Chapter 3:
Loyalties
For the past week, I have been going to the cave to get to know the rest of the team. If no one was really around, I would train by myself with my katana's or hand to hand combat. I contemplated the thought of asking the rest of the team join me, that way when we get our first mission we will be ready to work together, but I always get shy and never get to ask. I know that they are my friends now, my teammates, but I think that is why I do not want to say anything. I still do not have a clear understanding of the minds of teenagers my age. I do not want to come off too harsh, or bossy, and say something that might offend them. At the same time, I know I should speak my mind. I should be able and make myself comfortable around these people, that is how trust is built. Maybe I should wait until after we have gain a leader and give him or her my suggestions. Hopefully I am not chosen for the position, I am too new at the being a hero thing.
Still, sometimes M'gann would come in and notice me training, a few of those times I have trained with her. She even asked me to teach her some hand to hand combat, though she is a long range fighter. When we are not training, we are always watching t.v or cooking, something she could improve in. Superboy and I have had a sort of sibling bond. He stays silent most of the times, but when we do talk it is fun.
The other boys and I do not see each other as often. I have seen Robin and Kid Flash once or twice in the week we have been put on a team together. During those times, we have had fun together. Robin and I typically talk about technology, and different weapons, considering I know how to use a wide variety of them. I have a type of photographic memory, or as I like to call it, a mental library. Most knowledge is at my disposal because it was implanted in my brain when I was made. That included fighting styles, weapons, and tactics as well as subject knowledge. Often times, having a mental library makes me feel less human. I already am sensitive about the fact that I am an experiment, made and not born like others, but being so robotic makes me feel even less than that.
Kid Flash seems nice. I have gotten to talk to him on some occasions. After he realized that I was a girl though, the atmosphere has changed around the two of us. He seems to be even nicer than before. Sometimes I catch him eyeing me, the same way I have caught myself eyeing Aqualad, which is embarrassing to admit.
Aqualad and I have seen each other the most out of than my other teammates. It was on a patrol with Hawkgirl and Aquaman, that we were able to talk. During that time, we had caught a group of burglars and a gang, which was sort of fun. We had gotten to know each other even better than I had gotten to know M'gann and Superboy. The whole time we were together though, my heart raced. And every other time I see I get flustered a bit too. The feeling is unfamiliar to me though.
My eyes fluttered open to see my small, blue bedroom. A smile danced onto my lips as I lifted myself out of my bed and towards the closet. Today is going to be different, I can feel it. Ms. Shayera walked my room, since I hardly ever keep my door closed in her apartment, with a serious almost worried expression on her face.
"Hey suit up. You're going on a mission today."I raised my brow at her as I began to say excitedly,
"With the team?"
"Solo." My heart dropped as i heard what she said. I looked down and thought of all the possible reasons for this.
"Is this about him?" My voice came out low and a cold, so much so that it almost scared , which is hard to do. The sweet, nice, caring girl they all came to know and love was temporarily replace with the opposite. This happened whenever he was mentioned to me, much to everyone's dismay. Today was no exception. I am now in my battle mood. Cold, uncaring, and ruthless. Ms. Shayera looked down to the floor before sighing and looking at me.
"We found a lead, you'll get briefed in the cave, so get dressed." I nodded and began to get myself ready, pulling on my usual fighting outfit. I pulled my long, wavy, white hair into a high ponytail, then pinned my right side bang and left bang to the sides . My strange silver eyes looked over my appearance with satisfaction, despite the fact that my face showed no emotion. I grabbed my blue and white facial mask and pulled it on top of my head, then strapped my katana onto my left hip. I looked around my room one last time before letting out my breath. Time to go.
Recognized B09 Archangel
Recognized B10 Hawkgirl
Hawkgirl and I walked through the zeta tube, towards the briefing room. My mind for the moment was solely on what they have discovered about the madman who created me. The man who means to start an Apocolypse. The man that must be stopped.
"Archangel, Hawkgirl!" A voice said knocking me out of my thoughts. I turned to my right to see Aqualad walking towards us with a smile on his face. My mood automatically lighten up as I pulled my mask up, and waved at the Atlantian. He smiled at me causing butterflies to flutter in my stomach as my heart began to race again.
"Hawkgirl, may I have a few minutes with Aqualad?" Hawkgirl sighed and nodded her head
"I don't care what you do with your boyfriend. Have fun." My face began to heat up from embarrassment, but before I could object to anything she gave me a wink and walked into the briefing room. I turned towards the boy with a small smile.
"Hello, Aqualad." He gave me another small smile as he put a hand on my shoulder, making chills go down my spine.
"We're off duty, you can call me Kaldur'ahm. Actually, my friends call me Kaldur." A warm feeling entered my stomach as I gave him a smile.
"Well you already know my name is Rose. Rose Hall." A small red tint crept across his face as he smiled at me.
"That's a beautiful name." Blood rushed to my own cheeks as I smiled politely. My head turned to the side as I tried to hide my blush.
"Thank you. I like your name too." There was a short and brief silence that filled the air as both of smiled at each other.
"Why do you have your uniform on?" He asked out of the blue. That's when I remembered my mission. To get the man who created me. My face went back into my serious one, as I stared at the handsome teenage boy.
"Actually, I have a solo mission I must go on. It is verypersonal. I am sorry that I must do it alone though. I was hoping my first mission would be with you all as a team." My face fell as I spoke on. Kaldur lifted my head up slightly with a small smile.
"That's understandable. I'm sure the team will understand as well. May I ask what the mission is?" My breath hitches as I tensed slightly. Among the Justice league, there were those who felt that I should be annihilated for the safety of the League. This case was especially true when I was first taken to the League. In that time everyone but the founding members felt I was a threat and could snap at any moment. Of course, this was before many of them met me. After interacting with a multitude of them, they began to realize I had no intentions of harming anyone that meant to do good onto the world. I fear that could happen with the young Justice League team as well, so until I fully trust them and they fullly trust me, I can not reveal my origins. They would hate me, not trust me at all. Unlike Superboy, I am not a clone, I was made to annihilate the entire Justice League by any means. Not just in case they were to fall or fail to live up to their duties. I was meant to bring about the Apocalypse. Who would trust an experiment like that? My eyes fell to the ground as I grabbed my arm.
"Um, let us just say that.. there is a bad man I must capture." My voice came out in sadness and anger.
"I understand. Be safe." I turned to go to the brief room, when suddenly Kaldur called out my name. I stopped dead in my tracks and turned to face him. His face remained serious as he thoughtfully looked at me.
"If you need to talk to anyone, I'm here." I smiled and nodded at him before pulling my mask down. My heart began to finally slow down from its rapid beating as I walked into the brief room. My smile grew slightly as I thought of Kaldur. He called me his friend, and touched my face! My hand reached up and held the spot that he touched. It still tingled slightly even though his hand left my cheek long ago. A blush came onto my face as I thought of his smile. A happy sigh escaped my lips as I walked towards a separate room for my mission. I love this job.
Putting my mask on the table, I took a seat next to Hawkgirl, who gave me a smug look from the blush and smile I held on my face. Rolling my eyes, I elbowed her in the arm and looked towards Batman. He put a file in front of me with a picture of the man that made me scowl. His long blond hair fell down below his shoulders, as he dramatically, and suspiciously looked back towards god knows what. His white lab made him stand out in the crowd that had been dramatically blurred out. A growl escaped my lips as I looked at the name of the man I so hate. Dr. James Oz.
"We spotted him in Star City 2 weeks ago. Our intelligence tells us he's set up shop in a Netsworth building. Your mission is to investigate only. Do not engage. Good luck." I nodded in understanding as Batman spoke. It is only natural that they would want me to be cautious in a situation like this. I do want to destroy the man, sending me on a mission strictly meant for me to investigate him must have needed a long discussion as it is. Making contact with him would have been asking for too much. My footsteps clapped behind me as I read the file thoroughly. A determined glint came into my eyes as I set the file down and walked to the zeta tubes. This was it.
I was beamed to an empty alleyway in the downtown Star city. My wings stretched wide as I jumped into the air and flew up high enough that I would merely look like a bird from the ground. Once I spotted the building a few blocks away, I began to lower myself down discretely. A chill came down my spine as my instincts took over. Swiftly I dived to the right to dodge an incoming arrow. I took out my katana and looked down to the perpetrator.
A boy with fiery red hair stood on a building front of me. A black mask covered his eyes and red fabric wrapped around his body. A red bow and red arrows were strapped behind his back, showing me he was an archer. His bare masculine muscular arms stretched his red bow as an annoyed look spread across his face. If I am not mistaken, his name used to be Speedy, Green Arrow's former protege. It is to be expected, however, that he would want to change his name after the incident that has happened between him and Green Arrow.
He sent another arrow my way making my adrenaline to race. I dived down only to see a drone fall down next to me. I raised a brow and sheathed my katana. He must have been aiming at those drones the whole time. How did I not notice them earlier? My eyes widened slightly to see 4 or 5 of the same small drones hovering above me. I let out a deep sigh before flying up to them. The lot of them were incredibly inconvenient to me. Almost to the point that it was frustrating.
"Watch out!" I heard the former protege yell. I glanced over to him for a split second before waving at him with my free hand. The drones all came towards me as I brought my katana up. In a swift, fluent motion I destroyed all but 1 drone. I looked at it and sheathed my katana as it came towards me. Then I grabbed it and glared at it harshly. I sent numerous amounts of electric voltage into the drone frying its system then let it fall to my hands. This is something I should let Batman see so we can investigate. The fact the it was attacking me was enough to make him want to look at it, but once he's with it, Robin will have a field day.
My attention turns towards the red headed boy as I slowly glide down to the building. Anger and discomfort spread across his face as he let go of the arrow he held, launching it at me. My eyes widened as I swiftly dodged it. My hands flew up in an attempt to express that I meant no harm.
"Calm down. I am not your enemy." I said slowly and calmly landing a few feet away from him. His harsh glare intensified as he held his weapon to me.
"Why were those drones after you?" He asked me I shrugged my shoulders as I walked towards the boy ever so slowly, his arrow still ready to fire.
"I supposed it is due to Dr. Oz, a crazed scientist, why did you help me?" I asked nonchalantly
"Why wasn't your guard up?" He responded with a strong harshness in his voice
"I have heightened senses, if Oz sent those drones, then he could have done something to them to ensure I could not sense them." For a moment everything was silent. We simply stared at each other waiting for the next response. The former protege was the first to speak up.
"Who are you?" I pulled my mask up as I gave him a polite smile.
"I am Archangel, I was sent on a mission by the Justice League to investigate Dr. Oz. If I am not mistaken, you are Green Arrow's former protege Spe-" He rudely grunted and cut me off in the middle of my sentence
"Red Arrow. And I was his former partner. Or at least that's what I thought I was. Aqualad told me about you. Told me you just dropped in and help them on Independence Day, and now you're on some junior Justice League with them." Red Arrow sneered I looked at him for a moment before sighing and continuing. Despite his rudeness and obvious slight dislike for me, he did help me and for that he deserves my gratitude.
"Yes. Thank you for the assistance, but I must be going now." I said as I turned away. A hand gripped my wrist causing me to stop in my tracks and look back.
"You're going to investigate by yourself? From what I know of you, you're still pretty new at this." Red arrow stated in slight surprise. I raised a brow at him confused by his actions. If I am not mistaken the teen did leave to go solo. Why is he pestering me about something he himself is doing? My eyes traveled over him in curiosity as I tried to think of the possible reason he cared for my safety. We have just met and it was only seconds ago that the lost boy had been pointing an arrow at me with hostility. Now, though he did not say it out loud, he wanted my safety. I sighed and grabbed his hand.
"You are welcome to join me if you would like. I could use someone who can keep me in check." I lied. If my cover were to be blown, I would want no one in the way of my fight with the deranged scientist. Red Arrow reluctantly nodded his head and I grabbed his hand and pulled him up with me to building. I explained to him the mission and the man that we were looking for as we landed on the empty cooperate building. He seemed to get the general idea of what was to happened, but I could tell that one thing was bothering him. Another sigh escaped my lips as the silence or suspicion surrounded the two of us. Without warning I turned towards the boy.
"I know what you're thinking of something. Just ask your question so we can get on with the mission." I said impatiently. The boy looked at me suspiciously before finally speaking up.
"With a mission as serious as an Apocalypse, I would've bet that Batman or Superman, would want to investigate. Instead, they send a newb to do it. What are you hiding?"
"If I told you, you would not trust me." I state apathetically
"I barely trust you now." He countered, Though my composure was calm and collect, inside I was terrified. This boy, in so little time, had discovered I was hiding something. He was onto me. And the fact that he was someone close to me teammates made me even more scared than I previously was. If he knew, he would surely notify my new friends, and they would not trust me. They would likely hate me, and no longer want me to be on the team. Everything I have wanted since my new freedom, everything I have previously acquired would be lost. If he find out for himself, he would definitely tell them, then I would truly be hated.
"Ignorance is bliss." I stated as I pushed past him and walked into the building.
We walked down the stairs of the empty scientist building and immediately looked for clues. Using my excessive hearing, I tried to tune into anything that sounded suspicious. Much to my misfortune, I could hear nothing. Oz more than likely did something so that I could not hear anything, just in case I came too close. Just like he had done for the drones. My eyes landed to an elevator door as Red arrow searched around for more clues.
"What exactly are we supposed to be looking for, Sparky?" He said, I let out an irritated huff, and ignored the ridiculous nickname he had given me. Then I walked over to the elevator and looked over it. Please do not tell me he actually went with the cliche. I grabbed in between both the doors then ripped it apart, revealing several hidden underground stories. I rolled my eyes, it is just like Camdus was. No exactly how project Camdus was. How unoriginal. Red Arrow walked beside me and looked down. A slight chuckle escaped my lips as I held my hand out to him and stretched my wings.
"I supposed you get to have your underground trip now." Red Arrow grabbed my hands and we flew down into the elevator shaft.
There were only about five sub levels in the building, but in between first level and the sub levels were four or five layers of earth. Once I got past all those levels, I went to the fourth sub level and Red Arrow opened the up the door. I flew in and tucked my wings away so we can remain silent. Motioning Red Arrow to come, we carefully walked through the hospital like hallways. The bright lights illuminated around us as we inspected the hallway. There were a couple of cameras around, Red Arrow and I easily disabled them.
We continued to walk until we came to awide open room. It was similar to the one I was made in, only larger. The light were off, weakening my vision of the room. I walked to the wall and let my electricity flow through my hands into the circuits. The lights illuminated the room, and our eyes widened at the horror that surrounded us. Body parts, both animal and human were organized around the room. A bin full of arms and legs were to the sides, while tails, and ears were placed in jars on shelves around the room and wings sickly suspended from the ceiling. My stomach turned at the sight. It was as if I had walked into some psychotic horror film, or I am in a nightmare though It does not feel real. I looked to the wall that held the Super computer and gasped out loud. On the large wall, there were full sized animals, more than likely dead, in large carabiners filled with plasma-like gel. I stumbled and learned onto the supercomputers large keyboard. My God, this is far worse than I had expected to see, it is just like Cadmus! No. This is far worse than Cadmus ever was. This takes genetic experimentation far worse than anyone in the League had perceived.
I held back the urge to vomit and tried to think straight. Focus Rose, focus. Angrily, I typed on the keyboard to hack into the system and try to figure out what was going on. What could Oz be up to? He has already made me, and if he wants me back as he once said he did, he would not waste time making another, though that is a probability.
"What are you doing?" Red Arrow asked
"What does it looks like? I am hacking into the system." Finally, I found the files on what was going on here. I scrolled down to the bottom to see the amount of files there were. I pulled out my flash drive and plugged it into the computer to save it all and give to Batman. Then I clicked onto a file. A picture of a boy who looked like a tiger. He could not be anymore than 10 years old, which made the matter even worse. His tiger fur covered his body while avian like wings coming out of his back. The boy looked tired, scared, and sad.
Experiment 715: Project: Endgame Codename: Disciple
DNA: 45% Tiger 10% Bird 45% Human
Abilities: Flight, Strength, Keen sight, Claws
Mission: Aid in creation of the New World
Notes: After 1 year of testing, experiment failed to produce requirements.
EXPERIMENT TERMINATED.
My heart stopped and my eyes widened after I read the screen. Fear began to crawl onto my heart as I began to realize just how heartless these people are. They terminated a little boy. They killed a little boy. Frantically, I switched to a different file. This one had a snake like girl, with green scales covering her body. She had snake like eyes that held sadness and fear.
Experiment 716: Project:Endgame Codename: Disciple
DNA:50% Cobra 50% Human
Abilities: Speed, strength, flexibility, telekinesis
Mission: Aid in the New World
Notes: After 2 years of testing, experiment has failed to produce requirements.
EXPERIMENT TERMINATED.
All the experiments after that were exactly the same. Terminated. Killed for not producing the required results. Impatiently, I skipped to the end to see the most recent project, but what I saw horrified me more. A full blown picture of me, my eyes closed and I was in my old containment pod.
Experiment 725: Project: Apocalypse Codename: Archangel
DNA: 30% Angel 70% other
Mission: Lead the creation of the New world
"What the hell is going on?!" Red Arrow said as he pointed his arrow at my face. I had almost completely forgotten that he was here. His face harden as he glared down at me. I pulled the flashdrive out and jumped at the sound of his tone, dropping the flashdrive
"Is this what you didn't want to tell me?! Are you working for them?!" Electricity sparked in the air as I grew angry of his accusation. I was about to explain to him the situation when a scorching pain erupted from between my wings. I yelled out in pain as darkness clouded my vision. Red Arrow began to fall unconscious too just as a familiar laugh echoed in my ears. My consciousness slipped into an abyss as I growled, knowing the cause of it. We were playing into his plan by coming here. Each and every thing that has happened so far, from the picture of him to the that horrible room, were apart of his scheme to get me here. Why could I not have seen it before?
I groaned slightly as l began to wake up. I was in a dark cell with little to no ways to escape. The large door had a small square window, which was barred like a jail cell. I was laying on a small bed that was chained to the wall. Panic rushed through my heart when I thought I was all alone. I have a fear of being alone in trapped small spaces. It reminds me of when I was still in the hands of that lunatic, when I was closed off from the world and the only thing I had to comfort me was the voice that fed me knowledge, and lies. That is why I never close the door to my room in Shayera's apartment.
Not only that l, but I had no idea where Red Arrow is. That madman could have him, and be doing just about anything to him, from torture to experimentation. I can not let anything happen to my new comrade in arms. Frantically, I began to look around for any sign of the redhead, or a way to escape. I scrambled up shakily to the door, clawing at its hinges only to feel a freezing and painful cold jolt across my body. My body cold not physically stand extreme cold. Oz must have rigid the door to some sort of nitrogen like substance so I wouldn't be able to get out. A soft groansounded off behind me making me swiftly turned around to see Red Arrow laying down on the floor. Without thinking, I happily rushed over to him and wrapped my arms around him. I felt him tense under my touch but I did not care. My comrade was safe, and that is all that matters.
"I thought he did something to you. Thank goodness you are unharmed." Red Arrow quickly pushed me away and I suddenly remembered what happened. He discovered my secret. My secret that I stupidly forgot might be in a file in this very lab. My face fell as I looked to the side.
"Get off of me! You're one of his evil experiments, you traitor!" Those words felt like a bullet to the chest. They hit me hard and not just because they hurt me, but also because they brought back the memories I had of being hated by most of the league initially. They always seems to isolate themselves from me until they had to deal with me, at least for the 2 and a half months I had to stay there. Right down to his eyes, I could tell he did not trust me, and right about now he hated me, because he thought I was a danger to his friends, and I have deceived them, played them into thinking I was an ally that he believes I am not.i have seen it all before, but that never makes it hurts any less.
"I am not a traitor." I said sadly and quietly The boy scoffed and crossed his arms
"Yeah, because fooling the people who trusted you, and turning against them is nothing like a traitor." My sadness turned into anger as the electricity sparked in the air again. I am many things, I will accept many names that others call me, but what I am not, and never will be is a traitor to my friends!
"I have never turned against my friends." I stated boldly.
"You might as well have! You've been lying to them! If you ask me that's just as bad! If they knew the truth-"
"They would act just as you are, just like everyone has!" I yelled.
"You could be chipped! Controlled by that lunatic to destroy the Justice League."
"Oh trust me, I've tried that but it didn't even phase her. I have no intentions to control her so she can do her job." We both turned around to see the long haired menace standing in the doorway. His cocky gaze eyed me as if he were a starved man and I was the only food around for miles, making me feel uncomfortable. Electricity roared around me furiously as i growled loudly.
"Oz."The crazed man walked towards me with a smirk on my face as I moved in front of Red Arrow ready to attack.
"In the flesh, 725. And might I say that you brought me the most incredible gift. A new unaltered genetic embodiment for me to play with." Oz reached his hand out to touch the red headed boy. Instinctively, I zapped his hand, giving him a warning. Instead of being angry, he laughed, and drew his hand back. My face hardened as I stated him down
"My, my you sure have gotten weak 725. Or are you just losing you temper?" Though I had not noticed it before, my temper has been evident. Sparks of electricity popped frequently around us, becoming more and more clear by the moment. Red Arrow put a hand on my shoulder lightly to calm me down, to which I thank him.
"I know you want me back, Oz. it is obvious that you purposely allowed yourself to be seen by the Justice League as a lead. You sent the drones to spy on me, and once we got here, you baited us into the sick room. Now I wish to know why." A chuckle escaped the mad mans lips as he walked casually to the side.
"Throughout my years, as you can tell, I have made many experiments. Never have I produced such a result as you, though. Even before your making, you had so much raw potential. The perfect candidate for the project. The perfect candidate to take over the world. When those Justice League morons released you, I saw potential in training. The very people you will destroy will train you to be monster you were made to be. So I let you go, and now the time has come for you to return and complete your mission. I'll just need to spruce up your brain a little to ensure you will stay on task. As for your friend, I guess you could use another minion on your side." Anger sparked around us as he smirked at us diabolically. It is time to go. I blasted Oz with a bunch of electricity before grabbing Red Arrows hand and dashing out of the door. My wings extended out and I began to speed down the long hallway, desperate to escape.
"Will you-"
"Quiet, boy. I know you do not trust me right now, but I implore you. Believe me when I say that the last thing I desire would be to join forces with that mad man. I wish to be good, which was why I was sent on this mission." I said as I flew around the corner, then I stopped in my tracks. Oh no. The mission. I do not have the flash drive with all the files on it. I need that file. I put Red Arrow down and looked him in his eyes.
"Go find our weapons, and leave. I will meet you outside. I must go get the flash drive with all of the files, otherwise this would be nearly pointless." I said as I flew away. My long ponytail trailed behind me as my wings quickly carried me to the room of experimentations.
Once in the room I looked around for the flash drive. I started at the computer and made my way down to the floor, but I could not find it. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up suddenly, and by reflex my wings flew around me, shielding me from the attack. I swiftly turned around and faced my attack, ready to pounce. There, in front of me, stood a short girl with shoulder length white hair like my own. Golden wings were place on her back, matching well with her red crop top. Black pants fit tightly on her legs. She had no shoes on, but it did not seem to bother her. She was only focused on me, as her peculiar red eyes staring me down. I could not see the lower half of her face, backed it was covered by a mask. With every detail I absorbed of her, my head began to hurt worse and worse. A pounding like an angry gorilla, worse than a migraine, let alone a headache. I stared at the golden winged girl with a straight face. Is she the reason my head is hurting? Her small tan hand stretched up, holding out the flash drive I had been looking for. My eyes narrowed at the girl as she looked at me.
"There is no need for this now 725. You will stay here and complete your mission." Her voice rang like sleigh bells in a cold winter night, as she ran towards me. I did a backflip to dodge her attack before sending my electricity at her.
"Why do you stay? There is a whole world out there with people that are worth protecting. Family, friends, love. You can have all of it. Why choose a world full of hatred." Instead of answering she threw her fist out at me and flames shot out. Taken back by her power, I barely managed to dodge her attack, so the fire grazed my skin. A burning sensation fell over my arm as I regained my composure, but I ignored it.
"Because, that is what we were constructed to do. the world is full of sin, we must recreate it in our image." She was worse than I was. She wholeheartedly believes that what she is doing is right.
"Would you not like to verify this for yourself? I know how you feel. The world is bigger than what he says, life is more precious than what he believes. Please come with me." I pleaded She growled and ran at me again. I took this opportunity to end this battle. She was completely open, and the way her arm stretched forward to attack me allowed me to to flip her onto her back. I gave her a sorrowful look before sighing.
"It would appear you are not ready for the truth. You will see one day what I mean. I will be waiting." I stated before punching her in her stomach knocking her out. I grabbed the flash drive from her pocket before standing up. Pressure was placed on the back of my legs and the middle of my wings and I suddenly fell to the ground. The same pressure was put on my arms, then I was picked up bridal style. A boy who looked around my age held me. He had , my skin tone, short white hair and neon green eyes. Silver wings were wrapped around him, which like In the dimmed lights like diamonds. His muscular arms were surrounded by a black fabric. Half of his face was covered,like his female partner. My head began to pound once again, but this time was worse. I clamped my eyes shut, trying to help the pain to go away.
"Dr. Oz wants you back, Archangel." I growled loudly before glaring at him slightly.
"Dr. Oz can go to hell." He moved out to the hallway, carrying me like a child. I felt his hand caress my face as we walked forward. His eyes looked sorrowful as he stared down at me. I felt pressure on my legs and arms again, giving me feeling back. I looked up at the boy surprised that he did such a thing.
"Why did you-"
"Quiet. Play the part." I shut my mouth, catching onto his plan. He was trying to help me. Help me escape away from this man. I felt him slip , the flash drive in my pocket.
"Your friend hasn't been caught yet, so I suppose he got away." His voice was deep and husky, yet young sounding. I nodded slowly at him as he continued to walk.
"Who are you?" He stayed silen t for a moment before saying,
"Clay." I stayed quiet after that. It was pretty apparent that we should not be talking in the current situation. It was also pretty apparent that he was different. Maybe he knows about the outside world, or like I was, wanted to know about it. It is possible that maybe, he was playing some sick joke. Capture me, release me, then capture again, a classic game of cat and mouse. I do not believe that to be the case though. I do not know why, but when I look into his eyes I feel that I can trust him. He felt familiar, almost as if I knew him before, but I can not remember. Regardless,my best bet right now would be to just go with it. He stopped in he middle of the hallway and I heard a dark chuckle.
"Well done, 723. How do you like the prototype, Archangel? I call him Spirit, and the girl you defeated was named Seraph. Both incompletely versions of you creation, but effective nonetheless." My eyes widened slightly at the realization. He has created 725 life forms, and terminated every one that was not us, basically. He has murdered countless beings, just because he was not satisfied.
"You murdered 722 beings just-"
"They weren't at his level. Yes, yes I did. They would have failed the mission, but I know you won't. You know them, been with them, hell you probably live with one of them. You know their strengths and their weaknesses, not that it'd stop you. Once you've reached your full potential, there won't be a soul that can touch you. All under my control, of course." I scoffed
"And what makes you believe I would ever come back? You are right. I have met them, know them, been with them. I know their strengths and weaknesses. But I will take those secrets with me to the grave. They taught me the true value of strength, courage and loyalty! And I would rather die than betray them, even if they do not trust me!" The blondes smirk dropped at my words as he glared at me. A red arrow whizzed past me and at Dr. Oz's foot. Oz yelled out loudly. I turned my head to see Red Arrow standing down the hall, arrows ready.
"Move, Sparky!" He yelled as he released more arrows, this time with explosives. I flew up and towards him grabbing him by his arms. We zoomed towards the exit.
"I thought I told you to leave!" I yelled He laughed slightly.
"But then who would save your ass." I rolled my eyes and laughed.
"I would have managed somehow." Then heat burned my wing causing me to fall forward and drop Red Arrow. I slid across the floor and yelled out in pain. My wing throbbed from the burn. It was like a firery inferno had been placed on my left wing. Thick metal titanium doors came down began to come down closing me off from Red Arrow, who was closed off from escaping. Adrenaline rushed through my veins as I got up and ran at the door, bringing my first down on it. There was not even a dent from my powerful punched. I tried again and again, each time growing more and more frustrated yet more exhausted, I can hear Red Arrow shooting his explosive at the door, but nothing helped. Still I tried, repeatedly pounding on the door trying to break through it. Then I tried to lift it, but it would not even move a centimeter.
"Just go, Sparky. You gotta get back to your team." My eyes widened at hearing him say this. He had no idea the things Oz would do if he got him. Yet he wants me to leave him behind. I would wish that fate on no one, not even Oz himself.
That is when I realized, he does know. He knows he will be experimented on. He knows he would likely die. He knows what this man is capable of because he sat there and seen everything I seen, heard everything I heard. He was there with me through all of today's creepy events, yet he is willing to stay behind just so I can escape. He cares for me and trust me as his comrade. Happiness, and determination filled my veins as electricity sparked in the air. I grabbed the bottom of the door and forced every ounce of energy I could on my strength. Then I pushed all my electricity to my arms boosting it up even more, it began to move a little so I kept pushing. I let out a yell as the door moved up more and more until finally I let out one final push up, putting the door completely away. I began to collapse, exhausted from expelling that much energy, but a pair of strong arms caught me right before I hit the ground. He picked me up bridal style, cradling me in his arms.
"I got you, Sparky." My vision began to fade, so I gave him a soft smile.
"Thank you, for trusting ome." Then I gave into the darkness.
A beeping sound echoed in my ears causing me to groan from the sound. Soreness covered my body and the feeling of exhaustion fell over me. My throat was sore, my wings still faintly burned from the events of today. My eyes grew when I remembered the events of today. I jolted up and looked around to see I was back in the cave. My katanas sat in the corner of the room, along with my mask, to which I was thankful for. A hand was placed on my shoulder startling me. I jumped and turned to see Hawkgirl. Her soft green eyes looked into my white ones, and I instantly calmed down.
"What happened to Red Arrow?" My voice sounded hoarse and weak from exhaustion. Hawkgirl smiled at me.
"He's fine, thanks to you. He told us what happened. The league is pretty impressed. You handled everything better than we thought. We just wish you didn't bring some bad burns back." I blushed slightly as she pushed some of my hair back. I reached into my pocket to grab the flash drive. A smirk spread on my face as I held up the drive.
"Fortunately that is not all I brought back." Hawkgirl's eyes widen with shock alas she stared at the flash drive.
"Is that?"
"A flash drive containing all the experiments Oz has created, and what he is capable of? Yes, yes it is." Hawkgirl smirked at my work, one I have gotten from her over the year I have been with her. She punched my arm and laughed slightly.
"Well you've gone way past my expectations. I'm thoroughly impressed, I bet Aqualad would be too." she winked at me and my face began to heat up. I I looked away before smiling to myself at my work. This turned out to be a successful mission. Though some things still remain a mystery. Like Clay, who I'll keep to myself for now, but I will worry about that later. For now, it will be better to just enjoy the moment.
Hello everyone! I'm so happy at all the people who has been following and favoriting this story! Thank you all so much for your support and dedication. I'm sorry that it took so long to update this chapter. I started off writing the chapter completely different, but then revised it and now it's even better, hopefully you all enjoyed it.