I was just thinking one day, minding my own business when this idea came to me. Simply put, Dick is a New God and the son of Darkseid sent to Earth as a baby. As such he was raised with no idea who his father was. But also because I needed some Traught in my life.
The Team
The lands of Apocalypse were vast, the metal structures that littered the planet and pits of boiling lava. The fires that remained alight for eternity made the place a hellish home. Orion hated the place, to think that he would've grown up there had Hi-Father and Darkseid not swapped their children as a peace offering.
Now, he was on a mission. The hell hold that was his homeworld housed a child of great power, a power that Hi-Father feared would be used by Darkseid to conquer the galaxy if he wasn't removed from the equation. His latest child, Richard, a New God who was said to hold great power, stated to be the successor to Darkseid's throne when the time came.
He'd be damned if he allowed that to happen. He needed to send the child away, take him to a place far from Darkseid's reach. An isolated world perhaps. The small bundle he carried in his arms, simple white fabric that housed the infant New God. Granny Goodness was bound to notice the disappearance of Darkseid's heir soon.
He needed to move quickly, send the child away quickly, then escape this hellish world for good. He could hear the screeches of the Parademons in the distance, they were searching for him, he knew it. It was a miracle that Mr. Miracle was able to offer some assistance at all, that man was a master of escaping.
Setting the infant child down, Orion glanced over the area, he had little time to do this. He scribbled down a note, saying what the infants name was, he left it with a Motherbox, preprogramed to assist Richard whenever he needed it. It was to act as a homing beacon should they ever need to find him before Darkseid did. Using his own Motherbox, he spoke. "Earth." The words left his lips quietly. The Motherbox opened the boom tube. Sending Richard through, he watched as the tube closed.
"New Genesis." He said once more, it was time to head home.
:15 years later:
Ever since he had been found by John Stewart, he had remained a mystery, a mystery that even the world's greatest detective couldn't solve. Richard knew little about where he came from, who or what he was remained a mystery to him and those around him. He was stronger than Superman, faster than the average Human as well. He was durable, having taken several blows from Superman with little pain.
To the world, he was a being of unknown origin, a constant topic of conversation among the Leaguers and their many allies. What to do with him was long decided, where should he go? Who should look after him? The questions were never answered. In the end, it was decided that he would live on the Watchtower, where the League would keep watch over him.
Richard never really felt at home among them, he didn't trust Batman much, but did find the Lantern's stories to be fascinating. He would often help about the Watchtower; help gather information or do research into a particular criminal the League was after at the time.
Now that he was standing there, in the centre of what they called Mount Justice, surrounded by other young heroes who all knew things about their origin, it made him uncomfortable. He felt out of place among them, he knew nothing about himself apart from what he had managed to learn from the Green Lanterns.
But watching the way the team interacted, it made him feel strange. He wasn't used to that kind of interaction, it was unusual for him, friends weren't a luxury he was used to, most of the League were family to him, aunts and uncles who helped care for him, Miss Martian was the only member of the team that he recognised, the two spent a deal of time together whenever she was at the Watchtower.
He knew Miss Martian well before the others even knew of her existence, the two were pretty much siblings. Whenever J'ohn brought her along to the Watchtower, he would spend time with her. While she was outwardly friendly, constantly trying to cheer others up while hoping to bring some joy to others, he was a shy one, he preferred to be left alone, to be closed off from others. Only really speaking when he had to.
He liked his outfit, a yellow body glove with a black X across his chest. He had black gauntlets and boots. A belt that housed an Omega symbol and his Motherbox. He had a small mask, one that fitted around his face, it was more like armour then it was a mask, he had no identity outside of the hero life, so he was pretty much Richard or Sentinel to the world, whichever outfit he was wearing at the time.
It strange, to say the least, he never really believed that he'd join a team of heroes. He never really considered himself a member of the Justice League at all, rather an ally who had a mysterious past. He watched as Batman spoke to the team. He would never admit it t the Dark Knight, but he was always surprised by the Dark Knight, he constantly showed a new side of him each time they met.
He had already made his observations about the team, which members he liked and didn't like. Aqualad, he was fine, a calm and collected Atlantean who lead the team to the best of his ability. He was wise, and inspiring.
Robin was a different story, while he was the opposite of Batman, he had kept his distance from the bats. He didn't know why, he felt it had to do with the fact that the bats didn't trust easily, he didn't blame them. Aliens from other worlds helping protect the Earth, you never knew if they had an alternate motivation or not.
Wally, of how he wished that kid would shut up. He was a blabbermouth, constantly speaking what was on his mind. Be it insults or his strange sense of humour, it got on his nerves far too often, and he hadn't even known the kid for more then a few minutes before he started judging.
Superboy, now that was a difficult one to decided. He was torn between disliking him and liking him. The boy had been rejected by Superman, the one who should be helping him train and master his abilities, but the Man of Steel just wouldn't have any of it. He was irritated by it and felt that he needed to have an input in their situation at some point in the future.
Miss Martian though, they pretty much knew each other already, so it wasn't really an introduction then it was a reunion between the two. He knew that Dinah and Tornado were assigned to Mount Justice as the caretaker and the trainer, he knew that Batman gave the missions. But it was still strange for him to be there.
The team had their respective mentors, he didn't have a specific mentor, but spent his time training with any League member available at the time. So, he felt isolated from the young heroes, he had pretty much matured faster than he should've had. But that didn't mean he wasn't a stranger to videogames, jokes or pranks. He knew them well, Barry often played them on Hal and Clark.
He noticed the Dark Knight motion for him to come closer. Taking a deep breath, he walked forward. Watching as the young heroes all watched him closely. He wasn't used to the attention, the attention of so many young heroes watching him closely. He glanced at the Dark Knight, waiting for the man to speak.
"Team, this is Sentinel, he'll be your new teammate from now on."
Richard glanced over the heroes. He smiled weakly, watching as Aqualad stepped forward. He watched the Atlantean closely, he liked the way he stood tall, how he worked to lead the team of teenage heroes. "Greetings Sentinel, I'm Aqualad, though you can call me Kaldur." The Atlantean said.
Richard nodded, glancing over the others. "Kid Flash, but you can call Wally." The speedster greeted, racing to his side. Richard raised an eyebrow; he wasn't amused or a fan of the speedster.
"I'm Robin, not allowed to say my other name, but you know that already." Robin said, dragging the speedster away from him. If there was one thing that Richard was grateful for, it was that Robin knew when someone was uncomfortable.
He glanced at Superboy. "Superboy." The clone said. Richard was curious as to why the clone only said his name, but never anything else. But who was he to complain, he took what he could get and turned to face M'gann.
"Richard, it's nice to see you again." The young Martian said, pulling him into a hug.
Richard returned the hug, pulling back as he eyed the team, the team he was now a part of. "Sentinel, though you can call me Richard when off duty." He said, introducing himself to them. He wasn't one for lengthy introductions, that was best left to the villains.
He turned to face the Dark Knight who was currently making conversation with Dinah, most likely centred around his housing arrangements. If he had to guess, it meant he was living at Mount Justice from now on. If so, he would have to get use to Miss Martian and Superboy, not that he didn't mind the company, it was just strange to live among others of his age.
"Sentinel, Wonder Woman will be here shortly to help you settle in." Batman said, walking past him towards Robin. Richard nodded, watched as the Caped Crusader vanished down a corridor in search of his partner.
Richard sighed as he glanced over the other heroes. Among the League, it was well known that he and Diana got along pretty well. It was pretty much agreed that she would be his primary caretaker when he refused to leave her side during a League meeting. There was just something about her that kept him calm, a motherly feeling that took root deep inside him.
"Do not worry my friend, you will fit in alongside us." Aqualad said, as if he had noticed the worry that Richard held deep inside. Richard glanced to his left, watching as the Atlantean stood calmly in silence.
That wasn't true, he would never fit in. He wasn't used to working with others, hell, he had never been in a proper fight before. He just wanted to remain behind the scenes, help coordinate others from the safety of the Watchtower. But that was all changing now, he was a part of the team. "I doubt that." He replied, heading off to find someplace quiet to ponder his many thoughts.
Life at Mount Justice was quiet to say the least, that much Richard could say. He liked M'gann's cooking, sure it was good, but Diana had always been able to prepare the best meals. He liked to spend his time locked away in his room or in the library, hidden from the others where he could read in silence. It was often here that he wondered what his home was like.
Why the smell of smoke made him feel at home. He wished he knew the answers, but wasn't sure whether he'd like them once he knew. Regardless, he was happy where he was. He was thankful that the team hadn't been given a mission yet, because he didn't fell like he was ready for a mission.
It was that afternoon, a week after he'd been introduced to the team, did they learn of their first mission. He found himself standing in the central chamber, the rest of the team, minus Wally, had gathered to meet their new member.
Artemis, that was her name. Probably named after the Greek Goddess of the hunt. It suited her. Yeah, he didn't buy her cover story, but he was fine to play along with it, at least until she was ready to reveal her true origins.
He had to say, he was fascinated by her. She seemed as closed off as he was to the others. She held secrets about her origins, he was positive it had to do with family ties. But he really didn't care about that, if she had bad family, so what, at least she was doing something other then being like the others.
"Sentinel, come and meet Artemis." Robin cried out, knocking him from his thoughts. Richard shook his head, walking towards the female archer slowly. Getting a good look at her, he noted how she seemed to hold herself highly, like she didn't want to show weakness in front of them. It was a sign of weakness already, one that would put her into a troubling situation one day.
"Recognised Kid Flash B-0-3"
Richard sighed in annoyance as soon as the computer announced the name. "Great, blabbermouth's here." He said, rolling his eyes as Wally emerged in beach gear. He watched the interaction between archer and speedster with slight amusement.
He could only chuckle in amusement at the way Wally muttered to himself after Artemis had introduced herself and mocked him. Richard soon found himself standing closer to Artemis then he was the others. He didn't know what it was, but he found it easier to be near Artemis then it did the others.
He wasn't sure how, or why, but he hated the argument between Wally and Artemis, the two of them just won't catch a break from one another. He was glad when Artemis went out to help them patrol the border of the school, it was better then having to listen to the arguments.
He was positive that they were being watched, he didn't like it all. Something was wrong and he hated that feeling. He didn't know who it was, but he had a bad felling about it. He watched the two females as they kept watch. He hadn't properly introduced himself to Artemis yet, given they had been interrupted by Roy and Wally. He hoped that after this mission, he'd be able to introduce himself to her.
He watched as Superboy and Robin took off in the Bioship. He wasn't sure if sending Robin with them was a good thing, but given the nature of the weapon that was out there, and that it was going to need a technological virus to kill it, Robin was the best choice. It was instant, he felt Kid Flash leave the mind link in seconds. Something was wrong and he knew it.
He raced into the school with the others, following Artemis towards the computer lab where Roquette and Aqualad currently rested. He hadn't noticed M'gann leave to rescue Wally from drowning. He found himself face to face with a Shadow, an assassin.
He watched as the Cheshire cat themed assassin posed, ready to fight. He didn't like her at all. He watched as Artemis readied to fight, he stood ready, eyes narrowed as he waited the chance to strike.
"This gig's getting interesting."
Richard rolled his eyes as he watched the villain cut down Artemis' arrows with ease. He readied himself to leap forward, only to turn his head slightly as M'gann and Wally came around the corner. He only had one chance; a distraction was needed. He watched as Artemis readied another arrow for launch. He smirked as he rolled a fist.
He watched as Artemis' arrow was reflected yet again and sent the ground, followed by a grenade. He blinked as he widened his eyes, there was no way they'd be able to track her now. She was most likely long gone, getting backup for the next time she attacked.
"This is all your Fault. You were on the perimeter. How'd that Shadow get in?"
Richard groaned at Wally's voice; he didn't like it at all. He stepped forward placing a hand on his shoulder. He watched as Wally turned to face him. Richard narrowed his eyes and punched him in the face, not enough to break a bone, but just enough for it to hurt. "Shut up already blabbermouth. Three people were on the perimeter, you gonna blame all of us as well?" He asked.
He found amusement in the way that Wally couldn't form words. He had posed a good question, one that even the blabbermouth couldn't have an answer for.
"Outside being distracted by her."
Richard sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose, he really hated Wally right now. "So, you still find a way to blame it on her, pretty pathetic if you ask me." He snapped back, walking to stand beside Artemis. He could feel the glare Wally was giving him from behind, but he didn't care. "Don't mind blabbermouth, he doesn't think about what he says." He said, glancing over his shoulder at Wally.
He watched as Artemis nodded, her eyes narrowed in a glare at the speedster. This mission had already turned out to be interesting. Perhaps this was going to be better than he first thought.
Richard wasn't sure why they chose this dock to hang out. But he supposed it was better then nothing. He wasn't happy about the way that Artemis and Wally glared at each other, but what was he going to do. He knew their plan was going to work, because even if the assassins were smart, they could be fooled.
He noticed when Aqualad vanished from the mind link, no doubt this time, there the assassin had brought backup with her. He glanced up, watching as Black Spider emerged from the door, he narrowed his eyes, watching as Wally raced to deal with the assassin. He watched Artemis, watching as she lined a shot at the assassin.
He widened his eyes as the window above shattered, revealing Hook as he dropped in. Richard narrowed his eyes, ready to fight against this new foe. He watches as Artemis turns to combat this new figure. He cracks his neck, looking for the final assassin he knows is here. He listens, watching before a desk comes up, blocking a crossbow bolt.
He could only smirk in satisfaction as the assassins realised they'd been fooled. He watches as Artemis turns to chase after the leader. He shook his head and ran out after her, turning his over to face Wally as he seemed annoyed at being order around by Artemis. "Just do as she says blabbermouth." He spat, racing after the archer.
Richard watched as Artemis closed in with the assassin. He watched as she fought, how the assassin seemed to overpower he. He leapt in, watching as the assassin raced away after leaving Artemis on the ground. Leaning down, he held out a hand for her, watching as she refused it. He sighed and shook his head. He watched as she went to follow the assassin to the original point, only for him to grab he shoulder.
"What is it?" She hissed.
He smirked. "I can get us there faster." He said, pulling out a Motherbox form his belt. "Sandbar Café." He said, watching as the boom tube opened before them. He smirked and turned to face Artemis. "Even I have fancy toys." He said, leading the way through.
He watched, perched above with Artemis as the assassin left the café. He narrowed his eyes as Artemis released four arrows. He leapt down with her. He watched the interaction between the two. He leapt down behind Artemis, coming to a stop beside as the assassin vanished.
"She's your sister, isn't she?" He said, watching as Artemis glared at him. Her glare gave him the answer he needed. "Don't worry, your secrets safe with me." He added, watching as Aqualad and Roquette emerged from the café. He noticed Wally and M'gann arrive as well, the former of the two seemed displeased with the fact that Cheshire had escaped.
"Oh, big surprise. Notice we got ours." Wally said, taunting Artemis.
Richard only narrowed his eyes, he knew Wally didn't really like him, and it showed here. "One, I haven't been in a fight before, second it was an assassin, we don't have super hearing like Superman or tech lenses like the bats." He defended, crossing his arms as he eyed Wally closely.
Richard was smart, he knew that well. He was glad that they had succeed in neutralizing the Fog and keeping Roquette safe. But he understood why he allowed Artemis to let Cheshire get away. He knew the bond between family was strong, stronger than others.
He wasn't surprised when Artemis asked him to come with her to Gotham. There could've been many different reasons for it. Not that he minded. He still needed to introduce himself to her. So, standing there, in the middle of the alleyway, with Artemis, in the cold night of Gotham was strange.
What was stranger was the way Roy acted towards her. He wasn't fond of Roy, but at least he was better then Wally.
"So, you brought Sentinel to murder him?" Roy questioned.
Richard rolled his fists as he clenched his teeth. "You'll find that I'm not easy to take down Roy." He hissed, eyes narrowed as Artemis.
"Of course, the child with no family or home, able to take a beating from Superman and keep going, that doesn't mean your immortal Sentinel." Roy responded.
Richard could only glance at Artemis as she widened her eyes. He, himself, would be speaking to Oliver later regarding what he'd told Roy. Because this information, it wasn't supposed to get out beyond the League's founding members and a select few.
He watched as Roy left, a warning to Artemis, one that he knew Roy would follow through on if she ever did harm the others. Though he doubted she would do such a thing, considering that Bruce and Oliver had talked to her.
"What did he mean having no family or home?" Artemis demanded.
Richard sighed, he often wondered why he didn't have any of that. It was a question that concerned him greatly. "I… I don't even know where I came from. The League said I had appeared aboard the Watchtower with a note that contained my name and this box." He answered, pulling out the Motherbox.
He was sure Artemis would be questioning. Deep down, he was afraid of finding the answers to his questions, what they were, he hoping he'd never have to find out. Because when he did, it was going to change his life for good. "I wish I knew where I came from. All I know is that my name is Richard, and I am Sentinel, a hero who has no mentor." He added.
He watched as Artemis vanished down the alleyway. He wasn't sure what was going to happen from now on, but he was glad she was on the team, because they had secrets, and he knew that secrets could hurt them when others found out. "IF you ever need someone to speak to, I'll be around." He called out after her, watching as she smirked in response. He loved this life, but he had a feeling that things were going to change soon, and when they did, he felt that he would be the epicentre of events.
In the cool dark throne room of Darkseid, the New God and ruler of Apocalypse sat upon the dark throne. His eyes rested upon Granny Goodness and the other members of his elite. His son, now missing for fifteen years, was close. He knew it. If only he could reach out and find him. He knew that all was going to come a head, the universe would erupt into war when he found his son, whoever dared take his child would pay dearly for their actions. His red eyes narrowed. "Report." The word was all he said, the darkness in his voice, the rough edge it held, the sinister and dark tone that he carried through the wind, it was a chill upon the spine.
"We have tracked Richard to another star system my lord, one known as the Solar System, though we do not know which planet he is on."
Darkseid moved his gaze to rest upon Kailback, the child he was given in exchange for peace with New Genesis. The man was a brute. "Excellent." He replied, a dark grin forming upon his lips. "Soon, the universe shall bow before me and my heir. Apocalypse will rule over all."
This is the longest chapter I have ever written, 4,099 words worth of story. This chapter was mostly from Dick's point of view, I plan on the other characters getting some point of views as well.
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