AUTHOR'S NOTE: First off, Onyx, thank you for letting me know about Unorthodox. I'll be sure to go check out the fic if it's still up. Also, if there are fellow fan fiction writer's who want to use my ideas please feel free to do so. All I ask is that you give credit where it is due. And please don't take my work and call it your own. Ask permission first at the very least.

Anyway, sorry this update has been so long in coming. Over the past couple of days I've been wracked with anxiety. I've been applying for writing positions and finally got one reply. I've been waiting to hear back from them after submitting a test. I probably shouldn't have sent them another e-mail asking if I got the job or not. Scared out of mind. O.o

Chapter 15

Connor could not believe what he was hearing.

He had woken up early the next morning. Worried about Krypto he had slept on the bed right beside the animal. Krypto woke him up with dog kisses. Confused, Connor had not been sure why his friend had started to whine. It wasn't until the dog led him into the living room to watch the news he realized what had the dog in near fits.

"There has been no set release date, but several psychiatrists have determined Superman is perfectly sane. After being transferred from Arkham Asylum due to his life being endangered he was revaluated at his new facility. Batman and the rest of the Justice League were unavailable for comment. Now we go to Vicki Vale, who took a statement from an expert in Greece who says otherwise about Superman's release."

Connor stared when the woman made the announcement. He clenched his fists as Krypto began to whine. Licking his hand and pawing at his legs to get his attention. For a moment he could not understand what was wrong. Then Connor realized what was wrong. When he looked down at his friend he noticed the room had begun to dissolve into swirls.

"Krypto…why are they releasing that bastard?" Connor hissed as he sat down on the couch. Krypto jumped up onto the cushions beside him. Despite his bandages the dog acted as if he were not injured at all. Connor wrapped his arms around the canine and gave him a tight squeeze.

"Bullshit, isn't it?" A voice said to his right. Connor closed his eyes holding back from growling himself. When he had woken up he had expected to see Bruce again. It had pained him to realize his friend's soft voice would not be there to help calm him down.

"Go away." Connor said snapped angrily. He heard a sigh as the boy known as Robin came in. Superboy glared openly at him wishing the other would leave him alone. He knew how he must look right now. At seeing the other cry Robin pulled up short.

"I'm glad to see Krypto is doing better. Megan was worried about him. When he was brought in she and I took turns sitting by his bed talking to him. The entire team did." Tim Drake said hoping to ease the tension. He had heard rumors about Superman having a clone, but had never imagined they would be real. Looking at Superboy now he could see the striking resemblance between the two.

Connor said nothing, still keeping his arms locked around his dog at his glared at the other teen silently. Tim coughed and looked away back at the news. Batman had said to stay away from Superboy. His only reason had been it had something to do with a past mistake. Wally West, known as Kid Flash, seemed to be the only one who had any idea what was going on. He had secretly told the rest of the team the rumors about Superman being insane were true. The proof was on Flash's right leg. There was a scar on the back of the hero's leg as if he had suffered a huge burn. Wally had also pointed out his mentor had a slight limp when he walked. It wasn't noticeable unless the man moved slowly, but it was there.

"Thank you." Superboy said drawing Tim's attention away from the TV a second time.

"No worries. Everyone was kind of thinking of Krypto as the mascot for the team but…I guess since now you're here he's going back home, isn't he?" Tim asked. Superboy shook his head wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. The other teen made no comment about walking in on the crying session.

"Hell, I don't even know where home is anymore. Superman has been released, Luthor owns the company again, my mother has gone missing, and Bruce is…." Connor froze when he uttered the name. He kept half expecting Bruce to come out and tell him it was all an elaborate joke. To give his same reassuring smile as he asked what he wanted for breakfast.

"You and him are really close, right?" Tim asked. Superboy paused eyeing the other teen carefully. Krypto barked as he jumped down from the couch and ran over to the other teen. Laughing, Tim knelt to scratch the dog behind the ears.

"Of course we are. The only person who's known him longer then me is Krypto. Why?" Connor asked as he got up to come over. He shook his head when Krypto skipped away to come sit by his feet. Stepping all over Connor's toes as the dog whined to be petted.

"Krypto is a person?"

"He has thoughts and feelings like we do, doesn't he?"

"Guess so. He's the only super animal I've ever seen. Megan is in love with him, that's for sure. She's Miss Martian, the-"

"I know. The green girl." Connor cut in. Tim winced, but nodded none the less. He was forced to look up when he straightened up just to meet Connor's gaze. The clone did seem to look formidable.

"There's a lot you don't know about Bruce, you know. He wasn't always the person you know him to be." Tim said testing the waters. Connor glared letting his hand drop to pet Krypto on the head who continued to whine.

"I know that! But…I don't believe him when he says he used to be Batman. It just isn't possible! Bruce is to quiet and nice to go around hurting people." Connor explained with a shake of his head.

"He won't even let me kill the mice in the barn. He puts them in a box and then has me release them into the woods. What kind of person do you think he is?"

"He's someone you lost. And he's the kind of person who saved your life when you didn't deserve it." A deep voice cut in. Connor and Tim both turned to see Batman standing framed in the doorway to the living room. He was alone. He came in glaring at Tim before turning his attention back to Connor.

"I thought you were going to remain with your dog. Which means the one room."

"I can go where I want. Or are you going to stop me?" Connor said crossing his arms. Batman's eyes narrowed even more.

"Where do you plan on going, then? Back to your father? You have two, Superman and Luthor. Go ahead and ask either one of them for help. Please, I would love to see how it turns out for you." Batman stated harshly. Connor stopped, seeming at a loss for words. He grit his teeth as he glared at the hero wishing he could punch him in the jaw.

"You know, it's not in your job description to act like your namesake. Give the kid a break. It's not his fault it happened." Another voice joined in.

This time everyone's heads turned as Flash walked in. Tim studied the man's leg intently looking for the limp. His sharp eyes picked it within an instant. It was small, but Wally had indeed been right. Flash narrowed his eyes at his friend as he came in. He nodded to Connor in greeting before continuing to speak to his friend.

"Yes it is! Barry, you know this better then-"

"Yeah, I do know better. Like I know Connor isn't responsible for Bruce being the way he is. Clark is, and the sorry bastard was just released this morning. Just like it's not your fault those mercenaries broke into Akrham to kill all the inmates."

"What?" Connor said his eyes wide. Flash paused, seeing the way Dick and Tim stared dumbfounded at him. With a tired sigh he reached up and removed his mask to reveal his secret identity. He honestly didn't really care anymore who knew who he was.

"I just found out from one of my informants. The media thinks it's still caught up in paperwork, but Superman has been released. Apparently he flew off this morning." Barry said his blue eyes showing a hint of fear.

"You can imagine where he's headed first."

No one knew what to say. Krypto began to whine again seeking comfort from his friend. Connor heard the blood rushing through his ears. Around him the voices of the others seemed to come to him as if from the end of a long tunnel. The blond man started to argue with Batman. A moment later Batman's cowl was yanked back in a fit of frustration. The complete opposite of Flash's coloring with his black hair and brown eyes. The two began to yell at each other as Tim backed away.

Robin and Superboy left the room together. The voices of the two heroes following them as they left. Neither boy knew what to say. They didn't want to admit their worst fears either. Connor found his mouth felt dry at the thought of his predecessor being on the move again. Superman was free right at this moment. Released into the world due to the fact everyone thought him a saint. Why? People had seen what the man had done on national television! Even Flash had come forward to protest the sanity of Superman.

Krypto whined worriedly his ears against his head. Connor did not know what to say. Except he had to wonder how Bruce must feel. Did he even know what had happened? Glancing down at the dog he wondered what would happen now. Would his predecessor come to kill him? To gain revenge for what had been done to him?

"Shit." Tim cursed. He felt Superboy's eyes on him and glanced at the other teen as well.

"Are people always this stupid? What is everyone thinking?" Superboy hissed his eyes narrowed.

"Dunno. People probably just want their hero back. Doesn't matter whose right or wrong, but what the masses want. It's fucking bullshit is what it is." Tim growled in return. Connor nodded in agreement as he clenched his fists.

"Krypto is the only one whose ever been strong enough to take him on. Last time though…it didn't end to well." Connor said glancing down at his loyal companion. Tim stopped in the middle of the hallway to put a hand on Connor's arm. Gazing at him intently despite the sunglasses he wore.

"Do you think he could pull it off again? I heard you took Big Blue on last time."

"Only because I had access to my other powers. Now I don't."

"How do you gain access to the rest?"

"Through some type of sticker that suppresses the human DNA in me. Without it I have some powers, but not any that would really help us against Superman." Connor explained. The other teen nodded saying nothing else about the matter. Connor had expected the other teen to at least berate him on the matter, but apparently he had other things on his mind.

Together they walked to the other part of the fortress. While walking Tim began to explain where they were exactly. Their secret base was home to the new team who called themselves the "Young Justice". It was compromised of only a few members at the moment. Tim, who was Robin, Kid Flash, Aqua Lad, Miss Martian also known as Megan, and they had thought Krypto as well. A intelligent machine known as the Red Tornado oversaw them, but was not directly involved in their training.

As Connor listened he remembered Bruce speaking to him about the choice of being a hero. His servant had always told his ward to keep an open mind, but to seriously think about his future. The clone had always thought it a bit strange. Robin for the most part seemed to be well rounded. If albeit a tad to cocky in his attitude for Connor's taste.

They kept walking until they came to what appeared to be a game room. Comfortable chairs and couches were scattered around. Kid Flash and Aqua Lad seemed intent on playing a videogame. Megan had her legs folded underneath her as she read a book in one of the chairs. Seeing the rest of the team Krypto barked happily dashing into the room. He jumped on Megan first who smiled, setting aside her book as she reached out to bet the eager dog.

"Oh, Krypto! You're all better! Good boy, good boy! Who's a pretty puppy? You are!" Megan said happily. Kid Flash and Aqua Lad stopped their game to see what was going on. Connor frowned at the familiarity as the other two members of the team came over to greet the canine.

"Krypto, heel." Connor ordered. The dog whined, but he trotted back with a wagging tale regardless. This drew the attention onto him as for the first time all eyes locked on the clone. Crossing his arms Connor returned their gaze daring any of them to contradict his order.

"You got a real great dog there. We ah…were just taking care of him. You guys gonna hang around a while?" Wally suggested with a nervous grin. Connor frowned at the suggestion but said nothing.

"Not sure. Probably not. I have to take care of something before I even think of staying anywhere. Thanks for taking care of Krypto. Come on, boy." Connor said.

He turned around and headed back the way he had come with Robin earlier. He heard a scuffle as someone ran after him. Connor didn't bother to turn around to see who it was. A second later Robin appeared by his elbow quickening his step to come after him. There was a look of concern on his face as if he wished to say something but didn't.

"Where are you going?"

"To find Bruce. I need to get him to safety before Superman finds him." Connor stated bluntly. He didn't care how impossible it sounded when he said it. He had taken an oath to protect his servant, and he intended to keep it. Robin stared at him shaking his head at what the clone said.

"Do you even know where he is?"

"I'll retrace my steps. Besides, I have Krypto with me. He can track his scent. Right, boy?" Connor said glancing down at the dog. Krypto barked his tail wagging at the sound of his name. He whined licking Connor's as if to reassure the teen. His bandages had begun to slip off to show pink fur beneath. Connor winced when he saw the injuries, but for the most part other then stained fur Krypto seemed to have healed.

"You're going to make him fight right after he just got shot? Look, I know he's your dog but don't think that's a little to soon?" Robin asked. This brought the taller teen up short who glared down at him with blazing blue eyes.

"Krypto is fine! Look at him, it's as if it never happened. Besides, Bruce could be-"

"Superman is out there. The only one who stands any chance against fight him at this point is Krypto. And he almost died the first time he fought him. You almost lost him a second time when he got shot protecting Bruce. So you're telling me you're willing to risk his life a third time?" Robin shot back cutting Connor off.

Connor grit his teeth wishing to punch the smaller teen in the face. He glanced down at Krypto again who only wagged his tail. Their eyes met as the canine sat down beginning to pant. Robin did make a good point. Krypto appeared to be perfectly fine. He was acting like his usual frisky self as if he had no other wish then to go chasing birds across the sky as he usually did. However, the dog had seemed slower than usual. Being careful of where he stepped as if fearing he might strain himself.

"Look, I'm not saying you don't love Krypto. I know you do, that's pretty obvious." Robin continued softening his tone.

"But if you're going to have any chance of even finding Bruce Krypto needs to be back in top shape. He's also the only one strong enough to take on Superman. I know you want to find Bruce, we all do, but right now your best option is to get a plan together."

"Bruce could be dead by now!"

"If he was don't you think we would have found his body? Think, if they really wanted Bruce dead they wouldn't have shot Krypto and taken Bruce alive. Whoever has him wants him that way. I doubt they took him just to kill him less than a day later." Robin explained hastily.

Connor sighed remembering the hurt expression on Bruce's face when he had left him. A part of him had urged him to go back, but he had been to stubborn to bother. He gazed at Robin reading the rest of what the other was trying to tell him. Whoever had taken Bruce also probably still had kryptonite bullets no doubt. There was also the matter of his mother, Mercy Graves. If Connor was to stand any chance of getting on equal ground with Superman he needed those special stickers which granted him the same powers as his predecessor. She might just have some handy.

"Alright, but only long enough to get a plan together." Connor agreed.

Satisfied, Robin thanked him and promised him he would talk to Batman right away about helping. Connor shook his head disgustedly as the other teen quickly hurried off. He didn't like Batman at all. Despite what Bruce had told him about having a special connection with the man Connor didn't see it. He had no idea how Bruce could have ever befriended anyone so cold hearted.

Then again…he's with me, isn't he? And I'm worse.

Connor thought uncomfortably as he and Krypto headed back to the main room. Flash and Batman had apparently decided to take their fight elsewhere. He heard nothing in the room save the TV continuing to play the news. Calling for heavy rain the next day. Sighing, he ignored the TV as he went into the kitchen. Krypto darted forward to eagerly start working on the dog food which had been left in a large porcelain bowl for him. A pot filled with water sat beside it.

Despite himself Connor smiled at the sight. When he and Bruce had first moved into the farmhouse it had been weeks before they had bought Krypto proper dog bowls. Eventually they had got around to doing it only after Bruce had mentioned he would like his pan back. It had taken less than half an hour to head into town, buy the bowls, and then drive back. Connor wondered why Bruce had waited so long to make him go get the bowls, but he had always chalked it up to laziness.

Maybe it just never occurred to Bruce to begin with. What would he care about how the house looked if he can't see? Not like it ever stopped him before…

Connor began to prepare himself a sandwich to eat. No one came to scold him or tell him not to. Not having Bruce around was a void Connor never imagined he would have to face. He kept expecting to feel a touch on his elbow. To hear Bruce asking him if he could get something from the store they had forgotten. He had grown so used to helping his blind mentor around the house and caring for his needs the teen had never thought to do otherwise. He did the usual video calls with his mother of course. Always being sure to thank Mercy for the gifts she sent and to tell her how things were going on the farm.

Had he truly lost both of them? What would he do if Krypto was the only one he had left? Glancing down at the canine Connor prayed Bruce would be okay. In the meantime, it seemed he would have to gather information before going after him. Robin had made a good point.

Don't worry, Bruce. I'm coming for you. Soon.