In DC/Young Justice with the Omnitrix/Ultimatrix and a Chat Group

Three weeks into the treatment protocol, Superboy experienced his first sustained moment of flight.

We were in a remote area outside Mount Justice, conducting what appeared to be a standard training exercise - our cover story for these regular sessions.

"Focus on the sensation," I instructed as he hovered a few feet above the ground, his expression a mixture of concentration and wonder. "Let it flow naturally rather than trying to force it."

Superboy nodded, his brow furrowed with effort. He rose another foot, wobbling slightly before stabilizing. "It feels... different than jumping. Lighter."

"That's because it is fundamentally different," I explained, circling him while monitoring his vital signs with a small device. "Super-leaping uses muscular force against gravity. Flight involves manipulating gravitational fields at a quantum level - a completely different biological mechanism."

He remained airborne for nearly two minutes before gradually descending, landing with unusual grace for someone typically so forceful in his movements.

"That was..." he paused, searching for words, "...incredible."

I smiled, genuinely pleased with his progress. "The genetic modifications are expressing well. Your body is adapting to the changes faster than I anticipated."

"When can we try the next treatment?" he asked eagerly, the usual gruffness in his tone replaced by barely contained excitement.

"Two more days," I replied. "Your system needs time to stabilize these changes before we proceed. But at this rate, you should have reliable flight capability within two more weeks."

Superboy nodded, his expression more open than I'd ever seen it. The transformation wasn't just physical - his entire demeanor had shifted over these weeks. The perpetual anger that had defined him was gradually giving way to something approaching contentment.

"Has anyone noticed anything different?" I asked casually as we packed up our equipment.

He shook his head. "M'gann asked if I was feeling better. Said my mind seemed... calmer."

That was interesting but not unexpected. The treatments were indeed having secondary effects on his neural patterns, reducing the aggression that had been deliberately engineered into his genetic code.

"And what did you tell her?"

"That I've been sleeping better," he replied with a shrug. "It's not exactly a lie."

I nodded, satisfied with his discretion. "We should head back separately. I'll go first, you follow in fifteen minutes."

As I walked back toward Mount Justice, I reflected on the progress we'd made. Superboy's development was proceeding exactly as planned - both the physical modifications and the psychological bond forming between us.

Each successful treatment reinforced his trust in me, creating a foundation of loyalty that would prove valuable in the future. More importantly, I was giving him something no one else had offered - control over his own destiny.

The Justice League, for all their talk of freedom and choice, had never presented Superboy with options regarding his own genetic limitations. They had simply accepted them as fixed realities, offering training in what he could already do rather than possibilities for what he might become.

Even Superman's distant, reluctant acknowledgment of their genetic connection had come without any offer to help Superboy understand or develop his Kryptonian heritage.

My approach was fundamentally different. I recognized his potential and offered a path to achieve it, respecting his autonomy throughout the process. That philosophical distinction was as important as the technical aspects of the treatment itself.

Back at Mount Justice, I found Robin and Kid Flash engaged in a heated video game competition in the common area. They barely glanced up as I passed through.

"Heading out already?" Robin asked, his attention fixed on the screen.

"Research at GSI," I replied smoothly. "Dr. Chen is expecting me."

"Later, dude," Kid Flash called, furiously mashing buttons. "Tell the doc we said hi!"

I continued to the zeta tube, reflecting on how easily I now navigated these interactions. The team had fully accepted me as one of their own, my presence no longer remarkable or worthy of particular attention.

That normalization was precisely what I'd been working toward - becoming so integrated into their routines that my activities rarely drew scrutiny.

"Recognized: Samael Morningstar, B07."

The familiar sensation of molecular transportation enveloped me, and moments later I materialized in the Batcave. To my surprise, Bruce was at the computer console rather than Alfred, analyzing what appeared to be crime scene data.

"You're back early," he observed without looking up.

"The training session concluded ahead of schedule," I explained, approaching the console. "Anything interesting?"

Bruce's expression remained neutral, but I detected a slight hesitation before he responded. "Serial arson case in the East End. Five fires in two weeks, all with similar ignition patterns but no clear connection between targets."

I studied the data displayed on the screen - chemical analyses, burn patterns, target locations. "The accelerant is unusual," I noted. "Some kind of modified white phosphorus?"

"Good eye," Bruce acknowledged. "It's a custom mixture, difficult to obtain. Narrows the suspect pool considerably."

"Military background?" I suggested.

"Possibly. Or chemical engineering." He closed the file and turned to face me fully. "How is Superboy's training progressing?"

The question caught me slightly off guard, though I maintained my composure. "Well enough. His combat techniques are improving, though he still relies heavily on raw strength rather than strategy."

Bruce studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Interesting that you've taken such an interest in his development."

"We have complementary abilities," I replied carefully. "My analytical approach balances his physical power. It makes for effective training partners."

He nodded, though I sensed he wasn't entirely satisfied with my explanation. "The team dynamic is important. Building those connections strengthens overall effectiveness."

"Precisely my thinking," I agreed, moving toward the stairs. "I should prepare for GSI. Dr. Chen is expecting me in an hour."

"Samael," Bruce called as I reached the first step. "If you're developing new applications for the Ultimatrix, I'd appreciate being kept informed. For safety protocols."

I turned, maintaining a neutral expression despite the internal alarm this statement triggered. "Of course. Though my current work is primarily focused on the dimensional research at GSI rather than the Ultimatrix itself."

He held my gaze for a moment longer than necessary before nodding. "Good luck with the research."

As I ascended to the manor, I carefully analyzed the interaction. Bruce's comment about the Ultimatrix suggested he might have some awareness of my activities with Superboy, though likely not the specifics.

Perhaps he'd noticed changes in Superboy's behavior, or maybe the security protocols at Mount Justice had captured fragments of our conversations despite my precautions.

This would require careful management. Accelerating Superboy's treatment might be necessary to establish results before Batman could intervene. Once Superboy could fly reliably, the benefits would be so obvious that objections would carry less weight.

In my room, I activated the sound dampening measures and opened my research journal, updating my notes on Superboy's progress and recalibrating the treatment timeline.

The next phase would focus on activating his heat vision capabilities, which would require more precise genetic modifications. The neural pathways controlling that ability were more complex than those for flight, increasing the risk of instability if rushed.

I closed the journal and prepared for GSI, my mind working through contingency plans. If Batman did suspect something, direct confrontation was unlikely - his approach would be to gather more information first, perhaps increase surveillance or question other team members.

That gave me time to adjust my strategy accordingly. The key was to ensure that whatever Batman discovered appeared beneficial rather than concerning - helping a teammate achieve his potential rather than conducting unauthorized genetic manipulation.

The framing of the narrative would be crucial. And for that, I needed Superboy's continued cooperation and discretion.

Two days later, I administered the next treatment to Superboy in our usual remote location. This time, the effects were more immediately apparent - a subtle glow emanating from his eyes as the genetic sequences controlling heat vision began to activate.

"How does it feel?" I asked, monitoring his neural patterns with a small scanner.

"Warm," he replied, blinking rapidly. "Like pressure building behind my eyes."

"That's normal," I assured him. "The neural pathways are establishing themselves. Try focusing on that fallen tree over there - concentrate on directing the energy outward."

Superboy narrowed his eyes, staring intently at the designated target. For several seconds, nothing happened. Then a brief flash of red energy sparked from his eyes, scorching the bark but not igniting it.

"I did it," he said, sounding almost surprised.

"Excellent progress," I confirmed. "The control will improve with practice. For now, I recommend limiting attempts to our training sessions until you're confident in your ability to regulate the output."

He nodded, rubbing his temples. "It gives me a headache."

"The neural pathways are still developing," I explained. "That discomfort should decrease as they stabilize. In the meantime, I've prepared something to help with the symptoms."

I handed him a small container of pills. "These will reduce the neural inflammation without interfering with the genetic modifications. One every six hours as needed."

Superboy accepted the medication, studying it briefly before pocketing it. "Batman was asking about our training sessions."

This confirmed my suspicions from the previous conversation with Bruce. "What did he want to know?"

"What we were working on. Why we've been spending so much time together." Superboy's expression darkened slightly. "He said he was 'curious about our methodology.'"

"And what did you tell him?"

"That we were focusing on control techniques. Using precision rather than raw power." He met my gaze directly. "I didn't mention the treatments."

I nodded, appreciating his discretion. "That's a reasonable explanation. It's not even untrue - control is precisely what we're developing, just on a more fundamental level than he might assume."

"He seemed satisfied," Superboy continued. "But he watches everything. All of them do."

"The League's oversight is well-intentioned," I said carefully, "but sometimes limited by conventional thinking. They tend to accept existing limitations rather than exploring ways to transcend them."

"Like with me," Superboy agreed, a hint of bitterness entering his voice. "Superman won't even talk to me about Kryptonian abilities. It's like he thinks I don't deserve them."

This was an opening I couldn't ignore. "Or perhaps he fears what you might become if you had access to the full range of Kryptonian powers. Your potential could eventually match or even exceed his own, given your unique genetic structure."

Superboy looked surprised at this suggestion. "You think I could be stronger than Superman?"

"It's possible," I confirmed. "Your genetic code contains elements his doesn't - modifications designed to enhance certain capabilities. The inhibitors we're deactivating were suppressing those enhancements along with your Kryptonian abilities."

This was a calculated revelation - truthful but framed to emphasize Superboy's potential independence from Superman's shadow. The validation of his unique value separate from his "father" was psychologically powerful.

"I never thought of it that way," he admitted, a new determination entering his expression. "When can we try the next treatment?"

"Three days," I replied. "This phase requires more careful integration. But your progress so far has been exceptional."

As we packed up our equipment, I noticed Superboy's movements were different - more fluid, less earth-bound. He was unconsciously beginning to incorporate his developing flight ability into his natural motion, hovering slightly when reaching for objects rather than bending down.

"You're adapting well," I observed. "Integrating the new abilities into your instinctive movements."

He looked down, seeming to notice for the first time that he was floating a few inches above the ground. A rare smile crossed his face. "It's becoming natural."

"As it should," I agreed. "These abilities were always part of your genetic heritage. We're simply removing the artificial barriers preventing their expression."

We parted ways as usual, with Superboy remaining behind to practice his developing flight ability while I returned to Mount Justice. The team was gathered in the mission room, suggesting a new assignment might be imminent.

"There you are," Aqualad greeted me. "Batman has called a team meeting in five minutes."

"What's it about?" I asked, noting that everyone except Superboy was present.

"Unknown," Robin replied. "But he seemed particularly interested in making sure you were here."

That was concerning. I maintained a neutral expression while mentally reviewing possible scenarios. Had Batman discovered the genetic treatments? Was this confrontation rather than mission briefing?

When Batman materialized via the zeta tube moments later, his expression revealed nothing. "Team. Thank you for assembling promptly."

His gaze swept the room, pausing briefly on me before continuing. "Where is Superboy?"

"Training outside," M'gann answered. "I can call him mentally."

Batman nodded. "Please do. This concerns the entire team."

As M'gann established telepathic contact with Superboy, I carefully maintained my mental barriers. If this was indeed about the treatments, I needed to be prepared for any line of questioning.

Superboy arrived a few minutes later, slightly out of breath but otherwise composed. He took his place beside M'gann, avoiding direct eye contact with Batman.

"I've been monitoring the team's development over the past month," Batman began, his tone neutral. "There have been notable improvements in coordination and effectiveness, particularly in the most recent missions."

This wasn't the confrontation I'd been anticipating. I allowed myself to relax slightly, though remained alert.

"Of particular interest," Batman continued, "is the evolving dynamic between team members. New partnerships have formed that enhance overall capability."

His gaze shifted to Superboy and me. "The training sessions between Superboy and Samael appear to be yielding positive results. Superboy's control has improved significantly, and his integration with team strategies has become more nuanced."

Superboy straightened slightly at this acknowledgment, a hint of pride crossing his features.

"I'd like to understand the methodology you've been employing," Batman said, addressing us directly. "It may have applications for the broader team training protocol."

A test, then. Not a direct confrontation but a probe for information. The approach required careful navigation.

"We've been focusing on precision rather than raw power," I explained, echoing Superboy's earlier description. "Superboy's strength is unquestioned, but controlling and directing that strength effectively requires specific techniques."

"The approach emphasizes incremental development," Superboy added, following my lead. "Building control in stages rather than attempting to master everything simultaneously."

Batman nodded, his expression unreadable. "And the results?"

"Improved control of existing abilities," I replied carefully. "Greater precision in application of force, better integration of strength with tactical thinking."

"Demonstrate," Batman instructed.

This was unexpected but manageable. I looked to Superboy, who nodded slightly.

"The training room would be more suitable," I suggested.

Batman agreed, and the team moved to the larger space. Superboy and I took positions in the center while the others observed from the periphery.

"We've developed a sequence that demonstrates controlled power application," I explained, nodding to Superboy to begin.

What followed was an improvised but impressive display of Superboy's enhanced control. He moved with unusual grace for someone of his size and strength, demonstrating precise strikes that stopped millimeters from their targets rather than the full-force blows that had been his standard approach.

Most notably, he incorporated subtle hovering into his movements - not obvious flight, but momentary weightlessness that enhanced his agility. To an observer unfamiliar with his previous limitations, it might appear simply as improved technique rather than new ability.

I partnered with him in the demonstration, using my own enhanced reflexes and analytical skills to complement his movements. Our coordination was seamless, suggesting long practice together - which was true, though not precisely in the context Batman might assume.

When we finished, there was a moment of impressed silence before Kid Flash broke it with characteristic enthusiasm.

"Dude! Since when can you move like that?" he asked Superboy. "You're usually more... wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am with the fighting style."

"Training," Superboy replied simply, though I detected a hint of pride in his tone.

Batman studied us both carefully. "Impressive progress. I'd like a written breakdown of your training methodology for review. It may have applications for other team members."

"Of course," I agreed smoothly. "I'll prepare documentation of our approach."

The meeting concluded shortly thereafter, with Batman assigning routine patrol sectors for the coming week. As the team dispersed, he motioned for me to remain behind.

"A moment, Samael."

I approached with carefully neutral body language, maintaining the appearance of casual confidence despite my internal alertness.

"Your work with Superboy is commendable," Batman began once we were alone. "His improvement is evident not just in combat effectiveness but in overall demeanor."

"Thank you," I replied. "He has tremendous potential. It simply requires the right approach to develop it."

Batman's expression remained unreadable. "The right approach can make a significant difference. As can understanding the full extent of someone's capabilities rather than accepting apparent limitations as fixed."

The statement was carefully crafted - meaningful without being explicitly accusatory. Batman was acknowledging that he suspected something beyond standard training was occurring, while simultaneously indicating a degree of approval for the results.

"I believe in focusing on possibilities rather than limitations," I said, matching his tone. "Especially when those limitations might be artificially imposed rather than inherent."

"An interesting perspective," Batman observed. "And one with merit, provided the methods are sound and the subject's well-being remains paramount."

"Of course," I agreed. "Any development approach must prioritize stability and integration. Rapid change without proper foundation leads to instability."

Batman studied me for a long moment before responding. "Continue your work with Superboy. Document your methods and results thoroughly. I'll expect weekly reports on his progress."

With that, he turned and departed via the zeta tube, leaving me to consider the implications of our exchange.

This wasn't the confrontation I had anticipated. Batman clearly suspected that my work with Superboy went beyond conventional training, yet he had chosen to tacitly approve its continuation rather than intervene.

The reasons for this decision were worth analyzing. Perhaps he recognized the benefits of Superboy developing his full potential. Perhaps he saw strategic value in having a fully-powered Kryptonian loyal to the team.

Or perhaps he simply recognized that Superboy deserved the opportunity to access his genetic heritage, regardless of how it had been artificially suppressed.

Whatever his reasoning, this development was favorable to my plans. Official acknowledgment, however oblique, provided a degree of legitimacy to my work with Superboy.

The requirement for documentation was a reasonable precaution from Batman's perspective and one I could accommodate with carefully framed reports that emphasized the physiological aspects while downplaying the specific genetic modifications.

I found Superboy in the kitchen, staring thoughtfully into the refrigerator without actually removing anything.

"Batman suspects," I said quietly, joining him.

Superboy closed the refrigerator door. "I know. But he didn't stop us."

"No, he didn't," I agreed. "In fact, he's essentially authorized us to continue, provided we document the process and results."

"So we can keep going with the treatments?" There was a hint of relief in his voice.

"Yes, though we'll need to be somewhat more transparent about the outcomes, if not the specific methodology. I'll prepare reports that satisfy Batman's requirements without revealing details that might prompt intervention."

Superboy nodded, then glanced around to ensure we were alone before speaking again. "I almost flew during the demonstration. Had to force myself back down."

"I noticed," I said with a slight smile. "Your control is improving rapidly. Soon, hiding your abilities will be more challenging than using them."

"What do we do then?"

"We frame it as natural development," I explained. "Your Kryptonian DNA gradually expressing itself as you mature. It's a plausible explanation that even Superman would find difficult to dispute."

Superboy considered this, then nodded. "When can we start the heat vision training?"

"Tomorrow, if you're feeling stable. The neural pathways should be sufficiently established by then for basic control exercises."

A rare smile crossed his features. "Good. I want to be ready when Superman finally notices."

The comment revealed much about his underlying motivations. Despite everything, Superboy still craved acknowledgment from his genetic template - approval that had been consistently withheld.

I understood that desire all too well. The need for validation from authority figures was a powerful psychological driver, one that could be channeled to strengthen our alliance.

"He'll notice," I assured him. "And when he does, he'll see not just a clone but a fully realized Kryptonian with capabilities matching his own. That recognition is inevitable."

What I didn't add was that Superman's reaction might not be the simple approval Superboy hoped for. The emergence of another full-powered Kryptonian would likely trigger complex emotions in the Man of Steel - perhaps pride, but also possibly concern or even fear.

But that was a bridge we would cross when we reached it. For now, the focus remained on developing Superboy's abilities to their full potential while strengthening our alliance.

As I prepared to depart Mount Justice, I reflected on the day's developments. Batman's tacit approval, while unexpected, provided a valuable legitimacy to my work with Superboy.

The demonstration had confirmed Superboy's remarkable progress, and the team's positive reaction reinforced the narrative of beneficial development rather than unauthorized experimentation.

Most importantly, Superboy's trust in me continued to deepen. Each successful treatment, each new ability unlocked, strengthened the bond between us.

That psychological connection might ultimately prove more valuable than the physical enhancements themselves.

"Recognized: Samael Morningstar, B07."

As I materialized in the Batcave, I found Alfred waiting with his usual impeccable timing.

"Master Bruce informed me you would be returning shortly," he said. "He requested that you prepare your documentation on Superboy's training regimen as soon as possible."

"Of course, Alfred," I replied. "I'll have it ready by morning."

"Very good, sir." He hesitated momentarily before adding, "Master Bruce seemed particularly interested in your methodological approach. He mentioned something about 'innovative developmental techniques.'"

A subtle probe for information, delivered with Alfred's characteristic discretion. Bruce was clearly still gathering data, using Alfred as an indirect source.

"The approach is straightforward enough," I said casually. "Identifying potential and developing it systematically rather than accepting apparent limitations as fixed. Nothing particularly revolutionary."

Alfred's expression revealed nothing, but I sensed a deeper awareness behind his professional demeanor. "Indeed, sir. Though sometimes the simplest approaches yield the most remarkable results."

As I ascended to the manor proper, I considered how to frame the documentation Batman had requested. The report would need to be detailed enough to satisfy his analytical mind while vague enough to conceal the specific genetic modifications.

Emphasizing physiological development rather than genetic manipulation would be key. Framing Superboy's emerging abilities as natural maturation of his Kryptonian DNA rather than the result of external intervention.

In my room, I began drafting the report, carefully constructing a narrative that would withstand Batman's scrutiny while protecting the core of my work with Superboy.

The document described a training regimen focused on "cellular activation" and "neural pathway development" - technically accurate descriptions that suggested natural processes rather than artificial modification.

I included detailed observations of Superboy's progress, emphasizing the improved control and precision that had been demonstrated during our presentation to the team.

The report concluded with a projected development timeline that aligned with my treatment schedule, framed as expected "natural emergence of latent abilities."

Satisfied with the balance between disclosure and discretion, I saved the document for morning submission.

As I prepared for bed, I allowed myself a moment of satisfaction. The day's events represented significant progress toward my strategic objectives.

Superboy's development was proceeding ahead of schedule, Batman's tacit approval provided valuable legitimacy, and my position within the team continued to strengthen.

The frustrations of constraint that had plagued me earlier were gradually giving way to a more nuanced appreciation for the strategic value of my current position.

Working within the system, at least for now, was yielding results that direct confrontation could not have achieved.

Patience and strategic positioning were proving their worth. 

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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all liked the chapter!

Do tell me how you found it.

Also, just to clarify, the reason why, there is so much emphasis on Batman's suspicions, is because Samael himself isn't 100% sure till the end of the chapter.

Samael always takes the worst case scenario in consideration when contemplating his actions, but seperates that from what is true as well.

So yeah, that's why.

Also, I hope you don't dislike his more refined speech. When Samael is planning, when something is going according to plan,

I show his calmness this way, but when something is going off course, or his emotional state isn't controlled then we see more simple word use and curses and the like.

Well I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)