the sound of rain

Why am I sad?

MOUNT JUSTICE, August 3rd, 13:06 EDT

"Recognized. Superboy, b-04," the female computerized voice rang out through the cave as Superboy returned.

I had just won an air hockey game against Aqualad, with M'gann, Wally, and Robin as my witnesses. Take that, Kaldur.

"Hi, Superboy. How was Metropolis?" M'gann asked politely, and I smirked, knowing that her heart must've been racing.

And he could probably hear it too.

He didn't offer a real response, and I shot Kaldur a funny look, dropping the air hockey paddle and turning back toward Superboy. I went to call out to him, but before I could try and talk to the super clone, I was interrupted.

Canary and Martian Manhunter had entered the cave, "Ready for training, everyone?" My mentor asked, waltzing up directly to you.

"Always," I assured my mentor but cast Superboy one more look of concern.

"Uncle J'onn!" M'gann cheered, running up to her uncle and hugging him.

"M'gann, I was in the neighborhood, so I thought I'd see how you were adjusting," J'onn told her.

"A few bumps, but I'm learning," She said honestly.

"That's all I can ask," the older martian nodded.

I couldn't help but notice when Superboy began to walk away; apparently, I wasn't the only one.

"Stick around. Class is in session," Dinah called out, effectively stopping him. "I consider it an honor to be your teacher," She continued as she set the training board up. "I'll throw a lot at you. Everything I've learned from my own mentors- uh! -And my own bruises," she paused for a moment, pulling off her jacket and wincing as it tugged on the most recent of her injuries.

"What happened?" M'gann asked, genuinely concerned.

I stared at the bandages. For some reason, I hadn't been allowed to help on that mission; 'Official League Business' was how she and Ollie tried to explain it.

"The job," She stated before continuing. "Now, combat is about controlling conflict, putting the battle on your terms. You should always be acting, never reacting."

I swear I've heard this a million times it was almost starting to get tiring.

"I'll need a sparring partner," Dinah said and before I could raise my hand, Wally had already stepped up, eating the last of his banana. I couldn't help but smirk, knowing full well that he would lose within the next 30 or so seconds.

"Right here! Yeah! After this-" He threw his banana peel in the trash. It landed, "Swish! I'll show you my moves," he flirted while stepping into the training ring.

Black Canary lunged at him in seconds, effectively knocking him over, by first throwing a punch, which he blocked, but then by swiping his feet out from under him.

"Aah! Uh! Ohh. Hurts so good," As Wally lay on the ground, a sign popped up beside him on the training board, 'Kid Flash Status: Fail' in big letters is what it read as.

I suppressed a snicker as Robin started pointing and laughed. He always had that weird and creepy laugh.

"Good block. But did anyone see what he did wrong?" Canary questioned

"Ooh, ooh. He hit on teacher?" Robin raised his hand.

"And got served?" I added as Robin and me started laughing.

"Dude!" Wally exasperated

"He allowed me to dictate the terms of-" Canary was cut off.

"Oh, please. With my powers, the battle's always on my terms. I'm a living weapon, and this is a waste of my time," Superboy states conceitedly.