Hey everybody! I'm back with another chapter!
Thank you all for your patience here, I hope to get these out to you as soon as possible. I just need time to make sure everything is perfect. But first, an announcement; Sandman Unlimited has officially crossed over 100000 views! I never could have imagined we'd get here, and with how this story has been going so far, it'll be on the fast track to 10000 soon!
Another announcement, this one a bigger surprise: a new story is premiering alongside this chapter! Yes indeed, I'm finally releasing my series of one-shot chapters from the Sandman Unlimited universe (Which I have also given the designation of Earth-45!), so be on the lookout for "Tales from Earth-45". The first chapter is about the Dark Division!
As always though, lets check out some reviews!:
Ronmr: Angry chickens are always fun for a reason
rmarcano321: Eh, surfboard just sounded better in my mind than plank did. Two syllables rolls off the tongue a little nicer. You are right about Kaldur though. Made for Young Justice, then ported to the comics. And the disconnect between the two interpretations has remained confusing ever since.
xbox432: Trust me, this Easter egg would be hard to find, and even then its from an obscure series. If you enjoy Abridged series however... This new CADMUS character though, she'll be a fun one to use.
7-Eleventh: Dormammu is busy bargaining at the moment. You are correct that a few members of the Fearsome Five have shown up (just don't expect them to actually form the Fearsome Five). Shimmer will be back a lot though, watch for that. The girl i the pod will be coming soon... really soon...
Lucian Naruto: From what I've seen, Mallah and Grodd have never met. Not in the comics, and not in the DCAU. Or any DC licensed show/movie for that matter. However, Mallah was given his super-intellect before Grodd died. After all, the Doom Patrol has existed in my universe for some time now.
Dion ComicWiz: Once again, I'm overwhelmed with all of your positive feedback. I'm glad you liked the structure of the last chapter, and hopefully this next one doesn't disappoint either. Tim's growth will definitely mirror him becoming his Rebirth/Pre-New 52 self. It'll be a fun journey. I'm glad you enjoy me references to the greater lore, both of the comics and the last story. It makes everything seem so much more immersive I feel. I should clarify one thing though: Beast Boy does not have his powers yet. I had an explanation originally with the Doom Patrol (Who in my head canon has been formed for a while.), however Garfield has not featured as part of it. He'll be appearing as normal in Young Justice. So, consider his reference from Static Shock apocryphal. Clark will get his wake-up call soon. I also must thank you for the reference for Nina going forward. Granted I imagined her more like Rangiku Matsumoto from Bleach as opposed to Meiko Shiraki, but either could work I think. Thanks again for your kind words my friend.
Thank you all for every comment! I love each one, they make writing these so much easier.
And now, for the disclaimer;
I own nothing but the original idea for the crossover. Keemia and all related characters are owned by Marvel and Disney. Young Justice and all related characters are owned by DC Comics and Warner Bros. Please support the official release.
And away we go!
Metropolis – August 3rd, 07:38 EDT
As a city patrolled by two of the most powerful and popular members of the Justice League, Metropolis is no stranger to frequent dangers. Even an early morning commute can quickly become a hazardous affair. To the surprise of those driving on the Metropolis bridge, the danger came not from a super-villain's attack, as was so common in their city. Instead, it came from a simple failure of structural integrity.
The road between two of the support pillars rumbled and cracked as the metal beams that held it in place buckled under the weight of the bridge. Apparently, the old iron was in need of a replacement sooner, rather than later. The sudden lurching of the pavement caused several cars to skid out of control as they collided with the concrete barriers. One school bus, in particular, became the victim of an onslaught of cars. The continuous barrage of vehicles slamming into the bus drove it further into the barrier until it broke through and hung precariously off the edge of the bridge. The numerous elementary school students inside clung to their seats fearfully while the driver tried in vain to keep them calm.
From the Wayne Enterprises building across the opposite end of the river, one particular billionaire watched the situation carefully. With little room for hesitation, he pressed a secret button on his desk, revealing his hidden Batsuit, which he kept for just such an occasion. His early morning meeting would have to wait.
A sudden sonic boom stopped him prematurely as the telltale red cape of Metropolis' most famous hero quickly flew onto the scene. Superman was swift to move under the bridge, carefully pushing the buckling road back into the position as he used his heat vision to try mending the cracked beams. However, due to where he was positioned, he was left without a good angle to hit them.
"Need a hand there cousin?" a familiar voice called as Supergirl arrived alongside Clark before using her own heat vision to mend the beams.
"I had it taken care of. But I appreciate the assistance." He said with a small chuckle.
"Well, let's get those people in the cars off the edge there." Kara beamed before a sudden impact shook the entire foundation. "Whoa, did one of the towers fall?"
Superman held back a sigh, as he shook his head. "No, that would be… him."
"Him? Him who?" Supergirl asked before flying back up to the top of the bridge. Once she did, she noticed a figure in a black t-shirt and cargo pants moving to pull cars to safety. The crest of the House of El was emblazoned on his chest proudly in a deep crimson, and he looked almost like a younger Clark.
"Did I just get another cousin or something?" Kara asked as she moved to help the younger Kryptonian with the school bus.
"I guess…" the boy said, looking at her unsure.
"Oh, sorry about that. I'm Supergirl, but you can call me Kara." She greeted cheerfully before shaking his hand. "I've been in deep space until about a week ago, so I haven't been brought up to speed on you yet."
"I'm Superboy. No name yet. I'm Superman's clone." He said, a weak smile slowly growing on his face.
"Another clone in the family eh? I'll have to introduce you to Karen sometime. She's like the older sister I never had." She beamed before Superman landed on the bridge behind them. Unlike his chipper cousin, his look was far more subdued and unimpressed.
"Not that I'm ungrateful, but your landing almost destabilized the entire bridge," Superman said seriously.
"It didn't." Superboy answered with a scowl.
"But it could have." Superman countered. Kara looked between the two in surprise. She had never seen Clark become so cold to someone before. And if he really was his clone…
"We don't yet know the limits of your powers." Clark continued to admonish. Superboy looked off to the side before sighing.
"Well, maybe you could, you know… help me figure that out." He said, almost pleadingly. Kara could see it in his eyes. While he needed the training clearly, what he needed more was the acceptance. Acceptance Clark wasn't giving him.
"Yeah, we could totally do that, right cousin?" Supergirl said with a smirk, almost daring Clark to say otherwise.
"No!" Superman shouted, looking at Kara seriously before realizing what he said and clearing his through sheepishly. "Batman's got that covered."
"Clark, what's gotten into you?" Kara asked with a frown, moving closer to Superboy before she and Superman got an alert over their communicators.
"Superman," Clark said, answering his communicator quickly while Kara continued to frown at him. "Wait, Arrow slow down!" he urged, clearly reacting to some sort of panic in his teammate's voice. 'What's attacking?" Superman asked before casting a sidelong glance at Superboy. After a brief period of uncomfortable silence, he continued. "No, I'm definitely available. Coordinates? Acknowledged, on my way."
Once he had finished, he turned back to a disappointed Superboy and a less than impressed Supergirl. Deciding to leave before things got any more awkward, he gave the clone a brief nod. "Sorry Superboy… duty calls." He said before quickly rocketing off into the sky and flying to the source of the distress.
"Ugh, what a jerk!" Supergirl scowled before putting an apologetic hand on Superboy's shoulder. "I'm sorry about Superjerk there. For what it's worth, I'll definitely help train you." She said as Superboy gave her a small but appreciative smile. "I'll even bring Karen, she'd love to meet you. But for now, I'd better help my cousin. See you 'round younger cousin!" she grinned before flying off after Superman.
While Supergirl's apology went a long way to helping, Superboy still glared after the retreating form of the Man of Steel, once again turned down and ignored by the closest thing he had to a father. With a shake of his head, he leapt away from the bridge, going somewhere to clear his head.
It didn't take Supergirl long to catch up to her cousin, and soon she was flying alongside him. However, she wasn't in the mood for much talking with him. "I don't know what your problem is Clark, but we are going to be having a discussion about this. Soon. Very soon." She said before rocketing ahead of him.
Superman looked after her in confusion before getting a call from Batman on his communicator. "Already got the alert, Bruce." He said, knowing that the detective would want to follow up on Arrow's distress.
"I know, Clark. But we need to talk." The detective said seriously. From the window of his high-rise office building, he stared after the Kryptonian hero, his mind already formulating the discussion they would be having soon enough.
Mount Justice – August 3rd, 13:06 EDT
"Recognized: Djinn B-04" the computerized voice read out as Keemia teleported into the base, an iced coffee clutched in her right hand. She took a sip, looking around the cave before spotting her teammates huddled around an air hockey table. Kaldur and Barry were currently in the middle of a game, Barry far less invested than Kaldur as he ate a banana while playing.
'Glad to see I didn't miss much.' she thought to herself, rolling her eyes, before noticing Ace standing off to the side awkwardly. The girl seemed to watch the others nervously, feeling incredibly out of place. Keemia watched her for a moment before walking over to stand next to her. "So, does this mean you're officially on the team?"
Ace looked at her for a moment, before looking away nervously. "Yeah, I am. Batman was satisfied with how my training had progressed, so he thinks I'm ready for the field now."
"Well I'm not sure if we're in the field today. I think we're just waiting on more combat training." She shrugged before taking another sip. "How are you at hand to hand?"
"I'm… okay. Ms. Waller was adamant that I have at least some rudimentary training. I can break holds… but not much else." She admitted, her posture relaxing a little more.
"Well it should be a learning experience then." Keemia smiled, before looking at Ace again. She was more comfortable than before, but she was clearly still nervous. "Hey, I get it. No one likes being the new kid, and this is your first time out of the basement in years. Just relax, no one here bites. Well, Barry might, but he's had his shots." She smirked.
Ace laughed a little at her joke before looking back at the game. Somehow, Barry had managed to score yet another point against Kaldur despite being intently focused on the fruit in his hand, something that the Atlantean was getting more and more frustrated about.
Any further playing was halted by the teleporter whirring to life again. "Recognized: Superboy B-05," the voice said as the aforementioned clone entered. However, his face was hardened into another one of his frequent glares.
M'Gann flashed him a smile as he walked up to them. "Hi Superboy, how was Metropolis?" she asked happily.
He didn't seem to hear her however, or else just didn't react, as he walked right through the laser projected air hockey table, turning the program off as he continued further into the mountain.
"Great, he's in another mood." Keemia sighed, rolling her eyes before seeing Ace's brow furrow in worry as she looked at Superboy. "He gets like this sometimes. Don't worry, he just needs time to cool his head. He'll come around, he always does." She assured, placing a gentle hand on Ace's shoulder. Ace looked at the hand quizzically before instantly relaxing.
"Thanks. That makes me feel a little better." Ace admitted. "Still, his anger…. It unnerves me a bit."
"Understandable. He's definitely intimidating at times. But he means well." Keemia nodded. "I'm glad you feel better though. I'd like for you to stick around, I could use more friends lacking a Y chromosome."
"You consider me a friend?" Ace asked in surprise.
"Of course I do. Just stick with me kid, we'll go places." Keemia grinned before the silence was broken by Black Canary clearing her throat. "Ready for training everyone?" the blonde superheroine asked, entering the room alongside Martian Manhunter and Salamandra.
"Black Canary! Uncle J'onn, Aunt Salamandra!" M'Gann greeted happily as she rushed forward to hug her uncle, and then her aunt.
"It's good to see you, my little Xiàngrìkuí." Salamandra greeted, hugging the Martian girl close. "I trust you've been well?"
"Yes I have." She nodded eagerly as J'onn gave her a warm smile.
"We were in the neighbourhood, so we thought we'd see how you were adjusting." He greeted.
"That, and I'm here to help Black Canary with the training." Salamandra nodded.
"A few bumps," M'Gann admitted, before smiling wider. "But I'm learning."
"That's all we can ask," J'onn said with a nod. While the family got reacquainted, Superboy attempted to take the opportunity to finally leave. He stopped to watch when Black Canary came in, but now he was looking forward to some time alone.
Unfortunately, Canary saw him before he could get too far. "Stick around. Class is in session." She said, now in full teacher mode, as the ground below their feet glowed to become a makeshift sparring platform. Superboy stopped, turning to face her with his arms folded as Canary addressed the rest of the team. "I consider it an honour to be your teacher. I'll throw a lot at you. Everything I've learned from my own mentor," she started before grunting in pain as she removed her jacket to reveal a row of bandages along her left arm. "And my own bruises."
"What happened?" M'gann asked, her worry evident.
"The job," Canary said plainly before tossing her jacket away. "Now, combat is about controlling conflict. Putting the battle on your terms. You should always be acting, never reacting." She explained before looking to the team with interest. "I'll need a sparring partner."
"Right here, yeah!" Barry said eagerly while Keemia face-palmed.
"Oh brother…" she grimaced.
Barry walked onto the platform, finishing his banana before tossing the peel away. "After this, I'll show you my moves." He said with what he presumed was a flirtatious smile.
"You're gonna pick that up, right?" Keemia deadpanned, pointing at the banana peel, while Canary simply gave Barry a smirk. A dangerous, confident, and downright malicious smirk.
She nodded to him briefly before immediately going on the offensive, throwing a punch at his face. Barry dodged carefully, before blocking her punch with his arm. However, that was only a ploy as she quickly swung low, kicking his legs out from under him with a powerful sweeping kick.
Barry yelled out in surprise before hitting the ground hard. His teammates winced slightly, while Keemia just watched with a grin. "Ha!" she laughed before taking another sip of her drink.
"Ow… hurts so good." He said painfully, as a sign flashed, pointing at Barry, with the word 'Fail' emblazoned in big red letters on it.
"Good block," Canary complimented, before helping him up. "But did anyone see what he did wrong?"
"Ooh, ooh! He hit on teacher and got served?" Robin asked with a smirk as he and Keemia exchanged a high-five.
"Dude!" Barry hissed in embarrassment.
Canary rolled her eyes slightly before explaining. "He allowed me to dictate the terms of—"
"Oh please." Superboy scoffed, cutting her off. "With my powers, the battle's always on my terms. I'm a living weapon, and this is a waste of my time."
"Prove it," Canary said defiantly. At her declaration, the rest of the team each took a nervous step back. They all knew what Canary was like when she was in serious combat. Nothing short of Superboy's durability would keep him safe.
Superboy regarded her curiously before stepping onto the platform. The two sized each other up before getting into ready stances. Then, Superboy threw the first punch, aiming for her face. Canary side-stepped easily, grabbing his arm before throwing him over her shoulder and to the floor with his own momentum from the swing.
The red "Fail" sign flashed beneath him, as Tim let loose a short laugh. However, he was silenced quickly by Keemia, who elbowed him with a glare.
Superboy seethed before standing up again, his teeth bared dangerously as his anger grew to dangerous levels. "You're angry. Good. But don't react." Canary said carefully. "Channel that anger into—"
Superboy gave a roar of defiance before launching towards her again, his fist poised to strike at her. His anger and brashness left him open and sloppy however, as Canary easily flipped over him before using another sweeping kick to drop him to the floor, much like she did earlier with Barry.
Once more the red "Fail" sign flashed, and once more Robin's laughter was stifled by someone's elbow. Only this time it was Kaldur. M'Gann, Barry, and Ashley all watched Superboy nervously as he stood back up, swatting Canary's hand aside as she tried to help him up.
"That's it. I'm done." He growled out.
"Training is mandatory." Black Canary reminded him before a sudden alert rang out, and a holoscreen appeared, showing Batman's face.
"Batman to the cave," he announced, calling everyone's attention as they moved in to look at the screen. "Five hours ago, a new yet familiar menace attacked Green Arrow and Black Canary." He began, calling up video surveillance of the incident. "The attacker was capable of studying, then duplicating the powers and abilities of its opponents."
True to his word, the surveillance showed a large android easily fighting numerous members of the League as it caught Superman out of the air before using him as a club to strike both Red Tornado and the Flash. "Arrow called in for reinforcements, which nearly proved disastrous as our foe gained more and more power with each new combatant." The footage continued, showing Salamandra and even Sandman being easily knocked away by the android.
"Whoa… one guy with the powers of the entire League?" Barry asked nervously before Batman continued.
"In the end, it took eleven Leaguers four hours to defeat and dismantle the android." Batman finished.
"An android? Who made it, T.O. Morrow?" Tim asked curiously, referencing Red Tornado's villainous creator.
"Good guess Robin, but Red Tornado doesn't think so," Batman said.
"It is far more likely that this android was made by my own creator, using updated blueprints that were once used to create me." A new voice called before a seven-foot-tall golden robot entered the room. His body was very plain but appeared malleable, and the only face he was were the two bronze eyes that stared out of his face.
"Whoa… you're the original Amazo. The one that left the Earth to travel galaxies… the one who moved Oa to a pocket dimension!" Keemia said in awe as the team looked to the android nervously.
"Indeed, I am. I am also however, the Amazo who currently is travelling the world with the Shade, looking for someone important." Amazo confirmed.
"You mean…?"
"Yes I do. But no… we have not found him yet." He said as Keemia nodded sadly. The other members of the team looked at her with worry, while Ace felt a great deal of sadness and hopelessness coming from her. However, Martian Manhunter broke the mood.
"As Amazo has suggested, the technology does bear the signature of Professor Ivo."
"Ivo? But Ivo's dead." Aqualad said in surprise.
"So we all thought… or hoped." Canary frowned, confirming their suspicions.
"Last I checked, Ivo was just a frail old man, who didn't want to hurt anybody. Luthor forced him to build Amazo." Barry frowned.
"We all thought so. It was a brilliant ruse. He's not even that old." Salamandra frowned, folding her arms.
"To make certain that this threat is permanently neutralized, we're sending two trucks carrying the parts of this Amazo 2, to two separate S.T.A.R. Labs facilities in Boston and New York, for immediate evaluation. Every precaution is being taken." Batman explained, showing a projected planned path for the convoys. "We'll have four additional decoy trucks to create confusion in case Ivo, or anyone tries to recover the remains. You will split into undercover teams, to safeguard the two real trucks."
"Yes! Road trip!" Barry exclaimed while Keemia finished her drink before turning to Ace.
"Looks like you're gonna be in the field after all." She said with a grin as the shorter girl nodded slightly.
"Y-yeah. My first real mission." She said quietly, although there was no mistaking the small sense of excitement in her voice.
"So now we take out your trash?" Superboy asked, clearly not as happy with the mission as the others were.
"You had something better to do?" Batman countered, as Superboy simply slumped slightly in defeat.
Kaldur looked at a small device in his hand before nodding to the others. "Coordinates received. On our way." He said before leading the others off to the hangar. Superboy, however, was stopped by Black Canary. He turned to look at her, a frown still etched on his face.
"When you're ready, I'll be here." She said. Despite his anger, he seemed to almost calm down a little. However, he was still quick to leave the cave.
Litchfield County – August 3rd, 20:08 EDT
Near what appeared to be a massive crater hewn into the cornfields next to the highway, were six armoured vehicles. Each of them were surrounded not only by military police, but also by several members of the Justice League. They were all present to ensure that the pieces of the Amazo 2 robot were safely loaded onto the two trucks while still surrounded by the decoys.
Nearby, hidden in the bushes, were the members of the Team. Each of them wore leather biker armour, waiting on their motorcycles for when they could move out. All except for Keemia, who was off to the side talking with her father.
"I'm worried about Superboy." She said quietly, checking to make sure the clone wasn't listening in. "Superman's been doing everything in his power to avoid him, and it's taking a serious toll on him."
"I've noticed, trust me. Batman's looking to call an intervention soon. He'll try on his own first, but if not… we'll call in reinforcements." Flint sighed, before casting a sidelong glance at Clark. The older Kryptonian was using his x-ray vision to look through the bushes at where the team was preparing to leave. As soon as Superboy noticed him, Clark looked away.
"We need to do something sooner though. Superboy really needs an adult in his life." Keemia frowned.
"He needs a father. An actual attentive father." Flint agreed, before folding his arms. "I'll see what I can do, and I should have something by the time the delivery is complete. But for now, you better get to your bike."
"Right. See you later tonight then." She nodded before putting her helmet on and walking to her bike. While everyone wore the same type of armour, each one had different splashes of colour to differentiate them. Keemia's, in particular, had a purple stripe running vertically down each of her arms, along with a purple Alchemic circle on her back.
She mounted her bike, before nodding to Kaldur that she was ready. The six trucks finished loading the android before their doors shut and they started their engines. "S.T.A.R. Boston is a go." One of the drivers announced before another nodded.
"S.T.A.R. Manhattan is a go." He called before all the trucks immediately began driving off to their intended destinations. As soon as the trucks were all on the road, the team moved out, splitting into two teams as they followed their intended targets. Djinn, Ace, Robin, and Superboy made one team, while Aqualad had Kid Flash and Miss Martian as his convoy.
Once the trucks were safely out of sight, the Leaguers all started to leave. Superman was about to leave as well before Batman held him back with a hand on his shoulder. Clark looked back to Batman with a small frown, both dreading and anticipating the conversation that was coming.
"I told you, we need to talk," Batman said seriously.
A few hours into the drive, and the decoy trucks had finally broken away from the convoys. Now, Keemia's squad continued their journey south towards Boston. Superboy had pulled into the lead, but Robin was quick to move in alongside him.
"If dislike is the opposite of like, is disaster the opposite of aster?" the Boy Wonder asked, while Keemia rolled her eyes and Ace simply looked confused. "See, instead of things going wrong, they go right."
"Great, he found another word to butcher mercilessly." Keemia sighed as Ace shot her a brief look of confusion.
"Does he do that often?" she asked.
"All the damn time. Get used to hearing aster now. He'll probably use it as often as he uses whelmed." Keemia grimaced.
"Whelmed?" Ace repeated in confusion.
"You don't wanna know." Keemia finished.
Robin meanwhile, looked at their silent Kryptonian teammate with a frown. "Uh, clearly you're not feeling the aster. What's wrong?"
"Canary," Superboy said simply. "And what business does she have teaching combat skills to a guy with super-strength?"
"Well, she is one of the greatest hand-to-hand combatants on Earth for starters," Keemia muttered, rolling her eyes while Superboy simply scowled at that.
"Taking down stronger guys is a part of the gig. Canary learned that the hard way early on. Same with Batman and, well… me." Robin explained.
Superboy's scowl deepened before he raced off ahead of the others to get closer to the truck. Keemia watched him speed off before grimacing. "I think he's upset about more than just Canary."
Meanwhile, following the northbound truck, M'Gann rode in a tight v-formation with Kaldur and Barry close by her. "Do you think Superboy's okay? I wasn't reading his mind, I swear, but anger flowed off of him in waves." She said, very clearly distressed and worried over their teammate.
"Surf that wave, just give him space." Barry reasoned, moving up alongside her. From under the visor of his helmet he gave a flirtatious grin as he leaned closer to her. "Me? Stick as close as you want."
Both M'Gann and Kaldur rolled their eyes at Barry's attempt before Kaldur looked at his Martian teammate. "Superboy just needs time to cool off. A quiet mission will clear his head." He advised sagely. However, none of the three noticed the corn stalks along the highway behind them rustling once they drove past.
Just seconds after they drove by, dozens of flying robotic monkeys leapt from the grass before they immediately went in pursuit of the truck. They quickly caught up before latching onto the vehicle as it moved, attempting to break inside. However, they appeared to care little for the heroes who followed the truck.
Kaldur looked at the monkeys in brief surprise before pressing a finger to his communicator. "Djinn, Robin, our truck is under attack!"
"Y'know, I had a feeling it was." Keemia grimaced from her end, as several robot monkeys had attacked their own van. "But seriously, would it hurt Ivo to be serious for once in his life?"
Superboy looked at the truck with undisguisable disdain, as his scowl deepened. "I hate monkeys."
Several of the monkeys immediately crawled onto the windshield of the truck before attempting to break the glass, while more assaulted the windows, attempting to attack the driver. The distraction caused the driver to suddenly veer off course, and start swerving all over the road.
"Robot Monkeys! Ha! Totally Ivo's tweaked style." Robin grinned before putting his bike into battle mode. The front wheel pulled back into the bike to shift the centre of balance, while the back wheel ejected and turned into a drone, which immediately moved in to provide aerial support.
"His style is bad and he should feel bad!" Keemia countered before she moved alongside the truck to try and steer it back on the road with her magic. Ace meanwhile, focused her telekinesis to try and keep the truck still, idly tossing monkeys off of the sides when they became too numerous.
"Hey Superboy, switch into battle mode!" Keemia said before gesturing to the truck.
"No point." He said, shaking his head before leaping off of his bike and onto the roof of the truck, where he immediately began to attack the robots. His bike almost immediately fell over before skidding back down the road.
"So not feeling the aster." Robin grimaced before leaping off of his vehicle and using his grapple to jump on the back of the truck, kicking a monkey off as he did so. Superboy's bike immediately crashed into Robin's, sending both bikes into a tumbling pile of scrap metal.
This pile was quickly advancing on Ace, who strafed on her bike to avoid it before grasping chunks of the metal with her telekinesis and flinging them into several of the monkeys that were still airborne. The effect was instantaneous as several were knocked from the sky or impaled by the debris.
"You okay there Ace?" Keemia called out, before aiming a hand at some of the monkeys. "Lortnoc tla eteled" she spoke as four of the monkeys instantly seized and fell on the road uselessly. However, she soon had to move on the defence, conjuring a barrier to prevent more of the monkeys from attacking her.
"Yeah I'm fine." The telepath nodded. "Heck of a first mission though."
"Yeah, flying robot monkeys. And of course they have to laugh too! Why do they have to laugh too?!" Keemia scowled before flinging numerous fireballs at any that got too close to her.
Superboy, meanwhile, removed his helmet, using it as a club to beat away several of the monkeys before he was suddenly swarmed by them. His super strength proved to be an invaluable asset to him as he crushed and tore through them easily.
Tim used some of his batarangs for a better hold onto the truck to start fighting back, relying on his legs to kick them away as he tried to climb the side. His drone flew nearby, firing lasers to help keep the monkeys off of his back, however, two more of the monkeys jumped on the drone, knocking it from the sky.
Superboy was quickly becoming overwhelmed by the monkeys, and as such his movements became more erratic and frenzied. The monkeys were quick to take advantage of his now sloppy movements, as they stayed out of range, instead pestering him with their lasers. Superboy lashed out, grasping one tightly as he squeezed its body to crush it. However, he neglected to incapacitate the head, as two laser fired from the monkey's eyes, grazing Superboy's own.
Superboy cried out in pain as his eyes were burned, disorienting him enough that several of the monkeys could grab onto him before they flew off of the truck with him in tow. Then, once they were above the road, they unceremoniously dropped him to the pavement as he was sent tumbling back down the highway.
Despite not having the use of his eyes, Superboy was quick to stand up, instead using his hearing to hone in on the monkeys. Given their incessant laughter, that proved quite simple as he soon leapt after the truck to continue the fight.
Aqualad pulled one of his water bearers from the side of his bike, before conjuring a massive whip to hack and slash at the monkeys' attack on their own truck. However, a few of the monkeys chose to attack his teammates' transport forcing both to abandon their bikes. M'Gann took to the air, while Barry simply kept pace on foot with little trouble.
Inside the truck, the driver panicked at the sudden attack, screaming for help while the monkeys on the roof used their lasers to cut their way inside the truck. The guards inside tried to fend them off with gunfire, however for every monkey they struck, three more were there to take their place as they began to rapidly flood the interior of the vehicle.
M'Gann moved in quickly, using her telekinesis to fling them away while Barry ran alongside, throwing off any monkeys that had grabbed the side of the truck. Kaldur covered their rear, trying to keep the robots from getting inside the cargo door of the truck. Their numerous opponents were making this task quite difficult as they opted to swarm everything in sight.
Several of them had grabbed on to M'Gann, forcing the Martian girl to use her shapeshifting abilities rather creatively, as she grew new arms to grasp and attack the endless horde of robots that attacked her. Once she was free, she made quick work of the monkeys on the windshield in order to help the panicked driver inside, before landing on the roof where she met up with Barry, who ran up the side of the truck and onto the roof.
Seeing the Martian girl with four extra limbs having sprouted out from all over her body caused the speedster to scream in panic as he stumbled back. M'Gann had much the same reaction to the surprise off Barry's rushed entrance, unconsciously retracting her new arms. However, their arrival was too late as dozens of monkeys spilled out of the hole in the roof of the truck, while even more cut the cargo door open with their lasers before they all flew off with the android pieces in their possession.
Aqualad saw their escape and immediately strafed to a stop on his bike while M'Gann and Barry forced the truck driver to stop his vehicle. The team's leader watched the retreating monkeys with a frown as he removed his helmet. He hoped Keemia's team was doing better.
"God they just keep coming!" Keemia shouted as even more monkeys leapt onto her bike, attempting to knock her off, their chatter growing louder and even more mocking in her ear. "Ugh, SHUT UP!" she yelled before pressing a hand to her motorcycle. "Ekib og moob!" she cast before taking to the air and using her magic to fly. The bike immediately exploded, destroying several of the monkeys and scattering their pieces across the highway.
Robin had finally managed to climb onto the roof of the truck however, and drew his Bo staff, extending it before engaging the monkeys again. His natural acrobatic prowess allowed him to easily leap around them nimbly, as he swatted them aside, completely destroying them. When the monkeys attempted to regroup behind him, they were soon met by two Kryptonian feet as Superboy landed on top of the truck again after his latest leap across the countryside.
The monkeys had apparently had enough however, as they opted to destroy the tires on the side of the truck, causing the vehicle to swerve dangerously. Robin immediately leaned in front of the windshield before giving the driver one stern order: "Get out!"
Not wanting to take any risks the driver did as he was told and opened the door before Robin grabbed him and the two safely leapt into the cornfield next to the road. The truck continued to swerve before finally rolling onto its side, becoming a tumbling mass of metal. Keemia saw the truck tumbling towards her and growled angrily. "Oh for fu—" she started before the truck knocked her off of the road and into the grass as it finally rolled to a stop on top of Superboy. The cargo door burst open soon after as the monkeys escaped with the rest of the androids pieces.
Their laughter faded into the distance as Robin pulled the driver out of the cornfield and laid him down on the road. Ace stopped just ahead of him before getting off of her bike and moving to where Keemia was sent flying.
"Djinn, you okay?" she asked her first friend, as the young sorceress groaned painfully.
"Laeh ym seirujni." She cast with a hoarse voice as her body glowed briefly. When the glow subsided, so did her pain as she got back up on her feet before nodding to Ace. "Yeah, I'm fine. Wish I could say the same for the truck though." She sighed before Superboy lifted the truck off of his body, throwing it away.
The clone's vision was finally returning to him as the burns finished healing, in time to see the monkeys flying off into the distance. He gave a growl before leaping after them.
"Superboy!" Robin called after him as Keemia scowled.
"Oh come on!" she yelled in exasperation before receiving a call from Kaldur. "Aqualad to Djinn, we've lost our cargo. Did you—"
"It's gone… and so is our resident clone." She scowled before calling Superboy. "Djinn to Superboy, radio your position so we can help you with the pursuit."
"I don't need help! I don't want any!" he yelled in the communicator before destroying it as he continued leaping after the monkeys.
"Superboy! Superboy, do you copy!" Keemia called again, before switching to Kaldur. "He's destroyed his comm."
"Super, now we can't even track him," Barry said snidely, while M'Gann tried to focus her telepathy.
"He's out of my telepathic range." She sighed. "And this Professor Ivo, if he is alive, seems to be two steps ahead of us… Maybe… we should contact Red Tornado?"
"Tornado always tells us to handle things ourselves." Kaldur disagreed, shaking his head. "And this mission can still succeed if we recover the parts before they're reassembled."
"Well that's a great plan, except for the part about us not knowing where to look!" Barry said with a frown.
"Always got something positive to say, don't you Barry?" Keemia scoffed. "Can't you stick to flirtatious banter and stupid jokes?" she asked with a sigh before Robin cupped his chin in thought.
"Actually, we might know where to look after all." He suggested before plugging a wire into the remains of one of the monkeys and calling up his holoscreen. "We'd have heard by now if the decoy trucks had been attacked. So how did these monkeys know exactly which trucks to target?"
"Oh my god…" Keemia muttered as the realization dawned on her. Robin meanwhile, got the answers he was looking for.
"Ha! The parts have GPS!" he said triumphantly. "The monkeys can track the signal, which means I can track them with the one I captured."
"Maybe we should invest in giving Superboy one of those tracking chips." Ace mused.
"Was that a joke I heard? You're already fitting in." Keemia laughed. "I think he'd scratch it out though. Or else bite it off."
Robin ignored his teammates banter as he continued to study the path of the monkeys. "It looks like both sets of parts are converging on… Gotham City?" he said in surprise.
"That far south? Megan and I won't get there anytime soon." Kaldur sighed before turning to Barry. "I'm sending Kid on ahead to meet you. Aqualad out."
The speedster nodded with a grin before fastening his goggles and immediately running off towards Gotham. Robin meanwhile, stood with the monkey before finding the remains of his bike. Miraculously, it was unharmed from its crash. "I'll have to meet up with Barry since I got the GPS signal."
"In that case, I'll go with you for extra muscle, in case Ivo has any other equally stupid surprises." Keemia nodded, looking to Ace. "Ace, take your bike and meet with Kaldur and M'Gann. Your telepathy should help boost M'Gann's own range. We'll all rendezvous in Gotham after."
"You got it." The shorter girl said before getting on her bike and riding off to meet their teammates.
Keemia watched her ride off before looking to Robin with a light chuckle. "I think we're doing okay with our little disaster here." She joked before looking to Robin. "Ready to head out?"
"Yep." He nodded before giving another sigh. "Definitely a disaster though. Heavy on the dis."
Metropolis – August 3rd, 21:18 EDT
Superman had been dreading this conversation with Batman ever since it was first brought up earlier that morning. The dark knight detective was hostile at the best of times, and only ever reserved these private conversations should someone make what he determined to be a large mistake. He had heard from several Leaguers about how Batman had berated them over mistakes. Booster Gold, in particular, received his fair share, as did Guy Gardner, the latest Green Lantern of Earth to join the League.
However, what Superman was unsure of was exactly what he had done to warrant such a conversation. Granted, he had some suspicions, but Bruce was notorious for how secretive he could be. The two had decided to don their normal civilian wear and to head for a small café near the Metropolis waterfront for their discussion.
Clark was adamant about going to Bibbo's Diner. Bibbo Bibbowski was a longtime friend of his, and while he may spend more time at his beloved Ace O' Clubs bar than the diner, Bibbo still somehow knew just when Clark would come to the diner, and made sure to be present for him. It was no surprise then that Bibbo was among those to know Clark's secret.
"Apple pie," Clark ordered politely, setting his menu down before the waiter turned to look at Bruce for his own order.
"The Devil's food," Bruce said with a smile before the waiter took their menus and walked to the kitchen. Bruce always had a knack for the billionaire philanthropist disguise. If it weren't for his career as Batman, you'd almost think his smile was his natural face.
"Something tells me this isn't about dessert," Clark said with a light chuckle, trying to keep the conversation light in case the discussion proved to one of dire importance. It always helped when things were less stressful.
Bruce's smile disappeared and his face suddenly took a serious edge. "The boy needs you." The billionaire said simply, referring to Superboy.
"No, he needs you. He needs Red." Clark protested, clearly uncomfortable with what Bruce was suggesting. "I'm just a constant reminder of what he's not."
"Sorry Clark, but you're dead wrong." Bruce disagreed. It was clear to the detective that Clark was stalling, not wanting to give up the real reason for his discomfort. But Bruce decided to put that aside for now. He needed to make sure the seriousness of the situation was made plain to Clark. "Look, I know he troubles you. But he's here. You have to get over the how and why." He continued, as the reporter looked both uncomfortable and contemplative at what he was saying. "Trust me on this. This boy needs his father."
"I'm not his father!" Clark countered, standing up suddenly before looking through the window to the kitchen where Bibbo was watching expectantly. "I'll take that pie to go."
Bibbo nodded at his friend before turning away with a frown. He may now know what was going on, but he knew that Clark was once again too headstrong to be moved on the issue.
As Clark left to pay for his pie, Bruce frowned, watching the reporter carefully as he pulled out a phone, dialling a number.
"Hey Bruce, how'd it go?" Flint's voice answered.
"Not well. We might need a more… formal intervention style for this." Bruce said, making sure Clark wasn't listening in on him. Thankfully, he was too distracted talking to Bibbo.
"I was worried about that. My backup plan is set to go, did you still want me to bring Karen in for this?"
"Yes I would." Bruce nodded, having been informed by Flint about a plan he had for Superboy in case Clark refused to be reasonable on the issue. "This might not happen for a while yet, we'll need to give him time to adjust to the new surroundings. However, I'll want you there as well moving forwards."
"You got it. Keep me posted Bruce." Flint finished before hanging up.
Gotham City – August 3rd, 21:21 EDT
Just outside the city and rapidly rolling down the tracks was a large freight train. The monkeys carrying the crates that held Amazo 2's remains approached the train before one of the cars slid open, allowing them inside. Once inside, they shut the door behind them. However, Superboy was not far behind, as with one last great leap, he landed on the roof of their car before tearing the roof open and jumping inside.
He looked around the car curiously, before the chatter of the monkeys brought his attention forward, seeing a small group of them crowded around a rather short man. He was thin, and his red hair was rapidly greying, but he still had a bemused energy in his eyes. He wore a white shirt and jeans, with a green sweater vest and red bowtie.
He looked at Superboy curiously before fixing him a grin. "Oh, hello." He greeted cheerfully while Superboy just looked at him with mild disappointment.
"You? You're Ivo?" Superboy asked. "I'm whelmed."
"You're one to talk," Ivo replied jovially, before turning to face him. "Now, since when does the big blue boy scout have a brat?"
"He doesn't." the clone scowled.
Ivo simply shrugged at that. "If you say so." He said before gesturing to the robots around him. "Have you met my Mobile Optimal Neural Quotient Infiltrators?" he asked as the aforementioned M.O.N.Q.I.s immediately flew at Superboy to attack him.
This time, the clone was ready for the annoying robots, as he quickly and efficiently destroyed them with ease. One of the heads of the destroyed M.O.N.Q.I.s rolled to Ivo's feet as its chattering laughter slowly died. Ivo sighed, shaking his head. "And after all; the trouble I went through finding an acronym for M.O.N.Q.I."
Superboy smirked in triumph, thinking he had the scientist trapped before another voice could be heard. "Access: Captain Atom." It said, its voice clearly synthesized, before a massive beam of energy struck Superboy in the chest, sending him flying through several crates until he hit the wall.
Ivo smirked, standing over the fallen clone as Superboy slowly tried to stand. "Since Professor Ivo's magnificent M.O.N.Q.I.s don't float your boat, maybe my amazing Amazo 2 will better suit you." He mused as the now fully reassembled Amazo 2 walked up behind his creator. "Or… better slay you."
Superboy looked at the robot, wiping a spot of blood from his lips before he stood up defiantly. "Give me your best shot."
The M.O.N.Q.I.s laughed, almost like they were mocking the clone, while Ivo stifled his own laughter. "Please. My android has the strength of Superman, what chance do you have?" he scoffed. Superboy growled dangerously in response before rushing at Amazo 2, attempting to strike it with a powerful punch.
Amazo 2 was quick to respond as it countered every blow Superboy attempted to land, easily blocking and redirecting every one of Superboy's punches. The clone would not be deterred though as he struck harder and faster, looking for an opening, until he struck the android across the face, quite literally turning its head around from the force of the blow.
Amazo 2 was unfazed by the blow as his head returned to its normal position, apparently unharmed, before catching Superboy's next punch tightly. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did that strike a nerve?" Ivo asked with a mocking laugh. "Amazo 2, strike a few more."
The android immediately complied as he punched Superboy hard enough that the clone hit the ceiling, before falling back down onto more crates, breaking them from the force of the impact. Superboy slowly stood again, shaking a little on his feet, before the android spoke. "Access: Black Canary." It said before its mouth split open and it emitted a shrill, supersonic scream. Superboy grasped his head painfully as the force of the sonic waves knocked him across the train car.
"Access: Flash." The android said before closing the distance to his opponent and delivering several dozen powerful punches and kicks. Superboy collapsed on the floor again as Ivo sighed in disappointment.
"Oh no wonder daddy keeps you hidden away. You're not really doing justice to the old S shield, are you?" the scientist asked with a cruel laugh.
Superboy lashed out again in anger, as the android countered again. "Access: Martian Manhunter." It said before using intangibility to avoid the blow as Superboy's own momentum set him off balance. "Access: Salamandra." It said before its right fist was engulfed in fire and he punched Superboy again, sending the clone flying out of the train car, and onto the next one that was carrying a bulldozer.
Superboy collided with the bulldozer painfully, before the android leapt out after him, grasping him by the throat. "Access: Superman." It spoke before punching Superboy with a wicked haymaker, sending the clone flying for a few miles until he crashed through the windows of Gotham Academy, colliding with the desks of a classroom inside until he came to a stop.
Amazo watched from the train before turning to Ivo, awaiting instruction. Ivo seemed to think for a moment before shrugging. "Finish him. Priority alpha." He ordered before the Android flew after the clone.
"So, do you have any problem with me killing him once we find him?" Keemia asked Robin as the two sped along the road, entering Gotham City limits. Robin rode on his bike, still in battle mode (albeit without the now destroyed drone), while Keemia simply flew alongside him with her magic. "I mean, he disobeyed orders, and Kaldur made me in charge of discipline."
"Unofficially. You're unofficially in charge of discipline." Robin pointed out.
"Unofficially yes. But I still am." She frowned. "Which reminds me, I still need to discipline you for your horrible butchering of the English language."
"I am not butchering the English language!" he defended. "I am rediscovering what are clearly base words lost to time."
"There's a reason they were lost Pigeon." She sighed before Barry suddenly sped to catch up with them.
"You changed too?" Robin asked, gesturing to how he, Keemia, and Barry were all in their usual uniforms as opposed to their biker uniforms.
"You kidding? I feel naked in civvies." The speedster retorted.
"Please do not mention you being naked in my presence again." Keemia scowled.
"What's the matter? The thought overwhelming you?" he grinned.
"Ew, no." she gagged before focusing on the road ahead.
Barry rolled his eyes before looking at Robin. "Still tracking the parts?"
"They were heading through Gotham, but they veered," Robin said, looking at the screen on his bike he was using to track the parts. He saw the path they were following before looking at Kid Flash in surprise. "Wait… dude, they're at my school!"
"We have to go to your school for this now?" Keemia asked. "I should check your English grades while we're there. I need to know now if your merciless butchering of language has affected those too."
Inside Gotham Academy, there were numerous glass cabinets prominently displaying the numerous awards and accolades won by the students who attended. Several of these included trophies and ribbons for academic excellence won by one Tim Drake, pictured holding a trophy he won from an academic decathlon the year before.
Unfortunately, this cabinet was swiftly destroyed by Superboy's body as the Amazo 2 android had finally caught up with the clone, resuming their fight. Superboy groaned painfully, laying limply among the broken glass before the android picked him up again, and threw him down the hallway to his left.
He collided with several lockers before hitting the ground painfully. This time, however, he was quick to stand up, grasping one of the open locker doors for support. One of the notes inside the locker caught his eye, as he looked to see a picture of Superman. However it was surrounded by numerous pink hearts, clearly owned by someone with a crush on the Man of Steel.
Superboy growled, punching the door off of its hinges before running at Amazo 2 again. The android countered him blow for blow, sending the clone flying through numerous walls until he crashed into the chemistry lab. Superboy looked at the android standing over him before getting a second wind. "That all you got…?" he asked weakly.
He soon got his answer.
"Access: Sandman." It said before forming a massive mace and sending Superboy through yet another wall, this time, knocking the clone into the gym. He fell to and rolled along the floor, before hearing the faint sound of someone clapping. Looking up, he saw Ivo, having caught up with them as he sat in the bleachers with his two remaining M.O.N.Q.I.s.
"I don't usually attend these things in person, but this was too good to miss." He smirked before Amazo 2 arrived.
"Access: Superman." It spoke, before looking at Superboy expectantly.
For what felt like the millionth time that night, Superboy and the android once again started an exchange of blows. While Superboy wasn't nearly as naïve to the android's capabilities as he was when he entered the fight, the difference in power was still staggering, as Amazo 2 quite literally pushed him around, repeatedly slapping and kicking the clone.
As Superboy was sent crashing to the ground again, the android raised his arms, preparing to bring them down on the clone with a decisive blow. However, Kid Flash arrived, speeding in and grabbing his teammate. "Yoink!" he said before pulling the clone out of danger as Amazo 2's fists struck the floor instead. He ran to the other side of the bleachers, where Robin and Djinn were waiting for them to check on Superboy.
"That was way too close." Keemia grimaced as Kid Flash set Superboy down on the ground.
"Why don't we just call the original Amazo to help?" Barry suggested.
"Do you really want the robot with the ability to move a planet with his mind, near a robot that can copy any power near him?" she scoffed.
"Hey, to be fair, the original could do that too." Barry shrugged before Robin threw a batarang at the advancing Amazo 2.
"Access: Martian Manhunter." It said as the projectile flew through its head harmlessly. "Access: Red Tornado." It said before rushing at them with a whirlwind ready to strike them.
"Etapissid eht dniw!" Keemia cast hastily, stopping the wind, but not stopping the android's momentum as it flew toward them.
"Access: Salamandra." It spoke before punching her with a flame-covered fist. Keemia cried out in pain as she was sent across the gym before impacting with the bleachers painfully. Once she was sent flying, the android immediately knocked Kid Flash, Superboy, and Robin away, sending them scattering across the gym from his blows.
Barry stood up quickly, seeing the android advancing on him. "Access: Captain Atom." It spoke before firing a beam of energy at the young speedster. Barry was quick to dodge though, rushing around behind the bleachers before attempting to attack again from behind. The android turned, expecting the speedster. "Access: Black Canary." It said before firing a supersonic wave, sending Kid Flash flying backwards.
"Ugh, why couldn't it choose to access someone like Flatman?" Keemia groaned standing again before removing her gloves and focusing on the floor below the android. The alchemic circles on her hands glowed before the wood rapidly eroded and deteriorated, collapsing beneath the weight of the android.
"Access: Red Tornado." The android said before flying on another tornado, using the wind to fling some of the boards at Keemia.
She raised her hands in front of her as the tattoos glowed again, transmuting the boards harmlessly into ashes as they blew past her before smirking. "Let's try this one." She decided before pointing at the air in front of her, igniting the oxygen much like Shimmer did when they fought.
The android simply choked the fire, blowing the explosion away harmlessly before using the wind to draw the oxygen away from Keemia. The girl clutched her throat, struggling to breathe before the android suddenly stopped, sensing something approaching. "Access: Superman." It said, before catching the fist of Superboy, who was now back in the fight, before punching him away.
The clone landed on the bleachers behind Robin before the Boy Wonder threw numerous explosive discs at the android. "Access: Martian Manhunter." Amazo 2 said again, before stretching its arms to swat the discs away as they exploded harmlessly behind him. It then followed up, attempting to strike Robin, as the nimbler hero dove out of the way.
Kid Flash rushed back in, attempting to strike Amazo 2 again, only for the android to catch him and wrap the speedster in a tight bear hug. "Access: Superman." It said before using enhanced strength to start crushing him. Before it could get too far, it suddenly turned its head. "Martian Manhunter." It said before going intangible to avoid an arrow that flew at his head, dropping Barry in the process, as the arrow embedded in the floor next to Robin.
Superboy ran out from the hole his impact with the bleachers made before Amazo 2 countered yet another one of his blows. "Access: Black Canary." It said before catching Superboy and throwing him over his shoulders, and into the bleachers directly across from Ivo, the irony not being lost on the young heroes.
However, it wasn't quite done yet. "Superman." It spoke before copying the Man of Steel's heat vision and firing multiple beams at Robin and Kid Flash. Keemia dove in the way, trying to block some with a shield, however, they still singed her hand, causing her to cry out in pain as Robin and Kid Flash moved to help her.
Superboy stood up, looking around the gym and seeing the android watching his teammates carefully, while Keemia shakily healed her hand with another spell. His mind wandered back to when the android threw him only seconds before as he remembered the choice of ability. "Access: Black Canary…" he muttered before Ivo sighed loudly.
"Oh, yawn." The inventor said in disinterest. "Normally Amazo would study and mimic your abilities during battle, but what's the point? Aside from the sorceress, you're all such poor copies of the originals."
Superboy smirked at that, a plan forming as he focused on Ivo. "So everyone keeps saying. It makes me angry!" he yelled before leaping across to the inventor. Ivo only barely avoided him as Superboy landed on the last two M.O.N.Q.I.s and crushed them with ease.
"Oh god, he's gone rabid," Keemia muttered as the three heroes turned to watch. Even Amazo 2 stopped what he was doing to see the clone attacking Ivo.
"Want to see me channel that anger?!" Superboy yelled as Kid Flash grimaced.
"Yep, he's ballistic again." He said before Robin cupped his chin in thought.
"Maybe not…"
"A-Amazo, protect your master! Priority alpha!" Ivo said nervously, scrambling to get away from the now seemingly enraged Superboy, who missed yet another blow against the scientist.
"Captain Atom." The android said before blasting the clone with another laser. However, as Ivo tried to stand, Robin made his move.
"Anyone want to play keep away?" Robin grinned before kicking Ivo across the floor.
"Ooh, me! Me!" Kid Flash grinned, rushing at the inventor. Amazo 2 simply narrowed his eyes.
"Access: Superman." The android said, before stomping on the ground to cause a shockwave that sent Kid Flash crashing to the ground.
"My turn! My turn!" Keemia laughed before flying at Ivo, only for the android to try punching her again. She ducked her head swiftly, narrowly avoiding the blow before Robin threw another batarang at Amazo 2.
"Martian Manhunter," the android said, the batarang flying through harmlessly much like the last one. As it did however, Superboy rushed in, swinging a punch at the android's head.
"Superman." Amazo 2 said before turning solid again. However, Superboy's fist was still in the way as he did, causing the android to turn solid around his arm, destroying the cybernetics in its head. It sparked for a moment before exploding, sending Superboy flying back as the now headless android fell to the ground uselessly.
"Heh, now that's using your head." Keemia laughed, helping Superboy up.
"Help me disassemble him, now!" Robin said hurriedly, running over as Kid Flash shook his head.
"Dude, the guy has no head." The speedster pointed out.
"Don't take any chances!" Kaldur said, finally arriving with Miss Martian and Ace in tow. M'Gann immediately rushed over to where Superboy was. "Superboy, are you alright?"
"I'm fine." He nodded. "Feeling the aster." He said, looking to Robin as the Boy Wonder smirked.
"Oh god it's spreading." Keemia groaned as Ace walked to her.
"Are you okay?" the girl asked shyly.
"Me? Yeah, I'm fine. Got burned, punched, and chocked… yep, just another day on the job." Keemia nodded before giving Ace a grin. "Thanks for checkin' though."
"Hey, where's Ivo?" Kid Flash asked before the team looked around in surprise. Somehow in the scuffle, the inventor had managed to escape without them noticing, leaving them behind in the remains of the gymnasium.
Mount Justice – August 4th, 01:06 EDT
"The Amazo 2 android is in pieces again," Kaldur reported, the team standing behind him. Batman, Black Canary, Red Tornado, Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter, Salamandra, and the original Amazo all stood to hear his report. "It is safely being analyzed at the two separate S.T.A.R. labs."
"I would like to put forward that I believe every fragment should be destroyed," Amazo said. "I was made with free will, and the capability to evolve, so I moved past the necessity for destruction. This… Amazo 2… was clearly made and programmed exclusively for such destruction."
"Be that as it may, the only scientist able to do so is Professor Ivo." Batman countered.
"But Ivo escaped." Aqualad reminded them. "And since he is free he may return for the android, or else construct another one."
"Capturing the professor will be a League priority." Black Canary answered while Martian Manhunter folded his arms.
"But we understand your mission encountered other complications." The older Martian said as Superboy looked away sheepishly.
"Complications come with the job," Batman said, walking towards them. "Your ability to handle them has impressed the League."
"The whole League?" Superboy asked hopefully.
"Given time, yes." Batman nodded, ever so slightly. "Kryptonians, as you know, have very hard heads." He said, with just the faintest hint of a smirk. Superboy smiled at that, the good news definitely lifting his spirits.
"Of course, there's no shame in asking for help." Batman continued. "That's why the League exists, because there are some problems even we can't handle individually."
Robin scoffed at that. "Puh-lease! If we needed help, we'd never get the chance to ask. Look familiar?" He asked before pulling out the arrow that was fired at Amazo 2 during their fight. "Look familiar? You were following us! Babysitting! You still don't trust us!" He accused as Green Arrow stepped forward to examine the arrow curiously.
"We didn't follow you," Batman said as Green Arrow pulled out one of his own arrows for comparison. There was a very visible difference between the two.
"That's not your arrow…" Robin said in surprise before his eyes widened. "Then that means—"
"Speedy!" Barry said with a grin.
"He has our backs." Kaldur nodded.
"Nice to know those months of friendship weren't for nothing," Keemia said in relief.
Ollie continued to study the arrow Robin had showed him before Barry suddenly snatched it from his hand with a grin. "Souvenir!" the speedster said excitedly, while Batman and Green Arrow exchanged knowing looks behind their backs.
The team slowly started to dissipate, each moving to get home. As Ace walked off, Keemia would grasp her wrist gently to stop her. "Hey, in case I haven't said it yet, welcome to the team."
"Thanks. That means a lot." She nodded to her.
"We should totally hang out too. Outside the team I mean." Keemia continued.
"R-really? You mean it?" Ace asked in surprise.
"Totally! We're friends, aren't we?"
"Yeah. I guess we are."
"Awesome! See you around then." Keemia grinned before walking off as Ace took the teleporter home. Once Ace was gone, Keemia walked back over to where Superboy had moved over to Black Canary. The blonde heroine looked at Superboy expectantly as the clone looked away almost nervously.
"I'm ready." He said, his voice coming out almost as a whisper.
"Good." Canary nodded, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Because I'm here. We'll start the combat training again tomorrow. I expect you'll be there?"
"I will. Promise." He nodded before Canary departed with Green Arrow to go back to Star City.
Superboy watched them leave before hearing Keemia clearing her throat behind him. "Hey Superboy, you busy?"
"No, why?" the clone asked.
"Good, because I got something to ask you. And show you." She nodded before forming a large magic circle in front of them. "Ekat su emoh" she cast before conjuring a large portal that revealed a doorway on the other side. Keemia smirked before stumbling a little in fatigue, Superboy quick to catch her. "Thanks for the catch. Doing a spell like that can take a lot out of me given the distance. Now, shall we?" she grinned before stepping through the portal, Superboy close behind her.
Once they were through, the portal closed as Keemia opened the door in front of them. "Welcome to my humble abode." She greeted as Superboy looked around curiously.
"You brought me to your house?"
"Yep, she did." Flint nodded, appearing from around the corner, a drink in his hand. "Come on in, make yourself at home."
"Um, thanks…" Superboy, said awkwardly as Zatanna entered.
"You used a long distance transport spell again didn't you?" she said in an accusatory tone, looking at Keemia. Keemia at least had the decency to act sheepish. Key word being act.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. It's too much magical stress, and it can leave me drained. But it worked, didn't it?" Keemia pointed out, Z simply rolling her eyes before Flint put his arms around her.
"Now, Superboy, there's a reason we brought you here," Flint said as Superboy now looked at him with rapt attention. "I know that it's been a little hard for you, since you basically got nowhere to stay right now. Living in the cave can't be the most comfortable thing in the world." He started before looking at him seriously. "So we thought we'd make the offer for you to come and live with us."
"You want me to stay here? With you?" he asked in disbelief.
"Yep. I figured you could use an actual home to stay in that wasn't just a hollow mountain." Keemia said with a smirk, her arms folded as she leaned on the counter.
"Now you don't have to accept, but we figured it might help if you had a family to stay with," Flint added. Superboy flinched slightly at the mention of family, before silently starting to consider their offer. After a few minutes, he nodded.
"Yeah… I'd like that. Thank you." He said graciously.
"Awesome! Now, come with me, I can show you where you'll sleep." Keemia said before dragging Superboy off to the guest room. "This'll be your new room. We can grab your stuff from the cave tomorrow. But there is one thing you're gonna need if you're staying here."
"What's that?" he asked.
"A name."
"A… name?" he repeated, his eyebrow raised in confusion.
"Yep. If you're gonna live here, we can't just call you Superboy, not with all the neighbours around us. Besides, if you're gonna go to school someday, you're gonna need a name." she reasoned.
"Makes sense…" he nodded slowly. "What should my name be then?"
Keemia thought for a moment before picking up a book of names and their meanings from her room, and gesturing to Superboy. "Give me one of your hairs."
"What?"
"Trust me! It'll help me find your perfect name," she said, holding her hand out expectantly. He carefully pulled one of his hairs before placing it in her hand. Her eyes glowed briefly before she clasped her hand around the hair, and placed it over the book. "Eius nomen ad perfectum reperies." She cast in Latin as the book suddenly opened with the pages reputedly being turned back and forth from cover to cover. After a few seconds, she dropped the hair don the whirling pages before the pages stilled and the hair landed, pointing at the chosen name.
"Conner?" Superboy asked.
"Yep. It's an old Gaelic name, meaning strength. It also means hound, but I don't think that counts in this case." She chuckled as he grinned.
"Conner… I like it." He agreed.
"Then your name is Conner." She said definitively. "See you tomorrow then." She smiled before heading to the door.
"Wait, I wanted to ask you something…" Conner said as Keemia stopped, turning to face him.
"What is it?"
"When Amazo… the golden one I mean… came to the cave before the mission, he mentioned he was looking for someone that he had yet to find. And that made you upset. Who's he looking for?" Conner asked as Keemia's face fell. Her eyes seemed lifeless as she looked at the floor for a moment. After she had collected herself, she reached towards her room again before drawing a picture to them, holding it in front of Conner.
"This is Dr. Fate, a former member of the Justice League. He was the Sorcerer Supreme of this Earth and this dimension, as well as founder of the Dark Division." She said before waving her hand as the picture changed from the costumed version of Dr. Fate to his human guise. "But, he was also known as Kent Nelson. He was one of my mentors, and as far as I was concerned, he was also my uncle. And for the last year now, he's been missing."
"What happened to him?"
"We don't know." She sighed. "One day, he just, disappeared. He closed the Tower of Fate while it was empty, leaving the Helmet inside. After that, he hadn't been seen again. The Justice League, Dark Division, and Amazo have all been searching for him, to no avail."
Conner frowned at that, before walking up to her and placing a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure we'll find him… I'll help you find him."
She wiped away a stray tear that threatened to fall from her eyes before nodding gratefully. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."
"Hey," he chuckled lightly. "What are friends for?"
And there you have it! Another chapter done!
Surprised by some of the changes? I definitely had fun making it, especially choreographing the fights. Also, Ace has now been officially introduced to the team! But lo and behold, another team member is coming...
And it seems that Kent Nelson is missing as well.
Next time, on Alchemic Justice, the team might just have an Infiltrator with not one... but TWO new members?!
The girl from CADMUS, finally comes out into the world!
As always be sure to read and review!
Ciao for now!
~WafflesTheApprentice