Disclaimer: As before I own none of these characters etc.

To all those who have patiently waited for another chapter I give you my thanks and I apologize for the long wait and for the writing which will undoubtedly have changed some.

He watched them from the only shadowy corner of the Lounge. Their brightly colored tights a sharp contrast to the deep black of space visible through the window behind them. He watched the Flash hopelessly trying to make Wonder Woman laugh.

Hnnn. Poor kid. She's above humor.

But then they all were- weren't they. What use could Gods have for laughter? That was the real reason that he was so tough on the Flash- although he'd never admit it. The sooner the kid realized that he couldn't have his Godlike powers and be human the better.

He glanced over at J'onn. The alien stood serenely in the midst of the Gods, no emotion marred the green surface of his face. Were it not for his distrust of mind readers Bruce really could have gotten along with him.

He turned his gaze now to Hawk girl who was chatting affectionately with Green Lantern. His eyes narrowed in disapproval. Only fools fall in love with people they work with-especially in our line of work. He saw Hawk girl stiffen and turn in his direction. He looked away.

He didn't fear her-or any of the others for that matter. He may be the only man in their 'Watchtower' but he knew he could take on the Gods. He'd been watching them for a long time now; he knew their weaknesses, their flaws. He could eliminate them all if he had too.

A familiar tingling on the back of his neck. Someone was watching him. He looked over-and met the worried gaze of the Flash.

Don't do it kid. Today's not the day.

Too late. He quickly removed the heating grate and slipped into the ventilation system. He watched as the Flash searched the area before thumping dejectedly to the floor. Young, too young for all this. Bruce wanted to tell the kid he was doing fine, that he deserved to be there with the rest of the Gods. But Batman knew better. He could not afford to be human in this self-styled Olympus. He had to remain on the outside, watching, waiting. And when the moment came that the Gods went too far, he would be there- and he would tear them all down.