FOUR BOYS: The Path We Seek
Chapter 12: The Fight of a Leader
"You can't change anything unless you can discard part of yourself too. To surpass monsters, you must be willing to abandon your humanity"
...Light's Base...
The Light's members where gathered up in an underground base at Metropolis, they sat around an oval table, Vandal Savage in the head, Two Bialyan soldiers stood by Queen Bee's side, Klarion rubbed Teekls fur, the Brain kept silent, Ra's Al Ghoul was not there, and Luthor sat looking serious as prideful as ever.
"At this point they must be under the League's surveillance." Klarion giggled breaking the silence, it appeared he found the situation amusing but the same could not be said for the queen.
"Care to explain why did we let those fool heroes take our weapons?!" Queen Bee said annoyed at the whole ordeal. "We should've put them all into the final stage as soon as we had them here in the base."
"The substance is still volatile. It is still not time for it to be used on the weapons." The brain supplied.
"They were supposed to be ready to follow our every command efficiently without questioning as soon as they got here." The woman said enraged.
"And I assure you, Queen. That will be the outcome." Luthor assured, "The 'Last Substance' will bring full capacity to their abilities, enhance their senses and also make them devoted to members of the Light. Thus we should rule."
"Thus we shall rule." Vandal Savage agreed smirking.
...Mount Justice...
The atmosphere was heavy in the main chamber, Renegade gripped his scrima sticks as he placed himself in between Water and the others.
L broke the silence, his voice strained and fisted hands, "The masters-you mean we have to go back?"
They were all surprised as L was suddenly attacked by the raven haired again.
"AACK! R what the-!?"
"L." S whispered as he caught L. The clone stared at the dull blue eyes ahead, "You said it yourself, he is not acting like himself, we will not get to him right now... Whatever he is doing, doesn't include us. " the clone stated.
Lightning had to admit he was not sure wether to be more surprised for Renegade's actions of Superboy actually keeping calm and observant.
"Doesn't include us?"
Renegade ignored L, S and the heroes as he turned to look at Water behind him. "We're leaving." He stated to the atlantean whose eyes widened.
'Only them?'
...The Light's Base...
Silence remained in the room for some time until the witch boy talked yet again, "Sooo what are we doing?" boredome evident in his tone.
Luthor answered, "As Queen Bee said, it is our priority to complete the weapons..."
He displayed the hologram of R, "Renegade has proven to be a good tester for the 'Guidance' protocol, however it seems to have taken a toll on his body, therefore we cannot continue his progress until the subtance is balanced enough to be used."
He then displayed a hologram of the atlantean boy, "However, Water can prove to be a good the tester for the raw substance due to his already developed atlantean traits and stronger DNA."
"OOOOH" Klarion said curiosly, then forwned once again, "but we need them here for that and they are with the idiotic league."
"Renegade will bring them back to us, shortly." Luthor supplied.
"The order had been sent to him already?" The Brain asked.
"Well of course, he is our golden weapon after all." Lex finished, his expression darkening as he smiled, followed by the other villains in the room.
...Mount Justice...
The effects of the term were noticeable in Renegade; the calculated stance, the dull gaze, the controlled deadly aura.
It was evident that whichever goal he had before, and the trust towards the heroes or his teammates was now fogged by the Guidance protocol.
"Renegade, drop your stance, you are outnumbered, disoriented and not in a position to fight back. Odds remain against you. I advice to turn yourself in." Red Tornado announced.
The small raven haired stared to the robot in desinterest, deciding to turn to W again, "You come obediently or I'll force you to."
Water hesitated.
"I believe that is your answer-" the boy stated dully.
"Computer self destruction function priority set code 43-SD1279A ." R beckoned, as Batman's eyes widened immeasurably, the robot stopped and the computer announced the starting of the protocol.
...
"HO- HOW?!" Was all Green Arrow could mustered in between the shock.
"It only took me 2 minutes to access the security- you might wanna check that Batman. Now, you let me and Water leave or we all blow up."
Batman wasted no time turning to the computer and clicking rapidly on the keyboards to no avail, as the screen turned red, then blue, then yellow and finally black alternating colors along the white numbers that displayed the countdown. The Bat cursed.
"You are crossing the limits Renegade-" Superman said trying to control his angered.
"The timer is ticking." Renegade interrupted as a matter of fact.
"Let them leave." Batman voice said, to everyone surprise but soon as the resignation mood came down to all, they stepped aside to let the R and W pass.
As they got to the zeta tube, Renegade started punching down the coordinates, the timer stopped and the energy went off, leaving everybody in the dark.
¨Ren!Water!... We´ll ge- get you back.¨ L promised.
Water's hand clenched by his side, R stood staring at the others unemotionally as they both disappeared.
...Unknown location...
R and W waited alongside the sidewalk, they were waiting in the cold rainy night for there apparent transport. Renegade's face was as dull as before, not letting any emotion out; his body however was shaking slightly and Water somehow felt it wasn't because of the cold wind or the rain.
The atlantean stared at the floor for sometime deep in thought, odds were now against him, but given the past circumstances, all odds could go to hell. He cleared his throat, mustered a loud voice and said, "Renegade, wh-what did the master´s say?"
The passing cars were the sound that filled up the space left in between the question and the answer… "Come to us. Project Water is priority." The quiet yet strained voice answered curtly.
A black van stopped in front of them shattering any other question the atlantean had planned to ask. They both mounted the vehicle accompanied by 4 men including the driver.
...Mount Justice...
Red Tornado had now manage to turn the power on back again. The boy's capacities were outstanding and the Bat had somehow felt pride surge threw his veins as the boy seemed more comfortable when he was around.
"I can't believe we let them go!" L said as he threw his arms in the air.
"Lightning its not like we had a choice, we could have all been killed in that explotion." Flash said trying to calm the younger speedster.
"Oh great! But now, two of my friends are gone. You don't understand, even if we completed the mission, we also got ourselves captured, I'm sure the mast- the Light will not be happy in the least."
Batman turned and stalked to the young speedster in a menacing manner, "We could stop them. We could capture the ones responsible for what you've been through, but… We need names." Batman pushed, his face as serious as ever though his arms tightly crossed showed he was pisssed with everything.
Superboy and Lightning stood frozen in place, eyes widening. Unseen to the heroes they were reliving the traumatic experience as they were trained to not reveal the Light's members. The needles, the shock waves cursing through their bodies, the lashes and beatings, the drownings, and choking...it just hurts so much.
The young ones turned adverted their gaze to the side not daring to look at the heroes. L had even began shaking in the spot.
Black Canary's expression softened, the whole situation was a mess, every time something got better, more bad things came after. She directed her view to S, who's eyes where now glued to the floor and his fists closed up tight.
"…We can't tell, we just can't." The clone admitted in defeat looking tired and somehow vulnerable.
"Then we are stuck here." Superman stated.
The boys flinched.
"No, we will find a way I promise we will get them back safely." Black Canary countered trying to assure the boys, but the man of steel was not taking any of it, he turned to address the heroine.
"And what do you suppose we do, Batman has been investigating for a month and we always end up in a dead lead." Superman countered.
L looked at the zeta beam once again, 'Ren is always ahead, Ren would not change so drastically and leave them behind. He must be waiting for the best opportunity to take action...'
He could not believe Renegade was gone, his mind traveled to when the four had gathered in the lounge to play some video games and eat pasta R had prepared, they felt somehow happy at that time, Water watching on the others giving out small smiles as L fussed about loosing to S in Halo, cause R couldn't stop hinting S about L's position and 'evident tactic' as he put it.
"...I don't believe R would never leave us behind unless he had a reason too. Our masters must have ordered him back, maybe to even take Water with him, but that wouldn´t stop him from taking us along...only if-"
Batman stared at the speedster, pondering on what the other had just said. L nodded as he turned to the group, "R wouldn't disobey an order, I'm sure he must- he must have found a gap in it that would allow us to remain here with you while completing what the Light wanted."
Canary hummed, "But why..?"
L looked troubled, "I hate to admit this, I still don't know why, but R trusts Batman over anybody else. I also know he cares for us- that idiot- he is planning on taking everything by himself again." he turned to Superboy who was already frowning, "He wants us out of their sight and reach, but why?"
Batman looked a tiny bit surprised before he nodded in understanding. 'It was clear L and R had developed a strong bond and understanding in a short amount of time.'
The Flash nodded "So, what is our next move?" he asked directing his view to the Bat, as the others did.
In time, the Dark Knight turned to the computer and started typing, "Checking the Mountain's security."
"I think that can wait don't you think? Our top priority is finding R and W-." L said angered by the bat's apparent calm. After some silence and keyboard tapping Batman looked at the darken screen filled with various lines of coding.
He narrowed his eyes "-Here." Batman said as he turned to Red Tornado.
The robot nodded, "Indeed they were not there before."
"What are you too tech-savvies talking about?" Flash asked, he felt a bit anxious and worried L would do something rash.
"New lines of coding..." Batman turned to the young speedster, his lips turned upward slightly, "You said so yourself Lightning, R trusts us to deal with the Light accordingly and to keep you both out of their reach for some time."
"Is that?" L and S said hopefully.
"Yes, I believe this is R's doing." he said turning to the new data, "As for the reason, we will find out soon." Not wasting any time the dark knight narrowed his eyes and started working on deciphering the hidden message.
L and S stared at yet another great feat of their young leader as well as the leader of the JL.
...Unknown Location...
"You managed to stop the Injustice League, you were able to complete the mission, though not able to stop the Justice League. You let yourselves be captured and taken into their custody. You brought Water but not L and S... Explain Renegade." Vandal's tone was merciless as he promised severed consequences and demanded an answer.
Water stared ahead, trying to be brave as Vandal Savage addressed them in the main hangar. R's face was void of emotion, as he stared blankly ahead.
"'Come to us. Project Water is priority' was the order master. S and L were in a compromising position therefore couldn't-"
"Renegade." The Light's leader called darkly.
There was silence before, R began walking away with the man.
Water stared at the scene in silent panice, 'I need to do something, I won't let Renegade face the consequences again.' With all the courage he could gather he opened his mouth to protest.
"Master." he called as to which Vandal turn, R didn´t but stopped walking.
The atlantean's eyes shone with determination, "I will like to replace R as the leader." He spoke firmly.
R eyes widened in horror though he kept looking ahead.
Vandal turned to the atlantean slightly surprised. "Oh? Do you?"
Water nodded, R swallowed, "He is not fit to be a leader, he was not chosen and trained as such."
"Yes that is right" Vandal said, "however, I must say even with the loaded term, we are having doubts on wether your loyalty truly stands with us Renegade." R frowned and W decided to take the opportunity, he stood forward, "You have my total loyalty to the Light, I can prove myself stronger and more collected, a better choice to lead on missions."
Queen Bee walked into the hangar, she looked smugged, "Prove it boy, I will vow for you if you prove yourself worthy."
Queen Bee had always believe the atlantean deserve and would be a better leader. Vandal did not oppose curious for the outcome. Just in time Klarion appeared floating casually on the air, he laughed joyfully "I've been wanting to see a fight between our boys for some time."
R tensed even further 'In his current state there was no way he would be able to win. What was Water thinking!?'
This was not good if Water became leader R would loose the tad bit of control and information he had over the Light.
"Ma- Masters!" R called, fists clenching as he kneeled in one knee before them. "I ask of you to ignore my teammate, I am fully devoted to you and your cause. I was trained accordingly and posses better cualities to lead. I will prove -"
"Silence Renegade." Vandal said, "All that you have proven till now is that you believe you can decide on what your life is and will be."
R shuddered as he lowered his head in defeat.
Klarion laughed as he announces happily, "The title of leader will now be determined by a duel between Water and Renegade."
...
Water nodded and got into stance taking out his water bearers , R readied himself albeit unsurely taking out his escrima sticks.
Both friends looked at each others eyes. R eyes were as dull as they had been since the events at the medbay, but his expression had turned to be troubled or even contained anger. Wether as Water seemed determined, the atlantean gave a tiny nod to the raven making him even more confused at what the atlantean was planning.
"Begin." They launched at each other...
The first strike, escrima sticks versus water bearers came as a shock to Water, the force exerted seemed deadly. He had no time to think however, R continued his onslaught of deadly attacks easily dodging and flipping around Water's attacks.
W gritted his teeth, he needed to win this battle for R sake, for all their sakes.
R needed to end this fast before he ran out of energy.
5 minutes of fighting nonstop left Water and Renegade panting slightly.
The atlantean held his hurt side, in the time, R had managed to land various hard strikes without mercy.
"Face it Water, you are not going to win this." Renegade shouted before launching again with a cry.
"I c-can only try." the other gritted out.
Thanks to being at the hangar, Water had a vast disponibility of water much as in the Leagues' Mountain.
He summoned as much as he could, with a cry of his own and hoping not to go overboard he threw the water blast to the boy who could not dogde and was sent flying onto the wall.
The force of the impact made a hole in the wall R falling threw it, his voice echoed painfully.
Water swallowed his hurt and stalked ahead drawing his water bearer and lauching inside the hole.
He brought his swords down and R intercepted them with the escrima sticks. Both clenching their teeth from the exertion.
"Wha-what are you trying to do Wa-water?!" R hissed eyes returning to the vivid deep blue.
"I'm- I'm glad you came ba-ack to your senses my friend." Water said in relief as he kept pushing the water bearers down to keep the facade.
"I'm still no-not in full co-control, Water sto-stop this nonsense before I go overboard. I won't be able to stop from possibly kill-killing you. Please" R pleaded.
"You won't. I know you won't kill me. I trust you, S, L and they do too." R realized 'they' was not 'The Light' but Water meant 'The League.'
"Then le-let me handle this." The younger begged.
"R I've decide-"
Water was thrown out of the hole, almost loosing his balance, managing to catch up before the lethal strike ended his life. However it did manage to make contact as his left side was slashed by the dagger.
"AAAAAACK!" He stumbled back as dark blood flowed out of the wound. R stared at it unemotional, the raven was wobbling having already exerted to much of his body.
They continued for 6 more minutes. The members of the Light satisfied for the savage duel. Water knew he could not endure much longer so he put his bet on this last strike hoping it would be enough.
Instead of blocking R's next strike he ram head first towards the boy. At the last moment sliding down watching the escrima sticks graze just above his head. R soon changed his course and brought the escrima sticks together to form one spear and stroke down.
The spear stopping just an inch from Waters face, looking up he saw the water tunnel that had captured R. The boy struggled to breathe were as Water struggle to keep control of it to prove his point.
He stood tall hoping to make it clear he was the winner as fast as he could before he drowned R.
'Please trust me with this side of the burden.' Hoping that somehow R understood by his gaze. As the raven haired lost consciousness and Vandal Savaged declare the fight as over, Water let him go, almost falling to his knees, gasping for breath of his own.
"Incredible display or prowess, Water. Indeed even if you are still incomplete you are a force to be recon with." Queen Bee clapped.
That made W stop and turned bewilder, "Pardon?"
Klarion laughed as he produced two large red claws that grabbed onto Water strongly.
"Yes, Good for you weapon! The Brain and Cadmus worked on reverse engineering the Kobra substance and develop the upgrade necessary to complete the DNA Project, that includes developing meta human boys that will take The League out of our way. THE LAST SUBSTANCE HAHAHAHAHA."
"As the new declared leader, you will become the first complete weapon to serve The Light, even at the costs you your life, our your teammates. Congratulations new leader." Queen Bee said.
Water felt every fiber of his body freeze, as the three villain took him inside leaving R still unconscious by the hangar.
'The Last Substance... they did not know about this, he wasn't sure if R had known about it.'
'Part of him was happy that R would be free from the Lights constant surveillance, enough to reach his goal. Part of him feared that this last 'phase' would change him for the worse.'
'So part of him hoped to be able to keep his promise to R, above all.'
The atlantean looked back, seeing some guards picking R up, Water kept his view on the boy as far as he could before he was consumed by darkness...