reborn in young justice1

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 soft hum of the Cave's systems was my alarm. I sat up slowly, rubbing the back of my neck as I tried to process everything that had happened. A part of me had hoped that when I woke up, it would all be a dream. But the sleek, futuristic dorm room around me was proof that this wasn't some elaborate nightmare.

I was here. In the Young Justice world. And I had no idea why.

The knock on my door startled me. "Kade?" It was Aqualad's calm, steady voice. "Batman has requested to see you in the main briefing room."

Great. Just what I needed to start the day—more interrogations.

"I'll be there," I called out.

When I arrived at the briefing room, the entire team was gathered. Batman stood at the head of the table, flanked by Red Tornado. The others were seated around the sleek, glowing surface: Robin, Miss Martian, Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Artemis.

Artemis glanced at me as I walked in, one eyebrow raised. "So, this is the new guy?"

"Yeah, mystery boy with mystery powers," Kid Flash quipped.

I tried not to shrink under their gazes as I took a spot near the back of the room.

Batman wasted no time. "Kade, you've found yourself in a situation where trust must be earned. This team operates on loyalty, cooperation, and transparency. Until we know more about you, you're a wildcard."

I swallowed hard. "I understand."

"Good," Batman said. "Today, you'll be tested. We need to see what you can do—your strengths, weaknesses, and limits. Red Tornado and the team will oversee your evaluation."

"Wait," Robin said, leaning forward. "You're letting him into the training sessions already? That's a little premature, don't you think?"

"Testing his abilities isn't trust," Batman replied. "It's preparation. If he's a threat, we need to know his capabilities. If he's an ally, we need to know what he brings to the table."

Robin didn't look convinced but didn't argue further.

The training room was a massive, open space filled with holographic projectors, moving platforms, and advanced robotics. Red Tornado explained the setup: I'd face simulated enemies with varying levels of difficulty. The team would watch and assess.

"No pressure," I muttered under my breath.

The first wave was easy—basic humanoid targets that moved at half-speed. My instincts kicked in, and I dispatched them with well-placed energy bursts and precise strikes. The crackling orbs I conjured felt more controlled now, like an extension of myself.

"Not bad," Kid Flash said, leaning against the railing above. "But it's only round one."

The next wave was more advanced: drones with shields and projectile attacks. This time, I had to think on my feet. I dodged and blocked, using my energy as both offense and defense. A particularly agile drone nearly clipped me, but I managed to destroy it with a surge of power.

"His reflexes are impressive," Miss Martian observed.

"Unrefined but effective," Aqualad added.

By the time the final wave began, I was breathing hard. These simulations were designed to push me to my limit, and they were succeeding. Advanced mechs with heavy artillery moved in, forcing me to use every ounce of energy I had left. I formed a shield, gritting my teeth as explosions rocked against it.

But my stamina was fading fast. The hum of energy in my veins began to dim, and I knew I couldn't keep this up much longer.

Then, just as one of the mechs closed in, I tried something new. Instead of forming another shield, I let the energy flow outward, creating a shockwave that knocked the entire group of enemies off their feet. The room went still, the simulation freezing as Red Tornado deactivated it.

I dropped to my knees, exhausted.

The team regrouped in the observation deck, where Batman stood, analyzing the footage.

"Your abilities are powerful," he said, his tone as unreadable as ever. "But they're unstable. Without control, you're as much a danger to yourself as you are to others."

I nodded, still catching my breath. "I'll work on it. Whatever it takes."

"Good," Batman said. "For now, you'll remain here under the team's supervision. They'll help you train and assess your place among them."

Robin looked less than thrilled. "So he's sticking around? Just like that?"

"Nothing is 'just like that,'" Batman replied, his voice firm. "This is temporary, contingent on his progress. Keep a close eye on him."

Robin folded his arms but didn't argue further.

As the group began to disperse, Aqualad approached me. "You performed well today, considering the circumstances. With time and effort, you may find a place here."

"Thanks," I said, though the weight of uncertainty still loomed over me.

For now, I wasn't sure if I belonged with this team—or even in this world. But one thing was clear: if I wanted to survive, I'd have to prove myself.