The night wind blew softly across the hill where the League had landed. The other heroes were gathered a few meters back, discussing protocols, collateral damage, and the preliminary report on Cadmus. But two figures stood apart, as if simply being too close to the others was dangerous.
Superboy stood rigid, his fists clenched. He didn't know what to do with his hands, his eyes, his entire body. It was as if every muscle awaited a command that never came.
Superman stood before him. Not too close. Not too far. At a calculated, almost surgical distance. His cape fluttered in the wind, but he remained motionless, his gaze fixed on some undefined point between them.
The silence was so thick it felt like a third character.
Superboy swallowed.
"Robin said… that you wanted to talk to me."
Superman nodded, but didn't move.
"Yes. I wanted… to talk."
The word came out strained, as if he struggled to utter it.
Superboy waited. He didn't know what to wait for, but he waited.
Superman took a deep breath, as if preparing to lift an entire building.
"What happened at Cadmus... what they did to you... wasn't right."
Superboy frowned.
"Is that all?"
Superman closed his eyes for a moment.
"No. It's not all."
The wind picked up again. Superboy felt a burning sensation in his chest.
"I'm your clone. That's what they said. They made me to replace you. To be like you."
Superman clenched his jaw.
"That doesn't make you... my son."
Superboy felt the blow. Not physical. Worse.
But he didn't back down.
"I didn't say I was," he replied softly. "I just... thought maybe... you could say something more than that."
Superman opened his eyes, surprised by the boy's composure.
"Superboy… I don't know what to say. I don't know how to handle this."
"Me neither," the young man murmured. "But at least I'm trying."
Superman lowered his gaze. It was strange to see him like this: uncomfortable, vulnerable, almost human.
"Batman spoke with me," he finally confessed. "He said… that he owed you a chance. That it wasn't fair to leave you alone."
Superboy felt a small knot in his stomach.
"So you're here because Batman made you?"
"No," Superman replied quickly, too quickly. Then he corrected his tone. "Not only that."
Superboy studied him closely.
Superboy took another deep breath.
"When I first saw you… it was like seeing myself in a mirror I didn't ask for. A reflection I didn't know if I wanted to face."
He paused.
"But that's not your fault."
Superboy didn't know what to say.
Superman continued, his voice softer.
"You are… a new life. A new person. And you deserve better than being treated like an experiment."
Superboy felt something loosen in his chest, but not enough to stop the pain.
"So… what do you want me to be?" he asked.
Superman hesitated before answering.
"I want you to be you."
Superboy looked down.
"I don't even know who I am."
"That's okay," said Superman, finally taking a step toward him. "No one is born knowing who they are. Not even me."
Superboy looked up, surprised.
Superman continued:
"Batman said you needed guidance. Training. Someone to help you understand your powers, your limits… your place in the world."
Superboy felt a strong thump in his chest.
"And you… are you going to do that?"
Superman hesitated. Not out of rejection. Out of fear.
But he nodded.
"Yes. I'm going to help you. If you want."
Superboy didn't answer immediately.
He looked at his hands.
He looked at the man who was his origin, his shadow, his incomplete reflection.
"I want to," he said finally. "I want to learn. I want to… be more than a weapon."
Superman nodded, with a gesture that for the first time didn't seem forced.
"Then we'll start little by little. I don't promise to be perfect. I don't promise to always know what to do. But… I'll be there."
Superboy felt a strange warmth in his chest.
It wasn't joy.
It wasn't relief.
It was… a beginning.
"Thank you," he murmured.
Superman watched him for a moment longer.
"There's something else you should know."
Superboy looked up.
"You don't have all my powers," Superman said gently. "Not yet. You may never have them. But that doesn't make you any less."
Superboy gritted his teeth.
"I tried to fly… I fell."
"I know," Superman replied. "And that's okay. Flying isn't what makes you strong."
Superboy took a deep breath.
"What makes me strong, then?"
Superman looked him straight in the eyes for the first time.
"Whatever you choose to be."
The silence returned, but it wasn't hostile anymore.
It was… awkward, yes.
But it was also a bridge.
Superman took a step back.
"I have to get back to the League. Batman wants to discuss the new team's protocols."
Superboy nodded.
"I… I'll go with the guys."
Superman hesitated for a moment.
"Superboy."
The young man stopped.
"I'm proud of you for getting out of Cadmus on your own." He paused.
"And… I'm glad you're safe."
Superboy felt his heart leap.
He didn't know what to say.
So he just nodded.
Superman rose slowly, effortlessly, silently.
Superboy watched him ascend, the red cape billowing like an impossible memory.
For a second, he wished he could follow.
For a second, he thought he could.
But his feet remained firmly planted on the ground.
When Superman disappeared into the clouds, Superboy let out a sigh he hadn't known he was holding in.
Robin appeared behind him, arms crossed.
"Everything okay, Sups?"
Superboy hesitated before answering.
"I don't know."
Kid Flash approached with a grin.
"That means yes. Or no. Or you're confused. Which is normal. Welcome to adolescence."
Aqualad placed a hand on his shoulder.
"The important thing is that you're not alone."
Superboy looked at the three of them.
And for the first time, he believed that maybe it was true.
"Come on," Robin said. "The Cave awaits us."
Superboy took a deep breath.
And walked with them.
-----
OUTSIDE GOTHAM — HIDDEN Z-TUBE: 10:55 PM
The League's air transport disappeared into the clouds, leaving the four young heroes in a clearing hidden among trees and rocks. Robin walked straight toward a half-buried metal structure, almost invisible to the naked eye.
Kid Flash whistled.
"Who puts a Z-tube in the middle of nowhere?"
Robin typed in a code.
"Batman."
Aqualad nodded.
"That explains it."
Superboy studied the structure curiously. The air vibrated slightly around the metal ring.
"This… leads us to the Cave?"
"Exactly," Robin said. "Get ready."
The Z-tube lit up.
"Z-tube: B-04, Robin."
Robin vanished in a flash.
Kid Flash walked ahead.
"See you on the other side, sups."
"Z-Tube: B-03, Kid Flash."
Aqualad placed a hand on Superboy's shoulder.
"It's safe."
Superboy took a deep breath.
"Z-Tube: B-02, Aqualad."
The young Kryptonian took a step forward.
The air vibrated.
Light enveloped him.
"Z-Tube: B-01, Superboy."
And it vanished.
-----
CAVE — TEAM BASE: 11:22 PM
The light dissipated, and Superboy appeared in a vast room, carved from natural rock but filled with advanced technology. Holographic displays, training platforms, a central table bearing the League's symbol.
Robin was already checking panels.
Kid Flash was running around, exploring.
Aqualad calmly observed everything.
Superboy took a few steps, absorbing every detail. It was… impressive.
And strange.
And new.
Robin turned to him.
"Welcome to the Cave. Our base."
Superboy didn't respond. He didn't know how to describe what he felt.
Then, a deep hum resonated from the center of the room.
A metallic circle embedded in the floor began to glow with a bluish-white light.
Robin looked up.
"Z-tube? We weren't expecting anyone."
Aqualad stepped forward, alert.
"Perhaps the League sent reinforcements."
Superboy watched the phenomenon cautiously. The air vibrated as if reality were folding in on itself. Kid Flash took a step back, though with an excited smile.
The Z-tube activated with a final flash, and a tall, solemn figure emerged from the portal: Martian Manhunter. His presence filled the room with a profound calm.
"Greetings, young ones," he said in his deep voice. "I've come to introduce you to a new member."
The boys exchanged glances.
The Z-tube glowed again.
This time, the figure that emerged was smaller, lighter… and completely different.
A girl floated gently out of the portal, descending gracefully. Her skin was green, her eyes large and bright, and her red hair fell in soft waves. She wore a white suit with red details and a blue cape.
She landed with a radiant smile.
"Hello…" she said a little shyly. "I'm M'gann M'orzz. But you can call me Miss Martian."
Kid Flash's mouth fell open.
"Wow… now that's an entrance."
Robin smiled slightly.
"Definitely more elegant than ours."
Aqualad bowed his head.
"Welcome."
Superboy said nothing. He couldn't stop staring at her.
There was something about her… something warm, something he'd never felt before.
Martian Manhunter took a step forward.
"My niece has come from Mars to learn, to help, and to be part of your team."
Miss Martian smiled shyly.
"I hope I do well."
Then her eyes fell on Superboy.
She observed him with a mixture of curiosity and… connection?
"I like your shirt," she said suddenly, with a sweet smile.
Superboy blinked, surprised.
"My… shirt?"
It was the first time anyone had commented on something so simple about him. Something so… human.
Miss Martian nodded, and before he could reply, his suit began to glow. The colors shifted like ink on water, transforming before everyone's eyes.
The white disappeared.
The blue darkened to a deep black.
The red intensified, highlighting lines and details.
The cape took on a dark hue with crimson edges.
In seconds, his suit matched the color palette of Superboy's black T-shirt with the red S.
Kid Flash let out a whistle. "That was… incredible."
Robin crossed his arms, impressed.
"Telepathy, shapeshifting, and a sense of style. Nice combo."
Aqualad smiled.
"It's an honor to have you with us."
Miss Martian looked at Superboy, still smiling.
"I wanted… to fit in. And I thought your style was a good start."
Superboy felt a strange warmth in his chest.
He didn't know what to say.
He didn't know how to say it.
"It looks… good," he finally murmured.
Miss Martian looked down, slightly flushed.
"Thank you."
Martian Manhunter observed the interaction calmly.
"I'm confident you two will work well together."
Robin clapped his hands.
"Well, now we're a complete team."
Kid Flash gave a thumbs-up.
"And stylish."
Superboy kept looking at Miss Martian.
She looked back at him.
And for an instant, just an instant, he felt something stir inside him.
Something nameless.
Something he had never felt before.
----
CAVE — MAIN HALL: 11:36 PM
Martian Manhunter retreated through the Z-tube, leaving the five young people alone. An expectant silence filled the room.
Robin was the first to break it.
"Well… I think it's time we officially introduced ourselves."
Kid Flash raised his hand.
"I'll start. I'm Kid Flash, but when I'm not running at Mach 3, I'm Wally West."
Aqualad nodded.
"I'm Aqualad. My Atlantean name is Kaldur'ahm, but you can call me Kaldur."
Robin twirled his staff between his fingers.
"Robin. I'm not giving my civilian name for obvious reasons… but you can call me Robin."
Miss Martian smiled sweetly.
"I'm M'gann M'orzz… but on Earth I go by the name Megan Morse."
Everyone then looked at Superboy.
He tensed.
"I… don't have one."
Kid Flash tilted his head.
"Not even a hero name?"
"Superboy," he replied. "You guys gave me that one."
Robin crossed his arms.
"And it's fine as a hero name. But you need a civilian one. Something you can use outside of the suit."
Superboy looked down.
"I don't know how to pick one."
Aqualad stepped forward.
"We can help you."
Miss Martian smiled.
"Yes. A name should feel… like yours."
Kid Flash snapped his fingers.
"Okay, you're a clone of Superman. His civilian name is Clark Kent. How about taking the last name Kent?"
Superboy repeated the word in his mind.
"Kent…"
Robin nodded.
"It sounds good. It's not copying him. It's… honoring him."
Miss Martian watched him closely.
"And your first name? What would you like?"
Superboy hesitated.
He'd never chosen anything before.
He'd never had that freedom.
Kid Flash suggested:
"Something strong. Something that sounds like you."
Aqualad added:
"Something that represents who you want to be."
Miss Martian took a step closer.
"How about… Conner?"
Superboy looked up.
"Conner?"
She smiled gently.
"It's strong. But also kind."
Robin smiled.
"Conner Kent. Sounds perfect."
Kid Flash gave him a thumbs-up.
"Welcome to the civilian world, Conner."
Aqualad placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's a good name."
Conner looked at M'gann.
She looked back at him, her gaze warm.
"It's nice to meet you, Conner," she said.
And for the first time, he smiled without fear.
-----
CAVE — SIDE HALLWAY: 12:03 PM
Conner walked down the hallway, still processing everything.
A name.
A team.
A new life.
Behind him, a soft voice called out.
"Conner."
He turned around.
Miss Martian hovered a few inches above the ground before landing softly.
"Can I… talk to you for a moment?" she asked.
Conner nodded.
M'gann approached, nervously interlacing her fingers.
"I know all of this must be very overwhelming for you."
Conner took a deep breath.
"I don't know what I'm supposed to feel. Everything is new. Everything is… too much."
She tilted her head.
"I understand more than you think."
Conner frowned.
"You? But you grew up on Mars. You have a family. A home."
M'gann looked down.
"Yes… but here I'm different. Strange. Sometimes I feel like I don't quite fit in."
Conner watched her.
She had seemed so confident, so bright… but now he saw her vulnerable.
"You fit in," he said, almost without thinking.
M'gann looked up, surprised.
"Do you really think so?"
Conner nodded.
"Yes. You're… good. And kind. And… you make me feel less alone."
She smiled, blushing slightly.
"You make me feel that way too."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
They just looked at each other, as if something invisible connected them.
M'gann took a step back, shyly.
"Thank you for talking to me, Conner."
He nodded.
"Thank you for… seeing me."
She smiled, sweetly.
"Always."
---
CAVE — DORMITORIES: 12:48 PM
After dinner and exploring the base a bit more, everyone retired to rest.
Kid Flash snored before hitting his pillow.
Robin typed on his hologlove.
Aqualad meditated silently.
M'gann floated in the fetal position, asleep, with a peaceful smile.
Conner lay down on his new bed.
He stared at the ceiling.
He thought about his name.
About the team.
About M'gann.
And for the first time since opening his eyes at Cadmus…
he fell asleep without fear.
---
CAVE — MAIN HALL: 8:00 AM
Red Tornado stood waiting for them, motionless like a metal statue.
"Good morning," he said in his mechanical voice. "The League has determined that you are not yet ready for missions. Today you will have training with Black Canary."
Kid Flash stretched.
"Training? With the lethal blonde? This will be fun."
Robin grinned.
"For you, maybe."
Conner frowned.
"Who is Black Canary?"
Aqualad answered.
"One of the League's best fighters."
M'gann added:
"And very kind."
Red Tornado led them to the training room.
---
CAVE — TRAINING ROOM: 8:15 AM
Black Canary was waiting for them in the center of the dojo.
Black suit.
Black gloves.
and her leather jacket.
A firm but kind gaze.
"Good morning, guys," she said with a smile. "Today we'll be evaluating your combat skills."
Kid Flash stepped forward, winking at her.
"Do you need me to slow down so I don't hurt you?"
She raised an eyebrow.
"Go ahead, Casanova."
Kid Flash attacked with speed.
She dodged without moving an inch.
A spin.
A sweep.
A soft blow to the chest.
Kid Flash fell backward.
"Lesson one," she said. "Speed is useless if you don't think."
Robin laughed.
"I told you so."
Aqualad was next. His style was firm, disciplined. Black Canary congratulated him on his control, but took him down with a flawless submission hold.
Miss Martian floated to the center. She attempted to use telekinesis. Black Canary shook her head.
"No powers."
M'gann swallowed hard. Still, she put up a fight. Clumsy, but determined. Canary took her down smoothly.
"Good effort."
Robin entered confidently. His match was fast, technical, and full of acrobatics. Black Canary smiled.
"Very good, Robin."
Finally, Conner stepped forward.
Black Canary assessed him.
"Impressive strength. But without technique, you're an easy target."
Conner growled. He attacked with brute force. She dodged every blow.
She knocked him down twice.
Three times.
Conner gritted his teeth.
He got up.
He watched her.
He analyzed her movements.
And then… he began to imitate them.
Her stance.
The hip rotation.
The way she distributed her weight.
Black Canary's eyes widened in surprise.
Conner threw a more controlled punch.
She blocked it, but it took some effort.
"That's it," she said. "You learn fast."
Conner attacked again.
Better.
More precise.
But in the end, Black Canary took him down with a clean move.
Conner fell on his back, gasping for breath.
She offered him her hand.
"Great work, Conner. You have potential. A lot."
Conner took her hand, surprised.
"Really?"
"Really." She said with a smile, "And we're going to get him out."
---
CAVE — TRAINING ROOM: 9:12 AM
Black Canary ended the session with one last appraising look at the team.
"Good work today," she said, crossing her arms. "You have potential, but you need discipline, coordination, and consistent practice."
Kid Flash raised his hand from the floor.
"Can we… rest… now?"
She smiled.
"For today, yes."
When she left, the team was panting, sweating, but strangely proud.
Aqualad took a deep breath.
"That was good training."
Robin craned his neck.
"And necessary."
Conner was still processing what had happened. Black Canary had knocked him down… but she had also congratulated him. That meant something.
M'gann floated gently closer, with a shy smile.
"Guys… if you want… I can show you my techship," she said, interlacing her fingers. "It's in the hangar."
Kid Flash sat up immediately.
"You have a Martian techship?! And you didn't say so before?"
M'gann blushed.
"I didn't mean to brag…"
Aqualad smiled.
"We'd love to see it."
Robin nodded.
"Let's go."
Conner looked at her.
She looked back at him, soft and warm.
"Are you coming?" she asked.
Conner nodded without thinking.
---
CAVE — MARTIAN TECHSHIP HANGAR: 9:20 AM
The metal door opened with a soft hiss, revealing a Martian ship with organic lines, gleaming, almost alive. The surface seemed to breathe.
Kid Flash gasped.
"This is cooler than anything the League has!"
Robin examined the panels.
"Telepathic interface… awesome."
Aqualad ran his hand over the smooth surface.
"It's beautiful."
M'gann smiled, proud.
"I'm glad you like it."
Conner touched the ship.
The surface emitted a pulse of light beneath his hand.
M'gann laughed softly.
"She likes you."
Conner felt a strange warmth in his chest.
"Really?"
"Yes," she said, looking at him sweetly. "And I like her too."
Conner stood still, surprised.
M'gann blushed, realizing what she had said.
"I mean… I like you," she quickly corrected herself.
Robin, watching the scene, chimed in with a slight smile.
"You know what? Since we're all here… why don't we make the most of our day off?"
Kid Flash gave a thumbs-up.
"Yeah! I need some Earth food after that training."
Aqualad nodded.
"We can visit the nearby village. Explore the area."
M'gann floated a little, excited.
"I've never been to a human village! Sounds fun."
Conner looked at her.
"We can go… together."
She smiled softly.
"I'd love to."
Robin clapped his hands.
"Perfect. No costumes. Let's go as civilians."
Kid Flash was already at the door.
"Let's eat!"
M'gann looked at Conner one last time before leaving.
He held her gaze.
And so, the visit to the Martian techship became the idea of exploring the village together… as a team, and as something more.
-----
MARTIAN TECH SHIP — IN FLIGHT: 10:48 AM
The tech ship moved silently along the coast, gliding as if floating on an invisible sea. The interior vibrated gently, warm, almost cozy. The organic walls emitted a soft pulse, as if the ship were breathing.
Kid Flash was glued to the window.
"Look at that! The view is incredible!"
Robin checked data on his hologoon.
"The town of Happy Harbor is just a few minutes away."
Aqualad was observing the horizon.
"It will be good to know the area we will be protecting."
M'gann floated in her seat, excited.
"I'm so happy you want to come with me!"
Conner glanced at her.
She smiled back.
"Thank you for inviting us," he said.
M'gann blushed.
"Always."
Kid Flash looked at them both and smiled mischievously.
"Something you want to tell us?"
Conner frowned.
"No."
M'gann blushed.
"Wally!"
Robin laughed.
"Leave them alone."
---
HAPPY HARBOR — FOREST NEAR THE TOWN: 10:59 AM
The techship landed softly among the trees.
M'gann touched an organic panel and the ship became invisible, camouflaging itself with the surroundings.
Kid Flash whistled.
"That's… too cool."
Robin adjusted his jacket.
"Come on. Day off."
Conner put a black jacket over his red S T-shirt.
M'gann looked at him for a second longer than necessary.
---
HAPPY HARBOR — CENTRAL PLAZA: 11:12 AM
The town was quiet. Families strolled, children played, tourists took photos.
The five young people sat at an outdoor restaurant, at a table under a red umbrella.
Kid Flash already had a menu in his hand.
"I want everything!"
Robin took the menu from him.
"Order something reasonable."
Aqualad was observing the fountain in the center of the plaza.
"It's a peaceful place."
M'gann looked around with bright eyes.
"It's beautiful… so different from Mars."
Conner watched her.
"You like it."
She smiled.
"Very much."
For a moment, everything was perfect.
Until the sky roared.
---
HAPPY HARBOR — CENTRAL PLAZA: 11:15 AM
A whirlwind descended in the middle of the plaza, lifting tables, chairs, and screams.
People ran in all directions.
The metallic figure emerged from the wind.
"Residents of Happy Harbor!" thundered the robotic voice.
"I've come to face the real heroes! Come out now!"
Robin stood up immediately.
"Team, get ready."
Quick Transformation
- Robin put on his mask and pulled out his utility belt.
- Kid Flash put on his yellow goggles.
- Aqualad activated his Atlantean weapons, which glowed with blue energy.
- M'gann transformed her dress into her black and red Conner-inspired suit.
- Conner took off his jacket, revealing a black T-shirt with a red S.
The android saw them and sneered.
"You guys? I asked for real heroes, not… interns."
Kid Flash frowned.
"Hey! That hurt!"
The five attacked at the same time…
but each on their own.
Kid Flash
Run in circles.
Twister threw him into a balloon stand.
Aqualad
He tried to use water.
The wind scattered it.
Robin
She threw explosive discs.
Twister deflected them.
M'gann
She tried to lift him telekinetically.
The wind pushed her back.
Conner
He leaped straight at him.
Twister caught him in a tornado and hurled him against a bench.
The team fell to the ground, battered.
Twister laughed.
"Pathetic."
The android turned toward a group of people trapped behind an overturned car.
"Vulnerable targets detected."
M'gann screamed:
"No!"
Twister uprooted a lamppost with the wind.
Conner sprang to his feet.
"Civilians!"
Robin ran toward them.
"Kaldur, with me!"
Aqualad raised a barrier of hardened water. The pole crashed and broke in two.
Kid Flash evacuated the civilians.
"Come on, come on!"
M'gann moved cars and debris to create a shelter.
Conner stood in front of the android.
"Not with them."
Twister pushed him with a gust of wind, but Conner held firm.
Aqualad yelled:
"Team, regroup!"
Robin frowned at the android.
"That style… could it be Red Tornado?"
Aqualad shook his head.
"It wouldn't attack civilians."
M'gann closed her eyes.
"It doesn't have a mind. It's… mechanical."
Conner clenched his fists and used his x-ray vision to examine it closely.
"It's an android."
Just then, Robin's communicator crackled.
Robin opened it.
"Red Tornado?"
Red Tornado:
"I detect anomalous activity in Happy Harbor. Where are they?"
Robin responded:
"Right here! Are you the one attacking?"
Red Tornado:
"Negative. I'm not in the area. The android isn't my design."
Robin's eyes widened.
"Then it's another android."
Red Tornado:
"Proceed with caution. Prioritize civilians."
The call ended.
Conner grunted.
"Perfect. Then I can hit it without worry."
Robin grinned.
"Now we're talking."
Robin took command.
"Quick plan. M'gann, destabilize it. Kaldur, break its defense. Wally, create an air vacuum to cancel its own tornado. Conner… finish it off."
Everyone nodded.
M'gann
She hovered, eyes glowing.
"Got it!"
She lifted the android a few inches, breaking its balance.
Kid Flash
He ran in circles, creating a vacuum that weakened the whirlwind.
Aqualad
He struck the joints with hardened water.
Sparks flew.
Robin
He threw electric discs.
"Now, Conner!"
Conner
He jumped with all his might.
He struck the android's torso.
The impact was brutal.
Twister fell to the ground, sparks flying.
Robin shouted:
"Combination attack!"
A final blow from all of them made him explode into metal pieces.
Silence.
Then…
Kid Flash picked up a piece of the robot.
"Souvenir!"
Robin sighed.
"Don't put it in my room."
---
MARTIAN TECH SHIP — ON RETURN FLIGHT: 12:32 AM
The tech ship lifted off from the forest, invisible until M'gann deactivated its cloaking capabilities.
The five climbed aboard, exhausted and covered in dust, but with a different kind of energy: the energy of having survived together.
Kid Flash slumped into a seat.
"Okay… officially, this was the worst day off ever."
Robin grinned.
"And the best field training ever."
Aqualad nodded.
"We failed at first, but we bounced back. That's what matters."
M'gann looked at Conner.
"You were amazing."
Conner looked down, uncomfortable.
"I didn't do anything alone."
She smiled.
"Exactly. You did it with us."
Conner felt a warmth spread across his chest.
Something that had no name, but that he was beginning to recognize.
---
CAVE — MAIN HALL: 12:40 PM
The holographic screen lit up as soon as they entered.
Batman appeared, arms crossed, expression impenetrable.
"You acted without authorization," he said sternly.
Robin swallowed hard.
"But we saved the town."
Red Tornado appeared on another screen.
"Your coordination improved remarkably."
Batman observed them one by one.
"You need discipline. But… you did a good job."
Kid Flash's eyes widened.
"Was that a compliment?"
Batman cut the transmission without answering.
Robin sighed.
"I think so."
Aqualad smiled.
"It's the closest we'll get."
---
CAVE — MAIN HALLWAY: 4:42 PM
It had been a long day. Very long.
The kids dispersed to shower, change, and rest a bit. Conner was walking down the hall when he heard a strange noise from the kitchen.
A ding… followed by an "Oh no!"
Conner frowned and went inside.
---
CAVE — KITCHEN: 4:50 PM
M'gann was floating in front of a tray of cookies… completely charred.
"It can't be!" she said, distraught. "I wanted to make something special for everyone."
Conner approached.
"What happened?"
M'gann bit her lip.
"I thought it would be easy… I saw a cooking show on TV and… well… I think I left them in too long."
Conner looked at the cookies.
They were black.
Black like volcanic rock.
M'gann looked down.
"I messed up."
Conner picked up a cookie.
And ate it.
M'gann's eyes widened.
"Conner! You didn't have to—!"
Conner swallowed.
"They're… crunchy."
Kid Flash walked in just in time to see him.
"Bro! Are you alive?"
Conner nodded.
"Yeah."
M'gann's face lit up.
"Do you actually like them?"
Conner looked at her.
"No… but it doesn't matter. You tried. That's what matters."
She blushed.
"Thank you."
---
CAVE — KITCHEN: 5:10 PM
Robin walked in with his arms crossed.
"What's going on here?"
Aqualad followed him.
"Does it smell like... something's burning?"
Kid Flash pointed at the tray.
"Martian cookies... charcoal version."
M'gann covered her face.
"Sorry..."
Robin smiled.
"Don't worry. Let's try making them together."
Aqualad was already gathering ingredients.
"Let's work as a team."
Kid Flash put on an apron.
"Chef Wally to the rescue!"
M'gann floated a little, excited.
"Do you really want to help me?"
Conner approached her.
"We're a team. Of course we are."
She smiled back.
---
CAVE — KITCHEN: 6:17 PM
The kitchen was an adorable mess.
Flour flying through the air.
Wally stealing chocolate chips.
Robin measuring everything with surgical precision.
Aqualad mixing with Atlantean calm.
M'gann laughing as she tried to follow an Earth recipe.
Conner holding the tray carefully, as if it were a life-or-death mission.
Finally, the cookies came out of the oven.
Golden.
Perfect.
Delicious.
M'gann took one and tasted it.
"They're amazing!"
Kid Flash had already eaten three.
"We're the best!"
Aqualad grinned.
"Good job, team."
Conner took a cookie.
M'gann looked at him, waiting.
He tasted it.
He smiled.
"They're perfect."
M'gann beamed with happiness.
---
CAVE — MAIN HALL: 7:00 PM
The five of them sat on the couch, eating cookies, laughing, talking, relaxing.
For the first time since escaping Cadmus… Conner felt like he belonged to something.
To someone.
To a team.
To a family.
M'gann leaned gently against his shoulder.
Conner tensed for a second… and then relaxed.
She smiled. He did too.
And so, amid laughter, cookies, and a day that had started out as a disaster, the team found something more important than a victory:
They found their home.