Kinaki747: And next chapter will be the comeback. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't.
ActionTReaction: Itachi can use both, but it would only be for emergences only considering the cost is blindness.
Brave2000: I'm glad to be back. It's good to have friend to get you out of sticky situations like this.
Ronlol2: I'm glad you like it. This chapter should explain how they plan on breaking Itachi out.
Marouan Dahraoui: Nope, not dead yet. Glad you liked the chapter.
Anime hotty lover.18: The comeback tour starts now,
Andresskorskiruiz: Thanks for the love!
Devingo1999: I'm always happy to read that a fellow fan like you enjoys my work. Wrath will eventually be defeated in a very cool way. Just you wait.
Guest: I definitely will finish this story.
Guest: Who's to say that Itachi and Carson will wind up together in the end? Tragedies always happen to Itachi.
Redflash2008: I know right. That was my reaction to last chapter too, and I wrote it lol.
Guest: I have watched the movie and thought it was really good. A lil bit overrated, but good all the same.
Guest: I don't know if I plan on killing Itachi off again. I mean how many times can one man die and be brought back to life. We're entering Dragonball Z status soon if it keeps up lol.
The world was shook by the results of the Battle of the Uchiha. When Wrath successfully sealed Superman and the Crow in front of the entire world, everything went into panic. The viewing world wept in fear and sorrow over the loss of their greatest hero. Though that loss was felt by the members of the Team, what hurt them the most was the loss of their friend, Itachi Uchiha.
Artemis was crying into Kid Flash as he held her for support as she grieved. Miss Martian dropped to her knees as Conner tried to comfort her, but she was in no mood for it. She felt like she just lost a brother. Robin, Aqualad, and Zatanna all looked on in sadness while having no words to express how they felt. Carson was in straight denial. She refused to believe that she'd just lost someone else that she loved.
"No, he's not dead. Not Itachi. No, it can't be true. He had to have gotten away somehow." She muttered to herself as she gazed at where Itachi was last seen. James waked over to her to talk his sister out of her trance. He felt so guilty right now, "Carson, Itachi's gone. Wrath…killed him."
Carson snapped at this, "No, you're wrong! You're wrong! You're wrong! Itachi can't be dead…not before I could apologize and tell him how I feel. I just want…I just want to talk to him."
Carson began to breakdown and weep. James tried to comfort her, but she lashed out at him, "Don't you touch me! This is your fault! You created Wrath, you hated Itachi, and now I just lost someone else I love. I don't care if you never liked Itachi. He didn't deserve to die like that. He, Green Lantern, Superman, and all of these people are all dead because of you! And as of this moment, you are dead to me."
James recoiled from her cold words. He knew that he messed up, but only now does he realize the magnitude of his choices along with the consequences that come after. James was about to respond when Wrath's Susanoo started moving again.
The Susanoo started to deteriorate until it was nothing as Wrath found himself falling safely to the ground. He sadly stared towards Carson's direction one last time before making his escape. Using the last of his chakra, Wrath activated his Hedoro to tunnel underground. He made sure to seal the entrance to the tunnel and harden it with Katamarimasu so that he couldn't be followed. Conner was about to go after him to get revenge for Superman and Crow, but M'gann stopped him.
"Hasn't there been enough death today. Please, I can't lose you too Conner." She sadly said as she held on to his arm for dear life. The rage in Conner's eyes subsided and he wound up staying with the group. Aqualad stepped up and gave the Team the next command. The Atlantian felt like a failure, both as a friend and as a leader for just standing by and watching his friend die. Kaldur swore that he wouldn't let another friend die on his watch.
"Miss Martian, summon your ship here to take us back home. We're returning to the Cave." Miss Martian nodded before slowly signaling for her ship to come meet them. Zatanna openly questioned why they were just running away instead of going after Wrath for murdering their friend. Kid Flash, Artemis, and Conner also had the same thought.
"We must regroup and regain our footing. We are not going after Wrath. We're going home." Aqualad said leaving no room to debate.
"Are we really gonna just let that murderer get away?! He destroyed this city, killed thousands of people, and just murdered our friend! How can you expect us to just let this go?!" Artemis yelled.
"We're not letting this go, not by a long shot. But look at the state of things; Green Lantern is dead, Superman is dead, the Crow is dead, and all of us are beat up. We need to recover and regroup. That battle had to take a lot out of Wrath too. He won't be active for a while but when he does, Wrath will probably try to impose his will on us. We have to stop him before he does that." Robin said as he tried to explain the logic behind retreating.
"We need to recover and get our bearings together. Itachi would not want us to die a foolish death because we rushed in while being fueled by emotions. When we come up with a plan we will go after him and we will make him answer for his crimes." Aqualad promised.
M'gann's ship had finally arrived and the heroes on the roof, plus Carson and James, went aboard. Robin, Aqualad, and Zatanna were the last to board. Robin and Zatanna wanted to know what Aqualad had planned for the future.
"How are we supposed to fight Wrath when we have no idea where he's even at?" Robin asked.
"Yeah, and even if we manage to find him, how are we supposed to defeat him when Superman, two Green Lanterns, and the Crow all lost to him?" Zatanna added.
"James, if what he says is true about him being Wrath's creator, will be able to tell us where he is when the time is right. And as for your question Zatanna, we'll speak about it later. I just didn't want to discuss my theory in public with their deaths being so fresh in our minds" Aqualad cryptically answered.
"What's your theory?" Robin asked.
"I'll tell you when things settle down. C'mon, let's go back to the Cave. The others deserve some time to grieve what just happened, you two included. You don't have to act strong around me. I'm the leader so the weight of the Team's failure falls on me and me alone. And watching our friend die is my greatest failure. Let's go, we have to retrieve Guy Gardner on the way there. Hopefully, he's still alive too." Aqualad sadly said as a tear dropped from his eye.
The three heroes boarded the ship and left. It was the beginning of the process to figure out what comes next.
Weeks have gone by since the day the Team lost Itachi. The world at large has been calling that day E-Day, which meant the Day of Exodus. It represents the day that heroes were forced out of their throne of decadence by Wrath. As much as the majority hated what Wrath did, government officials used this attack to push their own agenda and finally be able enforce control over the Justice League and all meta-humans/aliens that populate the Earth. The main question that is fueling this notion was this; how could the Justice League let this happen?
The heroes themselves were busy grieving their heavy losses suffered at the hands of the Masked Stranger and Wrath. When the Team retrieved Guy Gardner and returned to the Cave, they were greeted by the worried members of the Justice League, those of them that could still walk that is. Black Canary, Hawkwoman, Martian Manhunter, and Captain Marvel were all still badly wounded. It was a miracle that Doctor Fate was able to stabilize Billy, but because of the sorcerer the boy was able to survive having his neck cut open. In fact, the sorcerer was able to heal most of the injured Leaguers. Though some were still in critical condition, Fate was able to guarantee that all of them would live.
M'gann flew straight to the infirmary to visit her uncle as soon as they told her how the Masked Stranger injured him. She started openly crying when she got to him. The weight of everything that had transpired throughout the day had finally caught up with her. The others weren't doing much better. Most of them were being comforted by their adult counterparts. Wally went to his uncle, Barry. They comforted each other as silent tears were shed
Robin went to Batman to discuss what had happened. Bruce wanted to know how something like this could happen under their watch. Kaldur went to his king and mentor, Arthur Curry. Kaldur was really beating himself up, but Aquaman tried his hardest to let his apprentice know that this wasn't his fault. Zatanna stood off by herself as tears started flowing from her eyes. When Doctor Fate tried to speak words of comfort to her, she scowled and told him that if he really wanted to make her feel better he'd release her father. She stalked away by herself, while leaving Doctor Fate to mull her words.
Guy Gardner was a shell of his former self. He was no longer the obnoxious and robust hero he always portrayed himself to be. The man felt heartbroken and guilty over getting Hal Jordan killed. John Stewart tried to reassure him that no one blamed him and that it wasn't his fault, but Guy was so broken that nothing got through to him. He truly wished that Wrath had killed him too so that he wouldn't have to feel this lonely void that he feels now. He didn't even know if he wanted to keep being a Green Lantern it was so bad.
Oliver Queen was about to walk over to Artemis, but she shook her head at him. She didn't want his comfort, she wanted her friend back. She saw how Wally was crying and her heart began to ache. Out of everyone on the Team, she hated seeing Wally cry the most. She instead went over to her friend Carson, much to the girl's confusion. Carson still hadn't figured out that her neighbor and childhood friend and this archer of a vigilante were one and the same.
"So, you and Ita- I mean the Crow were close, I take it?" Artemis sly asked. She wanted to disguise her voice so Carson wouldn't be able to out two and two together.
"No offense, but I really want to be alone. I don't feel like talking." Carson said without any hints of emotion. She truly looked devastated.
Artemis understood this and left her friend alone. She saw James heading towards Robin and Batman. Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Aqualad had joined them. Obviously they were discussing their next move in how to deal with Wrath and the Masked Stranger. Carson glared at this before walking off. Artemis walked slowly behind her to make sure her friend was okay and be there for her in case she wanted to talk eventually.
Conner saw Wolf and Sphere come to him and he kneeled so that they could comfort him. Wolf started howling and Conner already knew what his friend was trying to say, "I know, friend. This hurts for me too. All I could do was standby and watch Superman and Itachi get killed."
Wolf barked at him but Conner shook his head at his pet, "No, this is my fault. I'm supposed to be Superman's clone but I barely have even half of his abilities. I have to get stronger so that I can protect my friends. I don't want to see anyone else that I care about die."
Wolf barked again as Conner stood back up, "Sorry Wolf, but I have to do this. The world needs a Superman in it. He was its greatest protector. I'll protect the world that he and Itachi fought and died for. I owe it to the both of them."
Today, the group decided to eat dinner together. The Team hadn't really shown any signs of comradery or fellowship since before E-Day. Conner was off to the side as his teammates were all gathered along the table and preparing the food. Black Canary had made a full recovery from getting her throat crushed, but still was on limited duty until Batman deemed she was ready to get back to the field. Billy had made great strides as well, but still found talking to be a challenge. Fate assured him that it will get better with time as long as he properly rested. J'onn helped his niece prepare the food. He, too, was put on limited duty.
Carson and James were being kept under protective custody at the Cave. Batman went out to Gotham to survey just how much damage was done to his city and to check to see if Alfred was alright. Luckily, his butler was able to avoid the chaos and remain safe within the walls of Wayne Manor. He and Robin also swung by Carla's place to retrieve her. It was good that they did because not soon after when Batman made his rounds throughout the city at a later night, he noticed that her home had been broken into and searched. Bruce figured that Wrath was looking for Carson and decided that she was safest with them.
Carla was relocated to Wayne Manor under the protection of Alfred until Wrath could be apprehended. Carson was glad to know that her friend was okay, but she was still in a grieving process over Itachi. She barely spoke, ate, or even interacted with the others. She mostly went down to the underground memorial chamber of the Cave. There stood a giant holographic statue of Itachi. She hated it because it was like her admitting that the one she loved the most was gone. For days, she'd cry in front of it and ask for forgiveness.
It was a miracle that Artemis was able to get her to eat with them. Luckily, Artemis was just as stubborn as Carson was. Behind closed doors, Artemis took a gamble and revealed that she was her friend. Carson, though she was shocked, in her heart she felt she always knew this. Carson pulled her friend into a hug much to Artemis's surprise. She really hadn't been expecting it.
"Thank you for being his friend. I just wish that for once someone could have protected him like how he protected everyone else." Carson sadly said to her friend.
"He really cared about you, Carson. You protected him…from the darkness in his heart." Artemis said while trying to comfort her.
"I wish that were true, but we all saw how hurt Itachi was before he died. I hate that he died while hating himself and that there is some clone walking around to remind us that we'll never have him back." She vented.
"Let's go eat. Itachi would want us to enjoy our lives for what it's worth. I…I loved him too. He was like family to me. That's why I swear that I won't rest until Wrath is brought to justice." Artemis promised.
Carson nodded before walking with her friend to the Thanksgiving table. Everyone was there except for James, who was making an important phone call with some unknown person, and Conner who was sitting alone with Wolf. Conner was about to go join them when he heard a loud screech ringing in his ears.
"With Superman now dead, only one thing alive with less than four legs can hear this frequency, Superboy. And that's you. Meet me in Washington DC. On East Potomac Park…come alone. I promise, it'll be worth the trip." The message ended and Conner immediately got up and started heading out.
M'gann noticed that her boyfriend wasn't heading towards the table and called out to him, "Conner?"
"I figured you don't need my help with anything concerning setting up food. Remember the last time I helped in the kitchen." He said to explain why he was leaving.
"Yeah, but-" Conner cut off her saying that he was just taking Wolf for a walk and that he would return soon. The others still worried because with how the climate was towards heroes nowadays, even a late stroll could be problematic for them. Aqualad decided to let him go since Conner tended to do whatever he wanted anyways.
Sometime later, Conner had arrived in Washington DC with Wolf in tow. He wanted to hear what Luthor wanted to say since he went as far as to call him out on a secret frequency. Lex was in his limo waiting when Conner arrived. He stepped out and decided to greet the teenage clone.
"Superboy, my name is Lex Luthor. I'm the new chairman of the board for Project Cadmus." Lex said while extending a friendly hand. Wolf growled at him and Conner glared as he had no intentions of being friendly with an enemy of Superman.
"I know who you are, Luthor. And I want nothing to do with you or Cadmus." Conner began to walk away when Lex continued on his introduction. He had the sly look of confidence that had been a signature trademark for Lex whenever he was in negotiations with someone. It was with this very same look that Lex dropped bombshell on Conner.
"Cadmus has created a new super-clone." That stopped Conner in his tracks and gave Lex his full undivided attention.
Conner left for the nearby Cadmus facilitates so that he could verify what Lex had just told him. When Conner got there, he was immediately greeted with armed guards at the ready.
"Guardian, you were fast on the rebuild. Now escort me down the easy way or I will escort myself down the hard way." Conner threatened.
Guardian sat in front of a computer screen with two other doctors as he mulled what to do. He eventually decided to let Conner through before things got violent. One of the doctors asked why he was letting Superboy down here. Guardian dismissed her question and told her to focus on the fact that another genomorph had vanished and they needed to work fast in relocating it.
"Every disappearance is being investigated." Another doctor added.
"Not good enough, Dubbilex." Conner and Wolf then walked through the door and greeted them with his trademark hot-headed attitude. Guardian had no idea what this was about, "The new super-clone. Where are you holding it?"
"Welcome home, Superboy. Now, what are you talking about?" Guardian replied in a calm demeanor.
"Brother, you are the only super-clone in Cadmus." The creature named Dubbilex added.
"All cloning projects, human and Kryptonian have been shut down since your escape. And with this Wrath going around killing heroes left and right, I doubt the other know you're here." The other doctor assessed.
"My escape? You mean my liberation." Conner defiantly responded.
"As you say. Well, now I'm needed back in my lab." The doctor then left the room. The stress was starting to get to Guardian as he removed his helmet and commented on how he hated his job sometimes. When Conner saw his face underneath the helmet, he was shocked to see just how much Guardian and Red Arrow looked alike.
"Oh, don't be too surprised. Red Arrow is my nephew." The man said as he read Conner's confusion.
The heroes back at the Cave were currently eating dinner. They were beginning to notice that Conner was still gone. M'gann wanted to go out and look for him but Aqualad forbade it. It's too dangerous for heroes to be out right now, especially with Wrath still on the loose though he has been inactive since E-Day.
M'gann was about to go anyways when she saw how Carson was silently crying over her food. No matter how much they tried to talk to her, she still was grieving over Itachi's death. M'gann began to feel ashamed.
'It was selfish decisions like this that Itachi made that led up to this. Always going off by himself and not thinking of what it could do to the rest of us. And now Conner has picked up on this. Why can't they just realize they we're stronger together than we are apart. All Carson has are memories now because Itachi fought Wrath instead of running away with us. I just don't know what I'd do if something like that ever happened to Conner. Itachi was like a big brother to me and he died thinking so low of me. It hurts so much.' M'gann sadly thought to herself as she fought back tears.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and saw that Zatanna had come over to comfort her. She smiled before hugging her friend. It was for bleak times like these that the Team needed to stick together the most.
'Conner, please stay safe.' She thought.
Back in Cadmus, Conner was receiving a tour from Guardian. It was an attempt to show the clone that Cadmus had changed its ways since he last left the facility.
"Here's the 411. This is the new and improved Cadmus. Doctor Spence, who is the woman you met earlier, and her team are doing truly worthwhile genetic medical research now. The genomorphs are becoming more independent and more educated by the day. Some even have names already, like Benny over there. Someday, the work done here will save millions of lives." Guardian said while conducting the tour.
Conner suddenly got a telepathic message from Dubbilex during the tour, "Superboy, you may trust Guardian. He keeps no secrets, unlike you. Apparently you still keep your psychic powers a secret from everyone. They probably would have been useful in the battle against Wrath, but I guess we'll never know and you'll always regret it. Some secrets have their place. We were all created to be exploited as living weapons, though not to the scale that Wrath was. Or even you for that matter. You were designed-"
"To replace or destroy Superman. I already know this so what's your point?" Conner telepathically said.
"That you should understand the plight of those left behind after I helped free you from Cadmus." Dubbilex answered.
"The League liberated all genomorphs." Conner argued.
"Are we free to walk the surface as you do? Or has our role merely changed from weapons to menial labor?" Dubbilex responded with a hint of anger.
"Look, it's complicated. But first things first," Conner then turned a reference Guardian out loud, "Guardian, could a super-clone exist without you knowing?"
"It's highly unlikely." He responded.
"Tell me, brother. What would you do if you found this super-clone?" Dubbilex asked.
"If it exists, I'm freeing it. Just like Aqualad, Robin, and Kid Flash freed me." Conner answered.
"Then I will question our brothers. Nothing happens at Cadmus without a genomorph knowing. If a super-clone truly exists, we will find him." Dubbilex said to reassure Conner.
"Look, I have my own missing genomorphs to locate, so you've got the run of the place. I just doubt you'll find what you're looking for." Guardian said as he began to walk away. That meant leaving Conner and Wolf with free reign to search the facility.
Conner's first place to look was the lower underground levels of the facility. That's where he remembered being kept when he was being held here. Conner saw the hyperbolic chamber that he was kept in. It had the initials "KR" for Kryptonian. Wolf began scratching at the material on the wall which caused Conner to investigate. He found that there was a hidden door behind the material that he never knew about.
Conner opened it and went inside to discover that there are many more hyperbolic chambers being kept at the facility. As he journeyed further inside and noted all of the different genomorphs kept in cryofreeze, he came across one that was different from all of the others. When he wiped the fogginess from the glass, Conner saw that the specimen inside this chamber was a clone that looked exactly like him. It even had Superman's symbol on its chest like how he did. Conner immediately went to the controls and began to release him. The clone took its first breath and glared down at Conner. Conner decided to try and put it at ease.
"It's okay. You're free now." The clone saw Superman's symbol on Conner's chest and charged at him in a violent fit of rage. It tackled Conner to the ground hard. The clone was about to hit him with a powerful punch but Conner kicked the clone off of him and sent him flying into a nearby chamber. The clone leapt right back towards Conner and had him pinned against the glass of another chamber. Conner tried to placate it by saying that he was on its side, but one look at Conner's chest and the clone decided to ignore Conner and throw him down the isle of chambers. Conner wound up landing in a painful heap against the wall.
Wolf went to attack the clone for hurting hits master and friend, but the clone sent Wolf right towards where Conner had landed, causing Conner to have to catching his friend before he got hurt badly. The clone flew over to Conner and stared angrily at him, but Conner was still stuck on the fact that this clone could actually fly when he couldn't.
"You can fly? Why can you fly?" Conner's question was never answered as the clone dove straight towards Conner and struck him hard in the face. Conner recovered almost instantly and began to engage the clone in hand-to-hand combat. Conner showed great improvement in his defense against the clone thanks to his training with great fighters like Itachi and Black Canary. This clone wasn't even on the same planet as them in terms of fighting prowess. But Conner wound doing what he always does whenever he gets an advantage; get arrogant. It was because of this that the clone got a powerful uppercut in on him that sent him flying.
"I don't want to do this!" Conner said as he slowly got up from that last strike. The clone walked him down and delivered an even stronger right cross to Conner's jaw. It was so strong that Conner wound up ripping the clone's Superman symbol right from its chest. Wolf tried to attack the clone from behind but was quickly defeated by a backhand strike. Conner, having seen this, had had enough and put the clone in a full nelson joint lock.
"I'm trying to help you." The clone struggled for a minute before flying upwards and ramming Conner against the ceiling to get him to release the hold on him. It then body slammed Conner into the ceiling, harshly threw him back towards the ground, and landed a devastating two foot stomp right on Conner's chest which caused the entire battle field to go up in smoke from the impact. It roared in victory before noticing its reflection in the mirror next to it. It saw how it and Conner did look alike and that it was missing Superman's symbol on its chest like how Conner had. It used its heat vision to scar its flesh so that a backwards S was on it. It then suddenly gripped its head and shrieked in pain before passing out.
The Team members were starting to get worried about Conner. It was really getting late but the half-kryptonian still hadn't returned yet. Some of the Team wanted to go out and look for him. Black Canary and Aqualad were against that idea.
"Conner can take care of himself. If he hasn't signaled M'gann to ask for help, then we have to assume that he doesn't need any. Don't unnecessarily go out looking for dangerous risks to take when you don't have to. Wrath is still out there." Canary warned.
"The Masked Stranger is too. But if it makes you all feel any better, we will give Conner an hour before we send a small team out to look for him." Aqualad said to quell M'gann's worries.
"Thank you." They then all noticed Billy slowly stroll through despite him still being on sick-in-quarters orders. Canary and Wally Glared at him, "What are you doing, Billy. You're supposed to be in bed. I told you that I would bring you food."
"I know Wally but I couldn't sleep. Every time I close my eyes all I see is the Masked Stranger. Plus, I just don't want to be alone in that room anymore. I hate that room. I should be with the other Leaguers." Billy said with a raspy voice.
"Well until you are back at full strength, that room is where you're going to be. I have to abide by those rules and so does J'onn and we're adults. J'onn is in his room resting right now as he recovers. It's part of being a hero. Plus, you're foster family would throw a fit if you got further injured because you got impatient. Think of them for once." Canary said in a motherly tone.
"You can sit here and eat with us, but only if you promise to go right to bed afterwards with no arguments. Deal?" Wally bargained. Billy nodded before sitting in the spot meant for Conner. The boy saw how Carson was crying instead of eating and was about to comment, but one look from Artemis told him that he should probably hold his tongue. She suddenly got up and left the table. They all knew where she was heading; Itachi's memorial to mourn. They all felt bad for her.
'That must be the girl they brought back with them. Itachi's…whatever she was to him. She's really taking this hard. I guess we all are in our own special way.' Billy thought sadly.
Back in Cadmus, Conner found himself dressed in his original Cadmus attire and sealed away in a hyperbolic chamber as Wolf howled. Conner angrily broke through the pod and freed himself. Guardian, Doctor Spence, and Dubbilex all came rushing in right after that. Doctor Spence tried to let Conner know that it was safe, but Conner was upset that they put him in a pod in the first place. They explained that it was the fastest way to heal Conner's injuries. Conner accused Doctor Spence of creating Project Match which was the project used to create the second super-clone. She was hurt by his accusation and walked off.
"Superboy please, she was just as shocked to see the security camera footage of this Match as I was." Guardian said while trying to defend the doctor.
"Where is he now?" Conner impatiently asked.
"We don't know. He…disappeared." Conner did not like that answer. Dubbilex explained that the cameras all went offline after their fight and that by the time that they had arrived, Match was gone. As it turns out, he wasn't the only genomorph to disappear.
When they all left, Conner went to a screen that had a video link to Lex Luthor. He had been watching everything from his limousine the entire time.
"So, the truth wasn't that hard to find after all. I assume you suffered no permanent damage?" Lex asked.
"Like you care. Tell me what you know about Project Match." Conner demanded.
"I know very little. I know more about you. Kryptonian DNA is notoriously difficult for human science to read. In fact, I have it on great authority that the organization that created Wrath was originally intending on creating a Kryptonian clone like you. They couldn't crack the code, but somehow got their hands on the DNA of the Crow. Wrath was born as a result and your friend Crow died as a consequence. When you were created, the gaps in sequences were bridged with human DNA, robbing you of your full Kryptonian powers. No flight, no heat vision, etc." Luthor explained.
"I'm…part human?" Conner asked as this revelation completely shocked him. Luthor nodded his head at him, "Yes. Obviously, your twin was created with pure Kryptonian DNA. The missing sequences have apparently left Match unstable and insane. It is believed by my sources that Wrath also suffered from these gaps in sequences which explain his volatile behavior. Though Wrath does seem less insane than Match now, he didn't start off that way. For one reason or another, Wrath was able to bridge the gaps in his DNA on his own. Now a better description of him is more cerebral and willing to use unethical means to satisfy his self-righteous goals, which could be even more dangerous. A madman with a brain. Match will not be able to fix himself because unlike Wrath, Match was made from Kryptonian DNA which is extremely unpredictable. I'd advise you to get him back on ice as soon as possible."
"Not gonna happen." Conner responded.
"Your call. Either way, you need help," Conner saw a compartment open up and reveal a case with Superman's symbol on it, "Consider these a gift. I call them shields. Stick one on your arm and it will suppress your human DNA for about an hour, allowing your Kryptonian powers to bloom. You will be as powerful as Match…and as Superman."
That shocked Conner to hear. It didn't stop him from lashing out and declaring that he wanted nothing from Lex. The billionaire smiled and told the clone to keep them anyway since he could always change his mind. Conner stared at the container before contemplating how he would to confront Match.
Conner changed back into his regular attire and went looking for Match. He saw that plenty of pods had been emptied and destroyed so he knew he was going in the right direction. He decided to contact Dubbilex to confirm some things Conner had theorized about.
"Okay Dubbilex, spill. When I accused Spence, I could hear your heart rate increase. That usually comes from stress. You're hiding something." Conner surmised. He thought Itachi would be proud of how much his detective sills had increased since knowing him.
"From them, not you. I have questioned the oldest genomorphs. They told me that Match is not your younger brother. He was Cadmus' first attempt to clone Superman. His Kryptonian DNA rendered him uncontrollable so they froze him and tried again." Dubbilex revealed.
"Who are they? Desmond? Spence?" Conner asked while trying to get to the truth.
"Desmond, yes. And his superior and Cadmus founder, Lex Luthor." Conner punched a nearby wall in anger after hearing that bit of news. Conner guessed that the bit of news meant that Luthor must have taken Match. Dubbilex refuted that and told Conner that it was in fact him who took the clone.
Conner started following Dubbilex's directions as he was being led to Match's hiding place. He was led to a hidden passageway that took Conner to an underground chamber that held countless genomorphs. Dubbilex revealed himself to Conner finally, "Welcome, brother, to Genomorph City."
"So you're responsible for the missing Genomorphs." Conner figured.
"I am. One by one, I have liberated them just like you were liberated long ago. I brought them here to live a new life where all our brothers can be free. Of course, I have a dream that one day the world you live in will accept us. But for now, no one must know Genomorph City exists. Which is why I brought our brother here." Conner saw that Match was chained to a stanchion and held in solitude. Genomorphs were using their psychic powers to keep the clone quelled just for safety measures.
"What have you done to him?" Conner demanded.
"He is safe. The genomes keep him docile with their psychic abilities." Dubbilex explained.
"And the chains?!" Conner angrily demanded.
"Should he escape in his current condition, he could set back the genomorph cause by decades." The genomorph explained.
"So you hold him prisoner like how Cadmus held me?! You might as well put him in pod!" They kept arguing as the clone started focusing in on them. It saw the Superman symbol on Conner's chest and began to get riled up. It broke through its chains and tackled Conner into a nearby wall. Wolf jumped in the fight but was knocked aside by Match. The clone even tried to attack Dubbilex and wound up sending him hurdling across the ground.
Conner recovered from the attack but was hit by Match's heat vision and was then tackled again through the wall. Match kept on the assault by using his flight and full Kryptonian powers to overwhelm Superboy. Conner soon found himself being hammer-fisted to the ground and creating a massive crater. He was getting desperate and pulled out the container of shields that Luthor left him.
'This might be my only way to defeat him.' Conner desperately thought. He put a shield on his arm to activate his full Kryptonian powers. He immediately felt stronger. When Match flew at him and tackled him against a wall, Conner barely felt it. Match tried punching Superboy in the face, but his fist was caught before impact was made. Conner threw and connected with a powerful uppercut that sent Match flying. Match recovered and flew right back at Conner, who charged right back at him.
They collided midair and fell back to the ground. Conner then realized that he had actually flew but before he could celebrate too much, Match carved himself a weapon via heat vision to use against Conner. Conner used his own heat vision, for the first time, to deter Match and keep him at a distance. They flew at each other again and clashed continually while still in midflight.
Match got a short advantage when he punched Conner and used heat vision to burn his eyes. Conner countered by grabbing Match and tossing him to the ground as hard as he could. Despite not being able to see, Conner could hear Match's heartbeat and used that to track him down and tackle him to the ground. Superboy began wailing on Match with powerful ground and pound strikes. Though Match had already been defeated, Superboy kept striking him. It wasn't until Guardian and his security detail showed up that Conner would eventually stop.
"He's down. You won." Conner looked at him and back at Match before getting up. Dubbilex looked down in defeat as he knew his people would be forced out of Genomorph City and back into manual labor for Cadmus. Conner realized this too as he saw that the security detail were all armed.
Match was returned to his pod to be frozen once again. Guardian knew Conner hated that it came to this but assured him that it had to be this way. Conner, despite all of his beliefs, knew that Guardian was right.
'This must be what Itachi had to go through his entire life. To act in a way that goes against his morals not because he wants to, but because life gave him no other choice. It's almost funny. I understand you more in death than I ever did in life, my friend. To fight someone who looks like you and sounds like you, but act like a completely different stranger is frightening. It's not only a reminder of everything that you're not, it is a reminder of the monster you could have been…you could still be. You fought and died to that. I hate that you suffered like that. I wish…I wish I could have saved you, Itachi.' Conner sadly thought as he shed a tear without anyone seeing.
Conner made it back topside to confront Lex Luthor on a couple of things he had discovered while fighting Match, "There was a tracker in that tin box you gave me."
"Yes, I assume you discovered it with your X-ray vision." Lex smugly answered. Conner was pissed and in no mood for any of it though.
"You initiated the cloning projects!" Conner angrily said. Lex kept his smug look like it was business as usual, "I wanted Superman to meet his match."
"And you used both of us to locate the missing genomorphs." Conner accused. One of the very first lessons Itachi had taught him was recognize when he was being used. Luthor didn't even try to deny it, "A good businessman has to keep track of his assets. But none of that is what really bothers you. Half your DNA is human. Haven't you wondered who the donor was? Or have you just been afraid to acknowledge the obvious? Face it, son, you have much more in common with me than you ever did with Superman."
"That's a lie!" Conner refused to believe that Lex Luthor was his father.
"And what did he ever give you? Nothing. Not even affection. And why? Because big boy blue lives in a world of black and white. You were created by the bad guys so there must be something wrong with you. But we both know life isn't that clear cut. Your friend Crow should be more than enough example of that. The real world is full of grays. Weren't you determined to free Match at all costs? Yet ultimately, you wisely agreed to my suggestion to refreeze him for the greater good of all. Look what just happened to Gotham. Even with me funding the repairs, it will still be a while before that city recovers everything it lost from E-Day. What if Match was fighting alongside Wrath? What if Wrath discovers his existence and decides to free him? How would the League fight that? Especially with Superman and Crow being dead. And though you think me a villain, you still used my shields. We're more alike than you want to admit." Lex said as his words struck Superboy at his very core.
"Take them back." Conner tried to return the shields to Luthor, but the man refused.
"They're a gift from a father to his son." Lex responded. Conner got really close now and grabbed Lex by his lapels to threaten him, "I won't need them for this."
"Red Sun." Lex said as Conner suddenly went offline. When he came back to, Lex was gone and it was suddenly dark again.
"Two words and he shut me down. What else can he make me do?" Conner asked himself. He noticed the box of shields in his hand and started to chuck them away, but stopped in the last second. He remembered Itachi speaking on the Will of Fire and what it was. According to Itachi, The Will of Fire was the ability to do or be anything your home needed in order for your home to stay protected.
'My friends are my home. This planet is my home. I have to protect them at all costs. I may not be strong enough to, but Superman is. But with Superman gone, no one will protect Earth. But with these shields, I can be Superman. Even if it's just for an hour at a time, even if it's hypocritical of me, this is the right thing to do. It's what Itachi would and did do his entire life. He gave up his own desires for the safety of others. And I will too. I will be Superman.' Conner solemnly thought as he and Wolf started to head back to the Cave.
When Conner got back to the Cave he received a massive scolding from Black Canary. She made sure to emphasize that up and leaving without telling anyone where you're going and not returning for more than 24 hours later was unacceptable. Conner thought it was amazing she could raise her voice that much considering she just had it crushed weeks ago.
When Canary was done, Kaldur spoke with Conner, only in a more civilized tone. Kaldur especially made sure to scold Conner on his lack of awareness. With everything going on with the public view on heroes, they couldn't afford any missteps. Conner capitulated and promised to be more considerate of the situation.
As punishment for his actions, Conner had extra chore duty for the next month. Conner didn't argue the punishment and went to go eat whatever leftovers were saved. Wolf sat next to him and started eating scraps of Conner's food. M'gann joined him at the table after giving him a kiss on his forehead. He knew he had to make up for probably worrying her sick.
M'gann was part of the team that was out looking for Conner. She was relieved to hear from Robin that Conner had returned, though that soon turned to anger for him pulling that stunt in the first place. But after hearing the lashing that he got from Black Canary she knew that anything more would just be unnecessary. So she decided to talk to him to try and see what he was thinking.
"So, where did you wind up going with Wolf?" She asked in a very awkward manner.
"I took him for a walk and we got lost." Conner said in a very obvious lie to his girlfriend. He hated doing it, but he couldn't risk letting the League know about there being a second super-clone or that Lex Luthor was technically his father. He hated lying to her, but it was what was for the best.
"Oh, I see…" M'gann responded. They both knew that Conner was lying. It hurt her that he felt that he couldn't be honest with her when all she did was care about him. M'gann assumed that whatever happened must have been really big for an openly blunt guy like Conner to feel like he had to lie. Conner gave the same answer to the others when they asked, but she thought that she would be the exception. It's clear to her now that she was wrong.
She got up off the table and left. Conner called out to her, "M'gann, where are you going?"
"I just remembered that I promised Robin that I would check on Carson. Make sure she's alright and stuff. Well, I'm glad you're back. Please don't do that again. I don't what I would do if something ever happened to you. You and J'onn are the closest thing I have left in life to family…especially with Itachi being…" M'gann couldn't even finish the sentence it made her so sad.
"I'm sorry." Conner replied. He hated seeing her like this and he hated even more that it was because of him. For what it's worth, M'gann gave him a small smile before heading out. She figure that after getting some sleep that she'd be able to forgive him for this, but now she was curious about what Conner was hiding so much. Though she knew she couldn't be too judgmental of him considering she was still hiding what she really looked like. Itachi probably died being ashamed of her because of it.
When M'gann made it to the Cave memorial site she found Carson in front of Itachi's memorial hologram praying. M'gann decided to wait till the girl was done before making hers presence known.
Carson finished her prayer and turned to see Miss Martian looking at her from the memorial entrance, "Oh, Miss Martian. I didn't notice you come in. I'm sorry. I was just saying my evening prayer. I just like to come here and be alone with him. The look in his eyes. Itachi once told me that his eyes were a reflection of his heart. I guess by the look in his eyes that Itachi really was filled with sadness."
"Please, you can call me M'gann. And you don't have to apologize. We all have special things we do to feel connected to past loved ones." M'gann said.
"Current. Itachi still is a current loved one." Carson said with the first hopeful smile she's had in weeks.
"What do you mean? Itachi…he's-" Carson cut her off, "Not dead. I don't think he's dead. There might be a way we can save him."
"Carson, you saw Wrath stab him with Itachi's blade." M'gann said while trying to lightly dispel the girl's false hope. She figured this must be a step in her grieving process.
"This isn't false hope and I'm not being delusional. I can feel Itachi's presence. It's almost as if he's right next to me. You have to be able to feel him too." Carson explained.
"Yeah, but that's probably just because he used to linger here whenever he felt like being alone. This was his favorite spot in the Cave." M'gann answered.
"No, Itachi once told me that people disappear when they die. Their spirit goes to the afterlife and no trace of them is left behind. But you just admitted that you feel him here just like I do. That means part of his spirit is still here, which means-" Carson was interrupted be an unexpected voice.
"That Itachi is still alive somewhere. That is good enough for me." They turned and saw Kaldur, Robin, Zatanna, and Artemis walk in. M'gann and Carson were shocked to see them. Artemis walked to her friend with a smile, "We think he's alive too. And we plan on getting him back."
"Yeah, I've had enough moping around. It's time we got some payback on Wrath." Robin added.
"The blade Wrath stabbed Itachi with is the Totsuka Blade. Itachi once explained that it is meant for sealing, not killing. It is a theory, but I believe both him and Superman are alive and can be brought back to us." Kaldur explained.
"But not even Itachi knew how to release someone that was sealed with that sword. How can we hope to do something that not even he could?" M'gann asked.
"That dork doesn't know everything. There just has to be a way to free him if he really is just sealed away somewhere." Carson said as hope kept returning to her.
"We think we might have found a way to free him. Itachi once said that magic is the closest thing this world has to chakra. So if anyone is able to get him back, it would be me. I'll use my magic to open a portal to where Itachi is being kept and free him and Superman. Then we'll give Wrath everything the jerk has coming." Zatanna revealed.
"Robin and I just found out that the League plans on going to Arkham Asylum in preparation of an attack by Wrath. Well before that happens, we will be sent to strike him first. Because of James, we now know exactly where his hiding place is at. Batman and the other Leaguers have been monitoring it for weeks. It's how we came to learn of Wrath's planned attack on Arkham. It is about time we make him the reactor to us." Kaldur declared.
"He plans on striking while we're down, but he won't expect us to strike him first. He plans on wiping out all of the metahuman occupants in the ward. We'll stop him before that happens because we'll have Itachi with us and together we're unstoppable." Artemis said.
M'gann began tearing up with all of the hope she was getting. She soon wiped her tears, got in her superhero costume, and put her game face on. She only had one question, "So when are we getting out friend back?"
They all smiled. Zatanna conjured up a mystic spellbook before giving her answer, "Right now."
They all hurriedly got behind the sorceress so that they could begin. Carson couldn't help but smile. She felt she'd finally be able to say everything she felt had slipped away from her. This time, she'd make the most with her time with Itachi. Robin was eager to do this too, "Are you ready, Zatanna?"
"Always ready! Nepo eht yawrood taht sdael ot Ihcati!"
That's another down the pipe. You can't keep a good team down. They've been taking heavy losses for the last few chapters, but now they're about to show the world why they are heroes! Sorry for the lack of Wrath and Itachi, but I really wanted this chapter to focus on the other heroes and how they were all coping with Itachi's loss. They deserve some character development too. But don't worry, the two Uchiha will return next chapter. Thanks for the love last chapter as well. It warms my heart to see that you all like these chapters. Make sure to follow, favorite, or review. Even if it's a constructive criticism, I read it all and take it into consideration when I write future installments. Well, until next time guys and gals!