Washington, D.C.
July 5, 00:01 EDT.
~Narrator's POV.~
*Dream*
I opened my eyes to find myself in darkness.
Then something came into focus.
Eight glowing figures circled around two teenage boys. Both around 16 years of age.
One was a male, anthropomorphic, unguligrade Pony with light blue fur and short, ravenette mane and tail and light blue eyes. He wore a white solar suit with an 'S' Shield on the chest. He looked familiar somehow...
The other was a human male with ginger hair and wearing a red and black outfit and a black domino mask over his eyes. He was also very familiar...
The glowing figures circled the boys, whispering to them, telling them to obey 'The Light' or perish.
The 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 looked around to find myself, a younger Pony colt, another teenage boy with ginger hair, and a dark-skinned boy with gills and eel tattoos in a pod each, bound by cuffs.
The younger colt had light blue fur coat as well, but lighter than the teenage colt. Short, ravenette mane and tail with long bangs. He wore a familiar red, armored tunic with short black sleeves, and a yellow 'R' insignia on his left pectoral. Black leggings and a golden-yellow utility belt. Black gloves and a black domino mask over his eyes. Very familiar indeed.
The teenager with ginger hair was very different from the boy from my dream. For one, this teen looked 15 years old. His ginger hair was spiky and he had green eyes. He wore a yellow uniform with red leggings, red gloves and yellow boots. And red goggles over his forehead. I feel like I should know these colors...
And lastly, the dark skinned boy looked about 16 years old. His buzz-shaved hair was pale blonde and his eyes were a pale green. He wore a red vest with black stripes and black leggings.
I tried to think back on how this come to pass. The last thing I remember was watching the last episodes of Young Justice and My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Before I went to bed, I saw a bright star shinning in the night sky. Joking around, I made a wish upon the star; To take me to someplace I feel like I belonged. Then I went to bed.
When I woke up, I found myself awakened by the three boys, groggy and unaware of my surroundings. Then the teenage colt attacked and knocked us all out. And now, here we are.
My eyes widen, as memories flashed in my mind. Finally fully aware of what's going on, I recognized the ginger teen in yellow and red as Kid Flash, and the dark skinned teen with gills and eel tattoos as Aqualad. So that must mean that the younger anthropomorphic colt was Robin.
The older colt in the white suit, that knocked us out, was standing in front of us, staring, mostly at the boys instead of me. He must be Superboy.
"What? What do you want?" Kid Flash asked. Superboy'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?" Robin suggested to Kid Flash.
I looked at Superboy 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."
At the corner of my eye, I noticed Robin get a lock pick from his glove. A utility glove. Clever.
"What... What if I... What if I wasn't?" Superboy asked in confusion.
"He can talk?" Kid Flash asked, shocked.
Superboy tightened his hands into fists of anger, "Yes. 'He' can!" He answered.
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.
"But have you seen them?" I asked, finally clearing my voice from hoarse. Superboy's stare softened, "Have they ever let you see the sky? Or the sun?"
"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." Superboy answered.
Robin and Kid Flash looked at each other in confusion. My eyes narrowed. I know who this 'Light' is and They're not good news... To anyone. 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 the male scientist as Dr. Desmond, or later known as Blockbuster, and I recognized the creatures as the same creatures from Superboy's pod. Genomorph Gnomes. Telepathic abilities.
"They'll be, otherwise, occupied. Activate the cloning process." The male scientist told the female. I stared at the G-Gnomes in suspicion.
"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'?" Kid Flash asked.
Guardian put his hand on Superboy's shoulder. Superboy looked Aqualad.
"Help us." Aqualad asked politely.
Superboy brushed Guardian's hand off his shoulder and stared at him.
"Don't start thinking now." Dr. Desmond growled, walking past Superboy, allowing a G-Gnome to jump on to his shoulder and used its telepathy to control him.
My blood boiled in anger, at the sight of the treatment of a living being. Clone or not, everything is entitled to live their own life. Who are we to take that from them?
"ᚨᚾᛁᛗᚨᛚᛋ... (Animals...)" I cursed under my breath.
"See? You're not a real boy. You're a weapon. And you belong to me." Dr. Desmond 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. It was so painful, that I tried to hold back my screams of pain.
"Where's Dubbilex?" Dr. Desmond asked, as a humanoid creature appeared from the shadows. Dr. Desmond turned, saw the creature and gasped in startle, "Ooh! Lurking as usual." Then he instructed, "Get the G-Gnomes downloading their memories. When that's done, delete the source material."
I opened my eyes and glared at Dr. Desmond, still struggling against the pain. What an awful thing to do!
Then Aqualad whispered against the 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?"
A few seconds after Aqualad's words, the door was ripped open. On the other side revealed Superboy, free from the little gnomes' telepathic control. Dr. Desmond, the female scientist and Guardian turned to look at the teenage colt in the solar suit. The female scientist released the button and the machine deactivated.
"I told you to get back into your-" Dr. Desmond started, but Superboy pushed the group out of the way.
"Don't give me orders." He told the head scientist in anger. Then he looked at me and the boys.
"You're here to help us, or fry us?" Kid Flash 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 exclaimed.
Robin pressed a button, on the control panel, disabling the machines and opening the pods. He looked at Superboy, "Free Aqualad and the 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 thanked 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 head scientist was conscious and shouted, "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 of blood and DNA 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 down the hallway.
"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 Genomorphs at the other Genomorphs, knocking them out. Aqualad opened the elevator doors and the shaft was empty. Kid Flash ran to an edge, as Superboy grabbed Aqualad. He jumped into to air, going up 30 levels. Robin grabbed my arm and used his grappler to climb behind them.
Suddenly, Superboy started falling. I gasped in worry and, by instinct, raised my hands into the air. A strange, pale blue aura appeared around my hands and a platform of a magical circle appeared in the shaft, for Aqualad and Superboy to land on.
"Superman can fly." Superboy spoke up, "Why can't I fly?"
"Don't know." Kid Flash shrugged, but assured, "But, it looks like you can leap tall buildings in a single bound. Still cool."
Robin, Kid Flash and I climbed on to the platform in the elevator shaft.
"Thank you." Superboy thanked me. I smiled and nodded.
"Guys! This will have to be our exit!" Robin shouted, pointing to the incoming elevator.
Superboy punched the doors open. We dived into 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?" Kid Flash scolded at Superboy.
"No. I- I don't understand." Superboy apologized.
"Don't apologize. This is perfect!" I stated with a smile.
Robin looked at me and smiled, "Great minds think alike, huh?"
With a little bit of teamwork, we were able to enter the air-vent and 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, until they got louder and started to sound like growls. 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?" Aqualad 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 did 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 looked over my shoulder and saw more Genomorphs 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 Kid Flash 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 Genomorphs growled behind us. We turned and saw the large Genomorphs, 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 Genomorphs and Guardian. With no other choice, the boys and I prepared ourselves for a fight. The G-Gnomes' horns glowed in unison. Overwhelmed by the collective telepathic wave, I collapsed on the floor and blacked out.
~Superboy's POV.~
The telepathy from the G-Gnomes was very powerful. I was overwhelmed and fell to my knees, while the others fell unconscious.
Suddenly, I heard a very familiar voice speak in my mind, '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, like the G-Gnomes.
'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 glanced at the Eponian girl, who was out-cold and lying next to me, 'Told the Eponian 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 girl woke up.
"Wha-? What happened?" The 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 blue liquid. He drank the liquid and he started to look like he was in pain. Bones cracked and muscles grew.
The girl quickly took a defensive fighting stance.
Desmond fell on all-fours, and began mutating. He transformed into a hideous, large Genomorph, underneath 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, ready to give him an axe-handle, but Desmond jumped up, caught me and charged up through the ceiling.
~Narrator '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, grabbing his grappler.
"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 muttered under his breath.
I walked close to Aqualad and stretched my arms wide. In response, the aura appeared around my hands again and some astral energy encased me and Aqualad into a bubble and levitated us to where Superboy, Blockbuster, Robin and Kid Flash were. We arrived at the ground floor and the bubble vanished, just in time to see Superboy get thrown into Aqualad and myself.
Ouch.
Robin and Kid Flashed helped us to our feet, and hooves, as Blockbuster roared at us, ready to take us out for good.
Kid Flash sped towards Blockbuster, and slid in between his legs and behind him. Blockbuster aimed to hit him, but missed and got fallen back by strong headbutt, delivered by me. Blockbuster fell back a little and fell on his back, due to tripping over Kid Flash.
"Learned that one in kindergarten." Kid Flash stated with a smile.
Robin jumped in and threw a couple of disks, but Blockbuster clawed them aside. 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 shook violently in instability.
"Of course." Robin gasped in understanding. He activated his pocket computer and examined the building's architecture. He smiled and called, "K.F! Miss Midnight! Get over here!"
I walked over to Robin. Kid Flash got up and sped over. Robin explained 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. I nodded in agreement.
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.
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. Blockbuster aimed to attack Kid Flash, but I stopped him by delivering a flying kick to his chest, turning Blockbuster's attention to me. Superboy and Aqualad destroyed a couple of pillars. I guess Robin ran the plan with them as well.
Blockbuster tried to punch me down, but missed and punched through the pillar, destroying it, "Try again."
Blockbuster charged toward me, but I turned around and jumped toward the large Genomorph, startling him. I delivered a powerful punch across his face 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 Aqualad. Aqualad's tattoos glowed and he sent an electric shock, causing Blockbuster to stay down.
"Move!" I shouted to the boys, as I went on one knee and placed my hand onto the ground. The pale blue aura returned around my hand and familiar runes traveled across the ground and attached themselves to the remaining pillars. The runes absorbed into the stone and concrete, and the pillars gave out. 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. He and Kid Flash shared a high-five, but winced in pain.
Kid Flash recovered and looked at me and smiled, "Cool move back there. Creepy, but cool."
I smiled and let out a small chuckle.
Superboy stared at Blockbuster, who was unconscious, under a pile of rubble.
"See?" Kid Flash spoke up, catching Superboy's attention. He pointed to the large full moon in the sky, "The moon."
Superboy looked up and stared at the moon with amazement. As he stared, a flying figure flew closer into 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.
Flying close behind Superman were four other Justice League members; Zatara. Martian Manhunter. Captain Marvel and Red Tornado. Superman landed in front of us, followed by other members of the Justice League.
Captain Atom. Hawkman. Batman. Wonder Woman. Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Green Arrow. The Flash... You get the idea.
Superboy walked toward Superman and showed his symbol, on his solar-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, "Who are you?"
"My name is Eleanor May Carter." I answered.
Batman looked unfazed, then he 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, Martian Manhunter looked at Superboy, then gave Superman a reassuring hand, on his shoulder. Superman turned to Superboy, but Superboy looked away. I gave Superboy a hand of sympathy over his shoulder. Superboy glanced at me. I gave him a small smile.
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 Justice League members, who took Blockbuster into custody.
"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." Robin told Batman, "Or why teach us at all?"
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.
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 genetic experiments. So, they could think that I could be a weapon or a sleeper agent undercover.
I looked at my reflection in the mirror. Looking back at me was a female, anthropomorphic Earth Pony with a pale bluish-grey fur coat. Lower-back length, midnight blue mane and tail. Matching midnight blue nails and hooves. And hazel, nearly green eyes with glowing pupils. She was wearing a bluish-white t-shirt and pants. Like she was a hospital patient.
In short, I looked like an anthropomorphic form of Ipsywitch, a My Little Pony OC from the Tumblr ask blogs, but with better teeth and green eyes.
I smiled and waved my hand at the mirror.
The door opened. This time, it was Martian Manhunter who entered the room.
Yesterday it was the Superman. The day before it was Wonder Woman. They didn't like what I told them. Maybe Martian Manhunter will know better that I'm not lying.
"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. His red eyes told me the reason why he came to see me.
My smile fell, "Look, I know why you're here. I told Superman and Wonder Woman everything I knew about 'Project Cadmus'. I don't know anything else. That's the truth."
"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 here?"
His questions took me by surprise. Ever since I woke up in this world, I was never asked these kind of questions. Finally, someone with common sense!
"Where do you want me to start?" I asked him.
"Why don't we start with your name?" Martian Manhunter 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, "You might find this hard to believe, but I come from another universe."
"Another universe?" Martian Manhunter raised a brow.
I nodded, "Its a bit of a weird story." I looked at my hands again, "I was born in a universe where you and the Justice League are characters of a comic book series. I was a normal human girl who read those comics, played video games and watched cartoons." I looked at Martian Manhunter again, "I was very lonely, due to not being able to make many friends. I made a wish upon a star, not believing it would work, and I woke up here, in this form." I lowered my head, "You can read my mind if you don't believe me."
"There is no need, Miss. Carter. I believe you." Martian Manhunter declined, then he asked me, "According to Kid Flash's description, you were able to fight well and use your powers. Have you ever fought before? Do you know how to use your powers?"
I shook my head, "No. But I've had dreams of having powers, so I just behave like they work the same in my dreams."
Martian Manhunter looked away for a second, then he looked at me with a small smile, "Miss. Carter. I have a proposition for you."
I looked up at him with a raised brow.
Mount Justice.
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, ginger-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 other Eponian, Eleanor. She wasn't wearing bluish-white t-shirt and pants anymore.
She wore a white collared t-shirt under a pair of black overalls with a blue chest plate. Similar to Nightmare Moon. Black elbow pads and no gloves and no shoes.
Eleanor waved at us, "Hello. Long time, no see."
Wally raised a brow and folded his arms, "You're our new teammate?"
She 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..."
Eleanor lightheartedly giggled, "Just call me Ellie. It's easier to remember."
I shook my head, "That won't cut it. You need a code name. A name for when we go on missions." I thought for a moment, "How about..." Then I smiled and snapped my fingers, "Willow!"
Eleanor rubbed her chin in thought, then she smiled, "Willow! I like it. Willows are my favorite type of tree!"
Kaldur walked over to Eleanor and extended his hand to her, "Welcome to the team, Willow."
Eleanor smiled and shook his hand, "Happy to join, Aqualad."
Mount Justice.
July 8th, 08:09 EDT.
~Eleanor May Carter/Willow's POV.~
So the Team was formed. Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad and Superboy has met me and Martian Manhunter's niece, Miss Martian.
Batman turned to Superboy, "Superboy, most of us will be leaving. You are not to go anywhere. Just sit tight until Red Tornado returns."
"What's the sitch, Batman?" Robin asked Batman.
"We're headed back to Gotham." Batman answered.
"We will be leaving soon as well to gather M'gann's belongings." Martian Manhunter explained to Superboy and myself, "I brought her to familiarize herself with the new living environment first."
Kid Flash placed his hand over Superboy's shoulder and smiled, "Hey, while we're gone you should pick out a room. It's gotta beat sleeping upright in a closet the way you do..." Superboy glanced at him, "You know, all Dracula-like."
I raised a brow, as Superboy turned to Kid Flash. But Kid Flash dashed toward The Flash and waved, "No worries, Supey! We'll be back before you know it!"
Then he and the Flash turned and made their way to the zeta-beam tunnels. "Recognized. Flash 0-4. Kid Flash B-0-3." And with that, the two speedsters were gone.
Miss Martian nodded in agreement, "It might not be a good idea to pick out rooms. We're the only three from the Team who will actually be living here full time." Then she flew off, "I think the rooms are back this way."
I quickly followed after her, "Miss Martian, slow down!"
"Have fun, dude." Robin waved, as he and Aqualad made their way to the zeta-beam tunnel, then whispered to Aqualad, "He gets to live with her here in the Cave full time? I don't think Kid Flash picked up that little tid-bit. He's gonna be so jealous."
With that, Robin, Aqualad and the others, except for Martian Manhunter and Red Tornado, were gone. Superboy and I turned and followed after Miss Martian.
"There are a few rooms here to choose from." Miss Martian spoke up, "So, I guess we can have our pick."
We entered the first room and Miss Martian smiled, "These look great! There's a lot of potential here. I can't wait to put up some posters." Then her eyes lit up, "Ooo! I have to see if we get television reception in here!"
My eyes lit up, "Oh! I can do that, while you guys pick rooms."
"Are you sure?" Superboy asked me.
I nodded, "Yeah. I'm used to picking the last. Besides, I'm good with electronics. Don't what you guys getting hurt, do you?"
With that, I took flight and flew toward the main living room and kitchen. Attached to the stone wall was a large plasma tv. I opened one of the hatches below the tv, and there were a few wires that were out of place.
Remembering what my mother taught me about getting universal broadcasts, I started fiddling with the wires, crossed the ones that felt like they needed to be crossed, and then plugged them into some of the empty sockets.
"Stay tuned for later tonight is a new episode of 'Hello Megan'!" The television announcer spoke, from the tv. I smiled, closed the hatch and turned off the television.
Suddenly, I heard laughing. A haunting laugh from inside the Cave. I narrowed my eyes at the darkness of the Cave. I know that laugh all too well. But... How did he get in here? Where is he?
"SHOW YOURSELF!" I heard Superboy's voice yell from deeper into the Cave.
My ears perked up, listening to the laughter. I followed the echoing laughter and found Superboy in, what looked like, the main control room of the Cave. But he wasn't alone.
Typing in a computer was another young man with shoulder-length brunette hair and grey eyes. He wore a white t-shirt under a red vest coat and blue jeans.
"This is Snapper calling all members of the Justice League!" The young man called, as he typed on the computer.
Superboy scratched his head, "This doesn't make sense!" He turned to Snapper, "You-" Then he looked around, "This room- Everything keeps disappearing and reappearing. It's almost as if this place is-"
"Haunted?" I guessed his final word was gonna be.
Superboy nodded, "Yeah."
Suddenly, there was a smash coming from outside the room.
"What was that?" Snapper asked.
"I don't know." Superboy answered.
"I think someone else is here." I noted.
"Oh man!" Snapper gasped, "I think there's someone else in here!"
"I just said that." I muttered under my breath.
"I need to get the Justice League here ASAP!" Snapper answered, as he resumed tapping on the keyboard.
"I have trouble believing any of this at this point." Superboy shrugged his shoulders.
Then Snapper called out into the cave, "What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be here! You can't be here!"
"Who are you talking to?" Superboy asked Snapper.
"By the sound of the laughter from before, and the level of fear I'm sensing... I think this guy is talking to-" I was cut off by two darts into my left upper arm.
Superboy got two in the chest, and Snapper got two in the back of his neck and his back.
"I guess that answers that!" Superboy spoke up, "Ghosts... Can't shoot you!"
"Superboy... It's... He's..." I tried to alarm Superboy, but I started to feel lightheaded and fell to my knees, trying to stay conscious and aware of what's going on.
Superboy caught me, as a familiar voice spoke from behind him, "Oh, you're feeling it now, aren't you? Loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, confusion. It's all part of the effect." Then he asked, "But you know what you'll feel more?"
Suddenly, THWACK!! Superboy was hit on the back of his head. Superboy fell to his knees in pain, then turned to face the man responsible.
"Aawww. Did the little boy get a bump on his head?" He chuckled, "You led me right to them, you know." Superboy looked at the man, "You're famous, you know that? You're going down in history as the guy who sold out the Justice League."
The voice laughed, "You're a riot, kid! But you gotta admit... You didn't see this one coming, did you?" I looked at the green-haired man, "Don't you just love surprises?"
The man's face was the last thing I saw before my body gave out and darkness welcomed me into its cold embrace.
Mount Justice.
July 8th, 11:28 EDT.
After a few moments of dark slumber, I woke up to the sound of voices. My ears perked up to the source of the voices. They were coming from inside the Cave. I opened my eyes to find that Superboy, Snapper and I were tied up and gagged, hidden behind a rock and there was a large purple present in the center of the Cave, with a large banner that read 'SURPRISE' in big purple and green letters. Circled around the present were Martian Manhunter, The Flash and Hawkman.
"Something is not right here." Hawkman spoke up, once the voices cleared, "I don't understand, is this for a party?"
I narrowed my eyes at the scene. Hawkman was right, Something's wrong here. If Martian Manhunter was here, shouldn't he be able to hear Superboy's or my thoughts, since Snapper is still out-cold? I struggled to wiggle myself free from the ropes.
"If Snapper contacted us, I do not think it would be for a party." Martian Manhunter spoke up.
Hawkman looked around, "He must be around here somewhere."
Superboy started to struggle himself free as well.
"Why wouldn't it be for a party?" The Flash wondered, "I don't know if you guys have noticed, but there's a big, giant present in the middle of the room. My guess is it would be a surprise party." Then he raised a brow, "Snapper called us all in. Is it our anniversary already?"
Hawkman rolled his eyes, "That kid is always celebrating something." Then he looked around again, "Where are you, Snapper?"
"That kid is something else." The Flash smiled, "He went all out with a present and everything." He grabbed a ribbon of the bow, "I'm gonna find out what's in here-"
I was finally able to free myself from the ropes, removed the cloth around my mouth and stepped out of the shadows. At that same moment, Batman came charging in, and we shouted in unison, "No! Don't touch that!"
But we were too late. The Flash tugged on the ribbon and the present burst open with a boom. Flying out of the present was a large group of green, laughing monkeys with purple backpacks and white faces. Definitely Joker's monkey's.
As if they couldn't see me, Flash raised a brow, "Monkeys? Seriously? Who thought this was a good idea? Oh, man! I just know they're going to start flinging their own-"
"Flash!" Batman cut Flash off, "We need to-" Then there was the laughter again. Batman turned to the source of the laughter and growled, "Joker!"
"Hey there, Bats. How ya doing?" Joker grinned.
"How did you get in here?" Batman asked.
"Oh, Bat-Brain, your security was lapse, to say the least..." Joker answered, then shined a flashlight at Superboy and Snapper, "And Snapper totally dropped the ball in the vigilance department."
"Snapper!" Martian Manhunter gasped.
"Seriously? Come on, man! You can't possibly think that a box full of monkey clowns would stop us." He paused for a second, "I can't believe I just said that." Then he turned to Joker, "What kind of deadly threat is that anyway?"
Joker chuckled, "No. But I did think it was funny." He pressed a button on a switch in his hand and the monkeys' backpacks dropped small, smoking orbs around the Cave, "And I think this is the deadly part."
I gasped and shouted to everyone in the Cave, "Joker bombs! Get down!"
~BOOOOM~
The bombs exploded one after another. I raised my hands, summoning black and green energy to form a shield around everyone, however an aftershock explosion knocked me off my feet and threw me into the wall behind me. My head hit the wall and...
Blackout... Again...
*Dream*
I opened my eyes to find myself on top of a sea cliff.
I looked down and saw the waves crashing against the large rocks. The sky was dark and the full moon glowed overhead.
From the rolling waves, I can hear whispers within the water, beckoning me to take a dive.
As if my body was acting on its own, my body leaped off the cliff and dived into the water. I swam effortlessly toward the bottom of the ocean, where it was the most darkest and the pressure was unbearable.
Within the water, other aquatic Eponians with glowing eyes and gills and fins swam around to welcome me. I opened my eyes and swam deeper.
*Dream End*
Mount Justice.
July 8th, 13:11 EDT.
I woke up and sat up with a sudden gasp. I caught my breath and wiped the cold sweat from my brow. I grabbed my glasses, which I found on the bedside draw, put them on and looked around to find myself in an empty bedroom, laying on the bed. My head throbbed, so I put my hand over my head, to find my head bandaged up.
"Superboy?" I called.
"Uh... I'm not Superboy." A familiar voice answered from my right.
I turned and saw it was Miss Martian, "Miss Martian?" I rubbed my head again and asked, "How long was I out?"
"2 hours." Miss Martian answered, "Superboy found you knocked out and brought you here."
I rubbed my forehead again, as I searched my memories, "But... Batman. Flash. Martian Manhunter..." Then I gasped, "Joker! Joker is in the Cave!" I quickly sat up, "We gotta stop him before he-"
Miss Martian placed her hands over my shoulders and pushed me down, "Easy, Willow. The entire attack was just a mental illusion from a G-Gnome that followed Superboy here."
I rubbed my bandaged head again, "But it felt so real."
Miss Martian smiled and stood up, "You should rest. I'll go tell Red Tornado and Superboy that you're okay."
I nodded and rested my head over the pillow, while she flew out of the room. Once she was gone, I sat up, hugged my knees close to my chest and rested my head on my knees.
That dream... What does it mean? Who were those Eponians, and why did I feel at home with them? But, I'm an Earth Eponian, I can't breathe underwater, and I'm not that good of a swimmer either...
