reborn in young justice1

Got it! Here's Chapter 3:

Reborn in Young Justice

Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice or any of its characters. They belong to DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation. The only thing I own is my original character.

The trip to the Cave felt surreal. The Bioship hummed softly around us as it cruised through the sky, its interior bathed in a dim red glow. The team's eyes darted between me and each other, silent but clearly uneasy.

I couldn't blame them. I'd feel the same way if a stranger with powers had crashed one of my missions.

"So," Kid Flash finally said, breaking the silence. "Mysterious guy with no memories and freaky energy powers. What do we call you? Sparky? Zappy? Blue Streak?"

"Wally," Miss Martian chided.

"I was just trying to lighten the mood," he said with a shrug, smirking. "But seriously, dude, you gotta give us something."

I hesitated. My real name felt distant, like it belonged to someone else. The name from those strange, foreign memories came to mind again: Kade Ryder.

"Kade," I said finally. "Call me Kade."

"Alright, Kade," Robin said, leaning back against the Bioship's wall. His mask made it impossible to read his expression, but his tone was sharp. "When we get to the Cave, you're answering some questions. And don't leave anything out."

I nodded. It wasn't like I had much of a choice.

The Bioship descended into a hidden entrance in the side of a cliff, its cloaking system activating once more. The tunnel opened up into a massive underground space—the Cave.

It was even more impressive in person than on the show. Sleek black walls lined with glowing blue tech, a massive computer system humming quietly in the corner, and a training area that looked like it could withstand a tank.

"Welcome to the Cave," Miss Martian said warmly, clearly trying to ease the tension.

As I stepped off the ship, I was greeted by the sight of Batman and Red Tornado waiting near the center of the room. Batman's piercing gaze locked onto me immediately, and I felt my stomach twist.

"Kade Ryder," I said, introducing myself awkwardly.

"Where did you come from?" Batman asked without preamble, his voice as cold and calculated as I expected.

"I… don't know," I admitted. "I woke up in the forest, near where the team was fighting. I don't remember how I got there or why I have these powers. All I know is my name, and even that feels… off."

Batman studied me, his expression unreadable. "What can you do?"

I hesitated. "I think… I can manipulate energy. It feels like it's part of me, like a battery I can tap into."

"Show us," Batman ordered.

I raised my hand, focusing on the hum of energy within me. A small orb of blue light formed in my palm, crackling softly. It felt almost alive, an extension of myself.

"That's all I can do for now," I said, letting the orb fizzle out. "I'm still figuring it out."

"Untrained but capable," Batman observed. He glanced at Red Tornado. "Run a full scan. See if there are any anomalous readings."

Red Tornado nodded and gestured for me to follow him to a nearby scanner.

The scan took a while, and the rest of the team used the time to debrief Batman on the mission. I sat quietly, trying not to eavesdrop. But it was hard not to notice when the conversation shifted back to me.

"Do you think he's a threat?" Aqualad asked.

"Not yet," Batman said. "But until we know more, he's a risk."

The words stung, but I couldn't argue. I didn't even know if I was a threat to them—or to myself.

Red Tornado returned with the results. "The energy signature in his body is unlike anything I have encountered before. It does not match any known metahuman or alien source."

"Great," Robin muttered. "So he's even more of a mystery."

"We'll keep him here for now," Batman said. "Monitor his abilities, assess his intentions. If he proves trustworthy, we'll discuss next steps."

"And if he doesn't?" Robin asked.

Batman's silence was answer enough.

Later, as the team dispersed, Aqualad approached me. "Do not be discouraged by Batman's caution. He is thorough, but fair. If you mean no harm, you will earn his trust."

"Thanks," I said, though his words did little to ease the weight in my chest.

Miss Martian floated over next, a kind smile on her face. "If you need anything, let us know. This place can be overwhelming at first."

I nodded, grateful for her kindness.

As the others left, I found myself alone in the training area. The weight of the day finally hit me, and I sat down heavily on one of the benches.

"Why am I here?" I whispered to myself.

Whatever the answer, one thing was clear: I wasn't going home anytime soon.