Guest:
1: While I KNEW in this world from cartoons and movies (not comics, I read those after), I deduce (and why do I have to say that, it's IMPLIED in the fact that she knows) through the aforementioned details that you completely ignored.
2: My cousin April kept ALL my secrets when I would help her out (free babysitting, which STINKS, BTW). Needless to say that she will keep Bruce's and Dick's, as she is keeping both "mine" and her daughter's secret identities from even her family (her mother, which includes denying it when Olivia's little brothers tell others since they're only 6 and 3 and too young to understand about secret identities). Besides, my character uses Batman and Robin (and their secret ID's) to convince April that she will protect Olivia no matter what happens in the field (which includes the Batman-like protectiveness of her little Snowfire).
3: At the time Olivia becomes Snowfire, Mari KNOWS who Batman and Robin are, and yes, from seeing Bruce Wayne and seeing Batman. Also! The shows did exist in the past/were created. So seeing Batman in a book and recognizing the face shape (or even MEETING Batman AFTER seeing Bruce Wayne) she would KNOW.
So stop judging my hard work based on your missing the implied information. I did not give the WHOLE backstory for a REASON (I may want some unstated information for flashbacks as the RELATIONSHIP between Mariposa and Batman progresses).
It's a very rotten thing to place a rude or harsh guest review when you can't grasp the concept of a "nice review" and you guys still choose judge unfairly in reviews when I ASK for KIND reviews ONLY in my profile. I WAS ABUSED, PEOPLE! You are unfairly judging the things I WRITE TO RECOVER!
I do NOT want to delete my profile. I am getting closer and closer to doing so because those readers who post guest reviews like this one: (and you know who you are).
"Guest chapter 4 . 24m ago
"YOU only know who Batman is because in the real world he's a comic book character. YOU never had to deduce that fact. It was a given and always out there. In your fantasy crossover world here there's no good reason for your character to know either secret ID, hyperawareness or not.
"And she told this April person Robin was Dick Grayson, so that's just spewing someone else's secret ID all willy nilly."
(Review was copied and pasted) This person seems to think that I don't have ADHD, AUTISM (while high-functioning, it's still ASD), and PTSD from being a victim of CHILD and DISABILITY ABUSE since I was 3. Every one of the above conditions give their own version of HYPER-AWARENESS, meaning I have a quadruple-dose.
So, GUEST: I KNOW that, just like Harley in Batman the Animated Series, you cover BRUCE WAYNE's eyes, you see the chiseled chin that BATMAN has. You see BRUCE WAYNE in a T-shirt instead of a suit (like Mariposa would DATING HIM or in TABLOIDS) and you see the same muscles that BATMAN HAS. Once you know who BATMAN is, it's NOT HARD to decipher who ROBIN is. STOP JUDGING SPECIAL NEEDS IN WRITING! I KNOW MY DISABILITIES AND I KNOW MY OWN MIND AND HEART. YOU don't.
Other readers who are here only because they want to read good stories like I do (it's why I joined Fanfiction to begin with), then ignore the rant above and just enjoy reading the next chapter! If anyone has LEGITIMATE questions or something CONSTRUCTIVE that would HELP my writing, feel free to ask them. Otherwise, don't judge because it's not how YOU would write this story! If you want to write one like it in YOUR way, with YOUR thoughts of how MY OC should react.
This is NOT "constructive criticism" to help me write better, this is JUDGING whether or not I can decipher who a character is without being told. WHICH I CAN DO!
I only own my oc's!
Fireworks
Snowfire is the only one alert as they hang from their arms on vertical cots. Superboy is staring at them.
Snowfire is picking up a conversation from the surface Cadmus. 'Four sidekicks. Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, and Starlight breached security. They found and released the weapon. The Superboy. Of course the clone is under our telepathic control and, as ordered, turned against his would-be liberators. The four are contained and we don't believe the League knows they're here. What should I do with them.' She groans at the headache both of us get whenever we focus too hard on the telepathy. '"Clone them. The substitutes will serve the Light, and only the light." "And the originals?" "Dispose of them. Leave no trace."' She takes a deep breath to clear her head and looks down to Superboy. He looks up, and they lock eyes. 'I can see to his soul. He's good. Very good.'
"Time runs short. You must awaken. You must awaken NOW!" Her new friends gasp and look up. Now the four of them have locked eyes with Superboy.
Kid Flash speaks up. "What? What do you want? Quit staring, you're creeping me out."
"Uh, KF, how about we not tick off the guy who can fry us with a look?"
"I don't think he can, Robin." The two look over to Snowfire. "You don't know all my powers yet."
The head scientist speaks to the female scientist. "Prepare the cloning procedure for the new Project Sidekick. Now."
She walks off.
He walks over to Guardian. "Almost done here, Doc."
He steps over and looks into the empty room. "Where's the weapon?"
"Superboy? He carried the intruders to the Cloning Chamber."
"We have genomorphs for that. Get the weapon back in its pod now."
"I don't see the harm in letting the kid stretch his legs."
"Don't you now?" the genomorph on the head scientist's shoulder's horns glow.
"That clone belongs in a cage." Guardian walks off.
"We only sought to help you." Aqualad states.
"Yeah, we free you, and you turn on us. How's that for gratitude." Kid Flash continues.
"Kid, please, be quiet now. I believe our new friend was not in full control of his actions."
Robin activates a lock pick on his pointer finger.
"What if I—? Hmm. What if I wasn't?"
"He can talk?"
"Yes, he can."
Snowfire sighs softly. "He's a person, whether he was cloned or not."
"Not like I said "it"." Kid Flash says.
"The genomorphs taught you telepathically." Aqualad says.
"They taught me much. I can read, write. I know the names of things."
"But have you seen them?" Robin asks, "Have they ever actually let you see the sky or the sun?"
"Images are implanted in my mind, but, no, I have not seen them."
"Do you know what you are? Who you are?" Aqualad asks.
"I am the Superboy. A genomorph. A clone made from the DNA of the Superman. Created to replace him should he perish. To destroy him should he turn from the light."
"To be like Superman is a worthy aspiration. But like Superman, you deserve a life of your own. Beyond that solar suit. Beyond your pod. Beyond Cadmus." Aqualad says.
"I live because of Cadmus. It is my home!"
"Lovely home." Snowfire says sarcastically.
"Your home is a test tube. We can show you the sun."
"Uh, pretty sure it's after midnight, but we can show you the moon." Kid Flash continues.
"We can show you—introduce you—to Superman."
Superboy looks up at all of us.
"No, they can't."
We look over to see Guardian and the two scientists.
"They'll be otherwise occupied. Activate the cloning process."
'NOOOOOOO!' Snowfire starts struggling, trying to find any way under the sun to not get cloned.
"Pass. Batcave's crowded enough." Robin states.
"And get the weapon back in its pod."
"Hey, how come he gets to call Supey an "it"?" Kid Flash asks.
Guardian rests a hand on Superboy's shoulder.
"Help us." Aqualad pleads.
Superboy shrugs off the hand and glares at Guardian.
"Don't start thinking now."
The head scientist's G-gnome jumps to Superboy's shoulder. "See, you're not a real boy. You're a weapon. And you belong to me… Well, to Cadmus. Same thing. Now get back to your pod."
The female scientist starts tapping buttons.
"NOO!"
Metal shock probes stab through their costumes and shock them while removing their blood. This time, it's not just her crying out. The four of them start screaming in pain.
The clothed genomorph steps in. "Where's Dubbilex? Ooh! Ugh. Lurking as usual. Get the G-gnomes downloading their memories. When that's done, delete the source material."
Superboy tries to walk down the hall, but he can hear us crying out. My voice stands out among the others. "NOOO!"
Aqualad speaks painfully. "Superboy, you live. That gives you the right to follow your own path. A weapon, or a person? The choice is yours. But ask yourself, what would Superman do?"
The next thing they know, they hear banging on the door before it's ripped off. The shock probes stop and pull out. They all look up to see Superboy.
The head scientist starts to berate him as the three of them start for him. "I told you to get back to your—"
Superboy simply shoves past them. "Don't give me orders."
"You here to help us, or fry us?"
Snowfire giggles softly. 'Guess that shock-probe didn't fry his sense of humor.'
He stares at us for a moment. "Huh. I don't seem to have heat vision, so I suppose helping is my only option." He releases the cuffs around Robin's wrists.
"Ugh, finally. Lucky Batman isn't here. He'd have my head for taking so long."
"Seriously? That's what you're worried about? The whole League will have our heads after tonight." Kid Flash states.
Robin hits a button on the console, freeing the rest of us. "Free Aqualad. I'll get Kid Mouth and Snowfire."
"Don't you give me orders either." Superboy jumps up to Aqualad and rips off the cuffs.
Aqualad groans and falls weakly against him. After a second, he straightens up. "Thank you."
Robin releases the cuffs around Kid Flash's wrists, and the four of them drop down. "All right, I'll get Snowfire, then we can go."
Superboy jumps up and rips off the cuff before cradling Snowfire.
"Or, you can get her. Now let's run."
The head scientist watches us run. "You—! You'll never get out of here. I'll have you back in pods before morning."
"That guy is not whelmed. Not whelmed at all."
"You're telling me?" Superboy sets Snowfire down. "Thank you, Superboy."
He smiles. "You're welcome."
Robin throws several of his disc bombs.
Kid Flash runs after us. "What is it with you and this "whelmed" thing?"
The bombs blow up their DNA and start a fire. The head scientist's G-gnome jumps onto his shoulder. "Activate every genomorph in Cadmus." The G-gnome's horns glow. The bulbs in the tunnels start to glow orange.
Aqualad is running in front of them. "We are still forty-two levels below ground, but if we can make the elevator…"
Several genomorphs come from around the corner, and out of the pods. The G-Trolls start to attack, but Superboy strikes back fast. The G-Troll pins him to the ground. The rest of them slip past them.
"Superboy. The goal is escape, not to bury ourselves here."
"You want escape?!" He throws a G-Troll into two others.
Aqualad rips the door open. Kid Flash grabs the wall while Robin fires his grappling gun and starts up. Snowfire takes a deep breath before taking off, knowing as well as I do that she needs to work on her flight more.
Superboy jumps in an attempt to fly to the top of the elevator with Aqualad, but starts to fall. "I—I'm falling."
Robin stops their descent by throwing a birdarang for Aqualad to grab.
"Superman can fly. Why can't I fly?"
"Don't know. But it looks like you can leap tall buildings in a single bound. Still cool." Kid Flash grabs Superboy's arm and lowers him to their small ledge, allowing Aqualad to step down.
"Thank you." Superboy says softly.
Snowfire floats back down to them. "Everything okay?"
Superboy looks up at Snowfire. "You can fly?"
"Yep!"
The elevator starts flying towards them.
Robin points up. "Guys, this will have to be our exit."
Aqualad and Superboy both punch the door down, and they quickly step into the building while Robin flips.
"Uh-oh." Snowfire points down the hall to where genomorphs are running at them. Aqualad picks up Snowfire as they run. They quickly turn down a hall.
"Turn left, Brother."
Superboy looks around before speaking. "Go left. Left."
"Turn right."
"Right."
They find a dead end. "Great directions, Supey. You trying to get us re-podded?"
Snowfire smiles. "Give the guy a break."
Superboy looks around. "No, I don't understand."
Robin steps over. "Don't apologize. This is perfect."
The genomorphs run around the corner and find the vent open.
They're all crawling through the vents. Kid Flash is not amused. "At this rate, we'll never get out."
Superboy stops. "Shh." He turns back. "Listen."
"Someone, Robin, I'd wager, hacked our systems deactivating internal security cameras. But he neglected the motion sensors. The genomorphs are closing in. They're all coming out in here. We have them cornered."
They stare in anticipation, but only get a face full of genomorph.
"Agh! He hacked the motion sensors."
"I hacked the motion sensors."
Snowfire giggles slightly. "Good one, Robin."
"Sweet." Kid Flash says.
"Still plenty of them between us and out." Robin says.
"But I've finally got room to move." Kid Flash lowers his goggles before running up the stairs, knocking down genomorphs along the way and paving the road for the others.
Robin checks his arm computer. "More behind us."
"Great." Snowfire says sarcastically.
Superboy breaks the stairs, causing the genomorphs to fall.
We'll cut them off at Sub-Level One." Guardian says.
"We'd better, or the Board will have our heads. My head."
The head scientist pushes a button. "I need to get something from Project Blockbuster, just in case. I'll meet you at Sub-Level One."
Kid Flash is still running strong, but an alarm starts to go off, causing a door to close in front of him. "Oh, crud. Unh!" he tumbles backwards and lands on his back.
We run over to him, Aqualad in front. "We're cut off from the street."
"Thanks, my head hadn't noticed."
Snowfire giggles, receiving a glare from Kid Flash.
Superboy fails to punch through it, and even him and Aqualad together can't open the door.
Robin pulls out his wrist-mounted computer. "Can't hack this fast enough."
G-Trolls start coming around the corner.
"This way!" Robin kicks down a door off to the side, and they quickly enter, only to find a gathering of genomorphs and the Guardian.
"Scrap."
More genomorphs walk up behind them. Aqualad creates hard-water swords and Snowfire covers her hands in white-blue fire while the others prepare to fight. The G-gnomes' horns start to glow, and before they know it, they're knocked out.
"Perhaps, for the sake of all genomorphs, our brother Superboy should make up his own mind."
Superboy turns to look at the clothed genomorph. "It was you."
"Yes, brother. I set the fire and lured your new friends down into Cadmus, woke them when they were in danger…"
Superboy suddenly realizes what happened. "And guided me. Why?"
"Because you are our hope, the genomorph hero. You will blaze a trail for all our brothers, showing us the way to freedom."
Guardian's G-gnome jumps off his shoulder. "What's going on?"
The four start to wake up and Superboy stands.
"What is your choice, brother?"
"I choose freedom."
Guardian still has his hand to his head. "Feels like a fog lifting."
The rest of them stand up.
"Guardian?" Aqualad asks.
"Go. I'll deal with Desmond."
The head scientist shows up then. "I think not." The genomorphs and Guardian move to where they can see him. "Project Blockbuster will give me the power to restore order to Cadmus." He drinks the contents of the test tube, then starts groaning as he falls to his knees. Test tube and glasses shattering. His whole body changes, and his skin rips off.
Guardian holds out his arms. "Everyone, back." Guardian then runs to the former head scientist. The former scientist slams Guardian into the wall. Superboy then runs for him and punches him, only to get slammed into the floor. Superboy then starts pummeling the former-scientist, who punches him into the wall. He rolls back to his feet and jumps into the air, planning to slam whoever into the ground, only to be slammed through the ceiling.
They look up. "Okay, that's one way to bust through the ceiling." Robin fires his grappling hook at the ceiling. "You think Lab Coat planned that?"
Aqualad stares after Robin as he rappels up with Kid Flash. "I doubt he's planning anything anymore."
"Probably not, but he sure saved us the trouble." Snowfire take off, now finding it easier to fly than it had been that morning.
WITH THE LEAGUE
"I need to go after him."
I turn to the source of the growling voice. "You can't."
I sigh. "Batman, you can't fly, and you can't breathe outside of this ship this high in the atmosphere." He scowls at me. "I can fly, and Wotan doesn't know what my power is yet. I've never faced him." I glance out the window. "Besides, half of the League is hurt, and you can't fly."
Batman hands me an oxygen mask. "Be careful."
This time I take an extra moment to study Batman, and notice a worried look in his eyes from behind the white lenses. 'Batman's worried. Maybe April was right about "Batman" liking me. I mean, after Bruce asked if I would go to that Gala with him last month… Now he's worried about my facing Wotan… I think there's something deeper going on.' I turn away and fly/float out of the batwing and toward the sorcerer.
"A little girl?"
"Oh, come on! I'm not that young. I'm 21!" I cover my hands in the blue inferno before punching him right in the gut, leaving a charred burn in my wake. I then quickly disperse the flames. While he's distracted, I kick his side, then punch his head. He recovers and sends a fire bolt at me. I dodge quickly, then return the same kind of blast with the blue inferno. He tries to deflect the blasts to no avail.
I smirk. "You can't deflect fire not created from magic, Wotan."
I then spot the Amulet of Aten and move to grab it before running into a force field. I grab my head before using the inferno to ease the pain, then turn to the rest of the free-floating league. "I have a plan." They move in, and I sigh softly. "Superman, Wonder Woman—you two, and the hawks, need to keep him busy while Zatara and I get the amulet. We get that, he can't destroy the world, and we can move on to worry about the sorcerer himself."
Aqualad joins us on the first floor.
Superboy breaks free, only for Blockbuster to grab his legs and throw him in our direction. He hits Aqualad, and the two slide back across the floor. Robin and Kid Flash help the two back to their feet. They all take fighting stances as Snowfire lands gently behind them.
They all take off for Blockbuster. Kid Flash runs up and winds up sliding under Blockbuster's feet right before he gets stomped on. Superboy and Aqualad give a two-for-one punch to Blockbuster's face, and Kid Flash rises to his hands and knees to trip him.
"Learned that one in kindergarten."
Robin then flips sideways over Kid Flash and flings the disc bombs at Blockbuster. Blockbuster then picks up Superboy and slams him into a pillar. Superboy punches him twice, then gets slammed into the pillar again. Before Blockbuster can slam him a third time, Aqualad uses his water-bearers and grabs Blockbuster's arm with a water whip, then slams a foot into Blockbuster's face before standing sideways on the wall. When he dives for Blockbuster, he gets slammed away, and lands on his back. Blockbuster then throws Superboy into another cement pillar. Superboy falls to the ground, and a piece of the pillar lands on him. Kid Flash then runs over and grabs his arm using Aqualad's slight upright posture for leverage. As Blockbuster flings him into the air, Aqualad prepares a hard-water mace, but is knocked off-balance when Blockbuster brings Kid Flash down. Both hit the wall hard before falling to the ground. Blockbuster then slams a fist into Aqualad, breaking the pillar. When he hits Aqualad again, the pillar snaps.
"Of course." Robin activates his wrist computer and looks at a 3-D image of the room.
Snowfire steps up beside him. "Of course what?"
"Why aren't you fighting?"
"And burn the innocent with the baddie? Too risky." Snowfire giggles.
Robin laughs before turning serious. "KF, get over here."
Kid Flash runs to him while Blockbuster takes another swing at Aqualad, who forms a shield.
Superboy then rushes up and starts punching Blockbuster before grabbing his head.
Robin portrays damage to the pillar. "Got it, you two?"
"Got it."
Snowfire nods. "Let's move, KF."
"Go."
Kid Flash and Snowfire take off, him running while Snowfire flies. Kid Flash dives up and grabs Blockbuster's nose, punching him in the process. Snowfire lands beside him and tilts her head curiously.
Kid Flash looks at the thing in his hand. "Got your nose."
Blockbuster throws Superboy to the ground and takes off after Kid Flash and Snowfire.
Kid Flash dodges right before he gets pounded by Blockbuster. Superboy rolls over and gets back up.
"Superboy. Aqualad." Robin raises his wrist to show them the plan while Kid Flash and Snowfire flee Blockbuster.
Kid Flash leans against a pillar. "Come and get me you incredible bulk." Kid Flash then dodges right before Blockbuster destroys the pillar, but gets hit by a rock and falls. "No. Ugh." He quickly rolls over and jumps back up right before Blockbuster pounds him, but stumbles and winds up getting slammed into another wall. "Ugh!"
"This one and that one." Robin retracts the wrist computer, then pulls out his discs.
Superboy slams his fist into one pillar, while Aqualad uses his hard water hammer to destroy another.
Blockbuster tries to slam his fist into Kid Flash and Snowfire, but they dodge, and he slams it into the pillar instead. "Sorry, try again."
"Nice try, but denied."
Snowfire catches up with Kid Flash with flight. "Good quip." He says.
Robin draws a large X on the floor with white chalk, then runs. Aqualad coats the floor with water. Kid Flash runs and slides on the water, spreading it. Blockbuster runs for him. Superboy jumps into the air before slamming his fist into the top of Blockbuster's head, causing him to fall right on the X. A second later, Aqualad sends a massive electrical current through it, shocking Blockbuster.
Robin runs out of the way. "Move!" His explosive discs beep, then blow up, bringing Cadmus down on top of us. Superboy dives for Kid Flash and Snowfire while Aqualad dives for Robin. Seconds later, the building collapses.
Superboy punches a rock away, then he pushes the large stone on their backs away. He then looks around to see that they're all okay. "Agh."
WITH THE LEAGUE
I turn to Batman once we get to the Watchtower. "What was with the look you gave me when I told you I could go after Wotan? It was almost like you thought I was Robin!" The other heroes stare in shock. No one else has the guts to go against Batman like that. "And about trying to keep me on the Batwing! I can protect myself. I may be immature, but I'm not helpless. I made it this far on my own, haven't I?" I throw my hands in the air before storming off with several heroes staring after me.
Batman sighs. "Anyone want to follow her?"
Superman sighs before following me.
"Mariposa?"
I glance toward the door. "Kal-el."
He smiles slightly before walking over. "What's wrong?"
I sigh before turning to look out the window. "Bats is hovering."
"What do you mean by that?"
I sigh heavily before turning to him. "I mean, he's treating me like a child because I have Asperger's. He didn't kick me off the team, but he doesn't treat me like I'm a hero either." I sigh heavily and turn to look at the Kryptonian beside me. "I'm not sure how close you and Batman are, Kal, but…" I look out over the wasteland of space, admiring the shocking beauty of it. "I think I might actually like who he is inside…but if he's going to act like this on every mission we're on together, then…" I look up to Superman. "Then we can't ever be together."
"Do you want to be?"
I sigh before nodding. We look up as a gust of wind blows our hair. "Flash? What is it?"
"We have to go. Our partners never made it home."
I jump to my feet immediately. "Let's go! Snowfire's only eight!"
Aqualad, Kid Flash, Snowfire, and Robin stand from the rubble. "We…did it."
Robin rubs the back of his neck. "Was there…ever any doubt?" He and Kid Flash high-five, only to cringe and groan in pain. Superboy steps over to where Blockbuster is pinned.
"See?" Kid Flash points at the moon. "The moon."
Snowfire turns to the two boys. "Let me see. Maybe I can do something." He and Robin move over, and Snowfire covers her hands in blue fire before quickly healing their ribs.
Something seems to come from the moon. After a couple minutes, they discover that it's Superman. "Oh, and Superman. Do we keep our promises or what?"
We land around them.
Superboy walks over to Superman and lifts the torn part of his shirt, revealing the Shield. Superman looks stunned for a second, but when Superboy gives him a hopeful look, he scowls. Superboy scowls back.
"Is that what I think it is?" Batman asks.
Kid Flash steps forward and covers the side of his mouth facing Superboy. "He doesn't like being called an "it"."
Superboy releases his top. "I'm Superman's clone."
We all share confused looks.
"Start talking." Batman tells the kids.
A few of us haul off Blockbuster after they finish their tale. While we talk over what happened, the five of them gather together. I catch Superboy staring at Superman, and start to walk toward the Kryptonian. Martian Manhunter glances their way, followed by Superman, the two both talking with Wonder Woman. Superboy turns back to Snowfire.
Superman turns to look back at Wonder Woman before walking over to the two of them. "We'll uh—we'll figure something out for you. The League will, I mean. For now, I'd better…uh…make sure they get that Blockbuster creature squared away." He then turns away and flies off, Superboy staring after him.
I roll my eyes, wondering why I even bothered to bare my soul to that dense Kryptonian.
"Hold on, Superboy, I'll be right back." Snowfire runs across the lot to me. "Mari!"
"Hey, Snowy. You have fun?"
"Aqualad, Kid Flash, Robin, and I freed Superboy…but now it's night, and Superboy has nowhere to go…I was hoping you could let him stay at your 'partment tonight? He's really good."
"I'll speak with the League."
"I got a headache too."
I sigh. "Too much telepathy, Little Miss." I look over to the teens. "I think Batman needs to talk with you." I glance over to the Dark Knight and sigh. "If you can't do the time, Snowfire, don't do the crime."
She steps over to the boys.
"Cadmus will be investigated. All fifty-two levels. But let's make one thing clear."
Flash cuts in. "You should have called."
Snowfire speaks up softly. "We tried to call, but we were down too deep."
"End results aside, we are not happy. You hacked Justice League systems, disobeyed direct orders, and endangered lives. You will not be doing this again."
"I am sorry, but we will."
"Aqualad, stand down."
"Apologies, my king. But no." Aquaman raises an eyebrow. "We did good work here tonight. The work you trained us to do." Aqualad steps forward. "Together, on our own, we forged something powerful, important."
Flash cuts in again. "If this is about your treatment at the Hall, the four of you—"
Kid Flash interrupts. "The five of us. And it's not."
Robin steps forward. "Batman, we're ready to use what you taught us, or why teach us at all?"
"Why let them tell us what to do?" Superboy asks.
Snowfire smiles up at the clone. "Because we're still kids, Superboy."
Superboy continues. "It's simple: Get on board, or get out of the way."
I nod and step up beside Snowfire and the boys. "Superboy has a point, Batman. I know I'm the newest member of the League, but I stand with them as well as the league."
Robin and Kid Flash look up at me. "You're already on board?"
"Hey, I like the idea of kids fighting crime. Keeps them from committing the crimes." Batman glares at me, which I shrug off. "I live in a halfway house on the bad side of Chicago, and deal with gang wars all the time. Some of them are younger than Robin, Batman, and most of them never make it to adulthood." I sigh. "I'm sure you see the same things I have witnessed in Chicago, in Gotham. Maybe even worse than what I've seen." I glance toward Superboy before turning back to Batman. "I need to know where Superboy will be staying for the night. If you don't have a place for him, I don't have much room, but he can stay with me if he wants." I turn to Snowfire. "Come on. You'll stay in my apartment for the night. It's far too late for you to go home. I bet your mother's worried sick!"
"Her mother hasn't called?"
"I turn my phone off when we're on missions, Batman." I sigh. "She's used to Snowfire coming home late because we do an eight to ten patrol on the nights when she's not in school, but it's after midnight. I know she's got to be worried sick."
"You need to get your protégé home."
I sigh heavily. "Not and leave a child alone—parentless. I'm not that kind of person, Batman. I won't kill, I won't allow abuse of any kind to happen on my watch, and I won't leave a child in any horrible position. "For I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep"." I turn to Snowfire. "Snowy, come on. We've got to get you to bed, and I have to tell your mother you're okay." I sigh before turning to Superboy. "Kid, you're comin' with me."
"How are we getting there? I can't fly."
"Zeta tube. There's one close to my apartment, and Batman can get you set up with a designation in a minute or so."
CHICAGO
Access: Batman, 02. Recognized: Mariposa, 17. Snowfire, B-05. Superboy, B-04.
We step out of the zeta transporter in Chicago. "How far?"
"About a block or so. Watch your back, this is a bad part of town."
Superboy picks Snowfire up and turns to me. "Let's go."
I smile. "Follow me." I sigh before dialing my phone. "April?"
"Is Liv okay?!"
"Fine. We just had a league mission. Robin watched her at the Hall. She's fine, just tired."
"I'll get her tomorrow. Fred's coming to take the kids to the children's museum."
"I'm sorry Snowfire missed the picnic today, but I assure you she had a ball with Robin."
"And your mission?"
"Success. I do need to talk to you about a few things tomorrow, though."
APARTMENT
"So this is where you live?"
I nod. "Didn't Cadmus tell you about halfway houses and women's shelters?"
He sighs. "Yes, but why do you live here?"
"I have Asperger's Disorder, and my birthfather verbally and physically abused me. My mom's been dead since last May, and Dad was too busy working to take the time I needed to help me feel safe, so a little under a month after I became a hero, I moved out here so I could feel safer."
"Superman…he shunned me."
I sigh softly. "I used to be an EMT in Culver, only to get fired two weeks after I told the director I had Asperger's. I became a hero in Culver when I found out about the powers seeping out of the necklaces I had bought for Snowfire and I at a theme park in Indiana. They shunned me too. That's the whole reason I chose to move to Chicago in the first place. I wanted to be somebody's hero." I unlock and open the door before stepping aside to let the half-Kryptonian carrying my cousin inside.
"I think she's asleep. Where do you want me to put her?"
I smile. "Follow me. I'll take you to her room." I open the door and let him pass. "She stays here when she's not in school." He sets her on the bed and turns to leave. "Go back to the living room. I'll be there in just a minute."
Once he leaves, I slip off my mask and slide on my glasses, then walk over to the bed and help the half-asleep girl into her pajamas. "Riley?"
"What's wrong?"
Olivia lies back on the bed and lets me cover her up. "Why is Superboy here?"
I sigh. "Superman refused to take him home, said he's nothing to him—nothing but a weapon. Batman is too busy with Gotham and Robin. I was the first member of the League to offer to take him home—I think I beat Flash to the punch this time."
"This time? He's always late!" Olivia giggles. "How can he always be late? He's so fast!"
"I don't get why he's always late. He's so fraggin' fast!" I smile slightly. "Now, you need to get to sleep. I'm gonna get Superboy settled in, then get to bed myself. Your Dad's coming to take you to the Children's Museum tomorrow, and you need some rest." I walk over to the door and move to close it.
"Riley?" She yawns. "Do you think Mom will let me be on the team?"
"I don't know, sweetheart. I'm talking to her about it tomorrow—after Superboy and I get him something to wear. I've got a couple t-shirts and jeans Briar left last time he was here, and one of the Green Lanterns gave him a pair of shoes before we left, but we still need to take him shopping."
I walk into the living room and find Superboy sitting on the couch. I smile slightly before joining him. "Hey. What's wrong?"
"I was just thinking…why does Superman hate me?"
"I can't answer that, Conner."
"Conner?"
"Well, I only have a few things you could wear, and that only 'cause my brother forgot them here the last time he visited. I can't call you Superboy when we go to the mall tomorrow, can I?"
"Why not?"
"Secret identities. The world knows me as Mariposa, Star Healer. Cook County General and my Family know me as Sheyenne, a Physician's Assistant and Writer." I smile gently before sighing. "I'll get you a few blankets and a pillow. I don't have much room, and I'm sorry."
"It's all right." He sighs. "How long have you been a hero?"
"Seven months. I only had four months of training." I sigh. "One power you probably don't know about is that we can read people's intensions—their very souls." I rest my hand on his shoulder. "You're good—no matter what you were created for. "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings", Conner. Good or evil—your future is up to you, not Cadmus."
THE NEXT MORNING
Once Olivia wakes up, the two of us head across the hall to her mother's apartment, leaving Conner to sleep. While Olivia runs off, I turn to April. "You need to know what happened last night." I sigh softly. "April, while I was on the League mission, Robin, Aqualad, and Kid Flash took off on a different mission without our knowledge, taking Liv with them."
"WHAT!?"
"She's a quick study, April. She was fine—safe. Someone was always with her." I smile. "They freed a clone of Superman—Superboy, age sixteen. I've been calling him Conner." She nods. "Anyway, once the League arrived at Cadmus, we took the head creature into custody, and Superman couldn't even bring himself to look at his son and brother. The protégés decided they wanted to create their own team like the League, and I agree that it'd be a good idea. Olivia is the youngest of the group, but even Superboy likes her—and he doesn't seem to like a lot of things. Liv wants to be on the team."
"As a founding member?"
I sigh. "Obviously. It's still in the planning stages. Batman is going to be working on it, and he's trying to figure out where the teens—and hopefully my protégé and your daughter as well—will have their headquarters."
"You have to keep her safe."
"I know." I sigh softly. "It's time you knew the truth. When Olivia was born, though you kept me from holding her for six months, from helping care for her for six months, I made a promise to that baby girl—that I would never allow her to be hurt in any way—that I would shelter her—protect her—especially if something were to happen to you."
"I'll think about it."
I nod. "She does want this."
"So what are you doing now?"
"Waking a Kryptonian so I can take him to get some clothes that aren't Briar's, and don't look like sleepers. That solar suit looks like a short sleeved version of Jackson's pajamas."
JULY 8TH
I smile at Superboy as I walk into the living room. He's wearing a black T-shirt with an S shield and blue jeans. "Morning."
I look toward the hall when I hear tired feet. A few seconds later, I see Olivia walking in wearing a white short sleeved T-shirt, a knee length pleated azure blue and white skirt, an azure blue zip-up hoodie, azure blue leggings, and azure blue patent leather strappy flats. "Morning, Riley."
"You need to hurry up and eat. Batman wants us in Happy Harbor in half an hour."
"Where's that?"
I shrug. "I have no idea, but it's close to their cities."
"But why are you wearing your costume?"
I smile. "Because I am part of the League, and so I have to."
I nod as she puts her dish in the sink before turning to Superboy. "Come on, Superboy! They're finally making the team today! We can't be late!"
"Wait!" I walk over and clip her pink star necklace around her neck before watching her hair turn from blonde to a bright pink. "You can't leave here without your disguise. Livy, you have to remember we're only human. Batman and Robin never tell, and neither can you."
HAPPY HARBOR
Superboy and Snowfire fall into line beside the others. Batman starts pacing in front of them. "This cave was the original Secret Sanctuary of the Justice League. We're calling it into service again. Since you five are determined to stay together and fight the good fight, you'll do it on League terms. Red Tornado volunteered to live here and be your supervisor. Black Canary's in charge of training. I will deploy you on missions."
I step up. "And I am available for medical assistance when necessary, and may assist on missions when requested."
Robin is wearing an orange hoodie and black jacket, with black pants and black and white sneakers. He also has dark sunglasses on. "Real Missions?"
"Yes, but covert."
Flash is standing behind Kid Flash, who is wearing a white long sleeved shirt, blue short sleeved collared shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers. "The League will still handle the obvious stuff. There's a reason we have these targets on our chests."
Aquaman steps up next to Batman. "But Cadmus proves the bad guys are getting smarter. Batman needs a team that can operate on the sly."
"The six of you will be that team."
"Cool." Robin smirks. "Wait, six?"
Batman nods toward the zeta tube. "This is the Martian Manhunter's niece, Miss Martian."
"Hi." She says.
"Liking this gig more every minute." Kid Flash says, "Welcome aboard. I'm Kid Flash. That's Robin. Aqualad. It's cool if you forget their names."
Snowfire walks over to her. "Hi. I'm Snowfire."
"I'm honored to be included."
I join the teens and Snowfire as we all walk over to welcome her. "I'm Mariposa. Snowfire is my partner.
Robin turns back. "Hey, Superboy. Come meet Miss M."
Superboy quickly joins us.
She changes the color of her shirt with shape-shifting. "I like your T-shirt."
Superboy smiles slightly before scowling when Robin elbows him. Kid Flash darts over and puts his arm around Superboy.
Aqualad looks at us all. "Today is the day."
Snowfire smirks. "Too bad Speedy isn't here to see it."
Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Superboy turn to me. "You're sure we can trust you?"
"I will stand with you. You can trust me explicitly."
MOUNT JUSTICE
"J'onn?" He turns to me. "I can't wait to see the two of you in Chicago."
"My niece will be staying here at the cave with Superboy."
"Why, J'onn?"
"She is a White Martian."
"A minority group? In Chicago? Tell me something I don't know." I sigh heavily. "I know your story—I know everyone's stories. I don't know theirs yet, but I'll get them in time. I have power, J'onn." I smile slightly. "Snowfire and I are good, but not as trained as most of the league. It'd be nice seeing Miss Martian out there with you."
"You live in Chicago."
I nod. "Yeah. On the bad side of town. I've been working at an inner city hospital. My hospital mentor funds my work." I glance toward the team before looking back to him as he walks away. After, I sigh and shake my head. 'His own niece, all he's got left from Mars, and he'll just leave her to live at the Cave? Just because she's white? Dear God, someone needs to knock some sense into that Martian.'
