Gotham City. July 4th 12:00 pm.

The sizzling sound of hotdogs grilling fills the air at the park. Fourth of July is a perfect day to spend the day relaxing surrounded by friends and family. This day, however, instead an atmosphere of fun it is a mess of terror.

High above an apartment complex, two teens scan the entire perimeter of the park.

"Anything?" The younger asks the older beside him who was holding a pair of binoculars, scanning the park in search for their main target.

"Nope." The other replies popping the 'p' at the end. "Not a trace of that frozen fish bowl anywhere- ooh hello!"

"What?"

He zooms in to what had caught his interest. "Incoming jogging hotties at 2 o'clock. Mmm, check out those legs."

"Give me those."

"Wha? Hey! I was enjoying a view here!"

"You were being a perverted creep."

"Not my fault muscular toned dudes are my turn on."

"Dude, focus. Work now, stalk later."

"Ugh, fine! Killjoy." He mutters. Panicked screams instantly capture his attention. Snatching back the binoculars he points in the direction where ice blasts can be seen coating that section of the park frozen solid. "Enemy spotted dead ahead, Captain Shortstack."

"Alright, lets get this over with."

A family of three back away in fear when they spot a hulking figure walking upon a boulder. Staring down at them with an evil smirk is Dr. Victor Freeze. Pointing a hose-like ice weapon, the nozzle aimed at their direction.

"Enjoying family time?" He asks before blasting them with ice, freezing them instantly. "My family has other plans."

Freeze slides down the makeshift slide of ice, targeting at the retreating civilians ahead of him. The nozzle charged, he takes aim.

A Batarang whips smashing the hose to the side, making Freeze lose his targets. He grits his teeth "Batman. I was wondering when-" He stops mid-sentence to find no one there

A pair of mischevious laughter fills the air. He looks around frantically for the source. He looks up in time to see a black boot coming down, smashing the glass around his head and knocking him to the floor.

Robin flips through the air, landing gracefully on the grass before throwing two sharp stars at Freeze damaging the glass even more. His companion landing swiftly right beside him.

"Why so slow, Snowglobe?," Said companion teased reaching back to retrieve his strapped baseball bat. "Summer heat getting to you?"

Freeze lifts his head to face the newcomer. Standing before him a slightly older young male stood, taller than Robin by a good few inches. Physical traits showed little feminine with the lean body than the Boy Wonder but a little hint of muscle could be seen. A purple dress shirt fitting perfectly to the thin frame with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. On top of the shirt, making his waist a little narrower, was a grey suit vest along with a leather gun holster strapped around his torso. Wrapped around his narrow hips dangles a metal chain with a hook on the end. Black and purple skinny jeans snugly fitting his well-toned legs followed by a pair of black-high knee convers. Wrapped in each hand are leather fingerless gloves, one green, and the other purple.

The most striking features involved the teen's bleached-white skin. Forest-green hair which was cut short in the back, short bags falling to the right side of his head, failing to cover his Heterochromia eyes. One possesses emerald green while the other a striking blue. Black eyeliner along with slightly smudged black eyeshadow circling the two different color orbs. Last but not least lips painted in the richest deep violet color.

Freeze was clearly unimpressed. "Oh. Boy Wonder and the clown's disappointment. The Bat sent you two to drag me off to prison?" Standing once again and readying his ice. "Frankly I'm underwhelmed." He points the nozzle at the boy.

"Great, but we're kinda in a hurry here." Robin dismisses, despite the fact that the gun is buzzing to life.

"Ice say we have a little time." Chuckles the greenette gripping his bat tightly, clearly signaling that he was ready to make some bruises.

"As much as I want you to let loose on this guy remember what we were told to do."

"Aw come on!" I haven't had a good smackdown in days, my fingers are twitching to do some swinging!" He wiggles his tingling fingers. "I won't scrape him up too bad!."

"You always say that but it always ends up a trip to the ER before going to Arkham."

"That was one time!" Robin simply raises an eyebrow. "Ok, maybe a few times but they were still in one piece, right?"

"Remember Riddler?"

"Hey, that creep deserved what he got after-" A frozen beam zooming between them stuns him in silence. He looks back, mouth open in shock. Did this guy seriously...

"What the hell, man!? Going for us while our back is turned! That's a low move, even for yo-" Another blast fired. The frozen beam brushing against his shoulder as he dodges.

He brushes the dusty icy crystals off his favorite dress shirt, glaring at the ice-man. "Now that's just rude." He readies his bat.

"Don't break him! Remember, minor scrapes!" He hears the amusement in Robin's voice.

"Forget that! This guy is going as ice chunks!" With a battle cry, the teen charges at Freezer. Bat held high above his head, ducking down when a fist is swung before delivering a strong swing to the villain's head. sending the villain skidding across the grass, unconscious.

He is upon him, bat ready to strike again.

"Jester" A deep voice interrupts, stopping the swing midair.

A tall shadow looms over the green-haired teen, turning to see the Dark Knight himself. Mouth in a thin line."That's enough."

Grinning widely. "Bats! About time you got here. No need to worry about ice bucket here. Got it taken care of" He shrinks back slightly when the Vigleantte towers over him, white eyes narrowing. "You were told to not cause serious damage." Gesturing to the villain.

Behind him, he hears the smaller teen snort in amusement. After shooting a glare Jester looks up with a small, yet fake, apologetic smile.

"I know, I know, but he started it!" Pointing his bat to the fallen villain. "I'm innocent on this one!"

Batman narrows his eyes again before walking past him. With the Bat's back turn Jester swings his bat down Freezers unconscious body again, hiding it behind him when the Knight looks back.

"What?" He points down at the villain. "He was getting up!" He gives him his most innocent look. Batman doesn't buy it.

"If you're done we can be on our way."

Both teens perk up at that. They were both so caught up with this distraction that they almost forgot that they had somewhere they needed to be.

Grinning madly Jester dashes away to the direction of the Batmobile parked at the entrance of the park. "Shotgun!"

"You wish!" Laughing, Robin runs after him.

Batman simply shakes his head. A small, barely noticeable grin forms as he stares at his boys.

/

The Hall of Justice. A symbol of promised safety from all evil.

Robin grins at it. The day has come where he and Jester would become their own heroes. A hand land on his shoulder, Batman looks down at him with a proud smile."Today's the day."

Beside the Bat stands Green Arrow, Speedy, Aqualad (Jester smacked right in between them) and Aquaman. "Welcome to the Hall of Justice." Green Arrows says proudly.

"Headquarters of the Justice League." Aquaman Continues.

Jester whistles, clearly impressed by what he sees. "Sure is a beaut." He turns to Speedy with a charming grin fluttering his eyes. "Of course, it doesn't compare to your god-like figurine huh, hotstuff?" Laughing when the other shoves him away playfully. "Shut it, Jess."

"Aw, man!" The sound of two pairs of fast feet skidding to a stop grabs everyone's attention. Before them are Flash and Kid Flash. "I knew we'd be the last ones here," KF says crossing his arms.

"Well look who it is. If it ain't Dash and Dasher Jr. Love the outfit by the way, Sunshine! Like, seriously, what is with you and yellow? I'm getting a migraine just looking at you!" Jester rubs his dramatically.

"You're just jealous that I can rock out bright colors."

"Yea, like Id want to be a giant Sunflower." Robin hides the 'oooh!' behind his hand at the older teens remark before high-fiving the green-head.

With everyone accounted for they make their way to the Hall.

A hand lands on Jester's shoulder stopping his movements. Raising his head to Batman' look of concern. "Are you sure you want to do this? We can give you the amulet."

Jester looks ahead. The entrance to the hall is filled with reporters. He knew what was bound to happen and he just wanted to get it over with it. "Nah. Not gonna be hiding in the dark anymore. They're gonna be seeing more of this so they better get used to it." Batman gives him an encouraging grin. Squeezing his shoulder one last time they are on their way again.

Cameras flash as the members make their way to the doors. Journalist bombarding them with praises.

Well, all except one.

Jester holds his head high and looks straight ahead avoiding direct eye contact, trying to ignore the harsh comments that where failed to hidden by the crowd.

"Who is that?"

"Is that Joker?"

"No way! He's too small."

"That must be his son."

"A monster in the making no doubt."

"What is he doing here?"

"Is he a member too?"

"No way they let that thing join."

"Hell stab them in the back for sure."

With every statement, the teen hunches his shoulders a bit. Frustration building inside, what more does he need to do to prove to them that he isn't sadistic like his dad?

KF, who was walking alongside him notices "You ok? You look tense. Well, tenser than usual."

"I just don't get it. I've fought along with Bats since who knows how long, Im all for the whole Justice gig. Hell, I've even fought my old man a few times! And they all know this and they still see me as a threat!" He sighs deeply running a hand through his hair. "I just hope that this will be the first step to gain their trust. All this is numbing my head."

KF wraps an arm around his shoulders pulling close. "Trust me it will. After today, they'll be worshiping you like the big guys here." Jester locks eyes with the Speedster, grinning a little at his friend's attempt to cheer him up, normally he was the one doing the cheering up around here.

"You think so?"

"I know so."

Smiling wide Jester wraps his arms around the boy in a tight hug. "And this is why you're my favorite redhead, Sunshine, you always know what to say."

"I thought I was your favorite redhead." Piped in Speedy, looking over his shoulder eyebrow raised.

"Hey, No need to be jealous RedHood! There's plenty of this" The teen clown flirtily gestures himself. "To go around." The older redhead simply shakes his head.

"Have all four sidekicks ever been at the same place at the same time?" Kid Flash questions, looking mostly towards Robin because despite the fact that he's the youngest he would know.

"Don't call us sidekicks," Speedy commands, practically growling the first words. "not after today."

"Yesh, someones a grumpy kitten today." Jester giggles at his own joke before his attention are immediately taken to the giant glorious building they are now entering. "Whoa." Green and Blue eyes widen with excitement, he runs ahead of everyone, spinning around to see every inch of the place. "Can you believe it?" He laughs out. "We're actually here!" He looks to the other teen with a wide grin. They smile at his enthusiasm. Knowing that he had been the more eager one for this day to arrive.

"Robin, Speedy, Aqualad, Kid Flash, and of course Jester." Jester gives a dramatic bow with the greeting. MM begins."Welcome." He walks back to where they came from, signaling them to follow. "You now have unlimited access to the gym, our fully stocked galley, and of course our library." He says as they enter the library.

Flash looks to them with a grin. "Make yourselves at home."

KF jumps on one the seats while Aqualad sits on the other leaving only one more open for the other three. Jester and Robin spare a glance to each other before they dive for it, both boys wrestle for the spot. Jester and Robin spare a glance to each other before they dive for it, both boys wrestle for the spot. Just as Jester is about to claim his prize he is pushed off by a black boot and lands on his back on the floor. He looks up to see Robin making himself comfortable.

"Looks like being small has its advantages." He smirks down at the older teen.

Jester just huffs before laying sprawled on the floor. "Floors comfier anyway."

"That's it?" Speedy demands his anger and volume catching all of their attention instantly. "You promised a real look inside not a glorified backstage pass." he crosses his arms since his eyes can't show his emotions as he has lenses in his mask.

"It's a first step," Aquaman speaks up, though calmly. "You've been granted access few others get."

"Oh, really?" he questions, gesturing up to a group of people taking pictures on the other side of (presumably) soundproof glass. "Who cares which side of the glass we're on?"

"Roy, you just need to be patient." Green Arrow tries, even using his sidekick's civilian name to attempt to get through to the teenager.

"What I need is respect," Roy growls, before turning around to take a look at the other four protgés. Who are all still sitting down and not intervening in the conversation they were so obviously listening to. "They're treating us like kids." he tries to speak directly to them. "Worse- like sidekicks!" his anger is steadily growing but that one word makes it nearly double. "We deserve better than this."

All four exchange looks, None of them saying a word.

Roy's voice drops. "You're kidding right?" the four don't object. "You're playing their game?" his anger is growing again. Worse this time. "Why?! Today was supposed to be the day, step one in becoming full-fledged members of the League."

Jester frowns. What was wrong with Roy? He should be glad that they finally made it in HQ. Sure it was just the tour but it was better than nothing. What more did he want?

"Well, sure," Kid Flash speaks up, looking to the other two protogés. "but I thought step one was the tour of the HQ." he says, sitting up straighter and looking to the older teen.

"Except the Hall isn't the League's real HQ." Green looks mildly surprised, while Aquaman's eyes bug in shock. Not to mention all three protogés' mouths drop open, KF and Jester in shock, Robin's paired with surprise and Aqualad has his accompanied with confusion. "Uh, say what now?" Jester questions.

"I bet they never told you it's just a false front for tourists" Green Arrows have gone wide, but he looks less surprised in a shocked kind of way and more so like he can't believe his protogé is telling this in front of the other boys and Leaguers. However, Aquaman's shock has faded and as he takes one look at Green Arrow he calms entirely. "and a pit stop for catching Zeta-beam teleporter-tubes to the real thing," he gestures up with his right hand in indication for his next words. "an orbiting satellite called the Watchtower."

Green Arrows turns, showing off Batman's glare and arms crossed, clearly showing he was not pleased to how the younger man knew all this information.

Jester notices the man in green was caught red-handed before snickering under his hand. "Ooh! Busted!" He yelps when he is swatted on the back of his head by a disapproving Robin.

"I know, I know, but I thought we could make an exception," GA says trying to convince Batman with a nervous smile. Batman continues to glare. "Or not."

Aquaman steps up slightly. "You're not helping your cause here, son. Stand down or…"

"Or what?" he demands. "You'll send me to my room? And I'm not your son!" he snaps then turns to Green Arrow. "I'm not even his." his anger seems to die out as he speaks again. "I thought I was his partner, but not anymore." emphasizing his point by taking off the canary-yellow hat and throwing it to the ground.

All four younger protogés can only watch in wide-eyed shock.

"Guess they were right about you four," Roy comments as he walks between the four, Jester still on the floor, who stand up in an attempt to either say something or physically get in his way. "You're not ready." with that they all watch as he leaves the library, the door closing behind him.

Jester springs from his spot on the floor and snatches the fallen yellow hat before hurrying after the older redhead.

"Where are you going?" Wally asked his green-haired friend.

"To knock some sense into his head."

"Jester-" Batman drawls.

"Not literally!" The clown reassures smirking teasingly over his shoulder as he makes his exit.

He catches up to the older teen just outside the Hall, casually strolling beside the tempered archer. "So that was a new side to you. Gotta say I kinda like it. It's spicy." He grins trying to lighten the mood but frowns when it fails to work. "Man, tough crowd. Who spit in your coffee this morning?"

"Im not in the mood Jess." Grumbled Speedy quickening his steps.

"Yea, no kidding. You're as stiff as a bord." He realizes what he said before snickering. "Ok, forget that last part. But seriously, what was with the temper tantrum just now?"

"I've waited years for this day and for what? To still be treated as someones, little assistant? No, im better off on my own." Jester jumps in front of the redhead, blocking his path.

"Roy, wait," Jess whispers. It was very rare for Jester to address people of their real names. Reality he made nicknames in times of fun. However, in situations like now, it would not be appropriate. "C' mon man, think this through. We've been waiting for this day for years! And now that it's happening you're just going to quit just because you won't get to see the real HQ?" When he gets no response he continues. "I mean, who cares if this ain't it, this is the first step. We'll get there eventually. Together." Jester eyes him with pleading eyes, different colored orbs widening with a soft smile on purple lips. Presenting the archer his fallen yellow hat.

Roy tense stance slowly disappears when he looks at those eyes. He didn't want to hurt him like this. Jester had been through as it is and is still going through rough roads now due to being constantly unfairly criticized by the public of being another Clown Prince of Crime in the making. When he first met him those were his thoughts too. Oh, how wrong he was about him. Jester was a sweet kid, in his own crazy way, with a big heart. He has a smile that was so contagious that you couldn't help but want to smile back. He always tried to keep everyone in the best mood when there were at a dark point with his corny jokes and pranks. Everyone loved him. And by everyone, he meant some League members, but not all of them

Roy remembers the times Jester would jump in excitement, asking the archer to teach him how to shoot arrows. That was the first time Roy saw it. The same eyes Jester had to his fathers were not cold and sentencing. Instead, he saw adoration. He saw that this was not a monster but a person who wanted friends, a family. This was someone who cared for and loved others in his own insane way, shielded behind the mask of a feared crime lord. He wanted to help others to prevent them from ever feeling hopeless, sadness, and sufferage.

Jester didn't want others to feel what he felt and still feels even when he (poorly) tries to hide it from the rest of them.

This, however, would not be enough to change the redhead's mind. He wanted to be on his own. He was tired of being the assistant.

With his mindset, he puts and gentle hand on the teen's grip on the hat and pushes it away giving him a soft apologetic look. "Sorry, Jess. But not this time. I'm going on my own, maybe then I'll be taken seriously."

He cuts him off when the smaller teen begins to protest. "Jess listen to me. You worked so hard to get to today. Through all these years I've known you you've always had that determination to help others. Don't let all the years of training and effort go down the drain because of me. You deserve this."

"But-"

"Do this for me, for everyone, do it for yourself. Let the world know who you really are instead of what they already believe." He ends with a small smile, squeezing his shoulder gently.

Jesters body began to tremble. Fist clenching at his side, knowing that Roy was right. All these years of hard work to make his name known cannot be dumped behind. The greenhead looks at him with a small frown, pointing at him. "You better call. Every Week. If I don't hear from you 2 days after your supposed to I will track you down and drag you back with your stupid red hood tied around you and gagged." When Jester spoke to you like this it was a sign of his concern for others. Roy smiled ruffling his green locks hair.

"You bet I will. Take care, Jess." He gestures to the hat still clutched in the pale boy's hands. "Keep that. I've no use for it anymore." With a final look, he continues his way out.

Dissapointley, Jester sighs as he watches his first crush leave, frustrated that he couldn't change his mind.

Sensing eyes on him he looks around at the civilians who are still there, faces expressing fear, uncertainty, and disapproval. Some even back away when he catches them staring. He lowers his head before heading back to join the others.

"But they said stay put." Aqualad's voice is the first thing he hears when the doors slide open.

"Hey, for the blotting out the sun mission, not this," Robin says next.

"Wait." KF grips Robin's shoulder excitedly. " Are you going to Cadmus? Because if you're going, I'm going." Both boys look to Aqualad for his answer. "Just like that, we're a team on a mission?" He questions.

"We didn't come for a play date." Robin gains a smirk.

"What are you all yapping on about?" Jester pipes in wanting to know what he just missed. "And where did the bigshots go?"

"Went to take on a mission involving the sun being absorbed."

"What!? They went on without us?" Growling Jester stomps his way to the entrance where he assumes the older heroes went through. "When I get my hands on them-"

KF halts him with a hand on his chest."Chill dude, we got something even better planned." Grinning before suddenly asking. "How did it go with Roy?"

Jester gazes down at the hat still in his grasp shaking his head. "Made up his mind. Guys too stubborn." He carefully tucks the hat in his vest. "So what is this marvelous plan you guys dug up in the four minutes I was away?"

They let him in on what they planned on doing. In the end, KF asks grinning. "So, are you in?"

The teen rubs his head with closed eyes. Drawing out a breath."Let me get this straight. You want to disobey The Bossman by investigating this case on our own which will probably result in us being locked away in the Batcave for the next year or so when he finds out just to prove we're ready to take on the big guns?"

"Pretty much."

"You do realize we'll be breaking and entering, trespassing, and disobeying a direct order right?" When he gets no answer he grabs his bat, the metal transforming it to a giant hammer, lips grinning wide. "Then what the hell are we waiting for!?"

"Help! Get us out!" one of two scientists trapped on the second story of the Cadmus building call out.

"Stay calm, we will get you out." the fireman calls back, using a megaphone.

An explosion goes off behind them and the force of it pushes the two out the window. Kid Flash zooms onto the scene, running up the wall and getting both to the roof, but he's not fast enough to get there himself. He falls and manages to catch himself on the second story window ledge that the two scientists just fell from.

"It's what's-his-name, Flashboy!" the same firefighter yells, both glad to see him and proud at himself for seemingly getting it right. "Kid Flash!" He calls out to them annoyed. Every time! " Why is that so hard?" Grumbling under his breath.

"Oh, Cheer up, Sunshine!" KF looks over his shoulder to spot the other young heroes approaching the burning building. Hands cupping his mouth Jester yells out. "With cheeks and freckles as cute as yours, they can't help but think otherwise!"

"Shut it, Jess!" The Speedster yells back.

"Does he always have to run ahead?" Aqualad murmurs, partially to himself and partially to the two teens. "We need a plan. We-" he looks to talk to the younger boy but finds the space beside him now empty. "Robin?" he looks around everywhere.

"Ahem." Aqualad looks to the snow-white teen who points in a direction. "Our missing bird went that way."

Robin's laugh echoes through the area, before he flips onto the back of the fire truck, secures his grappling hook to the Tower Ladder and swinging onto the window ledge. Landing with perfect balance, before helping Kid Flash up and into the building.

Jester snatches the older teens hand with his own. "Come on, can't let them have all the fun!" Excitement clearly heard in his voice as they make their way to the building

They run up behind the truck, coming to the two men working the hose. "I need to borrow that," Aqualad tells them before they see him. Pulling out his Water-bearers, which causes his tattoos to glow, before they begin to redirect the flow of water. Creating a platform underneath their feet and lifting them to the roof.

Jester extends his bat toward the two men. "Grab on!" Both their eyes widen in shock at who they see, hesitating in fear. Jester resists the urge to roll his eyes at their behavior. "Yea, yea I know. But how about you fear this freakish face somewhere that might not roast you like marshmallows!?" They still refuse his assistance.

That is until Aqualad steps in. "Step aboard. Now," he tells the two scientists sternly.

This time they do without hesitation grabbing on his bat and hauling them onto the platform. Both teens step onto the window ledge that the other two entered through then directs the water the rest of the way down. Ensuring that both scientists are safe.

"Have I ever told you how much I love your commanding voice?" Jester breaths dreamily beside him. Aqualad spares him a glace before covering his hand over the teen's face and lightly pushing him back, a hint of red dusting his cheeks. His friend sure was something else.

As they jump in, KF is going through file cabinets, while Robin is hacking the computer. "Appreciate the help," Aqualad says sarcastically.

"Yea, thanks for ditching us back there." Jester adds in.

"You guys handled it," Robin says, still looking rather smug. "Besides we're here to investigate. Poetic justice, remember?" He grunts when a swat lands on his head, courtesy of his older brother for being a smart mouth again.

Jester begins to work the drawers. So far, they don't seem to find anything interesting or threatening that would make Cadmus dangerous or worth investigating. "Boring, also boring, uber boring. Not worth it. Nope. Not." Jester says throwing flies over his shoulder. He groans throwing his head back. "If we don't find anything soon I'm going to shoot myself."

Jester begins to open another drawer when he sees movement out of the corner of his eye. He turns to the directions of the door of the office just in time to see a silhouette rush by. He glances his back to the other two to see if they saw but unfortunately, they didn't. With that, he makes his way to the hallway.

He peeks around the door frame, eyes widening when he catches whatever the thing is inside an elevator and disappearing after the doors shut. The most bizarre thing was the being had a deformed head with horns at the top of its head. "What the…"

"You saw that too?"

"EEK!" Jester shrinks out, jumping a foot of the ground, startled to death he breathes out heavy pants. He whips his head to meet pale eyes of Aqualad. "Gills!" He pants leaning forward with a hand to his rapidly beating heart. "Don't ever do that again! My nerves can't take it!"

Robin and KF come around the corner, altered by Jester's heavy breathing. "What happened?"

Jester waves them off, breathing returning to normal. "Oh, nothing. Had a mild heart attack, but I'll live."

"There was something in the elevator. We both saw." Aqualad informed.

"Yea, what he said. And don't it seem suspicious to you that they should be locked down when there's a fire going on?"

The four approach the elevators trying the buttons. But the doors remain closed. "This is wrong." Robin produces a holographic screen from the device on his arm. The images show the elevator having several floors below the building. "Thought so. This is a high-speed express elevator. It doesn't belong in a two-story building."

"Neither does what we saw." Aqualad grunts prying the doors open. They look down bottomless like fall. "And that's why we need an express elevator."

A playful idea forms in Jester's head. "Anybody want to test how far this thing goes?" He asked with a growing grin. Before anyone had the chance to process what he said he runs to the edge of the elevator and jumps down into the abyss, laughing his mind out. Leaving the rest to catch up what just happened.

Robin was the first to break the spell. "Jess, you idiot!" The Boy Wonder shoots his hook to the ceiling before jumping and falling after his teammate. The others follow behind. Robin's hand reach out to grab the back of the green-heads vest, halting him from his descent Jester hangs as they continue to go down still giggling. "You're insane, you know that?"

Jester looks up to the Boy Wonder with a grin. "Sure I am! What's your point?"

Level after level pass on their way down. Just how far did this go? Unfortunately, they would be able to find out due for the hook reaching the end of its rope, leaving them no choice but to explore level 26. Robin hacks into the system to unlock the door. Once in, they walk through the long corridor. Jester dashes ahead to scout the place followed by KF who passes him.

He doesn't get far due to a giant foot appearing out of nowhere causing him to lose his footing and land on the floor. He looks up to see a herd of monstrous beast looming over him and not stopping, He is too shocked to move. Just as another foot is about to crush him a metal chain wraps around the redheads middle before a tug hauls him away from the stampede.

"Careful there, Sunshine. Don't want to be squashed into banana puddin do ya?" Jester untangles him and helps him up. The teens stare with wide eyes at the creatures continuing to pass by.

"Doesn't look like they're just experimenting on rats here." Jester Whispers in awe to what they see. The others nod in agreement.

Just what was this place hiding?

/

The locked doors allow the four males access after Robin disabled them. What greets them leaves them stunned. "Ok, Im officially whelmed." Rows upon rows are glowing blue capsules. Inside are unidentified creatures that seem to be not moving.

Jester does a double-take. Everything was so bright and flashing. Suddenly everything around him starts to get a little loud. This wasn't right.

"You guys seeing this too right?" Without waiting for a reply, he reaches into his back pocket taking out a small bottle filled with blue and white pills. A gloved hand covers his slightly trembling that was attempting to open the bottle. "Jess, you already took your pills. This morning remember?" Robin whispers, full of concern at the shaken expression his brother showed, refusing to make eye contact with the younger teen. "This isn't a hallucination."

After another minute Jester seems to be brought back to reality, shaking off the shivers and taking a deep breath. "Yea, your right I did." Remembering he did them before they left the manor and He hides away the bottle. Offering a shaky smile to his younger brother. "Thanks, Baby Bird." There are times like this that Jester questions who is supposed to be the older sibling in the relationship considering Robin are always the one looking after him. Making sure he takes his pills and reassuring him he wasn't losing it. He couldn't have asked for anyone better.

Robin offers his own smile, squeezing the older's shoulder before both continue their investigation of the bizarre room.

"So this how they did it. This is how they hid this massive underground facility From the world. The real Cadmus isn't on the grid. It generates its own power with these things." KF said gesturing to the capsules. "Must be what they're bred for."

Aqualad heads snapped in realization "Of course. Even the name is a Cadmus of myth created a new race by sowing dragon's' Teeth into the earth."

"So basically like Frankenstein to the extreme." Jester leans close to one of the tubes to get a better look. "You are one ugly, son of a biscuit." He extends a finger to trace the glass despite the bolts of electricity that flow around the tube.

When his finger makes contact a big shock wave fires weirdly in his body making his body shake uncontrollably, sparks of lights flash around his frame before he is flung to the ground by the force. Groaning he struggles to sit up.

KF and Aqualad rush to his aid. Each holding an arm they hoist him to his feet. Jester lifts his head with a wide manic grin. His extremely pale face is now covered with black smoke marks, green hair sticking up in odd directions, small streaks of electricity flowing to the tips.

"Whoa! Now that's a way to boost your energy!" He laughs out hysterically.

KF groans. "Oh, great. He's losing it."

"Aqualad, see if you can get him to calm down. I think a got a hint of what these things are." Robin said looking at a holographic computer containing the information of the being.

Aqualad nods before gathering the still laughing teen, arms wrapping below the other's armpits. "Gills, while I have absolutely no problem being carried by hunk like you, sweetheart, you could have at least bought me dinner first!" He whizzes out.

The teen gives a grin before closing his eyes. "Remember your exercise, Jester. Close your eyes. Imagine the ocean. The waves gently flowing, the sound of the wind. Picture you are there. Deep breath in. Hold. Then out. Excellent, again." He instructs.

Slowly Jesters begins to calm with each breath. Aqualad finally sets him on the ground when he hears the other's breath had returned to normal. "Better?'

The green-head groan rubbing his face. The adrenaline fading away he begins to feel the aftershocks. "Ugg, If this is what a hangover feels like then I am never drinking." That was the sign he was back to normal.

"You guys might want to take a look at this," Robin calls to them. Showing them images and charts of the creatures. "They call them genomorphs." He scrolls down the screen. "Whoa! Look at the stats on these things-super strength, Telepathy, razor claws. These are living weapons!"

Jester stands beside him to get a glance. "More like monkeys injected with a huge dose of meth."

"They're engineering an army, but for who?" KF questions. Robin shrugs before scrolling down some more when something catches his eye. "Wait. There's something else. Project Kr." He tries to open the file but fails. "Ugh! The file's triple-encrypted. I can't-"

"Don't move!" A voice barks out.

Instantly, Jester whips out his gun from his holster in record time pointing in the direction of the voice, eyes wide looking frantic. Causing the rest of the team to look where he was aiming. Running towards them is a small army of genomorphs followed by a man with a helmet covering his face. A mini genomorph sat perched on his shoulder. "Wait." He stops to look at them."Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash." His gaze then turns to the teen with the gun still pointed at him."Joker!?" He cries in disbelief.

Glowing green eyes narrow. He hated being compared to that monster.

"I know you," Aqualad speaks out. "Guardian, a hero." The boys seem to relax a little, except for Jester who is still tensed, gun still aimed.

Guardian gives a grin. "I do my best."

"Jess, lower the gun, it's fine," Robin whispers to him. The pale teen shakes his head. "Something's not right. I don't like it." At this Robin is easily on alert. Through the years Jester had worked with him and Batman the older teen's instincts were never wrong. Jester could read auras of people, he can feel the flow of their emotions and body language. If something was not right it would be best to listen.

Suspicious, Robin looks back to Guardian."Then what are you doing here?" He demanded

"I think that's my question, boys." He says taking steps towards them. "I'm Chief of Security," Guardian responds. "You're trespassing, but we can call the Justice League, Figure this out."

"You think The League's gonna approve of you Breeding weapons?"

"Weapons? What are you" He stops mid-sentence when the horns of the genomorph begin to glow red. Guardians eyes widen. "-what have I-ugh. My head." He holds his head and eyes shut trying to fight off whatever was going on.

Jesters eyes widen. "I knew it." He whispers to himself. "Its mind control!" That had to be it. A wide grin forms and laughs. "That is genius!"

Guardian eyes snap open, eyes locked hard on them. "Take them down hard! No mercy!" With a growl, the genomorphs jump into action.

Robin leaps in front of the group, throwing smoke bombs to the ground causing smoke to shield them from view.

Jester retracts his bat, gears shifting and transforming it into a giant metal hammer, a manic smile on his face.

"You wanna go geno-dorks? all right, let's go!" He yells charging at them. He swings his hammer into two genomorphs launching at him, sending them crashing on the ground.

Another lands behind lashing his claws at him, he dodges to the side and turns to deliver a hard fist to the creature's face. He is knocked down on his back when another tackles him sending them both to the ground. The teen's hands push against the creature's chest when its claws try to cut the boys face.

"You're a feisty one aren't you?" Jester says, struggling to keep the creature away from him as possible. He manages to tuck his feet under the monster and send him flying over with one push. Jester flips to a low crouch and reaches into the breast pocket of his vest taking out a sharp metal playing card, flicking his wrist the card is impaled to the creature's skull, killing it intently.

"Jess, come on, we gotta go!" Jester stands in time to see KF and Aqualad running past him and follows after. The three-run through the hallways to make it back to the elevators. A commotion behind him makes Jester look back to see a herd of genomorphs gaining close behind.

"Coming back for round two, fellas!?" Jester whips his gun from his holster and, aiming it at them before firing a round of stun bullets He continues to run and fire when he catches sight of the rest of the team already packed in the elevator, the door begins to close shut. He gains speed before jumping through the narrow gap, rolling and hitting the wall of the elevator. Laying on his back, panting, staring the other males looking down at him.

"Well!" He exhales shooting up and dusting himself. "That was fun! Almost got slashes into pieces, but hey, still alive!" He stops when he feels the motion of the elevator going down rather than up. "Um, Baby Bird, where are we going?"

KF also notices. "Dude. Out is up." He points out to Robin.

"Excuse me? Project Kr, it's down on sub-level 52." The smaller teen reminds them. Oh, yes. There was still that to find what it was.

Aqualad sighs out shaking his head. "This is getting out of hand. Perhaps-perhaps we should contact the League." But before a decision is made, the elevator stops, signaling that they have arrived at their destination. The doors allow them entry and Robin rushes out with Jester close behind. "Common guys. Let's explore a little! Maybe we'll find Bigfoot!" He calls back.

KF looks back to Aqualad. "Were already here." He says before they both follow the other two. The darker teen growing a feeling that this was not going to end well. His suspicions rose when they entered an area with walls covered in pinkish lumps.

They soon come across two hallways leading to who knows where. "Which way?" Aqualad asked looking between the two.

"Yeah. Bizarre-looking hallway one or bizarre-looking hallway two?" The smaller teen also looks unsure. Just where do they lead to?

"Well, that one." The crazed teen said pointing to the one on the left with his bat. "Looks like it promises pain and suffering for all eternity. While the other." He points to the other."Looks like to promised painful death. Question is, which is the most logic?" He said to himself, a finger on his chin.

"Halt!" The four teens stand on alert when a creature with gray skin wearing a lab coat and sharp horns at the top of its head walks around the corner from the entryway from the left hallway. Its horns glow red before lifting a hand and levitating two barrels and throwing them. They dodge the flying objects before they crash near them on the ground explode.

Jester whips his head to the team and the other hallway. "Hallway of promised death it is then!" With that he and the other sprint down the hall avoiding another explosion. KF dashes ahead of them and rounds the corner but barely skids to a stop when he sees a female lab worker emerging from a door. He slips and crushes under her feet sending her the ground. Seeing that the doors are beginning to close he picks up a beam nearby and wedges it before they fully close. "Hurry!" He calls to the others.

One by one, they each make it inside safe. Aqualad kicks out the beam and the doors automatically shut close. Robin works on the computer to lock them from the outside. "I disabled the door. Were safe."

"Were trapped." Aqualad corrects him then looks to Kid Flash who is in front of a large computer system deeper in the dark chamber.

"Uh, guys." he calls to the other three. "You'll want to see this." hitting a single button to turn all the lights on in the chamber and inside the pod in the center of the room.

Jester's jaw hangs open to stare at the fine form of another young male with his eyes closed in the tube. smooth hair black as night, sun-kissed tanned skin, a defined muscular form, well-toned biceps, the white bodysuit he wears clearly show well-formed abs and pecks. He seemed to be around their age, maybe a year older than the clown. He was a god

"My god." Jester mumbles. The three glance at him. "He is gorgeous. Does he need CPR? Because I can totally give him CPR." Looking at the male with a grin approaching the tube when a hand grabs his arm halting him. "Down boy, don't get any ideas," Robin says causing the clown to whine.

"Guys check it." KF points at the symbols printed on the glass of the tube. "Big K, little R, the atomic symbol for Krypton. You think he's a clone?"

"Robin, hack," Aqualad commands.

It takes the caught-off-guard youngest a couple of seconds to register what he was told to do. "Oh. Right, right." he plugs his connector into the console. As it asks for a password he begins the bypass program, which works and lets him in. Kid Flash walks back as he realizes Robin's got it. "Weapon Designation Superboy, a clone force-grown in… sixteen-week?!" his eyes popping in shock. "From DNA acquired from Superman."

"Stolen from Superman." Aqualad accuses.

"No way the big guy knows about this." Kid Flash agrees.

"Huh, I was wondering why he looked like a pretty boy version of Spandex." Jester mumbles moving closer to the glass until he is right in front of it. He places a fingerless gloved hand on the glass still staring at the unconscious teen. He looks above his head to see three mini creature perched. "What the heck are those things?" He points at them.

"Genomorph gnomes, telepathic, force-feeding him an education," Robin says scrolling down the file. "And we can guess what else."

"They're making a slave out of, well, Superman's son," KF says.

BANG

A loud bang startles them before turning to what had caused it. They find they're green-headed friend giant hammer in hand reeling back and smashing it against the glass trying to break it, it hardly makes a single crack. He pulls back to strike again.

"Jess, what are you doing?"

"This is wrong." The other three grow chilled at the dark tone of their usually annoying happy teammate. The clown looks at them with a glare that was all too familiar to them. "They're messing up his mind. We need to let him go." His eyes turn to Aqualad, assuming that since he was the oldest one out of them all he would have the final word.

Everyone looks to Aqualad who finally gives a nod. "Set him free." He tells Robin. After a few keys typed the capsule open with a stream of smoke.

They don't wait long before one of the clone's hands move, closing into a fist. Jester decides to take a chance and reaches a hand to him, he fails to notice the genomorphs horns glowing red. In an instant, a large hand wraps around the thin delicate wrist in an iron grip causing the green-head to look up startled when closed eyes snap open revealing ocean blue orbs staring at green/blue ones with a frown.

They lock eyes, both not saying a word or moving for what felt like hours before the clone looks to the rest of the team, eyes glaring daggers at them. Without warning, he flings the thinner teen to the side before charging towards them. Jester crashes the side of the wall, hard. He slides to the ground, rubbing the back of his head. "Not gonna lie. That one hurt." He grits out.

"Whoa, hang on Supey."

"Were on your side!"

His head shoots up to see the clone on top of Aqualad beating the tar out of his face. Robin and KF each holding his arm, struggling to stop him. Superboy manages to slip out of KFs grip before punching him, sending the redhead crashing to the wall and landing hard on the ground.

Jester runs to his side to check on him. He's out cold. A crash alerts him to see the clone crashing to the ground just away from him coughing from the green smoke around him. Robin shoots a wire of electricity to the clone's chest electrocuting him but with no effect. Superboy grabs the wires and yanks them, pulling the Boy Wonder to him. He grabs the small neck before throwing the smaller teen to the ground, he puts a foot on his chest and presses all his weight, crushing him Robin struggles to get the foot off.

"Baby Bird!" Jester cries before rushing to them. He grabs his bat and delivers a blow to the clone's head causing him to stumble of Robin. He tries to help him to his feet but fails when the younger one falls back, unconscious. He looks to see the clone coming to his senses and starts stalking towards him. Jester stands slowly, he looks at his bat then back at the clone before dropping it on the floor, signaling he's not going to strike back.

"I'm not going to fight you."

Aqualad comes to his side also addressing to the still walking clone. "We are trying to help you." He hardly gets another say when he is tackled by said clone, sending them both flying to the wall. Aqualad manages to get behind him looping his arms under his and hands on his head. With The clone trapped, the dark-toned teen releases bolts of electricity from his body to try and knock him out cold. However, the clone is not fazed. He leaps to the air and crashes into the ceiling, crushing Aqualad behind him. He does it again before the other teen lets his grip go and falls to the ground unconscious too.

The blue-eyed clone stares down at the knocked out teen when he sensed movement behind him. As fast as a whip he turns to grab the metal chain that was aimed to wrap him and gives it a harsh yank. Jesters eyes widen when he finds himself thrust forward at the other end of the chain. The clone grabs at his thin neck when he gets close enough and then starts to squeeze, blocking the pales teens windpipes.

Jester squirms and claws at the clone's arm as he struggles to get loose. It was getting difficult to breathe. He gasps hard and soon black dots start to appear in his vision. Green/blue orbs stare into blue as he himself starts to slip into darkness.

"We just wanted to help." He barely croaks out. The last thing he sees is an arm raised with a closed fist and a sharp pain on his left boney cheek before everything goes black.

Not going to say anything else.