"Hey Dick. What you working on?", I asked as I sat down beside the Boy Wonder, who was busy typing away at the Mt. Titan holograhic computer before looking to me with a smirk.
"A new tracking device that can withstand all types of damage and can track a fast moving target."
"Oh, trying a new way to track Wally?"
"No, it's so I can put it on you and stop you before you start causing trouble again."
"Brother need tracking device?", Match asked as he looked at me and I just gave a deadpan stare at Robin who had a sly grin on his face.
"No, it's just Dick being a dick."
"The puns didn't sound good before and they won't sound good now," He muttered as he went back to working and I smirked before shrugging as Match looked at the screen.
"Eh, they will start being good eventually. Now, where is Batman? I have to give a report to him before he starts detaining me."
"Oh, he left about a couple of minutes ago. Something about an alert in Gotham and Clayface. He took Wally and M'gann with him."
"Huh, so where's Kaldur, then?"
"Here," I turned as I heard the Atlantean speak up, lifting a fist that he bumped with a smile while nodding to Match who nodded back slowly.
"So, what have you been up to, bud?"
"I have been talking with Lord Orin and I have asked for a leave of absence for a few days to visit Atlantis."
"Oh, nice. Missing some friends and perhaps a special friend, hmm?", I asked with a teasing smile, a burst of laughter escaping my lips while Dick snickered slyly as Kaldur just blushed and looked away.
"Perhaps."
"Well, then you should enjoy your vacation. If anything happens, we'll try our best to survive as long as we can before we call for your help."
"I appreciate it. I apologize that we could not spend this time to become more acquainted, Match."
"Match okay with Aquaboy," Match said with a thumbs-up and I smirked as Kaldur looked a bit confused even as he gave a thumbs-up back.
"Aquaboy, huh? You better be careful, Kaldur. Once Match gives you a nickname, you're stuck with it forever."
"You would know, huh Birdy?", I asked with a teasing smile and Dick rolled his eyes as Kaldur gave a small smile.
"I would not mind it. I have been called worse."
"Oh, right. Wally caught you fishstick once. Well, at least that is proof that speed does not always equate to brain power."
"You're going to get smacked one of these days, you know?", Dick spoke up and I shrugged as I leaned back.
"Eh, wouldn't be the first time. Uh, careful there, Match," I said as Match poked at the holograhic models in front of us with a look of concentration in his eyes.
"So, what's the deal with his brain? Is there a reason why he's speaking in the 3rd Person?"
"According to M'gann and Connor, his mental state is not fully developed like mine was so right now, he has the mental capacity and functionality of a two year old."
"Combine that with the body of a Kryptonian and that is just a recipe for disaster," Dick murmured and I nodded while watching as Match got bored of the holograms and sat down down.
"Think of him more as a toddler that could bench-press a truck. Therefore, we think it's best if we ease him into things gradually and let him learn through interaction and through his own experiences."
"Yeah, Batman's keeping an eye on him from a distance. You know, observe and assess before acting."
"I didn't expect anything else," I answered with a smirk and Dick smirked as he nodded while crossing his arms.
"However, he did admit that Match is not dangerous unless someone gives him reason to be."
"It is wise to be cautious, but one must also be compassionate. I believe Match is a good person," Kaldur spoke and I smiled as I saw Match looking at him.
"Exactly. Match is my clone-brother and I know what it's like waking up in a lab with no idea who you are. He just needs time."
"Match have Brother and Supes now."
"Supes? Really?", Dick asked as he looked to me and I shrugged as Kaldur and Match looked between us.
"Hey, he must have heard me saying it so many times."
"Uh-huh. You sure you didn't teach him that just to mess with Clark?"
"Me? Never~ I would never use an emotionally volatile Kryptonian toddler to get under Superman's skin."
"That's exactly what you would do," Kaldur said with a smirk, Dick nodding in agreement as I rolled my eyes.
"Well, Supes has got to loosen up eventually so who better to help him with that than our sunshine of a clone here?"
"Match sunshine?"
"Yeah, brother. You're sunshine with heat vision and super strength," I answered while patting his shoulder, amused at his proud look while his eyes flashed red for a brief moment.
"In all honesty, though, he's learning quite fast. It's only been a few days since he woke up and he's already picked up on people's emotions, their way of speech and social interaction. Also, he's a very good listener, which is more that I could say for some people."
"According to Wally, we all talk too slow," Dick answered with an amused voice and I shook my head as Kaldur looked to Match.
"Should you ever wish to visit Atlantis, I'm certain Lord Orin would welcome you with honour."
"Underwater?", Match asked and Kaldur nodded before the original clone turned to me.
"Can Match swim?", He asked and I blinked before looking to Dick who was already looking at a few files.
"Kryptonian physiology should allow it considering he doesn't need to breathe as often and has enhanced strength to resist the water pressure. Then again, we should probably do our own tests before we send him down."
"Yeah, let's avoid turning Atlantis into ground zero for a bellyflop," I muttered and Match looked pleased as Kaldur smiled.
"Match try swimming and then visit Aquaboy."
"I shall await your visit, Match."
"Hey, anybody seen M'gann?", I blinked as I heard a female voice, looking behind me to see Artemis walking into the room while dressed in casual clothes.
"Hey, Arty. No, she went with Batman and Wally to do a mission."
"Don't call me that. When are they going to get back?"
"Considering that they're hunting Clayface down, I'd say it's another four or so hours," Dick answered with a shrug and I watched as she groaned before speaking up.
"You could always hang out with Match and I. Kaldur is about to leave for Atlantis and Dick…"
"Dick is going to be busy with something secret so see ya," The Boy Wonder spoke as he stood up and walked to his room, waving a hand over his shoulder as Kaldur nodded before following after him.
"Well, you still up to hang out?", I asked as I looked to Artemis, raising a hand to stop Match before his waving got too enthusiastic as Artemis raised an eyebrow.
"And what are we going to do?"
"Hmm, we could teach Match Uno?"
"Uno?"
"Yeah, Match. It's a fun game that's easy to learn, mostly about the luck of the cards and perfect for starting fights over skipped turns," That last part made his eyes lit up with joy and I chuckled while Artemis looked at me with a skeptic smirk.
"You're seriously going to teach a Kryptonian toddler a card game that causes fully grown adults to flip tables?"
"Hey, it will help teach him strategy and patience."
"He could also snap and throw us out of the window."
"…Also true," I nodded in agreement and she sighed while Match looked on in anticipation as I pressed a button on the computer before three pairs of holographic cards and a deck appeared in front of us.
"Alright, Match. Here are the rules."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"I still think we should call the others," Artemis spoke with a frown as she, Match, Robin and I landed outside the Tower of Fate, a grimace on my face as I nodded while looking at the headquarters of probably the most powerful magic user in the world.
"I already did, but unfortunately, Ms. Martian and Velocity are still busy with helping Batman and Kaldur said that it will take him a while to get to us," Robin answered and I sighed as we walked up to the building.
"I suppose it's just us, then. What do we have on Doctor Fate, Robin?"
"Kent Nelson AKA Doctor Fate. He is the former host for the Helmet of Fate and a member of the Justice League before he started becoming a part-time hero in 1998 after the passing of his wife. According to Red Tornado, he has been missing for the past twenty three days and the only thing that was found of him was his cane."
"Well, then the Tower of Fate is the first place to look."
'If I remember correctly, Kent is currently being held captive by Klarion and Abra Kadabra and they're going to appear the moment we opened the tower, so perhaps…'
"Artemis, Robin, I want you two to open the door and head in. I have a feeling that whoever took Kent is going to try and come here to get his helmet."
"Then should we not all wait out here?"
"You two think you could take on powerful magicians?", I asked in response and smirked as he narrowed his eyes before a key formed in front of them and opened the tower for them.
"What do Match and Brother do?", Match asked with a frown and I narrowed my eyes as I saw the air in front of us shimmering, watching as three figures slowly appeared in front of us.
"Ooh~ It's the little clone projects!", The younger-looking magician with his lanky form and his black hair styled to look like devil horns.
Right beside him stood a tall yet injured older man, his hands bound and held behind his back by a tall and lean man with a ponytail with sideburns and a goatee, dressed in a white shirt that exposed his chest along with black trousers and black shoes.
"Klarion~", I glanced over to Match as I heard him snarl, looking over to see his eyes flashing red while looking back to see Klarion's eyes being red as well with a wide unnatural grin on his face.
"Hello, Match~ How have the nightmares been treating you?"
"Match kill Klarion!"
"Match, wait!", I shouted as I went to reach out, but I gasped as a lightning bolt slammed into my side and stopped me just long enough for Match to shoot forward.
Turning my glare to Abra Kadabra as he aimed a wand at me, I took a deep breath while standing up straight as he went to cast a spell.
"You shoot that at me and I'm going to beat the hell out of you with it," I growled, my voice low as I cracked my knuckles while Abra Kadabra paused for a moment while the amusement on his face faltered for a brief moment.
"Oh? And here I thought you were the brains of the operation. Let's see how long your bravado lasts," He mocked as he flicked his wand and glowing runes formed in the air.
Thrusting his wand forward, I was already in motion as I ducked low under the magical bolt and crossed the distance, slamming shoulder first into his chest before grabbing onto his arm.
Hearing his shoulder snap out, I wrapped my hand around his mouth while popping his shoulder back in, snapping his wand in half before landing a heavy punch to his chest that knocked him out.
Turning to where Match was fighting against Klarion, I watched as he was like a mad missile, tackling right through Klarion's magic despite it tearing open his skin before landing a powerful punch to the magician's jaw.
However, it seemed to annoy him more than hurt him as Klarion flipped over in the air before flaring his chaotic red magic.
"Teekl!", He bellowed and the monstrous sabertooth familiar leapt from his shadow, its claws aimed for Match, but the clone did not flinch. In response, he let out a deafening, bestial roar with enough power that sent the familiar flying back.
It was not just that as the ground under Match cratered and the air trembled, Klarion's eyes widening for a split second before Match grabbed his throat and slammed him back first into the ground.
However, the Lord of Chaos was already gone through a teleportation spell and my eyes widened as I saw him appearing in the doorway of the room.
"Mine now~!", He hissed with a grin as he went to open the door only for me to blink as golden light shot through the door and sent him flying through the air.
'Wait, how…Oh, please don't tell me anyone put it on,' I thought with a panicked look as I quickly rushed to the door, stopping in my tracks as I watched the visage of Dr. Fate float out before sighing in relief when I saw Artemis and Robin coming out after him.
Looking over to Match where I could see his wounds getting worse the more he moved around, I rushed over and kept him pinned to the ground, ignoring his snarls while forcing him to look at me.
"Match! Match, it's me! It's Chris! Look at me!", I exclaimed, watching as his muscles strained and blood dripped from his body before I frowned as I saw both rage and anguish dancing in his eyes.
'Fuck, Klarion must have done something to him while they were fighting.'
"Match, you're stronger than this. Do not let Klarion control you. You're not a weapon anymore, Match. You're my brother," I whispered and I was relieved as he froze, his snarling dying down to soft, pained growls as his body ceased its trembling.
"M-Match hurst…Head hurts…"
"I know, Match. Just breathe, brother. I have you. You're safe now," I whispered before looking over to see Artemis and Robin jogging over with frowns.
"He under some kind of spell?"
"That and some added trauma. He's calm now, but I feel like it's not gone," I answered before looking past them to see a figure approaching, Kent Nelson looking at us with his helmet floating beside him as he furrowed his brow.
"His mind has been tampered with. Klarion was trying to turn him into a chaos conduit."
"Without the magical words?"
"He wanted to make Match a living anchor and bomb for him," He explained and I grimaced while looking down at Match who was breathing shakily.
"Could you undo it?"
"I can suppress it. The rest depend on his will."
"Do it," I nodded, watching as Kent raised his hands to Match before I watched as he shuddered, golden tendrils of magic flowing into his chest while the red glow in his eyes slowly faded away.
"You okay, big guy?", I asked and smiled in relief as Match nodded, turning to Kent and giving him a thankful nod.
"Thank you."
"Do not thank me yet, young Chris. It is done for now, but Klarion will come again."
"I'd expect nothing less to be truthful," I spoke as I watched Match fall asleep before looking back at the Tower as Robin spoke up.
"Well, Klarion at least didn't get the helmet, but we now know what he is after and why he wanted you gone."
"Yeah. Also, you really need to get better security," Artemis spoke with a frown and Kent smiled as he shook his head.
"Unfortunately, being a Lord of Order doesn't leave much time for finding bodyguards. In any case, you've done well today, but this is far from over. The Lords of Chaos have plans and they're only beginning."
"Then we'll have to ruin those plans.
"You say that like we got time to prep and rest for it," Robin spoke up with a raised eyebrow and I rolled my eyes before looking to Artemis as her eyes flickered around warily.
"I'd take an hour of either right now."
"You all have courage and chaos despises and fears courage. That fear will be your advantage, but do not underestimate it. Klarion is not the only one watching from the dark."
"Oh, I'll just get a torchlight and stare back," I answered with a shrug and everyone looked at me before Robin sighed as Artemis palmed her face.
"…Was that…?"
"Yes, it's one of his bad puns/ jokes. Do not pay it any mind," Robin answered and I grinned as Kent simply shook his head before he vanished, the Tower vanishing with him as we all looked on before I shook my head.
"So…anyone willing to try and call Batman for a lift?", I asked while looking pointedly at one person, Artemis doing the same while Robin looked at us two before letting out a groan.
"Fine~ but he's not going to like me doing this."
"Eh, he'll get over it."
A/N: And we end it off here with a far shorter version of Dr. Fate's story and the Doctor himself surviving the event.
What will this cause for the future? Who knows?
Next chapter: …? No clue. Either an original arc, a comic side-story or we're continuing with the somewhat canon.
Like always, you can go to my Pat-reon-.-com-/-KingCrimsonNova to read ahead on this as well as many other stories & even some that haven't been released out to this site yet. If you want to, you are free to, but if you don't want, all's good as I will still be uploading here. This is just me trying to get some extra cash.
As always, read, enjoy, review and until next week...
Ba-Bye~!