Chapter 1: Today's the Day
'Duck, roll, try not to hit Dinah, I mean Black Canary…' Natalie thought as she and Dinah Lance dodged icicle after icicle being hurled at them by Icicle Jr.
"Is that the best you two can do?" chittered Jr as he looked around uncertainly. Not noticing the box that was thrown at his feet. Ducking down Natalie, known as Blue Jay to the star city residents put her hands over her ears as the box allowed a canary cry nearly as powerful as Black Canary's to knock Jr off his feet.
"Not even close popsicle boy," Blue Jay called as she ran forward just as Jr. was getting up and jumped managing to get her legs around his throat and use her weight and strength to pull him forward so that he landed on the ground.
"Jay they're here," Canary called causing Blue Jay to let go of Jr. Running after her mentor she grinned as she saw Speedy and Green Arrow.
"I was wondering when I'd get attention from you two," Jr called up to the archers with a quirk of his icy blue lips. It wasn't long before he started flinging Icicles at them. Blue Jay nearly ran to help when Canary caught her and shook her head.
"I know you can beat him Jay, but Green Arrow does have dibs on him, if it didn't take him so long to get ready well we may already be gone."
"Yeah right, GA will chat it up with everyone the goof," Blue Jay muttered and grinned as Roy dodged some icicles and shot a boxing glove arrow that hit Jr in the jaw and knocked him out.
"Huh, guess the kid had a glass jaw," Green Arrow cracked and looked at the less than amused expressions on his family's faces. "Oh c'mon that was a good one," he pouted.
"Yeah you're hilarious, now let's go! Today's the Day," Jay said pulling on GA's arm.
"Alright, alright c'mon let's get going," Black Canary laughed hooking her arm through Green Arrow's as the police put the inhibitor collar around Jr's neck.
Washington D.C.
Hall of justice
Blue Jay was bouncing on the balls of her feet looking at the Hall. Roy rolled his eyes and looked at her in annoyance. "Can you calm down, geez you're even more bouncy than usual," he said in annoyance as Green Arrow put his hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry Speedy but unlike you some of us actually experience excitement," Blue Jay said sticking her tongue out at her adopted brother in annoyance.
Speedy rolled his eyes at the childishness of it all while Robin cackled. "Chill out pipsqueak it's not like Canary is going to change her mind," Roy said while Jay looked at him in annoyance at the nickname.
"Hey Jay, can I call you pipsqueak too," Robin cackled only to grunt slightly as Black Canary hit him upside the head. "Ow," he mumbled rubbing the back of his head.
"No because I'm taller then you bird brain," Jay called sticking her tongue out at him too. Ollie snorted slightly at the insult.
Of course Jay just grinned at Robin and looked up at Green Arrow who winked at her causing her to smile wider as Black Canary moved closer to her young protégé. Smiling at the woman who'd raised her since she was seven she looked at the hall and didn't look away until she heard more people approaching their group. Looking over she saw Aquaman, and Aqualad. She shifted slightly and put a bit of distance between herself and them.
She wasn't fond of strangers, and that's exactly what the two Atlanteans were to her. Hell she didn't even like Kid Flash and Robin for the first six months that they were forced to be in each other's presence. Of course that changed after the two would not leave her alone until she talked to them, and it was slow but by the time the three had known each other for a year they were all close friends.
In fact at the time they were the only friends she had; well they were still the only true friends she had. Roy was her brother so he didn't count, but no one else knew everything about her life, not like those two did. Closing her eyes she felt Black Canary put a reassuring arm around the girl she saw as her own.
"Today's the day," Batman smirked at Robin.
"Are you two ready for this?" Green Arrow asked the two in front of him.
"Born ready," was Speedy's easy answer as he grinned.
"I think so," Jay said quietly causing Green Arrow to chuckle softly and ruffle the long black wig the rested on top of her head. Groaning Jay started straightening it out as Aquaman's deep voice could be heard.
"Welcome to the Hall Of Justice," he said his hand on Aqualad's shoulder.
"Aww man!" came the voice from behind them, causing Jay to turn and smile slightly. "I knew we'd be late," Wally complained to his mentor who just laughed.
"What are we waiting for let's go, now that the speedsters have graced us with their presence," Robin grinned as Wally pushed him; nonetheless the heroes started forward smiling with their protégés.
"Look it's Batman!" said one of the tourists lining up along the sides of the walkway for the heroes.
"There's Flash and Flash Jr."
"No that's speedy."
"Uhm Speedy is Green Arrow's side kick."
"Well that makes no sense."
"Dudes have all five sidekicks ever been seen together at one time?" Wally asked excitedly.
"Don't call us sidekicks," Roy ground out, "not after today."
"Sorry first time at the Hall I'm a little Overwhelmed," Wally rubbed the back of his neck embarrassed.
"You're overwhelmed Freeze was underwhelmed, why isn't anyone ever just whelmed?" Robin asked as they walked inside and were greeted with the huge bronze statues of the found seven.
"Uhm Rob, maybe that's why," Blue Jay muttered to her friend who looked awestruck and couldn't help but nod.
Laughing Kid Flash put his arm around Blue Jay's shoulders. "Hey Jay! Long time no see," he said happy to see his friend.
"You saw me a week ago doofus," Jay said but wrapped her arm around Wally's waist used to his playful flirting by now.
"Yeah but a week is a long time Jay," Robin said wrapping his arm around her waist in a playful manner.
"Uhm yeah, no not really a year, now that's a long time wonder boy," Jay said wrapping her other arm around Robin not noticing the looks from Roy and Oliver.
It was only a moment later when she became painfully aware of the cameras that were taking picture after picture. Frowning she tried to untangle herself from her two bestfriends but they only sandwiched her between them more. Giving up slightly she looked at Ollie pleadingly. "Alright boys, that's enough hands off," GA said pushing both sidekicks away from his daughter in everything but name and blood. Grinning Jay shook her head as KF tried to get up but ended up taking Robin down as well. "C'mon kids let's get inside," he said cheerfully stepping over the boy wonder and the mini speedster now on the ground. Jay offered both her hands pulling the two up and stood by Black Canary.
The door that read 'Authorized Personnel Only,' opened right as they stepped up to it. Martian Man Hunter and Red Tornado stepped out looking at the group of sidekicks. "Robin, Speedy, Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Blue Jay, welcome to the Hall of Justice," Man Hunter said walking inside the door with the Leaguers and the sidekicks following them. "You will now have full access to our gym, fully stocked gallery, and of course the library," Man Hunter said as he led them into the huge library.
"Well guys and girl make yourselves at home," Flash said with a smile.
The boys all sat down first and left Speedy and Blue Jay standing beside one another.
"Hey Jay you could sit with me, I don't mind sharing a chair with a beautiful girl," Kid called causing Jay to laugh.
"Yeah unfortunately I mind sharing a chair with a hormone driven teenage boy," Blue Jay said as she eyed all the books and she desperately wanted to go grab one, but she didn't know if Batman would be okay with it and so she resisted.
"We're going to have a quick debriefing over the coincidence that four Ice villains decided to attack on the same day. We'll be back soon," Batman told the young teens turning as he and the other Leaguers got scanned.
"Is that it?" Roy demanded incredulously.
"What do you mean is that it," Batman asked turning around his eyes already narrowed.
"I mean you're just going to leave us here," Roy said angrily.
"Roy calm down," Blue Jay said grabbing her brother's arm.
"No they're treating us like kids Jay, like sidekicks and I thought that things were going to be different now," Roy said jerking his arm from her grip.
"You've been granted access few get," Aquaman said crossing his arms and glaring at the young archer.
"Oh really?" Roy asked sarcastically pointing at the glass window where tourists were taking pictures, "Who cares which side of the glass were on?"
"Roy you have to be patient," Green Arrow said stepping forward with Black Canary at his side.
"Today was supposed to be THE day, the first step to becoming full-fledged League members," Roy argued looking at the other boys for help.
"Well yeah but I thought the first step was a tour of HQ," Kid Flash said uneasily.
"Only the Hall of Justice isn't the official Justice League headquarters. I bet they never told you three, but Jay and I know that this place is just a tourist trap, and a place to catch Zeta beams up to the real Headquarters, a satellite orbiting in space called the Watch Tower."
Jay groaned and shook her head at her adopted brother, "Roy," she said softly rubbing her face.
"You aren't helping your case here son, stand down," Aquaman said in his authoritative voice.
"Or what are you going to send me to my room? I'm not your son, I'm not even his," Roy said glaring at Green Arrow, "I thought we were partners, but now I know better. C'mon Jay."
"I'm not going Roy, just calm down stay here we can talk about this," Blue Jay said grabbing Roy's hand and pulling gently.
"I thought you of all people would get me, but now I see you and the rest of them are just kids, they were right about all four of you, but not me," Roy said throwing down his hat and jerking away from Jay so hard she fell to her knees from his strength. "You're still just a weak little girl Jay, a little girl that needed GA and Canary to save you, tell me when you grow up then we'll talk," he finished harshly walking out the door.
Blue Jay closed her eyes tightly against the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes she was stronger than that, she knew better than to let Roy's cutting words hurt her she'd heard them often enough. Moving to her knees she rubbed her face and looked up at the hand extended to her. Smiling softly she nodded her thanks to Kid Flash getting to her feet and straightening her black wig unnecessarily.
"Jay are you okay?" Robin asked walking up to the fifteen year old.
"I'm fine Rob," she smiled softly and looked over at her adoptive parents chewing on her lip. Black Canary smiled softly at her while Ollie just put his hand on her shoulder with a half-hearted smile.
She was about to reassure him, Roy had been mad at them all before he'd be back home soon, when a loud alert came up on the screen in the library. Batman walked to the computer and opened the alert revealing Superman. "Superman to Justice League, there's a fire at Cadmus," the man in blue reported.
"I've had my suspicions about Cadmus this may be a perfect opportunity to…" Batman cut off as another alert showed up on screen. Frowning slightly Batman brought it up revealing the magician Zatara.
"Zatara to Justice League, Wotan is trying to blot out the sun, I've tried to stop him, but I fear I need more help," Zatara said.
Batman's eyes squinted slightly in displeasure looking at Superman, "The fire?" he asked.
"Is easily containable and the locals have control of it," Superman answered without pause.
"Alright then," Batman acquiesced typing in a few things. "All available Justice Leaguers report to Zatara's coordinates, Batman out."
Turning around he noticed the four teens looking at him expectantly. "No," he said immediately.
"This is a league mission you four aren't trained," Flash said his hands on his hips.
"Since when?" Kid Flash challenged.
"I meant you aren't trained to work as a part of this team," Flash amended and gestured to himself Aquaman, Batman, Black Canary, and Green arrow who were each staring at the young protégés.
"Canary I can…" Jay started only to be cut off.
"No, absolutely not Jay you'll stay here with everyone else," Black Canary said sternly.
"You four are to stay put while we take care of this," Batman added and with that all the Leaguers were lining up to get zeta beamed to Zatara.
"Aren't you glad you didn't bring you know who," Ollie said to Martian Man Hunter.
"Indeed," Man Hunter agreed and Blue Jay frowned.
Turning around she saw kid angrily glaring at the floor. "I can't believe they don't trust us, they're treating us like sidekicks!" Wally said.
"It's not that they don't trust us," Jay tried explaining with a frown.
"Oh easy for you to say, GA told you about the Watchtower," Robin glared at his friend furious she'd kept a secret from him.
"Yeah like a week ago, Speedy's known for a year, and I wouldn't have known if Speedy hadn't slipped up by accident. Black Canary didn't want me to know, she said I was too young," Blue Jay defended herself in annoyance.
"My King, I thought he trusted me," Aqualad said sounding disappointed and heartbroken.
"I told you it's not that they don't trust us," Jay said louder but frowned as the boy's continued to ignore her.
"Speedy was right they do think we're kids," Kid Flash said angrily. "Why are we letting them treat us like this?"
"I have a better question, why didn't we leave with Speedy?" Robin asked looking at the other two boys.
"Look all three of you, Speedy has been having identity issues and it's normal he's 17 almost 18. Now I realize this is the unpopular opinion of the day, but we're still kids. None of us are legal adults, so maybe just maybe they're trying to save us some trouble," Blue Jay finally exploded yelling at the three idiots.
The three looked at her and Robin frowned crossing his arms, "If you're so determined that we should be treated like kids you can stay here I'm going to find out what Cadmus is," he told her in an annoyed tone.
Blue Jay groaned as the other two boys followed him over to the monitor. Sitting on one of the chairs she rubbed her face in annoyance. First her brother decides to break the chain of command, and now her best friends. It was something she never expected to happen. Closing her eyes she didn't open them again until a shadow blocked out the filtered light from the lightbulbs above. Looking up at him through her domino mask she saw Aqualad who smiled at her kindly.
Shifting uncomfortably Jay sat up and looked at the perpetual stranger. "I realize you do not want to upset your mentor, but we could use your help. I have seen many videos, and heard of your skills from Green Arrow himself. He said that you are a star student and can almost take on Black Canary," Aqualad said.
"Thanks and all, but you don't understand. And I can't take on Canary she is one of the best martial artists in the world," was all she said trying hard to sink into the seat and never be seen again.
"Aqualad seriously that's not how you're going to get her to come with us," Kid Flash said walking over. He hummed softly scooping her up into his arms then throwing her over his shoulder. "Alright guys ready when you are."
"Kid put me down!" Blue Jay groaned knowing she was going with them now no matter what. It wouldn't have been so bad if it was just Kid and Robin, but Aqualad was an unknown factor as far as she was concerned he could be something completely different than he was making himself out to be.
"Just like that we're a team on a mission?" Aqualad asked Robin amused.
"Oh yeah," Robin grinned then smirked at Jay. "You are not whelmed Jay bird, I mean they said stay for the blotting out the sun mission not Cadmus," seeing that she still didn't look comfortable he shook his head. "Alright KF get going."
With that Kid ran out the door and Robin grinned at Aqualad who shook his head. "I do not think Blue Jay likes me very much," he told Robin as they were following Kid Flash's trail. He wasn't going full speed yet and he was actually going a slow jog.
"Nah I doubt it's that Aqualad, Jay she just doesn't like strangers. I mean the first time KF and I met her she didn't even look at us, and we thought she thought she was just too good for us so we hated her right back. I mean we were kind of mean to her for six months, and then we accidentally got caught by Lady Shiva in Gotham. Jay was only with us because Canary and GA forced her; anyway she took a knife while we were tied up, and somehow diverted attention away from me while I was escaping. Then after I freed KF we both managed to come up with a plan, and we freed her. When we got back to the meeting place Roy had been looking for us for hours. He thought we left her tied up somewhere. After that KF and I expected everything to go back to normal on our next meeting, which almost didn't happen because Canary was furious, but she surprised both of us by putting away her book and talking. Six months later and we became really good friends and that was three years ago," Robin said with a slight shrug.
"So you're saying I should wait for half a year and see if she wants to be friends then?" Aqualad asked confused.
"No dude, I'm saying be patient she has major trust issues, and you have an opportunity to prove that she can trust you today. I mean you might not be the best of friends yet, but at least she'll be a bit more comfortable with you as long as you don't like push her into enemy fire or anything," Robin tried to explain.
Kaldur frowned at this, he couldn't comprehend why anyone would have reason not to trust him. It also made him uncomfortable that he was still having trouble understanding the emotion of the surface dwellers. There truly weren't many differences between Atlanteans and surface dwellers, but a big one seemed to be the variables of trust. In Atlantis trust was easily earned and unless you trusted someone evil it was not likely to be broken. He didn't understand Blue Jay, nor her lack of trust. He had done nothing to show her that he was untrustworthy. Finally seeing Cadmus ahead he put these thoughts out of his mind. Maybe if he saved her she would trust him; that had seemed to work for Kid Flash and Robin.
"Does he always run ahead," Kaldur finally asked as Kid Flash and Blue Jay streaked up the building Blue Jay now on Kid's back. Almost to the top they lost their momentum leaving the scientists they were saving on the roof and Kid dangling from a window. He watched in fascination as Blue Jay carefully put her feet against the wall and launched herself up into a handstand on the windowsill before landing on her feet inside the building and helping Kid Flash inside.
"Thanks babe," Kid grinned as Jay pushed him and immediately went to snooping. "Hey you know maybe you should give Aqualad a break," he called over to her.
"I… I'm sure he's a great guy, I just can't Kid, I can't without proof of that," she said softly looking down.
"Hey I'm sorry, I shouldn't have pried it's just Jay," he stopped for a moment thinking out his words. "Jay you're one of the coolest girls I know. I mean you're loyal, I've never met someone who'd risk her life so two guys she hated could escape. You're funny, I mean you're kind of mean but that's what 's so funny. I know in the regular world you have trouble making friends. I know that's why you're homeschooled because you're an outcast like I am, and Robin is, but us sidekicks, us heroes we're all outcasts so we can't hate one another," Kid shrugged and smiled at her.
"I don't hate him, I don't even not like him Kid, I just don't want to put my trust in him, and have him smash it to bits. That's hurt to much, and I don't like pain, but I promise I'll be nicer." Jay said.
"That's all I can ask," Kid grinned.
"I'll work on it," Blue Jay said softly looking away. It was odd of him to even try and meddle. Usually Wally was thrilled that he was part of a select few that Jay actually trusted. Now though it seemed like maybe he was getting tired of being one of the only two people outside her family she actually interacted with. 'God I hope that's not the case, if it is I don't know what I'll do,' she thought for a moment only snapping out of it when Robin and Aqualad came in the room.
"Thanks for the help guys," Robin said sarcastically walking over to the computer.
"You had it," Kid Flash grinned at his friend while Jay got up quietly and looked around. She walked into the hall aware of Aqualad following her and she put her hand on one of her Canary cry generators ready to knock the fish boy out if he even tried to hurt her.
Looking up and down the hall she froze as she saw something in the elevator. Staggering back she ran right into Aqualad's chest not even flinching as he gently put his hands on the tops of her arms following her gaze. Standing in the elevator appeared to be a man with blue skin, and horns coming from the top of his head. As soon as the doors closed Wally was out of the room looking at the elevator in confusion.
"Elevators should be locked down," he said with a frown.
"That's not all," Robin said pulling up a hologram. "This is a high speed express elevator, it doesn't belong in a two story building."
"Neither does what we saw," Aqualad said with a frown letting go of Jay and walking towards the elevator. Putting as much strength as he could he forced the elevator doors open looking down.
The other three came up behind him and frowned, they couldn't even see the elevator there were so many sublevel floors. Robin moved to the front and shot one of his grappling lines up at the ceiling then started down. Aqualad jumped on the line sliding down behind him and Kid Flash did the same. With a frown Blue Jay followed the three; thanking God that she had on gloves to keep from rope burn. At around sublevel 26 Robin's grappling hook ran out of rope.
She held on as he swung himself over jumping onto the ledge pulling up another hologram. Aqualad safely jumped over next, then Kid and finally when it was her turn she looked over swung herself forward and jumped landing right in front of Wally who immediately grabbed her arm and pulled her closer so she couldn't fall back.
Breathing a sigh of relief she nodded her thanks and carefully moved so that she was between him and Aqualad. It wasn't long before Robin removed the USB and the elevator doors slid open. The moment that happened Kid took off running with no abandon.
"Kid wait," Aqualad called after him and Jay shook her head watching in amusement.
"He's not going to listen, it's a speedster trait they always react before they think things through," she told him in a slightly uncomfortable way before running after Kid. She slid to a stop in her black and blue combat boots watching as Wally trips right in front of one of the giant creatures who didn't so much as look down at him.
Rolling out of the way Wally moved back to the others as fast as he could watching the mutated creatures in shock. Blue Jay watched them too, but her eyes immediately zeroed in on the little horned creature riding on top of one of the giants. Its horns glowed a cherry red as it looked at them before turning its head.
"No nothing strange here," Aqualad murmured sarcastically.
"Which way now," Robin asked pulling up a hologram that showed a map of the entire facility.
"That way," Blue Jay said after looking at the map and pointing ahead, "looks like there is a room of some sort, I bet you could hack into their systems and find out what those things are from there," she said when everyone looked at her strangely biting her lip. 'Stupid Natalie, stupid, they don't care what you have to say,' she thought looking down.
"Seems as good a place as any," Robin said after considering it. Shocked Jay looked up watching him for a moment. She was almost frozen as they took off running down the hall but shaking herself out of it she followed closely behind.
She stopped as the boys opened up a set of massive doors leading into a room filled with odd creatures that seemed to be generating electricity.
"That's how they're keeping the underground facility off grid," Kid Flash murmured, "they're generating their own energy with these things, I bet they're bred for it."
"It would go along with the Cadmus of legend," Aqualad said looking at the creatures in their glass prisons.
Jay noticed the confused look Kid was giving Aqualad and easily explained, "The Cadmus of myth created new life by planting dragon teeth in the ground."
"Uhm guys the new Cadmus is doing that too, they call them Genomorphs, and look at the stats on these things: super strength, telepathy, razor claws… These things are living weapons," Robin said looking at his friends.
"They're engineering an army," Jay said softly her eyes widening.
"Yeah but for who?" Wally asked looking at the hologram with Robin.
"Wait, there's something else, project K R, the file is triple encrypted I can't…" Robin said only to be cut off.
"Don't move," a gruff voice yelled and Jay froze. All four looked over and saw more Genomorphs running at them with a human in a gold helmet and blue outfit running beside them.
"Wait Robin, Blue Jay, Kid Flash, Aqualad, what are the four of you doing down here?" the man asked in a confused voice.
"Wait I know you, you're guardian a hero," Aqualad said.
"I do my best," Guardian said shyly. Jay frowned and moved to watch him she was back away from the front so she could study him closely no one even looking at her once.
"What are you doing here then?" Wally asked with a frown.
"I'm chief of security, you four are trespassing, but we can call the Justice league to figure this out," Guardian said.
"You think the league will approve of you breeding weapons?" Wally asked outraged.
"Weapons… What are y-" Guardian cut off. "Uh my head," he said squeezing his eyes shut and gritting his teeth.
Jay watched as the little creature on his shoulder looked at him and its horns glowed red just like before. "Take them down hard no Mercy," Guardian commanded as he snapped out of it.
Jay watched as Robin shot off another grappling line after throwing down a smoke pellet. Dodging the sharp claws of one of the Genomorphs she went into a forward roll springing up only to get Aqualad thrown into her. "Ow," she groans.
"Apologies," he said springing up as he took down three more, "go now," he told her and Jay didn't stop to consider it. Running she felt something scooping her up about to yell she looked over and sighed in relief as she saw it was only Wally.
"Sorry babe, not going fast enough," he told her turning down the hallway where Robin was hacking the elevator. "Way to be a team player Rob," he growled at their friend.
"Weren't you right behind me?" Rob asked with an annoying tilt of his lips as the elevator opened.
"Aqualad, we have to get him," Jay said just as Aqualad appeared battling more of those things. "Hold the elevator," she told the other two running at the Atlantean pulling out a Canary cry generator. "Aqualad run this way," she called.
Kaldur looked up at the girl and did what she said, the moment he was behind her she threw the generator after turning up its level causing a cry that would incapacitate the entire group of Genomorphs.
Shaking her head she turned back where all three boys were trying to keep the doors open. Running as fast as she could she dropped into a side roll getting into the elevator as all three boys jumped back inside careful to avoid Jay on the floor. Laying on the floor she closed her eyes for a moment.
"We're going down," she heard suddenly looking up she saw Aqualad looking at Robin as if he'd grown a second head.
"Uhm dude out is up," Wally agreed with Aqualad.
"Yeah but project K R is down on the 52nd floor," Robin said crossing his arms, "and will you get off the floor?" he said looking down at Jay.
"Oh bite me bird boy," Jay said moving so that she was sitting up. "This has gone too far Rob we need to leave."
Wally extended a hand to her helping her up right as the elevator stopped.
"We're already here guys let's just explore a little and then we can leave," Rob said as the doors opened.
"Yeah well which way do you want to explore first? Bizarre hallway number 1, or bizarre hallway number 2?" Wally asked sarcastically.
Jay eyed each way just as a Genomorph walked down bizarre hallway 1, "Halt," it cried. The thing's horns glowed red and automatically it started lifting things telepathically.
"Two it is," Wally cried grabbing Jay's hand and running. She let go of his hand easily moving so that her hands were on his shoulders and she swung herself on his back. Kid ran as fast as he could until they got to a door with a Doctor walking out. Kid tried to slow down but only ended up falling causing Jay to fall from his back and roll on the ground groaning.
"Ow," she said in annoyance standing as Wally grabbed a metal bar and put it between the doors to keep them from closing.
"Guys hurry," Kid called jumping in with Jay right behind him, Aqualad followed and then Robin. Right behind him were the Genomorphs that tried to kill them, or some just like them. Aqualad kicked the bar from between the door causing them to shut. Looking back he frowned.
Jay was looking at the boy inside the tube in frustration she briefly heard them talking about how he must be Superman's clone. She didn't truly pay attention as her eyes studied everything carefully, that was until the three Genomorphs, which were inside the tube, moved and their horns started glowing. She turned around to consult the boys, but stopped as she heard the order from Aqualad to set him free. "No don't," she cried too late as Robin typed something in and the tube started opening.
She watched moving back slowly as the Superboy cracked his knuckles his blue eyes opening. The first thing he set his eyes on was of course her. With an angry roar he launched himself at her and she groaned as her back slammed into the floor and through the computer. Moving so that she could wrap her legs around his head and flip him over her. Instead he stood and it took two good punches to her left side and she felt and heard the crack.
"Jay! Leave her alone," Robin called just as Jay managed to get a bit of distance between herself and the clone. She grabbed her ribs as Robin launched his attack and she looked at Wally who was watching her.
"Three cracked or broken ribs, I'm fine," she said to her friend and gasped as Robin was thrown hurrying over to him as fast as she can. He was out cold, and that worried her. Turning slightly she watched the clone fighting Kid and Aqualad. Reaching for three of her soic devices she set them so that instead they were explosives and ran throwing one on each of the jars where the G-nomes, at least she thought that's what Robin called them, were sitting. She held her ribs tightly as she looked over and saw the other two down. 30 seconds until the explosions.
Meeting the crazed eyes of Superboy she tried to dodge him until he grabbed her hood on the back of her Kevlar suit his hand going to the back of her neck he immediately lifted her up as he wrapped both hands around her neck and started squeezing.
Jay started kicking as the pods exploded gasping she kicked back surprising Superboy with a hardish kick to the face that of course didn't affect him. Although the shock value still helped Jay get free as the jars containing the creatures exploded.
Jay landed on her knees and tried to gasp for air to get back into her lungs; black spots appearing before her vision. With a grunt Superboy flung her through the air causing the back of her head to hit his pod. Figuring this was the end she just looked up at him and finally the last of the haze disappeared from his blue eyes.
"Who are you?" He demanded looking at the beaten girl angrily.
"Blue Jay, here to rescue you," she wheezed her hand going to the back of her head. She could feel the sticky red blood falling through her real hair and down her neck, before she blacked out.
Rescue him? But why would he need rescue? He was the Superboy bred to replace Superman the guy who does the rescuing. Still looking down at her he shook his head and walked back to the doors. This was his home the girl was mistaken, he was safe here. Looking at Desmond he kept his expression blank as the man clapped his shoulder. "Atta boy," he said.
'You are in danger, you must wake up now,' a voice sounded in her head cause Jay to gasp and open her eyes. Shifting uncomfortably she noticed Superboy staring. Grimacing she tried unsuccessfully to pull her hands from the shackles and slumped against them.
'Great, you're completely useless and you lost a fight, Dinah's probably going to send you back into foster care,' Jay berated herself only looking up when she heard Kid's voice.
"Will you stop staring you're creeping me out!" Kid yelled at the clone.
"Uhm KF maybe we shouldn't piss off the guy who can fry us with a glance," Robin said.
"He could've killed us already, least he didn't do that," Jay said positively trying to slip her hands free.
"We only sought to help you," Aqualad said softly to the clone.
"Yeah we help you, and you turn on us, how's that for grat…" Kid started again.
"Kid please," Aqualad cut him off, "I believe our new friend was not in control of his actions."
"What- What if I wasn't?" Superboy asked.
"He can talk!" Kid's eyes widened.
"Yes he can," Superboy said angrily.
"Not like I said it," Kid grumbled.
"Kid why don't you shut up now," Jay said and looked at Superboy. "The G-nomes taught you?" she asked the clone.
"They taught me much, I can read, write, I know the names of things," Superboy answered.
"Yeah but have you actually seen them?" Robin asked
"Images are implanted into my mind, but no I have not actually seen them," Superboy said looking down.
"Supes there's so much more to life than this, trust me I get you. But you have to have your own freedom, live your own life," Jay said.
"I live because of Cadmus, it is my home!"
"Your home is a test-tube," Robin said.
"Do you know what you are? Who you are?" Aqualad asked.
"I am the Superboy, bred to replace Superman should he perish, destroy him should he turn from the light."
"To be like Superman is a worthy aspiration," Aqualad said softly.
"We can show you, we can show you the sun, the stars, the moon, and even introduce you to Superman," Jay said looking at the Kryptonian clone. He looked up at her and frowned slightly starting to move forward.
"No they can't," came a voice causing Superboy to look around at Dr. Desmond. "They'll be otherwise occupied. Now get the weapon back in its pod," he screamed.
"How come he gets to call Supey an it?" Kid Flash asked annoyed
Jay watched with a frown and looked at Desmond with pure unalderated anger. "He's a person too, what right do you have to treat him like he isn't," she yelled.
Desmond ignored her and walked over to superboy who stood frozen. "Oh don't start thinking now, despite what they say you are not a real boy, you're a weapon now get back in your pod," he growled as the g-nome jumped from his shoulder to Superboy's. Jay watched fighting harder against her restraints not paying attention to the stabbing pain in her ribs.
"Activate the cloning process," Desmond said.
"Pass the Batcave is crowded enough," Robin said just as three metal prongs touched his skin and electricity started passing through each of their bodies.
"Dubbilex? Oh where is he? Probably lurking as usual," Desmond growled.
"Here," the Genomorph said from behind him causing Desmond to whirl around with a frown.
"Right have the g-nomes start downloading their memories," Desmond said in annoyance. "After you're done then delete the source material."
"Supes, you can live your own life," Jay tried to convince him screaming as the electricity caused her body to convulse making her ribs ache sharply.
"Ask yourself what would Superman do?" Aqualad begged him.
With that it was a few more painful seconds before Superboy came barreling inside and ripped the door off causing it to shut off the power to the pods.
"I told you to get back in your…" Desmond said running forward only to be cut off as Superboy simply shoved him and his cronies back causing them to be immobile at least for the moment.
"Are you here to help us or fry us?" Kid asked nervously shifting as Superboy glared at him.
"I don't seem to have heat vision so helping is my only option," Supes said with a shrug.
Robin sprang out of his shackles and landed on the floor, "Ugh finally Batman would have my head for taking so long," he groaned walking to the computer.
"Dude seriously that's what you're worried about? The whole league is going to have our heads after tonight," Kid yelled.
"You get Aqualad and Jay, I'll get Kid Mouth," Robin told Superboy.
"Don't you give me orders either," Superboy glowered at the boy wonder launching to Jay first since she was closer.
As soon as she was free she staggered forward, "Thank you," she told the clone sincerely grabbing her throbbing ribs carefully. Superboy only nodded and freed Aqualad next. Kid finally dropped down beside her and hunched down.
"C'mon it'll be faster," Kid told her.
"I got you," Jay nodded moving so that she was on Kid's back ignoring the protest as he moved to the front with the others.
"You won't escape, I'll have you all back in pods by morning," Desmond yelled.
"That guy is not whelmed, not whelmed at all." Robin said throwing four bird-a-rangs set for explosion on the pods. When they blew up they also destroyed the DNA that was within them.
"What is it with you and this whelmed thing?" Kid asked as he ran beside everyone.
"We're still 42 levels below ground, but if we can make the elevator," Aqualad said to everyone just as some of the troll like Genomorphs stepped in their way. Turning around more Genomorphs came from the red circles in the halls.
Kid took off running weaving between the giants with Robin and Aqualad flipping between them. Superboy however seemed to be looking for a fight. As the four teens were on the other side Superboy remained fighting with the Genomorphs.
"You okay back there babe," Kid asked looking at Jay who was holding on tight.
"As good as I'll ever be with my ribs jacked up like this," Jay nodded and frowned as Superboy was causing the entire hallway to shake.
"Superboy our goal is to escape not bury ourselves here," Aqualad yelled.
"You want escape?" Superboy yelled back throwing one of the colossal Genomorph into the others. Aqualad ran forcing the doors open and Robin shot his grappling line Kid jumped onto the ledge while Superboy grabbed Aqualad and jumped up planning to fly out.
Kid hopped from place to place adjusting his weight carefully to make up for Jay's added weight on his back. Looking up he frowned whistling at Robin.
"I'm falling," Superboy said in astonishment and disappointment. If it hadn't been for Robin and Aqualad's quick thinking he would've crashed. "Superman can fly, why can't I fly," he said dejectedly.
"Dunno. But it does seem like you can leap tall buildings in a single bound," Jay tried to make him feel better.
"Which is still cool," Kid nodded helping him down and on a ledge.
"Thank you," Superboy said softly.
"Uhm guys look like we're gonna have to stop here," Robin called looking up at the elevator coming down. Aqualad immediately pried open the door and all five heroes jumped into another hall.
Jay groaned as more genomorphs came after them and immediately Kid started running, though not at top speed.
"Go left," Superboy cried from beside him and Kid listened automatically. "Go right," he called again and Kid did til they got to a dead end.
"Oh nice going Supey, are you trying to get us repodded," Kid yelled.
"No I don't understand," Superboy said with a frown.
"Wait guys this is perfect," Robin said as he jumped up pulling off the cover to the vents and jumped right in.
"Yeah maybe for a kid who loves the dark, for a girl with messed up ribs not so much," Jay groaned as she got down from Kid's back and jumped up on her own groaning at the strain quietly.
"You okay?" Robin asked with a frown.
"My head and ribs hurt a lot, which I know I'm being a baby so thanks for you know not reminding me. I'll be fine though, I just have to ya know tough it out," she grinned and Robin snorted slightly as he started hacking into everything from the inside finishing as Superboy was the last one in.
They five crawled behind Robin, and they followed his lead until he stopped and busted out of the vents dropping into a hallway by the stairwell. He kneeled down and started pulling everything up grinning when he was done.
"I hacked the motion sensors," Robin said smugly.
"Dude sweet," KF said putting his goggles on. "Hop on beautiful, I can go faster now."
"There's still a lot of floors between us and out," Robin said with a frown.
"Yeah but I've finally got room to move," Kid grinned making sure Jay was secured on his back he took off running up the stairs. Level after level was cleared, and when some Genomorphs got in their way he just bowled them over. When they got to sublevel 1 two huge doors were closing and Wally couldn't stop fast enough, Jay groaned and loosened her grip letting go and rolling on the floor as Wally ran into the doors and recoiled back landing kind of beside her.
"You okay?" Jay asked and Wally sat up rubbing his head giving her a nod.
"We are cut off from the street," Aqualad told them as he and Superboy tried pulling open the doors.
"Yeah my head hadn't noticed," Wally said rolling his eyes as he stood up helping Jay up carefully.
"I can't hack this fast enough," Robin groaned and looked behind him as two of the giant Genomorphs walked behind him. "This way," he called kicking open a door on the side and running through running through.
Kid immediately picked Jay up and started running after him only to stop as they were cut off by Guardian and other Genomorphs.
As soon as they were surrounded Wally groaned, and then of course the four sidekicks were forced into blackness once again. Jay fought to keep her eyes open, looking at the genomorph who'd been everywhere, but ultimately failed until the fog cleared and she opened her eyes from her spot on the floor. Pushing herself to standing position she looked at Superboy who was watching the Genomorphs in wonder.
"Go I'll take care of Desmond," Guardian told the four teens.
"I think not, you see project blockbuster will give the power I need to restore order to this place," Desmond said downing a blue liquid.
Jay watched with in astonishment as the man started growing and his flesh started peeling away to reveal a bluish skin that almost looked like stone. The moment he let out his roar of creation he launched at Superboy and the two went through the ceiling.
"Well that's one way to bust through the roof," Robin said shooting his grappling rope up Kid Flash grabbing on at the last second. Jay shook her head as Aqualad gently took her into his arms and launched them up through the hole.
"Thanks but I could've handled it," Jay said with a laugh that was cut off as Aqualad pushed her out of the way Superboy crashing into her.
Kid grabbed her and moved her away from the action. "Stay, and try not to hurt yourself any further," before she could even open his mouth he was back in the fray. Frowning she stood uneasily as Wally ran back over sliding between Desmond's legs just as Aqualad and Superboy punched Desmond. With Wally behind him the blue creature fell on his back. "Learned that one in Kindergarten," he said happily as Robin launched bird-a-rangs at him.
Making her way to Robin she frowned as Aqualad got punched through an entire column but watched as the support of the building shifted. She looked at Robin and he met her eyes immediately pulling up a hologram blue print of the building's support columns.
"Kid get over here," Jay called rubbing her face as Robin explained the plan. Jay grabbed a piece of chalk from Robin's hand and moved into position making an X. Aqualad sprayed the area with water while Kid ran around taunting Desmond into running into some of the supports. Robin set up explosives on the rest. As Kid came racing towards her she didn't even have time to move so he just picked her up in a practiced move sliding on the water as Superboy punched Desmond hard enough to knock him down. Aqualad quickly sent an electric current through the water leaving them only seconds before Rob's explosives would go off.
"Move," he yelled all four of them running to the exit. As the explosives went off and the roof came caving in Superboy covered Kid and Jay with his body while Aqualad covered Robin. The coverage helped the regular humans and speedster survive the crash, and Superboy was able to lift some debris off the group.
Wally gently set down Jay who grinned at the other four. "We did it," she said with a laugh wincing at her ribs.
"Was there ever any doubt?" Robin asked with a laugh of his own as he and Kid high-fived wincing only seconds later from the contact.
"Superboy look the moon," Kid pointed up to the sky where the moon was bright and luminescent. Then a figure came flying towards them at the same time. "And Superman, do we keep our promises or what?"
Jay stood up straighter as Superman landed, and then it seemed every other member of the league landed behind him giving them angry looks. Oh boy that meant angry parents though she hadn't spotted them yet. Of course then she saw John Stewart with not only Canary and Arrow, but Aquaman, Flash, and Batman. They all looked furious and Jay staggered forward a bit to stand with the others.
Kid helped her stand straighter so they could look everyone in the eye. Superboy stepped forward and pulled up the ripped piece of his solarsuit so that the S was clearly seen. Superman's stern gaze widened and he looked almost frightened.
"Is that what I think it is?" Batman asked.
"He doesn't being called an it," Wally stage whispered and shook his head and Superboy's eyes narrowed.
"I am Superman's clone," Superboy said and then entire league looked at him in fear and astonishment.
"Start talking," Batman ordered. Carefully Jay moved forward though Wally kept hovering making sure she wouldn't collapse and she took Superboy's hand even though he looked like he was going to punch her again she gently led him back to the others standing with her hand on his shoulder.
As they told the story Superboy filling in blanks that none of them knew, like how he knew where to go, the league listened to them careful and then split up to discuss it when they were done. Frowning Jay watched as Superboy looked longingly at Superman. Biting her lip when the big man himself walked up.
"Look we'll figure something out for you, but for now I better help get that block buster creature squared away," he said and Superboy's disappointment was almost tangible. Jay put her hand on her new friend's shoulder once again only to be shaken off roughly. Canary had tried to get her to let her examine her injuries but she'd told her that they'd have plenty of time at home.
Arrow told her that he'd only be okay with her staying as long as she stayed in their sights the rest of the night and she agreed even if it was reluctantly. For the first time in her life Natalie didn't feel like she wasn't good enough, hell she'd taken on a Kryptonian today and didn't die. That was a success in her books. Not only that but suddenly her small group of two friends expanded to now include on trial run Aqualad and Superboy. Both had saved her and her friends and that earned her trust, or at least part of it.
Batman started coming towards them and she stood between Aqualad and Superboy her chin held high. "Cadmus will be investigated, all 52 levels, but let's make one thing clear…"
"You should've called," Flash said from behind the dark imposing figure.
"End results aside we are not happy," Batman said with a quick grimace at Flash. "You hacked Justice League systems, disobeyed orders, and endangered lives. You will not be doing this again."
"I am sorry but we will," Aqualad said stepping forward.
"Aqualad stand down," Aquaman ordered.
"Apologies my King, but no," Aqualad said taking everyone by surprise. "We did good work here tonight, the work you trained us to do."
"Together we forged something powerful, important," Jay finally said looking at her parents.
"If this is about your treatment at the hall the four of you," Flash started,
"The Five of us and it's not," Kid said.
"Batman we're ready to use what you taught us, or why teach us at all?" Robin asked moving forward.
"Why let them tell us what to do?" Superboy finally asked crossing his arms. "It's simple get on board or get out of the way."
Batman narrowed his eyes and looked at the other leaguers. "Three days," he said and turned around. Robin smiled and waved at everyone going after his mentor.
"Hey Supey, you want to stay at my place?" Wally asked with a smile while Barry shrugged.
Superboy looked at Wally and smiled nodding slightly while Green Arrow went up to Blue Jay and winced at the already forming bruises. "C'mon kiddo let's get you home," he said picking her up carefully.
"Hey Jay you know you're welcome to stay over too," Wally said with a smirk and laughed as Green Arrow tried his best batglare.
"No thanks KF, I don't want to impose on your bonding time with Supes," she said with a smile as Green Arrow carried her with Canary behind them. "You know GA I can walk," Jay told him after a minute causing Canary to laugh.
*Time Skip*
July 8th, 3 days later
"Since you five are determined to stick together and fight the good fight you'll do it on league terms," Batman was saying. Natalie moved slightly and crossed her arms.
"How are you feeling?" Wally asked in a quiet whisper.
"Better," Nat whispered softly shifting a bit.
"The six of you will be a team," Batman finished.
"Yeah! Wait six?" Robin asked just as someone walked through the Zeta tube.
'Oh yay new people again,' Nat thought moving away from the front. She saw Canary watching her and she blushed slightly.
"This is Martian Man Hunter's niece Miss Martian, she will operate with you on the team," Batman said.
"Liking this job more and more every minute," Wally whispered to Robin as he made his way to the new girl. "Hi I'm Kid Flash, that's Robin, Aqualad, Superboy, and Blue Jay, but it's totally cool if you forget their names."
"I'm honored to be included," Miss Martian said with a kind smile.
Jay stood by Superboy while she watched the other three move forward. Looking down she rubbed her face. "Hey Jay Superboy come meet Miss M," Robin called to them.
Superboy started moving forward but Jay didn't she nodded towards the girl and turned around. 'I am sorry have I done something to offend you?' she heard in her head causing her to freeze and look back at the green girl.
"Stop," she said fiercely causing everyone to look at her in confusion.
'I do not understand?' the Martian broadcasted into her head again causing Jay to hold her head in her hands.
"Stay out of my head," she glared at the girl who looked confused.
"On mars everyone communicates telepathically, I don't know what I've done," she said aloud this time.
J'onn stepped forward and pulled her aside, "I will explain to her," he said softly and Jay closed her eyes. Walking out of the room to explore by herself.
A gust of wind was to her right and she rolled her eyes, "What do you want Wally?" she asked in a lack luster kind of voice.
"She didn't know, you didn't have to be so mean," Wally said softly putting his hand on Nat's shoulder. "Nat c'mon you promised you'd try. You're okay with Supey and Aqualad."
"Aqualad and Superboy didn't try and get into my head. Wally you don't know anything, and until you can figure something out I'm going home tell Canary and GA for me alright," with that Nat walked to one of the other Zeta tubes in the cave and typed in the coordinates for Star City before disappearing.
Wally walked out and went straight to Canary and GA, "She went home," he told them and the two looked unsurprised nodding.
A few hours later in her room Nat was reading quietly. She didn't look up as the door opened and didn't look at her parents until Ollie cleared his throat. Sighing she sat back on the bed looking at them, "Can I help you?" she asked meeting their eyes.
"Yes, Miss Martian feels horrible, can't you just give her a chance?" Oliver asked sitting beside her on her bed.
"You've forgiven Superboy, and he could've killed you," Dinah added sitting on her other side.
"Look Ollie Dinah, it's…" looking frustrated she pulled her knees up to her chest. "I'm trying, but it's not easy. They all just trust each other without a second thought, I want to be like that really it'd be so much easier. I mean sure now I consider Aqualad and Superboy as my friends, but they aren't like Wally and Dick. I mean I'd risk my life for them, but I do that every day for a countless number of strangers with you guys. I trust them but not enough to tell them everything, and right now Miss M. well I can't even give her that. So please let me move on my own time."
Reluctantly her adopted parents nodded and Nat stood up her blue eyes meeting in the mirror, with a grimace she let her thick wavy blonde hair down from its pony tail. She rubbed the pale skin under her eyes and walked into her private bathroom determined to try a little harder to make Ollie and Dinah proud.
Okay so I'm trying very hard to make my writing better, and I came up with the Blue Jay. Originally she was going to be under the Bat, but then I toyed too much with the idea of her being Dick's twin. Sorry guys I'm sort of fascinated with twins, but I ultimately don't like OC's that fit into the canon world by blood. So she's with Canary and is technically Dinah and Ollie's adopted daughter, I mean she's been with them since a kid, but I'll get into her back story later on. Just please I'm open to criticism, if you think she's too much of a Sue I promise I'll try to make her better. Also I was planning to make Traught happen. Just tell me if she's okay.
