Three days had passed, no news from either R,W or The Light.
But that did not mean that Batman hadn't prepare to deliver some.
The cave
GREEN ARROW 08
ARTEMIS B07
L and S were talking to Black Canary, in such a short amount of time, neither could deny she was like the mother they never had and sort of develop a relationship of respect as equals even though technically one was a hero and two were... villains?... No that hadn't been their choice, maybe antiheroes... but not villains.
As they heard the announcement of a member they did not recognize both turned their attention to the zeta beam, posture ready to attack if necessary, Canary noted that in her head.
Green Arrow came in followed by an olive-toned girl with thick blonde hair and dark grey eyes wearing a midriff-barring costume in various shades of green.
Canary nodded "Artemis, what a surprise. Haven't seen you in a while." she said in hope of letting the boys know she was ok.
"Hi Black Canary, oh Superboy (adding a wink), aaannd... Carrot head?" She said smirking, putting her weight in one leg as she popped her hip.
L frowned, "Uuuh and who are you, because we've memorize each and every important member and supporter on the League and I've never heard of you." He said snarkly crossing his arms. She frowned in return, as Superboy opted to ignore what she said.
Green Arrow intervened, "She is my niece and apprentice Artemis. Hope you can get along seeing as you are of a similar age." He smiled innocently sensing the tense atmosphere that had been developed between the teens.
Green Arrow stared at Black Canary seeking for help she sighed in return.
"Artemis is new to the League though she constantly helps Green Arrow with some cases in Star City." 'Maybe it wasn't such a great idea to bring Artemis to the mountain as she didn't even know who S and L were.' Green Arrow thought. 'god, bats is going to kill me' his train of thoughts however was cut out short as Superboy suddenly half-shouted.
"You train kids to fight crime?... Isn't it the same as the Light training us to do the dirty work?"
"No" Black Canary defended immediately, "you guys didn't have a choice, Artemis chose this path. As you can choose your own." During the past therapy sessions, topics as to where they wanted to go, how they wanted their future to look like, were avoided, but Black Canary couldn't help but bring it up subtly every time she could.
Artemis on the other hand grinned casually "Don't worry Supey I'm an independent girl with the need to fight, I'm strong don't worry."
Superboy frowned totally oblivious on the attempts of flirting the blonde girl had given, "You are human."
She frowned as well, "Do you have any problem with that, I'm sure I could kick both of your butts in spare training." no this could be headed to the mess that would seal Green Arrows fate with the Batman murdering him for his idea.
L laughed loudly "Oh really now that's funny, do you even know who we are, what ... We... are?"
Artemis growled, "Oh I know enough to know who you think you arem you selfish, rude imb-" 'I'm so doomed' Green Arrow though lamely.
"Artemis enough." Black Canary said then looking at the boys she smiled "let's find out who your are with a sparring match. You three will face me one on one let's see what are you made of."
Superboy crossed his arms "Oh please Black Canary, with my super-strength I don't need to prove anything."
L shrugged, "Not to be boasting but Supey's right we'll pretty much kicked your asses like in the battle." He smirked.
Canary smirked as she took her jacket off, She couldn't deny the need to teach the young meta-humans the correct ways, "Combat is about controlling conflict, putting the battle in your terms, you should always be acting, never reacting."
"With superpowers the battle is always on our terms. We are living weapons." Superboy grumbled.
L shrugged, "I guess I'll go first" he finally said stepping in the lighten field beneath them.
As soon as he did, L put on a fighting stance, not a second after, only his super-speed could have make him react in time to block a harsh punch, but not enough to stop the next, as a boot collided in the opposite side making him fall dead-on the platform, the status of fail being provided by the computer.
L groaned and stared at the ceiling, "...that hurt."
Canary smiled and offered her hand which he took easily. "Did any of you see what he did wrong?"
Artemis smiled devishly, "Maybe him being a what do you call yourselves 'a living weapon' cannot stop him from being a duffus."
L huffed as he rubbed his arm.
"He allowed me to dictate the terms." Black Canary announced cutting off any surging discussion.
S rolled his eyes, letting out an exasperated "Oh Please." At which Canary turned and smiled "Your turn S." And as such S and Black Canary's match began. Soon followed by Artemis and Black same challenges were repeated as the three lost every round against the Heroine. "Let's take a break" she said and went to talk to Green Arrow leaving three panting teens scattered in the center of the field.
Artemis let out a short laugh, "Guess we all got served. Though, Carrot-head, I didn't expect you to pull that offensive move on the last round, It got pretty close to a victory."
Superboy nodded as he sat up followed by the other two. "Didn't know that even with superpowers we could be so defenseless. I got to admit, this was pretty...cool."L grinned and nodded, since they came here they had been taught many things, things that they would have never learn in CADMUS or in The Light, things that made them feel more human.
L stared at the blonde archer "My name is Lightning, but... Yeah thanks, I guess."
"I'm Superboy."
"Artemis."
Perhaps Green Arrow's idea didn't turn out to bad.
The Light's base 3 days before
R...
The man in dark mask, his 'caretaker' 'torturer' how ever you want to call him, had left a while ago, being dismissed by Ra's Al Ghul that now stared at the shaking, wincing mess of a boy who stood shakily being supported by the chains in his bloodied wrists.
"Renegade, it's been about 2 hours now and you have answered all the questions, cameras are deactivated right now... "
Said boy didn't utter a word, finding it strange Ra's had given him that very small fact casually, keeping his jaw clenched he nodded once.
Ra smirked slightly "... However my boy, I have just one more question...I am wondering about the whereabouts of your glove, Renegade?"
A second or maybe 3 passed as R struggle to keep the surprise and fear that cursed within himself. Finally coughing lighty and saying "... Du- during our battle against the Injustice League, Poison Ivy managed to catch L and myself, my glove got crushed between the vines, it it started doing short-circuit I ha-had to dispose of it , it immediately. "
"Should I ask Water about it? After Guidance he will truly be a member of the Light, no memories just a weapon... just like you i suppose... he will tell the whole truth and would not hesitate to betray you and your game ... I am quite sure the hologlove may be now in hands of the Justice League, never the less, I will ... cover for your small mishap in front of the other members." With that he turned to leave stopping by the voice behind him.
That surprised R greatly, that 'mishap' could have been the perfect clue for them to realize R was not 100% loyal to them, Ra's statement meant he was not 100% loyal... No, that statement meant that Ra's knew about R still being able tomake his own decision, Ras Al Ghul wanted something...
There was no gain in trying to deny anything that had been said, though he couldn't help but ask "May I ask why..master?"
"This is a mere business if I may say, (referring to the Light) I have much more to do in the League of Shadows and as the demon head myself, I am sure you could be a much more valuable asset than this... Partnership. Therefore I don't care if you destroy this, all this... But be sure, you will be mine after you do so."Ra's said as he turned his back to the boy and started leaving.
Blue eyes widened starring in shock at the retreating figure of Ra's. Was he telling the truth? Soon he clenched his jaw and closed his eyes harshly. 'There isn't really any other option for true freedom I guess. Not for me, not for Kaldur, or Wally or Conner.' now in the hollowed darkness he could succumb and finally let the first quiet sobs rack his body, at least just for some minutes before he would have to put of the act again of being in complete control after Guidance.
...
The Watchtower, the present
"Have you gotten any clue?" Flash asked as he stood beside the Dark Knight. "The kids have been asking nonstop, Canary has been continuing the therapy sessions, if we leave the fact that they were forced to all this behind, they are not bad kids after all."
"I don't doubt it." Batman answered shortly.
"I cracked into the glove yesterday, there are multiple files each encoded, each of them posses a timer as they delete just an hour after opening. There is none about the Light till now which makes me believe they seem to communicate in a different way."
Moving onto the huge computer screen Batman connected the glove.
"Dr. Serling Roquette, she studied at the Royal University in Star City. That is the only file I can seem to unlock up til now." Clicking on said file he continued, "She created the fog, millions of microscopic robots that can not only destroy everything in their path, such as concrete, steel, flesh, and bone, but can also hack into any system and retain the information."
"Well that seems dangerous, more so if it falls in bad hands, imagine where they could use this and for what purpose" Flash muttered.
Soon the upcoming alert from Star Labs was an enough answer for both of them.
"Let's head to Mount Justice." Batman said.
Mount Justice
Hearing the zeta announcement L and S who were non-power spar training stopped immediately both punches caught millimetres away from each others gut and jaw.
Upon entering the cave Flash and Batman soon noted Black Canary, Green Arrow, S and L... and Artemis, Flash didn't seem to mind much and the Dark Knight nodded mutedly to her, then directing his view to where Green Arrow stood, he narrowed his eyes dangerously at which the archer smiled sheepishly and shrugged.
Flash chuckled "I see you've not been losing any free time. Guys, hello. Oh and Artemis great seeing you here"
"Hey Flash" she said grinning.
L flushed "We wanted to be ready to rescue W and R."
Batman called out the hollow-screen displaying a photo file of 'The Fog' "Well now it's time, we've received an alert, Star Labs facility has been broken into, the only logical guess, they will go after Dr. Sterling Roquette and retrieve the fog."
"Okay. But what does this has anything to do with R and W? " L asked practically vibrating in place.
"Hello L! Who do you think will go after the dr.? I think your masters could use the fog for extorsión, blackmail, and theft, no matter what their goal is." Artemis said as it was the most obvious thing in the world.
" Oohhh... Oh well excuse me Miss know it all I really don't care about playing heroes, I want my friends out of the Light."
The heroes obvoiusly knew that this boys were not superheroes, they haven't been trying to change them into one of their own, but at least give them a choice as to whether they might choose to become a hero for themselves.
Batman nodded, "We are heading to star lab's base in Philadel-"
INCOMING CALL.. SUPERMAN
The large screen protected Superman, the hero seemed to be in a kind of battle. Shouts and ... The jokers laugh could be heard in the back. "Requiring immediate League assistance-' He said before he was shut down, batman quickly began typing looking for coordinates.
"Bats what should we do?" Green arrow said.
"Sure looks like they need help." Canary supplied.
"The fog, if R hinted to it, It has to be of some importance to the light we can't just let them keep it." Flash said grimly
"All other members are off globe which means we are the only option." Batman said.
"You know we are here right" Artemis said outloud, "You go for the injustice League, we'll go for the doctor, so what's the great deal about."
S and L looked at her bewildered, sure they had had there fair amount of disagreements with the heroes but wasn't it because they were not in the same band, but the archer, she was one of their own, under their chain of command, she is their apprentice, they are her leaders, right?
Batman glared at Green Arrow at which he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Well, she is still new in all this hero bizz."
"I don't think you going against the Light would be wis-" Flash began.
L stepped forward, "I think Artemis is right, sure we are just three but, you do remember, S and I are practically part of the Light... This sounds like the same jobs they would only send us four to complete, I don't doubt they will only send R and W. They are our friends no matter what, we will be fine." He reasoned.
"I'm heading to Star Lab's, if that is were W and R will be, we just need to secure doctor Roquete and the fog right? Not the worst deal." S supplied.
"Superboy, what did we talk about reacting." Black Canary began.
"I'm not" S answered truthfully "but we were never meant to fight alongside others, they made it pretty clear that if the time comes, we should be able to kill even our comrades." S finished, a look of pain crossing his features L nodded sourly.
He raised his head "We can handle ourselves so don't worry, we'll head off now." He said as both boys turned out to leave. Leaving the heroes staring at them, none planning to stop them. None having the right to.
"Hey I'm going with" Artemis called and they didn't object.
"L, take care kiddo."Flash called waving at which L couldn't contain the light that filled his eyes and the large grin that spread in his face.
"Sure thing Flash."
"You too Superboy." Black Canary called as S nodded confidently.
And so both groups departed to each of their destinies.
...
The Light base, R, S L and W quarters three days before.
As soon as R limped into the sitting area he stared at the stoic figure of his comrade. His face devoid of emotion and posture unmoving. As soon as W was aware of the other presence in the room he turned regarding his frie- his fr- ...
He stood up... "Leader...Welcome."
And such a phrase of respect and devotion had never hurt R as much as it did this time. Hardly keeping his face neutral he nodded and headed to his room closing the door and leaning against it looking to the floor, bangs covering his eyes that were now filled with pain and unshedded tears as he whispered. 'I failed you Kal.'
The day after..
Rising early in the morning R decided to train for a bit, changing into gym cloth, grabbing a towel and a water bottle he headed to the gym in need to clear his mind.
BAM!
Stopping dead in tracks as he watches 6 destroyed dummies around Water, who panted slightly but otherwise remained with a strong posture. He turned to R, eyes deadly and firm.
R swallowed thickly but otherwise remained stoic and proud as he nodded in acknowledgement and headed to the rings.
The gym was silent other than sounds of punching and the cords movement as R did his flips.
One flip
Two flips
On air flip
Catching the rings
Another flip
...Even though it hadn't been long since they had gotten their space in this headquarters, the faint laughs and bonding times they could share if it wasn't for everything, everyone, themselves and the choices they've made only help as an incessant reminder of his failure..
One flip
Two flips
Air
A failed catch, falling to the mats...
Water didn't even flinch or turn to see if his comrade was all right , sparring nonstop with the robot dummies as if he was the only one in the room. Or as if he was just a fighting weapon..
R cursed silently, reprimanding himself for his mistake.
On the cameras Queen Bee stared at the screens as she drank a glass of bourbon in the same room the brain and Ra's Al Ghul. "Are you sure this raven haired boy is under our absolute control? I wasn't aware they could fail.." she said in a heavy accent.
"After Guidance they become absolute living weapons, their only purpose being the accomplishment of the Light's goals. Although there is a small percentage of failure in small cases, Guidance makes sure the goal is reached at the end even if it costs them their lives, cause they live just for the Light." The Brain supplied as Queen Bee smirked and Ra's eyes narrowed slightly.
"I believe our next step is clear... we need Project Lightning." the Brain said. Just in time for Lex Luthor to make his appearance, his way as professional as ever, smilling confidently he said, "No, know we require Star Labs data as well as Wayne Industries, our next step and outmost priority will be retrieving The Fog and Dr. Roquette, aquire the data and then dispose of the scientist. Prepare the weapons for the mission, Ra's Al Ghul request for Chesire assistance, she will accompany them."