snarled, long tails swaying back and forth, and Elliot's hands slid into her belt. "We should call the Justice League, figure things out."

"You think the League is going to approve of you breeding weapons?" Kid questioned incredulously, and Guardian frowned, looking confused.

"What are you..." The small genomorph on his shoulder glowed, and Guardian clutched his head. "My head..." Blue eyes shot opened and narrowed, and Elliot pulled out a flat rectangle, her board unfolding as she dropped it to the floor. "Get them! Take them down hard!"

The genomorphs lunged, fangs and claws bare as Robin ran forward and slammed a smoke screen to the ground, a cloud of smoke quickly rising upwards and shrouding the group. Smoke came around her as she heard the sound of a grappling hook being shot into place, a large body suddenly lunged over her and she ducked, leaping onto her board and pushing off as she swerved around one of the creatures, reaching into her built and tossing several sleek steel balls.

The balls collided with the genomorphs, expanding and sending waves of electricity through. Elliot narrowed her eyes and ducked as Kid soared over her head, slamming into another genomorph as she pushed off from the ground, gaining speed until she picked up her board and brought her feet upwards, slamming hard into another one.

A hook shot out through the smoke and snapped around her arm. Elliot's eyes widened and she hopped onto her board, the rope retracting and pulling her fast through the smoke and chaos and down a hall until she brought it to a stop, Robin's fingers typing away at his screen. "Where'd you go?"

"Stay beside me," Robin answered instead, and Elliot frowned. "Batman would have my head if I let something happen to you."

"I can handle myself you know," though she knew he meant well, a flicker of irritation surged through her as she reached into her belt and began slapping sticky wads of white metal plates along the wall. "I took out a few—"

"Thanks for being a team player!" Kid zoomed past her, skidding to a halt beside Robin as he continued to hack into the system.

"I thought you were right behind me."

Elliot stepped onto her board as Aqualad came into view, she reached a hand out and he grasped it as she pulled him onto her board, the edges expanding to accommodate the weight as they rode down the hall, picking up speed as Elliot pressed a few buttons along her pouch. The genomorphs following after them let out furious cries as they slipped into the elevator, and Elliot punched in a final button, the white wads exploding along the hall just as the doors slid shut.

"We're going down?" Aqualad questioned, and Elliot's eyes rose up to the growing numbers signaling their descent.

"Dude, out is up." Kid clarified, and Robin's eyes narrowed.

"Excuse me? Project Kr is down, sublevel fifty-two, we have to figure out what it is."

"This is getting far more serious than we expected," Aqualad was silent for a moment before he looked up, and Elliot had a feeling she knew his next words. "Perhaps we should contact the League."

A moment of silence fell over them, and Elliot's mind raced to think of something to say as she shifted. "You guys have made it this far," she glanced up, meeting their gazes evenly with a small smile. "I think you can handle whatever comes next."

Robin smirked and Kid Flash grinned, stepping forward to say something when the elevator chimed, and the bright number fifty-two gazed back at them as the doors slid open. Robin quickly moved to cover outside, and Elliot moved to follow his lead when her gloves came to life and she paused, looking around.

Her eyes widened at the strange, cave like entrance before them. All signs of hard steel hallways hidden beneath red mounds, stretching over the walls and covering different machines. Aqualad touched her shoulder and she moved from her frozen stupor to cover beside the rest of them. "Which way?"

"I dunno, creepy hallway number one," Robin gestured to one hall with his Batarang. "Or creepy hallway number two."

"Halt!" Their eyes shot upwards before a decision could be made, and a tall, clothed genomorph gazed back at them, raising his hand as horns glowed red at the top of his head, and barrels rose upwards.

Telepathy. Elliot quickly ducked to the side as the barrels went flying, and Robin threw out a batarang, only to have it fall harmlessly to the floor minutes before hitting the genomorph. Another set of containers were raised and Elliot ran along the wall and brought her gloves upwards, the magnetic pulling straining as several beams rose from the ground. With a mighty heave they went flying, sailing after the geno as Kid ran along ahead, securing the door so that they had an opening. "Hurry!"

Robin leapt through the door, Elliot following after as Aqualad slid in and kicked the door shut behind them. Robin was at the manual, punching in keys until the door clicked. "I've overridden the system. We're safe for now."

Elliot's gloves hummed and she frowned, raising them upwards and turning around slowly to find the source. It feels like...

"Uh, guys," Kid's voice snapped her attention back towards them as she stepped forward, coming to a halt beside a main computer grid before a darkened tube. "You should take a look at this."

His finger pressed down on a button and a dull light began to grow brighter until the pod before them was fully illuminated. Robin went stiff, Kid Flash's mouth falling open at the sight as Elliot froze, her eyes wide with disbelief at the sight before them.

It was Superman.

Well... Elliot blinked, taking in the tough, heavy build, and ebony black locks framing an angular face, all accompanied by a bright S in the center of a diamond imprinted on his uniform. A much younger, our age Superman.

"Big K little r, the atomic symbol for Krypton." Kid turned, realization dawning on him. "Clone?"

"Robin, hack." Aqualad demanded and Robin blinked, shaking away the disbelief as he pulled out a plug and inserted it into the computer.

"Right, on it." The familiar faces of Robin appeared on the screen as he bypassed the firewalls and entered the grid. Kid Flash coming to stand beside them as Elliot stepped forward, eyes wide as she took in the possible clone—the living person behind the glass. "Weapon designation Superboy. A clone force grown in...sixteen weeks? From DNA acquired from Superman..."

"Stolen from Superman," Aqualad clarified.

"There's no way the big guy knows anything about this," Kid murmured.

"Solar suit allows him to absorb yellow sun radiation twenty-four seven," Robin explained.

"And these little guys?" Elliot inquired, running her finger along the cool glass as she walked around it, wondering if it was possible to dismantle something this advance, and what kind of tech it took to build it.

"Genomorph gnomes, telepathic, force-feeding him an education."

"And we can guess what else," Kid muttered.

"They're making a slave out of him." Elliot murmured, her eyes rising to gaze at the silent, unconscious face before them. "And he won't have any idea about it."

"Now we contact the League," Aqualad ordered, tapping the symbol on his built as it glowed. There was a brief pause and Robin tsked, shaking his head.

"No signal."

"The iron deposits are too heavy," Elliot mimicked Robin and tapped the side of her glove, a small holographic computer screen appearing—as if Batman would leave her unsupplied—in response to the magnetic waves her gloves picked up. "WE won't be able to get through unless we go back up."

"We're in too deep." Kid frowned, looking up. "Literally."

"We can't..." The three paused to look at the teen as Elliot fumbled for the right words before looking up, golden irises hardening behind the black fabric of her mask. "We can't leave him here like this."

"This is wrong," Kid agreed, and Aqualad looked thoughtful, his gaze flickering until he glanced back up.

"Set him free, do it."

Robin quickly obliged, tapping away at keys until he slid his fingers downwards. The glass pod seemed to exhale, smoke falling off as the glass doors slowly began to descend downwards, opening up the figure of Superboy to the world. A gentle glow began to emit from the gnomes and Elliot paused, glancing from them back to Superboy, his eyes shut.

His hand seemed to flex, fingers curling outwards before curling back in, a sudden chill running down her spine when clear blue eyes flickered open. Within seconds Superboy lunged, tackling Aqualad to the ground and slamming his fists into him. Elliot cursed, running forward and winding her arms around the taut torso as Kid and Robin grabbed his arms. "Hold on! We're trying to help you!"

His arm broke free and Kid went flying, Elliot's eyes widened and Robin grunted, pulling out a small bomb. "I don't want to do this!"

He slammed the bomb just below his mouth and Superboy backed away, hacking and coughing as smoke shrouded his face. Aqualad surged forward, delivering a swift kick to his chest and knocking him aside. Elliot clutched onto a slim metal pole, the weapon quickly extending into a staff as she swung it around. "We're trying to help you!"

Blue eyes narrowed, enraged, and she ducked as he nearly flew at her, fists swinging wildly. Her heart pounded in her chest and she swung back, the staff colliding sharply with the back of his head as Robin ducked out of the way, sending tasers his way. Superboy let out a roar of pain as electricity shot through him, but his hand came up and clenched the cables, jerking Robin forward until his back slammed unto the floor. Elliot whirled around. "Robin!"

A hard foot came down on the young boy's chest and Robin grunted, clutching onto the foot in an attempt to relieve the pressure. Superboy pressed down harder and Elliot charged, using the staff as a lever as she barreled into him. She barely managed to knock him aside, but surprise had been on her side and he stumbled, Robin slipping out and coughing. A firm hand enclosed around her makeshift uniform, Superboy raising her up so that her feet dangled, and Elliot gasped, struggling as his fingers began to wind around her throat.

"We're trying... to help," she gasped out, legs flailing to find some kind of leverage, at least to kick him aside, but Superboy's eyes narrowed. "Can't you...see that?"

For the briefest moment something seemed to flicker through those clear blue eyes, and Elliot struggled, gasping for air now as his grip loosened a fraction. But his features hardened and she ground her teeth as his grip tightened as well. "Please—"

"Hands off!" Robin snapped, flying through the air as his feet came into contact with Superboy's head. The clone staggered backwards and Elliot toppled to the floor, sucking in large gasps of air. But Superboy's hand enclosed around Robin's foot and he swung, sending him flying. Elliot's eyes widened, fear coursing through her as he slammed into the wall and she struggled to stand, fumbling with her pouch as Aqualad shot above her, swinging a hardened hammer of water.

"Enough!" Superboy was sent flying and Aqualad glared hard at him. "We are trying to help you."

The gnomes... The haze in her mind struggled to clear from oxygen deprivation as she finally gripped a batarang of her own, sliding it through her fingers as Superboy and Aqualad fought before her. Aqualad let out a groan of pain and he fell to the floor as Superboy crashed down beside him, Elliot flung the batarang, the ends impaling the firm back before her until Superboy turned around, stalking forward. Shit.

Heavy footsteps came to a halt before her and she struggled to lift herself up, trying to move back until she collided with the wall behind her. Superboy glared down and she clenched her fingers around a small metal pick, flicking it outwards and watching as it attached itself to his leg. Her eyes flickered back up and Superboy pulled his fist back, eyes cold like ice.

Pain erupted in her temple and she toppled to the side, eyes flickering shut as darkness suddenly fell over her like a cape.

This was not how today was supposed to go.

---

"Today is an important day for you as well."

How?

"Be ready."

For what?

"I believe in you."

Dull, there was a resounding pain in the back of her head, throbbing and aching as the world around her remained still. Something felt cold beneath her, icy, and she shuddered.

"You must awaken." Who was that? Couldn't she sleep for just a few minutes more—it wouldn't hurt, would it? "You must awaken." Just a little bit more...

"You must awaken now."

Golden eyes, sharp and gleaming amber snapped open only to shut at the blinding white light that exploded in her head. Elliot groaned, turning her face away from the source, but her face only met with colder metal, her entire body aching as she curled her fingers, trying to move.

She couldn't.

Inhale. Her eyes slid open, slower this time, and she turned her head only to find her forearms in solid shackles, her hands left movable but useless as she flexed her fingers, unable to do anything else. She moved to sit up, and she grimaced to find that she was chained to a sleek wall amidst the red veins traveling around the room. She bit her lower lip, shifting her legs so they were in front of her, her arms raised above her head leaving her unable to reach into her pouch.

Well damn.

She withheld a groan, resisting the urge to smack the back of her head against the wall in frustration. How the hell was she supposed to finally prove to him—to finally show Batman that she could, maybe with a little more work, she could fight too. But no, instead she had her ass handed to her by a clone, and now she was locked up awaiting her doom.

Cliché. Her eyes flickered upwards and Elliot couldn't help the small screech of surprise that left her lips at the sudden proximity of the same clone that'd knocked her out and very thoroughly handed her ass to her. Superboy blinked, silent and impassive save for the faint flicker of surprise that shot through at her sudden noise.

There was a flat, taut moment of silence between them until Elliot cleared her throat. "I don't suppose you're here to make amends and help me out, are you?"

Icy blue eyes simply gazed back at her.

"No, I thought so." I'm not feeling whelmed one bit. Her eyes landed on the metal pick she's left on his leg and golden eyes glimmered before she calmed herself, making sure her gloves were still on—blessed be, they were—and she opened her mouth again. "You know, if you're not going to help, you could at least turn away then. It kind of sucks to see freedom so close but not be able to do anything about it."

His face flickered and Elliot opened her palms, feeling the gentle magnetic tug as the pick on his leg trembled. Her eyes met his, even, and she blinked. "But you don't know what freedom feels like, do you?"

"Leave her alone!" Elliot stiffened, turning her head in surprise as the metal pick flew in the moment Superboy's head turned as well, landing softly in her palm as she enclosed it around her fist. Her eyes landed on her three friends and she paused, Robin, Kid, and Aqualad strapped to pods as Kid glared down at Superboy. "And back off!"

Superboy was silent, icy eyes...icy as he gazed back at Kid Flash. Robin's gaze met hers through his mask, his face silent as she inclined her head, silently saying she was alright as he nodded. Kid frowned, eyes narrowing. "Stop staring—what do you even want?"

"Uh, KF, I don't think you should be angering the guy who could fry us with his a look," Robin advised.

"I'm fine," Elliot spoke up, offering Kid a small grin. "How're you guys?"

"I always wondered what it would feel like to be captured like a bad guy," Robin commented, managing a half shrug in his position. "Never wanted to find out though."

"We free you, and you turn on us—how's that for gratitude?" Kid spat, emerald eyes burning.

"Kid, please," Aqualad looked sharply at the speedster. "Be quiet now. I believe our friend was not in full control of his actions." Elliot's eyes landed on Robin for the briefest moment as his hands fumbled with the locks. Her lips twitched upwards and she gently turned the pick in her fingers, sliding it into the cuffs and moving it around.

"What if I wasn't?" The sudden deep voice made Elliot look up in surprise as Superboy paused.

"He can talk?" Kid exclaimed, and Superboy's fist clenched, looking up.

"Yes. He can."

Robin and Aqualad flashed Kid and look and he frowned. "Not like I called him an it."

"The genomorphs taught you, telepathically," Aqualad concluded.

"They taught me much." Superboy started, looking briefly uncertain before he continued. "I can read, write, I know the names of things."

"But have you ever actually seen them?" Elliot blinked when her lock clicked into place, and she felt it loosen, but she held it together, biding her time as Robin continued. "Have they ever actually let you see the sky? Or the sun?"

"Images are implanted into my mind but," Superboy seemed to grow slightly troubled. "No."

Elliot paused at this news, suspicions and feelings toward this clone—no, this person confirmed. He was no better than a child—a kid who'd never been let outside to see the world for himself, believing only what he was told, knowing only what they knew. Kind of like how she was before she met Robin, she realized.

"Do you even know who you are?" Aqualad inquired, and Superboy looked up at that.

"I am the Superboy. A genomorph. A clone made from the DNA of the Superman. Created to replace him should he perish, to destroy him should he turn from the light."

"Heavy," Elliot commented finally, but her cat-gold irises turned upwards, meeting crystal clear blue. "But is it...what you want?"

"To be like Superman is a worthy aspiration. But like Superman, you deserve a life of your own." Aqualad's gaze focused onto Superboy's. "Beyond that source, beyond that pod, beyond... Cadmus."

"Cadmus is my home. I live because of Cadmus." Superboy snapped, and Elliot looked thoughtful, shifting so her pouch was visible.

"Your home is a test tube," Robin answered back, but his voice took on a different tone. "We can show you the sun."

"Uh, I'm pretty sure it's after midnight." Wally shrugged. "But we can show you the moon."

"Left front pouch," Superboy turned to her and Elliot offered him a small smile, his gaze narrowed. "No tricks, just reach in."

Slowly, wary, Superboy did as she instructed, leaning past her and reaching into the pouch. His fingers enclosed around the photos she knew would be there and he pulled them out, pausing at the photos of sunsets, sunrises, the moon, full and bright. His face softened, entranced as he shuffled through the photos. "We can show life outside these pods, outside these walls." Elliot murmured.

He came to a halt on one photo, staring at the image of Superman, proud and regal against the city line as he stood atop a building. Aqualad gazed at him. "We can show you Superman, introduce you, to Superman."

Superboy's face softened, and Elliot shifted, meeting his crystal clear blues with warm amber. "We can show you the world, Superboy."

"No, actually, you can't." Elliot's eyes hardened and Superboy shoved the photos into his pocket, standing up as two scientists, and Guardian stood before them. "You'll be a bit preoccupied in a moment. Begin the cloning process."

Cloning? Elliot's eyes widened and she tugged at her bonds, the locks loose enough so that when she wanted to, and she'd be able to burst free.

"Pass, Bat Cave's crowded enough," Robin said flatly, and Elliot's mind began to race as the male scientist approached her, eyes narrowed as he turned back to Guardian.

"And get the weapon back in its pod!"

"Hey, how come he gets to call Supe and it?"

Guardian stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder a Superboy paused. Aqualad gazed back at him. "Help us."

Superboy shrugged the hand off, a moment of hope fluttered in her chest until the scientist turned around with a scowl. "Don't start thinking now." A gnome leapt off his shoulder and onto Superboy's, the small horns glowing as the clone froze. "You see, you're not a real boy, you're a weapon. And you belong to me, well, Cadmus—same thing. Now get back to your pod!"

Elliot frowned, watching Superboy's retreating back when she was suddenly hoisted to her feet, her eyes widening as the scientist stared flatly at her. "And get rid of this one—she won't be needed."

"What, not good enough to clone?" Elliot mused, and the scientist narrowed his eyes, leaning forward with a smirk.

"What use would we have with some unknown hero? Perhaps not good enough to clone, but good enough for other purposes." Elliot's eyes narrowed; gold hard as steel as the scientist grasped her chin, forcing her to look upwards as she scowled. "And I can think of many for someone like you."

"Paws off creep!" Kid snapped, struggling against his bonds as he clenched his fist. "Leave her alone!"

"Oh, I don't mean for myself," the scientist shoved her aside and Elliot pulled her lips back, practically snarling as he smirked. "I know many labs looking for eager donors to the better advancement of science."

Sick, twisted, messed up, weak, jerk face. Elliot spat, momentarily triumphant when it collided with the scientist's cheek, a look of horror and disgust clouding his features and Kid let out a hoot, Robin snickering.

But the sudden pain that collided with her cheek was strong enough to snap her head to the side, and Elliot winced at the stinging sensation that followed. The scientist scowled at her, Robin's fingers clenching as Kid struggled against his bonds. "Or perhaps it'd be easier to simply dispose of the evidence."

He turned, nodding to the woman at the computer who nodded as well, punching in keys until metal arms extended within the pods, opening up and injecting themselves into the three heroes. Elliot's eyes went wide and she surged forward, chains clanking together as their cries of pain filled the room. A figure stepped out from the shadows, and Elliot's eyes narrowed at the familiar genomorph from before, long horns curling upwards as the scientist turned. "Have the gnomes download the memories, and when they're finished, dispose of the originals."

Her fists clenched, waiting as her friends cries pounded against her ears, struggling against their bonds as she looked for some sort of an opening.

Maybe it's better if you stick to the sidelines, you know?

Her eyes landed on the computer, unattended as the three watched the cloning process undergo.

It just seems...better that way.

"I just want to help however I can."

With a surge forward the locks and shackles around her fell to the ground, giving her a few seconds before the sound and movement would give her away. Guardian began to turn but Elliot was already at the computer, reaching into her pouch and unscrewing the top lid of the panel. Shouts and orders reached her ears as a array of cables and wires gazed back at her, lips curling upwards as she took the chip she'd taken before and stuck it inside.

"Stop her!"

The cloning process skidded to a halt, alarms suddenly ringing out along the building before an explosion rocketed behind her, blowing her hair this way and that. Elliot turned and her eyes widened, a grin splitting her lips as Superboy stalked past her, eyes narrowed ahead. "I told you to get back to your—"

With a shove the scientist and Guardian were sent flying, slamming hard into the walls as Superboy came to a halt before them. "Don't give me orders."

Elliot moved to step forward, but paused, gazing at the taut, muscular back before her as Superboy remained still. Kid frowned. "Are you here to help us or fry us?"

Superboy continued to stare for a moment before his lips turned upwards. "It looks like I don't have heat vision, so helping seems to be my only option."

There was a click and Robin slipped from his confinements, landing on the floor with ease as he groaned, rubbing his wrists. "Finally! Lucky Batman isn't here; he'd have my head for taking so long."

"Seriously? That's what you're worried about? The whole League will have our heads after tonight!" Kid exclaimed, and Robin rolled his eyes as he made his way to Elliot as she grinned.

"Guess that means I beat your record, hmm?" Robin scoffed, pressing a few keys as the pods slid open and the metal arms retracted.

"Please, I was just taking my time." He turned to Superboy and added. "I'll get Kid Mouth, you get Aqualad."

"Don't you give me orders either." Superboy growled, and Elliot blinked, offering a small smile.

"Please?"

Superboy glanced to her and leapt, breaking the confinements on Aqualad with ease as Robin released Kid. The four landed on their feet and took off running, Elliot following instep as they shot past the fallen scientists, the leader raising his head. "You'll never get out of here—I'll have you all in pods by morning!"

"That guy is not whelmed, not whelmed at all." Robin commented, flicking his fingers and batarangs slammed into the pods clouded with blood, and the group turned, slipping out of the room as Kid shook his head.

"What is it with you and this whelmed thing?"

And then they were running, feet pounding against the ground as they sprinted down the seemingly endless halls. Aqualad turned and they followed. "We're still forty-two levels below ground, but if we can make it to the elevator—"

The floor shook beneath them, the large mammoth creatures from before barring the path. Elliot's eyes narrowed and they group split up, leaping and ducking under heavy feet as they rolled to the other side. Elliot turned, eyes widening as Superboy slammed his fist into another genomorph, roaring as he tossed another to the side.

"Superboy! Our goal is to escape!" Aqualad commanded, and Superboy turned, near snarling.

"You want escape?" He turned and lifted one of the mammoths, swinging them around until it slammed into the other two. Elliot blinked, skidding to a halt as they leapt into the elevator shaft, grasping Kid's hands as he helped her stay along the side seconds before the heavy beasts slammed into the opening.

Superboy shot upwards, Aqualad in one arm as they surged forward. But the ascent slowly came to a halt and Superboy began to fall backwards, Elliot's eyes widened and Robin flung out a batarang, Aqualad grasping onto the weapon as Superboy blinked. "Superman can fly... Why can't I fly?"

"Who knows, but it does look like you can still leap tall buildings in a single bound," Kid offered. "Still cool."

The speedster helped him to the side and Superboy blinked, looking disturbed by this sudden realization as he glanced to Aqualad. "Thank you."

An engine hit her ears and Elliot's head snapped upwards as Robin moved forward. "Guys, this will have to be our exit!"

Elliot's hands slipped into her belt and she tossed a sticky metal plate, the makeshift bomb colliding with the metal doors, but instead of exploding, a hissing sound filled the air and the metal beneath began to rust, weakening in its place and Superboy grasped the eroding metal, prying it apart with ease. They slipped into the brightly lit hall as the elevator came down before them, reminding them what might of happened had they been a second too late.

Hissing and snarls filled the air and they quickly turned down a hall, the genomorphs at their heels as they ran. Superboy's eyes widened for a moment before he opened his mouth. "Go left!"

They veered, following the turn as they shot down the new hallway. Superboy's eyes narrowed and he spoke again. "Go right!"

The hallway came to a dead end and Elliot skidded to a halt, nearly barreling into Kid Flash as he turned, narrowing his eyes. "Great job Supe, are you trying to get us repodded?"

"No, I... I don't understand..." Superboy started, but Elliot shook her head, grinning widely as Robin smirked.

"Don't apologize, this is perfect!"

---

"At this rate we'll never get out," Kid muttered, looking up his eyes glimmered and he added. "Not that I mind the view though."

Elliot's boot snapped back and collided with his jaw, Kid letting out a groan of pain as she rolled her eyes, shaking her head despite the laugh bubbling in her chest. "Which way now?"

"Wait, be quiet." They group paused, and Superboy glanced back, looking thoughtful. "Do you hear that?"

Despite the lack of super hearing, a low hiss and grumbling sound echoed throughout the vents. A shudder ran down her spine and Elliot crawled forward with renewed vigor, robin tapping away at his computer until he came to a stop. "This one."

Elliot attempted to reach back and winced at the strain, turning back slightly. "Kid, can reach into my belt? Back right pocket."

"With pleasure," Kid grinned, gloved hand reaching forward and around the other girl's waist as he inched forward. Elliot resisted the urge to kick back as his breath fanned over her back, his cheek pressed against her side as he reached around for her pocket—it wasn't as if she didn't trust him, she'd known Kid Flash for as long as she could remember—but being a firm believer in personal space, the urge to explode and blow up the metal vents around her was beginning to grow.

Huh, maybe she was claustrophobic.

"Right pocket." The gloved hand wandering down her left side halted, traveling back upwards and slipping into the correct pouch.

Or maybe she really should just kick out.

"Dude, so not the time right now." Robin muttered, and Kid only grinned, fingers enclosing around a flat object as he passed it up.

"We need to hurry." Aqualad added, and Elliot grasped the object, the flat disk morphing in her fingers as she clicked a button, melting into a putty shape.

"Thanks," Elliot muttered, reaching up and handing it to Robin as he smeared it across the thick bars. A hiss filled the air and the metal began to erode. She could practically feel the shit eating grin on Kid's face as they moved forward, Robin kicking out the vent as they slipped into a new hallway.

"Anytime, sweetheart."

"I hacked the motion sensors," Robin grinned, looking proud for a moment before he continued. "But there's still a lot of them between us and out."

"But now I've got room to move," Kid pulled his goggles over his head, grinning from ear to ear as he barreled through the doorway leading to the stairs, surging upwards at breakneck speed.

The group followed along behind, Robin's computer coming up as he glanced back. "More behind us!"

Superboy turned on his heel, stopping just before the genomorphs and slamming his foot into the ground. The stairway beneath them crumpled and Elliot grabbed his hand, urging him upwards as they continued to sprint.

Alarms suddenly filled the halls as they follow after Kid, red lights flashing and Elliot skidded to a halt as Kid toppled over, groaning from the head on collision with the sealed door. Aqualad frowned. "We're cut off from the street."

"Thanks, my head hadn't noticed." Kid muttered, rubbing his head gingerly as Elliot quickly went to his side, helping him up as Superboy and Aqualad tackled the door, trying to pry it apart as Robin's fingers soared across the keys.

"I can't hack this fast enough," his eyes shot upwards and Elliot eyed the door before shaking her head.

"I'd need time to come up with a machine capable of breaking that down."

"And we don't have time." Genomorphs began to fill the hallway and Robin turned, kicking down a door to the side. "This way!"

They sprinted into the corridor, only to come to a sudden halt as genomorphs filled the halls before them. Backing up a herd of them came in from the rear, and Elliot cursed as she realized they were surrounded. Her fingers pulled out the small cylinder, the ends quickly extended to a staff as the rest tensed, ready to fight their way out through this final stretch.

But a sudden fog filled her mind and Elliot frowned, her mind churning as she fell to the floor, the staff falling from her fingertips.

Is this how it ends then? Black dots appeared at the corners of her vision and she inhaled softly, her mind moving sluggishly. It can't be...right? Not something this cliché.

But as soon as it came, it seemed the world around her was beginning to clear again, voices ringing in her ears as she turned her head upwards, frowning as Superboy stood, facing off against the genomorph from before, his eyes glowing as he gazed at him.

What is... "Mecha." Robin's hand extended downwards, and she clasped it, rising upwards as their minds seemed to fully come back, and they gazed ahead, the genomorphs parting and Guardian gazing evenly at them, whatever spell he'd been under broken. And Elliot blinked, looking to Robin for confirmation.

"What just happened?"

"No idea."

"Go, I'll take care of Desmond." Guardian ordered.

"I don't think so." The genomorphs shifted, and Elliot nearly stomped her foot in frustration. So damn close. And Desmond narrowed his eyes, raising a tube to his lips. "Project Blockbuster will give me the power to restore order to Cadmus."

The flickering blue liquid went down his lips and the Cadmus scientist froze, his body suddenly racked with spasms. Elliot took a wary step back and muscles began to expand, his head snapping back as he let out a groan, morphing into a roar as his skin seemed to give way, a rock hard, grayish undertone coming through as bits fell to the floor like a snake shedding its scales.

Gross.

"Stand back," Guardian stepped forward and the new monster before them grinned wickedly, fangs bearing down. Guardian shot forward, only to be knocked aside by a sickening punch, his body colliding into the wall.

Elliot winced, muttering under her breath about the help he was when Superboy shot forward, his fist slamming hard into Desmond. But the man turned beast roared, turning and slamming hard into the ground. Superboy surged upwards, intending to slam down when Desmond rose upwards with a roar, grasping onto the boy as they broke through the ceiling.

A cloud of smoke and debris fell from the collision and Robin blinked, raising his grappling hook. "Okay, that's one way to bust through the ceiling."

"You think the guy in the lab coat planned that?" Kid questioned, and Robin slipped an arm around Elliot's waist as Kid grasped his hand, and the hook pulled them up and through the hole.

"I doubt he's planning anything anymore." Aqualad followed after them and Elliot quickly expanded her staff, as Superboy suddenly flew over them, toppling into Aqualad as they skidded to the floor.

They came together and regrouped, the five of them lining up for a brief moment as Desmond rose, and Elliot blinked, suddenly realizing how picture perfect this moment seemed as they faced off against this villain before them.

Under better circumstances, she really wished she could take a picture right now.

But. A furious roar shook the walls around them and Elliot tapped a small button at the bottom of her staff, the ends coming to life as they began to crackle with electricity. Looks like we'll have to do this another time.

Kid Flashed zipped forward, a yellow and red blur as he skidded past Desmond, forcing the brute to turn, and momentarily distracted, Superboy and Aqualad surged forward, delivering a swift punch to his face. A roar of pain left his lips and he staggered backwards, Kid arched his back and causing him to trip over and onto the floor. "Learned that one in kindergarten."

Robin leapt over him and flung his batarangs out, only to have them swatted to the side as he turned. But the beast was met face first with a hard staff as Elliot slammed it downwards, the end expanding in size to a hammer-shape as she brought it down, bolts crackling at the ends.

A clawed hand gripped the steel staff and she blinked, a rush of air leaving her as she was launched over his head, her body bracing for the impact when a gust of air blew past her, firm arms under her legs and curled around her back. Elliot blinked, glancing upwards as Kid smirked back down at her, skidding to a halt. "Heroes protect people, right?"

"See how long that lasts," she patted his cheek and launched herself upwards, a hook shooting from her belt and swinging her across the ceiling as tousled with the beast below. Her hands slipped into her belt and she pulled forth several spheres, clicking small buttons on the end as they began to expand, lights blinking at the top as she dropped them down below.

The explosion rocketed off the back of the former scientist and he roared, turning around as Superboy slammed his fist into him. Elliot searched through her belt, trying to find something to work with when it enclosed around an oddly shaped cube. The girl blinked, pulling it from her belt when her eyes widened in recognition from the contraption she'd been working on before.

Of course. She smirked, the smile vanishing from her face when Kid and Aqualad were knocked to the side, a pillar crumbling beneath them from the force of the impact. She brought the little gadget to her lips. "Please work."

She let the cube sail downwards, the small piece of metal bouncing off the scientist's solid back before it cluttered to the floor. Elliot watched, waiting hopefully until small spider-like legs expanded form the box, the entire thing slowly beginning to expand outwards as veins seemed to criss cross along the floor, covering the ground in steel threads.

I need to start making more of those. Desmond toppled over the near invisible strings, and Elliot leapt downwards, arching midair as Robin threw a line and she grasped onto it, sailing downwards until her boots collided with the hardened head.

"Mecha!" Her eyes snapped toward Robin, her friend raising his arm and showing her the layout of the room they were in. Realization clicked into place as she toppled to the ground, leaping over bits of debris as Robin flung a few batarangs her way, and her gloved hands caught them in the air as she slipped it into her pockets. "The last two at the end!"

"Got it!"

Kid Flash zipped past her, a punch landing on the brute's face when he skidded to a halt, blinking at the shred of skin in his hands until he held it up. "Got your nose!"

Superboy was tossed to the ground and Desmond roared, following after Kid as he zipped this way and that, leading him through the pillars, watching as they crumpled and fell under his weight. A steel thread shot out and Desmond tripped, slamming into another pillar and toppling it to the ground as Elliot tossed the batarangs Robin had given her, setting a detonation sequence as she turned.

Her eyes widened and she ducked, hissing as a piece of rock collided into her shoulder, knocking her off balance and to the floor. She scanned the ground and located the area Robin had designated, bright chalk marking the 'x' on the floor as Superboy and Aqualad demolished the other two pillars.

Elliot quickly made her way to the small contraption, hitting a few buttons and fishing out her screwdriver as she adjusted a few bolts. The spider-box turned and curled, withdrawing the various threads and shooting them straight along one wall as Aqualad spread water across the floor. Kid Flash ran by, skidding across the water and sliding to a halt as Desmond ran to attack.

Superboy soared over her head and slammed into the beast, knocking him to the ground as her steel web caught him, locking him into place as Aqualad sent an electricity current running along the water until it hit. A roar of pain filled the air and Robin pressed a button. "Move!"

Within seconds the walls came tumbling down around them, beams and pillars fell to the floor as a roar was cut short, and Elliot sprinted, the walls tumbling down. A heavy body lurched forward and Superboy launched himself over her and Kid, toppling them to the floor as the ceiling came crashing down.

Darkness and smoke filled her vision for the briefest moments, pain racking through her side until there was a lurch, like a heavy weight being lifted off them, and Superboy stood, knocking aside the piece of rock that'd been pinning them to the ground.

Free of dust and debris, Elliot shot up from the ground, panting as she leaned over bits of rubble, chest heaving up and down. The rest of them mimicked the action, breathing heavily, bits and pieces of their uniforms tattered, a pale light illuminating their figures.

"We...did it." Aqualad breathed, incredulous as Elliot slumped to the ground, her back against Robin's as he grinned.

"Was there...ever any...doubt?" He raised and hand, Kid high fiving it, but the action caused both teens to winced, and Elliot tried to laugh until her chest heaved with pain from the action and she grimaced.

The Cadmus scientist lay unconscious beneath the heavy bits of rubble, and Elliot rose, waving away Robin's hand this time as she gazed at Superboy, the black haired clone gazing at the rubble before him, as if in disbelief. The light shining down on them suddenly reminded Elliot and she stepped forward, gently tapping him on the shoulder and Superboy turned.

A wide smile split her lips, and Kid grinned. "See? The moon."

And the pale, luminous sphere above them shone down brightly, fully, enveloping them in a silvery band of light, casting aside all shadows behind them. Elliot contemplated taking a picture of it for a moment before a figure appeared on the horizon, and her eyes widened in recognition of the familiar flying form.

"And Superman," Kid added, crossing his arms over his chest as Superboy's eyes widened. "Do we keep our promises or what?"

The Kryptonian came to a landing before them, and Elliot tensed as other members began to file in. Leaguers filling the stands left and right, and a green platform lowered to the ground as well as Batman stepped forward, the Flash appearing alongside him.

Well... Knowing that a full, thorough explanation was about to happened, Elliot sighed, turning her head upwards to the moon, round and luminous against the inky canvas.

At least the moon looks beautiful tonight.

---

Golden amber irises watched as the Cadmus scientist was carried away, the taut, heavy silence in the air now that Superboy's origins had been thrown out and heard. The five teens stood together, Elliot nervously fiddling with whatever scraps of metal she'd picked up while Superboy turned, footsteps approaching as he faced Superman.

"We'll figure something out for you—the League will, I mean." Elliot winced, a screw not slipping into its place as Superboy shifted. "For now... I better make sure they get that Blockbuster creature squared away."

Within seconds Superman was off, disappearing into the night sky and leaving Superboy behind. Elliot frowned, tempted to voice her opinion on how the Man of Steel seemed to be running off when Superboy glanced downwards, looking away. Elliot paused, shifting as she shuffled through her belt and her fingers enclosed around a larger, hard item. Her eyes widened in realization and she pulled out the camera, her lips turning upwards as she stalked forward.

"Superboy!" Clear water blue eyes snapped to her figure and Elliot leapt forward, slinging an arm around his shoulder as she stretched onto her tip toes, stretching her arm out as she held the camera before them. "Say cheese!"

A gentle flash went off once, twice, two photos popped out and Superboy blinked, shaking his head and taking a step back in surprise. He opened his mouth to protest when he paused, Elliot smiling brightly up at him as she held a photo in her hand, offering it to him. "That's a keeper, don't you think?"

The color printed photo illustrated a confused, wide eyed Superboy in his brief moment of confusion and Elliot's grinning, torn mask, dirt streaked face beside him. Superboy stopped, gazing at the photo as she slid it into his hands and pocketed the second one. "You should keep that."

His blues met her gold and she grinned. "Think of it as a commemorative present for our first mission together."

"But this... The photos from before—"

"And those, well, I need a few of them back, but the rest you can keep." She flashed him a wink and blinked in realization as Superboy remained dumbfounded, staring at the photo in his hands as she turned. "Robs, Kid, Aqualad, c'mere for a sec!"

Robin and Kid turned, spotting the camera in her hands and grinning despite themselves while Aqualad blinked, looking mildly confused as he walked forward. "Stand as close as you guys can will you? You too Superboy, hop in."

The young super looked confused, until Kid jerked him in, and Elliot turned in a full circle before she settled on a piece of debris, setting the camera down and flicking the timer. She quickly slid into the group, her arm sliding around Robin, his doing the same as Kid's arm laid itself over her shoulders. A bright smile touched her lips and the flash went off, the light shining before it dispersed and the photo slid out. Kid quickly zipped forward, plucking the photo out and grinning. "Am I photogenic or what?"

Elliot plucked the photo from his hands and she gazed down at it, a smile split her lips at the image of the five of them, ragged, dirtied, but smiling—well, Superboy sort of glared, and Aqualad looked like he really did try—brought a flutter of warmth her heart as she slid it into her pocket. "That's a keeper."

The sudden burst of happiness came to a screech halt when a familiar presence appeared behind her, and she suddenly realized she should be looking after herself before taking photos.

"Cadmus will be thoroughly investigated, all fifty-two levels." Batman concluded finally, stepping forward, cloaked in shadows as he gazed down at them. "But let's make one thing clear—"

"You should've called," Flash interrupted, Batman glancing to him out of the corner of his cowl as the speedster crossed his arm over his chest, eyes narrowed.

"End results aside, we are not happy." Batman continued, and Elliot winced, her fingers drumming along her belt until Superboy flung his arm out, ceasing the rapid tapping as she shyly slid her hands into her pockets instead. "You hacked Justice League systems, disobeyed direct orders, and endangered lives, specifically those of non-Leaguers." Elliot winced at that, knowing where it was directed at. "You will not be doing this again."

At that final phrase though, the trepid fear at the idea of a scolding from Batman suddenly vanished, pushed aside as she paused, her fingers no longer drumming along her belt as she glanced upwards. And golden eyes hardened as Robin stepped forward, and Aqualad spoke up. "I'm sorry, but we will."

"Aqualad, stand down." Aquaman ordered, and the fellow hero shook his head, touching his chest.

"My apologies my king, but no." Aquaman arched a brow. "We did good work here tonight, the work you trained us to do, together, on our own; we forged something great and powerful—important."

"If this is about your treatment at the hall," Flash began, "the four of you—"

"Five. Five of us." Kid Flash corrected. "And it's not."

"Batman, we're ready to use what you taught us." Robin stepped forward, opening up his arms as he gestured to his fellow heroes. "Or why teach us at all?"

"We don't have to sit back and wait for our time to come," Elliot added, and Batman gazed hard at her, eyes like melted gold as she gazed back evenly. "You taught us to be able to be ready for this day."

"Why let them tell us what to do?" Superboy snapped, crossing his arms over his chest as he narrowed his eyes. "It's simple, get on board, or get out of the way."

The moon shone down, bright, powerful, and the five young heroes stood tall, facing the people who had brought them to this point evenly and without any hesitation. Batman remained silent, his eyes narrowing slightly beneath his cowl.

I just want to help however I can. Elliot stood tall, tilting her chin upwards and narrowing her eyes slightly, refusing to budge under her mentor's stare. Even if he won't put me on the team with them, I want to help.

But in that moment as the light of the moon shone down, their fates were sealed. They'd stepped out from the shadows and into the light, and they only path they could continue to march on was forward.

The dice had been cast.

---

"This cave was the original secret sanctuary of the Justice League," Batman stalked down the line of heroes, his gaze flickering to the sudden mess of tousled dark locks and oil smeared face before he continued. "But we're calling it into service again. Since you five are so determined to stick together and fight the good fight, you'll do it on League terms. Red Tornado has volunteered to live here and be your supervisor. Black Canary's in charge of training. I will deploy you on missions."

"Real missions?" Robin prodded.

"Yes, but covert." Batman answered firmly, and Flash grinned beside them.

"The League will still handle the obvious stuff. There's a reason we have these big targets on our chests."

"But Cadmus proves that the bad guys are getting smarter, and Batman needs a team to operate on the sly." Aquaman smiled slightly and Batman turned back to them.

"The six of you will be that team."

Elliot's eyes hone brighter and she stepped forward. "Then—"

"The original plan the other day had been for you to undergo an assessment to see if you would be ready to work out in the field alongside Robin and the rest," Batman began, and Elliot's eyes went wide. "But with the change of events, plans were rewritten, and it was decided you had rightfully earned your spot on this team."

Golden eyes shone brightly, Elliot's lips splitting upwards into a wide grin until Batman added. "But you will be playing a larger role here at base, and your participation in missions will be limited at certain times."

Elliot deflated slightly, understanding she'd have to take what she could get for now.

"That's great, but six of us?" Robin questioned and Elliot blinked, craning her head and doing a mental countdown and only coming up with five.

Two figures stepped from the shadows of the entrance and the group turned, Elliot blinking in surprise as a young girl stepped into the light alongside M.M. "This is Martian Manhunter's niece, Miss Martian."

"Hi," the freckled green-skin girl smiled, long auburn locks falling down her shoulders as she offered a small wave.

"I didn't know he had a niece," Elliot commented off handedly, trying in vain to wipe off the oil stains on her cheek as Kid simply grinned, a dazzled look flickering across his face.

"Liking this gig more every minute," he stepped forward, extending his arms outwards. "I'm Kid Flash, that's Robin, Aqualad, Mecha—it's cool if you forget their names."

"I'm honored to be included," Miss Martian smiled shyly, and her eyes locked on Elliot's form, a look of excitement flickering through them as she somewhat brushed by Kid. "It's great to know there's another girl on the team as well!"

"...same." Elliot blinked, glancing down at her black stained hands and wiping it off on her tank top before she offered her a crooked smile. "Nice to meet you."

A body seemed to be missing from the group and Elliot tipped her head back. "Superboy, come meet our new teammate."

Superboy paused, shifting before he stalked forward silently. Miss Martian smiled as he approached, and the white color of her shirt turned black. "I like your shirt."

Superboy blinked before the corner of his lip turned slightly upwards, and Kid slung an arm around his shoulder, grinning and Elliot smiled, the presence of the photo in her back pocket suddenly warm as she gazed at the people before her, small, but a gentle opening. The door she'd kept so carefully closed to those she'd considered her family was letting go of a lock, and it was slowly starting to push open.

And with that, the first step from the shadows had been taken.

And there was no going back.

---

Goodness gracious that was a long first chapter, but the idea of splitting the first episode seemed a little eh to me, so I decided to fill it all in. I really hope you all enjoyed the first read of Veni Mecum, and I really, really am excited to finally begin this story, especially a story for Young Justice because I fell in love with the show the moment I saw it, and I had to write a story for it.

I'm also looking forward to writing Elliot's character, mainly because she's such a normal, odd mashup of traits from characters I've written before, so I hope you'll all enjoy her as well.

I apologize for the length, but hopefully it was enjoyable! Thank you all for taking out the time and giving it a shot, it really means a lot to me. :)

THANKS YOU LOVELY PEOPLE. HOPE YOU ALL STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER. ;)

Marshmellow-

-OUT!