Chapter 3: Fireworks
Washington, D.C.
July 5, 00:01 EDT
'Time is short. You must awaken. You must awaken now!'
That's what I hear, in my mind somehow, before I abruptly wake up, not knowing who is speaking to me or why.
I find myself trapped, handcuffed to a cell next to Aqualad and Kid Flash, who are also awake as well, as is Robin. Perhaps my mind speaking friend woke them up as well. A shame he didn't give me his name, I'd like to thank him whoever he is before we leave.
On a good note, I can feel my ring, which I took off and hid under my sleeve. I'm a little surprised that Guardian didn't take it. Perhaps he didn't notice it somehow, or hopefully he's on our side. Which makes me think, from before, if they're controlling Superboy with those G-gnomes from before, then that must be what's happened to Guardian. The G-gnome on his should is controlling his mind, making him just as much of a slave as Superboy.
Speaking of which, he is standing in front of us, keeping an eye on us I guess. He's just standing there, staring at us. I feel like if he stares hard enough, he might melt us with heat vision.
"What? What do you want?", Kid Flash asks our captor, feeling agitated with him. I can't say I don't blame him, but I still feel sorry for him. "Quit staring. You're creeping me out."
"Hey KF, how about we not tick off the guy that can fry us with a look?", Robin tells the speedster. Guess I'm not the only one thinking that.
"We were only trying to help you, can't you see that at least?", I try to reason with him.
"Yeah. We free you and you turn on us", Kid Flash tells him off, still ticked. "How's that for gratitude?"
"Kid, please, be quiet now", as Aqualad politely tells KF to shut it. "I believe our new friend was not in full control of his actions."
"What if I… What if I wasn't?", says the Superboy, finally breaking his silence. I stop my attempt to reach my ring to take notice of our friend speaking his mind.
"He can talk?", Kid asks so stupidly.
"Yes, he can", he says angrily.
We all turn towards Kid. Why did you have to say that? "Not like I said 'it'."
"Kinda glad you didn't, but back to you." As I bring our conversation back to Superboy.
"The genomorphs taught you telepathically", Aqualad says.
"They taught me much. I can read, write. I know the name of things."
"But they've never let you out of Cadmus have they?", I ask him. "Have they let you seen the sky, or the sun?"
"Images are implanted in my mind, but no. I have not seen them."
"Do you even know what you are, who you are?"
"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."
We all look at each other in worry, for that last line worries me especially. 'Should he turn from the Light.' What does he mean by that?
Aqualad interjects, "To be like Superman is a worthy aspiration. But like Superman, you deserve a life of your own, beyond your solar suit, beyond your pod, beyond Cadmus."
"I live because of Cadmus! It is my home!"
"Cadmus is your prison", I correct him. "A home is where you live peacefully, with your own free will, and with people that care for you and you care for as well. We can give you a real home."
"We can show you, introduce you to Superman", Aqualad tells so gently.
Superboy looks to Aqualad at his offer, with hope of meeting Superman in his eyes. But before he can say anymore, the man from before walks in. "No, they can't. They'll be otherwise occupied. Activate the cloning process."
"Pass. Batcave's crowded enough", Robin jokingly tells the scientist.
"Plus we've already got enough GL's here, I don't think they want another of me", I jokingly say.
"And get the Weapon back in its pod!", he so angrily orders Guardian.
"He is not a weapon. He is a living being, so show some respect", I yell to him, defending Superboy.
As Guardian starts moving towards him, Superboy looks towards me and Aqualad, who says to him, "Help us, please."
Guardian places his hand on Superboy's shoulder, but he shakes it off. The scientist then steps in between the two. "Don't start thinking now." As he walks past him, the G-gnome on his shoulder jumps to Superboy's shoulder, it's horns glowing red.
"See, you're not a real boy. You're a weapon, and you belong to me! Well, to Cadmus. Same thing." Looks like this guy isn't really in charge of Project Cadmus after all. Then if he isn't, who is? "Now get back to your pod!"
And without question, Superboy walks out of the room and back to his pod.
The scientist then has his female companion begin their cloning process like he said he would. I then notice these robotic parts coming into our tubes. Next thing I know, I'm being shocked by them, which might I mind, hurt a lot.
Even with the pain I'm feeling, I'm still able to keep my eyes open, noticing the scientist talking to the humanoid genomorph, Dubbilex he called him. I can barely hear them, let alone see them. All I can make out are 'memories' and 'deleting sources'… Us. He mean's us. Of course he's planning on getting rid of us. It'd be hard to explain why they're two Kid Flashes. I'm not sure the world can handle two Wallys.
I also overhear Aqualad next to me saying something, but I can only make out one word: Superboy. He must be trying to convince him again, with his super-hearing and all. But with those G-gnomes controlling him, I don't see him coming back. But part of me hopes he does. Optimism, the one tool every hero should carry on him or her.
Then the shock levels increase, forcing me to shut my eyes. I try not to focus on the pain, so I then decide to go for my ring. If I can get my ring onto my finger, I'll be able to break free from here and get the others out. Only problem is the pain from these shocks are keeping my hands from moving too much. I have to try… To save my friends…
Then suddenly, the shock waves die down, allowing me to move my hand much more. As I grab my ring, I open my eyes and I can't believe what I'm seeing: Superboy prying the door open and throwing it to the ground. He actually came back for us.
The scientist, who looks furious at his 'weapon', walks towards him, along with the others, only for them all to be knocked down to the ground. "Don't give me orders."
Superboy then turns back his attention to us. "You here to help us or fry us?", Kid asks him. I hope it's the first one. Please let it be the first one.
Superboy squints his eyes, seemingly trying - and failing - to produce any heat. "I don't seem to have heat vision, so I suppose helping is my only option."
Just then Robin's cuffs unlock, no doubt from him picking the lock on them, and jumps down out of the tube. "Finally. Lucky Batman isn't here. He'd have my head for taking so long."
"Seriously, that's what you're worried about?", I ask the bird. "The whole League will have our heads for what we've done tonight, and the Corps will have my ring for it as well."
Robin presses a button on the computer, releasing us from the shockers and opening the glass. "Free Aqualad, I'll get Kid Mouth over there."
"Hey!", as Kid Mouth - sorry, Kid Flash - takes offense to it.
"Don't you give me orders either", Superboy tells Robin.
I finally put my ring onto my finger, only taking forever. With my ring back in place, I create a small drill construct, breaking my cuffs and giving myself freedom. Kid Flash and Aqualad get free from their cuffs as well thanks to Robin and Superboy, giving us the chance to get out of there now.
"You'll never get out of here!", the scientist yells at us. "I'll have you all back in pods before the morning."
"That guy is not whelmed, not whelmed at all", Robin says, going on about whelming again. He then throws four batarangs at glass cases below the platforms, most likely for the cloning process. Or it was, exploding and all.
After we lose sight of our captors, we continue on running until we figure out how to get out of here. "We are still 42 levels below ground, but if we can make the elevator…" Before Aqualad can finish his sentence, we run into the elephant sized genomorphs, blocking our exit. Then more genomorphs, smaller ones though, come out of the wall, surrounding us.
One giant one tries to smash us to pieces, so we scatter apart. Superboy decks him in the jaw, matching his strength of course. Another one piles his fist on top of him, pinning him to the ground.
The rest of us evade and avoid the genomorphs, not wanting to be crushed into a million pieces. I decide to go back for Superboy, that is until I see he's doing just fine, taking on all genomorphs that get in his way.
"Superboy, the goal is to escape, not to bury ourselves alive", Aqualad tells the Kryptonian.
"YOU WANT ESCAPE?!", he yells back. He then throws one giant genomorph into two others, knocking them down and giving us way for the elevator.
I open the doors with a levee construct, and looking into it I see that we've got a long way's up. Robin grapples his way up while I fly my way up. KF jumps to the side of the corridor and Superboy grabs Aqualad and jumps high up, only to fall back. Robin throws a baton their way, with Aqualad grabbing hold.
Okay, so Superboy - the Kryptonian - doesn't have heat vision and can't fly? There's got to be a reason for this…
"Superman can fly. Why can't I fly?", he asks himself, curiously.
"Don't know, but it looks like you can leap tall buildings in a bound. Still cool", Kid tells Superboy, trying to cheer him up.
"Guy's, this will have to be our exit", Robin tells us as an elevator comes down above our heads. Superboy smashes the doors open before it comes down on top of us.
More genomorphs come from another part of the floor, forcing us to make a run for it of course, with no idea on where exactly to go.
"Go left!" Superboy yells to us, as if he knows where to go. "Left!" None of us have any better idea of where to go so we all turn left.
"Right." We all turn right then, putting our faith in our new friend. Too bad we reach a dead end.
"Great directions, Supey", Kid tells him. "You trying to get us repodded?"
"No, I don't understand", he says, feeling more and more confused.
"Hey now, give him a break Kid. None of us knows where we're going, how could he have?", I tell to the speedster as I try to defend my new friend.
"Don't apologize. This is perfect!" Robin seems to be glad with our heading.
Robin uses a grappling hook on the air vent above us, pulling it off and jumps for the ventilation system. Air vents… Of course. He almost thinks just like that Bat. Almost.
Aqualad and Kid Flash follow him into the vents. I follow them, but then I turn to Superboy before I go. "How did you know to come this way anyway?"
"I don't know. Something, or someone, told me to go this way." Someone told him to come here? Sounds like something a martian - or a genomorph would do. But that doesn't make sense, why would a genomorph help us escape?
I don't have time to think about it so I make my way for the vents, with Superboy following me. Great, the day just got better with me feeling cramped inside a ventilation system with four guys. Awesome.
As we all keep crawling through the air vents, Superboy stops behind me, tugging at me and making me stop. "Hold on. Genomorphs."
"Great, that's all we need. Robin, we got a problem."
"Handle it, GL", Robin tells me. Handle it he says, great words of encouragement Batman Jr.
I then get an idea. "Let there be light!" I point my hand back towards Superboy, sending a green light past him and going further down. I steer the light left and right, making turns throughout the vents, hoping that the genomorphs see my light and follow it, thinking it's me. First rule of magic and trickery, misdirection. What better way to lead your opponent to their defeat?
"Genomorphs should be heading for another part of the building right now. And you're welcome."
We finally make it out of the vent system, stretching my back from the small space in there.
"What about motion sensors? Won't they be able to track us while we're here?"
"Already taken care of", Robin answers. "I hacked the motion sensors. There's still plenty of room between them and us"
"But I've finally got room to move", Kid says, running for the stairs.
"You and me both Speedy", as I take off in his direction.
I make it to the stairs and I look up to see KF already making headway up. Unfortunately I also more genomorphs coming down the stairs and our way. I fly up past the stairs and head for the genomorphs, hitting them with construct blasts. Kid pushes his way past them too, making his way to the top.
I look down to see the others coming up the stairs as well. I aim my ring downwards towards the genomorphs and continue my shooting practice, keeping them off their tails. Once everyone passes me, I fly up to join them, and I notice Superboy tears apart the stairs that he had just climbed, leaving the genomorphs trapped down on ground level. "Good thinking Superboy." He looks up and nods in agreement at my comment.
I fly out the door and head down the hallway with my friends. Then an alarm goes off, the whole hallway turning red and the doors sealing shut, to which Kid runs right into. Always taking off while not thinking it through. Nice job Wally.
"We're cut off from the street", Aqualad states.
"Thanks. My head hadn't noticed", Kid sarcastically says.
"Glad your head notices now", I jokingly add.
Superboy tries to tear to door open, or just tear into it, to no avail unfortunately. Aqualad and I give him a hand, and a construct hand for extra help. But we're not making any headway on the door either. We're trapped. Again.
Just as giant genomorphs come our way, Robin leads us out of this dead end and…
Into a much, much worse situation. More genomorphs of all size, and Guardian there to lead the small army he has. More of them come from behind, truly surrounding us now. This couldn't get any worse.
The G-gnomes horns glow red again, making me feel dizzy. The others around me all fall to the ground, while Superboy kneels. I was wrong. This is way worse.
I fall to my knees as well, but I bring my fist to the ground, trying my best to keep my body up. I'm trying my best to stay conscious, not wanting to pass out. Not wanting to leave my friends' fates to Cadmus. If I can find a way past all these genomorphs - and Guardian as well - if I can find a way, I can get my friends out of here alive. Even if it means I have to stay behind to be cloned and deleted. I will not leave my friends behind. No matter what.
Interesting. Someone else's voice said that in my mind. That is not my voice. Then the humanoid genomorph - Dubbilex, I believe - comes forward, taking notice of me still conscious. He must be the one speaking to me telepathically. You still stand awake and well while your allies fall short. You are stronger than you look human.
I have a strong will. I have to or else I wouldn't be here, fighting for my life, and more importantly, for theirs. I look towards my friends as I telepathically answer back to him. This is so weird.
Strong willed, determined, and loyal to your friends. These strong qualities are not found in many humans, especially all together. I think I will let you hear what I have to say. It will be good to have the opinion of a human.
Opinion about what? Then I look towards Superboy, who is still on his knees. This is about him isn't it? Or else he'd be on the ground with my friends.
He nods, confirming my suspicions. And not just about this. I remember the voice that awoke us from our tube nap. It was his. But why?
Oh, and before I forget, there is someone else in this building. It seems she has been tailing you and your friends for some time now. As to why I do not know really, but it seems as though she has taken an interest in your little adventure here tonight.
Wait, what? Someone's been following us? Who? Then I remember something, something I saw before all this craziness started. The girl in white! It has to be her! I knew I wasn't seeing things. Dubbilex…
I want to ask him more about her, but he turns towards Superboy, wanting to bring him into the conversation. So I decide to quiet my thoughts, wanting to hear what he has to say to Superboy. But after we get out of Cadmus, I'm going to find out who this girl is and what she wants with me… I mean us.
Perhaps for the sake of all genomorphs, our brother Superboy should make up his own mind.
Superboy's eyes open, hearing Dubbilex's thoughts. It was you.
Yes, brother. I set the fire that lured your new friends down into Cadmus, woke them when they were in danger-
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's their hope for freedom. Sounds like a lot to put on a kid to save an entire race. But if I were in Superboy's shoes, I'd probably risk everything to save the ones I care for, to save my planet, or even another planet. All life should be free to do and choose what they will, for no one has the right to control someone, let alone a colony of people. The genomorphs should - no, they will be free to live their lives fully one day. I will do all in my power to help Superboy achieve their dream.
Both Superboy and Dubbilex turn towards me, the former realizing I heard their entire conversation. But he doesn't seem mad about my hearing it, but more glad that he was able to hear my statement, as his Dubbilex, who nods in agreement of my decision to help them. I can see why you are a Green Lantern now. Your ring chose very well.
Thank you.
The others start to wake from their sleep, standing up to their feet. I decide to stand as well, not feeling so dizzy anymore, as does Superboy, who is still looking towards Dubbilex.
What is your choice, brother?
"I… Choose… Freedom!" He answers aloud with confidence.
Dubbilex nods with his brother's choice. I walk towards Superboy, bringing my hand up to him. He grabs mine with his tight grip, but I can also feel his adulation for his decision. "Thank you Kyle."
"You're welcome, brother." He smiles and nods, accepting my brotherhood.
We both turn to see Guardian, holding his head as if he has a headache. Then I notice him without a G-gnome on his shoulder. "Guardian?"
He looks our way, realizing what has happened this night. "Go. I'll deal with Desmond."
"I think not", the scientist - Desmond I presume - answers. He stands before us while holding chemical vile. Please don't do what I think you're about to do, Doc.
"Project Blockbuster will give me the power to restore order to Cadmus." Blockbuster? That really doesn't sound good.
And then he drinks it, throwing the vile to the ground. But it's what happens next that worries me more than anything else has tonight.
Desmond's body is reacting to the chemical. He seems to be in pain, his bones moving in ways you would not want them too. His glasses fall to the ground, with him falling to his knees. The chemical is changing him, and not in a good way. His body grows massive, tearing his clothes apart and his hands become as big as hammers. His skin starts to peel off like snakeskin. He stands tall and changed, his new blue skin hard as steel, red eyes and gnarling teeth. Desmond, without thinking of the consequences, becomes a monster, a real Blockbuster.
Guardian tells us to stay back while he fends off against Desmond - Blockbuster now - but he just swings his arm and swats him away, like a fly hitting the wall. Which is exactly what happens to him.
"Guardian!" I rush over to him as Superboy goes in after Blockbuster. I make sure that Guardian is well and alive, which he is. Unfortunately he is out cold. Doesn't look like you're going to help us anytime soon. I sit him carefully against the wall. Hopefully he shouldn't be hurt in the crossfire.
I look towards the fight to see Superboy facing off against Blockbuster. He punches him continuously, but it looks like he's not getting hurt at all. The behemoth then takes a swing at Suberboy, sending him to the ground. He gets back on his feet and leaps forward to his opponent, only to be taken hold of and thrown to the ceiling, making a whole for Blockbuster - and us - to follow.
"Okay, that's one way to bust through the ceiling." Robin grapples his way through the hole, with Kid Flash grabbing a hold of him.
"Think lab coat planned on that", as Kid grabs a hold of the line and goes up.
"I doubt he is planning anything anymore", Aqualad states.
Before I take my leave and jump through the Blockbuster-sized whole, I notice something in the corner of my eye: something white.
"Come out while you can and I won't hurt you, you have my word." But nothing happens, and Aqualad looks at me confused, wondering what I'm talking about. "Fine then!" I turn and raise my hand, using my ring to create a waist restraining construct, making sure she doesn't get away this time. I go around to see our stalker captured, only to find an empty corridor. She's gone…
Aqualad, still confused, walks over my way and turns me around, taking a hold of me and trying to bring me back to reality. "Kyle, there is no one else here. Now we must go, our friends need our help."
I want to search the entire floor, the entire building to find this girl… Do not lose focus. Remember what's important. Remember what Jordan told you to do.
I shake my head back and forth, bringing my senses back. "Do not leave their side. No matter what. I'm sorry Aqualad, I'll explain this later. But for now, we've gotta save their scrawny butts."
Aqualad nods in agreement, glad to see me not losing it. I grab a hold of him and fly through the hole, and when I do, we see how the others are doing so far. Not good at all, unfortunately.
I see first off Superboy still matching strength with his new playmate, Blockbuster. Sadly, he's still not making headway. Blockbuster then swings him our way, with Aqualad catching him and us falling back towards him.
"The five of us against one giant beast like him. Oh yeah, this should be fun." I try my best to keep our spirits up and our chances alive. And us as well.
Kid Flash takes a running start, ducking his punch before it lands. Blockbuster then turns around just in time for both Superboy and Aqualad to give him a punch each. He stumbles back and falls over Kid Flash, who was leaning over him. "Learned that one in kindergarten."
Robin and I then throw batarangs and bullet constructs his way, only for him to knock them away, with one of my constructs striking his head. He then charges towards Superboy and holds him against a pillar. He keeps punching at the Kryptonian, crumbling the pillar every time he punches him. I fly above him, holding his free arm with a rope construct, with Aqualad launching himself towards Blockbuster. He kicks him in the face and places himself on the pillar, raising his water-bearer up in the air, making a mace, only for Blockbuster to catch in his hand and throw Aqualad to the ground, along with me to join him, and Superboy is thrown to the side.
Blockbuster is about to crush Aqualad just as Kid Flash comes running in to distract him. Well it works because he grabs the speedster. Aqualad tries for the mace again, but Kid Flash is thrown in his way, sending them both to the wall. I fly in with a shield construct so Aqualad can get away, but Blockhead shatters my shield and punches me to the wall. With every punch he throws, the whole building shakes, making it feel like it's going to come down on all of us sooner than later.
"That's it!" Looks like Boy Wonder and I have the same idea. To trick Blockbuster into destroying the pillars, making the building weaker and more sustainable to come apart and fall right on top of him.
"KF, get over here." KF runs over to Robin to show him his game plan. I already know what to do. I make another shield for Blockbuster to grab while he takes my head in place. Superboy and Aqualad charge him from behind to help, but he swats Aqualad away and grabs Superboy. He then throws me to the ground like I'm a piece of trash and then throws Superboy into a pillar, destroying most of it.
One down, four to go.
I get back on my feet and head over to Robin. I see Kid Flash running after Blockbuster, jumping up and grabbing the last piece of skin left from Dr. Desmond. "Got you're nose."
"Do you know how nasty that is man?" He waves it off and goes back to running. He leads the beast to another pillar, which he crushes to pieces. One piece of it accidentally hits Kid's back, sending him to ground. He moves fast enough to get back onto his feet, avoiding becoming road kill.
While KF and I keep Blockhead busy, I see Aqualad and Superboy smashing two more pillars, making the building more sustainable to collapse. I look over to the center of the room to see Robin drawing a big white X on the floor. Now I wonder who that's for.
Aqualad preps the floor with water as Kid and I lead Buster towards the X, with Superboy helping us by punching him onto the watery mark. Aqualad places his hands on the water, and using his Atlantean tattoos, he electrocutes the watery floor, giving Blockbuster the shock of his life.
Robin rushes all of us to get out of the building now, due to Robin rigging what's left of the pillars with his batarangs, which should be going off right about, now!
BOOM!
The explosion brings the entire building crumpling down, fragments and pillar pieces falling to the floor. All Blockbuster could do is yell at the ceiling while it comes down towards him, crashing on top of him. Unfortunately we couldn't get out of the building fast enough. But that doesn't mean we can't make it out alive. I create a barrier big enough for us all to fit in and protect u from the falling debris. I have to have enough will and power in my ring and myself to save my friends. Do not break shield!
After a few minutes of silence, I brought the barrier down. Superboy lifted and knocked away any and all debris above us. I look around to see that everyone made it safe and sound.
I then feel a hand on my shoulder, making me turn to see it's Aqualad, who is trying to catch his breath. "Thank you… For protecting us."
"Always, friend."
"We did it."
"Was there any doubt?" Robin fist bumps with Kid Flash, thought it looks like it hurts their hands. Then again, I feel like my whole body is hurting right now. I'm going to feel all of this in the morning.
I turn to see Superboy standing over to my right. I walk his way to see what he's looking at - an unconscious Blockbuster. I put my hand on his shoulder and bring his attention to the sky. More specifically what's in the night sky.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Superboy nods in agreement, taking in the shining lunar rock. Then we see something coming from our view of the moon. No, someone is coming. A man who looks strong enough to take a nuclear warhead head on. Wearing a blue uniform with a red S on his chest, along with a flowing red cape, the superhero flies down our way. But he's not alone.
Seconds after, the entire Justice League shows up to see our adventure into Project Cadmus. Looks like they took care of Wotan blotting out our sun. We all look around, with faces full of shock, surprise and horror all in one, to see all the Leaguers surrounding us, everyone from Hawkman to Wonder Woman, from Captain Atom to GL John Stewart. Oh great, John's gonna lecture me about this for sure. He'll probably lecture Hal for letting me do this too.
We then see all our mentors - Batman, Aquaman, Flash and Hal Jordan - landing right in front of us. Batman does not look the least happy about this, nor does Aquaman or the Flash. Hal, however, looks more relieved that we're alive than mad about this. I did what you told me to. I never left their side, no matter what.
Superboy breaks from us and walks his way towards the Man of Steel, looking at him with admiration. He stands right in front of him, showing him his torn red S - Superman's symbol for hope - giving him a shocked expression. Superman's face then turns scarce and solid as stone, not giving Superboy any warmth at all. Superboy…
"Is that what I think it is?" Batman asks us.
"I'm Superman's clone." Superboy states with no regret, which looks surprising to the whole League it seems.
"Start talking."