I AM BACK! I still don't own anything….
Well that sucks.
Blue's civilian outfit at the end of the chapter is on my profile! (Minus the bag of course…)
Project Cadmus.
The explosion caused the two stuck scientists to fall out of the building and the glass to shatter…..
Kid Flash zoomed in catching the falling scientists flinging them up onto the roof before catching himself on the windowsill.
"So smooth." Robin shook his head.
"Does he always have to run ahead? We need a plan we…" Aqualad began.
Yeah…the other two were already gone.
Large shards of broke glass from the big windows that was previously hurling toward the firemen who ducked for cover glowed blue and stopped for a second before being guided gently to the ground.
"Cool." Robin stated to the only girl in the group.
"Damn straight." She stated before jumping onto the fire truck and using it to propel herself inside the building Robin following after both helping Kid Flash up.
"I need to borrow that!" Aqualad shouted to the fire-fighters using his Water-Bearers to collect the water used to put out the fire to create a whirlpool that allowed him to get to the roof and save the scientists before joining his team.
"Appreciate the help." He said dryly.
"You handled it. Besides we're here to investigate. Poetic justice remember?"
He stepped outside the hall and saw the elevator close…
With something inside it.
"There was…"
"The elevator should be locked down….." Kid Flash stated frowning but Robin ran ahead.
The boy wonder hit the down button and frowned. "This is wrong." He stated then checked his watch/mini computer.
Where could Blue get one of those?
They're neat!
"Thought so…..this is a high speed express elevator it goes at least twenty floors below the surface; it doesn't belong in a two story building." He frowned.
"Neither does what I saw." Aqualad agreed and forced the doors open and looked down.
Damn that was a long drop.
"That is definitely an express elevator." Robin agreed before shooting a rope gun at the top of the shaft and sailing down to sup-level twenty-six where his rope ended and they were forced to stop.
His computer watch lit up again. "Okay by-passing security and go!"
Aqualad went to force the doors open and Blue put a hand on his shoulder. "Hold on. Don't waste your strength you might need it." She told him placing one hand on the crack between the two elevator doors.
Two minutes later they slid open.
"Welcome to Project Cadmus."
And then Kid Flash took off like the impatient boy he is.
"Wait!" They hissed and he didn't instead he nearly got trampled by…
"What are those things?" Kid Flash asked angrily.
"So…nothing going on here at all right boys?" Blue asked in a fake singsong voice that got a slightly chuckle from Robin.
Robin used his mini computer to get through another door and holy shit…
"Okay I am officially whelmed."
It was like a giant power plant filled with glowing watery blue tubes from floor to ceiling.
"This is how they hide this massive underground facility from the world." Kid stated.
"Nah you think?" Blue asked rolling her eyes.
"What I mean is the real Cadmus isn't on the grid it generates its own power! These things…must be what they're bred for." Kid explained.
"Of course even the name is a clue…the Cadmus of myth created a new race by sowing dragons deep into the earth." Aqualad agreed.
"And this Cadmus creates new life too." Robin nodded. "Let's find out why." And he proceeded to break into their main-frame.
"They call them Genomorphs….whoa look at the stats on these things…super strength. Telepathy, razor claws…these are living weapons!"
"They're creating an army." Kid Flash stated. "But for who?"
"Wait there is something else. Project Kr….uh! The flies triple encrypted! I can't…"
"DON'T MOVE!"
They're heads snapped to the side at the voice as a new male ran in with some G…thingies…
"Wait…Robin…Aqualad….Bleubell, Kid Flash?"
"Least he got your name right." Robin stated to Kid.
"I know you. Guardian you're a hero." Aqualad said.
"I do my best."
"Then why are you here?" Blue asked.
"I think that's my question kids…I'm chief of security. You're trespassing but we can call the Justice League…figure this out."
"First we're more then just kids second…you think the League will approve of you breeding weapons?" Blue asked raising an eyebrow.
"Weapons? What are you…what have I…?" And the thing on his shoulders horns started to glow red and his eyes grew dazed.
That's when Blue knew.
"Ugh…my head…." He stated for a second then grew angry. "Take 'em down hard!" He ordered the G-…I don't know Elves? Okay G-Elves. "No mercy!"
And they attacked.
Robin threw a gas pelt to create some smoke for cover.
And then the fight began.
They came at all angles.
"Watch your back!" She shouted at Aqualad placing a hand up eyes turning blue to make the two things that were flying at him freeze and for a second she looked to be struggling these things were powerful….
But they then turned to each other and clawed at one another until they flew down exhausted and unconscious.
That's when Guardian slammed into her sending her flying.
"No!" She shouted and placed a hand out to stop him running at her until Aqualad tackled him and they began fighting.
They ran to join Robin who was hacking into the elevator since the alarm system went off.
Aqualad dived in and the doors shut down.
"Ow." She placed a hand on her right temple.
"That thing…struggled against my hold….usually they don't know I'm control them…" She explained to them.
"Well I'm glad you were able to control them." Aqualad stated.
"Any time." She nodded.
"We're heading down!" Kid Flash announced. "Dude! Out is UP!"
"Excuse me?" Robin asked. "Project Kr is down…at sub-level fifty two."
"This is out of control…" Aqualad stated rubbing the back of his head. "Perhaps… perhaps we should contact the League."
And then they arrived the doors flying open into a large glowing red cave….
And Robin just took off.
"Boys…always rushing." Blue sighed as they took off after him.
They cave spilt into two.
"Which way?" Aqualad asked.
"Yeah…" Robin sighed. "Bizarre looking hallway one or bizarre looking hallway two?" He said.
"Halt!" A voice shouted and out came….
A human sized version of the G-elves? His horns glowed red and two barrels lifted up and were sent hurtling towards them.
Blue rolled out in front of the other four and put her hand up making the red energy surrounding the barrels turn blue and go flying back at the weird dude.
Aqualad grabbed her shoulder to get her to stand up and run down hallway number one.
Kid Flash got to the door first knocking over a scientist coming out on the way there stopping the door from closing.
"Hurry!" He shouted and they dived through the door forcing it shut just as their enemy rounded the corner Robin working on a way to keep them out.
"I disabled the door. We're safe."
"We're trapped. "Aqualad disagreed.
"Uh guys…you'll want to see this."
And the lights came on.
"Oh my god…" Blue stated.
Project Kr….
"Kr…the atomic symbol for krypton…A clone?" Kid Flash asked.
"Robin hack!" Aqualad ordered.
"Oh right, right." The boy wonder stated. "Weapon designation Superboy a clone forced grown in….what? Sixteen weeks! From DNA inquired from Superman!"
"Stolen from Superman." Aqualad disagreed.
"No way the big guy knows about this." Kid agreed.
"The solar solution allows him to absorb solar radiation twenty-four seven." Robin explained.
"And these creatures?" Aqualad asked pointing at the things on top of Superboy.
"Genomorph Gnomes. Telepathic force feeding him an education."
"And you can guess what else…they're making a slave out of well Superman's son…"
"Now we contact the League." Aqualad stated pressing his belt causing it to glow.
"No signal." Robin told them.
"Oh boy."
"We're in too deep….literally." Kid Flash stated. "But this is wrong…we can't leave him like this."
"Set him free." Aqualad decided. "Do it."
Robin did.
He opened his eyes and instantly went flying at Aqualad.
The other two boys tried to get him off him but he punched them away Kid Flash going head first into a rock dropping to the ground unmoving.
Blue back-flipped over them landing in front of Superboy eyes blue causing Superboy to look up.
She tried to stop him but then.
A piercing sound….one only she could hear apparently stopped her blocking the small connection she'd made with Superboy and she clutched her head before she smacked her away.
"Son of a bitch! Shut down those Gnomes they're messing with me!"
Robin quickly shut down the tubes that encased the Gnomes causing them to grow dark and their horns to not stop glowing red but dim her control over her abilities returning.
Blue stood up and put her hand out again as Robin went to electrocute Superboy to no avail also falling to the clone and then he turned his attentions to the youngest of the group.
"Stop!" She shouted hand up eyes turning completely blue and he paused her blue energy completely surrounding him.
Sweat slipped down her brow and he broke her control causing her to flinch and him to smash her into the wall again knocking the youngest out.
"ENOUGH!" Aqualad shouted attacking Superboy causing the clone to smash into another energy tube in the cavern. "We are trying to help you!"
But Superboy attacked again.
And this time Aqualad went down.
Washington DC
July Fifth, 00:01
When they woke up they were blotted to panels a special electric headband around Blue's head that shocked her every time she tried to use her abilities.
They looked in the eyes of Superboy.
"What could you possibly want?" She asked him angrily and flinched again at the slight shock the thing gave her as she tried to at least loosen the screws bolting her to the panel.
"Quit staring you're creeping me out!" Kid Flash shouted.
"Uh KF how about we not tick off the guy that can fry us with a look?" Robin offered.
"We only sought to help you." Aqualad stated.
"Yeah we free you and you turn on us! How's that for gratitude…"
"Kid Please…." Aqualad said. "Be quiet."
"Bleubell? You okay?" Robin asked.
"This thing is blocking my ability…every time I try to use it….it shocks me…" She groaned lightly. "My head hurts."
"Hang in there Bleubell." Kid Flash said.
"Okay…"
"I think our new friend was not in full control of his actions." Aqualad stated.
"Wha…what have I…what if I wasn't…?"
"He can talk?" Kid Flash asked.
"Yes he can!" Superboy stated angrily.
"Not like I said it." Kid Flash pointed out.
"The Genomorphs taught you…telepathically." Blue stated.
"They taught me much." Superboy said. "I can read…write…I know the names of things.
"But have you seen them?" Robin asked. "Have you ever actually seen the sky….the sun…?"
"Images are implanted in my mind. But no I have not seen them…"
"Do you know want you are? Who you are?" Aqualad asked him.
"I am a Genomorph the Superboy…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."
"Well that answers that question." Blue stated.
"To be like Superman is a worthy aspiration." Aqualad said. "But like Superman you deserve a life of your own. Beyond that solar suit…beyond your pod. Beyond Cadmus."
"I live because of Cadmus! It is my home." Superboy shouted.
"Your home is a test tube….and we can show you the sun." Robin stated.
"Uh I'm pretty sure it's after Midnight but we can show you the moon!"
"We can show you...introduce you to Superman." Aqualad told him.
"No they can't!" And here comes Doctor Desmond.
"Oh look it's Mr let's put an electric headband on the TWELVE year old!" Blue snapped then had to hold in a scream as it electrocuted her again.
"BLEUBELL!" Robin shouted as the girl sagged.
"I'm…fine…" She promised them.
"They will be otherwise occupied." Doctor Desmond continued like she hadn't talked. "Activate the cloning device."
"Pass!" Robin stated. "That cave is crowded enough."
"AND PUT THE WEAPON BACK IN IT'S POD!" Doctor Desmond ordered Guardian who walked toward Superboy.
"Hey how come he gets to call Supey an it?" Kid Flash asked.
"Help us…." Aqualad said.
"Please." Blue told Superboy eyes pleading.
"Oh don't start thinking now." The Doctor stated as his G-Gnome hopped onto Superboy's shoulder horns glowing and Superboy's eyes went blank of all emotion.
So that's it….
"See you're not a real boy you're a weapon! You belong to me!" The Doctor ordered.
"He belongs to no one." Blue stated bravely and then braced herself as another shock hit her.
Okay they shock her for more then her power use.
Yay.
"…Well you belong to Cadmus…same thing!" The Doctor corrected himself. "Not get back to your Pod!"
And Superboy turned stiffly and left.
Electric probes reached up out of the bottom of the pod in which their panels they were bolted to where in.
Eight attached themselves to their chests four on each side and they began to shock them.
Shouts of pain filled the air.
"Where is Dubbliex?"
And the human like Genomorph walked out of the shadows.
"Lurking as usual!" The Doctor shook his head. "Get the G-Gnomes downloading their memories when that's done and you're sure the clones are viable delete the source material."
In the midst of this damned torture Aqualad spoke and via advanced hearing Superboy heard him.
"Superboy…you live….and you have the right to follow your own path. A weapon…or a person. The choice is yours but ask yourself…what would Superman do?"
The clone turned around arriving back at the chamber in which the sidekick were kept ripping up the control panel causing the probes to stop their electric torture.
"I told you to get back to your…." The Doctor began as he and the Guardian began to run at the clone but where pushed aside.
"Don't give me orders." Superboy stated.
"You here to help us or fry us?" Kid Flash asked.
"Huh… I don't seem to have heat vision so helping is my only option."
Dude did he just make a joke?
Robin's hands suddenly were free…
Huh he must have picked the lock.
"Finally! Lucky Batman isn't here or he'd have my head for taking so long."
"Really? That's what you're worried about? The whole League will have our heads after tonight."
Robin pushed one button and the Pods opened.
"Free Aqualad and Bleubell. I'll get Kid Mouth."
"Don't you give me orders either!" Superboy growled but complied freeing Aqualad first.
"Thank you…." The male said before he turned his attention to the youngest shattering the cuffs over her hands.
"Do you mind?" Blue asked Superboy and he ripped off the electric headband.
"You okay Bleubell?" Aqualad asked and the youngest sidekick's eyes flashed blue causing the other control panel to explode.
"Yeah…I think I'm okay." She nodded smirking slightly.
They all dropped down and made a run for the exit.
"You'll never get out of here! I'll have you all back in Pods by morning!"
"That guy isn't whelmed…not whelmed at all." Robin stated throwing electric disks at the large balls that contained their blood and DNA which was supposed to hold their clones.
They exploded.
They ran through the hallway.
"We are still forty two levels underground. But if we can make the elevator…."
And then the Genomorphs started coming out of nowhere…
No literally they were coming out of those weird glowing red things on the walls and CEILING.
"You had to say it didn't you?" Blue asked.
"Let's go!"
And they separated.
"Uh I don't think so." Blue shouted making two of the largest Genomorphs turn on each other ramming into one another and the smaller Genomorphs below them until they used all their strength and collapsed.
She back flipped over another two and landed beside Aqualad and Kid Flash, the Boy Wonder joining them seconds later but Superboy was still battling.
"Superboy! Our goal is to escape!"
"YOU WANT TO ESCAPE!" Superboy shouted throwing another Genomorph and following after them.
"Open the door." Aqualad stated and Blue did moving her hand to the side and making it swing open.
Superboy joined them grabbing Aqualad and Blue attempting to fly up the shaft but he started to fall and they hand to stop on a ledge.
"Superman can fly…why can't I fly?"
"Don't know...but it seems you can pick up something that must by the weight of a small building…so still cool." Kid Flash stated.
"Looks like we have to get off at this floor." Robin stated and Blue made the door open again.
They started to run through the hallways Genomorphs right on their tail when Superboy shouted.
"TURN LEFT!"
And they did. Seconds later.
"GO RIGHT!"
And they hit a deep end….wait a second.
"Wait a go you trying to get re-poded?" Kid Flash snapped.
"No wait this is perfect!" Robin stated.
And they went into the vent.
"At this rate we'll never get out!"
"Sssh!" Superboy hushed him. "Listen…."
"Out this way! There's an exit sign!" Aqualad told them.
And they left the vent Robin instantly going on his computer watch.
"I hacked the motion sensors!" He grinned. "There is now plenty of room between us and them."
"And I've got plenty of room to move!" Kid Flash stated putting on his goggles and zooming up the exit stairs the rest following knocking down Genomorphs as he went.
"More behind us!" Robin announced and Superboy destroyed the stairs.
Kid Flash ran straight into a steel door.
"Oh crud."
"We're cut of from the street." Aqualad stated.
"Thank's my head hadn't noticed." He replied.
"Can't hack this bad boy." Robin told them as Superboy and Aqualad tried to force it open.
The giant Genomorphs rounded the corner and Blue spun putting up her hood and putting both hands up eyes going completely blue as she attempted to force them back.
"This way!" Robin shouted kicking in a small side door and they ran through it to be faced with more of those damned Genomorphs.
Oh and Guardian.
They G-Gnomes horns glowed red and Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash dropped unconscious, Superboy dropped to his knees weakened and Blue flew down clutching her head as the piercing sound racked her brain again.
She wasn't fully aware of Dubbliex announcing he was behind everything guiding the sidekicks to Superboy in hope of freeing all Genomorphs.
The G-Gnome controlling the Guardian leapt off his shoulder freeing him to from it's telepathic hell.
"What is your choice brother?" That she heard because the piercing sound finally eased and relief spread through her body at it.
"I choose…." Superboy began but his voice grew determined. "Freedom!"
The sidekicks got to their feet as Guardian soon his head.
"Feels like…fog lifting…"
"Guardian?" Aqualad asked.
"Go." He told them. "I'll deal with Desmond."
"I think not." And the crowd parted revealing Desmond…with a test tube containing glowing liquid.
Great….
"Project Blockbuster will allow me to restore order!" He announced before drinking it.
Whatever the heck it was…it caused him to turn into a giant monster.
"Everyone back!" Guardian announced running at the monster to get…thrown into a wall….and knocked unconscious….
Yeah because running at the giant dangerous thing was really the best way to go….
And of course Superboy follows the exact same plan.
Okay he got in a few hits but god this ting was huge! Their fight even burst through the roof and out onto the sublevel on top of theirs.
"Well that's one way to burst through the ceiling! Think Superboy planned that?" Kid Flash asked and he and Robin via rope got up into the room.
"I doubt he's planning anything anymore." Aqualad replied and Blue nodded before they joined the others.
How can I put this nicely? Oh yeah…you can't….
Superboy was basically getting his butt kicked.
It was teamwork time!
First Kid Flash sped through the monsters legs causing it to look behind it then turn back to be met with a double punch from Superboy and Aqualad.
It fell back as Kid Flash crouched down making it trip backwards to fall completely.
"Learned that one in Kindergarten!" Kid Flash grinned as Robin made his move sending three exploding disks onto his chest that the monster pushed away standing up and running into a pillar ripped out from it's place glowing blue being thrown at it causing it to stumble turn and run into Superboy where they would begin their punching match from before.
Yeah Superboy lost round two as well….with Aqualad also getting smashed into the floor.
"Guys you got it?" Robin shouted to the remaining two.
"Got it!"
Time to put the plan into action.
Kid Flash sped up grabbing a piece of…
Okay what was that? Off the monster and cheekily saying.
"I got your nose!"
The monster Doctor roared and went after the fastest boy alive to run head first into the metal door from before via Blue.
"Come at me you incredible Bulk!"
And it did the girl cart wheeling out of the way of his punches.
One of which destroyed another of the pillars holding the ceiling up.
"Whoops try again." She said sliding through his legs as Kid Flash took over.
Robin got Aqualad and Superboy destroying two other pillars while the Boy Wonder himself drew an X on the carpet.
Aqualad using his Water Bearers soaked the floor and thanks to a super punch from Superboy…
Get it? Ha….
Sorry…
The monster aka Doctor Desmond slipped and fell.
Robin blew up the remaining pillar causing the ceiling to fall down on the monster.
Superboy ducked over Kid Flash as the building started to cave and Blue used the falling rubble to shield the other two.
When the building had completely collapsed and they should have been buried under the rubble but really only suffered a few scrapes and bruises the sidekicks and Superboy broke through the stones and were okay.
Yay for the clone and the manipulator right?
"We….did…it." Aqualad panted.
"Was there ever any doubt?" Robin smirked.
"Yes….yes there was…." Blue stated gasping for breath. "I need sugar…and lots of it."
"See…" Kid Flash stated pointing up and Superboy looked. "The moon."
And then they saw it…the Big Guy himself number 01 on the League…
Superman.
"Oh and Superman….do we keep our promises or what?"
And then the rest of the League showed up and yes I mean ALL of the League.
"Oh….this can't be good…" Blue muttered inching closer to Aqualad.
Superboy walked forward and picked up the torn part of his shirt….
The Superman symbol.
"Is that what I think it is?" Batman asked.
"He doesn't like being called an it….." Kid Flash mumbled walking forward.
"I'm Superman's clone!" Superboy snapped.
Batman narrowed his eyes.
"Start talking."
Oh boy.
One half of the League took the monster-fied Doctor Desmond but their mentors, Red Tornado, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter and Superman remained behind.
Superman walked over to his clone but the conversation didn't really go well.
Okay it went nowhere with Superman promising the League would sort something out for Superboy before flying away.
Ouch….that had to hurt.
"Cadmus will be investigated….all fifty-two levels." Batman told them making the sidekicks turn to face him and their mentors. "…But let's make one thing clear…"
"You should have called!" The Flash interrupted.
"…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."
The sidekicks looked at each other and Superboy as well. Aqualad stepped forward.
"I am sorry. But we will." He told the League.
"Aqualad. Stand down." Aqualad told him but he would not.
"Apologizes my king but…but no. we did good work here tonight. The work you trained us to do. Together on our own we forged something strong, an alliance. Important." Aqualad said determined.
"If this about the thing at the Hall the four of you…"
"The five of us." Kid Flash interrupted.
"Batman we're ready to use what you taught us….otherwise why teach us at all?" Robin asked.
"Why let them tell us what to do!" Superboy asked angrily walking toward the mentors. "It's simple! Get on board or get out of the way!"
They stood together united….waiting.
Waiting for their mentors to make a decision.
Mount Justice.
July Eighth, 08:04
They stood there in civilian gear completely comfortable with each other in front of their mentors, Red Tornado, Hawkman and Black Canary.
"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 is in charge of training. I will deploy you on missions." Batman explained.
"Real missions?" Robin asked.
"Yes but covert."
"The League will still handle the obvious stuff. There's a reason we have these big targets on our chests." The Flash told them smiling.
"If Cadmus proves to be getting smarter. Batman needs a Team that can operate on sly." Aquaman explained.
"The six of your will be that team." Batman finished.
"Cool…wait six?"
They turned and found two figures walking toward them one they knew…the other they didn't.
"This is the Martian Manhunter's niece. Miss Martian."
"Hi…" The green skinned girl smiled.
"Yes!" Blue said looking up at the ceiling smiling happily. "Thank gods. The testosterone would have killed me."
Bleu Illusion rolled his eyes.
"I'm liking this gig more every minute." Kid Flash muttered to Robin walking toward her. "Uh welcome aboard!" He grinned."
"I can just tell he's going to be painful." Blue stated earning a laugh from Robin.
"…I'm Kid Flash, that's Robin, Aqualad, Bleubell…it's cool if you forget their names."
Okay didn't he forget someone?
Uh…boys…
The team (minus Superboy) went to greet their new teammate.
"Hey Superboy! Come meet Miss M!" Robin prompted and he did….gradually.
Miss Martian's white shirt with the red X instantly went from white with X to black with X. "I uh…like your t-shirt."
He gave a small smile earning him a light dig in the ribs from Robin and a slap on the back from the fastest boy alive.
"Today is the day." Aqualad said.
"I can't agree with you more." Blue nodded.
So long chapter right?
Yay!
Please, Please, PLEASE! REVIEW!