Happy Harbor, August 3, 3:06 PM
Hunter sent a kick heading toward M'gann's head but stopped when she flinched. He slowly lowered his leg and stood upright, "You're still hesitating."
M'gann looked embarrassed, "I know, I'm sorry."
The Amazon put an assuring hand on her shoulder, "It's fine. It took me a while to stop flinching at a coming attack." He stepped back, "And it took me even longer to learn exactly how to counter an attack." He took his stance as did the martian.
RECOGNISED
Superboy B-05
Everyone watched as the clone entered the cave with a scowl. Hunter immediately guessed something was wrong.
M'gann being more positive asked, "Hi, Superboy, how was Metropolis?"
Superboy just walked through the holographic table and stomped past them. Hunter caught up to him and gently grabbed his arm, "What's wrong?" He asked concerned.
Superboy stopped and looked down into Hunter's matching blue eyes. The clone hesitated before pulling his arm away and continued on his way.
Someone cleared their throat, "Ready for training anyone?" They all turned to see Black Canary walking towards then with Martian Manhunter at her side.
"Black Canary, Uncle J'onn!" M'gann said excitedly.
The younger martian ran up and hugged her uncle. When they pulled away Manhunter put a hand on her shoulder and spoke, "M'gann, I was in the neighborhood so I thought I'd see how you're adjusting."
M'gann shrugged, "A few bumps but I'm learning and Hunter has been a great help." She assured.
"That is all I can ask." J'onn replied before looking to the amazon, "And thank you for aiding my niece."
Hunter smiled bashfully, "No need to thank me, it's been a pleasure." Superboy glared at the two martians before walking away. The amazon saw this and flew in his way, "Is it Superman?" Superboy only glared, "Look, it took years for the Amazons to even acknowledge me but I remained patient and eventually they came around. Give it time, it'll work out." He assured.
Superboy's glare softened but he continued to walk away.
Black Canary noticed this, "Stick around, class is in session." She declared.
Superboy turned around and crossed his arms. Hunter whispered low enough so only they could hear, "Don't pout." Superboy glares down at him before he pouts again.
Black Canary walked to the center of the room. The holographic computer lights up below her as the does the entire floor. "I consider it an honor to be your teacher." She began to remove her jacket. "I'll throw a lot at you, everything I learned from my own mentors and-" She groaned as she removed her bandaged left arm from the sleeve, "And my own bruises."
"What happened?" M'gann asked concerned.
"The job." The blonde answered simply before tossing her jacket, "Now, combat is about controlling conflict. Putting the battle on your terms, you should always be acting never reacting. I'll need a sparring partner."
Wally was all too eager to volunteer and raised his hand, "Right here, yeah." He walked forward taking a bite from his banana. "After this, swish," He chucked it into a nearby trash can, "I'll show you my moves."
Hunter groaned, annoyed at Wally's flirting. Black Canary smirked before she sent a jab at the speedster. Wally blocked the attack but he failed to see Canary's leg swipe his own from under him. Wally fell on his back with a groan.
"Hurts so good." He whimpered.
"Maybe that'll teach you." Hunter quips with a smirk.
"Good block." Canary commented before helping Wally up, "But did anyone see what he did wrong?"
"Ooh, he hit on teacher and got served!" Robin stated gaining a chuckle from Hunter.
"Dude!" Wally whined.
"He allowed me to dictate the terms of-"
"Oh please."
Everyone turned to look at Superboy. Hunter cringed from his spot next to Superboy. The amazon isn't exactly fond of so much attention.
"With my powers the battle's always on my terms." Superboy stated, "I'm a living weapon and this is a waste of my time."
Canary smirked, "Prove it." She challenged.
Superboy wordlessly accepted the challenge. Hunter watched as the clone approached the hero. He flew to the other side to stand with the others, "I've got a bad feeling about this." He whispered to M'gann.
"Maybe Superboy could-"
Before she could finish her sentence they heard someone slam on the floor. They both looked over to see Superboy on the floor. Robin laughed but Kaldur nudged him causing him to muffle his laughs with his gloved hand.
Superboy got on his knees and glared at Black Canary.
"I hate it when I'm right." Hunter mumbled.
"You're angry. Good. But don't react, channel that anger into-"
Before the blonde could finish her sentence Superboy charged at her. She flipped over him, he swung his fist back but she ducked and quickly swiped his legs from under him with her own.
Robin giggled behind his hands and got a slap to the back of the head from Hunter. "Ow."
"Shut up."
"That's it, I'm done." The clone got up refusing Canary's hand.
"Training is mandatory." The blonde stated putting a hand on his shoulder that Superboy shrugged off.
Before anyone could say anything further the holographic screen appeared with Batman on it. "Batman to the Cave." The others gathered around the two as the Dark Knight began to debrief them, "Five hours ago, a new menace attacked Green Arrow and Black Canary." The image of man appeared in a smaller screen. He looked almost human with pale skin, red hair but the pointed ears and blood red eyes gave it away, "The attacker was studying then duplicating the powers and abilities of all of its opponents." They saw as the villain took on some of the most powerful members of the Justice League, "Arrow called in reinforcements which nearly proved disastrous as our foe gained more power and more power with each new combatant."
"Whoa." Wally broke the shocked silence, "One guy with the powers of the entire League."
Hunter glanced at Canary's arm and assumed this thing did that to her.
"In the end it took the League four hours to defeat and dismantle the android." Batman informed.
"An android, who made it T.O. Morrow?" Robin asked.
"Good guess Robin but Red Tornado doesn't think so."
Superboy glared at the floor at the interaction. Hunter saw this but said nothing.
"The technology bares the signature if Professor Ivo." Manhunter stated.
"Ivo? But Ivo's dead." Kaldur stated.
"So we all thought or hoped." Canary replied looking back at the Atlantean.
"Perhaps he made this thing before he died and someone else got a hold of it." Hunter suggested.
The Dark Knight spoke up, "Perhaps but until we find out who sent it we're making certain this threat is permanently neutralized we're sending two trucks to two Star Labs facilities in Boston and New York for immediate evaluation." A map of the east coast appeared shower exactly where they'll start from, "Every precaution is being taken. We'll have four additional decoy trucks to create confusion in case Ivo or anyone tries to recover the remains. You will split into undercover teams to safeguard the two real trucks." Batman informed.
"Yes! Road trip." Wally started excitedly.
"So now we take out your trash?" Superboy asked annoyed at the mission.
"You got something better to do?" Batman asked with his usual stony expression.
Kaldur looked down at his device, "Coordinates received, on our way."
With that, everyone ran out to their mission except Superboy who trailed behind.
Canary caught his shoulder causing the clone to look at her, "When you're ready I'll be here." She assured.
Superboy silently walked away.
Litchfield County, August 3, 8:08 PM
The team hid behind the treeline by the convoy. They all wore motorcycle gear much to Hunter's dismay. His own gear was gold and red with an eagle painted on it. He thought it was too bold for his taste.
Hunter looked at the motorcycle unsure of what to do. He didn't know who in their right mind would choose to ride a vehicle with only two wheels instead of four. Four was functional and safe while two was just an accident waiting to happen.
"So how do I use this?" He asked.
Robin spoke, "Just keep your balance, that's all there is to it."
"You've never used one of these before?" Miss Martian asked.
"I've only ever operated the Invisible Jet." He admits.
KF scoffed, "So you know how to fly an invisible fighter jet but not a simple motorcycle?"
"They're very different controls ok." Hunter replies defensively.
Hunter glanced around and saw Superboy look at something through the trees and bushes. The prince didn't need to guess what he was looking at. Superman.
At the sound of the truck engine revving up, Hunter gulped. "Here goes nothing." He pressed the button and the motorcycle came to life.
He sped off after Robin and Superboy. Hunter was stiff as a board as they sped off. He was terrified of this death machine he was forced to ride.
"Why couldn't I use the Invisible Jet?" He muttered.
Robin sped up to be between Hunter and Superboy, "Hey if 'dislike' the opposite of 'like' then isn't 'aster' the opposite of 'disaster'? See instead of things going wrong they go right." Robin wondered randomly.
"Please don't distract me." Hunter muttered.
"Hey." Robin called to Hunter who hesitantly turned to face him, "Someone is totally not feeling the aster." He nodded to Superboy.
"Superboy, what's wrong?" Hunter asked forgetting the death trap he was on.
"Canary, what business does she have teaching combat skills to a guy with super strength?" Superboy said annoyed.
"Because that is her business." Hunter replied gently, "She faces people with super strength all the time and she's learned how to properly deal with them. Just ask Robin."
"Double W's right. Canary learned that the hard way the same with Bats and me." Robin added.
Instead of replying Superboy popped a wheelie and sped ahead wildly. Hunter gulped, "Just the sight of that makes me sick."
"Do you think you can talk some sense into him?" Robin asked, "Last thing we need is a hot head on this mission and you always seem to calm him down."
"Where the autopilot on this thing?" Hunter asked offhandedly.
"The blue button on the touch screen, why?" Robin asked.
Hunter quickly pushed the button before flying off the motorcycle, "Oh, thank the gods." He sighed in relief before flying ahead next to Superboy, "You ok?"
"I'm fine." Superboy grunted.
"You're a bad liar." The prince replied. He looked at Superboy, he could see his face from underneath the visor of the helmet, it was twisted in anger and his blue eyes glared daggers ahead, "If you really feel that strongly about Black Canary then perhaps I can teach you to properly fight."
Superboy snapped his gaze up at Hunter. The Amazon saw the anger had quickly gone and he looked almost vulnerable, "You'd do that?"
"Of course, if that's what you want." Hunter replied sincerely.
Before Superboy could reply the sound of metallic cackling caught their attention. They along with Robin watched as robot monkeys swarmed the truck.
"Robin, Superboy, Warrior our truck is under attack!" Aqualad informed through the comp.
"Kinda figured." Robin replied.
"I hate robots/monkeys." Hunter and Superboy both seethed.
"Robot monkeys, ha! Totally Ivo's tweak style." Robin said as his bike went to battle mode.
Reaching underneath his jacket Hunter pulled out two daggers from his lower back, "Good thing I came prepared." He flew ahead and landed on the truck, "Which one of you abominations is first?"
Multiple monkeys leaped towards him but Hunter easily sliced them in two. One of the landed on his back and began to beat on his back. Before he could get it off it was yanked from his body. The Amazon turned back to see Superboy destroying monkeys left and right.
Smirking Wonder Warrior turned back ahead just in time to see green lasers flying at him. He quickly raised his arms and deflected the laser bolts burning the sleeves of his jacket. He continued to deflect the lasers until he finally ricocheted it back to the monkeys destroying them.
He heard a pained roar coming from Superboy making him turn back only to see that the clone was no longer on the truck. He looked up to see him being carried up by monkeys. He flew up but the other monkeys swarmed him forcing him to land back on the truck. They scratched at his face, arms and ears. He quickly began to rapidly spin in place throwing the monkeys off.
"Damned robots." He muttered as more came at him.
"Heads up!"
Robin flipped over Wonder Warrior and began to bash in monkeys left and right with his escrima sticks. The Amazon cut down whatever monkeys Robin missed. The whole truck shook when Superboy landed back on the truck. Now Hunter saw why he roared in pain, his eyes were shot with the lasers.
Before any of them could do anything however the truck began to swerve. "I got the driver." Robin informed diver down the driver's side.
Hunter quickly grabbed Superboy and flew up right before the trucked tipped over and rolled across the road. He gently landed them in the road as Superboy jumped out of his grasp. The clone rubbed his eyes clearing his vision. He saw the monkeys fly away with the Android parts. The clone quickly jumped after them.
"Superboy!" Robin called after him.
Wonder Warrior ripped away his clothes to reveal his armor he wore underneath, "I'll inform you guys where they're headed." Hunter quickly said before flying after the clone. He reached up to his ear to inform the others but bid earpiece was gone, "Damn, one of those monkeys must've taken it out." He considered for a moment to turn back and stay with Robin but he looked ahead and saw Superboy jumping after those things.
He already knew what his decision was.
Gotham City, August 3, 9:12 PM
"Dammit." Hunter flew over a cliff watching over Gotham, "Where is he?"
He closed his eyes and listened for Superboy's voice.
"Access: Black Canary." He heard a monotone voice say.
Then a sudden shriek filled his ears causing him to cover them with his ears. He opened his eyes to search where that came from. He spotted a train speeding down the side of the cliff. That has to be it.
Wonder Warrior quickly flew towards the train. As he got closer he heard the thud of punches and painful groans. Superboy is in trouble.
Hunter began to fly at top speed at the cart where he heard the sounds. Without hesitation, he broke through the ceiling and landed on top of whatever he landed on. When the smoke of his landing dissipated he saw a large man with orange hair, pointed ears, and red eyes. He quickly said his fist.
"Martian Manhunter." It said before Hunter put down his fist but he only phased through it.
Quickly realizing what it just did he jumped away and crouched next to Superboy, "You alright?"
"I don't need your help." Superboy groaned.
"Evidence on the contrary."
Hunter looked up to see a short and scrawny man in khakis pants, a white dress shirt and a green best and a red bow tie.
"You're Ivo?" He stood up, "To be honest I was expecting more."
"Right back at you." The small taunted, "Amazo."
"Access: Flash." The robot said.
In a blur, the large robot appeared in front of Hunter. The Amazon raised his arms in defense but the barrage of punches was too fast for him. His stomach, chest, sides, and head nearly all at once. With the final blow to his face, he flew back across the cart.
Superboy stood up and caught him, "I told you I don't need help."
Wonder Warrior got back on his feet, "Well I'm here now."
"No wonder daddy you keeps you hidden away, you're not really doing justice to the ol' 'S' shield are you?" Ivo mocked.
Growling Superboy rushed forward, "No wait!"
"Martian Manhunter."
Superboy's first only phased through the android. The force of the punch made Superboy spin around unable to see the robot raise it's first. Wonder Warrior flew forehead and cast himself between the two and raised his arms. The punch collided with silver bracelets as expected but the strength of the punch sent Hunter flying into Superboy. Both of them flew through the metal wall of the cart and into the bulldozer on the cart behind.
The robot flipped out of the first cart and onto the one they were on. "Access: Superman."
Wonder Warrior took this opportunity to raise his leg and kick the robot in the chin. It seemed unaffected by the kick but he quickly through a series of punched and dodged whatever attacks sent back at him. He flipped forward aiming to deliver an ax kick.
"Martian Manhunter."
His kick phased through the robot and collided with the floor instead. The robot picked him up by his head until he was eye level. Superboy tried to pounce at it but it caught him in its left arm. It spread its arms before slamming their heads together. It three them upwards a bit and punched the pair of them into the sky.
They flew up before they eventually plummeted down into a school. They broke through desks and slid across the floor.
"We need to come up with a strategy." Hunter said standing up.
"I don't need a strategy." Superboy muttered as he got up as well.
"Superboy I know you think you take on this thin ton your own but-"
"But nothing! I don't need your help just leave I can't handle this on my own-"
*smack!*
Superboy stood in stunned silence as the stinging in his cheek burned. Hunter's hand remained on Superboy's face. The prince had a stern look on his face.
"I won't leave, I won't abandon you, we're a team. Like it or not I'm sticking by you, I'll fight by your side. I won't leave you." Hunter, no, Wonder Warrior said sternly, leaving no room for argument.
Superboy blinked, "And if we lose?"
"Than we lose." He simply said, "We either win together or we lose together there is no middle ground when it comes to that."
Superboy placed his hand over Hunter's and gently gripped it. Both pairs of blue eyes stared into each other, "Together." The clone whispered.
Hunter nodded before looking out the window, "It's coming."
They both turned towards the broken window, their hands still holding each other. "Let's do it." They let go and closed their hands into fists.
The robot broke through the ceiling and landed before them. Its beady red eyes stared at them emotionlessly. Wonder Warrior reached for his Lasso of Enticement.
Amazo saw this, "Access: Flash."
The robot dashed at them and kicked Wonder Warrior across the room and through the wall. Superboy went for a punch but Amazo caught his arm and spun him around before throwing him through another wall.
Superboy flew down a hallway and into a trophy case. He stood up once again but Amazo was already there. He punched him again and he flew back and collided with a row of lockers. The android slowly moved towards the clone, looming over him.
A golden lasso appeared from behind the robot and wrapped around its neck. The rope went taught and the robot was pulled off its feet and yanked down the hall where Hunter stood. The Amazon raised his arm ready to knock down the robot.
"Martian Manhunter."
Amazo tried to phase through the lasso but it didn't work. Nonetheless, his fist didn't connect but only phased right through.
"Access: Black Canary."
It let out a Canary Cry sending Superboy and Wonder Warrior flying down the hall and through the wall. The ended up in the school's gym. And there in the bleachers, Ivo sat with his mechanic monkeys.
The scientist slowly clapped, "I don't usually attend these things in person but this was too good to miss."
"Don't let him get to you." Wonder Warrior said standing up, "If that's all your little toys got then I'm afraid I'll have to destroy it."
"Access: Captain Atom."
Hunter barely had enough time to raise his arms and block the atomic beam. Superboy jumped over him and punched the android back. He began to wail on the android but he stayed on his feet.
"Access: Superman."
Amazo began to retaliate by smacking Superboy around. Superboy fell to his knees and looked up to see Amazo ready to beat him some more. Before it could a yellow blur snatched Superboy away, "Yoink!"
Kid Flash let Superboy go at the other end of the gym where Robin stood. The Boy Wonder three an explosive Batarang at the android but it phased through Amazo.
"Access: Red Tornado."
A red vortex of air formed around the android and it took to the sky. He flew towards the boys and they were flung across the gym. Wonder Warrior was flung into the ceiling.
"Access: Captain Atom."
Hunter watched from above as Amazo attacked Wally who ran under the bleachers and ran out the other side only to met with a Canary Cry. Amazo punched Superboy into the bleachers and blocked Robins explosives.
"It's time I unshackle myself." He reached for his bracelets.
He promised himself that he would keep that power in check and only use it as a last resort. He's only a quarter deity so his body can't handle it like his mothers. If the divine magic is released for too long then his body will begin to deteriorate. It will be worth it though to destroy this monstrous robot.
"I've only got one shot."
A familiar roar got his attention. He looked very to see Superboy going after Ivo. "Amazo protect your master priority alpha!" The scrawny man jumped away just in time before Superboy smashed the row of bleachers.
"I won't need that for him." He smirked before flying down and swooping Ivo off the ground, "Looking for this?"
"Access: Superman."
Amazo flew up faster than Hunter could react. With a punch to the face, he fell to the floor but landed on his feet. He looked up to see Amazo setting Ivo down but he noticed something. His lasso was still around the androids neck.
"I've got you." He smirked before flying at Amazo.
"Access: Martian Manhunter."
He flew through Amazo but not before grabbing the lasso. The prince planted his feet on the ground and yanked Amazo towards him.
"Access: Superman."
A fist flew over Wonder Warrior's shoulder and phased into Amazo's head as he materializes. It seemed to cause a malfunction because its head began to spark. It blew up causing both Superboy and Wonder Warrior to fall back on the floor.
"Quick, help me disassemble him!" Robin shouted.
"Dude, it has no head." Wally deadpanned.
"Don't take any chances." Kaldur said running into the gym with M'Gann flying behind him.
"Wonder Warrior, Superboy are you guys ok?"
Hunter groaned as he looked up. He then realized he was on the larger males chest and quickly got up, "I'm fine." He offered a hand to Superboy who took it.
"Fine, feeling the aster." The clone smiled.
"Hey!" Wally got everyone's attention, "Where's Ivo?"
They all looked around to see the scientist had fled.
Mount Justice, August 4, 01:06 AM
The team along with Red Tornado, Black Canary, Martian Manhunter, Green Arrow and Batman had gathered at the mission room for the debriefing. They explained everything to the League Members.
"The Amazo android is in pieces again. Safely being analyzed at the two separate Star Labs." Kaldur notified, "But Ivo escaped and since he originated the tech he is more arguably more dangerous than the android."
"Capturing the professor will be a League priority." Black Canary informed.
"But we understand that your mission encountered other complications." Manhunter added.
Everyone looked at Superboy. Hunter spoke, "Complications we worked out."
Batman stepped forward, "Complications come with the job your ability to handle them has impressed the League."
"The whole League?" Superboy asked.
"Given time yes. Kryptonians, as you know, have very hard heads." The Dark Knight replied.
"Don't I know it." Hunter slyly smirked.
"Of course there's no shame in asking for help that's why the League exists because there are some problems even we can't handle individually." Batman added.
"Oh please, if we needed help we'd never get the chance to ask. Look familiar?" Robin said holding up a green arrow, "You were following us, babysitting, you still don't trust us."
Batman took the arrow and Green Arrow compared it to his own, "We didn't follow you."
They had the same color scheme but the heads were different, "And that's not your arrow."
"Speedy." Wally smiled.
"He's got our back." Kaldur added.
Wally zoomed to take the arrow from the League member, "Souvenir."
Superboy cleared his throat and caught Black Canary's attention, "I'm ready."
"Good because I'm here."
Hunter smiled as he began to walk away, "Hey." Superboy called. Hunter looked back, "You said you'd help." He reminded.
Hunter smiled once again, "I did." He walked back next to Superboy