Chapter 5: Schooled
Recognized Archangel B09
I stepped into the cave calmly with my hair flowing behind me from its ponytail. My sword was strapped on my left hip, gently tapping into my leg with each step I took. It's been about a week since our last mission and we have all gotten a better hold on the concept of teamwork. With Aqualad and I as leaders, things have been flowing well. In short, we have all gotten to trust each other, which actually makes me feel guilty.
Though I am glad to have gained their trust, I know the more they trust me, the harder it would be if they were to find out what I am. They could never be able to fully trust me again. They would see me as some members of the Justice League already do, a threat. I sometimes wonder what they all might think of me if they knew. The only one I could picture being somewhat easier on me would be Superboy. Due to how our origins are somewhat similar, he might be more understanding. Kaldur, would likely be the most upset with me, because he is the closest to me. I felt a pit in my stomach as I walked down the hall. They must not know.
"Hey Rose!" M'gann waved to me excitedly from the kitchen. A smile found its way onto my face as I waved back politely
"Good afternoon M'gann. What are you cooking today?" I asked as I looked down. She was holding a slightly burnt pan of what seemed to be cookies, much to her embarrassment.
"Well I was trying to make cookies, but I guess I left them in a little too long again." I put a hand on her shoulder and smiled.
"Do not worry, it is a common mistake. If you leave cookies in too long they become burnt, but if you leave them in for a short amount of time, they are too soft. That is why they usually require constant checking. You will get the hang of it." I picked up a cookie and tried it. It was not s burnt as she thought. In fact if she had taken them out just a few minutes earlier they would have been perfect.
"Besides these are nearly perfect. Just take them out a little earlier next time." She smiled at me kindly and nodded.
"You know, Rose. You really are perfect." A blush crept onto my face as I looked down to the ground bashfully.
"That is not true. I am merely experienced in cooking as all."
"Nonsense. You're nice, smart, pretty, and talented. Sometimes I wonder if you really are human." She laughed. Though my stomach dropped once more, I forced a small laugh. M'gann did not know how right she was about my humanity, even if it was just a joke.
"Honestly, I think those same things about you M'gann." We smiled at each other before cleaning up in the kitchen and heading out to meet the boys. Apparently Superboy had gone off to Metropolis, which in my opinion is a slight disaster waiting to happen. Considering that is where Superman resides, something will undoubtedly happen to upset him, namely the neglect from the man of steel. The rest of the boys were playing air hockey, to which M'gann and I watched. Kaldur and Wally were playing and so far Kaldur was putting up a good fight, but Wally was naturally quick and stayed ahead. Wally smirked,biting his banana. as Aqualad stood up straight.
Recognized Superboy B04
M'gann's face lit up as Superboy angrily walked through the air hockey hologram. I frowned slightly as I realized my hypothesis was correct. Superman must still be ignoring the fact that Superboy is here and is in a way his son. It must be hard on him. Both of them. A sigh escaped my lips as I blocked out everything that was going on. I wish I could help Superboy, but I know I have no right to speak to Superman on the dispute.
"What happened?" M'gann asked genuinely. The Black Canary had her left arm bandaged up. Her face looked pained as she threw her jacket to the side.
"The job. Now, combat is about controlling conflict, putting the battle on your terms. You should always be acting, never reacting. I'll need Rose and another to spar." I remember when Black Canary first taught me this lesson. I thought because I was made to destroy, the battle would always be on my terms. She taught me that anyone can dictate the terms of a battle, no matter what the opponents size or power was, which is likely why she chose me to be an example. Kid Flash quickly raised his hand.
"Right here. Yeah!" I took off my jacket and tossed it to the side revealing my black crop top and exposing my stomach. My eyes quickly glanced over at Superboy who looked as if he were about to explode. This would like be a good lesson for him, and Canary will be a great mentor in place of Superman. Shaking my head I got into a ready position and prepared to attack.
"After this- Swish- I'll show you my moves." Kid Flash flirted. I smirked and threw a punch at him. He blocked my punch skillfully, but then I dropped down and swiped his legs from under him. He fell to the ground and I stood up and regained my composure.
"Hurts so good." Kid muttered I held out my hand and allowed him to take my hand. Kid grabbed my hand and I gave him a small smile as I pulled him up.
"Good block, Kid." I said nicely.
"Good job, Rose. But did anyone see what he did wrong?" Canary asked. Robin raised his hand excitedly.
"Ooh, ooh. He hit on Rose and got served?" Kid rubbed the back of his neck and gaped at Robin.
"Dude!" I rolled my eyes playfully before smiling.
"He allowed her to dictate the terms of-" Black Canary was interrupted but Superboy scoffing, finally beginning to lose his cool.
"Oh please. With my powers, the battle's always on my terms. I'm a living weapon, and this is a waste of my time." Black Canary smirked before saying Prove it. Kid and I both backed away slowly placing ourselves beside Aqualad and Robin. The air was tensed as the two seemed to stare each other down. I glanced between the two knowing what the outcome would be regardless. The Black Canary would win, being one of the best combat experts in the league. In fact, I am willing to say it is a 90% chance he will lose.
Superboy threw the first punch to which Canary grabbed and tossed him to the side as if it were nothing. Robin let out a loud laugh as Superboy hit the ground, making Aqualad elbow him in the arm. I stared intently at him waiting to see his next move. Superbly growled angrily as he got up. I sighed as I realized he would be too angry to listen to anything Canary tried to tell him.
"You're angry. Good, but don't react. Channel that anger into-" As I expected, Superboy ran at Canary again, not bothering to listen to what she was saying. Canary calmly flipped over the angry teen and swiped his legs from under him, making him fall back onto his back. Frustrated that he was not getting anywhere, Superboy Growled and got up swatting away Canary's hand.
"That's it. I'm done." Canary calmly put a hand on Superboy's shoulder to stop him from walking out.
"Training is mandatory." The two looked at each other in another state down for a brief minute before Batman appeared in front of us.
"Batman to the cave. Five hours ago, a new menace attacked Green Arrow and Black Canary. The attacker was capable of studying, then duplicating The powers and abilities of its opponents. Arrow called in reinforcements, which nearly proved disastrous As our foe gained more and more power with each new combatant." My eyes narrowed at the machine as I calmly analyzed his patterns. To my knowledge, there is one man who matches the style of this machine. Professor Ivo. Only he would be the one crazy enough to design a machine like that. Though he is dead, I know I have a feeling he is the one who made it. No one else's signature matches as well as he does.
"Whoa. One guy with the powers of the entire League?" Kid Flash marveled
"In the end, it took 8 leaguers And dismantle the android." Batman finished. I raised a brow at the dark knight, just as surprised as the rest of the team. 8 leaguers against 1 android. I could only hope that he never be assembled again.
"An android? Who made it, T. O. Morrow?" Robin hypothesized
"Good guess, but I do not believe so Robin. T. O. Morrow's style is too different to be associated with this android. This android looks to be created by Professor Ivo." I announced.
"Good eye, Archangel. This android does bear the signature of Professor Ivo." Martian Manhunter acknowledged. Everyone looked at The Martian in shock of the dead man's name.
"Ivo? But Ivo's dead." Aqualad said
" So we all thought Or hoped." Canary answered
"To make certain this threat is permanently neutralized, We're sending two trucks carrying the android's parts To two separate S.T.A.R. lab facilities in Boston And New York for immediate evaluation. Every precaution is being taken. We'll have 4 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." Why do I have a bad feeling about this? Because things always go wrong when we split up that is why. Tuning out the rest of their chatter, I thought of all possible bad outcomes in my head, before walking out with the rest of the team. I caught up with Aqualad and we discussed the plans for our mission.
I sat on my light blue motorcycle preparing to leave for the mission. Aqualad and I agreed to lead to separate teams. He will be with Kid Flash and Miss. Martian going to Boston, while I will go with Superboy and Robin to Manhattan, though that was not what I was worried about. Superman was here, and it felt as though we could cut the tension in the air with a butterknife. Hopefully this ride with Superboy might give Robin and I a chance to calm him down a bit. I pushed my hair back out of my face feeling slightly annoyed with it being down. My hair fell down just on top of my back in waves but had a terrible habit of getting in my face in a fight. I heard a chuckle from my side causing me to look over.
"Having hair trouble?" Aqualad asked. I gave him a smile.
"Only slightly. I do not like to wear my hair down when working. It tends to get in the way." I said pushing it over my shoulder, blushing slightly as I looked down.
"It looks good down." My blush darkened as I gave him a smile.
"O-oh. Thank you Aqualad." He smiled at me in return before picking up his helmet.
"We should get going. Good luck, be safe." My heart skipped a beat as I nodded at him.
"To you as well."
I put on my black and light blue helmet and we were off. My hair flowed behind me as we drove onto the road, surrounded by a corn three of us were in a comfortable silence as we rode until Robin decided to speak.
"If dislike is the opposite of like, Is disaster the opposite of aster? See, instead of things going wrong, they go right." Superboy remained in his silent distraught state causing me to frown.
"Uh, clearly you are not feeling the aster. What is wrong? Is this about our training session?" I asked Superboy moaned before speaking up.
"Canary. And what business does she have teaching combat skills To a guy with super strength?" Superboy explained. I sighed before thinking my choice of words carefully. I understand Superboy's frustration but it is not all about strength. That is why Canary would be a great teach for him in particular. She is living proof that strength is not all you need to win a fight. It takes skill and perception. In truth Superboy is acting like I did the first time I trained with Canary.
"Taking down stronger guys is part of the gig. Canary learned that the hard way. Same with Batman and, well, me." Robin explained. I nodded in agreement as we drove on.
"You know Superboy, I acted the same way when I first met Canary. Just think about her advice, it might prove to be quite helpful." I stated as I drove forward. Suddenly, robot monkeys jumped out of the corn field and onto the the truck. Definitely something professor Ivo would do.
"Archangel, Robin, Superboy, our truck is under attack."
Aqualad reported.
"Kinda figured"Robin yelled sarcastically
"I really hate monkeys." Superboy growled
"Likewise."
I switched my bike to battle mode and hopped off the bike extending my wings. Pulled out my sword and began to slice down the robot monkeys. Skillfully I knocked down their numbers but it seemed like more would come. I heard a loud grunt from Superboy causing me to turn around. My eyes widened as I seen Superboy being carried in the air. I quickly jumped into the air a dived towards him ças the monkeys dropped him. Before I could reach him, I felt something grab my wings and torso. I looked up to see the monkeys pulling me up and dragging me away. Angrily, I sent powerful electric shocks into the monkeys. The monkeys fell down around me only to have more come at me. Suddenly I felt something stick me on my neck. My body began to feel numb and my vision began to haze. Time seemed to slow around me, as a heavy drowsiness crept over me. I looked over to where the truck was to see Robin struggling against the numerous robots. Sounds became muffled as my vision began to fade out. All I could hear was the faint calling of my name before my vision faded entirely.
.
.
"Ar..." Who is that?
.
.
.
"Archang…." His voice sounds so familiar.
.
.
.
"Rose!" Kaldur? I snapped my eyes open to see I was in a train with my hands tied up behind my back, with normal looking rope. As if that could hold me, I do have a significant amount of strength, about as much as Wonderwoman if not more. I looked to my right to see an army of those horrid monkeys. I snarled at them and looked to see the Android being re assembled.
"725. It's nice to see you awake." A voice said to me I looked over to see a particularly short and geeky looking man staring down at me. His red hair was beginning to grey from his old age. He wore a sly smirk as he walked up to me, causing me to growl. He came up and grabbed my face, inspecting me.
"I must admit, for an experiment made by him, you are pretty well developed. I thought my MONQIS could handle your electric shocks, but you managed to destroy them with no problems." I glared at him and out of instinct sent an electric shock at him through my body. He yelled out in pain as he back away from me in a hurry.
"Have you not heard about the last man who called me that? He survived, but you will not." I snarled at him. He looked back at me shocked and afraid. All types of questions ran around in my head. How does he know about that name? Why did he get his MONQIS kidnap me? Why did he believe this rope would hold me?
"Why am I here?" I glared up at him. He smirked down at me and straightened his composure. I groaned and glared at him, cutting him off before he can answer.
"No wait, shut up, do not answer. I truthfully do not care. Just let me out and I might not break your puny little arms." I say with a harsh, intimidating glare. The small man steps back a few steps. I looked to my left to see the andriod getting reassembled. That is when it hit me. He brought me here to allow his andriod to gain my abilities. The only real way he could know anything about me is from Oz. Electricity sparked in the air as I suddenly felt like an object stolen from a museum by a jewel short, Ivo wants to take Oz's creation and add it to his own, thus stealing his idea and making me the jewel. Ivo must have something against Oz because I know for a fact that he would want no one taking anything from him, especially not his ideas. He is too prideful, too egotistical to willing let someone do it. How petty of the dorky skinny man.
Still this could be worse for us. Our mission to Santa Brisca proved that I do not know the full extent of my powers. For all I know I could hold the powers of every member of the Justice League, just like this android is attempting to do. I have to make sure that it does not grow any stronger than it already is. Otherwise it would be impossible to stop.
"Sorry child, that would go against my plans. How else would I be able to best Dr. Oz and eliminate the Justice League? You are the key to killing two birds with one stone." His stare began to creep me out but held my gaze. He reminded me of some crazed pedophile who spent his days locked in a room watching others through a window. I had to fight back the urge to shiver from the strong uncomfortable chills he gave me. The familiar laughter of the MONQIS filled my ears before a loud thud hit the train. A smirk found its way upon my lips as I realized who it was. Superboy came crashing into the compartment drawing our eyes to him.
"Oh hello." Ivo said with much sarcasm. Superboy scoffed and prepared for battle. His eyes found mine for a brief second before turning back to Ivo.
"You? You're Ivo? I'm whelmed." I let out a soft chuckle, thinking back to my first impression of the small man.
"You're one to talk. Now, since when does the big blue boyscout have a brat?" Ivo replied angering the cloned teenager.
"He doesn't."
"Yeah, if you say so. Have you met my mobile optimal neural quotient infiltrators?" Suddenly all the MONQIS shot forward towards Superboy, attacking him all at once. Superboy managed to destroy the lot of them with little to no problems, but heavy footsteps caused dread in my souls. A large android stepped up to the villainous professor looking straight at Superboy. His ears were as pointy as an elf, his eyes as red as a ruby. Thankfully it had pants on him but the rest of him was naked showing off its muscular metal body. I quickly broke the rope that poorly held my hands captive. I rolled silently behind a crate, trying to avoid the androids look. I need a plan.
I looked to my left and right to see my helmet tossed to the side and my katanas placed next to it. A smirk found its way on my face as I thanked god for the idiotic professor's carelessness. Swiftly, I put on my helmet and strapped on my swords then ran out for battle. Assuming the android gains someone's powers by eye contacts, wearing my helmet should hopefully help, and if I move swiftly he will not be able to assess my powers quick enough.
"Oh, sorry. Did that strike a nerve? Amazo, strike a few more."
As if on cue, I ran at the android and tried to stab it with my katana, but that only resorted in breaking my katana. Ignoring my frustration and anger for just one moment, I punched the android to the side as I swiftly going up under him and attempting to kick his head off. The android flew back to the train side giving Superboy enough time to straighten up. He grabbed my neck before throwing me out of the train and into Gotham. Ok, maybe challenging an android without an actual battle plan was not the wisest idea. I thought as I went flying throughout the air. I extended my wings and held myself steady in the air. I let out a calm breath before looking back up only to see Superboy coming straight at me. Shit. Superboy crashed into me like a massive train collision, knocking the breath out of me. We both crashed into a building knocking everything out of our way. A heavy groan escaped my lips as Superboy began to pick himself up. He looked at me before apologizing and getting up. I steadily picked myself up. Next thing I know Amazo comes crashing Superboy. Superboy goes through a wall leaving Amazo and I to battle it out for ourselves. I take the first move and run him using only my super strength to attack.I punch him into the wall then kicked him in the chest using both my feet for extra strength. He goes in deeper and I take this opportunity to grab his head and try to pull it off. He grabs my arms and throws my through the wall out into a hallway. I crash into a locker hitting my head. My vision blurred as I tried to focus on the current situation. I fell down to my knees and held my head. I shook my head and focused on spot on the floor to cease my dizziness. Strong, heavy footsteps began to move closer to me, but the hallway was not steady enough for me to move around in, without me falling on my butt. Suddenly I felt a hand grab my wrist and pull me down the hallway, guiding me away from Amazo. We stopped in a small closet, I held my head once more trying to get rid of the dizziness that was beginning to dissolve when the person who helped me let go of my wrist and began to walk out. Quickly I reached for the person to stop them from leaving.
"Hold it. Who are you?" I said firmly. All I could see at the moment was a green blur with a long blonde blur on the back of the person. I could not even tell the gender of the person who helped me let alone facial features. For a minute, I thought about the rudeness in my action. This person had helped me for God knows what reason. They had likely been watching from a distance and monitoring the situation, only stepping in when necessary. Is it possible that this person is in the Justice League, watching us making sure we do what we are told to? That, however, was very unlikely. This person is someone new, and definitely someone who did not want their identity to be known at the current moment. Who am I to deny thiperson their privacy? I sighed lightly and let go of the person's wrist.
"Go, while I am still unable to see clearly." I watched as the green and blonde blur nodded and ran out of the closet leaving me to recompose myself.
After a few minutes my vision cleared allowing me to get back in the fight. I stood up and flew out to the closet. (haha! Flew out of the closet….oh god I need a life.) Then I listened really hard for the fight. Everything was silent for a moment until I zeroed in on the sounds of crashes and movement. That is when I heard the android use Black Canary's scream. I opened my eyes and sped down the stairs as fast as my wings could carry me. While I waited for my concussion to heal, I thought of the perfect plan to defeat the android. It can not use more than one power at a time. It focuses solely on fighting until someone else attacks, which is how we have managed to attack him so far. If we turn his attention elsewhere, like on protecting his master, we can distract him long enough to deliver the final blow. That would turn the battle on our terms. We just have to constantly switch his attention. I flew into the open gymnasium to see Superboy, Robin, and Kid Flash all attacking Ivo while Amazo struggled to protect his master. I blinked at the boys in surprise as they excited the plan I had in mind perfectly, without me even having to tell them. I flew down with a smirk and stood behind Amazo.
"Access Martian Manhunter." He became tangible and I went ahead and stuck my fist in his head. He turned off his tangibility after sensing me leaving my dust in his head as he did so. His head exploded and I placed my hand on my hip.
"That is for my swords." I finalized still ticked off about the fact that I lost two perfectly good katanas and a memorable gift. The boys all looked at me for a moment before smiling and coming towards me for a hug, which I gladly accepted. Afterwards I bent down and began to disassemble Amazo with Robin.
"I hate to break it to you beautiful, but there's no need for that. It's head exploded." Kid Flash flirted. I rolled my eyes and pulled apart the arm with no trouble.
"Kid, did you know a cockroach can live a week without its head? Do you really want to see if this android can too?" I stated as I pulled apart another limb, leaving him speechless.
"What happened?" Aqualad said as he and Miss. Martian ran into the gym. I had almost forgotten to tell them I was ok over the coms. Aqualad ran towards me to check and see if I was alright, while Miss. Martian checked Superboy.
"Are you alright?" He asked me His face looked stern yet caring as he looked at me. I sighed and rolled my eyes. I get that they were all a little worried about me, but I am way tougher than I look. I do not need to be checked constantly, nor do I need to be on every occasion. I am sure everyone knows that so why is he constantly always worried about me. Does he not trust that I can hold my own in a battle despite the fact that I am always proving I can? Why does he look at me the same way every time we go on a mission? Maybe I am just thinking too much into it. I was kidnapped after all.
"I am fine. Just anticipating the long awaited punch I owe that puny little man. " I said as I cracked my knuckles, sparking up a little as I spoke. We all looked around us and noticed that Ivo had disappeared, likely in the heat of battle I growled and crossed my arms.
"I am definitely not feeling the aster right now."
After disassembling the parts and taking them to their respected places, we all went back to the cave to be debriefed about our mission. I stood beside Aqualad as we gave the report from our mission, telling them each part about the mission, including the part about my kidnapping. The only thing I left out was about him knowing I am an experiment, trying to get Amazo to analyze me to gain my peculiar powers to best Oz.
"The Amazo android is in pieces again, Safely being analyzed at the two separate S.T.A.R. labs." Aqualad stated
"Unfortunately Ivo escaped, and since he originated the technology, he is arguably more dangerous than the android." I concluded.
"Capturing the professor will be a League priority." Black Canary assured.
"But we understand your mission encountered….Other complications." Martian Manhunter hinted. We all glared at Superboy slightly, who merely crossed his arms and gave an annoyed yet guilty look. I truthfully was not that mad at Superboy. I suppose he had to learn at some point that Canary was right. Maybe not to that extreme, but to a decent point it was worth it. Now all that needs to happen is Superman accepting Superboy. Then all loose ends will be tied up for today, other than the fact that my katana has been decimated.
"Complications come with the job. Your ability to handle them has impressed the League." I felt a smile creep up on my face at Batman's compliment.
"The whole League?" Superboy inquired Everyone could tell whose approval he really wanted. The man of steel.
"Given time, yes. Kryptonians, as you know, have very hard heads. Of course, there's no shame in asking for help.
That's why the League exists, because there are some problems even we can't handle individually." Robin scoffed loudly as he pulled out an arrow from his utility belt.
"Please. If we needed help, we'd never get The chance to ask." He gave them the arrow before continuing on with his rant, but all I could do was watch and inspect it. Though this arrow looks similar, it's points are completely different. Green Arrow's arrows are sharper and more narrow, with double ended points, so I could not be his. They will likely think it would be Red Arrow's arrow next, but that is just as unlikely due to the fact that his look like a typical arrow, just like Green Arrow's only without the double ended points. The one Robin has a sharp, but also rounded shape. Green Arrow took out his own arrow proving my suspicions.
"And that's not your arrow, but that means…" Robin trailed
"Speedy!" Kid flash exclaimed.
"He has our backs." Aqualad said happily. My heart tightened a little at the boys happiness. They wholeheartedly believe that Red Arrow helped them today. And that brought them so much joy. I could only hope i am wrong about the arrow, though I sincerely doubt it. After a few minutes we all went our separate ways to get changed. I put my hair back into a ponytail before changing into a blue tank top, black leather jacket, and jeans. With my wings safely tucked beneath my jacket I looked at myself in the mirror. I chuckled at my appearance as thought occurred to me. Like this, I almost appear to be human. I walked out to see Kaldur dressed and waiting for me. Today we were just going by my home for me to pick up some clothes, because Hawkgirl believed it would be better for me to stay in the cave due to her having Watchtower duty tonight. Thought I was a little hurt by the fact that she did not trust me enough to stay at home alone at night by myself, I did not mind. I loved being by my team so it does not bother me as much. We walked through the streets in silence as I continued to think about random things, like how my katanas had been shattered by that hateful android. Or how Aqualad does not to hold my own in a battle. And even how I the mysterious person and mysterious arrow probably came from the same place. Just the random things of a normal teenage girl.
"Rose, may I ask what happened when the monkeys took you?" Kaldur asked suddenly. I looked at him a little surprised at the suddenness of it. Now that was a random thought. Maybe that is why he has not spoken to me yet.
"Well nothing really. Ivo just tried to give me a boring monologue then Superboy came in." I lied.
"Tried to?" He asked
"Yes I told him to shut up and that I truthfully do not care."
"He didn't touch you did he? Hurt you at all?"
"The MONQIS did. But only for a few minutes to knock me out. It did not hurt too bad." I answered simply we walked in silence again before I finally spoke up.
"Has that really been on your mind this entire time?" I asked looking him in his face. Kaldur avoided my gaze by looking to the side, making me pout. It was not hard to get him to look at me again. All he need to see is the look I had given him. My annoyed and irritated look, it was enough for him to realize it would be wise to not avoid my look. His eyes met mines and my gaze softened. I could tell something had obviously been bothering him. Usually conversations came easily between us, regardless of his usual quiet and calm nature. I have always managed to get him to talk to me. Still I did not pry into his mind for an answer. I respected his privacy and simply enjoyed the scenery of the city at night.
We walked up the stairs to my apartment silently and I touched the door handle, but quickly hesitated when I heard a shuffling noise inside my apartment. I knew for a fact that Ms. Shiera was up in the watchtower tonight, and we constantly left the door and Windows locked.
"What's wrong?" Kaldur asked. I glared at the door before giving him a look that meant business.
"It seems as though I have uninvited guest." I whispered extremely quietly. He nodded and I slowly turned the doorknob. My heart beat fast as I thought of all the possibilities. Best case scenario, it was a burglar who has no idea what he was getting himself into. I let out a small breath before throwing the door open only to just barely dodge a knife being thrown at me. I had ducked and rolled into my apartment easily being able to see due to my enhanced vision. My eyes widened at the figure I see in front of me.
His large silver wings stretched widely as he held a threatening fighting pose in my living room. His silver hair glowed in the only crack of light that the window let in. Why was he here? How did he know where to find me? Clay stood glaring at me in my own apartment, watching my every move. It was as if time had frozen in place like an intense movie seen. Billions of questions whirred in my mind at the moment, so much so that I could died on the spot from shock. Why was Clay doing this? Why was he here?
Kaldur ran at Clay and threw a punch at him, bring me back to earth. Clay nearly dodged his attack by stepping to the side. Angrily, I ran at the boy and wrapped my legs around his neck, throwing him down to the ground. I quickly jumped up and just as I was about to knock him out, he quickly threw his hands up in defense.
"Wait a minute!" I held my stance and glared at him angrily. The teen stood up straight and looked at me with pleading eyes.
"I don't want a fight. I've been trying to find you." He stated calmly.
"If that were the case, why did you throw the first punch?" Kaldur asked Clay glared at the Atlantian.
"How was I supposed to know who you were? Listen Archangel, we need to talk. Privately." I sighed and looked over to Kaldur with pleading eyes. He gave me a worried filled face before sighing and getting the message.
"I'll be outside." Kaldur gave Clay one last look before walking outside leaving the two of us alone. We stood there for what felt like hours until Clay finally spoke up. His eyes looked into mines with a faint feeling of sorrow, making me feel worried.
"Clay, what are you doing here?" I asked insistently Clay looked down to the side, avoiding my gaze.
"Listen, Oz is planning something big." I let out a sarcastic scoff as I crossed my arms in irritation.
"Obviously. You and I are proof of that."
"No, it's not just that. He's in some alliance with a lot of men. I don't know how many or who's in it yet, but I know that he's becoming more dangerous." I looked at the teen with untrusting, confused eyes. How did Clay even manage to get his way out here, let alone know where I live? Oz created him and raised him in his lab, undoubtedly not allowing him the freedom to go out on without him having some insight on his whereabouts.
"Did Oz send you?And what does any of this have to do with me?" I asked cautiously
"Of course not. And because the only thing I know with certainty is that Oz is using this alliance as a means to get you. He wants you back, and he'll go through any means necessary to get all of us on his side. Even if it means teaming up with people he thinks is below him." My mind suddenly shifted back to when I got kidnapped by Professor Ivo. Maybe that is why he did it. Ivo must have been apart of the alliance with Oz. It is all adding up.
"I have to go back. Oz will know I'm up to something if I don't come back soon." Clay said suddenly as he began to walk to my window. Panic rose in me as I watched him walk to the window. I had so many unanswered questions for the information he just gave me. I know nothing about him, how does he expect me to just willingly trust him and accept this information. Out of instinct I reached out and grabbed his wrist.
"Wait! How do I know I can trust you?! I do not even know who you are!" He let out a small chuckle before bending down close to me. Nervously, I held my breath as the heat rose to my cheeks. He placed his lips in top of my forehead before whispering in my ear,
"I've known you all your life, and you've know me just as long. Just be careful." Before I could even process what he said, he left out of my window, leaving me in a daze. A feeling of familiarity and happiness filled me as I stated at where he once was. It was almost as if I felt it in a dream. I pulled my hand close to me and looked to the ground. Who is he?
Alrighty! Another chapter down! I am so sorry for the long wait you guys, but this may be happening more often. I am currently in my job training for the army, so I won't be able to update as often, but I will try to update as soon as I can which will be anywhere between 3 weeks to 2 months. Thank you all again for all your support, I love you all! Till next time.