Whispers in the Dark: Young Justice
Gotham City.
Sunday, July 4th (Independence Day), 12:00 EDT.
Narrator's POV.
It was a beautiful day, in the central park of Gotham City. Families were enjoying barbeques and the weather, until it suddenly went cold as ice and snow surrounded the park, including families. As ice formed from a hedge, a tall, blue skinned human male, in a high-tech battle suit, a fish bowl helmet, and holding a large ice cannon, stood over the remaining family.
"Enjoying family time?" The man asked, as he fired in cannon at the family, encasing them in ice. "My family has other plans."
The smoke cleared, showing the results of the family. The man slid down the ice, to the center of the park. He readied his cannon to fire at the fleeing people. As he aimed, a bat-shaped weapon flew at his cannon, catching him off aim and lost his balance a bit.
"Batman. I was wondering when-" The man started, aiming his cannon behind him, but no one was there.
A young boy's laugh echoed the area. The man looked around, and then looked up. A young shadow dove onto the man's helmet, jumped off, causing the man to fall to the ground, and threw a couple of disks, damaging the helmet.
It was a 13-year old blue, Pegasus Eponian colt. His fur coat and feathers were a light azure blue with dark blue socks and gradient in his wings. Dark blue hooves. Neatly combed, ravenette mane and tail.
He wore a black mask over his eyes, to protect his identity, a red vest, with black short sleeves, with a yellow 'R' in a black circle on the left side of his chest, a black cape with yellow inside, a gold utility belt around his waist, black short leggings, and black gloves with grey computer-like accessories attached.
"Oh. Boy Wonder. The Bat sent you to drag me off to prison." The man said as he got back to his feet. The Pegasus colt smiled, saying nothing. "Frankly, I am underwhelmed." The man finished, as he readied his cannon.
"Great. But, we're kind of in a hurry here." The colt said.
"Kids. Always in such a rush. I prefer to preserve these moments. Forever." The man smiled as he aimed at the two boys.
The colt's smile faded, "Not talking to you."
The man gasped and looked up, noticing the mysterious hero, Batman, diving towards him, and punched him out-cold.
Star City.
Sunday, July 4th (Independence Day), 09:01 PDT.
It was very calm at the Golden State Bridge, until a young man, covered in ice, caused havoc and mayhem. The ice man created a huge ice shield, which knocked a few cars and crashing them into other cars. The man laughed evilly in joy, but was cut short by a slight barrage of arrows hitting his berg and shoulder. The arrows exploded, causing slight damage.
The boy looked up, and saw two archers, an older human male wearing green and a teenager hippogriff male wearing red.
The boy smirked, "Finally. I was wondering what a guy had to do, to get a little attention around here." He threw his arm towards the archers, creating ice spears.
The archers fired their arrows, "Junior's doing this for attention?" The red hippogriff archer asked.
They were able to take one spear out, but they dodged the others.
"I'm telling you now. This little distraction better not interfere." The red archer said.
The archers fired more arrows at Junior. Junior created a shield, as the arrows blasted a hole into the shield. Junior fired an attack of his own. The red archer jumped out of the way and fired a powerful arrow at Junior's face, knocking him out.
"Kid had a glass jaw." The green archer joked.
"Hilarious. Can we go?" The red archer asked. "Today is the day."
Pearl Harbor.
Sunday, July 4th (Independence Day), 06:02 HST.
The harbor was covered in ice. On board a navy ship, an ice enchantress was attacking two men, a middle aged man and a young adult. The middle aged man, with blue eyes, blonde hair and beard, wearing an orange and dark green spandex with golden armbands, charged full on, but got encased in ice.
The young adult, with pale green eyes, light blonde hair, and dark skin, wearing a dark red vest and black pants, jumped over his mentor and charged.
The mentor broke himself free, "Don't tell me, you're not excited?"
"Right now, my King, I'm more focused on the matter at hand." The lad answered.
The enchantress fired her attack at the lad. He jumped into the air, to dodge, and got out his hydro-kinetic weapons from his back. The snake-like marks, coiling around his arms to his hands, glowed light blue, as the water took form of two maces. The enchantress attacked again, the lad blocked the attack with his weapons and backfired the attack, knocking her out. The lad's arms stopped glowing as he put his weapon back.
His mentor joined him, "Well?"
The lad smiled, "Yes. I'm excited. Today is the day."
Central City.
Sunday, July 4th. (Independence Day), 11:03 CDT.
An Eskimo-clothed man was turning all around, trying to get a shot on the two speedsters circling him. One was all red, while the other was half-yellow and half-red.
"Stealing ice? Seriously? Isn't that a bit cliche, even for Captain Cold?" The older speedster, in red, asked.
Captain Cold continued to try and fire again.
"Come on! We don't have time for this!" The younger speedster, a teenage human male, moaned, placing his red goggles over his emerald eyes, and charged toward the villain.
Captain Cold saw her coming and fired her weapon. The teenage speedster narrowly dodged, getting his shoulder frozen, and took his weapon. The older speedster charged in and punched Cold out-cold.
"Calm down, kid." The older speedster said.
"Oh, please. You chatted up with cops, with by-standers, with Cold even. No. No way." The teenage speedster ranted, then smiled, "Today is the day!"
Washington D.C.
July 4th (Independence Day), 14:00 EDT.
Three of the heroes, and their sidekicks arrived at the Hall of Justice.
Batman put his hand on Robin's shoulder, as he smiled, "Today is the day."
"Welcome to the Hall of Justice." Green Arrow introduced.
"Headquarters of the Justice League." Aquaman explained.
"Aw man!" Everyone turned to see Flash and Kid Flash arrive, "I knew we'd be the last ones here." Kid Flash moaned.
They walked toward the entrance of the Hall. The paparazzi were around them trying to get pictures and speak about their names.
"Ready to see the inner sanctum?" Green Arrow asked Speedy.
"Born that way." Speedy answered with a smile.
"Glad we're all here." Aqualad said in slight relief.
"Have all five sidekicks ever been in the same place, at the same ti-" Kid Flash started, but Speedy cut him off, "Don't call us sidekicks! Not after today."
"Sorry. First time in the Hall. I'm a little overwhelmed." Kid Flash apologized.
Robin looked at him, "You're overwhelmed? Freeze was underwhelmed. Why isn't anyone ever just whelmed?"
The group entered the Hall, seeing all of the trophies and statues of the Justice League.
Robin gasped, "Oh. Maybe that's why."
The door, under the statues, opened. Red Tornado and Martian Manhunter were waiting on the other side.
"Robin. Speedy. Aqualad. Kid Flash. Welcome." Manhunter greeted, as he walked into the hallway, followed by the group.
"You, now, have unlimited access to the gym, our fully stocked galley, and, of course, our library." Manhunter told the young heroes.
"Make yourselves at home." Flash encouraged.
Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash took a seat. Speedy didn't approve of the customs.
"Quick debrief on the incident of four ice villains attacking on the same day. We shouldn't be long." Batman told the sidekicks.
The computer recognized the heroes, "Recognized. Batman, 0-2. Aquaman, 0-6. Flash, 0-4. Green Arrow, 0-8. Martian Manhunter, 0-7. Red Tornado, 1-6." The door opened.
"That's it?" Speedy asked. Everyone looked at him.
"You promised us a real look inside. Not a glorified backstage pass." Speedy reminded, folding his arms.
"It's the first step. You've been granted access few others get." Aquaman explained.
"Oh really?" Speedy asked, pointing to the large window above them, "Who cares which side of the glass we're on!?"
"Roy. You just need to be patient." Green Arrow told Speedy calmly.
"What I need is respect." Speedy spat.
He looked at the young heroes, "They're treating us like kids. Worse, like sidekicks. We deserve better than this."
The others looked at each other and said nothing.
"You're kidding, right? You're playing their game? Why? Because you think they play fair?" Speedy asked, surprised and angry, "Today was supposed to be the day. Step one of becoming full-fledged members of the League!" He finished.
"Well, sure. But, I thought Step One was a tour of the HQ." Kid Flash answered.
"Except the Hall isn't the League's real HQ! I bet they never told you. It's just a false front for tourists. And a pit-stop for catching zeta-beam teleporter tubes to the real thing. The orbiting satellite, called the Watchtower." Speedy told the group.
The group was shocked of the information. Batman glared at Green Arrow.
"I know. I know. But, I thought, maybe we can make an exception." Green Arrow explained.
Batman narrowed his eyes as Green Arrow's smile faded, "Or not."
"You're not helping your cause here, son. Stand down. Or-" Aquaman told Speedy, but he cut him off, "Or what? You'll sent me to my room? And I'm not your son! I'm not even his. I thought I was his partner. But, not anymore."
Speedy threw his hat to the ground. Everyone stared in shock of his outburst.
Speedy stormed off to the exit, "Guess they were right about you four. You're not ready."
Speedy left the room, the doors closing behind him. The computer alarmed the group. Superman appeared on the large screen.
"Superman to Justice League. There's been an explosion at Project Cadmus. It's on fire." Superman reported.
"I had my suspicions about Cadmus. This may present the perfect opportunity to-" Batman was cut off by another call.
"Zatara to Justice League. The Sorcerer, Wotan, is using the Amulet of Vorton to block the Sun. Requesting full League response."
Batman looked at Superman, "Superman?"
"It's a small fire. The local authorities have it under control." Superman answered.
"Then Cadmus can wait. All Leaguers rendezvous at Zatara's co-ordinates. Batman out." Batman informed.
The computer returned to standby mode. Batman looked at the young heroes, "Stay put."
"What? Why?" Robin asked.
"This is a League mission." Aquaman told them.
"You're not trained-" Flash was cut off by Kid Flash, "Since when?"
"I mean, you're not trained to be part of this team." Flash finished.
"There will be other missions. When you're ready." Aquaman pointed out.
"But, for now, stay put." Batman told the teens, narrowing his eyes.
"Glad you didn't bring You-Know-Who?" Green Arrow asked Manhunter.
"Indeed." Manhunter answered. The heroes left the room, leaving the teens.
"When we're ready? How are we supposed to be ready, when they treat us like... like sidekicks?" Kid Flash asked.
Aqualad looked down in shame, "My mentor. My king. I thought he trusted me."
"Trust? They don't even trust us with the basics! They've got a secret HQ in space!" Kid Flash told Aqualad.
"What else aren't they telling us?" Aqualad asked.
"I have a better question, why didn't we leave with Speedy?" Robin asked.
Kid Flash and Aqualad fell silent for a few seconds.
"What is Project Cadmus?" Aqualad asked.
"Don't know. But, I can find out." Robin answered with a smile.
The trio of sidekicks walked to the computer. Robin began typing in some codes.
"Access denied." The computer told Robin.
Robin laughed, "Wanna bet?" He typed down more codes.
"Whoa. How are you doing that?" Kid Flash asked.
"Same system as the Bat Cave." Robin answered entered the last code.
"Access granted." The computer replied. Data about Cadmus appeared.
"Alright. Project Cadmus. Genetics lab, here in D.C. That's all there is. But, if Batman is suspicious, maybe we should investigate." Robin suggested.
"Solve their case, before they do. It would be poetic justice." Aqualad smiled.
"Hey. They're all about justice." Robin smiled.
"But, they said stay put." Aqualad pointed, sighing in worry.
"For the blocking out the Sun mission. Not this." Robin pointed out.
"Wait, are you going to Cadmus? Cause, if you're going, I'm going." Kid Flash said with a smile.
Kid Flash and Robin smiled at Aqualad.
"Just like that? We're a team on a mission?" Aqualad asked.
"We didn't come for a play-date." Robin answered. Aqualad smiled in agreement.
*Later at Project Cadmus...*
The firemen were trying their best to put out the fire. Unfortunately, there were two scientists trapped in the building.
"Help!" "Get us down!" They yelled.
"Stay put. We will get you out." The chief fireman said through the megaphone.
An explosion erupted and forced the scientists to fly out the window. With his speed, Kid Flash dashed up the wall, caught the scientists, and put them on the roof. However, he missed a step and slipped. He fell and was caught by a five-fingered, indigo-violet furred hand with black nails.
Kid Flash looked up and saw a tall, young adult Bat Eponian mare, in a pair of black-rimmed glasses and a bluish-white inmate uniform. Her fur coat was a ravenette color with indigo-violet socks, forearms, underbelly and blaze. Her hazel, nearly green eyes had dark rings around them. Probably from lack of sleep or crying. Ultramarine blue mane and tail. Five-fingered hands with midnight black nails and midnight black hooves.
"It's What's-His-Name! Flash Boy!" The chief fireman called.
"Kid Flash!" Kid Flash corrected, then muttered to himself, "Why is that so hard?"
Aqualad and Robin arrived at the scene and saw what Kid Flash did.
"So smooth." Robin commented.
"Does he always run ahead? We need a plan. Wha-" Aqualad stopped, when he realized Robin was gone.
"Robin?" Aqualad asked, looking around.
Robin's laugh echoed. Aqualad saw Robin jump on top of the fire truck, making his way to the window. Robin helped the Eponian Girl get Kid Flash up the window and entered the room.
Aqualad ran to the fire fighters, and got out his water bearers, "I need to borrow that."
Using his water bearers, Aqualad used the water from the hose and elevated himself to the roof of the building, to the scientists.
"Step aboard. Now." Aqualad told the scientists.
They obeyed and boarded Aqualad's water elevator. Aqualad jumped off, as he reached the window, and lowered the scientists to safety, cancelling his power. He entered the room and saw Robin typing on a computer, and Kid Flash looking at files.
"I appreciate the help." Aqualad said in sarcasm.
"You handled it. Besides, we're here to investigate. Poetic justice, remember?" Robin told Aqualad.
Aqualad looked and noticed the Eponian Girl, "Who are you?"
The Eponian Girl says nothing and walked out of the room.
Aqualad followed her and walked out of the room, looking around. He heard a gasp, as he saw the Eponian Girl stare at a strange, humanoid creature, in an elevator. The doors closed before they could do anything. Kid Flash joined the commotion.
"There was something in the..." Aqualad started.
"Elevators should be locked down." Kid Flash explained.
Robin joined and ran to the elevator. He pressed the button pointing down, "This is wrong." He got out his holographic computer, "Thought so. This is a high-speed express elevator. Doesn't belong in a two-story building." He explained his thoughts.
"Neither does what our friend and I saw." Aqualad included.
Aqualad walked to the elevator and force opened it. Aqualad looked down and saw that the levels go lower than the ground.
"And that's why they need an express elevator." Robin stated.
Robin fired his grappling hook to the top of the shaft and jumped down, using his wings to slow down his descent. The Eponian Girl quickly followed, then Aqualad, and Kid Flash.
As Robin reached the 26th level below, his rope ended, "I'm at the end of my rope."
Robin jumped to the door and landed at the edge. He stepped aside and began hacking through security, as the Eponian Girl, Aqualad and Kid Flash arrived.
"Bypassing security. There. Go." Robin told Aqualad.
Aqualad opened the door. Everyone was shocked of the other side.
"Welcome to Project Cadmus." Robin said. Kid Flash sped ahead.
Aqualad noticed, "Wait!"
Kid Flash applied his brakes, but slid across the floor. Walking above him was a large group of alien-like mammoth creatures. Riding on a few of the mammoths were gnome-like creatures.
Sonic quickly rolled out of the way, before one stepped on him. The other's joined and saw the creatures.
One of the gnomes saw them and its horns glowed for a second. The Eponian Girl narrowed her eyes
"No. Nothing odd going on here." Aqualad gasped in awe and sarcasm.
The herd continued down the hallway, until it was quiet. The Eponian Girl looked across the hallway and saw that it was empty. It ran up the hallway, everyone followed it.
*Elsewhere...*
A middle-aged scientist was working on a vial of liquid and crystals. He poured a drop of red liquid into the vial. The liquid broke the crystal until the liquid glowed light blue. The scientist smiled, until a door opened.
"Doctor Desmond." A voice said as the door opened.
It was a well-built man, wearing blue and gold, with a golden helmet. It was Guardian.
"Tell me, Guardian. What part of 'no interruptions' did you not understand?" The scientist, Desmond, asked.
He placed the vial in a container, filled with other glowing vials.
"If you're here to tell me what caused the street-level fire, it can wait." Desmond told Guardian, looking through a microscope.
"The fire department is still cleaning up. I'll begin my investigation, when they leave." Guardian told Desmond.
"Then what?" Desmond asked, getting annoyed.
"A G-Gnome, at Sub-level 26, reports four intruders." Guardian informed.
"Did I miss a perimeter breach alert?" Desmond asked, looking at Guardian, very annoyed.
"No." Guardian answered.
"Then the G-Gnome is confused. Whatever might occur at the full lab, above ground, the Real Cadmus is the most secure facility in D.C." Desmond told Guardian, returning to his research.
"And my job to keep it that way." Guardian added.
"Fine. Take a squad." Desmond sighed.
An alien-like humanoid, wearing a doctor's uniform, entered the room, "Might I recommend Guardian leave his G-Gnome behind? If violence should occur."
Guardian looked at the G-Gnome, on his shoulder, "The little guy will be in my way."
"No! The advantage of instant telepathic communication out-weighs other concerns." Desmond explained, petting his G-Gnome.
The G-Gnome purred, and then its horns glowed red. Guardian's G-Gnome's horns glowed. Guardian's eyes went blank, "I need my G-Gnome with me at all times." Guardian bowed and left the room.
*Back with the teen heroes...*
Robin just opened one of the locked doors and gasped in shock, "Okay. I'm officially whelmed."
The room was like an electrical power plant, with mosquito-like creatures generating electricity. The Eponian Girl touched one of the containers, and got a slight shock.
"This is how they hide this massive underground facility from the world. The Real Cadmus isn't on the grid. It generates its own power... with these 'things.' Must be what they're bred for." Kid Flash observed.
"Of course. Even the name is a clue. The Cadmus, of myth, created a new race, by sowing dragon’s teeth into the earth." Aqualad explained.
"And this Cadmus creates its own life too." Robin included. Robin walked towards a computer and connected a USB cable, from his glove, to the computer, "Let's find out why." He began looking up the files.
"They call them 'Genomorphs'." Robin gasped, "Whoa! Look at the stats on these things. Super strength. Telepathy. Razor claws. These are living weapons!" Robin informed the group.
"They're engineering an army. But, for who?" Kid Flash stated, and then asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Wait. There's something else. Project Kr." Ronin spoke up, trying to opening the file, "Ugh! The file is triple encrypted. I can't-" "Don't move!" Guardian's voice silenced Robin.
The group saw Guardian, along with a group of Genomorphs, enter the room. The Eponian Girl narrowed her eyes at the G-Gnome on Guardian’s shoulder.
"Wait. Robin? Aqualad? Kid Flash?" Guardian asked, surprised to see the teens. He looked at the Eponian Girl, "Who are you?"
The Eponian Girl said nothing and folded her arms at him with narrow eyes.
"At least he got your name right." Robin joked to Kid Flash, downloading the file on Project Kr.
"I know you. Guardian. A hero." Aqualad stated.
Guardian smiled proudly, "I do my best."
"Then, what are you doing here?" Kid Flash asked.
"I think that's my question, boys. I'm chief of security. You're trespassing. But, we can call the Justice League. Figure this out." Guardian told the teens.
Robin's download was complete.
"You think the League is going to approve of you bringing weapons?" Kid Flash asked.
"Weapons? What are you-?" Guardian asked, but stopped as the G-Gnome's horns glowed.
"What have I-?" Guardian moaned in pain as he put his hand on his helmet, "My head..."
The Eponian Girl's eyes narrowed at the G-Gnome, as Guardian harden his eyes at the teens, "Take them down hard! No mercy!"
The Genomorphs charged at the group. Robin jumped in front and threw a smoke bomb, creating a fog. The Genos jumped into the fog. Robin used his grappling hook to escape. The Eponian Girl got out a pair of eskrima sticks, knocked out any Genomorph that jumped at her.
Kid Flash and Aqualad fought the Genos and Guardian off, so they could escape. Kid Flash knocked out the Genos, as Aqualad used his electric ability to knock Guardian out. Kid Flash, the Eponian Girl and Aqualad ran down the hall and saw Robin, hacking into the elevator.
"Way to be a team player, Rob!" Kid Flash said to Robin in sarcasm.
"Were you right behind me?" Robin asked, confused.
The elevator opened, the group entered the elevator. The doors closed before any of the Genomorphs could enter. Aqualad and Kid Flash noticed the number was increasing.
"We're heading down?" Aqualad asked.
"Dude, out is up." Kid Flash reminded Robin.
"Excuse me? Project Kr? It's down in Sub-level 52." Robin informed Kid Flash.
Aqualad rubbed the back of his neck, "This is getting out of control. Perhaps..." Aqualad looked at the group, "Perhaps we should contact the League."
The boys grew quiet, until the elevator indicated the group has reached its destination.
The elevator doors opened, revealing a split corridor. The walls were covered in alien-like eggs and flesh-like rocks. The Eponian Girl dashed ahead, with Robin quickly following.
"We are already here." Kid Flash shrugged, before following the Boy Wonder and the Arkham Inmate.
Aqualad sighed and followed. The group hid behind a few barrels.
"Which way?" Aqualad asked.
"Yeah. Bizarre looking hallway one, or bizarre looking hallway two?" Robin asked.
"Halt!" A voice broke the group's train of thought.
The alien humanoid appeared in the first hallway. His horns and eyes glowed, as he lifted his hand, causing two barrels to levitate and fly toward the group. He missed and Robin threw one of his disks at the alien. The alien blocked and attacked again.
The group ran down the second hallway. The Eponian Girl looked back and noticed the alien stopped attacking and gave a friendly nod. She nodded back and caught up with the other boys.
Kid Flash sped ahead and tripped a female scientist over. He looked at the door; 'Project Kr' was labeled on the closing door. Kid Flash picked a barrel and put it in-between the door, keeping it open.
"Hurry!" Kid Flash called to the others, as he jumped into the room.
Robin and the Eponian Girl quickly followed. Aqualad looked back, noticing Genomorphs on his tail. He entered the room and kicked the barrel out, closing the door.
"I disabled the door. We're safe." Robin informed.
"We're trapped." Aqualad corrected.
"Uh... Guys? You'll wanna see this." Kid Flash called, catching the others' attention. He switched on the lights.
Inside the room with the boys were two pods. One with a sixteen year old Earth Eponian with deep blue fur, and three G-Gnomes inside. His mane and tail were black with a small shine. He was wearing a white suit with the Superman symbol and his eyes were closed.
The second had the Eponian Girl, sleeping. The boys gasped and looked around to notice the Eponian Girl with them was gone. An astral projection.
To be continued...
Whispers in the Dark: Young Justice
Robin's POV.
Kid Flash walked closer to the pod, that held the boy inside, "Big 'K', little 'R'. The atomic symbol for Krypton." He turned and looked at us, "A clone?"
I walked to the one with the Bat Eponian girl inside, "R-V-N. Raven without the vowels." I tilted my head in interest, "She does look like a raven..."
Aqualad looked at me, "Robin, hack."
I snapped back into reality, "Oh. Right, right."
I extended a USB cable from my glove and connected my holographic computer to the main console.
"Weapon designation: Superboy. A clone force grown in..." I read, then took a step back in surprise, "16 weeks?! From DNA acquired from Superman."
"Stolen from Superman." Aqualad corrected.
"No way the big guy knows about this!" Kid Flash stated.
"The solar suit allows him to absorb yellow sun radiation 24/7." I included, as I continued reading.
"And these creatures?" Aqualad asked, pointing to the alien-like gnomes, above the boy's head. The same creature that we saw sitting on Guardian's shoulder.
"Genomorph Gnomes. Telepathic. Force feeding him education." I answered.
"And we can guess what else. They're making a slave out of... Well, Superman's son." Kid Flash included.
"And this one?" Aqualad asked, pointing to the girl.
I looked over the files, "Not much is known about her. She wasn't created here, that's for sure. Says that Cadmus found her just outside of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. She was encased in ice when they found her."
"Now, we contact the League." Aqualad stated, pressing his belt buckle.
The belt buckle glowed, but nothing came up. I checked my hologram computer, "No signal."
"We're in too deep. Literally." Kid Flash stated. The G-Gnomes' horns glowed, "This is wrong."
"We can't leave Them like this." I stated as Aqualad thought for a minute.
"Set them free. Do it." Aqualad told me.
I hacked into the main systems and disabled the pods. The 'Mnky' pod was the first to open and lifted into the ceiling.
Mist leaked out the pod and the Bat Eponian girl started moving. She stepped out of the pod. She toppled over, but Kid Flash and I quickly caught her before she hit the ground.
"Whoa. Easy there." Kid Flash told the girl.
The girl raised her head and whispered, "Where am I?" She asked in an unknown language. She looked at KF, "Who are you?" Then she looked at me and narrowed her eyes behind her bangs, "Robin?"
I tilted my head in confusion.
Narrator's POV.
Robin tilted his head in confusion, then the second pod open. The boys and the girl braced themselves.
Superboy's eyes opened and glared at us. He charged straight to Aqualad and talked him to the ground. He gave Aqualad a few punches, until Kid Flash and Robin tried to hold him back.
"Whoa! Hang on, Supey." Kid Flash said.
"We're on your side." Robin told Superboy, but their words fell on deaf ears, as Kid Flash was thrown into a glass pillar, and Robin held on.
"I don't want to do this." Robin said, putting his smoke bomb into Superboy's mouth.
Superboy got off Aqualad, chocking on the smoke. Aqualad kicked Superboy back a few feet. Robin shot his taser-gun at Superboy's chest, but it had no effect.
Using the wires, Superboy grabbed Robin and threw him to the ground. He stomped on to Robin's chest. Aqualad got up and saw the scene. He got out one of his water bearers and formed the water into a large hammer.
"Enough!!" He shouted as he swung his weapon, causing Superboy to crash into his pod.
Aqualad helped Robin up, but Robin was in a lot of pain, and collapsed. Superboy got up and glared at Aqualad.
"We are trying to help you." Aqualad tried to explain, but Superboy charged in to knock him out.
Aqualad dodged and went into hand-to-hand combat. Aqualad and Superboy were even-stevens until Aqualad got Superboy into a full nelson lock and used his electricity to shock him down.
Superboy jumped into the ceiling, cancelling Aqualad's attack, but he still held on. Superboy jumped again with more force, knocking Kaldur out.
Everyone was down for the count, except for the Bat Eponian girl, who was still groggy from her release. Superboy stared at her. The girl took a fighting stance and her hands and forearms morphed into indigo spectral claws, with black skeletal features.
A deep voice echoed in her mind, 'Do not harm him.'
The Eponian girl listened and lowered her stance a little, the claws returning to normal. Superboy charged at her and began throwing punches at her. The girl blocked and threw a couple of her own, but she appeared to be holding back, way back.
Using brute force, the girl pushed Superboy a few feet from her, with a palm strike to the chest, and she lowered her stance.
"I don't want to hurt you." She told him in a calm tone.
However, his anger got the best of him, and he charged her into a wall. Her head hit the rocks hard, knocking the girl out. The last thing she saw was Superboy walking to the door and forcing it open.
The Eponian Girl's POV.
*Dream*
I opened my eyes to find myself in darkness.
Then something came into focus.
Eight glowing figures circled around an anthrpomorphic Earth Pony male and a Hippogriff male. The one that knocked me out and the other wearing a red and black outfit.
Telling them to obey 'The Light' or perish.
The two boys looked at me and tried to reach out, but they vanished and a deep voice spoke, "Time runs short. You must awaken. You must awaken, now!"
*End Dream*
I snapped open my eyes with a gasp. I saw the younger, anthropomorphic pegasus boy, the teenage boy with ginger hair, the dark-skinned boy with gills and myself in a pod each, bound by cuffs.
Finally fully aware of what's going on, I recognized the to boys as Kid Flash and Aqualad. But the pegasus looked similar to Robin.
The Earth Pony stallion that knocked me out was standing in front of us, staring, mostly at the boys.
"What? What do you want?" Kid Flash asked. The stallion's stare hardened, as he said nothing, "Quit staring! You're creeping me out!"
"Uh... KF? How about we not tick off the guy, who can fry us with a look?" The pegasus suggested. I recognized his voice. It was Robin.
I looked at the stallion with soft eyes, "Why did you attack us?"
"We only sought to help you." Aqualad included.
"Yeah. We free you, and you turn on us! How's that for-" "Kid, please. Be quiet, now." Aqualad cut Kid Flash off, "I believe that our new friend was not in full control of his actions."
I saw Robin get a lock pick from his glove. A utility glove. Clever.
"What- What if I- What if I wasn't?" The stallion, Superboy, asked in confusion. I looked and noticed his aura revealing color from its dull grey hue.
"He can talk?" Kid Flash asked, shocked.
"Yes. 'He' can!" Superboy answered in anger.
Robin and Aqualad looked at Kid Flash. "Not like I said 'it'." Kid Flash defended.
"The Genomorphs taught you, telepathically?" Aqualad asked.
"They taught me much. I can read, write. I know the names of things." Superboy answered.
I spoke up, "But have you seen them?" Superboy's stare softened, "Have they ever let you see the sky? Or the sun?" I asked.
"Images are implanted in my mind. But, no. I have not seen them." Superboy answered.
"Do you know what you are? Who you are?" Aqualad asked.
"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." Anger answered.
Robin and Kid Flash looked at each other in confusion. My eyes narrowed. This 'Light' sounds bad. Aqualad kept looking at Superboy.
"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 told Superboy.
"I live because of Cadmus! It is my home!" Superboy shouted stubbornly.
"Your home is a test tube. We can show you the sun." I offered.
"Uh... Pretty sure it's after midnight. But, we can show you the moon." Kid Flash interrupted.
"We can show you, introduce you, to Superman." Aqualad included.
Superboy looked at us with hope in his eyes. It must've been his dream to meet Superman.
"No. They can't." A voice spoke as the door opened.
A large man in a blue and gold uniform, and a golden helmet, Guardian, and two scientists entered the room. Each with a strange, gnome-like creature on their shoulder. I recognized those creatures as the same creatures from Superboy's pod.
"They'll be, otherwise, occupied. Activate the cloning process." The male scientist told the female. I stared at the G-Gnomes.
"Pass! Bat Cave is crowded enough." Robin told the scientists.
"And get the weapon back in its pod!" The scientist told Guardian. I narrowed my eyes in anger.
"Hey! How come he gets to call Supey an 'it'?" Speedy asked.
Guardian put his hand on Superboy's shoulder. Superboy looked Aqualad.
"Help us." Aqualad asked politely.
Superboy pushed Guardian off and stared at him.
"Don't start thinking now." The male scientist said, walking past Superboy, allowing a G-Gnome to jump on to his shoulder and used its telepathy to control him. Superboy's aura turned dim and grey again.
My blood boiled in anger, at the sight of the treatment of a living being. Clone or not, everything has their own point of view. Who are we to take that from them?
"Animals..." I cursed under my breath.
"See? You're not a real boy. You're a weapon. And you belong to me." The scientist shouted, then realized what he said, "Well, to Cadmus. Same thing. Now, get back to your pod!" He ordered Superboy.
Superboy turned and left the room.
"Superboy!" I called, before the door closed, but he couldn't hear me.
The female scientist pressed a few buttons and strange machine-like needles dug into the boys' and my skin with a powerful electrical charge. I tried my best to hold in my screams of pain.
"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?" I heard Aqualad whisper.
A few seconds after that, Superboy ripped the door open, shutting down the machine.
"I told you to get back into your-" The scientist started, but Superboy pushed the group out of the way.
"Don't give me orders." Superboy told the scientist in anger. He looked at us.
"You're here to help us, or fry us?" Speedy asked.
Superboy narrowed his eyes, then returned them to normal, "Huh. I don't seem to have heat vision. So, I guess helping is my only option." He joked.
Robin was able to unlock his cuffs and get out of the pod. He rubbed his wrists from the discomfort, "Finally. Lucky Batman isn't here. He'll 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 stated.
Robin pressed a button, on the control panel, disabling the machines and opening the pods. He looked at Superboy, "Free Aqualad and the Bat Girl. I'll get Kid Mouth."
Superboy glared at Robin, "Don't you give me orders either."
He jumped into action. He ripped the cuffs from Aqualad's wrists and caught him, before he fell.
"Thank you." Aqualad said to Superboy.
Superboy replied with a nod of the head. He helped Aqualad down and freed me. I gave the young clone a thankful nod. Robin freed Kid Flash in no time.
We ran out of the room, but the scientist was conscious, "You'll never get out here. I'll have you back in pods before morning."
"That man is not whelmed. Not whelmed at all." Robin stated, throwing bombs at the orbs under the pods.
"What is it with you and this 'whelmed' thing?" Kid Flash asked Robin, as we left the chamber.
We ran down the hallway, the walls glowed in a red color as we ran.
"We're still 42 levels below ground. But, if we can make the elevator..." Aqualad began, but stopped as more mammoth-like Genomorphs walked in front of us, blocking the path.
We turned and saw the glowing orbs ripped open by the razor clawed Genomorphs. We were surrounded.
A large Genomorph tried to smash us, but we easily dodged. Aqualad, Kid Flash, Robin and I charged in to get around them. Superboy, however, just fought them. As we were in the clear, we turned and looked at Superboy.
"Superboy! The goal is to escape. Not to bury ourselves here!" Aqualad told Superboy.
Superboy looked at us, with anger clear in his eyes, "You want escape?!!"
Superboy threw one of the Genos at the other Genos, knocking them out.
Aqualad opened the elevator doors and the shaft was empty. Wally ran to an edge, as Superboy grabbed Aqualad. He jumped into to air, going up 30 levels.
I quickly followed, by using my wngs. Suddenly, Superboy started falling. Robin threw a something at the wall, Aqualad caught it.
"Superman can fly. Why can't I fly?" Superboy asked.
"Don't know. But, it looks like you can leap tall buildings in a single bound. Still cool." Kid Flash reassured.
He helped Superboy and Aqulad to the ledge.
"Thank you." Superboy said to Aqualad. Aqulad nodded.
"Guys! This will have to be our exit!" Robin shouted, pointing to the incoming elevator.
Superboy punched the doors open. We entered the hallway, dodging the elevator. More Genomorphs were in pursuit, so we ran.
"Go left. Left!" Superboy told us, as we turned left on the corner. "Right!" Superboy told us again.
We ran into, what seemed to be, a dead-end.
"Great directions, Supey! Are you trying to get us re-podded?" Sonic scolded at Superboy.
"No. I- I don't understand." Superboy apologized.
"Don't apologise. This is perfect!" I stated with a smile.
With a little bit of teamwork, we were able to enter the air-vent. We crawled through the vents, finding a good exit.
"At this rate, we'll never get out." Kid Flash complained.
"Shh. Listen." Superboy whispered.
We couldn't hear anything, but muffled noises. We quickly crawled to a corner, and Robin got his holographic computer out.
The Genomorphs passed us without seeing, and Superboy pushed them into an exit. We got out from another exit and Robin disabled the door.
"How were you able to fool them?" Speedy asked Robin.
Robin smiled, "I hacked the motion sensors."
"Sweet." Kid Flash praised.
"There's still plenty of them between us and out." I informed the group.
"How do you know?" Robin asked me.
"I can sense things." I answered with a shrug.
"But I, finally, got room to move." Kid Flash stated, as he put his goggles over his emerald eyes, and dashed into the next room, running up the stairs.
Superboy, Aqualad, Robin and I quickly followed. I saw more Genos coming behind us.
"More behind us!" I warned Superboy.
We ran another flight. Superboy stomped on the top, causing the stairs to collapse. As we arrived at Sub-level 1, the alarms went off, the security door sealed, and Speedy ran into the door.
"We're cut off from the street." Aqualad stated.
"Thanks. My head hadn't notice." Kid Flash told Aqualad in sarcasm, getting back up.
Superboy tried prying to door open, but to no avail. Aqualad tried helping, but the door wouldn't budge. Robin helped by hacking, but he wasn't quick enough, "I can't hack this fast enough."
The sound of Genos growled behind us. We turned and saw the large Genos, coming towards us.
"This way!" I told everyone, as I kicked the door open.
We ran down the hallway, but only to get cornered by more Genos and Guardian. The G-Gnomes' horns glowed. I felt very weak and blacked out.
Superboy's POV.
The telepathy from the G-Gnomes was very powerful. I felt very weak and fell to my knees, while the others fell unconscious.
Suddenly, I heard a voice, 'Perhaps, for the sake of all Genomorphs, our brother, Superboy, should make up his own mind.'
I quickly recognized the voice and looked at Dubbilex, 'It was you?' I asked. His horns were glowing.
'Yes, brother. I set the fire, and lured your new friends down into Cadmus. Woke them, when they were in danger.' Dubbilex told me.
He, then looked at the Bat Eponian girl, who was out-cold and lying next to me, 'Told the girl to hold back on you. Knowing that she won’t harm you. Made sure she rested beside you. Used her astral projection powers to lead the others to you.'
'And guided me. Why?' I asked in confusion.
'Because you are our hope. The Genomorph Hero. You will blaze a trail for all of our brothers. Showing us a way to freedom.' Dubbilex explained.
The G-Gnome, on Guardian's shoulder, jumped off his shoulder, his horns stopped glowing.
"What's going on?" Guardian asked. Aqualad, Kid Flash, Robin and the monkey girl woke up.
"Wha-? What happened?" The Bat Eponian girl asked, as she rubbed her head and sat up.
I stood up and stared at Dubbilex.
'What is your choice, brother?' Dubbilex asked me.
I thought for a second, then answered, "I... Choose... Freedom."
Dubbilex's stare softened, as Guardian started to sound relieved, "Feels like... Fog lifting."
The others stood up behind me.
"Guardian?" Aqualad asked.
Guardian's eyes hardened, "Go. I'll deal with Desmond."
"I think not." Desmond's voice spoke from behind my brothers.
They stepped aside and saw Desmond with a mad look in his eyes.
"Project Blockbuster will give me the power to restore order to Cadmus." Desmond told us, holding a vial of glowing liquid. He drank the liquid and it took effect instantly.
The Bat Eponian girl quickly drew out her eskrima sticks and took a fighting stance.
Desmond fell on all-fours, and began mutating. He transformed into a hideous, large Genomorph, with ripped skin. Desmond roared and smiled at us. I glared back at him.
"Everyone, back!" Guardian told us.
He charged toward Desmond, but Desmond threw him into a wall, knocking him out. My anger reached boiling point. I charged at him, throwing a fury of punches. Desmond threw some of his own, but they had little effect. I jumped into the air, to give him an axe-handle, but Desmond jumped up, caught me and charged up through the ceiling.
The Bat Eponian Girl's POV.
The mutated scientist, Blockbuster, charged into the ceiling, creating an escape route.
"Okay. That's one way, to bust through the ceiling." Robin stated, flexing his wings, ready to fly.
"Think that 'Lab Coat' planned that?" Kid Flash asked, as Robin grabbed his arm and made their way up.
"I doubt that he's planning anything anymore." Aqualad said.
I grabbed his hand and flew us to where Superboy, Blockbuster, Robin and Kid Flash were. We arrived at the ground floor and just in time to see Superboy get thrown into Aqualad.
Kid Flash sped towards Blockbuster, and slid behind him. Blockbuster failed to hit him, but missed and got scratched in the face by my astral claws. Blockbuster fell back a little and fell on his back, due to tripping over on Kid Flash.
"Learned that one in kindergarten." Kid Flash stated with a smile.
Robin jumped in and threw a couple of disks, but Blockbuster blocked them. He got up and saw Superboy in front of him. Blockbuster charged Superboy into a pillar. Superboy tried to fight back, but Blockbuster had the upper hand.
Blockbuster aimed for another punch, but was caught by a water-whip. Aqualad went flying towards him, and flipped above him. Aqualad transformed his water-whip into a morning star, and went for Blockbuster again. But, Blockbuster caught him and threw him to the ground. Blockbuster returned his attention to Superboy, and threw him into another pillar.
Kid Flash sped toward Blockbuster tried to give him a flying attack. But, Blockbuster threw him into Aqualad, causing them to hit a couple more pillars. Blockbuster charged Aqualad into another pillar, destroying the first pillar. The room rumbled in instability.
"Of course." I gasped, observing Blockbuster's attacks, and noticing the building’s structure.
Robin looked at me, "You have an idea?"
I nodded, vanishing into the shadows. Robin raised a brow at me, but activated his holographic-computer, which displayed downloaded diagram of the stability of the building.
"Of course." He gasped in understanding and called, "KF! Get over here!"
Kid Flash got up and sped over. Robin explained to him if we're able to make Blockbuster take down some of the pillars, the building would collapse on him, defeating him.
"Got it?" He asked.
"Got it." Kid Flash answered.
Robin nodded his head, "Go."
Kid Flash sped around Blockbuster, as he was busy with Superboy, jumped in front of him and grabbed a piece of loose skin from Blockbuster's face. Blockbuster stopped and looked at .
Kid Flash noticed what he was holding and teased, "Got your nose."
Blockbuster put Superboy and down and charged towards him.
Kid Flash sped towards another pillar, "Come and get me, you incredible bulk!"
Blockbuster punched into the pillar, destroying it, as Kid Flash sped to another. But, a rock caught his back, and he tripped. Superboy and Aqualad destroyed a couple of pillars. I guess Robin ran the plan with them as well.
Blockbuster tried to punch down Kid Flash, but missed, "Sorry, try again."
Blockbuster charged toward Kid Flash, but I appeared in front of his face, startling him. I delivered a Monkey Mind Scream and phased through Blockbuster, knocking him to the ground. Blockbuster fell on to a large 'X' on the ground, which was drawn on, and soaked by Aqualada. Aqualad's tattoos glowed and he sent an electric shock, causing Blockbuster to stay down.
"Move!" Robin told us, as photon-bombs in the remaining pillars were about to explode.
The building collapsed around us and upon us. Once everything calmed, Superboy helped us out of the large pieces of rubble.
"We- We did it." Aqualad praised, catching his breath.
"Was there... Any doubt?" Robin asked.
Superboy stared at Blockbuster, who was unconscious, under a pile of rubble.
"See? The moon." Kid Flash said, catching Superboy's attention.
Superboy looked up and stared at the moon with amazement. As he stared, a flying figure flew closer to view.
It was a human male with black hair and blue eyes, much like Superboy. He wore a blue and red uniform with a red 'S'-shield emblem on his chest, and a red cape flowing behind him. Superman...
"Oh. And Superman. Do we keep our promises or what?" Kid Flash included, folding his arms.
Superman landed in front of us, followed by other members of the Justice League. Batman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern, The Flash, you get the idea.
Superboy walked toward Superman and showed his symbol, on his suit. Superman's eyes widen with shock and surprise. Superboy smiled lightly. Superman frowned with a glare, and Superboy's smiled faded.
"Is that what I think it is?" Batman asked in shock.
"He doesn't like being called an 'it'." Kid Flash warned.
"I am Superman's clone!" Superboy answered. The members of the League looked at each other in slight shock and surprise.
Batman looked at me. I gave him a small smile, but he looked unfazed.
Batman narrowed his eyes at the boys, "Start talking."
*A Little Later...*
After the gang explained everything, and Blockbuster was taken elsewhere, Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter were talking to Superman. After the talk, Superman looked at Superboy, who looked away. Martian Manhunter gave Superman a reassuring hand, on his shoulder.
Superman walked over to Superboy, "We'll... uh... We'll figure something out for you. The League will, I mean. For now, I'd better make sure they get the Blockbuster creature squared away."
Superman flew off, following the other members.
"Cadmus will be investigated. All 52 levels." Batman informed the boys, "But, let's make one thing clear-" "You should've called!" The Flash interrupted him.
"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." Batman told them.
"I am sorry. But, we will." Aqualad told the group.
"Aqualad, stand down." Aquaman ordered Aqualad.
"Apologies, my King. But, no." Aqualad answered.
Aquaman stared at Aqualad with surprise.
"We did good work here, tonight. The work you trained us to do. Together, on our own, we forged something powerful. Important." Aqualad explained.
"Is this about your treatment at the Hall? The three of you-" "The five of us. And it's not." Kid Flash cut the Flash off.
"Batman, we're ready to use what you taught us. Or, why teach us at all?" Robin told Batman, and then asked him.
The League fell silent for a second.
"Why let them tell us what to do?" Superboy asked. He stepped in front of the group, "It's simple. Get on board, or get out of the way." Superboy added.
We looked at the League. Batman narrowed his eyes at us.
"Give me three days." He finally said.
Hall of Justice, Washington, DC.
Wednesday, July 7th, 12:30 EDT.
I sat in an empty room with two chairs, a table and a large mirror, waiting for one of the members of the Justice League to come and speak to me.
I've been here for 2 and a half days now. Moving between this room, and a prison-like bedroom. Can't say I blame these people for being cautious about me. The three boys found me inside a place that has been keeping secrets and conducting illegal experiments. So, they could think that I could be a weapon or an agent undercover.
I looked at my reflection in the mirror and waved.
The door opened. This time, it was Martian Manhunter who entered the room. Yesterday it was the Superman. The day before it was the man in the Flash.
"Good afternoon." He greeted in a polite tone.
"Hello." I greeted back with a small smile.
Martian Manhunter took the seat in front of me and looked at me.
My smile fell, "Look, I know why you're here. I told those other men everything I knew about this 'Project Cadmus'. I don't know anything, except for Superboy."
"I understand." He nodded, "And I believe you." Then he leaned closer, "I wish to know more about you. What is your name? Where did you come from? Why did you come to Earth?"
His questions took me by surprise. Ever since I woke up, I was never asked those kind of questions. It's... kind.
"Where do you want me to start?" I asked him.
"Why don't we start with your name?" The man suggested, then extended his hand to me, "Allow me to begin. My name is J'onn J'onzz. I am originally from the planet Mars."
I smiled and shook his hand, "Nice to meet you, J'onn. My name is Eleanor May Carter, but my friends call me Ellie. I'm from the planet Earth."
"Earth?" Mr. J'onzz tilted his head, "Where about?"
I looked at my hands, "This might be hard to believe, but not this Earth. I'm from another universe. I used to be a lonely human with a love for comic books, video games and cartoons." My tail swayed behind me, "You and your Justice League are comic book characters in my Earth. But I wished upon a star and now I'm here, as a Pony."
"Eponian." He corrected me, then asked, "According to Kid Flash's description, you have fought before?"
I shook my head, "No. I'm a pacifist. I loath violence. But, I have been learning martial arts since I was 8 years old.
Mr. J'onzz looked away for a second, then he looked at me with a small smile, "Eleanor. I have a proposition for you."
I looked up at him.
Mount Justice.
Thursday, July 8th, 08:04 EDT.
Robin's POV.
Kid Flash, Superboy, Aqualad and I, in our casual wear, arrived at Mount Justice, readying for the final step of the orientation.
"This cave was the original 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 told us.
"Real missions?" I asked hopefully.
"Yes. But covert." Batman answered.
"The League will still handle the obvious stuff." Flash explained, then pointed to the lightning bolt on his chest, "There's a reason why we have these big targets on our chests."
"Cadmus proves the bad guys are getting smarter. Batman needs a team, that can operate on the sly." Aquaman continued.
"The six of you will be that team." Batman finished.
I couldn't help but smile, "Cool!" But, then I recollected on what he just said, "Wait, six?"
Batman looked behind us. We followed his gaze and saw Martian Manhunter enter the cave, with a fifteen year old, female, Martian girl. She had shoulder-length, red hair, amber eyes, and was wearing a white shirt with a red 'X' across her torso, a red belt with a gold buckle, a dark blue cape and matching gloves, skirt and boots.
"This is the Martian Manhunter's niece, Miss Martian." Batman introduced.
"Hi." The girl waved shyly.
Wally lightly nudged me with a smile, "I'm liking this gig more every minute." And then greeted the girl, "Welcome aboard. I'm Kid Flash. That's Robin." I gave her a wave, "Aqualad. It's cool if you forget their names."
"I am honored to be included." Miss Martian said with a sweet smile.
I looked at Superboy, who was just staring, and waved, "Hey, Superboy. Come meet Miss M."
Superboy smiled and walked toward Miss M.
Miss M's shirt turned black, "I like your t-shirt. What do you think?"
Wally and I gave Superboy their vote of confidence.
Then realization hit me, "You said 'six'. Who's the other one?"
From behind Martian Manhunter walked out the Bat Eponian girl from Project Cadmus. She wasn't wearing light blue uniform anymore.
She wore a dark grey, armored, hooded leotard, with black trimmings and violet accents, a dark green utility belt around her waist, wide sleeves and reached the half-way mark of her thighs. She wore an indigo-violet cloak and a pair of black and green fingerless gloves.
The Bat Eponian girl waved at us, "Hello. Long time, no see."
Wally raised a brow, "You're our new teammate?" Then folded his arms, "How do we know we can trust you?"
The girl folded her arms, "Not really the trusting type, are you?" Then explained, "It was Mr. Manhunter's idea." Then lightly smiled, "I was hoping this will be a way to owe you guys for helping me."
Kaldur was the first to walk up to her and shake her hand, "Welcome to the team..." Then raised a brow, "Miss..."
"Nightshade." She answered, "I just thought of it. What do ya think?"
Kaldur nodded and smiled. 'Nightshade' huh? Suits her.
