A/N: Well, here it is, kids! I dunno if anyone actually ever reads these things, but you probably want to read this one. There will be no chapter 4 until i get 5 reviews for this one. That's right! I've seen all the favorites, alerts, and such, but what really inspires me to write/post is reviews, and as soon as i get five, there will be that nice, shiny chapter 4 in your inbox. Ready, set, go!
Disclaimer: If I owned YJ, Echo would be real, and Red Arrow would be on there all the time, sans Cheshire.
"Time runs short," a voice that was clearly not mine echoed through my head. "You must all awaken. You must awaken NOW!" My eyes shot open, and I heard a gasp from beside me. "Guys?" I called tentatively, fearing the worst. I realized they were beside me in separate pods of their own, with myself placed between Aqualad and Kid Flash, with Robin on Kid's other side.
I looked down, and saw Superboy staring up at me with an expression on his face that I couldn't describe. "Um, hello?" I tried, starting to feel uncomfortable when his gaze didn't waver. "Okay, can you stop staring, or at least say something, please?" He continued to stare. "Stop staring, dammit, you're freaking me out!"
"Chill out, Echo," Wally spoke from beside me. "He's probably never seen boobs before." My mouth dropped open and I made a spluttering noise as I tried to find words, while Superboy's cheeks reddened slightly and he looked away.
"Kid, when we get out of here I'm gonna strangle you!" I shouted, struggling against my bonds that held my ankles and wrists in place. I turned on Superboy. "And you, keep your eyes to yourself!"
"Uh, guys, how about we not tick off the guy that can fry us with one look?" Robin suggested, and I glared at him. The room was silent until Aqualad spoke,
"We only sought to help you."
"Yeah, we free you, and you turn on us! How's that for grati-"
"Can it!" I interrupted, giving the speedster a withering glare, to which he ever-so-maturely replied with blowing a raspberry at me. I rolled my eyes, of course.
"Both of you, be quiet please," Aqualad sighed. "I believe our friend was not in control of his actions."
Superboy stared at us for a moment, seemingly deep in thought. "What if...what if I wasn't?"
"He can talk?" KF asked, surprised.
"Kid!" I complained. It's amazing how he manages to always say the wrong thing at the wrong time.
"Yes, he can," Superboy growled, clenching his fist.
"What?" Wally exclaimed after we all gave him exasperated looks. "It's not like I said it."
I grumbled under my breath. "You might as well have."
"The Genomorphs taught you, telepathically," Aqualad said.
"They taught me much. I can read, write, I know the names of things..."
"But have you seen them?" Robin asked. "Have they ever let you see the sky, or the sun?"
"Images are implanted in my mind, but no...I have not seen them," Superboy admitted, looking away sadly, and I frowned. How could they do this to him? Mind control, keeping him locked up in here, he's a human being now, not just a genetic experiment.
"Do you know what you are? Who you are?" Aqualad asked.
"I am the Superboy, a Genomorph. A clone made from the DNA of the Superman. Created to replace him should he parish, or to destroy him should he turn from the Light."
We all exchanged a look. "To be like Superman is a worthy aspiration," Aqualad began. "But like Superman you deserve a life of your own, beyond your solar suit, beyond that pod, beyond Cadmus."
Superboy's face morphed form hopeful to angry in seconds. "I live because of Cadmus! It is my home!" I flinched at his tone, and bit my lip.
"Your home is a test tube," I stated plainly, looking him dead in the eyes when they traveled over to me.
"We can show you the sun," Robin said, but KF interjected quickly.
"Actually, I'm pretty sure it's past midnight...but we can show you the moon!"
"We can show you, introduce you to Superman," Aqualad continued, and I saw the excitement in Superboy's eyes, biting back a grin. He really was Superman's number one fan.
"No, they can't," a harsh voice stated, and a man in a lab coat appeared with the woman KF knocked down and Guardian flanking his either side. G-Gnomes sat on each of their shoulders. "They'll be...otherwise occupied. Activate the cloning process."
"Pass!" Robin called. "Batcave's crowded enough."
Doctor-Ponytail simply ignored him. "And get the weapon back in it's pod!"
"Hey, how come he gets to call Supey an it?" KF asked as a Guardian placed a hand on Superboy's shoulder. He scowled and shrugged it off.
"Help us," I pleaded. I really didn't want to be cloned. Judging by Cadmus' current style of mind control and creepy aliens to do it's bidding, it was probably going to be a painful process.
Superboy paused, and stared at me with his unnerving blue eyes. "Don't start thinking now," Desmond (I recognized him from the list of missing persons that Canary had) glared, walking past. The G-Gnome on his shoulder leaped off and landed on Superboy's. It's horns glowed, and all traces of feeling left his face. "See, you're not a real boy. You're a weapon. You belong to me. Well...to Cadmus, same thing! Now get back to your pod!"
Superboy turned, his face void of emotion, and walked out without another word. Desmond turned to his assistant and nodded, and she flipped a switch on the control panel. My eyes widened,
"Wait –" Needles shot out from the arms that appeared out of nowhere and attached themselves to my chest. The sizzle of electricity was my only warning before my body was suddenly filled with excruciating pain. A loud scream erupted from my throat – enough to do damage to eardrums, but not to break glass – as it felt like every fiber in my body was being set on fire. I don't know how long we stayed like that – it felt like hours – before suddenly everything stopped. I looked out of the pod and saw Superboy standing there, holding the door above his head.
"He came back," I muttered to myself, suddenly overwhelmed with happiness as he threw the door to the side and shoved the scientists and Guardian away when they came at him. They flew away and landed on the floor, unconscious, at least ten feet from where he was standing. Well, he's certainly got super strength, if that wasn't evident before.
"Don't tell me what to do," Superboy growled at Desmond's limp form
"Are you gonna help us or fry us?" KF asked as Superboy stopped in front of us.
Superboy's eyes narrowed and he stared at Kid for a moment, before he smirked, "Huh, I don't seem to have heat vision so helping is my only option."
I snorted, before Robin broke free of his bonds and leaped out of the pod, landing gracefully in front of Superboy. "Ugh, finally," he muttered, rubbing his wrists. "Lucky Batman isn't here; he'd have my head for taking so long."
KF scoffed. "Seriously? That's what you're worried about? The whole League will have our heads after tonight!"
"And you didn't think of this before we disobeyed direct orders and rushed into a burning building?" I asked, rolling my eyes. "You guys are idiots."
"I resent that!" the two chorused, and Robin turned to Superboy. "Free Aqualad and Echo, I'll get Kid Mouth."
"Don't you give me orders either," Superboy warned, and leaped onto Aqualad's pod, breaking the bonds that held his wrists. Aqualad slumped forward and gave him a grateful smile.
"Thank you."
Superboy nodded, and within seconds he was breaking off my bonds too. I tried to hold myself up, but my arms felt like jelly and my back hurt so bad that I fell forward onto him. He held me steady as I took a breath and mustered up my strength. "You alright?" he asked, holding me at arms length.
"I'm fine." I smiled. "You came back."
"Well, yeah..." he frowned, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"If you two are finished," Robin drawled, and we jumped back from each other, blushing. Superboy picked me up and jumped down from the pod, setting me on my feet but keeping a grip on my side while I gained my bearings. Once I nodded my consent, we took off running for the door.
"You-you'll never get out of here!" Desmond called. "I'll have you back in your pods by morning!"
"That guy is not whelmed, not whelmed at all," Robin sighed, throwing discs at each of the cases below the cloning chambers, which held our DNA...creepy. A series of explosions sounded behind us, making me flinch.
"What is with you and this whelmed thing?" KF asked, exasperatedly.
"Shut up!" I yelled, desperately trying to keep up with Superboy and Aqualad, who had taken the lead. "No time!"
"We are still 42 levels below ground," Aqualad called. "But if we can make it to the elevator..." We all skidded to a halt as a group of the elephant-like Genomorphs known as G-Trolls appeared in the hallway in front of us. Behind us the sacks on the wall were beginning to glow and burst open, revealing G-Elves.
"This couldn't be easy, could it?" I sighed, and took a running leap over a G-Troll, the guys following behind. Well, almost all of the guys. Superboy began to plow his way through the herd, kicking and punching each one as he went.
"Superboy! Our goal is to escape!" Aqualad said, and Superboy whirled around.
"You want escape?" he shouted, picking up an unconscious G-Troll and throwing it two oncoming ones, before following behind us as we ran towards the elevator. Aqualad ripped the door open, and we jumped into the elevator shaft. Robin and I shot grappling hooks upwards, and KF wrapped an arm around my neck. Once I got to the end of my line, we hopped off to the side just in time to see Superboy – who was carrying Aqualad – start to fall. I gasped, and Robin threw a Batarang for Aqualad to hold on to.
"Superman can fly," Superboy muttered sadly. "Why can't I fly?"
"Don't know, but it looks like you can leap tall buildings in a single bound. Still cool," KF shrugged. I helped Superboy down and he turned to Aqualad.
"Thank you," he sighed.
"Guys!" Robin shouted as I noticed the elevator coming down at us. "This'll have to be our stop!" We jumped out of the shaft to avoid the speeding elevator. A group of Genomorphs were running at us, and we quickly ran left.
"Go left!" Superboy suddenly yelled, and we followed his orders. "Right!" I skidded to a stop with the others, noticing that we were at a dead end.
"Great directions Supey, are you trying to get us repodded?" Kid Flash accused.
"I don't understand..."
"Don't apologize, this is perfect!" Robin grinned.
And that was how we ended up crawling through the vents. Yep. Robin was first, then Aqualad, then me, Kid Flash, and Superboy bringing up the rear. I didn't really like this arrangement so much, considering I was stuck in front of the most perverted member of the team, and I could just feel his eyes boring into my butt. "Enjoying the view?"
"You know it, babe." We continued crawling in silence, until KF sighed again. "At this rate, we'll never get out."
Suddenly, Superboy froze. "Sh...listen?"
"Not all of us have super hearing, Supey," Robin answered. I sent out a wave, and gasped.
"They're in the vents," I whispered. "And they're coming right for us."
"Time for a detour." We kicked out another vent and jumped into the hall. Robin bent down and began to mess with his watch again. A few seconds later, he turned to us with a smirk, "I hacked the motion sensors."
"Sweet," KF praised.
"There's plenty of room between us and them now."
"And I finally got room to move!" In a flash (hardy har har), Kid burst through the door behind us and began running up the stairs, while we all tried to keep up. I was sending out waves like mad to try and locate the Genomorphs that I knew would be upon us in seconds.
"There's more behind you!" I shouted to Superboy, and he turned around and kicked the stairs out from under the Genomorphs. I froze, watching the stairwell destroy the flights below, the screeching Genomorphs coming alone with it as Superboy ran past. "Damn."
I felt a strong rip on my arm, and Superboy ripped me away from the scene. We ran out of the stairwell into a hallway, where red lights were flashing and sirens were going off, to see KF sitting on the floor and rubbing his head. I deduced that he hit the wall, and smirked to myself despite the situation at hand.
"We're cut of from the street," Aqualad said.
"My head hadn't noticed," the speedster winced, before leaping to his feet. Aqualad and Superboy tried pulling the doors apart, but to no avail. I desperately looked around, and noticed a door to our right just as G-Trolls began to appear behind us.
"This way!" Robin called, obviously seeing what I had, and he kicked the door open...only to come face to face with an army of Genomorphs and Guardian. Crap.
A wave of telepathic energy came from the G-Gnomes, and I suddenly felt dizzy and dropped to the floor in front of Superboy, who had fallen to his knees. I was going in and out of consciousness, and I couldn't hear or see anything, but I wasn't out yet. I felt Superboy stir beside me, and tried to open my eyes. He was looking down at me and the others for a moment, before turning back to the creepy man with horns. "I chose...freedom."
We all stood as Guardian placed a hand to his head and closed his eyes. "It feels like...fog lifting." There was no G-Gnome on his shoulder. It seemed the creepy man had told it to get off, and was controlling the entire army of Genomorphs.
"Guardian?" Aqualad asked tentatively.
"Go," he said. "I'll deal with Desmond."
"I think not," a voice growled, and the swarm of Genomorphs parted like the red sea to reveal a maddened looking Desmond. He held up a vile and and gave us all a glare. "Project Blockbuster will give me the power to restore order to Cadmus."
Drinking the vile, he fell to his knees, and suddenly began to morph in front of our eyes. His skin tore and muscles grew under dark grey skin, and he doubled in size. There were cuts all over his deformed body, and a saggy piece of skin was hanging over his head and neck. He roared at us, and a devious smirk spread across his flat face. I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.
"Stay back!" Guardian ordered, running at Desmond – or Blockbuster, I suppose – only to be swatted away like a fly. He sailed through the air and hit the wall, falling unconscious.
Superboy charged forward with a growl, and succeeded in landing a few hard blows on Desmond, who was fighting back with the same vigor. He jumped at the Clone, and they went through the roof.
"Okay, that's one way to bust through the ceiling," Robin mused, grabbing KF's arm and grappling up behind them. I did the same for Aqualad.
"I doubt he's planning anything anymore," he stated as we watched the two fight. Desmond picked up Superboy and threw him into Aqualad, and they skidded across the floor. KF and Robin rushed to help him as Desmond turned on me. I blasted him with my Sonic Scream, and he flew backwards, but in seconds was up on his feet again and charging at me. I skittered to the side as KF tried to kick his feet out from under him. The other three ran forward, and Blockbuster backed up, tripping over KF's back.
"Learned that one in kindergarten," he smirked. Robin leapt up and threw more disks at him, but they bounced off harmlessly. Desmond jumped and met Superboy in the air, slamming him into a pillar, which cracked under the pressure. He hit him again, and Aqualad wrapped a water whip around his arm, before going to hit him with a mace. Blockbuster grabbed his arm and threw him to the floor
"Plug your ears!" I ordered, before running forward and releasing a wail meant to incapacitate him. It had little effect, but he did release Superboy and grab at the sides of his head where his ears would be. I took advantage of the distraction and delivered a roundhouse kick to his jaw, but he came out of his reverie and grabbed my leg, whipping me around and throwing me into Superboy. We soared through the air and he hit a pillar, taking most of the blow with his back, and both of us fell forward, a large chunk of concrete landing on top of us. I winced, and tried to get up, but I was pinned by an immobile Superboy and tons of rubble.
KF was thrown into Aqualad, and they both hit the wall. Desmond rammed into the Atlantean, and they crashed through another pillar. I finally succeeded in freeing myself, racing over to Robin just as he shouted, "Of course!"
"Wha-" I looked at the map projecting in front of his face, and noticed it was highlighting the pillars. "Oh! KF, get over here!"
Robin explained the plan, and he turned to me and KF. "Got it?"
"Got it!" we chorused, and he ran forward while I hung back, poised to strike. KF jumped up, intending to punch Desmond in the face, but only succeeded in tumbling to the ground, with handful of his saggy skin. He paused, and smirked, waving the skin around. "I got your nose!"
Blockbuster roared, dropping Superboy, and ran after the speedster. "Are you alright?" I asked Aqualad and the clone as they stood up, wincing. They nodded, and Robin ran over, displaying the map.
"Superboy, Aqualad." they looked at the map and recognition flowed onto their faces. "This one, and that one," he pointed to the two pillars. "Echo, help KF distract him."
Kid Flash was currently stumbling around with Blockbuster stomping after him. I ran full speed toward his back and latched on, making him roar. "What's that, ugly? Can't understand you!" I shouted in his ear-hole (that's not weird), and he rammed me into a pillar, weakening it. Unfortunately, it hurt like a mother when I hit my head, and I lost my grip on his back, seeing stars.
Once my vision returned, I hopped back up to my feet in time to see Robin draw an x with chalk on the ground. Aqualad spilled water everywhere, and KF skidded across it, stopping where the X was placed. Blockbuster lumbered after him, and Superboy landed a blow to his face, making him stumble. I pushed him back with a scream, and he fell over where KF just was. Aqualad's eel tattoos glowed, and he electrocuted the water the monster was sitting in. Desmond roared in pain as he stood up, electricity crackling all over his body.
"Move!" Robin shouted, and we all sprinted out of the room as the ceiling caved in. Superboy grabbed me by the waist while I pulled on KF's arm, and the clone threw his body over us just as everything started to fall at once, shielding us from the rubble. The ground shook and I shut my eyes as dirt flew into them and the world went dark.
Once everything stopped moving, Superboy reached up and lifted a large concrete slab that used to be a wall off of us, and helped me stand. I looked around, and, indeed, the entire building lay in ruins around us. Aqualad rubbed the back of his neck and gave us a surprised look. "We...we did it."
"Was there ever any doubt?" Robin asked, and gave KF a high-five. A crack was heard and they winced in unison, holding their wounds. Superboy followed me over to where Blockbuster lay, unconscious, under a giant pile of rubble. My eyes wandered away and I noticed that it was a full moon, and tugged on Superboy's arm.
"Look, the moon," I smiled, gesturing to the bright orb above us. He stared at it, wide eyed in amazement, when suddenly a tiny figure appeared, getting closer. I almost groaned when I realized who it was. Superman. I was hoping I could avoid punishment for another ten minutes.
"And Superman," Wally added. "Do we keep our promises or what?"
Superman landed, along with Zatara, Martian Manhunter, Captain Marvel, and Red Tornado, aka the League members that could fly. The rest of them will undoubtedly be here soon. Sure enough, Captain Atom, Hawkman, Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern landed, behind us along with the – John Stewart – Green Lantern, who had created a platform for Batman, Black Canary, Green Arrow, and Aquaman to stand on. And boy did they all look pissed.
Superboy began to walk towards Superman, who's eyes narrowed. The clone held up the torn part of his solar suit, revealing the S on his chest, and Man of Steel's eyes to widen the size of saucers.
"Is that what I think it is?" Batman asked, appearing behind Superman's shoulder.
"He doesn't like being called an it," Wally muttered to him in a sing-song voice.
Superboy scowled, as this was obviously not the reaction he was going for, and announced loudly, "I am Superman's clone."
The group was silent until Batman narrowed his eyes and fixed us all with the traditional 'Batglare.' "Start talking."
Robin and KF did most of the explaining and reenacting, with Aqualad and I only interjecting to correct certain parts or explain something that they hadn't been clear on (as whooshing noises and the occasional interjection of 'BAM!' did not get the job done well).
Superboy remained silent for a long time afterwards, and I followed his gaze toward Superman, who was talking to Manhunter and Wonder Woman. Manhunter touched his arm, and he turned to stare at Superboy, who looked away sheepishly. The Man of Steel sighed and flew over to his clone. "We'll, uh, we'll figure something out for you. The League will, I mean." I scowled. That was the best he could do? "For now...I better make sure they get that Blockbuster creature squared away." He flew off, leaving a dejected Superboy in his wake.
Coward. I reached forward and touched Superboy's arm as he turned back to face me with a frown. Poor guy – he looked like a kicked puppy, for crying out loud. Can you blame me for wanting to comfort him?
"Cadmus will be investigated – all 52 levels." Batman said, walking forward with Flash, Aquaman, and Black Canary, who was giving me 'the look.' I hate the look. "But let's make one thing clear –"
"You should've called," Flash interrupted, and Batman glared at him.
"And results aside, we are not happy. You hacked Justice League systems, disobeyed direct orders, and endangered lives."
"Needless to say," Canary frowned. "You will not be doing this again."
We all shared a look, and Aqualad stepped forward. "I am sorry, but we will."
"Aqualad, stand down," Aquaman ordered.
"Apologies my king, but no." Aquaman looked shocked, but I was incredibly pleased. (Stick it to the man, Aqualad!) "We did good work here tonight – the work you trained us to do. Together, on our own we forged something powerful, important."
I crossed my arms and stared at our mentors. "If this is about your treatment at the hall, the four of you –" Flash began.
"The five of us," KF corrected. "And it's not."
"We're ready to use what you taught us. Or why teach us at all?" Robin questioned, and the four of them shared a look.
"Why let them tell us what to do?" Superboy growled. "Either get on board or get out of the way."
"Couldn't have set it better than myself," I agreed, ignoring Black Canary's surprised look. This felt right, us as a team, and I wasn't about to let this chance go. I've done something more impactful today than I have my entire four years of being her partner, or sidekick, and that was too good to give up.
Batman glared, but I could practically see the gears turning in his head. "I see...You are dismissed. We'll talk about this at a later date. Robin." He turned around and walked off, Robin following behind, giving us a wave. After giving the others a hug – it was really awkward with Superboy, but I'm sure it'll get better eventually– I sighed and walked towards Canary, who was still giving me 'the look.'
"You're mad at me, aren't you?" I asked as we began to walk away from the others.
"I'm not mad," she sighed, and reached out to grab my shoulder, stopping me from walking. "Just a little disappointed. Why didn't you call?"
"In all fairness, I did call, right before we found Superboy."
She scoffed, rolling her eyes (I'm glad I could finally make her show another expression other than disappointment). "I meant before you followed Dubbilex down the elevator shaft."
"You guys were treating us like kids," I reasoned softly. "We wanted to prove we could do this on our own. And we did."
"I could see that," she smiled. Dinah couldn't stay mad at me for too long. After all, I was her mini-me. And have you seen my face? I'm adorable! "You guys did do a good job, though."
I beamed, feeling a sudden weight lift off my shoulders at her compliment. Good to know she hasn't lost all hope in me. "Thanks...Does this mean you approve of us as a team?"
Canary frowned. "I suppose it does." I did an internal victory dance, but my party was cut short when Dinah turned to me with a sly grin. "But you're still grounded for three weeks."
"Aw, come on!"
Four days after the incident, the five of us stood in front of our mentors while Batman spoke. We were in a place known as 'The Cave,' which was located inside a mountain in Happy Harbor, Rhode Island. Canary told me that it was where the League's headquarters used to be before it was compromised to the Joker, who had undoubtedly told all his friends about it, and they were forced to move to the Watchtower. I wonder what made them think 'giant satellite orbiting the earth' when they looked for a new HQ. Huh.
"This cave was the original secret sanctuary of the Justice League," Batman explained. Dinah already told me that, Batsy. "We're calling it into service again. Since you five are determined to stay together and fight the good fight, you will do it on League terms." He turned to face us, eyes narrowed per usual. "Red Tornado has volunteered to live here and be your supervisor. Black Canary's in charge of training." My mouth dropped open; she certainly didn't tell me that! "I will deploy you on missions."
"Real missions?" Robin asked.
"Yes, but covert."
"The League will still handle the obvious stuff," the Flash grinned, and gestured to himself. "There's a reason we have these big targets on our chests."
"Cadmus proves that the bad guys are getting smarter. Batman needs a team that can operate on the sly," Aquaman explained.
"The six of you will be that team."
Robin smirked. "Cool!...Wait, six?"
I turned around and saw Martian Manhunter walk in with a girl around the same age as me, with green skin and red hair, an interesting combination. "This is the Martian Manhunter's niece, Miss Martian."
"Hi," she greeted sheepishly, and I gave her an assuring smile, moving from my place in between Superboy and Aqualad to stand in front of her.
"Hey, I'm Echo," I smiled, offering her my hand. "It's nice to have another girl on the team. I have a feeling the copious amounts of testosterone are going to be pretty overwhelming." Or whelming, I thought with a smirk.
"I'm liking this gig more and more every minute," I heard KF mutter to Robin. "I'm Kid Flash. That's Robin, Aqualad – it's cool if you forget their names."
Megan obviously didn't get it, and simply smiled. "I am honored to be included."
The boys joined me, and I turned to see Superboy standing there awkwardly. I was just about to go over and ask him to join us, but Robin beat me to it. "Hey, Superboy, come meet Miss M!"
Superboy came to stand beside me, and Megan blushed as her shirt suddenly changed from white to black, with a red X. "I like your T-shirt." She was flirting with him, wasn't she? Isn't that cute?
Robin elbowed Superboy with a grin, and KF leaned on his shoulder. I beamed at them all as Aqualad announced proudly,
"Today is the day."
