WASHINGTON D.C.

JULY 5, 2010

00:01 EDT

"Time runs short," A voice rang through my head. Urghh...my head. "You must awaken…" The voice trailed off "You must awaken, now!"

My eyes snapped open and I glared at the only thing I could see. Superboy. I tried to move but found myself handcuffed inside a pod. I glanced to my left to see the other three sidekicks all in the same situation as me.

I let out a small sigh of relief that they were all okay…well, alive at least. I frowned slightly at our situation, wasn't Superboy supposed to be, oh I don't know, frying us right now? I mentally chuckled at how I was expecting my own death; I mean it was bound to happen sooner or later.

"What-what do you want?!" Kid Flash demanded. I rolled my eyes at his obvious obliviousness. "Quit staring, you're creeping me out!"

"Hey Kid," I started, giving him a warning glare before focusing back on Superboy. "How 'bout we not tick off the guy who can fry us with a look?" Robin continued.

I shot him a look and saw he was smirking at me triumphantly, I looked at his right hand and saw why; he was half way through picking his lock. I glared at him but then let out a small smile, Two could play at that game; I extended one of my claws and got to work.

"We only sought to help you," Aqualad began,

"Yeah, we free you and you turn on us. How's that for grat-" Kid was abruptly cut off by me.

"Kid," he turned to look at me. "Shut up."

"I believe our new friend was not in full control of his actions." Aqualad spoke again. My gaze travelled back to the clone before us, waiting for a response.

"What if…what if I wasn't?" Superboy struggled out.

"He can talk?!" Kid Flash asked, surprised.

Superboy glared at Kid Flash. "Yes, he can."

We all looked pointedly at Kid Flash. He looked back at us and shrugged. "What? It's not like I said it."

I rolled my eyes and tried to concentrate on picking the lock with my finger nail, pretty handy being half cat. Damn, these were really locked. I snapped out of my daze when I heard Robin ask a question that made me freeze.

"But have you seen them?" Robin inquired. "Have they ever actually let you see the sky? Or the sun?"

"Images are implanted in my mind, but no, I haven't actually…seen them." Superboy admitted sadly. I felt my heart drop at his words, he was sixteen and he hadn't even seen daylight; admitted sixteen weeks but still.

"Do you know what you are? Who you are?" I asked, curious to see if the data was implanted into his mind.

He recited who he was, exactly as the data had read. To become a replacement for Superman should he fall but should Superman turn dark he was created to destroy him. O-kay….

"If you truly want to be like Superman then you deserve a life of your own. Beyond that solar suit. Beyond your pod. Beyond CADMUS."

He glared at Aqualad hard "I live because of CADMUS! It is my home."

"Uh, your home is a test tube." Robin observed.

"Robin," I warned, not needing to continue my sentence.

"We can show you the sun." He continued, ignoring me.

"Uhh, I'm pretty sure it's after midnight. But we can show you the moon." Kid Flash pointed out.

"Shit! After midnight?" I groaned tilting my head back. "Catwoman's gonna kill me!"

"We can show you…no introduce you, to Superman." Aqualad continued, ignoring me again

"Is everyone ignoring me for a reason? Or am I just too awesome for your feeble minds to comprehend!" I asked, slightly enraged, but teasing all the same. Superboy looked at me and showed me a small smile, while the other three just gave me a pointed look. I smiled back at Superboy, still struggling with the lock.

"No, they can't" A voice sounded from behind Superboy. I watched as Guardian, the female scientist from before and Desmond made their way into the room "They'll be otherwise…occupied." He said folding his arms over his chest. "Activate the cloning process."

"Pass!" I exclaimed. "Batcave's crowded enough!" Robin added.

"Oh, my dear Lynx. I didn't realise you were here too. How did you manage to get past the sensors? Oh well, it doesn't matter now, I've always wanted a pet." He smirked at me and I sucked in a breath between my teeth and shook my head.

"Sorry Desmond, cat's work alone, if you want a house pet, feel free to call up Calico, I hear she's always ready for a good time." I winked and smirked at him, watching as his face display obvious anger towards me. I heard Robin laugh beside me and I grinned.

The Genomorph from Desmond's shoulder landed on Superboy's and immediately his eyes grew dull and he left without a word of protest. I felt the lock on my hand click quietly and I knew it had opened. If I was to leave now I'd probably get destroyed, not a good idea taking on Superboy and Guardian at the same time.

"Start on Lynx, this will teach her and her mongrel guardian to mess with CADMUS." Desmond muttered under his breath, the female scientist nodded and pushed a few buttons, almost immediately metal claws shot up from the floor and latched onto my chest, sending electrical waves through my body. Electrocution, not fun.

"Take this as a warning." Desmond yelled over the buzzing of the electricity. "Once we've taken what we want, your body will be shipped back in little pieces. No cat will ever rob me again." He turned back to the female scientist again. "Now the others."

I let out a muffled cry, I wasn't gonna give Desmond the satisfaction. I have no idea how long we were there for, the only thing I heard was a distinctive ripping sound and then the pain suddenly stopped, I watched as Superboy had ripped open the door and had hurled it towards Guardian, Desmond and the female scientist, trapping them.

As soon as I saw that they were down I pulled the rest of the lock off and jumped down on the ground, stumbling slightly, the shocks had worn me out somewhat.

"I win." I stated simply, smirking at Robin, before back flipping over to the controls and hitting a button to open the pods. By this time Robin had jumped out and was muttering something about Batman having his head.

"Robin grab Kid, Superboy get Aqualad out." I instructed.

"Don't you give me orders either." He jumped towards Aqualad and ripped off the cuffs that held him. Once we were all released Kid made a beeline straight to the door and shouted a quick "Come on!" back to us. I passed the growling scientists and turned sharply.

"That guy is not whelmed, not whelmed at all." Robin and I muttered together throwing birdarangs and caltrops at the glass orbs that held our DNA.

"Great, now Lynx is doing it too. What is it with you and this whelmed thing?" Kid Flash asked Robin before running to join the other two.

"Uh, guys. Why are the pods glowing?" Kid Flash asked as we passed a corridor full of glowing pods.

"They're Genomorph cells or new-born Genomorphs. They are grown and born inside the walls of CADMUS." I informed them as we ran.

"Seriously! How do you know all this?!" Wally questioned me, slight irritation in his voice but I could tell he was joking.

"We are still fort-two levels below ground but if we can make the elevator-" Aqualad was cut off by giant Genomorphs blocking our path. We slowed down and looked behind us; Genomorphs were crawling out of the spheres and crawling their way towards us.

I immediately took my whip out and struck just in front of the biggest Genomorph, he roared at me and slammed down his fists, I dodged expertly and launched myself up onto his head. Extending my claws, I slashed at its eyes and rolled off sprinting down the corridor, Robin hot on my heels.

Aqualad forced the elevator doors open and I pulled out my whip. Robin was still fumbling with his grappling gun so I grabbed his wrist and pulled him up after me, clinging to my whip as we swung up.

I could see Superboy and Aqualad above us but then something happened. Superboy was falling. Robin quickly fired a Batarang out and Aqualad caught it swiftly.

"Superman can fly, why can't I fly?" Superboy questioned sadly.

"Dunno, but it looks like you can leap tall buildings in a single bound. Still cool." Kid Flash pointed out, trying to comfort the clone whilst helping him and Aqualad down onto the ledge we were perched on.

I looked up as I heard an elevator noise and saw it travelling down towards us. I quickly looked to my left. SL-15. This would have to do.

"Grab my wrists!" I instructed Aqualad and Robin, they both looked confused and Robin was about to protest until I screamed "Do it! Now!" They both grabbed a wrist each and I stuck my heel of my boot into the crack between the elevator doors and twisted my foot, creating a gap that I grabbed onto, letting their hands go, and pulled open.

"Is it just me, or is she a lot sexier when she acts in charge?" I heard Wally ask Robin, dreamy tone in his voice and I could tell he was fantasizing.

"Out! Now!" I ordered jumping out into the hallway. I started off running down the corridor unsure of where I was going.

"Go Left! Left!" Superboy suddenly called, I looked back confused but turned left no doubt, almost slipping at the sudden turn. "Right!" he called out again. I was prepared for the turn this time and I ran confidently…straight into a dead end.

"Great directions Supey! Are you trying to get us repoded!?" Kid Flash exclaimed, becoming more annoyed by the second.

"I-I don't understand." Superboy apologised, looking around confused.

"Don't apologise! This is perfect!" Robin enthused. "Nyx, can you get the grate?" He asked, turning to me.

I grinned and extended my claws, climbing up the wall and slashing at the grate seals, breaking them easily.

"Everyone in!" Robin instructed, jumping in after me. I opened my hologram on my wrist and directed us towards an exit.

"Robin, you hacked the motion sensors right?" I asked, still trying to navigate our way through the ventilation shafts.

"Duh!" He said, trying to sound irritated. I stifled a giggle as I turned my body so I could kick the grate off the hinges, climbing out and stretching out, tail flicking back and forth appreciably.

"Finally, I can almost smell the freedom." I said, cricking my neck,

"Sweet!" Kid Flash commented, visibly cringing at every crick I let out.

"There's still a long way between us and the exit though." Robin informed us.

Kid Flash pulled down his goggles and winked at me "Yeah, but I've finally got room to move!" He sped on ahead up the stairs, us following as fast as possible.

"More behind us!" Robin informed us. Superboy turned and smashed the stairs behind, Genomorphs falling to the ground. I groaned at how much time this is taking. I stopped and pulled out my whip latching it on to a railing near the top. I grabbed Superboy's wrist and we rocketed towards the ceiling.

When we reached the top, Superboy used his strength to pull the both of us up onto the railing, landing behind Kid Flash who was lay on the ground, Aqualad and Robin only a little behind us.

"We're cut off from the street." Aqualad pointed out.

"Really?" Kid Flash asked sarcastically. "My head hadn't noticed." He groaned and I held out a hand to help him up. He flashed a Wally grin at me before taking my hand and pulling himself up.

"Thanks babe." I rolled my eyes under my mask and opened my hologram trying to hack the security system.

"Robin?" I asked hurridly,

"Not fast enough, not even with both of us." He told me regrettably. I growled and closed my hologram looking back to see the corridor begin to fill with Genomorphs.

"Door!" I yelled and Robin kicked it open. We all filed through but then stopped short. We were surrounded by Genomorphs. I quickly took my battle stance and pulled out my whip.

I suddenly felt light headed, I shook my head trying to brush it off but I groaned and fell to the floor. Blacking out twice in less than twenty-four hours cannot be good for your health.

"Ny…Nyx…Nyx!" I head my name being called numerous times. I opened my eyes and found myself face to face with the Boy Wonder. I groaned and shut my eyes again, opening them a few seconds later to see Robin looking worriedly down at me.

"You okay?" He asked, helping me stand, keeping one hand on my waist and one holding my wrist, steading me.

"You mean apart from the fact I feel like I just got hit with Penguin's umbrella? Yeah I'm good." I weakly smiled at him and he grinned at me, chuckling softly.

"Go," I heard Guardian say, I turned and saw he was talking to Superboy. "I'll deal with Desmond."

"I think not!" Desmond's voice rang out. "Project Blockbuster will give me the power to restore order to CADMUS." He held up the test tube with the pale blue liquid inside.

"NO! Desmond don't! You know what happens when you drink that!" I shouted at him, my grip on Robin tightening. Ignoring my warning Desmond downed the whole tube.

He groaned in pain and fell to his knees before his clothes started to rip. I stood there glaring at the creature Desmond was becoming, His skin was now a dusty blue and he was at least three times his original size.

"Everyone back!" Guardian ordered, running towards Desmond-or what used to be him. I barely had chance to warn him before he was thrown aside by the beast. That was gonna injure his pride later.

I watched as Superboy let out an enraged roar and charged towards Desmond, heading for the ceiling, smashing through it, sending dust and debris down near us.

"Well, that's one way." Robin stated. I shrugged in agreement and grabbed onto Kid Flash, pulling my whip out and pulling us up through the hole.

"Think Lab Coat planned that?" Kid asked me, arms encircling my waist.

"I doubt he's planning anything right now." Aqualad replied from a little below us.

When we arrived on the ground floor I saw Superboy rolling around on the floor with Desmond before the latter threw Superboy towards us. Robin and I flipped out of the way, Kid Flash sped off towards Desmond and Aqualad tried to catch Superboy but only succeeded by being knocked back further.

Robin grabbed his birdarangs and launched them at the creature, trying to find its weak point. At the same time I lashed out numerous times with my whip. I growled when we didn't even leave a scratch.

"Don't think it's working Nyx." Kid Flash commented stopping beside me long enough to pull down his goggles give me a flirtatious wink and say, "Let me show you how it's done babe." I scoffed at his cockiness.

I turned back to Robin who was focusing on his hologram. I peered in only to realise what exactly he was looking at. I smiled determined, this could work. I lifted my head to see Robin staring at me, his own confident smirk in place.

"KF! Get over here!" Robin yelled to the speedster. He ran over and saw us crowded around a map of the hall. He gave me a confused look as I pointed to Robin's map.

"It's a map, great. What about it?" He asked not getting what we were hinting.

"For someone quick on your feet you sure are pretty slow." I pointed out before sighing, I was about to continue before hearing a yell of Superboy. I winked at the two boys and leapt over there.

I effectively knocked Desmond's fist out of the way before it created a hole in Superboy's face. I launched my foot into Desmond's jaw but he grabbed my ankle and threw me across the room before I could make contact.

Lucky for me Kid Flash caught me and sped off towards Robin, me in his arms. He put me down before running off again. I turned to Robin to hear what the plan was.

"Take my birdarangs and put them on explosive mode on the pillars while I go tell Aqualad and Superboy." I nodded to confirm and sprinted up each pillar, planting a couple of timed bombs at the top of each.

From my line of sight I could see the guys finished with Desmond, I smiled, proud of them. I then realised the time bomb I was sitting on.

"Go! Go! Go!" I yelled jumping down and running towards the exit. I heard the bombs explode from behind us as we ran. Robin tackled me to the ground, pushing my body under his, my instincts kicked in and I curled up as small as possible. I felt another three weights land on us as Kid Flash was thrown to the ground too and Aqualad and Superboy shielded us all from the falling rubble.

A couple of seconds later Superboy pushed up the main piece of rubble that held us captive. I felt Aqualad stand up and I immediately relaxed, panting heavily. Robin was still lying on top of my, panting just as much as me.

"Robin?" I asked quietly. He looked up at me questioning. "Thanks." I smiled before grabbing my stomach in pain. He got off me quickly and examined my stomach. My suit was cut up and I could see a few scratches and a large bruise on my stomach.

"You're fine, only a little bruising." Robin confirmed as he offered me a shaky hand up. I gladly accepted and pulled myself up. Only to bend over forwards panting furiously.

"We…" Aqualad panted out, "…did it."

Despite my pain I felt immense pride and satisfaction. We managed to take down CADMUS and I still got the latest data on the place. I was extremely pleased.

"Was there…" Robin panted, "…ever any doubt?" I watched as Robin and Kid Flash exchanged a high five but then recoiled back in pain. I let out a giggle which sounded more like a cackle due to all my panting.

"Hey, Superboy," I turned to look at the clone and pointed up. "It's the moon." He looked up and smiled slightly. "Better than my first view of it." I muttered under my breath. I saw Robin give me a curious look but luckily I was saved by Kid Flash.

"Oh, and Superman!" He exclaimed. "Do we keep our promises or what?!"

It wasn't just Superman; it was the whole freaking League. They all landed, surrounding the five of us in the large hole we had created from destroying the building. Superboy hesitantly approached Superman and lifted the ripped part showing him the S shield. Everything was silent until a motorbike engine was heard getting closer. It stopped suddenly and Catwoman flipped over the debris and landed next to Batman, hand on her hip looking at me pointedly.

"When I said you could go and see Desmond's new project, I meant without blowing up the building, kitten." She rolled her eyes at me and turned to Batman. "Didn't expect to see you here Bats, blowing buildings up isn't your style."

I could almost see Batman rolling his eyes underneath his mask. I muffled a laugh and I could see Robin do the same.

"Oooh, who's the hottie kitten? Is he taken?" Now it was my turn to roll my eyes as Catwoman checked Superboy over.

"Is that what I think it is?" Batman inquired. Catwoman tilted her head at his statement and looked at me, wanting an explanation.

"He doesn't like being called an it." Kid Flash warned.

"I'm Superman's clone!" Superboy announced, suddenly everyone grew silent as they all stared at the clone.

"I changed my mind. He's all yours big man." Catwoman stated, breaking the silence.

Batman's eyes narrowed towards us, focusing on Robin and me. "Start talking"

WASHINGTON D.C.

JULY 5, 2010

00:38 EDT

"Then Catwoman showed up and you know the rest." I finished.

"The Green Lanterns, Hawkman, Hawkwoman and Captain Atom will take Desmond away." Batman ordered in a toneless voice. "Black Canary and Green Arrow check to see if any civilians were hurt or injured and take care of them. The rest of us will talk about what has happened." He walked away, Catwoman beside him, talking between themselves quietly.

"What do you reckon their talking about?" Asked Robin coming up behind me. I shrugged not taking my eyes off them. I narrowed my eyes as Aquaman and Flash joined them. I turned to face Robin and saw him looking concerned at me.

"I'm fine Robin, it's only a bruise. I've had worse." I comforted him, placing my hand on his arm, he hissed and I withdrew it quickly. "I may be fine but you're not, come here." I ordered dragging him over to a stable piece of brick and sat him down. He was protesting but I just held up my hand to silence him.

I grabbed a small tube out of my inside breast pocket and unscrewed the cap. Robin raised his eyebrows at me and I just scoffed and smirked, squeezing some of the clear gel onto my gloved finger, slowly applying it to his bruised area. I rubbed it in in small circular movements and I could feel it becoming warmer.

I moved my hand away and put the tube back in my breast pocket smiling slightly. "There. Didn't kill you did it?" I asked innocently. He chuckled and shook his head, standing up and walking over to where the others were. I followed silently.

"CADMUS will be investigates," Batman told us, approaching with Catwoman, Flash and Aquaman in tow. "All fifty-two levels. But let's make one thing clear…"

Flash crossed his arms, "You should've called."

Catwoman stuck out her hip and looked at me, "And you should've radioed out to me if you found something this big." Batman gave her a look, "Oh come on Bats, I'm a cat. You can't expect me not to love this sorta thing."

Batman turned back to us, irritated by the interruptions. "Results aside, we are not happy. You hacked Justice League systems, disobeyed direct orders and endangered lives," I felt his gaze hit me when he said that last thing. "You will not be doing this again."

"I'm sorry," Aquaman started, "But we will."

"Aqualad, stand down." Aquaman ordered.

"My apologies my king, but no." Aquaman said confidently. "We did good work here today whether you wanna believe it or not. The work you have trained us to do. Together we forged something powerful, important. The world needs this, we need this." He continued.

"If this is about your treatment at the Hall, the three of you-"

"The five of us," Kid Flash corrected. "And it's not."

"Batman, we're ready to us what you taught us," Robin continued.

"Or why bother teaching us at all?" Kid Flash inquired, crossing his arms.

"Why let them tell us what to do?!" Superboy asked. "It's simple. Get on board or get out of the way."

The five of us looked at our mentors. Catwoman looked back at me smiling proudly. I heard Batman sigh and turned to look at him. "Give me three days." He then looked at me and held out his hand. "Lynx, I believe you have something for me."

I grudgingly handed over the microchip that contained copies of all CADMUS's files that I had downloaded. "Fine, here. Take it." Batman nodded at me.

"C'mon kitten, we've got to get home."

"Not so fast. Lynx, return with Robin to the Batcave, Catwoman and I need to talk. Catwoman will come and get you when we are finished." I nodded in conformation and quickly hugged Catwoman goodbye.

"See ya later Calico~" I sang out, waving as Catwoman scowled at me.

"Why me?" I asked Kid Flash as we walked away from the other Leaguers.

"What do you mean?" He turned to me, confusion written all over his face.

"When Batman was asking you if it was about your treatment at the hall and you said the five of us wanted to form a team, why include me?"

"Well, you did help us get out of this whole mess, plus you knew a lot more about CADMUS than we did." Robin answered simply.

"You are very brave Lynx, smart too. It would be an honour for you to join our team." Aqualad finished, smiling warmly at me.

I blushed slightly and sighed, nodding.

"I would love to join your team of mini heroes." I teased, hip bumping Robin as we continued walking.

WAYNE MANOR

JULY 5, 2010

01:35 EDT

As soon as Robin and I arrived back at Wayne Manor, I made a point of shoving Robin out of the way and running through the Batcave and up the stairs.

"Alfred!" I called out, spotting him in his usual place in the kitchen.

"Miss Cassandra!" He turned to look at me, surprise clearly written on his face. It softened immediately. "It's good to have you visit Miss. Is Master Dick home as well?"

I nodded and looked behind me, he was nowhere in sight. "He's probably still down in the Batcave."

"Nope, right here." I turned again and he was stood a couple of feet behind me, grinning like an idiot.

"Are you staying the night Miss?" Alfred asked me, a hidden hope behind his eyes.

"Sorry Alfred, Selina and Bruce are just out talking." I informed him, sitting down at the breakfast bar, graciously taking a few dried fruit chunks and popping them in my mouth, humming at the taste.

Alfred, Dick and I continued to talk, Dick telling Alfred the exact details of what had occurred on the night. Alfred and I just watched as he enthused about the final battle with Desmond.

"Once the rubble had cleared the whole Justice League came down to confront us. It was kind of cool." Dick explained, his tone containing an underlay of smugness and awe.

"As much as I'd love to hear the end of this story, Cass and I have to get home." I turned to find Selina and Bruce leant in the doorway, watching us with amusement in their eyes. I nodded at her and stood up.

"Bye Alfred," I waved to the old butler who smiled back at me. "See you later Dick." I hugged him quickly then followed Selina out.

MOUNT JUSTICE

JULY 8, 2010

08:04 EDT

I watched in awe as Batman explained where we were, while the other League members were busy putting the finishing touches to the place while others just stayed put and listened. We were stood in the main room of Mount Justice, located in Happy Harbour on Rhode Island.

"Since you five are determined to stay together and fight the good fight" he paused to look at me when he mentioned good, I just smirked and wiggled my fingers in a waving motion. "You'll do it on League terms." He continued. "Red Tornado has volunteered to live here and be your supervisor. Black Canary will be in charge of training with the help of Catwoman. I will deploy you on missions."

"Real missions?" Robin asked from next to me. We were all dressed in civilian clothing but since the League was still here we referred to each other by our codenames.

"Yes," Batman replied. "But covert."

"The League will handle the obvious stuff." Flash informed us.

"But CADMUS proves the bad guys are getting smarter," Aquaman spoke up. "Batman needs a team that can operate on the sly."

"The six of you will be that team." Batman confirmed.

I turned around, already aware of the newcomer behind us.

"Cool!" Robin enthused. Then he paused. "Wait…six?" I chuckled at his realisation and hit his head softly with my tail, causing him to turn.

I could feel everyone turn with him and the two shadows made their way into the light. Martian Manhunter was there, along with a smaller, female version of him.

"This is Martian Manhunter's niece, Miss Martian."

"Hi." She smiled softly.

"I'm liking this gig more every minute." Kid Flash grinned at Robin. I rolled my eyes at the teen's stupid boy hormones and sighed in irritation. He approached Miss Martian and smiled flirtatiously.

"Welcome aboard! I'm Kid Flash. That's Robin, Aqualad, Superboy, Lynx. It's cool if you forget their names." At the last comment I whacked him over the head and walked up so I was stood in front of the Martian, I ran my eyes along her figure and shrugged mentally. She blushed as she felt my eyes stop at her face.

"Ignore Kid Flash's stupidity. He does it for attention, trying with me for a year. Don't worry it's not contagious." She giggled and Robin let out a laugh, patting me on the shoulder.

"Hey Superboy! Come meet Miss M!" Robin called out to Superboy, who was stood awkwardly to the side.

Superboy walked over to us and I watched as Miss Martian's clothes morphed to look similar to Superboy's. "I like your t-shirt." She commented blushing. I let out a sly smile. Someone's got a crush~.

"You know, that hurt Nyx." Kid Flash told me, rubbing the back of his head.

"Never said it wasn't going to." I fired back, sticking my tongue out at him.

"Today is the day." Aqualad stated, looking proudly at all of us. Everyone smiled and nodded except me who just flicked my tail from side to side.