Chapter 7
A/N: hey everyone, sorry about all the uploading issues lately. I don't know why this keeps happening all of a sudden. And it's just as annoying and frustrating to me as it is to you. So, if the doc turns up weird, give me a few minutes, it means I'm gonna have to export it and edit the errors the site made out (which takes a long time cause I have to reformat everything and some chapters are longer than others). Which sucks. So yeah, that's a thing I have to do now until somehow this issue gets resolved, sorry.
Also, if y'all wanna see what Skylar looks like, I just put her image up as the story cover.
Ok, announcement out of the way, remember, I just own my OCs and the story, that's it. I don't own Godzilla or Young Justice.
/comms/
Telepathy/flashbacks
Metropolis, August 3, 7:38EDT
The soft sound of clicking on a keyboard was the only sound to fill the office as Bruce Wayne typed. Right now, he knew no one would be disturbing him, especially since he said he was working on something important. They didn't need to know it wasn't related to the company. Sighing, he leaned back and brushed a hand through his hair.
So far, his hacking into Cadmus hadn't brought much in terms of answers. No explanation on why Superboy was made other than the fact it was to replace Superman should he turn from the light; though he was able to determine the young clone's genetic structure. The boy was part human, gaps in the genome being filled by a human donor he had yet to determine. Either way, there was no way the boy would be gaining many more powers, if he gained more at all.
And, of course, there was the issue of the other three teens they'd discovered in Cadmus as well. They were definitely keeping Project Titanus off the books, or at least at a different facility. There was barely anything on the three kids. Other than notes, radiation levels, vitals, genetic profile, what the telepathic gnomes had force-fed them educationally, and when they were supposed to be transferred back to their original facility.
A facility he had yet to find. There were no transfer papers, nothing encoded, and no abnormalities in the electrical grid nearby. Which meant this facility wasn't near Cadmus or it was keeping itself off the grid similarly, and that they had a way of communicating he had yet to discover. Of course, that wasn't the most concerning bit. The fact that they would have to be transferred meant one of a couple things. They were going to be experimented on or trained further into weapons, there was more than just those three, or both. And given what the team had told him about Santa Prisca, the latter was more likely.
At least he had their genetic profiles. Pulling up the files, he looked at the comparisons he sent to the labs to be tested secretly. At least if he could figure out where these kids came from. They may've been clones, but they did have at least one parent out there somewhere. A parent that these children needed desperately. Bruce had been in the job long enough to recognize the signs of what had happened to them. Nightmare's wariness and his flinches, Aurora's submission and passiveness, Remix's temper and tendency to lash out; they'd all been abused at wherever they were previously. He didn't know the extent yet, the kids didn't talk about it, and if they told Canary, she wouldn't tell him. It was her job to be the team's psychiatrist, and she wouldn't break that trust.
At least the kids had their mentors to lean on currently, he'd definitely seen at least some improvement over the last month. Not a lot, but it was better than nothing. But giving the three at least the semblance of a normal childhood would help make things easier for them.
He'd have to be careful though, after how Superman reacted to Superboy. The thought still made the Dark Knight want to punch his old friend in the face. The young clone was a child. He didn't ask to be made. He didn't have a choice. All he wanted was to meet his only family and prove himself. And Clark tossed that into the boy's face just cause of how he was made. Yes, the Kryptonian had had problems with clones in the past, but that was still no excuse to punish the boy.
He still remembered when he took in Dick. At first it had been to keep another kid from turning into him, but he didn't know how to handle the boy. He was grieving and scared; and Bruce wasn't even sure if he could be a parent. Now he couldn't imagine not having him around.
If only Clark could see things the same way.
A loud crash echoed through the window, causing the billionaire to get up from his desk. Outside, he could see part of the bridge had given way, the support cables collapsing. The event had caused a crash, and he could see a bus teetering over the edge. Pressing a button on his desk, he looked to the drawer as it opened revealing his suit.
Though he was saved from donning his cowl as a familiar echoing blast of a sound barrier being broken cause his windows to shake. Clark had turned up to save the day. Bruce crossed his arms, watching as his friend dove under the bridge to hold it up and seal the cracks, Superboy was supposed to be with him.
Less than a second later, said boy landed on the bridge. Even from where he stood Bruce could tell that the impact had shook the bridge. Superboy ran over to the side, pulling a few cars back from the edge. Then he went for the bus. Pulling, the boy's foot slipped, causing the bus to go flying into the air. Fortunately, Superman managed to catch it and set it down.
His comm rang, causing the Dark Knight to turn, "Batman."
/Bats!/ Green Arrow exclaimed. /We have a problem! There's this robot! It just started attacking us out of nowhere! We need back up!/
"I'll be there," he said hanging up and dialing a new number.
/I already got the alert Bruce/ Clark answered.
"I know Clark, but we need to talk," he stated. Hanging up, he turned back to his computer, looking at the data for the kids. His brows rose as he saw the results. He'd have to make a few more calls.
And he'd have to get something to drink. This afternoon was going to be a long one. But that would have to wait for later.
-.-
Mt. Justice, 13:06EDT
"So, who gets next game?" Wally asked taking a bite of a banana as he stood on the sidelines watching Robin and Kaldur play air hockey.
"Maybe you can play winner," Robin smirked hitting the puck back.
"Recognized: Superboy—B04," the computer recited as the Zeta Tube activated.
Stopping the game, they turned as their comrade returned, a stormy look on his face. "Hey," M'gann smiled flying over, "How way Metropolis?"
"Fine," he barked stomping through the holo-air hockey table.
"You don't seem fine," Amber said gently flaring out her wing and blocking his path. "You are very angry. More than Sky is on a good day, and that's saying something. So what is wrong my friend? I'd be happy to listen, I hear talking can be very cathartic."
"It's none of your business," Superboy growled glaring down at her. "And we aren't friends."
"Good, everyone's here," a voice spoke up and all the teens turned to see Black Canary and Martian Manhunter enter.
"Uncle J'ohn!" M'gann exclaimed flying over and hugging him.
The Martian hero smiled, patting her head, "M'gann, I was in the neighborhood, so I thought I'd stop by to see how you were settling in."
"A few bumps but I'm learning," she smiled.
"That's all I can asked."
Watching the interaction Superboy scowled turning to walk away before almost barreling Amber again. "Stick around," Black Canary called. "Class is in session. I consider it an honor to be your teacher and intend to pass on all that I can to each one of you. Mostly what I've learned from my own mentors," she winced as she started to take off her jacket, revealing a bandage on her arm, "and my own bruises."
"What happened?" M'gann asked.
"The job," Canary answered tossing the denim jacket aside. "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's hand shot into the air, "Oh! Oh! Me! span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanRight here! And after this," he stepped forwards, tossing his banana peel away, "I'll show you my moves."
Canary smirked as the rest took a few steps back to give them room. Though she couldn't help but notice that Skylar had pulled out a phone to video tape the event. She'd have to make sure the rebellious girl didn't try to upload it to the internet.
Throwing a punch, she watched the young hero scrambled to block before a single leg sweep had him flat on his back. "Ow…uh, hurts so good," he groaned.
"Good block," she praised extending a hand and helping the boy up. "But did anyone see what he did wrong?"
"Oh! He hit on teacher and got served!" Robin exclaimed.
"He choked on his own ego," Onyx smirked.
"Dudes!"
"He allowed me to dictate the terms of—"
"Oh please," a scoff interrupted. Turning she raised an eye at Superboy as he crossing his arms. "With my powers the battle's always on my terms. I'm a living weapon, and this is a waste of my time."
Canary opened her mouth to respond only to stop in surprise as Amber of all people stomped in front of the other clone, her wings pinned against her back. "You aren't the only clone who was meant to be a weapon here!" she reminded.
"Amber's right," Skylar spoke up slinging an arm over Superboy's shoulder, "we're clones too, and we have more powers genius, all you really have going for you is super strength and invulnerability, oh wait, which the three of us have."
"Sky!" Amber exclaimed looking stunned.
"I'm just saying," the other girl smirked, "he's not all that."
"Superboy growled whirling on her, "Are you looking for a fight?!"
"Maybe?" she grinned baring her fangs.
"Enough," Canary interrupted before a fight broke out between the two. "Skylar, Superboy, since you two are so desperate for a fight, how about you two be my next sparring partners?"
"Sure," the redhead grinned shouldering past Superboy and into the ring. "Powers or no powers?"
"Powers," Canary said settling into a fighting stance.
The young heroine nodded, settling into her own stance. Canary gave her a quick once over to see if there was anything that would need to be adjusted, overall her stance looked stable: she kept herself loose and ready to move yet stable enough to be hard to knock over. Throwing the first punch, Remix grabbed her arm and spun on her heel flipping her over her shoulder. Landing on her feet, Canary turned to give a cry when a wall of heat slammed into her, drying out her throat, almost causing the airway to close from the extreme temperature. A large wing then slammed into her and the heroine felt blood trickle out from her lip.
She'd admit, that was clever. Using a sudden temperature change to make it harder to use her powers, giving her the advantage. And she wasn't afraid of using her extra limbs, another good thing. Skylar leapt at her, giving a kick. Blocking the kick, Canary threw a punch causing her to spring back before throwing a wave of fire in her direction. Rolling under the wave, Canary gave a cry blasting her back. Fortunately, she quickly recovered using her wings. She threw another cry, watching the girl dive around it towards her. as Canary prepared to counter she was caught off guard by her changing tactics at the last second. Flipping into a fire kick. A fireball landed where she'd been and Canary grunted as a leg swiped her feet out from under her.
Looking up she saw the redheaded girl leaning over her with a wide grin on her face, "So, how'd I do?"
Rolling her eyes, Canary got up, wiping the soot off. "Good job. You remained focused and used my weaknesses against as well as using strategy. However, you do need to learn to rely less on your powers cause there may be times where they aren't useful."
Rather than getting upset, Skylar nodded, rubbing the back of her head, "Good to know. Thanks for the advice, my mentors have been saying the same thing to me for a little while. Or at least trying to."
"But you haven't been listening?" Canary smiled feeling a little proud that the girl had decided to open-up slightly after all the attempts she'd made with the three hybrids. Though it shouldn't've been a surprise, fighting was how Hawkman built trust with her back at the Watchtower.
"That obvious?" the girl snarked crossing her arms and looking proud.
Canary shook her head, "You have excellent teachers, Skylar. You just need to pay attention and focus your anger when it comes up."
The girl gave another nod, flapping her wings and quickly landing by the rest of her team. Robin and Wally high-fived her as Onyx playfully elbowed her with a smirk on his face.
Canary turned around to see Superboy scowling at the other girl. "Your turn," she challenged.
Superboy stepped into the ring, raising his fists as he settled into a fighting stance. Superboy was the first one to throw a punch. Canary grabbed his arm, flinging him over her shoulder where he landed flat on his back.
This prompted several of his teammates to start hiding their laughter.
The boy rolled back to his feet glaring at her. "You're angry, good," she said, "But don't react, channel that anger—"
Superboy cut her off with an enraged shout. Leaping forwards throwing another punch causing her to flip over him, and swipe his legs out from under him as soon as she landed behind him. "That's it," Superboy grumbled as he waved her off, "I'm done!"
"Training is mandatory."
A loud beep cut her off again as an incoming comm came. /Batman to Cave/ the Dark Knight called /Five hours ago, a new menace attacked Green Arrow and Black Canary. The Attacker was capable of studying then duplicating the powers of its opponents. Arrow called in reinforcements, which nearly proved disastrous as our foe gained more and more power with each new combatant/
"Whoa, one guy with the powers of the whole League?" Kid Flash whispered in horror.
/In the end it took eight Leaguers four hours to defeat and dismantle the android/
"An android?" Robin spoke up. "Who made it? T.O. Morrow?"
"T. O. Morrow?" Remix muttered. "You mean tomorrow?"
/Good guess Robin, and no Remix, Robin means T. O. Morrow. But Red Tornado doesn't think so/
"The technology bears the signature of Professor Ivo," Manhunter spoke up looking grim.
"Ivo?" Aqualad startled, "but Ivo's dead?"
"Or so we thought, or hoped," Canary sighed.
/To make sure this threat is permanently neutralized, we're sending two trucks with the android's parts to two separate STARR Labs facilities in Boston and New York for immediate evaluation. Every precaution is being taken. We'll have four additional decoy trucks to create confusion in case Ivo, or anyone else, attempts to recover the remains. You will split into undercover teams to safeguard the two real trucks/
"Yes!" Kid Flashed pumped a fist in the air, "Road trip!"
"So now we take you your trash?" Superboy grumbled.
/You have something better to do?/
"No, he doesn't," Skylar relayed.
"Coordinates received, on our way," Kaldur spoke up leading the way from the training room.
-.-
Litchfield County, 20:08EDT
Six trucks sat side by side as armed guards closed several crates, some containing parts of the fallen android and transporting them into the vehicles as the Leaguers observed.
Tearing his eyes away from the vehicles, Superman turned to the brush behind them and turned on his x-ray vision. In the bushes he could see the team sitting on their bikes ready to go. They were all wearing biker suits, save for Remix and Aurora who both had trench coats to hide their wings and Nightmare to hide his tail. His gaze landed on Superboy, and the clone looked in his direction and Clark turned away crossing his arms as the trucks finished loading up.
/STARR Boston is go/
/STARR Manhattan is go/
Looking to Bruce, the Dark Knight waved his hand, allowing the trucks and the decoys to depart with the team in tow. It was then the others moved to take off, Clark was about to follow when a hand rested on his shoulder. "I told you," Bruce said, "we need to talk."
-.-
"So…if dislike is the opposite of like? Is aster the opposite of disaster?" Robin spoke up speeding up beside Superboy. "You know instead of things going wrong they go right?"
"I thought an aster was a type of flower?" Aurora spoke up.
"Words can have more than one meaning!" Robin retorted.
"Makes sense," Nightmare shrugged speeding up beside them almost doing a wheelie and losing balance.
"Geez dude, don't cause a disaster this early in the mission," Robin snickered.
"Last I checked, I wasn't the one who blew up the factory on their first mission," Nightmare teased.
"Hey! At least I didn't come back as a glowstick!" the Boy Wonder retorted.
"That was Aurora!"
"Leave me out of this," she grumbled.
"Besides if you had to fight The Boulder, you probably would've blow up that factory too."
Nightmare laughed, "Fair point. Tell me, did The Boulder feel conflicted about fighting a group of young children?"
That caused Robin to cackle, "I wish! Oh I am so using that next time we run into him!" Grinning, he turned to their other male teammate, "Hey Supey, what'cha think? Should we tease the Scorpion King next time we see him?"
He didn't respond, causing Nightmare and Robin to look at each other then back at him. "Ok, clearly you're not feeling the aster," Nightmare spoke up. "What's wrong?"
"Canary," Superboy spat. "What business does she have teaching combat skills to a guy with super-strength?"
"Taking down stronger guys is part of the gig. Canary learned that the hard way, same with Batman and well, me," Robin replied. Engines revved and Superboy sped up ahead causing Robin to turn to Nightmare. "He didn't seem to take that well."
"No kidding," Nightmare agreed solemnly, "No matter how powerful you are there's always going to be something stronger…" He clenched the handles of the bike a little tighter at the memory of the lab, "…or something that can make you weaker."
"Hey…you alright man?" Robin asked looking at him worriedly.
"Fine, just bad memories," he answered.
Rob nodded, seeming to pick up that he didn't want to talk about it more, "I get that"
-.-
"Do you think Superboy's ok?" M'gann asked. "I wasn't reading his mind or anything, I swear, but anger was rolling off him in waves."
"Pft! Surfed that wave," Wally scoffed. "Just give him space. Me, stick as close as you want."
"Superboy just needs time to cool off," Kaldur spoke up, "after someone provoked him at the cave," he gave Skylar a pointed look.
"Hey, the truth hurts," she shrugged. "He needed to hear it. Just because we have powers doesn't mean there won't be someone who can beat you down if you rely on them all the time. You saw how fast Canary took him out."
"But that still does not mean you should provoke you own teammates into fights," Kaldur admonished.
"And sometimes, that's the only way people will listen," she scoffed. "Not everyone can be reasoned with."
"But that does not mean we should not try to reason with them," Kaldur stated. "Reason is what keeps us separate from the bad guys."
"I thought it was the fact that we don't abuse our powers for our own gain?" she deadpanned.
"What he means to say Sky, is that we should try to find a peaceful resolution first," M'gann interjected. "Not that your way doesn't work. But, we're a team. We should all be able to get along."
"He doesn't make it easy."
"Hey, you're just as angry as he is!" Wally reminded.
"But at least I'm working on controlling it," she hissed. "He's still just as angry as he was when we first met all of you."
"Enough," Kaldur ordered. "I know it's hard, getting used to working with new friends. And we may not all get along all the time, but no one does. After this mission we can sit down and discuss it with our teammates, a quiet mission should clear all of our heads."
Nodding they turned back to watch the truck only to watch as a horde of small green laughing robot monkeys jumped from the corn onto their truck.
-.-
/Robin, Superboy, Nightmare, Aurora! Our truck is under attack!/ Kaldur called.
"Kind figured," Robin answered as they watched the group of monkeys scramble onto their truck. "Robot monkeys! Ha! Totally Ivo's tweaked style!" Pressing a button on his bike the back end came off and transformed into a drone that started firing lasers at the attackers. Beside him, he could see Nightmare do the same. Glancing behind them, Robin saw Aurora's boke spit into and go into the air as two more attack drones as the girl leapt off throwing off her coat and spreading her wings.
"I hate monkeys," Superboy growled.
The truck ahead swerved as several pounded on the windows. "Hey ace, switch your ride to battle mode!" Robin called.
Instead, Superboy leapt off, sending his bike crashing to the ground. Leaping off, he fired a grapple, using it to pull himself to the truck's back where several monkeys were perched and he managed to kick one off. Another above his head got pulled of and flung into another before a red cord pulled back causing him to grin as he saw Nightmare's bike closer, having managed to avoid the crash. Balancing on his bike, he leapt across burying his fist into the head of another monkey. Behind them there was a loud crash and the pair grimaced as they saw more monkeys take down the battle drones.
"So what now?"
"Take out the monkeys?"
"Works for me."
On the roof of the truck, Superboy hurled monkeys off the truck only to have them fly back towards him. One leapt at his face, forcing him to grab it and he ripped it half, tossing is aside as several more clung to him. Thrashing, he forced the other off of him before the one still in his hand reactivated eyes glowing. Two lasers hit him in the face, blinding him. Superboy felt more monkeys crawl on him and suddenly he was being lifted into the air. Then he was freefalling.
\The ground was coming towards him when his arm was yanked up and he skimmed over the blacktop. Blinking the pain away, Superboy looked up to see Aurora holding onto his arm. Her grip tightened almost making him grimace and suddenly she spun in the air, flinging him around. And then she let go. His burned eyes wide, he was about to curse at her when he looked down and saw where was going to land.
-.-
Aqualad's water whips slammed into the monkeys clinging to the back of the truck. Knocking them off, he could see he deactivated some but the others that remained active went past. Said monkeys landed on the bikes of his other three teammates, none of whom had issues ditching their vehicles as Kid Flash just hopped off and broke into a sprint, Miss Martian took to the air, and Remix made a show of lighting her coat on fire as she spread her wings and took off.
Flying above the truck, she could several of the little robots cutting through the armor of the truck under her. Remix folded her wings and dove down into a flip and she sent a strong fire kick. The flames spread over the roof of the truck, frying the monkeys on top before they could pry the new entrance open. Nodding to M'gann, the Martian nodded, flying around to the front of the truck and using her telekinesis to shove them off the window. More came out, clinging to her forcing her to grow several other arms to get them off of her. Landing on the roof, she slammed another one into one of its comrades as Remix's mace crushed several and made a dent in the truck. Leaping onto the roof, Wally gave a startled cry at her appearance, making her pull back the other arms before a blast of heat hit her, making the Martian stumble.
Remix released an enraged roar, fire arching over her frying the monkeys that had been crawling over her frame into a crisp. Unfortunately, it also melted part of the truck roof.
The monkeys took their chance. Leaping all over them again, the three on the roof struggled to get them off as others scrambled into the truck.
After a moment, lasers shot out the back and the truck's rear melted away, revealing the robots holding the box. As soon as the way was clear they took off into the air, with the cargo.
-.-
Nightmare swung his tail, knocking several of the monkeys off their feet before lightning ran down his frame, frying the annoying robots. At the same time, Robin leapt up, using his nightsticks to bat them aside as more climbed onto the back. Hitting one, it flew towards Nightmare and the other boy turned on his heel, hitting it aside with his wrist gauntlet.
A shadow came over and Robin leapt towards his friend, rolling to his feet and stumbling as Superboy landed on the truck. The impact rocked the vehicle, tilting it as more monkeys climbed onto the sides. It was two of the tires blew, causing the unstable vehicle to sway more.
Digging his claws into the metal, Nightmare swung his tail again, knocking more robots off as he crawled to the side, his eyes widening as he watched metal spark along the asphalt. "Robin! The driver!"
Nodding, the Boy Wonder leaned over the roof in front of the windshield. "GET OUT!" As the door opened, the Boy Wonder grabbed the guard, leaping with him into the corn as the truck began to fishtail. It rolled.
Nightmare grunted at the impact as he landed on the road. Digging his claws into the asphalt, he slid to a stop as the truck continued to roll, crashing again just behind him before rolling a few more times. The back entrance blew open, smoke billowing out as laughing monkeys made their escape.
Onyx bared his fangs and prepared to follow when he heard coughing. Running to the truck, he caught a stumbling guard, he pulled the man's arm over his shoulder and help him stumble to the side of the road.
At the perfect time too.
Superboy shoved the truck off him. Still rubbing his eyes, he squinted trying to make everything focus as he tried to get rid of the laser's stupid effects on his vision. In the air, he spotted a blur of six glowing dots and leapt after.
"SUPERBOY!" Robin shouted.
"I'll get him!" Aurora called flying after.
/Aqualad to Robin. We lost our cargo, do you—/
/It's gone, and so's our partner/ he grumbled.
/Aqualad to Superboy, transmit your coordinates we'll come help/
"Superboy growled, yanking his comm from his ear. "I don't need help! Don't want it!" Landing again he tossed it to the ground before jumping. Only this time he didn't get far off the ground as a hand grabbed the back of his shirt. Glaring up behind him, he saw Aurora.
"What're you doing?!" she hissed.
"They're getting away!"
"And there's people hurt back there!" she exclaimed. "You're ditching your team!"
"Let me go!" he growled yanking her hand off his shoulder.
"No!" she snapped grabbing his wrist. "Why are you ditching your team?!"
"Didn't you just hear me! I don't need your help! I don't want it!" he snarled.
"What do you have to prove?!" she exclaimed glaring up at him.
"Nothing to you!" he snapped leaping away from her again.
-.-
"We'd've heard by now if the decoy trucks had been attacked," Robin muttered as he attached his glove to one of the monkeys, "so how did they know which ones to hit?" Typing on his glove, he smirked as coordinates came up. "Ha! The parts have GPS, which means I can track them with the one I captured. Looks like the parts of converging on…Gotham City."
/That far south? M'gann, Remix, and I won't get there any time soon. I'm sending Kid on ahead to meet you/
"Awesome," Nightmare growled. "I'd call this a disaster."
"Heavy on the dis," Robin agreed typing on his glove and calling the bikes over.
-.-
Metropolis, 21:18EDT
"Apple pie."
"The devil's food," Bruce said handing the menu back.
"Something tells me this isn't about dessert," Clark sighed leaning back in his booth.
"No, it isn't," Bruce said pulling out a file and pushing it to Clark.
Ignoring it, Clark scowled, "Look Bruce, he needs you. He needs Red, I'm just another reminder about what he's not."
"Sorry Clark but you're dead wrong," Bruce deadpanned. "Look at the file."
Frowning, he took the file and opened it, eyes widening. "You can't be serious."
"I check and rechecked. And I know he troubles you, no doubt this news does as well, but they're here. you have to accept that and get over the how and why," he said. "Trust me on this, these kids need their father."
"I'm not his father," Clark snapped. "And she…she has Nate. He's a good man and he'll be a good mentor for her." Getting up from his seat, Clark put on his hat and waved to Bibbo. "I'll take that pie to go."
Leaning back in is booth, Bruce sighed watching the man leave. Though, he didn't have long to ponder on his friend's words when the doorbell chimed again and a familiar couple sat across from him as Diana sat by his side. "Was that Clark who just left?" the Amazon inquired.
"Yes," he answered reaching into his bag and pulling out two more files, "there was something I needed to discuss with him, as I now do both of you." He set down the files, pushing them towards his friends.
Diana was quick to pick up hers, and he watched warily. Bruce already had to handle one incredibly hard-headed friend rejecting his own children, he wasn't looking forwards to what would happen if another would reject theirs as well. "You're kidding?"
"No."
She held up the file. "This is true?"
"I checked and rechecked."
Shock broke into a soft smile as the Amazon began to chuckle to herself. "My mother is going to be furious. Does he know?"
"No, I wanted the parents to be the first to know," Bruce answered looking to the Hawks as they looked over the file.
"This is cause of how Clark's been treating…you know," Diana frowned. He gave a nod and she scowled. "It's not like he had a choice. Yes it feels like a violation, but gods, that man needs to get it through his thick skull that this isn't the kid's fault. And we know that our kids aren't a danger, we had John check them."
"But we didn't have him check him," Bruce reminded. "But look, Clark is not the topic of tonight's discussion. I merely just wanted to determine your next moves now that you know."
Diana didn't even hesitate as she glared at him accusingly, "Did you really think I'd reject him?" When she didn't get an answer, the Amazon scowled. "I'm not Clark."
"I didn't say you were, I just needed to be sure," Bruce defended, looking to the couple across from him. "Shayera? Katar?"
They looked at him and Katar set and hand on his wife's shoulder. "We always debated on whether of not to have kids," he spoke. "I suppose the decision's been made for us. And at least now we know where Skylar gets her temper, cause that's emall/em you Shay." He smirked as Shay raised a brow looking at him. "So…how should we set up her room?"
"We just found out, and she's already got you wrapped around her finger," Shay sighed rubbing the bridge of her nose.
-.-
Gotham City, 21:21EDT
"Superboy landed on the train car that he saw the monkeys go into. His fist slammed into the metal, denting it. Hitting it again, he made a tear in the container, and forced it open.
"Superboy, I'm not sure…" Aurora started when he jumped through into the cart. Ignoring her, again.
Gritting her teeth, she folded her wings hopping in and unsteadily landing beside her teammate. "Oh, hello."
Looking towards the voice, the saw an older gentleman in a sweater-vest surrounded by the robot monkeys. "You?" Superboy scoffed. "You're Ivo? I'm whelmed."
"You're one to talk," the man tapped his chin. "Since when does the big blue boy scout have a brat?"
"He doesn't!"
"If you say so," the man shrugged. "Have either of you met my Mobile Optimum Quotient Infiltraitors?"
Waving his arm, the monkeys lunged forwards. Superboy did a combo punch taking out two. One tried to attack him from the side only to be grabbed by the tail and swung into another, causing both to erupt in a small explosion.
"And after all the trouble I went through to find an acronym for MOQI," Ivo sighed.
Amber slammed the last one's head into the wall, before freezing as she heard something powering up. "Access: Captain Atom." Ducking under a blast, she grimaced as Superboy was hit and blasted back into the back of the car.
"Since Professor Ivo's magnificent MOQI's don't float your boat, perhaps my amazing Amazo will better suit you," he grinned stepping aside to reveal the android, completely rebuilt and functional, "or better slay you."
"Give it your best shot," Superboy challenged.
Amber tossed her teammate a glare as Ivo and his infernal MOQIs began laughing. "Please, my android has the strength of Superman. What chance do two children have?"
With an angry growl, Superboy ran forwards. Throwing punch after punch, the android blocked him till he got one lucky hit in, managing to turn its head around. It quickly turned around, catching his hand and squeezing.
"Oh sorry, did that strike a nerve? Amazo, strike a few more."
He raised his fist and Amber stretched out her arms, an energy blast leaving her hands and hitting the android, blasting him into the side of the car, making a dent in the metal. Superboy charged after him, grunted as the metal fist uppercut his chin, knocking him back into Aurora and sending them both sprawling on the floor of the small train car.
"Access: Black Canary." Amazo's jaw unhinged and an infernal screech rang out and resonated in the small car, causing both teens to cry out in pain and cover their ears. The force of the cry, lifted them off the ground and sent them crashing into the back wall. "Access: Flash." Amazo sped forwards, strike both of them with multiple blows as Ivo chuckled.
"Oh, no wonder Daddy keeps you hidden away. You're not doing justice to the old S-shield are you? And you, pretty little girls shouldn't be near the battlefield."
Aurora's eyes flashed for a moment as she stood up, before she threw a blast right towards Ivo, causing him to duck. As Superboy lunged at Amazo, she leapt over and threw a punch at Ivo. The professor yelped, ducking under her blow before a monkey latched onto her face. Yanking it off, she hurled it at its maker and hit him in the back of the head.
"Amazo! Protect your master! Priority Alpha!" Ivo yelped.
The android turned punched Superboy away and sending the boy flying into the city. "Access: Flash." The android lunged at her, grabbing her by the throat. Grabbing its hand, she tried to pry the fingers off. "Access: Superman."
-.-
"So you changed too?" Robin smirked as he and Nightmare turned to look and see Kid Flash catching up.
"Are you kidding? I feel naked in civies," the speedster chuckled. "Still tracking Aurora and the parts?"
"They were heading through Gotham, but they veered," Robin said looking down at the scanner. "Dude, they're at my school!"
-.-
A crash echoed down the halls as Superboy was hurled into a trophy case. Amazo stomped up to him, grabbing him by the front of his shirt and tossing him down the hall into a set of lockers. Getting up, he saw a flash of blue and green shoot past and crash through the wall. Getting up he lunged at Amazo again. The android threw another punch, hitting him in the jaw and slamming him into the wall and through it. Falling to the ground he skid along the gym floor grunting as he came to a stop.
It was then, several slow claps got his attention. "I don't usually come to these things in person, but," Ivo chuckled, "this was too good to miss."
The building shook and Superboy looked up to the hole he fell through to see light filtering out of it along with the sound of crashing. Another bright blast came, and Superboy watched as Amber was blasted through the wall. Spreading her wings, she caught herself, gliding to land next to him, part of her uniform torn.
"Access: Superman," Amazo said as he jumped down into the gym.
Looking at each other, Superboy and Aurora nodded. They weren't going to beat this thing alone. Charging forwards, Superboy threw a punch at Amazo intercepted before blast came from his right, causing the android to stumble off balance. Taking his chance, Superboy threw another punch only to grimace as his wrist was grabbed and he was yanked off his feet. Amazo threw him over his shoulder, slamming him into Aurora and they slid to a stop by Nightmare, Robin, and Kid Flash.
"Martian Manhunter," Amazo recited as one of Robin's weapons flew towards him, allowing it to harmlessly pass through him and explode along the wall. "Access: Red Tornado." Red winds began to swirl around the android and he took to the air, flying at them. The force of the winds lifted them off their feet, and sent them flying across the room.
Flapping her wings, Aurora caught herself and flew at the android, throwing one of her light blasts at him. it hit him in the face, knocking the android to the ground.
"Access: Captain Atom." An energy blast hit Aurora, knocking her into the wall as the android turned to observe Kid Flash as he tried to attack from the side. Throwing another blast, the speedster ran behind the bleachers. "Access: Black Canary." Amazo unhinged his jaw as Kid Flash came around the other side and charged him, the cry knocking him off his feet. "Superman."
Superboy grunted as his punched was caught. A lasso wrapped around the android's throat and Nightmare pulled. Instead of falling, Amazo threw Superboy into Nightmare. The hybrid rolled aside, gripping his lasso tighter and he sent lightning flying down it. In response, Amazo grabbed his rope and yanked.
Nightmare yelped as he was pulled off his feet, towards his opponent. A punch landed on his face, knocking the hybrid into the wall. Landing in a crouch, the hybrid smirked as he saw several of Robin's dicks flying towards the android.
"Access: Martian Manhunter." The android's limbs stretched impossibly, swinging around the room and intercepting the incoming explosives. Trying to take advantage of his distraction, Kid Flash charged. "Superman."
Kid Flash yelped as he was grabbed and pulled into a bone crushing grip that was slowly getting tighter.
"Martian Manhunter." Something flew past, causing the android to density shift and drop KF to avoid getting hit. "Access: Black Canary." Amazo turned on his heel as Superboy charged again, grabbing his wrist and hurling him into the other set of bleachers. Robin hurled another explosive, that the android caught and allowed to explode in its hand. Turning it's red eyes began glowing. "Superman."
Nightmare pushed Robin aside, deflecting the lasers back with his gauntlets, hitting the android in the chest and blasting him back. It got back up, firing its lasers again towards the boys. Kid Flash ran in, tackling Robin to the side as Nightmare deflected again.
"Access: Flash." A green blur ran forwards and Nightmare grunted as a fist hit his cheek, knocking him into the wall behind him. Getting up he threw a punch that was blocked before grabbing the android's arm and swinging up to kick him in the side of the head. His leg was grabbed and Amazo turned around, hurling him across the room.
"Yawn," Ivo imitated looking at his nails, "normally Amazo would study and copy your abilities, but what's the point? You're all such poor copies of the originals."
"So everyone keeps saying," Superboy growled. "It makes me angry!" He leapt and flew across the gym, landing right where Ivo had been in the few seconds before. "Wanna see how I channel that anger?!"
"Great, he's lost it," Aurora muttered.
"Maybe not," Robin smirked.
"Amazo! Protect your master! Priority Alpha!" Ivo squeaked as he fumbled to leap away from Superboy's next attack.
"Captain Atom." Amazo raised his hand and fired, blasting Superboy back.
"Anyone wanna play keep away?!" Robin laughed charging up to Ivo and kicking him.
"Me!" Kid shouted running past.
"Access: Superman," Amazo said. Stomping on the floor he sent a shockwave over the room and knocked both Kid Flash and the professor into the air. Diving down, Aurora gave him a roundhouse kick to the face, send Ivo flying across the room.
Amazo turned to catch him when he was face to face with Nightmare throwing a punch at him. "Martian Manhunter." The hybrid passed right through him and Amazo reached out to grab his tail. "Superman." Superboy came from the other side and drove his fist into Amazo's head as he began to resolidify. Sparks came from his head as the obstruction blocked its circuits, before its head exploded and the android fell to the ground, headless.
"Help me disassemble it!" Robin exclaimed running towards the android.
"Dude, the guy has no head," Kid Flash scoffed.
"Don't take any chances," a familiar voice called and they turned to see Aqualad, Miss Martian, and Remix race into the room.
"Superboy, are you all right?" M'gann asked helping him up.
"Fine," he smiled turning to Robin and Nightmare as the duo were trying to pry an arm off. "Feeling the aster." They gave him a shared grin before going back to pulling on the arm and android trying to separate it.
"Where's Ivo?" Aurora spoke up.
They looked around the gym, finding it empty except for themselves.
-.-
Mt. Justice, August 4, 01:06EDT
"The android is in pieces again, and is safely being analyzed at the two separate STARR Labs," Aqualad said. "But Ivo escaped. And since he originated the tech, he is arguable more dangerous than the android."
"Tracking the Professor will be a League priority," Canary nodded.
"But we understand your mission faced…other complications?" Manhunter spoke up crossing his arms.
"Complications come with the job," Batman stated stepping forwards, "your ability to handle them has impressed the League."
"The whole League?" Superboy asked.
"In time yes, as you know, Kryptonians have very hard heads," Batman said. "Of course there's no shame in asking for help, that's why the League exists. Because there's some problems even we can't handle individually."
"Please!" Robin scoffed. "If we needed help we'd never get the chance to ask," he reached into his belt and pulled out an arrow, "Look familiar? You were spying on us! Babysitting! You still don't trust us!"
"We didn't follow you," Batman said as Green Arrow pulled out one of his own and the Dark Knight's protégé gaped as he saw two different arrowheads.
"…That's not your arrow. So that means—!"
"Speedy!" Kid Flash exclaimed grabbing the arrow. "He's still got our backs! Souvenir!"
"Nightmare, Remix, Aurora," Batman said. "You three need to stay."
"Why? Is something wrong?" Amber spoke up her wings dropping
"No," Batman said.
"Then why do you need to talk to them?" M'gann interjected. "They haven't been a problem."
"They aren't in trouble," Canary reassured. "We merely managed to learn some things from their genetic profiles, particularly, their parents." This cause the rest of the team to perk up.
"You found their parents?!" M'gann exclaimed a wide smile breaking out on her face.
"We found one of their parents," Batman stated. "Each of you had a donor I was able to track, but the other parent is still something I have yet to identify. But, if you choose, you can go home with your parents tonight."
"Cool," Wally smirked crossing his arms.
"So, are we going to just stand around talking about how cool this is, or are you actually going to introduce us?" Skylar deadpanned. "Cause, the only people I see are our mentors."
"Cause your mentors are your parents," Hawkman spoke up crossing his arms.
Skylar smirked, "Ha! I knew I was better than the original!"
"Hey."
Hawkwoman shook her head in exasperation. "Alright you two, you can continue your little spat later," she scolded stepping between them. "For now, let's get Sky packed up."
"Wait, so you guys are letting me come with you? Aren't you worried I'll light something on fire?" she exclaimed.
"That's why I bought more fire extinguishers," her mother said. "But that doesn't mean you can go lighting things on fire whenever you want young lady."
"I suppose now it's my turn," Wonder Woman spoke up. Stepping forwards, she ruffled her protégé's hair. "I was always told that the fates worked in mysterious ways. But I never imagined this, my young hunter," she chuckled pulling the startled teen into a hug, "My sisters were excited to hear the news of their favorite little brother."
Nightmare blushed, trying to wriggle out of Diana's grip as Robin proceeded to laugh. When she let go, he turned around, glaring at his friend as the boy continued to chuckle.
"So," Amber spoke up, "does that mean Captain Atom is my father? As that seems to be the trend."
"No," Batman answered. "Your father declined to be here this evening."
"Wait…he didn't want to meet her?" Wally spoke up looking shocked.
"What the hell?!" Skylar exclaimed. "Who is he?! He needs a firm slap to the face!"
"I'm with Sky!" Nightmare agreed.
"Yeah, that's so messed up," Wally nodded sharing similarly angry look with Robin.
Batman gave them a warning look. "You will not slap a member of the Justice League. Nonetheless, while he may not want to meet her, that does not mean I intended not to tell Amber who her father is." He watched the teens shrink back in embarrassment before turning back to the girl. "Amber, you have already met your father, just as you have already met your brother, Superboy."
"What?" Superboy startled looking at the girl, then to his team to make sure he heard right.
"Amber, Superboy, you two are siblings. Superman is both of your genetic donors," Batman stated.
Superboy felt himself scowl. Of course his mentor wouldn't pay him any attention, why would his…his sister be any different? Taking a breath he walked up to her. "Hey."
"Hi," she turned. "I suppose this means we should attempt to start over. Due to our most recent fights during the mission a clean slate would be best." She held out a hand, "I'm Amber."
He raised a brow, he already knew that. But he'd play along. "Superboy."
"Alright! Best night ever!" Onyx exclaimed. "Tell me we have celebratory ice cream!"
Diana rolled her eyes, "You definitely are my child…it's in the kitchen."
"I like the way you think!" Wally grinned high-fiving Onyx and Skylar. "Celebrate a successful mission and the news. We should end all missions like this!"
"Don't get used to it," Canary chided as the teens ran towards the kitchen.
Superboy remained behind and walked towards her, rubbing his arm. "I'm ready," he said.
Canary smiled, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Good, cause I'm here," she said. "Now, before we start, why don't we go up with the others and celebrate. It'll be good for all of you."