Red Wizard (A Zatanna Zatara/OC Love Story)

Fireworks

Washington D.C.: July 05: 00:01 EDT.

"Time runs short." was the first thing Nick heard as he stirred. "You must awaken.You must awaken now!" The voice said. The four boys gasped as they woke up to find the clone staring at them.

Kid spoke up. "What? What do you want?" He asked, the clone just stared.

Kid spoke up. "Quit staring. You're creeping me out." He shouted.

Robin spoke up. "Uh, KF, how about we not tick off the guy who can fry us with a look?" He asked.

Nick snickered. "Robin, you know you ask too much." He said cheekily, which made Kid glare at him.

Aqualad spoke up. "We only sought to help you." He said to the clone.

Kid spoke up. "Yeah, we free you, and you turn on us. How's that for grati...?" He began.

Aqualad cut in. "Kid, please, be quiet now. I believe our new friend was not in full control of his actions" He stated. Nick saw Robin start to pick the lock on his restraints.

The clone spoke up. "What if l...? Hmm." He began. "What if I wasn't?" He managed to say.

Kid spoke up. "He can talk?" He asked rudely.

The clone glared at Kid. "Yes, he can." He said angrily.

Nick, Robin and Aqualad glared at Kid. "Not like I said it." He defended.

Aqualad looked at the clone. "The genomorphs taught you telepathically." He suggested.

The clone spoke up. "They taught me much. I can read, write. I know the names of things." He said.

Robin spoke up. "But have you seen them? Have they ever actually let you see the sky or the sun?" He asked.

The clone spoke up. "Images are implanted in my mind, but, no, I have not seen them." He said sadly as he looked down.

Aqualad spoke up. "Do you know what you are? Who you are?" He asked.

The clone looked up. "I am the Superboy. A genomorph. A clone made from the DNA of the Superman. Created to replace him should he perish. To destroy him should he turn from the Light." He said. The four boys shared a look.

Nick spoke up. "Superboy, just because you were created to replace or destroy Superman doesn't mean you have to, you have a choice." He said wisely.

Aqualad spoke up. "Wizard is correct. To be like Superman is a worthy aspiration.But like Superman, you deserve a life of your own. Beyond that solar suit. Beyond your pod. Beyond Cadmus." He said.

Superboy spoke up. "I live because of Cadmus. It is my home!" He shouted.

Robin spoke up. "Your home is a test tube." He said bluntly. "We can show you the sun." He offered.

Kid spoke up. "Uh, pretty sure it's after midnight, but we can show you the moon." He offered.

Aqualad spoke up. "We can show you, introduce you to Superman." He offered.

A voice spoke up. "No, they can't." The voice said from behind. Dr Desmond entered with Guardian and a female scientist.

Dr Desmond spoke up. "They'll be otherwise occupied." He added. He turned to the female scientist. "Activate the cloning process." He ordered.

Robin spoke up. "Pass. Batcave's crowded enough." He said.

Nick spoke up. "A clone can't beat an original." He said cheekily, but Desmond ignored him.

Desmond looked at Guardian. "And get the Weapon back in its pod." He ordered. Guardian walked forward, and placed a hand on Superboy's shoulder.

Kid spoke up. "Hey, how come he gets to call Supey an it?" He asked. Nick rolled his eyes.