What is this Dimensional Chat???

Chapter 96: Side Story: The Clone Conflict



"Guardian? What are you doing here?" Artemis asked, narrowing her eyes at the armored man blocking their way.

"I'm the chief of security here," Guardian replied curtly, his posture tense.

Artemis frowned. "I don't think the Justice League would approve of this arrangement."

Before he could respond, the Genomorph perched on his shoulder made its horns glow faintly. Guardian's eyes glazed over for a moment, then he snapped to attention. "Get them!"

Robin didn't hesitate. He threw down a smoke bomb, the room filling with a thick cloud as the team prepared for battle.

Kid Flash and Ruby immediately sprang into action, zipping around the room and taking down the Genomorphs in coordinated strikes. Aqualad charged at Guardian, activating his tattoos and delivering an electric shock that stunned him momentarily. Artemis notched several arrows, releasing them in quick succession. They exploded into a sticky, white substance that glued several Genomorphs to the floor.

"Ice Arrow!" Emilia called, shooting a frost arrow that froze another group of enemies. She sprinted toward the elevator where Robin was working, deftly covering his back.

As the elevator descended, Ruby turned to Robin, her face confused. "Down? But the exit is up!"

Robin barely spared her a glance. "Project 'Kr' and 'WG' are below us."

Aqualad rubbed the back of his neck. "Maybe we should call the League."

"No signal," Artemis replied grimly. "We'll need a proper computer to contact them."

The elevator doors opened, revealing a sprawling underground tunnel that branched in two directions.

"We're already here," Kid Flash said, speeding off down one corridor with the others quickly following.

"Stop," a commanding voice echoed behind them.

They turned to see a humanoid Genomorph standing in their path. It wore a white shirt and pants and stared at them with glowing eyes. Without a word, it lifted objects telekinetically and hurled them toward the teens. They were forced to sprint down the opposite hallway, narrowly dodging the debris.

They skidded to a stop in front of a massive door labeled "Project Kr" and "Project WG." A dark-skinned scientist in glasses emerged, only to be bowled over by Kid Flash, who grabbed a nearby tank to prop the door open.

Robin's fingers flew across the console as he accessed the computer. "I've disabled the door," he said, but his voice was cut off by Kid Flash's urgent call.

"Uh, guys…"

Robin hit a button, illuminating the room. Two glass tubes stood before them, each containing a sleeping teenager. One was a tall, muscular boy with short black hair, wearing a white bodysuit emblazoned with Superman's iconic shield. The other was a girl with shoulder-length black hair, clad in a red suit with Wonder Woman's twin "W" logo.

Artemis stared in disbelief. "That's Wonder Woman's logo… and Superman's. What is this?"

Emilia stepped forward, her eyes filled with concern. "Robin-kun, how about we contact the admin of the dimensional chat first? We need to make sure nothing will go wrong if we release them."

"Admin?" Artemis raised an eyebrow, confused. "What admin? What are you talking about?"

Aqualad also looked puzzled. "Who exactly are we contacting?"

"Yeah, who's him?" Kid Flash added, looking from Emilia to Robin.

Only Robin and Ruby seemed to understand but Robin, ignoring their confusion, nodded at Emilia's suggestion. Pulling out a hologram screen only he can see, he connected to the dimensional chat. A brief moment passed before he received a reply. Reading the information on the screen, his expression softened slightly.

"Okay," Robin said, turning to the group. "Here's what we know. These clones were created using DNA from Superman and Wonder Woman. The Genomorphs are force-feeding them information and controlling their actions. They've been treated as tools—nothing more than weapons for Cadmus. But…" His voice grew firmer. "They're more than that. They're sentient, and they deserve a chance to decide for themselves."

Emilia frowned, her gentle voice tinged with sadness. "Why would anyone do such a thing to their protectors? The Hero fight to save lives… and now their own likenesses are being exploited?"

Ruby, ever the optimist, chimed in. "They're people too! They have feelings just like us. We shouldn't judge them just because of how they were created. Let's set them free and give them a chance!" She smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling with determination.

Robin considered her words before nodding. "You're right. They deserve a choice."

He moved to the console, his fingers flying over the keys. The team watched in silence as the locks on the tubes released with a hiss. Slowly, the glass doors slid open, and the clones stepped out.

Superboy's eyes opened first, his piercing blue gaze scanning the room. Wonder Girl followed, her eyes glowing faintly with a golden hue. Both looked confused but alert, their bodies tense as they took in their surroundings.

"It's okay," Robin said, stepping forward cautiously. "We're not here to hurt you. You're free now."

Wonder Girl blinked, her expression softening. "Free…?"

Superboy, however, looked suspicious. "Why? Why would you help us?"

Ruby beamed, stepping up beside Robin. "Because it's the right thing to do! You're not just some experiment. You're people, just like us!"

Wonder Girl's tense posture relaxed, her golden eyes glimmering with gratitude. Superboy still seemed hesitant but nodded slowly.

"You… freed us," he said, his voice rough but sincere. "Thank you."

Robin stepped back, glancing at his team. "This isn't over yet. Cadmus won't let them go that easily. Let's move before reinforcements arrive."

Emilia placed a reassuring hand on Wonder Girl's shoulder. "We'll protect you. You're not alone anymore."

As the clones adjusted to their freedom, their expressions quickly turned from gratitude to aggression. Their postures stiffened, and their eyes glowed faintly, controlled by the Genomorphs' influence.

Suddenly, Superboy lunged forward with a powerful strike, and Wonder Girl followed, her fists glowing with a faint golden hue.

"Wait! We're here to help!" Ruby shouted, flipping her Crescent Rose into position to block Wonder Girl's punches. The force of the impact sent shockwaves through the room, but Ruby held her ground.

"I... I know," Wonder Girl managed to say between strikes, her voice strained. "The Genomorphs... are forcing us to attack!"

Ruby barely dodged a punch aimed at her face, somersaulting backward as Wonder Girl pressed forward. Meanwhile, Superboy overpowered Aqualad, sending him sprawling to the ground.

"Ruby!" Emilia cried out as Ruby tried to parry another blow but was struck in the chest. The impact hurled her against the wall, leaving her nearly unconscious. "Sacred Healing!" Emilia cried, rushing to her friend's side. A soft, radiant glow emanated from her hands as she chanted the healing spell.

Ruby winced but managed a sheepish grin. "Ow... I'm lucky my aura protected me. Don't worry, I'm fine, Emilia. Hehe."

Emilia sighed in relief. "Better safe than sorry. I'm glad you're okay."

The door slid open, revealing a scientist with a Genomorph perched on his shoulder. He had long brown hair tied into a ponytail, streaked with gray, and wore a white lab coat and glasses. Lines of age creased his face, but his smirk radiated cold confidence.

"Good. Good," he said, stepping into the room and surveying the chaos. "It seems our assets are performing as expected. Subdue the intruders, both of you."

"Watch out!" Kid Flash yelled, zipping across the room to pull Artemis away as Superboy delivered another devastating punch.

Robin, unfazed by the commotion, drew his Zanpakutō with a sharp metallic sound. He stepped between his team and the clones, his stance firm.

Robin, unfazed by the commotion, drew his Zanpakutō with a sharp metallic sound. He stepped between his team and the clones, his stance firm.

The sound of Superboy's fist meeting the blade reverberated through the room, but the sword held strong, much to everyone's astonishment.

"Don't think I'll let you harm my team," Robin said, his voice calm but commanding.

The scientist's smirk faltered as he adjusted his glasses. "Impossible! A Kryptonian's strength should easily destroy any blade forged by ordinary means!"

Superboy reeled back, his expression a mix of shock and confusion. "You... strong. I didn't think humans could withstand our attacks."

Wonder Girl hesitated, her fists lowering slightly as she glanced at Superboy. She shared his astonishment.

"Way to go, dude!" Kid Flash cheered, darting behind Robin.

"Yeah, Robin! Show them what you're made of!" Ruby added, her energy returning as she pumped her fist in encouragement.

Robin didn't lower his blade, his eyes locked on the clones. "You think this is all I've got?" he said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I've got more surprises for you. But the real challenge? Convincing her to help me deal with both of you."

The scientist narrowed his eyes. "Her? What are you talking about?"

Robin didn't answer, but his calm demeanor unsettled everyone in the room.

To be continued...

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