CHAPTER ONE

[... at last the day is here ...]

FOUR ICE VILLANS WERE BEING TAKEN DOWN BY MEMBERS OF THE JUSTICE LEAGUE AND THEIR PROTEGES. Freeze was attacking people at Gotham City park, Icicle Junior at Star City bridge, Killer frost at Pearl Harbor, Hawai'i and Captain Cold at Central City. Each protégé was annoyed with the circumstances, especially when today marked a huge step of becoming actual members of the Justice league. One Atlantean was certainly displeased.

Pearl Harbor,

Hawai'i;

July 4th; 6:02 HST

Killer Frost had nearly frozen all the ships in the harbor, ice shards jutting from the water. Perched on one of the ships, she unleashed another blast of ice, this time aiming directly at Aquaman. He dodged, leaping from turret to turret before landing on the ship's deck.

Anticipating his approach, she froze him in place before he could get close.

To Aquaman's left was Aqualad, while on his right, Aqualass vaulted from the ship's turret, joining the fight. Their mentor shattered the ice imprisoning him and followed after them.

"Don't tell me you're not excited?" Aquaman asked his male protégé.

"Right now, my King, I'm focused on the task at hand." The dark-skinned Atlantean says, dodging a blast of ice, replied. He sidestepped another attack, faking right to find an opening.

Aquaman chuckled, effortlessly dodging another ice strike before glancing at Aqualass. "And you?"

Aqualass placed her hands on two ice spikes, melting them into swirling water with ease. "Ecstatic, Your Majesty," she said, her voice strained as she crafted a water shield, extending it to cover both herself and Aqualad from the icy barrage. The shield trembled under the force of the attacks, droplets falling as she struggled to hold it. "I'd be more elated if we could...ugh" she struggles still taking more ice blasts "..wrap this up early."

"See?" Aquaman gestured to Aqualad.

As the blasts intensified, Aqualass released the shield, panting. Killer Frost, seizing the opportunity, prepared another strike. Kaldur saw his moment. His Water-Bearers transformed into glowing dual maces as the eel tattoos on his arms flared blue.

Killer Frost's icy blast missed him by inches. She adjusted her aim, encasing his maces and hands in ice. Unfazed, he swings upward in a forceful double uppercut, shattering the ice encasing his hands and the frozen maces. The impact sends a shockwave through the air, knocking Killer Frost back, unconscious.

Aquaman crossed his arms, watching as Kaldur straightened, placing his water bearers back. His tattoos faded to black.

Now the king had his attention. "Well?"

Aqualad glanced at his partner, who approached with a grin, resting her elbow on his shoulder. Kaldur bumped his fist against Neriah'the's, then they unclasped and lightly placed their fingertips together. Without breaking eye contact, they slid their hands outward in a smooth, wavy motion.

"Yes, I'm excited," he admitted, grinning.

"Today's the day," they both said in unison, excitement clear in their voices.

Neriah'the took a deep breath, letting the excitement and anticipation wash over her. She stood tall, hands resting on her hips in a posture that signaled confidence and composure. But today, she couldn't quite hide the glint of awe in her eyes. She wasn't one to let her emotions show so vividly, but standing here, feets away from the Hall of Justice, it was impossible to maintain her usual calm. The iconic building loomed ahead, and for a brief moment, she allowed herself to take it all in.

She snapped out of her momentary gawking when the Dark Knight's gravelly voice cut through the air.

"Today's the day," he said to Robin, a rare smirk tugging at his usually stoic lips.

"Welcome to the Hall of Justice," Green Arrow added, his voice more lighthearted, though not less significant.

"Headquarters of the Justice League," Aquaman finished.

Neriah'the glanced at Kaldur, feeling his steady presence beside her. Their eyes met, and he didn't miss the unusual excitement that had crept onto her face, breaking through her normally composed façade. Without a word, he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his grip firm yet gentle.

For a moment, Neriah'the let the contact ground her, steadying the rush of emotions she hadn't expected. She nodded slightly in thanks, a silent acknowledgment that despite everything they had been through, they were here.

Finally, she thought to herself. "It's about time."

Speedy, Green Arrow's sidekick chimed in, flashing a grin. "You can say that again."

 Neriah'the's mind flickered to a sudden realization—someone was missing. Her brows furrowed in confusion just as a gust of wind whipped past her.

"Oh man!" The Flash screeched to a stop first, followed closely by Kid Flash. "I knew we'd be the last ones here," Kid Flash whined, crossing his arms in mock frustration, prompting an amused eyebrow raise from the Flash behind his cowl.

"Speaking of time..." Robin quipped, nudging Neriah'the lightly.

She rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. The tension she'd carried into the day started to ease. "Fastest people alive, huh?" she teased, making Robin and Aqualad snicker. "Glad you could finally join us. Try not to lag behind KF." She said as they began to walk towards the building.

 "Hey, I'll have you know I was just being polite, giving you all a head start." Kid Flash shot back, following them. He stopped in front of the female Atlantean hands on his hips as he struck a mock heroic pose. 

Aqualass crossed her arms, replying flatly. "Polite? Is that what you call losing track of time? Good to know."

"Burn!" Robin teased, laughing as Kid Flash groaned dramatically.

"One, zero, princess," Kid Flash said, feigning hurt as he pointed at Neriah'the with mock indignation. "One, zero." 

As the group walked down the cleared path toward the Hall of Justice, the crowd's excitement crescendoed.

"Is that Batman?" someone asked loudly, their voice rising above the din.

"I see Flash and Flash Jr.!" a woman called out excitedly.

"His name is Speedy, duh," someone else objected, clearly overhearing the mistake.

"No, Speedy is Green Arrow's sidekick," a younger male corrected.

"Well, that makes no sense," a fourth voice chimed in with an incredulous tone.

Green Arrow turned to his protégé with a grin. "Ready to see the inner sanctum?" he asked.

"Born that way," Speedy replied curtly, throwing a fleeting glance back at his mentor.

Aqualad, always the voice of calm, shifted the conversation toward his teammates. "I'm glad we're all here," he said, his gaze moving between the two younger boys and Neriah'the, who walked confidently at his side.

"Have all four sidekicks ever been in the same place at the same time before?" Kid Flash wondered aloud, glancing at Robin as if the youngest among them might somehow have the answer.

Speedy suddenly bristled, cutting through the conversation with a sharp tone. "Don't call us sidekicks," he snapped. "Not after today."

Aqualass frowned slightly at the overreaction, though she kept her thoughts to herself. The significance of the day wasn't lost on her, but Speedy's intensity was...excessive.

Kid Flash smiled nervously, "Sorry," he said earnestly. "First time at the Hall. I'm a little overwhelmed."

Robin stared at the young speedster, "You're overwhelmed, Freeze was underwhelmed. Why isn't anyone ever just...whelmed?" he quipped, shifting his gaze back to what's in front of him.

As they passed through the grand doors of the Hall of Justice, the banter fell away. The group stopped short, eyes wide as they took in the massive statues of the League's founding members, standing tall and imposing above them. "Oh," he managed.

"Oh," Robin managed. "Maybe that's why," his voice tinged with awe.  

The group arrived at a large, imposing door with AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY emblazoned across its surface. As it slid open with a low hum, Martian Manhunter and Red Tornado stepped into view. 

"Robin, Speedy, Aqualad, Aqualass, Kid Flash," Martian Manhunter greeted, his voice calm and measured, each name spoken with formal precision. "Welcome."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and began leading them inside. Robin and Kid Flash exchanged a triumphant fist bump before following closely behind.

"You now have unlimited access to the gym, our fully stocked gallery, and, of course, our library," Martian Manhunter continued as they walked, his tone unwaveringly formal.

When the next door slid open, it revealed a vast library that seemed to stretch endlessly, its shelves packed with books both ancient and modern. At the center of the room was a massive, state-of-the-art computer console.

Flash turned back to the teens with a smile, gesturing grandly. "Make yourselves at home."

Robin and Kid Flash wasted no time, leaping into chairs near the central console with childlike enthusiasm. Aqualad, ever composed, took a seat across from them. Neriah trailed behind her partner, her gaze roaming over the shelves and books with a mix of curiosity and reverence. Her fingers brushed the edge of a desk as if she was trying to ground herself in the moment. She finally settled into the seat beside Kaldur, her eyes flicking toward the door the mentors were heading toward.

Speedy, however, remained standing, his eyes locked on the mentors with an air of restrained defiance.

"Quick debrief to discuss the coincidence of four Ice Villains attacking on the same day," Batman said, breaking the brief silence. He glanced at the teens before turning to another door.

As the door opened, a fisheye camera extended from the wall, its lens swiveling to scan the room with an audible whirr.

"We shouldn't be long," Batman added, his gravelly voice leaving little room for further comment. 

Recognize:

Batman; 0-2,

Aquaman; 0-6,

Flash; 0-4,

Green Arrow; 0-8,

Martian ManHunter; 0-7,

Red Tornado; 1-6.

The door behind the camera lit up, glowing faintly before sliding open. Above it, bold letters illuminated: JUSTICE LEAGUE MEMBERS ONLY.

"That's it?" Speedy demanded, his voice cutting through the room and drawing everyone's attention. His volume and anger were palpable, even with the lenses in his mask obscuring his eyes. "You promised a real look inside, not a glorified backstage pass."

He crossed his arms tightly, his frustration radiating off him in waves.

"It's a first step," Aquaman said, his voice calm but firm, stepping forward slightly. "You've been granted access few others get."

"Oh, really?" Speedy snapped, gesturing sharply toward the group of onlookers on the other side of the soundproof glass wall. Their cameras flashed as they eagerly snapped pictures of the heroes. "Who cares which side of the glass we're on?"

"Roy, you just need to be patient," Green Arrow said, trying to reason with him, his tone softer now. He even used Speedy's civilian name, an attempt to connect on a personal level.

"What I need," Roy growled, "is respect."

He turned abruptly, looking at the others still seated. "They're treating us like kids," Roy continued, his gaze sweeping over the group. "Worse—like Sidekicks!" The word came out like venom, his anger intensifying as he paced slightly. "We deserve better than this!"

All four exchanged looks. Kid Flash glanced at Robin, who then turned to Aqualad. Aqualad shared a brief look with Neriah'the, who sat composed but watchful, before all four turned their attention back to Roy. Robin's eyes widened beneath his mask, the only outward sign of his unease.

Speedy looked dumbfounded at their silence. "You're kidding, right?" he pressed, glaring at the others. When none of them objected, his anger flared. "You're playing their game? Why? Today was supposed to be the day—step one in becoming full-fledged members of the League."

"Well, sure," Kid Flash spoke up, glancing at the others for support. "But I thought step one was the tour of the HQ." He sat up straighter, trying to lighten the mood.

"Except the Hall isn't the League's real HQ."

The revelation hung in the air. Green Arrow looked mildly surprised, while Aquaman's eyes went wide in shock. The three younger protégés exchanged stunned looks: Kid Flash's jaw dropped in disbelief, Robin's paired with wide-eyed surprise, and Aqualad's mouth hung open in confusion. Aqualass furrowed her brows but remained silent, observing.

Speedy wasn't done. "I bet they never told you. It's just a false front for tourists," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. Green Arrow's eyes widened—not in surprise, but as though he couldn't believe Roy was spilling the League's secrets. Aquaman, meanwhile, calmed as he exchanged a knowing glance with Green Arrow.

"And a pit stop for catching Zeta-beam teleporter tubes to the real thing," Speedy continued, gesturing upward with his hand. "An orbiting satellite called the Watchtower."

Green Arrow turned just in time to catch Batman's signature glare, one sharp enough to freeze anyone in their tracks. Clearly, this wasn't information Roy should have shared. "I know, I know," Green Arrow muttered defensively. "But I thought we could make an exception." Batman's glare only intensified. "Or not."

Aquaman stepped forward. "You're not helping your cause here, son. Stand down, or—"

"Or what?" Speedy snapped, cutting him off. "You'll send me to my room? I'm not your son!" His voice broke, his anger now mixed with hurt. He turned to Green Arrow. "I'm not even his."

The room fell silent as Speedy's voice lowered. "I thought I was his partner... but not anymore." He ripped off his canary-yellow hat and threw it to the ground with finality.

All four protégés could only watch in wide-eyed shock, none daring to speak.

"Guess they were right about you four," Roy scoffed as he brushed past them. The group instinctively moved to block his path or protest, but he continued undeterred. "You're not ready."

Roy took a few more steps before Neriah grabbed his arm.

"Don't be rash, Roy," she said, her tone firm but laced with concern. Her narrowed eyes locked on his. "What happened to patience? You taught me that."

He yanked his arm away, the tension crackling between them. "There's a fine line between being patient and being strung along. If you're wise enough, you'd understand the difference... and leave."

The words hung in the air like a sharp slap as he stormed out of the library. The four teenagers stood frozen, his exit cutting deeper than they'd expected.

Before Neriah could process Roy's parting words, an alarm blared, piercing the tense silence. The computer's screen lit up with Superman's face.

"Superman to Justice League," he announced. "There's been an explosion at Project Cadmus. It's on fire."

The adults immediately stepped up, their focus shifting entirely.

"I've had my suspicions about Cadmus," Batman said, his tone sharp. "This may be the perfect opportunity to—"

"Zatara to Justice League," another voice cuts in, the magician appeared on a smaller screen. "The sorcerer Wotan is using the Amulet of Attan to blot out the sun. Requesting full League response."

Batman turned to the leaguer on the larger screen. "Superman?"

"It's a small fire," Superman assured. "Local authorities have it under control."

"Then Cadmus can wait," Batman decided swiftly, pressing a key on the large keyboard below. "All Leaguers, rendezvous at Zatara's coordinates. Batman out."

The younger protégés stepped forward, anticipation lighting their expressions. Surely, this was their chance to prove themselves.

"Stay put," Batman said coldly, dashing their hopes.

"What?" Robin asked, disbelief thick in his voice. "Why?"

"This is a League mission," Aquaman explained, his tone calm but firm.

"You're not trained," Flash added, attempting to soften the blow.

"Since when?" Kid Flash shot back indignantly.

"I meant you're not trained to work as part of a team," Flash clarified.

Aqualass interjected, her voice laced with frustration. "But this is bottom-feeder treatment," She turned to face her mentor. "My king surely—" 

Aquaman raised a hand to silence her. "Not today," he said firmly. "There will be other missions when you're ready."

The female Atlantean couldn't help but frown. "Tch."

"But for now, stay put," Batman commanded, his glare brooking no argument. The screen darkened as the mentors turned and walked away.

"Glad you didn't bring you-know-who?" Green Arrow quipped to Martian Manhunter as they passed.

"Indeed," the Martian replied, 

The two green-clad heroes followed Aquaman, Batman, and the Flash, but Red Tornado lingered for a moment, gazing at the teens before the door closed behind him.

The silence hung heavy until Kid Flash scoffed. "When we're ready?" he continued. "How are we supposed to be ready if they treat us like—" he gestured wildly, spinning to face the Atlanteans—"like sidekicks!" The word dripped with disdain, a sentiment all four shared.

"My mentor, my king, I thought he trusted me," Aqualad murmured, his voice tinged with disappointment.

"I did too." Aqualass agreed. "We deserve better than this."

"They don't even trust us with the basics," Kid Flash cut in. "They've got a secret HQ in space!"

"What else aren't they telling us?" Aqualad asked quietly.

Robin sighed. "I have a better question—why didn't we leave with Speedy?"

The room grew quiet as they considered his words.

Aqualass finally broke the silence. "He made his choice, understandably so. But we don't have to go along with it."

 "Even after the 'the bottom feeder treatment?' " Kid Flash quoted though it was unclear if he agreed or was humoring her.

She shot him a glare, but before she could retort, Aqualad cut in. "What is Project Cadmus?"

"Don't know." Robin smirked, stepping toward the computer. "... but I can find out." He instantly starts typing out codes and searching for information.

"Whoa." Kid Flash murmured in awe, moving closer as Robin began typing. "How are you doing that?"

"Same system as the Batcave," Robin said smugly.

ACCESS DENIED.

Robin chuckled, his fingers flying over the keyboard. "Wanna bet?"

Moments later, the automated voice spoke again: ACCESS GRANTED.

"Alright Project Cadmus," Robin frowned slightly. "Genetics lab here in D.C. That's all it says, but if Batman's suspicious..." He turned, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Maybe we should investigate."

"Solve their case before they do?" Aqualad mused. "It would be poetic justice."

"Hey." Robin manages through a slight chuckle. "They're all about justice."

"No. No. No. No." Aqualass repeated, her arms firmly crossed. Her tone left no room for debate. "They said stay put."

"For the blotting-out-the-sun mission, not this," Robin corrected, his grin widening as his hands found his hips.

Kid Flash's eyes lit up as realization dawned. "Wait," he said, grabbing Robin by the shoulders and spinning him around to face him. "Are—are you going to Cadmus?" He jabbed a finger toward the Boy Wonder. "Because if you're going, I'm going."

Both boys turned toward Aqualad, their faces plastered with hopeful, almost mischievous expressions.

"Pearl?" Aqualad's tone was calm and coaxing as he addressed his partner.

She was folding her arms tighter as if to ward off their antics. The nickname almost made her crack—almost. "Let me be clear," she said, her silver-blue eyes narrowing as she stared them down. "I am very against this."

"It's just an investigation," Kid Flash chimed in, holding up his thumb and forefinger to emphasize the supposed smallness of their plan. "No biggie."

Robin smirked but stayed silent, watching as her defenses began to crumble.

She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "If I say no, you're still going, aren't you?"

The two younger boys nodded in unison, their smiles widening with practiced innocence.

Aqualass turned her gaze to Aqualad. He met her eyes with a steady, reassuring look. Finally, with a reluctant sigh, she dropped her arms. "Alright," she relented. "It seems I have no choice but to follow."

 "Just like that?" Aqualad asked, glancing at the others. "We're a team on a mission?"

Robin's smirk widened  "We didn't come for a play-date." His tone was smug, his eyes glinting with confidence beneath his mask.