An Icicle Jr self-insert, where the MC wants nothing to do with either side of the super powered lifestyle. Only one problem with this plan... his new body already agreed to get arrested. It's going to take every ounce of skill, charm, and an extra heaping of luck, for the new and hopefully improved Cameron Makhent to break free from a life of crime.
-
For all readers and writers
After much ado, our new tagging system is here and being rolled out to the userbase. Read more here!
Of Ice and Men (Young Justice. Icicle Junior SI.)
- Thread starter Flightless Man
- Start date
- Superhero
- Created at
- Index progress
- Ongoing
- Watchers
- 338
- Recent readers
- 0
- Threadmarks
- 95
-
Statistics (93 threadmarks, 110k words)
User Total Flightless Man 93 -
Loading…
-
Loading…
Chapter 1: Cold Open
- Pronouns
- Male
Chapter 1: Cold Open
Star CityJuly 4, 8:27 AM PDT
Blinking my eyes nearly ends up with me collapsing in shock. One moment I was kicking the door to the chicken coop shut and suddenly I'm standing on a bridge with traffic whizzing by. It sort of looks like the Golden Gate Bridge.
When I reach a hand up to rub at my eyes, the translucent blue fingers finally do bring me to my knees. What the hell is going on?
Honks blast at me as the cars swerve around, the drivers only noticing my strange appearance at the last second. Of course with each blast of sound that signals a near miss, I gasp in fright.
Each sudden jerk of my body creates a blast of pale blue energy, creating spiky formations on the pavement. One of the cars swerves too late and catches one of my creations.
The driver's face contorts into one of sheer terror as he crashes into and halfway through the railing. I don't pay attention to the accident however, instead I focus on the energy skating along my arms.
"This has to be a dream." Nothing else could explain this kind of strangeness.
When I try and think back on how I got here, only a handful of confusing memories flood into my mind. I'm supposed to get arrested?
That doesn't make sense until I finally catch sight of my reflection in my most recent creation. Am I Icicle junior? From that new Young Justice cartoon that premiered a couple days ago?
So if this is a dream of the first episode, that means I'm supposed to get in a fight with Green Arrow and Speedy. Since I really don't want to get my ass kicked, I really don't think that's how I'm going to wake myself up.
What can I do to keep myself busy instead, until the two show up? Ideas race though my mind but I know I'm not talented enough to do most of them.
"Oh..." A smirk begins to creep across my face as I finally decide. "That will work." Turning towards the bay below, I allow the energy inside me to cascade forth.
The subzero beam crashes against the waves and instantly freezes them. In minutes the sheet of ice is already a few feet thick and growing before my eyes.
When I'm finally satisfied it can hold my art, I begin to lift my fingers carefully. First I create a pair of rough looking feet, one with only four toes.
"Slow down and focus, don't want to make a monster." Gritting my teeth in frustration, I move onto the bare calves.
I don't really notice when the bridge gets barricaded from both sides. But I do appreciate when it gets quiet.
I'm putting the finishing touches on the woman's head and getting ready to move onto the arms. Though of course that's when the heroes finally arrive.
"Trying to put out a personal ad?" The red headed sidekick laughs at the same time his arrow strikes the road beside me. "Realized it was the only way you'd find your dream girl?"
The cloud of green smoke billows up around me and I start to cough. But even as my breathing starts to slow down, I react as if someone else is piloting my body.
I roll to the side and reflexively create a wall of ice, before growling back at the figments of my imagination. "New York has the Statue of Liberty. I figured Star City should have our own Statue of Nudity."
That gets a string of laughter from Green Arrow and he thankfully calls out for Speedy to wait. "This is a new kind of crime for you. What inspired this?"
I can vaguely remember that Cameron's father is in Belle Reve. Though I'm pretty sure that wasn't in the first two episodes.
When I realize the archers are still waiting for an answer, I wrack my brain. "Dad's in jail now and I decided I wanted to do my own thing."
"So you decided on graffiti?" Of course Speedy isn't going to give me a break. "You probably should have taken some art classes first, because that's terrible."
"I don't know," Defends Green Arrow and it makes me smile. "It's not that bad. You can definitely see he had a good idea, even if the technique isn't quite up to snuff." His easy going tone gets just a little bit harder. "Only problem is, that's still going to be a danger to the entire city. Probably cause more damage than anything else you've ever done."
"What are you talking about?" I'm not trying to wreck anything, just keep myself busy until the dream is over.
"The feet are already starting to melt and when that thing falls over..." Explains Green Arrow as calmly as he can.
His sidekick finishes with a reignited rage directed towards me. "It's going to make a pretty big wave."
"Well..." Oops. "You guys should probably go deal with that." I don't give them a chance to react and throw myself off the bridge.
While the two archers leap into action and try to safely bring down my statue, I create a slide of ice to catch me. It curves away from the heroes and brings me back towards the city far faster than I could run.
As I whoop in glee, I nearly smack myself in frustration. Why the hell did I stay on the bridge? I should have just done this right away!
Star City
July 4, 9:14 PM PDT
Once I was on shore, it didn't take long for my feet to find the way back to the Icebox. Father's crew was confused to see me back, with a few whispering to each other when they thought I was distracted.
I should have done something about it right away and not just distract myself by playing with my powers. After a few hours I was exhausted and when I emerged from the freezer, every was giving me strange looks.
"Something on my face?" Why are my dream henchmen acting so weird?
"Sorry about this Cam," One of the bigger thugs shrugs at me, while a scrawny blonde opens the back door. "But you wasn't supposed to come back for months. We needed a new boss."
"What?" Heavy thuds announce the arrival of a very large guest.
"I gave you to the count of ten to leave, but it's a long hallway." The massive man has bright red skin and a nearly seven foot stature. "You ran out of time before I even made it halfway."
Brick slams his meaty left fist into his equally massive right, stalking towards me with a mocking grin on his face. Instead of running like I would if this was reality, I decide the dream's not very fun anymore.
A blast of pale blue slams against Brick's chest and starts to cover him in a layer of ice. But to my shock, the powerhouse still manages to reach me.
With a single swing of one of his basketball sized fists, pain explodes in my skull. I have only a second to think it's strange that didn't wake me up, before feeling my back slam hard into the floor. MY vision fades into blackness and I finally realize this might not be a dream.
Chapter 2: Snowwhere to Go
- Pronouns
- Male
Chapter 2: Snowwhere to Go
Star City
July 5, 5:45 AM PDT
As the morning light spills onto my face, the foul stench of what I assume is the chicken coop fills my nose. Must have hit my head and passed out. With an explanation for the strangely realistic dream, I open my eyes in preparation for the day.
It's not the chicken coop I find myself in. Peering around reveals I'm on my back in a rusty dumpster, covered in in what I hope is just Chinese food. The sight of my still greyish-blue fingers is what finally gets me to move.
"It wasn't a dream." Groaning as the pain in my head grows more intense, I fail to hear the sound of a woman chuckling. "What the hell is going on?"
As I reach for the rim of the dumpster, a layer of flowing ice starts to grow around me. Like a second skin it coats my body, with my hands and forearms growing thick like clawed gauntlets.
Trying not to hyperventilate, I hoist myself up and over the edge. I misjudge my new strength and tumble onto the pavement.
"Ouch." I groan as I try to sit back up.
"Stay down." A voice that I've never heard but recognize somehow, hisses at me the same time a boot slams into my chest. "We need to talk about your failure yesterday."
When I look up and see a masked girl in a green kimono, I have to hold my self back from leering at her legs. The sai in her hand is far too close to my left eye, for me to risk my normal lip.
"I need to go to get into Belle Reve as soon as possible don't I?" The memory of Icicle senior ordering me to get arrested is enough for me to sputter out an answer.
"Yes." Jade nods and more memories start to fill in the gaps. "So why did you run from the archers?" The daughter of a family friend, but where's her sister?
Thinking as fast as I can, my words come out in a series of rushed wheezes. "I haven't really done enough on my own to actually end up in the big house." She snorts in amusement, but does nod for me to continue.
"I need to work on my portfolio first." Prisoners can still get an education. "Show everyone I'm not just following my dad's orders." This will be my chance to apply to an art school and go legit. "You know..." A smirk grows as the beginning of a plan starts to form. "Find my own way to Candy Mountain."
"What?" I can tell she's scowling at me, even behind the cat like mask. "... Doesn't matter." Jade shakes her head and growls down at me. "Just know that this is the only warning you're going to get. Don't make Sportsmaster pay you a visit."
A date flashes in my memories and I scowl in resignation. "I need to be in Belle Reve by the end of August. I'll make sure it happens."
When Jade stops pressing down on my chest, I take the chance to get an amazing view of her legs. "See something you like?"
"Just trying to get inspiration for my next piece." I may have memories of Cameron being awkward around girls and being a braggart. But he was just looking at his life the wrong way.
Instead of whining over not being a top tier super villain, he should have been revelling in the fact that he had powers at all. I'm not going to make the same mistakes my body has been his whole life.
"You might not die in prison." She finally snorts after a tense few seconds of silence. "I'm glad you finally found your balls. You're going to need them." With a snap of her leg, she sends my head crashing back against the dumpster.
By the time I manage to clamber to my feet, Jade is long gone. First thing's first. Can't be going by Junior anymore, not if I want to get tried as an adult.
Instead of trying to wipe the slime off of me, I focus on the layer of somehow fluid ice now covering me. It only takes a few moments of focus before it cracks and crumbles away.
"Oh that's so much better." I stretch in relief even as a new layer starts to regrow reflexively. "And of course they took my wallet." All of pockets have been turned out, with my old crew only leaving my in my trash soaked jeans.
"Clothes, food, and transportation." I mutter to myself and decide my destination can be decided later. "All of which can be acquired with money."
What I'm going to do should make me feel bad, I know that. But I've already stolen a body somehow. It's not like some petty crime will really scar my soul.
As long as I don't hurt any people, I can focus on theft and property damage. Once I'm in Belle Reve, I can finish whatever my final mission is for the Shadows.
Then I can do whatever I want once I serve my time. And I can probably speed that up with some kind of work release program. If I add to the polar ice packs and some glaciers, that should shave a decade off my sentence.
With a confident stride quite unlike the cocky swagger this body used to have, I emerge from the alley ready to face a new day. My eyes roam the street and scan for anyone out this early.
"Hey you!" Coming out of an older apartment building, is a cyclist with his bike in hand. "Don't move!"
He tries to flee, only for me to meet him at the bottom of the stairs. I cross my arms and shake my head at the middle aged man.
"I was only going to take the bike. But you made me run and I hate doing that." Gym is the only class I did worse in than art. "So now I want you're wallet."
He doesn't try to argue once I make my fingers glow blue, dropping the bike and tossing his wallet at me with shaking hands. "And the helmet." I probably don't need it, but I'm not risking the wrath of my grandmother's ghost.
"Thanks Mark." I frown at the shaking man and start to feel a little bad. "Now I can't have you calling the cops for a little while. So how about we make a deal?"
Mark nods slowly as I return his driver's license to the wallet. "Good. So if you don't call this in until I get something faster, I'll leave the wallet and bike somewhere for you." He blinks in confusion and I make sure to clarify with a wink. "I just want the money. We don't look anything alike, so I can't use this to get into any strip clubs."
"How long do I have to wait..." Mark pauses as he looks for the right way to phrase it. "Before calling in my stolen bike?"
"Just check the news every few hours. I should be out of here by dinnertime." It's not going to be hard to find a dealership.
And I have enough cash to bribe a homeless person to grab some clothes. I can hit the drive though on the way out of town and start my mayhem.
The California redwoods are supposed to be nice this time of year... Maybe that should be my first stop?
July 5, 10:29 AM PDT
Star City is almost a mirror of San Francisco and it doesn't take long for me to pass a streetcar on my way downhill. It takes less than twenty minutes to get a hoodie thrown at me, with socks and sweat pants wrapped up inside.
"Crocs?" I scowl at the bright pink 'shoes'.
"I didn't think normal shoes would fit those feet." The sweaty woman I assume is a prostitute rasps back and takes a long drag off the smoke I know she bought with my money.
When I glance down and take in the ice build up that's nearly as thick as the stuff on my forearms, I sigh in frustration. "Thanks. Here's your payment." I hand her the three hundred I managed to withdraw from Mark's account.
She snatches the cash from my hand and doesn't wait for another word before scampering away. Senior really hasn't given our family a good rep in this city.
"And now I need something better than a ten speed." The bike was nice but it's not going to get me out of the state.
After an hour of staking out the Suzota dealership, I finally decide the soccer mom van will be the most discreet. And I can sleep in it.
Pulling open the front door, I growl at the approaching salesmen. "Get me your manager."
He doesn't react until I rip off my hood, revealing my very recognizable face. Well... at least in Star City.
"I need a car and you have a choice." The manager is hit with my offer the second he emerges from his office. "You give my one off the lot and call it in once I'm gone..." My eyes scan the employees for any sign of heroics and I thankfully find none. "Or I can trash every single one in the lot and take one of yours."
"Which one do you want?" The pudgy man with a comb over gasps in sheer terror, making that feeling of shame return.
"The turquoise van in the corner of the lot." The keys slam into my chest a moment later and the manager thrusts the salesman at me.
"Anthony here will get you all set up!" Once the order has been given, the cowardly boss flees back into his office.
"Well let's go Tony, I don't want to be here when the cops show up." He leads me out into the yard and gets confused when I stop him halfway. "I want your van. Your boss is already calling in this one, so I need to buy myself some time."
He hands me his keys with fear in his eyes and I sigh once again. "And can you make sure the bike and this wallet go to the cops. They can give them back to the dude I stole them from."
Interesting you have my attention good stranger I shall watch this with great interest.
Chapter 3: Cold a Grudge
- Pronouns
- Male
Chapter 3: Cold a Grudge
Patrick's Point
July 6, 4:17 PM PDT
In my third car since leaving Star City, I race through the little beach town with the radio cranked as loud as this station wagon can go. The fresh Starbucks in my left hand, already turned into an iced cap. I really do miss eating hot food.
"The five sidekicks are believed to have been trying to capture Icicle Junior." The host continues to explain how the Icebox was attacked last night, but I was nowhere to be seen. "But the gang leader known as Brick, had taken over the territory before the heroes discovered the hideout."
When she connects the teens to the fire at Cadmus, I realize that Speedy must have been help up with the statue. If he was even ten minutes late, he wouldn't have had time to have a tantrum.
I don't think it's that big of a deal. Speedy was in the first episode, he probably rejoined the team pretty fast anyway. And it's not like him running around solo was going to be that important.
"Sounds like he's pretty pissed off with me." My laughter bursts out in waves as I head towards the National Park. "Should probably lay low for a little while and work on my skills."
With a wince, I think back to the couple dozen animals I've left on the side of the road. It is a drought and a bunch of tank sized blocks of ice should help out. But it also proved I really need to practice my craft.
"Let's see how long it takes to make one of you recognizable." I'm not ready to make humans look even halfway decent and I don't have time to waste.
If I want my crime spree to make the right impression on the art community, I need to actually be making some. I can only hope the copy of Alice in Wonderland on the passenger seat will be enough of a reference.
Stealing the families station wagon really started to bother me before I was even five blocks away. Which ended up with me bursting open an ATM and driving back to the shaken family.
I don't know exactly how much cash I threw at them. But it was at least a few thousand dollars and way more than they paid for the vehicle.
"The apparent leader of this new unnamed band of heroes, Speedy," Continues the snarky voice on the radio. "Has promised that his team will hunt down Junior and bring him to justice for his crime spree."
Definitely need to train, or I'm really going to get hurt when they finally find me. I know I could probably throw myself at the mercy of the heroes. But if I do that, my life is locked in forever.
The villains would never let me get away with selling them out. And I don't really have any desire to fight for my life every single day.
A big impact with as few casualties as I can cause. That's what I need each of my crimes to pull off and national monuments will be my best choice. I just need to make sure I'm good enough to leave the right impression first.
When the news report is finally over, the very welcome sound of the Eagles begins to play. Letting myself get distracted, I think over the possibilities for a new name.
"Mortal Kombat is a thing, so I guess just stealing Sub-zero is off the table." And most of my other ideas just lack any real oomph. "Something Christmas themed will just get me shanked once I hit Belle Reve."
Maybe something stoic like Tundra? Or maybe something that doesn't sound so intimidating, like naming myself after the blue hue my ice takes on?
I don't end up getting any closer to a choice by the time I reach the Redwood park pull off., leaving the decision for later. After I pull down my hood, I stop focusing on how thick the ice around my hands is. Now I want the big scary claws until I get out of the car, otherwise I'll just end up trashing another ride.
The campsite is filled to overflowing and the park ranger is already getting ready to stop me. But I can't let that happen and burst out of the car in an aggressive stance. The moment I stop focusing on looking normal, my forearms take on the thick and clawed appearance.
Drop the attitude and do what I say!" My roar stops the Hispanic man in his tracks. "Get all the campers rounded up and call in the rest of your staff. Tell them a kid got lost and you need to organize a search party."
A quick volley of ice shards pepper the parking lot as I follow the man to the ranger station. I don't really want to screw over a bunch of families. But I can't have anyone driving off to alert anyone and some wrecked tires shouldn't be too expensive.
Redwood Forest National Park
July 7, 8:24 AM PDT
Blinking at the sun's glare, I cut off the stream of azure blue energy. "Alright, how about this one?"
As I turn back to my captive audience, I wait patiently for anyone to gather the courage to speak. Can't really blame them though. I didn't really take the remarks from the first few attempts very graciously.
"And I promise not to get mad this time." Glancing over at the ice sheet on the lake and the seven people stuck on it, I realize I might have over reacted. "Come on people. I can't let you go until I can get this right."
The scores of Cheshire Cats litter the massive branches and create an eerie feeling of being watched. The first ten barely even look like an animal. But if I can say so, the last couple are starting to look alright.
I made everyone bring the tents into a single large ring, to observe them easier. Yet all it's down is make me nervous that the crowd will try to rush me.
The rows of terrified faces have been morphing through the night and almost half have been replaced with anger by now. I can take them of course, but I really don't want to hurt a bunch of innocent people. And definitely not until I know I can do it non lethally.
Realizing none of the adults are going to answer unless I force the issue, I scan the crowd for anyone younger than me. Aha, she's the perfect age to be a Disney brat!
"What's your name?" The blonde girl seems to be around ten years old and isn't clinging to her mother the way the other children are.
She doesn't answer, probably because her mother wraps a hand around her mouth. "If you tell me your name, I'm a lot less likely to hurt you." That gets a more positive reaction from the woman and her hand stats to relax. "It's what they teach in hostage negations at least."
"Her name is Cassie." The mother finally offers and removes her hand slowly. "And I'm Helena." I smirk when the mother follows the advice herself.
"Alright Cassie. Does this one look like the Cheshire Cat, or do I need to try again?" I'm too tired to really be cranky and just want to get someone's seal of approval.
"The last few have all been pretty good actually." Admits the completely unafraid girl as she steps in front of her mother. "But everyone was to scared to say anything."
"Do I really look that scary?" Appearances matter and I don't want that to be what makes people think I'm evil.
"You made a whole lot of grown men cry last night." Explains Helena, her voice growing in confidence as well.
Her daughter agrees with a thoughtful nod. "I think it's the claws and all the spikes. You'd be a lot less scary if you looked like snow instead." That's actually pretty good advice.
"How about this?" I focus on protecting my head with a cushion instead of a solid barrier and can feel something happening.
"It kind of looks like you have ice cream for hair now." Another child chimes in and is quick to introduce himself at his parent's prompting. "And my name is Nathan. So please don't kill me Mister Icicle Junior..." He frowns at his feet, very clearly trying to remember the rest of his speech. "Sir!"
"I don't want to hurt anyone," I rush to defend myself. "But I need your help mastering my powers and I really needed somewhere out of the way to do it."
I don't really pay attention to Cassie, but she carefully approaches my latest creation while I'm distracted. "And now I really don't want to hurt you either. You don't seem so mean."
When I do finally turn back to the blonde girl, it's to a very shocking sight. "So I'll give you a choice." I don't know how she did it so quietly, but she has the giant ice sculpture held above her head. "You can run away right now. Or I can beat you up."
I have no idea which hero she's related too, but I'm not taking my chances with an angry father. "Uh..." Swallowing in fear as I run through the known possibilities, I start to get even more concerned over the idea of her being a villains kid. "No need for that Cassie. I said I'd leave once I got a thumbs up."
- Pronouns
- Male
She's too young in season 1. No one younger that Bar/Batmitzvah age and I prefer my teen heroes closer to 16. This is more so she can tell Diana I was actually nice and really focused on the artwork, not hurting anyone or taking stuff. Character witness stuff for his trial, which is going to show all the consequences of his art attacks.
He should totally call his crimes that somehow.
- Pronouns
- Male
The headline for his trial, was my plan.
- Pronouns
- Male
He knows he has to work off his crimes before he can have a normal life. Regrowing a few ice packs/glaciers will help but he's probably going to end up recovering the bodies/trash on Mt Everest too.
Once he's actually free, maybe just get paid to make ice in the desert and travel around. He really hasn't given the 'after', much thought yet.
If Cameron reveals that he was pressured by his criminal father and 'associates' to get thrown into Belle Reve as part of the breakout plan he might be able to swing a lesser sentence. He might anger his father but I can't see Icicle Sr being overly supportive of his kid becoming a productive member of society.
Icicle Sr: *shudders*
Icicle Sr: *shudders*
- Pronouns
- Male
He has to be careful doing that. He wants off of everyone's radar, not to have the Shadows coming after him. He's going to have to frame it as screwing the system for minimum effort. "look how much money artists make dad! I can make that with the snap of my fingers now."
Interlude 1: The Boys
- Pronouns
- Male
Interlude 1: The Boys
Star City
July 5, 1:49 AM PDT
"You will not be doing this again." Batman's words ring out with a sense of finality. But this time it isn't enough to silence the teenage heroes and one red head in particular.
"Screw that!" Speedy barks out in response, his stubborn green eyes searching his friends faces for support.. "You trained us for what?" He pant's in frustration, his voice dripping it thick with each word. "Some kind of guided tour, or maybe you're just training us to be your secretaries?"
"We saved people today," Adds the more reserved Kaldur'ahm with a wince towards his king. "The five of us, together did so."
Not one to be left out of the new flow, Wally stands firm beside his friends. "And we will again."
"You spend all this time looking after the world, but America's crime rate has been going up since you formed the League." When Robin chimes in with the real hard facts, it's clear to the Mentors what's about to happen.
"Superman already bailed..." The apparent leader growls out as he points his bow towards the vanishing cape. "So why don't you follow his lead and let us figure this out ourselves!"
When the red cape is gone from sight, Superboy crosses his arms and stands in the middle of the sidekicks. "Heroes are supposed to help people. So why are you trying to stand in our way?"
It's clear he doesn't understand the nuance of why, but the words get his rescuers to quickly agree. With the Archer Roy, leading the teens towards one of his safe houses.
"My mom is going to kill me," Groans Kid Flash as the sidekicks make their dramatic exit from the Cadmus lot. "I was supposed to be home by ten and it's... a whole lot later than that right now."
"You can always call her." Snorts his best friend, the smirking Robin. "As if it's okay to have a sleep over."
"Tell her you're going to check out some campuses with me." Offers the oldest of the group with a look of consideration growing on his face. "You can stay here until school starts."
Nodding at the idea, Wally eventually shrugs in acceptance. "Better than my idea of running home and leaving her a note."
"Wouldn't that take you like two hours?" Chuckling once he runs the numbers in his head, Robin follows the others towards a run down bowling alley.
"Better than facing my mom's wrath for breaking curfew." Counters the speedster instantly. "Because I really don't think Unc-" He manages to change his words at the last moment. "The Flash is going to cover for me this time."
"You can be scared of your mother." Speedy grunts as he shoulders open the back door. "I'm more concerned with why my uncle was working for the bad guys and tracking down that moron Junior."
"I can help with the second thing," Offers a still smirking Robin. "But you're on your own with Guardian."
Star City
July 6, 6:56 AM PDT
"Are you sure this is the right way to handle this?" The Flash mutters under his breath to his two comrades. "Shouldn't we still be trying to make them wait?"
Not even bothering to turn his head, Batman just grunts out his firm response. "It's too late for that and you know it. They've decided to act and now all we can do is maintain the illusion that it's the way they want it."
Even though he's on board with the overall plan, some parts are still bothering Green Arrow. "By giving them access to the Zeta tubes?"
"Restricted access." Reminds the Dark Knight with a small smirk gracing his lips. "America and Poseidonis only. We don't want them causing an international incident for at least a few more years."
"Do we really need to lie to Kaldur?" The Flash pauses in concern and turns to the one who doesn't seem to be freaking out.
Without even blinking, Batman is quick to answer. "We need to slow them down for a few days so we can get them approval to operate in America."
"And it's not really lying," Adds the local archer. "Arthur does need to speak with him over the choice made last night."
"And sending them after Icicle Junior?" Flash finally seems to be coming around and sighs heavily.
"He's a known quantity-" Starts Batman.
Only for Green Arrow to interrupt with a confused snort. "I thought he was. But his stunt really surprised me."
"Which one?" With a wary look, the Flash fishes for information on the ice powered teen. "The Statue of Nudity, or the string of stolen cars?"
"Honestly?" Green Arrow frowns at his friends and sighs. "Everything he's done the last few days is pretty weird."
"He's been doubling back and making it incredibly difficult to pin down his destination." Agrees the one doing most of said tracking. "It will keep Robin and his friends busy, until we can think of something better."
Once the archer opens the door to one of his many buildings scattered throughout the state, the three heroes stalk towards the sleeping proteges. When the security is turned of with only a few muttered words, Batman just shakes his head in disappointment.
"You're going to need to improve the defences here," His eyes scan the room and only finds a half dozen measures. "Or I'll have to get Alfred to slip some better ideas to Robin. As it is, this place wouldn't last ten minutes in a fight."
"I'd rather we get them out of my city and somewhere a little slower to start out." The green clad hero argues in a hushed whisper. "Maybe they should go to Central and deal with your strangely friendly foes."
The Flash just shakes his head and stamps out that idea. "Most of the Rogues are pretty tame but theirs far too many of them."
The final member of the group decides to finally speak, with Guardian not being so quick to dismiss the teens. "They took on a whole lot of Genomorphs and Suberboy. I think they'll surprise you."
"That's what I'm afraid of." Admits the Gothamite.
"What are you doing here?" The voice of Roy Harper interrupts and draws the heroes gaze towards his new look.
The yellow of his costume is gone along with his robin hood styled hat. Now looking more like a crimson version of his mentor, Roy blocks the stairs with crossed arms.
"Came to admit you had a few good points." Green Arrow starts when he gets the signal from Batman. "Like how we shouldn't be trying to coddle you." It takes every fibre of his being to not break his composure uttering that lie.
Taking his que, the Flash is quick to continue. "And after Kaldur gets back from Atlantis, you have our approval to operate."
"What do you mean back?" Roy blinks at the odd news. "Why does he have to go anywhere?"
"Aquaman is still his king you know." The older archer points out with a wink. "And he wants to discuss the disobedience in his own domain."
"And Kid really needs to go home before his mom kills me." Adds the scarlet speedster with a wry chuckle.
Jim tries to steer the subject towards his own presence. "Give you a chance to show Superboy the city and life outside Cadmus."
"Why are you here?" Superboy growls from behind Roy, with the other boys heard climbing the stairs.
"I got fired for letting you escape and need a new job." Guardian explains as he removes his helmet. "So I was wondering if you'd have any use for an out of retirement hero. I know the fast kid could use some help with his combat and you never know, it might come in handy to have an adult on staff."
"I don't know..." Roy looks about ready to deny the offer, once he manages to find a polite way to do so that is.
"I can help Robin track down Icicle's hideout while you and Superboy check the city for clues." His uncle suggests carefully. "I'm not really all that interested in wearing this get up in the field. But I don't mind playing secretary and coach for you."
Chapter 4: Flurry Along
- Pronouns
- Male
Chapter 4: Flurry Along
Redwood forest National Park, California
July 7, 10:38 AM PDT
Can't risk taking the highway, better take take the logging roads instead. The thought of Cassie lifting what had to be a couple thousand pounds with such ease, is enough to convince me of who she really is.
Once I take the time to think it through rationally, it's pretty obvious who's going to be looking for me soon. I just held Superman's cousin hostage. My blood manages to run even colder than normal as I jog under the enormous trees.
While being chased off by a ten year old was pretty emasculating, I'm just happy to escape any heat vision. But if I'm really expecting to fight Young Justice, I will need to practice more than my art.
It's easy to make a simple sword after such a long night, with the blade appearing fully formed in just a fraction of a second. Too easy to kill someone with this. Probably a good time to work on my image if I want to make an impression.
Glancing at my shoulders, I focus on turning the spikes into something more like football padding. The sensation leaves my skin tingling as I check myself out in the reflection of my arm. Not bad, though it's really starting to look like I skip leg day.
Shaking my head at the idea of tearing a superhero open, I let the weapon turn back into a nearly liquid state. The next attempt ends up being an oversized hammer that I need to increase the ice on my legs to lift properly. And this one just makes me look ridiculous.
While I keep experimenting with different weapons through the day, the closest thing I find to a favourite ends up being a pair of massive boxing gloves. "Still not quite right." Grunting in frustration, the 'gloves' melt away with a splash. "But I guess it will do for now."
It's only been maybe ten miles and I'm already regretting the choice to escape on foot. Wonder if Kakashi was right, and it really is hard to control energy with my feet?
"No reason not to try." It's only going to be the birds who get a laugh at my expense.
It takes a while to work up the nerve to just throw myself forward and it ends about as well as I should have expected. The track forms almost perfectly when I let the energy fly from my fingers, only for me to slide right off when my feet connect.
"I'm going to be at this for a while." I snort when the watching crows indeed start to caw in amusement.
Alturas, California
July 10, 1:44 PM PDT
Emerging from the tree line with a look of ecstatic glee, I skate towards the road at what has to be nearly thirty miles an hour. After a few dozen failures at creating a slide I could ride, I discovered the Frozone approach was a better choice.
He had skates in his suit. Once I remembered that, it was simple to turn my clawed feet into a pair of roller blades. It's a little hard to focus on keeping the ice from freezing all the way but a heck of a lot faster than walking. And something I can actually take pride in.
Junior never figured this kind of thing out and I can finally say that with confidence. Only a handful of his memories are still out of reach and it's mostly just the ones forgotten naturally.
The sight of the golden arches reminds makes me start to drool in anticipation. Three days of fish was more than enough and at this point I'd even rob a Subway.
Though I wonder if I could get them to sponsor me. "Could always name myself McFlurry if they pay enough."
Ignoring the fact that I'd actually have to bring the company in more money than they pay me, I let my mind wander to other branding opportunities. Blizzard would let me work with Dairy Queen and claim the name is just a coincidence.
I could get some of that Starbucks money and go with Ice Cap. That one doesn't feel right immediately and I discard the idea. But Frosty is another good idea and Wendy's has the best fries by far.
As the road sign in front of me gets closer, I'm shocked at how fast I actually have to be going. The speed limit is fifty and I'm about to pass that truck.
"Maybe I should just try out for the Olympics." I don't consider that idea for more than a few seconds. On second thought, how much money do they make?
Not enough to satisfy Father... Smirking as I enter the city proper, I cockily wave at the girls gasping in fright. Or myself if I'm being honest.
I'm not going to settle for working some bog standard nine to five job. Not when I have the ability to create ice out of nothing and know how valuable fresh water is.
Sirens are already sounding in the distance when I cut in line at the drive through. A single glance at me was enough for the driver to offer me his food instead of waiting. Very eagerly too, which I hope is a sign I'm going to be taken more seriously than Junior.
"Thanks dude, have a cat." With a grin at his panicked yelp, I point a single finger at the hood of his car. The nearly perfect Cheshire Cat acts as a perfect hood ornament and I decide the restaurant could do with some 'gargoyles'.
As soon as I finish the one on the last corner of the roof, my skates are already back around my feet. "Which way to Sacramento?" I have no plan to go back to the coast, but I hope it throws the heroes off for another day or two.
"That way." Stutters out the woman at the window even as her coworkers cower out of sight.
"You better get a raise out of this. A babe like you doesn't deserve the kind of stress this job brings." My comment gets a string of confused blinking, followed by a few nervous coughs as I skate the way she pointed.
It's back the way I came but I can always just double back and walk for a few miles. Won't be a good idea to leave a trail, not after I lose these guys anyway.
As I start to strain from exertion, a pair of squad cars peel around the corner and start gaining. "Come on Glen, this is just like at the grad party." I try not to get distracted by my memory of a world I may never see again and leap over the railing.
The sudden change in direction and terrain is more than enough to lose the cops as I land on the river below. The ice my skates create is just enough to keep me dry as I give the cars both middle fingers. Skating back into the woods with a full belly, I'm not even upset about having to jog off the calories.
"A few more stops and I'll be ready to end this road trip." Talking to myself was all that kept me from killing every single crow and I see no reason to stop now. "Next stop, Las Vegas!" I really need to make a friend, because sometimes I actually think someone else is responding to me.
It'll give me a chance to make some contacts of my own and preferably legitimate ones. "If any city is going to like my kind of art, it's the maniacs in Sin City." And it gives me a few choices if I need to make another quick escape.
Confident that Superman isn't holding a grudge, the jog ends up going better than I expected. "I might actually get in shape before I get locked up." Which is something that boggles my mind until I realize Cameron only ever focused on shooting blasts of ice.
Junior had really only ever been in maybe a dozen fights. With all of them against the archers or Black Canary, I'm not dreading the effort needed to be considered competent. I might even be able to pull off a few surprises, when I do have my showdown with Speedy and his team.
Last edited:
Cassie is wondergirl, no? wouldn't that make her related to wonder woman?
- Pronouns
- Male
You're correct. The SI has no idea who Cassie is though. He only knows about Donna Troy as wondergirl
Chapter 5: Ice To Meet You
- Pronouns
- Male
Chapter 5: Ice To Meet You
Las Vegas, Nevada
July 13, 9:04 PM PDT
Strutting down the strip with a confidence brought on by my recent string of good luck, I whistle a tune some might even call jaunty. Once I discovered how easy it was to burst open an ATM, I made sure to hit a good half dozen on my way into the city.
I still haven't counted my haul but I had more than enough cash on hand to buy the silence of the fleabag motel staff. All I had to do was ad a feminine tone to my voice and look like I think Superman is still hunting for me.
It's giving my neighbours the impression I'm on the run from a conservative family and gives me room to breath. Time which I used incredibly well too.
Instead of stealing another vehicle, I paid for a beat up truck my second day in Vegas. Kurt's List is a little more blatant about it's use for the services Craig kept discreet. But at least I can be confident that the seller ain't going to report me to the police.
The new clothes probably help my self esteem. I've never been able to afford anything this nice before and none of the staff ran away in fear. It's Vegas, I guess they're just used to the freaky walking through the door.
Knowing I'll be in mid west for at least another week or so, I decided to embrace the cowboy aesthetic. Several pairs of blue jeans and wife beater, with a nice shiny brass belt buckle.
In case I need to hide my face, a wide brimmed ten gallon white hate to contrast my black boots. And with the blue bandana, it really caps it all off.
Glancing at the people walking around me, the families are starting to get out numbered by the young and dumb. Which means it's finally time to get my tattoo.
When I noticed that my skin was always numb except to the more intense injuries, finding a parlour that would work on me became a top priority. It took a nearly the whole day to find someone who would ignore my age. But Ariadne finally agreed, if I came back after closing.
Winking at the red headed hottie about my age, I just smirk when her equally attractive friend chases me off. "You don't know what you're missing out on. I'm going to be world famous by year's end and this is your chance to get in before it goes to my head."
That doesn't get more than snorts of disgust from the raven haired girl in the tux. "Don't waste your time on morons like that." With that dismissal delivered, I get no further notice as she grabs her blushing friend by the hand. "We better get inside. I'm supposed to get sawed in half at ten thirty and I'm already going to be pushing Dad's patience as it is."
"It's really okay for me to be a volunteer?" Is the last I hear of the conversation and I get distracted by the next group of babes. Ooh, a bridal shower.
The string of rejections continues all the way back to Pinxit's place and I decide not to press my luck with the artist. I'm pretty sure I saw her tattoos moving around and I don't want to find out it's just the caffeine.
They didn't have any energy drinks I recognized, but the Zap stuff I tried was apparently approved by the Flash. Of course maybe that's why it tasted like his piss?
Las Vegas, Nevada
July 14, 5:24 PM PDT
Even though most of the people staying in the motel are nice and ordinary people, I ended up making another friend in Crazy Quilt.
Well... friend is a strong word. More like a business partner really and one who can draw all the attention until I'm well outside city limits.
When I got back to the motel, it's to find him smoking beside the algae filled pool. "So Paul..." I drawl out slowly. "Decided to help me, or are ya going to wuss out?"
"I just don't see how it's going to pay out," The man admits with a guilty look on his face. "It sounds more like a giant distraction."
"We set it all up and hit any casinos we want." My explanation is plausible enough to work. "Zatara will be too busy to stop either of us for at least fifteen minutes." And I'll be long gone by that point.
"So why don't we get more people in on this?" The light based criminal ponders. "We can't hit every place in that amount of time and more bodies would help us slip away."
That's actually not a bad idea. "Do you know anybody else in town?" He is from Gotham and hasn't been here much longer than I have.
"We are on the border of Painkiller and Adonis territory you know." Pointing up at some graffiti on the building across the street, Paul is starting to look on board with the plan. "I could probably get them to hit a few places while you're setting everything up for me."
"Do it." Eventually I give the go ahead and give him directions to the place I chose for the display. "Don't be late though. We need to do this right at sunset for the best effect."
"I am a professional you know." I don't buy his affronted expression.
"One who got chased out his home town by Batgirl and Robin." Countering his response with a snarky one of my own, I smirk at his very clear annoyance. "Not even the big Bat himself."
"He was with the League in Australia!" The denial sounds weak to both of us and we share a look.
Letting my expression melt into one of shared frustration, I extend an olive branch. At least you didn't get scared off by a civilian."
"Really?" Crazy Quilt leans forward, eager to here about someone else getting embarrased. "What happened?"
"... I'm pretty sure it was Superman's cousin." Eventually I sigh and reveal the juicy details. "Because that ten year old was stronger than Brick... Not like it will be much longer for 'Cassie' to be wearing the S.
"Ain't he in Bane's weight class?" Gaps Paul at that bit of news and I don't feel nearly as bad for making such a quick escape.
"I keep expecting the Boy Scout to come out of nowhere." I admit why I've really been so twitchy and don't get any laughter from my friend. "It's why I bailed on California."
He nods in understanding and offers me his pack, though I find I still haven't had a craving. Perks of having fresh lungs I guess.
"I don't blame ya in the slightest." His response is actually heartfelt and I'm starting to feel bad about the plan to ditch him. "That's some shit luck you got." Not enough to change my mind though, so I hope you get over it by the time I join you.
Las Vegas, Nevada
July 14, 7:10 PM PDT
When Crazy Quilt joins me on the roof of the Palazzo, his eyes go wide at how large I made everything. "Aren't you a little young to like disco?"
The centre piece of tonight is a hollow disco ball almost twenty feet across and I've spent a lot of time making sure it will refract light properly. "Hope you aren't claustrophobic, because it will be a tight fit in the middle. I kind of forgot you're fat."
"Whose stick and bones without that ice armour?" He counters with a snort and approaches the steaming blocks of grey ringing the ball of ice. "What are these?"
"Dry ice." My explanation gets a thoughtful nod and I feel my body crave the approval. "I finally figured out that I can freeze more than just water." And this stuff looks sweet as hell, so it's going to become one of my signature moves going forward.
"It looks awesome and will give you some cover to escape under." I remind him that he's going to alone up here.
Taking a deep breath, Paul exhales and starts to climb inside the disco ball. "See you back at the motel. Good luck."
"You too buddy," My words are tinged with guilt but my sacrifice doesn't seem to notice.
Last edited:
if I came
???
Fresh? Flesh?
Good to see the MC is expanding his powers and improving himself. I like how the MC is just gong his own thing and being very proactive. Also good for him for making a kinda sorta friend.
Last edited:
True. I am curious how Icicle Sr. is gonna take seeing his son improve so much on his own than he ever did under his tutelage.
- Pronouns
- Male
First one needss to be corrected, second on is just saying Junior doesn't smoke (but I do)
Thanks, I like the montage style time skip for stuff like training scenes. No one wants to read/watch more than a few minutes of it.
Probably equal parts proud of the rep he's getting from me, and equally furious I've been holding back for years.
"I wasn't holding back, you were holding me down! If you had actually worked with me, trained me I might have been good at this already!"
Ah, I read that as in he's been smoking for awhile but couldn't develop an addiction for similar reasons he can't eat hot foods for longer than it takes him to touch the stuff.
The lit flames would go out and ice over, or the heat would melt the ice enough fir the cigarette to get soggy. Whatever he breathes in would get iced on the way down, etc etc.
- Pronouns
- Male
I'm probably going to paraphrase that line. Hope you don't mind.
I probably could have gone with that, but I'm trying to quit smoking and I thought the SI would take the chance to just undo to addiction. He can eat hot things, but a momentary slip in concentration will chill it(just not instantly freeze it). Which is not so bad, I like most of my food at room temperature.