Two hours later, the metallic echo of footsteps announced Hawkgirl and Green Lantern as they entered Cadmus. They walked with purpose, faces set, anticipating what might await them.
"Where is this new clone?" Hawkgirl demanded, her tone conveying both annoyance and skepticism.
A Cadmus guard straightened, glancing nervously at her wings. "They should be coming up now," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Guardian stepped out, flanked by Superboy and a clone who looked younger, with an intense stare and a coiled readiness in his stance. Unlike Conner, he bore unusual, jagged bone spurs along his arms, hinting at enhancements that made him both distinct and potentially dangerous.
Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, looked Salvation up and down, analyzing the clone's stance and features. "That's him?" he asked Guardian, keeping his voice low but wary.
Guardian nodded, casting a glance at Salvation. "Yeah. We were considering putting him back on ice, but—"
At this, both Conner and Salvation growled, their eyes flashing with the same fierce opposition. The thought of confinement, of returning to that cold, silent stasis, was something they were both prepared to fight.
"Both of them seem... very against the idea," Hal said, his gaze shifting warily between the two clones.
Guardian's expression softened, though his voice was resigned. "I was hoping the League could take him," he said, his tone almost pleading. He looked back at Hal and Hawkgirl, clearly hoping they would agree to remove Salvation from Cadmus before something set him off.
Hawkgirl took a step forward, her expression intense as she looked over Salvation, taking in the bone spurs that marked him as a weapon created for combat. "It would be beneficial if we did," she agreed. "Leaving him here would be a waste and a danger."
"Alright, let's go, then," Hal said, extending his hand to form a glowing green bubble around Salvation to restrain him.
But as the bubble began to close around him, Salvation visibly tensed. His eyes darted in panic, and his muscles clenched. His lips pulled back in a snarl, and his bone spurs flexed out in reflex, a defensive display born of fear more than aggression.
Conner immediately stepped between them, eyes blazing. "He doesn't like confined spaces," he said firmly, his tone almost protective.
Hal hesitated, catching the sharp edge in Conner's voice. "Look, kid, I get it, but we have to make sure he doesn't try to bolt. After everything he's been through, he might not get that we're here to help him."
"He'll come willingly," Conner countered. "Just promise: no confined spaces."
Hal glanced at Hawkgirl, silently asking for her input. After a moment, she gave a terse nod, indicating her agreement. "Fine," Hal relented, though his voice held a hint of reluctance. "But if he even looks like he's planning to run, he's going in a box. Capisce?"
Conner nodded, not moving an inch away from Salvation. Hal lowered his hand, and the green bubble faded away. Instead, he created a platform beneath the two clones, lifting them just enough to hover off the ground.
With Hawkgirl and Hal leading the way, they began the journey toward the Hall of Justice.
The platform touched down at the Hall's entrance, allowing Conner and Salvation to step off. Salvation's eyes took in the towering columns and grandeur of the Hall's architecture, though his stance remained tense, ever-alert. His surroundings were unfamiliar, and the weight of what lay ahead was heavy on his mind.
Green Lantern and Hawkgirl led them inside, navigating through the corridors and rooms that were equally awe-inspiring and intimidating. Eventually, they reached a quieter area, and Hal signaled for the clones to sit in one of the smaller rooms off the main hall.
Salvation's posture relaxed slightly as he glanced around. No restraints. No glass cages. He looked over at Conner, who offered a reassuring nod.
Hal cleared his throat, folding his arms. "Alright, kid," he said, addressing Salvation, "we're here to help, but you have to understand something—any funny business, and you'll be contained." He looked at Conner, who stood close by in silent support. "That goes for you, too. You're responsible for him while he's here."
"Understood," Conner replied, his voice steady, yet somehow holding a fierce protectiveness.
Hawkgirl observed them with a curious expression, watching the way Salvation stayed close to Conner. Though his expression was guarded, there was a flicker of curiosity as he looked at her. She took a cautious step forward, not missing the way his muscles tensed, bone spurs slightly retracting in response.
"You've had a rough go of it, haven't you?" she asked, her tone softening. "Cadmus doesn't exactly treat its creations with compassion."
Salvation's eyes flickered with understanding. He struggled with his words, his voice low and halting. "Cadmus... place of hurt," he said, his accent rough and words slow as he searched for the right phrasing. "They... make weapon."
Hawkgirl nodded, sympathy flickering in her eyes. "Well, you're here now," she said. "And here, you get a choice. But you're going to have to earn our trust. Understood?"
Salvation nodded, his expression softening as he processed her words. "Understand... no weapon. Just want... to be."
Conner gave him a small, encouraging nod. "You're safe here, Salvation. They'll see you're more than what they made you."
Hal's voice was quieter now, almost thoughtful as he studied the younger clone. "You've got a chance here. It's up to you how you take it." He glanced at Hawkgirl, who nodded in agreement, the two heroes silently acknowledging the weight of the responsibility they'd just taken on.
Hawkgirl looked between the clones, the two sides of Cadmus's work. She felt a strange kinship for Salvation, a being made for war and then discarded. "Just remember," she said, "this is your shot at being something more."
Salvation held her gaze, his stance more relaxed. "Will... try," he murmured.
He took in the quiet of the room. Salvation reached out, fingers tracing the smooth, polished surface of the table, marveling at the normalcy.
"No hurt here?" he asked, looking at Conner, the vulnerability in his voice raw and unguarded.
Conner shook his head. "No hurt. You're free here."
Salvation gave a small nod, barely understanding the word but liking how it sounded. He relaxed a little more, the tension in his muscles slowly easing. For the first time, there was no cold, sterile light glaring down on him, no needles or commands waiting. Just the possibility of peace.
And as he sat there, side by side with Conner, he found himself daring to hope.
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I'm so sorry for making you guys wait so long for a new chapter only to make it a short one i have no excuse and hope you can forgive me
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Where there's doom there's also salvation
FanfictionYou and I are bound but fate none can comprehend, We will be each other's salvation, or each other's doom.