Superboy growled and leaped toward the giant monster but he grabbed him and crashed him violently into the wall three times before throwing him away meters away by breaking a supporting column.
Renegade pulled out a gun and fired at Blockbuster, unsurprised when he saw the bullets ricochet against the monster's tough skin. "Well, I had to try." he said, holstering the gun. Desmond's head snapped toward him and the acrobat sent him a smirk. "Come and get me, big beast!"
Blockbuster roared and sprinted toward the mercenary. Renegade stood motionless for a few seconds and when the right moment came he jumped over the monster's fist, landing on the huge hand. He scaled the monster as if he were a living gymnasium while Blockbuster tried unsuccessfully to shoo him away and eventually the Talon landed on top of his head. He grabbed one of the two swords attached to his back and with all his strength drove it into the back of the monster's neck.
The sword's sharp blade managed to pierce Blockbuster's tough skin, creating a bloody hole in the monster's neck, and Renegade shrugged off the blood that splattered on his face.
Gross.
Dick knew that he could trust his sword which never let him down: after all it, like most of his armor, is forged of Promethium chain mail. So not only his sword was practically indestructible but it was capable of cleaving through anything.
Blockbuster emitted a roar of pain and attempted to slap Renegade who was standing on one of his huge shoulders. The mercenary jumped on top of the giant hand and in the process drew his sword from his neck, increasing the outflow of blood from the wound. He thus landed again on the same shoulder and jumped down, performing a triple backflip just because he could and wanted to. He landed perfectly standing on the floor and performed several backflips to put a good distance between himself and the monster.
He looked up just in time to see Superboy launch himself at Blockbuster, sending him crashing into the wall. The former scientist staggered dazed to the side and Superboy hit him in the stomach with several violent punches. Desmond managed to block a punch and threw the clone toward Renegade.
The mercenary rolled to the side just in time to dodge Superboy's body and when he looked up again he was greeted by a violent punch to the stomach that flung him far away. Renegade felt the air being expelled from his lungs and grunted involuntarily as his body smashed through a wall of the building and he rolled a few feet away onto the floor.
The assassin quickly got back up, ignoring his broken ribs, and opened his eyes wide when he saw Blockbuster make a huge leap toward him. He dived to the side and turned around just in time to see the monster create a huge crater on the spot where he previously stood. He tightened his grip on his sword but before he could do anything Superboy appeared behind the monster and hit him with a hard punch to the back, flinging him away.
The former scientist let out a slight groan of pain as he collided painfully against the wall, which easily broke under the force and his weight. He quickly got back up and grabbed Superboy who had leaped toward him and then made him crash hard to the ground a couple of times and threw him up, creating a huge hole in the ceiling.
Renegade narrowed his eyes when the monster's attention focused back on him.
The time has come to end this battle once and for all.
The Talon ran toward Superboy who had fallen to the ground and just got up with a grunt, aware that Blockbuster was following him given his ground-shaking footsteps. "Superboy! Grab me and throw me toward Desmond with all your strength!" he ordered.
Superboy nodded without even questioning his words. He grabbed the acrobat by the arm, spun around a couple of times and finally threw him with all his strength toward their enemy.
Renegade pulled back his sword-wielding right arm and then jerked it horizontally forward with all his strength with a fierce battle cry right toward the monster's neck.
The result was something incredible that will forever remain etched in Superboy's memory.
Renegade landed easily crouched on the ground and quickly got up. He felt a small earthquake briefly shake the ground and gave a smirk as he turned to observe his masterpiece in satisfaction.
He stared at Blockbuster's huge bloody head rolling toward him and he blocked it by resting a foot on it as if it were a soccer ball. His gaze then shifted to the remaining body of Desmond whose head was missing and whose neck had a perfect circular incision that was very bloody. Renegade rested his sword on his back and shifted his gaze to a clearly shocked Superboy.
"You... decapitated him..." Superboy stammered slightly.
"I'm sorry you had to see that but it was the only way to take him down. Permanently." added Dick after a short pause.
"I think I need a minute." muttered the clone as he turned away from the gruesome spectacle.
"Take all the time you need." the acrobat reassured him as he absentmindedly kicked Blockbuster's severed head, which rolled away.
As he waited for Superboy to mentally recover, Dick thought about Desmond's actions and words. The former scientist had drunk that liquid and had called it Project Blockbuster -hence the name by which Dick mentally referred to Desmond after his transformation into the monster- and the Talon frowned.
Perhaps Project Blockbuster was one of the projects Cadmus was working on in addition to the two attempts to clone Superman and that Vandal Savage was referring to during the Light meeting.
Project Blockbuster was not to be underestimated: it clearly attributed superhuman strength, speed and endurance to those who took it.
A chill ran through Dick's body.
If the Light got its hands on Project Blockbuster and each of its members used it against the Justice League in combination with their powers...
The show would definitely be a disaster, heavy on the dis.
Renegade shook himself out of his thoughts the moment Superboy approached him. "Before we get out of Cadmus, we'll have to stop by Desmond's workplace." at the clone's questioning look, he explained. "We have to eliminate everything related to Project Blockbuster. You have also seen how dangerous it is and you can easily imagine what would happen if it reached the wrong people."
Realization flashed across Superboy's face and he nodded. "Then let's go."
The mercenary felt his back tingle and turned sharply, gun in hand.
"I'm afraid it will be useless, unfortunately."
The Talon relaxed and sent a nod to Dubbilex, holstering his gun. The two boys saw Dubbilex solemnly advancing toward them, accompanied by other genomorphs.
"Who are you?" asked Superboy, diffidently narrowing his gaze.
"I am Dubbilex, a genomorph just like you." he replied.
"He is on our side, or at least I think so." the assassin intervened.
"I definitely am." Dubbilex nodded. "It is thanks to me that once you came out of the room where Superboy was locked up, you encountered no opposition. I was able to convince Desmond not to go near there since it could have been dangerous for him."
Renegade inclined his head, silently thanking him. "Were you aware of Project Blockbuster?"
"Partially. I never imagined that it would be so dangerous." the genomorph admitted. "Unfortunately, Desmond ordered other Cadmus agents to take everything related to Project Blockbuster and bring them to a safe place unknown to me."
The mercenary silently cursed and the clone scowled. "So I suppose now you and the rest of your kind will take control of Cadmus."
Dubbilex nodded. "That's right. Our job will be to work for a kinder, gentler Cadmus while in the meantime we will also work to gain freedom for all of us genomorphs."
"Good. Now it is time for us to leave." Renegade informed him.
"Before you leave, I need to speak privately to Superboy."
Superboy cast a brief glance at his ally and after Renegade nodded slightly he shrugged and followed Dubbilex in going to a more secluded place.
Renegade could have easily heard their conversation thanks to his enhanced hearing but he did not and instead got lost in his own thoughts. Finally after a few minutes of thought he raised his head to see the two genomorphs return to him.
"It was a pleasure to meet you, Renegade. It is only thanks to you that all this was possible." Dubbilex affirmed, extending a hand.
Dick did not know how he knew his name and judging by Superboy's frown, neither did he. He shrugged it off and returned the handshake. "Thank you for your help. It was useful."
Dubbilex nodded. "And don't worry: No one will ever find out it was you who overthrew Cadmus."
Renegade gave a genuine smile. "Thank you very much. Maybe we'll see each other again someday."
"Probably." the genomorph agreed.
After the last goodbyes Renegade shot a grappling hook toward the hole present in the ceiling and flew up, landing easily on the roof. A few seconds later he was joined by Superboy who had made a huge leap. "I hate that I can't fly." grunted the clone disgruntled.
"Don't mope: you're still cool." the acrobat chuckled at Superboy's glare and pointed to the sky with a smile.
Superboy looked up and was breathless when he saw the starry sky and the bright moon. "It is beautiful." he whispered.
The two were silent for a few moments and finally the Talon elbowed him lightly in the side. "Come on, dude. I'll keep the other part of my promise and introduce you to Superman."
The clone frowned and lowered his gaze toward him. "Isn't it too late?"
The assassin dismissively waved a hand with a smirk. "Nah. Superman is a light sleeper, trust me."
The half-Kryptonian silently agreed, though still skeptical, and followed the older boy who jumped from rooftop to rooftop of several buildings before descending and turning several alleys. Renegade suddenly stopped and with a huge smile spread his arms toward his jewel. "Meet the Deadly-Cycle!"
The Deadly-Cycle was a very advanced and technological motorcycle of mostly dark black color except for the bloody red R placed on the right side while the left side had very cool flames in Dick's humble opinion.
Slade gave him the bike on his 13th birthday and had merely sighed wearily when he heard the name Dick had chosen, even though the acrobat knew his father secretly liked the name.
"Cool." was the only thing that came to Superboy's mind but it was genuine.
The Talon's smile expanded. "I know." he jumped on top of his bike and strode to the back seat. "Hop on, buddy."
Superboy scowled and crossed his arms. "Absolutely not."
"Do you really think you can get to Metropolis by jumping from rooftop to rooftop?" asked Renegade in a flat voice, absentmindedly activating his holographic glove to hack every camera on the way to Metropolis.
"No but I'm definitely not going to sit on that thing." the clone snorted.
"Call her a thing one more time and I'll stick a piece of kryptonite where the sun don't shine." Dick hummed casually as he continued hacking away at the cameras.
Superboy raised an eyebrow at "her" but quickly dropped the subject, not wanting to risk Renegade keeping his promise. He grumbled disgruntledly but eventually climbed onto the bike, crossing his arms with a frown. It took less than two minutes before the mercenary finished his work and with a smirk he noisily started the motorcycle.
"Hold on tight if you don't want to fall off!"
"What-"
The rest of the sentence died in Superboy's throat when suddenly the motorcycle started and whizzed by very fast and he was forced to fasten his arms around his ally -with moderate force, of course- to avoid falling.
"Slow down, damn it!"
In response Superboy got a chuckle so disturbing and frightening that will surely haunt his dreams.
During the trip Renegade opened up to Superboy, informing him more about himself: about his status as the second most dangerous mercenary in the world, specific contracts he accepts, his father Deathstroke and more. Superboy was genuinely interested and listened attentively.
Eventually after a long journey they arrived in Metropolis and Renegade parked his motorcycle in an abandoned alley. He dismounted and sent a smirk to the clone. "You had fun, didn't you?"
Superboy stared at him grimly. "Next time I'll walk. You're very crazy and hit-and-run driver."
Renegade laughed and motioned for him to follow as he fired the grappling hook over the roof of a dwelling. "We are almost at Superman's house."
"Can you tell me a little about him?" Superboy asked curiously, reaching him with a huge leap.
Talon shrugged his shoulders. "All I know is that his real name is Clark Kent, he's engaged to Lois Lane and both are journalists and work for the Daily Planet, and he grew up in rural Smallville after the spaceship he was put in by his biological parents crashed there." he stated, then digressing on the symbol of hope that Superman represents for everyone.
A few minutes later they stopped above a rooftop and Renegade pointed to the house in front of them. "That's Superman's house. Now that we're here, I'll have to leave."
Superboy's head snapped in his direction and Dick swore he saw a glimmer of sadness flash in his eyes. "You're leaving? Why?"
"Because I'm literally on the Justice League's wanted list, right in their crosshairs." the mercenary pointed out amused before taking on a serious look. "You can't tell Superman the truth of what happened. Never mention my name to him or anyone else. Only you will have to know the truth."
"I promise." Superboy nodded solemnly and he meant it.
After all that Renegade had done for him this was the least the clone could do to reciprocate.
"Don't make that long face, dude!" Renegade chuckled as he made their shoulders clash slightly. "It's not like we won't see each other again. After all, we're good allies, right?"
Superboy was silent for a few moments. "Friends." he corrected him.
"What?" asked the acrobat surprised, not sure if he heard correctly.
"I think we're friends after all we've been through together." Superboy grunted looking away briefly, clearly embarrassed, before returning it to the mercenary. "Right? Isn't that the definition of friends?"
Renegade was genuinely taken aback by the clone's words before a huge bright smile appeared between his lips. "Is tough Superboy getting oversentimental with me?" he laughed at the glare he received. "Seriously, you're right. I really need a friend who isn't an assassin."
Superboy emitted an amused little chuckle, just being able to imagine the friendships Renegade could have. "So... friends?"
"Friends." confirmed Renegade, smiling. "I'll visit you in Metropolis sometimes so we can hang out a bit, if you don't mind."
The clone arched both eyebrows in surprise. "Like Renegade or-"
"My civilian identity." finished the assassin, extending his arm with a smile. "Richard Wilson but I go by Dick. Nice to meet you, Superboy."
This was the greatest test of trust Renegade could have ever entrusted to Superboy and the clone knew it.
He would never, ever betray his trust.
Superboy gave a small but genuine smile as he returned the handshake. "My pleasure, Dick."
Renegade smiled before patting him on the back. "Good luck. You'll need it." he chuckled and gave a mock military salute before turning and heading back toward where he had left his motorcycle.
Superboy smiled slightly before taking a deep breath and turning around. He descended to the ground as quietly as possible -a rather arduous task- and eventually managed to stand in front of Superman's dwelling. He briefly rubbed his hands together and after a few seconds of waiting he knocked on the door.
As he waited with his heart in his throat for someone to open the door he put his hands in his pockets. He frowned when he felt something in his pocket and pulled it out, revealing a piece of paper. He opened his jaw wide when he read a telephone number written on it.
At that moment Superboy had many thoughts on his mind but the most dominant one was:
How did he slip a piece of paper into my pocket without me knowing?
Slade stared at his son who returned the gaze with an innocent little smile. He opened his mouth but had so much to say that he did not even know where to begin, so he closed it again. A sigh escaped his lips and he rubbed his temples wearily.
"You did and discovered all that in not even four hours." he finally said.
"I know I'm the best." Dick smirked in a mock superb tone.
Slade rolled his one eye but had an amused smirk between his lips. "How did the Boy Scout react to the news that he had a clone?"
"Superboy texted me and explained how initially it seemed Clark didn't want to accept him." a frown materialized across the Talon's features, then replaced by an amused expression. "But Lois gave him a piece of her mind and in the end they happily accepted him, though Clark a little less so."
Slade emitted a giggle. "I knew Lois is the one wearing the pants in their relationship." he stated with amusement, making his son laugh. "Do you trust Superboy?"
The question was so casual and sudden that it almost caught Dick off guard. "Yes. I know he would never betray my trust."
Slade stared at him for a few seconds and finally nodded. "You're one of the best judges of people, so I trust you."
Dick smiled and briefly hugged his father. "Thank you!"
The more experienced mercenary patted him on the back. "You are welcome." he paused. "...The Light will be so pissed off."
"I know. And I can't wait to find out their reactions."
"You're the worst, kiddo."
"I know that too."