|WASHINGTON DC

|JULY 4TH, 11:16 AM

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Explosions rang over Med Star hospital as the capital of the country was hit by a sudden snow spell. The explosions weren't of fire and smoke but hail and snow.

To the people of upper Washington DC, the Summer Season was done in by a freezing flash. A blizzard blankets the sky in a cover of grey and white, and creatures of snow and ice prowl the sky like beasts on a rampage, crashing into buildings, vehicles and people alike.

To meet them were warriors adorned in red, silver and gold. They descend onto the scene, breaking through the clouds at high speeds with shields drawn.

A male–the size of a teen–clad in silver and red, twists himself in midair to spin around the head of a snow serpent that immediately tried to knock him down. The creature twists to catch him, coiling to clutch the nimble boy in its jaws only to fail.

"My mangerie is beautiful! My creations, splendid! My sculptures will turn this dull city into a masterpiece! Experience my genius!"

A villain cackles with their full chest! Standing atop the hospital's skylight, the dark haired man fitted with oriental silver armor cheered even as heroes advanced on his position.

This is Frostbite.

"And now I have an audience! Come! Let me have your awe!"

"All you have is my ire!"

The hooded teen continues his charge, flipping over the jaws of a second frost serpent, dashing along its back, diving under the claws of a snow falcon before jumping into a flip, spiraling down to land beside the villain. So close, Frostbite leapt back to gain distance as the teen landed.

The dark haired man stumbled on the hospital roof from his jump. "Heh," the villain chuckles. "What's wrong kid! Rather be in recess!?" Frostbite threw his hands up. Twin mounds of snow rise beside him and form lion-like caricatures with bodies composed of hail and fangs made from jagged ice. "I'll let you feed the class pet if you stay nice and still!"

"..." The teen's visage was obscured but the frown on his lips peaked out from under the shadow of his face. His knees only lowered, coiled for action.

The lions lunge as soon as they fully form and the teen counters them in turn; smacking one away with his golden shield and grabbing the other by its fang before it could bite into his flesh. He wrangled the beast with one hand before twisting and slamming it into the pouncing form of the first, creating an explosion of snow over the skylight. Using the cloud of white particulate as cover, he leaps, crossing several feet in a moment to reach his foe.

The magician couldn't raise his arms in time, only crying out as a fist dug into his cheek with the force of it having him spiral into the air before landing in a heap on the roof. The young teen lands with a crouch, his focus never leaving the magician.

"A splendid performance."

The hooded teen stands, turns and tilts his head up to face his ally.

Wonder Woman floats down to stand before her protege. Behind her, the sky was clear of obstruction. Where there was once a circus of flying monsters now laid an open empty sky. The True Champion of the Amazons having not a blemish on her for her efforts, only a soft sprinkling of snow matting her hair.

Rays of light broke through the clouds as she looked over the teen's work, the blizzard around them disappearing. "An excellent first impression on our stage!" The smile on her face was full of pride.

The boy's face couldn't be seen but his chest raised, puffing up. "Thank you, sister!"

Wonder Woman's smile bleed into a smirk, with an analytical eye she examined her protégée.

He was in uniform; one that fitted well for a warrior of the modern age. He wore a skin-tight, sleeveless red-leather vest with a hood attached, trimmed with silver and a stylized 'W' on his–also silver; his padded pants were dyed navy-blue and connected to his vest by a silver belt that dipped low; his hands were covered by navy-blue fingerless gloves had stylized silver slats in place to protect his fingers; and he chose red boots fitted him well, with silver plates along their height to protect his shins. "Are you prepared to meet your peers?"

The boy's head tilted, just enough to show he wasn't looking at his mentor. His free hand reaches into his hood, the soft sound of hair moving against fabric tickling Wonder Woman's ears. "To share truth, sister? I want to say yes, but I do not know." He pauses before turning to face her again, his face still hidden in shadow. "I know many at home would say no."

"Brother…" the princess of Themyscira steps forward, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "You must believe in yourself and the training you've committed yourself to," she gently raises a curled finger to brush off his hood, revealing the face of a pubescent boy, perhaps 10 years from reaching full maturity, if not a little more. He had blue eyes as bright as the day's sky and a wild mane of blonde hair that seemed to almost glow in the sunlight. His cheeks were marked in symmetrical scars, 3 jagged lines adorning each side of his young face. And there, resting on his forehead, was a silver circlet that curved down to the bridge of his bow; a red gem, chiseled immaculately into the shape of a star, was fitted into it. [1].

This is her younger brother.

"You may not have their experiences as a side-kick, but you have proven yourself to be a formidable warrior time and time again, Naruto of Themyscira. Take pride in the challenges you have and will overcome. They will be honored to have you as a comrade."

Naruto refuses to meet her eyes, his cheeks tinging a soft apricot. "Thank you, big sister," he smiles. Regaining his composure, he looks at the sky, his eyes focused on the parting clouds as they parted, revealing a bright and sunny day. His eyes practically sparkled.

"Today is the day."

|30 MINUTES LATER

"Today is the day."

Batman places his hand on the shoulder of his young protegee. Said young hero, Robin, smirks in response. Beside them was Green Arrow, Speedy, Aquaman, and Aqualad.

These were mentors and apprentices, gathered here today to celebrate the next step of these young heroes' lives. Today is the day they were going to be acknowledged by the Justice League, the greatest collection of heroes across the world.

Before them was the Hall of Justice, the command center of The League. And as they approached, they were met by a company of paparazzi.

"Welcome to the Hall." Green Arrow grinned as camera flashes washed over them.

"We're still missing a few of our friends." Aquaman rubs his chin with a light chuckle.

"My apologies!"

Senior heroes, junior heroes, and paparazzi alike all turn their gaze toward the sky as two figures descend down from it. The first was Wonder Woman and beside her was a figure unknown to most present.

"So, you finally decided to show him off." Green Arrow laughs as he crosses his arms. Speedy, his own apprentice, looked at him with a raised brow and a tilt of the head.

Wonder Woman met Green Arrow's smirk with her own. "He is more than ready."

And like that, many eyes fell on the boy with a hood over his face, hiding his features. Even as the flashes of the many powerful cameras splashed over him, no light seemed able to shed light on his features. The boy waved quickly, though.

"Hello!"

Robin was the only one who waved back, a wide grin on his face.

"Aw man!"

Everyone's attention turned again, this time 2 blurs of red and yellow entering the scene. Suddenly, with only a whip of air as their prelude, Kid Flash and The Flash appear, the former with a noticeable grimace on his face. "Don't tell me, I know it! I knew that would be late!" He threw his arms up.

The cackle from Robin only earned him a glare from the speedster.

…

"That's Batman, It's Batman!" One reporter cheered.

"Wonder Woman's here too! She's so beautiful!" A feminine voice rang.

"Look, they brought their sidekicks too!"

"Robin and Flash Junior!"

"No, his name is Speedy."

"That's Green Arrow's sidekick."

"Well, that makes no sense."

"Is that a boy next to Wonder Woman?"

"Hey, is he her sidekick?"

"That makes even less sense."

"Is this really needed?" The hooded teen pleads to Wonder Woman. Camera flash after camera flash hitting them from every angle over and over.

"It's a formality." Wonder Woman said in a low tone, not disturbed. "You'll get used to it in a year or so."

The boy's shoulders fell. "Is that… a good thing?"

The smirk on Wonder Woman's lips spoke a thousand words without mouthing a single one.

The boy shakes his head.

"Who's the new guy?" Kid Flash cupped his mouth to whisper to Robin, his eyes on the unknown in the back. "This that new guy you were talking about?"

Robin waved his fingers in a 'so-so' manner. "Likely. W's sidekick for a while now."

"Details?"

"It'd be more fun for you to figure them out yourself." A laugh almost bled through his words.

"Dude, not fair!"

"It doesn't matter who he is."

Kid Flash nearly jumped, Aqualad having slid into their conversation, walking at their pace now.

The dark skinned Alantean stared straight ahead as he spoke. "He is a friend, a new one."

"I would have thought today would be more important than some blue blood." Speedy said from behind, looking straight ahead as the group entered the Hall of Justice. "This is our day, not his."

Wonder Woman stretched out her arm, preventing her protegee from decreasing the gait of his stride any further. And with a slight push his pace corrected itself before it could diminish any further.

"All that matters is what we do today." Speedy reminded his fellow junior heroes. "We aren't sidekicks, not any longer."

"Right." Kid Flash whispered.

The doors to the front of the building opened and closed. The group of heroes left the paparazzi behind as they entered the initial chamber of the Hall of Justice. A column of stairs rose up to the center of the room where massive statues raised from the floor to the ceiling. They were of heroes everyone could recognize at a glance: Modern day legends.

From left to right:

Aquaman.

The Flash.

Batman.

Superman.

Wonder Woman.

Green Lantern.

And Martian Manhunter.

"This place… It's overwhelming." Kid Flash chuckles as they reach the top of the stairs.

"You're underwhelmed, Freeze was underwhelmed, why isn't anyone just whelmed?" Robin asked aloud. "I'm whelmed," he shrugged.

"These are…" the boy beside Wonder Woman whispered, his voice low and drawn as he stared at the massive statues. "These monoliths are for the founders, correct?"

"Indeed."

More photos were taken, clicking could be heard as they were observed from outside the hall. At the base of the statues were doors that slid apart to reveal one of the heroes the statues depicted and another, Martian Man-Hunter and Red Tornado awaited them.

"Young Heroes, welcome." Martian Man-Hunter greeted, a warm smile present. He and Red Tornado turn as he gestures to them to enter.

"You have been granted unlimited access to the hall's adminities…"

Martian Man-Hunter gave a brief tour. The first floor of the Hall of Justice held an assortment of rooms that were recreational to managerial in function. As they fared deeper, they passed trophy rooms, an assortment of gyms, libraries, and laboratories.

"And this is our assignment room. It also functions as a recreational library."

"Make yourselves at home." Flash smiles with wide arms as the junior heroes examine said space, some examining the library or taking a seat.

"..." Both Speedy and Wonder Woman's apprentice stayed where they stood as the other youths paced around the room. It was a large library with a center table. To the sides were lounge chairs with small coffee tables besides.

There was a soft sound that caught the attention of Wonder Woman's protégée, like leather pulled against leather. His head tilted and he noticed the source.

Speedy's gloves were stretching, his hands balled into fists so tight, they were shaking.

"It's not much." Wonder Woman lightly patted her ward's back, pulling his attention. "And it may take getting used to, but consider it a second home for these identities."

"Are…" Speedy expression couldn't be described as anything other than contemptuous. "Are you patronizing us?!"

His words were barely a shout, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

Wonder Woman's smile fell, her lips drawing a thin line as she regarded the younger hero. "No. I'm not."

"It sure feels like it!" The archer pivoted to leer at his own mentor across the room. "Is. This. It?!"

"Speedy?" Robin stood up.

"This is a glorified backstage pass! You call this a real look inside?!"

"It's the first step of many to come." Aquaman stepped forward. "You've all been granted access few others have."

Speedy clicks his tongue before gesturing at the window above the bookcases, showing the crowd from earlier looking down at the heroes. "Please! Who cares which side of the glass we're on!"

Green Arrow sighed as he stepped forward, "Speedy, you just need to be a bit more patient."

The young hero's eyes only narrowed. He turned his back to his mentor, instead facing his fellow juniors. "What we need is respect! They're treating us like kids-no sidekicks! We deserve more than this!"

Aqualad, Robin and Kid Flash glance at the one another before looking at Speedy, expressions of confusion and uncertainty miring their faces.

"Really?" Speedy was almost speechless. "You're buying into their game? Why? Today was supposed to be the day! Step one of becoming full members of the League!"

"Well, sure," Kid Flash leans forward in his seat. "But I thought this was step one, getting a tour and access to HQ."

"Except this isn't the League's real HQ!"

"…!"

The Senior Heroes stared at the boy with various expressions, ranging from shock, annoyance, and exasperation. The young heroes displayed their own confusion, each of them standing now, staring at their comrade at full attention.

"I bet they never told you… This is just a front for tourists and a pit stop for catching zeta beam teleporter tubes for the real thing, an orbiting satellite called the Watch Tower!" He pointed straight to the sky.

"You didn't…" Aquaman sounded tired, he and every other senior hero focusing their attention on Green Arrow, who sighed–finding himself under the intense stare of Batman.

"I know, I know…" he scratches the back of his head. "I just thought… we could make an exception." His reasoning died as it came out. He winched under Batman's narrowing gaze. "Or not."

"As said," Wonder Woman stepped forward. "This is just the first step. You have proven yourselves to us, now the League will bear witness to your potential. The WatchTower is the final step."

Speedy's glare at the Amazonian Princess was practically venomous. "I've already proven myself! Has he?" He gestured at the hooded teen. "You bring in your new sidekick and he is automatically on our level? I thought the League was better than blatant nepotism!"

"Roy, that's enough!" Green Lantern had a stern edge to his voice as he approached his partner, gripping his shoulder, only to have it brushed off when his ward pulled away.

"No..." Speedy broke off from his mentor. He pulled his cap down from his head, dropping it on the floor in front of Green Arrow. "I'm done…" he pivoted on his heel and walked to the exit, shoving past Wonder Woman along the way. "They were right about you three" his voice was dipping with venom as he passed his fellows. "You're not ready."

The exit slid open before shuttering closed. Speedy gone.

…

Not even a moment had passed before the large computer at the far side of the room rang. The largest monitor, the one just above 3 smaller ones, came to life and they were all greeted to a feed of the Man of Steel.

"Superman to Justice League, there's been an explosion at Project Cadmus, a fire has overwhelmed the building."

Wonder Woman glanced at her protégée. He was staring right at her. His frown was obvious, his mouth just poking out of the shadow under his hood.

She shook her head before focusing on the monitor, stepping forward to join the other senior heroes.

"I've had my eyes on Cadmus." Batman noted aloud, "This may prove the perfect opportunity to investi…"

"Zatara to Justice League," the rightmost monitor below the one displaying Superman came to life and showed the Magician, Zatara.

"Did that just happen?" Kid Flash wondered aloud to his fellow peers.

"Come on," Robin gestured for them all, walking to join the other heroes.

Batman pressed a button on the console, "All League Members Rendezvous at Zatara's coordinates. Batman, out." The Dark Knight faced the young heroes as the others moved into the corridor beside the computer. "Stay put."

"Huh? Why!" Robin's eyes were wide.

"This is a League mission," Aquaman informed the young heroes.

"A senior League mission." Wonder Woman corrected.

"But this is what we trained for!" Kid Flash put in his two-cents. "You basically just said we have to show you what we can do!"

"You haven't been trained to work on our team." Flash countered.

"There will be other missions," Aquaman assured. "You will have your time when you're ready."

"But for now," Batman's tone was absolute. He, with his fellow mentors, look down at their protegees.

"Stay put."

And with that, the four mentors walked into the corridor, following their allies. Two metal doors slammed shut, leaving the sidekicks with a message painted on those large steel doors.

JUSTICE LEAGUE

MEMBERS

ONLY

"This sucks!" Kid Flash threw his hands in the air, gritting his teeth. "How are we ever going to be 'ready' if they treat us like sidekicks!"

Aqualad sighs heavily, "I had thought, my king, you had trusted me. I fear now you do not."

"Not even the basics!" Kid Flash pointed up to the sky. "They have a Watch Tower in space!"

"I feel…" the hooded teen's voice was just above a whisper. "Why would she lie?" He rubs his elbow.

"There's more to be asked here than that." Aqualad turned to the new hero, "What else are they keeping from us."

"We should have left with Speedy." Robin sighed.

"No."

The others look at the hooded boy.

"My sister did not trust me. Our mentors did not trust us. We need to prove to them. I will not run." Looking at the rest of them, they could finally see more than just a shadow under his hood. They could see the shine of his cerulean eyes.

"And… How do we do that?" Kid Flash slowly asks.

Aqualad raises his head, glancing at Robin. "Project Cadmus. What is it?"

"Don't know," Robin confided but smirked lightly. "But I bet I can find out." He moved over to the console and began to type away. "Give me a minute!"

Instantly, dozens of monitors scattered across the monitors.

"So…" Kid Flash never took his gaze off the new teen. "What's your M.O.?"

The blue eyes narrowed at him. "What?"

"Ugh…" Kid Flash scratched his cheek. "Your name? Alias?"

"Oh." The eyes widened with seeming understanding. "Oh ah" he fumbled for a moment. "I am sorry. My name is Naruto."

"How the-"

"Codename?" Robin asked aloud, cutting Kid Flash off.

"I… I do not have a name yet."

Kid Flash asked, his hands on his waist. "That's pretty weird. How long have you been at this?"

"I-"

ACCESS DENIED

The teens glanced at Robin and his work, he was grinning, the monitor red with the spoken message bright on screen.

"Wanna bet?" The Boy Wonder cackled as he challenged the system. Soon the monitor turned blue and the computer chimes again.

ACCESS GRANTED

Naruto hummed, surprised. "You… won?"

Robin's smirk grew twice as large as he tilted his head back. "I always do."

"A research facility?" Aqualad's eyes were firmly on the screen, eyes darting, reading every line.

"Yep," Robin snaps his attention back on the console. "In DC. It doesn't say what they're working on though. Weird. Batman must have just opened this case."

"So, we go and investigate before the big man does?" Kid Flash asked, practically buzzing.

"Oh!" Naruto steps beside them, pointing at the building's image on the screen. "I know where this is!" He breaks from the group, already floating off the ground as he gestures for them to follow. "Comrades! Follow!"

"I guess that's a yes!" Kid Flash was a blur, catching up to Naruto in a heartbeat.

"So just like that," Aqualad asks. "We're a team on a mission?"

Robin smirks as he spins in his chair before kicking off. "Come on, it will be poetic Justice!"

The last one to follow, Aqualad grins softly. "Yes, poetic Justice."

…

"Help! HEEELP!"

"Get us down, Please!"

Two men in lab coats shout from a shattered window of the Cadmus building, a roaring blaze behind them seeping out from the other windows on the same floor.

"We have you! Don't worry," A firefighter screams above the fire with a bullhorn. "We'll get you down!"

Not a moment after that, an explosion ripped through the building. The two scientists scream, blasted by the shockwave and thrown out of the building.

"I Gott'em!" A yellow and red blur streaks enters the scene, flashing across the street before reaching the building and climbing up its wall in a moment. He caught the two falling men before they could fall a story's height. He slowed down significantly though, the added weight of two men significantly hampering his momentum. He had just enough to run his way up the building and toss the two onto the roof before his traction failed and he slipped.

He would have fallen if it weren't for Naruto, who swooped down and caught the speedster by the wrist.

"Oh man," Kid Flash groans.

Naruto pulls him up, letting Kid Flash use him as a pivot to swing into the open window.

Robin's laugh could be heard as he ran along the nearby firetruck's ladder. The Boy Wonder used his grappling hook to swing himself up to the window Kid Flash leapt into. The boy saluted Naruto before backflipping into the room.

Aqualad sighs as he runs onto the scene. "I suppose asking for a plan was too much." He draws his water bearers, with his tattoos glowing an ethereal blue.

Naruto ascends into the air and flies straight for the scientists on the roof.

Aqualad breaks his stride once he reaches the firemen, "I'm sorry, but I'll need this." He brought his bearers forward and the water from the active hose pulled and diverted to him. He pivots his waist and directs his arms at the burning building, bending and focusing the water to stream directly onto the fires.

"Friend!" Naruto approaches the scientists, scaring them as he dives for them. He grabs them by their waists, flies them to ground floor, and gingerly drops the two men. They were dazed, stumbling with one falling to the floor. "S-Sorry!"

The one on the floor waved him off as he coughed into his hand. "Ah, no! Thank you!"

Naruto's smile could be seen from under his hood.

Aqualad was now standing on a pillar of water and manipulating a stream of it into the burning building. In a matter of moments he had the roaring blaze under control. Instead of raging flames, only billows of smoke could be seen pouring out from the multi-story complex. By the time he neared the building, risen up to the same floor Robin and Kid Flash entered, the fire was snuffed out and extinguished.

"Aqualad?"

The hero turned, finding Wonder Woman's protegee flying beside him, his hand outstretched and inviting.

Naruto's eyes twinkled as the older teen accepted his offer, his hand clasped over the older teen's wrist and he pulled back, flying him and Aqualad into the room the others disappeared into.

"What took you guys so long!?" Robin's voice rang out as they came through the window.

"Resolving the problem," Aqualad informed, landing on his feet as Naruto floated down beside him. "We needed to approach that as a team."

"Relax," Robin peaked from behind a cubicle, his eyes squarely focused on his wrist console but regarding him with a turn of his head. "Poetic Justice, remember?"

"Where is Kid Flash?" Naruto asked, finally pulling off his hood.

"Got flight, super strength, and I imagine super endurance? Anything else you can do?" Kid Flash appeared beside the two, leaning against a table, a candy bar in his right hand. He was in the process of peeling it open.

The way Naruto's eyes turned under his hood made it obvious his brows were furrowed. "I… have the same abilities of my sister."

"You…" Kid circled the candy bar a bit in his hand, "related by blood?"

"No."

"Alright, alright." Kid Flash raised his hands before throwing the energy bar into his mouth and zipping away.

"You don't have to speak of it if you don't want to." Aqualad addressed Naruto, who, Aqualad assumed, gave him an inquisitive look in turn.

"... Sorry." And Naruto walked ahead.

The atlantean nodded, even if no one saw it. He himself progressed into the next corridor. The room was dark but there was a light in the next hallway. Stepping into it, he turned toward the lightsource…

Only to spot a tall lanky creature. It had the shape of a man, but its skin was grey, the structure of its face was gaunt, with tentacles trailing down its jaw, fin-like growths where ears should be and great red horns that emerged from its forehead.

Aqualad blinked.

In front of him in the illuminated hallway was a service elevator. Its empty cabin had just closed and the sound of its function cut through the silence.

"An elevator?" Robin asked as he stepped beside Aqualad, Kid Flash and Naruto quickly appearing behind him. "That shouldn't be on."

"Why is that?" Naruto asked as they neared the machine.

"Fire safety and all that. They can break down in a fire. Just not safe." Robin pulled out the holographic console from his armband to examine the elevator. He raised a brow, as shown with one side of his domino mask stretching out wider. "That's not right."

"An express elevator?!" Kid Flash zipped from over Robin's shoulder to the elevator itself. "What's something like this doing here?"

Robin's domino mask narrowed. "Dunno. It shouldn't be here, much less on a two-story building."

"Let us see inside then?" Naruto floated in front of the elevator door before putting his feet on the ground. He bent his knees, squared his shoulders and dug his fingers into the metal of the door. It bent like tissue paper, his fingers sinking into metal slabs before he pulled. With an almost hop back he tore the two metal doors from their sockets, terribly warping the metal in the process.

Dropping the doors to the ground, Naruto looked back at his allies.

"Wow. Not getting on your bad side." Kid Flash quipped before he was in front of who he was designating as 'mini-wonder woman' in the back of his mind. He peered down the elevator shaft and whistled.

"Well, that explains the express elevator." Robin peaked down, arm on Speedy's back for stability.

"I'll carry you all down," Naruto said as he floated into the elevator shaft.

"I'm good." Robin pulls out his Bat-Claw and shoots it to the ceiling of the shaft. He jumps down, descending the line's length.

Naruto shrugged. Slowly descending at a rate similar to Robin. Kid Flash and Aqualad followed, leaping onto the line and following suit.

"I'm at the end of my rope," Robin said as he literally did so. He kicked forward as he swung his body forward. Using the little momentum he could get, he tucked as sung backward before kicking forward again on his next forward swing, throwing his body as he let go of the line. He caught a narrow stephold against the elevator's wall. He immediately got to work, opening the console on his arm.

"Sub-Level 26," Aqualad noted as he came to a stop, jumping from Robin's line to the side, Kid Flash as well a moment later.

"I can open these doors, as well." Naruto approached the closed doors, only to stop when Robin put his arm in the way.

"No, wait. You'll set off the proximity alarm," he quickly went back to work, his program affecting the system he was evading. "That's my job to handle."

"Prox…mity alarm?" Naruto refrained from forcing the doors open, floating an inch back.

"No big, got it," the dark haired boy smirked, the elevator doors sliding open.

"Where do we go from here?" Naruto asked, walking beside Robin.

"Oh! I'll scout ahead!" Kid Flash grinned as he put his goggles on and dashed down the corridor.

"Kid Flash, wait!" Aqualad called out, but it was in vain as the speedster had already veered off down the hall. "We need to follow him!"

He, Robin and Naruto chased after the speedster. They eventually turned the corner, only to find…

They found themselves alone in the center of a massive corridor.

"Aaaaah!"

Naruto was clutching his head, on his knees on the ground.

"Hey, hey! What's wrong?" Kid Flash was at the hooded teen's side, the others right beside him.

"M-My head! C-creatures! Almost… fought?"

"Are you sure?" Aqualad kneeled beside.

"Y-Yes."

"Could be telepaths." Kid Flash mumbled.

Robin pulled up his schematics as Aqualad helped Naruto stand. "Spark of luck we have some resistance on our side."

"I'm getting readings of massive reads on a powerful supply. Might be what's making this place tik. It's just down this corridor." He points.

Aqualad nodded as Naruto slapped his own cheeks, his bright eyes focusing again on the others.

"Let's go."

The path was short, securing the path, they came across a large door, locked.

"This is too easy." Robin's holographic console was active. Icons of his grinning face on screen, visualizing his tech overcoming theirs.

The doors slid open.

"Whoa." Kid Flash's eyes widened.

"Okay, I'm officially whelmed."

The young heroes found themselves in a room with more than they expected. Rows and rows of bottled containers lined the walls, electricity illuminating them and the room. One could feel the amount of power being generated simply by the heat this room was producing.

Inside those containers were creatures, unlike any animal on earth.

"So, this is how they can hide such a large facility," Kid Flash's mouth fell agape. "It's not on the grid. They use these things to power this place."

"What are these 'things'," Naruto floats to one of the jars, placing a hand on the glass of one of the containers. "They are unlike anything I have seen."

"I can find out," Robin assured, pacing over to the console at the center of the room–activating it and typing away in a flash.

"Are these things created for this?" Naruto asked aloud, descending to the group.

"Likely." Kid Flash answered slowly.

Aqualad looked up at all the containers and the creatures within them. "I am not surprised. This facility shares the name Cadmus, like the people of myth who created a new race by sowing dragons' teeth into the earth."

"They're called Gynomorphs," Robin said, reading from the console above his wrist. "And look at these stats! Super speed, Super strength, flight, telepathy… These are living weapons." He cycled through numerous images as he listed them off.

"They're building an army." Kid Flash surmised.

"An army of monsters. For what," Naruto asked. "Men have all the strength they need?"

"Others always desire for more." Aqualad disagreed.

"Wait," Robin got the other's attention. "There's more. Something called Project Kr."

"Stop!"

The teens turn and come to see number squad of these 'Genomorphs' enter the room running. At their front was a man, dressed in blue and gold with a sword and shield–the former sheathed in the later. They halted a dozen paces from them, the man with the golden helmet drawing his sword, though the arm that wielded it rested to his side.

"Wait…" the man's eyes narrowed at their collective. "I know some of you. Aqualad, Robin, and Kid Flash?"

"I know you." Aqualad stepped forward in front of his group. "You're Guardian, a hero."

"I try," Guardian replied, tilting his head.

"Then you should have a good explanation. What is going on here?"

"And why are you building an army!?" Kid Flash zipped beside Aqualad.

"Army?"

Fsshk

Aqualad glances to his right. Wonder Woman's protege's shield slid into his right hand.

And that moment of distraction was all that took for the situation to change.

The moment his eyes fell back on Guardian, the man's face was twisted into a snarl. His sword arm rose and pointed dead center at him.

"Take them down, hard! No Mercy!"

The Genomorphs advanced.

"I understand this!" Were the words that came out of Naruto's mouth. He was already crouched, his posture ready to sprint. In a blink he was gone, lunging into the coming horde.

A genomorph leaped for the hooded teen only for him to pivot his head to dodge its claw while he positioned his free open-hand in front of the creature's face. It yelped as he grabbed it. Naruto twists and slams the monster into another that attempted to dive past his left. As he spun, his other arm swung, smashing the shield boss of his shield against the face of another Genomorph. Twisting backward in mid-air, he dives both legs of his in the air to mule kick the stomach of another that attempted to tackle his exposed back. Upside down, facing his enemies, he coils his legs and adjusts his position before kicking off the genomorph and slamming himself shield-first into a 4th monster, knocking himself and it to the ground.

Four more Genomorphs threw themselves at Naruto. The hooded teen tenses and roars, kicking off the ground and charging himself at all 4.

"Whoa." Kid Flash watches the miniature amazon without blinking. "Yeah, he's her brother alright…"

"Robin!" Aqualad runs forward, pulling his water bearers from his back. "We need an escape route!"

"On it!" The student of Batman had already flipped over the console to gain some cover. "KF's got my 6."

Aqualad wielded blades of water as he entered the fray. Guardian was advancing on Naruto, who held 2 genomorphs in place by their arms, one with his free hand, and the other by his closed arm. With a yell he threw his arms down, sending his weapons of water out as whip-like tendrils. That stopped Guardian in his tracks and Naruto had the space to fall back, slamming the genomorph behind him on the ground before planting his feet onto the one he held in front of him, kicking the grey monster into the air.

Guardian tried to advance again, only for Aqualad to whip the feet under him. The teen put himself in front of Naruto and advanced on the hero. "We are not your enemy! This is not the behavior of a hero!"

The snarl on Guardian's face twisted even deeper. His shield blocked Aqualad's water blades. "You're the one trespassing, sidekick!"

Aqualad's eyes narrowed, blue electricity flowing into his water, making the hero shout and retreat backward with a surge of his strength.

"Heh," Kid Flash laughs as two Genomorphs that managed to get past Naruto and Aqualad took to attacking him and Robin. He punched the first 5 times in half a second, knocked it away with a kick before circling around Robin to build enough momentum for a flying punch against the second genomorph charging them. "It's like we're our own little Justice League."

"Took the words right out of my mouth!" Robin's smirk could be heard through his quip. He stood up and ran down the path opposite to the battle. "Follow me! I got it!"

"On it!" He quickly outpaced Robin.

Aqualad frowned, seeing Robin and Kid Flash leaving from the corner of his eye. His lack of attention was almost punished, but he stepped back as Guardian advanced on him, swinging his sword and shield. He dodged another swing and thrust his palm on Guardian's chest, to the man's surprise.

A surge of electricity flowed down his arm and Into Guardian. The hero yells as his body locks, spasming before crumbling to his knees. "Wonderboy! We need to go!"

"Won-de-boy," Naruto mused as he kicked a tired Gynomorph away from him. It landed against its brother, both falling over. The scratching sound behind him let him know to duck, letting a genomorph leap over him, it fell on the pile. "I see! Let us go then!"

The two take off, leaving the dazed Genomorphs and Guardian to slowly regain their senses. Naruto takes Aqualad by the waist and flies down the corridor to meet with Robin and Kid Flash at another elevator.

"Come on Robin!" Kid shouts.

"I'd like to see you try–bypassing triple-encryption isn't a walk in the park!"

"We are not alone!" Naruto reminds them, the sound of boots and claws hitting metal echoing behind them.

"Got it!" Robin uttered just as the elevator doors opened.

The four found dived into the elevator, just in time to avoid the sightline of the Gynomorphs entering the hallway.

"Down?" Kid Flash shouted.

"Project Kr is down," Robin clarified. "Whatever it is, it can't be good. I want to see what's down there."

Kid Flash palmed his forehead. "This is getting way out of hand."

"Perhaps we should contact the Justice League?" Aqualad suggested in a hushed tone.

Naruto brought his shield to his hip. "We have yet proved anything! If we go back now, they were right and we were wrong!"

"See, Wonderboy has got the right idea," Robin smirked as the elevator finally reached the final floor.

Kid Flash shrugs, scratching his hair. "We're already here, might as well."

Naruto nodded as he stepped beside Aqualad. "Amazon keeps their word. We will call for help when we need it."

"I hope at that moment, it's not too late." Aqualad retorts as he leaves the elevator.

Naruto follows, his eyes vanishing under the shadow of his hood.

"Well, this place isn't creepy." Kid Flash noted with humor on his tongue. The corridors looked like they came straight from a horror film. Red soft material covered the walls as if it was a slime or some other viscous liquid. Their steps made this audible squishing sound, confirming to them the ground wasn't entirely solid.

"It feels as if we are in the belly of some creature," Naruto said softly, letting his hand touch the ground. It was hard but easily shifted under his palm.

"Whatever this stuff is, it's not harmful," Robin said, finishing analyzing the area.

"Okay then, which way do we go?" Kid Flash asked, his hands on his hips as he stared ahead of him. A fork in their path.

"You will go no further!"

The group recoiled, from one of their possible pathways, red containers were hurled at them.

Robin pulled out shuriken from his utility belt, throwing them as he leaped back, "guess we have our answer. Retreat!"

The group flees as Robin's shurikens hit the containers, exploding on contact, causing the chemicals within the containers to ignite. They fled the sound of multiple explosions occurring behind them.

Kid Flash got ahead of everyone else, he came upon a scientist, a fair young lady with cocoa brown skin and black hair, exiting from a room with its large metal doors closing behind her. He zoomed right passed her, the air pressure from his passing, causing her to jump. He turned back, seeing his friends came up on the scene, but a group of Genomorphs directly on their tail. He turned back to the door. It would close before his friends got here. He looked around, anything to stop it from closing. He grinned when he found a pile of cylinder containers standing up vertically against the wall. He picked one up with a grunt and lugged it all the way to the door, wedging it right between the two slabs of metal, preventing the door from closing. He dived in.

Naruto twisted in the air, throwing his buckler at one Gynomorph, knocking it back into Guardian. His shield rebounded from the strike and the hooded Amazon caught his weapon before diving back to his friends, succeeding in giving them a few more precious seconds. Looking forward, he noticed Robin and Aqualad breaking for the door only open only by a thin gap. He released his flight and let his feet touch the Earth. He let out a breath, coiling his body before his next stride. On it, he gained more distance. Each step moving him further than the last, the world beginning to slow around him. He caught up with Robin and Aqualad in moments, he grabbed each by their appeal and dived forward, moving through the gap a moment later.

"Whoa!" Robin shouted as he regained his balance in the air, landing on his feet, Aqualad beside him, sliding on the ground before regaining his balance.

Naruto whipped out his shield, threw it straight at the cylinder barring the doors from closing. It dented it out of place, allowing the doors to shut with an echo of singing metal, and he caught his shield with a pull of his arm.

"Nice moves," Robin commented the hooded blonde. He only received a nod in return.

"Now we're trapped." Aqualad stood up.

"At least we're safe while we're trapped," Robin opened his console, locking the door so it couldn't be opened from either side. "But yeah, trapped."

"Not for long," Naruto's voice was low. "I doubt these doors will hold those larger beasts from smashing their way through."

Robin sighed, "that just means we need a way outta here, fast. Been in worst situations."

"Hey, guys," Kid Flash's voice drew everyone's attention. "I think you need to come over here and see this." They did, coming over to Kid Flash as he pressed a button on the console, flashing the lights on in the room.

Naruto felt his eyes widen. The light had revealed a pod at the end of the room, within it, a boy, older than him, laid upright on a tray of metal wearing a suit of pure-almost blinding-white. On his chest was the S shield, not unlike Superman's. "Superman?"

Kid Flash was already in front of the pod. "Big k, little r, the atomic symbol for Krypton!"

"Robin, hack," Aqualad ordered.

Robin was already on it, bypassing any lock or encryption in his way. "Project K.r. Weapon designation: Superboy. A clone, force grown in… 16 weeks!? DNA acquired from Superman."

"You mean stolen from Superman." Aqualad corrected.

"No way the big guy knows about this." Kid proclaimed.

Robin nodded in agreement. "Solar Suit allows for yellow sunlight absorption twenty-four/seven."

"And these… Gynomorphs?" Aqualad pointed at the small creatures on the monitor, taking a moment to remember their names.

"G-Gnomes, force feeding him an education." Robin clarified, a scowl coming to his face.

"I bet more than that," Kid Flash grunted. "They're making him a slave." He looked up. "Na-eh Wonderboy?"

Naruto was floating. His hooded visage starring dead center on the individual trapped, bound to the bed inside.

On the glass of that capsule, the other teens see his reflection. Instead of deep blue, the reflection of Naruto's eyes were a brilliant gold.

Robin's eyes widened, outstretching his hand. "W-Wait!"

It was too late, Wonderboy was screaming, his hands slammed onto the capsule.

Alarms blared overhead, a red light flashed over them, the creatures above the Superboy awoke, their eyes snapping open.

The sound of metal bending, wrenching as it was being pulled apart pierced the ears of everyone in the room. Naruto's scream was bloodcurdling. Whatever the capsule was made from couldn't resist his strength for more than 5 seconds before the shell was entirely ripped in half, with both sides crashing into the walls. The three little Genomorphs clung to Superboy, their red horns shaking.

Kid Flash and Aqualad watched with wide eyes.

"No, no, no! If we hadn't triggered every alarm by now, he just did!" Robin was sweating, focused on the console.

"We contact the League, now!" Aqualad reached for his communicator.

"It's no use! Dang it we're too-LOOK OUT!" Kid Flash tackled Robin and Aqualad to the ground as half of Superboy's capsule flew over their heads.

Naruto slammed into the sealed door with a grunt, thrown against it with half of the machine he just destroyed.

Superboy stood where he once laid, eyes wide, a snarl on his lips. He lunged, aiming right for his first enemy.

Blue eyes widened. Naruto brought his hands under the metal slab on him and ascended. He threw the chunk right at Superboy, who roared and split it apart with his bare hands like tissue paper. Barely slowed at all.

But it gave Naruto enough time, letting him regain his barings and pull his shield up with a firm stance, prepared just as Superboy's fists fell on it.

The shockwave jostled everything in the room. The ground under Naruto's feet shattered in an explosion of dust. The younger teen grunted, biting his teeth from the ringing in his bones.

His shield held, so he gave way on his right side, redirecting Superboy's fist to the right and laying in a powerful punch against his cranium.

Superboy's head whipped back, but he only growled and tackled Naruto into the ground with a speed the boy couldn't react to at that close of a distance and that fast of speed.

The two supers seriously slammed across the room, their bodies boundlessly beating along the red rugged walls, they tore through machinery, stone, and pipes galore.

"They're gonna drop this place on our heads!" Kid Flash gulps at the rubble falling from the ceiling.

Aqualad rose from the ground. His eyes were wide at the battle ensuing but he cooled his expression, the cold sweat on his face an afterthought. He pulls his bearers and charges, "Robin! Escape plan!"

"Right," Robin pulled out a few Shuriken from his belt. "Right! After we get Supes under control!" He followed Aqualad, Kid Flash following right behind him.

Naruto slammed his shield across Superboy's head again. "Fýge!" The clone of Superman flinched, and that was all Naruto needed. He brought his legs up and the mule kicked the teen right on the chin, kicking the teen so hard his body launched back like a rocket, slamming into the ceiling, breaking it apart with an indent of the boy's body ripping it apart.

Naruto fell on the ground, coughing. He sat up quickly, looking for the clone. Only for his eyes to stretch wide.

Superboy was on the ceiling. His fingers digging into the stone, leaning back like a beast about to pounce. His short hair falling to gravity, he snarled like a monster.

Naruto reached for his shield.

By the time it was in front of him, Superboy was already an inch from his body, the ceiling behind him exploded—rock and dust scattering into the air as a shockwave shook the room.

The two supers slammed into the seal door again, denting it almost to the point of splitting it apart–the wail of bent metal echoing in everyone's ringing ears.

Naruto was unconscious, slumped against the warped metal wall.

Superboy growled, grunting as his body was covered in tendrils of water.

"I caught him just in time!" Aqualad's breath was ragged, his feet practically dug into rock. He had caught Superboy midair, and held him back as best he could. And doing that alone had almost dislocated his shoulders. "Superboy! Stand down! We are not your enemy!"

"This is going really bad guys!" Kid Flash blurred into the scene. He tried assisting Aqualad, pulling on the tendrils of water but instead a fist landed squarely on his chest sending him flying back.

Aqualad, wide eyed, leapt to the side, inadvertently letting Kid Flash fly right toward Robin.

The Boy Wonder's eyes were wide as he jumped over his flying friend. "KF, wa-" His quip ended early as Superboy appeared right in front of him, one arm free of his restraints and knocked his first right into Robin's cheek.

Robin was unconscious before he hit the ground.

Superboy leaped after him, but screamed and fell as the twin whips of water around him sparked, electrocuting him with massive amounts of electricity.

Kid Flash grunts as he hits Superboy's bed, denting it to almost a ninety-degree angle. He hit it so hard his body bounced off and landed on the ground. He tried to push himself up, but he quickly lost consciousness.

Aqualad jumped as he pulled Superboy, twisting his body while in midair. With a shout of exertion he threw Superboy to the other side of the room, away from his comrades. He landed in a crouch, his water bareres retaining their whip like shape. "Stop! We did not wish to harm you."

Superboy stood up.

Aqualad barely brought both his arms up in time to block Superboy's punch, gritting his teeth, he felt something in his arms nearly snap. He jumped and kicked Superboy making him recoil, stepped forward to knee his chin and brought his hands down on his head. His attacks were met back with a scream and a punch to his side, against his gills. He coughed and was left open for Superboy to tackle him against a wall and slam his closed hands against his chest.

Aqualad lost consciousness only moments after.

They Lost

…

A night that was too dark.

Horns that were too long.

How long has it been?

How long has it been since he's been free?

Yellow eyes that glinted with glee.

Gold ichor that ran like rivers.

How long has it been?

How long has it been since he $ *& $($* #?

*&*&W &*KE*&*(EUP

(*#WAKE&*&* *UP&(*&

YOU MUST WAKE UP! NOW!

Naruto woke up with a gasp.

He huffed, taking large breaths of air. He looked around his surroundings as he caught his breath. "No…" He was cuffed to a slab of metal, his arms and legs restricted. "NO! NO! NO! NO!" He tried to call upon his strength, only to scream bloody murder as he was attacked on all sides but attacked by electricity so bright it nearly blinded the room.

"Wonderboy!" Robin shouted.

"This is so wrong." Kid Flash gulped as the electricity died in Naruto's pod.

"Wonderboy…" Aqualad tilted his head as best as he could. "Please. Stay calm."

Naruto's hood was down for the first time. They could finally see the blonde's hair, the wild mane that draped the sides of his head, his wide golden eyes, and the gnarled scars on his face.

And, they could also see the terrified look on his face. His eyes weren't focused, his knuckles white.

"Are…"

Everyone looked at Superboy, who's gaze was firmly locked onto Naruto. The words came out slowly, slightly horse, as if he hasn't said a word in all his life.

"Are… you okay?"

Kid Flash grit his teeth. "Is he okay?! You did this to him!" He glared at the clone. Who only stared at him in return. "Quit staring at us!"

Naruto stared at Superboy, his chest heaving slower and slower. He didn't say a thing, his eyes just fixating on the clone.

"Please, Kid Flash," Aqualad urged, and the clone's eyes fell on him. "I suspect our friend wasn't entirely aware of his actions."

Superboy's reaction to Aqualad's words was the squinting of his eyes. "And… what if I wasn't."

"Then just what are you then?" Kid Flash huffed.

Superboy's face returned to a scowl. "I am The Superboy, a Gynomorph. The clone of Superman. Created to replace him should he fall, to remove him should he turn from the Light."

The room stayed quiet for a moment.

"To be like Superman is a noble aspiration," Aqualad broke the silence. "But like Superman, you deserve your own life."

"I live because of Cadmus." Superboy shouted. "It is my home!"

"Your home's a cage!" Robin countered.

Superboy clenched his fists.

"Your name."

Superboy turned his eyes to the blonde hero. "What?"

"Y-Your name." Naruto was still shaking, but his eyes were focused, he was starring at Superboy with a locked jaw.

"My name is The SU-"

"THAT IS NOT YOUR NAME!"

Superboy's eyes were wide.

Naruto's teeth were exposed. Pointed fangs where molars should be.

"They did not give you a name! You are a thing to them! Something they will use and abuse until you can not do anything for them! How could you stay in a place like this! One that doesn't even treat you like a person!"

Superboy's scowl turned into frown, staring intently at Naruto.

"We can help you…" Aqualad turned his gaze from Wonderboy to Superboy. "Not only can we help discover who you are, we can introduce you to him. To Superman."

Superboy's wide eyes met the heroes in front of him. Just as he was about to speak, the large doors behind him slid open.

"I'm afraid that's not possible."

Everyone turned their gaze. A man with a trench coat walked through the entrance, behind him, Guardian stood.

"Oh-Who the heck are you!" Kid Flash's indignant shout rang out.

"Unfortunately, processing any new form of information is no longer necessary for you 4. Talking would be pointless." The brown-haired man rubbed his glasses with the cloth of his shirt before placing them back on. "But perhaps I should show some regard for your circumstance. My name is Desmond."

"Oh, great," the Flash's protegee groans. "A wannabe Dr. Frankenstein blowhard."

"And unfortunately this 'blowhard'," the scientist's eyes roll, "will be your early doom. Operation 'SideKick' will drain you of your genetic material and I will look forward to grooming your replacements."

"You're gonna freaking clone us?"

"Superboy," Robin calls out. "There's more to life than this! There's a whole world you need to experience for yourself!"

"Enough!" Desmond tilts his head. "Start the cloning procedure. And get Project K.r. back in its pod!"

"Help us." Aqualad pleads at Superboy, who's gaze fixated on him. Even as his shoulder was grabbed by Guardian, he pulled away, focusing on the teens.

"You don't think." Desmond stepped in front of Superboy. The horns of the little creature on his shoulder started to glow a pale red.

"That again?!" Naruto barks.

"You aren't a person. Not a real boy." Desmond rubbed his forehead. The genomorph on his shoulder leaping onto Superboy's shoulder. "You are my property-er, Cadmus's property. You literally can not afford to think for yourself. Now. Get. Back. To. Your. Pod!"

Superboy's expression twisted, almost snarling, but in a blink it vanished, his expression was entirely neutral. Without a word he pivoted on his foot and walked out the chamber.

"SUPERBOY!" Naruto screams. "SUPERBOY!"

"Don't bother!" Desmond rubbed his forehead. "2 nights of uninterrupted consciousness just to be saddled with children." He glanced over at the technician at the console. "Start the cloning sequence."

The woman nodded, typing away at the panel.

From inside their pods, the teens had to watch as arms rose up from the floors of their pods and angled specifically for their bodies, long needles bound to their ends.

Each of them cried in pain as their skin was pierced, and blood was drawn, pulling into containers beneath their pods.

Desmond, placing his hands in his pockets, ignored the screams of the children behind him. "I want Genomorphs here downloading their memories. Once the process is completed, dispose of their bodies. No identifiable remains."

"Yes, sir."

"Where's Dubbilex?"

And like a ghost, a genomorph appeared, the very same one the teens spotted before in the lab coat. Desmond jumped at this sudden appearance.

"Always stalking with you!" The scientist shook his head. "You heard my orders. Execute them."

Despite the pain, Aqualad whispers out words only he and another could hopefully hear.

"Superboy…"

"You live!"

"That gives you the right to follow your own path."

"A weapon or a person? It's your choice!"

"But ask yourself, what would Superman do?"

"ENOUGH!"

Despite the pain, Naruto roared, pulling himself forward. The metal that tied him down warped under the pressure of his strength.

"S-Stop h-"

It was too late. The boy's eyes were pure gold as he tore himself free with a scream. He smashed through the glass and landed before Guardian, Dubilex and Desmond. The boy snarled, his very scars glowing the same color as his eyes.

He stood. And as he did, the circular door to their camber screamed as it was torn from its socket. It was lifted, and Superboy was under it, his fingers digging into the door as he pulled it and threw it to the side.

"Project K-" Before Desmond could finish Superboy shoved past him, pushing him and the encroaching Guardian out of his way. The scientist fell back so fast he slammed into their assistant and they both hit the far wall.

Naruto and Superboy stood face to face against each other.

"Wonderboy!" Aqualad's voice rang out. "He isn't our enemy!" There was a small smile on his face. "Isn't that right, Superboy?"

"I want my own name." Superboy said softly.

Naruto's body relaxed at those words, his stance loosening as he stared at Superboy with wide eyes. Then a smile came upon his face. "Yes! We will help!"

"YES! Finally!" Robin's cry coincided with his wrist restraints releasing. He dropped to his knees before kicking his pod open. With a flip his was on the ground and approaching the console. "Good thing Batman wasn't here. He'd have my head for taking so long."

Kid Flash rolled his eyes. "Robs, really? We have so much more to worry about than that! Heck, the whole Justice league is going to have our heads!"

Examining the console in a flash, Robin pressed a few times and the pods for Aqualad and Kid Flash opened, the arms for their needles retracting. "You two get them down. I'll deal with sidekick."

"Don't you try to give me orders." Superboy grunted before jumping up to Aqualad as Wonderboy did the same for Kid Flash. They tore away at their restraints, and the two landed onto the platform.

"Thank you," Aqualad said as he rubbed his wrists. Superboy nodded.

"Man, this day can't get any worse, can it?" Kid Flash shook his limbs.

"Well." There was a smile on Naruto's face. "We could have died."

"Yeah, that would have been worse."

Robin placed a device on the last blood container as Aqualad, Wonderboy, Kid Flash and Superboy jumped down. With a sprint he joined them and they ran out the corridor. "Let's go!"

Desmond gripped his bleeding mouth. His voice was muffled by his hand. "You will never escape here! I'll have you all in pods by morning, screaming as your DNA is ripped from your bones!"

"Dude, you are so whelmed!" Robin pressed the button to a switch in his hand. Explosions rang out as the containers that were filled with their blood were destroyed in balls of fire that knocked all the scientists, Guardian, and Genomorphs to the ground.

Desmond picked himself up, the fires behind him illuminating his back as he grabbed his fallen Gynomorph. His jaw was locked, eye bloodshot. He was practically strangling the creature in his hand, it squirmed uncomfortably. "Activate. Every. Genomorph!"

…

"We still have 42 levels before we reach the surface," Robin informed the group as they dashed down the corridor.

Aqualad asked, "can we use the Elevator?"

Robin sucked his teeth. "It's all the way on sub-level 8, it won't get here in time."

Aqualad nodded. "We can still use the shaft!"

"Company!" Naruto broke the conversation as he stopped, and the group followed suit.

Large trolls came from different breaks in the hall, all easily over a story tall if not two. Their growls and howls came from in front and behind, causing the team to look both ways at the two advancing parties. Soon even the walls began to glow red in spots with smaller Gynomorphs tearing through the walls.

"Allies ready!" Naruto pulled his shield from his back once more and took in a large breath. "CHARGE!" He roared and lunged forward, tackling a troll to the ground, flipped off it, grabbed another troll down by its horns as he descended to the ground, punched its chin so hard it rose into the air before kicking its falling body into another.

"Defiantly Wonder Woman's brother." Kid Flash quipped before he joined the fight.

Superboy ducked under a large fist, then grabbed the arm of the troll. He threw it to the side, then proceeded to jump on another and slam his fist across its face, felling it with one hit before he roared at another, punching its stomach repeatedly.

"AL, cover me." Robin jumped beside Aqualad. Aqualad nodded and used his water bears to defend Robin from any coming attack as the Boy Wonder typed away on his console. "This should help us get away." He smirked as he dropped each of the closest elevators. Leaving only one left at the far end of the building.

Aqualad kick away another G-Goblin and whipped another into a wall. "Time to go, follow Robin!"

"Aye, aye, sir!" Kid Flash saluted.

Naruto used his shield to direct a giant hand to his side, he jumped and kicked the troll across the face. "Superboy! Help make path."

Superboy launched himself at the group of trolls with Naruto, the two barreling through the opposition-tossing them aside like bowling pins.

The group cut through the opening made by the Super and Wonderboy. Reaching the elevator shaft where Aqualad kicked the doors, tossing them in the empty shaft and sending them to the bottom floor.

Naruto ascended by flight, Robin by a retractable grappling hook, Kid Flash by speed, and Superboy, taking a hold of Aqualad, by flight.

They ascended about twenty stories before Super-Boy found himself beginning to slow down. His eyes wide. "I'm falling?" He began to drop much to everyone's shock.

Naruto broke his flight, flipped upside down, and flew after the falling pair.

Robin was quick to act, throwing a Shuriken at the wall, just In Time for Aqualad to catch.

"Superman can fly, why can't I fly?" Superboy asked himself, confusion present on his face.

"Still, you can jump tall buildings in a single bound," Kid Flash smirked. "Still cool."

Naruto reached out and took hold of both Superboy and Aqualad.

"Thanks," Superboy accepted the help, still looking down.

"We can reach the tenth Sublevel if we go all the way up, but they'll be waiting for us," Robin explains, wirelessly connecting to the Cadmus security mainframe.

"How do you know that?" Kid Flash asked.

"I hacked the motion sensors." The Boy Wonder grinned.

"So, we get off here." Aqualad stated as they reached the top level.

Naruto swung Superboy forward, who tore through the exit like paper. The team quickly followed behind.

They reached the more normal looking floors, missing where the red liquid paste walls and came the more traditional white painted walls and tiled floors.

They climbed the stairway to the top floor, knocking down any Genomorph that came in their way.

"Sub-Level one," Robin announced as they reached the top of the stairwell. "Expect a lot of bad guys!"

"We can't allow any of them to follow us up to the surface!" Aqualad shouted as they exited the stairwell and ran into the corridor.

"Sneak our way out, got it." Kid Flash sped up, taking the point and searched for a way out, exiting rooms left and right and he advanced down the hall. Reaching a corner he slid against the ground, running back with a panicked expression. "Incoming wave!"

Naruto clicks his tongue, winds his arm, aims, then throws his shield. It soars through the air, and–just as it came to the next branching hall–slams into the head of a G-Goblin, ricochets against the right wall and soared back to his hand. He lands, slides forward and punches the Gynomorph appearing after the former. "Keep the momentum!" He leaped forward, attacking any Gynomorph that directly got in his way.

The team blazes a trail, never stopping their dash for escape. Superboy, charging through the bulk with pure strength; Naruto tosses aside as many as he could with as little effort needed; Aqualad and Robin taking apart those who tried for them as a unit, covering the other's sides; and Kid Flash attacking all in his way while aiding everyone else.

Kid Flash raced forward faster, taking down the last mook in his path. His eyes widened however when his path was suddenly closed as a thick slab of metal they called a door slammed shut right in front of him. He couldn't even utter "Oh no" before he slammed straight into it and bounced off.

The others soon came to the scene. Naruto, Aqualad and Superboy instantly came to the door to force it to open. It slowly started to warp, but it was unlike any door they came across before.

"Um, guys," Robin eyed another swarm of Genomorphs hall they just ran from. "We gotta find another way," He kicked open a door at his side. "Let's go!"

Robin was followed by the young supers and led them down a corridor with a break at the end. As they reached it, the lights overhead shifted from normal fluorescent white to foreboding red.

"Not again!" Kid Flash whined as they came to the break, only to meet Guardian and squads of Gynomorphs, from trolls to goblins. Both exits closed like their path before.

"This ends. Now." Guardian demanded, sword pointed.

Naruto's eyes narrowed on the Gynomorph on Guardian's shoulder, its horns glowing red. He reeled his shield back, only to have his arm stopped by Aqualad.

"You are being deceived Guardian," Aqualad spoke out as he stepped in front of the team. "Remove that creature from your shoulder and you will see."

"I have no Idea what you're talking about." Guardian stepped forward, causing all the teens to prepare themselves for his next move.

"I believe it is time for our brother to choose for himself where he must go."

The team was on guard as each Gynomorph focused on them, their horns glowed red.

"That voice… wha?" Robin fell to his knees, crumpling on the ground.

"My head…" Aqualad gripped his head as he and Kid Flash fell to the ground as well.

"This voice again…" Naruto fell to his knees clutching his aching forehead.

Superboy dropped to the ground, flinching, shaking his head as a voice echoed in his mind.

The same Genomorph that they spotted before meeting Superboy, the same Genomoprh they spotted with Desmond and Guardian appeared. The lanky humanoid g-gnome walked with grace the others did not possess, its fingers pressed together, its horns glowing brighter than any other G-gnome they've spotted before.

"Superboy must decide for himself."

And it was evidently clear, the voice in their minds originated from.

"Y-You!" Wonderboy hissed, barely conscious on the ground.

"You! Stop!" Superboy tried getting up.

"I apologize. His resistance causes pain where others would have been gently lulled."

The genomorph paced before Superboy, its red eyes boring into him.

"Are… Are you doing this for me?" Superboy asked, uncertainty in his voice.

"Yes, brother. I have orchestrated this night. The fire that attracted your friends, their path to you, waking them before it was too late."

"Why…? Why do this for me?"

"Because Superboy, you are our hope."

Dubilex horns flared even brighter, and Superboy's eyes clenched shut.

Images of countless genomorphs, in test tubes, forced on lab tables, shoved into containers, forced to work manual labor for their own safety. He saw them being used, disposed of, worked like cattle.

Less than human.

Less than people.

Slaves.

Dubiliex's expression fell as it watched Superboy heave at the images in his head. He knelt, offering Superboy his hand, who slowly took it.

"You are our hero, the Genomorph hero. You will blaze a trail for all our brothers, showing us the way to freedom."

"Do you accept this, brother? Will you choose freedom?"

Superboy regarded Dubiliex and every other Genomorph in the corridor. They were staring at him. Taking a breath, he nods.

"I do. I choose freedom."

The horns of every small Genomorph returned to a light grey, and Superboy's allies slowly rose from the ground.

"Ugh, what hit me?" Kid Flash stood up first.

"S-Superboy?" Naruto groans.

"It's alright." The kryptonian clone offered its hand to the blonde Amazon, who took it.

"Ugh," Guardian rubbed his temple. "It feels like a fog is lifting?"

"Guardian?" Aqualad questioned as he and Robin stood.

"I…" Blinking, the hero dropped his sword. "My mind is clearing. I've been… not myself."

"Did these things control you?" Robin asked.

"That's over. Right?" Superboy turned to Dubiliex, who nods.

"With your freedom, Cadmus's grip on the Genomorphs will end."

"I think not!"

A voice beyond Guardian proclaimed. The Gynomorphs separated to reveal Desmond, glaring hate-filled eyes at each of the teens. He had a vial in his hand, the liquid inside nearly glowing green in the dim hall. He raised to the air. "Back stabbers, filth! You brought upon what comes next to yourselves! Project Blockbuster will take back Cadmus!" He swung his head back, pouring the liquid down his throat.

Wonderboy raised his shield.

Aqualad pulled out his water bearers.

Robin readied to reach into his pouch.

Kid Flash got into a readied position.

And Superboy put himself between Desmond and the group of teens.

The scientist started to change.

His body inflated obscenely, skin stretched until it tore apart to reveal a black hide underneath, his eyes became windows of red, his jaw widened and the bridge of his nose stretched to the edge of his brow. He became a hulking monster, 2 stories tall, who roared as it smashed its fists on the ground.

"Stay Back!" Guardian told them and charged Desmond, only to be tossed back with a swipe of its arm.

Naruto threw himself, catching Guardian before he could hit the wall. He looked down at the man, only to see him unconscious. His mask shattered, revealing the brunette underneath.

"RAAAGH!" Superboy charged, leaping in front of Desmond and releasing blow after blow against the Monster's torso. It seemed to only annoy it, as it just roared and punched him back. Superboy retorted and landed a blow to its chin. The monster growled and tackled Superboy, going through the ceiling.

"That's one way to bust a ceiling." Robin aimed his grappling hook and fired it through the hole, Kid Flash grabbing his shoulder.

"You think the lab coat planned that?" Kid Flash asked as he and Robin went up to the ground floor.

"I doubt he's planning anything anymore." Aqualad followed with a leap.

Wonderboy glanced over at the Gynomorphs, they all stood, staring at him. He lifted Guardian up as he stood and threw him at one of the Trolls, who caught the hero in its arms. "Hide. Dangerous." With a turn he jumps through the same hole the others had.

Dubiliex nods. "The time for us to leave has come."

…

Wonderboy ascended to the ground floor just in time for Superboy to slam right into him, sending him and the clone into a pillar.

"AAAARRRRGGGGG!"

Blockbuster roar rumbled the windows of the Cadmus building. It chased them, each of its furious footfalls shook the ground beneath it as its towering form approached.

Superboy yells as he regains his composure. He jumped after the monster, only to be stopped by Wonderboy who rolled with him to the side, letting Blockbuster charge past them and crash into pillar and wall behind them.

"Attack him together! We have to end this fastly!" Wonderboy flew into the air. With shield in hand, he focused on the monster as it tried to pull itself from the wall, slobbering and flailing like a beast to pull its torso free.

"Then let's get it done already!" Superboy growled through his adrenaline, rising to his feet.

Robin, Kid Flash and Aqualad were behind them in a moment.

"Do we have a plan for the walking dead?" Kid Flash asked, sweating lightly looking at the wall of muscle they had to beat.

"Yeah," Robin pulled out a few Shuriken from his belt. "Keep hitting it till it's knocked down."

"That sounds like something I would say."

"Focus!" Aqualad's command followed as Desmond shattered the wall he embedded himself in.

The monster turned, roared, and charged.

Superboy and Wonderboy cry out, lunging forward.

Superboy attacked, striking Desmond in the face with Wonderboy kicking the 2 stories high monster in the gut. Their combined strength made Blockbuster step back a foot's length before it retaliated, grabbing Superboy by the arm and using him as a bat to crash Wonderboy into the ground.

Robin threw two shurikens at Blockbuster's feet, each exploding in a cloud of smoke. The Monster roared as it lost its sight, throwing Superboy haphazardly. Its hands became entwined with whips of water before Aqualad cut through the smoke and slammed his feet into Block Buster's face, kicked off it straight into the air before coming down with a single hammer of water on the monster's cranium, making it lose balance.

"Timber!" Kid Flash ran at full speed and jumped, planting both feet on Blockbuster's chest, throwing it off its balance.

Aqualad leaped off its shoulders as the monster fell, only to be caught by his ankle by the falling creature. It slammed him into the ground with him, cracking the ground under the teenager.

"UGH!"

"AL!" Robin ran up, sending bombs full of tranquilizer gas right at Blockbuster's face with Kid Flash grabbing the Atlantean.

Desmond choked on the gas, rolling around and writhing as it got to its feet, only to be kneed in the face by Wonderboy, who followed his assault by circling around and kicking the beast by the back of its head. Superboy joined him and slammed his body against the monster's leg.

Desmond roared in frustration.

Wonderboy slammed his shield on its face over and over. "Té-ras! Down!" Desmond growled in return, grabbing Naruto from the air and throwing him across the room. He attacked Superboy next. His first swung from below, knocking the clone into the air before grabbing its leg and slamming the kryptonian into the ground like a beast. Over and over, Superboy yelled as he was slammed into the crumbling ground. Desmond wound its arm for another blow but Naruto's shield slammed across its face. The amazon flew in, grabbed the monster by its neck and forced the creature onto its back, crashing it into the ground and causing it to let go of Superboy.

With burning golden eyes, Wonderboy released strike after strike at the monster's head, punching faster and faster, his arms blurring before normal human sight.

"YOU WILL STAY DOWN!"

Aqualad stood up, having been pulled from the fight by Kid Flash. "This isn't getting us anywhere."

Kid Flash gestured at the brawl going on between Superboy, Blockbuster and Wonderboy. "What else we got besides miniature versions of the League's heaviest hitters!"

"I may have an Idea," Robin said, a diagram of the room on his console.

Naruto roared, no longer flying as he leaped and kicked Blockbuster across the face, he twisted in midair and threw the back of his fist against its skull, twisted again then slammed the rim of his shield directly against its right eye. blinding it forever. Blockbuster roared and swatted him away, only to be punched in the head by Superboy, who rushed the giant down, fist after powerful fist striking its chest, neck and neck over and over in a blind assault. Desmond flailed with its whole body, slamming its arm into Superboy, stunning him long enough for Blockbuster to grab him and slam him into the wall then attack him relentlessly.

"Since we got a flyier, how about we send this guy on a little trip," Robin smirked.

"We need Wonderboy's cooperation," Aqualad nodded.

Kid Flash pointed to the blonde, the boy's leather vest torn entirely on its right side, he was charging at Blockbuster, who was having a grappling contest with Superboy. "He's kinda preoccupied."

Robin pulled out a piece of chalk and a copious amount of Shuriken. "Just tell him to look for the 'X's and send Doc that way." He runs off.

Kid Flash shrugged. "Time to get our hands dirty."

Aqualad nodded, the two ran into the fray.

Naruto crouched and used his shield to defend himself from Blockbuster's fists, each one cracking the pavement under his feet and making his bones ring. He was relieved when Superboy circled his hands over Block Buster's neck, pulling back. Blockbuster growled as it grabbed Superboy and slammed him on the ground. He threw his fist, only to be stopped by twin whips of water pulling its arm to the side, making a hole in the ground.

Kid Flash picked up Super and Wonderboy and pulled them to the side. "We got a plan."

"So do I!" Superboy shot forward, only to be held back by Naruto, who grabbed his shoulder.

"We only annoyed it, we need something else," the Amazon tells, short of breath. Superboy pulled his shoulder from Naruto's grasp but didn't make the effort to leave.

Kid Flash came up between the two in a blur. "Okay, here's the plan."

Aqualad dived to the side as Blockbuster chased him, the monster angered by his intervention. He glanced to the side, seeing Kid Flash explaining the plan.

His moment of distraction almost costed him. The sudden growl from behind alerted his senses and he dived to the side, just avoiding being turned into a pancake. He jumped against a pillar and leaped off the side, then used his water bearers to create whips of water to pull him to the other side of the room, Blockbuster jumping after him.

Robin crossed an X over the ground with white chalk, then threw all but three of his shuriken around it. He looked up, the skylight just above him.

"Got it." Naruto reached for his shield and pulled a piece off its rim. He continued to do so until he had pulled a long lasso from the inside of his shield. He dropped his shield to the side.

"You have a lasso? Why haven't you used it?" Kid asked, only to take a step back.

Golden and red flames lit like a blaze, spreading down the lasso's length until it was completely doused in brilliant fire. It was bright, lighting up the room and pushing away their heavy shadows.

Superboy's eyes widened as he looked over his person, his solar suit glowing radiantly.

Wonderboy glared right at Blockbuster, as it tried to crush Aqualad. He pulled the lasso, the golden red flames flaring as he drew its length to his hand. "I hate weapons." Words were spat out with a snarl. And like so, the ground under him exploded in dust. The amazon charged forward.

Aqualad slashed at Blockbuster, his blades of water picking at its sides. He jumped back when it tried to grab him. He spotted Wonderboy from the corner of the eye.

Blockbuster cried as yellow and red flames circled his neck. He wailed as he was pulled back. Water wrapped around his legs with blue electricity coursing through it, making him wail out as he was assaulted by numerous elements.

Wonderboy roared as he pulled, pulled, and pulled hard. His lasso ignited ever brighter, bursting with flowing flames.

Superboy jumped and punched Blockbuster's chin, knocking its head back and taking the monster off its balance.

Wonderboy's scream rose another octave, his muscles bulged, and his very hair ascended, flickering like golden flames. He lifted Blockbuster off the ground. Teeth grit, his muscles screaming at him to stop, the amazon pulled and pulled.

Aqualad released the monster, running for the others. "Get down!"

Blockbuster was spun.

Around and around, Wonderboy crashed him against the floor, the walls, and each and every concrete support holding up Cadmus. With each gone, the Amazon roared and yanked his lasso down to the earth.

Right on the X marks the spot.

As Desmond hit the ground, Robin pressed the switch in his hand, "HOLD ON!"

A pillar of light flashed before a fireball exploded from the center of the room, shaking the very foundations of the building. The windows shattered, the walls cracked, and the floor broke apart.

Blockbuster was in the air, those explosions having thrown what once was a man into the air. It was burned, bleeding, beaten, but still conscious.

Wonderboy flew under and around it. His lasso wrapped around Blockbuster once again. He dived, kicking the air so hard it broke.

Thrice.

"OH SH-"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGGGGHHHH!"

Naruto pulled down with all his might, crashing Blockbuster onto the ground so hard the very ground burst, the shockwave creating an explosion of dust so large it spread across the entire room. The floor caved in. Superboy grabbed Robin and leaped to the second floor, Aqualad with Kid Flash.

As the first floor fell into the first sublevel, they watched as dust and rock fell everywhere. The very building shifted and rocked.

"Man." Kid Flash leaned against the rail. "That was intense."

"Do you see them?" Robin was on the rail, looking over the dust intently.

"They're over there." Superboy pointed.

The dust cleared after a moment.

Wonderboy, missing most of his vest, his pant legs torn, and covered in dust, coughed as he pushed away a large boulder that laid on his back. Huffing and wheezing, he fell on his knees. He took large breaths of air as he looked over at Blockbuster. The creature once known as Desmond was unconscious, laying haphazardly on top of a large section of the rubble. He leaned back and let himself catch his breath.

"Nice job, Wonderboy!"

Naruto found a hand in front of him. He looked up to see Kid Flash. He accepted it and was pulled to his feet.

"We did it." Superboy says, looking over Blockbuster. There was something in his voice, incredulous over his words.

"It… over." Naruto sighed, a small smile on his dust stained face.

"Let's go," Aqualad helped Wonderboy stand, "The ceiling will fall any second."

"Too late for that." Robin quipped with a weary smirk. And true enough, the Cadmus ceiling began to fall apart, large slabs of concrete falling right for them. "And I tried so hard to not bury us."

That was the last thing said before rocks fell on their heads.

Superboy jumped atop Robin and Kid Flash. Aqualad was pushed to the ground and Naruto called over his shield from the rubble.

The ruble fell. Superboy protected Robin and Kid, his body not yielding to the stones above falling down on him. Wonderboy grit his teeth, his muscles aching and failing. He would have crumbled if not for Aqualad crouching, pressing up on his shield with him. Together the stones didn't crush them.

It only lasted a few seconds but the falling of rubble ended and Cadmus was quiet.

Rocks shifted, and the boys pushed the rocks from their bodies.

"Man, tonight's been a lot." Kid Flash groaned, rolling over to push himself up.

"We're alive, aren't we?!" Robin chuckled.

The two boys fist bumped, only to winch in pain.

Everyone was worse for wear. Their clothes torn, scuffed. Bruises marked their skin and their bodies ached all over.

Wonderboy dropped to his back. He let go of his shield. He was breathing hard. His arms were shaking.

Aqualad stood beside him, a smile on his face. "I would have been fine. But thank you." He outstretched his arm.

Wonderboy smiled brightly in return and accepted it.

Standing up, the amazon put his shield on his hip. He made to walk but almost tripped over his own feet. Aqualad was there to help him, catching him and putting his arm under the shorter teen. "I'll help you walk."

"Thank you. But-ah let me…"

Aqualad watched as Wonderboy took his lasso, the instrument having never left his hand, and placed its end within a compartment within his shield. It was pulled inside almost instantly, the end of the lasso fitting into the rim of the shield like a socket. "We should be ready; big sister will be here any movement."

"Hey, Supey!" Kid Flash shouted, drawing everyone's attention. "The moon! First time seeing that?"

"Yeah…" Superboy said, staring at the wide-open night sky. It was a full moon, the light from it covering over them in soft white light, his torn Solar Suit glowing lightly in response. "I've never seen it before…"

"Heh, beautiful ain't it?" Robin quirked a brow, holding his side.

"Yeah…"

Superboy's eyes narrowed. His vision caught sight of something approaching. His breath hitched when he recognized the figure.

Superman.

And he wasn't alone.

"The Justice League…"

Heroes of all kinds arrived on the scene. By flight or by the assistance of the Green Lanterns, the Justice League surrounded the destroyed facility that was Cadmus, and thus the sidekicks who looked up at their seniors from its sublevel.

Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman, Green Arrow, and Green Lantern all descended to land right in front of the teens.

"Heh. We're so dead." Kid Flash gulped.

Superboy walked forward.

He stood before Superman and The Man of Steel looked at him with confusion present in his eyes. Superboy looked at his chest, seeing his suit torn and his logo unseen. He pulled it, picking up the cloth to show the S shield.

Superman's eyes widen, along with the other heroes besides him.

"Is that…" Wonder Woman lets her arms fall to the side.

"I hope not," Batman says as he nears the group.

Superboy grits his teeth. He all but shouts, "I am Superboy! The clone of Superman."

Whispers can be heard from the senior heroes. Superman himself had his mouth fall open, staring at his apparent clone in shock.

Batman narrowed his gaze at the teens. "Talk."

…

"You used it." Wonder Woman states, looking down at her sibling.

"… Yes." Wonderboy could not make himself meet her look, his hood also having long since been ripped apart and useless.

"Look at me, brother."

Her tone made him flinch but he did as told, albeit slowly. His golden eyes locked with his sister's blue. "I only used it because..."

"Because?"

He released a heavy breath. "My allies needed me. I needed to use it for them."

"Naruto Uzumaki of Paradise" Wonder Woman kneels before her protegee, putting a hand on his shoulder. "I'm not disappointed. Just concerned."

"And angry," Naruto says before lifting his shield. "I… I am being truthful."

"I believe you." Wonder Woman steps back and looks at the other mentors as they wait for her. "I must speak with them. We'll continue this later."

"Alright," Naruto frowns but nods, and watches his sister join the other senior heroes. He too turns and falls back to his allies, a slight limp in his step. Kid Flash helped him stand as he approached them.

"We will…" Superman rubbed the back of his head, not looking directly at Superboy. "We will find a place for you. The League will."

Superboy's frown was piercing. Superman turned away. "I'll… ah, need to put away that Blockbuster creature. He might actually need medical attention."

And like that, Superman flew off.

"Superboy." Aqualad approached the clone, but the Kryptonian only grunted, walking behind him.

Batman spoke.

"Cadmus will be investigated," the Dark Knight steps before the young heroes, "all 52 levels. But let's get one thing clear,"

"You should have called." Flash's frustration was on his sleeve.

Batman continues, "end results aside, we are not happy. You hacked Justice League systems, disobeyed direct orders, and endangered lives. You will not be doing this again."

…

The younger heroes look among themselves. And slowly, they nodded to one another.

"I'm sorry," Aqualad steps forward before the group. "But we will."

"Aqualad," Aquaman addresses his protégée. "Stand down."

Aqualad brought his hand to his chest, giving a slight bow to show his respect. "Apologies my king, but I will not." These conflicting actions cause the king of the sea to raise a brow. Aqualad stands firm, closing his hand into a fist. "We did good work here, work you trained us to do. Together, on our own, we formed something powerful, important."

"If this is about your treatment at the hall, the 4 of you…" Flash interjects, only to be cut-off by his own student.

"The five of us! And it's not."

Naruto stares at the adults before him, a smile on his face. "We proved we can come together for a common victory. A victory we could not pull off separated."

"That is how you made the Justice League, correct?"

Wonder Woman's arms crossed.

Robin steps forward. "Batman, we're ready to use what you taught us. Why teach us at all if we can't use what we've learned?"

"Why let them tell us what to do?" Before any adult could speak, Superboy interjects, putting himself between the adults and protegees, his arms spread to defend his own. "It's simple, get on board or get out of the way!"

The young heroes stood together behind him, united.

Batman and his fellow mentors looked across at their apprentices.

Neither side gave ground.

[CHAPTER END]

Thank you for rereading the revise for Amazon of Young Justice!

Please Please Please tell me what you thought of this revisement. It's not fundamentally different but I hope it's far stronger.

Haha, what was I thinking 8 years ago?! Bat-Man?! Ah, stupid teenage me.

[1] This costume design is heavily based on ArkanoArt's depiction of Wonderboy (the black haired one). The Lasso is inspired by the New 52's Casandra's lasso and his shield is inspired by Zeus's Aegis, but silver.

Original Post Date: [1/5/2017]

Revised Post Date: [1/23/2025]