In DC/Young Justice with the Omnitrix/Ultimatrix and a Chat Group Chapter 21: Steps towards an ally

I found Superboy alone in the training room, pumling a reinforced punching bag with thodical precision.

Each blow landed with carefully controlled force - enough to test the bag's limits without destroying it outright.

The restraint was evident in his tense shoulders and furrowed brow. Control was a constant battle for him.

"Nice form," I comnted from the doorway.

He paused mid-punch, glancing over his shoulder. "Didn't hear you co in."

"I move quietly, and you probably were too concentrated." I replied, stepping into the room. "Mind if I join you?"

He shrugged, which I'd learned to interpret as Superboy's version of an invitation.

I moved to a nearby punching bag and began a warm-up sequence, keeping my movents deliberately strong - but nothing that would betray my full enhanced capabilities.

We worked in companionable silence for several minutes. I stole occasional glances at his technique, noting the raw power he kept carefully leashed.

There was sothing inherently frustrating in his movents, as if he was fighting against himself as much as the punching bag.

"You hold back a lot," I observed casually.

His fist stopped inches from the bag. "Have to. I break things otherwise."

"Must be difficult," I said. "Always having to restrain yourself."

He resud punching, his rhythm slightly more aggressive. "It's fine."

"Is it?" I pressed gently. "From what I've observed, you have to concentrate constantly just to interact with the world without damaging it. That's a significant ntal burden."

Superboy stopped and turned to face fully, suspicion evident in his expression. "What's your point?"

I abandoned my own exercise and approached him, maintaining a respectful distance. "My point is that I might be able to help."

"Help how?" The skepticism in his voice was thick, but there was sothing else beneath it - a flicker of interest he couldn't quite suppress.

"I've been studying tahuman biology as part of my research," I explained. "The Ultimatrix doesn't just allow transformation; it contains extensive genetic data and manipulation capabilities."

His eyes narrowed. "What does that have to do with ?"

"Your abilities are genetic in origin," I said carefully. "From what I understand, you possess Kryptonian DNA, but you don't have access to the full range of Kryptonian abilities.

No flight, no heat vision, no X-ray vision."

His jaw tightened. "How do you know that?"

I realized my mistake imdiately. The team hadn't explicitly discussed the details of Superboy's origin or limitations with yet. I needed to backtrack smoothly.

"Observation and deduction," I replied. "You have super-strength and durability similar to Superman, but I've never seen you fly or use other abilities associated with him.

Given the genetic basis of Kryptonian powers, it suggests a partial expression of those traits."

He studied for a long mont, then nodded slightly. "So what? Not everyone gets everything they want."

"True," I acknowledged. "But if your limitations are the result of genetic blocks or incomplete activation rather than an inherent impossibility, the Ultimatrix might be able to help address that."

That caught his attention. His posture shifted subtly, tension giving way to wary interest. "You're saying you could... what? Fix my DNA?"

"Not fix," I corrected carefully. "You're not broken, Superboy. But I might be able to analyze your genetic structure and identify any factors limiting the expression of your abilities.

The Ultimatrix contains advanced genetic manipulation technology."

"You've only ever shown us the crystal form," he pointed out. "Chromastone."

"That's just one of its capabilities," I admitted. "I've been cautious about revealing the full extent of what it can do. Batman advised to integrate gradually."

Superboy snorted. "Batman and his rules."

I smiled slightly at that. "Indeed. But in this case, I think helping a teammate reach their potential takes precedence over cautious integration."

He crossed his arms, skepticism returning. "Why would you help ?"

"Two reasons," I replied honestly. "First, you're my teammate. Your increased capabilities would benefit the entire team. Second, it's an interesting challenge from a scientific perspective."

His expression darkened. "I'm not a science experint."

"No, you're not," I agreed imdiately. "You're a person who deserves access to your full potential. I'm offering you a choice - nothing more."

The word "choice" seed to resonate with him. His posture relaxed slightly as he considered my offer.

"What exactly would this involve?" he asked finally.

"First, I'd need to analyze your genetic structure," I explained. "That would require a small tissue sample and so ti with the Ultimatrix in a form suitable for genetic analysis.

Once I understand the specific factors limiting your abilities, I could develop a targeted approach to address them."

"And this would let fly? Use heat vision?"

"Potentially," I said, careful not to overpromise. "I won't know for certain until I've analyzed your genetics.

But if your DNA contains the necessary coding for those abilities and they're simply inactive or blocked, then yes - it should be possible to gradually activate them."

"Gradually?"

"Sudden genetic changes can be destabilizing," I explained. "A thodical approach would be safer - activating one ability at a ti, allowing your system to adapt before moving to the next."

He paced the room, considering my offer. I remained silent, letting him work through his thoughts. Finally, he stopped and turned to face .

"Why not tell the others about this? Black Canary or Batman?"

A critical question - one I'd prepared for. "Because they might not approve of the approach.

They tend to be cautious about genetic manipulation, especially involving team mbers. I wanted to discuss it with you first, since it's your life and your choice."

This answer seed once again to resonate with him. Superboy had spent his entire short life having choices made for him.

Offering him agency was perhaps the most effective way to gain his trust.

"If I say yes," he said slowly, "can we keep this between us? At least until we know it works?"

"Of course," I agreed. "Though M'gann might sense sothing if she connects with you telepathically during the process."

His expression hardened slightly at the ntion of M'gann. Their relationship was still developing at this point, complex and tentative. "I can handle M'gann."

"When would you want to start?" I asked.

He looked around the empty training room. "Why not now?"

I hadn't expected such imdiate acceptance, but I quickly adapted my plans. "I'll need to get so equipnt from my lab at Wayne Manor. Can you et back here in two hours?"

Superboy nodded. "I'll be here."

Two hours later, I returned to Mount Justice with a small case of equipnt.

I'd told Alfred I needed to run additional tests on the Ultimatrix's genetic analysis capabilities - not entirely a lie, though not the complete truth either.

Superboy was waiting in the training room as promised, his expression a mixture of skepticism and poorly concealed hope.

"Let's begin with a baseline analysis," I said, setting up a small scanning device on a nearby table. "This will give a better understanding of your current genetic structure."

"What do I need to do?" he asked, approaching cautiously.

"Just stand still for a mont," I instructed, activating the scanner. "This will create a basic genetic profile."

The device humd softly as it collected data. I watched the readings carefully, noting the complex interplay of what appeared to be Kryptonian genetic markers with other elents I couldn't imdiately identify.

"Interesting," I murmured. "Your genetic structure is more complex than I anticipated."

"What does that an?" Superboy asked, tension evident in his voice.

"It ans I'll need a more detailed analysis," I explained. "The Ultimatrix can provide that, but I'll need to transform into a form with enhanced intelligence and analytical capabilities."

"Not Chromastone?"

"No. A different form." I activated the Ultimatrix, cycling through the holographic display until I found what I needed.

It's ti I showed more capabilities - I have gained foundation that this will not shake their trust and give more ti to be my most intelligent form.

Besides - since Superboy has given the excuse, I will later delete and replace the footage to still keep this from Batman's knowledge.

"This one is called Graymatter. It's significantly smaller than my human form but possesses vastly enhanced intelligence and analytical capabilities."

I pressed down on the Ultimatrix, initiating the transformation. The familiar surge of energy washed over as my body compressed and reconfigured into the small, gray-skinned form of a Galvan.

Superboy's eyes widened as he stared down at my diminutive form. "You're tiny."

"Size isn't everything," I replied, my voice higher-pitched in this form. "This form compensates strength with superior intellect. Now, let see that genetic data."

I scampered up to the scanner, my enhanced mind imdiately processing the complex information displayed there.

What I saw was fascinating - a genetic structure that contained unmistakable Kryptonian markers, but with specific sequences that appeared deliberately modified to suppress certain expressions.

"Remarkable," I comnted. "Your DNA contains the coding for the full range of Kryptonian abilities, but there are specific inhibitor sequences that appear to be blocking their expression."

"Can you remove them?" Superboy asked, kneeling down to look closer next to .

"Not remove, exactly," I explained. "But I can develop a treatnt that would gradually deactivate them.

The inhibitors appear to be most pronounced in the sequences related to flight capabilities, followed by sensory powers like heat vision and X-ray vision."

"How long would it take?"

"The treatnt protocol would require multiple sessions over several months," I said, continuing to analyze the data.

"Each ability would need to be carefully activated and stabilized before moving to the next."

"And you're sure this won't make ... wrong? Unstable?"

A valid concern, though I wasn't entirely sure what he was referencing. "The treatnts will be carefully calibrated to ensure stability.

We'll monitor your neural patterns throughout, and if there's any sign of problems, we can pause or adjust the approach."

I transford back to my human form, looking Superboy directly in the eyes. "I can help you gain those abilities, Superboy. Starting with flight."

His expression shifted instantly, a flash of naked longing crossing his features before he could suppress it.

Flight - the ability that most visibly separated him from Superman, the power he most desperately wanted.

"How soon can we start?" he asked, trying to sound casual but failing to hide his increased interest.

"I'll need a week to develop the initial treatnt based on this analysis," I explained. "Then we can begin the first session.

It won't give you imdiate flight capabilities, but it will start the process of activating those genetic sequences."

"One week," he repeated, as if committing it to mory.

"In the anti as you wished we won't ntion this to the others," I cautioned. "If they ask why we're spending ti together, we can say we're working on combat techniques."

He nodded. "I can do that."

"Good. et here next week, sa ti. And Superboy?" I added as he turned to leave. "This is going to work. I promise."

The look he gave contained sothing I'd never seen from him before - hope, unguarded and raw.

He nodded once more and left the training room, his steps slightly lighter than when he'd entered.

After he was gone, I packed up my equipnt, mind racing with plans. The genetic analysis had revealed more than I'd expected.

Superboy's DNA contained clear evidence of deliberate engineering - specific sequences designed to limit certain abilities while allowing others to express normally.

Whoever - probably Luthor directly himself - had created him had wanted a controllable weapon, not a fully empowered Kryptonian.

It was elegant work from a genetic engineering perspective, but morally reprehensible.

The good news was that the Ultimatrix, with its advanced genetic manipulation capabilities, could indeed help deactivate these inhibitors.

It would require precision and patience, but the potential was there to unlock Superboy's full genetic heritage.

More importantly, I'd established a foundation of trust with him based on respect for his autonomy and understanding of his unique situation.

That psychological connection, combined with the tangible benefits of the genetic treatnts I would develop, would likely create a powerful loyalty dynamic.

Having a Kryptonian on my side will be significant.

As I prepared to return to Wayne Manor, I allowed myself a mont of satisfaction.

The zeta tube announced my departure: "Recognized: Samael Morningstar, B07."

------------------------------------------

One week later, I returned to Mount Justice with a small case containing the first treatnt I'd developed for Superboy.

Using Graymatter's intelligence, I'd created a targeted genetic modifier that would begin deactivating the inhibitors blocking his flight capabilities.

Superboy was already waiting in the training room, pacing impatiently. He stopped when he saw enter.

"You ca," he said, sounding almost surprised.

"Of course," I replied, setting down the case. "I promised I would."

I opened the case, revealing a small device with a vial of glowing blue liquid. "This is the first treatnt.

It's designed to specifically target the genetic inhibitors blocking your flight capability."

"How does it work?" he asked, eyeing the vial suspiciously.

"It uses a modified version of the Ultimatrix's genetic recalibration technology," I explained.

"The treatnt will be administered through a controlled in put. Once in your system, it will begin gradually deactivating the inhibitor sequences."

"Will it hurt?"

"There might be so discomfort," I admitted. "Your body will be adjusting to changes at the genetic level. But it shouldn't be painful."

He nodded, rolling up his sleeve. "Let's do it."

I prepared the vial, "Rember, this is just the first treatnt. You won't be flying imdiately. The genetic changes need ti to express themselves."

"I understand," he said, extending his hand

I gave it to him and watched him drink down the blue liquid.

For a mont, nothing happened. Then Superboy gasped, his eyes widening.

"I feel... sothing," he said, looking down at his hands. "Like a tingling throughout my body."

"That's normal," I assured him. "It's the treatnt beginning to work. The sensation should fade within a few hours."

Superboy flexed his fingers, a look of wonder on his face. "It feels like... potential. Like sothing that was locked away is starting to wake up."

"That's exactly what's happening," I confird. "The genetic inhibitors are beginning to deactivate.

Over the next few days, you might experience brief monts of weightlessness - possibly during training or monts of emotional intensity."

"When can we do the next treatnt?" he asked eagerly.

"We should wait at least a week," I replied. "Your system needs ti to adjust to these initial changes. Pushing too quickly could cause instability."

He nodded, accepting this explanation. "And no one can know about this yet."

"You yourself wished to hide it," I state with a shrug, "Besides it will take ti until we see results," I agreed.

"If anyone notices changes, we can suggest your Kryptonian DNA is naturally adapting as you mature. It's a plausible explanation that wouldn't raise concerns."

"Thank you," he said simply, his usual gruff deanor softened by genuine gratitude. "For... understanding."

I nodded, recognizing the significance of those words from soone who rarely expressed gratitude. "Sa ti next week?"

"I'll be here," he confird, before heading toward the exit. At the doorway, he paused. "Samael?"

"Yes?"

"If this works... if I can fly..." He seed to struggle with the words. "It would an a lot."

"I know," I replied quietly.

After he left, I packed up my equipnt, carefully erasing any evidence of our session. As I worked, I considered the implications of what I'd just initiated.

The genetic modifications were real - I had indeed begun the process of unlocking Superboy's flight capability. The science was sound, and the approach thodical.

But the strategic value was perhaps even more significant than the scientific achievent. Superboy was now invested in a process that would require my continued involvent.

Each successful treatnt would strengthen his dependency on and, by extension, his loyalty.

Moreover, I'd positioned myself as soone who recognized his autonomy and respected his choices - a stark contrast to how he'd been treated by others, particularly Superman.

That psychological bond might prove even more valuable than the genetic modifications themselves.

I completed my cleanup and headed toward the zeta tubes.

Batman would be expecting back at the manor soon, and maintaining my established routines was essential to avoiding suspicion.

"Recognized: Samael Morningstar, B07."

The familiar disorientation of molecular transportation faded as I materialized in the Batcave. Alfred was at the computer console, his expression as composed as ever.

"Good evening, Master Samael," he greeted. "I trust your additional training session was productive?"

"Very," I replied, heading toward the stairs. "Just working on so combat techniques Black Canary suggested."

Alfred nodded, though I suspected he might have doubts about my explanation. However, without evidence to the contrary, such doubts would remain rely speculative.

In my room, I activated the sound dampening asures and opened my research journal, docunting the session with Superboy in carefully coded language.

The genetic modifications I'd implented were precise but conservative - enough to produce noticeable results over ti without risking instability.

The ntal barriers I'd developed to shield my thoughts from M'gann's telepathy had been further reinforced during the procedure.

The Ultimatrix itself provided additional protection, especially while transford, creating a unique energy signature that made telepathic intrusion more difficult.

Even if M'gann attempted to read my mind, she would encounter a carefully constructed surface layer of thoughts consistent with my cover story.

Breaking through those barriers would require significant force - a violation of team trust that would damage her standing far more than mine.

And if she tried, the Ultimatrix's inherent defenses would make the attempt both unsuccesful and painful for her.

I closed the journal and leaned back in my chair, a sense of satisfaction tempering my usual frustration with the constraints of my situation.

Today marked a significant step forward in my strategic positioning within the team.

Superboy's potential loyalty represented a valuable asset - particularly given his raw power and his complicated relationship with the Justice League.

The genetic treatnt protocol I'd designed would span approximately three months, with flight capabilities erging gradually over the first month, followed by heat vision and enhanced sensory abilities.

By the end of the treatnt, Superboy would have access to the full range of Kryptonian powers, though perhaps not at Superman's level of strength.

More importantly, he would attribute this transformation to my assistance - creating a bond of gratitude that could prove invaluable in future scenarios.

It is not as if I have malicious intentions for him - I am simply giving him what he wants, and will eventually show him the truth of this world that made him.

This is for his own benefit.

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(Author's note: Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Yeah, Superboy is one Samael plans on getting to his side.

Superboy after all is still new to all this - this is season 1 of YJ after all.

He hasn't yet established his identity, his true loyalties or the like.

This way, Samael will get a powerful ally, and even a friend in the future.

As for Graymatter - well, what is Batman gonna do? Sure his paranoia will increase, but not like it hasn't been much already.

In fact this will gain him more trust from the league, a good kid wanting to help his teammate.

So yeah, do tell how you found it and I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)