GOTHAM CITY
July 4, 12:00 EDT
The afternoon sun flitted through the open windows of the diner, basking the occupants in its warmth. At the far end of the café, huddled together in a corner booth, sat three occupants. If they were any normal trio of people, they wouldn't receive much attention. However, being the ward of Bruce Wayne and the Commissioner's daughter, they proved to be exceptions.
Sighing, Barbara leaned back, eyes flickering over her company, "Anything exciting planned for this summer?"
Dick and Jace shared a look, mental images of their nightly activities flashing through their minds before Jace's eyes settled on the red head, "Nah. Y'know, just the usual."
Barbara nodded, pursing her lips. A part of her didn't believe the two boys. There was something they weren't telling her and she was definitely going to find out what it was. That was her goal for the summer, "Sounds like fun. My dad planned a trip for us to go up North. You know, up to our cabin. Unfortunately, I don't think it's going to work out." Barbara looked down at her shake, stirring the straw sadly.
Dick gave her a soft smile, "I'm sure it'll work out, Babs."
Barbara glanced up, "You know how much he works."
"Yea," Jace spoke up, "But he has Batman and the Wonder Boys to look after Gotham during your guys' vacation."
"Boy Wonders," Barbara corrected, flushing slightly. She had met the two boys once or twice before. As the Commissioner's daughter, she's been prone to being kidnapped and they've saved her. A grin broke out of Dick's face. He knew of Barbara's "crush" on the Boy Wonders and planned to use that info to its fullest extent.
"So," He drawled out, sending a quick wink Jace's way, which was unnoticed by Barbara, "Which one's the cutest?"
Barbara glanced over at Dick, eyes narrowing slightly. She didn't like where this was going, "What makes you think I think they're cute?"
Jace crossed his arms, smiling. He knew where Dick was going with this, "Come on Babs, we know you think at least one of them is cute."
"Just because they wear a mask, have nice hair, and have rescued me does not mean I think they're cute." Barbara huffed, crossing her arms. In all honesty, they were cute. Especially Robin, mainly due to the fact Robin reminded her of Dick. Barbara felt heat rise to her face so she quickly looked down, hoping her friends hadn't seen.
Dick and Jace shared a glance, smirks spreading across their faces, "So you do think they're cute!"
Barbara's eyes widened as she flushed, "I- I never said that!"
"No," Dick agreed, fry pointed at the red head, "But you were thinking it."
"That blush said everything."
Barbara huffed, arms crossed. Her gaze shifted to her shake as she scowled, "What a great idea Barbara," She muttered to herself, "Why did I ever think having two guys for best friends was such a brilliant idea?"
"Because," Dick chirped, "We're much more exciting than girls."
"Plus we're adorable!"
Barbara giggled, flinging fries at the two boys, "I hate you both!"
Jace laughed, ducking as a fry hit the seat cushion behind his head
The trio broke out into laughter, which echoed around the nearly vacant café. A few occupants spared them a glance, but they quickly turned away, choosing to instead focus on the food in front of them.
For the first time that day, the nerves Jace was feeling had disappeared. Instead of the Hall of Justice and the day ahead of him filling his thoughts, he was enjoying the here and now. At least, that was, until Batman called.
Jace's laughter ceased when he heard a beeping sound. Reaching into his pocket, Jace pulled out his phone. From across the table, Dick did the same.
Barbara huffed as Jace's eyes roamed over the alert, "You two and your phones."
Jace sighed, standing up, "Sorry Babs. I gotta run." Dick did the same.
"You too?" Barbara glanced up at Dick, sadness evident in her eyes.
He shrugged, dropping a twenty on the table, "I'll call you later?"
"Fine."
The boys quickly pressed kisses to Barbara's cheeks, making the red head flush, much to her annoyance, before they raced out of the diner, calling goodbyes over their shoulders.
"Y'know," Jace glanced over at his partner as they entered an alley, "I hate ditching her like that."
Dick sighed, pulling on his mask as Jace did the same, "Me too, Jace."
In a matter of minutes, the two boys had stripped out of civvies and into their corresponding uniforms. Pulling out his grapple gun, Robin turned towards Strike, who was typing away on his wrist computer.
"Seems Mister Freeze is back at it again," Strike commented with a frown. That guy irked him. He was all about freeze puns and it got quite annoying after awhile.
"Great," Robin groaned, "And today is the day!"
"I know right?" Strike glanced up at his partner before shrugging, "I guess the sooner we take him down, the sooner we can get going?"
Robin reluctantly nodded, grumbling, "Let's go." The two boys launched their grapple guns towards the top of the building before they swung away.
When they finally reached the park, the boys saw Mister Freeze doing what he does best: freezing things. The park was in complete chaos as the days Fourth of July celebrations ceased and civilians ran every which way to avoid being frozen, which, if Strike was being completely honest, wasn't too terrible.
As Freeze's freeze ray was powering up, Robin launched a birdarang. The weapon flew through the air and hit its target, causing Freeze's shot to go astray.
"Batman," Freeze said, turning in the boys direction, "I was wondering when-" He trailed off in confusion as Robin's cackle echoed eerily around the park.
Robin and Strike dropped down, landing on Freeze's glass dome before vaulting off. Strike rolled onto the grass before quickly popping back up. Two birdarangs were flung from his grip before they hit Freeze's helmet, cracking it.
Mister Freeze looked up from the ground, eyes narrowing slightly, "Oh, the Boy Wonders," He said, not amused as he pushed himself off the ground, "The Bat sent you two to send me off to prison? Frankly, I'm underwhelmed."
Strike scoffed, a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips, "What's the matter Freeze? Not happy to see us?"
"Normally, we'd be happy to see you, but we're kind of in a hurry here!" Robin snapped, hand propped on his hip.
"Kids, always in such a rush," Freeze commented with an eye roll as he fired up his freeze ray. Strike rolled his eyes. Freeze guns were so cliché.
"Not talking to you," Robin sang-song, exasperated.
Freeze looked slightly confused before he turned around as the shadow of a Bat blocked the sun. With a swift punch to the face, Freeze's helmet shattered and the villain fell to the ground, unconscious.
As Batman tied up the unconscious villain, Robin and Strike approached him, "Is it time to go yet?" Strike asked, bouncing from one foot to the other as excitement pumped through his veins. Never had he been so excited in his life.
Batman stood up and faced his protégés, "Patience, Strike."
"But Bat-"
"Good work out there kids," Commissioner Jim Gordon said as he approached the trio.
"Thanks," Robin nodded as they faced the man.
"He's all yours, Commissioner," Batman passed Freeze over to him and then because he's Batman, the two engaged in a conversation about why Freeze attacked.
Groaning, Strike leaned against one of the many frozen icicles still littering the park. Of all days, Batman chose today to chat up the commissioner? Strike huffed. Didn't the Bat know they were in kind of a hurry?
Strike's thoughts were interrupted as he heard a cracking noise. He looked around, bewildered for a moment, before he realized the cracking was coming from the icicle he was leaning on. Strike stood up, turning to peer curiously at the icicle as a crack began to spread through it. The crack grew bigger and bigger before finally, the icicle shattered.
There was a strangled cry of surprise as a young girl was released from her icy prison. Reacting quickly, Strike reached out and caught the girl before she could land roughly on the ground. As the duo stared at each other, the girls wide-eyed expression changed into one of excitement before she latched onto the hero, completely ignoring the fact she was just frozen.
"Oh my god! Oh my god! You're Strike!" She cried in the hero's ear, causing him to flinch slightly.
"Y-yea," Strike stuttered, pushing the girl back, "That I am."
Pushing the girl back proved to be futile because she just jumped forward, re-latching herself onto the young hero, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
Glancing over his shoulder, Strike took note of the faces of his comrades. Batman looked as stoic as ever, the Commissioner had a slight smile on his face while the original Boy Wonder was having a hoot. Strike's eyes narrowed. He was so going to kill Robin. Before Strike had a chance to do anything, the Commissioner stepped forward.
The Commissioner chuckled before placing a hand on the young girl's shoulder, "Alright sweetheart, the heroes have places to be and other people to save." He disentangled the girl from around Strike and guided her to a police car to be taken home. Before the girl got into the car, she turned around and sent Strike a kiss accompanied by a wink.
Strike focused his attention on the car as it sped away, hoping to remove the blush from his face. When he thought it was gone, Strike faced his partners.
"Well, that was interesting."
Robin cackled, "You bet it was! You should've seen your face!"
Before Strike could pounce on the Boy Blunder, Batman stepped between them, "Alright, let's get going."
WASHINGTON, D.C.
July 4, 14:00 EDT
Strike gaped at The Hall of Justice, which stood tall in front of the group of heroes. It was a bit intimidating Strike had to admit, but amazing none the less. Strike could barely contain his excitement. This was where the League was formed, where he'll be joining them.
Batman placed his hand on his protégé's shoulders, breaking Strike out of his thoughts, "Today's the Day." He smiled, yes smiled, down at Robin and Strike as the duo beamed up at him.
"Welcome to the Hall of Justice," Green Arrow spoke up.
"Headquarters of the Justice League," Aquaman added.
The was a strong breeze as the speedsters joined the party.
"Aw man!" Kid Flash groaned, "I knew we'd be the last one's here!"
Robin and Strike shared a look, devious smirks spread across their face, "You can travel at the speed of light," Strike began.
"But you can never be on time," Robin ended. Kid Flash glared at the Gothamites as they began to cackle.
"Oh ha ha," Kid deadpanned, "You two think you're so funny."
"Oh come on, KF," Strike poked the speedster in the side, "We're just joshin ya!"
He smacked Strike's hand away as a smile crept up onto his face, "You both suck." Robin and Strike cackled once again.
A few minutes later, the heroes began their trek towards the Hall of Justice. As they passed by the spectators, they began to chatter excitedly and snap pictures.
"Is that Batman?"
"I see Flash and Flash, Jr!"
"His name's Speedy, duh."
"No! Speedy's Green Arrow's sidekick."
"Well that makes no sense."
"Aaah! It's the Boy Wonders!"
"They're so hot!" Some feminine voices shrieked.
"How come you two get all the babes?" Kid Flash grumbled from beside Strike.
Strike glanced up at him, flashing him a cocky smile, "Did you not hear the fangirls?"
"It's because we're hot." Robin cackled. As the two fist bumped, Kid Flash shook his head.
"And egotistical," He grumbled.
"Ready to see the inner sanctum?" Green Arrow asked Speedy.
"Born that way," Speedy smirked.
"I'm glad we're all here," Aqualad commented.
"Have all five sidekicks ever been in the same place at the same time?" Kid Flash asked eagerly.
"Don't call us sidekicks. Not after today." Speedy snapped. Strike frowned. Speedy could've been a bit nicer about Kid Flash's comment.
"Sorry," Kid Flash muttered sheepishly, "First time at the Hall. I'm a little overwhelmed."
Robin let out a sigh, "You're overwhelmed, Freeze was underwhelmed, why isn't anyone just whelmed?" Robin questioned as he walked ahead.
Kid Flash looked at Strike, causing the younger boy to shrug, "Don't ask me. Kid's unpredictable."
The grand doors to the Hall opened and Strike, as well as the rest of the protégés, gaped. There, standing tall, were seven huge statues of the founding League members. Talk about whelming. Strike could only stare up at them in awe. The League sure knew how to do first impressions.
Strike elbowed Robin as they walked forward in awe, "That's probably why." Robin nodded his head in response as they approached a set of heavy metal doors that read "Authorized Personnel Only." The large doors slid open to reveal Martian Manhunter and Red Tornado.
"Robin, Strike, Speedy, Aqualad, Kid Flash," He spoke, "Welcome." Kid Flash held out his hands and Robin and Strike each high fived him before following Martian Manhunter. He proceeded to give the young protégés a tour of the Hall, which ended in the library.
"Make yourselves at home," Flash said with a huge smile as he gestured to the large room. Robin, Kid Flash and Strike quickly plopped into the three chairs while Speedy and Aqualad stood in the center of them.
As the protégés made themselves comfortable, the Leaguers huddled up in the front of the room. Strike glanced at them in curiosity. What was going to happen after this? The tour was finished, what was to come next? Strike studied the carpets pattern as his mind filled with thoughts of finally being part of the League. He could only imagine what it'd be like to finally be treated like an equal. Strike loathed being called a sidekick. He was so much more than that! What would his brothers think of him being a hero?
"We won't be long," Batman announced. Strike's eyes snapped up to look at his mentor as his mind was brought back to reality.
"Recognized: Batman: Zero-Two, Aquaman: Zero-Six, Flash: Zero-Four, Green Arrow: Zero-Eight, Martian Manhunter: Zero-Seven, Red Tornado, One-Six." With the scan complete, the doors slid open.
"That's it?" Speedy exclaimed. Strike watched as Speedy angrily approached the heroes. He could just tell this wasn't going to end well, "You promised us a real tour. Not a glorified backstage pass!"
"It's a first step," Aquaman turned to face the teen, attempting to reason with him, "You've been granted access few others get."
"Oh really?!" Speedy gestured up towards the ceiling and more flashes entered Strike's vision as he took in the tourists who were eagerly snapping photos of the heroes below, "Who cares what side of the glass we're on?"
Green Arrow stepped forward. It was his turn to try and calm his protégé down, "Roy, you just need to be patient."
"What I need is respect," Speedy growled. Strike's eyes widened behind his mask. Roy never talked to Green Arrow that way! He's always looked up to Ollie like a father. Speedy turned towards the rest of the protégés, "They're treating us like kids! Worse, like sidekicks." Strike flinched at the venom in his voice when he said sidekicks. Although Strike agreed, being considered a sidekick was terrible, he knew Batman didn't think of him and Robin as his sidekicks. At least, Strike hoped not. One look at his partner and Strike knew Robin was thinking the same thing.
"We deserve better than this!" Speedy yelled, carrying on the argument.
The four of us shared a look before we glanced back at Speedy. Strike crossed his arms, slouching in his seat. He was aiming to avoid the glare Speedy was giving the protégés.
"You're kidding right?" He deadpanned, glaring at them, "You're playing their game?! Why!? Today was supposed to be the day. Step one to becoming full-fledged members of the League."
"Well sure," Kid Flash spoke up, looking around wearily, "But I thought step one was a tour of the HQ?"
"Except the Hall isn't the League's real HQ!" Strike's jaw dropped, "I bet they never told you it was just a false front for tourists and a pit stop for catching zeta-beam teleporter tubes to the real thing," He gestured up towards the ceiling, "An orbiting satellite called the Watchtower!"
"You are not helping your cause here, son," Aquaman stepped forward, "Stand down."
"Or what? You'll send me to my room? And I'm not your son," Speedy replied, "I'm not even his." His last sentence was directed at Green Arrow, "I thought I was his partner, but not anymore." Strike's eyes widened, once again, as Speedy reached up and tore his hat off his head, slamming it to the ground at Green Arrow's feet, "I quit."
Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Strike jumped up, watched on in horror as Speedy stormed past them. Before he walked out the doors, he turned towards the four, voice dripping with venom, "Guess they were right about you four. You're not ready."
A heavy silence filled the room as the heavy metal door slammed shut behind Speedy. Strike couldn't believe this! How could he just up and leave like that? They've been working for years to get this far and now, being so close, Speedy was leaving them?
A beeping sound began to fill the room, interrupting Strike's thoughts and breaking the tension. The beeping ended as Superman appeared on a large screen, "Superman to Justice League. There's been an explosion at Project Cadmus. It's on fire."
The six Leaguers swarmed the screen as their protégés watched from behind, "I've had my suspicions about Cadmus," Batman said, "This may present the perfect opportunity to-" Another beeping sound rang out as a smaller screen appeared. This one contained the face of the League's resident magician, Zatara.
"Zatara to Justice League," The magician started, voice slightly panicked, "The sorcerer Wotan is using the Amulet of Aten to blot out the sun. Requesting full League response."
"Superman?" Batman inquired, looking up at the Kryptonian hero.
"It's a small fire," Superman said, "The local authorities have it under control."
"Then Cadmus can wait," Batman announced. He reached forward and pressed a button on the keyboard, "All Leaguer's rendezvous to Zatara's coordinates. Batman out."
The screens went black as the four, excited teens approached their mentors. Batman turned to face them, quickly putting out any hope they had of fighting alongside him and the Leaguers, "Stay put."
Robin and Strike shared a glance before turning back towards their mentor, "What? Why?"
"This is a League mission." Aquaman answered.
"You're not trained-" Flash began but was quickly cut off by Kid Flash.
"Since when?!"
"I meant you're not trained to work as part of this team," Flash finished.
"There will be other missions, when you're ready," Aquaman added.
"But for now," Batman said, eyes narrowing slightly, "Stay put." The Leaguer's left the room and with a loud slam, the heavy double doors closed.
"When we're ready?!" Kid Flash exclaimed, pissed, "How are we ever supposed to be ready if they treat us like… like…"
"Sidekicks," Strike grumbled, finishing his sentence.
"Exactly!" He cried.
Aqualad looked hurt as he glanced at the ground, "My mentor, my kind, I thought he trusted me?"
"Trust?" Kid Flash retorted, "They don't trust us with the basics! They have a secret HQ in space!"
A silence fell upon the four young heroes as their minds each wandered. Strike couldn't believe this! After all he's been through with Batman, he just treats him and Robin like they were nothing more than sidekicks? Come on! Strike always thought Batman looked at his protégés as partners… not sidekicks. Strike groaned. This day took a turn for the worse.
"What else aren't they telling us?" Aqualad looked up, breaking the silence.
Robin sighed, "I have a better question," Strike glanced over at him, "Why didn't we leave with Speedy?"
Strike crossed his arms as, once again, a heavy silence fell upon them. Robin had a point. Speedy had the right idea. Leave. The League doesn't see us as equals.
"What is Project Cadmus?" Aqualad inquired, glancing at the two Gothamites.
"Don't know," Robin looked at his partner with a smirk.
"But we can find out," Strike smirked back.
"Y'know, it's really freaky when you two finish each other's sentences." Kid Flash commented as they walked towards the computer.
"It's also really freaky to watch you stuff your face," Strike grumbled as he began to type away.
"But you don't see us complaining," Robin chuckled, typing away besides him.
"Access Denied."
"Wanna bet?" Robin challenged as they continued to type away.
The sounds of keys clacking filled the room as the hackers hacked away. A few seconds later, files and codes began to swarm around the screen.
"Whoa," Kid Flash stared at the screens in awe, "How are you two doing that?"
"Same system as the Batcave," Robin smirked. A red box popped up but it quickly turned green, signifying we have access.
"Access Granted." The computer announced the hackers victory.
Strike's eyes skimmed the file as Robin spoke aloud to the guys, "Alright, Project Cadmus… genetics lab here in D.C."
Strike frowned, "But that's all there is."
Robin faced Strike before turning his gaze towards Aqualad and Kid Flash, "But if Batman's suspicious, maybe we should investigate?"
"Solve their case before they do," Aqualad mused, smiling softly, "It would be poetic justice."
"Hey," Robin chuckled, "They are all about justice!"
"It's even in their name!" Strike chimed in, smiling at the Atlantean.
Aqualad sighed, "But they said stay put."
"For the blotting out the sun mission!" Robin exclaimed.
"Never once did they tell us we couldn't go to Cadmus."
"Wait," Kid Flash raced in front of the Gothamites, who's minds were already made up, "Are-are you two going to Cadmus? Because if you guys are, I'm going!"
"Just like that we're a Team on a mission?" Aqualad questioned.
"We didn't come for a play date."
Aqualad's calm smile shifted into a smirk. Strike's grin grew as he realized they got the calm, cool and collected Atlantean on board.
CADMUS- WASHINGTON, D.C.
July 4, 14:57 EDT
As the sound of sirens and the scent of smoke filled the young hero's ears, they knew they were on the right path. They rounded a corner and picked up the pace as the burning Cadmus building came into view.
Being the speedster he was, Kid Flash raced off ahead of his friends, leaving them in the dust. As they neared the building, Strike watched as Kid Flash raced up a wall to catch two falling scientists. He tossed them onto the roof before losing momentum and sliding down the wall. Kid Flash's arms flailed wildly, trying to latch onto anything, before he managed to catch a windowsill.
"It's what's-his-name!" A fireman exclaimed, pointing excitedly at the speedster, "Flash boy!" Strike stifled a laugh as the three remaining heroes slowed to a stop slowed to a stop.
"So smooth," Robin commented. Robin and Strike nodded at each other before the duo took off, leaving a flabbergasted Aqualad behind.
Robin cackled at Strike's side as they raced up the fire truck. Pulling out his grapple gun, Strike launched it at the windowsill. It latched on before Strike swung himself up onto the ledge.
While Robin went inside, Strike walked over towards where Kid Flash was hanging.
"So how's it hanging, Flash Boy?" Strike smirked down at the disgruntled speedster.
Kid Flash rolled his eyes before he glared up at the young teen, "No time for jokes, just help me up."
Strike laughed as he extended his arm to the speedster. Kid Flash accepted his hand and Strike pulled him up.
"Thanks," Kid Flash grumbled as the duo jumped into the room. Strike nodded in return before they went their separate ways. Kid Flash to search though some filing cabinets while Strike meandered over to Robin.
"Find anything of interest?"
"Not yet," Robin replied, still typing away, "I'm just downloading files."
Strike nodded his head before walking off. Glancing around, he walked up to a bulletin board. Frowning, Strike took note there was nothing of interest. All it had tacked to it were just a few reminders about faculty meetings and notes.
There was a soft thud as someone joined the trio and Strike turned around to see Aqualad, sporting an unamused look.
"Appreciate the help," Aqualad muttered sarcastically.
Strike flashed him a grin, "Looks like you handled it."
"Besides, we're here for poetic justice. Remember?" Robin asked, turning his head slightly to look at the Atlantean.
Aqualad rolled his eyes, muttering something to himself as he exited the room. Strike shared a look with Kid Flash, to which the latter shrugged. Kid Flash turned on his heel to check on the Atlantean while Strike walked over to Robin.
"Almost done?"
Robin nodded, "Files are at ninety-eight percent. Just another minute or two."
Strike was about to respond when an elevator dinged. Sharing a look, Robin unplugged his wrist computer and the duo raced out of the room.
"There was something in the …" They heard Aqualad murmur before they rounded the corner.
"Elevator's should be locked down." Kid Flash commented, looking curiously at the elevator. Robin raced forward and Strike followed suit.
"This is wrong," Robin popped up his holo-computer and Strike glanced over his shoulder. His brows furrowed as he read the file. This was a high capacity elevator. So why was it in a two story building?
"This is a high-speed express elevator. It doesn't belong in a two story building." Robin voiced his partners thoughts.
"Neither does what I saw," Aqualad stepped forward. With a grunt, he pried open the elevator doors.
Crouching under his arm, Strike stared at the elevator shaft. It looked like a never ending pit of darkness. Robin joined him and Strike glanced at him, "Guess that's why they need an express elevator?"
Robin pursed his lips, "Guess so."
Standing up, Strike pulled out his grapple gun while Robin did the same. Launching it up, the grapple latched onto the ceiling. Strike made sure the hold was secure before he jumped into the shaft, quickly disappearing into the darkness.
The air whipped around Strike's face as his cape fluttered behind him. As the floors flew by, Strike attempted to keep track of the floor they were passing, but it was harder than it looked. All Strike managed to notice was that they were in the sublevel twenties. Well, at least until he came to an abrupt stop at sublevel twenty six. Looking to his left, Strike noticed Robin in the same predicament. They were at the end of their ropes.
"At the end of your rope?" Strike called out to him, chuckling.
"What was your first clue?" Robin answered, smiling. He swung slightly before he leapt off, landing smoothly on the ledge. Strike followed suit as Robin slid down the wall, already in the process of hacking.
Strike heard the other two closing in on them and stepped aside. Aqualad jumped over to the ledge and Strike reached out, helping Kid Flash over.
"Bypassing security," Robin announced and Aqualad braced himself, "There! Go!" Aqualad pried the door open and they all stepped into the hallway.
"Welcome to Project Cadmus," Robin commented.
Strike crossed my arms and glanced around the spacious hallway. Sure, it was bare, but it being here is reason enough to be suspicious. After all, it was twenty-six levels down.
"I think Batman had reason enough to be suspicious." Strike commented.
"No kidding," Kid Flash agreed before racing off in a blur.
"Kid, wait!" Aqualad called out to the retreating form of Kid Flash, but it was too late. The speedster was long gone.
The trio quickly followed after Kid Flash. They skidded to a halt as they watched as he almost got trampled by these weird, mammoth creature things. Strike gaped as he stood next to Aqualad, who was also gaping.
The creatures stampeded on by the heroes, not bothering to give them notice except for a few growls. A smaller creature, sitting on the shoulder of the mammoths, turned towards the heroes. Its horns glowed an eerie red before it faced forward once more.
"No, nothing odd going on here," Aqualad muttered sarcastically.
"You know things aren't going right when Aqualad gets sarcastic," Strike mumbled as he watched the last of the creatures trudge away.
They wandered off down hallway after hallway until they came across a large, metal door that looked pretty important. To add to its importance, it was also locked.
Stepping forward, Strike hooked his wrist computer up to the mainframe and began to hack. A minute or so later, the security had been bypassed and the door opened with a hiss.
"Okay, I'm officially whelmed," Robin said as he stared wide eyed at the contents of the room.
Walking in, Strike couldn't help but be whelmed as well. The room contained stack upon stack of strange creatures that were generating electricity, almost like they were powering all of Cadmus.
"This is how they hide this massive underground facility from the world!" Kid Flash said, glancing around at the creatures, "The real Cadmus isn't on the grid! It generates its own power. These things that must be what they're bred for!"
"Even the name is a clue," Aqualad spoke softly, "The Cadmus of myth created a new race by sewing dragon's teeth into the Earth."
Robin faced Aqualad, "And this Cadmus creates new life too."
"Why don't we find out why," Strike muttered as he walked towards the computer. He plugged into the computer and pulled up some stats, "They call them Genomorphs." Robin walked up to his partner and Strike swiped the information over to him.
"Holy shit!" Robin exclaimed as he flipped through the files, "Look at the stats on these things! Super strength, telepathy, razor claws."
Strike's eyes widened, "They're living weapons."
"They're engineering an army," Kid Flash muttered darkly, "But for who?"
"That's a good question," Strike muttered as he went back to flipping through the files, "Wait," He scrunched his nose, "There's something else. Project Kr."
"I found that too," Robin said, "But the file's triple encrypted. I-I can't-"
"Don't move!" A commanding voice called out. Strike looked towards his right to see… Guardian surrounded by genomorphs? What the heck was he doing here? "Wait," The older hero looked at them in confusion, "Robin? Strike? Aqualad? Kid Flash?"
"At least he got your name right," Robin teased as he continued to download files.
"I know you," Aqualad commented, "Guardian, a hero."
"I do my best."
"Then what're you doing here?!" Kid Flash asked him.
"I'm chief of security," Well this is unexpected, "And you're trespassing, but we can call the Justice League and figure this out." Pass. The League, more specifically Batman, would most definitely murder the young heroes.
"You think the League is going to approve of you breeding weapons!?" Kid Flash snapped, causing something to spark in Guardian.
"Weapons? What're you- What've I?" Strike braced himself as he watched Guardian hold his head, obviously in pain. Something fishy was going on here and it wasn't Aqualad. His eyes snapped back up towards the four, devoid of any emotion, "Take them down, hard. No mercy!"
The genomorph's obeyed Guardian's command and attacked. Robin and Strike quickly reacted, each of them throwing down a smoke pellet. Amidst the smoke and confusion, Strike kicked a genomorph before pulling out his grapple gun. He shot it upwards where it latched onto a beam before he swung away, hoping the other guys were behind him.
Strike landed on a ground in a roll before jumping up and racing towards the elevator. When he arrived, Robin was already there.
"How did you…?" Strike furrowed his brow. He could've sworn Robin was behind him.
Robin smirked over at Strike as he hacked, "A true magician never reveals his secrets."
Strike rolled his eyes, "You're no-"
"Way to be team players, Rob, Strike." Kid Flash snapped as he skidded to a halt besides the Gothamites.
Strike smiled over at him, "Thought you were behind us."
"Well excuse me for not having 'Bat telepathy' like you two seem to have," Kid Flash muttered as the trio ran into the elevator.
Strike rolled his eyes, "There's no such thing as 'Bat telepathy.'"
As soon as Aqualad rolled into the elevator, Strike pressed the button to go down. The doors closed with a hiss just before the genomorph's crashed into the other side.
"We're headed down?" Aqualad commented once he noticed the levels weren't rising.
"Dudes," Kid Flash snapped, "Out is up!" For added emphasize, he pointed directly up.
"Yea but," Strike crossed his arms, glaring at the angered red head, "Project Kr is down on sublevel 52."
"This is getting out of control," Aqualad sighed, exasperated, "Perhaps… perhaps we should contact the League?" The four stood in silence for a while until the elevator dinged, signaling they had arrived.
The doors opened and they all struck fighting stances, expecting the worst, but the coast was clear. Robin jumped out and Strike followed suit. The two Gothamites raced ahead and ducked down behind some barrels.
"Which way?" Aqualad asked as him and Kid Flash joined the bats.
"Take your pic," Strike gestured to the two hallways.
"Yea, bizarre looking hallway one or bizarre looking hallway two?" Robin added, pointing at each hallway.
"Halt!" A tall, humanoid genomorph stepped out from the shadows, blocking bizarre looking hallway one. He held out his hand as his horns glowed red. He telepathically launched some barrels at the heroes. The barrels soared over them before crashing into a wall behind the four and exploding.
Robin launched a birdarang but it was telepathically stopped. The genomorph launched two more barrels at them which sent them running down bizarre looking hallway two.
Kid Flash easily ran ahead of the others and when they rounded the corner, he had placed a barrel in the large door, preventing it from closing. Strike jumped through the door after Robin and when Aqualad dove through, he kicked the barrel out of the way, causing the door to slam shut.
"I disabled the door," Robin said from his place at a computer, "We're safe."
"We're trapped." Aqualad deadpanned.
"Uh guys," Kid Flash called out to his friends, "You'll want to see this." Strike walked towards Kid Flash as he pressed a button on a console.
The lights turned on, illuminating the source of Kid Flash's shock. Strike gaped, taking in what stood before him.
"Whoa," Robin gasped beside Strike, just as shocked as his partner was.
Standing in front of the four, in some type of pod, was what looked like Superman. The only difference being that this Superman was younger.
"Big K, little r," Kid Flash said, walking towards the pod, "The atomic symbol for Krypton."
Strike approached the pod as well, "Maybe a clone?" He suggested, glancing over at the speedster.
He shrugged, "Your guess is as good as mine."
Strike's gaze returned to the pod as Aqualad ordered Robin to hack. Strike narrowed his eyes as he took in the three small genomorphs sitting above the clone. They could only mean trouble.
"Weapon designation Superboy," Robin began to read off information as Kid Flash and Strike approached, "A clone force grown in… sixteen weeks!? From DNA acquired from Superman!"
"Stolen from Superman," Aqualad corrected.
"No way the big guy knows about this," Kid Flash added.
"His solar suit allows him to absorb yellow sun radiation twenty-four seven."
Strike glanced down at the screen as Aqualad pointed out the creature's sitting in Superboy's pod, "These creatures?"
"They're genomorph gnomes," Strike read off, "Telepathic. Force feeding him an education."
"And we can guess what else." Kid Flash muttered.
"They're pretty much making a slave out of Superman's son," Strike crossed his arms, shaking my head, "That is just wrong."
"Now we contact the League."
Robin and Strike tried to use thier wrist computers, Aqualad pressed the Atlantean symbol on his belt, and Kid Flash pressed the comm. in his ear. They all got the same results. Nothing but static.
Strike groaned, "Anybody got a signal?"
There was a chorus of no's as they all came to the same conclusion: They weren't contacting the League anytime soon.
"We're in too deep," Kid Flash commented, "Literally."
Strike looked at Superboy and then back at his comrades, "We can't leave him like this."
"Set him free," Aqualad agreed, "Do it." He looked down at Robin.
Robin typed away on his holo-computer and the next thing Strike saw, the pod was opening.
Strike's eyes narrowed as Superboy awoke. The clone clenched his fists and a loud cracking sound rang out as the unused bones moved, most likely, for the first time.
Superboy's eyes flew open and before the heroes had time to react, he flew towards Aqualad. The Atlantean was quickly tackled to the ground.
The three others raced over to where Superboy was punching the crap out of Aqualad. Thank god he was durable. Strike's arms wrapped around his neck as Kid Flash and Robin each latched onto an arm.
"Whoa, hang on Supey!" Kid Flash exclaimed.
"We're on your side!" Robin managed to grunt out.
Superboy's strength far outmatched their own as he managed to remove his arm from Kid Flash's grip. Once his arm was released, he punched Kid Flash, sending him flying through a glass tube.
"I don't want to do this," Robin stated, shoving a smoke pellet in Superboy's face. The distraction gave Aqualad enough of a chance to regain his composure and kick Superboy across the room.
Superboy stood back up as Robin pulled out his tazer. The electrical wires flew at Superboy and latched onto his chest, but it was no use. As soon as the electricity began to flow, Superboy flinched slightly before grabbing the wires and tugging Robin towards him and slammed him to the ground. The clone wasted no time in stepping down on Strike's partner's chest, knocking him out.
Strike growled as he charged at Superboy. The clone swung at him and Strike dodged before flipping over the clone. His hands pressed two small bombs to Superboy's shoulders before he flipped the rest of the way over, just to have Superboy catch his foot. He threw Strike against a wall and the young teen groaned as his skull hit the wall, hard.
As Superboy stalked towards the Gothamite, Strike braced himself for his hit, but it never came. The bombs went off, engulfing Superboy in smoke and once the smoke had cleared, Aqualad came flying at Superboy. Using a water hammer, Aqualad knocked Superboy into the pod he once lived in.
"We are trying to help you!" Aqualad shouted, trying to reason with the clone. Superboy didn't listen. He just kept attacking. God, couldn't this guy take a hint? They were trying to help him!
Strike stood up slowly, but his vision was fading in and out. Superboy made a move to charge at Aqualad, but he instead charged at Strike because Strike was the weakest at the moment.
Strike grunted as his back made contact with a wall and Superboy's hand curled around his neck, cutting off his beloved oxygen supply. Strike's vision became blurrier and blurrier as the lack of oxygen began to take effect.
Before Strike blacked out completely, Superboy was pulled off of him and sent flying across the room. Black began to overtake the young teen's vision as Aqualad knelt above him, making sure he was okay. The last thing Strike saw as he slipped into unconsciousness was Aqualad being chucked up and into the ceiling.
Today took a very unexpected turn for the worst.