Congratulations to SUuzyQ113 for winning last week's contest. Your one-shot is currently in the works and I will have it posted ASAP. And I give you...(imaginary drum roll)...chapter 2!

Project Sidekick

Chapter 2: Bonding

Dick quietly slipped into the large chair. He looked up at the Batcomputer and turned it on. Bruce had gone to bed ten minutes ago and Dick had been waiting. He wanted to know more about Red X and Project Sidekick. He trusted Red X but he was sure there was more to the story.

Dick pulled up the Project Sidekick file that he knew Bruce would've already downloaded. His blue eyes scanned through the information. The three clones, Blue Jay, Sonic, and Cyclone, were designed and trained to counter the originals and to be more powerful than their mentors.

Sonic could vibrate his molecules through solid objects and run at supersonic speeds.

Cyclone had incredible strength, the ability to breathe underwater, had a great deal of control of Anlantean magic, and could manipulate water.

Blue Jay…

Dick narrowed his eyes. There wasn't much information about Blue Jay. The focus was on Sonic and Cyclone. Blue Jay knew most types of martial arts, was an expert in throwing, and was trained to use a bo staff. He had a variety of equipment, ranging from grapples to exploding discs. He was a master gymnast, exceptional in stealth, and a brutal fist fighter.

"What…?" Dick scrolled down the page and kept reading. Things about Blue Jay were unfamiliar to him. He was supposed to be his clone. They were supposed to be completely compatible. Then, Dick came across something: a DNA signature. He knew his own DNA, so…

He looked at Blue Jay's DNA. Dick's eyes widened as he stood from the chair. His stare slowly turned into a glare.

"You know now."

Dick turned and found Bruce standing behind him. "Why didn't you say anything?" he demanded.

"It wasn't the time," Bruce said.

"So, something that crucial was just okay to leave out?"

"No." Bruce narrowed his eyes. "Red X doesn't know either. When the time comes, I will tell him and the rest of the Team."

Dick pushed his chair back so hard it fell to the ground. He stormed past Bruce. "I get it," he said angrily, stopping and turning to face him. "Wait until you can train Red X to be just like you and thentell him. You just want him to be better than me! You want him to be like you because you know I can't!"

"Dick," Bruce said firmly. He walked forward to place a hand on his shoulder.

Dick slapped his hand away. "Forget it, Bruce," he said. He turned and marched up the stairs.


That night, Red X stayed at the Cave. Red Tornado monitored him all night. Even Red Arrow had stayed at the Cave to make sure he didn't do anything. He slept in an extra bedroom, lying down perfectly straight. When he woke up, he dressed in a sleeveless portion of his Red X suit, black fingerless gloves, and black cargo pants tucked into his black combat boots. He walked into the kitchen and looked around.

Megan and Zatanna sat on the barstools, talking quietly. Conner stood next to Megan, staring at the wall with a frown. They all looked up when he walked in.

"Morning," Megan gleefully, floating up to meet him.

"Good morning, Miss Martian," Red X said, nodding curtly.

She smiled. "Call me Megan," she insisted. "And you can call Superboy Conner."

Red X smiled. "Alter egos," he said. "Do you go to Happy Harbor High?"

"Yeah," Megan said. "Conner and I do. Zatanna will be soon."

"Red X."

The four teenagers turned. Batman walked into the kitchen, that same steely expression on his masked face. "You and I need to talk."

Red X nodded. He followed the Dark Knight calmly, leaving Megan, Conner, and Zatanna staring worriedly at his back.

Batman led Red X into a dark room with a single table and chair in the middle. A small lamp hung from the ceiling and dimly lit up the room. Red Arrow, Red Tornado, and Martian Manhunter stood in the shadows. Batman held his arm out and Red X took a seat in the chair. Batman and Martian Manhunter exchanged glances. The martian nodded and Batman turned back to Red X. "Tell me about what you know about yourself, Red X," he said.

Red X looked down. "I am the clone of Robin," he stated clearly. "I was designed and trained to be the perfect adversary to Robin. I have been trained in various types of martial arts, from tae kwon do to jujitsu. I am imperfect in my design and was scheduled to be terminated before my discovery by Guardian. I healed Superman's clone Match's mind and we escaped. Match was eventually captured. I planned on capturing Sonic and Cyclone until I myself was captured by Young Justice. Now, I am in the custody of the Justice League."

"That's all you know?" Batman asked.

Red X nodded. "Yes."

Batman looked to Martian Manhunter. He nodded. "What do you know of Cadmus' plans?"

"Cadmus created me to counter Robin," Red X said. "When I proved to be unsatisfactory, they cloned Sonic and Cyclone
to counter The Flash and Aquaman. They plan on repeating this process with every single League member. Then, the clones will strike and take down the Justice League. And Cadmus and the Injustice League will rule, with the clones posing as the Crime Syndicate of America."

Martian Manhunter nodded at Batman once again.

"You're telling the truth," Batman said. Red X nodded. "Why did you leave Cadmus?" There was sincerity in his voice, something no one else in the room had really heard before.

Red X looked up at Batman. "When I was under their control," he said, "something told me that what I was doing was wrong. I started fighting the G-Gnomes' control over me. I broke free. I eventually started to help Match. I healed his mind. Cadmus still believed they had control over me. Once I was sure Match trusted me, I devised a plan to break out of Cadmus with him. But, Guardian found out about Project Sidekick. He tried to stop it, and he was defeated. Match and I used the distraction to get away, but we vowed to come back and free Guardian."

Batman stared at the clone. He knew how he felt. He understood his feelings. "Who ran Project Sidekick?" he asked.

"Desmond," Red X answered immediately, "Roland Desmond, the younger brother of Mark. After he was taken to jail by the Justice League, Roland decided to secretly act as Cadmus' head scientist. He started Project Sidekick and ran it with a mind-controlled Amanda Spence."

The League members exchanged glances.

"How can we be sure that you're telling the truth?" Red Arrow asked, stepping up.

"Ask your martian friend," Red X said, smiling.

Red Arrow turned to Martian Manhunter. "He has been telling the truth," he said. "What confuses me is this: why did you not immediately come to the Justice after you escaped?"

Red X looked down. "I was afraid," he said in a low voice. "I'd been told that I was imperfect, that I wasn't good enough. I was a criminal. I thought that if I came to you, you'd just reject me like the trash Roland said I was."

Batman's stony gaze softened. "You can go now," he said gently. Red X stood and walked to the door. "Thank you."

Red X smiled. "No problem," he said. He closed the door behind him. Maybe the Dark Knight wasn't so heartless after all. Red X walked into the main hall with his hands tucked into his pockets. The rest of the Team stood in the center of the room. But Red X noticed that someone was missing. "Where's Robin?"

"Rob said he wasn't feeling well today," Kid Flash answered. "It was weird, though. He sounded…different on the phone."

Aqualad turned to Red X. "I believe introductions are in order," he said. "I am Kaldur'ahm, protégé of Aquaman."

"I'm Wally West," Kid Flash said, pointing to himself.

"Artemis," the archer said.

"Megan Morse," Megan said.

Conner looked up. "Conner Kent," he said bluntly.

Red X nodded.

"That reminds me," Wally sped up to Red X and threw his arm around his shoulders, "you need a real name if you're gonna be a normal guy."

"Ideas?"

Wally tapped his chin thoughtfully. He looked up at the ceiling. "Eh," he said dismissively, walking away, "I'll come up with something later." Artemis snorted.

Red X nodded. "For now," he said, "you can call me Jay. It's what Sonic and Cyclone called me."

"Well," Kaldur smiled at him, "welcome to the Cave, Jay."


Artemis narrowed her eyes and took aim. She let the arrow fly. It whizzed through the air for a moment before striking a perfect bullseye. She smiled in satisfaction. She stood in the Cave's outdoor archery range. It was closed off with tall wooden fences with sand floors. Targets sat on one end and equipment sat on the other.

"Mind if I join you?"

Artemis turned around and smiled when she found Red X. "Not at all," she said.

Red X picked up a bow and slung a half full quiver on his back. He notched an arrow and let it fly. It hit the third ring of the target.

"Not bad," Artemis said.

Red X shrugged. "I'm still learning," he said.

"Your stance is too weak," Artemis said. She walked over to him and adjusted his elbow. "Keep your back straight," she instructed. She put her hands on his torso and straightened his back.

Out of the corner of his eye, Red X saw Wally walk by. He glared, jealousy stinging on his face. Red X suppressed a snicker and smiled at Artemis. "Thanks," he said. He took aim at the target and let the arrow fly. It struck the center. He grinned and lowered his bow.

"Good job," Artemis said. She smiled and placed her hands on her hips. Behind her several feet away, Wally walked away.

Red X looked at Artemis. "This is probably a little too personal," he said, scratching the back of his neck, "but…what's up with you and Wally?"

Artemis straightened in surprise. Her smile faded and she looked down at the ground. "It's a long story," she mumbled.

"I like stories," Red X said, shrugging.

Artemis smiled at him. Sometime later, after story time was over, the two teenagers sat on the sandy ground. "…and so now, Wally doesn't trust me," Artemis finished.

Red X nodded, taking a bite from a candy bar he nicked from Wally's cupboard in the kitchen. "That is highly unreasonable on Wally's part," he said, shaking his head.

"I know!" Artemis said.

"He wanted Red Arrow on the team instead of you," Red X said, "so naturally, you'd feel threatened by his joining. You feel like they might not need you anymore."

Artemis pulled her knees up to her chin and said nothing.

Red X's brow furrowed in sympathy. He reached over and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "If it helps," he said, "I think you're a great archer."

Artemis smiled at him. "Thanks, Jay," she said. "You're really easy to talk to."

Red X smiled. "Genetically," he said, "I'm 15 years old, like you."

"Really?"

He nodded.

"You seem older to me," Artemis said thoughtfully.

Red X chuckled. "Sonic said I'm too old for my body," he said.

Artemis laughed. "What does that mean?" she asked.

"I don't know!" Red X laughed as well. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised. He and Wally share a brain."

"That's unfortunate for him."

Red X laughed. His smile softened. "If Wally can't see what he's got," he said, "then that's unfortunate for him."

Artemis smiled. "Thanks," she said. She leaned forward and hugged him. Red X, slightly surprised, stiffly hugged her back. He'd never been hugged before, but Artemis wasn't really good at giving them. But it was still nice.


Conner sat on the couch. His back was straight, almost stiff. He stared at the TV which had only static on. Red X jumped over the couch and onto the spot next to him. "Can I watch with you?"

Conner simply looked at him.

"Okay," Red X said, shrugging. He smiled at the TV. "I don't know why, but the snow is somehow calming." A few moments of silence passed before Conner spoke up.

"What's Match like?"

Red X looked at him. He was and wasn't surprised by the question. "He's a good guy," he said. "He's very easygoing and loyal. But he's a bit conflicted about the whole good guy, bad guy thing. Match was made to destroy Superman. The S shield symbol sets him on edge. That's why he attacked you." Red X stared at the TV screen. "He's got a good sense of humor. He doesn't like it when bullies pick on little kids. He doesn't like it when people attack his friends. I know he's got a hero inside of him."

Conner looked at Red X. "Why did you help him?" he asked.

Red X smiled. "Probably for the same reason Kaldur, Wally, and Robin helped you," he said, "the same reason you tried to help Match. I knew that he didn't deserve to be chained up like some wild animal. He wasn't a weapon. I could feel his sanity. I helped him reach it and he became my friend."

Conner cracked a smile on his face. "I hope we can save him," he said.

Red X returned his smile and held his hand out. The two shook hands. "I hope so, too."


Batman stopped his pacing. He, Red Arrow, Red Tornado, Martian Manhunter, Superman, and Wonder Woman were in the Watchtower conference room. He faced the rest of the League. "I trust Red X," he said.

"Are you sure?" Superman asked. "He still seems dangerous to me."

"I have seen his mind," Martian Manhunter said. "He poses no threat. He wishes to help us."

"He seeks justice for the wrongs Cadmus has done," Red Tornado said. "Much like another hero we know." His head shifted in Batman's direction.

Red Arrow narrowed his eyes. "Red X is no hero," he argued. "He's committed crimes for Cadmus."

"Not of his own free will," Wonder Woman pointed out. "He was under Cadmus' control."

"That doesn't make the things he did right," Red Arrow said.

"No," Batman said. "It doesn't. But he intends to make up for his faults by doing the right things from now on."

"You sure know how he feels, Batman," Red Arrow said.

"This goes deeper than you know," Batman said.

"What's that mean?"

Batman narrowed his eyes.


Megan looked down at the cookbook. Eggs, milk, flour, and sugar rested on the counter. She skimmed through the familiar instructions for the cookies she planned on making.

"Hey Megan," Red X said, walking into the kitchen, "I heard you were making cookies. Can I help?"

Megan smiled. "Sure," she said enthusiastically. "No one's ever offered to help me before," she said.

"Well," Red X picked up three eggs, "I've never made cookies before. I figured I might as well learn." He cracked the eggs and poured the yokes into a clear glass bowl.

Megan smiled and poured the floor into the bowl. She added some powder and grabbed a wooden spoon. She began to stir the ingredients.

"Can I ask you something?" Red X said.

"Anything," Megan said.

"Why can't Wally and Artemis see what's right in front of their eyes?"

Megan smiled and sighed. "I've asked myself that question too many times," she said. Megan turned to look at Red X. "I
don't really know. It's like they deal with their attraction by fighting."

"Hmm," Red X hummed, "if there's one thing I've learned, it's that fighting is no way to deal with your feelings."

"I know." Megan poured some sugar into the thickening batter. "Wally and Artemis have been growing closer lately. But the last mission seems to have pushed Wally away."

"Yeah," Red X said, running a hand through his hair. "I talked to Artemis about it and she thinks Wally won't ever forgive her."

"He will," Megan said.

Red X smiled at her. "Wally's just a little thickheaded," he said. "But in time, yeah, he'll forgive her."

Megan levitated the cookie tray out of the cabinet and placed it on the table.

"Do you ever feel like you're pretending to be somebody else?" Red X asked.

Megan nearly dropped the second cookie tray out of the air in her startled state. Red X quickly lunged forward and caught it. He placed it on the counter and looked up at her, a worried look in his eyes. "I…" Megan faltered.

Red X walked forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. "What is it?" he asked.

"I just…I feel that ways sometimes, too," Megan said quietly, like she was afraid someone might hear her. Red X slowly pulled her forward into a hug. She rested her head against his chest.

"I feel like I have to be like Robin," Red X said, looking down. "I want to be a hero like him, but I know that I'm not him. I don't understand…"

Megan took his hand. "You don't have to pretend, Jay," she said sincerely. "Conner had the same problem. You have to be your own person. You don't have to be like the person you were cloned from or the person Cadmus wanted you to be."

Red X smiled at her as he pulled away from the hug. "Thanks, Megan," he said. "You'd make a really great mom."

Megan smiled. "Come on," she said, "these cookies aren't gonna bake themselves." She grabbed the sugar and poured some into the bowl. Red X went to the oven and turned it on. He smiled. If I had a mom, he thought to himself, I'd want her to be like Megan.


Around twenty minutes later, Red X and Wally sat in the kitchen, eating the cookies he and Megan had made. "Mm," Wally said appreciatively as the cookie melted in his mouth, "nothing beats classic chocolate chip."

Red X chuckled as he watched Wally shove his face. "So," he said casually, "what do you think Artemis would say if I asked her out on a date?"

Wally promptly choked on the food in his mouth and Red X held back a smirk. "What?" Wally managed to choke out, gasping for air.

"I want to ask Artemis out on a date," Red X said, looking down at the counter nonchalantly. "She's hot."

"What?" Wally repeated, steam practically pouring out of his red ears. "Dude, that's so not cool!"

"I know." Red X smirked proudly. "But it was necessary for me to prove that you're jealous."

Wally's eyes widened in what looked like shock, anger, and annoyance all rolled up into one emotion. "I—what?" he stuttered.

"You like Artemis," Red X said. "Duh."

"I—I—no I don't!" Wally sputtered. Red X raised an eyebrow and smiled knowingly. Wally's red face slowly relaxed. "So, you don't wanna go out with her?" he asked, leaning forward. Red X shook his head. Wally sighed in relief.

"She wouldn't say yes, anyways," Red X said, shrugging. "She's hooked on you."

And once again, as Wally chewed on a cookie, he choked. This time, Red X laughed. "Stop that!" Wally said angrily. He wiped some crumbs from his mouth and glared. "She doesn't like me. She hates me."

"Yeah, keep telling yourself that, dude." Red X had a wicked gleam in his eyes as he took a bite of his soft cookie. "You're in denial."

"I am not!" Wally said defiantly.

Red X smirked. "Come on, Wally," he said, holding his arms out, "we're both teenage guys here. I know how it is. You don't like her. I got it." He winked slyly.

Wally stared at him with a deadpan expression. "Don't do that," he said. "It's creepy."

Laughing, Red X wiped the cookie crumbs off his hands. He stood and walked towards the living room. "Whatever," he said. "Just remember," Wally looked up, "girls don't like to be kept waiting." And with that last lingering sentence, Red X walked out of the kitchen.

Wally leaned his elbows on the counter. He stared at the countertop, as though searching for the answer to his confusing problem. His appetite was suddenly gone, the only thing left in its place, a somehow sinking, and yet, lifting feeling in his gut.


Red X smiled as he walked down the hall. He was so deep in thought, thinking about Conner, Match, Megan, Artemis, and Wally, that he almost didn't notice when he bumped into Zatanna. "Oh," he said, taking a step back, "sorry."

"It's fine," Zatanna said.

Red X looked around. "So, what are you doing out here?" he asked.

"I was actually gonna—"

"Red X."

The two teens turned to see Batman standing down the hall.

"Hold that thought," Red X said to Zatanna. "Batman?"

"May I speak with you?" Batman asked.

Red X raised an eyebrow. "Uh, sure," he said. He took a few steps forward, before looking back at Zatanna. "Talk to you later?" he asked hopefully.

The magician smiled. "Sure," she said, nodding.

Red X nodded. He followed Batman down the hall and into the extra bedroom he'd slept in last night. He sat down on the bed and looked expectantly up at Batman.

The Dark Knight unfolded his arms. His hard expression softened. "I trust you," he said simply.

Red X's face lit up hopefully. "You do?"

"Yes." Batman knelt down and placed a gloves hand on the teenager's knee. "I don't believe that you're evil. I…accept that you're here and I'm…happy."

Red X smiled. "Thanks," he said. "I'm glad I have your approval. It means a lot."

Batman cracked a smile of his own. "I have something for you," he said.

Red X raised an eyebrow. "A gift?" he asked apprehensively.

"Yes," Batman said. He pulled what liked like a black, 6 inch skateboard with no wheels from his pocket. He pressed a red button in the center and it expanded into a three foot hoverboard. The hoverboard was black with a red X in the center that extended to both ends. The ends were red round circles. The board hovered on the ground with a faint humming noise.

"No way," Red X said in awe, standing to get a better look. He picked the gift up. "A hoverboard? And it's mine?"

"It's yours," Batman said, nodding. "Would you like to try it out?"

"Yeah, I wanna try it out!" Red X said excitedly. He threw it into the hallway and hopped on it. He shifted the hover balance from one side to another. "This is so sick!" he said.

Batman walked out after him and smiled as the boy did a 360.

"Thanks, Batman," Red X said.

"You're welcome," the Dark Knight said. "Now, go show it off. I know for a fact that Wally asked Robin to make him one a few months ago."

"Sweet!" Red X said. "Hey Wally, guess what I got!" He zoomed down the hallway and into the main hall.

Batman chuckled a little as Red X zipped away.


Later, Batman walked into the med bay. Sonic and Cyclone were lied down on two beds, hooked up to several different kinds of machines. Their bodies were strapped down to the beds, due to their struggles before they were sedated.
Martian Manhunter and Red Tornado were examining their bodies. "Well?" Batman asked expectantly.

"They are truly the clones of Kid Flash, Flash, Aqualad, and Aquaman," Red Tornado answered. "They have perfected DNA, genetically enhanced minds, and increased power from both the partners and mentors."

Batman narrowed his eyes at the clones. "Do we know how to break them out of the mind control?" he asked.

"No," Manhunter answered. "But perhaps Red X could be of some assistance."

Batman nodded. "I'll look into it," he said.

"If he is able to free them," Red Tornado said, "then maybe Sonic and Cyclone could fight on our side. They could be heroes."

"It's possible," Batman said. "We'll have Red X try tomorrow."


Red X, in full costume, minus the helmet, zipped down the empty Gotham streets on his new hoverboard. He knew where Robin would be, even if the Boy Wonder didn't know it himself. Gotham was surprisingly quiet. When Red X asked if he could patrol Gotham, Batman granted him access. Red X had been excited to see what kind of scum Robin dealt with in a daily basis. And plus, he wanted to speak with the Boy Wonder. He knew he wouldn't stay in just because he wasn't feeling well.

The night air was only slightly cold. A very light wind swept through the dark city. Red X couldn't help but smile with exhilaration as he hovered down the streets. He'd never felt so free. He'd dreamed about flying in his Cadmus pod, and he figured that would be the closest he could get.

Kicking off the ground, Red X launched his hoverboard up onto car and soared into the air. He continued zipping down the road. He past Wayne Manor and turned a corner. Wayne Enterprise Tower would be not too far away.

Masked eyes scanned the street in front of him. Criminals and thugs swarmed those streets every night. Batman dealt with them. Red X wondered for only a moment what it would be like if he was Robin.

He approached Wayne Enterprise Tower and slowed. Red X hopped off his hoverboard and onto the ground. The hoverboard shrank back to its smaller size and he pocketed it. He fired off a red grapple and swung up onto a higher level of a building. He hopped onto the top and found Robin standing on the opposite side, his back to him and his arms folded. Batgirl stood next to him with more relaxed posture.

She turned and smiled when she saw him. "So, you're the infamous Red X I've heard so much about," Batgirl said, delighted.

Red X grinned and took a bow. "I do my best."

Batgirl smiled. "I like this guy," she said, folding her arms.

"Pleasure to meet you, Batgirl," Red X said politely. He walked forward and shook her hand. "Hey, Robin."

The Boy Wonder said nothing. The wind gently whipped at his hair as he stared down at Gotham. "What are you doing here, X?" he asked stonily.

Batgirl cast him a slightly scolding glance for his rude behavior.

Red X only smiled, though. "I thought I'd come check out Gotham to see if it was as bad as I heard it was," he said, shrugging. "But, I see you, Batgirl, and Batman have it all under control."

"What?" Robin asked bitterly. "You weren't hoping to get in on the gig?"

Batgirl slapped his arm. "Robin," she scolded.

"Nah," Red X said, carelessly waving his hand. "I'm better off at Capital City. That place needs me. And from what I understand, it's where you saved Batgirl and Artemis three weeks ago. Nice battle with Joker, Cheshire, Sportsmaster, and Black Spider." He nodded and gave a thumbs-up. "Those guys are tough."

"I got shot," Robin said bluntly.

"Yeah," Red X said slyly, "but you saved the girl. And that gets you major points in my book."

Batgirl smiled and shook her head in slight disbelief. "You amaze me," she said.

"Well, I have that effect on the ladies." Red X winked.

A vein in Robin's forehead pulsed. He turned around and glared at the clone. "Why are you here?" he demanded.

"I told you," Red X said simply, "I wanted to see Gotham and you. How come you didn't come to the Cave today?"

"That's none of your business," Robin said.

Red X looked at Batgirl and shrugged. She turned to Robin and gave him that 'disapproving mother' look. "Would you stop being such a jerk?" she asked impatiently.

"Why?" Robin asked, as though someone might actually know the answer. "He doesn't belong here."

"If what you told me is true, then he belongs here more than either of us," Batgirl said. She had a fierce look in her eyes that almost made Red X want to cower in fear. He liked it.

Robin didn't faze. "Whatever," he said, turning away.

"Oh, no," Batgirl said, walking to his front, forcing him to look at her. "Don't you 'whatever' me. You're gonna have to deal with this problem sooner or later, Robin, and later isn't an option I'm giving you." Robin and Batgirl stared—no, Batglared each other down.

Red X shrunk back slightly at the intimidation of it all.

Finally, after a minute, Robin smiled. "Thanks, Batgirl," he said. "You always know how to set me straight."

"Hmm," Batgirl said, smiling, "it's my job, isn't it?" She fired off a grapple and quickly pecked Robin on the cheek. "See ya later, Boy Wonder," she said, swinging off into the night.

Robin smiled as he watched her swing away.

"That's a special girl you got there," Red X complimented.

"Yeah," Robin said. "So, don't even think about trying to steal her."

Red X laughed. "Wasn't planning on it, bro," he said, holding his hands up innocently. "But, uh, what did she mean by 'if what you told me is true'? What's that about?"

Robin looked up at him. "Tell you another time," he said. Red X nodded. "So," Robin said, "I heard Bats got you a hoverboard."

"Yeah. Wanna take a ride?"

Robin's eyes narrowed deviously as he smiled. "Do you even have to ask?"


"Wahoo!"

Red X chuckled as he watched Robin zoom down the street. He sat on top of a small bus stop roof. The Boy Wonder pulled a 180 and zipped around a fallen trashcan.

From his bedroom window, Bruce Wayne chuckled as he watched the two teens.

Robin finally slowed down and hopped off the hoverboard. "Man, this thing is awesome!" he said, jumping up next to Red X. "And Batman actually gave it to you?"

"Yeah," Red X said, smiling down at the board. "He said that he accepts that I'm here, and he's happy about it."

Robin slowly handed the hoverboard back to him. His smile seemed to have flown south for the winter on mention of his mentor. "Oh," he said flatly, "that's…great."

Red X furrowed his brow in confusion. "What's wrong?" he asked. "Did I say something?"

"No." Robin looked up at the dark sky. The smog was too thick to see many stars. But after living in Gotham for so many things, it still held beauty for him. Wally never understood it. He couldn't see it the way Robin saw it. "It's just…having you here is different. I feel like…Batman trusts you so readily. I don't understand it."

"He trusts you more than me," Red X said.

"I know," Robin assured him. "But there's still…something more going on in his mind that I don't understand. And I think you may be able to understand him—more than I ever will."

Red X leaned back a little. He stared up at the stars as well. He could make out a few stars the G-Gnomes had taught him about. Sirius, the dog star. There was Sirius A and Sirius B. They were just two stars in a constellation. Just two stars in a big, black sky. "I don't know everything about myself," Red X said. "There are things that I still have to figure out. And when I do figure them out, I think I'll feel more…complete. Batman seems complicated. I don't think anyone will ever be able to fully understand him."

Robin nodded. "I accept that you're here, too, X."

Red X smiled. "Thanks," he said. "I'm glad I have your approval. I'll have to say thanks to Batgirl, too." He laughed.

Robin laughed as well. "Yeah," he said, rubbing the back of his neck, "she's awesome."

"You're a lucky guy."

"Yeah." Robin smiled as he peered up at Barbara's house. He could see her open bedroom window. "I sure am."


Kaldur's head popped out of the water. He plunged back into the water and swam another lap. His strong arms paddled the water back and propelled his body forward.

Red X walked out to the pool with a towel and a pair of orange swimming trunks. "Can I join you?" he asked politely.

Kaldur gestured to the pool with his arm. "By all means," he responded.

The outdoor pool was, much like the archery range, blocked off with fences. It was connected to the mountain. A door from inside led to it. The pool was Olympic sized with clean, fresh water. Kaldur often swam out there when he need to clear his head.

Red X dropped his towel by the side and climbed in. He smiled. The water was the perfect temperature. He immediately dove in and stroked. Kaldur watched him with interest. He was a strong swimmer. Red X flipped and swam back. He rose from the water with his hair dripping. He panted, trying to regain his breath. "Kaldur," he said, "you were the leader before Robin took over?"

Kaldur nodded. "I was," he said. "We established early on that I would be leader until Robin was ready to lift the burden from my shoulders."

"Burden?" Red X questioned. He hopped up onto the edge of the pool and let his feet rest in the water.

"Yes." Kaldur did the same. "I knew that I was not destined to be leader. Robin was. Although lately, he seems to be questioning his own leadership."

"I noticed," Red X remarked. "He doesn't believe that he's…meant to be a leader, like Batman."

"It all seems to connect to Batman somehow," Kaldur said. Red X nodded. They sat in silence, listening to the sound of the water slowly slosh back and forth.


"Hyah!" Red X jabbed at the punching bag. Sweat dripped down his face. His eyes were narrowed in focus.

The Cave had a pretty dang good gym. It had everything Red X ever wanted to work out with. The punching bag hung from the ceiling in the center of the room, mats placed below it on the ground. There was benching equipment, treadmills, weights, and targets. The room was right next to the archery range. The walls were white and the carpet was dark blue.

Red X had taken off his shirt long ago. He'd slipped off his shoes and socks, leaving only his black pants. He judo kicked the punching bag and slugged it when it swung back at him. His face was hard with intense focus. Sweat trickled down his neck and to his firm chest and abdomen. He turned, kicked, turned again, and followed up with another punch. The chain holding the punching bag squeaked.

"Easy there, tiger."

Red X turned and found Zatanna leaning in the doorway. He smiled tiredly. "Hey," he breathed.

Zatanna smiled and walked forward. "So, I'm guessing that talk with Batman yesterday didn't go so well?" she asked, pointing to the punching bag swinging back and forth.

"Oh." Red X scratched at his neck bashfully. "Nah," he said, "it actually went pretty well."

"Hmm," Zatanna nodded, "so that's why you're beating up a punching bag?"

Red X smiled and took another deep breath. "Felt like it," he said simply.

Zatanna smiled. "I'm still holding onto that thought," she remarked.

"Well then," Red X pulled on his shirt, "why don't we talk about it over a walk on the beach?"

A few minutes later, the two were leisurely walking on the beach next to each other. The sun was close to setting and its reflection off the blue ocean water was beautiful. A gentle wind blew through Mount Justice.

"So," Zatanna said, looking up at him, "Wally tells me Batman gave you a hoverboard."

"Oh," Red X laughed and ran a hand through his hair, "yeah. Though, I suppose you prefer a magic broom stick, huh?"

Zatanna laughed. "Nice joke, ninja boy," she jabbed.

"Hey!" Red X said defensively. "Robin's the ninja boy around here. I'm thief boy."

Zatanna snorted. "Doesn't sound much better," she said.

Red X laughed. "I suppose not," he said, bobbing his head to the side. He looked up when he heard a familiar bird chirping. Two sparrows flew overheard, circling each other and darting away. Red X smiled. "Sparrows," he said.

"Yeah," Zatanna said, "sparrows." She looked up at Red X and took in his looks. His hair seemed to sweep to the right side of his head. Not in a Justin Bieber kind of way, though. His black hair stood up in a few places. A thick strand fell onto his forehead. His skin was a nice tan color. His eyes were a brilliant green color that put Christmas to shame. "So," she said, looking him up and down, "this is what the Boy Wonder will look like when he gets older, huh?"

Red X chuckled. "Well, not really," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "I'm an imperfect clone. So, yeah we'll look similar, but not, like, completely the same. I guess it'll look like we're cousins."

Zatanna nodded. "So, what did you and Batman talk about?"

"He said he accepts me," Red X said, smiling. "He's happy that I'm here."

Zatanna smiled. "That's great," she said.

"I know," Red X said. He grinned and kicked at some sand. "And I talked with Robin last night."

"Oh?" Zatanna looked up at him. "What'd he say?"

"He said that I can understand Batman in a way he'll never be able to," Red X said, shaking his head. "I don't know what that means."

"Maybe it means that Robin's jealous," Zatanna said. "I could tell he was upset when he found out that he had a clone."

"That's why I was kinda skeptical when he said he accepted me," Red X said. "I know he doesn't exactly like me."

"He likes you," Zatanna promised. And when Red X raised an eyebrow, she added, "To an extent."

"Yeah," Red X said, chuckling a little. "But, he likes you."

Zatanna scoffed. "Are you kidding me?" she asked, looking up at him. He was maybe 1 or 2 inches taller than Wally. "He's Batgirl's boyfriend. And there's no way I'd try to steal a boy from that girl."

Red X laughed. They approached a large set of jagged rocks by the water. He stepped up and offered a hand out. Zatanna took it and they sat on the rocks. "I met her last night," he said, nodding. "Yeah, I wouldn't mess with her either." Red X and Zatanna laughed. "She's gotta have a lot of patience to be dating Robin."

Zatanna looked up at him. "It's so weird," she said. She watched the way the wind whipped his hair a little more to the side. The reflection of the sun off the water illuminated his bright green eyes. "You're so much like him," she said, "and yet you're so different."

"Is that bad?"

Zatanna smiled. "No," she said, shaking her head. "It's nice."

Red X returned her smile. "I'm glad," he said. The sunset created almost a shimmer that seemed to cascade her body. She was beautiful. The two teens locked eyes. Unbeknownst to them, they were both admiring the person opposite them.

Batman, standing on a hidden balcony on Mount Justice, smiled. "Strange how teenage relationships work," he mused. Smiling only slightly, Batman walked back into the mountain. Red X pretended like he never saw him.


Red X and Zatanna walked back inside, laughing quietly. They walked into the kitchen.

"Red X," Batman said. They looked up. "Come with me."

Red X walked forward, then looked back at Zatanna. "See you later," he said. She nodded. He followed Batman into the med bay. Sonic and Cyclone were asleep on their beds. Red Arrow, Red Tornado, and Martian Manhunter stood in the corners.

"Ah," Red X said, "I'd wondered what you did with them." He laughed and shoved his hands in his pockets. "I thought maybe you killed 'em."

Batman gave him a look and he shut up. "You have the ability to communicate with other clones," he said. Red X nodded. "You healed Match's mind. Could you free Sonic and Cyclone of Cadmus' telepathic control?"

Red X looked apprehensive. "I could try," he said, "but I'll need some time. It took me a while to heal Match."

"Take all the time you need," Batman said.

Red X took a seat in between the two beds. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. When he opened them, they light up red. Sonic and Cyclone both twitched in discomfort in their sleep. A tense moment passed while the heroes waited for something to happen. Sonic and Cyclone slowly relaxed and sighed. Red X remained immobile. Everything was still.

Batman walked to the door. "Watch him," he said to Red Arrow.

"I will." Red Arrow narrowed his eyes.

Batman walked out and the door slid shut behind him.

AN: Yay, I did it! I updated weekly like I wanted! Kudos for me! Read and Review!

***Contest***
The first person to tell me what animated movie the Crime Syndicate of America appeared in will win a free Young Justice one-shot on the subject/genre/pairing/characters/plot of your choice! Just submit it in a review and I will private message the winner. Then, you can message me back, telling me what you want me to write the one-shot on.
Note: I will not do smut or slash. I like to keep my writing clean. I don't have anything against slash pairings, but they're not canon and it's awkward.