|Lima, Peru
|December 24, 2009, 6:15 PM PET
|Jorge Chávez International Airport Warehouse
The warehouse was a maze of metal shelving piled high with boxes of all sizes and shapes, stacked pallets, and silent forklifts. The fluorescent light overhead bathed the place in a cold, artificial glow.
Wonder Boy, still a little suspicious, crossed his arms. "Clothes? Here?" His tight-fitting black suit, emblazoned with the golden Wonder Woman symbol, made him stand out like a ray of sunlight in the darkness. Warhawk, with his imposing physique and the wings sniffing out from behind him, was no less striking in his own form-fitting uniform. Cherub, in her white and blue energy-emanating suit, looked almost ethereal.
"Yes, here," Sebastian stated, his voice firm. "You're the equivalent of a walking siren right now. We need to blend in. Look for anything that looks civilian."
The three clones, though reluctant, began to move. Cherub, with her innate speed, was the fastest. Her brown eyes scanned the shelves with surprising efficiency. She moved in a blur, opening boxes and discarding contents. Within seconds, she found what she was looking for: a package of generic work clothes, probably destined for some construction company or airport uniforms.
"Over here!" he exclaimed, returning almost instantly with a pair of heavy denim jeans, a dark cotton T-shirt, and a hoodie for each of them. The clothes were simple, but loose enough to hide their unusual physiques and distinctive outfits.
Wonder Boy looked at the clothes with disdain. "This is... crude."
"It's functional," Sebastian replied dryly. "And it'll keep us off the radar. Now put it on. Quickly."
The three clones, albeit with some discomfort, began to change. Wonder Boy put on his jeans and T-shirt, the hoodie helping to conceal the prominent symbol on his chest. Warhawk donned his own, his retracted wings barely creating a bulge beneath the thick fabric of the hoodie. Cherub moved nimbly, his white and blue jumpsuit disappearing beneath his civilian clothes in an instant. The small energy emanations around his hands and feet dimmed, almost imperceptible.
While they were changing, Sebastian closed his eyes for a moment, concentrating on his surroundings. He tried to reach the G-Gnome network, but the silence remained absolute. They were completely alone. Then, he opened his psychic senses to the warehouse, searching for presences, guards, any sign of security. Aside from the machinery and crates, the place seemed deserted. The mind-control magic he'd used on the airport workers had evidently been long-lasting or had sent them elsewhere for a while.
Once the three of them were dressed, they looked... normal. Or at least, normal enough for a cargo airport. Sebastian had also put on a dark jacket he found in one of the clothing boxes, covering his black suit.
"Good," Sebastian said, his voice low. "Now, let's find an exit that isn't blocked by my magic and isn't monitored by cameras." He focused again, visualizing the warehouse schematics he'd extracted from a G-Gnome's mind. There was a service door in the back, used for maintenance, which might be their best option.
"Follow my steps. Be quiet. We don't want to attract attention," he instructed. He knew that with a Thanagarian and a Wonder Woman clone, stealth would be a challenge, but they had to try. The four began moving between the shelves, ghosts in the vast, silent warehouse, delving into the uncertainty of a strange new city.
"Normalcy" lasted only a few minutes. The rear service door Sebastian had identified was, as he feared, locked with a more robust security system. There was no way to discreetly force it open without attracting attention. Time was running out.
"Okay, plan B," Sebastian whispered, eyeing a skylight high in the warehouse ceiling, several meters above the ground. "We're going to have to be less discreet."
With a wave of his hand, a blast of crimson energy shot toward the skylight. The glass shattered with a sharp crash that echoed across the vast space, sending shards tumbling to the floor. The warehouse alarms soon joined the airport chorus.
"Run!" Sebastian shouted. He lifted Wonder Boy and Warhawk with his power, quickly soaring them toward the broken opening. "Those who can fly, use your powers! Cherub, run!"
Wonder Boy instinctively extended his arms. A blue aura surrounded him, and with a push of his legs, he propelled himself upward, ascending with the strength granted to him by his DNA. Warhawk, with a growl, extended his fledgling wings, which unfurled with a soft audible pop , though they still seemed somewhat weak. With a clumsy but effective flap, he rose alongside Wonder Boy.
Sebastian, now levitating, signaled them to continue their ascent. "Higher! We need to get out of sight!"
Cherub, however, didn't need help. With a gust of wind that barely disturbed his hair, his figure blurred. His feet hit the warehouse floor, then the shelves, the walls, zigzagging upwards with dizzying speed. In the blink of an eye, he was already above the skylight opening, waiting.
Once on the roof, the four moved quickly. Sebastian, Wonder Boy, and Warhawk took to the air, while Cherub ran alongside them across the flat surface of the airport, his speed a blur. The sirens of airport security were already wailing, approaching rapidly.
As they flew, Sebastian focused his mind. He couldn't rely on speaking out loud, not in this situation. He needed a form of instant, private communication. He remembered the G-Gnomes' mind network, how he'd forced his way in, and how, for a brief moment, he'd felt the interconnectedness.
"Listen to me," Sebastian's voice resonated directly into the minds of Wonder Boy, Warhawk, and Cherub, not with words, but with a clear pulse of thought. "I've created a mental connection with you. It's how I speak to Dubbilex, the G-Genomorph of Cadmus. I learned it by forcing my way into the G-Gnomes' mental network. It's safer than speaking out loud right now."
Wonder Boy, who was slightly ahead, paused in midair for a second, his expression one of astonishment. A mental connection? His thought was audible to Sebastian. Can you read our thoughts?
No, not like that, Sebastian replied, projecting the idea clearly. It's more of a private line of communication. I can send you my thoughts, and you can send me yours. It's so we can coordinate and so I can give you instructions without you overhearing.
Interesting, Cherub thought, his agile mind already analyzing the implications. What do we do now?
Keep moving, Sebastian told them. Until we reach a place where we can talk safely. Follow me.
Sebastian led the way, soaring over the airport buildings, then over the suburbs of Lima. The Peruvian night was falling, and the city lights were beginning to twinkle below them. He directed the three toward the center, a place with more people, more hiding places, where they could blend in with the crowd.
As they walked away from the airport, Warhawk's thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and budding fury. Clones? Created as weapons? And this Strange guy... can he really help us?
"I don't know for sure, Warhawk," Sebastian replied with mental sincerity. " But it's our best chance. And yes, he's the only one I know who can understand this."
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|Gotham City
|December 24, 2007, 6:45 PM EST
|The Batcave
In the dark depths of the Batcave, Batman's holographic monitors flickered with a flood of data. The Watchtower's systems, intrinsically connected to his own monitors, had just received a massive alert from the Lima airport.
"Alert, Batcave," the computer's monotonous voice filled the space. "Security breach at Jorge Chavez International Airport, Lima, Peru. Energy signatures match previously identified subjects at Cadmus Labs, Washington, DC."
Batman, still impassive, approached the center console. The holograms showed the Lima airport warehouse, images captured by security cameras that, incredibly, hadn't been completely destroyed or had transmitted a final trace before falling.
What he saw made him tense up even more, if that was possible. The four young men were awake.
The grainy footage showed young Sebastian using his magic to destroy the skylight, the crimson energy unmistakable. Then, the astonishing display of powers. The one who looked like a Wonder Woman clone, Wonder Boy, soared with inherent strength. The Thanagarian, Warhawk, took off on his fledgling wings. And the third, Cherub, moved with astonishing speed, a mere blur that glided along the walls and ceiling to freedom.
"So the girl is a speedster," Batman muttered to himself, his voice a calculating whisper. "Flash DNA confirmed."
Suddenly, a slender figure emerged from the shadows of the Batcave, his red and green suit almost blending in with the surroundings. Robin, with his large, curious eyes, had slipped away from his training area.
"What's going on, Batman?" Robin asked, his voice young but anxious. "I heard the alarms. Are those the Cadmus guys?"
Batman didn't even turn around, his gaze fixed on the screens. "It's League business, Robin." His voice was imperative. "Stay out of this."
Robin frowned. "But... they're young, aren't they? And they're in trouble? Who are they?"
"We don't know, Robin," Batman replied, his tone cutting. "We don't know their names. We only know that they have a connection to Cadmus and are using significant powers, including Chaos Magic. This isn't a job for a young hero."
Robin bit his lip, frustration evident in his posture. He'd always wanted to prove himself, to be at the center of the action. But Batman's gaze was unyielding. This was too dangerous a matter, too complex. The truth about the clones and Sebastian's power was something the Justice League was still only beginning to understand. And for now, it was a secret they must keep, even from their own youngest allies. The hunt in Lima was on, and the League couldn't afford to be distracted.
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|Star City
|December 24, 2009, 9:00 PM EST
|Roof of a High-Rise Building
The icy wind of Star City whipped across the rooftop of a skyscraper. The city lights spread out below them like a blanket of fallen stars, but the atmosphere at the top was somber and tense. Robin, barely visible in the shadows in his dark suit, had called a secret meeting. Despite the solemnity of the moment, a spark of childlike excitement shone in his eyes as he orchestrated the "secret."
"Thank you for coming," Robin began, his voice a little deeper than his young age suggested, with the unmistakable maturity forced by his training with Batman. His posture was serious, his blue eyes under his mask reflecting the gravity of the situation. "This is important. Too important for the League."
Facing him were the three other young heroes who, in this timeline, were his only companions on the "B side" of justice.
Kid Flash (Wally West), the hyperactive, wisecracking speedster, was already fidgeting, his foot tapping against the edge of the rooftop. "Come on, Rob. What's so upsetting you're taking us off our patrols? I hope it's worth it; I was about to break my pizza-delivery record." Despite his light tone, a spark of genuine curiosity gleamed in his green eyes. Inaction was his kryptonite.
Aqualad (Kaldur'ahm), the calm, level-headed Atlantean with his dark skin and serene eyes, nodded with an expression of patient expectation. His voice was always soft and thoughtful. "If Batman is keeping this a secret, he must be serious, Robin. We're listening closely." His formality contrasted with the spontaneity of his companions, but his loyalty was unwavering.
Speedy (Roy Harper), the red-haired archer, stood with his arms crossed, one eyebrow raised with his usual sarcasm. Always looking to prove himself and often irritated by the perception of being "just a sidekick." His face reflected his impatience and short temper. "This better not be another subordinate night patrol mission , Robin. I'm sick of the League's excuses to keep us out of the loop." His tone was one of open frustration; autonomy was his craving.
Robin turned on a small holographic projector he pulled from his utility belt. A blurry image appeared in the air: video footage from the Lima warehouse.
"The League thinks it's a terrorist attempt, or at least that's what Cadmus sold them," Robin explained, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone, savoring the "secret." "But Batman doesn't believe it. And he's right. This... this is way bigger than they're letting us see. And it's something the League doesn't want us to know about, which makes it even more unhinged ."
The hologram showed the sequence of young Sebastian, the red energy pulsing in his hands as he smashed the skylight. Then, the levitation of Wonder Boy and Warhawk, and the blur of Cherub, shooting through the warehouse.
"I got it from the Batcave," Robin continued, pointing at the image with restrained enthusiasm. "Batman received a security alert at a cargo warehouse in Lima, Peru. It's the same guys who escaped from Cadmus last night in DC."
Kid Flash leaned over, his eyes wide in surprise. "Holy windmills! Those are the guys from the video last night! The one with the magic... Chaos Magic, Rob?" Wally was a riot of energy and exclamations. "That's disastrous ! And the girl? Wow, that's fast! I bet she could outrun me... Nah, just kidding, I'm the fastest! But... who is she? Is she pretty?"
"That's what Zatara said. And the League confirmed that the guy in the center is a Wonder Woman clone, and the other one is... well, a Thanagarian. The Hawks nearly fell out of their seats," Robin allowed himself a small, wry smile. "And now we know that the girl, the one who moves like that..." He pointed at the blur of Cherub. "...is a speedster. A Flash clone."
Wally whistled again, his mind already moving elsewhere. "A speedster! With the same genetics as the Flash! Wow, Cadmus created them? Imagine the experiments! The science! Do you think he has a faster metabolism? He could eat unlimited pizza and not gain weight! Unbelievable!"
"That's what Batman suspects," Robin replied, shutting off the hologram. "The League thinks they're 'hostages' or 'weapons.' But from what I saw, the magic guy... got them out of Cadmus. He's not a terrorist. And they don't look like hostages. They look... freed ."
Speedy crossed his arms, his initial skepticism fading, replaced by intrigue. His usually scowling face showed a spark of genuine interest. "So the League is handling it. Why are you telling us, Robin? Why don't they handle it? Do they keep treating us like children ?" Anger and frustration with the League were a constant driving force for Roy.
Robin sighed, teenage frustration surfacing for a moment. "Because it's 'League business.' That's what Batman told me. 'Stay out of it, Robin, this is League business.' It's the same old excuse! They treat us like kids, like we can't handle anything serious. Cadmus is our business . We know that. This isn't the first time they've meddled in shady things. This is an out-of-control case , and we're the only ones who can handle it properly."
Aqualad placed a hand on Robin's shoulder, his voice calm and reasonable, seeking clarity in the chaos. "I understand your frustration, Robin. The League has kept us in the dark for too long. But what do you propose? Do we go to Lima alone? It's uncharted territory, and the implications are profound."
"That's exactly what I'm proposing," Robin said, his eyes shining with determination, the idea of a "defensive formation" secret mission already taking shape in his mind. "The League has no jurisdiction in Peru. They'll be tied up in bureaucracy, waiting for permits. Meanwhile, those kids... those clones ... are alone in a foreign country, with a guy who uses Chaos magic and who, for some reason, 'rescued' them from Cadmus. We need to get there before the League does. We need to find out what's going on, talk to them, find out who that guy is and why he took them out."
Kid Flash was already fidgeting, his foot tapping faster against the rooftop. "I'm in! A trip to Peru, seeing other Cadmus 'products,' and no League supervision... sounds like a spectacular reconnaissance mission !" The idea of an unofficial, and possibly scientific, adventure excited him to the core.
Speedy considered the proposal, a slow, sly smile forming on his lips. The chance to act on his own, to prove himself without the restrictions of Green Arrow or the League, was too tempting. "Finally, some real action. What are we waiting for? Batman's permission? Please. Let's show them we can handle this. Once and for all."
Aqualad looked thoughtfully at the city's illuminated skyline. His loyalty to Aquaman and the League ran deep, but Robin's logic held weight. The League, despite its good intentions, was often too slow, too cautious with youth. "The situation is delicate. If Cadmus is cloning heroes, and using Chaos Magic... we need to understand the scope. We can't simply stand by while a submerged battle rages ." He looked up, his eyes meeting Robin's. "I'm with you, Robin. But we must be cautious. We don't know how dangerous this individual is or what his true agenda is. Caution is vital."
"Exactly," Robin nodded, a small smile of victory appearing under his mask. "That's why it's a reconnaissance mission. Get information. Make sure those clones are safe. And if the magic guy is a danger... we'll stop him. Let's prepare for an infiltration ."
The young League, still in its early stages, not yet acquainted with Superboy or Miss Martian, without the formal structure of the 'Team', was about to embark on its first unauthorized mission on an international scale. A mission that would take them to the heart of a mystery the Justice League had yet only just glimpsed.
Kid Flash, his energy palpable even in the stillness of the rooftop, pounded his fist into his palm. "Okay, a mission unleashed in Peru, love that! But one crucial question, Robin: How are we supposed to get to Lima? We can't just...pay for plane tickets, right? And I don't think Batman will lend us the Batplane for a 'boys' night,' or Wonder Woman will lend us her Invisible Jet. And as far as I know, there's no Zeta-Tube that goes to South America."
Aqualad nodded seriously. "Kid Flash has a valid point. Our means of transportation are limited, and discretion is key if we want to remain invisible to the League and Cadmus."
Speedy, with his usual pragmatism, added, "Yeah, Robin, what's the logistical plan ? We can't just show up there. And commercial flights would be... too traceable, even if we had the money."
Robin smiled, one of those smiles Batman would hate if he saw it, filled with a mixture of wit and teenage mischief. "Well, the League has its ways, and we have ours. No, there's no Zeta-Tube straight to South America, I know that. And no, we can't use their toys. But... there are ways."
He approached the edge of the rooftop, looking out over Star City's harbor. "The League has contacts. And not all of them are 'official' in the ledger. I've been doing some research on illegal... or shall we say, unregulated ... cargo routes . There are ships coming and going, carrying goods, sometimes... with fewer questions than the League would like."
Kid Flash tilted his head. "Cargo ships? Like stowaways?" The idea didn't seem to excite him as much as super speed. "That sounds slow, Rob. And a little... uncomfortable ."
"It'll be slow, yes. A couple of days at sea, at least," Robin admitted. "But it's safe. And it's the only way we can get there without alerting anyone. I have a contact, an old friend of Batman's who's 'retired' from his activities, who owes me a favor. He can get us passage on a freighter leaving early tomorrow morning for Callao, Lima's port. No one will ask questions, and no one will report. We'll be ghosts."
Speedy crossed his arms, considering the idea. "Risky. But it doesn't sound bad. A boat trip, unsupervised... We could even practice target practice in the ocean if we get bored." A glimmer of adventure appeared in his eyes, the idea of autonomy outweighing the risk.
Aqualad, for his part, considered the pros and cons. "It's a... pragmatic option . Less direct than a Zeta-Tube, but more discreet. If the League is already on alert in the skies, a sea passage would give us the advantage of surprise. I agree, Robin. It's the most prudent course."
"Excellent," Robin said, rubbing her hands together excitedly. "We'll meet at Star City Harbor, Pier 17, at 5:00 AM. No one must know we're coming. Dress in civilian clothes, no uniforms. And bring the essentials, small backpacks. We'll make it as quiet as possible."
The meeting concluded, the adrenaline still pulsing in the cold rooftop air.
"Well, guys, I've gotta go," Kid Flash said, already vibrating slightly, his mental clock ticking. "My midnight curfew is strict, and I don't want my parents grounding me! See you tomorrow, Rob!" With a gust of wind, Wally waved goodbye, a yellow and red blur disappearing into the streets of Star City, eager to get home and maybe, just maybe, sneak in one last pizza before bed.
Speedy gave a casual two-fingered salute to Robin and Aqualad. "Good. Let's get packing. See you at the port. I need to head to the Star City Zeta-Tube to get back home and get my things organized. I don't want Green Arrow catching me off guard about this adventure." With one nimble motion, he leaped off the rooftop, sliding down the side of the building before disappearing into the darkness of an alley where a public-use Zeta-Tube, disguised as a blue, decommissioned police box, was waiting for him.
Aqualad bowed slightly to Robin. "I'm returning to Poseidonis. I'll make sure I'm prepared for the crossing. See you at dawn, Robin." With that, his athletic figure headed toward the edge of the rooftop, leaping with an aquatic grace that carried him far away, presumably to an access point to a Zeta-Tube that would connect him to his underwater kingdom.
Robin stood alone on the rooftop, the city lights spreading out around him. He was satisfied. The mission was underway. Suddenly, his wrist communicator vibrated. He looked at the ID.
"Oh, hell," he muttered. It was Batman.
He answered the call, forcing a casual, relaxed voice. "Hey, B. What's up?"
Batman's deep voice crackled over the communicator. "Robin. Where are you? I've been looking for you. Everything okay in the squad car?"
Robin swallowed. Her detective mind, trained by the best, worked at full speed to formulate a believable lie. "Yeah, B, all good. Just... uh... finishing up an extra patrol around here in Star City. A few low-level bad guys, you know. Nothing I can't handle! I'm on my way back to Gotham right now. Just needed a minute to... uh... breathe in the fresh air."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line. Robin swore he could feel Batman's piercing gaze even through the communicator. "Good. Make sure you're home by a reasonable hour. We need to run through some... variables for the Cadmus case."
"Sure, B. I'll be right there. Over and out!" Robin cut the call before Batman could detect any hesitation in his voice.
He breathed a sigh of relief, but didn't stop. He looked in the direction Speedy and Aqualad had gone. He had to reach their respective Zeta-Tubes. Although the mission was already underway, he still had to keep up appearances. He couldn't afford a mistake now. The ill-fated adventure was about to begin.
TO BE CONTINUED
Would you like Sylvan Ortega to be Gregorio's apprentice or still? (Information about Sylvan Ortega: Sylvan "Syl" Ortega is a young wizard and student of the great Gregorio de la Vega.
History
The Brazilian Syl was supposed to be the pajé, a shaman, of a South American tribe that was already extinct when he was born, wiped out by disease and greed, so he was raised in a city far from his place of power. At some point in his life, he came under the tutelage of Gregorio de la Vega at the Sanctuary, with whom he began to study natural magic.)