Skyrocket’s Guide to Surviving Another Universe

by Alphaghetti_24

Summary:

Kon-el wouldn’t say he was purposefully trying to antagonize the mad scientist. But who was HE to ignore a good set up to a punchline? It wasn’t his fault the guy had a gun that could throw him to the universe over. Or was it five universe’s over? Doesn’t matter! Kon will figure all of this out, and hopefully be back for dinner. Right?

-This is my first fic! I hope you enjoy :)

(COMPLETED)

Notes:

*Trigger warning*
-Depictions of-

-Violence

-Injury

-Swearing

-Sexual Talk

Chapter 1: Don’t piss off the generic villain. He’s smarter than he looks.

   In Kon’s humble opinion it looked a lot worse than it actually was. Sure he was currently smashing his way through at least five hundred robots with his awesome Tactile telekinesis (TTK)! And yes, he had nearly gotten his ass handed to him several times… but it was fine!

 

   Okay maybe not so much the ass handing part. They could ease up on that, but hey! Beggars can’t be choosers. 

 

   “You can’t stop me child!” 

 

   The bad guy of the week had decided to go the basic route, with city wide domination. Hence the weird Doofenshmirtz-esque robots.  

 

(Note: When asked if the robots were inspired from Phineas and Ferb the bad guy had vehemently denied that prospect and proceeded to trash the show to a ridiculous degree.)

 

    Kon spun around another robot with a wide grin plastered across his face. 

 

   “Come on man, this is getting way too cliché.” Another robot dropped heavily out of the air, its metal body clanging hard against the road. “If you're going to take over Metropolis then actually come up with a plan that no one else has done!”

 

   The generic bad guy's face grew red. “This isn’t cliche! It’s a meticulously crafted plan that-.” 

 

   “That is going to destroy the city, blah, blah, blah.” Kon mockingly moved his hand as if it were a sock puppet. “Please even the monologue isn’t original.”

 

   “Fine! Have it your way!” The bad guy pressed a stupidly big red button on his watch. “Let’s see you face my ultimate weapon!” 

 

   Yeesh this guy just needs to add inator at the end of his weapons name and he’d be the perfect casting option.

 

   Muscles tensing, Kon braced for the weapon, his eyes scanning along the buildings carefully. 

 

   A minute passed.

 

   Then another.

 

   And another.

 

   Kon straightened out his body relaxing. 

 

   Huh. Nothing.

 

   The bad guy adjusted his glasses and looked at the button confused. “Hm I don’t think it should stall this much?” He pressed the button again. He paused a moment longer, fidgeting with the wires. “Oh I see I forgot to turn it on.”

 

   Once again the button was pushed. The bad guy looked at Kon with another, stupid sinister smile.

 

   A few seconds in silence passed.

 

   Is he serious?

 

   ”So is this great weapon invisible or like, really tin-OOF.” A large metal fist connected with Kon’s face. It’s titanium exoskeleton bending under the hit.

 

   The second fist collided with his chest sending sparks flying dangerously across his suit. 

 

   Each hit drew Kon closer to the ground. His arms flew in front of his chest to shield them from his body. 

 

   Metal hitting skin thunked against the concrete. The robot's arms bended and creaked against him. 

 

   “And this is why you never let a boy do a man’s work,” the bad guy said, his thin lips twisting into a grin.

 

   Metal fell off the robot, its endoskeleton arm now visible. Kon curled into his chest, ribs creaking under the weight of every punch.

 

   Focusing his energy, Kon sent a large TTK surge across the battlefield. Every robot close was easily taken apart. Their pieces rained down in a pile of scrap. 

 

   He wiped the saliva off the corner of his mouth. “You -huff- Where -huff- Saying?” 

 

   “YOU WRETCHED RAT!” The bad guy stomped his foot and dramatically pointed an accusatory finger at Kon. “WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!”

 

   Slowly he rolled onto his stomach and floated back up into the air. His eyes shone mischievously behind his sunglasses. “Getting kinky now are we?”

 

   The bad guy froze, his eyes blown wide, he took a step back. “Excuse you?” His voice came out more like a squeak.

 

   A smirk naturally slipped on Kon’s face. “I mean I understand when some villain says ‘when I defeat you!’ But when you, y’a know.” -his hand made a gesturing motion- “say that. It gets into kink territory. Not that I'm shaming or anything!” Kon put his hands up in defense. “Just that you’re a little too old for me. And definitely not my type.

 

   If someone could get even angrier it was this guy. “You think you’re so witty don't you? A grade ‘A’ Smartass?” -The bad guy reached into his jacket- “Hell, maybe even ‘da bomb’. 

 

   “Is this your version of making a pun and throwing an explosive at me? Because what you just said made me want to throw up.”

 

   “NO! I’m pulling out a gun you idiot! A portal gun to be exact!” His hands flailed around the newly revealed gun. 

 

   “Oh cool, you like that game?” 

 

   This guy would make a great tomato cosplay right about now. “This isn’t a game you insolent brat!”

 

   ”Mhm.” Kon pursed his lips. “You do know I'm like 19 right?”

 

    “Just shut up already! Just-“

 

   The bad guy pinched the bridge of his nose and heaved a deep heavy sigh. He then looked back up at Kon with pure. Unbridled. Rage.

 

    ”Say goodbye to this world, Skyrocket.” He pulled the trigger and a strange red light blasted out of the barrel.

 

   It was weird in a sense. Time seemed to slow down and a weird fuzzy feeling fogged Kon’s mind. Something deep inside of him recoiled. It was a shame his physical being didn’t get the hell out of dodge as well.

 

   A burning sensation suddenly overcame Kon. Every nerve ending horribly became fire, his entire insides buzzed and twisted all the wrong ways.

 

 Muscles protectively contracted, Kon coiled into himself and his mouth opened as if to scream. 

 

   Tears pricked in his eyes as the scream finally clawed its way out of his throat, ripping through his vocal cords. 

 

   Then for a blissful moment he felt nothing.

 

***

 

   Gravity was Kon’s first sensation. The air rushed past him in a numb frenzy. His leather jacket felt heavy; the spikes weighing his shoulders down was not a pleasant experience. 0/10 would not do it again. 

 

   With a Herculean effort Kon finally opened his eyes. Sight, his second sensation. 

 

   The ground was coming to meet him fast. Low rise buildings already passed him. Fuck this was going to hurt. Kon focused the TTK to his back, the thin veil shone with a light purple glow. 

 

   Oh Hera don’t let this suck more than it has to.

 

   Glass shattered and the ground shook when Kon impacted. Car alarms rang in his already ringing ears. Hearing, his third sensation.

  

   “Okay that…. could’ve been…. A lot worse.” Kon blinked the dark spots in his vision away. His bones creaked under the TTK. “Yep….. a lot worse.”

 

   With shaky legs Kon slowly lifted his body onto a wobbly stance. The acrid smell of asphalt and gravel tainted the air. Smell, his fourth sensation. 

 

   Okay, he is currently in a weird place and has no idea where he is. What to do. What to do…

 

   ‘Check your surroundings dumbass,’ a mental Tim chided.

 

   Even without his team physically here, they still knew when to butt in.

 

   “What if I don’t want to,” Kon argued.

 

   ‘Then don’t. I am only a figment of your imagination.’ 

 

   “Right, I’m talking to myself.” He slouched forward, his face feeling stupidly warm.

 

   Kon floated out of the crater and finally looked at his surroundings. It visibly looked a lot like Happy Harbour, but. But what? Why was he questioning this? He was in Happy Harbour right?

 

   But, something felt off. 

 

   Sure same buildings same location. 

 

   Just, different names for the streets. And, the different paint jobs. And the weird store names. And, the cars were older? Like early 2000’s kinda vibes.

 

   He was here last week. They couldn’t have changed it that fast. 

 

   Why would they change it?

 

   Swallowing back the coppery taste in his mouth, Kon rose up higher. Taste, his fifth sensation. 

 

   Good news was his five senses were working. Bad news? He had no idea where he was. 

 

   Well. Sorta.

 

   ”Okay Kon you are clearly not home. That means you need to pull yourself together and figure it out.” 

 

   He spun in a slow circle taking in his surroundings. A pit formed in his stomach and it suddenly felt a lot harder to swallow. “Can’t be that hard.”

 

   With practiced ease he sped around and cleaned up his mess. Ten cones around the crater later, Kon flew up high into the sky.

 

   The stars glittered warmly at him. He clearly was on earth. Or in the milky way at least. Just not home. 

 

   Home. 

 

   The word sat on the tip of his tongue heavily. 

 

   A frown found its way on Kon’s face. His eyebrows knitted together neatly. 

 

   Maybe he’ll figure this out tomorrow. The wind nipped Kon’s face. His tired eyes watered from the breeze. 

 

   Yeah, tomorrow works. 

 

   With a look of exhausted determination he flew higher into the atmosphere until Happy Harbour was but a tiny speck in the night.

Notes:

Updates will be weekly to bi-weekly on Sunday.

This will either be chapters getting cleaned up or new ones being released. :)

Lots of love <3
-Al

 

Kon’s character sheet :)

 

Chapter 2: If you come into contact with another you. DO NOT ANTAGONIZE THEM!

Notes:

*Trigger Warning*
-Depictions of-

-Swearing

-Violence

-Injury

-Kidnapping

-Kon’s overall snark factor

   The sun shone warmly over the small coastal town of Happy Harbour. Kon hummed quietly to himself as he floated just above the low rise skyscrapers, its windows reflecting the warm, welcoming light from the sun.

 

   People bustled about, making their commute to work, others to school. Cars would sometimes honk and it seemed only two buses looped around the city. The train station only brought in few tourists and even fewer towns folk.

 

   Occasionally someone would look up and point Kon out. He didn’t mind though. Just gave a smile and maybe a wave. Then go on with his day of scouting. For what? Either danger or a way back to his family.

 

   By noon Kon had flown over the entire town and was now sitting on the edge of a small building. He had pulled out a pink, sparkly book with a matching pencil out from his thigh pouch and flipped open an empty page where he began to write;

 

What i know

1. Currently in a place similar to home (best guess. Different reality)
2. No one has freaked out about me yet (good thing???)
3. Crater impact is nearly fixed probably a common thing (will ask citizens later)
4. Wounds are fully healed (Sun is still white [Yellow? Need to check]).

 

 

   Kon put his book away and chewed on his lower lip thoughtfully. 

 

   ‘Might as well be helpful, Super Dunce.’ This time it was a mental Cassie speaking.

 

   He carefully let his hearing expand along the streets. Listening to small talk being exchanged and other people cursing others out. Nothing too noteworthy.

   

   “Please, I need help!”

 

   There! 

 

   Kon’s eyes shot open and he launched off the roof, sending leaves and dust up into the air. 

 

   In the blink of an eye he was standing beside a distressed woman on a corner street. No one seemed to mind her any business. 

 

   Stupid bystander effect.

 

  ”Are you okay Ma’am?” Kon asked, his hand carefully placed itself on her shoulder. She was leaning heavily forward, her face scrunched up in complete and utter sorrow.

 

   ”My daughter, th-they took her!” The woman cried. Her arms suddenly wrapped tightly around Kon.

 

   ”Who took her?” He gently pulled away from her, keeping a steady grip on the distressed woman’s biceps.

 

   ”My Ex and some other guy. M-maybe a friend I d-don’t know? H-he said if I didn’t give him money, he’d take her!” She would’ve fallen to her knees if it weren’t for Kon’s grip on her.

 

   ”Can you tell me your name miss?” He gingerly tilted her face up towards his eyes.

 

   The woman took a shaky breath, her lower lip trembling. ”Catherine. And my daughter. Her name is Sammy.” She tried wiping her tears away, but to no avail.

 

   ”Do you have a video of her by any chance? It’s easier for me to help if I know what she sounds like.”

 

   ”Y-yes I do let me pull one up.” Catherine pulled out her phone and with trembling hands clicked on a video;

 

   ‘“Mom, it tickles! Stop it!” 

    

   -A little girl with blue hair is pushing Catherine away with a dopey smile on her face-

 

   “Hum I think I’ll do so when you actually acknowledge my existence you little devil.” 

 

-She smooshes Sammy into a big hug and blows a raspberry on her cheek.-

 

   ”Never!.”’

 

   The video stops with Sammy smiling widely at the camera; Brown eyes, Blue dyed hair, and freckles. He can work with that.

 

   ”I’ll look for her, okay? Just sit tight.” Kon said, his eyes looking encouragingly into hers.

 

   ”Oh thank you!” Catherine went in for another hug, burying her face into the crook of his shoulder and neck. “Thank you! Thank you!”

 

   “Of course that’s why I'm here.” He smiled softly, returning her hug.

 

    “Sammy and I. W-we have a code word. If she asks, it’s tangerine.” Cathrine said. 

 

   Kon nodded. “Will do ma’am.”

 

   “Oh. Before I forget. What's your name, young man?” She asked, pulling away and dabbing away the tears with her sleeve.

 

   He flashed Cathrine a smile and gave her a salute. “It’s Skyrocket.” Then with elegant grace he spun on his heels and took off.

 

   The wind bitterly bit at Kon’s jacket as he scanned the town closely. So far nothing. He’s now cursing himself for not asking where Sammy was last seen. 

 

   Oh, Tim is probably shaking his head in disappointment by now.

 

   ”Where are you kid? Come on, give me something.” Kon fiddled with the zipper of his jacket nervously. “Tim, Cassie, Bart, now's a good time to help a poor guy out.”

 

   He huffed in agitation and took another scan of the town. His eyes landed on the train station. 

 

   A sudden idea popped in Kon’s mind as if a light bulb lit up a dark room. “That’s it!” Kon hit his fist against his palm. “The train station! It has to be since if it were recent it’d be the fastest way outta here!”

 

   A smile happily spread across his face. “Good thinking Skyrocket!” His previous smile quickly became a grimace. “Please be right.”

 

   Kon raced along the tracks, the train now coming into view. 

 

   “I wanna go home!” A young girl's voice cried.

 

   Thank the gods!

 

   Hah! Take that self doubt! Cassie would be so proud! 

 

   Her heartbeat was quick, but it was strong. And healthy. And alive. 

 

   That was good. That was very good.

 

   The train whistle blew loudly in his ear as his feet thudded softly against the train roof.

 

   ”Shh! Y’a here that?” 

 

   Kon froze. Well, shit. Guess the element of surprise was out. 

 

   ”Don’t be an idiot Jim! It was probably some bird that forgot which way was up and which was down.” The voice laughed.

 

   “Yeah, yeah, maybe”

 

   “Please Dad! You don’t have to do this!” That was a new voice. No, not new. Sammy’s.

 

   In an act of impulse that Bart would be cheering at, Kon blasted through the train roof with his heat vision.

 

   “Fuck! It’s the Boy Scout!” 

 

   “Please, that's my father. Call me junior.” His eyes trailed across the car lazily. Boxes blocked with lead, lined the car. Weapons maybe? Eyes landing on the two men, Kon gave a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. 

 

   Their guns trained on him carefully. Their own eyes were wide with shock. 

 

  One of the men looked like a sewer rat worse than Batman after a fight with killer croc, and the other was a very. And he means very. Average looking dude. Like, inhumanly so. 

 

    Behind them though was a little girl, her hair dyed blue and her face dappled with freckles. Kon’s gaze softened. 

 

   Bingo.

 

   “So.” -He clapped his hands together, a smile similar to Dick’s crossed his face.- “Would you like to tell me why you're on a train with such a sweet kid? Or maybe why she isn’t with her mother?” 

 

   “She’s a freak is what!” One of the men said. Maybe Jim? Yeah Jim. He was ratty so definitely a Jim.

 

   Kon inhaled sharply. We do not kill, we do not kill. “How so?” He asked. He forced his expression to take on a neutral look.

 

  “Show him what you can do sweetie,” the average guy said. Okay so he was the dad. Hopefully.

 

   “I-I don’t want to!” Sammy puffed up her chest in an act of false bravado.

 

   “I wasn’t asking you, little brat.” His hand went up as if to strike her. Shit.

 

   Moving quickly, Kon’s heat vision blasted the guy's hand. 

 

   The man’s face contorted into a look of agony as a silent scream escaped his lips. It wasn’t enough to take it off, but it’ll leave a nasty scar.

 

   WE Do Not Kill! A voice that sounded oddly like Batman scolded. 

 

   Great. Now his friends’ parents were in his head.

 

   “You know you’re really starting to sour my mood.” He could feel his eyes grow hotter and the way the whole car looked like it was tinted with a deeper red. It was an indicator he may accidentally blast out their brains. 

 

   Sorry Kal. 

 

   And Batman.

 

   Sammy curled in on herself and a tiny whimper snapped Kon out of it. 

 

   Oh. he scared her. That wasn’t supposed to happen.

 

   “Alright man we’ll. We’ll go.” Jim grabbed Sammy’s still freaking out Dad and they ran off faster than a hungry flash. Their guns were left forgotten on the floor.

 

   “Hey Sammy. You alright?” Kon bent down and offered her a hand.

 

   She looked up with fear and shook her head.

 

   “I promise I’m not going to hurt you.” He let his hands fall on his knees gently.

 

   Sammy looked past Kon and curled into herself further.

 

    A sudden pressure fell heavy between his shoulder and neck. Oh Frag. This isn’t happening. 

 

   “Look dudes I have more strength than an angry Bizzaro and a buzzed Superman so if you wanna fight then sure let’s-. Oh.”

 

   When Kon turned around he was met with cold cyan eyes. Too close to Kal’s yet almost not. Like if he were….. If he were part human. 

 

   “Heeyy. You must be the guy here to save Sammy. Guess that’s my cue to leave. Seeyalaterbye.” He turned to take off, but the other Kon’s grip tightened. 

 

   “Who are you?” His voice was deep and low. In a way, it was a growl. Oddly human sounding though. 

 

   Huh. Maybe he’s more human and less kryptonian?

 

   “Me? Oh? Pssh, I’m no one. Just your average dude.” He jabbed his other self with finger guns.

 

   That wasn’t the brightest idea. The other Kons face drew into a sneer his eyes boring holes into his own. If only looks could kill (non heat vision looks that is).

 

   “I’m asking you again! Who? ARE? YOU?”

 

    Okay. Maybe a more serious, but also, humorous approach. 

 

   Kon raised his eyebrows in mock surprise. “Come on man, I'm here to help. Just like you! So maybe you could ease off the jacket and we could have a bro to bro chat?

 

    Perfect he’ll see he’s not a threat and-.

 

   The train car gained a Kon-el shaped hole. 

   

   Grass and dirt was uprooted from the ground. A small valley formed leading to where Kon awkwardly sat. 

 

   Shaking his head out of his daze, Kon let out a groan. 

 

   “Note to self. Don’t fuck with the guy that looks like me when I was in my angsty titan’s era.”

 

   The other Kon landed heavily on the ground with an angry cry. Kinda similar to Bizarro when someone takes away his Pup pup. Maybe the baby daddy was Biz? That would be a sight to see.

 

   Dirt scattered across his jacket and sunglasses. Grife, that's going to be a piss to clean.

 

   “Look man, maybe we got off on the wrong foot? I’m Skyrocket. Short for well, Skyrocket. But Rocket works just fine. Or Sky if that’s easier.” Kon flashed him a Superman-esque smile and put his hands up in surrender.

 

   His other self glowered down at him. This guy was probably just having a bad day. 

 

   “What are you?”

 

    Maybe not. That felt worse than asking for a name. Scratch that. A million times worse.

 

   “Okay first. Rude.”- Kon’s nose scrunched up and his brows furrowed under his glasses -“And second. I’m just a brave, devilishly handsome guy. Who so happens to have some kickass powers.”

 

   Anger flared in the other Kon’s eyes. He practically jumped at Kon with speed that would give Cassie a run for her money. His fists collided with Kon’s face and sent him further across the grassy landscape and back first into a tree. 

 

   “Look dude I don’t want to fight, I'm a good guy!” He said, twisting around to right himself.

 

   The other Kon strode over, his hands balled into shaky pale fists. How was he not bleeding yet? And did he get any sun? Because man, he was pale-. Getting side tracked here. Focus on weird Kon attacking! Not looks!

 

   “You’re starting to make me mad!” 

 

   He wasn’t already pissed off as it was? What does he look like when he’s happy then? 

 

   An image of a glowering Tim popped into his mind. 

 

   That could be it?

 

    Kon shook away his thoughts and crouched down low, letting his TTK pressurize at his feet. 

 

  Okay, retreat now. Think of his weird expressions (and looks) later. Possibly over some fries. And after he’s picked up Sammy 

 

   Kon then blasted off with a force that sent shock waves through the ground. In an intake of air he was in the low reach of the mesosphere. He quickly spun onto his back and free fell towards the train.

 

   The pressure whipped wildly at his hair; the dirt on his suit easily burned off on re-entry (thank you Kal and your kryptonian man cave of stupid suits).

 

   Before getting the chance to smash through the train car and obliterate the entire track within a 3 mile radius, Kon once again shifted his weight and barrelled to the side, easily flying a safe distance alongside the train.

 

   Sammy was peeking out of the hole in the wall. Her eyes were blown wide. 

 

   “Hey Sammy!” Kon called while he sped closer to the train car. “Your Mom, Catherine said she was worried about you! I’m here to take you home!”

 

   An internal turmoil struggled behind her eyes. Her fingers gripped the rough edges tightly. 

 

   “What’s the code word!?” She finally said, her lower lip quivered similar to how her Moms did.

 

   Kon gave her a small comforting smile. That’s all he’s seemed to do today. “It’s tangerine!” 

 

   With a sudden new found resolve Sammy jumped from the hole and safely into his arms. 

 

   “I didn’t even say I was ready to catch you yet!” Kon scolded her lightly.

 

   Tears dripped onto his suit. “I-I w-want to go home,” she sobbed. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck.

 

   “That’s why I’m here hon.” 

 

   Bart would probably laugh at him right now and say he was never going to beat the mom allegations at this rate. 

 

  “Let her go!” 

 

   Kon looked up fast enough to give a human whiplash. His other self was running along the train and clearly getting ready to fly at him. Or just barrel through him like he would through a sack of potatoes.

 

   Just great. Mr. Anger issues, is back and with a vengeance.

 

   “Hang on hon things are gonna get crazy.” Kon said into her ear.

 

   Sammy’s grip around him tightened as he safely spread his TTK around them. Then for probably the 15th time today, he took off.

 

***

 

   A ship was chasing them now. It was a red that SLO-BO would squeal in delight at. He’d say it was fragging awesome before hotwiring it and blowing up Darkseid. Or blowing up the entirety of Young Justice for shits and giggles.

 

   They haven’t shot at him yet. Which was definitely good since he had a fragile squishy human with him.

 

   “You know who they are, hon?” Kon asked.

 

   “They’re Young Justice.” She said looking over his jacket spikes.

 

   He eyed the ship wearily. “They, good guys?”

 

   “Mhm, but for some reason they don’t seem to like you. Are you someone they fight?”

 

   “Nope.” Kon popped the ‘P’. “I’m new in town so this is a strange development.”

 

   “Oh, well the team from what I know has at least six members,” -Sammy began. A small, shy smile gracing her lips- “There’s their leader Aqualad. The muscle; Superboy. Tech; Robin. Speed; Kid Flash. And I think they might be recon; Artemis and Miss Martian.” She took a breath.

 

   “Appreciate the info dump.” Kon let gravity drop them down below the ship and maneuver behind it. Sammy screeched happily.

 

   “Now.” Kon said with a mischievous smile. You think my heat vision could take out one of the engines?” He used his hand that was supporting Sammy’s legs to lift up his sunglasses onto his head. 

 

   “Isn’t that bad?” She asked. 

 

   “Eh.” -He gave a so-so gesture with his hand- “They can take a downed engine so long they work together.”

 

   “Like if it were a training exercise?” Sammy asked, looking optimistically curious.

 

   “Like a training exercise.” Kon’s vision grew red and then with precision -that Cissie would pat him on the back for- one of the engines went up in smoke.

 

   “Woah..” 

 

   “Woah is right hon.” Kon used his finger to close Sammy’s mouth. “Now you better not try catching any more flies.”

 

   She giggled at him. “You're weird.”

 

   “Not the first time I’ve been called that.”

 

***

 

   “Mom!” Sammy threw herself into Catherine’s arms.

 

   “Oh my sweet baby girl!” 

 

   Both of them were sobbing into each other's shoulders. Crooked smiles dawned their faces. 

 

   A warm fuzzy feeling buzzed in Kon’s chest. It felt happy and bright, but it also felt like a deep achy longing for his own parents.

 

   He needed to go home.

 

   “Thank you so much, Skyrocket!” Catherine pulled him into the hug they were sharing. “You’re my hero!”

 

   “It’s not a problem really,” He laughed sheepishly.

 

   “Is there any way we can repay you?” She asked. 

 

   “Oh you don’t need to do anything Ma’am.” Kon waved his hands around emphatically. 

 

   “I insist!” She stood to her feet and dusted herself off. 

 

   “Well.” He paused for a moment thinking. “Burgers and fries do sound nice right 'bout now.” Kon awkwardly tapped his fingers together.

Notes:

-Conner;
-Just wants his fathers love
-could go for a hug
-anger issues cuz he clearly has the emotional control of a small child

-Kon;
-will gladly do it with your mom
-the embodiment of “I’m not gay but I will kiss the homies goodnight”
-hides fears behind little shittery

See you either next Sunday or the one after <3
Lots of love
-Al

Chapter 3: Stock up on food; Burgers and fries are a great source of nutrition.

Notes:

*Trigger warning*
-Depictions of:

-Swearing

-Injury

-Panic Attacks

-Some ooc stuff

  Even in this universe, Happy Harbour burgers were still the best thing in the world. Kon had eaten five so far and was on his sixth. 

 

   Turns out saving a little girl who is a regular at this restaurant really gives a good impression.

 

   Sammy had already finished her meal of chicken nuggets and curly fries and had now started to colour on the page she was given. 

 

   Kon watched her draw. It was pretty good for a nine year old. A simple drawing with him and her flying in the clouds. 

 

   “Sky?” Sammy asked, breaking the silence.

 

   “Yeah, Sam?” He leaned back and let himself relax.

 

   “Are you like Superman?” Her face flushed and she looked away shyly.

 

   “If you mean by powers. Then, yeah.” Kon demonstrated by taking his cup and blowing cold air onto it. The glass became slick with ice.

 

   “Cool!” She leaned over the table and snatched the cup to examine it. 

 

   Catherine laughed from her spot in the booth. “I never thought I’d see more kryptonians. It’s like there’s an entire town full of you guys now.”

 

   Kon snorted. If only she knew. “I’m half kryptonian, the other half of me is human.” 

 

   “Your mother must be a very lucky lady.” Catherine smiled slyly and winked. Her eyes, full of mischief and mirth.

 

   Turning his head, Kon looked out the window and shrugged. “Not really. They’re usually always at each other’s throats.” An image of Luthour and Kal growling like rabid dogs popped into his mind. A small smile played on his lips. “I was only a planned baby on my moms side.”

 

   “Oh. Does Superman know of you then?” She asked.

 

   He shrugged again. “Dunno.” His expression turned sad. 

 

   Come to think of it. Did Kal know of Superboy's existence here? Maybe that’s why he was angry, because he didn’t have Kal supporting him here……. Did he even have a name?

 

  The trio fell into a comfortable silence. Kon watched the cars pass by outside while Catherine helped Sammy with her drawing.

 

   “Sky?” Sammy asked again.

 

   “Hm?” Kon blinked a few times and turned to face her.

 

   “Can I borrow your jacket?” She asked.

 

   His eyebrow raised behind his glasses revealing its slit. “What am I your personal superhero now?”

 

   “Yep!” Sammy said, playing along. “And that means you have to give me your jacket.”

 

   “And what if I don’t,” He challenged playfully.

 

   Sammy launched herself over the table with a laugh and grabbed at the collar. “I’ll take it!”

 

   Kon laughed with her. “You brat! How could I beat you! This is highly unfair!” 

 

  Gently, he put up a faux struggle and let her take the leather jacket. She then crawled back over the table with her prize. “Get good!” 

 

   Catherine held a hand over her mouth trying very hard not to laugh. Her phone was out, recording the moment for later. 

 

   One of the waiters walked over to their booth. “How’s everybody doing?” They asked.

 

   “Any chance I can have another burger?” Kon asked with a sheepish grin.

 

   The waiter laughed. “Of course! You did save Sam after all. So this is nothing!” They then quickly cleared the table and walked into the kitchen.

 

   “At this rate we won’t be home until midnight.” Catherine shook her head in mock sadness.

 

   “That was my plan all along, Cat.” Kon said with a wolfish grin. “Save your daughter and use you for burgers.” 

 

   Catherine laughed again. Her smile was bright and made Kon’s chest buzz. Something about the way people were able to feel safe like this. It really gave him joy.

 

    The restaurant's bell chimed behind Kon. Many sets of footsteps trekked into the waiting area. The smell of dirt and smoke made him crinkle his nose. They didn’t make a sound except for the occasional heavy breath. Something about their silence made Kon’s hairs rise on the back of his neck. His teeth subconsciously bared.

 

   “Table for six please,” one of the people said. He sounded young, maybe thirteen?

 

   “I’m sorry, but our tables are currently full or reserved. You'd have to wait at least 45 minutes or so,” The hostess said.

 

   “They can join us, Marge!” Catherine said, making Kon jump up in his seat. Thankfully only Sammy noticed this, if her snicker was anything to go by. 

 

   “We’ll be here for probably another hour, so they might as well eat with us.” 

 

   Marge the hostess walked over and gave a grateful smile. She placed more menus down, then grabbed two more chairs and put them at the end of the table.

 

   “Need a refill?” She asked, gesturing to Kon’s glass.

 

  “Yes, thank you.” He held out the cup and let her pour more water.

 

   Marge left as the new group shuffled into the booth. Kon nearly spit out his drink. 

 

   It was Young Justice. Their faces were flush and sweaty. Dirt caked their clothing and ash dusted their cheeks. Kon could swear Robin’s cape was still smoking. 

 

   So overall, not in the best of shape.

 

  Kon’s eyes found themselves drifting over to Superboy. His shirt was ripped in many places, but he wasn’t as dirty. 

 

   Oh boy, oh boy. He was also very mad. 

 

   The team looked at Superboy and a flurry of expressions washed over them. It was almost like they were having a silent conversation. 

 

   Artemis suddenly snapped her head in the direction of Kon. Her eyes were fierce and blazing. 

 

   He was beginning to regret destroying their engine. 

 

   Robin cleared his throat and shuffled into the booth to sit next to him. Everyone else followed (albeit begrudgingly) closely after.

 

   Superboy and Miss Martian sat next to Catherine, who were both staring daggers at Kon. 

 

   Sammy pushed herself closer to the window using the jacket she gained to hide away from the team. 

 

   Maybe starting a conversation would ease the tension? “Be careful Sam. I don’t want you getting lost in my jacket there.” Kon hoped his voice wasn’t shaking too much.

 

   Her shoulders relaxed slightly. “I’m not that tiny!” She said indignantly, though a look of gratitude shone in her eyes. 

 

   “Please, I could squish you with my thumb and index finger.” He pinched his fingers together. 

 

   “You’re not tall, you're just fat!” she declared 

 

   “Am not!” 

 

   “Are too!”

 

   “Nope, nuh uh.” He pressed the back of his hand against her mouth. 

 

   Of course Sammy took the stubborn approach and licked his hand.

 

   “EWWW! GROSS!” Kon flung his hand away and glared at her. 

 

   “MOM SKY’S BEING MEAN!” Sam flayed her arms around widely.

 

   “I am Switzerland,” Catherine said and took a sip of her coffee. Her eyes wearily glanced over at Superboy, who looked stiffer than an overworked Tim. 

 

   He definitely needed a massage. 

 

   Sammy looked over at Aqualad who was watching the petty fight with vague interest. 

 

   “Skyrocket was the one who shot your engine.” She pointed at Kon with a deadpan expression.

 

   “You snitch!” He stood up and leaned over the table, his hand ruffling Sammy’s hair.

 

   “Superboy said you were a bad guy assisting in this girl’s kidnapping,” Aqualad interrupted, his voice earnest.

 

   Kon eyed Aqualad with mild annoyance and fell back into his seat. He folded his arms behind his head. “Well, clearly not since she’s here with her mother.”

 

   Catherine gave a quiet nod of acknowledgement which Aqualad returned.

 

   “You still took her when I told you not to,” Superboy said, pointing at him angrily.

 

   “You threw me out of the train car when I didn’t say who I was!” Kon began. “And at no point before you sent me across an open field and after, did you tell me not to grab her.”

 

   Artemis gave Superboy an unimpressed look. “And this is why one of us should have gone with you.”

 

   “He is wearing a weird version of Superman’s crest.” He stubbornly pointed out.

 

   “That doesn’t mean you can throw the poor guy out of a train car, SB,” Robin said, a Dick-like smirk gracing his lips.

 

   Kid Flash nodded in agreement. 

 

   Superboy crossed his arms and glared at the menu. His face, much redder than before. Miss Martian placed a hand on his shoulder and looked over at Kon.

 

   “Speaking of which. Why do you have Superman’s crest?” She asked, raising an eyebrow. 

 

   “Or a version of it, to be more specific,” Artemis added.

 

   “Obviously it’s because I have his powers,” Kon said with a nonchalant shrug.

 

   Kid Flash's eyes widened. “What’d you say your name was?” 

 

   “Skyrocket.”

 

   Kid flash tilted his head thoughtfully. It sort of reminded him of Wally. Huh…. This wasn’t Bart. 

 

   Probably. 

 

   Most likely?

 

   “You should come back to our headquarters with us Skyrocket, maybe run some tests and compare you and Supes’s powers.” He leaned across the table and casually stole Kon’s drink.

 

   “I agree,” Aqualad said. “It would be useful to know your power sets. Especially since you’re a new hero.

 

   The rest of the team murmured in agreement. Superboy directed an agitated look at Kid Flash this time.

 

   Kon’s upper lip curled back in disgust. 

 

   Tests? That wasn’t necessary. Why would they need to compare powers if they both have the same power sets?

  

   His arms crossed protectively around himself. A pain ignited in his abdomen and chest. God it was getting hard to breathe.

 

   “You know what? I’m going to go.” -Kon stood up and hoverd into the air- “You know how it is.” He waved halfheartedly goodbye and sped out the door.

 

   “Hey! Dude, wait up!” Kidflash called, speeding up next to Kon.

 

   Kon gave him an unimpressed look.

 

   “Was it something I said?” 

 

   “Leave me alone, West.” He swerved quickly left into an ally and shot up vertically. 

 

   He heard the sound of a body hitting a car. “Aqualad!” Kon heard Kidflash say. “We need to get this Skyrocket guy now!”

 

   Oh. 

 

   OH! 

 

   Fuckity, Fucking, Fuck. He was an idiot. A very fat idiot. He didn’t think, Kid was actually Wally!? Just a stupid guess! Somebody, kill him now.

 

   Even then he’d still figure you were ‘dangerous’. Mind Cissie butted in.

 

   Oh shut up.

 

   Kon broke through the clouds. Okay, now he only needs to worry about Miss Martian and Superboy.

 

   A weird sound came from his right. Kon turned his head and used his telescopic vision and supper hearing to narrow in on the sound. 

 

   It was, RedTornado.

 

   Flying. Right. At. Him. 

 

   Well there goes all chances at being chill with the heros. 

 

   Kon banked hard right and flew toward RedTornado straight on. 

 

   “Hey Reddy! Who can fly? But, he isn't a bird, or a plane!?” 

 

   Come on Kon. Play it off, piss him off.

 

   Red didn’t respond. He just kept flying at him. 

 

   “Come on! Don’t leave me hanging!” Kon dropped below Red and flew by. “He’s Superman!” He called behind him.

 

   Red sent a cyclone spiraling toward him. It gusted around pulling the clouds into a vortex.

 

   Kon blew a raspberry. “Catch me if you can!”

 

   Before Red could send another cyclone, Kon was out of sight. 

 

   “Ha! Slowpoke.” His face flushed red, as adrenaline thundered through Kon’s body.

 

   “Don’t count yourself on that son.” 

 

   Kon spun his head to face the voice. Holy Boy Scout Batman!

 

   “Now, do you mind coming back to Happy Harbour with me?” Superman offered a calming smile. “You aren’t in trouble.”

Notes:

Sorry about the wait! I was busy yesterday and wasn’t able to post. So here you go!

Lots of love
-Al

Chapter 4: Father and Son! The greatest showdown in history!

Summary:

*Trigger Warning*
Depictions of;

-Major Violence

-Blood

-Broken Bones

-Swearing

-Mentions of Trauma

-Kon being a dumbass

-non-consensual touching (NOT SA!!)

*This chapter doesn’t have much humour. And will be heavier than the others. Please take breaks if it’s too much <3*

  Superman set a firm hand on Kon’s shoulder causing him to dip down from the weight.

 

   “I suggest you come alone without a fight. We just want to figure out what’s going on,” he said, a smile plastered on his face.

 

   “You asked me to go with you. And now, I don’t have a choice?” Kon shrugged off Superman’s hand, his brows furrowed. 

 

   “I didn’t…” -Superman opened and closed his mouth a few times trying to find the right words- “Right, sorry. That was sudden.” Lifting his lingering hand away, he gave a sheepish smile. “Let’s start over?” 

 

   Stopping suddenly, Kon righted himself and crossed his legs. He watched on with amusement as Superman fumbled over himself. His arms flailed as if he had lost balance and his eyes widened. Finally gaining his balance he straightened out, he squared his shoulders and spun to face Kon.

  

 Clearing his throat he began; “I’m Superman, the protector of Metropolis” -he put his hands on his hips- “I was informed by Young Justice that you were a threat to one of their members' identity.” His voice boomed with a grotesque amount of confidence. 

 

   Kon felt himself shrink. His TTK fidgeted with his thigh pouche’s flap. “Uhm, I’m SkyRocket.” Tilting backwards, his shoulders hiked up to his ears. 

 

   WOW, that was stupid sounding.

 

   “Did someone tell you KidFlash’s identity?” Superman asked with a softer voice, arms falling to his sides.

 

   “I can’t exactly explain how I know.” He took off his sunglasses and ran his finger along the frame. The sun glinted off of them, giving the lense a purple tint.

 

   “Is there someone that won’t let you?” Superman’s voice rose a few octaves, his lips pulled into a small frown. 

 

    Kon stared thoughtfully. “No, it’s just complicated.”

 

   “Complicated?” He crossed his arms. His eyebrow raised and his frown deepened.

 

   “Yep!” 

 

   A long silence passed. Superman watched Kon carefully. His finger tapped mindlessly. 

 

   Kon put back on his sunglasses and looked down towards the ground. 

 

   The dry landscape below reminded him of soft beige quilts he’s seen many parents buy as of recent. The dusty roads looked like grey rivers.

 

   Head turning away, Superman eyebrows furrowed like a deep trench.

 

   Kon tilted his head. Was he listening to something? His hearing stretched out into the direction Superman faced.

 

   “….uold be another clone. It appeared early this morning with no other accounts beforehand.” Batman’s voice was monotonous. “Robin had stated, it had taken down Miss Martian's ship after a chase occurred. I implore you to take this clone back to the mountain. If it struggles you will take it down. Non-lethally….”

 

   When Batman used it to identify something. That meant business. Business meant bad. 

 

   This was not good. Kon uncrossed his legs and let gravity drop him.

 

   Gusts of wind whirled past in a dance of chaos and control. Gravity pulled hard and went pushed against. 

 

   The dusty road came up close. As Kon maneuvered up, the asphalt grazed his knees. He flew close to the hot ground, his eyes scanning the empty landscape for a better place to hide.

 

  Not far behind, Superman flew closer. “I’m not going to hurt you kid!” 

 

   “I call bullshit!” Kon’s heart thundered in his chest as his adrenaline pumped into high gear. Every second Superman gained an advantage. 

 

  Turning sharply down a dirt road, the TTK pressurized at Kon’s feet. 

 

    Muscular arms suddenly wrapped tightly around Kon’s chest before he could gain any extra speed. The TTK released, sending shockwaves through the ground, and cracking the cement. The chain link fence beside the road rattled. 

 

   “Let me go you son-of-a-bitch!” Kon kicked his legs and tried to elbow his way out of Superman’s grasp.

 

   “Easy, easy son,” he murmured.

 

   Glaring daggers at Superman, Kon slowly stopped squirming.

 

   “Alright, let’s get you-“ Superman’s chin was met with a spiky, gloved fist.

 

   “See ya never old man!” He sped off into the sky.

 

    It frustrated Kon that his punch didn’t keep Superman down longer. Only a few seconds had passed before he caught up again. 

 

   “I apologize in advance,” Superman said, flying quickly above Kon.

 

   Shit.

 

    Before Kon could turn to stop him. Superman’s fist bared down onto his back. 

 

   The barren land churned up into a cloud of dust. Cacti and weeds were uprooted from the sandy ground. 

 

   In the middle of the slowly, settling chaos layed Kon. His chest rose in short gasps. With each intake of breath a sharp pain radiated through his body. His sunglasses were bent and the lenses were cracked.

 

   Heavy feet thunked hard against the sand. A red cape and boots came into Kon’s line of sight. Superman’s large hand grabbed his bicep and twisted Kon onto his back. He groaned softly, wincing as his spine twisted.

 

   Blinding yellow light silhouetted Superman’s strong frame. His shadow covered face looked etched in stone. A serious look of creased brows and remorseful frowns.

 

   Superman kneeled beside Kon and carefully placed a hand on his chest. 

 

   Every part of him screamed danger. He didn’t like that the man before him gingerly patted his sides. How each digit  pressed down on his stomach. 

 

    “A few of your ribs are broken,” he said, running his hand back along Kon’s aching chest. “It’s nothing a little solar can’t fix.”

 

   “Go fuck yourself, Clark.” Kon spat. 

 

   He ravished in the way Superman’s back straightened. The way he looked almost taken aback was a sight to behold.

 

   That joy was quickly stomped when rather than being the patient understanding Kal who would smile and play it off as an inside joke. He instead snapped his attention to Kon with a look of anger.

 

“What did you just say?” He asked icily.

 

   It’s only been a day and Kon has already royally fucked up his opportunity at getting home anytime soon. Oh someone please for the love of Rao, spin the notches and shoot his head now.

 

   “Wouldn’t you like to- agh!” One of Superman’s hands released Kon’s suit and grabbed his neck. Grip tightening, the hand squeezed on his windpipe.

 

   “No more games.” Red light cast across Kon’s face. His eyes widened as each breath became harder. It felt like the world was fading, like he was- no he wasn’t. He couldn’t be. 

 

Baring his teeth, Kon let out a low guttural growl. His pupils dilated and his eyes grew hot. 

 

   Bart had told Kon that baring his teeth and growling was a fear response that most animals had. He hypothesized that since Kon was part kryptonian he was more instinctive.

 

   “Don’t you fucking touch me!” He snarled, his hands clawed at Superman’s arms and his legs kicked against the sand trying to gain some semblance of control.

 

   “That’s enough!” A heavy fist cracked Kon’s nose. His head smacked hard against the ground, black spots clouded his vision. 

 

   “D-don’t touch me.” He choked desperately on the little air he had. “C-can’t…. Let. me. go.” His lip curled further back, and the heat returned to his eyes.

 

  “I’ll let you go once you tell me how you know my name!” Superman raised his voice. The red heat from his own eyes grew brighter and hotter.

 

   Kon threw his head forward and the twos’ foreheads connected. The impact sent Superman stumbling back, loosening his grip on Kon.

 

   Kicking his chest, Kon struggled to his feet, every breath of air happily filling his lungs. Blood dripped from his healing nose. 

 

   The sun hung high in the sky. Its rays strengthened Kon’s body. 

 

  Taking off, Kon sped up into the dry air. The TTK felt like it was doing more of the lifting than his own flight organs. Every moment away felt exhausting. He wanted his dad. He needed-

 

   Superman’s hand grabbed the side of Kon’s face and slammed him into a patch of rocky ground. Gravity knotted in his stomach as his hands stretched out to brace himself. Dust and rocks shot up into clouds on impact, its particles burned his lungs. He skidded along the rough ground a few feet from his landing point.

 

    “I said ENOUGH!” Superman pushed Kon further into the sand, saliva and blood dripped from Kon’s mouth.

 

    Vision glowing red, Kon’s lasers scorched the earth. The sand in its path melted and left a glass covering in its wake. He turned to try and look at Superman, but his hand kept his head firmly in place.

 

   “Enough,” Superman said. His voice was gruff and low.

 

   “….. Fuck…. You….” He snapped his teeth up at Superman’s hand. His fingers clawed against the sand trying to find leverage.

 

   Kon gasped in short breaths. Every inhale felt weighed down by fiery pain. He dug deep into the sand.

 

    “Dad.” Kon croaked. “Please.” His eyes wandered up to the blue expanse, he looked up with hope. Such a small part of him hoped. 

 

   Tension rolled between the two in waves. Heavy breaths hit against Kon’s face. The red light died down, leaving an exasperated look in his cyan eyes. 

 

   “What?” Confusion crossed Superman’s face.

 

   Kon’s eyes grew heavy and his breaths became slower. “I want my dad.” His fingers grazed the sand in slow feeble attempts of escape.

 

   “I-. Oh Rao, what am I doing?” Superman let go of Kon’s face and back, his hands fell hard against his shoulders. “I’m sorry son. That…… wasn’t my best moment.”

 

   Kon only stared. 

 

   Wasn’t my best moment. What a joke. 

 

   Carefully grabbing his side, Superman turned Kon over onto his back. He then gingerly lifted him into a bridle carry. 

 

   “I hope you did this not only for yourself, but also Lois and Conner,” Kon said, struggling in Superman's grasp, but to no avail.  

 

   Exhaustion weighed on his sore body. 

 

   Superman stood rigid, inhaling deeply. “Rest, kid.”

 

  “I’m sorry….” At first, Kon didn’t know why those words slipped out. He did know they felt heavy on his tongue. “I’m…” Grife, whi was he even apologizing to? 

 

   Definitely not this Temu Superman.

 

   Tim’s piercing gaze, Bart’s contagious laugh, and Cassie’s mischievous smile came to mind. 

 

   Yeah, them. His’ Robin, Imp, and Wonder. 

 

   If Bart were here, it’d be a lot funnier. There wouldn’t have been so many mistakes with Cassie. And with Tim? Oh Tim…. He’d be so disappointed wouldn’t he?

 

   “I’m sorry Rob.” His eyes finally closed.

Notes:

*Crawls out of piles of assignments and sick days*

“I live!”

Sorry about missing a few weeks I’ve been busy out of my mind. I promise next Sunday you’ll get a nice long chapter! I hope you’re hydrated and fed. :)

Lots of love,
-Al <3

Chapter 5: Gaslight, Gate keep, And Grayson your way out of entrapment. (Featuring a new POV!)

Notes:

*Trigger warning*
Depictions of;

-Swearing

-Blink and you’ll miss it (sexism)

-Talk of injury

-Entrapment

-Kon starting shit for shits and giggles

-Tired Batdad

  “…e awake?” 

 

  “Patience.”

 

   Kon squinted at the bright white light overhead. “Ugh…..Tim?” Trying to grab his rough throat, Kon instead felt a smooth metallic surface. 

 

   Moving his hands he felt thick cuffs wrapped around his wrists. Heavy chains attached the two cuffs and collar together. 

 

   What a wonderful thing to wake up to.

 

   “Who’s Tim?” Superboy interrupted his train of thought.

 

   Kon slowly cracked an eyelid open. 

 

   Even better.

   

   Cold light filtered off of the ceiling and scattered harsh shadows around the room. The Young justice team stood at the end of the bed. Their faces took on a neutral look. 

 

   Superboy crosses his arms. The shadows against his face brought out his cyan eyes. “Who’s Tim?” He asked again. 

 

   Miss Martian narrowed her eyes at Superboy. He put his hands up in surrender. 

 

   “Is he the one in this photo?” Kid Flash waved a picture in front of Kon’s face. 

 

   “Where did you-?” Kon reached out to grab the photo, but his hand was stopped abruptly by the chain. 

 

   “In your satchel thingy.” He shrugged, tilting his head over to the table beside the bed where his pants were. 

 

   Could this get any worse?

 

   “Wally, that’s enough,” Artemis said sternly.

 

   “Names,” Aqualad chided.

 

   “Right, right, sorry.” Kid Flash gave back the photo, which Kon snatched with a fierce look.

 

   Staring down at the photo, Kon’s muscles relaxed, he smiled and for a moment, the worries washed away.

 

   Both of them were looking up from a rocky ledge. Tim had his hands on Kon’s shoulders. He was up on his toes and leaning into Kon’s back. A lazy smile on his face. They were still in their civilian clothes. Luckily Kon had already taken off his stupid glasses at that point. Bart's thumb covered a corner of the lense from where he was standing behind the camera.

 

   God, he missed them. 

 

   The memory flooded back, and he felt like he was home; 

 

   ‘“Hurry up Konner!” Tim tugged Kon’s arm. 

 

   “I’m coming, I’m coming.” he huffed a chuckle.

 

   The sun sat just beyond the horizon, illuminating the titans tower in an orange glow. Salty water sprayed up along the rocks causing Tim to squint as it hit his face. 

 

   “Is there a reason we’re so close to the edge of sudden doom?” Kon asked, running his fingers through his hair and straightening out.

 

   “Do I need a reason to be near death?” Tim took a step back towards the drop off.

 

   “You always have a reason.” Kon put his hands in Tim’s own. 

 

   A goofy smile spread across Tim’s face. “Okay fine, I’ll show you!”

 

   Tim pulled Kon to the edge, hopping down to a cliff of lower rocks. Then he slipped behind Kon and placed his hands over his eyes.

 

   “Is this seriously your idea of fun?” Kon asked.

 

   “No peeking clone boy,” Tim said.

 

   “Yuck!” 

 

   Taking Tim’s hands off his eyes, Kon looked up. Bart and Cassie leaned over the edge. Cassie looked bemused and Bart looked disgusted. 

 

   “You boys having a party down there?” A sly smile crossed Cassie’s face.

 

   Jutting out his hip, Tim's hands rested on Kon’s shoulders. “What’s it to ya?”

 

   “Everything,” Bart butted in with a camera that wasn’t there a few seconds ago now in hand. “Say Young Just Us!” 

 

   Kon smiled up at the camera. He could feel Tim lean closer. “This is stupid.” 

 

   “What? Is a smile going to ruin the boy wonder’s brooding reputation?” Cassie asked, kicking her foot against the dirt sending a patch of grass toward the two boys.

 

   “One hundred percent.” He smiled up at her with faux disinterest.’

 

   “….Ocket? Earth to Skyrocket!” Robin snapped his fingers in Kon’s face. 

 

   “Huh?” Blinking a few times, he looked up around the room. Realizing that he had zoned out, his face turned red.

 

    “You good pal?” Robin asked, taking a step away from the bed. 

 

   “Just feeling a little overwhelmed, sorry.” His index finger and thumb pinched the bridge of his nose. 

 

   “Ahem,” Aqualad cleared his throat. The groups’ attention turned to him. “I understand that you may feel unwell, but we do need to ask you some questions” -he gestured to Kon’s wrists- “which means, as of today, you are under arrest for threat to our identities.

 

   A feeling of dread sank deeper into the pit of Kon’s stomach. Then it was anger. 

 

   Anger for what was going on. For who had trapped him. This was. Was… 

 

   “This is fucking bullshit!” Kon scrambled forward, the chains yanked his wrists in the opposite direction of each other. However, they held firm and only rattled. 

 

   Young Justice collectively took a step back, and took on a fighting stance.

 

   Taking a deep breath, Kon flexed the TTK. It slowly coiled around his body and up toward the collar. It felt its way through the inner workings of the device and the tension in Kon’s shoulders left. 

 

   “Superman, said you knew my name?” Superboy stuffed his hands into his jean pockets and slouched. His eyes staring deep into his own. 

 

   Breaking eye contact, Kon nodded. “Yeah.” -The TTK spread over the bed and onto the floor- “I know all of your names.” -It traversed its way around the group and up the walls- “You’re Conner.” 

 

   He looked over to Robin. “And you’re name I can’t say, without getting lasered from space.” Also because I don’t know which one you are. He kept that thought to himself.

 

   Robin smiled. “That makes me ‘whelmed.”

 

   “You are Wally, and you’re M’gann.” Miss Martian waved and Kid flash grumbled.

 

   “You're clearly Kaldur’ahm.” He pointed at Aqualad. “But you? I haven’t a shits idea.” Kon tilted his head at Artemis. “Are you Mia?” 

 

   “Uhm no? My name’s kinda obvious.” She crossed her arms. 

 

   “Oh Cissie!” 

 

   “No.”

 

   Kon bit his lip. He leaned forward. No fucking way.

 

   “Your name is literally just Artemis!?” 

 

   “How is it she’s the only one with a secure identity?” Wally asked.

 

   “No, that isn’t a secure identity,” Kon said. “That’s just stupidity.”

 

   “Excuse me?” She put her arms on her hips.

 

   “Yeah, you’d never pass the Tim-test,” Kon stated as-a-matter-of-fact.

 

  “The Tim-test?” Superboy asked.

 

   “It’s a test where if Tim can figure out your identity, you need to rethink all of your life decisions up to that point.” Kon sat criss cross applesauce. He almost had a complete layout of the building. Just a little longer.

 

   “How can Tim be the marker for, if your identity is secure or not?” Miss Martian asked.

 

   “If he figured out Batman’s identity he can figure out yours.” Kon deadpanned.

 

   Robin's face paled. “He knows?”

 

   Smiling, Kon shifted onto his knees. The chains tugged against his neck uncomfortably. “Second one he figured out.” The TTK found the outside of the hideout. His smile grew wider.

 

   “Where is Tim now?” Superboy asked.

 

   “Can’t tell you.” Kon shrugged.

 

   Superboy took a large step forward, but he was held back by Miss Martian. 

 

   Aqualad shifted toward the door. “I need to inform the others of this. Superboy, Miss Martian. You can watch Skyrocket.”

 

   “What! Why?” Both Kon and Superboy said in unison.

 

   Aqualad looked at his team. A silent conversation passed through them and Superboy rolled his eyes. 

 

    “So, is there a reason mister anger issues is, watching me?” Kon asked.

 

   Superboy scoffed and crossed his arms for the upteenth time he’s seen him.

 

    They ignored him of course. 

 

   Everyone, except Miss Martian and Superboy, left the room.

 

    This was going to be a long day.

 

————Conner————

 

   He wasn’t sure how he felt about Skyrocket. At first it was simple anger. Now. It was a strange sense of confusion.

 

   This guy was kind of…. Annoying. The way he carried himself in a suave manner, his oddly large gestures that felt very girly, and possibly the fact he had this air about him that screamed egotistical maniac. Like nothing mattered. Like everyone else was inferior. 

 

   Conner sat down in one of the plastic chairs placed in the corner by the door. Following close behind, M’gann did the same.

 

   ‘This is exciting.’ Her thoughts echoed through his own mind.

 

   ‘I don’t like this.’

 

   ‘He doesn’t seem so bad.’ She placed her hand on his bicep in a show of comfort. ‘He’s sort of cute.’

 

   Conner looked over at Skyrocket. He was not cute at all. His weird scraggly stubble that looked like it was shaved haphazardly was in no way, appealing. His strange tattoo on his left shoulder looked stupid. Why have 13 permanently drawn on? And his curly hair with the dyed red tips, made him look very….. emo? And what was with the piercings? Why so many?

 

   ‘Conner. Quit being rude.’

 

   Looking at M’gann, Conner rolled his eyes. ‘I’m not saying it to him. He’s just so weird!’

 

   Skyrocket looked over at the two and smiled. His incisors were oddly sharp. And large. It made Conner want to punch him in the face.

 

   ‘Can’t you just read his mind?’ He asked impatiently.

 

   ‘I’m not doing that!’

 

   ‘He’s a threat, so I think there’s a good reason to.’

 

   God, even his suit was stupid. Why does it need so many yet so little parts? 

 

   When Conner lost the game of rock, paper scissors and had the misfortune of taking off Skyrocket’s cargo pants to allow Dinah to patch up his leg, he and the others were not expecting a one piece suit. Especially one of such…. Vulgarity. 

 

   M’gann nudged Conner’s shoulder with a scolding look. ‘Kaldur’ahm won’t like that.’

 

   ‘Whatever.’ Conner scowled.

 

   Skyrocket tugged on the chains and looked around the room with a bored expression. Part of Conner felt it was fake. Something made him feel like this man was much more dangerous than he’s shown.

 

   His current evidence of that theory was a minute ago. Skyrocket practically lunging at them wasn’t something to laugh at nor was the fact when Superman arrived at Mt. Justice. 

 

   Exactly two days ago Skyrocket arrived wrapped in his arms. Conner wasn’t sure how to feel about Superman being battered a lot more than he’s seen before.

 

    It turns out there were a lot more internal injuries than external. Skyrocket only had external wounds. And those were few in comparison.

 

   “What’s your name?” M’gann asked, breaking Conner’s train of thought.

 

   Skyrocket looked over at her suspiciously. His head tilted like a dog. 

 

   Then, slowly but surely a small smile spread across his face. “Guess.” His voice had a midwestern drawl to it. Making him sound even more infuriating.

 

   Grinding his teeth, Conner held back the urge to slap Skyrocket into orbit. Okay not just weird, also extremely infuriating. 

 

    “Can I get a hint?” She asked.

 

   ‘Stop encouraging him.’ Conner pushed against M’gann’s temple gently. She flicked his forehead in response.

 

   “My name begins with the letter ‘K’,” Skyrocket said, tapping his finger idly against his cheek.

 

   “That doesn’t exactly narrow it down, but I’ll take what I can get.” M’gann cracked her knuckles and bit her lip thoughtfully.

 

   Crossing his arms, Conner huffed and slouched further down into the hard plastic chair. He stretched out his legs into an ‘V’ shape and rocked his feet side to side. 

 

   The room fell into a nice silence as Conner listened to everyone’s heartbeats. 

 

   The other’s heartbeats were soothing on Conner’s ears. M’gann’s was a soft rhythmic beating that he could listen to for hours. 

 

   Skyrocket, on the other hand, was unique. It sounded much louder and beat faster than a normal human, though not like a speedster. It also sounded heavier, if he could put it that way. Almost like it was larger in size or if it were weighed down by something.

 

   “Is it Keith?” M’gann finally said.

 

   Conner looked up from his daze and over at Skyrocket. He was on his stomach now and staring at the photo Wally stole off of him earlier.

 

   “Nope!” He said, without looking away from the photo.

 

   “Kyle?” She asked softly.

 

   That got a head turn and a mirth smile.

 

   “That. Was, your second guess?” A chuckle escaped through his words.

 

   M’gann hung her head. “Yeah…”

 

   “Don’t worry about it! I struggled a lot with figuren’ out Tim’s name. Though he did end up tellin’ me before I found out myself.” Kon said, waving around the photo.

 

   Conner quirked a brow. “You didn’t know your own friend's name?”

 

   Dismissively, Kon shrugged. “Just part of his charm.”

 

   Once again, the room fell into a comfortable silence leaving Conner with his thoughts.

 

   ‘Kaldur'ahm, is there anything you need me to do?’ Conner asked.

 

   ‘Superman brought lunch for everyone. Bring Skyrocket along. Batman asked for him and I also don’t want him alone.’ 

 

   ‘I’m not his babysitter.’ He rolled his eyes.

 

   ‘I recognize that, but he’s a threat.’

 

   ‘Whatever.’ Standing up, M’gann and he walked over to the door.

 

   “Let’s go Skyrocket,” Conner said sternly.

 

   “This isn’t some weird walk of shame is it?” He asked humorously.

 

   M’gann snorted, “We’re getting lunch.”

 

   “Great! I’m starving!” Skyrocket jumped up on the bed and rubbed his hands together. The chains clinked against each other. “Will I also, by any chance, get this stuff off?” He held out his hands.

 

   “Only lunch.” Shutting down the conversation, Conner strode out of the room.

 

   M’gann fell in stride with Conner and put her hand in his. Absent mindedly, his thumb traced the back of her hand. A small smile found its way onto his lips. 

 

   Of course that was quickly ruined when Skyrocket wrapped his arm around Conner’s neck into a headlock. 

 

   “So what’s we got to eat?” He asked with a large smile.

 

   M’gann put her hand over her mouth and silently giggled. 

 

   Shooting her an exasperated look, Conner said, “Nothing if you keep this up.”

 

   The hallway felt much longer than it was. Skyrocket was definitely not making it any easier. Conner would say he was decently tall, but this guy was at least a head taller. Heck, he was probably the same height as Superman. 

 

   Didn’t that Catherine woman mention something about being related?

 

   Finally, the hall opened up into the training deck. The floor was now occupied by a few benches and chairs. The rest of young justice lounged around with their food. Superman sat on a chair much too small for him with Batman standing beside him.

 

  He had insisted on staying to watch the team as a precaution to Skyrocket going head to head with Superman and nearly getting away.

 

   Skyrocket seemed to move closer to Conner, if that was even possible. His demeanor changed from relaxed to tense as his chest puffed up and he eyed Superman. A low deep rumbling, sounded in his throat. 

 

   The hairs on the back of Conner’s neck rose, and his teeth clenched.

   

   M’gann gently let go of Conner’s hand and shuffled over to the group, which now had eyes on him and Skyrocket. He really needed a nickname for this guy.

 

   “You good S.B?” Robin asked through a mouthful of food.

 

   Scoffing, Conner walked over to an empty bench where M’gann had sat and took a seat. Annoyingly his new parasite followed and stayed with his arm wrapped around him. 

 

   The chains of the cuffs kept Sky’s (yes he’s shortening his stupid name) hands close and his neck even more so. 

 

   If there was one person he would love to kick in the balls.

 

   ————Kon————

 

   Superman was watching him closely, they all were. Batman was the only one who looked not so interested. Or hiding it much better than the others.

 

   Kon kept himself close to Conner. 

 

   Sure he was a little odd and awkward, but who wasn’t? 

 

   His heartbeat was thankfully strong; however, it was new. The way it beat was similar to that of a few month old babe and reminded him of the young children he’s met. His urge to protect and nurture became much stronger when around vulnerable people. Whether they’re physically young or not. But still. He was young. That meant he needed to be protected.

 

   “I understand this is a strange place to be meeting, but this is a matter of safety and the promise of security,” Batman began. “I chose this space as it is an easy access to the room you’re currently occupying.” He gestured to Kon. “However, I do want this to work. For example, giving you the chance to roam the rest of these halls.” 

 

   Kon wanted to retort with the fact he knew these halls better than his own home, but bit his tongue instead. 

 

   “You may be a threat to our own identities, but I have so far gauged many of your actions as survival instincts.”

 

   Kon tilted his head. “How so?”

 

   “To elaborate, -Batman waved his hand to emphasize his words- “we made the mistake of antagonizing you. Which in turn resulted in your fight or flight response. So, in short I apologize on behalf of us heros.”

 

   What?

 

   “I’m sorry? Did he just-.” Kid Flash shut his mouth with an incredulous look.

 

   “He totally did,” Artemis said smugly.

 

   “No F-ing way,” Robin said.

 

   “Language,” said Aqualad.

 

   “I only said F.”

 

   “So, you’re sorry…” -Kon leaned forward slightly hoping it’d help him make sense of the situation- “… but… I’m still under arrest because my actions -as justified as they were- are still wrong.” 

 

   Batman nodded curtly. 

 

   “Don’t forget the fact you also know our names,” Superman added. Kon narrowed his eyes and leaned closer to Conner. 

 

   “Though, I think we all could have handled the situation better.” He looked at the team with a disappointed look.

 

   Conner turned his head away in shame, the rest of the team followed suit. 

 

   Kon took his arms off of Conner’s shoulders. Crossing his legs he folded his hands in his lap. “On the topic of my forced stay,” He said with a bitter undertone. “Are there any meta inhibitor cuffs that don’t involve…. All of…. this?” -he turned his head up allowing full visibility of the collar- “I find it awkward and uncomfortable.”

 

   “That’s another reason I asked for you here.” Batman reached into his utility belt and pulled out a meta inhibitor collar. 

 

   It was thin and sleeker in design, with red lights fit into grooves along its surface. 

 

   The TTK slithered up Batman’s arm and felt the collar out. The red was some sort of synthetic red solar energy. The inner workings held a strange level gear, possibly to change the intensity, which meant he may get to use some of his power.

 

   Batman dusted his arm as if there were a bug or leaf on it. Immediately Kon’s TTK pulled away. 

 

   With a small click, the collar opened. 

 

   Soundlessly, Batman motioned for Kon. 

 

   Sighing heavily, he stood up and stretched out his arms until his shoulders satisfyingly popped. Then with practiced ease, Kon made his way over in a few short strides. Batman was a few centimetres shorter, but his presence still overshadowed his own. 

 

   The rest of the group waited quietly, all eyes on the two of them.

 

   Superman stood up from his chair and put his hands on his hips. Fingers twitching as if to grab Kon. Oh how bad he wanted to faux charge this idiot. It’d probably be a very humbling experience. 

 

   “Clark,” Batman whispered sternly.

 

   “Just making sure.” Superman crossed his arms and for a moment he looked like Conner. The only difference was, this wasn’t insecurity. This was a threat.

 

   “Sit down Clark.” Batman kept his tone neutral and quiet, but there was some betrayal of irritation.

 

   “He could hurt you.” He paid no mind in keeping his voice soft enough for the team not to hear. 

 

   “Just because I almost bested you in a fight. Does not mean, I’m going to go half cocked willy nilly on everyone else.” Kon clenched his fists as he ground out the sentence.

 

   “Hn,” Batman grunted. His hands worked carefully in taking off the old restraints. Once they were off he clicked the new collar into place and took a step back. “It hasn’t been activated yet. If you need to take a quick fly you can.”

 

   Kon’s head shot up. “Really!?”

 

   “You can’t be serious Br- Batman!” Superman raised his voice much higher this time. “It took me way too much energy to wrangle him last time!”

 

   “If you need help this time, ask Wonder Woman,” Batman said dismissively. “Your boundary is Happy Harbour. You have one hour.” He finished.

 

   “Oh, let’s fucking go!” Kon shot up into the air and sped down the hallway with a cheer.

 

————Conner————

 

   ‘Is- is  Batman compromised?’ Conner’s mouth hung open in shock. 

 

   ‘Easy there S.B. You might explode with the amount of emotion you're showing.’ Robin leaned in Conner’s direction. ‘He’s always had a soft spot for kids. It isn’t a big surprise.’

 

   ‘No one is going to believe us.’ Artemis butted in.

 

   “Superman and I will be heading out for a while.” Batman grabbed the rooms' attention. “It has been a long couple of days, so you are free to spend some time to destress.” Turning around, he left the room in a whoosh of his cape with Superman at his heels.

 

   “So!” -Wally hopped up onto his feet- “Who wants to hit the town?”

 

   “I’m down,” Robin said, jabbing his thumb into his chest.

 

   Conner shrugged and M’gann stood with a bounce. “Sure, I guess.”

 

   “Anyone else?” Wally asked, already in his civilian outfit.

 

   “Whatever.” Artemis stood up. “I’ll get my outside clothes.”

 

   “I’ll be staying here to watch the headquarters,” Aqualad said.

 

   “We’ll have the mindlink open if you need anything,” M’gann said, shifting to look more human.

 

   “Alright then.” Wally clapped his hands together. “Let’s get going!”

 

   Conner was already regretting this.

Notes:

Thank you to everyone who’s been following along. I wasn’t expecting people to actually read this! It means a lot!

Lots of love
-Al <3

Also have some art of your favourite hero! :)

 

 



Chapter 6: Introducing the one! The only- *slap* OW! This is my chapter, wait your turn! Only a 3rd!

Notes:

*Trigger warning*
-Depictions of:

-Major Injuries

-Blood

-Neglect

-Abuse

-Attempted SA

-Talk of self harm

-Self Deprecating thoughts

-Arguments between adults

-Stalking

-Mental Breakdowns

(Note: this chapter will be heavier and have more dialogue)

   One day, seven hours, thirty minutes and twelve seconds in counting. One day ago Tim let his guard down and got blasted into this strange world. Seven hours ago he discovered the Justice League’s identities. Thirty minutes ago he found where Kon was being held. Fourteen seconds ago he discovered the girl across the street with the leather jacket.

 

   She was young, blue hair, freckles and a happy face. Her mother was thin and tired, but her smile was genuine. If Tim was going to figure this out, it was going to be with them. 

 

   As the two ladies made their way down the street, Tim stood up from the bench he was sitting on and crossed the street. 

 

   Red and orange hues painted the sky like a canvas of watercolour. Fewer people were out at this time. Then again. It was never safe when a bat prowled. 

 

   His footsteps were silent as he followed behind. Every muscle tensed, every move deliberate. 

 

   The little girl looked over her shoulder. Her eyes were strange. The way they caught the light off of the lamps was like a cat’s eye in the dark. She was a meta and she was in danger. Not from him. No, definitely not him. But from the possible threat of traffickers that roamed these streets.

 

   “Something wrong Sammy?” The woman asked.

 

   Sammy looked up at her mom with a worried expression. “Can we stop walking for a moment?” She asked, tugging on her mom’s sleeve.

 

   “Is something wrong?” She knelt down and tilted her daughter's chin towards her.

 

   Tim slipped into the alleyway and made his way to the fire escape. Using the wall for momentum he swung himself over the railing. His knees hit the metal with a small thunk. 

 

   “I- Sorry I thought we were being followed.” Her voice carried into the dark, shadowy corners of the alley. 

 

   Gripping the ledge of the roof, Tim used his upper body strength to roll over onto the hard cement floor. He then crept up to the side the two ladies stood.

 

   “Don’t worry baby we’re almost home.” The woman stroked Sammy’s head as a show of comfort, then kissed her temple tenderly.

 

   Standing up, Sammy’s mother grabbed her hand and guided her along the sidewalk. 

 

   Deep purples and blues blanketed the sky in an inky darkness, the stars looked like tiny holes poked into its covers.

  

     Tim hopped up onto the side of the building and began following them. Teetering on the ledge, he stuck his arms like a child balancing on a brick wall along a path. 

 

   One of the doors below him opened with the ring of a bell. Sammy and the woman walked into the building, with two men leaving. 

 

   Both Men were quite tall. One of them had dark slicked back hair with a nicely tailored tuxedo. His brown eyes were fixated on the other man. His lips were turned up in a loving smile. 

 

   No. 

 

   Not loving. 

 

   A fake.

 

   Bruce Wayne. The Batman. Lady Gotham’s Dark Knight. The epitome of vengeance. 

 

   The second Man was slouched forward and his hair looked less styled, but still slicked down decently well. His suit was nice, and looked more lived in. Pushing his thick glasses up, he gazed awkwardly into Bruce’s eyes.

 

   Clark Kent. Superman. Metropolis’s God. The ideal of truth, justice and the American way. Or so it’s said.

 

   Follow the girl with Kon’s jacket who could be a meta. Or follow the Superheroes who probably know more about his whereabouts.

 

   Gah. Fuck it.

 

  From a walk to a run, he sprinted to the drop of the alley and springed off and down onto the dumpster’s lid. 

 

   Not uttering even a breath, he crept to the opening just before the sidewalk and laid his back flat to the wall. Poking his head out just enough he watched on with a keen look.

 

    “…..I understand that Clark, but you can’t be mad at the kid anymore.” Bruce walked at a slow pace, his arm entwined with Clark’s. 

 

    “Just because he came back this time doesn’t mean he’s going to the next,” Clark said leaning into Bruce, a false smile playing on his lips. 

 

   “He has so far done everything in his power to show he’s willing to cooperate” -Bruce stopped in his tracks causing the other man to stumble- “Why are you so adamant on proving he’s the enemy?” He freed his arm and jabbed Clark’s chest.

 

    “Why aren’t you?” He asked, arms crossed.

 

      Bruce sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He took a few grounded breaths before he looked back up and sent a calculated look at him. He then began walking, taking Clark’s hand along.

 

    “I’m serious Bruce! He pulled away from him and kept his feet firmly planted. Why aren’t you trying to test every possible scenario? What are you so afraid of?” Clark breaks the silence ignoring the cue to end the conversation.

 

   Bruce looks back incredulously. “Afraid? I’m afraid of you tearing that boy apart. When I said bring him in, I said non-lethally!” -He took a step forward. Clark takes a step back in turn- “Then you arrive at the mountain with a boy bleeding and injured who’s heart is beating too slow for comfort!”

 

   Lifting his hands slowly in surrender Clark began, “Bruce I-.”

 

   “I wasn’t even sure that kid was going to wake! His body was healing too quickly to keep his head and leg open! If I hadn’t known any better I would have thought you were purposely trying to Kill him.”

 

   Exasperated, Clark’s expression darkened. “I was protecting you and my Wife!”

 

   “Since when have you gotten so selfish?” Bruce whispered.

 

    Thick tension constricted around the two men like a snake tightening around its prey. 

 

   Tim swore he could taste it.

 

    “What?” Clark’s eyes widened, but his brows stayed furrowed.

 

   “Ever since you found out about Conner. You have closed off from everyone except for a select few! Bruce raised his voice, it sounded rough like his bat persona. You’ve become this immature man child who refuses to take any of his responsibilities.”

 

   Pointing an accusatory finger at Bruce he yelled, “Don’t you say I’m selfish for protecting the ones I love! I’ve been helping this world.-“

 

   Bruce cuts him off with a wave of his hand.

 

   Clark shuts his mouth, his back no longer bent.

 

    “The world isn’t your Son Clark.” His face twisted into desperation. 

 

    “This conversation isn’t about my clone.” His hands went to his side in balled fists.

 

   “It was made about your child from day one!” Bruce put his hands on Clark’s shoulders. “Skyrocket has attached himself to that boy like his life depends on it.”

 

   “So what? Why would I be worried about someone else caring for Conner?” He scoffed.

 

    “For the past few hours, Skyrocket hasn’t let you step one foot in Conner’s direction,” Bruce said calmly. “I think that. One, means he’s trying to manipulate the boy. Or, more sensibly. It says a few things about you Clark.”

 

   Staring thoughtfully, Bruce released Clark from his white knuckle grip. Clark rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. “We’ll finish this conversation later. Okay?” 

 

   Pushing away from the wall, Tim took a few steps back into the shadowed safety of the alley.

 

   Holy soap opera Batman! What a fucking ride. 

 

   He needed a drink of Kool Aid or something. Maybe a cup of tea? Preferably the kind made by an old butler with a shotgun? 

 

   Rubbing his temples he took another step into the darkness. One more step later he thunked against a person.

   

   “Sorry there, didn’t see you.” Tim looked back at the person apologetically. 

 

   “It’s all good.” A tall gangly man walked in front of the person he had bumped into with two more closing his sides.

 

   “Oh, is this your alley? I can leave if you want.” Tim brought his foot forward in an attempt to leave.

 

   The person behind him grabbed his chest and pulled him into a tight grip.

 

   “Hey! Let me go!” He struggled against their beefy arms.

 

     The gangly man punched his face sending it to the side. Tim’s eyes blinked back the automatic tears. Fucking brass knuckles.

 

   “Now, now don’t start fighting with us.” He tutted, leaning into Tim’s face. The man’s breath reeked of booze. “What’s a pretty boy like you doing out here all alone anyway?” 

 

   “Just passing through,” He snarked.

 

    A wicked smile crossed his face. “Feisty, aren’t you? You’d probably be a great player in bed.” The man’s hand tilted his chin up and the other tugged up his shirt.

 

   Heart rate spiking rapidly, Tim swallowed down his fear. “Sorry cowboy, I’m taken.” Kicking hard, he knocked the guy between the legs and stomped on the other person’s foot.

 

   The pipe he grabbed scraped loudly against the concrete. It was a decent weight and around hip height. Smiling, Tim spun it around and lowered his centre of gravity.

 

   Two of the men who had blocked him from escape earlier ran at him with switchblades. They spread out coming on both sides. 

 

   With a swift spin of the pipe he knocked the one on the right, down by the knees. The man skidded across the ground and let out a low groan. Round house kicking the guy on the left in the back, he fell face first onto the sidewalk.

 

  A hand grabbed the back of his neck and threw him into the wall at the end of the alley. 

 

   “Hn… Ow…” His grip on the pipe loosened allowing the gangly man to rip it out of his grasp.

 

    “That wasn’t very nice.” His dirt covered hand presses hard against his mouth further pushing him into the wall. 

 

   He bit the hand on his mouth and spoke, “Not… interested pal….” His foot kicked the man’s stomach, freeing him.

 

   Two meaty hands grabbed him and pinned him to the wall.

 

   “You have some fucking nerve.” The man laughed humorlessly. “And I was gonna go easy on you.” 

 

   Head cracking against the brick wall, black spots clouded his vision. 

 

   “Not so fiery now, are ya?” He hit Tim’s head into the wall a second time.

   

    Before the man could slam his face into the wall a third time, a large hand fell on his shoulder.

 

   “I’d get off of him if I were you.” Clark threw the man off, into the entrance of the alley.

 

      He stumbled back and rubbed his shoulder. “I saw the boy first, dickhead.”

 

     Clark picks the man up by the collar of his shirt. “I suggest you leave.” He pushes him onto the sidewalk.

 

   “Whatever man.” The man fixes his jacket. “Come on, let’s go.”

 

   The person holding Tim to the wall begrudgingly let go and followed behind.

 

   Tim fell to his knees, bile threatened up his throat. The world spun nauseously, shaking Tim’s nerves. 

 

   That Motherfucker.

 

   Bruce appeared beside Tim and grabbed his bicep, helping him to his feet. “You alright there Chum?” His voice sounded far away, as if underwater.

 

   Trying to smile, Tim grimaces. “Head hurts.” He slurred.

 

    “My friends car is close by. We can get you to the hospital.” Bruce steadys his tilting body.

 

      “No… can’t go to….. nnnn…no….” Tim’s mouth felt like it was stuffed with cotton, his legs felt like jelly and his head was foggy.

 

   “My hotel room, it is then.” Bruce whispered. 

 

   Was it a whisper? It hurt,too much to tell.

 

   Nodding slowly Tim swallowed his spit and said, “M’kay.”

 

   “Mind helping, Clark?” Bruce asked, trying to adjust, a slowly sinking Tim.

 

   Clark stares for a moment, his eyes narrowed. “You owe me.” 

 

   ————Bruce————

 

   Clark unlocked his car and opened the back door letting Bruce help the boy inside.

 

   “You stay awake for me okay?” He gingerly put his head on his lap and pulled out a pen light. 

 

   Clark closed the back door and got into the front driver's seat. “We should take him to the doctor Bruce.”

 

   “No… hospital….” The boy tried to lift his head in defiance.

 

   “We aren’t going to take you to the hospital lad. Don’t worry.” Bruce shone the light into his eyes. Fortunately the pupils dilated. “Can you tell me your name?” He asked, tucking the pen light into the front pouch of his coat.

 

   “T…. Alvin…. Alvin Draper.” 

 

   “Can you keep your eyes open for me Alvin?” 

 

   The car’s engine rumbled to life and Clark pulled out of the parking spot.

 

   “I’ve fought…. Gods… this is nothing…” Alvin smiled, his eyelids closed halfway.

 

   “You’ve fought Gods?” Bruce couldn’t help, but teasingly ask.

 

   “Yup.” His expression became prideful. 

 

   Turning into the parkade, Clark slowed the car down to find an open spot. His hands looked ready to rip the steering wheel off.  “I’m sorry for earlier,” he said.

 

   Bruce nodded curtly. “I can’t accept it until I see you actually make an attempt to change Clark.”

 

   “I know.” Clark pulled into a spot, turned off the engine and exited the car. He then opened the back door and helped Bruce and Alvin out.

 

    Bruce wrapped Alvin’s arm over his shoulder and placed his own hand onto the boy’s waist. “You think you can walk?”

 

   “Gotta…. stay awake somehow…” His head fell heavy against Bruce’s side. 

 

    The trek to the elevator was relatively silent. Clark walked beside Alvin, his hands hovering over him. Bruce adjusted his grip before pressing the button on the elevator.

 

   It opened with a small ding. And all three squeezed inside. The doors then shut and Clark pushed the ‘4’ button.

 

   “You guys…. You were talking about my friend earlier?” Alvin said through the quiet music.

 

   Clark raised his eyebrows in confusion. “Pardon?”

 

   “My friend…” He trailed off.

 

   Bruce shared a questioning glance with Clark. 

 

   “What’s your friend's name?” Bruce asked.

 

   “Can’t say…” 

 

    The elevator door opened and the group stepped out. Yellow lights buzzed overhead and the long red carpet went on much longer than it actually did.

 

   Bruce opened the door and stepped into the hotel suite. He slid off his shoes and helped take off Alvin's. He then clicked on the light and guided him to the couch. 

 

   Clark turned on the kitchen light and bustled around, opening drawers and pulling out different items.

 

   Now that he was in a better light, Bruce could see the bruises developing on Alvin’s face. His hair stuck flat to his head with grease, fingernails were darkened with dried blood and his clothes looked like they haven’t been washed in at least a couple of days. 

 

   Alvin’s cold blue eyes examined Bruce. He may be concussed, but so far he hasn’t given much to go off of. This boy was more aware than he let on. 

 

   “Clark?” Bruce asked, turning his head towards the kitchen.

 

   Peeking his head over the counter, he asked, “yeah?” 

 

   “I’m going to draw Alvin a bath, could you make sure he isn’t severely injured?” He already knew that Alvin was relatively fine, because Clark hadn’t been adamant on bringing him to the hospital. However, he still felt uneasy.

 

    “Sure thing.” Standing up Clark strolled over to Alvin, while Bruce left to the main bathroom. 

 

   He put the plug into the drain and turned on the faucet. The water splashed against the tub and slowly began to fill. Adjusting the water until it was decently warm, Bruce left the bathroom and back to where the others were.

 

   Clark had taken off Alvin’s shirt, the left side of his body from his torso down to his hip was covered with a bruise. Only some of the tension left Bruce’s shoulders when he saw it was a shade of green and yellow. It was older. 

 

   Of course the relief didn’t last long.

 

   Who hurt him? Was this the reason he was out on the streets that late. Was it his parents? 

 

   Fists clenching, Bruce thought of all the ways the injury could have been given to Alvin. 

 

   “You think-” Clark echoed his thoughts.

 

   “Hopefully he’s just reckless.” Bruce said sternly.

 

   Alvin’s breath was shallow and his eyes were closed. The bags under his eyes were deep and prominent. He probably hasn’t slept well in days. Bruce brushed Alvin’s face. 

 

His eyes fluttered open. “Hmm?” Blinking a few times, Alvin yawned. “Sorry, I tried to…. Stay awake.” 

 

   “It’s okay chum. I drew a bath for you, after you can sleep as long as you like.” Bruce grabbed his arm and helped him to his feet.

 

   He wasn’t a fan of the way Alvin’s face paled. 

 

   “Nauseous?” He asked.

 

   Nodding slowly, Alvin tried his best not to stumble onto his face.

 

   Clark once again let his hands hover close to Alvin. 

 

   Once in the bathroom, Bruce turned off the faucet. He looked at Alvin carefully. “I’m going to be right outside if you need anything.” He guided Alvin onto the cold tile floor. “Take as long as you need.” Leaving the bathroom, Clark followed close behind staring back at Alvin with a concerned expression.

 

   Closing the door, Bruce slid down onto the floor. He listened to the near silent shuffling on the other side of the door. Each movement sounded deliberate, he was clearly skilled. His one question was, who trained him?

 

   Clark sat down next to Bruce with two generously filled wine glasses, he didn’t have a moment ago. Offering a glass, Bruce plucked it out of Clark’s grip and nodded. 

 

   Water sloshed as Alvin entered the tub. A quiet sigh left his lips as he stretched his legs out, indicated as they rubbed along the bottom making a friction-like sound.

 

   Taking a sip of the red wine, Bruce rested his head against the door. “I’m going to have to let Dick know, we have a guest.” Completing the task at the moment felt cumbersome.

 

   “The kid has too many scars for comfort,” Clark whispered, his eyes the familiar blue light as he used his x-ray vision.

 

   “How so?” Bruce took a swig of wine, his fingers tapping his thigh methodically.

 

   “Bullet wounds, bones healed awkwardly, cut marks, and a deep laceration scar on his neck.” His voice trembled as he listed off each injury. 

 

   “Are some of the scars…” Bruce trailed off, the question hung thick in the air.

 

   “I’m not sure…” Clark looked away with a guilty expression and took a long sip of wine.

 

    Bruce stood up abruptly, and left to the main bedroom. He finished the rest of his wine, as he paced. “Alvin could have loving parents, there is no way to gauge whether or not he’s being abused.” 

 

   “Do you believe that though?” Clark crossed his arms as he took a seat on the bed.

 

   “I-… damn it…” Bruce pinched the bridge of his nose.

 

    “I can’t just take him as my ward. I don’t even know how old he is.” Bruce loosened his tie. “He could easily be twenty for all I know. Or even just a bad person. Or-“

 

   “Easy there Bruce.” Clark planted his hands on his friend’s shoulders grounding him. “I haven’t seen you spiral like this since you took in Dick.” He chuckled softly.

 

    “When have you become the voice of reason?” Bruce shook his head and let out a small chuckle.

 

   “I always have been.” Clark smiled, but it slowly became a frown. “Bruce look.” He took his hands off of Bruce and fidgeted with his tie. “I’ve been immature as of late. And I think a lot of it does have to do with Conner. I….” He paused trying to find the right words. “I’m scared that I won’t be good enough. I’m scared I’ll hurt him. And I think that made me fear not only myself, but everything that makes me think of him.”

 

   “Clark..” Bruce began.

 

   “I admire you Bruce. In fact I envy you.” He took his hands off of his tie. “Lois and I want a family, but part of me thinks I won’t be a good father.”

 

   “I’ve known you for years, Clark,” Bruce said, placing a hand on his arm. “I know you can be a great father, but don’t let your fear push those chances away.”

 

   Clark pulled Bruce into a hug. “I’ll prove to you I can be great.”

 

   A small smile graced his lips, “I know you will.”

 

   Clark lifted his head. In a flash he was out of the room, the only evidence where he went was with Bruce’s drawer left open.

 

   Making his way back to the bathroom, he saw Clark helping Alvin into his spare night wear. He wasn’t malnourished, thankfully. As a matter-of-fact, looking at Alvin’s arms he was quite toned. 

 

   Clark buttoned up the shirt, making Alvin look much smaller than he really was. His damp hair curled slightly at the ends and his clean face looked a healthy pale. Though the bruise made it look paler then it probably was. Some of the light had returned to his eyes giving him a more awake look.

 

   Yawning, Alvin walked over to the main bedroom and collapsed onto the bed. His breath became shallow as he curled into himself.

 

   “Looks like you share the couch with me,” Clark nudged Bruce playfully.

 

  “Hn.” A look of disdain crossed his face. 

 

————Kon————

 

   The clock ticked by in the tense silence. Young justice and Kon sat in a circle. Their eyes were narrowed as they all glared at one another. 

 

   Wally placed a card into the discard pile. A plus 4. 

 

   Kon smiled with all his teeth menacingly. He also put down a plus 4

 

   Conner ground his teeth and reluctantly did the same. 

 

   M’gann followed suit. 

 

   Kaldur'ahm snorted and placed a blank card with a plus 4 drawn on.

 

   “What the fuck guys!” Artemis said angrily. Then a coy smile found its way on her lips. “Kidding.” She put down a similar card that Kaldur’ahm had.

 

   “How am I so bad at this!” Robin proceeded to pick up 24 cards to add on to his 16.

 

   “I choose green,” Artemis said with a proud smile.

 

  “Oh fuck you!” Robin dramatically fell onto his back.

 

  “Language.”

 

  “Come on Kaldur, let him swear.” Wally put down a green reverse card. “And that’s an uno from me.”

 

   If Robin weren’t wearing his sunglasses, he would definitely be glaring holes into Wally.

 

   Picking up a card, Robin placed a green 2.

 

  The rest of the group went around. Luckily, Wally didn’t have a green or a 6.

 

   Robin hesitantly placed a red 6. As he did his phone rang. 

 

   “Oh hold on a sec.” He picked up. “You’re on speaker, what’s up?”

 

   “We have a guest.” Batman’s gruff voice sounded through the phone.

 

   “Who?” Robin asked, raising his eyebrow.

 

   Kon lifted a glass of water to his mouth and took a sip.

 

   “He goes by the name Alvin Draper.” 

 

   The water did not stay down. Kon coughed as water dripped out of his nose.

 

   “You okay Sky?” M’gann asked.

 

   “I’m -cough- Fine.” He wiped the water from his face.

 

   “We don’t know how long he’ll be staying hopefully until he gets better.” Batman continued.

 

   “Better?” Wally asked, butting into the conversation.

 

   “He was attacked in an alley,” Batman stated.

 

   Dread pooled in Kon’s stomach. “Is he okay?” He tried not to sound desperate.

 

   “He’ll be fine.”

 

   Kon sighed, his shoulder’s relaxing.

 

   “Can we talk privately Robin?” Batman asked.

 

   “Sure thing.” Robin hopped to his feet. “I’ll be back in a few, don’t need to wait for me.”

 

   Kon watched him leave, his leg bounced rapidly. He should have known. Where one member ends up, somehow the rest of them follow suit. 

 

   “I’m going to take a shower,” Kon said, standing to his feet. “You can shuffle my cards back in.” Tossing his cards into the middle, Kon padded down the long halls to one of the bathrooms. 

 

   The light buzzed quietly when it flicked on. Kon closed the door and slipped out of his suit. The smell of smoke and blood burned his nostrils. He probably would have done better healing naked. 

 

   Turning on the shower, Kon watched the water graciously fall. Looking back at the mirror, he leaned on the counter and examined himself. His finger traced the only physical scar along his stomach. Kon scratched his shaggy beard. He needed to shave. He needed to sleep. He needed… he needed his family…

 

   Kon’s vision blurred and his cheeks grew hot. “Fuck.” His voice cracked, as tears found their way down his face. 

 

   His friends were here. Why did he have to be so stupid? 

 

   Sobs began to wrack his body. 

 

   “Fuck….” He said again.

 

   Why did nothing ever go his way? Why did the world hate him so much it had to drag his loved ones into it. What if Tim was hurt? Where were the others? Were they even here?

 

   “Fuck!” Kon’s fist connected with the mirror, it shattered leaving the stone wall bare and cracked. He needed to get to Tim. He needed to find his friends and get the hell out of here.

 

   “Sky?” Wally’s voice drifted from the other side of the door. 

 

   In one fluid motion, Kon stormed over to the door and swung it open, caring very little about covering himself. If he made Wally uncomfortable, it was on him. 

 

   “Woah, uhm dude!” Wally covered his eyes with the shirt and pants he was holding. “Haven’t you ever heard of human decency!?” 

 

   Kon sniffed, crossing his arms. “Too lazy.”

 

   “Yeah great excuse!” Wally’s words dripped with sarcasm.

 

   “What do you want?” Kon whispered, trying not to sound on the verge of a breakdown.

 

   “Clothes for you!” Wally shoved the articles of clothing into Kon’s arms and zipped out of sight. 

 

   Kon snorted and walked back into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him. He then tossed the clothes onto the counter and stepped into the tub. Closing the curtain, he allowed the TTK to wrap around him and lift him into the air. 

 

   Focusing on the ceiling, Kon let the tears fall. It was quiet this time and only a few sniffles sounded over the loud fall of the water.  

 

   Kon tugged on the collar, its weight constricted his throat in a way familiar to Superman’s own grip. 

 

   “I’ll be there soon Tim. I promise.” Kon said. “Just hang on for me.”

 

   Squirting the shampoo into his hand he ran the cheap product through his curls. His hair was definitely going to hate him later. 

 

   A few frustrating minutes later, Kon felt clean enough to get out. He dried himself with a towel under the sink, too tired to use the TTK. 

 

   Picking up the shirt Wally gave him, he put it on. It was very tight and too short, but it would be fine-ish. Kon slid on the underwear, which fit snugly. The jeans weren’t even attempted. As if he’d squeeze into those. He’d have to cut off his ass to even get halfway. Kon looked down at the shirt again with a furrowed brow. “Nope!” He ripped off the shirt. “I’d rather wear a curtain.”

 

    Kon found his way to the kitchen, where Conner and M’gann were moving about. Wally and Artemis were watching some cooking show and Robin and Kaldur’ahm were playing black jack. 

 

    Wally looked over his shoulder and at Kon, his eyes widened in horror. 

 

   “Seriously!” Wally zipped out of the room and skidded back in holding another shirt. “This isn’t a strip club!” 

 

   Artemis whistled. “Damn what a bod.” 

 

   Kon rolled his eyes. “Too old for you.” 

 

   She put up her hands in mock surrender. “Still allowed to admire.” 

 

   “Then put a shirt on!” Wally wrestled the T-shirt over his head. “I ran to the thrift store and spent five bucks for this! You better fit!” 

 

   Kon stuck his arms through the holes and slid it on much smoother this time. 

 

   “Never seen Wally this flabbergasted since ever.” Robin laughed childishly.

 

   “Pants didn’t fit?” Conner asked, mixing what looked to be cookie dough. 

 

   “I wasn’t even going to try.” Kon jumped over the back of the couch and onto the cushion. 

 

   “You could always wear the ones you came-“

 

   “We need everyone on the bridge now!” Black Canary called over the speakers.

 

   Shit.

Notes:

I’m sorry if this was too heavy! I hope you took breaks. Please eat and hydrate
Lots of love,
-Al

 

Chapter 7: Rebel! The government and weird bad guys can’t do shit when your fast as fuck! Is that Young Justice!? D:<

Notes:

*Trigger Warning*
-Depictions of:

-Swearing

-Violence

-Past self harm

   “What’s the emergency?” Kaldur’ahm asked, taking the lead of the team currently filing in behind.

 

   “Earlier today, a large anomaly was located in the Indiana Dunes.” Black Canary pulled up a Birds Eye view of the sandy landscape. “This is what was captured from a government satellite.”

 

   -The video unpauses showing grainy footage of the dunes. 

 

   A few seconds pass before a line of electricity zips through. It proceeds to move in a circular motion about a mile wide counter clockwise. The zip moves fast enough to make it look like a full circle of lightning has been traced on the ground. 

 

   The video stops.-

 

     “It has been doing this for the past 4 hours,” Black Canary began. “Currently the government has sent the military, but was stopped by a group of meta-human traffickers. I need you to contain the anomaly before either of them get there.”

 

   “Understood.” Kaldur’ahm nodded, he glanced at Kon and back at Black Canary. “Since this mission is going to be difficult, I’m curious if we can take Skyrocket with us?”

 

   Kon felt as surprised as everyone looked. 

 

   Black Canary bit her lip, her eyes downcast. “Keep the power level low unless absolutely necessary.”

 

   A smile found its way on Kon’s face. “Awesome.”

 

   Wally disappeared for a moment and returned in his suit. He handed over Kon’s cargo pants. “So you don’t jumpscare anyone.”

 

   “What are we waiting for? Let’s go!” Robin ran out towards the docking bay.

 

   “Here.” Artemis stepped in front of Kon and clicked a turning key into the hole. She cranked it three times and stepped back. “Don’t do anything stupid.”

 

   Kon felt a surge of strength. “Suns set, can’t do much.” He shrugged, speeding off after the others.

 

 ***

 

   The bio ship lifted up into the air, Kon stood just below it preparing to take off. He was too antsy to sit; especially when given the chance to fly. 

 

   Red lights flashed and the alarm blared as the heavy metal doors opened. Cold night air rushed into the bay, buzzing happily against Kon’s warm skin. Breathing deeply, he closed his eyes and savoured the feeling.

 

   ‘We’re all set.’ M’gann’s voice echoed through his head.

 

   ‘Dido!’ Kon dropped his weight to the back of his foot and took a runner's stance.

 

   The bio ship took off in a blur of red. A moment later it was followed by a much smaller blur.

 

   “WOOHOO!” Kon flew ahead, he spun around and laughed as precipitation kissed his cheeks. TTK gathered at his feet and when the pressure released his smile couldn’t help, but grow.

 

   "We're a mile out, get ready to drop,” Kaldur’ahm commanded.

 

 

   “Over drop zone in 3.”

 

   Kon fell back beside the ship, his eyes now scanning ahead.

 

   “2.”

 

   The more he looked the more familiar the zip became. It was crackling loudly in a way that made his chest buzz. It’s red and white streaks of lightning shot in random directions, but the overall shape stayed.

 

   “1.”

 

   They were almost over it. Almost over…. Lightning…. Lightning is electric…. It’s….. Damit! 

 

   “Now!”

 

   Kon hit the ground in the centre of the circle before the others had the chance to drop. He watched as the electricity grew stronger, reaching out to him but stopping short by the TTK. 

 

   The TTK spread out below his feet and found its way to the one making the circle. The blip of them faltering was too fast for the human eye to follow, but it was there. Getting a good feel of where they were, Kon zoomed beside them. 

 

   Lightning hummed loudly in his ears as he entered the electric line head on. 

 

   Then it was near silent, except for the rapid heart beat and even breathing.

 

   “Tookyoulongenough!” Familiar golden eyes came into view, followed by wild thick hair. 

 

   “What the heck are you doing?” Kon scolded, a smile betraying his facade. 

 

   “Acclimatingtothisworld'sspeedforce!” Bart sped up and narrowed the circle. Dust clouded out the view of the outside world. “Alsoyou’retotallybeingamotherhen!”

 

   “Have you found the others?” Kon asked, ignoring the last statement. His expression became serious. 

 

   “Gothereafewhoursago,toomuchtoadaptto!” Bart picked up speed once again, causing Kon to boost himself with the TTK.

 

   “How much longer?” It was more of a command than anything.

 

   “Five?Nothreeminutes!” The circle grew smaller. 

 

   “The millisecond you're done, you head to the rundown mansion. Or the location of where it should be.” Kon instructed. “I’ll meet you there once I cause a big enough distraction.”

 

   Saluting, Bart sped forward and ran tighter.

 

   The cold air relieved Kon’s tense muscles. Young Justice stood some meters away from the circle. Spotting him, Wally waved Kon over. 

 

   “We thought you died!” Wally said anxiously.

 

   “Yeah, not very cool of you.” Robin crossed his arms, his eye lenses narrowed. 

 

   Landing ten or so feet away, Kon let the TTK find its way into the collar. “Sorry, I had to see what we were working with.” He shrugged nonchalantly.

 

   “We need to hurry. Military planes are headed this way,” Conner interrupted.

 

   “What do you see Superboy?” Kaldur’ahm asked, nodding in the direction of Bart. 

 

   “A person’s in there.” Conner squinted. “Hard to tell with the amount of heat being produced.

 

   “I could try and take a shot.” Artemis pulled out an arrow and laid it on her bow. 

 

   Kon faced the direction Bart was running and took a few steps back beside Artemis. “Whoever they are. They’re going pretty fast,” Kon said, tilting his head, a smirk on his lips. “You’ll probably just lose the arrow.”

 

   “I’ll show you how to lose an arrow!” Artemis pulled back the string and pointed it at Kon. 

 

   “We don’t need to fight!” M’gann stepped between them. “I sense we are no longer alone,” She said warily.

 

   The TTK stretched away from the group creating a perimeter. A short distance away was a large group of people. He could feel their heavy gear and weapons. 

 

   “They’ve created a circle around us. Coming from all ends.” Eyes changing to infrared, Kon scanned his surroundings. “About a hundred or so.”

 

   “Shit.” Wally’s eyes widened. 

 

   “Kid flash, I need you to keep an eye on that person. If they speed up, so do you,” Kaldur’ahm began. “Artemis, Robin. Keep the soldiers distracted and don't let them get too close.” Robin and Artemis nodded, splitting away from the group. “Miss Martian, you keep the sky clear.” M’gann flew back up to the ship. “Skyrocket, Conner, you’re on look out.” 

 

   “I don’t think we need a look out,” Conner said.

 

   Slapping Conner between the shoulder blades, Kon offered a smile. “Come on, it’ll be fine! More time to get to know one another!”

 

   Conner crossed his arms, his mouth opened to retort, but he chose to look away instead.

 

   ————Conner————

 

   Sky and Conner sat some ways away on a large boulder. It had been five minutes and the only thing that changed was the anomaly’s speed. Kid flash said they were trying to break the circle and had been fluctuating in how fast/which direction they were going.

 

   Rubbing his eyes, Conner’s vision shifted back to its regular sight. He blinked a few times, the dark shadows slowly coming back into focus. 

 

   Sky hadn’t shifted yet. His eyes glowed a strange blue, they darted this way and that looking for the enemy. His eyes landed on Conner and changed back. His pupils shrunk and the light died, leaving a blue and green colour in its place.

 

   “You alright?” Sky asked, his head tilting like a puppy’s.

 

   Conner’s face suddenly felt hot and he looked away, his shoulders hiking up to his ears. “It’s nothing.” 

 

   A snort came from beside him. “Something’s clearly on your mind bro.”

 

   One of Conner’s brows quirked up. “Bro?”

 

   “Yeah, bro,” Sky said, drawing out his sentence, his eyes squinting. “It’s something you call people. Like dude?” 

 

   “Oh.” Conner’s face felt much hotter. Maybe he’d finally learn what sweating felt like.

 

   Vision shifting, Sky looked around some more. Conner tried to shift, but quickly stopped when a firey pain stung in his eyes.

 

   “Fuck,” Conner said, wiping the tears away.

 

   “Don’t push yourself.” A firm hand set itself on Conner’s shoulder. He looked over to see Sky shuffling through his pocket. He then pulled out a small bottle. “I used to struggle with my sight when I first developed it. Tim made this for me, I think you need it more.” Opening Conner’s fisted hand, Sky placed the small bottle into his palm.

 

   Leaning back, Conner let a few drops into each eye. He blinked rapidly, shaking his head with a scrunched face.

 

   Sky chuckled at Conner’s expression. He leaned against his shoulder and relaxed his muscles. “You know, you remind me way too much of a child.”

 

   “What’s that supposed to mean?” Conner asked indignantly.

 

   “Well.” Sky frowned his eyes looking out towards the horizon. “You’re kind of shy in a way, but you have this curiosity in you. Like in an innocent kind of way. Like someone who hasn’t fully grasped the true size of this world.” He smiled. “Or I’m just over analyzing everything.”

 

   “Hm….” Conner clacked his teeth together in a chewing motion. 

 

   In all honesty, he never really thought of himself as a child. He knew lots of things. The basic fundamentals of math, America's entire history from front to back. Heck, he even knew every scientific equation!

 

   To be called a child felt weird. It made him feel smaller than he was.  

 

   “What’s Tim like?” Conner asked.

 

   Sky huffed a laugh. “Weren’t we just talking about you?”

 

   He shrugged. “I’m not a child, end of story.” Conner pushed Sky halfheartedly.

 

   “Mhm.” 

 

   “Are you going to tell me or not?” Conner raised his voice.

 

   “Okay, okay.” Sky put his hands out and moved them with each word. “Yeesh, you really are a kid.”

 

   Conner elbowed his ribs.

 

   Locking Conner into a reluctant headlock, Sky said, “Tim’s the smartest person I know. If there’s a problem, he’ll fix it. Just give him a button or piece of lint and he can find you.” His expression became wistful. “He’s the bestest friend a clone boy could ask for.” Sky sucked his teeth. “He’s more than that really.”

 

   Conner squeezed out of his grasp. “You’re a clone too?” He asked.

 

   “Is that seriously the only thing you got from that conversation.” He deadpanned.

 

   “Yes…. I mean no!” 

 

   Pursing his lips, Sky side eyed Conner. “You’re definitely a child.”

 

   Conner punched his shoulder. 

 

   “Ow!” Sky smiled, rubbing his shoulder. “Watch where you're throwing that thing!” 

 

  “So are you?” 

 

   “I have half of Supes DNA and half other guys.” Sky wrapped his arm around Conner’s shoulder. “Guess that makes us siblings.”

 

   Sibling…. The word hung on the tip of Conner’s tongue. He wanted to say it out loud, to test it out, see if it felt natural, but something in him made his face turn red and his muscles tense. 

 

   “Is Tim like a brother?” Conner asked bitterly. He didn’t even know the guy, and yet it still made him irritated that he only recently found out about Sky.

 

   Sky threw his head back and laughed. “Don’t be ridiculous! Tim’s more like a partner than anything!” 

 

   Partner? Conner looked away not fully satisfied. What the heck did that even mean? “Like a partner in heroics?” 

 

   “Sure. Like a partner in heroics,” Sky said, rolling his eyes.

 

   A comfortable silence settled between the two. Sky rested his head on Conner’s shoulder and closed his eyes. A deep rumble reverberated in his chest. It sounded similar to a motorcycle revving its engine before speeding down a highway. 

 

   Focusing elsewhere, Conner watched the speeding blur try to widen their circle. Wally’s own speed trail was the only indication he was miraculously keeping up.

 

   “You like Miss Martian?” 

 

   Conner’s head spun around. “What! No- it’s not like-“ He sighed heavily. -“yeah, I guess.”

 

   Sky giggled, his eyes opened and shifted to his infrared vision. “I see the way you two act. Wouldn’t be surprised if you guys end up dating.” 

 

   “Our relationship is too complicated to define it as just dating.” Conner’s face flushed and he crossed his arms.

 

   “I get that.” Sky lifted his weight off of Conner. “It’s like you can tell them anything you know? As if no matter what you do, or how you change. They’ll never stop loving you.”

 

   Conner rolled his eyes. Corny much.

 

   ————Bart————

 

   This was way too annoying! Who decided that this speedster could walk all over him! More like run, all over him. Get it? Because he’s running?

 

   The world moved like a hurricane, yet also like a sloth. Everything was loud, but quiet. It was like a? Like a…..Like a kaleidoscope! Yes, that! A colourful bright contraption of multiple moving pieces that couldn’t stay the same. And only the user could see the pattern. The very simple hidden pattern.

 

   Kid Flash had kept Bart contained long enough. Ten minutes was ten hours too long! He needed air that wasn’t mixed with sand. His boots were more ground than toes at this point.

 

   Bart could do this! He’s gotten out of stickier situations! He was the definition of Impulse! The smartest Kid flash! He’s the Catalyst! 

 

   “Catchmeifyoucan!” A bubbly laugh rumbled in Bart’s chest as he sped up and escaped the circle. 

 

   Kid Flash stumbled behind, falling forward onto his face. 

 

   The world stretched and slowed outside of the speedforce. Bart’s eyes landed on Kon’s and they shared a knowing look. 

 

   Sandy dunes and rocky landscapes changed to forest. The stars became a vast expanse of wonder and light. Everything was a kaleidoscope. And that was amazing.

 

   The dense trees thinned into a large clearing. An old mansion nestled against the darkness, towered over Bart. Its ivy-covered walls and mossy windows gave way to its untold mystery and past memories.

 

   Stopping for the first time in hours, Bart fell hard onto one of the living room couches. Dust scattered into the still air leaving a foggy hue in the room.

 

   “My fucking legs feel like goo. I think I might be dying.” Bart groaned.

 

   “You’re not dying dude.” Kon’s boots creaked against the rickety floor boards. “And if we’re complaining about hell, I’ve been through worse.” His silhouette leaned over Bart from the back of the couch.

 

   “Ha!” Bart curled onto his side. “What? More daddy issues.”

 

   Silence.

 

   Bart shot up. “Bullshit!” 

 

   “He beat my ass, good man!” Kon tumbled onto the couch, his voice sounded hoarse. Snuggling into the dusty furniture, he nuzzled Bart’s chest. “Grife, I’m so fucking tired.” His words sounded wet and droopy.

 

   Bart hugged Kon tightly. “We can look for the others tomorrow. I think they can take care of themselves.”

 

   Sniffling, Kon laughed wetly. “Yeah I guess.” His large arms held Bart closely. “You think Tim’s okay?” 

 

   “You’re such a simp!” Bart rolled his eyes.

 

   “Shut up!” The heat emitting off of Kon’s face felt nice on Bart's chest. 

 

   “Were those guys the other young justice?” Bart ran his hand through Kon’s hair. It didn’t feel as soft as usual and the scent he used was a very watered down version of axe body spray. 

 

   “Yeah, I kinda feel bad for leaving my counterpart behind. We were having a nice talk.” Yawning, his head inclined up in a stretch.

 

   “What were you yapping about?” Bart's foot bounced, expelling the rest of his energy.

 

   “Conner’s totally got a girlfriend,” Kon sang.

 

     Bart had so many questions. “What’s her name? Is she pretty? WhytheheckisyourcounterpartusingthenameConner? Wait,washetheguythatlookedlikeyouduringthetitansera?

 

   Kon remained silent for a few moments, his blinks were further apart than before. “M’gann. She’s very pretty. I think Kal never gave him a name. And yes that was him.”

 

   “Cool.”

 

   “Will you sleep if I sleep?” Kon asked in an exasperated breath.

 

   “Need caffeine first.” 

 

   “Don’t take too long.”

 

   Slipping away, Bart sped into happy harbour and skidded to a halt in front of a corner store. Lifting off his goggles, he walked inside.

 

   The door opened with a ding and bright fluorescent lights glared overhead, buzzing. The clerk flipped through a magazine, her eyelids half closed.  

 

   “Evening Miss,” Bart said, smiling at the tired lady.

 

   The clerk looked up, her dark eyes glazed over. Then she looked back at her magazine.

 

   Smile dropping, Bart walked down the drink aisle his eyes scanned the shelves for some red bull or monster energy. He hummed thoughtfully, opening one of the fridges and pulling out two red bulls. 

 

   “Snacks sound good.” He spun on his heel and took his time searching the shelves. His fingers tapped against his thigh quickly, blurring into unfocus. “Chips or sour gummies?” Bart asked himself.

 

   “Gone! Just like that!” A voice cried. 

 

   “Calm down Walls, we’ll find them.”

 

   “I told you we should have left him at Hq.” A blonde girl walked into the aisle Bart was in, followed by a group of people. 

 

   Two female presenting people and four male presenting.

 

   They wore regular civie clothes, but they were definitely Young Justice. 

 

   Oh sweet Jesus. They used boom tubes. How the fuck did they change that fast? Was the universe out to get him? What did he do to deserve this!? Was it last week's incident? It wasn’t his fault Greta didn’t say she had a fear of small dogs!

 

   Bart's head thunked against the shelf. “Fuck you Kon.” He ran a hand through his thick greasy hair. He needed a shower.

 

   Dude with black shirt- Conner, side eyed Bart. He stepped near him and looked around the shelf. His eyes landed just past Bart.

 

   “Could you, uhm. Sorry, but there’s some stuff I’d like,” Conner said quietly.

 

   Bart lifted his head and leaned onto the shelf behind him, dragging a bag of chips along.

 

   “Cosplay?” Walls- definitely Wally asked.

 

   “No, just getting food for Kon and I,” Bart said, opening the bag of chips. “Don’t worry I’ll pay.” He popped a chip in his mouth.

 

   The smallest boy with sunglasses- Dick? Tim- Jason- Damian….? One of the robins tilted his head. “Okay?” 

 

   “Oh by the way! Question about people here. More so someone. Specifically a guy my age? He’s taller than me, but not as tall as say. You.” He pointed to the guy with blonde almost white hair. Probably Aqualad- Jackson? No Kaldur’ahm. “He has dark hair, blue eyes so blue they look like they could steal your soul and he looks kinda skater boy ish? Sometimes seen with a camera and skateboard. Oh and he has a tattoo on his wrist! It’s a butterfly. Half of it! And possibly a semicolon?” 

 

   “Is there a name we could go by?” A red headed girl- M’gann- Megan asked.

 

   “Yeah! It’s Tiiiiii- Alvin! Yes, his name is Alvin!” Bart cringed.

 

   “Alvin Draper?” The blonde hair girl- Cissie- Mia? Fuck, random girl asked.

 

   “Yes!” Bart nearly vibrated through the floor. “Do you know where he is?”

 

   The group exchanged looks. 

 

   “What do you get out of it?” Conner asked defensively.

 

   Bart took a bite of another chip. “He’s me and Kon’s friend.”

 

   “And who’s Kon?” Robin asked. 

 

   “A lovable idiot who definitely belongs in the 80’s. Usually een with a stupid leather jacket and weird shades.” He walked past the group and to the front, dropping the items in front of the clerk.

 

   “Does he have heterochromia?” Megan asked intrigued.

 

   Bart shrugged.

 

   “That’ll be 15.97,” The clerk said.

 

   Bart fished out a 20 dollar bill Cassie gave him two weeks ago and slapped it onto the counter. 

 

   “You don’t know?” Random girl asked.

 

   Bart shrugged again. 

 

   “Would you like a bag?” 

 

   “No thanks. Keep the change.” Bart scooped up the items and walked to the door. 

 

   Wally opened it for him with narrowed eyes.

 

   “Thanks!”

 

   “We’ll keep a lookout for your friend,” Kaldur’ahm said.

 

   “That means a lot!” Bart slid the goggles over his eyes. “See ya around!” In a human pace, he jogged to the end of the street and once out of sight, sped to Kon.

 

   Two red bulls and a bag of chips later, Bart was snuggled back in his friend's arms. Kon snored lightly, his chest rose and fell softly. 

 

   “I’ll get you some nice hair products tomorrow, once we get Tim and Cassie back. If Cassie is even here.” Bart patted Kon’s shoulder methodically. “Night buddy.”

 

   Bart closed his eyes and fell asleep in the rickety old mansion with his best friend keeping him safe.

Notes:

I hope you liked it! Sorry about the pacing on the previous and current chapters. I’m going to fix that later once I get the next one out. I’m trying to introduce the rest of the people before the conflict really kicks off! Remember to get your sleep!

Lots of love,
-Al

Chapter 8: 2 tired idiots, 1 injured Tim and a fuck tone off luck. (Luck being Cassie)

Notes:

*Trigger warning*
-Depictions of:

-Violence

-Swearing

-Injury

-Mentions of BDSM

-Young Just Us running on a singular brain cell (Tim and Cassie mainly share it)

 The bed and breakfast wasn’t perfect, but it was better than gas station food. 

 

   Shoveling a fork of eggs in her mouth, Cassie’s eyes scanned through the local newspaper;

 

   Meta humans missing.

As of recently, people with meta powers have gone missing. Locals state that police have not been investigating these cases and have put them on the “back burner.”

 

Metas wanted.

Two meta humans are wanted by the Justice League of America. Skyrocket, a meta who saved a young girl a few days ago, has been under suspicion for links to illegal cloning. The second meta has no known name nor is there a solid description. However it is extremely fast leaving an electric trail. If these two are spotted please report them to the authorities immediately.

 

   “Casandra?” 

 

   Looking up, her eyes landed on a familiar, pale, face. 

 

   Cassie jumped out of her seat in a hurry, launching herself onto him. “Timothy!” As quickly as she hugged him, Cassie pulled away and examined him under a critical eye.

 

   Tim’s cold, blue eyes were disrupted by the large bruise on his cheek and his usually soft lips were now chapped and split. He looked as if he hadn’t slept in days. 

 

   “I have information,” Tim said, his body already moving toward the exit.

 

Putting a handful of money onto the table, Cassie fell in stride with her favourite detective. “It’s great to see you as well,” she said coolly.

 

   Tim pushed the door open and gave way for Cassie to leave first. “I don’t have much time so I’ll have to talk fast.” Letting Cassie take his calloused hand, they sped up to a moderate pace. “I’ve been here for two-ish days and have learned everyone’s identities. However I was ‘rescued’” -his free hand went up and made small air quotes- “by Bruce and Clark. I left earlier this morning when both were asleep and have been wandering the town since.

 

   “Where’s Kon and Bart?” She asked, pulling Tim along.

 

   Tim stopped dead in his tracks, his face twisting into that of dismay. 

 

    Suddenly, his hands shot up and held Cassie to the wall, eyes sparked with horror. “Barts here?” He hissed.

   

   “It’s been all over the news!” Cassie turned Tim around and this time he was against the wall. A few onlookers gave strange glances to the pair. 

 

   Craning her neck down towards his ear, Cassie stared down the street, looking for the nonexistent cameras. <“What happened?”> Her words changed to the old tongue.

 

   <“Bruce and Clark rescued me from some guys, got concussed in the process,”> Tim said in a more broken form of Greek.

 

   <“Why didn’t you wait for us?”> Cassie asked, her arms pulling Tim close, keeping his back pressed safely against the brick wall. <“You can’t go around with an injury like this.”>

 

    “I have you now.” Cassie felt him smile into her shoulder as his fingers brushed through her short hair. 

 

    “You’re such an idiot.” She laughed.

  

   “This must be why I dated you.” 

 

    Cassie raised a brow. “Is there another reason you dated me?” She asked, faking her obliviousness.

 

   “If I ever end up in your bed again, kill me.” Tim rolled his eyes, a playful smirk gracing his lips.

 

   “Kon likes BDSM, not me.” She smiled down at him.

 

   “Hey! He’s the su”- Cassie cuffed the back of his head with a solid Thwack!- “Ow! I’m still concussed!”

  

   “Have you found Kon?” Cassie stepped back just enough to allow Tim some breathing room.

 

   “Yes and no.” 

 

    “Explain.”

 

     The ground seemed a lot more interesting than Cassie’s eyes. “I know he’s close, but I’m not sure where exactly.” Tim picked at his fingernails, the cogs turned slowly in his mind.

 

    “Have you checked our spots?” Cassie asked, taking Tim’s hand and massaging its palm with her thumbs. 

 

   “I have, except….” He trailed off.

 

   “Except?” She insisted.

 

    A light bulb went off behind his eyes. “The Mansion! Of course!” He leaped out of her grasp and sprinted down the street. “The next bus leaves in fifteen minutes!”

 

   “You have that memorized!?” Cassie called, her feet nearly leaving the solid concrete. 

 

   “Hurry up!” Tim leveraged off a wall around a corner. 

 

   “I can make this a lot easier, you know!” Blood thundered in her ears, her heartbeat rapid.

 

   “We aren’t headed to the mansion first!” 

 

   “Where are we headed then!?”

 

   Tim looked over his shoulder. “To the moun- oof!”

 

   Cassie’s heart nearly launched out of her chest when Tim fell and skidded across the sidewalk on his knees, barreling into a tall, muscular boy in a black t-shirt with a red S. 

 

   “You idiot!” Cassie’s shoes slid along the ground and over to Tim. 

 

   “Fuck, maybe we should’ve taken your way first.” He gingerly held his bleeding nose. “What are you? A brick wall?” Tim looked pointedly at the boy. The boy with dark hair and an expression parallel to Luthor's. 

 

   Oh, that’s this world’s Kon.

 

   “Sorry.” Kon bent down and offered his hand.

 

   Tim hesitantly accepted the offer and let himself half stumble to his feet. 

 

   Cassie brushed Tim’s hair behind his ear and let him lean on her. Then she cuffed his head for the second time today.

 

   “OW!”

 

   “This is why we slow down! God, you're worse than Bart on some days!” Cassie scolded.

 

   “Keep motherhenning me, you’ll make me feel like I’m with Kon,” Tim grumbled, rubbing the back of his head. 

 

   “Timothy Jackson Drake! Don’t you dare compare me to- oh fuck I really am sounding like him.” 

 

   Kon with the bland shirt looked very confused. “Is she a friend?” He asked.

 

   “Sadly, yes.” Tim straightened his back. 

 

    “Look sorry about running into you. We have to get going, bye!” Cassie grabbed Tim and dragged him along down the street. 

 

   “Watch it, I'm bleeding from the knees here!” 

 

————Conner————

 

   “So, who were those two lovebirds?” Wally walked out of the store he was in, his goggles currently strapped snuggly to his eyes.

 

   “Some guy named Timothy and the girl, I’m not sure what her name is.” Conner said, looking at the two halting at the bus stop.

 

   “Where are they headed?” Wally asked.

 

   “Don’t know and don’t care. We have metas to catch.” Conner spun around and super jumped across town. 

 

   Wally caught up easily beside him on a rooftop. “Are you still mad at Sky?” He leaned over the building haphazardly, his brows raised.

 

   “I’m-“ He paused. 

 

   I'm not mad, in all honesty I get it. I know what it’s like to feel stuck. To be in a place that controls you. Him leaving isn’t something I care about. He doesn’t seem like a bad guy! Sure he’s weird, but he. He seemed like he cared for me. In a way I struggle to see others do. 

 

   “I’m frustrated, not mad.” He said.

 

   “That Timothy guy, didn’t he seem familiar?” Wally asked, changing the subject. 

 

   “Not really.”

 

   “I swear I’ve seen him before! Like in a picture or something.” 

 

   “Mhm.”

 

   “Yeah a picture!” Wally snapped his fingers trying to grasp his thoughts. “Like this one!” As if Wally never left, he held a photo in Conner’s face. 

 

   Carefully taking the photo, Conner examined it. “Hey isn’t this Sky’s?” He flipped it around to look at the two people. One of the boys was Skyrocket with short cut almost buzzed hair and the other was a boy with short raven hair and cold blue eyes. 

 

   Timothy, as in Tim. 

 

   “We need to tell the others.” Conner pocketed the photo as Wally sped back to Mt. Justice. 

 

   ***

 

   The team had been talking over each other for the past five minutes. Everyone with wild looks of confusion plastered on their faces. Superman, Batman, Black Canary and Redtornado had been off to the side talking amongst themselves in low whispers.

 

   Conner heard every word of it;

 

   “You can’t be serious,” Superman said.

 

   “Do I look like I’m joking?” Batman growled.

 

   “Weren’t you the one talking about trusting Sky! This is a complete turn around on your half.” 

 

   “That boy knows our identities. If someone bad finds him, then we’re in serious danger.” Batman rationalized.

 

   “Guys…” Conner’s voice trailed off in the ramblings. “Everyone can I” -inhaling deeply, he clenched his fists- “GUYS!” Conner’s hand slammed against the table with a loud clang. 

 

   Everyone looked at Conner, including the adults.

 

   Face growing slightly red he said, “I think I know how we can find Skyrocket.” 

 

   “Go on.” Batman walked over to the younger group, his arms crossed over his chest.

 

   “Earlier today when we ran into Tim, he was with a girl who he said was acting a lot like someone named Kon. Before that encounter. Last night. Our team ran into a boy with a weird costume. Similar to Kidflash’s. He said”-

 

   -“he was looking for a guy named Alvin and they both have a friend called Kon!” Robin finished.

 

   “Does that mean Sky could be this Kon guy?” Artemis inquired.

 

   “It would add up.” M’gann tapped her chin. “Especially since that boy ended up in happy harbour the same minute after the speed anomaly escaped.” 

 

   “As well as when Skyrocket happened to escape as well.” Red tornado concluded.

 

   “We have one large group of meta’s to catch.” Superman put his hands on his hips.

 

   “Alright. We’ll fan out around Happy harbour, creating a perimeter. No area is left unchecked.” Batman instructed.

 

 ————Kon————

 

   Sighing joyously, Kon stretched out like a cat on the warm roof. The sun’s rays beat down on him like heaven. Bart sat down below in the overgrown clearing making breakfast. 

 

   “Foods ready!” Bart called.

 

   Kon floated down next to Bart with a lazy smile on his face. He took the plate of bacon and berries, taking small bites enjoying the food.

 

   “You think we’ll find the others?” Kon asked.

 

   Head falling against Kon’s shoulder, Bart sighed. “Don’t be so pessimistic. Tim is the world's greatest detective! He’ll find us before we even step foot in Happy Harbour!”

 

   Kon smiled. “Yeah I shouldn’t be such an overthinker.” He ruffled Bart’s hair playfully.

 

   “Oh by the way I think I know how we can get home!” Bart finished his meal. “Wally explained to me that grandpa created this ability of dimensional travel.” 

 

   “How does it work?” Kon put his plate down.

 

   “Basically, I’d have to vibrate really fast at a specific frequency while running at a certain velocity.” He explained. “Though we do need a machine or some form of conductor to transport the whole team.”

 

   “Then we should really find the others!” Kon hopped onto his feet. “Let’s go!” In a cloud of dust he was gone towards the town.

 

   “Waitup!” Bart raced after Kon.

 

   Hearing stretching out, Kon listened for his friend’s heartbeats. Hundreds sounded around him, but in the midst he heard their soft beats. 

 

   Tim’s heartbeat was always steady with a slight asymmetrical rhythm. Cassie’s was strong and sounded like a heavy bass drum. 

 

   They were close.

 

   “Bart left and right.”

 

   “Roger, Roger!” Feet crossing, Bart ran away towards Tim and Cassie. 

 

   “Time for a distraction.” Kon smiled and launched up into the sky. 

 

   “Oh wow look at this totally awesome place to sit! I sure hope no one comes to stop me.” Sitting down on a building ledge, Kon crossed his legs and waited.

 

   Minutes passed and amazingly! Nothing happened.

 

   “I swear if I have to blow up a building…” Kon muttered. “Agh, the moment I actually need them here!” Gripping his hair, he ground his teeth. 

 

   “Skyrocket!?” A young voice cried.

 

   Kon looked down and saw Sammy and Catherine. “Hon!” Dropping down, Kon wrapped his arms around the girl. “I didn’t think I’d see you again!” 

 

   “No hug for me?” Catherine asked, faking a pout, her arms stretched out.

 

   “How could I forget?” Kon squeezed her close. 

 

   “I saw the paper. Is everything alright?” Catherine asked, pulling away.

 

   “Paper? What paper?” Kon asked, placing Sammy on his hip.

 

   “The paper says you’re wanted by the justice league!” Catherine exclaimed.

 

   Kon sighed. “The past few days have been rough, ‘haven’t had the time to slow down.” 

 

   Catherine looked at Kon and gave a sympathetic frown. “If you need, my door is always open.” She pulled out a pen and pad, jotting the address of her home on it.

 

   Taking the paper, Kon stored it safely in his pocket. 

 

   “Where’s your bag and satchel thingy?” Sammy asked.

 

   Kon’s hand touched the side where his thigh ouch usually was. “Guess I don’t” -Kon put Sammy down, his hearing stretching out to hear his friends. Their heart beats were rapid and they were further away than before.

 

    “Kon if you don’t get your ass over here now!”

 

   -“damn it!”

 

   “What’s wrong Sky?” Sammy asked. 

 

   “I need to go. My- shit!” Kon glanced back at the two, took a step back and launched back into the air while a grimace crossed his face.

 

   “Skyrocket!” Sammy cried.

 

   ***

 

   Kon flew high above the town, his vision looking for his friends. In quick succession he saw them. 

 

   They were in defensive stances, cornered against a cluster of buildings. 

 

   Bart vibrated around, zipping in blurs of lightning trying to find a way out. His body hitting against an invisible force. 

 

   A field of some sort?

 

   Cassie stood tall, her muscles flexed, everything in her being screamed power. The lance she held crackled with electricity. 

 

   Behind Bart and Cassie stood Tim, his face was bruised and his knees were skinned and crusted with dry blood. His eyes looked foggy and out of focus. 

 

   In front of his friends stood Young Justice. Their faces stern and contorted in fixation.

 

   Tim’s lips parted. “…Kon…. Get. Over. Here. Now.” His voice was all commanding in a way that made his chest buzz and every nerve light with a sense of purpose.

 

   With a new found resolve Kon rocketed to his friends… his team. Kon hit the ground hard behind both teams, eyes glowing red. 

 

   “GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM THEM!”

Notes:

SORRY ABOUT THE WAIT!!! D:

Please enjoy! It is short, but I hope to give you the next one earlier or it being longer.

Also question! The next chapter will involve the two Young Justice’s fighting. Who should win? Please let me know! Or if any specific hero will get an upper hand. I’d love to read your answers and see your reasoning on why.

Lots of love,

-Al

Chapter 9: Young Just Us for the- WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY HAVE THE PLOT ARMOUR!?

Notes:

*Trigger Warning*
-Depictions of:

-Violence

-Injury

-Swearing

[(Note):Young Justice Do Have Different Hero Names;

*Kon-> Skyrocket*

*Tim-> Cardinal*

*Bart-> Catalyst*

*Cassie-> Leviathan*]

   When the ground shook, Conner knew this wasn’t good. He especially knew it wasn’t good when he heard that familiar midwestern drawl yell, “GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM THEM!” 

 

   The people in front of Conner smiled. The boy with more hair than head stopped moving. 

 

   “Where in the name of Jason Todd have you been!?” He crossed his arms and pouted like a child. 

 

   “Don’t use my brother's name like it’s sacred…” Tim’s eyes narrowed.

 

   “What about Dick?” His almost gold eyes stared into Tim’s.

 

   “Dick’s a himbo I’d rather you say Damian!” He exclaimed.

 

   “Ha! Himbo! What a riot.” The boy waved his hand dismissively.

 

   “Grife! We have young justice to fight!” The tall, broad shouldered girl interrupted.

 

   “Don’t you mean Young Just Us?” 

 

   Skyrocket groaned. “Can I fucking punch them now?” He stood with his hips thrusted out and chest slouched, while his hands rested at his sides.

 

   “By all means.” The girl cracked her knuckles, a malicious smile twisting her face.

 

   ‘It seems, reasoning with them is out.’ Robin pulled out his bō staff and spun it around. 

 

   ‘These guys are insane.’ Artemis pulled the drawstring of her bow back.

 

   Conner spun around and faced Sky. Fists clench, muscles tighten and stance lowers as he prepares to fight.

 

   Sky’s lips curled back. “I’m going to hate this, but man will I be glad I did.” 

 

   Lifting his foot suddenly became a challenge. He would be less frightened if it was nerves, but this. This wasn’t that. 

 

  “What the…” Conner trailed off his feet, stuck firmly to the ground. 

 

   “Skyrocket, Leviathan, maneuver twelve.” Tim’s voice drifted around the team quietly.

 

   “You better take a break after this.” The girl… Leviathan said. “Besides, I’m the leader.” She drew her strange spear back and pointed it in Conner’s direction.

 

   “Kid flash now!” Kaldur’ahm pulled out his weapons, water shot out of the drainage pipes. 

 

   In a blur of yellow and red, Kid Flash collided with the puffy haired boy, while Leviathan threw her spear at Conner.

 

   Electricity cracked against the concrete in front of Conner’s feet and danced brightly across the water that had formed.

 

   ‘They were planning this!’ M’gann floated quickly into the air avoiding the shock.

 

   Conner wasn’t so lucky. His feet didn’t budge, allowing the tendrils of current to fork up his body. His entire body buzzed and his muscles spasmed. 

 

   Falling forward, Conner’s body twitched, violently. 

 

  Robin and Aqualad had made it to higher ground, where they were facing off against Tim. 

 

   Sky strode over to where Conner lay and picked him up by the back of his shirt. Then with ease, he flew up into the sky, high above the clouds.

 

   “Sorry bro, this isn't anything about you. Just the fact that we would rather stay safe.” 

 

   The building roof below suddenly grew close. Conner hit the floor roughly, his breath completely gone from his lungs. 

 

   Sky landed next to him and crouched down and for a moment he saw Lex Luthor. 

 

   The same cold calculating stare and creased brows. The way his frown etched deep into his features. It was so much like Lex. 

 

   “Hey! Skyrocket! Eat this!” Artemis’s voice sounded loudly over the racket. 

 

   An arrow hit Sky head on and green gas clouded around his face. Conner automatically held his breath as Sky backed away with a choked gasp. 

 

   Conner turned onto his side and lifted himself onto his feet. He glared down at Sky’s convulsing body. His fingers clawed at his throat, eyes wide and chest rose in short gasps. 

 

   Finally his eyes fluttered shut and his breathing slowed.

 

   “Are you okay Superboy!?” Artemis called, holstering her bow. 

 

   Hands on his knees, Conner nodded gulping in the air he had lost.

 

————Richard————

 

   This Tim guy was good, even if he was concussed and bloodied. He was very capable. 

 

   Every punch was careful enough to try and subdue them without any harm, but deliberate enough to take them out with one hit. If he landed a shot that is. 

 

   Dick and Aqualad stayed on the defensive, blocking swift kicks and heavy punches. 

 

   Aqualad had dropped his converters when the Leviathan lady threw her lance at Conner and shocked the water. Now he and Dick fought Tim with a bō staff, a few bird-a-rangs, and their fists. 

 

   Dick was regretting not refilling his belt. Bruce would totally be on his ass later. This was not whelming. Not one bit.

 

   While Aqualad blocked a punch, Dick took a step back and reassessed the situation. 

 

   Tim was keeping Aqualad from going behind him and tried to stay at a higher elevation. His eyes kept drifting to Dick. Every time he did there was a small falter in either his stance, block or attack. 

 

   Dick surveyed his surroundings and noticed a pipe. A steam pipe to be exact. A wry smile found its way onto his face. 

 

    Launching off the building wall, Dick skidded over to the pipe and pried it loose. “Aqualad, duck!” 

 

   In a quick motion, Dick opened the pipe and let the steam spew out onto the street. Tim automatically covered his face and took a step back. 

 

   Dick took the opportunity, springing behind Tim and throwing him onto his stomach. 

 

   He flinched when he heard the audible crack from one of Tim’s wrists.

 

    “Nnnn- Mother…. fucker….” Tim held his wrist close to his chest.

 

   Dick kneeled down and pulled out handcuffs. He worked quickly to restrain Tim’s hands behind his back. 

 

   “Watch it!” Tim pulled against the cuffs, only to cry out a moment later as he tugged too hard on his wrist. 

 

   Grabbing his bicep, Dick dragged Tim onto his feet. 

 

   “Alright, let’s get you to the ship,” he said cheekily.

 

————Wally————

 

   The boy with too much hair blew a raspberry in Wally’s face. His smile was very wide and he hadn't stopped moving.

 

    Here’s the thing, Wally would consider himself as a very eccentric and energetic guy. However this boy was like him, but on steroids. Or too much sugar. He did see him buy two monsters last night. Or red bulls… whatever they were. They were energy drinks.

 

   “Too slow!” The boy stopped a few feet away.

 

   Wally sped towards him, his hand reached out, and! Grabbed a trash can lid….. yay…. 

 

   “So close! Maybe just a titch faster next time?” He smirked and left in a blur of white and red.

 

   ‘Need some help!’ Wally pleaded.

 

   ‘Keep him headed north!’ M’gann said.

 

   ‘Got it.’ Wally raced after the boy.

 

   Buildings blurred past, M’gann came into view. She was currently fighting against the Levithan lady. 

 

   He had to admit it. This girl was hot. Her powerful muscles rippled in each movement. The way her short curly hair shone warmly against the sun. Wally felt kinda bad that he was fighting her and her friends. 

 

       Above him the bio-ship loomed. Its weapons engaged onto the puffy haired boy and shot lasers at him. Wally was careful to stay a distance away.

 

   Tripping over a pothole, the boy stumbled forward and tumbled across the ground. He rolled across the cement, skidding into an overturned car. 

 

   “Catalyst!” Leviathan dropped her spear thingy and slid beside the boy- Catalyst. Her fingers pressed against his pulse point of his neck. Her shoulders relaxed and she took a breath.

 

   Wally took his chance and grabbed the spear and held it up to her throat. 

 

   “It's over,” he said, swallowing down the shake in his voice. 

 

   Leviathan inclined her head and glared at Wally. Her fingers twitched and her neutral expression became a sneer. 

 

   A moment of Wally contemplating whether he should piss himself passed, and Leviathan lifted her hands behind her head. 

 

   “You hurt him, I gut you,” she stated. 

 

    Wally took a step back. Yeesh, scary.

 

   M’gann glided in front of him and placed a meta-inhibitor collar around Leviathan’s neck. She then cuffed her wrists together. 

 

   ‘You got Catalyst?’ M'gann’s eyebrows raised in question.

 

   Wally gave a small nod, shook out the last of his jitters, strode over to Catalyst and picked him up. Albeit very slowly and not as gracefully as Kaldur’ahm or Conner would have done it. 

 

   He really needed to workout more.

Notes:

I hope you’ve enjoyed so far! Sorry for the wait, work has been keeping me busy. Please remember to stay hydrated and fed <3

Lots of love
-Al

Chapter 10: Rest, recuperate and negotiate!

Notes:

*Trigger Warning*
-Depictions of:

-Vomiting

-Injury

-Violence

-Implications of Transphobia

-PTSD

————Kon————

 

   When Kon opened his eyes, he was staring at the asphalt. The smell of kryptonite gas tainted his nostrils and there was an iron taste in his mouth. 

 

   Bile rose from the back of his throat and he nearly lost his breakfast.  

 

   “Awake already?” 

 

   Turning his head up, Kon looked up at Artemis. She was a little fuzzy on the corners of his vision and holding his head at that specific angle made the nausea that much worse. 

 

   “If you need me to carry him, Superboy, I can.” Artemis quickened her pace beside Conner, who was the person carrying Kon.

 

   “I’m good.” He adjusted his grip and bounced Kon higher on his shoulder. 

 

   In hindsight, the vomit was definitely pathetic, but man did he enjoy hurling onto Conner’s boots. Especially since it probably went into the heels. 

 

   This of course led to Kon being immediately dropped onto the ground, his stomach doing somersaults as he rolled to his side. 

 

   “Oh, that’s going to be a pain to get out.” Artemis snickered.

 

   Behind him, Kon could hear Conner wrestling off his boots and grumbling to himself. 

 

   Kon rolled onto his knees and tried sitting up. His teeth gritted together when his wrists tugged against firm chains behind his back. They were more tightly bound than the cuffs. The collar around his neck also fit tighter. 

 

   Artemis grabbed Kon by the armpit and forced him to his feet. 

 

   Satisfyingly enough she jumped away when Kon expelled the rest of his stomach contents.

 

   Ahead of Kon the bio ship landed. The door opened revealing M’gann and Wally. They walked down the ramp and stood just at its end.

 

   “Got something for us?” Wally smirked triumphantly. 

 

   Conner nudged Kon towards the ship. His hand carefully placed itself between his shoulder blades and his expression looked conflicted.

 

   Kon took tentative steps to the ship. Each foot fall seemed harder to accomplish. His chest tightened, teeth bared and eyes widened. The entrance to the ship yawned into an inky, black darkness, that gave rise to his anxieties. He couldn’t help but stop short at the ramp. 

 

   He didn’t know why, but the ramp reminded him of his birth place. It reminded him of the hellish hall towards the suffocating tube that made his lungs beg for proper air. It reminded him of the onlookers and shadows that crossed his vision. It reminded him of the room. The room casted in red. Red like the ship.

 

   “No….” Kon took a small step back, his eyes not daring to leave the ship. “I’m not- no.” The ship looked bigger. It looked like it would fall and crush him.

 

   A hand landed on his shoulder. Muffled voices carried into his ears. They sounded garbled, like they were spun in a blender. 

 

   One moment he was staring at the ship, and the next he was back in the labyrinth that was called Cadmus. 

 

   Hands grabbed at him and pushed him in the direction of the darkest hallway. Everything felt all too real and fake at the same time. 

 

   Then just as quick as it started, it ended. He wasn’t in the hallway anymore, but a small ship. With soft buzzing lights and flickering equipment. Equipment that was made for ships. Not clones. 

 

   Conner sat Kon down next to Cassie who was beside an unconscious Bart. 

 

   Bart thankfully didn’t look too badly beaten. Just a few scratches as if it were any other fight. His fluffy hair was now dusty from the dirty ground and his face was covered with grime.

 

   Cassie looked basically the same, with the exception of the gash on her arm. Though it was no longer bleeding. 

 

   “Think Tim got away?” Cassie whispered, leaning into Kon’s shoulder. 

 

   Kon opened his mouth to respond, but stopped when Kaldur’ahm and Robin stepped into the ship with a battered Tim. 

 

   He was much worse for wear. 

 

   His face looked more bruised than not and the heavy bags under his eyes were obnoxiously present. His once decently clean face and hair was dirty and greasy. Sweat dripped down his temple as his gaze landed on Kon. 

 

   “What’d you do to him?” Artemis asked, crossing her arms.

 

   “A lot of this is old, remember?” Robin said defensively, dragging Tim over and sitting him next to Kon.

 

   “Please some of those look a lot worse….”

 

   The voices became further away and the world only became his team. 

 

   “Yikes, that was a hell of an epic fail.” Bart opened his eyes and placed his chin on Cassie’s arm.

 

   “He lives.” Tim said, his shoulders hunched forward, head looking ready to hit the ground. 

 

   “I was awake for a while. Just thought I’d rest my eyes.” He shrugged. 

 

   “Frag this is a nightmare!” Cassie shifted her weight and fell into Kon’s lap causing Bart to fall face first onto the floor. “I need to sleep. Tell me a story babe, so I can sleep blissfully ignorant of our current situation.” 

 

   “Babe?” Tim scoffed as a smile played on his lips. “Since when?”

 

   “Since the day we had hot steamy”-

 

   “No thank you!” Bart sat up, his expression full of distress. “I do not want to be reminded of our Titan days! We were all way to het!” 

 

   Kon barked a laugh. “We were such losers too!”

 

   “Still losers now….” Wally all but whispered.

 

   Tim’s head snapped towards the Young Justice team who were strapping in. Wally was facing Tim, with his head turned away.

 

   “That’s West isn’t it?” He said bitterly.

 

   Wally turned the rest of his body away and towards the front of the ship.

 

   “Rhetorical question?” Kon asked.

 

   “Yup.” 

 

   “If I could nicely ask-“

 

   “You may not throw hands with him.” Cassie interrupted.

 

   Tim rolled his eyes. “Whatever.” 

 

   A fan whirred quietly in the silence.

 

   “What if-“

 

   “No,” Kon said.

 

   “Oh suck on my balls!” 

 

   “That feels like a poor choice of words.” Bart finally joined in.

 

   “Yes it is.” Kon nodded sagely. 

 

   “No it ain’t pal.” Tim rested his head against the wall of the ship.

 

   “It’s rude.” 

 

   “Thank you.”

 

   The group sat in silence for the rest of the flight. Occasionally sniffing or coughing. 

 

   When the ship finally made it back to Mount Justice, Cassie and Tim were asleep. Bart had found a loose panel and pried it off with his foot which he slid around with his heel. 

 

   The door opened and Tim startled awake. His head jolted up from the odd angle he was sleeping in.

 

   Conner stood up from his seat and made his way over to Tim. He grabbed his bicep and lifted him up onto his feet. 

 

   “Let’s go.”

 

   In response, Kon stood up. 

 

   Cassie’s head thunked against the floor.

 

   “Fuck… that hurt….” She lifted herself up and popped her back.

 

   Conner stood at the exit and waited for the others to shuffle out before dragging Tim along. His hand held his arm firmly, keeping him close. 

 

   In the docking bay stood Superman, Batman, Black Canary and Redtornado. 

 

   Lovely.

 

   Clark crossed his arms. 

 

   “This is why you ask not only Black Canary, but also us.” His voice echoed around the large space.

 

   “It was a mistake, but it’s fixed now.” Aqualad stepped in. “I apologize for letting it get so out of hand.”

 

   “I’m disappointed.” Batman glared at Young Justice. 

 

   Kon glanced over at Tim. His cheeks were red, brows furrowed and shoulders hiked up.

 

   Batman took notice and strode over to Tim. His gloved hands grabbed his lower jaw and tilted his face up. Each tilt was examinatory and every lense narrow was that of concern. 

 

   If Kon was reading it right. 

 

   “Robin.” 

 

   “Yeah?” Robin’s back straightened.

 

   “Take Mr.Draper here, to one of the medical rooms. I don’t think he’ll fight back, but I still suggest you use restraints.” Batman said the final sentence directed at Tim in warning.

 

   Robin saluted mockingly. “Right-O.” He grabbed Tim’s arm and led him away.

 

   “As for you two.” He directed his glare at Cassie and Bart. “You’ll be given rooms where hopefully there won’t be any attempts at escape.”

 

   Bart exhaled loudly. 

 

   “Aqualad, you and the rest of your team will give them rooms and are free to go.” 

 

   Kaldur’ahm nodded, walked over to Bart and Cassie and took off their cuffs.

 

   As everyone filed out, Kon gnawed on his lip. Bart gave him one last look before turning the corner. 

 

   “Am I gonna go to jail or something?” Kon asked, looking down at his boots.

 

   “Back at the Hall of Justice there are special holding cells. Due to the mistrust and for safety reasons, we’ll be bringing you there until we can decide what future steps will be,” Batman said.

 

   “Oh…” Kon deflated. 

 

   “We’ll come back tomorrow morning for transfer.”

 

   “Can I have a request?” 

 

   Batman tilted his head. “Go on.”

 

   “Is it possible I can stay with Tim tonight?” 

 

   “I can’t let you do that.”

 

   Kon hung his head. “Okay.” 

 

   “Br-Batman. I think maybe it’d be best if we took him today. I have some time and it would be easier for all of us.” Clark took a step forward. 

 

   Batman’s jaw clenched in contemplation. Finally, “You will be responsible for him.” 

 

   Dread pooled in Kon’s stomach. This was payback wasn’t it? For all the shit he’s pulled?

 

   Clark levitated off of the ground, his red cape cascaded down his shoulders like a grandiose waterfall of blood. 

 

    Floating up next to Kon, Clark scooped him up into a bridle carry. His own body instinctively flinched away. 

 

   Ahead of Kon, the bay doors opened. The alarm rang and the red warning light flashed in quick intervals.

 

   He was really starting to despise that colour.

 

————Tim————

 

    The medical room that Dick had brought Tim to, was small. It was about a half a bus in length and a Honda civic in width. A single bed sat soundly against the far wall. With the two walls -not occupied by the steel door-, neatly lined with cupboards and medical equipment. 

 

   Dick bustled around pulling out different supplies that included: one cast, gauze pads, antiseptic and a roll of bandage wrap. Tim sat on a small stool next to the bed idly. Broken wrist rested on his lap while the other held an ice pack wrapped in a dish towel against the swollen injury. 

 

   Clearing his throat, Dick shuffled a few steps forward. “Due to the fight and the risk that there could be more injuries I’m going to need you to. Uhm well what I’m trying to say is ....” He trailed off with his head downcast.

 

   “He’s going to need you to take off your clothes.” A blonde haired woman with kind blue eyes walked in through the open door. 

 

   Black Canary. Dinah Lance. An extremely talented fighter and an even more patient human being.  

 

   Dick’s shoulders relaxed, his face bright red. “Yeah what she said.” 

 

   Careful not to jostle his wrist, Tim slipped off his shirt, then he took off his shorts, shoes and socks. 

 

   Tim looked down and back up with owlish eyes. “Can I keep my underwear on?” He pointed at his private parts.

 

   Dinah smiled sympathetically. “This has to be a full check up.” 

 

   “Can he not be here then?” Tim gestured to a very uncomfortable Dick, who in response to hearing that nodded enthusiastically.

 

   “One-hundred percent! I think B needs me anyways.” With that, he basically flew out the door and down the hall.

 

   Pursing her lips amusedly, Dinah’s gaze landed back onto Tim.

 

   “Pants off kid.” She turned to one of the drawers, opened it and pulled out a folder labeled: New patient. 

 

   Swallowing loudly, Tim slid off his underwear. His legs crossed and his hands did their best to give himself some privacy.

 

   “I’m not going to judge you kid. I have no interest in children.” Her voice became light and airy. A reassuring smile on her face.

 

   “It’s not that. Anything but, really.” Tim’s arms wrapped around his chest as he stood tall. 

 

   He was never really ashamed to show his parts, in all honesty it was a moment to help the doctors that checked up on him, understand that he was still a boy. That even if he were born a girl, he wasn’t one.

 

   Tim just wasn’t sure how Dinah or this world would view his differences. 

 

   When Tim looked at Dinah, she looked at him with pity. As if what she saw was saddening. Tragic even.

 

   Disdain bubbled in Tim’s stomach as the room fell into a cold and unforgiving silence. 

 

   After a minute of critical looking, Dinah turned around and left the room, leaving the clipboard on the counter. 

 

   The large metal door closed and an audible click sounded within its inner workings.

 

   Tim immediately began scouring the room. He tore apart cupboards and rifled through the drawers until he finally found a small box with a scalpel. 

 

   Below him, Tim reached down and picked up his once discarded clothes and tugged them on. They smelt like dirt, blood, sweat and maybe his own tears, but they were better than nothing.

 

   Reaching to the counter, he picked up the cast Dick left out and carefully secured his wrist. It wasn’t perfect, but it would do.

 

   The door once again clicked and slid open. Though, Tim was ready. He launched at his captor with deadly speed, taking into account the space of the hall he had walked down. A swift kick and roll later, Tim hit the wall outside the room with his shoulder. He grimaced through the pain and began running. 

 

   If he was right, this place had a similar layout to his Mount Justice. If he were wrong? That would be bad. 

 

   Taking a sharp turn, the alarms rang. Each door locked shut, keeping Tim trapped. 

 

   He totally didn’t think this through. 

 

   Looking behind him to see if Dinah was following, Tim was suddenly knocked down by a strong force. Fortunately the force protected his head and locked him into a tight grasp. Unfortunately he was now in a tight grasp.

 

   Tim snapped his teeth at the inky dark glove coming up to his mouth. His scalpel scattered across the floor. The hand persevered through his struggles and clamped his jaw shut. 

 

   A hiss filtered by Tim’s ears and the world began to become very light. Muscle relaxant. 

 

   Specifically, Bruce’s muscle relaxant. 

 

   The hand released from Tim’s mouth. His jaw was already slack and he could feel the saliva on his chin. 

 

   With Herculean effort, he forced himself to swallow. His legs shook and gave way beneath him. Bruce lowered them both to the ground, shushing him softly. 

 

   “It’s okay, you’re safe.” His voice was a whisper in his ear, but it was that same gruff tone that rumbled his chest and buzzed in Tim’s ears.

 

   “No.” Tim’s good hand pried at the arm wrapped around his chest.

 

    “Don’t cry, I’m not going to let anyone hurt you.” One of Bruce’s hands caressed Tim’s head.

 

   Oh. He was crying? The relaxer always shot his nerves. It made him feel so vulnerable.

 

   “Batman!” Dinah came into view, a box securely in her arms. 

 

   “What happened?” He asked, his hand still brushing Tim’s hair. 

 

   “I went to get a steroid testing kit, and the kid got a chance to run when I opened the door coming back.” She brushed a loose strand of hair out of her face. 

 

   “Why not an actual medical kit?” Bruce demanded.

 

   “I think it’s a more private matter to discuss.” Her gaze landed on Tim. 

 

   Bruce stood up, Tim’s head lulled to the side, his eyes glaring wearily at Dinah.

 

   “I’ll take it from her Canary.” He strode past her, his cape billowing past. Then, he  stopped and turned to face her. “You are our most competent member. Whatever personal endeavour you’ve been having for the past few days? Put it aside. You are a hero, act like it.” Bruce spun around and trekked back to the medical room.

 

    Once they arrived at the room, Dick awkwardly shuffled into view. His hand rubbed his head anxiously.

 

   “Hey?” He halfheartedly smiled.

 

   Bruce grunted softly. Which roughly translated to: ‘you aren’t in trouble, just help.’

 

   Tim was set down on the bed and his shirt was cut away with medical scissors. 

 

   Bruce picked up a small device and turned it on. A blue light emitted off the device and moved up and down Tim’s chest and stomach. Then it stopped and beeped. 

 

   His expression was neutral, though the slight loosening of his shoulders was a good sign.

 

   “Robin, get me some cream?” 

 

   “The stuff for bruises or burns?”

 

   “Bruises.”

 

   Dick walked over and handed the container to Bruce, but not before doing a double take on the large, fresh, swollen colouring on Tim’s side. “Yeesh, that looked like it hurt!” 

 

   Bruce took off his glove and dipped his fingers into the container, applying the cream to the injury. His lenses narrowed and his lips pressed together in a thin line.

 

   Tim let out a long sigh and forced himself to deepen his breath. Closing his eyes, he let his mind drift.

 

    ————Cassie————

 

    If Cassie could describe her predicament in one word it would be impotence. The so-called ‘room’ she was put in was just a fancy term for a cell with a mattress. It was only big enough for the bed and little space for stretching.

 

   The walls were an obnoxious beige and the floors were a carpeted grey. Like it was trying its best to hide the layers of metal, lead and rock beneath. It only made her more indignant. 

 

   Bart was in another corridor of the mountain. They needed him for something and it frightened her. What if everyone here were actually mad scientists wanting to study his insides? Or psychopaths that got off hurting people? What if- no! No more what ifs!

 

   The door slid open and Cassie planted her feet. Kon’s counterpart stepped through the threshold with a bowl of steaming hot soup in his hand. He stirred it with a rubber spoon and put it on the ground. Then he nudged it a few centimetres over to Cassie. 

 

   “Thought you could eat.” He crossed his arms and looked away.

 

   Cassie grabbed the bowl and took a tentative bite. Oh man, it was good. She shoveled the flavourful meal into her mouth, nearly choking on it with how much she filled her cheeks. 

 

   Drinking the broth with a quick tilt of the head, she wiped her lips with the back of her hand and placed the empty bowl down. 

 

   Kon watched her quietly as he gnawed on his lip. 

 

   “What?” She asked, sitting down.

 

   “Are you Skyrocket's girlfriend?” 

 

   Cassie threw her head back and laughed. 

 

    “W-what’s so funny?” He stomped his foot forward.

 

   “I-it’s nothing, it's just- oh who am I kidding that’s the funniest fucking thing I’ve heard in days!” Cassie laughed loudly, clutching her stomach. “What a jokester!” She dabbed the tears from her eyes and finally fizzled out.

 

   “Is he?” Kon asked, regaining his composure.

 

   “Is he what?” A girl with a green costume strode into view.

 

   “I was asking if Skyrocket was Leviathan’s boyfriend, Artemis.” Kon said.

 

   Artemis’s hands placed themselves on her hips. “I think we need to have a talk on boundaries.”

 

   “What’s so wrong about asking that?” Kon was oblivious in every universe he existed in wasn’t he?

 

   “Many things!” Cassie and Artemis said in unison.

 

   “How?” He asked, genuinely curious.

 

   “We’ll talk about it later,” Artemis said. She looked over at Cassie. “Sorry about this whole situation. You guys seem like pretty cool people.”

 

   “Nah, I get it!” Cassie in fact did not really get it.

 

   “I’m Artemis, by the way.” She said, gesturing to herself. “And this is Conner.” She pointed at Kon-Conner. 

 

   “Cassie.” No going back now. “How are my friends?”

 

   “Catalyst is actually helping some of our teammates with a case, and Tim is getting fixed up in the medical wing. Though I did overhear some stuff about them needing to get him off some steroids or something.” Artemis shrugged. “That’s what Black Canary told me anyway.”

 

   Cassie’s eyes widened. “Steroids?” 

 

   “Yeah I think he was taking extra Testosterone.” 

 

   Conner arched his eyebrow. “Why would he take extra?”

 

   “To get stronger of course.” Artemis said sagely. “Or you know he might be insecure.”

 

   Cassie clenched her fists. “When I get my hands on the woman!” She abruptly stood.

 

   “Whoa easy there!” Artemis put her hands out blocking the exit from Cassie. 

 

   “Easy? Easy! Hah! Don’t make me laugh!” She sneered.

 

   “It’s not going to hurt him or anything.” Conner stood in the way of the door. 

 

   Cassie bit her tongue. She wasn’t in the advantage. She couldn’t reveal more shit. Not yet, not now. 

 

   The room fell into a heavy silence. Conner and Artemis stared at Cassie curiously. Their muscles were tense and their breaths were hitched. 

 

   “Just leave me alone.” Cassie turned away from them and laid down on the mattress.

 

————Bart————

 

   Sitting down wasn’t Bart’s forte. It was uncomfortable and never just right. It was too stiff or too squishy. Too cold or too hot. Never perfect. 

 

   He was told to sit on a mat while Redtornado stuck probes to his face and chest. Wally and Kaldur’ahm were on the far side of the room next to the computer. Barry was talking with them as he’d been informed of the situation. He stood leaning against the desk occasionally glancing at Bart.

 

   After a while of talking, the group strode over to Bart. 

 

   “So you’re a speedster.” Barry stated.

 

   “Yup!” Bart twirled his hair in front of his face, his eyes crossed. 

 

   “Do you know why you're attached to these probes?” He asked.

 

   “ToseehowI’mwiththespeedforceorifIhavesomedifferences!” 

 

   Wally tilted his head. “What?”

 

   “You’re quite smart.” Barry nodded his head and went to the computer. He typed in a code and hit enter. 

 

   The screen became dark. Slowly small amounts of colours light up the surface. It swirled together in different shades of gold and red. Then it was blue and green and violet. Finally it was white and red and a deep purple. Just like a kaleidoscope. 

 

   “Is that the speed force?” Redtornado asked.

 

   “Yes, but also no?” Barry clicked keys and turned on another screen. It lit up with only gold and red in a tunnel-like formation. “This is how Wally and I perceive the speed force. As you can see this is very symmetrical and the same.” Barry pointed to Bart’s version. “This is perceived in a much more complex way. As if he can see multiple speed forces at once.”

 

   “Bingo!” Bart said with a smile.

 

   “How can you do that?” Wally asked.

 

   “It’s a long story.” He shrugged. 

 

   “We have a lot of time.” Kaldur’ahm crossed his arms.

 

   “Eh, not really….” 

 

   The door on the right slid open, Bruce and Robin walked into the room. Bruce’s eyes flickered over to Bart and he walked over to him. 

 

   “Catalyst, right?” His lenses narrowed. 

 

   “Watch ya need?” Bart spread his legs out into a pizza shape.

 

   “Your friend, Tim, is currently in the med bay. He’s not conscious and I need to know what things he’s allergic to.” 

 

   Bart tapped his chin. “Nothing medical related. However he has an allergy to olives. Last time he had them he just.. puffed right up!” 

 

   Bruce nodded. Then he and Robin left.

 

   “Huh, could have called.” Barry said.

 

   “Two words, Trust issues,” Wally said.

Notes:

Two Chapters in one day! Enjoy :)

Lots of love
-Al

Chapter 11: Stop putting up with everyone’s fucking bullshit! Or maybe do?

Notes:

*Trigger warning*
-Depictions of:

-Swearing

-Violence

-Injury

-Kidnapping

-Talk of Sex

-Mentions of transphobia

(Many of these warnings are blink and you’ll miss it)

   Clark stood just below Kon on the front steps of the hall of justice. His broad shoulders held rigid as the military vehicles filled the front walkways and lawn. 

 

   With deadly efficiency, the soldiers filed out and took their places, guns drawn. Kon didn’t like how the red dots lit his body up like a Christmas tree. Clearly they were after him and not Clark.

 

   The door to one of the vehicles opened and a gruff man hopped out. He was short and stubby, with beefy arms and a scarred face. The uniform he wore was decorated with many badges and medals. 

 

   “Superman! You have something of ours that we need back.” The man flashed his yellow teeth menacingly, his eyes landing on Kon. 

 

   Kon’s lip curled up, a low growl rumbled in his throat. 

 

   Who the fuck were these men thinking he was theirs? 

 

   Clark glanced back, his mouth twisted in a small frown.

 

   “What will you be doing with him?” He asked, placing his hands on his hips.

 

   “Making sure he doesn’t run off again.” The man adjusted the cuffs of his uniform and strolled toward the two aliens. 

 

   “Bullshit! I don’t even know who you fucking are!” Kon snarled. 

 

   He attempted to lunge forward, but was knocked back by Clark’s firm hand.

 

   The man’s face twisted into a sneer. “Don’t listen to him, he’s always been good at manipulating others.” 

 

   Kon stood up, his wrist pulled hard against his cuffs. “I’ll say it one more time. I don’t fucking know you!” His voice boomed across the wide front. Multiple clicks of guns being cocked echoed shortly after.

 

   Clark floated up and back to Kon. “That's enough son.” His large hand fell onto Kon’s shoulder.

 

   “Enough?” -Kon snaps his head at Clark. Eyes wide and face scrunched up- “Enough!? I have had it with you!” He stepped forward, his chest nearly touching Clark’s.

 

   “Calm down. They’re here to help.” 

 

   “You said that before…. And you only made it worse.” His voice broke. Tears pricked hot at the corners of his eyes.

 

   “Skyrocket? Are you alright?” Clark asked quietly.

 

   Kon glared at Clark. “Fuck off.” He shrugged off Clark’s hand and stalked down the steps. 

 

    Ahead of him, one of the vehicles turned around and the back opened. From one prison to another. This was his life now. 

 

   A hand shoved Kon into the metal space. The side of his cheek thudded against the cold ground as the heavy door closed behind him, leaving him in the dark.

 

   The tears flowed haughtily down his cheeks onto the cool metal. God wasn’t he just an idiot. A big fat fucking idiot. He just wanted to go home to his family. He missed his Dad’s midwestern accent and his booming laugh that shook the ground. He missed his Mom’s gentle hugs and violet eyes. Most of all, he missed his brother, who he enjoyed listening to music with on those rainy days. He missed them so-

 

   “Sky?” 

 

   Kon abruptly sat up, the TTK spreading out and feeling his new prison, where it sensed a body. One very familiar body.

 

   “Hon?” 

 

   “Hi…” Sammy’s small voice sounded from the furthest corner. 

 

   “Guess this isn’t really the military?” 

 

   The truck rumbled to life and jolted forward as Kon scooted next to Sammy.

 

   “This is my fault isn’t it?” She condemned, shuffling as she adjusted Kon’s leather jacket. 

 

   “It’s not your fault hon. Just the wrong place, at the wrong time.” He lowered his neck and rested his head on hers.

 

   “I want my mom.” A sob escaped her small body, tears flowed down her cheeks like gushing rivers. 

 

   Kon’s stomach twisted into a knot. Every second wasting away in this universe hit him. Every second that caused him unprecedented amounts of frustration, exhaustion and fear finally bubbled under his skin. 

 

   The TTK buzzed just beneath his muscles. It pushed its way just past his fingertips and up around his body. The collar clicked open and clattered to the ground. Each cuff heavily thumped against the smooth surface of the truck bed. The chains rattled as they bounced.

 

   “Sky?” Sammy sounded apprehensive. Her voice shaking just as much as her hands which clung to Kon’s side like it were the only thing keeping her from the looming dread. 

 

    “I think it’s about time I took this situation seriously, don’t ya think?” A smile split Kon’s serious face. His eyes grew red with heat, lighting up the dark, enclosed space. 

 

   Squishing herself into Kon, Sammy wrapped her arms around him. A wet laugh bubbled in her chest, and her once sad tears were filled with joy.

 

   Ahead of the two was the thick metal door. It stood strong with intimidation. 

 

   Though, it was nothing Kon couldn’t handle. 

 

   Standing up, he set Sammy onto his hip and held her close. 

 

   “Lovely lady, this is your captain speaking.” 

 

   His weight shifted to his back foot.

 

   “We wanted to thank you for choosing to fly with Skyrocket airlines!” 

 

   The metal box was now fully encased with a red glow.

 

   “Please remember to fasten your TTK seatbelts; store away your trays; and turn your devices off!”

 

   The door melted into bright orange molten. The sun casted it rays on Kon and Sammy. 

 

   “And remember.” Kon bared his teeth in a wicked smile. “Have an excellent flight.”

 

   The warm air welcomed them as weightlessness settled over Kon. He flew high  over the vast landscape with Sammy on his side. Her squeals of delight echoed across the roads. Mount Justice wasn’t far. Not with a TTK boost and kryptonian speed.

 

   Faster than a bullet, Kon cut through the air. 

 

   Low rise skyscrapers came into view with the monstrous mountain protecting the city from behind. Feet landing against the concrete, he gently put Sammy down. 

 

   Kon looked at the mountain, his lips pulling into a frown. 

 

    “I’m not sure I’ll see you again hon.” He said.

 

   “Why not?” Sammy’s lower lip began to quiver. 

 

   “I…. I need to help my friends. And then we need to go home.” Lowering down onto his knee, Kon smoothed out his jacket that Sammy wore. The TTK unlocked the meta collar around her neck. It clattered to the ground.

 

   “Can’t I visit you?” Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.

 

   Kon stood up and floated away towards the mountain. “I’m sorry hon.” He raced off to help his friends, all of the while Sammy begged for him to come back. 

 

   “Focus, Kon. It’s time to get your head in the game.” 

 

   The mountain came into view. The bay doors were open, revealing Clark and Bruce talking with each other. Maneuvering to the side, Kon placed his back against the mountain side and strained his ears to listen. 

 

   “…Did you get him to the hall?” Bruce asked.

 

   “The military came by and took him. Turns out he was an experiment that went off and escaped.” 

 

   “Hn…”

 

   “What?”

 

   “That’s suspicious. How could an experiment have that many allies and an entire suit in the span of a few days of escape?” 

 

   “They could also be government property?”

 

   Kon grinded his teeth at Clark’s words. Government property. Was he crazy?

 

   “Tim has a lot more scars than you counted, Clark” Bruce’s tone shifted into something of concern. 

 

   “I didn’t give you an exact number, Bruce. You need to elaborate on that.”

 

   “Every inch of that boy's skin has either a burn, a bite or a scratch. If he looks like that, imagine what Skyrocket has gotten. Imagine what shit they put him through!”

 

   A tinge of warmth filled Kon’s chest. Sure he wasn’t ever with this government before, but the idea that Batman cared for him. Even in this universe, it was calming. 

 

   “I can talk to the general tomorrow.” Clark sounded defeated. Maybe even sympathetic.

 

   Kon slipped into the bay as the conversation carried on. The TTK worked to conceal his sounds. Slowly, but carefully he made his way to one of the vents. With ease he slipped inside and made his way to the medical wing. 

 

   Dust tickled Kon’s nose as he crawled through the vents. At one of the grates, a few voices drifted in.

 

   “I still do not understand why you lied to Artemis about getting the boy off of steroids.” Redtornado’s voice was definitely more monotone in this universe. Or maybe less sarcastic.

 

   Kon stared through the vent and watched Redtornado talk with Dinah. 

 

   “I didn’t want them to know about his … situation. They are young and most of them don’t understand these things.” Dinah bit her lip. “Though I do worry about them finding the testosterone that’ll be delivered later today.” 

 

   “I will help conceal the medication.” 

 

   Dinah smiled. However, it faltered. “I need to apologize to Tim. He probably thought I was some TURF with the way I ran out on him.” She sighed. “But I digress.”

 

   Kon shuffled away further into the mountain. 

 

   The next person he came across was thankfully his friend Cassie. She was lying on a thin mattress curled into herself. Tears streamed down her face which she was desperately trying to wipe away.

 

   TTK unscrewed the tall vent and it gently fell. The TTK made sure the landing wasn’t loud. 

 

   Cassie looked up. “Kon?” 

 

   Sticking his head out of the vent, he grinned. “How’s it going?”

 

   “Kon! You big idiot! How did you escape!” Hopping to her feet, Cassie jumped and grabbed the threshold of the vent opening. A wide smile graced her lips.

 

   “They still don’t know of my super secret awesome power.” He scooted back into the ventilation system, allowing Cassie access.

 

   Rolling her eyes, Cassie leaned in and hugged Kon. He welcomed it with a loud rumble from his chest. Wonderful warmth spread in every limb, and his grip tightened around her back. The TTK clicked off Cassie’s collar. 

 

   She inhaled deeply, joints popped and muscles relaxed. “Man that feels good.”

 

   Kon buried his head into the crook of her neck and shoulder. He pulled Cassie in closer and his legs wrapped around her. 

 

   Patting her back, Cassie said, “You really are just a big baby.”

 

   Kon’s shoulders shook. “Shut up.”

 

   “I missed you too, bud.” 

 

   After a few minutes of hugging, Kon and Cassie crawled down the vents. 

 

   “Do you think any of them are dating?” Cassie broke the silence.

 

   “Megan and Conner have a weird, will they won’t they thing going on.”

 

   “You think they’ve ever done it in the vents?” 

 

   “Ew! Cassie that’s fucking gross!” Kon hissed. 

 

   “We were doing it in weird places at their age. So why not them?” She pushed past Kon, the smell of sweat and blood filling his nostrils. 

 

   “They give no sex till marriage vibes. We gave off the "let's do it unprotected in an alley in Gotham vibes.” Kon helped Cassie squeeze in front. 

 

   “I mean, we did, do it in a barn for the first time!” She laughed.

 

   “Weren’t we rebels.” 

 

   They fell into a comfortable silence with the only sound being the popping of metal as it went back into place.

 

   “…. You radioed us what’s going on?” Clark’s voice found its way into Kon’s ears, 

 

    “Tim and I have something to say!” Bart said.

 

   Kon pushed Cassie forward. “Left.” 

 

   Searching Kon, Cassie slowly realized and followed his instruction.

 

   “And Tim is here and not resting because?” Clark sounded like a disappointed mother, scolding her children. 

 

   “He’s quite convincing,” Robin said, sounding quite sheepish.

 

   Cassie and Kon made it to the vent door and looked into the large room. Clark and Bruce stood at the entrance, their suits contrasting each other’s like day to night. Bart wiggled on the floor, his fingers playing with some wires. Young Justice stood huddled next to the computer with Tim close by. He was sitting on one of the rolly chairs with a Nintendo DS in hand and wearing what looked to be a medical gown and knee high grippy socks. His left wrist was neatly wrapped in a cast, making his grip in the DS seem harder.

 

   It kinda reminded Kon of a psych ward patient. Or maybe that was just how Tim always looked, and the gown and socks were what really accentuated his state of being. 

 

   Barry, Dinah and Redtornado were close by as well, each of them standing with either their arms crossed or hands on their hips. 

 

   Wait. 

 

   Since when did Barry get here?

 

   “So what did you want to tell us?” Wally said, his hand currently in a bag of chips. 

 

   “That me and my friends are from an alternate universe!”

 

   Cassie slapped her hand on her face. 

 

   Kon nearly collapsed.

 

   Tim looked unfazed.

 

   And everyone else was dead silent.

 

   The silence was broken by Wally laughing. They cut through the air like a knife. “You can’t be serious! Not only are you guys idiots, you're also insane!”

 

   “Yeah, that's a little far-fetched,” Conner said, his nose scrunched.

 

   “This is why you don’t say anything to close minded individuals, Catalyst.” Tim’s eyes were fixated on the game he was playing. Kon’s guess. Animal crossing. 

 

   “If you spoke, you’d be sent straight to Arkham.” Bart twirled the wire into a spring shape. 

 

   “Jason was put into Arkham. Dick spent an entire nightmare sequence hopped up on drugs, in Arkham. And I only got put into a hospital once for my whole angst era. So clearly I’m doing better.”

 

   “You just explained why your family should be deemed insane by the courts.” Bart deadpanned. 

 

   “Which court? The court of law or the Owls?” Tim smirked.

 

   “Okay, how about we start at the beginning!” Clark interrupted.

 

   “I agree,” said Barry, a notepad and pen in hand. “You said you were from an alternate universe?” 

 

   “You believe them?” Wally asked.

 

   “We are beings that can time travel. Dimensions and Universe aren’t off the table.” 

 

   “Damn never thought they’d believe us!” Cassie said.

 

   Kon glared at her. “Really?”

 

   “Who’s there!?” Kaldur’ahm demanded as Artemis pulled an arrow and secured it to her bow. 

 

   Cassie promptly punched open the vent and hopped onto the ground, with Kon following shortly after. “No need to be so paranoid!”

 

   “Took you guys long enough!” Tim looked up from the DS and smiled.

 

   “I was actually hoping to save you in three to four business days, but Cassie is extremely impatient. Maybe we should do another re-vote.” 

 

   “I’ve been the leader for the past five years! You can shut your trap!” 

 

   “How did you escape?” Clark asked, his eyes widening. 

 

   “Like Greta always says, it’s a secret!” 

 

   His friends collectively groaned. 

 

   “Ugh that was worse than my puns!” Bart cried. 

 

   “So all of you are from a different universe than our own?” M'gann asked, ignoring the squabbling.

 

   “Correct!” Kon finger gunned at the group. 

 

   “So who are you exactly? If you're from a different universe, there will still be similarities to us.” Batman’s lenses narrowed. 

 

   Bart’s face lit up like a million suns. “Can I show them? PleasepleasepleasepleasePLEASE!” 

 

   “Go ahead.” Cassie said.

 

   “Yippie!” Bart pulled out a usb from his pocket with a label called, ‘Meet Young Just Us & Friend.’ He then brought it over to the computer and inserted it into one of the sockets.

 

   “What’s this supposed to be?” Conner asked, taking a few steps back to watch the screen.

 

   “Shh, just watch!” Bart vibrated happily, his hands flapped and his shoulders bounced.

 

   -The video counts down from three seconds and fades to the YJ mansion. It shakes as Bart turns it around and shows his face. He is younger and his freckled face still has baby fat. 

 

   “Welcome to Young Just Us’s Hq! If you’re watching this either I’m dead or you searched my person and I’ve just doomed humanity!” His smile was wide and his eyes gleamed with mischief.

 

   The camera turned back around and faced the mansion. 

 

   “I’m your camera man Bart! And today I’m gonna show you my team!” His voice was high pitched and happy.

 

   He stomped up the steps and swung the door open. 

 

   On the steps to the upstairs sat Dick, who was currently texting on his phone. He was wearing a black tank top and beige jean shorts. The tattoo of the Romani flag on his right shoulder looked new and recently done.

 

   “I thought you left!” Bart cried.

 

   Dick looked up and smiled. “I was dropping off Tim’s tape and got distracted on my phone. I was just about to leave.” His voice had a slight accent to it. It was a mix of French and possibly middle eastern.

 

   “I guess I have to introduce you then,” Bart said in disgust.

 

   “Oh?” He ran his fingers through his curly hair. 

 

   “Strangers, this is Tim’s older brother, Richard. He is the vigilante known as Nightwing.”

 

   “You know everyone calls me Dick.” He teased, pocketing his phone. “Anyway tell Tim, Bruce wants him to join us for dinner this weekend.” 

 

   The camera shook as Bart walked away. “Grife! Dicks not even on the team! He’s the leader of the Titans.” 

 

   “Who are you talking to?” Cassie popped her head into view. Her long blond hair tied back into a ponytail.

 

   “This is Cassandra Sandsmark! She’s the current Wonder girl!” Bart exclaimed.

 

   “And you’re Impulse.” She left the view of the camera. “We’re having pasta for dinner by the way!”

 

   “Cassie is the best!” Bart kept walking down the hall. 

 

   “Kon stop! That tickles!” The camera's mic picked up Tim’s childish giggles. It was higher than now and sounded more feminine. 

 

   “You were the one who wanted a back rub! That means you should stop laughing!” 

 

   Bart turned the corner into a large room with floor to ceiling windows. It looked out over the vast green forest. 

 

   The room itself had soft looking couches with magazines on coffee tables. A door to a sauna stood on the far wall and incense burners lined a few shelves. Closest to the tall windows was a massage table. Tim was in the sphinx pose with a pillow propping up his chest as well as doing the job of hiding it. 

 

   Kon stood over him like an exasperated mom. A bottle of lotion in his hand. 

 

   “This is Kon-el and Timothy Drake! They helped form Young Justice!” He walked closer to the two boys. 

 

   “Are you making another death video again?” Kon squirted some lotion into his hand. 

 

   “Yes!”

 

   “You better blur this!” Tim hugged the edges of the pillow to his sides.

 

   “It’s fine! No one can see your weird chest!” Kon argued, his hands rubbing the lotion into Tim’s back.

 

     Tim rolled his eyes and looked back at Bart. “Anyway, I’m Tim Drake and I’m the current Robin.” He waved his hand around. “Originally it was Dick, but he grew out of it, then it was Jason, but he’s now six feet deep with a Joker brand mark on his face and then I took over.” 

 

   “Your Dad’s a maniac, letting you fight.” Kon said.

 

   “Hey! He didn’t have a choice! We would’ve done it anyway!” Tim kicked Kon’s thigh.

 

   “Well guess I should introduce myself.” Kon worked out Tim’s shoulders. “I’m Kon-el, Superboy, Superman’s Son! Clone … no definitely son!” 

 

   “No wonder you're so dumb. You got Kal’s Kansas personality and his weird psychopathic tendencies.” 

 

   “I will replace this lotion with Elmers glue!” 

 

   “Yeah this is the video I’m showing the world when we all get bodied by Darsied because we gave him cole.”

 

The video pauses on Kon and Tim. Their faces contorted into that of protest.

 

   “I thought you’d use a more flattering video,” Cassie said. 

 

   “Okay, that was a lot to take in….” Artemis said.

 

   “So you really are from another world.” Dinah stated. 

 

   “Yes.” They all said in unison. 

 

    “Why’d you not say anything from the beginning?” Conner asked.

 

   Kon raised an eyebrow. “You really don’t know?”

 

   “We acted out violently, caused you all a great deal of stress, violated your boundaries and perceived as a threat that was deemed just, but we did not act accordingly to your ages.” Batman said. “So, yes we do know.”

 

   “So. That means we need to help you get home.” M’gann folded her fingers together. 

 

   “Not really. We just need a good tech lab so I can work my magic!” Bart said, cracking his knuckles.

 

  “And some new clothes, possibly an area where we can create some super suits.” Tim clicked on the DS buttons.

 

   “And these collars need to come off. It’s really making me feel weird sub vibes.” Bart tugged on the collar.

 

   “You are an uncultured swine.” Kon crossed his arms, the TTK snaking up Bart and releasing the collar. It dropped to the floor loudly. 

 

   “I could just kiss you!” Bart sped away and back, now with a box of cookies in hand. “However, I don’t want to get a weird disease.”

 

   “Can I throw him into orbit?” Kon asked.

 

   “That would be a hard no.” Standing up from his chair, Tim strolled over to where everyone was grouping together.

 

   “How did you do that?” Redtornado asked.

 

   “Magic.” Kon wagged his fingers.

 

   “Hn.” Batman crossed his arms. “My team will be leaving. Kaldur’ahm will handle everything here. Tomorrow we will return with items that will benefit you.”

 

   “Like better fitting clothes?” Kon asked. 

 

   Batman nodded, spun on his heels and left the room with the others hot on his heels, leaving Young Justice and Young Just Us alone.

 

   “It has been a long week, I need to go and watch some T.V.” Artemis reached for the sky with her arms, joints cracking. 

 

   “Dido!” Wally put his hands in his pockets and strolled away. 

 

   “M’gann, Conner, you two can find our guests a suitable place to sleep.” Kaldur’ahm gestured to Kon and his friends.

 

   “Why us?” Conner asked.

 

   “Do you have anywhere important to be?”

 

   “No.”

 

   “Then you can find them a place to sleep.” 

 

   “Fine.” 

 

   Kaldur’ahm looked at Cassie. “You’re the leader I presume?” 

 

   “Yes.” She nodded curtly, and put out her hand. “Cassie.”

 

   “Kaldur’ahm, but Kaldur also works fine.” He took her hand. 

 

   Kon sighed, his shoulders falling limply. Everything in his being felt relieved. Rao, he needs to take a nap.

Notes:

Sorry about the wait! Please enjoy this chapter!
Lots of love
-Al

Chapter 12: Find the pieces to get home and possibly meet the Kents’ along the way

Notes:

*Trigger Warning*
-Depictions of:

-Disassociation

-Discussions of trauma

-Romantic and Platonic kissing

-Implication's of sex between two consenting adults

-Swearing

-Sparring

-Yelling

-Clark

————Conner————

 

   Everyone was in the break room hanging around. Conner stared at the T.V, watching the cartoon play out. No one could decide on what to watch so it just became whatever channel number was pulled out of a hat. The channel which aired The Looney Toons became the winning number. Now Conner, Bart and M’gann watched Bugs Bunny pull some weird shit.

 

   Cassie had taken over the kitchen with Robin. They were making some chicken fried rice that surprisingly smelled good.

 

   Kaldur’ahm and Wally were playing checkers. So far Kaldur’ahm was winning with Wally nearly out of pieces and close to falling on the floor in shame. 

 

   Tim and Kon-el were away from everyone else playing a game of UNO. 

 

   Tim had his left arm folded in his lap, with his right hand holding the cards. Every time he grabbed a card he struggled to keep it in his grasp, the cast being a hindrance. Kon’s feet were propped up on Tim’s knees and a smile with an emotion he couldn’t quite place, hung on his lips. 

 

   The game was a quiet match with occasional moves. Though they were constantly holding back laughs. Conner couldn’t see what was so funny. Maybe it was the fact Tim still wore the medical gown. Or that Kon-el had taken off his shirt and it hung on his head like a weird looking wig. 

 

   Whatever it was it made Conner itch to find out. 

 

   Before he could ask though, M’gann leaned into Conner, her head resting on his shoulder. Her hand traced his leg absentmindedly as she watched the show. 

 

   He looped his arm around her and placed his hand on the small of her back, his face heating up when she nuzzled in closer. 

 

   “Guys dinner!” Robin called. 

 

   Everyone got up from their spots and slowly made their way to the small bar. Conner sat down on the second to last stool with M’gann sitting on the end one. Tim took a seat next to Conner with Kon-el sitting next to him. 

 

   Cassie dished out the rice into bowls and slid them over. Conner slowly ate the meal, enjoying its flavour. He’s never had fried rice before. It was better than he expected.

 

   “So Conner.” Tim asked, his icy eyes fixated on the other's face. “I’m curious what your powers are.”

 

   His fingers curled into a fist, something about Tim didn’t sit right with him. “My powers?”

 

   “Mhm.” He poked at his food. Not once has he taken a bite.

 

   “I have super strength, invulnerability, infrared vision and a super leap.” 

 

   “What power do you prefer?”

 

   Conner bristled. “Why do you want to know so much about me?”

 

   Straightening his spine, Tim tilted his head. “I’m genuinely curious about what you can do.” 

 

   “This conversation is done,” He spat.

 

   “Sorry for offending you.” Tim looked back at his food and used his fork to stir it around.

 

   After thirty or so minutes, almost everyone had finished eating. Conner had been put on dish drying duty with Bart, who was talking his ear off with useless information about airplanes. 

 

   His friends and guests talked amongst each other happily. Almost everyone was helping in some way, except for Tim. He was still in the same position of stirring his food, not even blinking. It was unsettling to say the least.

 

   Bart stopped talking for a moment and looked over at Tim. 

 

   “You there dude?” He asked, tapping the table.

 

   Tim blinked a few times, but didn’t say anything.

 

   “Cassie?” Bart asked desperately, his eyes scanning for his friend. 

 

   She looked up from her spot at the sink. “Yeah Bart?”

 

   “Tim’s not here anymore.” 

 

   She looked up and over at Tim, brows knitted together, quickly dropped her sponge and strode over to him.

 

   She placed her hand on Tim’s back and helped him on his feet, guiding him over to the couch. 

 

   “Is he alright?” Conner asked, drying a bowl.

 

   “It really depends.” Bart watched Cassie hold Tim close. “Sometimes he gets like this after bad experiences. It’s a weird trauma response, where he just shuts down.” 

 

   “How often does it happen?” Conner was beginning to feel guilty about all the times he felt jealous of Tim.

 

   “Not often, just when things get bad for his body. Either physically or emotionally.”

 

   “Is he the only one?”

 

   “We all deal with shit differently.” Bart shrugged. “Cassie gets angry and smashes everything in sight. I run until all the jitters get out. Kon likes to find people and cling to them; and Tim. Well you know. Shuts down.” 

 

    Cassie and Tim stood up from the couch. For the first time, Conner really saw how exhausted Tim really looked; his shoulders were hunched forward and his frame heavily leaned against Cassie. Bruises covered his face as if someone had taken a paint brush of blues and purples and coloured his pale skin. His eyelids drooped and his chest rose and fell quickly.

 

   Kon-el, who was putting dishes away, snapped his head toward Tim. “Is everything okay?” He nudged past the others and over to where Cassie and Tim stood. 

 

   The others had stopped talking and watched.

 

   “Something going on?” Artemis asked.

 

   Kon-el gently cupped Tim’s cheeks. “Hey you.” 

 

   Shoulders shaking, tears ran down Tim’s face. “Fuck. Kon. I….-“

 

   “I know. I know. Come here.” Gingerly, Kon-el pulled Tim into his chest. Cassie kept a firm grounding hand on his shoulder.

 

   “Is he alright?” Kaldur’ahm asked.

 

   “I think Tim and I are going to call it a night. We’ll see you guys in the morning.” Kon-el smiled half-heartedly, grabbed Tim’s hand and they left the room. Their footsteps echoed down the hall and faded into light pattering steps.

 

   As the night grew on, Wally, Robin, Artemis and Kaldur’ahm left for their respective homes. Wherever that may be. Bart had turned in for the night an hour ago and Cassie was flicking through the channels.

 

   M’gann and Conner were aimlessly moving around the dark kitchen, doing some reorganizing. 

 

   The T.V light cast harsh shadows into the room, the corners were darker than the inky blackness of the deepest dark. 

 

   Yawning loudly, M’gann rubbed her eyes. 

 

   “Do you want to go to bed now?” Conner whispered.

 

   The only response he got was a green hand intertwining with his own. It was warm and soft and everything, nice. 

 

   “We’re going to bed. Night.” 

 

   “Don’t fall in.” Cassie flicked through another channel.

 

   Conner and M’gann shared a look of confusion.

 

   “We’ll try not to?” M’gann said.

 

    ***

 

   The light to Kon-el’s room shone through under the door. Conner and M’gann stood by it contemplating on whether they should knock or just go to their rooms.

 

   With newfound courage, Conner knocked on the door. 

 

   Kon-el opened the door, the orange lamplight cascaded into the hall. He was currently in a bathrobe. His hair was damp and his curls looked tighter than before. Water dripped off the edge of each curl and down his face.

 

   “Need something?”

 

   “Just checking in.” M’gann said.

 

   “You didn’t have to, but I appreciate it.” He smiled and shut the door.

 

————Kon————

 

   Kon leaned against the door, listening to Conner and M’gann’s receding footsteps. He heard them say their good nights and go their separate ways.

 

   Lifting his head, Kon walked back over to the bed and sat down on the cushy mattress. He rubbed the back of his neck and made his way to the bathroom.

 

   The curtain was half drawn with Tim standing inside the tub. The fingers of his right hand worked to get the conditioner out of his hair. His broken wrist was held close to his chest with the cast discarded on the counter. Kon made sure the TTK kept the wrist set.

 

   Steam clouded the mirror and the temperature of the water was turned nearly all the way. Goosebumps covered Tim’s forearms and he shivered.

 

   Kon took off the bathrobe and stepped into the shower, his arms tightly wound around Tim’s waist.  

 

   “I missed you so much.” His lips pressed against Tim’s shoulder and made their way to his neck. 

 

   A content sigh sounded from Tim, his head fell back into Kon. “I missed you too. Oh, god I missed you so much.” He turned around and pressed himself into Kon’s body. 

 

   In that moment of connection, of beautiful intimacy did Kon finally feel okay. Every kiss became more passionate and more needed. And just like that the night became a passing minute of togetherness.

 

   Opening his eyes, Kon looked over at the clock; 8:30 am, it read. 

 

   Tim’s body was on top of his. His hand ran down Tim’s toned back and traced the lines of each muscle. His fingers then ran up his spine following the perfect line. 

 

   “You're so handsome.” Kon whispered.

 

   “Mmm, I know….” Tim smiled into Kon’s neck.

 

   “Are you hungry?” 

 

   Lifting his head, Tim fondly caressed Kon’s cheek. “Famished.” 

 

   “I bet I can cook something up.” 

 

   The eggs sizzled on the hot pan. Kon diced a tomato, a bundle of basil, a stem of chives and dropped it into the pan. He then sprinkled a pinch of salt and a handful of pepper onto the food. 

 

   “You’ve always been a good cook.” Tim said from the couch, as he pulled the bathrobe closer to his person, a smile on his face.

 

   “I’ll be a great house-spouse then.” The omelette crackled when Kon flipped it over. 

 

   “Good morning everyone!” Wally stepped into the room. “I thought I’d get here early and- woah it smells like heaven in here!”

 

   “That would be Kon’s amazing cooking skills.” Tim said.

 

   “Damn, not just Cassie, but also you? Is it your entire team that can make gourmet meals?” Wally flopped down on the couch next to Tim.

 

   “Yeah we all had training from Alfred and my Grandma And Grandpa.” Kon flipped the omelette one more time and slid it onto a plate. He cut it in half and put it on another. Cutting up some strawberries he put it onto the plates, then he poured coffee into two mugs. 

 

   “Wally? You’re here early.” Conner’s hair was mused and his shirt was wrinkled. 

 

   M’gann followed closely behind. “WOW it smells amazing, in here.” 

 

   “Shit, I was really hoping none of you guys were going to be here.” Kon balanced the two plates and coffee cups between his hands. 

 

   “Oh just for you and Tim.” Wally looked like he was about to melt into the couch.

 

   “Yeah. Sorry.” Kon handed Tim the plate and cup.

 

   Conner and M’gann settled down on the empty couch. 

 

   “It’s fine, we were going to make pancakes later anyway.” M’gann said dismissively.

 

   Wally stared at the food like a starved puppy. “Yeah …. Not a big deal.”

 

   At 10:00 am, the kitchen and rest of the hangout room was packed. Young Justice, Young Just Us and the adults from the day before were sitting in bean bag chairs, couches and stools. 

 

  “We have a lot to discuss this morning.” Bruce sat in one of the chairs with poise. His inky cape draped down across his shoulders and back. 

 

   “There’s some things Bart is going to need if we’re going to be able to get home in one piece.” Kon gestured with his steaming cup of tea, another was firmly in his other hand which he handed to Tim. 

 

   “I’d also like some supplies for some new suits,” Tim said, taking a sip from his cup.

 

   “Very well. I’ll inform the rest of the hero’s and vigilante’s to keep a lookout for any of the materials you need.” Bruce swirled his glass of water.

 

   “We’ll send you a list then,” Bart said.

 

   From there the conversation ended and became multiple, filling the room with constant voices.

 

   Tim and Kon were having a simple talk about different kinds of tea when Robin came over and greeted them. “Me and the rest of my team are going to the training room with Dinah, you’d like to join us?”

 

   Finishing his cup, Kon tilted his head at Tim.

 

   “Might as well.” Tim stood up from his spot on the couch. “We’ll be there in a few minutes, need to get dressed first.”

 

   “B actually put some new clothes on the counter for you guys over there.” Robin pointed to where four large paper bags sat. “Hopefully they’ll be nicer and fit better.”

 

   Kon nodded and strolled over to the counter where he examined the bags, picked the two labeled Tim and Kon-el, turned around and left for his room.

 

   In the bedroom, Kon slid on a well fitted, white T-shirt and soft burgundy cargo pants. Tim, who had put on a black tank top, grey knee length shorts, obnoxiously long socks with the trans colours -because of course it was Bruce who did the shopping- and Kon’s red fingerless gloves, -with the left one somehow over the cast- was fixing his hair in the mirror. 

 

   The thin comb he used, pulled each strand of hair back neatly. His shorter bangs fell in front of his face and he fussed with pushing them back behind his ear.

 

   On the bed, Kon watched Tim with a lazy smile. A laugh bubbled in his chest and he rested his head on his cheek. “You don’t need to worry about your hair, we’ll be sparing anyway.” 

 

   Sighing heavily, Tim plucked a bandana from the paper bag next to the sink and pushed his hair back, tying the ends firmly beneath his head. 

 

   As Kon sat up he grabbed his washed boots and slid them on.

 

   Tim tightened his red converse and looped the strings into bows. He stood up and dust himself off. “Okay, ready.” 

 

   “You look like you can kick ass while enjoying some iced tea.” Kon pulled Tim in and kissed his soft lips. 

 

   “We can complement each other later, we have training to do.” Pulling away, Tim exited the room and made his way down the hall.

 

   The training hall. Was big. The walls of the room stretched up into the ceiling like skyscrapers and the floor could hold at least a hundred people. 

 

   “Welcome, I’m glad you could join us today,” Dinah said, a smile on her face.

 

   “Glad to be here,” Kon said, standing next to Young Justice with Tim.

 

   “Since I actually haven’t seen you fight before, I want to pair you off with people who are similar to you.” Dinah scanned the room. “Conner, you will fight Kon-el and I want Artemis against Tim.”

 

   “Wouldn’t Robin be a better pick?” Artemis asked.

 

   “I think I know how that fight will play out and this will also help with your short range fighting.” 

 

   “We can go first then,” Tim said, rolling his shoulders.

 

   “I’m not really sure about this, you’re still pretty banged up.” Artemis stepped onto the holographic floor, gesturing to Tim’s wrist.

 

   “Don’t worry, Kon will make sure I don’t injure myself.” Tim pointed at Kon, a playful smirk gracing his lips. 

 

   “Begin!” Dinah said.

 

   Kon didn’t bother watching the fight, the TTK was already spread around the entire room. It made sure Tim was okay and made it more difficult for them to throw fast hits. Tim said he liked it like that. It made fighting harder and forced him to push himself.

 

   “I heard what happened last night. Is Tim okay?” Dinah stood next to Kon and kept her words just above a whisper.

 

   Kon shrugged. “He’s better, just needed some rest.” 

 

   Dinah nodded and reached into her jacket pocket. She pulled out a glass bottle the size of her palm. “This is for him, so he doesn’t miss his day.” She put the bottle in Kon’s hand.

 

   Examining it, he traced the label that described what kind of Testosterone it was.

 

   “I hope that will do?” She asked.

 

   “I’ll let him know about it later, he’ll be very happy.”

 

   Artemis let out a surprised yell as she was thrown to the ground. The indicator on the floor flashed red. 

 

   “Did not see that coming.” 

 

   Tim offered his good hand. “You did well, just don’t underestimate me next time.”

 

   Artemis took it in stride and smiled. “Not too shabby yourself.”

 

   “Guess it’s our turn,” Conner mumbled.

 

   “Yep.” Kon stepped onto the floor and took a simple brawler's stance. 

 

   Conner stood tall, his fists at his sides.

 

   “Begin!”

 

   Conner ran at Kon like a bull, his fist coiled back. 

 

   Guiding his hand away, Kon watched Conner stumble forward, his body tilting.

 

   Kon never really got to see Conner’s fighting style because both times they fought, one had an advantage over the other. This was the first time they were on equal ground. 

 

   However, it was showing how little Conner knew. 

 

   Every punch was controlled, yes, but it was easily seen and didn’t have enough power. He was used to being faster and stronger than the others and getting away with this fighting style.

 

   Kon used to fight like that. He relied too much on the TTK for help. It was only when he lost his power that he really started to train. He strived to be just as good as Tim. He was glad he didn’t skip those days.

 

   “Stop facing me head on, you’re only going to keep missing.” Kon dodged another punch. “Find a new angle!” He kicked Conner’s back and sent him flying onto his face. 

 

   The indicator flashed red and the buzzer rang. 

 

   “You're better than I thought!” Robin said. 

 

   “I’m the heavy hitter of the team, I need to be able to flow better.” Kon grabbed Conner’s bicep and helped him up. “You fight like a bull. You have control of your emotions which is good, but you only punch one way. You are only still here because of your team and your strength and speed. Do not rely on it. If you lost that power you’d be vulnerable and very much dead.” 

 

   Kon let go of Conner and stood next to Tim, slinging an arm around his shoulder.

 

   “Those were some good notes Kon-el,” Dinah said. “But, I think explaining one thing at a time is better.”

 

   “Doing one thing at a time is what gets you killed.” Kon clenched his fist. 

 

   “Deep breathes cloneboy.” Tim placed his hand on Kon’s broad shoulder. 

 

   Inhaling deeply, Kon allowed the air to fill his lungs. 

 

   The room fell into a heavy silence, everyone lost for words. 

 

   “I’m going to go for a flight.” Kon shrugged away from Tim and left for the exit. 

 

***

 

   Kon found himself in Smallville, Kansas about an hour later. He was sitting on top of a corn basin at the Kents’ farm. The warm breeze mused Kon’s hair and the smell of manure bit his nostrils. It felt like home.

 

   “Are you alright there son!?” 

 

   Looking down, Kon caught a glimpse of Jonathan. His Grandpa or better known as his Pa, stared up at him curiously. 

 

   Dust clung to his boots when he landed gently on the ground. “Sorry about that I can leave.” 

 

   “You look like you haven’t eaten in a good while. My wife Martha is fixing a snack if you’d like to join us?” Jonathan smiled, his fingers looped in his belt straps.

 

   “That sounds nice, thank you.” 

 

   Kon followed Jonathan up the trail and into the house. He opened the screen door and let Kon step inside.

 

   The house looked like it came right out of the seventies with its decorations. It smelt like a bakery and summer's day, the wonderful aroma of a freshly baked pie clung to Kon’s nose. Pictures of Martha, Jonathan and Clark lined the wall next to the staircase. There were a few of Lois too. None of Conner.

 

   “Martha, we have a guest.” Jonathan walked into the kitchen with a timid Kon following behind.

 

   Turning around, Martha nearly dropped the pie she was carrying. “Oh my! You look almost exactly like Clark!” She put down the pie tin and reached over to Kon grabbing his face. Her shaky fingers traced his cheek bones and a smile crossed her face. “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you’re my boy's son!” 

 

   Kon smiled. “You’d be half right.” Why couldn’t he keep his damned mouth shut.

 

   Jonathan looked at Martha and back at Kon. “What?”

 

   “I’m Kon-el and I come from another universe.” 

 

    The conversation was long and there were a lot of questions. Kon was only able to answer what his relation to Superman was (his son), who his mother was (said Lois because she said it herself and Lex was a prick), and how he got here (weird portal gun).

 

   Now he was at the kitchen table wolfing down the PB&J sandwiches and slice of pie. 

 

   “… And then I met my counterpart here, and he is definitely different!” Kon took a swig of Apple juice.

 

   “Your counterpart?” Martha asked.

 

   “Yeah! Every universe has a counterpart to a person! I’m in a weird way a clone to Superman, though he still counts me as his son. And in this universe, Conner (my counterpart) is also a clone to Superman. Hence he is my counterpart.

 

    “So you’re telling me we have a grandson in this world?” Jonathan asked. He looked genuinely surprised, his eyes hopeful and happy. 

 

   “I can get him if you’d like.” Kon took another slice of pie.

 

   “Yes! We’d be so happy to meet him!” Martha nearly leapt out of her seat.

 

   “Right, I’ll be right back!” 

 

   Conner was with M’gann, Superman and Batman. Though he was mainly off to the side blissfully not in on the conversation. 

 

   Taking the opportunity, Kon landed next to Conner. 

 

   “Yo!” He said through a mouthful of pie. 

 

   “What?” Conner asked, his head tilted.

 

   “I want you to meet some nice people!” 

 

   “You made friends?” Batman interrupted. 

 

   Kon shoveled another piece of pie into his mouth. “Long story, anyway I’ll be taking Conner, byeee!” He grabbed Conner’s arm and zoomed out of the mountain.

 

   They landed on the farm and Conner fell onto his knees looking ready to throw up. 

 

   “Come on, let's go.” Kon helped Conner to his feet and inside the house to the kitchen. 

 

   Conner shook himself out of his daze and looked around the kitchen with wide eyes. His gaze landed on the two older folks. 

 

   “Uhh.” 

 

   “You must be Conner!” Jonathan patted his shoulder in welcome.

 

   “Let me get a good look at you!” Martha grabbed Conner’s face and pulled him close. “And I thought Kon looked like Clark! You are just a spitting image of him!” 

 

   “Uhm.” 

 

   “Come, come have something to eat! You look hungry!” She guided Conner to an empty seat and sat him down.

 

   Kon took his place in the chair he was before and filled his glass with more Apple Juice. 

 

   “The fact Clark hasn’t mentioned you at all is just awful. He must have known how much we wanted to meet Lois when we caught wind of her, but an entire grandchild is out of this world!” Martha poured a cup of juice and put it in front of Conner.

 

   “Sorry, Uhm I don’t know Clark.” Conner’s face grew red and he looked away.

 

   “You don’t know Clark! Your father’s someone you definitely ought to know!” 

 

   “Clark is Superman’s secret identity.” Kon filled in.

 

   “Oh, Oh!” Conner looked back at Martha and Jonathan, his eyes nearly bugged out of his sockets.

 

   “How is it you didn’t know Clark’s name?” Jonathan asked, his tone becoming serious. 

 

   “I don’t think he wants anything to do with me, being his clone and all that.” He took a bite of pie. 

 

   “If you’ll excuse me.” Martha smiled and left the room, opened the door and stood on the porch. “CLARK KENT! YOU GET YOUR ASS DOWN HERE THIS INSTANT YOUNG MAN!”

 

   “Woah you-you don’t have to do that!” Conner waved his hands wildly. 

 

   “Ah right Lois!” Martha peaked in and back out. “AND BRING YOUR WIFE!”

 

   Conner hid his face in his hands and groaned.

 

   “I really appreciate your parenting Martha,” Kon said while patting Conner’s back.

 

   “Oh please you two can call me Grandma!” She walked back behind the island and began making more sandwiches.

 

   Conner looked up and took one of the sandwiches and stuffed it into his mouth. His face was bright red.

 

   Superman burst through the door with Lois in hand. “What’s going on!? Is everyone,”- Clark paused his eyes staring at Kon and Conner “-alright.” 

 

   “Who are you two?” Lois asked, a pleasant smile on her face. 

 

   Jonathan crossed his arms. “Clark you have some explaining to do.” 

 

   “What did you say to them?” Clark hissed at Kon. 

 

   “Only what they needed to hear.” He smiled with his teeth.

 

   “You know him?” Lois asked, pointing to Kon.

 

   “He has been a thorn in my side since he was shot here from another universe.” Clark glared at him.

 

   “I was just about to say the same about you.” Kon stood up from his chair.

 

   “Settle down, I just want to understand what’s going on.” Martha put the knife she was using to spread the peanut butter down.

 

   “I’d like to know that too.” Lois crossed her arms.

 

   “I’m Kon-el, I come from a different universe! This is Conner, he's from your world!” Kon’s demeanor became more cheery.

 

   “Nice to meet you Conner. I’m Lois Lane,” Lois said, putting out her hand. 

 

   Conner stared at the offered hand, his cheeks still red. He then took it. “Nice to meet you too Mrs. Lane.” 

 

   “So you have no clue who this is?” Martha deadpanned.

 

   “I don’t. Sorry.” Lois sat down in the seat next to Conner. 

 

   “He’s the clone of Superman,” Kon said.

 

   Realization clicked behind Lois’s eyes. Her expression shifted into joy. “That means...”

 

   Conner shrunk in on himself.

 

   “I have a son.” The words came off her tongue like sweet honey. “We have a son.”

 

   Conner looked at Lois with surprise. 

 

   “This is the best gift anyone could ask for!” Her arms wrapped around Conner tightly. “Clark it’s a miracle, by god it is!” 

 

   “Y-you don’t think I’m strange?” Conner swallowed the lump in his throat. 

 

   “Clark and I have been recently trying for a baby, but this! This is just as great.” She kissed the top of his head and Conner slowly wrapped his arms around her. 

 

   “Kon-el, outside.” Clark turned around and stomped out the door. 

 

   “If I’m not back within the hour, he probably broke my neck.” Kon chugged back his juice and followed after Clark.

 

   Kon doesn’t think he has ever seen this Superman smile. Clark had been as serious as Batman except without the dry humour. Every expression is just more of a disappointed frown. Now, it was no different.

 

   “You had no right to use my parents against me.” Clark stood a few feet away from Kon.

 

   “They deserved to know you have a son.” 

 

   “Conner is my clone.”

 

   “He doesn’t have just your DNA.” 

 

   “It’s obvious he has a human half.” Clark stared down at Kon, fuming.

 

   “No wonder Conner is so lost. He doesn’t have anyone to guide him. Not a Mom, or a  Dad.” 

 

   “You shut your mouth! You have no idea how hard it is to suddenly have a kid in your life that’s supposedly yours!” Clark pointed an accusatory finger at him.

 

   “My Dad had the decency to give me a name and help me grow into myself! Sure he wasn’t there all the time! And yeah, he struggled to open up! But at least he tried!” Kon took a step forward. “Dad made sure I wasn’t like him or Lex! He helped me recognize that I wasn’t a freak or a mistake! Mom welcomed me immediately, even though I wasn’t hers biologically! They gave me a home, and all you have done for Conner is ignore his existence!” Breathing quickly, Kon glared defiantly at Clark.

 

   “Did you just say Lex?” Clark asked quietly. “As in Lex Luthor?”

 

   “He was my human donor and was the one who helped with my creation. That’s all he’s done that’s good for me.” Kon walked past Clark. “I’ll be back at the mountain, seeing if I can help with anything. Hopefully you’ll have the decency of allowing Conner into your life. Even if not as your son.”

 

***

 

   Kon fell on the couch next to Tim and Bart, who were jotting down notes and typing on a laptop. Cassie was doing origami with Artemis and Robin. 

 

   “You look tired.” Tim glanced up from the screen and at Kon.

 

   “Thanks.” Kon leaned against Tim’s shoulder.

 

   Cassie threw a paper bat at the couch. “Where’d you take Conner?”

 

   “Introduced him to his grandparents.” 

 

   “I’m not even going to ask how you got into that situation.” Bart crumpled up a piece of paper and threw it behind the couch. 

 

   “I’m going to make some muffins.” Kon sat up and walked into the kitchen.

 

   “Oooo, make sure it’s the lemon, cranberry kind!” Bart zoomed away and came back holding a grocery bag of ingredients.

 

   ————Conner————

 

      M’gann picked up Conner after an hour of conversation. Half of that time was spent listening to Martha scold Clark on parenting. He left early. Lois was talking about Conner staying with them, and enrolling in East Metropolis Secondary School. It was a nice conversation.

 

   Now he was in the docking bay walking with M’gann to the hangout space. 

 

   The scent of baked goods floated down the hall and into Conner’s nose. Laughing and music could be heard from the kitchen. 

 

   Opening the door, Conner and M’gann stepped inside and Conner was met with an egg to the face. 

 

   “Oops.” Cassie hid the egg carton behind her back. “I was not aiming for you.”

 

   “It’s fine.”

 

   Kon, Cassie, Artemis, Bart and Robin were standing in the kitchen holding different ingredients. Only Kon seemed like he was trying to bake. 

 

    Tim was on the couch typing on a laptop. His colourful socks were the only thing on his feet, red shoes discarded on the floor. His dark bangs hid his eyes and his lips were pursed in bemusement. The bruises on his face were lightened and didn’t look as bad as last night.

 

    Conner found himself sitting down on the other end of the couch away from Tim. He turned on the T.V allowing the static to play. 

 

   Music from the kitchen filled his ears and blocked out the static. 

 

   “Oh turn this one up, this is a good song!” Tim called over, putting down the laptop.

 

   Kon turned up the volume of the song. 

 

   Breakin’ my back just to know your name,

 

   Tim stood up off the couch and began bobbing his head.

 

   Seventeen tracks and I’ve had it with this game!

 

   He moved his head side to side and began dancing. A wide smile on his face as he lip synced along. 

 

   A breakin’ your back just to know your name!

 

   Cassie put down the egg carton and flew over to Tim, gently grabbing his hands and dancing with him.

 

   But heaven ain’t close in a place like this!

 

   The two twirled each other around with Cassie leading. She was probably the tallest out of the team, which was a lot with Kon being the same height as Superman. 

 

   Anything goes but don’t blink, you might miss,

 

   Cassie grabbed Tim’s thigh and pulled him up onto her hip, spinning him around. His entire body was only balanced by Cassie’s hands, which secured his back. Somehow his casted hand held onto her shoulder.

 

   ‘Cause heaven ain’t close in a place like this,

 

   His neck craned and their foreheads touched, smiles ear to ear on their faces.

 

   I said heaven ain’t close in a place like this,

 

   Grabbing Tim’s waist with both hands Cassie lifts him in the air, his hands now firmly planted on her shoulders.

 

   Bring it back down, Bring it back down tonight!

 

   Kon, who was putting the hot muffin tins on top of the stove stopped and looked over at the two dancing. 

 

   Never thought I’d let a rumour ruin my moonlight,

 

   Conner watched as Tim and Cassie moved close as if to kiss, but the former was dropped into a dip.

 

    Well, somebody told me you had a boyfriend 

 

   That looked like a girlfriend 

 

   That I had in February last year

 

   The music faded like the rest of the world as he looked on. 

 

   They danced like it’s what they’ve always done. Spinning with an electric elegance that looked easy. 

 

   After what felt like an eternity of grace, did the song finally end. Tim and Cassie were tightly intertwined with their lips pressed together. 

 

   “Ugh gross! I swear every time you do this dance you kiss in the end!” Kon made a gagging noise.

 

   “Hey! I’m just practicing for the valentine dance off! Especially since my actual partner is rarely at rehearsals!” Cassie looped her arm around Tim’s shoulder and jutted out her hip.

 

   “Still don’t know why you gotta kiss.” Kon smirked. “Not that I’m complaining, it is a sight to behold.”

 

   Rolling his eyes, Tim went back to the couch and opened his laptop and everything resumed to the way it was; the music was turned down, giving way for the static on the T.V, conversations lulled into existence and keys clicking on a keyboard filled the small amount of quiet left.

 

   At that moment Kaldur’ahm strode in.

 

  “Cassie, Bart, Tim and Kon-el Batman and I were able to retrieve the parts you needed.”

 

  “Sick.” Kon picked up a muffin and bit into it. “Let’s get rocking!”

Notes:

Once again two chapters in one day!

Song used: Somebody Told Me- The Killers

Lots of love
-Al

 

Chapter 13: Build a universal transporter and somehow get kidnapped … again.

Notes:

*Trigger Warning*
-Depictions of:

-Blood

-Vomiting

-Injury

-Swearing

-Kidnapping

-Panic Attacks

-Misgendering

-Transphobia

-Starvation

-Objectification

(The next few chapters will be much darker as we reach the climax! Please be safe and take breaks if need be!)

 

   Kon had been holding the transporter up for the last six hours and he was starting to grow tired. Every wire Bart tied down and every screw Tim screwed in was secured by Kon. 

 

   The TTK worked to make sure no circuit overheated and that every conductor conducted. He was on the floor staring at the bottom of the great mechanism’s insides. Both arms kept it up in the air. 

 

   Cassie yawned from where she was sitting, magazine over her eyes. She sat up and looked at her team.

 

   “Okay, I think we should all go to bed!” Standing up, Cassie clapped her hands. “Get your assess up and out of here!”

 

   Shifting, Kon carefully put the transporter down. As he stood, his spine popped in several places.  

 

   “Come on Tim, let us go enjoy the sweet release of slumber.” Kon grabbed Tim -who was tinkering with one of the circuit boards- and hiked him over his shoulder.

 

   Once they were in the bedroom, Tim finally put down the circuit board and went to the bathroom to clean the grease off his hands. 

 

   Taking off his clothes, Kon slid into bed and lay face down on his pillow. 

 

   “Imagine being that tired, couldn’t be me.” Cassie strolled into the room casually hugging her pillow.

 

   “Why are you here?” Kon asked, turning his head towards his friend.

 

   “I’m here to steal Tim for the night.” 

 

   “At this rate the others are going to think we’re some polycule.”

 

  “Yeah, yeah, you get Bart tonight.” She waved the comment off. “Besides everyone knows I have the hots for Cissie.”

 

   “Whatever.”

 

   Tim peeked into the room, flabbergasted. “Hey! Who said I’d be sleeping with you or Kon?”

 

   “Context, dude.” Cassie flopped on the mattress.

 

   “If you’ll excuse me I’m going to stay with Bart! We have science stuff to talk about.” Nose turned up, Tim left the room.

 

   “If I’m going to be here, put some damn pants on, I don’t wanna be near your micropenis.” Cassie shuffled under the covers and turned off the lamp next to her side of the bed.

 

   “Ouch, my ego.” Kon leaned over the mattress and picked up his underwear.

 

   “That better be new.”

 

   “This is why I broke up with you.” Kon deadpanned.

 

   Cassie barked a laugh. “Yikes, you and Tim are way too similar.”

 

   “Did he say the same thing?” He giggled, pulling on his underwear.

 

   “Similar in the sense, both of you are two sides of the same coin.”

 

   “Do you mean two faces?” Kon wiggled his eyebrows.

 

   “One more comment and you're on the floor.” 

 

   As the night went on, Kon found himself wide awake.

 

   Every time he turned to his side, his rips would feel weirdly like they would break and when he was on his back the world felt suffocating.

 

   So now he was floating down the dimly lit halls, waiting for the night to end. Or better yet. To sleep.

 

   “…is the transporter?” Barry’s voice drifted into Kon’s ears.

 

   “Yes, they started it earlier,” Bruce said.

 

   “It’s quite big,” A new voice chimed in.

 

   “Hn.”

 

   Listening to the groups’ heart beats, Kon could count many. Each of them sounded very similar to the Justice Leagues’. Yet slightly different.

 

   Quietly, Kon floated down to the hall, where the group was.

 

   He hovered at the entrance, staring at the large metal door. After a moment of hesitation, the door slid open with the press of a button.

 

   Everyone turned their head towards Kon, eyes wary. 

 

   “Kon-el, what are you doing up?” Bruce asked.

 

    “Can’t sleep. What are you doing here?” Kon looked around. “And with a good chunk of your team?”

 

   “Th-“

 

   “We wanted to visit and see how the transporter worked,” Barry interrupted.

 

   “As well as meet you.” Wonder Woman- Diana stepped forward. “I’m Wonder Woman, princess of Themyscira.”

 

   “Kon-el, son of Superman, house of El.” He took Diana’s hand.

 

   “A true kryptonian then?” She asked with intrigue.

 

   “No, my other donor is human.” Kon set his bare feet on the cold metal floor.

 

   “That’s pretty neat.” Green arrow- Oliver came up beside Diana. “Green arrow.”

 

    Kon nodded curtly.

 

   “Are the others awake?” Dinah asked, putting down the wrench she was examining. 

 

   “I know Cassie is asleep, but Tim and Bart I’m not sure about.” 

 

   “Did you only check on Cassie then?” Clark floated down from his spot near the top of the machine.

 

   Clenching his fists Kon, rose his upper lip. “Cassie and I were in the same bed. Tim and Bart are in different rooms.”

 

   “A couple of love birds, I see,” Diana cooed.

 

   Kon crossed his arms, but said nothing. He wasn’t in the mood to correct her. He just wanted to go back to bed and cuddle Cassie. Maybe even cry a little. He hasn’t cried in a good while. Well, cry with his friends. 

 

   “Did you give Tim what I gave you?” Dinah asked.

 

   “No, sorry I was distracted.” Sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck, Kon chuckled softly. “I will give it to him tomorrow.”

 

   “This machine is well built.” Barry changed the topic. “It will use the speed force to travel, correct?”

 

   “I think so. Bart and Tim could probably give you a better run down of it.”

 

   In all honesty Kon knew exactly how the machine worked. He knew every wire and screw. How many pieces of metal there were. Every equation involved right down to the last decimal point. Like Bart he had a good memory. He was Lex’s son after all.

 

   “Woah, there are way too many people here.” Cassie padded into the room, wearing only boxers and a T-shirt with a red S. 

 

   It was worn in a few places with a red patch on the back. It was Tim’s which was originally Kon’s.

 

   “Why the fuck is half the Justice League here, anyway?” Cassie put her arm around Kon’s shoulder. “We aren’t in trouble are we?”

 

   Clark put his hands out. “No. We were” -

 

   “I didn’t ask you dead beat!” 

 

   Clark shut his mouth.

 

   “So, Bat-dad, what's the situation?” 

 

   Bruce grunted. “We were checking your transporter and taking the opportunity to also check in on you and your team.”

 

   “Thanks for the update, I’m going back to bed.” Cassie kissed Kon’s cheek. “Night baby cakes.”

 

   “Night.” Kon pulled her into a hug. <“Go fuck yourself.”> he whispered in Greek.

 

   “<Cat’s not doing well.”> 

 

   Kon nodded.

 

   Cassie pulled away, waved goodbye to the others and left the room. 

 

   “I’m going back to bed as well, nice chatting with you.” Floating back into the air, Kon left the room in a hurry.

 

   Storming into the room, Kon slammed the door behind his wake. “What’s wrong with Bart?” His eyes flicked to Tim, who was wringing his hands together, wincing as he put too much pressure on his cast. 

 

  “We were just talking and suddenly Bart rushed to the bathroom. Now he’s throwing up and muttering about the speed force changing.” Tim slammed his left fist into the wall not caring for its tenderness. “I should have known this would happen! This speed force isn’t like home. It’s too straightforward!” It’s so fucking”- Tim inhaled deeply.

 

   Kon wrapped his arms around Tim’s drooping body. “Don’t take this on by yourself. We’re here for a reason.”

 

   A few minutes later, Cassie walked out carrying a shaking Bart.

 

   His face was white as a ghost and sweat trickled down his temples.

 

   “Fuck man, the world feels way too much like jello.” Bart smiled and chuckled. “I think I lost not only dinner, but also half my body fat.”

 

   Kon sighed. “Let’s get you to bed hon.” Pulling away from Tim, he scooped Bart into his grasp.

 

   “Such a mom.” Bart yawned, nuzzling into Kon’s chest.

 

   “Not just any mom. A midwestern one at that!” Cassie jumped onto the bed and crawled under the covers.

 

   “My drawl ain’t that strong!” Kon huffed.

 

   “Sure it isn’t.” Tim patted his shoulder and slid in next to Cassie.

 

   Kon gently adjusted Bart and followed Tim into the bed. With all four of them it was very hard to squeeze in. Though, thanks to the TTK no one would fall off. 

 

   “Night guys,” Cassie said.

 

   Clicking off the light Kon said, “Night.”

 

   “Hm-night.” Tim curled into Cassie’s side and closed his eyes.

 

   Bart was already snoring by the time Kon was fully under the covers.

 

   Smiling, Kon finally fell asleep as it began to weigh his body down and allow his mind to rest.

 

   For all of 2 seconds when Bruce suddenly activated the overhead speakers. 

 

   “Skyrocket, Cardinal, Levitation and Catalyst. You’re needed in the docking bay.”

 

   “Come on! I was so ready to not do anything until tomorrow!” Tim basically jumped out of bed in a fit of anger and stomped out the door, grabbing a housecoat on the way.

 

   Kon and Bart walked side by side holding hands. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Bart stumbled along.

 

   Cassie floated behind everyone, grumbling about a fucked up sleep schedule.

 

   Entering the well lit docking bay, Kon surveyed the room. 

 

   Oddly enough no one was there. The room was completely empty except for the few tool boxes. 

 

   Something was off. 

 

   The tang of chloroform gas tasted on Kon’s tongue as the doors shut and a reinforced door fell over the previous ones.

 

   “It’s a trap!” Kon’s heat vision blasted the bay doors as the TTK crawled along the room floor.

 

   The lights suddenly flickered to red and a horrible wave of nausea overcame Kon. 

 

   Bart collapsed to the floor along with Tim. Cassie was more resistant, but she wasn’t immune. Before long she was on her knees and hitting the ground with a loud thump. 

 

   “Kal….” Kon swallowed hard as the world spun out of focus. “Help…” He hit the metal floor as his eyelids shut.

 

   ***

 

   When Kon opened his eyes, he knew that escape was going to be much more difficult. The collar around his neck was heavier than before and much, much larger. Every inch of his skin crawled with the lightness of no protective field of TTK. Goosebumps lined his arms and legs, his fingers gripping the weird spandex suit that covered Chest, torso and upper thighs. 

 

   “We, meet again.” 

 

   Kon looked up from the floor and stared daggers at the man just outside the bullet proof glass door. 

 

   He was the same man that had claimed he knew Kon. The same general that ran the weird military. Or a pretend version of it.

 

   “I don’t think I ever properly introduced myself.” He smiled sickly. “I’m the warden of this prison. You can call me Sir, or Warden. Anything else invites punishment.” 

 

   A deep growl rumbled in Kon’s throat, his teeth baring at the stubby man. 

 

   “I’m surprised they allowed an animal like yourself to roam free for so long.” The warden put his arms behind his back, staring down his nose at Kon.

 

   Kon lunged at the warden, slamming his fist into the glass. Skin of his knuckle slicing open from the speed and force.

 

   “Skyrocket is what they called you, correct?” He took a breath. “Personally, I would prefer your name be mutt.” The warden's eyes lit up. “Mutt. That’s what I’ll call you.”

 

   “Shut up, before I rip your fucking throat out!” He punched the glass again.

 

   “You are definitely the stupid one out of the bunch. The one with blonde hair I decided to call Lassie, after my old dog, which got bit by a rabid coyote and had to be put down.” 

 

   “Shut up.” Kon snarled at the warden.

 

   “Then the one with yellow eyes I named rat. Mainly due to his front teeth being slightly …. Bigger than normal people.”

 

   “I said shut your damn mouth.”

 

   “Lastly, the girl who thinks she’s a boy.”

 

   Anger flared in Kon’s chest, he punched the glass again, blood splattered against the smooth surface.

 

   “I wanted something to really match her mental state, but that would be too obvious. So I landed on beauty. Just to see her squirm.”

 

   “You FUCKING BI”-

 

   A jolt of electricity ran through Kon’s nerves, his body convulsing as he slowly sank to the floor.

 

   “I said you can call me Sir or Warden. Nothing else.” The Warden turned on his heel and left down the hall. “Breakfast is in a few hours, Mutt!”

 

   Kon watched him leave, his body still trembling from the shock. 

 

   After a few minutes of staring he scooted to the back of his tiny cell and curled into a ball, his eyes hot with tears. 

 

   Fear weighed down his heart and turned knots in his stomach. It was too similar to before. It was too much like then. 

 

   Panic settled in Kon’s chest and he coiled further into himself. 

 

   “D-dad. Please…” 

 

   The walls were closing in. 

 

   They were making it so hard to breathe.

 

    “DAD! PLEASE, DAD!” 

 

   Clawing at the walls, Kon’s nails nearly broke from the skin. 

 

   “HELP! Please help.” 

 

   No one was going to save him. Not this time. No never the second time.

 

   “I’m sorry…. I’m so”-

 

   Sobs wracked Kon’s body, his ribs shaking under its weight. Blood dripped from his nails and tears rolled down his face. 

 

   The world was so cold. Why was it so cold?

 

***

 

   The cell door opened like all the rest and Kon shuffled out of the cell straightening his back. 

 

   All of the people leaving their cells were young. His best guess was between the ages of 7-16. 

 

   As he stalked down the hall and towards the Cafeteria. The children gave him a wide berth as he walked. His footsteps fell heavy as he thought of this world’s Young Justice.

 

   Did they know where Kon and his team were? 

 

   Were they worried? 

 

   Or were they glad they were gone?

 

   Was Conner happy?

 

   Was he angry?

 

   Kon’s thoughts were interrupted as he entered the cafeteria. Surprisingly it was not what he expected. 

 

   It was big like he envisioned, yes, but it had no tables. Instead there were troughs in their place. They were large and filled with some gross looking food. 

 

   If he could even call it that. It was more like slop, really.

 

   “It tastes like ass by the way.” Bart popped into view, his once fluffy hair covered in grease and slop. 

 

   “Who did that to you?” Kon asked, pulling Bart into a hug.

 

   “One of the guards. They said I talk too much.” He pulled away and chewed on his fingernails. “Everything isn’t right. It’s not right.”

 

   Pulling him back in, Kon worked his fingers through Bart's hair, taking out the clumps of slop. He then looked into one of the troughs with disgust. “I’d rather starve.” 

 

   “I think that’s what a lot of the kids are doing.” Bart pointed out.

 

   Kon looked at the kids around him. Many of them were skin and bone. Even the ones who were eating looked so sickly. 

 

   The doors on the other side of the room opened, and in walked all the girls. 

 

   They were just as starved. 

 

   Kon didn’t like the way some of them eyed the guards timidly, or how they flinched when someone got too close. 

 

   Tim and Cassie soon filed out into the open space.

 

   Examining his friends, Kon noted Tim’s wrist was healed. 

 

   A healing meta must have done it. 

 

   Cassie caught Kon’s eye and a small smile spread on her face. 

 

   Tim noticed the others and sprinted over. “Guys!” He slammed into Kon and Bart, knocking them over. “I was so fucking worried!”

 

   “Let me in there!” Cassie piled on top of her friends and embraced them.

 

   “Man, I missed you!” Kon squeezed them all back.

 

   “A few hours too long!” Bart exclaimed.

 

    “Is everyone okay?” Tim asked.

 

   “We’re fine, just been trying to figure out what’s going on,” Kon said.

 

   Everyone stood up and looked around at the kids. They were whispering to one another and staring at their feet. Not once did they look up. How long have some of them been here?

 

   A little boy a few feet away was huddled next to one of the troughs, quietly crying to himself. Kon pulled away from his friends and padded over to the boy.

 

   “Hey,” he said softly. “Mind if I sit?”

 

   The boy looked up, wiped his nose and nodded.

 

   Kon settled down beside him and began humming. 

 

   Over the years, he noticed that many of the children he interacted with, enjoyed his humming or singing. 

 

   This time was no different. 

 

   The boy began humming the mindless tune as well, slowly leaning into Kon’s body. Looking around, he saw his friends helping other kids.

 

   Whether it was Cassie telling them a story of the gods, or Bart cracking a few jokes, or even Tim discussing the best skateboard technique. They were all putting smiles on the children’s faces. Even if for only a moment.

 

   “You damn brat!” The sound of a slap silenced the whispering crowd. 

 

   Kon stood up and spun to the sound. 

 

  An older girl stood protectively in front of a younger girl. Her cheek was red from the slap, but fire still burned in her eyes. 

 

   Kon hopped over the trough and stalked over to the guard. 

 

   The guard looked up from the girl and over at Kon. “I’d stop right there!” He pulled out a metal baton and electricity crackled at the end of it. 

 

   Speed increasing, Kon charged at the man and punched his nose. He fell to the ground unconscious.

 

   Another guard ran at Kon, baton raised. 

 

   Grabbing his stupid metal stick, Kon threw it away and grabbed the man’s shoulders, throwing his body to the ground. 

 

   One moment he was staring into the man’s wide eyes and the next his teeth were in his throat. 

 

Notes:

Thanks for reading! Reminder these will be darker chapters! Stay hydrated and fed!

Lots of love,
-Al

Chapter 14: They can’t hold us long! Especially with the power of friendship on our side! :)

Notes:

*Trigger Warning*
-Depictions of:

-Death

-Violence

-Blood

-Swearing

-Sexual Talk

-Child death

 

Then:

   -“Why do I even have to learn about a destroyed planet’s history! It’s so boring!” Kon groaned. 

 

   The large room in the fortress glittered like snow touched by the sun and Kon tapped his foot impatiently on the ground with his hands folded into his armpits.

 

   “It’s important to know where your ancestors came from, son.” Kal shuffled around the room, his red cape fell elegantly down his shoulders. 

 

   Everything about Kal was perfect. The way his shoulders were always up and how his back was straight. The confidence he had was something Kon lacked.

 

   After a few moments of rummaging through piles of crystals Kal pulled out what looked to be a crystal ball.

 

   “A crystal ball? How original.” Folding his arm around his knees, Kon floated aimlessly above the shimmering floor. 

 

   “Don’t be like that, this will help you understand where you come from.” He handed Kon the crystal ball. “Now, look into it and I will tell you a story.”

 

   “This is stupid.” He rolled his eyes and huffed.

 

   “Please?” Kal’s eyes stared deeply into Kon’s. They were like the sky on a summer’s day. Infinitely blue and always changing shades. Or so it felt.

 

   “Alright, Alright I will!” Snorting loudly, Kon begrudgingly looked into the ball. 

 

   Kal cleared his throat and began. “Long ago, when the universe was new and the stars were bright, there was a race of beings that roamed the far reaches of the galaxy.” 

 

   The ball swirled and depicted images of strange beasts. They had sharp teeth and glowing eyes of reds and oranges, their skin was dark as ink or as light as snow. They stood tall over the other beings as if they were gods.

 

   “They had the ability to destroy everything in their wake, but they could also give life.”

 

  The image changed to a creature burning another of its own until it was nothing but ash.

 

   “Many of them chose to follow a path of destruction.”

 

   A chill ran down between Kon’s shoulder blades as the image changed to depictions of mass bloodshed.

 

   “As the universe grew and new creatures began to form, the beings found their own planet to call home.”

 

   A picture of Krypton swirled in the ball.

 

  “The star that was red as blood gifted them the freedom of knowledge. One of the creatures called Chaim realized the beauty of the world and wished to create more.”

 

   One of the beings stood tall on a mountain as the red star painted his white skin red.

 

   “He named the star Rao, after his love and named the planet Krypton, after his child.”

 

   “Really?” Kon asked.

 

   Nodding, Kal continued. “As civilization evolved, the creatures found a sense of peace and prosperity. Though they still carried the instinct to destroy.” 

 

  Kal’s voice grew grim.

 

   “Even in peace, there was tragedy. The house of El and the house of Zod were the two houses used for war. They had teeth sharper than the finest iron blade and a bite force more powerful than Rao himself.”

 

   Kon swallowed back his fear as he tried not to coware before Superman. His fathers eyes were dark and his expression more so.

 

   “Even though our house was revered for its innovations it was also feared. For we were seen as Chaim’s true children.”

 

   Kal plucked the ball out of Kon’s hands and set it down, then he placed his hands on Kon’s shoulders.

 

   “You, Kara and I may be heroes, but remember that long ago our ancestors were set on peace through bloodshed.”

 

   Kissing Kon’s head, Kal sighed. “The thirst for blood runs deep in our veins, but that does not define us.”

 

   “Am I a monster?” Kon looked up at Kal with tears in his eyes. “Am I dad?”

 

  “Of course not. You are a gift from mighty Rao himself.”

 

  “But”-

 

   “If anyone calls you a monster, you prove them wrong. Do you understand.”

 

   “What …. What about our crest?”

 

   Carefully, Kal pulled Kon into his strong arms and tucked his head onto his broad chest. 

 

   A deep rumble reverberated in Kon’s ribcage as did Kal’s.

 

   “It has always meant hope. Even when we were a planet of war, we showed our people that hope is stronger than mindless destruction.”

 

Now:

   Blood pooled into Kon’s mouth, bone cracking under his teeth as the guard's throat collapsed. 

 

   Other guards surrounded Kon, their batons raised in their shaking hands. 

 

   “We need a way to get it off without killing Jack,” One of them with a scruffy beard said.

 

   Jack.

 

   Kon blinked and looked at the guard drowning in his own blood.

 

   His name was Jack.

 

  Something in Kon begged for him to stop, but the girl with the red mark on her face and Bart's dirty hair came to mind. These men treated him and the others like they were freaks, monsters. 

 

   He bit down harder, coppery flavour slowly flowed down his throat. 

 

   One pull is all it would take and the man would no longer have his trachea. 

 

   Or his esophagus. 

 

   Or even his vocal cords. 

 

   Heck, his spine would be on the wrong side of his neck if Kon bit down hard enough.

 

   His name is Jack.

 

   Kon growled in frustration, so much of him wanted to rip this man’s throat out. So much of him wanted to tear him apart. 

 

   It would be so easy, so wonderfully easy.

 

   One of the guards looked past Kon, his expression becoming more serious.

 

   “Stand back!” He said.

 

   “I can get him off Jack.” Tim’s soft voice trickled into Kon’s ears like a symphony.

 

   The guard lowered his baton. “Let him through.”

 

   Tim padded over, knelt down and placed his calloused hand on Kon’s shoulder.

 

   “Hey.” A half smile tugged gently on his lips. “You can let go now.”

 

    A low growl reverberated through his chest.

 

   “It's okay.”

 

    No it wasn’t. Nothing was okay. Everything had gone to shit. If he hadn’t been so stupid he wouldn’t be here. His friends wouldn’t be here. They’d be home. They’d be safe. 

 

   Prove them wrong.

 

   Slowly, Kon lifted his hands away from the ground and up into the air.

 

   In a blur of motion, the guards surrounded Jack as Kon was ripped away. Tim’s hand automatically covered Jack's bleeding throat.

 

   “What the hell!? He was the only reason your man hadn’t bled out!” The men around him froze with surprise at Tim’s sudden shout. “You!” He directed his attention to a guard with large ears. “I need you to get me your Medic now!” 

 

   “R-right away!”

 

   “And you with the badge!” Tim’s piercing gaze shifted to a man with blonde hair and round glasses. “Get me a cloth or rag that can help slow the bleeding! Or even better, take off his damn collar and let him help me!” 

 

   Kon’s eyes widened with surprise as the blonde haired man strode over.

 

   “Let him go,” He instructed.

 

    Hesitantly the guards released Kon and stepped back.

 

   “I’m going to take this collar off. If you even think about escaping, we’ll make sure you face hell.”

 

   With a deafening click, the collar came off Kon’s neck. His hands reached up to his bare throat and rubbed the tender spot gingerly, then he went over to Tim, the TTK spreading deep into Jack's wounds; furthermore, the TTK created pseudo arteries and veins that kept the blood flowing.

 

   Almost instantly, Jack’s once pale face regained its colour and his bug eyed stare became less so.

 

   “How’re you doing that?” One of the guards asked, his mouth open in awe.

 

   Kon didn’t answer. His entire body was heavy with the weight of exhaustion, every inch of his skin burned with the premature use of TTK on an empty stomach and low solar energy. 

 

    “Tired?” Tim barely even spoke. The words were so quiet to the human ear that only a kryptonian could fully comprehend with ease.

 

   “Hm.”

   

   After Jack was stabilized, did the guards finally send everyone back to their cells. 

 

   Unfortunately, Kon’s journey back was being dragged with a thicker, heavier collar around his neck and a very tight muzzle with a weird bit pushing down his tongue. 

 

   Now he was in the cell that was considered his and struggled to keep his eyes open while he stared at the drying blood stain on the glass. 

 

   He hoped his friends were okay.

 

   ————Tim————

 

   Tim was anything but okay.

 

   Unless being strapped down on a cold metal table with his everything exposed for an entire 24 hours was deemed as okay. Then yes maybe he was, but this was not fine. Never was it just fine.

 

   “Ah you’re awake.” A strange woman with green scrubs walked up to Tim. “Usually the drugs last longer.”

 

   “So, are you some mad scientist planning on, I don’t know, dissecting me?” He smiled wearily, his wrist tugging against the straps.

 

   “No. The warden said he’ll decide what happens to you later. Currently he just wants you held here.” The doctor tightened the restraints and pulled a cart of tools closer.

 

   “And the tools are for?” Anxiety spiked in Tim’s chest as she took a scalpel off the tray. 

 

   “Every arrival who isn’t a meta needs a special subcutaneous device.” The doctor waved the scalpel around and brought it to Tim’s bare chest just below his left collar bone.

 

  “What does it do?” 

 

   “The warden likes to call it your insurance, but it’s actually meant to detonate and blow out your entire chest if you leave the premises.” She pushed up her glass with the back of her free hand. “Now please hold still and try not to scream too loudly.”

 

   With great precision, the doctor cut into his flesh and made a small incision. A small device that looked kind of like a spider was placed onto the muscle of Tim’s chest.

 

   He grimaced through the pain, not once uttering a sound.

 

   “You are a smart boy,” She commended.

 

   “And you're surprisingly respectful.” He huffed a laugh.

 

   “What I do may be wrong, but I will not be a monster.” She quickly stitched up the wound. “And no, I do not find joy in hurting you.”

 

   “What’s your name?” Tim asked.

 

   “Doctor is fine.” 

 

   “Smart and funny, aren’t you a keeper?” A more genuine looking smile graced his lips. Or so he hoped.

 

   “If this is your version of flirting, consider me flattered.” Doctor put away the tools. “However, I’m not quick to fall for someone. Even if they are as handsome as you.” She chuckled quietly.

 

   “Am I just going to be stuck here until I'm told I can leave?” 

 

    Tapping her chin, a mischievous glint lit up her eyes. “How good are you with stitches and bandages?”

 

   “I’ve had training for on-field injury, some trauma training and my brother has been teaching me some techniques for in-hospital settings.” 

 

   An image of Damian cursing at him to “properly” hold forceps popped into his mind. 

 

   “I do need help with some of the injured men and women that are overwhelming me as of late.” 

 

   “And technically,” -Tim added- “I’ll still be held here, just with a little more free rein. Of course though, I’ll be under your complete control.” He made sure to use what he called his “playboy voice.” Specifically crafted over the years to charm the men and women he flirted with. Usually with him getting what he wants in the end.

 

   “Oh my.” Doctor waved her hand like a fan against her face. “I must say I’ve never been this flattered before!” 

 

   “I can tell you, I’ve done a lot more than flattering people in my life.” 

 

   Faintly, Doctor undid Tim’s restraints. “You really know how to get your way.”

 

   Sitting up, Tim leaned in close, making sure to purse his lips in the way that made Kon flush red and stammer over his words like a bumbling idiot. “I always get my way.”

 

   It took every bit of will power not to gag and cringe on his own words. Holy wattpad Batman! This was going to take a lot of trying not to throw up, but sometimes the best way to flirt was to go to that weird edge persona that the book-tok girls liked (and Kon). 

 

   Just as quick as he leaned in he pulled away and stood up off the table. “So, will I be having some coverage?” Tim quirked his brow.

 

   “Y-yes of course!” Doctor spun around and scoured through the drawers for extra scrubs, once she found them she handed them to him. “I never got your name.”

 

   Sliding on the scrubs, Tim stared at her with a coy smile. “I’m not one to pick my own name. You can choose what you like.”

 

   If there was a gun Tim would gladly have shot himself by now. Thank the gods his siblings weren’t here. Or Cassie for that matter. She’d never let him live it down. None of them would. 

 

   “Well then honey, let’s get started.” She left the room in sped Bart would scream at.

 

   Okay, at least the name isn't awful. Oh, who was he kidding it was so fucking cringey. The things he’ll do to survive!

 

    If he listened closely he could probably hear Cassie losing it.

 

————Conner————

 

   “So they're really gone huh?” Wally stared at the transporter longingly, the note they found in the docking bay still between his pale fingers.

 

   “I was hoping to say goodbye.” Artemis crossed her arms.

 

   “Me too.” M’gann slumped against Conner, her lips pulled into a deep frown.

 

   “It was probably for the best.” Kaldur’ahm strode into the room holding a box. “Though I am surprised they left their stuff here.”

 

   Conner walked over to Kaldur’ahm, who was putting down the box and began looking through it.

 

   Inside there was Kon-el’s suit, pants, boots and thigh pouch; Tim’s shoes, shorts and shirt; Bart’s weird suit and goggles; Lastly, Cassie’s tank top, jeans and collapsible lance.

 

   “Maybe they were in a rush.” Robin plucked a shoe from the box. “Some trouble in their own world perhaps?” 

 

   “Perhaps.” Kaldur’ahm agreed, though he furrowed his brow. “I still find it odd to leave such a powerful weapon behind.”

 

   “Yeah.” Wally pulled out Kon-el’s suit. “Maybe they left them as gifts? I mean Kon-el was pretty close to you Conner.” He handed Conner the blue and red suit.

 

   Looking at the suit, a pain in Conner’s chest made itself known. As much as the suit was weird, it was familiar in that nice kind of way. He smiled, but quickly frowned. “It’s not really my style.”

 

   “You should totally try it on,” Robin said, his trademark Robin-grin™ plastered on his face. 

 

   “I’m not sure.”

 

   “I think it’ll look nice on you.” M’gann smiled encouragingly.

 

   “Fine.”

 

   Artemis gave a small woot. 

 

   Everyone turned to look at her.

 

   “What, Kon-el was a good looking dude and the suit really brought that out. Can’t I admire it, peacefully?”

 

   “What have you done to the real Artemis?” Wally asked suspiciously.

 

   “Ha ha, very funny.” She rolled her eyes as Conner put on the suit.

 

   “Clearly Kon-el rubbed off on you!” Wally stared at Conner mortified.

 

   “You’ve seen me only in swim trunks?” He tilted his head. “It’s not like I’m wearing a thong. They’re just regular boxers.”

 

   “You know what a thong is?” Robin asked, scrunching his nose.

 

   “I think it’s more concerning you know what one is Rob.” Artemis jutted out her hip.

 

   “I’m thirteen, if I don’t know what one is I’ve been living under a rock.”

 

   M’gann giggled. 

 

   Conner slid on Kon-el’s cargo pants and rolled up the rims, though he didn’t try putting on the thigh pouch. 

 

   “It’s missing something.” M’gann took a step back.

 

   “It feels empty on his upper half.” Kaldur’ahm gestured to Conner’s arms.

 

   “Hello Megan!” She hit her forehead with the palm of her hand, her eyes lighting up with an idea. “Be right back!” M’gann zoomed off.

 

   After a few seconds, she came rushing back with Conner’s brown leather jacket in her arms. 

 

   “My jacket?” His hand brushed M’gann’s as he gently took the jacket from her. 

 

   Running his thumb over its smooth surface, he couldn’t help but ask, “Why this one?”

 

   “Kon-el wore a jacket, and it definitely looks more complete with one.” M’gann pointed out.

 

   “Plus it looks pretty cool.” Wally shrugged.

 

   “Agreed,” Artemis said.

 

   Sighing heavily, Conner pulled the jacket on and looked down at it. “This feels stupid.” His cheeks heated up and were probably redder than a cherry.

 

    “Cool.” Robin pulled out his phone and snapped a photo.

 

   “Hey, delete that!” Conner lunged at Robin and tried to grab his phone. 

 

   “No way dude! This is a keeper!” He laughed wildly as Conner scooped him up and tried to shake the phone off him. 

 

   “I can’t live my life knowing you have that for blackmail!” He said, holding Robin up in the air by his ankle.

 

   Giggles bubbled out of Robin and the eerie laugh bounced off the walls. 

 

   To a stranger it sounded like some devil child laughing at impending doom. To Conner and his friends? Well, it sounded like a devil child having an awesome time being a little shit.

 

   “Give it.” Conner gave Robin another shake, which caused him to only laugh harder.

 

   “I’m gonna pee! Stop it!” His laugh was practically a screech as his face became more red than Conner’s.

 

    Slowly, Conner’s scowl changed into a small smile and next thing he knew he was laughing along with Robin. 

 

   The rest of the group followed suit until everyone was a pile of limbs on the floor. 

 

   Dinah burst into the room, her eyes wide. “Is everyone alright!?”

 

    “We’re f-fine, j-just having some fun!” Tears streamed down Robin's face from how much he’d been laughing.

 

   Taking a deep breath, Dinah’s grimace silenced the group.

 

   “Black Canary, is something wrong?” Kaldur’ahm sat up and Wally rolled away and onto his feet.

 

   “Yeah what’s going on?” Wally asked.

 

   “Kon-el and the others are missing.” 

 

   “But didn’t you say they left?” Artemis asked, helping Robin to his feet.

 

   “That’s what we thought, but Batman was looking through the video footage from our security cameras and he said he found something concerning.” She gestured for the team to follow.

 

   ***

 

Conner wasn’t expecting some of the Justice League members to be here. In all honesty he thought it’d just be Dinah, Redtornado and Batman. Not also, Wonder Woman, Superman, Green Arrow and Flash.

 

   It was suffocating to be in a room with two large teams. He crossed his arms and took a few steps away from the crowd.

 

   Taking notice, M’gann grabbed Conner’s hand and squeezed it. 

 

   “I still don’t get it. How could four people go missing with all of us in the building?” Wonder Woman asked.

 

   “That’s what I’m trying to figure out.” Batman clacked the keys on the keyboard and rewound the video feed. “This is what I was so far able to put together.”

 

   With a click the video feed started.

 

   -It showed the room Bart was currently staying in. He and Tim were talking on his bed, their mouths moving in conversation. The feed was muted (first odd thing).

 

   Suddenly Bart zipped out of sight in a blur of red. 

 

   Tim’s face contorted into concern and then slowly into shock. He jumped off the bed and left the room.

 

   The feed followed Tim as he ran to Kon-el’s room. 

 

   This time, there was sound:

 

   “Kon? Kon!” He whispered.

 

   “Kon’s out for a walk.” Cassie’s voice was picked up by the mic.

 

   “Where?” 

 

   “Don’t know and don’t care.”

 

   “Barts sick.” 

 

   Cassie bolted out of bed. “Why didn’t you start with that!”

 

   “Because I didn’t think of it.” Tim shrugged as Cassie turned on the light.

 

   She was wearing a Superboy shirt that looked faded with time and boxer briefs. 

 

   “Hang on, is that my shirt?” Tim crossed his arms, albeit a little weirdly due to his cast.

 

   “It was Kon’s first.” She moved around the bed and stretched her back.

 

   “And he gave it to me. So it’s mine.” 

 

   “Go get a new one.” She flicked Tim’s forehead.

 

   “I’m telling you, that shirt has seen things it should not have seen.” Tim pointed at the shirt with a grim expression.

 

   “Ugh gross!” Cassie stormed off down the hall. 

 

   “Thank you!” Tim waved at Cassie and walked back to Bart’s room.-

 

   “So. When’s the strange part?” Wally asked.

 

   “Shh, I’m analyzing the video.” Robin put his hand against Wally’s mouth.

 

   “Hmmf.”

 

   Batman sighed and skipped through the footage until Cassie was in the room with Bart and Tim. This time the audio was working.

 

   -“Kon will be here in a bit.” Cassie moved out of sight and into the bathroom. 

 

   Tim looked up from his daze of chewing his nails. “I fucked up.”

 

   “You didn’t fuck up.”

 

   “Hm.” 

 

   Sitting up, Tim began to pace. He wrung his hands together and he gnawed on his lower lip.

 

    Just as Tim took another turn to pace the other direction, Kon opened the door, its back slammed against the wall. Then in another step, the door shut loudly.

 

   “What’s wrong with Bart?” His eyes flicked around the room and landed on a pacing Tim. 

 

Slowly, Kon’s gaze softened and he took a few steps closer to him.

 

     “We were just talking and suddenly Bart rushed to the bathroom. Now he’s throwing up and muttering about the speed force changing.” With a heavy force, Tim punched the wall with his casted wrist. His body involuntarily shuddered, but he didn’t seem to really care. “I should have known this would happen! This speed force isn’t like home. It’s too straightforward!” It’s so fucking”- Tim inhaled sharply. He sounded ready to cry.

 

   Taking a large step forward, Kon gingerly wrapped his muscular arms around Tim. “Don’t take this on by yourself. We’re here for a reason.”

 

   Tim melted into Kon’s chest and sighed, his body shaking.-

 

   “I hope he’s okay.” Wonder Woman stared sadly at the video feed.

 

   “You sure they didn’t just leave and decided to go elsewhere?” Superman asked.

 

   “No.” Batman ended the conversation.

 

      -“Fuck man, the world feels way too much like jello.” The footage caught Bart’s pale, smiling face and weak laugh. “I think I lost not only dinner, but also half my body fat.”

 

   Kon’s shoulders relaxed and he heaved a heavy sigh. “Let’s get you to bed hon.” He pulled away from Tim and scooped Bart up into a bridle carry.-

 

   “Hon?” Wally barked a laugh. “He just called him hon?”

 

   “It’s kind of sweet?” M’gann tilted her head.

 

   “It’s silly.”

 

   -“Such a mom.” Bart’s mouth stretched into a yawn and he nuzzled into Kon’s chest.

 

   “Not just any mom. A midwestern one at that!” Cassie laughed as she crawled into Bart’s bed.

 

   “My drawl ain’t that strong!” Kon huffed in defeat.

 

   “Sure it isn’t.” Tim patted Kon’s large shoulder and slid into bed next to Cassie.

 

   Kon gently adjusted Bart and shuffled into the bed. 

 

   Somehow all of them were able to stay in the bed without falling out.

 

   “Night guys,” Cassie’s voice sounded light. 

 

    Kon clicked off the light. “Night.”

 

   “Hm-night.” Tim curled into Cassie’s side.

 

   Bart’s snores filled the quiet room.-

 

   “Okay I’m getting impatient.” Barry tapped his foot rapidly.

 

   “Hn.” Batman glared at the group.

 

   “Shutting up.”

 

   -“Skyrocket, Cardinal, Levitation and Catalyst. You’re needed in the docking bay.” Batman’s voice sounded into Bart's room.

 

   Tim shot up, a scowl on his face. “Come on! I was so ready to not do anything until tomorrow!” He jumped out of bed and stomped out the door as he grabbed a housecoat.

 

   Kon and Bart walked side by side holding hands. 

 

   Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Bart tripped along.

 

   Cassie floated behind everyone, grumbling about her sleep being ruined.

 

   The camera to the docking bay showed the group entering it. Surprisingly the lights were on. 

 

   The even odder thing was that no one was there. The room was also completely empty except for the few tool boxes. 

 

   Kon parted his lips, a confused expression crossing his face. Eyes widening he snapped his head at his friends.

 

   “It’s a trap!” His vision blasted the bay door, its metal glowing a hot yellow white.

 

   The lights flickered red and Kon looked ready to vomit. 

 

   Bart collapsed to the floor in a heap of limbs. Tim fell closely after. 

 

   Cassie shook her head as her eyes began to droop. After a few seconds she was on the ground.

 

   “Kal….” Kon swallowed loudly as sweat dripped down his temples. “Help…” He hit the metal floor and his eyelids shut.

 

   The video then became distorted and the room was empty with only a note left.-

 

   “So they were kidnapped,” Green Arrow finally said.

 

   “And they somehow used B’s voice.” Robin’s lenses narrowed.

 

   “We need to start a country wide search.” Batman clicked off the video and began moving the mouse and traced the different files, deciding what to watch next. “I’m going to look through the footage from the last couple of nights and see if there’s any evidence of who took them.”

 

   “Or we could do it.” Wally raised his hand. “I mean you are probably better at finding people out on the field than us.”

 

   Batman nodded. “Look through every video from the last two days.”

 

————Cassie————

 

   One entire week passed. One whole fucking week and Cassie hadn’t seen any of her friends. 

 

   She carried heavy pieces of metal over her shoulder and towards a conveyer belt. 

 

   The belt moved the metal to a furnace and some weird machines did the rest of the molding, cooling and building. 

 

   It was building large robots. Robots meant to destroy meta humans. She ground her teeth at the thought of creating their own demise.

 

   “Hey, you're zoning out!” An older teen hissed. He was carrying less metal than Cassie, but was much skinnier.

 

   “Right, thanks.” Cassie began walking over the belt.

 

   “I’m Raymond, but you can call me Ray.” He stuck out his hand, balancing the metal on his other arm.

 

   “Cassie.” She took the offered hand and shook it.

 

   “When’d you get here?” He asked.

 

   “About a week ago. My friends are here too, I just don’t know where.” Throwing the metal onto the belt, she rolled her shoulders. “Haven‘t had a good meal in a while.”

 

   “You're lucky you get food.” He hiked the metal off his shoulder and set it down. “Those who don’t work only eat once a week.”

 

   “Shit.”

 

   “Yeah, shit is right.” Ray laughed humorlessly.

 

   “You seem like a rumour kind of guy. Any idea on the outside world of what’s up with the staff?” Cassie strolled back to the metal pile.

 

   “I heard that Doctor -she’s the medic for the guards by the way- got an assistant. Think he’s called Honey or something.” 

 

   Cassie snorted. “What kind of name is that?”

 

   “Don’t ask me! Doctor’s real kinky.” He picked up a smaller piece of metal.

 

   “Ew.”

 

    “Also.” He leaned in. “Whispers have gone around about some insane meta. Said he’s put five men into critical condition and that he ripped out a guy's throat on his first day.”

 

   Groaning, Cassie hunched her shoulders. “That would be one of my friends.”

 

   “Your friend is insane.”

 

   “He’s scared,” Cassie spat.

 

   “Okay, okay! Jeez sorry.” Ray side eyed Cassie and went back to work.

 

   Pulling on her collar, Cassie sighed. “You're good.”

 

   “Thanks.”

 

————Bart————

 

   One month. 

 

   Of being stuck in a room with weird cameras and probes.

 

   Bart couldn’t even move.

 

   Cuffs around his wrist held his arms firmly to the metal floor. 

 

   The darkness was nice at least.

 

   His nerves felt dull with the lack of speed force.

 

   Surprisingly that also felt nice.

 

   Maybe since it was not like the speed force he’s used to.

 

   Nevertheless, he would just sit and wait.

 

   And wait.

 

   And wait.

 

   And, wait.

 

   With more waiting.

 

   “Hellooooo.” Bart’s voice echoed off the walls.

 

   “Is anyone there!?”

 

   Shuffling sounded outside the door.

 

   “I’m really, really, really, really, bored!”

 

   Silence.

 

    “Oh COME ON! IT HAS BEEN A FUCKING MONTH OF ONE- AND I MEAN ONE! MEAL A WEEK! AND I AM ABOUT TO FUCKING LOOSE IT!”

 

   More silence.

 

   “FUCK YOU!”

 

   “Will you shut up!”

 

   A guard stormed through the door and stomped over to Bart.

 

   “I am sick of you talking!”

 

   Smirking, Bart blew a raspberry and kicked the guards balls.

 

   “You mother fucker!”

 

   The guard stumbled out of the room and slammed the door behind him.

 

   Bart snickered and picked up the ID card the guard dropped with his foot.

 

   “And thank you very much.”

 

————Kon————

 

   The alarms had started around five minutes ago. Their loud noise blared overhead and the red lights flashed, illuminating the corridor in bright neon, then cascading it in complete darkness. 

 

   Over and over again. It went on.

 

   Red.

 

   Darkness.

 

   Red.

 

   Darkness.

 

   Red.

 

   Darkness.

 

   Red.

 

   Kon limped down the hallway, his muzzle was cracked and missing its front, revealing his blood soaked teeth and mouth. The iron taste sat bitterly on his tongue.

 

   Massive machines moved around the facility picking off the others. Too many times he wasn’t fast enough to save a child. Their screams echoed in his ears as blood trickled down his leg where the large piece of metal was embedded.

 

   The metal was deep in his skin, nearly piercing the muscle into his bone. Every step sent a horrible jolt of pain through his system. The collar around his neck hung heavy around it. The smooth metal digging into him like a noose. His bones creaked and ached with being trapped in darkness for so long. Muscle and fat was practically nonexistent and his hair now fell past his eyes. It stuck flat to his face from sweat and strangers’ blood. His beard had filled out more and wasn’t the shaggy stubble like when he arrived. Kon’s body yearned for the warmth of the sun and the light of day. 

 

   Through the pain and the horror, Kon kept moving forward. He needed to. 

 

   He needed to find them.

 

   Needed his friends.

 

   Another horrible scream ripped through the air as another child was killed. 

 

   An overwhelming urge to sink his teeth into flesh washed over his senses, but he trekked onward.

 

   “Stop right there!” A guard pointed his gun at Kon, the barrel blurred in and out of focus as he walked.

 

   A weak growl rumbled in his chest and he stopped, staring wearily at the gun. 

 

   The guard strode forward and grabbed Kon’s shoulder, throwing his thin body to the ground. 

 

   As the barrel pressed against Kon’s head, the guard smirked. “Not so tough now are ya?” 

 

   He only glared and bared his teeth.

 

   “This is for putting all my comrades into a fucking early grave,” The guard said, his finger pulling against the trigger.

 

   Squeezing his eyes shut, Kon waited for the world to slip away. He waited for the simple end and the last breath, but instead nothing.

 

   Something wet and warm dripped on his cheek, then it poured down and drenched the side of his face as the sound of a body hitting the floor echoed down the hall. Kon opened his eyes and looked at the foggy eyes of the now dead guard. 

 

   A scalpel was embedded in the man’s jugular and cut just enough to cause a horrific end. Blood oozed slowly out of his mouth and neck and the stench of the man losing his bowls filled Kon’s nose. 

 

   He shot up and hit his back against the wall staring at the lifeless body.

 

   A quick glance to his left gave him all the details he needed.

 

   Tim stood over the man breathing heavily. His hair was longer now and it was flat with grease. Sweat dripped down his temples and blood covered his shirt. That’s all he had on, a shirt. A blood soaked shirt. 

 

   Tim’s hands trembled and his eyes were distant like he wasn’t all there. Fear basically rolled off him in waves.

 

   “Tim?” Kon asked hoarsely.

 

   Like a bullet, Tim swiveled around and lunged at Kon his thin fingers gripping his throat. Though the collar did little in Tim’s favour.

 

   The attack made Kon tense, but only for a second. The fear in Tim’s eyes made his heart ache and gave way for a bubbling anger, but he kept it locked away. It wasn’t the time to get angry, not yet. With ease, he gently pried Tim’s hand away and pulled his body into his own. 

 

   When the horrible tremor and sob wracked Tim’s body, Kon rubbed his hands on his back.

 

   “I’m here. I’m here now.” 

 

   Kon’s words hung in the air and for a moment everything was quiet and calm.

 

   “Th-that’s-that’s a dead body,” A shaky voice said. 

 

   In front of Kon stood a young man with green eyes and reddish hair. His lips were parted like a fish’s and a choked sound escaped his throat.

 

   In a slow motion, Kon maneuvered Tim so he was hugged tight to his side and away from the young man. Even if this person had a meta inhibitor collar, he could still be a threat.

 

   “Please don’t kill me.” The young man put his hands up. “I’m on your side.”

 

   Kon sniffed and tilted his head. “What’s your name?” 

 

   “M-my name. Yeah it’s R-Raymond. Heh yeah….” He trailed off and gulped.

 

   “Ray! Did you find something?” 

 

   A smile spread on Kon’s face with Cassie’s voice.

 

   “Over here!” He said.

 

   “Kon?” Cassie ran into view here once strong frame now lighter with malnutrition. “Tim? Man am I glad to see you guys!” She embraced the others in a hug. 

 

   “I missed you.” Kon pecked her temple and buried his face in her shoulder. 

 

   “Me too bud.” 

 

   “These are your friends?” Ray’s voice was high pitched and his body was trembling. “Cool.”

 

   “I’d like you to meet Tim and Kon.” Cassie pulled away and gestured to them.

 

   “Hey.” 

 

   Kon nodded curtly. “Hey to you too.”

 

   “Where’s Bart?” Tim asked quietly, his voice barely heard over the alarms.

 

   “We ran into him sometime back and split up to help evacuate the kids. There's a wall that’s been torn down on the east side of the building.” Cassie explained.

 

   “I need to shut down the machines.” Tim pulled away from Kon and began moving down the hall, but not before Cassie grabbed his bicep.

 

   “Woah there Rob. Let’s get you some pants first.” She took off her grey spandex suit and handed it over to Tim. “Be lucky they gave me undies and a bra.”

 

   Tim attempted a small smile which looked more like a grimace. “Thanks.” 

 

   After he put on the suit that was too big and Cassie put on the shirt that was too small, they all set off for the factory.

 

   As they moved, Cassie turned to Ray. “I need you to go to the exit and help the others escape. Tell Bart we’re in the factory.” 

 

   “Okay.” Ray awkwardly patted Cassie’s shoulder and cleared his throat. “Good luck.” He then jogged down a different hall.

 

***

 

   The door to the factory was much bigger than Kon expected. It was as tall as the ceiling and probably ten inches thick. Light filtered through the crack that the door created with the frame. When Kon was able to easily shuffle through the crack it made his stomach churn and have the nausea settle in.

 

   The room was more abyss than anything, with multiple catwalks leading to different doors and rooms. When Kon looked over the edge he swore he couldn’t see the bottom. It just kept growing darker the longer he stared.

 

   “Okay. Where’s the control room?” Bart, who had met up with them a couple minutes ago, asked.

 

   “Up there.” Cassie pointed across the room where one of the catwalks led. 

 

   “Let’s go.” Tim stepped onto the catwalk, its metal surface creaked and rustled under his weight.

 

   “That’s concerning.” Kon licked his dry lips and took a step after Tim.

 

   Once Tim and Kon were a decent amount of feet away Bart followed.

 

   Cassie sighed. “YOLO!” She hopped onto the bridge and it bent further.

 

   “Fucking shit Lev!” Tim hissed as he gripped the bar tightly, steadying himself. 

 

   “I’ve walked these bridges before, they’re perfectly stable.” Cassie stomped her foot against the metal and it groaned against the sudden weight.

 

   “Gah! Stop it!” Kon growled.

 

   “Chill out, it's fine.” Bart leaned against the railing. “She said it’s perfectly safe so it’s perfectly sa-.”

 

   BANG

 

   Blood spewed from Bart’s shoulder, his eyes blew wide in shock and he fell backwards over the railing.

 

   “BART!” Cassie lunged forward and grabbed his hand. 

 

   “Look at that. The gang's all here.” The Warden waved his gun around a cold smile on his ugly face.

 

   He leaned lazily over the railing and stared down at the group from his perch. 

 

   “Fuck.” Kon bared his teeth and took a step towards Cassie.

 

   “Ah, ah, ah, you aren’t going anywhere.” The gun was now pointed at Kon’s head.

 

   “Ngh.” Bart pressed down on his bleeding shoulder and gritted his teeth.

 

   “It’s over! All the kids are out and the Justice League will dismantle this operation!” Tim tilted his chin upwards and glared defiantly.

 

   “Oh do you think I don’t know that?” The warden snapped his fingers and another gun fired. It’s bullet piercing one of the chains holding the catwalk up. 

 

   Kon grabbed Tim with one hand and the railing with the other as the bridge listed to one side.

 

   “I spent months putting this plan together, only for it to horrifically fail by the hand of some foolish children!” He fired his gun at Cassie, the bullet grazing her bicep.

 

   She held back a scream and kept Bart tightly in her grasp.

 

   The warden straightened his spine and holstered his gun. “I hope the fall doesn’t kill you.” 

 

   Before Kon could fully process what the warden meant, bullets broke the last three chains and the bridge was overcome by the relentless pull of gravity.

 

***

 

   Kon gasped as he regained consciousness, his lungs ached with the dust that filled them. He curled onto his side and coughed until his chest burned. 

 

   “Guys?….” Cassie croaked. 

 

   “I’m here.” Kon lifted his head, but hit it against a metal beam. He was surrounded on all sides save for the small crack of open space beside him.

 

   “Are…. we dead?” Bart sounded winded.

 

   “Not yet.” Tim took a deep breath. “But I don’t think we’ll make it out this time.”

 

   “Don’t say that!” Kon went onto his hands and knees and began pushing on the metal beam. It groaned with the push, but did not budge. “We can get out of here! We always get out.”

 

   “I think my hips are broken,” Cassie said. “And possibly my femurs.”

 

   Bart wheezed out a wet laugh. “A giant rod of metal is… is in my chest. Punctured a… lung.”

 

   “The bridge is currently on half my body. Luckily it tipped over on me after we landed.” Tim chuckled, though all humour was gone.

 

   Kon thunked his head onto the floor and lay back down. “I’m stuck in a small pocket of some metal beams.”

 

   “Guess… guess this is… is it.” Bart sniffled. “I-I’m glad it’s… with… with….” He trailed off, his breath became lighter.

 

   “Don’t keep talking, you’ll only make it worse.” Cassie kept her voice calm, but the urgency laid just under the surface.

 

   Sleep grabbed Kon like a vice and the world faded out of focus.

 

   “Kon!” Cassie yelled.

 

   His eyes snapped open and a horrible migraine rested between his eyes. 

 

   “I’m awake. Sorry, I drifted off for a few seconds there.” Kon’s legs felt sticky with his blood. 

 

   “It was more than a few fucking seconds!” Tim’s voice sounded hoarse.

 

   “Is Bart….”

 

   “He passed out a few minutes ago. I don’t think he has much longer,” Cassie said softly.

 

   “I love you guys” -The words flowed before he could stop them- “I love you so much. More than you idiot’s would ever know. You guys saved me.” Tears streamed down his face.

 

   “Kon”-

 

   “No, let me say this.” He took a deep breath. “Cassie, you were the best girlfriend a clone could ask for. And are an even better friend. You made me realize that love is unconditional and what it means to care for someone. You are the best leader and when we get to hell, you better know I’ll follow you through the fields and fields of the damned.”

 

   “Oh Kon.” A sob wracked Cassie’s body.

 

   “What… about me?” Bart was so quiet. His poor lungs were probably screaming to let go.

 

   “You-you’re my best friend. You were the first person I met with so much joy and authenticity that felt natural. Nothing can keep you still and that’s what I love. I love the speed and the knowledge you carry. You’re so smart and amazing and make me feel like anything you say will somehow make everything be better. And by god I love you.”

 

   “Such a sap.” Kon could hear his smile from where he was. 

 

   “Always the mom,” Tim whispered.

 

   “I love you Tim. I love you more than anything. The moment I laid eyes on you, I knew I would follow you to the ends of the known universe. Even when both of us fought, you were always bringing me joy. I want to give you everything you could possibly want. I want to grow old with you and marry you and give you a house and a life of peace. And I want to say. I am sorry.”

 

   “Don’t apologize.” Tim sighed heavily.

 

   “If I wasn’t so reckless, we’d all be home and safe.” Kon curled more into himself, exhaustion once again crept up his body.

 

   “We’re Young Justice, we can never have a moment of rest.” 

 

   “Don’t you mean… Young Just Us….” Bart coughed.

 

   “Still making the bad puns.” Cassie chuckled.

 

   “I’m not sure I’ll wake up next time.” Kon wiped the warm tears that flowed down his face. 

 

   “It’s okay, Love. You can rest now.” Tim was crying. Kon could tell from the way his voice was. How the seriousness was a mask for his tears.

 

   “I hope they at least say we died being badassess.” Kon closed his eyes and welcomed the cold darkness that overcame him.

Notes:

I have spent way too long making this chapter. It has been rewritten at least five times. Hopefully the upload schedule will resume back to normal.

Lots of love,
-Al <3

Chapter 15: A goodbye that seems only Kon and Conner know is sad.

Notes:

*Trigger Warning*

-Mentions of Death

-Swearing

-Poor mental health

-Self neglect

Warm light filled Kon’s muscles snaking through his nerves and embedding itself deep into his bones. Arms stretched out, he groaned and sighed as each vertebrae popped.

The door slid open and Kon looked over toward the sound. A man with a white coat and stethoscope around his neck stepped through the threshold.

“Good afternoon, I’m doctor Jones,” the man said, his eyes squinting as he smiled.

“Where… where am I?” Kon sat up and looked around.

The question was entirely rhetorical if the heart rate monitor and I.V drop was anything to go by.

“Happy Harbour memorial hospital.” He walked over in a few short strides. “Specifically the meta wing.”

“Hm.” Kon’s fingers went up to his neck and grazed the collar. “What?” It felt different.

Lighter, sleeker in design. Better fitted.

“Safety precaution. Every meta who stays for more than 24hrs needs to wear one.” Putting on blue gloves, Dr.Jones stood in front of Kon. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a light. “Follow my finger.”

“My friends, they were with me…” Kon blinked rapidly as the light moved away.

“I’m not sure, but I can ask around and see.” Dr.Jones took off the stethoscope and placed the end on Kon’s chest. “Deep breath in.”

Kon inhaled slowly, allowing his chest to expand.

After a few other placements of the stethoscope, Dr.Jones stepped back with a smile.

“Your lungs and heart sound healthy.”

“Yeah, I think the sun did all the hefty work.” Kon stood up and looked past the doctor towards the door. “Can I go find my friends now?”

“Sorry, but as a safety precaution-

“Let me guess” -Kon interrupted- “I’m not allowed out because I could scare someone.”

The doctor nodded. “Correct.”

After Dr.Jones left, Kon collapsed face down onto the pillow and groaned. What a fucking mess this was.

He massaged his temples trying to think.

How long had he been out?

What had even happened?

Who saved him?

Why couldn’t he remember?

The door slid open again and Kon turned his head to look at who it could be this time.

Batman stepped inside with Robin close on his heels.

“Kon-el.”

“You were the one who rescued me then?” Kon asked, sitting up.

“Robin and his teammates, yes. I only monitored.” Bruce drew the curtain separating the glass wall and room closed. He then grabbed a chair from the far wall, dragged it next to the bed and sat down.

Quietly, Robin sat down at the end of the hospital bed.

Bruce pulled down his cowl and sighed, his brown eyes staring tiredly at Kon.

“Your friends have already been discharged. We’ve been waiting for you to wake.”

“Are the kids okay?” Kon asked, looking up.

Robin smiled. “Yeah, they're fine. Many of them have been picked up by their parents.” He then grimaces. “Some of them, however, they didn’t….” He trails off, the word hanging heavily in the air.

“How long have I…?” Kon looks at his feet and curls his toes.

“Almost a month now.” Bruce’s voice was serious and no hint of joking was in his eyes. “You were severely injured. Not to mention the rescue.”

Kon’s eyes widened. “Did I do something?”

Bruce grabbed Kon’s hands. “Something strange happened to you. Something… otherworldly.”

It wasn’t a guess as to what it could be. It never was, when someone said “otherworldly” in a sentence. Especially when it involved him.

“I changed, didn't I?” Kon’s shoulders hiked up and he pulled his hands away.

“You know?” Robin asked, leaning forward. His lenses widened with intrigue.

“It doesn’t happen often, just when sudden doom is a very present threat.”

“Does it happen to just you? Or….?”

“All Kryptonians can change.” Kon rubbed the back of his neck and scoffed. “We don’t- didn’t look human on our home planet. It would be nearly impossible for there to be two species that evolved so similarly in a universe so diverse.”

“It could still happen.” Bruce pointed out.

“Yes, but different stars, different environments, different evolutionary patterns.” Kon straightened his back. In my world we’d be more closely related to a Martian than human. Hence the ability to look more human.”

“Does attacking us wildly also relate to you being kryptonian?” Robin asked somewhat bitterly.

Kon bounced his leg. “The house of El were known for their innovation, but also their ability to cause mass destruction and thirst for their enemies' blood. As well as you know, being cloned to become a weapon of war doesn’t help.” He laughed half-heartedly.

Bruce nodded and stood. “What we could tell from your attack, was mainly that of fear and survival.”

“Man I’m getting serious Deja vu.” Kon snarked.

“You didn’t hurt anyone, there are just some people who are concerned.” Walking to the door, Bruce tugged his cowl back on and opened the door, gesturing for Kon to follow as he did.

“Superman, right?” Kon cracked his neck as he trekked over.

“One of the people. Yes.” Bruce strode down the hall as Robin and Kon followed close behind.

Robin bumped Kon’s shoulder and gave him a small smile.

***

“Kon!” Tim, Bart and Cassie tackled him to the ground in a heap of limbs and smiles.

“Guys!” TTK wrapped tightly around his friends and warmth buzzed through his chest. “You're okay! You’re okay….” Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes. “I’m so glad….”

“We did too, bud!” Bart nuzzled his head against Kon’s chest. His once skinny frame, now more filled out.

“Oh I could kiss you! You big lumbering idiot!” Cassie squished his cheeks and pecked his forehead.

“Your hips are healed!” Kon smiled as his hand jabbed her hip bone teasingly.

“No shit.” Tim butted in. “She’s a demigod, it’d be weird if they weren’t.”

Kon’s smile faltered slightly when he saw Tim.

His muscles were nearly returned and he didn’t look starved, but there was still that tired look in his eyes and his body looked like it had before he took on testosterone.

“Tim, have you been off T?” Kon asked, sitting up, his friends scooting off him.

He looked away and smiled sadly. “I haven’t been able to function well with you away.”

“Damn, codependent little bitch.” Bart punched his shoulder.

“Please, I wasn’t the one crying myself to sleep every night.” Tim shot back.

Cassie snorted. “We’re all a little codependent.”

Kon laughed. “Fuck, we need major therapy!”

“You boys need therapy! I actually go.” Cassie hopped to her feet.

Bart stood up and stretched. “I’m going to make some lunch for y'all. What’d you want?”

“I’m thinking of something simple.” Kon tilted his head. “Grilled cheese and tomato soup sounds great right about now.”

“God, I can already taste it!” Cassie smiled as she made her way out of the room. “I’ll help!”

Kon and Tim followed behind, smiling at their friends.

The kitchen was bustling with the other team.

M’gann was hecticly ordering everyone around as she held a cookbook in one hand and a bowl with batter getting whisked in the other.

Kaldur’ahm awkwardly balanced dirty bowls and struggled to put them in the sink. He glanced over at Cassie and her team and smiled.

Wally rushed around, wiping tables and pulling out plates all the while juggling a bag of bread on his forearm.

Artemis was putting canned tomatoes in a blender and hummed to herself through the chaos of an entire team trying to fit in the kitchen.

Conner stood rigid as a board in the corner looking like he was on the verge of tears. His fists were clenched at his sides and eyes wildly looking around.

“What the fuck is happening?” Bart stage whispered to Kon.

“Grife if I know,” Kon whispered back.

“Conner overheard you mention having grilled cheese and tomato soup sounding good, so we thought we could make you it,” Kaldur’ahm said, washing the dishes.

Robin walked in holding a bag of shredded cheese “I got the cheese like you- holy chaos Batman what is happening?”

Bart's eye twitched as he saw the blender get turned on without the lid.

“EVERYONE FREEZE!”

The entire room stopped as silence swept over the team. Kon could swear he heard a pin drop.

“Do any of you even know how to cook!?” Bart cried.

“Well”-

“Uhm yeah?…no”-

“I know a little”-

“I wasn’t the one who turned on the blender, that was Wally.”

“Hey!”

“Okay so clearly, you’re all hopeless, except for Artemis and possibly Robin.” Holding his head, Bart looked through his fingers.

“And you can cook?” Wally asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes I can! How do you think I refuel after a long day?! Ask my chef!?”

“You have a chef?”

“No! Well- sometimes- but that doesn’t matter. What I’m saying is everyone should know how to cook basic simple meals!” Bart zoomed around and the ingredients were spread out on the island, dishes were washed and put away, and counters were clean. “Okay! Let’s start from the top!”

Amidst the chaos, Kon had fallen asleep. It wasn’t a surprise really. His body still lacked energy and the shift he can’t quite remember had taken a toll on his body.

When he finally woke up, he woke up to the quiet sound of static from the TV. Its blue light illuminated the dark room in a faint glow.

Beside him sat Conner. His intense eyes staring at the screen, hands clutching a plate of grilled cheese with a small bowl of soup on its porcelain surface.

“Hey.” Kon licked his dry lips and sat up.

Conner leaned back against the sofa and shifted his arms so the plate was in front of Kon.

“For you. It’s probably cold. Been out a few hours.”

Kon gratefully took the plate and picked up the grilled cheese. Sure it was cold, but Rao, was it amazing.

“Thanks a bunch.”

“Yeah, no problem.” Conner looked away, his cheeks taking on a reddish hue.

The two sat in silence, the static a constant sound, soothing their nerves.

“Can I ask you something?” Conner asked.

Taken aback by how soft his voice sounded, Kon blinked a few times as his mind tried to comprehend the question.

Swallowing the last of the sandwich Kon finally answered, “of course.”

“Are all Kryptonians capable of looking the way you did?”

A heavy pain weighed on Kon’s chest as he mulled over the words, the spoon he held sloshed the soup around slowly.

“On my world…” he sighed, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. “We were- are beings of immense strength. Even without the power of the sun we can withstand a lot.”

“Is that how you looked when you were….” Conner trailed off, his eyes downcast.

“That’s how Dad looked too. Well, my Dad that is.” The chuckle that left his mouth was seldom of any humour.

“Does it hurt?”

Putting the plate on the coffee table in front of him, Kon rolled his shoulders and studied Conner’s expression carefully.

His face was twisted into that of a child like innocence, but also deep concern. Something about it reminded him of Jon.

Shoulders slouching forward, Kon’s upper body curled closer to his legs, as if the sky had suddenly fallen on him.

“The times I remember… it- my body- bones physically change. They break and grow and twist and… every moment is excruciating.”

Conner curled his fingers into fists, his brows furrowed as he thought. Then he looked over at Kon and frowned.

“We found you and the others in really bad shape,” Conner said, breaking the silence. “It was after we had helped the others. This guy, Ray, he told us you went to shut down the machines or something. We ended up going in and searching for you while the league helped the kids.” Shaking his head, Conner inhaled sharply. “Found the hole you fell down. Ended up finding you down the hall. Some guy, a military general or something was beneath you, he looked… fucked up.”

Guilt crawled up Kon’s spine as he listened.

“The guy’s fine now, we got you off him before…”

Before he could kill him, was what he wanted to say. Kon could tell.

“In the end we got you under control and saved your friends,” he finished the story with a head tilt.

A beat.

“Are you okay?” Kon asked.

Words twisted as expressions contorted across Conner’s face, his eyes stared at Kon with apprehension. His jaw clenched and a thousand words wanted to spew, but Kon watched on with growing defeat.

Finally, Conner settled on a small shake of his head.

At that moment Kon realized how young Conner was. His new beating heart, so fresh and unscathed by this cruel world.

He had left him alone.

Alone.

Conner’s entire body stiffened when Kon wrapped his arms around him and pulled him into his chest. He stared up confused when Kon hummed and carded his fingers through his short thick hair.

“Oh, I’m so sorry hon.” Craning his neck, he bent down and kissed the crown of Conner’s head. “I’m sorry for leaving you like that.”

It wasn’t odd when Conner’s shoulders began shaking, nor was it silly when he quietly cried and gripped Kon’s shirt like a lifeline.

He knew Conner could cry. He knew that at one point he would. This was just different. It was with him. And fuck was it vulnerable.

Conner desperately tried wiping away his tears, confusion spreading across his face.

“It’s okay, Conner. Crying is okay.” He held him in his arms, rubbing between his shoulder blades with the palm of his hand.

The two sat like that for a while. He didn’t know how long, but long enough for Conner to put himself back together and bring his walls back up. For that vulnerability that he never really showed to be shoved down in the deepest part of himself. To be replaced with cold, untouchable anger.

“See you in the morning.” Conner stood up, his back rigidly straight. He left the room leaving Kon in the dimly lit space with the TV buzzing around his mind.

Taking a couple of slow, deep breaths, he left for his room.

It was dark and a fan had been turned on. Tim’s form lay peacefully under the blanket. His breathing heavy as he slept.

Carefully, Kon shut the door and crept under the covers wrapping his arm around Tim’s chest.

“Tim?” Kon asked.

A quick inhale of breath and turn of his head, Tim’s arm reached over his shoulder and touched Kon’s face.

“Hm-Kon?”

“Do you think Conner will be okay with only his friends?” Kon hated how selfish he sounded. Hated how every word just spilled out with no thought.

“Come here.” Tim shifted his body and guided Kon until his head rested on his bare chest and his larger frame was halfway on Tim.

“I’m worried for him.”

“I know.” Tim’s finger trailed down Kon’s spine and rested his hand on the small of his back.

“He’ll be okay, I know that. His life was fine without me.”

“It was.”

“I think I just want to know he’ll be okay.” Kon traced small circles on Tim’s chest with his index finger.

“He will.”

Tim’s breath quickly evened out after that. His lungs expanded and deflated in a soothing rhythm.

It wasn’t long until Kon drifted off again.

***

“I guess this is it.” Wally scuffed his foot against the ground.

“Yep.” Kon stood with his arms crossed, watching Tim input the coordinates to their Earth.

“I think I’m actually going to miss your dumb face.” Wally smirked wryly.

“And maybe I’ll be reminiscing over your weird aversion to bare skin.” Kon laughed, patting Wally’s shoulder.

Bart whizzed around the groups and stopped just shy of the transporter, foot tapping rapidly.

“Okay, can you hurry up with the goodbyes? I need to get home and crash.”

Cassie smiled and looked over at Artemis. “Man, I'm going to miss you!” She pulled her into a hug and rocked her side to side.

“You barely know her!” Bart pointed an accusatory finger.

Kon chuckled softly, his eyes landing on Conner.

He stood off to the side holding a plastic bag, eyes glaring holes into the ground.

Slowly, Kon shuffled over to him with a steady smile.

“Here.” Conner shoved the bag into Kon’s hands and stuffed his own into his pockets.

Inside the bag was his suit. Folded nicer than he usually has it done. He couldn’t help but smile at the idea of Conner taking time to clean it and put it away so meticulously.

“You know what?” Kon gently put the bag back into Conner’s hands. “I think you should keep it. Tim was planning on making us new suits anyway.”

Looking up from the bag Conner stared thoughtfully at Kon, his eyes blinking owlishly.

A buzz ignited in Kon’s chest and he wrapped his arms around Conner. In turn his counterpart stiffened in surprise.

“I wish we got to know each other better, but… I have a feeling we’ll be seeing one another again.” Kon blinked back his tears and pulled away.

“Bye….” Conner nodded solemnly and shuffled back over to his team.

The transporter whirred to life as Bart stepped onto the conductor base. “Alright time to go!”

Kon hovered over to it and landed on the platform next to Tim and Cassie.

“Safe travels Young Justice!” Kaldur called.

“Till next time!” Kon smiled and waved them off.

And just like that, the world fell away into a kaleidoscope of colours and a familiar sensation.

Notes:

*nervous sweating* guys i know it’s like. A few months late- I promised to have a better schedule but time ran away from me.

I’m not happy with how this chapter turned out and may fix it later on. I rewrote it like ten times. Please enjoy what I have. Sorry about the wait….

Lots of love,
Al

Chapter 16: Epilogue

“In other news, the general of the meta human sect. Was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole after he was found to be the mastermind behind the abduction of meta children,” The reporter said. “The team known as Young Justice was able to put a stop to it and return every child home safely-

Catherine turned off the TV and sighed. She hoped Sky was okay. Rumours had been spread around about some older metas who actually started the escape.

It was likely Sky and maybe his friends.

“Mom?”

Catherine looked over at her daughter. She rubbed her tired eyes and yawned. The jacket Sky had given her draped over her shoulders.

“You’re supposed to be in bed muffin.” Catherine scooped up Sammy and kissed her temple.

“I couldn’t sleep,” She whispered.

“Let’s get you back to bed after I look through our giant mail pile.” Catherine bounced her daughter onto her hip and sat back down on the couch. She then sorted through the mail.

Sammy reached into the pile and pulled out a red envelope with her name on its back.

“I wonder who that could be from?” Catherine gently took the envelope from her daughter and opened it. Carefully she pulled out the letter and unfolded the paper.

“What’s it say?” Sammy asked, craning her neck.

Clearing her throat Catherine began to read.

“Dear Sam,

I hope this letter reaches you. Though it probably won’t. I’m still not sure if Big blue likes me.”

“Sky….” Sammy breathed.

Catherine glanced at her but continued on.

“I just wanted to say, I’m sorry for ditching you like that. I wanted to keep you safe and not get you involved. It was a pretty bad goodbye. There’s a chance I may see you again, but that won’t be for a while. I hoped we ended on okay terms.”

Sammy curled closer to Catherine.

“Stay brave for me okay? And use whatever kind of power you have to help the little gal okay?

Until next time,

Skyrocket.”

Notes:

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this fic! If you have any suggestions that you want to see later on please comment down below!

Kudos appreactiated!

Lots of love,
Al