Chapter 4: Forming Bonds
For the next twenty minutes, we all tell our tale of what all happened down in Project Cadmus. Each one of us jump in after one another, filling in each spot of the story. Though Kid Flash tries to joke about it at times. Not the time Wally. Batman's face doesn't change at all, throughout everything from the genomorphs to the mad strong scientist. I can't even tell if he's surprised by any of this.
By the time we finish telling the League everything, they step aside and talk for a few moment. I then see John Stewart creating a sphere construct around Blockbuster. Probably taking him to a secure facility, and hopefully a strong one. John looks my way before he takes off, giving me a stern and disciplining look. He then takes off with the prisoner, leaving with Captain Atom, Hawkman and Hawkwoman.
I look over to see Superboy with Superman. I can't hear too much, but it only lasts for a few seconds, with the Man of Steel flying off to join in guard duty. Why is Superman being distant towards Superboy? I then look back to my new friend. He must feel so alone right now, meeting his idol and being let down like this. I can't imagine what he's going through right now.
I'm about to go over and try to comfort my new friend, until I'm stopped by my superior GL. Hal grabs a hold of my shoulder and has me turn his way. "I know you want to help him, but I'm not sure if you can right now." He may be right, but still, I want to help him.
"But never mind that. I'm happy and all to see you alive and well, but you should've contacted me the second all this madness began." He takes my hand and takes a good look at my ring. "And your ring's battery is almost empty. How do you think you would've faired off if your ring was completely empty while in there? You could've died Kyle."
I listen to my mentor's words, taking them to heart. He know I can handle anything that's thrown at me. But then I notice something in is voice: worry. He was afraid I'd die down there, that he'd lose me. Hal…
"You're right. I could've died down there. But I didn't. I could die everyday I put this ring on and go out to stop some criminal from hurting someone or destroy a civilization. And I face that everyday, because if I don't, then I don't deserve this ring." Hal looks onto my in shock, surprised by my response.
"I know you weren't there to have my back, and we both know that you won't always be there to watch out for me." I turn to look over at Robin, Aqualad, and Kid. "But I had four great friends to look out for me, just as I looked out for each of them. You wanted me to stick by their side, no matter what, and that's what I did. There was no way I was going to let them face this danger by themselves." I then turn over to Superboy. "And I was not about to leave Superboy to Cadmus to be their slave, using him as their weapon. He deserves to live his life outside of his pod, to see the sun and do great things."
"I will never knowingly leave the people I care for out to hang. That's not what a Green Lantern would do."
Hal looks upon me with astonishment as I finish my speech. I know what I'm doing, taking full responsibility for my actions. Whatever consequences come by, I will take them head on. I do not regret any of what I've done. As long as everyone is alive.
Hal then smiles towards me, brimming with pride. "You're right Kyle, I'm sorry. I just worry because I care about you. You've been like a brother to me, always being there when I need you, whether it's in a dogfight with space pirates or a death match between me and Carol. I was scared to think of what would happen to you down in Cadmus, because I don't know how I'd go on without you. But I know now that shouldn't have any fears about your safety. That's not what a Green Lantern should do."
"Earlier today, you handled yourself calm and cleverly when Icicle Sr. had you pinned down and had me knocked out. And tonight with Cadmus, from what you've told me, you were collective, always thinking of what to do, and loyal to your friends. You stuck by their side no matter the danger you five faced. You protected them from whatever came by, just like you would anyone, even me."
"You are a great and true Green Lantern, Kyle. And inside you there is a will that cannot die, and a heart that cannot stop caring. And one day, you may become an even greater Green Lantern than me."
Hearing what my mentor has to say, I'm speechless. Earlier today I was honored by his words of encouragement. But now I'm truly honored to have been told this by my hero, by my friend. I'm probably tearing up right now but I don't care.
Hal brings out his hand and I meet it with my own, our rings glowing brighter together. "Thank you, Hal. This means the world to me."
The others join behind me, most likely overhearing my conversation with Jordan. Kaldur places his hand on my shoulder, giving me a nod and a proud smile.
Batman, Flash and Aquaman make there way towards us, with Hal joining them. "Cadmus will be investigated. All 52 levels. But let's make one thing clear-"
"You should have called." Flash interjects.
"End results aside, we are not happy. You hacked Justice League systems, disobeyed direct orders and endangered lives. You will not be doing this again."
"I am sorry, but we will", Aqualad answers.
"Aqualad, stand down."
"Apologies my king, but no." Aqualad answers back to his king, who looks stunned to see his protégé like this. "We did good work tonight, the work you trained us to do. Together on our own we forged something powerful, important."
I step into their conversation, standing by his side. "I agree with Aqualad. If we weren't there for each other tonight, none of us would've made it alive, and Cadmus would still be running. We're stronger together."
"If this is about your treatment at the hall, the four of you-"
"The five of us. And it's not." Kid answers to his mentor.
"Batman, we're ready to use what you taught us, or why train us at all?" Robin points out to his mentor.
Superboy then speaks his mind. "Why let them tell us what to do? It's simple. Get on board, or get out of the way."
We stand proud and true next to each other, not letting anyone - not even Batman - tear us from each other. Who by the way was not looking so happy about our stand. Though I did see Hal smirk a smile from where Batman couldn't see. Thanks for your stamp of approval Hal.
Mount Justice
July 8, 08:04 EDT
After Cadmus' fallout on the Fourth of July, Batman called all of us, telling us to come to Mount Weather in Happy Harbor, which was the League's first headquarters before the Hall of Justice. And now their new HQ is the Watchtower in space.
We all gather up together, all wearing our everyday clothes. As much as I like my GL uniform, it's nice to get into regular clothes nowadays. I'm wearing blue jeans, a blue shirt, and tennis shoes. It seems that Superboy seems glad - glad for him - to be wearing real clothes and not that solar suit we found him in. Combat boots, military pants, and a black t-shirt with a red S on it. Figures. Now everyone will know who he is.
Batman, along with Flash, Aquaman and Jordan, brings all of our attention towards him. "This cave was the original secret sanctuary of the Justice League. We're calling it into service again since the five of you are determined to stay together and fight the good fight. You'll do it on League terms."
He then looks over to his left, with all of us moving our heads to see our new teachers. "Red Tornado volunteered to live here and be your supervisor. Black Canary's in charge of training." More than happy to learn combat moves from the Canary herself, but why would Red Tornado, a robot, want to live in the headquarters of teenage superheroes?
"I will deploy you on missions."
"Real missions?" Robin asks.
"Yes, but covert."
"The League will still handle the obvious stuff. There's a reason we have these big targets on our chests." The Flash tells us while pointing to his lightning bolt symbol.
I look down to the top left of my chest, where my GL symbol usually is. "Then I guess I'll have to make my chest target disappear on our covert missions."
Aquaman then speaks on. "But Cadmus proves the bad guys are getting smarter. Batman needs a team that can operate on the sly."
"The six of you will be that team."
"Cool. Wait, six?" Robin seems confused by the miscount, as do we all. Six? There are five of us here, who'd be joining us?
Batman then gestures behind us, making me turn around to see who he means. Walking before me are Martian Manhunter and a younger martian, a girl. Probably around our age.
She has long, red hair and green eyes, to match with her green skin of course. She's wearing a white top with a red X over it, with a red belt holding her blue skirt. She wears blue boots to match her skirt. And to top it off, a blue cap.
"This is the Martian Manhunter's niece, Miss Martian."
"Hi." She sounds a little nervous, but still happy to meet us.
"Liking this gig more every minute. Welcome aboard, I'm Kid Flash. That's Robin, Aqualad, Green Lantern. It's cool if you forget their names." Oh good gosh, no girl on this planet will date you Wally, what makes you think one from Mars will?
"I'm honored to be included."
Wally, ever so eager to meet his new martian crush, walks straight over towards her. I follow him along with Robin and Kaldur with me. I bring my hand out towards her, with her bringing her hand to meet mine for a good ole fashion shake. "Kyle Rayner, nice to meet you."
"Hey, hey, hey! I wanted to shake her hand first Kyle!" Wally tells me so agitatedly.
"You got to introduce us to her. And if you wanted to shake with her first, you should've been faster than me, Kid Flash." I tell him with a smile on my face. Wally's mouth drops down from the burn I just gave him. Robin laughs at my joke at his friends expense, giving me a high five to boot, while Kaldur shakes his head.
I then remember, there are six of us. I look back to see Superboy by himself over there. We're gonna need to work on his social skills.
"Hey Superboy, come meet Miss Martian." He finally comes over as I call him to meet our new friend and teammate. As soon as he gets over here, Miss Martian's shirt changes - or morphs - from white to black. "I like you're t-shirt."
She smiles at him saying this, with him smiling back at here. No way. Sorry Wally, looks like Miss Martian has her eye set on someone else.
I look around me, seeing my friends, new and old, as we embrace each other and become a team.
"Today is the day."
"Can the Light afford to leave Guardian in charge without the G-gnomes?"
"We have subtler means of control. What concerns me is the children. We now know the League is willing to employ young heroes to do their dirty work. That's a dark twist."
"Yes, but one that can be played to our advantage. Even the temporary lose of the Weapon may prove useful. Eventually, everyone sees the Light."