Hello everyone! It's been awhile and I'm sorry for that. My laptop broke and finals came up so I decided to wait until I got home and started and completed this chapter. Updates should be more frequent from now on! This has NOT been edited thoroughly and I'll be back to fix the errors before I finish the next chapter.
Enjoy!
Episode 2: Fireworks
The doctor paced the room as he frantically waited for the bosses to answer his call. He didn't particularly know how well it will go but he would try his best to smoothly transition himself out this ordeal. Screens came down from the ceiling as his nervousness never ceased. Blurred, white figures appeared on the screen.
"Desmond, you require an audience with the light?"
"Yes. Very sorry to disturb you at this hour," he responded.
"Just make your report." The voice came off impatient. They didn't want to deal with this skittish man
"Of course. Ahem." He cleared his throat as he grew nervous. "Well, we had a small fire here at project Cadmus. The origin of the incident is still unclear, but it seems to have attracted some… unwanted attention. Aqualad, Robin, Raven and Kid Flash- breached security. They found and released the weapon, the Superboy. Of course the clone is under our telepathic control and as ordered turned against his would-be liberators. The three are contained, and we don't believe The League knows they're here. Uh, what should I do with them?"
A brief pause came forward.
"Clone them," a voice quickly ordered. "The substitutes will serve the Light and only the Light"
Dr. Desmond pressed, "And the originals?"
"Dispose of them and leave no trace," they commanded.
Someone else weighed in "Make sure Raven is contained properly."
"Uh," he grew a bit fidgety. He let that one slip. "She is… unfortunately not captured-but she hasn't left the building. It's completely locked down. I'm sure she'll try to rescue her friends and then we will trap her, clone her-,"
"No!" a voice rang out clear and demanding. "You will capture her and detain her until I send someone for her. Do not try to clone this girl or kill her. She is too useful for The Light. Do you understand?"
"Of course, of course!" Dr. Desmond waved his hands in defense and didn't press any further.
"Good." He seemed satisfied. "I'll have someone be there by early morning, the latest. I expect her to be detained by then."
Dr. Desmond didn't know too much about this Raven girl. She was a side kick of Black Canary, relatively new to the super hero gig, and a skilled fighter. Sources on her remained blank or blocked; he could try to press for more information later but not from the board. He remembered the time a scientist he worked with tried to question their orders and it wasn't pretty. The screens went blank as they adjourned the meeting and left the doctor to finish his job.
"No genomorph spotted her yet," Ravagar appeared from behind with a G-gnome resting on her shoulder. "I'm going to look for her myself." She spoke her words with bitterness and determination.
Desmond turned to the young mercenary. "Right. I assume the weapon is back in it's pod," he said as he made his way out of the room.
Ravager walked with him, side by side. "Psh, no," she said simply.
"What!" Desmond stopped to glared down at the young girl. He scowled his displeasure. "It needs to put back right now! It's not ready-,"
"Whoa, Doc." She interrupted. "I didn't see why he couldn't stretch his legs and do something useful. He put those teenagers in those cloning pods like you wanted." She spoke as if she wasn't the same age. "What's the big deal?"
"You will make sure it gets back where it belongs! Now!" He commanded.
She grimaced as a spit flew from his mouth and nearly touched her cheek. "Shouldn't I be putting my priorities else where?"
"You're going to do your job right. Or must I call your superior?" He said as if he was clever and smirk. Ravager growled. She didn't respond as she turned on her heel and made her to the clone.
Washington, D.C. July 5, 0:01 EDT
You must awaken; you must awaken now!
Aqualad's eyes popped open. He went to move his arms and legs but they were trapped. He was hung high with Robin and Kid Flash. They were held against their wills in some metal suspender. His breath quickened as he tried to remember what happen. They came to investigate Cadmus, they found some human made creatures, Superman's clone and… they were beaten up by him. Kid Flash, Robin, Raven- wait! Where was Raven?
"Aqualad! Thank God!" Kid Flash said with relief. Aqualad turned his attention to the red head. "Where's- I mean…" He hesitated to say anything. The black Alantian didn't understand at first but he realized they were under supervision and not by just anyone; it was the clone, Superboy. His icy blue eyes and glare stared them down as he watched the sidekicks like a hawk.
He took in his surroundings. The Alantian turned towards Kid Flash and shook his head. He didn't know where Raven was. Did she get captured as well? If so, then why are they separated from her? Perhaps she left to alert the League and get help! He hoped she did. He also secretly wished they didn't go on this mission. He didn't regret rebelling against his mentor and probably do it again but he was in a bleak situation and his mind was over crowded by bleak thoughts.
Kid Flash was a little sadden by that. Robin didn't know, Aqualad didn't know. He was worried and he really shouldn't be. Raven was a tough girl and could handle herself; she was trained by the best martial artists in the States. In fact, their relationship wasn't like how it used to be so he shouldn't be concerned about her more than Robin, Aqualad or even himself! Ugh, this can't be happening… Then they got themselves trapped in this shitty situation! They were just trying to help this guy out but got knocked out instead. The clone was just staring at them and not saying a word
The speedster was getting sick of it. "What?" He said out of frustration. "What do you want? Quit staring; you're creeping me out!"
"Uh," Robin interjected. "KF, how about we not tick off the guy who can fry us with a look?"
XX
Raven was annoyed. No, she wasn't. She was angry; no, that didn't seem like the right word either. She was livid, pissed. Pissed off at all of this misfortunate events. They were to rash. Robin jumped ahead and left everyone out of his plans, Kid Flash rushed into everything, Aqualad was eager to rebel and she was too bitter about Roy to stop it. Now they were captured and she had a tough time finding them. There was so much organic life around them and she couldn't faze through the genomorphs. She could feel every single one of them, hear all of their thoughts and it was a little overwhelming.
The grey teen pressed against the wall as she peaked over the dark corner. She was going to have to sneak the old fashion way; there was too much going on, her senses were high alert and there was no way she could pin point dangerous energy at the moment.
Whispers crowded her mind and emotions of the living weapons latched on to her. They wanted something, asking her to hear them. But for what? Freedom, perhaps? There were too many thoughts and emotions over powering her. Curiosity, anger, help, questions, sadness- Shut up!
Everything fell silent at her command. She sighed. Her patience was running thin and she took it out on helpless creatures who didn't who or what they were. Raven turned to her left as she stared at the organic wall. She felt creature embedded and trapped all around her but they couldn't understand they were trapped and that they had free will. They had feelings but didn't know exactly what to do with them. She placed a hand on the wall and closed her eyes.
"My name is Raven." She communicated with the clones she could contact.
"Raven is a bird; you are no bird," a genomorph quietly mused. She chuckled at his conclusions.
"Raven is also a sidekick of Black Canary; you are that Raven," another said as he laid in the walls.
"Well, this Raven is scary; she must be a threat our creators speak of."
"No, no," Raven tried to reassure them. "I'm sorry I yelled. I could hear you the moment I was able to escape and I couldn't block you all out fast enough; you were all talking at once and it got overwhelming. I don't want to hurt you, any of you. I just want to find my friends."
"Friends? A strange concept but a concept Dubbilex has spoken of many times."
"Who is he?" Raven questioned. The genomorph didn't answer her. He did not trust her, however she was going to be more patient. "That's fine. You don't have to tell me but I wish for you help. I can not sense my friends as easily as I wish I could. I need to help them."
"Is that what friends do?" one questioned as he battled with inwardly.
"Indeed, we do. We help each other when we're in trouble. I'm sure you would help each other with every chance you could get." She played out her words carefully. She wanted to gain their trust; make them understand that she wasn't a threat.
"We are in these walls. We are still growing. We can not do what you do." He sounded sad; he sounded like he yearned for more.
Raven sent a calming energy to the genomorphs. "One day, you will. One day, you will be set free and you can choose what you want to do but I need your help first."
The clones fidgeted in their cells. "If we help you, you will be our friend correct?"
"If that's what you wish, of course," she said as sent reassuring energy.
The clones concluded, "We shall help but as our friend, we want you to help us too."
XX
The three sidekicks were trapped in their tubes no matter how much they struggled. Their restraints remained tight and secured. The three were always repaid with gratitude when they were trying to help others. They didn't get paid or showered with gifts; they never expected it either but it was enough to know that their efforts kept someone safe and happy. But not this time around. They were captured and their friend was no where to be seen.
"We only sought to help you," Aqualad said to Superboy as the cloned looked up at them.
"Yeah!" Kid Flash interjected with clear anger in his voice. "We free you and you turn on us. How's that for grateful?"
"Kid, please!" the Alantian stopped the speedster from talking anymore. They were already face to face with someone much stronger than they were. "I believe our new friend is not in full control of his own actions." He looked through this logically and tried to calm his friends as much as possible.
"What-what if… What if I wasn't?" He finally spoke. His voice was a little broken. He sounded like any other teenager who was unsure of himself. He was just like any other young adult who wanted to find their way in this crazy world.
The red head was shocked. "He can speak?"
"Yes, he can!" Superboy was growing impatient at the speedster's behavior.
Kid Flash's peers glared at him a disapproving look. "What? It's not like I said it."
"The genomorphs taught you telepathically." Aqualad didn't question; he concluded.
Superboy answered, "They taught me much. I can read, write. I know the names of things-,"
"But have you seen them?" Robin interrupted. "Have they ever actually let you see the sky or the sun?"
"Images are implanted in my mind," he said with confidence but it faltered quickly "but no. I have not seen them."
"Do you know what you are, who you are?" Aqualad asked as he pushed the clone to think for himself.
He stood proudly as he answered. "I am the Superboy, a genomorph, a clone made from The DNA of the Superman, created to replace him should he perish, to destroy him should he turn from the Light."
The young heroes eyes widened and looked at each other. To destroy Supderman? Was it even possible? If it was, they couldn't just let him go.
Aqualad cleared his throat. Many years of standing by the king's side has taught him to solve problems physically and diplomatically. "To be like Superman is a worthy aspiration, but like Superman, you deserve a life of your own beyond that solar suit, beyond your pod, beyond Cadmus."
Superboy glared at the water user as he dared to question his origins. "I live because of Cadmus! It is my home!"
Robin responded in a calming voice. "Your home is a test tube. We can show you the sun; we won't keep you locked away." That did sound tempting. The clone looked down as he started to question his short existence and everything that was taught to him.
"Uh, pretty sure it's after midnight, but we can show you the moon," Kid Flash said with a lighthearted tone and friendly smile. "But," his tone quickly changed and his smile replaced with a frown. "You have to tell us where our friend is. What did you do with her?"
Aqualad could tell Kid was getting a little impatient. He didn't blame him; he, too, was worried for Raven's wellbeing. He didn't know if she escaped, if she was captured or subjected to something much worse. "We can show you, introduce you to Superman," he said as Superboy perked. "But, I wish we had our friend back."
Superboy frowned. When he was being told to attack and disable the young heroes, he could… feel her. It was an odd sensation but surprisingly not unwelcomed. It was strange to think about how his thoughts and feeling were not trying to be manipulated but freed.
"We're only asking for some help and we can get you to know him, get to know Superman" Aqualad said with a friendly smile.
"No, they can't." Dr. Desmond stepped through the opening doors with a scientist on one side and Ravager on the other. Each with their own telepathic genomorphs resting on their shoulder. "Unfortunately, they'll be occupied with something else." He turned to the scientist. "Activate the cloning process." She quickly passed the two to do as what was ordered. She prepared the machine to extract their DNA.
Robin frowned. "Pass. The Batcave is crowded enough." He didn't feel at all comfortable with anyone messing with his DNA. His very being disturbed and poked at like he wasn't human. Then, his other self would be controlled just like Superboy.
Dr. Desmond ordered, "And get the weapon back into its pod!" Superboy was stung by that word. He was called an it as if he was common furniture. He lived and was born because of this scientist but he was treated no better than a tool.
"Help us," Aqualad pleaded. Superboy hesitated to turn away from the young heroes.
Desmond groaned as he grew impatient. "Don't start thinking now!" The G-gnome telepathic ally sent messages to the clone. Superboy's eyes grew dull. "See, you're not a real boy. You're a weapon and you belong to me-!"
"Correction: to Cadmus," Ravager smirked at the scientist. He threw an unpleasing look at the young body guard.
"Get pack to your pod!" He ordered the young clone.
He strolled passed the scientist and the young mercenary. He mindlessly followed the ordered, no matter how much he struggled inside. He exited out the room. His body walked towards his cage but he didn't want to follow any more orders. He didn't want to be some mindless solder. He was created to be a weapon; that was true but he had free thoughts and questions. Why give him the want and desire if they can create him so willingly?
"You seem troubled." A small figure stood in front of him, only a few feet away. It was the girl who was holding him back earlier. The g-gnome's horns started to glow but was immediately interrupted by Raven's power. Her pupils faded as her eyes glowed white. The clone's mind went completely blank and stopped the message to the other G-gnomes before it could barely leave his mind. He slipped into a deep slumber. As he fell from Superboy's shoulder, a shadow caught him and traveled the tiny creature to Raven's arms. She cradled it close as she sent it into a deep, comforting sleep.
Shadows wrapped around Superboy as quickly as he regained control. He was harshly slammed to the ground. He waved and wiggled around in his trap. Raven glared as she used much of her strength to hold down the alien clone. She just needed to get by and-
"Wait!" He shouted as he tried to break through. It was tougher than it looked. "I'm not- I don't want to hurt you!"
Raven was a bit skeptical. She sensed that the connection between the G-gnome and the kryptonian clone had disappeared. A little peak in his mind and she could tell he wasn't clouded with anyone else's perception. Shadows dispersed and returned back into their place. Raven quickly went to his side. "I apologize. I didn't know how much control you were in; I see I was mistaken." Superboy stood up and looked down at the tiny girl. She was short, slim but had a curved figure, her skin was pale to the point that it looked like an abnormal grey. Although her voice was low, it wasn't meek. He frowned; she didn't at all look intimidating or all the strong but she held him down even though he had as much strength as the Man of Steel. She smirked. "As much as I liked to admired, I have my friends to save." She placed the tiny g–gnome off to the side of the hall. She gave him a small pat before she let him sleep in peace, perhaps for the first time.
Superboy shook off her playful tone. "I want to help." Raven looked into his icy, intimidating blue eyes but did not detour. She admitted his stare was a bit uncomfortable but she dealt with worse. She sensed the raw emotion flowing towards her as he was able to feel freely.
"Well, I definitely don't want you as an enemy." She smiled at him but cut the pleasantries short as she raced towards the direction of her peers. Superboy quickly followed.
XX
As soon as the doors closed behind Superboy, Desmond nodded to his subordinate. The other scientist quickly tapped the buttons and turned a few knobs. Extractors reached up inside the tubes the young boys were trapped in and struck into their chest. As soon as electricity flew through them, they screamed in agony. With too much pride flowing through their veins, they clammed their mouths shut. They would not give their enemy the satisfaction of their pain. Their blood was taken from them and injected into pods.
"Now, where is Dubbilex?" A shadow figured crept up behind the scientist. "Ah! Ugh, lurking as usual. Get the g-gnomes to download their memories and dispose of the originals."
"Well, as peachy as this is, I'm going to find her. Wasting my time," Ravager said as she turned away from the screams. It was definitely unsettling and she didn't want to stick around for the entire process. She didn't quite have the stomach for it. Funny considering she was a paid mercenary but she supposed there was a difference between torture and a swift bullet to the head.
She made her way to the door but as soon as she stepped away from the doctor, the door flew open. A black shadow ram into her stomach and she flew across the room.
Dr. Desmond whipped his head to the assailants that dared to barge in.
Raven lifted a shadow to grab Desmond and whip him across the floor and slammed him against a wall. Superboy rushed in. He pushed the other scientist out the way and elbowed her to knock her out. He pushed Dubbilex and made him fly, hitting the wall with his incredible strength. He destroyed the keypad; the system malfunctioned and the abstraction halted in its place. Raven gathered shadows to form around the prisons that kept her friends locked away. She tore off the restraints from its hinges and freed the young boys. They collapsed to the ground as they groaned in pain. Oops, should've caught them…
The shadow user rush to their side. "How hurt are you?" Honestly, she didn't need to ask such a question. She could feel their pain and draining energy; she was going to heal them anyways. Blue energy wrapped around the young heroes as she prepared to take away their pain.
"Wait, Raven. You don't have to-," Robin said as he tried to stop her. He knew the extent of her powers and the sacrifice it came to help them. She patted his shoulder to stop his squabbling and did her job. She smiled at him as his strength returned. With the energy dispersed and the healing completed, the young protégés felt completely rejuvenated. Raven winced as her head spun and her body ached.
Ugh, I now know what it feels to be shocked… She tried her best to shake it off. She took a deep breath as shadows crept by her feet; they tried to relax her tense body.
Superboy helped Aqualad stand up. The young Atlantean smiled at him. "I'm glad you're here to help."
The red head wrapped his arms around Raven so quick, she couldn't even process the feeling to protest. The speedster let out a breath of relief. As soon as he realized his actions, he quickly let go of the young lady. "Man, I was so worried. I thought they were- well, I didn't know what to think but I'm glad you're ok." Kid Flash rubbed the back of his neck nervously as he gave a sheepish smile.
Raven offered a reassuring smile. He had nothing to be embarrassed about. "I'm glad you're all ok. I would have come sooner but there's genomorphs in just about every corner and wall."
"So we're surrounded?" Aqualad asked.
"Not exactly-," Raven was interrupted as a knife came flying towards her head. A shadow blocked the incoming attack as the knife clattered to the ground. She turned to Ravager who had her sword drawn and she was ready for a fight.
Ravager ran towards the young heroes with her sword ready to cut flesh. But with a blur, Kid Flash rushed the young girl and knocked her to the side. He quickly stole the sword from her hands and tossed it to the far side of the room.
Dr. Desmond shouted, "You won't get away! I'll have you all captured by morning!"
"That guy is not whelmed, not whelmed at all," Robin said as he tossed an explosive device to the containers that contained their DNA, completely obliterating them.
Desmond turned to a tiny G-gnome that was on the floor. "Activate every genomorph in Cadmus!" Their little horns glow as he sent a wide spread message to his cousins.
Okay, now we're really surrounded. Raven concluded, "We should really go." She didn't have much opportunity to convince every creature in the campus and they were no way safe yet. The shadow user ran towards the exit as the others followed. They raced down the hall. Behind them, creatures crowned from the walls and spawned to chase after the heroes.
"We're on sublevel 42. We just need to get to the elevator and we can gain the upper hand!" Robin said as he led the way to their exit.
A genomorph leaped and tried to tackle Superboy. It hoped on his shoulders and tried to dig its razor claws into his head. The clone growled as he grabbed the living weapon by its neck and tossed it aside.
As the elevator came to view, Kid Flash sped ahead. He looked to right, nothing coming for them and then he looked to his left, it seemed- Oh, shit! The living weapons turned a corner and a rush of genomorphs headed his way. On the other hallway, genomorphs spawned from the walls. With his super speed, the young hero tried to disable as many clones as he could. Aqualad transformed his water into a solid mallet as he knocked out one that popped out of the wall.
Raven gathered shadows in her hands to form a weapon but was automatically dismantle with a powerful kick to the face; she was going to feel that in the morning. She was knocked to floor and landed on her side. I really should've seen that one coming. She was able to summon a shadow to construct into a sword and she turned around fast enough to block double katanas. She was face to face with Rose yet again.
Genomorphs jumped over and ran passed them to go face to face with the boys.
"I'm going to enjoy taking that head off your shoulders more than I should," Ravager said as she sneered at her opponent. Her anger crashed down on Raven like a heavy wave during a storm.
The shadow user frowned. She needed to focus; she had no time to be distracted by the past and overwhelming guilt that was buried deep down inside her. She raised her feet and kicked Ravager off of her body. She flipped to her feet. She turned her weapon into a bo staff.
Ravager wasted no time to attack again. She swung her weapon with a heavy force and it clashed with Raven's; the collision made her arm tingle. Raven pushed the katana away but Ravager quickly swung the other. Raven blocked her from one side to the other.
A shadow snuck up from behind the villainess and went for her ankle but she quickly jumped out of the way. Another shadow tried to hold her back but Ravager slashed right through it, disrupting the attack and dodge another. Ravager was prepared to fight more deligently as the last battle between the two was too quick and erupted by her emotions. She wouldn't let them get the best of her as she tried to take down Raven.
As Ravager dodged another attack, she jumped onto a wall and as she hopped off, she picked up speed. She came towards Raven at an alarming rate with a killing strike; Raven wasn't quick enough to summon a shield. She barely dodged it as the steel brushed passed her a fraction away from her face. Raven spun, ducked and went to sweep Ravager's legs with a shift kick but alas the white haired girl jumped up from the attack. She tried to stab Raven while she was on the higher ground but the dark user quickly rolled out the way and hopped back on to her feet.
"You're getting slow," Ravager said as she smirked.
Raven replied, "So are you." Ravager didn't have enough time to react as a shadow knocked her across the face.
"Raven! Lets go!" Aqualad shouted through the mass of opponents. Robin was able to unlock the elevator door as the rest were fighting off the living weapons. Superboy was knocking the giant genomorphs off their feet and making them crash into the wall.
Raven noticed that she was separated from her group yet again as a few genomorphs surrounded her. As much as she didn't want to be separated again, she couldn't let them get caught. She looked up to see a solid ceiling; no organic lifeform was there to block her way. Ravager was ready to go for another attack but as she swung her sword, Raven spun herself out of the way.
"Just go!" Raven said to her peers. She turned to her assailant and quietly said, "I'm sorry, Rose."
Rose growled her frustrations and was about to take it all out on Raven but the heroine quickly ducked into the shadows. Her whole body phased into them as she traveled through. She traveled up the walls and through the ceiling.
Aqualad turned to the others. "Let's get out of here!" Superboy quickly grabbed his arm as he jumped into an elevator duck. Robin used a grabbling hook to zoom up the shaft as far he could.
However, when he was high up in the air, Superboy began to fall. His eyes widened as he couldn't seem to bring his body to go through the air. Robin shot off weapon and it got stuck in the wall. Aqualad quickly grabbed it and held onto the clone.
Superboy said, "Superman can fly; why can't I fly?" He was stunned and a little discouraged by the discovery.
Kid Flash tried to pick up the clone's spirit. "Don't know, but it looks like you can leap tall buildings in a single bound. Still cool," he said with a friendly smile.
Aqualad set him down on the elevator shaft as the boys stayed close to wall. "Thank you," he said to the Alantian as he jumped down to their level. The elevator, however, was coming down on top of them.
"Guys, this will have to be our exit," Robin said. Aqualad pried open the elevator door.
The boys climbed and went through the elevator doors as they dodged the elevator crashing down. They were able to land on sublevel 13 but they were still far from escaping. They were lost in the maze of a building. "I think Raven was able to get away but I wouldn't know where she would end up," Robin said. He was aware of Raven's abilities and limits on traveling through shadows and darkness. He was positive she escaped but wasn't sure if she was able to find them yet again. "With nothing holding her back, she was probably able to find an exit."
Aqualad and Kid Flash had to agree. As they were thinking about their peer, genomorphs were racing towards them with alarming speed. With no time to lose, they had to make a split decision.
"We're never going to get break!" Kid Flash exclaimed.
You must go. Turn right, brother… A voice rang through Superboy's head. "I think we should go."
XX
Raven traveled through the shadows and swept through the sublevels until she ended up in an area with the least amount of activity. Her body appeared from the shadows. She stood up as she gave herself a moment to catch her breath. She couldn't tell exactly where she was. She began to wonder down the halls.
The shadow user took in her surroundings. She was in another hall way but no organic life form trapped within them, just regular metal walls. This day had been particularly annoying. It was supposed to be a simple investigation just to rebel against "the man". She in no way regretted going to Cadmus, if it meant freeing the clones, but there she was minutes away from Rose.
The feeling of betrayal sprouted from her and it shook Raven's very core. She didn't want to cause such a distain between them but if she were honest, she wouldn't start over again; she wouldn't stay.
As she raced down the hall, she ran into a small problem. A G-gnome waited patiently on the floor as if it was expecting her. Her face twisted as she tried to figure out how it even knew she was there. Its little horns glowed.
XX
The boys raced down the hallway as they were being chased by the genomorphs. Superboy led them through the laboratory. A voice was telling him different direction; it felt like something he could trust and he went with his gut.
They made a sharp turn and ran down the hall. However, they were faced with a wall with a single vent. They were able to crawl through it and use it as a way to escape. With Robin's keen skills, he had the ability to hack the motion sensors. He was able to lead the genomorphs tracking them on a wild goose chase while they used the maze of the vents to make their grand escape.
"The exit is this way," Robin said as held up a map that gained from hacking the system.
Kid Flash had to speak up. "But we can't leave Raven," he said as he crawled after the boy wonder. "I don't think any of us want to deal with an angry Black Canary."
You're not. A voice whispered through his head.
Raven! Jeez, you need to stop disappearing. Kid Flash said
No promises. Her chuckle rang like bells through his ears. I should be near the exit; I think I'm close to you guys.
"Guys! Raven is close!" Kid Flash said as the rest were able to relax just a bit more. The boys went through the vents. They were able to exit as Robin kicked the vent door open and the boys jumped out after him. They entered in the garage that led out to the street. Down the hall was the way out but it was quickly closing and locking before them. A thick, metal blockade was shutting right in front of the escaping teens. Kid Flash tried to catch the door but as he ran for it, the door was shut tight and he slammed right into it.
"We're cut off from the street," Aqualad made note as their freedom was so close but so far away. Superboy slammed his whole body against the blockade and he tried to punch through it but as he kept going the blockade would barely make a budge.
Kid Flash rubbed his head as he stood up. "Thanks. My head hasn't noticed."
From down the hall, there was a barrage of noise going towards them. Many genomorphs were storming towards them. Robin noticed a small door way that was on the side.
Using his quick thinking, the boy wonder kicked the door down. "This way!" he said. The boys rushed to safety and went to the other side. But as soon as they reached their destination, they were surrounded by genomorphs and g-gnomes.
The g-gnomes' horns glowed and the heroes' collapsed on the floor as the telepathic creatures took hold of their mind and made the boys indefinitely tired with their mind control.
"Perhaps for the sake of all genomorphs, our brother Superboy should make up his own mind." A voice came into fruition as tall figure approached them. The g-gnomes telepathically let go of the young men. They were able to gather their own thoughts and shake off the feeling.
"It was you!" Superboy said as he recognize the voice that led them to the vents.
"My name is Dubbilex," he said as he stood his ground. "Yes, brother. I set the fire and lured your new friends down into Cadmus, woke them when they were in danger-,"
Superboy was is in disbelief. "And guided me. Why?"
"Because you are our hope, the genomorph hero. You will blaze a trail for all our brothers, showing us the way to freedom," he explained. "What is your choice?"
The clone looked at the young heroes that went out of their way to help him. Even after he helped in capturing them, they tried their best to convince them that the life he was living wasn't his to control but not anymore.
He stood tall. "I choose freedom." Aqualad smiled as he stood with Superboy and patted him on his shoulder with a friendly gesture.
"I told you he would," another voice came forward. Aqualad turned to see Raven approaching them with a tiny g-gnome in his arms. The other swiveled their heads to her direction.
Kid Flash was getting sick of all the mini heart attacks he was having the past few hours. "You really need to stop disappearing." He sped to Raven and paused to look at the tiny genomorph cuddled in her arms. "And you're not being-,"
Raven rolled her eyes. "No. My mind can't be easily manipulated like yours," she teased as she smirked at the red head. Yup, that was Raven alright, no amount of mind control could ever quell her teasing nature. "He led me to Dubbilex and you guys." She petted him on top of his head and he let out purr like sound. "Are you all alright?"
The red head puffed his chest. "What? Me? Something like that can't take me down…that mind thing was nothing," he joked as he wiggled his eyebrows. He was fine alright. Raven put a hand on her hips; he could never be serious for a second.
"You all must go, before Desmond-,"
"I think not!" The genomorphs on the other side of the teens moved and opened a path to reveal Desmond holding a tube with an unknown liquid. Raven could feel their fear and their unwillingness to challenge the scientist. The tiny G-gnome curled further into her arms; she used her powers to calm them down. "With this, I can restore order into Cadmus!" He downed the contents in one fast gulp.
He groaned as his body shifted and his bones transformed. His form grew larger as his skin was ripped apart as a new layer took form. He was a dark and crusty purple and he took on a monstrous appearance. The monster grinned at his new body and strength.
Superboy glared at the mad scientist. His anger over took him and his need to rebel led him to attack the enemy. He charged at the scientist and punched him in the chest. The monster returned the attack as Superboy was met with an uppercut that sent his whole body flying into the air. As quickly as he landed on the floor, he got up and jumped in the air. He planned to land his foot on Desmond's face but the monster jumped and caught the boy. They crashed through the ceiling and disappeared from the others' views.
"Well, I guess that's one way to bust through the ceiling," Robin said as he used his grappling hook to grab onto the new hole. Kid Flash hopped on with the Boy Wonder as they swung away together.
"You think lab coat planned that?" he said as the two went through the hole to help Superboy.
Aqualad followed suit. "I doubt he's planning anything anymore," he said as he jumped through the hole.
Raven looked up after the boys. "They others mentioned you," Dubbilex said before the girl could disappear. She turned to him and mustered up a small smile to him.
"I won't forget my promise," she said. The little G-gnome in her arms hopped on her shoulder.
Dubbilex said, "He's quite fond of you."
Raven petted the g-gnome on his head. "It would take a lot of convincing but I'm sure he can stay with me." She frowned as she thought back at the other genomorphs that she encountered. She starred into Dubbilex's eyes. "You all stay safe until then."
Shadows gathered under her feet and lifted her through the hole to help her teammates. As soon as she got out, she let the g-gnome down. "You stay out of the way and try not to get hurt." She placed him out of harm's way. She gathered shadows in her hands and went to engage in the fight.
She stood with Aqualad, Kid Flash, and Robin as Superboy wrestled with the mutated Desmond. Desmond swung Superboy away, crashing into Aqualad. Raven blasted a shadow onto Desmond. It hit his chest as the monster pushed against the powerful blast.
With Kid Flash and Robin's help, Superboy and Aqualad stood on their feet. The two ran over to Desmond; they swung their first and delivered a power punch. Kid Flash sped behind the monster and kneeled, causing the scientist to trip over him and land hard on his back. Kid Flash ran out of the way of the falling giant.
"I learned that in Kindergarten," he said with a snarky tone. Robin threw a few discs to hit Desmond in the face but the monster blocked it with his arm, making the disc fly away.
Raven formed shadows in her hand- Behind! She quickly used the shadows as a shield as twin katanas crashed into it. Ravager snarled as Raven quick reflexes bested her again.
"Persistent as always," Raven said to Rose as she pushed her away with her shadow. She constructed it into a bo staff and swung it as the mercenary's head.
Ravager quickly blocked it. "I thought you always admired that," she said with a smirk. Her swords went to cut Raven in half but she jumped away. Raven kicked debris in Ravager's face to block her eyesight. While she was distracted, Raven jumped and landed a foot on Ravager's head, sending her opponent to crash on the floor.
"I never said I stopped," she said as Ravager quickly swung herself onto her feet.
Meanwhile, Fid Flash dodged an attack from Desmond. With his new super human strength, Desmond's fist slammed into a beam while the speedster went out of the way. As the beam broke, a lightbulb went off in Robin's head.
"Of course," he said to himself. He looked at the structure of the building. Desmond was undoubtfully tough and hard to beat. If his strength matched Superboy's then there wasn't much to bring him down quickly except the building itself. "KF! Get over here!" The red head sped over as the Boy Wonder explained his plan.
Aqualad dodged a punch and swung back. However, he was picked up and slammed into a post. He formed a small shield with water as Desmond threw back his fist and smashed it into Aqualad. The young Alantian tried his best to block most of the damage. Superboy flew across the room to hit Desmond in the face, knocking him off Aqualad. Kid Flash zoomed right pass him and knocked him across the face while grabbing a piece of his old skin.
He waved it around. "I got your nose!" he teased as Desmond grew frustrated. He chased the speedster but he dodged every one of his attacks. Kid Flash led the strong mutant to hit against every piller and break it
Robin called, "Superboy! Aqualad!" as he rushed to their side. He proceeded to explain his plan to the two heavy hitters. "Got it?"
"Got it!" the two said simultaneously. Superboy went to knock down one pillar and Aqualad proceeded to punch down another. Robin spotted Raven dodging an attack from the bodyguard. He quickly went her side.
He threw a disc at Ravager's as she swung at Raven. Before it could reach her, she dodged it. Raven used a shadow to grab her ankle and threw her against the wall.
Robin faced Raven. "We're bringing this building down," he said as he led her away from the mercenary. Raven found it hard to turn away from the other girl but did so. She wasn't in any mood to raise any questions. She quickly picked up the little genomorph with a shadow and carried it until he was safely in her arms.
Robin threw explosive discs at the remaining pillars as Aqualad and Superboy brought down a couple. "Move!" he said as the two noticed the explosive devices. The teens ran past Kid Flash, then the red head followed suit.
Ravager shook off her headache as she noticed the teens were running away. She growled as she grabbed one of her katanas from the floor. She was prepared to chase down Raven except explosions erupted one after the other. She was encased around a dark bubble. The building began to collapse on itself as the shadows protected her from the damage.
The building fell to pieces as the support was destroyed. It fell on top of Desmond as he couldn't get away from the falling structure fast enough. Debris spread across the city streets and the building crashed onto the floor. As the dust settled, a dark shield emerged from the damage. Five teens were safely tucked under the shield as Raven held up the form. Shadows retreated and disappeared as it knocked off the broken bits away from them. Raven quickly looked where Ravager would be and found that she disappeared as quickly as the shield decapitated.
"We did it!" Aqualad said with pride and astonishment in his voice.
Robin smirked. "Was there ever any doubt?"
The teens got off from their high of victory as they stepped over the debris. Kid Flash elbowed Superboy. "See?" He pointed up and Superboy's eyes followed. "The moon." Superboy smiled as he noticed how much brighter the moon was than the simple images he was shown locked down in his chamber. However, the moon's view was block by an approaching image floating down towards. "Oh! And Superman! Do we keep our promises or what?"
The rest of the league followed as well. The members landed around the teens and on top of the fallen building. Superman, Red Tornado, Zatarra, Shazaam, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Green Lantern, Batman, Flash and all the great were there in one place. Batman walked from behind and stood by Superman.
Superboy walked up to Superman as the kryptonian eyes narrowed. The clone's solar suit was ripped and it covered the sign on his chest. His eyes were full of hope to see Superman's expression and he was glad to be able see the man that helped made him who he was, helped give him life. He smiled as he showed the insignia that matched Superman's. Superman's eyes widened and they quickly glared with anger.
Raven could see how hurt that made him; she didn't have to read his emotions. That was going to be a problem.
Batman couldn't believe his eyes. "Is that what I think it is?"
"He doesn't like to be called an it," Kid Flash said as he went to Superboy's defense.
Superboy spoke up as he didn't like that people were talking about him while he was right there. "I'm Superman's clone," he said with a drip of anger.
Batman turned to the other teens. They were in a world of a lecture. "Explain, now."
XX
The mentors of the young heroes stayed behind as the rest went to carry Desmond off to locked facility. Martian Manhunter, Wonder Woman and Superman stood in a circle and carried out a conversation.
The mentors were having a small discussion as the young heroes awaited their fate. Martian Manhunter nodded to Superman; he gave him a hint to talk to the young clone. Based on the story the young protégés provided, he needed a lot of guidance. Wonder Woman gave him an encouraging smile as she urged him to speak to the young boy. Superman sighed in defeat as he prepared for an unwelcoming conversation
Superman walked up to Superboy. The young clone quickly stood up and squared up his shoulders. "Well, uh- we'll figure something out for you- the League will, I mean. For now, I'd better make sure they get that Blockbuster Creature squared away." He gave an awkward explanation to the young man and barely made eye contact. The kryptonian quickly turned on his heels and flew away from Superboy's sight without letting him talk. Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter followed behind him.
Ouch… Am I right? Raven held on to the small g-gnome on her shoulder as he shook his little head at the interaction. She walked up to him and gave him a sympathetic pat on the arm. Superboy remembered her energy trying to break the control of the little g-gnome that controlled his mind and the warm yet cozy calmness she sent towards him. He didn't know if he wanted anything near his mind again but he was thankful to know not all telepaths were out there to him a prisoner in his own body. He relaxed a little at her kind gesture.
The rest of the League members broke up their little pow-wow and approached the teens. Batman, Flash, Aquaman and Black Canary walked up to their partners.
"Cadmus will be investigated, all 52 levels, but let's make one thing clear," Batman said.
"You should have called!" Flash interrupted.
"End results aside, we are not happy. You hacked Justice League systems, disobeyed direct orders, and endangered lives. You will not be doing this again."
Aqualad faced them. "I'm sorry but we will," he said with a steady voice and unwavering certainty as he stood up against the members- against his king.
"Aqualad," the king met his charge with a commanding voice. "Stand down."
Aqualad rest a hand on his chest and gave slight bow out of respect. "Apologies, my king, but no." Aquaman's eyes widened as he never heard Aqualad question his orders. "We did good work here tonight, the work you trained us to do. Together on our own we forged something powerful, something important."
Black Canary sighed and said, "If this is about your treatment in the hall, the four of you-,"
"The five of us," Raven corrected her as she placed a hand on Superboy's shoulder and never broke her eye contact with her mentor. "And it's not."
"Batman," Robin said as looked up at his teacher, his trainer, his father. "We're ready to use what you taught or why even teach us at all?"
"Why let them tell us what to do? It's simple," Superboy spoke up. "Get on board or get out of the way." The rest of the teens stood by Superboy's side as they wavered from their decision to stick together. They stared down the League members. The mentors looked at each other and Batman placed his focus at all the determined faces.
They weren't kids anymore, that was plain to see but they matured through everything that was thrown at them.
Black Canary looked at the creature on Raven's shoulder. "You know we're going to have to talk about that right?"
Raven shrugged as she petted the little G-gnome. "He won't cause any harm. His mind control days are behind him. He honestly doesn't want to do anything involving superheroes, he says. Just wants to stay with me. He only needs telepathy to communicate." Black Canary shook her head but she smiled anyways. What was she going to do with that girl?
Mount Justice. July 8th, 08:04 EDT
The young teens stood before the Justice League members in a hollowed-out cave. However, they were dressed more casually. Raven had to leave her little genomorph behind at her home; he was busy deciding on his name. She only left with the clothes on her back, which consisted of plain jean Dixie shorts, a black shirt with a neon skill, and a jacket to cover her arms. A small amulet was tucked behind her shirt that was used to disguise her look. Her grey skin was replaced with an average skin tone and her purple locks were stripped away and replaced by dark black hair.
Batman spoke to the young teens standing before them. "Cadmus was taken over by the government, specifically by Amanda Waller but we'll still be able to keep an eye on things. This cave was the original secret sanctuary of the Justice League; we're calling it into service again. Since you 4 are determined to stay together and fight the good fight, you'll do it on League terms. Red Tornado volunteered to live here and be your supervisor. Black canary's in charge of training. I will deploy you on missions-,"
Wally had to interrupt. "Real missions?"
"Convert missions," Batman replied.
Flash explained, "The League will still handle the obvious stuff. There's a reason we have these big targets on our chests."
Aquaman continued, "But Cadmus proves the bad guys are getting smarter. Batman needs a team that can operate on the sly. The league can't disappear on missions without causing too much suspicions."
Batman finished, "The six of you will be a team."
Wally pumped his fist in the air "Alright-wait, six?"
Black Canary escorted a green teen into their view. She wore a mini skirt with a matching a jacket to cover her white blouse. "This is Miss Martian. She's Martian Manhunter's niece," the heroine introduced the young girl.
She gave a shy wave to the rest. "Hi."
Wally whispered to Dick as he nudged him, "This gig just keeps getting better." He approached the young Martian. "Welcome aboard. I'm Kid Flash, that's Robin, Aqualad- it's cool if you forget their names."
Miss Martian's feet shifted in her stance. "I'm honored to be included." Raven quickly smacked Wally against the back of his head as he let out a yelp and glared at the girl. He was clearly not making her comfortable by his unwanted advances. The green girl waved to the young aloof teen that was left out in Wally's hasty introduction. "Hi, Raven." Raven nodded to other girl on the team as the other boys approached her to introduce themselves.
Robin noticed the clone was staying behind so he waved Superboy over. "Hey Superboy! Come meet Miss M!" he said. Superboy's crossed arms dropped to the side as he was invited to circle around the teen. He approached the young girl.
"I like your t-shirt," the young Martian said as she blushed and darted her eyes. Raven and Robin exchanged glances as they caught her expression. They both knew where this was going to go.
However, there was no need to dwell; it was a brand new day.
Unknown Location. July 8th, 09:03 EDT
"Can the light afford to the government in charge without the g-gnomes?"
"We have subtler means of control. What concerns me is the children. We now know The League is willing to employ young heroes to do their dirty work. That's a dark twist."
"Yes, but one that can be played to our advantage. Even the temporary loss of the weapon may prove useful. Eventually everyone sees the light."
Whew! This was a long one but I hope you guys liked it! Drop any criticism or comments! I would to hear from you all!
Peace~