[Mount Justice, Training room, July 15th]
"Ever since you got the package from Black Canary, you have either spent your time in the gym, training hall, or the library," Superboy stood behind me with folded arms, questioning me.
"And what's your point?" I paused what I was doing, which was punching the metal dummy, a substitute for the wooden dummy. I had been training ever since Black Canary provided me with the stuff I had asked for.
"My point is, what are you trying to achieve by doing all this?" he asked. I turned towards him and stared.
"So you're telling me that all you need is strength, and you could handle whatever the enemies throw at you?" I asked.
"Oh please." annoyed Superboy answered. "of course, With my powers, the battle's always on my terms." he jabs his thumb at himself . "I'm a living weapon and training like what you do, this is a waste of my time."
As I was craving for a fight ahead, I couldn't resist taunting him. "Prove it," I said with a smirk as I walked towards the ring and entered it. Superboy's eyebrows rose, clearly not expecting that answer, and he walked into the ring. Without hesitation, we both dropped into a fighting stance at the same time.
"Don't regret your decision," he spoke and moved. Superboy came in with a cross, just like he would do with Black Canary in the canon, but I anticipated his move. With a swift step back, I gave myself plenty of time to reach out with both hands. I grabbed his forearm, pulling him in a swift action that took him by surprise, and I threw him on the floor with enough force that he landed on his back.
Superboy remained on the ground for a moment, before he pushed himself back to his knees with a growl.
I stepped forward, cracking my knuckles with an intimidating grin. "What's the matter, little boy? had enough?" I taunted.
Superboy got to his feet, growling with anger, and charged at me with another punch. I reacted quickly, jumping up and using his shoulders as a foothold to flip above him, landing closely behind him but still able to keep him in my sight. I swiftly turned and applied a Rear-Naked Choke on him, but he managed to pry my hand open and attempted to hit me with a back fist.
In response, I bent down a little and executed a swift kick behind his right knee, causing him to drop down on one knee. I then aimed a kick at his head, but he rolled away just in time, quickly getting back on his feet.
He charged at me again, which turned out to be a mistake. 'It seems he wants to learn it the hard way,' I thought to myself as I swiftly dodged out of the way, planting a punch that connected with his jaw.
The hit made him stagger back a foot, leaving him with an expression of complete anger and confusion. Anger because he couldn't hit me, confusion because I was moving faster than before. Growling, he lunged at me again, this time with a flurry of punches, trying to overwhelm me.
However, instead of dodging, I got cocky. I took a step forward, meeting Superboy's punch head-on, which I realized was a mistake after feeling the impact. I could feel my bones breaking, so I swiftly ducked under one of his incoming punches, spun around, and kicked him away. I could feel my hand throbbing with pain, but it was quickly starting to heal.
"Stop dodging, John. Fight like you did just now," Superboy growled as he stood up.
"Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of both of us proving our points?" I replied with a smirk.
I rushed at Superboy, and he did the same. In a series of movements, I dodged and weaved around him, landing attacks on him that he never seemed to dodge in time, as I was changing my speed and maintaining a tempo during my attacks.
"This is me training for 2 days. I could do more if I had more time on hand. We can stop this. By now, you should have noticed the difference in skill," I spoke after stopping before Superboy, who simply growled at the offer and attacked again.
Clearly expecting this, I simply dodged and punched him in the solar plexus right as he relaxed, knocking the wind out of him and stunning him for a brief moment. I didn't stop there; since he was wide open, I continued my assault with an uppercut to his chin and a liver blow, making him double over. It seemed he got stunned from taking a punch to his chin, so I followed that up with a quick rising uppercut that lifted Superboy into the air, causing him to fall to the floor a few feet away.
"We are done here," I said and offered him a hand to help him stand. However, he stood up on his own, looking angrier than ever, and without accepting my help, he turned to walk away. I placed a hand on his shoulder, but he shook it off and walked away.
I just shrugged and let go of him, then went to the kitchen to quench my thirst and hunger after the fight with Superboy. There, I saw Megan standing near the oven. She started fidgeting when she saw me.
"What's wrong? Are you okay?" I asked her. She shook her head, but I could see her nervousness. So, I continued, "Is it about my spar with Superboy?" At first, she nodded, then she shook her head.
"Yes and no, it's about both of you," she replied. I was confused, "Why me? I'm perfectly normal," I said.
"I don't know, but the way you have been training for the past two days, it seems like you were hurting yourself intentionally," she replied with concern.
I relaxed, "No, it's fine. Let's just say I have seen and know certain things that would even change the perspective of this world. It's just that I want to survive and protect others, and for that, I need strength. The strength I'm looking for doesn't come easily; I need to strive for it, and I know that. That's what I tried to convey to Superboy," I replied.
"I don't understand, but I will try to. Do you think Superboy's okay?" she asked, then quickly realized how that may sound. "I-I wasn't reading his mind, I swear, but anger flowed off him in waves."
"So worried about your boyfriend, huh?" I tried teasing her, to which she blushed and stuttered to reply, "H-he isn't my boyfriend," and muttered "yet" silently.
"Hahaha, don't worry about him. He will come around. He needs time to get accustomed to the world," I paused, "and some acknowledgement from the right person."
"So can you help me with my breakfast. I'm starving." I asked her to which she happily agreed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Mount Justice, Main Hall, July 18th]
Recognize B-02: Aqualad
I heard the voice from the Mount Justice computer after the Zeta tube usage. I saw Aqualad walking out.
I was standing in the middle of the hall with Superboy and Miss Martian. We greeted him, and Miss Martian asked him, "Why were we asked to come to the Meeting hall, Aqualad?"
He just looked at us and sighed, "Sigh, not my plan. It was Robin and Kid Flash's idea to ask Red Tornado for a mission because it has been a long time since the team has been formed, and we haven't gone out on any missions."
Just as I was about to reply, the Mount Justice Computer picked up another Zeta Tube usage, routing the users from North Carolina to the Mountain.
Recognize: Robin; B-01, Kid Flash; B-03
Both boys appeared in their civilian clothes, smiling brightly, then running out of the Zeta Tube to the room, finding us standing in the middle of the room.
"Did you ask him?" Robin asked. "What did he say?" Kid Flash followed up.
"He is not in the cave, but he is arriving now," Aqualad tells the two of them as calmly as always.
"But guys, get ready to be disappointed," I replied, "He won't give missions, that much I can figure out."
"Yeah, good figuring out the solution by yourself while we will ask him for the mission," Kid Flash replied snarkily. I just shook my head and remained quiet.
Kid Flash then playfully punched Robin in the chest. "Then what are we waiting for?" before running off, with Robin following close behind, and finally Aqualad. Leaving me, Miss Martian, and Superboy behind.
Miss Martian smiled and took flight to follow the boys, while Superboy and I followed her. We arrived at one of the entrances, a ramp that falls down into the cave from the ground above them. All six of us walked up the ramp, and Red Tornado landed before us. However, there was something different from the canon – he was carrying 2 briefcases with him.
"Red Tornado!" Kid Flash called out as the android hero landed.
"Greetings," he offered. "Is there a reason you intercepted me outside the cave?" His monotone voice made it rather hard to discern his question.
"We hoped you had a mission for us," Aqualad conveyed to the hero.
"Mission assignments are Batman's responsibility," Red Tornado stated simply.
I snorted and whispered to Aqualad, "Told ya." To which he just frowned.
"But it's been over a week and nothing-" Robin tried to speak but was cut off.
"You'll be tested soon enough," the android stated firmly. "For the time being, simply enjoy each other's company."
"This team is not a social club," Aqualad strongly objected.
"No," Red Tornado agreed. "But I was told social interaction is an important team-building exercise. Perhaps you can keep busy by familiarizing yourselves with the cave," Tornado said, "I have something to discuss with both Superboy and John." He beckoned us to follow him, and we did.
Red Tornado, Superboy, and I moved towards the downhill slope of the cave entrance to be scanned, processed, and allowed to enter. An ethereal blue haze emitted from the projectors as they scanned us.
Recognize: Red Tornado; B-06, Superboy; B-04, John Smith; B-05
Kid Flash turned to Robin, punching him in the shoulder again. "Keep busy," the speedster nearly growled.
"Does he really think we're falling for this?" Robin questioned angrily.
I stopped and shouted at them, "You guys can follow us inside if you want." and walked inside again.
After we went inside, we placed the two suitcases side by side on the table and turned to Red Tornado.
"Are these the suits that I asked for?" I questioned Red Tornado. He replied, "Yes, but only the suit for the covert mission was designed for now, and your other one will be delivered in a week's time. The instructions for the functions of the suit are uploaded in the tablet placed inside the suitcase."
He continued, "These were told to be given to both of you; the right side is for Superboy, and the left side is for you."
"But I didn't ask or order any suit for myself," Superboy asked, frowning. "I don't do capes or tights," as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"I was told that it was a gift given to you," Red Tornado replied. I got the point and snickered. Red Tornado continued, "You could try the given suit and can return it if you don't like. But I was told that gifts are acts of kindness and displays of emotions," and after speaking, he walked away.
The others came and surrounded us to see what the suit looked like. So, we opened the case.
Mine contained different parts of the suit. It was similar to MHA Deku's Gamma Costume with the mask, but I added a hoodie to cover my face, all attached to the suit. It was black in color and also came with a utility belt with the symbol I had designed for myself. I had also changed the color of the gloves to black. (A/N: Model Pic in comments)
The symbol on the utility belt consists of a shield with an "S" at its center. The shield is designed with bold and angular lines. The "S" within the shield is intricately detailed, and it can have a subtle glowing effect. The color scheme includes deep blues and dark grays with gold accents for the shield, and a touch of white and light blue around the "S."
"Um, not to be judgmental, but why does your suit have guards and iron soles?" Robin asked. "You do have super strength and abilities, so why? And what does that S represent in your utility?"
Everyone's eyes turned towards me. I replied, "Batman said it was a covert team, so I designed it in a way that I could maintain a low profile. When enemies see me wearing a costume like this, they might underestimate me, which I can use to my advantage. The guards are not only for protection but can also be used to deliver stronger blows when I need to match Superboy's strength. The same purpose goes for the iron soles. But the iron I designed can be removed and replaced when damaged. The S represents the name I have chosen for myself - Sentinel."
"Sentinel means a Watchful Guardian. You have a well chosen name. You have also designed your costume well." Aqualad replied.
"Yeah, the costume is good, and cool name," Robin said and turned to Superboy, asking, "So what about yours?"
Superboy hesitated for a bit and opened his case to find a costume folded. His costume was black with red lines over it and had the EL family symbol on the chest and belt area. (A/N: Model Pic in comments)
"Do you like it?" I asked Superboy, to which he just nodded while looking at the costume. Kid Flash then flashed to his side to pick a card inside the case.
"Hey Superboy, you have a message," Kid Flash said. Superboy took the message and read it. He smiled after a while, and I noticed Miss Martian blushing when she saw Superboy smile. To divert everyone's attention, I quickly told her, "Did you take out the cookies, Megan?"
Miss Martian gasped. "My cookies!" She then flew down the hallway, making it to the kitchen and removing said cookies just in time, using telekinesis, before we could make it into the room. As she set them down, the boys and I entered the room, looking at the cookies on the tray.
I went ahead and ate one without the care of being burnt, and boy, it tasted great. "It's good," I complimented. The boys followed my lead and started taking one each.
"Hehe. I knew it. I was trying Grammy Jones' recipe from episode 17 of-" she cut herself off with an awkward chuckle. "Never mind."
"They taste great," Robin assured, then looked back to us. I just pointed my finger at Kid Flash, who was munching at least 3 cookies at a time.
Miss Martian looked back up, finding Kid Flash eating her cookies. With his mouth still half full and a cookie in each hand, Aqualad and Superboy could only watch in stunned silence. "I have a serious metabolism," he offered weakly.
"I'll definitely make more!" Miss Martian seemed unsure how to take that comment but replied excitedly.
"It was sweet of you to make any," Aqualad told her.
"Thanks, Aqualad," Miss Martian said, ducking her head slightly.
"We're off duty. Call me Kaldur'ahm," he insisted. "Actually, my friends call me Kaldur," he clarified with very little hesitance.
"I'm Wally," Kid Flash spoke up, leaning on the table. "See? I already trust you with my secret ID, unlike Mr. Dark Glasses over here." Robin frowned and glared at Wally as he put his hands on his hips, annoyed by the speedster's slightly accusatory tone. "Batman's forbidden Boy Wonder from telling anyone his real name."
"Mine's no secret," Miss Martian admitted brightly. "It's M'gann M'orzz. But you can call me Megan. It's an Earth name, and I'm on Earth now." She seemed really excited about that fact.
"I am Connor. John chose the name for me," Superboy spoke.
They all appreciated the names and moved on to explore the cave. Megan acted as the guide while Connor and I tagged along.
"So, this would be our front door," Miss Martian began.
"And this would be the back," Miss Martian continued as we came out on the other side of the mountain. "The cave is actually the entire mountain."
"It was hollowed out and reinforced by Superman and Green Lantern in the early days of the League," Wally explained what he knew about the history of the mountain.
"Then why abandon it for the Hall of Justice?" Superboy questioned.
"The cave's secret location was compromised," Aqualad explained.
"So they traded it in for a tourist trap?" Superboy questioned, confused. "Yeah, that makes sense."
"If the Bad Guys know of the cave, then we must be on constant alert," Miss Martian raised her hand in accentuation, thinking she had figured it out.
"The Bad Guys know we know they know about the place," Robin assured, grabbing her hand and turning her towards him, then putting his other hand on top of hers. "so they'd never think to look here."
"Uh," Kid Flash interrupted, removing Robin's hand from Miss Martian's. "he means we're hiding in plain sight."
"Ah, that's much clearer," Miss Martian said, scratching her head, still clearly confused.
Then I suggested that we could go out of the cave to get some fresh air.
"Hello, Megan!" she said it brightly despite hitting her forehead. "I know what we can do."
She took off flying, leaving us boys to follow her. Wally turned to Robin, who shrugged and followed, and we did the same.
Coming down the elevator, we stopped at the hangar. "It's my Martian Bioship," M'gann explained as the doors opened, leading the now curious boys towards a red oblong shape in the hangar.
"Cute," Wally offered. "Not aerodynamic, but cute."
"It's at rest, silly," M'gann smiled brightly, reaching her hand out. "I'll wake it." As she did, the oblong shape transformed into a recognizable ship. She even spun it 180° with just a motion of her hand. A small staircase came off the back, showing off some of the insides.
She walked towards it but soon realized that we weren't following. "Well, are you coming?"
"You don't have to ask me twice," I replied, rushing into the ship followed by Robin and Wally. The ship's interior was otherworldly with beauty. It was so beautiful I almost doubted if it was real.
"The show nor the comics really didn't do justice. If only they had more budget, it would have been much better," I thought to myself.
Once inside, the front opened up to reveal a central chair and five more side chairs. "Strap in for launch," Megan told us. Kid Flash and Robin exchanged bright grins before sitting down.
As Robin leaned forward, the chair moved, eliciting a "whoa" from the stunned - and possibly scared - Boy Wonder. The chair reached out and created chest restraints that held him in place.
Kid Flash sat down next, and now knowing what happens, didn't panic. "Cool," he told M'gann.
I sat below the central seat and got lost at how comfy these seats were. Then, once everyone was seated, the ship once again began to hover above the ground seamlessly.
"Red Tornado," Megan said, sitting in the central chair. "Please open the bay doors." As the bay doors opened, two control towers formed by Megan's hands, and the hangar gates opened to the outside world as the ship flew out into the day.
The Bioship soared at impressive speeds, only to slow just above the surface of the water and begin a near 90° upward flight, before barrel rolling to face towards the mainland once more.
"Incredible!" Robin complimented Megan, clearly impressed with her piloting skills and the ship's responsiveness.
"She sure is..." Wally agreed, but his attention seemed more focused on Megan herself. He quickly realized what he said and stumbled over his words, trying to cover up his unintentional compliment. "I-I mean the ship, which, like all ships, is a she."
I snorted at his remark, and Robin couldn't help but laugh as well, pointing out Wally's awkward attempt at backtracking. "Fast with his feet, not so much with his mouth."
"Dude!" Wally exclaimed, embarrassed by the teasing, but also a little annoyed at Robin's remark. His reaction only made me chuckle more, and Robin, Aqualad, and Superboy joined in as well. Wally pointed at me, trying to shift the attention away from himself, but it only fueled our laughter.
"Cut it out!" Wally shouted.
Robin changed the topic, suggesting, "Hey, how about showing us a little bit of Martian shapeshifting?" Megan subtly nodded and proceeded to transform into female versions of everyone on the ship. She then turned back into herself.
Robin, Aquaboy, and I applauded at Megan's display. "Impressive," we said in unison. It was certainly a unique ability.
"Is it wrong that I think I'm hot?" Wally questioned, clearly trying to be funny.
No one responded to him except me, "Pervert," I replied, looking at Wally with a playful smirk.
"DUDE!" Wally snapped, a bit embarrassed.
Before he could continue, Robin playfully remarked, "But you know you're not exactly gonna fool anyone with those," referring to the shapeshifting attempts.
Megan smiled softly as she sat down. "Mimicking boys is a lot harder."
"And your clothes?" Aqualad asked curiously.
"They're organic, like the ship. They respond to my mental commands," Megan explained, pulling on her jacket slightly.
"Can you do that ghosting through walls thing Manhunter does?" Wally asked, referring to the Martian Manhunter's density-shifting ability.
"Density shifting? No, it's a very advanced technique…" Megan replied, her smile fading slightly.
Robin leaned forward. "Flash can vibrate his molecules right through a wall," he chuckled, gesturing to Wally. "When he tries it, bloody nose."
"DUDE!" Wally snapped, annoyed that Robin mentioned it.
"Man, today must be Wally's embarrassment day," I chuckled, joining in the teasing.
Megan brightened up again and said, "Here's something I can do," as the entire ship disappeared from sight. "Camouflage Mode." We were all amazed as the ship blended seamlessly with its surroundings.
"Red Tornado to Miss Martian. An emergency alert has been triggered at the Happy Harbor Power Plant. I suggest you investigate covertly. I'm sending coordinates." all of us went on high alert as the ship received the message.
"Received. Adjusting course." M'gann says.
Robin scoffs. "Tornado's keeping us busy again."
"I don't think so," I remarked frowning, earning a questionable look from Robin.
Megan replied optimistically, "Well, a simple fire led you to Superboy. We should find out what caused the alert." As she started to take the Bioship down, it was mere feet above the surface of the parking lot.
Suddenly, Superboy and I both turned to the side window. "I think I know the cause," he said. Right outside the Bioship, a tornado was heading right towards us.
While I looked the other side and muttered, "Fuck."